Above: Brianna Edwards has received a late call-up to the New Zealand squad. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Wellington Phoenix’s Brianna Edwards and Michaela Foster today joined the Football Ferns squad in Hamilton to prepare for the team’s internationals against Portugal and Argentina.
Edwards, 20, has been called up to replace first-choice goalkeeper Vic Esson, who is injured. The New Zealand U-20 international was in the Ferns squad that played the USA last month.
She has started all 11 of the Phoenix’s matches this season in the absence of club captain Lily Alfeld.
Foster, a former New Zealand age group international, has been called into the senior squad for the first time after impressing for the Nix, playing every minute of her first professional season. The 24-year-old replaces clubmate Grace Wisnewski as the Ferns’ training player.
Above: Michaela Foster – joining the New Zealand squad today. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
Wisnewski has withdrawn from the squad for personal reasons and will remain with the Phoenix during the international window.
Betsy Hassett, Paige Satchell, Mackenzie Barry, and Kate Taylor will also assemble with the Football Ferns in Hamilton today.
New Zealand’s match against 22nd-ranked Portugal is this Friday night (17th February) at Waikato Stadium. They will meet 29th-ranked Argentina at the same venue next Monday (20th February), before playing the South American nation again at North Harbour Stadium on the following Thursday night (23rd February).
Foster will re-join the Phoenix after the first match against Argentina with Hassett, Satchell, Barry, Taylor, and Edwards to return to club duties just a couple of days before the team’s round 15 match against Sydney FC at North Harbour Stadium on Sunday, February 26.
Above: Katrina Gorry speaking to the media today in Sydney. Image: Football Australia.
Matildas star Katrina Gorry told the media today that the squad are in a good place ahead of the Cup of Nations, which kicks off on Thursday when Australia play the Czech Republic in Gosford.
The Brisbane Roar midfielder believes that the next 10 days will prove to be a hugely important dress rehearsal for what match day preparations will be like for the World Cup later this year.
Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross in Matildas training today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
“(It’s like being) in tournament mode, getting ready for the World Cup, training schedules based around that, good quality opponents, similar to who we play in the World Cup.
“Playing different opponents is good to adjust our formation, adjust our press, and learn new things, change a few things, and get a better idea of what we might come up against.”
With the World Cup just over five months away, time is running out for players to finalise their spots in the squad. Competition within the camp is hotting up.
Above: Tameka Yallop sprinting in training today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
“We always want to wear the jersey. When camp selection is coming up, all guns are blazing and we’re fighting for spots. There’s tension around the group, but that’s just everyone fighting for the shirt.”
Australia’s second game in the competition sees a rematch with Spain on Sunday in Parramatta. It is a chance for the Matildas to banish memories of their previous encounter, when a significantly below-strength Australia went down to a 7-0 defeat in Spain just before Euro 2022. Gorry spoke of the determination within the camp to show their true worth.
“Every game you learn a lot, and we took a lot of learning from that. As a team, we’ve grown so much since that game, and we’ve shown that in our last few performances. For us, it will be a great match-up on Sunday and see how far we’ve come as a group. We knew that the performances were coming, and we have a solid group of girls here.
“The players are hitting peak performance at the right time.”
Above: Mackenzie Arnold warms up in training today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Ben Gilby reports the thoughts of Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis after his side’s 4-0 win over Newcastle Jets, and Tom McCarthy provides his usual superb photo gallery from Macedonia Park (12/2/23).
Above: Perth Glory’s Cyera Hintzen hits a cracker from outside of the box. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis was full of praise for his side’s “pragmatic” performance which delivered their third straight A-League Women victory as Newcastle Jets were defeated 4-0 at Macedonia Park today.
The result extended the Glory’s unbeaten run to four games, and Epakis was thrilled about his team’s reaction to the Jets’ domination of possession.
Speaking to the media after the match, Epakis said: “I’m really happy. We are in a good spot at the moment. We’re not in it by chance, we’re in it because we’re training hard, and the players are executing the game plan. They are rolling their sleeves up and playing a different game because of what happens. Those three goals, I couldn’t be happier.
“We’ve put a lot of emphasis into creating attacking options. Those players are working hard to put those chances away. All the strikes were great.”
Above: Alana Jancevski hits a first-time shot goalwards. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
The Perth boss was full of praise for the Jets and recognised that they caused his side some problems, particularly in the opening period.
“Credit to Newcastle, they have had a quick turnaround (from playing Western United on Wednesday). They started quicker, better than us, but we weathered the storm. You are always chasing the perfect performance. Until that happens, I’ll never be the happiest coach. Both last week (against Western United) and this week were wins with different performances.
“Last week we dominated possession, this week we were a bit more pragmatic, and we just had to do that.”
The Western Australian side approached the game in a more physical manner than normal, and Epakis told the media that this was all part of the game plan.
Above: Lauren Allan (left) tooks to escape from Hana Lowry. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
“We knew that Newcastle pose a threat with their physicality and their forward running off the ball and they got us like that when we first played them. We wanted to make sure we didn’t make those errors again. We had to match their physicality in the challenges, and we certainly did that.”
Perth are certainly having a season of two halves with the team beginning to reach their potential after a challenging start to the season results wise. The period has also seen them overcome the loss of leading scorer Rylee Baisden to an ACL injury. The Glory boss believes that his players’ reaction to that adversity has been a key part of their current form.
“There was a moment when we lost Rylee I put a challenge to the players that we needed another attacking player to step up. Not only one stepped up, a lot stepped up – Susan (Phonsongkham), Sofia (Sakalis), Cyera (Hintzen), Hana (Lowry), players off the bench, Hannah Blake who has come in. That’s really great for us and I’m really proud of that.”
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis.
Epakis was full of praise for striker Cyera Hintzen, who scored two spectacular goals today. He highlighted the fact that she offers the team far more than just putting balls into the back of the net.]
“She is a very special player, she is very underrated. She is not someone who thrives with attention, but I believe she deserves attention. She has been a big part of this team for two seasons now. She does a significant amount of work off the ball – pressing. She is the perfect benchmark number nine.”
Above: Cyera Hintzen – hugely influential all over the pitch. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
There was also another significant contribution from local-born star Izzy Foletta, who notched her first goal in superb style. Epakis is full of pride for the contribution made by the defencer.
“Izzy reached out just before pre-season started and she didn’t have a club. I told her to come in and train. She was faultless from moment one. Her energy and attitude is top class. She is relentless, she has a lot of go-forward, and offers a lot of energy. She earned her contract, had a set-back with injury (toe) but came back strong.”
Above: Locally-born defender Izzy Foletta had another impressive afternoon. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
Perth Glory are now seven points adrift of Melbourne Victory who stand in the last Finals spot. However, the Western Australians have two games in hand, and the Glory boss has a message for the defending champions.
“We’re going after them. We saw last season in the hunt for Finals, the season can pose hurdles. We’re motivated to finish the season as strong as we can.”
Report by Denise Duffy, with EXCLUSIVE pitchside photos from Kris Goman at Wanderers Football Park (12/2/23).
Above: Sophie Harding heads home Western Sydney Wanderers’ winning goal. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Western Sydney Wanderers’ Finals hopes are alive after they defeated Wellington Phoenix for the first time, thanks to Sophie Harding’s header.
With 29-degree weather and 41 km/hour of wind, it was a formidable setting for the Western Sydney Wanderers’ mid-afternoon match against Wellington Phoenix. Whether it was conditions or mentality, the Phoenix, coming off a bye week, lost some of their edge after recent good form.
In their Nix’s short history, Wanderers were the only team to have never beaten them. But the home side proved hungrier and better poised at the start of the game. The match was physical and decided by a one-goal margin off a corner kick.
Above: Clare Hunt fires in a free-kick for Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
In the first half, the surging Western Sydney were met by a defensively compact, well organised visitors. Phoenix attackers dropped back and helped defend. Amy Harrison had an on-target shot from outside the box that was deflected out by Brianna Edwards in goal.
After earning the corner, the Wanderers took full advantage of their height and physicality and the fact that Kate Taylor was on suspension. Amy Harrison connected with an unmarked Sophie Harding for a glancing header to the far corner, beating Claudia Cicco, in the 39th minute and that would prove to be the difference in the final score.
Above: Sophie Harding shows her joy after scoring for Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
This was a match for the stats freaks as the Wanderers hadn’t scored from a corner this season and also had no headed goals while, conversely, Wellington leads the league in goals from corners. Seems ironic to be finally defeated this way.
There was hope for the second half for Wellington, they used their press to start to pin the Wanderers fullbacks in and create turnovers and opportunities. It was their execution in the final third that had the visitor’s fans scratching their heads.
Although there were quality crosses from Michaela Foster and Betsy Hassett and a great chance from Milly Clegg in a last-ditch effort, saved in the bottom corner by Jordyn Bloomer, there wasn’t enough focus by Phoenix players in the box to execute a final ball in the back of the net.
Above: Paige Satchell drives forward for Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Decision-making by Phoenix coupled with top-quality goalkeeping by Bloomer proved a hill too steep to climb for the Nix. The Wanderers, in the hunt for a playoff spot, showed they can be hungry and focused on the day.
Speaking after the game, Wellington Phoenix head coach Natalie Lawrence said:
“It should have and could have been more. We could have got something out of that game. Right at the death we could have drawn or won that game so there’s frustration amongst the players for sure.
“Losing one-nil to a corner, which we’ve worked really hard on our set pieces so that that doesn’t happen, that’s a bit heart-breaking for the players.”
Lawrence also pointed to the weather conditions, which were distinctly un-New Zealand like. “It was pretty hot, especially that first half. I thought the girls managed themselves well through that first half. We couldn’t really press as much in this heat. Very, very different to the weather New Zealand is currently experiencing, but no excuses.
“We’ll keep working and you can see from that second-half performance that we’re heading in the right direction, and we’ll keep heading that way.”
Kris Goman’s photo gallery from Wanderers Football Park:
Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-1-4-1): Bloomer, Ferris, Harrison Price, Harding, Matos, Hunt, Steinmetz, Gallagher, Apostolakis, Gordon. Substitutes: Khamis (GK), Chessari. Saveska, Caspers, Abdul Massih
Above: Sofia Sakalis dispatches the penalty that put Perth Glory 1-0 up today. Photo: Keep Up.
Perth Glory showed their ruthless side in punishing a profligate Newcastle Jets at Macedonia Park this afternoon, with the Western Australian side extending their unbeaten run to four games.
Alex Epakis’ side, who have now won their last three matches on the spin, had less possession, fewer shots, and trailed the corner count 1-6 to the Jets but showed their attacking capability when opportunities came their way, allied with an extremely well-organised defence that the visitors could not break through.
The home side were forced into making a change in goal with Sarah Langman ruled out under concussion protocols, meaning Morgan Aquino started. Zara Board, a hugely promising local teenager, who had a superb campaign for Subiaco in the NPLW WA last season which saw her called up by the Junior Matildas last season, took the vacant spot on the bench.
Both teams went into the match having defeated league leaders Western United on their last outing, and it was the Jets, who achieved this in midweek, who started on the front foot in Balcatta. Cannon Clough and Lara Gooch were looking to create, and Sarah Griffiths, in her last A-League Women match before returning to the NWSL was getting through a stack of work along the left as Aquino was forced into two early saves in the Perth goal.
Such was Newcastle’s domination of the territory in the early exchanges, it took the hosts 13 minutes to launch their first serious attack. It reaped instant dividends as Sofia Sakalis escaped down the left-hand side.
Above: Celebrations for Perth Glory after Sofia Sakalis dispatched her penalty. Photo: Keep Up.
As the 20-year-old entered the box, Murphy Agnew clipped her feet, giving referee Georgia Ghirardello no choice but to point to the spot. Sakalis picked herself up and dispatched the penalty with a low shot to the left of the centre in the goal.
Newcastle tried to respond initially with Griffith remaining prominent, but Perth were buoyed by the goal and lifted the pace of both their intensity and press. They were focusing specifically their attacks along the right.
With four minutes remaining of the half, Perth doubled their lead in style. Cyera Hintzen looked to retain possession in the box, and as she tried to extricate herself from a scramble, the American turned away from the attentions of the Jets defence and laid the ball back to local-born star Izzy Foletta to rifle home the second from outside the area.
Despite maintaining over 55% of possession, the Jets were now in serious trouble. The moral of the first half was that it wasn’t whether you had the ball, it was what you did with it. Perth are back to the ruthless mind-frame that served them so well last season.
Newcastle looked to regain some momentum after the break as they regained the bulk of possession and Agnew saw a shot go wide. They were almost made to pay for that miss immediately after Perth broke away and a cross came in from the left and rebounded off of the bar, straight onto the arm of Lauren Allan, and a penalty was awarded. Once more, it was Sakalis who stepped up, but this time Georgina Worth repelled the Victorian’s powerful spot-kick.
Newcastle continued to work hard and look for openings, but Perth’s defence remained well-organised and the visitors were not able to find any sort of telling pass to puncture the backline.
The Jets were punished once more by the ruthless Glory side for failing to convert possession into goals with just under 25 minutes remaining. Substitute Demi Koulizakis was in a tussle for possession on the edge of the box and managed to offload to Hintzen. The striker fired a rocket of a shot that struck the boot of Emily Garnier and flew out of the reach of Worth in the visitors’ goal.
Jets tried to respond, but Aquino was more than up to the shots that came her way. Perth continued to punish the visitors. Alana Jancevski was played through and hit a typically stunning first-time looping shot over Worth from the edge of the box and into the net with four minutes remaining, but it was ruled out for offside.
Deep in stoppage time at the end of the game, that fourth goal did arrive as Hintzen received a tap pass from Jancevski on the right-hand edge of the box and, looking up, the American saw Worth off her line and steered a stunning shot over the Jets keeper and into the net to a raucous reception from the Perth fans.
This was not a free-flowing win for the Glory, but they were ruthless and showed their quality up front which allowed them to take chances when they came. Wins like that show a team high in confidence and in their abilities. They are well in the race for Finals football.
Matthew Appleby was pitchside at The Academy Stadium for Impetus yesterday to capture the best of the action as these two Barclays WSL heavyweights went head to head (12/2/23).
Above: Celebration time as Manchester City take an early lead. Photo: Matthew Appleby for Impetus.
Above: Hannah Keane celebrates her equalising goal. Photo: A-League Women.
The second meeting between Melbourne City and Western United had a lot riding on the result at AAMI Park.
It was a battle between two top-four teams. Although both sides had started the season strongly, their form had faded in recent weeks. Western United had suffered two consecutive losses to unfancied opposition, while City were humbled 3-0 by Sydney FC in the last round.
A popular theory of Western United is that they might struggle in the absence of Jess McDonald and Chloe Logarzo. The two national team stars were vital when Western defeated City in Round Five. This performance should put an end to that discussion.
Without the two big-name recruits, Western United’s approach and game style has not changed all that much. Mark Torcaso’s team set up to press without the ball and counterattack with it.
City preferred Dario Vidosic’s trademark possession football. Early in the game, it meant that there were few clear chances.
The most promising attacker in the game’s early stages was City’s Bryleeh Henry. The pacy striker was more mobile than usual, cutting inside from her favoured right flank position and running directly at defences when she had the opportunity.
City’s goal came from Henry’s movement. A Rhianna Pollicina pass found her in a pocket of space in the penalty box. She would have preferred that her first touch had put her into a shooting position, but a momentary stumble gave the Western United defenders time to cover her.
Henry kept the ball, and more importantly her composure to lift her head and find Letica McKenna through heavy traffic on the edge of the box. The Western Australian shot without hesitation and curled a shot past Hillary Beall into the bottom corner. It was a terrific goal, forged by the class of the two youngsters.
City had the better of the first-half exchanges. Julia Grosso’s volley was skied over the bar in a let-off for Western, but Emma Checker was particularly good in defence. The captain looked impassable early, and neither Hannah Keane nor Danielle Steer could get beyond her.
It would take patience, persistence, and a healthy dose of luck for Western United to equalise. City have a dedication to playing the ball out from the back and keeping it on the ground at all times. A few times in the first half, Sally James’ passing was successful but at times a little risky. When Keane raced onto a pass to the keeper, it only took one under-hit pass to gift the striker with an easy goal.
Keane almost gave United the lead minutes later. Her through ball put Tyla Jay Vlajnic into space on the left. The winger’s shot was well hit across goal and forced a good save from James. The Young Matildas goalkeeper did very well to get up quickly and pressure Keane’s rebound shot into being skied over the bar.
With the scores level, the match opened up. Hannah Wilkinson had two good chances to score, but Beall was equal to one, while the other sailed high after it bounced fortuitously to her off a Western United defender.
Chelsea Blissett was enjoying her best game on the left wing for City. Her pace and trickery was as good as the departed Emina Ekic’s was during her time at the club, but her crosses were not attacked by the City strikers and went to waste.
Daniela Galic was introduced by Vidosic, and Torcaso brought on Khali Johnson in attempts by each manager to break the deadlock. Both players had an impact, with Galic as creative as ever, but it was Johnson who was decisive.
LATE DRAMA AT AAMI PARK 😮
Kahli Johnson draws a penalty for @wufcofficial, which is duly dispatched by central defender Sydney Cummings 🎯
The striker received the ball on the counterattack, and raced down the right flank. Julia Grosso caught up with her and did well to get goal side, but Johnson cut inside and her shot hit the hand of the City defender.
It was an unlucky penalty. Grosso had no time to get out of the way, but the referee had little choice but to reward the spot kick. Sydney Cummings stepped up to slot home the 86th minute spot kick. It was enough to give Western United their second win against City this season.
The win puts Western United five points clear on top of the table, although Sydney FC has two games in hand. City’s loss also leaves them within touching distance of Melbourne Victory. The two are set to play each other in a month’s time.
Teams:WESTERN UNITED (4-2-3-1): Beall, Medwin, Cerne, Cummings, Beard, Robers, Sawicki, Steer, A. Taranto, Vlajnic, Keane. Substitutes: Dall’Oste, Iermano, Johnson, M Taranto, Sardo.
Above: Catherine Zimmerman and Ayesha Norrie compete for the ball. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
Brisbane Roar played out an exciting 1-1 draw against Melbourne Victory on a scorching Saturday afternoon in Brisbane.
Despite numerous calls from players and fans for games to be moved to later in the day because of the extreme heat, the APL has stuck with kick-off times during the hottest periods.
Roar players, Shea Connors and Katrina Gorry, both took to social media before the match to express their concerns about the heat. The Roar Corps even sung a song in protest, along with drums, they chanted “It’s too hot, hot, hot. APL. It’s too hot, hot, hot. APL.”
Despite the heat, Brisbane Roar started off playing with a lot of energy and aggression. They dominated the first 20 minutes of the match, with some great final third play from Katrina Gorry, Shea Connors, and Larissa Crummer, but were unable to capitalise on any of the opportunities.
Just after the 20th minute, Beatie Goad was fouled in the box and a penalty kick was awarded to Melbourne Victory. For the second week in a row, Alex Chidiac stepped up to the spot without hesitation and slotted it past the Hensley Hancuff. Chidiac, it seems, is developing a bit of a reputation for being a penalty taker.
Brisbane struck back almost immediately with a fantastic team goal. Ayesha Norrie picked the pocket of the goal scorer, Chidiac, in the midfield and then passed to Connors who was the most advanced Roar player. Connors passed back to Gorry and ran into the box where the Matilda dinked it back to her. Connors used her speed and some amazing footwork to beat the Victory defence and pivot on her left foot to put an incredible shot past Dumont.
Two goals in a minute 🤯⏱️
Within 60 seconds of Alex Chidiac giving @gomvfc the lead, Shea Connors draws @brisbaneroar level ⚡️
There were eight minutes of stoppage time added on, which made way for some Brisbane Roar heroics. About five minutes into stoppage time, Connors hit a wonderful ball to Gorry in the box, who struck her cleanest header of the season so far, but it just missed the top left corner.
Just before the stroke of halftime, Jessie Rasschaert found herself in the Victory box underneath a high-bouncing ball and attempted a spectacular bicycle kick, which was actually on target and needed a save. If she’d pulled it off it would have been hands down the goal of the season.
Victory came out of the halftime break with a bit more of a spring in their step. Just before the hour mark they put together a number of attempts on the Brisbane goal, two of which were blocked by Roar defenders, and one of which needed a save from Hancuff.
The remaining half an hour was a tense battle between both teams vying for all three points. There were good chances up both ends, and a lot of great defending from both teams as well, with one exception. In the 85th minute, a Brisbane defender made a tired pass that found its way to Victory striker, Melina Ayres, who took a great shot at the Brisbane goal, but Roar’s guardian angel, Hancuff, was there to save the day once again, and keep her team in the match.
All in all, despite the heat and the outrage about kick-off times, it was a very entertaining match. Both teams will feel they deserved more than a draw, but given how competitive the match was, a draw seems fitting. There was an enthralling 90-minute battle in the midfield between Gorry and Chidiac, Matildas teammates, and two of the very best midfielders in the A-League Women.
Goad and Chidiac were midfield maestros for Victory. There were absolutely everywhere, playing with aggression and intent, stealing balls, setting up plays, taking shots. Goad won the penalty early on in the match, and Chidiac in what is likely to be her final game of the season, was the one who took it. Their impact was immense. Dumont also had a great day in goal, making a total of six saves.
Gorry put in a solid shift as always, pulling the strings in the midfield and setting up a handful of opportunities for her Roar teammates. Hancuff had a great day between the sticks, making five saves and absolutely keeping Brisbane in the match. Connors did exceptionally well, scoring her second goal of the season and forcing the draw. She also created a number of other chances for her team.
Rasschaert played superbly yet again. She was in a wing-back position once more, which is where she seems to have the greatest impact. She made a number of great challenges in the defensive third, and then throughout the match used her pace to run up the side and set up plays, much like Ellie Carpenter does for the Matildas. She also took multiple shots on goal. It seems that her match-winning goal against Adelaide has sparked something in her.
Due to the international window coming up, Brisbane Roar will next play Perth Glory away on Saturday 25th, and Melbourne Victory take on Adelaide United at home on Sunday 26th.
Above: Canberra United celebrate their dramatic win. Photo: Canberra United
The last time that Canberra United was victorious against Sydney FC let alone scored against the Sky Blues was 2nd December 2018. Today, the Capital City side pulled off a 2-1 win at McKellar Park thanks to goals by Michelle Heyman and Ellie Brush, who struck a late winner against her former club.
Within the first minute, it was Sydney FC who were very close to opening. Madison Haley provided a brilliant pass from outside the box for Rachel Lowe in the box whose attempt at goal was spectacularly stopped by Chloe Lincoln.
In the fourth minute of the match, Heyman controlled a Grace Jale pass, made a little run towards the box and then had shot that went past Sydney FC goalkeeper Jada Whyman and into the back of the net for the opening goal of the match. After not having registered a goal against Sydney FC in over nine hours of football in the A-League Women, it was pretty much the perfect start for United.
In the 23rd minute, Jale made a great run just before the halfway line as she drove herself forward which amounted to a half volley that was saved by Whyman. Jale had really been at the forefront of most of Canberra’s chances at that point of the match and arguably looked like United’s most dangerous player. She had been getting herself into positions and overall being paramount to a lot of Canberra’s best buildup play.
Sydney responded rapidly afterwards as Cortnee Vine crossed the ball to Charlie Rule on the outside of the box. Her control on the chest set up a volley that was saved by Lincoln.
Late in the first half, Madison Haley laid off a great through ball to Vine who then had a shot towards goal that went over the bar. Hayley Taylor-Young had been attempting to block Vine’s chance in the box and appeared to have sustained an injury in the process. After a short delay to proceedings, she was substituted off for Emma Ilijoski.
Less than 10 minutes into the second period, Sydney levelled. Lincoln’s pass to Ellie Brush was intercepted by a charging Rola Badawiya. She was able to take full advantage of the mistake on the left side of the six-yard box to put the ball into the back of the net for her first goal in the A-League Women.
Sydney continued to press. Vine made a great run into the box. Lincoln rescued her side with a strong save. Not long afterwards, there was another strong opportunity as Vine pulled a great cross into the box with the ball finding Princess Ibini whose header from close range went over the bar.
Late in the game, with a draw looking likely, Grace Maher’s corner found Brush in the box whose first-time header went into the back of the net for Canberra’s winning goal. It was the former Sydney FC player’s second goal of the season in her 140th match in the A-League Women.
For Canberra, this result and overall performance will have really boosted their finals ambitions. The win not only puts them up into fifth position on the A-League Women’s ladder but with Melbourne Victory’s draw against Brisbane Roar today, Canberra are now only five points behind with a game in hand.
Sydney still have two games in hand. It wasn’t their day today.
Kieran Yap reports on Melbourne Victory boss Jeff Hopkins’ media conference today, with Jonathan Tay delivering all the details from Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic‘s event (10/2/23).
Victory add quality and depth for Chidiac’s farewell game
by Kieran Yap
Above: Alex Chidiac (centre), seen here in action against Sydney FC earlier this season, is likely to play her final game of the season for Melbourne Vuctory this weekend. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Melbourne Victory are strengthened for their encounter with Brisbane Roar, but it is likely to be the last fans see of Alex Chidiac this season.
Victory coach Jeff Hopkins held onto some faint hope that Chidiac could be retained but admitted that she would be recalled to Racing Louisville FC ahead of the NWSL season.
“We are working on it, but she will be going back I’m pretty sure,” said Hopkins. “Tomorrow will almost certainly be her last game, for now anyway.”
The Matildas playmaker has been one of the stars of the competition, with five goals and five assists in just over half the A-League Women’s season. She has been the difference for Victory in some tight games. Her unique style and tireless running have helped steer the club through an injury-hit campaign.
Although she will be sorely missed by the club and the competition, Victory have never been better placed to deal without her, and tomorrow’s game might see their strongest lineup this season.
Star striker Melina Ayres is due to return, and match-winning attacker Catherine Zimmerman is a probable starter.
Zimmerman won a crucial penalty against Western Sydney Wanderers last week, and set up Tiff Eliadis for Victory’s third after a powerful run down the wing and well-placed pass.
“She finished the game really strongly and she’ll be ready for us to start this week which is a massive bonus,” Hopkins said of the American.
“Obviously what she brings, her energy, her quality, her ability to finish left or right foot, and just to put defenders on edge. It was great to have her back, she made quite a big difference in the last 15-20 minutes. But also, we’ll get Melina back this week as well.
“We’ve been a little bit cautious with her, but she’s been training the house down this week. She gives us that element where we have the ability to finish off our attacks from a number of different players, not just one or two.”
Zimmerman’s assist came deep into added time in the last round. Although most coaches would prefer their players to run the ball to the corner flag and take up time, Hopkins was delighted that she chose to go on the attack and seal the game. In a league where goal difference can be crucial, it was an inspired moment of brilliance in her comeback game.
Above: Melbourne Victory boss Jeff Hopkins spoke of his players “training down the house” this week. Image: Melbourne Victory
“Go, kill them off with a goal!” said Hopkins. “I think in that situation it’s sometimes right to run into the corner. She made the right decision and made the right ball at the right time as well. “(Eliadis) is deadly from a metre out with no opposition.”
Only defender Gema Simon remains on the injury list, and Victory are close to full strength. It means options for the manager, and Hopkins has been impressed with the intensity at training as competition for places heats up.
“I’m very pleased with the way that we reacted to defeat the week before, and even happier with the way that we’ve reacted this week.
“The quality has been really high, the intensity has been really high. The good thing for me is the young girls have really been pushing hard as well this week. Alana Murphy, Rosie Curtis, Ava Briedis, and Paige Zois have been training out of their skin.
“They’ve kind of realised that they need to step up to get into this side and they’ve put themselves in the window to play this week.”
Grand final hero Amy Jackson made her second start for the season last week. Her experience and expertise in the defensive midfield role helped negate some of Western Sydney’s attack. She could be vital once again as Hopkins anticipated a duel between two high-quality midfields.
If Brisbane’s midfield trio can dominate and supply their pacy attack, it could spell trouble for Victory.
Above: Elise Kellond-Knight (left) will need to be on her A game tomorrow as Jeff Hopkins emphasised how he expects his midfielders to step up against Brisbane Roar. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“We need to match them in those one vs one duels,” said Hopkins. “Mini (Katrina Gorry) Eesh Norrie and young Hollie Palmer are three very dangerous players.
“All are very good on the ball, all comfortable in possession, and all capable of getting forward as well.
“In terms of K-K (Elise Kellond-Knight), Chids, A.J, Murph, Paige whoever is playing in there, we need to step up and work hard. They need to defend well as a unit and as individuals. That’s something we’ve been stressing not just to them but all our players over the last month. How important those individual duals are to the outcome of the game.
“I think that midfield battle is an area that will be doubly important tomorrow.
“We’re looking for big games from all of our midfield players, but it’s not just about that. To win this game it’s going to have to be a real peak performance and that’s what we’ve been stressing throughout the week.”
Roar edged past Adelaide United in week 13 with a 1-0. It was a result largely decided by the quality of Gorry and the efforts in goal by Hensley Hancuff. Victory are not expecting an easy game, but with the returning firepower, and the possible swansong of Alex Chidiac, they are well-placed to get a result.
City focus on learning lessons and moving on ahead of clash with leaders
by Jonathan Tay
Above: Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic speaking to the media today. Image: Melbourne City
After a difficult loss last weekend, where Melbourne City were comprehensively beaten by Sydney FC 3-0, both head coach Dario Vidosic and defender Katie Bowen were in a reflective yet upbeat mood speaking to the media on Friday.
“These things happen in football; we’re a young team and we’re continuing to learn,” Vidosic said. “It was everything that we worked on and looked at, we knew their threats, so that was a little disappointing. As a team you can have off nights; it’s happened to the greatest teams in the world.”
Bowen added, “It was hard to put our finger on why that happened, but I just know it wasn’t falling for us. Sydney are a good team but we didn’t play to our capabilities which was disappointing, but we learn from that and move on.
“We had a gameplan and we certainly didn’t execute it, but we sat down, went over film, [Vidosic] took us through it and we had to learn from it. It’s no point just moving on and not going over it. I think everyone knows they’ve got a very dangerous front line. I think what’s hard is that we didn’t bring our best game.”
Vidosic continued, “We did have that solution, when Bowie (Katie Bowen), we were trying to bring her in the build-up into the midfield, where we had the overload. With [Madison] Haley, [Cortnee] Vine, and [Princess] Ibini, they would jump on occasions, and just the distance between our players was a little too far. It was a bit disappointing that we didn’t really play to the best of our ability, in terms of structure.
“I felt we were a little too rushed and we played into their hands, where we couldn’t maintain [the ball] for long enough in good periods and force their back three back. It was just one of those afternoons, but we can’t now throw away all the good work. I’ve been proud of the ladies and how we’ve performed for the season. The week leading into the Sydney game was excellent and this week as well, so that’ll be up to us tomorrow to make sure it was a one-off.”
Above: Katie Bowen in her media conference today. Image: Melbourne City.
It’s another big game this weekend for City, with a top-of-the-table clash with Western United, who themselves are coming off two successive losses. Both Bowen and Vidosic spoke about the positives they took from the reverse fixture earlier in the season, despite a 2-1 defeat to the league leaders.
“The biggest message was just to be us,” Vidosic said. “We have an excellent opportunity at AAMI Park, a bit of a Melbourne Derby as well, so it sets up for a great chance for us to respond.
“We know we’re up against a good team. They’re coming off two losses, so they’ll throw everything at us tomorrow; they’ll want to get their season back on track. But same as us, we want to put ourselves back in the winners’ column and keep pushing and putting pressure on that top spot.”
Bowen spoke similarly: “We’re feeling really confident. We had a bit of a slip-up last week, so we’re looking at this week as a kind of redemption. We know it’s going to be a tough game for us. We think it was arguably our best performance last time we played them.
“Their (Western United’s) tenacity and fight is their biggest strength. They’ve got a tall forward in [Hannah] Keane, but I know they’ve also lost Jess Macdonald, which is a big loss for them. If we do what we did against Sydney and don’t show up then it’s going to be really tough for us. I’ve got no doubt that we will though.
“I don’t think we need to change a whole lot, but we definitely need to convert our chances; we had some really good opportunities in that game but unfortunately didn’t finish them. If we had, then it possibly would’ve been a different outcome for us.”
Above: Hannah Wilkinson and Katie Bowen (left and centre) are part of the New Zealand Football Ferns squad for the upcoming international window. Photo: Melbourne City
The international break coming up right after the weekend will see New Zealander Bowen join up with the Football Ferns squad, with friendlies on home soil scheduled as part of their ongoing preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup later this year.
Bowen stated, “It’s a longer tour, and it’s probably the closest thing we’re going to have to replicate the World Cup, going three games with two days in between. Obviously, ideally, I hope we get the results – I think we have the chance to – but we have to see what our gameplan is, execute it as best we can, and similar to here, watch film, go over our games and treat it like a World Cup where we need at least four points to get out of the group.”
Melbourne City have a number of other players also on national team duty, whilst Vidosic and those staying behind will be kept busy as well. “It’s an honour for us as well, and I’m sure for the ladies,” the City head coach remarked.
“We’re very proud as a club that we can have two in the Young Matildas (Daniela Galic and Caitlin Karic) and two in the Football Ferns. They’re all preparing for big things, especially [Bowen and Hannah Wilkinson] who have a World Cup not too far away. For Cote [Rojas], she’s got a big qualifier coming up for Chile to book her place at the World Cup.
“In the meantime, we have a friendly coming up against the Young Matildas, which we’ll be looking forward to, and gives us a chance to work with the group maybe a bit more individually and spend more time now that we’ve got lesser numbers.
“We’ll prepare for that Young Matildas game like any other game; we might work on a couple things, maybe have one little eye on Newcastle (their first game back after the international break).”
Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.
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