The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarises the fourth round of 2023-2024 D1 Arkema season plus an exclusive photo gallery of Ellie Carpenter.

Above: Ellie Carpenter, Blue band head, and Lyon took back the lead of D1 Arkema. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Bordeaux 1-1 Montpellier

On a pitch not great for playing football, Montpellier put a lot of pressure on Bordeaux from the start of the match. Marie Levasseur, a transfer from Fleury to Montpellier this season, returned to her preferred position at right back.

She had a great first half especially on 39 minutes with a perfect defensive tackle prevented Mylaine Tarrieu to score.

Above: Marie Levasseur, Montpellier, orange & white shirt (3). Photo: Bordeaux website.

Montpellier came close to opening the scoring but hit the post from a Nérilia Mondésir shot on 42 minutes

23-year-old French international Maëlle Lakrar made her return at half time in the centre of defence after several weeks out.

Following a handball from Charlotte Bilbault, Andréa Lardez converted the 50th minute penalty to open the scoring for Bordeaux.

Montpellier levelled the scores with a header of Léa Khelifi converting a cross from Mondésir on the hour.

Scorers for Bordeaux: Lardez 52’

Scorers for Montpellier: Khelifi 60’

Paris FC 2-0 Guingamp

Paris FC left several usual starters on the bench to rest after their game versus Wolfsburg this week in UEFA WCL. They slightly dominated the first half but without any goal.

Scorers for Paris FC: Thiney 69’ penalty, Dufour 89’

MATILDAS WATCH – Sarah Hunter (Paris FC)

Sarah Hunter was still not in the group for this game. 

Le Havre 2-2 Lille

There were four graduates of the Olympique Lyonnais Academy on the pitch for this game: Inès Benyahia and Eva Kouache for Le Havre and Lorena Azzaro and Jessy Roux for Lille.

Lille dominated much of the match. Azzaro scored the first goal for Lille on seven minutes and on 24 minutes, Maité Boucly delivered her second decisive pass to Nesryne El Chad who scored for Lille with a header.

With a little bit of luck or efficiency, Le Havre could have reduced the score with three opportunities in the five last minutes of first half.

Lille goalkeeper Elisa Launay had an outstanding performance with several saves and especially on 67 minutes with a huge stop from a header from Benyahia and twice on 88 minutes prevented Le Havre from pulling one back.

In spite of those heroics, Le Havre eventually scored twice in stoppage time to earn a draw.

Scorers for Le Havre: Tchaptchet 90’+2,Ali Nadjim 90’+8

Scorers for Lille: Roux 7’ El Chad 24’

Booking: Naomie Bamenga (Lille) yellow 26’, 45′

Paris Saint-Germain – Reims – stopped at beginning of 2nd half

Paris Saint-Germain played without Oriane Jean-François who ruptured her ACL during the UEFA WCL game against Manchester United on Tuesday. PSG enjoyed almost 80% of possession but Reims prevented them scoring by fighting on all balls, playing with nine players in defence and trying to have opportunities with counterattacks.

Reims had the best opportunity of first half and almost scored with a shot on the crossbar in the 40th minute.

Unfortunately, this game was stopped at the beginning of the second half due to a few teenagers who launched hundreds of fireworks onto the pitch from outside the stadium. Allegedy because they had been forbidden to enter in the stadium as they did not have any ID.

The French Football Federation will need to decide what to do this week, as it is the first time ever that such a problem arises in D1 Arkema.

We can expect that FFF will try to make an example and will likely apply strong sanctions against PSG.  

MATILDAS WATCH – Clare Hunt (Paris Saint-Germain):

Clare Hunt, played 74 minutes in the UEFA WCL entering to replace Oriane Jean-François who injured at the 17th minute earning a performance score of 3.3 on a scale of 5 by UEFA.

Clare Hunt was not in the group for this game versus Reims. Jocelyn Prêcheur, Paris SG coach, said that she is slightly injured and that he wanted her to rest and be ready for the UEFA WCL return game versus Manchester United on October 18.

Fleury 2-1 Dijon

Fleury players played with a pink shirt for the fight against breast cancer because it is an awareness month in France.Fleury slightly dominated the first quarter and had a few opportunities but was not able to open the scoring. Then, Dijon stepped up and the game became more even.

Dijon scored first at the end of first half, but Fleury scored twice during the last 30 minutes to win this game.

Scorers for Fleury: Grabowska 63’, Kamczyk 70’

Scorers for Dijon: Jankovska 42’.

Olympique Lyonnais 6-0 Saint-Etienne

More than 1,500 fans were at this derby between 2 towns separated only by 40 km. As the scoreline suggests, Lyon were dominant throughout. The match was not without controversy as the referee tended towards leniency in the face of several Saint-Etienne fouls that might usually have been punished.

Above: Eugénie Le Sommer, Lyon, white shirt in centre, celebrating one of her two goals. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus. 

More positively, Eugénie Le Sommer continues to surprise everybody with her another great performance in the twilight of her career.

Above: Hat-trick hero, Lindsey Horan, Lyon, white shirt number 26, celebrating one of her three goals. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Scorers for Lyon: Gilles 15’, Le Sommer 16’, 26’, Horan 23’, 79’, 85’

Bookings: Faustine Bataillard, Saint-Etienne yellow cards 29’ and 90’

MATILDAS WATCH – Ellie Carpenter (Olympique Lyonnais)

Sonia Bompastor, Lyon coach, rested several starters in this game Ellie Carpenter played only in the first half but she gave another excellent performance. 

Ellie Carpenter photos’ gallery. Exclusive photos of Jean-Pierre Thiesset from pitch side for Impetus Women’s Football. The Matildas fullback is in white shirt with the number 12.

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

Photography Showcase

Impetus had photographers out and about from tier one to tier nine at the weekend. Here, they choose their favourite images for you (16/10/23).

Above: Sydney FC’s World Cup hero Cortnee Vine breaks through against Western Sydney Wanderers in the opening round of the A-League Women. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Brighton and Hove Albion 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur

from Mariella Prew at the AMEX Stadium

Barclays Super League (Tier One)

Liverpool 0-1 Everton

from Matthew Appleby at Anfield

Barclays Super League (Tier One)

Sydney FC 2-0 Western Sydney Wanderers

from Kris Goman at Allianz Stadium

A-League Women (Tier One)

Watford 1-2 Lewes

from Grace Jones at Grosvenor Vale

Barclays Championship (Tier Two)

AFC Portchester Development 4-2 Havant & Waterlooville Reserves

from Rob Mellor at Wicor Recreation Ground

Hampshire County League Division Three (Tier Nine)

Eastbourne Town Development 1-1 AFC Uckfield Town

from Jon Smalldon at Compton Place Road

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Leicester’s impressive start continues with point at United

Manchester United 1-1 Leicester City

Impetus had Ruby Perry in the press box and Matthew Appleby pitch side on photography at the Leigh Sports Village (16/10/23).

Above: Manchester United’s Nikita Parris (left) and Leicester City’s Courtney Nevin contest possession yesterday. Photo: Matthew Appleby for Impetus.

Leicester City are still unbeaten in the WSL after coming away with a well-earned point against Manchester United at the Leigh Sports Village.

Ahead of the match, there were celebrations for two players at either end of their United careers as Gemma Evans made her debut and Mary Earps made her 100th appearance for the club.

Above: Manchester United and Leicester City face off yesterday. Photo: Matthew Appleby for Impetus.

During the first half, the Red Devils looked to assert themselves on the game with impressive passing movements, however the Foxes were not content to sit back and defend, and put some excellent patterns together themselves.

The best chance of the half though fell to Katie Zelem who arguably should have shot rather than passing. Conversely, United lost Gabby George due to injury with Jayde Riviere coming on in her place with impressive effect.

Above: Hinata Miyazawa (20) takes a touch for United. Photo: Matthew Appleby for Impetus.

As the game moved into the second half, Leicester stepped it up and hit the front on the hour mark when captain Aileen Whelan dispatched the ball into the net at the far post from a free kick.

However, within seven minutes, United levelled. Defender Maya Le Tissier headed home from Zelem’s corner.

Above: Leicester City’s Courtney Nevin (right) puts a tackle in. Photo: Matthew Appleby for Impetus.

Despite both sides’ further efforts, there were no further goals.

Teams: MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Earps, Blundell, Le Tissier, Turner, George,Ladd, Zelem, Garcia, Miyazawa, Malard, Parris. Substitutes used: Riviere, Evans, Williams, Galton, Toone.

Scorer: Le Tissier 67’.

LEICESTER CITY (4-4-2): Leitzig, Bott, Howard, Green, Nevin, Goodwin, Tierney, Cayman, O’Brien, Whelan, Petermann. Substitutes used: Rantala,Thibaud, Cain, Rose, Draper.

Scorer: Whelan 60’.

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Arsenal late show secures the points on Mead’s return

Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa

Impetus had Nathan Edwards in the press box and Ben Phillips pitch side supplying exclusive photography at The Emirates Stadium (16/10/23).

Above: Alessia Russo (far right) celebrates her late winner with returning Arsenal hero Beth Mead and Victoria Pelova. Photo: Ben Phillips for Impetus.

Alessio Russo scored her first WSL goal for Arsenal to complete a stoppage-time comeback against Aston Villa and pick up their first league win of the season.

With Arsenal heading into the 90th minute a goal down, after Maz Pacheco headed Aston Villa ahead, 25 minutes in, Katie McCabe and Alessia Russo scored two in two additional-time minutes to win.

Above: Caitlin Foord (centre) wins an aerial duel against Aston Villa yesterday. Photo: Ben Phillips for Impetus.

Arsenal’s first victory of the season put an end to their worst start to a campaign since the WSL formed, and also marked a return for Beth Mead after 11 months out.

With both teams having a torrid opening to their campaign the slow start could be excused, with Pacheco’s clearance rescuing Daphne van Domselaar, after Caitlin Foord’s cross squirmed under her.

The full-back would then play a vital part in Arsenal’s box 25 minutes in, arriving unmarked to nod in Lucy Staniforth’s corner, which was gifted to Villa after mix-up between Kim Little and Manuela Zinsberger.

That was Villa’s first real chance of the game, but their second was to quickly follow with Rachel Daly’s flick easily claimed by Arsenal’s goalkeeper.

Above: Steph Catley looks to break through. Photo: Ben Phillips for Impetus.

Van Domselaar, who was signed from F.C. Twente in the summer, grew into the game but was again left flapping at a lofted cross that fell to Lia Walti who couldn’t direct her header goalwards.

Russo and last season’s WSL top goalscorer Daly were both marshalled well by their opposing defence in the first half.

But on the occasion Arsenal’s forward did manage to escape Villa’s players her looping header was cleared off the line by her international teammate.

With their worst start since in WSL history staring them in the face, and Aston Villa deciding to not venture too far out of their own half, Arsenal continuously put Carla Ward’s side under pressure.

Above: One of many battles yesterday afternoon! Photo: Ben Phillips for Impetus.

Just after the hour mark, Foord spun Anna Patten and unleashed a curling shot that bent onto the post, and with Russo chasing the rebound Van Domselaar did well to claim.

Little could be done to get the crowd cheering until the introduction of Beth Mead, who suffered an ACL injury in November 2022, two minutes from time. 

The returning striker played an influential role in helping Arsenal complete a memorable comeback, with Kate McCabe’s flashed finish levelling two minutes into added time.

Arsenal were eager to record a win, and Stina Blackstenius raced onto Mead’s pass, after Russo’s flick-on but couldn’t creep her shot into the far corner, as it bounced off the post.

Russo would then arrive onto Mead’s layoff to squeeze a strike under Van Domselaar and ensure Aston Villa remained winless in the WSL after three games.

Teams: ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Zinsberger; Maritz, Ilestadt, Wubben-Moy, Catley, Little, Walti McCabe, Maanum, Foord, Russo. Substitutes: Beattie, Mead, D’Angelo, Pelova, Kuhl, Lacasse, Blackstenius, Codina, Cooney-Cross

Scorers: McCabe 90+2’, Russo 90+4’.

ASTON VILLA (5-2-3): Van Domselaar, Mayling, Patten, Turner, Corsie, Pacheco, Staniforth, Parker, Blindkilde, Daly, Magill. Substitutes: Leat, Lehmann, Leon, McLoughlin, Nobbs, Salmon

Scorer: Pacheco 25’.

Referee: Amy Fearns.

Attendance: 35,829.

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A-League Women Weekly Awards

Back for the third season, Impetus’ team covering the A-League Women nominate their choices for player, coach, and event of the week. The votes for player and coach are tallied up and then come the end of the campaign we’ll reveal our Player and Coach of the Season once more (16/10/23).

Player of the week
Above: Susan Phonsongkham – the choice of two of our contributors for player of the week. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

BEN GILBY: Susan Phonsongkham has found it hard to consistently find her best form at Perth Glory as a result of suffering so many injuries. Yet, on Saturday night, she showed Glory fans exactly what she is capable of. It was a thrilling performance full of dancing feet, outrageous skill, beating defenders, and firing dangerous crosses right into the mix. The Perth star provided the icing on the cake with a lovely curled bouncing shot to put her side in front.

EMMA BURKE: Courtney Newbon. Announced as a signing for Central Coast Mariners only 90 minutes before kickoff, and not only makes the starting 11, but produces multiple crucial saves (including a double save in the first half) to keep the Mariners in the game. Absolutely massive performance.

KIERAN YAP: Susan Phonsongkham. The former Young Matilda has had her career at Glory hampered by injuries, but against Western United she was electric while on the pitch. Phonsongkham created chance after chance and scored the crucial first goal of Glory’s season. An effervescent talent who can do almost anything with the ball at her feet. She was a joy to watch. 

BEN CAREY: Morgan Aquino. She was absolutely pivotal in Perth Glory’s massive win over last season’s runners-up, Western United. She made an incredible 8 saves and kept a clean sheet. Impressive stuff, especially for the first game of the season.

Coach of the week:
Above: Garrath McPherson – a unanimous choice as coach of the week of our contributors. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

BEN GILBY: Garrath McPherson. After a hugely disappointing 2022/23 season, McPherson has rebuilt the Roar and made some impressive signings. However, a first game of the season away to a Melbourne Victory outfit who has arguably the competition’s strongest side on paper was not one too many people expected the Queenslanders to win – but McPherson guided his team to a brilliant three points.

EMMA BURKE: Garrath McPherson. Brisbane played a well-structured game to defeat Melbourne Victory 2-1 at the Victory’s new home ground. McPherson did well to control Victory through a well-set midfield that defended as well as set up attacking chances. 

KIERAN YAP: Garreth McPherson has a remarkable record against Melbourne Victory, and that continued in the Round One win. Victory were the favourites on paper, but Brisbane came with a game plan and took their chances to extend The Roars unbeaten record in this fixture to four. 

BEN CAREY: Garrath McPherson. What his side, Brisbane Roar, pulled off was nothing short of a miracle: taking out Melbourne Victory, the three-time champions with a team full of youngsters and new signings. The signings he made over the break turned out to be very effective. And most importantly, his team’s late-game management was far improved, and they managed to keep all three hard-earned points.

Event of the week:
Above: Emilia Murray after scoring a late, late equaliser in Adelaide United’s incredible game with Canberra United. Photo: Adelaide United.

BEN GILBY: Emilia Murray. A late leveller in an incredible match containing eight goals. Another stunning reaction from the youngster as it went in as well!

EMMA BURKE: Grace Kuilamu’s goal against Melbourne Victory. 16 years old, on her first scholarship contract with Brisbane, gets the start for her first game of the season, and scores an incredible goal (also a first). What more could you ask for?

KIERAN YAP: For the second season in a row, Emilia Murray has scored a dramatic late goal on opening day. This time it was to save a point for Adelaide United in a 4-4 thriller. It was an incredible way to end an amazing game.

BEN CAREY: Adelaide United v Canberra United. Eight goals. Three penalties. Horrendous errors. Moments of absolute brilliance. A total thriller from start to finish. Hard to take your eyes away from it.

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Last gasp Murray earns point for Adelaide in eight-goal thriller with Canberra

Adelaide United 4-4 Canberra United

by Ryan Miller-Woods (15/10/23)

Above: Emilia Murray celebrates her sensational equaliser deep into injury time that sealed Adelaide United a point. Photo: Adelaide United.

After an enthralling encounter between Adelaide United and Canberra United with eight goals scored in total, three penalties awarded, and three lead changes, both sides shared the points come the final whistle.

In the seventh minute, Adelaide was awarded a penalty after Hannah Blake was brought down from behind by Tegan Bertolissio in the box. Alana Jancevski from the spot slotted her penalty into the bottom left corner as the hosts opened the scoring.

The Reds’ lead would last just nine minutes as Annalee Grove looked to clear the ball away, her clearance was chased down and blocked by Vesna Milivojevic who seized the opportunity to perfection as with an open net comfortably equalised for Canberra.

At the half-hour mark, it was Adelaide who was stronger in attack from the number of chances they had made, and from their passages of play, however, it was Canberra who took the lead in the two minutes before the break.

It was another unfortunate mistake from Grove via a through ball by Emma Ilijoski went directly into her path but mistimed getting to the ball which was just enough for Michelle Heyman who with no hesitation ran onto it and subsequently scored to ensure that the visitors went into the break ahead.

Above: Michelle Heyman (left) and Vesna Milivojevic celebrate for Canberra United. Photo: Canberra United.

However, Adrian Stenta’s side weren’t behind for too long as seven minutes into the second half they were awarded another penalty and Mariah Leeblasted her shot into the top left corner as Adelaide equalised..

Nine minutes later, it was Canberra that was awarded a penalty as Nicki Flannery was brought down in the box by Emily Hodgson. Flannery from the spot beautifully placed her shot into the top right corner as Canberra for the second time in the match took the lead.

The run of rapid-fire goals continued as just three minutes later, a great through ball by Jancevski found Hannah Blake outside the box as Blake timed her run into the box where her powerful shot into the top right corner equalised for Adelaide. It was both a great goal and build-up in play where Jancevski was crucial for Blake with the final product.

The avalanche of net busters was not yet finished. Two minutes later, an amazing through ball by Holly Murray found Milivojevic in the box who controlled the ball perfectly down to her feet as she slotted the ball past Grove for her second goal of the match and Canberra’s fourth as yet again they were in the lead for a third time.

In the final minute of regulation time, both sides had a golden opportunity in quick succession. Blake had a great chance for an equaliser from outside the box as her shot just came off the post. Then, Ruby Nathan from a through ball by Heyman hit a shot in the box just sailed past the goal.

Five minutes later, Adelaide found their crucial equaliser as Blake’s through ball found Emilla Murray whose run and eventual shot in the box was deflected off Ilijoski and then went over Lincoln directly into the back of the net for a dramatic equaliser.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): A.Grove, E. Hodgson, Tonkin, Holtz, Tolland, Morgan, Holmes, Taylor, Blake, Jancevski, Lee. Substitutes: Jenkins, Condon, Haffenden, E.Murray, Panagaris.

Scorers: Jancevski (pen) 9’, Lee (pen) 53’, Blake 65’, Murray 90+4’.

CANBERRA UNITED (4-2-3-1): Lincoln, Bertolissio, Ilijoski, Clough, McKenzie, Rojas, Stanic-Floody, S.Grove, Milivojevic, Flannery, Heyman. Substitutes: Majstorovic, H.Murray, Nathan, Jackson, Christopherson.

Scorers: Milivojevic 16’, 67’, Heyman 43’, Flannery (pen) 62’.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 2,834.

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Roar’s run against Victory continues

Melbourne Victory 1-2 Brisbane Roar

By Kieran Yap (15/10/23).

Above: Grace Kuilamu scored on debut for Brisbane Roar. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

Brisbane Roar has started this season off with an impressive win on the road against Melbourne Victory. Goals to Grace Kuilamu and Jenna McCormick ensured a 2-1 result, with Ella O’Grady scoring a consolation goal for the home side.

Victory went into this game with high hopes. Although they were missing the likes of Elise Kellond-Knight and Emily Gielnik, they had senior internationals on every line, and the afternoon started promisingly. The home side created chance after chance in a strong first half. Rachel Lowe came closest with a shot that was miraculously saved by Jordan Silkwotitz for Brisbane.

New striker Kurea Okino looked dangerous, but could not get a goal on debut for the club. She came inches away with a header and marginally missed connecting with an Alana Murphy ball into the box.

The heavy rain started to arrive in the second half, and Victory’s afternoon got darker as Sharn Freier started to have a bigger impact on the left flank. Her run and cross set up Kuilamu for a vicious strike that gave Lydia Williams no chance. Her battle with Jessika Nash would be closely contested and pivotal for the rest of the afternoon.

Although the goal had come slightly against the run of play it was well deserved. The powerful, direct wing play was capped off emphatically, and it was beginning to feel like it just was not Victory’s day.

Those fears were confirmed minutes later when Mckenzie Weinert thought that she had scored the equaliser. The American was judged to be offside from a long pass, but play was allowed to continue until she had cut inside the defence, shot, and began to celebrate.

Weinert’s energy and pace was a feature of Victory’s game, and although this goal was controversially chalked off, she did enough to impress the packed stadium. She looks like a good signing.

As Victory pushed for an equaliser, Roar struck again. Once more it was Freier who created the opportunity. Her battle with Nash drew a free kick from the wing and Hollie Palmer’s whipped-in ball was headed home by McCormick. It was near perfect delivery from Palmer, swung in between the defenders and goalkeeper making any touch a potential goal. McCormick’s finish was powerful and well-directed. She met the ball at full pace and Williams was unable to stop it.

Victory were now two goals down, the clock became their enemy and their bench lacked experience. Ava Briedis and Sara D’Appolonia came on for Paige Zois and Rachel Lowe. Briedis’s footwork caused Brisbane some trouble, and she tried her luck with a free kick that whizzed above the bar.

When Victory broke the deadlock it was too late, but a sign of what might emerge this season. Ella O’Grady fired home from the edge of the penalty area after Weinert’s tenacity created an opening.

The Young Matilda is highly regarded among national team selectors and showed why with Victory’s best strike of the afternoon.

Roar’s win should not come as too much of a surprise. They have not lost to Melbourne Victory since December 2021.  No matter where either side sits on the ladder, who is available or who is signed, this is a fixture that Brisbane seem unable to lose.

It was a fiercely fought contest at times, but although fouls were common, there was little malice in any of them. Only two bookings were handed out which is a testament to the players who slid about desperately in increasingly stormy conditions.

Interestingly Melbourne Victory had more of the ball with 55% of possession, but committed far more fouls, giving away 15 free kicks compared to Brisbane’s nine. When they attack, they do so in numbers with both Nash and Jamilla Rankin getting ahead of the midfield. It can lead to some urgent defending, and that will probably improve as this new-look team plays more football together.

Brisbane were both lucky and excellent. Garrath Mcpherson’s side took their chances and defended well in midfield, although on another day they could have easily conceded two or three.

The home fans should be buoyed by the contribution of O’Grady and the early assured performance of Murphy in the centre of the pitch. Brisbane Roar fans will be delighted that two new signings found the scoresheet and that Hollie Palmer looks to be set to continue last season’s form despite spending much of the off-season recovering from injury.

This was a fiercely fought, tactically enthralling battle between two sides who always deliver incident-filled games. Victory might sign Brisbane’s best players, but The Roar never let them take all the points.

Teams: MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Williams, Nash, Checker, Morrison, Rankin, Zois (D’Appolonia 71’), Murphy (O’Grady 81’(, Lowe (Briedis 81’), Weinert, Goad, Okino. Unused Substitutes: Curtis, Templeman

Scorer: O’Grady 90+1’.

BRISBANE ROAR (4-3-3): Silkowitz, Blissett, McQueen, McCormick, Scarpelli, Stephenson (O’Donohue 78’), Palmer, Freier, Kuilamu (Kirkup 78’) Corbin, Holgerson (Thompson 67’). Unused Substitutes: Richards, Levin

Scorers: Kuilamu 49’, McCormick 70’.

Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley

Attendance: TBC.

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Ferns hero downs Nix in season opener

Wellington Phoenix 0-1 Melbourne City

by Denise Duffy (15/10/23)

Above: Mackenzie Barry (4) tries to block Holly McNamara’s shot with Nix goalkeeper Rylee Foster (right) also involved. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

In a game marred by blustery conditions and the unpredictable ball trajectory, it was New Zealand international Hannah Wilkinson who scored the winning goal for Melbourne City at Wellington Phoenix.

Having ended at the bottom of the table last year, the Phoenix introduced a fresh approach by implementing a high-pressing strategy and a short-passing system. While they remained competitive throughout the match, it was in the 73rd minute when the Nix briefly lost focus. A well-executed shot by Rhianna Pollicina forced a rebound off the Phoenix goalkeeper, Rylee Foster. The Nix, unfortunately, failed to react promptly, allowing New Zealand national Hannah Wilkinson to pounce on the loose ball and slot it into the net.

The Phoenix introduced six fresh faces in their starting lineup, including promising talents like Manaia Elliott, a New Zealand U17 and Phoenix Academy standout, Macey Fraser from New Zealand, the recent addition from the Houston Dash, Hope Breslin, the University of Pittsburgh standout Hailey Davidson, and Emma Main, who had been a spark towards the end of the previous season.

However, the most notable name on the pitch was Rylee Foster, the Canadian goalkeeper. This former Liverpool player made a remarkable comeback to football after suffering multiple neck fractures in October 2021, an injury that doctors initially believed would end her career.

Melbourne City, led by their newly appointed captain Kiwi Rebecca Stott, dominated possession in the first half. Although Phoenix Academy standout Manaia Elliott displayed her aggressive style down the left flank, the team struggled to find the required quality in the final third. Both sides displayed solid defensive work, preventing any goals in the first half, and keeping goalkeepers on their toes. The ever-reliable Holly McNamara of Melbourne City posed a significant threat with her play throughout the match.

Above: Melbourne City’s Bryleeh Henry looks for a way through today. Photo: Melbourne City.

The Wellington Phoenix kicked off the second half with the introduction of Mariana Speckmaier, an American-born Venezuelan international, off the bench. Her arrival brought the much-needed ball control and flair that the team had been missing.

The 50th-minute highlight of the match came from fullback Hailey Davidson, but Melbourne’s goalkeeper, Lysianne Proulx, made a vital save, cutting down the angle effectively.

In the 68th minute, a well-placed cross from Nix’s Kate Taylor fell in front of Speckmaier. She made a short hop and attempted a shot, but it sailed over the post, leaving both teams still in search of a breakthrough. 

It was five minutes later that proved costly for the Nix as Wilkinson struck for the winner. Despite a late, frenzied push from both sides towards the end of the match, the effort did not yield the desired results. Melbourne City secured three valuable points, while the Phoenix will persist in their journey to rebuild a team brimming with potential.

Speaking afterwards, City head coach Dario Vidosic praised his striker for claiming the match-clinching goal: “First one to be alert to be there and goalkeeper spills it from a good shot and she’s there and that just shows the type of predator she is in the box.”

Phoenix Coach Paul Temple was frustrated with the outcome: “I think everyone’s really disappointed with the with the loss. We, I think did enough in terms of creating good goalscoring opportunities. We had some really good ones at the start of the second half, probably two big ones that we didn’t take, and ultimately, a team like Melbourne City, they had a lot of possession and they ended up punishing us. So yeah, it feels like a little bit of a blow. But there’s some there’s some good things that we were happy with as well.”

Above: Wellington Phoenix’s Hope Breslin with her Player of the Match Award from fan group Flight of the Nix. Photo: Alex Brook Conway.

Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-3): R. Foster, Taylor, Barry, Van Der Meer, Fraser, Knott, Breslin, M. Foster, Davidson, Main, Elliot. Substitutes: Edwards (GK), Wisnewski (62’), Whinham (80’), Speckmaier (45’), Lake (89’).

MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-3): Proulx, Torpey, Stott, Otto, Grosso, L. McKenna, Pollicina, Galic, Henry, McNamara, Wilkinson Substitutes: Barbieri (GK), Chinnama, Hughes, Karic (80’), T. McKenna.

Scorer: Wilkinson 73’

Attendance: 2,500.

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Amazing Grace’s rocket ensures Perth take the Glory

Perth Glory 2-0 Western United

by Ben Gilby (14/10/23)

Above: Hana Lowry looks to break through for Perth Glory tonight. Photo: Perth Glory.

Perth Glory produced hints of their potential this season as the talented young Western Australian side defeated last year’s beaten Grand Finalists Western United at Macedonia Park in their season opener.

Perth head coach Alex Epakis gave five players their debut with Jessika Cowart, Grace Jale, Millie Farrow, Grace Johnston, and Georgia Cassidy all wearing purple for the first time. The latter two locally produced teenagers have caught the eye consistently in the NPLW WA with Hyundai NTC over the past two seasons. There was also a return for the vastly talented Claudia Mihocic who missed the whole of last season through injury.

Farrow was industrious from the start as she pounced on a short back pass from Alana Cerne to Melissa Dall’Oste and looked to jump into direct the ball home, but the visitors cleared the danger. Young Johnston was also getting into the groove on her pro debut, linking up well with her fellow Western Australian Hana Lowry via the left. Glory also had the stunning footwork of Susan Phonsongkham which saw her dance past three defenders and pull over a low ball from the right but one could get on the end of it.

The Taranto twins were establishing a foothold in the midfield for the visitors and looked to bring in the dangerous Hannah Keane who broke free just past the quarter of an hour mark to get in a shot that Morgan Aquino blocked with her legs in the Perth goal. Moments later Adriana Taranto fired in a shot that hit the side netting as Western United grew increasingly into the game.

Just before the half-hour mark, United came close once more as Tyla-Jay Vlajnic pulled in a centimetre-perfect cross from the left, Melissa Taranto got up between two defenders to direct a header goalwards, but Aquino produced a superb save. Moments later Adriana Taranto curled an effort narrowly wide of the right-hand post.

Phonsongkham’s impressive evening continued as she played a brilliantly tempting ball into the mix that saw Sofia Sakalis go into a challenge with Dall’Oste as the ball came through but to no avail.

Glory were targeting the inexperienced visiting keeper Dall’Oste – looking to close her down at every possible opportunity from back passes, yet as the game reached half-time, they hadn’t been able to capitalise.

However, they hit the front just four minutes into the second half as Phonsongkham stamped her influence on the game with a stunning strike. The ball was played back to her by Farrow on the right-hand edge of the box to curl a superb effort that bounced through into the bottom corner of the net.

United came agonisingly close to levelling just after the hour mark as Cassidy was ruled to have handled outside the area. Vlajnic’s dangerous free kick on the right curled its way against the bar with Aquino beaten. Cerne couldn’t reach the rebound and Perth cleared.

However, any hope that the visitors had of coming back were blown out of the water with 11 minutes remaining as Jale received the ball outside the box on the right-hand side and unleashed with an absolute rocket that flew into the top of the net. Up until this point the Kiwi international had not been seen as much as she may have wanted to be – but the mark of a class player is the ability to create a moment of magic from nowhere – and Jale did just that.

Despite their best efforts in the closing stages, Western United could not find their way through Glory’s well-marshalled defence with Aquino a superb last line of it. For last year’s Grand Final runners-up, it was a frustrating defeat. They conjured up some excellent attacking play. The Taranto twins were impressive in their energy and vision, and Vlajnic was devastating from set pieces. They just could not find a way past Aquino in the Perth goal.

The Glory at times last season were left to rue not taking chances that came their way, and that was something that they could not be accused of tonight. They went toe to toe with a team who will be competing for a place in Finals once more this year.

There is so much to take from this game for Alex Epakis’ team – a defensive solidity and organisation, a few signs of the sparkling attacking potential, and the seamless transition into the A-League Women from local teenagers. A team who are able to bring on the talent of Abbey Green off the bench also highlights the depth of the Western Australian side’s squad this season. For me though, this performance doesn’t come anywhere close to their potential – they can be an even better team than they showed tonight.

PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Aquino, Cowart, Rigby, Mihocic, Johnston, Phonsongkham, Cassidy, Lowry, Jale, Farrow, Sakalis. Substitutes: Cain, Foletta, Green, James (GK), Lawrence.

Scorers: Phonsongkham 49′, Jale 79′.

WESTERN UNITED (4-3-3): Dall’Oste, Papadopoulos, Cerne, Maher, Vlajnic, Sawicki, Robers, M. Taranto, A. Taranto, Johnson, Keane. Substitutes: Picak (GK), Sardo, Dakic, Hiedo, De Domizio.

Referee: Isabelle Blaess.

Attendance: TBC.

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Central Coast make their return, but new Jet steals the show

Central Coast Mariners 0-1 Newcastle Jets

By Emma Burke (14/10/23)

Above: Newcastle’s players bask in the aftermath of Melina Ayres’ goal. Photo: Newcastle Jets

Newcastle Jets have claimed the first win of the 2023/24 season over Central Coast Mariners in a 1-0 defeat thanks to a header from marquee signing Melina Ayres.

Central Coast Mariners made their return to the A-League Women’s after a 14-year absence with a goalkeeper in their starting eleven that they had announced the signing of only ninety minutes beforehand.

Courtney Newbon then proceeded to have an incredible game between the sticks, facing a total of twenty-three shots over the course of the game, and making a fantastic double save to deny the Jets in the first half.

While the opening half was very much about shaking off the cobwebs, of which one team certainly had more than the other, there was a level of physicality that was not going to be easily eluded.

The F3 Derby (named after the former name of the Pacific Motorway, which connects Newcastle and the Central Coast), had a total of six yellow cards and also saw the first and second red cards of the season shown.

A scuffle erupted late in the second half after Jets captain Cassidy Davis fouled Mariner Bianca Galic. Rising frustrations lead to defenders from each team, Alexandra Huynh from the Jets, and Faye Bryson from the Mariners bodily colliding, and a scuffle evolved from there with multiple players shoving at each other.

The pair were eventually ejected from the pitch, reducing both sides to 10 players, and was ultimately the catalyst for the game-winning goal for Newcastle.

Newcastle was able to find the breakthrough when substitute Laura Gooch was left alone to chase down the ball on the right flank, and she had ample time to check and see where to send in the cross.

Her cross was expectedly well delivered and found the waiting head of Melina Ayres, who only had to redirect the ball to the back of the net.

The Jets were then able to run out the game comfortably and take home all three points available.

Round Two will see both teams hit the road, Newcastle head to Perth to face the Glory, and the Mariners down to Adelaide to try and find their first points for the season.

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS: Newbon, Bryson, Irwin, Martin, Gomez, Galic, Badawiya (Karrys-Stahl 87′), Rasmussen (Wurigumula 55′), Wardlow, King, Karambasis (Trimis 55′).

NEWCASTLE JETS: Nino, Cicco, Prior, Huynh, Baumann, Davis, Dundas (Burrows 68′), Copus-Brown, L. Allan (Gooch 55′), Barbieri (Hammons 90′), Ayres.

Scorer: Ayres 81’.

Referee: Kate Jacewicz.

Attendance: 5,735

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