Members of the Impetus team of contributors covering the competition unveil their choices of player, coach, and event of the week. We’ll keep a tally of all the votes and just before Finals, reveal which player and coach have received the most votes across the season to be named the Impetus A-League Women Player and Coach of the Season (24/12/23).
Player of the week:
Above: Chloe Logarzo celebrates her goal for Western United on Friday – it capped a superb personal display from the Matilda. Photo: Liberty A-League.
BEN GILBY: Chloe Logarzo. The Matildas star put in a hugely influential display, especially in the first half of Western United’s win over Perth Glory on Friday. Logarzo lined up magnificently with Hannah Keane, making intelligent runs, and finding perfectly weighted passes, and the icing on the cake was a goal on her birthday to seal the win.
KIERAN YAP: Mariana Speckmaier. The Venezuelan is the striker that the Phoenix have been missing for the last few seasons. Against the Jets yesterday, she was an electric presence. Her confidence spread through the side and her penalty was emphatically struck.
BEN CAREY: Rylee Foster. She was crucial in Wellington Phoenix’s victory over Newcastle Jets. Six saves and a clean sheet against a very attack-minded Jets. Absolute brick wall. Macca would be proud.
Coach of the week:
Above: Western United head coach Kat Smith, who received two votes this week. Image: Western United.
BEN GILBY: Kat Smith. The new Western United head coach had certainly done her homework on Perth Glory. Smith constructed her team to ensure that Glory’s key creative midfielders Susan Phonsongkham and Sofia Sakalis were largely nullified. Grace Jale was completely wrapped up, and Millie Farrow was forced deeper and deeper to look for attacking opportunities. This, plus her dynamic attacking duo of Chloe Logarzo and Hannah Keane were key to Western United downing the league leaders.
KIERAN YAP: Dario Vidosic. It’s hard to go past a win against a local rival that he had never beaten as a coach in a match to reverse a slight blip. A strong result.
BEN CAREY: Kat Smith. Leading her team to victory over the league leaders was a huge effort. Her work at the team is finally paying off. Not only did Western United defend well, but their attacks were strong and relentless. They might be back to last season’s form before too long thanks to Smith.
Moment of the week:
Above: Emina Ekic – her winning goal in the Melbourne derby was huge in the context of what it has done to the ladder. Image: Melbourne City.
BEN GILBY: Emina Ekic’s winning goal in the Melbourne derby. It ensured that City went into the holiday period three points clear at the top of the ladder. Defeat for Ekic’s side would have led to a three-way log jam between City, Victory, and Perth on 17 points. The goal and the resulting win were huge.
KIERAN YAP: Annalee Grove’s last-minute save from Sophie Harding for Adelaide United at Western Sydney Wanderers.
BEN CAREY: Ash Brodigan’s long-range strike for Brisbane Roar that beat Sydney FC keeper Jada Whyman at the near post. That doesn’t happen very often. What an effort.
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Above: Mariana Speckmeier and Hope Breslin celebrating. Photo: Imrayssnaps.
The Wellington Phoenix women versus the Newcastle Jets promised to be an interesting matchup with both teams starting the ninth round of the Liberty A-League in very different form.
In the previous round, the Phoenix blew an opportunity to go top of the table whereas the Jets had a big win over Western United. Just one week later how would the teams fare? With the departure of Emily van Egmond after her four week cameo with the Jets, questions were raised about how well they would go without her.
After their disappointing performance the week before, coach Paul Temple rang the changes for the Phoenix. Nix supporters were surprised by the decision to move set piece specialist Michaela Foster, usually a defensive left back, into the midfield. This opened space at the back for the very in-form Zoe McMeeken to start and show why she is a hot talent prospect.
The Jets came out firing and put the Phoenix under pressure immediately with an attempt on goal from outside the box by Sarina Bolden. The pressure continued with Lorena Baumann and Libby Copus-Brown’s shots being cleared away by the Nix. Had any of the Jets early four shots been successful the energy of the match would have been different but it wasn’t to be. Cass Davis’ shot from outside the box curled nicely towards the goal however the Nix goalkeeper had the ball in her sights and made a strong bat away.
A breakout run and some fancy footwork by Macey Fraser put her in wide open space in the Jets goal area. Her cross towards two Nix players, Speckmeier and Breslin, didn’t find either player and the best chance of the match to go ahead with the early goal was missed.
The momentum in the matched swung entirely to the Phoenix when Hope Breslin was fouled in the Jets goal area after being brought down unnecessarily. Mariana Speckmeier coolly slotted the ball past Isobel Nino to go up 1-0 at the 34 minute mark.
An 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 penalty to fire @WgtnPhoenixFC into the lead! 🔥🎯
Mariana Speckmaier's third goal of the Liberty A-League season is a brilliant spot-kick 👏
Just five minutes later in the 39th minute, the Phoenix secured a second goal to widen the score line to 2-0. Once again it was Speckmeier beautiful cross found the left foot of Breslin who was standing unguarded with an unobstructed view of the goal, who thumped the ball into the Jets net. Not even the very classy Jets defender Claudia Cicco was able to stop the goal.
The Jets did not relent and attempted to fight their way back into the match searching for their first goal before halftime with shots on target by Copus-Brown, Barbieri, and Cicco all being denied.
The teams went into the sheds at halftime with the score at 2-0.
Assists don't get much better than this 🔥
After scoring the opening goal from the spot, Mariana Speckmaier turns provider for Hope Breslin to double the @WgtnPhoenixFC lead 👏
Following the halftime break, a light rain started falling resulting in the Sky Stadium pitch becoming greasy, affecting both teams ability to stay upright. The slick surface took quite some getting used to.
It was the Phoenix who attempted to close the match out in the 52nd minute as the ball pin-balled around in the Jets goal area however the back of the net was not to be found on this occasion.
In the 56th minute the Phoenix brand new import signing, Isabel Cox, came into the match for her first appearance. Cox displayed all the qualities of a talented player and slotted into the team with ease. Everyone had to wait until the 71st minute for Fraser to slot through a slick pass to Cox giving her a clean shot at the Jets.
However, visiting goalkeeper Nino shut down the play. The Jets then quickly progressed the ball down the pitch to get a shot on the Phoenix goal that was well saved by Rylee Foster however in the motion of falling, Foster’s head collided with the goalpost after a diving save resulting in a considerable delay of play.
Phoenix players and supporters collectively held their breath in the 86th minute as Kate Taylor went down clutching her knee following a high-speed collision with Jets defender Milan Hammond. Thankfully the knock to the knee did not result in a serious injury and Taylor resumed play after a couple of minutes.
The remainder of the match was uneventful with both teams having chances to press with neither team managing to score. The Phoenix secured the three points for the win and the Jets return to Newcastle thinking about how to plug the gap that van Egmond has left.
The game stats tell the story of how the match went with the Phoenix dominating possession and being far more accurate with their passing. The Jets had more shots on goal but the quality of the shots taken didn’t really trouble the Phoenix too much.
Wellington Phoenix ended the match as the deserved winner. Quality performances with Speckmeier on attack and Rylee Foster on defence saw the Phoenix win whereas in seasons past the match would more likely have finished in a draw.
Performances of note for the Jets – Claudia Cicco is a future talent of the senior Matildas team. She is very quick, versatile and knows where to be when on the pitch, both in attack and in defence. Lorena Baumann is also a quality player who is confident to shoot the ball when she sees an opening. SarinaBolden is a very classy striker who knows how to score goals but the Phoenix defenders were better than her on the day.
Both teams had plenty of chances to win this match but what ultimately separated the two teams was the quality of possession and shots taken. Gary van Egmond, Jets coach, will be putting his thinking cap on in the next few days as the Jets search for a way to bounce back from an underwhelming performance.
Paul Temple, Phoenix coach, will be able to enjoy his Christmas lunch without having to think about football, knowing that his team has a deep quality of depth that should see the Nix playing finals football.
Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-3-3): R Foster, Davidson, Barry, Lake, McMeeken, Longo, Taylor, M Foster, Breslin, Fraser, Speckmeier. Substitutes: Edwards, Whinham, Cox, Robertson, Elliot.
Above: Adelaide United celebrate Dylan Holmes’s goal. Photo: Adelaide United.
A second-minute Dylan Holmes strike was enough to give Adelaide a 1-0 win against Western Sydney, but the three points did not come easy in an entertaining and dramatic match.
Adelaide came into this round looking for their second win of the season. They defeated the high-flying Wellington Phoenix in Round Eight, and another three points would give supporters hope that the season was starting to turn around.
Western Sydney had not lost in three matches, thanks largely to the scoring form of Sophie Harding. The mobile and dynamic striker had scored in each of those games to propel her to Golden Boot favouritism.
The game began in fast fashion and did not slow down from that point on. Nanako Sasaki cut off an attempted Wanderers clearance and threaded the ball into the path of Holmes. The Reds midfielder fired across goal and into the bottom corner to put Adelaide in the rare position of having a lead to defend.
That early goal meant that the game immediately opened up. Western Sydney pushed forward almost immediately in hopes of levelling the scores. This sort of match suits Adelaide United’s style of play and it made for an entertaining if low-scoring afternoon.
Harding was at the heart of everything good for The Wanderers. She has the size and strength to play with her back to goal, but the mobility and pace to turn and immediately trouble defences. Her movement across both flanks makes her a hard player to mark, and ultimately the entire back four’s responsibility.
When Harding spun free, surged forward, and played in Danika Matos, a goal looked certain. However, Adelaide’s goalkeeper Annalee Grove produced perfect timing and positioning to deny the goal.
Grove would prove to be the deciding factor in this game by the end of 90 minutes, but Adelaide United were unlucky to not extend their lead. The visitors repeatedly threatened with long quick passes from deep as the Wanderers continued to push upfield.
The Red’s back four were regularly being tested, but for the most part, were able to repel the Wanderers’ attacks with a safety-first approach. They prioritised getting the ball to the midfielders and strikers in the quickest way possible. Lateral passing in the backline was rare from either side.
Harding continued to threaten and after another run, she set up Holly Caspers for a one-on-one with Grove. Once again, the Australian Under 23 representative prevented an almost certain equaliser.
Adelaide United coach Adrian Stenta doubled down on his attacking philosophy and introduced Alana Jancevski and Emily Condon to the proceedings, followed later by Katie Bowler. The attacking trio’s arrival meant that there was little chance of Adelaide focussing on protecting the lead. They wanted to keep the pressure on the Wanderers and perhaps reduce the influence of playmaking centre back Amy Harrison.
Condon came closest to scoring a second. Her curling effort from the edge of the box looked headed for the bottom corner, but it skimmed past the post to the relief of goalkeeper Kaylie Collins.
Adelaide’s all-out attack style almost backfired when defender Ella Tonkin was sent off for a second yellow card. Sasaki dropped back, but they looked more vulnerable in the dying minute without a crucial player.
Wanderers substitute Ella Abdul-Massih almost set up a late reprieve after delivering a beautiful long pass behind the Adelaide defence. As Harding ran onto the pass, two possible stories began to emerge.
In one, Harding solidifies her place as the league’s in-form striker and enhanced her reputation as a potential match-winner. In the other Grove was the hero for a second week in a row.
Against any other goalkeeper, the first possibility would have been the likely result, but Grove was in no mood to be beaten in this match. She provided the late heroics to deny the Wanderers a point and secure her side three on the road.
Above: Wurigumula for Central Coast Mariners. Photo: Central Coast Mariners.
Central Coast Mariners achieved their third win of the season with a 3-0 win against Canberra United at McKellar Park. Once more, for Canberra, despite having created chances, it just wasn’t their day, and they remain at the bottom of the ladder.
Within the first 10 minutes of the match, Canberra were the ones that had made the most dangerous of the chances in attack as well as the majority of possession in that period of 55.4% but Central Coast looked strong defensively at that time. Overall it was an even encounter early in the proceedings.
In the 19th minute, Bianca Galic from outside the box had a great opportunity to open the scoring for Central Coast as her shot was saved by Canberra’s goalkeeper Coco Majstorovic and tipped up and off the crossbar. Despite the shot not going in, Galic’s control of the ball that set herself up for that chance at goal was very impressive.
Four minutes later, Vesna Milivojevic came very close to scoring her ninth goal of the season as her shot just went wide of the goal which kept Central Coast’s goalkeeper Sarah Langman on notice. Milivojevic’s control of the ball and eventual shot was yet another example of just how great she has been this season for Canberra with her making the simple things look brilliant.
In the 29th minute, Isabel Gomez provided an integral pass to Wurigumula who made a great run with the ball provided towards goal. She saw her chance and went for it as her powerful shot from outside the box went sailing past Majstorovic and into the top left corner for the opening goal of the match.
As the half progressed, the more it felt like Central Coast was slightly more dangerous in attack with the chances they had made as they could have gone further ahead if they weren’t denied by the crossbar.
Something that was apparent in the first half and continued into the second half was how Central Coast built up their passages in plays which really was good to watch and was a massive benefit to them with the chances created.
In the 69th minute, Central Coast doubled their lead thanks to a great through ball by Paige Hayward which was mistimed by Canberra’s Cannon Clough and found Wurigumula. She went around the goalkeeper in the box and slotted the ball into the back of the net for her third goal both of her A-League career.
Five minutes later, Central Coast all but sealed the three points for themselves as Peta Trimis made a great run into the box from a fast break and her shot went past Majstorovic and into the bottom right corner. It was the Mariners’ third goal of the match and Trimis’ first goal in the A-League Women.
Above: Laura Hughes puts City into another attack. Photo: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City have come away with three points in the Christmas Melbourne derby, defeating Melbourne Victory 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Emina Ekic.
City came out firing, looking to prove a point after drawing last week to Central Coast Mariners and losing to Perth Glory in round seven.
They found their opening goal through Emina Ekic, after being released by Rhianna Pollicina. Ekic worked her way into the box and then sent Victory Captain Kayla Morrison in the wrong direction. With no one in front of her, Ekic was then free to slide the ball into the far corner, past a diving Lydia Williams.
City were in charge on the scoreboard and on the field from there, spending the rest of the first half all over Victory, giving them very little time or room to work with the ball.
Victory clearly received a strong message from their head coach Jeff Hopkins at the break, as their return for the second half saw them almost immediately find an equaliser.
Midfielder Rachel Lowe found herself in space and fired across the face of goal. Unfortunately for Lowe, her shot only managed to rattle the far post, and not City’s defensive line, who were able to clear the danger.
While Victory were trying to work their way back into the game, City were still looking to further their lead.
Opportunities came and went for Kurea Okino, hit the post, and Lowe again who was on the receiving end of a brilliantly timed cutback from Beattie Goad.
The return of Kaitlyn Torpey for City also came with a slew of chances, none of which she was able to convert in the heat of the moment.
While City will be happy to see themselves returning to the top of the table, they’re likely rueing the same thing Victory will be, a lack of conviction in front of goal.
Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-2-2-2): Proulx, Chinnama (70’ Henry), Stott, Otto, Grosso, Hughes, L. McKenna (54’ Torpey), Pollicina, Galic, Ekic, Wilkinson.
Above:Caitlin Foord (left) and Steph Catley with the Conti Cup last season. They are now joined at Arsenal by their international teammate, the young gun Kyra Cooney-Cross. Photo: Arsenal Women.
Until their defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday, Arsenal’s WSL season had been heading in an upward trajectory. In this article, I look specifically at how their trio of Matildas have been contributing to the campaign to date.
Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley are solid, dependable, and deserving of their regular starting place in the team. They often play the full ninety minutes and encapsulate the desire on show by the team, linking well down the left-hand side.
Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross in possession for Arsenal in last weekend’s North London derby at Tottenham. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.
Foord assisted Catley for Arsenal’s opener against Manchester City at Meadow Park, and Catley said post-match that they know where the other one is instinctively. New summer signing Kyra Cooney-Cross put in player-of-the-month performances in November and subsequently produced another outstanding performance against Spurs in the Conti Cup on 13th December.
These players encapsulate what Arsenal are about; a high level of versatility, desire, and teamwork which is also on show by the Matildas at international level.
Foord works fluidly on the flanks in games, switching between them at times. This is important in the way that Jonas Eidevall’s side vary their attacks. The Shellharbour native is often crucial in the build-up to goals, particularly opening goals, and her energetic driving runs are consistently difficult to defend against.
Above: Caitlin Foord (centre, red shirt) competes in an aerial challenge against Aston Villa in October at The Emirates. Photo: Ben Phillips for Impetus.
This was the case fot the equalising goal against Aston Villa at the Emirates in October and the opener against Chelsea at the same venue recently. The Matildas are used to travelling long distances, and their fitness is never in question. There never seems to be a sign of fatigue. Every time they come back from international duty they almost seem reinvigorated, which is extremely impressive.
During the Chelsea game, Catley put on the afterburners and put in a well-timed, goal-saving tackle when the match was at 3-1 to Arsenal. An experienced defender who is nearing 50 appearances for The Gunners, her experience really showed in this moment.
This was a crucial tackle, given that if the score had become 3-2 with 30 minutes to go, the outcome of the whole game could have been different. The Melbournian showed a lot of grit and determination to run back and slide in. This is another example of the Matildas stereotypical ‘Never Say Die’ spirit that has been brought to North London.
Above: Steph Catley on the ball for Arsenal at The Emirates in their opening home game against Liverpool. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.
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Above: Fiona Worts (sky blue shirt) and Tameka Yallop tussle for control of the ball today. Photo: Sydney FC.
A sunkissed Leichhardt Oval with a good crowd inside was the stage of Sydney FC’s second showdown of the season against Brisbane Roar today.
Brisbane claimed the win in the first match back in October after a wonder strike from Chelsea Blissett and then some excellent defending. Sydney came into the match hoping to get revenge for that early season loss. Conversely, Brisbane came trying to win both home and away matches against Sydney for the first time ever.
The first 10 minutes belonged to the hosts. They had the possession and the chances. However, Brisbane defended well and absorbed the pressure. In the 12th minute, against the run of play, they struck first. Sharn Freier made an excellent interception in the middle of the pitch, working hard to get the ball out to Ash Brodigan, who took a touch just outside the 18-yard box and then launched the ball into the Sydney goal, beating Jada Whyman at the near post.
A long range stunner from the Roar! 😮💨🔥
Ashlee Brodigan fires from distance to give @brisbaneroar an early lead against Sydney FC!
For the rest of the half, Brisbane dominated possession, but Sydney had the better chances. Just before the halftime break, they were able to momentarily wrestle back control of the match. Some incredible work from Kirsty Fenton drew several Roar defenders out and she whipped in a quick and low ball into the box, which beat Jordan Silkowitz and set up Matildas star, Cortnee Vine, for an easy tap in to square up the match.
IT’S VINE TIME IN SYDNEY! 🍇⏰
Matildas World Cup hero Cortnee Vine has two goals in two games – and how about the assist from Kirsty Fenton! 🔥
The sun had gone down and the floodlights had taken over by the time the second half began. The second period of the match was just as competitive and hotly contested as the first.
Around the hour mark there were two very impressive attempts on goal in rapid succession. First, after some great build-up play, Mia Corbin was able to play in Tameka Yallop, who was shut down just in time by Charlotte Mclean. Straight away up the other end, Vine set up Fiona Worts, but that too was shut down by Brisbane defenders, notably Jenna McCormick. This exciting, end-to-end passage of play summed up the whole of the second half.
Around the 80-minute mark, the Roar had their best chance of the half when Freier made another great run into the final third and took aim at the goals. Newly signed Roar striker, Bonnie Davies, was well-positioned for the follow-up and caused Whyman to spill the ball.
Sydney frantically tried to clear it, resulting in the ball rolling into the net. However, for a second week in a row, Brisbane saw a potential winning goal disallowed, this time due to Davies’ contact with Whyman being ruled a foul. The last 10 minutes of the match were hard fought, but neither side could break the deadlock.
Although they didn’t win, Brisbane Roar looked in excellent form against last season’s Champions. The visitors dominated possession for the whole match, which is a very impressive feat. Their positioning was well organised, and their movement was quicker. Brisbane’s passing was faster and more accurate; a lot of quick, short, and intentional passes, which resulted in more possession and fewer turnovers.
The way Roar played today was a lot like Wellington Phoenix have been doing so far this season. If I didn’t know any better I’d say Brisbane head coach, Alex Smith, called up Wellington Phoenix coach, Paul Temple, during the week and asked for some pointers.
Freier and Brodigan were fantastic up front for Brisbane, combining to create the early goal, along with a number of other opportunities. Once again, Freier used her pace and great footwork to outfox her opponents and set up her teammates in dangerous positions. Brodigan’s long distance strike was phenomenal, a contender for goal of the week for sure.
Hollie Palmer had a great game playing in the midfield, creating a number of chances, and taking several shots on goal herself, one of which missed by about two feet. The whole backline put in a good shift, but most impressive was Teagan Thompson, who was given the difficult task of keeping Vine quiet. That duel in particular was very fun to watch. Vine got the best of her in the first half, but Thompson had her number in the second.
By contrast, although Sydney FC didn’t have a whole lot of possession, they were definitely more effective with the ball when they had it. Both sides created a lot of good chances, but Sydney probably just had the edge. The team put in a good shift, but I have no doubt they will be disappointed to walk away from the match without the win, given the chances they had.
Despite that, Vine and Fenton had a sensational game. Both were quick, dynamic, and utterly relentless. Sydney may have lost Tobin, but they have Vine back, and for that, they can be very thankful.
Teams:SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Tumeth, Chauvet, McLean, Fenton, Caspers, Hollman, Kruger, Vine, Worts, Ibini. Substitutes: Franco, J. Thompson, Keane, Dos Santos, Ray.
Scorers: Vine 42’.
BRISBANE ROAR (4-3-3): Silkowitz, Scarpelli, McCormick, T. Thompson, Freier, Palmer, Norrie, Kirkup, Yallop, Corbin, Brodigan. Substitutes: Richards, De La Harpe, McQueen, Stephenson, Davies.
Scorers: Brodigan 12’.
Referee: Isabella Mossin.
Attendance: 3,241.
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Above: Chloe Logarzo (centre) celebrates her birthday goal by blowing a kiss. Photo: Liberty A-League.
Western United put in a hugely impressive performance in both defence and attack to record an excellent victory over A-League Women leaders Perth Glory at City Vista Recreation Reserve thanks to a goal from Chloe Logarzo, who was hugely impressive throughout.
Perth Glory welcomed back Grace Jale who missed last weekend’s home game with Sydney FC up front to renew her fruitful partnership with English attacker Millie Farrow.
It was the visitors who had the first opportunity as their high press yielded instant results. With six minutes played, Julia Sardo’s crossfield ball was snaffled up by Perth’s Susan Phonsongkham who advanced in on goal to feed Farrow who’s effort was pushed away by Hillary Beall in the Western United goal at the cost of a corner that was cleared.
The hosts settled and grew to dominate the chances and offensive possession for the half. Celebrating her 29th birthday, Matildas star Chloe Logarzo was on fire, and combining outstandingly with Hannah Keane. With eight minutes on the clock, Logarzo ran through on the left flank before squaring for Jaclyn Sawicki, stationed centrally on the edge of the box, but the shot went just wide of the right hand post.
Logarzo and Keane’s partnership cranked up even further shortly afterwards with the latter threading a glorious ball that dissected three Perth defenders to find Logarzo who was eventually covered brilliantly by Sadie Lawrence at the cost of a corner. Tyla-Jay Vlajnić’s flag kick curled in and bounced off of the bar.
Whilst Perth’s ability to get forward was being severely curtailed by Kat Smith’s side, they conjured up a great opportunity on the quarter hour mark. Farrow got between two defenders showing great strength to push off Vlajnić and get a shot away that Beall dealt with excellently.
Just three minutes later, the Logarzo show was responsible for the game’s opening goal as Mel Tarantoskipped between two defenders and squared the ball back to the Matildas star positioned centrally on the edge of the box to hit a powerful shot into the net for a birthday goal.
Just after the 20 minute mark, Logarzo was back at her creative best once more as she found Keane on the edge of the box for the American striker to fire a shot between Lawrence and Jessika Cowart that went wide of the left hand post with Morgan Aquino at full stretch in the Perth goal.
United were now rampant in attack. Grace Maher hit a powerful shot from the edge of the box that Aquino pushed out to the left with Keane’s follow up cannoning off of the post and out.
Just before the interval, Keane shot from picked up the ball outside the box on the left and saw her shot awkwardly pushed out for a corner on the right by Aquino. The set piece came in from Vlajnić for Adriana Taranto to send a header goalwards only to se the effort come back off of the bar.
United’s faster movement of the ball, high press and rapid interplay was a persistent threat on the league leaders’ goal in the opening half. Half-time would be an opportunity for Glory head coach Alex Epakis to tighten things up at the back whilst looking to increase the pace of Perth’s forward movement of the ball as United were having plenty of time to re-establish their defensive system and maintain a high press on Glory’s attackers when the visitors were in possession.
Above: Millie Farrow (left) worked incredibly hard all afternoon for Perth Glory today. Photo: Liberty A-League.
Sofia Sakalis, Jale, and Phonsongkham were being starved of possession, and with it reduced the creative opportunities for Perth offensively. Three changes were made early in the second period, and the Western Australian side were more compact in the defensive line, with the result that Western United had fewer shots on goal and limited chances to extend their lead. However, the second part of the puzzle that Epakis and his team needed to solve proved harder to rectify.
The Glory were not able to mount rapid fire attacks as United still kept Phonsongkham tied up. Farrow continued to work supremly hard – but with reduced rapidity in her side’s build up allied with the home side’s rapid defensive press, the visitors had hardly any opportunities to equalise. A golden one came two minutes into stoppage time.
Farrow got away from Alana Cerne on the left. The ball came to Hana Lowry for a follow up that was covered excellently by Stacey Papadopoulos. The hosts could have settled the result shortly afterwards as substitute Keiwa Hieda broke through, but couldn’t find a finish.
It’s now advantage to the Melbourne clubs ahead of their big derby tomorrow in the race to be league leaders at Christmas. A win for City would put them two points clear of Perth at the A-League Women summit. Success for Melbourne Victory would see Jeff Hopkins’ side equal on points with both Perth and their cross city rivals.
Teams: WESTERN UNITED(4-4-2): Beall, Sardo, Maher, Papadopoulos, A. Taranto, Sawicki, M. Taranto, Vlajnić, Keane, Logarzo. Substitutes: Dakic, Dall’Oste (GK), Hieda, Prakash, Robers.
Melbourne City’s Emina Ekic spoke to the media ahead of Melbourne City’s big game against their local rivals.
Melbourne City are looking to bounce back for their first win in three matches, and the opportunities do not come much bigger than the Christmas Derby against Melbourne Victory.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, City winger Emina Ekic was excited for the game, and the opportunity to return to the winners list after a loss to Perth Glory and a draw to Brisbane Roar.
“The vibe is great, training has been good and we’re excited about the game, it’s a big game.
“I know emotions are going to run high so that might switch up how we play out football. But we’re just going to go in and do what we do.
“We’re not going to change much. We’re going to play football, try to keep the ball, try to keep possession, and get some good chances.”
That City style of play is one of the reasons that Ekic cited for her return to Melbourne City. She initially joined on loan from Racing Luisville last season, but recently completed a two-year deal at the club that she feels valued her as a person as much as a player.
“I came on loan, and I had a great time. I didn’t know what I was expecting because I grew up playing…club soccer, college soccer, I got drafted, played pro-soccer. So me leaving was the first time I’ve ever left.
“I didn’t know what I was getting into but I fell in love with this place. I loved how much I learned in a short period of time and that really influenced me coming back to grow individually and become a better player.”
Ekic is American born, but has recently been selected to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina. She loves European football and the chance to represent her heritage on the world stage, but does admit that the travel has been difficult, not just for her but also for her teammates.
Rebekah Stott, Naomi Chinnama, and Danielle Galic all spent time abroad during the last international window. With the talent on City’s roster, it is a challenge they have to adapt to, although Ekic is not using it as an excuse.
“It’s been tough,” she says of the travel.
“I travelled myself and it’s short period’s of time in different time-zones and then coming back and readjusting.
“Picking up some sniffles, some sicknesses just because of all the travel, so it has been difficult, but the club takes good care of us.”
But for now, the immediate challenge is Victory. While City have stumbled slightly in recent games, this weeks opponents have now gone six weeks undefeated. As a coach, Dario Vidosic has not defeated their crosstown rivals, but Ekic says that the team are growing together and the manager has been more willing to take risks while staying true to his football philosophy.
“I would say it’s part of the journey,” she says of City’s form.
“I would say that we havn’t peaked and I think we’ve been doing well up to this point.
“Obviously we did get a loss and a tie, but I think we needed that. I think that was the adversity that we needed to be like ‘ok, we need to fix some things.’
“We know it’s not perfect and I think it’s just going to add to our game when we do peak when it’s time at the end of the season.”
City take on Victory on Saturday afternoon at AAMI Park.
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Impetus’Ben Gilby, Genevieve Henry, and Ryan Miller-Woods report on three media conferences from A-League Women’s clubs ahead of round nine (21/12/23).
Canberra United
by Ryan Miller-Woods
Above: Canberra United head coach Njegosh Popovich speaking to the media. Image: Canberra United.
The media heard from Canberra United Head Coach Njegosh Popovich and recently announced signing, Junior Matildas midfielder Lillian Skelly.
The signing of Skelly adds a young prospect with a lot of potential at just 16 years of age.
When asked about his new signing, Popovich said, “Lilian’s an exciting young player. She’s a Junior Matilda, that’s where we identified her. I remember watching her in the NYC, the National Youth Championship, a couple of years ago and she was on the radar at that stage as well. A talented player with speed and a great left foot.”
Popovich was also asked with the squad being such a young group, if Canberra is the perfect place for someone like Skelly to join, to which he said, “I like to think our environment is conducive to helping the younger ones develop and Lillian (Skelly) will just add value to that.”
Being at a club such as Canberra will be very good in terms of Skelly’s development as a footballer, with youngsters commonly getting opportunities to hone their craft and showcase their talent at United.
Above: Talented young midfielder Lillian Skelly shares her thoughts on her recent signing with the press. Image: Canberra United.
When asked about how the opportunity to join United came about, Skelly said, “There was a camp here (in Canberra) not too long ago and I suppose it’s sort of a way of being seen.”
What will be one of the biggest benefits for Skelly being at Canberra is the players that she can learn from such as Michelle Heyman, Maria ‘Cote’ Rojas, Cannon Clough, and Nicki Flannery in terms of experience. As well as that, the culture that exists at United will also be massively beneficial for Skelly.
When asked about her first experience with the squad, Skelly said, “When I first came in they (the players) were so supportive. They took me under their wing (and) showed me everything. It was a really good experience.”
Perth Glory
by Ben Gilby
Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis speaking to the media on Thursday. Image: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory boss Alex Epakis has emphasised that his team are more than prepared to continue their strong away form as a fully fit squad are set to bounce back from a five-day turnaround when they travel to face last season’s Grand Finalists Western United.
Having held 2022/23’s Grand Final winners Sydney FC to a 0-0 draw at Macedonia Park on Sunday night, the Glory are in Victoria tomorrow to take on a Western United side that Sydney defeated in the season finale last time round.
It’s the latest in a tough run of fixtures for the A-League Women leaders who have shown that they can go toe-to-toe with the competition’s biggest names.
“If you look at the last couple of fixtures (which includes Melbourne City, Sydney FC, and Melbourne City), we’ve played a lot of top-end opposition and learned a lot about ourselves, our character, the way that we play, and how we can compete and that’s given us a lot of satisfaction, but also an ability to look at the bigger picture and say ‘OK, we’re serious about what we are doing and we can compete against the bigger teams.’ It sets us up well for the second half of the season…and what it could look like for us if we continue to work hard.”
Whilst some clubs may be cautious about a five-day turnaround between games that includes a 3,400 km plus journey, Epakis doesn’t see it as a problem. Indeed, he and the players relish it for the opportunities it brings.
“From the moment we finished the last match against Sydney, that was a very taxing effort, the players worked extremely hard…the first few days of the week were focussed on the recovery. We did our first field session yesterday (Wednesday), and we have another one today. The players are very professional. They take care of themselves and that was the emphasis this week.
Above: Perth Glory’s young locally produced star Georgia Cassidy (right) in action last Sunday night against Sydney FC’s Cortnee Vine. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
“We love the travel. We use it as an opportunity to really lock-in. It gives us a good amount of time to focus, to have team meetings, to have discussions, to prepare really well and focus mentally on the task at hand. I think the players galvanise in the opportunity of being well. They come together. We have a good record away this calendar year and we’re looking forward to continuing that run.”
Whilst Western United have had a mixed start to the campaign – with three wins and four defeats from their eight matches – they have retained the vast majority of last season’s successful side and have added further talent such as the outstanding Grace Maher.
“You look at that squad and they had a fantastic season last season, Grand Finalists. Those players are still there. They are definitely a team we are taking seriously,” the Perth Glory head coach remarked.
“They have some really good parts of their game that we need to be mindful of. Hannah Keane – she is a handful, and (Chloe) Logarzo. They have attacking options that cause any team damage, so we need to make sure that we are structurally really good and sound. With the ball, I want us to be a bit cleaner than we were against Sydney. (We need to) Do more with the possession we have and be more dynamic in the attack.”
That attack is likely to include the return of Grace Jale, who missed last weekend’s home game with Sydney FC. Epakis confirmed that “she is in the squad and travelling.”
In terms of what the Glory boss wants for Christmas, it’s simple. “Three points – stay top, that would be great. It would be just reward for what we’ve done this season, but in football, you don’t always get what you want, or in life. But the reality is we know that if we get three points and we perform well, we give ourselves a good chance of staying at least equal top on Christmas Day.”
Sydney FC
by Genevieve Henry
Above: From left to right, Jada Whyman, Tori Tumeth, Leichhardt Councillor Philippa Scott, and Maragaux Chauvet at Leichhardt Oval. Image: Sydney FC.
The media heard from three Sydney FC stars, Jada Whyman, Margaux Chauvet, and Tori Tumeth, ahead of their return to Leichhardt Oval this Friday.
The club announced that they would play all but one of their remaining home games at this ground, giving players and fans alike the chance to turn it into a fortress. A ground with great memories for Sydney, this move may be vital on their road to the finals.
The Sky Blues are set to face Brisbane Roar this week, with a Matildas match-up between Cortnee Vine and Roar star Tameka Yallop sure to entice the crowds to pour into Leichhardt.
Sydney will aim to get back to winning ways after a frustrating draw against a flourishing Perth Glory. Similarly, Brisbane, who are sitting in eighth, will look to win for the first time in six games. Coincidentally, their last victory came against Sydney.
On that previous meeting, which ended 1-0 in favour of the Roar, Whyman said, “Our team at that point wasn’t quite formed and hadn’t gelled as best as we could.” What can the home-ground advantage at this new stadium bring to last season’s champions? Tumeth, a player the fans have quickly fallen in love with, said of Leichhardt, “Eight home games, it’s gonna be massive to us, this pitch. We want to create a kind of fortress and make it really hard for other teams to come and play us at this location.”
Sydney FC goalkeeper Whyman, a player well-acquainted with this ground from over the years, said “I love playing at Leichhardt Oval. It’s fantastic. We’ve had a lot of big games here and a lot of memorable moments.” The shot stopper’s last match at this ground, in February 2022, saw her and the Sydney side break the record for most consecutive clean sheets (eight) in the A-League Women.
Chauvet shared her excitement for the ground, saying, ”The pitch is amazing and I’m excited to see the atmosphere that comes with (it).” Chauvet, who has been thrust into a starting role due to the injury sustained by captain Nat Tobin, shared, “I’m just taking it step by step. I’m just trying to fill that role and help the team in any way that I can.” Tobin’s injury certainly has dampened the start of the season for Sydney, as did all of the departures in the summer, but players like Chauvet have proven their qualities on the pitch to keep their team steady.
Above: Margaux Chauvet (front) clears the ball last week against Perth. Image: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
With this new defensive line in front of her, Whyman has had to adapt, but has done so with grace. “Obviously, the whole squad is pretty new, so it’s (about) being able to work together. A lot of us talk off the field about how we do our job and what we want to achieve on the field.” Whyman said the key is putting their words into practice. Tumeth added on, “It’s such a new roster so we just want to build together, and work out how we play together so we can be successful as we have done in the previous years.”
Whyman, considered one of the best keepers in the league for years now, has seen her good form, even behind an ever-flexible backline, rewarded by a spot in Matildas camps.
She shared how Sydney head coach Ante Juric has been a big part of her call-ups, with the club helping her to focus and improve in order to gain this honour. On her experience, she said, “It’s just been amazing to be a part of that group and also work on my game and be around three other great goalkeepers. Hopefully I can push a bit further to be in there a bit more.”
When asked about making the Olympics squad, Whyman approached the issue with understanding, “It’s a tough gig, you’re getting 18 players, so it’s even smaller than what the World Cup roster was. I’m gonna try my best. If I do make it, I’m gonna be ecstatic, but if I don’t, I’m not gonna be too bummed out. I’ve just gotta keep pushing. It’s (a) long-term game for goalkeepers.”
For Sydney to have such quality players in Whyman, alongside the newly returned superstar Vine, is a big drawing factor for the swarths of fans they have seen so far. The importance of crowds was stressed by the players, Tumeth saying, “We just hope that the whole community in this inner west area gets around it and creates that atmosphere that’s gonna drive us on the pitch.”
The home advantage will be imperative for Sydney, Whyman saying, “We haven‘t played at home for a while so it’ll be good just to see all the fans again.” An intimate setting, a packed crowd at Leichhardt Oval could make all the difference for Sydney, with Tumeth saying, “It gives you that extra push.”
Sydney’s journey so far this season has been anything but straightforward, with a trip to play in the group stage of the Asian Women’s Club Championship halting their season and putting them a few games behind, while giving the fresh squad time to meld and bond.
Reflecting on those challenges, Tumeth said, “We’re definitely building, and we’re nowhere near where we want to be, but there are lots of positives that have come from the first few rounds and our experience over in Uzbekistan. There’s so much growth to achieve but we’re really happy where we are at the moment and we just want to keep building on that.”
But even with a new-look team, Juric has taken his team of youngsters to win the Premiership three seasons in a row, so it’s hard to bet against them. The players are confident and hungry to win their manager even more, Whyman saying, “It hasn’t gone the way we wanted it to at the start, but that doesn’t mean we don’t finish off the way we want it to, with a Premiership and a Championship.”
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