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 (18/12/23).
Player of the week:
Above: Newcastle Jets’ Lauren Allan (left) – received two votes as Player of the Week this week. Photo: Scott Gardiner via Brisbane Roar.
BEN GILBY:Morgan Aquino. A string of superb saves to deny Sydney FC on Sunday night. The Perth Glory goalkeeper is in the form of her life as her team gained a vital point in a game that saw them under pressure at the back.
KIERAN YAP: Lauren Allan. The Newcastle winger scored twice and set up one for Emily van Egmond. There were a lot of contributors in the Jets’ 4-2 win over Western United, but Allan stood out in the most measurable way.
BEN CAREY: Lauren Allan. The Newcastle Jet was on fire this week! She bagged two goals and an assist against Western United. Sensational effort.
Coach of the week:
Above: Jeff Hopkins (right) – Melbourne Victory’s head coach picked up two votes this week. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
BEN GILBY:Jeff Hopkins. The rest of the competition need to beware, Victory are finding their feet, the squad is strong, and Hopkins has his team starting to purr once more.
KIERAN YAP: Jeff Hopkins. Melbourne Victory are slowly getting everyone back from injury and the new signings are gelling with the established players and youngsters alike. The win against Canberra United made it six games since their last defeat, and they’re still improving.
BEN CAREY: Adrian Stenta. He was able to pick his team, Adelaide United, up from the disappointing start to their season, and guide them their first win of the season. It was an incredible win over Wellington Phoenix, one of the most dangerous and in form teams in the league at the moment.
Event of the week:
Above: Emily Condon – her team ethic is recognised in the category this week. Photo: Adelaide United.
BEN GILBY: Newcastle Jets v Western United – a hugely enjoyable watch.
KIERAN YAP: Adelaide United needed a goal, and when Chelsie Dawber ran free behind the Wellington defence it looked certain. But the Reds striker copped a challenge and went down injured, Emily Condon kept her composure to find space and finish a well taken goal, but the best moment was that she immediately checked on Dawber rather than celebrate her first goal of the season. Team effort from the Adelaide playmaker.
BEN CAREY: Rebekah Stott’s goal against the Mariners. Not only was it a sensational goal, but it was also her first A-League goal since March 2020!
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Report by Tom Coopey with EXCLUSIVE pitchside photos from Emma Bull at The King Power Stadium for Impetus (17/12/23).
Above: West Ham United goalkeeper Megan Walsh focused on her distribution. Photo: Emma Bull for Impetus.
It was the final game of the year and until January 21st for both sides, as they looked to finish on a high into the break. With late action at the King Power, the points were shared in the end. It was disappointing for Leicester not to get their first league win since October, but it was another point on the board. It was a huge point for West Ham, moving them out of the relegation zone, and will give them a massive boost of confidence going into the new year.
Willie Kirk made just the one change from the side that drew to Brighton & Hove Albion, with Courtney Nevin coming in for the injured CJ Bott. The Hammers introduced Shannon Cooke and Anouk Denton into the starting 11, after being on the bench in their narrow loss against Everton last Sunday.
Viviane Asseyi had the first effort of the match, pouncing on a mistake at the back, with her deflected strike causing no real harm for Janina Leitzig as it looped into the arms of the German keeper. After 10 minutes on the clock, the Foxes were building some pressure whilst having a healthy spell of possession.
Kirk would have been pleased with the start his side made, apart from a few moments where the players seemed to be on different wavelengths. West Ham had a threatening moment on the counter-attack, with Riko Ueki on the left side, with the Japanese’s cross-come-shot travelling across the face of goal.
Above: Courtney Nevin on the ball looking to create chances for her teammates. Photo: Emma Bull for Impetus.
Leitzig made her first real save of the afternoon, pushing aside Jess Ziu’s effort out for a corner. The visitors were looking more dangerous, with Asseyi appealing for a penalty. Aimee Palmer received a yellow card, after a late challenge.
Ueki was at the heart of the attack once more, with her attempt bending just wide of the post this time. West Ham were in again, as a huge chance for the visitors went begging. Ueki slipped Ziu through, with a nice first touch to set her self up, she looked to slot it into the bottom corner, but it dribbled agonisingly wide.
Chances were coming from either end of the pitch, with this game patiently waiting for an opening goal. Both teams were sharing good attacking spells, but neither could provide that clinical finish. Sam Tierney unleashed a fierce strike towards goal, but it was blocked along the way by Lena Petermann.
The Foxes ended the half on a high, with the Hammers defending nervously. After 11 shots throughout the half, the deadlock was unable to be broken. Going in at the break, it was goalless at the King Power.
West Ham made a bright start to the second period, with the Foxes struggling to catch a break. Asseyi tried her luck with an acrobatic attempt, after Letizig spilled the ball from a floated ball in, with her effort looping over.
Above: Viviane Asseyi’s acrobatic attempt on goal. Photo: Emma Bull for Impetus.
West Ham were unfortunate not to be ahead. Ueki was free at the back post, with her header looking certain to hit the back of the net, but it was blocked superbly onto the bar. The ball eventually fell out to Asseyi, who blazed it over. There was more panic at the back for Leicester, with Letizig misjudging the ball, which struck the outside of the post.
After a frantic start, it was nearly the home side that took the lead. The ball fell out to Aileen Whelan, with her lofted attempt dropping just wide. There was a delay in play, with Sophie Howard down after a clash of heads. Rehanne Skinner made her first move of the afternoon as the clock struck 60, with Emma Harries coming onto the pitch. Howard could no longer continue for the Foxes, with Missy Goodwin coming on in place of the 30-year-old.
Leicester finally found the opening goal of the match, with Petermann finding the finish. A swift move from the Foxes saw Whelan in space, who sent a delightful ball that found the German striker in the middle, who slotted in for 1-0.
The home side were hungry for more after unlocking the deadlock, having a chance cleared off the line and one hitting the side netting. With the Hammers a goal down, Emma Snerle hoped to make a difference as she was introduced.
Thanks to the heroics of Leitzig, Kirk’s teamstill had their lead in-tact. Harries raced through on goal, but the goalkeeper made her self big to get a vital touch before it was eventually cleared. With 10 minutes plus stoppage time left, Leicester looked to be heading towards a big three points if they could hold on.
Skinner had a final throw of the dice, making a double substitution in the 86th minute. Additionally, the Australian Remy Siemsen came on for the Foxes. 10 minutes of additional time were added on, with West Ham looking to find an equalising goal in a last push.
There was late drama in the East-Midlands, as French defender Hawa Cissoko saw red after a clumsy tackle on Siemsen ledto her second yellow in quick succession, with the Hammers having to play the final moments with 10 players.
Above: Courtney Nevin delivers a free-kick. Photo: Emma Bull for Impetus.
Despite being down to 10, West Ham found an equaliser in the eighth minute of additional time. Ademiluyi’s cross found Hayashi at the back post, who bundled it in from close range to find a late leveller.
Ava Baker came on for the Foxes, with Leicester still determined to come away with the three points. The visitors also made a late change, with Jessie Stapleton coming on.
After all the drama, both teams collected a point, which was probably a fair outcome of the game. It was harsh on the Foxes to lose it late on, whereas for West Ham it was a brilliant moment to see them move out of the relegation zone.
Report by Ben Gilby with EXCLUSIVE pitchside photos from Rob Lizzi at Macedonia Park(17/12/23).
Above: Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby (left) under pressure at Macedonia Park tonight. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
Sydney FC dominated the chances and possession, but the combination of Morgan Aquino in outstanding form and the sheer bloody-minded hard work ethic of Perth Glory ensured that they remain top of the ladder with this point.
Perth welcomed back Claudia Mihocic into the starting line-up after successfully overcoming concussion protocols after she sustained a head knock in the Glory’s game at Wellington Phoenix before the international break. Grace Jale was missing from the matchday squad, with Abbey Green coming onto the bench.
The defending A-League Women champions had their Matildas World Cup star Cortnee Vine on the bench but could still boast Princess Ibini and Fiona Worts up front along with Aideen Keane, a player that Perth Glory know all about from her spell in Western Australia.
Sydney came out firing from the off. The opening exchanges saw a shot from Ibini, and then, with four minutes on the clock Keane linked with Worts on the edge of the box. The Sydney striker chested down and fired a powerful shot that Morgan Aquino did brilliantly to push away.
Above: Fiona Worts breaking through for Sydney FC – she saw a great effort denied by Morgan Aquino. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
Just before the 10-minute mark, in-form Glory striker Millie Farrow looked to break through before being taken out on the edge of the box by Charlotte Mclean, who received a yellow card as a result. The free kick, right of centre on the edge of the ‘D’ was nullified by Sydney’s impressive rapid-fire press from Perth’s attempted training ground routine.
With the quarter-hour mark reached, the home side had settled into the encounter with the creative energy of Susan Phonsongkham a key component in this as she began to link up with Hana Lowry. The pair would combine as the latter found the former on the right flank, but the cross-shot just went over the top.
However, with Perth looking less defensively sound than they have otherwise this season, Sydney were still looking threatening offensively. Aquino had to make another stunning save from a looping shot from Ibini that was deflected en route.
Above: Princess Ibini plays a pass at Macedonia Park tonight. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
As the half edged closer to its conclusion, Sydney began to dominate the possession and territory once more, with Zara Kruger sending in an increasing number of dangerous corners in the period.
Keane was also an increasing menace for the Perth defence, and it was her curling shot right on the half-time whistle that called Aquino into action once more.
The second half opened with Sydney FC bringing on Matildas star Vine in place of Keane. Despite this, it would be the hosts who had the first chance of the second period.
Above: Cortnee Vine was introduced in the second half for Sydney FC. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
Lowry’s freekick from the right-hand side two minutes into the second period found Tash Rigby at the back post, with her stooping header saved by Jada Whyman in the Sydney FC goal.
The Harbour City side were back on the offensive and once more dominated possession and territory. Within seven minutes of coming on, Vine powered into the box and let fly with a powerful effort which brought another superb one-handed save by Aquino.
As the game entered its last 20 minutes, Shea Connors was introduced by Ante Juric and immediately showed her worth with a jet-heeled burst along the left before shooting wide. Ibini missed a golden opportunity shortly afterwards as a high free kick was curled into the box and both Sadie Lawrence and Rigby failed to clear. The Sydney attacker’s finish was well over the top.
Above: Quinley Quezada’s hits her stoppage time shot for Perth Glory. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
In this spell, Sydney made claims for a penalty after Ibini went down under a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge on the edge of the area with Jess Cowart, but referee Shane Skinner was unmoved.
A rare second-half entrance into the box area for the hosts saw Quinley Quezada supply a lovely off-load for Phonsongkham, but Sydney snaffled the danger away quickly. Quezada was involved again with a chance in stoppage time, but massed defence and the presence of Whyman denied the Philippines attacker.
Sydney FC are likely to see this as two points dropped for their dominance and opportunities. They were denied by Morgan Aquino in career-best form, and a wider Perth Glory side who battle and scrap to the death for the shirt. Whilst Sydney largely nullified the Western Australian side’s attacking threat, Glory went toe to toe with one of the league’s best and once more came out undefeated.
Rob Lizzi’s EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from Macedonia Park for Impetus:
On a piping hot Sunday evening in the Sunshine State, Brisbane Roar and Western Sydney Wanderers traded blows in an exciting, high-energy draw.
The Roar came into the match hoping to overcome a five-match winless streak, which was equal to the longest in their competition history. The Wanderers were hoping to continue their recent vein of rich form. Both teams took a point, but neither left entirely satisfied.
The match started out quite cagey, both teams testing each other out in the midfield. After about 10 minutes, Brisbane began to take it up a notch. They had a number of promising attacks involving the likes of Sharn Freier and Tameka Yallop, but the Roar couldn’t finish the chances off. In the 26th minute, however, good pressure from that pair forced a turnover in an advanced position. Yallop hit a well-measured pass to Corbin, who ran past a few defenders and pulled out a fine finish to slot it past Wanderers’ keeper, Sham Khamis.
Mia Corbin gives us a 1-0 lead after driving into the box and putting it away! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/xOpMZtjTyI
In the 34th minute, a great corner kick from Hollie Palmer found the head of Rebecca Kirkup, who thumped it into the back of the net, but before the Roar could even celebrate, the goal was disallowed because Jenna McCormick was allegedly blocking the run of Khamis. If that is indeed the case, it was a very soft foul, and extremely contentious given the two-goal lead that was on the line.
10 minutes later, it looked as if Freier would erase the pain of the disallowed goal. There was a mad scramble in the Wanderers’ box. Freier took a shot, which hit the woodwork, and there was a goal-line clearance from a Wanderers defender. By some miracle, the visiting side went into the halftime break only down one goal.
The second half started off much the same as the first, with Brisbane Roar on the attack, and Wanderers mostly absorbing pressure. However, the script was flipped soon after the 50-minute mark, when a sensational ball from Caspers in the midfield found an unmarked Sophie Harding inside of the Roar box. Harding’s finish was ice cold, putting it past Roar keeper, Jordan Silkowitz, to equalise.
Six goals in four games 🤯 Sophie Harding just can't stop scoring 👏
The Western Sydney Wanderers star produces the goods once more to level the scoreboard!
After the equaliser, the game became a lot more even. There were a lot of midfield skirmishes and half chances up both ends. Just past the hour mark, the Wanderers attacked the Brisbane goal, the ball deflected off Roar defender Kirkup and hit the underside of the crossbar before being quickly snatched up by Silkowitz. But the Wanderers were a lick of paint away from the winning goal.
The final 20 minutes, saw a lot of player fatigue and resulting cramps and substitutions, understandable given the massive workload most of the players were putting in on a hot and humid day. As a result, space began to open up and there were numerous attacks up both ends of the pitch. Brisbane probably had slightly better opportunities, but neither the home side nor the visitors could convert on any of the chances.
The Roar and the Wanderers have done a bit of a Freaky Friday in terms of form this season. Wanderers lost their first two matches but have now won three out of their last five (and the only one they lost was a tight 4-3 loss to Melbourne City). Conversely, Brisbane won their first two matches, against top teams no less, but since then they’ve now had three draws (all 1-1 draws) and three losses (including the 5-1 drubbing from Canberra last weekend).
Brisbane Roar will have a lot of positives to take away from the match, and many points for improvement as well. Their first-half performance was fantastic, but they needed to be more clinical in front of goal. Freier was sensational today. Despite the cramps all over the park, she kept her energy high the entire game, using her pace and footwork to hurt the Wanderers down the left side.
Yallop put in a good shift too. Her positioning and physicality were wonderful. Corbin was great up front, but perhaps should have put away at least one more goal. The chances were there. The Roar backline performed well for the majority of the match, but allowing someone of Harding’s quality and form to be unmarked in their box is absolutely criminal.
Western Sydney Wanderers will take away very similar positives and learning points to the Roar. Although it was a solid team effort, it was ultimately a story of two key players for them. Harding up front was excellent. She had one thing on her mind, and that was scoring goals. Not only did she score the equaliser, but she took six more shots, several of them testing Silkowitz. Up the back, Khamis was outstanding. She made six saves, including several diving saves and at least one where she tipped the ball over the crossbar.
Above: Emily van Egmond for Newcastle Jets. Photo: Newcastle Jets
Emily van Egmond has finished her guest stint in style with Newcastle recording a 4-2 win over Western United in the weekend’s most entertaining game.
The Matildas playmaker was making the last of her five appearances in her guest stint with the Jets and continued her fine form this season with a strong start. Van Egmond played a through ball into the path of Lauren Allan in the early stages of the match, but the Jets winger’s effort missed the target.
Newcastle looked happy to set up their defensive press at the halfway line. They invited Western United to try and play out from the back and tempted the centre-back pairing of Alana Cerne and Grace Maher upfield.
In doing so, they used one of Western’s strengths against them. It was a risky gambit, but if Newcastle won possession at halfway, they were able to use the pace of Allan and Lara Gooch to counterattack from an advanced position.
When Allan scored her first goal of the afternoon it was after being released in this fashion by Sarina Bolden. There was still plenty for the Newcastle local to do when she gained possession, but the pass and her pace took out the defence, and she did not miss her second opportunity.
Newcastle went into the break a goal ahead, and it was simultaneously a deserved but slightly fortunate lead.
Western United enjoyed the majority of possession and were creating plenty of chances in the final third, although none could be converted.
At the break, visitors head coach Kat Smith introduced Kiewa Hieda into the fray. The Japanese winger has been dangerous when given playing time this season, and alongside Hannah Keane, Western’s attack continued to test Gary van Egmond’s defenders.
Keane was a constant menace and although most of her shots were from outside of the box, her pace was causing problems for the home side. When she surged into the penalty area her run took her wide and the chance looked gone. But a touch around Izzy Nino earned Western United a penalty that Chloe Logarzo converted confidently.
Newcastle responded soon after. Emily van Egmond tucked away Allan’s cutback with all the composure and class that she is known for and The Jets were back in front.
The match was becoming relentlessly entertaining, and it was Stacy Papadopoulos who pulled Western level again. The right-footed left-back curled home an effort from 20 yards after some tidy footwork to create space for herself.
It was Papadopoulos’s first A-League Women goal, and it arrived on her 27th birthday. It was a contender for goal of the week but may not be the best goal of this game.
That honour could just as easily go to Sarina Bolden who lofted the ball over Hillary Beall from long range with a scarcely believable strike. There had been three goals in seven minutes of gameplay.
Western United continued to attack, buoyed by the fact that they were still dominating general play, and perhaps by the general feel of the match. Anything could happen on this day, so there was no use playing safe.
However, it was Newcastle who scored their fourth and the afternoon’s sixth and it was the effervescent Lauren Allan who brought up her brace to settle the result.
Van Egmond was involved once again, as she has been in most of The Jets attacks since joining this season. She slipped a pass through for substitute Lorena Baumann who crossed to the back post for Allan to nod home.
That effectively ended the afternoon’s action. Both teams played to their strengths but Newcastle’s counterattack won the day. Their speed of ball movement and determined running all over the pitch were enough to overcome Western’s possession style.
This was a big win for The Jets, but with van Egmond’s imminent departure the questions over the value of guest players will once again be asked.
The likely answer to that is “it depends.” If a player can come in, help impact ladder position, mentor some young players, and allow other stars time to recover from injuries, then it feels like an easy decision.
That is what Emily van Egmond has provided in five games. In that time, Lara Gooch has emerged as a star, they have won two games, immediately increased crowds, and allowed Libby Copus-Brown and Melina Ayres to avoid rushing back into action.
Ideally, van Egmond would be at the club for longer, but she was clearly not here for a holiday or simply as a World Cup victory lap. She returned to Newcastle to make a big impact in a short amount of time. They would have liked at least one more point from her time there, but overall, the move was a huge success, culminating in one of the games of the season.
Report by Ruby Vince in the press box and EXCLUSIVE photos from Mariella Prew pitch side(16/12/23).
Above: Spectacular action from today’s big WSL derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.
A historic day for North London after a highly anticipated match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, and it was Tottenham who emerged victorious with a first-ever WSL win over their big rivals due to a great team goal scored by Martha Thomas.
The game kicked off with both teams showing early attacking intent, Arsenal knew a win would see them go top of the table, and in the 16th minute, Caitlin Foord made a notable attempt on goal, which struck the post sending a wave of excitement through the stadium. However, luck was not on her side as the ball stayed out of the net.
Above: Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord (right) saw an effort come back off the post in the first half. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.
The first substitution of the match occurred shortly after, with Amy Turner entering the field for Luana Bühler, who suffered an injury. The match continued with opportunities at both ends, including attempts on goal from Celin Bizet and shots from Kit Graham and Foord.
A crucial moment in the game came with a notable deflective save by Barbora Votíková, preventing what could have been a significant goal-scoring opportunity for Arsenal. The tension on the pitch was palpable, and the teams battled fiercely for control.
As the second half unfolded, Jessica Naz came on for Bethany England, injecting fresh energy into the Tottenham side. The breakthrough moment arrived in the 58th minute when Thomas found the back of the net, assisted by Bizet, although the goal was very much a team effort putting Tottenham ahead.
Above: Vivianne Miedema’s entry couldn’t quite drive Arsenal towards a goal. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.
Votíková showcased her skills with a crucial save in the 60th minute, denying Alessia Russo’s powerful shot and keeping Arsenal at bay. However, the introduction of Vivianne Miedema and Kyra Cooney-Cross for Frida Maanum and Victoria Pelova signaled Arsenal’s determination to bring one back.
Despite the Gunners’ efforts, they struggled to hit the target. Arsenal had 31 shots on goal, only eight of which were on target. Spurs had five shots with three on target. Those stats would be telling.
The pressure continued to mount with Votíková receiving a yellow card for time-wasting during a goal kick. The late stages of the match saw Sina Blackstenius coming on for Lia Wailti, and Katie McCabe making way for Chloe Lacase.
As the clock ticked down, chants of “Come on you Spurs” echoed throughout the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere with the Spurs fans praying their team would keep the result as it was.
There were some close calls at the end of the game with Arsenal keeping Tottenham on their toes, but in the end, Tottenham secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory, leaving their fans elated.
Mariella Prew’s exclusive photo gallery from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Impetus
Goals on either side of the half for Melbourne Victory have led them to their sixth win in a row, defeating Canberra United 2-0 at AAMI Park in round 8 of the Liberty A-League Women.
Victory came out looking to make a statement, launching multiple attacks on Canberra, eventually breaking United down through American forward McKenzie Wienert, who found her third goal of the season, assisted by Jamilla Rankin.
Melbourne had the game all but handed to them when Canberra goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln was shown a red card early into the second half after a challenge outside the box brought Victory’s Rachel Lowe to ground.
The card saw United take off Mary Stanic-Floody in midfield to send in their second goalkeeper Coco Majstorovic into goal for her second appearance for the club.
Only minutes later would Majstorovic make the same mistake Lincoln had, only this time the striker in Kurea Okino, would be able to play around her, leaving her with an open goal to play the ball into.
Okino has now scored three goals in three games for Melbourne Victory, a very positive sign for her form, as she spent last year in the Victorian NPLW scoring 31 goals in 21 games for the Boroondara Eagles.
With nothing more to lose and everything to try and gain, Canberra looked to throw everything and the kitchen sink at Victory in the final 10 minutes of the game, subbing out their defender Cannon Clough for young striker Ruby Nathan.
United were unable to find their way onto the score sheet, but ultimately their defensive performance was one to be proud of, with both of their keepers making 6 saves each, denying Victory the opportunity to really run away with the game.
Round nine will see Victory return to AAMI Park to take on cross town rivals Melbourne City in the Christmas Derby, while Canberra will host Central Coast Mariners at their home ground of McKellar Park.
Above: Adelaide United’s Mariah Lee. Photo: Adelaide United
Adelaide United have their first win of not only this A-League Women’s season but since Round 17 of the last one with a great come-from-behind 2-1 win against Wellington Phoenix at Marden Sports Complex.
Within the first 10 minutes of the match, it was an even encounter in terms of the chances that had been made between the two sides but Wellington significantly had more possession of the ball with 73.1%.
In the 12thminute, Wellington had an amazing opportunity to have opened the scoring thanks to a great through ball by Michaela Foster that found Mariana Speckmaier. She made a great run into the box and was one one-on-one with Annalee Grove but Speckmaier’s shot ricocheted off the post.
Wellington didn’t have to wait long to find the opener as nine minutes later, Macey Fraser provided a great through ball for Emma Main whose eventual run into the box saw her slot the ball past Grove for her second goal of the season.
With a half-hour played, Adelaide looked good at times within attack as they made chances but weren’t able to capitalise on them due to how well the Phoenix defended, Rebecca Lake in particular really proved to make a difference within the backline.
Furthermore, Adelaide came out of the half fortunate to have conceded just once as the sheer number of close chances Wellington created could have been a very different scoreline
Wellington, on the other hand, would have been very pleased and satisfied with how they played in the first half but at the same time have built a really commanding lead going into the second half.
Early after the break , both teams had made chances in attack but nothing necessarily threatened to go in within the first 15 minutes of the half.
In the 75th minute, Chelsie Dawber made a great run with the ball towards the box but was denied by Wellington’s Rylee Foster which brought her out from goal. Adelaide seized upon the moment with Emily Condon as her shot went into the back of the net for United’s equaliser .
Ten minutes later, from an Adelaide free kick, Nanako Sasaki’s shot towards goal went over Foster and converted from the set-piece as United took the lead, something that wouldn’t have been entirely expected when looking at how the first half transpired.
If Adelaide’s first goal wasn’t frustrating for Wellington to have conceded, then United’s second goal definitely would have been knowing how well they had played and the chances created in the match but simply didn’t convert more of their opportunities in front of goal.
Teams: Adelaide United (4-5-1): Grove, E. Hodgson, Waldus, Tonkin, I. Hodgson, Blake, Jancevski, Sasaki, Holmes, Dawber, Lee. Substitutes: Jenkins, Bowler, Condon, Holtz, Morgan.
Scorers: Condon 75’, Sasaki 85’.
Wellington Phoenix (4-2-3-1): R. Foster, M. Foster, Lake, Taylor, Davidson, Fraser, Longo, Barry, Elliott, Main, Speckmaier. Substitutes: Edwards, McMeeken, Whinham, Breslin, Robertson.
Scorers: Main 21’
Referee: Rebecca Durcau.
Attendance: TBC.
Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook.
Impetus had writers in five WSL media conferences this week ahead of another vital weekend of action. Their club-by-club reports of who said what is below(15/12/23).
Arsenal
Above: Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall at this afternoon’s media conference. Photo: Beth McCowen for Impetus.
by Beth McCowen
Arsenal are full of fight and ready for the North London derby tomorrow for the second time in three days having met with rival club Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday in the Conti Cup.
The thrilling mid-week clash between the two teams finished 3-3, with Arsenal snatching an extra point through a penalty shootout victory.
Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall’s assessment of Tottenham is that their manager Robert Vilahamn has “changed the way they have been playing” for the better, and “they have a very clear identity.” Reflecting on the short turnaround between the two matches, Eidevall said: “both teams learn from when they play each other” and “it’s like a longer half-time break.”
In terms of team news, captain Kim Little is the only doubt for Saturday’s game. Eidevall said there is currently a “question mark” over the midfielder following a knock sustained during the Chelsea match last Sunday.
In relation to the big occasion of the North London derby, the head coach maintained that “we prep the same way for every game” and the attitude is always that “the next game is the most important game.”
Questioned on whether he has concerns regarding Katie McCabe’s disciplinary record and reputation, Eidevall made it clear that “I don’t think referees have missed many opportunities to try and caution Katie.” He said of the Chelsea game that there were “a lot of situations defined by small margins.” The manager also declared that if the Women’s Super League had VAR, there would be “so many potential stoppages.” He appeared to praise the way the game flowed, saying this “is a nice way to experience a high-level football.”
On summer signing Alessia Russo, Eidevall praised the forward’s work both on and off the ball and highlighted the importance of relationship-building in football. He went on to explain that the team need to work to allow her to get on the ball in front of goal more frequently.
Against Spurs on Wednesday, Vivianne Miedema made her first start following her ACL injury. The head coach said it was “really nice seeing her able to start a football match” and described her performance as “good.”
When asked about Beth Mead’s impactful return also from an ACL injury, the Gunners’ boss stated, “you will never be the same player again, but hopefully for the better of it.” He was full of praise for the “accumulation of a lot of hard work” which has gotten Mead to this point.
Star of the Matildas, Kyra Cooney-Cross, has been a recent standout for the club. The head coach described her Player of the Month award as“well-deserved”, adding that the midfielder is “developing her defensive play” along with her many other good qualities.
Regarding squad depth, Eidevall confessed that he is already having difficulties with both team and squad selections, but he said, “That’s how it should be”, describing it as a “nice problem” to have. He elaborated that the team is in a “much better and stronger place” than last season.
Declining to comment on individuals regarding the upcoming transfer window, Eidevall declared that “the squad is not permanent, and I can see us both having players in and out in January.”
Aston Villa
Above: Aston Villa head coach Carla Ward on her Zoom media conference ahead of the weekend’s game with Brighton and Hove Albion. Image: Aston Villa.
By Emily Brown
After Aston Villa’s midweek win in the Conti-Cup, which saw the side beat Durham 5-1 at home, they look towards the weekend to turn things around once again in the WSL.
Villa will take on Melissa Phillips’ Brighton and Hove Albion this Sunday at Bescot Stadium and look to improve their home performance record and gain their first win at home in the WSL this season.
Although Brighton is a place above Villa on the table in ninth place, when the two teams last battled in the WSL, Villa’s midfielder Jordan Nobbs scored a hattrick against the Seagulls which led to Villa winning 6-2 with goals also from Kirsty Hanson, Rachel Daly and Lucy Staniforth.
Both teams have only won two out of nine matches as it stands so far this season, the only difference in points coming from Brighton’s two draws with Manchester United and Leicester City putting them two points above Villa.
Big news came from the West-Midlands side today with the club revealing they have been forced to make an emergency loan for a goalkeeper ahead of the weekend. After a heavy collision with Villa’s centre-back Anna Patten in the final stages against Manchester City last weekend, first-choice goalkeeper, Daphne van Domselaar, will sit out this Sunday with a concussion.
In other news, once again Villa seem to be struck down with multiple injuries with question marks surrounding the availability of Alisha Lehmann and Dan Turner. Turner being of course the unlikely source of Villa’s only goal against City last week, scoring a powerful strike from inside the box.
On both likely absentees, Ward explained: “Lehmann is still a doubt, she came back from international break with a knee injury which we’ve been managing and not sure if she’ll make it into the squad or not, same with Dan Turner. She’s been struggling after City with a niggle.”
Another to add to the list of Villa’s injured is young striker Georgia Mullett who signed her first professional contract with the club at the beginning of the season. The 18-year-old has had “a bit of an accident” and is “suffering with whiplash.”
Hope surrounds the availability of Mullett as well as Simone Magill who is still returning from injury with her minutes being managed along with Lucy Parker who made her return last weekend after recovering from an ankle injury.
Despite this, Villa looks forward to their match against Brighton as an opportunity to move up the table and take maximum points before Christmas:
“I think that’s the message very loud and clear, we have to go and win the game, it’s a must-win… it’s a game that we have to be focused for, be prepared for and I think it’s an opportunity to… jump above them in the league and finish the first half of the season a little bit stronger than the start of it.”
On Brighton’s performances so far, Ward stated: “They’ve got quality, they’ve shown that. I think they’ve had some really good performances and some they’ll be disappointed in, a little bit like ourselves and I think both teams will want to finish on a high and that’s why I think it’s going to be a very very interesting game but one that I have no doubt that both teams will go out there all guns blazing.”
Everton
Above: Everton head coach Brian Sørensen speaking to the media. Photo: Everton Women.
by Jamie Spangher
Everton boss Brian Sørensen believes that his injury-hit side are more than capable of earning points from this Sunday’s tough test against Manchester City at Walton Hall Park.
Despite left depleted by missing players, Everton have managed to pick up successive victories in the Barclays Women’s Super League in recent weeks. This Sunday they come up against a formidable opponent in Manchester City. Everton boss Sørensen spoke about what he expects to see from Gareth Taylor’s side.
“Manchester City are an unbelievable team and squad that I think they have there. I think they’ve been playing really good so, with the amount of players we don’t have available it’s going to be a tough ask but we will do everything in our power to get the team ready and then put in our performance.”
The Sky Blues have seen a resurgence in form since their consecutive league defeats to Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal. Now, the Cityzens are out to make it four wins in a row heading into the Christmas break.
Sørensen measured up his upcoming Mancunian opponents, saying: “They’re good, we know how good they are. But, we also played them three times (two during pre-season, and once in the Continental Cup) and we’ve only been losing by one goal, so we’ll take that in and know that on the day we can make a game out of it and that’s our hope to try to do that.”
Injury blows continue for the Toffees with Sørensen confirming: “We have seven, potentially eight we have to assess one today, key players out and that’s a lot.”
Australian midfielder Clare Wheeler has found herself floating between roles for Sørensen’s side, the 25-year-old midfielder often aiding the Blues in the wing-back position this season so far. The Everton manager spoke highly of Wheeler, highlighting the importance of having such a versatile presence amongst the squad.
“She will deliver, she will do her job and she is competitive. As a player I just love to have her in the squad because she is so versatile, she can basically play everywhere and she will put her body on the line and do the job.”
Sørensen added, “She’s been tremendous and hopefully we get players back soon after Christmas and she can go in and perform as she’s best, which I think is in the middle of the pitch but she fills a really good role for us at the minute.”
Leicester City
Above: Leicester City head coach Willie Kirk recognises the importance of this weekend’s WSL clash with struggling West Ham United. Photo: Leicester City.
By Beth McCowen
Following a 3-1 defeat against Manchester United in the Conti Cup on Thursday evening, Willie Kirk’s Leicester City remain hopeful heading into their WSL fixture against Rehanne Skinner’s West Ham United.
Although the team missed out on points in their cup game, they did stop one Marc Skinner’s team from keeping a clean sheet. The Leicester boss explained that the Foxes “Never managed to get a foothold on the game”, describing a “lack of fluidity” in his team’s performance and how this was partly caused by the change in formation based on available personnel.
The head coach emphasised that the team are currently struggling due to the number of unavailable players, saying they are “stretched” but that he was glad everyone got through this match safely.
The manager also said regarding Leicester’s Conti Cup journey, “We want to progress, and we’ve got a real chance if we beat Everton.”
Crucially, CJ Bott is currently out with a calf injury, and Kirk confirmed that she will not be featuring this weekend. He said the squad will remain the same as Thursday’s, with the addition of Aimee Palmer, who will make her return following a suspension.
Reflecting on the team’s turbulent season thus far, Kirk did not shy away from saying “We’ve got what we deserve” in terms of the nine points they have accumulated. However, he also persisted that “We’ll be better in the second half of the season,” and discussed the importance of building a solid foundation to work on after the break. He pointed out that they have “three key areas to work on.”
The manager also alluded to January being an “exciting time”, considering the transfer window as well as Shannon O’Brien’s eagerly awaited return from injury. Additionally, Kirk spoke highly of new signing Saori Takarada, saying he intends to continue to “strengthen the squad.”
On the atmosphere within the team, Kirk admitted that his players are “frustrated” but stated, “that’s a good thing because if we win on Sunday, we’ll be at a point that we are comfortable with.”
The Leicester head coach appeared optimistic that his side could still finish in the top half of the table before Christmas if they put on a good performance against West Ham United. He expressed the importance of securing all three points against Skinner’s side. Ahead of this game, Kirk affirmed that “we look at performance metrics rather than results.”
Touching on the fast-approaching Christmas break, Kirk said: “the squad needs a break.” It has been a difficult period for the Foxes, partly due to injuries. The head coach detailed “we started the season with four wingers and three of them were injured.”
Liverpool
Above: Liverpool assistant manager Amber Whiteley, who took today’s media conference in the absence of head coach Matt Beard. Photo: Liverpool FC.
By Ava Marianne Elliott
Liverpool are filled with confidence and ready to face the challenge against Marc Skinner’s Manchester United this Sunday.
Whilst head coach Matt Beard was unavailable for today’s conference, assistant manager Amber Whiteley spoke to the media to preview their WSL fixture and reassured the gathered media that Beard is expected back to be at the touchline on Sunday.
Following the team’s Continental Cup win against Everton in an action-packed Merseyside derby on Wednesday night, there were many positives to take away from both team and individual performances. With Leanne Kiernan being back better than ever in action for the Reds and Lucy Parry’s excellent performance, making decisions on the starting lineup is becoming an increasingly difficult task for the coaching team.
Now the Christmas break is approaching, Whiteley was pleased with how the team have rallied together so far this season, and a win on Sunday could see them go level with United on points. With the WSL being such a competitive league, the Liverpool side have adjusted well to the demand and are pleased with the progress they are seeing now both on and off the pitch.
Despite the fact the winter break could see a swift snap in the momentum built, Whiteley highlighted how important the balance is for the squad and they will “come back refreshed and ready to go” in January against Bristol City.
The fixtures that the team plays against United are never a small matter, and although the rivalry between them is younger, the match still holds a fierce amount of competition. Whiteley gave credit to United’s control of the possession and the goal- threat they can impose; however, Liverpool are ready to give them a difficult time.
Heading into Sunday, they’re expecting a tough test, but the squad as a whole are looking forward to hopefully putting on a good display to make the match a memorable one.
Regarding selection and the shape of the team, everybody is available minus Niamh Fahey, who is still a question due to being managed on a day-to-day basis due to a slightly tight calf. Jasmine Matthews is making good progress, and her current recovery timeline means she is expected to be back after Christmas.
Playing a full 90 on Wednesday night, Keirnan is back and looking sharp again after a serious ankle injury that left her sidelined for a prolonged period of time. The Reds assistant boss praised the forward for the resilience and bravery she showed to make her way back to the pitch, commenting how her direct approach in the final third and ability to go shoulder to shoulder has been missed.
Another player that will be a huge asset for the Reds in Sunday’s game is Sophie Haug, who despite having to work through an injury after her signing, has been in flying form so far. Her all-around capabilities on the field and intelligent movement in front of goal, including her ability to be a massive aerial threat, have helped to set Liverpool on the right path so far this season.
Although the 6-0 loss last season to United was a difficult one to stomach, it was by no means an accurate reflection of the capabilities and qualities the Merseyside team possess. The disappointment from last year has made the side even more determined to put it right on Sunday by causing an upset to the home side in Manchester.
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Above: Leticia McKenna in action for Melbourne City at Central Coast Mariners today. Photo: Melbourne City.
A superb strike from Rebekah Stott 12 minutes from the end of regular time earned Melbourne City a point at Central Coast.
A power outage at Central Coast Stadium saw the evening’s fixture subject to a half-hour delay. Both sides entered the clash with poised aggression. Melbourne City have commenced the Liberty A-League season with impressive trot, occupying the second spot on the league table prior to this evening’s kick-off. Central Coast Mariners would need to be well disciplined heading into the fixture in order to manage the threat of this City side.
City looked to test the Mariners’ last line, earning four corners in the opening eight minutes of play. Though the abundance of crosses placed from Rhianna Pollicina remained unanswered, as goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx dictated her Mariners side with authority inside the area.
The opening fifteen minutes saw Melbourne City controlling the tempo of the game, dictating 75% of possession with authoritative composure.
An opportunity arose for City when Hannah Wilkinson accelerated inside the area, though the pass was unable to match the endeavour as her cross was intercepted by Isabel Gomez. The Mariners midfielder was fouled by a tracking Laura Hughes, awarded the free-kick inside of the area and able to evade the danger.
A first opportunity for the hosts arose when a blunder at the back saw Taylor Otto’s deflection strike the woodwork, a tracking Leia Varley able to save the day for City and see the ball away. Just moments later the Mariners found a way to get a further shot off on target, as a helter-skelter attack saw Wurigumula slide in an attempt on goal, only to be denied by Proulx.
City saw the opportunity to pull ahead in the final ten minutes of the opening term in Gosford, though Pollicina’s strike was denied the advantage by the width of the crossbar.
Another brilliant save by Proulx denied the Mariners once again, the Canadian goalkeeper able to block the strike of an advancing Bianca Galic. Despite the action-packed opening term, neither side could break the deadlock heading into the break.
The home side immediately made their presence known following the interval, as Jazmin Wardlow broke down the left side to find Wurigumula inside the area, however. the Mariners striker lacked conviction, as her shot failed to trouble anyone.
The deadlock was broken when the quality of Gomez superbly broke City’s last line to find an advancing Rola Badawiya in on goal. A one-touch shot from Badawiya saw the ball find the back of the net, her second goal of the season providing Central Coast the advantage in the 52nd minute of play.
Trouble continued for Melbourne City, as a scramble inside the Central Coast area nearly saw the Mariners double their advantage. Though a double save from Proulx saw Stott finish clearing the job, the Mariners denied their second.
City aggressively looked to find the equaliser as the clock ran into the final minutes of the fixture. Wilkinson’s squaring ball picked out Pollicina in a prime scoring position, but an excellent display of goalkeeping from Sarah Langman saw City unable to revive the deficit.
Only a few minutes had elapsed since Pollicina’s attempt on goal and Melbourne City found the equaliser through a driving attempt by Stott. A left-footed strike from just outside the area floated expertly into the top corner, providing City the equaliser in what is the defender’s first goal since March 2020.
A spectacular strike from @stotty_13! 🚀👏@MelbourneCity's skipper hits a stunner from range to draw her side level!
Melbourne City pushed strongly for a winner in the closing minutes, with Emina Ekic’s bottom-corner finish ruled out by the assistant referee’s offside flag raised. Neither side was able to clinch a winner before the final whistle was blown.
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