An inspired Nicole Cooper performance gave Brunswick Juventus a critical 5-0 win against relegation rivals Calder United. A hattrick from Cooper plus goals from Emilie Keppens and Holly Boldiston contributed to the thrashing of Caulder United
After an understandably nervy opening 15 minutes, Akeisha Sandhu edge of the box volley for Calder was the first instance of a goal scoring opportunity but her effort wasskewed wide.
Brunswick answered back. Roise Wild powered forward from the back, crossed to the back post for Alyssa Smith. Smith gently rolled the ball to Melindaj Barbieri who fired over.
Calder should really have opened the scoring soon after. A hopeful ball over the top dropped kindly for Oliva Anderson but her tame attempt could only find the grateful hands of Maggie Byrne in the Brunswick goal.
They would rue this miss and it was Cooper who would punish them. After exchanging a one-two, Cooper drove into the box, got the bobbling ball under control and with a composed finish, gave Brunswick the lead.
Cooper almost got her second instantly, capitalising on a sloppy back pass but could not convert past Natalie Picak, her attempt straight at the goalkeeper
At the start of the second half, Calder would not be so lucky the second time around . A launched ball from Wilde left Picak in a state of indecision between committing to coming for the ball or hanging back. Cooper was quick to punish, getting to the ball first and poking home to double the lead of the home side.
Two then became three, Cooper completing her hattrick. Cathrine Forte-Oddo’s deft flick on set Cooper away. Her pace was too much for the Caulder defence to handle, racing into the box. Her shot did get a touch from Piack but on its way through but Cooper did enough to get her third goal of the game.
Cooper, who had the game of her dreams, made the fourth for Brunswick. Cooper was slipped into the left-hand channel and looked up to see Keppens in space in the box. Cooper squared it and Keppens did the rest, slotting home to make it 4-0 and grabbing her first goal of the season.
79:05: GOAL! Brunswick Juventus W score to make it BJFC 4 : CUSC 0.
Brunswick rounded off the scoring from a harshly given penalty. Adelyn Ayton looked to have won the ball from Boldiston with a last-ditch tackle however the referee disagreed, pointing to the spot. Boldiston did the honoursherself, squeezing the ball underneath Piack to complete the rout.
This victory has moved Brunswick out of the relegation zone for the first time since the opening few weeks of the season whilst Caulder now find themselves bottom of the table, two points behind Bentleigh Greens in 11th place.
Both teams next games in the league are against fellow strugglers Bentleigh. Brunswick face them at home first next weekend.
It will then be Caulder’s turn the weekend after and will be desperate for any points possible.
Above: Balcatta Etna’s two-goal hero against the NTC, Liana Cook (centre, dark blue) seen in action last week against Perth SC. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Balcatta extended their winning run to four games with this victory over the NTC at Grindleford Reserve on Friday night.
The home side who are now on a winning run to four games, went into the match making three changes to their starting lineup from Sunday’s win over Perth SC. Lucy Jerram and Monique Prinsloo came in, with Andrea Bulgaru moving to the bench and Kat Jukic unavailable. Sofija Nokoloska stepped up to the substitutes list.
Above: Ruby Cuthbert back in the NTC set-up after spending the A-League Women with Brisbane Roar. Photo: Football West NTC.
Ben Anderton’s teenage side welcomed back Ruby Cuthbert to the set-up after her spell in the A-League Women with Brisbane Roar and also handed debuts to Sam Brady and Hannah Reynolds from their U16 squad.
Balcatta hit the front with 23 minutes played as Liana Cook had the time and space to run across to meet Jamie-Lee Gale’s high corner that came in from the right and head home.
It was another corner three minutes from half-time that led to the hosts doubling their advantage. Gale’s played a one-two from the corner on the right which resulted in her crossing for Monique Prinsloo to direct a shot that squirmed into the left-hand side of the net.
Above: NTC debutant Sam Brady (33) marks Balcatta Etna’s Liana Cook. Photo: Football West NTC.
The clinching third goal arrived with 10 minutes remaining in the second half. The NTC lost possession playing out from the back around 30 yards from goal in a central position. Gale took over and fed a pass back to Abbey Meakins who then played a one-two with Alyssa van Heruck before dissecting the entire defence with a devastating low pass out to sub Carys Davis who squared a low ball for Cook to sweep home.
Perth RedStar 5-0 Murdoch University Melville
Perth RedStar maintained their status as league leaders with this win over Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) on Sunday afternoon.
The home side went ahead just after the half-hour mark when Reina Kagami’s shot came back off the left hand post and was initially swept away by the MUM FC defence, but fell centrally outside the box for Sarah Carroll to spray out to Olivia Wood outside her. Wood in turn played the ball on to Caitlin Doeglas who took a touch, turned, and lifted a stunning high shot from the corner of the 18-yard box into the far corner of the net.
GOAL! 31:28
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth Redstar W in the Perth Redstar W vs MUM FC W match at Redstar Arena.
It became 2-0 with just under five minutes of the half remaining. Once more Kagami was involved and found Wood with a perfectly weighted pass across towards the back of the box. Her shot was initially repelled by visiting keeper Manon Gebauer, but the ball fell into the path of Renee Leota who swept home with aplomb.
Three minutes into stoppage time at the end of the half, RedStar claimed what would be the crucial game-clinching goal. A throw-in on the right parallel with the 18-yard box fell for Kagami. The visitors got a foot in, but only to propel it on for Doeglas to turn sublimely and hit a low shot into the right-hand corner of the net from around 16 yards.
GOAL! 47:35
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth Redstar W in the Perth Redstar W vs MUM FC W match at Redstar Arena.
Eleven minutes into the second half, the champions sent their lead out to 4-0. A sensational through ball on the left was spilled by Gebauer into the feet of Wood who turned Ashley Sebean on the edge of the six-yard box and fired home.
Reina Kagami completed the scoring at the end of a move involving several deflections on way into the net.
Perth SC 5-0 UWA Nedlands
Above: Ella Lincoln (azure shirt) tries to escape from a UWA-Nedlands defender. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
The Azzurri are second, one point better off than Balcatta Etna after dispatching bottom-placed UWA-Nedlands at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday afternoon.
They hit the front with 10 minutes played. A sumptuous double one-two between Charli Wainwright and Daisy McAllister ended with Jess Flannery being found centrally on the edge of the box. The attacker took a touch and cooly hit a shot past Morgan Springer in the UWA-Nedlands goal.
Perth doubled their advantage with 28 minutes on the clock thanks to more impressive play from McAllister that ended with a low finish.
Above: UWA-Nedlands goalkeeper Morgan Springer handles outside the area resulting in her red card. Photo suppliedto Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Life got harder for the visitors when goalkeeper Springer was sent off for handling outside the area, and two minutes before the break, it was 3-0. Sam Mathers gained possession from a loose UWA-Nedlands pass to play a first-touch ball through to Ella Lincoln positioned in the centre circle. Lincoln danced into space, guided the ball away from two would-be tacklers outside the box, and guided the ball into the net.
With just under 25 minutes remaining of the action, Wainwright took advantage of having acres of space to run into from the centre of the park and lay a perfect through ball into the stride of substitute Anika Stajcic who advanced into the right-hand edge of the box and clipped a superb shot across into the opposite corner of the goal.
Above: Charli Wainwright holds off her UWA-Nedlands marker. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
The final goal came with 78 minutes played when Alyssa Kinkaid brought Ella Lincoln down just inside the box and a penalty was awarded. The attacker slotted the ball low down the middle to put the icing on the cake.
Rob Lizzi’s photo gallery from Perth SC v UWA-Nedlands:
Table From: Squadi.
ROUND 12 FIXTURES:
Saturday: Hyundai NTC v Perth SC. Sunday: Fremantle City v Perth RedStar, Murdoch University Melville v UWA-Nedlands, Subiaco v Balcatta Etna.
Above: Hyundai NTC’s Hannah Reynolds (27) on her NPLW WA debut on Friday night at Balcatta Etna. Photo: Football West NTC.
Above: Hayley Raso celebrates a goal for the Matildas. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
By Genevieve Henry (23/6/24).
Real Madrid have announced the departure of Hayley Raso after just one year with the club. The 29-year old winger signed for the club last July, becoming the first Australian, male or female, to do so.
During her time in Real Madrid colours, Raso played in 28 matches, but only started 10 of them. She still managed to make her impact, with 4 goals and 2 assists. She was also voted MVP in a few matches, making a name for herself not only in attack with goals, but all over the pitch with her important defensive contributions and build-up play.
Although Las Blancas finished second in Liga F, there is still much ground to be made up against league and European champions Barcelona. Many believed Raso would be a valuable acquisition for the side to do so, but she was ultimately not given the tools to succeed.
In a post on her Instagram, Raso thanked the club, her teammates, the staff, and the fans for welcoming her and what an honour it was to play for the Spanish giants.
She followed that up, commenting, “in saying that, I have learnt in my career that football doesn’t always work out the way we plan and due to the limit on foreign players in Spain, it’s time for me to move on to a new adventure.”
Raso is just one of many players departing the club after a season of turmoil and uncertainty. If one looks at Real Madrid’s Instagram, all they’ll see is “Gracias” graphics. Among the other departures are Sofie Svava, Claudia Zornoza, and captain Ivana Andres. Many fans are calling for a change in the club’s leadership after a disappointing season domestically and in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Above: Raso celebrates with a Real Madrid teammate. Image: Real Madrid.
Although Raso is not publicly linked to any clubs at this time, it’s likely she is heading back to England or the United States, both leagues which she spent years in.
Her pacy, aggressive style was not taken advantage of at Real Madrid, but whichever club she next graces will hopefully know how to use her. After a few years, at Manchester City before Real Madrid, without the desired amount of playing time, Raso will be looking for a club that truly values her.
While she is not seeing the field as much as others in club land, Raso is still an important asset who has been shining for the Matildas despite the circumstances. After the Paris Olympics, Raso will hopefully be headed off to a club that can give her the playing time and resources a player of her calibre deserves.
Above: Princess Ibini in action for Sydney FC. Image: Kris Goman for Impetus.
By Genevieve Henry (23/6/24).
In 2015, a 15 year-old Princess Ibini made her first appearance for Sydney FC, full of dreams and excitement. Coming up on 10 years later, she’s made 140 appearances and is set to become the record appearance maker for the Sky Blues.
“I can’t believe it. It’s amazing, honestly. I wouldn’t want to do it with any other club and I’m just very grateful for this opportunity.”
Ibini has broken a fair few records, and she’s sure to break even more throughout her time in the A-League Women. She’s 15th in appearances, 1st in Grand Final appearances, equal 1st in finals appearances, and fastest player to 100 appearances. With only six more appearances until she overtakes former Sydney captain Teresa Polias’ record, Ibini will also go easily into the top five most capped A-League players of all time. “Teresa Polias was such a staple for the club and still is now. She’s a legend of the club and to overtake her is crazy to me, I can’t even put it into words.”
Ibini’s family moved to Australia from Nigeria a few years before her birth. She grew up in Condell Park in Sydney with her three brothers, the oldest of whom, Bernie, inspired her to start playing football. When Ibini was only 9, her brother signed with the Central Coast Mariners and eventually became a star in the A-League. After a breakout season a few years later with Sydney, he made two appearances with the Socceroos. She’s followed in his footsteps, and still has so much more potential.
Ibini attended Westfield Sports High School, where some of Australia’s best athletes are made, including Socceroos legends Harry Kewell and Mathew Ryan, and Matildas teammate Ellie Carpenter. When Ibini was 12, former Matildas and Sydney FC coach Alen Stajcic noticed her footballing abilities and invited her to train with Sydney’s squad.
During her first season in Australia’s top flight, she said of her teammates in an interview, “hopefully one day I’ll play for the Matildas too.”
And now she has. Since 2017, she’s been capped 8 times and scored 1 goal. “Playing for the Matildas, scoring my first goal. It’s just been a surreal experience.”
Above: Ibini speaking about her contract extension. Image: Sydney FC.
Sydney has helped so many players become big names, take their game to the next level, and make that step up to the next level. Ibini commented that her success wouldn’t be possible without the club and all the coaches and players that have passed through Sydney throughout her time there. Sydney made Ibini achieve her goals and set many new ones.
Now, she’s that inspiration for the next generation. Although only 24, Ibini is a veteran and legend of Sydney FC and the A-League women.
“The club has definitely helped me along the way…It’s turned me into the player and the person I am off the field as well.”
And what a player she is. Although the 2033-24 season may have been a disappointing season in goals for Ibini, she’s far more than just a goalscorer. She played a massive role in the build-up play to goals, pressuring the opposition back line and connecting with her teammates.
Ibini will hope she can get back to her usual proficiency in front of goal this upcoming season. Overall, she has scored 28 goals for the Sky Blues and she surely has many more in her.
Ante Juric was full of praise for saying, “I know that she will continue to be committed and to work hard and improve, so she can go onto another level in her career, in many ways.”
When asked about her favourite memories in Sky Blue, Ibini said, “there’s been a few; probably scoring a hattrick against (Melbourne) Victory, that was nice; then just winning all the titles with all my best friends.”
Ibini has won three Premierships and three Championships, one of which she captained her side to. Her contributions in each and every campaign have been unmissable, with her goalscoring, assisting, energy, and leadership all being pivotal throughout her 9 seasons so far in Sky Blue.
Although she expressed her dismay at the event that led to her captaincy, Nat Tobin’s horrible injury, Ibini shared her pride to lead her team in such an important season. “The girls made it really easy, I had great support from all the older girls as well. It was an easy ride in the end and we got the job done.”
Ibini expressed Sydney’s intent to go back-to-back-to-back with the Championship. “That’s the goal with Sydney FC, we always wanna win stuff. We have a strong team– we’re losing a few players, but we always have players signing. Ante does great recruiting, so I know that we will get the job done.”
“You have players like Shay (Hollman), Maddie (Caspers), Indi (Dos Santos), they’re all coming through and doing amazing and I think that’s all credit to the environment we create at Sydney. It’s very competitive but we also have a good culture in the team. It’s like a family and everyone can be themselves and that also helps on the field.”
“Sydney FC always have a target on their back from the beginning. It’s always hard in the end, people always step up against Sydney, but at the end of the day, Sydney always rise to the occasion, whenever our backs are against the wall. We always find a way to win.”
One of the longest serving players in the A-League Women at such a young age, Ibini is etched in Australian footballing history and will surely continue to make her mark. She is a winner through and through. She is irreplaceable for Sydney and one of the most important players in the league. Princess Ibini is not only Sydney FC, but A-League royalty.
Above: Ellie Roebuck unveiled as a Barcelona player earlier this week. Photo: FC Barcelona Femeni
European Championship winner Ellie Roebuck joins FC Barcelona on a two-year deal after nine years with Manchester City.
The UEFA Women’s Champions League holders have got Roebuck on a deal until June 2026 on a free transfer following the expiration of her contract at Manchester City.
Since joining Manchester City’s academy at the age of 15, Roebuck made her debut on the final day of the 2016 Women’s Super League season and went on to make 136 appearances – keeping 62 clean sheets in her nine-year spell for the Sky Blues – the second most clean sheets of any City women’s keeper just trailing behind Karen Bardsley.
Roebuck is a well-known name in the Lionesses squad, featuring regularly over the past few years, earning herself 11 caps – she was a part of the European Championship winning side in 2022 as well as acquiring a World Cup silver medal in 2023- however, she did not make an appearance at either tournament.
Photo: Ellie Roebuck training during a Lioness camp. Credits :Lucy Atherton for Impetus Football
Despite not stepping on to the pitch in a major tournament for England, Roebuck spent summer of 2021 at the Tokyo Olympic Games representing team Great Britain as the team’s number one, where she kept two clean sheets, aiding her team to reach the quarter-finals before they were knocked out by Australia.
Roebuck’s current form is something that is relatively up in the air, due to a medical issue that saw her sidelined for the entirety of the 23/24 WSL season -she recently confirmed the reasoning for her absence on her social media after much speculation to as why she had suddenly been dropped from Gareth Taylor’s matchday squads.
Her last appearance for City was against rivals Manchester United (23/5/23) where she received a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. However, if her prior seasons are anything to go off then Barcelona have bagged themselves a steal, signing the inaugural WSL golden glove winner!
Above:Abbey Green, seen here in action earlier in the season, was one of four Fremantle City players who hit a brace this afternoon. Photo supplied to Impetusby: Cat Bryant
Fremantle City emphasised both their return to form and top-four credentials with a devastating display of attacking football to blow away Subiaco at Hilton Park this afternoon.
Two goals each from Tanika Lala, Abbey Green, Anna Powell, and Janice Kiama ensured that the port city side increased their tally of goals scored against Subi to 15 this season as they finally recorded a first home NPLW WA win for 2024.
Subiaco looked initially threatening, with Stella Zampogna and Cass Harvey linking up well outside the Freo box. Harvey showed some excellent footwork with tricks and flicks. Savannah Olsthoorn also pushed up to offer some quality balls in from the left, but they could never match the sharpness in attack that Faye Chambers’ side could offer.
Freo’s Abbey Green, Tanika Lala, Anna Powell, and Clara Hoarau were deadly throughout the first half. Green was running amok along the left, with Lala, although playing as a number nine, having the freedom to pop up along either flank as well to devastating effect. Powell was delivering both quality balls in from the right and was a constant threat in the box. In addition, Clara Hoarau was reading Lala’s runs and positioning perfectly to compliment the attack.
The home side hit the front with 13 minutes played as Annabelle Leek played a ball forward to Green, who was positioned centrally around 25 yards from goal. She controlled the ball, turned, and fed Lala who used her sublime footwork and speed to accelerate away from the attentions of two defenders who were initially tightly marking her. The nugget from the Goldfields advanced into the box to beat a third defender before slotting home with aplomb.
GOAL! 12:26
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Fremantle City W in the Fremantle City W vs Subiaco AFC W match at Hilton Park.
Subiaco looked to respond with Frankie Murray-Hocking working hard around the central offensive channels to make herself available, but her side were never quite able to trouble Dayle Schroeder in the Freo goal.
The hosts kept pushing, and Powell delivered a cross in from the right for Lala at the near post, but excellent work from Keziah Burgis did enough to prevent a shot on target.
Just two minutes later though, Lala would not be denied as a Subiaco defensive clearance only went as far as Powell who saw her shot repelled by Isobel Robinson, but the ball fell perfectly for Lala to follow up for her sixth goal of the season.
Fremantle now hit the bit between their teeth and pounded the Subi back line for the remainder of the half. They came close to extending their lead just before the half-hour mark when Powell ran along the right before letting fly with a rasping cross-shot that Robinson pushed onto the bar and out for a corner.
The third goal finally arrived in the 33rd minute as Lala motored through the centre before laying the ball forward for Hoarau. This set in motion a sumptuous sequence where Hoarau played a low pass which Lala backheeled outside the box into the path of Green behind her who curled a first-time beauty from 16 yards into the top corner.
GOAL! 32:39
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Fremantle City W in the Fremantle City W vs Subiaco AFC W match at Hilton Park.
The chances kept coming for Freo. Within five minutes Green ran along the left once more to cross for Lala, whose header went over.
Subiaco conjured up their best chance of the half shortly afterwards when Olsthoorn fed a ball from the left for Harvey to curl a shot wide of the right-hand post.
Normal service resumed as the hosts scored a further two goals in the space of two minutes just before the break. First, Green picked up possession around 10 yards inside the Subi half and turned Shelby Cochran before beating Bonnie McQueen and embarking on a diagonal run that led her inside the box. She then beat Burgis before hitting a low shot from an acute angle that found the net for a sublime individual goal.
GOAL! 40:24
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Fremantle City W in the Fremantle City W vs Subiaco AFC W match at Hilton Park.
With two minutes remaining of the half, Sofie Osborne’s run up the line found Green who supplied a low cross from the right for Powell to score at the back post.
There was still time for another opportunity for Freo when Hoarau offloaded to Lala right of centre and the attacker hit an absolute rocket that smashed into the bar and out for a goal kick.
Any hope of Subiaco mounting a second-half comeback were wiped out within three minutes of the re-start. Lala turned and ran into the box to find Green, whose shot was misjudged by Robinson allowing Powell to tap home from close range.
Nine minutes into the second period, the Freo lead went out to seven as a corner came in high from the right and Kiama pounced inside the six-yard box.
Kiama then completed the scoring with a quarter of an hour of normal time remaining when substitute Natasha Tanner played a ball inside for Hoarau on the edge of the box to hit a firm shot that Robinson could only parry into the path of Kiama who smashed home.
GOAL! 73:12
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Fremantle City W in the Fremantle City W vs Subiaco AFC W match at Hilton Park.
There were two further opportunities – one for either side before the final whistle. Green danced along the left and supplied a cross for Erin Siah who headed over. Then, some positive play by the visitors saw Zampogna supply a dangerous pass out to Burgis on the right. She returned the favour but Zampogna’s sidefooted effort went agonisingly wide of the back post.
With Fremantle now unbeaten in their last four games, this result puts them just two points behind fourth-placed Hyundai NTC. Faye Chambers’ side’s greatly improved run of performances and results now face the ultimate test – a visit from Perth RedStar next Sunday.
Ben Gilby‘s review of all the other Round 11 games will appear on the site tomorrow.
Above : Western United star Hannah Keane has been signed by Tampa Bay Sun FC in the new USL Super League. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus
With a minimum wage reported to be more than double what it is in the A-League Women, the USL Super League is an opportunity for players that Australia needs to quickly catch up to.
There is about to be shift in Australian domestic football. The last month has seen Sarah Clark and Cannon Clough of Canberra United, Hannah Keane (Western United), Hailey Davidson (Wellington), Vicky Bruce (Western Sydney), Izzy Nino (Newcastle Jets) and Mia Corbin (Brisbane Roar) move to the USL Super League.
So far the majority of the players swept away to the newly launched competition have been Americans in our top Australian league, but the additions of Wellington’s Grace Wisnewski and former NPLW Vic striker Delaney Lindahl should signal some alarm bells in the A-League Women.
For Australians unfamiliar with the USL, it forms the second top tier professional women’s league under the control of US Soccer. It is a professional league, containing eight teams and although they do not have the profile and resources of an NWSL club, clubs are reported to have an estimated wage budget of $750,000 AUD as a minimum if the expectation is to be competetive. More recent estimates and transfer activity indicate that many clubs are preparing to pay more than that.
The USL Super League is quickly being seen as a destination for experienced players in itself, not as a stepping stone to the NWSL. The absence of a draft system makes it particularly attractive as a point of difference from the existing, higher profile league.
The Project reported an aim by the APL to make the players full time athletes by 2030 in a story widely shared by players, but this seems to be something of an admirable ambition more than a plan. To date no concrete pathway to this goal is publicly available, and there are no announcements so far to create an Australian second tier competition.
Another one leaving to receive double what they can get in ALW. More to leave while APL sit on their hands. https://t.co/DcdEZ8OvUR
There are unavoidable aspects to Australian sport that make it expensive. Travel costs for away trips are huge, and Australian off-field facilities are widely accepted to be above club in many “major” leagues in Europe. But these caveats do not change the reality, the players can now earn more elsewhere.
There is a bright side to the best American talent in the A-Legaue Women being poached in that it offers opportunity to young Australian players or senior NPLW stars, but the quality that players like Keane, Catherine Zimmerman, Corbin or Shea Connors have brought to this league cannot be easily replaced.
These players hail from abroad but are A- League stars. They bring a lot to our league and long term having our best youngsters playing in an increasingly isolated and insular league will reduce the quality of the national team talent pool.
The acquisition of Wisnewski means that the scouting has gone beyond just those that might want to return home. The Wellington Phoenix midfielder is a capped Football Fern, and a bright prospect for New Zealand the Phoenix. It is another feather in the cap of the youth system in Wellington that also produced a league record transfer for Macey Fraser.
However, it does mean that the best local talent in the A-League women is being scouted and approached with an opportunity to potentially double their income and be in the shop window for what is still one of the world’s highest profile women’s leagues in a lucrative and growing sponsorship market.
Lindahl was an excellent NPLW player for The Preston Lions, and although she is American and her journey included a brief stopover in the Romanian league, she is a player that was not on the radar of any A-League clubs, but has found a professional career in the USA.
If NPLW players can potentially earn more than A-League Women’s stars with a move to the USL, 2030 is too long to wait for full professionalism.
Women’s football is growing rapidly worldwide. Investing now should not be seen as a risk. It is a chance to get in on a rising stock in while it’s relatively cheap. The Americans realised this after three years of market research into starting a second tier and then invested enthusiastically.
While the Australian league has higher wages and better conditions than many other countries, it still leaves players needing second jobs and without a club for half the year. On the back of a historic World Cup and record crowds and viewership in the A-League Women, it does feel like investment is not being made to meet the opportunity.
Critics will ask “what about the revenue?, should they not be paid according to what they bring in?” the short answer is “No.”
Following that logic The A-League Men would not exist. It launched in 2005 with a salary cap (excluding marquees) of $1.5 million. Not a ball had been kicked or ticket sold.
This was called “investment” and so far the results are a near annual period of navel gazing and asking, “how to we crack the puzzle of domestic football in Australia?” without ever thinking, “have we tried putting more money and effort into women?”
If 2005 was seen as the ideal time to launch a fully professional men’s league on the (well placed) hopes of Socceroos success in 2006, then the the 2023 World Cup and the 2023/24 domestic season should seem like an equivalent or greater opportunity for the women.
The hesitation is mostly due to a lack of imagination, terror of innovation, and a misplaced but ingrained societal belief that women’s sports is inherently less marketable or interesting to the wider audience.
The counter point will likely be a lack of funds, but those have always been available for another get rich quick scheme like a former men’s Marquee turned millstone. The fans aren’t buying it anymore.
There is nothing wrong with being a development league, or a stepping stone to the world’s biggest stages. It brings its own excitement and value. But it is harder to develop players without quality international teammates around them at senior level.
The APL has publicly aimed high, but the recent activity of the USL clubs has shown that the former CEO’s claims that we have a “top five league” are rapidly at risk of becoming fantasy.
2030 is too far away, on the basis on these transfers tomorrow is already too late. The time to invest money, the time to make money for everybody is now.
Women’s football is an opportunity that is being seized around the world. Australia needs to keep up and grow alongside with it while it is still affordable to do so. If our best players are not rewarded, the rest of the world is ready to take advantage and it will be too expensive to catch up.
Above: Remy Siemsen in action for Sydney FC in 2022. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
By Genevieve Henry (20/6/24).
With the news of Matildas striker Remy Siemsen leaving Leicester City available for free transfer, a return to Sky Blue seems inevitable.
When Siemsen left Australia to join Leicester City in a record transfer deal for Sydney FC, hopes were high that the young forward would find her feet with the Foxes. While she managed to score on debut, her stint in England has ultimately been disappointing due to injuries and a lack of playing time.
Siemsen has long been touted as the next big thing in Australian goal scoring talents. She first arrived on the radar as a 16-year old in 2015 when she scored 42 goals in 50 appearances for Manly United, being named NSW NPL Women’s Player of the Year. This feat earned her a move to Sydney FC and a spot in the Young Matildas. She immediately made an impact, being named the W-League’s best young player in her first season for the Sky Blues.
For the U-20 Australian Women’s National Team, Siemsen made her mark in qualifying for the 2017 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship, scoring ten goals in two games and being named player of the tournament.
In her time at Sydney, Siemsen scored 31 goals in 80 appearances, putting her at number 15, tied with Katrina Gorry, in the A-League Women’s all-time top scorers.
This incredible goal scoring record attracted attention from abroad and from the Matildas, earning herself a move to Swedish club AIK and 7 caps for her country. However, Siemsen has not been able to replicate her success on home soil overseas. After her stint at AIK, she returned to Sydney, which seems to be a pattern for the 24-year old.
Remy Siemsen is back on a free transfer.
At age 24 and with seven Matildas caps, Siemsen is the youngest player in the top 20 all-time @aleaguewomen goal scorers (31 in 80).
Seems inevitable that another spell at Sydney FC is coming if there isn't an overseas suitor. https://t.co/swlTbW5aGx
A move back home seems the most likely for Siemsen once again. With the loss of high scorer Cortnee Vine, Sydney are evidently looking to sign guaranteed goalscorers, with the recent signing of Millie Farrow. Although this move may make it seem as though Sydney do not need another striker, the only thing better than one ace is two aces, or even three if Princess Ibini can find her feet. If the Sky Blues set up with three fluid strikers, they could amend their goal scoring woes from last season.
Although the Championship-winning Sky Blues are filled to the brim with talent, experience will be a driving factor in retaining the Championship and regaining the Premiership. Siemsen’s scoring ability, leadership, and professionalism could be vital in the ever-changing side. Even if she just does a short stint, her impact could make the difference, as seen with Emily Van Egmond’s brief time at Newcastle this past year that turned the Jets’ season around; or Siemsen’s own four-game return in 2022 where she managed to net a few before leaving again. Siemsen simply guarantees goals.
A player with such promise, a return to the A-League to regain her confidence could be just the thing Siemsen needs to get back in the Matildas squad.
Above: Millie Bright (left), Emma Hayes (centre), and Sam Kerr (right) with the WSL trophy at Old Trafford on the final day of the 2023/24 season. Photo: Barclays WSL.
About a month ago, Emma Hayes and her Chelsea team celebrated their fifth successive WSL title, but as the season entered its closing weeks, it almost looked like it wasn’t going to happen.
When Gemma Bonner nodded home the seventh goal of the match, the fourth for Liverpool on 1st May, Chelsea’s world seemed to have collapsed. It looked to be a fatal blow to their title hopes.
Even head coach Emma Hayes said in her post-match media conference that she didn’t think the ribbons attached to the trophy would be Chelsea blue this season.
Two days later, Manchester City, who were six points (having played one more match than Chelsea), and seven goals better off than the West London side, were in pole position to win their first WSL title since 2016.
They were hosting Arsenal at home and were tipped to win. Lauren Hemp’s 17th-minute goal raised the hopes of Manchester City fans, and they continued to look for opportunities to add more. Arsenal however defended resiliently to ensure the first half ended with just a single goal deficit.
The second half started in a balanced way, and Arsenal who were still fighting for a European slot, made a triple substitution in the 63rd minute that changed the dynamics of the game. Some expected that City boss Gareth Taylor would respond immediately, but he didn’t.
He was rather laidback, watching his team soak in continuous pressing from Arsenal before making an 87th-minute sub, bringing in defender, Alana Kennedy for a fatigued Kerstin Casparaj. It seemed a perfect time to make a defensive sub and hopefully run down the clock, but was it a little too late?
A corner that was dealt with carelessly in the 89th minute gave Stina Blackstenius the chance to equalise. In fact, City had not been decisive in defending corners throughout the second half. The sky-blue fans suddenly looked edgy, and the players were at a crossroads.
Should they defend the one-point they have and hope Chelsea drop points at either Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester United, or do they search for a winner in the added time – a lengthy nine minutes?
Arsenal, having their fate in their hands while twisting City’s pinned their opponents back with immense pressure for the next three minutes, and breached their defence again with a 92nd-minute goal from Blacksteinus, one of the best poachers in the WSL.
The ambiance in the stadium at the 99th minute spoke a lot of volumes -Taylor’s team had opened the title’s door and Hayes would walk through it again.
Above: Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood (sky blue shirt) looks to escape from Beth Mead in the fateful clash with Arsenal towards the end of the season. Photo: Barclays WSL.
A few hours later, Hayes at a packed Kingsmeadow, marched out with her blue army to face already-relegated Bristol City, ready to take advantage. There were two tasks at hand, a victory that reduced the six-point gap to three with a game in hand, and to reduce the seven-goal advantage City held on goal difference.
Two first-half strikes, were followed by six in the second half meant the fate was back in Chelsea’s hands.
Neither a wounded Tottenham or a morale-buoyed Manchester United was going to stop them and the 6-0 victory at Old Trafford on the final day of the campaign was a symbol of Hayes’ era of domestic dominance; Chelsea always win when it matters.
Above: Guru Reiten celebrates after scoring in Chelsea’s vital 8-0 win over Bristol City that began to tip the title chase in the West London side’s favour. Photo: Chelsea FC Women.
When you see on paper that Chelsea has won the last five WSL titles, you might think it has come easy; in fact, even when the title race seems very tight and competitive, it has never seemed like Chelsea would fail to win it.
From the famous 4-2 win at Manchester United in 2022 where Arsenal needed Chelsea to drop points, to an illustrious 6-0 win in 2024 where Manchester City needed their neighbours’ help but didn’t get it, how is it that Chelsea managed to see off their closest competitors?
The few points below are a couple highlights.
Recruitment
Hayes always knows the right players to bring in at the right time, and always does her transfer business early. She bets on talents even when they do not seem ready, and she has the budget to back this up. She is also willing to bet on a player even when it seems they are not match-fit, just to get the best of them.
Signing Lauren James back from Manchester United, then giving her almost a season to recuperate, signing Catarina Macario, and waiting for her to heal completely before playing her is a major pointer backing up this proposition.
For instance, there were questions regarding if Arsenal really needed Alessia Russo with the array of options they had in the attack. In fact, one of the biggest debates for the North London side last season was who should start between Blackstenius and Russo, and how they can play together.
Manchester United faces a similar challenge. Having splashed funds on attacking talents like Geyse, Miyazawa and Melvin Malard, Marc Skinner spent half of the season seemingly trying to work out how to use his array of stars and get the right mix to produce desired results.
Sometimes it is not just recruitment, it is buying a player that will fit into your system. Or one that can be a multi-purpose player when called upon, or a killer player with a specific duty — to get your team the desired three points. Sjoeke Nusken and Mayra Ramirez come to mind.
Above: Some of the Chelsea squad celebrating their 2023/24 title win at Old Trafford. Photo: Chelsea FC Women.
Replacements
In football, everyone is bound to leave someday. How clubs, especially managers, handle these departures and navigate their replacement is crucial to the long-term success of the team. This is another place where Hayes has excelled.
Chelsea has been hit with major departures over the years. The most recent being the exit of one of Magdalena Eriksson who was the team’s captain for three years, and Pernille Harder.
However, succession planning was in place. Aggie Beever-Jones was called back from loan, there was a potential debut for Macario and a return for Hamano to fill Harder’s gap.
Another proactive replacement was Hayes swooping to sign Nathalie Björn in January and paying a record fee for Mayra Ramirez, a player who had a major influence on the crucial win that gave Chelsea that fifth successive title.
A direct opposite scenario is Gareth Taylor not buying an outright forward after Ellen White’s retirement in 2022, with the team relying heavily on Khadija Shaw for their goals. Manchester United also didn’t directly replace Ona Battle, a very pivotal element in their title run during 2022/23, nor did they find an Alessia Russo kind of player in his attack this season. These actions might seem inconsequential, but the repercussions are major.
Resilience, Tactics, and Players showing up
I recently started learning chess, and one of my favourite parts is the end game. Having navigated the difficult part of openings, and the slippery slope of mid-game battle, the best chess players are often alert to very minor moves that could lead to major wins and are often successful at the end games. A game between Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Makamura comes to mind.
Hayes’ Chelsea are the queen of end games and have repeated this model over the last five years.
In 2023, the West Londoners scored 17 goals in three games (West Ham United, Leicester City, and Everton) between game weeks 17 to 19 to clear out an 11-goal difference their closest rivals Manchester United had (having played two games more). This year, Chelsea scored 15 goals in three games to clear out a seven-goal difference that Manchester City had (having played a game more). Are you seeing a pattern?
Above: Aggie Beever-Jones, who really stepped up during the 2023/24 season. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
While some succumb to exhaustion, Chelsea rise to the pressure and dig in to get the desired results. A very important element worth mentioning is how different players show up.
In 2022, it was Sam Kerr leading everyone to battle. In 2023, it was Pernille Harder coming back from injury and Guro Reiten thriving in the double role of creating and assisting.
This year, it was Reiten rediscovering her old form having been in a slump during the first half of the season due to injury and inconsistent run of games. Youngsters like Aggie Beever–Jones and Maika Hamano stepped up when they were called upon, and a perfect recruitment – Marya Ramirez showed the world why Hayes splurged a record fee for her.
Compare this scenario to the other clubs that have been in the title run. For Manchester City, no one could really fit in Shaw’s shoes in the last four matches this season, and last season, Manchester United’s attackers could simply not keep up with Chelsea in terms of goals scored.
The Blues also played three different formations in the last three matches, adapting to the strengths of the available players unlike Gareth Taylor and Marc Skinner who stuck with their usual formation of 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 during their title run-ins.
A perfect mix of the winning mentality, tactics, and resilience depicts the identity of Hayes’ Blue Army.
Above: The iconic Emma Hayes. Photo: Chelsea FC Women.
Where now?
All eras come to an end, and Hayes’ tenure concluded. The club has also witnessed the major departure of leaders like Ann-Katrin Berger, Fran Kirby, and Maren Mjelde who the Blues boss often referred to as “mother hen” because of her leadership and nurturing abilities.
Sonia Bompastor has been announced as Chelsea’s new coach and as we know, with new coaches come new approaches, new tactics, and new systems. All these nuances will time to adapt to, opening up spaces for the rivals to come in and overtake.
This might be an opportunity for Arsenal on a rising pedestal and Manchester City. The question is, can they exploit this adjustment period?
Vivianne Miedema departed at the end of the season, and it appears that Mary Earps is still indecisive about her future at Manchester United despite winning her first silverware with the team. Khadijah Shaw’s injury has shown Manchester City how important it is to have a reliable back-up striker. For Chelsea, the case is different.
While key players and team leaders like Fran Kirby and Maren Mjelde have departed, burgeoning leaders like Erin Cuthbert and Niamh Charles are ready to take over the mantle and the last few matches have shown that while no one can replace Sam Kerr, Chelsea can manage just fine as she returns from injury.
An array of attacking talents like Ramirez, Reiten, Macario, and the PFA’s players’ player of the season, Lauren James alongside the pair of promising youngsters; Beever-Jones and Hamano are a perfect blend of a team rearing to go again and Kerr’s recent announcement of confirming a new deal is the icing on the cake.
Hayes has drilled a winning mentality into this team, but now that she has departed, will we finally see another ribbon colour on the WSL trophy or will the blue army continue marching? Only time will tell.
For this week’s WA On Wednesday NPLW WA player interview feature, Perth RedStar‘s Sarah Carroll speaks to Ben Gilby abouther footballing journey which included being involved in some of Perth Glory’s biggest matches, and why being happy at RedStar is leading to her playing at such a consistently outstanding level.
Above: Sarah Carroll lifts the Night Series Trophy with head coach Carlos Vega Mena after their win over Balcatta Etna in this year’s Final. Photo: Football West/Fotoenzo.
Sarah Carroll has been an integral part of the Western Australian women’s football scene for a number of years and remains one of the most influentialplayers on any pitch she plays on.
The Perth RedStar icon is having yet another stellar season in the NPLW WA after previously being part of Perth Glory’s successes in the W-League as well as winning a silver medal as part of a Young Matildas squad in the 2013 AFF Championships.
Carroll’s footballing journey started over 20 years ago, playing with her brother and two brothers. It was love at first kick and at the age of nine, led to her joining her first club.
“Starting at Heathridge Football Club (now Joondalup City FC), I moved to Northern Redbacks (now Perth RedStar) at 16 for a season. I was part of WAIS as a scholarship player, then progressed to full-time NTC. At 16, I debuted for Perth Glory, where I was fortunate to represent the club for 10 years. I represented Australia at U17s and Young Matildas levels. After a stint away, I returned to Redbacks and now Perth Redstar.”
Carroll describes herself as “a quiet achiever, I like to focus on doing my job. Leading by example is important to me, both on and off the field, setting a positive tone for younger players and those around me. I can probably get a little fiery at times, but that’s just passion.”
As with any career, Carroll’s has come with ups and downs, and she has suffered more than her fair share of serious injuries. The RedStar player pointed out the dual impacts that they had on her.
“Not just due to the physical toll, but also the mental challenge. I experienced a period of two to three seasons where I faced consecutive injuries, significantly disrupting my football. Each injury kept me sidelined for six to eight weeks or even longer. Taking it one day at a time, celebrating small victories, and maintaining a clear vision or goal to hold onto. It’s important to let that vision drive and motivate you every day.”
Above: Sarah Carroll (19) with the Young Matildas team that finished second in the 2013 AFF Championships. Photo: Football Australia.
One of the earliest high points in Carroll’s career was her selection for the Australian U20 squad that took part in the 2013 AFF Championships in Myanmar. Among her teammates on that trip were the likes of Hayley Raso, Chloe Logarzo, and Emma Checker. It was a journey that saw the team go all the way to the Final, with Carroll being one of the successful penalty-takers in the squad that lost 5-3 in the shootout. She still looks back on those days with real pride.
“It was an incredible experience overall. Any opportunity to represent the national team, regardless of the age group, is a huge honour. To achieve a medal in what was a tough competition was a great achievement and a credit to the team we had. Such an incredible group of players and staff. It’s up there as one of the highlights of my career.”
Two years prior to that, Carroll became part of the Perth Glory side. After being part of the squad that finished second in 2012/13 and then in 2014 won the Premiers’ Plate, she was an integral part of the club’s Golden Age that saw the team make three W-League Grand Finals. It was a period full of memories that will last forever.
“Winning the Premiers Plate for the first time in the club’s history was special. The semi-final against Sydney FC at NIB Stadium stands out as one of the best games I’ve ever experienced. The result and breaking the record for crowd attendance at the time (1,592) made it even more special, especially since it was a home game.
Above: Sarah Carroll in action for Perth Glory in 2019, the last year they made a Grand Final. Photo: ESPN.
“Despite the results, playing in three Grand Finals was unforgettable. These are the kind of matches every footballer dreams of being a part of, especially when you’re alongside your closest friends and teammates.
“Not only did we have incredibly talented players at the club, but they were also fantastic people. The high standard set within the team brought out the best in everyone, creating a competitive yet healthy environment. I learned a lot from the players around me during that time, but two things that stay with me are the little things count and you play your best football when you’re happy.”
Those two points have provided an important pointer for the current period in Carroll’s career. Perth RedStar is her happy place – and the consequence of that is a consistently high level of performance both individually and collectively that mark her out as one of the best players in the competition.
When you see Carroll dominating possession, pushing forward, linking up with those around her, and lining up a free-kick, you know that RedStar are purring and at their best. Typically though, she is modest about her influence on the team – and sees the sense of a RedStar family as the real key to the club’s outstanding success.
“The teammates I have are the best. The quality of players at our club plays a huge part in me being able to perform. The support from the coaching staff and the culture that we have at the club, I enjoy my football at RedStar and when you enjoy what you do, you perform.
“The coaching staff prepare us the best they can for every game, but I think the most important thing is our mentality. We take every game as it comes and we only think about the game we’re about to play, respect the team we come up against and we stick together, always.
“Every game is a final for us, if we want to continue to be successful and continue to get better then we have to approach every game with the same mentality. Carlos (Vega Mena, head coach) reminds us often that we’re a family, and I think that shows on the pitch. We back each other, we never give up and we always find a way to win.
Above: Sarah Carroll pictured after scoring in the Top Four Cup Semi-Final win against Perth SC last season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
“The quality in our playing group and the consistency of our squad over a number of years is one contributing factor to our success, but the other is our mentality and culture. The quality of our playing group and the consistency of our squad over a number of years is one contributing factor to our success, but the other is our mentality and culture.
“It’s the best group, we all want the best out of each other and we set the standards high. But we are on the same page, we’re all pulling in the same direction to achieve what we want to achieve as a team. We have a good balance of experience and youth, and the quality and potential of that is exciting. We always stick together and I love playing alongside the girls each week.”
With Carroll’s experience having played in the league for a number of years, she has a unique insight into the growth of the competition and the standards. Plenty has been done and there is a lot more to do.
“We’ve seen teams strengthen and become more competitive as a result, but we really only have a few teams challenging for the league, outside of the top four there is quite a gap. We are still losing players to the NPL competitions over East, so I think we still have a long way to go.”
RedStar remain the team to beat in the competition – and their sustained success sees them with a large target on their back, and pressure on them to continue their incredible run is, externally, large. However, they are a club who have always had the ethos of developing young players and bringing them through. It’s what makes them who they are. Seeing new faces make their mark in a RedStar shirt is arguably more important than winning trophies – it ensures the club’s future is as healthy as its present.
“As a team, we’re ambitious and we want to win trophies. This club has a history of success and we want to continue that. But our performances, the football we play, the development of our younger players, and providing them with opportunities are also important to us.
“If, by the end of the season we achieve silverware, can reflect and be proud of our performances, and know that as individuals and a team we gave everything, then I’d say it’s a good season.”
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