Ben Phillips reports on Everton boss Brian Sørensen‘s media conference ahead of tomorrow’s Merseyside derby with Liverpool at Goodison Park (23/3/23).
Above: Brian Sørensen, who reflected his excitement to the media today ahead of Goodison Park’s WSL Merseyside derby tomorrow night. Photo: Lars Ronbog.
The Blues host neighbours Liverpool at Goodison Park on Friday evening with over 20,000 tickets already sold.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash, head coach Sørensen was asked if he had felt the pressure and hype from fans ahead of the Merseyside derby. “Yes there has been a lot of hype about it, Last night I could see they were putting pictures up in one of the buildings in the dock here, that was really nice.”
The Toffies’ head coach is excited by the prospect of tomorrow’s match. “We know Liverpool will be up for the fight and they will try and (will want) revenge (for) what happened at Anfield. It’s going to be a big game with a big crowd, under the lights and I don’t think it gets much better.”
The game promises to be another entertaining encounter between the two sides and Everton will be hoping for another three points after beating Liverpool in the last fixture between the sides back in September at Anfield 3-0.
Above: Goodison Park will have over 20,000 spectators inside tomorrow night for the WSL’s Merseyside derby. Photo: Wikipedia.
In terms of what he expects from his players tomorrow night, Sørensen said: “We hope we can show our football and impose our style against them and get the win. The(y) (players) must be wary of Liverpool’s thirst for revenge having been defeated on their own turf. That was a special night.
“Going there and winning and winning the way we did of course. I am not saying it was easy, but it was probably a bit easier than we expected, but tomorrow I think we will see a different Liverpool and they will be up for it.”
Everton are without a win in the league since their 3-0 win at West Ham United in January, but the results haven’t reflected how the team has been performing according to the head coach.
“Our performances must start translating to winning results. The style of play we have is to try and control and dominate games, we want to be in control of the game and that is hard to do in football. We have a young team, but we believe we are on the right path to building something consistent.
“The whole time we have been looking at our team performances and been happy with them, we now need to take the three points and start winning when dominating games so much. Hopefully, we will see that Friday night against a good Liverpool team.”
Ahead of the game, the only injury concerns for Everton are Karen Holmgaard who will be monitored in line with concussion protocols. Her twin sister Sara is fit and available again, but goalkeeper Emily Ramsey has been ruled out of the clash with an ankle injury received on international duty with England.
Jean-Pierre Thiesset was pitchside at the Groupama Stadium last night to capture the action as Olympique Lyonnais hosted Chelsea in the Champions League Quarter-Final First Leg (23/3/23).
Above: Sam Kerr fires in a shot for Chelsea at Olympique Lyonnais last night. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Olympique Lyonnais 0-1 Chelsea
It’s advantage Chelsea after the first leg of the quarter-final tie against defending European champions Olympique Lyonnais. Norwegian star Guro Reiten continued her recent fine form by scoring the only goal after 28 minutes. Reiten turned the ball home after Erin Cuthbert beat Damaris Egurrola to supply the pass. Lyon had much of the play in the first half, but Chelsea were more then deserving of the result. It was a superb win for Chelsea, who host the second leg at Stamford Bridge next week.
Jean-Pierre Thiesset’s Photo Gallery for Impetus:
Teams: OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS (4-3-1-2): Endler, Carpenter, Gilles, Renard, Morroni, Horan, Egurrola, Marozsán, Däbritz, Cascarino, Le Sommer. Substitutes used: Bacha, van de Donk, Majri, Malard, Becho.
Above: Matildas boss Tony Gustavsson has unveiled a strong squad for the April international window matches against England and Scotland. Image: Football Australia.
Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson has named a 24-player squad for next month’s internationals against Scotland and England.
Whilst Steph Catley and Emily Gielnik are unavailable, there is the huge boost of the return of Ellie Carpenter and Holly McNamara after both players recovered from ACL injuries.
Speaking about his selection, head coach Tony Gustavsson said: “Ellie Carpenter and Holly McNamara are back in the fold, and we’re really excited about that.
“Ellie is back, but Steph (Catley) is not available, so they’re not both available (still) at the same time. Come June and July, we haven’t had two of the world’s best outside backs in the team for over a year. But sometimes it’s not the strongest who survive, it’s those who adapt the best and this group of players have shown that they are adaptable. They have a very clear identity and a very clear idea about what we are about as a national team.”
Carpenter’s return to the international fold for the first time in 10 months is huge for Australia. The opportunities she provides along the flanks and in combination play is well known. Gustavsson also highlighted the qualities that the Lyon star brings off the pitch too.
Above: Ellie Carpenter on her return for Olympique Lyonnais at Rodez. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
“I’m excited for Ellie. I know how hard she has worked to get back. She has learned a lot through this journey, not just about her rebab, but to get distance from the game, to appreciate the game.
“We’re so happy to have her back in camp, as not only is she a world-class player, her personality is awesome for our group. She always gives so much energy and there is always a smile on her face. I hope to use her as much as possible going into this camp. I would love to play her both games.”
Holly McNamara’s return is also welcome. After her meteoric rise in last season’s A-League Women, the Melbourne City attacker was rewarded with a place in Australia’s Asian Cup squad where she produced several impressive performances before succumbing to an ACL injury on her return to the club game. The youngster’s rate of progress since returning to the sky blue of City over the past month has really impressed the national coach.
“She was one of the younger players who came on board who really impressed us both in training and in games the first time. She had that injury a short time afterwards, but has done phenomenal work to be back where she is. We have been surprised at the quality and the intensity and pace she has been playing with.
“We kept a close eye on her, and she definitely deserves to come back. We need to work closely with her club (Melbourne City) to manage the load, but we’re really excited to see her in our training camp and then take it from there.”
In terms of providing updates on the situation surrounding Gielnik and Catley’s injuries, Gustavsson said: “Em Gielnik has an ankle strain and Steph has a non-contact injury in her foot. She is not available for the April camp. It’s too early to speak about the World Cup.”
Above: Holly McNamara in action for Australia at the 2022 Asian Cup – where the youngster impressed before her ACL injury. Photo: Football Australia.
Whilst Catley’s loss is a big one, the Matildas’ head coach believes that he has plenty of depth in the squad to cover the Arsenal star’s absence. “We know that Charlotte Grant plays most as a left back in club land. Courtney Nevin plays consistently as a left-back in England now (for Leicester City). Tameka Yallop has played left-back for us before. We have multiple options for us in the roster. It’s also about the players we are playing against and who is in form.
“There have been a lot of scouting behind the scenes. This is a selection based on the past two years’ investment in the depth of the roster. It’s about selecting the best team, not the best players. It’s also based on the last performances on the tournament (Cup of Nations). Six of our starters from the Olympics were not available for that tournament and it was an interesting depth of roster.”
Also back in the squad after missing recent international matches is Manchester City’s Alanna Kennedy, although Gustavsson added a note of caution about how many minutes she may be able to put in during the April window.
“We’ve sent staff to watch her in training. She is training very well. The concern we have is that she has had limited game time for a long time. We’ll see when she comes into our environment where she is and take it from there.”
Whilst the Matildas boss recognises that England will pose potentially the stiffest test his side could face, he believes that Australia have more than enough weapons to cause Sarina Wiegman’s European champions problems.
“England are the team that people are talking of as the best team in the world right now and to play them in England is very important for us. I’m happy with the different qualities we have. We have different profiles of players to play in different positions. We have impact players that can come on and impact the game – half-time subs, 60-minute subs.”
Above: Ellie Carpenter in action for Australia against New Zealand before her ACL injury last year. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Australia star Ellie Carpenter spoke of her sense of excitement at being called back into the international set up after recovering from her ACL injury.
Carpenter revealed that she has used the last eight or nine months to get her hunger back for the game and that the potential of a home World Cup was the major carrot that kept her going through rehab, which she described as the hardest work she’s ever faced.
“I was very excited to be called back into the national camp, obviously it’s been a long time since I’ve been called into the green and gold. After my injury, I’ve had some good months and building up my game fitness with Lyon so I feel ready to play international football,” the Cowra-born star said.
“Being away from the national team for so long gives you that extra drive and hunger to get back. Obviously, it’s a World Cup year as well, so that was a massive motivation for me to get back after my injury – there was such a big goal at the end of this.”
Reflecting on the serious challenges she faced, and how she got through it, Carpenter highlighted how it has made her feel more energised than before for the opportunities ahead.
“There is no good time to be injured, but I knew I had the time to get back before the World Cup. I had a lot of support, and I wouldn’t be here without them. There were some ups and downs, but the most important thing was to take it day by day. I don’t think I’ve worked as hard in my life as I did through that rehab. I feel stronger, I feel faster than before. I feel like a refreshed Ellie!
“It’s worse watching than playing in terms of the nerves you get. I never want to experience that again! It was also a good chance to switch off from football for eight or nine months. I didn’t watch as much football, and that was great to step away from the game for a bit and really refreshed me and bring the hunger back. I feel really good. I’ve played three 90-minute games so far. I’m building up well here in Lyon.”
AUSTRALIA SQUAD FOR MATCHES AGAINST SCOTLAND AND ENGLAND:
Mackenzie ARNOLD (Goalkeeper – West Ham United), Ellie CARPENTER (Back – Olympique Lyonnais), Alex CHIDIAC (Midfielder – Racing Louisville), Kyra COONEY-CROSS (Midfielder – Hammarby IF), Larissa CRUMMER (Forward – Brisbane Roar), Caitlin FOORD (Forward – Arsenal), Mary FOWLER (Forward – Manchester City), Katrina GORRY (Midfielder – Vittsjö GIK), Charlotte GRANT (Back – Vittsjö GIK), Clare HUNT (Back – Western Sydney Wanderers), Alanna KENNEDY (Back – Manchester City), Sam KERR (Forward – Chelsea), Aivi LUIK (Back – BK Häcken), Holly McNAMARA (Forward – Melbourne City), Teagan MICAH (Goalkeeper – FC Rosengård), Courtney NEVIN (Back – Leicester City on loan from Hammarby IF), Clare POLKINGHORNE (Back – Vittsjö GIK), Hayley RASO (Forward – Manchester City), Emily VAN EGMOND (Midfielder – San Diego Wave), Cortnee VINE (Forward – Sydney FC), Clare WHEELER (Midfielder – Everton), Jada WHYMAN (Goalkeeper -Sydney FC), Lydia WILLIAMS (Goalkeeper – Brighton & Hove Albion), Tameka YALLOP (Midfielder – SK Brann).
Above: Sarina Bolden has enjoyed herself since arriving at Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Keep Up.
A few weeks ago, Kris Goman caught up with Sarina Bolden for our Midweek Dub feature. Sarina had not long before arrived in Australia to join the Western Sydney Wanderers and injected a new lease of life into the team, kicking off a winning streak that defeated some of the top teams in the league.
The conversation ranged widely and covers Sarina’s football history, her experience in Japan, thoughts on the Wanderers, the upcoming Women’s World Cup, The Philippines Women’s National Team and impressions of Australia. It makes for an entertaining read so put aside a little time and learn all about Sarina Bolden.
Kris Goman (KG:) Do you want to just give us a bit of background on your football career so far?
Sarina Bolden (SB): Yeah, so this might be a little long-winded, but basically just been playing since a super young age around five or six. In America, the route that most people take is you kind of play in high school and then you kind of also add like your Academy team or like the equivalent to institute you kind of play those together in your youth and then after high school kind of ends, you go into the college route.
I went to a Division One college. I played all four years and stayed in the same state that I’m from California. I’m from Northern California, so I just kind of moved to Southern California to go to school and play soccer at the same time, so that was a really good experience overall. And then, when it kind of hit my senior year, my fourth year, I was like okay. Do I want to play professionally? Do I want to go play abroad, and so had that kind of conversation with myself. I was like, yeah, I’ll give it a try. So I went abroad to Sweden on trial for their third-tier league. It’s called Division Two, but it was the 3rd tier down.
So that was just for a short amount of time. Three-four months. And then kind of mixing everything into there, also playing for the Philippine Women’s National Team. So, around like my junior senior year of college. So third or fourth year, that’s when I kind of started to add the national team in and so by the time I finished my time in Sweden, I had rejoined the national team to like seriously like play more with them because it was hard to juggle college and national team responsibilities. So once I was finally going to college I finished Sweden.
I then joined the national team to go play and a tournament called South East Asian Games. It’s kind of like the equivalent to the Olympics, but just like more like just specific to the South East Asian countries. So that was really big and that was really fun.
That was around the end of 2019 going into 2020 and when I finished my time with that tournament, I wanted to still play abroad, so I was on track to go play in Taiwan, but then 2020 came around with COVID so that didn’t actually come to fruition. So there was a bit of time for about a year or a year and a half where I was just trying to figure things out. Was I gonna continue with the soccer route? I was 23 or 24 trying to figure out do I want to continue because I’d already been playing for so long so it was kind of like a nice break to kind of be away from soccer.
So in 2020 I just kind of figured out, okay, do I use my degree? I’m a business management degree so do I put that to use? I don’t know. So just was at home with family so spending time with family and then this is around the time when in 2021 I got an opportunity to go play in Japan. In their first ever professional league called the Women’s Empowerment League – WE League. So fast forward to 2021-2022. That was my first season with Chifure AS Elfen Saitama.
Above: Sarina Bolden in action for Western Sydney Wanderers against Melbourne Victory. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
That was really great. Really different style, different culture from what I was used to in America and in Sweden. I did that first season and half. At the same time, I was doing stuff for the national team. Qualified for the World Cup in the middle of all that. Played in other tournaments and we were just kind of breaking records creating history these past this past year, year and a half.
So I was juggling most recently Japan and national team. And now fast forward to right now. I just kind of wasn’t really overall happy in Japan, so that’s just kind of what catapulted my move to Australia and now.
KG: OK, so I’ve probably got some questions that’s going to touch on a few of those things, but you were called up to the US Women’s National Team under 23 team when you were younger, weren’t you? So was it difficult to choose to play for the Philippines instead of going down that US route?
SB: It was definitely something to think about for a while when I found out because I honestly didn’t know that you couldn’t like flip flop. But obviously, it makes sense if you have dual citizenship. I didn’t have a lot of time to make a decision because I was trying out and we were getting ready to go full throttle into the AFC World Cup qualifiers.
So it was kind of like pressured, where OK, I have this great opportunity to play World Cup qualifiers. When am I’m ever gonna get this chance, not to say that I wouldn’t be able to ever get the chance of the US, but obviously US is number one, they’ve been number one for a very long time and it’s highly competitive. Girls have been there, have been there for years and they still haven’t even gotten the chance and I’ve only had a U23 camp under my belt.
Until that opportunity where I was like, OK, do I decide? Do I go? Do I not? And the ultimate factor for me was I want to be able to play in the World Cup if that ever happens. I want playing time. I wanna make a lot of impact. I wanna make a name for myself and I feel like the best chance I’m going to be able to do that is with the Philippines.
I also really wanted to kind of connect with my other side. I’ve grown up in the US, so I obviously very Americanised, but I had never gotten an opportunity to go to the Philippines or even connect with family out there. So that was also a part of my decision too, and I’m really grateful and happy that I made the decision because I just got to know so much about my other side.
The other side of me by just simply deciding to play for the national team. I’ve already been to the Philippines three or four times now just through soccer. And that’s really opened my mind. You know, besides the soccer aspect, just like on a human level.
KG: So what about the NWSL? You didn’t put yourself up for a draft? Is that a tempting thing still or is it kind of don’t know, don’t care anymore or what?
SB: The NWSL is definitely something that’s in the back of my head – front and back of my head. It’s definitely something that’s very enticing and just because the league is constantly growing and it’s a very good league. Very competitive.
I never put my name into it just because of the way my college was set up where my fourth year, when I was finishing school, that spring season is when the draft was starting and when girls were going into pre-season but I still had school to finish and for me, I really just wanted to finish my degree. Get that under my belt. I don’t want to have to worry about it and come back to it later. I wasn’t too fond of school so I just wanted to get it done. I know myself and I don’t know if I would have come back to finish quite honestly.
Above: Sarina Bolden threatening against Western United. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
KG: Yeah, fair enough.
SB: I wish because I know at other schools they would have girls come in early and take more classes so they would finish before that spring season so they would already be done, graduated and wouldn’t have to worry about that just because the NWSL is a little weird. At least while I was growing up, it kind of clashed with people finishing their degrees and for me that kind of happened.
I did get to try out and go and get invited when Utah Royals were a team. I think they disbanded, but they might return. They might return to the league soon I did get a chance to try out. Didn’t get a call back so after that I was like all right until the next thing and that’s why I didn’t get my name drafted and that’s why I kind of just decided to go to Sweden.
KG: Fair enough, so you just come from the Japan League and you said you weren’t particularly happy there. So what’s the main differences between there and the A-League or even Japan and Australia? I mean I know there’s massive difference between Japan and Australia, but in the leagues in particular.
SB: Yeah, the league, I would say, just to start off with, the style of soccer alone is obviously very different. Japan is, in my opinion, very technical, very. You have to have a good first touch. The passing percentage is pretty high cause everyone’s being able to just knock the ball pretty easily like it’s kind of passing around mannequins at times, depending on who you play and even during training.
Girls are so highly technical and they’re also very organised. Defensively, everyone knows when to move and it doesn’t seem disorganised or chaotic. It’s just because everyone’s on the same page, and even when we’re having meetings and before we have training, everything’s explained to us. This is what’s going to happen, before training.
Granted, it’s all in Japanese and I didn’t know what was going on. I had to like wait and get it secondhand to get the information about meetings. But everything was kind of explicitly said. Hey, we’re gonna do XYZ for today. OK, we’re gonna be in and out for an hour and they pretty much stick to that time limit and wouldn’t really go over much, but very technical. Very, very technical.
On the flipside I would say Australia, obviously, I haven’t been here for too long, but just in the short time I’ve been here in the league, it is very strong, very physical, very direct, but I would say a lot of the style of Australian soccer is that people are pretty decent in all aspects of the game. People are, technically they are right.
They’ve got good ball skills but at the same time, they’re strong on the ball. Game management is also really big.
You still wanna go for the call and it’s kind of more of like a respect thing. We’re not gonna slow down the game and or we’re not really gonna complain to the ref. That really doesn’t happen either. Only if it’s really, really, really bad. I’ve only experienced it once where the other team was kind of like what was that called? But during my whole time, no one really kind of says anything as opposed to here, like it doesn’t matter.
Above: Pointing the way to success at Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
You’re saying something to the ref all of the time. You know, trying to trying to fight and stand up for yourself, and if you thought it was a different call and at least letting the ref know. So there’s pros and cons to that and that’s interesting, yeah.
Yeah, there’s just somethings that I’ve noticed and like there’s positives to both aspects of the game and there’s things that, at times I’m like, OK, let’s be a little bit more technical. You know when I’m here in Australia or when I was in Japan like I wish people were talking to the ref or you know yelling and just trying to like be smarter with the game management and different things so those are just a few of the things that I noticed. But both leagues, both styles of soccer are very, very good and you know, as you know, I’m preparing for a World Cup so I think getting exposure to both of those things has really helped me as a player.
KG: So you’ve been on the Philippines National Team for a while now and you did very well in the Asian Cup, making the semis and qualifying for the World Cup. So what’s been the big difference with the team lately?
SB: I wouldn’t say there’s really a difference. Everyone’s pretty much on the same page of what the goals are in regards to, you know, doing our best in the World Cup. We don’t want to just show up and have a good time, we’re really there to compete. We have a fair amount of camps leading up to the World Cup, and then we also have the Olympic qualifiers, very close to when we go to the World Cup.
We’ve never qualified for the Olympics, but you know, that’s another thing that we want to check off our list. And it’s fairly hard for the Olympics, if not harder to qualify for the Olympics than it is for the World Cup. So a lot of things that we’re doing are for the first time.
And in a weird way, it’s everything we’re doing is different, but we all have our principles and we all have their standards and that’s what kind of guides us to exploring these different things that we’re experiencing for the first time. And as long as we stick to the principles, we’re pretty confident in a lot of the new adventures that we have in front of us.
KG: So what sort of impact has Alen Stajcic had on the team and on yourself personally?
SB: Huge, just a huge impact I think. If you just watch one game of ours. If you compare before he was our coach to now, I think you can just see. Just to sum it up, we’re a lot more confident as a team. I think before it was a little bit like, kind of playing that stronger opposition like Thailand, Vietnam. Even Myanmar, those were really the three we would see a lot, and going into matches like that, it was like oh well, we hope we at least kind of put up a goal or like, maybe, maybe we’ll tie, maybe we’ll tie, like we’ll hope and pray we tie but or you know, the best case scenario is we don’t get a thrashing or anything but that that kind of mindset has shifted.
Now it’s like oh no we can compete and if not like win and now we’re definitely going to win. So like I think he’s changed our mindset.
He’s obviously changed, like the way we play soccer, and, you know, just being more skilful, more thoughtful. I think on an individual level I’ve just grown so much under his leadership, not only him, but the other staff that we have. They’ve kind of really taught us to just be more of a student of the game because you really do have to think while you’re out there, you can’t just get away with just raw talent.
Above: Celebrating a goal for the Philippines. Photo: Sports Inquirer.
I think maybe back in the day, it was a little bit easier to go off of that, but now think the game is a little bit high paced. There’s more things that you have to think about and do, and if you’re not thinking, the good teams are really just gonna stomp on you. So you’re not going to be able to do much or make an impact. He’s just really upped the level for us and he’s just a really good coach and has really just elevated us as a group and just for me as an individual as well.
KG: Alright, so how excited are the team to go to the World Cup?
SB: Ecstatic, absolutely ecstatic it still just kind of shocks me when I think about it. I’m like, ‘oh my gosh, like we qualified.’ I think I was just talking to one of my friends and I think it was either yesterday or the day before yesterday. It’s like the anniversary of when we qualified. I was like, wow, that’s like, that was a year ago and I was just like gives me chills. It just feels like it was yesterday. Truly, like I think I was just watching some videos of the whole thing. Things that I was posting on my story. My parents were watching from the US and they were recording the whole thing and I get emotional.
I’m kind of getting emotional just talking about it right now cause it’s just a once in a lifetime experience and no matter what happens in the World Cup, I get to experience that. There is nothing like it and to experience that with other girls and that is a bond that we will forever cherish and we’ll forever have. So like I’m really grateful and like just so amazed that we were able to create history like that. But I’m personally really excited for the World Cup.
KG: In the World Cup you’re drawn with New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland in Group A. So Norway and Switzerland are sort of minor powerhouses really. And New Zealand’s a host nation. So how do you rate your chances?
SB: Just like any other, no matter who we drew it was going to be a tough match-up for everything. We’re quite literally, the underdogs. No one really expects anything from us. So like I said earlier, we’re just, we have our principles, and that’s what we’re going to stick to. Not really going in with fear. If anything, we really do have the advantage.
We don’t have the pressure of literally, pretty much all the teams, except for one, if you go off of rankings. We’re just going to go in it with like a clear mind and just need to do our best but compete and show that you know we’re a team, that’s not gonna let you like, roll us over and you know, give us a thrashing like that’s definitely the mindset I feel like all of us have. We don’t wanna be that team. We don’t want to be like unfortunately, kind of like a Thailand v US. Forget that score, it was double digits, but like that for me personally, it’s like I’m not allowing that to happen on my watch and just doing everything that I can.
We have Alen, we have our staff that I know is gonna prepare us and then we have to do our homework individually as well. So it’s just, treat it like any other game. It’s that truly like, yes, it’s the World Cup, but at the end of the day, it’s the same game that I’ve been playing since I was five, so.
KG: Exactly, exactly, so how come you moved to the Wanderers? How did that actually come about? Cause it’s kind of a bit of a weird thing to come here, being an American Filipino, playing in Japan and then you end up in Sydney with the Wanderers.
SB: Yeah, It was pretty random to be honest, and it’s funny because when I when I got here and I met my team mates, when I started talking like it kind of like chalked them. They’re like oh, you’re American like, because I’m coming from Japan but I’m on the Philippine National Team but they don’t know I’m American so it’s just so funny and like you just said it’s like people can’t pin me down. They’re like what in the world?
Above: Making a run against Melbourne City. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Yeah, It just kind of came about because the national team had already been in Australia for the camp. There were two friendlies against Papua New Guinea. I wasn’t there because it wasn’t between the FIFA window and my club didn’t release me so I was still playing. I still had matches in my league in my season going on, but the Wanderers were watching camp and the friendlies and they actually reached out to one of my team mates.
My other teammate was already off the team, kind of playing in Europe and she just was like, ‘Hey, here’s this opportunity’ and obviously, I’m close with a lot of the girls, but this one girl that kind of contacted me, we’ve been through very similar paths in our soccer careers, and so we’re very close and she kind of knew the struggles that I was going through. So she was like, there’s this opportunity. Do you want it? I’m already playing in a team. I can hand it off to you.
I was still contracted at the time when my Japanese team, but I was really going through a lot of stuff so I was just like you know what, let me take this risk. I don’t even know what’s gonna happen because once I ask to be released, it could go any direction. So once I got the handoff from my teammate, I kind of presented it to my club and I was just very honest. I was like, you know, kind of going through things mentally. So I just talked psychologically, physically to being here. I’ve already got a season with you guys. I’m already halfway through and I think it would just be best for me to be in a country where I could at least just speak English and communicate with people and like genuinely, just like make connections because I didn’t really have many friends out there so even like outside of soccer, it was quite a struggle, and I’m definitely a person who likes to connect with people. I like to make jokes and even simply not even being able to make people laugh.
KG: It was the language that was really isolating, basically?
SB: It was. I had translators during my time there, but my club was a smaller club so they didn’t have all the resources to have a translator 24/7 or even or even on the field all the time for training. So even during training when I would do drills and what not, like, I would be half a second behind because I still had it to understand what was going on and by the time I finally understood a drill, it’s like, alright, we’re into the next drill.
Still, like I said, a very great experience in Japan. I really do love the country. I love the culture but it just got to a point where I was like I need something else and it was just all kind of aligned perfectly.
And fortunately, my club was very understanding and just, you know, we agreed to mutually terminate my contract because I was contracted till June to finish the season with them. But when that was finalised, on the release, that’s when finally Wanderers was like alright, we’re getting you a plane ticket and this all really happened within like a week. In maybe eight days, yeah maybe eight days I had to pack up my apartment.
KG: So, and how you fitting in with the team now?
SB: Very well, I think it was a good integration. It didn’t really feel like I had to like, I don’t know, like learn all the ins and outs just because I was kind of familiar with the style of play. I’ve had Alen as a coach. A lot of the things that the coaches were saying and the girls were doing, I had kind of been familiar with on the soccer end and girls are just so nice and really friendly and welcoming and kind of getting me into the swing of things. So it was very quick for me to establish myself. And again being able to speak English and being able to just kind of conversate with people like it was just a breath of fresh air that I really had needed so it was really good coming in, right off the bat.
Above: Sarina Bolden competing against Melbourne City. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus
KG: So are you living by yourself or you’re sort of in a share house with some team mates, or what’s the story there?
SB: Yeah, I live with two of my teammates and I think we live in a, I think it’s called Granny Flat. Yes, it’s the house that’s shared with another side of the house, type of thing. But yeah, it’s two other teammates not too far from the facilities where we train.
KG: Okay, so who are you living with?
SB: The two goalkeepers, Jordan Bloomer (who has now returned to the USA), the other American and Teresa Morrissey, the other goalkeeper as well.
KG: OK, and so this is your first time living in Australia, so you’re settling in OK and you’re enjoying it? Have you noticed anything funny or odd about Australia or unusual culturally or otherwise, or food?
SB: Yeah, Someone else asked me this question. I think last time I answered about the language. I really like the slang in certain things that people say here. But one thing that’s really stuck out to me is that it’s acceptable to have no shoes, to go barefoot to some places and I was talking to my teammates, I’m like OK I need the consensus cause I’ve seen it, I’ve seen it happen and then I asked my teammates and half of them are like, no don’t do that, do not do that, and the other half is like, yeah, like I do it. I’ve done it so I’m like, OK this is kind of like, to each his own thing. It’s not like a full on, like the whole country supports it and I was like you know what, I’m down for whatever. So if you see me at the grocery store with no shoes on, I’ll do it once so that’s one thing.
KG:OK, so since you joined the Wanderers, they had a run of only losing one game out of six and are marching up the table after losing every game previously. Oh there was a draw actually with Phoenix, I think. So what do you put that down to?
SB: I think a lot of the contributions for, you know, the majority of the wins that we had so far and only one loss, is just the intensity that everyone brings to training. I feel like a lot of people bring out the competitiveness in each other. At least, I try to do that. I want to make, not only myself doing training better but I want to make everyone else cause this is a team sport.
If one person is doing well that doesn’t mean everyone else is, so like, you know if you’re doing the hard work and someone else isn’t, there’s no point. So I think everyone’s kind of just been uplifting each other during training. Making sure we’re giving our all, making sure we’re staying focused. You know, getting on each other, like appropriately, like when someone could you know, improve or do better, like we let each other know like hey, that you could have finished that. Or you could have gone harder than that tackle or your touch needs to be better.
That’s the one thing that I’ve really enjoyed with being here so far. I wasn’t necessarily getting that when I was in Japan. Constructive criticism, so yeah, and I think that’s good because it’s like, yes, you know that we want to be better during training, but when you hear it from your teammate. I know some people can, you know, take that the wrong way, but I think the way this team works is it’s, we know we want the best of it. It’s coming from a good place.
Above: Defending against Hannah Wilkinson when Melbourne City visited Wanderers earlier in the season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
At least that’s how at least I want people to perceive it. And whenever, if I give someone like, hey, I could have been better. I try to back it up with, like all right next time, like that could be better. But you got the next one. Being hard on someone, but back it up with positivity type thing. Just making sure that the training has been competitive and raising the level at training. That’s where it starts and I think that’s why we’ve been so successful during games because the training level is already so high. We kind of bring that energy into the matches and that’s why we’ve been doing pretty well so far since I’ve been here.
KG: On a personal level, you’ve had quite a few chances in front of goal since joining, but you’ve only scored once. So are you happy with that?
SB: Obviously no. I think, for me, and when I think about OK, I’ve had a lot of opportunities, but I’ve only scored one. Why is that? And I feel like I, since being in Japan, I really hadn’t gotten a lot of game time and I’m still kind of getting into the swing of things of getting more game time in under my belt.
Yes, I play a lot with the Philippines national team, but it had been a while since I played in the last tournament, so I think honestly, I’m just kind of readjusted into being in front of goal. And like I haven’t had opportunities like that in a while and I think that’s why it feels kind of foreign and that’s why I haven’t been able to kind of finish those chances that have been getting.
I also feel like I’m a very energetic personality and sometimes it kind of seeps onto the field as well, but for me I think things that I can improve on it just being more calm in front of the goal and just taking that extra touch or taking that extra breath to just make sure I can finish that goal because, like you said, I’ve had multiple opportunities and very many of them have just been close range too and hasn’t been like it’s been from outside the 18-yard box, so I think that’s definitely more of a mental thing. Then, if anything, a technical aspect. Obviously, I need to work on just, you know, doing extra stuff, getting extra shots, but I think a lot of it is like. Slowing down and just taking their shots so that they go into the back of the net and just being calm, being calmer.
KG: What are your personal goals for the season with the Wanderers?
SB: I think personally, I would really like to make play-offs. Like I really would just because I know like you know you were saying the record that we had before I came in. I would really just like to. Like before the match that I had first played against Melbourne City, we had not won a game for 364 days which is like crazy. It’s really crazy to me because the first training that I had with the team was I was like and I look back. I’m like how was this team not won in 364 days so I’m like, I know there’s certain things that contributed to that, but I know it’s not talent. I know it’s not hard work. I know a lot of girls are very diligent and very good, so for me personally, I want that for not only myself, but like for all of us, because we deserve to go to the play-offs.
And you know, obviously, I do want to score more goals. At the end of day I think I that’s what a striker wants at the end of the day, but for me personally, I just want to be a better player than I was before, so if that means I am finishing more of the chances that I have in front of goal then I’m happy. I don’t necessarily want to put a number or put like I want to be top goal scorer like, I just want to make sure I’m improving and growing and people can see the growth.
I want people to see the first game that I played here against City and I want people to see the last one and I want to be like, Oh Sarina got better in that time and I just want people to reflect on like the time and the impact that I’ve had in this league and for people to be like oh, Sarina Bolden was an impact in this league and on the Wanderers so I know that’s like a weird goal and it’s not really a specific one, but that’s just kind of like I’m really big on growth and just being better because when I put like oh, I wanna win the World Cup, I wanna win the whole thing, it’s a big thing. It’s, I wanna win the league but I don’t want to focus on like the winning and the losing, I just want to finish on a big, better thought.
KG: Makes sense. So what are your personal goals this year with the Philippines team?
SB: Yeah, I wanna continue to just keep making history. With one tournament, the first time in our history, I would really like to win, even though I just said I don’t care about wins and losses. It’s just really exciting and you know, the year that we had was a lot and we did a lot and we had a lot of successes and we broke a lot of barriers. So I just want us to again raise that bar and do better than we did last year and continue to be breaking records and creating history and stuff like that and just being able to look back and just like I said, same answer, be better than we were before.
KG: Well, you know if Norway play like they did in the Euros you might be in with the chance against them because they just folded, anything can happen, it really can. Look at Morocco and the men’s World Cup. That was an incredible run. You know stuff happens so.
SB: I mean, that’s why soccer is so beautiful. Cause it’s truly unpredictable. I don’t think there is any sport like it. I feel like the dominant team or the stronger team, nine times out of ten, they’re gonna win. But in soccer. You never know. Like you said, Morocco and even Japan, Japan beating Germany beating Spain. I don’t think anyone would have bet on that. The people that did bet on that they got some big money that day.
KG: So you’ll be playing in New Zealand for your group stages. Are your parents coming over for that?
SB: Yep. They booked their tickets before I booked. I don’t know if I’m even going to be, you know, part of the final so they booked it. If I’m not there. But yeah, they’ll be there.
KG: Oh cool, oh that’s great. That’s great to know. Okay look that’s all my questions. This has actually been fantastic. I really enjoyed it so thank you for your time. Really appreciate it and good luck for the weekend.
SB: Thank you Kris. I really enjoyed this as well. Thank you. You’re very easy to talk to and I really appreciate it.
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Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.
Above: South Melbourne and Heidelberg United in action. Photo: Jack Dilks for Heidelberg Utd.
The NPLW has kicked off in Victoria, and although some of last season’s bigger names are still competing in the Dub, there was plenty of talent on show. Seventeen goals were scored across round one, with six of them coming in the opening game between Box Hill United and Calder United.
Match of the Week:
Box Hill United 3-3 Calder United
Box Hill started the game with intent and opened the scoring in the second minute. Sienna Techera’s cross from the left was turned in on the volley by Anais Josefki. The speedy striker continuing the form from last season that earned her a call-up to train with Melbourne Victory.
Calder United responded in the 18th minute. After trying to play their way through the Box Hill defence, Bella Sewards unleashed from long range with a high dipping shot that nestled into the back of the net. This was a spectacular strike, and remarkably, only one of the goals scored in this game that could be a goal-of-the-season contender.
The scores stayed level until the 58th minute when Techera scored her first for the season. A quickly taken free kick set her into space on the left, and she cute inside before firing a shot across goal to make it 2-1. It was a low hard strike that caught everybody by surprise, Techera wheeled away thumping the crest of her shirt the celebrate.
The lead only lasted until the 62nd minute when Lucy Richards found Sienna Cappola in the penalty area. The composed finish drew Calder United level for the second time of the afternoon, but there was still more drama left in this match.
Calder are on the hunt for a third consecutive title this season, and Montana Mathews’ free kick was a reminder of the talent that they have even without the A-League stars currently at Western United.
This was a rocket of a strike, a straight arrow, a ballistic missile. Mathews elected for power over placement and crashed her effort in off the underside from at least 30 yards out.
There was one more twist in this game when Box Hill found a stoppage-time equaliser. Laura Picket spread the ball wide to Emma Langley. The fullback was cut down as she drove into the penalty area and Asuka Doi levelled the scores from the spot. There was less than a minute to play, and the game ended in a 3-3 draw.
Round up:
Alamein hosted the Preston Lions on Saturday, and the newly promoted side was first to score. Miri Nishimura’s 21st-minute free-kick set the Lions off the to perfect start in the top division.
Mia Cane equalised in the 87th minute to secure a point for the home side. Sidney Allen’s corner kick was well placed and Cane attacked it perfectly to open her account for the season.
Bayside United got their season off to the perfect start with a 3-0 defeat of Southern United Football Club. Olivia Bamford’s corner kick was not properly cleared by the Southern defenders and Lauren Antonello struck from close range through a crowded penalty area.
Claudia Budiongo’s cross caused havoc in the box, and after two blocked efforts from Antonello, Bamford finally buried the chance to make it 2-0 in the 27th minute.
The third came in the 63rd minute. Miwa Sasaki was credited with the goal. Her free kick looked to have bounced harmlessly off the woodwork but was judged to have crossed the line. It was quite an opening-day performance from one of last season’s struggling teams.
The blockbuster of the weekend saw Heidelberg United travel to face South Melbourne. Heidelberg were one of last season’s most impressive teams, but are undergoing a rapid rebuild. Star striker Danielle Wise departed for this weekend’s opponents.
Although South have recruited aggressively as they usually do, Heidelberg fans should feel encouraged by this performance. The 1-1 draw is a sign of a promising season. Steph Galea’s penalty opened the scoring after Nicole Blackett was brought down after a clever turn in the area.
South found the equaliser early in the second half. Jenna Lawson and Wise both tried their luck from close range before Tayla Christensen finally beat Melissa Maizels in goal. The Melbourne Victory champion can look unbeatable at times, and South Melbourne needed three direct shots in a matter of seconds to eventually score against her.
Like many teams, Heidelberg may be reinforced by A-League talent in the coming weeks, but they look strong despite their departures. Wise and Grace Jale are big losses, but they have Katerina Nikpour who was a threatening, tricky attacker for Alamein last season. They will likely challenge again.
After her debut goal for the women's side on Saturday, Kiwi Tayla Christensen spoke to SMFC Media quickly post game. pic.twitter.com/QY6ODy7e5b
Last season’s runner-up Bulleen Lions FC are expected to be contenders for the crown again, and are rumoured to have some big names arriving after the completion of the A-League Women. This season did not get off to the perfect start. A 2-2 draw to the promoted Boroondara-Carey Eagles will excite the visitors more that the league powerhouse.
The opening goal was a little fortunate, but still the result of some good work. Bulleen battled hard to keep the ball in their forward third, and Aroha Little’s high cross from the right was spilled over the line by Deanna Bottalico.
Their lead doubled before halftime. Another cross from the right was knocked in by the impressive Rosie Rodger. The energetic attacker was crucial to Bulleen’s press in the first half and the goal was well deserved, although a little surprising as The Eagles had the height in defence to deal with her.
Boroondara hit back in the second half. A fast direct run down the win from Kristina Hall was squared to Kurea Okino who finished from close range.
Hearts were in mouths for the visitors when Katie Beck’s cross was almost deflected in for an own goal. Bulleen’s promising attack ended with a corner that was cleared by the Boroondara’s defence.
Bulleen continued to attack, but could not find the extra goal. It would prove costly as the under siege Eagles levelled the scores in the 88th minute. Substitute Irene Paracki delivered a perfect ball into the feet of Okino who turned in a tight space to fire home her second of the game.
The results of the opening round see both Grand Finalists without a win, although there are enough signs to point to promising campaigns.
The biggest shock was the 3-0 victory by Bayside United. Last season’s perennial strugglers created chances and finished them off. They sit on top of the table after an impressive first hit out.
Milivojević and Murray: We have the game to beat Western United
Above: Vesna Milivojević speaking to the media today. Image: Canberra United.
Canberra United will be going into this weekend looking to not only keep their finals aspirations alive but get one over their opponents Western United after going down to a 5-0 defeat in their only previous encounter at McKellar Park.
Speaking to the media today, Vesna Milivojević outlined how Canberra are going to approach the match: “I think just internally we are going to focus on ourselves and what we need to do to get the job done and of course, it is up to the coaches to analyse the opponent but I think we can get away with a good result.”
Western United have scored the most goals league (36) and have only conceded 16. When asked if there are any areas of Western’s game that she thinks Canberra might be able to exploit this weekend, Milivojević responded: “Definitely! I think on our press we are really rapid and also on our counter-attack in so transition moments I think we can hurt them.”
Reflecting on the 5-0 loss the last time the teams met, Milivojević said: “I think mentally we just weren’t prepared for that first game, I think we just got overwhelmed by the opponent and we kind of respected them too much but this weekend it’ll be totally different.”
Above: Holly Murray, who believes that her team’s pressing game can be the key to defeating Western United this weekend. Image: Canberra United.
Holly Murray also outlined her determination to rectify that tough loss when the team travel to Victoria this weekend, and keep their slim Finals hopes alive into the final week of the season.
“I think every team has to be confident. It’s such a tough table with teams coming from below us and us chasing top four, but if our team keeps sticking to our game plan, hit the back of the net anything can happen.
“Once we win it (possession) up there, it (Canberra’s pressing game) is crazy to beat, so I think just sticking to what we know and what we’re good at can hopefully deliver us a win.”
NEWCASTLE JETS:
by Ben Gilby
Van Egmond: Recruitment and Academy the key to improvements
Above: Newcastle Jets head coach Gary van Egmond laid out his plans and expectations for the club after being named as permanent boss. Image: Newcastle Jets.
Newcastle Jets head coach Gary van Egmond has outlined his aims for the club’s development – prioritising recruitment and the club’s academy after he was announced as permanent head coach.
Speaking to the media today, van Egmond confirmed that a root and branch study of how the women’s team are set up is underway.
“We need to look at travel and players. We are looking at what a squad is. (We need) 18 players, and scholarship players on top of that, and (next season will be) a 35-week comp, a serious comp, but that comes at a serious cost in terms of making sure you have numbers for playing and training.
“We have to look to see how we improve – the internationals that have come in, they have done a good job. From a youth development perspective, that’s a ‘working towards’. We need to start kicking on how we invest more into our academy and see how we can make them more ready to play (A-League Women).”
The Jets boss highlighted how a stronger academy system will benefit the senior squad saying, “Depth is a big issue for us. You need to have players outside of your 11 and know there is not a huge amount of difference between the players you have and those who come in. That comes with developing the academy squad. We shouldn’t be in a position that you lose a player that is homegrown to another Australian club.”
van Egmond has rolled up his sleeves and knows he has a big job ahead of him, but believes he can be successful, and has the contacts to help bring about change.
“It can turn around pretty quick – in terms of who is in the squad and who we can recruit. I’ve been in the Future Matildas, Young Matildas for a long time, those contacts can benefit me and the club. Those discussions are already starting. We also have to get the best staff we can from the budget we have available.
“We need to look at homegrown players overseas may be returning. The model for us is to have a homegrown model of players coming through and going into the W-League (A-League Women). Are we in a position to do that for season one? No, we are not.”
The Jets boss mentioned former Jets stars Clare Wheeler and Emily van Egmond as players who may potentially be out of the club’s reach, but admitted: “Players coming for a guest stint…” was an option.
With the A-League Women going to a full home and away season from 2023/24, with a minimum of 22 matches for each side, van Egmond ventured how it may well make the league more attractive to Australian internationals to come back from Europe to play in.
“The advantages of them staying here is that is a 23-week season, four or five-week pre-season, then the finals. It’s a good comp for a player to show their wares and see where they can develop.”
In finishing, the Jets boss laid on the line his expectations for next season. “We’ll be extremely disappointed if we don’t make Finals next year. Hopefully, we can do what we need to do and get it supported.”
PERTH GLORY:
Above: Kim Carroll pictured about to make her 150th A-League Women appearance earlier this season. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
Club legend Carroll announces retirement
Perth Glory announced today that long-serving defender Kim Carroll has announced that she intends to retire at the end of the current Liberty A-League Women season.
The 35-year-old is in her seventh season with the club for whom she has made a total of 91 A-League Women appearances, while her career tally in the competition passed the 150-mark earlier this year.
Carroll joined Glory ahead of the 2015/16 campaign having won a Premiership and two Championships with Brisbane Roar and immediately became a cornerstone of the club’s defence.
Either side of a one-season return to Roar in 2020/21, she moved to fourth position in Glory’s all-time record-appearances list and memorably scored her first-ever goal in purple against Canberra United in December 2019.
In addition to being one of the domestic competition’s greatest-ever defenders, Carroll also enjoyed an excellent international career, winning 54 Matildas caps and being a part of the squad which claimed the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2010.
Having started in all but one of Glory’s ALW games this season, she admitted the decision to hang up her boots at the end of it had not been an easy one to make. “In the last couple of seasons, it’s been in the back of my mind,” she said.
“I’d love to play forever, but that’s not reality. The plan was to stop when I stopped enjoying it, but that hasn’t been the case as I’m still enjoying it and I’m keeping up and I’m competitive. But it just feels like the right time.
Above: Kim Carroll on international duty with the Matildas. Photo: W-League.
“I wanted to finish on my terms, not play on until I’m not enjoying it and I’m ready for the next chapter in my life. I’ve got a partner now and I’m looking to enjoy life outside football.
“Perth means a lot to me and it’s become home in a sense and the fans have been great over the years. I’d like to thank my partner and my family, along with the fantastic players that I’ve played with throughout my career.
“There’s also my boss at work, who has been really understanding and there have been a lot of coaches and support staff along the way and people at clubs that I’ve kept in touch with.
“Once the season finishes, it’ll be nice to have a relaxing holiday and then I’ll focus on my other career and hopefully a family.”
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis was unstinting in his praise of the contribution Carroll has made over the course of her illustrious club and international career.
“Kim has been a long-serving asset to the women’s game and to the wider context of Australian football,” he said.
“Her decision to retire at the end of the season is one which I respect and I am very pleased she has been able to make this decision on her terms and on her timing.
Above: Kim Carroll seen here in action for Perth Glory during the 2019/20 against Canberra United. Photo: Jason McCawley/Getty Images
“She has been a massive contributor to the team and the club and over the last two seasons, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to coach her and lean on her experience and leadership. There is no doubt she has made me a better coach along the journey.
“She has undoubtedly had a tremendous impact on the game, both on and off the field, whilst playing a role in ensuring that the women’s game moves forward.
“I will always be grateful to have been involved in a very small part of her journey and I look forward to seeing her continue to be a success in the other areas of her life away from football.
“Kim will always be welcome at the club and I wish her the absolute best in her future endeavours.”
Carroll’s final home appearance for Perth Glory will be in Sunday’s crunch clash with Melbourne City at Macedonia Park.
WELLINGTON PHOENIX:
by Ben Gilby
Wisnewski: I’m ready for the challenges ahead
Above: Wellington Phoenix’s Grace Wisnewski looks ahead to Saturday’s big game with Newcastle Jets on Saturday. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
Wellington Phoenix’s Grace Wisnewski told the media today that she backs her team to put to bed the disappointments of their defeat to Perth Glory when it comes to their huge battle of the bottom two against Newcastle Jets on Saturday.
Reflecting on the Nix’s 1-0 loss to Perth in Wellington last weekend, Wisnewski said: “I feel like everyone was gutted. Obviously, we came off that win against Sydney and we wanted to get back-to-back wins that we’ve been working so hard for. It was disappointing not to score in a game we felt we dominated and then to concede a silly goal was disappointing (too).”
Wellington created plenty of chances against the Glory but failed to convert any, and the midfielder outlined how training has focused this week on rectifying that profligacy in front of goal.
“We’ve been doing a lot of crossing and shooting, it’s about getting the confidence back into the team to know that we can score.”
Whilst there are only two weekends of the home and away season remaining, Phoenix have three games to fit into an eight day spell – two away (Newcastle Jets on Saturday and Adelaide United on Tuesday) before finishing the campaign at home to Melbourne Victory on 1st April. Wisnewski knows there are significant mental and physical battles to come through before the season’s end. The 20-year-old feels she is in a much better place this year to overcome those challenges.
“We have three games in eight days. Playing games is mentally challenging. I look at myself now and last year, and I’ve progressed. I look at the team I have here supporting me, and it’s amazing. I have no doubt that I’ll get through it well.”
Before the Nix can focus in on Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory, they have a huge match on Saturday away to Newcastle Jets in the battle of the bottom two. Gary van Egmond’s are just one place and two points above Wellington. With Wisnewski’s side in the better form currently, she is in no doubt that the trip to New South Wales offers the team a real chance to avoid the wooden spoon.
“It’s huge. We want to go out there and prove that we’re not a bottom-of-the-table team, and I think we’ve had performances this season to show we’re not a bottom-of-the-table team, and we have a chance this week to prove that’s the case. We have Newcastle, Adelaide, and Victory. Any team we play now, we believe we can beat. That’s the strong mindset this team has. We just need to perform and score some goals.”
Rolston: We just need to have a crack
Above: Emma Rolston speaking to the media today. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
Experienced Wellington Phoenix attacker Emma Rolston told the media today that she believes a focus on their attacking play and tactics can stand them in good stead ahead of Saturday’s big game at Newcastle Jets.
The New Zealand international floated the opinion that a focus on getting defensive strategies right might have come at the detriment of developing the team’s attacking play, but that is now changing.
“We’ve worked hard on playing as a defensive team. Now we have the chance to focus on attacking. We can put time into it – are crosses going into the right places? Are we getting enough players into the box? Are players running into the right areas? We can focus on that and put it right over the last three games.”
Rolston identified the specific areas that she is assisting her younger teammates with offensively. “When I see the goal I want to shoot. That’s what I’ve been like my whole career. I’m saying that ‘when you see the goal, have a crack.’ A lot of the girls have a great shot, so I’m just helping them.”
The concentration on attacking play comes after Wellington created a number of chances against Perth Glory last time out, but failed to convert any, and lost the match as a consequence.
“We had the game,” the 26-year-old admitted. “We were asleep for the first 20 minutes, but then had more possession than them and created so many opportunities, but couldn’t finish. Are we too afraid to shoot in the box because people don’t have confidence? We need to stay composed and finish.”
Saturday’s trip to Newcastle Jets is winner takes all in terms of the placing of the bottom two sides, and Rolston is confident that Phoenix have what it takes to get the win.
“It’s massive. We know going into this game it’s a must-win. We need to be composed and score goals, but not concede anything. We know if we win we get off the bottom of the table. Then we want to move up. We go into it firing.
“It’s who turns up on the day. You have to have the right mindset and be prepared to fight. It won’t be easy with the travel we have, but those are excuses at the end of the day. We get on with it and we play the games.”
Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.
Perth Glory’s Sofia Sakalis spoke to Ben Gilby about last season’s challenges based in a New South Wales hub, her growth as a player, and life in Western Australia as the season moves towards its conclusion (21/3/23).
Above: Sofia Sakalis in possession for Perth Glory against Western United at Macedonia Park this season. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
Sofia Sakalis is one of an exciting group of youngsters with the ability to light up Australian women’s football for a long time to come. The 20-year-old Perth Glory midfielder has overcome an ACL injury and is becoming an increasingly influential part of the Glory attack.
Sakalis, an East Melbournian, made her debut in what was then the W-League as a 15-year-old for Melbourne City and has produced some hugely impressive performances for the age group Matildas teams down the years.
A tally of 12 goals in eight appearances for the Junior Matildas, and a further two caps for the Young Matildas marked her out as a player of real potential.
Whilst her time at Melbourne City started under the tutelage of Joe Montemurro, who has since gone on to lead Arsenal and Juventus, Sakalis took up the game in her own backyard along with her brothers. Having a father who coached the sport only helped to channel her into playing.
Above: Sofia Sakalis in action for the Young Matildas. Photo: La Trobe University.
Having made a total of five appearances across four seasons with the Sky Blues, Sakalis made the decision to look for more game time away from her home city. She became one of the first of an exciting crop of young players to move across to Western Australia (WA) and join Perth Glory. Making 13 appearances and scoring a goal, she was living up to expectations as a notable next-gen talent of the competition.
Yet last season came with significant challenges. What was originally a move to the other side of the country soon turned into something very different as Western Australia’s state borders closed due to the pandemic, forcing Glory into a hub in New South Wales (NSW) for virtually the whole season. I asked Sakalis what this whole process was like for her personally, and for the wider Perth team.
“A big reason I decided to move to WA was to get out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in a new experience and a new challenge. I found that as a result of this, I grew a lot as a footballer and person.
“It was challenging moving to NSW and staying in a hub for an extended period. We had to stay in a hotel setting with no transport for months, we were quite isolated, and a lot of the players were away from their families and jobs. In addition, we had to play countless away games and never got the advantage of playing a home game.
“Under these circumstances, it would be easy to turn on each other and to some extent give up but I think what stood out the most with our team is that we became more united,
“We built a bond that became unbreakable and I think the multiple games we won while we were ‘on the road’ and our position on the ladder at the end of the season despite not being able to be in Perth was a testament to the team’s character.”
Sofia Sakalis on Perth Glory’s experiences during 2021/22.
“We had an amazing team culture last season and I think what made us so strong was all the adversity we had to overcome together. The difficult circumstances united us and made us stronger; we had that underdog mentality and knew that most teams would not be as threatened by us due to the circumstances and having to relocate mid-season. However, we used that to our advantage and went into every game with the mentality to win and we played some of our best football whilst being in NSW.”
After a successful A-League Women season, one which the 20-year-old readily admits saw her grow both on and off the pitch, Sakalis returned to Victoria to play for Box Hill United in the NPLW Victoria. It was a club she was thrilled to represent once more.
“I played in my junior years at Box Hill with the boys, so I was already familiar with the club and knew they were a tight-knight community who always had players’ best interest at heart. Therefore, returning there was a no-brainer, and they were very supportive and assisted me in maintaining the progress I had made whilst I was in Perth.
Above: Sofia Sakalis (right) in action for Box Hill United against FV Emerging in the NPLW Victoria last season. Photo: Passion Creations.
“We also had another three A-League Women players, which was great for the club and raised the standards. I was given freedom on the pitch as a creative and attacking midfielder which enabled me to score and assist goals and led to me winning the gold medal as (joint best player in the competition) with my teammate Sarah Cain.”
After another hugely positive period of her career in Victoria’s NPLW, Sakalis returned to Western Australia and has finally been able to experience life in the city and wider state, as well as being able to play home matches a year later than planned. It’s a location that she is enjoying and reaping the benefits of.
“I have loved exploring Perth and being able to stay here for the duration of the season this time. It is very different to Melbourne, but I have always liked that about it, the beaches are sensational and this season I have been living in Fremantle which I have really enjoyed.”
Perth Glory’s season has been one of two halves. Going into the campaign tipped by some to make the Finals, a squad with huge potential were not quite able to put together the 90-minute performances required to put the points on the board that they might have. However, since December, the purples began to fire and impose their quality on the competition.
It’s a situation that you sense causes Sakalis some frustration. “A lot was expected from us coming from last season and we recruited well but just weren’t able to show that in early games. We have been working really hard in training and have been pushing each other and that has shown in recent results and games, I think we still have a lot more to show and prove to everyone.”
Above: Sofia Sakalis drives in the ball at home to Newcastle Jets. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
In terms of her own performances this season, Sakalis is growing into her new role in the team and is beginning to stamp her class on the competition, although, as she revealed, her prime focus is getting minutes and growing.
“In recent games, I have been playing in a position I haven’t played in since I was very young,” she admitted. “Therefore I have had to adjust my game a bit. However, I always enjoy a new challenge and being versatile.
“Since doing my ACL, my focus has been to play as many games as I can and keep building on each performance. Each season I feel like I keep maturing and growing as a footballer and I have felt stronger and fitter this season. My focus has been on starting and playing 90-minute games week in and out and aiming every game to create goal-scoring opportunities whether that be a goal or an assist.”
As Perth Glory’s form and consistency continues to develop, the Victorian youngster believes that there are good things to come as the season heads towards its climax.
“I believe that we have all the answers within the team, we have great footballers within the squad and it is about transferring our training performances into games and sometimes that takes some time.”
Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.
Above: Gary van Egmond will be in place on the touchline for Newcastle Jets next season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Newcastle Jets.
Newcastle Jets today confirmed that Gary van Egmond has been appointed as head coach for the 2023/24 season.
The appointment comes after van Egmond was appointed as interim coach after the departure of Ash Wilson midway through the current season.
Newcastle Jets Executive Chairman Shane Mattiske is delighted to have Gary lead the team for next season.
“Moving to confirm Gary van Egmond as our women’s head coach for next season is a critical decision as we focus on finishing this season strongly and, importantly, as we look to the next year where we have a strong commitment to build a highly competitive women’s team.
“The 2023/24 season will step up another level for women’s football with it coming immediately after the World Cup on home soil and the expansion of the A-League Women’s competition in the number of teams and length of the season.
“We are making important decisions now to ensure that we have the right people involved to lead this Club and community as we position ourselves to have a very serious run at the next season’s competition.
“Gary’s experience and connection to the Newcastle Jets is unquestionable. He is absolutely committed to the elevation of women’s football in the region and nationally and we know he will give his all to bring success to this club in the A-League Women.”
van Egmond is excited to lead the women’s team for next season and is adamant that the hard work is just beginning. On his appointment, he said: “I’m excited to stay on as head coach for next season. I’m looking forward to the future and for what we can build for this team.
“The goal for us is to be back playing finals football and that’s something the club and I will be striving towards.
“The development of female players through the Academy to underpin the A-League Women team is also vitally important as well. This will take more time so we will need to ensure we recruit well for the 2023/24 season to do well.
“Eventually, the model for our club will be to promote from within and I look forward to when this will occur.”
Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.
Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk, including the county’s seven-a-side scene (21/3/23).
Above: Celebrations as Molly Ryan scores the winner in Mulbarton Belles’ 1-0 victory over Wroxham, from two leagues above them, to reach the Norfolk Women’s Cup Final for the third consecutive year. Photo: Mulbarton Belles FC.
Norfolk Women’s Cup Semi-Finals
Tier seven Mulbarton Belles were the Cup’s headline writers as they beat tier five Wroxham 1-0 at Mulberry Park with Molly Ryan’s goal proving decisive.
In the other tie, tier four Norwich City had too much for tier seven’s Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers and they powered to a 5-0 victory at The Nest. Ellie Smith and Freya Symonds each bagged a brace with Olivia Cook adding one of her own.
Mulbarton Belles and Norwich City will meet in the final at Norwich City FC’s Carrow Road stadium on Friday 19th May at 7.45pm.
Above: Ellie Smith scored twice and was player of the match as Norwich City beat Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers 5-0 at The Nest to reach the Norfolk Women’s Cup Final. Photo: Norwich City Women FC
Eastern Region Division One North
Fakenham Town were beaten 2-1 at home by St. Ives Town. Emily Ingle and Georgia Stancombe scored for the visitors with Sophie Lubbock scoring for Fakenham after heading in a Nicole Costin corner.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One
Caister were 3-1 winners at Long Stratton thanks to goals from Megan Bartlett, Hazel Saddington, and Rebecca Waters. Caister captain Hayley Muir turned a Samantha Walker free kick into her own net for the hosts’ goal.
Sprowston were 2-1 winners at Bungay Town with goals from Madison Lee and Anais Winney. Zoe Cossey got the goal for Bungay Town.
Above: Caister’s three new signings Hazel Saddington, Megan Bartlett, and Rebecca Waters all scored a goal each in their 3-1 win at Long Stratton. Photo: Caister FC
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two
Unbelievably, Aylsham scored 14 goals for the second Sunday running as they won 14-2 at FC Viking Valkyries. Jordan Arnoup scored eight strikes from Michaela Brown, Hannah Claughton, Charlotte Crane, Rhiannon Dack, and Florence Simpkin and an own goal completing the tally. Chelsea Louise Gladding and Leah Walthew scored for the hosts.
Two goals from Rachel Adams and one from Samantha Burgess saw Shrublands pick up an impressive 3-1 win over Bulldogs. Tracey Warren scored for Bulldogs.
Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One
A Maria Palmer goal was enough to see Kirkley and Pakefield beat Left Field FC 1-0. In the league’s other game, the University of East Anglia shared the points with Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers in a 1-1 draw.
Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two
Katie Fray scored four and Kiera Braithwaite added the other as Taverham were 5-0 winners at Yarmouth FC.
Above: Jordan Arnoup celebrates scoring as Aylsham score 14 for the second weekend on the trot and win 14-2 at FC Viking Valkyries in the Norfolk Women & Girls League Division Two. Photo: Ben Cunningham
Martin Townley and Perry Dobbins combine to deliver excellent coverage of the weekend’s games in Wales’ top leagues. Martin rounds up the action, and Perry‘s photo gallery this week comes from the Adran Premier game between Cardiff City and Cardiff Met (21/3/23).
Above: Cardiff City (blue) get in a shot despite the Cardiff Met defence’s best efforts. Photo: Perry Dobbins.
News in Brief
Cardiff City hit nine past Met after last week’s Adran Trophy final loss. Swansea City maintain pressure on leaders with a win over The New Saints. Abergavenny survival hopes dashed after home loss to Aberystwyth Town.
Long-serving Cardiff Met Manager Yzzy Taylor announces she is to step down after 11 years at the club.
In the Adran South leaders Briton Ferry now need just two points to take the title. They host Caldicot Town on Tuesday night, and a win will confirm them as champions and set up a promotion play-off with Adran North champions Wrexham.
Adran Premier
Cardiff City 9-0 Cardiff Met
The Bluebirds were simply stunning as they took revenge on City rivals Cardiff Met for last week’s defeat in the Adran Trophy Final.
Danielle Broadhurst got the first after seven minutes before a Seren Watkins spot kick after 17 minutes saw City take a two-goal lead. Eliza Collie added the third on 36 minutes. City weren’t done and two from Rhianne Oakley before halftime sent the Bluebirds in 5-0 up.
In the second half, Eliza Collie scored three times, taking her tally for the day to four and Megan Bowen added one as City ran out 9-0 winners. Cardiff City remain seven points clear at the top as we head into the final three games.
A win in their game next week, when TNS are the visitors, will confirm Cardiff City as champions.
Perry Dobbins’ Photo Gallery from Cardiff City v Cardiff Met
Swansea City 4-1 The New Saints
Swansea City are still in the title fight as they came through a tough game against an improving TNS side.
Katy Hosford gave the Swans the lead in the opening minute but TNS fought back and were level after ten minutes. Lucie Platt with her sixth goal of the season. It took the Swans until the 35th minute to retake the lead and Stacy John-Davis hit two in three minutes to send Swansea into the break 3-1 up.
Monet Legall added a fourth in the second half and maintained Swansea’s title chances for another week. City must win their next game against Cardiff Met and hope that Cardiff City drop points if they are to have any chance to win the league.
Pontypridd United 0-0 Barry Town United
Pontypridd United remain top of the Adran Premier Plate Conference after their home draw with Barry Town. The point moves Barry close to safety in the Adran Premier with a nine-point gap over Abergavenny with three to play.
A first-half strike from Emily Thomas was enough to secure Aberystwyth Town all three points against Abergavenny.
The result means that the Seasiders will be playing Genero Adran Premier football again next season – and stay sixth in the table, second in the Plate Conference after the league split at the halfway point.
Manager Gav Allen found himself contending with a limited squad at this late stage of the campaign – naming only two substitutes. But his team stayed well organised and resolute, with Thomas striking in the 15th minute, and the Aber back line fending off pressure from the hosts seeking an equaliser.
Next weekend they travel to Barry Town United – before returning to Park Avenue for their final home game of the season against Abergavenny on Sunday 2nd April (2pm kick-off).
Adran South
Pontardawe Town 1-3 Briton Ferry Llansawel
Briton Ferry went into the game with the knowledge that two wins will ensure they win the Adran South.
The opening of the game was tense as Pontardawe worked hard to stop the Reds from playing. The visitors did take the lead thanks to Chelsea Deacon 22 minutes into the game. After Laura-May Walkley’s shot was saved, Megan Kearle picked up the ball and found Deacon. Pontardawe keeper Bethan Connolly got a hand to the shot, but it wasn’t enough to stop the goal.
Sophie Topper equalised just before half-time as her close-range shot went in. Briton Ferry stepped it up in the second half and from Lucy Powell’s cross, Walkley sent a bullet header into the net.
Another header gave Ferry a 3-1 lead when Lowri Baker nodded home from Megan Kearle’s corner. Briton Ferry will be crowned as Adran South Champions on Tuesday night if they beat Caldicot Town.
Above: Celebration time for Briton Ferry Llansawel. Photo: Lewis Mitchell/FAW.
Cascade YC 3-1 Swansea University
Cascade YC went into this game knowing they would have to win to keep pressure on leaders Briton Ferry.
Bethan Llyod grabbed the opening goal after 11 minutes with Casey Thomas adding a second before halftime. Llyod added a third in the 65th minute to put Cascade further ahead. Shelbie Parker-Smith pulled a goal back for Swansea, but Cascade picked up the win they needed.
Adran North
Llanfair United 0-1 CPDM Y Felinheli
Felinheli moved into fourth place in the Adran North with a 1-0 win over Llanfair United. A fourth-minute goal for Jordanne Greenough was enough to give the visitors the three points.
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