Melbourne City shoot down fearless Jets

Melbourne City 5-1 Newcastle Jets

By Jonathan Tay (10/12/22)

Above: Caitlin Karic (20) celebrates her goal in Melbourne City’s win. Photo: Melbourne City.

Melbourne City beat the Newcastle Jets 5-1 at Casey Fields, to move to the top of the Liberty A-League table in Gameweek Four.

The final scoreline didn’t tell the full chaotic story of a see-sawing game in which the Jets could have had five goals themselves. City made Newcastle pay for a host of squandered chances, the Melbournians overall quality and depth ultimately proving the difference.

City head coach Dario Vidosic went with an unchanged XI for the third time in a row to start the season, persisting with the youthful duo of goalkeeper Sally James and centre back Naomi Chinnama, over veterans Melissa Barbieri and fit-again Emma Checker. Newcastle brought in Ashlee Brodigan in place of Tara Andrews upfront, forming a dangerous trio with Sarah Griffith and Lauren Allan.

Melbourne City had gotten off to a flyer to start their campaign, notching two wins by three-goal margins. Newcastle meanwhile, were also coming off two decent performances, with Griffith’s hattrick helping them to a 4-2 win over Western Sydney in Round Two, followed by a draw with Perth last week, in a match where they probably created the better chances.

The attacking intent from both teams was on display from the off on Saturday afternoon, with each side looking to assert themselves, pressing high to force turnovers, and not holding back their aggression in duels either. The opening five minutes were an emblematic pattern of the whole game: the Jets front three causing turnovers, working their way into prime scoring positions without converting, and then City heading down the other end, and taking advantage of the Jets’ subpar defending.

City struggled to play out from the back for long portions of the match, Chinnama caught out on their very first possession with a heavy touch barely a minute in. The Jets’ Allan was able to nip in and backheel the ball into Brodigan’s path, but her tame shot was straight at James.

Just six minutes in though, City were able to turn the tables and open the scoring, having success of their own in pressuring from the front. A mishit clearance from a throw-in fell at the feet of Kaitlin Torpey 25 yards out; she took one touch to control before hammering the ball past Georgina Worth in the Newcastle goal.

The opening half-hour was played end-to-end at a frenetic pace, and the setback didn’t necessarily perturb the Jets. A Griffith turnover led to Lucy Johnson this time firing right at James, with the Newcastle midfielder moments later also almost dispossessing James attempting to use her feet, all before the 10-minute mark was up. City were uncharacteristically nervous and careless on the ball, as the Jets continued to look to restrict passing lanes and time in possession.

Griffith was a stand-out for the visitors; her nimble feet and speed were eye-catching as she led the Jets’ fast-paced forward three on the transition. Her opposing left-wing and fellow American Emina Ekic was equally as salient, her recent threatening form continuing against Newcastle as well. The two wingers traded first-half chances; Ekic having a tight-angled shot beaten away by Worth, Griffith getting beyond City’s backline, before scuffing her attempt into the arms of James, followed in the next play by Ekic again getting to the byline, and this time pulling the ball right across the face of the goal.

The biggest question for Newcastle however, was whether their rearguard could hold out against an inexorable Melbourne City. As the pressing intensity faded slightly, the Sky Blues were eventually able to find ways into the opposition’s third with more ease, and once there, the resistance they came up against was found lacking.

City found themselves up 3-0 in under 30 minutes, with two goals in quick succession. A glaring mistake from Worth saw her fumble a corner directly into her own net, with the Jets backline caught ball-watching for the third goal, as all three of City’s forwards were able to get shots off on the beleaguered Worth, Bryleeh Henry finally putting home from 2 yards out.

Before the break, Henry mirrored Ekic’s earlier effort by cutting the ball back across the face of the goal from the right side this time, after great play from Davidson and Chinnama to beat the press. But going in at half-time it was a tale of one side taking their chances, and the other not, with City surely holding one of the most fortunate three-goal leads they have had.

Newcastle came out of the interval desperate to get on the scoreboard, making an attacking change by sending on striker Andrews. They picked up the energy and tempo of the game once again and continued to frustrate City in their build-up.

It almost paid off, coming close to reducing the deficit early in the second half, as they hit the woodwork twice. Two sloppy Melbourne turnovers led firstly to another Griffith shot in the 50th minute, this time glancing just the wrong side of the post, before defender Katie Bowen two minutes later gifted the ball to Andrews who crashed a shot off the crossbar from just outside the box.

Newcastle eventually got the goal their play deserved, with Andrews rising highest to nod home a Brodigan free kick in the 70th minute. They almost had their second soon after, this time Brodigan striking iron from 30 yards out from a Griffith layoff.

Henry should have done better to put the game to bed in the 74th minute but skied a near-post chance after some good work from Ekic to find her. City wasn’t left to fret for much longer, however, with another two goals in two minutes sealing the result.

Substitute Caitlin Karic did brilliantly to connect with a long ball and send a first-time chip in off the far post, with Worth hopelessly caught in no man’s land. Not long after, Ekic for the second week in a row drew a penalty, proving too agile for the Jets’ Cannon Clough, who brought her down. Ekic dusted herself off to dispatch the spot kick and City’s fifth goal herself to cap a player of the match performance.

It led to a gaudy final score which probably flattered Melbourne City, but showcased the outcome of having proven finishers in the side. City will look to continue to improve their ability to control games, their possession game somewhat exposed here.

Newcastle will rue their missed opportunities, having had 19 shots, with 10 on target. The Jets will be encouraged by the ongoing impressive work of their forward line but will need their defence to show more competency for them to be considered competitive for the top four.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-3-3): James; Torpey, Chinnama, Bowen, Grosso; Davidson, Galic, Pollicina; Henry, Rojas, Ekic. Substitutes: Blissett, Mckenna, Checker, Karic, Barbieri.

Scorers: Torpey 6’, Worth (OG) 27’, Henry 29’, Karic 78’, Ekic (pen) 81’.

NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Worth; Clough, Garnier, King, Puxty; Johnson, Davis, Agnew; Allan, Brodigan, Griffith. Substitutes: Andrews, Stapleford, Coelho, Allen, Konjarski.

Scorers: Andrews 70’

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

Attendance: 347.

Sydney FC demolish Brisbane Roar

Sydney FC 4-0 Brisbane Roar

By Ben Carey (10/12/22)

Above: Sarah Hunter weaves her way past Hollie Palmer and Zara Kruger. Photo: Sydney FC.

Sydney FC secured an emphatic 4-0 win over Brisbane Roar at Allianz Stadium on Saturday evening.

The encounter got off to a tentative start with both sides content with hanging back and passing the ball around, testing each other out. The one exception to that came in the eighth minute when American international Madison Haley hit the woodwork after a great high-floating corner kick from Mackenzie Hawkesby.

Brisbane Roar got their own chance for a goal about 20 minutes later with some fantastic build-up play, which saw Larissa Crummer pass out to Ayesha Norrie, who chipped the ball past a few home defenders to find Shea Connors in an acre of space. However, Connors was unable to put the ball in the back of the net.

Despite having had seven corners in just over half an hour, Sydney’s first goal came from open play, after a fantastic quick and low pass from Princess Ibini on the right side of the box to Haley who avoided the post this time and slotted it in the bottom left corner of the goals past Hensley Hancuff.

Just before halftime, Connors found herself in the box again, but her effort was smothered comfortably by Jada Whyman. On the counterattack, Sydney was able to break through the Roar’s defensive line, with Sarah Hunter hitting a great pass to Haley who left Rankin for dead, dribbled into the box, and toe-poked the ball over Hancuff to score her second goal of the match.

Above: Madison Haley (far left) celebrates with her teammates after her sensational strikes in the first half. Photo: Sydney FC.

In the second half, Brisbane were able to stop the bleeding, at least for a while. The most exciting moment of the match came in the 67th minute when Cortnee Vine hit an amazing ball to Hawkesby, who tried to tuck it in the bottom corner past the keeper. Hancuff had other ideas though, making a diving save and then getting back up quickly to make herself big for the follow-up from Hawkesby, who hit the post instead, before the ball was cleared to safety.

The rest of the match was filled with drama and theatrics. In the 84th minute, Rankin made an excellent sliding tackle in the penalty box on Remy Siemsen to prevent the visitors going down 3-0. The Sydney attacker fell dramatically over Rankin’s outstretched legs, presumably looking for a penalty. But referee Anna-Marie Keighley wasn’t having any of it.

A few minutes later, Brisbane enjoyed a rare spell of possession in the final third after an incredible pass from Margot Robinne over her shoulder and through to Crummer who crossed it into Hollie Palmer in the penalty area. Palmer hit a well-struck attempt on goal, but it hit both corners of the woodwork and bounced out to safety.

Sydney FC did not let up after the match entered stoppage time, in fact, they came at Brisbane Roar’s tired defence even harder. In the first minute of stoppage time, Siemsen, who was running in on goal, cut it back to Sarah Hunter, who was on the edge of the 18-yard box and was then able to put the ball over the keeper’s head.

Two minutes later, Vine played a wonderful chip through several Roar defenders to Charlize Rule who took a shot that looked likely to be saved or cleared, however Siemsen was waiting on the goal line to tap it in for her second goal of the season, and Sydney’s fourth and final of the match.

Sydney FC proved far too strong for Brisbane Roar. The Madison Haley wrecking ball demolished the Queenslanders’ backline in the first half and brilliance from Hunter, Vine, and Siemsen put the match to bed late in stoppage time. Sydney FC’s defence was solid, and their midfield was like a well-oiled machine, working tirelessly to create goal-scoring opportunities, which Sydney FC was clinical at finishing.

Both teams had roughly the same possession, but Sydney FC did a lot more with the ball when they had it, especially in the final third. The absence of Katrina Gorry, veteran Matilda and experienced Brisbane Roar midfielder, was very evident. This meant that the Roar midfield was largely occupied by young and inexperienced players who often looked confused and overwhelmed.

Above: Sydney FC’s Remy Siemsen after scoring her side’s fourth goal. Photo: Sydney FC.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric said: “I wasn’t happy with the girls at halftime, I told them that, we just didn’t play well in my opinion.

“Yeah Madi (Haley) is good, she’s got X-factor… she changed the game for us when it was quite tight.”

Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric on Madison Haley.

“Everyone is fighting against us like it’s their last game,” Juric went on, “and we need to take that fighting from the other team and deal with it and thus far we have done so.”

Although his team suffered a heavy defeat, there are still positives that Garrath McPherson can take away from the encounter. Jessie Rasschaert did a great job keeping Vine quiet for most of the game, matching her in pace, predicting her movements, and shutting down her attacks. Rankin did a great job in defence, making several crucial tackles and clearances. Finally, Connors was full of energy and intent the whole match, and had Brisbane been playing a higher press, her plays may have been more successful.

Things should be a lot more competitive for Brisbane Roar next weekend when they host Western Sydney Wanderers. Sydney FC will have a bye next weekend.

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-1-4-1): Whyman, Rule, Mclean, De La Harpe, Fenton, Hollman, Vine, Hunter, Hawkesby, Ibini, Haley. Substitutes: Offer, Green, Stanic-Floody, Lemon, Siemsen.

Scorers: Haley 33’, 43’, Hunter 90+1’, Siemsen 90+3’.

BRISBANE ROAR (4-5-1): Hancuff, Rankin, Rasschaert, Linda, Levin, Connors, Kruger, Norrie, Palmer, Freier, Crummer. Substitutes: Shuttleworth, Haffenden, McQueen, Davern, Robinne.

Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley.

Attendance: 4,293.

Dominant Canberra Record First Win

Canberra United 3-0 Wellington Phoenix

by Ryan Miller-Woods (10/12/22)

Above: Alyssa Whinham looks to get away against Canberra United. Photo: stuff.co.nz

Canberra have their first win of the season after two goals from Michelle Heyman and one from Grace Maher rewarded for a dominant performance against struggling Wellington Phoenix.

Wellington are still without a win after their first four matches of this season and despite occasional chances in the match, didn’t really threaten Canberra, and with 12 goals conceded in four games defensively things are not where they could be.

Canberra were on the front foot from the early stages.Maher was able to dispossess Wellington’s Alyssa Whinham and found Heyman whose cross found Vesna Milivojevic whose first shot bounced off Ava Pritchard and fell into the path of Maher who lifted a shot over Wellington goalkeeper Brianna Edwards and into the back of net.

Within two minutes, Laura Hughes made a great run and saw her shot from outside the box hit the post.

Maher was involved again just before the half-hour mark when she found Milivojevic in the box to cross for Heyman who had a first-time shot at goal which went past Edwards to double Canberra’s lead.

Above: Canberra United’s goalscorers Michelle Heyman (left) and Grace Maher. Photo: Canberra Times.

With 11 minutes until the break, Wellington had their best chance as Claudia Cicco crossed the ball into the box and found Chloe Knott whose header went wide of the goal.

Wellington came out for the second half firing as Michaela Foster made across to Pritchard whose shot went wide of the goal and soon after that very nearly got on the scoresheet, only for Sasha Grove to deny them on the line.

However, any hope that Phoenix had of getting back into the game went eight minutes into the half as Edwards’ clearance went straight to Canberra’s Milivojevic who back-heeled the ball towards Heyman. The A-League Women’s all-time record scorer hit a first-time effort into the net.

With 12 minutes remaining, it could have got worse for the visitors as their former star Grace Jale headed just wide after being found by Hayley Taylor-Young and Heyman.

Both sides had a further chance a piece to change the score. First, Foster turned outside of the box but her powerful shot went safely into the gloves of Canberra’s Keely Richards. For the home side, Grove’s effort from outside of the box was held by Edwards.

Things won’t get any easier for Wellington next weekend when they host Adelaide United. Canberra go to Perth Glory.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-2-3-1): Lincoln, Ilijoski, Hughes, Grove, Maher, Jale, McComasky, Faulknor, Milivojevic, Flannery, Heyman. Substitutes: Richards, Taranto, Taylor-Young, Christopherson, Gett.

Scorers: Maher 9’, Heyman 27’, 53’

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-1-4-1): Edwards, Foster, Barry, Van der Meer, Cicco, Whinham, Hassett, Knott, Rolston, Pritchard, Satchell. Substitutes: Candy, Vosper, Robertson, McMeeken, Walker.

Referee: Isabella Libri.

Attendance: 1,430.

Bragging Rights At Stake In Manchester Derby

Johnathan Stack joined Manchester City’s media conference with Gareth Taylor and Laura Coombs ahead of tomorrow’s big WSL derby against Manchester United (10/12/22).

Above: Action from a previous Manchester derby – tomorrow’s looks set to be the biggest yet. Photo: Manchester Evening News.

This Sunday sees one of the biggest games of the season in the WSL to date as Manchester City host Manchester United in front of what will be a huge crowd at Etihad Stadium.

It is tight at the top of the WSL table with City just three points off the top three, chasing the pack and in great form of late. Gareth Taylor’s side has won their last six WSL games in a row and has won their last nine consecutively in all competitions.

And yet again the fans will be out in force as over 43,000 fans have purchased tickets for the game so far.

Ahead of tomorrow’s game at the Etihad, Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor and midfielder Laura Coombs spoke to the press.

Taylor said: “I think it’s a great occasion. “We are going to go out and do our very best to be as effective as we can be. I think we need to enjoy the experience regardless of the way the game goes. We are in good form, good spirits, two good teams going up against each other. We want to try and finish the year on a good note.

“I think it’s great to play at the main stadium. We really enjoy playing at CFA (Academy Stadium). We have made that a really dominant ground for us. I think our win percentage is really, really high.

“This is a different experience for us. I think we will still look to use the advantage, being a home fixture. We are pleased to be here, pleased to see there are really good numbers and hopefully everyone enjoys the game.”

Above: Laura Coombs – thrilled at the prospect of playing tomorrow’s derby in front of a huge crowd. Photo: Manchester City.

Coombs who was on the scoresheet last time out in the league against Brighton was excited at the prospect of playing in a derby in front of a huge crowd: “I think it’s going to be brilliant. These are the weeks you really look forward to as a player.

“And the atmosphere home and away against United is always a feisty one. It always makes the start of the game really good.

“It’s what we all really look forward to. We have all been really looking forward to it, not just me but everyone in the squad, the young players and those who have been there and done it, everyone is really looking forward to this game.”

In regards to team news ahead of Sunday’s match, Taylor has confirmed Lauren Hemp is fit to play from the start. The Norfolk-born star came on in the second half against Liverpool in the Conti Cup on Wednesday and provided an assist for Mary Fowler minutes later. The City boss also revealed that Vicky Losada trained yesterday and could be involved in the match, everyone else is fit.

Above: Deyna Castellanos (right) with City’s two goalscorers in midweek – Mary Fowler and Filippa Angeldahl at Liverpool. They will be hoping for similar scenes tomorrow. Photo: Manchester City.

Confidence High, and Ayres in form as Victory travel to Perth

By Kieran Yap (10/12/22)

Above: Melina Ayres in action for Melbourne Victory. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

Only goal difference separated Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory last season. The slimmest of margins and a draw between the two sides meant that Melbourne Victory finished fourth and went on to become champions.

A month into the current campaign and their positions are similar again. Perth Glory is without a win but have had better form front of goal. They have scored four times in the first three games.  Melbourne Victory had to wait three weeks to score their first. It happened in the 1-0 win over Wellington Phoenix.

It makes for an interesting encounter. Glory will be hungry to reverse their form in front of a home crowd. Melbourne Victory have had their confidence boosted after a pressure-releasing performance.

“The win was really important for us last week,” Victory manager Jeff Hopkins told the media.

“The whole group was pretty nervous, and you could see that in the way that we approached the game. The way I saw the game was a lot different to how I viewed it afterwards. We definitely controlled the game. There was some perceived threat, but it didn’t really show any chances really.

“I think myself, as well as the players, were really relieved to get the first win. The players have been a lot more relaxed. I think we’ve all been a lot more relaxed this week.”

Above: Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins talking to the media yesterday. Image: Melbourne Victory.

Victory’s training sessions have been lighter this week. The match against Wellington was played in gruelling conditions. Tiffany Eliadis and Gema Simon both succumbed to the heat. Hopkins says that both players have pulled up well and the squad is in good shape as they head west.

Perth may sit two places below Victory in ninth position, but they have quality players. Melbourne Victory’s coaching staff have looked closely at how to prevent them playing and searched for any weaknesses.

Hopkins is expecting big performances from his fullbacks, most likely Gema Simon and Jessika Nash. Both will be key to creating chances from wide areas and linking up with Beattie Goad on one side, and Lia Privitelli on the other.

Victory have also looked at putting an extra player in midfield. Hopkins is wary of the influence of Hana Lowry and Ella Mastrantonio. They will be without Amy Jackson but have Alana Murphy and Paige Zois who can play centrally if called on.

“They’ve had a bit of an up and down start, but I’m not underestimating them,” Hopkins said of Perth.  

“They’ve recruited pretty well, they play quite an aggressive style of play. They’ll press high, they’ll be right in your face. We’ve obviously worked quite hard this week on how we’re going to play, and how we’re going to play out against them. There’s definitely going to be space in certain areas of the pitch.

Above: Perth Glory’s Hana Lowry – a player that Jeff Hopkins is wary of. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

“We’ve worked hard to make sure that we understand what they’re all about. Areas that we need to play in, areas that we definitely don’t need to play in, and a few strategies to hopefully take advantage of the areas that we see as perceived weaknesses.”

Key to Melbourne’s chances this week is the form of Melina Ayres. The striker is a big game specialist and scored hers (and Victory’s) first of the season last week.

“She’s a different person this week,” said Hopkins.

“She does have the tendency to be a little bit down on herself sometimes. She’s probably her own harshest critic. I was really pleased for her to score the goal. It was a great goal as well. She did everything just right.

“I’ve been really pleased with her over the last couple of weeks. She’s still not at her best, but she’s really trying as hard as she can to be her best.

“Week to week all we can ask of her is that she’s a little bit better each week. She definitely was last week, and she’s trained really well this week, and looking confident as well which is a big advantage to her.”

A confident Melina Ayres is exactly what Victory need to win away against Perth Glory. It is a potentially important game for both sides. A chance to continue building momentum for one, and an opportunity to reverse it for the other.

It shapes up to be an exciting match, and perhaps even an early finals preview.

For the view of the opposition, Ben Gilby‘s report from Perth Glory’s media conference can be read here: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/12/08/canberra-perth-glory-wanderers-media-conferences/

Melbourne City v Newcastle Jets Preview

Jonathan Tay‘s detailed preview of tomorrow’s A-League Women game delivers all you need to know, including City boss Dario Vidosic‘s pre-game media conference, and the views of Claire Taylor from the W-Jets Active fan group (9/12/22).

Above: Melbourne City’s Rihanna Pollicina (right) will face her former side Newcastle Jets on Saturday. Photo: Melbourne City.

THE GAME

Melbourne City vs. Newcastle Jets, 3:00 pm AEST, Saturday 10 December, Casey Fields, Melbourne.

THE CONTEXT

Just two games into the season, Melbourne City already look like they’re cruising. Coming off a bye in Round Two, they convincingly handled Brisbane Roar, controlling the 3-0 win from start to finish.

“For us, it’s just every week to continue what we’re doing, trying to progress and evolve,” head coach Dario Vidosic summed up at his pre-match press conference. “First two performances have been excellent from the ladies. After a short pre-season, short time together, I think the understanding and performance has been great. Now it’s about if we can sustain it for longer periods, and become more dominant as well.

“We had almost 66% possession against Roar; in Crummer up front, who’s a top striker in the Matildas, we kept her very quiet. Again it’s going to be about the same this week, can we control the game, can we play in the opponent’s half, can we dominate possession, and when we don’t have it how hard can we work to win the ball back.”

Key to their impressive start has been their midfield, with Rhianna Pollicina and Daniela Galic really standing out. “They’re quite similar players, they’re both very, very technical players, they love to have the ball,” said an impressed Vidosic.

“We obviously have our ways of how we want our ‘[number] tens’ to operate within the system and what we expect from them. But once we get in that final third, then that’s when that creativity can come in. We sort of set them a template: this is where we want to be, this is where we want the ball to be delivered.

“We analyse the opponents, we see their strengths and weaknesses, so we know where to attack and where we need to defend, and their two top players to exploit teams and they’re a big part of why we’ve been successful so far in the first two games.”

Above: Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s game. Image: Melbourne City.

Hype is building around young Galic, and whilst it is not unexpected for Vidosic, he is wanting to take things step-by-step with her in the very early stages of her professional career.

“She deserves everything, and she had a fantastic (under-20) World Cup – she was four years younger than everyone else,” the head coach said. “I watched and she was someone that stood out to me. It’s only her second professional game, so she’s still got a long, long career ahead of her, so there’s no need for her or anyone to get carried away.

“The message to her is that every single day we want to improve; so that when you look back on yourself yesterday, [you can say], ‘I’m a better player today’, in a week’s time or a month’s time you’re continuously getting better. The second we stop and think ‘look at us we’re good’, that’s when we go backwards.”

With the hot start, it’s difficult not to see a number of City players potentially being monitored for the Matildas. Vidosic spoke last week about building towards the home World Cup, and while that is the goal, he’s focused on the weekly improvements which will lead them there.

“As long as we keep playing the way we’re playing, and everyone performs, it’s hard to look past teams that are successful, and players that are performing. We want to take it day by day, we don’t want to get carried away; we’ve got a game tomorrow that we’re looking forward to.

“But it’s always hard for a player, you’ve got that thought: it’s not far away, selections are going to start getting made. We just try to improve; you’ve got 90 minutes on the weekend, that’s the time to show the selectors and it just comes down to the girls. We play our style, the girls are excellent at it and we just keep developing them, we keep encouraging them, we keep trying to improve them, and then hopefully we can see as many City girls in that World Cup team as possible and hopefully they have a successful campaign.”

A QUOTE

Above: Melbourne City’s legendary goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri. Photo: Matt King.

“Many of us were on the dole, or working as part-time baristas, in the servo.”

Melissa Barbieri, Melbourne City goalkeeper.

Playing for the Matildas used to be a very different beast, as Melissa Barbieri revealed on this week’s A-Leagues All Access.

“We were doing what we can to make ends meet; I recognise the struggle that we went through, and I’m humbled by the fact that those years shaped me,” the veteran of four World Cups recounted.

“We were role models before the brand ‘Matildas’ came along. We talk about the million-dollar contracts that the players are on now – I wholeheartedly believe we should be on those contracts – but it certainly was a different landscape when I was going through the national team.”

Now, Barbieri is helping that next generation come through, bringing that experience into what is a young Melbourne City club.

Her goalkeeping teammate Sally James said, “Bubs (Barbieri) is just an amazing mentor, having her to learn off in training sessions is just amazing. She’s got so much experience, I don’t even know how many World Cups she’s been to.

“It’s definitely competitive but she’s always helping me out, I really appreciate it so much. There is only that one spot, but we continue to push each other, and we have a really good relationship.”

The 41-year-old Barbieri continued: “That’s the balance of being a good goalkeeper and a good teammate. You have to walk into your team and know your worth, whether you play minutes or you don’t. You know, doing that day in, day out, having that mentality of, ‘I need you to succeed, because I’m part of this team, even though I’m not playing.’”

Her head coach Vidosic also spoke about her importance for the squad. “Bubs is the core of this team; an unreal goalkeeper, and even better person. She’s the glue that keeps us all together, very selfless and thinks about all of us. Without Bubs, it’d be a totally different story around here.”

A PLAYER TO WATCH

Above: Sally James -the Young Matildas goalkeeper has been impressive for Melbourne City so far this season. Photo: Football Australia.

Sally James – Another Young Matilda who looks to have gone up a notch after her under-20 World Cup experience. She’s started the first two games of the campaign and has not looked out of place, impressing with her comfort on the ball and ability to play out from the back.

City goalkeeping coach Jordan Franken outlined, “Basically we’ve got two number-one goalkeepers at the club. You’ve got two goalkeepers in Sally and Bubs who can both be called upon at any point, and we can trust them.

“We’ve given Sally the opportunity to start the season so far, as a young and up-and-coming goalkeeper, but there’s pressure there to perform, she’s got Bubs there constantly knocking on the door. That’s where they’re going to push each other to become even better.”

20-year-old James will have another test this weekend, up against a Newcastle side who have been almost equally potent as City have. Sarah Griffith has been on a heater to start the season, fitting in nicely next to fellow new recruit Murphy Agnew, and bolstering a forward line already containing Tara Andrews and Lauren Allen.

THE OPPOSITION

Above: Murphy Agnew – one of Newcastle Jets’ impressive new signings for this season. Photo: Newcastle Herald.

Three questions with Claire Taylor, part of W-Jets Active, a fan-led support group for the Newcastle Jets Women’s team.

Realistically, where do you place the Jets’ chances of making the Finals for this season? What do they need to continue to work on to be considered serious top-four contenders?

CT: Every season we are seen to be the underdogs and dark horses in the competition. That’s reflective of the potential our squad always has to surprise in any given game. As supporters, we’re not focused on getting to the finals, but instead to see our squad reach their full potential and improve game on-game. Realistically, we think we can finish in a top-five position as long as the team continues to mesh and keep their composure and belief.

Have you been surprised early in the season by how the new signings have performed, and fit into the squad?

CT: Nearly half the squad are new signings! Watching the team’s performance over the last few games you can already see strong connections making opportunities happen on the field. They seem incredibly motivated and committed to playing for Newcastle specifically – the local talent has a pride of place, and our overseas imports get to have an amazing experience alongside their professional development.

The Jets seem to often have a more settled squad than most, with players turning down offers from bigger cities to stay, even when the side hasn’t always performed. What is it about Newcastle and its community that creates such an attractive and positive environment?

CT: There is a great amount of pride in playing for your hometown and Newcastle has an incredibly strong and supportive football community – it’s like family. The club has really fostered that, and those kinds of meaningful relationships are hard to break. But it would be remiss of us not to mention that the Women’s league is still not fully professional, a lot of our most loyal players have other (non-football) professional commitments in play that would make leaving Newcastle unfeasible.

A STAT

6.3 xG – Expected goals (xG) has been around as a statistic for some time now, seeping into mainstream football media not only at the World Cup or in top European leagues, but occasionally mentioned during A-League broadcasts as well.

Rather than just looking at goals scored by a player or team, xG provides a quick, easy way to assess the value of chances created, and, based on past historical performance, what the probability of the resultant shot being a goal is.

As an example, Remy Siemsen’s outside-the-box winner for Sydney FC on the weekend had an xG of 0.02. In contrast, Bryleeh Henry’s Matchday One tap-in, following Maria Rojas’ pinpoint cross, had a value of 0.83 xG (all data courtesy of Fbref).

This season, Melbourne City have started like a house on fire, racking up 6.3 xG in just two games. Per 90 minutes, that’s almost one full expected goal’s worth higher than the next best team, and really shows not just the volume of chances created by City, but the value of those chances turning into goals as well.

SquadGames PlayedxGxG per 90 min
Melbourne City26.33.17
Canberra United24.52.27
Newcastle Jets362
Sydney FC34.21.41
Adelaide United33.91.28
Melbourne Victory33.61.21
Western United33.61.2
Brisbane Roar33.21.06
Perth Glory331.01
Western Sydney Wanderers220.99
Wellington Phoenix 31.10.37

Lawrence: Phoenix Can Take Confidence From Last Season Against Canberra

Impetus’ Ryan Miller-Woods listened in to Wellington Phoenix head coach Natalie Lawrence‘s media conference today as the New Zealanders are set for a battle with a Canberra United side who are also looking for their first win of the season (9/12/22).

Above: Natalie Lawrence talking to the media. Photo: Hagan Hopkins.

Wellington Phoenix head coach Natalie Lawrence revealed today that her side has received a big boost with the news that Emma Rolston is back from injury for their match against Canberra United at McKellar Park tomorrow.

In the first three matches of the season, Wellington has had no problem creating chances, but it has found it more problematic finding the back of the net, with only two goals scored so far.

Lawrence believes that the inclusion of Rolston in the squad will help to improve her side’s scoring opportunities: “Yeah, she helps a huge amount. If I think back to the (Melbourne) City game (in Round One), we created quite a lot, we had 17 shots (in that match) and in the last two games (against Western United and Melbourne Victory) we’ve been quite a lot lower (in shots made), so it’s been a big focus for us this week to create more.

“We want to be an attacking team; we want to create a lot and what Rollo (Emma Rolston) offers us is something completely different to probably anyone else on the team. She’s technically very good, she can shoot from different areas of the field using both feet, she can create for others. So we’re pretty excited to see what she can do this weekend.”

However, whilst Rolston has returned, the Nix are still without three key players. “Kate (Taylor) and Lily (Alfeld) are still on the injury list as is Wis (Grace Wisnewski). So Wis, we decided to give her another week just to get her more touches on the ball, so she just felt ready to come back in and play in the league, so hopefully, she should be available from next week.

Above: Emma Rolston could make her debut for Wellington Phoenix tomorrow. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

Wellington are will be buoyed ahead of their trip to Canberra by the fact that the capital city side were one of two teams last season (the other being Western Sydney Wanderers) that they beat in their debut campaign. Lawrence reflected on the confidence that the 3-0 win last season may bring to her squad.

“You can feel it amongst them like we’re at the same hotel, we’re in the same team room that we were that we had lunch in, where we got to celebrate that win last year and as much as that lifts us and gives us confidence, we also know that Canberra are a different team (compared to last season), it’s in a different period of time in the league, it’s early on.

“Canberra have had a couple of draws whereas last year they were struggling and we were focused on getting that first win, so there’s definitely a good feeling and a confidence around the game but not like an over-cockiness. We know they’re going to be super tough.”

One of Canberra’s biggest threats in front of goal is former player Wellington player Grace Jale who was Phoenix’s top goalscorer last season. Her ability in front of goal combined with her ability from set-pieces marks Jale out as a danger player – particular given Wellington’s struggles in defending corners and free-kicks so far this season.

“We know what Jale can offer, we know her threats, we know she’s going to be gunning to score this weekend (in which if she does score against Wellington, she’ll have scored in the most consecutive games in the A-League Women since the 2015/16 season), so we’re really aware of her threats but I’m confident our defenders can nullify those as well but we know the quality that she has for sure,” said the Wellington Phoenix head coach. 

Above: Grace Jale in action for Wellington Phoenix last season. She’ll be lining up against Natalie Lawrence’s side tomorrow for Canberra United. Photo: AAP.

Miedema Puts Gunners On The Brink of Champions League Quarter-Finals

Arsenal 1-0 Juventus

by Johnathan Stack at The Emirates (8/12/22).

Above: Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema celebrates her winning goal with Laura Weinroither (left) and Stina Blackstenius (right). Photo: Arsenal Women.

Player of the match Vivianne Miedema’s strike sealed a victory for Arsenal last night which could end up going a long way towards clinching their spot in the Quarter-Finals.

Jonas Eidevall’s side went into the game knowing that group rivals Lyon were winning against FC Zürich in the earlier kick-off.

Both teams had chances in the opening five minutes with Juventus forcing Manuel Zinsberger into a great early double save with Stina Blackstenius having a goal ruled out for offside in the opening 10 minutes.

Arsenal took the lead through Vivianne Miedema who volleyed home from about six yards out from Blackstenius’ cross to give the Gunners the lead in the 15th minute. 

Blackstenius had a great chance to make it 2-0 after Juventus failed to clear the ball, it fell to Miedema who was played on by Lenzini, she then played in the Swede who fired just over.

Above: Leah Williamson – back in the Arsenal starting line-up again. Photo: Arsenal Women.

Blackstenius then had another chance after being played through by Caitlin Foord on the left, her shot was blocked by Cecilia Salvai. Arsenal were on top in the opening 40 minutes and should have had more than a solitary goal lead.

The Gunners then had another great chance to double their lead, as Frida Maanum played in a vicious cross that Lotte Wubben-Moy headed wide as it remained 1-0 at the break.

In the second half, it took until 11 minutes into the half for the first chance after the break as Matildas’ star Foord tested Juve’s former Arsenal keeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.

Arsenal was pushing for a second but finding it tough to break down a stubborn Juventus defence.

Miedema when close to getting her second of the game as Peyraud-Magnin flapped at a corner with the ball falling to the Dutch striker who volleyed just over.

Laura Wienroiter then went on a darting run down the right, and her cross/shot almost caught out Peyraud-Magnin at the near post.

Above: Vivianne Miedema causing problems for Juventus. Photo: Arsenal Women.

Arsenal saw the game out relatively comfortably picking up a 1-0 to take them one step closer to the knockout stages of the Women’s Champions League.

It was a good win for the Gunners against a stubborn Juventus side that didn’t provide much going forward. Additionally, it was a huge positive to see Vivianne Miedema back on the scoresheet again after she took a leave of absence to get a much-needed rest.

After the game Arsenal head coach Jonaa Eidevall said: “So far, we have done well but it is one game at a time. We have Lyon here next week and it is going to be a very difficult game, we need to prepare very well. Before that, we need to prepare very well for Aston Villa so that’s our challenge to reset, prepare, execute and then we go again.”

Eidevall stated that he was pleased with the first-half performance but he did identify an area for improvement. He said “I loved how we controlled the game without the ball, we were compact, we had an aggressive shape, and we won the ball in the midfield a lot of times.

“I’m happy with the way that we moved the ball in the first half, and we exploited an overload that we had in the midfield on a lot of occasions. We found Vivianne Miedema more times being able to go forward in the first half than we have all season because she is always getting man-marked when we are playing in the WSL.

“I still think our efficiency and our decision-making in those opportunities when we go four v three, four v two, that’s both in the first and the second half, we should expect more. We have the potential and ability to do it, so I am very confident that it is only a matter of time before we achieve that.”

The travelling Juventus fans who made the trip over from Turin on a cold winter December night are worthy of a mention. The club is currently going through a lot of turmoil, with the latest ongoing financial scandal that saw club President Andrea Agnelli and the entire board of directors resign. But their fans were singing and chanting all game long. It’s in tough times that you truly see how amazing football fans can be and appreciate their efforts.

Teams: ARSENAL: Zinsberger, Wienroither, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, Catley, Wälti, Maanum, Miedema, McCabe, Foord, Blackstenius. Substitutes: Marckese, Beattie, Rafaelle, Maritz, Iwabuchi, Nobbs, Agyemang.

JUVENTUS: Peyraud-Magnin, Lenzini, Sembrant, Salvai, Boattin, Caruso, Junge-Pedersen, Grosso, Bonansea, Girelli, Beerensteyn. Substitutes: Aprile, Bonfantini, Cantore, Cernoia, Duljan, Forcinella, Gunnarsdottir, Lundorf, Rosucci, Schatzer, Zamanian.

Referee: Ivana Martincic.

Attendance: 6,592.

Canberra, Perth Glory & Wanderers’ Media Conferences

All the news as three sides looking for their first win of the season spoke to the media. Sofia Christopherson, Alex Epakis, Lauren Keir, and Kat Smith were involved (8/12/22).

CANBERRA UNITED:

by Ryan Miller-Woods

Above: Canberra United’s Sophia Christopherson, who spoke to the media ahead of the capital city side’s game with Wellington Phoenix on Saturday. Photo: Canberra Times.

Canberra United face Wellington Phoenix at McKellar Park on Saturday with both teams looking to get their first win of the season.

Canberra have come off two consecutive draws to open their season whilst Wellington have suffered three defeats so far. A win for either side is crucial, for momentum.

Christopherson, an academy product made her debut for the senior side in their season opener against Perth Glory, a memory that will stay with her. “Yeah, it was a very good feeling, a bit of a surprise in a way but at the same time I’ve worked hard and I think I do deserve it,” she told the media this week.

“Getting on the field at McKellar Park, my hometown, family and friends watching, was a crazy feeling, especially with the last 12 minutes or so, in a big game like that as well Round One, you don’t expect itbut I’m grateful for it, enjoyed it and hopefully, many more to come.”

Now that she has been integrated into the side, the attacker detailed how she feels the team are coming together this season: “Yeah, it’s a very positive environment at the moment, I think the girls get along very well on and off the field and I think it is showing in our games, we’re building and we’re getting stronger every single round, so hopefully this weekend we can go out and show each other, that we are a strong team, we are (Canberra) United.”

Asked what she expects from this weekend’s opposition Wellington Phoenix, Christopherson said: “Hopefully, a good game, you know (its) two strong teams.

!We would like the win, we’ve had two draws now (to open the season against Perth and Brisbane), and it’s time for us to get those full three points, which I think we deserve. So, it should be a good game, a physical game, and hopefully lots of goals to come.”

PERTH GLORY:

by Ben Gilby

Above: Perth Glory coach Alex Epakis is confident in his team’s ability to get a result against defending champions Melbourne Victory on Sunday. Photo: The West Australian.

Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis is in a positive mood ahead of his team’s game with defending champions Melbourne Victory at Macedonia Park on Sunday stating: “We’re in a good frame of mind.”

Despite the Western Australians having only taken two points from a possible nine so far, Epakis believes that the squad just needs a bit of fine-tuning to reach their potential, and he knows exactly what they need to do.

“From a structural point of view and shape…with and without the ball we are where we need to be, it’s just little moments where we can be a bit more clinical. A big focus (in training this week) has been on aggression without the ball and being hungry to win the ball higher up, knowing that if we press aggressively and don’t win it, we’re ready and comfortable to recover back. We want to tidy up that part of our game which is our bread and butter.”

Glory’s opponents in the City of Stirling this weekend have not made the start they would have hoped, only accruing three points out of nine, but the Perth boss is not fooled by those stats and knows his side face a stern test. “You look across the field at the squad they have, they have some really experienced players. They have an experienced coach (Jeff Hopkins) and are a team that have done really well in recent years. We have to respect that.

“We’ve just got to make sure we’re ready and the best version of ourselves. I’m confident, and I’ve said this to the players, if we’re good enough for long enough, we can compete with and beat anyone, regardless of what form and what players the opposition has.”

Alex Epakis, Perth Glory head coach.

“Both teams are really going to want to win this game…we are really clear that this is a good opportunity for us to put a performance together. We want to win this for us, and we need to focus on our own performance.”

Epakis outlined that his squad selection will see a bit of a shakeup for Sunday’s match as he revealed: “There will be a few changes, some forced on us, some performance-based. We’re continually assessing that through training.”

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS:

by Ben Gilby

Above: Western Sydney Wanderers’ Lauren Keir speaks to the media ahead of Sunday’s game with Adelaide United. Image: Western Sydney Wanderers.

Western Sydney Wanderers defender Lauren Keir emphasised to the media how determined her team are to build on the positives of last week’s display in defeat to cross-city rivals Sydney FC, when they face Adelaide United at Wanderers Football Park on Sunday.

“It wasn’t the result we wanted, but it was a derby and we went into it with fire in our bellies. There are definitely a lot of positives to take away. We definitely improved on set pieces, we created a lot of chances in front of goal. We need to continue to improve on that this week (against Adelaide United).

“Adelaide are a tough side to play against. We want to have a positive performance at home. We were so close last week, and this weekend, coming off two losses, we really want it this week.”

Whilst Western Sydney are one of only two sides without a point so far this season, the former Canberra United defender is certain that will soon change.

“Despite the two performances we’ve had, we are sticking together and keeping each other accountable. We’re backing each other and know we can do more and be better.”

Above: Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Kat Smith sees parallels between last weekend’s opponents Sydney FC and Sunday’s ones, Adelaide United. Image: Western Sydney Wanderers.

Wanderers head coach Kat Smith sees growth in her team all around as they look to claim their first points of the season against Adelaide United on Sunday.

“Individually we can see the progression of players, but (our) mindset is about collectivity in what we are trying to achieve (as a team).”

Reflecting on last weekend’s defeat to Sydney FC, Smith said: “The result is one thing. We have to look at the performance of the girls. We were competitive all over the park and unlucky towards the end. That’s another positive we can take ahead of this week against Adelaide.”

In terms of what she expects from their South Australian opponents, the Western Sydney boss said: “They are a similar group to Sydney. They are players who have been together for a long time. They have a familiarity in their game plan and we need to disrupt that and put our players in positions where they will be dangerous.”

“

Ella Tonkin: SA’s Next Gen Star

In the latest of our Midweek Dub series of interviews with top A-League Women players, Adelaide United‘s Young Matildas star Ella Tonkin spoke to Ben Gilby about her footballing journey and her experience at the FIFA U20 World Cup this year (7/12/22).

Above: Ella Tonkin playing for the Young Matildas against Spain in the FIFA U20 World Cup this August. Photo: Ann Odong Supplied by: Ella Tonkin.

Ella Tonkin is one of the brightest stars in the next generation of South Australian (SA) football. After representing the Young Matildas at the U20 World Cup during the European summer, the defender is looking ahead to a breakthrough year in the A-League Women with Adelaide United.

However, if it was not for a spur-of-the-moment decision made by Ella as a young girl, she may never have played the round ball game, as she reveals.

“Initially, I had no intention of playing club soccer, but when my older brother went out to trial at a local Adelaide Club, Raiders, I decided last minute I wanted to join too. From there I played in an all-boys team for a few years before getting into the SA state and NTC program. I got involved with Adelaide United from there, initially as a train on player and then eventually as a signed player. And over this past year, I’ve played at Northern Tigers in the Sydney NPL and was lucky enough to go to the U20 World Cup with the Young Matildas.”

Above: Ella Tonkin (left) battles for possession against Spain in the FIFA U20 World Cup in August. Photo: Tim Nwachukwu – FIFA. Supplied by: Ella Tonkin.

As Tonkin mentions, in July and August this year, she had the ride of her life after being named in the national squad for the age group FIFA World Championships. It was a moment that will live with her forever.

“We didn’t officially find out the whole squad till quite close to the competition, I think it was on a training camp in Mexico when we officially found out. It was extremely exciting.

“Going into the competition I knew it was going to be a challenging group given we were playing against the host nation (Costa Rica) and two teams who were champions on their respective continents (Spain and Brazil). But I truly believed we were a hardworking and quality team and had what it took to really compete with them. I think we had really good chemistry and a great team vibe, so I had total belief heading into the games.”

The experience of those tough encounters in Central America has enhanced Tonkin’s growth generally as well as more specific developments in her technical knowledge and ability as a defender, with each presenting so many different types of challenges, as she outlined.

“The Costa Rica game provided the opportunity for us to play in front of 25,000 people, numbers which some of us can only dream of. It was an unreal atmosphere and a true test of composure as it was extremely difficult to communicate and hear the support of your teammates. Overall, it was my favourite game as we were able to get the win and play in front of such huge numbers.

Above: Ella Tonkin in possession for the Young Matildas against host nation Costa Rica in the FIFA U20 World Cup this August. Photo: Ann Odong. Supplied by: Ella Tonkin.

“Our games against Brazil and Spain were amazing learning experiences. They were very high-quality teams, and I was very proud of how we remained composed and competed with them. As a defender, I think I was challenged in a way I haven’t experienced before having played in Australia my whole life, so it was an amazing opportunity for me to compete, learn and grow.”

Looking back on the competition, the Adelaide United defender reflected on the most challenging experience she faced, saying: “It was remaining composed and coolheaded throughout the Costa Rica game. With a crowd that loud, it was very hard to communicate with my teammates and as a centre back I rely on my voice a lot to instruct those ahead of me and uplift the team.

“I also utilise communication from my teammates to aid my decision-making. So essentially it was almost like playing the whole game in your head. I genuinely loved every part of the experience. But I think nothing can match walking out onto the pitch with your teammates and playing your guts out for one another.”

Tonkin came through the SA NTC system which provides young players with the experience of weekly state NPLW matches against teams full of experienced, physical opponents. It was a period that the defender believes proved to be a major part of her development as a player.

“It was a challenge growing up playing against much more experienced and physical opponents, but I think it helped me become a better player. I was forced to adjust to a faster pace and higher physicality which I think has only benefited me moving forwards.”

Above: Ella Tonkin in action for the Northern Tigers in the NSW NPLW this season. Photo: Dan Ullman/Aptitude Photography. Supplied by: Ella Tonkin.

The NPLW season just gone saw Tonkin move across to New South Wales and play for eventual Grand Finalists Northern Tigers. She revealed how the inter-state move came about and how it has enhanced her game.

“The Northern Tigers reserve coach reached out to me via social media asking if I’d be interested in playing for the first team. I’d never actually looked into moving to Sydney I was pretty set on playing in the WNPL in SA, but it planted a seed in my head, and I ended up pursuing it.

“It was probably one of the best decisions I have made in my footballing career so far, as I think it enabled me to be in and around the Young Matildas scene.”

Ella Tonkin on moving to New South Wales to play her NPLW football this year.

“The level of the NPLW in NSW is higher than in SA given the large number of A-League Women players in the competition, so I’m very glad I was able to move and be challenged by quality competition week in and week out, I think it helped me grow as a defender.

With Tonkin now back in her home state at Adelaide United for the A-League campaign, the defender reflected on what she believes were the keys to experiencing back-to-back best-ever seasons, and what she expects from her team this time.

Above: Ella Tonkin in action for Adelaide United against Perth Glory in the A-League Women last season. Photo: Noe Llamas/SPP.

“I think having a good team ethic is a huge part of life at Adelaide United and truly is the reason we have success. I think it’s an ongoing theme we maintain each year and establish very early on. Having this team ethic motivates each of us to want to work harder for one another which I think then ultimately yields results.

“I think making Finals (last season) was just the first step in our overall goal of making and winning the Grand Final. We’ve set records over these past two seasons and the aim is to continue to improve on our previous, so hopefully, we’ll be able to achieve another record-breaking season.”

In terms of her own personal aims for this season, it’s all about game time for the young defender.

“I would love to gain more consistent game time as a centre back throughout the 2022/23 season. I think one of the main ways to improve is by consistently being challenged and pushed outside your comfort zone and I think playing games consistently is the best way to achieve that.”