Andy Wicks was at the SCL Stadium yesterday to capture all the action as a Rachel Daly-inspired Aston Villa pushed the Berkshire side closer to relegation (8/5/23).
Above: High-flying Alisha Lehmann, scorer of Aston Villa’s second goal in action yesterday. Photo: Andy Wicks for Impetus.
Reading 0-5 Aston Villa
Reading’s hopes of avoiding relegation to the Championship received a major setback as Aston Villa ran riot at the SCL Stadium yesterday afternoon.
Rachel Daly scored the first of her three of the afternoon when she had the freedom of Berkshire in the box to direct Kirsty Hanson’s cross into the net. Alisha Lehmann was fed by the Lionesses star to make it 2-0 with three minutes of the half remaining. There was still time for Hanson to make it three shortly afterwards.
Daly grabbed her second 10 minutes into the second period after Kenza Dali provided the pass and completed her hattrick from Maz Pacheco’s through ball to take her WSL tally to 20 in as many games.
Andy Wicks’ exclusive photo gallery from the SCL Stadium for Impetus
Matthew Appleby was at the Leigh Sports Village to capture the best of the action from a WSL match that had huge significance at both the top and bottom of the table(8/5/23).
Above: Alessia Russo celebrates after putting Manchester United 2-0 ahead to keep up their title charge yesterday. Photo: Matthew Appleby for Impetus.
Manchester United 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Marc Skinner’s side remain four points clear at the top of the WSL table after a comfortable victory over struggling Tottenham Hotspur.
Two goals in a three-minute spell just after the half-hour mark sealed the win. Leah Galton pounced on a poor backpass from Amy Turner to put the home side ahead, with Alessia Russo doubling the lead shortly afterwards when she netted from Ella Toone’s cross.
Nikita Parris completed the win eight minutes after the break after Spurs failed to clear in the box. Manchester United’s four-point advantage remains under threat from defending champions Chelsea, who have two games in hand.
Matthew Appleby’s photo gallery from Leigh Sports Village for Impetus:
Teams: MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Earps, Batlle, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell, Ladd, Boa Rise, Parris, Toone, Galton, Russo. Substitutes used: Thomas (for Parris 63′), Garcia (for Galton 73′), Mannion (for Le Tissier 74′), Williams (for Toone 74′), Riviere (for Blundell 86′).
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 competition (8/5/23).
Above: Tash Rigby, shown here in action last season in the NPLW WA, was back for Fremantle City yesterday. Photo: Denyse McCulloch.
Game of the week:
Fremantle City 2-1 Hyundai NTC
Fremantle City became the first team to defeat Hyundai NTC this season in the NPL, and extended their own unbeaten run to three matches in the process at Hilton Park yesterday.
Freo fielded A-League Women stars Tash Rigby and Abbey Green for the first time this season, with both of the Perth Glory players influential on the action. The NTC also welcomed back Ischia Brooking and Ruby Cuthbert from their successful trip to the first stage of the U16 Asian Cup qualifying competition with the Junior Matildas.
The NTC’s unbeaten start to the campaign was under threat from the start as Fremantle City hit the front with just four minutes played. The teenage side tried to play out from the back with Ruby Cuthbert directing the ball back to goalkeeper Lilly Bailey, but Bailey’s attempted pass to Natasha Tanner was seized upon by Laura Waltman who jumped in to blast home.
Goal!! for Fremantle City FC (women) out of NPL Women – Western Australia at Hilton Reserve in the 03:18 mark of the First Half. Score Fremantle City 1:0 Hyundai NTC
Within two minutes the home side created once more as Olivia Trueman danced her way through, but just as she was about to pull the trigger, the NTC defence blocked well. There would be another opportunity from Waltman’s free kick on the far right hand side of the box that came in high, but Bailey claimed well.
Waltman was having a stand-out 45 – her ability on the ball and vision to bring her teammates into play was hugely influential on Freo’s offensive play.
Fremantle were well prepared, well drilled, and alert to NTC’s movements and style of play. They allowed the youngsters very little time on the ball to develop their trademark passing play. In addition, when in possession themselves, the home side were able to manufacture time to hold onto the ball and look for the right pass to play – feats that the NTC’s opponents thus far in 2023 had not been consistently successful at.
As the half entered its final 15 minutes, the NTC grabbed a foothold and began to mount their first sustained periods of pressure. Mia Britton, always a bundle of creativity on the right flank turned inside for Ruby Cuthbert who found Brooking. The Junior Matilda let fly from outside the box, and the shot rolled narrowly wide of the right-hand post.
Above: Mikayla Lyons, who scored Fremantle City’s second goal yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Mikyla Lyons.
The second period saw Fremantle threaten, but the NTC were always dangerous with a succession of rapid-paced counter-attacks, with the youngsters able to get plenty forward in support. Catherine Adams was working hard for the hosts to deny the jet-heeled visitors.
The bulk of Freo’s attacks in this period were coming via the right-hand side with Rigby and Maya Spatafore linking up well.
Just after the hour mark, NTC came close to levelling when Mischa Anderson’s free-kick from the right came in high towards the back post but Cuthbert couldn’t quite reach the ball.
Play was then halted for a spell with 20 minutes remaining when visiting goalkeeper Bailey collided with a Fremantle player when coming out to clear the ball, and had to be helped from the pitch with Megan Phillips coming on in her place.
Within moments the game caught fire with two goals in a minute. First, Gronewald-Shield played a centimetre perfect through ball for Brooking to run onto and slot home a superb finish to pull the NTC level.
Goal!! for Hyundai NTC U19 out of NPL Women – Western Australia at Hilton Reserve in the 73:40 mark of the Second Half. Score Fremantle City 1:1 Hyundai NTC
Yet from the re-start, Freo re-established their lead. Abbey Green broke along the left and cut in. Her first attempt at a low cross was blocked, but the ball rebounded for the Perth Glory A-League player to play it across for Mikayla Lyons to direct over the line from close range.
The drama was not over as, with eight minutes remaining, the NTC came agonisingly close to levelling. Klaudia Houlis was found by a long ball, her shot hit Dayle Schroeder in the Fremantle goal and looped up towards the net, but Annabelle Leek got back to clear the ball at the last possible second.
This was a huge win in the context of Fremantle City’s season. With their A-League Women players coming into the squad, and their unbeaten run extended, what originally appeared to be a three-way battle for the title this year could now be up to four or five with the port city side joining the race and Murdoch University Melville beginning to find form as well.
The NTC, who went into this round with a two-point cushion at the top of the ladder are now down to third, with fifth-placed MUM FC just three points adrift of them with the two sides meeting this Wednesday. Their starlet Tanika Lala is also going on trial in Scotland.
Murdoch University Melville claimed an important win in the battle to stay in touching distance of the top four with victory at Grindleford Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
It was the home side that went ahead in stoppage time at the end of the first half when Stacey Cavill’s goal kick went straight to Monique Prinsloo who played a 1-2 with Tia Stonehill before laying off for Andrea Bulgaru to score.
On the hour mark, MUM FC were level as a low ball in from the right fell for Sophie Meaden. Her initial shot was brilliantly saved by Gabby Dal Busco in the Balcatta goal, but the ball fell perfectly for Meaden to smash home from close range. Yet this would be just the beginning of a spell of four goals in nine minutes.
Goal!! for Murdoch University Melville out of NPL Women – Western Australia at Grindleford Park in the 59:41 mark of the Second Half. Score Balcatta FC 1:1 MU Melville
Yet, within seconds, Balcatta went back ahead as great work from Stonehill along the right wing ended with Prinsloo finding Bulgaru who turned and dispatched a low shot into the left hand corner of the net.
The rapid-fire nature of scoring continued five minutes later. Nicolina Ierino’s low pass from the right found Samantha Mathers in space, and her first-time lofted shot flew in to level the scores once more.
Murdoch University Melville claimed the victory with 20 minutes remaining as a low pass from the left was directed in by Jessica Johnson.
Subiaco 1-4 Perth RedStar
Perth RedStar jumped up to second place with victory at Rosalie Park on Sunday afternoon.
They hit the front with five minutes on the clock as Sophia Neal advanced up the right flank and squared for Olivia Wood to sweep home at the back post. Just 12 minutes later, they doubled their advantage as Reina Kagami pounced to take advantage of a heavy touch in the Subiaco defence to break through and slot home.
Goal!! for Subiaco AFC out of NPL Women – Western Australia at Rosalie Park East 1 in the 22:41 mark of the First Half. Score Subiaco AFC 1:2 Perth RedStar FC
The rapid-fire nature of the scoring continued as Subi got a goal back with 23 minutes on the clock, with some sensational play from Phoenix Brownlie who picked up the ball in her own half and laid off to Dakota van Vugt, who then moved it across for Marianna Tabain. The former Perth Glory star laid off a pass for Brownlie to run onto. Quyen Doan’s attempted challenge was shrugged off before Brownlie rifled home a brilliant finish.
RedStar finally sealed the points with five minutes to go. Jay Coleman found Jayna Ridley, who in turn laid a pass off for Kagami to run onto in the box and slot across Subiaco keeper Ashleigh Riddle and into the far corner.
The icing on the cake came with just over a minute remaining as Doan lifted a ball into the mix which rebounded off both Riddle and Kagami before going in possibly via a deflection, but Kagami will be claiming the hat-trick.
Perth SC 11-0 Curtin University
Perth SC returned to the summit after last week’s first loss of the season to the NTC a comfortable victory over rock-bottom Curtin University, who are still looking for their first goal in ten league and cup games this season.
It took The Azzurri 10 minutes to hit the front as Jaime Duncanson played a ball towards Abbey Meakins from the right. The favour was returned for Duncanson to lash home.
The floodgates then opened as expected. Within two minutes Perth doubled their lead as Matilda Bohm advanced into the box, held off several attempted tackles, and dispatched the ball into the left-hand side of the net. Another two minutes passed before Ella Lincoln ran onto a through ball just inside the Curtin half and calmly placed a shot into the net.
It was 4-0 when Abbey Meakins received the ball in acres of space and lifted it in. On the half-hour, Duncanson grabbed her second of the afternoon with a superb curling shot into the far corner.
Goal!! for Perth SC (women) – Finals out of NPL Women – Western Australia at Dorrien Gardens in the 28:23 mark of the First Half. Score Perth SC 5:0 Curtin Uni FC
Five minutes before the break, Duncanson completed her hat trick as Liana Cook’s effort was pushed up by the Curtin keeper and fell kindly for her to head into an empty net. There was still time for a seventh in the first half as Ellie La Monte dispatched a header into the goal.
Within 34 seconds of the second half kicking off, The Azzurri scored once more. This time, Poppie Hooks drove up the right flank and produced a pacey ball for Meakins to slam home for her second. Five minutes later, the attacker completed her hattrick to make it 9-0 when she was found in space to slot into the net.
Duncanson’s fourth made it 10 for Perth SC when she smashed a shot above the visiting keeper and in. Monique Godding turned the ball home from close range with 20 minutes remaining to complete the rout.
Above: Paul Temple, Wellington Phoenix’s new head coach. Photo: RNZ News.
Academy technical director Paul Temple has been appointed coach of Wellington Phoenix for the next two A-League Women seasons.
“I’m really excited because I’ve been at the club for a long time and I love the Phoenix,” Temple said.
“Being part of the club for so long you build a real affinity with the staff and the supporters so it’s a real privilege to be given the opportunity to lead the team into the next couple of seasons.”
He replaces Natalie Lawrence, who decided against seeking reappointment following a review of the 2022-23 campaign.
“We want to build on the strong foundations laid by Nat. There is a core group of players who are hardworking, humble, and have the mentality to improve. Supporters want to see those characteristics in their team. The task now is now to build on that good work and take the team into the playoffs.
“As a club we’re ambitious. We want to try to make the finals each year so the target will be to put a squad together that will get us into the playoffs and push the club forward.”
Above: Paul Temple, Wellington Phoenix’s new A-League Women head coach. Photo: Stuff.co.nz.
Temple has coached a variety of academy teams since moving to the capital at the start of 2016.
He started out as youth team coach before guiding the men’s reserves for three seasons. Last year he took over the women’s development group, which saw his coaching career come full circle.
The naturalised Kiwi burst onto the international scene in 2008 when he coached New Zealand at the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Aotearoa, at the age of just 26.
He also took New Zealand to the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, as well as serving as an assistant coach for the NZ U-20 women’s team.
“Football’s really changing in the coaching space. You see so many more coaches going from women’s football to men’s football to women’s football. Coaching is very much fluid and changing now so I see it more as a coaching journey rather than the women’s or men’s game.
“There are so many similarities, but it’s been good to get back into the women’s side of things and working with them. There are slightly different challenges as a coach. It makes you a better coach all around I believe.”
More recently Paul Temple has been involved with New Zealand men’s age-group teams and he will leave for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina next weekend as Darren Bazeley’s assistant coach.
VOTE IMPETUS!Like what you’ve seen? Impetus is up for its first-ever award as Women’s Football Platform of the Year at the On Her Side awards. Please vote for us by clicking on this link https://www.onherside.co.uk/ohs-awards – you don’t need to vote in every category and can vote as often as you like. Voting closes at 5pm UK time on Sunday 7th May (2am Monday 8th May AEDT).
Jay Patel was at Meadow Park last night for Impetus to capture this exclusive photo galleryof a WSL match that was vital for both the top and bottom of the table (6/5/23).
Above: Friida Maanum, Arsenal’s match-winner in possession at Meadow Park last night. Photo: Jay Patel for Impetus.
Arsenal 1-0 Leicester City
Frida Maanum’s goal with just over 25 minutes remaining was enough for Arsenal to see off a battling performance from the East Midland side at Boreham Wood last night.
It could have been a more comfortable outcome for the Gunners, as they saw Katie McCabe’s early penalty saved by Janina Leitzig in the Leicester goal.
The Norwegian attacker scored the winner in the second half with a beautiful curling shot, and saw a later attempt from a free-kick come back off the bar.
There was more potential injury concern for Arsenal when Steph Catley was substituted with 15 minutes remaining, but the Matildas star was seen walking around the pitch later, which may go some way to alleviate World Cup concerns.
Jonas Eidevall’s team are two points outside the Champions League qualifying places in fourth, but they hold a game in hand over Manchester City in second. Leicester City stand two points above the drop zone.
Jay Patel’s exclusive photo gallery from Meadow Park last night:
VOTE IMPETUS!Like what you’ve seen? Impetus is up for its first-ever award as Women’s Football Platform of the Year at the On Her Side awards. Please vote for us by clicking on this link https://www.onherside.co.uk/ohs-awards – you don’t need to vote in every category and can vote as often as you like. Voting closes at 5pm UK time on Sunday 7th May (2am Monday 8th May AEDT).
Teams: ARSENAL (3-4-2-1): D’Angelo, Wubben-Moy, Beattie, Carvalho Souza, Maritz, Maanum, Walti, McCabe, Pelova, Kuhl, Blackstenius. Substitutes used: Catley (for Beattie 58′), Taylor (for Blackstenius 58′), Queiroz Costa (for Catley 74′).
Impetus’ Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Rachel Cohen reports from head coach Vicky Jepson‘s media conference ahead of this weekend’s trip to Manchester United and also highlights why today’s announcement of a doubleheader home match with the Spurs men’s Premier League team is not necessarily the great piece of news that some may think (5/5/23).
Above: Tottenham Hotspur in the huddle after their WSL game against Leicester City. Photo: Spurs Women.
Jepson confident that Spurs can take the fight to Manchester United
Above: Tottenham Hotspur boss Vicky Jepson. Photo: Forbes.
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Vicky Jepson remains confident that her team will avoid relegation, saying that she was not taking anything for granted because it was “still very tight at bottom”. But she was “confident and calm in our approach to these next three games.”
“The girls are training well. We’ve had two positive results where we’re coming away, not empty-handed, which is something that we’ve experienced a lot this season, so we can take the plus from that. That doesn’t mean that I’m happy with the point because I’m certainly not. I want three. That’s all we all want – three points every game we play. But yeah, we’re in a good place mentally and physically.”
When asked about the team conceding early in two games in a row, Jepson pointed to “concentration levels,” blaming moments in which “marginal errors” had cost the team. She did though praise her team’s ability to rebound: “The big positive for me is that when we go behind, it doesn’t deflate us and you see that with some teams soon as they go behind, then the wheels fall off. Our wheels don’t fall off.” She also pointed to (not) conceding late as an area that Spurs have improved upon in recent games.
Jepson credited the substitutes for changing things in Spurs’ last game against Brighton and Hove Albion, crediting Kit Graham, who Jepson said was “outstanding” in a recent friendly and who had “come on and instantly affected the pocket, to play that in-behind ball for Beth (England) to go on and score.”
With Spurs taking on high-flying Manchester United on Sunday, Jepson acknowledged that United “score goals regularly” even if it takes them until the last minute of the game, as it did against Aston Villa. But she insisted that “we’re not there just to take part in the game. We’re there to compete.”
She denied that there was any aftermath from the incident between Ella Toone and Eveliina Summanen in the reverse fixture and said that Summanen had not been affected by it, praising the player’s impact over the last couple of games as “incredible”.
She also discussed the versatility of Summanen, who has seemed to take up positions all over the park this season, more recently combining in attack with Beth England. “We have been playing her in a 10 role with Beth in the nine. So, like a pendulum press. But she can also play in the 10 or she can play in the four and the eight.”
In terms of player availability, Jepson said that most players would be available for Sunday, with club captain Shelina Zadorsky able to fully participate and Ramon Petzelberger back in the matchday squad for the first time since last September.
On Beth England, Spurs’ star player since joining in January, Jepson said that she came off in the game against Brighton because she was not feeling well at halftime and then, after scoring the goal, told the bench that she didn’t have much energy left. This was not, however the first time that England was substituted in the last few games.
The Tottenham boss explained that previous substitutions were because England has been “on restricted minutes” to manage a knee injury. Typically knee injury news in women’s football is calamitous, but Jepson sounded relatively sanguine about England’s ongoing issue: “It’s more of a protection piece rather than running her into the ground and having any flare up. And she’s been monitored and the medical team and the physical performance team have done a great job to make sure that that’s not an issue.”
There are some other ongoing minor injuries with players needing to be looked at pre-game. These include Nikola Karczewska whose lack of game time in recent weeks was explained to be in part due to a groin injury that will be assessed on Saturday.
Spurs, why do you do this?
Today Spurs announced that the final home game of the women’s season has been moved to Saturday 20th May and that it will be the second part of a doubleheader at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The first part will see the men’s team play Brentford.
Given recent comments about the WSL from Daniel Levy (which have been beautifully taken apart by Sophie Lawson among others) this move appears to be an attempt to show that the club cares about its women’s team.
But the timing of the announcement and the way that it has been organised show anything but that, with little attention paid to fans of the women’s team and seeming nonchalance about the consequences of getting it wrong.
This game matters for only one Spurs team
There are some but not many fans who care deeply whether Spurs men’s team beats Brentford. Obviously, fans want to see the team playing well. But Ryan Mason is not going to be sacked if they lose. Spurs are not going to qualify for the Champions League either way. Fans are not going to suddenly love Daniel Levy or Enic. And most fans are at best half-hearted about getting Europa League or, the currently more likely scenario, Europa Conference League.
On the other hand, the women’s game matters a whole lot. There are only three games to go, and by the time of this game, there will be only two. Spurs Women are three points above relegation and will play the team currently in the relegation spot (Reading).
The two teams sitting in between them (Brighton and Hove Albion and Leicester City) have an additional game in hand. Unless by some miracle Spurs beat Manchester United away this coming Sunday, Reading could be the most important game of the season. Win and we stay up. Lose and relegation becomes much more likely.
Okay it’s a bit more complicated. Goal difference may matter. Reading may (but likely won’t) beat Chelsea on the final day. Tottenham may anyway beat West Ham United in our final game.
But does any Spurs Women fan want to leave our season to an away game against a team (West Ham) that would like nothing more than to see us relegated? And in case you have any doubt about this, look back at Kate Longhurst’s celebrations after her last-minute equaliser last season, in a game that meant very little.
Meanwhile, in case anyone assumes the game against Reading will be a gimme, it won’t. Spurs have played Reading three times already this season. These have resulted in a win, a loss, and a draw (which became a loss on penalties). Tottenham are improving and they have the quality to win this easily, especially with the goal machine that is Bethany England, but wins have been hard to come by and both teams will be fighting hard.
Above: Tottenham Hotspur (black shorts) battling against Reading earlier in this season. Photo: Spurs Women.
So, let’s just consider what happens if Spurs Women get relegated: The team loses money, publicity, and televised games. It may be that some players (I’m thinking England in particular) have escape clauses in their contracts and it will become hard to attract or re-sign the players needed.
Moreover, having failed to significantly capitalise on the Lionesses’ Euro’s win, Spurs will be in an even worse position to capitalise on the summer’s World Cup. Looking ahead, and with only one promotion spot, a return to the WSL is unlikely to be either straightforward or quick.
In other words, everything that can be done should be done to ensure that the game against Reading is played in a way that prioritises getting the players to the game in a good place, creating a positive supportive atmosphere for the team, and reducing any additional risk.
A doubleheader may work brilliantly. But it clearly fails in terms of reducing risk – just by virtue of being new and different. It may also fail to achieve the other two priorities. With the women’s game as the second of the two games, what are the consequences if the men have a poor game? How would the players be affected if the atmosphere in the prior game is toxic? Do they have to wait for the men to leave the changing rooms before entering? How does any of that help them prepare?
What about the fans?
A double-header is all about boosting attendance at and attention for the women’s game. After all the club is making it easy for all men’s team fans to watch for free. Let’s ignore for now the signal that sends about how much the women’s team is worth. We can at least appreciate that the club is trying to increase crowds at the women’s game.
Above: Beth England celebrates in front of empty seats during Spurs last game at the main stadium. Image: GOTB
But how well is that being organised and what does it mean for fans of the women’s game?
First off, it is happening with just over two weeks’ notice. Men’s team fans who already have train tickets to the game, may not be able to change them to stick around later and see the women’s game. Lots of women’s fans who planned to be at the game when it was on Sunday will not be able to change plans to be there on Saturday. We know that late changes happen a lot in the women’s game. But this one was not forced on the club by TV stations it was a choice by the club to inconvenience fans of Spurs Women.
Second, there has been no consultation with and seemingly little consideration of Women’s Season Ticket holders and fans who regularly attend games at Brisbane Road, nor less those who have previously paid to go to women’s games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Some women’s team season ticket holders are also season ticket holders of the men’s team. But even dual-season ticket holders often attend the men’s and women’s games with different people.
The club has said that season ticket holders can book a ticket at the stadium for unreserved seating in level 1/South stand with entry from 3.15pm (for a 4.15pm game). Most likely the same will apply to those who want a ticket to see the women only. Meanwhile, those people with season tickets or tickets to both men’s and women’s can stay where they are after the men’s game (it is not yet clear whether they will be able to move if they want to).
There are a couple of glaring assumptions underpinning this plan: a) that a large proportion of the men’s fans will leave, creating spaces in the South stand, and/or b) that not many fans of the women’s team will attend. So at the one time Spurs are organising a double-header to increase interest from men’s fans and organising seating on the basis that most will leave and that they won’t be able to attract many additional women’s fans. That might end up being the case. But if it is, it is hardly a ringing endorsement of having a doubleheader.
There has also not been a lot of thought given to the logistics. For instance, if I enter the stadium at 3.15 and find an empty seat, how do I know whether the person who was there has left or whether they have just popped out for some beers and are likely to return (perhaps a little drunk) to reclaim their seat just minutes before the women’s game starts?
No doubt it will not be terrible. At worst there will be a few people having to move or getting a bit shirty with one another. But why come up with a seating system that is potentially anxiety-producing for a game about which many of us are already anxious enough.
None of this is terrible. Fans will live. Hopefully the team will still win the game. And it is of course to be celebrated that Spurs want to move towards a #oneclub approach and integrate the women’s with the men’s team. But the women’s team has fans and has on-pitch priorities and it would be good if these were more obviously front and centre in planning women’s games. There is not yet evidence that they have been in this instance.
Above: Natalie Lawrence, who has today stepped down as head coach of Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Hagan Hopkins.
A-League Women side Wellington Phoenix have announced today that head coach Natalie Lawrence will leave the club following a review of the team’s 2022-23 campaign.
Phoenix finished bottom of the A-League ladder despite picking up points in four of their final six matches. Ultimately, the team was unable to recover from losing seven of their first eight games, with seven one-goal defeats over the course of the season proving costly.
“The decision to move on from the ongoing process was a hard one, that was made due to my own personal circumstances,” Lawrence said.
“I want to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to help bring professional women’s football to Aotearoa, and I would like to thank the players for their loyalty and support. I wish them and the club nothing but success as I now become their number one fan.”
Lawrence took over as head coach last September after serving as Gemma Lewis’ assistant in the club’s inaugural Liberty A-League season.
She guided the Phoenix to a resounding 5-0 home win over Canberra United in January and a historic 1-0 victory over eventual champions Sydney FC in Sydney in March.
Lawrence also gave professional debuts to Michaela Foster and Milly Clegg, who were two of the season’s breakout stars and have gone on to represent the Football Ferns.
“I leave with many fond memories from the past season especially; our first ever women’s professional game in this country, beating teams like Sydney and Canberra, and over the last two seasons seeing 18 Kiwis make their professional debuts, five of them making their Ferns debuts, with a further three being involved in national camps.
“I will forever be a supporter of this team and believe that this group of young Kiwi players are special. Giving them time and opportunity to compete at this level is really important for the continued development of our talented female athletes.
“I will now focus on helping the Ferns prepare for the World Cup and support the development of the players as we head into what will be an amazing event for this country.”
Director of football Shaun Gill has thanked Lawrence for her contribution to the club. “Nat has played a major role in establishing the first professional women’s football team in Aotearoa, initially as an assistant and then as head coach.
“She has also helped develop players who will undoubtedly be Football Ferns for years to come. Naturally we are disappointed Nat has decided not to seek reappointment, but we respect her decision and wish her all the best for the future.”
Wellington Phoenix plan to announce the women’s new head coach next week.
Above: Ellie Dorey from Impetus partner club AFC Wimbledon is raising money for the Dons Local Action Group with a charity bungee jump later this month. Photo: AFC Wimbledon.
Attacker Ellie Dorey from Impetus partner club AFC Wimbledon will be taking part in a bungee jump to raise funds for the Dons Local Action Group later this month.
Dons Local Action Group (DLAG) is a network of over 800 volunteers helping fight poverty in the club’s local South-West London communities of Merton, Kingston-upon-Thames, and Wandsworth.
Since the lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, DLAG has supported those in need struggling during the pandemic by providing food, furniture, and digital devices to those in greatest need in the local boroughs.
Above: Members of the Dons Local Action Group managing donations of food in the local community. Photo: DLAG.
The group collect food donations in public spaces and supermarkets and pack them into one-week food parcels to help those in immediate food poverty.
Additionally, DLAG also collect and recycle furniture and household goods to households without the basics as well as collecting laptops for students in digital poverty through our Keep Kids Connected initiative. The laptops are erased and rebuilt before being distributed to schools to enable children to access online learning.
The charity bungee jump that Ellie will be taking part in forms the group’s major fundraising event at their Family Funday on Sunday 28th May at Old Rutlishians, Poplar Road, SW19 3JS. A whole host of entertainment is planned with all the details below:
Denise Duffy and Jonathon Hagger begin their new weekly feature focusing on the NWSL bringing us previews and behind-the-scenes opinions, including access to the club media conferences(4/5/22).
Above: Kristie Mewis and Lynn Williams celebrate a goal for Gotham FC against Washington Spirit last month. Photo: Vincent Carchietta/USA Today.
Chicago Red Stars will battle Gotham FC, on Sunday 7th May at 6pm (ET) at SeetGeek stadium in Bridgeview in what we are dubbing the Windy City derby.
Gotham FC comes into the match with a solid record to open the season at 3-2-0. This is a far more cohesive Bats team than the one that finished bottom of the table in NWSL in 2022. They are up against a rebuilt Red Stars team at 1-3-1 who is finding themselves towards the bottom.
Lynn Williams is once again thriving at Gotham, establishing herself as a top playmaker and finisher in the league. Midge Purce, another major threat, is still on the injury list as of Wednesday due to a hip injury. Her return to the field would bring another goal-scoring weapon and the potential to work with Williams as they did in the early matches this season.
Looking across the rest of the Gotham side, here are players to watch out for –
Abby Smith – Goalkeeper. Smith had an outstanding performance in the first half against the KC Current in her last outing. A calm collected Abby Smith, known for her long distributions, is a formidable opponent between the sticks.
Bruninha – Defender. At 20 years of age Bruninha has future international superstar written all over her. Hailing from Brazil, Bruninha’s stock is on the rise.
Ifeoma Onumonu – Forward. Ifeoma is a very classy midfielder both on and off the pitch. Ifefoma rocks Gotham’s famous “Fitwalk”.
Chicago on the other hand have started the season slowly, only winning only one of their five games, with their two NWSL away games resulting in losses. The heaviest loss being 5-2 against the OL Reign prior to earning a gritty 1-1 draw against the Washington Spirit.
The Red Stars will continue to lean on a midfield of international veterans of Yuki Nagasato and Namibian-born and German international Sandra Starke. Fan favourite Nagasato will continue to be an important leader and playmaker on this team. Starke recently joined the Red Stars on loan from VfL Wolfsburg.
Chicago is a team that had a big player turnover in the off-season, acquiring a sizable number of new players and rebuilding their midfield. They are still working on their chemistry and combinations.
Chicago’s draw against the last-round opponent, Washington Spirit will give the Red Stars confidence that they can compete against other quality sides. Players to watch out for include:
Cari Roccaro – Midfield. Cari’s work rate on attack and defence makes her a crucial tool in the Red Stars toolbox.
Tatumn Milazzo – Defender. Tatumn is the hardest-working player in the team. She is a point of focus both going forwards and also defending the line.
Penelope Hocking – Forward. Penelope is Chicago’s number one strike weapon. If the Red Stars midfield can press high and open spaces for shots then Hocking will be a key target.
Above: Cari Roccaro pictured during her time at Angel City. The midfielder is one of the key players in the Chicago Red Stars team for this match. Photo: Angel City.
What to expect in this match –
Gotham FC are a second-half team. Many of their goals so far this season have come deep in the second half.
The dynamism of Lynn Williams paired with Taylor Smith, Ifeoma Onumonu, or perhaps a healthy Midge Purce will be the key targets.
Chicago’s Ally Schlegel and Bianca St-Georges (DM) are a very real goal-scoring threat. Schlegel may be brand new in the NWSL though she is already making her mark.
Anything could happen. The Chicago Red Stars team could either dazzle or disappoint their fans depending entirely on how they turn up to play. If Gotham can go ahead early we could well see Chicago crumble.
Predictions
Keepers – Alyssa Naeher vs Abby Smith, it’s hard not to give the edge to the USWNT number one. Abby Smith continues to have something to prove and has had moments of brilliance this season.
Backline – Casey Krueger, Tierna Davidson, Arin Wright, and Tatum Milazzo should be able to go against the best in the league, if in the world, and they get the edge from us. Gotham’s high-playing backline is talented, but still learning to gel.
Midfield – Given what the team lost in free agency, Chicago’s midfield is not as bad as we thought it would be. Still, if Gotham can get veterans Long, Zerboni, and Mewis all humming together this team could be hard to beat. Gotham’s Yazmeen Ryan was a great get from the Thorns with tremendous agility, pace, and exceptional ball control.
Front Line – Taylor Smith, Ifeoma Onumonu, and the consummate hustler on both sides of the ball, Lynn Williams. We give the front-line edge to Gotham. Even stronger if Midge Purse is ready to go.
Coaching – Juan Carlos Amorós seems to have the respect of the players. We are both giving out support to Gotham. The Gotham players have described Amorós style as ‘letting them play’ which the players have warmed to. In contrast, Chicago’s coach Joseph Petrucelli has shown a bias towards playing defensively and playing counter attack football. We’re giving the coaching advantage to Amorós.
Back Office – Both teams are in a rebuilding year. With the hiring of former NWSL stars Yale Averbuch, General Manager, Darien Jenkins as Chief of Staff, and transitioning Ashlyn Harris, from Goal Keeper to Global Creative Advisor, Gotham that has the pulse on what the future of women’s football is all about.
Fans and Intangibles – We were pretty split on this. Both teams have had hardcore supporters that have changed the game for the better.
Above: Bulleen Lions Goalkeeper Gaby Garton stretches to save for Bulleen Lions. Photo: Passion Creation. Instagram @joatam
One of the league’s best modern rivalries resumed in round seven. Elsewhere Boroondara-Carey Eagles showed that they can score goals without their star striker, and Sidney Allen scored a screamer.
Calder United 4-2 Heidelberg United
Heidelberg United and Calder United have played out some classic matches in recent times, and round seven was another to add to the growling catalogue.
Calder United came into this game struggling for results if not exactly form. They have a significantly different squad from last season. Importantly, and unlike 2022, this team is still learning to play together. When they click, they can be a very exciting team.
Heidelberg have adjusted well to the departure of the 2022 Golden Boot winner Danielle Wise. Captain Stephanie Galea been their most in-form player, but the ‘Bergers’ strength is that they are a side in sync. Johnno Clemente’s team is capable of some patient but incisive end-to-end football at their best.
Neither of these two proud clubs are exactly where they want to be just yet, but it is a competitive league, and as FV Emerging’s late run last year showed, nothing is impossible.
It was new signing Katrina Nikpour who opened the scoring. The Heidelberg striker met a corner kick at close range and knocked it over the line to give the visitors a 10th-minute lead, but Calder United hit back very quickly through Larissa Walsh.
Some swift ball movement in the final third found the overlapping winger who kept her cool to finish beyond Natasha Stathopoulos and level the scores.
The in-form Fiorina Iaraia added another to her rapidly growing catalogue of goals with an injury-time strike that send Calder United into the break with a 2-1 lead. It was her third goal of the season so far. The winger has a delicate first touch and a deadly finish.
Heidelberg came out of the break full of determination and levelled the scores through Reona Omiya. Her strike from the edge of the box was viciously struck. The Calder United goalkeeper had little chance of stopping it through a crowded penalty area.
In an end-to-end game, Calder scored the final two goals in an important and impressive win. Montana Mathews’ corner was turned in by Walsh for her second, and Alexis Mitchell added a fourth with an absolute missile from long range. The quick, attacking passing put the striker into space, the finish was solo magic to cap off Calder United’s second win of the campaign.
Southern United 0-3 Boroondara Carey Eagles
The Boroondara-Carey Eagles climbed to top spot on the table with a convincing win over Southern United. Kurea Okino has been the attacking star of the team so far, but the prolific striker was kept in reserve on this occasion as the Eagles flexed their attacking depth.
Emily Heijden got the visitors off to a strong start with a seventh-minute goal. The midfielder stayed patient and crafted some space at the edge of the box before sweeping her shot into the net.
Marguerite Eudes added another before halftime. Southern were building through a well-worked passing move that was cut off by a rudimentary but effective high clearance. Eudes’s goal was positionally like Boroondara’s first. Her chip evaded the keeper to make it 2-0 and give Southern United a mountain to climb.
The third came in slightly harsh circumstances. A slick attack resulted in a close-range handball, and the penalty kick was duly dispatched by Rebecca Lim.
The win means that The Eagles sit in first place after seven games, ahead of Alamein, and clear of South Melbourne and Preston even though they both have a game in hand.
Box Hill United 0-1 Bulleen Lions
Caitlin Friend’s Bulleen Lions got a much-needed win over the determined Box Hill United on the Friday night game. Defender Alex Natoli turned the first-half corner kick in for the only goal of the game and help Bulleen climb the table to sixth.
Box Hill were without their young attacker Sienna Techera but remained creative in attack. It was an even contest that Bulleen never really looked like losing, despite the home side having nine shots on target. Melbourne Victory champion Gaby Garton was back to her best between the sticks.
Bulleen have yet to find their stylish attacking groove of last season. Rosie Rodger remains an exciting creative outlet, but although the goals are not yet flowing, they are a tough team to play against. They have only lost the one game so far and are continuing to build.
Box Hill are a mystery for now. They matched Bulleen in all the major stats, but could not find a way to goal. There is nothing obviously wrong with the way that they are playing and they boast a truly dangerous attacker in Anais Josefski. A goal-mouth poacher is all that is missing from this team, and if they can unearth one from their own ranks or from the A-League Women players, they will start troubling teams on the score sheet as much as they can on the balance of play.
Preston Lions 1-1 FV Emerging
The high-flying Preston Lions faced off against the unpredictable but talented FV Emerging. The game itself was a tight contest and neither team could find a winning goal, but there was still some terrific skill on display.
Miri Nishimura’s perfectly placed corner kick delivered the opening goal of the game for Preston. The ball in landed right at the edge of the six-yard box and Georgia Henderson met it at full pace. The header was textbook and almost impossible to defend.
The equaliser arrived before half-time. Alana Cortellino has been one of the league’s most exciting young prospects and her wing play has troubled every opponent she has faced. On this occasion, she received the ball wide, sized up her opponent then cut out to deliver a cross that could only be deflected away. Clancy Westaway reacted quickest and with the best technique. Her first-time strike clattered off the far post to level the scores.
South Melbourne 0-1 Alamein FC
Sidney Allen’s 70th-minute strike was all that separated Alamein FC and the hosts South Melbourne at Lakeside. It was a worthy winner and one of the best goals of the round.
Rebecca Saber’s game-breaking run down the left forged the opening. Her cutback to Allen in the middle was excellent but still left the winger with plenty to do. Allen’s first touch took her clear of the defenders but wide of the goal, then from the edge of the box she unleashed a strike off her right foot that Zara Board in goal had little chance of getting a hand to.
The win keeps Alamein in second place, It was a crucial victory over the fourth-placed South Melbourne who have a game in hand. They can still be leapfrogged by a Preston win, but that is not something they will be concerned about after this important result.
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