The NWSL Recap: Round 2

by Hannah Chadwick (26/03/2024)

After the excitement of the first round, this round was a lot quieter. With 15 goals scored in seven matches and two ending in a draw. We also saw some unexpected results.

We started the weekend with Orlando Pride vs Angle City. Which finished a 1-1 draw with Marta scoring an 88th minute equaliser for Orlando Pride after Claire Emsile scored a penalty for Angle City. Both teams created many opportunities but they could not find the target due to excellent work from Anderson and Moorhouse as they held their respective teams in the game. Angel City was awarded a penalty after Meggie Doughtery Howard drew a penalty. Which Emsile converted and angle city where ahead. Orlando Pride was given a corner in the 88th minute and Angelia stepped up to take the corner and Marta volleys it home which gives Pride the equaliser they have been looking for. We also saw the debut of Madison Cury who was a draft pick for Angle City.

The second game of the weekend featured Utah Royals vs North Carolina Courage. This game finished 2-1 to Utah Royals. Goals came from Kate Del Fava and Ally Sentnor for the royals and Ashley Sanchez for the Courage. Kate Del headed home for Courage after Paige Monaghan delivered a corner. Draft pick Ally Sentnor scored a screamer from 30 yards out. The Courage were then awarded a penalty and Malia Berkley stepped up to take it but hit the post, Ashley Sanchez moved in to take the shot but was brought down by Merrick. Another penalty was then awarded to Courage and Berkley stepped up once again but the shot was saved by Haught. Courage had opportunities in the second half to  bring themselves back into the game but the formation and communication from the royals allowed them to deal with the threat. An amazing piece of play from Ashley Sanchez where she pounced on a poor clearance and opened her scoring account with Courage.

The third game of the weekend was Chicago Red Stars vs Seattle Reign FC. This game finished 2-1 with Julia Bianchi, Maximiliane Rall scoring for the red stars and Ji So-yun making history by being the first Korean player to score in the league when she scored the only goal for Reign. Both the scorers for the Red Stars opened their scoring accounts for the season. Taylor Malham and Jenna Bike were outstanding players for the red stars and were constantly providing opportunities. Ji So-yun scored an incredible goal from outside the 18 yard box which was initiated from a cross which came in by Sofia Heurta but the Red Stars defence cleared it away but Ji So-Yun made no mistake and the ball found its way in the back of the net. And making history in the process.

The fourth game of the weekend was Washington Spirit vs Bay FC. This game finished 2-1 to Spirit. With Croix Bethune  scoring the first and Hal Hershfelt scoring in additional time to steal the win for spirit. Both of the spirit goals came from players that are on their debuts and just scored their first goal for the club. We also saw the return of Anna Heilferty who has not played since 2022 after a season ending knee injury which was suffered in preseason for the 2023 season. The goal for Bay came from former spirit player Dorian Bailey who was traded to Bay FC in return for expansion draft protection. Bailey also scored her first goal for Bay while Jen Beattie made her debut. Emily Menges also wore the armband for the first time as a player for Bay FC.

Photo: Racing Louisville Website

The fifth game of the weekend was a goalless draw between Houston Dash and Racing Louisville. Although both teams did have their fair share of chances with Dash having 12 shots on target to Louisville’s 19. Dash also had three debutants on the pitch with Nagasato, West and Swedish international Rubensson. Keeper Campbell made a total of nine saves which kept Louisville at bay and kept her side in the game. Louisville scored through Turner although this was disallowed due to the offside positioning of Turner. Although Louisville’s best chance did come two minutes later when Turner went one on one with the Dash goalkeeper Campbell but her shot was just wide of goal. 

In the sixth game of the weekend San Diego Wave took on Kansas City Current. With the final score being 2-1 to KC Current .Sofia Jakobsson was on target  scoring for wave in the 17th minute this is her first goal this season.While Rodriguez and LaBonta were on target for KC Current, both have now opened their scoring accounts for this season. LaBonta scored the game winning penalty after Zaneratto was fouled in the box. This now makes LaBonta KC Currents all time leading penalty scorer having converted six out of seven. San Diego failed to respond and KC Current took the win.

In the seventh and final game of the round Portland Thorns took on Gotham FC. A strike from Gotham’s Esther Gonzalez. Both teams had their chances but goalkeepers Hogan and Miller kept their respective sides in the game with some outstanding saves. Although Sophia Smith did score for Portland Thorns the goal was ruled out due to Smith being in an offside position. Janine Beckie also had a chance on goal but excellent defending by Kelly O’Hara kept it out of goal. Portland battled for the equaliser but were unable to find the back of the net. 

The results from this round mean that the only teams to not have lost a game yet are Chicago Red Stars and KC Current. While the current champion San Diego Wave and Portland Thorns are yet to pick up a point.

COMING UP-

Friday 29th March-

Orlando Pride vs Chicago Red Stars 

Saturday 30th March-

San Diego Wave vs Seattle Reign FC 

KC Current vs Angle City FC 

North Carolina Courage vs Gotham FC 

Portland Thorns vs Racing Louisville 

Sunday 31st March-

Bay FC vs Houston Dash 

Washington Spirit vs Utah Royals 

NPLW Vic Wrap: Round 2

By Kieran Petrik-Bruce 26/3/24

Above: Maja Markovski in attack against Heidelberg United. Photo: Maja Markovski Instagram

The second round of the NPLW saw five Saturday matches, with the Preston Lions  FC v South Melbourne FC re scheduled to Wednesday 8 May due to ground availability.Round two saw goals from freekicks, the penalty spot,delightful chips, and top bins.

FV Emerging 1-1 Brunswick Juventus

In the first of the 3pm kickoffs, FV Emerging hosted Brunswick Juventus. After a great comeback win to kick off the season, Juventus were looking to take it right to Emerging from the first whistle. 

Nicole Cooper, came off the bench in last game to score and assist, started for Brunswick this week and found the back of the net early to give the visitors the early lead. 

Late in stoppage time of the first half, Clancy Westaway nicked the ball from the last defender, and calmly slotted it past the keeper to level the scores at the break.

While both sides had chances in the second half, the best chances came after Danella Butrus was shown a second yellow in the 74thminute. The last 10 minutes of the game including stoppage time, was almost all Emerging, as Carina Rossi tried everything to carve out a chance for the hosts. However Sienna Gidari and the Juventus defence held strong and the finally score was 1-1.

Calder United 4-2 Essendon Royals

Calder United faced the other promoted team, Essendon. On the end of a 4-2 lost last round despite some brilliant goals from Akane Shimizu, it was the hosts who handed the Royals a 4-2 defeat. From a Calder corner, the Royals made a fast break, with a long sweeping one two play from Olivia Ristevski in the 44th saw her chip the keeper  who was off her line, from well outside the box. 

Keen to find a foothold in the game, it was Shimizu who found the net less than two minutes after the restart. The build up play from Calder starting to break the Essendon backline and Larissa Walsh netted in the 57th. With all the momentum, a corner kick for Calder was turned into the net by Royals defender Kendrah Smith just six minutes later. Katherine Goff scored a great goal to bring the score back to 3-2 after an errant header fell to the forward, who strongly went past the last defender and finished with style into the net. Yet the passing play from Calder was too slick for the Royals and Jennifer Lum finished off a great move to restore the two goal cushion and seal the game.

Bulleen Lion 3-1 Heidelberg United


Bulleen Lions hosted Heidelberg off the back of a shock opening round defeat to Essendon and fans and players alike would have been nervous at the start of the game.

On nine minutes, a ball played just inside the box to Asuka Miyata, who went past one challenge then found herself in space, struck a left foot curling ball sweetly into the top corner. An absolute gem of a goal. 

Holding onto that lead was going to be the key for Heidelberg , and they were doing well until just before halftime. In the 42nd minute, with Katrina Nikpour intercepting a poor pass, before some delightful one touch play finished with Nikpour converting a tap in.

The second half was much more in Bulleen’s control, and a first goal for the club for Isabel Dehakiz in the 52 minute gave the Lions the lead before she cooly converted from the spot in the 85thminute to seal a 3-1 victory for the hosts.

Bentleigh Greens 1-0 Box Hill United

Box Hill travelled to Kingston Heath to face Bentleigh Greens, with both trams searching for their first win of the season. In the first half it was all Box Hill, with a number of chances falling to Chi Ting and Maryam Anvari. Despite the attacking display, the halftime score was goalless, and Box Hill came out with even more fire in the second half. 

Yet despite the play being mostly for Pythagoras, it was a free kick from Greens Olivia Bomford that broke the deadlock. Struck with enough power to travel from well outside the box, and enough direction and curl to nestle in the top corner past Natasha Stathopoulos. The goal would prove the only goal of the match and Bentleigh would record their first win under the new name.

Boroondara-Carey 1-0 Alamein United

The final match for the round saw Boroondara-Carey host Alamein.

Both teams looking for win number one in season 2024, it was the Eagles with the first big moment of the game. 

A corner into a dangerous area in the 4th minute saw Gabrielle Hollar swooping in under the defence converting a low header very well after nudging her defender and protecting the space.

First seven minutes all Boroondara however, as if woken up by the goal some nice play from Alamein resulted in a corner which was initially cleared, before some lovely passing around the box. The move breaking down but Alamein showing a spark.

With both teams stringing a few passes in the middle without breaking through that backline it was a great long ball by Anna Liacopoulos playing out wide, followed by a ball into the box which Hollar struck wide of the goal 

Hollar showing fantastic hold up play, coming from the front into the mid and being a target for Eagles to hit. Playing the ball out wide then getting back into dangerous positions on the edge of the box. This was how Boroondara were finding joy, as another long ball by Liacopoulos was well headed on by Hollar, down to Anais Josefski who controlled it well, dribbling into the box and lashing a shot into the side netting 

Not content with just the play up front, when Alamein did get forward, and won a corner, it was Hollar with the defence header, the ball being initially cleared then crossed back in but only to find the head of Hollar again. 

Starting to grow into the game and winning a foul on the edge of the box, Sidney Allen struck the free on target, with Mia Mossman tipping onto the bar and back into play in a dangerous area before Liacopoulos with a resolute clearance on the goal line. 

Again another freekick, in a slighty better position and Allen again on target this time Mossman with a strong save pushing it over the crossbar in the 39th minute. 

A bit of déjà vu as another corner for Alamein headed clear by Hollar for another corner, the resulting corner again headed clear by Hollar. The next corner, was swung in short and lowat an un-headerable height and Mossman claimed it comfortably. 

Corner in and headed cleared for a corner by Hollar. The follow up corner again headed clear by 

Into the second half and it was a case of much the same as the first. Alamein winning a corner and Hollar involved in clearing it. All the play for the Eagles going through Hollar, while all the best moments for Alamein were coming via Allen. 

The game was very open and fast paced, at times frantic with the only lull in play the brief few seconds before the respective keepers launched an attack. 

Some changes for both sides seemed to work in favour of the Eagles who looked the more likely in scoring, Alamein were struggling to get the ball out of their own half, but were staying resolute in defence. 

Needing a spark, it was a lovely run from Kristen Molloy through from defence, with some neat 1-2 play before a ball out to the edge of the box was cut out by Boroondara, but served as a warning that Alamein would create something yet, 

Some fierce challenges flying in at either end as the intensity rose a level. Alamein with a few good minutes, and some clever play down the left saw Rebecca Saber receive the ball in the box, fighting off 2 defenders before turning and shooting her shot wide of the goal.

Another substitution and a corner in the 82’ for Alamein. Allen whipping the ball in before seeing the ball cleared back out to her. Driving into the box some quick footwork drawing the lunging challenge from Turner who rushed in and got it wrong, giving away the penalty. Sidney Allen stepped up to take the important kick, and hit the left post before the ball bounced back out and after a scrap eventually ended up in Mossman’s arms.

A cruel twist as Allen has been the pivotal player for Alamein all game. 

The play still with Alamein, but a counter sae Anais Joesfskibehind the defence and going one on one with Tayla Murphy. Murphy was quick off her line and did not go to ground, the shot from Joesfski well blocked and the rebound was fired well wide of everything. 

Searching for the late equaliser, a corner from Allen found a head in the box as the ball looped onto the bar before coming back into play, coming out to the left hand side and the follow up was struck well by Molloy but always rising. A massive chance missed and it would be the final chance as Hollar up front was closing down every ball and eventually winning a foul, and taking time off the clock running towards the corner flag. An enthralling match ending 1-0 to Boroondara-Carey

Canberra off the bottom with crucial win over Wellington

Canberra United 1-0 Wellington Phoenix

by Ryan Miller-Woods (24/3/24)

Above: Canberra United (green) tussle for possession against Wellington Phoenix today. Photo: Canberra United.

Canberra United moved them off the bottom of the ladder and kept their first clean sheet of the season as they defeated Wellington Phoenix at McKellar Park today.

It was a fairly even opening with Wellington having the first opportunity from a free kick in the 12th minute as Michaela Foster floated the ball into the box which was just a little too far ahead of Emma Main to have made contact with it.

Ten minutes later, Canberra came close to scoring themselves as Michelle Heyman on the edge of the box found Vesna Milivojevic whose first-time shot towards goal took a deflection on the way through and just went wide for a corner.

Shortly afterwards, the visitors once again almost found the back of the net via a great pass by Macey Fraser which the ball went into the path of Main as she then floated a cross into the box for Mariana Speckmaier in the centre who headed wide.

It would be Canberra who had arguably the best chance of the half as Heyman headed the ball into the path of Christopherson who misdirected a pass to Nix’s Hailey Davidson only for Ruby Nathan to regain possession outside the box to curl a shot just wide.

The visitors had the first opportunity of the second period ten minutes in as Fraser provided a short pass to Speckmaier who then laid the ball off for Main to bypass the Canberra defence but her shot was blocked by United’s returning Young Matildas goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln.

Just after the hour mark, Main was involved again for Wellington after receiving possession from Alyssa Whinham. Main put in a great cross into the box for Isabel Cox but a combination of not getting enough contact on the ball with her attempt, and great goalkeeping by Lincoln denied the visitors.

With 12 minutes remaining, Milivojevic played a long ball from her own half into the path of Flannery down the left flank to float a cross into the box for Heyman who rose above Nix’s Mikayla Foster in the centre of the box to firmly head the ball past the reach of Rylee Foster for her 15th goal of the season to seal all three points for Canberra United.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-1-4-1): Lincoln, Bertolissio, Ilijoski, Clough, Grove, Clark, Christopherson, Milivojevic, Nathan, Flannery, Heyman. Substitutes: Majstorovic, McKenzie, Murray, Jackson, Whittall.

Scorer: Heyman 78’.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX(3-2-4-1): R. Foster, M. Foster, Barry, Jaber, Brazendale Davidson, Breslin, Main, Fraser, Cox, Speckmaier. Substitutes: Danieli, McMeeken, Whinham, Robertson, Ingham.

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance: 1,341.

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Sydney sweep to victory and have one hand on another Premiers’ Plate

Sydney FC 3-0 Adelaide United

by Jonathon Hagger (24/3/24)

Above: Mackenzie Hawkesby celebrates her goal that put Sydney FC 2-0 up. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Two early goals set Sydney FC on the way to victory over Adelaide United today, with Ante Juric’s side now needing three points from their last two games to clinch a fourth straight Premiers Plate.

The early momentum on the match sat with the Sky Blues who progressed the ball with ease through the defensive line of Adelaide. Young prodigy Tallon-Henniker made short work of her defender in only the fifth minute off a crisp through ball from Hawkesby. The ensuing corner didn’t result in a goal but it did signal that Sydney were fully engaged.

Sydney midfielder Chauvet demonstrated her class repeatedly with very slick passing through to her forwards. One such pass that was collected by Lemon, was expertly played through to Tallon-Henniker who put away an easy tap in to put the Sky Blues up 1-0 after eight minutes.

Emily Hodgson wasn’t prepared to let Sydney have it all their way, and with a deft cut-in run from the left-hand sideline in the 15th minute, opened up space for Dawber to have a shot on goal that narrowly went over the top of the crossbar.

The high press being employed by Sydney FC resulted in a second goal in the 23rd minute as the wonder boot, Mackenzie Hawkesby, received a dinky little pass from Cortnee Vine dead straight in front of goal. Adelaide’s lack of attention to clearing the ball resulted in a costly turnover. With a powerful shot coming from Hawkesby’ right boot, Grove the Adelaide goalkeeper, was well and truly beaten by the flight of the ball as it sailed above her fully outstretched arm and into the net.

Eventually, Adelaide were able to build pressure through possession. An on-target shot on goal from 20 metres out by Morgan was easily dealt with by Whyman in the Sydney goal, who had plenty of time to see it coming.

The second half started in much the same way as the first half finished. Both teams being happy to maintain possession and slowly exert pressure. Neither really looked threatening for long periods of play as the midfields cancelled each other out.

In a repeat of the events leading to the second goal of the match, Adelaide’s indifference to shifting the ball upfield almost cost them a goal in the 47th minute. Cortnee Vine’s pressure on Grove caused an error with a cheeky attempt on goal just spraying wide.

Shortly afterwards, Dawber decided to take the responsibility of scoring on herself and set off up field with a quality run. Beating her defender on the right side, the Adelaide star was able to both progress the ball and get into a scoring position. However, Whyman was able to collect the ball.

Adelaide had another opportunity to reduce the deficit when Isobel Hodgson was extremely unlucky. A beautifully weighted kick across the face of goal only needed a slight touch from an attacking player and it would have been a sure goal. Sadly for Adelaide, the ball sailed right past Hodgson’s body. What could have been the turning point of the match for Adelaide came to zero.

Not one to be outshined, Vine made a clean breakthrough run off a precise long ball from McLean in the 68th minute. What normally would have been an easy goal for Vine when going one on one against the keeper, was defused by Grove. 99 times out of 100 Vine would score that goal but the football gods smiled on the Adelaide goalkeeper in this instance.

Luck remained with Grove again soon after as she dealt with another shot by Vine. Shooting from a tight angle on the left-hand side. Vine’s right footed shot was tapped over the bar by the fully outstretched Adelaide keeper..

Vine was in a goal-scoring mood, and in the 77th minute, again off poor concentration by Adelaide, she bamboozled the goalkeeper by weaving around Grove and scored her 10th goal of the A-League season.

It was smiles all round for the victorious Sydney FC side who made their win look easy. The Sky Blues will clinch a fourth successive Premiers Plate if they defeat Canberra United in their game in hand on Wednesday

Sydney played with incredible discipline in terms of their structure. Every player knows where they are required to be and has trust in Ante Juric’s system. Every position on the pitch has a quality player filling it which is not a luxury many teams have. The key to Sydney’s success is their ability to make time for themselves. Players are put into space, given time to consider their options, and they don’t panic.

Margaux Chauvet put in a tremendous performance. Her vision and high-accuracy passing make her a superb attacking threat. While many opposition teams are keeping an eye on Vine and Hawkesby, Chauvet is the key that unlocks their potential.

While Adelaide control possession of the ball in the matches they play, their decision-making when in the opposition half is an issue. Time after time, the Reds demonstrated their lack of having a go-to player in the centre of the park. The midfield and wings are well able to build pressure and get into scoring positions but the absence of a quality finisher concludes in an inability to score. It’s been a season of ‘what if’ match outcomes for the South Australians. The squad is talented but the mysterious thing called chemistry just isn’t there for them right now.

For United, Chelsie Dawber is re-establishing herself in the team after a long injury lay off. Her passing accuracy is great, her speed is very good and she makes high-quality contributions in defence. While Adelaide haven’t had the greatest of seasons, they have plenty of potential in the foundations for the next season.

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, McLean, Tumeth, Lemon, Thompson, Chauvet, Hawkesby, Ray, Vine, Ibini, Tallon-Henniker. Substitutes: Black, Hollman (81’), Caspers (63’), Connors (63’), Dos Santos (80’).

Scorers: Tallon-Henniker (8’), Hawkesby (24’), Vine (78’).

ADELAIDE UNITED (4-1-4-1): Grove, E Hodgson, Tonkin, Holtz, Waldus, Morgan, Blake, Dawber, Sasaki, Holmes, I Hodgson. Substitutes: Mullan (71’), Condon (61’), Tolland (83’), Jenkins, Jancevski (71’).

Referee: Kelly Jones.

Attendance: TBC.

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Huge roar for Brisbane at home against Glory

Brisbane Roar 2-0 Perth Glory 

By Ben Carey at Perry Park (24/3/24).

Above: Brisbane Roar celebrate after Kijah Stephenson scores the opening goal. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

Brisbane Roar thrashed Perth Glory on Sunday, giving the locals something to celebrate on a very wet and dreary afternoon in the “Sunshine State”. There was a surprisingly good turnout, almost filling the stands, as has become common place this season, but very few people around the field, whereas its usually packed on sunny days now. Brisbane and Perth both started the season very strongly, but almost mirrored each other in their fall from the upper echelons of the table in the second half of the season.Both teams were now out of contention for finals, but there wasstill table position and pride to play for!

It was a frantic opening half an hour with big chances up both ends of the pitch. Roar had the better of the chances though. Their ball control and passing were excellent, and their high press put a lot of pressure on the Glory defence. The relentless Roar attack started to expose chinks in the Glory armour. Around the 20-minute mark, Brisbane forward, Mia Corbin, caught out Glory goalkeeper, Morgan Aquino, and got a shot off on goals, but it didn’t have enough pace and faded just wide of the goals before a defender cleared it. But the warning signs were definitely there for the Glory.

Just after 30 minutes had passed, Brisbane finally broke through, capitalising on a mistake from Perth. As the result of the constant Roar pressure, a Glory midfielder made a horrible pass back to Aquino but did not see the run of the very pacey Kijah Stephenson, who got to the ball ahead of the onrushing Aquino and chipped it nonchalantly over her head, Sam Kerr style, to give Brisbane the go-ahead goal. Stephenson is making a very good case to be a mainstay in the Roar starting lineup, if they are lucky enough to keep her for another season.

Much to the joy of the local fans, the first half heroics did not finish there. Exactly 10 minutes later, a phenomenal ball from Jenna McCormick, who was about four meters behind halfway, floated all the way up the field and found the Sharn Freier on the left flank. Freier, who has been exceptional this season, used her pace to beat her defenders into the box and pull off an incredible finish, threading the needle through the minute space between Aquino and the goalpost, to give Brisbane the insurance goal. Freier is sticking her hand up to be one of Brisbane’s top candidates for the A-League Women’s All-Stars team for the upcoming fixture in May against Arsenal Women.

Brisbane continued their relentless pressure in the second half and on several occasions were an inch away from bagging a third goal. Perth mounted an attempt at a late comeback, bringing on some fresh legs and throwing everything at Brisbane for the last half hour. But Brisbane matched their energy level, held great positioning, and were very disciplined in defence. The Roar closed the game out and gave the Roar keeper Keeley Richards her first clean sheet for her new club.

It was another glimpse of the true potential of Alex Smith’s Brisbane Roar. If only they’d played like this a little more throughout the season, I think they would have easily made the finals series. But there seems to be a lot of positive signs for next season. As for the Glory, it’s back to the drawing board again, as their nightmarish season goes from bad to worse. They are now on a winless streak of 11 matches, which is only two shy of their worst ever run of 13 winless matches between February 2020 and March 2021. Perhaps a change of head coach and tactics is in order before the next season.

Brisbane Roar will host Canberra United next Saturday in their last match of the season. Meanwhile, Perth Glory will play host to an in-form Melbourne City on the Sunday.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (3-4-3): Richards, Scarpelli, McCormick, De La Harpe, McQueen, Freier, Norrie, Stephenson, Yallop, Woods, Corbin. Substitutes: Shuttleworth, Davies, Palmer, Hecher, Kirkup.

Scorers: Stephenson 33’, Freier 43’.

PERTH GLORY (3-4-3): Aquino, Anton, Dalton, Cowart, Cassidy, Cain, Rigby, Foletta, Lowry, Jale, Phonsongkham.Substitutes: James, Farrow, Hoarau, Lawrence, Quezada.

Referee: Caitlin Williams

Attendance: TBC.

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Grace Clinton: a Rising Star in profile   

  Above: Grace Clinton, a key figure in the WSL at just 20-years old. Photo: Lionesses.

By Ava-Marianne Elliott (6/3/24).

After her recent phenomenal performance during her debut for the Lionesses, eyes are on twenty-year-old Grace Clinton, who this season particularly has established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the field. Although a senior England debut has been the newest achievement to add to her list of triumphs, her career has seen her rapidly progress through the ranks, jumping from strength to strength.  

Currently thriving on loan in North London with mid-table team Tottenham Hotspur, the creative midfielder has spent the season proving just how integral the role she plays is to the side and has evidently grown in confidence with each passing fixture. It has resulted in her talents beginning to be recognised on a greater scale, whilst Clinton continues to shine in the spotlight within both the WSL and on the international stage. Within this article, Impetus 71’s Ava- Marianne Elliott reviews Clinton’s career to date, looking at the already monumental contributions she’s given the game, and the areas where she most thrives.  

Early Days
Above: Grace Clinton after signing a contract with Everton. Photo: BBC.

Liverpool-born, Clinton’s early career days trace back to the years she spent breaking through the ranks of Everton’s Academy, where she spent a lot of time sat on the fence of being integrated into the first team. In the preseason ahead of the club’s 2020-2021 campaign, the talented young midfielder was offered the opportunity to train with the first team at the age of just 16-years old. Although she was a player brimming with such unique potential and credited as a hugely creative asset to her team, there were areas of her game that needed refining.  

Then manager, Willie Kirk, described Clinton as “a great kid, first of all, but she was a little bit lazy out of possession,” in an interview with BBC Sport in October.  

Hard work paid off, as she made her competitive debut for the Toffees on the third of October 2020 in an away win at Aston Villa. Further, in April 2021 she put pen to paper and signed her first professional contract with the club, but she struggled to gain any consistent game time, which is why a move to Manchester United seemed like a relatively unexpected switch for her to make.

Championship Spell
Above: Clinton playing on loan to Bristol City. Photo: The FA. 

As one door closed for Clinton after moving on from Everton, another opened in Manchester as she took the next step in her career, signing with United in July 2022 on a three-year contract. Manager Marc Skinner kept her training with the club for the first half of the 2022-2023 season in order for her to gain valuable insight and experience training alongside members of United’s team, before she departed for a loan spell in the Championship during the January window.  

Clinton’s time at Bristol City was really the first time that she gave onlookers a glance at the amount of talent she held and how much of an asset she could be to a team. In her first appearance for City, she had an instant impact for her team and bagged a late equaliser that helped push the team to secure a narrow 3-2 in the fixture.  

During her four-month stint in the Championship, Clinton played an integral role in helping The Robins gain promotion to the WSL for the 2023-2024 season. She additionally contributed a total of six goals and one assist across 12 league appearances. As the season came to a close, it became exceedingly clear that Clinton was more than ready to take the next step in her career.  

Tottenham Hotspur
                           Above: Grace Clinton in Spurs’ first fixture of the year. Photo: Spurs.

Considering the United team were relatively stacked in terms of midfielders and attacking power at the start of the season, the most beneficial option for Clinton looked like a second loan spell. The decision has worked out well in favour of Robert Vilahamn’s Tottenham Hotspur, as the midfielder has played a crucial role in the mid-table team’s tactical set-up, where she has started to flourish with her recent consistent appearances (1157 minutes across 14 WSL fixtures).  

Predominantly playing on the left-wing for Spurs, but also occasionally shifting into the ten role where she most thrives, Clinton is pure dynamite on the field. The midfielder, although not yet the complete product, has the potential to become an all- rounder with her strategic vision, eye for a pass (particularly diagonals), work rate, and defensive actions.  

In her starts for Spurs, Clinton has primarily started wide within the most frequently used 4-4-2 formation. This positioning allows her to expertly find those pockets of space on the pitch, commonly in more central areas, and her intelligent movement off the ball means her teammates are never left short on passing options. She also has excellent vision for a pass, especially on the diagonal to generate more space in attacking areas by dragging defenders out of position.  

“She’s a number ten, absolutely. In the future, she’s going to start as a number ten in the national team, I’m quite sure of that,” noted boss Vilahamn at the start of Spurs 2023-2024 campaign.  

Above: Clinton picks up the ball in yards of space after a goal kick from Barbora Votíková. Both Katie McCabe and Beth Mead are hot on her tail, but she anticipates the threat of the Arsenal players and manoeuvres through the middle of close attention. 

Above: With Victoria Pelova having eyes on Clinton, who gives the impression she’s going to try and find a path through Arsenal’s midfield, she effectively creates the chance for Martha Thomas to make a run into space before making the pass to her.

Across the season in its so far entirety, Clinton’s statistics reflect the actions that we are seeing from her on the pitch. Currently, she sits second in the league for most successful take-ons per 90 in the WSL (3.83). Her defensive actions after match week 16 are averaging 76.6% success for tackles (36 won), 8.39 recoveries per 90 (114 total), and winning 52.6% of her duels (131 won).  

England Debut of Dreams
Above: Grace Clinton during her England debut. Photo: BBC. 

With the success she’s seen since the start of this season for Spurs in the WSL, Clinton earned her first call up to the senior England camp in October of 2023 after catching Sarina Wiegman’s attention. The talented midfielder had already represented her country, being a regular in the youth teams from the under 17’s all the way up to the under 23’s squad.  

Her first opportunity to see the pitch for her national team at Senior level came in the Lionesses’ recent friendly fixture against Austria, where England secured a triumphant 7-2 win. Her quality shone through when she took to the pitch, and the huge milestone of her debut was made significantly sweeter when she found herself on the scoresheet just 19 minutes into the fixture.  

Despite Clinton’s season to date mostly consisting of her operating down that left-hand side, she started in a more unfamiliar central role for England. She went on to start against Italy in the Lionesses second friendly out in Spain, where she continued to demonstrate her well-rounded, versatility, and tactical adaptability. With such a strong start to her international career already in the tank, alongside a very impressive run with Spurs on loan this season, it’s likely it won’t be long before we see Clinton playing more minutes under Wiegman.  

“She plays like a natural. She wants to have the ball. She picks up the things we talk about very quickly and that’s what you see on the pitch too.” Wiegman praised Clinton post- match.  

With such a positive start to her young career, it’s interesting to consider the options for one of the WSL’s biggest up-and-coming youngsters. The debate between whether she would be more suited to staying with Spurs or returning to Manchester United appears to be an ongoing discussion, but it’s evident that Clinton is ready to face whatever challenge is thrown her way.  

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City hit form ahead of finals

Melbourne City 3-0 Central Coast Mariners

By Kieran Yap 23/3/24

Above: Taylor Otto seals the game for Melbourne City. Photo: Melbourne City.

Melbourne City kept their title hopes alive with a 3-0 win over the Central Coast Mariners. Goals to Hannah Wilkinson, Emina Ekic and Taylor Otto mean that if results go their way tomorrow and in Round 22, they can still finish on top of the ladder.

Junior Matilda Shelby McMahon was the driving force behind City’s first goal. Her determined run on the left and follow up after Leticia Mckenna was stopped in the box gave Wilkinson an easy finish from point blank range.

Rebekah Stott’s adventure forward earned her team a penalty kick and Emins Ekic had City 2-0 up before half an hour was played.

The Mariners were given a lifeline when Wurigumula was fouled in the box, but Kyah Simon’s spot kick went wide with Barbara beaten.

The Brazilian goalkeeper was called into action again when Faye Bryson took a chance from long range. The shot looked headed for the top corner but for the top class save from the former Olympian.

Other than a few chances, City were effectively in control of the match, looking to kill the game off, Dario Vidosic introduced Rhianna Pollicina to the attack, and the skilful playmaker set up the sealer with a perfect square ball for Taylor Otto to finish.

The loss had little impact on the Mariners ladder position. Victory’s loss to Newcastle means that Emily Husband’s side remain in fourth. It does mean that their hot run of form has come to a halt.

For City, it was a comprehensive win against a potential Grand Final contender and a second clean sheet in a row while scoring. Importantly, they remain a chance to win the premiership, although they need Sydney FC to lose their three games in hand to make that happen.

The major prize in the A-League Women remains the Grand Final and if City has rediscovered their scoring touch heading into finals, that could reinstate them as one of the favourites to lift the trophy. Their game plan is well known, but they have depth, mobility and creativity.

Next week, it will be a homecoming for the Mckenna sisters as City travel to Perth to finish off the home and away season.

Lineups:

Melbourne City: Barbara, Henry, Otto, Stott, Roestbakken, Hughes, Davidson, Ekic, McMahon, L Mckenna, Wilkinson. Substitutes: Chinnama, Grosso, Pollicina, Galic, Barbieri.

Scorers: Wilkinson 24′ Ekic 28′ Otto 87′

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

Referee: Kate Jacewicz

Attendance: TBC

Harding brace sends Wanderers to fifth

Western Sydney Wanderers 3-1 Western United

By Kieran Yap 23/3/24

Above: Western Sydney celebrates Sophie Harding’s goal. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.

The Western Sydney Wanderers climbed into fifth place on the ladder with a 3-1 win over Western United.

Sophie Harding was the difference with two goals and an accidental assist for The Wanderers, who won the crucial match despite going a goal down. The loss was a costly one for Western United. In addition to premiership hopes, they also lost Hannah Keane to a bad looking injury. Last season’s leading scorer was stretchered off late in the evening.

The stakes were high coming into this match. A win for Western United would have seen them momentarily regain top spot on the ladder, and things started off brightly for the visitors. Keane scored after a goalmouth scramble to give them the lead 17 minutes in.

Ella Buchanan levelled the scores  for the Wanderers before half time. Cushla Rue drove into the box and her cross found Harding. The shot was scuffed but fell to Buchanan to tap in from what looked at first like an offside position. Replays confirmed that Alana Cerne was judged to have played her onside.

Harding continued to threaten and early in the second half, she sent a warning of what was to come. Her bullet-like header did not result in a goal, but The Wanderers had started the stronger of the two teams after the break.

On the hour mark, Harding put her side into the lead with a terrific individual effort. The Wanderers number nine collected the ball deep in midfield and started a sweeping counter attack. She finished the move herself after controlling the eventual cross beautifully and finishing cooly off her non-preferred left foot.

Harding then turned supplier with a mazy run and well-timed pass, but Rue’s shot skimmed wide of the far post. Western United were on the back foot, despite having the majority of possession. They were controlling the game, but Western Sydney’s counterattack was deciding the result.

Harding sealed the match with her second and another trademark goal. She accelerated beyond the Western United defence and struck a low shot to make it 3-1 in the 82nd minute.

Things had gone from bad to worse for Western United with Keane going off on a stretcher minutes before. the game was halted for a significant amount of time while she received treatment. No prognosis was available at the time of writing, but it no Wanderer had impacted her when she went down, and everybody on the field looked troubled by the injury.

Keane’s injury adds her to a list already containing Chloe Logarzo and Adriana Taranto. Three players who are among the first added to the team sheet each week, and all three who are vital to their success this season.

Kat Smith can turn to Catherine Zimmerman, and Kahli Johnson for the remainder of the campaign, but both are still working their way back to full fitness after injuries themselves. Johnson sent a reminder of what she can do with an excellent effort late in the game that crashed away off the upright.

Other options include moving Maher into midfield and Julia Sardo into defence, but that would disrupt one area to help another. Western will play finals, but back luck has hit them at the worst possible time just as things were clicking into place perfectly for last season’s runners-up.

In the immediate term, all anybody can do is wish Hannah Keane all the best in her recovery, and hope that the injury was not as severe as it first looked. She has been a star of the league since joining the club and will hopefully be back soon.

The day belonged to Western United. Even without the in-form Holly Caspers, their game plan did not need to change noticeably. They counterattack excellently and thrive without the ball.

They do not attack at every opportunity. If they win the ball in the right areas, they surge immediately, but if not, they keep their shape and move it slowly. It is a safety first approach that is achieving results along with highly entertaining football at times.

Most promisingly, The Wanderers game plan works brilliantly against many of the top sides. They picked apart Western United, just as they did Melbourne City and Victory. The 2-0 loss to Sydney FC has the caveat of the rescinded red card for Vicky Bruce, and they have won games convincingly without Harding on one occasion and Caspers on another.

This is a strong team with good depth and a game plan that works against good opposition.

Lineups:

Western Sydney Wanderers 4-4-2: Khamis, Apostolakis, Harrison, Bruce, McComansky, Matos, Chessari, Price, Buchanan, Morris, Harding. Substitutes: Caceras, Rue, Younis, Abdul-Massih, Collins.

Scorers: Buchanan 39’ Harding 61’ 82’

Western United 3-1-4-2: Dall’Oste, Papadopoulos, Cerne, Maher, M Taranto, Medwin, Vlajnic, Sawicki, Prakash, Zimmerman, Keane. Substitutes: Johnson, Robers, Larsen, Sardo, Hieda.

Scorers: Keane 17’

Referee: Casey Reibelt

Attendance: TBC

The Jets stay alive thanks to super sub Melina Ayres 

Newcastle Jets 3-2 Melbourne Victory
By Callum Logie (13/03/24).
Above: Newcastle Jets’ Melina Ayres celebrates late goal against Melbourne Victory. Photo: Newcastle Jets

The final push of the season is well and truly here, as two teams desperate to stay in the finals race took each other on in Newcastle.

Newcastle came into the fixture in excellent spirits after snagging a 3-1 away win over title contenders Western United. Melbourne Victory on the other hand were following a tense 0-0 Melbourne derby and will be looking pick back up the form that’s kept them in finals contention.

Newcastle made one change from the team that defeated Western United away from home with Claudia Cicco returning to the lineup in place of Josie Wilson. Melbourne Victory also made a change with Lia Privitelli returning to the lineup in place of Beattie Goad.

The Jets nearly had the perfect start as they won a corner in the fourth minute of the game. Mindy Barbieri sent a looping corner to the back post which Sarina Bolden headed down to Sophie Hoban. Hoban’s effort was deflected onto the crossbar by Jamilla Rankin and scrambled away.

Two minutes later, Barbieri sprinted forward after a ball was quickly distributed by Isobel Nino. Barbieri was able to square the ball to the talented youngster Emma Dundas who’s effort from outside the box forced a fingertip save from Courtney Newbon.

The first 10 minutes of the game were played at a very high pace, with both teams sprinting forward whenever they won the ball. At the 10 minute mark, Bolden tried a shot from a tight angle but rolled her effort straight to Newbon. Lauren Allan had another effort a moment later which was also well collected by the keeper.

Melbourne’s first proper chance came in the 12th minute, when Sara D’Appolonia found herself in an advanced position in the box, creating some space for Emily Gielnik. When the prolific attacker got on the ball, she curled an effort across the Newcastle goal which forced a good save from Nino.

Bolden was inches from giving her team the lead as a well directed cross from Lauren Allan found the head of the prolific forward who struck the crossbar from about 7 years out.

As the ball flew back and forth down the pitch, the Victory were able to create a great chance at 15 minutes as Gielnik directed a fantastic cross to Rachel Lowe. Lowe initially made weak contact with the ball but D’Appolonia was there to collect the ball and play it back for Lowe to convert and give the Victory an early lead, somewhat against the run of play.

Both teams were eager to press in the early going which created a lot of turnovers in the first 20 minutes. Hoban and Cassidy Davis were determined in their pressing and created a lot of possession for their team due to their work rate in the midfield. D’Appolonia was the catalyst on the other side.

The pace of the game slowed down as Melbourne Victory began to control possession. When looking to create going forward, there was a clear target for both sides. Victory were looking to create through Gielnik, while Newcastle were looking to create opportunities for Bolden.

At 35 minutes, D’Appolonia was again looking to create for the Victory, directing a low cross to the goalscorer Lowe. A scramble in the jets box led to Lowe being able to take a shot but Nino had closed off the space to make a save and keep the lead at only 1-0.

In the 38th minute, Newcastle created one of their best chances of the half as a Hoban run created some space for Dundas who played a terrific ball across to Davis who was able to dummy past a defender to take a shot which was excellently saved by Newbon.

The Jets were rewarded for their persistence, Lorena Baumann wandered forward and directed a terrific cross toward Bolden who was actually unable to make any contact with the ball. Running behind her however was the indefatigable Lauren Allan who drove the ball into the back of the net to equalise five minutes before half time.

In stoppage time in the first half, Bolden was denied the goal to give the Jets the lead. Allan made an excellent run down the right wing and drove a great low cross to the penalty spot which Bolden took first time. At full stretch, Newbon was able to tip the ball away from the goal and then quickly get to her feet to collect.

The second half started with Barbieri driving a deflected effort from outside the box to immediately set the tone. This was a do or die game for the Jets and they were playing like it. The ball stayed in the Victory’s defensive third for almost the entire first five minutes of the second half.

As had become a trend in this game, the moment that the Victory worked the ball forward, they took the lead once again. At 52 minutes, A floated free kick from Rankin was sent rather tamely toward the far post but Tori Hansen was the first to react and struck a well hit volley across Nino’s goal to restore the Victory’s advantage.

Lowe hit the crossbar after a freekick was only partially cleared into her path in the 58th minute. A well struck half-volley forced Nino into a fingertip save and the deflection off the bar was directed kindly enough for the keeper to collect.

Lowe had another chance in the 63rdminute as a break forward reached her in an advanced position, but the shot was directed wide of the goal. Young Matilda Lara Gooch brought some energy off the bench for the Jets, attempting a shot over the bar at 68 minutes.

Time was running out for the Jets as the final 20 minutes passed by. Davis took a long range effort which was well-directed but did not have enough power to test Newbon who had a very impressive game for the Victory.

In the 80th minute, substitute Melina Ayres ran across the edge of the box after a throw in from Laura Allan. The former Victory forward struck a curling effort which found its way past Newbon and into the back of the net to equalise for the Jets.

Newbon took a knock late in the game but elected to stay in the game as the minutes drained away for the Jets. Emma Checker was caught in possession by Allan in the 87th minute and the super sub Ayres struck a terrific effort into the top left corner that left the walking wounded Newbon flat footed. The Jets had their first lead with only three minutes to go.

Emotions were running high as in the 89thminute, Barbieri and Gielnik got into a scuffle, pulling on each others’ jerseys after Gielnik attempted to get Barbieri to continue the game. Isobel Nino reacted dramatically and ran out to pull Gielnik off of Barbieri, her gloves making contact with Gielnik’s neck which lead to yellows for Barbieri and Gielnik and a red card for Nino.

After a very tense eight minutes of stoppage time with Lily-Rose Dunbar in goal and only 10 players, the Jets were able to hold on for the biggest win of their season.

NEWCASTLE JETS (3-4-2-1): Nino, Baumann, Prior, Cicco, Copus-Brown, Davis, Hoban, Dundas, Allan, Barbieri, Bolden. Substitutes: Dunbar, Huynh, Gooch, Hammond, Ayres

Scorers: Allan 40′, Ayres 80′, 87′.

Teams: MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Newbon, Rankin, Morrison, Hansen, Checker, Zois, Chidiac, D’Appolonia, Privitelli, Lowe, Gielnik. Substitues: Candy, Nash, Murphy, Briedis, Curtis

Scorers: Lowe 14′, Hansen 53′.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau

Attendance: TBC