Inside the Matildas: Mackenzie Arnold and Kaitlyn Torpey look ahead to Uzbekistan challenge

by Ben Gilby (21/2/24).

Above: Australia and West Ham United goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold speaking to the media earlier today. Image: Football Australia.

Mackenzie Arnold: “I feel I belong now”

Mackenzie Arnold has been part of the Matildas set-up for over a decade – but the West Ham United shot stopper revealed to the media today that it’s only been over the last few months that she finally feels like she belongs at the highest level of the game.

“I still don’t think I can really wrap my head around what we’ve done, not just for football, but for Australia too,” reflected the World Cup hero.

“I think it’s so crazy that only 12 months ago I was playing in the Cup of Nations, taking my chance and I didn’t really know what would follow. To see what we’ve done and achieved as a team, and to be a part of is something I’m so grateful for and something I will always hold close to my heart.”

The goalkeeper’s emergence as a key member of the Matildas team ran parallel to that of Clare Hunt’s fairytale journey from Western Sydney Wanderers to a World Cup semi-final and a major European move. Arnold feels a deep empathy and pride in the way the pair have become international stars together.

“When Clare stepped in, it was kind of the same time as me, and I think it feels cool for us to sort of go through those processes together, and really cement that backline together.”

After her run of sensational performances at the World Cup, and the rocketing profile she has personally and collectively as part of the Matildas, Arnold believes she has finally arrived as one of the best goalkeepers around at the top level.

“As a player I feel I’ve grown a lot, with my confidence. I believe that I belong now. I’ve been here for 10-plus years now, and it’s only in the last year or so I’ve really cemented my spot, so I’m confident now and feel like I belong.”

The 29-year-old’s World Cup experiences led to the honour of being named as West Ham United’s new captain going into the WSL season and the goalkeeper underlined how she now sees herself as someone to assist with the development of the next generation of top players, in the same way that teammates aided her when she was making her way in the game.

“It’s definitely a new challenge. I’ve always wanted to be a leader, and I feel the last four years at West Ham have been leading towards that, and I feel I’m someone that the girls can look up to. We’ve got quite a young team. In the past, I always liked to look up to someone. It’s such a privilege to lead West Ham out and something I hope will continue for many years.”

Whilst the Matildas will go into this two-legged tie as red-hot favourites to take the spot in the Olympic Games, Arnold knows that Uzbekistan pose a new and unique challenge. Patience will be the watchword.

“We’ve never really versed Uzbekistan before, we’ve been working closely with the coaching team, focussing on ourselves and seeing what it brings…We need to stay switched on. It’s quite easy to lose focus in these types of games, especially as a goalkeeper and you don’t get as much of the ball. Just making sure we’re staying with the play, leading with the ball, communicating with each other. You never really know what will happen in these sorts of games.”

Kaitlyn Torpey: “It’s a dream”

Above: Kaitlyn Torpey speaking to the media today. Image: Football Australia.

It’s been an incredible couple of weeks for 23-year-old defender Kaitlyn Torpey. A record transfer fee paid by San Diego Wave to transfer her to the NWSL has been followed by her first senior Matildas call-up.

“I’m loving it. It’s been such an eye-opening experience for me,” the centre-back said. “It’s crazy to see how big of a difference the level is, and how much more intense it is…you have to make decisions quicker, in general, the fitness is a lot more.

Torpey further emphasised the step-up required to flourish at the international level when she revealed: “It’s always going to be a shock to the system, especially we did an internal game today. Everyone was like ‘that was pretty easy’, but I was, like ‘ooh it was quite hard!'”

However, the former Melbourne City defender outlined just how much being part of the U23 set-up has prepared her for the more technical nature of game plans and what can be expected of her on the pitch. She spoke warmly of the influence of both Mel Andreatta and Tony Gustavsson on the success of that pathway.

“It was massive Mel tried to give across the game plan of how they want to play – how the Matildas play and its been way easier to quickly learn the set-up here. Obviously back with Mel and Tony…I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for U23. Bridging the pathway to the Matildas has been so much better.”

It’s not just the coaches that Torpey has been learning from. San Diego’s newest signing knows she has some of the world’s best players in her position around her in the shape of Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter – and she is drinking in every possible piece of knowledge they can provide her with.

“It’s a dream, and it’s been very overwhelming since I’ve been here, but I’ve tried to relax as much as possible and take it all in. I want to be as present as possible and learn from everyone here. You are also surrounded by such amazing players, and you don’t realise how good they are until you see them in training…I’m asking the girls what I can improve on and what they need from me in this environment.”

Torpey believes that this call-up has come at a unique time – and one she wants to make the most of as she rides on the wave of World Cup inspiration. “I’m really hoping to get some game time…but I’m so excited to see what it’s like with a full sellout crowd. The biggest crowd I’ve played against is around 2,000, maybe 11,000, but this is nothing compared to this. In the World Cup I was sitting in the stands, now I’m a part of it.

“I’m really fortunate to come in now after what the girls did at the World Cup…and hopefully cement my spot in here. For young girls to come up into this and see the potential of what they’ve brought for Australia, but also what you can do as a player, and I think I’m in that stage now where I’m good enough to be here, but I can see the level I need to be to start competing with these players and the level up…I’m very fortunate to be here at this time.”

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Norfolk Wrap

Above: Hope Strauss (pictured) scored twice for Norwich City in their 7-0 win vs Dussindale and Hellesdon. Credit – Norwich City Women FC

Norfolk Women’s Cup Quarter Finals

Tier Four Norwich City were 7-0 winners over Tier Six Dussindale and Hellesdon at The Nest. Rachel Lawrence and Hope Strauss scored a brace each with Megan Todd, Eloise Morran and Holly Kennard scored the remaining goals.

Tier Five Wroxham also recorded a 7-0 win away to Tier Seven Caister. Hannah Fuller scored a brace with Lucy Eagle, Lara Densley, Luci Middleton, Tigi Robson and Chelsea Clarke all getting a goal each.

The two other Quarter Final ties Mulbarton Wanderers vs Kings Lynn Town and Sprowston vs Fakenham Town were both postponed due to waterlogged pitches and will now be played this coming Sunday 25th February.

Above: Lauren Goulder (Blue) scored the opening goal for Bungay Town in their 5-0 win at Costessey Sports. Credit – Steve Wood

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

With Caister In cup action Mulbarton Wanderers Development went back to the Top of Tier Seven with a 7-0 win over Thorpe St Andrew thanks to a brace from Emma Farmer and goals from Jade Telfer, Megan Anderton, Ella Cattermole, Mary-Anne Hoy and Lucy Kean.

Bungay Town remains a title contender following an impressively comfortable 5-0 away win at Costessey Sports. Lauren Goulder, Brooke Osborne, Charnelle Riggall, Mia Rose and Abigail Bell each scored a goal.

Aylsham were 2-1 winners at Kings Lynn Soccer Club thanks to an Own Goal and a winner from Rhiannon Dack. Jordan Turner scored for Kings Lynn Soccer Club.

The game between Long Stratton and University of East Anglia was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Above: Charnelle Riggall (Captain) scored Bungay Towns third goal in their 5-0 win at Costessey Sports on Sunday. Credit – Steve Wood

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Bure Valley were 5-0 winners at home to FC Viking Valkyries thanks to braces from Emma Macmillan and Maisie Redgrave with Willow Nye getting the other goal. Its a win that sees Bure Valley go back top of Tier Eight.

Mundford were 3-2 winners at Waveney thanks to a brace from Ellen Kerbey with the other goal coming from Niamh Underhill. Chloe Dobson scored a brace for Waveney.

The games between Horsford Harriers and Freethorpe, Red Rose and Horsford Hurricanes plus the game between Shrublands and Martham were all postponed.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One

Left Field were 7-1 winners over thanks to a hat-trick each from Meadbh Flynn and Sophie Grosse with Sarah Hulme getting the other goal. Maria Palmer scored for Waveney.

The game between Mulbarton Wanderers and Dussindale and Hellesdon was postponed.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two

The game between Madra and Bulldogs FC was postponed.

Above: Bure Valley coach and captain Emma Macmillan (left) scored a brace in Bure Valley’s 5-0 win vs FC Viking Valkyries on Sunday. Credit: Shay Porter.

‘You won’t know when your time is but be ready when it comes.’- Clare Hunt on the road (back) to Paris

Matildas and Paris St Germain defender Clare Hunt spoke to the media as Australia attempts Olympic qualification. Should they succeed, she’ll be on home turf.

By Emma Burke 21/2/24

Photo: Clare Hunt via Football Australia

Clare Hunt has had a whirlwind 12 months, debuting for the Matildas in February, playing every minute of a historic home World Cup run, signing with Paris Saint-Germain, playing in the Champions League, and now, is staring down the barrel of qualifying for the Olympics. 

She spoke to the media ahead of the Matildas’ first of two final qualifying games against Uzbekistan about all of this and more.

“Everyday I inch a little bit closer to understanding what’s going on, some days I’m waking up and I’m like ‘what are you doing in Paris? How did this happen?’ said Hunt.

“Being over at a club like that [Paris Saint Germain] it’s been a steep learning curve, there’s such quality and high expectations, but for me that’s what I thrive off.”

Since joining the top-flight French club in September, Hunt has featured in 17 games, six of which have been in the Women’s Champions League. PSG has now booked a spot in the Quarter Finals where they’ll face BK Häcken, a Swedish team that fellow Matilda Aivi Luik currently plays for. 

While living in Paris, Hunt has started what she called the exceptionally slow process of learning French. She declined to show off any of what she’s learnt so far, claiming that her accent makes the language difficult to translate back into English.

“It’s nice to have a little outlet outside football where I can apply myself and personally develop in a way that’s stimulating for me outside of the football space.”

Hunt revealed that just six months before her debut with the Matildas she had started her Doctorate of Physiotherapy at Macquarie University back in Australia, something she has always had a keen interest in.

“I’m very interested in that side of things and applying myself academically quite a lot. It was something that I was doing whilst managing football and playing in the A-Leagues at the time,” she said.

Her doctorate has since been put on the back-burner, as she’s a little busy now that she’s a full-time professional athlete, which was always her goal. 

The next goal for Clare Hunt? Olympic qualification. With the tournament being hosted in Paris, Hunt has had a different view than most, seeing the infrastructure being put up in real time, and all the advertising has hit her with the reality of the situation much harder.

All that stands in her way from becoming an Olympian is Uzbekistan, a country that Australia are fairly unfamiliar with on a national footballing stage, but one that Hunt believes the Matildas are capable of handling.

“We’re working on how to counteract their capacities and also continue to work on ours too. Although they’re unfamiliar, we’ve had fairly good experience against other Asian countries which will help us prepare.”

It’s been a rollercoaster of a year for Clare Hunt, one that she’s taken in stride. She’s learnt a lot about playing football at a fully-professional level, grasping opportunities with both hands, and (the beginnings) of a whole new language. 

Most importantly, Hunt has been able to finally reap the rewards of all her hard work.  

“It’s almost been a year of reprieve and enjoyment and a reward for all the hours I had put in. I never saw it manifest because I was always rehabbing injuries, it’s taught me that you won’t know when your time is but be ready when it comes.” 

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The Lionesses latest news ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

Above :Katie Robinson, Lucy Bronze, Niamh Charles, Lauren James, Georgia Stanway and Alessia Russo in a training
camp before the WWC Credits: Ben Phillips

By Freya Ward (19/02/24)

With the Lionesses meeting up for their first camp of 2024 where they will be heading over to Spain for a warm weather training camp. It is important that you are filled in with all the latest news ahead of their two friendly fixtures against Italy and Austria. 

Last Tuesday England Head coach Sarina Wiegman named her 23-player squad for their upcoming fixtures. The first squad of 2024 saw just two changes from the last time the team met up, seeing Captain, Leah Williamson was named 10 months after her gruelling ACL injury that saw her missing England’s World cup run last summer, in place of Millie Bright, who is still sidelined due to a recurring knee injury. In a sad turn of events, Williamson was forced to withdraw from a seperate issue related to her hamstring.

This month’s squad also saw the return of Manchester City youngster Jess Park, a semi-familiar face to lioness fans, who is on her way to cementing her place in this England squad; Park replaced Katie Zelem a midfielder who has seen herself in and out of the squad over the past couple of years.

I asked Wiegman about this choice to which she replied, “she (Zelem) has shown what she has done for the team, I’m just picking all our midfielders now I want to see them this camp and from there we will take it,” highlighting the chance for experimentation within this international window. 

Aside from Williamson’s withdrawal, another major headline was the absence of Manchester united top goal scorer this season Nikita Parris. Parris was a part of the 2022 European championship winning squad but has since seen herself dropped from the squad on several occasions.

Wiegman said “In autumn, she didn’t play that much and, because of the competition, too, I made other decisions. Now, since the New Year, she’s played in the No.9 position, and she’s done really well. Of course, we’ve noticed that too, so I had a little chat with her, and I hope she shows consistency, because we’re talking about her again, but I made some other choices now for this camp with the players we have. They have done really well, too. It was a hard decision.” 

Parris’ form has been nothing short of exceptional this season scoring 13 goals and picking up two assists in 17 matches for her club side, whilst Alessia Russo the most obvious competition for the number 9 spot has only scored 8 goals and just one more assist than Parris in 19 matches- in all competitions for Arsenal- which has left a lot of people questioning Wiegman’s choice not to call Parris up due to lack of consistency whilst she has shown much more than Russo. 

Leah Williamson’s withdrawal from the squad due to the injury that kept her out of Arsenals game against Manchester United at the weekend and has resulted in the call up of Millie Turner.

She is a newer face to the squad having received her first call up under Wiegman for December’s fixtures against The Netherlands and Scotland but is yet to receive minutes, so this ‘experimental’ camp is the perfect opportunity for Turner to receive her first minutes for her country. 

Wiegman emphasised that this camp will be one full of experimentation due to both matches being friendlies, suggesting that we will see some squad rotation, something that fans have not seen too much of, recently given the stakes of England’s recent games.  

Something key to note is the inclusion of the Under 23’s this month, the squad will be travelling with the senior players and will be training within close quarters where Wiegman can keep a close eye on the pool of young talent that she can choose from. Some notable names within this squad include Chelsea superstar Aggie Beever-Jones, Aston Villa’s Ebony Salmon and one of Wiegman’s world cup squad members Katie Robinson. This is something that Wiegman is really looking forward to saying “We think it is really good that we can watch them live, not just on footage it’s a great opportunity to be this close to them” so I think it is safe to say that England fans will be seeing more youngsters filtering their way into the senior squad very soon.

From a fans perspective I am really looking forward to this international window and I am excited to watch players who don’t play regular international minutes have a chance to prove themselves and cement their place in this Lionesses squad ahead of the European Championships next summer, where England will be looking to defend their title. 

‘That fire is still burning for that medal’- Clare Polkinghorne

By Emma Burke 19/2/24

Matildas defender Clare Polkinghorne has spoken to the media ahead of their final qualification games for the Paris Olympics later this year.

Polkinghorne spoke on the team’s preparation for facing Uzbekistan in Tashkent later this week, the return of some very familiar faces to the squad, and what she and the Matildas are hoping for from Paris.

“They’re going to be ready for a strong game,” said Polkinghorne about the Matildas’ next opponents.

“We’re going to prepare like we do with any game, we’ll watch some video and get the information we need from the staff.”

“It’s going to be a massive challenge, one that I know we’re ready for,” she said.

On the return of Michelle Heyman after five years away from international football after her retirement, and the call up of Chloe Logarzo who last featured in the Matildas’ squad in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (which was held in 2021), Polkinghorne had only praises to sing.

“They’ll fit back in like they never left, that’s the beauty of this team, it is like a family and we have strong bonds with each other,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing them both back in the Matildas’ colours.”

If the Matildas do qualify for the Olympic games, Polkinghorne revealed that the team is after a medal, specifically the gold one.

“That fire is still burning for that medal, that gold, and I know that’s what everyone here is wanting to achieve,” said Polkinghorne.

“We’re extremely competitive, we want to be the best.”

Despite having their eyes on the prize, she stressed that there is no room for tunnel vision amongst the squad, and that being present in every moment was going to be key for the Matildas’ success.

“If you’re too focused on the outcome, you do get a little distracted and can lose your way in the process.”

“For us, we’re taking it one step at a time and in front of us are the Olympic Qualifiers.”

The Matildas face Uzbekistan in the first of two Olympic Qualifiers on Saturday 24 February at the Milliy Stadium, Tashkent, which kicks off at 8pm AEDT.

Match Report: AFC Wimbledon 2-1 Millwall Lionesses

Above: Impetus’ Sponsored player Poppy Payne against AFC Wimbledon Photo: Myles Thornton

By Myles Thornton 19/2/4

National League outfit AFC Wimbledon Women beat fifth tier side Millwall Lionesses 2-1 in the quarter finals of the Capital Cup on Sunday.

AFC Wimbledon manager Kevin Foster made 4 changes to his side who beat Chesham United 4-0 the previous week. Fran Ali, Hannah Billingham, Ashleigh Goddard, and Skye Bacon were replaced by Steph Mann, Chloe Sampson, Molly Childerhouse and Sandra Soares Martins.

Millwall co-managers Alex Russell and Adam Rowland made two changes to the side who drew late on to Sutton United the previous week. Melissa Jones and Maizi Garwood came into the side with Ella Bailey and Liv McGregor dropping out of the squad and onto the bench respectively.

The game got going and the quality was showing, AFC Wimbledon having chance after chance, the first of which being a really good one. Molly Childerhouse’s shot was well controlled by Chrissie Wiggins in the Millwall net.

Three minutes later, Millwall had a great chance to get their noses in front but, Shannan Drewe’s shot was saved well by The Dons’ keeper, Lauren Allen.

The Wombles took the lead after 11 minutes. Emily Donovan saw her shot slip through the fingers of Millwall stopper Wiggins to fire her side into an early lead.

Wimbledon made it two just 11 minutes later. After a good bit of build up play, Ellie Dorey shot the ball over the head of Chrissie Wiggins and was fortunate for it to creep in the top of the net.

When the halftime whistle blew, the Dons would think they had a comfortable lead to easily hang onto in the second half. However, whatever was said by Alex Russell and Adam Rowland in the half time team talk worked. Liv McGregor came on for Ellen Napper and the Lionesses came out a different side, and the performance levels were upped.

With 30 minutes left to play, Shannan Drewe’s corner was turned in by first half goal scorer Ellie Dorey when she attempted to clear it away from danger. The lionesses were close to a sensational comeback.

On 84 minutes, Chloe Burr’s shot was saved on the line by dons’ goalkeeper Lauren Allen. Calls that the ball was over the line, nothing given however.

Heading into the 90th minute, Millwall striker Liv McGregor and Dons keeper Lauren Allen were both injured in a coming together on the edge of the area. It was later confirmed that there was a clash of heads, with Allen requiring hospital treatment. On behalf of everyone at Impetus 71 we wish her a speedy recovery so she can be back between the sticks soon.

The game ended, and AFC Wimbledon progressed into the Capital Cup semi-finals. Millwall Lionesses will now focus on their London & South East Regional Women’s League campaign, with a home tie next against Saltdean United on Sunday February 25th.

AFC Wimbledon: Allen, Russell, Mann, Highman (C), Hincks, Sampson, Mackenzie, Childerhouse, Donovan, Soares Martins, Dorey. Subs: Baker, Carter, Gardner, Goddard, Bacon.

Scorers: Donovan 11′, Dorey 22′

Millwall Lionesses: Wiggins, Jones, Huseyin, Seely (C), Payne, Chapman, Napper, Garwood Grandys, Watling, Drewe. Subs: Joyce, Burr, Bennett, Butler, McGregor.

Scorer: Dorey OG 60′

Referee: Abi Oyeleke

Attendance: TBC

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Match Report: Perth Glory 1-3 Central Coast Mariners

By Kieran Yap 19/2/4

Above: Kyah Simon scores for Central Coast Mariners. Photo: Central Coast Mariners

Kyah Simon’s first goal since returning to the A-League Women helped Central Coast Mariners to a 3-1 win and continue Perth Glory’s recent struggles.

Emily Husband’s visiting team was able to overcome a first half deficit with a strong display of confident counterattacking football, it leaves Perth Glory with only one win from their last eight games, and none since the end of December.

Simon started in attack for The Mariners, partnering  Rola Badawiya and supported by Young Matilda Peta Trimis. The star recruit came close to opening the scoring early with a well-directed header from Faye Bryson’s cross. Morgan Aquino produced a typically athletic save to keep Glory from conceding.

The home side were given a boost in the 25th minute when Millie Farrow fired home from a Sofia Sakalis cross. She controlled the dropping ball expertly and struck the half volley beyond Sarah Langman to make it 1-0.

Central Coast’s game plan was not affected by Glory’s goal and they continued to attack. The pace of Bryson and the presence of Badawiya continued to trouble the Glory defence who were still missing Claudia Mihocic in the middle. Bryson sent in multiple crosses from the right that Perth scrambled to clear, and their luck would eventually run out in the shadows of half time.

After winning a free kick, Bianca Galic delivered a dangerous ball to the edge of the six yard box. Kyah Simon timed her jump to perfection to direct the ball past Aquino and level the scores in injury time. Just moments before Simon had crashed a shot off the post in a warning to Glory that she was getting back to her best.

With Glory eager to push forward and retake the lead, the Mariners were able to play their preferred game plan in the second half. They defend relatively deep, press in midfield and look to release their forwards or overlapping fullbacks as soon as possible. But even though Emily Husband’s tactics were working to keep the game on their terms, the eventual goals came through individual moments.

Galic put The Mariners ahead in the 76th minute. The midfielder shrugged off one tackle, forced her way through another and scored with a long range effort from her left boot. The goal was a suitable reward for an industrious and creative performance in the heart of midfield.

Less than 10 minutes later, the result was sealed by substitute Annelise Rasmussen. After evading challenges at the edge of the 18-yard box, her shot through traffic somehow squirmed beyond Aquino and condemned Glory to a sixth defeat for the season.

The loss sees Glory drop to eighth place on the ladder. They are by no means out of contention yet, and are only out of the finals places having won less games then sixth placed Newcastle, but their form is concerning as are their struggles to gain control within games. On paper, Alex Epakis’s side has the talent to beat most teams, but they have looked susceptible to pace, especially out wide, an issue exasperated by the absence of Grace Jale on international duty with New Zealand.

Glory’s attack and midfield might be shaken up by moving Hana Lowry further forward. Her passing range is a huge part of their plan to move the ball from defence to attack, but in the opening half of the season, Lowry was able to get into the attacking third more where her guile and power could trouble defenders. Similarly to how Melbourne City have moved Daniela Galic around the pitch to keep the opposition guessing, Lowry could be utilised to support the still enviable attacking stocks of Saklis, Farrow and Susan Phonsongkham.

The Mariners win puts them up to fifth on the table, and they look like a side enjoying their football. There is little external pressure on the leagues newest side, but the players look confident in what they can produce and have moved beyond the caution of the early rounds to take games to opposition even away from home.

Trimis had a quieter match by her now lofty standards, but the 17 year old has been a real discovery this season. Her pace is obvious, but her instinct of when to release the ball is more impressive, especially for a player who began the season as a scholarship player. Her decision making helped release Bryson who was a repeated menace to Glory’s defence all game.

The Mariners also have depth on the bench, and chemistry in midfield. With Simon returning to form and fitness, they have a genuine X-Factor with winning experience in attack. Trimis will miss the next few games while with The Young Matildas, but they have the players to score against any defence.

After the international break, The Mariners will face a resurgent Adelaide United, while Perth Glory will try to bounce back away to Newcastel Jets.

Teams:

Perth Glory 4-2-4-: Aquino, Rigby, Cowart, Anton, Johnston, Dalton, Lowry, Sakalis, Phonsongkham, Farrow, Quezada. Substitutes: Green, Lawrence, Foletta, Cassidy, James.

Scorers: Farrow 25’

Central Coast Mariners 4-2-3-1: Langman, Bryson, Irwin, Wardlow, Martin, Karambasis, Quilligan, Badawiya, Trimis, Galic, Simon. Substitutes: Hayward, Wurigumula, Rasmussen, Karrys-Stahl, Dumont.

Scorers: Simon 45’, Galic 76’ Rasumussen 83’

Referee: Bec Mackie

Attendance: TBC

Match Report: Brighton 0-1 Liverpool

Above: @LiverpoolFCW

By Ruby Joanne 

Brighton welcomed Liverpool to the Broadfield Stadium for another 90 minutes of Barclays WSL magic. Both sides were desperate to take away those all so important 3 points, Liverpool sat in 5th place, just five below Man United; whilst Brighton sat in 11th, just 5 above Bristol, who sit in the danger zone of relegation.  

Liverpool kick it off and within the first 60 seconds of the game, take a corner which finds itself in the safe hands of Brighton’s number 32, Sophie Baggaley. The Reds are dominant in possession early on in the game, earning another corner only minutes on, but to no luck, as it fell wide of the goal.   

Hitting the 10-minute mark in the game, Brighton created their first real chance against Liverpool, but nothing came of it. They see another missed chance in quick succession from Robbinson, but their run of possession doesn’t last long as Liverpool are quick to go back to look threatening in front of goal. Melissa Lawley makes a dangerous cross into the box, but Sophie Haug slightly mistimes it, and the ball fails to find the back of the net.  

Brighton had a moment of promise from a corner, but Rachel Laws caught it with no worry. Poppy Pattinson and Emma Koivisto are checked for injuries – which concerningly looked like a possible head injury for Brighton’s Pattinson. However, the game resumes and the players rejoin shortly after. A scramble in the penalty area made it look like a possible chance for Liverpool to break the deadlock, but nothing came to fruition as Baggaley once again saved the shot.  

Just before halftime, Emma Koivisto made yet another cross into the box but just couldn’t find the back of the net. Liverpool’s best-set piece opportunity was shown approaching halftime, finding Haug but just missing the back of the net, once again. 2 minutes of extra time was announced. 

 Making a beautiful run up the pitch for Brighton, Pattinson is left disappointed after hitting the crossbar. With frustration growing in the stadium, both teams found themselves goalless at halftime. 

Early on in the 2nd half, Liverpool made a dangerous shot, only for it to be saved by Baggaley. Liverpool took a corner, defended well by Brighton. However, the Reds kept up the pressure and not soon after, Liverpool’s number 18, Ceri Holland, found the back of the net, making it 1-0 in the 53rd minute.  

A foul on Katie Robbinson leads Fisk and Fahey to get a yellow card. A double substitution for Liverpool sees Lawley and Höbinger off with Kiernan and Kearns coming on as replacements. Brighton then subs Sarri off for Bremer. Brighton has a corner, not resulting in anything but Holland down for Liverpool. There was clear anger amongst Brighton fans and players about the amount of injury time being accumulated by Liverpool. 

Brighton created a hopeful looking chance in the box, but Pattinson’s pass was met by Liverpool shirts instead. A Liverpool foul, leading to a yellow card for Holland, gave Brighton another free kick, and although Terland was close with a header, they continued to struggle to find the back of the net, as a result of Liverpool’s physical defending.  

Another double Liverpool substitution this time Fahey and Matthews come off for Clark and Daniels. What looked like a mis-slip in the box by Robinson cost Brighton another goal. Brighton manager Mikey Harris also made a double substitution, this time taking off Pinto and Robinson for Geum-Min and Haley. Another sub for Liverpool as Nagano comes off for Lundgaard.  

Brighton had another devastatingly close chance, 2 corners in quick succession, only narrowly missing the goal. It’s fair to say that this game has been frustrating for Brighton, failing to capitalize on chances in the game.  

An additional 6 minutes of added time was announced. Picking up a second yellow, resulting in a red card for Ceri Holland results in a massive chance for Brighton, taken by Pattinson but delivered straight into the safe hands of Laws.  

At the full-time whistle, it was 1-0 to Liverpool. Small margins of error cost Brighton those crucial 3 points, seeing Liverpool push further up the table. Although the scoreline was small for this match, it was clear that Liverpool were the better side today, dominating possession and securing their victory over Brighton.  

Brighton: (4-5-1) Baggaley (GK), Thorisdottir, Pattinson, Bergsvand, Losada, Sarri, Zigiotti, Terland, Kullberg, Pinto, Robinson. 
Substitutes: Bremer, Lee, Haley, Mengwen, Loeck, Johnson, Startup, Mcewen, Dent 

Liverpool: (3-5-2) Laws (GK), Koivisto, Fisk, Fahey, Bonner, Matthews, Nagano, Holland, Höbinger, Lawley, Roman H. 
Substitutes: Micah, Clark, Daniels, Kearns, Lundgaard, Kiernan, Van De Sanden, Enderby 

Referee: Amy Fearn 

Attendance: 2,959 

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Match Report: Western United 3-0 Wellington Phoenix

by Ryan Miller-Woods (18/2/24).

Above: Western United celebrate during their win over Wellington Phoenix on Sunday. Photo: Western United.

A commanding and outright dominant performance by Western United eased them up to the top of the A-League Women’s ladder for the first time this season with a 3-0 win over Wellington Phoenix at City Vista Recreation Reserve.

In the fourth minute, a brilliant pass was made down the line by Western’s Stacy Papadopoulos for Hannah Keane to cross the ball into the box for a charging Chloe Logarzo but before the recalled Matilda could get a touch, it was cleared out for a corner by Wellington’s Tiana Jaber.

Early on in proceedings, United piled on the pressure in attack with their runs down the line with the ball and crosses into the box, which really made them look dangerous and kept the Phoenix on their toes.

In the 19th minute, Wellington almost had a great opportunity in front of goal thanks to a through ball by Emma Main that was intended for Isabel Cox but the pass had too much power on it. Four minutes later, the Nix had their first shot thanks to a floated pass by Hope Breslin that found Main who made a great first touch of the ball to control it down as she made a promising run into the box but was on a tough angle as her shot was covered by Western’s Hillary Beall.

Just before the half hour, Keiwa Hieda slotted a great through ball for Keane whose shot came off the underside of the crossbar but that wasn’t an issue for Logarzo as she headed the rebounded ball into the back of the net for the opening goal of the match and Logarzo’s eighth of the season as Western took a deserved lead. Logarzo is on fire at the moment at exactly the right time ahead of the international break.

13 minutes later, Wellington had a goalscoring opportunity via an Alyssa Whinham pass for Cox who made a run into the box and whilst she beat Grace Maher, the United defence covered it off. In the 44th minute, Keane from a Jaclyn Sawicki header very nearly doubled Western’s lead as her volleyed first-time shot towards goal just went wide.

Two minutes into the second half, the Phoenix had a good opportunity to equalise as Cox provided a through ball for Main who made a run into the box where her shot on an angle was comfortably saved by Beall. In the 52nd minute, Western came close to a second goal via a Logarzo through ball for Sawicki in the box but Rylee Foster shut down the play and got to the ball first.

Just ahead of the hour, Keane almost scored a first-time volley in the box via an amazing through ball by Maher as Keane’s shot went over Rylee Foster but agonisingly off the crossbar. Ten minutes later, Logarzo, stationed on the edge of the box almost scored a great goal which forced Rylee Foster to make a very good save.

However, it would be just after a further two minutes that Maher scored an Olympico for United’s second of the match and her first goal for the club. What a way to open your account for your club.

In the 78th minute, Western scored their third and final goal of the match as Papadopoulos provided a through ball for Aimee Medwin who from her run down the line floated her cross into the box for a charging Keane who at the near post perfectly timed her and put the ball into the back of the net for her sixth goal of the season. There still was time for the hosts to come close to a fourth as Keane was fed by Sawicki but powered the shot over the top.

Teams: WESTERN UNITED (4-2-3-1): Beall, Vlajnic, Maher, Cerne, Papadopoulos, M. Taranto, Sawicki, Hieda, Logarzo, A. Taranto, Keane. Substitutes: Dall’Oste, Dakic, Medwin, Prakash, Johnson.

Scorers: Logarzo 29’, Maher 72’, Keane 78’.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (3-4-3): R. Foster, Jaber, Lake, Davidson, Robertson, Whinham, Brazendale, McMeeken, Breslin, Main, Cox. Substitutes: Danieli, Brown, Elliott, McMillan, Errington.

Referee: Casey Reibelt.

Attendance: TBC.

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Alanna Kennedy: “We’re ready to do a job”

by Ben Gilby (18/2/24)

Above: Alanna Kennedy breaks through for Australia against Iran in the previous stage of Olympic qualifying. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus 71.

Alanna Kennedy is back from injury and ready to play a leading role in getting the Matildas to the Paris Olympics.

Speaking to the gathered media, the defender said: “I’m feeling good and it’s been a couple of months since being with the Matildas, so I’m always looking forward to being back with the girls…it was a straightforward rehab for me. It’s been a straight road back to being available for playing.”

Next weekend sees Australia’s first international games of 2024 with a place in the Olympic Games at stake as they face off over two legs against Uzbekistan. You get the sense that Kennedy is champing at the bit to get back.

“For the majority of the time, to be settled in one place for a while, and have a break from all the travel is nice, but we’re all ready to be back in camp, and it’s an important camp for us. Everyone’s coming into good form and we’re ready to do a job of qualifying for the Olympics.”

Whilst the Matildas’ opponents fly under the radar somewhat, the Manchester City defender recognises that the green and gold come with a big target on their backs, and that patience will be a virtue.

“We all know for a team to have made it that far, they have some quality behind them. Any team we come up against at this stage will see us as a threat and play in a compact structure. It will be about patience and breaking down that structure. They will have a lot of motivation to create history. It will be a tough two games.”

Above: Alanna Kennedy can’t wait to be back with the Matildas after overcoming injury. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus 71.

Australia go into this two-legged tie without Sam Kerr, who ruptured her ACL during a Chelsea training camp over the WSL’s Christmas and New Year break. The loss of the Western Australian superstar is a big one, but Kennedy points to the World Cup as ample evidence that the Matildas are capable of making progress without their record scorer.

“We’re all heartbroken for Sam… but we can take confidence in the run we had at the World Cup (without her). Her leadership will still be present and she’ll want to be part of it in some capacity, but for other players, it is an opportunity to step up and show what they can do. I have confidence in the squad we have.”

Among those given an opportunity is 35-year-old icon of Australian football, Michelle Heyman. The Canberra United striker, who continues to show great form in the A-League Women is back in the national squad for the first time in six years. It is a return that thrills Kennedy.

“I’m really happy for Michelle. She’s been doing a great job for Canberra. Regardless of how many years it’s been, it is great that she’s been picked on her current form.”

The Matildas defender also hailed the first call-up for Kaitlyn Torpey, who has just sealed a move from Melbourne City to San Diego Wave in a record transfer deal.

“I’m excited for her, it’s great to have some young players around the setup. It’s great to see her play in the NWSL now, looking to better her game overseas. That mindset of the younger players is important. It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone around family and be at home. Whilst the A-League Women is a great league, there is a lot more experience to be had overseas.”

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