Above: Sydney FC and Canberra United players await a set piece. Photo: Canberra United.
Sydney FC and Canberra United ended Wednesday night with an entertaining and unpredictable 1-1 draw. Both sides had chances to win the game, and both managers were forced to be creative in the hard-fought result in which momentum changed as much as the personnel.
Sydney FC came into this match with an injury depleted attack. Fiona Worts and Shea Connors are out for an unspecified time with knee and foot injuries respectively. An hour before kick off, it was announced that Cortnee Vine would also miss this game through injury.
Aideen Keane retained her place in the lineup and rewarded Ante Juric’s faith with an early goal. Mackenzie Hawkesby broke free in midfield and slipped a perfect pass into the path of Keane that was matched by the first-time finish.
The lead would not last long. Canberra struck back through Michelle Heyman who finished off a slick move by hammering home Nikki Flannery’s early cross. Heyman saw the opportunity early and her surging run left the defenders with no chance. The first half ended 1-1 in what felt like a fair reflection of the match. Despite some good chances created by Sydney FC, Chloe Lincoln was rarely troubled through a combination of good positioning and wasteful finishing.
Canberra United had done well to draw level. Sydney FC began the match as the more aggressive side. They were physical when the ball was in dispute and attacked directly when in possession. Canberra’s Emma Ilijoski was subbed off early through injury and the visitors did well to readjust without a like for like replacement.
The second half was no less dramatic. With each side desperate for a win, the coaches tinkered in attack. Teagan Collister was introduced for Sydney FC and star defender Kirsty Fenton was thrown forward. Collister is a direct, fast winger and Fenton is strong in the air, the combination of the pair caused Canberra some problems without troubling the scoreboard. Curiously, last weeks hero Jynaya Dos Santos remained on the bench.
A Fenton shot on the turn was tipped away by Lincoln , while at the other end, Heyman was inches wide of giving Canberra the lead.
The most intriguing battle of the game featured on Canberra’s left flank. Princess Ibini was faced with the tireless Sasha Grove. The Canberra fullback was diligent in defending and willing to get forward at every opportunity. Ibini had few chances to impact the game in attack and found herself having the track back to keep tabs on the relentless Grove.
Deven Jackson thought she had earned a penalty for Canberra United when she tricked past two defenders and had a visible amount of her shirt pulled. It was inconclusive whether it was inside the box or not, but the referee did not award a foul in any case.
Sydney FC were not without their own disappointment. Once introduced, Dos Dantos looked to have made headlines again, but her goal was disallowed for a goal line foul that was called without hesitation.
Charlotte Mclean almost snatched a late winner, but her long range effort was tipped away by Lincoln who finished the game in strong form.
The draw keeps Canberra United at the bottom of the table, and is also Sydney FC’s third in their last four matches. They have a chance to get back on the winners list in just four days time when they face Central Coast Mariners, but their squad is stretched thin and their schedule is unrelenting for the next month.
Canberra United face a tricky visit to Newcastle. The Jets are creeping up the table and playing some entertaining attacking football. Neither side has a particularly strong defensive record this season so the prospects of Michelle Heyman scoring for the 100th time look reasonably high.
The result tonight was not ideal for either side, but the performances were impressive and the Leichhardt Oval crowd were treated to one of the most entertaining games of this season.
Teams:
SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman (GK), Tumeth, Mclean, Thompson, Fenton, Hawkesby, Hollman, Kruger, Lemon, Keane, Ibini. Substitutes: Collister, J Dos Santos, Ray, I Dos Santos, Franco.
Scorers: Keane 22’
CANBERRA UNITED (4-2-3-1): Lincoln, Grove, Clough, Clark, Jackson, Stanic-Floody, Ilijoski, Flannery, Heyman, Milivojevic, Christopherson. Substitutes: Rojas, Nathan, Whittall, Bertolissio, Majstorovic.
Impetus 71’s Ben Gilby speaks to Matildas defender Charli Grant abouta sensational year for both club and country, and the next chapter in her career…(2/1/24).
Above: Charli Grant in action for Australia against Chinese Taipei in the Olympic Qualifiers in Perth during November. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus 71.
A place in the World Cup squad that finished fourth in their home tournament. A regular member of the Vittsjöteam that recently finished a sensational Damallsvenskan season and an exciting new chapter in her club career about to be revealed. It’s been another superb year for Charli Grant.
In our seventh major chat over the past three years, the South Australian defender provided an in-depth insight into yet another stunning year. Each time our interviews start, the phrase “at the end of our last discussion, we mentioned how could things possibly top what happened last season…yet they did.” They certainly did once more this time as well!
Grant earned her spot in the Matildas’ World Cup squad after a succession of high-quality performances at right-back whilst Ellie Carpenter was injured. Her time with Swedish Damallsvenskan side Vittsjö saw her also play regularly at left-back – and she was then utilised in that position at times for the national side upon Carpenter’s return.
Being part of the World Cup squad and experiencing the home tournament was something that still brings a huge smile to the defender’s face when she reflects on how the Matildas set their entire country alight.
“The response was incredible and still feels very surreal,” Grant said. “When we were in our own bubble I think we forgot about the impact we were having on the country because we were so focused on succeeding the game plan. It wasn’t until we would step outside the hotel and would have people asking for autographs or just even say ‘thank you’ for what we were doing for the country that we were exposed to the response of the country. It was amazing to see and be a part of.
Above: Charli Grant crashes in a shot for Australia against Chinese Taipei in Perth in November. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus 71.
“But it was also important we didn’t get distracted and continued to focus on one game at a time. The set-up at our hotels really helped us to feel normalised and wind down with TVs, PlayStations, and ping pong tables being easily accessible. Meal times were also generally flexible which allowed us to have our normal individual routines. It was nice to be exposed to that frenzy occasionally because it motivated us more to perform to continue to make the nation proud.”
Grant’s short playing experience of the World Cup as a substitute against Canada in the final group game was eventful – and reminiscing about it brought back her trademark huge grin.
“It was a dream come true. I remember I was buzzing with energy stepping out on the pitch – not only because I was having my World Cup debut but Steph (Catley) had also just secured us the win for us to progress through to the round of 16 and I had my family, partner, and friends in the stands.
“I managed to turn the ball over to the opposition, win it back, and concuss myself all in the two minutes I was on. It was definitely an eventful two minutes but it will be a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life. Whether I got those minutes or not, it was an absolute honour to be a part of this team and part of the legacy we have created for future generations.”
One of my strongest memories of the World Cup is seeing close-ups of Grant on the big screen in stadiums or on TV in fits of giggles sat next to Sam Kerr on the bench. So what exactly was going on?
“Ah! Sam is always up for a laugh and likes to keep things light-hearted, so she was probably just making a joke about me. It was important we always stayed positive on the bench so we provided energy for the players on the pitch,” Grant revealed.
Above: Charli Grant shows her joy after Vittsjö’s game against Växjö in September. Photo: Henrik Eberlund / Henrik Eberlund AB supplied to Impetus by: Charli Grant.
The South Australian’s year hasn’t just had highlights at international level – her Damallsvenskan side Vittsjö finished the campaign in fifth place – an incredible achievement for a side based in a town with a population of just 1,655, with their stadium being able to fit in virtually everyone who lives there.
“We’re really proud of our result in coming fifth. We finished highest within the teams in the Skåne region, which the club has never achieved before. I think our biggest challenges were the points we lost in games that could’ve gone either way. As the table was so close this year, these points could have secured us a position in the top three. A huge positive though, was our response to these hard results. That’s a huge credit to the culture and mentality built within this club to always have each other’s back and bounce back in the face of adversity.
“Personally, a huge positive for me was getting consistent 90-minute games throughout the season. I’m very grateful for my coach trusting me to play regularly and he always gave me the license to attack forward which has helped develop my decision-making in the final third. I think always the main challenge of playing overseas is being away from home. It makes it easier to have a team that feels like a second family to me, especially with the likes of Katrina Gorry and Clara Markstedt at the club too.”
Grant’s stellar 2023 came under the stewardship of Swedish head coaches both at club and country. The defender outlined how they have brought out the best in her.
Above: Charli Grant (red shirt, right) battles for possession against Växjö. Photo: Henrik Eberlund / Henrik Eberlund AB supplied to Impetus by: Charli Grant.
“They’ve all had an intelligent view of the game,” the South Australian explained. “They articulate the finer details and tactics of the game plan in an easy way to understand, adding a higher tactical awareness of football to my game. I think the most important attribute that Tony, Jens, and Ulf have added to my game is the confidence to trust my instincts.”
As our latest chat came towards its conclusion, we turned our focus to the future. First, to what is required now to ensure that Australian women’s football takes advantage of the massive surge in popularity since the World Cup. Grant emphasised the view that: “I think investment in national youth teams and state programs both in the players and staff is vital to bridge the gap and take the women’s game in Australia to the next level.”
Finally – what is next for the young defender. At the end of the Damallsvenskan season, Grant announced she was leaving Vittsjö for a new challenge, and one that has seen feverish speculation about a move to the WSL, with Grant linked to four sides in England with strong rumours that it’s just a matter of days before she is announced as a Tottenham Hotspur player.
Whilst her soon-to-be-revealed new club will offer Grant excitement and major opportunities, the South Australian just wants to take stock before embarking on this new challenge.
“It’s been a huge year, so just I’m wanting to spend as much time with my partner, family, and friends before I venture off to my next move. It was really hard to leave Vittsjö as the club became a second family to me, but I feel like I’m ready for a new chapter.”
Above: Charli Grant (blue shirt, front row) with her Vittsjö teammates. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Charli Grant.
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Today sees the joining together of two women’s football sites to create a merged entity with over 120 contributors based on four continents.
Whilst Impetus and Since 71 have both built strong reputations covering the women’s game in their own individual rights, this coming together creates huge opportunities to grow coverage even further and diversify into other forms of media.
Impetus 71 was born from a collaboration between Impetus and Since 71 women’s football websites. Both launched with the same mission of promoting the women’s game and sharing stories that were not being told in the mainstream media at the time.
Both websites have grown organically since their respective launches to become two of the most respected women’s football platforms on the internet. In 2023 both were nominated as Women’s Football Platform of the Year by On Her Side, an accolade that was won by Impetus.
Since 71 was launched in the summer of 2018 by Stuart Barker. With a background in design and writing about art, music, and culture for the English South Coast-based blog Strong Island he decided to put his skills to plug the gap and build a home where he can share women’s football stories that were being left untold.
The name, Since 71, was inspired by the year that the English FA lifted the ban on female participation in the game.
As the website grew, so did the number of volunteer contributors, and a podcast was launched.
A year later, in September 2019, Impetus was launched. Run by an editorial board of seven volunteers, the site has over 100 volunteer writers, photographers, and TikTok content creators based on four continents. Over 60% of the team are female, and over 25% of their contributors are under the age of 21.
The site grew its audience consistently since October 2020 after an article in support of Sam Kerr after she received abuse on social media was read over 3,500 times around the world in the space of 48 hours. In 2023 the site was voted as Women’s Football Platform of the Year at the On Her Side Awards, with Impetus‘ graphics designer Paige Walder also named Women’s Football Designer of the Year at the same time.
Impetus attracts several thousand readers each week from around the world, with a particularly large audience in Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, Sweden, France, and New Zealand.
Impetus’ founder Ben Gilby won the Women’s Sports Alliance’s inaugural media contributor award for women’s sport in April 2020. He is additionally on the Squared Ball Analytics judging panel that picks the NPLW Western Australia team of the week during the season.
In June 2022, the British Library announced that it was adding Impetus to its online archives due to the site representing “different aspects of UK heritage as well as important global events.”
Clearinghouse, based at the world-renowned Australian Institute of Sport, regularly includes links to Impetus articles on its daily bulletins which signpost the best articles on Australian sport, as recognition of the quality of the team’s coverage of Australian women’s football.
On 1st January 2024, both sites shared that they were merging under the single banner of Impetus 71 combining both names and both teams of amazing writers and content creators.
On the merger, Stuart Barker explains, “For a long time I have admired the team at Impetus. I have long believed that if the many exceptional women’s football correspondents worked together under one banner then there is enough talent to compete with the biggest names in the mainstream media. Therefore, I decided to approach the team at Impetus to see if there is an appetite to work together on a permanent basis by creating Impetus 71.”
Both Since 71 and Impetus have always sought to give back to the game by sponsorship of players and supporting clubs, most often within grassroots levels. The first collaboration between both sites was the sponsorship of Olivia Watson, then playing for Sutton United.
Both sites are Associate Members of the Football Supporters Association’s Women’s Game Network – the national democratic representative body for football supporters in England and Wales. The group played a part in the government’s recent reviews of football and specifically the women’s game review. This is something that will continue as we move forward as Impetus 71.
As well as regular content including match reports from all levels of the game, Impetus 71 will continue to run features on grassroots clubs. The volunteer contributors of our site believe passionately about supporting the women’s game and as well as producing content, we also come together using our own money to sponsor fourteen players for the 2023/24 season across the United Kingdom and Australia.
Miley Shipp, our teenage Moriarty Foundation scholarship holder in Australia.
Lauren Coleman at third-tier Scottish Championship side Rossvale
Modlen Gwynne and Ella Thomas at tier one Welsh side Aberystwyth Town
Lisa Topping of Chorley Women – FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) Division One North (T4)
Ashley Cheatley of Ashford Town (Middlesex) – FAWNL Division One South East (T4)
Emma Plewa of AFC Wimbledon – FAWNL Division One South East (T4)
Annabel Rutter of Moneyfields – FAWNL Division One South West (T4)
Gabriella Howell of Dartford – London & South East Premier Division (T5)
Evie Nebbitt of Saltdean United – London & South East Premier Division (T5)
Poppy Payne from Millwall Lionesses – London & South-East Premier Division (T5)
Otty Baker of Pride Park – Derbyshire Ladies League Division One (T7)
Sophia Demetriou of Corinthian-Casuals – Greater London League Division One (T9)
Karly Smith of Andoversford – Gloucestershire League Division Three (T10)
The site additionally has content partnerships with AFC Wimbledon, Ashford Town (Middlesex), Millwall Lionesses, and Pride Park.
Impetus 71 has a Charity partner, Moriarty Foundation, which work with Indigenous children in Australia through football to improve education and healthcare. One of their earliest scholars is Shadeene Evans, who represented the Young Matildas.
As part of our relationship with Moriarty Foundation, Impetus 71 sponsors Miley Shipp, one of their young female scholarship holders from rural Australia to help fund her top-level life-changing educational and footballing opportunities in Sydney.
As Impetus 71 we aim to continue to provide in-depth coverage of international football and are recognised media by the English FA, Football Australia, FA Wales, Football Association of Ireland, and New Zealand Football. Our French editor Jean-Pierre Thiesset holds accreditation to photograph for us from Olympique Lyonnais Feminin home games. Impetus 71 is proud to be part of a panel that selects the NPLW Western Australia team of the week as part of our extensive coverage of football within Australia.
Follow Impetus 71 on social media:
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Members of the Impetus 71 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 (1/1/24).
Player of the week:
Above: Emina Ekic, who received two votes for Player of the Week. Photo: Melbourne City.
BEN GILBY: Can’t go beyond Emina Ekić. A hat-trick and an assist in Melbourne City’s 5-3 win over Brisbane Roar. Absolutely sensational.
JONATHON HAGGER: Millie Farrow. The Perth Glory attacker is one of the competition’s most in-form goalscorers right now. However, to just term her a goalscorer doesn’t do justice to her ability and worth to the team. Her work rate is phenomenal.
BEN CAREY: Emina Ekić. Her performance against Brisbane Roar was absolutely magnificent. Three goals and an assist. If she maintains this form, she’ll be a contender for the Golden Boot award.
Coach of the week:
Above: An impressive performance for Western Sydney Wanderers earned their head coach Robbie Hooker two votes this week. Photo: A-Leagues.
BEN GILBY:Robbie Hooker. It’s taken a while for the Wanderers to find their feet this season, but Hooker has slowly developed his team after coming in as boss so close to the season starting. He guided them to a sensational win over a Melbourne Victory side containing the returning Alex Chidiac.
JONATHON HAGGER: Gary van Egmond – Newcastle Jets are steadily climbing the table and their success over Adelaide United was both impressive and important.
BEN CAREY: Robbie Hooker. Picking his team up from a rough start of the season and leading them to a solid win over the three-time champions, Melbourne Victory is a wonderful achievement.
Moment of the week:
Above: Gema Simon’s 150th appearance was a superb achievement for the Newcastle Jets star. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
BEN GILBY: Gema Simon coming on to make her 150th appearance for a club she was a foundation player for in 2008/09. A wonderful achievement by a total legend of both Newcastle Jets and the Australian game.
JONATHON HAGGER: Ante Juric getting a yellow card!
BEN CAREY: Chloe Logarzo reaching 100 W/A-League Women appearances against Canberra United. Amazing effort.
Follow Impetus 71 on social media:
X (Twitter):@impetusfootball and @impetus71 TikTok: @Impetus71Facebook:@Impetus71Instagram: @Impetus_71Threads:@Impetus_71.
Above: Newcastle Jets icon Gema Simon in action last season, made a historic 150th appearance for the club today. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
In the final A-League Women game of 2023, Newcastle Jets defeated visitors Adelaide United in a 3-1 win at Number Two Sportsground.
Adelaide opened the scoring through Dylan Holmes early in the first half. Against the run of play, Holmes slipped past the diving Jets keeper, Isobel Nino, and scored into an empty net securing the lead for the visitors.
It took the Jets less than five minutes to find a response to Holmes’ goal. Swiss international Lorena Bauman played in Libby Copus-Brown with an incredible long ball that sailed over three defenders before landing perfectly as Copus-Brown made no mistake in her shot and the scores were set at one apiece.
Newcastle’s lead was soon extended by defender Natasha Prior. Copus-Brown’s corner delivery fell into space that Prior almost fell onto, which she fired into the roof of the net.
The Jets’ final goal of the year came through Philippines international Sarina Bolden, at the beginning of the second half. Bolden managed to stay onside of the play when Laura Allen sent in a through ball and went in one-on-one with Grove in goal. Bolden came out on top with the cooly executed finish that went under Grove’s outstretched arm.
The moment an A-Leagues legend reached a 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 milestone 🥹🙌@NewcastleJetsFC defender Gema Simon came off the bench at the 85th minute to make her 150th Liberty A-League appearance 👏
Emmanuel Faith unveils his choices of the most memorable moments in women’s footballduring 2023(31/12/23).
Above: Spain lift the World Cup after defeating England in the Final this August. Photo: FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Where were you when Sam Kerr scored a rocket at the World Cup semifinals in Stadium Australia? Were you in the stands? Did you watch the match at the bar or were you in front of your TV?
2023 will be remembered as a monumental year for women’s football. From the record-breaking experiences at the FIFA World Cup to mind-blowing performances at club level, and individual displays that left the world agape, this is an attempt to remind you of some memorable moments in 2023 in no particular order.
Grab your drink, get some tacos, and let’s journey together.
Finalissima 2023: It was the first time UEFA organized a female Finalissima- a match that saw the European champions, England match up with the reigning CONMEBOL champion, Brazil. It was record-breaking with 83,132football fans seated in the prestigious Wembley Stadium. You could talk about the electric atmosphere, the chanting fans from all sides of the ground, and the thrill and intensity that pushed the match to penalties where England won 4-2 but the first Finalissima has set a bar.
Barcelona winning the UWCL: It wasn’t that they won the Champions League Final it was how they won it. It’s not every time you see a come-back from a two-goal deficit, especially in a final but Barcelona did this against VfL Wolfsburg. Two quick second-half goals by Patri Guijarro ensured Barcelona was level five minutes into the second half and they went ahead after Fridolina Rolfo capitalized on a defensive error to ensure her team won their second UWCL title in three years.
Above: Chelsea lift the FA Cup after victory over Manchester United at Wembley. Photo: Ben Phillips for Impetus.
Chelsea beating Manchester United to win the FA Cup: It was an intense match. Manchester United had chased Chelsea down to the last day of the WSL, only missing out on the title by two points so the FA Cup looked like a chance for perfect revenge. They came with full intent in the first half and threw all they got at a rather resilient Chelsea who didn’t cave into any pressure. It was however Chelsea’s time to shine in the second half when Sam Kerr connected with a well-laid pass from the soon-to-depart Pernille Harder and slotted home a perfect goal. She proceeded to do her eye-catching backflip celebrations in front of 77,390spectators at Wembley to create a moment that every Chelsea fan and neutral will cherish.
The “Las 15”: The Las 15, a group of 15 Spanish players demanded changes to the national team structure and deliberately made themselves unavailable for selection after last year’s Euros while directing their complaint to Jorge Vilda. After an arduous back and forth, three of them, including the current Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati came back to the team, but the year’s later scandal with Rubiales proved that the Las 15 were justified.
Zambia beating Germany 3-2: The season was over and different countries organized friendlies as they prepared for the World Cup but no one could have predicted Zambia beating Germany in a five-goal thriller that saw three goals after the 90th minute mark. The Chipopolo’s striker Barbara Banda opened the scoring with a 48th-minute strike and Rachel Kudanaji doubled the lead six minutes afterwards. Germany made some changes, changed their tactics, and knocked on the Zambians’ door ferociously until their defence caved in the 91st minute via Lea Schuller’s header.
A lot of changes, injuries, and stoppages meant there were 10 minutes extra time, which was enough time for more drama. Alex Popp connected with a cross from Svenja Huth in the 100th minute to seemingly salvage a draw. Everyone thought the game was over and were waiting for the final whistle but Germany kept the ball in play pushing for an equalizer and the referee seemed in the mood to let the action flow; this had repercussions as Zambia latched on a poor throw, to hit Germany on a counter with Barbara Banda scoring a brilliant loop over Frohms to cement a historic victory for the Africans.
Above: The scenes at Cathy Freeman Park outside Stadium Australia where up to 50,000 fans gathered to watch the World Cup Quarter-Final between Australia and France on big screens. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
A first cross-confederation World Cup: While there are a lot of monumental moments from the tournament which will be spotlighted below, the World Cup deserves a place of its own in this list for being awesome and entertaining. From countries scoring their debut goals to stadiums selling out and over $570 million being made in revenue. The World Cup was a major part of 2023 that gave birth to a lot of lasting memories. Let’s revisit some of them below.
Ali Riley’s goal: Ali Riley’s strike for New Zealand in the opening game in front of 42,137 people- the largest crowd in the nation’s history for any football match regardless of gender.
Chiamaka Nnadozie’s penalty save: Group B was termed the Group of Death and it lived up to expectations. One of the catchy moments of the group stage was Nigerian goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie saving Christine Sinclair’s penalty to deny her the record of being the oldest scorer at the World Cup.
Above: Massed ranks of Republic of Ireland fans in Perth where Katie McCabe scored an Olimpico in their group game with Canada. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Katie McCabe’s Olimpico: Another Group B match-up saw the debutant Republic of Ireland lock horns with the current Olympic champions, Canada. Just four minutes in, Katie McCabe produced a moment of magic by scoring directly from a corner. It was their only goal in the tournament and it is one that will be remembered for a very long while.
Marta Cox Strike: There were a lot of eye-catching goals at the World Cup and Marta Cox’s one for Panama was one of the best. Is there a better way to score the first goal for your country than a first-minute spell-binding free-kick against France?
Linda Caicedo’s wonder strike against Germany: Colombia’s Linda Caicedo had already stolen the spotlight as the first footballer to play three levels of the World Cup (U-17, U-20, and senior level) within 12 calendar months and was ready to show the world she was up for the new level of challenge. Caicedo had already scored a solo goal in the first match although the goal-keeper could have done better, but there was nothing Merle Frohms could do to stop Caicedo’s 51st-minute strike in the next game, a goal that was pivotal to defeating Germany and also won the Hyundai’s goal of the tournament.
Morroco waiting for Germany’s result: The last minutes of Group H’s game witnessed a lot of drama; Morocco had managed to beat Colombia thanks to a first-half rebound goal from a penalty and Germany were playing out a 1-1 draw with South Korea. Germany needed a victory to qualify on goal difference and a draw meant Morocco would make it to the second round in their debut tournament. The team huddled together on the pitch in Perth and waited for the results and surprisingly, they qualified ahead of Germany and this was celebrated with glee.
Above: Morocco show their joy in Perth after making it through to the last 16 of the World Cup. Photo: FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Chloe Kelly’s shot and class act: The last 16 game between Nigeria and England was a classic. The African queens stepped on the gas from the first minute and pushed the European champions to the very limit and would count themselves unlucky not to have won the match after hitting the goalpost a couple times.
The match went on to penalties and the Super Falcons missed the first two, putting the Lionesses at an advantage. Chloe Kelly stepped up to take the final penalty, firing an unstoppable shot into the back of the net. Her strike had an astonishing 111km/hr speed, faster than any Premier League goal last season. What happened after was even more memorable. While her teammates rejoiced, Kelly went to console the crestfallen Nigeria’s goalkeeper and shushed the cameramen away from her. It was a moment of sportsmanship that every lover of the game will cherish for a very long while.
Above: Australia celebrate their hugely dramatic Quarter-Final win over France. Photo: CommBank Matildas/Football Australia.
Twenty-kick penalty thriller: What is the longest set of penalties you’ve watched? Mine is 20. After 120 minutes of drama, France and Australia played an entertaining 10 rounds of penalties – the longest in the history of the FIFA World Cup (male or female), when Cortnee Vine scored the final penalty, Suncorp Stadium erupted as did the entire nation of Australia and – the Matildas had made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time.
USA vs Sweden Dramatic penalty shoot-out: To be very honest, we have to start by talking about how the post saved USA from crashing out in the group stage after Portugal’s Ana Capeta hit the post in the 91st minute of their final group game. However, another drama awaited the back-to-back champions in the second round.
After a goalless 120 minutes, the match went to penalties and Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith, and Kelly O’Hara failed to score, it was up to Lina Hurtig to seal the victory for the Swedes. Her penalty was initially saved by US goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher but the ball hovered around the line and after a nervy wait for the VAR’s decision, it was confirmed that the ball had crossed the line sending the crowd to a mix of frenzied emotions.
Sam Kerr’s wonder strike against England: If there was a goal that defined 2023, it was this thunder strike. Having missed a larger part of the tournament due to a calf injury, Sam Kerr made her first start in the semi-finals although the England central defenders who also doubled as her team-mates at Chelsea kept her silent for the first half of the game.
The game opened up in the second half as Kerr made a lot of off-the-ball runs to create spaces for her team-mates and time will smile on her in the 62nd minute when she collected the ball halfway, and drove at Bright and Carter who were back-pedaling while blocking a possible pass. Instead of picking a pass, Kerr went for the spectacular and buried one of the most ferocious shots you’d ever witness into the back of the net. It was a moment that reminded the world what a gem the Western Australian superstar is.
Above: Sam Kerr celebrates her wonder strike against England in the World Cup Semi-Final. Photo: Hindustan Times.
Spain becoming the world champions: Spain had an enthralling journey to the final; beating Switzerland, Netherlands, and Sweden and they had to be at their 100% to beat a resolute team like England. Olga Carmona’s 29th minute strike was enough to seal the victory for the Spanish who were crowned world champions for the first time. What happened after was however soured the moment.
LuisRubiales scandal: Luis Rubiales’ actions overshadowed Spain’s win over England in the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney. Rubiales, who was Spanish Football Association president at the time, kissed Spain forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation ceremony. Hermoso said the kiss wasn’t consensual. However, after a long-running saga which included Rubiales’ mother staging a brief hunger strike, Rubiales eventually resigned from his post and was banned by FIFA from all football-related activity for three years.
Paris FC knocking out Arsenal and Wolfsburg: After the World Cup, the 2023/2024 season came knocking swiftly and while a lot has been said about the UWCL Qualification path to the group stage, it was Paris FC who stole the show this season as they knocked out last year’s semi-finalist and finalist on their journey to their debut Champions League adventure. They currently sit in third position in their group and still have a chance of qualifying if they are able to pick up some points from their last two games.
Above: Paris FC celebrate their Champions League Qualifying Round win over Arsenal. Photo: Paris FC.
Asisat Oshoala’s sixth award: Popularly known as agba baller, the Nigerian and Barcelona striker won the African Player of the Year award for the record sixth time. Oshoala dedicated the award to all African players and urged the continent to come together and do the right thing by paying allowances, and players’ wages and putting the right investment in female football.
Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis Engagement: They are the football couple of the year, the face of the LGBTQ community in sport and Twitter went into frenzy when the open secret was finally announced on the 21st November.
NY/NJ Gotham winning the NWSL championship: There are a lot of notable moments in this match. It was the final match for both USWNT superstars Megan Rapinoe and Ali Kreger and it was a fairy tale ending for the latter when her team won the trophy. Rapinoe had a tougher luck as she left the pitch early in the game due to a knock. A major talking point was the championship’s Most Valuable Player, Midge Purce striking an audacious pose with a cigar and the trophy after the post-match celebrations.
Above: Kristie Mewis is a Hammer. Photo: Sky Sports.
Kristie Mewis signing for West Ham United: Last week, West Ham United signed Kristie Mewis for an undisclosed amount. It was huge for reasons both on and off the pitch. The names of Mewis and her partner Sam Kerr trended on social media for 72 hours, and the announcement of Mewis’ arrival became the most engaged post on the social media pages of the East London club.
Elsewhere: There are a lot of other honorable mentions like Aitana Bonmati winning the Ballon d’Or, Sarina Wiegman winning the Coach of the Year, Hammarby IF winning the Damallsvenskan on goal difference, and lots more. 2023 was an exciting year and we can’t wait to see what the new year has in store. Are there moments you think deserve to be on this list? Please share below.
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Above: Millie Farrow leads the celebrations for Perth Glory at Central Coast Mariners today. Photo: Liberty A-League.
Two goals from Millie Farrow – her sixth in the last five A-League Women games – ensured Perth Glory returned to winning ways against a Central Coast Mariners side who will feel they should have taken something from the encounter.
Perth had the best of the possession in the opening exchanges and tellingly in the opening 20 minutes or so were able to spread the play which allowed their creative midfield weapons to get involved – something that both Western United and Sydney FC had largely shut down in their recent encounters with Alex Epakis’ side.
Glory hit the front with just seven minutes on the clock. The visitors were imposing a high line and it got its just reward. Former Perth keeper Sarah Langman played a short goal kick out to Taren King to the left-hand edge of the box, but under pressure from Grace Jale, King played the ball back towards Langman which Millie Farrow redirected into the net.
Perth’s high press of the Mariners when they were in possession combined with their domination of the possession continued with the home side sitting back and unable to force Morgan Aquino into making a save.
As the half hit the 25-minute mark, the hosts began to get a foothold into the game as they began to look to the flanks to develop their attacks. Rola Badawiya became more involved, and Bianca Galic forced Aquino into a straightforward save. Badawiya was then released by Faye Bryson, but her shot on goal was dealt with by the feet of Aquino.
There would be one further opportunity for the hosts before the break when Bryson was allowed to run through the left of centre channel and crack in a powerful shot that Aquino had to palm away.
The second half started in a similar way with Mariners seeing plenty of the ball and Badawiya calling Aquino into action with a long-range shot. Bryson also fired in an effort from the edge of the box that was blocked. Despite their increasing number of shots on goal and possession, Central Coast were not quite able to summon the necessary extra bit of magic or quality to break through. The threaded passes needed to unlock the Perth defence were missing, with the hosts relying on shots from distance.
Then 12 minutes into the second period, that threaded pass came after a move along the right from Bryson who fed Galic. Perth failed to clear in a short game of pinball around the near post before Badawiya forced the ball over the line, but Paige Haywood was in an offside position when she got an initial touch ahead of Badawiya and the goal was ruled out.
Galic and Bryson’s influence was increasing along the right flank and a further long-range effort rained in from Badawiya. However, the hosts were made to pay for their inability to turn possession into an equalising goal with 66 minutes played.
Six goals in five games! Millie Farrow just can’t stop scoring! 😮💨
The Glory attacker gets her brace against Central Coast Mariners 🙌
Tash Rigby’s throw on the right, parallel with the six-yard box found Jale who turned her way past two markers before returning the favour to Rigby who had acres of space to deliver a high ball towards the back post for an unmarked Farrow to head home.
Yet, just two minutes later, it was game on once more. Langman’s clearance found Bryson who threaded a pass into the stride of Badawiya entering the box to hit a first-time rocket into the net.
That is one filthy strike 😮💨🔥
Rola Badawiya fires in this incredible goal to half the deficit for Central Coast Mariners 🤩
The Mariners pushed for an equaliser with a golden chance coming deep into stoppage time. Despite Peta Trimis’ run along the right and cross to the back pass for Wurigumula, the chance went begging. Overall, they just couldn’t find a telling pass to unlock the Western Australian side’s defence.
This was a game that Central Coast could have won with a bit more quality and creativity. Too many of their shots on goal were from distance and their two major defensive lapses were ruthlessly punished. Perth did something that all championship-challenging teams do – win despite being below their best.
This was an important win for Alex Epakis’ side – but they can’t afford to let future opponents have as many shots on goal as the Mariners did today – other sides will convert them.
Above: The Wanderers celebrate Amy Harrison’s opening goal against Melbourne Victory. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Western Sydney Wanderers 2-0 Melbourne Victory
Goals from Amy Harrison and Alexia Apostolakis gave the Western Sydney Wanderers a 2-0 win against Melbourne Victory in an impressive and dominant performance.
The Wanderers results may have been inconsistent, but their performances have been consistently competitive this season. At times only bad luck, inexperience or excellent opposition defending has denied them results, but against the visiting Victory it was a fair complete display from Robbie Hooker’s team.
Much of the pre-match talk surrounded Victory. Alex Chidiac’s return to the club filled social media feed and the Julie Dolan medallist was named on the bench by Jeff Hopkins. Lia Privitelli started for the first time this season and Emma Checker was back in the first XI.
To add to the drama, backup goalkeeper and fan favourite Miranda Templeman was withdrawn before the match started. She appeared to be injured in the warmup and hopes will be with her that it is not serious, but she was unable to walk off unaided.
For the home side, things remained comparatively unchanged, but they were able to call on Melissa Caceres from the bench in a squad that is starting to look deeper as their young brigade gain experience by the week.
Victory started the brightest of the two sides. Kurea Okino was able to find space repeatedly behind the Wanderers defence but was unable to trouble Kaylie Collins in goal and was lacking support when cutting the ball back.
Lia Privitelli had the best chance for the visitors when she ran onto an Okino pass, but Collins was off her line quickly to snuff out the opportunity.
Just past the half hour mark, Victory coach Jeff Hopkins made the first change of the afternoon. Okino was withdrawn for Sara D’appolonia. It was not obvious if it was due to injury but the change left the visitors without a recognized centre forward on the pitch for the rest of the game.
The Wanderers struck almost immediately after. An Apostolakis corner kick was met at the back post by Amy Harrison. The Western Sydney skipper buried the goal from close range.
Victory tried to push for an equaliser, Alana Murphy moved the ball forward with her usually efficiency but Victory’s clear-cut chances dried up. D’appolonia’s pressing was energetic, but any advantage gained in that department was cancelled out by the Wanderers having less to worry about without Okino’s presence and movement.
As the game went on, The Wanderers confidence and control increased. Apostolakis struck in the 51st minute to double the lead with a well taken finish after a Holly Caspers played in the Young Matilda.
Caspers was becoming a constant threat to the visitors. Her mobility, pressing and dribbling was causing problems, and she was unlucky not to score one of her own when her left footed effort bounces off the far post with Lydia Williams beaten.
With the situation becoming desperate for the visitors, Chidiac was introduced to the contest. It provided an immediate boost to the morale of watching supporters but came at the cost of Murphy being withdrawn.
Murphy is still only 18, and is being managed carefully by Victory as she grows into her first full season as a regular starter, but had also been Victory’s most dominant midfielder in this game. It would mean another shift in tactics for Hopkin’s side.
Chidiac’s return appearance was encouraging. She was able to link up well with Rachel Lowe and find her usual pockets of space. The addition will no doubt strengthen Victory this season, but she was unable to make much of an impact in the last half hour of this game. The Wanderers remained in control of the pitch for the rest of the afternoon and any chances that Victory did create were snuffed out by a commanding Collins.
Both teams have challenging games next week. Victory will need to be at their best to avoid dropping points against Western United. The Wanderers will travelling to Perth, and a result there might see them surge into finals favouritism.
Above: Deven Jackson in possession for Canberra United. Photo: Canberra United.
Canberra United 1-1 Western United
Canberra United and Western United shared the points with a 1-1 draw at McKellar Park, in a highly entertaining match that could have either way.
Within the first minute of the match Canberra came agonizingly close to opening the scoring via a great cross by Vesna Milivojevic that was directed to Nicki Flannery in the six-yard box but just wasn’t able to be converted. It was a very dangerous opportunity that would have been the perfect start.
Both sides early on were very good on the ball where Western had the majority of possession within the first 10 minutes with 55%. Canberra on the other hand, looked just the more likely to have found the back of the net given the chances that they created early.
In the 23rd minute, Canberra once again came close to a goal with a great cross by Mary Stanic-Floody that found Michelle Heyman in the box but just wasn’t able to have the most ideal contact.
Eight minutes later, Flannery provided an integral through-ball to Sasha Grove on the wing who then crossed the ball into the box for Heyman. Western’s Alana Cerne just made contact with the ball, and it went off the post for the opening goal of the match.
Canberra were dominant in the first half from an attacking perspective. Western wasn’t really able to make many dangerous chances in the final third thanks to Canberra’s defence who had an answer to everything.
In the 57th minute, a massive scrabble with the ball occurred in Canberra’s box. Chloe Lincoln made a very significant save which during all of this. Despite coming close in front of goal during this sequence, Western United didn’t score thanks to the Canberra defence.
As the second half progressed, Western came to life and replicated how they were early on in the match. Most importantly, they were creating more chances that definitely kept Canberra on alert but due to the defence, Western needed to take full advantage of the slightest opportunity available to them.
In the 76th minute, Western’s hard work finally paid off thanks to a great cross by Tyla-Jay Vlajnic. The ball was headed off Hannah Keane in the box and directly to A. Taranto who slotted the ball past Lincoln for her third goal of the A-League Women’s season as Western scored a crucial equaliser.
In the 90th minute, Jaclyn Sawicki almost scored an amazing goal from outside the box that just came off the post. Western thought they’d scored the winner from the rebound, but Hieda was deemed offside.
A special congratulations has to go to Australian international and Western United co-captain Chloe Logarzo achieved the milestone in this match 100 appearances in W-League/A-League Women. A great achievement for a great footballer.
Above: The Australia team lining up before their Olympic Qualifier with Chinese Taipei in Perth on 1st November. Nine of the 11 players shown either currently or have played in the WSL Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Across July and August this year the Matildas co-hosted a home World Cup, where 32 nations competed – the largest number the tournament has ever seen. During the tournament, the Matildas took the Australian nation by storm with the team’s home and away kits flying off the shelves and completely selling out before their semi-final against England. As they progressed in the competition they displayed tremendous skill, dedication, teamwork, but most of all passion and pride.
As Matildas lead up to matches built so did their audience, this saw the team break multiple TV records and create one very important one for Australian history. The semi-final against England saw the team break Australia’s all-time sporting TV viewing record previously held by Cathy Freeman’s historic gold medal run in the 2000 Olympic Games.
The match saw over 11.5 million Australian viewers tune in and watch to help support the Tillies. Multiple more public venues were opened around Australia to allow fans to watch the match and get behind their team. From this tournament, the Matildas impacted the nation, changed the football culture forever, and affected how Australians view women in sport.
Now six months on, the team have just sold out their 12th consecutive home match when Uzbekistan come to the 53,000-capacity Marvel Stadium in Melbourne for the final round of Olympic qualifying. The Matildas have not only influenced football in Australia, but many showcase the ‘Tillies Effect’ weekly in the WSL.
Above: Arsenal’s Steph Catley (left) and Caitlin Foord. They have subsequently been joined in North London by fellow Matildas star Kyra Cooney-Cross. Photo: Arsenal Women.
Twelve Australians currently play across eight teams in the Barclays WSL. Arsenal has Caitlin Foord, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Steph Catley, Brighton and Hove Albion have Charlize Rule on their books, Sam Kerr is at Chelsea, Everton has Clare Wheeler, Courtney Nevin, and Remy Seimsen are at Leicester City, Liverpool has Tegan Micah, Manchester City has Alanna Kennedy and Mary Fowler and West Ham are captained by Mackenzie Arnold. As the winter transfer window looms, it is expected that more Matildas may make the move over to the Women’s Super League.
The impact the Australians have in the WSL extends far beyond the pitch, as their presence has increased the global visibility of the League. With Australian fans tuning in weekly to watch their favourite national team players in action during their WSL matches with many fans also purchasing their favourite player’s club kit and even some travelling to England to watch them play.
Above: Sam Kerr with her fourth WSL title in May this year. Photo: Andy Wicks for Impetus.
Matildas captain Sam Kerr joined Chelsea ahead of the second half of the 2019/20 WSL season, and ever since then she has impacted the team’s performance and helped them secure the league title for a fourth consecutive year. In just under four years the Western Australian has made over 100 appearances for the club scoring over 80 goals in the process.
Kerr has a habit has scoring last-minute goals for Chelsea helping the team secure three points, or a comeback to draw the game time and time again. Across her time in South London, the East Fremantle-born star has helped Chelsea win four WSL titles, three FA Cups, and two Conti Cups. Kerr has also featured for her club throughout the UEFA Women’s Champions League, making appearances in the final against Barcelona in May 2021 and the Semi-Final against the same Catalan giants in April this year.
Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross (left) fires in a shot for Arsenal in the North London derby at Tottenham Hotspur just before Christmas. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.
Kerr’s national teammate Caitlin Foord has also been on formidable form in the WSL so far this season. In 10 appearances, Foord has two assists and two goals to her name, as well as the handful of chances created and attacking opportunities for Arsenal.
In the 22/23 season, Foord played 19 WSL matches for the Gunners and finished with six goal assists and six goals. Foord’s fellow national teammates Steph Catley and Kyra Cooney-Cross also bring quality and tremendous skills to Arsenal. Catley and Foord often play the full ninety minutes and create many attacking opportunities moving down the pitch through linking well down the left-hand side.
In Arsenal’s match against Manchester City at Meadow Park, Foord assisted Catley to score the match opener. In the post-match interview, Catley revealed that during the match, she and Foord know where the other one is instinctively.
The North London club’s new summer signing Cooney-Cross, has played an increasing role across the WSL and Conti Cup, and has produced stellar performances earning her the WSL Player of the Month award for November. The trio encapsulates Arsenal’s values and constantly demonstrate desire, teamwork, and a high level of versatility which they all show on the international stage for the Matildas.
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