The growth in women’s football – but is it as widespread as many think?

by Emily Wyatt (12/12/23).

Above: England lift the European Championship trophy – an achievement which accelerated a boost in interest in the women’s game. Photo: Lionesses.

Since the European Championships 2022 when the Lionesses brought football home, the UK has seen swift growth in the women’s game, and the incline of interest is becoming bigger each day. But is it like this for all aspects of the game in the country?

It is hard to ignore the attention that women’s football is attracting within the UK. The increase in record attendances, equal pay agreements, and broadcasting deals with household names is something that we have clearly seen grow in women’s sport over the last two years. It is clear the game is growing significantly.

The rate of growth of the women’s game in public consciousness began to notably increase during the UEFA Women’s Euros in 2022 which was held in England, making the games extremely accessible either live or televised for people all over the country. Whether you were a football fan or not it was impossible to ignore the impact the Lionesses were having on the nation, and this was pivotal for the increase in popularity.

From Old Trafford to Brighton, record-breaking crowds arrived at stadiums ready to see their national team compete in one of the most well-known tournaments internationally. The opening game which was held in Manchester, was played between England and Austria, with an outstanding 68,871 fans in attendance and 4.5 million watching from home. The largest crowd the women’s tournament has ever seen for an opening match.

As more games went by, more people were drawn in by the success of the Lionesses and the tournament altogether. Eventually, as England made their unbelievable entrance to Wembley, in front of 87,192 spectators for the final against Germany, it was clear that no matter the result the fans’ hearts had already been captured in the beauty of the women’s game.

Above: England celebrate during their opening Euros game against Austria in front of a huge crowd at Old Trafford. Photo: Lionesses.

This was a huge step forward compared to the four million UK viewers who watched the 2017 version of the tournament which was held in the Netherlands.

Despite the obvious growth within the women’s game, there are still negative and uneducated opinions with people assuming that women’s football is only increasing in views due to greater female audiences. However, it is evidently proven that the Euros 2022 spectator statistics stood at 59% male and 41% female.

In fact, the tournament was the fourth most-watched sports event by both men and women in the UK in the year 2022 and this led the 2022 Euros to be the most-watched women’s European football championship in history.

Ex-women’s professional footballer Karen Carney MBE states that “it is clear that the women’s game in this country can become a world-leading sport that not only generates immense economic and social value but sets the standards for women’s professional sport globally.” Therefore, having a wider impact all over the world, not only England.

One year on from the European Championships 2022, we saw the record-breaking World Cup take place in Australia and New Zealand. The sustainability of the women’s game was further proven in this tournament, with 12 million UK viewers tuning in to the final of the competition between Spain and England.

In addition, this year we have witnessed major attendances in the English league. This includes the 60,000 fans attending the Champions League semi-final between Arsenal Women and Wolfsburg at the Emirates Stadium in May 2023 and over 59,000 at the same venue for the Gunners’ WSL game with Chelsea just two days ago.

Above: Wymondham Town (red kit) in action before they were forced to disband just months after the Lionesses’ Euros success. Photo: Wymondham Town.

But has this growth and sustainability filtered its way into the pathway of all clubs within England? Whilst a number of teams in the WSL have seen an explosion in popularity, it is not this way for many other clubs within England, especially in the lower leagues, and progression still needs to be made for many teams.

Many of these issues have been occurring in the lower leagues within England and despite the success of the Lionesses in summer 2022 and the record-breaking attendances at WSL games, not all teams through the UK are getting the correct facilities, pay and reliability from their club owners which is putting many at risk of careers as well as injury.

Tier four in England is one that has suffered. Just a matter of months from the Lionesses’ Euros win, both Wymondham Town and Hounslow had to withdraw from the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East.

Wymondham were a side that had experienced great success in the regional and local tiers of the game, finally moving into tier four. However, the celebrations were cut short less than two months into their debut in tier four. The club announced that they would have to withdraw from the division after “losing multiple players over the season and a number of players out with long-term injuries.”

The amazingly successful Chelsea, the side who have won the WSL six times, the FA Cup five times, and made it to the Champions League semi-finals and finals have not seen their on-field successes matched by attendances.

This season, against Liverpool, Chelsea welcomed 12,802 fans into Stamford Bridge which left 28,000 seats empty. Additionally, this was at the time of the men’s international break and only a day later the Manchester women’s derby welcomed 43,000 fans into Old Trafford. Arsenal are now able to attract crowds of over 30,000 to The Emirates for games against clubs outside of the big four in the WSL. This highlights that there must be deeper issues for Chelsea.

Let’s not forget back in 2019 when the club was giving away free tickets for the Blues’ match against Spurs, but they still didn’t manage to fill the stadium. Head coach Emma Hayes calls for immediate change and improvement within the “business side of things” to attract more crowds to Chelsea games and make it sustainable for the future. If attendances are low when the team is winning so much, what will they look like if their current winning streak ends?

Overall, major changes still need to be made in the women’s game. Particularly in England, lower-league teams need to be more deeply prioritized by the FA to create a more sustainable and safer path for the future of these players and not just have all the focus being put on the teams within the higher-profile league.

Whilst we can go on to celebrate and advertise the growth of the ‘big teams’ and national sides, we must not sugarcoat the avoided areas of the women’s game within England and explore how we can improve them which will ultimately make the women’s game more sustainable and accessible for all.

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

The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset returns after the international break with all the news from the 10th round of the 2023-2024 D1 Arkema season with his MATILDAS WATCH and exclusive photos from pitchside at Olympique Lyonnais v Lille (12/12/23).

Above: Julie Swierot of Olympique Lyonnais (multicolour shirt), fighting for the ball. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Olympique Lyonnais 5-0 Lille

Once again, Lyon boss Sonia Bompastor had to leave several key personnel on the bench or even out of the squad. Players such as Melchie Dumornay and Kadidiatou Diani were injured on international duty, as well as players who had just come back from their national team or who were well-used by their respective countries. This last group included Selma Bacha, Vicki Becho, Lindsey Horan, and Ellie Carpenter.

That gave an opportunity for young players from Lyon’s academy to to have some playing time. Wassa Sangaré, defender (17-years-old) who got 20 minutes, Julie Swierot, midfielder (17-years-old), who played 46 minutes, and Laureen Oillic, midfielder (18-years-old) who received 30 minutes of game time.

Above: Laureen Oillic, Lyon multicoloured shirt in the centre, in action. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Even with those key players missing, Lyon largely dominated this game against a team that came up to D1 Arkema this season and for whom the gap to Lyon was just too large. The young players showed that they were ready to replace their elders. At the end of the second half, Swierot had a goal disallowed and Oillic hit the right-hand post. The only worrying point for Lyon was the injury of Eugénie Le Sommer at the end of the first half. Le Sommer was named player of the month in November.

Above: Eugénie Le Sommer, Lyon multicolour shirt, in action before her injury. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Scorers for Lyon: Renard (17’), Hegerberg (28’ penalty), Egurrola (57’), Mbock (59’), Majri (90’+3). 

MATILDAS WATCH – Ellie Carpenter (Olympique Lyonnais) During to being with her national team in Canada a few days before, and to preserve her for the UWCL game which will take place on Wednesday, Carpenter did not play any part in this game.

Saint-Etienne 2-1 Guingamp

An important game for Saint-Etienne who needed the win to begin their climb from the foot of the table and earned a vital win in the process. Saint-Etienne now have the same number of points as Guingamp (seven).

Scorers for Saint-Etienne: DePriest (33’), Caputo (61’). Scorer for Guingamp: Teinturier (57’). 

Montpellier 1-4 Paris FC
Above: Marie Petiteau, Montpellier goalkeeper, yellow shirt, cannot do anything about Daphne Corboz’s (8) shot for Paris FC. Photo: Montpellier.

Paris FC started the game strongly and quickly had several opportunities. Maria Petiteau, Montpellier’s goalkeeper, made several great saves. Then, after a poor clearance by Montpellier’s central defence, Gaétane Thiney opened the score with a great shot near the right post from eighteen metres out.

Above: The Paris FC team that started their game at Montpellier. Photo: Paris FC.

Paris FC continued to dominate the game in second half and won against a Montpellier side who couldn’t deny a team who are playing in the Champions League this season. Scorer for Montpellier: Mondésir (62’). Scorers for Paris FC: Thiney (12’), D. Corboz (24’), Bourdieu (41’), Ribadeira (87’). 

MATILDAS WATCH – Sarah Hunter (Paris FC) After international duty in Canada with the Matildas, Sarah Hunter was not in the squad.

Reims 2-0 Fleury

It was a level game in the first half with no clear opportunities for either side as they were both content to watch and wait. Reims pushed a little bit more in second half and opened the score on the hour.

Above: Melissa Gomes, shooting the penalty to open the score for Reims. Photo: Reims website.

After their goal, Reims started to have more of the ball. In the 67th  minute, three minutes after coming on, Noémie Mouchon scored the second goal for Reims after a lovely run starting from inside her own half. With this win, Reims move to fourth in the standings. Scorers for Reims: Gomes (61’ penalty), Mouchon (67’). 

Dijon 1-0 Bordeaux

A game with no great action between two teams who struggle at the bottom of the standings. In the very last minute, Dijon scored the only goal of this game. Scorer for Dijon: Picard (90’+4). Red card: Seguin, Bordeaux (66’). 

Le Havre 1-1 Paris Saint-Germain

PSG dominated the beginning of the match (70% of possession), but it was Inès Benyahia who opened the score for Le Havre on a counterattack and a long run from the centre of the field after the visitors’ Elisa De Almeida, gave the ball to Benyahia in midfield.

Above: Inès Benyahia, Le Havre. Photo: Emmanuel Lelaidier / HAC.

After Le Havre’s goal, PSG continued to dominate, but they were too inaccurate when it mattered to pull level. PSG continued their domination in the second half but the Le Havre players worked well together to continue to frustrate them. Jocelyn Prêcheur, PSG’s coach, replaced Amalie Vangsgaard with Marie-Antoinette Katoto and went to a 4-3-3 lineup on the hour. Unfortunately for Le Havre, PSG equalised at the very end of the game; however, it was a deserved result for PSG. PSG struggled a lot in the final third of the field in this game and will need to improve ahead of their Champions League tie this week. Scorer for Le Havre: Benyahia (19’). Scorer for Paris SG: Geyoro (90’+5). 

MATILDAS WATCH – Clare Hunt (Paris Saint-Germain) Despite playing for The Matildas in Canada last week, Hunt was in the starting lineup in this game in the centre of the defence as part of a 3-5-2 formation.

Further exclusive photos from Olympique Lyonnais v Lille from Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus

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

England’s return fails to Spur Tottenham to success over United

Tottenham Hotspur 0-4 Manchester United

Report by Mia Kipling in the press box and EXCLUSIVE photography from Morganna King at Brisbane Road (11/12/23).

Above: Hannah Blundell (centre) celebrates her goal with Leah Galton (11). Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.

After going into the game with the positive news that Bethany England was ready to return, Tottenham succumbed to another heavy defeat, as Manchester United left London with a 4-0 win.

With England missing since September due to surgery, Spurs were looking for a better fortune than the 7-0 thrashing they received against Manchester City.

Above: Beth England (left) takes on Hannah Blundell on her Spurs return last night. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.

On the flip side, Marc Skinner’s United went into the international break with a 2-0 success at Bristol City, and it took them just under half an hour to hit the front in Leyton.

It was Hannah Blundell who put them ahead with an assist from Melvine Malard. The away team doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half with Ella Toone gaining her second goal of the season with Malard assisting once more.

Above: Manchester United’s Jayne Riviere last night. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.

Malard’s fine form was rewarded just before the hour mark when she got on the scoresheet herself. Hayley Ladd’s strike seven minutes from time, thanks to Lucia Garcia’s assist completed the scoring.

Speaking after the game, Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner praised his side’s travelling support saying: “Our fans make it a home ground wherever we go.”

Above: Leah Galton (red shirt) and Ash Neville in a tangle at Brisbane Road last night. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.

Skinner’s side’s next game is against Leicester City on Thursday in the Continental League Cup and the United boss wants his side to take the “same attitude into the game.” He recognised that “We have no God given right to win any game of football but what you do have is an attitude you can control.”

Teams: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-2-3-1): Spencer, Neville, Turner, Bartrip, Zadorsky, Percival, James, Bizet, Naz, Thomas, England.

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Earps, Le Tissier, Blundell, Toone, Malard, Zelem, Galton, Ladd, Riviere, Turner, Parris.

Scorers: Blundell 29’, Toone 51’, Malard 59’, Ladd 83’.

Referee: Kirsty Dowle.

Attendance: 2,134.

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

Milton Keynes’ giant killing hopes finally extinguished by Blues

Milton Keynes Dons 0-2 Birmingham City

by Hannah Chadwick at Stadium: MK for Impetus.

Above: Birmingham City (blue) look to break through at Milton Keynes yesterday. Photo: Chris Foxwell via X.

A dramatic game in the third round of the FA Cup ended with Championship side Birmingham City finally get past Milton Keynes from the league below with two goals in stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes.

The Buckinghamshire side earned their place in this stage of the competition after a convincing win against Worcester City to set up this first-ever meeting between the two sides.

In the opening minutes, it was clear this game could go either way. The first opportunity fell Birmingham’s way when Lucy Quinn took advantage to feed Lucy Pennock who forced Chloe Samson into a save in the MK goal and then cleared by Sofia Stovold.

Whilst Birmingham had lots of possession, the home side were not without opportunities. A beautiful link-up between Stovold and Rush led to a cross gets played in, but it landed at the feet of Gemma Lawley who cleared to Finn, and away went City to earn a corner. Lucy Quin takes the corner which Louise Quinn heads goalwards but Sansom tips over.

Lucy Quinn continued her impressive play when she picked up the ball down the right-hand side. The move ended with yet another corner which was headed over by Finn.

Birmingham City started the second half strongly with Milton Keynes stuck in their own half. A shot on goal from Remi Allen forces Sansom to make a save the ball. From the resulting clearance, the hosts break and Wood accelerates towards Thomas in the Birmingham goal but she runs into trouble.

The energy slowly fizzled out in the final quarter of an hour. With two minutes remaining, City break through with Mason and Delvin and the former plays the ball in which alludes everyone.

The fourth official indicated there will be six minutes of additional time as Birmingham City are on the attack with Yu-Ri who slots the ball in at the back post to give the visitors a dramatic lead.

As a final roll of the dice, Milton Keynes bring on Leyla O’Brien is brought on and she is straight into the action, winning a corner down the right side. Sansom leaves her own goal to come into the penalty box, but the flag kick falls to Ivana Fuso for Birmingham City who has an empty net in front of her and she doesn’t miss.

It was a painful way for MK to bow out. Birmingham City dodged a bullet.

Teams: MILTON KEYNES DONS: Sansom, Warren, Puddick, Biggadike, Stovold, Mitchell, Rush, Wood, Creaney, Attenborough, Mclean. Substitutes used: Mclean (60′), Dolling (88′), O’Brien (90+3′).

BIRMINGHAM CITY: Thomas, Harris, Quinn, Lawley, Pennock, Finn, Smith, Harrison-Murray, Fuso, Lucy Quinn, Moore. Substitutes used: Allen (46′), Mason (46′), Agg (63′), Devlin (73′), Yu-ri (79′).

Scorers: Yu-ri 90+2′, Fuso 90+4′.

Attendance: 651.

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

Red hot Arsenal leave Chelsea feeling blue

Arsenal 4-1 Chelsea

Report by Ava-Marianne Elliott in the press box, EXCLUSIVE photography by Lucy Copsey at The Emirates for Impetus (11/12/23).

Above: Alessia Russo celebrates – the Lionesses star hit two of Arsenal’s four goals yesterday. Photo: Lucy Copsey for Impetus.

Arsenal walked away with three crucial points at The Emirates after a triumphant win against rivals and league leaders Chelsea to go level at the top of the table in an action-packed London derby.

From kick-off, it was obvious that the battle was going to be relentless. Under the downpour in North London, the two sides fought for possession through the first moments of the game under the watchful eyes of a record crowd.

Arsenal broke the deadlock eight minutes into the fixture, with Caitlin Foord charging down the wing to send the ball across to skipper Kim Little. After close attention from the Chelsea defence, Victoria Pelova expertly turned against Niamh Charles with the ball glued to her feet, providing Beth Mead for a top-notch finish, sending the crowd into raptures.

Above: Beth Mead acclaim her goal that put Arsenal ahead against Chelsea yesterday. Photo: Lucy Copsey for Impetus.

The hosts’ lead lasted just five short minutes. A superbly executed build-up on the counterattack saw Jessie Fleming bag an assist from a well-picked pass, with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s shot sneaking past Manuela Zinsberger’s glove and bringing the scoreboard level.

With the score level, there were a few moments of uncertainty from Arsenal before their composure nullified the threat of Chelsea’s attack yet again. Charles was forced to head the ball out of play, the action conceding a corner and providing the Gunners a golden opportunity to push back in front, and they capitalised.

Amanda Ilestedt’s precisely placed header into Berger’s goal from Mead’s corner kick in the 36th minute set Arsenal ahead yet again, but the team continued to confidently claim another in quick succession. A perfectly picked pass from midfield maestro Lia Wälti saw Alessia Russo charge past two defenders with ease to net herself an impressive strike just two minutes later. The home team sat comfortably in front of the league at the half-time whistle after an impressive 45 minutes of play.

Above: Alessia Russo celebrates her first goal that put Arsenal 3-1 up yesterday. Photo: Lucy Copsey for Impetus.

The second period started with three changes to Emma Hayes’ side to try and bring defensive reinforcement to the so-far shaky backline, and the team broke out strongly. Lauren James gained possession in space, but she sent the shot out wide.

Concern grew shortly afterwards for the home fans when skipper Little, was dealt a blow and forced off the field through injury- making way for Frida Maanum. Guro Reiten made her return to the field for Chelsea shortly after in the 64th minute, in the hopes her presence would help push the team’s play forward.

Pelova’s dominance in the midfield and role in Arsenal’s team dynamic continuously proved to be a problem for Chelsea. Her technicality and ability to keep the threat of the visitor’s attack at bay left the Blues struggling to find any further opportunities to catch up with the host’s lead. Her partnership with Wälti- who won the most duels for her side in the match – was something that Chelsea just couldn’t crack.

Even as the visitors doubled down on their efforts, Arsenal remained level-headed when defending Zinsberger’s goal, with Lotte Wubben-Moy making crucial clearances and the rest of the backline maintaining their control to keep the ball out of the net. Steph Catley made a crucial decision to slide in to force the ball off Rytting Kaneryd for a Chelsea throw, despite picking up a few knocks throughout the game so far.

There were shouts for a penalty kick at the 72-minute mark after Berger boldly came off her line, sending Russo to ground in the box. Arsenal’s star striker stepped up to take the penalty herself and was unfazed by the pressure, adding a fourth goal to the scoresheet for her team and securing a brace for herself in what was arguably her best performance in red and white to date.

Above: Sam Kerr was a peripheral figure for much of the game yesterday. Photo: Lucy Copsey for Impetus.

A free kick awarded to the Blues late in the half right outside the edge of the box was a worry for the Arsenal defence, but the shot was dealt with as it landed with ease into the awaiting secure hands of Zinsberger.

Defender Wubben-Moy down to the very last minute worked to eliminate the usual threat of Sam Kerr’s presence in front of goal. Her ability to remain cool and see out the game by anticipating the movement of one of the most prolific goal scorers in football who is usually a danger in the final third was nowhere near as impactful due to Wubben-Moy’s performance for the home side.

The following play saw Arsenal exercises their attacking ability moving forward yet again as a sublime pass from Wälti to Maanum gave Blackstenius the chance in front of goal to add a fifth to Arsenal’s impressive total, but her efforts were unsuccessful as the Chelsea defence pulled together. Eight minutes of extra time were added to the half due to the physicality and competition seen between the two teams, and the talented youngster Kyra Cooney-Cross was brought on to see out the final moments of game time.  

The atmosphere at The Emirates was unmatched after a thrilling encounter between the two sides. When the whistle was blown, Arsenal’s impressive victory was officially sealed over Chelsea.

More of Lucy Copsey’s sensational EXCLUSIVE images from The Emirates for Impetus

Teams: ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Zinsberger, McCabe, Ilestedt, Wubben- Moy, Catley, Pelova, Wälti, Mead, Little, Foord, Russo. Substitutes: D’Angelo (GK), Beattie, Miedema, Codina, Maanum (61’), Maritz (76’), Lacasse (75’), Blackstenius (76’), Cooney- Cross (90+3’).

Scorers: Mead 8’, Ilestedt 36’, Russo 38’, 74’.

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Berger, Périsset, Mjelde, Carter, Charles, Nüsken, Cuthbert, Rytting Kaneryd, Fleming, James, Kerr. Substitutes: Mušović (GK), Hampton (GK), Fishel (75’), Ingle, Reiten (64’), Lawrence (46’), Kirby (46’), Buchanan (46’), Beever-Jones

Scorer: Rytting Kaneryd 13’.

Referee: Rebecca Welch

Attendance: 59,042 (new WSL attendance record).

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

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 (11/12/23).

Player of the Week:
Above: Perth Glory’s Millie Farrow had so much to celebrate on Saturday. Photo: Perth Glory.

BEN GILBY: Mille Farrow. It may have taken her a few weeks to get on the scoresheet for Perth Glory, but the English striker had been a hardworking team player forming a promising partnership with Grace Jale. Now the goals are coming – and how. Farrow is full of confidence, full of pace, and giving defenders nightmares left, right, and centre. A brilliant hat-trick showcased her qualities perfectly in Saturday’s first against second clash with Melbourne City.

KIERAN YAP: Morgan Aquino. She’s currently the best goalkeeper in the league and played another blunder against a dangerous and persistent Melbourne City. Aquino is a little bit underrated, but has been in great form and at 22 years old, the best years are still ahead.

BEN CAREY: Millie Farrow. She was in sensational form, culminating in her scoring a hat-trick against the then league leaders Melbourne City.

Coach of the week:
Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis completed a clean sweep of votes this week. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images, supplied to Impetus by: Perth Glory FC.

BEN GILBY: They’ve been in strong form all season – but Saturday’s win at Melbourne City laid down a real marker for Perth Glory. Alex Epakis has his side brim full of confidence. Whilst they had considerably less possession and shots on target than City, Epakis set his side up to make the most of their dangerous attackers who showed no mercy and took their chances when they came to pull off a superb 3-1 win on the road.

KIERAN YAP: Alex Epakis. A big win on the road against a very good team. It’s time to declare Perth Glory as the real deal this season. 

BEN CAREY: Alex Epakis. Leading his side to a convincing victory over Melbourne City away from home is a big accomplishment.

Event of the week:
Above: Vine time for Sydney FC against Newcastle Jets this weekend. Photo: Sydney FC.

BEN GILBY: Canberra United’s big win over Brisbane Roar. They’ve found it relatively easy to score goals this campaign, and the weekend was no difference, but this week they found a way to strengthen up their backline and the result spoke volumes.

KIERAN YAP: Kurea Okino’s goal. The Victory striker needed one touch to round Rylee Foster, and from an acute angle finished through a sea of Phoenix defenders.

BEN CAREY: Cortnee Vine’s return to the A-League Women after injury. She came on and used her speed and creativity to change the match in Sydney’s favour.

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

Milivojevic injury sours Canberra masterclass

Canberra United 5-1 Brisbane Roar

By Ryan Miller-Woods 10/12/23

Above: Canberra United’s Michelle Heyman evades Ayesha Norrie (L) and Hollie Palmer (R) Photo: Canberra United.

Canberra United achieved their first win of the A-League Women’s season with a 5-1 victory over Brisbane Roar at McKellar Park that has subsequently brought them off the bottom of the ladder. However, they’ll be hoping the potential injury to star player Vesna Milivojevic isn’t as bad as suspected which could be a significant blow to hers and Canberra’s season

In the 6th minute, Canberra opened the scoring via a great through ball by Sophia Christopherson which found  Milivojevic in the box. Without hesitation she put the ball into the back of the net for her sixth goal of the season.

Eleven minutes later, United doubled their lead thanks to another great through ball this time by Nicki Flannery which found Milivojevic. As has become common for her in the league, she seized the opportunity in front of her andslotted the ball past Brisbane’s Jordan Silkowitz. 

Not only was it Milivojevic’s seventh goal of the season but now led the A-League Women’s Golden Boot. She has truly been on fire for Canberra this season.

Within the first 30 minutes of the match, Canberra did everything they needed to in defence and while the Roar came relatively close with some of their chances, United held their own in that regard and looked comfortable with their clearances.

In the 37th minute, Michelle Heyman provided an amazing pass to Christopherson who made a great run with the ball into the box that saw her shot go into the bottom right corner for Canberra’s third goal of the match and Christopherson’s first in the A-League Women. There aren’t many better ways to open your goalscoring account in the league.

As the first half concluded, what was quite telling was while Brisbane had the majority of possession with 54.4% and more shots than Canberra with six to four, it was United who converted three of their shots in that time which saw them deservedly in the lead.

Within the first minute of the second half, Canberra added a fourth goal thanks to an outstanding turn and backheel pass by Millivojevic that was directed to Christopherson whose cross into the box initially came off Silkowitz. The ball then found United’s Mary Stanic-Floody who with her run on the edge of the box and first-time shot put the ball into the back of the net for her first goal in the A-League Women.

Three minutes later, it was Brisbane who scored via a cross by Mia Corbin that found Sharn Frier in the box as she slotted the ball into the bottom left corner.

As the second half progressed, Brisbane continued to make chances for themselves and despite the scoreline at the hour mark, could have found a way back into the match if they converted better.

In the 73rd minute, any chance of Brisbane getting a result was emphatically shut out via a pass by Heyman that found Milivojevic whose eventual run into the box saw her cut in and slot the ball past Silkowitz for Canberra’s fifth goal in the match, Milivojevic’s hat-trick and her eighth goal of the season.

Unfortunately, the amazing performance by Milivojevic was abruptly halted just two minutes later after a coming together with Brisbane’s Ayesha Norrie that briefly stopped the match and left Milivojevic clutching her knee and in a lot of discomfort.

It was a massively unfortunate end to her afternoon and hopefully, it isn’t anything season-ending.

Teams: Canberra United (4-4-2): Lincoln, Grove, Ilijoski, Clough, McKenzie, Flannery, Stanic-Floody, Piazza, Christopherson, Milivojevic, Heyman. Substitutes: Majstorovic, Murray, Nathan, Jackson, Bertolissio.

Scorers: Milivojevic 6’, 17’, 73’, Christopherson 37’, Stanic-Floody 46’.

Brisbane Roar (3-4-3): Silkowitz, Scarpelli, McCormick, McQueen, Frier, Palmer, Norrie, Thompson, Yallop, Holgerson, Corbin. Substitutes: Richards, Brodigan, Cuthbert, Kirkup, Levin.

Scorers: Frier 49’.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

Attendance: 1236.

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A moment of Vine Time enough to secure a Sydney win.

Newcastle Jets 0-1 Sydney FC

By Kieran Yap 10/12/23

Above: Cortnee Vine (fore ground) and Kirsty Fenton for Sydney FC. Photo: Sydney FC.

Cortnee Vine’s 84th minute winner was enough to defeat a stubborn and persistent Newcastle Jets side at the No. 2 Sports Ground. It was the World Cup hero’s first of the season but only came after several good Sydney FC chances were denied by the woodwork or Izzy Nino in the Jets goal.

The pre-game discussion was one of out’s and in’s. Newcastle playmaker Libby Copus-Brown was missing with an injury that could see her miss a month. On the other side, Vine returned from injury for her first appearance since Round Two, and 16-year-old Maddie Caspers was put straight into the starting lineup for the visitors.

The Junior Matildas attacker slotted into the starting XI in place of Indiana Dos Santos who was missing from the squad after returning from international duty in China with the Australian Under 20 side.

The game itself could be best described as attacking and combative. In front of a record home crowd, The Jets were eager to attack. Emily van Egmond and Sarina Bolden both looked to unlock the Sydney FC defence through the pace of Lara Gooch and Lauren Allan out wide. For the most part, Kirsty Fenton and Tori Tumeth were equal to the task of stopping the pair of fleet-footed wingers.

Neither team was willing to surrender easy possession in the first half, with midfielders as likely to be found sliding into tackles as often as defenders. The best chance came when Fiona Worts turned the ball in for Sydney FC, but the goal was denied after Caspers was judged to have fouled Nino.

The game steadily opened up, Aideen Keane’s shot flew beyond Newcastle’s far post, and Caspers created a great chance with a clever turn and low cross just after half time. The ball could not find the back of the net for Sydney FC and when Worts was denied by Nino and a desperate effort from Tash Prior, it looked like it just was not going to happen for Ante Juric’s side.

Sydney’s depth on the bench eventually decided the result. With Newcastle tiring and having already withdrawn van Egmond, Juric brought on Vine and Shea Connors. The pair are two of the league’s quickest forwards and almost immediately increased the pressure on the Jets defence.

Connors threatened to score three times in quick succession. First, she ran behind the backline and propped to create some space. The class of the move was matched by Nino’s goalkeeping abilities and the Newcastle keeper held onto the ball at the second attempt.

Sydney’s American striker then tried from longer range on her opposite foot. Nino was beaten, but the ball crashed away off the crossbar. A shot from a tight angle on the right side of the box was easily held onto but Newcastle looked pinned back.

When the goal came, it was born of effort and misfortune. Connors charged down Nino as the goalkeeper attempted to clear. The ball spun high in the air but did not get much distance, Princess Ibini was able to steal possession and whip an effort across the face of goal where Vine was on hand to tap home the unmissable chance.

Sophie Hoban almost scored a late equaliser after the ball fell to her in the box, but the effort flashed across goal and did not trouble Jada Whyman. In the end, Newcastle’s luck had run out and Sydney FC’s persistence paid off.

The win sees Sydney climb to sixth on the table, but once against Newcastle were no easy beats, and showed enough to offer hope to their fans even after van Egmond was subbed off.

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (3-4-3):  Nino (GK),Cicco, Prior, Wilson, Hoban, Davis, van Egmond, Dundas, Allan, Bolden, Gooch. Substitutes: Simon, Barbieri, Baumann, Karipidis, Rochaix.

SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman (GK), Chauvet, Fenton, Mclean, Tumeth, Hollman, Kruger, Ibini, Caspers, Worts, Keane. Substitutes: Connors, Vine, Ray, Thompson, Franco.

Scorer: Vine 84’

Referee: Bec Mackie

Attendance: 3,842

Thrilling clash in Wellington sees Phoenix and Victory share the points

Wellington Phoenix 2-2 Melbourne Victory 

By Ben Carey (10/12/23).

Above: Mariana Speckmaier watches on as Tori Hansen prepares to kick the ball. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory played out a thrilling 2-2 draw on a windy Sunday evening in the New Zealand capital. 

The match started in a very high-tempo fashion, with beautiful, attacking football played down both ends of the pitch, but Melbourne Victory had the better of the chances. In the 15th minute, a beautifully weighted corner kick from Beattie Goad found the head of Victory captain, Kayla Morrison, who put it into the side netting.

The Phoenix, however, were not at all disheartened. They picked themselves up and immediately found a response. A high, looping corner kick from Hope Breslin down the other end looked to be curling out of play, but a well-positioned Mariana Speckmaier, poised just past the far post, headed the ball back into the six-yard box and it was headed home by Kate Taylor. 

Wellington Phoenix held on to the momentum tightly and just over five minutes later pulled off another successful attack on Lydia William’s goal. A thunderbolt from Kelli Brown outside the 18-yard box beat Williams and ricocheted off the top right corner of the goals. Emma Main was the quickest to react, beating a Victory defender and heading the ball into the goals to give the Phoenix the lead.

By this point, Wellington Phoenix were by no means steamrolling Melbourne Victory, but they definitely had the momentum and were looking strong in possession. However, about five minutes before halftime, Elise Kellond-Knight, in the middle of the park, played a phenomenal ball in behind the Phoenix backline, which found Kurea Okino. Okino was able to take the ball past the keeper and slot it home to equalise for Victory. It was the first goal scored with a foot, the first three having been headers.

The second half was just as exciting and high energy, but the majority of the action took place in the midfield. It was also a lot more physical, with both teams desperate to grab all three points. With about 10 minutes to go in regulation time, both teams began to look fatigued, and space started to open up on both sides of the pitch.

Wellington Phoenix’s game-winning chance came in the 85th minute after an exquisite ball from Alyssa Whinham in the midfield found Speckmaier with only the goalkeeper to beat. She seemed to have time to find the finish but just wasn’t able to put the shot on target. Shortly after stoppage time began, Victory had their own chance to win the match. McKenzie Weinert ran into the box, beating a few Phoenix defenders and put a shot on target, but Rylee Foster produced an excellent save to deny her.

Wellington Phoenix played a solid match. They dominated possession and used quick, accurate passing and well-timed runs to create numerous opportunities on goal. Most impressively, they came back from a goal down to take the lead, and they kept attacking until the very end. Foster put in a great shift in goals, making seven saves to keep her side in the match.

Kate Taylor and Zoe McMeeken were fantastic in the backline, Taylor using her physicality and positioning to her advantage, and McMeeken using her speed and foot skills. The battle between McMeeken and Weinert was a fascinating one, McMeeken winning the majority of the battles.

Melbourne Victory also played a very good match. Although they didn’t have the majority of the possession, they were very effective when they did have the ball, able to create almost twice the number of shots on target as the Phoenix. Victory also showed their fighting spirit, coming back from a goal down to draw the match and take a point home to Melbourne. 

Morrison was exceptional (as always) for Victory, scoring a phenomenal header and putting in a solid shift in the centre of defence. Goad had a very good match, bagging a fine assist, and creating a number of other goalscoring opportunities. Kellond-Knight was excellent for Victory pulling the strings in midfield and providing a wonderful assist. 

Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-3-3): R. Foster, Davidson, Taylor, Lake, McMeeken, Fraser, Longo, Breslin, Main, Speckmaier, Brown. Substitutes: Barry, Edwards, Elliott, M. Foster, Whinham.

Scorers: Taylor 17’, Main 24’.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Williams, Nash, Morrison, Hansen, Rankin, Kellond-Knight, Murphy, Lowe, Goad, Okino, Weinert. Substitutes: Templeman, Zois, Checker, O’Grady, D’Appolonia.

Scorers: Morrison 15’, Okino 37’.

Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley.

Attendance: TBD

Western United return to winning ways in Adelaide

Adelaide United 1-3 Western United

by Emma Burke (9/12/23).

Above: Adelaide United’s Nanako Sasaki (red shirt) in possession against Western United today. Photo: Adelaide United.

Western United have beaten Adelaide United in an exciting 3-1 clash, marking their first match under new head coach Kat Smith.

While the Adelaide rain could delay kick-off, the Reds were unable to delay Western’s attacking prowess, and also unable to finish their own equal chances at goal.

The first half was back and forth between the two teams, and it looked like either could have broken the deadlock, with both sides having solid moments in attack.

It was in the final minute of the first half that Western found their opener through the Taranto twins. Melissa Taranto sent a ball in across the face of goal that Adriana was able to get onto the end of after beating out her defender.

Western United doubled their lead again through a Taranto twin team-up, which replicated the first goal. Adriana again put herself at the far post at the right time to again be on the receiving end of her sister’s cross. Adriana put the ball away with ease and collected her second goal for the afternoon.

It seemed that everything was going Western’s way, but Adelaide weren’t ready to give up. Their breakthrough came from star player Chelsie Dawber, who picked the pocket of defender Alana Cerne, taking on Hillary Beall in goal one-on-one. Dawber made the correct choice in driving the ball hard and low, beating the keeper’s dive and clawing a goal back for the home side.

The final 20 minutes of the 90 were spent with Adelaide trying to find their equaliser and Western pushing for a third goal to take them out of Adelaide’s reach.

Western were successful in the final minute of stoppage time, when Hannah Keane was released perfectly by Lucy Richards. Keane then sent the ball under the arm of a diving Claudia Jenkins in goal, putting Western back up by two goals.

This result pushes Western up to fifth on the ladder, and leaves Adelaide sitting one off the bottom, a far contrast from the team that played finals only two seasons ago.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Jenkins, I. Hodgson, Tonkin, Waldus, E. Hodgson, Sasaki, Holmes, Jancevski, Blake, Dawber, Lee. Substitutes: Condon, Grigg, Holtz, Tolland, Wilson (GK).

Scorer: Dawber 71′.

WESTERN UNITED (4-2-3-1): Beall, Sardo, Cerne, Maher, Papadopoulos, Sawicki, Logarzo, M. Taranto, A. Taranto, Keane, Vlajnic. Substitutes: Dakic, Dell’Oste (GK), Hieda, Richards, Robers.

Scorers: A. Taranto 45′, 66′. Keane 90+4′.

Referee: Isabella Blaess.

Attendance: TBC.