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from Ben Gilby at Gander Green Lane (12/11/23)
Above: Elise Hughes cuts in towards goal this afternoon. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Barclays Women’s Championship
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By Emma Burke 13/11/23
Above: Holly McNamara (9) celebrates after scoring her second of the match. Photo: Melbourne City Instagram.
Melbourne City took home all three points in their 4-3 thrilling win at AAMI Park against Western Sydney Wanderers, with Holly McNamara scoring her first hattrick in the A-League Women’s final game for round four.
The only goal that McNamara didn’t score was the opening one, but she was the direct result of it. Rhianna Pollicina expertly put away her third goal of the season from the penalty spot after McNamara was taken down.
City’s second goal came after the Wanderers made the mistake of leaving Kaitlyn Torpey with space outside of the box. Her shot was strong, but just off target as it bounced back off the bar. Pollicina looked for seconds, but her chance was bodily blocked. Third time was truly the charm, however, as McNamara found the ball at her feet, a moment of patience was all she needed and what she took before sending the ball off her right foot, past Wanderers’ keeper Sham Khamis.
WSW found their way back into the game when Cushla Rue released Sophie Harding just outside the top of the box. Harding’s turn and shot beat multiple defenders in blue, and left goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx diving to her right, but ultimately was unable to do anything to stop the ball reaching the back of the net.
The second half opened with a succession of City goals, both attributed to McNamara. The first of which saw her released by Hannah Wilkinson, McNamara was able to drive around Shan Khamis, who had come off her line to try to intervene, and then put a left-footed ball into the back of the net.
McNamara’s final goal of the game saw the completion of her perfect hattrick. A header, delivered by Pollicina off a corner that was easily redirected past the keeper.
As City stood over the Wanderers with a 4-1 lead, it looked as if the game was more than over. However, this is the A-League Women’s, a game is never over until the final whistle blows.
Minutes after City’s fourth goal, Western Sydney Wanderers found their second goal and turned on their comeback campaign.
A corner kick delivered expertly by Alexia Apostolakis found the head of Holly Caspers, the shot on target, and was palmed away by Proulx, but only as far as Vicky Bruce, an American International, who put the ball soundly away for WSW’s second goal of the game, and her second of the season.
Wanderers’ third goal came through almost identically to their second, another corner delivery that resulted in a header that was initially saved but not held on to. Harding came through with the seconds this time around, making no mistake and bringing them within a goal of equalising.
It was a nervous final fifteen minutes of regular time, and it seemed like there was still a goal left to be scored.
It was a further nerve-wracking nine minutes of extra time for City, with the Wanderers coming close to finding the equaliser in the final minute of play.
Proulx came off her line once again to parry away a cross, but in doing so, sent the ball to the feet of Bethany Gordon outside the box. Proulx couldn’t make her way back to her line, but luckily for City, substitute Naomi Chinnama was there in her place and headed the ball away from spoiling City’s afternoon.
Western Sydney picked up their third loss for the season, while City were able to take all three points and continue their unbeaten streak.
MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Proulx, Torpey, Stott, Otto (Acardo 88’), Grosso, Hughes (Chinnama 84’), McKenna, Galic (Ekic 75’), McNamara (Meyers 75’), Wilkinson
SCORERS: Pollicina 26’ (P), McNamara 32’, 58’, 64,
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-4-2): Khamis, Matos, Bruce, McComasky, Apostolakiss, Gordon, Chessari(Breier 79’), Harrison, Price, Harding (Ferris 87’), Rue
Scorers: Harding 43’, 74’, Bruce 69’
Referee: Isabella Libri
Attendance: 2010
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Photos by Rob Lizzi at Macedonia Park for Impetus. Report by Ryan Miller-Woods.
Above: Perth Glory celebrate their win over Adelaide United that keeps them top of the A-League Women. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
Perth Glory continued their perfect start to the A-League Women’s season after coming from behind with a 2-1 victory against Adelaide United at Macedonia Park thanks to goals from Grace Jale and Susan Phonsongkham.
Perth came close to opening the scoring in the fifth minute via a through ball from Hana Lowry to Grace Jale, but the Football Fern couldn’t quite capitalise on.
Early in the match, while Adelaide had more possession, the hosts looked more dangerous as they imposed the style of pressing and game management that have been so successful this season. Their floating through balls that continually found players such as Jale in attack were particularly successful.
With eight minutes to go, they came close once more when Lowry’s effort produced an excellent save from Annalee Grove in the Adelaide goal.
Adelaide finished the opening period strongly though, and Morgan Aquino had to be on top form to keep the South Australians out. However, with two minutes of the half remaining, they hit the front.
From an Adelaide corner, the ball found Ella Tonkin where her cross found Dylan Holmes in the box who slotted her first goal of the season into the bottom left corner. Coincidentally, Holmes’ last goal was also against Perth at the same venue.
Whilst the Reds went in ahead at the break, the Glory are made of stern stuff this season, and it took just six minutes of the second period for the Western Australians to level.
Another piece of magic from Lowry found Phonsongkham to provide a cross to Jale at the near post to convert with a first-time shot that just squeezed past Grove. The former Wellington Phoenix and Canberra United player has now hit three goals in four games this season.
As the second half progressed, Adelaide edged the possession count, but could not make it pay. They would pay for that as the clock ticked on thanks to a piece of magic from another of Perth’s in-form attackers.
In the 86th minute, Phonsongkham made a beautiful run down the line and cut into the box where she beat both Jenna Holtz and Holmes before shooting past Grove to put the leaders in front.
A special moment came in the 88th minute as Tia Stonehill made her home debut for Perth, replacing Phonsongkham. Stonehill has a history as a major player in the Western Australian game, and, having overcome a major injury in 2022 when playing for Murdoch University Melville in the NPLW WA which left her having to learn to walk again. Pulling on an A-League Women shirt for the first time last week was a major moment. Doing it for a home game yesterday was the culmination of an inspirational story.
Perth Glory once again showed their determination, a strong team spirit, and the ability of their dangerous attack to win their fourth match of four this season. Conversely, Adelaide are still looking for their first win, and are one place off the bottom of the ladder.
Teams: PERTH GLORY (3-5-2): Aquino, Cowart, Anton, Mihocic, Rigby, Sakalis, Cassidy, Lowry, Farrow, Phonsongkham, Jale. Substitutes: James, Stonehill, Quezada, Dalton, Johnston.
Scorers: Jale 51’, Phonsongkham 86’.
ADELAIDE UNITED (4-4-2): Grove, E. Hodgson, Waldus, Tonkin, Tolland, Morgan, Holmes, Sasaki, Blake, Jancevski, Lee. Substitutes: Wilson, Haffenden, I. Hodgson, Holtz, Taylor.
Scorers: Holmes 43’.
Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.
Attendance: TBC.
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By Ryan Miller-Woods (12/11/23)
Above: Tameka Yallop (R) sends Brisbane Roar into attack. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
In a highly entertaining encounter that included 31 total chances, Central Coast Mariners and Brisbane Roar shared the points come the final whistle with goals from Rola Badawiya and Ayesha Norrie in a match that could have gone either team’s way.
It was Brisbane early on who created the chances in attack and as well as that put the pressure on Central Coast. In saying that, the Mariners had the majority of possession in the first ten minutes.
In the 17th minute, Brisbane had a very good opportunity of scoring with a through ball by Mia Corbin that found Kijah Stephenson whose run into the box put her directly in front of the Mariners’ goalkeeper Courtney Newbon but wasn’t able to fully capitalise as the shot went away from the goal.
From a Central Coast corner in the 26th minute, the ball found Badawiya in the centre of the box whose header went over Holly McQueen and into the back of the net for the opening goal of the match. The delivery by Annabel Martin to Badawiya was integral towards the final product.
One minute later, a Leah Scarpelli through ball found Corbin in the box who chested the ball down which went into the path of Norrie who seized the opportunity as her first-time shot towards goal went into the bottom right corner as Brisbane equalised in quick succession.
In the 29th minute, a penalty was called in favour of the Mariners, after Brisbane’s Jenna McCormick who had made contact with the ball also brought down Wurigumula in the box. It was Isabel Gomez who took the penalty and while it was a decent penalty, Brisbane’s goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz anticipated it as she went the right way and made a very good save.
Gradually as the first half went on, the more Central Coast got themselves into the match with the chances made since having scored. Brisbane was still in control of the match in terms of created opportunities. Additionally, they also had the majority of possession where come the end of the half was 62.2%.
Seven minutes into the second half, Central Coast had a very good chance to have retaken the lead as Alexia Karrys-Stahl who intercepted a clearance by McQueen provided a great pass into the box for Badawiya whose shot was tipped over the bar by Silkowitz.
In the 75th minute, Central Coast once again had a very good opportunity to score a second as Wurigumula slotted a great pass to Peta Trimis who made a great run into the box that while it was comfortably saved by Silkowitz, the skill by Trimis in that sequence was really impressive to watch.
The further the second half progressed, the more that Central Coast were the most likely to score from their passages of play piled on the pressure toward Brisbane. Players such as Trimis and Gomez both played significant roles in the attack for the Mariners.
In the 89th minute, from a Central Coast free kick by Bianca Galic found Annalise Rasmussen in the box as her header was tipped onto the crossbar by Silkowitz. This save, in particular, summed up Silkowitz’s afternoon as she put on an outstanding display in between the sticks for Brisbane and was a real difference-maker for the Roar with her performance.
Teams: Central Coast Mariners (4-4-2): Newbon, Martin, Irwin, King, Wardlow, Hayward, Galic, Gomez, Karrys-Stahl, Badawiya, Wurigumula. Substitutes: Carmichael, Rasmussen, Trimis, Lobo.
Scorers: Badawiya 26’.
Brisbane Roar (4-3-3): Silkowitz, Scarpelli, McCormick, McQueen, Blissett, Palmer, Norrie, Yallop, Freier, Stephenson, Corbin. Substitutes: Richards, Holgerson, Brodigan, Thompson, O’Donoghue.
Scorers: Norrie 27’.
Referee: Bec Mackie.
Attendance: 3,281.
By Ben Carey 12/11/23
Above: Rachel Lowe celebrates with her Melbourne Victory teammates after scoring her first goal for her new team. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory recorded a big 4-0 win over Newcastle Jets on Saturday afternoon at the Home of the Matildas.
Victory, who have had a slow start to the season, had no such troubles against the Jets. Rachel Lowe scored just two minutes into the match, after a stellar cross from McKenzie Weinert was fumbled by the Jets keeper, Isobel Nino, and Lowe was given an easy follow up for her first goal of the campaign, and the first for Melbourne Victory.
10 minutes later, Nino fumbled a save again, which gave Lowe an open shot on goals, which she took. Claudia Cicco tracked back just in time and made a wonderful, sliding clearance off the goal line to deny Lowe a brace and keep her team in the match.
It was a relatively quiet start to the second half, but around the hour mark the floodgates well and truly opened up for Melbourne Victory. In the 65th minute, Alana Murphy floated a long-distance free kick into the box, which was headed out by a Jets player and fell right at the feet of Lowe, who struck it beautifully on the first touch and thumped it into the back of the net.
Not even 60 seconds later, a wonderfully weighted long ball from Murphy found the recently signed Junior Matilda, Ella O’Grady, who caught the Jets’ defenders out of position with a perfectly timed run and easily beat the keeper to make it 3-0 to Victory.
The Jets were able to stop the bleeding for about 20 minutes, but their day went from bad to worse at the end of regulation time. A cross into the box from a Victory player took a horribledeflection off the boot of a Jets defender and it floated over Nino’s head for an own goal.
It was a great team effort from Melbourne Victory to get the win. Kayla Morisson and Jamilla Rankin put in a good shift in defence. Beattie Goad, Weinert, and O’Grady were all dangerous in the front line. But it was the Victory midfield that really stole the show, with two goals from Lowe, and one official assist from Murphy (but direct involvement in two other goals as well).
It was a hard day at the office for Newcastle Jets, who fell behind early and fought hard to stay in the match but were ultimately overwhelmed by the quality of Victory’s attacks and also a sprinkle of bad luck. It’s important to note that the Jets were missing two key players in Cass Davis, their captain and most experienced player, and Melina Ayres, their most dangerous striker. Had they been on the field, it could have been a different story.
Melbourne Victory will face their biggest test of the season next Saturday when they take on the undefeated Perth Glory. The following day, Newcastle Jets will have an equally difficult challenge when they come up against the in-form Melbourne City, who have also yet to lose a match this season.
MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Williams, Nash, Morrison, Hansen, Rankin, Lowe, Murphy, Kellond-Knight, Weinert, Okino, Goad. Substitutes: Templeman, D’Appolonia, Briedis, O’Grady, Gielnik.
Scorers: Lowe 2’, 65’, O’Grady 66’, Burrows (OG) 88’.
Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (4-2-3-1): Nino, Cicco, Prior, Huynh, Baumann, Burrows, Dundas, Copus-Brown, Allan, Gooch, Barbieri. Substitutes: Rochaix, Wilson, Simon, Hoban, Hammond.
Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley.
Attendance: TBD.
By Kieran Yap (12/11/23).
Above: Wellington Phoenix players mob Macey Fraser after her stunning free kick. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Wellington Phoenix continued their strong start to the season with a 3-1 win over Western United.
Goals to Chloe Knott and Macey Fraser in the first half were followed up by an own goal to Kiwa Hieda to give the home side a 3-0 lead before Chloe Logarzo scored a late but deserved consolation for Western.
The Phoenix were looking for their third consecutive win when they hosted last season’s runner-up at Parirua Park. Western United still needed to kickstart their season with only one win in the first three rounds. Both teams started this game with attacking intent. Kahli Johnson looked dangerous early and Mariana Speckmaier caused headaches for the Western defence and their high line.
The best early chance arrived through the genius and vision of Logarzo. The Matildas star shaped to shoot but cut the ball back to wrong foot the Wellington back line. Adriana Taranto struck it well, but her effort cannoned off the crossbar.
The game quickly became an end-to-end affair and a goal felt inevitable despite the quality defenders on either side. When the breakthrough came it was from the reliable source of Michaela Foster’s delivery.
The Phoenix fullback is one of the league’s most dangerous set piece takers and her whipped in corner caused chaos on the Western United goal line. Knott reacted best to force the ball over in the 31st minute.
Western looked to hit back immediately, but it was Wellington who scored again. Free kicks on the edge of the area often seem more dangerous than they are. For most players getting the ball up, over or around the wall while keeping it on target is harder from 20 yards than it is from further out.
What we learned today was that Macey Fraser is not most players. The Wellington midfielder’s effort curled in at pace. The strike completely wrong-footed Alyssa Dall’Oste in goal and leave her rooted to the spot as it rippled the back of the net.
Both sides continued to attack throughout, with Speckmaier seemingly determined to add her name to the scoresheet. Western continued to create chances up the other end, but the ball never fell right for them. Jacylyn Sawicki had the best chance to provide a lifeline, but her effort was scuffed with the goal at her mercy.
Despite Western’s best efforts, they had to continually wrestle momentum back from the home side. Wellington moved the ball quickly and snapped into tackles around the ground. Kate Taylor provided a strong defensive presence in midfield that allowed the attackers and fullback to take risks ahead of her. The Nix barely slowed as the afternoon wore on and when they introduced Annalie Longo, the danger only increased for the visitors.
A third goal eventually arrived, and it was Foster once more who supplied the ball in. this time it was directed into the net for an own goal by Hieda, and the result felt sealed by the 76th minute.
Western’s goal finally arrived in injury time. On the balance of the game, they deserved to score at least once and Chloe Logarzo’s effort would have been the best goal on any other day.
The Matildas great controlled the ball in Western’s attack and held up the play as her teammates streamed forward. Wellington’s defence shifted shape to try and track the runners and that provided Logarzo with all the space that she needed to produce something special.
Her long range effort looped high and dipped over Rylee Foster to make it 3-1 in spectacular fashion. When the whistle blew for the final time, it signaled an emphatic win for Wellington Pheonix.
Although Western were admirable in defeat and created plenty of chances, this was a comprehensive performance by the home side. They have player brave with the ball and committed without it across the pitch. Wellington have a good mix of flair and grunt, with some other wordly set-piece talents that will trouble any defenders in the league.
There is also depth to this side, which they have been missing in previous seasons. Taylor can switch roles when needed and Hailey Davidson has already proven to be a good recruit at left back.
Rylee Foster was reliable in goal and has Brianna Edwards as a more than capable understudy. Mackenzie Barry’s development into one of the best centre backs in the league continues as hoped.
They have started the season well. There is plenty of football left to be played, but at their best, The Wellington Phoenix have shown that they will fear nobody for the rest of 2023/24.
Lineups:
Wellington Phoenix 4-3-3: R Foster (GK), Davidson, Barry, van der Meer, M Foster, Knott, Taylor, Fraser, Main, Speckmaier, Bresline. Substitutes: Brown, Longo, Elliot, Lake, Edwards.
Goals: Knott 31’ Fraser 41’ Hieda (OG) 76’
Western United 4-2-3-1: Dall Oste’ (GK), Papadopoulos, Cerne, Maher, Vlajnic, Robers, Sawicki, Johnson, Taranto, Logarzo, Keane. Substitutes: Richards, Hieda, Prakash, Beall, Sardo
Goals: Logarzo 93’
Referee: Beth Rattray
Attendance: TBC
(10/11/23)
by Beth McCowen
Leicester City are confident heading into their WSL fixture against Arsenal this weekend.
Ahead of Sunday’s match, head coach Willie Kirk confirmed that Shannon O’Brien will be out for “a couple of months” after a scan has revealed a calf injury. Kirk praised O’Brien’s “mental resilience” and emphasised that the club maintains a high level of support for the players on a daily basis.
The Leicester boss detailed that the team is, frustratingly, “carrying a couple of knocks” with Australian international Remy Siemsen “getting close to being back on the pitch.” This pair aside, he was believed that everyone else would be available.
Kirk has been awarded October’s Manager of the Month award. Regarding this, he reflected on the team’s growth since their 3-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion back in May. He explained that “the club has worked tirelessly trying to improve things.” Kirk also said, “I always think the first Manager of the Month award is a true reflection of the work you’ve done in pre-season.”
Touching on Missy Goodwin and her first goal of the season against Liverpool, the manager described the forward as a “young talent.” He also referenced her “relaxed” character and explained how they have been working closely together to get her “learning something new every day and pushing herself.” Kirk appears optimistic about Goodwin’s future, declaring that for the forward, “the sky is the limit.” The head coach also mentioned the club’s responsibility to “nurture her in the right way.”
In terms of his assessment of Arsenal and preparation for playing them, Kirk noted that it is “a good game to follow Liverpool” despite frustration at the team’s most recent result. The Leicester manager sees this as a chance to perform well in front of home fans.
Revisiting what has changed over the last year to enable such strong form from Leicester, Kirk again explained that recent successes are a result of “months of hard work”. He described last season’s big win against Brighton as “a breakthrough moment” and touched on the fact that such a huge result has yet to come this season for the team.
Additionally, the Foxes boss emphasised about the importance of budget, player trust, and standards off the pitch. Kirk also described the King Power Stadium as “a great place to be.” He emphasised the value of having an enjoyable environment in a workplace, and highlighted the fact that everyone plays their role. “Even plays who are frustrated at not playing understand that they are part of a bigger thing and a bigger purpose.”
Speaking on the competitiveness of the WSL this season, Leicester’s head coach maintained that he believes “the top four will be the top four” but that his side are “aware of the process we’re going through.” So far, Leicester has managed to stay in the mix of the stronger teams in the league, but Kirk remains mindful of the significance of their “continual climb” up the league table over the years.
Commenting on Arsenal’s quality and squad depth ahead of Sunday’s game, Kirk referenced the fact that the Gunners’ season has had something of a “slow start.” Jonas Eidevall’s side might be feeling slightly disappointed having been knocked out of the Champions League in the earliest stages, but Kirk explained that this could leave the team either “fresh” or “frustrated”, and that it’s up to his Leicester side to “try and capitalise on that.”
Kirk described the return from the recent international break as being “really tough” for players. Courtney Nevin got back from Australia at 2pm on Friday last week, according to the head coach. He explained that this was “frustrating” as she was only able to participate in one training session prior to the match against Liverpool.
The media also heard from midfielder Janice Cayman as part of this press conference. Cayman is a player renowned for her ability to make an impact almost anywhere on the pitch.
Ahead of the game against Arsenal on Sunday, Cayman confirmed that Leicester are confident, feel “excited” and ready to be “bouncing back from the Liverpool defeat.” Cayman explained how Leicester have had intentions to “learn and analyse” following this loss.
Talking about Leicester’s head coach, Cayman described Kirk as a “very positive person for this club.” She believes they have a “very solid squad” and are ready to push forward. She also described the club as having a “positive and professional approach to the game.”
Finally, focusing on the team’s superb start to the campaign, Cayman declared that “it’s important for us to take it step by step.” She said “every step closer to the big four is a positive one” and reiterated that in both domestic and international football, smaller teams are creeping up.
By Rachel Cohen
Coming after Spurs Women’s three victories in a row under new coach, Robert Vilahamn, last Sunday’s home draw against Everton felt like a bump in the road. But the team is lying third in the WSL and continues to outperform expectations, so Vilahamn’s pre-match press conference was upbeat.
Reflecting on his team’s last game, the Spurs boss had praise for both Drew Spence and Martha Thomas.
“She (Drew) gives us so much being actually good on the ball. Calm it down. Make sure we can control and dictate the ball higher up the pitch. And I’m not using her too much in the build-up, so I’m gonna have her higher up to make sure we can dictate the game in their half as well. Last game she did an assist and she was brilliant in that phase.”
He also was full of praise for Thomas who, for the first time in a Spurs shirt, did not find the back of the net. “I don’t think Martha was happy with the performance, but I see how it was creating really good chances and there’s a goalkeeper in Everton doing a really amazing saves on those.
“It’s more for herself to make sure that she believes that she’s a really good footballer because she is. You know, this game was the same as the other game. She was excellent. She created chances. She pressed her opponent to win the ball for us (to score the goal) so I just hope that she can get the goals anyway, but it’s good for the team to score those goals.”
Despite their attacking verve, Spurs have now conceded three penalties in five games, the last two from clumsy fouls on the edge of the box and Vilahamn explained that this is something they have focused on in training. “how can you actually make sure you defend in a different way in the in the box and outside the box.” “We just need to not do the same mistakes twice. That’s the thing I want to improve basically.”
Against Everton, 20-year-old loanee Grace Clinton put in an impressive performance and scored before conceding the late penalty. Vilahamn noted that defence was a part of her game he was working on with her. “Grace Clinton is a very young player who is really great offensively and in the press, but she’s not so used to defend the last five minutes in the Women’s Super League, so she needs to learn from that as well, right?”
More generally Vilahamn said he was pleasantly surprised by Spurs’ development. “I was thinking like until Christmas, we’re probably going fail quite much, but we haven’t failed too much, so I’m happy about that.
“I still think we’re going to come to those games where we don’t succeed. But I’m very happy with how we have succeeded with the game style. The last game when we created that many goal chances, that was also a good thing because in the preseason we didn’t really create goal chances. We had a good build-up, but we didn’t really take that. And I think in other games we haven’t received so many goal chances. This time we didn’t score so many goals though, so now you need to focus on, ‘OK, how do you score goals?”
Vilahamn has started the same 11 players in four of the five WSL games so far (the fifth game involved just one change: Jess Naz for Drew Spence). But with Spurs’ squad all fit except Beth England, the Spurs manager faces a new problem – managing players who are not getting minutes. Vilahamn explained that this is “the hardest thing. As a coach, I think to make sure everybody understands and accepts.”
“I think that’s my biggest working area right now to deal with the 25 players who want to play. So I think I spend more time with the players outside the squad than in the starting 11 right now, trying to make sure to show them where are they in the hierarchy.
“I’m trying to be as transparent as I can be, and make sure that they know what to work on. And the good thing here is that we have a very professional environment. So you can give them the feedback, the video clips, and make sure they know it, and then if they don’t accept it, I just need them to work hard anyway because you know that’s the environment we have here.”
Vilahamn explained that the reason for starting with a consistent 11 was that those starting players then feel trusted and are clear about how to maintain their spots “You know if you’re in, you’re actually playing until somebody beats you out and you’re not.”
Looking forward to Sunday Vilahamn described opponents Liverpool as playing “good football and they press really good and they have some really talented players, I think they are one of those teams who compete with us to try to break into the top table. And I think they are performing very well. They are good. But hopefully we are still a little bit better than them because I want to be before them in the table when this season ends.”
The upcoming game is Spurs’ second home game in a row. Spurs play at Brisbane Road a stadium they share with Leyton Orient and the two clubs worked together to improve the quality of the pitch over the summer.
Vilahamn was very positive about outcome and the grass that he described as “really good” and enabling Spurs to “play the style we want to.” He also gave a nod to the club’s home fans, whose presence gave the team a boost when “they’re actually singing with us and cheering for us in the last five minutes.”
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11/11/23
Above: Casey Dumont unveiled today as a Central Coast Mariners player. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Central Coast Mariners.
Central Coast Mariners have today announced the signing of goalkeeper Casey Dumont.
The 31-year-old joins the club with an exceptionally powerful A-League Women resume, first starting her career with Brisbane Roar back in the inaugural season of the competition.
Making her debut just one year later at 16, Dumont went on to make 44 appearances for the Queensland outfit, winning one Premiership and two Championships.
From there she made her way to Sydney FC, playing 20 times for the Sky Blues. During her time at the club, Dumont was first selected to become a Matilda, making three appearances for the senior national team.
Following a brief stint with Western Sydney Wanderers, the goalkeeper became a major player at Melbourne Victory, featuring 71 times over six seasons. As she continued to prove to be one of the top keepers in the competition, Dumont won almost everything on offer.
From Premierships to Championships, the goalkeeper regularly played a key role in securing silverware. Dumont had a standout 2021/22 season, winning both Goalkeeper of the Year and the Grand Final Player of the Match.
After another strong season in Melbourne and having recently completed her first campaign in the AFLW competition with Hawthorn, Dumont now joins the Central Coast Mariners for their first season back in the A-League Women.
The goalkeeper put pen to paper to become a Mariner before the beginning of this campaign, finishing off the AFLW season with the Hawks before joining the team in training this week. Dumont is thrilled to be on the Coast, eager for the season ahead.
“I am super excited to be joining the Mariners this season. There is so much footballing talent in this team and on the Coast, so it is great to be a part of this squad,” Dumont said.
“I would like to thank the Mariners for being open to allowing me to continue to be a dual-sport athlete, playing both AFL and football. They have been working with Hawthorn the whole time to prepare for me to join the club once the AFL season finished, keeping in contact regularly with me.
“I have already felt a fantastic vibe around the club. They are very family-orientated; their focus is on making sure that we are all happy which results in the best performances. At the end of the day, who doesn’t love the beautiful Central Coast, it was an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down.”
Mariners head coach Emily Husband was delighted to finally be able to announce the signing of Dumont having completed the deal weeks ago.
“Casey is going to make a massive difference for us not only on the field but also off it. She has come in and immediately inserted herself into the group, it is amazing to have her in the team. She brings a wealth of experience and elevates the competition in the squad,” Husband said.
“We always intended to have Casey join the team once the AFLW season concluded, having spoken to her when we began to form the team. We are pleased to have her on the Central Coast and are excited to see what she can bring for us this season.”
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by Emily Brown (10/11/23).
Above: Aston Villa boss Carla Ward, who believes her side can build on their midweek success over Sheffield United to defeat Bristol City this weekend. Photo: Aston Villa.
On Wednesday, Aston Villa secured their first win of the season as they dispatched Sheffield United 5-0 in their first match of the Conti Cup group stage. Star striker Rachel Daly scored a hattrick whilst the returning Ebony Salmon scored her first of the season. An unlikely goal from defender Dan Turner added to the air of positivity.
The big news for Villa however was that Kenza Dali, a pivotal player for her club and country, made her return. The attacking midfielder last made an appearance for the Villains 171 days prior following an injury she picked up during the World Cup.
Ahead of the hugely important match against Bristol City this weekend, head coach Carla Ward spoke of the “unbelievable talent” that Dali has, and how much of a “good person” the midfielder is to have both “around the dressing room and on the pitch.” Ward revealed that the 32-year-old is indeed “in contention to start” this weekend.
However, it has been disclosed that striker Simone Magill, has suffered further injury off the back of international duty, of which the club at first “weren’t aware of.” Magill “continues to be out” of the squad but she will be assessed once again next week. The attacker has a continuing problem with her quad muscle, which has been further aggravated over the break. After playing a “90 and 40” minute game whilst away, this has “ultimately put her back again.”
“It’s about working together (with Northern Ireland) to ensure that we can get her fit for as many games as possible… we’ll work collectively to try and make sure that she comes back from international duty in the right condition,” Ward reassured.
Looking towards this weekend’s clash at the bottom of the league table against Bristol City, Ward doesn’t doubt that, despite Villa perhaps being the favourites to win, it is “going to be a tough game.” The newly promoted side has had some “really good moments” thus far, despite them conceding the most goals in the league, along with Aston Villa.
As things stand, Bristol City are sitting a place above Villa at the bottom of the league table with three points following their first win of the season against West Ham United last weekend.
That Conti Cup victory over Sheffield United has been an opportunity to rebuild the side’s confidence. Villa have suffered a tough run, especially after their heart-breaking loss against Chelsea. Despite it being the first time in her present job that Ward has faced this hardship, she remains determined to “stick together”.
“You don’t get anywhere in life without challenges… the more you fall on your face, the more you learn… whatever happens this will be a really important learning curve for myself,” Ward remarked.
On having the players’ faith remaining behind her Ward stated: “It’s what keeps you going… I asked outright to some of the leaders of the group, ‘Have I got the dressing room?’ and the answer was ‘100% wholeheartedly’… the players know that I will give them everything…the one thing I pride myself on is treating the players right and so in these moments where it does become tough its very very easy to point the finger at the manager.
“Through building those relationships with players, they then have your back as well as you having theirs… that’s something I’m immensely proud of… I must admit, after the Chelsea game getting so many messages as I did from the players was something that absolutely kept me going.”
Villa’s uncomfortable 6-0 loss at home to Chelsea last weekend was followed by the news that Blues boss Emma Hayes would be ending her 12-year tenure at the club at the end of the season, with her being strongly tied to the open position of head coach for the United States national team.
Ward and Hayes have a close relationship, with the Chelsea boss mentoring Ward throughout her managerial career. The Villa head coach reflected: “Any decision that you make around not just your career, but your family, is the right decision and we had that conversation when she spoke to me about it.
“I think it’s massively important that you do what is right not just for your career but for your family and I wish her all the best whatever she does because she’s an exceptional human, she’s helped me a lot.”
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by Ava-Marianne Elliott (9/11/23)
Above: The Aston Villa team celebrating their first goal of the season against Marc Skinner’s Manchester United Photo: Aston Villa Women on Instagram.
Aston Villa suffered their fifth consecutive league loss this past weekend after league leaders Chelsea put six past the home side at the Bescot Stadium. So far, they have lost every fixture of their 2023/24 campaign in the WSL.
It’s safe to say that the high expectations have come crashing down dramatically after the results Carla Ward’s side have seen. With their phenomenal spirit and determination, the team skilfully saw themselves securing the fifth-place spot at the end of their their 22-23 campaign. This time however, the Villans seem to be continuously met with misery as five weeks in a row they have failed to secure a single point, which leaves them in the relegation spot.
In this review of Aston Villa’s season so far, attributes such as predictions, statistics on Villa’s most influential players, squad depth, and the influence of Ward’s management are reviewed to try and determine just where this Villa side seems to be finding things going wrong in comparison with their exceptional performances last season.
Before this season’s WSL began, it’s no surprise that people were predicting the Villa side would be pushing for a top-three spot. The summer window saw the club bring in some excellent reinforcements in the form of players from across the globe.
During the five league matches that have been played so far, Villa have run into a number of unexpected challenges that the team have had to overcome. Factors contributing to their rocky start to the race have come in many forms, and they seemed to have been just short of finding a winning solution in some weeks.
Regardless of how Villa performs over the rest of the season, it may be quite the task to climb back from the minus-12 goal difference they currently have.
As a result of Carla Ward’s record with Aston Villa, it’s imaginable she is well up to the task of pushing her side through this rough patch that they’ve hit. Since her appointment in 2021, Villa have been slowly climbing their way up the table, and progressing to the FA Cup semi-final last season where they suffered a 1-0 loss against Chelsea.
In three seasons, the side has progressed from fighting relegation to pushing the top-of-the-table teams, and even claiming success over Arsenal in their last fixture of the 22-23 season. There is credit due to Ward for her efforts, and she has expressed just how frustrating Villa’s string of losses have been.
Their next fixture is an away trip to Aston Gate, facing newly promoted Bristol City. The Villa boss is aware of the impact that not finding a result in this huge clash could leave her future with the side in real jeopardy.
Although her future with the club may hang in the balance, the Villa squad hold Ward in high esteem, and player Rachel Daly recently expressed the side’s intentions to ‘“fight for Carla” and “back the manager” as they try to move out of the tough position they have found themselves in. It’s just a small glimpse of the attitude that the team has, and it reflects that same attitude that has seen them through so much success in the past.
Throughout the season, it is not just Ward’s leadership that is going to see Aston Villa through this patch. The club have named a four-player leadership team to captain the side. Rachel Corsie, who is heavily respected by her peers, will take the captaincy position. Alongside her, three vice-captains Lucy Staniforth, Rachel Daly, and Dan Turner follow, and they all hold a vast amount of experience across the pitch in their respective positions.
Villa may be struggling to gain a point, but the leadership they have within the club is a strong system that will be considerably vital in the team improving their performances, more specifically through the mentality and determination they bring.
Across the summer window, Aston Villa had an impressive recruitment that has led to the further development of her side. Arguably, the biggest transfer was the signing of Dutch goalkeeper Daphne Van Domselaar from FC Twente, who has put in some stellar performances so far.
Despite Van Domselaar’s capability between the sticks, the defensive system in front of her that Ward has been utilising so far hasn’t worked out. Consistently, a back four has primarily been used, although they have struggled to provide Van Domselaar with reinforcements, leading to a total of 16 goals conceded.
Ward last season notably favoured a 4-1-4-1 formation over the 4-3-3 that she seems to be utilising more frequently after testing a 4-2-3-1 for the opening two games of the season. Although there is consistency through the regular use of a back four, the fullbacks that Ward typically deploys to drive the ball forwards towards the box are not able to be as progressive in their play as normal, for example Maz Pacheco is usually one of the players that takes on this role.
Without the impact of Kirsty Hanson and Kenza Dali, the defensive players that move up the pitch are often getting caught out in counterattacks as they attempt to move into the final third. This was something that occurred frequently during the Chelsea game, and Emma Hayes’ side were able to capitalise on Villa’s mistakes.
To add to the lack of defensive depth, another summer signing, Lucy Parker, has been ruled out of the mix for an unknown period of time after recently sustaining an injury to her ankle whilst on international duty.
If you look at some of the errors that are coming from the back four and defensive partnerships within the Villa lineup, two of the team’s top performers and most consistent achievers can be found in the midfield. Both Lucy Staniforth and Laura Blindkilde have proved their worth to the side last season, and they continue to perform well throughout the fixtures they have gained minutes in.
Staniforth has started every WSL game for Villa so far this season, and her passing accuracy currently sits at an average of 77%. Her ability in possession and frequent use of short passes is a credit to her years of experience, not just in the league playing for teams such as Manchester United, but also her time representing England internationally. She is by far one of the most valuable assets to the Villa side, particularly through her capability connect the Villa defence to the attack to ensure that the play progresses forwards.
Blindkilde, at just 20 years old, she finds herself consistently playing regular minutes for her team and has made a starting appearance for four out of five fixtures so far. In this week’s Conti Cup fixture, the young star made her 50th appearance for the team. The energy that she is able to bring on the pitch is a huge advantage, as she makes smart decisions on the ball and is frequently found in the box when Villa are on the attack. This gives her side more options in terms of players that are available in goalscoring positions.
Alongside Staniforth and Blindkilde, Villa have other talents available for midfield in the form of players such as Jordan Nobbs who has years of experience, and Olivia McLoughlin, a talented youngster who spent last season out on loan to Birmingham City.
Despite the efforts of the team, one thing that Villa has severely lacked this season is the ability to be creative with chances in the final third, which has subsequently led to a goal shortage. Across their WSL campaign so far this season, they have netted just four goals, two of which coming from their star striker, Rachel Daly. I think some of the problems that Villa have, although they still have such a talented cohort on the pitch, stem from the loss of two of the most important playmakers in the team.
Of course, Villa has Daly, who has time and time again proven herself to be a player key to Ward’s side, therefore they often played to her strengths as a striker as a focus of the team tactics. Daly has also become a firm fan favourite in Claret and Blue, and they often commend her phenomenal work rate and mentality as her role in the side has been detrimental to their achievement.
Two of the sources that are pinpoint causes of the team’s inability to score and get the ball through for Daly to strike, are the effect of the absent Kenza Dali through injury, and Kirsty Hanson through a three-match suspension.
During the opening game of the season for Villa, Hanson picked up a red card after a tough challenge on Hayley Ladd. It was later announced that the clubs appeal to reduce Hanson’s ban from the match squad was unsuccessful, and she was only able to return to play in the 6-0 loss to Chelsea.
Hanson’s physicality on the pitch is often a big advantage for Villa, and the Scottish international’s statistics from last season put into perspective how much of a challenge it would’ve been on the team to lose her for three matches. Not only did Hanson win 72% of her tackles, but she also created 36 chances and scored seven goals, plus adding a tally of nine assists to her name.
Alongside Hanson, another figure that’s been missing from the pitch is France’s Kenza Dali. Since her signing from Everton, Dali has been one of the most influential figures in the squad and is known to have a strong relationship with her peers off the pitch as well as on it. It’s obvious that her presence as a player was sorely missed on the pitch, and it was clear there was no obvious concrete plan or way to fill the space she was able to cover, meaning Daly has often been working to cover the position alongside her own. Despite her efforts, there is no way for her to do it all without her key assist maker.
The pair have a partnership on the pitch that would be hard to replicate, mostly between them they have such a clear understanding of each other’s play, so the effect of missing Dali has impacted the number of goals that Daly has been able to score thus far with the loss of their dynamic.
Last season, with 51 chances created for her side, scoring five goals and making eight assists, Dali was a huge contributor to the Villa side. Again, on a more positive note, Dali was finally back in the match squad on Wednesday evening after being on the sidelines for a significant period of time with an injury of unknown origin.
Alongside the key figures outlined, players who are yet to see a significant number of minutes in the WSL for Villa are new signings, Adriana Leon and Ebony Salmon, who are both talented in their respective positions. Salmon, who played for the club in her youth, scored a quality goal for the side in their Continental Cup tie against Sheffield United, and Leon started alongside her. After the 5-0 win on Wednesday evening, hopefully, some further confidence has been instilled in the team, and perhaps they will find their first win this upcoming weekend.
I think that despite how difficult the opening to the WSL campaign has been for Villa; they show a strength and resilience as a side that’s to be admired. The dynamic and technical ability they had to work so seamlessly together in the previous season is something that they as a side are working towards achieving again, and it’s slowly beginning to show itself.
Hope is beginning to grow, as the side found a comfortable victory over Championship side Sheffield United during the week. For the team’s first Continental Cup tie, the Villans truly did put on a superlative display that resulted in a triumphant 5-0 win to remind people of just how capable they are. It is to be hoped that the result will serve as a confidence booster and it is a reminder of just how stacked full of talent the Villa squad is.
Across the course of the next few fixtures of the season, it’ll be interesting to watch how Aston Villa can apply their tactics and successes from this match to the sides that they will face in upcoming weeks, particularly before they face Gareth Taylor’s Manchester City in early December. With the return of faces like Dali and Hanson, hopefully, the team will be able to take shape yet again and find that stellar rhythm they built up throughout last season yet again.
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