Above: Michele Kang, Women Olympique Lyonnais Owner, center, celebrating her first title with the players. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
On Friday May 17, 2027 in front of 15,660 fans, Olympique Lyonnais won 2-1 versus Paris Saint-Germain to obtain their 17th title in D1 Arkema, the French Premiere League.
Above: Delphine Cascarino, Lyon white shirt. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
Lyon players put on an outstanding performance in first half by pressing all over the field and practically secured the game in a span of 4 minutes with Delphine Cascarino scoring in the 18th minute and Kadidiatou Diani in the 22nd minute.
Above: Kadidiatou Diani of Lyon dribbling by Sakina Karchaoui. PSG. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
It was a great game with both teams very engaged but Lyon never really let Paris hope they could come back, even when they had more possession and scored with Tabitha Chawinga in the 73rd minute. Danielle Van de Donk and Selma Bacha both provided excellent performances.
Above: Selma Bacha, white, sprints past her opponent. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
This match showed that PSG still have a long way to go in catching up to the serial winners. In their 6 games throughout the season, Lyon beat Paris SG 5 times (twice in D1 Arkema, twice in UWCL, once in the French up) and delivered only 1 draw.
Above: From left to right: Kadidiatou Diani, Vicky Becho and Ellie Carpenter, Lyon center with 17th win t-shirt. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
Above: Charli Grant in action for Tottenham Hotspur this season. Photo: Harvey Todd for Impetus.
Charli Grant’s career has been on a seemingly neverending upward trajectory. From Adelaide United to Matildas via the Damallsvenskan, the South Australian defender is now five months into her first taste of the WSL in England with Tottenham Hotspur.
It’s been a regular feature of our twice-yearly chats that we start with a reflection of how incredible it is that she has stepped up another level since the last time we spoke. Given that the previous occasion we touched base was December this time is no exception as Grant is now playing in arguably the toughest league in the world alongside some of the game’s greatest players.
“It’s been a bit of a roller coaster these past five months,” she admitted. “The club have been so welcoming to me and have made me feel right at home. But like any move, it’s never easy. Football life has definitely been an adjustment, everyone is at such a high level at training and the players we play against are all top quality. I feel like I’m improving every session. Along with football is setting up a new life, finding an apartment, transport, the best coffee, and shopping spots, but I finally feel settled in.”
The settling-in process was also helped by the presence of head coach Robert Vilahamn – someone who Grant knew all about from her time in Sweden when she came up against his BK Häcken side during her spells with Rosengård and Vittsjö.
Above: Charli Grant (right) in action for Vittsjö, where she came up against her present Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn. Photo supplied to Impetusby: Charli Grant.
“I found the decision to choose Spurs very easy. I played against Robert in the Swedish league and always thought very highly of his team and their playing style. I loved their high press. Robert also mentioned that he wanted attacking fullbacks, I always wanted to be at a club where I could play my style of football and I felt like this was the perfect club to be able to.
”Additionally the club were adamant that they were building something big and wanted to win. I want to be a part of that build and win silverware with this club. I’m glad I made this decision, I love the club and already feel like I’m developing so much as a player and person.”
Vilahamn is just the latest in a succession of Swedish head coaches that the defender has played under. As well as her bosses in the Damallsvenskan, Grant has established herself as an international under the Matildas’ head coach Tony Gustavsson, and feels that the playing style that these Scandinavian coaches employ is the perfect fit for her game.
“They’re both similar (Gustavsson and Vilahamn) in the way they want a high press and love to be confident to play through the press. I think Robert is just helping me to be myself and refine just the finer details like my technical and decision making in build up. I feel like I’m developing so much as a player here.
The defender has been assisted in her early days in England by not just her Spurs team-mates, but the large number of her Matildas colleagues that are also based in the city.
Above: Charli Grant with fans after a recent Tottenham Hotspur match. Photo: Harvey Todd for Impetus.
However, the move has not been without its challenges. The biggest change that the defender has had to manage since coming to North London is the realities of playing against some of the world’s top players week in week out, and the physical demands that come with it.
“It is definitely a lot faster pace!” Grant smiled, “Not just in games but at training as well. You have to make decisions quicker and can’t afford to make errors otherwise the opposition will counter on you.”
The defender has been rewarded with some experiences that will stay with her for life already in her short time with Spurs – none more so than in this season’s FA Cup competition. A stunning quarter-final win on penalties against Manchester City was followed eventually by a place in the Final at Wembley. The semi-final success over Leicester City also provided Grant with some lifelong memories.
“At the start of the match seeing all the Spurs flags being waved around the crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium gave me goosebumps. I think that’s when it really sunk in that I’m playing for Tottenham, a Super League club, the league I’ve always dreamed of playing in. The second moment is that final goal, Martha’s (Thomas) goal. The relief, the adrenaline, and the excitement knowing we had made history was amazing. The team worked so hard to progress to the final and I’m so proud of everyone.”
Whilst that Final ended with the heartbreak of a 4-0 loss to Manchester United, once more the South Australian takes so many positives from the occasion. “The sold-out crowd, playing at one of the best stadiums in the world, and that final feeling. This is one of the biggest cups you can win and to make history with this amazing club making the final was incredible.”
Above: Charli Grant getting a shot in on goal for Australia last year in Perth. The South Australian is aiming to make her country’s Olympic Games squad once more. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.
The key thing that has always made Grant such an immensely likable human being as well as an outstanding footballer is her humility and the fact she always remembers and cherishes people who have supported her on her ever-rising footballing trajectory. With the 2023/24 club season coming towards a close, the defender reflected on what she has achieved, admitting: “It’s hard to put into words.
“It’s a dream come true to play in games like the FA Cup Final, and for a top tier club like this. It’s a pinch-me moment. That was definitely one of the biggest games of my career and I wouldn’t be where I am without all the people that have supported me along the way. It was really special to play at Wembley in front of my mum, dad, and my partner, all of whom have helped me through some very difficult times in my career.”
Yet that FA Cup Final, and the last WSL game of the campaign against West Ham United tomorrow isn’t the end of the season for Grant. The South Australian has big dreams of a second successive Olympic Games selection for the Matildas. With Tony Gustavsson’s squad growing its strength in depth all the time, being part of the squad for Paris is tough, with only 15 outfield player spots available – but with the defender developing ever more as a player in the WSL, and with the ability to play both right back and left back, she remains positive about her chances.
“It’s definitely going to be a challenge to be selected into this upcoming Olympic roster. It’s always a challenge to make every squad for every camp because the depth is getting better and better. I think the game time I’ve been getting lately at Spurs will be beneficial and I just have to make the most of every opportunity I’m given and play with confidence.”
You just get the sense that Grant will seize this opportunity with both hands. The Olympics will be a full circle moment for the Matilda – it was her inclusion in the Tokyo Games that marked the beginning of her recent rapid ascent. Tottenham’s newest Aussie is growing by the game and you just know there are even better times ahead for her.
In her debut article for Impetus, Sophie Puodziusanalyses the career of Manchester City and England’s Jess Park, highlighting the versatility that marks her as arguably the most important young player in the country(17/5/24).
Above:Jess Park (left) celebrates after scoring in the Manchester derby earlier this season. Photo: Manchester City.
Jess Park is one of those young players who seems to have been around for ages. Still only 22, the East Yorkshire-born attacker has had the season of her life.
Park began her journey as part of a local boys’ team called the Elloughton Blackburn Swifts before joining the Hull College girls football team at around the age of 11. The Lioness showed her ability and maturity spending two years captaining York’s Regional Talent Clubs under 16s before joining Manchester City in 2017.
The attacker credits these experiences at the very start of her footballing journey with giving her a strong sense of leadership and mental strength allied to a detailed baptism into the demands of various positions and improving her vision on the pitch. From these humble beginnings have grown a player who is one of the Super League’s most adept young stars.
In her embryonic days with Manchester City, the youngster gained Champions League experience, starting a game against Lugano, assisting her team to secured a 4-0 victory. Park was deployed as a right winger and used her technical abilities to slip through a series of perfectly weighted balls into the path of striker Janine Beckie.
Still a teenager, Park made her mark on the biggest stage in the 2020 FA Cup Final. Coming on for City against Everton as a late substitute, the attacker used her dribbling abilities to withstand the Everton defenders challenge in order to slip an inch-perfect through ball to Georgia Stanway who slotted home. This was an early example of her awareness on the pitch in huge games and confidence in her ability to deliver vital passes with great precision and weight on the ball.
These attributes show the extensive impact that Park is able to have on the pitch even in a short period of time which has definitely contributed to her rapid advancements in recent years.
Above: Jess Park (left) at training with England. Photo: Rafaella Macintosh for Impetus.
Last season, Park underwent a successful loan spell at Everton in order to gain crucial minutes and develop her game to the next level. The Toffees preferred to use her in a more attacking role than Manchester City which allowed her to be higher up the pitch and partake in set-pieces. This allowed the youngster’s dribbling skills to be taken to the next level, gliding past opponents to deliver crosses into the penalty area.
The attacker developed a strong partnership with defender Katrine Veje leading the pair to create overlapping runs to produce two-on-one situations in dangerous areas which troubled opposition defenders. During her spell with the Merseyside club, Park scored five goals and made nine assists before her loan spell was cut short by a shoulder injury which also caused her to miss out on the 2023 World Cup.
Internationally, Park has been extremely influential for England at multiple youth levels as she scored an incredible 19 goals in 19 appearances for the England under 19s squad.
As part of the England under-23 squad, Park started in games against Norway and France which allowed her to build up her international experience in preparation for her eventual transition into the senior Lionesses squad.
Her inevitable first senior call-up came in September 2022 for two friendlies against the USA and Czech Republic. Her current form has certainly caught the eye of England manager Sarina Wiegman, leading to further selections in February this year for two international friendlies and in April 2024 as part of England’s Euro 2025 qualification campaign.
The youngster’s role for England is, again different to the one she excels in for Manchester City. Park is positioned much higher up the pitch in the number 10 role and often drags other players out of position in order to create spaces for her teammates to utilise. Her dribbling skills and turns on the ball come into their own to be showcased are showcased as part of England’s attacking style. Additionally, Park’s speed is also deployed as she completes overlapping runs to link up with the experienced Lucy Bronze and Lauren James.
The attacker’s versatility has been emphasised further in her most recent performances for the Lionesses, which has seen Park evolve into an attacking midfielder where she can use her technical skills and advanced vision to drive the ball further up the pitch.
Above: Jess Park at St. George’s Park, training with the Lionesses. Photo: Lionesses.
This shows why Park has become a regular fixture in the Lionesses team – she is an all-rounder who is able to impress in multiple positions across the attacking line.
Like her international role, the attacker’s role at club level is evolving as well, adding yet further strings to her bow. Now seen in the heart of Manchester City’s midfield, Park makes pivotal runs down the central to right-hand side channels of the pitch and take the ball under pressure. Her physicality and defensive qualities show that she is an extremely versatile midfielder.
Park is an integral part of City’s high press by charging at defenders, aiming to steal possession, and making vital interceptions. She has advanced quicker than many other players of her age due to her incredible vision on the pitch to spot gaps which she can exploit to the team’s advantage
The youngster links up well with right-winger Mary Fowler and centre-forward Bunny Shaw to create goal-scoring opportunities. Park and Fowler work together to produce overlapping runs down the right channel to overload the defensive structure. This creates space to provide pinpoint crosses for the prolific Shaw who has been a key factor in the club’s success this season.
This has been an extremely successful strategy as Park and Fowler boast 10 assists between them this season whilst Shaw has become Manchester City’s all-time record goal-scorer in a single season and crowned the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year.
Park can also score goals in major games at important times. Notably in front of a record crowd of 40,096 at the Etihad Stadium in the Manchester Derby where she scored two goals and provided an assist to secure City’s 3-1 win.
It is this combination of versatility, confidence, and key understandings with team-mates around her across the attacking third that undoubtedly establish Jess Park as one of the Super League’s most talented youngsters.
Above:Sunderland’s Claudia Moan – the Barclays Championship Player of the Year and Golden Glove winner. Photo supplied to Impetus by: The Women’s Professional Game.
The Women’s Professional Game has announced the Barclays Championship awards winners after votes were cast from a combination of the public and a panel of experts.
Sunderland’s Claudia Moan was voted Player of the Season ahead of Crystal Palace’s Elise Hughes, Sheffield United’s Isobel Goodwin, and Southampton’s Katie Wilkinson.
Keeping 10 clean sheets in 22 league outings, shot-stopper Moan also scooped the Golden Glove award on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace’s Araya Dennis – who spent the campaign on dual registration with the Eagles from Tottenham Hotspur – earned the Goal of the Season award for this stunning strike in the South London derby against Charlton Athletic at The Valley:
This success marked a duo of awards for Championship winners Palace, with Elise Hughes securing the Golden Boot courtesy of her 16 goals in 21 games for Laura Kaminski’s WSL-bound side.
Speaking about her superb goalscoring run this season, Hughes said: “It’s what I’m in the team to do, the girls have played a massive part in my goals and I can’t thank them enough.”
Above: Crystal Palace’s Elise Hughes – winner of the Barclays Championship’s Golden Boot. Photo supplied to Impetus by: The Women’s Professional Game.
Hughes was pushed all the way for the title of Palace’s top scorer by Annabel Blanchard – a team mate that the Cymru attacker has huge respect for. “She’s a great team player and the competitiveness has always been there. I couldn’t let a midfielder score more goals than me!”
Finally, London City Lionesses keeper Grace Moloney took out the Save of the Season award for her stunning stop against Sheffield United.
A reminder to vote for your #BarclaysWC Save of the Season!
— Barclays Women’s Championship (@BarclaysWC) May 9, 2024
Barclays Championship Awards Summary 2023/24:
Player of the Season: Claudia Moan (Sunderland) Goal of the Season: Araya Dennis (Crystal Palace v Charlton Athletic) Save of the Season: Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses v Sheffield United) Golden Boot: Elise Hughes (Crystal Palace) Golden Glove: Claudia Moan (Sunderland)
Above: Norwich City won the Norfolk Women’s Cup on Monday Night with a 6-0 win over Wroxham at Carrow Road. Credit – Ben Cunningham
Norfolk Women’s Cup Final
Tier Four Norwich City produced an expected cruise to glory defeating Tier Five Wroxham 6-0 at Carrow Road on Monday Night. A crowd of 922, which was a significant drop on the 2023 attendance of 2,690 at the same venue saw Natasha Snelling score a brace and Katie Knights, Hope Strauss and Ellie Smith score and the final goal was an own goal. It was a special night for Norwich City captain Anna Larkins who lifted the trophy in her final game for the club.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup Final
In a battle of two Tier Seven clubs, University of East Anglia defeated Bungay Town 2-0 to win the Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup, The game held at Youngs Park the home of Aylsham saw Ellie Burnley strike twice early in the first half and that was enough to see the University of East Anglia take a comfortable victory.
University of East Anglia celebrate winning the Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup. Credit – Darren Gilham
Norfolk Women and Girls Plate Final
The plate final saw two Tier Eight clubs battle it out as FC Viking Valkyries and Bure Valley also at Youngs Park. It was 1-1 after 90 minutes but FC Viking Valkyries scored twice in extra time to win the Plate. Willow Nye scored for Bure Valley but it was not enough as Charlotte Kenny, Maddie Smith and Jessica Bennett scored for FC Viking Valkyries to secure victory on the day. It completed an impressive achievement for Ben Binder’s side as they knocked out Tier Seven clubs North Walsham Town and Mulbarton Wanderers Development on route to the final.
FC Viking Valkyries celebrate winning the Norfolk Women and Girls Plate Cup on Sunday. Credit – Darren Gilham
Norfolk Women and Girls 7’s Cup Final
Completing a busy day of finals Mulbarton Wanderers secured the 7’s cup with a 1-0 victory over Left Field thanks to a goal from Joanne Hooper.
Eastern Region Division One North
To League action, and Dussindale & Hellesdon have one hand on the tier six trophy after a 6-1 victory at Wootton Blue Cross. Four goals from Victoria Leyer and two from Georgina Belton saw Dussindale & Hellesdon take victory. Daisy Moore scored for Wootton Blue Cross. They now will now be champions unless they lose their final game at Mulbarton Wanderers by five goals or more.
Mulbarton Wanderers were Norfolk Women and Girls 7’s Cup winners with a 1-0 victory over Left Field on Sunday. Credit – Darren Gilham
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One
Sprowston went top of Tier Seven with a 10-0 victory at North Walsham Town, A Hat-trick from Bailey Duffield, a brace Mollie O’Callaghan, plus goals from Phoebe Green, Holly Whayman, Anais Winney, Lois Wright and an Own goal saw them take a comfortable lead. They will now fancy themselves to win the title with a home game against Bungay Town to come on Wednesday 22nd.
A goal from Alice Wharam saw Costessey Sports win their 1-0 at Aylsham and complete a double over Aylsham for the season.
Kings Lynn Soccer Club were 2-0 winners at Long Stratton thanks to goals from Jordan Turner and Nikola Maslak.
Action from the Plate Cup final between FC viking Valkyries (Red) and Bure Valley, FC Viking Valkyries running out 3-1 winners after Extra Time. Credit – Shay Porter.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two
On Wednesday Night, Bure Valley went top of Tier Eight with a 5-3 win over Great Yarmouth Town. Emma Macmillan scored a Hat-Trick with Maisie Redgrave and Eva Heald scoring the other goals. A Lucie Morley brace and an own goal were the scorers for Great Yarmouth Town.
There were two games played on Sunday as Mundford were 10-1 winners at Freethorpe. Niamh Underhill scored four, Bethany Seymour scored three, Ellen Kerbey scored two and the other was an own goal. Kate Roome scored for Mundford.
In the days other Tier Eigh match Waveney and Martham played out a 2-2 draw. Olivia Harvey and Demi Saunders scored for Waveney with Bethany Shearing scoring a brace for Martham.
Bure Valley were runners up in the Plate Competition but they will be hoping to end the season with the Tier Eight title after their 5-3 win over Great Yarmouth Town on Wednesday Night which put them top. Credit – Shay Porter
Mel Andreatta has named Australia’s Under 23 squad to compete in the four nations tournament in Sweden this year. Perth Goalkeeper Morgan Aquino has earned her first call up while 11 players from the U20 squad to qualify for the World Cup will also be joining the likes of Leah Davidson, Laura Hughes, Polly Doran and Anna Margraf.
Since it’s inception in 2022, the U23 program has been a vital part of the development pathway in Australian football. Charli Grant, Sarah Hunter and Amy Sayer are three who have been guided into senior international football by this step.
“This is a squad of players that have put their hand up for this fantastic opportunity to play high quality nations through their performances in the recent A-League Women and European football seasons,” explained Andreatta through Football Australia.
“That 10 of the 12 A-League clubs are represented speaks to the evenness of the competition this season and is recognition of the developmental work that is being undertaken week in and week out.”
“Excitingly, with this roster there are a significant number of players that are in-form and showing high potential to be a future CommBank Matilda. Now it is about taking this opportunity to challenge and test themselves against some of the best in Europe, which has been at the global forefront of women’s football development in recent years.”
The squad represents an exciting future in Australian football. It contains a blend of the Junior Matildas who lifted the AFF trophy in 2022, the Young Matildas of the U20 World Cup in Costa Rica that same year and the current U20 side that finished third at the Asian Cup and scored in every game.
Recent history tells us that if there is to be a late Olympic bolter it will come from this tournament. Kaitlyn Torpey’s ascent as a senior international came off the back of impressive U23’s form, and this tournament presents an immediate and long-term opportunity for Australia’s in-form youngsters.
Although every Australian based A-league club is represented, Andreatta has not restricted the team to these shores. Polly Doran returns to the green and gold after winning promotion with Crystal Palace into the FAWSL, and Anna Margraf will make the short trip over from Spain where she plays with Sporting De Huelva FC.
The tournament may impact the All-Stars squad to face Arsenal. Western United’s Alana Cerne has been selected in both teams, and the timing of this expedition surely meant that many other in-form stars like Aquino and Young Player of the Year Daniela Galic were unavailable for that friendly.
Impressively for a development team, every player selected is a regular senior player at club level. Club form seems to have informed the decision making as much as future protentional underlining the quality coming through in the domestic league and for the national team.
The combination of three of Australia’s most recent and promising youth teams means that this team will give us the clearest picture yet of what the next generation of Matildas might look like. If Peta Trimis can replicate her scoring run from the Asian Cup it will cap off a remarkable 12 months that saw her go from scholarship player at Central Coast Mariners to growing international prospect.
This squad is exciting, deep and tactically flexible. Players like Bryleeh Henry and Sasha Grove can be deployed almost anywhere on the pitch, and few teams will enjoy facing a midfield that could contain Laura Hughes, Shay Hollman, Leah Davidson or Isabel Gomez.
The defence is experienced at youth and senior level with Jessika Nash continuing her rise up the ranks, while Ella Tonkin and Naomi Chinnama are both earmarked as senior Matildas at some point.
A successful run in the Four Nations tournament will be huge, but Andreatta emphasised the long term view of the coaching staff. Performances and development matters most, and this experience will be as valuable to the players individually as it will be to the senior Matildas selectors in the near future.
“With Sharn Freier and Kaitlyn Torpey making their debuts in the last two FIFA international windows, recently we have seen the U-23 program demonstrating its purpose in developing players and giving them the skills physically mentally, technically and tactically to step into the senior team environment,” Andreatta said.
“To bring the group together as we prepare for three strong matches will be brilliant experience for the players and will expose them to what is required to push on in their careers.
“We hope through the hard work of the staff and the players themselves, we can give more players the opportunity to perform at a high level and to earn future senior national team recognition down the track.”
Players and staff of the U-23 Women’s National Team squad will commence their camp in Sweden on Thursday, 23 May 2024.
Screenshot
FOUR NATIONS TOURNAMENT – AUSTRALIA U-23 WNT MATCH SCHEDULE
Sweden U-23 WNT v Australia U-23 WNT
Date: Wednesday, 29 May 2024 / Thurs, 30 May 2024 (AUS) Time: 7.00pm (local) / 3.00am (AEST)
Venue: Visma Arena, Växjö, Sweden
Australia U-23 WNT v Germany U-23 WNT
Date: Saturday, 1 June 2024 / Sun, 2 June 2024 (AUS) Time: 6.00pm (local) / 2.00am (AEST)
Above: Cortnee Vine and Mackenzie Hawkesby (right) celebrate their recent Championship. Image: Sydney FC.
By Genevieve Henry (15/5/24).
Sydney announced on Tuesday that Mackenzie Hawkesby had renewed her contract for one more season. The Grand Final player of the match turned the Sky Blues’ season around when she returned midseason from a disappointing stint overseas at Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 24-year old midfielder said, “I absolutely love playing for Sydney FC, I am Sky Blue and bleed Sky Blue.”
Although her move to England wasn’t right for her, it only inspired Hawkesby to come back to Australia stronger. Her skills make her one the best players in the A-League and it’s clear that Sydney is where she thrives. “I knew I would enjoy coming back here whatever happened this season and I had a fire burning inside of me; so I’m delighted to be returning next year as well.”
As one of the best Australian players, Hawkesby has been called up for the senior national team camp, but has not yet made an appearance for her country. However, she has starred at the under-23 level.
In her five years at the club so far, Hawkesby has helped the club to win three Premierships and three Championships, but she’s hungry for even more. “It’s a great club with a great group of girls, excellent training facilities and a fantastic culture so I can’t wait to defend our title.”
Hawkesby’s importance on the field goes far beyond her skills and understanding of the game. The leadership and comradery she brings to the field is evidenced by a change in spirits since her return. Having been with the Sky Blues since 2019, she has relationships with many of the senior players as well as being an invaluable mentor for Sydney’s many developing talents.
Head coach Ante Juric was full of praise for Hawkesby. “Mackenzie changed the course of our season this year and thankfully she is coming back next year,” he said.
While Juric’s side have a competitive and competent midfield, Hawkesby elevates the team to new levels.“She’s a born winner and a leader and she will be a hugely important part of our squad next season.”
As always, the Sky Blues are full of ambition for next season. They’ve made a real statement of intent with the resigning of not only Hawkesby, but captain Nat Tobin, Abbey Lemon, and Margaux Chauvet. Her resigning will give fans much confidence for another successful season. “Having her on board will give us an excellent chance of retaining our Championship.”
Above:The Junior Matildas celebrate Lily Punch’s goal that put then ahead against Thailand in the U17 Asian Cup in Bali. Photo supplied to Impetus by: AFC via Football Australia.
Australia ended their U17 Asian Cup campaign bottom of Group B after suffering a third successive loss – despite taking the lead in their final encounter in Bali against Thailand.
After going down to perennial Asian U17 heavyweights China and Japan in their first two group games, the Junior Matildas were confident about ending their tournament with a victory against the similarly winless Thai outfit.
Above: Sian Dewey in possession for Australia against Thailand. Photo supplied to Impetus by: AFC via Football Australia.
Indeed, they made a good start with Tahlia Younis, one of the real shining lights of this event for Rae Dower’s side found in the box by Keira Meyers, but she couldn’t quite connect.
Benyapa Singsai in the Thai goal also had to be alert to deny Tiana Fuller, but she was finally beaten just after the half-hour mark at the third attempt. Alvina Koshaba’s cross found Younis whose header came back off the bar and fell for Indiana Dos Santos to hit a shot that hit the post before Lily Punch finally turned the ball home.
Above: Alvina Koshaba (20) looking to beat her marker. It was Koshaba’s cross that led to Australia’s goal just after the half-hour mark. Photo supplied to Impetus by: AFC via Football Australia.
Australia were racking up the shots on goal, but only had a one-goal lead to show for it – always a dangerous statistic. Unfortunately, they suffered the hard way as Thailand levelled seven minutes later Kurisara Limpawanich gained possession and waltzed her way through from just inside the Australian half and ended up with a one-on-one with Caoimhe Bray and slotted home.
The game turned with 23 minutes to go as Rinyaphat Moondong fired home a superb free-kick from 20 yards. Faced with the prospect of ending their campaign in Indonesia without a win, the Junior Matildas pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Above: Junior Matildas’ captain Indiana Dos Santos looks to find away through against Thailand. Photo supplied to Impetus by: AFC via Football Australia.
They were unable to find a way through, and in stoppage time were hit by a sucker punch as Moondong laid off to Chutikan Kitikhun to hit Thailand’s third.
This loss ensured that Thailand would finish above Australia in third place in Group B. Japan’s 4-0 win over China in the battle of the unbeaten sides who had already qualified for the semi-finals ensured they would finish top. Japan now face Group A runners-up South Korea in the last four whilst China take on Group A winners North Korea with both games taking place on Thursday ahead of Sunday’s Final and third/fourth place play-offs.
Above: Mikayla Duong drives forward for Australia against Thailand. Photo supplied to Impetus by: AFC via Football Australia.
Bulleen Lions won their fifth consecutive game with a dominant display at the Veneto Club against Bentleigh Greens. The Round Eight clash saw the newly promoted side travel to the home of the premiers, and Cailtin Friend’s team was in the mood to entertain with a 7-0 win that pushes them to second on the table with a game in hand.
Bulleen set up to press and dominate early and the scores were level for 15 minutes until Isabel Dehakiz stormed forward from defence to unleash a thunderous goal from long range. It was a spectacular effort that set the tone for a near perfect afternoon for the central defender.
Bulleen added a second in the 37th minute. Alana Burn’s long ball forward found the in-form Maja Markovski. Her first attempt at goal was closed down by the defender, but although she was denied the volley, Markovski’s composure remained and she was able to calmly slot the ball home from close range.
It was 3-0 before half time. Star signing Alana Cortellino was well positioned to tap home from Betti Micheal’s cutback after a quick counterattacking move from Bulleen. Ominously for Bentleigh they had scored from three different methods of attack, while the pairing of Burn and Dehakiz were giving no space away at the back.
Any hopes of a comeback were quickly squashed just two minutes after half time. Markovski’s strike from a short corner may have been deflected on its way into the back of the net, but the effort from one target. The goal was credited to Lourdes Gonzales in the end and was 4-0 with plenty of scoring to come.
With the result seemingly secure, Caitlin Friend rested Michael and brought Katrina Nikpour into the game. The former Heidelberg United attacker and Melbourne Victory train on player had an almost instant impact with a through ball for Lourdes Gonzales to round the goalkeeper and score.
Bulleen’s sixth was a spectacular effort. If not for Dehakiz’s opener it would have no competition for goal of the match. A Bentleigh Green’s corner drifted across the box and Alana Cortellino sensed an opportunity. With a explosive burst of pace she raced from to the wing and tore past two Bentleigh defenders. there was still about 30 metres left to run, but she raced along the touchline and into the penalty box before squaring for the easiest of finishes by Gonzales to complete her hatrick.
Cortellino showed why she is one of the most entertaining players in the competition, but the goal was impressive beyond what it looked like in isolation. This was a 67th minute run that took in the entire length of the pitch. Cortellino had pressed in attack for much of the first half when Bentleigh had possession, and had been paid close physical attention by the defence when she had the ball. It took only seconds for Bulleen to go from deep in defence to a tap in goal through the tremendous individual effort.
An opposition corner is just another chance to score if you’re as fast as Alana Cortellino
The seventh and final goal of the game felt unfortunate, and Bentleigh looked tired by this point. Markovski’s clever turn at the edge of the box invited a challenge and earned a penalty which she dispatched herself with a confident finish to bring up her brace.
Bulleen were ruthless and efficient with the ball, but their control of the game without it is what will have the rest of the league on alert. The can go from defence to attack almost instantly and without warning and through a variety of avenues. It is a defence-first team that sets themselves up to create a lot of chances and have game changing talent on the bench.
Next up is an very different proposition. They face top placed Preston Lions who have added to their strong start to the season by recently signing capped Matildas Emma Checker and Jamilla Rankin. It will be an intriguing contest.
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