Melbourne City’s Tijan and Leticia McKenna are sisters, housemates, premiership teammates and Grand Final aspirants. Ahead of the semi final second leg, they talk to Impetus Football about the season so far.
“We’ve suffered some hard losses… so it’d be a nice little closing for the story we’ve written the whole season, it’d be a nice little ending,” said Tijan McKenna, when asked what winning the A-League Women’s Championship would mean to her.
Tijan, 19, just has to get there first, and if her Melbourne City team does, she’ll do so alongside her older sister Leticia, 21, who has been working towards this moment for three years now.
A re-design of the finals has meant that City have played one of their two semi-finals against the Newcastle Jets and after that first game they now seemingly have one foot in the door.
“For us, in our heads it’s only half-time, so we still have another 90 minutes to go of the second leg,” said Leticia.
“We worked really hard to get the result, the three-nil, to put us in a good spot.”
The club recently lifted the Premiers’ plate in the final game of the season, played in and against the sisters’ first club, Perth Glory.
“It was really special to win that last game of the season at home in Perth with friends and family in the crowd,” said Leticia.
The two both debuted for Perth Glory, Leticia in 2018 at 16 years old, and Tijan a few years later in 2021, also only 16, after Leticia had already left for a year-long stint at Brisbane Roar.
HEROIC MOMENT | This is 16-year-old Leticia Mckenna and she scores 🔥🔥 like these on her debut!
“It was really special, I was very lucky with the group of girls that introduced me to the league,” Leticia said of her debut with Glory
“Playing alongside incredible names, internationals, and the Perth girls that were a part of that group as well, it’s something I look back on and it makes me smile because of how lucky I was and how much I enjoyed it.”
“I had big shoes to fill when she left,” said Tijan of her own experience.
“Obviously I wish she was still at the club when I debuted. It was a scary feeling stepping onto the field or at least getting the first call up to sit on the bench and not knowing if you’re going on or not.
“When it happened it was special for about three seconds and then I stepped on the field and it was like, game time,”
After two years of playing with Melbourne City, Leticia was joined by her sister for the 2023/24 season, where they’ve both been used in a number of positions on the pitch. Luckily, they both enjoy being yo-yo’d around the ground.
“Being versatile is something that you want because either way you want to play and do your part for the team… [learning] new stuff and [taking] it onboard it’s going to take you to the next level,” said Tijan, who can and has played in City’s defence and midfield.
“I love being in midfield and it’s definitely the preferred position but I’m happy to play anywhere. Getting minutes and being a part of the squad is always really good,” said Leticia, who has played across attack and midfield this season.
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚, 𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙙𝙚 🔥
Substitutes Leticia McKenna and Caitlin Karic both found the back of the net in stoppage time to seal the three points!#ADLvMCYpic.twitter.com/lRu6nET7lU
The two are living together again, which has its pros and cons, the cons mainly to do with determining who has done the most chores (Leticia cooks the most, but Tijan is adamant that she cleans more) and having no parents being readily available to decide who’s right or wrong in an argument.
The benefits of the situation however, definitely outweigh the small drawbacks.
“I’ve missed having her at home so for me it’s quite nice living with her again,” said Tijan.
“As teammates… She’s experienced more difficult situations so when I get something thrown in front of me, she’s there to help and coach me. It’s been really good and I hope there’s more to come.”
The McKenna sisters road to wearing the same colours at the professional level has been a long one. They played for Western Australia’s NTC side four years ago and came close again last season when playing in Victoria’s NPLW.
However, it was not only for other teams but derby rivals in Heidelberg United and South Melbourne.
Friends, family and teammates might agree that it’s best to have them on the same side, but they have different answers to the same question.
“I’d rather have her on my team than be taken out by her,” said Leticia wisely
“I prefer playing against her,” replies Tijan with a grin.
The international future for the two looks bright, with Leticia eyeing off an Under-23’s call-up for a round of Friendlies, and Tijan who only recently returned with a Bronze Medal from the Under-20’s Asian Cup, which saw the Young Matildas qualify for the U-20 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Colombia.
Right now, however, their focus remains on Sunday, where they’ll find out if they’re one step closer to writing that nice little ending to this chapter in their footballing lives.
Above: Margaux Chauvet (blue) tussling with her former club. Image: Sydney FC.
by Genevieve Henry (26/4/24).
A standout in Sky Blue, Margaux Chauvet announced that she had re-signed with Sydney until the end of the 2025-26 A-League Women season on Wednesday. The 21-year old has played an important role so far this season, and will hope her impact can continue throughout finals season as well as the next two seasons. A versatile player who can play in both defence and midfield, Chauvet is a valuable asset to Sydney.
Chauvet has a unique story among her peers. Born in Côte d’Ivoire to French and American parents, she and her family fled to France when riots and civil unrest broke out in 2004. Soon after, they relocated to Australia and made Wollongong their new home, where Margaux grew her love for football thanks to her brother. After playing with a few local teams, she joined the Illawarra Stingrays, a storied club that has developed the likes of Mary Fowler, Michelle Heyman, and Caitlin Cooper. She stuck with the Stingrays until 2018, then joined the Football NSW institute to play in the NSW NPL One for one season.
She earned herself a move to Western Sydney Wanderers when she was 17, where she impressed at centre-back for two seasons before moving to Icelandic club Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkur with fellow Aussie and current Perth Glory player, Susan Phonsongkham.
Her first spell as a Sky Blue was as an injury replacement player, before signing with Sydney in August 2023. Since joining, she has featured in a few roles, impressing both at the back and in the middle of the park. She has played some outstanding games for the club, most recently shining in the disappointing loss against Melbourne Victory as well as making a vital goal-line clearance against the Central Coast Mariners in the first leg of the semi-final last week. Chauvet said, “this season has been my best in the A-League so far and I am extremely excited to build from it.”
Head coach Ante Juric commented, “she has now played her way into the starting line-up and is looking forward to playing in her first A-League home semi-final; and potentially a Grand Final, so it has been a breakout year for her.”
Above: Chauvet speaking to the press about her extension. Image: Sydney FC.
“This game will probably be the biggest game I’ve ever played.” This contract extension could be just the thing that propels Chauvet to star in the second leg of the semi-final, saying “I’m so happy, it’s an absolute honour to play for Sydney FC and the perfect motivation going into this weekend’s semi-final at Leichhardt Oval.” She continued, “the fans are second to none at Sydney FC, the best in the country, and I can’t wait to be representing them in many more finals clashes.”
Throughout her career, coaches and teammates have often praised Chauvet highly, with Juric saying, “Margaux has thoroughly earned this contract extension with her hard work, dedication and the way she has performed this season. She gives us great versatility and has been able to perform a number of roles to a high standard for us this season.” Among Chauvet’s most touted qualities are her game-smarts and confidence, as well as composure and discipline. She has incredible defensive stats, with her interceptions in the 98th percentile and her clearances in the 90th percentile of women’s footballers worldwide. Her experience as both a full-back and a centre back really play into her strengths in the midfield, her tenacity and ability to turn plays around being exceptional.
On her positional change, Chauvet said, “Moving into the six position’s been great; I have played there previously at other clubs. I’ve been loving it. I’m just trying to do my job.” And that she has. Although she faces tough competition from fellow Sky Blue midfielders, she has cemented a starting spot and made herself invaluable. “I’ve kind of found my groove in the team.”
Although she is eligible for quite a few different national teams, Chauvet has spoken many times of her aspirations to play for the Matildas someday, saying in a 2021 interview with the Illawarra Stingray, “I would love to one day play for the Matildas. That’s always been one of my goals.” She was selected to join the Matildas’ first ever Talent Identification Camp in 2020. She is well on her way to her goal, having also been selected for the Young Matildas in 2021. If she continues on this trajectory, she may well find herself there soon.
Huge score lines, 27 goals, unexpected signings, injuries It has been a busy weekend in the NWSL.
Our first game of the weekend was a sole goal thriller where Orlando Pride remained unbeaten as they took all three points from San Diego Wave. Summer Yates scored the only goal of the game which was her second for the club. Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sherdian made the initial save after Kerry Abello fired her shot at goal. Barba Banda also had her debut for the pride. While Wave managed to only have one shot on target in the 82nd minute which reduced them to 10 players as Alex Morgan was forced off after being injured after trying to receive a cross from Savannah McCaskill as she was taken down by defender Emily Sans and goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse. Both teams had opportunities to turn the game around but lacked the finishing ability.
Two late goals meant that Washington Spirit took the win over Gotham FC. Croix Bethune and Ashley Hatch both scored to claim the win. Spirit also kept their unbeaten streak. The first half had opportunities for both teams to score the opener but it was Casey Kruger for Spirit who picked up the ball in space and found Bethune who launched it into the top corner outside the box and she had the opening goal. It was Bethune once again causing trouble for the Gotham defence as she took a shot inside the box which resulted in a handball. Ashley Hatch covered the penalty giving her team a two goal lead. Both teams had chances the rest of the first half but were unable to find the target. We also had our first look at Gotham’s new signing Ann-Katrin Berger, a goalkeeper who spent six years at the club before departing.
Late second half goals from Racing Louisville means they beat Utah Royals FC. By five goals to one. Goals for Louisville came from Uchenna Kanu, Savannah DeMole who scored a brace, Reilyn Turner and Emma Sears. While Olivia Smith Griffitts thought she brought the royals back into the game. Kanu opened the scoring with a perfectly timed back post header after Lauren Milliet Cross. This was the momentum that Louisville needed as in the following 15 minutes they had multiple chances on goal, a chance saved off the line and forced royals goal keeper Many Haught into making six saves. Although the Utah equaliser came three minutes into the first half after making a beautiful run finishing with a well placed shot into the back post. It was a slow start to the second but the floodgates soon opened as DeMole pounced on a rebound after Haught saved the initial shot from Elexa Bahr. Then we had a VAR review which determined that Sears was fouled in the box once again DeMole stepped up and converted the penalty. The game then found a rhythm and both teams were unable to make any advancements until Carson Pickett drifted a cross in which found the head of Turner who found the back of the net. The fifth and final goal of the night came from Emma Sears as she picked up a pass in midfield and thought her way down the field before smashing a shot from 12 yards out.
Unbeaten, top of the table Kansas City Current take on Bay FC. This game was a seven goal thriller with Beatriz Zaneratto Joao scoring a brace, Bayley Feist, Temwa Chawinga also scoring a brace for current. While Kayla Sharples and Tess Boade scored for Bay. We also had the season ending injury to Bay midfielder Alex Loera who suffered an ACL injury. The first goal scored by Zaneratto was as she intercepted a failed pass and found herself one on one with the goal keeper and she didn’t miss. The next goal came just a few minutes later as Spaanstra was able to recover a cleared corner kick and sent the cross in, Feist managed to jump the highest to direct the header down and into the near post. This was also her first goal for the club. Although Bay did manage to get one back as Deyna Castellanos found the ball in a pocket of space and offloaded it to Kayla Sharples who found the back of the net. This was the closest to goal the current backline would allow them to get to the goal for the remainder of the match. DiBernardo continued her dominant performance as she controlled the play and became the playmaker. She was drawing players left and right which made an opening for Chawinga to score her first goal of the night by sending a long cross in and Chawinga controlled and took two touches before it found the back of the net. Chiwenga’s second goal was very similar to the first with DiBernardo once again being the playmaker behind the goal and she sent a long curved pass into her path, Chawinga avoided the defender and was one on one with the goalkeeper and it rippled the back of the net. The final goal of the night for Current was a combination of Chawinga and DiBernardo combining to win the ball and work it up the pitch before feeding it into Zaneratto who weaves her way through the defenders to add to the scoreline. The seventh and final goal did come from Bay and Joelle Anderson set up Tess Boade who took on several players before making her way down the left wing and finishing from close range.
Portland Thorns are hungrily looking for their first win of the season as they take on Houston Dash. With Christine Sinclair, Sophie Smith, Olivia Moulrie and Janine Beckie. All on target for the thorns it means that they pick up their first set of three points. While Diana Ordonez was on target for the Dash. The thorns got off to a dominant and fast pace in the first few minutes, with Sinclair finding herself sending a volley into the box after being set up by Smith. Smith finds herself in the thick of the action once again as she finds the ball at her feet as she outpaces the Dash backline and sends her shot past the diving figure of Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell. Dash soon found themselves a chance at goal in the 42nd minute when Elin Rubensson went to lob the ball over the head of thorns goalkeeper Shelby Hogan but she managed to reach back and punch the ball into safety. Straight after half time the Dash were constantly pressing the ball, which resulted in them turning the ball over as the combination between Michelle Alozie and Avery Patterson brought the ball into Dash possession and Alozie sent the cross in and Orzonez capitalised on it and found the back of the net. The final two goals came from Moultrie and Beckie. As Moultrie is threaded the ball through the box by Smith to find the back of the net and Beckie steals the ball of the Dash Defender before dribbling up the field to take on Campbell one on one and she doesn’t miss.
First half goals from Chicago Red Stars means they beat Seattle Reign FC away from home. Goal came from Ally Schlegel and Mallory Swanson for the red stars while Tziarra King was the sole scorer for Reign. The red stars also announce that Ava Cook has a season ending ACL injury. The first goal of the night came from a link up between Swanson and Schlegel as they weaved their way through the Reign defence before Schledge found the back of the net. Reign then spent the rest of the first half defending and not having any shots on goal. The red stars nearly had a third just minutes later as Swanson fired a shot towards goal and rattled the cross bar. As the game was approaching halftime Swanson unleashed a shot towards Reign keeper Laurel Ivory who was unable to stop her from scoring. Reign came out with energy and displaced urgency, want and quality after half time as they pressed high up the pitch and found success as they were picking up more loose balls. Using this technique Reign picked up a corner where rookie Emeri Adames sent a fast paced shot volleying towards the bottom corner of the goal but it was saved off the line. Tziarra King came on as a substitution in the 77th minutes making immediate impact as she scored just two minutes after coming onto the field as Welsh international Jess Fishlock plates the ball to the feet of king outside the 18 yard box took a touch before launching the ball to the upper right corner of the goal and adding her first goal to the tally for the season. Regin maintained their high press for the rest of the second half but were unable to find an equaliser.
Photo: Angle City Website
A brace from Claire Emslie means that Angle City steals all three points at home to the North Carolina Courage. Tyler Lussi scored the sole goal for the Courage as they failed to gain any points. The opening minutes of the match were quiet as Angle City allowed courage to press them but held their shape and were not allowing them through. In the 22nd minute City had their first breakthrough as Alyssa Thompson was fouled just outside the 18 yard box which resulted in a free kick. Emslie steps up to take it and she curls it over the wall and inside the right post. The rest of the first half was quiet with no attempts on goal but both teams were pressing. The second goal for Angle City came from Emslie again as Lily Nabet sent the ball to Thompson who sent a pinpointed ball into the path of Emslie who beat the two remaining defenders and chipped the ball over Courage goalkeeper Murphy’s head and into the back of the net. The goal for Courage came in the 73rd minute from a free kick from defender Feli Rauch fell to the far side of the six-yard box and Tyler Lussi got a touch on it to send it into the back of the net. Both teams are now pushing for a goal with the biggest chances coming from Thompson for Angle City and Ashley Sanchez for Courage. But neither team was able to find another goal.
Ceri Flye (Left) scored for Norwich City in their 4-1 home win over AFC Sudbury. Credit – Norwich City Women FC
FA Women’s National League Division One South East
Norwich City rounded off their home fixtures for the season with a 4-1 win over AFC Sudbury. Natasha Snelling scored a brace with Ceri Flye and Lauren Hailes scoring the other two goals. Aliyat Lambe scored for AFC Sudbury.
Eastern Region Premier Division
Wroxham were 2-1 winners at home to Stevenage thanks to a brace from Lara Densley. Hannah Nebbitt got the goal for Stevenage.
Eastern Region Division One North
Dussindale & Hellesdon continue to lead the way in Tier Six following a 4-0 win at Stevenage Development. Alisha Juby scored a brace with Siesha Humphries and Isabelle Moore scoring the other goals.
Mulbarton Wanderers continued their fine form with a 2-0 win over Biggleswade United, the goals were scored by Rebekah Lake and Molly Ryan.
Fakenham Town were beaten 5-1 at home by Haprenden Town. Shelley Woods scored for Fakenham Town but a Sophia Amanor Hat-Trick and a Rebecca McShane brace saw Harpenden Town take all three points.
Rebekah Lake (Right) scored for Mulbarton Wanderers in their 2-0 win over Biggleswade United. Credit – Ben Cunningham
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One
Sprowston took over the lead of Tier Seven with a 5-0 win over University of East Anglia. Bailey Duffield and Holly Whayman both scored a brace each with Rose Milligan scoring the other goal.
It has been a good few days for Bungay Town, who now sit second after two victories, on Wednesday night Bungay Town were 6-0 home winners vs University of East Anglia thanks to a Zoe Cossey Hat-Trick and goals from Brooke Osborne, Mia Rose and Selina Rowland.
They followed that up on Sunday with a hard fought 2-1 win at Mulbarton Wanderers Development. Laura Thacker and Ciera Flatt scored for Bungay Town with Lucy Kean getting the goal for Mulbarton Wanderers.
Caister got back to winning ways after their defeat at Sprowston last week by winning 9-1 at Thorpe St Andrew. Lauren Goulder scored four goals, Rebecca Waters and Hazel Saddington scored a brace each with Bethany Turner getting their other goal.
Rebecca Waters (Red) scored a brace for Caister in their 9-1 win at Thorpe St Andrew. Credit – SG Photography
Costessey Sports recorded an impressive 2-0 win at Kings Lynn Soccer Club thanks to goals from Harriet Pike and Natasha Youngs.
Long Stratton were 4-2 winners at home to North Walsham Town thanks to a brace each from Elisha Bower and Caitlin Skipper. Kiera Brown and Rio Dobbie scored for North Walsham Town.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two
Stalham Town continue to lead the way following a 9-1 victory at Horsford Harriers. Abigail Gower scored five with Kerri Eke and Charlotte Fisher getting a brace each.
Bure Valley remain hot on Stalham’s tail with an impressive 3-0 win against in form Shrublands. A goal each from Emily Addison, Danielle Barnes and Emma Macmillan saw the hosts claim the points.
Action from the match between Bure Valley (Red) and Shrublands. Credit – Steve Wood
Beccles Town Development were 9-0 winners at home to Martham. Alesha Tuttle scored a hat-trick, there was a brace each from Libby Elder and Saffron Jones-Yates and a goal each from Stevie Potter and Vicky Bloomfield.
Mundford were 10-0 winners at home to Freethorpe. Niamh Underhill and Bethany Seymour both scored a hat-trick with Sophia Price, Lauren Roberts, Tiffany Seymour and Atlanta Stevenson scoring the other four goals.
FC Viking Valkyries were 8-0 winners at home to Red Rose thanks to 7 goals from Jessica Bennett and a goal from Paige Hill.
A Lucie Morley Hat-Trick saw Great Yarmouth Town record a 3-0 home win against Horsford Hurricanes.
Emma Macmillan (Left) scored for Bure Valley in their 3-0 win over Shrublands. Credit – Shay Porter
Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One
Mulbarton Wanderers secured their title with a 2-0 home win over Rockland thanks to goals from Alice Ladbrooke and Joanne Hooper.
Taverham were 1-0 winners at home to Dussindale & Hellesdon thanks to a goal from Hannah Parker.
Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two
Fc Viking Valkyries were 2-1 winners at home to Hockering.
University of East Anglia were 3-1 winners at Aylsham.
It was a very happy day for Costessey Sports as they were 2-0 winners at Kings Lynn Soccer Club in Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One. Credit – Karl Wharam
Above: Karen and Sara Holmgaard teamed up and gave Everton the advantage on the South Coast.Photo: WSL.
Fireworks welcomed Brighton and Everton to the pitch. The teams went into the fixture knowing that safety in the Women’s Super League was all but mathematically confirmed.
The game started pretty cagey in the opening 10-15 minutes with a lot of balls being played out from the back and not a lot of chances challenged either keeper. Sophie Baggaley was challenged first by the Everton attack, no threat was posed to the Brighton keeper, she jumped to collect. A few minutes later Benninson’s pass to Sara Holmgaard had Baggeley make the stop with her fingertips to keep Brighton out of danger.
Everton’s high press was working well throughout the first half, the only thing that was missed was the finishing product. They forced Brighton into many defensive errors throughout the first half, making more work for the back line.
Last 10 minutes of the half and Brighton looked more comfortable in the game. Attacking more and winning corners which also lacked the final product. Long balls from the defensive midfield wouldn’t find Terland up front and were easily cleared by the Everton defence.
Maisie Symonds was a force in the midfield winning balls and turning them over to create chances throughout the first half. She won the ball in the defensive half, and found Katie Robinson who took it on and danced round the Everton defence, but hit the side netting as she attempted to cross it in.
0-0 at half time was a reasonable score line, both teams challenging the opposition goalkeeper but lacked any realquality in the final third.
Second half kicked off and the first chance goes Brighton’s way Vanhaevermaet’s misplaced header fell straight into the feet of Veatriki Sarri, but she was caught out by the offside flag in the build-up.
First booking went to Everton’s Stenevik for a slicing tackle which wiped out Katie Robinson. The ball from the free kick progressed into the final third where Terland’s volley went just wide of the post. Brighton looked the most threatening of the sides in the opening 10 minutes of the second half but still lacked the quality in the box.
Substitute Karen Holmgaard send the visitors in front in on the hour mark. Sara Holmgaard finds her sister in a one-two sending the ball into Karen who headed it home. Their lead was short lived after Maisie Symonds free kick rattled the crossbar, finding the feet of Tatiana Pinto who forced the ball into the roof of the net three minutes later.
Everton restored their lead as Aurora Galli took the ball from Vanhaevermaet’s play and was one-on-one with Sophie Baggaley. Baggaley brough Galli down which looked like a penalty. Referee Kirsty Dowle played advantage as Bergsvandstruck the loose ball into her own net in the 72nd minute.
Brighton clawed for the equaliser in stoppage time winning corner after corner trying to scramble the ball into the net to impress the nearly 5,000 fans inside the stadium.
Full time score: Brighton 1-2 Everton. The Toffee’s took all three points back to Merseyside.
Everton manager Brian Sorensen said, “[the win] was extremely important to us.” He continued, “I think we started fine the first half, we controlled… [in the second half] they started throwing everything… way too open, too transitionaland for you guys and the fans probably fun to watch… I’d enjoy to be in more control of the game.” He spoke of injuries which has troubled the team in recent weeks, “we play the same style regardless of who is on the team sheet. Karen and Sara were good today”
“With the season we’ve had we could easily have bottled thatand not show character. Really important that we scored that goal against the run of play” Sorensen had signed his new deal the day before the game and believes he has laid the foundation for success for the rest of his tenure as Everton manager.
Brighton interim coach Mikey Harris said, “it wasn’t the fairy tale result we wanted at the AMEX, what I do think it was an entertaining game.” He spoke of his frustration of a potential penalty which he believes his side should’ve been given, “it would’ve been a good opportunity for us to get something out of the game.” His overall comments being “I felt like it was a fairly even game… a bit too open in the second half”
It would be fair to say if it was asked to a good percentage of women’s football fans in this country, they would not have predicted a Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FA cup final at the start of the season but last weekend, both teams booked their tickets to Wembley in style.
Questions started. Would Manchester United be able to overcome what has been a difficult season for them? Or would the ever improving Tottenham Hotspur be able to get over the line? But the final twist of all that is part of Tottenham’s success this season had come because of Grace Clinton – who just so happens to be on loan from the red side of Manchester so unable to play any matches between the two.
This weekend provided the perfect opportunity for both teams as they played each in the Women’s Super League and it is fair to say it was an exciting match up.
Manchester United took an early lead from a free kick with Lyon loanee Melvine Malard finding the back of the net with an assist from Gemma Evans. The red’s player of the match had to be Leah Galton though. They have definitely been missing her. Her vision, her creativity and running down the wing is next to none. She created many chances for the team but there was no end product. The attack became more sluggish as the game went on and players were becoming more frustrated. Geyse, Rachel Williams and Lucía García came on during the game and attempted to help the Reds find their equaliser but struggled which sometimes was because Amy James-Turner was there at the right time.
One of the Tottenham questions was soon answered with both captain Bethany England and last weekend’s heroine Martha Thomas both starting in the midfield with rising star Jess Naz up front. It is fair to say it worked – until an early substitute had to be made when Thomas was forced to come off.
Depending on what angle, it appeared that Drew Spence had found the back of the net for the equaliser but in fact, it was England who had the last touch on the ball. Spence was still credited for the assist. A few moments later, Naz gave them the lead after a link up with Matilda Vinberg which did leave many fans wondering what was Mary Earps doing to not stop that goal going in?
As the game continued, tensions rose as a total of five yellow cards were given.
Substitute García found her shirt being pulled not once but twice. By Vinberg then Amanda Nildén. The Reds were given many free kicks but nothing came from them. They struggled to create any chances to find themselves on the scoresheet again.
Both Earps and Becky Spencer were forced to pull off saves as the game was 2-1 for the majority of the time. It was looking like Tottenham would take all three points and deny United their chance to get back into the top four.
Then, the Reds had the opportunity with two corners and Earps going up each time to try and level the score. First time denied. Second time, Maya Le Tissier found the back of the net in the dying moments of the game to make it level.
The reserve fixture this season was 0-5 to United and Tottenham have never won a game against them. A draw and a point will be disappointing but a start for the travelling team. As for the hosts, not so much. The result will force them to keep pushing and trying to get back up the table. Because they are fourth again but only on goal difference, which is proving to be the deciding factor in the season.
Tottenham can play without Grace Clinton, which will be a relief for them but they will need to try and explore different options if they are to win the FA cup. As for United, they need more rotation in attack. They have some of the best attackers in the league but sometimes it does not always work. Nikita Parris had been on an incredible run for them up until last month. Something they nearly always do is pull out of the bag when it comes down to it. The United from last season is very different to this season but the same can be said for Tottenham.
Many might not have predicted this match up for Wembley but after the game ending in a draw. Tottenham forced to try new things, both teams coming from behind, a wray of different aspects, the FA cup final promises to be one of the best there has been. Not only will a new team win for the first time but after this WSL game, it is actually hard to say who will lift the trophy. It is truly anyone’s game. For neutrals, it promises to be cinematic. Both teams saw each other vulnerable at times but also some of their strong points so they can go away and work on that.
If this was the warm up, what will the final be like? The battle is truly on. Not only for the final but for the middle of the table. United now sit in the top four on 32 points and on the same amount as Liverpool but goal difference is proving to be the ultimate ally this season. Tottenham sit on 26 points and are 6th. Six points from the top four spot is something that they could have dreamed of this time last year as they faced relegation. The gap is closing and the Women’s Super League is heating with competition.
Ben Gilby and Ava-Marianne Elliott provide a full report each along with all the details from the round’s other two matches in a weekend with goals galore! (22/4/24).
Above:Epril Nossent (centre, sky blue shirt) and Jess Flannery (left, sky blue shirt) were key figures in Perth SC’s win at UWA-Nedlands yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Game of the week:
Balcatta Etna 4-2 Hyundai NTC
by Ben Gilby
Balcatta Etna got back to winning ways at the first attempt with a vital win over previously unbeaten Hyundai NTC in an exciting game of attacking football in front of a big crowd at Grindleford Reserve on Friday Night.
The packed grandstand and area outside the club rooms and barbeque included a large number of youngsters who were all eager to get a glimpse of NPLW WA football.
Visiting head coach Ben Anderton was without at least five potential starters for his unbeaten side for this showdown, with attacker Klaudia Houlis a key absentee along with Jess Skinner, Hannah Collinson, Ella Marwick, and Emily Garnett.
Despite this, it was the visitors who made the fast start with Violet Longmore finding Mia Britton out on the right flank. Britton would be a hugely influential figure for the NTC throughout with her ability to beat players along the channel and supply targeted balls into the box. On this occasion, Monique D’Opera initially dealt with the danger, only for the ball to come to Angelique Clayton whose effort was charged down.
Shortly afterwards, Britton was involved again as she supplied the equally outrageous young talent of Jess Johnson, but the attacker, who lit up last season with Murdoch University Melville at the age of just 13 saw her long-range effort held by Bennett.
Balcatta could point to Jamie-Lee Gale’s effort which came crashing back off the bar ahead of them building their way into the game from the 10-minute mark onwards.
The catalyst initially was the vision and ball-playing ability of Faye Phillips who began to link the play with real craft. This in turn brought in the midfield skills of Abbey Meakins and the danger of Lucy Jerram on the right – Balcatta were starting to fire.
D’Opera’s free-kick on the edge of the box, to the right of centre caught the NTC napping as she played it low to Gale outside her on the flank to play it into the box. Whilst the danger was initially cleared, Gale was supplied once more to pull a cross in for Monique Godding to find Jerram on the edge of the box. Whilst Jerram put the ball over the top, it would prove to be the sighter she needed.
Meakins was now pulling the strings in midfield. With the former Perth SC star influential, along with Phillips, Gale, and Jerram, Balcatta were imposing their fast passing style allied with vision to make the runs in possession, with an extreme rapid press on the NTC when without the ball – and the reward followed.
GOAL! 16:09
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Balcatta Etna FC W in the Balcatta Etna FC W vs Hyundai NTC W match at Grindleford Reserve.
Jukic found Gale who then returned a pass for Jerram to let fly with her trademark rocket of a left foot to fire home for Balcatta to hit the front with 17 minutes played.
At this point, the NTC’s trademark routine of playing out from the back at all costs was playing into Balcatta’s hands. Pete Rakic’s side were employing the rapid press which was squeezing their teenage visitors into their own half, and for much of the time, their own final third.
With 25 minutes on the clock, Balcatta doubled their advantage as Jerram advanced along the left and played the ball for Godding who perfectly threaded a diagonal pass for Meakins to direct into the net from close range for her fourth goal from four games this season.
The home side were now displaying their best football of the season. They were visibly confident in imposing their game plan.
The NTC’s key to their spell of attacks in the early stages of the game was getting Britton into the action along their right. Her team’s gradual reintroduction into the game from an attacking sense in the final 15 minutes or so of the half was largely due to her being supplied with possession once more.
Just after the half-hour mark, Louise Tana was fouled on the right-hand side edge of the box. The resulting free-kick was played in for Chloe Gaspar to fire in a shot before Longmore’s follow-up was dealt with. Five minutes later, Tana had a real chance after she was able to advance into the box after a misplaced clearance from Balcatta’s Liana Cook. However, when it came to the final shot, there wasn’t quite enough power to beat the diving Rebecca Bennett.
The final chance of the half went the way of the hosts as Jerram supplied Meakins, who in turn fed Godding but her shot was well saved by Megan Phillips in the NTC goal.
Balcatta came out firing at the start of the second term with Gale involved with two great chances. First, she played in Meakins who gained no reward, and then Gale herself had a shot that Phillips saved.
The home side kept plugging away, and after Meakins sent a 25-yard free-kick just wide of the right-hand upright. Rachel Jarvis played an excellent one-two with Jerram which carved their way through the NTC defence resulting in Jarvis seeing a shot saved by Phillips.
The key for NTC’s attack continued to be Britton, and she was rewarded for her efforts. With 67 minutes played, Megan Phillips released for substitute Theodora Mouithys to advance up the left and find Clayton who flicked the ball exquisitely over her marker and through for Johnson. Johnson fed Clayton once more before Britton was played in along the right. She drove up her flank and then sent a glorious curling shot high into the net beating Bennett.
GOAL! 66:42
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Hyundai NTC W in the Balcatta Etna FC W vs Hyundai NTC W match at Grindleford Reserve.
This superb strike set off a hugely enjoyable final 20 minutes that produced a further three goals.
Balcatta pressed forward and regained their two-goal advantage as Meakins played substitute Monique Prinsloo in along the centre to run into the box and let fly with a powerful shot that Megan Phillips did well to push away, but it fell for Faye Phillips who couldn’t miss from close range.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, the home side had a chance to finish the game once and for all as Alyssa van Heurck lifted a pass through for Prinsloo who had acres of space to run into, but Phillips made the save.
The NTC knew that they had a way to unlock the Balcatta defence with Britton, and again it proved to be the case. With six minutes remaining, she turned in the centre channel and laid off for Mouthiys to advance and use her upper body strength to hold off D’Opera and slot home. There was just a single goal in it once more.
GOAL! 94:57
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Balcatta Etna FC W in the Balcatta Etna FC W vs Hyundai NTC W match at Grindleford Reserve.
The clock ticked into stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes and just before the final whistle went, Gale’s run along the right concluded with her supplying a low ball into the box for an unmarked Prinsloo to comfortably direct the ball into the net first time from inside the six-yard box to finally seal the three points for Balcatta.
This was an excellent game of attacking football combined with some astute tactical play – something you come to expect when teams coached by Pete Rakic and Ben Anderton face off.
It was a vital win for the home side in defeating a top-four rival – but Mia Britton showed that players with pace and guile can trouble the Balcatta backline. Her creativity, pace, and vision caused real problems, and the NTC can take real confidence from what they were able to manufacture at times offensively despite being without a number of players.
Teams: BALCATTA ETNA: Bennett, van Heurck, Cook, M. D’Opera, Jarvis, Meakins, Godding, F. Phillips, Jerram, Gale, Jukic. Substitutes: Bricklebank, Comito, Hocking, Bulgaru, Prinsloo, Davis.
Scorers: Jerram 17′, Meakins 25′, F. Phillips 75′, Prinsloo 90+5′.
HYUNDAI NTC: M. Phillips, C. Gaspar, Hope, Johnson, Longmore, Clayton, Collins, Johnson, Tana, Archibald, Britton. Substitutes: Borg, Healy, O’Halloran, Mouithys, E. Gaspar, Brooks.
Scorer: Britton 67′, Mouthiys 84′.
Referee: Adrian Liechti.
In-depth review:
Subiaco 2-7 Fremantle City
by Ava-Marianne Elliott
Above: Fremantle City’s Olivia Trueman, who scored two goals yesterday at Subiaco. Photo: Denyse McCulloch.
In a game with no shortage of action, Fremantle City put on a convincing show away to Subiaco.
It was a high-stakes game for Fremantle who went into the game at Rosalie Park without a point to their name. Ever-improving Subiaco wouldn’t be an easy task for Faye Chambers’ team, and it became even more evident when the hosts opened the scoring.
Just six minutes into her first start of the season so far, Marianna Tabain proved exactly why she’s such a key figure, wasting no time in putting her side one goal ahead of the visitors. Tabain found the back of Dayle Schroeder’s net after an excellent run between Fremantle’s defence, cutting between the bodies in the final third and finding the space to score.
Although having the advantage, Subi had work to do to keep the game rolling in their favour as Freo upped the intensity, searching for an early equaliser. The visitors’ relentless effort quickly paid off, when Clara Hoarau, in her first start of the campaign after Perth Glory’s A-League Women campaign came to an end, pressured the home sides defence into error.
Misfortune struck for the hosts again in quick succession, as just ten minutes later they conceded their second goal of the half despite their original early lead. The Fremantle forwards worked to pressure the Subiaco backline yet again pushed them into error and left them to concede with Janice Kiama getting herself on the scoresheet.
The fourth goal of the half came after a sublime sequence of build-up play from Freo a minute before the break. The excellent Olivia Trueman was on target to ensure the visitors had a clear margin at the break.
Above: Janice Kiama (left) – who hit a brace for Fremantle City at Rosalie Park yesterday. Photo: Fremantle CIty FC.
The first ten minutes saw both sides come out with intensity. Although Subi had some dominant spells, Freo were arguably still the stronger side. The visitors’ first big chance of the half came nine minutes in after being awarded a corner, Kiama successfully sent the ball into the back of Subiaco’s net for the second time in the match.
However, just four minutes later, Subi hit back as Cass Harvey found her way through the Freo defensive line, finding yards of space to take a shot at goal. The stunning strike into the right-hand side of the goal officially brought the hosts back within two.
However, with 19 minutes left, the game-breaking goal was scored. Subiaco looked to have initially defended a Freo corner successfully, however Trueman was yet to have her say as she made space to hit a shot that put her side three clear. Moments later, Hoarau became the third Fremantle player to secure a brace, as in the 72nd minute she sent a shot into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal with ease.
Just 12 minutes after being substituted onto the field, Anna Powell successfully secured seventh and final goal for Freo a minute into stoppage time despite Subiaco’s best efforts to deny her.
The final whistle was confirmed Fremantle’s first win of the season. For Greg Farrell’s side, despite defeat, it was another credit-worthy performance in a competitive fixture.
Obtaining three points leaves Fremantle in the sixth-place spot in the ladder, with Subiaco still ahead of them by a single point after round four of the NPLW WA.
Above: Perth SC’s Ella Lincoln, who scored at hat-trick on Sunday in her side’s win at UWA-Nedlands. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch.
Perth SC established themselves in second place on the ladder with a comprehensive victory at the UWA Sports Park in Sunday’s early match.
The Azzurri hit the front with 13 minutes played as Ella Lincoln turned her marker on the edge of the box and laid off behind her for Daisy McAllister to fire home a glorious finish into the top right-hand corner.
Just three minutes later, Perth SC doubled their lead when following a dropped ball that resulted when two footballs were on the pitch at once, Lincoln was played in on the right by a perfectly weighted pass to draw home goalkeeper Morgan Springer and roll the ball across the American and into the net.
Shortly before the half-hour mark, the visitors increased their lead once more. Jess Flannery was found in acres of space just in from the left flank and cut in on goal. Springer slid out to deny the Perth speedster, but could only direct the ball to Lincoln to dispatch home.
It became 4-0 eight minutes before the break as the home defence gave the ball away to Epril Nossent on the right flank over 20 yards from goal who took a touch and looped a spectacular shot over the top of Springer.
GOAL! 36:40
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth SC W in the UWA Nedlands FC W vs Perth SC W match at UWA Sports Park.
There was still time for the visitors to grab another before the break. Excellent partnership play along the left between Flannery and Lincoln won their side a corner which Kimberly McCartney floated over for Nossent to head in at the near post as she ran across to get free of her marker.
It took Perth SC only five minutes of the second half to extend their lead further when Sam Mathers’ low free kick from the left of centre went across the dive of Springer and into the far corner of the net.
The visitors completed their tally in the 57th minute. Flannery, on the left, supplied Lincoln with a perfectly weighted pass. The attacker turned one marker in the box but was brought down by the second. Lincoln picked herself up and rolled the penalty cooly down the middle.
UWA-Nedlands had the final say less than 60 seconds later. Isabelle Dadswell advanced along the left and played a beautifully weighted ball forward towards Emily Dinsdale. Perth failed to clear, and Dinsdale took advantage to lift a shot into the net from the edge of the box.
GOAL! 58:36
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for UWA Nedlands FC W in the UWA Nedlands FC W vs Perth SC W match at UWA Sports Park.
Whilst newcomers UWA-Nedlands have done it tough on the scoreboard over the last two weeks when facing heavyweights Perth RedStar and Perth SC back to back, those are not the opponents who will decide the team’s ability to avoid relegation. Lawrence Lyons’ side have a break next week with a bye in the first round of the State Cup and can prepare for a really important game upon the return to NPLW WA action on 5th May when Murdoch University Melville, with a point all season, come to UWA Sports Park.
Murdoch University Melville 0-7 Perth RedStar
It was another tough afternoon for bottom side Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) as an unbeaten Perth RedStar side ran out comfortable winners at Besteam Stadium.
RedStar fielded three of their cohort of Japanese players, all of whom were hugely influential with Reina Kagami scoring a hat-trick and supplying an assist. Monoko Sakairi recorded a goal and an assist, and Arai Manami provided an assist as well.
The visitors went ahead with just four minutes on the clock. Close season arrival Manami was found at the edge of the box and laid off for compatriot Kagami outside her to fire home a half-volley.
It was 2-0 just two minutes later as Caitlin Doeglas’ free-kick just outside the box on the left caused chaos after it came flying into the box and back off the inside of the right-hand post and bounced down. The hosts failed to clear, allowing Sakairi to pounce for her first NPLW WA goal from parallel to the penalty spot.
GOAL! 06:24
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth Redstar W in the MUM FC W vs Perth Redstar W match at Besteam Stadium at Murdoch University.
The visitors increased their lead with 21 minutes played. A poor clearance from MUM FC keeper Manon Gebauer went straight to Sakairi on the edge of the box to play a one-to with Renee Leota before lifting a beautifully weighted pass over the top for Kagami to direct home as Gebauer went down awkwardly on the surface.
RedStar erased any lingering doubt as to the outcome of the match with two further goals in the final four minutes of the half. The first of which was a team move of the highest order involving Katie Ritchie, Sarah Carroll, Manami, Sakairi, and Andreia Teixeira playing a total of 10 passes between them which cut a swathe not just around, but through the Murdoch University Melville midfield and defence. It concluded with Manami’s low ball across from the right that totally dissected the MUM FC defence for Kagami to turn home from close range. This was Perth RedStar at their sumptuous best.
GOAL! 41:57
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth Redstar W in the MUM FC W vs Perth Redstar W match at Besteam Stadium at Murdoch University.
Then, right on the 45-minute mark, Doeglas’ corner from the right was only cleared as far as Carroll on the edge of the box. The former Perth Glory star took a touch and slammed a half-volley into the bottom right-hand corner of the net as Perth RedStar went in at the break 5-0 ahead.
It took 12 minutes of the second period for the visitors to further extend their advantage as RedStar delivered a move of ruthless effectiveness that cut right through the middle of Murdoch University Melville. Sakairi gained possession inside her own half and fed Kagami centrally ahead of her who beat a player and supplied Jayna Ridley who took a touch and rolled the ball into the net from just inside the box.
Into the final 10 minutes, it became 7-0 when Doeglas motored up the left flank, beating two defenders and laying the ball across low for Ridley to sweep home her second.
This was a tough day at the office for Murdoch University Melville, but in adversity they kept battling and trying hard to maintain their shape. They will face a challenging State Cup match next weekend at home to the ambitious lower division side Perth AFC before a vital showdown at UWA-Nedlands when the NPLW WA returns in a fortnight.
Table From: Squadi
Next week the NPLW WA takes a break as the State Cup gets underway.
STATE CUP ROUND ONE FIXTURES FOR NEXT WEEKEND:
Hamersley United v Perth RedStar, Mandurah City v Hyundai NTC, Murdoch University Melville v Perth AFC, Balcatta Etna v Sorrento.
Byes: Fremantle City, Perth SC, Subiaco, UWA-Nedlands,
Article and gallery by Jean-Pierre Thiesset (21/4/24).
Above: Michele Kang, OL Women owner,visiting the fans before the game. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
Without Ada Hegerberg and Eugénie Le Sommer, Lyon was playing without its 2 best scorers in front of its attack. However, Olympique Lyonnais dominated largely the first half but did not score due to a lack of efficiency in front of Paris Saint-Germain goal, putting the ball outside of the nets on most of their shots, and due to a huge performance of Constance Picaud, PSG goalkeeper. Lyon’s ineffiency came back to haunt them right before half-time as Marie-Antoinette Katoto fired PSG in front.
Above: Marie-Antoinette Katoto, PSG (9), was not only scoring but also helping her teammates in defense, here battling with Melchie Dumornay. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
The second half started as the first was concluded, with a goal from Marie-Antoinette Katoto at the 48th minute. From here, Lyon seemed doomed with a two-goal deficit with PSG still pushing hard and nearly scoring a third.
Above: Wendie Renard, Lyon white shirt, battling in the center of Paris SG defense. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
But, all was not lost for Lyon as their players kept fighting, showing incredible spirit and tenacity. They took the game back into their own hands, controlling possession and had several opportunities after the 60 minute mark, but still failed to capitalise on their chances.
Above: Kadidiatou Diani, Lyon white shirt, and Jade Le Guilly, PSG (28). Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
However, in the 75th minute, two pivotal changes were made that had a big impact on the game: PSG replaced Jade Le Guilly who was having a great performance preventing Lyon players from scoring and Lyon put Amel Majri on her attack in place of Delphine Cascarino. The experienced Lyon winger made a real change in energy for the hosts.
Above: Dumornay fights for the ball while sandwiched in between two PSG players. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
5 minutes later, Lyon finally breached Picaud’s defence and scored, with Kadidiatou Diani finishing off a nice ball form Ellie Carpenter. From this moment, Lyon had an extraordinary period of play, scoring three times in 6 minutes. An outstanding shot from Melchie Dumornay on the 85th minute stunned fans and levelled up the match before Amel Majri completed Lyon’s comeback with a neat shot in the 86th minute.
Above: Amel Majri celebrating her goal with Selma Bacha. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
Melchie Dumornay, Lyon, who had an outstanding performance with 1 goal and 1 assist within 2 minutes, was elected player of the match.
While the fans had been subdued when PSG took and doubled their lead, the stadium exploded as the comeback was on. Chanting and singing took over the stadium and there is no doubt it propelled Lyon to one of the best comebacks in women’s football. Looking ahead to the second leg, Lyon not only have a one goal lead, but a real mental advantage over their rivals.
Above: a record crowd arrived at Maitland Sports Ground to watch Newcastle vs Melbourne City. Image: Newcastle Jets
A clinical Melbourne City have won the first leg of the semi final against The Newcastle Jets 3-0. Goals to Daniela Galic, Emina Ekic and Shelby McMahon gave City a commanding lead heading into next week’s match, while some dogged, resolute and organized defending ensured a clean sheet.
City coach Dario Vidosic named an attacking squad to travel to face The Jets. The bench featured only one recognized defender in Julia Grosso. Galic started as a roaming centre forward and was joined in attack by Ekic and Rhianna Pollicina.
Newcastle elevated Young Matilda Lara Gooch into the starting lineup. Sarina Bolden joined her and Laura Allan as part of a front three with MelindaJ Barbieri and Libby Copus-Brown close behind.
The match started with both sides looking to impose themselves on the contest. The Jets pressed high and immediately with the intent to pressure City into making errors deep in defence. The pace of Gooch and the tenacity of Bolden caused some nervy moments at times, but The City back four remained composed.
Five minutes into the match, the visitors had the lead. Bryleeh Henry won the ball on the right flank and combined with Leticia Mckenna to tee up Pollicina. The playmaker’s effort crashed off the woodwork, but Galic was well positioned to tuck home the rebound and give her side the advantage.
It was an attacking first half by both sides, but clear cut chances were few. Bolden was forced deep to gather possession, and aside from some set pieces, was kept relatively quiet by Taylor Otto and Rebekah Sott.
Copus-Brown’s long-range ability and Gooch’s confident running were Newcastle’s best avenues to goal. Gooch twice tested Barbara in the City goal. first with a cut inside and left footed effort that forced a save, then an attempted chip on goal with her right boot that had the Brazilian backpedalling.
City entered the break 1-0 up, but not without work to do, and the mood was far from celebratory after Karly Roestbakken was withdrawn with what looked like a serious ankle injury. The 2019 World Cup defender had been crucial for City’s premiership winning run in the last few weeks and after an injury ridden two years, it was particularly hard to see.
City made adjustments in the second half. Stott shifted wider to man-mark the dangerous Gooch. The youngster has speed and confidence that earmark her as a potential national team star, and it was a mark of her impact that the City captain took on the task of stopping her.
This was done rather successfully. Stott stayed tight on the winger, rarely letting her turn in possession or pick up any speed running toward goal. With Bolden remaining well marshalled and Henry keeping Allan in check, it began to feel like City had gained control over the match despite some early momentum from the Jets.
Any hope that the record crowd might have had was dampened when Ekic doubled the lead in the 61st minute. Laura Hughes turned cleverly on the left and played a deadly ball across goal that the Bosnian international was able to tap home at the far post.
The assist was reward for an exceptional game from Hughes. Her dogged and skilful display in midfield may have been her best performance in a City shirt. Since arriving at the start of the season from Canberra United, Hughes has been a reliable presence in the centre of the park, but was truly outstanding in the semi-final first leg. She won every ball possible, relished the physicality that the Jets sought to bring and moved the ball with confidence either by dribbling it herself or with some well-chosen passes.
It was a match winning effort from the midfielder. Both tireless and classy and Newcastle had no answer for her influence.
With the match nearing an end, Newcastle had two choices. To try and keep the score at 2-0 and hope for a better away leg, or to try and pull a goal back. In front of a record home crowd they chose the latter.
Melina Ayres was brought on to replace Bolden, and City answered by subbing on Hannah Wilkinson. The club’s leading scorer was left in reserve with Vidosic preferring a more mobile, fast paced attack, but her experience was important in the late stages of this game.
Caitlin Karic made her first appearance after returning from injury and Shelby McMahon entered the fray. The Junior Matildas captain sealed the premiership for City weeks ago with an excellent solo goal against Perth Glory, and capped off an excellent win with another brilliant finish to make it 3-0 in the 77th minute.
A curling pass by Bryleeh Henry found McMahon in the penalty box. Curiously she was allowed to control and turn under little pressure and her finish was perfectly placed over Tiahna Robertson in the Newcastle goal.
The Jets continued to push for goal to claw back the deficit and Gooch came closest from a goalmouth scramble, but City threw bodies in front of the line to block the shot.
The win sees Melbourne City head home with a commanding lead for the second leg, but more importantly in confident form in front of goal. If there has been a consistent criticism of the league leaders it is that they were unable to finish enough chances despite dominating possession.
In this first final, they took their chances and created them in different ways, although it must be said that both Hughes and Henry were instrumental in the win. Both players successfully fought for possession in key areas and were damaging with the ball once they had it.
The loss of Roestbakken remains the only downside to this game, and Newcastle need to find something special to claw back from 3-0 down next weekend.
Above: Rising star Indian Dos Santos tussles for the ball in the midfield ahead of teammate Mackenzie Hawkesby. Photo: Sydney FC.
Sydney and Central Coast Mariners produced a semi-final first leg of the highest order at the beautiful Industree Group Stadium on the waterside in Gosford.
It was a rematch of one of the most chaotic matches of the regular season that was played in Sydney back in January. The Mariners were looking to replicate that result, whereas Sydney was out to exact revenge on the shocking defeat at home.
The match began at a very high tempo, both teams playing free-flowing, attacking football. Sydney definitely had the better of the chances in the opening 10 minutes, with both Cortnee Vine and Princess Ibini coming very close to scoring. After that, the Mariners began to wrestle control of the match back, creating the better of the chances for the next 10 or so minutes. Sydney keeper, Jada Whyman, was forced to snuff out a dangerous chance from Matilda Kyah Simon at the very last moment.
Just before the half hour mark, the pressure pendulum swung back the other way. Vine found herself in the attacking third with the ball at her feet. She used her lightning-quick pace and great footwork to breeze past two defenders and run at the Mariners keeper, Casey Dumont, the hero of last week’s penalty shootout against Melbourne Victory. Vine took a good shot on goals, but Dumont made a clutch, point-blank save to deny the Matildas star.
Vine’s chance provided a wake-up call for the Mariners, who tighten up their defence again and throw a lot of bodies further up the pitch in an effort to break down Sydney’s own defences. The building Central Coast pressure resulted in a good attack that saw Whyman out of position and Simon putting a decent header on target. But Sydney midfielder, Margaux Chauvet, had positioned herself perfectly and made an incredible clearance off the line whilst falling backwards! Just moments later, Whyman was forced to make another big save. The Mariners were definitely in the ascendency.
The first half finished 0-0. Central Coast with slightly more possession and way more chances and shots on goal, but Whyman and her defenders were good enough to repel their every attack and escape the first half unscathed. That said, Sydney was also unable to break the Mariners’ defences. No wonder these were the two best defences across the regular 22-game season.
American international striker Shea Connors, came on as an injury replacement for Ibini at the start of the second half and she made an immediate impact. About five minutes in, Tori Tumeth, Vine, and Connors all combined to create absolute havoc in the Mariners box. They took shots on goal. There were blocks, parries, goal line clearances. Everything. But the Sydney trio kept recycling the ball and throwing more attacks at Dumont and her defence. Through skill, luck, or some miracle the Mariners came out of the barrage fully intact.
Sydney had tasted blood in the water, however, and they came back for more just a few minutes later. A poor pass in the midfield by Simon gifted the ball to Indiana Dos Santos who ran up the field and played an exquisitely weighted pass around the Mariners defence to Mackenzie Hawkesby, who was able to sneak it past Dumont to give her team a crucial 1-0 lead in Gosford.
Sydney FC lead in the Semi-Final and 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁 from 16-year-old Indiana dos Santos 😮💨🪄
A delightful pass for Mackenzie Hawkesby and after 20 shots – the deadlock is finally broken 🔓
The Mariners did not hang their heads or fall off in any way after conceding the goal. If anything, they went up another gear. Around the 70th minute, there were a couple of big chances created by the linkup between Isabel Gomez, Simon, and Chinese international, Wurigumula. In the most promising of the chances, Wurigumula was agonisingly close to the equaliser, hitting the top corner of the crossbar. Simon tried to hook the rebound over her shoulder but pushed it high over the goals.
The Mariners kept attacking for the remainder of regular time, and Sydney fashioned a few attacks of their own. In the first minute of stoppage time, a wonderful pivot shot from Caley Tallon-Henniker forced an astounding save from Dumont who dived to the ball and palmed it away with the tip of her outstretched glove. Sydney were able to close out the match and take a slim advantage into their home leg of the semifinal, which will be played next Saturday.
It was a truly amazing team performance from both teams. Everyone on the pitch contributed in a big way. For me this match was actually more entertaining than the Barcelona and Chelsea clash in the UEFA Women’s Champions League earlier this morning, and only just behind the epic Lyon comeback against PSG! Just goes to show the quality and entertainment value of our great league.
impetusfootball.org 