Young Matildas qualify with perfect record

Australia 3-0 Chinese Taipei

by Kieran Yap (11/8/25)

Above: Australia’s starting lineup. Photo: Football Australia.

Australia’s Young Matildas have qualified for the U20 Asian Cup. The 3-0 win against Chinese Taipei capped off a perfect campaign where they scored 20 goals and conceded none. Skye Halmarick starred once again with a brace in the final game, while Talia Younis’s work on the right flank forced the opening goal.

Australia were able to dominate possession early and were patient without being ponderous. The ball zipped along the ground while they looked to open up space on the wings. The packed Chinese Taipei defence made the final ball difficult however, and crosses were often lofted in too high or sent in from deeper areas of the pitch. Halmarick leapt at an early header but could not direct the ball on target.

Chinese Taipei played nine players behind the ball, with only one striker up top. This allowed Australias fullback’s Teagan Bertolissio and India Breier to get high up the pitch and join attacks on the wings or by cutting inside.

Zara Kruger wore the armband and partnered by Maddy Caspers and Avaani Prakash helped control the midfield while pushing Australia forward at every opportunity. Still that first goal remained elusive despite their dominance.

It arrived in the 38th minute through the trickery of Younis. Her low cross in was almost met by Caspers but deflected off a Chinese Taipei defender and into the net. It was a fortunate way to score, but a well deserved lead.

Encouraged by the goal and with more space opening up as their opponents chased the game, Australia grew in confidence. Breier’s 30 yard attempt looked good off the boot but skimmed over the top of the goal.

The second half saw Australia increase their lead. Halmarick’s clever volleyed flick eluded the goalkeeper in the 63rd minute. The introduction of Sienna Saveska and Caley Tallon-Henniker into the game helped keep the pressure on Chinese Taipei.

The match was sealed by a moment of pure quality. Halmarick received the ball out wide on the right and danced into the penalty box, she twisted, turned and shaped to shoot, keeping the defenders guessing before hitting a high curling effort from the edge of the box to make it 3-0 and book Australia’s spot in the Asian Cup.

Skye Halmarick has been a terrific find this year. After 19 goals in as many games in the NSW NPLW, she has seamlessly carried that form into the national team setup. She is tall, but fast and has a natural strikers instinct. She is dangerous off either foot and can beat an offside trap with impressive timing and enviable acceleration.

This was a remarkable tournament by the 17 year old striker and an excellent one by The Young Matildas as a squad. They were thoroughly professional in their approach to each game. The 14 goal win in the opening game was followed up by two more convincing if not as mathematically amazing performances.

There is at least a decade of football ahead for many of these players, and the future for the game is bright, but right now we look forward to seeing them in the Asian Cup.

Congratulations to all the players, Alex Epakis and his staff.

Teams: CHINESE TAIPEI: Jian, Li, Lo, Chang, Chuan, Kao, Fu, Huang, Lin Szu-Ying, Lin Pin-Hsin. Substitutes: Chian, Ma, Wu, Li Yi-Syuan, Liao, Li Pei-Yao, Deng, Li Yu-Hui, Wang, Hung I-Ping, Chen.

AUSTRALIA: Melegh, Bertolissio, Breier, Halmarick, Fuller, Kruger, Apostolakis, Prakash, Caspers, Younis, Sullivan. Substitutes: Bennett, Lobo, Dewey, Broughton, Luchtmeijer, Cassar, Saveska, Black, Fante, Tallon-Henniker, Trimis, Kinsella.

Goals: Halmarick 64’ 75’ Own Goal 38’

Referee: TBC

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Jancevski wonder goal wins it for Australia

The Philippines 0-1 Australia U23’s

By Kieran Yap 11/8/25

Above: Australia’s starting lineup. Photo: Football Australia.

Australia’s Under 23 side has given their ASEAN Championship hopes a boost with a 1-0 win over The Philippines senior team in the second group game. Alana Jancevski’s first half solo goal was all that separated the sides on the scoresheet although both goalkeepers had a big say in the result.

Australia’s loss to Myanmar in the opening game was a surprise, but they faced a well-conditioned, well prepared side on the back of only one training session together themselves. The result meant that this was a must win encounter against a side favoured to top the group.

Australia made 10 changes to that lineup with only Analisse Rasmussen retaining her spot. Sasha Grove took up duties at left back, while Leticia McKenna was given the playmaking role in a side captained by Sydney FC defender Tori Tumeth.

In attack, Rasmussen was the centre forward, flanked by Melbourne Victory duo Jancevski and Holly Furphy.

Australia dominated possession for much of the game. But The Philippines were very well structured and hard to break down, often forcing the Aussies into backward passes after patiently gaining territory.

Jancevski had the first meaningful shot on goal with a long range strike on the turn, and forced Olivia McDaniel into a diving save.

Australia looked more dangerous with longer, more direct passes or when McKenna was able to get on the ball around the 18 yard box. Isabel Gomez grew into the game and started to replicate her game from the A-League Women. The Mariner’s midfielder has an ability to dribble through the midfield and used that to break up the Philippines structure when possible.

Right back Claudia Cicco linked up with Mckenna to play the city attacker in on goal, but her shot from the angle was parried with a stinging save from McDaniel.

With the midfield crowded long balls from both sides looked to be the best route to goal, but the deadlock was broken by a superb individual effort from Jancevski.

She won the ball on the right after snapping in with an interception, held off the defender and cut inside the penalty box. McDaniel had almost every angle covered, but Jancevski found the one ball-sized gap left and curled her shot into the far bottom corner with perfect placement.

The goal came in the dying stages of the first half, and meant that The Philippines who only really needed a draw from this match would have to adjust in the second half.

Gomez’s influence and confidence continued to grow in the second half. Her pass for Furphy created  a good chance that McDaniel had to attend to and a later cross set up Rasmussen to be denied once again.

At the other end it was time for some heroics from Chloe Lincoln in the Aussie goal. The new Brisbane Roar signing did very well to stop Hali Long’s header from finding the net.

As the half wore on, The Philippines pressed in search of and equaliser, and Australia looked to kill off the game. Furphy had another chance after linking up with Aideen Keane, and Gomez continued to knit play in the middle, with Mckenna the beneficiary of a great pass in the 90th minute. Once again McDaniel produced a good save.

The win gives Australia hope of escaping the group stage, but with Myanmar defeating Timor-Leste 3-0, they sit atop the table as the only side with two wins. Australia need a big win in the final game and hope that Myanmar continue their strong form in order to jump into second place and guarantee progression.

Regardless of what happens in the near future, this was an impressive, cohesive and determined win by Australia against a very good side and the current trophy holders. Philippines coach Mark Torcaso remained rightfully proud of his side despite the defeat, pointing out that they introduced two teenagers to international football, and that is what Australia’s U23’s can take from this game too.

What was essentially an A-League Women all star team adapted well to difficult conditions and a dangerous opponent. They were able to grow into the game, create chances and once they found themselves in a winning position they were able to hold onto it and adjust to the opposition’s change in tactics and mindset.

This was a good win, and sets up exciting possibilities for the future.

Teams: PHILIPPINES: O McDaniel, Oka, Long, Hawkinson, DeFazio, Lemoran, De Las Alas Pidding, Pasion, Cesar, C McDaniel, Quezada. Substitutes: Mathelus, Tolentin, Arcenal Chan, Caprio, Wyrzynski, Schinaman, J DeFazio, Weibel, Palacios.

AUSTRALIA U23: Lincoln, Cicco, Tumeth, Cerne, Grove, Jancevski, Chessari, Gomez, Furphy, McKenna, Rasmussen. Substitutes: Tonkin, Keane, Woods, Murray, Cassidy, Sakalis, James, Franco, Johnson, Lemon, Chinnama.

Goals: Jancevski 45’

Referee: TBC

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Gareth Taylor almost cost England the Euros; now he’s been hired by Liverpool

By Gethin Thurlow (9/8/25)

Above: Gareth Taylor is unveiled as the new Liverpool manager Photo: Liverpool FC

Two crucial assists and a game saving penalty in the quarter final, the winning goal in the semi and a game tying assist followed by the tournament-deciding goal. It’s not been the worst summer for Chloe Kelly.

However, this was so nearly taken away from us. In January, Kelly was close to taking a break from football all together to get away from what was happening at Manchester City; she made a public statement to force their hand and let her move to Arsenal. That ultimately saved England’s dream.

This point was only reached after almost a year of poor treatment by Gareth Taylor. It started by dropping her for one FA Cup game, and then she was a second-choice winger for the entire rest of her City career. It was clear that Kelly wasn’t held in the high regard by City that she is by England when they didn’t sell her in the summer. Whether Taylor or the higher management felt the next season would be different or no sufficient offer was made for the now 3-time European champion we will never know, but it was a dreadful decision to keep her at the club knowing how it did go.

Whether she was performing or not in training and the very limited opportunities she had in matches is irrelevant, given how well she performed in different environments at Arsenal and England just months later. Clearly, Taylor and Kelly didn’t get along well and it was a toxic space for her to be in. This may not be so damning on the new Liverpool boss if they weren’t a number of other players that have had similar experiences under him at City.

Ellie Roebuck has referenced similarly being frozen out at City after receiving a red card in a game, missing a game and never being the number one again. Esme Morgan is another player who has thrived after moving away from City, where she was dropped by Taylor. The mass exodus of talent in the summer of 2022, including England trio Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway also doesn’t reflect well on the new Liverpool manager.

It is also worth noting that not everyone shares this experience of Taylor and Alex Greenwood spoke of the positive relationship she had with him.

After all the perfect stories that got capped off by Kelly’s heroics at the Euro’s it feels like all this is being undone by the hiring of Taylor. What did we learn from the Kelly situation? Seemingly that she was problem and Taylor won’t do the same damage to players at Liverpool.

Above: Kellly (number 18) celebrates Englands quarter final win after her tumultuous season Photo: @Lionesses on X

For a club that has sold its best player and asset in Olivia Smith and captain Taylor Hinds and failed to replace them with top internationals, there seems a serious lack of ambition for the womens team’s future, especially in comparison to the mens team that have thrown money around this transfer window.

It feels as though Taylor was a relatively well-known name in the WSL, so they just went for him based on that rather than considering best overall outcome for the team. While the club as a whole is certainly not a mid-table straggler, the womens team is acting like one for now.

With the rigid possession-based style that has been forced into him through years of coaching within the City group, it is hard to imagine how Taylor will manage a team that will probably have less possession in most games. His lack of squad rotation could actually work out better for a club like Liverpool with much less squad depth and therefore less high-quality players being left on the bench for a long period. It just seems a strange appointment and one that doesn’t particularly fit the direction Liverpool need to head.  

Another aspect of this appointment is the demotion of Amber Whitely. After transforming Liverpool in her few games in charge she openly admitted she wanted the job full time, but now she steps back into the assistant role. It is worth noting that her previous tenure in this role didn’t allow her to express herself tactically, something which she did as interim and that was effective.

In a time where we are crying out for more women to become coaches this is a massive blow. Rather than actively seeking to employ women or at the very least helping women to get trained up to be coaches, many clubs are still turning to the same journey-men coaches that have gone around the houses, safe but not brilliant options.

Liverpool had a perfect opportunity to give Whitely a go after she had that fantastic season with them, but instead chose to ignore that and introduce someone that almost derailed England’s Euros bid by subduing the talent of Chloe Kelly to the extent that she almost quit football all together.

Whatever happens with Liverpool this season, this choice reminds us that while there has been some wonderful progress made this summer in womens football; many problems still exist, there is a long way to go and a lot of attitudes to be shifted.

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Young Matildas win their second game of Asian Cup qualifying

By Kieran Yap 9/8/25

Above: The starting lineup for Australia. Photo: Football Australia.

Australia 3-0 Palestine

The Young Matildas have won their second game in Asian Cup qualifying with a 3-0 defeat of Palestine. Goals to Peta Trimis, Amber Luchtmeijer and Maya Lobo were enough to overcome and organized defence and excellent performance from goalkeeper Miraf Marouf.

Following the 14-0 opening game, coach Alex Epakis rotated the squad. Caley Tallon-Henniker, Peta Trimis and Milly Broughton were brought into the front three, with hatrick hero Sienna Saveska dropping into a deeper role similar to what Avaani Prakash occupied in the first win.

The new look attack opened the scoring in the seventh minute. A long ball from Saveska to the right flank found Tallon-Henniker. Her cross to the back post was met by Trimis and despite the first effort being blocked like Marouf, the ball was forced over the line.

Despite the early goal, the floodgates never opened in the same way that they did against Tajikistan. That was mostly due to Palestine getting numbers behind the baall but not surrendering too much territory. The plan looked to be shutting out Australia’s midfield, and largely it worked. It was left the to the defenders to find the free players with longer, more direct passing.

The cost to this for Palestine is that they were unable to counter attack with any real effect, which meant that although both teams looked comfortable in the game, it spent much of the first half in stalemate.

The longer the score stayed at 1-0, though the higher the chances of a surprise draw felt. In the second half Epakis brought on Luchtmeijer and Skye Halmarick. The impact was almost instant with Luchtmeijer finding enough space to tap home Trimis’s cross from the left wing.

It was a hard earned goal, although Trimis was routinely able to find space for crosses throughout the game, finding an open player amid a crowded defence was rare. Luchtmeijer’s movement allowed Australia to breathe a little easier.

The result was sealed with Maya Lobo’s headed goal in the 75th minute. She rose highest to nod in Prakash’s corner for Australia’s third. It was an athletic header. Lobo was forced the generate most of the power herself and did enough to direct it across goal to the far post.

3-0 and job done. It was not as fluid a game as the fist thumping win, but Australia were persistent, professional and able to find solutions against a well organized opponent. After one full days rest they will face Chinese Taipei and secure their place in the Asian Cup.

Teams: Australia: Melegh, Bennett, Lobo, Dewey, Broughton, Cassar, Saveska, Tallon-Henniker, Trimis, Sullivan, Kinsella. Substitutes: Bertolissio, Breier, Luchtmeijer, Halmarick, Black, Fuller, Kruger, Apostolakis, Prakash, Caspers, Fante, Younis.

Goals: Trimis 7’ Luchtmeijer 64’ Lobo 75’

Palestine: Marouf, Osorio, Abuasfar, Abdeen, Barakat, Halawani, Ghneim, Ataman, Samarat, Sabbagh, Kasssis. Substitutes: Belbaisi, Naber, Safi, Daas, Phillips, Abuzarour, Quirresh, Ibaideya, Ghrouf.

Referee: TBC

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Wales to host the Matildas in October

by Georgie Lewis (8/8/25)

Above: The Matildas will be hoping for more celebrations when they travel to Cardiff in October. Photo: Football Australia.

Fresh off a historic summer at the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, Wales will return to the pitch against one of the global heavyweights of the women’s game — Australia’s Matildas — in a landmark friendly at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday 25th October.

The clash will mark the first-ever senior international meeting between Wales and Australia, bringing together two sides at different points in their journeys, but both riding waves of momentum.

Cymru’s Homecoming After Making History

This will be Wales’ first match following their major tournament debut, with Rhian Wilkinson’s side now returning to home soil to take on a Matildas outfit that finished fourth at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and features some of the most recognisable names in the game.

Wilkinson says the fixture is more than just a celebration — it’s a statement of intent.

“Making history by reaching a major tournament for the first time has been an incredible experience,” she said.

“The match against Australia will be the perfect way to celebrate our players, but also to look ahead. As we continue to grow and challenge ourselves against some of the best teams in the world, Australia are the perfect opponents. I hope the Red Wall – the regulars and new fans – will come out in their numbers.”

Above: Wales legend Jess Fishlock. Photo: Ashley Crowden/FAW.

Australia’s European Test

For the Matildas, this friendly forms part of their October international window, with head coach Joe Montemurro using the occasion to continue shaping the team ahead of the 2026 Asian Women’s Cup. Australia are also expected to play a second fixture in Europe during the window.

“Wales are a competitive side and the perfect test for us,” Montemurro said, “It’s important that we use these international windows to build combinations, develop depth, and test ourselves in different environments. Playing in Europe helps create that competitive edge.”

The match also offers a rare chance for Matildas fans in the UK to see stars like Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley, with many of the squad currently based in the Women’s Super League.

A Match That Means Something

While technically a friendly, the fixture carries weight for both sides. For Wales, it’s a chance to keep building — not just tactically, but culturally — after a summer that captured the nation’s attention. For Australia, it’s a continuation of a long-term plan under a new coach, with Paris 2024 just behind them and the Asian Cup on home soil ahead on the horizon.

And for fans? It’s a chance to witness two passionate, ambitious teams collide for the very first time — and to see what the future of women’s football looks like on either side of the world.

Wales v Australia
📍 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff
📅 Saturday 25 October 2025 (BST) / Sunday 26 October 2025 (AEDT)
🕑 2:00pm BST / 12:00am AEDT
📺 Live in Australia on Paramount+

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In celebration of Steph Catley

By Isabelle Campbell 8/8/25

Above: Steph Catley with Arsenal. Photo: Arsenal

Following her nomination for the Ballon d’Or and official recognition as one of the best players in the world. Isabelle Campbell looks at what makes Steph Catley so special.

World Cup captain, Champions League winner, Ballon D’Or nominee, Steph Catley is one of the best footballers Australia has produced.

With a “left foot like Messi,” Steph Catley has turned defending into an art form. A feat recognised globally with her recent Ballon d’Or nomination. Whether she’s whipping in perfect crosses for the Matildas or standing rock-solid at the back for Arsenal, Catley’s dedication and instinct make her a true game-changer. Her mastery of the game lies in her fearlessness, adaptability, and leadership on the pitch.

Having played most of her career as a fullback, Catley seamlessly stepped into the centre-back role for Arsenal this past season, showcasing her defensive intelligence and ability to anticipate play. From crucial interceptions to orchestrating attacking plays from deep positions, Catley proved she’s more than just a dependable defender, she’s a commanding presence in defense for both club and country.

Catley’s calm composure under pressure, combined with her precise positioning, helped solidify Arsenal’s backline throughout a demanding season. From communicating seamlessly with teammates to staying composed in high-stakes moments, she thrived in the central role, demonstrating just how effective and adaptable she is when the team needs her most.

Her centre-back partnership with Leah Williamson was a cornerstone of Arsenal’s Champions League-winning campaign. The two share what can only be described as a telepathic understanding on the pitch, often communicating without words through trust and an instinctive awareness of each other’s positioning. This connection allows them to function as a unified force, anticipating danger, covering space, and stepping up exactly when needed. Williamson also receiving a Ballon d’Or nomination celebrates not only her individual talent but also the power of this partnership, marking them as one of the most formidable centre-back duos in the game.

Catley’s impact often goes unnoticed in the flow of the game, but the moment she’s absent, her importance becomes clear. While others grab the headlines, it’s Catley who’s consistently putting herself on the line to defend, stepping into tackles, blocking key shots, and making crucial interceptions that rarely make the highlight reels. Her anticipation for attack is key to keeping the backline alert and prepared. When she’s not on the pitch, the drop in structure and rhythm is hard to ignore.

Though never the type to chase the spotlight, through her unwavering commitment to her teams, she ensures they can rely on her when it matters most. Without Steph Catley in defence, everything feels a little less secure, a little more exposed.

Catley’s influence as a leader resonates far beyond the pitch. As captain, she brings a calm, steady presence that grounds the team, offering support and direction when it’s needed most. Off the pitch, her humility and kindness have earned her deep respect, with teammates often speaking of her with genuine admiration. She leads by example, embodying everything the Matildas stand for, fearless, hardworking, and deeply committed to representing Australia with pride.

From Melbourne’s local pitches to the biggest stadiums in the world, Catley isn’t just playing football, she’s embodying what it means to be indispensable. In just one season she has highlighted her versatility, proving she is not just a dependable fullback but a world class centre-back. Simply put, Steph Catley is the type of player every team needs. She’s not loud, not flashy,  just absolutely essential.

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Australia U23’s open ASEAN Tournament with loss to Myanmar

By Kieran Yap 7/8/25

Above : Australia’s U23 starting lineup. Photo: Football Australia

Myanmar 1-2 Australia U23

A late Holly Furphy goal was not enough for Australia’s U23’s as they were defeated 2-1 by Myanmar’s senior side in the first game of the ASEAN Championships in Vietnam.

Australia enjoyed the majority of possession over the game, but Myanmar did well to frustrate, stall and hamper momentum, while looking constantly dangerous on the counter attack.

The match commentator made an effort to emphasise that Myanmar’s side had played together for two and a half years, and that chemistry and organization was clear in the way that they defended in numbers and attacked at pace.

They were able to take the lead through a truly remarkable strike. A first time shot from distance by May Thet Mon Myint caught Sally James by surprise and dipped just under the bar to open the scoring in the 32nd minute.

The goal felt like a shock, but came on the back of Myanmar’s growing momentum, and they had looked dangerous leading up to it.

Australia’s plan to equalise suffered another unlikely set back in the second half. Jame’s was apologetic after giving the ball away with a pass out of defence, and Win Theingi Tun was in no mood to be charitable with the easiest of opportunities. She made no mistake and it was 2-0 in the 47th minute.

As the half wore on and with the weather taking a visible toll,  Australia U23 coach Joe Palatsides turned to the bench, Melbourne Victory pair Holly Furphy and Alana Jancevski entered the match with Claudia Cicco and Leticia McKenna also coming on to try and rescue a point.

Jancevski made an almost immediate impact. Her shot was spilled by the goalkeeper and Aideen Keane’s follow up went narrowly wide.

Remarkably, Myanmar’s players looked both better adjusted to the oppressive heat, but also more in need of rests on the pitch, the need for cramp or assistance for knocks was in contrast to their ability to run in numbers and pressure relentlessly. As Australia started to build momentum, it was inevitably stalled by fortunately timed yet quickly healed injuries to Myanmar’s defenders.

In the 85th minute, Australia grabbed a lifeline. A smooth attack down the left wing ended up with Keane who’s low cross was attacked with Furphy’s well timed run and excellent finish.

The Victory forward has a knack for making an impact of the bench, and while she is usually played off a wing, her movement for the goal was pure striker’s instinct.

Buoyed by the goal, Australia found another gear, Mckenna had an effort go wide, and Furphy came close to a second, but Myanmar’s defence held firm for the 2-1 win.

It was a huge win for the unfancied Myanmar side, and the Aussies will likely be disappointed. But the errors are fixable and they should be better placed for a result in the next game against The Philippines. In the last edition of this tournament, Australia also lost their first game but went on to score 16 goals in the next four games.

Counter-attacks remain something of a recurring issue when Australia faces senior sides in Asia, and this was another example. The speed of Sasha Grove at fullback may help remedy that, and Furphy may have done enough to earn a start.

“We think that we performed quite well, even though we had quite disrupted preparation,” said Australia U23 coach Joe Palatsides in the post-match referring to the single training session they had before the game.

“We also knew that Mynamar was a well organized team.

“We were a bit disappointed that we didn’t win, but I give credit to Myanmar for being defensively organized.

“We just couldn’t take out chances at the end, because we had pretty good chances to equalise.”

He acknowledged that the loss has made qualification from the group difficult following the loss.

“Now we have to try and beat The Philippines in the next game.

“If we’re good enough we’ll be able to do that…I’ve got confidence in the girls.

“Our preparation wasn’t what we wanted it to be. One training session before we started probably wasn’t enough.

“Now we’ll have a couple of days to try and organize things a bit better, so I’m looking forward to The Philippines game. I know they’re a strong opponent. It’s going to be a very tough challenge but we’ll try our best.”

That late goal may not have been enough to rescue a point, but it may come in handy when the group is decided.

Australia will play The Philippines on Sunday night at 10:30pm AEST.

Teams: AUSTRALIA U23: James, Lemon, Chinnama, Tonbkin, Johnston, Cassidy, Woods, Murray, Sakalis, Keane, Rasmussen. Substitutes: Gomez, Furphy, Jancevski, Mckenna, Cicco, Lincoln, Cerne, Tumeth, Chessari, Grove, Franco.

Scorers: Furphy 85’

MYANMAR: Myo, Hnin, Oo, Phyu, May, Wai, P. Win, Tun, Thaw, T Win, Yu. Substitutes: Win Win, Lin, Nan, Than, Tun, Ei, Khin, Lu, Zu, Tun Kin, Yoon, Thandar Tun Khin.

Scorers: Myint 32’, Tun 47’.

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Halmarick hat-trick sets up big win for Young Matildas

By Kieran Yap 7/8/2025

Above: Skye Halmarick

Australia U20’s 14-0 Tajikistan U20’s

An early Skye Halmarick hatrick and a midfield masterclass by Avaani Prakash has helped the Young Matildas to a 14-0- win against Tajikistan in the opening game of Asian Cup qualifiers.

Alex Epakis’s first competitive game in charge was a successful and relentless attacking performance in which Australia’s Under 20’s easily swept aside their opponents in the first phase of the tournament.

Alexia Apostolakis captained the side in her second World Cup cycle in the Under 20 setup, with a midfield anchored by Zara Kruger and propelled by Prakash and Maddy Caspers, Australia was on the front foot early.

Once the ball got to the feet of the likes of Tianna Fuller or Halmarick up front, all that Tajikistan could do was hope, and some excellent finishing put the game beyond doubt early.

A third minute corner caused mayhem in the penalty box and Halmarick forced the ball over the line from barely a yard out to open to scoring.

The new Sydney FC signing doubled the lead by finishing off Talia Younis’s cross from the right with a far post volley.

Australia made it 3-0 in the 20th minute when Halmarick broke the offside trap and fired into the roof of the net on her left foot.

India Breier scored directly from an in swinging corner kick to bring up the Young Matilda’s fourth goal.

Caspers got in on the act  in the 28th minute when she headed home another Younis cross. Australia’s wide play and ability to spread the ball quickly from the middle was a problem that Tajikistan could not come to terms with.

Canberra United defender Teagan Bertolissio scored Australia’s sixth after thrashing home following a short corner routine and Breier’s eventual cross to the back post.

Halmarick brought up her fourth of the half with another calm finish on the volley. Her ability to ghost behind defences and lose markers deep in attack is an exciting feature of her play, and her finishing is elite. That goal sent Australia in the to break with a 7-0 lead and Tajikistan with a decision to make.

In any large win, the team on the receiving end of the goals has to either shut up shop and play to reserve goal difference, or try and chase the lead. In these early group stages it can make all the difference between finishing second of last. With Australia’s defence untroubled for almost the entirely of this game, Tajikistan’s best path would have been to park the bus and try and keep the score to single digits. Unfortunately Tianna Fuller would have more say in the matter.

The Central Coast Marineres striker controlled the ball on the left, nodded it past her opponent, flicked it beyond the next one and struck a powerful effort on her right boot top make it eight goals to start off the second half.

Before Tajikistan had time to reset and before the viewers had time to see the replay the ball was in the back of the net again. Prakash wriggled into attack and was brought down after rounding the goalkeeper. The Western United midfielder slotted the spot kick herself. Nine.

With the game well and truly won, Epakis brought on Sienna Saveska, and as usual, she scored. Prakash was the architect of the move once again with a run from deep and the cut the ball square to Saveska on the edge of the box. The former Wanderer swivelled into space and shot off her left foot to score Australia’s 10th and underline the exciting depth in the squad.

Prakash scored her second of the game with a stunning stike similar to Fuller’s earlier one. A curling effort from the edge of the penalty box into the top right corner of the net. Saveska made it 12 after fellow substitute Amber Luchtmeijer forced the keeper into a diving save at her feet.

Luchtmeijer’s weaving run in the penalty box resulted in her first for the game and Australia’s 13th. It was a calm finish and a composed piece of play in traffic.

Saveska brought up her hatrick with another powerful strike from the edge of the box after some clever footwork to find the space.

Australia ended the game with 14 goals, two hatricks, eight separate scorers and a dominant and diverse midfield display. The were able to attack out wide or through the middle with equal proficiency which is an encouraging thing to see so early on in this team’s journey.

The attacking options each bring something different. Saveska can shoot from any distance, Halmarick’s clever off the ball movement can make her a nightmare to mark and Fuller is like a young Caitlin Foord in her dribbling style and propensity to cut in from the left and shoot.

Prakash and Caspers were outstanding in midfield, with Prakash seemingly at the heart of every attack. She is too fast for this level, and too inexperienced for the next one, but given time and more A-League Women games, she will likely develop into a very dangerous playmaker.

She can score, pass, cross and dribble. After standing out at the last U20 World Cup, Prakash looks like one of the leaders in this next cycle and was outstanding in this first fixture.

Australia now prepare to play Palestine on Saturday morning.

Teams: AUSTRALIA: Melegh, Bertolissio, Breier, Halmarick, Fuller, Kruger, Apostolakis, Prakash, Caspers, Younis, Sullivan. Substitutes: Bennett, Lobo, Dewey, Broughton, Luchtmeijer, Cassar, Saveska, Black, Fante, Tallon-Hennicker, Trimis, Kinsella.  

Scorers: Halmarick 3’, 8’, 20’, 42’. Caspers 28’, Bertolissio 32’, Fuller 47’, Breier 49’, Prakash 49’, 71’. Saveska 58’, 82’, 90+4’, Luchtmeijer 89’. 

TAJIKISTAN: Shakhnoza, Safarzoda, Marjona, Nasrullovea, Mekhrona, Bakhrom, Uljamol, Farahnoz, Manzura, Shukrona, Shokhsanam. Substitutes: Ibragimova, Mirzoeva, Nurova, Dzhuraeva, Noziya, Omina, Dadomatova, Uzokova, Charoskhon, Rasulova, Shomurodova.

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Mackenzie Hawkesby re-signs for Sydney: Can she put the Sky Blues back on top?

Above: Mackenzie Hawkesby celebrates in Sky Blue. Image: Kris Goman for Impetus.

By Genevieve Henry (7/8/2025).

One of Sydney FC’s very best talents in Mackenzie Hawkesby has signed on to continue her career in Sky Blue for the 2025/26 A-League Women Season. Her one-year extension will help spur Sydney on in their quest to get back to the top after a disappointing season.

The 2024/25 golden boot winner for Sydney, Hawkesby transitioned into a new role with the club last season, finding herself further up the field and finishing chances rather than solely creating them. Her 25 goals in 98 appearances is an impressive testament to not only her productivity, but her longevity. This experience and talent is exactly what Hawkesby needs to bring to the Sky Blues in order to reclaim their status as the best team in Australia. 

Hawkesby commented in her re-signing announcement, “last season was nowhere near the levels that we expect for ourselves at Sydney FC and now in 2025/26 we have a chance to put that right, together.” To bounce back after a disastrous season by their standards, Sydney will need players of Hawkesby’s calibre to step up and find new ways to operate. Towards the end of the season, the Sky Blues had a positive trajectory, and that was largely due to Hawkesby contributions as a goalscorer. Playing as a number 9, the 3x PFA Team of the Season honoree excelled in the unfamiliar role. 

If Head Coach Ante Juric continues into the new season utilizing Hawkesby in this more advanced role, it could shift the dynamic of the attack for the better. It would also make a difference in acquiring new talent to bolster the squad; if Hawkesby is the supposed central striker, the team will need a solid, work-horse of a midfielder to fill her shoes. This player could very well be Bianca Galic, who inked a three-year deal with Sydney after winning the 2024/25 Grand Final with the Central Coast Mariners. Her signing, and the lack of signing a forward as of yet suggests that Hawkesby will stay in this new role. 

Above: Hawkesby celebrates a goal against Adelaide United. Image: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Juric expressed his excitement at retaining Hawkesby, saying “she is a fantastic player who works very hard and she has shown she has an eye for goal.” Her versatility on the pitch has become a great asset for Sydney, but her off the pitch contributions are arguably more important. “Mackenzie is a fantastic person and her character around the dressing room is infectious.  Her energy rubs off on all of the players and you can see the lift that she gives the girls at training and games with her personality and desire to win.”

Juric continued, “I am delighted to have Mackenzie sign with the club for another year.  She has been a key player for a few years now and she has been extremely successful at Sydney FC winning a number of trophies.” With 3 Premierships, 2 Championships, and many individual accolades including 2024 Grand Final Player of the Match, Hawkesby certainly has the record to add even more. 

 “I am really looking forward to working with her again for a 7th season and looking forward to winning more trophies with her.” Hawkesby, who has played with Sydney for the majority of her career, will certainly surpass 100 appearances in Sky Blue by the end of the 25/26 season, a feat only matched by Princess Ibini, Teresa Polias, and Natalie Tobin. 

“I’ve matured and developed so much as a player here at Sydney and under Ante and I look forward to creating more memories in the next year,” Hawkesby said. “I would like to also thank all the amazing Members and fans that I have come to know so well across the last six years and I look forward to playing in front of you again this season.” 

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