‘You won’t know when your time is but be ready when it comes.’- Clare Hunt on the road (back) to Paris

Matildas and Paris St Germain defender Clare Hunt spoke to the media as Australia attempts Olympic qualification. Should they succeed, she’ll be on home turf.

By Emma Burke 21/2/24

Photo: Clare Hunt via Football Australia

Clare Hunt has had a whirlwind 12 months, debuting for the Matildas in February, playing every minute of a historic home World Cup run, signing with Paris Saint-Germain, playing in the Champions League, and now, is staring down the barrel of qualifying for the Olympics. 

She spoke to the media ahead of the Matildas’ first of two final qualifying games against Uzbekistan about all of this and more.

“Everyday I inch a little bit closer to understanding what’s going on, some days I’m waking up and I’m like ‘what are you doing in Paris? How did this happen?’ said Hunt.

“Being over at a club like that [Paris Saint Germain] it’s been a steep learning curve, there’s such quality and high expectations, but for me that’s what I thrive off.”

Since joining the top-flight French club in September, Hunt has featured in 17 games, six of which have been in the Women’s Champions League. PSG has now booked a spot in the Quarter Finals where they’ll face BK Häcken, a Swedish team that fellow Matilda Aivi Luik currently plays for. 

While living in Paris, Hunt has started what she called the exceptionally slow process of learning French. She declined to show off any of what she’s learnt so far, claiming that her accent makes the language difficult to translate back into English.

“It’s nice to have a little outlet outside football where I can apply myself and personally develop in a way that’s stimulating for me outside of the football space.”

Hunt revealed that just six months before her debut with the Matildas she had started her Doctorate of Physiotherapy at Macquarie University back in Australia, something she has always had a keen interest in.

“I’m very interested in that side of things and applying myself academically quite a lot. It was something that I was doing whilst managing football and playing in the A-Leagues at the time,” she said.

Her doctorate has since been put on the back-burner, as she’s a little busy now that she’s a full-time professional athlete, which was always her goal. 

The next goal for Clare Hunt? Olympic qualification. With the tournament being hosted in Paris, Hunt has had a different view than most, seeing the infrastructure being put up in real time, and all the advertising has hit her with the reality of the situation much harder.

All that stands in her way from becoming an Olympian is Uzbekistan, a country that Australia are fairly unfamiliar with on a national footballing stage, but one that Hunt believes the Matildas are capable of handling.

“We’re working on how to counteract their capacities and also continue to work on ours too. Although they’re unfamiliar, we’ve had fairly good experience against other Asian countries which will help us prepare.”

It’s been a rollercoaster of a year for Clare Hunt, one that she’s taken in stride. She’s learnt a lot about playing football at a fully-professional level, grasping opportunities with both hands, and (the beginnings) of a whole new language. 

Most importantly, Hunt has been able to finally reap the rewards of all her hard work.  

“It’s almost been a year of reprieve and enjoyment and a reward for all the hours I had put in. I never saw it manifest because I was always rehabbing injuries, it’s taught me that you won’t know when your time is but be ready when it comes.” 

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The Lionesses latest news ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

Above :Katie Robinson, Lucy Bronze, Niamh Charles, Lauren James, Georgia Stanway and Alessia Russo in a training
camp before the WWC Credits: Ben Phillips

By Freya Ward (19/02/24)

With the Lionesses meeting up for their first camp of 2024 where they will be heading over to Spain for a warm weather training camp. It is important that you are filled in with all the latest news ahead of their two friendly fixtures against Italy and Austria. 

Last Tuesday England Head coach Sarina Wiegman named her 23-player squad for their upcoming fixtures. The first squad of 2024 saw just two changes from the last time the team met up, seeing Captain, Leah Williamson was named 10 months after her gruelling ACL injury that saw her missing England’s World cup run last summer, in place of Millie Bright, who is still sidelined due to a recurring knee injury. In a sad turn of events, Williamson was forced to withdraw from a seperate issue related to her hamstring.

This month’s squad also saw the return of Manchester City youngster Jess Park, a semi-familiar face to lioness fans, who is on her way to cementing her place in this England squad; Park replaced Katie Zelem a midfielder who has seen herself in and out of the squad over the past couple of years.

I asked Wiegman about this choice to which she replied, “she (Zelem) has shown what she has done for the team, I’m just picking all our midfielders now I want to see them this camp and from there we will take it,” highlighting the chance for experimentation within this international window. 

Aside from Williamson’s withdrawal, another major headline was the absence of Manchester united top goal scorer this season Nikita Parris. Parris was a part of the 2022 European championship winning squad but has since seen herself dropped from the squad on several occasions.

Wiegman said “In autumn, she didn’t play that much and, because of the competition, too, I made other decisions. Now, since the New Year, she’s played in the No.9 position, and she’s done really well. Of course, we’ve noticed that too, so I had a little chat with her, and I hope she shows consistency, because we’re talking about her again, but I made some other choices now for this camp with the players we have. They have done really well, too. It was a hard decision.” 

Parris’ form has been nothing short of exceptional this season scoring 13 goals and picking up two assists in 17 matches for her club side, whilst Alessia Russo the most obvious competition for the number 9 spot has only scored 8 goals and just one more assist than Parris in 19 matches- in all competitions for Arsenal- which has left a lot of people questioning Wiegman’s choice not to call Parris up due to lack of consistency whilst she has shown much more than Russo. 

Leah Williamson’s withdrawal from the squad due to the injury that kept her out of Arsenals game against Manchester United at the weekend and has resulted in the call up of Millie Turner.

She is a newer face to the squad having received her first call up under Wiegman for December’s fixtures against The Netherlands and Scotland but is yet to receive minutes, so this ‘experimental’ camp is the perfect opportunity for Turner to receive her first minutes for her country. 

Wiegman emphasised that this camp will be one full of experimentation due to both matches being friendlies, suggesting that we will see some squad rotation, something that fans have not seen too much of, recently given the stakes of England’s recent games.  

Something key to note is the inclusion of the Under 23’s this month, the squad will be travelling with the senior players and will be training within close quarters where Wiegman can keep a close eye on the pool of young talent that she can choose from. Some notable names within this squad include Chelsea superstar Aggie Beever-Jones, Aston Villa’s Ebony Salmon and one of Wiegman’s world cup squad members Katie Robinson. This is something that Wiegman is really looking forward to saying “We think it is really good that we can watch them live, not just on footage it’s a great opportunity to be this close to them” so I think it is safe to say that England fans will be seeing more youngsters filtering their way into the senior squad very soon.

From a fans perspective I am really looking forward to this international window and I am excited to watch players who don’t play regular international minutes have a chance to prove themselves and cement their place in this Lionesses squad ahead of the European Championships next summer, where England will be looking to defend their title. 

‘That fire is still burning for that medal’- Clare Polkinghorne

By Emma Burke 19/2/24

Matildas defender Clare Polkinghorne has spoken to the media ahead of their final qualification games for the Paris Olympics later this year.

Polkinghorne spoke on the team’s preparation for facing Uzbekistan in Tashkent later this week, the return of some very familiar faces to the squad, and what she and the Matildas are hoping for from Paris.

“They’re going to be ready for a strong game,” said Polkinghorne about the Matildas’ next opponents.

“We’re going to prepare like we do with any game, we’ll watch some video and get the information we need from the staff.”

“It’s going to be a massive challenge, one that I know we’re ready for,” she said.

On the return of Michelle Heyman after five years away from international football after her retirement, and the call up of Chloe Logarzo who last featured in the Matildas’ squad in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (which was held in 2021), Polkinghorne had only praises to sing.

“They’ll fit back in like they never left, that’s the beauty of this team, it is like a family and we have strong bonds with each other,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing them both back in the Matildas’ colours.”

If the Matildas do qualify for the Olympic games, Polkinghorne revealed that the team is after a medal, specifically the gold one.

“That fire is still burning for that medal, that gold, and I know that’s what everyone here is wanting to achieve,” said Polkinghorne.

“We’re extremely competitive, we want to be the best.”

Despite having their eyes on the prize, she stressed that there is no room for tunnel vision amongst the squad, and that being present in every moment was going to be key for the Matildas’ success.

“If you’re too focused on the outcome, you do get a little distracted and can lose your way in the process.”

“For us, we’re taking it one step at a time and in front of us are the Olympic Qualifiers.”

The Matildas face Uzbekistan in the first of two Olympic Qualifiers on Saturday 24 February at the Milliy Stadium, Tashkent, which kicks off at 8pm AEDT.

Match Report: AFC Wimbledon 2-1 Millwall Lionesses

Above: Impetus’ Sponsored player Poppy Payne against AFC Wimbledon Photo: Myles Thornton

By Myles Thornton 19/2/4

National League outfit AFC Wimbledon Women beat fifth tier side Millwall Lionesses 2-1 in the quarter finals of the Capital Cup on Sunday.

AFC Wimbledon manager Kevin Foster made 4 changes to his side who beat Chesham United 4-0 the previous week. Fran Ali, Hannah Billingham, Ashleigh Goddard, and Skye Bacon were replaced by Steph Mann, Chloe Sampson, Molly Childerhouse and Sandra Soares Martins.

Millwall co-managers Alex Russell and Adam Rowland made two changes to the side who drew late on to Sutton United the previous week. Melissa Jones and Maizi Garwood came into the side with Ella Bailey and Liv McGregor dropping out of the squad and onto the bench respectively.

The game got going and the quality was showing, AFC Wimbledon having chance after chance, the first of which being a really good one. Molly Childerhouse’s shot was well controlled by Chrissie Wiggins in the Millwall net.

Three minutes later, Millwall had a great chance to get their noses in front but, Shannan Drewe’s shot was saved well by The Dons’ keeper, Lauren Allen.

The Wombles took the lead after 11 minutes. Emily Donovan saw her shot slip through the fingers of Millwall stopper Wiggins to fire her side into an early lead.

Wimbledon made it two just 11 minutes later. After a good bit of build up play, Ellie Dorey shot the ball over the head of Chrissie Wiggins and was fortunate for it to creep in the top of the net.

When the halftime whistle blew, the Dons would think they had a comfortable lead to easily hang onto in the second half. However, whatever was said by Alex Russell and Adam Rowland in the half time team talk worked. Liv McGregor came on for Ellen Napper and the Lionesses came out a different side, and the performance levels were upped.

With 30 minutes left to play, Shannan Drewe’s corner was turned in by first half goal scorer Ellie Dorey when she attempted to clear it away from danger. The lionesses were close to a sensational comeback.

On 84 minutes, Chloe Burr’s shot was saved on the line by dons’ goalkeeper Lauren Allen. Calls that the ball was over the line, nothing given however.

Heading into the 90th minute, Millwall striker Liv McGregor and Dons keeper Lauren Allen were both injured in a coming together on the edge of the area. It was later confirmed that there was a clash of heads, with Allen requiring hospital treatment. On behalf of everyone at Impetus 71 we wish her a speedy recovery so she can be back between the sticks soon.

The game ended, and AFC Wimbledon progressed into the Capital Cup semi-finals. Millwall Lionesses will now focus on their London & South East Regional Women’s League campaign, with a home tie next against Saltdean United on Sunday February 25th.

AFC Wimbledon: Allen, Russell, Mann, Highman (C), Hincks, Sampson, Mackenzie, Childerhouse, Donovan, Soares Martins, Dorey. Subs: Baker, Carter, Gardner, Goddard, Bacon.

Scorers: Donovan 11′, Dorey 22′

Millwall Lionesses: Wiggins, Jones, Huseyin, Seely (C), Payne, Chapman, Napper, Garwood Grandys, Watling, Drewe. Subs: Joyce, Burr, Bennett, Butler, McGregor.

Scorer: Dorey OG 60′

Referee: Abi Oyeleke

Attendance: TBC

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Match Report: Perth Glory 1-3 Central Coast Mariners

By Kieran Yap 19/2/4

Above: Kyah Simon scores for Central Coast Mariners. Photo: Central Coast Mariners

Kyah Simon’s first goal since returning to the A-League Women helped Central Coast Mariners to a 3-1 win and continue Perth Glory’s recent struggles.

Emily Husband’s visiting team was able to overcome a first half deficit with a strong display of confident counterattacking football, it leaves Perth Glory with only one win from their last eight games, and none since the end of December.

Simon started in attack for The Mariners, partnering  Rola Badawiya and supported by Young Matilda Peta Trimis. The star recruit came close to opening the scoring early with a well-directed header from Faye Bryson’s cross. Morgan Aquino produced a typically athletic save to keep Glory from conceding.

The home side were given a boost in the 25th minute when Millie Farrow fired home from a Sofia Sakalis cross. She controlled the dropping ball expertly and struck the half volley beyond Sarah Langman to make it 1-0.

Central Coast’s game plan was not affected by Glory’s goal and they continued to attack. The pace of Bryson and the presence of Badawiya continued to trouble the Glory defence who were still missing Claudia Mihocic in the middle. Bryson sent in multiple crosses from the right that Perth scrambled to clear, and their luck would eventually run out in the shadows of half time.

After winning a free kick, Bianca Galic delivered a dangerous ball to the edge of the six yard box. Kyah Simon timed her jump to perfection to direct the ball past Aquino and level the scores in injury time. Just moments before Simon had crashed a shot off the post in a warning to Glory that she was getting back to her best.

With Glory eager to push forward and retake the lead, the Mariners were able to play their preferred game plan in the second half. They defend relatively deep, press in midfield and look to release their forwards or overlapping fullbacks as soon as possible. But even though Emily Husband’s tactics were working to keep the game on their terms, the eventual goals came through individual moments.

Galic put The Mariners ahead in the 76th minute. The midfielder shrugged off one tackle, forced her way through another and scored with a long range effort from her left boot. The goal was a suitable reward for an industrious and creative performance in the heart of midfield.

Less than 10 minutes later, the result was sealed by substitute Annelise Rasmussen. After evading challenges at the edge of the 18-yard box, her shot through traffic somehow squirmed beyond Aquino and condemned Glory to a sixth defeat for the season.

The loss sees Glory drop to eighth place on the ladder. They are by no means out of contention yet, and are only out of the finals places having won less games then sixth placed Newcastle, but their form is concerning as are their struggles to gain control within games. On paper, Alex Epakis’s side has the talent to beat most teams, but they have looked susceptible to pace, especially out wide, an issue exasperated by the absence of Grace Jale on international duty with New Zealand.

Glory’s attack and midfield might be shaken up by moving Hana Lowry further forward. Her passing range is a huge part of their plan to move the ball from defence to attack, but in the opening half of the season, Lowry was able to get into the attacking third more where her guile and power could trouble defenders. Similarly to how Melbourne City have moved Daniela Galic around the pitch to keep the opposition guessing, Lowry could be utilised to support the still enviable attacking stocks of Saklis, Farrow and Susan Phonsongkham.

The Mariners win puts them up to fifth on the table, and they look like a side enjoying their football. There is little external pressure on the leagues newest side, but the players look confident in what they can produce and have moved beyond the caution of the early rounds to take games to opposition even away from home.

Trimis had a quieter match by her now lofty standards, but the 17 year old has been a real discovery this season. Her pace is obvious, but her instinct of when to release the ball is more impressive, especially for a player who began the season as a scholarship player. Her decision making helped release Bryson who was a repeated menace to Glory’s defence all game.

The Mariners also have depth on the bench, and chemistry in midfield. With Simon returning to form and fitness, they have a genuine X-Factor with winning experience in attack. Trimis will miss the next few games while with The Young Matildas, but they have the players to score against any defence.

After the international break, The Mariners will face a resurgent Adelaide United, while Perth Glory will try to bounce back away to Newcastel Jets.

Teams:

Perth Glory 4-2-4-: Aquino, Rigby, Cowart, Anton, Johnston, Dalton, Lowry, Sakalis, Phonsongkham, Farrow, Quezada. Substitutes: Green, Lawrence, Foletta, Cassidy, James.

Scorers: Farrow 25’

Central Coast Mariners 4-2-3-1: Langman, Bryson, Irwin, Wardlow, Martin, Karambasis, Quilligan, Badawiya, Trimis, Galic, Simon. Substitutes: Hayward, Wurigumula, Rasmussen, Karrys-Stahl, Dumont.

Scorers: Simon 45’, Galic 76’ Rasumussen 83’

Referee: Bec Mackie

Attendance: TBC

Match Report: Brighton 0-1 Liverpool

Above: @LiverpoolFCW

By Ruby Joanne 

Brighton welcomed Liverpool to the Broadfield Stadium for another 90 minutes of Barclays WSL magic. Both sides were desperate to take away those all so important 3 points, Liverpool sat in 5th place, just five below Man United; whilst Brighton sat in 11th, just 5 above Bristol, who sit in the danger zone of relegation.  

Liverpool kick it off and within the first 60 seconds of the game, take a corner which finds itself in the safe hands of Brighton’s number 32, Sophie Baggaley. The Reds are dominant in possession early on in the game, earning another corner only minutes on, but to no luck, as it fell wide of the goal.   

Hitting the 10-minute mark in the game, Brighton created their first real chance against Liverpool, but nothing came of it. They see another missed chance in quick succession from Robbinson, but their run of possession doesn’t last long as Liverpool are quick to go back to look threatening in front of goal. Melissa Lawley makes a dangerous cross into the box, but Sophie Haug slightly mistimes it, and the ball fails to find the back of the net.  

Brighton had a moment of promise from a corner, but Rachel Laws caught it with no worry. Poppy Pattinson and Emma Koivisto are checked for injuries – which concerningly looked like a possible head injury for Brighton’s Pattinson. However, the game resumes and the players rejoin shortly after. A scramble in the penalty area made it look like a possible chance for Liverpool to break the deadlock, but nothing came to fruition as Baggaley once again saved the shot.  

Just before halftime, Emma Koivisto made yet another cross into the box but just couldn’t find the back of the net. Liverpool’s best-set piece opportunity was shown approaching halftime, finding Haug but just missing the back of the net, once again. 2 minutes of extra time was announced. 

 Making a beautiful run up the pitch for Brighton, Pattinson is left disappointed after hitting the crossbar. With frustration growing in the stadium, both teams found themselves goalless at halftime. 

Early on in the 2nd half, Liverpool made a dangerous shot, only for it to be saved by Baggaley. Liverpool took a corner, defended well by Brighton. However, the Reds kept up the pressure and not soon after, Liverpool’s number 18, Ceri Holland, found the back of the net, making it 1-0 in the 53rd minute.  

A foul on Katie Robbinson leads Fisk and Fahey to get a yellow card. A double substitution for Liverpool sees Lawley and Höbinger off with Kiernan and Kearns coming on as replacements. Brighton then subs Sarri off for Bremer. Brighton has a corner, not resulting in anything but Holland down for Liverpool. There was clear anger amongst Brighton fans and players about the amount of injury time being accumulated by Liverpool. 

Brighton created a hopeful looking chance in the box, but Pattinson’s pass was met by Liverpool shirts instead. A Liverpool foul, leading to a yellow card for Holland, gave Brighton another free kick, and although Terland was close with a header, they continued to struggle to find the back of the net, as a result of Liverpool’s physical defending.  

Another double Liverpool substitution this time Fahey and Matthews come off for Clark and Daniels. What looked like a mis-slip in the box by Robinson cost Brighton another goal. Brighton manager Mikey Harris also made a double substitution, this time taking off Pinto and Robinson for Geum-Min and Haley. Another sub for Liverpool as Nagano comes off for Lundgaard.  

Brighton had another devastatingly close chance, 2 corners in quick succession, only narrowly missing the goal. It’s fair to say that this game has been frustrating for Brighton, failing to capitalize on chances in the game.  

An additional 6 minutes of added time was announced. Picking up a second yellow, resulting in a red card for Ceri Holland results in a massive chance for Brighton, taken by Pattinson but delivered straight into the safe hands of Laws.  

At the full-time whistle, it was 1-0 to Liverpool. Small margins of error cost Brighton those crucial 3 points, seeing Liverpool push further up the table. Although the scoreline was small for this match, it was clear that Liverpool were the better side today, dominating possession and securing their victory over Brighton.  

Brighton: (4-5-1) Baggaley (GK), Thorisdottir, Pattinson, Bergsvand, Losada, Sarri, Zigiotti, Terland, Kullberg, Pinto, Robinson. 
Substitutes: Bremer, Lee, Haley, Mengwen, Loeck, Johnson, Startup, Mcewen, Dent 

Liverpool: (3-5-2) Laws (GK), Koivisto, Fisk, Fahey, Bonner, Matthews, Nagano, Holland, Höbinger, Lawley, Roman H. 
Substitutes: Micah, Clark, Daniels, Kearns, Lundgaard, Kiernan, Van De Sanden, Enderby 

Referee: Amy Fearn 

Attendance: 2,959 

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Match Report: Western United 3-0 Wellington Phoenix

by Ryan Miller-Woods (18/2/24).

Above: Western United celebrate during their win over Wellington Phoenix on Sunday. Photo: Western United.

A commanding and outright dominant performance by Western United eased them up to the top of the A-League Women’s ladder for the first time this season with a 3-0 win over Wellington Phoenix at City Vista Recreation Reserve.

In the fourth minute, a brilliant pass was made down the line by Western’s Stacy Papadopoulos for Hannah Keane to cross the ball into the box for a charging Chloe Logarzo but before the recalled Matilda could get a touch, it was cleared out for a corner by Wellington’s Tiana Jaber.

Early on in proceedings, United piled on the pressure in attack with their runs down the line with the ball and crosses into the box, which really made them look dangerous and kept the Phoenix on their toes.

In the 19th minute, Wellington almost had a great opportunity in front of goal thanks to a through ball by Emma Main that was intended for Isabel Cox but the pass had too much power on it. Four minutes later, the Nix had their first shot thanks to a floated pass by Hope Breslin that found Main who made a great first touch of the ball to control it down as she made a promising run into the box but was on a tough angle as her shot was covered by Western’s Hillary Beall.

Just before the half hour, Keiwa Hieda slotted a great through ball for Keane whose shot came off the underside of the crossbar but that wasn’t an issue for Logarzo as she headed the rebounded ball into the back of the net for the opening goal of the match and Logarzo’s eighth of the season as Western took a deserved lead. Logarzo is on fire at the moment at exactly the right time ahead of the international break.

13 minutes later, Wellington had a goalscoring opportunity via an Alyssa Whinham pass for Cox who made a run into the box and whilst she beat Grace Maher, the United defence covered it off. In the 44th minute, Keane from a Jaclyn Sawicki header very nearly doubled Western’s lead as her volleyed first-time shot towards goal just went wide.

Two minutes into the second half, the Phoenix had a good opportunity to equalise as Cox provided a through ball for Main who made a run into the box where her shot on an angle was comfortably saved by Beall. In the 52nd minute, Western came close to a second goal via a Logarzo through ball for Sawicki in the box but Rylee Foster shut down the play and got to the ball first.

Just ahead of the hour, Keane almost scored a first-time volley in the box via an amazing through ball by Maher as Keane’s shot went over Rylee Foster but agonisingly off the crossbar. Ten minutes later, Logarzo, stationed on the edge of the box almost scored a great goal which forced Rylee Foster to make a very good save.

However, it would be just after a further two minutes that Maher scored an Olympico for United’s second of the match and her first goal for the club. What a way to open your account for your club.

In the 78th minute, Western scored their third and final goal of the match as Papadopoulos provided a through ball for Aimee Medwin who from her run down the line floated her cross into the box for a charging Keane who at the near post perfectly timed her and put the ball into the back of the net for her sixth goal of the season. There still was time for the hosts to come close to a fourth as Keane was fed by Sawicki but powered the shot over the top.

Teams: WESTERN UNITED (4-2-3-1): Beall, Vlajnic, Maher, Cerne, Papadopoulos, M. Taranto, Sawicki, Hieda, Logarzo, A. Taranto, Keane. Substitutes: Dall’Oste, Dakic, Medwin, Prakash, Johnson.

Scorers: Logarzo 29’, Maher 72’, Keane 78’.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (3-4-3): R. Foster, Jaber, Lake, Davidson, Robertson, Whinham, Brazendale, McMeeken, Breslin, Main, Cox. Substitutes: Danieli, Brown, Elliott, McMillan, Errington.

Referee: Casey Reibelt.

Attendance: TBC.

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Alanna Kennedy: “We’re ready to do a job”

by Ben Gilby (18/2/24)

Above: Alanna Kennedy breaks through for Australia against Iran in the previous stage of Olympic qualifying. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus 71.

Alanna Kennedy is back from injury and ready to play a leading role in getting the Matildas to the Paris Olympics.

Speaking to the gathered media, the defender said: “I’m feeling good and it’s been a couple of months since being with the Matildas, so I’m always looking forward to being back with the girls…it was a straightforward rehab for me. It’s been a straight road back to being available for playing.”

Next weekend sees Australia’s first international games of 2024 with a place in the Olympic Games at stake as they face off over two legs against Uzbekistan. You get the sense that Kennedy is champing at the bit to get back.

“For the majority of the time, to be settled in one place for a while, and have a break from all the travel is nice, but we’re all ready to be back in camp, and it’s an important camp for us. Everyone’s coming into good form and we’re ready to do a job of qualifying for the Olympics.”

Whilst the Matildas’ opponents fly under the radar somewhat, the Manchester City defender recognises that the green and gold come with a big target on their backs, and that patience will be a virtue.

“We all know for a team to have made it that far, they have some quality behind them. Any team we come up against at this stage will see us as a threat and play in a compact structure. It will be about patience and breaking down that structure. They will have a lot of motivation to create history. It will be a tough two games.”

Above: Alanna Kennedy can’t wait to be back with the Matildas after overcoming injury. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus 71.

Australia go into this two-legged tie without Sam Kerr, who ruptured her ACL during a Chelsea training camp over the WSL’s Christmas and New Year break. The loss of the Western Australian superstar is a big one, but Kennedy points to the World Cup as ample evidence that the Matildas are capable of making progress without their record scorer.

“We’re all heartbroken for Sam… but we can take confidence in the run we had at the World Cup (without her). Her leadership will still be present and she’ll want to be part of it in some capacity, but for other players, it is an opportunity to step up and show what they can do. I have confidence in the squad we have.”

Among those given an opportunity is 35-year-old icon of Australian football, Michelle Heyman. The Canberra United striker, who continues to show great form in the A-League Women is back in the national squad for the first time in six years. It is a return that thrills Kennedy.

“I’m really happy for Michelle. She’s been doing a great job for Canberra. Regardless of how many years it’s been, it is great that she’s been picked on her current form.”

The Matildas defender also hailed the first call-up for Kaitlyn Torpey, who has just sealed a move from Melbourne City to San Diego Wave in a record transfer deal.

“I’m excited for her, it’s great to have some young players around the setup. It’s great to see her play in the NWSL now, looking to better her game overseas. That mindset of the younger players is important. It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone around family and be at home. Whilst the A-League Women is a great league, there is a lot more experience to be had overseas.”

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Match Report: Melbourne City1-1 Adelaide United

By Jonathon Hagger 18/2/24

Melbourne City defender – Naomi Thomas-Chinnama. Source: @melbournecity on X. 

With Melbourne City sitting atop the points table and Western United nipping at their heels, securing a win over Adelaide United was top priority for the league leaders. The challengers playing away from home, AdelaideUnited, came into the match only just off being bottom of the table but in fine form. 

Adelaide travelled away to play in Melbourne at (the under-construction) City Football Academy Field. With the temperature at 21 degrees, the conditions were very pleasant for players and spectators alike. 

Both sides were missing their first-choice starting players for various reasons. The Football Ferns Olympic qualifying campaign took away the star power of Hannah Wilkinson and Rebekah Stott from City allowing some young guns to shine. Adelaide started the match with a less than full strength side, due to injuries to key players who had achieved two very good wins in the last three matches. 

It took both teams a while to settle into their preferred rhythm of play from the starting whistle, with neither side really looking threatening until the eight minute when Adelaide’s Morgan and Sasaki traded passes that eventually resulted in an optimistic shot on goal that was easily collected by Barbieri. 

Adelaide tested everyone’s nerves as they repeatedly battled to get the ball out of their backfield throughout the early stages. City’s high press really put the pressure on goalkeeper Grove. However, a loose ball was quickly pounced on by Adelaide’s Jancevski whose burst of speed and through pass created space for Hodgson on the wing. Two passes later and Hannah Blake unleashed a mighty shot that narrowly missed after clearing the crossbar.

Adelaide’s near miss gave the team a burst of confidence, with the midfield players pressing higher up the pitch searching for a chink in City’s defences. City’s defenders withstood the repeated waves of attack, demonstrating coolness under pressure.    

City player and recent Matilda’s training call up, Daniela Galic showed fleet footedness to cut open Adelaide’s midfield defensive line in the 26th minute. Despite the ball falling the way of City after rebounding off Adelaide’s goal box defenders, City couldn’t get a clean shot on. 

A very soft foul given away by Sasaki gave City a prime opportunity to get the go-ahead goal in the 31st minute. A wayward shot from Pollicina held up in the breeze and sailed narrowly over the bar. An even closer near miss occurred in the 41st minute as Galic found the feet of Pollicina who unleashed a beautiful shot that travelled narrowly away to the left, missing the goal. Neither team really troubled the other offensively in the first forty five minutes and so the half ended 0-0. 

Adelaide started the second half by taking the initiative. Two very good attacking manoeuvres required City to absorb pressure as Tolland and Holmes couldn’t convert the opportunities given them in quick succession. Following this early pressure, long portions of play after this lacked creativity or menace as the tactics of each team cancelled out the other team. 

It was the inspired use of substitutions in the 62nd minute that injected energy back into the match. City’s forward Meyers beat her defender and played a centring pass that infiltrated through Adeldies lines eventually finding wonder kid Galic, who calmly slotted the ball into the back of the Adelaide net to take the lead 1-0.

Hodgson, Adelaide’s Captain, took it upon herself to get her side back in the match. A strong offensive run down the wing ended up with an offensive corner in their favour. A low trajectory corner kick by Jancevski somehow found its way off City defender McKenna’s body and rolled into the net! The match was tied again 1-1. 

Not a side to roll over, in the 73rd minute City launched another offensive run with Galic storming down the pitch, laying off the ball to the wing, getting the ball passed back to her and having a shot. Grove was up to the task and managed to deflect the ball away from the goal using an extended leg. The subsequent attacking corner to City was dealt with, again by Grove, and the score line remained 1-1. 

Where the previous 75 minutes of football had been a bit underwhelming, both teams turned on the afterburners from the 76th minute onwards. The match took on a new lease of life as each team played constructive attacking football, seeking the goal that might secure the win.

Adelaide came oh so close to scoring when defender Emily Hodgson launched a rocket shot that required Barbieri to nudge the ball out of play over the crossbar. Hodgsons shot came within a whisker of going in however Barbieri, City’s keeper, had enough experience to deal with it. 

Adelaide went chasing for the win again in the 90th minute as Panagaris found Mullan in clear space. After assessing her options Mullan’s shot curled away just a bit too far, harmlessly going out of play. 

The match finished in a 1-1 draw which is a fair reflection of how the match played out. Both teams were missing a number of first choice players and a lack of on field chemistry among the replacements did not provide the excitement of top quality football that would normally come with this match up. 

There were some obvious performances to be proud of. Naomi Thomas-Chinnama (City) is one of the mainstays of City’s defensive line. She is extremely reliable and goes about her business with total professionalism. Alana Jancevski (Adelaide) displayed moments of football brilliance as she unleashed her speed repeatedly reminding City’s defenders that she was a threat. She is not a player to be taken lightly as she can score at will. 

Melbourne City: 4-3-3.  Barbieri, Thomas-Chinnama, Roestbakken, Otto, McKenna, Davidson, Hughes, Pollicina, Ekic, Henry, Galic.

Subs: Varley, McKenna (62’), McMahon, Meyers (62’).

Scorers: Galic (67’), McKenna (69’ own goal), 

Adelaide Jets: 4-1-4-1. Grove, Tolland, Tonkin, Waldus, Hodgson, Sasaki, Holmes, Blake, Morgan, Jancevski, Hodgson.

Subs: Wilson, Mullan (84’), Condon (62’), Holtz (84’), Panagaris (75’).

Scorers: Nil. 

Referee: Rebecca Durcau. 

Attendance: TBC.

Match Report: Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United

Photo: Ben Phillips

Arsenal achieved a crucial victory to give them a lifeline in the title race and a secure third-place position in the WSL table in front of a packed-out Emirates Stadium. The home support in North London was in full voice during the clash, and Manchester United now trail seven points behind the Gunners and a chance at Champions League Qualification next season. 

Six notable changes were made to the Arsenal lineup from the side that lost 2-1 to West Ham in their last WSL fixture. Cloe Lacasse started on the left- wing in favour of Caitlin Foord, Sabrina D’ Angelo took the number one spot over Manuela Zinsberger and Alessia Russo made way for Stina Blackstenius. Marc Skinner’s Manchester United looked almost identical to their last league lineup, with only the injured Jayde Riviere missing.

The tension between the two sides was high from the get-go, and Arsenal’s backline looked worrying after a string of miscommunication between Laia Codina and D’Angelo, leading to two United free kicks inside the five-minute mark. With Nikita Parris in the nine for United, there was no room for further error

Codina was issued a warning before the home side knuckled down after an unsteady start, and they confidently claimed command of the possession. Their early efforts were quickly rewarded, but Mead’s first corner was punched clear by Mary Earps’. Luck struck the hosts on their second, as Katie McCabe’s corner kick rebounded off Geyse in the six-yard box, cruising over the line and into the back of the United net for an own goal.

Few chances were granted to United to make a break on the attack in the subsequent minutes, and Arsenal were relentless in their search for a second. The away side conceded a free kick in a dangerous position shortly after, but there was no trouble for an awaiting Earps as Mead sent the shot over the bar.

The opportunity to grasp an equaliser appeared in the 28’ minute after Arsenal were caught out in their own half, but Ella Toone’s shot took a deflection and crept just centimetres wide of the post. United were able to pull back a degree of control until Arsenal rattled Gemma Evans, and golden opportunity struck for the home side. Pelova’s pass to Blackstenius initially looked like a missed chance, until a poor clearance from Katie Zelem landed with Lacasse and allowed her to capitalise on United’s misfortune. The winger’s header soared into the right-hand side of Earp’s goal and effectively doubled the host’s lead.

Disaster struck the visitors yet again when left-back Evans’ challenge brought down Mead in the box. Arsenal was swiftly awarded a penalty kick, which Captain Little converted calmly from the spot, sending Earps’ diving in the opposite direction. By the half-time whistle, the home team were assuredly sitting three goals ahead of their opponents after a 45-minute battle.

The start of the second half entailed a change for each side. Despite her first-half impact and role in the seamless Arsenal midfield, Pelova was substituted for Kyra Cooney-Cross due to injury concern, and Gemma Evans was an anticipated change for United, making way for Leah Galton.

Skinner’s United started the second spell on a stronger foot with clear intention to chase down the host’s lead. The 51st minute saw a run into the Arsenal half that at first glance looked promising for the away side, but centre-back Wubben-Moy dealt with the threat with ease.

Arsenal’s most promising chances for a fourth came in quick succession in the second half, when a defensive error from Hannah Blundell was intercepted by Blackstenius in the box, but Earps’ was able to knock the attempt away.

A clearance from Maya Le Tissier again was collected by Arsenal, and the resulting build-up from McCabe and Little was in vain as Mead’s shot struck the inside of the post, hitting the woodwork for a second-time just moments later.

Lisa Naalsund shortly left the field to be replaced by Hayley Ladd, providing some defensive reinforcement and fresh legs for the away side.

United’s best chance of the 90 so far came in the 70’ minute mark, when Zelem was able to dispossess midfield maestro Lia Wälti, and Toone found Parris on the right-hand side of the pitch. D’Angelo saved the forward’s effort before Steph Catley fended off the rebound, the action forcing her off the field for fellow Matilda’s teammate, Caitlin Foord.

Right up until the dying moments of the game, United fought against the hosts until their tireless labour paid off. D’Angelo came off her line during the visitor’s corner, her attempts to claim the ball failing as Garcia slotted the ball into the net.

After 100 minutes of action between two top-table teams, the final whistle sounded and Arsenal’s victory in a historic fixture was officially sealed. With the defeat, the gap between third and fourth place extends to seven points, and the Gunners now sit just three points behind joint league- leaders, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): D’Angelo (GK), Wubben- Moy, Catley, Mead, Little, Walti, McCabe, Pelova, Lacasse, Blackstenius, Codina Substitutes: Zinsberger (GK), Miedema (75’), Maanum (75’), Foord (84’), Russo (66’), Cooney- Cross (46’), Lia, Reid, Bouhaddi

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Earps (GK), Blundell, Garcia, Naalsund, Parris, Turner, Toone, Le Tissier, Zelem, Evans, Geyse Substitutes: Tullis- Joyce (GK), Mannion, Guerrero, Malard (78’), Galton (46’), Ladd (70’), Williams (62’), Aherne

Referee: Kirsty Dowle

Attendance: 60,160 (new WSL record)