Four clubs and six players: A-League Women signing news

There have been a number of new signings announced across the A-League Women over the past couple of days (17/8/23).

Above: Alana Jancevski’s arrival at Adelaide United is exciting news for the South Australian club’s fans. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

Adelaide United

Skilful attacker, Alana Jancevski, has made the switch to Adelaide United for the upcoming 2023/24 season.

The 20-year-old has spent the last two years with Perth Glory, where she scored five goals from nine starts.

Jancevski’s curling 25-yard free-kick against Western United in a 3-1 win was shortlisted for Goal of the Season at the 2023 Dolan Warren Awards after it was declared Goal of the Month for February.

Born in Victoria, Jancevski’s first Club was Bundoora United in Melbourne’s north-east, and she worked her way up to the Junior Matildas in 2018/2019 – a period that saw her score a memorable goal for her country against Thailand. 

Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “We are really thrilled to be adding Alana to our squad as she’s someone who has impressed us for a while now. She fits the mould as a player and person, with a sound technical ability and ‘team-first’ mentality, and we can’t wait for pre-season to get started and for Alana to begin gelling with the team. We’re looking forward to her continued progress and believe she can be a real asset and source of goals for us this season.”

Revered as a strong, technical player with a deft left foot and touch, Jancevski hopes to add to United’s firepower in front of goal.

“Adelaide was a promising club for me and what I feel is the right move at this time to progress my career,” Jancevski said. “In chatting with Adrian (Stenta) I really got a sense of the culture he’s helped create and you hear this around the league as well – it’s a family here and that’s very important to me.

“I’m really looking forward to joining my new teammates and linking up with players like Nano (Nanako Sasaki) and I think we can form a great partnership. I love to win and help the team as best as I can through scoring or assisting, so it’s a real goal of mine to help this team make Finals again and deliver team success.”

Jancevski is currently playing with Bulleen Lions in NPLW Victoria, with her six goals from 12 games helping her side to second place on the table.

Brisbane Roar
Above: Mariel Hecher – Brisbane Roar’s vice-captain for 2023/24. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

Brisbane have announced three players in the last two days starting with the return of Mariel Hecher to the squad as its A-League Vice-Captain ahead of the 2023/24 season. 

Hecher returns to the Roar for her fourth Liberty A-League season, after overcoming an ACL injury that she acquired in December 2022 in Brisbane’s clash against Western Sydney Wanderers. 

Since joining the Roar for the 2020/2021 campaign, the Brazilian has made 29 appearances and scored six goals in that time, looking for more in her return to the field this season. 

Hecher is excited to be returning for another season, taking on the Vice-Captain role for the first time alongside Captain Ayesha Norrie. Though being Norrie’s third time as captain, Hecher looks forward to showcasing her leadership by fulfilling the role that Matilda’s star Katrina Gorry previously filled for two seasons prior. 

“I’m pretty excited, I’m always happy to play at home and represent the state again and play for the Roar,” Hecher said. 

“I feel like there’s big shoes to fill, replacing Katrina (Gorry). Not big in size, but definitely big in experience. It’s going to be a great challenge, I’m excited to share the role with Ayesha, I’m going to learn a lot and hopefully, we can help each other be better for the team,” she added. 

Coming back from injury, the 30-year-old will be determined to bounce back to the fine form she was in prior to her ACL rupture.

“I want to return to sport as soon as possible, coming back from my ACL, my main goal is to be back on the field helping the team,” she said. “I think most of us have been playing together for one or two seasons now, I think we can go for a more successful season this year.”

Hecher has high hopes for the season ahead and wants to bring the only A-League club in Queensland back to where it belongs, particularly there are such a number of Queenslanders present in the Matilda’s squad. 

“As a team, we want to do better. We want to make finals; we want to bring Queensland back on the national stage and represent this state that has such good talent,” she said. “You see in the Matilda’s, there’s so many Queenslanders, we just want to make Queensland the powerhouse of football again.”

Head Coach Garrath McPherson is looking forward to Hecher bringing her energy and enthusiasm to the squad again this season. 

“Mariel has been a tremendous player for the club for the past three seasons now and we were devastated to lose her in the early stages of the last campaign,” McPherson said. 

“She brings so much energy and enthusiasm to everything she does, and she should be proud of the role she played in the background last season after her injury. The whole team is looking forward to having her back on the pitch, creating and scoring goals!” 

McPherson believes together, Norrie and Hecher will be role models for the younger players as they look to lead their squad through a successful season. 

“They both have had incredibly different journeys to this point of their careers and their experiences so far are invaluable for the group. For the younger players on our roster, they are role models and a support network to help them navigate life as a professional footballer.” 

Above: Keeley Richards in action during her time at Canberra United. Photo: Canberra Times.

Next to be announced by the Queenslanders was goalkeeper Keeley Richards, who was at Canberra United last season.

Brisbane-born and raised; Richards made her top-flight debut with Canberra United in Round 5 of the 2020/21 season which saw her go on to play two more campaigns in the capital. 

The 28-year-old has made 20 appearances in her time there, making 68 saves, and will look to build on that in Brisbane. With her athletic ability and shot-stopping talent, Richards is set to be a valuable asset to the squad as she makes the trip north to join the Roar. 

“I’m very excited, being from Brisbane, I grew up here, the chance to play at home in front of friends and family will be great,” Richards said. 

“We want to go as far as possible. The Roar has always been that strong and competitive side and it will be nice to get them back up there where they belong,” she added. 

Head Coach Garrath McPherson looks forward to welcoming Richards to the Roar with her selfless nature and her skillset in goals. 

“Keeley brings multiple seasons of ALW experience to our goalkeeping unit. Anyone that has had the opportunity to stand side by side with her will tell you how selfless she is, always putting the team first. This is a unique trait and one that will make for a seamless transition into orange,” McPherson said. 

“One of our key areas for growth is consistency across a long campaign. This requires turning up every day to be the best we can be,” he added. 

“Keeley is a professional who has been in the competition for a number of years and to do so takes a particular mindset. This mindset will be an asset for us in achieving our goals.”

Above: Junior Matildas captain Ruby Cuthbert in action. Photo: NT News.

Brisbane’s final capture is the hugely talented Western Australian teenager Ruby Cuthbert, the Junior Matildas’ captain who is currently playing for the Hyundai NTC in the NPLW WA on a three-year deal.

Born and raised in Fremantle, Cuthbert started her football journey at Fremantle City in the Boys Academy before joining Murdoch University Melville FC’s Women’s team, then spent time at the National Training Centre (NTC) in Western Australia until now. 

Cuthbert is part of the Junior Matilda’s and in November 2022, captained the Australian U17 Women’s team in a match against South Korea. The 16-year-old is an ambitious youngster that looks forward to the experience of playing in the Liberty A-League and at Queensland’s only A-League club. 

“It’s going to be amazing; it’s going to be such a good experience for me being young, such a good opportunity to explore Australia,” Cuthbert said. 

“I’m looking forward to playing with some amazing teammates and good staff and great facilities,” she added. 

“I can’t wait to meet new players and push myself to be the best I can be, I think it’s going to be a really exciting year to be part of a big club with big history and the community that they’ve created is awesome.” 

Head Coach Garrath McPherson spoke about Cuthbert’s style of play and the qualities that brought her to the Roar. 

“For a young centre-back, the communication and organisation of the players around her is something that I believe sets her apart from her peers. She has an excellent range of passing on both feet and this allows her to be deployed in a range of systems,” McPherson said. 

Captaining the U17 Australian Women’s team, revealed traits of hers that McPherson believes will be beneficial to the squad this season.

“To be chosen as a leader is afforded to those unique individuals who are selfless and empathetic. To have these character traits and be confident in using them shows maturity beyond her years. These will be wonderful qualities for our locker room,” he said. 

McPherson looks forward to being part of the start of her football career to help develop her as a professional in the coming years. 

“Ruby is a player who we see having a bright future in the game. She has committed to our club for the next chapter in her journey and our role is to support her to grow into a senior footballer over the next three years.”

Newcastle Jets
Above: Alex Huynh, seen here during her last spell in the A-League Women with Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.

The Jets yesterday announced the signing of Matildas representative Alex Huynh for the 2023/24 A-League Women’s season.

Huynh who plays as a defender is currently competing with Macarthur Rams in the NSW NPL. She started her career playing for Marconi Stallions in the NPL and has previously represented the Jets from 2010-2012. Huynh joined the Western Sydney Wanderers for the 2012/2013 campaign before heading over to the USA in 2013 to play for Colorado Buffaloes and Troy Trojans.

The former Marconi junior tested herself overseas in 2020 by playing for Napoli Femminile in Italy before moving to Denmark and signing for Fortuna Hjørring in 2021. It was during this time that Huynh was called up to the Matildas for a friendly match against Germany where she featured in the match.

Huynh is excited to return to the club where she made her A-League debut. “I’m excited to return to Newcastle and represent this great region once again. This is where my career started and I want to give back to this club.”

Wellington Phoenix
Above: Macey Fraser speaks to the media upon signing a pro-deal with Wellington Phoenix. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

Wellington Phoenix have signed Macey Fraser to the longest contract in the women’s team’s short history.

The attacking midfielder has committed to the Phoenix for the next three Liberty A-League seasons. Fraser, 21, is in her third year at the club’s academy and has been a key member of the women’s reserves for the past two seasons, initially playing under new head coach Paul Temple.

“It’s a really cool feeling to sign my first pro contract,” she said. “I’m so grateful to Paul for giving me the opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started and do as well as I can for the Phoenix.

“When I came into the academy Paul sat down with me and asked what I wanted to do, and I said be a professional footballer. He said ‘okay, let’s do it’. “He’s been such a big help to me and my skills as a player and as a person. 

Fraser was part of the history-making New Zealand squad that finished third at the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay, along with Phoenix regulars Mackenzie Barry, Grace Wisnewski, and Marisa van der Meer. “The under-17 World Cup was one of the best times of my life. It was such a cool trip and to come third and make some history was pretty awesome too.”

She also attended the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, alongside Wisnewski and van der Meer, and founding Nix squad members Kate Taylor, Alyssa Whinham, and Brianna Edwards.

“I’m quite close with a lot of those girls so it will be so cool to be training with them again.”

Fraser has had to wait a little longer than a number of her national age-group team-mates to get an opportunity in the professional ranks.“Everyone has a different journey and this is mine. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s made me grow as a person and I’m just so excited to finally be signing a professional contract. I’ve been working hard for a number of years now and I think it’s finally my time to show what I can do.”

Fraser’s footballing journey started in north Canterbury, where she played with her two older brothers in the backyard before joining Waimakariri United. She was on Paul Temple’s radar well before joining him at the academy.

“For a number of years Macey has been somebody that a lot of people have regarded as a super young talent coming through the system in New Zealand,” Temple said.

Above: Nix head coach Paul Temple speaks of his excitement at Macey Fraser’s potential. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

“I remember watching her play futsal for Canterbury a number of years ago at the ASB Centre in Wellington and thinking ‘wow, this kid is pretty special. Who’s she?’ Macey’s talent has always shone through. For her it was about finding a home where she was comfortable and that she could be consistent with what she does. 

“Over the last two years she’s been fantastic in terms of her commitment to becoming better on and off the pitch in all aspects of her game. She’s really matured as a person and as a footballer.”

He believes Phoenix “fans will love her”. “Macey’s really good to watch. She’s technically one of the better players I’ve worked with, and she’s got goals in her. She scored a number of goals for the reserves team from midfield so she’s a goalscoring midfielder, which is great for us and the team. 

“I think the contract length shows everybody how serious we are about her and how much we see her as part of the future.”

Fraser already has a big following on TikTok because of her footballing skills. “I know a lot of the younger academy girls idolise her in terms of this technical player that can do things with the ball that are pretty amazing,” Temple said.

“A lot of the players in the academy will be buzzing for her moving into the first team. Hopefully she can go on and continue to inspire those younger players to follow her pathway and the journey, and what it takes to get there.”

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Matildas post-match media conference coverage

After last night’s World Cup semi-final, Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson along with players Mary Fowler and Clare Hunt spoke to the media. Ben Gilby reports (17/8/23).

Above: Tony Gustavsson speaking in last night’s post match media conference. Image: Football Australia.

Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson spoke of his immense pride of his team’s achievement this tournament and highlighted the fact that this can be the start of something if there can be increased investment in women’s football in the nation.

The Matildas boss also recognised the tactical plan put in place by England head coach Sarina Wiegman that prevented his team’s transitional game and pacy counter-attacking style from being able to consistently get a foothold in the match.

“It was a wonderful game of football,” he said. “We were up against a world-class team and a world-class coach in Sarina (Wiegman). Both teams nullified each other’s attack in the first half, but we didn’t get our transition game going, they did very well to take that away from us. I don’t think we were brave enough on the ball.

“We told them to release the handbrake at half-time, and it worked. We did a phenomenal second half. Then, in tournament football, it takes only one moment, and England were much more clinical than we were in the finishing tonight. We had three sitters, so to speak, but then, one ball behind, it was 3-1 and game over.”

Gustavsson highlighted the “brutal” nature of the midfield battle that was a key part in deciding the outcome of the semi-final.

“It was lucky we had a referee to protect the players on both teams. There was an interesting tactical battle in there as well – everything from them wanting to close down our left side. England played a lot more transitional than normal. They did so well in the transition and it created their last two goals, their 10 and nine in particular.”

“I am happy that people believed we could win this tournament, and we felt that belief. We’ve had it internally for a long time. Maybe we’re not the highest-ranked team or have the same number of players starting in big teams as England have, maybe we don’t have the same resources, but we have something else. We have what the players bring to this team, we have what it means to be an Aussie and what is in our players’ DNA. This is just the beginning of something.”

Tony Gustavsson, Australia head coach.

With Sam Kerr and her fitness a constant talking point throughout the tournament, the Matildas boss was delighted to be able to speak about another aspect of the star striker – her stunning goal that brought the game level at 1-1 midway through the second half and her ability to create golden opportunities.

“Knowing Sam, she probably thinks (right now) that that goal wasn’t worth nothing. She wants a win, she’s a winner. That goal is proof that she is Sam Kerr. She is upset at the chances she missed, but the fact she was able to play 90 minutes says a lot about her.”

Australia have to rapidly overcome this defeat and move on to Saturday’s third-place play-off against Sweden in Brisbane, revealing what he said to the players in their post match huddle after the match.

“We promised to leave everything out there, and every single player did. The fans see a team that leave everything out there. I told them that we have limited time now (before Saturday’s third-place play-off against Sweden in Brisbane), and if we get too emotionally dragged down, we have no chance in the bronze medal game, so we need to be strong now.”

There has always been a bigger picture for the Matildas under Gustavsson. It’s always been about the long-term, and the end of this World Cup journey is, for him, just the beginning. In order for his team and the country to reach it’s true potential on the football field, he highlighted the necessary further support that Australian football needs.

“They and the generation before worked hard to be in this moment. We are very disappointed that we lost, but there can be a bigger win. This cannot be the end of something, it needs to be the start, and with that comes money as well.”

Above: Mary Fowler speaks to the media after the match. Image: Football Australia.

Whilst there was deep disappointment etched into the Matildas after the match, striker Mary Fowler paid tribute to her team’s achievements and the incredible support they have received.

“It was unreal tonight, just like it’s been for all the games. It’s really nice that even when were down to hear the crowd behind us and really cheer us on. Not many people get the chance to experience that at a home World Cup.”

Reflecting on Sam Kerr’s wonder goal for the Matildas, the Manchester City attacker revealed that she knew that as soon as Kerr picked up the ball, something special was going to happen.

“Sometimes when someone gets the ball, you just know they are going to score and that was one of those moments.”

Fowler ended by emphasising that the team are determined to come back to end the tournament on a high by claiming third place: “We’ve got to get over tonight, as quick as we can. We have to focus on that now as we want to come away with something.”

Above: Clare Hunt speaking after the match. Image: Football Australia.

Australia defender Clare Hunt was clear in her mind about where England won the match.

“They took their chances in the second half, and we got undone by their transition moments. England performed well and capitalised on their chances, so congratulations to them.”

She also spoke of the challenge facing the side now to get over such a defeat and return to action in just two days: “The mentality is to process this as soon as we can and shift to focus on how we can beat Sweden.”

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It’s down to the wire, and Calder win the Cup: NPLW Victoria Round 21

By Kieran Yap 14/8/23

Above: Calder United celebrating their sixth Nike FC Cup. Image: Calder United

Boroondara have one hand on the premiership, Calder United added their name to the Nike FC Cup yet again, and South Melbourne were held by Southern United over the weekend in Victorian women’s football.

Nike FC Cup Grand Final- Calder United 2-0 Bulleen United

Two late second half goals was enough for Calder United to win the Nike FC Cup for a sixth time on the weekend. Lucy Richards and Raquel Derales both struck in the 78th and 90th minute respectively after a tight tussle for much of the evening, with the Bulleen Lions looking worthy of the cup but unable to get the upper hand.

The match was played at the new home of The Matildas in Bundoora. Although the two clubs played out a 0-0 draw last weekend, it felt like both had something in reserve. Maja Markovski started for the Lions despite going off injured in the Round 21 clash.

Markovski was instrumental in Bulleen best chance of the game, she collected a pass from Paige Zois, then flicked it over the defence as the midfielder continued her run. Zois was beaten to it by Natalie Picak in the Calder goal, and the whistle was blown to pause play for the injured goalkeeper.

Richards finally broke the deadlock for the cup holders with a terrific finish, Kiwa Hieda’s sparkling league form carried over into the cup and her run and cut back created the chance for Richards to finish low and hard past Gaby Garton.

With Bulleen searching for a late equaliser, Raquel Derales sealed the result with a close-range finish from Julia Sardo’s cutback.

Calder lifted the trophy yet again. Bulleen will be disappointed. They had high hopes, were in strong form and definitely improved their performance from last season’s league decider. The gap has been closed, but Calder retain the cup that they now win by tradition.

Box Hill United 0-2 Alamein FC

Alamein’s late season resurgence continued with their third consecutive win. As usual Sidney Allen was crucial to the victory. The captain opened the scoring with one of her best of the season.

Alamein’s 36th minute attack was cut off by the Box Hill defence, and the ball bounced at the edge of the box. With her back to goal, Allen swivelled and looped a spectacular effort over the entire defence and into the net.  It was her 13th goal of a remarkable season.

Alamein’s skipper was at the centre of their second goal. her pass unlocked the space for the cross that Rebecca Saber nodded home in the 85th minute. Alamein’s pressure was the key to creating the chance. They pressed high up the ground to create the turnover as Box Hill tried to bring the ball out through the midfield and made the most of the opportunity.

The win brings them up to fifth on the table, and with a BYE next week, they have no chance of making the top four, but it has been another impressive finish from the Women’s only club. If the table remains the same it will be their second fifth place finish in two seasons. They will look to make that final leap in 2024.

Bayside United 0-1 Preston Lions.

Kaitlyn Torpey’s time as a striker has been one of the season’s most wildly successful moves. Her pace and composure has made her a natural for the position. Torpey’s acceleration combined with Ella Mastrantonio’s midfield skill has made Preston one of the form teams of the second half of the season.

She has nine goals in eight appearances and her most recent was all that separated the two sides on the weekend.

It was a typical Torpey goal at this point. A long pas through the midfield and the offside trap made a mockery of by her explosive pace. She took one touch to flick the ball beyond the goalkeeper and did not need a second to make sure of it. The ball bobbled over the line and Torpey wheeled away in celebration.

Preston can finish the season as high as fifth. They can leapfrog Alamein with a win against Box Hill next week. Baydside will face Calder United with the reigning champions already assured of finals football. Bayside’s early season form has faded, but they will look to go out on a high.

Southern United 2-2 South Melbourne

South Melbourne’s hold on third place took a surprising hit away to bottom placed Southern United. Rhiannon Kelleher and Rachel Binning scored for the home side, while South Melbourne rescued a point through Caitlin Picket and Zoe Lambi.

The opening goal was an end-to-end effort. Kelleher was on the end of it, but it was a swift, three-pass move that put the home side in the lead in the 36th minute.

Southern’s second goal was one that South Melbourne would be disappointed to concede. Binning climbed highest and nodded a textbook header into the net from a corner kick, but was left unmarked to finish in the box.

It took until the 76th minute before Pickett pulled one back. South build th move from the back with Brianne Reed’s pinpoint switch of play put Janna Lawson into space to cross low and allow for the Pickett’s tidy finish.

With the clock ticking down, South finally drew level through Lambi. Reed again brought the ball out from defence and the attack ended with Lambi’s first time strike from the edge of the box. It was the 85th minute of play.

FV Emerging 2-3 Boroondara Carey-Eagles.

FV Emerging may not be a finals team this season, but there are few sides that relish playing the NTC youngsters. They are capable of scoring against most opposition and with Boroondara looking to make a final push for top spot, they could not have had a harder test.

Emerging went into a lead in the 27th minute. Isabella Accardo’s free kick was whipped into towards Emilie Keppens. The striker leapt high and looked to have gotten a head to the ball, but it was ruled an own goal against The Eagles defence. In any case, Emerging were in the lead.

Margot Robbine levelled things up for Boroondara in the second half. The visitors struck on the counterattack and Robbine was able to flick the ball beyond the goalkeeper with all the time in the world.

Some persistence and skill from Robbine on the wing gave Boroondara the lead. Marguerite Eudes got the final volleyed touch to the cross, and The Eagles were back in control.

You would win no prizes for guessing who scored the sealer. Kurea Okino had a rare goalless outing in round 20, but nodded home from a corner to make it 3-1. It was her 31st goal on 2023, and was her most important yet.

Emerging provided the game with a nervy finish however. Alana Cortellino’s pace had been a problem all night as it has been all season, and she took the home side into attack once more. The eventual cross fell to Nia Arianna Mohd Salleh who had the goal at her mercy and made it 3-2.

The win puts Boroondara back into top spot with one game left to play. They sit one point ahead of Bulleen and the title will go down to the wire next weekend.

Boroondara have the tougher of the two fixtures. They will host South Melbourne who will want to rebound from this round’s draw and secure third place. Bulleen will need to win against Southern United and hope that Boroondara draw or lose to win the premiership.

In any case, this season is headed for a blockbuster finish, and nobody can reliably predict who will lift the trophy.

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Ana María Guzmán: The emerging Colombia defender with a big future

In the latest of his series of guest articles for Impetus during the World Cup, freelance journalist David Astill looks at the influence that Ana María Guzmán had on the South American nation’s superb tournament (15/8/23).

Above: Young Colombian star Ana María Guzmán. Photo: SuperSport.

Their time at the World Cup might now be over, but there is little doubt that Colombia have left their mark on the tournament, both on and off the pitch, by putting on some outstanding displays and participating in many memorable moments on the field and bringing energy, colour, and passion to the stadiums and cities off it.

In many ways, it has been a tournament of transformation for the Colombian team, as not many would have been well-known before travelling to Australia, and yet they will return home as household names and with pride in what they have achieved.

One of the players who has especially caught the eye, despite the briefness of her time on the field, is defender Ana María Guzmán. She had yet to make her senior debut before the tournament had got underway, and yet her performances showed that she is on track for a long and successful career in the game.

Background

It has been a meteoric rise for the 18-year-old Deportivo Pereira player, and yet, to those that have known her, it is nothing short of what they always knew that she was capable of.

From a very young age, she showed immense promise and was constantly given chances to build her game, with time spent at Club Sueños Dorados de Mistrató (based in her hometown of Mistrato, around 400km west of the capital city of Bogota) and Club Atlético Dosquebradas, whom she joined at the age of 11, providing her with solid opportunities to hone her craft.

At every stage of her development, it was clear that Guzmán had talent and would be a star of the future, and each person who came across her did what they could to shape her into the player that she is today.

In 2022, she made her first senior career move when she joined Pereira in the Colombian women’s top flight, the Liga Femenina, helping them to a sixth-place finish that year before they improved on that in 2023 when they ended the campaign as the fourth-best team.

Her strong performances quickly attracted the attention of those involved in the international game, with her being called up to represent Colombia at the 2022 Bolivarian Games (a multi-sport tournament contested by Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela), helping them to their fourth consecutive gold medal and on home soil.

Above: The young Colombian could be a target for clubs in Spain. Photo: Gol Caracol.

She was also included in the U17 squad for their own World Cup later that year, held in India, and played alongside fellow stars of the game like Linda Caicedo and Gabriela Rodríguez. She quickly became an integral part of the side that reached the final of the tournament, and, even though she contributed the own goal that ultimately handed Spain the title, there was little doubt that she emerged having gained valuable experience on the international stage and had really made a name for herself as one to watch in the future.

The 2023 World Cup

Given all of this, it was of no surprise to anyone who had been a part of her development that she was included in the senior setup at such a young age, with her being first called up in 2021. However, she had to wait for her first cap until the World Cup, when she started in the Round of 16 against Jamaica, replacing the suspended left-back Manuela Vanegas, with head coach Nelson Abadía not wanting to rush her and instead showing patience until he felt that she was ready to play for her country’s senior team.

It was a decision that ultimately paid off, with Guzmán looking very much at home on the pitch and demonstrating composure with the ball and a strong spatial awareness of where her teammates were, and her speed meant that she was constantly seen in advanced areas as well as dropping back to engage in 1-v-1 duels and be the archetypal Colombian defender that fans have come to know over the last month.

She was undoubtedly one of the reasons that Jamaica were unable to break the South Americans down in that game, and the fact that she set up Catalina Usme’s winning goal with a well-taken cross meant that she stayed in Abadía’s mind and was once again the player he turned to when right-back Carolina Arias suffered an early injury during the quarter-final with England.

Once again, she showed a calmness in possession that helped Colombia to give the European champions plenty of scares, and it was clear that she had a good tactical understanding and was very mature in her performance for someone who is still at the very start of their professional career.

Looking to the future

Even with her having made a limited number of appearances for the senior squad, Guzmán has already attracted a strong following and there are a number of clubs at home and abroad who are reportedly interested in acquiring the versatile full-back’s services.

One of them is América de Cali, who are regularly ranked among the best clubs in the country, whilst another is Atlético Nacional, who ended the 2023 campaign one place above Pereira in third and who will be looking to build as they try to close the gap even more to the top two of América and Santa Fe (who ended up as 2023 champions).

There has also been reported monitoring of her progress from Liga F in Spain, although no specific clubs have yet been named as having solid interest, and yet the fact that she is being touted with a move to one of the leading divisions in the women’s game indicates just how highly rated she is.

It also shows how much the Colombian women’s game is growing, with Linda Caicedo’s move to Real Madrid in January proving to many that the Liga Femenina is a league filled with jewels if clubs know where to look for them. There have already been plenty of players who have moved to big teams around the world to further their careers, and it surely won’t be too long before Guzmán earns her big break too.

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Glory announce capture of Jale

15/8/23

Above: Grace Jale (right) in action for Canberra United last season. Photo: Canberra United.

Perth Glory have today announced that New Zealand international striker Grace Jale has joined the club’s Liberty A-League squad for the 2023/24 season.

The 24-year-old made two appearances at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup having been a standout performer for both Wellington Phoenix and Canberra United over the past two ALW seasons.

A major aerial threat who also excels at bringing others into play, she has claimed nine goals and seven assists in 27 ALW starts since 2021, while taking her tally of Football Ferns caps to 19.

Having established herself as one of the leading forwards in the ALW, Glory’s new recruit believes she can continue to improve here in the West. “I’m stoked to be signing for Glory,” she said.

“I’m very excited to be working with a new group of coaches and players in the beautiful city of Perth. I’d like to learn and grow as a footballer and as a person for the team and I’m hoping for nothing less than a trophy at the end of the season.”

Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis, meanwhile, believes that Jale has the potential to become a real favourite with the club’s fans.

“Grace is a fantastic player who has proved herself as a goal scorer and real attacking threat in the competition over the past two seasons,” he said.

“She has fantastic attributes and has many different aspects and strengths that we will certainly benefit from. We want to be an attacking and aggressive team and she will be key to that.

“Moreover, she comes to Perth off the back of an historic Women’s World Cup campaign with New Zealand and I know she is primed and focused to come to the club and utilise her experiences from the past few months.

“I really believe in Grace and what she can bring to our team and I know that she will excite our supporters.”

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The potential to change the sporting landscape of a country

Among the Impetus team covering the World Cup are several who have watched, supported, and covered The Matildas for a number of years. Ben Gilby, Kieran Yap, and Genevieve Henry come together to share their thoughts on how a very special women’s football team is transforming the sporting landscape of a nation, and how they are so proud and emotional about it, having been on the Matildas rollercoaster ride for a such a long time (14/8/23).

by Ben Gilby in Sydney

Above: The Matildas run to celebrate with Cortnee Vine after she scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out against France on Saturday. Photo: Football Australia.

A nation is coming to a standstill. Across the land, hundreds of thousands are gathered in front of big screens, in fan zones, or in pubs. Millions more are watching at home.

Sound familiar? Like a European hotbed of football? Like England during the Euros Final? Except this is different. This is in Australia. A country where football is only the fourth or fifth biggest spectator sport. A country where hundreds of thousands of people pack into AFL (Australian Rules Football) stadiums each week or NRL (Rugby League) grounds.

A nation where the free-to-air TV networks and newspapers show very little in the way of coverage of the round ball game. A nation where free-to-air TV was only showing one game a day during the group stages, with the tournament otherwise hidden away on a pay TV channel.

But now, it’s all changed. And a women’s football team is the change maker. The Matildas are everywhere.

Before the tournament, I wrote:

The Matildas are universally adored in Australia. Think the reaction to the Socceroos’ exploits at the Qatar Men’s World Cup was a big deal? You haven’t seen anything yet. A raucous home support with rammed full stadiums allied with their Never Say Die spirit which drives them to compete with the best when they play the top sides, means anything is possible.

But the extent to which that reaction has come has taken me aback. It’s actually something that makes long-time Matildas watchers emotional. I’m not afraid to admit there were tears after Cortnee Vine’s winning penalty. This is a team with a special connection and ethos getting stronger together, riding the wave of national idolatry, and still maintaining that normal, grounded sense that has always made them who they are.

As I walked through the city centre of Sydney yesterday wearing a Matildas away shirt with Charli Grant’s name and number on it, people stopped me on two separate occasions and said: “Oh! The Matildas!” and then proceeded to break into discussion about where they watched Saturday’s game and how much they adore the team. In Sydney. Rugby League Central.

There has been ‘banter’ from some people in the UK about the extent to which the Australian public are reacting to the Matildas’ achievements. But those tweets are naive at best. It’s very easy to criticise or poke fun when you are writing from a country like England where football is the biggest sport by a long way, and whose national women’s side are European champions. Imagine if the UK’s fourth-biggest spectator sport suddenly outstripped the historic biggest “bums on seats” sport and was mentioned non-stop on the TV or in the media every day. This is what the Matildas have done.

Above: The packed fan zone in Perth for Australia’s last-16 tie with Denmark. Photo: Ben Gilby.

Things started to change around the second-round tie with Denmark. The fan zones were that bit fuller. The mentions on TV got that bit more frequent. The West Australian published a pull-out poster. But that was nothing compared to Saturday’s game with France.

The start times of AFL matches were amended to avoid clashing with The Matildas. The match with France was shown on big screens inside AFL stadiums. The AFL, it must be remembered have never had any interest in supporting the round ball code. This was a massive symbolic change.

Stadiums were being opened up around the nation for people to go to in order to watch the France game.

Stadium Australia invited all ticket holders attending that night’s England v Colombia game to come down to watch The Matildas on a chain of big screens in Cathy Freeman Park. I was among around 50,000 people gathered on the grass and amidst the trees to watch a night of high drama explode into sheer joy.

What an apt location to watch it. Cathy Freeman – one of this nation’s most iconic female athletes, who has inspired so many young girls in Australia, including a good number of this current Matildas team. An athlete whose symbolic gold medal win in the 2000 Sydney Olympics captured a TV audience of 8,000,000 here – and The Matildas are on their way to getting similar TV figures.

Above: People as far as the eye can see watching The Matildas’ dramatic win over France in Cathy Freeman Park, outside Stadium Australia. Photo: Ben Gilby.

The TV rating figures for the win over Denmark were bigger than any for the AFL or NRL Grand Finals in recent years. Again, unprecedented for football here.

Then there is the reaction towards head coach Tony Gustavsson. Derided as “a clown” (among the more polite opinions) in the early and middle stages of his tenure, indeed heavily criticised after the group stage defeat to Nigeria. That’s all forgotten.

Gustavsson has always, for me, been a man with a plan – a long-term plan at that. Having been in the majority of his media conferences before this tournament over the past two and a half years, the Swede has always spoken of a desire for his team to get “one day better, not one day older.”

He blooded more debutants than any other Matildas head coach in years and exposed those players to every single one of the world’s top ten nations at least once. He is a man of deep intelligence, a real student of the game. No wonder Sam Kerr told me at the team’s media conference before their game with England in April that: “When he speaks, we listen, he’s been there and done it.”

The challenge now is for the Australian Professional Leagues (who run the A-League Women) to capitalise on this and market the domestic women’s game properly at last. On too many occasions have there been false dawns for football in Australia.

Above: Coming together – and bringing a whole nation with them – The Matildas. Photo: Football Australia.

by Kieran Yap in Melbourne

Before this tournament started, the common notion was that most of Australia was not ready for the size and scale of what was about the happen.

Women’s football fans nodded in agreement. World Cups are huge events, and crowds and viewership had been growing steadily over the last few editions, even if publicity on the ground in France 2019 was relatively minimal.

What has happened since has been beyond even the most optimistic dreams. The Matildas have done historically well, but even before the group stage had ended, ticket sales had already gone beyond 2019’s edition. The success of the 2023 World Cup was not dependent on the home side, it had been embraced by the home nations, and seen as an adventure by those who travelled around the world.

Concerns that the change in timezone might impact TV viewership have been brushed aside amid a wave of unprecedented attention. In the US and Europe, people have set their alarms, in China alone 53.9 million people tuned in to watch the country’s game against England.

In January, FIFA announced that 500,000 tickets had been sold. By July, before a ball had been kicked 1.5 million people had bought seats to watch games in stadiums.

Put simply, more people have been exposed to women’s football at one time than ever before. They would not have been disappointed with what they saw. The underdogs got up, Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco all advanced to the knockout stages. Brazil departed early but put on a show with a sparkling display against Panama. While perennial underachievers like Spain gradually hit top gear and played some stunning football at times.

Of the expected 1.7 million people who will pass through the gates, and the repeated millions who tune in on Australian network TV, many will be from overseas, but the majority will be from one of the host nations.

This provides an opportunity to change the game.

Above: Cortnee Vine (5) – Australia’s hero in the penalty shootout against France, played a key role in Sydney FC’s successful A-League Women campaign in 2022/23. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

As things stand, the A-League Women still struggles to attract live crowds. This despite every single Matilda coming through the local competition, with Kyra Cooney-Cross, Charli Grant, and Courtney Nevin having departed only two seasons ago, and the likes of Clare Hunt, Alex Chidiac, and Cortnee Vine on the books of A-League clubs last season.

The league only needs to attract a small percentage of the curious or dedicated fans to change the future of the domestic game. Major WSL clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal average three to five thousand for normal league games played away from their men’s team’s stadiums. If the Australian Professional Leagues can attract one percent of the World Cup attendees, the effects will be seismic.

That is the potential that this World Cup has unlocked. It has shown people what women’s football can provide, and it is one of the most entertaining sports on the planet.

The World Cup has also shown that people will turn out for prime-time games. Women’s football need not be relegated to the unplayable 3pm kick-off under the guise of “family-friendly times.”

Not all of the World Cup fans will be interested in the A-League. Australians love a big event, but if that one percent can be converted, the foundations are set for long-term success.

None of this is the responsibility of Football Australia or the Legacy Committee. The unbundling of the professional league from the governing body has put the ball squarely on the Australian Professional Leagues’ penalty spot to knock in or miss.

At the time of writing, there is no A-League Women’s fixture available for fans to buy tickets. Memberships have gone on sale, but tickets to individual games have not.

This World Cup has the potential to change the game, and in many ways it already has. We will see the true effects in generations, as a child who once marvelled at Mia Hamm, it took almost 20 years for me to put that passion into action. Kids watching now may become fans or players. They may be around forever or for a few years, but this tournament has already changed lives and sparked the flames that will change the world for women’s sports.

However, the opportunity that has been presented to the A-League Women may never happen again. If they miss this chance, it will be worse than an own goal, it will be the equivalent of sleeping through the alarm and missing the team bus to the game.

But this tournament has given us real tangible, measurable hope, and that is something the football community in Australia needs and may thrive on.

by Genevieve Henry in Sydney

Above: Ellie Carpenter – one of several Matildas on huge billboards across Australia. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

From the moment I stepped off the plane in Sydney, I could see that the Women’s World Cup was a big deal.

The baggage claim screens all read “GO MATILDAS” at the bottom, reminding many travellers just what they had come for. I could see hints of this theme throughout the airport, but was shocked when I came upon a bright orange, pink, and teal lounge area, the FIFA Women’s World Cup meeting point, filled with flyers, guides, and photo opportunities.

When I finally escaped the airport to breathe in the excitement of the Australian air, the first thing I saw was Ellie Carpenter, blown up on a giant billboard. I knew it was going to be a big deal, I just hadn’t realised how big of a deal this tournament is. 

From city to city, the buzz grew. At first, people commented on our trip, calling it exhausting. To be fair, flying from the United States and driving around the country to every Matildas game, plus more is tiresome. After the first result went our way, friends and family started calling us lucky, and that they were happy for us.

By the time we had made it out of the group stage, folks were downright jealous that we had gotten to be a part of this. The most frequently asked question was “How did you manage to get tickets?” The answer: We’ve been planning since last spring. A year’s anticipation has paid off. 

Each stadium and city brought a different vibe. But, one thing is certain: Each time the Matildas play, the energy and attention only grows. Not only for our girls in green and gold but for all of women’s football.

In every city, people began to buy tickets to the games of whatever countries they could. People want to be a part of this historical month. Out in public, I see a hair ribbon or a jersey every once in a while. But far more commonplace is running into a friend and chatting about the previous night’s game. Football fever has gripped this nation. Each of the Matildas are becoming household names. No matter how far they can go, their impact is immense. 

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Polkinghorne: The job is not done yet

by Ben Gilby (13/8/23)

Above: Matildas legend Clare Polkinghorne speaking today. Image: CommBank Matildas/Football Australia.

Clare Polkinghorne has seen and experienced most things in her record-breaking 17-year career representing her country. But last night’s win over France was something else.

“It was an incredible night for everyone,” the defender beamed. We’re feeling really proud and I’m not sure it’s really sunk in yet. We re-group and go again on Wednesday.”

The showdown with France was an epic battle that ebbed and flowed all night, but for the Matildas’ record appearance holder, the way her side developed and challenged their opponents more the longer the game went on was something that she was hugely proud of them for.

“They (France) are a world-class team and they challenged us in every facet of the game. As the game went on, we got more confidence and more belief. Mary (Fowler)…really grew into the game, and to hold them out and keep a clean sheet (against France) is incredible against such a powerful team.”

That clean sheet was the fourth in five games this World Cup that goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold has kept. The West Ham United shot-stopper’s ascent to her current status has been rapid after falling behind Lydia Williams and then Teagan Micah in the battle for selection in recent years. But Arnold is the form of her life at the best possible time.

“It’s really incredible. She’s really earned it. She took her opportunity and grabbed it with both hands. What she did last night – we all knew she was capable of it, but to deliver it on the biggest stage is incredible and we’re really proud of her.”

When the final whistle went in Brisbane last night signalling a penalty shoot-out, long time Matildas fans cast a worried look at each other – Australia’s record in shoot-outs has been a source of pain for players and supporters for years. But this is a different Matildas, as Polkinghorne pointed out.

Above: The scenes in Brisbane as Australia won their penalty shootout against France. Photo: Football Australia.

“I remember when we were back at the Rio Olympics (in 2016) and when we had a penalty shoot-out there against Brazil and the atmosphere that we were up against and we replicated that (last night). It was incredible. There is no better feeling. Words cannot describe what it means to us as a group. It shows how far our team have come and how we’ve matured as a group. People were not afraid to step up and take the responsibility on.”

With the entire nation seemingly coming to a halt last evening to support The Matildas in stadiums, in front of big screens, in pubs, in living rooms, women’s sport, and football specifically has achieved something which may be hard to appreciate for those outside of Australia due to the domination of AFL and NRL – both sports’ seasons are coming towards their pointy end – but it’s all about The Matildas now.

“It means everything,” Polkinghorne said. If someone had described what last night would mean, I would have thought they were joking. We’ve come such a long way. This is what we’ve been fighting for. To have the Australian public standing with us and fighting for us is incredible. We set a goal of wanting to inspire the nation, and hopefully we’re doing that.

“We’ve always had belief in ourselves as a group, but for everyone else to have belief in us is really special. It’s been something we’ve been wanting for a long time.”

Whilst last night was special for Australia, all it has ultimately done is set up another big hurdle for The Matildas to clear. It’s one that the 34-year-old recognises is tough, but surmountable.

“The job is not done yet. Our focus now turns to Wednesday and the semi-final. They (England) are a world-class team and they are going to be very difficult to come up against. We’re up for the challenge and we know that if we play to our potential, then we have belief in what we can do.”

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Foord and Yallop: This shows what our team are about and the belief we have

On an incredible night for football in Australia, Ben Gilby reports the post-match reactions of Caitlin Foord and Tameka Yallop as they spoke to the media after the match (12/8/23).

Above: Caitlin Foord reflects on Australia’s dramatic win over France with the media yesterday. Image: CommBank Matildas/Football Australia.

It was one of the most epic and dramatic nights that this World Cup has seen, and for Matildas stars Caitlin Foord and Tameka Yallop, it encapsulated the ‘Never Say Die’ spirit that is the Matildas’ mantra as they clinched their first-ever World Cup semi-final spot.

Speaking to the media after the match, Australia’s Arsenal attacker Caitlin Foord spoke of her overriding emotions and the impact that it has had on the team.

“I’m just so proud. It was an incredible performance. We were unlucky not to put one away during the game, and then to go to pens, and to get it done then, I think that’s huge for this team.

“It boost our confidence even more to get through a hurdle like that. It shows what our team is about and the belief we have. Our ‘Never Say Die’ spirit came through tonight.”

Asked what it felt like stepping up to take a penalty in the shoot-out, rather than feeling all the pressure that comes with such a task, Foord revealed she was positive about being successful.

“It was weird, we were all prepared for it. I didn’t think too much, I knew we had prepared for that moment. I was confident for us to get it done in pens. Just confident!”

Above: A proud Tameka Yallop with the media last night. Image: CommBank Matildas/Football Australia.

After 16 years as a Matilda, Tameka Yallop emphasised with the media the enormity of what her team are achieving in the wider scheme of sport within Australia.

“It’s really hard to put into words. This group are really special. To share this moment with every single player, all our support staff, all our fans. It’s amazing. We just made…history, and I’m so proud to be part of that.

“To see how far the game has come…Back when I first got my debut (in 2007), I was playing among superstars then and no one else saw it, no-one was watching, and now here we are playing with a team of superstars and we have so many people watching now.”

With almost 50,000 in Suncorp Stadium last night, a guaranteed 75,000 for the semi-final against England in Sydney, tens of thousands watching at live screening events around the nation and millions more watching on TV at home, many more people are going to be a part of the last four clash on Wednesday.

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Canberra announce double signing

by Ryan Miller-Woods (11/8/23)

Above: Vesna Miivojevic, pictured last season, is back at Canberra United for the new campaign. Image: Canberra United.

Canberra United have announced the re-signing of Serbian international Vesna Milivojevic for the upcoming A-League Women’s season along with Junior and Young Matildas international defender Tegan Bertolissio who will come across from NPLW NSW club Macarthur Rams.

Milivojevic was one of Canberra’s most integral and influential players playing in all 18 matches of United’s campaign where she scored eight goals and provided three assists as the club just missed out on making the Finals by goal difference to Melbourne Victory.

Her prowess on the ball, how important her contributions throughout the season, how she made things look so effortless with her passages of play, and the contributions she made for players such as Michelle Heyman, Grace Maher, and Nicki Flannery that led to goalscoring opportunities during the previous season, really does bode well for Canberra towards their charge of making Finals football for the first time since the 2020/21 W-League season.

When asked what made her come back to Canberra for the upcoming season, Milivojevic said: “I felt so at home here last season and had so much freedom on the field. I think we (Canberra and I) have some unfinished business.”

When Canberra head coach Njegosh Popovich was asked about how Milivojevic’s performances last season translated on the field, he said: “Our expectations (of her) were exceeded last season and I think we (Canberra) can only see better from Vesna again going through this year.

“She’s always been a talented and gifted player on the ball but her passion is second to none and that passion is one thing I think will emulate through the playing group (at Canberra) and the season.”

In more signing news for Canberra United, they have also announced the signing of Junior and Young Matildas international defender Tegan Bertolissio from NPLW NSW club Macarthur Rams.

Throughout her time with Macarthur Rams, she has not only played multiple roles in defence but throughout the season has been one the players that have really stood out for them as the Rams are currently second on the NPLW NSW ladder only behind APIA Leichhardt.

Bertolissi spoke of her pride in signing for Canberra United, saying: “I am absolutely thrilled to have signed for Canberra United and having been offered the opportunity to play in the Liberty A-League for such a well-known and successful club.”

“I would like to thank Njegosh Popovich for giving me the chance to show what I can do at this level, and I am looking forward to getting started, to continuing to learn from the coaches and the senior players, and playing my part in a successful season.”

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