Melbourne derby ends in goalless draw

Melbourne Victory 0-0 Melbourne City

By Kieran Yap 17/3/24

Above: Emily Gielnik (left) is pursued by Karly Roestbakken. Photo: Melbourne Victory

The Melbourne derby ended in stalemate after both sides spurned chances to take all three points on Sunday afternoon.

Melbourne Victory entered the match on a hot streak. They had scored 13 goals in their last three games and had not been held scoreless since late December. Melbourne City’s early season form has waned somewhat. Last week they scored twice for the first time since January, and while they are in no danger of missing finals, some of the fear factor around them has dissipated.

Victory began with Paige Zois in midfield. The fan favourite was in the A-League Fantasy team of the week last round. Her two assists and composed performance helped deliver the 4-1 win.

City’s principle source of chances from Round 19 was Bryleeh Henry. The Australian U23 international set up both of Hannah Wilkinson’s goals in the win over Newcastle. She was moved further afield and started at right back. It was a curious choice to make with an in-form attacker, but given the clean sheet, she clearly was up to the task of stopping Beattie Goad, Alex Chidiac and Emily Gielnik throughout the match.

Despite the scoreline, it was not a boring match, just one of missed chances. Neither coach set out to play defensively and both continued to attack to the final whistle.

Emina Ekic was City’s most dangerous forward. The Bosnian international’s array of tricks, turns and her acceleration in tight spaces caused problems for the well organized Victory defence. after creating space, she sent a low drive across goal that Wilkinson almost met for a tap in at the far post.

For Victory, Chidiac was busy as usual, but the City back four made life difficult for the Victory attack. The midfield was able to find Emily Gielnik, but too often the in-form striker was pushed out wide, when the crosses came in, there was nobody to finish them.

If there has been a dependable way to create a chance  against City this season it has been pressuring them as they build from the back.  Victory had some luck with this method, and when Gielnik received the ball from a turnover, and was on her trusty right foot a goal looked likely, but she effort was straight at Barbara and the opportunity went begging.

In the dying seconds, a Victory corner kick almost found Emma Checker at the back post, but she was inches away from converting.

The 0-0 draw changes little for either team. Although Victory are still not mathematically safe in the top six, the game against Newcastle next weekend has now become a must-win. City are only one point ahead of fourth placed Central Coast Mariners. The two sides play each other next Saturday in what could be an early finals preview and what is certainly a game that will impact the final ladder.

Lineups:

Melbourne Victory: Newbon, Checker, Hansen, Morrison, Rankin, Zois, Gielnik, D’appolonia, Chidiac, Goad, Lowe. Substitutes: Privitelli, Briedis, Curtis, Pickett, Candy.

Melbourne City: Barbara, Henry, Otto, Stott, Roestbakken, Hughes, Davidson, L Mckenna, McMahon, Ekic, Wilkinson Substitutes: Grosso, Meyers, Varley, Accardo, Barbieri.

Referee: Casey Reibelt

Blayney hails her “resilient young women” as Young Matildas speak about bronze medal success

by Ben Gilby (17/3/24)

Above: The Australia U20 squad with their bronze medals after defeating South Korea to finish third at the U20 Asia Cup. Photo supplied to Impetus 71 by: Football Australia.

Young Matildas head coach Leah Blayney along with players Lara Gooch and Chloe Lincoln have spoken of their huge pride as the squad clinched their best result at an U20 Asia Cup since 2006, and the first medal for any Australian national women’s football team since 2010 by finishing third at the U20 Asia Cup in Uzbekistan.

“(I’m) definitely a little bit emotional,” head coach Blayney said earlier today.

“It’s been something we’ve been working towards for a very long time, a cause we’ve been committed to. The amount of sacrifices the playing group have made to get here as well as the staff, and the support staff back home. It really is a special occasion and a big reward for us.”

The 1-0 win in the third-place play-off over South Korea was redemption for the Young Matildas’ 9-1 loss to the same opponents at the same stage of the previous tournament in 2009. Looking back at the journey since that day as a young coach, Blayney said: “I never wanted to experience that feeling again.

“From that day moving forward there was just a commitment to becoming the best version of ourselves as a group, we learned from those experiences and put them forward. I’ve been waiting now for (five) years to put that right.”

The overarching observation from this tournament has been the strong sense of togetherness that has been fostered in this Young Matildas team. Many sides would have mentally packed up after a disappointing semi-final loss and just gone through the motions in a third-place play-off. Not Blayney’s side.

Above: Australia U20 head coach Leah Blayney speaking about her side’s historic achievements earlier today. Image: Football Australia.

“They bounced back like the resilient young women they are,” smiled the head coach. “They are a strong group. We took learnings from the Japan game into this match. Overall, our performance and our quality of play was at a very good level, and the later stages of the game, we set the task of staying disciplined and executing our game plan, and we saw that for 90 minutes.

“We knew we had to move the ball…we knew they were technically excellent. They are always a threat in behind. It was always going to be a team effort.”

“It’s just the beginning. A talented group of players on the pitch, a talented group of staff around us. The future is bright.”

Leah Blayney, Australia U20 Head Coach.

Nine of the Young Matildas’ bronze medal squad are aged 17 or younger, and among that number likes of the hugely talented regular A-League Women starters Indiana Dos Santos, Dani Galic and Alexia Apostolakis as well as Central Coast Mariners’ Peta Trimis who is finding the net for both club and country.

“They are extremely young in their careers,” Blayney recognised, “yet they are bringing so much on the pitch and off the pitch to our squad. We have a very good balance of very young players and very mature heads.”

Whilst the historic achievements in Uzbekistan are now over, and it’s time for a much-needed short rest for Blayney and her coaching team, it won’t be long before they lock in their focus on the U20 World Cup in Colombia.

“We’ll be straight back at it, preparing for this Youth World Cup in terms of looking for the kind of opponents we need to schedule as well as continuing to cast the net wide in terms of players that are available to attend this Youth World Cup. We have five months of preparation now, and it’s back to business.”

Above: Lara Gooch, the scorer of the Young Matildas’ winning goal in the 3rd/4th Place Play-Off speaking about the game. Image: Football Australia.

Newcastle Jets’ 18-year-old forward Lara Gooch was the scorer of the Young Matildas goal that clinched third place at the U20 Asia Cup, and she’s still searching for the words to describe what it means.

“I don’t think there is a word to describe the feeling! Just to be able to give back to the team, to everybody. I was the one there in the right place at the right time to tap it in.”

Gooch and her team-mates knew that their opponents were strongly motivated to make up for their opening Group A defeat to the Young Matildas, in a game played with up to 15cm of snow on the pitch in Tashkent.

Above: The Young Matildas celebrate Lara Gooch’s winning goal. Photo supplied to Impetus 71 by: Football Australia.

“South Korea put up a good fight. We knew they were good competitors. We played them in the first game, it was a hard game, and to get the win was good. To play them again, we knew they would come out guns blazing. We knew they would want to take back that win…we just trusted in our game plan. Credit to the girls they worked to get that win.”

Gooch’s goal secured a first medal for an Australian national women’s football team since the senior Matildas lifted the Asia Cup in 2010. Such is the level of that achievement, it will take a while for the realisation of what she has done to sink in.

“It’s a surreal feeling. Proud is definitely the word that comes to mind. To think that it hasn’t been done for so long, and we’re the group of girls to do it. I don’t think it will really soak in til later down the line, but definitely a great feeling.”

Above: Young Matildas goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln praising her defence earlier today. Image: Football Australia.

Canberra United’s Chloe Lincoln spoke of the sheer pride in the defensive line in front of her – a group of players who have assisted her in keeping three clean sheets in the Young Matildas’ five games in the U20 Asia Cup.

“Absolutely amazing! I’m so excited, so happy for this group. We deserved this win, I think…It was definitely tough, bit of a nailbiter. It was quite close, the whole match. It was a big result for us as a defensive group to get a clean sheet, and obviously, the forwards were able to do their thing and made it count when it needed to.”

“I honestly feel so safe and so lucky to have the backline in front of me that I do. Amazing group of defenders. I feel like sometimes I might just be able to have a sip of tea and chill out at the back there! Their hard work and dedication and discipline in big moments has really showed in this tournament.

Chloe Lincoln, Australian U20 goalkeeper on her defence keeping three clean sheets in their five games at the U20 Asia Cup.

It takes a special group of players to pick themselves up after a shattering semi-final loss and refocus on producing the best possible performance in a third-place play-off. Lincoln knew exactly how they did it.

“It was the belief. Once we were able to ride the low of Japan and get through it and focus, the belief was there that we could really do well and perform against South Korea as we did in the first match, and we got it done.

Above: The belief and togetherness of the Young Matildas in the U20 Asia Cup have been truly incredible. Photo supplied to Impetus 71 by: Football Australia.

“It means so, so much. The whole group can speak to whole much it means from the individual perspective to the whole team to be able to get this result, we haven’t got this result (as an Australian U20 team) since 2006. It’s been a long time coming for an Australian team and we’re just so happy that we were able to get this job done today and wear these medals back to Australia to thank all those people who have really allowed us to be in the place that we are right now.”

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Clinical Jets record crucial win at Western United

Western United 1-3 Newcastle Jets

by Callum Logie (17/3/24)

Above: Libby Copus-Brown (second left) celebrates her opening goal with Tash Prior. Photo: Newcastle Jets.

Western United’s first-ever home game at Wyndham Regional Football Facility in Tarneit saw arguably the result of the season recorded by Finals-chasing Newcastle Jets.

Both teams came into this fixture with decisive away losses, Western United doing down to fellow title contenders, Sydney FC, and the Jets falling to Melbourne City. The Jets in particular looking to come away with three points after earning just one in their last two fixtures.

Western United made a few changes, with Alyssa Dall’Oste getting the start in goal and the teenager Avaani Prakash got her first career start in the midfield. Tyla-Jay Vlajnic also rejoined the starting XI. The Jets on the other hand made just one change, Josie Wilson getting the start at the back in place of Zoe Karapidis.

The Jets started the game in possession and quickly signalled their intent to play pressing and physical football when going forward. Western United on the other hand played with a high pace offensively, a long-range effort by Aimee Medwin was saved competently by the stalwart Isobel Nino.

Forward action continued at the early stage of the game with both sides working the ball forward into their respective, opposing boxes. It was the Newcastle Jets that were able to strike first. Sarina Bolden played the ball from the left wing into where there were four Jets waiting. Libby Copus-Brown volleyed the ball home cleanly and the visitors had an early lead.

Medwin was proactive when going forward, playing a mix between right-wing and attacking midfield. At 13 minutes, the industrious all-rounder won the ball high up and took a low-driven shot which was saved well by Nino. A moment later, Nino spilled a cross but follow-up efforts from Jaclyn Sawicki and Prakash were blocked and driven wie respectively.

At the 20-minute mark, Western United were able to get their goal back. A long ball from Stacey Papadopoulos put Medwin in on goal after losing her defender through great strength. The ball was struck powerfully and collided off of Nino’s right hand and ended up over the line, Prakash ran in to ensure the goal which was rewarded to Medwin.

The very next moment, the Jets took their lead back. A shot from outside the box was blocked but fell into a great position for Lauren Allan who curled the ball from outside the box to loop it past Dall’Oste. Both teams were well and truly in it to win it.

Bolden almost extended the lead after Grace Maher gave away possession to Sophie Hoban in an advanced position. Hoban squared it across the goal to Bolden who put her shot wide. The Jets pressure was relentless and Lauren Allan also struck an effort wide after they won the ball in an advanced position again.

Medwin, Hannah Keane, and Keiwa Hieda worked together in the box in the 32nd minute to direct a decent chance at goal. Unfortunately for Western United, the forward’s effort was driven too high and resulted in a goal kick. The game was played at an electric pace for the first half as a moment later, Medwin was released by Keane for another shot which the determined winger directed wide.

Getting Keane involved in the attack was key in the hosts drawing some momentum back in the first half as her excellent hold-up play created a few chances for Hieda, Sawicki, and of course, Medwin. A corner at 35 minutes was nervously punched away by Nino and a goal-front skirmish ultimately resulted in a clearance by the Jets.

It took a while for Western United to get into the game but they looked potent in the final quarter hour of the first half. A lot of the attacking work was done through Medwin who had three shots and several chances created in the first half but Newcastle were more clinical with their chances and dominated the first period of the game.

The Jets started the second half quickly as Mindy Barbieri ran onto the edge of the box and drove a shot wide of Dall-Oste’s goal. The visitors looked to be focused on keeping possession as Western United have a reputation of getting the job done late in games.

The home side roamed forward themselves with Keane looking to create opportunities from other places on the pitch. This created a gap in the forward line but Sawicki looked to take advantage of their space and drove a shot on goal which was not a threat in the end.

A striking pattern to observe in this battle of contrasting styles was the difference in physicality between the two teams. The Jets got a lot more stuck in and played more aggressively out of possession, committing 10 fouls to only one by Western United.

In the 49th minute, Nino had another uncharacteristic spill of possession thanks to great pressure by Keane. Two Western United players tried to run onto the rebound but Newcastle’s defence was able to scramble the ball away and keep a hold of their lead.

Western United piled on the pressure as the second half moved along, Prakash trying to find Keane in the box but the ball was deflected out to Papadopoulos who directed her effort high over the bar. Keane was more proactively creating space by dropping back and drifting to the left wing to try and create opportunities for Medwin and the midfielders.

Keane took a turnaround snapshot from just outside the box but Nino’s alertness allowed her to collect the effort easily. Keane needed to get the shot away quickly as there were always at least two or three Jets players looking to thwart her whenever she got onto the ball in an attacking position.

Just before the hour mark, Kat Smith’s side continued to create chances. Melissa Taranto moved forward and managed to get the ball into the box. The tenacious Prakash managed to get a shot away across goal but it drifted down the byline as she was unable to hit the target. The ball eventually found its way back to Taranto who struck over the bar.

Seemingly one of the only chances of the second half for the Jets, Bolden struck a low effort on goal after the Jets managed to roam forward. The angle was far too tight to pose any trouble for Dall’Oste however and Western United took back possession once again.

Against the run of play, at 66 minutes, Hoban and Mindy Barbieri combined to win a corner. The resulting set piece was sent to the far post by Barbieri which found the head of the goal machine Bolden who converted to extend the Jets’ lead to two.

Soon after the goal, Western United created a chance to pull a goal back as substitute Catherine Zimmerman got a shot away from the edge of the box. Nino was positioned perfectly and was able to collect what was one of the better chances of the second half.

The action quieted down a bit as both sides made a few substitutions. The Jets held better territory but also conceded more space behind the back line for Zimmerman and Keane to try and create opportunities. Vlajnic sent in several dangerous corners from the right side but there was never quite any meaningful connection on any of the crosses.

At 80 minutes, substitute Emma Robers tried a shot from outside the box which was again competently dealt with by Nino. Newcastle broke forward the next moment and Melina Ayres forced a good save out of Dall’Oste on the other end.

Western United will feel hard done by after this result as they had over double the Jets’ entries into the penalty area. The difference was the clinical finishing by Newcastle when they created chances which secured them this extremely important win.

Teams: WESTERN UNITED (4-3-3): Dall’Oste, Vlajnic, Maher, Cerne, Papadopoulos, Taranto, Sawicki, Prakash, Hieda, Keane, Medwin. Substitutes: Larsen, Sardo, Richards, Robers, Zimmerman.

Scorers: Medwin 20′.

NEWCASTLE JETS (3-4-3): Nino, Baumann, Prior, Wilson, Copus-Brown, Davis, Dundas, Hoban, L. Allan, Bolden, Barbieri. Substitutes: Dunbar, Huynh, Ayres, Hammond, J. Allan.

Scorers: Copus-Brown 4′, L. Allan 21′, Bolden 66′.

Referee: Georgia Ghiradello.

Attendance: TBC.

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Central Coast celebrate clinching Finals in first season back

Central Coast Mariners 4-1 Canberra United

by Ryan Miller-Woods (17/3/24)

Above: Celebration time for Central Coast Mariners today. Photo: Central Coast Mariners.

Central Coast Mariners officially confirmed their spot in the Finals thanks to a 4-1 win against Canberra United with Emily Husband’s side clinching their fourth straight win in the process.

The home side were on the front foot from the start, taking just four minutes to go ahead. Bianca Galic won possession from the Canberra defence to provide a through ball into the box for Wurigumula whose initial shot was saved by Coco Majstorovic but the ball ricocheted into Wurigumula’s path to put the ball into the back of for her eighth goal of the season.

Two minutes later, the Mariners doubled their lead thanks to a great pass by Isabel Gomez that found Kyah Simon outside the box who then flicked the ball into the path of Rola Badawiya who ended her run into the box by slotting the ball into the bottom left corner.

The Mariners controlled the flow of the game for the first 20 minutes, but as time wore on, Canberra gradually grew into the encounter. Just before the half-hour mark, Deven Jackson provided a great through ball for Michelle Heyman who then timed her run and crossed the ball into the box for Vesna Milivojevic who saw her effort saved by Central Coast goalkeeper Casey Dumont.

Three minutes later, Central Coast were awarded a penalty as Simon’s shot came off the hand of Sarah Clark. Simon from the spot successfully converted. The hosts grabbed another in quick succession when Jazmin Wardlow’s cross found Badawiya who controlled the ball before placing it past Majstorovic for 4-0.

Early into the second half, Canberra almost had a great opportunity to have got a goal back as Jackson laid off a very good through ball that had Ruby Nathan one-on-one with Dumont who was well out of her goal but Nathan was on an angle which wasn’t prevented her from having a clear cut shot on goal.

In the 64th minute, Nathan was involved again by providing a crucial pass for Jackson in the box which forced an important save out of Dumont. Despite the scoreline, Canberra had a much more productive second half as they created more chances.

With 20 minutes remaining, Nathan’s influence on proceedings grew further as she was found in the box by Milivojevic and hit a first-time volley that forced a brilliant save from Dumont.

Three minutes from the end of normal time, Canberra finally got some reward for their efforts. Jackson’s initial effort and then Nathan’s shot were both saved by Dumont but the goalkeeper wasn’t able to deny Nicki Flannery in the box who headed home her fifth goal of the season.

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (3-4-3): Dumont, Wardlow, Irwin, Hayward, Gomez, Galic, Bryson, Simon, Wurigumula, Badawiya. Substitutes: Langman, Rasmussen, Karrys-Stahl, Karambasis, Evans.

Scorers: Wurigumula 4’, Badawiya 6’, 35’. Simon (pen) 33’.

CANBERRA UNITED (4-1-3-2): Majstorovic, Christopherson, Ilijoski, Clough, Whittall, Clark, Flannery, Milivojevic, Jackson, Nathan, Heyman. Substitutes: Ritchie, McKenzie, Murray, Piazza, McNulty.

Scorer: Flannery 87’.

Referee: Caitlin Williams.

Attendance: TBC.

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A Vine time for Sky Blues as Nix are downed

Wellington Phoenix 2-4 Sydney FC

by Jonathon Hagger (17/3/24)

Above: Cortnee Vine celebrates earlier today. Her brace set Sydney FC on the way to victory in Wellington. Photo: Sydney FC.

Hot in the back off of a Wellington Phoenix women’s away win in Perth, the Phoenix women returned home to play Sydney FC in front of a rowdy home crowd at Jerry Collins Stadium.

With Sydney FC heavily favoured to be this season’s A-League champions, the Phoenix found themselves in a David vs Goliath size challenge. While the visitors did not have the luxury of having their Under 20 Australian representative players available, they were still able to field an incredible assortment of extremely talented footballers in the front, mid, and backfield.

From the kickoff, Sydney showed how and why they are challenging at the top once more. Speed, keeping possession, a high percentage of completed passes and relentlessly hunting for the opening goal. Both teams traded goal-scoring opportunities.

However it was Sydney’s first opportunity in the seventh minute that really put the Phoenix on notice. The Phoenix defenders sat on their heels and allowing Tallon-Henniker to run with ease which eventuated with a shot on goal that Phoenix keeper Rylee Foster was able to tidy up.

At the other end of the pitch, the Phoenix strung together a number of high quality short passes that cut the Sydney defence into smithereens. The Robertson-Whitman-Fraser combination was ferocious but unable to get a much-needed goal. Unfortunately, Sydney’s quality player, Kirsty Fenton, exited the match in the 14th minute after wrenching her knee. A trip to Wellington Hospital via ambulance for a scan will hopefully come back clear.

The 17th minute saw Matildas superstar Cortnee Vine put the visitors ahead as she drilled the ball into the Phoenix goal off a beautifully placed corner kick from Mackenzie Hawkesby. A cleanly kicked torpedo beat Rylee Foster dicing to her right but the accelerating ball whistled past her outstretched hands.

While a lot of the Phoenix plays appeared to be disjointed, Speckmaier showed fleet-footedness in the 27th minute, allowing the ball to run through her stance thereby bamboozling the Sydney defenders, and reminded Whyman that she always poses a threat.  

Fast forward to the 41st minute and Sydney FC doubled their goal tally as the Phoenix defenders let Hawkesby slide a wayward pass across the Phoenix goalmouth which connected with the boot of defender Tiana Jaber resulting in a totally unexpected own goal.

The Phoenix are not a team to give up and in the 47th minute, slide passes from Fraser to Whinham then on to Breslin was converted into a shot on goal from a long way out. But to beat a keeper of Whyman’s quality required a much better shot than what Breslin offered up.

The first half ended at 2-0 with Sydney clearly being the better side. Vine’s goal-scoring prowess, Hawkesby’s quality set pieces, and the defensive abilities of Sydney’s midfield closing down the Phoenix attacking threat deservedly had them ahead on the scoreboard.

With the chance to go top of the table, Sydney launched their second half in the same way they finished the first half. Full on energy. Ante Juric’s side demonstrated they certainly aren’t a one-trick pony as attacker Shea Connors weaved her way into a shooting position in the 47th minute and was only denied a goal through a brilliant tackle. Tunmeth, Chauvet, and Lemon also put on a show of classy ball skills.

The Phoenix were not going to give up and this was demonstrated through the midfield players of Whinham, Fraser, and Speckmaier going to work. The small ball style of play that Phoenix coach Paul Temple has used as the go-to strategy throughout the season was truly demonstrated as being effective.

Phoenix defender Mackenzie Barry doesn’t get many yellow cards and the tackle that earned the card in the 55th minute, carried through to the sloppy defending of the resulting kick which found an unmarked Vine directly in front of the Phoenix goal and with a deft touch of her head, Sydney went up 3-0.

Yet again, where other teams would drop their heads and concede defeat that was not to be for the Phoenix. From the restart, the midfield threw themselves into the play pressed with significant force looking for goals. The injection of supersub, Isabel Cox really caught Sydney unawares resulting in some fantastic attacking soirées. The second of two corner kicks delivered by Macey Fraser found the forehead of Cox whose height beat Whyman and scored the Phoenix first for the afternoon in the 63rd minute.

It was Cox again who would set up the second the 70th minute. A spliced save by the Whyman landed at the feet of the season’s leading goal scorer Speckmaier, who brilliantly executed a shot into the net.

The fourth and final goal of the match came in the 74th goal with Thompson drilling home the fourth after the Phoenix defence failed to clear their lines.

Kate Taylor showed everyone how big a loss she has been through her being unavailable due to injury for the past month. Her deftness on the ball, timing of passes, and vision around the pitch put the Phoenix in a strong scoring position in the 75th minute with their unleashing repeated waves of attack towards the Sydney goal.

Even though they were down by two goals, the Phoenix continued to press on and in the 93rd minute, Taylor beat Hawkesby, running around her from the right-hand edge deep in Sydney’s half who then passed the ball to Errington but the shot was knocked away by Whyman.  

This match was won by the Sydney FC midfielders of which Taylor Ray was a standout contributor. With accurate passes and strong pressing, she was able to disrupt the Phoenix flow of play. Ray will be a key player in Sydney’s finals run.

For the home side, Helena Errington came into the match quite late as a substitute player. In her limited minutes, she got herself into goal-scoring positions and made an incredible number of accurate passes. Hannah Wilkinson, the Football Ferns incumbent striker, needs to watch out because Errington is coming.

Sydney demonstrated poise and composure throughout the entire match. Whilst the Phoenix repeatedly tested the visitors’ strategic plays, they came up short-handed. The defining difference between the two teams was the Phoenix players not quite being able to be fully engaged for the entire 90 minutes.

Small pockets of inattention and a drop in communication gave Sydney opportunities which they put away. Small lapses of concentration ultimately cost Wellington in the end result.

Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (3-4-2-1): Foster, Barry, Foster, Fraser, Jaber, Breslin, Whinham, Brazendale, Robertson, Speckmaier, Elliot. Substitutes: Feinberg-Danieli, McMeeken (77’), Taylor (59’), Errington (68’), Cox (59’).

Scorers: Cox 63’, Speckmaier 70’.

SYDNEY FC (4-3-3). Mathyssen-Whyman, Fenton, Thompson, McLean, Tunmeth, Hawkesby, Ray, Chauvet, Lemon, Vine, Tallon-Henniker. Substitutes: Black, Malone (90+1’), Saveska (90+1’), Keane (63’), Connors (14’).

Scorers: Vine 18’, 55’. Jaber (OG) 42’, Thompson 74’.

Attendance: 1,040.

Referee: Bec Mackie.

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It’s time… The NWSL is back!

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) begins this weekend and you’ll be right to be excited. After an unpredictable end to the 22/23 season that saw NY/NJ Gotham become champions and San Diego Wave winning the shield, both picking up these trophies for the first time in their history. We are no doubt going to be in for another record-breaking rollercoaster of a ride this season.   

For everyone who is new to the NWSL, clubs play a regular season where all the teams compete for the shield, meaning that whatever team finishes the season with the most points will win the shield. They also play for the Challenge Cup which will be played between the shield winners and the championship winners for this upcoming season, this year between Gotham and San Diego Wave.

What to expect from this season of the NWSL?

In addition to the likes of Casey Stoney, more of Europe’s finest are crossing the Atlantic, including Jonatan Giraldez who previously managed Barcelona Femení and had major success. Alongside fan favourite Jen Beattie and world-class players such as Asisat Oshoala, Barbara Banda and Feli Rauch.

The league welcomes two new teams this season, Bay FC and Utah Royals who will be making a return to the NWSL after they were disbanded in 2020. This means that there will be fourteen teams competing in what I expect to be the most competative season ever

Photo: Angel City FC

Angle City – With the potential return of Christen Press and Tobin Heath, Angel City will be top-heavy with talent that also includes the Thompson sisters Alyssa and Gisele alongside Sydney Leroux. However, they will be without forward Jun Edo who sustained a season-ending ACL injury during training last month.

They finished fifth in the league last season which qualified them for the Challenge Cup but they did not leave the group stages. 

Bay FC – This is the debut season for this new expansion team. Coming into such a dominant league with players who have played at some of the highest levels will give this team the edge that they need to establish themselves. With world-class players such as Jen Beattie and Asisat Oshoala, Bay are surely going to bring a new level of competition to the league.

Chicago Red Stars – After finishing bottom of the NWSL standings last season meaning that they were unable to compete for any silverware. They are looking to bounce back from a disastrous season. With new coaching staff coming into the club we can potentially see a completely new playing style. The potential return of Mallory Swanson means that they will be vital and clinical on the attack. Alongside the new signing of Jamaica’s 24-year-old Sydney Schneider. She possesses a wealth of experience at international level, Champions League and NWSL with Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current.

NJ/NY Gotham FC – From bottom to top, what a season for Gotham. After becoming the NWSL Champions they are looking to retain their title. following the retirement of captain Ali Krieger and the signings of world-class stars such as Tierna Davidson, Emily Sonnet, Crystal Dunn and Rose Lavelle. Gotham has the squad depth and talent to retain their title and compete for more silverware. Alongside the young talented, Maycee Bell, Gotham is looking to dominate the league.

Houston Dash – With a successful draft and the signing of some experienced players, they are looking to compete for the big prizes. The Dash have brought in Fran Alonso as Head Coach. Alonso has a wealth of knowledge and a long list of honours to his name having previously managed Women’s Championship side Lewes and most recently Celtic in the Scottish Women’s Premier League where they won three of the four competitions they competed in they also qualified for the UEFA Women’s Champions League twice during his time at the club. His positive attitude will be as important as his positive playing style. Expect attacking football.

Kansas City Current – After finishing eleventh the club will be hoping for and expecting more under the guidance of former US national team coach Vlatko Andonovski. Pressure will be on Brazil international Debinha to fire them into contention for honours although the odds will be stacked against them. One to watch will be Alex Pfeiffer!

North Carolina Courage – After finishing third in the league last season they had the opportunity to compete for silverware although they lost in the Quarter Finals to the eventual winners Gotham. With a successful draft and transfer window they have brought in Germany’s Feli Rauch who has a wealth of talent and experience from Wolfsburg and drafted american talent, Ashley Sanchez. Courage also re-signed their head coach Sean Nahas until 2026.

Orlando Pride – After a not-so-successful draft but a very successful transfer window Orlando has increased their squad depth and signed some quality players such as Barbra Banda and Morgan Brian.  Banda has been prolific at international level and will need to hit the ground running.

Portland Thorns – After finishing second in the league they are looking to fight to become champions of the NWSL for the fourth time. Also losing to the eventual winners Gotham in the playoffs for the challenge cup. They also want to achieve a better result in the challenge cup. After having a successful draft and signing some key players and having a shift in the coaching staff bringing in Jordan Franken as a goalkeeper coach. With changes to the coaching staff and the recruitment of new players, can we see a different Portland Thorns this season? 

Racing Louisville FC – With the signing of veteran and teenage superstars with four selections in the draft. Alongside players that have played on the world’s biggest stage such as Elexa Bahr and Milly Clegg. With Bev Yanez being promoted to head coach and naming her assistants as Moscato and Sowerby. We could be seeing a new and improved Louisville for the upcoming season.

San Diego Wave – The Shield Champions were eliminated in the Semi-Finals of the playoffs. Can they do any better? I think so! With the new signings and the NWSL draft picks. Casey Stoney is creating a winning squad. The most interesting signing has been young Matilda defender Kaitlyn Torpey who has recently been called up to the senior squad, an exceptional young player who has a bright future ahead of her. Draft singing Mya Jones will also be one to watch. Wave also successfully re-signed the contracts of star players Emily Van Egmond and Kyra Carusa. 

Seattle Reign FC – Having gone through a rebranding which made them go from OL Reign to Seattle Reign. They are looking to make history for their new brand. With a successful draft and signing some key signings such as Angharad James and Lilly Woodham, the two Welsh internationals joined their teammate Jess Fishlock. Also, talented midfielder Ji So-Yun who has a wealth of experience after spending eight seasons at Chelsea. They also drafted Sam Meza, Maddie Mercado and Makena Carr.

Laura Harvey has created a talented and experienced squad for the upcoming season. They did finish fourth in the shield standings last season and made it to the final against NJ/NY Cotham for the champions of the NWSL. They are looking to better their results and compete for silverware.

Utah Royals – The return of an old team for the upcoming season. The Royals competed in the NWSL from 2018 to 2020 before they were disbanded and their players transferred to Kansas City as it was then known for the 2020 season. With former player Amy Rodriguez being named head coach. They last finished sixth out of nine teams in the league in the 2019 season. With some key signings and drafted players such as Canadian defender Zoe Burns and Ally Sentnor. Can Utah make a statement result in their first season back in the NWSL? Probably not, but it’s great to see them back.

Washington Spirit – After a mid-table performance which saw them finishing 8th in the standing which also meant they were unable to compete for silverware. After signing a new head coach for the upcoming seasons Jonatan Giraldez who not only has a wealth of experience to his name but a number of silverware to his name during his three year career with them. With a successful draft where they added six players to their roster for the upcoming season alongside the signings of Casey Krueger and Brittany Ratcliffe. Giraldez has a large and experienced squad at his disposal for the upcoming season.     

With new players, new managers and most importantly new teams. It will be a fight to see who comes out on top. The NWSL season starts on March 16th 2024. Will you be watching?

Ellie Carpenter 15 March 2024 Photo Gallery

Above: Ellie Carpenter, Lyon vs Fleury March 15, 2024. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Above: Ellie Carpenter, Lyon vs Fleury March 15, 2024. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Above: Ellie Carpenter, Lyon vs Fleury March 15, 2024. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Above: Ellie Carpenter, Lyon vs Fleury March 15, 2024. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Above: Ellie Carpenter, Lyon vs Fleury March 15, 2024. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Above: Ellie Carpenter, Lyon vs Fleury March 15, 2024. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Above: Ellie Carpenter, Lyon vs Fleury March 15, 2024 – Warm-up. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset

Young Matildas seal third place, and provide a preview of an exciting future

By Kieran Yap 16/3/24

Above: Lara Gooch is swamped by teammates after her winning goal. Photo Tiff Williams, Football Australia.

The Young Matildas have ended the 2024 U20 Asian Cup in third place after an entertaining, but tense 1-0 win over South Korea.

Lara Gooch’s 79th minute goal was enough to separate the sides, but Chloe Lincoln was in unbeatable form in goal for Australia and produced some stunning saves in a confident and flawless performance between the sticks.

It was a game of shifting momentum and clear cut chances for either team were rare. South Korea were clearly wary of Australia’s ability to counter attack and although the moved the ball well, did not commit as many players forward as Japan did on Wednesday night.

Peta Trimis and Daniela Galic looked like Australia’s most dangerous attackers, while the back four returned to the exemplary for that they have displayed for most of this tournament.

With the game in the balance, Leah Blayney turned to the bench, she brought on Lara Gooch and Indiana Dos Santos, and the pair combined for the only goal of the match. Gooch ran onto the long pass. Her pace deceived the South Korean goalkeeper and she was able to flick it beyond her and into the goal.

Australia now had to survive at least 10 more minutes before the final whistle and despite a late South Korean surge, they held on to equal their 2006 finish in this tournament.

This win mattered in more ways than one. Once again, it is important to look at the Young Matildas as a program to create senior Matildas. This performance underlined the depth of talent coming through the ranks.

Their response to the semi final thrashing was impressive. Their confidence in themselves and each other did not wane from that defeat to Japan. With just two days between matches, they brushed off one bad loss to deliver a solid performance against strong opposition.

The Young Matildas did not lose faith in the game plan, and did not panic under significant first half pressure. Australia gradually worked their way into the contest with a maturity that would most senior sides would be in admiration of.

The bench players came on ready to make an impact. Daniela Galic is a potential generational talent, and was looking likely to create the winning goal for much of this match. When she was subbed out, Australia looked no less dangerous. From Lara Gooch’s goal to Georgia Cassidy’s defensive efforts, this was an Australian squad stacked with players ready to contribute in their own way when needed.

Developmentally, this win could be huge. It was important to see how they would respond to a humbling loss, and who could change the game once it was underway.

The first aim of this tournament was World Cup qualification, and that was achieved with flying colours. The other was to try and win the Asian Cup. On that front, they fell short, but not by much, and this win will provide all the evidence necessary that they can make an impact in Colombia.

This was an exciting, entertaining and rewarding tournament. Australia scored in every match, and only conceded once in five games. Despite the loss to Japan, Australia showed that they are improving against the top opposition, and the youth program is making progress.

Australia played different types of opponents, in wildly varying weather conditions, they switched personnel, formations and tactics between and within games. This was an encouraging Cup run, and although it may be too soon to label any individual as the “next big thing,” the 2024 Asian Cup produced numerous candidates. Some performed to the high level we have come to expect, some stepped up to a new level and announced themselves on a bigger stage.

Although these players are all unique in their own way, comparison’s can easily be drawn with their senior counterparts. Gooch has the raw pace and menacing presence of Hayley Raso in full flight. Peta Trimis has the craft of Mary Fowler, and while Sasha Grove and Jess Nash are very different in style, they defended the flanks as well as Steph Catley or Ellie Carpenter. The idea of some of these players gradually entering the senior setup should give Matildas fans hope.

Much has been made of the potential in this generation, and now that they have finished in tne top three of a major tournament, it is clear that optimism was not misplaced.

There is a lot going right in Australian women’s football in the present. The Young Matildas, coaches and support staff have shown that the future is also in the right hands.

Harding hits the winner for Wanderers

Western Sydney Wanderers 1-0 Perth Glory

By Emma Burke 15/3/24

Above: Sophie Harding celebrates her goal against Perth Glory. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers

A goal from Sophie Harding made the difference for the Western Sydney Wanderers, keeping their finals hopes alive in their 1-0 win against Perth Glory at Wanderers Football Park. 

Despite this being their third game in a week, Western Sydney Wanderers showed no signs of fatigue, spending a majority of the opening 45 minutes inside their attacking third, giving the visiting Perth Glory side no real way to break into the game. 

It was further solid goalkeeping form from Perth keeper Morgan Aquino that kept Glory in the game, as she simply refused to let any attempt from the Wanderers cross her line.

The sole goal of the game was put away early in the second half, a beautiful team goal that was built out from the back by Olivia Price, who launched a pass into the midfield to Maliah Morris. Morris played square and wide to Danika Matos, and Matos’ overhead delivery fell perfectly for Sophie Harding to chest down to her feet and immediately fire on goal.

Harding’s hit came from outside the 18-yard box and was up and over the reach of Aquino, who had come slightly off her line. 

While Perth didn’t come away with the win, midfielder Hana Lowry did take a corner flag with her, after shattering a pole while attempting a corner delivery. 

This result does not rule Perth Glory out of finals contention, but does make the process much more difficult. 

Perth will have to win both of their final two games of the season, against Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City, and hope for some favourable results to reach the final six this season.

Western Sydney Wanderers (4-4-2): Khamis, Keir, Harrison, Bruce, McComasky, Matos, Chessari, Price, Buchanan, Caspers, Harding Substitutes: Collins, Brooking, Abdul-Massih, Rue, Morris

Scorerers: Harding 53’

Perth Glory (4-4-2): Aquino, Foletta, Cowart, Anton, Rigby, Lowry, Cain, Lawrence, Phonsongkham, Quezada, Farrow Substitutes: James, Dalton, Hoarau, Jale, Lala.

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance: 427.

Contentious Yallop goal gives Roar vital win against Adelaide

Adelaide United 1–2 Brisbane Roar (16/03/24)

By Ben Carey

Above: Leah Scarpelli embraces Roar teammate, Deborah-Anne De la Harpe, after she scored the opening goal. Photo: A-Leagues.

Brisbane Roar secured a scrappy 2-1 win over home side Adelaide United, thanks to a contentious offside goal from Tameka Yallop. The last time these two sides met, back in November, it was a tight 1-1 draw at Suncorp Stadium. The context of this game was wildly different though. It was a must win game for both sides, who needed all three points to keep their chances of qualifying for the end of season finals alive.

The first half was incredibly scrappy, both sides unable to keep hold of the ball. Brisbane was the first to capitalise on a meaningful spell of possession. Tameka Yallop played a nice ball in the midfield for Deborah-Anne De La Harpe, who made a spirited run all the way up to the box, charged at the keeper and hit a low hard shot across the goals and into the side netting to put the Roar up 1-0. It was De La Harpe’s second ever goal in the A-League Women’s competition, the first coming for Perth Glory a few years ago.

Brisbane continued to have the better of the chances during this period of play. A high press from the Roar in the 20th minute, led to a flurry of chances and a mad scramble in the Adelaide box. One shot just wide by Mia Corbin, and another from Yallop parried off the line by Adelaide keeper, Claudia Jenkins. 

Soon after this missed opportunity, there was a momentum shift. A few minutes before the half hour mark, an exceptionally weighted through ball from Dylan Holmes in the Adelaide midfield found the feet of Chelsie Dawber in the front line. She ran towards the Brisbane keeper, Keeley Richards, who was unable to shut the attack down and Dawber levelled the match.

Both teams were a little more composed in the second half, able to maintain a little more possession and use it to build attacks. It was Brisbane with the better of the chances. Just after the hour mark, Kijah Stephenson made a great run to the edge of the Adelaide box and hit and immaculate cross to Sharn Freier, whose shot was saved by the keeper point blank, much to the joy of the home fans.

About ten minutes later, a good, searching ball from Corbin found a seemingly offside Yallop, who didn’t see the flag go up so she ran at goals, beat the keeper and tucked it home to put Brisbane ahead once more. Adelaide players and coaching staff alike protested the contentious goal, but their protests were futile, and the goal stood.

In the last 20 or so minutes of the match the Roar continued to play attacking football, hunting for that tantalising insurance goal, but despite some very promising build up play, no such goal materialised, but they did close out the match with a win.

Although it was a less than convincing win, the Roar will take what they can get. A stroke of good luck (or a bad call depending on how you see it) seems fitting for a team who have had a lot of bad luck go against them this season. Thanks to the win, Brisbane remain in the running for the coveted last finals qualifying spot, provided they keep winning and results go their way. Adelaide, however, have now sadly been eliminated.

Adelaide United will play Wellington Phoenix away midweek. While Brisbane Roar will face Perth Glory at home next Sunday.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-5-1): Jenkins, I. Hodgson, Tonkin, Waldus, E. Hodgson, Holtz, Holmes, Sasaki, Dawber, Mullan, Blake. Substitutes: Grove, Jancevski, Condon, Holtz, Dewey, Grigg.

Scorers: Dawber 26’.

BRISBANE ROAR (3-4-2-1): Richards, Scarpelli, McCormick, McQueen, Woods, Brodigan, Norrie, De la Harpe, Freier,Yallop, Corbin. Substitutes: Shuttleworth, Kirkup, Hecher, Palmer, Stephenson.

Scorers: De la Harpe 9’, Yallop 74’.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

Attendance: 742.