Above: Canberra United celebrate their second-half scoring spree. Photo: Canberra United.
After two consecutive 5-0 defeats, Canberra United are back on the winners list with a 3-0 win against Newcastle Jets at No.2 Sportsground.
Canberra’s win was thanks to three goals in seven second-half minutes by Laura Hughes, Michelle Heyman, and Grace Maher. It was a tough end to a difficult week for Newcastle Jets, whose head coach Ash Wilson stepped aside in midweek.
After some early skirmishes at both ends, Newcastle almost took the lead in the 15th minute. Kennedy Faulknor was dispossessed of the ball by Lauren Allan who made a great run into the box. Her shot on an angle was parried by Canberra goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln for Allan to then slot the ball to Ashlee Brodigan whose shot was cleared off the line by Canberra.
Canberra came equally as close 20 minutes later. Michelle Heyman from around halfway directed a beautiful pass to Grace Jale on the right-hand side. Jale ran into the box and found Vesna Milivojevic whose shot from the edge of the box was spectacularly put over the bar by Worth.
Above: Grace Jale (right) had an influential afternoon for Canberra United. Photo: Canberra United.
There was one further opportunity in the 45th minute, as Grace Maher directed a pass to Heyman who ran onto it and got into the box with her shot on an angle going over the bar.
The visitors came out firing at the start of the second half as Maher fed Milivojevic whose first-time shot at goal was yet again superbly saved by Worth. Just under 20 minutes into the second period, the visitors finally hit the front.
Jale made a great run into the box found Hughes who took a touch, then had a shot at goal which went past Worth and into the back of the net for the opening goal of the match. It had been coming.
Just two minutes later, Milivojevic hit the ball forward, it went into the path of Newcastle’s Cannon Clough who appeared to be making a backpass to Worth but it didn’t have enough power on it allowing Heyman to gather possession and hit a first-time shot at goal which went past Worth and into the bottom right corner for Canberra’s second goal of the match.
Above: Grace Maher reacts after scoring from the penalty spot. Photo: Canberra United.
The goalscoring flurry continued in the 69th minute from the spot after Cassidy Davis brought down Hughes in the box. Grace Maher was the one who stepped up with calmness and slotted her shot into the bottom left corner.
Newcastle had two opportunities to close the gap before the end with Lara Gooch involved both times. First, she fed Brodigan who advanced into the box but her eventual shot at goal on an angle was denied by the woodwork. Then in stoppage time at the end, Gooch hit an effort from outside the area which was denied by Lincoln.
This was a crucial result for Canberra after two heavy defeats. They now need to show this level against the teams above them, starting next weekend when they host Sydney FC.
As for Newcastle, they face a trip to leaders Western United in midweek. Life won’t be getting any easier.
Jean-Pierre Thiesset was pitchside in Rodez for Impetus on Saturday as Olympique Lyonnais’ Australian international Ellie Carpenter made her eagerly awaited return from ACL injury after almost nine months out (5/2/23).
Above: Ellie Carpenter back in a familiar pose – charging along the right flank for Olympique Lyonnais at Rodez yesterday. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Jean-Pierre Thiesset was one of only three photographers pitchside at Rodez for Ellie Carpenter’s return from injury yesterday. The Matildas star entered the pitch after 63 minutes and produced a good performance, fully committed and without any injury related restraint.
Above: Chelsea have a lot to work out over the coming months. Photo: 90min
In the summer of 2022, Chelsea Women brought in six new signings ahead of the defence of their third consecutive league title. Their unspoken main goal, however, has always been to win the Champions League.
In the final group game last season, away to Wolfsburg, Chelsea needed to avoid defeat by more than two goals to seal their progression into the next round. Before the tie, they lost goalkeeper Ann Katrin Berger and midfielder Drew Spence to positive Covid-19 tests, and in the 51st minute, lost captain Magdalena Eriksson to an injury that would keep her out for the next three months.
The game finished 4-0 to Wolfsburg. It was a humiliation for Chelsea who had contested and lost the previous season’s final against Barcelona by the same scoreline.
So, despite league and cup success, the summer transfer activity that followed, reflected that bitter disappointment as multiple Champions League winner Kadeisha Buchanan joined along with Jelena Cankovic, Eve Perisset, Katerina Svitkova, Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd, and youngster Lucy Watson, who soon moved on to Charlton Athletic on a season-long loan.
Above: Kadeisha Buchanan on her WSL debut for Chelsea at Liverpool. Photo: The Guardian
It appeared that Chelsea’s transfer business had done the trick, the team ended the year top of the WSL and through to the Quarter Finals of the Champions League after topping Group A with nineteen goals scored and just one conceded against PSG, Real Madrid, and Vllanzia.
Speaking at a press conference in December, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes was full of praise for her new signings:
“What I will say about the players that came in over the summer is that every single one of them is a super-professional. You can have a large squad and it doesn’t mean you have good quality, but we’ve got both, we’ve got a large squad and top quality.”
But the January transfer window has now closed and the question has to be asked: Have Chelsea undone all the good work they did in the summer?
Transfers in
Despite being linked with a big money bid for Arsenal defender Katie McCabe, Chelsea’s only winter signing was highly rated teenager Maika Hamano from INAC Kobe Leonessa.
The 18-year-old, who caught most people’s attention during the FIFA U19 World Cup, immediately joined Swedish side Hammarby IF on loan, where she has already scored three goals.
Transfers Out
Above: Former Chelsea star Beth England pictured on her Tottenham Hotspur debut. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus.
Chelsea’s first sale of the January window had felt a long time coming as Bethany England moved across London to Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £400,000 fee. England had found herself become Chelsea’s second-choice striker following the arrival of Sam Kerr in 2020, and after not featuring at all during the Euros. She obviously needs regular minutes if she’s going to convince Sarina Wiegman that she can replace the now-retired Ellen White as England’s number-nine at the World Cup this summer.
The second departure was a loan deal for young Dutch defender Aniek Nouwen, who moved to Serie A side AC Milan. Nouwen, like England, had been struggling for minutes following the arrival of Buchanan and with that World Cup on the horizon, would have also been worried for her place in the Dutch squad for the tournament.
Chelsea also had recalled Charlotte Wardlaw from her loan at Liverpool and sent her to Championship side Lewes instead.
Consequences
Chelsea lost three players at the end of the 2021/22 season – Drew Spence, Ji So-Yun, and Jonna Andersson – but brought in five first-team players to take their squad to 25 players, the departures of Bethany England and Aniek Nouwen have reduced this.
However, they are currently without Pernille Harder to a long-term injury with no return date yet in sight, meaning in theory, Chelsea’s squad is really down to just 22 players, less than the number that saw them struggle with injuries during December 2021, a period in which they lost to Reading in the WSL and fail to win their final two Champions League group games against Juventus and Wolfsburg.
Chelsea now find themselves with only one recognised striker: Sam Kerr. She may be the club’s second-highest goal scorer but there is a real risk of burnout if Emma Hayes needs to rely on her too much.
Kerr is currently tied with Fran Kirby on six goals in the WSL as top scorer this season. Alarmingly, Harder is still third on that list with three goals, despite playing just 254 minutes this season.
Above: Sam Kerr is presently facing a lot of work for both club and country. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.
The loan deal for Aniek Nouwen has also had a knock-on effect for Chelsea’s defensive setup, with captain Magdalena Eriksson finding herself on the bench as Hayes continues with the centre-back partnership of Millie Bright and new signing Buchanan.
Eriksson had been deployed as the left back, with Nouwen and Jess Carter on the bench as backup, but the departure of the Dutch international has seen Carter become Chelsea’s first-choice left-back, with Eriksson as the back-up central defender, coming on as a sub, as she did last Sunday at half time when Buchanan picked up a knock.
The left-back position is another concern for Chelsea, who, having let Jonna Andersson go, found themselves without a natural option. Eriksson, who is left-footed was a more natural fit than Carter who finds herself either coming in field or going backwards.
It is noteworthy that the three games that Carter and Guro Reiten have been together on Chelsea’s left-hand side, the Norwegian hasn’t produced a goal or assist.
Carter’s backup will likely be either Eriksson moving back across, or Niamh Charles switching sides, however, the switch has also impacted Alsu Abdullina’s place in the squad.
Time will tell if Chelsea will live to regret not signing a left-back or a proper backup striker for Kerr, but as the schedule gets even busier, with rearranged fixtures still to fit in, it won’t be long until we find out.
Above: Cortnee Vine jumps for joy with Madison Hayley after scoring for Sydney FC. Photo: Keep Up.
The Sydney FC juggernaut continued to roll on, with a 3-0 win over Melbourne City at Allianz Stadium. Sarah Hunter’s beautiful long-range strike opened the scoring, before Cortnee Vine and Madison Haley added to Sydney’s tally with second-half goals.
Here’s three thoughts on another dominant display from the Sky Blues on Saturday.
Separating the contenders and pretenders
In the lead-up to Saturday’s game, both Sydney FC and Melbourne City spoke about their determination to back themselves and stick to their own game. More than most, each side can claim to have a distinct style of play: City particularly ball-dominant and possession-based in principle, whilst Sydney have shown themselves to be the premier counter-attacking team in the competition.
City head coach Dario Vidosic made particular note of Sydney’s threat in his pre-match press conference, remarking, “In transition, they’re (Sydney FC) one of the best teams; the firepower they have up front and the speed. They’ve got people that can score goals, create, and they’re dangerous.”
Madison Haley, speaking before the match, asserted, “We’re confident in what we do, and when we wear this badge, we know a lot of expectation is there, but we’re ready to take on that pressure. I think City play a 3-5-2 (formation). We haven’t encountered a team who play like that this season, (but) we won’t change who we are.”
The Melbournians, presented with a unique 3-4-3 / 4-2-3-1 hybrid formation, with Katie Bowen floating between defence and midfield, depending on the game situation. The reasoning seemed to be to attempt to throw their opponents off-guard and to provide greater control in the centre of the park.
It was all for nought though, as they struggled to deal with the intensity of the Sky Blues’ press, and were far too laborious in their build-up. City were constantly on the backfoot; unable to play through the aggression of Sydney’s forwards, and too panicked to find the right options when they did have the ball.
Vine time 🔥⏰
Cortnee Vine celebrates her @TheMatildas call-up with a fine finish to double @SydneyFC's lead 🤩
Conversely, Mackenzie Hawkesby and Sarah Hunter were excellent for Sydney FC, and frequently found time and space against a ragged and overrun City midfield. Cortnee Vine looks to be back in form, and had plenty of joy down the right of Melbourne’s exposed defence, from where she notched a goal and an assist. The last two games have shown the Sydneysiders at their high-flying best, and they are once again looking to be the team to beat for the title this season.
Haley worth the hype
After an imperious display in Sydney’s dismantling of Melbourne Victory last match-round (earning ALW player of the week nominations), Madison Haley backed it up with another commanding performance against fellow Victorians, City, this weekend. The American created three chances and had five shots against Melbourne City, to go along with her goal and assist.
It’s been clear Haley is in a different weight class to the majority of defences she has come up against in the A-League, and she has shown she has the makings of a complete forward in her. Currently second in the golden boot race with seven goals, scoring is just one of many tools in the 23-year-old’s arsenal.
Comfortable receiving with her back to goal, as well as dropping deeper to offer as an option, Haley has the power to run at defenders, and the playmaking to find runners in between the lines. Her strength, composure, and gravity opens up space for teammates, and she has the footballing sense to understand when to hold and when to release for others.
On Saturday, she imposed her will throughout the game, forcing a turnover before laying off for Hunter to put Sydney into the lead. For her own tally, she started and ended the sequence, initially finding a streaking Hawkesby in midfield, before racing into the box, and beating the City defence to get on the end of Vine’s centering ball.
Before the turn of the year, Sydney head coach Ante Juric said, “The two things that caught my eye with Madi is that she holds the ball up and puts people into play, but she’s an exceptional finisher too. She works well in our team and she actually fits perfectly with what we do. She’ll only get better and better too.”
On the basis of her season thus far, she will be one to watch when she returns home to the US’ NWSL competition, with bags of potential to take her career even further.
City searching for offence
At the other end of the game, City look to have slowed significantly in the scoring department. After coming out of the gates racking up goals for fun to begin the campaign, they have had to work much harder for much less attacking production in recent times.
It’s difficult not to point to the losses of Maria Rojas and Emina Ekic as a noticeable inflection point in their season to date. After averaging an expected goals (xG) of 2.68 per game in their first five matches, they have since only mustered an average of 1.07 xG over their next seven games.
We have now seen Hannah Wilkinson play two more games than the 35-year-old Rojas, and the contrast in their fortunes has been stark; the New Zealander having recorded just two goals in her seven matches. Outside of a sharp-angled effort saved in the third minute against Sydney, Wilkinson was not a noticeable part of this game, and has been unable to offer the creativity and 1-on-1 ability that Rojas displayed earlier in-season.
Wilkinson, of course, is not alone in being singled out for blame, with Rhianna Pollicina also slowing down recently, and Daniela Galic naturally regressing from the hot creative start she had, as could be expected for a 16-year-old playing in her first professional go-round. Melbourne City will be relieved the Costa Rican Rojas is due to return from national team duties to their squad soon, hoping she can resuscitate their flagging offence.
Additionally, Melbourne will be excitedly welcoming back young starlet Holly McNamara into the fold again, after her breakthrough 21/22 season was cut short by an ACL injury. The 20-year-old forward will have opportunities during the upcoming international break to feature in a few planned friendlies.
Vidosic added, “[Holly’s] working hard and she’s itching to get back. She wants to put her name up for World Cup selection, and the way she’s looking I think she’s going to really make people take notice.
“It’s not just exciting for us, but for the whole league, because she is one of those that brings people into the stadium and gets you off your seat. It’s not just me asking the question, I think the ladies in the team are asking, “when can we unleash Holly?”.
Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Franco; Rule, McLean, Tobin, Fenton; Hollman, Hunter, Hawkesby; Ibini, Haley, Vine. Substitutes: Offer (GK), Stanic-Floody, Lowe, de la Harpe, Badawiya.
Above: Melbourne Victory celebrate Alex Chidiac’s goal from the penalty spot. Photo: @LibertyALeague twitter
Melbourne Victory strengthened their hold on a top-four position with a 3-1 win against Western Sydney Wanderers at CB Smith Reserve that was more challenging than the scoreline suggested.
It was the second time in less than a month that these two sides met. The previous encounter was a 0-0 draw in Sydney. For this meeting, the stakes had changed a little. Western Sydney has continued their revival under Kat Smith. Going into Week 14 of the A-League Women, they had jumped to sixth on the ladder, and are appearing as a dark horse for finals.
Melbourne Victory were coming off a 6-3 loss to Sydney FC, it was the final game of a gruelling schedule that saw them play four games in 15 days.
Victory needed to bounce back and a match against the fast-improving giant killers from Western Sydney was seen as a potentially dangerous test.
Amy Jackson started in midfield for the home side. Jeff Hopkins used his Grand Final hero as an anchor in possession and a defensive screen without it. The idea was to cut off easy supply to Sarina Bolden and Sophie Harding.
It meant Elise Kellond-Knight pushed higher up the pitch and Alex Chidiac has more freedom. That produced almost immediate results.
In the fourth minute, Jackson got a toe to a loose ball, Chidiac took possession and darted into space before sliding a perfect lateral through ball into the path of Beattie Goad.
Goad’s pace took her clear and her composure gave Victory the lead with a well-placed finish beyond Jordyn Bloomer.
Western Sydney equalised through Sophie Harding’s excellent run along the left wing and bottom corner finish at full pace. The speedster was proving a handful for Jess Nash. There are few players with the raw pace that Harding possesses. If she can continue to finish in this manner, Western Sydney’s finals chances greatly increase.
The afternoon got harder for the visitors when Young Matilda Alexia Apostolakis was injured after a collision with her own teammate while trying to thwart Goad.
The prodigious defender is more than an up-and-comer. She is already one of the best defenders in the competition and has been in form lately. Angelieu Hristodoulou was brought on as her replacement to try and curb Goad’s influence.
Those two goals came from the best two chances of the first half. Maja Markovski came closest to another with a flicked-on header that the crowd thought was goalbound, but the sides went into the break level.
Above: Melbourne Victory celebrations against Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Keep Up.
The second half saw the return of Catherine Zimmerman. The American attacker has been missed by Victory since she fractured her leg in Round Two. She replaced Markovski at centre forward and Victory sought to use her pace to get behind the Wanderers defence.
Zimmerman’s impact was definitive. She earned a penalty in the 82nd minute, which was smashed in off the cross bare by Chidiac. There did not look to be too much in the contact, but Victory made the most of the opportunity to retake the lead.
Added time seemed to take an eternity. Victory brought on Paige Zois and Tiff Eliadis to help close out the result, with Alana Murphy also replacing Jackson in the holding role.
Western Sydney introduced Sheridan Gallagher into the match in an attempt to unlock the Victory defence.
Victory waited until the final seconds to seal the result. After seven nerve-wracking minutes of added time, Zimmerman broke free down the right and cut into the penalty area. The safest option would have been to play for the corner, but the gamble paid off and she laid it on a platter for Eliadis to tap into the net from close range.
The win keeps Victory in fourth spot, and with Melbourne City and Western United both losing, the top of the table remains as open as the rest of the league.
Chidiac was dominant as always, but Goad was influential, Zimmerman was pivotal, while Jackson and Markovski put in their best performances for the season.
The downside for Victory fans is that time with Chidiac may be running out. It is not known when she returns to the US with Racing Louisville, but as the NWSL pre-season has already begun, it may be soon.
The timing of Zimmerman to fitness could not be better timed. Theoretically, Goad or Zois could take over the playmaker role with Zimmerman and Privitelli occupying the flanks. But no matter how you move the magnets around, Chidiac is a generation talent and if this is the last time Victory fans see her at home, she put on a virtuoso performance to be remembered by.
Western Sydney might regret that final goal. The can recover the three points next week against Wellington Phoenix, but goal difference could prove vital.
But the day belonged to Melbourne Victory, both on and off the field, the club put on a good show. for Dub Week, the members were invited to listen to a pre-match tactical talk by assistant manager Johnno Clemente. Fans were treated to the early release of the starting lineup and given an example of the information the players receive midweek.
After the win, there was an organized meet and greet with the team, and an opportunity to take photos with the last two Grand Final trophies.
The only criticism that could possibly be labelled at the event was that it was overdue, but it was an interesting and enjoyable occasion that the club should definitely repeat in future. It delighted current fans and would have earned some new ones.
Victory’s next opponent is Brisbane Roar. They will travel to Queensland next Saturday and a win could see them push for second or third place if other results go their way again.
Above: Alana Janecvski (right) celebrates her sensational free-kick that put Perth Glory 2-1 up at Western United. Photo: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory have come back from their lengthy hiatus with a superb 3-1 win over A-League Women leaders Western United at breezy Ballarat today.
With three weeks since their last fixture, Alex Epakis’ side could have been forgiven for being rusty, but the potential and form that the Western Australian side were starting to show before their enforced break was there from the start in Victoria as they condemned the league leaders to only their second defeat of the season.
A typical piece of magic from Alana Jancevski, added to Susan Phonsongkham’s early penalty and a debut strike in second-half stoppage time from Football Fern Hannah Blake sealed an impressive win.
Western United went into the game without Chloe Logarzo with a foot injury. For the visitors, Ella Mastrantonio was serving the first of her reduced two-match suspension, with long-term injury victims Claudia Mihocic, Milan Hammond, and Rylee Baisden on the sidelines. This week’s injury replacement signing Blake was on the bench.
After the earliest of exchanges, with 10 minutes gone, the visitors earned territory and Hana Lowry played in a succession of corners from the right. The third in the series was played short to Susan Phonsongkham who looked to advance into the box parallel to the byline and beat Mel Taranto, but the United defender responded with a clumsy challenge that led to referee Caitlin Williams instantly pointing to the spot.
Phonsongkham picked herself up, dusted herself down, and rolled a low shot into the left-hand corner of the net to give Perth the lead.
Glory were crisp in their passing, and Sofia Sakalis was able to find space to play her flicks and tricks to link up with Cyera Hintzen along the left.
Western United were finding it difficult to maintain possession and therefore launch attacks in the opening 25 minutes. It was a real challenge for them to get past Perth’s energetic block. Any home player on the ball was rapidly faced by a white shirt buzzing around to force an error and turnover.
It meant that chances for the league leaders to level were few and far between. Indeed, in this period, there were only two – and Emma Robers was prominent in both. First, she took advantage of a loose pass from Sarah Cain to break into the box on the left and hit a shot that Sarah Langman repelled well in the Perth goal.
The second chance, with 22 minutes on the clock, saw Tyla-Jay Vlajnić cross high into the box from the left. Danielle Steer, Hannah Keane, and Langman went up to challenge for the ball with the three colliding and falling to the ground, which gave Robers an empty net to lift the ball in to level the scores.
Above: Emma Robers celebrates after hitting the equalising goal for Western United. Photo: Jonathan DiMaggio/West Australian.
Perth’s press forced another error from the hosts on the edge of the box, allowing Phonsongkham to rifle in a shot that Hillary Beall saved well as the visitors continued to enjoy the bulk of the play before the break with more quick, crisp passes leading to Lowry getting a powerful effort away from the right-hand edge of the box.
Western United looked to develop a stronger foothold in the game in the second period, and had a penalty shout seven minutes into the re-start claiming Keane’s run into the box was cut off by Kim Carroll but referee Williams was unmoved.
Then United came alive as Beard broke through the centre and found Keane outside her. Beating two defenders, Keane played a low ball in, but Izzy Foletta dived in superbly to clear. There was still time for a follow-up from Jaclyn Sawicki.
However, the home side never quite built on this potential foundation, and with Jess McDonald no longer around to create and dispatch in attack, Mark Torcaso’s team paid the price.
With the game entering its final 20 minutes, Lowry looked to break through before being brought down by Mel Taranto around 25 yards outside the box to the left of centre. Substitute Jancevski reached into her extensive box of tricks as she stepped up and curled an absolute stunner over the wall and into the top of the net. It was the 19-year-old starlet at her absolute best.
Western United were unable to respond in the closing stages, with only Keane’s header over the bar from a corner coming remotely near to levelling matters. Indeed it got worse for the home side.
Six minutes into stoppage time, hometown product Foletta threaded the eye of a needle to release Blake who ran through into space to comfortably slot home on her debut to make it 3-1.
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis was understandably delighted when he spoke after the game.
“It was a very proud performance,” he said. “We stuck to the structure that we wanted to play, we were focused and got the reward for playing good football for 90 minutes. It was a complete performance because the players looked comfortable and managed the transitions. They are top of the table for a reason, but we were able to nullify them in attack.”
Above: Celebrations after Alana Jancevski’s sensational strike. Photo: Keep Up.
With the victory coming after his team had an extended lay-off brought about by Sydney FC not being able to find a venue to play Perth a fortnight ago, followed by the club’s scheduled bye, the Glory boss was enthusiastic about how his team responded in very difficult circumstances.
“It is sweet for a number of reasons. The APL made decision with our scheduling and we haven’t been able to play for a few weeks, and we had to flip our thinking and try and make it a positive.
“The players stepped up, we’re really proud for them individually. We know that every performance is going to matter…things can go right down to the wire, and we want to put ourselves in the picture.”
“I’m really hoping that this is a season-defining performance. I’m really confident in that. We have a run of games at home now, and we can use the momentum from this to drive us.”
Alex Epakis, Perth Glory head coach.
Epakis highlighted the influence of two of his substitutes in turning the game. “Alana (Jancevski)’s goal – such a sensational strike. I’m so happy for her. She is such a weapon. The ability to come on and do that when it is needed is something that we are very lucky to have. Hannah Blake slotted in seamlessly to the group late last week.
“Every player did their job and they were outstanding.”
Teams: WESTERN UNITED(4-3-3): Beall, Medwin, Cerne, Cummings, Beard, M. Taranto, Sawicki, Robers, Steer, Vlajnic, Keane. Substitutes: Dall’Oste (GK), Iermano, Johnson, Sardo, A. Taranto.
Above: Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall, who spoke to the media today.Photo: Arsenal Women.
Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall reflected in depth with the media today about his club’s transfer window with the North Londoners failing to land a striker to replace ACL victims Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema.
Eidevall had earlier this month had admitted his desire to add a striker in this window to add goals to his side after losing Mead and Miedema with long-term injuries. The club subsequently has been reported to have made two world record bids for Manchester United striker Alessia Russo, rumoured to be around £500,000 but the Red Devils declined the offers, stating that their Lionesses star is not for sale at any price.
The failure to land Russo was an example of the North London side failing to boost their ranks with some additional firepower. Asked in his media conference today if this will have an adverse impact on his side, Eidevall said: “The squad we have currently have I have a lot of belief in and we have a lot of potential…that we can focus on. We need to keep the higher standards expected of us and the consistency, even if we don’t have enough time to rest between games.”
There was also lots of speculation that Chelsea made a substantial bid for the club’s Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe ahead of the close of the window. McCabe has 18 months left on her current contract, but Arsenal were not keen to sell to their WSL title rivals.
Eidevall was asked about the speculation around McCabe, saying: “Potential players leaving and going out was nonsense, we as a club are not able to lose players. My role at Arsenal as the coach is not to be directly involved around transfers and recruitment, but the key decisions are my remit.
“Recruitment is always key to a successful team; we must look at things going forward and how we can improve things in the transfer windows as a club.”
Arsenal are back in WSL action when they travel to West Ham United this weekend after an emphatic 9-0 win against fourth-tier side Leeds United last time out.
Ben Gilby and Jonathan Tay combine to report on three club media events ahead of this weekend’s action (3/2/23).
SYDNEY FC v MELBOURNE CITY:
Above: Sydney FC striker Madison Haley speaking to the media today. Image: Sydney FC.
The word ‘confident’ was used repeatedly by Sydney FC attacker Madison Haley as she spoke to the media today ahead of her team’s huge game at home to Melbourne City writes Ben Gilby.
The American striker, who has scored six times this season believes her team are more than capable of earning back-to-back wins against Melbourne-based opposition, saying: “We’re feeling confident. Having a big win over Melbourne Victory helps to go into another big, big game.
“We’re confident in what we do, and when we wear this badge, we know a lot of expectation is there, but we’re ready to take on that pressure. We have big goals this season, and this is just one step.”
With City four points ahead of Sydney FC in second, having played two additional matches, Haley predicts a close battle against Dario Vidosic’s side, who will offer a different type of puzzle to solve.
“I don’t think much separates us. In terms of quality, it will be a very entertaining match. We can adapt how we play. I think City play a 3-5-2 (formation). We haven’t encountered a team who play like that this season, (but) we won’t change who we are. We see them above us in the table, and we want to be on top and have everyone looking at us. We’ll do everything we can to win for Sydney.”
Haley also highlighted a number of her Sydney FC teammates who she feels are unlucky to miss out in the latest Matildas squad announcement. The media were left with the impression that the American would have selected a very different squad had she been in Tony Gusatvsson’s shoes.
“Most definitely Princess Ibini (should be in the squad) – she scored a hat trick in our last game (against Melbourne Victory). Mackenzie Hawkesby is such a workhorse in the midfield and does so much even when it might not be represented on the stats sheet. Nat Tobin, Charlie Mclean, I could keep going…!”
Sydney FC will need all of those players to be at international standard to lower Melbourne City’s colours tomorrow – but they are more than capable of performing at such a level. It’s going to be quite a battle.
Above: Dario Vidosic at his Media conference today. Image: Melbourne City.
As Melbourne City and head coach Dario Vidosic head north to take on Sydney FC away from home, they need no reminders of the importance of the match this weekend, writes Jonathan Tay.
“It’s a big game in the context of the season, second versus third,” Vidosic said. “Two teams in good form, and the first time we meet this season, so we’re really looking forward to it; the girls can’t wait to get to Sydney.
“Everyone is feeling good, looking good, really ready to go, it should be a great game at the new stadium, another challenge ahead.”
Sydney once again look to be title contenders this season, and were comprehensive 6-3 winners over Melbourne Victory in the last match. Their threat is something Vidosic is very much aware of.
“In transition, they’re one of the best teams; the firepower they have up front and the speed. They’ve got people that can score goals, create, and they’re dangerous,” the City coach explained.
“We know their threat; they’ve got Cortnee Vine, [Princess] Ibini, Madison Haley, then [Mackenzie] Hawkesby, [Sarah] Hunter from the middle, so there’s a lot of quality in that team.
“They’ve been towards the top of the table, and we had our challenges with them last year, some great games; that epic semi-final where last minute we concede an equaliser and then the second red card. There’s a bit of history for the girls that were here. But a new season, new challenge, and everyone’s really looking forward to it.”
For their own part, City will look to stick to the principles that have led to their success thus far this season. Whilst cognizant of the strength of Sydney FC, Vidosic believes in his side’s game plan.
“We know what we need to do, and how we can hurt them,” the 35-year-old continued. “It’s important where we want the ball: to stop transitional teams, you need to play in their defensive third or our attacking third, that’s where I want to play football. Then we pin them in, if they’re reluctant to come back, then we overload them in that half, we’ve got the numbers, and I back our attacking talent. We [can] push centre backs forward, our sixes forward.
Above: Dario Vidosic gets a message across to his team in training this week. Photo: Melbourne City.
“Possession in the final third, the longer we keep it there then we take away any sort of transition; that’s something that we’ve worked on where we get our control set. And then obviously how many chances can we create, how threatening are we.
“Also on the defensive side; people probably think we’re an ultra-attacking team, but I take defence very very seriously, so it’s been very pleasing that we’ve had many clean sheets, close to the best defence in the league.
“There’s a purpose to everything, we sort of defend on the front foot with the ball; when we have the ball, then we nullify that transition [threat]. But with the quality that oppositions have, it’s hard to keep that quiet for 90 minutes, so we work on how we adjust if that does happen. If we execute the plan, then we give ourselves a great chance to get the maximum points.”
With another upcoming international break, the City head coach was asked about his club’s agenda for their players. Whilst none of his side were called into the Australian Cup of Nations squad, Hannah Wilkinson and Katie Bowen, will both join up with the New Zealand Football Ferns, and three of his squad will be with the Young Matildas.
Above: Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic. Photo: Melbourne City.
We’ll have a few days off after the Western United game, just to let them recover a bit before we go into that final phase of the season. But it gives us a chance to work on a few things, work with individuals, and continue their development,” Vidosic summarised.
“We’ve got a friendly lined up against the Young Matildas as well in that time, so some good stuff to happen, and a chance to load them back up and just to de-load them before we head back into the games.”
Vidosic was also excited to provide an update on the return of Holly McNamara, with the City squad as a whole eagerly anticipating her return after the international break. The 20-year-old is close to full fitness and has her sights set on breaking back into the senior Matildas squad before the home Women’s World Cup in July.
Above: Holly McNamara back in training. Photo: Melbourne City.
“She’ll see minutes in that friendly game and we’ll have some kind of internal game. She’s been green-lighted to take part in those games. Minutes-wise we’ll see when we get closer, but the good news is that she can start full contact and she looks really good,” Vidosic commented.
“It’s not just exciting for us, but for the whole league, because she is one of those that brings people into the stadium and gets you off your seat. It’s not just me asking the question, I think the ladies in the team are asking, “when can we unleash Holly?”.
“She’s working hard and she’s itching to get back. She wants to put her name up for World Cup selection, and the way she’s looking I think she’s going to really make people take notice. But again, we need to look after her, she’s had a long time off with the ACL and we’ll take on all the medical advice and see how she is. She can’t wait to get out there, she’s got that fire inside of her and it’s beautiful to see.”
WESTERN UNITED
by Ben Gilby
Above: Western United goalkeeper Hillary Beall makes a spectacular save when her team met tomorrow’s opponents Perth Glory in Perth earlier in the season. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
Western United goalkeeper Hillary Beall emphasised the fact that her team intent to go “full-throttle” over the next seven days to cement their position as league leaders going into the international break.
“This next week will be tough – three games in one week isn’t ideal. It won’t just take 16 (players), but the whole squad (to come through strongly). We have the international break coming up, and it’s full throttle going into that, so we can then have two weeks off to get sorted.”
Tomorrow’s match against Perth Glory takes place at the 8,000-capacity Morshead Park Stadium in Ballarat – the first of two matches for Western United at the venue in four days. It’s a stadium that Beall has fond memories of when it hosted the club’s pre-season friendly with Melbourne Victory. “It’s a great stadium..and it is a really great pitch,” the American said.
Reflecting on how she reviews the club’s superb campaign so far just past the halfway point, the 24-year-old said: “This team is great…with a new team, you don’t know what to expect. I’ve been asked to step up in ways I never expected. I’ve had to carry myself a bit differently and be more confident. We have phenomenal players all around and, more importantly, even better people.”
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s opponents Perth Glory, Beall said: “They have a great work rate. Everybody is within fighting distance, (and we) know we have a target on our back being top of the table.”
Above: Western United head coach Mark Torcaso. Photo: Western United.
Western United head coach Mark Torcaso has revealed that his squad has overcome the impact of having to play in searing heat against Canberra United last weekend, and hopes authorities will act in the future to avoid a repeat.
Several of his players suffered heat stroke as a result of the temperatures, with Torcaso saying: “The first 12, 24 hours (after the match) shook them up a bit. The girls that fell ill were the ones that were on the bench. They are ready to go and up for selection.
“No one has reached out (from the APL). It’s been pretty obvious that it’s been a problem. Hopefully, the right channels do the best things by the players and staff…I hope the people make the right choices going forward.”
The Western United boss outlined how the conditions impacted how he set his team up to play, and the plan was carried out even better than he dared to hope for. “We wanted to have a good performance first half, knowing at the back end of the game we might run out of legs. The plan was to hit them hard from the start. I didn’t expect we would expose them that much, but we did.”
Torcaso also has sympathy for tomorrow’s opponents Perth Glory, who go into the match having an enforced break of three weeks since their last match after Sydney FC were unable to find a pitch for the fixture between the two sides a fortnight back before the Western Australians had the bye last week.
Above: Chloe Logarzo in action for Western United at Perth Glory earlier in the season. Photo: Keep Up.
“Fixturing has been an issue for them. I think they are a good side. They are well organised, but results haven’t been going their way. When we played them before we pinched a result from them with 10 minutes to go. They have lost players through injury and suspension…(but) they have good depth and will be a challenge for us. We want to go out as aggressive as we can.”
He also provided an update on Chloe Logarzo, who is suffering from a foot injury as she continues her comeback from a long-term knee problem.
“If we really wanted to, we could push scenarios with her, but we want her to be ready for the World Cup. She’s having injections to look after the foot. She is a top-quality player and she will bounce back. The international window coming up and her not going into camp is a good opportunity for her…her knee is holding up well.”
With Logarzo’s loan deal from Kansas City Current expiring shortly, Torcaso revealed that he is positive of being able to extend it through to the end of the A-League Women season.
“I think we’re almost there – we’re just working through some final things. It’s going to benefit her, and hopefully, Kansas will support that. This is a sensitive one for me. I want to make sure Chloe is 100% prepared for the World Cup. I want her on the pitch, but we have to look after her and make sure she is right for the long term.”
Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.
Above: (Left to right): Cortnee Vine, Tameka Yallop, and Tony Gustavsson at today’s Australian national squad selection announcement in Sydney. Image: Football Australia.
Western Sydney Wanderers defender Clare Hunt has been rewarded for her consistently high-performance levels in the A-League Women with a call-up to the Australian national side for the forthcoming Cup of Nations round-robin tournament which also involves Spain, the Czech Republic, and Jamaica.
The 23-year-old defender has captained the Wanderers this season in impressive style. Her form has picked up where it left off before her devastating injury last season as Kat Smith’s side look to push for only their second-ever qualification for Finals football.
Returning to the squad after missing out last time due to injury are Emily Gielnik, Tameka Yallop, and Mackenzie Arnold. Clare Wheeler, who has settled in well with Everton in the WSL is also selected.
Speaking to the media today to address his squad announcement, Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson revealed: “We’ve actually been keeping an eye on her (Hunt) for a long time. She was meant to go to the AFF tournament last year, but she dislocated her shoulder. She performed phenomenally well before that injury. I’ve been there live for a lot of her games to really dig into her play.
Above: Western Sydney Wanderers captain Clare Hunt’s selection is reward for consistently impressive performances over the last two A-League Women campaigns. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
“She really deserves a shot in the national side to see if she can perform at her A-League standard in the national side. We’ve looked for the last two years at depth in the back line, and this might be the last opportunity to look at that (before the World Cup).”
Reflecting on the wider squad selection for the Cup of Nations, Gustavsson outlined: “This has been one of the most difficult squad selections so far. I have said before that this country is overloaded with attacking talent. Selection for this tournament is based on the last two years, not the last two matches.
“We’ve looked at 57 players in the senior national team environments, with 17 debutants. We want to keep track of the cohesion over World Cup year. The squad is based on the best team, not the best individual players, and some tough decisions have been made and some players have been left out who deserve to be there.”
With the vast majority of his squad based in Europe playing for their clubs the weekend immediately prior to this international window, Gustavsson spoke about the particular challenges that this will impose on his side going into their opening game of the Cup of Nations against the Czech Republic.
“Our first game is a Thursday and some players will not arrive until the Tuesday night…that will be one proper training session before the first match.”
Above: Ellie Carpenter back in training with Olympique Lyonnais last week. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Whilst the Matildas’ head coach outlined his belief that “80-85%” of the selected players this time should be part of his World Cup squad, he provided an update on the situation regarding three injured key players Chloe Logarzo, Ellie Carpenter, and Kyah Simon.
“Chloe – she hasn’t played much after her (injury), we’ve had a lot of discussions before making the final decision. She needed to get 100% focus on getting right. We want to give her time to do that. She needs minutes to build up before maybe coming back in April.
“With Ellie, we had another long discussion about whether to bring her in or not. She can actually train with full contact. But there is research that travel and jet lag can impact an ACL injury and we don’t want to take that risk right now. We have a really good dialogue with Lyon and she will be integrated in their team soon.”
“Kyah – I went up to Newcastle to see her in her rehab. She is committed to doing everything she can, but it’s too early to speculate. What I’m really pleased with is the passion and desire in her.”
Above: Cortnee Vine (left) and Tameka Yallop at today’s media conference. Image: Football Australia.
Also present at the media conference in Sydney were Matildas players Tameka Yallop and Cortnee Vine, who both reflected on the reality dawning on just how big the interest is becoming in the Matildas now home World Cup year has finally arrived.
“This is a whole different thing, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” enthused Yallop. “The atmosphere surrounding football in Australia is very different. As a player who played in the first W-League season to now, it’s humbling. Not just in Australia but worldwide.”
Sydney FC attacker Vine highlighted the symbolism in Australia’s opening World Cup game against the Republic of Ireland being moved to Accor Stadium, saying: “Changing the stadium to an 83,000-capacity one is amazing. I’ve never played in front of more than 23,000!”
The Matildas open their Cup of Nations campaign against the Czech Republic in Gosford on 16th February, before facing Spain (Parramatta) on 19th February, before concluding the tournament against Jamaica in Newcastle on 22nd February. Tickets are available from $15 for juniors and $25 for adults at matildas.com.au/tickets.
Player
Position
Club
Caps (Goals)
Mackenzie ARNOLD
Goalkeeper
West Ham United FC
29 (0)
Steph CATLEY
Back
Arsenal WFC
106 (3)
Alex CHIDIAC
Midfielder
Melbourne Victory on loan from Racing Louisville FC
impetusfootball.org 