A-League Women Friday signing news

8/9/23

Above: Hannah Wilkinson in action for Melbourne City last season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Melbourne City today announced the key re-signing of Football Ferns World Cup hero, Hannah Wilkinson.

Wilkinson returns to City for her third season with the Club, fresh from scoring for New Zealand at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, her third goal on that stage.

Wilkinson’s match-winning goal against Norway at Eden Park saw the Football Ferns register New Zealand’s first-ever World Cup win, Men’s or Women’s, in the opening match of the tournament.

The former City Player of the Year will be looking to build on her goalscoring form as the team strive to go one step further in search of silverware this season.

The NZ international was delighted to put pen to paper again: “Playing with City is my favourite kind of football and I get so much joy out of playing with this team.“We play a really nice brand of football here and it’s a great team to play as a striker in with so much service from the quality players further up the pitch.

“The World Cup was an absolute dream. Women’s football is only going to get bigger and bigger off the back of it which is great for the A-Leagues. There are so many young girls who are now interested in Women’s football which is great to see and we hope to have more support than ever this season.”

City head coach Dario Vidosic was thrilled at the news: “We are pleased to have Hannah back in City colours. We all saw how she performed on the world’s biggest stage, and we can’t wait to see her form continue into the upcoming season.

“We’re building a really strong force in attack and Hannah’s return will be important for that. She’s a footballer who has demonstrated her quality both in the league and internationally, and we’re looking forward to seeing more of that this season.”

Canberra United
Above: Mary Stanic-Floody, who has signed for Canberra United. Photo: Irish Independent.

Exciting young talent Mary Stanic-Floody has signed a one-year contract with Canberra United for the 2023/24 season as the team from the National Capital continue to add to the squad ahead of the new campaign.
 
The midfielder made a dozen appearances for Sydney FC in the Liberty A-League during the 2022/23 season, mostly as an impact substitute, and made her starting debut in the competition in a home match against Wellington Phoenix in Round 17.

A box-to-box talent, whose dynamism and enthusiasm characterise her game, Stanic-Floody is sure to thrive in the environment at McKellar Park.
 
“I am pleased to be able to add Mary to our roster for the forthcoming Liberty A-League season,” Canberra United Head Coach Njegosh Popovich commented.
 
“As a Young Matildas international, Mary is definitely one for the future, as well as the here and now. She has exceptional control, a tough streak which is vital for someone playing in that role, as well as an industry and graft that stands her above many of her peers.

“I have no doubt that our supporters will enjoy watching her all-action performances and that she will be a valuable addition to the playing group.”
 
Stanic-Floody claimed a winner’s medal from finishing top of the A-League Women final league standings last season, is looking forward to continuing her burgeoning career in green in Canberra.
 
“I am very much looking forward to arriving in Canberra and being a part of this great club for the new Liberty A-League season,” Stanic-Floody said.
 
“As a young footballer I am constantly learning, and I feel that Canberra is the best place for me to take that next step in my career. The club have a wonderful history of promoting young players and giving them the chance, and I am aiming to take mine once it comes.
 
“I have had experience of playing at McKellar Park in the blue of Sydney FC last season, and the atmosphere was superb. I can’t wait to pull on the green shirt in front of those supporters and have their backing and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so.”


Perth Glory
Above: Quinley Quezada in action for the Philippines against Morocco at the World Cup. Photo: Manila Bulletin.

Perth Glory today revealed that Philippines international attacking midfielder Quinley Quezada has joined the club’s A-League Women squad for the 2023/24 season.

The 26-year-old has been a key figure for the Philippines in recent years, helping them win the AFF Women’s Championship, reach the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup in 2022 and then qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.

At club level, meanwhile, she followed a stellar US collegiate career by playing in both Japan for JEF United Chiba and in Serbia with Red Star Belgrade.

The Philippines’ all-time record goalscorer is now looking forward to embarking upon a new stage of her football journey in the A-League.

“I’m very excited to be joining Perth Glory this season,” she said. “Aside from Perth being a beautiful community to live in, I’ve heard so many admirable things about the club and team.

“I followed the Women’s team last season and they made a great run in the league. For this upcoming season, I’m hoping the team will grow into a strong unit and be constantly gunning for that number one spot.

“Personally, I want to continue learning, improving my technical skills, and trying to be a leader within the team in any form that I can. I’m looking forward to joining the team and fighting for the championship!”

Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis, meanwhile, is looking forward to being reunited with a player he previously worked with during his time as part of the Philippines coaching staff earlier this year.

“Quinley is another player (along with fellow-new Glory recruit Jessica Cowart) whose character and football qualities I had the opportunity to witness first-hand during the Women’s World Cup,” he said.

“She is a senior member within the Philippines Women’s national team and has a strong level of versatility to her game across multiple attacking positions. I have been conscious of the style of play we want to have this season and having various attacking threats and types of players is an important part of that vision.

“Quinley will provide us with different attacking qualities and will certainly build a great combination with our other players in attack. She has a great demeanour and mindset and is a very focused individual who can bring the best out of her teammates off the field.”

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Miranda Templeman ready for “battle” with Bulleen.

By Kieran Yap 8/9/23

Above South Melbourne goalkeeper Miranda Templeman in her FV Emerging days. Photo Gold Leaf Creative.

Miranda Templeman has gone to a Youth World Cup, and provided Melbourne Victory with some of their best highlights of last season, but on Saturday afternoon, she will run out for South Melbourne in what may be her biggest game yet.

The 20 year old goalkeeper has been an important figure at one of Victoria’s biggest clubs. After missing the finals last season, the club invested heavily and wisely. Among the new recruits was the Templeman after an A-League season that delivered some breakout performances.

Templeman missed the opening rounds of the NPLW, but in the second half of the season, South gained momentum on their way to a third place finish and Grand Final appearance against Bulleen.

“We’ve had a really good run in,” she said to Impetus Football.

“There’s a real hunger amongst the group to achieve something great this year. We’ve had all the senior teams across the men’s and the women’s make it to the Grand Final this year so clearly there is something that the club is doing right and it’s just a really positive culture.

“We’ve had a few injury troubles towards the middle of the season, but when everyone was fit and raring to go we were able to generate some real momentum and at the right time as well.”

Templeman arrived at South Melbourne following some impressive performances for Melbourne Victory. Her penalty save against Sydney FC and a strong display against Adelaide helped make her an instant fan favourite despite spending the season as a backup to Casey Dumont.

The breakthrough performances were the culmination of a lifelong ambition from the Western Australian.

“I’m from Perth so Mackenzie Arnold was always a idol for me. To achieve the goal of starting an A-League game was amazing. Watching it back you can kind of, almost see me settle into the environment a bit more.

“Every situation I had last year was kind of a last-minute thing. I came on twice for injury. The starting game against Adelaide I only found out about 10 minutes before I got on the bus. That was definitely a challenging moment for me, but something I learned a lot from.

“Being able to get into that head space really quickly is something that any second keeper needs to develop. I really enjoyed that, hopefully I can keep progressing and earn more game time at that level.”

At South Melbourne, she is the starting goalkeeper, and one of three new A-League recruits to the team along with Leticia Mckenna and Meisha Westland. Her role may have changed, but Templeman’s attitude remains the same.

“It’s definitely a different mindset.

“The thing that doesn’t change is that the team comes first.  

“It’s a different role that I’m playing in each scenario, but ultimately the goal is do my job for the team. In NPL that’s taking on a lot more of a leadership role, coming in as one of the  A-league players in that environment.

“I feel like I add a lot to the team that had already got a lot of talent. To be able to come in and fit into such as great culture at South is something that I really enjoyed.

“It’s also great for my development. I’m still young as a goalkeeper so game time is massively important for me, and that’s something that I’m able to obtain at NPL level compared to A-League where it’s more of a learning environment.

“Casey last year taught me so much. I’m just trying to absorb as much knowledge as I can, then on the weekend it’s about how much I can support the players that are starting.”

South Melbourne go into the Grand Final with the second best defensive record in the league. The centre back pairing of Leah Varley and Brianne Reed have been among the league’s best. It is a unit that Templeman has enjoyed being a part of and she can’t speak highly enough of them.

That defensive group was crucial to South Melbourne reaching the Grand Final. On the road to the decider, they faced the free-scoring Boroondara Eagles, who netted 61 times in the regular season.

They faced The Eagles twice in the last two games, with runaway Golden Boot winner Kurea Okino kept to rare goalless games. It was a sign of the organization and skill of the backline, and Templeman’s new Victory teammate was inevitably a challenge for the defence, but one they overcame.  

I’m really looking forward to playing with her,” she says of Okino.

“She took the clean sweep at the Gold Medal night, it’s very well deserved.

“She was a focus going into the game, both the last regular game and the semi-final. We kind of talked about us as a defensive unit.

“Organizing and communication was a real big focus. The movement amongst the Boroondara forward line has been amazing all season.

“As a backline we were really effective in how we were passing players on and always communicating. To keep Okino goalless for two games of football is some feat. I feel like we did a good job of shutting her down, but I’m excited to see what she can do in an A-League environment this year.”

This weekend, they face another strong opponent. Bulleen are the only side that has conceded fewer goals than South, although the Danielle Wise led attack has fared slightly better. South Melbourne has scored 40 goals, compared to Bulleens 36.

It all makes for a very even contest. The last time these teams met in the league, it was a high quality 1-1 draw. South Melbourne conceded a late equaliser on that day. The performance has given them the confidence that they can win this Championship and provided fuel for revenge.

“I think we still have some hard feelings about the last-minute equaliser. We definitely have a score to settle, and I think the girls are really motivated to go into this game.”

As an added subplot, Templeman will be up against some of her current and former Victory teammates. Bulleen have Paige Zois, Maja Markovski and Beattie Goad among their ranks. But the A-League has not started yet, and that will all be put aside when the Grand Final kicks off.

“Obviously they’ve got a front line that I’m quite familiar with. I’ve played with a lot of the players before either at junior national team level or at Victory.

“It’s a team im quite familiar with, it’s got a lot of Victory players throughout. Theres definitely been a bit of banter during the week, but when it comes to Saturday its going to be a real battle.”

The Grand Final will take place at The Home of The Matildas at Latrobe’s Bundoora campus. South Melbourne are expected to be well supported there as always, and Bulleen’s fans will be out in force too.

The match itself has the potential to split Melbourne Victory supporters who have favourites on The Lions team, and their cult hero goalkeeper on the other.

Templeman says that the choice should be simple.

“Theres probably more (Victory players) in the Bulleen squad,” she laughs.

“But I think it’s a really exciting storyline to our season, if they want to barrack for the winning side, they should probably stick to the blue.”

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Ashford continue 100% start by downing Dons

AFC Wimbledon 0-2 Ashford Town (Middx)

by AFC Wimbledon Women (7/9/23)

A disappointing league defeat against fellow Impetus partner club Ashford Town (Middx) saw AFC Wimbledon lose a league fixture for the first time in 374 days. 

As Ellie Dorey picked up an injury to her shoulder in the game against QPR, manager Kevin Foster had to make one change to the starting line-up, with Sandra Soares Martins making her first competitive start for the side. 

Ashford Town came firing out of the starting blocks, but it was Soares Martins who created the biggest issues on the pitch, continuously finding space between the defenders. 

Aside from an offside goal by Soares Martins, Ashlee Hincks had the best chance of the first half when the Ashford keeper was forced to make an excellent save from a free kick. 

At the start of the second half, captain Hannah Billingham was allowed lots of space on the left wing, firing off cross after cross into the box, but no Don was able to finish off the move. 

10 minutes into the second half, Ashford striker, Impetus sponsored Ashley Cheatley broke through the Dons’ solid defensive line and fired off a volley which left goalkeeper Faye Baker with little chance to reach it. 

Being 1-0 down, the Dons piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser. But much to the frustration of the players, they were unable to find their way past the Ashford keeper. 

Foster made three changes, with Impetus sponsored Emma Plewa, Chloe Sampson, and Amy Taylor coming on. This gave the Dons additional energy going forward, but the Ashford defence left little room to get through. 

With 85 minutes on the clock, Ashford scored a second. Wimbledon were unable to clear a free kick, and the ball was picked up just outside the box where a long-range effort from Brogan Moore eventually found its way into Baker’s top left corner. 

After the game, Manager Foster said it was “a frustrating game yesterday as we weren’t at our best. Fair play to Ashford who came with a good game plan and scored two very good goals which made all the difference”

Player of the Match, Ashleigh Goddard, shared her views on the defeat:
“We are disappointed with the result and it’s a feeling we don’t want to feel again. We will reflect on the game, learn from it, and use it as motivation to push forward and improve… we are already looking forward to our cup game on Sunday.”

Next up for AFC Wimbledon Women is a trip to Swindon Town and the County Ground for an FAWNL Cup preliminary round game this Sunday. League action will resume on 17 September, when Chesham United visits the War Memorial Sports Ground in Carshalton.

Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Brooks, Highman, Ali, Hincks, Gibson, Donovan, Soares Martins, Billingham, Goddard. Substitutes: Mann, Sampson, Plewa, Taylor, Allen.

ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDX): Bishop, Cheatley, Down, Duncan, Durn, Johnson, Kinnane, Leys, Luscombe, Riley, Vigolo. Substitutes: Huse, Moore, Neufville, Shults, Constantine.

Scorers: Cheatley 54′, Moore 87′.

Attendance: 81.

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Gunners overcome first Champions League hurdle

from Rebecca Hall in Linköping (7/9/23)

Above: Two of Arsenal’s goalscorers Lina Hurtig (left), and Caitlin Foord (right) celebrate together. Photo: Arsenal Women.

Despite a 15-minute delay due to a fire evacuation, the game itself saw a fast-paced start from both sides. An over seven thousand strong crowd were equally involved as both sets of fans fought against each other to cheer their side to victory. The atmosphere for this early-stage Champions League clash certainly did not disappoint, and neither did the goals. 

In the opening ten minutes, Arsenal’s Kim Little uncharacteristically missed a penalty and while the quality of Arsenal was undeniable, it was evident the team had had a very short time to fully integrate and prepare for the new season. Fifteen Gunners were selected for the World Cup, and eight of those were involved in the final and third-place match, meaning there were only two weeks between the games in Sydney and Sweden. The word rusty, came to mind, in the first half.

Many players made their debut for Arsenal in this match, including Alessia Russo, Cloe Lacasse, and Amanda Ilestedt. Philippines international, and former Australian international, Angela Beard made her debut just under twenty minutes into the game, coming on for Nellie Karlsson who suffered an early injury. This game also marked returns to Linköping for Stina Blackstenius, Lina Hurtig, and Frida L. Maanum who previously played for the Swedish club.

The stars were not just on the pitch either, cheering the sides on were Matildas stars Kyra-Cooney Cross and Clare Polkinghorne.

After a considerable amount of missed chances and impressive saves by Linköping keeper, Casja Andersson, the peppering shots of Kim Little and Caitlin Foord eventually proved fruitful. It was the Australian star, Foord, who secured Arsenal’s first goal, in the 53rd minute. But Arsenal did not leave it there, back on Swedish soil, Lina Hurtig, carried on the form of her World Cup exploits and scored in the 81st minute. The Swedish theme continued, in the eighty-ninth when Stina Blackstenius netted the ball in the back of the net to make it 3-0.

Reflecting after the game, Jonas Eidevall spoke about the success of the new summer signings, particularly, Cloe Lacasse, and noted the positive impact for the side, such as the fact that “she is quite similar with Beth Mead, so that provides us with good depth and quality on the right side.”

In the latter stages of last season, quality in depth was something Arsenal struggled with as they succumbed to numerous long-term injuries. Eidevall spoke about the importance of now being able to have “a starting 11, but also a finishing 11”. Despite this, Arsenal, arguably, lost a sense of rhythm when making a combined three substitutions.

As a result, there was a ten-minute period where Arsenal’s pressing was not as intense. Eidevall reflected on this and explained the difficulty of playing Linköping’s mid-block, “with so much width, and good passes”. “We got caught in a mid-block because our pressing wasn’t clear enough and we became a bit passive”.

Above: Alessia Russo in action on her Arsenal debut. Photo: Arsenal Women.

The Arsenal boss also revealed that the North London team are not done in the transfer market, explaining “We are still in the market for a right-back and maybe other positions as well. If we don’t find the right fit then we have three really competent full-backs – Noelle (Maritz), Katie McCabe, and Steph Catley”.

Eidevall commended Lina Hurtig’s goal stating, “I was happy with the goal but I was really happy with her performance. We have seen a really strong Lina returning from the World Cup. Last season it is impossible to judge her with all her injury problems and the inconsistency that created for her”. Hurtig returned to the Linköping pitch with rapturous applause, from both fan bases.

Ireland captain Katie McCabe, shared her joy about the result, telling reporters “It is a massive credit to the girls who came back a week ago, those girls that were in the final stages of the World Cup, and the massive amount of work the girls who came back earlier have done. It was a big, big team effort tonight. We knew it was going to be really difficult, playing away at a team who have played a couple of games already this season”.

The result was not the only positive news surrounding Katie McCabe on matchday as she has been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. On the momentous occasion, McCabe shared her pride, “It’s a first for an Irish Womens player, so it’s a really nice accolade on a personal level but you can never achieve those things without your teammates”.

The humble captain continued to say “For me, it is always about the team and how we compete and win trophies together, that is why I play a team sport. I love picking up trophies with my teammates but it is always nice to be nominated for a Ballon d’Or –  I think it’s the first time I’ve said that”, the player exclaimed with a grin.

McCabe finished the game at right back, to which she proclaimed “I play where I am put”. “With the injury to Laura (Weinroither), we have Noelle (Maritz) in that area and it may be an area Jonas is looking at, but you’d have to ask him” she jests. McCabe insists she “liked it”, “I like inverting and working and linking up with the quality we have in midfield. It’s another new position for me but one to enjoy”.

Matildas star Caitlin Foord talked of the importance of focusing on “getting the job done”, explaining “We knew it was gonna be a grind, and we knew they were gonna be a tough side… if it wasn’t pretty, it didn’t have to be. Obviously its gonna take time for everyone to settle in”.

Foord’s goal, the first of Arsenal’s three, felt important to settle the side. The Aussie agreed, describing the goal as a “massive relief. It takes some pressure off Once you get one in, you feel a bit more in control”. The number 19, also spoke of the new arrivals saying “They are settling in well… they are good additions to the team”.

Arsenal will now play Paris FC on Saturday and Linköping face the Ukrainian team Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih.

Teams: LINKOPING: Andersson, De Jongh, Lenartsson, Lenartsson, Ostlund, Takarada, Kapocs, Karlsson, Momiki, Tandberg, Selerud. Substitutes used: Saving (for De Jongh 88′), Brenn (for Ostlund 88′), Bjork (for Kapocs 88′), Beard (for Karlsson 20′).

ARSENAL: Zinsberger, Little, Ilestedt, McCabe, Maritz, Walti, Wubben-Moy, Foord, Maanum, Russo Lacasse. Substitutes used: Pelova (for Little 72′), Catley (for Maritz 71′), Beattie (for Maanum 82′), Blackstenius (for Russo 61′), Hurtig (for Lacasse 61′).

Scorers: Foord 53′, Hurtig 81′, Blackstenius 90′.

Referee: Deborah Anex.

Attendance: 7,805.

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Australian News

7/9/23

Above: Ischia Brooking (right) was selected once more for the Junior Matildas squad. Photo: Rob Lizzi.

Junior Matildas squad announced for U17 Asian Cup Qualifying

Junior Matildas’ head coach Rae Dower has named the final 23-player squad for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifying Round Two.  

Australia’s U-17 Women’s National Team have been drawn in Group B with matches held from 16 – 24 September 2023 in Hanoi, Vietnam.  

Following extensive scouting across Australia and a successful tour of the Korea Republic in June, Dower has selected a squad that combines 15 experienced campaigners from the Round One Qualifying with eight fresh faces set to make their international debuts.  

Head Coach Rae Dower stated that the selected squad was inspired and primed to battle for a place at next year’s AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup.  

“We’re so excited to head to Hanoi, off the back of the Matildas’ amazing performances at the World Cup, and take another step towards securing our own U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification,” Dower said.  

“We know that our opponents will be just as determined to secure that coveted spot at the Asian Cup finals next year, so we are under no illusions that the three matches will be hotly contested in trying conditions.  We want to continue to evolve our playing style and I believe that the team we have assembled are adaptable and flexible to combat the different opponents we will face.”  

Underscoring the national strength of the squad, seven Member Federations are represented through the final 23 including A-League Women’s Sydney FC champion Indiana Dos Santos, new Western Sydney Wanderers FC recruit Talia Younis, new Brisbane Roar signing Grace Kuilamu and a host of West Australian talent.  

The eight fresh faces are a result of the extensive scouting and preparation work undertaken by Football Australia Technical Staff between Round One and Round Two to unearth more promising footballers from this age group.  

“The staff and I can’t believe the depth across this cohort; it is truly extraordinary.  In all of my years coaching, this was one of the hardest selection decisions I’ve ever encountered,” Dower explained. 

“There is such depth across the country with the outstanding qualities these players possess and again, massive kudos to our Member Federation Programs who are continuing to raise the bar for female player development. 

Some players have taken the next step in their football journeys and made their first Australian national team, whilst others continue to impress at every opportunity.

“With a number of these players stepping into the A-League Women’s competition for the first time next month, it’s my hope that fans of football will get to see what my excitement is about with this Next Gen when they face off against each other in our own backyard week in, week out,” Dower concluded. 

The Junior Matildas will open their group play at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center against the Philippines on Wednesday, 20 September (7.00pm AEST). They will then face the Group B hosts Vietnam on Friday, 22 September (10.00pm AEST) before rounding out the Round 2 qualifiers against Bangladesh on Sunday, 24 September (7.00pm AEST). Broadcast details will follow nearer the time.

The top two nations at the completion of the round-robin matches will qualify for the U-17 Women’s Asian Cup to be held from 7 – 20 April 2024 in Indonesia.

Junior Matildas Squad:

LaylaADAMSGoalkeeperGold Coast United FC / Football Queensland
IschiaBROOKINGMidfielderHyundai NTC / Football West
AvaCARLSONForwardCentral Coast Mariners FC / Football NSW
MadeleineCASPERSMidfielderFootball NSW Institute / Football NSW
RubyCUTHBERTDefenderHyundai NTC / Football West
SiennaDALEForwardManly United FC / Football NSW
SianDEWEYMidfielderFootball South Australia NTC / Football South Australia
IndianaDOS SANTOSMidfielderFootball NSW Institute / Football NSW
Emma DUNDASMidfielderEmerging Jets / Northern NSW Football
MikaylaDUONGMidfielderFootball NSW Institute / Football NSW
TianaFULLERForwardFootball NSW Institute / Football NSW
GeorgiaGROIDISForwardFV Emerging / Football Victoria
IsabelaHOYOSDefenderFootball Queensland-OAS / Football Queensland
GraceKUILAMUForwardFootball Queensland-OAS / Football Queensland
ShelbyMCMAHONMidfielderGold Coast Knights FC / Football Queensland
KieraMEYERSMidfielderFV Emerging / Football Victoria
ChloePARKERDefenderFootball Queensland-OAS / Football Queensland
GeorgiaRITCHIEGoalkeeperCanberra United Academy / Capital Football
LillianSKELLYForwardFootball NSW Institute / Football NSW
JessicaSKINNERGoalkeeperHyundai NTC / Football West
AmeliaTARTAGLIADefenderFV Emerging / Football Victoria
AnnabelleYATESDefenderFV Emerging / Football Victoria
TaliaYOUNISMidfielderWestern Sydney Wanderers FC / Football NSW
Sydney FC’s AFC Women’s Club Championship draw revealed
Above: Sydney FC celebrate their A-League Women win last season that qualified them for the AFC Women’s Club Championship. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Sydney FC have been drawn into Group B of the AFC Women’s Club Championship, an Invitational Tournament between eight of the best football teams in the Asian Federation.

They will be on the Uzbekistan side of the draw, with Group A taking place in Thailand.

The Sky Blues will take on Hyundai Steel Red Angels WFC (Korea Republic), FC Nasaf (Uzbekistan) and Bam Khatoom (Islamic Republic of Iran) from the 6th to the 12th oNovember.

Head Coach Ante Juric says he is excited about the competition.

“It’s going to be a great test for us and an excellent chance for our players to experience a different competition, against different opposition in a different country. We are excited, it will be challenging but it will give us a fantastic experience and I know our girls will give a very good account of themselves.”

Match details, along with broadcast information will be released in due course. Should Sydney FC top the group, the Final is expected to take place in May 2024 with the venue to be confirmed.

Jets announce signing of Copus-Brown
Above: Libby Copus-Brown (right) in action during her time with Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Newcastle Jets announced on Thursday the signing of midfielder Libby Copus-Brown for the 2023/24 season.

Copus-Brown returns to the Jets after making her debut in 2013. Previously, the midfielder has also had stints with Lewes FC in England and the Western Sydney Wanderers. In total, Copus-Brown has made 38 appearances for the Jets, scoring two goals.

The Newcastle local is looking forward to returning to the club. “I’m excited to be coming home. Newcastle is such a special club to me. After a successful World Cup with the Matildas finishing in the top four in the tournament, I believe that we are heading the right way in this country in Women’s Football.

“We can achieve really great things this season here at the Jets and I’m super excited to come back and get started.”

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Bulleen to face South Melbourne in Victorian NPLW Grand Final

By Kieran Yap 7/9/23

Above: South Melbourne players celebrate a goal against Boroondara. Photo: South Melbourne FC.

Bulleen and South Melbourne are through to the Victorian NPLW Grand Final after both recorded 2-1 wins last weekend over Calder United and Boroondara-Carey respectively.

The Veneto Club pulled double hosting duties on Saturday evening as the top four teams and their supporters converged in Bulleen to watch a double header of high quality football. Bulleen and Calder faced off first. It was the third meeting between the sides in a month of football.

Calder have had the upper hand recently. A recent nil-all draw in the league almost derailed Bulleen’s premiership quest, while a hard fought 2-0 result secured the Nike FC Cup for Calder United.

Bulleen 2-1 Calder United

The first semi final was also a replay of last season’s decider. On that day in 2022, a similar looking Bulleen lineup lost 2-0 to a very different Calder United who were now short the Taranto twins and Stacey Papadopoulos to name a few.

Despite the absences of the Western United stars this season, Calder has slowly built through the season. Kiwa Hieda has evolved into one of the leagues most dangerous attackers. 18 year old Natalie Picak was officially announced on Tuesday night as the NPLW’s best goalkeeper and they have been led from the front by Raquel Derales and Ava Groba.

Bella Sewards’s form in midfield has earned her a nomination to represent Victoria’s NPL against Queensland’s and it would be of little surprise to see her in Western United’s colours in the future.

Despite their recent record, Bulleen would have been confident coming into this game. They finished on top with good reason. Their squad has depth and quality. Coach Caitlin Friend is able to rotate and rest A-League level players such as Maja Markovski and Grace Taranto, and has not had to call on Lia Privitelli all season while she recovers from an injury sustained with Melbourne Victory.

Bulleen has introduced Markovski and Perth Glory defender Claudia Mihocic alongside Katie Beck and the returning Beattie Goad.

For the semi final, Bulleen started with Markovski on the bench. Aroha Little and Rosie Rodger started and Tyla-Jay Vlajnic came in on the left.

Despite the optimism from the home fans it was Calder who opened the scoring. Hieda swept the ball past Gaby Garton in the fourth minute after Calder intercepted the ball in midfield. It gave the visitors the upper hand on the scoreboard and that translated into general play. Calder forced Bulleen to rush in midfield and blunted their attack despite the absence of Alana Cerne from defence.

With Bulleen struggling to get a foothold in the game, Caitlin Friend made changes. Maja Markovski entered the game in the second half and immediately gave Bulleen more presence in attack. The shift also freed up Alana Jancevski who was able to drift into more space and start finding room to shoot.

In midfield, Paige Zois began to dictate play with her enviable passing range. Bulleen were knocking on the door and earning corners. It was only a matter of time before one went in and it was Katie Beck who bundled home the equaliser.

Hieda and Markovski each had good close range chances to win the game, but were denied by good goalkeeping at either end. The game went into extra time with both sides determined to avoid penalties, but also visibly apprehensive about making any mistakes.

Not for the first time this season it was a Zois set piece that proved decisive. The Melbourne Victory midfielder has starred in a deep playmaking role this season, but her delivery from free-kicks has made the difference in tight games.

On this occasion it was a perfectly weighted ball that dropped behind the Calder defence, but too far for Picak to confidently come out for. The pace on the ball meant that an assured touch would spell trouble for the defence, when the moment arrived it was Mihocic who found space and directed the ball into the net.

It was a strikers finish from the centre back, her second of the season and a terrific way to win the game.

Mihocic wheeled away to be swamped by teammates. Zois lifted two arms to the sky in relief as much as jubilation. Bulleen had beaten their toughest foe and were now into a second successive Grand Final.

Boroondara-Carey 1-2 South Melbourne

The second semi final was just as entertaining, as South Melbourne put an end to Boroondara’s fairy tale campaign.

The Eagles have been flying high in 2023. Brave recruitment and bold game plans have seen them finish in second place but with the league’s equal best goal difference. They scored 61 goals in the league and were a joy to watch, but South Melbourne invested heavily and have been improving toward the end of the season as Boroondara began to show signs that they had peaked a few weeks too early.

Francesca Iermano got South Melbourne off to a strong start with a close range finish in the 25th minute. Dragana Kljajic’s curling ball into the box was met by the former Western United attacker who finished well. It was reward for South’s early dominance.

Boroondara have rarely been kept goalless this season, and although Kurea Okino was being well marshalled, they can score from almost anywhere. It has been a real feature of their game this season and Emily Sutcliffe’s 30 yard stunner pulled the home team level before half time.

A midfield turnover still did not seem dangerous even when the ball fell to Sutcliffe. She was simply too far out, and South’s defence tracked back to cover the space that Sutcliffe had no intention of using while an attempt was made to close her down.

It was no use. She smashed the effort over Mirana Templeman with unbeatable velocity and the teams went into the break at 1-1.

Sadly for Boroondara it was a defensive error that cost them the match. A late back pass was latched onto by Tayla Christensen who kept her head to score from close range and send South Melbourne into Saturday’s Grand Final.

The league’s decider will be held at 7pm at Latrobe’s Bundoora campus at The Home of The Matildas. Two star studded teams have made the final and if their last encounter is anything to go by, this will an eventful encounter.

An earlier league meeting between the two teams ended in a 1-1 draw, but it was a fantastic contest between two equally matched teams. South Melbourne has Danielle Wise, Miesha Westland and a returning Leticia Mckenna. Bulleen will try and overcome them with the likes of Mihocic, Jancevski and Goad.

Crucial to either side’s chances are the defensive pairings. Beck and Mihocic have been vital for Bulleen, while Leia Varley and Brianne Reed have been South’s most consistent contributors.

In goal for either side will be Gaby Garton and Miranda Templeman for Bulleen and South Melbourne respectively. Both are firm favourites of Melbourne Victory supporters, and are looking to etch their names into NPLW history.

This will be an incredible final.

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U23 Matildas Squad selected ahead of two September matches

6/9/23

Above: Australia U23 head coach Melissa Andreatta, who announced her squad today. Photo: Thomas Pombart.

The Australian U-23 Women’s National Team will play its first matches of 2023 when a 24-player squad travels to the AIS European Training Centre in Varese, Italy later this month for a training camp and two match program.  

Australian U-23 Women’s Head Coach Melissa Andreatta has selected a squad that features Australia’s most exciting up and coming players competing in the A-League Women’s competition and international leagues.   

Taking place during the September FIFA Women’s International Window, Australia will face Serie A Femminile side A.C Milan in a closed doors clash on Friday, 22 September in Milan before meeting Scotland’s newly formed U-23 Women’s National Team at the AIS European Training Centre on Tuesday, 26 September.  

Andreatta expressed the importance of Football Australia’s U-23 Women’s National Team program in light of the fast-paced development of women’s football globally.  

“The recent World Cup demonstrated just how rapidly women’s football is advancing in terms of the quality on the pitch,” Andreatta said.  

“The U-23 Women’s National Team program is a vital step for us as a nation to continue the evolution of players in that crucial age group. It not only provides the honour of being able to represent Australia but also the opportunity to gain invaluable experience at international level which is difficult to replicate in any other forum.” 

The Australian squad consists of 16 players set to feature heavily in the upcoming 2023/24 A-League Women’s competition, with a further eight players plying their trade in the leagues across France, England, Sweden, Spain and Denmark.  

“In selecting the squad, we looked to reward players who have shown consistent form over a period of time in international leagues, the A-League Women’s and National Premier Leagues,” Andreatta explained.  

“Taking on A.C. Milan and Scotland presents a unique occasion for these players to face quality opposition and then to test themselves against those in their age group to learn about how they can continue to develop their international play. 

These matches will assist in that critical transitioning work from youth to senior level, particularly for a cohort for whom very few would have the diversity of opponents that European teams present.  

“The camp provides them with good quality match minutes and demonstrates continued investment by Football Australia in players to provide them with the best platform for success in the advent of a senior team call-up,” Andreatta concluded.    

Fans will also be able to follow the matches via Facebook, Twitter @FootballAUS, Instagram @FootballAUS.

Australia U23 Squad:

Alexia APOSTOLAKIS – Defender, Western Sydney Wanderers / Football NSW. Alana CERNE – Defender, Western United / Football Victoria. Chelsea DAWBER – Forward IFK Norrkoping / Football South Australia, Polly DORAN – Defender, Crystal Palace / Football Victoria. Daniela GALIC – Midfielder, Melbourne City / Football NSW, Annalee GROVE – Goalkeeper, Adelaide United / Northern NSW Football, Mackenzie HAWKESBY – Midfielder, Brighton & Hove Albion / Football NSW. Winonah HEATLEY – Defender, Nordsjaelland / Football Queensland. Bryleeh HENRY, Forward – Melbourne City / Football NSW. Sarah HUNTER – Midfielder, Paris FC / Football NSW. Sally JAMES – Goalkeeper, Perth Glory / Capital Football. Kahli JOHNSON – Forward, Western United / Football NSW. Chloe LINCOLN – Goalkeeper, Canberra United / Football NSW. Hana LOWRY – Midfielder, Perth Glory / Football West. Anna MARGRAF – Defender, Sporting De Huelva / Football Queensland. Holly MCNAMARA – Forward, Melbourne City / Football NSW. Alana MURPHY – Midfielder, Melbourne Victory / Football Victoria. Emilia MURRAY – Forward, Adelaide United / Football South Australia. Jessica NASH – Defender, Melbourne Victory / Football NSW. Charlize RULE – Defender, Brighton & Hove Albion / Football NSW. Amy SAYER – Midfielder, Kristianstads DFF / Football NSW. Naomi THOMAS-CHINNAMA – Defender, Melbourne City / Football Victoria. Ella TONKIN – Defender, Adelaide United / Football South Australia. Kaitlyn TORPEY – Defender, Melbourne City / Football Queensland.

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Wednesday A-League Women News

6/9/23

Above: Fiona Worts in action for Adelaide United during her goal-laden 2022/22 season. Photo: A-League Women.

Sydney FC has boosted its striking department with the arrival of A-League Women Julie Dolan Medalist and 2021/22 Golden Boot winner, Fiona Worts, who was most recently at Adelaide United.

The 27-year-old English forward has hit 18 goals in 39 appearances during three seasons in the A-League Women’s competition. She was named best player in the country for the 21-22 campaign after scoring 13 goals and claiming the league’s Golden Boot.

Worts spoke of her anticipation about what the move to Sydney offers. “I’m excited to be joining a club that has been so historically and recently successful. There’s great talent in the squad and I look forward to working with them and with Ante (Juric, Sydney FC head coach). I want to get back to my best self on the pitch and contribute to another great season for the club.

“I think it’s been a great year for women’s football and Australia blew away my expectations with the World Cup. I can’t wait to see what that brings to the A-League this season.”

Worts has also represented Nottingham Forest at youth level, Coventry United, and Leicester City in the FA Women’s Championship in England, and jointly holds the A-League Women’s record for most goals in a game, scoring five in Adelaide United’s 8-2 win over Brisbane Roar in 2022.

Head Coach Ante Juric is confident the striker will shine in Sydney FC’s squad. “Fiona has a proven eye for goal and is a lethal finisher,” he said.

“Her game suits our style of play and she will provide excellent competition for us in the final third. We have built a strong squad and I’m looking forward to the season beginning as we look to defend our titles. It promises to be another exciting year.”

Wellington Phoenix
Above: Kelli Brown – pictured as one of Wellington Phoenix’s inaugural players, has made a return for 2023/24. Photo: NZ Herald.

Young forward Kelli Brown has returned to the club after missing out on a contract last season despite being a member of the inaugural Phoenix women’s squad, has signed with the club for the new season.

Brown, 22, has earned back her place in the Phoenix squad after scoring 23 goals in 26 matches for Macarthur Rams FC in the NPLW New South Wales competition this year, finishing a close second in the Golden Boot race.

Phoenix head coach Paul Temple says Brown has “been too good to not sign. Kelli’s scored goals wherever she’s been, she scored goals for New Zealand at the under-17 World Cup, in the national league last year and has been one of the top scorers in the NPL this year. It makes it hard to ignore her.

“We were also looking for somebody that is quite versatile. She’s played as a wide forward predominantly this season but she has also played as a striker for Macarthur so she gives us some options 

“Kelli’s going to suit the way we want to play and she’s in really good goalscoring form so she’s going to come into pre-season on the back of a really strong NPL season, where she’s outscoring other really high-quality A-League players.”

The former New Zealand age-group international, who was a key member of the history-making team that finished third at the 2018 U-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay, now has the chance to “prove herself at the A-League level again”.

Brown is hoping she can be a regular goal scorer for the Wellington Phoenix. “That’s the aim of the game and I don’t see why not,” she said. “Going off the season that I’ve just had hopefully I can bring some goal scoring. I’m also looking forward to reconnecting with some of the girls and picking up where we left off. It’ll be good to get back and gel.”

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Angela Beard: from the World Cup to the Champions League

By Rebecca Hall 6/9/23

Above: Angela Beard in the colours of her new club Linköping


Filipinas’ star Angie Beard signed for Swedish powerhouse Linköping last week from A-League side Western United, Impetus Football caught up with the World Cup player to see how she is settling in ahead of the first round of Women’s Champions League Football. 

Beard, 26, departed Western United FC on a permanent transfer with a deal through to the 2025 season. In comments provided by Western United, the player said “To the Club and the girls – thank you for welcoming me into the team and allowing me to play a small part in your historical inaugural season,” Beard said.

“Although my career takes me back to European football, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Western United and I wish the team the best of luck for the upcoming season.”. During her stint in Melbourne, Beard played with fellow Filipina’s teammate, Jaclyn Sawiki, both playing an integral role in leading the side to the finals of the A-League in the side’s inaugural campaign, eventually losing out to Sydney FC. 

Over the summer, Beard played in all three of the Philippines group stage games against Switzerland, New Zealand and Norway in the country’s maiden tournament. These games also provided an opportunity for Beard to play against Arsenal stars Lia Walti, Noelle Maritz of Switzerland, and Frida L. Maanum of Norway, who are Linköping’s first game of the Champions League tournament.

However, at the time Beard herself was not yet signed to Linkoping, and therefore did not realise just how soon she would be meeting these players once more. Of the experience, while Beard could not “prepare for a future I didn’t know about” in terms of taking notes on her soon-to-be opponents, the player explained that there are takeaways but being a “football fan in general, and watching the WSL (Women’s Super League), following along with players” means an in-depth study of players isn’t needed to the same extent, due to the natural familiarity.

Beard is also very familiar with the Australian Arsenal players, Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley, from her earlier international days when she played for Australia. Beard made 3 appearances for Australia before switching to the Philippines, and grew up in the Australian system, playing at under seventeen and twenty level. 

Linköping’s signing of Beard strengthens the side significantly given her impressive ability to play in numerous positions. During her time in the Danish league, her position was focused on defensive action, whereas more recently, at Western United, fans were treated to attacking ball work and goals.

However, as the Queenslander explains her position can also be moulded to the opponent “given the group the Philippines found themselves in at the World Cup” (made up of New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland) and the results we (Philippines) were trying to get” meant she was predominantly a defensive force.  As a result, the player is keen “not to put herself in a box” regarding her position, as she continues to be flexible and talented in the positions any of her teams require. Beard explained “that as I get older, I learn to adapt more with each team I’m part of” and ultimately “whatever’s best for the team, is what we’re going for”. 

Prior to Beard’s move to Sweden, she was heavily linked with a move to England’s Women’s Super League, although no team was named. In the past Beard has discussed a desire to play in Europe and specifically in the WSL, however, she is now focused on her new club.

When Impetus asked if this was still a goal, Beard explained that “it’s hard to say… right now for my career I just want to be playing consistent minutes, against great players… but right now I’m loving being here and I’m loving the team. I think for right now this is where I need to be, I’m happy”. 

Beard only recently arrived in Linköping but is already settling in, while her time in Denmark “helps a little with the language… the girls are very welcoming and friendly, so it’s easy to have a conversation, so that really helps. But if I’m here for two and a half years, I will pick some up” she jokes. 

Looking even further into the future, Beard discussed where she feels the future of her international team is heading. Many from the Philippines were clear from the start of the World Cup that while reaching the tournament, was an important milestone, it was not the final destination, and it was important for the team to continue to reach new levels. “With the new head coach, he’s settling in and finding his spot”, and “the experience of the World Cup itself” also “exposes the players to that environment” and that helps “build to the next step at the Olympics”.

As for Beard’s feelings about reaching the next level, she passionately tells me “I play football to win games, I’m not just here to participate, so I’m hoping we can push for more wins and a better brand of football than we were yesterday”. 

Ending the conversation with Beard, what is clear is her desire to constantly improve not just her own game but also the teams she plays for. Given Linköping’s success throughout the years and a team, that currently sits second in the Damallsvenskan, it would not be surprising, with Beard’s determination, that she will go on to be a vital part of the side’s fight to top the league.

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