by Myles Thornton at Stamford Bridge for Impetus(19/11/23)
Above: Chelsea’s hattrick hero Lauren James (far right) celebrates with team mates yesterday. Photo: Chelsea Women.
Lauren James shone as Emma Hayes’ Chelsea stormed to their sixth win in the WSL on Saturday afternoon as they beat Liverpool 5-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea started from the off as the better team with their first chance of the game came two minutes in, Lauren James glided through the Reds’ defence, she found Niamh Charles who’s shot was blocked and went out for a corner. Nothing came of the corner.
It didn’t take long for the hosts to take the lead though, Sophie Ingle played a sublime ball to James who finished it cooly and calmly to open the scoring.
Liverpool bounced back almost immediately though, Shanice Van De Sanden played the ball across the goal to find a Liverpool striker but it found the unfortunate shin of Jess Carter and went into the back of the net.
Chelsea retook the lead though on 23 minutes. James put an excellent ball over the top of the Liverpool box and found the head of Aggie Beever-Jones who nodded it in for her fourth goal of the season.
Just over ten minutes into the second half, James made it 3-1. Sam Kerr nudged the ball into James’ path before the Londoner unleashed a rocket of a shot into the bottom right corner.
James was unstoppable and got her hat trick on 64 minutes. An instant impact by substitute Johanna Rytting Kaneyrd who played the ball over to the centre of the area and James with another lovely finish.
The scoring was concluded with 12 minutes to go, Kaneyrd with another assist playing the ball through to the centre of the area, and Sjoeke Nüsken tapped it in.
Scorers: James 11’, 56’, 64’. Beever-Jones 24’, Nüsken 78.
LIVERPOOL (5-3-2): Laws, Koivisto, Clark, Bonner, Fisk, Hinds, Höbinger, Nagano, Holland, Haug, Van De Sanden. Substitutes: Kearns (46’), Parry (74’), Kiernan (74’), Lawley (86’).
Scorer: Carter (OG) 13’.
Referee: Kirsty Dowle.
Attendance: 12,802.
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Above: Sydney FC players celebrate Fiona Worts’s goal. Photo: Sydney FC.
It’s still early days in the league and Sydney has been away in Uzbekistan playing in the AFC Club Championship so are low down the table due to missing a couple of games and this is almost a bottom-of-the-table clash so both teams are looking for points.
It can be a psychological struggle when you’re at the bottom of the table despite having games in hand so a win here would be a big confidence booster for either team. Conditions are ideal with the temperature at 24 degrees and a glorious sunny day.
Adelaide come into the match with just a single point from a draw and three losses and their fortunes don’t change on completion of this match. It’s a spirited affair with Adelaide having the bulk of possession but can’t turn that into enough goals to overcome Sydney FC.
Two excellent team goals with all the work and the assists coming from defenders and a penalty earned and struck by Princess Ibini sees Sydney to a convincing 3-1 win over the Reds.
Sydney had 20 shots on goal to Adelaide’s nine and the bulk of those were from Fiona Worts and Shea Connors who are both fitting in nicely to their new team.
Very early on, Ibini crossed to Worts whose shot is saved by Annalie Grove. Soon after Conners bursting down the right took another shot that went wide. Shay Holman took down Nanako Sasaki and received a yellow for her troubles.
Tori Tumeth tackled Dylan Holmes in a brutal challenge that looks like it took the wind out of her. The Sydney fouls are piling up.
Ibini wove a ball through to Connors again and it once again crossed the face of the goal to go out. Worts, Ibini and Connors linked up well to apply a lot of pressure and shoot but Adelaide were defending well.
Then in a change of positions, Connors got ball back in a defensive move and passed to Tumeth who brought it up the right in a fantastic run into the box to then centre it to Worts. She pushed it in for the first goal against her former clubcreating a 1-0 scoreline. The right side has been very successful for Sydney so far.
Not too long after, Abbey Lemon intercepted in the mid field and brought the ball down the left and put it on a platter for Worts to head it in past Annalee Grove for the second Sydney goal.
Alana Jancevski had a strong strike on goal in retaliation and Jada Whyman managed to push it out for a corner. Ibini backed up for another strike but there’s not enough on it and it was easily caught by Grove this time.
Worts was pulled down in the box and pleaded for a penalty but Lara Lee was not having any of it. Sasaki tried a long range shot that was on target but easily caught by Whyman.
Just before half time Holman took a shot toward the top right of the goal but it skimmed the top bar in a very close shot.
In stoppage time Worts ran down the centre and inexplicably slowed up and was dispossessed. Lemon recovered it and passed to Connors who was in the clear but her shot was marginally wide again.
Hannah Blake received a beautiful ball from Hodgson and moved into the clear to score in the right side of the goal. Sydney were complaining about her being offside and Whyman copped a yellow. Just a bit later Juric got a yellow too. Going into the half time break, we’ve got a match on again at 2-1 Sydney.
After the break Adelaide push hard and Mariah Lee slipped a pass to Blake but her strike hits the side netting.
Worts chases a ball down on the right and sends it back to the top of the box to Indiana Dos Santos who shoots slightly high. After some passing around the box, it fell to Ibini who took a long shot which is tipped over by Grove.
Abbey Lemon got a yellow for Sydney’s third after a tackle on Blake. The free kick results in a corner which is tipped out by Whyman for another corner which resulted in nothing.
Lucy Johnson replaced Dos Santos, who had had a fairly quiet game, but soon after appears to roll her ankle and hobbles off to be replaced by 17-year-old Zara Kruger.
When Annabel Haffenden brings Ibini down in the box, Adelaide’s fate is sealed. Ibini slots the penalty to the bottom left and consolidates Sydney’s lead to 3-1.
Aideen Keane and Sasaki collide and, as the last to the party, Keane scores yet another yellow for Sydney.
Towards the end, Keane drove down the right then sent it onto Ibini who let it roll through to Worts who lined up for her hat trick but was denied by Grove in a great save.
Even without Cortnee Vine and Natalie Tobin, a lack of possession and a lot of travel recently, Sydney dominated the match and won convincingly, able to convert more of their chances and take the three points with Adelaide remaining winless at the bottom of the table.
Teams:ADELAIDE UNITED: Grove, L. Hodgson, Tonkin, Waldus, E. Hodgson, Sasaki, Homles, Morgan, Blake, Jancevski, Lee. Substitutes: Jenkins, Haffenden, Holtz, Panagaris, Taylor.
Scorers: Blake 45+3’.
Sydney FC: Whyman, Tumeth, Seaman, Mclean, Lemon, Ray, Holman, I. Dos Santos, Ibini, Worts, Connors. Substitutes: Franco, Chauvet, Johnson, Keane, Kruger.
Scorers: Worts 20’, 26’, Ibini 79’.
Referee: Lara Lee.
Attendance: 1,376.
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EXCLUSIVE match photography by Rob Lizzi at Macedonia Park (18/11/23).
Above:Hana Lowry (centre) celebrates with team mates after her late equaliser at Macedonia Park. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
Two goals from Perth Glory young gun Hana Lowry book-ended a superb match at Macedonia Park tonight in an encounter that saw three strikes in the closing period of a match that went one way, then the other, before finding equilibrium.
Hana Lowry’s strike five minutes into stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes ensured that Perth Glory would retain their unbeaten start to the A-League Women season. It had been Lowry that put the league leaders ahead from a free-kick after 24 minutes. Then came the drama, as the hosts might have sealed the win with a quarter of an hour remaining as Millie Farrow burst clean through, only to see her shot roll wide of the upright. Within five minutes Perth’s lead had gone. Within 10 minutes they were behind. Then up stepped local star Lowry to save the day.
Whilst Perth Glory retained a generally settled squad in their bid to extend their winning start to five games, Melbourne Victory would go into this encounter without Matildas Em Gielnik, Beattie Goad, and Emma Checker.
Macedonia Park is renowned for its breezy conditions, and tonight was no different, notably in the first half. It was the visitors who were the fastest to set their attacking stall out. In the opening two minutes, McKenzie Weinert linked up well with Elise Kellond-Knight on the right. Shortly afterwards, from the same flank, Jessika Nash’s curling cross came back off the crossbar with the home side first to react and the danger was cleared.
Victory were employing the fast, high press to great effect, and under fierce pressure, Georgia Cassidy lost possession outside the box which allowed Kurea Okino to let rip with a long-range effort that went just wide of the right-hand upright.
Okino’s danger was increasingly evident in the opening 20 minutes. Kellond-Knight’s ball in from the right was chested down by the Japanese attacker who then got a shot away. Just moments later, Okino had another chance that forced an excellent save from Morgan Aquino in the Perth goal.
The hosts continued to find it more challenging when in possession than at any time this season. They had no time on the ball at all in the opening 20, with several white shirts buzzing round any purple one in possession.
However, they received a golden opportunity with 24 minutes played. The hard-working Farrow was brought down centrally outside the box by Tori Hansen. Up stepped Lowry, who needs no second invitation in such circumstances to fire home the free kick into the left-hand corner past Lydia Williams’ outstretched arm.
Above: Hana Lowry (second right) celebrates her opening goal at Macedonia Park tonight. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
As Perth continued to grow into the match, so did Susan Phonsongkham’s influence. In outstanding form this season, was at the heart of the home side’s most successful attacking build-ups as she looked to use her combination of pace and clever footwork to break free.
Just before the half-hour mark, Farrow was released by a centimetre-perfect ball from Sofia Sakalis. The English striker was only denied by a superb piece of defending by Kayla Morrison to clear off the line.
As the encounter edged towards the interval, chances became fewer and further between, with the Western Australians retaining their lead at the break.
The second half started with Rachel Lowe finding out what NPLW WA watchers have known for quite a while – that Georgia Cassidy isn’t just about classy passing and long-range thunderbolts – the 19-year-old can also put in a fierce challenge, and this one was a perfectly judged slide tackle.
Perth were on the front foot from the re-start. Jale saw shots blocked twice in quick succession – first by Hansen, and Williams denied the immediate follow-up at the cost of a corner. Cassidy took and put in a trademark viciously inswinging ball right into the mix.
Above: Perth Glory’s hard-working Millie Farrow. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
From another corner 12 minutes into the second period, Victory forced the ball into the net. Kellond-Knight’s corner from the left came in deep towards Morrison who headed back into the six-yard box for Hansen to find Weinert who turned the ball in, only for it to be immediately ruled out for offside.
At the other end, Jale’s throw on the left-hand flank allowed Farrow to cut the ball back from the byline for Anton to sweep a shot goalwards that Williams needed to hold.
Then came the beginning of the high drama which started with two opportunities within four minutes of each other. With a quarter of an hour remaining, Jale released Farrow who broke clean through the middle but put her shot agonisingly wide of the left-hand post.
Just three minutes later, Perth paid the price for that miss as a corner came in from the left and was played back to Lowe on the edge of the box who fired a low shot into the left-hand corner of the net that went in after a slight deflection.
With six minutes remaining, Victory hit the front. Jamilla Rankin played a ball in from the left that was headed out, but only as far as Lowe on the edge of the box to fire a volley first time into the net.
Above: All smiles for Melbourne Victory as they hit the front. Photo: Rob Lizi for Impetus.
However, the drama wasn’t over. Five minutes into the six allotted of stoppage time, Perth’s teenage substitute Grace Johnston danced sublimely along the left-hand touchline before laying off to Quinley Quezada who found Phonsongkam on the edge of the box. She in turn played a beautiful cushioned sidefoot glance to Lowry who was stationed to the left of the penalty spot to lash into the right-hand corner. It was a sensational team move and another sign of the calmness and composure in this young Perth side this campaign
One of the keys to Perth’s winning start to the season has been their habit of taking opportunities when they came. Tonight, that once more went their way.
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Above:Chelsie Dawber (right) in action for Adelaide United last season at Perth Glory. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
Adelaide United have announced the major news that forward Chelsie Dawber has returned to the club for the rest of the season after completing a two-year stint with Chicago Red Stars.
Dawber rejoins her hometown team having spent a period on loan to Swedish first division side IFK Norrköping, where she scored one goal in 16 games. She also spent part of last season on loan with the Reds, recording four goals in 13 games to take her overall tally for Adelaide to 21 goals in 55 games.
The 23-year-old gained valuable experience during her time in the National Women’s Soccer League and in Sweden but says she is pleased to be home and again working under coach Adrian Stenta.
“Adelaide is my home and I’m so happy to be back playing for the Reds,” Dawber said.
“I’ve learnt a lot in my time away and I have also been keeping an eye on how Stents and the girls have been going to start the season. I’m really excited by what I have seen so far, and I know I can contribute and bring something different to the side.”
Adelaide United Head Coach, Adrian Stenta said Dawber would add another dimension to his side’s forward line.
“Chelsie knows our club and she knows the A-League competition. Most importantly she is fit and ready to come in and make an impact for our side,” Stenta explained.
“We think we have a lot of firepower in our front third, but Chelsie is a different player and she will give us another option in attack. We’re excited to welcome her back into the fold, and looking forward to seeing what she can do alongside our other forwards.”
Dawber has trained with the side this week and will be available for selection pending an international clearance.
Above: New Central Coast Mariners signing Briana Woodall (right). Photo: El Sol de Leon.
Central Coast Mariners have revealed the signing of Mexican-American midfielder Briana Woodall.
Born in Texas before representing Mexico at a youth National Team level, Woodall went through the college footballing system in the United States of America. Playing for the likes of Oklahoma State and San Houston State, the midfielder eventually found her way to the Houston Aces.
From there, Woodall traded North America for Europe, signing with SC Rheindorf Altach in the ÖFB Frauen Bundesliga. She spent almost a season with the Austrian outfit, before joining Club Leon in the Mexican Liga MX Apertura. Woodall has now chosen to take her footballing talents Down Under, signing for the Mariners in our return season to the Liberty A-League competition.
A skilful midfielder, the 25-year-old adds further depth to Emily Husband’s team who already sit sixth in the A-League Women after three rounds with a game in hand.
Woodall is thrilled to have joined the Mariners, eager to get started and experience Australian football.
“I am super excited to be joining the Mariners in the club’s first season back in the competition. It is a fresh start for the club in the league and for everybody as a team and I am thrilled to be a part of it,” Woodall said.
“Emily and the girls have been so welcoming which has been awesome. I can’t wait until I am out on the field at the home stadium, scoring goals with the girls as everyone is on their feet cheering. It is going to be amazing.”
Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband is pleased to have the 25-year-old join for the upcoming season, with Woodall the final player to be signed for our squad.
“It is great to have another versatile player joining us who has great experience playing overseas, she will add immense value to the group. Players like Briana bring important experience with her and will push the other players around her,” Husband said.
“It is awesome to finally have the entire group together. By having everybody in now we can really focus on us as a group and improving as a collective to make sure we continue to be successful on the pitch.”
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Above: Annalise Rasmussen celebrates her winning goal for Central Coast. Photo: Central Coast Mariners.
Central Coast Mariners recorded their second win of the A-League Women’s season with a 1-0 victory against in-form Wellington Phoenix with Annalise Rasmussen scoring the only goal of the match, in what was quite a close encounter between both sides.
Early in the match, Central Coast were the ones that made opportunities for themselves with Peta Trimis’ attempt in the eighth minute being the closest that they got in that period of time. Wellington on the other hand had the majority of possession with 59.2% in the first 10 minutes.
As the half progressed Wellington passed the ball around in a manner that was really pleasant and benefitted them with their build-ups in play. While the Mariners, didn’t dominate the ball outright early, still looked good nevertheless.
In the 26th minute, Central Coast had a great chance via a through ball from Isabel Gomez that found Wurigumula but thanks to Wellington’s goalkeeper Rylee Foster with her brave keeping prevented a potential goal for the Mariners.
Bianca Galic had one of the best opportunities of the first half in the 43rd minute, as her shot from outside the box forced Foster to make a brilliant save. Galic was really impactful for the Mariners and was unlucky to have not scored from that shot.
One minute later, Macey Fraser slotted the ball to Emma Main whose eventual shot on an angle in the box was denied by Central Coast’s Courtney Newbon. Newbon was very impressive during the opening half with the saves that she made. This one in particular was a real highlight.
At the hour mark, while neither team had broken the deadlock, the way that the Phoenix and the Mariners had been playing it felt like someone was going to score sooner rather than later.
In the 69th minute, Wurigumula made a great run with the ball as she cut into the box and looked set to open the scoring but the final product saw her shot go over the bar. Unlucky for her as the run made was very promising and if the shot stayed down, would have gone into the back of the net.
Seven minutes later, Central Coast broke the deadlock thanks to Wurigumula whose cross found Annalise Rasmussen in the box as she powered her shot past Foster and into the back of the net for her first goal in the A-League Women. It was a very special moment for Rasmussen given she is from Gosford herself.
Wellington during the final two minutes of stoppage time had two very close chances for an equaliser from Manaia Elliot and Annalie Longo respectively but weren’t able to find the goal with their attempts.
WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-3-3): R. Foster, M. Foster, Van der Meer, Barry, Davidson, Fraser, Taylor, Knott, Breslin, Main, Speckmaier. Substitutes: Edwards, Brown, Longo, Elliot, Lake.
Referee: Azusa Sugino.
Attendance: 1,654.
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Above:Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson, who today named his squad for the December international window. Photo: Joseph Mayers/Football Australia.
Head Coach Tony Gustavsson has named a 23-player Matildas squad to face Canada in a two-match series next month.
In their final internationals for 2023, Australia will take on the world number 10 at Starlight Stadium in Victoria on Friday 1st December with kick-off locally at 7.30pm before closing out the year at BC Place in Vancouver on Tuesday, 5 December with kick-off at 7.00pm local time.
The 23-player squad carries over significant experience from the recent Olympic Qualifiers with 20 members of that squad retained.
Above: Charlize Rule has earned a full call-up to the Matildas squad. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
After featuring as a train-on-player last camp, Brighton and Hove Albion’s Charlize Rule has earned a full call-up, while defender Aivi Luik has recovered from injury to assist BK Häcken to second in the Swedish League and is now part of their UEFA Champions League campaign.
Fresh off a hattrick last weekend, A-League Women’s Golden Boot leader Holly McNamara rounds out the new faces as the 20-year-old returns to the national team for her first call-up since April 2023.
Gustavsson noted that the upcoming internationals will see Australia balancing preparations for February 2024’s Olympic Qualifiers against Uzbekistan with a deepening progression of playing style.
Above: Holly McNamara, whose fine form in the A-League Women has been rewarded with a return to the squad. Photo: Andy Wicks for Impetus.
“We know plenty about Canada with some fierce battles over the past 18 months,” Gustavsson said. “These final 180 minutes of the year against a nation that has already qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are the type of preparation matches that are invaluable for the players.”
“Our selected squad continues to meld established performers with some new players that have impressed in their league form recently. The two matches will allow us to continue evolving our play heading into the final phase of Olympic Qualification and beyond against a challenging opponent. It is critical to our continued growth as a team and for the players to test ourselves against quality nations.”
Mackenzie ARNOLD
Goalkeeper
West Ham United FC
44 (0)
Ellie CARPENTER
Back
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Steph CATLEY (VC)
Back
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120 (5)
Kyra COONEY-CROSS
Midfielder
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Caitlin FOORD
Forward
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118 (33)
Mary FOWLER
Midfielder
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46 (13)
Katrina GORRY
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Unattached
103 (17)
Charlotte GRANT
Back
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21 (1)
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15 (0)
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117 (9)
Sam KERR (C)
Forward
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128 (69)
Aivi LUIK
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164 (16)
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Real Madrid Femenino
80 (15)
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0 (0)
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103 (0)
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117 (13)
Above: Amy Sayer’s excellent string of performances in the Olympic qualifiers has been recognised by another call-up. Photo: Cat Bryan for Impetus.
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Impetus had writers in five WSL media conferences this week ahead of another vital weekend of action. Their Club-by-club reports of who said what is below (17/11/23).
Arsenal
By Genevieve Henry
Above: Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall speaking to the media today. Image: Arsenal Women.
The media heard from Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall ahead of their clash with Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.
As for who’s in and who’s out, Eidevall shared that there are a handful of players who ran into minor injuries before the Leicester City game last week that are still struggling. These players, Vivianne Miedema, Kim Little, Laia Codina, Lia Walti, and Jen Beattie are all still in contention but being carefully managed. “We just need to see which one(s) can make it through safely.”
With Arsenal hitting winning form, Eidevall was asked about what made his team’s mentality unique and how that has allowed them to overcome difficult challenges. “Being task orientated is really important…It almost becomes an effort, like you have to try harder, you have to run more, you need to try to overcome something. If you could take the most direct way to goal and that is the best solution, everyone would start playing the game like that. Football is about being composed and making the right decisions at the right moments.”
Arsenal have consistently found themselves behind before getting a foothold in the game, and while they have combated that well, Eidevall said, “If we make a comparison between how we were as a team in the dressing room when we were losing 2-0 against Birmingham, my first season in the WSL, to the situation against Leicester, I think that really shows the development of the team and how much better we are at handling those situations. Now the problem is we don’t want to be in those situations too often.”
The Gunners head coach spoke of his team’s conversion rate lately but said that he would rather create many small chances and be less clinical than the alternative of hoping for a gilt-edged opportunity. The decision making in the final third is something that Eidevall is trying to remedy, however, the defence has a more pressing issue. Eidevall was optimistic on the note that Arsenal have conceded the least amount of expected goals, but the team needs to fix the amount of big chances allowed against them.
On players that impressed him, Eidevall heaped praise on midfielders Victoria Pelova and Kyra Cooney-Cross, saying that both were growing into their roles and possessed incredible skills on and off the ball. However, he was adamant that they have a squad full of talent, especially in the midfield, and that no one’s starting spot is secure. Training well and performing consistently is key for these young players.
On this weekend’s opponents, Eidevall praised Brighton’s organisation, saying that they are a team that never gives up and sticks to their game play, but that Arsenal are focused on what they themselves can do. Saying that this is the most competitive season in the Women’s Super League yet, Eidevall said, “We have to be 100% all of the time.” Eidevall spoke brightly about the league’s development, saying that he didn’t understand why anyone (Emma Hayes) would leave it at such a pivotal point in its history. He was clear in his opinion that the best football is played at club level.
Aston Villa
By Emily Brown
Above: Aston Villa head coach Carla Ward. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus.
This Sunday, Aston Villa will face West Ham United in East London, in another hugely important game between two sides lower down the ladder than they would wish.
As it stands, Villa sit eleventh in the league table with Rehanne Skinner’s Hammers two places above them just a single point ahead. A lot of former West Ham players in the West Midlanders side will be making the journey down to face their old club, including the likes of Kenza Dali, Alisha Lehmann, and Maz Pacheco.
After Villa’s win against Bristol City in the WSL last week, combined with their win against Sheffield United in the Conti Cup, the side’s confidence is rising. However, Ward is not tempted to get carried away.
“(Winning) breeds confidence of course, but I think the reality of it doesn’t change anything in the building because the players have been training well, they’ve been looking after each other, the vibes have been good but you know what it’s like in football, with momentum and a couple of wins and confidence changes naturally but it certainly puts us into a good position now to finish November how we want to.”
Regarding team news, Ward disclosed that Simone Magill “could be back in contention for the squad, if she gets through today.” Other than that, everything is still as it stands with Lucy Parker remaining out of the squad while she recovers from an ankle injury.
Ward is keen for no one to get ahead of themselves just yet and claims that the team has “got to keep working hard… winning one game – you’re not out of the woods, you’re really not and I think that it’s really important that we understand that we have to continue to win football matches and the next two are vitally important that we go and take maximum points from.”
The importance of this upcoming week for the claret and blue team appears vital if they are to succeed in the goals they have set out to achieve this season with the Villa boss stating that the team are going into “a three-game week with West Ham, Blackburn and Everton, three games that we (Aston Villa) want to try and get points, in an ideal world we’ll go and get maximum points.”
Overall though the Villa manager is positive. After picking her players up over the last couple of weeks it’s looking hopeful that the side can rebuild their confidence and momentum…
“People always talk about tactics and technical (aspects of the game) and all the rest of it. Confidence and momentum in football is huge and there’s not enough spoken about it… it’s massive… when confidence is low that plays a massive part. The mental side of the game is huge and it’s not something that is looked at enough but certainly, it’s something that we try to look at. We try to pick the players up and I think we did that after Chelsea and obviously two wins, two clean sheets, it’s set us up ready to go into these next three games.”
On West Ham’s manager Skinner, Ward recognises that “It was tough for her (coming in late at the start of the season) because she didn’t have much left of the transfer window but what you have seen is a typical Rehanne Skinner side. I think she’ll be disappointed in the last two games, but you’ve seen heart, you’ve seen desire, you’ve seen an attitude… this is not a good time to face a Rehanne Skinner team that’s just been beat.”
With this, she concludes -“I think that what you might see this weekend is two teams desperate to get a win.”
Brighton and Hove Albion
By Ava-Marianne Elliott
Above: Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Mel Phillips. Photo: Sky Sports.
Ahead of the Seagulls’ clash with Jonas Eidevall’s second-placedArsenal this weekend, manager Mel Phillips and striker Elisabeth Terland discussed how they plan to catch the Gunners out on Sunday at the Broadfield Stadium.
Despite the fact Brighton are yet to beat Arsenal, Phillips noted how Brighton had never won against Manchester City prior to this season either, yet they achieved that in a triumphant win last weekend – a testament to the determination of her side.
Even with the positives to take away from their performance after they “limited City’s chances in the second half,” and the ability they had on the ball, the Brighton boss added that “despite coming home with the three points, the team are still being critical.”
A further thing Phillips noted on was how across the season “performances are getting better” and “sustaining the momentum” that they have been building up will be key to another success this Sunday. She recognised how Arsenal will be a tough team to crack, especially due to how their opposition has “a lot of depth coming off the bench.” In relation to this, she also stated that her team are working around that factor to keep up the competitiveness and intensity despite the difficulties the fixture may bring.
She also believes heavily that both their adaptability on the pitch and through the available substitutions will prove to be useful, as they have been “recognising game changes quicker and responding and implementing change quicker.”
The start of Brighton’s campaign for this season has followed a schedule that has seen them face tough opponents in quick succession. She believes her side have been “fearless”, but mindset and confidence have been key to see them through this first run of games. Phillips also expressed how the WSL season is a “long stretch”, so pushing her team through is a priority. “The hunger that we have will really propel us.”
When the questions turned to striker Elisabeth Terland, the forward had quite a lot of modesty regarding her own impressive performances this season. So far, she has scored five goals across six fixtures, and with her current form there are early discussions about her potentially being in the run for golden boot.
“My focus is on the game coming up on Sunday and how I can help them win the game.”
When asked about what had changed for her from last season, Terland said that not a lot had changed within her mindset, and how she performs on the pitch is bigger than her as an individual, everything is for the team.
As of now, for the adaptable Brighton team their focus remains pinpoint on what each week brings, and they will work towards carrying over their successes to upcoming fixtures.
Chelsea
by Myles Thornton
Above: Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes. Photo: Chelsea Women.
Emma Hayes revealed to the media today that the USWNT job was the only one that could lure her away from the West London club.
“I’ve spent 10 years of my life at Chelsea and it was probably the only job that would take me away from Chelsea.”
She also said “I’ve worked at this club for six grand a year and then 12 grand a year, money has never been a motivator in my career” when asked if money was what made her choose to move to the USA.
When asked about Saturday’s opposition, Hayes commented “Liverpool won’t come to Stamford Bridge intimated in the slightest and they are a fantastic team with a fantastic manager (Matt Beard) who has titles to his name…Liverpool are one of the most improved teams in the league along with the likes of Spurs and Brighton.”
Speaking about her squad’s injuries leading up to the game, Hayes confirmed that Melanie Leupolz and Guro Reiten will most likely miss the game through injury as well as Catarina Macario and Katerina Svitková who are long-term absentees.
When the Blues boss was asked about having three games in the last six days she didn’t see any major issue. “We are so used to doing it, the players like back-to-back games, and at the end of the day we’re not the ones who schedule a Wednesday night game arriving home at 4:30am to have a game on Saturday at 1:30pm.
According to liverpoolfc.com, Matt Beard will be unable to select Jasmine Matthews, club captain Niamh Fahey, and Yana Daniels.
Chelsea will be looking to continue their brilliant run of form in the league currently at five wins and a draw in six games and on the back of a 2-2 draw in Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Manchester United
By Liberty Simons
Above: Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner. Photo: The Guardian.
Marc Skinner talks of the importance of resilience and the footballing culture of Manchester, heading into the derby game at Old Trafford against Manchester City on Sunday.
Skinner highlighted the importance of sustaining momentum heading into the game, but also not reading into the run of fixtures Manchester City have been on.
He mentioned how the team are building in “cohesion” in attacking sequences, but it is not the end result, sighting some barriers such as the many different languages within the team as an obstacle. He then followed this up with immense praise for the club’s translators to bridge those gaps, a recurring theme for the manager since the summer saw so many international signings.
He also reflected on the back-to-back defeats by Sunday’s opponents, saying how “they could’ve won against Arsenal, and should’ve won against Brighton”, but that won’t affect the team’s mindset heading into the game.
Ahead of the Sunday’s Manchester Derby, Skinner spoke about the importance of sustaining momentum heading into the derby, but also not reading into the run of fixtures Manchester City have been on. He mentioned how the team are building in “cohesion” in attacking sequences, but it is not the end result, sighting some barriers such as the many different languages within the team as an obstacle.
He then followed this up with immense praise for the club’s translators to bridge those gaps, a recurring theme for the manager since the summer saw so many international signings. He also reflected on the back-to-back defeats by Sunday’s opponents, saying how “they could’ve won against Arsenal, and should’ve won against Brighton”, but that won’t affect the team’s mindset heading into the game.
He also touched on the occasion of the derby being played at Old Trafford, claiming he hopes in a few years, this fixture, and other United fixtures at the club stadium will be “sell-outs”, saying if the attendances fell in the coming seasons, it would be damaging and embarrassing.
He also spoke about how many of his team are United fans and will have their own memories of Old Trafford as fans of the men’s team but hopes the squad can make their own memories as a team, on the pitch. He also mentioned the footballing culture of Manchester and how it can grow the women’s game going forward.
He recounted how, as a person from Birmingham originally, that football is inherently apart of the city, and he sees it everywhere he goes. He also touched on how the London clubs’ have previously got the limelight in the women’s game, but Manchester is growing as a women’s footballing city and it is pushing the game further, just as much as London.
In terms of the injuries that have affected the squad ahead of the game. Captain Katie Zelem did not suffer a concussion against West Ham United but a “small cut”, and will be available for the fixture, whilst Evie Rabjohn has a “small ankle injury” and will miss out. Other longer-term injuries remain the same.
Skinner also spoke about a different aspect of the background staff at Manchester United, stating the support the club offers the players around mental health. He mentioned how some players need to go into games a bit angry, or completely calm, but the staff at United that deal with the players mental health, and performances are superb in making sure the players are where they need to be to perform their best.
He cited the need for a “good headspace” for the athletes, and the ordinary person to be their best, Skinner also mentioned that “these conversations” around mental health in athletes and the wider world need to continue and are the key to helping others, saying that the team can ‘design a culture’ to implement this going forward.
Finally, The Red Devils head coach also mentioned how he’s excited to see ‘who rises to the occasion’ of Sunday, saying that growing into the big environments and winning will be a ‘catalyst for the game.’ He mentioned how, for different reasons, the pressure is on both teams heading into the game, but his team will have to reach another new level in the derby to keep pushing in this league.
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Above: New Brisbane Roar head coach Alex Smith speaks to the media today. Image: Brisbane Roar.
Brisbane Roar
by Ben Gilby
Ahead of his first game in charge of the club, new Brisbane Roar boss Alex Smithhas outlines what he wants to see from his team against Western United at Ballymore Stadium on Sunday.
There will be a lot more intensity in what we do. There is going to be intensity in pressing, and when we have the ball, there will be quite a bit more discipline.”
It’s been a breakneck few days for Smith since he took over from Garrath McPherson as Roar boss, but he’s clear that change needs to start immediately, and he is working extremely hard to bring about an upward swing in the club’s consistent results and performances.
“I’ve spent the last two or three days trying to get my head around things,” Smith admitted, “it’s a tough one, you can come in and change things straight away, which is how I’m doing things, or gradually do it. I’m a new coach and I have my own ways of working…the old coach (Garrath McPherson) had his, and that was his decision. He put the squad together, so it’s about me coming in and trying to mould it to the way I want to play.”
To emphasise the work ethic he is determined to instill into his new charges, and the reality of the situation he has walked into, the Roar head coach said: “I’m pretty intense, I’m pretty serious. We try to be as professional as we can be in the circumstances. I played for a long time, so I understand where the players are coming from. From my point of view, everything will be done to a very high standard, both on and off the pitch.
“It’s a good squad (but) there’s a lot of work to do…a lot of hard work. The result last weekend (a 1-1 draw at Central Coast Mariners) wasn’t what it should have been regardless of who was in charge and the girls know that.”
Newcastle Jets
Above: Emily Van Egmond in action for Newcastle Jets during her last spell at the club during the 2021/22 season. Photo: Ashley Feder via Newcastle Jets.
Newcastle Jets today announce the signing of Matildas midfielder and local product Emily van Egmond on a four-game guest stint.
Van Egmond joins the Jets after recently finishing the season with San Diego Wave in the National Women’s Soccer League.
The midfielder has previously played for the Jets and has made a total of 59 appearances for the club after making her debut in 2008 and is an inaugural member of the Newcastle Jets team.
Speaking about Van Egmond’s return home, Jets captain Cass Davis said: “The team and I are beyond excited to have Emily here with us for the next few games. She has had an extensive career so far at the highest level, with a lot of players including myself, look up to her.
“We’re looking forward to playing with her and learning from her. I believe that we have a number of talented young players in this squad and by having someone of Emily’s stature involved in the team it will only benefit their development this season.”
Van Egmond is available to play in this Sunday’s A-League Women encounter against Melbourne City at Number Two Sportsground.
Wellington Phoenix
by Ryan Miller-Woods
Above: Marisa van der Meer revealed her thoughts on the Nix’s successful start to the season when she spoke to the media today. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
Marisa van der Meer and Hope Breslin outlined some of the keys to the club’s successes this season when they spoke to the media today ahead of their match against Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.
Wellington has been a team reborn under Head Coach Paul Temple this season, with three wins in the first four matches putting the Phoenix third on the A-League Women’s ladder. Overall, they have been playing in a style that is getting the absolute most out of the players on the pitch, scoring eight goals and conceding just three.
Van der Meer noted the importance of the team’s “connections on the field,” and “how the style of playing has…catered to the players that we do have in the team.”
The Phoenix’s upcoming opponents Central Coast Mariners will be an intriguing encounter between the two sides, as they played each other a week out from the beginning of the season. The Phoenix prevailed on the day, winning 3-2 with goals from Emma Main, Manaia Elliot, and Chloe Knott.
Van der Meer outlined the importance of that encounter was ahead of this weekend’s clash. “It’s obviously helpful that we know a bit about them. It was a good game but teams change and we’ve just started to play a few games, so I think it’ll be interesting to see what changes but also how we’re playing, we’re just building and building and improving.”
Breslin also highlighted the confidence that pre-season clash between the two sides will bring to the Nix tomorrow. I think it gives us a little bit more confidence…(but) we still have to go in with a clear mind and that confidence, play how we know how to play and I think the success will come.”
The midfielder also expanded on how she feels she is fitting in after arriving at the club ahead of this season. “I think so far, so good. I definitely feel like I can be better and that will come with time but I think the team and the way that we’ve been playing really helps my own individual game and the players around me just make it a lot more easier.”
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Impetus’ Ben Gilby reports on Perth Glory’s media conference with captain Tash Rigby ahead of her 100th appearance for the club on Saturday, and head coach Alex Epakis on his skipper’s influence, the challenge of Melbourne Victory and the impact of his young locally produced stars (16/11/23).
Above: Tash Rigby speaking to the media today ahead of her 100th appearance for the club on Saturday against Melbourne Victory at Macedonia Park. Image: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory captain and club icon Tash Rigby spoke of her huge pride and most memorable moments ahead of her hundredth appearance for the A-League Women leaders this weekend.
“I’m so incredibly excited, grateful, and honoured to step out for the hundredth time for Glory,” Rigby said to the gathered media today.
Reflecting on her proudest moments in a purple shirt, the Western Australian identified “Definitely playing in the Grand Final in my first year (2016/17) and the second one in 2019. Just being a part of the club’s development as well…there have been so many amazing moments.”
Rigby does though have a memory of her debut in 2016/17 that still haunts her: “I remember coming on as a sub in the last 10 minutes and giving the ball away and them (the opposition) almost scoring, so that was a bit traumatic, but I managed to pull it around!”
Having already played in two Grand Finals for her home state club, the Glory captain is optimistic that another one could be on the horizon. “We’ve started so well. We have amazing momentum at the moment, and that’s credit to every player and staff member.”
Above: Tash Rigby breaks through for Perth Glory against Western Sydney Wanderers last season. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
This success is as a result of a lot of effort put in consistently over the last four years, with Rigby shining a light on the work done by head coach Alex Epakis that is now bearing fruit, “Alex has been looking to build something more sustainable over the past few years, and it’s looking really positive.”
Rigby has a real sense of pride in the outstanding performances being delivered consistently by the teenage local talent who have come into the squad this season.
“So impressed. It’s such a testament to the depth of our squad. Georgia Cassidy has been phenomenal. She has just been nominated as Young Player of the Year, which is a credit to her work. She’s phenomenal on the ball, so good technically, and she has just slotted in. Grace Johnston as well, another local girl has been awesome.”
The Glory skipper makes her milestone appearance against a Melbourne Victory side who remain one of the most consistently powerful outfits in the league. They a team that Rigby has huge respect for
“They have one of the better teams on paper in the league, some Matildas, real experience, and some great younger players as well. Jeff (Hopkins) is a phenomenal coach, so they will be a real test for us…they are definitely the benchmark.”
As many Perth Glory watchers this season feel, Rigby emphasised that the team is still to reach its full potential. “We know we haven’t played at our best yet. We’ve seen our best in training, and we know we want to build towards that performance.”
Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis at today’s media conference. Image: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis feels that the recognition coming Tash Rigby’s way ahead of her 100th appearance this Saturday is well overdue given the unbelievable “impactshe has had on the team.”
“There are not enough words to put into place how much she has done for the team. Her personal values and what she brings just really resonates with the group, and there’s a clear link between our team and what she is and her personality and I really love that.
“Coming as a country girl (Rigby grew up in Margaret River, WA) into a system later on, that’s not easy. I think that’s perfectly Tash though. She’s such a competitor and has a mentality where she is going to be the hardest worker and put everything into the team. Those attributes are not gained in youth development. That’s in grit. That’s why it fits Perth Glory, who we want to be as a team. She hasn’t had the chance to play in the international camp, but she is 100% Perth Glory.
“She’s the ultimate club person. 100 caps for one club – you don’t often see that. That speaks absolute volumes for her values, what she is as a person and I hope it’s well acknowledged what she does for this team.”
With Perth Glory going into the game with four wins from four and clear at the top of the A-League Women, they face one of the league’s most successful teams in recent years. Whilst Victory has had a mixed start to the campaign results-wise, for Epakis, they remain the benchmark against which to measure progress – but he sees no reason for concern.
“They have close to 300 Matildas caps sprinkled throughout the team. They’ve got the most experienced coach in the competition. They also train out of the Home for the Matildas. You look at that and think ‘That’s going to be a big test.’ But, I look at my team and my players are really up for this. We’re playing some really good football and some of the things we focus on as a playing group are coming to life in games, and this is another opportunity to ramp it up and go another level.
Above: Georgia Cassidy – a sensational start to the teenager’s A-League Women career. Photo: Manny Tamayo, supplied by: Perth Glory.
“Every opportunity to play against them is a good one because the players get to test themselves, and I get to test myself as a coach. We just want to keep doing what we do. There are a lot of things we’re doing that are at a good level, and some things we need to tweak. I’m certain that if we do that, the statement will come as a by-product. That will come whether it’s against Melbourne Victory or anyone else.”
The Perth boss reported a clean bill of health ahead of Saturday’s showdown, and gave an insight into just how tough it is for players to get a starting spot this season, given the strength in depth at the club.
“The internal competition is immense at the moment. There are players who played week in week out last season who right now are doing their absolute best to get into the squad this year. My focus is we look after everyone, we coach everyone to the best of our ability and the starting 11 takes care of itself.”
One of those players who has managed to play every week so far – her first-ever matches as a professional footballer – has been Georgia Cassidy. The local teenager has been a standout for Hyundai NTC in the NPLW WA for several seasons, and she has looked a seasoned A-League Women player.
“Georgia is quite a quiet character, but she’s come in with a steely focus this year, (and) taken the opportunity she has been given. Her first four appearances have been at a level that have probably exceeded her expectations. I have a lot of belief in what she is capable of and I think there is a lot more to go, and I’m really excited to see how she develops this season, she is a great talent.”
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Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the first week of action from the three French teams in the UEFA Women’s Champions League: Olympique Lyonnais won, whilst Paris FC and Paris Saint-Germain lost(16/11/23).
Above: Ellie Carpenter leading the celebrations after Olympique Lyonnais’ big win over Slavia Prague with her teammates. Photo: Damien LG – Olympique Lyonnais.
Slavia Prague 0-9 Olympique Lyonnais
With almost 70% of possession and huge domination across the park, this was almost a too-easy game for Lyon who were ahead 5-0 after only 24 minutes. Perle Morroni, who started the game on the left side of Lyon defence in place of Selma Bacha, showed that she was more than a mere substitute. She provided two decisive passes for goals, and was involved in several other opportunities.With six goals at halftime, Sonia Bompastor, Lyon’s coach, was able to make a few replacements to preserve Kadidiatou Diani and Eugénie Le Sommer at the beginning of second half and Ellie Carpenter, Sarah Däbritz, and Lindsey Horan on the hour.
Above: From left to right, Vanessa Gilles, Ada Hegerberg, Daniëlle Van De Donk, Lyon. They were responsible for four of Lyon’s nine goals. Photo: Damien LG – Olympique Lyonnais.
Daniëlle Van De Donk put in a great performance scoring once (14’), and delivering two assists (21’, 62’), earning her the player of the match award. Ada Hegerberg scored her 60th goal in UWCL increasing her record.
OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS (4-3-3): Endler, Morroni, Renard, Gilles, Carpenter, Däbritz, Horan, Van De Donk, Le Sommer, Hegerberg, Diani. Substitutes: Becho (46’), Majri (46’), Sombath (60’), Marozsan (60’), Selma Bacha (60’).
Scorers: Däbritz (3’), Van De Donk (14’), Gilles (17’, 80’), Le Sommer (21’), Diani (24’), Diani (45’), Hegerberg (60’ penalty), Majri (62’).
Referee: Eleni Antoniou (GRE).
Attendance: 2,728.
Paris FC 1-2 BK Häcken
Above: Gaetane Thiney steps up for Paris FC last night. Photo: Paris FC.
Paris FC started strongly and increased their overall possession as the game went on but without having clear opportunities and it was Häcken who opened the score through Rosa Kafaji before the half-hour through a counterattack.
Jennifer Falk, BK Häcken’s goalkeeper, cleared a great shot from Julie Dufour on 36 minutes to prevent Paris FC from getting even. She made another great save towards the end of the match. There were too many inaccuracies in the final pass from Paris FC’s players which stopped them from creating decent chances. Of note: Felicia Schröder, only 16 years old, came on for Häcken at halftime for her third UWCL match.
Teams: PARIS FC: 4-3-3: Nnadozie, Soyer, Greboval, Hocine, Bogaert, Korosec, Corboz D., Matéo, Dufour, Bourdieu, Thiney. Substitutes: Ribadeira (60’), Le Mouel (60’), Abdullina (66’), Fleury (81’).
Above: Tiny Hoekstra celebrates her goal that put Ajax ahead against PSG last night. Photo: Ajax Vrouwen.
Ajax picked up a superb victory in front of a big crowd at the Johan Cruijff Arena.
The first half was even, and the ball went back and forth without any real opportunities. However, in the 34th minute, Ajax opened the score on a quick counterattack with Tiny Hoekstra netting. The hosts came close to double their lead just three minutes later. In the 45th minute, Clare Hunt’s late tackle in the box conceded a penalty. Sherida Spitse took the kick and scored. In the second half, PSG tried to apply more pressing and obtained more opportunities but without success. There was a great save by Regina Van Eijk, Ajax’s goalkeeper, from a shot from Korbin Albert on 72 minutes. The Dutch side fielded a number of young players who started the game: Isabella Yohannes, Americanm, (16), Isa Kardinaal, (18), and Rosa Van Gool (19).
Teams: AJAX AMSTERSAM (4-3-3): Van Eijk, Weerden, De Sanders, Spitse, Kardinaal, Yohannes, Van Gool, Noordam, Tiny Hoekstra, Leuchter, Grant. Substitutes: Van De Velt (68’), Keijzer (68’), Sabajo (78’) Noordman (78’), Isabelle Hoekstra (85’).
Scorers: Hoekstra (34’), Spitse (45’+1 penalty).
PARIS ST.GERMAIN (4-3-3): Picaud – Karchaoui, Hunt, De Almeida, Le Guilly – Albert, Groenen, Geyoro – Chawinga, Katoto, Baltimore. Substitutes: Vangsgaard (55’), Fazer (68’), Folquet (68’), Bachmann (83’).
Referee: Tess Olofsson (SWE).
Attendance: 13,106.
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