The Junior Matildas will look to bounce back after a 3-0 loss to China in the U17 Asian Cup. Australia will play Japan on Friday, and coach Rae Dower has identified that her players need to be more clinical to get a result.
Australia created a number of opportunities but were unable to convert in Bali, something that Dower at least partially attributes to nerves.
“Technically we just were off the pace today,” she told the media.
“We gave a lot of the ball away, and turned over a lot of possession which is really uncharacteristic of us.
“Upon reflection, we’ve had a bit of a discussion amongst the staff. We think that potentially the nerves got the better of some of our players today.
“Full credit to our opponents, they were clinical in that final third. At 1-0 down at half time I thought that we potentially had a couple of opportunities to get a goals back and had some really good shouts for some penalties as well.
“Some of our set piece delivery was really good but today it wasn’t clinical.”
Debutant Amelia Bennett echoed those sentiments.
“It was an intense game,” said the midfielder.
“With the weather conditions it was pretty hot, but we’ve got a lot to improve on and that we can work on towards our next game against Japan.
“If we link up a bit more through the middle as well I think we’ll be able to get more opportunities going forward.”
Goalkeeper Caoimhe Bray was solid in her first game, and noted the change in intensity at internation football.
“It’s definitely a lot quicker,” said the Emerging Jets custodian.
“Obviously because they’re from different countries, they play a lot differently to what we’re used to so that was cool to realise and notice.
“I was a abit nervous at the start but I think once the game started… and I had a few saves, had a few touches on the ball I started getting comfortable with the pace and ended up going pretty well.”
Dower was pleased with the intent and effort from her team, but lamented the cutting edge in the Australian attack.
“I can’t fault the effort from the players,” she said.
“But we just didn’t make those passes stick or that final action whether it was a pass, whether it was a shot, we were just off the pace there. It’s all to play for in our next game on Friday.
“It was always going to be a difficult game. we know every single that we play is going to be difficult. Our opponents are going to be good, to get to an Asian cup you’ve got to be good.
“For us it was always going to be difficult, but it really comes down to taking those opportunities. You’ve really got to be clinical in that final third.
“If you limit the errors that you make yourself and you capitalise on the chances that you create or that you force on the other team that goes a long way towards getting the three points.”
Despite the stern test presented by the Steel Roses, Australia created some chances. They were able to get behind the Chinese defence and that can give them some confidence heading into the second game.
“We knew that there was going to be opportunities to break lines,” said Dower.
“We were going to do that in a variety of ways, but again when our passing completion was poor it meant that we were having to turn and chase and work really really hard to win the ball back and start the attack again.”
Despite the result, this will be a memorable game. Danella Butrus joined Bray and Bennett in stepping out for the first time in Green and Gold.
“We spoke about it before the game and after the game and reflected on it,” said Dower.
“The team were very excited for the girls, and we were as well.
“You never forget your first jersey you never forget the first time that you walk on the park as an Australian player.”
Bennet was thrilled to get her first cap after dreaming about it for years.
“It was a surreal experience,’ she said.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about this, dreaming about this for years now.
I’ve put in the work, so it’s really nice to see that its starting to pay off but it means a lot to me and I’m really proud.”
FV Emerging’s Danella Butrus was pleased to represent Australia for the first time, it was the culmination of a dream but also an opportunity to learn about the elite level.
“I’ve dreamt about this day for a long time and it just feels really good to go out there today with the girls.
“It was so memorable, ill never forget the feeling. You feel everyone’s energy and you feed off it. I was pretty pumped.
“That game was pretty difficult, coming on when we were 1-0 down, but I’m still very grateful to be able to play.
“I felt like it was a learning lesson. International football is so much more intense, so much quicker and you just have to be tactical and very quick if you want to play well in this competition.”
Barely two minutes after entering the Grand Final, Shea Connors scored the goal to crown Sydney FC Champions. She talks to Impetus about that moment, and all that lead up to it.
It would have been a brilliant goal in any context. The scores were locked at 0-0 and with Melbourne City hoarding possession, Sydney FC needed a moment of magic. That arrived through the right foot of their American striker.
Siezing the moment, Connors raced onto an inch perfect pass from Indiana Dos Santos and struck a low half volley against an onrushing Melissa Barbieri. It was the ultimate end to a challenging season for club and player.
“Ante (Juric) wanted me to come on and do what I’d been doing, making an impact and the runs in behind,” said Connors of her role on Grand Final day.
“I knew that if he was going to put me on I was going to have to bring something to the table because it was such a tight game.
“You could tell there was only going to be one chance for either side because it was so tight.
“I felt like whoever was going to score would probably be the winner.”
Connors immediately threw herself into the action. With City known for playing short passes from defence. She harried, pressured, and did all the hard work to earn her moment of glory.
The eventual chance looked so precise that it resembled a set play, but it was the result of instinct.
The vision of Dos Santos combined with the technique and pace of Connors. Once Shay Hollman had won possession, the two attsacker sprung into action.
“I saw her get the ball and their one defender had followed me up…I knew that she was out of position. So then I immediately started running forward. I was just trying to stay onside because it took a second to get out of Shay’s feet and then to Indi.
“Indi looked up and it was an incredible ball.
“It was still bouncing. I knew (Melissa) Barbieri always comes out so hard, so I just needed to re-direct it across and try to hit it cleanly first time. I feel like I couldn’t have hit it any better.”
SYDNEY FC LEAD IN THE GRAND FINAL 🚨⚽️
Shea Connors scores her first goal for the Sky Blues at the perfect moment just two minutes after coming off the bench!
But what about the assist from 16-year-old Indiana Dos Santos 🤯
Connors first goal of the season was perfectly struck and perfectly timed. She arrived at Sydney FC as their first major signing of the off-season. Her form as a centre forward was outstanding in the later rounds of the 2022/23 season. She scored six times in the final two months to add to her 17 for APIA Leichhardt the previous NPLW campaign.
The impressive highlights reel and consistent impact not only caught the eye of Sydney FC recruiters, but NWSL clubs. San Diego Wave and Casey Stoney came calling for her during the World Cup.
“I thought I was being spammed,” said Connors of the surprise move. She had travelled home for the first time in over three years to visit family and friends, but had World Cup tickets organized and was prepared to enjoy a rest during the off season. However, it was an opportunity that could not be turned down, and one that she cherished, despite the sudden change from being on holiday to basically replacing USA captain Alex Morgan in the squad.
“I had only packed a bag for a summer vacation!” she says of the suddenness.
“It was such high-quality training and such an intense environment to keep ticking over in while preparing for this season.
“Casey Stoney is such an incredible coach, some of the girls after they had gotten knocked out of the world cup, like Alex Morgan and Kailen Sheridan came back into training.
“It’s considered full time. You’re out there all day.
“It’s just really great prep for the season. I feel like I had learned a lot and was feeling extra confident for the year. It was such a good experience.”
Connors joined Sydney FC as part of a fearsome new-look attack. But along with Fiona Worts and Young Matilda Sienna Saveska, she found herself on the injury list. A broken foot in December meant that Connors would not have the chance to replicate the previous season’s form.
That goal, which will live long in the memories of all Sydney FC fans, has gone some way to making a tough season worthwhile.
“It felt really incredible,” she says of her matchwinner.
“It’s been a pretty difficult year. Trying to come back from injury is difficult.
“I feel like I was still providing a lot off the bench in other finals game, but to put it away was kind a positive light to the personally difficult season.
“In my whole career I’ve never experienced an injury that took me away from the actual season. I’ve had some nagging injuries but they’ve always been in the off season or when I’ve had a little bit of time off.”
Sydney’s participation in the Asian Club Championship meant a trip to Uzbekistan early in the season. The flow on effect was a packed calendar later in the campaign which meant that a week missed could mean multiple games.
“This was really hard,” says Connors of her time on the sidelines.
“I’ve never had to suit up and watch that many games. the hardest part was that we had so many make up games in January. Maybe I would have missed four or five instead of seven or eight. I felt like I was missing so much.”
The injury combined with Sydney’s congested fixtures meant that gaining momentum as an attacker was challenging. As a squad, they scored the equal fewest goals of any top six side, it was not a situation unique to Connors, although as a usually free-scoring striker, it was not one that she was accustomed to.
“Usually once I get one I’m fine,” she says of her scoring history.
“The time I was close was when I broke my foot and that was one of the things I thought about. It was going to be so long before I could get a goal. I feel like it was on my mind a bit.
“When I was coming on as a winger there was more that I could bring to the game besides scoring. It was just focussing on the positives. The team was great, making sure that I was still bringing a lot.
“I just took time to remember my own abilities and back myself in that way. I had belief that I was going to do well in these finals.”
She was not alone in that belief. Connors relays the story of multiple teammates feeling positive about her potential to be the difference in the big game.
“Charlotte (Mclean) and Jordan (Thompson) said on the day of the Grand Final that ‘I feel like this is going to be the day for you,’ because it’s just been so close.
“At half time Charlotte said it (again.) Tori (Tumeth) and I room together and she said that ‘based on the year that you’ve had I literally think you’re going to end up winning this for us.’
Her sparse goals tally for the season is deceiving. Connors made a visible impact when used off the bench against The Central Coast Mariners in the previous finals. her movement and acceleration created openings for her fellow attackers, and kept defenders on their toes.
“I feel like you have to keep the belief that you’re still bringing value even if it’s not in the way you’re more typically perceived,” she said of her super-sub role at Sydney FC.
But Connors will always be a goal scorer, and Grand Final day was a reminder of what she has done consistently since arriving in Australia.
After 92 NPLW goals and 14 in the A-League Women, where does her Championship winning goal sit among her personal highlights?
“It’s definitely really high up there,” she says.
“Grace Gill said it was probably the biggest goal of my career. I was sitting back and having a think about it and she’s probably right. I think to win a grand final like that, it’s just really sweet.
“It was a challenging year for me but also the team in general had a string of injuries, and Uzbekistan took a toll.
“The best part was to do it with people that I really love. I have such a good group of friends on this team.
“We have honestly a lot of fun together. It sits very high in my career and is something that I’ll always remember for sure.”
Ben Gilby and Ava-Marianne Elliott provide a full report each along with all the details from the round’s other two matches (6/5/24)
Above:UWA-Nedlands’ Michaela Thawley (green shirt), whose early goal in the vital game at the bottom with Murdoch University Melville was not enough to seal her side’s first win of the campaign. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Cat Bryant.
Game of the week:
UWA-Nedlands 1-2 Murdoch University Melville
by Ben Gilby
Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) produced an encouraging performance as they secured their first NPLW WA victory of the season in the battle of the two teams who went into the round winless.
The newly promoted home side went into this encounter above MUM FC thanks to securing a draw against Subiaco earlier in the campaign and fresh from a week off after receiving a bye in the opening round of the State Cup. Conversely, the visitors were the only NPLW WA side in action last week, taking on lower-tier Perth AFC. However, they got the confidence boost of their first win in 2024, with a 1-0 success.
It was the hosts who were on the front foot from the very start, and they stamped their authority on the proceedings by going ahead in the fourth minute. Goalkeeper Morgan Springer dispatched a short clearance which was played onwards for Michaela Thawley who advanced to lift a glorious shot over Manon Gebauer from over 20 yards.
GOAL! 03:32
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for UWA Nedlands FC W in the UWA Nedlands FC W vs MUM FC W match at UWA Sports Park.
MUM FC were being pressed into conceding possession and finding it hard to make their passes stick consistently or find their intended destination. This lack of accuracy meant their attacking threat of Tiana Botha and Taylor Reid, both players who have consistently found the net in previous years, was largely nullified for much of the opening half.
The home side were looking to spread possession at every opportunity. They were slightly crisper in the pass and more calmer in possession. Just after the quarter-hour mark, this ability came close to doubling UWA-Nedlands’ advantage.
Erin Armstrong lifted a high cross in which Serena Lim couldn’t quite reach, but play then found Emily Dinsdale who saw an effort come back off the crossbar.
As events approached the half-hour mark, Murdoch University Melville’s more influential players began to find their stride. Emmanuella Abu-Pipim Boaduo’s upper body strength and powerful running was beginning to make its mark. Nyana Jayme was a creative ball of energy with excellent footwork, Sophie Patience was making spins and twists to beat her markers, and Reid was dropping deeper in a bid to gain more of the ball and get attacks moving.
These connections came together with Patience feeding Emily Dewar with an insightful ball into space, but Springer gathered the latter’s effort.
There would be one further chance apiece before the interval. First, Dinsdale drove down the right for the hosts and lifted in a cross for Thawley that Gebauer held. Then, Reid was found in acres of space for MUM FC but put her shot wide.
The second half opened with a bang as the visitors equalised three minutes in. Botha was brought down on the right-hand touchline parallel to the 18-yard box after faced by two defenders. Luana Ascenzo Cabello stepped up to send a low free-kick into the box that was turned into her own net by Franca Dobbin at the near post.
UWA-Nedlands were not out of it though, and just over an hour into the encounter, Chloe Rodrigo’s corner on the left was headed over by Mackenzie Rastatter. Rodrigo was a developing influence for the home side, providing an outlet on both flanks to build attacks with her quick feet and ability to deliver balls into the box.
As the game moved towards the final 10 minutes, chances became fewer and further in between – a sign of the tension and the huge importance of this clash in terms of the battle to escape the bottom of the ladder.
What opportunities there were fell more favourably to the visitors. Reid was allowed to run – always a danger for any defence – and the attacker was at the heart of her side’s improving fortunes in this encounter.
Then, with four minutes to go, joy for Murdoch University Melville as Botha won the foot race down the middle, held off two defenders, and lifted a shot high and handsomely into the net to seal her side’s second successive win, and maiden NPLW WA success for the season.
GOAL! 85:51
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for MUM FC W in the UWA Nedlands FC W vs MUM FC W match at UWA Sports Park.
This was a desperately disappointing outcome for UWA-Nedlands who now find themselves bottom of the ladder. Their fortunes this season were always going to be decided by their battles against the teams around them in the standings. Lawrence Lewis’ side will have all the motivation they need to improve on this outcome the next time they face opponents from that region of the ladder.
Above: Two-goal Ella Lincoln, Impetus‘ NPLW WA Player of the Month for April, charging through on Friday night. Photo: Perth SC.
Perth SC put on a convincing display at Dorrien Gardens on Friday night, securing a 6-1 victory over Hyundai NTC to leave them second in the NPLW WA ladder over Balcatta Etna on goal difference.
Following kick-off, there was an immediate scare for the NTC when an excellent cross was sent flying in from down the Azzurri’s right channel, almost reaching Jess Flannery’s feet in front of goal and Megan Phillips was forced down to ground to make a save, but quick thinking from the defence was enough to steer the ball clear of danger.
With Perth being so dominant in and around goal, Flannery quickly found herself with the space and opportunity to cause an early indent to the score in just the fifth minute, however, the angle was tight and the ball hit the side netting.
To NTC’s misfortune, another opportunity for Perth SC to open the scoring arose in the 13th minute, when Chloe Gaspar brought down Flannery just inside the penalty area. Assuredly, the referee signalled to the spot, with Flannery stepping up to confidently send the ball past Phillips’ glove and soaring into the back of the net without hesitation.
A concrete chance to double the score appeared after a pass directly over the top of the field to bypass NTC’s backline fell to Flannery’s feet. Although the original threat was nullified by the work of the defence, Impetus’ NPLW WA Player of the Month Ella Lincoln stole the ball out of Gaspar’s grasp and sent a cross to Sophia Papalia, whose attempt landed straight in Phillips’ grip. Just a matter of a minute later, Georgia Cassidy swooped in, punishing the away side for their back passes, stealing the ball and sending a shot over the bar.
Above: Georgia Cassidy (Azure shirt) looks for the pass against Hyundai NTC. Photo: Perth SC.
Just twenty minutes into the fixture, the potential impact that debutant Cassidy could have for the Azzurri was shining through already. Her relentless work rate and a keen eye for a pass, with a fair few well-thought long passes already being put into practice, meant glimpses of her effect on the field were already extremely present.
Inevitably, it wasn’t long before Lincoln found herself on the scoresheet. In the 26th minute, she robbed the ball after heavy touch from Hannah Collins, completely tearing through the NTC players ahead of her alone in an impressive run before effectively doubling the hosts lead.
In the 31st minute, the hosts added a third to their tally. With the immense pressure of the Azzurri forwards hot on her tail, Phillips’ kick was collected by a blue shirt, and Daisy McAllister’s incredible effort from long-range caught her off her line.
Perth SC were completely dominating the game, and it was going to take a huge effort from Hyundai NTC to pull themselves back into the fixture. A chance arose shortly after conceding the third when they were awarded a corner, but they were able to pull nothing from the opportunity after the resulting header went out for a goal kick.
Yet another opportunity for the Azzurri to add to their three-goal lead appeared with 39 minutes on the clock, but Cassidy’s free kick just soared over the crossbar, giving NTC temporary relief. Lincoln’s admirable skill saw her achieve the space to take a shot shortly after in minute 41, but the ball just rolled past the far post.
Above: Perth SC look to build the pressure on Friday night. Photo: Perth SC.
NTC started to pile on more pressure as the final minutes of the half ticked by, but Lincoln yet again showed just why she’s such a threat on the field as she charged out to the left channel alone, going toe to toe with Nelli Johnson. Her powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the box was sent in to the back of Phillips’ net, rebounding off the far post to take the score line to 4-0 in the 44th minute, despite the difficult angle.
There was late drama in extra time when Lincoln caught the defence off guard again, leaving Phillips with no defensive support. The ball was played to Flannery, who sent her shot over the crossbar and sparing NTC the dismay of conceding a fifth goal in one half. Moments later, Hyundai had arguably their best chance of the half, when Maja Archibald sent a shot straight into the hands of Lilly Bailey.
Kick-off for the second half signalled the start of a huge 45 minutes for Hyundai NTC, with Perth SC sitting very comfortably in the lead.
The Azzurri wasted no time in starting a relentless pursuit for a fifth goal, and in the 46th minute, Lincoln’s superb vision for a pass found Flannery yet again in yards of space. Still, Phillips’ was able to easily collect the shot. In a matter of moments the possession had shifted, and Klaudia Houlis charged up the left wing with the opportunity to pull one back for NTC. Bailey made the bold decision to come off her line for the save, the ball just escaping her grasp but being shuttled away after work from the home defence.
With NTC significantly amping up the pressure, it was looking increasingly likely they’d soon find the net. Surely enough, Maja Archibald was the one to bring a swift close to the home side’s clean sheet, when her stunning strike from long-distance was sent flying into the back of Bailey’s goal in the 65th minute.
Above: Perth SC in possession on Friday night against Hyundai NTC. Photo: Perth SC.
Perth were quick to respond, and a well-picked pass from Charli Wainwright fell to substitute Anika Stajcic in the 67th minute directly in front of the opposition’s goal. Just ten minutes after entering the field of play, she sent the ball into the back of the net, hitting back at NTC’s goal just a minute later, but she wasn’t done just yet as in the 70th minute, she sourced a second.
Securing a brace in just a three-minute gap, Phillips’ admirable attempt to make a save initially looked successful, however Stajcic’s quality shot was just unable to stopped. Her performance was the definition of impact substitution, her goals reinforcing Perth SC’s stellar first half and successfully securing the three points to put her side second in the ladder on superior goal difference to Balcatta.
The intensity of the game was evident, and in the 71st minute, Archibald looked to find a brace for herself. Bailey went to ground to secure the ball from Houlis’ cross, preventing it from reaching Archibald. Cause for concern for the forward arose shortly after, when she left the field with support on either side, and Angelique Clayton took her place on the field after a praise-worthy 75 minute performance.
Both teams had an even split of work to do with ten minutes left remaining on the clock, although credit was due to the NTC’s defence, who worked tirelessly to ensure that they didn’t concede a seventh. The home side came closest in the 85th minute, when Cassidy’s pin-point accuracy from a free kick ended up Stajcic directly in front of goal, however, the forward’s chance at a hat trick slipped away as too much power on her shot sent the ball over the bar.
In the 87th minute, Lincoln found herself making a run into space yet again, soaring towards goal until bring forced to ground by Sophia Brooks just on the edge of the box. It was Stajcic who stepped up to take the kick, however Phillips’ easily dealt with the threat, catching the shot securely. The remainder of the half, Hyundai NTC pushed and pressured the Perth SC side, but their attempts to secure a second were unsuccessful.
Above: Hyundai NTC’s Theodora Mouthiys (gold shirt) looks to hold off Georgia Cassidy. Photo: Perth SC.
At the sound of the final whistle, Perth SC’s win saw the home side in second place in the ladder. NTC currently sit just three points behind in fourth place, with a five-point gap keeping them above fifth-place Subiaco – who they travel to next Sunday in what should be a fascinating match.
Balcatta Etna strengthened their hold on third place with this win over Subiaco at Home Group Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts hit the front with 12 minutes played with a sweeping display of superb passing football that highlighted the raison d’etre of this Balcatta side. After a move that involved 11 passes, Lucy Jerram gained the ball along the right and drove up the flank before measuring a perfectly weighted pass inside for Monique Prinsloo who supplied a sumptuous low cross for Faye Phillips to tap home.
GOAL! 11:43
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Balcatta Etna FC W in the Balcatta Etna FC W vs Subiaco AFC W match at Grindleford Reserve.
Balcatta doubled their lead just over 20 minutes later. Liana Cook’s throw on the left, parallel with the edge of the box found Jerram who had her back to goal. The attacker showed her skill to turn and feed Phillips who ran between two defenders to take the ball, leaving another two would-be tacklers trailing in her wake to slot home with aplomb.
Just before the interval, Subiaco built an intricate passing move which was eventually broken up allowing Alyssa van Heurck to break along the left from deep inside her own half to subsequently find Jerram outside her on the left. Jerram advanced before firing a fantastic finish across visiting goalkeeper Ash Riddle and into the far corner of the net to take Etna’s lead out to three.
GOAL! 44:29
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Balcatta Etna FC W in the Balcatta Etna FC W vs Subiaco AFC W match at Grindleford Reserve.
With just under 20 minutes remaining, Subi grabbed a potential lifeline when Stella Zampogna took advantage of loose control the edge of the Balcatta box to get a ricochet touch which Balcatta keeper Rebecca Bennett headed out, but only as far as Marianna Tabain who sent a glorious lob into the net.
Perth RedStar 4-2 Fremantle City
Perth RedStar made it five wins from five, but they were pushed all the way by a Freo side revitalised by new arrivals who were in the game until the depths of second-half stoppage time.
Clara Hoarau came into the squad just before the break for the State Cup, and she was joined by fellow youngster Tanika Lala, the nugget from the Goldfields whose twinkle-toed ability had caught the eye for several seasons whilst at in the NTC setup. Both were rewarded with A-League Women contracts with Perth Glory as a result of their efforts in the 2023 NPLW WA campaign, and both showed their worth despite their side’s eventual defeat at RedStar Arena.
The home side could point to the continuing influence of their newly arrived Japanese duo of Impetus Player of the Month nominee Momoko Sakairi and Manami Arai having a major impact on the outcome of this game.
RedStar hit the front eight minutes before the interval. Andreia Teixeira sent in a high free-kick that was controlled brilliantly by Renee Leota who turned to fire home.
Yet Freo levelled just before the half-time whistle with a move that started inside their own half. The ball was eventually laid off to Hoarau on the edge of the box, and the youngster fired a rocket into the top of the net.
GOAL! 45:00
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Fremantle City W in the Perth Redstar W vs Fremantle City W match at Redstar Arena.
Parity only lasted until the 49th minute excellent play from Olivia Wood found Sakairi who provided a high cross in for Leota to head home her and RedStar’s second of the afternoon at the back post to restore the hosts’ advantage.
The unbeaten hosts looked to have sealed a fifth straight league win for 2024 with a quarter of an hour remaining. Arai intercepted a loose pass in the centre channel of midfield and found Reina Kagami outside her. Kagami turned Annabelle Leek and held off the defender’s attempt to come back and deny her to shoot across Dayle Schroeder and into the net.
With six minutes to go, Freo grabbed a lifeline. Alex Poad received the ball on the left from her own throw in just inside the RedStar half and advanced into space to just outside the box to find debutant Lala. The former NTC star, who scored for Perth Glory in the A-League Women this season, showed her trademark pace and skill to draw Emily Dunn and beat her before calmly directing the ball past Gabby Dal Busco in the RedStar net.
However, the hosts showed their ability to close out games deep into injury time to finally confirm the three points with a glorious sweeping move. The move originated with a throw-in inside their own half that found Lauren Continibali. The former Balcatta player motored up the left flank, beating her marker before offloading to Caitlin Doeglas inside her. The former W-League attacker took a touch before nutmegging Poad to find Arai centrally positioned on the edge of the box. RedStar’s latest Japanese star controlled the ball and sent a low shot into the net.
GOAL! 94:12
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth Redstar W in the Perth Redstar W vs Fremantle City W match at Redstar Arena.
Next Fixtures:12th May: Fremantle City v UWA-Nedlands, Murdoch University Melville v Perth SC, Perth RedStar v Balcatta Etna, Subiaco v Hyundai NTC.
State Cup 1st Round News
Last weekend the NPLW WA took a break for the opening round of the State Cup. In the end, only one tie took place, Murdoch University Melville gaining their first win of 2024 with a 1-0 success over State League Division One side Perth AFC. Perth RedStar, Hyundai NTC, and Balcatta Etna all received walkover wins against State League sides HamersleyUnited, Mandurah City, and Sorrento respectively. Fremantle City, Perth SC, Subiaco, and UWA-Nedlands received a bye to the Quarter-Finals.
Quarter-Final Draw
1st June: Perth RedStar v Murdoch University Melville, Fremantle City v Hyundai NTC, Subiaco v Perth SC. 2nd June: UWA-Nedlands v Balcatta Etna.
Ruthless Chelsea rout Bristol City to close in on fifthconsecutive Women’s Super League title at Emma Hayes’ Kingsmeadow send off.
Four goals from standout performer Guro Reiten plus double from Aggie Beever-Jones and goals from Sjoeke Nusken and Niamh Charles put the destiny of the Women’s Super Leaguetitle back in Chelsea’s hands.
it was imperative that Chelsea to close the goal difference gap between them and Man City, so a fast start would be required. Chelsea delivered, Reiten slotting home a penalty in the fourth minuet of the game.
Bristol City almost answered back right away, only for an impressive Zecira Musovic double save to deny an almost certain equaliser.
Yet this was the only bright spot for Bristol City. A goalmouth scramble from a corner started with Beever-Jones’ header saved by Fran Bentley and concluded with Nusken poking from close range from the rebound to double the lead for the home side.
Beever-Jones was not to be denied again, adding Chelsea’s third seven minutes into the second half.
Neat interplay between Reiten and Erin Cuthbert created space for the Scottish international to put Beever-Jones in behind. The Chelsea forward did the rest, slotting the ball between the legs of Bentley.
The fourth goal soon followed, and it was Reiten again. The Norwegian found space on the left-hand side and fired home from outside of the box into the bottom corner.
Four then became five, Reiten completing her hattrick. Second half substitute Cat Macario found Reiten with a textbook reverse pass who finished comfortably.
Charles added the sixth and Macario was involved again. Herfree kick finding Charles at the back post. The left back nipped in behind Jasmine Ball to finish instinctively.
Reiten’s made it seven to the Blues, who had aches of time and space on the edge of the box to turn and hammer home her fourth goal of the game past Bentley. Chelsea wererampant.
But the goal scoring had not finished yet. Reiten’s lofted cross was perfect for Beever-Jones to head home her second and Chelsea’s eighth goal of the game.
With Arsenal beating Chelsea’s title rivals Man City and surmounting the goal difference between them, The Women’s Super League is now Chelsea’s to lose.
The result for Bristol City must be considered a low point in what has been a difficult season. Regardless they have been able to develop a core fanbase and will hope that their support will help propel them back into the Women’s Super League.
After the game, Emma Hayes said “Let me be clear. It’s not over. There’s no time for sentimentality. All the work drinks are cancelled. There’s a title to be won”.
Above:Sydney FC celebrate Shea Connors’ winning goal at AAMI Park today. Photo: A-League Women.
Shea Connors’ goal just over 20 minutes from the end sealed Sydney FC’s record-breaking fifth A-League WomenGrand Final win in a hugely enjoyable tactical battle at AAMI Park today.
Head coaches Dario Vidosic and Ante Juric are renowned as the league’s technical masters, and they gave each other’s teams a series of complex puzzles to solve in a bid to seize the momentum of this season finale.
Throw in the thrilling influence of a young outrageous teen talent on either side – Daniela Galic for Melbourne City and Indiana Dos Santos for Sydney FC, and you have a game for the ages. This pair, aged 17 and 16 respectively are, unless there are a string of unfortunate unforeseen circumstances, going to be big Matildas stars in the near future. This will be the day both can look back on in the decades to come with real pride as their performances were integral to their teams’ threat on the day.
City boss Vidosic was forced to make three changes to his squad from last week’s semi-final second-leg win at home to Newcastle Jets. Melissa Barbieri came in between the sticks for her first Grand Final appearance at the age of 44, replacing quad injury victim Bárbara. Emily Shields had to come out of retirement to take her place on the bench as substitute keeper. Shelby McMahon’s injury ruled her out, with Tijan McKenna coming onto the bench.
Above: The two talented teens who were so influential on this Grand Final – Daniela Galic (left) and Indiana Dos Santos. Photo: Sydney FC.
Sydney FC were unchanged which ensured that captain Princess Ibini took her place in the starting line-up for a record-breaking eighth A-League Women Grand Final at the age of just 24. The attacker first represented the Harbour City club in the competition’s biggest game back in 2016 when she was 16. Ibini would be going out firing in a bid to secure a third Grand Final win.
Indeed, it was her side who made a rapid start. Cortnee Vine was causing chaos from the opening whistle, and won a free kick inside the opening 20 seconds, on the right, around 15 yards from goal. Mackenzie Hawkesby delivered for Margaux Chauvet to lift a clinical pass for Jordan Thompson who sidefooted a vicious shot goalwards, but Barbieri rolled back the years to deny the American with a brilliant one-handed save down at the left-hand post.
The frantic nature continued and, with five minutes on the clock, Shay Hollman conceded a free-kick. Rhianna Pollicina stepped up to the right of centre, 25 yards out, and curled in a perfectly weighted set-piece just ahead of Hannah Wilkinson which dissected the Sydney defence, but the Football Fern couldn’t quite direct the ball goalwards.
It was a chaotic opening quarter of an hour. Transitions multiplied across the park – all thanks to Juric’s game plan. The Sydney head coach had set his team out to provide the maximum disruption to City’s trademark patient passing build-up. The ultra-high press was preventing the home side’s ability to play out from the back, which had the added consequence of disrupting their connectivity further up the pitch.
Above: Melissa Barbieri in action in today’s Grand Final – her first appearance in the season finale game at the age of 44. Photo: Melbourne City.
In order to calm the waters, City slowed things down, but the real key was the increasing ability of their talented ball players and runners Daniela Galic, Laura Hughes, and Bryleeh Henry to get on the ball.
Galic demonstrated her outrageous ability to get past two defenders tight on the byline with superb footwork before pushing slightly further inside to get a better angle to get a shot away before Whyman denied her.
The 17-year-old was showing her full bag of tricks on this, the league’s biggest stage. Her runs along the right dragged multiple defenders away which provided the double benefit of her either being able to drive forward herself, or thread balls into the spaces created by her displacing Sydney’s defence.
Whilst City weren’t able to transfer their increasing possession to shots on goal, they had worked hard to earn the right to stamp their own style of play on this final after overcoming the initial tactical challenge thrown down by the defending champions. Honours were even at the break.
Above: Melbourne City’s Hannah Wilkinson (right) tussles for possession in today’s Grand Final. Photo: Sydney FC.
The second period opened on a continuing cagey note. Sydney were forced more on the back foot as City built the passes patiently. Emina Ekic and Leah Davidson’s time on the ball increased with the pair looking to thread the telling pass through. The Harbour City side were pinned back inside their own final third with their Matildas attacker Vine dropping back to assist her backline. Sydney were clocking up the metres in a bid to press high and fast in a bid to limit City’s options.
Having the possession and the patience is one thing, but the ability to put it in the net is what wins Grand Finals. Where Melbourne City failed to take advantage, Sydney made them pay in some style.
Indiana Dos Santos, playing in her second Grand Final at the age of just 16 showed yet another glance of her supreme ability with just over 20 minutes of the game remaining. Driving through the middle of the park, Dos Santos looked up and saw the run of substitute Shea Connors, and played a sensational long-range pass that arched into the American’s stride. Connors, on the pitch no more than two minutes, confidently slotted past the outrushing Barbieri for her first A-League Women goal in 14 months.
SYDNEY FC LEAD IN THE GRAND FINAL 🚨⚽️
Shea Connors scores her first goal for the Sky Blues at the perfect moment just two minutes after coming off the bench!
But what about the assist from 16-year-old Indiana Dos Santos 🤯
Sydney had not lost a game this season that they had gone ahead in – but Melbourne City had never lost a Grand Final in their four previous appearances – so something was going to have to give.
City began to ratchet up the pressure in their attempted fightback. With eight minutes remaining, Ekic’s free kick on the left curled in. Sydney cleared initially before possession wound back to Ekic who found substitute Leticia McKenna. The Western Australian’s shot was superbly headed over the top by Hollman.
The chances continued to come thick and fast for Melbourne City. Rebekah Stott’s header went wide of the right-hand post before Pollicina had a glorious chance when Whyman’s one-handed save delivered the ball to her feet right out centrally, right in front of goal, but she put her shot way over the top.
City received the bonus of nine additional minutes, but could not take advantage. Sydney had retained their Championship – earning a record-breaking fifth title to boot.
City had the possession, the territory, and the ability to win this game. Sydney had the experience, the nous, and the players to make the breakthrough when it counted – and that’s what matters in Grand Finals.
Melbourne City’s attack has looked unstoppable in recent weeks. Dangerous wingback Bryleeh Henry talks to Impetus Football about her change in position and season so far.
According to Bryleeh Henry, the result of Saturday’s A-League Women’s Grand Final between Melbourne City and Sydney FC will make for either “the best or the worst 21st ever,” as she celebrates her birthday the day after.
“It would be the best 21st birthday present ever, but I guess no matter if my birthday was the next day or not it’d be the same, I just really want to win that game,” she said.
Having won their two-legged semi-finals against Newcastle Jets with a six goal aggregate, Henry and her Melbourne City go into the Championship game as firm favourites. Henry’s pace and attacking ability were crucial to the win despite having played the game as a right back, a new position for her.
Playing in the right back slot under Dario Vidosic, City’s head coach, has allowed Henry to play with a new kind of freedom, one where she defends, but isn’t ruled out of joining the attack.
Luckily, while also being very good at it, the position change is something that Henry enjoys, having called it, “the best of both worlds.”
“I don’t really know how it started,” said Henry, who usually played in a midfield position and was previously used as a striker by her former club of Western Sydney Wanderers.
“Dario put me in right back at the end of that game [Against Brisbane Roar] and it sort of went okay, so then the next game he started me there.
“Since then it’s sort of stayed the same because it worked and that’s all that’s really to it I guess.”
One player. Six minutes. 𝐓𝐖𝐎 goals ⚽️🔥 @NZ_Football Ferns star Hannah Wilkinson is on fire!
A quickfire brace for the City star, with both goals set up by Bryleeh Henry 👏
Henry’s season is ending in complete opposition to the way it started. She partially tore her Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) in a training session only two weeks in, leaving her sidelined for two months.
“A couple of seasons ago, six games would have been the majority of the season. So you don’t really have time to make that comeback,” said Henry.
“The longer season really helped me out,” she said, as this is the first time ever that the A-League women have had a full home-and-away season.”
Henry credits her teammates’ competitiveness as a reason behind her recovery and progression as a player, having to fight to make her way back into the starting line-up on game days.
“At City, the facilities and the staff we have around us have been really good, so my rehab is probably one of the best I’ve done with my injuries so I was really lucky in that aspect.
“I’ve had to push myself and now it’s been good to be back and playing with a little bit more confidence as well.”
Back and seemingly better than ever, Henry played a full 90 minutes when City won the Premiers’ Plate against Perth Glory in the final game of the regular season.
“It’s the best feeling to get to the end of a long season and lift that trophy,” she said.
“We were really proud of ourselves, but I think our focus shifted really quickly to wanting to win the Grand Final.
“As a team it was really good and personally it was great. Some people don’t ever win a trophy in their whole career so I feel really privileged to be part of the team.”
Winning Saturday’s Grand Final would put a second piece of silverware in Henry’s trophy cabinet, one that she’s sure her team will be able to secure.
“It would be amazing, it’d be the icing on the cake I guess.
“The Premiership is obviously a big one because it shows throughout the season who’s been consistent. I think the Championship is really the big one, it’s the finals series there’s so much hype around it and it’s such a massive game so that would be amazing.”
When she looks at her future in football, her focus lies on doing what she needs to do to return to the senior national team.
“I really want to get back into the Matildas Squad. That would be, you know, a dream come true again,” she said, the ‘again,’ referring to her already having one senior cap already, when she appeared with the Matildas in a game against Brazil in 2020.
“I would love to go overseas as well and play. I think England would be the dream, but anywhere else overseas that is a really good league would be a dream come true as well.”
Henry has plenty of time to make playing overseas and for the Matildas happen, after all, she’s still only 20, for a few more days at least.
Above: Cortnee Vine chasing down an opportunity to score earlier this season. Image: Kris Goman for Impetus.
By Genevieve Henry (3/5/24).
Matildas star Cortnee Vine is all set to go in the A-League Women Grand Final this Saturday at AAMI Park against fierce competitors Melbourne City. She spoke to the media about Sydney FC’s relationship with finals, their opponents, and her outlook going into the match.
Going into their 7th consecutive and 11th ever Grand Final, the Sky Blues have every reason to back themselves. However, their Grand Final record against Melbourne City is less than desirable. Of the four times the sides have faced off in the ultimate game of the season, City have emerged victorious every time.
Melbourne City have rampaged into the final, high on confidence from winning the Premiership and after beating the Newcastle Jets 6-0 on aggregate in the two-legged semifinal.
“Melbourne City’s a quality side. For the last four years, I’ve always said they’re (one of) my top two teams. They play beautiful football and they’re coached very well. They have very talented girls and I think that showed during their semi finals. They have that confidence in themselves, they’ve been around for a little while. They take their chances when they get them, and I think it’s about stopping that when we can, and taking our chances when we get them. I think it’ll be a really entertaining game.”
But, Melbourne City aren’t the only stacked team. “We have a lot of great young players that are coming through. They’re just getting better and better.” Vine spoke specifically of Indiana Dos Santos, saying, “she’s one of those young ones I definitely see having a very successful career if she keeps going on the trajectory she is. She’s very exciting to watch, she always has a smile on her face, and she always wants to get better. Her and her sister (Jynaya) are out there another twenty minutes doing extra (training).”
From the beginning of the season, Sydney faced challenges and setbacks, with devastating injuries, travel complications, and large squad turnover. “Honestly, we kinda felt (like we couldn’t make the Grand Final) at the start of the year; new squad, young girls, just looked a bit different from the years before. To be in the grand final now, I’m very very proud of this group. Even Ante (Juric) himself says it’s been a different year– it’s been his most challenging year and has for us (senior players) as well.”
“It feels like the sweetest one to be apart of, just with the challenges we’ve had this year, the injuries we’ve had– the big injuries we’ve had, Nat Tobin, Kirsty Fenton, Shea Connors, Fiona Worts, even myself being out for about 8 weeks of the season– was a big hurdle. To get to this point, it’s very sweet. We’re all very proud of each other.”
Above: Vine will be hoping to secure her second Championship this weekend. Image: Sydney FC.
When asked about how losing the Premiership has affected their desire to win the Championship, Vine clarified that it hadn’t changed much; they always wanted to win it. “I wanted both. I wanted to be greedy, I wanted the double.”
“I would obviously love to win another championship. I want more silverware, I want championships.” For Sydney, anything less than excellence is failure. That’s the culture that has seen the Sky Blues progress to their 7th grand final, a feat previously unheard of in the competition. Vine attributes it all to head coach Juric. “I think Ante Juric just does that honestly. I haven’t heard of anyone else doing that before. He breeds a culture that is a winning culture, an accepting culture. We don’t get to the places we’ve been without him being the coach. Everyone gets along very well, on and off the field. What we create off the field reflects what we show on the field. We back each other, if one person gets beaten, we’re behind them. He builds this culture and no other coach does it like Ante.”
Although Vine herself has never played a Grand Final away from home, for her, it only adds motivation. “I look at AAMI as a home away from home, we’ve had a pretty good track record there. We’re all looking forward to the trip itself, and to hopefully win this Grand Final.”
“I think we’ll get a decent crowd. I’m hoping everyone will show what this ripple effect from the World Cup has done, and come to this game not just as Sydney FC and Melbourne City fans, but as football fans. I want it to be the biggest crowd we’ve ever had. I want to show that we’ve taken a stride into Australian football and we’re making a difference, and I think the best way to show that would be to have the biggest Grand Final crowd there.”
A lot has changed for Vine since the World Cup. From being a relatively unknown speedy winger just a few years ago, to being the face of the A-League Women, her stocks have risen astronomically. Choosing to stay at Sydney instead of departing abroad has been a major factor in the crowds Sydney have managed to pull all season. But, it’s also put a target on her back
“I think this whole season I’ve been marked pretty tight, and I think that it was always what it was gonna be like with staying in the league. There are a couple of coaches who have done really well making sure that there’s a centreback covering me, there’s a winger on me, and there’s a midfielder coming back for me. There’s quality players on the field, if you mark me tightly, there’s opportunities that come from somewhere else.”
Above: Melbourne City defender Rebekah Stott and head coach Dario Vidosic speaking to the media today at AAMI Park ahead of Saturday’s A-League Women Grand Final against Sydney FC. Image: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City boss Dario Vidosic outlined his belief that Saturday’s A-League Women Grand Final will be a fitting end to a record-breaking season, as defender Rebekah Stott looked ahead to a potential third Premiership and Championship double success with the team.
Summing up his thoughts ahead of Saturday’s big game, Vidosic said: “I think throughout the season every team sort of ebbed and flowed, but I think overall us and Sydney have been the two that’ve managed it the best and now we meet on the final day.”
Head coach Vidosic revealed that he will be without two players for the big game. Karly Røstbakken, as suspected, will be on the sidelines after picking up an ankle injury in the first leg of the semi-final win over Newcastle Jets. She will be joined by Shelby McMahon who has a shin injury. Everybody else is available for selection.
He also emphasised the importance in making the week feel as normal as possible for his players. The City boss summed up his team’s preparations as having “reviewed the last game, we previewed Sydney FC, and we’ve gone through tactically how we’re going to apply ourselves on Saturday.”
This Saturday’s showdown with Sydney FC marks a return to the big stage for Stott. After only being able to play 12 games for Brighton and Hove Albion across several years, she is now aiming for her first piece of A-League Women silverware in four years.
A Championship winner with Brisbane Roar in 2012, the 30-year-old won Championships with Melbourne City in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020 with the Premiership and Championship double achieved with the Sky Blues in 2016 and 2020. The New Zealander is going all out for a third double success.
“To be able to win the Championship along with the Premiership would be so special to me, and this group of girls really deserve it,” the defender said. “We’ve worked hard all season, so it would be incredible.”
Having been a part of the league for such a long time, the 100-cap Football Fern emphasised how much things have changed over the years, but how joyous she is finding her current role with City.
“I think the whole league’s kind of had to shift with a lot of the players going overseas, but the amount of talent we have within our squad is just incredible and to see these young players playing the way they do, it’s so cool to see and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Above: Rebekah Stott hopes to be jumping with joy to celebrate a third double success on Saturday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Melbourne City
Saturday’s match will be the biggest challenge of the season for Vidosic’s team, but he’s confident in his players’ chances of success having overcome so many “curveballs” already in 2023/24.
“We still continued to play our way, so we just had to adapt a few little things and maybe a few players changing their roles slightly, but we still carried on normally as we would.”
‘Carrying on’ involved playing more games than ever before as the league finally got the full home and away season that fans have long been calling for – something that has brought new challenges.
“Going off previous seasons, you could argue some would get a more favourable draw than others because you wouldn’t play everybody home and away. I think people forget we lost Holly (McNamara) in round five, who was probably for me the best player in the competition, or one of arguably.”
The topic of the crowd for Saturday’s game has made the headlines this week. With City only attracting around 2,000 fans for their semi-final second leg at home to Newcastle Jets last weekend when the other Finals matches all had crowds of between 5,000 and 7,000, Vidosic suggested throwing open the doors of AAMI Park to let the people of Melbourne in for free – a sentiment that was not universally welcomed.
Stott spoke about the importance of having a big turnout of City fans in their home Grand Final this weekend, saying: “It’s huge. To see the stadiums full is a dream come true, that’s why we play, to impress the fans so to get a massive fan base here and hopefully break the record for a Grand Final would be incredible.”
Vidosic took up the baton once more emphasising: “I think the last few weeks has had telling signs, it’s been a while now since the World Cup and it’s great to have people come out and watch these ladies play.
“We saw record crowds throughout the finals, we were involved in two good crowds that we had and also in Maitland [there] was a phenomenal turnout, 7,000, and you get that finals feel.”
“Throughout the season we’ve seen some big crowds and we just hope that continues to build and build. It seems to be going in the right direction and I think that World Cup effect that’ll probably be felt in maybe 10 to 15 years for the young ones that got that World Cup fever, that went to the stadiums, that love these girls, that idolise them, that look to them so we hope that we have that immediate effect and that long term effect.”
The final word goes to Stott – after everything she has been through on and off the pitch, Saturday’s Grand Final has added importance and poignancy. Reflecting on her comeback, the defender said: “For me, getting back to this level has been so hard, but so special, so to win a Grand Final I think would make it even more special.”
The Lilywhites are without key players Martha Thomas and Drew Spence who both picked up injuries against Manchester United. Jessica Naz also reaches 100 appearances for the club which is an amazing achievement for a young player. While the seagulls were without Australian defender Charlie Rule. Some good news for them was that Captain Vicky Losada is back from her one game ban.
A late equaliser from Tottenham superstar Beth England means that they share the points at home. Both team had a slow start as they where unable to produce quality on the ball. The seagulls manage to force a turnover which resulted in a freekick. But it was sent straight Launa Buhler who sent it on to Matilda Vinberg and into the path of Charli Grant who runs with it and takes the shot but sends it just wide of the goal. This sparked a light inside this spurs side as they picked up a loss ball and where on the run again this time through Jessica Naz who feeds it through to Matilda Vinberg, but the Seagulls managed to clear their lines once again, although it falls to Grace Clinton. who sends it in, but it’s cleared once again. Again, it’s Clinton who picks the ball up in space goes on the run towards goal, but her shot is just wide of goal and it’s a goal kick for the Brighton keeper Melina Loeck.
There is a break in play here at the Gaugh Group Stadium, as the ball goes out of play. The Spurs fans filled in the silence as play is restarted. It seemed the break in play has disrupted the rhythm of the game as neither team can find the quality to hold onto the ball. Brighton go on the run through Lee as she finds some space, she has Bremer in support who sends the cross in and Elisabeth Terland gets her head to it but its pushed out by Spurs keeper Becky Spencer but Terland gets her foot to it and its 1-0.
The lilywhites continue to push for the equaliser as Grant, England and Naz all continue to try and push through the defence. The first substitution of the game came from the seagulls as Julia Zigiotti and Maise Symonds clash heads and Zigiotti is replaced by Tatiana Pinto. Although this does seem to shake the away side as minutes later Lee Geum-Min is running straight at Becky Spencer, but her shot was blocked.
Early into the first half the seagulls dominated the ball and are showing more quality on the ball. Spurs are struggling to find their rhythm in the second half as Clinton is brought down by Geum-Min who receives the first booking of the game. Jessica Naz then fouls Norwegian defender Maria Thorisdottir who wins a freekick just past the halfway line, she finds Geum-Min but it’s cleared by Grant. This sends England and Naz on the run but a missed timed pass from Naz and collected by Brighton keeper Melina Loeck.
The pace of the game is slowing down here, and Robert Vilahamn looks to make his first changes. As Olga Ahtinen, Matilda Vinberg and Luana Buhler all make way for Wang Shuang, Molly Bartrip and Kit Graham. With just over 30 minutes left to play here, the impact of the substitutions is strong for the Vilahamn’s side as they are bringing more energy into the game. But its Brighton that go on the run towards goal trying to extend their lead through Maise Symonds who sends the cross on but the header from Madison Haley is sent wide. Once again, the Lilywhites are on the break this time through Beth England but Brighton Defender Poppy Pattison comes across to clear it. Wang takes the corner which finds the head of Amy James-Turner it then falls to Grant who sends the shot in but its tipped over the bar by Loeck.
Photo: Brighton Hove & Albion Women on X
Mickey Harris is now looking to make his first tactical substitution as Madison Haley is replaced by young English talent Katie Robinson. We have 20 minutes to play here as the battle between Grant and Thorisdottir has caused yet enough issue for Brighton as Grant keeps weaving her way through. As she sets England off towards Loeck in the Brighton goal. Symonds comes across to defend it well. Summanen is also down here after running into Symonds just outside the penalty box. We prepare for the next round of substitutions as we experienced defender Ash Neville replaces Charli Grant for spurs. Brighton also makes two changes with Elisabeth Terland being removed from the game and Emma Kullberg coming on in her place and Li Mengwen for Lee Gem-min.
With just over 10 minutes left to play the Lilywhites are looking for the equaliser while the seagulls are looking for the winner. We see the impact of the spurs substitutions as Neville picks up the ball in space and is on the run towards the Brighton goal, she sends the cross in which meets the boot of England who directs it towards goal on the stretch. Vilahamn then choses to make his final change of the game as Jessica Naz makes way for Ellie Brazil. The last 10 minutes of the game both teams are pushing for the winner but both defences are holding strong, and neither team could finish in the box. But as the seconds ticked down on the clock Tottenham thought they had the final goal as a 20-yard Beth England header came in from a Neville cross, but it hit the crossbar. The final whistle was shortly after and points where shared here in East London. Both teams had serval opportunities to see the game to a close but where lacking the quality on the ball to finish in the box.
In Roberts Vilahamn’s post conference he said that “That it was an okay first half but we want to play better for the first 60 to 70 minutes” when asked how he would sum up the performance
He was also asked about if he thinks that using England on the wing and Naz at the 9 was working well, “we wanted to make sure we had a high pressing team today and i think is the best pressing player we have (Speaking about Jessica Naz) so that was the main reason but then we also have the freedom for Bethany to step in as a second striker and be in the box as well.
Impetus writers voted on the best three players and coaches for the 2023/24 season of the A-League Women. It was a big season with some stellar performances and intriguing narratives. Here, we reveal who was voted in our top three spots for both categories, and members of our team covering the league this season explain their reasons for the choice.
2023/24 Impetus A-League Women Player of the Season
Winner: Michelle Heyman
Above: Michelle Heymna (right) in control for Canberra United. Photo: Canberra United.
KIERAN YAP: Michelle Heyman has had another stunning season. 17 goals in 22 games for an inexperienced team that struggled for results is a testament to her individual quality. In the process, she brought up her 100th A-League Women goal, reinforced her status as one of the greats of the game and at the age of 34 earned a Matildas call up which resulted in five goals across two games.
Heyman continues to impress and impact games. Only three sides scored more goals than Canberra United this season, and none of them were in the bottom half of the table. Her seven assists bring her direct goal contributions up to 24 in 22 matches. Her record in the final third has not slowed, and neither had her pace.
Heyman’s form is deserving of a third Julie Dolan Medal, but she will face stiff competition. As an out and out striker, she remains statistically unparalleled in this league, and as an all round player she continues to be a star.
GENEVIEVE HENRY: Michelle Heyman has simply had an astonishingly good season. The fact that she managed to break Sam Kerr’s goals in a season record, get recalled to the Matildas for the first time in years, and help keep a struggling team off of the bottom of the table is only made more incredible at the age she’s done it at. She’s proof that age is just a number in football.
BEN GILBY: It’s been a fairytale season for Michelle Heyman. If ever you want a definition of a footballer, who gets better and better with age, just like a good bottle of Australian red wine, it’s the striker who simply is Canberra United. Prior to the season’s commencement, Heyman made it very clear that she was focusing in on a return to international football. To be able to achieve it and then thrive once more at the highest table whilst playing in a team finding it hard to string wins together just highlighted when ability, experience, determination, and sheer desire can do. All adjectives you would also associate more widely with the club that the attacker plays for.
The 35-year-old outlined the reasons she believes account for her outstanding form for club and country this year when, prior to the recent Matildas international with Mexico she said: “I’m just so much smarter these days, it’s fantastic! Experience and age is a gift, and I look at my 25-year-old self, and I wish I knew everything then that I know now. I think it’s better than ever being older because I understand the game more.”
Heyman has been peerless this season, and with her part of the Canberra United family, you just know the capital city side will come back next season fighting harder than ever on and off the field with their talismanic striker leading the way.
KRIS GOMAN: Heyman has stepped up a notch this season. It was very obvious that she wanted to get back into the Matildas and go to the Olympics. Amazing what a clear goal can do. She’s been completely dominant, breaking league records left, right, and centre and it’s been so uplifting to watch. Fully deserves this top spot.
Matildas star Michelle Heyman scores her 𝐟𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐡 goal in three days! 🇦🇺🔥 Back in the Liberty A-League with a bang 💣
It wasn’t the desired result for Canberra, but this was some strike from the golden boot leader 👏
Above: Cortnee Vine celebrates a goal this season. Photo: Sydney FC.
KIERAN YAP: Cortnee Vine entered this season with huge expectations. After achieving near global fame at the 2023 Women’s World Cup with her penalty kick against France, Vine became the face of the A-League Women and Marquee Player.
Her presence alone attracted fans in the early days of the season, and a Round One record-setting crowd could be attributed to the continued Matildas mania, for which she held the torch.
Vine’s season has not been as brutally consistent as Michelle Heyman, but she worked her way into form this season to re-establish herself as one of the outstanding wingers in this league.
Her acceleration and defensive work makes her a nightmare for many teams to defend, but her finishing has improved and in a season where Sydney FC’s attacking stocks has been heavily depleted by injuries, Vine has been the reason they contend for trophies.
10 goals and six assists across 19 games in a new-look Sydney FC team is an excellent return from a player who must have been feeling immense pressure to deliver on the hype of the World Cup.
GENEVIEVE HENRY: For a player who missed a fair chunk of the season, Cortnee Vine had a massive impact on Sydney’s season. With less than advantageous conditions for the Sky Blues, she still managed to thrive, creating and scoring many for her team.
BEN GILBY: No longer just a player with searing pace on the flank who can cut inside and lash home vital goals. This is Cortnee Vine Mark II – the new, smarter model.
The technique, advice, and confidence that the Sydney star has taken from her international experience, that culiminated in that moment in the World Cup Quarter-Final in France that none of us privileged enough to be in Australia last August will ever forget.
This season, Vine is still the red hot runner with the sensational finishing ability, but it’s now part of a player who is that bit smarter. She knows the additional channels to slot into, she knows the importance of reading both team-mates and opposition play in depth to ensure she can join or counter the moves where appropriate.
Cortnee Vine is now developing an all-round game that mark her out as someone who can be a key part of The Matildas’ drive towards gold in Paris this August.
KRIS GOMAN: Vine has matured a lot this season. She’s started playing like an experienced Matilda. The Sydney FC star always been attack minded but she’s a lot more strategic now, timing her runs, timing her crosses, reading the spaces. The Golden Boot leader board is crowded at the top but Vine is up there for both goals and assists. She’s also proven herself to be a leader both on and off the field.
Above: A safe pair of hands in Western Australia – Morgan Aquino. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Perth Glory.
KIERAN YAP: Morgan Aquino’s 2023/24 season established her as one of the best young goalkeepers in Australia. Perth Glory’s saviour on multiple occasions, she was outstanding when they were winning, and their best chance of making the finals when the team’s form tapered off.
The individual narrative around Aquino went from people noticing that she was playing well, to quickly accepting that she was an excellent player in great form. Glory conceded far more goals than anybody at the club would find acceptable, but any that she could humanly prevent, she did.
Aquino is still currently eligible for Australia’s Under 23 side. Another season of consistent and often eye-catching goalkeeping could see her with a senior call-up in the near future.
GENEVIEVE HENRY: Morgan Aquino is simply a brick wall. Her contributions were vital during Perth’s successful run, as well as keeping them in games during their struggle in the second half of the season. Her shot-stopping skills along with her experience and leadership make her invaluable.
Two penalty saves. 𝟰𝟬 saves more than any other keeper in the league. Still only 22 🤯 Morgan Aquino: If you don’t know, now you know 🔥👇
After showing flashes of promise in season 22/23, The @PerthGloryFC youngster is having a breakout campaign in the Liberty A-League 👏… pic.twitter.com/yXFKw62pFi
BEN GILBY: Aquino has been at career-best form throughout this season. A goalkeeper that Western Australians have known for a number of years has this potential ability in her locker is now delivering it week-in-week-out.
Speaking to me back in February, the 22-year-old put her outstanding run of performances down to two factors – having a total break from the game at the end of the 2022/23 A-League Women season, and getting the confidence from being a regular starter for Perth Glory.
Aquino spent much of the off-season travelling around Europe rather than playing NPLW football which brought her back to Perth well rested and fully focussed on honing her craft to keep the starting spot between the sticks for the Western Australian side.
The two previous seasons saw Aquino competing with first Courtney Newbon and then Sarah Langman for a spot in the starting line-up, with none of those players getting a consistent run of starts. This campaign, the position in goal was handed to Aquino from the start, and she kept her performance levels sky high to ensure that head coach Alex Epakis never even considered Lilly Bailey or Sally James.
It was a situation that Aquino felt played a significant part in driving her performance levels this year to another height; the hunger and desire to get the number one slot and retain it. Repeat it in 2024/25 and international recognition could well come her way.
KRIS GOMAN: Aquino has some very impressive stats this season. One of only two players to start every match and a save percentage of 81.1% including saving two out of three penalties. Given where Glory ended up in the table, it’s doubly impressive. She was arguable her team’s most important player this season.
2023/24 Impetus A-League Women Coach of the Season
Winner: Emily Husband
Above: Central Coast Mariners head coach Emily Husband – Impetus‘ Coach of the Season for 2023/24. Photo:Central Coast Mariners.
KIERAN YAP: The Central Coast Mariners coach had a big task this season. Emily Husband had to assemble a team from scratch that could compete immediately and help grow and retain a fanbase. The Mariners launched in a season packed with potential but also pressure.
Following the World Cup, there was an opportunity to attract and retain fans in the second life of the A-League Women’s team.
Husband delivered a combative and attacking side. She got her international signings like Faye Bryson and Wurigumula perfect, her young players like Peta Trimis evolved into potential stars and the NPLW or experienced A-League Women recruits like Isabel Gomez or Bianca Galic delivered stellar seasons.
When teams play The Mariners, they have rarely been in for an easy afternoon. They are well organized, confident and dangerous. Husband has taken them to within one game of a Grand Final in her first season in charge. It is a terrific achievement.
GENEVIEVE HENRY: In the Central Coast Mariners first season back in the league, they absolutely thrived and it’s mostly thanks to Emily Husband. Her recruitment of local and international players was top-notch, and she managed to get the best out of each of her players. She took relatively unknown names and made them stars.
BEN GILBY: Taking over as head coach of a club returning to the A-League Women after so many years away is a tough gig. Doing it as your first coaching job in the comp just ratchets up that level of toughness and pressure even further.
The responsibility of putting together a totally new squad of players, many of whom have never played A-League Women football before either is one that can weigh heavy on the shoulders, but not only did Husband wear that pressure lightly, but she cleverly, and, initially, quietly went about her building business.
Putting together a group she was familiar with from her time at the helm of Sydney University, along with some extremely astute signings from overseas and adding the priceless experience of both Kyah Simon and Casey Dumont showed that Husband was constructing an identity for the new Mariners side which was attractive to players. It would also become one that was attractive to fans and dangerous to opponents.
Husband and her Central Coast Mariners will face a different sort of pressure next season – people know what they are capable of – and they may face fierce competition to keep hold of key players. But Husband is so astute, I have a feeling she’ll just take it in her stride.
KRIS GOMAN: Got to admit Husband really wasn’t on my radar for most of the season but the way the Mariners finished the season and made the finals she ended up on every radar in the land. From very smart recruitment to bringing the team together, it all worked very successfully, especially this being her first season as a head coach in a professional league.
Second Place: Dario Vidosic
Above: It’s been an impressive season for Melbourne City boss Dario Vidosic. Photo: Melbourne City.
KIERAN YAP: In his second season in charge, Melbourne City’s Dario Vidosic has delivered a top-of-the-table finish while developing as a coach and improving on 2022/23.
Vidosic’s style is most easily described as possession based. City keep the ball and are extremely patient to a degree that borders on caution. Combined with the quality of players at his disposal, this had brought more wins than losses in his two-season tenure, but changes had to be made to improve this season, and circumstances forced him to adapt. He has done both to great success.
City’s early season form was typified by the pace and invention of Holly McNamara in attack. When the star striker succumbed to another horrible knee injury, he shifted tactics and personnel. Kaitlyn Torpey moved from right back to left wing to outstanding effect.
Torpey’s form earned her a transfer to San Diego Wave, and Vidosic reshuffled again. City’s mid season form dip almost cost them the league, but despite losing Torpey and goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx to transfers, and the likes of Daniala Galic, Tijan Mckenna, and Naomi Chinnama to international duty, City continued to adapt, and get the wins that they needed to clinch the premiership.
City seemed to become more confident in attack. Young players like Shelby McMahon were trusted to win important games, and Australia Under 23 striker Bryleeh Henry was switched to full-back. They were blessed with depth in the squad, but other sides have shown that having the biggest names does not necessarily equal success. Vidosic had to try things out and see what worked while in a title race.
It is hard to find any fault in the way Vidosic has coached over the home and away season. They were deserved premiers in 2023/24.
GENEVIEVE HENRY: Dario Vidosic balanced the experience and youth of his team excellently. Perhaps his most important achievement was his coaching of young star Daniela Galic, who played a huge role in Melbourne City’s premiership. His resilience to keep going through rough patches paid off greatly as they overtook a stumbling Sydney on the final day of the regular season.
BEN GILBY: Dario Vidosic deserves real credit for the performances of his Melbourne City side this season. A raft of new players came into the squad for this campaign to gel with a number of familiar faces. They have overcome injury, a run of matches where wins proved hard to come by and international call-ups to go about their business with no little talent.
Vidosic is an exceptionally smart tactician. Whilst he may not set up his side to be the most outwardly attacking – possession is the touchstone – the Melbourne City head coach has constructed a group of highly intelligent and cultured footballers who understand their role in the system to the nth degree and what they need to do both tactically and technically to gain the results necessary. That is down to Vidosic and his influence on this squad.
They have that ability that all the best teams have of taking chances when it most matters. Slow and steady wins the race could be a phrase invented to describe Vidosic’s Melbourne City side – and when it comes to winning Finals that is a key mantra.
KRIS GOMAN: Another coach relatively early in their top-level career, Dario Vidosic is someone who has made the transition from successful playing career to a hugely promising coaching one seamlessly. A premiership win and poll position for a Grand Final success in a dramatic end to the season. Can’t really do better than that.
Third Place: Kat Smith
Above: Kat Smith, who made a big impact after coming in at Western United. Photo: Western United.
KIERAN YAP: After being mysteriously removed from her post at Western Sydney Wanderers, Kat Smith made a return to coaching with Western United. The former Alamein FC coach returned to Victoria to take charge of the squad while previous manager Mark Torcaso focussed on his role with the Philippines national team.
Smith managed the balancing act of continuing what Torcaso has built while revitalising a team that looked to be struggling in the early rounds and imprinting her own style.
Western United soon looked back to their best, and if not for some poorly timed injuries to Adriano Taranto, Hannah Keane, and Chloe Logarzo they could have challenged for trophies.
Smith made subtle changes. Jaclyn Sawicki played in a slightly more attacking role, as did Aimee Medwin and Stacey Papadopoulos. Western were not as defensively tight as last season, but Grace Maher and Alana Cerne became the first avenues for attack and both defended well with the team playing higher.
Ultimately injuries derailed Western United, but Smith delivered a title charge and some entertaining football. Very few things need to be changed for next season, but Smith will once again alter what needs to be, and it will be no surprise to see Western back in the hunt for silverware in 2024/25.
GENEVIEVE HENRY: Kat Smith left Western Sydney Wanderers at the beginning of the season in a controversial and dramatic fashion. No one could have expected the success she achieved when taking over as head coach part way through the season for Western United. She turned their season around.
BEN GILBY: If ever a coach has personally worked to turn a team’s fortunes around in the A-League Women this season, it is Kat Smith at Western United.
After their sensational debut season in the competition last year that saw a Grand Final appearance, the Victoria side were out to go one better – but a combination of the league knowing all about them now, and head coach Mark Torcaso’s initial job share with the Philippines national side along with injuries to a number of hugely influential players made this a very different looking campaign.
With Torcaso taking the reins with the Philippines on a full-time basis, Kat Smith was offered a role of A-League redemption. After her shock departure from Western Sydney Wanderers virtually on the eve of the season, Smith walked into a Western United side who were in a tough situation themselves.
Smith stamped her vision, knowledge and game plan on her players. This and the return from injuries from some of those key squad members, buoyed by large crowds packing into their first real home stadium towards the end of the campaign saw them finish in the top four – something that looked nigh on impossible for much of 2023/24. Smith deserves huge credit for that achievement regardless of their elimination from Finals at the first hurdle.
KRIS GOMAN: Smith arrived at Western United after being let go from the Wanderers with no explanation but has thrived at her new club taking them to third place in the premiership and making the finals once again. Unfortunately, they were knocked out at the first hurdle, but it was a strong run through the season.
Impetus A-LEAGUE WOMEN PLAYER OF THE YEAR
ROLL OF HONOUR:
2023/24: Michelle Heyman (Canberra United)
2022/23: Alex Chidiac (Melbourne Victory) and Cyera Hintzen (Perth Glory)
impetusfootball.org 