Gustavsson tells fans to expect some new faces and tactics against Canada

By Kieran Yap 1/12/23

Above: Sarah Hunter is one of the players who may make their debut in this international window. Photo: Rachel Bach/By The White Line. Supplied by Football Australia.

As Australia prepares to play Canada, fans should expect the team to seize the chance to experiment and improve

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson will be using the two games against Canada to improve the team and provide opportunities for new and fringe faces to push for a spot on the Olympic roster should Australia qualify.

Preparation for this match has been disrupted by the unavailability of Sam Kerr, and Charlie Grant but that has opened the door for the likes of Sarah Hunter and Charlize Rule to make senior debuts and for fan favourite Alex Chidiac to impress the coaches.

“This is one of the very few windows before the Olympic qualifiers and the potential Olympic that we can actually experiment and look at things…this window is the one opportunity against top ranked opposition where we can actually test players.

“It’s maybe not about winning a game but winning a player. So we’re going to give a lot of players an opportunity in this first game to look at them and what they’ve got in this environment so they are given a fair chance to fight for a spot on the Olympic roster.”

Gustavsson’s star has risen since the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It was not so long ago that he was fielding questions about facing the axe, now he is being sought by Sweden to take over their men’s national team.

Despite the interest from other nations, Gustavsson remains committed to The Matildas.

“My sole focus is on the Matildas and qualifying for the Olympics,” he said.

“We have unfinished business with this team.”

For the first time in over a year, the focus of this game is not entirely on Australia. Canada are using this window to farewell one of the greats of the sport. Christine Sinclair will wear the national colours for the final time against Australia, it is something that The Matildas feel honoured by.

“I’ve had the privilege to see her play a lot,” said Gustavsson about Sinclair.  

“I’ve coached against her a lot. For me she represents so much more than being one of the best forwards to ever play the game. the way she leads a team and the way she carries herself as a person has been tremendously impressive to watch. “

With Canada certain to perform well for their talismanic captain, this presents an excellent opportunity for Australia to test themselves and new ideas against a strong and highly motivated side.

Gustavsson pointed out that despite recent strong results, there are still some areas that The Matildas need to improve on. At the World Cup, they were among the top three nations for pressing and breaking down the final line of defence, but needed to work on winning the ball back after losing possession and bringing the ball out from the back. Canada presents the perfect opportunity to enhance these aspects of their game.

“We need to be brave enough to test certain players in certain positions. We need to test certain tactical aspects in certain phases of games and learn from the mistakes that we will make tomorrow but also learn to get some good perfect pictures.

“We always want to step on the field trying to win, but we’re trying to win by getting better in everything we do.

“In that sense it’s a unique game. we’re going to do the same thing on Tuesday but with a different lineup…Both of these games are development games and trying to take this team to the next step.”

With an unprecedented and still increasing number of eyeballs on The Matildas these days, Gustavsson is aware that the team still needs to play in a manner that will entertain the fans. The result may not go Australia’s way in this window, but they will still set out to play an attacking game.

“We’re in this together,” he said

“What we can do is to make sure the product of 90 minutes of football is as good as possible so that people are going to want to watch us.

“If you look at the goal scoring average in the last year, that says a lot about what kind of product you get when you come and watch the Matildas.

“The on-field stuff is one thing. The other thing is how they carry themselves outside of the field and the role models that they are.

“That’s one of the key reasons why I’m so passionate, and why I love working with this team as much as I do. I think they are such good role models for so many people out there, not just as footballers but as people as well.”

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

Inside The Lionesses: Keira Walsh on “putting things right”

by Aimee Logan at St. George’s Park for Impetus (30/11/23).

Above: Keira Walsh (middle, stretching forward) in action at a previous Lionesses camp. Photo: Ben Phillips for Impetus.

Keira Walsh recognises the huge challenge that the Lionesses face tomorrow night in their must-win clash with the Netherlands at Wembley and the desire of the squad to right the wrongs from their defeat against Belgium in the last international window.

Speaking to the media, Walsh said: ‘’Its going to be a difficult game for us, we know it’s a must-win. Obviously, we want to put the things right that weren’t so good in the Belgium game’’ where the Lionesses fell short and lost 3-2 in October.

Reflecting on what has gone wrong results-wise since the World Cup, Walsh feels there isn’t a lot to feel negative about, saying: ‘’If you look at the games I think all the stats are still in our favour, we had a lot of chances, a lot of ball possession.’’ 

‘’Let’s not catastrophise it, it wasn’t the worse game for us’’, she explained, Walsh significantly noted that the England loss was mainly down to how Belgium punished the side for their mistakes. 

Obviously, plenty is riding on these next two fixtures for the Lionesses, an Olympic qualification is on the line: ‘’The Olympics is obviously a special one, it’s not one that everyone talks about in football but obviously everyone grows up watching the Olympics.’’ said Walsh. However, she did emphasise that the team ‘’want to win games regardless’’ of the end goal. 

I asked Walsh whether the squad were feeling the pressure from the fans as they are obviously all eager to see the team at the Olympics in the summer, she replied, ‘’I don’t have a lot of social media so for me I don’t see a lot of that, I think I know what my internal feelings are and the team’s feeling is that we want to be there. We’re kind of just putting the football first.’’

She was also asked on how she was feeling, physically, after injury scares in the World Cup and during the first weeks of the season with Barcelona: ‘’I feel good…somebody sent me something the other day saying I’d played the second most games from anyone in Europe.”

Above: Keira Walsh (right) along with Georgia Stanway representing Team GB at the Olympic Games in 2021. The Lionesses are likely to have to beat both Netherlands and Scotland to ensure they get a spot in the 2024 Games. Photo: Anano Ikko/ AFP.

There are currently two holes in the England backline as both Leah Williamson and Millie Bright are injured. Walsh was questioned on whether she felt any extra responsibility in defence because of these gaps: ‘’I think it’s up to the group as a whole when there are certain players missing. We’ve still got a lot of quality within the team… whoever is going to come in and fill in what Millie has been doing will be more than capable of doing that.’’ 

The midfielder didn’t appear concerned about the loss of the captain and now vice captain as ‘’there are lots of natural leaders in the team’’. ‘’That is something Sarina (Wiegman, head coach)has asked of me, to take a little bit more responsibility in that aspect, especially in the midfield, and vocalise and communicate a little bit more.’’ 

Some of the biggest excitement expressed by all of the players was having Beth Mead back in the England squad after just over a year out with an ACL injury. Walsh was beaming as she said: ‘’Having Beth back is really nice, the vibe she brings and she’s just such a good person… she makes everyone feel really comfortable and anyone can speak to her… I’ve really missed Beth to be fair!’’ 

She also had nothing but paise for Mead, describing her as such a talented player on the pitch, ‘’You can see the goal she scored for Arsenal the other day (against West Ham United on Sunday) and she really special in that fact that she’s just such a goal scorer. I think that she’s probably one of the best I’ve played with, a natural finisher, whatever you give her she always scores or is there or thereabouts.’’ 

Something that has been questioned within England’s group is the fact that their final must-win game is against Scotland, where there is huge historic rivalry. Yet if England are victorious, some of the players from that squad will join them to create Team GB next year. Walsh described it as ‘’a little bit strange’’ due to the qualification structure, but she knows that they “won’t want England to beat them”

Ultimately, Walsh made it clear that the team understands the pressure that’s riding on their backs for the two games this camp that determine whether Team GB secure a place at next year’s Olympics. Despite this, she’s excited for the match and eager to show that England have plenty more to give and are going all out to ensure qualification for the wider group of home nations for another tournament next summer.

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

Inside The Lionesses: Mead and Bronze speak ahead of Dutch test

by Aimee Logan at St. George’s Park for Impetus (30/11/23).

Above: Beth Mead speaking to the media at St. George’s Park. Photo: Madeleine Blount for Impetus.

Significantly, this November camp has Beth Mead return to Sarina Wiegman’s squad. Mead has been impressing with Arsenal, scoring two superb goals against West Ham United in the process.

Mead explained what the journey back into the squad has been like after her ACL injury. ‘’It’s been a year since I was here, so I’ve worked hard, I’ve had a lot of tough days between that time.’’ A significant period that she missed because of her rehabilitation was the World Cup in the summer.

The Arsenal star notes that ‘’you never take it for granted’’ when getting called up for the international squad because of how fast things can change in such little time. Mead also reflected on her journey over the challenging past year by saying, ‘’I’m proud of what I’ve overcome in that time’’ and believes her call up came from ‘’feeling more confident, more like myself again’’. 

Mead will be looking to take to England’s biggest stage on Friday night as she hopes to make a big comeback for the Lionesses against the Netherlands. Two must-win games, could Mead be the answer to all the problems? 

Above: Lucy Bronze (left) in action during a previous Lionesses camp at St. George’s Park. Photo: Ben Phillips for Impetus.

Lionesses star Lucy Bronze joined Culture Secretary Lucy Fraser in the announcement of the government’s £25 million investment, along with £5 million from the FA, into women and girls’ grassroots football. The funding comes off the back of the Lionesses’ success in the 2022 Euros and this year’s World Cup. 

Fraser emphasised what she is aiming to see as a result of the £30 million investment. ‘’We want to see the next Mary Earps, the next Leah Williamson’’ but she also emphasised the aim of ‘’empowering the future generation. It’s not just about the money, it’s about delivering…our ambition is to get three and a half million more people involved in sport, the people we are targeting are people who are in underrepresented groups.’’ 

The CEO of the Football Association (FA), Mark Bullingham spoke of the need to ‘’identify where the need for the facilities is greatest.’’ and build the facilities ‘’as quickly as possible so women and girls can get out there and use them’’. Bullingham also emphasised that they want to ‘’maximise the usage, maximise the diversity of the usage’’ so ‘’when we choose where we are putting these facilities, we absolutely look at who of the underrepresented groups will be benefiting from this’’. 

The joint investment is targeted to grassroots football, significantly clubs who are going to ‘’show us why they [girls] are going to get the first choice of playing slots’’. The culture secretary emphasised how she is invested in increasing girls’ access to sport from a young age: ‘’They’ve already been inspired by the Lionesses, and we just want to ensure they have the facilities to fulfill their ambition. The next step is the £30 million investment into priority access for women and girls.’’ 

Commenting on the increased funding, Lionesses star Lucy Bronze emphasised how important it is to not just do their job in the moment, they also need to inspire the next generation of Lionesses ready to fill their boots. ‘’We do care about the legacy that we leave and the game that we all love so much.” 

Bronze also mentioned the lack of access she had as a girl, ‘’A lot of us as players have had that issue of prioritising the adults’ team or the boy’s team’’, so this new government investment would mean that ‘’they don’t have to go through them journeys and that little bit of hardship like we had to.’’ 

‘’The growth of the game and the fact we have been so successful as a team has given us a voice and a platform… we want to use that for good’’: Bronze highlighted the whole team’s ambition to leave a legacy in the women’s game, ‘’to know we can make a difference to so many people is amazing.’’ 

Looking at the bigger picture, Bronze explained how the investment is ‘’giving the woman and girls who have access back their respect and the feeling of confidence that people do care about them.’’ The England team has ‘’a lot of pride to know that we are role models on the pitch’’, she explained. Ultimately, Bronze hopes the £30 million will ‘’be able to give more women and girls that access to live out of a dream that we live out… that they have the opportunity to do that is so important to us’’. 

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

Micah confident ahead of Sinclair showdown

By Kieran Yap 30/11/23

Above: Liverpool and Matildas Goalkeeper Teagan Micah. Photo: Liverpool FC

Australia is lucky to have Tegan Micah. The hero of the Toyko Olympics has had to overcome some challenges of late, but is back to fitness, and thrilled to be in the final Matildas camp of 2023.

“It’s exciting to be here,” Micah told the media from Vancouver.

“We’re all pumped to get back together as we always are. And yeah, I think it’s a bit colder than what we’re used to, but we’re good.”

Since recovering from a serious concussion playing for Rosengard in the Champions League, Micah has moved to the WSL. She joined Liverpool but has had to be patient while dealing with a calf injury.

She started for The Reds last Monday against Brighton and Hove Albion, and with Australia’s World Cup keeper Mackenzie Arnold ruled out for international duty, the timing could not be better.

“It’s been a long time coming,” she said of her return to her full powers

“I’ve been through a lot to be where I am, but I do really feel like I’m starting to enjoy football a bit more and get that back.

“I mean, (football) is just the best job in the world.

“I feel like I’ve put myself in challenging environments, both in the national team and at club (level).

“I think when you do that and you really work and put your head down you can start to see the rewards for yourself, you can only really be happy for yourself really.”

“I know the girls here back me and trust me, so yeah… go out there, enjoy it, and hopefully get the win.”

Micah is likely to start at least one game in this international window, with Melbourne Victory’s Lydia Williams and Sydney FC’s Jada Whyman potentially sharing goalkeeper duties.

Having been actively recruited by Liverpool and then starting for the famous club has given Micah a timely boost and she feels ready to take on Canada and the legend Christine Sinclair.

“I just played for Liverpool, and that’s giving me massive confidence coming into these games.

“It’s a big opportunity against a top 10 nation. If I can put in a big performance with girls it’s a big chance for me.

“Canada are such a good team, and both teams are hopefully building towards Olympic qualification.

“But it’s exciting for me too. I feel really good in myself after all the hardships I’ve been through.”

The feeling is the same amongst Matildas fans who will be watching from back home.

Micah’s strong hands and enviable reflexes make for a calming presence between the sticks. On Saturday, Teagan Micah might be one on one against the most prolific international striker in history. Aussie fans will be backing her to save the day once again.

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

Turner: Chance of playing at Wembley for Lionesses “is all I’ve ever dreamed of”

The Impetus’ pair of writer Aimee Logan and photographer Madeleine Blount were at St. George’s Park as the Lionesses’ preparations for their do-or-die UEFA Nations League games begin (29/11/23).

Above: Millie Turner speaking to the media at St. George’s Park. Photo: Madeleine Blount for Impetus.

The Lionesses were out on the pitch for a cold morning training session at St. George’s Park ahead of their upcoming fixtures that determine their qualification status for next summer’s Olympics.  

All 23 players were out on the field training, ready to push for victory in their last two games of 2023: two fixtures that determine their position in the group table that could secure a place at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite the cold temperatures, the team got in a good session on the field ahead of the first of their two tough fixtures against the Netherlands, at Wembley Stadium, on Friday. 

The so-called ‘GK union’ had changed slightly from the last camp due to the absence of Ellie Roebuck who didn’t make it into Sarina Wiegman’s tight squad. However, Mary Earps, Khiara Keating, and Hannah Hampton were testing each other from tight angles saves to top corner shots.

Above: Mary Earps in action at training at St. George’s Park. Photo: Madeleine Blount for Impetus.

England’s number one, Earps, was announced as 2023’s BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, winning the title in succession to her England teammate, Beth Mead. She competed for the award amongst players that are recognised worldwide, including Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati and Matilda’s striker Sam Kerr. Earps’ achievement marks her as the first-ever goalkeeper to win the accolade. 

The Lionesses manager made sure all the newer squad members felt involved in her solid and secure England team by speaking to the likes of Maya Le Tissier and Grace Clinton as the young talents hope to impress internationally. Wiegman herself even got involved in some light-hearted passing drills with the team making her commitment and connection to her players evident.  

Although everyone was out on the training pitch, Fran Kirby spent a short period on the sidelines stretching with England coaches, but she was quickly back into the fast-paced session as her mild discomfort didn’t seem of any concern. 

The debate of who is going to replace Millie Bright in the back line on Friday is in full swing. Manchester City player, Esme Morgan, spent some of her time in the session practicing ball distribution one-on-one with the coaches. It could be likely that Wiegman is looking to call on Morgan to step up and fill the big hole that is looming in the defensive setup.  

Wiegman was forced to make changes to her originally selected squad, after World Cup captain, Millie Bright’s, withdrawal from the team due to an injury she picked up at her club. In her place, the Lionesses head coach called up Millie Turner – a player who has experience in the Lionesses camp but is yet to step on the field for her country.  

Above: Millie Turner in training at St. George’s Park. Photo: Madeleine Blount for Impetus.

In one of the day’s press conferences, Turner was asked about what it meant to her to be called up again after such a long time away from the England setup, ‘’I rang my dad, and he was just so proud of me. It was just a big moment for me and my family.’’ She described her phone call with the England manager as ‘’exciting and unexpected’’ despite her recent performances for her club Manchester United. 

Turner explained how making her debut at Wembley on Friday would be ‘’incredibly special. Just to be a part of this team is such a great honour, and to be able to put that shirt on and play at Wembley would be incredible.’’ Her drive and passion for the game are what keep her going. ‘’It’s all I’ve ever dreamed of, all I’ve ever hoped of. It’s been such a big ambition for me to play for my country.’’ 

‘’The mentality never changes…we all fight and want to give absolutely everything we can for our country’’ Turner explained, ‘’we’re ready to fight and we’re ready to put on a performance.’’ She was eager to assure that her team are focused and ready for two testing matches despite the pressure that lies on their backs. 

She also spoke on the growth of the women’s game after the announcement that a Newco will focus on building the foundation for the next generation of Lionesses, ‘’We’ve grown with the growth of women’s football. To be a part of that growth is really special for all of us… I think the way it’s growing at the rate it’s growing now, I think if you look at it in five years from now who knows where it can reach.’’ 

England fans are eager to attend the looming Wembley Stadium to hopefully see the Lionesses perform in yet another high-pressure moment. Over 70,000 fans are ready to pack into the home of football on Friday night to watch the squad take to the field for their must-win, last home fixture of 2023.  

Madeleine Blount’s EXCLUSIVE photos of Lionesses training at St. George’s Park for Impetus:

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

“Back yourself in and enjoy yourself.” – Emily van Egmond’s advice for new Matildas

By Emma Burke (29/11/23).

Above: Matildas star Emily van Egmond (right) with Newcastle Jets. Photo: Liberty A-League.

In the lead-up to the Matildas’ final two games of 2023, midfielder Emily van Egmond told the media today that this international window is all about “building momentum,” as the Paris Olympic Games are, “right around the corner.”

Van Egmond was fresh off her first session with the team having travelled from Australia where she is currently in the middle of a four-game guest stint with the Newcastle Jets. 

“We want to finish on a high, it’s important that we do so,” said van Egmond, regarding the upcoming games against Canada, which are, for the hosts, centred around being a farewell to icon of the Women’s Game, Christine Sinclair. 

“We want to get as much as we can out of this window,” she followed up with, as these games are the last time the team will be together before their final round of Olympic Qualification, a two-game stint against Uzbekistan. 

The last time these two teams met was during the group stage of the Women’s World Cup, when Australia demolished Canada in Melbourne in a 4-0 defeat.

“It was almost do-or-die,” she said.

Australia had lost their previous game against Nigeria, 3-2, and fear was growing amongst the media and the public that the Matildas were going to crash out of their home World Cup.

“We made a statement for ourselves,” said van Egmond about the emphatic win, “it set us up for a good run for the rest of the tournament.”

That game saw van Egmond start up the top of the field in a partnership with Mary Fowler, due to Sam Kerr’s hamstring injury. 

Traditionally a midfielder, and an attacking one at that, van Egmond also spoke of her willingness to play wherever needed, and that she would be ready to do so again, given that Kerr has been ruled out of these last two games with a foot injury.

Kerr’s injury is one of a few within the Matildas’ squad with Mackenzie Arnold, Charli Grant, and Holly McNamara, all joining her on the unavailable list, leading to young players such as Paris FC midfielder Sarah Hunter being called into the camp for the first time.

“You’ve been picked for a reason,” van Egmond said of the new call-ups, which include goalkeeper Jada Whyman, who has been in camps before but is yet to get a start, and Charlize Rule who featured as a train-on player only at the Matildas’ last camp.

“Back yourself in and enjoy yourself.” 

While viewers at home and abroad won’t have to do much of the first half of van Egmond’s statement to the newcomers, they will do however, do the second when watching the Matildas’ final games for this calendar year.

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

Grace Maher: In a familiar town but a new club and a new role

By Kieran Yap (28/11/23).

Above: Grace Maher (middle) with Chloe Logarzo (L) and Jaclyn Sawicki (R) Photo: Western United.

Western United established themselves as one of the competition’s benchmarks last season, but Mark Torcaso’s side was not prepared to stand still. This year they announced the arrival of Grace Maher in one of the statement coups of the pre-season.

Maher is the thinking fan’s favourite footballer. A player who’s technique and elegance with the ball sometimes overshadows a fierce competitiveness and athleticism. She joined after three consecutive seasons with Canberra United and returns to Victoria after spending 2019/20 with Melbourne Victory.

“I was very excited to come back to Melbourne,” she said to Impetus. “Every time we played away here with Canberra I always wanted to stay longer. It’s nice being back and visiting some old places like my favourite café’s that I used to go to pre-covid, and just being able to enjoy a bigger city. There’s a little bit more going on here, so that’s been nice.”

Maher joined Western United after a strong and perhaps transformational season with Canberra United. She began 2022/23 in her usual midfield position before moving into defence. From there she was able to start play and ignite some of Canberra’s counter-attacks.

“The back end of last season was so enjoyable, not only for me personally but for the whole team. Canberra went seven games undefeated and played some really good stuff. For me, it was gut-wrenching to miss out on finals when we could have had so much control over it. We literally pushed to the final whistle.

“I usually see through seasons and we have plenty of time in the off-season to decide what’s best, and I think for me personally what Western were trying to achieve and build on from their inaugural season rally spoke to me. I really thought I could be a part of that.

“I think I needed a bit of an environment change. There’s a lot of incredible things at Canberra, and I’m so emotionally attached to the fans and the people so it was a really hard decision.

“There was part of me that didn’t want to move but I also knew for my career and what was best for my football at the time it was important that I took on a new challenge and a bit of a risk.”

Her new role is one that Western United needed filling and Maher has ably replaced Sidney Cummings in the heart of defence next to Alana Cerne. After almost a decade as a midfielder, the change in position is something she is still learning, and it required different preparation and mindset.

“I laugh with the midfielders about it. I always got a lot more nervous about my physical preparation when I was playing in midfield. “The demands of midfield (are different). You don’t run to halfway and then rest. It’s hard.

“Centre back might me more physically imposing, but it’s not as taxing. So there is a different prep. I’m a lot more mentally fatigued playing at centre back because I’m constantly communicating and assessing things or needing to tactically adjust things for the girls because I can see the field which is something that I have the capacity to do.

“I’ve always analysed opposition players, but for me, a big preparation difference is assessing the striker that I’m going to be playing on because there are some very different strikers in this league with their attributes. Having that matchup battle rather than three different midfielders at all times has been a welcome change for me to learn.”

Western United were known as a defensive team last season, but a look at their backfour indicates a focus on attacking from deep. Maher is usually joined by Cerne, Stacie Papadopoulos, and Tyla-Jay Vlajnic across the backline. All four players forged their reputations as attacking or creative players, and are now using that experience in defence while using their composure and ability with the ball to start play or maintain possession.

“All four of us… we all want to get forward and it does help. TJ and Stacie love getting forward and joining in the attack. We feel very comfortable when they do, and we’ve got great midfielders that cover that.

“It’s not a frantic dash back if I or Alana steps in, we’re both comfortable to play that role. There’s definitely lots of advantages of having players who have played in those attacking positions.”

In past seasons, Maher was a regular nominee for goal of the week. Is making the highlight reel something that she misses?

“Absolutely!” she says without hesitation. “It’s hard. I’m telling everyone, ‘Don’t score the goal go down and get me a free kick!’

“It is something in my game that I always look for. Especially now that a lot of keepers are aware that I can do that, the chances won’t come so easy. Where I can contribute I will and if the moment calls for it on a windy day at our new facility I won’t be afraid to have a shot.”

Maher’s signature was a sign of Western United’s continued ambition. It is an increasingly star-studded squad with Chloe Logarzo, Hillary Beall and Hannah Keane all returning.  The addition of Catherine Zimmerman from crosstown rivals Victory a has established Western as a destination club. Maher says that the reputation is well deserved.

“What we’ve seen with not only the newer clubs but the clubs that have been establishing themselves physically with a home. I’ve found that the women’s side is really held equally to the men’s. Obviously, in Canberra we don’t have that but at Victory (in 2019) it didn’t quite feel like that.

“You know that the people behind the closed doors that perhaps the media don’t see, theres a real connection from the men’s coach to the volunteers.

“The club is really respectful. They value the players opinions as well, so I just felt that it aligned with a lot of who I am as a person and suited where I wanted to be from a lifestyle perspective as well. It’s been really positive.”

One of the attractions was the opportunity to work with Mark Torcaso. After one season in the A-League Women’s the former Calder United manager has become one of the top coaches in Australia and was sought out to take charge of The Philippines national team.

Maher lauded her new manager for his ability to build relationships with his players and collaborate with assistants. When she signed with Western, the expectations about her role in the team were made clear, and it was something that she appreciates.

“In all honesty, the things that attracted me most to work under Mark is the transparency and honesty.

“As a player that has come through as a junior in this league who is now in her 10th season. I don’t do well with dishonesty and avoidance of the truth. I really enjoy just being told how it is.

“That was the same with me coming to be a centre back.  He needed that position and that was the spot that was open. They weren’t just going to take me because of my name or reputation. They really wanted the role filled.

“Expectation management, the honesty, and just the way he treats people like humans and adults has been really appreciated in this stage in my career.”

Maher is growing into her role at a new club, and like most sides, Western United have found clean sheets hard to come by. But they have defended well in most games, with Maher particularly happy with how they performed against Brisbane and in the win against Melbourne Victory’s star-studded attack.

There is one match-up that neutrals have circled in their fixtures. In Round 10, Maher returns to face the club where she no doubt remains a fan favourite. When Western United play Canberra United on the 30th January, she will be up against her former teammate, and the league’s greatest forward Michelle Heyman.

Above: Maher (right) and Heyman at Canberra United. Photo: Sitthixay Ditthavong, Canberra Times.

“Absolutely!” she says when asked if she is excited to face Heyman. It was funny thinking just on the weekend, the Brisbane striker is a very good player. Our team in front of us did a very good job of not letting her get the service she wanted.

“Strikers are all very different…I’m very familiar with Michelle’s game. She’s one of the best strikers for a reason. I’m sure we’ll have a good laugh on the field but its going to be both of us of wanting to get one over the other.”

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

Canaries Cup hopes ended by Boldmere St. Michaels

Norwich City 1-2 Boldmere St. Michaels

by Lucy Chen at The Nest for Impetus (28/11/23).

Above: The Norwich City squad gather round after the game. Photo: Norwich City Women.

Norwich City lost the battle of two tier four sides on Sunday in the FA Cup second round.

The Norfolk hosts returned to a 4-2-3-1 formation with Freya Symonds coming in on the wings and Shannon Shaw leading the line.

City had the first chance of the game when Ellie Smith picked up the ball less than a minute after kick-off and drove into the box, though her shot was cleared by defender Anna Wilcox for a corner that failed to connect. Boldmere broke forward rapidly with a ball in behind, though Lauren Tomlinson quickly swept it up.

A front-footed counter-press has become a potent weapon in Norwich City’s arsenal since new manager Martin Herdman’s arrival, but Boldmere were wise to it and broke forward quickly whenever they had the ball. The home defense did a good job of shielding their goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill, intercepting balls in behind and dominating duels inside the box, but they had less luck in possession.

The visitors forced City to play out from the back while denying them avenues for central progression. Quantrill looked to go short to center backs who would then play it to the full backs. However, Boldmere used this as a pressing trigger and jumped on the wide defenders whenever the ball went to them, forcing them into low-percentage long balls forward far too often.

Tactical adjustments came about fifteen minutes into the game with defensive midfielder Eloise Morran dropping between the center backs to pick up the ball, but the visitors continued to frustrate. Though City had plenty of possession, they struggled to play through Boldmere’s block and the chances they did create were largely down to individual brilliance.

In the 22nd minute, Quantrill came off her line to claim a ball in behind and threw it long to Smith, who singlehandedly carried the ball into the final third and had a shot on goal, though it was blocked. Seven minutes later, Symonds was the target of a long pass and brought the ball under control with a beautiful first touch with the back of her heel. She cut inside promptly, beating her marker before hitting a well-placed long shot at the top right corner, though goalkeeper Jodie Whitman managed to parry.

The Canaries’ defence had performed admirably in the defensive battles throughout the first half hour, but they were finally beaten in the 32nd minute when a long throw from the visitors led to a shot into the bottom right corner that slipped past Quantrill’s gloves. Just five minutes later, however, a typically brilliant corner kick from City skipper Anna Larkins found centre-back Ceri Flye who hammered the header into the back of the net to draw the Yellows level.

Above: Ceri Flye (left) celebrates her equalising goal with Megan Todd. Photo: Norwich City Women.

The stalemate continued in the second half with the Canaries struggling with the same problems. Snelling came on for Shaw in the 58th minute and helped create chances with her associative play. However, it did not eliminate City’s struggles with ball progression. The home team simply lacked sharpness. The fullbacks – Tomlinson and Alice Parker – are both capable ball carriers, but they were reluctant to take on defenders and often opted for low-percentage long balls that failed to connect, while Larkins’s passing was uncharacteristically inaccurate.

Katie Knights is another progressive carrier, but she had few touches and struggled to influence the game. As a result, the wingers had few chances to receive in dangerous positions for take-ons and often had to come deep to aid ball progression.

Though Norwich City steadily gained the upper hand in the second half, they struggled to break down the visitors, and it looked for all the world like the game was headed for extra time. However, astonished gasps rang out across The Nest five minutes into stoppage time when Pip Wilson scored a controversially awarded free kick from the edge of the box to regain the visitors’ lead at the death.

With a 2-1 defeat, Norwich City have gone out of the Women’s FA Cup. Their league campaign will resume next Sunday when they host front-runners AFC Wimbledon at The Nest for a top-of-the-table clash in the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East.

Teams: NORWICH CITY: Quantrill, Parker, Flye, Todd, Smith, Larkins, Knights, Symonds (Lawrence 76), Morran, Tomlinson, Shaw (Snelling 57)

Scorer: Flye 37′.

BOLDMERE ST. MICHAELS: Whiteman, Sutton, Kirk, Wilcox, Wilson, Formaston, Billingsley, Abdallah, Bickley (Sherrell 78), Bevan, Keeling

Scorers: Formaston 32′, Wilson 90+5′.

Attendance: 333

Welsh Weekend Wrap

by Martin Townley, Impetus’ Cymru correspondent (28/11/23).

Above: Emily Ridge of The New Saints, who scored her side’s third goal against Pontypridd United at the weekend. Photo: F28 Online.

Cwmbran Celtic were involved in an eleven goal fest with Swansea City in the Welsh Cup.  The New Saints move back into the top half of the Adran Premier.  Connah’s Quay Nomads keep up their 100% record in the Adran North and late drama across the Adran South sees holders Briton Ferry Llansawel return to top spot.

Welsh Cup

Cwmbran Celtic 3-8 Swansea City
Above: Chloe Chivers (centre, white shirt) who scored Swansea’s second goal, seen here in action against Wrexham in an earlier game. Photo: Swansea City.

A thriller in the Welsh Cup at Celtic Park as Cwmbran Celtic and Swansea City hit eleven goals between them.  Chloe Chivers put the Swans two up inside 24 minutes but Celtic came back to lead.  Cerys Shipley with two and Jade Crofts putting the side from the lower league Adran South in the lead.  The home side couldn’t hold the lead and Chivers added two before halftime. 

Fiona Anthony turned into her own net as Swansea went 5-3 ahead.  Chivers added Swansea’s sixth and seventh completing her double hat trick.  Sophie Hancocks added an eighth for Swansea as they go through to face Cascade YC.

Adran Premier

The New Saints 3-1 Pontypridd United
Above: Caitlin Chapman (green kit), scorer of The New Saint’s first goal seen in action. Photo: F28 Online.

TNS moved back into the top four after being forced to come from behind at Park Hall. 

Efa Preece-Jones put the Dragons ahead after seven minutes as they searched for their first points of the season.  The lead only lasted two minutes before Caitlin Chapman equalised with her sixth league goal.  Isobel Redding put the Saints in front after 36 minutes sending TNS into halftime ahead. Emily Ridge added a third in the second half as the Saints got their fourth win of the season.

Adran South

Caldicot Town 0-1 Briton Ferry Llansawel

Briton Ferry returned to the top of the table after a hard-fought win over Caldicot Town.  Despite dominating large periods of the game, the visitors couldn’t find a way to open the scoring during the first half.  Lucy Powell even saw her penalty saved by Sarah Hope as the sides went into half-time level. 

In the second half, Ferry continued to try and get the opening goal but couldn’t convert any of their chances.  With time running out Laura-May Walkley got the ball into Alison Witts who fired into the net to the relief of Briton Ferry. 

The Reds return to the top of the Adran South on goal difference with two games in hand over Cascade. 

Swansea University 2-1 Cascade YC

Swansea Uni moved to third in the Adran South after beating Cascade YC.  Hannah Pinny gave Swansea the lead after 14 minutes.  Just four minutes later an own goal from Rebecca Basten meant that the sides went into half-time level. Cascade who were looking to try and stay top fell to a late goal from Katy Horsburgh. 

Adran North

Llandudno 5-2 CPD Rhyl 1879

Llandudno picked up an important win over Rhyl after a first-half blitz that saw them lead by three at halftime.  Maddie Williams, Stacy Tradewell, and Kelsey Davies got the goals. 

Ella Jones extended the lead to four ten minutes into the second half. Rhyl wasn’t going to lay down though and pulled back to goals from Sade Benjamin and Laura Williams.  The comeback was cut short in the 81st minute as Ella Jones added a fifth. Llandudno remain in second three points behind Connah’s Quay Nomads and Rhyl remain in third place.

NFA Women 4-2 Llanfair United

NFA moved into fifth spot after a win over bottom-side Llanfair United.  Jessica Mills gave NFA the lead in the first half, but Llanfair captain Mary Baily levelled before halftime.

Mills added a second for NFA in the 73rd minute and Amy Webster added the third six minutes later.  Webster got her second in added time to put the game beyond Llanfair.  They did get a second deep into added time from Hannah Lloyd.

CPDM Y Felinheli 0-4 Connah’s Quay Nomads
Above: Sophie Hodson of Connah’s Quay Nomads. Her side lead the Adran North by three points. Photo: Sam Eaden/FAW.

The Nomads maintained their 100% record with a 4-0 win over Felinheli.  Phoebe Ellis got a hat trick with Polly Wild-McGregor adding the other in a convincing win at Cae Seilo. Nomads lead the table by three points from Llandudno.   

Airbus UK 0-1 CPDM Bangor

Bangor got their first win of the season as they won by a single goal at Airbus UK.  Mia Roberts got the game’s only goal after 32 minutes.  Bangor move off the bottom of the table into seventh just a point behind Airbus who are just above them.    

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

Polkinghorne: The Matildas are out to make “some more memories”

by Ben Gilby (28/11/23).

Above: Clare Polkinghorne speaking today as the Matildas began to gather in Canada for two matches this international window. Image: Football Australia.

Australia’s legendary defender Clare Polkinghorne told the media today that whilst she has “pretty good memories” of the nations’ most recent meeting with forthcoming opponents Canada at the World Cup, it’s now all about going out and making “some more”.

Reflecting on their 4-0 win over the Canadians in the group stage of the tournament, Polkinghorne said: “I have pretty good memories! It’s probably one of the most fun games I’ve been involved in. It was a pretty good all-round performance from us. Everything seemed to work in our favour. Hopefully, we can continue from that and add some more memories.”

Whilst the Matildas produced a sparkling display that July night in Melbourne, the defender recognises that this time is likely to be a different matter entirely. A desire for redemption for that defeat that sent the Olympic champions crashing out of the World Cup is just one of the motivating forces for Australia’s opponents in this international window.

“It’s also ‘Sinc’s’ (Christine Sinclair) last games for Canada,” recognised Polkinghorne, “so they will be wanting to send her off in the right fashion, and the last outing against us, they’ll be wanting to rectify.”

Polkinghorne and Sinclair are legends of their respective nations, and have a shared history that goes back to the 2007 World Cup in China when the two countries played out a 2-2 draw that ensured Australia’s first-ever progress to the Quarter-Finals.

“She’s (Sinclair) definitely earned her legendary status. Just look at the numbers and stats of her career – most capped Canadian and most international goals as well. She’s definitely a player that I’ve always looked up to and I was lucky enough to play with her at Portland Thorns, and she is an even better person as well. Credit to her for all she has achieved.”

Added into the mix of this encounter is the withdrawal from the Matildas squad of the likes of Sam Kerr, Mackenzie Arnold, and Charli Grant through injury. “It’s not ideal to have injuries leading into camp,” reflected Polkinghorne. “It is a challenge for us. Hopefully, the players (ruled out) have a chance to get things right but it also gives other players the chance to come in and get national team experience and some minutes, so it’s a double-edged sword.”

Above: Clare Polkinghorne drives forward for Australia against IR Iran in Perth last month. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Those who are likely to get minutes over the two games include the hugely promising young trio of Charlize Rule, Amy Sayer, and Sarah Hunter. The experienced Australian defender believes they will thrive.

“They’ve been working really hard and they deserve the chance to step up. It’s against good opposition as well so gives them a chance to experience top-level international football.”

In terms of the threat posed by Canada in this two-match series, Polkinghorne observed: “They’ve got quality all over the park, everywhere you look. They are going to be very tough, very physical, and very well organised defensively. Very difficult to break down.”

In terms of countering this, the experienced defender asserts the key is developing head coach Tony Gustavsson’s adapted tactical approach after analysing the Matildas’ World Cup performances.

“We can hurt teams more playing through the line, and it’s a good challenge to test that against Canada, seeing how we can improve on it.”

Polkinghorne also touched on the endless speculation on the future of head coach Gustavsson – first in relation to the USWNT head coach position – and now with the position as head coach with the Sweden men’s national team.

“I don’t think it impacts us as a group. International football – you get that whether you are a player or a coach, especially if you have had success there will always be someone who wants to take you elsewhere. As a group, we are focussed on first getting to the Olympics and then doing well there.”

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