Last gasp Daly devastates West Ham

West Ham United 2-3 Aston Villa

by Beth McCowen at the Chigwell Construction Stadium for Impetus (20/11/23).

Above: Anna Patten (arm raised) celebrates Aston Villa’s opening goal with Rachel Corsie (6). Photo: Aston Villa Women.

Rachel Daly’s strike in stoppage time at the end of the game secured Aston Villa’s second successive win against a fellow WSL struggler.

Carla Ward and Rehanne Skinner’s sides were both equally desperate for some points going into this clash. They each sit low in the WSL table as of late, and this pivotal result means West Ham drop down to 11th, whilst Villa have finally clawed their way up to ninth.

The match was fast-paced from the first touch, with the Hammers producing the better opportunities to begin with as Riko Ueki, looked lively and Sarah Mayling was also called upon to make an important block to clear a chance from Kirsty Smith for West Ham.

As the game progressed, despite their strong presence, the visitors were being put under pressure. The Irons’ number two, Kirsty Smith, made an excellent run into the box, sending the defender the wrong way. She was then brought down, which resulted in a penalty. This was calmly executed by Viviane Asseyi, giving West Ham the lead.

The Hammers continued to look dangerous after this, but Aston Villa held their own. Ward’s side suddenly came to life at the half-an-hour mark. They appeared to have learned from their defensive errors against Chelsea, and it must be noted that having both Hanson and Dali back on the pitch only serves to improve their performances.

The 30th minute saw Villa with a corner-induced equalizer, secured through an impressive header by Patten.

West Ham’s backline appeared to struggle after this setback, but their fan-favourite captain and goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold, did a superb job at stopping Villa from expanding on their current position. However, her opposite number, Daphne van Domselaar made a very important save in stoppage time at the end of the first half.

Above: Rachel Daly (right) and Kenza Dali acclaim Aston Villa’s victory. Photo: Aston Villa Women.

The second half saw Villa looking threatening, but once again West Ham’s Arnold proved why she is one of the world’s best at present. The Matildas star was not only making important saves and passing well under pressure but commanding her defenders in a strategically effective way.

Villa earned themselves a brilliant goal in the 49th minute from their number 24, Adriana Leon. There was chaos in the box in the build-up, but her great strike left Arnold with no chance.

Rachel Daly delivered a masterclass in footwork during the second half, impressively keeping the ball in possession, and knowing exactly when to bring it back out and look for a new opportunity.

With just over 10 minutes remaining, an outstanding goal from Lisa Evans saw West Ham put themselves back in the game.

Villa’s defence tightened up again after this. Tensions were rising, and Arnold made another great save to stop Ward’s side from regaining their lead.

Then, two minutes into stoppage time at the end, Daly delivered a top-quality strike. Villa’s number nine also played a vital role in their defence during the latter stages of the match, clearing a ball from the goal line to preserve her side’s lead.

West Ham immediately countered, but their accuracy was not quite good enough to secure a goal. The final corner of the game was for the Irons, with virtually everyone in the box but no no avail. Right before the final whistle, van Domselaar made another vital save. This match saw some impressive play from both sides in all areas of the pitch, but particularly from the two goalkeepers.

In the end, Aston Villa narrowly managed to take away all three points. Both sides gave a performance to be proud of. This was an important victory for Aston Villa, and a frustrating loss for Skinner’s West Ham United.

Teams: WEST HAM UNITED (5-3-2): Arnold, Smith, Shimizu, Stringer, Tysiak, Ueki, Harries, Filis, Asseyi, Cooke, Cissoko. Substitutes: Walsh, Evans, Atkinson, Ziu, Denton, Stapleton, Ademiluyi, Flannery.

Scorers: Asseyi (27’), Evans (80’).

ASTON VILLA (4-3-3): van Domselaar, Mayling, Patten, Turner, Pacheco, Dali, Corsie, Blindkilde Brown, Leon, Daly, Hanson. Substitutes: Staniforth, Lehmann, Nobbs, McLoughlin, Salmon, Mullett, Leat, Magill.

Scorers: Patten (31’), Leon (50’), Daly (90+2).

Referee: Keith Stroud.

Attendance: 1,406.

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A-League Women Weekly Awards

Impetus’ team of contributors covering the competition unveil their choices as player, coach, and event of the week. The votes are tallied up across the season and totals revealed just before Finals as we crown our Player and Coach of the Season (20/11/23)

Player of the week:
Above: Two votes for Holly McNamara this week as the Australian football family keeps everything crossed that injury news isn’t as severe as feared. Photo: Football Australia.

BEN GILBY: Whilst we await confirmation of what could be another devastating long-term injury, Holly McNamara deserves recognition for another fine performance, capped by two goals for Melbourne City at Newcastle Jets.

KIERAN YAP: Emily van Egmond looked a class above. She scored one, set up another, and dominated against Melbourne City’s midfield for most of the game. 

BEN CAREY: Holly McNamara. Another sensational performance pulled City out of a big hole against the Jets. McNamara not only scored the equalising goal to bring City back from a 1-2 deficit against the Jets, but she scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time as well. Hopefully, her injury is only short-term, and not another dreaded ACL.

Coach of the week:
Above: Emily Husband – who secured two votes for Coach of the Week. Photo: Central Coast Mariners.

BEN GILBY: Still unbeaten, still top of the table – but this week Alex Epakis‘ Perth Glory had to do it the hard way. After missing a golden opportunity to go 2-0 up against Melbourne Victory with 15 minutes left, the Western Australian side found themselves 2-1 behind deep into stoppage time. Yet such is the belief and determination that Epakis has instilled into his young team, they kept plugging away and Hana Lowry was on the end of a sensational team move to seal the equaliser at the death.

KIERAN YAP: Emily Husband. A good win for the Mariners and a very organised performance by her team against the in-form Wellington Phoenix. 

BEN CAREY: Emily Husband. Leading her team, Central Coast Mariners, to a statement win over the in-form Wellington Phoenix was impressive. The Mariners now sit in fifth spot on the ladder. Extraordinary for her first season in charge.

Event of the week:
Above: Hana Lowry (8), centre, celebrates her late, late leveller with Perth Glory team mates. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

BEN GILBY: Hana Lowry’s late leveller for Perth Glory against Melbourne Victory. A superb team move involving Grace Johnston, Quinley Quezada, and Susan Phonsongkham, who found the local star with a sumptuous cushioned side-footed pass.

KIERAN YAP: Hana Lowry’s late equaliser for Perth Glory was a moment of composure and class. The three points looked headed home with Melbourne Victory until Lowry scored her second of the game. She’s gone up another level this season and is taking responsibility for games instead of just contributing.

BEN CAREY: Hana Lowry’s sensational equaliser against Melbourne Victory late into stoppage time.

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McNamara injury mars Melbourne City win

Newcastle Jets 2-3 Melbourne City

By Emma Burke (19/11/23).

Above: Melbourne City players swarm Daniela Galic after her opening goal. Photo: Melbourne City

What should have been an exciting win for Melbourne City with a last-gasp goal in extra time, ended in despair as the game-winning scorer Holly McNamara was stretchered off the pitch with what looked to be a knee injury.

By half-time Newcastle Jets lead the visiting Melbourne City 2-1, despite City opening the scoring early through Daniela Galic. Galic collected the scraps of a blocked attempt at goal by Kaitlin Torpey, and ploughed home an impressive volley.

Newcastle were able to level the score only minutes later through hometown hero Emily van Egmond, who made her first of four appearances on her guest contract for the team. 

Van Egmond set the play up initially releasing Laura Gooch down the left side of the pitch and the cross from Gooch came back to her in what was really a very extended one-two play. City keeper Lysianne Proulx had already come off her line to cut off the cross, but the ball was just out of reach, leaving van Egmond to chip the ball into goal with ease. 

The Jets extended their lead, through the same two players, only this time, van Egmond played a long ball over the top of City’s defence that Gooch was able to collect on the run and then outpaced Melbourne’s captain Rebekah Stott, a feat that not many manage, and lured Proulx out of the six-yard-box to then shoot low at the far post and score.

Tensions had been rising throughout the game, and it all came to a head after a strong challenge from Jets’ Libby Copus-Brown on McNamara. Rhianna Pollicina ended up swooping into the situation, shoving Copus-Brown and players from both teams crowded around the two and McNamara, who was still on the ground. 

Both Copus-Brown and Pollicina were awarded yellow cards for the altercation, and it looked as though the referee had managed to calm both sides down with the sanctions.

It appeared that Newcastle were going to deliver City their first loss of the season, however, Holly McNamara is inevitable, and she tied up the scoreline for the second time.

A corner delivered by Pollicina initially found the head of Hannah Wilkinson, but she was unable to connect well with the ball and it spilled out of the box. Galic was able to recycle the ball back in with a cross of her own, and this time targeted McNamara, whose head was this time able to direct the ball into the net.  

The inevitability of McNamara continued, and Newcastle were unable to hold on to the draw. Emina Ekic played a pass around the Newcastle defensive line, and McNamara was perfectly timed to run onto the ball and beat out her defender. The shot she took was as last minute as they come, which did hit the back of the next, but didn’t prevent her from being slightly collected by Newcastle keeper, Isobel Nino. 

McNamara landed heavily on her right knee and looked to be in serious pain from the collision. She was unable to stand and was eventually stretchered off the pitch. She had also just been announced as a squad member for the Matildas final fixtures of 2023, two games in Canada, her first selection since returning to form after rupturing her ACL in February 2022. 

City were able to close out the game and take all three points, but it was likely not the way they wanted to.

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Nino, Cicco, Karipidis, Prior, Baumann (53’ Wilson), van Egmond, Hoban (73’ Barbieri), Davis, Copus-Brown, Gooch (82’ Dundas), Allan (83’ Milan Hammond)

Scorers: van Egmond 14’, Gooch 32’.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Proulx, Grosso, Stott, Otto (66’ Thomas-Chinnama), Torpey, Ekic, Hughes (66’ L.McKenna), Pollicina, Galic (83’ Davidson), Wilkinson, McNamara (90+6’ T.McKenna)

Scorers: Galic 8’, McNamara 78’, 90+2’.

Referee: Asaka Koizumi

Attendance: 3,207

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Contentious goal gives Western United the win in Brisbane

Brisbane Roar 0-1 Western United

by Ben Carey at Ballymore Stadium (19/11/23).

Above: Brisbane Roar’s Sharn Freier and Western United’s Alana Cerne challenge for the ball. Photo: Western United.

Western United recorded a tight 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar on a warm, overcast Sunday afternoon in the Sunshine State.

The match was the second that the Roar have played at Ballymore Stadium, and the atmosphere was fantastic. There was a healthy crowd of 2,486 people, a fair bit lower than the record-breaking home game against Sydney FC last month, but still a considerable step up from the average of 900 or so who attended home matches last season.

The Roar came out guns blazing. For almost 10 minutes they had the lion’s share (pun intended) of the possession, their passing was quick and accurate, and their attacking intentions were clear. There was some very good build-up play, but no final product.

Western United’s first dangerous attempt on goal came from a beautiful link-up between Matildas legend, Chloe Logarzo, and last season’s Golden Boot winner, Hannah Keane. But Brisbane Roar keeper, Jordan Silkowitz, pulled out a top-drawer save to keep the visitors scoreless.

A minute later, Lorgazo whipped in a corner kick that caused a chaotic scramble in the box. Kahli Johnson made an attempt on goal that Silkowitz appeared to have miraculously cleared from the ground. What followed was deep confusion from every player on the field and everyone in the stands.

Silkowitz grabbed the ball and placed it in front of her to take a free kick, but many of the players had returned to the centre for a kick-off, suggesting that the ball had crossed the line and Western United had scored a goal. The crowd remained confused because there was no announcement over the loudspeaker.

From that point on Western United looked the stronger of the two sides, dominating possession and creating dangerous chances up the Roar’s end of the field. But Brisbane was able to shut down most of these attacks in the midfield or in the backline. The Roar also launched a few good attacks themselves, however, none of them amounted to much.

In the 85th minute, a weak header clearance from a Roar player fell to Keane, who blazed into the box and whipped a wicked cross to Johnson who took a first-time shot at goal, but Silkowitz made a spectacular, point-blank diving save to deny her.

A minute later, up the other end of the pitch, Tameka Yallop was fouled right on the edge of the box. The crowd thought it might be a penalty for a few moments, but instead it was a free kick.

The Roar fought hard right to the death, with late substitutes Hannah Holgersen and Rebecca Kirkup injecting a new energy into Brisbane’s front line. There was also a lot of promising buildup play from Mia Corbin, Sharn Freier, and Yallop, but still no final product. Western United were able to close out the game for a 1-0 win.

Brisbane Roar showed moments of promise during the match, but they were often too slow and didn’t have much intent or accuracy with their passing, which resulted in giving away possession very cheaply. Players like Freier and Corbin were often able to make good runs down the side and through the middle respectively, but there was never anyone there in support, so the attacks always fizzled out.

Part of this is probably due to having so many young and inexperienced players in the squad, and part of it is perhaps a result of playing their first game under the newly appointed head coach, Alex Smith.

Western United put in a good team effort to grab the win. Julia Sardo and Grace Maher were very solid in the backline, and Johnson was menacing up front. Last season’s Goalkeeper of the Year, Hilary Beall put in a good shift as well, although she didn’t have a whole lot of work to do.

It was Beall’s first game back with the club after warming the bench in the NWSL for her club Racing Louisville. Well, if the NWSL won’t recognise her immense talent, the A-League certainly will. What a blessing she will be to Western United for the rest of the season.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (5-4-1): Silkowitz, Scarpelli, McCormick, Stephenson, Blissett, McQueen, Thompson, Norrie, Palmer, Freier, Corbin. Substitutes: K. Richards, Yallop, Brodigan, Kirkup, Holgersen.

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

Scorers: Johnson 10’.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

Attendance: 2,486

Homophobia: Why is it so prevalent in the men’s game compared to women’s football?

by Trinity Brown (19/11/23)

Above: The LGBTQAI+ flying at Camp Nou. Photo: FC Barcelona.

Male footballers tend to come out as gay after they retire, compared to the openness of the women’s game, where it is never seen as a particularly big deal if the players identify as gay.

One can name many female footballers who are gay. In fact, it is a bit of a stereotype of the community, whereas most couldn’t name more than one gay men’s footballer, if any. So why is there such a difference? This article will try to analyse and give opinions on this discrepancy.

The fan base has a massive part in why some male players feel like they cannot come out. If one looks at the posts from Pride Month, they could see that many people who watch men’s football are incredibly homophobic.

“Arsenal remove this ugly flag be normal as last year.”

To comments like 

“I support Arsenal since I was a child and I never felt shame of that, until now so sad.”

The harsh reality of this is it isn’t necessary to hunt for these comments. The definition of the noun “shame” in the Oxford dictionary is, “a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behaviour.” Shame is an immensely powerful word. One could say that in the men’s game there are fans who have not changed with the times.

Above: Pernille Harder (right) and Magdalena Eriksson at the 2019 World Cup. Photo: Inside FIFA.

Part of the reason why I as an individual were not into football growing up is because of the culture of it being homophobic. I disliked football up until the women’s Euros in 2022. Seeing players who were gay and a fan base that was extremely accepting made me rethink my ideas about football.

By some of the players being openly gay, it creates a more accepting atmosphere where one can go to a game and not have to hide the fact they are gay for fear of harassment. Having talented players come out and be openly in a relationship with another player of the same sex creates a sense of feeling that homophobia is not welcome in the women’s game and will not be tolerated. 

Football chants and trying to distract the players during the game are both a big part of the men’s game. This creates an atmosphere that implies that it is in fact embarrassing to be gay. Being gay is even seen as a weakness to some, in fact, it’s common that when a player falls over, they get heckled and called homophobic slurs in an attempt to humiliate them.

Young fans often see homophobic chants simply as “banter”. Whether they think it is all a big joke, or if they are using the word “banter” as an excuse to be homophobic, this can teach young, impressionable minds that it is actually acceptable to be homophobic.

James stars as five-star Chelsea defeat Liverpool

Chelsea 5-1 Liverpool

by Myles Thornton at Stamford Bridge for Impetus (19/11/23)

Above: Chelsea’s hattrick hero Lauren James (far right) celebrates with team mates yesterday. Photo: Chelsea Women.

Lauren James shone as Emma Hayes’ Chelsea stormed to their sixth win in the WSL on Saturday afternoon as they beat Liverpool 5-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea started from the off as the better team with their first chance of the game came two minutes in, Lauren James glided through the Reds’ defence, she found Niamh Charles who’s shot was blocked and went out for a corner. Nothing came of the corner.

It didn’t take long for the hosts to take the lead though, Sophie Ingle played a sublime ball to James who finished it cooly and calmly to open the scoring.

Liverpool bounced back almost immediately though, Shanice Van De Sanden played the ball across the goal to find a Liverpool striker but it found the unfortunate shin of Jess Carter and went into the back of the net.

Chelsea retook the lead though on 23 minutes. James put an excellent ball over the top of the Liverpool box and found the head of Aggie Beever-Jones who nodded it in for her fourth goal of the season.

Just over ten minutes into the second half, James made it 3-1. Sam Kerr nudged the ball into James’ path before the Londoner unleashed a rocket of a shot into the bottom right corner.

James was unstoppable and got her hat trick on 64 minutes. An instant impact by substitute Johanna Rytting Kaneyrd who played the ball over to the centre of the area and James with another lovely finish.

The scoring was concluded with 12 minutes to go, Kaneyrd with another assist playing the ball through to the centre of the area, and Sjoeke Nüsken tapped it in.

Teams: CHELSEA (4-1-4-1): Musovic, Périsset, Carter, Charles, Ingle, Beever-Jones, Nüsken, Cuthbert, James, Kerr. Substitutes: Rytting Kaneryd (64’), Lawrence (75’), Fishel (75’), Kirby (81’), Fleming (81’), Hampton, Berger, Nouwen, Buchanan.

Scorers: James 11’, 56’, 64’. Beever-Jones 24’, Nüsken 78.

LIVERPOOL (5-3-2): Laws, Koivisto, Clark, Bonner, Fisk, Hinds, Höbinger, Nagano, Holland, Haug, Van De Sanden. Substitutes: Kearns (46’), Parry (74’), Kiernan (74’), Lawley (86’).

Scorer: Carter (OG) 13’.

Referee: Kirsty Dowle.

Attendance: 12,802.

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Sydney FC return with a win in Adelaide

Adelaide United 1-3 Sydney FC

By Kris Goman (19/11/23)

Above: Sydney FC players celebrate Fiona Worts’s goal. Photo: Sydney FC.

It’s still early days in the league and Sydney has been away in Uzbekistan playing in the AFC Club Championship so are low down the table due to missing a couple of games and this is almost a bottom-of-the-table clash so both teams are looking for points. 

It can be a psychological struggle when you’re at the bottom of the table despite having games in hand so a win here would be a big confidence booster for either team. Conditions are ideal with the temperature at 24 degrees and a glorious sunny day.

Adelaide come into the match with just a single point from a draw and three losses and their fortunes don’t change on completion of this match. It’s a spirited affair with Adelaide having the bulk of possession but can’t turn that into enough goals to overcome Sydney FC.

Two excellent team goals with all the work and the assists coming from defenders and a penalty earned and struck by Princess Ibini sees Sydney to a convincing 3-1 win over the Reds.

Sydney had 20 shots on goal to Adelaide’s nine and the bulk of those were from Fiona Worts and Shea Connors who are both fitting in nicely to their new team.

Very early on, Ibini crossed to Worts whose shot is saved by Annalie Grove. Soon after Conners bursting down the right took another shot that went wide. Shay Holman took down Nanako Sasaki and received a yellow for her troubles.

Tori Tumeth tackled Dylan Holmes in a brutal challenge that looks like it took the wind out of her. The Sydney fouls are piling up.

Ibini wove a ball through to Connors again and it once again crossed the face of the goal to go out. Worts, Ibini and Connors linked up well to apply a lot of pressure and shoot but Adelaide were defending well.

Then in a change of positions, Connors got ball back in a defensive move and passed to Tumeth who brought it up the right in a fantastic run into the box to then centre it to Worts. She pushed it in for the first goal against her former clubcreating a 1-0 scoreline. The right side has been very successful for Sydney so far.

Not too long after, Abbey Lemon intercepted in the mid field and brought the ball down the left and put it on a platter for Worts to head it in past Annalee Grove for the second Sydney goal. 

Alana Jancevski had a strong strike on goal in retaliation and Jada Whyman managed to push it out for a corner. Ibini backed up for another strike but there’s not enough on it and it was easily caught by Grove this time.

Worts was pulled down in the box and pleaded for a penalty but Lara Lee was not having any of it. Sasaki tried a long range shot that was on target but easily caught by Whyman.

Just before half time Holman took a shot toward the top right of the goal but it skimmed the top bar in a very close shot.

In stoppage time Worts ran down the centre and inexplicably slowed up and was dispossessed. Lemon recovered it and passed to Connors who was in the clear but her shot was marginally wide again.

Hannah Blake received a beautiful ball from Hodgson and moved into the clear to score in the right side of the goal. Sydney were complaining about her being offside and Whyman copped a yellow. Just a bit later Juric got a yellow too. Going into the half time break, we’ve got a match on again at 2-1 Sydney.

After the break Adelaide push hard and Mariah Lee slipped a pass to Blake but her strike hits the side netting.

Worts chases a ball down on the right and sends it back to the top of the box to Indiana Dos Santos who shoots slightly high. After some passing around the box, it fell to Ibini who took a long shot which is tipped over by Grove.

Abbey Lemon got a yellow for Sydney’s third after a tackle on Blake. The free kick results in a corner which is tipped out by Whyman for another corner which resulted in nothing.

Lucy Johnson replaced Dos Santos, who had had a fairly quiet game, but soon after appears to roll her ankle and hobbles off to be replaced by 17-year-old Zara Kruger. 

When Annabel Haffenden brings Ibini down in the box, Adelaide’s fate is sealed. Ibini slots the penalty to the bottom left and consolidates Sydney’s lead to 3-1.

Aideen Keane and Sasaki collide and, as the last to the party, Keane scores yet another yellow for Sydney. 

Towards the end, Keane drove down the right then sent it onto Ibini who let it roll through to Worts who lined up for her hat trick but was denied by Grove in a great save.

Even without Cortnee Vine and Natalie Tobin, a lack of possession and a lot of travel recently, Sydney dominated the match and won convincingly, able to convert more of their chances and take the three points with Adelaide remaining winless at the bottom of the table.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED: Grove, L. Hodgson, Tonkin, Waldus, E. Hodgson, Sasaki, Homles, Morgan, Blake, Jancevski, Lee. Substitutes: Jenkins, Haffenden, Holtz, Panagaris, Taylor.

Scorers: Blake 45+3’.

Sydney FC: Whyman, Tumeth, Seaman, Mclean, Lemon, Ray, Holman, I. Dos Santos, Ibini, Worts, Connors. Substitutes: Franco, Chauvet, Johnson, Keane, Kruger.

Scorers: Worts 20’, 26’, Ibini 79’.

Referee: Lara Lee.

Attendance: 1,376.

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Lowry lashes late leveller to keep Perth unbeaten

Perth Glory 2-2 Melbourne Victory

Report by Ben Gilby.

EXCLUSIVE match photography by Rob Lizzi at Macedonia Park (18/11/23).

Above: Hana Lowry (centre) celebrates with team mates after her late equaliser at Macedonia Park. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

Two goals from Perth Glory young gun Hana Lowry book-ended a superb match at Macedonia Park tonight in an encounter that saw three strikes in the closing period of a match that went one way, then the other, before finding equilibrium.

Hana Lowry’s strike five minutes into stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes ensured that Perth Glory would retain their unbeaten start to the A-League Women season. It had been Lowry that put the league leaders ahead from a free-kick after 24 minutes. Then came the drama, as the hosts might have sealed the win with a quarter of an hour remaining as Millie Farrow burst clean through, only to see her shot roll wide of the upright. Within five minutes Perth’s lead had gone. Within 10 minutes they were behind. Then up stepped local star Lowry to save the day.

Whilst Perth Glory retained a generally settled squad in their bid to extend their winning start to five games, Melbourne Victory would go into this encounter without Matildas Em Gielnik, Beattie Goad, and Emma Checker.

Macedonia Park is renowned for its breezy conditions, and tonight was no different, notably in the first half. It was the visitors who were the fastest to set their attacking stall out. In the opening two minutes, McKenzie Weinert linked up well with Elise Kellond-Knight on the right. Shortly afterwards, from the same flank, Jessika Nash’s curling cross came back off the crossbar with the home side first to react and the danger was cleared.

Victory were employing the fast, high press to great effect, and under fierce pressure, Georgia Cassidy lost possession outside the box which allowed Kurea Okino to let rip with a long-range effort that went just wide of the right-hand upright.

Okino’s danger was increasingly evident in the opening 20 minutes. Kellond-Knight’s ball in from the right was chested down by the Japanese attacker who then got a shot away. Just moments later, Okino had another chance that forced an excellent save from Morgan Aquino in the Perth goal.

The hosts continued to find it more challenging when in possession than at any time this season. They had no time on the ball at all in the opening 20, with several white shirts buzzing round any purple one in possession.

However, they received a golden opportunity with 24 minutes played. The hard-working Farrow was brought down centrally outside the box by Tori Hansen. Up stepped Lowry, who needs no second invitation in such circumstances to fire home the free kick into the left-hand corner past Lydia Williams’ outstretched arm.

Above: Hana Lowry (second right) celebrates her opening goal at Macedonia Park tonight. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

As Perth continued to grow into the match, so did Susan Phonsongkham’s influence. In outstanding form this season, was at the heart of the home side’s most successful attacking build-ups as she looked to use her combination of pace and clever footwork to break free.

Just before the half-hour mark, Farrow was released by a centimetre-perfect ball from Sofia Sakalis. The English striker was only denied by a superb piece of defending by Kayla Morrison to clear off the line.

As the encounter edged towards the interval, chances became fewer and further between, with the Western Australians retaining their lead at the break.

The second half started with Rachel Lowe finding out what NPLW WA watchers have known for quite a while – that Georgia Cassidy isn’t just about classy passing and long-range thunderbolts – the 19-year-old can also put in a fierce challenge, and this one was a perfectly judged slide tackle.

Perth were on the front foot from the re-start. Jale saw shots blocked twice in quick succession – first by Hansen, and Williams denied the immediate follow-up at the cost of a corner. Cassidy took and put in a trademark viciously inswinging ball right into the mix.

Above: Perth Glory’s hard-working Millie Farrow. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

From another corner 12 minutes into the second period, Victory forced the ball into the net. Kellond-Knight’s corner from the left came in deep towards Morrison who headed back into the six-yard box for Hansen to find Weinert who turned the ball in, only for it to be immediately ruled out for offside.

At the other end, Jale’s throw on the left-hand flank allowed Farrow to cut the ball back from the byline for Anton to sweep a shot goalwards that Williams needed to hold.

Then came the beginning of the high drama which started with two opportunities within four minutes of each other. With a quarter of an hour remaining, Jale released Farrow who broke clean through the middle but put her shot agonisingly wide of the left-hand post.

Just three minutes later, Perth paid the price for that miss as a corner came in from the left and was played back to Lowe on the edge of the box who fired a low shot into the left-hand corner of the net that went in after a slight deflection.

With six minutes remaining, Victory hit the front. Jamilla Rankin played a ball in from the left that was headed out, but only as far as Lowe on the edge of the box to fire a volley first time into the net.

Above: All smiles for Melbourne Victory as they hit the front. Photo: Rob Lizi for Impetus.

However, the drama wasn’t over. Five minutes into the six allotted of stoppage time, Perth’s teenage substitute Grace Johnston danced sublimely along the left-hand touchline before laying off to Quinley Quezada who found Phonsongkam on the edge of the box. She in turn played a beautiful cushioned sidefoot glance to Lowry who was stationed to the left of the penalty spot to lash into the right-hand corner. It was a sensational team move and another sign of the calmness and composure in this young Perth side this campaign

One of the keys to Perth’s winning start to the season has been their habit of taking opportunities when they came. Tonight, that once more went their way.

Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-2-2-2): Aquino, Anton, Cowart, Mihocic, Rigby, Lowry, Cassidy, Sakalis, Phonsongkham, Farrow, Jale. Substitutes: Bailey (GK), Cain, Lawrence, Quezada, Johnston.

Scorers: Lowry 24′, 90+5.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-4-2): Williams, Rankin, Morrison, Hansen, Nash, Weinert, Kellond-Knight, D’Appolonia, Murphy, Okino, Lowe. Substitutes: Templeman (GK), O’Grady, Zois, Briedis, Curtis.

Scorers: Lowe 79′, 84′.

Referee: Caitlin Williams.

Attendance: 1,533.

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Dawber makes Adelaide return whilst Mariners add Woodall

18/11/23

Above: Chelsie Dawber (right) in action for Adelaide United last season at Perth Glory. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

Adelaide United have announced the major news that forward Chelsie Dawber has returned to the club for the rest of the season after completing a two-year stint with Chicago Red Stars.

Dawber rejoins her hometown team having spent a period on loan to Swedish first division side IFK Norrköping, where she scored one goal in 16 games. She also spent part of last season on loan with the Reds, recording four goals in 13 games to take her overall tally for Adelaide to 21 goals in 55 games.

The 23-year-old gained valuable experience during her time in the National Women’s Soccer League and in Sweden but says she is pleased to be home and again working under coach Adrian Stenta.

“Adelaide is my home and I’m so happy to be back playing for the Reds,” Dawber said.

“I’ve learnt a lot in my time away and I have also been keeping an eye on how Stents and the girls have been going to start the season. I’m really excited by what I have seen so far, and I know I can contribute and bring something different to the side.”

Adelaide United Head Coach, Adrian Stenta said Dawber would add another dimension to his side’s forward line.

“Chelsie knows our club and she knows the A-League competition. Most importantly she is fit and ready to come in and make an impact for our side,” Stenta explained.

“We think we have a lot of firepower in our front third, but Chelsie is a different player and she will give us another option in attack. We’re excited to welcome her back into the fold, and looking forward to seeing what she can do alongside our other forwards.”

Dawber has trained with the side this week and will be available for selection pending an international clearance.

Above: New Central Coast Mariners signing Briana Woodall (right). Photo: El Sol de Leon.

Central Coast Mariners have revealed the signing of Mexican-American midfielder Briana Woodall.

Born in Texas before representing Mexico at a youth National Team level, Woodall went through the college footballing system in the United States of America. Playing for the likes of Oklahoma State and San Houston State, the midfielder eventually found her way to the Houston Aces. 

From there, Woodall traded North America for Europe, signing with SC Rheindorf Altach in the ÖFB Frauen Bundesliga. She spent almost a season with the Austrian outfit, before joining Club Leon in the Mexican Liga MX Apertura. Woodall has now chosen to take her footballing talents Down Under, signing for the Mariners in our return season to the Liberty A-League competition. 

A skilful midfielder, the 25-year-old adds further depth to Emily Husband’s team who already sit sixth in the A-League Women after three rounds with a game in hand. 

Woodall is thrilled to have joined the Mariners, eager to get started and experience Australian football. 

“I am super excited to be joining the Mariners in the club’s first season back in the competition. It is a fresh start for the club in the league and for everybody as a team and I am thrilled to be a part of it,” Woodall said. 

“Emily and the girls have been so welcoming which has been awesome. I can’t wait until I am out on the field at the home stadium, scoring goals with the girls as everyone is on their feet cheering. It is going to be amazing.”

Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband is pleased to have the 25-year-old join for the upcoming season, with Woodall the final player to be signed for our squad.  

“It is great to have another versatile player joining us who has great experience playing overseas, she will add immense value to the group. Players like Briana bring important experience with her and will push the other players around her,” Husband said. 

“It is awesome to finally have the entire group together. By having everybody in now we can really focus on us as a group and improving as a collective to make sure we continue to be successful on the pitch.”

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Rasmussen wins it for The Mariners

Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Wellington Phoenix

By Ryan-Miller Woods (18/11/23)

Above: Annalise Rasmussen celebrates her winning goal for Central Coast. Photo: Central Coast Mariners.

Central Coast Mariners recorded their second win of the A-League Women’s season with a 1-0 victory against in-form Wellington Phoenix with Annalise Rasmussen scoring the only goal of the match, in what was quite a close encounter between both sides.

Early in the match, Central Coast were the ones that made opportunities for themselves with Peta Trimis’ attempt in the eighth minute being the closest that they got in that period of time. Wellington on the other hand had the majority of possession with 59.2% in the first 10 minutes.

As the half progressed Wellington passed the ball around in a manner that was really pleasant and benefitted them with their build-ups in play. While the Mariners, didn’t dominate the ball outright early, still looked good nevertheless.

In the 26th minute, Central Coast had a great chance via a through ball from Isabel Gomez that found Wurigumula but thanks to Wellington’s goalkeeper Rylee Foster with her brave keeping prevented a potential goal for the Mariners. 

Bianca Galic had one of the best opportunities of the first half in the 43rd minute, as her shot from outside the box forced Foster to make a brilliant save. Galic was really impactful for the Mariners and was unlucky to have not scored from that shot.

One minute later, Macey Fraser slotted the ball to Emma Main whose eventual shot on an angle in the box was denied by Central Coast’s Courtney Newbon. Newbon was very impressive during the opening half with the saves that she made. This one in particular was a real highlight.

At the hour mark, while neither team had broken the deadlock, the way that the Phoenix and the Mariners had been playing it felt like someone was going to score sooner rather than later.

In the 69th minute, Wurigumula made a great run with the ball as she cut into the box and looked set to open the scoring but the final product saw her shot go over the bar. Unlucky for her as the run made was very promising and if the shot stayed down, would have gone into the back of the net.

Seven minutes later, Central Coast broke the deadlock thanks to Wurigumula whose cross found Annalise Rasmussen in the box as she powered her shot past Foster and into the back of the net for her first goal in the A-League Women. It was a very special moment for Rasmussen given she is from Gosford herself.

Wellington during the final two minutes of stoppage time had two very close chances for an equaliser from Manaia Elliot and Annalie Longo respectively but weren’t able to find the goal with their attempts.

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS: (4-4-2): Newbon, Martin, Irwin, King, Wardlow, Galic, Trimis, Gomez, Hayward, Badawiya, Wurigumula. Substitutes: Carmichael, Bryson, Rasmussen, Karrys-Stahl, Lobo.

Scorers: Rasmussen 76’.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-3-3): R. Foster, M. Foster, Van der Meer, Barry, Davidson, Fraser, Taylor, Knott, Breslin, Main, Speckmaier. Substitutes: Edwards, Brown, Longo, Elliot, Lake.

Referee: Azusa Sugino.

Attendance: 1,654.

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook. DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!