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Harriet Meers: Flourishing back at East Bergholt

Harriet Meers was the very first player that Impetus sponsored back in 2020/21. Now, three seasons later, we still sponsor the defender, and she spoke to Ben Gilby about the season just finished at tier six side East Bergholt United (22/6/23).

Above: Harriet Meers has had a successful first season back at East Bergholt United – both on a personal and team level. Photo: Paul Wilding.

Harriet Meers returned to senior football this season after spending some time away from the game. Back at her first club, East Bergholt United in Suffolk, the defender has seen her confidence grow as she fell back in love with the game.

Meers revealed how her return to the club, based in the heart of Constable country happened. “I went to the 21/22 Suffolk County Cup final with a friend who I used to play with at Bergholt before I went to university and she suggested I came back but I wasn’t sure.

“Next thing I knew I was at pre-season and by the start of the season I had fallen back in love with the game and my confidence had returned. As everyone knows, confidence has always been the main problem for me, but I am so glad I didn’t stop. Putting that little bit of pressure on myself has been so beneficial to remembering why I started playing in the first place.”

Having been away from the Suffolk side for a couple of seasons, Meers noticed a couple of differences in returning.

“Things have changed quite significantly since I left, other than a small core group of about six or seven players that were still there. The year I left Bergholt was the year we had just won the county cup and league, taking home the double for the second season in a row. It was time for the club to take promotion into the Eastern Region Women’s League (ERWFL), thus, I was unable to commit to the travel whilst away.

“Since then the club have played in the ERWFL and had a managerial change. I think the great part about returning to the club was the fact the core group of players were still there. A big part of this being Bergholt’s best league result since joining the ERWFL was due to the new players brought in from other clubs and the addition of some younger players from the Ipswich Town Foundation setup.”

**Above:** Harriet Meers tracks an attacker for East Bergholt United. **Photo:** Paul Wilding.

Whilst East Bergholt’s season was arguably the best since they made the step up to tier-six football, the defender believes it could have been even better. “In my opinion, the season was one of a mixed bag. We started off with an early FA Cup exit with a 1-0 loss at home in a game where we started slow and didn’t turn up, I think that was tough.

“However, the league started really well and we were bringing home three points most weeks. Unfortunately, I think our season took a turn in the opposite direction after we played Billericay Town Development away in the final game before Christmas. Then with the Christmas break, multiple postponements, and the loss of a key player to other commitments, we started to struggle.

“We struggled for several weeks to get a point on the board, but we made it through. We struggled with venues for training over winter and it definitely had a huge impact on the intensity and frequency of training. This made it hard to keep morale high, but we made it to the end of the season, and it’s something we aim to change going into next season.

“Regardless of this, we still finished the season having got to the semi-final of the county cup (only losing to the winners Needham Market) and we exited the Eastern Region League Cup to Bowers and Pitsea from the league above. Most importantly, we finished with the highest number of points since entering the ERWFL.”

It was a campaign that Meers believes saw her take significant strides forward in her game. “When I started playing for East Bergholt I had played football for only three years, so I had entered women’s football extremely shy, was someone who didn’t speak on the pitch, and had zero confidence.

“Since then, I have played for the University of East Anglia team in BUCS (British University sports league) where I was captain, had a UEA scholarship, and played for Wroxham in tier five.

“I would say my high point of the season was coming back and a few of the ‘core girls’ who I played with before commenting on how much of a difference they could see in me, both as a person and a player. I have a lot more confidence, I am now a voice on the pitch, and in a different position to when I left. People said they could see a change.

“Additionally, midway through the season our captain had important commitments and had to take a step back. I was extremely surprised to be asked to take on the role of captain by the management team Jordan and Darren. From the shy, timid person I was when I left the club, to returning and being given the armband just felt like a complete circle ‘don’t believe it’ moment.

**Above:** Harriet Meers in action for East Bergholt United this season. **Photo:** Paul Wilding.

“I think I realised the biggest doubter in me is myself. This season I have tried to work on not getting in my head, I think I’ve proved that I can do it. No matter what game I’m playing, even if I’m having a shocker of a game, I know that it’s a team game and my job is to keep my head up and encourage everyone else.

“I’d like to think on the pitch I’m a really positive person and never put another player down. I think it’s all too easy to moan or say someone should’ve done something differently, but we all know when we’ve made a mistake. No one is harder on you than yourself and I think that’s something I really want the team to realise next season – to start to improve how positive we are on the pitch and increase our support of each other.

“I had started the summer thinking that I was going to focus on my postgrad degree and leave football behind me. Fast forward to November, I had been given the opportunity to lead the team and was playing in a positive environment and loving every minute of being on the pitch.”

In terms of the team’s best moments during the campaign, the defender highlighted two. “There was our 2-0 win over Haverhill Rovers in the county cup. The game was eventful, full of cards, but as a team, we put in a huge battle and to take the win at the end felt amazing. I’d say our other ‘high’ moment was when we played against Woodson Park away. We started behind, a position we often struggle to come back from, but with some brilliant goals and a hell of a strike at 5-5 from our striker Jade, we won the game 6-5.”

Whilst Meers’ growth as a footballer has been going on this season, she is six months into postgraduate studies back at the University of East Anglia. It’s been a pleasant surprise how easy it has for the two to fit together.

“Since starting the postgraduate studies in January I’ve managed to commute to Norwich daily, train twice a week, and play every Sunday (apart from when I was on holiday). Once I started the course, I expected to not be able to maintain playing football and I would just do it as and when. However, I have managed to balance playing football, even when on hospital placement in Bury St. Edmunds.

“Luckily, following the medical school structure, my placement is not shift work which has been brilliant. Playing football is brilliant both mentally and physically whilst on a demanding course. Even though I often came straight to football, changed at the venue or in my car, and was often tired, I can say I always felt better after the session. At the end of the day, football is the only time I don’t feel guilty that I should have my head in a book, so I am grateful for being able to currently manage both!”

Whilst the 2022/23 season finished relatively recently, Meers is already looking forward to the new campaign with East Bergholt United.

“I can’t wait to get started again, with new teams entering the league it will be good to play new sides and to redeem ourselves in the FA Cup! There is a great group of girls at this club who commit every single week and I love being around them. We’ve started a ‘pre-preseason’ group on Strava to start the season as fit as we can, with the aim to start properly training from July onwards.

**Above:** Harriet Meers (5) celebrating with team mates this season. She has high hopes for plenty more celebrations next season at East Bergholt United. **Photo:** Paul Wilding.

“Sadly Darren Hogg, one of the managers who had been at the club for 10 years, has had to step down due to commitments. I think as a squad we will feel that loss, but I’m sure he’ll be around at some point!

“I think it’s within our capability to sit in one of the top four league positions. In a post-season friendly we played; we added a few new players who would make an incredible difference for us at the club. We also have a couple of girls back from maternity who are influential players in the team. If we can get those players to sign, potentially bring in a few more, have a good training facility we are onto something special. For me personally, I just want to keep improving, work on my touch and maybe even manage a goal or two if I can train that head of mine.”

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

NWSL Preview: The Pizza derby sees Gotham FC host Chicago Red Stars

by Denise Duffy & Jonathon Hagger (22/6/23)

Above: Chicago Red Stars will be all out to come together to defeat Gotham FC this weekend. Photo: IMAGN.

Whether you like your pizza crust thick or thin, there is quality on both sides of the line in this matchup.

Gotham FC and Chicago have their first re-match of the season when they face off in New Jersey’s charcoal oven on Sunday evening. Both teams come into the match in different form with Gotham FC backing up from a couple of disappointing results. The Chicago Red Stars have played with a lot of heart but often have not had the final result to go their way.

Following their recent two-match results of a hard-fought draw and a disappointing loss, Gotham FC have slipped further down the NWSL standings table and now sit five points adrift of the top. The Red Stars are having a less-than-spectacular season and are fighting to keep ahead of the last-placed Kansas City Current. Chicago enters into this match after an action-packed see-saw match against the Portland Thorns who only just managed to keep the Red Stars at bay.

Team comparisons – The Good and Bad

The absence of Ali Krieger in the backline last week proved costly for Gotham who were unable to capitalise on their dominance in possession. As the high-calibre subs came in, there were plenty of opportunities to claw themselves back into the match, but their inability to convert goal-scoring opportunities cost them dearly.

On the other side of the pitch, the Chicago Red Stars will be missing their key leadership. The defensive rock of the Red Stars back line, Arin Wright will be unavailable this week. The younger players in the team, such as forward Ava Cook and now seasoned midfielder Cari Roccaro, will need to step up and take command.

**Above:** Chicago Red Stars’ Cari Roccaro. **Photo:** IMAGN.

Near misses to the USWNT Roster Casey Kruger and Tierna Davidson will have to pick themselves up and focus on Gotham FC and the rest of the NWSL schedule. While the Chicago Red Stars are a team depleted in player quantity due to injury, that doesn’t mean the remaining roster can’t compete in this league. Chicago has a talented squad.

On the positive side of the ledger, the decision by Lynn Williams to extend her contract has been well received by everyone in New Jersey/New York.

“Lynn Williams is an incredibly talented player who has been a key contributor to the overall success of the team this season,” said Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amoros. She plays any role that is needed at the time, whether that means scoring goals, tracking back on defence, or being a positive voice in the locker room. She represents the values that we have as a club, and is an example for our younger players.”

.@lynnraenie is here to stay! 😤🖤 pic.twitter.com/EHm3nQR2W4
— NJ/NY Gotham FC (@GothamFC) June 20, 2023

The key to winning – it’s all about heart

The key to winning this match will be all about which team plays with their whole heart. Both teams know who they are, they understand how they play and the tactics their coaches want to see employed. The next step is connecting the intellect with the passion.

Lynn Williams – Forward. Having been called up to the USNWT, WIlliams is in incredible form. Williams is as busy on the attack as she is providing defensive cover – shutting down counter attacks all across the park.

Yazmeen Ryan – Midfield. With Midge Purce still unavailable for Gotham, Ryan has been called upon to step up into an attacking role. The single assist Ryan has recorded this season does not reflect the opportunities she makes for other players to play at their best. Ryan has a knack of positioning herself physically in dangerous positions and if she can unlock her sharpshooting skills then goals will come.

**Above:** Yazmeen Ryan getting a shot away for Gotham FC. **Photo:** Devon Cafaro/Gotham FC.

Bruninha – Defender. A breakout player who gives 100% of herself in every match. Playing at right back Bruninha has been given free reign to be aggressive across all areas of the pitch, which unleashes her creativity. Her versatility as a player compliments her teammates who also play multi functional roles.

The Chicago roster boasts a number of highly talented young forwards who we think you should be aware of –

Penelope Hocking – Forward/Midfield. Graduate of Penn State and Chicago’s top draft pick. Having a three-year contract means she has time to develop into the star forward they want her to be. Sister Iliana was drafted by the Gotham FC in the 4th round but was unfortunately waived.

Allyson Schlegel – Forward/Midfield. In her NWSL rookie season, Schlegel has been used as a substitute so far this season however with two goals and one assist to her credit, she is a threat to be aware of.

Ava Cook – Forward. Having started 11 matches out of 12 played, Cook has been a bright light in the Red Stars offence. She plays heads-up soccer, looking for options, and is unselfish with the ball. Cooks recently scored the two winning goals against Angel City.

What to expect in this match from the Bats

Gotham FC will be searching to reboot their season and will likely start their match at full-blast power. Chicago will be carrying forward their red-hot energy they finished with in their last match. The old saying the first team to score will go on to win will play out in this match-up. There is no reason why Chicago can’t topple Gotham if they can gain the early advantage.

The edge

Keeper – Abby Smith vs Alyssa Naeher. Just like the Red Stars, Naeher is having a below-average season for a player of her quality. The goalkeeper is only as good as the ten players in front of them and sadly Naeher has not had the support she needs. Smith on the other hand has stepped up into the number one keeper role following the injury to Michelle Betos. Smith will be hurting after giving away two goals in her last start and she will be trying very hard to not be scored on again.

Backlines – Chicago needs to up their confidence in this area. Gotham is in a similar boat. With the drift down the table, it’s the midfield that needs to make their stamp on this match. Gotham has many players to call on. The starting lineup will be important.

Front Line / Midfield – Ella Stevens versus Yazmeen Ryan. Ryan has yet to achieve scoring a goal this season which is very strange for an attacking player of her ability. Stevens on the other hand has scored 3 goals across her 12 matches. Both players will be looking to increase their tally in different ways – Ryan will seek to utilise her dynamic movement whereas Stevens will bring her sharpshooter skills.

Coaching – The duo of Chris Petrucelli and for NWSLer Ella Masar is an interesting one. Can they ignite a team that is struggling for wins? Juan Carlos Amorós has brought this team back from last year’s basement. We feel he has a good handle on this squad, though he will have to bring out the big dogs at the start of the match to stay on top of an ever-swaying NWSL game of momentum.

Front and Back Office – Gotham is building a brand for the future. As mentioned before they have the right people in the right places. The Red Stars are still settling in with their ownership group and direction of the club.

Fans, Stadium and Social Media – Gotham FC playing at home with the announcement this week that Lynn Williams has extended her contract will have everyone fired up and raring to go. The fans especially will be willing their team back to their winning ways.

**Above:** Lynn Williams (centre) at the media event to announce her contract extension. **Photo:** Gotham FC.

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Perth Glory announce triple signings ahead of 2023/24 campaign

22/6/23

Above: Local young stars Georgia Cassidy (third right) and Grace Johnston (far right), pictured here with Hyundai NTC in the NPLW WA this season, have been unveiled by Perth Glory as new A-League Women singing this week. Photo: Football West.

Perth Glory have unveiled three new signings this week with two of Western Australia’s brightest young talent announced along with the return of an experienced A-League Women midfielder.

The first local star announced was exciting young prospect Grace Johnston. Comfortable operating anywhere across midfield, the 18-year-old is currently enjoying a stellar NPLW WA campaign for the Hyundai NTC where she is a member of the leadership group.

She spent much of last season training with Glory’s Liberty A-League squad and is now relishing the opportunity to take the next step in her fledgling career.

“Growing up in WA, it’s a huge honour to sign for my local club,” she said. “It’s a big achievement for myself to sign a contract with a club that I have grown up supporting.

“It’s been my dream for many years to sign a professional contract and I am extremely grateful to [Head Coach] Alex [Epakis] for giving me this opportunity.

“I can’t wait to get started and believe that by entering such a professional and hardworking environment, I will improve both on and off the field through this experience.”

Epakis, meanwhile, has high hopes for the talented teenager. “I am excited to have Grace be part of the team next season,” he said.

“She has been a player I have been monitoring for a number of months and is someone who has the capacity to continue to develop further across the upcoming ALW season.

“She is versatile enough to play in a number of positions and has a great understanding of the game.

“I am really focused on working closely with her to further evolve and develop her as a football player and I have no doubt she has the ability to be part of our Perth Glory team for a number of seasons.”

**Above:** NTC star Grace Johnston is a great signing for Perth Glory. **Artwork:** Perth Glory.

Joining Johnston at the Glory next season will be her Hyundai NTC team-mate Georgia Cassidy, who has also represented the Junior Matildas.

The 18-year-old Perth local is no stranger to the Glory set-up having received a Football West-funded scholarship to train with the club last year while continuing to put in impressive displays for the NTC in the NPLW WA competition.

Cassidy, who was a member of the Junior Matildas squad which claimed the AFF U18 Women’s Championship last year, is now looking forward to launching her A-League career in the famous purple.

“I’m super-excited to sign for my local club, especially having grown up watching Glory as a young girl,” she said.

“It’s a huge achievement for me to finally get the opportunity to explore a professional environment and learn new things on and off the pitch.

Epakis, meanwhile, is confident that Cassidy is primed to make the step up to A-League level.

“Georgia is another signing I am very excited about,” he said. “She has been involved in short training blocks with our squad for the past few seasons and has shown that she has a fantastic technical and tactical aspect to her overall game.

“Georgia is very comfortable in possession and has a great passing range and these are key aspects to the way we want to play. Her potential growth as a football player is very clear and excites me a lot. Her recent national team activities with the Junior Matildas indicate that she is making great strides so far.

“My job will be to help her further develop and progress so that she can be a longstanding Perth Glory player and also continue her progress in the junior national team set-up.”

**Above:** Georgia Cassidy – one of two locally produced signings unveiled by Perth Glory this week. **Artwork:** Perth Glory.

Also announced this week was the arrival of experienced midfielder Isobel Dalton for the next two seasons.

Now 25, Dalton is a former Australia Under-17 representative who has spent the last three years in Europe playing for Italian side Napoli and most recently, English FA Women’s Championship outfit, Lewes.

Born in the UK but raised in Queensland, she is also no stranger to the Liberty A-League having made 25 appearances for Brisbane Roar and claimed the club’s Player of the Season Award in 2021.

The midfielder spoke of the anticipation within her for the move to Western Australia: “I’m excited to be returning to Australia and the A-League for the next two years. I felt I was at a point in my career where an opportunity to be back in the country and closer to family was something I was looking for.

“I knew immediately after speaking with [Head Coach] Alex [Epakis] that Perth was the club I wanted to pursue that at and I’m grateful for the trust that has already been shown in bringing me to the club.

“Glory has shown they’re capable of competing at the top, so I’m hoping to play my part in helping the club achieve their goals, as well as continuing my personal development.”

Epakis, meanwhile, believes that the University of Colorado graduate will significantly bolster his midfield options in the upcoming campaign.

“Having Izzy join us for the next two seasons is fantastic,” he said. “She has a strong track record of experience across the ALW, youth national teams, and most recently in Italy and the UK.

“Her professionalism and approach is first class, her best football is in front of her and she is going to make a huge impact on the team.

“Each conversation I have had with her across recent months has left me with a very clear picture; she is coming to Perth to represent the club as best as she can, improve our team, and help us progress as a team.”

**Above:** Former Brisbane Roar star Isobel Dalton has signed for Perth Glory. **Artwork:** Perth Glory.

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Boroondara bounce back and Bayside make a statement: Round 14 NPLW Victoria

By Kieran Yap 20/6/23

Above: Kurea Okino for Boroondara-Carey Eagles. Image: Kurea Okino Instagram

Bayside United climbed into the top four, Heidelberg suffered another setback, and Bulleen overcame a tough FV Emerging in the Victorian NPLW.

Boroondara-Carey Eagles 7-0 Box Hill United

After two consecutive league defeats and one in the Nike FC Cup, The Boroondara-Carey Eagles sent the competition a reminder of what they are capable of.

The Eagles faced a recently resurgent Box Hill United, who were on a run of four consecutive and convincing wins. The form of Sofia Sakalis had been one catalyst behind Box Hill’s rise up the ladder. She has registered either a goal or an assist in every game since her return, but Anais Josefski has been one of their best players since round one. The lethal winger was missing for Round 14.

Box Hill began the game on the front foot. They pressure every Boroondara pass and looked the more dangerous on the ball. Only a marginal offside call prevented an early Sakalis chance.

In spite of the opening minutes, Boroondara were unfazed and responded by hitting the back of the net. In th 17^th minute, Emily Heijden lofted a pass into the box with precision, and after a flicked-on header, Kurea Okino tucked away her 18^th goal of the season.

Okino returned the favour for the second. She was the target of a high, long ball forward and her presence drew two defenders to her. She used a faint touch to nod the ball into the path of Ellen Turner, and the fullback made no mistake in the 34^th minute.

Box Hill were still playing some good football, and at 2-0 were not out of the game. Emma Langley had the best chance to pull one back, but hit her effort over the bar from close range. It was not the turning point of the game. There was no single “Sliding Door” moment that evening, but it things only got harder when Boroondara made it 3-0 in the second half.

Box Hill were on the attack again, but Arina Takunaga intercepted a pass in the middle. She did not hesitate, and surged forward with the ball. Okino’s run off the last defender was perfectly timed, and Takunaga’s pass found her amid numerous Box Hill shirts. Okino calmly brought up her 19^th goal of an increasingly ridiculous campaign.

The evening’s fourth goal was the most spectacular. Margot Robbine’s effort from the edge of the box was blocked, but the ball fell to Emily Sutcliffe who was even further out. The former Wrexham and Geelong Galaxy midfielder curled an effort into the top corner. It was 4-0 and not yet over.

Ellen Turner brought up her brace with Boroondara’s fifth. Like her first goal, she arrived late in the box and finished well. Rebecca Lim was the supplier with a strong run and clever cross that bypassed the defenders who were distracted by Okino.

Boroondara’s sixth was Okino’s third. An end-to end move from The Eagles was completed by Sutcliffe’s lofted pass into Okino’s direction. One touch to control and another to bury it into the net means that the Japanese striker now had 20 goals in 13 appearances.

Sutcliffe’s second was as incredible as her first. Lim’s initial cross put the midfielder on the opposite flank with her back to goal, but a quick turn and clever nutmeg by Sutcliffe forged the space for a cross. At least that was the option most would have expected her to take. Instead, she went for the shot directly. Slamming it into goal at the near post to make it 7-0.

Box Hill were soundly defeated, but outplayed only for patches of this game, poor finishing and some timely turnovers cost them, and once Boroondara’s confidence is up, they are a difficult team to stop. The Eagles score heavily, that is their main identifier this season. Although Okino is the headline act, and Robbine the star signing, they have players all over the ground that can punish a side.

Sutcliffe and Turner both scored braces in this game, but the skill and pace of Lim on the right unlocks many chances, while her work rate was crucial to making life difficult for the Box Hill wingers.

Emily Sutcliffe scores one of the best individual goals you will see this season in Victoria’s NPLW. pic.twitter.com/veOiFBRmhg
— Impetus (@ImpetusFootball) June 19, 2023

Boroondara are back, and Box Hill face Heidelberg next week in what is a massive game for both sides.

Southern United 1-1 Alamein

Southern United gained a much-needed point against an Alamein side that needed a win to keep their finals hopes alive.

Rachel Binning gave Southern United an early lead. Her header from a corner put them 1-0 in the second minute of play. It was a promising opening sequence, but although Alamein have struggled for wins, they remains dangerous and one goal was never going to be enough to win this game.

When Sidney Allen gets on the ball, good things happen for Alamein. She is well known for her pace but is also capable of knitting play together. When she got on the ball deep in the 13^th minute, a quick interchange of passes resulted in a dangerous through ball for Molly Burke.

Burke swept the ball across goal and although Ashleigh Lefevre’s effort was blocked at close range, Burke was on hand to tap into the empty net.

It was Burke’s second goal of the season, and one that might keep Alamein’s alive. They are in seventh spot, but with seven games left to play, there is still time to recapture their early season form.

Bulleen Lions 2-1 FV Emerging

Caitlin Friend’s Bulleen rose to top spot on the ladder, but they were made to earn it against an FV Emerging side that only grew more dangerous the longer the match went on.

Bulleen had the upper hand early, but were frustrated by FV Emerging’s disciplined defence. despite keeping most of the possession in their attacking half, Bulleen struggled to create clear but chances.

One of the Lions’ main strengths this season has been their press. The forwards stalk the opposition defenders and try and capitalize on any errors, especially from goal kicks.

Faith Stephenson drifted wide and read the clearance well. She knocked it back into to penalty area where Maja Markovski and Alana Jancevski were already waiting. There were calls for a Bulleen penalty after a suggestion of handball, but Jancevski did not wait for the referee to agree. She thrashed home the opening goal from close range.

Bulleen’s second goal came in similar fashion. The midfield and strikers pressed high, and a forced a hurried clearance. Claudia Mihocic read it first and put the ball back into the direction of Markovski. A combination of physical tenacity and quick footwork created an opening for the shot, and Tyla Jay Vlajnic finished from the rebound.

Emerging were not cowed by going two goals down. They created chances of their own, Candice Kilderry’s strong run down the flank and dangerous cross would have ended in a goal with even the lightest touch. Alana Cortellino’s pace makes her a constant menace for even the most experienced defenders, but Emerging still went into the break 2-0 down. They had only made two errors for the half, but against Bulleen, that is all it takes.

When they did pull one back it was spectacular. Kiera Meyers raced down the left wing and waited for support. Her inboard pass found Anika Doveston who shifted her body to create space at the edge of the box. The strike flew past Gaby Garton and gave FV Emerging a lifeline in the 39^th minute.

The final 50 minutes of play were tightly contested, with FV Emerging bringing the best out of Bulleen’s defence, but they held firm.

FV Emerging will have only gained more admirers from this performance. However Bulleen are now able to win games playing below their best, and it will be encouraging for them that their defence was resolute in the face of some pace, talent and momentum.

Calder United 2-1 Preston Lions

Calder United’s form continues to steadily improve along with their ladder position. This win against Preston has them in sixth place and given this was achieved without Raquel Derales it was as impressive as it was surprising.

Ava Groba was the hero for the home side. Last season’s quicksilver winger has developed into a more mobile attacking threat and added polish to her pace.

Preston needed to be at their best to get a result here, and although Calder established an upper hand early, Emma Checker was in vintage form to keep them at bay. Some early corners gave Preston hope, but they were unable to convert in attack.

It is difficult to stop 2023 Groba though, and once she gets goal side there are few that can catch her.

Her clipped finish in the 39^th minute was a classy way for the captain for make the most of Alexis Mitchell’s threaded through ball.

Preston drew level before halftime. A long ball forward found Belinda Stojcevski who unleashed a rocket of a shot from outside of the area. It curled in off her left foot in unstoppable fashion, and Preston finally had some reward for their persistence.

Calder United have a back four that could easily start for Western United in the A-League Women.

It’s very hard to go through them, so Belinda Stojcevski just went over them. #vicnplw pic.twitter.com/rSzEwoBxRY
— Impetus (@ImpetusFootball) June 20, 2023

It was the Calder captain who decided the result again. This time she drifted in from the right side and finished into an open net after Keiwa Hieda’s strong run along the left.

It was a goal that felt like it had come out of nothing. Preston were in possession one second, then the next they were walking the ball back to the centre.

Calder’s win felt slightly lucky on the surface. But they made their own luck and defended solidly with their all-star back four. Scoring once against them is difficult, scoring twice is a huge ask, and with Groba’s continued growth in attack. Many top four teams could be hoping that the defending champions do not make it in at season’s end.

Heidelberg United 0-3 Bayside United

There are two stories to come out of this game. First is Heidelberg’s form slump. After convincingly defeating South Melbourne, they have succumbed to consecutive losses in the league and one in the Nike FC Cup.

That’s last result, the 5-2 defeat to Calder United on Tuesday night, sounds bad on paper, but it was an unlucky loss and for most of the game, they looked back to their best. In that context, the Round 14 loss to Bayside looks more like a momentary blip, and the loss of Bella Wallhead to an ACL injury cannot be overstated as a factor that they are working their way through. They will be back.

The other story of this game is that Bayside are starting to look like the real deal. Without the suspended Kayla Deaver, they were achieve a comprehensive win.

Although technically this was a Heidelberg home game, the match was played at Bayside’s ground as Olympic Village is undergoing upgrades, and Bayside looked comfortable from the outset.

A single bad touch when playing out from the back gifted the ball for Bayside’s Julia Budiongo. The striker took full advantage with a dipping shot from 18 yards.

Budiongo added her second in the 31^st minute. Racing onto a bouncing long ball behind the defence and nodding it past the onrushing Melissa Maizels.

Bayside was playing with confidence and their star striker was irrepressible. Budiongo turned creator in the second half. She looked to be trapped by Tijan Mckenna in the corner but turned the young midfielder and cut the ball back to Miwa Sasaki.

The strike that followed was the best of the bunch. It flew into the net at the far post, it was hit an unsavable pace and trajectory.

The result means that Bayside United climb into the top four. A win against FV Emerging next week will mean that other could be playing catchup for the rest of the season.

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

World Cup Preview: Canada

by Johnathan Stack (21/6/23)

Above: The defending Olympic champions, Canada will be aiming to put off-field problems behind them to reach their potential in Australia. Photo: Canada Soccer.

Olympic champions Canada will be looking to put off-field problems behind them as the 2015 hosts look to go build on their performance in Tokyo to go further than before at the World Cup.

Squad

The current squad is made up of 25 players, to be reduced to 23 on 9th July.

Goalkeepers: Sabrina D’Angelo, Lysianne Proulx, Kailen Sheridan.

Defenders: Kadeisha Buchanan, Allysha Chapman, Vanessa Gilles, Shelina Zadorsky, Ashley Lawrence, Jadye Rivere, Jade Rose.

Midfielders: Marie-Yasine Alidou, Simi Awujo, Jessie Fleming, Julia Grosso, Quinn, Sophie Schmidt, Desiree Scott.

Forwards: Jordyn Huitema, Cloe Lacasse, Clarissa Larisey, Adriana Leon, Christine Sinclair, Nicelle Prince, Deanne Rose, Evelyne Viens.

Head Coach

Bev Priestman knows her team inside out. She led Canada to an Olympic gold medal as they beat Sweden on penalties in Tokyo in 2021. This was the extension of her previous roles with the North American side as head coach of Canada’s U-17 and U-20 between 2013-2018. She was involved at the last World Cup with England as Phil Neville’s assistant.

How they qualified

Canada came top of Group B of the 2022 CONACAF W Championship which was enough to secure their passage to Australia.

World Cup History

This is Canada’s eighth appearance in the World Cup having only missed the first tournament in 1991. At this time, their best finish was fourth place in 2003.

Key Player

**Above:** Christine Sinclair – one of the greatest players of all time. **Photo:** CityNews Toronto.

This is surely the last World Cup for one of the most illustrious players in women’s football. The captain of Canada, now aged 40, has made over 300 appearances for her nation in a phenomenal international career and has 190 international goals to go with it. She has given everything to her country for the last 23 years.

One to watch

Cloé Lacasse. This is a player who has had an absolutely outstanding season with SL Benfica in Portugal scoring 31 goals in all competitions. Lacasse has a real eye for goal and will cause any defence problems. Having never been capped for Canada, she applied to represent Iceland in 2019 where she had citizenship, but FIFA turned down her application. But a couple of impressive seasons with Benfica have seen her subsequently pick up 19 caps for Canada.

Strengths

On their day Canada are capable of beating anyone, but it remains to be seen how much their campaign to ensure their National Federation pays its female and male national team players the same could be a distraction. Having won Olympic Gold, they are more than capable of using that experience to drive them well into the latter stages in Australia.

**Above:** Cloé Lacasse – could be one to watch at the World Cup. **Photo:** Canada Soccer.

Development points

Canada has had a mixed run of results recently, with only one win in five games and only two goals scored. They need to fix up quickly otherwise it could be an early exit for them. It’s important to contextualise that these results were during a time when players wanted to strike over the lack of support they were receiving from their federation, only to play the matches in February when the federation threatened to sue. Though they have since come to an agreement, that cloud still looms.

Success would be

Making the last four as a minimum.

Prediction

Knockout stages. I don’t think Canada has enough to go all the way, but if they play to their potential consistently, then you never know. Their recent form leading into this World Cup is concerning, but they will be confident of getting out of a group featuring co-hosts Australia, the Republic of Ireland, and Nigeria.

Group B Fixtures

21st July – Nigeria, AAMI Park, Melbourne.

26th July – Republic of Ireland, HBF Park, Perth.

31st July – Australia, AAMI Park, Melbourne.

To read the other World Cup nation previews published so far, click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/international-football/

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Lionesses speak as World Cup preparations get under way

Words by Rebecca Hall, exclusive photography by Rafaella Macintosh – both at St. George’s Park for Impetus (21/6/23)

Above: Mary Earps makes a superb save during the Lionesses’ training session at St. George’s Park. Photo: Rafaella Macintosh for Impetus.

The Lionesses arrived on Monday night at St. George’s national training facility, and yesterday they began training as their World Cup preparations got underway in earnest.

With the tournament’s opening game less than a month away, excitement and pressure are building around the squad – something the players insist they can separate themselves from.

England’s first game of the tournament will be on 22nd July, but they will play a friendly ‘send-off’ game against Portugal on 1st July in Milton Keynes before Sarina Wiegman’s side travel to Australia four days later.

**Above:** Beth England in training yesterday. She later spoke about her reaction to being called into the Lionesses’ World Cup squad. Photo: Rafaella Macintosh for *Impetus*.

With just weeks to go, Bethany England spoke of the team’s excitement going into the tournament and described the team as “in high spirits going off the back of last year” and that the “team are excited to show the world what we can do”.

While there were initial concerns not all 23 players would be able to report to the national team due to disagreements concerning player welfare between domestic club release dates, an agreement was eventually reached allowing all players to begin their World Cup preparations together.

However, four players were not in full training. Millie Bright and Jordan Nobbs are on individual programmes. Bright continues to recover from her knee operation and Nobbs has a minor injury. Also on a modified training programme is Bayern Munich star, Georgia Stanway following nasal surgery whilst Jess Park partook in reduced contact training due to a shoulder injury.

**Above:** England’s Georgia Stanway in training – she is on a special programme after nasal surgery. **Photo:** Rafaella Macintosh for *Impetus*.

The mantra ‘pressure is a privilege’ is a shared belief amongst the Lionesses, and it is clear they are ready for the fight in Australia and focused on their goals. Chelsea defender, Millie Bright has been made captain in the absence of Leah Williamson due to an ACL injury, and the leadership she provides in this space is well-regarded amongst the players. In addition to Bright, Rachel Daly insists lots of players have stepped up, including Mary Earps and Lucy Bronze but ultimately “everyone has a voice” in this squad.

While England go into the tournament marked as one of the favourites fresh from Euros victory, the players are realistic about the obstacles they may face, including the emotional toll of being away from home.

Rachel Daly agreed that it can be a “tough” aspect of any tournament but that it’s important to “build a home away from home”, by even doing “silly things like unpacking your suitcase, and not living out of it”. Daly, the WSL’s Golden Boot winner this season, said that they would take what they learned from their time at the Lensbury Hotel (base for the Lionesses during the Euro’s) by making sure to familiarise themselves with the area and to “make it home”, stating that this aspect was “super important” for their European success.

Fans and pundits alike have been calling on Head Coach, Sarina Wiegman, to recognise Daly as a forward, which seems to be the case since the Arnold Clark Cup victory. However, the Aston Villa sharpshooter insisted she will happily play any position Wiegman wants her.

Within the Lionesses squad, the striker role is perhaps one of the most hotly contested, but Daly insists the environment is healthy and positive, explaining that “we all push each other and we are all great friends.” WSL fans have become well accustomed to Daly’s goalfests and this form is something that she believes will continue – “I always try and bring my best no matter where I am… I will still perform how I do week in week out.”

Compared to the Euros, the Aston Villa player believes she has further developed on and off the pitch as well, “moving home after being away for ten years and playing in this league (the WSL) was something I wanted to do… but I think you can all tell I’m playing with a smile on my face”– Long may it continue!

The likes of Mary Earps and Keira Walsh were almost a given to be on Wiegman’s squad list, but Jordan Nobbs and Bethany England both made emotional goodbyes to clubs they openly love to find more minutes at Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, respectively in hopes of getting on the plane to Australia.

**Above:** Lauren James in training yesterday. **Photo:** Rafaella Macintosh for *Impetus*.

England said that when she received the call-up, she felt it validated all her hard work and the difficult decision she made. Of the call itself, the former Chelsea attacker tried to “play it cool on the phone” but when she “hung up the phone I screamed my house down”.

The Spurs striker scored 13 goals in the WSL and felt it was important not just to get playing time but to “make the minutes count”, thanking her London club, she shared it was good to be “happy again”. However, with a broad smile, England, admitted it was great to be back with Chelsea friends, such as Jess Carter, and “experience these times with her”. Although the smile quickly faded, admitting she was “not looking forward to the flight”.

Ultimately, England explained that she “could’ve stayed in her comfort zone (at Chelsea)… but then I would’ve been watching other people going out to Australia, and its something I would’ve regretted looking back on.” The resiliency that shines through in the Spurs striker is sure to benefit not just herself throughout the tournament but the whole squad.

With an impressive record of results and Sarina Wiegman at the helm of this close-knit squad, it is obvious that England fans are in for an exciting summer of football.

Rafaella Macintosh’s exclusive photo gallery from Lionesses’ training at St. George’s Park for Impetus

This is Rebecca Hall and Rafaella Macintosh‘s debut work for Impetus. To find out more about them and all our contributors, click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/about-our-contributors/

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

World Cup Preview: Philippines

by Kris Goman (20/6/23)

Above: The Philippines have come together and are now one of the rising stars of Asian women’s football. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

The Philippines are an Asian team on the rise.

They’ve recently beaten regional opponents including Singapore, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. They are made up of a team of local and foreign-based players, mostly Filipino-American but also a Filipino-Norwegian and Filipino Australian. Their players hail from a variety of leagues, from countries such as Japan, the USA (college leagues), Australia, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Brazil, and Serbia.

The team recently changed its nickname from Malditas to Filipinas. The name Malditas has no direct English translation but could variably mean bad-asses to dammed or accursed but could also mean bratty. It is also a swear word in Spanish and Portuguese. Of late and with the new Australian coaching team, it was also sometimes confused with the Matildas. Filipinas is the demonym for the women of the Philippines and can stand alone as a nickname.