Above: Fiona Worts in action for Adelaide United during her goal-laden 2022/22 season.Photo: A-League Women.
Sydney FC has boosted its striking department with the arrival of A-League Women Julie Dolan Medalist and 2021/22 Golden Boot winner, Fiona Worts, who was most recently at Adelaide United.
The 27-year-old English forward has hit 18 goals in 39 appearances during three seasons in the A-League Women’s competition. She was named best player in the country for the 21-22 campaign after scoring 13 goals and claiming the league’s Golden Boot.
Worts spoke of her anticipation about what the move to Sydney offers. “I’m excited to be joining a club that has been so historically and recently successful. There’s great talent in the squad and I look forward to working with them and with Ante (Juric, Sydney FC head coach). I want to get back to my best self on the pitch and contribute to another great season for the club.
“I think it’s been a great year for women’s football and Australia blew away my expectations with the World Cup. I can’t wait to see what that brings to the A-League this season.”
Worts has also represented Nottingham Forest at youth level, Coventry United, and Leicester City in the FA Women’s Championship in England, and jointly holds the A-League Women’s record for most goals in a game, scoring five in Adelaide United’s 8-2 win over Brisbane Roar in 2022.
Head Coach Ante Juric is confident the striker will shine in Sydney FC’s squad. “Fiona has a proven eye for goal and is a lethal finisher,” he said.
“Her game suits our style of play and she will provide excellent competition for us in the final third. We have built a strong squad and I’m looking forward to the season beginning as we look to defend our titles. It promises to be another exciting year.”
Wellington Phoenix
Above: Kelli Brown – pictured as one of Wellington Phoenix’s inaugural players, has made a return for 2023/24. Photo: NZ Herald.
Young forward Kelli Brown has returned to the club after missing out on a contract last season despite being a member of the inaugural Phoenix women’s squad, has signed with the club for the new season.
Brown, 22, has earned back her place in the Phoenix squad after scoring 23 goals in 26 matches for Macarthur Rams FC in the NPLW New South Wales competition this year, finishing a close second in the Golden Boot race.
Phoenix head coach Paul Temple says Brown has “been too good to not sign. Kelli’s scored goals wherever she’s been, she scored goals for New Zealand at the under-17 World Cup, in the national league last year and has been one of the top scorers in the NPL this year. It makes it hard to ignore her.
“We were also looking for somebody that is quite versatile. She’s played as a wide forward predominantly this season but she has also played as a striker for Macarthur so she gives us some options
“Kelli’s going to suit the way we want to play and she’s in really good goalscoring form so she’s going to come into pre-season on the back of a really strong NPL season, where she’s outscoring other really high-quality A-League players.” The former New Zealand age-group international, who was a key member of the history-making team that finished third at the 2018 U-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay, now has the chance to “prove herself at the A-League level again”.
Brown is hoping she can be a regular goal scorer for the Wellington Phoenix. “That’s the aim of the game and I don’t see why not,” she said. “Going off the season that I’ve just had hopefully I can bring some goal scoring. I’m also looking forward to reconnecting with some of the girls and picking up where we left off. It’ll be good to get back and gel.”
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Above: Angela Beard in the colours of her new club Linköping
Filipinas’ star Angie Beard signed for Swedish powerhouse Linköping last week from A-League side Western United, Impetus Football caught up with the World Cup player to see how she is settling in ahead of the first round of Women’s Champions League Football.
Beard, 26, departed Western United FC on a permanent transfer with a deal through to the 2025 season. In comments provided by Western United, the player said “To the Club and the girls – thank you for welcoming me into the team and allowing me to play a small part in your historical inaugural season,” Beard said.
“Although my career takes me back to European football, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Western United and I wish the team the best of luck for the upcoming season.”. During her stint in Melbourne, Beard played with fellow Filipina’s teammate, Jaclyn Sawiki, both playing an integral role in leading the side to the finals of the A-League in the side’s inaugural campaign, eventually losing out to Sydney FC.
Over the summer, Beard played in all three of the Philippines group stage games against Switzerland, New Zealand and Norway in the country’s maiden tournament. These games also provided an opportunity for Beard to play against Arsenal stars Lia Walti, Noelle Maritz of Switzerland, and Frida L. Maanum of Norway, who are Linköping’s first game of the Champions League tournament.
However, at the time Beard herself was not yet signed to Linkoping, and therefore did not realise just how soon she would be meeting these players once more. Of the experience, while Beard could not “prepare for a future I didn’t know about” in terms of taking notes on her soon-to-be opponents, the player explained that there are takeaways but being a “football fan in general, and watching the WSL (Women’s Super League), following along with players” means an in-depth study of players isn’t needed to the same extent, due to the natural familiarity.
Beard is also very familiar with the Australian Arsenal players, Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley, from her earlier international days when she played for Australia. Beard made 3 appearances for Australia before switching to the Philippines, and grew up in the Australian system, playing at under seventeen and twenty level.
Linköping’s signing of Beard strengthens the side significantly given her impressive ability to play in numerous positions. During her time in the Danish league, her position was focused on defensive action, whereas more recently, at Western United, fans were treated to attacking ball work and goals.
However, as the Queenslander explains her position can also be moulded to the opponent “given the group the Philippines found themselves in at the World Cup” (made up of New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland) and the results we (Philippines) were trying to get” meant she was predominantly a defensive force. As a result, the player is keen “not to put herself in a box” regarding her position, as she continues to be flexible and talented in the positions any of her teams require. Beard explained “that as I get older, I learn to adapt more with each team I’m part of” and ultimately “whatever’s best for the team, is what we’re going for”.
Prior to Beard’s move to Sweden, she was heavily linked with a move to England’s Women’s Super League, although no team was named. In the past Beard has discussed a desire to play in Europe and specifically in the WSL, however, she is now focused on her new club.
When Impetus asked if this was still a goal, Beard explained that “it’s hard to say… right now for my career I just want to be playing consistent minutes, against great players… but right now I’m loving being here and I’m loving the team. I think for right now this is where I need to be, I’m happy”.
Beard only recently arrived in Linköping but is already settling in, while her time in Denmark “helps a little with the language… the girls are very welcoming and friendly, so it’s easy to have a conversation, so that really helps. But if I’m here for two and a half years, I will pick some up” she jokes.
Looking even further into the future, Beard discussed where she feels the future of her international team is heading. Many from the Philippines were clear from the start of the World Cup that while reaching the tournament, was an important milestone, it was not the final destination, and it was important for the team to continue to reach new levels. “With the new head coach, he’s settling in and finding his spot”, and “the experience of the World Cup itself” also “exposes the players to that environment” and that helps “build to the next step at the Olympics”.
As for Beard’s feelings about reaching the next level, she passionately tells me “I play football to win games, I’m not just here to participate, so I’m hoping we can push for more wins and a better brand of football than we were yesterday”.
Ending the conversation with Beard, what is clear is her desire to constantly improve not just her own game but also the teams she plays for. Given Linköping’s success throughout the years and a team, that currently sits second in the Damallsvenskan, it would not be surprising, with Beard’s determination, that she will go on to be a vital part of the side’s fight to top the league.
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Above: Arsenal’s Amanda Illestedt talks to the media ahead of the match
Impetus contributor, Rebecca Hall, attended the Arsenal press conference and spoke to Linköping players ahead of the first match, to see how the teams were preparing.
On Wednesday Linköping host the first round of a mini-tournament which determines teams making it to the next round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. The impressive Swedish side Linköping play English heavy-weights Arsenal, while Paris FC take on Kryvbas. The respective winners and losers then go on to face each other in a final and third-place match.
The fifth of September marked the day that every Arsenal fan (and most football fans) have been waiting for, Beth Mead was named in the travelling squad headed to Sweden. This marked a significant step in her recovery after suffering an ACL injury in November against Manchester United. Eidevallagreed with the fan’s jubilation that it is “so nice when you welcome a player back because you know how hard they have fought both on and off the pitch to be able to get into this shape”. However, it may not come as a surprise to those familiar with ACL injuries, that Eidevall confirmed Mead will play no minutes in either of the games. The Arsenal boss explained, “She’s not there yet. This (game) would come a little bit too early for her, but she’s not far off”.
Eidevall touched on Arsenal’s long series of injuries, particularly ACL-related, stating “Beth is the first of our long-term injuries, returning. That of course is very nice. I think that it’s also a turning point where hopefully more of our players will come back. That is exactly the kind of momentum we want”.
One of the biggest concerns for Arsenal is fatigue and as a result, how match-ready the majority of the players are. Fifteen of Arsenal’s squad were selected for the tournament, and eight of those were involved in the final and third-place match. However, of those involved, Lotte Wubben-Moy played no minutes, although the journey and event of the World Cup still have an impact, alongside the lack of downtime. There were just two weeks between the final and the first Champions League game. In the Arsenal press conference, Jonas Eidevall spoke about the difficulty of the short turnaround and explained that “everyone was back in training last Monday, giving us a little over a week to prep”. Eidevall plans to manage the returning players “individually because they are not getting necessary time off”. In the past Arsenal have been credited for their player management, having given players such as Lia Walti and Vivianne Miedematime off for personal reasons during the season. However, the Arsenal boss concedes “We can’t give them all time off at the same time, so it needs to be managed individually”.
This short turnaround period also leads to difficulty in fully integrating the team, especially considering the new signings made in the summer window. Arsenal can now call on Bronze Ball winner of the World Cup, Sweden’s, Amanda Illestedt, World Cup winner Laia Codina, Benfica’s top goal scorer, Cloe Lacase, and Lionesses powerhouse, Alessia Russo. When asked if this was enough time, Eidevall joked that “One week is more than one day”, but simply said “It is what it is” and “we did our very best with every day available”.
Arsenal’s new signing Amanda Ilestedt said even with the short amount of time since the World Cup “it feels good to be with the team and get to know the players and staff, but it’s great to be here”.
As well as new signings, Jonas Eidevall also confirmed that Renee Slegers has joined Arsenal as an assistant coach for the season. Slegers was previously the manager of Rosengårdwhere she took over from Jonas Eidevall when he left for Arsenal. On the appointment Jonas Eidevall, commented that “we needed a person who knows football well but who also can help with the individual development, and I think she’s the perfect person to do that”.
Linköping have also made new signings in this transfer window including Philipines international, and former Australian international, Angela Beard, as well as MalinBrenn. These signings significantly strengthen the backline, although Beard has a strong ability to play in multiple areas. The Queenslander played an attacking fullback role last season for A-league side Western United. Beard insists that she is happy to play where the team needs her and that “as I get older I learn to adapt more”.
Linköping’s new signing. Philippines international and A-League Champion Angela Beard.
Linköping welcomed back Alva Selerud from a loan spell with Roma. The young star made her first start since returning, on Friday and she will likely retain her place for Wednesday’s fixture. The 23-year-old talked of how she is happy to be back on but learnt a lot in Roma.
Swedish international and bronze medal winner of this year’s World Cup, Stina Lennartson spoke of the teams and the city’s excitement for Champions League football, explaining they “have been waiting nearly one year now” and are “excited to play against one of the best teams in the world”. Alva Seleurdadded that “the arena is sold out, which is super fun”. Both players agreed that there will be a home advantage and they are looking forward to playing in front of their fans. The pair also joked as a particularly big gust of wind hit us that it was “our wind as well”. This joke stems from the high levels of wind the city experiences, but this is particularly true of the Bilborsen Arena, where there is a characteristic swooping motion of wind in the stadium, mainly on the side of the dugouts. While this may seem trivial, an understanding of the wind pattern in the ground could prove important, especially for aerial balls.
Anders Jacobson was recently placed in charge of the team after Andree Jeglertz left the role to become the new head coach of Denmark. The new boss has made a quick start having picked up points from his first two games as manager, including a 5-2 win over Brommapojkarna and a goalless draw against Hacken.
Arsenal go into this as favourites but Linköping go into this match with a good run of form, compared to Arsenal’s small preparation time, with no WSL action until October. However, in their last run in the Champions League, Arsenal found form and reached the latter stages which the side will be looking to build on. Both sides have world-class talent, and Arsenal are likely wary of getting caught cold in front of the sold-out crowd.
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Above: Natasha Snelling, who scored both Norwich City’s goals in their 2-2 draw with London Seaward on Sunday, celebrates a strike. Photo: Norwich City Women.
FA Women’s National League Division One South East
Norwich City had to settle for a share of the spoils in an exciting 2-2 draw with London Seaward at The Nest,
Natasha Snelling opened the scoring for the Canaries before, in the second half, Katherine Long equalised for London Seaward. Snelling put the home side back in front but they were unable to hold on for the victory as Megan Burrows ensured the points were shared, scoring for visitors with 16 minutes left on the clock.
Eastern Region Premier Division
It was a tough day for Norfolk teams in tier five as Wroxham were beaten 3-1 away by Luton Town. After a goalless first half, Luton put the game out of sight in the second period thanks to goals from Andie Dickens, Eleanor Wade, and Elizabeth Sanders. Keela Olive got a consolation goal back for Wroxham but by then it was too little too late for Adam Race’s team.
Elsewhere, King’s Lynn Town put in an improved performance but were beaten 7-1 at home by Needham Market at The Walks. The visitors led 3-0 at halftime thanks to a brace from Molly Hall, with Lina Nagib getting the third.
In the second half, Lina Nagib added her second, and before Paige Wakefield made it 5-0, King’s Lynn pulled one back through Jodie Hopkins but there was to be no comeback as Ellie Rossiter made it 6-1, and the day was rounded off by Molly Hall getting her hat-trick and completing a very comprehensive victory for Needham Market.
Above: Deva Rawlings (left) battles for the ball in King’s Lynn Town’s game with Needham Market at The Walks. Photo: Tim Smith.
Eastern Region Division One North
Dussindale and HellesdonRovers produced the result of the weekend by winning their local derby 6-1 away to Fakenham Town. Victoria Leyer and Tallulah Bell both scored two each with Shanice Sutton and Abby Hutchin getting the other goals. Rochelle Words got Fakenham’s goal.
It was a result that sees Dussindale and Hellesdon sit top of the table with eleven goals in two games in a superb start to the season.
In this week’s other game featuring a Norfolk team, Thetford Town beat Wootton Blue Cross 3-0 at Mundford Road thanks to goals from Hannah Claughton, Kamile Omeleviciute, and Jordanne Sillitoe. They, like Dussindale and Hellesdon, also have two wins from two.
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Tom Freeman returns with his review of all the action in tiers three to five of the Scottish Women’s football pyramid (5/9/23).
Above: Rossvale celebrate a goal in their win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Kelly Nielsen.
SWF Championship
Rossvale have gone clear at the top of the Scottish Women’s Championship for the first time since it became a national league, with a 4-2 victory at home against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Both sides came into the tie unbeaten from the first two weeks of the new season, and it would be the Highlanders who scored first through new signing Bella Viana.
But a double from Sarah Wardlaw, a goal from Megan Whiteford, and a strike from range by captain Lauren Coleman had the Glasgow side comfortable by halftime. Inverness applied pressure in the second half and despite a goal back from Kirsty Deans will be aggrieved by a missed penalty which may have changed the momentum.
Westdyke dropped their first points to Ayr United who won 6-2 through four goals from last season’s Championship player of the season Clare Docherty, complemented by strikes by Nicol and McBlain. A Kayleigh Traynor double was consolation for the visitors.
Elsewhere, Renfrew Ladies needed a last-minute goal from Nicole Telford to beat Edinburgh City 2-1, East Fife notched their first points of the new season with a 1-0 away victory against Dryburgh Athletic in Dundee, while Morton also got off the mark with a comprehensive 8-0 victory at home to Hutchison Vale.
Above: Rossvale (yellow and red) battle for possession with Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Kelly Nielson.
SWF League One
League One saw a new derby as Forfar Farmington hosted Dundee West at Station Park, running out 5-0 winners to send them joint top of the table in week two, while another local rivalry saw Falkirk beat Stenhousemuir 3-0 in a game which saw both goalkeepers in commanding form. Falkirk manager Craig Tully saw red after an altercation with the referee before Kirsty Gilbert rounded the keeper to tap in, and strikes from distance by Iona Bridges and Kirsty Mcleod secured the points for his side.
Queen of the South suffered their first home defeat in a very long time at the hands of fellow League One newcomers Bonnyrigg Rose. The visitors netted early through Saffron McCabe then weathered the storm from the home side in the second half before scoring deep into added time through an Eilidh Weir counterattack to secure three points on the road.
Airdrie also recorded an impressive away win, beating St. Mirren 3-1 with goals from Megan Murray, Sophie Harrison, and Teri Deegan to join Forfar at the top.
Biffa Regional Leagues
In the regional SWFL, it was goals galore for Inverurie Locos, winning 16-0 against Westdyke Thistle while in the League Cup Kilwinning beat Nithsdale Wanderers 15-0. Orkney Women also won big in the ScottishPower Highlands and Islands league, a 10-1 victory against Nairn St. Ninian in Kirkwall closing the gap to table-topping Buckie Ladies, who recorded a 1-1 draw with Sutherland, to four points.
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Matthew Appleby returns with his regular photo galleries for Impetus. At the weekend, he captured all the action from the tier four FA Women’s National League Division One NOrth game between Hull City and Middlesbrough (5/9/23).
Above: Middlesbrough get a header in on goal at Hull City on Sunday. Photo: Matthew Appleby.
Hull City 4-1 Middlesbrough
A hat-trick from Helen Lynskey and a further strike from Hope Knight ensured that Hull City earned a big home win over Middlesbrough in Division One North of the FAWNL.
Bethany Guy was on target for Boro in the game played at Barton Town FC.
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Four clubs announce players plus there’s a big blow for a key member of the Wellington Phoenix squad (5/9/23).
Above: Lily Alfeld in action for Wellington Phoenix in 2021/22. She will miss the whole of the coming season with injury once more in a real blow for the club. Photo: Wollongong Mercury.
The Wellington Phoenix women will be without their inspirational leader Lily Alfeld for the 2023-24 A-League Women season.
Experienced goalkeeper Alfeld, club captain for the women’s first two seasons, won’t be able to play for the Phoenix in the upcoming campaign as she requires surgery on her back.
“It’s quite heartbreaking,” Alfeld said. “Going through last season with injuries this was the season I was looking forward to and had my sights set on.
“Unfortunately it hasn’t worked out that way, but at the same time it gives me a lot of time to get myself right, do the rehab thoroughly and properly, and there’s no time pressure.”
Alfeld was the team’s first signing in 2021 and was in goal for all but one of the Nix’s 14 matches in their inaugural season, leading the team to breakthrough wins over Canberra United and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Unfortunately the former age-group international missed the entirety of the 2022-23 campaign as a result of off-season knee surgery and the back injury, which started to trouble her in January and then flared up again in April just before she was due to join the Football Ferns for their pre-World Cup camp.
“It’s been incredibly frustrating as we were hoping the injury would heal with time. I’ve given it six to seven months, but I haven’t had the progress I’d hoped. The next step is surgery and hopefully that’ll mean I’ll be able to return to football next year. It’s looking really positive. My surgeon has operated on a lot of athletes who’ve been able to make a full recovery.”
Despite the frustrations, Alfeld remained a key part of the Phoenix women’s squad last season and could be heard cheering on the team from the stands at Sky Stadium.
Alfeld was recognised at the club’s awards night in May, when she was presented with the prestigious Lloyd Morrison Spirit of the Phoenix award.
New women’s head coach Paul Temple wants Alfeld to still be involved with the Phoenix this season.
“We’re talking to Lily about a role at the club and hopefully we’ll still have her around the team environment,” Temple said. “A team culture is built around its people and she’s an amazing person. We’d love to find a way in which Lily can still have a home here at the Phoenix.
“The best scenario is that we have her at NZCIS, and she can continue to do her rehab here and continue to have a positive influence on the group.”
Adelaide United
Above: Maruschka Waldus (right) in action for Adelaide United last season. Photo: Keep Up.
Experienced central defender, Maruschka Waldus has signed a two-year contract extension with Adelaide United.
Waldus has made a total of 29 appearances with three goals in her two seasons at Adelaide to date. She was the only outfield player to play every minute of their last Liberty A-League campaign, with her wealth of experience supporting Adelaide at the back.
The Dutch defender impressed immediately in her first stint with Adelaide in 2020/21, scoring two goals in 11 appearances on her way to claiming the Dianne Alagich Medal for an exceptional season.
Waldus, 30, believes United are building towards something special, making the choice to remain a Red an easy one.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to stay on with United. It’s a great opportunity to keep the momentum from the World Cup on a high and I hope we can leave a legacy and inspire a new generation. I’m passionate about the club. I hope that with my experience I can help the team and club to win prizes…and it’s exciting to help younger players to develop around me.”
Waldus has played all around the globe, and in recent times she featured for PSV Women in the 2021/22 Champions League against Arsenal.
Head Coach, Adrian Stenta said: “Maruschka is an important player for us and her experience is one you can build a backline – and team around.
“She is a popular member of the playing squad and always brings a lot to the group, possessing a great deal of knowledge in the game, as well as a high level of leadership and professionalism. We are thrilled she will remain with us for the next two seasons.”
Brisbane Roar
Above: Back at Brisbane for another season – Isabella Shuttleworth. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
Brisbane Roar will welcome back young shot-stopper Isabella Shuttleworth on a scholarship contract for the 2023/24 A-League Women season.
Shuttleworth began training with the Roar in 2021 before signing her first professional contract with the club ahead of the 2022/23 season. Her debut came in the home defeat against Adelaide United, taking over for an injured Mia Bailey before starting the remaining four games.
The 20-year-old looks forward to what the coming season holds: “I’m striving to get a full contract throughout the season or next year. But I’m here to support the girls and create a good competitive training environment. This is my fourth season with the Roar, and I feel each year is a progression from the last…I’m seeing myself grow both on and off the pitch which is very exciting.”
Shuttleworth aims to continue developing and play as many minutes as she can to secure a full contract in the future.
“I’m very excited to get training again with the girls, I’ve really missed it. Considering I’m scholarship, I have something to prove and fight for. My main goal is to break into the match day squad at least a couple of times,” the goalkeeper said. “But that all starts at training so I’m going to focus on working harder each session and hopefully Garrath sees the hard work.”
Head Coach Garrath McPherson describes Shuttleworth as having “the unique ‘team first’ mindset that is so important for goalkeepers.”
“They play in a position that is rarely substituted, selflessness and a growth mindset are so important for young goalkeepers to progress as professionals,” he said.
“Bella possesses these qualities and has already had more league experiences than that of her peers. She is an important part of our football club moving forward.”
Newcastle Jets revealed on Tuesday the signing of American goalkeeper Izzy Nino for the 2023/24 season.
Originally from Northville, Michigan in the United States, the 24-year-old joins the club from the University of Michigan where she has spent the previous six seasons.
Nino is excited to be linking up with Gary van Egmond’s side ahead of the new A-League Women’s season.
“This is a very exciting time for women’s football in Australia and I look forward to being a part of it here in Newcastle.
I am grateful for the opportunity to play football in a new country and experience a new lifestyle as I prepare for my first year of professional football.”
Perth Glory
Above: Perth Glory’s new signing Jessika Cowart in action for the Philippines. Photo: One Sport.
Perth Glory today announced that Philippines international defender/midfielder Jessika Cowart has joined the club for the 2023/24 season.
The 23-year-old, who is equally accomplished as a centre-back or holding midfielder, played in each of the Philippines’ three games at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup to take her tally of senior international caps past the 20-mark.
A standout performer at US collegiate level for the University of Washington Huskies between 2017 and 2021, Cowart gained her first experience of European football in the Turkish Women’s Football Super League with Caykur Rizespor.
A move to Swedish top-flight club IFK Kalmar followed earlier this year where she established herself as a first-team regular ahead of her involvement with the Philippines at the World Cup.
Glory’s new recruit is now excited to gain her first taste of A-League football. “After multiple conversations with the coaching staff,” she said, “I was impressed with their commitment not only to us as players on the field, but also as people off the field, and that is a big reason why I signed for Glory.
“I am highly impressed by the environment that has been built and it’s clear to me that this is a top organization and I’m honoured to be a part of it. The A-League is growing fast and furious and is a very competitive league. I hope to not only represent Perth well throughout the season, but also to help bring home a championship.”
Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis believes that Cowart’s range of qualities make her an ideal addition to the squad.
“Jess was a player who stood out to me during my time with the Philippines national team at the Women’s World Cup,” he said.
“She comes to us after a great personal experience from that World Cup campaign and past exposure to some strong competition from her recent time playing in the Swedish top division. Jess has a really strong technical skill-set which will allow us to build up and start our attacks from deep areas and help us be the type of attacking team we want to be.
“She is a versatile player who can play across midfield and defence and has a great tactical understanding of the game. Moreover, her character and energy is very infectious and I have no doubt she will be a strong and positive personality within the group this season.”
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Andy Wicks was at Kingsmeadow last night for Impetus to capture the best of the action from a dramatic pre-season friendly (4/9/23)
Above: Dramatic action from Kingsmeadow last night as AS Roma go for goal. Photo: Andy Wicks for Impetus.
Chelsea 3-2 AS Roma
Double winners Chelsea came from behind twice to see off Italian side AS Roma at Kingsmeadow last night thanks to a last-gasp winner from Aggie Beever-Jones.
With Roma hitting the front early on, a strong Chelsea side, welcoming back Fran Kirby, and a plethora of World Cup stars hit back twice with international stats Guro Reiten and Lauren James scoring the equalisers. Then in the final stages, 20-year-old striker Beever-Jones stepped up to seal the win.
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Above: Joy for AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane yesterday. Photo: Ian Stephen.
Emily Donovan and Ashlee Hincks both struck doubles as AFC Wimbledon started their tier four FAWNL Division One South-East campaign with a thrilling victory in front of a big crowd at Plough Lane.
Kevin Foster’s side secured a 5-3 win over QPR, providing an entertaining spectacle for the crowd at the Cherry Red Records Stadium to enjoy.
There was simply no stopping the Dons from the outset. It took only four minutes for the breakthrough to be made when Hannah Billingham powered down the left-hand side and sent an excellent lowball into the box for Donovan to home.
The hosts enjoyed a lot of the ball in the opening 15 minutes and it didn’t take long to double the advantage. Following lovely link-up play between Ashlee Hincks and Ellie Dorey down the left, Hincks sent a threatening ball into the box and Donovan was in the right place at the right time once again.
However, QPR found a way back into the game in style when Kesha Petit danced her way into the box, and struck a spectacular solo effort, the ball nestling into the bottom corner.
Just before the 40-minute mark, after some slow reactions from the home side, QPR had themselves an equaliser, through Renai McCrea, to make it 2-2.
For the second-half, the Dons had to make a change with Sandra Soares Martins replacing the injured Ellie Dorey, but that didn’t stop a third goal for the hosts.
Ashleigh Goddard was challenged in the box by the QPR goalkeeper and she won the home side a penalty. Ashlee Hincks stepped up, and the Dons number 9 got off the mark for the season.
Goddard then got on the scoresheet herself, travelling with the ball and strikng it neatly from the edge of the box into the bottom left-hand corner.
Hincks made it five in style with a glorious strike from a free-kick, and though QPR reduced the arrears through Emelia Parsons, that failed to take the shine off an impressive victory for the Dons.
Above: Cote Rojas (pointing) celebrates a goal for Melbourne City last season – she returns to Canberra United this season. Photo: Melbourne City.
Canberra United have announced the return of Chilean international forward Maria ‘Cote’ Rojas after the South American signed a contract to appear in the 2023/24 A-League Women season.
Rojas first played for the club in the 2018 season, appearing eight times and scoring one goal, becoming something of a fan favourite with her robust displays, unique skill-set and effervescent attitude always on display.
“We are extremely happy to welcome Maria back to Canberra United for the new Liberty A-League season,” Canberra United Head Coach Njegosh Popovich said of the latest player to be unveiled in green for the 2023/24 campaign.
“Her ability is without question. She has terrific movement, can dribble well with the ball, has great vision, can create chances for others, and has the enviable knack of being able to score goals as well.
“Not only does she bring those qualities with her, but the experience also gained at international level and playing abroad will be a huge asset to our young group who can learn from her professionalism and attitude to the game.
“I am looking forward to Maria joining up with the squad and making a welcome return to McKellar Park.”
Rojas has had a wide and varied career, shining on these shores for Adelaide United, Sydney FC and Melbourne City, scoring four goals in five appearances for the latter including a strike in the win over her current club at Seiffert Oval in Queanbeyan last year.
An experienced international, having appeared 43 times for her country and netted eleven goals, she has played in the UEFA Champions League and at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, as well as appearing for clubs in Germany, the United States, Japan, Lithuania, Czech Republic, and Australia.
“I am so excited to be coming back to Canberra to play for Canberra United once more and to continue my playing career here in Australia,” Rojas commented about her return.
“I have many happy memories of my season with the club back in 2018, playing at McKellar Park in front of the passionate and loud supporters, those fans who are such a tremendous boost to the playing group.
“The Liberty A-League is a wonderful competition, and I am looking forward to starting training with the club, and to help the team be successful.”
Brisbane Roar
Above: Tamar Lebin (right) in action for Brisbane Roar against Western United last season. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
Brisbane Roar announced on Monday the re-signing of 19-year-old highly rated attacker Tamar Levin ahead of the 2023/24 A-League Women season on a multi-year deal.
Levin joined the club on a scholarship contract last season from the QAS NTC squad and is back to put on the orange for another season.
Known for her dribbling speed ability and vision in attack, the versatile attacker finished the 2022 NPL QLD season as top goal scorer for the FQ QAS.
After a great first season in the A-League Women playing 17 games and making one assist, the youngster looks forward to continuing developing, gaining confidence and learning from more experienced players.
“I’m very happy and excited to have re-signed with Roar and keen to be back in that environment. My time here has been great so far, being able to play at such a high level with a great group of girls. I also loved getting to travel and play all around Australia and New Zealand,” Levin said.
“Since joining the Roar, I have played in a number of different positions as well as different playing styles. This has helped me gain more confidence, and I feel I have improved physically. Also, it was great playing alongside more experienced players, which I learnt a lot from.”
I’m really looking forward to gaining more experience and more minutes in the A-League. I would love to start scoring some goals and help the team achieve the ultimate goal, winning!”
Head Coach Garrath McPherson looks forward to continuing Levin’s development as she pushes herself to an A-League level.
“Tamar was a standout young player for us across the last campaign. She made her debut in the first game of our season and from that point, has never looked back,” McPherson said.
Newcastle Jets
Above: Newcastle Jets’ new signing Maggie Shaw. Photo: Chattanooga Athletics.
Newcastle Jets have unveiled the signing of 23-year-old American Maggie Shaw for the 2023/24 A-League Women’s season.
Originally from Columbia in South Carolina, America, Shaw is versatile and can play at centre-back or left-back.
Previously, she has played for the University of Tennessee and Chattanooga Red Wolves in the USLW League.
Shaw joins the Jets with an impressive CV in her short career. The centre-back has previously won the Southern Conference defensive player of the year in 2020 and 2022.
The defender is eager to link up with Gary van Egmond’s side this season.
“I’m very excited and proud to begin here at Newcastle. Being able to represent this club, this town and the community with my new teammates feels like a dream come true. I’m honoured to be a part of the growth of football and female representation in this country.”
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