Keane and Logarzo masterclass sinks City

Melbourne City 1–3 Western United 

By Ben Carey 25/1/24

Above: Khali Johnson celebrates with her Western United teammates after scoring the winning goal. Photo: Western United.

Western United have proven once again to be Melbourne City’s kryptonite, securing a commanding 3-1 win over the hosts on Thursday evening. Western took two wins from two last season, and their first match this season ended in a 2-2 draw. This most recent win sees Western leapfrog Perth Glory and Sydney FC to claim second spot on the table, ironically just behind City.

It was a rainy evening in Melbourne and the wet weather had a noticeable effect on the pitch at AAMI Park, resulting in a few more slips than usual and causing the ball to hold up more on the surface.

Western United came out of the gates dominating possession and looking to create chances in Melbourne City’s defensive half. City though, who are known for their possession-based style of play, soon wrestled control back and started creating chances of their own.

Around the 20-minute mark, there was a very nervy five minutes or so for City. There were a few sloppy passes that resulted in turning over possession cheaply in dangerous areas, and then an attempt from City goalkeeper, Lysianne Proulx, to play out from the back clipped the heels of a Western United attacker, narrowly avoiding deflecting back into City’s goals. A few minutes later, a shot from last season’s Golden Boot Winner, Hannah Keane, hit the post. Melbourne City appeared to be on thin ice.

Soon after, after a great steal in the midfield, Western United surged forward. A great ball from Japanese international, Keiwa Hieda, set up Matildas icon, Chloe Logarzo, to take a shot at the City goals. She made good contact with the ball, but Proulx was able to parry it away, but it bobbled up right into the path of Keane, who headed it home, breaking a five-match goal drought.

In typical Melbourne City fashion, they upped their intensity and put pressure on Western’s goals once more. Just three minutes after they conceded, City narrowly missed an equaliser after Brylee Henry took a shot on goals that deflected off Grace Maher and hit the crossbar. The resulting corner, however, was more fruitful for the home side. The corner was whipped in by Rhianna Pollicina, which then found three consecutive Melbourne City heads. The first was Taylor Otto, who flicked itjust beyond the far post where Kaitlyn Torpey redirected it back in front of goals for New Zealand’s World Cup hero, Hannah Wilkinson to finish. Melbourne City really used their heads to nab the equaliser.

Melbourne City came out strong in the second half, mounting a number of attack on Western United’s goals. The best attempt came at the 50-minute mark and was the result of some fantastic build up play from City. Torpey made a spirited run down the left flank and hit a beautifully weighted pass to Wilkinson in front of goal, who finished the goal perfectly. Much to the dismay of City fans, the goal was disallowed for offside against Wilkinson.

Western could not be silenced for long though. Three minutes after Wilkinson’s disallowed goal, a magnificent ball from Julia Sardo cut across a staggered Melbourne City defensive line and found the feet of Logarzo who tapped it past the keeper and found Keane, who scored again to give Western the lead back. 

City picked up their intensity once more, mounting waves after waves of attack on the Western goals, desperate to equalise again. There were a number of good chances, but the final product just wasn’t there.

Just before the 80th minute, a great ball from Keane found the run of the tireless and ever-present Logarzo, who left her shot a little too late but still forced a diving save from Proulx. Unfortunately for City, they were unable to clear the ball before freshly substituted Khali Johnson took a fabulous shot from a tight angle and snuck it past the keeper. This would prove to be the nail in the coffin for Melbourne City.

Melbourne City will be disappointed with the loss, which prevented them from going 10 points clear at the top of the table. It’s probably worth noting that City were missing two keyplayers in Emina Ekić and Julia Grosso, who both usually carry a huge workload up front and in the midfield respectively. City’s standout player was Torpey, who bagged an assist and created a number of other huge chances. Besides her, City worked well as a team but they just weren’t clinical enough, and the lack of Ekić and Grosso really showed.

Western United on the other hand played great attacking football and were a lot more clinical. Western put in a high-quality team performance. Maher was solid in the backline. The entire midfield put in a very good shift. But the stars of the show were Logarzo and Keane. They have proven to be an absolute nightmare for Melbourne City. Including this match, Logarzo and Keane now have nine goal involvements between them against City (Keane with four goals and two assists; Logarzo with two goals and one assist). No doubt their faces will be haunting the dreams of the City defenders for some time to come.

Western United will host the Central Coast Mariners next Saturday, while Melbourne City will take on Canberra United away from home the day after on Sunday.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (5–3-2): Proulx, Torpey, Chinnama, Stott, Otto, Roestbakken, Galic, Hughes, Pollicina, Henry, Wilkinson. Substitutes: Barbieri, T. McKenna, Varley, Davidson, Karic.

Scorers: Wilkinson 32’.

WESTERN UNITED (4–3-3): Beall, Maher, Dakic, Cerne, Sardo, A. Taranto, Sawicki, Logarzo, Hieda, Keane, M. Taranto.Substitutes: Dall’Oste, Papadopoulos, Robers, Prakash, Johnson.

Scorers: Keane 28’, 53’, Johnson 79’.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau

Attendance: TBD.

Melbourne City ready for tough test against Western United

By Genevieve Henry (24/01/24).

Above: Dario Vidosic speaking to the press about his team’s approach to their clash with Western United. Image: Melbourne City.

Dario Vidosic’s Melbourne City will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the A-League Women’s table against Western United this Friday. 

Reflecting on the testy 2-1 victory over Wellington Phoenix which saw one of City’s most in-form stars receive a red, Vidosic shared the difficulty of the game which required a tactical shift at half-time to secure the win, saying “we got the reward in the end.” On Emina Ekic’s dismissal from the match and how it will affect tactics for the upcoming match, Vidosic shared, “it’s hard to replace her, but we’ve got good squad depth. It was disappointing to lose her, I thought it was a very harsh second yellow card.” Although this loss of star power will certainly dim the match, Vidosic articulated this being the exact reason squad depth is important. “We’ve got great squad depth and we’re confident in everyone, so whoever we put forward tomorrow, I’m sure they’ll have a great game and fill the void of Emina.”

“There could be a couple things that are thrown our way,” Vidosic said of their upcoming opponents. Although City sit 9 points in front of Western United, it will certainly be a tough trial for them, as they have yet to beat them since Western’s creation. “Even though we’ve not got the result against them in the past three encounters, we’ve played very, very well in those three encounters and probably could’ve won all three.” He continued on saying, “And probably should’ve won all three.” Vidosic plans to have his team play more of the same, as they have been very successful thus far. Being clinical in both boxes will be the focus for City as they face this strong side. Vidosic praised Western United, expressing his admiration for many aspects of their play, but especially their defence, emphasing the need to put away chances when they are created.

As the side will return to AAMI Park for a double header with the men, Vidosic touched on their mantra, saying that “anywhere, anyone, anytime” was one of City’s ingredients to success. “We don’t care what day, how long of a turnaround we’ve got, if we’re tired. Once we step across the line, the girls understand that there are no excuses.” 

As the longer season plays on, City will hope to not fall complacent, Vidosic saying, ”regardless what the gap is, the mentality is the same.” This match against Western could assure that they continue to pull in front of the pack, or it could signal a shift in the direction of the season. 

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Norfolk Weekend Wrap

Above: Kings Lynn Town (Blue) were beaten 9-0 at home by Real Bedford on Sunday. Credit – Stuart Cobb.

by Darrell Allen (23/01/24)

Eastern Region Premier Division

Kings Lynn Town were beaten 9-0 at home by Real Bedford. The visitors had a Hat-Trick from Neve Mayes plus braces from Gemma Croucher and Izzy Cooks with a goal each from Jasmine Ajayi and Amber Smith the other two in the 9-0 victory.

Eastern Region Division One North

Dussindale & Hellesdon lost top spot to Harpenden Town after a 2-1 loss at Harpenden. Victoria Leyer was on the scoresheet for Dussindale & Hellesdon within Chloe Dinsey and Sophia Amanor scoring for Harpenden.

Mulbarton Wanderers were 3-2 winners over Fakneham Town in a Norfolk Derby. Rebekah Lake scored a brace with Samantha Walker scoring the other goal for Mulbarton Belles. Chloe Gravett and Nicole Costin scored for Fakneham Town.

Above: Action from the match between Mulbarton Wanderers (Blue/Black) and Fakenham Town on Sunday. Credit – Ben Cunningham

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Caister went back to the top of the table with a hard-fought 2-1 win at University of East Anglia. Caister were dominant through the first 45 minutes and showed excellent game management in the second half to ensure they took the points and take Matthew Smith’s side back to the summit of Tier Seven. Bethany Turner scored both goals for the Lifeboat Women. Ella Burnley got the UEA goal.

Bungay Town also produced a 2-1 away win to keep their own unbeaten start to the season going. Goals from Lauren Goulder and Mia Rose saw them take the points at Aylsham. Jordan Arnoup scored for the hosts.

Sprowston continue to be a title contender with a 5-1 win at home to Kings Lynn Soccer Club. Rosie Milligan scored a brace with Bailey Duffield, Mollie O’Callaghan scored one each and the other was an Own goal. Taeya Mayes scored for Kings Lynn Soccer Club.

Costessey Sports were 6-0 winners at Thorpe St Andrew, Freya Tyack scored a Hat-Trick with Summer Copland, Abbigail Tate and Martyna Chwaszczewska scoring the other goals.

Long Stratton were 5-1 winners at North Walsham Town thanks to goals each from Elisha Bower, Elsie Downer, Caitlin Skipper, Grace Wall and Summer Whiting. Lucy Taylor scored for North Walsham Town.

Above: Lauren Goulder (pictured) scored for Bungay Town in their 2-1 win at Aylsham. Credit – Steve Wood

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Bure Valley continue to lead the way after a 3-1 win over South Walsham Lingwood. Emma Macmillan, Jasmin Snelling and Megan Swain scored for Bure Valley with Laura Atkinson scoring for South Walsham Lingwood from just inside their own half.

Beccles Town were 4-0 winners over Mundford in a big game between two title contenders at College Meadow. The teams played last weekend with Mundford winning 2-0 but roles were very much reversed this time around with Beccles running out 4-0 winners thanks to goals from Millie Reeve, Saffron Jones-Yates, Vicky Bloomfield and an Own Goal.

Stalham also continued their pursuit for the title with a 1-0 win at FC Viking Valkyries thanks to a goal from Emma Gillespie.

Shrublands sit best of the rest behind the four title contenders after a 2-1 win at Freethorpe. Amy Durdin and Chloe Bailey scored the goals with Viktorija Miglane scoring for Freethorpe.

Elsewhere, there was a thrilling game between Great Yarmouth Town and Red Rose. An early own goal instigated by some forceful play by Chelsea Godden gave Red Rose an early lead before Great Yarmouth equalised to make the score 1-1 at Half Time. Great Yarmouth then took the lead in the second half but Red Rose dominated the remainder of the fixture and two goals from Claire Weekes saw them claim a deserved victory in a pulsating Step 8 encounter. The Great Yarmouth goals on the day were scored by Courteney Beare and Lucie Morley.

Horsford Harries were 2-0 winners at home to Waveney thanks to a goal each from Ruby Dowe and Isla Toop. It was also a 2-0 win for Horsford Hurricanes as they won 2-0 at Martham thanks to a goal from Gabrielle Harris and another from Deanne Betsford.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One

Dussindale & Hellesdon were 2-0 winners over Horsford thanks to goals from Helen Finn and Amy Young.

Rockland United were 7-0 winners over Loddon United thanks to a Hat-Trick from Rebecca Humphreys and a brace each from Daisy Eke and Leanne Warnes.

Taverham were 1-0 winners over Left Field, Kiera Braithwaite scoring the only goal of the game.

Mulbarton Wanderers were 8-0 winners over Waveney thanks to four goals from Alice Ladbrooke, a brace for Joanne Hooper and other goals from Cara Anderson and Julia Robathan.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two

Madra were 2-0 winners at University of East Anglia thanks to goals from Emma Bumphrey and Jessica Bradley.

FC Viking Valkyries were 4-1 winners at Aylsham. Kayleigh Ellwood and Laura-Jane Tooke both grabbed a brace with Emma Wayte scoring for Aylsham.

Above: Action from the match between Bure Valley (Red/Blue) and South Walsham Lingwood. Credit – Shay Porter

Daniela Galic: the rising star born into football

By Kieran Yap 24/1/24

Above: Daniela Galic and Caitlin Karic celebrate a goal for Melbourne City Photo: Melbourne City

Melbourne City attacker Daniela Galic spoke to Impetus71 about growing up in football, Young Matildas hopes and the quality at City.

Round 11 bore witness to one of the best individual displays the A-League Women has seen this season. In just one half of football Melbourne City’s Daniela Galic had scored three times, and set up one to give her side a 4-0 lead. But the numbers, remarkable as they are do not do her justice. Instead of a sideline reporter, media outlets should have sent a poet.

For her first goal, she cut past Ella Tokin to curl the ball home with force, her second was a tap in after a determined run from deep, and her third was a side footed finish after getting one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Between her brace and her hatrick she found time to deliver a perfect left footed cross for Kaitlyn Toprey to finish.

That day was one of her most complete games, but for those who have watched Galic since she joined the A-League Women last season, it felt inevitable. She made an impact in a new-look Melbourne City team last season, scoring twice from a central midfield role including a terrific volley, but it was her ability to perform consistently that stood out to most observers.

Daniela Galic is fast, balanced, has a deadly change of direction, impressive vision and the ability to use either foot to equal effect.

She has football instincts beyond her years, and can create opportunities out of seemingly nothing. A recent goal for The Young Matildas in China saw her intercept the opposition pass, slalom between two defenders and slot past the goalkeeper in a move that was simultaneously lighting quick but also completely unhurried.

If it sometimes feels like Galic was born to play the game, that is not far from the truth.
She has been in football as long as she can remember. Both of her parents played for the Lidcomb Waratahs in Sydney, and Galic would spend weekends watching her father and mother play before joining the club herself were she stayed until the age of seven.

“Growing up I was a big fan of Messi,” Galic told Impetus Football about how her eye catching style developed,

“But also my mum and dad played so I was watching my dad on a Saturday and my mum on a Sunday. Spending most of my weekends in the park, I probably learned most of my tricks from there.

“Playing soccer in the park with my family, that’s probably where I learned creativity and skills.”

She appears to combine the talents of both parents, at least positionally. Now 17 years old, Galic roams the midfield for the Young Matildas while for Melbourne City she is often found in the attacking third.

“They’re pretty equal,” she says of her parents abilities.

“My dad was a striker, my mum was a midfielder, they had very different games.”

“I used to go to the A-league when I was younger. I was a Western Sydney supporter, so I used to watch them (too), but a lot of my memories are just from watching my parents.”

Although it is her goals that make headlines, Galic first came to wide attention in the centre of the pitch. When The Young Matildas played Costa Rica in the 2022 Under 20 World Cup, Galic used her array of skills and tricks to torment the home side in front of over 30,000 fans and win player of the match.

At just 16, she was one of the youngest players in the tournament, but looked ready for the occasion despite the fact that Australia’s inclusion was a surprise in itself.

“I remember when Leah (Blayney) first told us all, I had no clue if I was going to go or not. I was at school when she told us all, it was pretty exciting, obviously I had that goal to be there.

“Finding out I was going I was very happy. It was a proud moment for me and my family.

“Just being there in Costa Rica was just a great experience. It was so professional, what you see on TV, what you see in World Cups… to be there amongst it was really special.”

Despite being subjected to a parochial crowd of Costa Ricans, and conceding a first half goal, the Young Matildas rallied to win 3-1 with a varied but relentless attacking display.

“They were pretty loud,” she says of the crowd.  

“But they were speaking Spanish so we didn’t really know what they were saying, which helped.

“I really enjoyed it. It was the first time playing in that sort of crowd and I haven’t played in anything like that since so it was definitely unforgettable.

“We didn’t let it phase us, we still won.

“I think the whole experience at the World Cup, showed that there was more than just Australian football (to learn.)  There was more than what we see and play and how differently we have to play against some teams. Obviously it was a lot faster, and I think that has helped me (back here.)”

Young players often take some time to adjust to the speed of the professional game. But following her World Cup adventure, Galic looked immediately at home in the A-League Women. She made 17 appearances for Melbourne City in her debut season and the club finished third on the table.

Her coach has helped with that. Like Galic, City manager Dario Vidosic was an attacking midfielder in his playing days, and she says that has been influential in improving her game.

“I think he definitively has helped, spending time with me, watching clips back, what he says in training, not just to me but the whole team. We know what experience he has.”

City currently sit on top of the table, seven points clear of second place and are started to score more freely. Emina Ekic’s arrival has added more firepower to an already enviable attack, and the multiple threats have allowed everybody to flourish in recent weeks.

“We have a real quality team this year. We all work well together and there’s not really one main person, we all bring our own qualities to make a really good squad.”

Galic describes a confidence among the attack, they are not perturbed by missing chances as long as they are attempting them they have confidence that it will be reflected on the scoreboard, “If they don’t go in we keep taking them, if they do it’s a goal,” she says as a matter of fact.

Galic’s form and versatility has naturally resulted in talk of a senior Matildas call up, but the City playmaker is only focussed on the present. There is little doubt that she has the talent but she is in no rush.

“I don’t read into it,” she says of the external hype.

“If I did make it into the squad I’ll be very happy, but I don’t pay it much notice anyway. It (Matildas talk) doesn’t really bother me.”

She has one of the brightest futures in Australian football, but Galic has more immediate concerns, Melbourne City are looking to win some silverware this year, and The Young Matildas have an Asian Cup fast approaching in March.

“We’ve been preparing since last year,” she says of Australia’s Under 20 team.

“We have a really good quad …I’m just excited to experience my first Asian cup and hopefully we can go far into the tournament and win it.”

A strong performance in Uzbekistan could see Galic at her second Under 20 World Cup, a feat that is both remarkable and unsurprising.

But that is further down the line. The immediate future is Melbourne City’s game against Western United, a team that City have not yet beaten, but with Daniela Galic currently on fire, that could be about to change.

Melbourne City play Western United on Thursday at 5pm AEST.

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A-League Women Weekly Awards

Members of the Impetus team of contributors covering the competition unveil their choices of player, coach, and event of the week. We’ll keep a tally of all the votes and just before Finals, reveal which player and coach have received the most votes across the season to be named the Impetus A-League Women Player and Coach of the Season 23/1/24

Player of the week

Ben Carey

Morgan Aquino. Her perfomance against Brisbane Roar was phenomenal, and showed yet again why she’s the best keeper in the league right now. Aquino kept a clean sheet, made eight saves, and even saved a penalty. Amazing effort.

Kieran Yap

Alexia Apostolakis. The Western Sydney youngster is developing into one of the most complete players in the league. She is part of the Wanderers first line of defence and is creating scoring chances regularly.

Against Central Coast, her pass for Holly Caspers to score was excellent. She was a huge difference in this game.

Coach of the week

Ben Carey

Ante Juric. His side, Sydney FC, were down 1-0 against an inspired Newcastle Jets. His half time talk must have breathed new life into his team. And his choice to bring on Zara Kruger was an excellent one, because she scored the winning goal in stoppage time.

Kieran Yap

Jeff Hopkins. Victory needed a win, when you play Canberra you know they’re probably going to score or at least get chances , so Hopkins trusted his attackers to get the job done. It happened late and in spectacular fashion but his faith was rewarded.

Moment of the week

Ben Carey

Emily Gielnik’s late winner against Canberra United. She beat her defender and then got out the paintbrush. Her strike was high and curled in at the last moment into the inside side netting. A great effort from the substitute and hopefully and indication of a return to pre injury form.

Kieran Yap

Keiwa Hieda’s winning goal. The instant control, the shimmy, the change of direction and then the composure to find the winner for Western United. Brilliant stuff.

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Arsenal take away three points against an improving Everton 

Arsenal 2-1 Everton

By Aimee Logan 22/1/24

Picture: Arsenal celebrate after Beth Mead secures the victory Credits: Arsenal.com

The cold weather at Borehamwood didn’t stop the Gunners today as they led Everton to a 2-1 victory in front of a loud home crowd. Despite the risk of the game not going ahead, Arsenal’s dedicated fans showed up in full force to welcome the WSL back after the Christmas break. 

The home advantage seemed to be working for The Gunners as Beth Mead rattled the crossbar in the fifth minute of play. This wasn’t Arsenal’s only chance withing 10 minutes as shots came from Alessia Russo, Katie McCabe, Victoria Pelova and Vivianne Miedema but they all just couldn’t find the back of the net. 

Caitlin Foord was caught offside as Arsenal continue to dominate the visitors in attack, but seconds later, Foord opened the score sheet for the Gunners in the 9th minute of play. The Matilda’s forward has been breaking through the Everton defensive line since kick off, making Arsenal’s early lead inevitable.

Despite consistently dominating on attack, Everton spotted an opening in The Gunners’ midfield. A shot from outside of the box from Snoeijs caught Arsenal keeper, Manuela Zinsberger, off guard, and the ball drifted into the back of the net making the sides level. A lack of communication along the back line took away the opportunity for Arsenal to take a clean sheet away from the fixture: an arguably recurring theme for The Gunners.

Picture: Katja Snoeijs (25) celebrates with Karoline Olesen (left) after their attacking move brought their team level Credits: Everton Women twitter 

The away side were given little chances to add to this attack in the first half as Arsenal continuously pressured the Everton defence. 

There were elements of Everton’s squad that showed the level that the side has reached in recent years. Heather Payne strode past Foord on the wing to open a wave of attack for her team, but no one was there to get past Lotte Wubben-Moy who has superbly been holding the defensive line for Arsenal. 

Wubben-Moy was voted, by fans, as Arsenal’s player-of-the-month for December, and this is definitely testament to the number of minutes she’s had on the pitch performing each week for her club. This fixture was no different: in partnership with Amanda Ilestedt and new signing Emily Fox the defensive line, they remained structured throughout the match. 

The first half was closed with a strike from Beth Mead that gave the home side a goal advantage going into the break. 

When the second 45 minutes kicked off, the advantage remained in the hands of the home side as they continued to test Brian Sorensen’s team. Brosnan was called upon by her teammates, multiple times, to make impressive saves to keep her team only trailing by one goal.

The match, as a whole, was very physical as players from both sides found themselves stuck in powerful tackles and blocks from the opposition. This gave opportunities for players from either side to perform in the midfield.

A player that stood out to me from Everton was Clare Wheeler. In her partnership with Payne in the midfield, she consistently promoted an attack for her team as she tested the opposition. Her through balls to players in Everton’s front line, although they didn’t result in a goal, it created more opportunities for the visitors to dominate. I think her impact in the midfield meant that Everton could be on the ball more in the second half.

Again, for the home side, another Australian player that impressed was Caitlin Foord. She opened her team’s account in the fixture but had plenty opportunity to increase her tally even more. Even though she didn’t score anymore goals today, her movement on and off the ball should shut down the criticism she has received in recent weeks. 

The Arsenal Women Supporters Club named Switzerland captain Lia Walti as their player of the match for the second week in a row, something that is hard to argue with. Walti’s ball handling in the midfield consistently improved Arsenal’s opportunities to score more goals. Her finest work of the game was her perfect pass to Mead on the back post to secure her team the victory. 

The game finished in a 2-1 victory for the home side, but Everton’s determination and physicality showed how the WSL has reached new levels in recent years. 

In conversation with Brian Sorensen post-match, I asked him what he thought his team needed to do to go level with the opposition, he replied, ‘’It’s hard because we’d been running for the first hour, then we have to find the energy to put into the game.’’ He ultimately believed that his team ‘’did everything [they] could’’ but Arsenal was just too tough of an opponent to take a point away from the game. 

Emily Fox is Jonas Eidevell’s recent addition to his strong team, but despite being new to the set-up, she has played a full 90 minutes in both fixtures so far under her new manager. Eidevell was asked about how he felt Fox was progressing at Arsenal: ‘’I’m really pleased with her onboarding process and that’s credit to a lot of people from operations to players to squad to staff that have helped her integrate.’’ 

He also praised how well his new signing has settled into the WSL: ‘’I don’t think she looks like a player that played her first WSL game.’’ This just shows how much impact his new signing is having on the pitch significantly as she’s now played two full games for Eidevell. 

Fox herself expressed how much she loved being in North London: ‘’I’ve been amazed with how seamless it’s being here. The girls and the staff and all of the fans have been so welcoming. It feels like I’ve been here for a while.’’ She even recognised how the fans have already developed a chant for her, ‘’It’s been really special having a chant, we don’t have that in the US.’’ 

She also explained how she attended The Emirates to watch the Arsenal girls take the points against Chelsea but now she ‘’can’t wait’’ to be one of the players on the pitch in front of a 50,000+ crowd: ‘’When I was at the Chelsea game it was surreal being at The Emirates.’’

Arsenal’s next fixture is in the Continental Cup when they take on Reading. Jonas Eidevell has spoken that there is possibility of this weekends fixture being the last without centre back and Lionesses captain Leah Williamson. Everton are also on the road for the Continental Cup as they take on fellow WSL side Leicester City.

LINEUPS:

ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Zinsberger, Fox, Illestedt, Wubben-Moy, McCabe (Catley 83’), Pelova, Walti, Mead (Lacasse 90+6’), Miedema (Maanum 71’), Foord, Russo (Blackstenius 83’)

Subs: Beattie, D’Angelo, Codina, Cooney-Cross, Williams 

Scorers: Foord (9’), Mead (45+3’)

EVERTON (3-4-3): Brosnan, Stenevik, Finnigan, Holmgaard, Payne (Madsen 61’), Wheeler, Galli (Duggan 76’), Bissel(Campbell 61’), Bennison, Snoeijs (Piemonte 76’), Olesen(Hope 60’)

Subs: Hart, Wilding 

Scorers: Snoeijs (24’)

Referee: Melissa Burgin

Attendance: 3,713

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Wanderers move to fourth with win over Mariners

Central Coast Mariners 1-2 Western Sydney Wanderers

By Kieran Yap 22/1/24

Above: Wanderers players celebrate the Mariners own goal that saw them win the game. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers

The Western Sydney Wanderers are up to fourth on the ladder after Holly Caspers and Maliah Morris secured a 2-1 win away against The Mariners.

Central Coast took to the field for the second time this week, and hosted Western Sydney with hopes of repeating their win against Sydney FC on Wednesday. The drama of that epic contest was largely absent, although this one was tense and not without controversy.

The Mariners welcomes back Casey Dumont to the field after being withdrawn midway through Wednesday’s game. Chloe Louise Carmichael came in as the substitute keeper meaning that Ash Irwin was allowed to return to her preferred position of centre back. The Wanderers named an unchanged lineup.

Western Sydney found themselves in the unfamiliar position of having most of the early possession. Their best chances still came from counter attacks with Cushla Rue and Morris enjoying plenty of space with Sophie Harding being tightly marked but remaining busy. However, it was the home side that fashioned the best chances in the first half hour with Wurigumula firing wide from the edge of the box and Jazmin Wardlow’s close range header coming close.

Morris was the Wanderers most dangerous attacking outlet and was millimeters away from scoring when her shot clipped the crossbar after she burst into the penalty area. The game was quickly becoming and end-to end affair.

Holly Caspers opened the scoring in the 43rd minute after ghosting behind the defence and finishing off a brilliant Alexia Apostolakis through ball. There was a strong hint of offside about it, but the finish was enough to beat Dumont and the pass-through traffic was perfectly placed by Apostolakis.

The Mariners are no strangers to adversity this week and were not about to let their heads drop from a contentious goal. They hit back immediately after half time through Isabel Gomez’s thunderous strike. The midfielder found the bottom corner after a corner was cleared by Kaylee Collins but fell to an unmarked Gomez. There was still plenty for her to do and she struck the half volley through the crowded penalty area to level the scores.

Ash Irwin ignited the home crowd with a long range effort that hit the woodwork. The defender-turned goalkeeper has now shown off her full array of skills this wee after intercepting the ball at halfway, taking a few strides forward and then unleashing an attempt that had Collins beaten but not the crossbar.

The eventual winner came through another sweeping move by Western Sydney, Morris received the ball wide on the right and tried to send it back across goal. The cross took a light but vital deflection off Wardlow to put it past Dumont and make it 2-1. Despite The Mariners best and repeated efforts they could not find the equalizer. Wurigumula spurned their clearest chance after Peta Trimis cut the ball back to her with only Collins to beat.

The loss must be a hard one for Central Coast to swallow. Playing twice in a week is not easy, and after the adrenaline of Wednesday night’s classic they put in another strong performance against The Wanderers. However, vital things did not fall their way on this occasion and fortune was not on their side. Nevertheless, they created a flurry of chances and kept a settled and defensively confident Wanderers side on high alert for much of the evening. If they play like this every week they will win more than they lose.

Western Sydney are up to fourth and have a game in hand. We are just over half way through the season so there is plenty of football left, but Robbie Hooker’s team is playing with an air of confidence that makes them look organized and feel dangerous.

They were able to fashion a win without a Sophie Harding goal, though the star forward was vital in opening up space for her teammates and holding possession to help switch play. Holly Caspers now has two goals in as many games and Apostolakis continues her impressive form in midfield.

They host Brisbane Roar next week in what will be an intriguing battle between two sides that play a similar styler. Central Coast will make the short trip to face Newcastle Jets in an important showdown between seventh and eighth.

Teams:

Central Coast Mariners 4-3-2-1: Dumont (GK, Bryson, Irwin, Karambasis, Wardlow, Hayward, Gomez, Galic, Trimis, Badawiya, Wurigumula. Substitutes: Martin, Rasmussen, Karrys-Stahl, Evans, Carmichael.

Scorers: Gomez 48’

Western Sydney Wanderers 3-4-1-2:  Collins (GK), McComansky, Harrison, Bruce, Rue, Apostolakis, Price, Matos, Caspers, Morris, Harding. Substitutes: Ferris, Caceras, Breier, Younis, Segavcic.

Scorers: Caspers 43’ Wardlow (og) 54’

Referee: Rebecca Durcau

Attendance: TBC

Millwall Lionesses overcome National League opposition after penalties

Millwall Lionesses 1-1 Queens Park Rangers

Millwall win 5-4 on penalties

By Myles Thornton at St Paul’s Sports Ground. 21/1/24 

Above: Wiktoria Gmiterek – Tom West Photography 

Ella Bailey scored the deciding penalty in a penalty shootout as Millwall Lionesses overcame Women’s National League Division One South East side QPR to progress into the next round of the Women’s Capital Senior Cup.  

Joint managers Alex Russell and Adam Rowland made two changes to the side that lost the previous week, Ella Bailey and club captain Jordan Butler made way for academy graduate Melissa Jones and Grace Seely who both started this one.  

It was a much better start to the game than last week at home to Ebbsfleet United where the Lionesses found themselves behind after just 10minutes. This time around, Millwall were nearly ahead after 10 minutes, Shannan Drewe made a blinding run down the right hand side before putting the ball across the face of goal for the lightning fast Ellen Napper but she just couldn’t get her foot onto the end of the great ball.  

Then on 17 minutes, QPR’s Ellie Searle had a fantastic opportunity to break the deadlock but her effort wentjust adrift.  

Shannan Drewe then nearly scored a magnificent free kick, but QPR stopper Nicole Melling tipped it just over the bar.  

The deadlock was then finally broken when Maizi Garwood got her fourth goal in 3 games. Ellen Napper worked very well down the right side, she put a good ball in the box and Clemmie Young’s effort hit off the crossbar and Maizi Garwood was there on the follow up to smash it home.  

Nine minutes into the second half,QPR got a helping hand back into the game when the referee gave a contentious penalty from Melissa Jones’ challenge on Ellie Searle, who then converted from the spot. 

The rest of the game was quite even, however Millwall deserved to win, but after 90 minutes, the score was level, and it was off to penalties.  

The kicks were taken in front of the Joe Hughes end. It was locked at 4-4with both teams still to take their fifth penalty, Frankie Websters penalty was saved by U18’s goalkeeper Wiktoria Gmiterek, before Millwall’s Ella Bailey converted the winner.  

After the game, joint manager Alex Russell spoke to Maritime Radio’s Jeff Burnige and said the result was “very pleasing” and he also was full of praise for the 3 youngsters (Gmiterek, Young, and Bethelmie) who were involved in today’s game. Maya Bethelmie was the youngest of the bunch at just 16 years old.  

Teams: 

Millwall: Gmiterek, Huseyin, Payne, Jones, Chapman, Seely (C), Napper, Young, Garwood, Drewe, Burr. Subs: Butler, Bailey, Giordani, Bennett, Bethelmie.  

Scorer: Garwood 32’ 

QPR: Melling, Curr, McCrea, Carolan, Blodgett, Lewin, Shepherd, Hennessy, Stanley, Ward-Chambers, Searle. Subs: Nygaard-Parsons, Hill, Webster, Francis-Pownell.  

Scorer: Searle 54’ 

Referee: Alfie Howden 

Attendance: 55 

Hieda hits the winner for Western

Western United 1-0 Adelaide 

By Jonathon Hagger 21/1/24

Above: Jaclyn Sawicki (left) and Stacey Papadopoulos (right) combine to stop Adelaides Dylan Holmes.Photo: Western United.

The Western United teams first true ‘home game’ against Adelaide United was played on a warm Sunday afternoon in front of vocal home support at City Vista Recreation Reserve. A lovely 19 degrees and a beautiful prepared pitch, provided the perfect setting for a competitive football match. 

The match started without much to note as being of great interest. Each team struggled to gain ascendancy over the other. Adelaide’s defensive structure held out repeated efforts by Western to create scoring opportunities. While at the other end of the pitch, Adelaide were unable to break through the strong lines of Westerns defenders thereby creating a stalemate. . 

It was off the back of some beautiful midfield passing in the 25th minute that Westerns forward, Hieda, found herself in a position to shoot for goal. While Adelaide defenders were doing their best to close down the attack, ultimately it was the goalpost that saved the day as the ball ricocheted away from the goal before being safely dispatched out of play. 

In an immediate counter offensive play, Adelaide player Mariah Lee found herself again in space in the right hand side. She coolly slotted a pass along the pitch into where an Adelaide forward should have been but with no one to receive the ball Western we’re easily able to shut down the danger. 

In an absolutely brilliant moment of football magic, Dylan Holmes corner kick cleanly sailed into the Western goal. Mysteriously while Adelaide were celebrating the well deserved goal, it was waved off by the referee. The score line remained 0-0. 

The 41st minute was the first real opportunity for either team to score from open play as Hodgson, of Adelaide, pounced on a through ball that placed her in space behind Westerns defenders and one on one with Hilary Beal, Westerns goalkeeper. Hodgsons shot was gracefully padded away by Beall. 

Half time 0-0. 

The half time break gave both teams the opportunity to reset and reevaluate their tactics. The first five minutes of the second half were played with much more vigour than the entire first half. Both Adelaide and United had shots on target however both teams goalkeepers were up to the challenge. 

The first goal came in the 51st minute as Adelaide were unable to defend off a throw in which saw Hieda with the ball at her feet with a clear line of sight to the goal. Hieda easily directed the ball in the opposite direction that the Adelaide keeper was travelling. Western 1-0 Adelaide. 

Going behind by a goal was the wake up call that fired up the Adelaide players. The passing became cleaner, players started connecting with each other better and a desire to win set in. However having a desire to score and actually achit aren’t the same thing. Westerns sustained pressure on the Adelaide backfield stifled any momentum they were trying to generate. 

The 80th minute was lit up by a wonderful offensive surge by Adelaide with Hodgson delivering a cross to Dawber who ran the perfect line into open space in the Western goal area. Western were thanking their lucky stars as their star goalkeeper, Beall, managed to stop Dawber’s shot and managed to not to give away a penalty. 

The game concluded after five minutes of extra time with Western United securing a 1-0 win. Even though Adelaide dominated the game statistically, it was their inability to execute when in scoring positions that ultimately cost them the match. 

What we learned – 

  • Western United are not the dominant team that they were in 2023 however they are not to be underestimated. Sitting third on the A-League table they will likely be finals contenders, 
  • Depaige Adelaide having only a few wins so far this season meaning they’re sitting at the bottom of the table, they’re a team who can test all the best teams. 

Teams:
Western United: Beall (GK), Vlajnic, Maher, Cerne, Papadopoulos, Taranto, Roberts, Taranto, Hieda, Logarzo, Demis-Sawicki. Substitutes: Dakic, Dall’Oste, Keane, Prakash, Sardo.

Scorer: Hieda 52’

Adelaide United: Grove (GK), Tolland, Tonkin, Waldus, Hodgson, Holmes, Sasaki, Blake, Dawber, Lee, Hodgson. Substitutes: Wilson, Holtz, Jancevski, Morgan, Mullan.

Referee: Bec Mackie 

Attendance: TBC.

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Sydney FC’s youth hold off the Jets in Leichardt

Sydney FC 2-1 Newcastle Jets

By Callum Logie (21/01/24).

Above: Madeleine Caspers celebrates scoring against the Newcastle Jets. Photo: Sydney FC

A very hot Leichardt Oval in Sydney hosted Sydney FC’s clash with the Newcastle Jets without coach Gary Van Egmond.

Sydney FC came into the game off a very memorable 1-2 home defeat thanks to some last gasp heroics from the Central Coast Mariners. The Newcastle Jets on the other hand came in after a controversial 2-1 victory over the Brisbane Roar which made for an intriguing clash between the two teams.

Sydney FC made a few changes with Cortnee Vine making her first start of 2024 for Sydney FC. Shay Hollman and Madeleine Caspers also got starts in the midfield as the team looks to turn around their fortunes. Indiana Dos Santos also got the start on the wing with Princess Ibini moving to the centre forward role.

The Newcastle Jets also made a few changes with Melina Ayres getting the start up front. The more attacking formation for the Jets meant that they played with three at the back, as Josie Wilson joined Natasha Prior and Claudia Cicco as the back three. 

The match started with some solid possession for Sydney FC. They went for a ground passing approach in the early minutes which Newcastle held strong against, the most notable chance being a tame Vine effort across goal which was held comfortably by Isobel Nino. 

At the 10 minute mark, the first clear-cut chance came off the back of a Jets corner. It was however the subsequent breakaway as Charlotte McClean lobbed a clearance that Cortnee Vine ran onto. An early through ball released Mackenzie Hawkesby who rounded the keeper but this gave Libby Copus-Brown time to track back and clear the ball away as the last defender. 

Two minutes later, Hawkesby was caught offside after running slightly too early onto a Vine through ball. Hawkesby directed the ball past Isobel Nino but the flag denied Sydney FC the opening goal of the contest. 

These missed chances proved to be the undoing of Sydney FC as Sarina Bolden netted her seventh goal of the season with a well hit header off a beautifully weighted cross from Lauren Allan. A clinical breakaway from the Jets made it 1-0 to the visitors.

https://twitter.com/aleaguewomen/status/1748972096913650046/photo/1

In the following 15 minutes, a determined Vine was peppering Nino’s goal with a series of efforts including an attempted lob from the right wing and a cut inside that struck the outside of the post before deflecting out. 

After the second drinks break at 32 minutes, Mindy Barbieri forced a good save out of Jada Mathyssen Whyman as her long-range boot tested Whyman who dove low to her right to make the save. Besides the goal, this was Newcastle’s only impactful attack of the half. 

Hawkesby struck a well driven effort from outside the box which was held well by Isobel Nino at the 45 minute mark. This lead to another quick move forward for the Jets which Ayres curled over the bar from outside the box. 

Cortnee Vine hit the woodwork again at 47 minutes as a terrific weighted ball over sent her in on goal. Indiana Dos Santos sprinted in to strike the rebound which was bravely cleared away by a very impressive Claudia Cicco. 

Early in the second half, Sydney FC won a corner. Kate Hawkesby’s floated delivery to the far post led to a well-struck Tori Tumeth header which flew just off target. 

Indiana Dos Santos from the left wing managed to get an excellent cross to the far post which found Vine for her third effort striking the post. Vine’s tenacity did not waver though as she got back onto the rebound and lobbed the ball back across which 16 year-old Caspers nodded home from two yards. The 16 year-old was ecstatic for her first senior goal with the club as Sydney FC found their equaliser at 53 minutes.

Sydney’s change of approach in the second half was to integrate more wing play on both sides to prevent from Vine becoming isolated with multiple defenders. Vine and Hawkesby regularly made breaks forward and the midfield three for Sydney FC worked very hard to continue creating chances.

At the other end, Newcastle won two consecutive free kicks, the second of which was just outside the box. Mindy Barbieri struck the crossbar with her direct effort from the free kick which nearly put the Jets right back in front within 10 minutes of the equaliser. 

After 65 minutes in 35C plus temperatures, the heat was starting to have an impact on the players as passes forward weren’t ran onto as sharply as they had been earlier in the game and the level of pressing from each side was not quite as high as in the first half. 

At 82 minutes, Davis had a half chance for the Jets which went over the bar after a back heel from Bolden allowed Davis a clear look at goal from the edge of the box. Despite the heat, the game remained physical throughout the contest, both teams desperate to get the edge in possession.

The rest of the contest remained tight and tense but a ball chipped forward by Kirsty Fenton released 17 year-old substitute Zara Kruger, who was able to strike a terrific half volley past an oncoming Nino to seal a 96thminute winner. This marked the first time since round 6 that Sydney FC scored multiple goals in a match and two teenage midfielders were able to strike in a hugely important win for the Sky Blues.

Teams:

SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Tumeth, J.Thompson, McLean, Fenton, Hollman, Caspers, Hawkesby, Vine, Ibini, I. Dos Santos. Substitutes: Franco, Chauvet, Kruger, J. Dos Santos, Keane. 

Scorers: Caspers 53’, Kruger 96′.

NEWCASTLE JETS (3-1-4-2): Nino, Wilson, Prior, Cicco, Baumann, Davis, Copus-Brown, Allan, Barbieri, Bolden, Ayres. Substitutes: Rochaix, Hammond, Gooch, Karipidis, Hoban

Scorers: Bolden 16′.

Referee: Caitlin Williams

Attendance: TBC

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