Kris Goman was at Wanderers Football Park for Impetus yesterday to capture the best of the action fromthe A-League Women match between Western Sydney Wanderers and Brisbane Roar (20/3/23).
Above: All eyes on the ball last night at Western Sydney Wanderers (red and black). Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Above: Perth SC celebrate with the NPLW WA Night Series trophy after their dramatic win over Perth RedStar. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
by Ben Gilby(19/3/23)
Perth SC came from 2-0 down with six minutes of normal time remaining to defeat Perth RedStar in a sudden death penalty shoot-out in a highly dramatic NPLW WA Night Series Grand Final at Floreat Athena’s E&D Litis Stadium.
The Azzurri showed real grit and determination to become the first side to defeat Perth RedStar since the merger between Northern Redbacks and ECU Joondalup. As well as being two goals adrift during the 90 minutes, they also missed their opening penalty in the shoot-out. This was a trophy for Perth SC that was earned the hard way.
Carlos Vega Mena’s RedStar side won every trophy available to them last season. Despite losing key players Shawn Billam (retirement), Larissa Walsh (Calder United), and Carla Bennett (serious injury), the RedStar conveyor belt of home-produced talent and canny signings has put together another strong team.
Perth SC boss Pete Rakic has also put together a strong-looking squad for the new season, as the Azzurri look to mount a serious challenge across all competitions this campaign. Coming in are talented players such as former Perth Glory A-League Women players Poppie Hooks (from Murdoch University Melville), Gemma Craine (returning from 12 months injured), plus Monique Godding from Balcatta Etna and Ellie La Monte who comes back to WA after a 17 goal haul for Launceston United in the NPLW Tasmania last season.
The opening half-hour was largely cagey. There were a limited number of half-chances. First, with six minutes on the clock, Liana Cook floated in a free kick for Perth SC on the left-hand side of the box that led to Jaime Duncanson getting an effort away that Maya Diederichsen in the RedStar put out for a corner. The resulting flag kick saw Hooks fire in a shot that drifted wide.
RedStar began to threaten more often after the 20-minute mark with former Football Fern Renee Leota denied a shot on goal as Perth defender Alyssa van Heurck got in a fine tackle just as the trigger was about to be pulled. Cook also got back well to deny Leota another chance after reading Olivia Wood’s through ball expertly.
Goal!! for Perth RedStar FC out of NPL Women Night Series Final at RedStar Arena in the 31:15 mark of the First Half. Score Perth RedStar FC 1:0 Perth SC
However, just after the half-hour mark Leota ran towards the box and was challenged just inside the area, and referee David Avison pointed to the spot. Up stepped Sarah Carroll, who dispatched a low shot into the right-hand corner of the net, just beyond the outstretched boot of Perth SC keeper Rebecca Bennett.
Perth SC looked to respond instantly with Duncanson getting through and hitting a fierce low ball across the box that no one in a sky-blue shirt could get on the end of. Shortly afterwards, Abbey Meakins let fly from long range, but Diederichsen dealt with the danger.
In time-honoured fashion, once ahead, RedStar looked to make the most of it. Grace Monteiro turned and played in a high cross from the right that Wood, centrally positioned on the edge of the box headed backwards for Chiori Ikeda. The Japanese player showed great skill to first control the ball, and then backheel it for compatriot Reina Kagami to take a touch and sweep a low shot into the net to double the defending champions’ lead.
Goal!! for Perth RedStar FC out of NPL Women Night Series Final at RedStar Arena in the 41:03 mark of the First Half. Score Perth RedStar FC 2:0 Perth SC
Just before the break, Carlos Vega Mena’s side had one further opportunity as Wood’s long-range shot was well held by Rebecca Bennett.
Pete Rakic made an important half-time substitution, bringing on Craine, and his Perth SC side began to slowly edge back into the contest after an early mix-up in defence that saw an attempted clearance deflect off a sky-blue shirt and fall to Carroll whose shot from the edge of the area was cleared.
Just before the hour mark, Meakins combined with the industrious Ella Lincoln who forced a superb diving save from Diederichsen. Ten minutes later, the Azzurri came close once more as Duncanson’s corner from the left spun in viciously, and with Diederichsen beaten, came back off of the crossbar.
RedStar also saw an effort come back off of the bar within two minutes when Coleman found Wood, who rocketed a shot off of the woodwork.
Perth SC had survived, and then mounted an attack of their own as Judy Connolly was played through, only to be brought down in the box by Andreia Teixeira who was shown a yellow card and a penalty awarded. Abbey Meakins’ low spot kick found the net to bring Perth back into the game.
Goal!! for Perth SC out of NPL Women Night Series Final at RedStar Arena in the 71:53 mark of the Second Half. Score Perth RedStar FC 2:1 Perth SC
Perth RedStar fashioned the next chance – a golden one to seal victory with 18 minutes remaining in a sequence that, after the match, could be looked back on as the moment this game turned.
Leota found Akida from the left-hand side who forced Bennett into a save, with the rebound coming for Coleman, placed centrally in the box who looked certain to have hit the third RedStar goal to finally kill off Perth dreams – but Bennett came from nowhere to produce an astounding save.
Buoyed by this, Perth SC came forward, and with just six minutes remaining on the clock, a ball through found Football West NTC product Connolly who turned Carroll twice and guided a shot into the far right-hand corner to level the scores. With no extra time in this final – the destination of the trophy was to be decided by a penalty shoot-out.
Goal!! for Perth SC out of NPL Women Night Series Final at RedStar Arena in the 83:44 mark of the Second Half. Score Perth RedStar FC 2:2 Perth SC
First up was Meakins for Perth, but her effort was saved by a flying Diederichsen to the left. With the next eight penalties all successful, up stepped Kagami who knew that if she scored, Perth RedStar would retain the trophy. However, Bennett dived to the right to push the ball away, and Perth SC were back from the dead once more.
The shoot-out now moved to sudden death, and with the pressure ramped up, five successful penalties were taken. RedStar captain Jay Coleman then stepped up and agonisingly put her spot kick wide of the left-hand post. It was a cruel way for such an enthralling encounter to be decided.
Above: Perth SC’s Judy Connolly celebrates with the NPLW WA Night Series trophy. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Perth SC celebrated a hard-won trophy. They will take huge confidence not just from winning silverware, but the way they did it, and the huge character they showed. However, Perth RedStar will come back from this – they will go all out to repeat their successes of last season, starting next weekend when they host Hyundai NTC in a repeat of last season’s NPLW Top Four Cup Final to begin the 2023 NPLW WA campaign. It’s going to be a heck of a ride.
Above: Bethany Gordon celebrates with her teammates after scoring her first-ever A-League goal. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Western Sydney Wanderers defeated Brisbane Roar on Sunday in a match that was delayed by a few hours due to extreme weather during the day.
The first half hour of the match was relatively uneventful. There were a few half chances up both ends, but for the most part, both teams seemed content passing the ball around and playing it safe.
But about 10 minutes before half time the match kicked into gear. Malia Steinmetz played a good ball down to Sophie Harding on the left flank, who ran into the box and hit a cross to Bethany Gordon who had perfectly timed her run and tapped it in for her first-ever A-League goal.
A few minutes later, there was another A-League first. A great corner kick by Amy Harrison found the newly capped Matilda Clare Hunt, who scored a spectacular header off the inside of the crossbar.
Brisbane Roar started the second half with a bit more intensity, which paid off about five minutes in. Shea Connors capitalised on a Wanderers error in the middle of the pitch and used her lightning-quick pace to track down to the box and cut it across to Larissa Crummer who tapped it in. There was a muted celebration from Connors and Crummer, but the Roar were back in the match.
Just before the 80-minute mark, Amy Chessari hit a great cross into the box, which again found Gordon, who took a shot, but it bounced off a Brisbane defender up into the air, however, Gordon tried again on the volley and scored a sensational goal to seal the win for the Wanderers.
Beth Gordon, WHAT A HIT! 🚀
41 minutes after her first ever @LibFinancial A-League goal, the @wswanderersfc midfielder bags a classy second! 🎯
All in all, it was a big win for the Wanderers and well deserved. They defended very well when they needed to and they found a variety of ways to create goalscoring opportunities and when they had them, they seized them. Their conversion rate was excellent.
Gordon was phenomenal in the midfield, creating a seamless link between the defenders and the front line, and unbelievably scoring her first and second A-League goals in the same match. Hunt was rock solid in defence as usual, and she also showed her prowess in attack as well. The Wanderers goalkeeper Sham Khamis also did an excellent job filling in for Jordyn Bloomer who was recalled by her NWSL club, Racing Louisville, during the week.
For Brisbane Roar, it was a disappointing but entirely understandable loss. Brisbane Roar came into the match having had their finals dreams snuffed out by the APL, who handed them a disappointing three-point deduction during the week. The Roar also lost several key players, such as Katrina Gorry and Kajsa Lind, who were recalled to their Swedish club, Vittsjö.
Ayesha Norrie was also unavailable because she was serving suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards. Brisbane Roar were significantly weakened not having the experience, quality, and leadership of Gorry, Lind, and Norrie. Couple that with deflated spirits and you have an almost impossible mountain to climb.
Brisbane Roar play Melbourne Victory next Saturday and Western Sydney Wanderers will have a week off before facing Western United on 1st April in their last match of the season.
Above: Tottenham Hotspur come together after their huge win over Leicester City in midweek. Photo: Spurs Women.
Sometimes you have to lose a lot of games to properly relish a win.
And Tottenham Hotspur fans waited a long time: nine games or 136 days.
Spurs’ last win – that eight-goal false dawn at Brighton – was back on the 30th October. Rishi Sunak had that week taken office as Prime Minister. England had not yet exited the men’s World Cup on penalties. They hadn’t even touched down in Qatar.
After Brighton, Tottenham lost and lost and lost again. They lost at Brisbane Road, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in Manchester, Liverpool, Reading, and Birmingham. There were a lot of losses. A lot of slow dejected train journeys home.
I have elsewhere talked about the 9-game losing streak that resulted in Rehanne Skinner’s departure, and Vicky Jepson taking over as interim head coach. The edited version is that before Christmas, Spurs could not score, going five games without a goal. More recently the problem was defending: three times Spurs took the lead in games to then be pulled back. Along the way, there were mistakes, poor passing, and a raft of fitness problems.
And then on Wednesday, Leicester City at home. A glorious, wonderous 1-0 win.
In truth, it was a messy, ungainly game. Both teams needed the points. The first half was cagey. Not a lot of free-flowing football on display and neither team created clear-cut chances. Leicester perhaps looked more controlled.
Notwithstanding the change in management, the Spurs side that started against Leicester had just one change from the team that started the previous game. What had changed, however, was that against Leicester, every Spurs player on the pitch looked up for the fight.
It is not for nothing that Leicester have kept clean sheets in three of their five games since the Christmas break. Following their own nine-game losing streak at the start of the season, the club swapped managers and during the January window strengthened, bringing in, among others, the impressive 19-year-old Ruby Mace at defensive midfield and Bayern Munich loanee keeper, Janina Leitzig. Leitzig is in the 99th percentile of keepers for crosses stopped and the 95th percentile for save percentage, and goals conceded against expected goals conceded. In other words, it was going to take something special to beat her.
And Beth England’s second-half goal was special. So was Drew Spence’s trickery in the middle of the park to get clear of three players and find Rosella Ayane in space. Spence is a player who can drift in and out of games. But in this game she was there, her close ball control on display, the map of her touches showing her influence across the pitch.
So, Spence passed to Ayane. And then, in the most unlikely of redemption arcs, Ayane turned provider. Over four relatively fruitless seasons, Ayane has elicited more groans than cheers from watching supporters. Indeed, across her first 56 games for Spurs, she managed just three goal contributions. But now, in the last three games alone, Ayane has equalled that tally (with one goal and two assists, the second in this game).
Above: Beth England (left) celebrates her sensational match-winner against Leicester CIty. Photo: Guardian.
What came as no surprise to anyone is that Bethany England was the goal-scorer. Since arriving at Spurs, England has bagged four goals in five WSL starts. This, her last and, as she described it, “one of the most important” in her career is undoubtedly the most important since her arrival at Spurs.
It also stands alongside England’s solo effort against Manchester United as a thing of beauty. Against United, she picked up the ball on the halfway line. This time the Lionesses’ attacker received the ball from Ayane further up and on the left. She carried it goalwards, cutting across at the top of the box, and then launched the ball. When she did it was far enough out that there was time to admire the flight, and coo as the ball bent into the far corner of the net. Take it all in.
Then the realisation. England’s roar drowned out by the screams of the sparsely-spread 300 fans who had made it to Brisbane Road on a rail strike-hit Wednesday evening.
After that Spurs had more chances. Celin Bizet rounded the keeper but couldn’t find the target. Ayane’s shot went over. Kit Graham’s went wide. And England shot again, but this time a tame effort, straight at Leitzig. Spurs were on top now, but Leicester were not out of it.
The game went on. Eventually, the clock ticked down through five unbearable minutes of injury time. I reassured myself: “It’s okay. Even if they score now, it’s enough. Say it ends 1-1, at least we’ll get a point. A point would be okay. It would end the run. It would keep us above Leicester in the league table.” So goes the beleaguered fan’s pessimistic reasoning.
But Leicester did not score. Spurs did not concede. The first clean sheet in the WSL since Brighton. In her post-match interview Bethany England said “First and foremost today our goal was, bodies behind the ball and keep a clean sheet. Whatever comes from that afterwards is a bonus.” And that was what happened.
Players, including England, dropped deep to defend or collect the ball. They put their bodies on the line. Kerys Harrop made a ridiculous game-high 10 clearances – most of them finding a Tottenham player in space. Molly Bartrip’s goal-line clearance came just seconds before Spurs’ goal and was as important as England’s strike in determining the outcome. Tinni Korpela was a calming and commanding presence, making saves and claiming the ball without fanfare and, as the minutes ebbed away, slowing things down, being ‘clever’.
And then, finally the whistle.
Whereas the last league win at Brighton back in October had offered up a diverse palate of pleasures with four goals a half, in this game there were just two massive releases: the goal and full-time.
When it was over the emotion was palpable, as players, staff and fans realised the run had ended.
Spurs moved from two to five points above Leicester. And while a win does not guarantee WSL safety – another three points are probably needed for that – a win was necessary. For the mood. For confidence. And because without it there was a real possibility of quietly sliding into relegation.
So where next? There are lots of very good players in the Spurs team and a few excellent ones. But in the season so far, they have too often created ways to lose. Maybe now they will start finding ways to win. If they do, and if winning becomes a habit, it may start to mean less but I think I could live with that.
More immediately, Spurs’ next game is the North London Derby. Last season Spurs took their first point off Arsenal. Will this win act as the springboard for them to repeat or better that achievement? We can only hope so.
Above: Tottenham Hotspur captain Ashleigh Neville celebrates the win after the game. Photo: Spurs Women Blog,
Above: Cyera Hintzen (right) and Hana Lowry celebrate after the American striker scored Perth Glory’s winner. Photo: Perth Glory FC
Wellington Phoenix suffered their sixth 1-nil defeat of the Liberty A-League season at the hands of Perth Glory, with American striker Cyera Hintzen scoring an early goal to secure the win.
A strong first 20 minutes by the visitors was all they needed to secure a goal and hold a lead. The winning strike came from Cyera Hinzten, whose impressive finish after a build up of crisp passing completed a move of quality from the Western Australian side.
Despite dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities, the Phoenix were unable to convert their plethora of chances into goals, and remain bottom of the ladder. The team’s head coach, Natalie Lawrence, expressed her frustration at their inability to score despite playing attacking football.
“So it’s something that we’ve got to keep working on improving is our composure. We had 11 shots inside the box. There were 24 shots in total. We had similar 28 crosses that’s 60% possession, when you look at those stats, you can’t lose those games. Especially with how tight it is at the bottom.”
Despite the loss, Lawrence was proud of her team’s performance and believes that they are making progress.
“We feel that we’ve shown massive progression from last year and from the beginning of the season. So we’ll keep working really, really hard. Right into the last game for the season.”
Although the Phoenix responded well to going behind, with Paige Satchell causing problems down the flank, they were unable to score despite having 24 shots to the Glory’s eight and delivering 28 crosses into the Perth box. Sarah Langman, the Glory goalkeeper, made several saves to keep a clean sheet, denying multiple Phoenix players. Despite making substitutions and pushing for an equalizer, the Phoenix were unable to find the back of the net and ultimately fell to another narrow defeat.
Perth Glory coach Alex Epakis was a proud man after the game, and recognised the efforts of Wellington Phoenix as well.
“Look, what I would say is that credit has to go to Wellington, I believe we came out and started off the blocks really quickly, in the first 15-20 minutes, we looked really crisp with the ball.
“We got rewarded with a nice goal for that. But then after that, they just sort of took control of the game a little bit. And, you know, they played really well. The way that the team’s evolving and progressing, credit to the staff. But ultimately, what we did show was that relentless desire to just find a way to win, even when you don’t play well, for 90 minutes. And I think that’s the trait of a healthy team.”
The win keeps Perth’s finals hopes mathematically alive, while the Phoenix must regroup before their next game against the Jets.
Above: Kaitlyn Topey and Hannah Wilkinson celebrate City’s late equaliser.Photo: Liberty A-League.
Melbourne City snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat against Sydney FC to maintain their hold on third spot.
Sydney FC welcomed back Nat Tobin to the side, with Rachel Lowe continuing to play in attack in place of the injured Madison Haley.
Melbourne City were missing Rhianna Pollicina, but Young Matilda Daniela Galic returned to the line-up. Coach Dario Vidosic tinkered with the forward line following the defeat in the Melbourne Derby, Bryleeh Henry started on the bench, with Holly McNamara, Hannah Wilkinson, and Maria Rojas making up the front three.
Despite the travel and the heat, Sydney FC controlled the majority of the first half. Lowe and Mackenzie Hawekesby were both mobile and busy, but it was the home side who created the first serious chance of the game.
Holly McNamara is a player who is consistently dangerous on the ball, and her run into the box set up Galic for an opportunity to open the scoring. The playmaker stayed composed amid the traffic and hit a shot from close range low to the near bottom corner. It took a spectacular save from Jada Whyman to deny the goal. Her outstretched hand provided one of the highlights of her season.
Cortnee Vine was providing the biggest threat to City’s defence. The Matildas’ attacker was dominant on her side of the pitch. The battle between her and Julia Grosso was one of the definitive ones of the game, and both players were ready to defend or attack when needed.
Not surprisingly, Vine opened the scoring in the 24th minute. City tend to attack with patience and in numbers, but this can leave them vulnerable if they lose possession. A long direct attack released Vine on the right wing and behind Grosso.
When Cortnee Vine is at full pace and has nothing but space between her and the goal there is very little a goalkeeper can do. If you come out, she can go around you, if you stay on your line, she will just keep coming. Sally James did her best to narrow the angle, but once she committed, Vine slotted the ball beyond her to make it 1-0.
Vine time! ⏱️
Cortnee Vine turns on the jets and finishes off a brilliant counter-attack to give @SydneyFC the lead over @MelbourneCity 🔥
The Sydney FC star continued to threaten throughout the game. Whether she was in space or cutting into crowded areas of the defence, Vine was menacing. After cutting inside she set up Sarah Hunter for a good chance, and the midfielder’s shot was well hit but missed the target.
City’s played with three at the back, and although this was partially the reason Vine had space out wide, it meant that it was hard to find space in front of goal. Naomi Chinnama started for the first time since recovering from a hamstring injury and looked impassable for periods of this game. Even a header against her own post fell fortuitously and harmlessly for her side.
The best chance for City in the first 45 fell to Rojas. A dynamic and explosive run from McNamara found the Chilean striker in space, but she finished the move by attempting to pass across goal when an earlier shot might have caused more problems for Whyman.
The second half continued to be the Vine show, and when she was not bursting into attack, she was setting others on their way.
A casual yet lethal ball put Princess Ibini into space with only James to beat. The prodigious goalkeeper did very well to make herself big and stay on her feet. Ibini was forced wide and the eventual shot hit the side netting.
Vine played an almost identical ball to provide Rachel Lowe with an excellent opportunity to double the lead. James was quick off her line again and the shot was stopped by her foot as she dove across to Lowe’s run to keep her team in the game.
As the game wore on, the heat looked to be a factor, and both teams began to tire. City brought on Darcy Malone and Bryleeh Henry to try and find an equaliser. Sydney FC continued to probe with Ibini’s trademark right foot shot brining the best out of James again.
The game opened up, and City’s method of attack became more direct. This meant that Hannah Wilkinson was more involved with quicker service and Sydney’s one-goal lead started to look tenuous.
Drama at the death! 😱
Kaitlyn Torpey finds a last-gasp equaliser to earn @MelbourneCity a point against @SydneyFC!
A huge result in the race for the Premiers Plate 😮
Nevertheless, it still felt surprising when City finally found an equaliser. Kaitlyn Torpey volleyed home at the far post, meeting an injury-time corner kick directing the ball between multiple Sydney FC defenders. City had spent long periods of this match under attacking pressure and had held on, then taken their opportunity when it arrived.
City almost snatched the win late when Wilkinson cruised into space in the dying seconds. Her shot from the angle was cut off by Whyman but it was a reminder of what that attack can provide when they receive the ball quickly and in space.
The draw means that the ladder positions of either side do not change much. Sydney FC still remain in contention for a third consecutive premiership but have been made to wait at least another few weeks. City look like solid bets for a finals position, but have still not beaten another top-four side this season.
The impressive self-belief and the form of Chinnama and James will be promising signs though. The dramatic late draw will be extremely valuable to the team when the knockout games begin.
Speaking after the game, Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric said: “I am extremely proud of our performance. The girls played with passion and intensity, which is so pleasing as a coach.
“We created lots of opportunities which we did not capitalise on, but I enjoyed the way we attacked and on how we had a willingness to go forward. Unfortunately, we conceded a last-minute goal off a set piece. The one point is still very important at this point of the season. We now focus on the next match and the job at hand in the next few vital weeks.”
SYDNEY FC (4-3-1-2): Whyman, Rule, de la Harpe, Tobin, Green, Hunter, Hollman, Hawkesby, Vine, Lowe, Ibini. Substitutes: Collister, J. Dos Santos, I. Dos Santos, Evans, Offer.
Above: Celebrations for Melbourne Victory after their late leveller at Canberra United today. Photo: Liberty A-League.
Tiff Eliadis’ strike two minutes before the end of normal time gained Melbourne Victory a huge point in the context of the Finals race.
In the battle of the sides who went into the round placed fourth and fifth, Jeff Hopkins’ side knew that avoiding defeat could prove to be decisive in their bid to seal yet another top-four berth.
In an opening that saw both teams feeling each other out, Hayley Taylor-Young was full of intelligent running, and Vesna Milivojević was looking to bring her fellow attackers into the play as Canberra looked to push for a win that would be potentially monumental in their Finals hopes.
However, as the game developed, clear-cut scoring opportunities were few and far between. Both goalkeepers were called into action largely for claiming crosses rather than out and out shot stopping. Victory earned more possession and territory in this spell with the industry of Beattie Goad apparent, along with link-up play between Lia Privitelli and Melina Ayres that was keeping Canberra’s backline busy.
In the final ten minutes of the opening period, with Grace Maher probing, Taylor-Young getting further forward, and Nicki Flannery more involved along the left, Canberra began to trouble the Victory defence with a flurry of chances.
Michelle Heyman held off Claudia Bunge on the right-hand side of the box and fired in a low shot that hit the side netting. Flannery then found Milivojević with a lofted ball over the top that the Victory defence failed to deal with, allowing the Canberra attacker to hit a shot that Casey Dumont did well to tip over.
Above: Ellie Brush, a foundation player at Canberra United, in action during what could be her last A-League Women match at McKellar Park. Photo: Keep Up.
The visiting goalkeeper was called into action again shortly afterwards as Heyman danced her way towards the area on the right and lifted a shot that Dumont had to jump to hold.
Goad served the home side a late reminder deep into first-half stoppage time that the visitors could pose a threat as the Australian international motored along the right wing, turned Taylor-Young, and hit a vicious cross-shot that whistled just beyond the top right-hand corner of the goal.
The momentum remained with Canberra as the second half opened. On the hour mark, Grace Jale received the ball from Holly Murray and lifted a high ball in that Dumont failed to claim, but Milivojević couldn’t pounce.
Just over ten minutes later, Canberra had better luck. Sasha Grove threaded a pass through to Heyman who in turn fed Wu Chengsu, and the Chinese star hit a shot that Dumont repelled at the cost of a corner. Milivojević played it in high from the left, Ellie Brush, in what could be her final appearance at McKellar Park, got a shot in before newly arrived substitute Kennedy Faulknor ghosted between the Victory defenders to see an initial shot come off the post before having the time to tap the rebound home.
The home side continued to press with Wu forcing Dumont into another superb save with nine minutes remaining, and shortly afterwards Jale broke through and side-footed a shot that went agonisingly high and narrowly wide. It was a moment that Canberra would rue.
With two minutes to go, Maja Markovski took the ball out wide to the right and played a clinical low ball into the path of Tiff Eliadis to poke the ball home. This was a huge goal in the context of both teams’ seasons.
Above: Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Casey Dumont making another in a series of fine saves today. Photo: Keep Up.
To further increase Canberra’s frustration, Maher played a long ball through to Milivojević who then found Heyman whose shot incredibly came back off of the right-hand post and rolled along to bounce against the opposite post. Despite five minutes of stoppage time and both sides’ best efforts neither could find the net again.
For Canberra United, this was a heartbreaking outcome. Regardless of the outcome of their appeal against a three-point deduction, this draw, and the stage of the game that the visitors’ goal came, makes this feel like a loss. The gap between them and the last spot in the finals is now five points, and with two games to go, that’s tough to make up. Melbourne Victory have a habit of coming good when it matters.
Above: Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidocic in training. Photo: Melbourne City.
As the Finals loom closer, the competition pressure continues to build. Top four places are looking to be sewn up, and teams in contention are scrapping for every point.
For Melbourne City, they’ve comfortably been near the head of the table for the majority of the campaign, and whilst they haven’t yet clinched a finals berth, it would be surprising if they were to miss out.
Equally as surprising though, is the fact they have yet to beat any of their other top four opponents this season, with another loss, this time to Melbourne Victory, last weekend. It brings their combined record to four losses and a draw against Victory, Western United, and Sydney FC.
“I think it’s just belief,” City head coach, Dario Vidosic, said at his pre-match press conference. “The belief that we can do it, that we can play when the pressure is a little bit higher; it’s a mindset really. I explained to them this morning that we play in much tighter areas, bigger numbers [during training] and they show they’re capable of doing it everyday – it’s not something that we ask that’s beyond their capabilities, they’re all good footballers.
“Regardless who the opposition is, we want to win and play our brand of football; that’s the goal. We can say yes, we’ve played all the other teams in the top four and haven’t won a game. But other than the Sydney game (a 3-0 loss), and the first 20 minutes against Victory, we were the better team.
“Once we went 2-0 down [against Victory], it’s always more difficult. But in the second half I thought we were really good, we still controlled it and created enough chances that on another day you could still win that game. But it’s hard to concede goals and then have to come back. If we started well, it would have been a totally different outcome last weekend, but it is what it is.”
Maria Rojas, also speaking on Friday, conveyed the sense of a missed opportunity within the playing group as well. “Very disappointed, because it was a big game, the derby; as a club, every single game we go for the win,” the Chilean said.
“We do analyse the games, what we do well and don’t do well. This whole week it’s been [about] trying to be positive, to move on, we’ve been working really hard to fix what we need to work on, working on our finishing and getting into those areas. We were probably the better team but at the end of the day what matters is the score, putting the ball in the back of the net.”
“Unfortunately that’s football,” Vidosic continued. “That can happen, where sometimes you deserve it and you win, and other times you don’t deserve to and you still win as well. But the reality is, we haven’t won a game (against the other top-four sides). Tomorrow, we go out, same mentality, we just keep putting pressure.
“It’s just continually a process of improving and continuing to improve how we want to play and dictate games and to win – and a big part is belief. What we ask – to build up, to keep possession, to drag opponents away and then to occupy that space, the different mechanisms we have in our attack and defending – if we put that together then we’re a great team and we can win. But if we go away from that then it’s a flip of a coin.
Above: Maria Rojas who feels she is surrounded by “amazing players”. Photo: Melbourne City.
“I know we’ve got a young squad, and they’re learning, [but] a fantastic opportunity after last weekend. We’ve had an excellent training week, and we’re looking forward to the challenge that Sydney FC will set.”
Both Rojas and Vidosic spent time talking about their attacking play, having had 23 shots last weekend (11 on target) and winning the expected goals battle (1.7 vs Victory’s 1.2), yet not being able to get on the scoresheet. “It’s just practice and a little bit of that composure, where you feel a little bit rushed, a little bit of pressure,” Vidosic explained. “They’re all very good players in our frontline. It’d be more concerning if we didn’t create shots and on another day we’d probably score four or five goals. We can look at the negatives, but there were also a lot of positives.”
Rojas also touched on her and fellow attacker Holly McNamara’s return to the squad after an ACL injury. 20-year-old McNamara has quickly impressed, having been on the sidelines for more than 12 months. “Obviously it takes a little bit of time,” Rojas, herself playing in her second match back for City, said. “With Wilky (Hannah Wilkinson) and Holly (McNamara) we were training a little before I left, but hadn’t played many games (together). But now, trying to work together and seeing how they play, what’s best for the team, that’s what we’ve been working hard on as well this week.
“I think it’s great to have such amazing players, a great team, and hopefully it works out for us. It’s great to have players who drive with the ball; [McNamara’s] quick, and we needed to have someone who plays well with the ball. She has a great intensity and knows how to drive balls into the [penalty] area. We just need to now work as a team. We always want to win, and I’m sure everyone is going to step up.
“For me, I left in December when I went away with Chile, but playing with Melbourne City, with Dario as a coach, for every single player it makes it easier. It’s not just about me, it’s about my team. Wherever I can help – if I need to play in different positions, I will – I’ll do my best. Obviously, I’m just coming back and adapting to what we need to do to make the finals, but I’m happy to be back. Tomorrow is an important game, and hopefully, I’ll bring more goals or assists for the team.”
Melbourne City have an immediate chance to improve their record against the A-League’s top teams, with a home date against Sydney on Saturday. Having been comprehensively beaten in the reverse fixture of this match, City know they’ll need to be at their best to get a result out of the Sky Blues. Having seen the Wellington Phoenix produce an upset against Sydney last weekend, City boss Vidosic knows a win is possible.
“That was probably the worst game of our season,” Vidosic recalled, of their 3-0 loss to Sydney in February. “We went away from our principles and what we’re about. Maybe we showed them a little too much respect that day; we were playing them in their home ground, maybe we put too much pressure on ourselves instead of just playing the game as just another game, another three points. But we’ve learned a lot from that; Sydney are ruthless, if you don’t turn up against them, they’ve got players that are dangerous and can hurt you. I’m expecting a much better performance from us tomorrow against them.
“Wellington deserved their win (last weekend); they fought for everything, they were aggressive, they were searching for a second [goal]. It’s a testament to the quality of the league that although they’re at the bottom, they’re a good team. All in all, every team can have an off-day, [but] we expect and plan for the best Sydney FC tomorrow. That’s why it’s important that you have to be ready, you have to prepare every week to produce your best because if it’s not, it may not be good enough.”
Rojas concurred with her coach’s assessment of their weekend task at hand. “We need to be switched on; we know what Sydney brings, we know how they play,” the forward said. “It’s not just about Sydney though; this week it’s been about trying to connect, trying to fix what we didn’t do last weekend. So we know what we need to do. Sydney are a strong side as well, but we also are very strong – we can play football and we want to show that.”
Melbourne Victory:
Hopkins: It’s a huge game for us
by Kieran Yap
Above: Melbourne Victory boss Jeff Hopkins knows his side face a mini-final when they travel to Canberra United tomorrow. Image: Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory head north to face Canberra United and a win against the fifth-placed side will be a big step towards securing a finals spot.
Following on from their impressive 2-0 win over Melbourne City, head coach Jeff Hopkins did not need to remind his players of the importance of the game. Everybody in the club is well aware that this game is almost a mini-final. Canberra United are five points behind Victory, but have an appeal pending that could see three points reinstated to their tally. The result on Saturday could have a big impact on the season.
“We understand the game tomorrow is going to be another huge game for us and for Canberra as well,” Hopkins told the media. “So we understand what type of game it’s going to be. It’s going to be a game where we have to push ourselves pretty hard physically, and emotionally as well.
“I’ve not needed to mention it. The players are talking about it, they understand. We had these conversations a week or 10 days ago about the next four games being really important.”
Although Victory will be feeling the pressure. Hopkins points out that for Canberra United, a good result is vital. He has encouraged his side to embrace the moment, and after the experience of last season’s title charge, he believes they can rise to the occasion.
“It’s a two-way thing,” he says of Canberra. “I’m sure they’re feeling exactly the same as well. We went into finals (last season) after having a huge run of games in a short time. At times we had to hang on. Other times we were pushed really hard.
“If you push through those games it really hardens you as a team. It gives you a lot of confidence that you know you can push through those harder periods in games. A lot of the time, that’s what finals are about.
“It’s taking advantage of what you do really well but making sure that when you’re under pressure, when the opposition are coming strong that you pull together, and you hold strong. You can often come out of those games stronger than when you went into them.
“You’ve got to embrace the nervousness and that energy. You’ve got to harness that energy and push it into a positive place. You will feel nervous, you will feel a little bit of apprehension… that’s what big games are all about. You’ve hit to embrace that rather than worry or be scared of that.”
Above: Michelle Heyman and Laura Hughes are just two of the threats that Canberra United’s pose to Melbourne Victory tomorrow. Photo: Canberra United.
Standing between Victory and a happy trip home is one of the league’s most feared attacks. Canberra United’s front four are fearsome when in form. They were unlucky not to score in ther last meeting between the two sides. On that day, Victory secured a 1-0 win, due largely to the heroics of Casey Dumont.
“They complement each other pretty well,” says Hopkins of the Michelle Heyman-led attack. They play some good football in their build-up but they are quite direct as well. They’ve got a real purpose about their play.
“We understand that it’s going to take a massive effort from us if we do get something there. It’s a bit of a fortress over there as well.”
Victory’s chances will be buoyed by the return of Jessika Nash. The right-back has been crucial to the way they defend and attack in her first season at the club. She missed the Melbourne Derby after starring for The Young Matildas against Guam and Kyrgyzstan.
Following an almost 30-hour return trip, she was rested for the big win. “She was physically fine last week,” said Hopkins. “The games and the travel back took a fair bit out of her emotionally.
“That was my decision rather than anyone else’s, I had a chat with the girls, (Alana Murphy, Ava Briedis, and Nash). They all put themselves up to play and I made the decision not to play Jess last week. We get a really fresh player coming into the line-up again this week, which is really important.”
With Nash rested last week, Victory shifted midfielder Paige Zois to right back. It was a role she had never played at senior level before, and one she performed excellently. Her spectacular goal aside, she helped Victory keep a clean sheet despite the best efforts of City’s attack of senior capped internationals.
“I thought her performance was fantastic last week,” says Hopkins of Zois’s game. “She came in and did a job in a position she’d never played in before and did a great job.
“She got the goal as well. She’s doing everything I’ve asked of her and she’s making it hard for me not to pick her, which is everything you want from a player coming into the side.”
Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.
Above: Dylan Holmes on the charge for Adelaide United. Photo: Keep Up.
Adelaide United came from two goals down to claim a point at the death against Newcastle Jets in an enthralling encounter at Coopers Stadium.
It didn’t take long for the first goalscoring opportunity. After just two minutes, Fiona Worts was fed by Zoe Tolland and turned two Newcastle defenders and shot, albeit too high. Emily Hodgson gave Worts a second opportunity eight minutes later but the shot was saved by Newcastle goalkeeper Claire Coelho.
However, it was Newcastle that found the breakthrough in the 18th minute, thanks to a well-thought-out sequence of play where Murphy Agnew then crossed the ball for Lucy Johnson to slot home becoming the first Tasmanian to score in the A-League Women in the process.
Adelaide’s profligacy continued when Worts was brought down in the box by Coelho made contact with her in the box with a high leg leading to referee Georgia Ghirardello awarding a penalty in 20th minute and showing the Jets keeper a yellow card for the foul. Maruschka Waldus stepped up and hit a shot towards the bottom left corner, Coelho went the right way to deny the South Australians.
What a ball. What a run. What a finish! 👊
Lauren Allan makes it two for the Jets before the break!
Newcastle punished Adelaide for that miss and doubled their advantage less than 10 minutes later. Emily Garnier’s through ball found Lauren Allan who outpaced the Adelaide defence to shoot beyond Annalee Grove.
In the last minute of stoppage time for the first half, Nanako Sasaki from an Adelaide free kick provided a great cross into the box that found Jenna McCormick at the near post whose header at goal was prevented with another great save by Coelho.
Whilst Jets maintained their two-goal cushion at the break, it took just seven minutes of the second period for Adelaide to get back into the match. Returning Young Matilda Emilia Murray’s cross was aimed for Worts, but instead found the path of scholarship player Katie Bowler whose first-time shot beat Coelho.
Murray proved to be a thorn in the side of Newcastle and she created again shortly afterwards dribbling and cutting in before unleashing a shot that went wide of the goal.
Worts was denied yet again with just over 15 minutes remaining after being played in by Murray but Coehlo saved and then saw the shot come back off the post.
Unbelievable from Emilia Murray! 😮@AdelaideUnited equalise late at Coopers stadium!
Finally, the home side found their equaliser with two minutes remaining. New arrival from NPLW SA club Adelaide Comets, Chrissy Panagaris, crossed for Murray to hit a first-time shot past Coelho into the bottom right corner. It was reward for the youngster’s superb efforts.
It was heartbreaking for Newcastle Jets who know they could find themselves bottom if the table should Wellington Phoenix defeat Perth Glory tomorrow.
Teams: ADELAIDEUNITED(4-3-3): Grove, E. Hodgson, McCormick, Waldus, Tolland, Sasaki, Westland, Holmes, Barbieri, Bowler, Worts. Substitutes: Farrow, Hawyard, I. Hodgson, Murray, Panagaris.
Above: Today’s gathering announcing Australia will host the IFCPF Asia-Oceania Championships with ParaMatildas, ParaRoos, and officials present. Photo: Mark Avellino/Football Australia.
by Ben Gilby (17/3/23).
Australia has been confirmed as the host of the men’s and women’s 2023 IFCPF Asia-Oceania Championships (Para Asian Cup) following a decision made by the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football.
It will be the first time ever a women’s Para Asian Cup competition will be contested and will also mark the first time the men’s and women’s Para Asian Cup will be held at the same time.
The tournament will take place at the newly constructed Home of the Matildas at La Trobe University in Melbourne from 31 October – 12 November 2023 – further extending the amount of top-level women’s football competition taking place in Australia this year.
Speaking at the announcement that the tournament will be coming to Melbourne, ParaMatildas star Nicole Christodoulou said: “I’m still pinching myself that I’m a ParaMatilda. It is the most amazing thing in the whole world. We’re a team full of players, and to be here today, hosting the tournament for our families to be able to come and watch is amazing.
Above: ParaMatilda Nicole Christodoulou speaking at today’s media event. Photo: Mark Avellino/Football Australia.
“To have the support of the Australian people means the world to us. It means people with disabilities can flourish and be the best they can as humans. We are delighted we can provide a service to our country. We are very, very thankful.”
Christodoulou has long been an advocate for using sport to push her development and ability both in daily life and in all-round wellbeing. It was a theme she returned to so eloquently today.
“I was looking for acceptance, and to lose half my body, to lose me, I needed to find myself again. I had this thing in my brain – can I feel that emotion again when I play football? I do. I can do it now! I’ve learned so much about myself. From becoming a ParaMatilda a year ago to now, I am very thankful that opportunities can be provided to the 4.4 million people around the country (living with a disability) that would not have had this opportunity.”
“To be part of this – we’ll have young girls with CP, or brain injuries, or strokes looking up to us, having something to work towards, to have a purpose. Football is not just a sport, it is a way of life. If I didn’t have football, I wouldn’t have the things I also do in my life. It’s helped me physically, mentally, and emotionally.
“We are quality footballers. Just because we have a disability doesn’t mean we are not talented because we are!”
Above: Tahlia Blanchard – one of the stars of last year’s IFCPF World Cup – speaking to the media. Image: Football Australia.
Fellow ParaMatilda Tahlia Blanchard underlined the enormity of today’s announcement and what it means. “I was lucky enough to make my debut at the World Cup last year, which was an incredible experience. I would classify myself as someone relatively new to the sport, having my first introduction to CP football at the end of 2018. Now announcing a home Para Asia Cup is just incredible. I’m so excited that we can have everyone here to celebrate this occasion.
“This is such a big deal. My family hasn’t had the opportunity to watch me play this game besides on live streams. It’s incredible for the whole squad to have the opportunity to play in front of friends and families.”
Blanchard, who was one of the players of the tournament in last year’s inaugural IFCPF Women’s World Cup emphasised the wider importance of Australia hosting the Para Asian Cup.
“This is a major event for cerebral palsy sport and…many people are going to find this sport and find us through this event, and that’s something that is really important. I know that I didn’t have many people that I saw in the media when I was growing up that looked like me, and that made it hard. You can’t be who you can’t see.
“I’m really grateful that I was able to find my way into this sport, and it means a lot to me, and it will mean so much to the next generation as well. I believe that this can lead to more change. It means a lot to the greater disabled community. I’m proud to stand here as a cerebral palsy athlete.
“Cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury and stroke will now be talked about in Australian households and also we can continue the work to make this place a better and more inclusive world.”
“This will be an opportunity to grow the fan base and I can’t wait to see the stands full of people wanting to watch cerebral palsy football.”
Above: Nicole Christodoulou in action for the ParaMatildas at last year’s IFCPF Women’s World Cup. Photo: Marianna Galanoupoulos/Football Australia.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson spoke of how excited his organisation is to deliver a game-changing tournament for Asia-Pacific’s para footballers.
“Football Australia is thrilled and honoured to have won the hosting rights for this historic tournament in 2023. We have a team within our organisation that is committed to para football and know we can deliver a tournament that demonstrates our passion, respect, and drive towards ensuring footballers of all abilities can proudly represent Australia and the Asia-Pacific region,” Johnson said.
“To host a historic first-ever women’s Para Asian Cup will follow our co-hosting of a historic Women’s World Cup and part of our strategic vision through Legacy ‘23 to transform how women and girls in Australia see the full potential available to them through football.”
“This will be a tournament delivered at a scale to elevate para football and provide current and new fans with another memorable and empowering experience while growing access to the game for players of all abilities.”
The ParaMatildas are Australia’s national teams for footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms of stroke. The two teams represent 4.4 million Australians living with disability.
CP is the most common disability in childhood, football is the most popular sport in the country with this tournament providing an opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness of the ability of para footballers to create a new generation of Australian sporting heroes.
The ParaMatildas will be highly fancied to succeed in the tournament after they finished as runners-up to the USA in the inaugural IFCPF World Cup last year.
The Hon. Bill Shorten MP, Federal Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Government Services welcomed the announcement of the tournament being staged in Australia saying: “The International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football Asian Oceania Championship will showcase Australia as an exemplar of sporting prowess and inclusion. I congratulate everyone involved.”
Above: Tahlia Blanchard in action for the ParaMatildas at the IFCPF Women’s World Cup last year. Photo: Marianna Galanoupoulos/Football Australia.
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