A-League Women Media Conferences

Impetus’ Genevieve Henry and Ryan Miller-Woods report on three different clubs’ press conferences ahead of round twenty in the A-League Women (16/3/24).

Canberra United

By Ryan Miller-Woods

Above: Njegosh Popovich speaking to the media about their upcoming opponents. Image: Canberra United.

The media heard from Canberra United Head Coach Njegosh Popovich, Sarah Clark, Cannon Clough, Sofia Christopherson, and Hayley Taylor-Young on Tuesday ahead of the team’s upcoming match against Central Coast Mariners on Sunday, as well as the already contested match against Western Sydney Wanderers on Wednesday. 

The result from Wednesday’s match against the Wanderers officially ended Canberra’s hopes of making the finals. Despite star striker and current leader in the A-League Women’s golden boot race Michelle Heyman scoring her 14th goal of the season within the first minute, Canberra ended up losing 4-1 to a great Wanderers side. 

Canberra can try to end the season on a high and hope that momentum can carry into a better 2024/25 season for the club. However, the task won’t be the easiest with their next opponents, the Mariners, not only being in form, but with history on the Mariners side. When they faced each other in round seven, Central Coast emerged victorious with a 3-0 win. 

When asked about this Sunday’s match against Central Coast and whether it can be seen as an inspiration to turn the season around, Popovich said, “without a doubt! They’re (Central Coast Mariners) a well-coached team and a well-structured side, so they play to their strengths and for us it’s about nullifying their main players.” 

Above: Sarah Clark speaking to the media. Image: Canberra United.

Despite Canberra having conceded the most goals of any team this campaign with 42, and after 18 games played without a clean sheet, one player within the defence who’s been a good signing for the club since she joined is Sarah Clark. While results haven’t reflected her contributions in the best way, Clark has been an important defensive acquisition, nevertheless. 

When asked whether the game against Central Coast will be a tough test for Canberra, Clark said, “they’ve done really well this season. (The) last time we faced them, they’ve definitely climbed up the ladder since then and improved throughout the season. They have really good attacks, so I’m excited to face them personally (and) get another crack at them.” 

Another player within the defence who has been a good signing for the club despite the goals conceded this season has been Cannon Clough. Like Clark, Clough has also been an important defensive asset for the club despite results. 

In terms of Canberra’s next opponent Central Coast being on a roll at the moment, Clough said, “the Central Coast Mariners have had a good season, they’re a strong team. We’ve played them once, so I hope that we can get fired up for that one as well because we’ve got a lot to play for at the moment.” 

One of the highlights for Canberra this season has been Sofia Christopherson, who has played a lot more football for United this season compared to last season, even scoring her maiden goal in the A-League Women against Brisbane Roar in round five.  

When asked whether the match against Central Coast will be difficult for Canberra, Christopherson said, “definitely a tough test. We haven’t played them in a while. When Sunday comes around, we’ll get to that.” 

Hayley Taylor-Young, who unfortunately sustained a season-ending ankle injury early into this campaign, would have been an excellent player for Canberra to able to call during this tough season. Asked about her recovery, Taylor-Young commented, “it’s going really good. I just started running last week on Thursday, and it’s been feeling really great. No pain whatsoever, and I don’t think I’ve felt like this in quite a few years.” 

Wellington Phoenix

By Ryan Miller-Woods

Above: Michaela Robertson speaking to the press. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

The media heard from the Wellington Phoenix’s Michaela Robertson and Mackenzie Barry ahead of the team’s upcoming match against Sydney FC on Sunday. 

Last time out for the Phoenix, they achieved not only their first points away from New Zealand since round two, but arguably their most crucial result of the season, with a 3-1 win against Perth Glory. Hopefully, this round can be more of the same for Wellington, and while it won’t be the easiest matchup against Sydney, Wellington’s form in New Zealand this season should be able to give them some confidence for a result this weekend. 

Someone who played a crucial role towards the win against Perth was Michaela Robertson. Asked about how much the win last round against Perth Glory meant to the team, she said, “it’s massive. We went away knowing that we needed to pick up points on the road. We knew it was going to be tough, Perth, our longest journey away, but we knew what we needed to do, and it meant a lot. Our playoffs pretty much started that weekend, to make (the) top six, so really pleased with the performance that the team put in, big shift, and stoked to get those points.” 

Despite the results not necessarily being what they had wanted given their form earlier in the campaign, the belief amongst the players has remained through ups and downs. 

When asked how much the win last round has done towards them making the top six and reaffirming that belief it can be achieved, Robertson said, “I think that is exactly what we needed is belief in our team and each other, knowing our roles, we spoke about that communication, trusting each other in our positions on the field. So that was really important going into that game that we all trusted each other to do our part and put in a big shift. We talked about going to battle and that’s exactly what we did and came out on the other side.” 

Above: Mackenzie Barry addressing the media. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

Another player who played a crucial role last round from a defensive point of view, was Mackenzie Barry. She’ll be essential towards Wellington’s finals charge given that she is one of the Phoenix’s most important players week in and week out. 

When asked how much the win against Perth lifts the belief that Wellington can make the Finals this season, Barry said, “it’s massive! Going into that game, we knew we had to win if we wanted to have a chance of being in that Top Six. It was a lot of pressure put on us, but I think it was what we needed, and we won which was amazing to win so far away from home as well is a great achievement for us. We’ve struggled with the away games, so it shows that we’ve been improving. It means a lot for our development and for the top six.” 

The next four games for Wellington will definitely test the depth that is available within the squad, due to certain players being out with injury. Consistency with the available players may potentially be a huge benefit. Wellington will have to be smart with the use of the players themselves in these matches. 

When asked whether she thinks the team has the depth in the squad to get it done in these final four matches of the regular season, Barry said, “it’ll be a challenge, we’re going to have to rotate players. Three games in eight days is a big ask for anyone, to play 90 minutes back-to-back, so there will be some changes, but I think we’ve got the depth still. Everyone will step up so I’m looking forward to hopefully winning those games.” 

Western United

By Genevieve Henry

Above: Head Coach Kat Smith excitedly sharing about the new ground. Image: Western United.

Ahead of Western United’s first match at the new Wyndham Regional Football Facility, head coach Kat Smith and co-captain Jaclyn Sawicki spoke to the media about their new home, with Sawicki saying “It’s green and black here, and it’s our home.”

The excitement of the new facility is being felt throughout Western United’s community, with fans, players, and staff all looking forward to the opportunity to play at home. Smith commented, “the field is amazing, the facilities are great. It feels like home already. The girls are buzzing and we can’t wait for Sunday.” Smith compared the stadium and infrastructure surrounding Western United to the club’s current trajectory: “evolving everyday getting better and better.” It could make a massive difference for the team’s morale to have a new facility. Sawicki spoke of the players’ feelings saying, “everyone’s just excited to have their own locker and put their stuff in there, and not have to take it home with them.”

The club has been heavily promoting this historical game, with players visiting local schools and clubs to welcome the community to their new home. “We wanna make this a fortress for us,” said Smith, “a pretty scary place to come for the opposition.” Recruiting fans of all ages and capitalising on the football buzz encompassing the nation, Western United will aim to draw a large crowd, with Sawicki saying, “it’s exciting for the communities out this way to have something to look forward to on the weekends, that is football. Hopefully we get a good crowd, and put on a good show, as well.” 

Above: Co-Captain Jaclyn Sawicki talking to the media about the importance of fans. Image: Western United.

“People are starting to understand where our Matildas are built. They’re coming from the A-Leagues. Not only are we seeing returning Matildas, or previously capped players, but you’re gonna see the next crop of Matildas coming through.” Smith said, continuing, “(football) needs to be supported. Governments, clubs, the league, the federation, and also by our communities.” 

Western United will throw everything at the Jets this Sunday in order to maintain their spot at the top of the table. With just three games left, the race for a Premiership in just their second year in the A-League Women is one that the club will give their all for. Sawicki urged fans to show up for the team, saying, “it’s not game day without our fans.”

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Young Matildas reflect after semi-final defeat

by Ben Gilby (14/3/23)

Above: The Young Matildas in the huddle ahead of their semi-final with Japan yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus 71 by: Football Australia.

Despite their 5-1 defeat to Japan in the semi-final of the U20 Asia Cup, the Young Matildas have much to be proud of. The Japanese, runners-up at the last U20 World Cup, were only 2-1 up with eight minutes to go. Head coach Leah Blayney and players Sasha Grove and Chloe Lincoln were in a reflective mood as they spoke about the encounter.

Blayney was clearly proud of her charges, saying: “We were able to implement a game plan against a superior opponent for 75 minutes, and the girls’ commitment to that game plan and their commitment and effort that they put into the national team jersey yesterday for one minute can’t be faulted.

“In terms of coming up against a world-class opponent in an under 20 semi-final of an Asian championship with an average age of 17 and a half is something that is only going to propel these young players’ careers moving forward and the opportunities and experiences that we’re going to want to seek and relish because that provides the most growth and development.”

The Young Matildas showed real resilience in coming back from conceding after just three minutes to not just hit back, but hold the outstanding Japanese level until just after the hour mark. For Blayney, it was a prime example of the game plan being implemented to perfection.

Above: Lara Gooch in action during yesterday’s semi-final with Japan. Photo supplied to Impetus 71 by: Football Australia.

“(We knew we had to) be defensively disciplined with a game plan that had to be executed to a ‘t’. We knew that they were a little bit vulnerable on counter-attacks and given the opportunity for us to execute from it, we were able to score. Relative to all of those things, the performance of our young players – the maturity that they displayed, which is only going to improve with these further exposures is something that we can take positives out of.”

It was the second U20 Asia Cup in a row that the Young Matildas have faced Japan in the semi-final stages. In 2019, Japan ran out comfortable 7-0 winners. This time round in Tashkent, the Young Nadeshiko were just 2-1 ahead with seven minutes remaining. That shows both maturity and progress. 

“Those challenges are going to be what continues to propel this team going forward,” Blayney explained.

The Young Matildas will now end their tournament the way it started – with an encounter against South Korea in the third/fourth place play-off. Australia came from behind to win 2-1 in the group stage in a game played in farcical conditions. The Australia U20 boss believes the team understand what they need to do in order to succeed on Saturday.

“We know we are going into a tough match against another world-class opponent in Asia. We’ll take the learnings from the first match as we build toward a Youth World Cup. (The keys to success will be) Defensive discipline for the whole 90 minutes and taking our opportunities as we go forward.”

Above: Sasha Grove speaking to the media after the Young Matildas’ semi-final loss to Japan. Image: Football Australia.

Canberra United defender Sasha Grove believes that the hard outcome of Wednesday’s semi-final will be a case of short-term pain for long-term gain.

Being exposed to a game against a team who have won this tournament six times, won the U20 World Cup, and indeed finished the previous World Cup as runners-up to the all-conquering Spanish, provides all the lessons that this Australian group need in order to reach for the stars.

“While the result wasn’t what we wanted, there is still so much for us to be proud of and there is still an opportunity for us to make history in our next game,” (by beating South Korea to finish third).

“It’s hard not to admire them (Japan) in everything they do – the way they play their football. They’re technical, they’re smart, they’re fast. What they may not have physically, they make up for in their brains. That was definitely something we really had to fight against.

“We were really stoic in that first half. We needed to keep it up in the last 15 minutes as that’s when they really hit us hard. It was such a blessing for us to play against them as we are all professional footballers and that’s the standard we aspire to, so we acknowledge that and we’re going to use all of our learnings for our next game.”

Above: The Young Matildas celebrate Peta Trimis’ goal that levelled the scores in the semi-final at 1-1. Photo supplied to Impetus 71 by: Football Australia.

Grove is a real student of the game, her thinking and reflection skills are of the highest order. In terms of what she took personally from the semi-final to further enhance her defensive skills, she outlined two in particular.

“Timing and discipline is the biggest thing against teams who are so good getting the ball in behind…At the end of the day, it goes to every single player before the ball can go in the back of the net, so it’s down to every one of us to make sure that we protect that goal zone.”

As far as the learnings for the whole team go, Grove recognises that if they can take the best of the Japanese skill and technical ability and mix it with the senior Matildas side’s qualities, they will be on to a winner.

“We’re so inspired by the senior national team and their ‘Never Say Die’ – that’s something we really pride ourselves on as well. We went down 1-0 in the first half and we got a goal and it stayed at 1-1 for a very long time and that’s just the fight and determination in the girls…It’s making sure we can sustain that for a whole 90-minute performance.”

“It’s taking a step back and taking a breath for a moment. Losses are really very important in the game of football, it’s where we learn the most…this is a fantastic opportunity for us to take a step back, review what we did wrong, fix everything that we need to improve on and really come on South Korea with fire because they’re not going to let us win easily, or we them.”

Sasha Grove, Australia U20 and Canberra United.
Above: Chloe Lincoln reflects on the semi-final defeat to Japan. Image: Football Australia.

Young Matildas goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln revealed how the intensity of the Japanese game plan provided her with a real challenge in managing her communication with her backline.

“It was tough to communicate because Japan are so fluid with their movement. There was a lot going on at once. The goal was to prioritise what was needed in a moment. It was definitely a tough one, for sure.

“We always knew going into the game that it was going to be really tough. Japan are a world-class team…at the end of the day, they were the better team and were able to show that in the stats of the game. With the technical team that they are, they were able to connect passes. We had to try and defend that for the whole 90. They just outclassed us, unfortunately.”

Whilst Japan provided the Young Matildas with a whole new level of challenge, the challenge now is to take the experience, bank it, analyse it, and come back as a better team as a result.

Above: Chloe Lincoln (grey shorts and socks) enters the field for the semi-final behind Young Matildas’ captain Jessika Nash. Photo supplied to Impetus 71 by: Football Australia.

“There is a lot of learnings,” Lincoln admitted. “…To be able to match up against a world-class team like Japan and see where you are at. It was a good opportunity to see what the best in the world looks like. It’s inspirational – something for us to aspire to as a Young Tillies team.

“We want to be fighting with the best of the best and up there with the best of the best. Just learning from the way they play – the way they keep possession, they have a really distinct style and they are so technical – so lots of learnings to take away.

“We have to ride this low, but tomorrow is a new day with a new opportunity and we just have to put our focus towards what we can control going forward, and that’s the (South) Korea game…it should be a good opportunity for both teams to showcase what they can do without conditions getting in the way (this time) hopefully.”

Saturday comes with the first chance for the Young Matildas to put into practice what they learned from playing Japan. They have beaten South Korea once in the opening Group A match, but the 15cm of snow that the pitch was covered in at the time made that encounter very much a unique one.

“It will be a totally different type of hitout and we’re looking forward to seeing what Korea Republic have to offer and how we can respond to that, and hopefully we can get the win.”

Above: Daniela Galic looks to find a way through for the Young Matildas in their semi-final with Japan. Photo supplied to Impetus 71 by: Football Australia.

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Norfolk Wrap

Celebrations as Ellie Smith gives Norwich City the lead vs Worthing. Credit – Norwich City Women FC

FA Women’s National League Division One South East

Norwich City were held to a 1-1 draw by Worthing. Ellie Smith had given Norwich City the lead but a goal from Emily Linscer saw Worthing take a share of the points.

Eastern Region League Cup Semi-Final

A Hannah Fuller Hat-Trick saw Wroxham defeat Stevenage 3-2 at Trafford Park. Stevenage’s goals were scored by Hannah Nebitt and Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe.

Wroxham will face Real Bedford in the final which is scheduled to take place at Newmarket Town FC on Sunday 19th May.

Eastern Region Plate Cup Quarter Finals

Fakenham Town were defeated 3-2 at Biggleswade United. Shelley Woods and own goal were the Fakenham Town goalscorers with Jordan Rockall, Bethany Walker and Grace Georgiou scoring for Biggleswade United.

More action from the match between Norwich City and Worthing as Rachel Lawrence goes on the attack. Credit – Norwich City Women FC

Eastern Region Division One North

Dussindale & Hellesdon continue to lead Tier Six after a 4-1 win over Wootton Blue Cross. Alisha Juby scored twice with Rosie George and Karolina Kowalczyk scoring the others. Wootton Blue Cross Goal was an own goal.

Thetford Town were beaten 1-0 at home by Harpenden Town. Rebecca McShane the goalscorer for Harpenden.

Mulbarton Wanderers and Histon played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. Mulbarton’s scorers were Rebekah Lake, Poppy Loveland and Olivia Smith with Carla Penny scoring a brace for Histon and Katie Levitt scoring their other goal.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Plate Cup Semi Finals

Tier Eight FC Viking Valkyries produced the result of the weekend with a 3-1 win at Mulbarton Wanderers Development. Jessica Bennett scored a brace with Leah Walthew scoring the other goal for FC Viking Valkyries. Megan Anderton scored for Mulbarton Wanderers.

The days other semi final also ended in a 3-1 away win. Bure Valley went behind early in an all Tier eight contest with Beccles Town Development. Libby Elder had given Beccles the lead but goals from Emma Macmillan, Willow Nye and Romily Mclaggan saw Bure Valley take victory.

FC Viking Valkyries and Bure Valley will meet in the all Tier Eight Plate Final in May.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Caister went back to the top of the table with a 9-0 win over North Walsham. Rebecca Waters scored a hat trick with Hazel Saddington, Molly Sims and Bethany Turner all getting a brace each.

Sprowston made it 13 points from their last five Tier Seven outings with a 4-0 win over Costessey Sports. Lucy Bradford, Bailey Duffield, and a brace from Mollie O’Callaghan saw Sprowston claim the victory.

Aylsham are also a side in fine form as they made it 4 league wins from their last 5 with a 2-0 win over Kings Lynn Soccer Club thanks to goals from Gabrielle Cobb and Ellie Snowling.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Stalham Town extended their advantage at the top of Tier Eight without kicking a ball, their home game with Horsford Hurricanes was postponed and awarded as a home walkover as Horsford Hurricanes were unable to field a side.

Shrublands continued their immense run and made it 7 consecutive Tier Eight victories scoring 31 in the process after a 5-1 win over title contenders Mundford. Rachel Adams and Hannah Halfnight scored braces with Holly Gillies scoring the other. Livvi Hodges scored for Mundford. Shrublands now leapfrog Mundford into 3rd place in the table and now have to be considered a title contender themselves following their impressive recent run.

Great Yarmouth Town were 6-1 winners over Horsford Harriers thanks to four goals from Lacey Andrews and a brace from Lilly Chusonis. Ella Duncan scored for Horsford Harriers.

Waveney were 5-2 winners at Red Rose thanks to a Hat-Trick from Molly Grint and a brace from Maria Palmer. Joanna Horner scored a brace for Red Rose.

Martham were awarded the points after their trip to South Walsham Lingwood was postponed and awarded as an away walkover due to South Walsham Lingwood being unable to field a side.

All smiles for Bure Valley after their 3-1 Plate Cup victory vs Beccles Town Development. Credit – Shay Porter

Caspers haunts Canberra defence with a supernatural performance

Western Sydney Wanderers 4-1 Canberra United.

By Kieran Yap 14/4/23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lineups: 

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

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

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

Scorer: Heyman 

Referee: Kelly Jones 

Attendance: TBC 

Young Matildas eliminated by Japan

By Kieran Yap 14/3/24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Kieran Yap 13/3/24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Japan is a really good opponent,” she said

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

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

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

A-League Women Awards: Round 19

Members of the Impetus team of contributors covering the competition unveil their choices of player, coach, and event of the week. We’ll keep a tally of all the votes and just before Finals, reveal which player and coach have received the most votes across the season to be named the Impetus A-League Women Player and Coach of the Season 11/3/24

Player of the week

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

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

–Kieran Yap

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

–Ben Carey

Coach of the week

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

–Kieran Yap

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

–Ben Carey

Moment of the week

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

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

–Kieran Yap

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

–Ben Carey

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Match Report: Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Lewes

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

By Freya Hiscott (12/03/24)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Substitutes not used: Pilling, Taylor, Doyle, Dahou

Scorers: Coan 6′, Shepherd 55′

Bookings: Hornby 90+7

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

Substitutes not used: Moore, Garrad, Brasero-Carreira

Scorers: Olding 65′

Bookings: Hack 39′

Referee: Declan Brown

Attendance: TBC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“We can go all the way!”

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