A tight battle for the title in the Barclays Women’s Championship

By Caitlin Kelly 12/4/24

Above: Bristol City’s trophy lift celebrating their promotion from the Barclays Women’s Championship in the 22/23 season. Photo: The FA

As this season draws to a close, the title race in the Championship is beginning to heat up with just fourpoints separating the top four sides. 

The four-way title race will inevitably be battled out until the final matchday with so little to divide those at the pinnacle. With just three match days remaining, who will be the next to lift the Championship trophy and advance into the WSL?

Sunderland 

Sunderland are currently topping the table, accumulating 40 points so far this season. This situates them one point above Crystal Palace but have played an extra game than their second-place opponents. In recent fixtures, the Lasses have been in flying form picking up 12 points out of a possible 15 in their latest five. 

With just two fixtures remaining, their final chances to secure their top of the table position are facing Charlton at home, before taking on Crystal Palace away, both of which are fellow title contenders. Thus, their concluding stretch to get their hands on the trophy will be a tough one, but certainly not impossible.

However, the one fixture they experienced defeat in their previous five was versus London City Lionesses. Before entering this game, London City were positioned just above the relegation zone where Ruesha Littlejohn’s 25th minute strike secured all three points for the home side, points which are beneficial for their safety in their league. Although Remi Allen’s takeover has transformed this London City side, thisloss for Sunderland may leave others questioning their consistency to beat near bottom of the table sides in games which could instead be used to boost goal difference.

Despite this, Sunderland have failed to pick up any points just four times through the entirety of this Championship season,points being shared four times, and winning 58% of their games so far. A demanding final two fixtures should not make promotion unachievable for Sunderland should they continue their excellent run of form.

Above: Sunderland celebrating one of three goals in their most recent fixture defeating Watford Photo: Sunderland AFC Women Official Media

Crystal Palace 

Trailing one point behind Sunderland in second place is Crystal Palace. Having one game in hand from the league leaders could give Palace the opportunity to leapfrog Sunderland when this fixture is played. Across their previous five fixtures, Crystal Palace too have amassed 12 out of 15 possible points with 13 goals scored and just three conceded.

Their remaining three fixtures consist of Birmingham City at home, followed by facing Lewes away, then lastly facing title rivals Sunderland on the final day of the season. With the opportunity to add nine points to the table instead of six puts them at an advantage over Sunderland to jump to the top of the table.

With their second opponent currently sitting in the relegation zone, this could be deemed as an easy chance to pick up three points and improve their already dominating goal difference to boost their hopes of lifting the Championship trophy at the end of the season. Their first opponent however may be a tougher match as Birmingham City sit further up the tablecurrently in 5th place. City’s recent form saw them grab seven points out of a possible fifteen in their previous five fixturescompared to Palace’s twelve, meaning the Blues have the disadvantage of being the side who are less in form.

Despite this, the last fixture of the season will prove most challenging where the present first and second placed teams on the table go head-to-head. This game will be a vital decider on who will grab the top spot on the final day with just four points separating first and fourth in the league.

Another factor which may prove crucial in deciding who will lift the trophy is goal difference. Palace, throughout the season, have often won games with high score lines whilst conceding very few. This has resulted in them soaring abovethe other title contenders at present. If on the final day Palace were to be level on points at the top of the table with an opponent, it will presumably be them who secure promotion to the Women’s Super League.

Palace- similarly to Sunderland- have failed to pick up any points just four times this season, points being shared three times, and have won 63% of their 19 fixtures so far this season. This puts them in a great position to secure promotion as they are just one point behind Sunderland but also the potential advantage of having a game in hand.

Above: Crystal Palace celebrating a goal in their win vs Watford at Selhurst Park Photo: Crystal Palace Official Media 

Southampton 

Three points behind Crystal Palace in third place is Southampton. They have so far accumulated 36 points in 20 fixtures. The Saints have also been in good form in their recent fixtures having amassed nine points out of a possible fifteen in the previous five games.

Just two fixtures remain for the Saints with their final chance to add points to the table being against London City Lionesses at home before facing Charlton away, creating another title race clash for the final day of the season. 

Their first opponent being London City Lionesses, a bottom end of the table side, could potentially give them the opportunity to add a further three points to their tally. However, Allen’s takeover of the team has saw London Citybeat teams they wouldn’t have expected to earlier in the season, such as Charlton and Sunderland, so the game could instead be a match which could go either way.

Their second opponent will inevitably prove a tougher match as they face title chasing rivals away from home. Again, these two top of the table clashes commencing on the last day of the season will ultimately decide who will lift the Championship title in one of the closest battles since its formation.

This season so far Southampton have won 60% of their games so far this season but despite this have failed to pick up any points in the rest of their fixtures played. Hence this has put them slightly behind in the title race. 

Above: Southampton celebrating a goal in their win vs Lewes Photo: Southampton Official Media

Charlton Athletic

Level on points with Southampton but with a game in hand and sitting in fourth place is Charlton. In their recent fivefixtures, the Addicks have picked up seven points out of a possible fifteen.  

Their three remaining fixtures to play consist of playing Watford away, before travelling to Sunderland and lastly followed by facing Southampton at home. This run of fixtures may prove a challenge as they face two title race rivals, however the potential advantage of having a game in hand could give Charlton the chance to takeover Southampton on the table.

With the Addicks’ first fixture being against Watford, this could be deemed as a good chance to add a further three points to the table as Watford sit rock bottom of the table and have picked up just three points out of a possible fifteen across their recent five fixtures. 

Their final two fixtures will be a battle to pick up points facing two teams also fighting for promotion. The outcome of these fixtures will also be pivotal for overall outcome of who secures the title, especially the final day of fixtures whereby current first and second place face each other as well as current third and fourth place going head-to-head.

Charlton have lost just three of their fixtures so far this season, having the lowest loss rate out of all four teams in the title race, points have been shared six times, and have taken all three points in roughly 53% of their fixtures thus far. Despite the fairly difficult run of fixtures they face in the final few weeks of this season, securing promotion will not be impossible as they are only four points behind current league leaders with a game in hand, as well as having the opportunity to limit the points earned by two of their title rivals.

Before the final fixtures, just four points separate the four teams in the title race and the final matchday where they all go head-to-head will most likely give one of the fiercest title fights since the Championship’s establishment in 2014. With points being so tight between those at the top, goal difference may prove a pivotal factor if teams were to go level on points at the top. Crystal Palace currently dominate with their goal difference of 32, followed by Sunderland and Southampton level on 14 and Charlton trailing behind on 10. The two top of the table clashes on the final day of the season will inevitably decide who will lift the Championship title and secure promotion to the WSL.

Reflecting on Williamson’s career a decade on from her senior debut

Above: Leah Williamson.

By Rachel Gore (12/04/2024)

A teenage Leah Williamson came onto the pitch as a substitute for Yankey in the 81st minute of Arsenal’s 2014 2-0 defeat to Birmingham City.

Only one day after her 17th birthday Williamson had made her senior debut at her childhood club, the club that she’d grown up supporting and playing for.

This appearance was only the beginning for Williamson; that year she went on to become a club regular, making 25 appearances, and now she has stepped onto the pitch in an Arsenal shirt well over 200 times.

On March 30, 2024, Arsenal uploaded a post on Instagram that pictured Williamson on the grass this season opposite an image of her 17-year-old self, playing in a number 14 shirt on her senior debut.

The last 10 years have been filled with achievements for Williamson, and it was that UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter final match that began her senior career.

In 2014, on Williamson’s first senior season, she was a part of the Arsenal squad that won the FA Women’s Cup.  This was Williamson’s first taste of victory in professional football and only 12 days later she scored her first professional goal against Millwall Lionesses in the League Cup.

At the end of this 2013/2014 season, Williamson was named the League Cup Player of the Year. This individual accolade was followed closely by further recognition, in 2015 the player received the England Women’s Youth Player of the Year Award.

Williamson’s star quality on the pitch was being recognised, and under a week after her 18th birthday she signed her first professional contract with Arsenal.

Before claiming victory in the League Cup with Arsenal in 2015 and winning the FA cup in 2016, Williamson was named the 2015 PFA Young Player of the Year, an award that has since been received by Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead, Georgia Stanway, and many more talented ballers.

It was in the 2017/2018 season that Williamson moved from being a midfielder to playing in central defence. This switch came with the arrival of new Arsenal manager Joe Montemurro. It was this football season that saw Arsenal beat defending champions, Manchester City, to victory in the FA WSL Cup.

Williamson spent the 2018/2019 season confirming her position in defence, leading her to be voted as a member of the 2019/2020 PFA Team of the Year.

In 2017, the Arsenal player trained with the Senior Lionesses for the first time and in 2018 she made her senior England debut.

Now, when the England women’s team is mentioned, many picture Leah Williamson, the player who captained the English side to victory at the 2022 Women’s European Championships.

Meanwhile, Williamson remains the vice-captain of Arsenal, she is one of few international captains to not captain their domestic club.

Heartbreak came for Leah in 2023 when it was confirmed that she had suffered an ACL injury which meant that she would miss out on the 2023 World Cup, where she would have most likely been the captain of the Lionesses as they travelled to Australia.

After months of rehab, and time spent supporting Arsenal and England from the sidelines, Williamson made her first appearance since her ACL injury on January 21, 2024, against Reading in the Conti Cup.

Her comeback game highlighted what a talented player she is. Williamson’s play was fluid, it was as if she had spent no time off the pitch. She assisted a Beth Mead goal to confirm Arsenal’s victory – this was a full circle moment as both Mead and Williamson had gone through recovery together after suffering ACL injuries months apart from each other.

Since, the defender has suffered further minor injuries which led her to withdraw from England’s February camp that she had received a call up for. Now, however, her time has come; Williamson is back on camp with the Lionesses and fans are hopeful that she will make her return to international football at Wembley Stadium when England play Sweden on Friday April 5.

Over the last 10 years, Williamson has made her mark on domestic and international football. The defender has won numerous trophies with Arsenal and has led the Lionesses to their history making victory.

Looking back on the last 10 years not only highlights Williamson’s achievements, but also emphasises the opportunities that the player has had through Arsenal. Williamson moved through the ranks of Arsenal’s Centre of Excellence, which she signed to at just 9 years old, and is now a crucial part of their senior squad. Fans can only hope that she will remain at the club for many years to come.

Millie’s Bright-est moments for the Blues 

by Maisie Mcnulty (24/3/24)

Above: Millie Bright with the Chelsea captain’s armband for 2023/24. Photo: Chelsea Women.

Impetus takes a look at how Millie has brightened up her team and what she brings to the pitch, as well as looking at some of her top moments so far.

After 250 appearances for Chelsea, Millie Bright never fails to progress more and bring a certain energy to the squad. Bright is frequently referred to as a “defensive pillar” due to her exceptional defensive abilities. Because of her physical stature, she can pose a serious threat in the opposition’s box. She analyses the game effectively and frequently initiates attacks with sweeping passes from the back and as well as her ferocious tackles.

With excellent interplay and link-ups with Katie Chapman, Bright quickly established herself as one of the league’s most physically intimidating midfielders in her debut season at Chelsea. And by the time her first season as a blue was over, she had made her Champions League debut, won two titles (the Women’s FA Cup and the Women’s Super League), and made 26 appearances.

Ahead of the signing of Millie Bright in December 2014, general manager Paul Green said “she will add strength and physicality to the squad”, which she did. The strong performances and physicality that Millie Bright brought to the club did not go unnoticed, as she was named the 2015 Chelsea Players’ Player of the year by her fellow blues.

Bright grew in strength during her second season with Chelsea, starting all 15 league games, more than any other player. During this season, she began to experiment with and excel in a number of positions, including centre-half, full-back, and her usual midfield position. Her form was nothing short of consistent, as evidenced by her retention of the Chelsea Players’ Player of the Year and the title for Young Player of the Year.

At the start of the 2017 campaign, Bright signed a new three-and-a-half year contract which set the start of a sublime year for her. Bright began to start in defence and was a key part of Chelsea’s defensive line leading to the Blues to concede just five goals throughout all competitions, as well as establishing herself as a threat on set-pieces, scoring two. With just one loss on the season, Bright was able to add another trophy to her cabinet.

Above: Millie Bright and teammate Katie Chapman after winning the FA WSL 2017. Image: Millie Bright on Instagram.

Yet again for the 2017/2018 season, Millie Bright started more than any other of the blues with 33 starts throughout all competitions. Chelsea had the greatest defensive record in the top flight of women’s football in England thanks to Millie Bright’s defensive prowess, allowing in just 13 goals.

One of Millie Bright’s best moments of the 2017/2018 season came when she scored a crucial, superb goal in a 2-2 draw against Manchester City, who were the title contenders at the time. By the end of the season, Millie Bright once again assisted her team in winning not one, but two pieces of silverware: the WSL and the FA Cup.

The Chelsea defender’s form was so excellent she nominated for the PFA Women’s Player of the Year award as well as grabbing a well-deserved spot in the Team of the Year.

In the 2018/2019 season, Bright was named as the vice-captain behind Chelsea legend Kaz Carney. The vice-captain helped the Blues to kickstart their Champions League campaign by a spectacular 30-yard strike against SFK 2000 Sarajevo, one of two goals she scored that season.

Above: Magda Eriksson (left) and Millie Bright (right) lifting the Conti Cup trophy. Image: Chelsea Women.

As well as winning the WSL in the 2019/2020 season, the defender won her first Continental League Cup final after a 2-1 victory against Arsenal. After excellent performances in the back, even being named the November Player of the Month, Bright was named in the PFA’s Team of the Year for a second consecutive year.

Bright signed a contract extension ahead of the 2020/2021 campaign, committing herself to the “Pride of London” until 2023. She opened up the season with a magnificent long range strike against Manchester City in the Community Shield, a goal that displayed her love and commitment for the club.

The 2020/2021 season was the start of a strong partnership at the back between Bright and Eriksson, helping Chelsea retain two domestic titles. Throughout all competitions they kept an astonishing 25 clean sheets. Millie Bright’s defensive plays and link-ups in the team helped Chelsea women to reach their first Champions League final which they ultimately lost 4-0 to a firing Barcelona. Her outstanding play earned her her first selection in the 2020 FIFA FIFPro Women’s World 11.

Without Eriksson for 16 of the 39 games played in Chelsea’s 2021–2022 campaign, Millie Bright inherited the captaincy duties, leading to another trophy-filled season. The hard-work over this season for the Bright will lead to a space in the history books for chelsea women as she became the third player in the squad to reach 200 appearances aswell as being the sole player to have made 200 starts.

Above: Millie Bright of Chelsea with the Womens Super League Trophy by Paul Terry / Sportimage

The honours for Millie Bright poured in during this season, portraying her well-respected status in football. As for the second consecutive year in a row she was selected for a spot in the FIFPro Women’s World 11 after putting on a defensive masterclass to the World. Within the 2021/22 season two more trophies were added to the cabinet with another FA Cup and WSL title win, which earned her way into the PFA’s Team of the year for a third time.

As Chelsea Women qualified for the Champions League in their 2022/23 campaign, Bright set the stage in the first group stage fixture. After a flying cross in from Erin Cuthbert she slammed the ball into the back of the net with a magnificent volley which won Chelsea the game against PSG. 

Millie Bright continued her outstanding performances since their Champions league opener, however unfortunately a knee injury in the first leg of the quarter final to lyon which took place in March meant that her season was to be cut short. However this didn’t stop her leadership skills from helping the team behind the sidelines to claim the WSL title for a fourth consecutive year and their third straight FA Cup.

Following her success from the 2022/23 season, Millie Bright was amongst the world best female footballers in the Women’s Ballon d’Or, where she was placed in 11th. 

Ahead of the 2023/24 campaign Millie Bright was announced as the new Chelsea captain, after the departure of Magdalena Eriksson. One month into the season, the loyal blue made her 250th appearance for Chelsea women and put on a show by scoring in a thrashing 6-0 win against Aston Villa helping her team to stay top of the league.

With some important matches and challenges approaching Chelsea such as the FA Cup and Champions league semi-finals and a tight title race battle within the Barclays WSL; the return of Millie Bright couldn’t come quicker for the Blues and their supporters.

Millie Bright’s Top Moments for Chelsea

One of Millie Bright’s first key moments after signing for the club was after lifting up her first FA Cup silverware. Whilst standing in front of thousands of supporters at wembley, she was able to reflect on the brilliant season that she had and was ‘able to get a real understanding of the club she was at and the expectations they stood for.’

For the new blue this was the first time lifting any major piece of silverware and playing in such a big environment (Wembley). Emma Hayes gave the first of many motivational speeches to Millie Bright this day as she reassured her to ‘stay focused and to keep her eyes forward’ which at this time was the best thing she could have heard. As Bright said in an interview ‘this was just the start of a long journey ahead’.

Another magical moment for the blue in her career at chelsea, was making history by reaching the Club’s first Champions League Final. Although it is such a bittersweet moment due to losing against Barcelona women it is also a moment to remember as in this year both the Chelsea Men and Womens team reach the final. 

3 years on, Millie Bright admits she is only starting to pick up her runners-up medal and realise how much of an accolade it is and being able to think about it without the emotions flooding back. However its just another reason which encourages the defender to keep progressing so that they are able to reach that point again and finally fill the missing space within Chelsea’s Trophy Cabinet.

After giving nine years of her life to the club, the captains armband was not just handed down to Millie Bright but was well and truly earnt by her hard work and loyalty to the club in which she now calls her home. Like a true leader, the captain of the blues said that no matter with or without the armband she will always give her absolute best when she steps out onto the pitch and her main aim is to be able to lead her team to success. 

Above: Millie Bright with the captains armband via Chelsea women

Millie Bright has continuously served for the Blues by constantly providing flawless and incredible performances over the past 9 years. She has proved time and time again that her defensive skills puts her within the top defenders within Women’s Football making her journey with Chelsea one to put in the history book to continue to inspire the next generation.

ParaMatildas squad selected as World Cup build-up continues

by Ben Gilby (12/4/24)

Above: ParaMatildas’ Eloise Northam celebrates after the team’s Asia Cup win last year. Photo: Football Australia.

ParaMatildas head coach Kelly Stirton has named a 14-player squad for the team’s next training camp this weekend in Sydney.

The players selected contain regular faces such as Georgia Biekoff, Tahlia Blanshard, Lainee Harrison, and Eloise Northam, but also exciting young guns Lilah Flood (aged 14), Rebecca Jones, and Trinity McPhee who are all aiming to gain their first ParaMatildas cap in the coming months.

The world number one ranked ParaMatildas will be looking to follow up their runners-up spot at the last World Cup and their recent Asia Cup win with more success in the upcoming World Cup later this year.

Above: ParaMatildas will be back in training this weekend. Photo: Football Australia.

PARAMATILDAS TRAINING CAMP SQUAD:

Goalkeeper:

Carly Salmon (seven caps/four goals).

Defenders:

Rae Anderson (nine caps), Tahlia Blanshard (11 caps, one goal), Tamsin Colley (two caps, four goals), Karina Grigorian (seven caps, two goals).

Midfielders:

Georgia Biekoff (12 caps, 22 goals), Indiana Cooper (no caps/goals), Lilah Flood (no caps/goals), Rebecca Jones (no caps/goals), Trinity McPhee (no caps/goals), Eloise Northam (12 caps, nine goals).

Forwards:

Annmarie De Uriarte (seven caps/11 goals), Lainee Harrison (five caps/five goals), Charlize Tran (three caps/one goal).

Above: The ParaMatildas are one of the world’s most inspiring female teams. Photo: Football Australia.

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Wheeler, Vine, & Freier reflect on the challenge of Mexico

by Ben Gilby (11/4/24)

Above: Clare Wheeler speaking earlier today. Image: Football Australia.

The Matildas trio of Clare Wheeler, Cortnee Vine, and Sharn Freier reflected earlier today about the development of the team’s playing style and the positives seen in the 2-0 victory over Mexico.

Everton midfielder Wheeler feels that the consequences of that new style and adaptable game plan were there for all to see yesterday.

“We knew the quality Mexico had off the back of beating the US…I think with our preparation and where we are as a team, our game plan is becoming clearer for everyone, we’re having to buy into it, we’re executing it, and I think the results are now showing this style of play and what we want to do heading into the Olympics.”

Reflecting on what the impact of the style of play that Tony Gustavsson and his coaching staff have introduced has been on her personally, Wheeler was full of smiles. “As a defensive midfielder, I love it.

“It’s all about passing the ball and breaking down lines with variety, and that’s something I love to do…it’s going to add styles of play for us and we’re going to have different variety to break down teams and that’s only a good thing going into the Olympics.

“Playing Mexico is good practice…against teams who will press aggressively, and I think it’s credit to the team how we adapted from the first half to the second half about how we beat that press…There definitely was a physicality to the game, the last couple of minutes was challenging with how direct they were going to get a goal.”

Wheeler’s additional minutes for the Matildas yesterday came after a season that has been so impressive on a personal level with Everton in the WSL. Whilst the Merseyside team have found it a challenge to put a consistent run of wins together, the 26-year-old has shone – something that she puts down to confidence.

“We’ve had an up-and-down year with injuries and transfers. But I think getting consistent minutes, and playing out of position as well – it’s all added to my confidence. I think you are just seeing a confident person out there who is enjoying her football.”

Wheeler is also well aware of how the WSL has made her a far better player – for a number of reasons.

“I think for me personally it’s the number of games we play – a full home and away season with cup games, but also playing against so many players from different national teams and so many different styles of play is something that’s really attractive about the league.”

Above: Cortnee Vine reflecting on her return to the international scene. Image: Football Australia.

Cortnee Vine is back. The smile, the runs – you name it. You can’t help but feel just how much she is loving the Matildas new style of play.

“We’ve started to play a new structure, so it was good to watch that football unfold against a team like Mexico who is a very good team, they have really good players and they are very technical and tactical. They figured out our system a little bit and adjusted well, so it was a really good competition for us.

“I’m loving this new structure. As a winger it’s going to be perfect for breaking the last line. The movement, the push-pulls we are doing…yeah, it’s my kind of game and I’m really happy with this change in structure,” she grinned.

Vine was back in the Matildas squad for this international window after taking some time away to get a bit of a break and remain with Sydney FC, and recognised that she needed to get back up to speed in camp.

“It felt to be good out there. Coming back in I had to really focus on the tactical side again, when you are away (from the national team) it kind of disappears a little bit as you focus on clubland…but with this new structure, it’s really fun to play as a striker.”

Vine is heading into form at the right time with the Olympics just a matter of months away. As someone who began doing athletics as a kid, the winger is doubly determined to make the squad.

“For me, the Olympics has been my dream ever since I was doing athletics at the age of nine…I think having this in our reach this year, you are going to do all you can. I’m going back to clubland to prove myself, if I have the opportunity to come into the next camp, trying to prove myself. There’s only 18 players picked for this squad – I really feel for Tony (Gustavsson) head coach.”

Vine is a person who thrives on positivity which strong sense of fun and humour. These are the things that bring out the best in her as a footballer. “I think it’s about being people who are my mates – it makes the football fun and makes me feel carefree…I think having that around, friends who support you and a coach that lets you thrive.”

With this international window now over, the attacker now jumps into the red heat of Finals football in the A-League Women with Sydney FC, and with the team finishing top two once more, Vine is delighted she doesn’t have to go straight from a long flight into a do or die game this weekend.

“It’s perfect for me, I get to come home and not go straight into a semi-final. It’s a different format this year…I think Ante (Juric, head coach) is running them a bit, they are not getting a break. It’s focus time.”

Above: Sharn Freier (right) comes on for her Matildas debut yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

Dreams can come true – just ask Sharn Freier who made her international debut at the age of 22 yesterday.

“I still can’t really believe it. It was an amazing feeling last night…it’s been a surreal last 24 hours,” the Brisbane Roar player said.

“I was very, very nervous. I really didn’t know what to expect…when they came down and said ‘you’re up!’ I was excited, I was numb, I didn’t want to think too much. I was very very nervous, but I was stoked. I was also focusing on what I had to do, focusing on the job that had to be done.”

Asked to describe what her first experience of international football was like, Freier summed it up in one word – fast.

“It went pretty fast to be honest. Even the minutes I had was definitely fast and I was trying to work myself in. It’s a lot faster, and it’s just making sure you are in the right position to make it a bit easier for yourself – always being alert and making sure you are ready for the next action…the pace of the game and the physicalness as well. You definitely need to be ready for anything that happens…”

Making your first appearance in the national team shirt is big for any player, but for Freier it comes just two years after suffering an ACL injury. She freely admits that earning that Matildas cap is even sweeter after overcoming that debilitating set back.

“It was always the dream (to play for the Matildas), but I didn’t think I’d ever be here. Doing my ACL was so big that I didn’t know what to expect, how I would come back, how long it would take. It was definitely a goal, but something I was doing day by day and trying to come back to the level I was at. I was a bit more proud in that sense as well, to come back that bit more stronger. Especially at this level it’s quite rewarding for the time and effort that was put back into playing.”

Freier is not going to rest on her laurels. The A-League Women season may be over for her Brisbane Roar side, but she is determined to keep at it to retain her place in the Matildas squad.

“It gives you a taste of what it’s like – it’s unbelievable. It just pushes you every day just keep work hard, play your best, it’s a really competitive environment. Just because you step on for a couple of minutes doesn’t mean anything…it’s important to take it in and enjoy it, but keep working hard and do everything you need to do to keep it going.”

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Strap yourselves in – it’s Finals time

by Emma Burke (11/4/24)

Above: (Left to right) Melbourne City’s Julia Grosso, Rachel Lowe of Melbourne Victory, and Western United’s Catherine Zimmerman at the Hosier Lane media event. Photo provided to Impetus by: Getty Images via Western United.

The A-League Women Finals are almost upon us, and earlier this week the Victoria triumvirate of Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory, and Western United were all represented at a media event in Melbourne’s Hosier Lane.

“Victory always peaks at the right times,” said the team’s leading goalscorer Rachel Lowe when she fronted the media at Hosier Lane ahead of Melbourne Victory’s elimination final against Central Coast Mariners.

“I don’t know if that’s by chance, but we seem to be hitting our stride really well at the end of the season and if we keep this up we can have a really strong finals series,” she continued.

Melbourne Victory made a statement when cementing their place in the finals, defeating last season’s champions, and Lowe’s former club, Sydney FC convincingly in the final round of the season.

“Winning 4-0 against Sydney is not an easy thing to do, we’re using it as momentum towards the finals,” she said of the game in which she scored a penalty.

Above: Rachel Lowe speaking to the media at the Hosier Lane event. Image: Melbourne Victory.

Now, Victory will take on Central Coast Mariners in a do-or-die elimination final, with the winners slated to face Premiers Melbourne City in a two-legged semi-final series, as per the new system in place in the A-League Women.

“It’s not going to be an easy game against Central Coast. The Mariners are a good side, they’re very transitional, so we have to be wary,” she said.

Despite the threat the Mariners pose, Lowe is confident in herself and the team surrounding her.

“We’re going into this game thinking about ourselves,” she said regarding how Victory are looking to manage the upcoming fixture. If we’re at our best on the day we can beat anyone.”

Melbourne Victory host Central Coast Mariners for the elimination final at the Home of the Matildas this Sunday April 14, with kick-off slated for 4pm.

Above: Melbourne City’s Julia Grosso speaking at the Hosier Lane event. Image: Melbourne City.

Melbourne City’s Julia Grosso also the media at Hosier Lane to discuss her Premiership-winning side, injury woes, and the upcoming A-League Women Finals series.

Grosso was all smiles when asked about the premiership win, which happened as a result of a Sydney FC’s loss to Melbourne Victory, and City’s own 2-1 win over Perth Glory in the final round of the season.

“The vibes were electric, it still feels like a dream,” she said about the win.

City battled through an up-and-down season, winning 12 of their 22 games, and dealt with major changes amongst the team after losing Holly McNamara early on to an ACL injury, and both Kaitlyn Torpey and starting keeper Lysianne Proulx to international transfers.

“We got what we deserved,” said Grosso at the end of it all. 

Above: (left to right) Rachel Lowe, Julia Grosso, and Catherine Zimmerman gather for the media this week. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Getty Images via Western United.

Grosso herself was one of the players sidelined by injury, spending almost two months off the pitch dealing with a calf issue.

“It’s never nice getting injured,” she said, “it wasn’t the easiest of times for me, being across the world from my family and friends. Knowing that I could come back to finals, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Due to the new finals system in place for the A-League Women, Grosso and the rest of her City team will partake in a two-legged semi-final run, where they will face the winners of this weekend’s elimination final between crosstown rivals Melbourne Victory or new (or old depending how you look at it) faces to the league in the Central Coast Mariners.

“We don’t have a preference of who we play, we’re going to come out the same way and play the best we can,” said Grosso about the two potential opponents, unphased by either of them.

“Winning the premiership was amazing, but we have our eyes on the double now.”

Above: Western United’s Catherine Zimmerman speaking at the event in Hosier Lane. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Getty Images via Western United.

Ahead of their elimination final against the Newcastle Jets, Western United forward Catherine Zimmerman discussed the finals series, the club’s new home ground, and their motivation to win.

“It’s almost like it’s a new season, you have this kind of fresh feeling and you want to just lock in,” said Zimmerman.

“There’s been a really positive feeling within the group,” she said.

A fresh and positive feeling is exactly what Western United will be wanting for their elimination fixture, as this game is a rematch of a fixture that they lost only three weeks ago, 3-1, at the opening of their new home facilities in Tarneit. 

“It’s not too often you get a second chance at playing a team,” said Zimmerman.

“We kind of want that redemption, they came in and kind of bullied us a little bit, so to get a win on our home field in an elimination final, it’d be huge.”

The Regional Football Facility has multiple pitches, a capacity of 5,000, and purpose-built training and gym amenities. It’s all still very new, having been used for the first time ever for that game against the Jets.

“Having this ground kind of instills a bit more pride in you and you want to defend it, your home. It’s starting to feel like home.”

Western United will have to be at the very top of their game to defeat Newcastle, especially considering they’ve lost key players in their captain Chloe Logarzo to a hip injury, Adriana Taranto to an ACL tear, and most recently, Hannah Keane to a patella tendon rupture.

“It was absolutely heartbreaking when that happened,” said Zimmerman, regarding Keane’s injury. 

“Not having Hannah, Chloe, these girls that have helped get us to where we are this season. We have to have them in the back of our minds, in our hearts when we play, we just want to play for them and do what we can to get the win.”

Above: Victoria’s three clubs are full of positivity heading into Finals time. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Getty Images via Western United.

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Match Analysis: Republic of Ireland vs England

by Morganna King 10/04/24

photo: Ireland Football

The Republic of Ireland met England for the first time competitively in nearly 40 years at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The game saw England dominating possession and coming away with a 2-0 victory. 

Ireland are yet to come away with a win in their Euro Qualifying campaign since being promoted to League A of the Uefa Women’s Nations League. Their last match ended in a close 1-0 defeat to opponents France. England however, can claim this as their first win in the campaign since their 1-1 draw to World Cup bronze medalists Sweden at Wembley stadium on Friday.

Eileen Gleeson went for a 4-3-2-1 formation with San Diego Wave forward Kyra Carusa as the lone centre-foward up front, who is known for her effective hold-up play. On the other hand, Sarina Wiegman adopted a 4-3-3 formation, selecting a front three of Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo and Lauren James whose technical ability and speed outshined on the right wing.

Chelsea forward Lauren James’ early goal in the 12th minute set the momentum for the first half. England dominated possession and used their high press to their advantage, leaving no room for mistakes in the Irish backline. 

Lauren James scores for England. Photo: Lionesses

A handball decision in the 18th minute saw England lined up to take a penalty. With resident penalty taker Georgia Stanway on the bench, Alex Greenwood stepped up to coolly slot the ball past Courtney Brosnan, putting the lionesses in the lead. 

Shortly after this, another penalty was conceded due to a handball by Louise Quinn in the penalty area. Greenwood once again stepped up to the spot but her attempt hit the post and kept the scoreline at 2-0. 

In the second half, the first substitution saw Megan Connolly replace Ruesha Littlejohn in midfield. This was followed by a double substitution for England with Fran Kirby and Beth Mead replacing Lauren Hemp and Jess Park. Ireland made a triple substitution in the 61st minute to bring on Leanne Kiernan, Megan Campbell and Emily Murphy.

Leanne Kiernan made an immediate impact off the bench, utilising her pace and technical ability to outpace defenders. Megan Campbell added to Ireland’s threat in the box with her long range throw ins. Unfortunately despite these changes, Ireland couldn’t seem to put away any of their chances. 

Alessia Russo and Anna Patten battle it out. Photo: Ireland Football

England had to fight a lot harder in the second half in order to not concede, coming out on top with the majority of their one-v-ones. Towards the end of the second half, Irish centre-back Louise Quinn was placed up front to try and utilise her height to Ireland’s advantage, but England’s defence held out well. 

Although Hannah Hampton wasn’t faced with many shots to save, her precise distribution proved to be useful in all aspects of England’s gameplay. In addition to this, Lionesses captain Leah Williamson returned to her starting position after a year out with an ACL injury. This was accompanied by a dominant display as centre-back where she added to a solid defensive line.

Keira Walsh was a standout player in midfield, deservedly earning herself England player of the match. Republic of Ireland’s player of the match award went to skipper Katie McCabe but some honourable mentions in their squad go to Aoife Mannion, Leanne Kiernan and Megan Campbell. 

Overall, England proved to be the better side, which is to be expected considering their high world ranking. However, it wasn’t without a fight and Ireland should be proud of the performance they put on in front of the home crowd. It’s sure to be said that they will take a lot of positives away from this game and make improvements which will help them navigate the Euro Qualification “group of death”. 

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (4-3-2-1) Brosnan, Quinn, Hayes, Littlejohn, O’sullivan, McCabe, Patten, Mannion, Payne, L.Quinn, Carusa

ENGLAND (4-3-3) Hampton, Bronze, Carter, Walsh, Williamson, Greenwood, James, Park, Russo, Toone, Hemp

Goalscorers: L. James 12’ , A.Greenwood 18’ (Pen) 

Referee: Lina Lehtovaara

Attendance: 32,742

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Gustavsson & Catley: The Matildas “tested their limits”

by Ben Gilby (10/4/24)

Above: Matildas boss Tony Gustavsson speaks to the media after today’s game with Mexico. Image: Football Australia.

Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson and Steph Catley both hailed the team for showing tactical nouse alongside their trademark determination to overcome an impressive Mexico side in San Antonio today.

The Central American opposition were full of energy, a rapid defensive press and displayed a rich variety of huge technical skill and ability. Matildas boss Tony Gustavsson was full of praise for both sides afterwards.

Above: Mexico head coach Pedro Lopez, who Tony Gustavsson had high praise for afterwards. Image: Football Australia.

“They (Mexico) are tactically sophisticated. When we scouted them, the last six games, I think they played with four or five different formations defensively because they adjust to the opposition…you have some very, very technical players, you look at the wide forwards in their one-v-ones…one player can score from nowhere at all times – you need to be switched on (when playing them.

“I’m really impressed by the project that they are doing. Their commitment, their pressing, their tactical awareness…they really threw a challenge at us the first 30 minutes. We knew it was coming, we had prepared for it, but still we struggled to deal with it, so credit to Mexico for that but that’s also exactly what we needed. I said before this game we were really going to test our limits today. We know Germany are going to come at us flying with pressing (in the Olympics), we know the US are going to come flying at us with pressing.”

Above: Mary Fowler in possession today against Mexico. Photo: Rance Ristau/CommBank Matildas.

Whilst Australia in the past have found it challenging to break down and through a rapid press defensive opposition, the focus on formation and playing style development since the World Cup has seen the team develop new tools in overcoming those challenges. For Gustavsson, the biggest source of pride in today’s game was the ability of his team to think through what was needed for themselves and apply it before he needed to personally get involved.

“Credit to the players, they found a way into the game…they solved it on the park themselves, a very mature team does that, and they did it. We did some half-time adjustments and went out in the second half much more aggressive which we want to see the Matildas be. We were much too passive in the first half…I think the second half might have been one of the better halves with the ball we’ve had.”

“This game was all about the Olympics, not an isolated game…we probably had eight to 10 different variations in formations today in our attacking game. Everything from inverted outside backs to six dropping into the back three to overloading one side and isolating another – there was a lot of different tactics.”

Tony Gustavsson on the changing tactical approaches used to break down Mexico.

The Matildas boss was full of praise for his team’s two goalscorers, Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso. For Gustavsson, Foord is now one of the best players in the world.

Above: Caitlin Foord attacking Mexico earlier today. Photo: Rance Ristau/CommBank Matildas.

“I see a smart player, I see a technical player, but the one thing she has that some smart and technical players don’t have is her commitment to defend. Look at her slide tackles, look at her off-ball work. She is committed like no one else. Combine those two – being technical and competitive – it’s rare.”

With Raso, the Matildas boss saw a player get rich reward for continued focus and application in the face of a lack of game time at Real Madrid: “The mental side of things, you could potentially lose confidence when you don’t get playing time and you could bring that into the lost confidence into the Matildas environment, but every time she comes in here she manages to perform.”

Above: The Matildas celebrate Hayley Raso’s goal today. Photo: Rance Ristau/CommBank Matildas.

Gustavsson’s final words were for the influence of Ellie Carpenter. In the Olympique Lyonnaise star, he sees a player continually pushing herself and continually adding additional abilities to her game.

“Ellie has really grown in her tactical understanding. We know she is an energiser…but her tactical awareness, when to come inside the midfield, when to stay wide, when to drop down to support. I think Ellie, tactically, did one of her better games. Look at the second half, she was the key to unlock in terms of finding that diagonal pocket break along the line and then running with the ball.”

Above: Australia captain Steph Catley speaking after the game in San Antonio. Image: Football Australia.

Matildas captain Steph Catley emphasised the sense of pride she felt in her team being able to overcome a changed defensive formation and an extremely talented Mexico opposition at Toyota Field today.

“It was a great game for us, it was competitive, it was exactly what we wanted out of a friendly at this point of time. We knew they would be challenging with the press, and they pressed aggressively and it requires a lot of composure on the ball, a lot of decision making, a lot of different formations for figuring it out. I think we did that really well and we were brave on the ball.

“It’s hard when you’ve played a familiar backline for so long to change things up – centre back is not my natural position, but I think we handled it well. There were holes in the first half that we have to talk about and work through a bit, but that’s natural when you change things up a little bit.”

The Matildas are continuing to evolve their new style and increased variety of tactical awareness as they head towards Paris. Catley can see the rate of progress in the team and gives credit to head coach Tony Gustavsson for taking the pressure off the players as they develop their tactics.

“We’re at a really good point in terms of where we want to be building towards the Olympics, it’s not about peaking right now. I’m proud of the way we’re playing, we’re trying to be brave on the ball and break through different lines in different ways. There’s still a long way to go and still a lot to assess from this game to get better.

“We had a feeling that if we could play through this kind of pressure (the Mexico press) then we could do it against any kind of pressure, and I think that worked well. Tony (Gustavsson, head coach) always backs us in these friendlies and these situations that if we lose the ball it’s on him and he wants us to play in tight areas and be brave on the ball.”

Above: The Matildas team that started today’s game with Mexico. Photo: Rance Ristau/CommBank Matildas.

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Matildas pass Mexico test with flying colours

Mexico 0–2 Australia (10/04/24)

By Ben Carey

Above: Hayley Raso maintains possession of the ball against a Mexican defender, just before scoring the Matildas’ opening goal. Photo: Matildas.

The Matildas recorded a big win over a spirited Mexico on a warm Sunday evening in San Antonio, Texas. The Matildas were up against one of the in-form teams of the Americas. Last year Mexico won the Pan American Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games, and just last month beat the USA 2-0 in the inaugural Gold Cup, before bowing out to Brazilin the semifinals. The Matildas came into the match plagued by injury. Key players such as Sam Kerr, Katrina Gorry, Clare Hunt, Aivi Luik, Courtney Nevin, and Emily Gielnik all sidelined due to short or long-term injuries. But that also made it the perfect opportunity to test out the depth of the squad and try out some new tactics as well.

Mexico made the more energetic start of the two sides, playing a high press that caused the Matildas, who were determined to play out from the back, a few early headaches. In the 7th minute, a goal kick from Mackenzie Arnold, deflected off a Mexican player and rebounded towards Australia’s goals. Luckily it sailed over the top. But it was a real wake up call.

The Matildas well and truly answered the call. Two minutes later, Caitlin Foord made a good run down the left flank and hit a quality pass into Hayley Raso just at the edge of the 18-yard box. Raso was strong enough to keep possession with a Mexican defender bearing down on her, swivel, and then lash a shot past the Mexican keeper at the near post. It was a phenomenal goal that will probably be close to the top of her already impressive career highlights showreel. 

After conceding the first goal, Mexico tightened up their defences. What followed was a series of very entertaining midfield skirmishes between the two sides. Both sides created some good half chances. It’s fair to say that Mexico probably had the more promising chances though. Around the 40-minutemark, consistent pressure from Mexico resulted in an excellent long shot from Mexican star player, Lizbeth Ovalle, that drew a spectacular jumping save from Arnold. A Matildas corner just before the half time break turned into a very promising counterattack for Mexico. There was some great build up play, but the final product was far from threatening to the Matildas backline or Arnold. The Matildas took a slim 1-0 lead into halftime. 

Both sides came out with the same intensity in the second half. Mexico pressing for an equaliser, and the Matildas fighting just as hard for an insurance goal. It would be the Australian side who would prevail, just seven minutes into the second half. A well weighted pass from Steph Catley found her Arsenal teammate, Foord, who continued haunting the defenders on the left-hand side of the pitch. She dribbled the ball into the box and used some exceptional footwork to craft enough space for herself to take a shot on goals. Her shot curled beautifully past the Mexican defenders and goalkeeper into the side netting.

After the second goal, the Matildas had a firm grip on the match, but they didn’t sit back and accept a 2-0 win, they kept pressing for another goal. There were a few good half chances from the likes of Emily van Egmond and Mary Fowler. But Mexico’s defence and keeper were equal to them. In the final 10 minutes, Mexico had a very real chance of getting one goal back. Matildas rising star, Kyra Cooney-Cross, tried to dribble out of the box but was disposed by a Mexican attacker, who immediately lashed a shot at goals. Fortunately, Arnold bailed her out with a strong save.

All in all, it was an entertaining match that both sides will take a lot from, especially the Matildas who are just over three months away from beginning their Paris Olympics campaign. The win in Texas will help prepare the Matildas for the warm playing conditions expected in Paris. Additionally, the match gave them the opportunity to test their squad depth and experiment with new tactics against a high-quality team. It also provided Tony Gustavsson with more valuable insights that will help him choose the tiny 18-player squad that will go to the Paris Olympics.

Australia will play two international friendlies against China at home on May 31 and June 3. This will presumably be their last official matches before the Olympics training camp begins.

Teams: AUSTRALIA (4-4-2): Arnold, Catley, Torpey, Foord, Van Egmond, Kennedy, Fowler, Raso, Carpenter, Cooney-Cross, Heyman. Substitutes: Whyman, Micah, Heatley, Wheeler, Sayer, Polkinghorne, Grant, Vine, Yallop, Freier.

Scorers: Raso 9’, Foord 52’. 

MEXICO (4-3–3): Barreras, Bernal, R. Reyes, Torres, Martinez, Ferral, M. Reyes, Delgado, Ordonez, Ovalle, Camberos. Substitutes: Espino, Velasco, Orejel, Rodriguez, Hernandez, Luna, Nieto, Perez, Sanchez, Palacios, Pelayo, Casarez.

Referee: Natalie Simon (USA).

Attendance: 7,163.