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.
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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.
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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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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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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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.
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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Above: Kirsty Fenton celebrates her impressive goal to open the scoring for Sydney FC. Photo: Sydney FC Twitter.
Over 11,000 fans came to Allianz Stadium for Sydney FC’s season opener against Western Sydney Wanderers. Goals to Kirsty Fenton and Fiona Worts secured a 2-0 win for the defending premiers, but after a slow start, Western Sydney showed some signs of promise in an improved second half.
It was a new look Sydney FC for 2023/24. The midfield stars Sarah Hunter and Mackenzie Hawkesby have departed for France and England respectively, and Fiona Worts started in attack for her first appearance at her new club.
Western Sydney’s biggest change from last season was in the dugout. Kat Smith was surprisingly replaced by former Canberra United coach Robbie Hooker. Goalkeeper Kaylie Collins started after her transfer from Orlando Pride.
Sydney FC started in control of possession and dominated the scoring chances. Cortnee Vine electrified the enthusiastic crowd with every touch, and threatened whenever she was on the ball.
The opening goal ended up arriving from a surprising source. Fullback Kirsty Fenton fired home a volley from the edge of the penalty box. Collins was able to get a hand to the strike, but the power behind it was too much for the American custodian to stop.
Young midfidler Zara Kruger impressed early, and was unlucky to not have a goal to her name after her shot skidded wide of the post. Shay Hollman was everywhere in midfield.
Sydney’s front three were mobile and creative. Worts, Vine, and Princess Ibini switched positions and dropped deep to test the Wanderers defence. Ibini’s perfectly weighted pass set up Worts for a delightful, clipped finish over Collins to double the lead.
Sydney’s win was tempered by a potentially bad injury to Nat Tobin. The captain went down after a collision in defence, and the home side seemed slightly rattled by the sight of their skipper being stretchered off.
The second half saw the introduction of Mel Caceras for the Wanderers and the number 10 had an instant impact. Suddenly they had a creative outlet who could dribble past defenders and link the midfield with Sophie Harding in attack.
Caceras came closest to scoring but could not beat Jada Whyman in goal, although the prospect of her starting in combination with the injured Millie Clegg is something for Wanderers fans to look forward to.
Sydney’s title defence started off in strong fashion. It was a comfortable win in the end, and had Sienna Saveska or Cortnee Vine’s chances been taken, they could easily have had more. With Shea Connors to come into this side, they are looking dangerous, but with Nat Tobin out, they will need a reshuffle in defence.
Western Sydney recovered well after a start that seemed ominous.
As an occasion, this was fantastic, the 11,471 fans set a new record for an attendance at a domestic women’s football match and most would have left delighted at what they had seen.
In conjunction with the previous match between Central Coast and Newcastle, the all time attendance record for a round was already broken just two games into the weekend.
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS: Collins, Matos, Bruce, McComasky, Apostolakis (Price 90’), Chessari, Harrison (Ferris 83’), Breier (Caceras 45’), Gordon, Rue (Morris 83’), Harding.
Referee: Casey Reibelt.
Attendance: 11,471.
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Above: Mackenzie Weinert celebrating for the University of Washington. Photo: Instagram
Melbourne Victory has been busy in the off-season. Some big names have been signed and among the returning Matildas and former rivals is a player that is unfamiliar to Australian fans, but may not be for long.
Mckenzie Weinert is the latest American striker to wear the Melbourne Victory shirt. Like LynnWilliams, Darian Jenkins and Catherine Zimmerman, who came before her she is a wide, quick and inventive forward who can create goals, score from any range and enjoys a battle.
Her highlights reel from The University of Washington shows a dangerous, two footed footballer who thrives in one-one-one situations with or without the ball. Weinert’s off the ball movement allows her to beat defenders by ghosting into the box, or after a combination of passes with teammates. The footage also shows a strong finisher and a hunger for goals matched by composure in traffic.
Weinert looks like the prototypical Victory player, the type that Jeff Hopkins has historically built his game plan around.
“It’s been great,” Weinert said to Impetus Football about her time in Australia so far.
“It’s very different to Portland Oregon. The weather is actually kind of similar though, rain and cold, so I’m used to that. I’m looking forward to summer, but I’ve really enjoyed it so far.
“It was definitely a football move. It was a great opportunity to keep playing and really develop here.
“It was my first experience with jet lag. That was my biggest difficulty when I got here.
“On top of that, being far from family and trying to learn to new system was difficult…but the team has been super welcoming, everyone’s been great. The adjustments I’ve had to make haven’t made such a big impact.”
Weinert’s eye catching displays in the College system caught the eye of NWSL recruiters. She signed with OL Reign during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as a national team replacement player. It was a decision that would have immediate benefits and eventually lead her to Melbourne.
“It was amazing. Laura Harvey, the head coach, she has a great football mind. I developed a lot there, but I’m very excited to continue here and to develop under Jeff.
Reign’s current roster features a number of names that have made a big impact in Australia, during her time in Seattle, Weinert shared a locker room with the likes of former A-League Women stars like Jess Fishlock, Nikki Stanton and Veronia Latsko.
The conversations she had there, helped her decide to move across the world to further her career.
“Quite a few people played in Australia during the off-season, and I heard nothing but great things about the league and Australia in general.
“It where everyone says I could go and develop, it aligns perfectly with the NWSL season, and it was a good opportunity.
“I listened to what they had to say and thought about what they experienced in the league. It kind of made it a no brainier to come and try here.”
Having never been to Australia before, the A-League Women also provides an opportunity for Weinert to travel around the country. She is looking forward to visiting some cities she has heard a lot about, and hopefully heading back to Victoria with a few goals to her name.
“I’ve heard great things about Perth. You hear a lot about Sydney, and we play a NZ team, I’m looking forward to going there as well.
“I truly think it’s a great opportunity to explore the country… ultimately I’m here for football but the little perks on the side like travelling aren’t too bad.”
Weinert forms part of a new-look Melbourne Victory attack. She is one of five new signings for the final third alongside Emily Gielnik, Kurea Okino, Rachel Lowe, and Ella O’Grady.
Beattie Goad, Ava Briedis and Lia Privitelli will also return making for an enviable set of options. Although they have not played a competitive match together, Weinert says that they are all learning each other’s games quickly.
“It’s been good. That’s one of the difficulties you face, learning people’s styles and what they look for when they’re on the ball. This pre-season that’s what I’ve been focussing on.
“Overall, I feel like we’ve meshed together pretty well. I’m looking forward to season starting and seeing how that all comes along.”
One of the attributes that sets Weinert apart is her power and ability off both feet. It makes her a difficult striker for opposition defenders to close down, and her speed on the dribble means that she can open up space to shoot on either side.
When asked if she is left or right footed, Weinert has to pause and think for a moment.
“Growing up my dad was very strict with using both feet.
“Ever since my dad instilled that in me, I feel pretty equal on both feet.
“I think I prefer shooting on my left, but if somebody asked me I’d say I’m right footed. I’m thankful for my dad for making that happen.”
Footballers in the USA are not short of role models, and as a striker Weinert has some of the game’s best to look up to. She credits Alex Morgan as one of her favourites and looks to emulate the World Cup winner’s style of play and ability.
“I thought ‘oh I’m fast I could be like her.’ That’s where it started.
“She uses her strength that she has in her game really well.
“That’s kind of something I admire. You know your strengths and you know how to use them.
“I think what people can expect from me is competition. I’m a hard tackler and hopefully they can expect some goals.”
Weinert is ready to be involved in Melbourne Victory’s Round One match against Brisbane Roar. A win would start off the season in perfect style, and Weinert hopes to help the team reverse a recent trend.
Brisbane has not lost to Victory in the past two seasons, but Weinert was unfamiliar with that statistic and is only concerned with what comes next. The overall feeling is of excitement to get started in front of what is anticipated to be a huge crowd.
“I feel great, I think we’re very fortunate to have the facility.
“Everyone is really looking forward to the game and firing on all cylinders. It’s going to be a tough game, but we’re definitely up to the fight.”
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