Arroyo ahead of London City Lionesses test: I welcome the pressure

By Roos Schelen (13/11/25)

Above: Villa boss Natalia Arroyo. Photo: Christopher Thomond / The Guardian.

Natalia Arroyo does not think lightly of Aston Villa’s meeting with newly promoted London City Lionesses this Sunday.

Aston Villa face newly promoted London City Lionesses this Sunday, a team who started the league season with a few losses, which is not highly unthinkable when one considers they had a lot of transfer activity in the summer.

They have since become a more coherent team and now sit sixth in the table, with 12 points from eight matches. The Lionesses sit nine points behind league leader Manchester City and two points ahead of weekend opponents Aston Villa.

Arroyo doesn’t think lightly of the upcoming meeting. “They don’t look as a new team in the league. They are using the experience of players like Asllani, like Kumagai, Sanni Franssi, like Jana Fernandez, Linari, a lot of good players, Geyoro. So, yes, they know how to play the game and they are being able to bring that”, she explained.

The most danger, Arroyo thinks, will come off them having the ball. Kosovare Asllani, the club captain, has the third most shot creating actions in the league and is definitely a player to watch out for.

Arroyo welcomes the extra competition London City Lionesses bring to the WSL. “I always welcome the pressure and I want as many competitors as possible because that forces us to be better and better and better and that’s what we want. And if at the end of the season we are better than them, we will celebrate it and if not we will try to learn from what they are doing better than us”, the head coach expressed.

Natalia Arroyo wants other Women’s Super League (WSL) teams to think of Aston Villa as a monster to fear, she said after Villa’s win against Manchester United last weekend.

Impetus Football asked Arroyo what she means by that. She told us she is looking for Villa to be a team that opponents will think is hard to beat mentally. “It’s about this energy on the opposition so that the other teams are like thinking, oh, there’s not that many gaps or that many spaces where we can hurt them”, Arroyo said.

“We know we are in a good moment but we need to keep working because this is only now and this is good, but this is November so we need to show that consistently every game”, she added.

There will be no players moving from the injury list to the squad list this weekend. Maya Hijikata has been training with the squad this week but will not be fit enough, but there are no new injuries to report either. “The good news of not having the bad news”, she smiled.

Aston Villa v London City Lionesses kicks off at 12 noon UK time on Sunday.

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City Start Asian Champions League Campaign with 5-0 Triumph

Melbourne City 5-0 Lion City Sailors

by Isabelle Campbell (13/11/25)

Above: Melbourne City celebrate during their commanding opening performance of the 2025/26 AFC Women’s Champions League.  Photo: via AFC

Melbourne City made a commanding statement in their AFC Women’s Champions League opener, cruising to a 5-0 win over Singapore’s Lion City Sailors with clinical finishing and dominant possession.

After coming agonisingly close to the title last season only to fall in the final on penalties, Michael Matricciani’s side arrived determined to start their new campaign on the right note.

The first half started at a slow pace, with Melbourne City gradually finding their rhythm. The first real chance came from Leticia McKenna, whose effort lacked the power to trouble Sailors’ goalkeeper Izairida Shakira.

City’s next significant opportunity came from a corner. Alexia Apostolakis delivered the ball into the box, where captain Rebekah Stott rose to meet it. Although her shot was blocked, it struck the arm of a Sailors defender, earning City a penalty. Holly McNamara stepped up confidently and slotted the ball into the bottom-right corner to give City their first of the afternoon.

Aideen Keane tested Shakira soon after, forcing the goalkeeper into a save, though the scoreline remained unchanged. As the half wore on, McKenna continued to probe for a goal but was unable to convert her chances.

With only minutes remaining in the first half, City were awarded a second penalty after Danella Butrus was brought down in the box. Once again, McNamara was precise from the spot, doubling the lead. In the dying moments of added time, McKenna finally found the back of the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside. City went into the break leading 2-0, having controlled 73% of the possession.

The first big moment of the second half came in the 54th minute when Apostolakis fired from outside the box, giving City a commanding lead. Soon after, Butrus made the most of her first-ever professional start, scoring to make it 4-0.

City then handed debuts to Kaya Jugovic and Keira Sarris, giving both players their first taste of professional action as the team continued to dominate. In the 73rd minute, the scoreboard ticked over again, this time courtesy of an own goal as the Sailors looked disorganised in front of goal.

The rest of the half passed without much action, as City comfortably managed possession and kept the Sailors at bay. After eight minutes of added time, the whistle blew to confirm a commanding 5-0 win to City, a strong performance to kick off their AFC Women’s Champions League campaign.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY: Barbieri, Apostolakis, Stott, Otto, Turner, Hughes, Davidson, McKenna, Butrus, Keane, McNamara. Substitutes: Aoyagi, Mieres, Henry, Jacksen, Jugovic, Karic, McMahon, Rako, Roestbakken, Sarris, Uchendu.

Goals: 10’, 45+1’ McNamara, 55’ Apostolakis, 58’ Butrus, 73’ OG

LION CITY SAILORS: Shakira, Jiaxin, Hamdan, Kitagawa, Ramji, Ruzi, Ee, Takeuchi, Shibusawa, Salleh, Qasimah. Substitutes: Lim, Nurerwadah, Qiaoling, Putri, Irwan, Anwar, Naszri, Nashirah, Lim, Nurzahirah, Chu, Ng.

Referee: Oh Hyeon Jeong

Attendance: 502.

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Man City survive Everton scare and move to WSL summit

By Damion Arnold (10/11/25)

Above: Manchester City huddle. Photo: Manchester City website.

Manchester City strengthened their Women’s Super League title ambitions by climbing to the top of the table with a hard-earned win over Everton.

On a wet and windy day on Merseyside, Manchester City faced a confident Everton side. With Chelsea dropping points on Saturday by conceding a late equaliser against Arsenal, City entered the match knowing that a win would take them to the top of the table. Aiming for their seventh consecutive win, City were buyoed by the returns of Sydney Lohmann, Grace Clinton, and Lauren Hemp, as all were part of the match day squad.

The action

Manchester City began the game in dominating fashion as they controlled possession throughout the opening exchanges. The Citizens used this possession to create early chances, which on another occasion, should have gone in.

However, they kept pushing and they were eventually rewarded in the 21st minute. A smart ball from Iman Beney broke the Toffee’s defense and allowed Miedema to run in behind and slot the ball under Emily Ramsey.

The home side reacted in spectacular fashion as they showed more attacking presence. In the 28th minute, Ayaka Yashamita produced a good diving save to deny a Kelly Gago back post header. The Toffees’ did get themselves back into it in the 40th minute following a great move.

A long ball from Ruby Mace flew over Rebecca Knaak’s head and allowed Toni Payne to run through on goal. The Nigerian opted to cross the ball across the face of goal, and it was the right choice as Gago pulled off a spectacular backheel inside the six-yard box.

Despite being pegged back late in the first half, Manchester City came out for the second half in similar fashion to how they started the first. They dominated the ball and just like the first half, they were rewarded with a goal in the 54th minute. Leila Ouahabi crossed the ball from the left side of the pitch into the box. Shaw rose inside the box and headed the ball home restoring her sides lead.

It was almost moment of brilliance from Ornella Vignola as she spun two City players and struck the ball from range in the 67th minute. Unfortunately for her, her shot hit the post and made its way away from the danger.

The hosts came close to equalising in the 74th minute as Yashamita produced a brilliant diving save to deny Kitagawa. A cross from the right side of the pitch by Robinson set Kitagawa up at the back post, but the City goalkeeper read it well and got across quickly to deny the shot.

The remainder of the game saw the hosts continue to look for an equaliser, but the title challengers, Manchester City, were too defensively solid for the Toffee’s with the Citizens seeing out their 2-1 lead to the very end.

City’s victory moves them to the summit of the Women’s Super League, just one point above title defenders Chelsea. As for Everton, they fall to 10th having just won one game so far this season.

Reaction

Reflecting on the win, City head coach Andrée Jeglertz told BBC Sport: “It’s very important for us to win. Not a perfect game, definitely not, but in the same way it says something about the team that we managed to win it anyway. These games where you don’t play the most beautiful game but still continue winning, that is going to give you the opportunity to have a good result at the end of the season.

“Everton was causing a lot of problems for us. We were struggling figuring out their loading in the midifield, they created overloads in there and we did not manage with them well enough. In the other way we managed to keep the victory anyway so I am happy with that.”

Everton’s winless run in the WSL extended to seven games, making their situation appear bleak on the surface. However, there were several positives for Brian Sørensen to take from the narrow defeat to the league leaders, most notably the resurgence of Kelly Gago.

The French striker, who joined from Nantes in January and finished last season as Everton’s joint-top scorer, has had limited opportunities this campaign, starting only three of their eight league matches so far. After a slow start, Gago is beginning to rediscover her form.

She opened her account for the season last weekend against Aston Villa, scoring a stoppage-time equaliser. Her goal against City was another moment of quality, and Everton will be hoping that now she is up and running, the goals will be free flowing.

There was also the performance of young Lioness Ruby Mace, who impressed in midfield with her tenacity and physicality. Helping Everton move the ball forward, she made a strong argument for a recall to the England senior setup later this month.

TEAMS: EVERTON (4-4-2): Ramsey (GK), Ishikawa, Fernández (Holmgaard, 60’), Hayashi, Wheeler ©, Van Gool (Snoeijs, 60’), Payne (Robinson, 60’), Gago (Momiki, 80’), Vignola, Mace, Pacheco (Kitagawa, 73’). SUBS: Startup (GK), Hobson, Kitagawa, Ladd, Weir.

Scorers: Gago 40’

Yellow Cards: Pacheco 56’

MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Yashamita (GK), Rose, Shaw, Miedema (Matilda Lohmann, 80’), Ouahabi, Casparji ©, Blinkilde Brown (Clinton, 80’), Fujino, Beney (Hemp, 60’), Hasegawa, Knaak (Prior). SUBS: Keating (GK), Coombs, Wienroither, Thomas, Rose Oldroyd.

Scorers: Miedema 21’, Shaw 54’

Referee: William Davis

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White hat-trick ignites Melbourne’s Victory

Western Sydney Wanderers 1-4 Melbourne Victory

by Emma Burke (9/11/25)

Above: Melbourne Victory hat-trick hero Kennedy White (centre) celebrates earlier today. Photo: A-Leagues.

It was American international Kennedy White that stole the show at Wanderers Football Park, scoring a hat-trick to power Melbourne Victory to a 4-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers, their first of the 2025/26 season.

While the home side were able to open the scoring early with a beautiful team goal that ended with Danika Matos putting the ball over the line, they were unable to fight back against the strength of Victory.

The visitors took their time to find their equaliser, with goalkeeper Courtney Newbon providing the assist. Striker Kennedy White was able to run onto her long pass, and slip free of her defender by pulling back, which allowed her the time and space to take a left-footed shot over Sham Khamis in goal.

White only took another six minutes to find her second goal for the afternoon, and the lead for her team, in the final minute of extra time in the first half, this time assisted by Rachel Lowe.

Following the half-time break, White picked up almost exactly where she left off, netting her third and final goal only minutes after play had restarted. 

The Wanderers were able to wrestle back some control after White completed her hat-trick, and made a number of attempts on goal by players including Ella Buchanan, Ena Harada, and the Wanderers’ newest arrival from South Korea, Kim Soeun.

Unfortunately for the Wanderers, Victory were the ones to find the back of the net once again, making the most of a set piece that saw Zoe McMeeken, who joined the Navy Blues in the offseason from Wellington Phoenix, score her first for her new team.

Taking all the points, Victory jump to third on the table, and will head home to host Central Coast Mariners, in a replay of last season’s Grand Final game, while the Wanderers hit the road to face top of the table Brisbane Roar in Round Three.

Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (3-4-2-1): Khamis, Cerne, Hooks, Buchanan, Matos (Khoshaba 84’), Harada (Younis 63’), Chessari, Ng-Saad, Price (Fazzari 64’), Harrison (DeFazio 73’), Caspers (Soeun 64’).

Scorer: Matos 13’.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-2-2-2): Newbon, Jancevski, Morrison, Bunge, McMeeken, Maher (Curtis 68’), Lowe (O’Keeffe 90+2’), Furphy, Sakalis (Techera 84’), White, Pollicina.

Scorers: White 41’, 45+1’, 48’. McMeeken 84’.

Referee: Abbie Hendry.

Attendance: 986.

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Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne Victory: Match Preview

Above: Victory celebrate last season. Image: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

By Isabelle Campbell & Alice de Koster-Kitto (8/11/25)

Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory will go head-to-head at Wanderers Football Park this Sunday, in the second round of the 2025/26 Ninja A-League season. Both teams will be looking to collect their first points of the campaign, as they each come off an opening round loss.

Victory began their 25/26 campaign with a narrow loss to Brisbane Roar despite producing an encouraging display, featuring debut goals from Rhianna Pollicina and Kennedy White.

Head Coach Jeff Hopkins said his team took plenty of positives from that performance and is intent on being more ruthless in key moments.

“I think the positive thing was that I thought we played very well for 70-75 minutes of the game. We were on top and probably not clinical enough in the periods that we did dominate.

“They were always dangerous, especially on the counter, and we didn’t handle those moments very well.

“So we’ve definitely highlighted those moments this week, but in general, I thought we were on top for big periods of the game. Our challenge this week is when we get on top of teams, we need to make sure that we just hammer home our advantage with goals on the scoreboard.”

The upcoming fixture will also be a milestone occasion for Hopkins, who is set to reach 200 matches as an A-League Women’s head coach, making him the first to do so.

Turning his attention to team matters, Hopkins confirmed a boost to the squad with midfielder Grace Maher cleared for selection, having missed the season opener.

“She is available. It was touch and go [last week]. She probably could have started the game, but whether she would finish it and made the injury more serious, it probably would have done.

“She’s a senior player. She knows her body pretty well, and we didn’t want to take any risk with her. We had a good substitute there, ready to come on in, Rosie Curtis.”

Victory will now look to build on the foundations of their Round 1 performance, with Hopkins confident that greater sharpness in front of goal and consistency across the full 90 minutes can deliver a winning result in Sydney and earn the Victory their first points of the campaign.

The Wanderers currently sit 10th on the table, following a 3-0 loss to Perth Glory, compared to Victory’s 8th, a disappointing start to their 2025/26 Ninja A-League campaign. Abrahams and the squad are taking the loss as an opportunity to grow and are confident they can put their best foot forward this Saturday, impressed with the overall performance, despite the result. 

“You always want to play against the best,” said Abrahams, ahead of what is set to be a tough match for the Wanderers. Although historically, the match would be in favour of Victory, both sides are entering round 2 on a fairly even playing field, as they both come off losses, and with the Wanderers’ home advantage, the game could be anyone’s.

There have been a hoard of new faces in the Wanderers squad, including Korean international Kim Seoeun, whose signing was announced on Thursday. 

“(She’s) an exciting player, she’s an attacking player, she’s got that low centre of gravity, she’s sharp, good 1v1,” said Abrahams on what he hoped the forward would bring to the side, adding “she’s been around the national team, and that’s her motivation for being here too.” 

There were six debutants in last week’s match against Perth Glory last week, including Nikita Fazari, who had a HSC exam the morning of her debut, a testament to the wealth of fresh young talent in the squad. 

“It makes it hard for me to pick a starting lineup each week,” said Abrahams on the number of players at his disposal, and the benefit it has being able to make relevant changes each week, adding, “having a large group of players in an environment where they’re testing each other every day and getting better.”

“They need experience with them as well, players like Amy Harrison and Oliva Price and Holly Caspers, they’re really important to those young players to just be around them every day and see how they work and how they carry themselves”

 The added depth to the squad, including the likes of Poppie Hooks, Nikita Fazari, and Alana Cerne, could be exactly what the Wanderers need to improve their play going ahead and produce the results they are looking for, especially heading into a clash as contentious as the one ahead.  

Melbourne Victory will travel to Wanderers Football Park to take on Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday 9th of November at 4 pm AEDT. The match will be streamed on 10Play and Paramount+. 

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Reds rue chances in historic draw

Adelaide United 0-0 Sydney FC

by Alyce Collett (8/11/25)

Above: Mackenzie Hawkesby (left) and Dylan Holmes (right) battle it out. Photo: via A Leagues

For the first time ever in the almost 20 year history of the A League Women’s competition, Adelaide United and Sydney FC have played out a draw, with neither side able to find the back of the net this afternoon. After playing in at times windy conditions in Adelaide, it will be Sydney who will come away from the match happier of the two sides as Adelaide dominated attack for the majority of the match but just could not convert that dominance into any score.

Despite the visitors kicking off proceedings, it was Adelaide who had the first promising attack, with Erin Healy creating plenty of strong drive through the middle of the park.

For much of the first half, those in red could be forgiven for feeling a sense of déjà vu from last week as Adelaide held the majority of possession and did the majority of the attacking, but just could not get a shot on target.

Adriana Taranto, Dylan Holmes and Carina Rossi provided a lot of attacking run, but Adelaide’s through balls just were not quite connecting, and combined with some strong defending from the likes of Tori Tumeth and Kirsty Fenton meant that only a tiny percentage of Adelaide’s shots were on target, and none of them went in the back of the net.

Sydney did have a couple of promising attacking plays, but the number was tiny in comparison to Adelaide’s. Amber Luchtmeijer impressed in attack for Sydney, trying hard to generate something for her side.

The windy conditions favoured the Reds in the first half, with a number of promising crosses from Emily Condon and later Holmes going within centimetres of scoring, but kept hitting the corssbar.

For much of the first half there was a feeling of despite Adelaide not registering too many shots on target, the Reds were doing so much attacking that it was a matter of when not if they would score.

However that did not come to reality in the first half, with both sides failing to score in the first half.

The second half started much like the first half had ended, with Adelaide again on the front foot early. The Reds had a really good opportunity within the first 15 seconds of the half when Healy found herself in ample space in the middle of the park, but ultimately could not get her header past Heather Hinz in the Sydney goal.

However Sydney was looking more promising in attack in the second half, deploying a higher press and as such was able to actually look threatening in attack.

Although the overall possession was still skewed from the first half, in reality the second half felt a lot more even possession wise than the first had been.

One of Sydney’s first substitutions of the match saw Caley Tallon-Henniker enter the match, and she did not waste time trying to give her side a spark, creating a lot of dangerous run on the right wing and generating plenty of crosses into dangerous areas.

The final stages of the match saw both sides going very close to scoring, but some unlucky bounces undid Sydney’s attacks and some strong some strong Sydney defending undid Adelaide’s, and in the end the half time score also turned into the full time score.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Jenkins, I. Hodgson, McNamara, Murray, Tonkin, M Taranto, Holmes, Healy, A Taranto, Condon, Rossi. Substitutes: E. Hodgson, Makris, Zois, Dawber, Worts, Melegh.

SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Hinz, Tumeth, Ayson, Pearson, Fenton, Hunter, Galic, Hawkesby, Cassar, Luchtmeijer, Tanner. Substitutes: Robertson, Ülkekul, Rose, Sullivan, Tallon-Henniker, Caspers.

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance: 694.

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City find redemption in Mariners thrashing

Melbourne City 4-0 Central Coast Mariners

by Alice de Koster-Kitto (8/11/25)

Above: Holly McNamara (far left) celebrates after scoring against the Central Coast Mariners.  Photo: via A Leagues

Melbourne City have taken the points at ctrl:cyber Pitch this afternoon, in a heavyweight clash against Central Coast Mariners. The last time the reigning champions faced City was in a heated semi-final, where the Mariners beat the previously undefeated premiers to the grand final in a 1-0 defeat, causing the biggest upset of the season.

Melbourne City look to take home their first win of the season, as they came on to the pitch with full force, with something to prove, taking the first touches and holding the ball in the opening minutes.

The possession stayed fairly even across the pitch at the start, with Melbourne City slightly dominating; however, the Mariners did not make it easy for the hosts to cut through.

In an early opportunity, Malena Mires sent a dangerous ball to Taylor Otto, which looked like it may open the scoreline in favour of City, before Isabella Coco-Di Sipio snuck in behind and made a block before anything could come of the link-up.

A long-distance launch from Coco-Di Sipio almost saw the opening goal from the Mariners, which fell extremely close, but ultimately outside the net. The attempt lit a fire under the Mariners, as they immediately took more control of the ball.

Melbourne City got their first chance when Leticia McKenna took a free kick in a dangerous area, but it was headed away by Elizabeth Barwick-Grey.

Avaani Prakash has been impressive in her time so far with Mariners – remaining a standout this match following an excellent debut last week – as she made a number of blocks to hold off Melbourne City’s dangerous attack.

Aideen Keane took her chance in a challenge with keeper Sarah Langman, just one of many opportunities created by the 23-year-old, who has had an outstanding start to her Melbourne City campaign.

There was a lot of action and near misses on both sides, with excellent chances from Aideen Keane and Peta Trimis; however, the defensive line at both ends was too strong for either to break through, That was until the scoring was opened by Holly McNamara in the 32nd minute, as the golden boot winner netted her first goal of the season.

Alexia Apostolakis sent the ball deep from a corner, with a first attempt from Rebekah Stott being blocked by a sea of yellow shirts. When the ball hit McNamaras’ feet among the chaos, it was bound to reach the back of the net.

Keane looked to extend City’s lead with a shot from just outside the box; however, the angle was slightly too tight to cause any real danger for Langman.

As the first half was coming to a close, Langman made an excellent save after McNamara sent the ball to Laura Hughes, in what could have been City’s second goal of the afternoon.

During the one minute of stoppage time, Shelby McMahon sent the ball to the back of the net, assisted by McNamara, as Melbourne City takes the lead 2-0 at the break.

There was drama early in the second half, as Leticia McKenna took a knock just a minute into play. She quickly recovered and took a free kick, which was ultimately blocked.

A few good passes put the Mariners back in contention, however a loss of footing across the pitch – likely due to the wet weather – meant no real opportunities could be made as they attempted to gain dominance over City.

Central Coast did manage to hold the possession for a period of time, as City was unable to intercept the smooth passes of Prakash and Peta Trimis’s footwork.

McNamara made a dangerous run towards the box, but was taken down in the penalty area by Baxter Thew, and awarded a free kick, which awarded Melbourne City a third goal of the meeting, as the ball flew past Langman to the back of the net.  

McNamara quickly went in for a hat-trick, with an extremely close shot outside the box, that was saved by Langman, on the keeper’s 100th A-League appearance.

The Mariners made a number of changes in an attempt to respond to City’s lead, with Blake Hughes, Annalise Rassmussen, and Tamar Levin coming into the action.

An excellent cross from Trimis was almost dangerous for City, until it was headed away by Otto.

The 65th minute saw McNamara make way for Deven Jackson after the brace scorer showed some discomfort in her knee.

McMahon took her second goal of the match, and third of the season, flying past the Mariners’ defence, booting the ball to the back of the net, leaving Melbourne City in an even further lead as stoppage time approached.

A late attempt from Rassmussen gave the Mariners a dangerous opportunity to get a goal back, however the ball just bounced off the post and the scoreline remained intact.

Although the Mariners fought hard in the final minutes of play, desperately looking for a response, Melbourne City’s defence shut down any opportunities the visitors managed to create, taking a 4-0 win at home. 

The win is not only one of great satisfaction following last season’s major upset, but it is also a historic one, as it marks the first time Melbourne City have ever beaten the Mariners.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-1-4-1): Mieres, Apostolakis, Stott, Otto, Turner, McKenna, Keane, Hughes, McMahon, Davidson, McNamara. Substitutes: Barbieri, Butrus, Jackson, Jugovic, Karic, Rako.

Goals: McNamara 32’, 54’, McMahon 45+1’,71’,

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-3-1-2): Langman, Buchanan, Barwick-Grey, King, Baumann, Prakash, Quilligan, Kraszula, Trimis, dos Santos, Coco-Do Sipio. Substitutes: Fuller, Grove, Hughes, Levin, Rasmussen, Thew.

Referee: Caitlin Williams

Attendance: 211.

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Phoenix and Canberra play out intense draw

Wellington Phoenix 1-1 Canberra United

by Callum Logie (8/11/25)

Above: Marisa van der Meer taking a shot for Wellington Phoenix Photo: via Wellington Phoenix

Wellington’s new coach Bev Priestman was looking to get her team off to a flying start in what’s already been an exciting opening to the season. But the Phoenix were met by a very determined Canberra United team who made life difficult for the hosts, looking to bounce back from a defeat.

The game started tentatively, with not much of a chance coming until the fourth minute when Canberra United won a free kick just outside the box. Nanako Sasaki took the free kick and drove a shot directly at goal, but it was too high to trouble Victoria Esson in goal.

At six minutes, Wellington created a great chance with Grace Jale driving a shot at goal from just inside the box. Sally James proved worthy of the effort and was able to keep the game scoreless. Jale was the best creator for the Phoenix through the first 15 minutes.

Canberra United enjoyed the majority of possession and positive territory in the first 10 minutes, but they were not yet able to create another meaningful chance since the Sasaki free kick.

At 12 minutes, Canberra United gave the ball away after some eager pressure applied from Sabitra Bhandari won her a one on one opportunity against James. Bhandari struck early but the effort was not too powerful and allowed James to steer it behind for a corner. The subsequent corner created another opportunity for Bhandari but the leg of her own team mate Grace Jale was not enough to direct the effort on target.

Wellington played a much faster and more positive pace when they were in possession, cheered on by their crowd and assisted by relentless pressing from the Phoenix forwards and midfielders. Canberra on the other hand played a high line to try and keep control of field position in the first half.

A break down the left side of the field from a Michelle Heyman hold up led to a determined Josie Aulicino picking up possession after a battle with the Wellington defence. Aulicino’s cross was driven in and actually managed to thread the needle between defender and keeper, opening the scoring. Aulicino’s first goal of the season gave Canberra an unlikely lead after absorbing a lot of pressure from Wellington.

The Phoenix created one or two half-chances through the middle period of the first half but were unable to get a shot on goal due to solid defensive effort from Hayley Taylor-Young and the rest of the Canberra defence. James also showed great awareness in her sweeping efforts if a ball was ever played or deflected behind.

The Phoenix’s offensive opportunities were often created by the talented Alyssa Whinham who was constantly sending in crosses or cutting inside herself to keep Wellington on the front foot while they tried to equalise against a stalwart Canberra side.

An in swinging corner from Lara Wall at the 39 minute mark tested James at the near post, with the ball being deflected off of the keeper and Bethany Gordon defending at the near post. The rebound fell to Marisa van der Meer on the volley and she was able to drill the ball over the goal line for the equaliser.

An added time corner at the end of the first half from Canberra almost led to a goal, with an Emma Robers header bringing out the very best from Victoria Esson who made the save to her left and kept the game even at half-time.

Considering the run of play from about 15 minutes in, Wellington will have felt a little hard done by going into half-time only even, but Canberra was well organised defensively, and looked dangerous, particularly when Aulicino and Kiara De Domizio were on the ball.

A long range effort began the second-half for Canberra with De Domizio trying out a half volley from 30 yards out. The wind in the stadium almost led to the ball dipping into Esson’s goal but it ended up being too high to be on target.

Canberra created another chance soon after, with Bethany Gordon running forward and firing a shot on goal from just outside the box. Esson was well-positioned and collected the ball at the first time of asking.

Bhandari was showing her superstar pedigree when Wellington got forward, driving two dangerous crosses into the Canberra United box in the 53rd and 54th minutes, but there was no recipient to either delivery and Canberra kept the score at 1-1 after 10 minutes of the second half.

In the 62nd minute, Wellington Phoenix created the best chance of the half after Alyssa Whinham weighted a delicate through ball to Samba who took an early shot on goal. Unfortunately for the Phoenix, the shot itself was somewhat tame and James was able to collect.

At 71 minutes, Bhandari worked some magic to loop in a floating cross to the back post after showing great strength and skill to hold onto the possession. Manaia Elliott was unable to direct the resulting header at goal, but the Phoenix continued pushing to take the lead.

Gordon won a free kick for Canberra United in a dangerous position and the strike from the Ava Briedis free-kick forced a good save out of Esson. The subsequent corner led to some more trouble for Wellington as a low cross nearly found its way toward Esson’s near post. The keeper was able to clear the line again and the attack eventually faded into nothing for Canberra United.

Neither team looked content to settle for a draw as the game entered its last 10 minutes. Heyman finally got a chance with a free header at the far post, but her effort was driven straight into the waiting hands of Esson, who played very well during this period of Canberra attack.

Emma Main took a stretching shot after a Phoenix counter-attack, but was unable to get enough power behind the strike to test James in the 85th minute. Both keepers proved very capable throughout this match-up.

This action packed game went down to the wire, and showed why both teams feel that they’ve improved heading into this season. Some of the last few touches or shots were a little below the standard the teams would have expected but provided a promising platform to go forward as the spoils were shared.

Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Esson, Wall, Walker, Barry, van der Meer, Nunn, Bott, Middag, Jale, Bhandari, Whinam. Substitutes: Brazendale, Elliott, Feinberg-Danieli, Ingham, Main, Vlok.

Goals: van der Meer 39′

CANBERRA UNITED (4-4-2): James, Robers, McKenzie, Taylor-Young, Grove, Sasaki, De Domizio, Malone, Gordon, Heyman, Aulicino. Substitutes: Bobbim, Briedis, Hawkins, Majstorovic, Stanic-Floody.

Goals: Aulicino 18′.

Referee: Sarah Jones.

Attendance: 4,566.

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Arroyo ahead of Manchester United clash: “We need to not give them the chance to destroy us”

By Catherine MacKenzie (7/11/25)

Above: Natalia Arroyo. Photo: AVWFCOfficial on X.

When Aston Villa head to Manchester ahead of Saturday’s duel with Manchester United, it will be with a point to prove. The Villains have been a force to be reckoned with at times this season – such as in the strong draw away at the Emirates – but have also disappointed on occasion, such as last week’s late concession that allowed Everton to rescue a draw.

For their part, United are still unbeaten in the league. Despite an uncharacteristically sloppy defensive performance last time out against Brighton, the Red Devils are on good form, scoring 10 goals in their last five WSL games. Impetus Football’s Catherine MacKenzie heard from Villa head coach Natalia Arroyo ahead of the game.

Dealing with United’s high press

United have won plaudits for their ability to press their opponent, giving them no space to breathe and forcibly taking possession in dangerous areas. Arroyo indicated that her team are aware of this, highlighting the importance of United’s physicality.

“Man United were one of the best teams out of possession last year. They are so aggressive in their high press. They are so physical and they are so committed. In the hard work, they don’t want to stay defending lots of periods of the time and they are so aggressive to win the ball back,” she said, stressing that attacking United will be hard to do.

Villa may look to set pieces as their main outlet, focusing on an area where they’ve already found success this season rather than trying to outpress United.

“I think the key thing inside this is to have a good takers and to read the positions and to have good players in the box – and we are finding goals and that’s good,” she said, noting that “we knew that was definitely a part that that we were not very good at last year, so we worked as many things as possible and in this case we are being successful with it”.

The ability to win the ball back deep into the opposition’s half means United are disciplined and physical off the ball – which Arroyo admires, likening it to how she likes her own teams to play.

“I really admire the way Man United are playing out of possession, and of course, in possession. But the out of possession was one of the teams that were closer to my idea. It’s not that I’m copying them, but definitely I admire the work that Marc and his players are doing.”

Learning from Everton

Villa’s last game included a last-minute equaliser from Everton. Arroyo fielded a young team against the blues, and has won plaudits for giving opportunities to young players. Lucia Kendall is a prime example, starting four of five WSL games and putting in performances that meant she received her first call up to the senior England team. She followed that up with her first start and a player-of-the-match performance against Australia.

Her club manager is aware that moments like that last minute equaliser will come as her young players continue to adjust to the level of the league, concluding that focusing on progress rather than disappointment is key.

“It was a normal week focusing on on the different lessons that we can take from Everton, with our full attention on some actions especially at the beginning,” she said, referencing the early moments in the game that saw Everton take the lead. She continued, “we were too passive maybe and we were like too basic in possession. So we were talking about that and about our performance to try to to show that it was just an accident.”

Dealing with United’s threats

Villa’s last competitive game against United was in March 2025 and saw United dominant. They were three goals to the good before half-time, and Villa struggled to escape their own half until the end of the game. Arroyo suggested this game is playing on her mind as they approach United again, particularly their tendency to start the game with a high tempo.

“When Man United visited Villa Park I was already here. They destroyed us in the first half. I know that can happen because they are so strong,” she said, remarking that “we need to not give them the chance to destroy us as they did then.”

Although the Everton result was disappointing, Villa have taken confidence from two good performances against top four-sides Chelsea and Arsenal, who they held to a 1-1 draw away from home.

“It’s just if we can be like closer to the version that we showed against Chelsea, Arsenal to pick, like, maybe two good examples, that’s them. That’s the ambition, that’s the bravery that we, that we want and to be ready for everything.”

England duo Jess Park and Ella Toone have been in electrifying form this season. Toone’s physicality and Park’s ability to play through small pockets of space have given United much more creativity going forward. Asked how she plans to disrupt the duo, Arroyo was coy, focusing on the threats United pose as an eleven.

“I remember Villa Park, they destroyed us with wide combinations, they can do that. And then, with the addition of [Fridolina] Rolfö, and [Melvine] Malard can play on a wide channel, just going in to create an overload in the middle. That’s a strong thing.

And I think they, they have grown in my opinion. They they are just adding pages and slides to their game model and how they play centrally is also really strong.

It’s just it’s reducing the volume of success of their combinations because yeah, they built a good relationship. They play in short distances. They connect quick passes, and you’re out. So we need to be smarter, be a little bit more solid and use everybody to defend better.”

Although Villa want to surprise United, Arroyo is aware of the need for clarity and consistency, particularly with a young squad.  

“The key thing is that in your search of being unpredictable, you are not unpredictable to yourself”

Manchester United v Aston Villa kicks off on Saturday 8th November at 12:00 noon UK time. It will be broadcast on Sky Sports+ in the UK and the WSL Youtube elsewhere in the world.

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Jansen Brace Secures Roar Win Over Glory

Perth Glory 2-3 Brisbane Roar

by Isabelle Campbell (7/11/25)

Above: Bente Jansen (centre) celebrates with her Brisbane Roar team mates after scoring one of her two goals against Perth Glory. Photo: via A Leagues

Bente Jansen’s brace helped Brisbane Roar edge Perth Glory 3-2 in a thrilling Round 2 opener at HBF Park. Despite a late goal from Ella Lincoln, the hosts couldn’t find an equaliser as Brisbane held on to all three points.

The game began at a steady tempo, with both teams looking to establish control but neither creating any clear early chances. Brisbane Roar struck first in the 20th minute through Grace Kuilamu, whose effort from just outside the box took a deflection off Onyinyechi Zogg and slipped past Perth goalkeeper Alyssa Dall’Oste to give the visitors the lead.

Perth Glory’s response was almost immediate. Rola Badawiya, full of confidence after scoring in Round 1, brought her tally to two goals in as many games with a superb curling strike that found the top corner, drawing the hosts level.

The equaliser lifted the tempo as Perth began to grow into the game. Tijan McKenna delivered a dangerous ball across goal to Emma Tovar, who narrowly missed with her attempt, while Gabby Hollar continued to test the Roar defence with powerful efforts from distance. Hollar looked especially lively late in the half, bringing about a couple of half-chances as Glory pressed for a second.

Despite a promising spell of pressure from the home side, neither team managed to get ahead before the whistle. The opening 45 minutes ended with the scoreline locked at 1-1, a fair reflection of a tightly contested first half that promised plenty more action to come after the break.

It was Brisbane who struck first in the second half.

In the 51st minute, Dutch youth international Bente Jansen continued her fine start to life in the Ninja A-League, scoring her second goal in as many games. Sharn Freier provided the assist, the pair combining neatly in what is fast becoming a dangerous attacking partnership for the Roar.

Just two minutes later, Jansen doubled her tally and extended Brisbane’s lead to 3-1 in a moment of horror for the Glory defence. A loose ball rolled agonisingly across the line after a scramble in the box, leaving goalkeeper Dall’Oste unable to intervene. Freier nearly added a fourth soon after but sent her effort just wide of the right post.

Perth refused to fold though, and looked to claw their way back into the contest. Rola Badawiya came close amid a goalmouth scramble, only for Marianna Seidl to clear with a clean header, while Brisbane survived a series of dangerous corners in the final stages.

The Glory pressed hard in the dying minutes, with captain Izzy Dalton driving forward to create one of their best second-half chances, only to be denied by the Roar defence. Brisbane appeared intent on managing the clock, but Perth’s persistence finally paid off in the 92nd minute when Ella Lincoln produced a brilliant solo run to slot home her second A-League goal, reducing the deficit to 2-3 and setting the game up for a tense finish.

Zogg came close to equalising moments later but sent her effort just wide, and Susan Phonsongkham had the final chance of the game, though her shot lacked the power to trouble Chloe Lincoln in goal. Despite a late surge from the home side, the visitors held firm to secure a hard-fought victory.

Teams: PERTH GLORY (3-4-3): Dall’oste, Tovar, Johnston, McKenna, Hollar, Chinnama, Badawiya, O’Donoghue, Dalton, Sardo, Zogg. Substitutes: Skinner, Anderson, Phonsongkham, Trew, Lincoln, Wainwright.

Goals: Badawiya 25’, Lincoln 90+2’.

BRISBANE ROAR (3-4-1-2): Lincoln, Seidl, Varley, Studer, Woods, Medwin, Freier, Miller, Stephenson, Jansen, Kuilamu. Substitutes: Franco, Yallop, Kruger, Meyers, Kinsella, Piazza.

Goals: Kuilamu 21’, Jansen 52’, 55’.

Referee: Bec Mackie

Attendance: 1,040.