Above: Rebekah Stott shows her delight at returning to Melbourne City. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Melbourne City FC.
Melbourne City FC have announced this morning the signing of New Zealand international Rebekah Stott on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee from WSL side Brighton and Hove Albion.
Stott has made 93 appearances for New Zealand’s Football Ferns and re-joins the club following a historic FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign. The central defender started in each of the Ferns fixtures, playing a crucial role in the team securing their first-ever World Cup win.
In her last appearance for City, Stott joined an illustrious club, making her 100th A-League Women’s appearance. With 75 appearances for Melbourne City, Stott is the club’s all-time leading Women’s appearance maker.
An inaugural member of City’s Women’s side, Stott has won four championships and two premierships at the club – including two invincible doubles. Highly respected by her peers, Stott was crowned Players’ Player of the Year in City’s history-making 2019/20 season.
Above: Rebekah Stott is back in sky blue. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Melbourne City FC.
A technical defender with an innate ability to read the play and attack from the back, Stott brings a wealth of experience upon returning from England’s Women’s Super League.
Speaking about her return to the club, Stott said: “Melbourne City is a special place, it’s home to me and I’m so happy to be back. I have so many incredible memories here, both on and off the pitch, and I’m determined to do everything I can to help the team be successful.
“Having just experienced such an incredible World Cup, I can’t wait for the new season to start. We have seen amazing support in the stands, and I believe it’s a turning point for the game and for the fans.
“We are all excited about seeing City fans at our games and hopefully helping to inspire the next generation of players at Melbourne City.”
Stott’s signing marks the first for City ahead of the 2023/24 Liberty A-League season, with more to come in the coming weeks.
Above: Lucy Johnson in action for Newcastle Jets against her new club Sydney FC last season. Photo via: Sydney FC.
Liberty A-League Champions and Premiers Sydney FC have strengthened with the signings of three new players.
Tenacious 24-year-old midfielder Lucy Johnson, 21-year-old dynamic forward Aideen Keane and versatile 21-year-old defender Margaux Chauvet arrive as the Sky Blues prepare to break the Liberty A-League membership record and defend their titles.
Johnson joins from Newcastle Jets, Keane from Perth Glory, and Chauvet returns following an injury replacement spell in Sky Blue last season.
Head Coach Ante Juric is confident each player will add new vigour to the squad. “All three girls will bring a fresh energy and desire to the squad, and they have good experience in this competition,” he said.
“Lucy had a good last season and has proven to be a gifted midfielder. Aideen has enormous potential and is an exciting player. Margaux is a quality defender who can do several roles within a team. I am excited to have all three players join us this season.
“It’s important we refresh our squad for the new season and that our players continue to have competition for their starting places. These players, along with a few others, will do that.”
Johnson described her joy at signing for the Sky Blues. “I’m delighted to be signing with this huge club that is Sydney FC. I’m determined to continue the tradition of bringing success to this club. I can’t wait to get to work with Ante and the girls,” she said. “It’s a big club, with high expectations but I am looking forward to that challenge.”
Keane believes she can boost her young career and win trophies with the club. “I’m so excited to be joining the club, I want to learn from the environment and create successful memories.
“Sydney FC is a proven platform for players to progress and gain either international recognition or be rewarded with careers overseas and that is something I want to achieve.”
Chauvet is happy to be returning in a full-time capacity. “I got a good understanding for the culture within this club last season and I’m very grateful to be experiencing it again,” she said.
“I’m excited to help this double title defence and am determined to earn a starting spot.”
Meanwhile, the club has agreed to release defender Mary Stanic-Floody to allow her to pursue other opportunities.
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David Astill celebrates Morocco’s sensational World Cup run in Australia and puts forward the belief that their inspirational squad could be just the start of big things for the women’s game in the North African country (10/8/23).
Above: Morocco celebrate their win over Colombia that put them into the last 16 of the World Cup. Photo: FIFA Women’s World Cup Twitter.
Morocco now has two hugely inspiring national football teams. To their men’s team’s historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar last year, add the achievements of their women over the past few weeks in Australiawho have shown that they too are a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.
The women’s team have had a lot more to fight for, with Morocco being an Arab country in which gender stereotypes, whilst fading in a number of areas, are still present, and the idea of women and girls playing football is still an uncomfortable one to some around the country.
Increase in support and interest
The Atlas Lionesses’ quest to gain respect and recognition has been supported avidly by a number of high-ranking people, including from the very top, with King Mohammed VI himself investing a lot of money in recent years into the development of both the men’s and the women’s games.
This has not been a spur-of-the-moment thing though, with plans to grow men’s and women’s football in Morocco budding well over a decade ago. In 2009, the King opened a new academy outside the city of Salé, just north of the capital Rabat, with the aim of producing young male and female players who could lead the next generation in helping to reshape and rekindle the Moroccan game and to transform the country into a world power in the sport.
In 2019, the King was once again front and centre as he opened a new training complex, again near the capital, which was to be used by both the men’s and women’s senior and junior teams, once again indicating the inclusivity that has been central to every stage of Morocco’s planning over the last decade.
In 2020, it was the turn of the domestic women’s league to receive some attention, with a deal agreed for the division to become professional and for junior competitions to be devised specifically for girls. Hark back to years and years ago, and this would have been unheard of, yet Morocco want to show that they have a modern outlook when it comes to the role of their female citizens in their sporting culture.
The hard work that has gone into giving female players of all ages opportunities to play has not gone unnoticed, with forward Rosella Ayane of Tottenham Hotspur stating that the facilities that they have had access to have allowed them to prepare for major tournaments in the best way possible because they have been able to train on high-quality pitches, be kept in the right place nutritionally and have been able to enjoy a positive environment in which they are given the respect and attention that so many other sides would love to have from their own federations.
At the World Cup
When looking at their performances at the World Cup, that training and preparation time has really come to fruition, with the Atlas Lionesses looking organised and balanced and each player knowing their roles and what was expected of them.
Above: Ghizlane Chabbak, one of Morocco’s stars at the World Cup. Photo: Morocco World News.
They did need some time to settle in, with the first game at Germany showing some defensive deficiencies that needed sorting out, but that was only natural given that it was their first game at this level and they were up against one of the traditional powerhouses of the women’s game.
However, even in that match, there were signs of what was to come, with the defensive line at times working together well to cover each other and enable a press of sorts, whilst there was a nice balance to their midfield play and indications of the threat that they posed if allowed to get behind their opponents.
There were little tweaks made here and there to the starting lineup in order to fix anything that did let them down, but head coach Reynald Pedros clearly wanted to maintain that balance and not disrupt what was already there, so his lineups rarely altered drastically from match to match. That allowed partnerships to develop and players to grow into the tournament, with Ayane, Élodie Nakkach, Fatima Tagnaout, and Anissa Lahmari just some of those who stood out during their time in Australia.
Pedros had said before the tournament that he would be talking to his counterpart with the men’s team, Walid Regragui, before travelling to Australia to get some advice on what they did so well and how he could assist his players in dealing with the nerves that would come from their first World Cup appearance. Whatever advice he received undoubtedly helped.
Looking to the future
Whilst the women’s team’s World Cup journey came to an end in the round of 16 earlier this week, when they were comfortably beaten by France, they have by no means disgraced themselves. In fact, it is quite the opposite, with them joining the men’s team in getting further than anyone thought they could and showing the world that Moroccan football is growing at a rapid incline.
The hope is that their performances, coupled with the vast amount of investment that has gone into bringing the game to all levels of society, will enable everyone to get on board with the sport and to welcome each other to it, with attitudes towards gender changing by the day in Morocco, as many have noted.
Morocco hosted last year’s Women’s African Cup of Nations and ended up finishing as runners-up, and they will be hoping to go one further next year when they once again become the centre of the women’s game in Africa. However, they are not only satisfied with hosting continental tournaments and have ambitions of bringing the world to their shores, with them submitting a joint bid to FIFA to host the men’s World Cup in 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal.
It might take a little longer for them to bid for the women’s tournament, but the way things are going, an attempt to bring it to North Africa is not beyond the realms of possibility. The Atlas Lionesses need to take a lot of credit for that even being possible though, because they have proven to the world that Morocco is a nation to watch when it comes to the global development of women’s football.
The fact that there have been so many positive stories coming out of their tournament, such as Nouhaila Benzina becoming the first hijab-wearing player to feature at it, means that more and more people now have role models to look up to, and it is going to be really interesting to see where the women’s game in Morocco goes from here.
David Astill is a freelance journalist guest-writing for Impetus during the World Cup.
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For this week’s WA On Wednesday interview, a legend of the game in Western Australia, Marianna Tabain speaks to Ben Gilby about her incredible career, life at Subiaco, and the NPLW WA(9/8/23).
Above: Marianna Tabain (right) in action for Subiaco last season in the NPLW WA. Photo: JASP Photography.
Marianna Tabain has experienced it all in Western Australian football. Part of Perth Glory’s inaugural W-League team, playing for the team in a Grand Final as well as representing The Matildas at age group level. Now she is in her second season at Subiaco in the NPLW WA lending her experience to her team-mates – and still scoring plenty of goals.
Tabain has played alongside the cream of the crop of Western Australian football from the earliest days. In the state’s NTC program at the same time as her were Collette McCallum, Lisa De Vanna, Sam Kerr, Shannon May, Sadie Lawrence, Ella Mastrantonio, Tanya Oxtoby, and Elisa D’Ovidio.
Those experiences were near the start of a career that the star summarised for us. “My junior years of football were spent at Cockburn City and Western Knights Soccer Club. I was then selected for the NTC program and WA State teams and from these teams was identified to represent Australia at U17 and U20 level.
Above: Marianna Tabain (centre) pictured aged 16 with fellow legends of Western Australian football Sam Kerr and Ella Mastrantonio. Photo: PerthNow.
“During this time, I was also a part of the Perth Glory team. I spent many seasons with Perth Glory before seeking a new challenge with Melbourne City where I spent two seasons. After this, I moved back to Perth to play for Glory again and to complete my university degree. I am now playing NPL and futsal and working as a primary school teacher.”
Tabain was part of Perth Glory’s side for the first-ever W-League season at the age of 15. She reflected on how different times were in 2008.
“It was very different on every level compared to where the women’s game is at now. The development of the teams, the league, and the respect for the players have grown immensely. People have now heard of the league, have seen women play, and are interested.
“Obviously having played for Glory at such a young age, I was very grateful for the opportunity to represent my state at the highest level but the biggest challenge for me personally was how little people knew about the league and the little acknowledgment we received as players at the time. The exposure of the game now is different and I’m glad it has moved in the right direction for the players coming through.”
Tabain has hit many memorable goals in her career, but it’s one from that first-ever season that sticks in her mind.
Above: Marianna Tabain (right) in action for Perth Glory during the 2014 W-League Grand Final against Canberra United. Photo: Paul Kane.
“The one against Adelaide United away in the inaugural season of the W-League. I was so young at the time and to have the confidence and composure to take a few players on, cut in on my right foot, and hit it the way I did, I just knew it was going to curl in the back post as soon as it came off my boot.”
The attacker’s first spell with Perth Glory coincided with their first Grand Final appearance in 2014 when the Purples took on Canberra United. It was an experience that she still has powerful memories of.
“Being the first grand final for the club, I remember just trying to soak it all in and trying not to work myself up too much leading up to the game. You work so hard as a team all season in hope of making the grand final, so it was a massive moment for us all.
“We’d broken records, gelled well as a team, and been clinical all season. My strongest memory would be the feeling in the dressing room prior to the game. I remember looking around at the girls and thinking I was surrounded by so many quality players and that it felt right to win it after the season we had. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be, so it was definitely a tough loss to take, especially at home.”
After a spell at Melbourne City, Tabain returned to Perth Glory during the 2020/21 season, but now she can be found at Rosalie Park, turning out for Subiaco in the NPLW WA. She explained how the move to Greg Farrell’s side came about.
Above: Marianna Tabain finding the net for Melbourne City. Photo: Herald Sun.
“It was actually through Lisa De Vanna that I signed for Subiaco. I wasn’t focusing on football so much at the time and was enjoying playing futsal and working. She reached out to Ella Mastrantonio, and I, and asked us to come down to training and see how we felt at the club. I had a chat with Adi Juric and Greg Farrell about the vision of the club and knew straight away that I wanted to help as much as I could for the remainder of the season.”
The trio of Tabain, De Vanna, and Mastrantonio were part of Subi’s best-ever season in the NPLW WA. The 30-year-old believes that the freedom she was granted within the team were the key to last year’s successes.
“We came into the club quite late in the season, but the girls were so welcoming from the start so that always makes the transition into a new team easier. I felt the belief from the Subiaco staff and management team as soon as I got there. So, I think once we started to combine with the players and were able to create more chances going forward, we were able to make a difference. We had the freedom we needed.”
Whilst De Vanna and Mastrantonio are no longer at Rosalie Park, Tabain remains a key part of the Subiaco side. Whilst results so far in 2023 haven’t quite matched the levels of last year, the attacker still believes progress is being made.
“Although the results haven’t gone our way, we have been building on our performances and character. There have been some games that if we had been more composed and clinical with the ball, we could have snatched a point or a win but that will come in time and with more experience.
“It’s still been an enjoyable season regardless of the results. I think that comes down to the environment and the people at the club. I’ve been at other clubs, where when results don’t go your way, the easiest thing you can do is become negative and turn on each other. Our performances are improving and during these times it’s important to stick together as a team. That’s where real character is shown.
“Our goal at the start of the season was to do our best and to push for a top-four spot. We are focusing on trying to perform our best each week, grow as a squad and learn from the challenges.”
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Above: Dylan Holmes, who has extended her spell at Adelaide United, celebrates a goal againstPerth Glory last season. Photo: Liberty A-League Women.
Adelaide United’s hopes for the new A-League Women season have received a huge boost after key midfielder Dylan Holmes signed a new two-year deal with the club.
With 70 A-League games under her belt across three separate stints at United, Holmes is instrumental to the Reds’ midfield machine, accompanied by a tireless work ethic and leadership capabilities.
The 26-year-old admits it was a straightforward decision to remain in South Australia. “It was a pretty easy to call to make because I love my life here in Adelaide and playing for Adrian (Stenta),” she said.
“It’s exciting to have this kind of clarity about my future and a long-term plan to stay in the city where I have played most of my professional football. I’m really looking forward to the next few years and what we can achieve as a group.”
Individually, Holmes was awarded the 2023 Dianne Alagich Medal for an outstanding season, in which she started in 17 out of the 18 matches played. Holmes also won her first Matildas cap in 2021, featuring in a friendly against the Netherlands.
Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, hailed the signing as a major coup for South Australian football.
“We know the quality that Dylan brings on the field but what is also outstanding is her leadership off the field and around the group. You can build a squad around someone like Dylan and we as a coaching staff are thrilled to have her on board for the next two seasons.
“I firmly believe she can help lead this side to great things, and personally reach higher honours once again with the national side.”
Holmes capped her signing with a goal for Adelaide City in a 3-1 win against Flinders United in Round 17 of the Go Sunny Solar WNPLSA.
Above: Michaela Foster, who will be back at Wellington Phoenix next season. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
Wellington Phoenix warded off interest from rival clubs to keep hold of reigning women’s player of the year Michaela Foster.
The Football Ferns fullback has signed a new one-year deal with the Phoenix for the 2023-24 campaign.
Foster, 24, has had an incredible 12 months; going from amateur football to scooping all the women’s major awards in her first season as a professional in Wellington. She also made her debut for the Ferns in February and was selected in New Zealand’s final 23-strong squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“There were a couple of other clubs interested in me so there was a bit of questioning about what I should do, but I just followed my gut,” Foster said.
“It was always in my plan to come back and continue to work with the Phoenix. They gave me an awesome opportunity last year, so it feels right to come back and continue the journey with the Nix for at least another year. I’m excited to see what Temps (coach Paul Temple) can do with the team and see what the team ends up looking like.
“I’ve never worked with him, but some of my international teammates have and I’ve heard good things about him. His vision is aligned with me and a lot of the other girls and that’s to make the playoffs. With Paul and some of the other people he’s looking to sign we can definitely do it this year.”
Foster will first take some time off to come down from the high of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which followed an intense nine-week training camp. It was a long two months that May/June camp but it paid off and the whole world saw that on night one against Norway.
“That moment will be etched in our memories forever and whether we stepped on the field or not everyone was a part of it. Everyone that was a part of that camp helped get us to that moment.”
The former New Zealand age-group international didn’t get the opportunity to add to her five senior caps at the World Cup, with an injury preventing Foster from playing against the Philippines in Wellington.
Above: New Wellington Phoenix head coach Paul Temple spoke of his excitement at the potential further growth in Michaela Foster’s game. Photo: RNZ Media.
“That’s sport right. You play every game for your club and then when it comes to the World Cup you pick up an injury. My time will come, and I know that it’s still the beginning. I’m only coming into my second year in a professional club environment so I’m excited to keep learning.
“I’ve taken a lot from that World Cup and that experience and learnt a lot from the senior players.”
Foster is hoping the unprecedented crowds which supported the tournament will get behind the Phoenix.
“I think we’ve changed the environment for women’s football in New Zealand with our win over Norway. We’re excited to hopefully get bigger turnouts at Sky Stadium this year. To see it full when we played against the Philippines was just incredible.
“We know what that feels like and we’ll definitely be chasing that a bit more and hopefully we can keep bumping those numbers up.”
Phoenix head coach Paul Temple says Foster is extremely valuable to the team and is still developing.
“Michaela’s super exciting,” Temple said. “I know she’s a little older and isn’t regarded as a young player coming through, but when you think of where she started on a scholarship contract to where she got to, and now that journey has taken her to the World Cup.
“Her self-confidence, her drive, and her ambition to get to the next level means we’re going to get an even better version of her next season. What she’s achieved in 12 months tells you she has an amazing capacity to learn and develop and her ceiling is extremely high.
“It’s perfect for a coach because we think we can get even more out of her. It’s exciting to think where she can get to.”
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Three games were played this weekend to make up for games missed earlier in the season. Alamein hosted an under-strength Heidelberg United, Preston travelled to face FV Emerging and Calder took on Bulleen in a crucial match for both sides.
FV Emerging 1-3 Preston Lions
Kaitlyn Torpey continued her form up front for Preston Lions as the visitors won 3-1 against the NTC side at Knox Football Facility.
The Melbourne City full-back has used her considerable pace and anticipation to break off-side traps at will and score steadily since being shifted to the strikers role at Preston.
Torpey opened the scoring in the 26th minute. Ella Mastrantonio’s vision and technique unlocked the Emerging defence with a perfectly weighted ball over the top. Torpey’s acceleration took her clear, and the finish was calmly slipped past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
Delaney Lindahl made the most of apprehensive defending from Emerging. The home side failed to clear a throw in and made for an easy, close-range tap-in for the American attacker.
Annabelle Yates pulled one back for FV Emerging in the second half. Alana Cortellino’s pressure helped keep the ball in attack, and her combination of passes with the ever-busy Anika Dovaston unlocked the space needed for Yates to bury the chance at the back post.
The result was finally sealed by another Torpey goal in the 93rd minute. Mastrantonio’s quick feet in midfield fed Miri Nishimura who threaded another perfect through ball into the path of Torpey.
The striker was at full pace when she cruised around the onrushing keeper for her second of the game and her second brace in as many weeks.
The result sees Preston jump to sixth on the ladder. The mid-season addition of Torpey to the lineup has given them the piece of the puzzle that they needed in the early rounds where quick attacks were unable to be finished off with the same regularity.
Retaining the speeders for next season may be difficult with the extended A-League campaign, but she has sparked Preston to life in the last few months.
Alamein 7-2 Heidelberg United
A combination of injuries, players away during the Women’s World Cup, and inexperience contributed to Heidelberg’s result away at Dorothy Laver Reserve. The other factor was Sidney Allen.
The Alamein skipper has been in deadly form this season and continued that with another strong performance to lead Alamein to a big win.
She only needed half an opportunity to make it 1-0 in the 11th minute. a loose touch at the back for Heidelberg allowed Allen the chance to burst clear from halfway and finish after a powerful run.
Allen doubled her’s and Alamein’s tally with a terrific finish just a minute later. The home side pressured Heidelberg and booted the ball forward from the turnover. Allen still had plenty to do and lifted the bouncing ball over the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 in the 12th minute.
Patricia Charalambous made it three in the 34th minute before Nicole Blackett converted a penalty kick to give Heidelberg a lifeline. The teams went into the break 3-1.
Blackett opened the scoring in the second half to give Heidelberg a lifeline, her touch around the keeper was all class and pulled the score back to 3-2 while bringing up her brace.
A well-worked corner kick restored Alamein’s two-goal cushion in the 64th minute. Charalambous whipped it in after an exchange of passes by the corner flag and Chinatsu Shgidara was waiting at the far post for an open header.
Elaina Vatcky made it 5-2 after absent marking allowed a pressure-free low cross into the box. The initial attack was parried at the near post, but Vatcky was on hand to bury the chance before Heidelberg could clear the ball.
Set pieces continued to plague the visitors. Shidara scored her second with another free header at the back post. Although this time she had at least jump to reach the ball, the finish was a textbook header across goal to make it six.
The final goal of the afternoon came late in injury time. Allen brought up her hat trick with a volley at the back post after a fast move from the hosts. The outstretched boot of the Alamein captain made it seven for the day and her 12th of an impressive season in front of goal.
The scoreline was one-sided, but a number of goals came from set pieces or throw in’s for Alamein. Given Heidelberg’s missing players and newly promoted ones, this was always going to be a likely point of vulnerability. There was little time to organize and Alamein took full advantage.
In Sidney Allen, they also have one of the most dangerous creative players in the NPLW, who was able to get on the end of some chances herself on a big day out for the home side.
In other good news for Alamein FC, and the league, Dorothy Laver Reserve will be receiving a major upgrade. The club have successfully lobbied to receive one million dollars in Sportsground Improvement Allocation from the city of Boroondara.
The ground has always been a friendly one for spectators, situated within a park and with parking and road access while being across the road to a train station. The turf has been another story. This match was originally fixtured for mid-season. The ground was unplayable at the time and has often looked bobbly.
Despite this, Alamein have played some eye-catching football and made the most of their home ground. The redevelopment is well deserved for the women’s only club that is a fixture in the top division.
Calder United 0-0 Bulleen United
A win for Calder United could have blown the title race wide open, and a win for Bulleen could have virtually sealed it for Caitlin Friend’s side. The draw does not really hurt either team but still feels like a missed opportunity for both.
Top-of-the-table clashes can either be entertaining football extravaganzas or closely contested, tactical arm wrestles. This was the latter. Both side’s boasted a number of A-League Women listed players and members of the Future Matildas program. The rematch of the 2022 Grand Final produced some intriguing battles but no goals.
Bulleen’s case was not helped by a second-half injury to the in-form striker Maja Markovski, prior to this game breaker Alana Jancevski was also withdrawn, and although this move gave Bulleen more control of the midfield, it cost them a cutting edge when Markovski went down.
Calder were as disciplined and controlled as ever, but against Bulleen’s well-drilled defence, they found clear chances hard to come by. Kiewa Hieda was the most dangerous player for the home side and created the best opportunity of the match when she turned cleverly in midfield and put Larissa Walsh into space on the right.
The shot was right at a well-positioned Gaby Garton, and despite the attacking riches on both sides, a breakthrough could not be found,
The draw keeps Bulleen on top of the ladder, two points clear of second-placed Boroondara Carey, but having played one game more.
Calder jump to third, their premiership chances still alive and their finals place seemingly confirmed. Nobody will want to come up against them in a knockout game as they look to go back-to-back.
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Ben Gilby reports the thoughts of The Matildas stars Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord as they spoke to the media after Australia’s 2-0 win over Denmark last night (8/8/23).
Above: Sam Kerr speaking to the media after last night’s victory over Denmark that saw her play her first minutes this World Cup. Image: Football Australia/CommBank Matildas.
Australia’s star striker Sam Kerr returned to the pitch in last night’s 2-0 win against Denmark and spoke of her overriding relief that injury concerns are behind her at last.
Speaking to the media after the game, the Western Australian said: “Hopefully this is the last time I have to talk about that calf! The girls have been smashing it and it was just a relief to be back out on the pitch.”
Kerr highlighted the team-ethos behind The Matildas’ continued growth in the tournament, which was encompassed by her initial reluctance to take the captain’s armband from Steph Catley when coming on towards the end of the match.
“She’s been leading the team and I didn’t really think the last 10 minutes…Steph’s a natural-born leader, and I know most of the time I wear the captain’s armband, and I didn’t think it needed to come to me.”
As someone who has been at the centre of never-ending national attention about the state of her fitness this tournament, Australia’s all time leading scorer outlined how the team have been trying to block out some of the frenzy to maintain focused on the task ahead.
“Every player has done so well. You know, it’s tough coming home with so much noise around you, but we’ve all stuck together and they’ve all done great, so I’m really proud.”
Above: Caitlin Foord speaks last night after her superb performance for The Matildas. Image: Football Australia/CommBank Matildas
Caitlin Foord put on, arguably, one of her best ever displays in a Matildas shirtin the win over Denmark, and spoke of her overriding emotions afterwards.
“Pleased, relieved, to have the job done and keep the dream alive.”
Asked about her stunning performance, Foord batted away the personal compliments to focus on the wider team. “It is my job to create and score goals, so I’m happy to see that go in! I’ve always said from the start though, I don’t care who score the goals as long as they go in. It’s a team collective (effort).”
As the tournament reaches the business end, The Matildas are growing and getting stronger with each passing game. Foord believes the host nation are ready for the big challenges ahead.
“It’s massive. Within ourselves, the belief. In the collective, we know we can beat anyone on any given day. We’ve set the benchmark now of where it needs to be (our performances) and we have to keep taking it up another notch.”
With a record-equalling crowd of just under 76,000 roaring Australia on last night, the Arsenal star now urged the Queensland fans to bring on more of the same for Saturday’s quarter-final against France or Morocco.
“It was very loud! The next call now is to Brisbane to bring it on and get it louder to help get us along.”
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Above: Sally James, newly unveiled by Perth Glory. Photo: Football Australia.
Perth Glory today announced that Young Matildas goalkeeper Sally James will join them for the 2023/24 season.
The 20-year-old, who was part of the Australia squad at the 2022 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Costa Rica, began her senior career with her hometown club, Canberra United, before joining Melbourne City in 2021.
She made 12 ALW starts for City last season and recorded a 76.9 save percentage as they secured Finals football via a third-place finish. James is now relishing the prospect of embarking upon an exciting new stage of her football journey here in the West.
“I wanted to come to Perth because of the strong sense of togetherness within the team and staff and the positive environment that the club offers,” she said.
“I came to Perth in the off-season and spoke with [Head Coach] Alex [Epakis] and I liked his vision for the club and how he is big on supporting player development while fostering a competitive environment.
“My personal targets for the upcoming season revolve around continuous growth and improvement as a goalkeeper. I’m excited to work closely with the coaching staff and contribute to the team’s success in the push for Finals football.
“I believe that Perth Glory has an incredibly talented squad and a coaching staff that is dedicated to bringing out the best in each player. Each year, Glory has gotten closer and closer to the top four, so with collective commitment and hard work from everyone involved, I’m confident that we’ll be able to take that next step and challenge for the top positions in the league.”
Epakis, meanwhile, believes that with James on board, the club now has one of the strongest goalkeeping departments in the competition.
“I am really pleased to be able to bring Sally to Perth Glory,” he said. “She is a very motivated individual who is eager to come to the club and contribute to what we are trying to achieve as a team.
“She has great qualities as a goalkeeper and has been able to showcase these across recent seasons in both the ALW and with youth national teams. We are in a very fortunate position to have great depth across the squad and I believe the signing of Sally supports this notion.”
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Ben Gilby provides a full report from the game of the week, plus all the details from the other matches in Western Australia’s NPL Women’s competitionand this week supplied photos from our game of the week(7/8/23).
Above:Balcatta Etna goalkeeper Gabby Dal Busco saves brilliantly from Fremantle City’s Tash Rigby.Photo:Ben Gilby.
Main report of the week
Balcatta Etna 0-1 Fremantle City
Fremantle City virtually assured their place in the top four with this hard-earned win at Grindleford Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The port city side had the majority of the possession during the afternoon, but a well-organised Balcatta side with Baxter Thew particularly outstanding along with E.J. Doust, kept the visitors out until the final four minutes of normal time.
Above: The hugely influential Abbey Green fires a ball into the box at Grindleford Reserve yesterday. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Freo welcomed back Abbey Green to their starting line-up, and the Perth Glory A-League Women attacker had a hugely influential afternoon, creating havoc along the right flank throughout the afternoon. Conversely, Balcatta were without attacker Monique Prinsloo which meant that top scorer Tia Stonehill was forced to drop that bit deeper and, at times, wider, in order to generate possession and potential attacking opportunities.
It was the visitors who had the lion’s share of possession and territory during the first half. Green was marauding her way along the right from minute one, and looking to provide balls into the box from Tash Rigby, but Gabby Dal Busco was alert in the Balcatta goal.
Above: Baxter Thew (white shirt) had a hugely impressive afternoon for Balcatta Etna. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Fremantle were looking to get in behind the hosts at every opportunity. They were overloading the right flank with the hugely talented trio of Green, Laura Waltman, and Olivia Trueman looking to create havoc at every opportunity – but their link-up play and balls into the box were met by the defensive qualities of Thew and Doust, with Andrea Bulgaru popping up to assist them additionally.
Trueman had two bites at the cherry to put the visitors ahead with just over a quarter of an hour gone, but both opportunities were blocked.
The hosts rallied with 10 minutes of the half remaining. Stonehill was looking to create opportunities from further back than usual. She picked up possession and danced her way through the centre before offloading a powerful shot that ran wide. Lauren Continibali then ran along the right, combined with Stonehill inside her with the ball played out to Bulgaru who hit an effort wide. They conjured one further opportunity in the half when Kim McCartney was found from a free-kick and curled a shot narrowly over the bar.
Above: Tash Rigby looks to break through for Fremantle City yesterday. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Yet, it was Freo who had the best chance of the half when Rigby made it into the box and was one on one with Dal Busco. The Balcatta keeper is one of the best shot-stoppers in the league, and she showed why once more with a brilliant block.
Despite Fremantle having the balance of play but failing to score, Balcatta knew they were more than in this game still, and Stonehill stole possession on the left and advanced into the box from an acute angle which made the eventual shot that bit more challenging as it went wide.
Above: Fremantle City’s Catherine Adams looks to hold off Balcatta Etna’s Tia Stonehill. Photo: Ben Gilby.
The hosts remained well organised at the back, set up in two lines at times to thwart Freo. It was from a corner that the visitors had their first chance of the second half as Green’s flag kick from the right found Janice Kiama on the edge of the box who hit a shot narrowly over the top.
Rigby had another opportunity shortly afterwards when she played a one-two with Annabelle Leek, who had another strong performance, with the final shot going over the top.
Above: Lauren Continibali breaks down the wing to pull back into the box. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Balcatta had two further chances to trouble the scoreboard. First, Stonehill took up possession from deep and cut across the park before hitting a shot that Dayle Schroeder got down to save at her right-hand post. Then, some superb work from Continibali on the right saw her win the ball and tease in a low cross which Monique D’Opera couldn’t quite reach as she came in at the back post.
As the game entered its last 10 minutes, Green stepped up once more and hit a curler from long range that Dal Busco saved. Then, with four minutes remaining came the decisive moment.
Above: Olivia Trueman (10) celebrates her winning goal with Tash Rigby and Janice Kiama (37) yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch.
Waltman drove through the centre and found Green who danced her way further up the park to play a centimetre perfect ball for Trueman who was outside her to fire home the winner.
Balcatta worked hard all afternoon but dearly missed the presence of Prinsloo up top with Stonehill. This defeat now makes it extremely hard for Etna to make the top four. Conversely, Fremantle City were absolutely delighted with this win that pretty much seals a top-four spot. They remain a side that can still pose a real threat come September.
Above: Reina Kagami, seen here in action earlier in the season, notched four of Perth RedStar’s goals at Curtin University on Friday night. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Robbie Anderson.
Round 18 began on Friday evening with the clash between winless Curtin University and league leaders Perth RedStar at Edinburgh Oval.
The match went to form with Carlos Vega Mena’s side running out comfortable winners, with Reina Kagami scoring four of their 11 goals on the night.
RedStar built an early four-goal cushion with Kagami and Chiori Ikeda both netting braces. There would be time for two further strikes before the break, both as a result of corners from the right-hand side. The first of which was headed home on the edge of the box by Jay Coleman. It was deja vu just three minutes later Ikeda’s flag kick was nodded powerfully into the net by Coleman once more.
It took just four minutes of the second half for RedStar to go 7-0 ahead as Sophia Neal turned the ball in at the right-hand post after Jayna Ridley chested the ball across. On the hour mark, Sarah Carroll’s delightful ball through allowed Kagami to run through and beat the home defence to score.
Three goals in 12 minutes then completed the scoring. Kagami started and finished the move that increased the visitor’s lead to nine on 73 minutes. She played a centimetre perfect crossfield ball from the left and then continued her run to the edge of the box to sidefoot home.
Then, Ridley completed a superb passing movement to score after being fed by Kate Ritchie. The final goal came five minutes from time as a RedStar break led to substitute Ritchie firing home.
Perth SC 4-2 Murdoch University Melville
At Besteam Stadium.
Above: Perth SC’s Jaime Duncanson who scored two goals in a five-minute spell towards the end of yesterday’s game. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Perth SC blasted back after their midweek State Cup Semi-Final loss to Hyundai NTC with an excellent win over Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) which confirmed their top-four spot for the end of the season.
This game was moved to MUM FC’s Besteam Stadium due to FIFA still being in possession of Perth SC’s Dorrien Gardens home after its status as a World Cup training base, but that didn’t bother Pete Rakic’s side who hit the front with just three minutes played. Charlotte Meaden was pressured into losing possession, with the ball eventually played to Judy Connolly to dispatch the ball into the net from the edge of the box.
Murdoch hit back shortly after the half-hour mark when Charli Wainwright gained possession and switched play out to the right with the ball coming back centrally for MUM FC young gun Jessica Johnson to lift a glorious shot into the top of the goal from the edge of the box.
It remained level until just after the hour when Jess Flannery’s run and eventual cross from the left was turned in by Monique Godding. The match ended with a bang as three further goals were scored in an eight-minute spell.
Rebecca Bennett’s goal kick took a high bounce and Jaime Duncanson benefitted from a short bout of head tennis to run through and slide the ball past Stacey Cavill with three minutes of normal time remaining. Duncanson was at it again less than five minutes later as she turned in Gemma Craine’s square ball.
There was time for a consolation strike for MUM FC’s Charli Wainwright who dispatched Clara Hoarau’s ball into the net.
Subiaco 0-3 Hyundai NTC
Above: Ischia Brooking – two stunning goals for the NTC. Photo: Football Australia.
NTC starlet Ischia Brooking scored two superb goals and had a major influence in her side’s other as they moved six points clear of the chasing pack in fourth place with this win at Rosalie Park yesterday.
Ben Anderton’s side hit the front with five minutes played as Brooking took play up the right and hit a ball forward that home goalkeeper Marissa Pidgeon took a heavy touch on, allowing Georgia Cassidy to pick up possession on the left of the box and slot home.
Just before the hour mark, the NTC doubled their lead as Cassidy fed Brooking on the edge of the box, and the Junior Matilda curled a superb finish into the net.
With 14 minutes remaining, substitute Emily Garnett squared a ball from the left flank. Brooking, positioned centrally outside the box, looked up, took a couple of touches, and then lifted a stunner into the top of the goal.
Despite having such a heavy schedule of matches in the NPLW and State Cup to catch up on after their NTC Challenge commitments on the East Coast, Hyundai NTC are gaining consistent victories as they strive to confirm another top-four finish.
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Above: Clare Hunt in action for Australia against France. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
If the Clare’s combine, it could benefit both Everton and Australia.
Rumours circulating of a possible move to the English Women’s Super League for new Matilda Clare Hunt come with the promise of a bright future for the Australian back line. If she does indeed sign for Everton, a valuable partnership with a fellow Australian Clare will inevitably be formed. These two, Hunt and Wheeler, known as “Clare Squared”, could be a fantastic attribute to the Matildas defence.
Hunt, currently of Western Sydney Wanderers, only recently made her international debut but has been one of the most solid players for the Matildas at this World Cup so far. With eight or nine caps under her belt, she has become one of the most trusted members of the squad. She rarely makes errors, showing promise of a comforting new era for fans. The 24-year-old plays with a calmness and maturity a level above most centre backs, remarkable for such a young and inexperienced player. Clare Hunt is a blessing of a defender.
Wheeler has been in the squad a little longer, but has to compete for a far more competitive spot in the midfield. Although she shows immense talent as a number six, the formations being used by Tony Gustavsson don’t often require her to start. Wheeler does have a decent amount of experience under her belt now, with some starts and many substitute appearances. She has made a name for herself against top opposition, namely with a perfect tackle against the United States that lead to a goal from Kyah Simon. Clare Wheeler is a promising star in the midfield.
Together, Clare Squared could bring a sense of security to the Matildas of the future. Centrebacks and defensive midfielders need to be in perfect cohesion in order to limit miscommunication and errors that lead to goals. As these two already have a personal connection, it becomes much easier to trust in one another and to flow smoothly. These partnerships can only improve over time, especially if it’s at both club and country.
"I feel like everything can come at me and I'm just going to try my best to deal with it in whatever way I can.”
Hunt is a cautiously adventurous defender, often making good plays by bringing the ball up further on the field to play an accurate pass. When this happens, Wheeler can slot in and cover for her, as she is defensively sound. When the opponents counterattack and there isn’t time for Wheeler to get back, Hunt has shown that she is able to hold up the ball until help arrives.
Wheeler could also become part of the backline when one of the wingbacks takes a trip up the field and leaving an area dangerously exposed. She could slot in, cover and mark while Hunt faces the attacking player to quell the problem. Hunt is excellent in one-v-ones. After winning it, Wheeler would be a nearby option to release the ball to. This would not only improve play defensively but cause for smooth and quick attacks from the moment they start. With proper communication, Clare Squared could be a spectacle in the Matildas’ defence.
Whether or not Clare Hunt signs for Everton, she and Clare Wheeler will certainly develop beautifully together.
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Above: Kyra Cooney Cross in training for Australia. Image: Football Australia
The Matildas and Hammarby midfielder is not short of suitors, but what could she add to a new club, and which would be the best fit?
Kyra Cooney-Cross has stunned for Australia at the world cup so far. She has been showing off skills and maturity far beyond her age. According to ATA Football, she is said to be the target of many major clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Olympique Lyonnais, and Juventus. While all of these are top clubs, consider the role she would have within each of them.
Chelsea
It’s well known that Chelsea somewhat hoard talent. They claim many of the world’s best young players. While this could be an ideal competitive environment for Cooney-Cross, the amount of game time she would have may be limited.
Chelsea have a whopping 32-player squad, far larger than any of her other options. Of course, the advantage to this is that she would be surrounded by world-class talent and learning from players such as Catarina Macario, Fran Kirby, and compatriot Sam Kerr, but the only way to grow as a player is to actually play.
Her chances of going on loan would also be higher, allowing her playing time but perhaps limiting access to good facilities. She would have to work extra hard to get proper minutes at Chelsea, but the experience alone would be spectacular for her growth.
Arsenal, like Chelsea, have a plethora of magical midfielders, but with their current injury crisis, she would be more likely to get playing time. She would also have important connections with Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord, which could greatly improve the already fantastic Matildas’ left flank.
Cooney-Cross is more likely to get subbed on in important games here and perhaps get Champions League experience. She is a hard-working player that could eventually be a backup to some of Arsenal’s veterans, such as Kim Little and Lia Wälti.
She is fantastic at the quick, crafty passing style that Arsenal excel at. With her versatility and skill, she could grow to be an important piece for Arsenal.
Manchester United
Manchester United could certainly use another midfielder, and Cooney-Cross could fit right in. Although she would have to prove herself as a sub, she could earn decent minutes. She could form an excellent partnership with Ella Toone, with Toone being able to push forward and use her attacking ball control while Cooney-Cross could start the attack and advance the ball with her speed and accuracy, as she excels at winning the ball back in her own half and pushing up the field.
She may get more game time here, and as they close the gap on the top European teams, she would be trusted with important games, or get left in the fray, as many top talents do. Although there would be fewer big names and players to learn from and compete with, this could be an ideal stepping stone on her journey.
Olympique Lyonnais
The French powerhouse are not lacking in numbers in the middle of the park, but under the tutelage of superstars such as Daniëlle Van De Donk and Dzsenifer Maroszán, Cooney-Cross could become simply outstanding.
Lyon are renowned for their top-notch facilities and management, so she would be in the best of hands. Learning and competing for spots alongside fellow talent Melchie Dumornay could also add layers to her game.
Matildas teammate Ellie Carpenter could help acclimate her to the French style as well as working on improving the future of the Matildas together. It would be hard to get minutes at Lyon, but the club has a history of winning and developing some of the world’s best young players.
Juventus
Juventus are a team going through a rough patch, but Cooney-Cross could be just the thing to rejuvenate them. Her tireless engine could not only help them overcome their defensive failings, but improve their attack.
She is more likely to get game time here, due to the amount of competitions they participate in, as well as number of midfielders. She could play an important role in regaining their former glory. This team competes with the best in the world, so not only would she get to train with great players, but she could go head-to-head with the most challenging players in a competitive environment. This team has a lot of work to do, but Cooney-Cross could help them along the way.
Kyra Cooney-Cross is a fantastic, versatile, and adaptable player. Wherever she goes she will shine.
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