Above: Princess Ibini tries to get the ball past Claudia Cicco. Photo: Sydney FC.
Sydney FC overcame a defiant Wellington Phoenix side on Sunday afternoon at Auckland’s North Harbour Stadium.
Due to the recent international break, neither side had played in two weeks. The first half hour of the match was quite competitive, with a few attacks from both sides, but each attack was successfully shut down by the other team’s defensive line.
After the clock ticked past 30 minutes, both sides started creating some real opportunities. Wellington Phoenix had a good chance of scoring, with both Grace Wisnewski and Kate Taylor taking shots at Jada Whyman’s goal. Soon after, up the other end, Sydney had a chance to score as well, with Rola Badawiya taking a shot.
Perhaps the best chance of the half was in the 40th minute, after a great build-up from the hosts, Michaela Foster hit a good ball into Marisa van der Meer who tried to head it into the goal, but drew a great diving save out of Whyman. Five minutes later, Taylor hit a through ball to Michaela Robertson, who tucked it home, only to see her effort immediately ruled out for offside.
Within two minutes of the re-start, Wellington conceded a corner. Mackenzie Hawkesby delivered a good ball in that drew a defensive header that bounced up high. There was a scramble and the Phoenix couldn’t clear the ball, which was headed back into a dangerous spot by Sarah Hunter, and tucked past Brianna Edwards by Rachel Lowe, her first goal of the season.
Talk about a super sub! 🦸♀️
Rachel Lowe pokes home with her first touch of the game to give @SydneyFC the lead!
The rest of the game was competitive, but Sydney definitely had the advantage. There was a flurry of action around the 70 minute mark, but they were all shut down in defence or missed.
Sydney really ramped it up in the final 20 minutes, keeping possession, pinning the Phoenix in their defensive half, and piling the pressure on their back line. Cortnee Vine and Rachel Lowe drew some spectacular saves from Brianna Edwards, who fought to keep her team in the match. But Sydney proved a bit too strong and closed out the match for a win.
Wellington Phoenix put up a hell of a fight, worked really well as a team, and created some good opportunities, but they just lacked the firepower in the frontline to cause Sydney any real problems. Kate Taylor had a great day, playing as a defensive midfielder. Additionally, Barry, Foster, and van der Meer performed exceptionally well in the backline.
“We’ve become a little bit like one-nil specialists,” Lawrence told media post-game. “That one felt almost harder than the one against Western Sydney. There is just something about this Sydney team. They’re so successful, they have some really good players and we wanted to be really, really hard to play against.
“To concede again from a set piece. It’s just those little moments where you lose concentration and good teams punish you. We’ve just got to be more switched on. I thought we’d been starting the second halves particularly well, better than the first halves, and today it was the other way around.
“I thought first-half we were outstanding. I thought we had better chances. I haven’t seen the off-side goal, but everyone said that it was, so I’ll trust this one. But she hit that amazingly. I thought Mickey Robertson had a fabulous game. Last season it was three-nil, five-nil, today 1-nil [and] we really, really competed. We keep going. The season’s not done for us, we keep going right until the end.”
For Sydney, Vine was sensational, bringing her recent Matildas form to Sky Blues. She was fast, played with intent, set up some dangerous opportunities, and took a few shots herself. Tobin was wonderful in the back line, defending well, and taking a few shots at goals also, which kept the Phoenix guessing.
Wellington Phoenix will next play Brisbane Roar at home next Saturday and Sydney FC will take on Western United in a highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash on Sunday.
Above: Canberra United celebrate after a goal against The Wanderers. Photo: Canberra United.
Canberra United kept their hopes of reaching the finals alive this weekend with a 3-0 win against Western Sydney Wanderers to push them to three wins in a row and keep them within the race for a spot in the finals.
This game was the first back for the two sides after the most recent international break and it was always going to see interesting to see if they could keep recent momentum going or if they would need to settle back into a rhythm to push for the remainder of the season.
They might not have had the most possession throughout the game with 46.6% of possession as opposed to the 53.4% for Western Sydney Wanderers but Canberra made the most of what they did have in scoring three times.
Crucially, Wanderers were without attacker Sarina Bolden. The Phillippines international has been such a focal point of their team since her mid-season signing, offering a target up front that has long been missing for all Western Sydney’s impressive approach play.
The early exchanges offered no clues as to the conclusive final scoreline as it was end to end with plenty of energy for both sides however, the home side were just that bit more threatening every time they had the ball and were moving forward.
Just four minutes into the game Canberra hit the front when, after a bit of a battle for possession, the ball which eventually found its way to the feet of Michelle Heyman, and there was no way the league’s all-time top scorer was going to be missing from there.
It did look like there could have been a shout for a free kick in the buildup to the goal but Heyman showed the prime example of why you play to the whistle as she never slowed down and had the back of the net in mind all through the piece of play.
Despite remaining second-best in the possession count, Canberra doubled their lead in the 25th minute, and again it was Heyman who found herself on the scoresheet with a brilliant solo goal.
Above: Canberra United celebrate – they are on a roll and chasing fourth place. Photo: Canberra United.
This time, the Canberra icon used her strength to outmuscle the Wanderers defence and slotted the ball into the back of the net calmly showing us all why she is still a threat after all these years. The back of the net was the only place that ball was going.
It wasn’t just the weather that was heating up in the game either as things got a bit hot on the pitch with Laura Hughes and Sheridan Gallagher both receiving yellow cards for their little tussle in the middle of the pitch.
The Wanderers came out for the second half a little stronger than they ended the first half but again they just couldn’t seemed to find that breakthrough to get a goal to get back into the game.
In the 54th minute though the game was all but done for the Wanderers as Canberra wrap up the scoring with a third goal as Sasha Grove grabbed her first senior goal for the team.
Starting off the game in a right-back position however, Grove moved out to the left wing after Grace Jale’s departure. Having experience at youth level as an attacking player who has been moved into an right-back role since entering the senior team, Grove’s goal was the consequence of some fantastic link-up play which eventually found the feet of Grove to put the game out Western Sydney Wanderers reach.
Wanderers seemed prone to sit back rather than pressing like they had in the early minutes and they just seemed to be passing the ball around the pitch rather than all out attacking. This plus the loss of attacking target Bolden rendered and hopes of a consolation unrealistic.
There is so much talent is in these two teams, it was great to see Clare Hunt in action after her impressive first taste of international football.
With Heyman being one of the leading advocates for a Pride Round, it was fitting that she played such a major role in the outcome of this game. She still has it after all those years.
This was actually my first time sitting down and watching an A-League Women game and I have to say I was very impressed with what I saw and the league has a new follower here in the UK, there is so much potential for the league and I am looking forward to keeping a closer eye on it and discovering a whole host of new talent that have been hiding away in Australia.
Ben Phillips reports from Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall‘s media conference ahead of tomorrow’s huge FA Cup 5th Round tie at Chelsea (25/2/23).
Above: Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall who spoke to the media yesterday ahead of his team’s FA Cup tie at Chelsea tomorrow. Photo: Arsenal Women.
Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall’s preparationsfor their vital FA Cup last sixteen tie at Kingsmeadow against holders Chelsea come with added complications following the international window.
Eidevall confirmed as he spoke to the media yesterday that not all of his players are back yet from the international break. Under new FIFA rules players are allowed an extra 24 hours before returning to clubs, with Eidevall commenting: “We’ve had one day less preparation and many players in different continents, not just Europe, and FIFA rules allow them to have 24 hours and longer to be back at clubs. It is a challenge for both clubs though” (Chelsea are also impacted).
Ahead of his preparations ahead of the fixture against last season’s double winners, the Arsenal coach was asked what lessons he and his team learned from their previous encounter with Chelsea.
“It’s the beauty of the game and you play against each other and you evolve and both teams have played different games after that. Also, its never going to be exactly the same games and there will be elements in it that we have a lot of good use to use against them on Sunday.”
Above: Caitlin Foord takes on Chelsea’s Niamh Charles when the two sides last met. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.
Arsenal managed to come through the international break pretty much unscathed in terms of players picking up injuries with only a couple of concerns for this weekend’s fixture.
Sabrina D’Angelo had to come off representing Canada after sustaining an injury that the Arsenal medical team are needing to investigate further. Forward Lina Hurtig also had an injury and couldn’t play for Sweden. With regards to long term injury victim Beth Mead, the Gunners boss said: “Beth is doing fine and the reports I am getting from our medical team is that Beth’s recovery is progressing as it should be and she will be back for us next season”.
Arsenal hasn’t had the best start to 2023 results-wise and asked what factors have contributed towards the poor run, Eidevall said: “We also have to say look at the playing schedule, we went in to play late Sunday night against West Ham, playing midweek then a Saturday at lunchtime, I think is a really tough playing schedule and I can’t see any other women’s team in England currently been asked to play on a schedule like that for a whole season.
“When the fixture schedule gets that congested there is a disadvantage for a team that is forced to play those games, this can’t be Arsenal all the time that get into this situation, it should be divided amongst more clubs.”
Arsenal wil now go into a double header against Chelsea playing them on consecutive weekends in cup fixtures. After playing in the fifth round of the FA Cup, they will face each other on 5th March at Selhurst Park in the Conti League cup final.
Impetus‘ Ben Gilby reports on Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis‘ post-match media conference and Tom McCarthy provides a superb photo gallery from Macedonia Park (25/2/23).
Above: Hana Lowryis embraced by her captain Tash Rigby after scoring for Perth Glory today. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis hailed his players’ efforts and ethics after the Western Australians extended their winning run to four in a row with a 2-0 victory over Brisbane Roar today at Macedonia Park.
“Very happy. It’s four on the trot, it’s one goal conceded in the last four or five. We look threatening in every game.
“It’s all about the players. They have come in with the mindset to work hard. We have an identity about how we play, how we train, and how we act as a group. If you come in with that intent to perform to work hard and play hard, it makes my role fairly easy.”
Above: Two of the game’s most talented midfielders – the experienced Katrina Gorry (10), and Perth Glory teenager Hana Lowry. Photo: Tom McCarthy,
Perth’s 2-0 success came courtesy of two pieces of individual brilliance for locally-born teenager Hana Lowry, who punished Isabella Shuttleworth to instantly lift the ball over her and into the net after the Roar goalkeeper lost her footing when trying to clear. Less than 10 minutes later, Lowry curled home an Olimpico from the right-hand corner. Epakis was effusive in his praise.
“We definitely haven’t seen the best of Hana and she just does moments of magic and can manipulate the body and ball to do special things under pressure, and she can then do what she does today. She has a lot of composure. We’re so grateful she is on our team as she is bringing out the best in others.”
Another stand-out youngster today was Sofia Sakalis, who followed a strong NPLW Victoria season with Box Hill United, by hitting the heights in the A-League Women with the Glory this season. It was another afternoon of intelligent runs, cutting inside and unleashing powerful shots – two of which came back off of the crossbar.
“She’s turned a corner this season,” said Epakis of Sakalis. “We’re talking about a player who was sitting in the grandstand with an A-League club for a number of years and she made the decision to take herself out of her comfort zone and move to the other side of the country at a very young age.
Above: Sofia Sakalis (right) had another superb afternoon for Perth Glory. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
“She’s applied herself to develop as a player, as an adult, and as a person and she is reaping the rewards now with a string of great performances and the sky is the limit for her, and the same could be said for so many of our young players.”
In speaking more widely of the pleasure he took in his side’s achievements today, the Perth head coach said
“They (Brisbane Roar) have national team players there and we were very aware of what they are good at and we dealt with it and nullified it. It shows how well the team is doing.”
Perth continue to climb the table, but Epakis remains grounded when it comes to looking too far ahead. “The reality is we’re going in needing to win every game (to make Finals). That result (today) is done, and we’re already thinking about the next result. There are still more steps for us to go, to achieve to reach our goal, which is to reach Finals.”
Above: Perth Glory’s hometown hero Hana Lowry celebrates after scoring both of her side’s goals today. Photo: Keep Up.
Perth Glory maintained their Finals charge after two pieces of individual skill from hometown star Hana Lowry ensured that the Western Australian side won their fourth game in a row and extended their unbeaten run to five.
This was a hugely important game that served as a virtual knock-out for the loser in the chase for fourth place. Glory’s win emphasised the Macedonia Park mentality that has seen the purples keep three consecutive clean sheets, scoring eight goals in the process at the venue in Balcatta.
Perth Glory boss Alex Epakis handed a first start to recent signing Hannah Blake, with Susan Phonsongkham out of the squad. Ella Mastrantonio returned from suspension on the bench. Sarah Langman was also named as a substitute after returning from concussion.
For the Queenslanders, head coach Garrath McPherson gave his Matildas stars Katrina Gorry and Larissa Crummer a start. Isabella Shuttleworth also started in goal with Hensley Hancuff on the bench.
Above: Perth Glory’s Sarah Cain (left) battles with Talitha Kramer. Photo: Keep Up.
With the A-League Women returning after the international break, neither side could be excused for the disjointed nature of the opening. Passes were off target and attempts on goal few and far between.
Floating above the disconnect at the start was Gorry with intelligent runs into channels and some outstanding touches with instant control.
For the Glory, it was the link-up play between Izzy Foletta and Cyera Hintzen that offered the best route to goal. The pair have built up an excellent understanding since Foletta was added to the squad. Hintzen bends her runs along the left to link up with the Western Australian native before receiving possession and cutting in towards goal.
From one such link-up came the game’s opening goal – albeit one with a major slice of luck about it. Foletta found Hintzen, but Shuttleworth dealt with the danger. However, a moment of disaster followed as the Roar keeper lost her footing whilst making contact with the ball. The consequences were as bad as they could have been as the weak clearance rolled to Lowry just outside the box and the talented local looked up and lifted the ball instantly into the net to put the home side ahead.
The momentum shifted into Perth’s favour and within nine minutes, they doubled their lead. Once again, it was another unconventional goal that highlighted the talent that Lowry has.
Above: Cyera Hintzen (left) leads the charge towards Hana Lowry after the local star doubled Perth Glory’s lead. Photo: Keep Up.
Glory had earned a corner on the right-hand side, and the 19-year-old stepped up. Shuttleworth was lost in a big crowd of players immediately in front of her in the box as Lowry curled an Olimpico into the far side of the net.
There was more work for the Roar defence to do shortly afterwards as Blake perplexed Kajsa Lind on the edge of the box before dinking a ball over the top for Hintzen to run on to, but Shuttleworth got down well at her near post to save.
Perth were relentless and energetic with their press and the Roar struggling to clear as the game rolled around to half-time.
Brisbane earned a chance within seconds of the second half beginning with Kim Carroll conceding a free-kick and receiving a yellow card as a result, but the resulting set-piece didn’t trouble Morgan Aquino.
Within five minutes, Perth thought they had extended their lead further. Lowry was initially fed by Sofia Sakalis from the left. Possession was pulled back to the edge of the box where Roar captain Ayesha Norrie was brought down by Foletta before the ball came through for Lowry to guide the ball home, but referee Isabella Libri hauled play back for the foul.
Above: Sofia Sakalis on the ball – the Perth youngster had a superb second half. Photo: Keep Up.
Brisbane responded as Connors was unmarked along the right and played a one-two before firing in a cross-shot that Aquino had to get down quickly to.
After the hour mark, the pace dropped and substitutes were called for. Yet, it was one of two of the starting players who combined to create the next opportunity with a quarter of an hour remaining.
Hintzen collected possession on the right and played a low cross-field pass to pick out Sakalis who showed typical skill to cut in and fire a shot that had Shuttleworth beaten, but came back off of the crossbar.
Within seven minutes Sakalis suffered the same fate a second time after receiving the ball to the left of the box. The East Melbourne-born starlet cut inside sublimely between two defenders before curling a shot off the bar once more, but in the end, two goals were enough for the home side.
Whilst this was not the free-flowing performance that Perth have produced in recent weeks, it was another example of Alex Epakis’ side being able to get over the line when their backs were right against the wall.
For all Brisbane’s work and potential, they were never able to create a telling final ball to seriously trouble the Perth defence. Garrath McPherson’s side now face a mountainous task to play Finals football this year.
Prior to the international window, Impetus‘ Ben Gilbyhad the opportunity toput questions 1:1 to Sydney FC’s Australian international Cortnee Vine (24/2/23).
Above: Cortnee Vine in action for Australia against South Africa last October. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Whether it be dancing her way up the flank, supplying pinpoint crosses, or deadly finishes, Cortnee Vine is at the peak of her powers. One of the few domestically based players in the Australian national squad, Vine is making her mark on the international stage, evidenced by a sensational strike against Spain last weekend.
Yet, not so long ago, the Sydney FC star tore her medial collateral ligament which was a challenging experience. However, she returned to have a sensational A-League Women campaign with the Harbour City side which led to her first senior international call-up. Vine reflected on the impact of her injury and how her love of her club got her back on the saddle.
Above: Cortnee Vine driving towards goal for Sydney FC against Melbourne City this season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“Going through any injury is always tough,” Vine told Impetus. “You have ups and downs during rehab and motivation comes and goes as well. My motivation came from wanting to get back out there with the Sydney FC girls that I love and enjoy playing with. It’s honestly such an enjoyable environment, it motivated me to be back so much.”
That support network and resulting motivation drove Vine to be the dominant player over the first half of the last A-League Women campaign. She revealed how she benefitted from that saying, “It was really pleasing to look back and realise how big of a season and year it was.
“I had and have so much support around me that fuels me because I know my teammates, family, and friends back me no matter what and I think that started to show last season. As a team, we did so well and have for the last few years. It’s always so nice to win silverware.
Last season netted Sydney FC another Premiers Plate and Grand Final place, but although the club have now suffered three straight Grand Final losses, the 24-year-old doesn’t believe that they need to change much to pick up the trophy this time round.
Above: Saluting another goal for Sydney FC this season. Photo: Sydney FC.
“As a team, we always strive for the Premiers plate and cherish that the same if not more than the grand final. The final series is a whole different game, I think if we get the opportunity again, we just need to keep doing what we are doing and what we’ve done for the last few years, and give it our all if we get the opportunity again.”
Through 2022 the attacker became a regular in the Matildas camp, something that she feels has caused her to consider her impact on the domestic club competition.
“I think it has actually brought pressure to perform in the A-League now that I’m being seen at an international level. Having said that, I think it has helped with my mental side of the game and my confidence.”
Vine has benefitted from having two very experienced coaches in Ante Juric at club level and Tony Gustavsson for country. She made it clear to me that the amount of confidence that both have in her is a major contributing factor to her producing her best football.
“I love Ante. He is one of my favourite coaches I’ve ever had. He is a big reason I am where I am, right now. He’s backed me ever since I joined Sydney FC and has been the reason Sydney FC has been so successful. Tony is (also) great, he’s very nice and welcoming, he backs me and gives me confidence at club land and on the international stage
Above: Cortnee Vine has become a regular for the Australian national side over the past 12 months. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Sydney FC have been so successful for so long – making six of the last seven Grand Finals. One of the keys behind this is an ability to retain the core of their players at the end of each season, and for Vine, it’s the team ethos that ensures this happens.
“We all just get along so well. We are best mates off the field and do a lot away from the field together. It makes training so enjoyable when you get to train with your best mates!”
As the A-League Women heads into its final six weeks of regular season matches, the Sydney FC attacker is happy with how things are going, with Finals football almost certain to be attained once more. However, the Australian international believes that the competition has yet to see the team at their best.
“I think we are still growing as a team each and every game. We have a young squad that is still learning and improving. We have been playing some great football that has been so enjoyable to be a part of!”
Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.
Above: Canberra United’s Grace Taranto speaking to the media today. Image: Canberra United.
Canberra United pair Grace Taranto and Michelle Heyman both identified to themedia today how important it is for the capital city side to build on their superb win over Sydney FC prior to the international break when they take on Western Sydney Wanderers tomorrow.
With Canberra having responded to two 5-0 defeats in a row so positively, Taranto highlighted how they need to maintain that run after a fortnight without a match.
“The week off was really beneficial for us, we’re really refreshed and excited for the big game this weekend. We’re all feeling super motivated to go out on the park after the win against Sydney (last time out)…and show that we deserved the win. We worked really hard for it, but we’re now focused on this weekend, it’s going to be a big one.
“We want to make sure we prove we’re worth being up there and worth a place in the top four. Western Sydney are having a good season and they are right up there as well.”
Whilst Canberra United have had players away on international duty, Heyman outlined how those who have remained behind have benefitted from targeted coaching dedicated at individuals.
“We’ve been able to work on things we’ve needed to individually. We’re going out this weekend to prove the point. We beat Sydney, now facing Wanderers, we need to take the three points.”
Above: Michelle Heyman – this weekend’s Pride Round is the culmination of many years of her attempting to persuade the league of the importance of such an event. Image: Canberra United.
Heyman has been a leading advocate of the introduction of a Pride Round for a long time, and the A-League Women’s all-time leading goalscorer underlined the importance of this weekend.
“It’s a nice place for us to be who we are and proud of the community that we represent and be the voice and play the game we love and feel comfortable.
“It’s nice for football to step up and for us to have Pride Round and Pride Cup supporting us and promote it in the right way. For myself personally, I’ve been pushing for it for a long time. Back in the day myself and Heather Reid pushed every year to represent the community we belong to. Finally, we’ve got here to be able to have the rainbow numbers on the back of my jersey, and to have my name in rainbow colours is something I’ve always wanted.”
“(Years ago), there was no response (from the league hierarchy). We got rainbow socks one round. That was the most we got. We wanted to have rainbow jerseys, but that kept getting stood down. For this round to go ahead, Heather Reid is the pioneer of this. For me to put on my jersey (on Saturday), it will be for her and everything that she has done for this club.”
Heyman spoke personally about the impact she has had as a key role model in the LGBTQIA+ community and how Pride Round can have such an impact.
“I’ve had personal experience of parents coming up to me after games and saying ‘if it wasn’t for you being out and proud, I wouldn’t be able to understand my child.’ For myself, it’s so important for parents to have other people to look upon for advice. We’re role models and we’re doing the best we can.”
Michelle Heyman, Canberra United.
“The new generation of kids coming through are more comfortable with how they are. The older generation still have that stigma behind all of it. For us, it’s about being as strong and positive as we can in the community. A safe place is a better place for all of us and you can be a better footballer within your own skin.”
“It’s really important not to let this drop. It has to be year in, year out from now on.”
Taranto agreed, saying: “Pride Round is such an important event in soccer and the sporting world in general. It needs to be a place where everyone can be happy and no one imposes on that. Identity is something to be proud of and celebrated.”
NEWCASTLE JETS:
Above: Emily Roach in action for Canberra United this season. Photo: Newcastle Herald.
Newcastle Jets today announced the signings of midfielder Emily Roach and striker Renée Pountneyfor the remainder of the 2022/23 season.
Roach, who plays in central midfield joins the Jets from Canberra United where she has made two appearances for the club this season.
20-year-old Roach is originally from Nambour, Queensland is eager to link up with her new squad for the rest of the current campaign.
“I’m excited to get to work here in Newcastle and further develop my game under Gary van Egmond. I’m looking forward to running out at No. 2 Sportsground with my new teammates and soak up the great atmosphere that the fans create at this ground.”
22-year-old Pountney has previously played for the Jets, making her debut in 2018. She has scored one goal in nine games which was a strike against Adelaide United in 2020. Pountney played her youth football coming through the Emerging Jets program.
Above: Renée Pountney pictured during her previous spell with Newcastle Jets. Photo: Newcastle Herald.
The striker returns to the club after playing for Creighton University in the United States and spoke of her joy at being back at the club.
“I’m excited to be back here in Newcastle and I can’t wait to run out with the team at No. 2 Sportsground. This is home for me and I’m excited to wear the Jets badge again.”
A-League Women’s Head Coach Gary van Egmond was pleased to strengthen his squad ahead of the run in, as the Jets aim to climb away from the bottom reaches of the table.
“We’re happy to bring in a player of Renée’s quality to the side for the rest of the campaign. Renée has matured as a player since her previous stint at the Jets and we’re excited to see her link up with the team and contribute for the remainder of the season.
“Emily is a highly talented young midfielder who we believe will add a lot of quality to our squad. We are confident we can help further develop her game and we look forward to seeing her thrive at the club.”
Above: Cass Davis speaks to the media ahead of Newcastle Jets’ clash with Western United this weekend. Image: Newcastle Jets.
Newcastle Jets duo Cass Davis and Georgie Worth spoke to the media this week ahead of their rematch with Western United, and revealed how things have been since the departure of head coach Ash Wilson and attacker Sarah Griffiths, writes Ben Gilby.
Speaking first, Davis said: “Changes happen in football, we’ve just got to move on. We’ve just got to stay positive and focus on what is ahead and that is winning games. Losing Sarah (Griffith) too was a pretty big loss.”
The Jets reacted well initially with a superb win on the road to league leaders Western United before having to take the trip immediately across to Western Australia to take on Perth Glory in a match that didn’t end quite so positively for Newcastle.
“The win was nice. It was a massive week for us, travelling to Ballarat and then to Perth. We travelled and were away for six nights. It was a big high to beat Western United, but then we had our heads down after losing to Perth. Hopefully, we can take all the positives into this weekend.”
“It was very hard. We had a few girls have to work while they were in the hotel between training and recovery. It shouldn’t be this way, but hopefully, generations in the future won’t have this.”
Cass Davis on the reality of Newcastle Jets spending six nights away with two away games in quick succession.
Davis has a lot of respect for interim boss Gary van Egmond and believes that his ethos of hard work will reap rewards: “Gary is a tough one. We’ve been training a lot – double sessions, gym. It’s all for the benefit of us. If we train at a high intensity it should be easier in matches. It really helped against Western united. you could hear him from the sidelines the whole time. He is driving us.”
After already defeating Western United on the road recently, the Jets star identified: “They are a tough team and at the top of the ladder for a reason. We need to take the positives from the way we played them. If we can go out and execute the same game plan. The girls are pumped and ready to go.
“We want consistency and results. Being second from bottom doesn’t show what we’re capable of. We’ve leaked a lot of goals this season. There is a real big focus on defence.”
Above: Newcastle Jets goalkeeper Georgie Worth was in a positive mood ahead of this weekend’s game with Western United. Image: Newcastle Jets.
Jets goalkeeper Georgie Worth told the media how positive the time to focus on preparations and training during the international break has boosted the squad ahead of their return to A-League Women action this weekend.
“With that week we had (back-to-back matches away to Western United and Perth Glory within such a short turnaround), we didn’t really have much time for training, so it’s been good to get back on the training pitch.
“It was a big week, lots of travel, lots of games. We learned a lot, so it’s nice to be back in Newcastle. With the Perth loss (4-0), it would be easy to blame the travel, but at the end of the day, the performance wasn’t good, enough. We didn’t show up as well as we could have. It was individual performances, tactics…”
However, that period of intense travel started so positively with the Jets defeating league leaders Western United in Ballarat.
“That was a big result,” Worth admitted, “We needed it for confidence. It showed we’re a quality team and can compete against the best teams. A win and a clean sheet was massive.”
Playing the same side in such close proximity always throws up specific challenges, but the Newcastle goalkeeper believes past experience puts her side in a great position. “They (Western United) will want to win to demonstrate why they are top, but we know what we can do to beat them.”
WELLINGTON PHOENIX:
by Denise Duffyand Ben Gilby
Above: Ava Pritchard reflecting on preparations for Sunday’s game with Sydney in Auckland. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
Wellington Phoenix spent the two-week international window honing their technical skills and getting ready for their upcoming match against Sydney FC. They are making their debut at football-friendly North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, 656km from their home in Wellington, writes Denise Duffy.
The venue is primed for women’s football as was the site of the Women’s World Cup’s play off tournament just a few days ago. It was also the place of the second Football Ferns match versus Argentina just a few days ago.
Forward Ava Pritchard spoke to the media this week ahead of the game, and emphasized just how the number of Wellington players in the national team set-up is a big benefit: “We’ve got, I don’t know, about six or seven Phoenix girls in the national team now. So it’s only inspiration for us to keep working so we can just make that number even bigger.”
And on the trip North, Pritchard revealed how she is: “Buzzing to go to Auckland. I feel like that its got such a good footballing environment up there and lots of little girls who just love playing football. It’s going to be such a good game. Playing at North Harbour, it’s such a nice stadium. Hopefully, we’ll fill it out a bit.”
Sydney FC will be a formidable opponent. They are sitting currently third in the table just one point behind Melbourne City and two points ahead of Melbourne Victory. The Phoenix though have proven that they can be a challenge to any team on any day.
“I think we can take points from every team when we turn up and play our football, we’re a very dangerous team.”
Above: Chloe Knott speaking to the media this week. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
Also speaking to the media ahead of the Nix’s game with Sydney FC was Chloe Knott, writes Ben Gilby, and she began by highlighting how preparations have gone for Sunday’s match with few players remaining at the club during the international break.
“We’ve had some really good sessions and we had a day with the academy girls where they came in and we played a practice match against them. It’s been a chance to work on fitness and on individual technical stuff…we love playing matches, so it’s been catch-22, it was good to have a break, but we’re keen to get back into matches.”
With Wellington captain Lily Alfeld ruled out so far this season due to injury, it has led to increased leadership responsibilities for Knott, and the Nix star spoke candidly about the reality of the role for her.
“It’s tougher on the weeks where you are losing as you have to try and lift people, but Lily (Alfeld) is great in the background and Kate (Taylor) is really stepping up as well. It’s like a shared job. I tend to do what I normally do. I do feel I’ve learned to be more resilient and lift the team when we’ve been losing. Lily is there watching and in training too, she’s always there supporting and watching.
“I want to do whatever I can to help the team. I feel that changes every week depending on who we are playing. Adjusting my game, whether that’s playing as a six or more further forward.”
Kick-off locally is Sunday, February 26th, at 1pm. Tickets for adults are $16, with a dollar from each ticket going to the Cyclone Relief Fund. There are also family tickets for $40 dollars, which includes two adults and two children.
WESTERN UNITED:
by Ben Gilby
Above: Western United boss Mark Torcaso talking ahead of this weekend’s trip to Newcastle Jets. Image: Western United.
Western United head coach Mark Torcaso was very clear in his discussion with the media ahead of this weekend’s rematchwith Newcastle Jets: “We want to get back the three points they took off us last time. That’s the plan.”
When the two sides last met just prior to the international break, it was the Jets who raised eyebrows with a 2-0 win over United in Ballarat. Torcaso believes this time will be different.
“That was three points we lost and we just want to get things right. If we play the way we know we can, we know we can win. If we don’t and play like last time, Newcastle are a good side and they are to be respected. We want to at least get something back from this game after the last result, and to regain some momentum.
“Being in Newcastle and having the Matildas play there (this week) should create even more hype, so hopefully its exciting and more people will come out (to watch). It will be a tough game. They will come at us, and we just need to be ready for it, and I think we will this weekend.”
Torcaso’s side go into the game boosted by the news that star striker Hannah Keane has signed a new deal at the club to return for the 2023/24 season. The Western United boss is understandably delighted.
“Hannah was very important as a signing, so for her to commit to us for another season is excellent and just shows the great work we are doing as a club in the female space. To have a player like Hannah want to reconnect to us is a real credit to the club. She just wants to focus on us winning the league, and her winning the Golden Boot.”
Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.
Above: AFC Wimbledon hot shot Ashlee Hicks is congratulated after scoring for AFC Wimbledon against Ashford Town (Middx). Photo: Emily Topping.
AFC Wimbledon once again left it late to seal victory at home to Ashford Town (Middx) on Wednesday night at Carshalton in the tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East.
Much like the reverse fixture, facing newcomers Ashford Town proved to be a tough test. And in similar fashion to the game earlier in this season, it was a late onslaught of goals that gave the Dons all three points.
There was an added edge to the fixture, as the Capital Cup semi-final draw (to be played at Carshalton on 19th March) will see the two sides pairing up once more.
The Dons dominated possession from the start, but failed to create any clear-cut chances. As Wimbledon threatened the Ashford back line, the offside flag shot up. The first half left Wimbledon increasingly frustrated, and with just five minutes remaining before half-time, Becki Bath was sin binned.
The second-half started just as the first-half had ended, with the Dons dominating the play, but lacking the clinical edge. However, with 50 minutes on the clock Ashlee Hincks stepped up and produced a moment of brilliance. As Ashford tried to clear a ball into the box from Bath, Hincks volleyed a shot into the top right corner to give the Dons a much deserved lead.
Despite the goal, the game continued in the same fashion. Wimbledon continued to dominate possession, with the visitors showing signs of threatening on the counter-attack. With five minutes left of the game, any nerves were put to ease. Ellie Dorey doubled the lead with a looping header after getting on the end of a cross from captain Hannah Billingham.
In the dying seconds of injury-time Hincks completed the scoring from the penalty spot after being brought down.
Following the victory, Rosie Russell said: “We know what we need to do, we are good when we move the ball and we just need to keep building on that and the results follow.”
Manager Kevin Foster added: “It was a really good win, the scoreline doesn’t reflect the true meaning of the game because Ashford were much improved, and their shape was excellent. It was really difficult for us to break it down. Ultimately, it was a couple of moments of quality from our forward line that won us the game.”
There is no respite for AFC Wimbledon as they travel to title rivals Hashtag on Sunday. This is followed by a return to Plough Lane with Chesham United visiting on Sunday 5th March. Tickets are available for the Chesham United match via: https://tinyurl.com/39krmk5f
Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Brooks, Highman, Billingham, Taylor (Sampson), Stow (Ali), Donovan, Plewa, Hincks, Bath (Dorey).
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis spoke exclusively to Impetus’ Ben Gilby about how his team has found their best form after a tough run of results and losing a key striker to season-ending injury for the third successive campaign (23/2/23).
Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis. Image: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory are currently in fine form in the A-League Women on a four-match unbeaten run, after taking longer than expected to hit winning ways this season.
After narrowly missing out on Finals football last time round, the Western Australian side started the campaign slowly, but head coach Alex Epakis believes the current positive run is a result of hard work on the training pitch.
“We are in a good run of form currently and I am pleased with the individual and team performances. We have worked very hard in training and that focused work and effort is now translating to more dominant performances and positive results.”
Glory have also had to overcome losing a key striker to a season-ending injury for the third successive season. After losing Gemma Craine in the previous two campaigns, this year’s top scorer Rylee Baisden suffered a heartbreaking ACL injury at AAMI Park. The impact was huge on the club – and not just due to the American’s impact on the pitch
Above: Rylee Baisden in action for Perth Glory against Canberra United earlier this season. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
“Losing Rylee was a dent,” the Perth boss explained. “She is a vibrant character with experience and a lot of quality on and off the field. She was in great attacking form prior to her injury and was a focal point to our attack.
“The injury was devastating for her on a personal level and we have done absolutely everything to assist and support her during the early stages of her rehab. Currently, she is tracking well.
“Once the injury occurred, I knew someone would step up; we are fortunate that all the attacking players have found another gear; Cyera (Hintzen), Susan (Phonsongkham), Sofia (Sakalis), Alana (Jancevski), Hannah (Blake), and Hana (Lowry). The team as a whole is also attacking a lot more fluidly and we are finding a nice sweet spot currently in creating and converting chances.
“Rylee is still in Australia and her recovery is positive and well underway, she is a very strong and resilient character and we will continue to support her through this process.”
Baisden’s loss, plus the team’s challenging start to the campaign result-wise left Perth’s season at a crossroads. Yet, as has happened so often with the Western Australian side over the past couple of years, when things look to be at their most challenging, the team produce their best. It’s something that Epakis puts down to his leadership group.
Above: Locally born youngster Bella Wallhead is back in the Perth Glory team this season after a season on the sidelines. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
“The team has fantastic resilience. The leadership group; Tash (Rigby), Kim (Carroll) as well as other leaders, have played a big part in ensuring that we have a positive mindset and embrace the challenges. Doing things the difficult way is in our nature, we love it. The team spirit is very high and we are very together as a group.”
After spending last season on the sidelines, locally produced defender Bella Wallhead, who turned 20 last week, has come back into the squad for this campaign, something that the Perth boss believes is a reward for her continuing growth as a player.
“Bella had a good start to the season off the back of a strong pre-season. She is progressing well and developing elements of her game whilst learning from the experienced defenders in the squad. She is working hard to regain her spot.”
In terms of other young Western Australians at the club, including Tijan McKenna, recently called up to the Young Matildas squad, the Perth boss said: “The entire squad understands that internal competition is a sign of a healthy and progressive team. They embrace that and it facilitates players’ growth and team success.”
Whilst Perth’s current unbeaten run has made Finals football a possibility, the team face a major hurdle to overcome in the process. Their scheduled away game at Sydney FC in January was postponed due to the Harbour City club being unable to find a suitable venue to play the match. The APL have now rescheduled the match to the end of March – meaning Perth face a run in of three matches in three different states in six games. Glory face over 4,000 miles of travelling and no time for recovery between matches.
Above: Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby is aiming to lead her team towards Finals football. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
Epakis revealed that the APL have never replied to an email he sent them voicing his concerns over the decision and its impact on his team.
“I am unsure the club received further correspondence either. It doesn’t look great in my opinion but nonetheless, we are focused on the task at hand, and we won’t get dragged into feeling sorry for ourselves. A lot more could be said, but I’ll leave that to the public and powerbrokers.”
Alex Epakis, Perth Glory head coach on the APL’s decision to reschedule his team’s trip to Sydney FC.
As Perth head towards the climax of Epakis’ third season at the helm, Epakis highlighted what he continues to learn from his tenure in the West.
“Each season has been an unbelievable experience and journey. Different hurdles and challenges always present themselves, from COVID, relocations, injuries, and results. The season moves very quickly and different things come up that myself, the staff, and team have to navigate through – it is one of the wonders of this job.
“We are now in a very cohesive place as a squad, I understand the players well and they understand myself and the standards and environment we have. Our team identity is as strong as it has ever been and it is showing in our training and performances.”
Above: The return of local-born defender Izzy Foletta has had a major boost on Perth Glory’s progress this season. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
With Perth in a battle with a number of clubs for what could potentially be one available spot in the Finals, the Glory head coach is clear about what he needs to see from his team over the remaining weeks of the season.
“We have to keep focused on the task at hand each week and prepare well at training to give us the best chance of winning. We are certainly capable of anything, it is my job to harness that belief and continue to support the players are much as possible over the run in home.”
Epakis sees a bright future for the Glory, and believes that things are moving in the right direction to ensure that the club continue to progress positively over the long term.
“The team and club are moving in a positive direction on and off the field. We are strategic with the approach and maintaining stability is an important pillar for the club. Positive discussions relating to the future are always occurring.”
Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.
Above: The belief is strong and the trust is there in the Matildas squad. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
The Matildas have won all three games in the latest international window. They scored 10 goals, while conceding just two. But not everything went exactly to plan, and this might be the most promising thing to come from the Cup of Nations.
The opponents were chosen not just with availability in mind, and definitely not with guaranteed wins as a consideration. Jamaica will be at the World Cup, Czechia have an enviable record against top teams and Spain will be expecting to contend for the trophy.
These teams different in playing styles and posed various challenges for Australia. Against each team, The Matildas had to find a different way to win.
Long-term fans of The Matildas will know that this generation has always been capable of beating anybody. But they tended to feel either ‘on’ or not. There were sometimes miraculous exceptions, but in games like the 2018 Asian Cup semi-final and final, it was pretty clear from the kickoff that the games would be difficult. Sometimes this was due to the opposition, but it was something that could last 90 minutes or beyond.
In the last seven games, The Matildas have shown they can switch formations, personnel, and more importantly gears to change the momentum of a match, then strike when they have it.
Above: Alex Chidiac (right) in action against Jamaica yesterday. The midfielder continues to impress in the green and gold. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
In the opening match, The Matildas prepared to face a team that got numbers behind the ball. Czechia had held the US scoreless and looked organised, disciplined, and physical. It took Australia until the second half to break them down, but they remained patient, did not get frustrated or lose confidence, and ended up with the 4-0 win.
Crucial to that match was early substitutions, and positional changes. Kyra Cooney-Cross pushed higher up the pitch and Alex Chidiac was introduced with plenty of time left to play.
The two former Melbourne Victory teammates were instrumental in the win. Cooney-Cross was sensational in the opening match, and her partnership with the dominant Katrina Gorry has been a big reason for the Matildas’ upturn in form. When she receives the ball, her first instinct is to accelerate into space that she instinctively knows is there. She creates time for herself, sometimes just extra seconds to deliver long passes or knit in shorter distances.
Chidiac is the definition of a game changer. She wants to impact games, knows she has the ability to panic defenders, and accepts the responsibility that comes with her undeniable talent.
Against Czechia, she created Sam Kerr’s goal after picking up the ball in the middle, linking wider with Charli Grant then winning a 50-50 ball after it bounced free.
In the final match against Jamaica, she changed the momentum. Subbed on at halftime, Chidiac was the dominant force of the second half. Gorry’s goal had given Australia the advantage, but Chidiac kept Jamaica on the back foot at every opportunity.
Her goal was footballing perfection. The ball fell to her in the penalty box, and instead of blasting at goal, she shifted her body to take send two defenders sprawling and make certain of it in ridiculous style.
Australia now can push through a frustrating period of a match, play without the ball, and score goals regardless.
In the second match against Spain, Australia were forced to defend for longer stretches of the match but looked no less convincing. The 3-0 scoreline at halftime was slightly fortuitous, but they took their chances when they came, and could have had more.
Bigger tests await, but Tony Gustavsson’s Matildas should fear nobody right now. They visibly have confidence in themselves, the game plan, and each other. This had not come from big wins against lowly ranked, or hand-picked opponents, but it has been done the hard way, through painstaking trials and repeated baptisms of fire.
There is still room for improvement, there always will be. But if the wins against Denmark and Sweden showed what The Matildas best could look like, The Cup of Nations has proven it was no fluke.
Above: The Matildas celebrate their Cup of Nations success. They have now won seven matches in a row, including victories over Spain, Sweden, and Denmark. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
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