Above: Hannah Keane celebrates with teammates after she scored the match-winning goal. Photo: Keep Up.
Western United beat Sydney FC in a tight contest on Sunday night in front of a vocal crowd at Allianz Stadium to advance directly to the A-League Women Grand Final in their first season in the competition.
Before the match, Sydney had won all four of their matches played in the stadium, scoring 13 goals, and had never conceded. But that imperious record did not rattle Western United at all, who took it to the Premiers.
The match started in an energetic fashion, with Western United pressing high from kick-off to put pressure on the Sydney defence, hoping for an opportunity or a mistake to capitalise on. But Sydney weathered the storm and began to wrestle control of the match back.
Cortnee Vine looked threatening early on in the match, but she was well-marked by Angie Beard. The Matilda had an injury scare during her national team duties earlier in the month, but thankfully it was just a cramp.
In the 15th minute, some sloppy defending from Western meant that Vine ended up with the ball in a dangerous position. She took a great shot at the goal, but Hillary Beall pulled out a strong save to deny her. Princess Ibini was in the perfect position for the follow-up, but she wasn’t ready for it. 10 minutes later, Vine intercepted a ball in the midfield, making a run into the box and taking another shot on goals, but it was saved once again by Beall.
In the 27th minute, totally against the run of play, Western launched an exceptional attack. It started with Emma Robers outfoxing a Sydney defender and passing out to Kahli Johnson who made a run down the right flank and hit an incredible cross into the box that found the Golden Boot winner Hannah Keane, who tapped it into the Sydney net past Jada Whyman. It was Keane’s 14th goal of the campaign.
But Sydney did not roll over, they kept playing their high-energy, attacking football, dominating possession, and creating chances. They had a flurry of chances just before halftime, but the Western defensive line was equal to each of them.
Just before the break, the visitors had to play their Get Out of Jail Free card. Beall came off her line to clear the ball and made a sloppy pass to her defender and the ball was easily intercepted by Rachel Lowe. Beall scrambled back as Lowe took a shot, but it drifted just wide of the goals. Western United breathed a sigh of relief.
In the second half, the match continued at a slightly lower tempo, but with Sydney still dominating proceedings and creating chances. Madison Haley made her presence known just minutes after being substituted on. In the 56th minute, Vine made a fantastic run but was cut off by a defender, so she cut the ball back to Haley, who took a shot but pushed it wide.
Just after the hour mark, a great corner from Mackenzie Hawkesby found the head of Haley who put the shot on target this time, but there was not enough power on it to trouble Beall. About 10 minutes later, an amazing pass from Haley up the field set up Rola Badawiya who took a cracking first-time shot which was parried away by Beall. A follow-up shot came from Nat Tobin, but Beall pulled out a great reflex save to deny Sydney yet again.
Sydney continued their relentless attack during the final 20 minutes of regulation time. Western United were able to withstand the pressure with solid defending and exceptional goalkeeping. There were eight minutes of stoppage time and they were frantic. Sydney kept pressing, but they couldn’t get any meaningful shots on target and Western did enough to deny them and close out the match with a win.
Above: Cortnee Vine (left) battles against Angie Beard today. Photo: Liberty A-League Women.
Sydney FC played a very good match. They defended very well and attacked relentlessly, with a total of 12 shots on goal, but they were unable to convert on any of the chances that they created. Western United on the other hand were far more clinical. They only had three shots on goal, but they were able to convert, which meant that their solid defending and goalkeeping could get them over the line.
Charlotte Mclean put in a phenomenal shift in the backline for Sydney. Ante Juric has been singing her praises all season long as the best defender in the league and she definitely showed it against Western United. She also created a goalscoring opportunity and took two shots at the goal up the other end. Vine put in a great shift as well, but she didn’t have the fitness to play the full 90 minutes, which hurt Sydney.
Up the other end of the pitch, there were a number of stellar performances for Western United. Johnson had a great all-round performance, providing the match-winning assist and creating several more chances. Angela Beard defended very well the whole match and was able to keep Vine relatively quiet down the left flank. And you can’t go past Beall, who made 12 saves against the Premiers to keep a clean sheet and give Western a big win.
By winning the match, Western United booked a ticket to their first-ever Grand Final, which will be played on April 30th. Sydney FC will face Melbourne Victory in the Preliminary Final next weekend, a rematch of the past two Grand Finals.
Teams:SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Fenton, Tobin, Mclean, Rule, Hawkesby, I. Dos Santos, Hunter, Ibini, Vine, Lowe. Substitutes: Offer, Hollman, Badawiya, De La Harpe, Haley.
WESTERN UNITED (4-3-3): Beall, Papadopoulos, Cerne, Cummings, Beard, M. Taranto, Robers, A. Taranto, Johnson, Keane, Vlajnić. Substitutes: Dall’Oste, Dakic, Sawicki, Sardo, Steer.
Scorers: Keane 26’.
Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.
Attendance: TBC.
Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.
Matthew Appleby was at the Leigh Sports Village to capture the best of the action as Manchester United took on Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup Semi-Final yesterday (16/4/23).
Above: Manchester United celebrate after their dramatic win over Brighton and Hove Albion yesterday that took them to Wembley for the first time. Photo: Matthew Appleby.
Manchester United 3-2 Brighton and Hove Albion
Rachel Williams’ goal one minute from the end of normal time sealed Manchester United’s dramatic victory in the FA Cup Semi-Final yesterday.
But Marc Skinner’s team had to do it the hard way as Brighton produced a superb performance to belie their status as WSL strugglers, and it was the visitors who hit the front after Mary Earps could only help Veatriki Sarri’s shot into her own net.
Leah Galton levelled within two minutes of the second-half opening before United’s Lionesses star Alessia Russo put the Red Devils ahead. However, Brighton wouldn’t lie down, and within four minutes Danielle Carter had them level. Then came Williams at the death to earn United their first shot at a major trophy at Wembley Stadium against Aston Villa or Chelsea on 14th May.
Matthew Appleby’s Photo Gallery:
Teams: MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Earps, Batlle, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell, Ladd, Zelem, Galton, Garcia, Toone, Russo. Substitutes used: Thomas (for Garcia 61′), Williams (for Russo 78′), Mannion (for Galton 90+1′).
Above: Melbourne Victory celebrate their penalty shoot-out victory in today’s sensational Elimination Final. Photo: Keep Up.
by Ben Gilby (15/4/23).
Melbourne Victory have defeated cross-city rivals Melbourne City in an absolute thriller of an encounter at a sodden Casey Fields today.
This was an extraordinary game that went one way then the other, contained a 19-minute Melina Ayres hat-trick, a penalty miss to level the scores in the 88th minute, and then an equalising goal in the last second of stoppage time in the second half. Quite simply, it was immense.
City as usual dominated the possession stats – 68% to 32% with 713 passes made to Victory’s 328 – but ultimately possession means nothing, it’s whether you can use it to score more goals than the opposition.
Dario Vidosic named Holly McNamara in his starting line-up after his young star, just back from her ACL injury, returned early from international duty with the Matildas in England over Easter. She would go on to have an impressive afternoon in a match that was a feisty, physical Elimination Final and Melbourne derby.
It was Victory who had the game’s opening chance with less than two minutes on the clock. Alana Murphy stood over a free-kick just outside the ‘D’, slightly to the left of centre. The set piece bounced just in front of City keeper Melissa Barbieri on the right-hand post, but the experienced shot-stopper produced an excellent save to push it wide.
Dario Vidosic’s side responded with Julia Grosso striding along the left-hand side before delivering a ball into the box that fell perfectly for McNamara. The young gun looked for all the world as if she would score as she hit a goal-bound shot on the edge of the six-yard box but reckoned without a sensational save from Victory keeper Casey Dumont who followed the flight of the ball and stayed tall in front of McNamara to deny the attacker.
Just after the half-hour mark, each side had a further chance. First, it was Victory as Catherine Zimmerman hit over the bar from close range after Barbieri mishandled a cross. Then, McNamara showed her pace to get through, but Kayla Morrison was able to get a toe in to avert the danger.
Above: Rhianna Pollicina (center) celebrates her goal with Emma Checker and Cote Rojas. Photo: Keep Up.
Just four minutes before the break, City hit the front as Nat Tathem lost possession in the midfield to Rhianna Pollicina who laid off to McNamara outside her to the right. McNamara advanced and delivered a low square ball which was met by Pollicina just outside the six-yard box to direct into the net.
Victory stepped it up after the break. Five minutes in, Goad’s corner from the right flicked on and Elidias’ back header came back off the bar before City cleared at the second attempt.
Within a minute though, they were level as referee Lara Lee pointed to the spot after Naomi Chinnama was adjudged to have brought down Goad with the ball gone. Up stepped Melina Ayres to slot into the right-hand corner of the net.
City looked to hit back just after the hour mark, and Dani Galic was found by Pollicina on a square pass across the outside of the box. The 16-year-old played in Kaitlyn Torpey who ran onto the ball and hit a first-time shot that came off the top of the bar.
Victory were having more luck in pressing the Sky Blues’ defence and within moments of Torpey’s shot, they hit the front. Barbieri’s short clearance was played back into the box between two would-be Victory attackers, and Emma Checker’s resulting clearance fell straight to Goad around 10 yards outside the box. She found Ayres who in turn looked for Alana Murphy who was tackled but the ball fell perfectly for Ayres to drill a low shot first time into the right-hand corner.
The Melbourne Victory attacker’s sensational second half continued as she completed an astonishing 19-minute hat-trick. Once more it was Goad involved as she delivered a high diagonal ball in from the left flank that Checker could only head back towards the waiting Ayres who was in space, took the ball down, and fired into the far corner. With 20 minutes remaining, Victory were 3-1 ahead.
However, if anyone thought City would just lie down, they would be in for a rude awakening, as within six minutes, they were back in the game as Grosso delivered a high ball into the mix from the left-hand side after being fed by McNamara. Bryleeh Henry and Hannah Wilkinson went up for the header with the former directing a ball that dropped for Pollicina in the centre of the 18-yard box. The City striker reacted quicker than the Victory defence to turn and drive a shot home.
Victory were looking to screen off the City attack as the hosts looked to force an equaliser. With four minutes remaining, in the face of a busy box, McNamara hit a shot from outside of the box that curled agonisingly wide of the right-hand post.
The drama ratcheted up another notch with two minutes of normal time remaining as McNamara broke along the left and Claudia Bunge handled her cross with referee Lee pointing instantly to the spot. McNamara placed the ball but Dumont dived to her left and saved.
With seven minutes of stoppage time indicated, City pressed with Katie Bowen turning and driving a shot wide. With two seconds of additional time remaining on the clock, Torpey hit a shot from outside the box that took a deflection off of Kayla Morrison and cannoned up into the air, falling for the onrushing Wilkinson to beat Dumont in the air and head home. It was 3-3 and we were into an additional thirty minutes of drama.
Whilst extra time contained no goals, it did bring more stunning saves from Dumont and a red card – something that was always likely given the physical nature of the game. Victory’s Amy Jackson had been walking the tightrope for some time on a yellow card and could well have seen red in the second half for a challenge. Just two minutes into the second period of extra time, Jackson trod down on Pollicina’s foot and Lara Lee pulled out the second yellow.
Dumont excelled herself, saving McKenna’s long-range effort, and then in stoppage time at the end of the additional half-hour, making a superb one-handed save to turn Pollicina’s powerful shot around the post.
The Victory goalkeeper’s heroics would not end there as the game went into a penalty shoot-out. It was Dumont who dispatched the first penalty before taking her place between the sticks to save Bowen’s opening effort for City. Ayres, Pollicina, and Maja Markovski all converted their spot kicks before Wilkinson saw hers hit the bar for City.
The moment @gomvfc kept their quest for THREE-STRAIGHT @LibFinancial A-League championships alive! 🔥
It meant that 17-year-old Alana Murphy had the opportunity to seal the win for Victory. There were no nerves apparent as the youngster stepped up and blasted her kick home.
This was a game that had it all – goals galore, staggering comebacks, individual brilliance, and high drama. This is why we love the A-League Women, and the season isn’t done yet.
Melbourne Victory will now travel to the losers of tomorrow’s Sydney FC v Western United semi-final next Saturday for the Preliminary Final. Strap yourself in, we’re in for a thrilling ride.
Above: Rangers’ Brogan Hay with her SWPL Player of the Month trophy. Photo: Colin Poultney, supplied to Impetus by: SWPL.
Rangers’ Brogan Hay and Carrie McGorm of Stirling University have collected the March 2022/23 Park’s Motor Group Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) Player of the Month awards.
Hay becomes the only SWPL player to ever win the award for a third time. The Scotland international previously won the award for August/September 2019 and April 2021.
The forward was voted by fellow clubs having scored three goals and provided one assist in March. This included the only goals in Rangers’ 1-0 away win to Spartans and in their 1-1 draw with Celtic.
Hay’s club went unbeaten in March, winning three of their games before being denied all three points by a late equaliser at home to Celtic in their final game of the month.
Above: Stirling University’s Carrie McGorm, winner of the Park’s Motor Group SWPL 2 Player of the Month for March. Photo: Malcolm Mackenzie supplied to Impetus by: SWPL
In Park’s Motor Group SWPL 2, Carrie McGorm won the honour for Stirling University making them the first team in the division to have won the award twice this season. Cyprus international, Anthina Varnava, won back in September.
McGorm got both goals in their 2-1 win over Gartcairn, including a spectacular eventual winner. She also provided an assist in their 2-2 draw with East Fife.
Results meant that Stirling University maintained their eight-point lead over East Fife in the battle to avoid automatic relegation.
The nominees for the March Park’s Motor Goup SWPL award were Lauren Davidson (Glasgow City), Ciara Grant (Heart of Midlothian), and Shen Menglu (Celtic) and for the SWPL 2 award the nominees were Rebecca Cameron (St Johnstone) and Hannah Davie (Boroughmuir Thistle).
Ben Gilby reports on all of the four competing sides’ media events from earlier today (14/4/23).
Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory
Saturday
MELBOURNE CITY:
Above: Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic at his media conference today. Image: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic has revealed that Holly McNamara is “fine” and poised to play a part in his team’s do-or-die Semi-Final with Melbourne Victory tomorrow.
McNamara was withdrawn from the Matildas squad after their game against Scotland in Wimbledon on Good Friday, but Vidosic told the media today that his young star is capable of playing tomorrow.
“She’s fine, she’s good. She came back, it’s just the management of her. She is just back from an ACL injury, and having a long international flight there, reintroducing herself to the Matildas camp. It just gives her (the early return from the UK) the best preparation for the Finals.”
The City boss also has had two of his Football Ferns stars away on international duty in Europe, and has to weigh up their condition. “They are a little bit tired after a long international flight from Turkey. We will evaluate but they are top players. We’ll see how they are. They all want to play tomorrow.”
Whilst having key players thousands of kilometres away and only returning just ahead of such a vital match is far from ideal, Vidosic prefers this to the days when the competition did not include breaks for international matches.
“Last year we lost the Premiership because we didn’t have an international break and we had both our New Zealanders leave and so it is better this way. You can’t prepare as well as you may want, but you have your internationals here, which is a bonus.”
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s big game against cross-city rivals and defending champions Melbourne Victory, Vidosic believes his team are ready to right the wrongs of earlier matches this season.
“When you lose, that’s when you learn the most. From the Melbourne (Victory) and Sydney games, we lost our structure. We’re familiar now with how Victory will play, and all the other teams (in the Finals). We have to be more ruthless, more calm when we’re in the final third. It doesn’t matter how well you play, it’s how well you put the ball in the back of the net.”
MELBOURNE VICTORY:
Above: Jeff Hopkins speaking at his media conference today. Image: Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins goes into tomorrow’s Semi-Final derby showdown with the rare luxury of having a large pool of players to select from.
Given the amount of injuries and departure of key players during the season, Hopkins has had to work hard to shape a Victory squad to qualify for the Finals, and the head coach believes that the extra week to prepare for this match benefits his team greatly.
“Most seasons we would have wanted to roll straight into next week (from the end of the regular season). But the way the season finished was a downer (the lost lead at Wellington), we had knocks so it’s helped us to get players fit and back on the field, and get over the disappointment of the last 15 minutes of that game in Wellington and the emotion of the day afterwards (when Finals qualification was confirmed). It’s been of benefit to us. We have everyone fit now.”
Reflecting on those personnel difficulties that Victory have had to overcome during the season, Hopkins said: “If you consider we lost a number of our key players through injury and leaving – ‘Chids’ – we’ve lost KK recently, Zimm with a broken leg, we’ve been up against it, but when you lose players you sometimes can’t replace than and readjust the team to suit the strengths of who you are bringing in. It took a while, but I think we’re getting there now.”
Preparations have been going well, and the defending champions are confident and in good spirits ahead of the time of the season when they step up.
“They are relaxed. They were expecting to be here. Now we are here, we are comfortable going into the game with the experience we had in the past…In training, the first time all season, they were all waiting for me.”
Opponents Melbourne City’s style of play is well known, but with Victory leading the stats for regaining possession, Hopkins sees the key to tomorrow’s battle.
“Those stats don’t come by chance. It’s something we work on, it’s part of our DNA as a team. City are a very good side and play the game the right way. I have a lot of respect for them as a team. It’s is about putting pressure on high up the field. They back themselves to play through pressure. that’s a key part of the game.
“They are a high-pressing team and we want to play out from the back as well. In both back thirds, it is a key area for both teams. If we can play out well against their press and pressure, then I feel once we get through that first line of the press, there are opportunities for us to hurt them.”
Sydney FC v Western United
Sunday
SYDNEY FC:
Above: Charlotte Mclean in action for Sydney FC last season. The defender is back and raring to go ahead of Sunday’s Final with Western United. Photo: Sydney FC.
Charlotte Mclean is back in contention to return this weekend after suffering a fractured cheekbone against Sunday’s opponents Western United during the regular season.
The defender spoke to the media today about the challenging time she had in rehab and how she is overjoyed to be back.
“It was pretty tough. The first two weeks were bed rest and I lost a lot of weight which wasn’t great knowing I had a short turnaround before I could be back on the field. I was focusing on getting back to the gym. This week I started back full contact training. I was a bit hesitant with headers and tackles and that, but it’s fine.
“I think that whenever you have a bit og forced time out, it makes you so grateful to be back, and I’m so excited to play some role on Sunday…I feel happy and confident to slot straight back in. These are the games you want to play.”
Confidence is high in the Sydney camp having just sealed a third successive Premier’s Plate. It’s a situation that Mclean puts down to the sense of togetherness in the squad.
“It’s important to remember we’ve all played a massive role. The girls who have come to training every week but not played, they are all part of it. I love it so much I’m so grateful for Ante (Juric, head coach) bringing me here and the girls supporting me throughout I don’t know how many times in my career I’ll have a chance to be in a team like this.
“We’re confident, obviously they (Western United) are a great team. What they have achieved has been awesome. They have great players but I back us…We’re looking at tactical things that we can exploit from Western United.”
Mclean also feels that the team will benefit from having the week off before the Finals began as a result of the recent international window. Its been a chance to rest some weary bodies.
“All of us have felt it. It’s been heavy on our bodies. We’ve gone from having a 10-game season to a 12-game season to an 18-game season, so that FIFA window came at the right time. We got to re-set ourselves, so it was definitely a good thing.”
The Sydney FC defender ended with some positive news on Cortnee Vine, who left the pitch during the Matildas’ superb win over England earlier this week.
“She is being assessed this afternoon with a scan, but I don’t think there’s too much to worry about.”
WESTERN UNITED:
Above: Western United head coach Mark Torcaso speaking today. Image: Western United.
Mark Torcaso stated today that his team are “prepared and ready to go” ahead of Sunday’s match at Sydney FC which will see the winner progress straight to the Grand Final.
Looking back over Western United’s superb first season, Torcaso told the media today: “We wanted to make sure in our first season that we were very good straight away. So to finish runners-up and play Finals football is important for us. The club should be proud, the players have been excellent, the staff have been excellent.
Whilst the Victorian side’s head coach recognised that his side has a tough job on their hands needing to beat Sydney FC away, he is confident that his players will pull it off.
“Sydney are one of the strongest sides in the comp, if not the strongest. We’re one and one with them (win and loss) so we’ll just put together what we’ve been working on the last two weeks and put it on the park. Tactically we’re well prepared, and we’re ready to beat them.”
Going into the game, there has been talk about the lack of A-League Women Finals experience among a number of the Western United squad, but Torcaso believes his players are more than aware of what Finals football is like.
“It’s important to look at the fact that some of our girls have been involved in Finals football before, just not at this level. Some of them know how to adjust. Some have played play-offs overseas. It’s about them bringing their skills to make us ready for this Final.”
Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.
Matthew Appleby captures the scenes at York City’s LNER Community Stadiumas tier four FA Women’s National League Division One North Middlesbrough took on Redcar Town from the North-East Regional Women’s Football League Premier (13/4/23).
Above: Middlesbrough lift the trophy after their dramatic late comeback victory last night. Photo: Matthew Appleby.
Redcar Town 2-3 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough came from 2-0 down against lower-tier Redcar Town to win the North Riding FA Women’s Cup at York City FC last night.
It was an incredible ending to a match that was turned on its head at the death as Boro scored twice in the final three minutes to break Redcar hearts.
Redcar struck twice in the opening 33 minutes and had chances to extend their lead further before Brooke Newton got a goal back for Boro with 14 minutes remaining. Abby Robson levelled the scores with just three minutes left on the clock before right at the very end, Amber Rodgers struck a highly dramatic winner to seal the trophy for Middlesbrough.
Matthew Appleby’s Photo Gallery from the LNER Community Stadium:
Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes France international window performances against Columbia and Canada as Hervé Renard‘s reign gets underway(13/4/23).
Above: France celebrate their success against Colombia. Photo: L’Équipe.
France 5-2 Colombia
Clermont-Ferrand, April 7th.
For his first game as coach, with France ranked fifth and Colombia 26th in the FIFA standings, Hervé Renard put together a side containing a few surprises with Eugénie Le Sommer and Amel Majri both starting the game.
However, maybe the pressure caused by the firing of Corrine Diacre got to the team, or maybe that caused by changes to the team, France experienced difficulties against the South Americans.
Despite dominating possession, they struggled to cohere as a unit with Vivian Asseyi and Sandy Baltimore notably far from their best. Colombia even opened the scoring when a free kick from Catalina Usme was put in the net by a header from Daniela Arias on 36 minutes.
Renard reacted at halftime by making no less than three changes: Delphine Cascarino replaced Viviane Asseyi, Grace Geyoro replaced Amel Majri, and Clara Matéo replaced Sandy Baltimore. Amel Majri did a good job in the first half but was not fit for a full game yet.
The second half was completely different with Delphine Cascarino, named player of the match scoring (51, 73) and putting in a decisive pass for Eugénie Le Sommer (59). It was even better with Selma Bacha stepping up to left forward when Sakina Karchoui entered the fray at the 63rd minute to replace Eugénie Le Sommer who had already scored her 87th and 88th goals for the national side.
Teams: FRANCE (4-3-3): Peyraud-Magnin, Bacha, Renard, De Almeida, Périsset, Majri, Toletti, Dali, Baltimore, Le Sommer, Asseyi. Substitutes used: Karchaoui, Geyoro, Matéo, Fazer, Cascarino, Jean-François.
Scorers: Cascarino 51′, 73′. Le Sommer 56′, 59′. Geyoro 90+1.
Above: New France head coach Herve Renard has made a successful start. Photo: Franck Fife / AFP / L’Équipe.
France 2–1 Canada
Le Mans, April 11th.
Hervé Renard’s second game saw a second victory, this time versus Olympic champions, and sixth-ranked nation, Canada.
Renard made seven changes from the starting eleven versus Columbia including two new players: Constance Picaud, and Estelle Cascarino. It seems that France’s new head coach may already have an idea of his best starting team.
This was a very even game, but France put a lot of pressure on Canada from the beginning of the game right to the end, disrupting the Canadian attack. Delphine Cascarino, player of the match for the second time, provided a great performance with a key decisive pass and was involved in almost all of France’s opportunities to score.
Delphine’s twin sister, Estelle did also put in a strong performance as centre-back alongside Wendie Renard. Constance Picaud, France’s goalkeeper, made several stops and can be pleased with her game, even if she was responsible for Jordyn Huitema’s goal.
Léa Le Garrec made a noteworthy return to the national side, coming on in the 56th minute, 1,964 days after her last appearance, scoring with a shot from 20 meters on 64 minutes. With players in their best positions, like Delphine Cascarino right forward or Estelle Cascarino center back, and players back like Eugénie Le Sommer or Léa Le Garrec, the team was more efficient and has shown a new image which will let the fans think that this team could do something great in World Cup.
FRANCE (4-3-3): Picaud, Karchaoui, E. Cascarino, Renard, De Almeida, Jean-François, Toletti, Geyoro, Matéo, Le Sommer, D. Cascarino. Substitutes used: Bacha, Le Garrec, Fazer, Dali.
Above: Cortnee Vine (left) and Mackenzie Hawkesby (right) hold up the premiers plate for top-placed Sydney FC. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
The regular season is over, and the top four has been decided. Melbourne Victory will face off against Melbourne City on Saturday afternoon. The winner will play either Sydney FC or Western United who meet on Sunday. Whoever comes out on top between the top two sides will enjoy a week of rest and a spot in the Grand Final.
Melbourne City vs Melbourne Victory:
Saturday
Above: Melbourne Victory captain Kayla Morrison and Melbourne City captain Emma Checker pose with the trophy during the 2023 A-League Women’s Finals Series Launch. Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images supplied to Impetus by: A-Leagues.
Melbourne City
How they can win:
When you come up against Melbourne City, you know what to expect; you can bet on them attempting to monster possession, to play every goal kick short, to pass through every press. They crave control over the game and seek to exert this by providing the opposition with as little of the ball as possible. But for City to be successful, the message is simple; they need to make their domination of possession count towards the one stat that really matters – the scoreline.
It’s something they’ve done in fits and starts this season, and scoring goals is the least you’d expect of a team boasting a forward group of Maria Rojas, Holly McNamara, Hannah Wilkinson, and Bryleeh Henry. However, the Melbournians have had to deal with the disruption of injuries and international duties over the course of their campaign; the issue of availability affecting the fluidity within their squad.
The good news though, is that rounding into Finals week they look to have close to a full-strength side to choose from. When it clicks, their possession-heavy style of football not just looks aesthetically pleasing, but also creates hatfuls of chances. In Leticia McKenna, Rhianna Pollicina, and teenage sensation Daniela Galic, they have three midfielders who are maestros with the ball at their feet, and Melbourne will need them at the top of their game in dictating the play and linking with their attackers. If City can be efficient in their speed of game processing, and in taking their opportunities when they’re presented to them, they’ll have a shot at winning the title.
Where they’re vulnerable:
Despite an inconsistent end to their campaign, there’s no doubt Melbourne City deserve to be amongst the top four teams in the Liberty A-League. Where their problems begin though, is when coming up against the best sides around them. During the regular season, they were not able to break through against any of Western United, Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC, producing a record of zero wins, two draws, and four losses in six games played.
City have also not been helped by a defence which has been exposed in several games. Katie Bowen has been responsible for a number of salient errors at the back, Emma Checker looks to have lost a step after her early-season injury, and neither Sally James nor Melissa Barbieri have wholly convinced in goal. Coupled with the loss of defensive midfielder Leah Davidson to a season-ending injury, there are legitimate concerns, as they’ll face teams who historically feast on the counter-attack.
The difference-maker: Holly McNamara
After a devastating ACL injury wiped her out for 12 months, Holly McNamara has wasted no time in showcasing her ability once again. Still just 20 years old, last season’s Young Footballer of the Year has turned plenty of heads in the five games she’s played in since returning, including that of Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson, who brought her back into the Australian squad for the most recent friendlies in England.
Seemingly playing without any inhibition, McNamara’s pace is still electric, and her vision on the pitch looks to have also gone to another level, illustrated in her fine display against Canberra United last match, where she notched a goal and two assists. She has the dynamism to break open a game in a moment, and to elevate this Melbourne City team’s performance as they seek to win the championship for the first time since 2020.
In their last meeting, Melbourne Victory defeated their cross-town rivals with a dominance of the midfield. The absence of Jess Nash left them potentially vulnerable to City’s creative and versatile attack, but Jeff Hopkins’ midfield cut off supply and pressured every pass.
Victory won that game by taking their chances, a penalty kick was converted and Paige Zois scored a screamer from long range.
Crucial to this game plan was the work of Amy Jackson. City’s midfield was pressured into hurried passes and Victory were able to capitalize. Jackson is one of the league’s best specialist defensive midfielders, in a knockout game, the presence of a player who can help determine the flow and momentum of a game cannot be understated. Against Melbourne City, that importance will be magnified.
Her opposition counterpart will likely be Leticia Mckenna. The talented midfielder has been crucial to City, but is still learning the role in the absence of Leah Davidson she will be tested against a team that has winning experience in finals.
Victory can win because they have before. They may be missing players since last season’s semi-final triumph but will have Nash back in the squad since these two sides last met.
Their chances will rest on who Melbourne City have available. Dario Vidosic has options in attack and Naomi Chinnama’s return to full fitness has been a huge boost. The Young Matildas defender was a substitute in March. Her presence was missed from the start and her intervention prevented a third goal being scored by Victory.
Holly McNamara was unavailable on that occasion, and her fitness remains under a cloud after being withdrawn from Matildas duty.
There remain very strong caveats, but Victory know how to play against Melbourne City. Beating them requires hard work and 90 minutes of almost error-free concentration, but they have done it before. They can do it again.
Where they are vulnerable
Victory’s defence and midfield are settled and capable of controlling a game, but if they get into a shootout with City it will be dangerous.
Lia Privitelli is a star, but has been battling injury in the tail end of the season. Catherine Zimmerman limped off in the final round against Wellington Phoenix, and Ava Breidis is prodigious but yet to score at senior level.
Much of Victory’s goal scoring threat relies on Alana Murphy from long range or Melina Ayres from anywhere else. On the other side, City have too many weapons to fit into one line up.
Maria Rojas Hannah Wilkinson, Bryleeh Henry and Holly McNamara are all senior international strikers. Daniela Galic and Rhianna Pollicina are sublimyly talented and imaginative playmakers, while McKenna has a cannon of a shot.
Kaitlyn Torpey can be lethal from range or at full pace, and Julia Grosso is lightning quick. City have goal threats all over the park. If Victory allow them to attack, they will find it hard to outscore them.
The Difference Maker: Melina Ayres
Melina Ayres. In last season’s finals series she was crucial in Victory’s run to a second Championship. If she plays anywhere near her potential, she can turn the game in a second.
Whether she has her back to goal, is pushed wide, or forced deep, Ayres is a goal threat. She is also a vital link player and can use her passing range to set wingers free. As Wellington were reminded, even in relatively safe positions, Ayres is a constant danger.
Melina Ayres is the definition of a difference maker. She will be a handful for City’s defenders.
Above: Western United vice-captain Hillary Beall (left) and Sydney FC captain Natalie Tobin pose with the trophy during the 2023 A-League Women’s Finals Series Launch. Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images supplied to Impetus by: A-Leagues.
Sydney FC
How they can win
Sydney FC have quite clearly been the form team of the regular season, and were deserved Premiers Plate winners. They’ve had the most impressive squad, but also more specifically the best midfield of any side too. Mackenzie Hawkesby, Sarah Hunter and Shay Hollman have complemented each other incredibly well, both on the offensive and defensive end, helping the Sky Blues not only tally the most goals of the campaign but also concede the fewest too.
No one in the competition is better in transition than Hawkesby, and Hunter’s touch, passing, and vision mark her out as a future Matildas star in the making. It is mind-boggling how smoothly Hollman, at 17 years old, has replaced Taylor Ray (ACL) at the base of Sydney’s midfield, which is a huge credit to head coach Ante Juric for placing his confidence in the teenager.
Their ability to press and counter-attack with precision through the middle of the park is second to none, and this is all without mentioning their fearsome forward trio of Cortnee Vine (seven goals, eight assists), Princess Ibini (seven goals, five assists) and Madison Haley (eight goals, three assists). If Sydney play up to the level expected of them, it will be a very difficult proposition to stop them from going all the way.
Where they’re vulnerable
Is this the year Sydney FC finally makes it back to the summit? After three consecutive Grand Final runners-up medals, the Sky Blues are hoping this is the year they conquer the dragon. They’ve certainly shown a consistency over the course of the regular season to grant them the favourites tag.
It’s difficult to find any weaknesses with this Sydney side, but the same could have been said of them last year too. How they cope with the pressure of being front-runners will be something to keep an eye on. They again come into this Finals series with the youngest team average age, at slightly over just 22 years old, but many of their squad have developed battle scars as members of previous campaigns. Have they got the mettle to convert all those chances that they squandered against Victory last time out? Will they be able to withstand the pressure during the highest leverage moments of the calendar?
Zooming out, this may be the last go-round for a number of players, including Vine, Ibini, and Hawkesby, so whether that extra weight helps or hinders their performance adds an extra layer of intrigue.
The difference-maker: Madison Haley
There are plenty of candidates for Sydney’s most important player. Hawkesby and Hunter play crucial roles in midfield, whilst Jada Whyman is arguably one of the top-two goalkeepers in the league. Cortnee Vine’s gaudy pace and counting stats put her squarely in line for the Julie Dolan medal.
However, if fit, forward Madison Haley has the ability to not only make a difference but take this Sydney FC team into the stratosphere. Rachel Lowe has filled in admirably as a makeshift number-nine, but Haley is everything you want in a striker; agile and strong, a duel-winner, run-maker, and space-finder all in one.
The 24-year-old has shown she can take on any defender she comes up against, and seems to always be at the right place to finish goals unerringly. The American has put together some highlight reel this season, from the sensational chipped finish against Brisbane to her overpowering all-round display against Melbourne Victory. Haley came off the bench for the last three games of the regular season after returning from a hip injury, so Sydney will be hoping to have her impact from the off on Sunday.
You'll struggle to find a better goal scored this weekend! @SydneyFC…. Madison Haley…. That is OUTRAGEOUS 💥
Western United have a settled team, with momentum, confidence, and versatility. Hannah Keane the league’s top scorer. Her pace and height make her a danger from general play or set pieces. In midfield, captain Jaclyn Sawicki has grown into the season and is capable of matching Sydney FC’s star-studded trio of young guns.
Most importantly, they have two excellent fullbacks. Against the threats of Princess Ibini on one wing, and Cortnee Vine on the other, (depending on her injury report) they have players that can match them.
Stacey Papadopoulos has returned from injury in a nick of time. She has the pace and experience to match Ibini. On the other side, Vine could be matched with Angie Beard. The former Melbourne Victory captain will have no fear of the Matildas winger. Western United are one of the few sides in the league to have an answer for Sydney FC’s star attacker.
Where they are vulnerable
Experience may play a factor. Many of Western United’s players are trophy winners with Calder United, the Victorian NPLW club who won everything available to them in 2022. Sydney FC are a different proposition though.
They face a side that habitually makes Grand Finals and has finished top three seasons in a row. They have beaten the 2022/23 premiers once this season, but lost fairly convincingly when they had to travel north to face them.
There are no obvious weaknesses in either side, but the fact that the leagues newest side has not been on this stage before is the only obvious thing going against them.
They can win, but there is no bigger task than playing Sydney FC in Sydney right now.
The difference maker: Chloe Logarzo
Her fitness levels remain unknown. Her talent is indisputable. Chloe Logarzo returned to Western United to help them make history, and make a push for Matildas selection. She has the ability to change games in a moment, and her name on the line up can change the odds of the game.
Logarzo has helped Western United beat Perth Glory and Melbourne City with classy, crucial interventions. The stage is set for another big performance.
Above: Ischia Brooking (in possession) part of the Hyundai NTC squad in the NPLW WA has been selected for the Junior Matildas. Photo: NPLW WA.
Australia head coach Rae Dower has announced her squad for the Group B 2024 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Round One Qualifiers held in Mongolia from 24th–28th April 2023.
The Junior Matildas will fly to Ulaanbaatar next week to take on Chinese Taipei and the host nation, Mongolia, with the top two teams progressing to the Round Two Qualifiers in September 2023.
Dower has named a 23-player squad following a series of training camps, elite matches, and international friendlies over the past six months. Six member federations from across Australia are represented in the final selection with Dower noting the difficulty in whittling down the squad.
“The staff and I found the final selection really challenging to be honest and there’s some very good players that have missed out on this occasion and they will get further opportunities at the next stage,” said Dower.
“I’ve never seen our depth at this level be as strong as it is right now, which of course is a good problem to have. The players and their respective club and Member Federation programs have been working very hard on the technical aspects of player development over recent years which you can see is really starting to bear fruit, so I want to thank them for their outstanding efforts.
Above: Junior Matildas head coach Rae Dower. Photo: Football Australia.
“In the end, we’ve selected what we believe to be a very balanced squad that will provide the maximum opportunity of exposure to international competition for the players.”
Australia starts their campaign against Mongolia at the MFF Football Centre on Monday 24th April (5pm kick-off AEST). Their final match of the Round One Qualifiers will also be staged at the MFF Football Centre with Chinese Taipei closing out the group play on Friday 28th April (5pm kick-off AEST).
“We’ve been building on how we want to play over these most recent three camps and providing a further layer of information each time,” Dower explained. “For several players, this will be their first trip overseas, in unfamiliar conditions against unfamiliar opponents.”
“To that end, our focus has been firmly on ourselves and our own preparation. We will be expecting three very tough matches against our opponents, who like us want to progress out of these Round One Qualifiers. This is our first step towards achieving our goal of qualifying through to the Asian Cup and then onto the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in 2024,” she concluded.
The Junior Matildas squad members will assemble in Sydney for a three-day domestic pre-camp at Valentine Sports Park from Saturday 15th April to Monday 17th April prior to departing for Mongolia.
Arwen Mosesreports from Manchester United boss Marc Skinner‘s media conference ahead of this Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Brighton and Hove Albion (12/4/23).
Above: Manchester United boss Marc Skinner is full of respect for Saturday’s semi-final opponents, Brighton and Hove Albion. Photo: Manchester United.
Marc Skinner’s Manchester United face Brighton and Hove Albion in the Vitality FA Women’s Cup Final this Saturday at home, and despite recent league success, Skinner is far from underestimating the Reds’ opponents.
Manchester United currently sit top of the WSL table, a point ahead of Emma Hayes’ Chelsea. However, the United boss is keen to establish a new mentality within the squad to build on their success.
Several of Skinner’s squad have performed on the international stage recently, gaining attention from viewers globally. Following the success of the Lionesses in the Finalissima, Mary Earps and Alessia Russo in particular gained plaudits for composure under pressure.
Despite Brazil scoring a late goal, Earps showed resilience going into the penalty shootout. On Mary’s performance, Skinner claimed: “I think you saw the expression in Mary’s celebration for what it meant to her. She’s been exceptional this season for us, and things happen. What she showed and what everyone sees now is the mental resilience which she has.
“The save which she made for the penalties is even more impressive when they freeze frame it, and when you see it in slow motion. Having that mentality shows that she is a world-class goalkeeper, and she’s a huge reason for why we are keeping so many clean sheets this year.”
Above: Mary Earps in training with England – her club boss Marc Skinner was proud of her recent international performances. Photo: Ben Phillips for Impetus.
Following the Lionesses’ success in the Euros, the growth in women’s football has been exponential. With more people than ever following women’s football in the country, Skinner is determined to continue raising the profile of the game.
“There is a shift in society in my opinion. I am a big fan of Soccer AM, and they were asking questions the other day. It notoriously has quite a masculine viewer audience, but they were asking questions about WSL. The fans answering knew the answers to the questions which were coming up. It’s becoming the norm to watch female players play at the highest standards on TV.
“That for me is magnificent to see. It has a knock-on effect all over the world. That wouldn’t happen before, and now it’s happening. It’s a sign of society changing and we are seeing more growth. I think there is a real enjoyment from watching the standard that our players are producing. I’m happy that it’s changing, and let’s keep it rolling”.
For the members of the squad not gaining international plaudits, work has continued as usual. Skinner believes that the break from regular fixtures has benefited members of the team, especially those with less experience.
“For us, it’s basically pouring our attention into the rest of the players. We are fortunate to have most of our regular starting players already back with us, but it is also great for us to work with players who maybe haven’t had as many minutes and really give them individual attention. There’s been a few days off for the players in between too. I’m a big believer in mental recuperation.”
Despite international success, The Red Devils head coach remains focussed on the upcoming semi-final. With several players representing their countries for different teams, Skinner’s role in uniting the squad is more important than ever, ensuring their usual cohesion is shown on Saturday.
“We get back on Thursday, and everyone as a collective will have a team meeting. We will have a preview of Brighton as it is a very quick turnaround. It is fortunate that we’ve just played them, but our pitch is a bit different and the game will look a bit different; the spaces will be bigger and the ability to go one-v-one will be there.
Above: Alessia Russo in action for Manchester United at Brighton and Hove Albion in their recent WSL encounter. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.
“It’s about alignment and collective thinking, and putting us all back on the same page. We will do this by a meeting and I’ll set down my expectations for now for the rest of the season. It’s about hunting every opponent which we play against, not feeling victimised in any situation, and trying to manage everything which we can control.
“We are working hard as a collective and as a team to earn some success. We’ve already gone a stage further than we ever have, now we have to put all our effort into trying to progress.”
When at Birmingham City, Skinner was within touching distance of the FA Cup, losing to Manchester City in the final in 2017. Similarly, Manchester United have never progressed further than the quarter-finals, until this year. Skinner is reluctant to think beyond this weekend’s make-or-break fixture, despite a recent comfortable victory over the Sussex side.
Melissa Phillips was recently appointed Head Coach of Albion, bringing fresh ideas and a new style of play to the Seagulls. While Skinner acknowledges this may be a spanner in the works for the Reds, his team is well-researched and prepared.
“We are not at the final. We can’t think of anything other than about the very difficult game which we have coming up with a new manager. I’ve followed Mel’s career, and we will always do our work around the coach. We would love to get to a final, to compete in a final, and win finals going forward.
“We have a very difficult task ahead of us, and the mentality from my group of players needs to be that we hunt any opponent which stands between us and success. I want us to turn up our heat on any opponent, knowing that the one we face this weekend will be very difficult to play against, and we need to be prepared for that.
“We will always focus on ourselves and our performance. When I talk about having respect for the opponent, you must know the opponent. If you were going into a fight, you’d want to know what skills your opponent has, and how you can hurt them in the contest. It will be a challenge because it’s a new manager and going into a semi-final, league form doesn’t really matter. The reality is, when we perform to the best of our ability, we can beat any team in this league.”
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