Caspers haunts Canberra defence with a supernatural performance

Western Sydney Wanderers 4-1 Canberra United.

By Kieran Yap 14/4/23

Above: Holly Caspers (middle) Photo: A-Leagues.

No Sophie Harding? No problem for The Wanderers as Robbie Hookers team defeated Canberra United 4-1 at home in an impressive display. 

The result sees Wanderers further secure their finals chances. Western Sydney showed that even without their injured star striker, there is still a path to goal, and Holly Caspers showed the way.

Things looks bleak for the Wanderers in the opening 60 seconds. Michelle Heyman dropped deep, played the ball wide and then finished the move herself with a goal almost instantly after kickoff. 

Western Sydney responded immediately through Caspers, the leagues assist leader jumper highest from a corner kick and turned the ball into they net. 

Caspers showed her class again to put her team into the lead. After finding herself in a shooting position, she cut the ball across goal for Ella Buchanan to tap in at the far post. 

Madison McComansky made it 3-1 before half time with another headed goal from a corner, and Canberra were struggling to defend the repeated attacks. 

Caspers brought up her second and the Wanderers fourth with a calm finish just moments after the second half began.

The loss comes in the middle of a tough week for Canberra in an uncertain season. Midweek Michelle Heyman spoke to the Canberra Times about the lack of information available about the clubs future. Under those circumstances it is hard to see the club reaching its full and glorious potential. 

There were no signs of distraction on the pitch. They played well when in possession and moved the ball confidently and directly. But we’re not clinical in the final third, while also being unable to stop a rampant Caspers inspired Wanderers. 

The absence of Young Matildas trio Sasha Grove, Chloe Lincoln and Teagan Bertolissio was obvious and undeniable, but somehow seemed more of a problem than it has been this past month. 

In the end, nothing can be taken away from Western Sydney who were also without crucial defensive midfielder Alexia Apostolakis for the same reason.

Caspers was simply brilliant. She was unstoppable and seemed to make the right decision at every important moment. 

The win was Western Sydney’s first in four games, and it was a deserved three points. 

Lineups: 

Western Sydney Wanderers: Khamis, Matos, Harrison, Bruce, McComansky, Rue, Chessari, Younis, Buchanan, Morris, Caspers. Substitutes Caceras, Breier, Brooking, Abdul Massih, Collins.

Scorers: Caspers 4’ 46’ Buchanan 14’ McComansky 24’

Canberra United: Majstorovic, Christopherson, Ilijoski, McKenzie, Whittall, Murray, Clarke, Flannery, Jackson, Milivojevic, Heyman. Substitutes. Nathan, Piazza, Cameron, McNulty, Ritchie. 

Scorer: Heyman 

Referee: Kelly Jones 

Attendance: TBC 

Young Matildas eliminated by Japan

By Kieran Yap 14/3/24

Above: The Young Matildas. Photo : Tiff Williams, Football Australia.

A fluid, fast and ruthless Japan has won their U20 Asia Cup semi-final against the Young Matildas 5-1.

Goals to Hiromi Yoneda, Uno Shiragaki, Maya Hijikata, and Chinari Sasai, and an own goal sent Japan to a fourth consecutive final and a chance to win their seventh title at this level.

Following the short gap between games. Young Matildas coach Leah Blayney rotated the midfield. Maddie Caspers, Indiana Dos Santos and Zara Kruger all started in an attack minded setup, but Japan had the majority of the ball and Australia were pinned back early. 

It took only three minutes to open the scoring. Yoneda’s corner kick falling into the net through the grasp of Chloe Lincoln. It was a situation similar to the earliest moments of this tournament, when South Kore scored in Australia’s first gsme. 

As they did on that occasion, The Young Matildas struck back. Sasha Grove picked up the ball deep in defence and spotted an opportunity. 

A burst of pace opened things up, then an interchange of passes between the Canberra United fullback, Daniela Galic and Millie Broughton set Peta Trimis free to run at goal.

Trimis sprinted beyond the offside trap and maintained her composure to cap the move off with her third goal in four games. 

It was up there with Australia’s best moments of this Asian Cup campaign but it would also be the last highlight of this encounter.

Japan simply dominated, with 41 shots on goal and 74% of possession. Australia were chasing shadows and when they tried to press in midfield it only opened up space on the flank. 

The full time score was an accurate reflection of the match, but still felt harsh. Three of the goals game in the final seven minutes as Australia looked for an equaliser. The definitive goal came in the 63rd minute when another Japan corner evaded the defence. 

It says tough end to an otherwise terrific and exhilarating run by this Australia side and if youth tournaments are primarily about hope for the future, this month provided many reasons to be excited.

There is a gap, Japan are a benchmark side, and will go into the final as favourites, but Australia can compete at this level, and will now look to the third place playoff and then the big prize at the World Cup in Colombia.

This team, and these players individually will have gained from this experience, and the best is yet to come. This is prelude to some fantastic international careers.

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Kahli Johnson: the youth football veteran talks ahead of Young Matildas semi-final.

By Kieran Yap 13/3/24

Although she only turned 20 last month, Young Matildas striker Kahli Johnson seems like a veteran. She has played at two A-League Women clubs, competed in a Grand Final, scored some stunning goals, and is on her way to a second Youth World Cup with Australia.

The Western United attacker was a consistent, often spectacular goal scorer throughout qualifying, and recovered from an arm injury just in time to take part in the Asian Cup. Australia navigated the group stage with a perfect record, but Johnson says that the development of other teams has been a highlight of her experience in this tournament.

“It’s been cool to see how much the women’s game has developed in Asia and see that the competition is definitely getting harder across the board,”, she said through Football Australia.

“It also makes you want to get better and show what you’ve been working on in our own space.”

Australia’s last Under 20 cycle was cut short by COVID. This time around, The Young Matildas have had a full preparation. They have shown themselves the be adaptable to every type of weather condition, and tactically flexible to beat opponents from all over the federation.

Johnson was selected to play in the 2022 U20 Women’s World Cup. It was a tournament that took almost everybody by surprise after Australia was admitted by default at North Korea’s expense. Johnson says that being able to play a full cycle of U20 games has benefitted the side.

“In this cycle we’ve been together for the past 18 months.

“It’s been a real development, getting to know the girls, learning to play with each other.”

“We’ve had a lot of camps together and it’s really cool to see it come full circle now.

“Being able to qualify for the World Cup has been an amazing thing for us, a great achievement and I can’t wait to do the full two- year cycle.”

Young Matildas coach Leah Blayney has been able to pick a squad where almost every member features regularly in the A-League Women. It is a rarity at this level of international football, and an advantage for Australia that they have made the most of.

“Playing in that kind of environment has been really helpful for a lot of the girls coming into this tournament,” says Johnson.

“They can bring in their different playing styles and really use that  professional level from the ALW to then transfer into an Asian Cup space.”

At Western United, Johnson is a game breaker and a difference maker, but is one of the youngest in a squad built around experienced footballers. With the Young Matildas, she is enjoying the opportunity to be one of the senior players in a still very young group.

“When you’re in a youth team, experience can be hard to come by,’ she said.

“Being a younger player coming into my professional career, it’s not very often that I get to be the oldest in a team.

“It’s probably one of the first times ever.”

“It is kind of cool, I feel like a bit more of a leader, being able to help those coming through that haven’t really experienced this before.  I’ve really enjoyed it.”

They have already secured qualification for the World Cup, but the celebrations will be put aside when they play the semi-final against Japan tonight. In the press conference, Leah Blayney signalled that Australia is excited to play the regional powerhouse and will not be taking them lightly.

“Team Australia is really looking forward to the opportunity to face Japan tomorrow,” said Blayney in the pre-match media conference.

“To play in an Asian cup semi final and represent our country is something that is an honour and we relish the opportunity.”

The Young Matildas coach said that they have researched tonights opponent as they do any team, and are aware of their strengths as well as Australia’s.

“Obviously Japan are quite tactically flexible and we’ve seen them take different approaches to different matches.

“That’s why they’re silver medallists at the previous (U20) World Cup, that’s why they’re Asian Champions.

“In terms of our versality as a squad and our playing style, we’re proud of how we’ve evolved over the last couple of years.

“It’s something we take pride in, and it’s a huge occasion for us to come out and show our performances and be at times, just as tactically flexible.”

Johnson echoed these sentiments, and also believes that the spirit that the team has built could see them through this latest challenge.

“Japan is a really good opponent,” she said

“They’ve done really well in the past in Asian Cups and World Cups.

“That just gives us a bit more fight and fire to show how good of a team we really are, and to prove to people how far and what we can do.’

Australia play Japan at 10pm AEDT and can be viewed on 10Play.

A-League Women Awards: Round 19

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 11/3/24

Player of the week

Hannah Wilkinson. City shrugged off their goal scoring troubles and put a winless run behind them, and much of it was thanks to Hannah Wilkinson

The New Zealand centre forward scored twice, both off Bryleeh Henry assists and if she can continue that form, City suddenly look dangerous again

–Kieran Yap

Cortnee Vine. She was on fire against Western United, Sydney’s biggest rival for the Premiership. Two crucial goals and a direct involvement in a third. She was pivotal in Sydney’s big win.

–Ben Carey

Coach of the week

Ante Juric deserves acclaim for defeating the in-form Western United, trusting in Abbey Lemon and taking Sydney FC to within a few points of the summit. All of this has been achieved with the core of his squad away on Young Matildas duty. 

–Kieran Yap

Ante Juric. His player selection and tactics were fantastic against Western United. He was able to get the job done against a team that was on a run of six straight wins. They were the team to beat in the competition, and Juric did. Great effort.

–Ben Carey

Moment of the week

For better or worse, it’s Emily Gielnik’s second goal against Adelaide United. It was a delightful finish, one touch and curled around the goalkeeper. However the circumstances were unforgettable. Gielnik looked offside when Rachel Lowe’s pass was played, but the final touch had come off an Adelaide defender.

The ensuing confusion meant that nobody watch online was sure if it was a goal. The broadcast cut away during kickoff, play had restarted by the time the cameras returned and the score in the top corner was absent for minutes. 

–Kieran Yap

Emily Gielnik’s hat-trick against Adelaide United, which signalled her return to top form after a long time out due to injury. Gielnik is building a very good case for another Matildas call up.

–Ben Carey

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Match Report: Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Lewes

Above: Blackburn Rovers celebrating after Coan’s opening goal puts The Blues 1-0 ahead. Photo: Impetus 71- Kya Banks

By Freya Hiscott (12/03/24)

Blackburn Rovers welcomed Lewes to Ewood Park on Monday evening for round 12 of the Barclay’s Championship. After both teams put up a hard fight it was the home side, Blackburn Rovers, who left with all three points winning 2-1.

There were only two changes to Blackburn Rovers starting line-up after their previous 2-2 draw with Durham in their last Championship fixture. Simon Parker’s side saw the return of midfielder Chloe Williams in place of Katie Bradley and U21’s goalkeeper Grace Pilling made the team sheet as a substitute. Scott Booth’s Lewes lined up as they did in their last Championship fixture, when they won 2-1 against Sheffield United.

Blackburn Rovers had a strong start with Hannah Coan opening up the scoring in the sixth minute leading Simon Parker’s side to a 1-0 advantage. Coan successfully slotted the ball into the bottom right of the net from close range, assisted by Tyler Toland’s cross from a corner.

Blackburn Rovers maintained the upper hand but Lewes were quick to breakthrough their defence and attempt a shot. Midfielder Amelia Hazard took a shot from outside the box but it was just too high to reach the target.

Minutes later, Hannah Silcock looked to increase Blackburn Rovers advantage, with a shot from the centre of the box, but Lewes’s defensive line stood firm.

The Blues continued to create numerous chances before the interval, including a header by Jade Richards from close range but Lewes’s goalkeeper, Sophie Whitehouse was quick in preventing them from advancing.

As the first half was closing in, Hannah Silcock won a free kick in the defensive half, but lewes’s clinical set pieces forced the score to stay 1-0 allowing The Rooks to still be in the game.

Swiftly after this the first half concluded and the score remained 1-0 to the home side, Blackburn Rovers.

Above: Hannah Silcock, player of the match attempting to retrieve the ball back into the hands of The Blues. Photo: Impetus 71- Kya Banks

As the second-half begun Blackburn Rovers continued in the ascendancy and it was not long before Shepherd doubled the lead for The Blues, moments before the hour mark. An assist from Megan Hornby allowed Shepherd to guide the ball into the bottom right corner of the net from very close range.

This stimulated Lewes to come back stronger and within minutes of Shepherd increasing the score, The Rooks were back on the offensive looking to get a goal back. Attempts from Maria Farrugia and Aimee Claypole looked promising but The Blues goalkeeper, Alexandra Brooks was quick at preventing the ball from getting past.

With the game heading for what looked like a comfortable 2-0 win for the home side, The Rooks responded with only 25 minutes left as Hollie Olding headed the ball past Brooks into the bottom left corner, assisted by a perfectly executed cross from Farrugia.

Shortly after Lewes’s goal, the rest of the match was stop-start due to an injury and a myriad of substitutions. However, a few chances were created by both teams including a close opportunity for Lewes to grab a late draw. Chelsea Ferguson took a right footed shot from the centre of the box from a set piece, but the shot went wide of the left hand post.

Despite Lewes creating several excellent chances it was the hosts, Blackburn Rovers who victoriously took home all three points. The result 2-1 lifted The Blues into the top half of the Championship table above Durham, as they now sit in 6th place. The visitors, Lewes remain in the relegation zone, three points away from safety with only five games to go.

Blackburn Rovers are set to face Birmingham City next, a team which are currently four points ahead and lying in the 5th position. Next up for Lewes is a tough home game against Watford as both teams will be battling it out in order to escape relegation.

Blackburn Rovers: Brooks (GK), Coan, Toland, Richards (C), Williams, Hornby, Shepherd, Silcock, Hutchings, Robertson, Maxwell, (Chandarana 69′), (Walters 81′), (Thomas 81′), (Seed 90+4′)

Substitutes not used: Pilling, Taylor, Doyle, Dahou

Scorers: Coan 6′, Shepherd 55′

Bookings: Hornby 90+7

Lewes: Whitehouse (GK), Cleverly (C), Hazard, Hack, Hamilton, Farrugia, Blades, Olding, Hand, Heuchan, Claypole, (Ferguson 80′), (Godfrey 80′), (Riglar 88′), (Grey 88′)

Substitutes not used: Moore, Garrad, Brasero-Carreira

Scorers: Olding 65′

Bookings: Hack 39′

Referee: Declan Brown

Attendance: TBC

Georgia Cassidy: “It’s been an amazing 12 months”

Young Matildas star Georgia Cassidy answers Ben Gilby‘s questions from the Australia U20 HQ in Tashkent as they prepare for their U20 Asia Cup semi-final with Japan on Wednesday (11/3/24).

Above: Georgia Cassidy in action for the Young Matildas against Chinese Taipei on Saturday. Photo: Football Australia.

Georgia Cassidy is living the dream. After a sensational last 12 months, A-League Women fans have discovered what those in Perth have known for several years. This teenager is the real deal.

This time last year, the midfielder was preparing for another season in the NPLW WA with Hyundai NTC with the hugely talented team of youngsters looking to build on a Grand Final place in 2022.

Ben Anderton’s NTC side were packed full of skilled footballers. They were playing a style beyond their tender years. Eye-catching passing movements, skilled cross-field switches along with a determined tackling game that saw this team of teenagers physically match it against some of Western Australia’s most seasoned players.

Above: Georgia Cassidy (third right) with Hyundai NTC last season in the NPLW WA. Photo: Hyundai NTC.

During the 2023 campaign, Cassidy and her NTC teammates would win silverware in the State Cup Final and qualify for the end-of-season Top Four Cup once more. At its conclusion, the midfielder was one of several from her NTC squad to be offered an A-League Women contract. Joining Cassidy at Perth Glory were Grace Johnston, Tanika Lala, and Lilly Bailey, with Ruby Cuthbert being snapped up by Brisbane Roar, and Ischia Brooking going to Western Sydney Wanderers. It was quite a squad that Ben Anderton had put together.

Looking back at the period, Cassidy reflected: “It’s been an amazing past 12 months, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. Personally, the most important thing I have learned is to live in the moment and just enjoy the little things.”

The 18-year-old has come a long way since “just kicking the ball outside with my two brothers…to think I’m playing in an Asian Cup is so rewarding.”

That reward, coming on as a substitute in Australia’s last two group games against Uzbekistan and Chinese Taipei, has come for a superb first season in the A-League Women. Cassidy has not just been a regular member of the Perth Glory side all season, she’s been performing like a player who has been a pro for years – as Glory head coach Alex Epakis agreed with when he spoke to me back in late-October about the influence of Cassidy and teammate Grace Johnston.

“They have shown moments where they look like 30 or 40 gamers…it’s credit to them and to the older players who have created an environment to support them. They are doing great things, but there are a lot of people who have contributed to that – the senior players in particular.”

Above: Georgia Cassidy in possession for Perth Glory against Western United in October. Photo supplied to Impetus 71 by: Perth Glory.

The style of play that marked Cassidy out as a key performer for Hyundai NTC has shone through in the A-League Women. This is a cultured youngster who can play centimetre-perfect through balls, hit a stunning long-range shot or set piece, and put in some crunching tackles. 

That defensive side of the game is something that the teenager clearly relishes, and believes her management of those situations all comes from intuition and a deep knowledge of her role.

“I think with defending, it’s not really a skill. It’s really just instinct and willing to put in the effort. In my position, it is my job to nail passes, so it’s just an expectation.”

Having come into the game in Western Australia’s NPLW, a competition just about to enter its fifth season, Cassidy feels has had its drawbacks. With the national coaching system based on the east coast, where the vast majority of the squad play having come through NPLW systems that are perceived to be superior makes it considerably more challenging for Western Australia’s best young female players to get noticed without moving inter-state.

“Personally, I have always believed it is way harder to be seen as a footballer in Western Australia. The competition is very unmatched compared to other states.”

Georgia Cassidy, Young Matilda, and Perth Glory midfielder.
Above: Georgia Cassidy in action at the U20 Asia Cup for Australia. Photo: Football Australia.

It has to be hoped that the high number of talented teenagers coming through not just the NTC set-up, but at other NPLW WA and State League clubs as the competitions mature, will eventually enable more Georgia Cassidys to flourish in their home state without needing to travel east to catch the eye of national coaches.

The 18-year-old midfielder urges the next generation of Western Australian female players to ensure that they do “not have the fun taken out of the game.”

For now though, having been part of a Young Matildas side qualify for the the U20 World Cup having made the semi-finals of the U20 Asia Cup, Cassidy has just one focus – and one belief:

“We can go all the way!”

Follow Impetus ’71 on social media –

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Ellie Carpenter 9 March 2024 Photo Gallery

Impetus’ Jean-Pierre Thiesset was at Olympique Lyonnais versus Fleury France Cup semi-final (11/03/2024)

Above: Ellie Carpenter, Lyon vs Fleury on March 9, 2024. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Above: Ellie Carpenter, Lyon vs Fleury on March 9, 2024. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Above: Ellie Carpenter, Lyon vs Fleury on March 9, 2024. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Above: Ellie Carpenter, Lyon vs Fleury on March 9, 2024. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Above: Ellie Carpenter, Lyon vs Fleury on March 9, 2024. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Above: Ellie Carpenter, Lyon vs Fleury on March 9, 2024. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Above: Ellie Carpenter, Lyon vs Fleury on March 9, 2024. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Above: Ellie Carpenter, Lyon vs Fleury on March 9, 2024. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Above: Ellie Carpenter, Lyon vs Fleury on March 9, 2024. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset

‘They’re a really exciting group of young women’: Leah Blayney on the Young Matildas

By Kieran Yap 11/3/24

Leah Blayney has become the first woman to coach Australia to a major FIFA Tournament. The Young Matildas manager and leader of the Future Matildas program reflects on the path to Colombia.

Two years ago Leah Blayney stood on the sidelines as her Young Matildas side played infront of 30,000 fans in Costa Rica. After finishing top of Group A in the U20 Asian Cup, she will once again step onto the global stage when Australia travels to Colombia for the U20 Women’s World Cup.

“We’ve been chasing that feeling,” Blayney told the media.

“To go to a youth World Cup, and represent your country on the world stage like that is really special and we’ve been working towards it ever since.”

The team that she currently manages feature some of the highest rated youngsters that Australian football has ever produced. They were relentless in qualifying and have won all three games of this years tournament so far but remain humble and focused. In an interview with Impetus71, playmaker Daniela Galic stated a clear desire to win this tournament. After the defining win against Chinese Taipei, the mantra among the playing group has been that the Job is not done.  

For players and staff, this was a journey that began 18 months ago as they started on a path towards this week’s semi final against Japan.

“The group have been working a long time towards this,” said Blayney.

“All the staff and players have made sacrifices and really put all their energy towards this qualification.

“It’s been a long time coming and we’re really excited to competing in Colombia.

“We started this journey when we started the new cycle. This group has been together through AFC 1, AFC 2, now  we’re halfway through AFC 3.

“They spend a lot of time together on and off the pitch, a lot of them are in our Future Matildas program so its just that added quality time and we’ve just been committed to qualifying.

“To reap the reward of it now is something really special.”

The Young Matildas staff and b

There is a sense of togetherness and common purpose when watching The Young Matildas play. They have played in severe heat and deep snow as the travelled Asia as a team. From the outside, they can be exhilarating to watch. A tactically versatile side that can seemingly find goals from players in any position. From the inside, Blayney says that they are a special team.

“They’re a really exciting group of young women.

“They’re very different on and off the pitch but together they’re united and they just come together when they need to. They enjoy each other’s company and that helps us play good football as well.”

The last three games have seen some of the most difficult challenges that this team has faced. Not only have they won all three matches, but Australia has heavily rotated the squad, and changed formations when needed. Every outfield player has been used meaning that even though these players are midway through the A-League season, they are at near full fitness.

“It’s been extremely important,” Blayney said of the rotations.

“It’s a testament to our SSSM team who have had all players available, the work that the playing group did before coming into our environment to ensure that they’re all fit, so that there’s healthy competition in the squad and then us strategically rotated players as we needed for different challenges within games.”

Wednesday’s game will be Blayney’s second successive U20 Asian Cup semi final, the 2019 side did not life the trophy but prepared many players such as Kyra Cooney-Cross, Mary Fowler and Charli Grant to become senior Matildas.

As the head of the Future Matildas program, Blayney is plays a large role in the production line of stars that are emerging in women’s football.

“It just provides a competitive environment for our players,” she says of the development setup.

“It’s an environment where they’re constantly pushing and challenging each other.

“It’s really nice to see that training ground challenge now being brought into tournament football.”

The benefits extend off the pitch as well.

“We actually have a lot of crossover in staff.

“The development in that space for staff who are now thriving in the young Matildas environment. It is something that as a head coach that is special to see.”

For Blayney personally, qualification represents a significant milestone in the sport. She is the first woman to guide an Australia team to a World Cup through Asia.

“I’m extremely proud of that achievement.

“It’s something that I’ve been working towards.

“I’ve got a really good support around me who have helped me along this journey, and who will continue to help me as I’m able to reach above and beyond.

“It’s just a really special feeling.”

The Young Matildas face Japan at 10pm on Wednesday night AEDT

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