Above: Brisbane Roar huddle to celebrate a goal by Hollie Palmer. Photo: Brisbane Roar/Getty Images
Brisbane Roar won a tight match on Sunday afternoon against Western Sydney Wanderers. It was a warm, overcast day at A.J Kelly Park, the home of the Brisbane Roar until renovations are finished on Perry Park early next year. There was a sea of orange shirts in the stands and the atmosphere was fun and excited.
Brisbane Roar got off to a quick start, scoring a goal in the first 10 minutes. Swedish defender Kajsa Lind hit a wonderful through ball all the way from the backline up to Larissa Crummer who was pressing high. American Jordyn Bloomer made a solid point blank save, but Hollie Palmer was there for the follow up and tucked the ball away to give Brisbane Roar a vital early lead.
REPLAY | Hollie Palmer with the opener to put us in the lead.
Brisbane Roar didn’t sit back and defend after their early goal, they stayed on the attack. Katrina Gorry, back from a well-deserved four-week break, forced a saved from the keeper about five minutes later.
Western Sydney Wanderers eventually played their way into the match, with Holly Caspers and Sophie Harding linking up for a few attempts on the Brisbane goal. The Wanderers’ most spectacular chance of the half came in the 33rd minute from an amazing through ball from Clare Hunt in the backline up to Malia Steinmetz, who took a shot at goals, but missed high.
The second half was a very even contest. There was a lot of passion on the field with fouls behind handed out left, right, and centre, and a few yellow cards for good measure too. And several attempts on goals as well from both sides.
Brisbane Roar’s best chance in the second half came from good high cross from the ever-present Palmer that set up a header from Jessie Rasschaert towards the bottom right corner. But Bloomer was equal to it.
The Wanderers had several attempts on goal. Three of which came from 55-cap Czech international substitute, Jitka Chlastáková – another example of the international talent on display in the A-League Women’s.
When Brisbane Roar captain, Ayesha Norrie, came off after a full 90 minutes, she was met by a huge applause from the crowd who were celebrating her 50th game for the Roar. Since her debut in November 2013, she has become an essential part of the team and one half of the dynamic midfield duo that is Norrie and Gorry.
The Roar were able to cling onto their slim lead despite a nervy final 20 minutes, including almost 10 minutes of stoppage time.
Palmer proved to be the difference maker in the match. But it wasn’t just the goal she scored, she was full of energy and intent for the whole 90 minutes and created a lot of opportunities. And although Gorry only played the first half, she was also outstanding. It doesn’t matter if she’s playing for Vittsjö in Sweden, the Matildas, or for the Roar, her constant physicality, energy, and intent to win the ball and take shots at goal make her an absolute menace in the midfield.
The entire Roar backline put in a great shift as well, particularly Lind, Rasschaert, and Levin. This will please Roar coach Garrath McPherson as the Roar defence has been a puzzle he has been trying to solve since Clare Polkinghorne departed two years ago.
Clare Hunt had a solid game, taking a few shots herself, and creating several more opportunities for her teammates, all while commanding the backline and preventing attacks from the Roar. The Wanderers midfield also put in a good shift, but no one on the front line had the finesse or firepower to beat Hensley Hancuff, who had a great day between the sticks, securing her first clean sheet for the campaign.
Next week Brisbane Roar play Newcastle Jets again after a tight opening round win. Western Sydney Wanderers will take on Sydney FC once more, after a narrow loss at the start of this month.
Above: Chloe Logazro celebrates with her teammates after scoring. Photo: @wufcoffocial twitter
A second-half brace from Chloe Logarzo has sent Western United to the top of the A-League Women’s table.
The meeting between the two top sides was one of the most anticipated matches of the round. Perfect conditions awaited the players at AAMI Park, where Melbourne City faced their toughest opponent so far.
Western United and Melbourne City both had perfect records coming into this match. City had scored more goals and surged to title contention after some thrilling displays. Their attacking talent has been impressive in form and depth. Their defence has been versatile and well-drilled.
Western United have been the surprise packet of the season to anybody who did not watch the Victorian NPLW. This was a team that arrived in the W-League more ready than any other new side in history.
The Victorian players gave them the core to compete with anybody. Additions of overseas stars like Sydney Cummings, Jess McDonald, and Hillary Beall gave them the edge to beat the best.
Above: Hannah Keane, one of Western United’s impressive signings ahead of their first-ever season in the competition. Photo: West Australian.
The biggest name to sign for the club was Matildas’ star Chloe Logarzo. So far this season, manager Mark Torcaso has used the gun midfielder sparingly. She has often been brought into games in the second half, as she returns from a long-term knee injury.
She has steadily improved with each game, but against City, it became official. Logarzo is back.
It was a game of contrasting styles. City are set up to possess the ball, Western United were determined to press. In the second minute, that early effort paid off. Sally James’ pass was intercepted, and Adriana Taranto unleashed a low drive from outside the area to open the scoring.
If City were stunned by conceding, they didn’t show it. Their attacking trio got themselves quickly into the game with Maria Rojas causing problems for the United defence, and Bryleeh Henry coming close to levelling the scores.
Western United were bravely playing a high defensive line. Given the pace of Emina Ekic and Henry on either flank, it was a risky strategy. But the compressed space in midfield helped keep the skills of Rhianna Pollicina and Daniella Galic in check.
Above: Action from today’s game at AAMI Park. Photo: Darrian Traynor/Getty Stock Images.
Dario Vidosic’s side did equalise before halftime, and it was a brilliant individual goal from Ekic.
The ball fell to the American attacker on the left of the attack, and she twisted to find space and shoot despite the attention of three defenders.
McDonald tried to restore the lead for United, but James stopped her shot from the improbable angle.
The second half was no less action-packed, and Rojas almost scored in the opening stages. A long ball from midfield put her into space behind Cummings. Her lofted shot was stunning in its execution and only luck prevented it from going in. There was a sigh of relief in the Western Core supporter group as it bounced off the crossbar.
Rojas continued to torment the United defence, and eventually earned them a penalty. Her low cross was judged to have been stopped by a handball from Tyla Jay Vlajnic.
Pollicina stepped up to take the shot, and put her side ahead, but Beall dived low to her right to make a spectacular save. It was the turning point of the match.
Eyebrows were raised when Mark Torcaso subbed off striker Hannah Keane. She had enjoyed few scoring chances, but her pace up front and pressing was valuable. However, onto the pitch stepped Logazro, and she looked determined to impact the game.
Logarzo’s first goal was the type she is famous for. She picked up the ball and ran at the City defence. She attempted to play the ball wide, but it bounced back to her. In vintage style, she struck a shot from 20 yards that flew past Sally James and thrilled the crowd.
Both Logarzo and McDonald threw themselves into defensive duties. The star recruits could be seen clearing the ball or crowing the City attack as the clock ticked down.
Although City had most of the possession, the game felt like it was on Western United’s terms. Vidosic’s side created scoring chances, but Beall was equal to anything that was on target.
Cummings and Alana Cerne were excellent in making sure any City strikes had to be earned. United were defending deeper than they were in the first half but did not buckle under the pressure.
In the final moments, Western United iced the contest. McDonald earned an injury-time penalty kick after Julia Grosso handled, and Logazro calmly slotted it past James to put an exclamation point on the victory.
Above: Chloe Logarzo hits her second and Western United’s third from the spot in their famous win. Photo: West Australian.
Logazro is back, Western United sit atop of the table. Most frightening is that they are still improving.
Above: Adelaide United’s Fiona Worts (left) battles with Wellington Phoenix’s Mackenzie Barry in today’s match. Photo: Flipboard.
Adelaide United have won their fourth match in five games with a 1-0 win at Wellington Phoenix thanks to a deflected own goal by Wellington defender Mackenzie Barry.
This was a closely fought match with goalscoring chances created by both sides. Indeed, the outcome may have been a different story altogether in the first half if it wasn’t for the heroics of Adelaide United goalkeeper Annalee Grove who was in superb form.
The visitors fielded Jenna McCormick for her landmark 100th W/A-League Women. At the other end of the scale, their young star on a scholarship contract, Zoe Tolland would make her first senior appearance.
Above: Jenna McCormick had the captain’s armband for Adelaide United today on her 100th appearance. Photo: Adelaide United.
McCormick was involved early on as Betsy Hassett’s header bounced onto her, leading to the ball falling for Emma Rolston who had a first-time shot at goal that was superbly stopped by Annalee Grove and then cleared away by Maruschka Waldus.
The home side continued to press and Paige Satchell’s crossed was misplaced by the Adelaide defence into the line of fire of returning Nix star Grace Wisnewski whose shot was brilliantly saved by Grove in the 14th minute.
That combination of Grove’s sensational form and an inability to turn chances into a goal came back to haunt the Phoenix in the most heart-wrenching way with 22 minutes played.
Adelaide striker Fiona Worts’ through ball found Chelsie Dawber in the box. Dawber’s shot deflected off of Wellington’s Barry into the back of the net.
The home side responded well, but once more Grove denied them with a superb acrobatic save to deny Rolston.
Clear-cut chances were fewer and further between after that, with the visitors claiming the remaining two opportunities in the final minutes of the action. With five minutes remaining, Dawber showed superb vision in playing a centimetre long ball from close to the halfway line to the path of Paige Hayward who from outside the box had a great first-time shot at goal which was blocked and deflected by Edwards.
Deep into stoppage time, Adelaide had a free kick which was guided into the box to the head of Worts but wide of the goal.
Above: Chelsie Dawber in possession – it was another strong showing from the South Australian today. Photo: Adelaide United.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Wellington Phoenix who went toe to toe with one of the strongest teams in the competition, but fell short in the most agonising way possible.
“You can see from the girls it was a difference from last week,” Lawrence told the assembled media post-match. “Last week we knew we didn’t play well, we knew that wasn’t us and we knew we deserved to lose the game.
“The feeling this week was completely different. We competed, we had more shots on target than they did [and] we had the same amount of final third entries as they did. Credit to their goalkeeper. I thought she pulled off some fabulous saves.
“If we play like that against what is the joint top team in the league we can compete against anyone.”
Lawrence revealed that she felt nothing but pride in the performance of Mackenzie Barry, whose unfortunate own goal was ultimately the difference between the two sides. “Mack just wears her heart on her sleeve. She loves the club, she loves these girls [and] she has incredibly high standards.
“We can talk about the own goal, but look at how many blocks she makes, look at how many times she throws herself into tackles. She’s a proper defender. I thought Mack was outstanding today.”
As for Adelaide United, they just find ways to keep winning, and that is the sign of a potential champion team.
Johnathan Stack was in Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner‘s media conference ahead of their last match of the year when, weather permitting Sheffield United visit in the Conti Cup (16/12/22).
Above: Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner revealed to the media that he does not see Sunday’s game as a dead rubber. Photo: Manchester United.
Manchester United play their final game of 2022 on Sunday, as they finish their Conti Cup run with a home game against Championship side Sheffield United.
United can no longer qualify for the knock-out stages as Liverpool hold the spot for the best second-place team.
Marc Skinner’s side lost to Aston Villa and Durham on penalties and picked up a 4-2 win over Everton last time out.
The United boss spoke to the press ahead of the game, as he reflected on his side’s group stage exit from the tournament saying “I am [frustrated], but sometimes you must take a punch in the face to appreciate not getting another one in the future.
“Unfortunately, in life, you learn most from the defeats. It was the nature of those [games against Aston Villa and Durham], I don’t want to relive them too much. They were two games we were winning and then drew and lost on penalties.
“It was the penalty shootout factor that stopped us going through. We played Everton and beat them 4-2 and they were arguably the best other team in the group along with Villa.
“It’s just about learning. I had a lot of new players, and it was a chance to get them minutes – not that they hadn’t earned them. It was just maybe a lack of cohesion at times, but I would hope that we learn from that going forward.
Above: Action from Manchester United’s win over Everton in the Conti Cup earlier this season. Photo: Manchester Evening News.
“I place no undervalue on this competition at all. I would love to win this competition. But the reality is to keep a team fresh for all the games, I needed to make sure I had rotation opportunity. Unfortunately, we didn’t get through, but next time we’ll make sure we try and fix that.”
He also spoke about how United are going to approach the last game of the year against Sheffield United saying “This is a big indicator for us. It’s a game that has no consequence in terms of qualification, but it all the consequence in terms of attitude.
“As a group, we have a choice. Do we put our product and the way that we want to play on every single game? Or do you want to not be successful?
“For future success, we have to put all our energy into putting on a really good performance and making sure we show a professionalism in every moment on the field.”
Skinner was also asked whether despite being knocked out of the competition already if this game is a must-win for United, he said “For us, every game is a must-win, right?
“I don’t really need to look at what Sheffield have and haven’t done [in terms of recent results]. I’m sure when they come and play against us, they will put their best efforts forward because they want to finish the year on a high, they’ve had ups and downs.
“It’s about our mentality, how we want to approach games, and our choices. In this game, we choose to put all our energy into it and give absolutely everything. These players, whether they’re fighting for three points or not, they’re fighting to get into a competitive team. So, it’s really important that they put that out on the field and show us everything they’ve got so that it makes it difficult for me to select the teams going into the New Year.”
Skinner also told the press team news ahead of the game saying he could rotate the team for Sunday saying “I think everyone will be available to pick from. We’ve rotated in this cup before. What I might look at the weekend is potentially bringing a couple of the youth players in, to maybe birth them and give them an opportunity. That depends on [having] a lot of players that are waiting to play anyway. “I can’t think of one yet that is a doubt for the game.”
Manchester United play Sheffield United this Sunday at the Leigh Sports Village and are back in WSL action against Liverpool on 15th January 2023.
Ben Gilby, Ryan Miller-Woods, and Kieran Yap preview all this weekend’s A-League Women matches with coverage of all the media conferences (16/12/22).
BRISBANE ROAR v WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS
by Ben Gilby
Above: Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Kat Smith speaking ahead of her team’s game at Brisbane Roar tomorrow. Image: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Ahead of her team’s trip to Queensland tomorrow, Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Kat Smith is certain that her side can build on the positives of their recent matches and pile more misery on a Brisbane side who have conceded seven goals in their last two games and failing to score during that period.
“We take a lot of positives out of our performances against Sydney and Adelaide United, we could have picked up something from those games. Win, lose or draw, our training weeks are the same; we focus on our principles and how we can hurt the opposition.”
“Brisbane have had an up-and-down start to their season. Their last few games (against Melbourne City and Sydney FC) they have conceded a fair few goals (three and four respectively), so we’ll be looking to continue that trend. I feel with what we’ve been able to achieve in our games so far, we’ll click this weekend and get a result.”
Above: Western Sydney Wanderers’ Olivia Price speaking to the media. Image: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Olivia Price recognises that her side may not have had the start to the season result-wise that they would have liked, but can see clear progression over their three games so far.
“Each game we’re progressing, getting better and better. It’s a new squad too and we’re still trying to gel together. We have a lot of good younger girls – it’s a good culture to be in.”
Price sees this weekend’s trip to Brisbane as another chance to see further positives both on and off the pitch. “I love away trips. You get to bond with your teammates and know each other more. It brings the team closer together.”
With the Roar conceding frequently in recent matches, Price emphasised the importance of her side improving their ratio of chances created to goals scored.
“Brisbane will be a challenge. We just need to focus on ourselves and work on what we’ve been working on in training – making chances and taking them – getting goals in early.”
MELBOURNE CITY v WESTERN UNITED
by Ben Gilby
Above: Western United head coach Mark Torcaso speaking today. Image: Western United.
Speaking to the media today, Western United head coach Mark Torcaso is keeping both his and his team’s feet firmly on the ground ahead of the meeting between the A-League Women’s only two sides to have won all of their games so far this season.
“We always believe that if we put our processes in place, we should be able to compete as much as we can. Big games are big games because people make them big. For us, it’s just another game. Hopefully, it will take care of itself.”
Mark Torcaso, Western United head coach.
With his team impressing in the early weeks of their first-ever season in the competition, Torcaso believes that his squad’s blend of experience, as well as youth, is perfect for the test that Melbourne City will pose.
“It’s good that we’ve got experienced players who have played in that setting before. It’s a go-to stadium when you play a big game. “It’s our first game at AAMI Park, it’s Melbourne City, so the girls are really up for it.”
The Western United boss revealed that he has a full pool of talent available to him tomorrow: “We’re all up for selection, so we just need to decide who is in the sixteen.”
Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis is expecting his team to put together a 90-minute performance and use home-ground advantage to push them towards a first win of the season when Canberra United visit Macedonia Park on Sunday.
After four up-and-down performances to start the campaign, Epakis is determined that things finally come together this week. He told the media today: “I’m expecting a game where our team goes out and puts in a strong performance and bounces back from the start we’ve had. I’m expecting 16 committed players to go out and get a job done.”
“When you have an inconsistent start, the solutions are all internal – hard work and being better. We’ve really turned the screws on our expectations and our own individual performances this week and we’ve made it clear that if individually we are all better, then the collective will be stronger. This is our opportunity to get a 90-minute performance and kick-start our season.”
Alex Epakis, Perth Glory head coach.
The persistent vagueries of the A-League Women fixture schedule has brought these two sides together for the second time in five weeks. The Glory boss wants his team to take advantage of this as the capital city side make a rare visit to Western Australia.
“The Round One fixture was rusty at times. We’re ready for them, there will be no surprises. In the last three seasons, (we’ve not played them here) for them to come here now is good. Each game has been end-to-end. They have always had the home-ground advantage. We’ve never played against a team like them in our own backyard.
“They (Canberra) definitely get a strong backing (when they play at home), 900-1,000 fans come to support them and will sway the referee on 50-50s. We need to capitalise on that home-ground advantage – that’s us as players and staff too.”
Above: Bella Wallhead – back available for selection this weekend. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
Despite the loss of Sarah Cain and Milan Hammond, there is also positive news on the player availability front for the first time in a month for Perth.
“Sarah Cain has a one-game suspension. We’re slowly getting towards having our full squad. Milan (Hammond) is still some time away. Claudia (Mihocic) champing at the bit, Bella Wallhead is back from her illness, so we have more players in contention. This week will see a few changes. Kim Carroll is available too, it’s good to have her back.”
Above: Wellington Phoenix head coach Natalie Lawrence speaking to the media today. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
Wellington Phoenix return to home soil with high flying Adelaide United checking in at Sky Stadium tomorrow.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Phoenix head coach Natalie Lawrence reflected on the challenge posed by the South Australians.
“Adelaide are looking really good, you know that had a great season last year, they’ve kept a lot of their team, a lot of their players, they’ve had players who have played in Europe and played in the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League), so they’ve kept themselves playing at a really high level to then bring that experience back to the A-League (Women).
“You can see they’re structured; you can see they have a game plan. We’ve looked at them a lot this week and is unique playing them now and then straight after Christmas. They’re coming to our place first, so we’ve had a couple of brutal travel weekends, so we’ll try and take advantage and stamp our authority on this (Sky Stadium) being our home and having that as an advantage. We’re well prepared for them.”
As well as having the positives of home advantage, Lawrence was also able to report some good news on the injury front. “Wis (Grace Wisnewski) will be back so she’ll hopefully be on the field this weekend, she got through training this week, is looking really good.
“Kate (Taylor) and Lily (Alfeld) are just a little bit away (from returning), we’re still working with Lil (Lily Alfeld), hopefully, we get her back really soon. Alyssa (Whinham) has gone home due to personal reasons, so we’re kind of just going to respect her privacy for now and hope to see her back soon as well.”
The change in availability is likely to lead to some reshuffling of the pack in the midfield as Lawrence reported: “We’ve talked a lot about our midfield this week and the rotations and how we make sure we keep defensively sound as well and I know that Alyssa (Whinham) will be a big loss, she causes a lot of…problems and bringing Wis (Grace Wisnewski) in, she defensively we know she can get up and down the field and compliment Betsy (Hassett).
Above: Adrian Stenta pictured in training this week. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta spoke to the media today of his admiration for tomorrow’s opposition Wellington Phoenix.
“I really like Wellington as a side, they’re a side that is quite aggressive defensively and likes to press and try and win the ball and they play good football too. So if you have a look back at their games and their results, I don’t think they’re truly reflective of the team’s football ability and we’re expecting a really tough challenge.”
With the game part of a doubleheader with the men’s A-League sides facing off too, Stenta feels his team will benefit from the presence of a big crowd and everything that comes with it.
“We’re really looking forward to playing in front of a decent crowd. We know how loud and boisterous the Wellington crowd can be over here (in Wellington), it’s been fantastic to see some of the numbers that they’ve (Wellington) been pulling to their games, which is good and I think we’ll thrive off of that.
“We’ve had a pretty good away record the last two or three seasons, so we enjoy the opportunity to come together as a group and bond. We hope it’s nice and loud and a lot of people come out and watch and support women’s football.”
Above: Jenna McCormick in training this week ahead of what could be her 100th A-League Women appearance. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
Tomorrow’s match will also see a very special milestone for the club as defender and Jenna McCormick will make her 100th appearance in the A-League Women if selected. the South Australian side’s head coach reflected on what McCormick brings to his side.
“She’s been a fantastic addition to our group. I don’t think people realise how difficult it is to play 100 games in this competition because in seasons past there were 10-game, 12-game seasons, so for her to reach that milestone and for her to do it at our club at Adelaide United is really special
“I know the playing group is really geared-up to put in a strong performance for her on such a milestone event and she’ll slot in and do her job like she did last week (against Western Sydney Wanderers), her first start, first 90 minutes and I thought she was really impressive in defence for us. Great leadership, great character, so I’m really pleased for Jen that she is able to achieve this milestone with us tomorrow.”
Following a win on the road, Melbourne Victory coach Jeff Hopkins spoke to the media about a turbulent week, improved performances, and a rising young midfield star. Kieran Yap was in attendance.(16/12/22)
Above: Jeff Hopkins speaking to the media. Photo: Melbourne Victory FC.
Melbourne Victory rediscovered their scoring touch against Perth Glory, and Jeff Hopkins’ side is high on confidence as they host the Newcastle Jets on Sunday.
Victory had only scored the one goal leading into the Round Four match, but a brace from Melina Ayres and a Olympico goal from Alex Chidiac gave meant that the scoreboard reflected their general play.
Might have to trademark olimpicos in the Dub at this point…
Chidiac’s goal, direct from a corner kick was one of the highlights of the round, and her first of the season. These types of goals remain a glorious rarity in football, but Victory fans have been spoiled by choice for their favorite. Since he became head coach of the club, Hopkins has seen three.
Christine Nairn scored a memorable one in 2019, Kyra Cooney Cross scored a legendary one in 2021, now Chidiac has her own to add to the Victory highlight reel.
When asked to name a favourite, Hopkins had a laugh, then answered in the way one would expect a winning coach to.
“Alex Chidiac for sure,” he said. “Because it was the last one. The most recent one is always the most important. The rest are just history now.
“It was funny, at half time I had a chat with Chids, and said there’s goals out there for you this half. I wasn’t expecting it from there, but we’ll definitely take it. It’s good to see her get on the scoresheet because she’s been in really good form. That’s a good reward for her endeavours over the first few rounds.”
Victory brought Alana Murphy into the starting 11 against Perth. She made an obvious impact as they regained supremacy in midfield. It is an area that they have struggled with this season, and the Young Matilda’s energy and confidence was as effective as it was exciting.
With Amy Jackson still unavailable through injury, it is likely Murphy will partner Elise Kellond-Knight again in the middle of the pitch. Hopkins was delighted by her performance and confident she would produce another strong game against the Jets.
“She’s an incredibly talented young player,” said Hopkins of the 17-year-old. “We had a good strong heart-to-heart before the game. A real positive conversation where we really let her know what we thought of her, and how much we thought of her.
“We’ve got bags of confidence in her and her ability. I think she responded really well to that. She put in a great performance, I think she was one of the top three players on the field.
“Her ability to switch play and to look so comfortable on the ball really went a big way to allowing us to control big parts of the game. For a player as young as she is, they’re great qualities to have. She’s like the rest of the squad, she’ll keep getting better and better each week.
Above: Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins directs training. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
“She works really hard in training. She is quite analytical and critical of her own performances. I’m sure she’ll be better this week than she was last week. I’m really excited to see where she might go by the end of the season.”
Victory are in form as they face a dangerous but winless Newcastle side. Hopkins said that he was pleased with training during the week. Especially as the mood of the entire competition felt flat flowing the news that the Grand Finals would be played in Sydney for the next three years, and the resultant fan backlash.
Despite the obvious distraction and potential disruption, Hopkins described some of the best sessions of the season. It is encouraging for fans given they will face a Newcastle side that can score goals and will attack relentlessly.
It has been a hard week, but football-wise, the players are feeling good.
“The main thing that we talked about after the game was, there’s still a lot of improvement in us,” said Hopkins. “We know that we can be a lot better, and we want to be a lot better.
“This week’s about enjoying the performance from last week but adding to it and growing from it to take into the game this weekend.”
The players are focused on the weekend’s game but have expressed disappointment with the A-League’s decision. Striker Maja Markovski posted a strong statement against the move on Instagram, which was shared by her teammates and captain.
Hopkins is in full agreement, and would like the decision to be reversed. Although Victory have won the last two Grand Finals in Sydney, he values the right to host a home Grand Final.
Beyond the footballing reasons, the coach is considering the good of the women’s game. With Australia about the co-host the women’s World Cup, a prime opportunity to grow the domestic league may have been stalled.
“You’ve got to listen to the supporters,” said Hopkins. “We want to grow our support base as big as we possibly can. “I think decisions like this where people feel like they’re not being listened to turns people away from the game rather than brings people towards it.”
Melbourne Victory hosts the Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon.
Ahead of their Champions League clash with reigning champions Olympique Lyonnais, head coach Jonas Eidevall and Steph Catley spoke to the media about the challenge posed by the French side, and covering unfamiliar defensive positions. Johnathan Stack reports for Impetus (15/12/22).
Above: Action from Olympique Lyonnais’ home clash game with Arsenal when the two sides met earlier this season. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Arsenal have the chance to complete a historic double over the defending European champions Olympique Lyonnais this evening. With a win, the Gunners would be confirmed as Group C winners and advance to the knockout stages in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
When the two sides met earlier in the group stage at Lyon’s Groupama Stadium, Arsenal ran out 5-1 winners in a very impressive statement-making performance.
Ahead of the game head coach Jonas Eidevall reflected on that game saying: “It was a combination of a very good performance, but we also scored at very good times in the game, so we had that combination of good times and good performance.
“Everything aligned that night and of course, it’s beautiful to be a part of, but we can’t hold onto that forever, so it’s a new performance tomorrow and we need to be ready for that.”
Olympique Lyonnais go into the game on the back of a defeat to perennial domestic rivals Paris St. Germain, but the Arsenal head coach does not believe the eight-time European champions need any further motivation:”If you’re been playing in the Champions League, it’s the most prestigious and greatest tournament that you have in women’s club football, so if you need more motivation to play that, then I don’t know what to say. “I think every team is always going to be 100% in this competition.”
Catley on the challenges of playing centre-back
Above: Steph Catley in possession for Arsenal during their 5-1 win at Lyon earlier this season. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Also speaking to the media ahead of tonight’s showdown was Arsenal’s Australian international Steph Catley. The Matilda is only one of five Arsenal outfield players to play every minute of the last six games. Normally a left-back, the Melbourne-born star has been drafted in to play centre-back following injuries to Leah Williamson and Rafaelle.
Catley reflected on that period saying: “It was less physically demanding for me than playing at full-back. But mentally, it was really tough.
“When you are at centre-half, that’s half the battle, organising, constantly thinking, and when you play at the top level, there is so much going on that it’s mentally pretty tiring.
“But physically, in my body, by the time I came back to left-back, I felt physically good, like I was ready to step it up again and get back into that full-back position.
“We have had injuries to big, big players at the back and we have had to reshuffle, even as those players slowly come back and build their minutes, Lotte (Wubben-Moy) will play at right and left centre-back, Jen (Beattie) will come in, Rafa will play minutes here and there.
“It’s a lot of changes going on, it says a lot about our players and team that whoever comes in our back line stays really strong as a unit.”
Catley says she sought advice from some of her centre-half colleagues in the squad, such as Lotte Wubben-Moy, who she played next to during that period, and Jen Beattie.
“I had a few conversations with Jen, most of my conversations with ‘Lots’ were during training, or on the field, that’s where you learn the most positionally.
“I am 28 and when I play left-back it feels like muscle memory and I don’t even have to think, it all just happens naturally. Moving to centre-back, I realised how much I had to learn having not played there for so long.
“I was just having these conversations in training, trying to get the most I could out of it. Manu Zinsberger was great, Leah in the dressing room sometimes at half-time would give me a few tips to help.”
Arsenal has two Champions League games left before they can enjoy a winter break, after their Champions League match in Zurich on 21 December, they don’t play again until the WSL game against at the Emirates on 15 January.
Ahead of this weekend’s first Victoria A-League Women derby between Melbourne City and Western United – two teams with a 100% success rate so far – City interim head coach Dario Vidosic spoke to the media about an improving injury situation, positivity ahead of the game, and his view on the Grand Final venue controversy. Ben Gilby reports (15/12/22).
Above: Dario Vidosic addressing the media today. Image: Melbourne City.
AAMI Park hosts one of the most intriguing battles in the A-League Women so far this season as Melbourne City host fellow Victorian side Western United in the showdown between the only two sides to have won all of their matches to date.
City interim head coach Dario Vidosic is looking for his side to produce an improved showing as, despite recording a 5-1 win over Newcastle Jets last weekend, he feels the Sky Blues gave the New South Wales side an invite to get back into the game – something they can ill afford to do again this week.
“Sometimes as a player, you fall into a trap when it’s too easy at times. They pressed us. It was something we should have dealt with, we were coming back off a bye, but it (the game) could have easily have got away from us. If they (Newcastle Jets) had got back to 3-2 (it would have become very difficult)…we had about five or six more chances to score as well…we’ve spoken about it, we’ve analysed it…we need a more complete performance this weekend now.”
Vidosic pointed to the continual learning process that his squad are embarking on this season as one of the reasons for them allowing the Jets to obtain a foothold into a game that they should not have had. Key experienced players are missing, with youngsters stepping up.
“It’s a gradual thing. It’s about how they (City’s players) recognise things. If they (the opposition) change things, it’s about us noticing it. We have young players, Dani Galic is only 16, sometimes you forget how young they are. It’s a work in progress.”
Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic on his current squad.
However, the City boss had some positive news on the injury front for the medium- term future: “Everyone looks good. Wilkie (Hannah Wilkinson) and Karly (Roestbakken) are starting to get close to coming back and it’s looking good for Emma Checker too, we’re building her back.”
Focusing specifically on Saturday, Vidosic is full of admiration for Western United but is confident in his team’s ability to maintain their winning run.
“They’ve had a fantastic start. We played them in a friendly game, so we know them a little bit although that was early in the (pre) season and their squad is very different now. They have quality all over the pitch. They are full of confidence, we’re full of confidence. We know what their strengths and weaknesses are, so we know what to target.”
The City coach concluded by addressing the week’s biggest news story in Australian football – the decision to award A-League Grand Finals to Sydney for the next three years, rather than the privilege of hosting the season finale going to the highest-placed team. With the Sky Blues currently top of the table, they would lose home advantage should they make the decider.
“At first it was a shock, but it’s out of our hands. I can understand the fans (reaction) as first and foremost I am a fan. My message to the team is we haven’t earned anything yet. Until you get to the full-time whistle in the semi-final, and you have the number one ranking, then it’s a different story.
In our latest of our weekly Midweek Dub interviews with top A-League Women players, Melbourne City’s Bryleeh Henry spoke exclusively to Impetus’ Kieran Yap abouther move to Melbourne City, experiences at the U20 World Cup and how she’s aiming for a place in the senior World Cup squad next year (14/12/22).
Above: Bryleeh Henry making progress for the Young Matildas in August’s FIFA U20 World Cup. Photo: Football Australia.
When the move starts, Bryleeh Henry is not visible to the cameras, but she is already on the move. As Maria Rojas carries the ball forward for Melbourne City, the Young Matilda is wide and high up the ground. By the time the cross comes in, she is free at the back post to tap home for her first goal for Melbourne City.
The Wellington Phoenix defenders appeal to the assistant referee, but Henry was almost five yards onside when the cross came in. She moves forward, then wide, before arriving in the six-yard box seemingly unmarked amid a crowd of defenders.
That movement, patience, and composure in front of goal is why so many observers admire the new City striker. The 19-year-old has always shown impressive guile around goal. After an injury-hit season at Western Sydney Wanderers, she is eager to recapture her best form at City.
“Last year I wasn’t happy with my season,” she told Impetus.
“It wasn’t my best season. I thought a chance to get out of my comfort zone to City who have been a successful club (would help.)”
“We have quality strikers at City. Which makes it even better because it makes it more competitive trying to fight for a spot. I’m really excited to play with Willkie (Hannah Wilkinson), the two Americans we’ve got on the wings, and Hollie McNamara when she comes back, I’ll be excited to play with her.”
Henry first gained attention in the A-League Women with a brace in 2020 against her new club. Then aged just 17, she was trusted to lead the line at Western Sydney. Although injury stalled her 2021/22 season, she calmly scored a crucial penalty to earn the Wanderers their first win of the season.
For much of her A-League career, Henry has been used as a lone striker, or centre-forward. With City’s attacking and playmaking options, her role has changed. But as the Round One goal, and another in Round Three demonstrated, she will have support to be even more dangerous.
“I gravitated towards ‘nine’,” she says, “But with the Young Matildas I played more on the wing. I don’t really have a preference, it depends on the team that you’re playing. Sometimes you’re going to be more useful more as a nine or winger. I really like either, as long as I’m trying to score goals that all that matters.”
Henry started all three of Australia’s games at the Under 20 World Cup. It was her goal that gave them the lead against Costa Rica in the opening match. Once more, the goal was a result of clever anticipation, and breakneck speed capped off with a composed finish.
Although many of her goals come from around the six-yard box, her involvement usually begins further up the field, sometimes off the ball. It is a trait that has earned her comparisons with Matildas’ captain Sam Kerr.
By the end of Round Four this season, Henry has scored three times in as many games. Her knack for being in the right place, and ability to pounce on any opportunity makes her a dangerous forward. The 19-year-old’s increasing consistency is turning her into one of Australia’s best strikers of any age.
“I love being involved in the play then turning, getting forward, and hopefully being on the end of things. That’s how both Leah (Blayney) and Rado (Vidosic) liked the team to play
“There’s a lot that I took from the World Cup, especially against Brazil and Spain. We got world-class opponents and hard teams. Like (Immaculada) Gabarro from Spain, the way that she moves herself around and can score goals against any opponent.
“I was pretty happy with my tournament. I think learning I could compete at that level was a good confidence booster.”
The #YoungMatildas have won their opening match of the U-20 @FIFAWWC thanks to goals from Sarah Hunter, Bryleeh Henry and Kirsty Fenton! 🇦🇺👏
Henry has joined some familiar faces at City. Naomi Chinnama, Daniela Galic, and Sally James were all part of the World Cup Squad. That established chemistry will help all of them this season.
“We’ve played over there and in the conditions. The chemistry that we’ve built is so important and will only build further in this season when we train together every single day. I think that’s important.”
The Under 20 World Cup was not the striker’s first high-profile experience in Green and Gold. She already has two senior caps to her name. She featured for The Matildas against Brazil and was in the squad to face the USA.
“I’m so grateful for the time that I got to go in against those two opponents. USA and Brazil are world-class, so to go into camp and get that experience, to be able to get minutes was just amazing.
“Learning from them, and getting everything can playing and training with the senior girls was something I look back on a lot.”
A taste of senior international football and a goal in front of 30,000 Costa Rican fans has only increased Henry’s appetite for more. Although she has barely had time to let it all sink in, she is not one to rest on her achievements.
That should be music to the ears of City fans and spells trouble for their opponents.
“This is the last season before the World Cup, and an extended season with more games gives you more of chance to showcase yourself and put your best foot forward. I want to score as many goals as possible. That’s all I’m thinking about when I go onto the pitch.
“Last season I didn’t do that. This season I just want to build for the World Cup and go into this season with confidence and help the team in any way I can. We’ve got the coach, we’ve got the players, we’ve got everything around us to have a successful season. I want to put my best foot forward for this World Cup if I can.”
Ryan Miller-Woods on Canberra United’s media conference with Michelle Heyman and Kennedy Faulknor, plus all the details on Perth Glory‘s new injury replacement signing which sees a hometown hero return (14/12/22).
A more ruthless attack and keeping the defence watertight: Canberra United’s priorities for Perth
Above: Michelle Heyman is thrilled by the attacking threat that Canberra United pose – but wants her team to be more ruthless in front of goal. Photo: Canberra Times.
In Canberra United’s first three games of the season, their attack has been quite impressive to watch having had 63 shots already this season.
Speaking to the media today, the club’s all-time A-League Women record goalscorer Michelle Heyman reflected on how her team’s attack has been coming together so far this season.
“It’s been the most creative team that I’ve been a part of in a long time, so for myself personally, it’s just a lot of fun when I get out there, just to be able to have combination play in the final third, we’re creating so many chances but now we’re starting to finally put them away and it’s something we need to continue to improve on within our side because it’s still lacking.
“I think we still had 22 shots (against Wellington) on the weekend and only to score three goals is not the stat I like to see, so I’m just hoping we can continue to grow every single game.”
With Canberra’s convincing win against Wellington Phoenix and the fact that they have been able to score in all of their matches so far this season, the striker spoke about the confidence that the capital city side has from an attacking perspective.
“There’s multiple players scoring each week and different players all the time, so it’s just going to help boost the confidence in that final third knowing that anyone can take that shot and anyone can score the goals this season, so for the other teams it’s kind of scary, so for us, we’ve got a lot of confidence now in that final third, so it’s going to be fun playing Perth.”
With one of the typical quirks of the A-League Women calendar, Canberra will be meeting Perth for the second time this season with only five rounds of matches played. Their first encounter was on the season’s opening day at McKellar Park where Canberra twice led, but were pegged back to 2-2.
Whilst Canberra have been creating a large number of chances all season, converting has been an issue. Heyman underlined the importance of this situation changing.
“It is something that we’ve improved on last game (against Wellington), so hopefully, we can continue with that and just start putting them into the back of the net. I think our defence has improved, I think the way that we hold ourselves as a team, our structure in the build-up is really impressive, so we’ve done all those big things, so it’s now just up to the forwards to start knocking them in.”
Above: Canberra United’s Kennedy Faulknor told the media that she is determined for her team to continue to keep clean sheets. Image: Canberra United.
Also facing the media today at was Canberra United’s Kennedy Faulknor. After two consecutive draws to open Canberra’s season, they were finally able to get that first win against Wellington. Something that Faulknor was delighted to achieve.
“It was a great team win, great team effort. I’m proud of all of us for finally getting it done, I think each game we’ve grown as a team and so I think that was just a statement game and we’re ready to keep it going.”
As well as achieving a first win against Wellington, the capital city club also kept their maiden clean sheet of the campaign. This is a trend that Faulknor hopes will continue in Perth, against a team who have multiple threats up front.
“I said before the game (against Wellington), ‘I’m like guys, this game let’s get a shutout, let’s get our clean sheet’. I feel like we deserve it, we communicated a lot, seen areas of growth and we really wanted to work on that, this game and just get that done.
“Playing Perth from our first game to now (in Round Five), I’ve seen a lot of improvements with this team, and being that we’ve already played them, we kind of know what to expect, they have speed up top, (they are a) transitional team, so I felt like defensively we’ve grown a lot since that game and so I felt like we’ll be ready for them.”
Hometown hero’s return is a big boost for Perth
Artwork supplied by: Perth Glory
Perth Glory today announced that local born defender Isabella Foletta has joined the club on an injury-replacement contract for the remainder of the 2022/23 season.
The versatile player returns to Perth for whom she previously made five appearances over the course of the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons.
Now 22, Foletta has also represented Brisbane Roar and Canberra United and plied her trade in Europe with Italian side Lazio, where fellow Western Australian and Glory team mate Ella Mastrantonio also played.
She is thrilled to be returning to the club where her professional career began. “I’m really grateful and excited to be back playing in purple for a club I have been supporting ever since I was a little girl,” she said.
“I’m ready to get out on the park and make my mark in the A-League with my hometown club. This team has so much potential and definitely has the ability to go all the way and that makes me excited to be a part of it. Alex Epakis [Head Coach], the staff and all the girls have been nothing but welcoming.”
Epakis believes that the new recruit is a great pick-up for the club. “It is great to have Izzy return to her hometown club and bring with her the experience from playing overseas and for other ALW clubs in recent seasons,” he said.
“She has been training with the team for a few weeks now and I have been really impressed with her strong character and work ethic. On the field, she brings a defensive skill-set and versatility across several positions which will add to our depth and options.
“She is very happy to be back home and eager to help the team continue to evolve and progress. I am very excited to work closely with her and prepare her to be ready to contribute to the team over the coming weeks.”
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