Above: Melissa Barbieri saves the day with a penalty stop for City. Photo: A League
After a delayed kick-off, due to Sydney FC accidentally travelling to the wrong venue, and a multitude of icy-poles were handed out by Melbourne City staff to beat the heat, Melbourne City and Sydney FC split the three points in a nil all draw at City Football Academy Field.
The first half saw Sydney have multiple chances on goal that they were unable to convert, including a particularly impressive shot from Captain Princess Ibini that hit the post and rattled the goals.
City were determined to continue to play in possession and work their way out through their backline up the pitch, a process they found difficult for most of the game due to missing key players in their defence like Rebekah Stott, who is away on International Duty with New Zealand, and Julia Grosso who is still returning from injury.
Sydney were awarded a penalty early in the second half, after a handball in the box by Taylor Otto, which would be taken by Princess Ibini.
Ibini’s shot was driven low, but was saved with ease by City Keeper and former Matilda’s Captain Melissa Barbieri, playing in only her second game of the season, after City sold their usual starting keeper Canadian Lysianne Proulx to Bay FC, a new expansion side in the NWSL.
The visitors continued to take shot after shot but clearly had either left their scoring boots at home, or at the first venue they went to, as they could not find a way to the back of the net.
With the points split, City remain safe at the top of the ladder, while Sydney take a step up into second (pending the rest of the round’s results).
Round 17 of the Liberty A-League Women will send Sydney to Canberra to face Canberra United, while City plays host to Adelaide United.
Melbourne City (4-3-3): Barbieri, T. Mckenna, Otto, Roestbakken, Thomas-Chinnama, Hughes, Davidson, L. McKenna, Galic, Pollicina, Ekic Substitutions: L. Varley, S. Varley, McMahon, Meyers, Henry
Sydney FC FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Fenton, Thompson, McLean, Tumeth, Caspers, Hollman, Hawkesby, I. Dos Santos, Ibini, Vine Substitutions: Franco, J. Dos Santos, Ray, Kruger, Lemon
Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory shared the points with a 1-1 draw at Industree Group Stadium, In an enthralling match with 39 shots between the two sides.
Central Coast opened the scoring in the sixth minute as Tess Quilligan found Annabel Martin in the box. Her floated cross found Peta Trimis who beat Victory’s Jamilla Rankin to the ball and put it past Courtney Newbon for Trimis’ second goal of the season. A great start and passage of play by the Mariners.
They came close to doubling their lead six minutes later from a short free kick. Isabel Gomez passed the ball to Faye Bryson, and while the initial shot was blocked, Bianca Galic was able to fire wide from the rebound.
Central Coast controlled proceedings within the first 23 minutes. Victory had created some close chances, but the Mariners looked the more dangerous in the final third. This was especially the case when Quilligan almost doubled her team’s lead but her shot from the outside the box just came off the crossbar.
The Mariners’ relentlessness in attack continued as Galic’s cross found Wurigumula whose header just went wide. Central Coast really could have been two or three goals up from the chances they had created.
As the first half concluded, Central Coast most definitely created opportunities in the final third with 11 shots in total but only two on target which kept Melbourne in the match.They remained in control for the majority of the half. They enjoyed more of the possession when the first 45 minutes concluded with 53% to 47%.
Eight minutes into the second half, Victory had probably their best chance of the match up until that point as Emily Gielnik made a great run towards goal on an angle and forced a save from Central Coast’s Casey Dumont. This was also, Melbourne’s first shot on target for the match.
In the 66th minute, Central Coast’s lack of conversion came back to haunt them as Gielnik made a great run with the ball, and from outside the box powered her shot into the top right corner. Dumont really couldn’t have done anything to stop that.
Nine minutes later, Victory came very close to taking the lead via a great cross by Jamilla Rankin that was floated towards Lia Privtelli. The eventual chip shot at goal forced a crucial save by Dumont.
In the 78th minute, Rola Badawiya’s shot went just wide following a fast break. In a half that felt like Victory was the more likely to take the lead, this was a very promising passage of play by Central Coast.
Five minutes later, Kyah Simon had a shot from more than 35 yards out which kept Victory’s Newbon alert but fortunately for her, Simon’s shot was a little too high of the goal.
In the 93rd minute, Victory had two opportunities to break Central Coast hearts first with McKenzie Weinert but her shot was blocked by a great save from Dumont and then not long after Kurea Okino had a chance but once again Dumont denied Melbourne and came to the rescue.
Impetus had Genevieve Henry and Ryan Miller-Woods in three clubs’ press conferences ahead of Round 16 (9/2/24).
Canberra United
By Ryan Miller-Woods
Above: Cannon Clough addressing the media. Image: Canberra United.
The media heard from Canberra United’s Cannon Clough and Head Coach Njegosh Popovich ahead of Saturday’s match against Perth Glory.
Canberra achieved arguably their most crucial result of the season with a 3-1 win against the league leaders Melbourne City in what was one of United’s best performances of this campaign. Hopefully, that result can bring them some important momentum for a serious charge towards the finals for the rest of the season.
When asked how the team has pulled from the match itself, Clough said, “I think everyone pulled up obviously really happy (after the win). It’s been a long time coming, so no one was super shocked or super surprised, but really excited and definitely (have) momentum going into the next one.”
In what was massively exciting news on Wednesday, is the return of Canberra’s captain Michelle Heyman to the Matildas for the first time since 2018 ahead of Australia’s Olympic Qualifiers against Uzbekistan later this month where the winner will go to the Paris Olympics in July.
When Clough was asked how the team responded to Heyman’s call-up, she said, “I think everyone was just as excited for her. Another thing that I feel like has kind of been a long time coming, she’s kept her head down. So well deserved and we can’t wait to get around her through all of it.”
The next few matches for Canberra will be very important as they will be facing the aforementioned Perth, Sydney FC and Western United who are fifth, third and second respectively.
When asked how the team has reacted to that prospect and the approach itself, Clough said, “head on! We’re excited. Melbourne City was a top side, so might as well try and keep that going. I personally think that we play better against really good sides, which I’d say all the teams in the competition are. One game at a time but face them all the same, just going for three points.”
The win against City last round was a brilliant performance all round for Canberra and thoroughly deserved the three points. United time and time again this season have shown the quality that exists within their ranks, especially from an attacking perspective, it’s more that certain results haven’t fully reflected where Canberra probably should be on the ladder.
Above: Njegosh Popovich speaking to the media ahead of the face-off with Perth Glory. Image: Canberra United.
When asked about his thoughts on the win itself, Popovich said, “how can you not be happy about a win against the top side, the benchmark of the competition? We’ve always said it, Melbourne City are a competitor that everybody wants to win against, so for us to be able to do that on the weekend with such a dominant performance was great.”
If Canberra can win against Perth this round, it could see United go to within five points of the top six (with a game in hand).
When asked what the win against Melbourne City does for the team’s momentum going into the Perth match, Popovich said, “it makes them believe, gives them the confidence. We believe in our players but the reality is they’ve got to believe in each other and themselves.”
Heyman’s call-up to the Australian squad doesn’t come as a surprise whatsoever with 10 goals and five assists in 14 games this season whilst playing some of her best football, the decision really was a no-brainer for Australia’s Head Coach Tony Gustavsson.
When asked about his reaction to Heyman’s call-up for Australia, Popovich said, “Michelle, through her own opinion decided to retire at a certain time and then got the bug back and has had the hunger in the last couple of years to do what she’s done and what an incredible effort to do it on a world stage, hopefully be part of the Olympics.”
Central Coast Mariners
By Ryan Miller-Woods
The media heard from Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband and Kyah Simon ahead of their upcoming match against Melbourne Victory on Saturday.
Above: Emily Husband speaking with the media. Image: Central Coast Mariners.
Central Coast were unlucky to have not got a result last round against the in-form Western United. A win could have further solidified the Mariners’ position within the top six, but there were some positives that came out of the match. A win against Victory could see them go as high as fourth on the A-League Women’s ladder come the end of the round.
When asked about how the team went against Western United, Husband said, “(we’re) obviously not happy with the start we had to be honest. It’s a consistent theme for us this season conceding in those early minutes of the game, so it’s an area where we’ve really got to improve. But, proud of the response we had in the second half, we were a little braver on the ball and took the game by the hand a little better, so that was a positive moment for us. We’ve got to now build on that second-half performance coming into this weekend.”
The match-up against Victory is set to be a very interesting affair where the Mariners will be wanting to get their revenge over Melbourne after their previous encounter in Round Five which saw Central Coast lose 2-1 from a goal by McKenzie Weinert in the 91st minute. What makes this match even more intriguing is that only a point separates the sides, with Victory in fourth with 22 points and the Mariners in sixth with 21 points. A win could be quite crucial for either side come the end of the regular season.
When asked what she’s expecting from Victory this round, Husband said, “conceding in that final 90 minutes of the game against them away from home, if we had been a little bit more smarter I think probably could have sat back a little more, but we want to go and try and win every single game and unfortunately, the backside of that is when you push numbers forward to try and win a game, you’re more vulnerable on the counter and more vulnerable to concede. We’ll go and attack like we’ve done every game this season so far, we want to play attacking and exciting football.”
Above: Star Kyah Simon speaks about her return from injury. Image: Central Coast Mariners.
The return of Kyah Simon from her ACL injury against Newcastle Jets in Round 14, was one not only long-awaited and eagerly anticipated. So far from her two appearances, hasn’t seemed to miss a beat despite before the match against the Jets, not having played a competitive match in 480 days.
As well as her return from injury, is being back at the Mariners where it all began for Simon in the A-League Women back in Round One of the 2008/09 season on the 25th of November 2008 coincidentally also against this weekend’s opponents for the club.
When asked about her return to the Mariners and what it meant for her personally to be back on the pitch playing for the club, Simon said, “it’s crazy to think there’s 16 years between the last time I wore a Mariners jersey. It’s a really nice moment for me to know that’s where I started my professional career here in Australia, on the Coast, for the Mariners. A real full-circle moment for me. A humbling experience knowing this is where it all began and I’m back here now doing the same thing.”
Western United
By Genevieve Henry
Above: Kat Smith reflecting on her team’s current form. Image: Western United.
The high-flying Western United, currently second on the A-League Women’s ladder, will face tenth-placed Brisbane Roar on Sunday, but this will be by no means an easy encounter. Western United head coach Kat Smith talked the press through her thoughts on both the upcoming and previous games, as well as their overall position in the league.
The news that Western co-captain and star Chloe Logarzo has been called back into the Matildas squad is exciting news for the whole club. Smith praised her staff, players, and fans for propelling her to this level, saying “(they have) the ability to stretch players beyond what they thought they were capable of and to get players back into that type of form to step back into the national team.” The motivation for Logarzo to continue to make national team squads and even push for a spot on the limited Olympic roster will likely push her to continuously improve and put all of her effort in for Western United, the call-up not only benefitting her, but the club as well. “Chloe is certainly the type of person that she’ll set a goal, she’ll achieve it, and she’ll set a new benchmark.”
Reflecting on last round’s match against Central Coast Mariners, Smith shared that “we certainly needed to dip into some of our core values.” Although it was technically a home match, the teams travelled to Tasmania where fans of Western United showed up to support the team vocally. “It’s really pleasing to see the girls evolve through different types of challenges,” Smith said, emphasising how pleased they were with the result.
Western seem to be on a roll with three wins in a row, Smith’s fresh outlook and tactics being just the thing they needed. “We’re not letting off in terms of what we’re demanding from this group and the expectations we have for their performances going forward will keep levelling up.” Smith shared that the club had a discussion about what was and wasn’t working for them, and highlighted the fact that what got them to this point will not necessarily continue to drive them forward. Smith and Western are all about evolution.
Sustaining their current form may be a difficult challenge in the league’s most competitive season yet, but a home crowd for their next three games will certainly give them an edge. Smith praised fans for ”the impact that the home crowd has on the girls” and “the spirit we have in the community.” Capitalising on these favourable factors could see Western retain their current position, or even step on to the top of the ladder.
Smith and Western are always focusing on their own performance and effort rather than their opponents. This is no different for their match-up with Brisbane, and although the gap in points tells one story, Smith is sure to not let her team drift into complacency. “We never stray from that,” she shared of their structure and willingness to maintain their identity.
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Above: Western Sydney are back on the winners list. Photo : Wander Women
With six wins and two draws apiece the Western Sydney Wanderers faced off against the Newcastle Jets at Carrington Park in rural New South Wales. Two very talented, young and in red hot form teams plined up against each other for a Friday night football match that turned out to be a fantastic watch.
With eight goals each so far this season, Sophie Harding for the Wanderers and Sarina Bolden for the Jets, were players to watch out for but it turned out to be the young guns who really impressed.
The match started at a fast pace with each team sending the ball quickly from one end of the pitch to the other. The Jets strategy of applying a strong press disrupted the Wanderers passing accuracy early on resulting in a lack of rhythm.
The eighth minute of the first half yielded the first heart stopping moment as the Jets snuck in behind the Wanderers defenders forcing the goalkeeper, Collins, to come a long way out from her goal and after not taking a clean save the first time, she had to employ all her reflexes to save the second attempt. Not long after the speed of the Jets created an opportunity for Copus-Brown, who took a shot from the right hand side of the goal, only for the ball to agonisingly sail out for a goal kick.
The pressure applied by the Jets was converted into a goal in the 14th minute as Bolden laid off a beautiful pass to the feet of Copus-Brown. A clean shot was launched from just outside the goal area, beating a fully outstretched Wanderers keeper whose effort was not enough to stop the goal. The Jets went ahead 1-0.
Sophie Harding took the initiative for the Wanderers in the 29th minute. Having beaten her defender, Harding took a shot at the goal but the ball sprayed wide. Might this be a turning of momentum in the Wanderers favour? It certainly appeared that way as the Jets players began to assert themselves much more.
A long goal kick headed on through the midfield by Caspers straight down the middle of the pitch was just the opening that the Wanderers needed. Once again, in the 43rd minute Sophie Harding found herself running at full pace towards the Jets goal with three defenders chasing her. A well placed chipped ball beat the goalkeeper and levelled the match. Wanderers 1 – 1 Jets.
Sophie Harding continues her fine form, as she slots her 9th of the season to level the score right on half time#WSWvNEW is live on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/D8PtG1T1FL
The second half started off the same way the first half finished – both teams playing fast football. It was the Wanderers who had the early ascendency, setting up camp in the Jets half but the Jets weren’t giving in. Both teams attempted to enforce some dominance on the match with repeated counter attack opportunities opening up however both goalkeepers were up to the task.
The Jets emphasis on applying a strong defensive full pitch press almost worked brilliantly in the 75th minute as the Jets midfield were pickpocketed giving Bolden a free shot on goal. It was thenWanderers GK, Collins, who was called upon to tidy up.
Caceres, Wanderers wonder sub, drew a foul in the 77th minute just outside the Jets goal area. Harrison took the free kick that sliced through a lacklustre Jets defensive effort, with the first attempt being swatted away by Nino. The ball wasn’t cleared though and Wanderers defender Vicky Bruce coolly slotted the ball into the goal. Wanderers 2 – 1 Jets.
The remainder of the match played out at the same frenetic pace. Each team moved the ball with great speed in both structured and unstructured attacks. The Wanderers closed out the match with two superb opportunities to score yet neither of which were converted. Chesari drove into the box and let a shot go which was very soon after followed by Harding perfectly placing the ball for Morris to score all but for the exceptional talent of Nino who saved a sure goal.
The match finished 2-1 with the Wanderers getting the win over the Jets.
Final thoughts. Every person who attended the match got their money’s worth of entertaining football. The continual fast pace and end to end action made this match an absolute pleasure to watch. Two very good and competitive teams played out a high energy match that every football fan could savour. Well done to both teams.
Performances to be proud of. Emma Dundas (Jets) was a real dynamo in the midfield. At only 16 years of age she plays with the maturity of someone who is 26. Holly Caspers (Wanderers) created lots of attacking opportunities.
Western Sydney Wanderers: 3-4-1-2. Collins, Bruce, Harrison, Ferris, Matos, Price, Apostolakis, Rue, Younis, Harding, Caspers.
Ellie Smith scored for Norwich City in their 2-1 win at London Seward on Sunday. Credit – Norwich City Women FC
Fa Women’s National League Division One South East
Norwich City claimed a hard fought win with a 2-1 victory at London Seaward. Goals from Ellie Smith and Natasha Snelling saw the Canaries take victory with Katherine Long scoring for London Seaward.
Eastern Region Premier Division
Wroxham lost their third league game in a row with a 2-1 defeat at Haringey Borough. Rebecca Russell scored for Wroxham but Goals from Saoirse Hourigan and Ronnell Humes saw the home side take victory.
It was a good day for Dussindale & Hellesdon as they beat local rivals Mulbarton Belles 6-0 at The Nest on Sunday. Credit – Ben Cunningham
Eastern Region Division One North
Dussindale & Hellesdon were one of the day’s headline writers with an emphatic 6-0 victory over MulbartonWanderers. Isabelle Moore scored a Hat-trick with Jessica Barnes, Rachel Bussey and Calista Tink scoring the other three goals.
It was a bad day for Fakenham Town as they were beaten 3-0 at Wootton Blue Cross after Daisy Moore scored a Hat-Trick to send the Norfolk side home in defeat.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One
Sprowston and Mulbarton Wanderers Development shared the points in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Blue Boar Lane. Rosie Milligan and Lois Wright scored for Sprowston with Megan Anderton and Alice Smith getting the goals for MulbartonWanderers.
In the days only other Tier Seven game Long Stratton were 6-1 winners at Thorpe St Andrew thanks to a goals from Elsie Downer, Caitlin Skipper, Megan Vincent, Grace Wall and a brace from Elisha Bower.
The games between Aylsham and Costessey Sports, Bungay and Caister and the fixture between University of East Anglia and Kings Lynn Soccer Club were all postponed.
Samantha Walker (Light Green) battles for the ball for Mulbarton Wanderers in their 6-0 defeat at Dussindale & Hellesdon on Sunday. Credit – Ben Cunningham
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two
Bure Valley continue to lead the way at the top of Tier Eight after a 6-0 win at Waveney, Emma Macmillan and Maisie Redgrave scored braces with Eva Heald and Romilly Mclaggan scoring the other two goals.
Stalham are hot on Bure Valley’s heals and level on points in 2nd after a hard fought 2-1 win at improving Great Yarmouth Town. Kerri Eke and Abigail Gower scored for Stalham with Lacey Andrews scoring for Great Yarmouth Town.
Mundford remain in title contention in third place and just three points back to the leading two. Livvi Hodges and Niamh Underhill scored their goals in a 2-0 win at Horsford Hurricanes.
Shrublands produced the most impressive result of the day in Tier Eight with a 3-0 win at Beccles Town Development, Rachel Adams scored a Hat-Trick which sees Shrublands up to an impressive fourth.
FC Viking Valkyries were 8-0 winners over Horsford Harriers thanks to four goals from Jessica Bennett and a goal each for Megan Bird, Carla Blundell, Leah Walthew and Maddie Smith.
In the day’s final Tier Eight game Red Rose produced a totally dominant performance to beat Martham 10-0, Joanna Horner scored seven, Claire Weekes scored a brace and Charley Sinclair scored the other goal.
Bure Valley continued their fine season with a 6-0 win at Waveney on Sunday. Credit – Shay Porter
Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One
Dussindale & Hellesdon were 5-0 winners over Loddon United thanks to four goals from Helen Finn and a goal from Belinda Ballantyne.
Mulbarton Wanderers were 2-0 winners at Taverham thanks to a goal each from Jo Hooper and Katie Ransome-Farmer.
Rockland United were 11-0 winners at Waveney thanks to five goals from Daisy Eke, four goals from Rebecca Humphreys and a brace from Leanne Warnes.
The game between Horsford and Left Field was postponed.
Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two
Aylsham and Madra shared the points in a 1-1 draw, Samantha Robbins scored for Aylsham with Jaime Sadler-Barker finding the net for Madra.
FC Viking Valkyries were 7-0 winners over University of East Anglia thanks to a brace from Sharnie Boast, goals from Lisa Ferdani, Laura-Jane Tooke and three own goals.
Hockering were 2-0 winners over Bulldogs FC thanks to goals from Summer Davies and Carrie-Ann Mileham.
It was smiles all round for Bure Valley at the end of Sunday’s game, they continue to sit top of Tier Eight after their 6-0 win at Waveney. Credit – Shay Porter
Members of the Impetus team of contributors covering the competition unveil their choices of player, coach, and event of the week. We’ll keep a tally of all the votes and just before Finals, reveal which player and coach have received the most votes across the season to be named the Impetus A-League Women Player and Coach of the Season 8/2/24
Player of the week
Ben Carey
Cortnee Vine. Her performance against Perth Glory was extraordinary. Her two goals and one assist were instrumental in her team’s victory. It looks like shes back to her pre-injury best!
Kieran Yap
Sasha Grove was enormous against Melbourne City. From full back she dominated the game for Canberra United, stopped countless opposition attacks and helped seal the game with an amazing chase, steal and long pass forward.
Coach of the week
Ben Carey
Njegosh Popovich. He lead his bottom of the table team to a statement victory over the league leaders, breaking a three year, four match winless streak against Melbourne City. Amazing effort from Popovich and his team.
Kieran Yap
Adrian Stenta. Adelaide United have two wins from their last two games and look to be turning their season around. Stenta has not been afraid to adjust personnel and tactics mid game and the winning goal was scored by substitute Chrissy Panagaris. The moves that he is making are having an impact.
Moment of the week
Ben Carey
Sarina Bolden’s goal against Wellington Phoenix was amazing. She ran onto the ball in the box, away from goals, and then pivoted and found not only superb pace, but an even better angle to sneak it past the keeper. Wonderful strike from a great player.
Kieran Yap
It was hard this week. Indiana Dos Santos’s rainbow flick, Morgan Aquino’s penalty save and Michelle Heyman’s solo run and goal all come into contention.
I’m going to go with Brianna Edwards again this week. Her save against Sarina Bolden’s header was remarkable, athletic and spectacular.
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Six months ago, Kaitlyn Torpey spent her off-season in the National Premier League in Victoria playing for the Preston Lions.
Yesterday, it was announced that she would be joining the San Diego Wave on a two year deal, making the move from top of the A-League Women table Melbourne City for an outgoing transfer fee, rumoured to be around $75,000, that broke Australian records in women’s football. There she’ll play alongside the likes of fellow Matilda Emily van Egmond, and United States Superstars such as defender Naomi Girma and forward Alex Morgan.
Today, she’s a part of the Matildas squad, for the first time, that’s going to be taking on Uzbekistan in their final round of Olympic Qualification for the Paris Olympics later this year.
But who is Kaitlyn Torpey?
Originally from Queensland and only 23 years old, Torpey spent the first five years of her professional career playing as a defender for Brisbane Roar. She racked up 43 appearances and scored one goal.
In September 2021, Torpey made the move down the coast to Melbourne City where she made 43 appearances and scored eight goals.
Torpey’s defensive style has an aggressive flair to it, she’s never one to shy away from a challenge and she can often be found charging into an attack, as well as working as a playmaker from out wide.
She has frequently been utilised as a wing-back under her former head coach Dario Vidosic during her time with Melbourne City.
Her stint with Preston in the NPLW Victoria demonstrated that she also has the ability to be clinical in front of goal, scoring nine goals in nine games.
Off the pitch, Torpey does videography and photography where she has collaborated with Melbourne City, The Professional Footballers Australia, and more, producing interviews with her teammates and for the PFA.
It was revealed in the presser announcing the Matildas Qualifying squad that Torpey has been in head coach Tony Gustavsson’s sights for quite some time now.
“We’ve kept an eye on her for a long time, her improvement of performances over the last year, especially after her last injury has been phenomenal,” said Gustavsson.
“We’re intrigued by her performances,” he continued.
Now all that’s left for Torpey is to carry on her missile-like trajectory from club to country.
Above: Kirsty Fenton (centre) celebrates last season’s success with her Sydney FC teammates. Image: Kris Goman for Impetus.
She’s been delivering some of the most phenomenal through-balls and assists in the A-League Women as of late. That, alongside her staunch defending, has made her one of the very best defenders in the league. And she’s only 20.
Kirsty Fenton has been shining in a somewhat lacklustre Sydney side. The left-back has been providing the creativity and forward momentum that feels lacking in an injury-ridden squad. Not only has she done this, but she has played a monumental role in keeping Sydney’s defence as the best in the league.
Born and raised in the Newcastle area, Fenton grew up in sports. She played at the Newcastle Jets academy from the U-11 level, while attending a sports high school. She went on to play for various youth levels at the academy before signing her first contract in 2021 with the senior Jets side at 17. While still completing her HSC, she worked her way up into the Jets lineups, juggling the classroom and the field exceptionally well. However, her smarts didn’t just manifest in school; her vision and decision-making are what set her apart on the park.
Fenton has simply stunned in the A-League Women, especially since joining Sydney FC in the 2022-23 season. She fills the role of a modern fullback perfectly, with solid defensive abilities while still being adventurous on the attacking front. Many have even tipped her as the best left-back in Australia since Steph Catley. With Sydney, she plays consistently when unmarred by injury. Her role in last season’s Premiership and Championship winning season was pivotal, and if they achieve anything this season, it will be largely her impact that propels them there. While she has not yet been amongst the senior Matildas, Fenton has starred at the U-20 level. She started two out of three games in the 2022 U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, even scoring a goal against the hosts.
Above: Kirsty Fenton (blue) in action against Canberra United. Image: Sydney FC.
As a fullback, her presence is frequently felt on the overlap, both her speed and technical skills bringing a deadly dynamism to the attack. Remarkably for a defender, she averages 1 attempt on goal per game, as well as creating at least 3 good chances per match. She often completes several take-ons per match, her dribbling and passing only improving as she matures. While she adds copious amounts of value to the attack, her real talent and composure is in defence. With 2.44 tackles, 3.03 interceptions, and 1.57 blocks on average per game, she ranks highly amongst other defenders around the world in top leagues. Another great strength for Fenton is her aerial ability, winning a whopping 95% of aerial duels. Strong in the air and on the ground, she expertly manoeuvres her body to retain possession and bring the ball back up the park. Fenton excels in defence and attack.
Not only is Fenton fantastic as an individual, but she functions well as a part of the backline, and her communication with teammates is evident on the field. Handling marking complications and handoffs with ease, there isn’t often a player who gets away from her. She rotates with flexibility, providing backup for her teammates while still handling her own responsibilities. She is often trusted as the player to hang back on a set-piece to snuff a counter-attack, providing safety and reliability to Sydney. She uses her intelligence to assess where her presence is most needed and always does what is best for her team, whether it be sending an inch-perfect pass onto the foot of a teammate, or blocking a goal on the line.
Sooner or later, she’ll be getting Matildas call-ups and offers from the biggest clubs. Kirsty Fenton isn’t just a talent for the future. She’s a talent for now.
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Above : Michelle Heyman will return to the national team against Uzbekistan. Photo: Football Australia.
The Matildas squad that faces Uzbekistan in the third and final round of Olympic Qualifying for Paris 2024 includes the familiar faces of Michelle Heyman and Chloe Logarzo, and marks a first senior call-up for Kaitlyn Torpey.
Head Coach Tony Gustavsson announced his 23-player deep roster last night to the media and spoke in a press conference about the choices he’s made in his inclusions and exclusions.
“We’re really happy to find the combination that we have of younger players, experienced players, players that have been with us before and are coming back and so forth,” said Gustavsson.
“We have to consider injury situations, with players unavailable, and look at how we can fill those spots, for example the 9 and 10 role,” he said regarding the loss of players such as Sam Kerr and Holly McNamara to ACL ruptures, and Lydia Williams requiring surgery on her ankle.
The selection of Michelle Heyman sees her return to the senior team five years after she announced her retirement from international football.
“Heyman has played herself into this team,” said Gustavsson, “it’s not about age in a Matilda, it’s about the quality you have as a footballer,” he continued.
Heyman, who is 35, recently became the first player to score 100 goals in the A-League Women’s, and currently leads the race for the Golden Boot, having scored 10 goals in 15 games for Canberra United. Internationally, Heyman has appeared 61 times for the Matildas, including at the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada, and the 2016 Rio Olympics, and scored 20 goals.
“She’s in tremendous form, she’s scoring for fun, and we feel playing these qualifiers against a very well organized Uzbekistan, it’s going to be difficult to get in behind and we need an in-and-out pure 9 in the box that needs half a chance to score, and that’s Michelle Heyman.”
This roster also sees the return of Chloe Logarzo to the international fold after having struggled in recent years with injuries and form.
“I’m really happy to bring Chloe back in. She knows the identity of the team, she knows the playing style, she’s going to integrate quickly into it,” said Gustavsson.
While she has recently been utilised as a number 9 for her club at Western United, where she has so far collected 5 goals and 2 assists this season, Logarzo is traditionally known for her tenacious work as a box-to-box midfielder, attributes that Gustavsson was quick to heap praise on.
“Her runs off the ball, her tackling, her 1v1, her defending and attacking, her scoring ability, her ability to get into the box, her runs in behind the backline, we need players that can get into the box and be first on the ball… she’s going to be there to poach every single ball if she gets on the park,” he said.
Internationally, Logarzo was a part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics squad, where the Matildas came home empty handed after losing 4-3 to the USA in the Bronze Medal match. She previously was awarded the Player of the Match in the Matildas game against Brazil at the Women’s World Cup in France in 2019, a game in which she scored to level the score and which is heralded by fans as ‘The Miracle of Montpellier.”
The only new addition to Gustavsson’s team is Kaitlyn Torpey, a versatile defender originally from Brisbane, who was recently announced as having signed with San Diego Wave in the NWSL for two years, a move that set a record outgoing transfer fee in Australia from Melbourne City.
“We’ve kept an eye on her for a long time, her improvement of performances over the last year, especially after her last injury has been phenomenal,” Gustavsson said of the 23-year-old.
“She has a profile as a player that is intriguing for the way we play. She has the speed with technique, she can play the 7 or 11 for us out wide, she can play as an attacking outside back for us, she’s confident on the ball, she’s aggressive.”
The remaining 20 places on this squad contain the usual suspects you would expect to see, however both Alex Chidiac and Courtney Nevin have been omitted this time around.
The Olympics only allow for 18 players per country with a handful of reserve players who also travel with the team, meaning that there will be more cuts made should the Matildas qualify for Paris 2024.
Despite this, Gustavsson has said that there are still opportunities for players who haven’t made this roster to book their ticket.
“Everyone that is selected for this camp, and those that missed out, are in contention for a position on the Olympic roster,” he said.
“The door is open, but it’s not wide open.”
The Matildas take on Uzbekistan in a two-leg series, the first played in Tashkent at the Milliy Stadium at 8pm AEST on the 24th of February, before travelling to Melbourne for the second game also at 8pm AEST on the 28th of February at Marvel Stadium.
SQUAD LIST
Mackenzie ARNOLD (GK)
Ellie CARPENTER
Steph CATLEY
Kyra COONEY-CROSS
Caitlin FOORD
Mary FOWLER
Katrina GORRY
Charlotte GRANT
Michelle HEYMAN
Clare HUNT
Alanna KENNEDY
Chloe LOGARZO
Aivi LUIK
Teagan MICAH (GK)
Clare POLKINGHORNE
Hayley RASO
Amy SAYER
Kaitlyn TORPEY
Emily VAN EGMOND
Cortnee VINE
Clare WHEELER
Jada WHYMAN (GK)
Tameka YALLOP
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The group stage of the UWCL was laced with actions, momentous displays, and lasting memories. From having the first Dutch team in the quarter-finals, to the shock of having no German team in the quarter-finals for the first time, it was a story of the heroes, unsung heroes and the under-dogs.
While many are looking forward to the quarter-finals after the draw today I wanted to reflect on the group stages just gone. While Ada Hegerberg who extended her tally as the competition’s highest goal-scorer, Salma Paralluelo who has been a discovery with five goals in six matches and others might steal the spotlight, there are a lot of unsung heroes who deserve all the celebration. This article seeks to shine a light on these superstars.
Jessica Silva: When you are in the same group as Barcelona, your qualification chances are almost reduced by 50%. While football is not mathematics, it is almost certain Barcelona will qualify so you have to put up a fight to pick up the second slot, that’s what Benfica did and Jessica Silva was the metronome orchestrating the team’s strides.
From assisting the goal that ensured they picked up maximum points at home to Rosengard to scoring an away goal that ensured they shared the spoils away at Frankfurt, the Portuguese attacker was the conductor directing Benfica’s attack.
Silva and her Benfica teammates will not be daunted by the prospect of facing Olympique Lyonnais, if anything, they will relish it.
She saved her best performance for the last dance as her team almost recorded a monumental win against the reigning champions Barcelona. Silva set up her striker, Marie-Yasmin Alidou for the first goal, before scoring a beautiful third goal from a counter-attacking move she started.
Making it out of the group stage is already a record and if there is more magic to watch out from Benfica this season, you can be guaranteed Silva’s seat at the heart of the team, spinning attacking tricks.
Lily Yohannes: She was termed the “discovery of the season” and delivered five-star performances throughout all the group stage matches. The Ajax youngster is definitely the revelation of the tournament. The whizz who made her UWCL Group stage debut at 16 years and 156 days, and recorded her first assist at 16 years and 183 days old already holds the record for the youngest player in the UWCL group stage. Keeping her heads up against midfield maestros like Grace Geyoro and Georgia Stanway is a pointer to how brilliant Yohannes was during the group stage.
From her ball-carrying abilities to creating pivotal assists (against Bayern and Roma in Gameweek 3 and 6 respectively), to her interceptions and thwarts to opponents’ attacking moves, she is one of the many heroes of this spectacular Ajax team.
Above: Lily Yohannes Photo: @UWCL
Erin Cuthbert: Sam Kerr was the star, the sharpened attacking head hitting the nail for Emma Hayes’ team, scoring five goals in the first four matches, until the ACL knocked.
A lot of players have stepped up in her absence and Erin Cuthbert is one of them. Even before Kerr’s departure, Cuthbert was crucial to that victory over BK Hacken that ensured Chelsea topped the group since match day one.
Beyond the brace she scored, as Emma Hayes said in the post-match interview, Cuthbert was everywhere on the field, making something happen and the goals were just a bonus to her outstanding performance. She repeated the same performance against Real Madrid in game week five, ensuring Chelsea qualified at the top spot.
Chiamaka Nnadozie: While the burgeoning French side, Paris FC didn’t make it out of the group, their UWCL run has been astoundingly inspiring and the Nigeria shot-stopper was a significant part of this sturdy run. From saving crucial penalties during the qualifying rounds to saving two penalties against Real Madrid and Hacken, ensuring her team picked up points in both matches, the goal-keeper has made a good account of herself, and if Paris FC is going to make a comeback to Europe’s grand-stage next season, she would be a very important part of the journey.
Manuela Guigliano: Four goals and four assists in six matches tells you all you need to know about the Italian midfielder. Roma will believe they experienced a rotten draw being in the same group with teams like Bayern and PSG while conceding two late goals at the death in two different matches, they made a great account of themselves, and Guiglano was a conductor co-ordinating Roma’s orchestra of free-flowing football.
Combined with Valentina Giacinti (another player worth spotlighting), the midfielder virtuoso was everywhere dictating the Roma’s play. Her best performance was probably against Bayern Munich where she created an assist for her team-mate in the 58th minute before completing the comeback in the 90th minute to ensure the spoils were shared despite being 2:0 down at the end of the first half. The Italians can be proud of their display and hopefully come back together.
Caroline Graham Hansen: Barcelona scored 27 goals in the group stage and the Norwegian winger was involved in one-third of them. This depicts how productive and clinical Graham Hansen is. Often overlooked because of the presence of players like Alexia Puttelas and Aitana Bonmati, the number 10 was a continuous contributor to Barcelona’s attack, creating magic out of almost nothing, and spinning impossible goals and unexpected strikes in almost every match.
Did you watch her assist for Salma Paralluelo in their match against Rosengård and her lethal strike against Frankfurt in the match after? With four goals and five assists in six matches, if Barcelona aims to retain their trophy, then the spotlight needs to shine more on the ferocious winger.
Rosa Kafaji: To have three goals and one assists in six matches against a former European finalist, a Spanish powerhouse and a club who had knocked out two semi-finalists is a worthy mention. Winning the player of the match in her first two stats is a testament to her scintillating skillsets.
Above: Rosa Kafaji in action against Real Madrid. Photo: @RosaKafaji IG
Beyond her goals, the 20-year-old Swedish was an incessant threat to her opponents with or without the ball. Her tricky unpredictable movement when she is with the ball and her persistent hassling when she isn’t without the ball makes her the perfect European midfielder any manager would love to work with. BK Hacken made it out of one of the groups of death and while the Quarter-finals is already a major monument, if they would go further than that, then Kafaji must be at 100% delivering her best for the team.
There are a lot of other worthy mentions like Valentina Giacinti and Marie-Yasmin Alidou who scored four important goals for their respective clubs, Roma and Benfica, Lucy Bronze who scored a vital goal and created four assists in six games, Christy Uchiebe who was crucial to Benfica’s defence especially against Barcelona at home and against Eintracht Frankfurt, Justine Kvaleng Kielland who stood out for Brann, ensuring they navigate a challenging route to the quarter-finals and all these names deserves to be appreciated for showing up when their team needed them most, where their teams needed them most.
Which of these heroes are you backing to shine in the quarter-finals? Do leave a comment below.
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