Grace Maher: In a familiar town but a new club and a new role

By Kieran Yap (28/11/23).

Above: Grace Maher (middle) with Chloe Logarzo (L) and Jaclyn Sawicki (R) Photo: Western United.

Western United established themselves as one of the competition’s benchmarks last season, but Mark Torcaso’s side was not prepared to stand still. This year they announced the arrival of Grace Maher in one of the statement coups of the pre-season.

Maher is the thinking fan’s favourite footballer. A player who’s technique and elegance with the ball sometimes overshadows a fierce competitiveness and athleticism. She joined after three consecutive seasons with Canberra United and returns to Victoria after spending 2019/20 with Melbourne Victory.

“I was very excited to come back to Melbourne,” she said to Impetus. “Every time we played away here with Canberra I always wanted to stay longer. It’s nice being back and visiting some old places like my favourite café’s that I used to go to pre-covid, and just being able to enjoy a bigger city. There’s a little bit more going on here, so that’s been nice.”

Maher joined Western United after a strong and perhaps transformational season with Canberra United. She began 2022/23 in her usual midfield position before moving into defence. From there she was able to start play and ignite some of Canberra’s counter-attacks.

“The back end of last season was so enjoyable, not only for me personally but for the whole team. Canberra went seven games undefeated and played some really good stuff. For me, it was gut-wrenching to miss out on finals when we could have had so much control over it. We literally pushed to the final whistle.

“I usually see through seasons and we have plenty of time in the off-season to decide what’s best, and I think for me personally what Western were trying to achieve and build on from their inaugural season rally spoke to me. I really thought I could be a part of that.

“I think I needed a bit of an environment change. There’s a lot of incredible things at Canberra, and I’m so emotionally attached to the fans and the people so it was a really hard decision.

“There was part of me that didn’t want to move but I also knew for my career and what was best for my football at the time it was important that I took on a new challenge and a bit of a risk.”

Her new role is one that Western United needed filling and Maher has ably replaced Sidney Cummings in the heart of defence next to Alana Cerne. After almost a decade as a midfielder, the change in position is something she is still learning, and it required different preparation and mindset.

“I laugh with the midfielders about it. I always got a lot more nervous about my physical preparation when I was playing in midfield. “The demands of midfield (are different). You don’t run to halfway and then rest. It’s hard.

“Centre back might me more physically imposing, but it’s not as taxing. So there is a different prep. I’m a lot more mentally fatigued playing at centre back because I’m constantly communicating and assessing things or needing to tactically adjust things for the girls because I can see the field which is something that I have the capacity to do.

“I’ve always analysed opposition players, but for me, a big preparation difference is assessing the striker that I’m going to be playing on because there are some very different strikers in this league with their attributes. Having that matchup battle rather than three different midfielders at all times has been a welcome change for me to learn.”

Western United were known as a defensive team last season, but a look at their backfour indicates a focus on attacking from deep. Maher is usually joined by Cerne, Stacie Papadopoulos, and Tyla-Jay Vlajnic across the backline. All four players forged their reputations as attacking or creative players, and are now using that experience in defence while using their composure and ability with the ball to start play or maintain possession.

“All four of us… we all want to get forward and it does help. TJ and Stacie love getting forward and joining in the attack. We feel very comfortable when they do, and we’ve got great midfielders that cover that.

“It’s not a frantic dash back if I or Alana steps in, we’re both comfortable to play that role. There’s definitely lots of advantages of having players who have played in those attacking positions.”

In past seasons, Maher was a regular nominee for goal of the week. Is making the highlight reel something that she misses?

“Absolutely!” she says without hesitation. “It’s hard. I’m telling everyone, ‘Don’t score the goal go down and get me a free kick!’

“It is something in my game that I always look for. Especially now that a lot of keepers are aware that I can do that, the chances won’t come so easy. Where I can contribute I will and if the moment calls for it on a windy day at our new facility I won’t be afraid to have a shot.”

Maher’s signature was a sign of Western United’s continued ambition. It is an increasingly star-studded squad with Chloe Logarzo, Hillary Beall and Hannah Keane all returning.  The addition of Catherine Zimmerman from crosstown rivals Victory a has established Western as a destination club. Maher says that the reputation is well deserved.

“What we’ve seen with not only the newer clubs but the clubs that have been establishing themselves physically with a home. I’ve found that the women’s side is really held equally to the men’s. Obviously, in Canberra we don’t have that but at Victory (in 2019) it didn’t quite feel like that.

“You know that the people behind the closed doors that perhaps the media don’t see, theres a real connection from the men’s coach to the volunteers.

“The club is really respectful. They value the players opinions as well, so I just felt that it aligned with a lot of who I am as a person and suited where I wanted to be from a lifestyle perspective as well. It’s been really positive.”

One of the attractions was the opportunity to work with Mark Torcaso. After one season in the A-League Women’s the former Calder United manager has become one of the top coaches in Australia and was sought out to take charge of The Philippines national team.

Maher lauded her new manager for his ability to build relationships with his players and collaborate with assistants. When she signed with Western, the expectations about her role in the team were made clear, and it was something that she appreciates.

“In all honesty, the things that attracted me most to work under Mark is the transparency and honesty.

“As a player that has come through as a junior in this league who is now in her 10th season. I don’t do well with dishonesty and avoidance of the truth. I really enjoy just being told how it is.

“That was the same with me coming to be a centre back.  He needed that position and that was the spot that was open. They weren’t just going to take me because of my name or reputation. They really wanted the role filled.

“Expectation management, the honesty, and just the way he treats people like humans and adults has been really appreciated in this stage in my career.”

Maher is growing into her role at a new club, and like most sides, Western United have found clean sheets hard to come by. But they have defended well in most games, with Maher particularly happy with how they performed against Brisbane and in the win against Melbourne Victory’s star-studded attack.

There is one match-up that neutrals have circled in their fixtures. In Round 10, Maher returns to face the club where she no doubt remains a fan favourite. When Western United play Canberra United on the 30th January, she will be up against her former teammate, and the league’s greatest forward Michelle Heyman.

Above: Maher (right) and Heyman at Canberra United. Photo: Sitthixay Ditthavong, Canberra Times.

“Absolutely!” she says when asked if she is excited to face Heyman. It was funny thinking just on the weekend, the Brisbane striker is a very good player. Our team in front of us did a very good job of not letting her get the service she wanted.

“Strikers are all very different…I’m very familiar with Michelle’s game. She’s one of the best strikers for a reason. I’m sure we’ll have a good laugh on the field but its going to be both of us of wanting to get one over the other.”

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Canaries Cup hopes ended by Boldmere St. Michaels

Norwich City 1-2 Boldmere St. Michaels

by Lucy Chen at The Nest for Impetus (28/11/23).

Above: The Norwich City squad gather round after the game. Photo: Norwich City Women.

Norwich City lost the battle of two tier four sides on Sunday in the FA Cup second round.

The Norfolk hosts returned to a 4-2-3-1 formation with Freya Symonds coming in on the wings and Shannon Shaw leading the line.

City had the first chance of the game when Ellie Smith picked up the ball less than a minute after kick-off and drove into the box, though her shot was cleared by defender Anna Wilcox for a corner that failed to connect. Boldmere broke forward rapidly with a ball in behind, though Lauren Tomlinson quickly swept it up.

A front-footed counter-press has become a potent weapon in Norwich City’s arsenal since new manager Martin Herdman’s arrival, but Boldmere were wise to it and broke forward quickly whenever they had the ball. The home defense did a good job of shielding their goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill, intercepting balls in behind and dominating duels inside the box, but they had less luck in possession.

The visitors forced City to play out from the back while denying them avenues for central progression. Quantrill looked to go short to center backs who would then play it to the full backs. However, Boldmere used this as a pressing trigger and jumped on the wide defenders whenever the ball went to them, forcing them into low-percentage long balls forward far too often.

Tactical adjustments came about fifteen minutes into the game with defensive midfielder Eloise Morran dropping between the center backs to pick up the ball, but the visitors continued to frustrate. Though City had plenty of possession, they struggled to play through Boldmere’s block and the chances they did create were largely down to individual brilliance.

In the 22nd minute, Quantrill came off her line to claim a ball in behind and threw it long to Smith, who singlehandedly carried the ball into the final third and had a shot on goal, though it was blocked. Seven minutes later, Symonds was the target of a long pass and brought the ball under control with a beautiful first touch with the back of her heel. She cut inside promptly, beating her marker before hitting a well-placed long shot at the top right corner, though goalkeeper Jodie Whitman managed to parry.

The Canaries’ defence had performed admirably in the defensive battles throughout the first half hour, but they were finally beaten in the 32nd minute when a long throw from the visitors led to a shot into the bottom right corner that slipped past Quantrill’s gloves. Just five minutes later, however, a typically brilliant corner kick from City skipper Anna Larkins found centre-back Ceri Flye who hammered the header into the back of the net to draw the Yellows level.

Above: Ceri Flye (left) celebrates her equalising goal with Megan Todd. Photo: Norwich City Women.

The stalemate continued in the second half with the Canaries struggling with the same problems. Snelling came on for Shaw in the 58th minute and helped create chances with her associative play. However, it did not eliminate City’s struggles with ball progression. The home team simply lacked sharpness. The fullbacks – Tomlinson and Alice Parker – are both capable ball carriers, but they were reluctant to take on defenders and often opted for low-percentage long balls that failed to connect, while Larkins’s passing was uncharacteristically inaccurate.

Katie Knights is another progressive carrier, but she had few touches and struggled to influence the game. As a result, the wingers had few chances to receive in dangerous positions for take-ons and often had to come deep to aid ball progression.

Though Norwich City steadily gained the upper hand in the second half, they struggled to break down the visitors, and it looked for all the world like the game was headed for extra time. However, astonished gasps rang out across The Nest five minutes into stoppage time when Pip Wilson scored a controversially awarded free kick from the edge of the box to regain the visitors’ lead at the death.

With a 2-1 defeat, Norwich City have gone out of the Women’s FA Cup. Their league campaign will resume next Sunday when they host front-runners AFC Wimbledon at The Nest for a top-of-the-table clash in the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East.

Teams: NORWICH CITY: Quantrill, Parker, Flye, Todd, Smith, Larkins, Knights, Symonds (Lawrence 76), Morran, Tomlinson, Shaw (Snelling 57)

Scorer: Flye 37′.

BOLDMERE ST. MICHAELS: Whiteman, Sutton, Kirk, Wilcox, Wilson, Formaston, Billingsley, Abdallah, Bickley (Sherrell 78), Bevan, Keeling

Scorers: Formaston 32′, Wilson 90+5′.

Attendance: 333

Welsh Weekend Wrap

by Martin Townley, Impetus’ Cymru correspondent (28/11/23).

Above: Emily Ridge of The New Saints, who scored her side’s third goal against Pontypridd United at the weekend. Photo: F28 Online.

Cwmbran Celtic were involved in an eleven goal fest with Swansea City in the Welsh Cup.  The New Saints move back into the top half of the Adran Premier.  Connah’s Quay Nomads keep up their 100% record in the Adran North and late drama across the Adran South sees holders Briton Ferry Llansawel return to top spot.

Welsh Cup

Cwmbran Celtic 3-8 Swansea City
Above: Chloe Chivers (centre, white shirt) who scored Swansea’s second goal, seen here in action against Wrexham in an earlier game. Photo: Swansea City.

A thriller in the Welsh Cup at Celtic Park as Cwmbran Celtic and Swansea City hit eleven goals between them.  Chloe Chivers put the Swans two up inside 24 minutes but Celtic came back to lead.  Cerys Shipley with two and Jade Crofts putting the side from the lower league Adran South in the lead.  The home side couldn’t hold the lead and Chivers added two before halftime. 

Fiona Anthony turned into her own net as Swansea went 5-3 ahead.  Chivers added Swansea’s sixth and seventh completing her double hat trick.  Sophie Hancocks added an eighth for Swansea as they go through to face Cascade YC.

Adran Premier

The New Saints 3-1 Pontypridd United
Above: Caitlin Chapman (green kit), scorer of The New Saint’s first goal seen in action. Photo: F28 Online.

TNS moved back into the top four after being forced to come from behind at Park Hall. 

Efa Preece-Jones put the Dragons ahead after seven minutes as they searched for their first points of the season.  The lead only lasted two minutes before Caitlin Chapman equalised with her sixth league goal.  Isobel Redding put the Saints in front after 36 minutes sending TNS into halftime ahead. Emily Ridge added a third in the second half as the Saints got their fourth win of the season.

Adran South

Caldicot Town 0-1 Briton Ferry Llansawel

Briton Ferry returned to the top of the table after a hard-fought win over Caldicot Town.  Despite dominating large periods of the game, the visitors couldn’t find a way to open the scoring during the first half.  Lucy Powell even saw her penalty saved by Sarah Hope as the sides went into half-time level. 

In the second half, Ferry continued to try and get the opening goal but couldn’t convert any of their chances.  With time running out Laura-May Walkley got the ball into Alison Witts who fired into the net to the relief of Briton Ferry. 

The Reds return to the top of the Adran South on goal difference with two games in hand over Cascade. 

Swansea University 2-1 Cascade YC

Swansea Uni moved to third in the Adran South after beating Cascade YC.  Hannah Pinny gave Swansea the lead after 14 minutes.  Just four minutes later an own goal from Rebecca Basten meant that the sides went into half-time level. Cascade who were looking to try and stay top fell to a late goal from Katy Horsburgh. 

Adran North

Llandudno 5-2 CPD Rhyl 1879

Llandudno picked up an important win over Rhyl after a first-half blitz that saw them lead by three at halftime.  Maddie Williams, Stacy Tradewell, and Kelsey Davies got the goals. 

Ella Jones extended the lead to four ten minutes into the second half. Rhyl wasn’t going to lay down though and pulled back to goals from Sade Benjamin and Laura Williams.  The comeback was cut short in the 81st minute as Ella Jones added a fifth. Llandudno remain in second three points behind Connah’s Quay Nomads and Rhyl remain in third place.

NFA Women 4-2 Llanfair United

NFA moved into fifth spot after a win over bottom-side Llanfair United.  Jessica Mills gave NFA the lead in the first half, but Llanfair captain Mary Baily levelled before halftime.

Mills added a second for NFA in the 73rd minute and Amy Webster added the third six minutes later.  Webster got her second in added time to put the game beyond Llanfair.  They did get a second deep into added time from Hannah Lloyd.

CPDM Y Felinheli 0-4 Connah’s Quay Nomads
Above: Sophie Hodson of Connah’s Quay Nomads. Her side lead the Adran North by three points. Photo: Sam Eaden/FAW.

The Nomads maintained their 100% record with a 4-0 win over Felinheli.  Phoebe Ellis got a hat trick with Polly Wild-McGregor adding the other in a convincing win at Cae Seilo. Nomads lead the table by three points from Llandudno.   

Airbus UK 0-1 CPDM Bangor

Bangor got their first win of the season as they won by a single goal at Airbus UK.  Mia Roberts got the game’s only goal after 32 minutes.  Bangor move off the bottom of the table into seventh just a point behind Airbus who are just above them.    

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Polkinghorne: The Matildas are out to make “some more memories”

by Ben Gilby (28/11/23).

Above: Clare Polkinghorne speaking today as the Matildas began to gather in Canada for two matches this international window. Image: Football Australia.

Australia’s legendary defender Clare Polkinghorne told the media today that whilst she has “pretty good memories” of the nations’ most recent meeting with forthcoming opponents Canada at the World Cup, it’s now all about going out and making “some more”.

Reflecting on their 4-0 win over the Canadians in the group stage of the tournament, Polkinghorne said: “I have pretty good memories! It’s probably one of the most fun games I’ve been involved in. It was a pretty good all-round performance from us. Everything seemed to work in our favour. Hopefully, we can continue from that and add some more memories.”

Whilst the Matildas produced a sparkling display that July night in Melbourne, the defender recognises that this time is likely to be a different matter entirely. A desire for redemption for that defeat that sent the Olympic champions crashing out of the World Cup is just one of the motivating forces for Australia’s opponents in this international window.

“It’s also ‘Sinc’s’ (Christine Sinclair) last games for Canada,” recognised Polkinghorne, “so they will be wanting to send her off in the right fashion, and the last outing against us, they’ll be wanting to rectify.”

Polkinghorne and Sinclair are legends of their respective nations, and have a shared history that goes back to the 2007 World Cup in China when the two countries played out a 2-2 draw that ensured Australia’s first-ever progress to the Quarter-Finals.

“She’s (Sinclair) definitely earned her legendary status. Just look at the numbers and stats of her career – most capped Canadian and most international goals as well. She’s definitely a player that I’ve always looked up to and I was lucky enough to play with her at Portland Thorns, and she is an even better person as well. Credit to her for all she has achieved.”

Added into the mix of this encounter is the withdrawal from the Matildas squad of the likes of Sam Kerr, Mackenzie Arnold, and Charli Grant through injury. “It’s not ideal to have injuries leading into camp,” reflected Polkinghorne. “It is a challenge for us. Hopefully, the players (ruled out) have a chance to get things right but it also gives other players the chance to come in and get national team experience and some minutes, so it’s a double-edged sword.”

Above: Clare Polkinghorne drives forward for Australia against IR Iran in Perth last month. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Those who are likely to get minutes over the two games include the hugely promising young trio of Charlize Rule, Amy Sayer, and Sarah Hunter. The experienced Australian defender believes they will thrive.

“They’ve been working really hard and they deserve the chance to step up. It’s against good opposition as well so gives them a chance to experience top-level international football.”

In terms of the threat posed by Canada in this two-match series, Polkinghorne observed: “They’ve got quality all over the park, everywhere you look. They are going to be very tough, very physical, and very well organised defensively. Very difficult to break down.”

In terms of countering this, the experienced defender asserts the key is developing head coach Tony Gustavsson’s adapted tactical approach after analysing the Matildas’ World Cup performances.

“We can hurt teams more playing through the line, and it’s a good challenge to test that against Canada, seeing how we can improve on it.”

Polkinghorne also touched on the endless speculation on the future of head coach Gustavsson – first in relation to the USWNT head coach position – and now with the position as head coach with the Sweden men’s national team.

“I don’t think it impacts us as a group. International football – you get that whether you are a player or a coach, especially if you have had success there will always be someone who wants to take you elsewhere. As a group, we are focussed on first getting to the Olympics and then doing well there.”

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Chelsea take the honours in seven-goal thriller

Chelsea 5-2 Leicester City

Report by Ruby Vince and exclusive photos from Mariella Prew both at Kingsmeadow for Impetus (27/11/23).

Above: Lauren James celebrates another great goal for Chelsea. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.

In a thrilling encounter at Kingsmeadow Chelsea saw off a feisty Leicester City in a match that was full of goals and ambition. The scoreboard came alive early in the game, setting the tone for an action-packed ninety-plus minutes.

The opening exchanges saw two goals occur, starting with Chelsea’s superstar forward, Lauren James, finding the back of the net in the second minute after profiting from a poor pass from Leicester’s Sam Tierney.

James was set up by Sam Kerr just minutes later but her shot was saved by Janina Leitzig, unfortunately for Leicester, the ball rebounded off Courtney Nevin leading to an own goal.

Above: Sam Kerr, scorer of Chelsea’s third goal, is held off by the Leicester City defence yesterday. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.

The visitors kept their cool and brought one back with Jutta Rantala firing in a goal with a great assist from Lena Petermann. Chelsea, determined to keep their lead into half time pushed through with Kerr finding the net in the 40th minute, minutes after a disallowed goal.

Just before the halftime whistle, Leicester had the last say in the first half, with Tierney scoring in the 45th minute, putting them back in the game once again.

As the teams returned for the second half, Chelsea showed their resilience. James produced a lovely chipped goal, her second of the match in the 58th minute, once again boosting their lead. The intensity remained high, with both teams conceding corners, but clearing them to prevent any further goals.

As the match entered its final stages, substitutions came into play. Hannah Cain came on for Aimee Palmer, injecting fresh energy into Leicester’s attack. Ashley Lawrence entered the field for Niamh Charles, and Sjoeke Nusken replaced James for Chelsea. Young superstar Aggie Beever-Jones made a significant impact after coming on for Fran Kirby, sealing the victory with a goal in the 88th minute.

In a rollercoaster of a match, Chelsea emerged victorious with a final score of 5-2. This result means Emma Hayes’ side maintain their three-point advantage over rivals Arsenal at the top of the table, while Leicester’s winless run extended to a sixth match.

Above: Lauren James on the mark in spectacular style. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.

Teams: CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Berger (GK), Ingle, Carter, James, Kirby, Perisset, Mjelde, Kaneryd, Kerr (C), Charles, Cuthbert. Substitutes– Musovic (GK), Hampton (GK), Fishel, Nouwen (86’), Nusken (74’), Lawrence (74’), Fleming (81’), Buchanan, Beever-Jones (74’)

Scorers: James 2’, 58’. Nevin 5’ og. Kerr 40’. Beever-Jones 88’

LEICESTER CITY (3-4-3): Leitzig (GK), Nevin, Tierney, Bott, Howard, Palmer, Rantala, Petermann, Whelan, Cayman, Thibaud. Substitutes– Kop (GK), Robinson, Green (76’), Siemsen (76’), Goodwin (76’), Cain (45’), Baker, Sherwood, Draper

Scorers: Rantala 26’. Tierney 44’

Referee: Megan Wilson.

Attendance: 2,558.

Above: Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert, showing the scars of battle, contests possession yesterday. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.

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Mead brace & Cooney-Cross masterclass seals Arsenal win

Arsenal 3-0 West Ham United

by Aimee Logan at Meadow Park for Impetus (27/11/23).

Above: Beth Mead is swamped by Arsenal team mates after scoring her first goal since returning from her ACL injury yesterday. Photo: Arsenal Women.

Arsenal took all three points in a home win over West Ham in the WSL whilst keeping a critical clean sheet.  

Jonas Eidevall’s side went into their final fixture before the international break as clear favourites. The biggest shock on the team sheets was the absence of West Ham captainand goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold who was out of the fixture due to an arm injury that has also ruled her out of the Matildas squad for their two games in Canada.  

Arsenal dominated from kick-off and it was inevitable that the visitors were going to have a tough day. A sublime wave of play conducted by Kyra Cooney-Cross led to a pass to Frida Maanum who was waiting to strike a shot across the goal from just outside the area. Two minutes in, the home team were already ahead of the visitors. 

The Gunners continued on the offensive, with the midfield pairing of Pelova and Cooney-Cross showing off their immense quality while they’re in possession. 

A second goal for Arsenal was inevitable and it came as an almost carbon copy of the first. Cooney-Cross fired a ball across the field to a waiting Mead who impressively chipped the keeper with her left boot. Her teammates flooded around her in celebration of her first goal since her injury, 428 days since she last scored for the Gunners. Mead also became only the second player in the WSL to reach 100 goal involvements, 57 goals, and 43 assists, her teammate Vivianne Miedema the only other to hold that achievement. 

Above: Beth Mead dedicates her goal to her late mother June yesterday. Photo: Arsenal Women.

Every single player in the Gunners’ team was in top form. Alessia Russo was persistent on the attack and had some close chances one-on-one with West Ham keeper Megan Walsh.  

Russo’s determination didn’t go unnoticed as her impressive run along the back line set up Mead to score her second goal of the day. The home team were 3-0 up going into halftime.

At the start of the second half, The Hammers came out fighting and put slightly more pressure on The Gunners’ back line, but nothing was able to test Zinsberger between the posts. The game finished in a 3-0 win for Arsenal, taking all 3 vital points ahead of their top-of-the-table fixture against Chelsea at the Emirates after international break.  

Unsurprisingly, Mead was chosen as the player of the match for her outstanding performance in the front line. However, many fans were eager to draw attention to Cooney-Cross who was sublime pulling the strings in the midfield. The young talent played the full 90 minutes and consistently dominated the opposition. Fans have been eager to see her make her mark on the WSL, and she definitely showed her quality on the field in this fixture.  

Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross (centre) – a sublime performance. Photo: Ava-Marianne Elliott.

Speaking to the press after the game, Amanda Ilestedt spoke on the importance of their second consecutive clean sheet in the WSL: ‘’Yes, it is important…we really want to have that clean sheet every game and to have had that now two games in a row, it’s good.’’

Ilestedt also spoke about how her partnership with Wubben-Moy was building at the back considering the absence of Leah Williamson due to her injury: ‘’It’s not a relationship you can build on two games. It takes a while to do that, and I think it’s getting better and better. It’s great to play next to Lotte, she’s had a great season so far, so she makes it easy for me to play with her. We are building something really good.’’ 

Jonas Eidevall reflected on the influence of Beth Mead’s impressive performance saying: ‘’I think she had a very good performance. I think her details in defence, you could see she was so switched on in the counter defence moments. When she reacts so quickly when we lose the ball and she stays forward, I had the feeling, that’s Beth Mead, that’s what she can bring.’’ Mead is going into the international break on a high as she returns to the Lionesses camp for the first time since her injury. 

West Ham manager, Rehanne Skinner, emphasised how her squad is full of ‘’young players’’ and in comparison to the home side that has ‘’An experienced bench with players who have over 100 caps for their country.” The Hammers boss also expressed how she believed Arsenal are the ‘’toughest opponent in the WSL’’ so ultimately, she knew that ‘’no one thought we (West Ham) would win this game’’. 

Whilst the WSL now breaks for the international window, anticipation is growing for the encounter between Arsenal and Chelsea in a fortnight’s time – a match that has already seen over 50,000 tickets sold.

Teams: ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Zinsberger, McCabe (Maritz 64’), Ilestedt, Wubben-Moy, Catley, Pelova (Walti 75’), Cooney-Cross, Mead (Lacasse 64’), Maanum (Miedema 82’), Foord, Russo (Little 82’). Substitutes: Beattie, D’Angelo, Kuhl, Codina.  

Scorers: Maanum 2′. Mead 18′, 41′.

WEST HAM UNITED (5-3-2): Walsh, Evans, Shimizu, Tysiak, Cissoko, Smith, Harries, Stringer, Hayashi, Asseyi, Ueki. Substitutes: Denton, Cooke, Stapleton, Ademiluyi, Flannery 

Referee: Lisa Benn.

Attendance: 3,686.

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Everton profit to gain vital win over below par Villa

Aston Villa 1-2 Everton

Report by Emily Brown, exclusive photography from Suvadeep Biswas, both at Villa Park for Impetus (27/11/23).

Above: Aston Villa’s Ebony Salmon (facing away from camera) looks to beat her marker. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus.

Aston Villa’s mistakes led to a physical Everton gaining reward, securing them the win at Villa Park. 

Before the game commenced, the Toffees already found themselves in an unfortunate position, with their Italian striker, Martina Piemonte, absent from the matchday squad. Heather Payne coming in as her replacement. 

It was revealed mid-week that the 26-year-old (who scored her first goal for her new club last week) would serve a three-match suspension after being charged with violent conduct following an ‘off-the-ball incident’ that occurred during Everton’s game against Bristol City last week. 

Everton boss Brian Sørensen was further forced to leave out the side’s second Italian international, Aurora Galli, following a knock she picked up mid-week affecting a “ligament in her foot”, as the Toffees’ head coach confirmed post-match. 

In the Blue’s midfield, a slight change was made. Australian midfielder, Clare Wheeler took a central midfield position in comparison to her wing-back role seen so far this season.  

The only change Aston Villa manager Carla Ward made to the squad that beat West Ham was swapping out young midfield maestro Laura Blindkilde-Brown for the experienced Jordan Nobbs.  

The first half ended with a tie between both sides. As the game progressed it revealed to be a tight physical battle. Both sides drew good chances but couldn’t connect with the net, with many shots on goal being spectacularly saved on either end. 

Villa defender Sarah Mayling looked very positive in the first half, facing a tough physical duel against Everton’s Sara Holmgaard who wasn’t afraid to wrestle for possession. However, it was Villa who came out on top with the most possession overall. Mayling connected well with both Jordan Nobbs and Adriana Leon, leading to progressive runs forward. 

Everton had two early chances with Katja Snoeijs’ strike reaching the hands of Villa’s dependable Daphne van Domselaar. Hanna Bennison also looked in good form despite her set pieces falling to the same fate. 

Above: Aston Villa goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar yesterday. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus.

The partnership between Nicoline Sørensen and Sara Holmgaard proved difficult to overcome with Holmgaard having a very determined first half, looking exceedingly dangerous on the left-hand side. 

However, Everton had a close call when Villains’ winger Kirsty Hanson ran away with the ball, driving a cross into the Toffee’s side netting. 

Frustrations built up fairly quickly with emotions boiling over following an off-the-ball incident between Villa defender Maz Pacheco and Everton’s Justine Vanhaevermaet. A shortly followed yellow card was shown to the Toffees for a bad foul on Kirsty Hanson by Karen Holmgaard. 

For Villa, it became more and more apparent that Everton’s hunger for their first win since the Merseyside derby earlier this season came at a detriment to the West-Midlands side, that even Rachel Daly couldn’t counter.  

It wasn’t long before a second yellow card was shown to the Merseyside team after Snoeijs tugged on the shirt of Kenza Dali, just after Snoeijs had had a strike on goal punched out by van Domselaar. 

Coming into the second half, a substitution for Everton meant that Nathalie Björn took the place of Karen Holmgaard who is still only able to play 60 minutes due to her recovering injury. 

Unfortunately for Villa, the opening goal of the match was an own goal, conceded by defender Anna Patten. Previous to this mistake she’d made some excellent blocks in the first half denying Everton’s efforts goalward.  

However, it wasn’t long before the equaliser from Rachel Daly actualised. From Dali to Hanson, the hard work along the right side finally connected in the final stages of play. 

Villa’s movement along both sides of the touchline proved relentless. However, a penalty conceded by Hanson saw Everton substitute, Björn, convert the opportunity, sending Villa’s goalkeeper in the opposite direction. 

It looked promising for the hosts as substitute Ebony Salmon quickly strove towards goal causing Everton’s defence to blunder before regaining composure, resetting the phase of play. 

Everton came back with the same energy as Sørensen made an exciting run forward, leaving Villa in the dust. However, once again, the Dutch number one made a heroic save. 

Above: Celebration time for Everton. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus.

With just short of five minutes to go before full time Villa’s desperation couldn’t outweigh their tiredness. It looked at one point that Northern Irish striker Simone Magill would save the day for Villa. The forward having made her return to the WSL this match since missing out through injury the past couple of weeks.  

Nevertheless, her shot was denied by goalkeeper Sarah Brosnan who was tested in quick succession during the last few moments of the game. The last chance for Villa stood with a Dali corner. An exciting passage of play followed between substitutes Alisha Lehmann and Lucy Staniforth, with Lehmann going goalward. Brosnan remained focused, coming off her line to grab it, keeping the score line in her favour.  

Speaking at the post-match media conference, Villa manager Carla Ward said her team’s performance was: “Disappointing. I don’t think we played with any sort of intensity or any rhythm… Ultimately, we lost the game rather than (Everton winning) the game…  

“It’s an own goal and a penalty that’s won them the game, but did we do enough to win it? Absolutely not. Did we deserve to lose it? Probably not…. we’ve got to be better than that.” 

The away side’s manager Brian Sørensen’s thoughts on his team’s performance were as follows: “… we knew that we really (needed) to stick together, work hard, and yeah I think we did that.  

“I’m really happy for the win of course and then also the performance that we put behind it… Everybody chipped in despite us having many… key players (out).” 

Above: Rachel Daly ((hand raised) may have been on the score sheet once more for Villa, but it was not enough. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus.

Teams: ASTON VILLA (4-3 -3): van Domselaar; Mayling, Patten, Turner, Pacheco; Dali, Corsie, Nobbs; Leon, Daly, Hanson. Substitutes: Staniforth, Lehmann, Magill, Salmon. 

Scorers:  Daly (55’). 

EVERTON (3-4-1-2): Brosnan; K. Holmgaard, Finnigan, Veje; Vanhaevermaet, Bennison, Wheeler, S. Holmgaard; Snoeijs, Sørensen, Payne. Substitutes: Björn, Olesen, Campbell, Bissell. 

Scorers: Patten OG 54‘, Björn (pen) 74’. 

Referee: Stacey Pearson. 

Attendance: 4,203. 

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook.  

A-League Women Weekly Awards

Impetus’ team of contributors covering the competition reveal their choices for player, coach, and event of the week. Every vote for player and coach of the week is kept and tallied up just ahead of Finals when our Player and Coach of the season will be announced (27/11/23).

Player of the week:
Above: Emily van Egmond, seen here in action for Newcastle Jets in 2021, gained two votes this week for her influential display for the Jets at Canberra United. Photo: Ashley Feder/Getty Images.

BEN GILBY: Emily van Egmond. A hugely influential performance once more as Newcastle Jets got a fantastic win at McKellar Park.

KIERAN YAP: Sarina Bolden. Surprise signing, instant impact. The Philippines international scored within minutes of her return to the league and was a menace throughout the match. She finished the round with a brace, and after just 90 minutes looks set to be one of the signings of the season.

BEN CAREY: Emily van Egmond. Her goal and assist were crucial in getting the Jets over the line in an absolutely thrilling game against Canberra United. Van Egmond’s impact since returning to the Jets has been absolutely immense. They’ll be sad to see her go in a few week’s time.

Coach of the week:
Above: Paul Temple – a full house of votes this week. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

BEN GILBY: Paul Temple. Another superb performance and win for Wellington Phoenix, as they became the first team to defeat Perth Glory this season. Temple got his tactics spot on – reduce the influence on Susan Phonsongkham and force Perth’s other creative forces Hana Lowry and Georgia Cassidy to play longer balls under a rapid press. Both of these tactics reduced the amount of ball that Millie Farrow and Grace Jale saw and, combined sparkling attack play, got a brilliant win.

KIERAN YAP: Paul Temple. Wellington have genuine belief in themselves and the game plan this season. To some extent, Temple is building on the foundations laid by the two coaches before him, but he is excelling and so are The Nix. They are hard to beat. 

BEN CAREY: Paul Temple. His side, Wellington Phoenix, put in a sensational performance to dispatch the league leaders, Perth Glory, and earn their biggest victory of the season so far. Temple and the Phoenix are truly proving to be a force to be reckoned with.

Event of the week:
Above: Emina Ekic (11) celebrating for Melbourne City with her team mates at Sydney FC yesterday. Photo: Melbourne City.

BEN GILBY: Emina Ekic hitting an Olympico as Melbourne City gained a superb win over Sydney FC to hit the top of the ladder.

KIERAN YAP: Kurea Okino’s goal. More specifically the celebration by her and the rest of Melbourne Victory. The Japanese striker has finally broken her goal drought with a confident close-range finish, but the way she was mobbed by teammates and the jubilation (and dancing)  of those on the bench was a delight to see.

BEN CAREY: Emina Ekic’s fabulous Olympico goal in the 31st minute against Sydney FC. What a banger!

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook.  

Corbin equaliser lights up Suncorp Stadium

Brisbane Roar 1–1 Adelaide United

By Ben Carey

Above: Brisbane Roar’s Mia Corbin celebrates her game equalising goal. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

Brisbane Roar played out a scrappy 1-1 draw with Adelaide United on Sunday evening in front of a healthy crowd at Suncorp stadium, the site of the now infamous Matildas penalty shootout against France at this year’s Women’s World Cup. It was a historic occasion, because it was the first time the Roar women had played at Suncorp in almost five years. The match was the second in a double header, with the men pulling off a tight win over Perth Glory beforehand. In other words, the men’s match warmed up the crowd nicely for the main event.

It was a scrappy first 10 minutes, neither side being particularly efficient with their possession of the ball. In the 13th minute, a clever forward flick from the newly re-signed Chelsea Dawbercaught the Brisbane Roar defence sleeping. The ball skipped past the Roar defenders and was picked up by US international,Mariah Lee, who outmanoeuvred the Roar’s keeper, Jordan Silkowitz, and tucked it in the back of the goals from a fairly tight angle. 

Adelaide’s goal sucked the air out of the stadium for a moment, but the Brisbane Roar fans bounced back quickly. In the 38thminute, as Hollie Palmer was preparing to take a corner kick, there was a huge surge of enthusiasm from the home crowd. The majority of the stadium was chanting, clapping, or banging their seats to show their undying support for their team. It seemed to have worked. Palmer’s high, floating cross was headed away from the box, but Ayesha Norrie quickly passed out to US international Leah Scarpelli, who whipped in a wicked cross to find her countrywoman, Mia Corbin, in the box. Corbin’s finish was exquisite. Brisbane Roar now had the equaliser.

The Roar definitely had the better of the chances in the second half. They came out firing, creating a number of excellentopportunities, mostly through Sharn Freier, Norrie, and Corbin. However, the Adelaide keeper, Annalee Grove, was always equal to their efforts. Adelaide had their chances as well, butSilkowitz smothered their every attempt. The game wrapped up as a 1-1 draw after a lengthy stoppage time.

Brisbane Roar played a decent match, but they were often too slow, and their positioning was too disjointed to make a consistent impact on Adelaide’s defensive line. There were moments of individual brilliance, but rarely did it look like they were playing as one, cohesive team. The goal they did scorecame about from an excellent piece of teamwork: quickintentional passes, good positioning, and clinical finishing. If the newly appointed head coach, Alex Smith, can find a way to reproduce that over 90 minutes, he will have built a winning team. Scarpelli put in a great shift in the backline, defending well, and also bagging an assist. Further up the pitch, Corbin and Freier had a great day at the office too, both causing Grove a lot of headaches. Corbin’s energy and physicality and Freier’s speed and tricky footwork both made for some very entertaining build up play.

Adelaide United also played a reasonable game, but their passing accuracy was fairly low, and they also lacked clinical finishes in the final third. Grove played a fabulous game between the sticks, asserting her authority inside the box and shutting down a number of dangerous Roar attacks. Dawber played an exceptional first match back after spending the last eight months playing for IFK Norrköping in Sweden. Dawber create several big chances and bagged a crucial assist. Lee also had a great game, showing her speed and technical ability to score the goal that ensured that her team didn’t walk away empty handed.

Both teams will now have a two-week break during the international window. Adelaide United will next play Western United on Saturday, December 9. The next day, Brisbane Roar will face Canberra United.

BRISBANE ROAR (4-1-4-1): Silkowitz, Scarpelli, McCormick, McQueen, Thompson, Brodigan, Norrie, Palmer, Freier, Yallop, Corbin. Substitutes: Richards, Kirkup, Holgersen, Levin, Stephenson.

Scorers: Lee 13’

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-2-3-1): Grove, I. Hodgson, Tonkin, Waldus, E. Hodgson, Holmes, Sasaki, Dawber, Morgan, Jancevski, Lee. Substitutes: Condon, Holtz, Jenkins, Panagaris, Taylor.

Scorers: Corbin 38’.

Referee: Isabella Libri.

Attendance: 3278

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook. DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too! 

City hold on against Sydney resurgence

Sydney FC 2-3 Melbourne City

By Emma Burke 26/11/23

Above: Daniela Galic (left), Emina Ekic (11) and Taylor Otto (right) for Melbourne City. Photo: Melbourne City.

In what was truly a game of two halves, Melbourne City held out against Sydney FC to win 3-2, securing their pole position on the ladder and leaving them three points clear.

Despite losing young star Holly McNamara to an ACL injury, City dominated the opening 45 minutes, scoring three times to all but run away with the game. 

Julia Grosso found City’s first of the afternoon, collecting a deflected shot and shooting while spinning to face goal. The shot was driven low to the far post, with Sydney FC goalkeeper Jada Mathyssen-Whyman unable to do more than dive in the general direction of the ball. 

The second goal to come for Melbourne was one of complete individual brilliance by Emina Ekic. A corner won after a shot from Leticia McKenna was deflected over the goal line, saw Ekic score a stunning Olimpico from the corner flag. This marks Ekic’s first goal for City after ending her season last year early due to injury.

Rhianna Pollicina came close being the third City scorer, but Sydney FC defender Tori Tumeth made an incredible goal-line save to deny her after she had initially lured Mathyssen-Whyman off her line. Tumeth’s clearance landed right at the feet of Daniela Galic, who made absolutely no mistake lifting the ball into the corner of the net, out of Mathyssen-Whyman’s reach, and over Tumeth who was lying in the goal having just made the clearance.

While the first half was all Melbourne City, the second half saw Sydney FC wrestle back the reins and deliver an entertaining half of football for their home fans. 

A shot from outside the crowded City box by Taylor Ray caught a needed deflection off defender Jordan Thompson, scoring her first goal in the A-League Women’s, after only having been in the country for a week.

While it looked like Sky Blue was readying to launch a comeback, the Sydney skies had another idea entirely, as a lightning storm meant the game had to be delayed for about half an hour. 

After the lightning had passed, and a gorgeous double rainbow too, play was able to resume, and Sydney FC were raring to go.

The second Sydney goal came again from a long shot, this time from Charlotte Mclean (which may have been helped on by a slight deflection from Aideen Keane inside the box), with City keeper Lysianne Proulx rushing low in the correct direction, but ultimately unable to stop the ball from crossing the line.

Unfortunately for Sydney FC, they were unable to find an equaliser in the remaining 10 minutes of regular time, nor in the extra five minutes of stoppage time.

Melbourne City are now the only team left in the A-League Women’s 2023/24 season that are yet to record a loss.

Now heading into another international break, Melbourne City return to the pitch on the 9th of December facing Perth Glory at home, while Sydney FC travel to face Newcastle Jets on Sunday 10th of December.

Sydney FC (4-3-3): Mathyssen-Whyman, Tumeth, Mclean, Seaman, Lemon (46’ Thompson), Ray, I. Dos Santos (46’ Saveska), Hollman (56’ Kruger), Connors (67’ Keane), Worts, Ibini-Isei

Scorers: Grosso 23’ Ekic 31’ Galic, 45+3’

Melbourne City (4-4-2): Proulx, Chinnama, Otto, Stott, Grosso, Galic (55’ Wilkinson), Hughes, L. McKenna (67’ Davidson), Torpey, Ekic (76’ T. McKenna), Pollicina

Scorers: Thompson 74’ Mclean 80’

Referee: Rebecca Durcau

Attendance: 3,937

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