Above: Stina Blackstenius scores Arsenal’s third goal. Photo: Arsenal FC Twitter.
In a game that saw six Gunners on the score sheet, Arsenal beat Watford to progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Both WSL’s Arsenal and Championship’s Watford were in fine voice at Meadow Park, as the two sides met in the FA Cup. The teams, who have a close connection due to their consistent partnership in loaning young Gunners out to the Championship side, were pushing for a ball in the hat of the next round. The starting XI for Arsenal was new signing Emily Fox and for Watford, the dual-registry players from Arsenal, Michelle Agyemang, Katie Reid and Laila Harbert. The home side lost their usual red and white in support of their ‘No More Red’ campaign for the first time, instead in a stark all white kit, to take a stand against youth violence and knife crime in the capital.
With a display of white papers from the home crowd to support the campaign at kick of, It didn’t take long for the home side to find the net. The scoring opened within the first 10 minutes, with Alessia Russo converting her chance. With the initial effort by Victoria Pelova saved by Jacqueline Goldsmid but then split to the feet of the number 23, true striker’s vision sees Russo punt it home. The midfielder was involved again in the second just 5 minutes later, Pelova’sawareness to allow the ball to pass through her legs from the in short corner pass between Katie Mccabe and Beth Mead on the right hand side, saw Lia Wälti able to strike it from the edge of the box into the bottom corner.
The comfortable 2 goal cushion within 15 minutes saw way to a slurry of Arsenal chances, with no end product. Chances saw Russo hit the post and go wide, whilst Caitlin Foord also had some missed chances. However, the home side were combining well in the midfield and building well against Watford. The linkup play was tainted with the classic Arsenal touch, smooth and silky, but was lacking in the execution in front of goal. The lack of lethal edge continued until half time of the Arsenal, whilst Watford grew into the game. Whilst most of their creation was snuffed out with simple interceptions from Arsenal, the Championship side were building well into the game, as well as making life hard for the Gunners. Watford’s growing communication and link up play fought against Arsenal’s, with the visitors managing to keep it at 2-0 at the break.
The second half saw Watford continue to grow, pushing into the Arsenal half with real conviction for the first time in the game. The visitors was combining well and creating with the chances they were getting. Whilst this was in bursts due to the sheer dominance Arsenal had in possession, it was clear to see that Watford were playing as a team and were on the same page. The introduction of Abbie Lafayette and Sophie Mclean in the 55th minute helped frustrate the Arsenal attacking line further as Watford strengthened their defence grip. However, it was the quadruple substitute for Arsenal that finally saw them able to convert. 2 minutes after being subbed on, a pin perfect through ball from Pelova, again, found StinaBlackstenius in the box, outdoing Corinne Henson to slot it home.
The pressure from Watford saw them getting one back ten minutes later. A rushed pass from Lotte Wubben-Moy as she was being pressured in the box didn’t find the target of her teammate but instead, found Andria Georgiou who tapped it into Poppy Wilson who put it on a plate for Agyemang to convert. The childhood Gooner didn’t celebrate, but simply walked away from the goal as if it didn’t even happen. The people who did celebrate? The travelling Watford supporters who were loud in voice all game, battling against the ever present Arsenal supporters.
The final throws of action came in a three minute span where Arsenal were finally able to capitalise on the plethora of corners they had been awarded. An excellent in swinging corner from McCabe perfectly found Amanda Ilestedt who rose highest to see it comfortably past Goldsmid. 3 minutes later, Blackstenius found Leonhardsen-Maanum in space in the box, where she was able to slot it in to the bottom corner on her left foot. With some excellent saves from Goldsmid in the closing minutes, the game ended 5-1.
With excellent performances from Arsenal’s new signing Emily Fox, Victoria Pelova and Kyra Cooney-Cross in the second half, the home side progress into the next round of the FA Cup. That being said, with performances well above their age range, and the talent to go far in the game, praise must be place on the Watford (and Arsenal) youngsters, who made life hard for their parent club.
Above: Chelsea celebrate a goal over West Ham. Photo: Chelsea FC Twitter.
After a long wait for football fans across the country, the top teams in women’s football are back in action with the return of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
Current title holders Chelsea were looking to defend their title against visitors West Ham and that is exactly what they did although it didn’t come as easy as they would have hoped.
Chelsea lined up with Lauren James in the number nine position in the noticeable absence of super star striker Sam Kerr, who earlier this week announced that she had torn her ACL(Anterior Cruciate Ligament) whilst on a training camp with Chelsea in Morocco and will be spending the remainder of the season sidelined.
The first 10 minutes of the game were end to end with bothsides having a couple of chances at goal, each were calmly defended by the opposition.
The opening goal of the game came in the 18th minute in open play from the Hammer’s number 20, Viviane Asseyi
Chelsea seemingly came back fighting with a couple more chances, including Erin Cuthbert winning the home side a corner, unfortunately for the blues’ Eve Perriset’s set piecestruggled to connect with any of her teammates keeping the Hammer’s 1-0 up. The blues continued to fight with a Guro Reiten effort etching the crossbar in the 37th minute of play before play being pulled back for offside.
Each side was awarded a free kick in the closing minutes of the first half both Asseyi and Perriset’s efforts were saved by the goalkeepers keeping the visitors 1-0 up at the end of the first half.
Still 1-0 10 minutes into the second half Chelsea boss Emma Hayes made a triple substitution in hopes of altering Chelsea’sdisappointing fate; a notable name entering the pitch was Swedish international Nathalie Bjorn for her Chelsea debutafter signing earlier in the week from Women’s Super League side Everton.
A shift in mentality saw a narrow miss hitting the side netting from another Perisett corner, this positive run of play continued for the home side and after a difficult 69 minutes for Chelsea, super sub-Mia Fishel made it level giving the blues the glimpse of hope they needed to defend their title.
West Ham manager Rehanne Skinner made changes to her side in attempts of a positive response to Chelsea’s equaliser, but the Blues were a difficult force to reckon with after their game altering goal.
A nail-biting moment for Chelsea players and fans alike came in the 88th minute with Zeciera Musovic spilling the ball out of her hands after claiming Asseyi’s free kick, this was quickly dealt with by Chelsea’s defence, keeping their hopes of a late winner alive.
A desperate last-minute effort from James blazed over the crossbar just before the final whistle blew sending the game to extra time.
The first 10 minutes of extra time were dominated by Chelsea putting lots of pressure on West Ham’s wearing defence however, nothing was converted until the 11th minute where Cuthbert headed the ball past Mackenzie Arnold, putting Chelsea in the lead for the first time all game. Soon after, just1 minute after entering the pitch Aggie Beever-jones scored the goal that sealed Chelsea’s victory connecting onto a graceful chip, but after closer inspection the goal was awarded to Sjoeke Nusken who tapped it over the line.
The second half of extra time wasn’t as action packed as the previous half, west ham tried their hardest but Chelsea’s hard work meant that their efforts weren’t enough to see the game to penalties ending in heartbreak for the Hammers.
Teams: CHELSEA: Zecira Musovic(GK), Sophie Ingle(C), Jess Carter,Lauren James, Guro Reiten, AshleyLawrence, Fran Kirby, Eve Perriset, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Erin Cuthbert, Kadeisha Buchanan.
Above: Wanderers players celebrate their goal against Melbourne City. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Western Sydney Wanderers delivered a statement to the rest of the competition with a 1-0 win against league leaders Melbourne City. The result see’s them leap into the top four and continues an impressive run of form that has seen them slowly become one of the sides to watch this season.
Holly Caspers’s 67th minute strike was the only goal of the game, but it was not a dull affair. Both sides set out to attack, albeit in very different styles.
Melbourne City set up in their familiar formation, with Leticia Mckenna returning to attacking midfield and looked to keep possession, build attacks and create high percentage chances. The Wanderers continued to make the most of the explosive pace of Sophie Harding and Maliah Morris on the counterattack.
Western Sydney’s game is based around more than just waiting for opportunities. They have developed a way of creating them through forcing errors and turnovers. The move of brilliant young defender Alexia Apostolakis to midfield has helped create an early line of defence and made it much more difficult for teams to pass their way through the middle.
Melbourne City are still Melbourne City, and although the Wanderers were set up to deal with their style of play, the visitors still had plenty of joy and created enough chances to win the game. Daniela Galic continued her eye catching form as a wide attacker, and she linked up with Mckenna to create one of the best chances of the first half. Galic’s pass to the overlapping midfielder was perfectly timed and Mckenna’s whipped in ball created havoc that almost resulted in an own goal.
Emina Ekic almost opened the scoring in the next attack when her shot crashed off the woodwork following buildup between Galic and Hannah Wilkinson.
The Wanderers brought the best out of Lysianne Proulx in the City goal with a stinging shot from Morris that was spectacularly palmed away.
The second half saw much the same patter, but City were given their best chance to win the match with a penalty kick. Pollicina is usually deadly from the spot but her shot was saved by a diving Kaylie Collins.
The winning goal came from both teams playing to their strengths, but the Wanderers winning the moment. Proulx attempted to play the ball out from the back, and Holly Caspers cut off the pass before chipping the backpedalling goalkeeper.
The Wanderers had set up their press intelligently and left the space open in the middle, inviting the pass and ready to cut it off.
The finish was classy, but the trap was perfectly executed and the Wanderers mobbed their playmaker in celebration for her first of the season.
The win puts Western Sydney in fourth, and may provide a roadmap to stopping the seemingly runaway Melbourne City. However, just because you know what they will do, does not mean that you can stop them.
Western Sydney were able to on this occasion and deserved the win, but City will be ruing their missed chances too.
Teams:
Western Sydney Wanderers 3-4-3: Collins (GK), McComansky, Harrison, Bruce, Rue, Apostolakis, Price, Matos, Caspers, Morris, Harding
Above: Cortnee Vine is mobbed by teammates after her winning goal. Photo: Sydney FC
The Unite Round of 2024 provided an opportunity for Sydneysiders and keen fans to watch a rematch of the 2022/23 A League Women’s Grand Final.
Both Sydney and Western United coaches made some strategic changes to their player formations. Kat Smith, Uniteds coach, sent Chloe Logarzo into a forward position as striker. On the other side Ante Juric, Sydney FC coach, put his faith in the young gun Jynaya Dos Santos.
In the early stages of the match both sides spent a lot of time getting their side settled. While United dominated possession and field position, Sydney comfortably kept United at bay. The few times Sydney won possession and went on the counter attack, the United defenders stood strong.
Logarzo took the first corner of the match in the 11th minute placing the ball perfectly and a deflection from a Sydney defender gave United a clear path to the goal. Sadly the football gods weren’t smiling on Alana Cerne of United as the ball hit the goalpost with the Sydney defenders quickly clearing their line.
Uniteds second attacking corner in the 15th minute resulted in another missed opportunity as the Sydney defence went to sleep giving Cerne another free shot at goal as her headed ball hit the crossbar. Sydney found themselves in an unusual position in the 19th minute with their first real attack on goal. Hillary Bell, United goalkeeper, was able to easily gather in the ball and stop the attack. It was at this point that Sydney found their offensive legs.
Fast feet and precision passing provided United with another excellent opportunity to score in the 29th minute but, yet again, the football gods denied the goal. Hieda, Uniteds midfield magician, opened up the Sydney defence up with ease and found herself open in front of goal but Jada Whyman (Sydney GK) was able to go full stretch and the shot rolled wide of the goal.
Yet another United corner, in the 39th minute, saw the ball end up at the feet of Cerne who took a swing but a Sydney body got in the way. Goodness knows how Sydney managed to end the first half with the score at only 0-0. The momentum in the second half remained with Western United coming out strong and Sydney trying to find cohesion.
It took until 8 minutes in the second half for Sydney to create a goal scoring opportunity with Princess Ibini looping a lovely pass into the path of Mackenzie Hawkesby but the ball just sailed beyond her reach. Repeated assertive plays with Ibini and Kirsty Fenton linking up down the left channel sent a clear message that Sydney were in the fight!
The 60th minute saw the coaches of both teams ring the changes and bring on their big guns. Sydney moved first with Courtnee Vine followed soon after by United bringing on last seasons top goal scorer Hannah Keane. Both players made an immediate impact on the match bringing a ton of fresh energy. Cue end to end football!
The 69th minute resulted in Vine Time happening with Courtnee pinching a wonderful goal as she sneaked in behind Uniteds defence and beat the keeper. Sydney went ahead 1-0. The start of light rain as the match entered its final ten minutes did nothing to dampen Sydneys attacking approach. Following the referee not sighting a hand ball by a Sydney defender in their goal ata, Abbey Lemon received a beautiful long pass down the right hand side which she fired towards the United goal requiring the goalkeeper to swat the ball away over the top of the goal.
Throughout the additional time period United tried with all their might to score and square up the match however it just didn’t happen. The old cliche that ‘it was a game of two halves’ describes this match perfectly. United absolutely dominated the first half whereas Sydney FC had all the momentum in the second half.
The football gods smiled upon Sydney FC for Unite Round with the match ending up 1-0 in Sydneys favour. Final thoughts. Both teams played good quality football and each side had multiple opportunities to win the match. All players from both teams can hold their heads high as they all played well.
Sydney looked flat energy wise without Courtnee Vine but incredible when she came on. Uniteds performances have improved each week and their losing this match can only be put down to bad luck. Young players to keep an eye on in future matches – Abbey Lemon (Sydney) and Avaani Prakash (United).
TEAMS: SYDNEY FC (4-1-2-3). Whyman, Tumeth, McLean, Thompson, Fenton, Hawkesby, Hollman, Ray, Keane, Dos Santos, Ibini. Substitutes: Lemon (68’), Vine (60’), Dos Santos, Kruger, Black.
Scorer: Vine 70’
WESTERN UNITED (4-2-3-1). Beall, Vlajnic, Maher, Cerne, Papadopoulos, M Taranto, Roberts, Hieda, Sawicki, A Taranto, Logarzo. Substitutes: Keane (64’), Prakash (80’), Sardo (64’), Dakic, Dall’Oste. Scorer – Vine 70’.
Referee : Casey Reibelt
Attendance: TBC.
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Above: Michelle Heyman is congratulated by teammates after bringing up a century of goals. PHOTO: Canberra United.
Canberra United achieved their second win of the season against Adelaide United at Leichhardt Oval with a 3-1 victory that moved them off the bottom of the ladder as Michelle Heyman made history as she became the first player in the A-League Women to score 100 goals.
Heyman almost scored in the fourth minute as Vesna Milivojevic provided a through ball for Nicki Flannery to cross. Adelaide’s Ella Tonkin’s first touch accidentally laid it off to Heyman whose shot at goal was blocked by Annalee Grove.
Adelaide came close to scoring twelve minutes later from a corner as the ball was whipped at the back post that found Tonkin who passed it to Alana Jancevski. Her shot was prevented via a great save by Chloe Lincoln. Despite there being chances for both sides throughout the first half neither team broke the deadlock but it still felt like someone was going to score.
Adelaide’s second half got off to an amazing start as Mariah Lee intercepted the ball and passed to Hannah Blake. Blake returned the ball for Lee in the box who crossed for Isabel Hodgson to give Adelaide the lead.
Adelaide’s joy only lasted four minutes before Heyman intercepted a ball to put her 1 on 1 with Annalee Grove. Her shot went into the bottom right corner for Canberra to equalise.
Most importantly for Heyman made it her 100th goal in the A-League Women. What an achievement by one of the country’s best players to have ever played in the league.
Eighty-six seconds later, Heyman scored again thanks to a great combination by Tegan Bertolissio and Milivojevic . as
Heyman’s header from the centre of the box went over Grove and into the bottom left corner for Canberra’s second goal of the match. It was her seventh goal of the season and her 101st in the A-League Women.
Thirteen minutes later, Canberra scored their third and final goal. Bertolissio provided a brilliant through ball to Milivojevic who went past Adelaide’s Zoe Tolland and put herself in the most ideal position from outside the box.
She timed her shot beautifully as the ball went past A. Grove and into the top left corner. It was Milivojevic’s ninth goal of the A-League Women’s season.
Milivojevic has been outstanding so far this season and this goal showed her spatial awareness with the ball and technique to time everything just right set her up perfectly to score.
In the 73rd minute, an Adelaide pass from the back was given away to Milivojevic who floated her cross into the box for Heyman. Her her header came very close to delivering a hat-trick as the ball just went wide of the goal to Adelaide’s relief.
No further goals were scored but come the final whistle Canberra secured a very important win for their season that put them a point ahead of Adelaide on the ladder and up to 11th. Hopefully for Canberra, given they are on a four-game undefeated streak, it is a sign of things to come.
Teams: Canberra United (4-4-1-1): Lincoln, Clark, S. Grove, Jackson, Clough, Murray, Stanic-Floody, Heyman, Christopherson, Milivojevic, Flannery. Substitutes: Majstorovic, Rojas, Nathan, Whittall, Bertolissio.
Scorers: Heyman 50’, 51’, Milivojevic 64’.
Adelaide United (4-2-3-1): A.Grove, E. Hodgson, I. Hodgson, Tonkin, Waldus, Morgan, Blake, Sasaki, Tolland, Jancevski, Lee. Substitutes: Jenkins, Condon, Taylor, Holtz, Bowler.
Scorers: I. Hodgson 46’.
Referee: Rebecca Durcau.
Attendance: 1,883.
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Above: Brisbane Roar’s Mia Corbin dribbling the ball against the Newcastle Jets Photo: Brisbane Roar
Two teams fighting hard to rise up the table clashed in Unite Round as the Brisbane Roar took on the Newcastle Jets at Leichardt Oval. Tameka Yallop celebrated her 150th appearance in the Liberty A-Leagues in this match.
The Brisbane Roar came off a hard fought 2-1 victory over the Phoenix and hoping for more heroics from their attacking players in Tameka Yallop, Kijah Stephenson and Mia Corbin. The Newcastle Jets came into the match off of a thrilling 3-3 draw with Canberra United and were looking to make a late push up into finals contention with a positive result here.
Brisbane’s starting XI was unchanged from their victory over Wellington in this fixture while the Jets made a couple of changes. The formation moved to a traditional 4-4-2 with Natasha Prior getting the start at centre back alongside Zoe Karapidis with Claudia Cicco and Sophie Hoban slotted in as the fullbacks.
Brisbane Roar started strong, dominating possession in the first 15 minutes and peppering the goal with a number of shots. Leah Scarpelli put a chance wide after a rare venture forward in the first ten minutes and Kijah Stephenson tested Isobel Nino at around 1t minutes with a low driven effort on goal.
After dominating the early proceedings, the Roar dropped back a touch and almost conceded with Mindy Barbieri striking the crossbar from range against the run of play. This brought the Jets right back into contention as they played with better possession and created some more chances.
Corbin put a snapshot wide from just inside the box a moment later and then on the other end, Cassidy Davis forced a good save from Jordan Silkowitz. Corbin created a half chance through pressing Isobel Nino in the Jets goal but the keeper recovered well to collect the ball in what was a very entertaining yet scoreless half.
The second half began with a lot more of the Jets going forward, winning several corners and looking to use their physicality to unsettle Silcowitz in goal. There were many tough tackles in midfield and a lot of added time was tacked on to the end due to the amount of injury concerns during the half.
The game picked up a dramatic gear at the hour mark, with the Jets winning the ball in an advanced position and passing forward to Lorena Baumann who was looking to break away. While it appeared that there were defenders between Baumann and the goal, Holly McQueen took down the breaking Baumann which lead to Isabella Libri brandishing a red card to the Roar defender.
After celebrating the sending off as if it was a goal, Sarina Bolden was able to open the scoring on the 63rd as a very clever flick on from Davis at the edge of the box released the forward who put away her sixth goal in seven games.
The lead was however only a brief one as Tameka Yallop broke forward up the right wing two minutes later before squaring the ball across to Mia Corbin who hit the top corner with her effort for the equaliser. Despite being down to 10 players, Brisbane remained competitive and continued to create chances.
On the 77th minute, Yallop was once again involved but not in the way she would’ve wanted to have an impact. Mindy Barbieri attempted an Olimpico corner which deflected off the head of Yallop and gave the Jets back the lead. While Barbieri celebrated, it was considered a Yallop own goal.
The Roar pushed continuing to try and find an equaliser despite the disadvantage. 6 minutes of added time proved to be just not enough as the Jets hung on for an important win.
Roar fans will feel hard done by with the result hear as they dominated the first half and showed great chance creation with Yallop and Stephenson often breaking forward. However, credit should be given to the Jets defence and Isobel Nino. Nino made a number of important saves and the right side of the defence of Cicco and Prior proved to contain Stephenson well, particularly in the second half.
Going forward, the Jets did look a potent package, particularly with the creativity of Barbieri and Davis creating several chances. If the Jets are to continue being successful in their endeavour to climb the table, they will need to look to create opportunities for Sarina Bolden, and these two players may be the perfect catalyst for doing so alongside Baumann.
Above: The Mariners celebrate the win against Wellington. Photo: Central Coast Mariners.
An third minute Emma Main goal was not enough for Wellington Phoenix to overcome a Peta Trimis inspired Central Coast Mariners.
A tough and tightly contested game was highlighted by three well taken goals, with Main opening the scoring for The Phoenix in just the third minute. Casey Dumont’s clearance was charged down by the onrushing and high pressing Wellington attackers and when the ball eventually fell to Main, she made no mistake with the finish.
As the match evolved, neither side wanted to give an inch, The Mariners we’re happy to concede fouls rather than let the speedy Phoenix attackers get loose, but at times the trickery and movement of Mariana Speckmaier proved too much to handle.
Central Coast’s prodigious attacker Peta Trimis grew into the game and became a menacing presence with her direct running and strong decision making in the final third. Her ability to twist and accelerate quickly made her’s one of the most eye catching performances of the evening.
Despite the promising start by Wellington, the result effectively turned before half time. Roma Badawiya levelled the scores in the 23rd minute with a brilliant solo effort.
After receiving the ball wide of the goal, the Mariners striker shifted feet and changed direction quickly to create space and then closed in on goal before sliding the ball beyond Rylee Foster.
Just over 10 minutes later, Trimis had one herself after completing a swift attacking move to give the Mariners a 2-1 lead.
The Young Matilda almost up up a third late in the game, but Foster was able to smother Annaliese Rasmussen attempt at goal after the perfectly timed pass had set her free.
Trimis’s early season form recently earned her a call up to the Australian Under 20 side and she showed glimpses of her strong potential in the 3-1 loss against China. Since returning from national team duty the winger has seemingly gone up another level again. Against The Phoenix she announced herself as the latest rising star of this competition.
This was an impressive result by the Mariners and backed up by another encouraging performance. They have steel and creativity with the likes of Bianca Galic able to add goal threat to their wpl established midfield presence.
It was not all bad news for the Phoenix either. This was a winnable game and they will be frustrated by the result and the Mariners ability to disrupt their game plan, but this is not a form dip by Paul Temple’s team.
They still found ways to threaten and with Alyssa Whinham returning to the starting lineup for the first time in over a year. They are adding yet another weapon to an arsenal that already includes Speckmaier, Michaela Foster and Macey Fraser.
The rest of the season appears promising for both sides.
Teams
Wellington Phoenix: R Foster, McMeeken, Barry, Lake, Fraser, Longo, Taylor, M Foster, Main, Whinham, Speckmaier. Substitutes: Brown, Breslin, Davidson, Feinberg-Danieli, Jaber.
Above: Kayla Morrison (right) and Quinley Quezada fight for possession. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
The opening game of the inaugural A-Leagues Unite Round saw Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory leave Leichhardt Oval with a point apiece after neither team found a winner in their 1-1 draw.
Victory opened the scoring through another Rachel Lowe goal, in the first half, her sixth of the season now. Lowe provided a glancing header to complete defender Jamilla Rankin’s perfectly placed cross, which beat Perth Glory keeper Morgan Aquino and give Melbourne the lead.
The response from Perth came in the second half, when midfielder Hana Lowry delivered a corner kick to the mouth of the goal. While the ball did look to be on target for an Olimpico for Lowry, it took a final slight touch from Jamilla Rankin’s head before hitting the inside netting of the goal.
Both sides looked eager to score a final, winning goal, and bounce back from their losses last week, Perth through a long ranged effort from Claudia Mihocic that rattled the crossbar, and Melbourne through Rachel Lowe’s driving challenge that Aquino was able to palm away.
Even the return of Emily Gielnik to the field for Victory was unable to turn the tides for Melbourne. After weeks out on the sideline due to a calf injury, Gielnik saw her first minutes on the pitch since November.
Gielnik’s best chance on goal from her cameo appearance was ruled offside after being saved by Aquino.
The result of this game leaves both teams’ position on the ladder unchanged, with Round 13 to come where Victory will travel to face Canberra United, and Glory will play host to Brisbane Roar.
Above: Emma Checker –a key component in Melbourne Victory’s squad. Photo: Emma Checker Instagram.
What a year 2023 was for Emma Checker. She graduated from university, witnessed a World Cup in her backyard, signed with a new club, and got married. Many of us might hope to achieve just one of those things in a year, but Checker did all of them and more.
A few days after the World Cup ended, Checker announced that she would be leaving Melbourne City, after four years of playing for the club, and signing with crosstown rival, Melbourne Victory.
“It was a really tough move and decision to make,” the player said. “But it’s like any relationship or contract or dynamic, some things aren’t made to last forever, and things change as you go.” Checker felt that she had reached a point in her career where change was necessary. Signing with Victory was an important change, and also an exciting one. But it wasn’t the first time she’d played for Melbourne Victory.
Checker was born in Ashford, a suburb of Adelaide. She made her senior debut for Adelaide United in 2011, when she was just 15 years old (and just a year later she made her debut for the Matildas). She played for the Reds for two seasons, before moving to Victoria where she first played for Melbourne Victory. “Victory was the first club I moved to Melbourne for, so it wasn’t completely unfamiliar to me, and playing under a coach like Jeff (Hopkins) and back at Victory was something that at the time was right and has proven to be a really good decision for me.”
She played for two seasons at Melbourne Victory before trying her luck further north in Canberra. In 2017, after two seasons with Canberra United, she embarked on her first overseas adventure, signing with South Korean powerhouse, Hyundai Steel Red Angels, who, at that point, had won the WK League in Korea four times in a row. Sadly, she was only able to play a few games with her new club before she succumbed to a knee injury. After the injury, she returned home to play for Adelaide United for another two years, before making the move back to Melbourne and signing with Melbourne City in 2019.
Above: Emma Checker in action for home town club Adelaide United in 2017. Photo: Adelaide United.
Her first season at Melbourne City was a “massive highlight” for Checker. “It taught me so much about being a professional, and being in the environment that we had that year, it was incredible. We had a starting lineup of all internationally capped players, whether it be for the Matildas, or you know, their respective countries.”
The defender played in all 14 matches and was an essential part of City’s defensive line. They would go on to win both the Premiership and Championship. “That year was something really special and it recreated my interest and excitement around trying to really break back into the Matildas environment.”
Checker cherished her time at Melbourne City and felt like she grew a lot as a player during her time there. “I learned so much at Melbourne City and some of the greatest parts of my career and greatest success have come from being there,” she said. “Those four years were really special, and I will always hold them really closely to me.”
Above: Emma Checker motivating her Melbourne City teammates. Photo: Melbourne City.
One of the things that Checker found most difficult about leaving City, was saying goodbye to the friends she had made at the club. “I think it’s one of the hardest parts of sport,” she said. “I’ve got some really special relationships and friendships there that were hard to feel like I was walking away from.”
There was one person in particular that the star found it very difficult to part with, veteran City goalkeeper and Matildas legend, Melissa Barbieri. “Bubs is one of my closest and greatest friends. So, I think sharing the locker room with her for so many years was actually…it was a really sad part of the move. But in saying that, relationships like that don’t change,” Checker said. “I think what you learn in life is that the strong friendships always last.”
Above: Melissa Barbieri (centre) and Emma Checker (second right) receive an award, alongside fellow City players, Holly McNamara (far left) and Rhianna Pollicina (second left). Photo: Melbourne City.
During the dramatic 2022 semifinal clash between Melbourne City and Sydney FC, there was a moment in the match where Barbieri’s shoelaces came undone and because of her gloves, she was unable to tie them up herself. Without a second thought, the defender kneeled down and tied them up for her. I asked her about that beautiful and wholesome moment. “[Barbieri] is a special friend,” Checker said lovingly. “And in sport and life, it’s rare to meet someone like her, so I would do up her shoelaces any day of the week.”
So, after her four special years with Melbourne City, the South Australian decided to return to the dark side (dark blue that is). It certainly could have been a daunting proposition, returning there after almost 10 years of playing with rival clubs. The majority of the players at Victory were not there when Checker had first played for the club. Most of them are players that she’s come up against for the last four years in Melbourne City colours.
“There was a part of me that was a little bit nervous about the move, because obviously, you know, you’re going to the opposing side. And it’s a derby setup, so there was a part of me that was a little bit worried.” But it turned out that there was nothing to worry about. “It’s honestly been one of the easiest transitions I’ve ever made, and that comes down to the girls,” Checker said. “They were so welcoming and just, you know, they wrapped me up from the day I walked in.”
The defender’s close friendship with Emily Gielnik also made the move a lot easier. “Em Gielnik has always been someone I’ve absolutely adored, and we roomed together in one of my more recent national team camps. And so having her sign at the club was massive for me and it was comforting as well, to be honest, knowing that I would have that close connection.”
Above: Emma Checker (top) and her close friend and teammate, Emily Gielnik. Photo: Instagram.
One of the biggest factors that drew Checker to Melbourne Victory was the culture of the club, one that head coach, Jeff Hopkins, has been building since 2016. Working with Hopkins was another factor that led the player back to Victory. “I’ve always had a really good relationship with Jeff despite having never played for him. We’ve been in touch when I’ve been off contract in the past, so it was the right time to really consider that as an option,” Checker said.
“Playing under Jeff was something important to me as a defender. I felt like even though I’ve been around the game for a long time, being coached by someone who played my position has been a really great learning opportunity for me, and it’s also taught me that you’re never done learning.”
For the South Australian, the external leadership of Hopkins was important, but so too was the internal leadership. Already, Checker has come to admire Victory’s captain, Kayla Morrison. “One of the most special dynamics I feel like I’ve built has been in playing with Kayla. I think that we’re both very different in how we play, but for me, she’s a really special player. She’s a great leader, and I think we’ve combined really well so far. And I’m loving being her teammate rather than playing against her.”
It was a tough start to the season for Melbourne Victory, narrowly losing their first two matches to Brisbane Roar and Western United. Victory actually led Western at half-time after Checker scored her opening goal for the campaign, however United were too strong in the second half, scoring two goals. The defender felt that the disjointed, five-week pre-season was particularly tough for Victory, as well as having several young players away on Young Matildas duties and a few very experienced players either out with injury (Gielnik) or away for the international window (Lydia Williams and Elise Kellond-Knight).
“We had a lot of our senior experience girls come into the mix late,” Checker said. “Now that we’ve got the core group together and we have time together, it makes such a huge difference. Like anything, you can’t bring a group together that haven’t been together before and expect it to be perfect, after a month. It just doesn’t work like that.”
After the loss to Western United in October, Victory went on a six-match unbeaten run, recapturing their championship winning form. I asked Checker what the secret was to that transformation. “I think just getting to know each other and understanding the way we all operate is something that is starting to come together, and we all believed right from the get-go that if the first few weeks were hard, that we were good enough to make it through,” Checker said. “But we also always had the belief after the first couple of games that even though the results weren’t what we were after that we were capable of doing a lot more.” Ironically, it was Checker’s former club, Melbourne City, that would end Victory’s unbeaten run with a tight 1-0 win at home.
Above: The Melbourne Victory starting 11 for the match against Western United. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Checker’s signing with Melbourne Victory came just days after the most successful World Cup in history. From one victory to another. The player was blown away by the quality of the tournament. “It was incredible” she said. “I felt like I set a high bar for what I expected from the tournament. I think a lot of people did, but I don’t think any of us can even reflect and say that we anticipated it truly being as big as it was.”
Checker attended the send-off match against France just before the World Cup where the Matildas set a new home crowd record of 50,629. Just under a week later, she was at Stadium Australia for the Matildas’ opening World Cup match against the Republic of Ireland. This match smashed the previous record, seeing a capacity crowd of 75,784 people attend the match.
“It was really pleasing to see that we had such an untapped space in terms of, you know, people’s attraction to watching not only women’s sport but women’s football. For so long it felt like we were fighting really hard to gain traction and gain interest, but the interest has been there, we just hadn’t tapped into it.”
Attending these matches at the World Cup made the defender realise what a huge and monumental moment in women’s sport this was. “Seeing not only young girls, with the likes of, you know, Ellie Carpenter on their back, but having young boys also now knowing these as household names. That’s such a pivotal moment for women’s sport in Australia. And I think it’s hard to go back from here. We’ve now set a new bar and I think it also has been really great for not only football but for other female codes as well to realise what we are capable of.”
I asked Checker if it was difficult, as a capped Matilda, to be in the stands watching, instead of out on the field playing. “I think for a long time yes,” she said. “I never managed to really cement a spot. For me, it was it was over a decade of being in and out. It was really tough…emotionally and psychologically. There was so much to deal with for such a long time and I did struggle sitting in the stands for the most part of my career within the team.”
Above: Emma Checker (right) on Matildas duty in 2021 tussling with German attacker, Jule Brand. Photo: Matildas.
At one point in her career, te defender had become so obsessed with cementing her place in the Matildas squad that it was severely impacting her life and mental health. “I have tried to detach myself a little bit emotionally from it because it became quite damaging for how I was feeling and how it impacted me in life to be honest with you,” Checker said. “I had to learn to separate myself somewhat from how important that was to me because it started to feel like for my whole life…every moment had revolved around me trying to make that team.”
During the off-season at Melbourne City, Checker often signed with overseas clubs to make a bit more money and stay fit, but to also continue being a serious contender for the Matildas squad. From 2020 to 2022, the South Australian spent time at clubs in France, Iceland, and Sweden. Although she had many positive experiences and successes overseas, she also experienced a lot of tough times as well.
After her time in Sweden, she realised that the most valuable things in her life would always be in Australia. “It was a hard decision to come to, but at the same time, there were parts of it that became really easy for me with my life away from the field and how that was changing. It’s not something that I’m willing to sacrifice anymore, doing long distance and being away like that.”
Checker has now reached an age where she can see the big picture in terms of her career and the Matildas. “You can almost see in a different way than you used to, and I think the lens that I had going into the World Cup was very different. I was able to really see it for what it was and just and feel the excitement. And it ended up being a really enjoyable experience for me in a way that I probably wouldn’t have been capable of as my younger self.”
High quality centre backs are always in high demand, and some key Matildas centre backs, such as Clare Polkinghorne and Aivi Luik are in the twilight of their careers, so there will definitely be spots that open up for younger (but still extremely experienced) players such as Checker. Although being a part of the Matildas is still an ambition she has, it isn’t the centre of her life as it used to be. “My approach now is that I do everything in my control, and if it happens, it happens. But I’m not so attached to the outcome,” Checker said. “I give my best in every game and every training and whatever my best brings is a bonus.”
It seems like there have been a lot of bonuses in Checker’s life recently. After she married her long-term partner, Mandy, in September, the newlyweds went on a dream honeymoon in New Zealand. “We honestly had the time of our lives,” she said. “It was honestly everything I could have ever hoped for. We had a really special time doing exactly what we loved, which was being in the outdoors, eating well, hiking, going on bike rides. I think that most people would look from the outside and think there’s absolutely nothing relaxing about that,” Checker laughed. “But we spent it in our way.”
Above: Emma Checker and her wife Mandy Tisler on their honeymoon in New Zealand. Photo: Instagram.
Checker now lives with her partner Mandy, and her two children. Not only is she a professional footballer, but she has also been studying for the past six years and has been co-parenting as well. “It’s a balance and a juggle that I’m not perfect at and never will be,” the Melbourne Victory star said. “But honestly, it’s been one of the greatest challenges and most rewarding changes that I’ve ever experienced in my life.” I asked her whether having kids was anything like marshalling a backline. “I would say I’m much better at marshalling a backline than kids, that’s for sure,” Checker laughed.
Mandy and her kids have helped her broaden her perspective on life and taught her a lot about her priorities. “As a footballer you can kind of operate a lot in your own lane, not in a selfish way but you’re so busy thinking about looking after your body, doing everything right for yourself, it’s very almost tunnel vision in a sense in the way that you approach your life,” Checker reflected.
“So, once I met Mandy and started being involved with her kids, just your outlook kind of changes and priorities change, and your perspective becomes a lot more broad. While it has been tough, it’s also been one of the most incredible challenges that I’ve ever faced and it’s changed my life in many ways, and I’m really grateful to have them in my life.”
Above: Emma Checker, her wife Mandy Tisler, and Tisler’s two boys. Photo:Instagram.
Another important thing that helped the South Australian expand her perspective was studying. In June, she graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Business, majoring in public relations. For Checker, it has always been important to be doing something on the side, besides playing football, to remind her that life is bigger than football and that she is much more than just an athlete. “Studying always created a space for me to feel like I was more than just a footballer,” she said. “Graduating and doing well within my degree was something that was really important to me so that I felt like I did have value within myself beyond just being on the pitch.”
As for the future, Checker is not sure yet what area of business she would like to work in after her football career, but she’s enjoying the process of finding things that spark her interest, no matter where they lie. “I’m ready to tap into as many different things as possible to work out what is right for me long term,” she said. “I think for a long time I felt like I could only ever work in the sporting space. But I think now as I get older, I realise that there are so many other opportunities outside of the world that I’ve always known.”
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Above: Sophie Harding is the in-form Australian striker. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
The devastating news that Sam Kerr has torn her ACL leaves much of the football world mourning. But it leaves another thing: an opening and opportunity in the ever-competitive Matildas squad, especially with the Olympic qualifiers coming up.
Should Australia qualify, An 18-player squad for the Olympics not only means that some of the players from the World Cup will be excluded, but that there is very little space for new players. However, with only Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord as the remaining recognised forwards virtually guaranteed a place, there is a need to find at least one more option.
This piece will focus on Australia’s various options, including profiles on some of the A-League Women’s top attacking talents.
Current Squad
Above: Mary Fowler (left) celebrates a goal with Caitlin Foord (right). Image: Kris Goman for Impetus.
With a very versatile attacking line, the answer to Kerr’s absence was something that the Matildas found decent solutions for during the World Cup. Between Mary Fowler and Caitlin Foord, Australia had quite capable strikers. Although Caitlin Foord operates best as a striker when she is paired with Kerr, she can manage well on her own. But, in the past when deployed in the centre of the attack, she has been sorely missed on the left wing. However, since the World Cup, Mary Fowler has come into her own on the left at Manchester City. Alternatively, moving Fowler into the nine role could provide amazing results, whether alone or with another attacker to play off, like Emily Van Egmond. With wingers like Cortnee Vine (if she is fit) and Hayley Raso who are capable of producing results on their own, Australia shouldn’t be lacking for goals. This also practically secures Tameka Yallop a spot in the squad, her contribution as a flexible utility player makes her invaluable.
Fringe Squad
Above: Amy Sayer sprinting down the sideline. Image: Cat Bryant for Impetus.
Australia has many great attacking options in and around the squad. With both promising young players and players in their prime, there are many options. Amy Sayer is a likely solution to Kerr’s absence, with her physical presence and tactical awareness. She is certainly a player for the future of Australia, but her time may come sooner than she thought. Alex Chidiac is another great option that can inject energy into a game. One player with Olympic experience who is currently thriving in the A-League is Chloe Logarzo. The 29-year-old midfielder has 54 Matildas caps as well as eight goals and could be a valuable addition after her time away due to injury. Another experienced Matilda who has been injured is Emily Gielnik, who may have a chance if she begins to start and score for Melbourne Victory.
Last night was a movie 🤩🎥
Two goals in two minute and Logarzo saw the back of the net twice. Hear what our captain has to say about last nights performance.
Both Sarah Hunter and Charlie Rule, who recently earned their first Matildas caps against Canada, can play attacking roles, with Hunter functioning more as an attacking midfielder while Rule can pretty much play anywhere (and started as a striker in the Under 20 World Cup). One name that has dropped off the radar but could be in the mix is Larissa Crummer. The forward wasn’t often utilised in her preferred position when playing with the national team over the past few years but has been doing well at Brann. As mentioned in the previous section, World Cup hero Vine is struggling on her return from injury but has a good chance to be in upcoming squads. Lastly, an out-and-out nine, Remy Siemsen has always been an option but would need to hit form at Leicester to be considered.
At the time of Sam Kerr’s injury, the best five attacking players in the A-League Women are Vesna Milivojevic, Mille Farrow, Sarina Bolden, Daniela Galic and Sophie Harding.
Of those five, only two are eligible to play for Australia, and only one is a striker.
As discussed in an earlier Impetus article, the next generation of Australian striking options are plentiful, but the Olympics is a short tournament, there is no time to find your feet, and with an 18-player squad, anybody selected must be able to meaningfully contribute. There is also a huge step up between being the A-League Women and international football. Australia’s best domestic players struggled against the might of Spain in 2022, but we have players who can fill an attacking role in an already talented team.
Sophie Harding
Above: Sophie Harding rises highest to score against Wellington Phoenix. Image: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Harding has six goals in nine games for the Western Sydney Wanderers. These are strong numbers, but the way she has been playing could benefit The Matildas if she is called upon.
The former Jets winger was moved inside last season by Kat Smith and has taken on more responsibility as the Wanderers spearhead in the absence of Sarina Bolden.
Harding is a powerful, purposeful runner with the ball, is composed in the box and has a venomous strike from range. She has all the attributes needed to play at a higher level and her style of game would suit a counter-attacking Matildas set-up.
She shoots without hesitation or hurry and is in career-best form. Speed is still an essential element for international football, it can make up for a lack of experience. Harding is reminiscent of Emily Gielnik at her best. She is a forward who can operate in a front three or two. But can also do a job as a solo nine.
Daniela Galic
Galic is an excellent player and one of the best attackers in the league. She has poise, balance and underrated acceleration, particularly in close quarters. She can shoot off either foot and has developed the cutting edge that all good forwards need.
She is, however, a playmaker, best used out wide by City and in midfield by The Young Matildas. Her selection could be merited if her form continues, especially if she has a standout Under-20 Asian Cup, but it would not be a like-for-like replacement for Kerr. It would require a tactical rethink and that might be too much to risk for a 17-year-old who has yet to play a senior international. She has plenty of time to develop.
Galic is a potential Matilda for up to three World Cups to come. She is one of the most exciting talents in the country, but like Mary Fowler before her, will likely be managed carefully.
Susan Phonsongkham is another good option, but again unproven as a senior international. She has been prepared by her time with The Young Matildas and came up in the same crop as Mary Fowler, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Courtney Nevin and Charli Grant so there would be some familiarity with the squad.
She is inventive and explosive and can score goals out of seemingly nothing. Her performances have been consistent for Perth Glory, but her scoring rate has slowed since the opening rounds. One thing going for Phonsongkham is that she is a left-footer. Australia lacks them in the senior side, and although she mostly uses it to cut inside and shoot from the right, it is an attribute that could come in handy on either wing.
Hana Lowry
Above: Hana Lowry on the ball against Sydney FC. Image: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
Phonsongkham’s Perth Glory teammate Hana Lowry is another option. A part of the Future Matildas program and one of Western Australia’s brightest prospects since Kerr emerged. Lowry can play almost any midfield or attacking role but has found her feet as a box-to-box player in Glory’s so far successful season.
Lowry combined with Galic to form the Young Matildas midfield at the Under 20 World Cup and is a similar player, although with a more varied passing range.
Like Galic, her inclusion would mean a tactical reshuffle for the side, and there is likely not enough time for that, but in an attacking role, her height, power and control could make an impact.
Chelsie Dawber
Chelsie Dawber has scored goals for Adelaide United, she has scored goals for The Australian Under 23s, and she has scored goals for IFK Norrkoping in Sweden. Dawber is a clever, creative forward with a thunderous right boot.
Goals are harder to come by at Adelaide United this season, but the prodigal striker scored in her second game back for her hometown club.
Her playing style is similar to Kyah Simon in her ability to drop deep and wide and link play as well as finish it. Her finishing is excellent from long range or in the box and she has a willingness to try and take responsibility in match-winning moments.
Her time with the Under 23s means that she is familiar with The Matildas’ preferred style, and she can be a lethal addition to any attack. Crucially, Dawber can play any role in a front three or drop deeper. Her crossing and off-the-ball movement is excellent and her vision and anticipation are some of her standout qualities.
More goals or assists for Adelaide could put her in contention.
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Impetus has previously written about Kahli Johnson here. She is one of the brightest prospects in the under-23s and under-20 Matildas setups. A strong, fast, tricky forward with leadership qualities, Johnson is the sort of player who could physically handle international football and has been developed in similar coaching setups that the senior team has been.
She is currently injured and has not featured for Western United in recent games, but her recent experience travelling abroad and ability to float along either flank to score or assist make her one of the country’s best young attackers.
Historically, The Matildas have drawn players from the youth sides, and if Johnson has a strong Under 20 Asian Cup, she could put herself in contention for a senior call-up.
Kahli Johnson produced an absolute screamer at yesterdays match against Melbourne City 🚀
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