Above: Western United come away with possession at Wellington Phoenix today. Photo: Liberty A-League.
Wellington Phoenix have been handed a 4-1 home defeat for the second week in a row as the new kids on the block in the A-League Women Western United, scored three goals within the span of eleven minutes to seal the outcome.
Just like last week, and for 20 minutes into the second half of this match, it could have been anyone’s game as both sides had chances, but once more it came down to who converted theirs.
Early on it was an even battle, with United having the first opportunity when Wellington goalkeeper Brianna Edwards only just kept out a corner as it curled in.
For the Phoenix, their first major chance at goal came in the 12th minute with a great ball being put just ahead of Paige Satchell that was just held by Western United goalkeeper Hillary Beal. If the ball had come to Satchell slightly earlier to her feet, the ball could have been very much been in the back of the net.
The visitors took the lead just after the quarter of an hour mark when an attempted clearance from Nix’s Kate Taylor bounced off United’s Jess McDonald and incidentally back into the path of Keane, who controlled it and slotted across to McDonald, who hit a first time shot past Edwards.
Crucially for the hosts, they levelled within six minutes. Marisa Van der Meer seized the chance at the first time of asking with her header.
Above: Marissa van der Meer celebrates levelling the scores for Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
After a quite close third quarter of the match, Western United debutant Tyla-Jay Vlajnić’s corner was placed perfectly onto the head of Sydney Cummings, who steered the ball past Edwards and into the back of the net.
Vlajnić’s corners continued to cause chaos, and within seven minutes it contributed to another goal. Edwards could only punch it into the air and when the ball finally came down it came off of Lancaster’s shoulder gifting Keane a very simple goal as she stuck her leg to direct the ball home.
The final goal of the match came in the 82nd minute. Emma Robers crossed the ball beautifully to Keane in the box who then headed the ball perfectly past Edwards for 4-1.
Western United’s perfect start to the season will be tested next weekend when they travel to South Australia to face Adelaide United in what looks a fascinating challenge. As for Wellington, they travel to Melbourne Victory for a battle of two winless teams.
Above: Sarah Griffith of Newcastle Jets, who scored the perfect hat-trick using both feet and her head. Photo: Newcastle Herald.
The Newcastle Jets have a new hero and she has arrived in style. Sarah Griffith scored a perfect hat trick in a 4-2 shootout with the Western Sydney Wanderers in Tamworth.
Tara Andrews added a fourth for the Jets, while Amy Harrison and Melissa Caceres both scored for a new-look Wanderers side.
Newcastle came into this game after a 2-1 loss to Brisbane Roar in Round One. That contest showed that they can attack and play an exciting style of football. This was Wanderers’ first match of 2022/23, after having a bye last week.
It is a squad assembled late, but not hastily by new manager Kat Smith, Sophie Harding started in red and black against her old side, while Clare Hunt returned to centre back and wearing the captain’s armband.
Ash Wilson started with Jets mainstay Tara Andrews as the lone striker, but with Griffith and Lauren Allan on either flank, providing an additional threat.
Griffith’s first goal came in the 12th minute. She raced onto a ball behind the Wanderers defence by Murphy Agnew. The American attacker took a touch toward goal and opened up the angle before calmly slotting it into the net.
It was the sort of chance Ash Wilson’s side had missed last week. It was a wonderfully taken goal after a slick end-to-end move that involved two passes and five touches.
Above: Melissa Caceres, who scored Western Sydney Wanderers’ equalising goal. Photo: Damien Briggs/Speed Media Images.
The lead would not last long. seven minutes later, Caceres equalised for The Wanderers. Sophie Harding whipped in a cross from the right that was not cleared properly. The ball dropped at the edge of the six-yard box and Caceres volleyed home across the keeper to make it 1-1.
Griffith’s first goal was one of composure, her second was spectacular, and it put Newcastle back in the lead before halftime.
The Wanderers could only clear a corner kick to the edge of the 18-yard box. Griffith ran onto it and volleyed home across her body with a low right-footed shot that stunned her teammates as much as the opposition. It is a contender for goal of the week. Griffith now had one off each boot and had one more to come.
The Jets fans would have to wait until the second half for the hat trick. A long ball in from a deep free-kick bounced around the penalty box before it fell to Griffith who nodded home from close range to complete the perfect hat trick and announce a new A-League Women’s star.
The Jets continued to attack and sealed the win in the 67th minute. Agnew’s corner swung perfectly to the back post where Tara Andrews met it and scored from close range with an easily directed header.
The Wanderers did not consider themselves out of the contest and continued to attack. Amy Harrison was introduced to the match and her midfield experience and mobility caused problems for Newcastle.
After starting a move in midfield, she was eventually slipped in behind the defenders by Caceres and finished coolly to give the Wanders some respect on the scoreboard and the faint hope of a comeback.
The match ended 4-2, and Newcastle celebrated their first win of the season. It was hard to know exactly what to expect from Ash Wilson’s team before Round One. Two games later we now they will attack with pace, be a danger from set pieces and try to get in behind the defence.
Western Sydney are still finding their feet. They looked vulnerable without the ball, but capable with it. It is a different team to last season in personnel and style. They were without Young Matildas striker Sheridan Gallagher but created enough chances to suggest hope for their fans after a forgettable last season.
Above: Western Sydney Wanderers will need to focus ahead of next weekend’s big derby with Sydney FC. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Impetus’ Johnathan Stack was in Arsenal’s post-match media conference for us following their draw with Juventus in Lyon, and Jean-Pierre Thiesset reflects on Olympique Lyonnais’ 3-0 win at FC Zürich(26/11/22).
Above: Vivianne Miedema and Lotte Wubben-Moy celebrate after the Dutch star levelled the scores. Photo: Arsenal Women.
Miedema To The Rescue As Gunners Stay Top
by Johnathan Stack
Vivianne Miedema came to Arsenal’s rescue on Thursday night as the Gunners drew 1-1 with Juventus in Turin.
Arsenal had several players missing including injured England forward Beth Mead, and they fell behind early following a swift counterattack was finished by Lineth Beerensteyn who slotted Juventus ahead in the second half.
Miedema then headed in from a corner to equalise just after the hour, but the Gunners could not conjure up a late winner.
After the match Head coach Jonas Eidevall gave his thoughts: “I think we could have won given the chances that we created but sometimes football is like that. I’m happy with the performance, I think we came from a really tough game against Manchester United and I think we have a tough situation in the squad with injuries.
“I’m extremely proud of the players in the team and the way that we came here and got back to our way of playing against a very tough team like Juventus. I think we created enough to win the game but that shows our performance was good and that is something that we can build on for the Everton game (this weekend).”
Eidevall was full of praise for his side’s determination to fight back from a goal down and take a share of the spoils which sees Arsenal stay top of Group C in the UEFA Women’s Champions League saying: “It should give all of our supporters a lot of pride (battling back). One of the fundamentals – and we only have three fundamentals – one of them is 100% and that’s no matter the result, no matter the situation. We have an obligation to always play 100% and always compete in every second of the game. We’re doing that and I’m proud of that.”
Next up for Arsenal is Everton as they return to action on Saturday 3 December in the Barclays Women’s Super League fixture at Meadow Park.
Lyon Get Off The Mark At Last
Above: Signe Bruun (24) celebrates her two goal haul with Olympique Lyonnais teammates. Photo: Damien LG.
After a shocking 5-1 loss at home, and a 1-1 in Turin against Juventus, Lyon finally obtained their first win in the Champions League this season with a 3-0 success away at FC Zürich.
Lyon dominated the game apart from the very end when Zürich had a few opportunities. Melvine Malard opened the scoring after just four minutes with a header at the back post from Eugénie Le Sommer’s corner from the left-hand side.
With the first goal scored so early, Lyon’s players were buoyed. Delphine Cascarino delivered a great performance with nine crosses and two shots in only 56 minutes (statistics recorded by Jean-Pierre Thiesset during the game) before she was replaced by the young Vicky Becho.
However, none of Cascarino’s crosses found teammates to score and we had to wait until the 35th minute to see Signe Bruun open her account after Malard found Le Sommer who returned the favour with Malard finding Bruun with her heel.
Bruun made it 3-0 after 66 minutes thanks to another great pass from Malard who headed across a ball in from Janice Cayman. Cayman put in a great performance too with the following statistics (recorded during the game by Jean-Pierre Thiesset) in only 75 minutes in the game: 52 balls played, 34 passes with 91% successful, seven crosses, two shots, eight balls won, and was involved in Lyon’s third goal.
Above: Action from the game between Glasgow City and Rangers (white) last weekend which ended in a 1-1 draw. Photo: Malcolm McKenzie/SWPL.
A super weekend of SWPL and SWPL 2 football is in store for players, officials, and fans alike on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November. With no Scottish Premiership action, fans of all teams are being encouraged to show their support across the various elite women’s matches taking place.
On Saturday 26th it’s an Old Firm derby in the SWPL as Rangers welcome Celtic to the Broadwood Stadium. It’s a 17:15 kick-off and the game will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA. The reigning champions, Rangers, have a 100% domestic record this season and are yet to concede a goal. Celtic are three points behind in the league, having suffered only one loss against Glasgow City.
Above: Celtic are preparing for an Old Firm clash with Rangers this weekend. Photo: Colin Poultney/SWPL.
The remaining nine SWPL and SWPL 2 matches are on Sunday 27th, with a potential record domestic crowd at Easter Road for Hibernian against Heart of Midlothian. Over 6,500 people have secured their free tickets for the 16:10 kick-off and are on course to beat the previous record, set by Hibs back in September 2021, of 5,512. The match is also live on BBC ALBA.
There are three other SWPL derbies taking place on Sunday, including the Lanarkshire derby between Hamilton Academical and Motherwell at New Douglas Park. Alongside the local rivalry, both teams are separated by just one point. Motherwell prevailed in two out of three meetings last season but it was Accies that came away 1-0 winners when the two sides met back in April at Fir Park.
In the North East it’s Dundee United against Aberdeen. The two sides are separated by just three points with United currently sitting above Aberdeen in 10th. This is the first meeting of the two sides in the SWPL after Dundee United clinched the SWPL 2 title last season.
Above: Hearts’ Erin Rennie gets to the ball ahead of Motherwell’s Amy Anderson. Both sides have derby matches this weekend. Photo: Robert Wilson/SWPL.
The final derby in the SWPL is Partick Thistle against Glasgow City, both a Glasgow and ‘Petershill Park’ derby. Thistle are the home side on this occasion, at the ground both teams share. Glasgow City will be strong favourites, currently second in the league with a 100% record but these games have traditionally been close affairs. Thistle are currently fifth in the table with 12 points after nine games.
The final SWPL game on Sunday is East against West as Spartans welcome Glasgow Women to Ainslie Park. The Glasgow side are without a point this season and will be looking to take something away as we approach the completion of the first round of fixtures.
In SWPL 2, there is plenty of excitement as one of Scotland’s most competitive leagues continues to heat up.
Above: Aberdeen, seen here after scoring against Glasgow Women last month, face a North-East derby against Dundee United. Photo: Robert Wilson/SWPL.
As part of this exciting weekend of SWPL action, St Johnstone will be playing Stirling University. The two sides are separated by just six points, with the Saints coming away 3-1 winners at Stirling University when the sides last met in August.
Top of the table Gartcairn are at home to Kilmarnock at MTC Park, East Fife welcome Montrose to the Locality Hub Bayview Stadium, and Queen’s Park host Boroughmuir Thistle at New Tinto Park.
SWPL Managing Director, Fiona McIntyre, said: “This is a hugely exciting weekend for the SWPL. When planning for this season, we knew that the men’s FIFA World Cup would present opportunities for us. This weekend, with little SPFL football, is a great opportunity for us to drive attendances and visibility for our game.
Above: Gartcairn, seen here in action last season, will be looking to continue their great start to life in the SWPL 2 against Kilmarnock this weekend. Photo: Chloe Kelly.
“We’ve worked closely with clubs to spread the games out across the weekend and it is fantastic that a number of these matches have been moved to the club’s main stadium. Based on current arrangements, it’s possible for fans to get to three games in one weekend, including the Old Firm and Edinburgh derbies.”
“For fans unable to attend matches, we’ve also worked with our broadcast partners to make matches as accessible as possible. BBC ALBA will be broadcasting Rangers v Celtic on Saturday and Hibernian v Heart of Midlothian on Sunday. This is on top of the live stream offering from clubs including Partick Thistle and Spartans.”
“I encourage everyone to get along to a game. It’s hard to beat the atmosphere of a live match. If you’re a football fan or are looking for a family day out, SWPL games are high-quality, entertaining, and very much family-friendly in terms of atmosphere and ticket price.”
Impetus’ Kieran Yapattended Melbourne Victory’s media conference ahead of the A-League Women’s match against Sydney FC (26/11/22).
Above: Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
It is a sad and familiar feeling for Melbourne Victory fans. Natalie Tathem was injured in Round One once again.
The Victory fullback tore her ACL in her last Victory appearance in 2020. In the 1-0 loss to Western United, she sustained an elbow fracture. Thankfully, she will not be out for too long according to head coach Jeff Hopkins.
“We all feel for Nat,” he told the media. “It’s the first game again this season. she’s got a slight fracture across the side of her elbow.”
Hopkins estimated that Tathem would most likely return in three to four weeks, and the club would proceed cautiously towards her return.
Above: Nat Tathem – her injury is a blow for Melbourne Victory. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
“She’s been on the bike, she’s been at training every day. She’ll be able to start running next week. In terms of her fitness, we’ll be able to keep her levels right up there. As soon as she’s able to get the ok from the doc and have it re-x-rayed she’ll be back. She’s a pretty tough character as well.”
It is an especially difficult week for Victory to be missing Tathem. The team travel to face Sydney FC and the star Matilda she would have been up against, Cortnee Vine.
Hopkins has options at left-back. Both Lia Privitelli and Gema Simon have been declared fit and included in the squad. However, he is reluctant to rush either of them and has faith in the player who entered the field for Tathem against Western United.
“We’ve got the ideal player to go in there, and that’s Emily Kos. She came on and did well last week, she’s done really well in pre-season and played most of our games. She understands how we do things and that’s why we signed her, to play and for these types of occasions. If that’s the way we decide to go, I’ve got plenty of confidence in her that she’ll come in and do a good job for us.”
On the other side of the defence, Jessika Nash will face her old team. The Young Matilda had big boots to fill after Polly Doran’s departure to England. Hopkins was impressed with her game and excited for her future at the club.
“I thought she played with a real intensity. It’s whet my appetite for what we’re going to see out of her for the rest of the season. I think she did a lot of things very well. She defended well, she got forward and supported. Once we get her playing exactly the way we want her to play in our system I think she’s going to be a fantastic addition to the squad.
Above: Emily Kos, who Jeff Hopkins believes is a more than capable replacement for Nat Tathem. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
“In terms of her ability to defend one-vs-one, to cover but also her ability to get forward. Her data from her GPS is phenomenal at the moment, she’s doing so much work, a huge amount of high-speed running. We’re really pleased with everything we’re getting from her.”
Victory are eager to bounce back from their loss to Western United. Hopkins described complex training during the week that has been individualised for each player, combined with team and tactical sessions.
He said that he was pleased with most of last week’s performance, but that the team was lacking sharpness in the defensive and attacking thirds. Victory has a number of new faces this season, but he said that they had adapted quickly to each other.
“It’s been a difficult pre-season for us. We’re expanding the league by six weeks and had our pre-season cut by a week. We want to play games, and we want to be match-fit, but we want to be conscious in pre-season that we don’t overdo it with players and end up with half the team injured. I think over the next week and two weeks we’ll get a lot sharper at those things
“K-K (Elise Kellond-Knight) has slotted in really well. More to the point is the fact that five or six of the players that were on the pitch last week were away on international duty the week before.
Above: Tiffany Eliadis (right) in action for Bulleen Lions in the NPLW Victoria this year. The attacker has caught Jeff Hopkins’ eye in the build-up to this season. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.
“We’ve done a bit of 11 vs 11 in training and the quality has been excellent. The combinations between Chids (Alex Chidiac), K-K, and A-J (Amy Jackson) as well…when she’s been on the field, they complimented each other really well.”
Hopkins was eager to highlight another midfielder, Tiffany Eliadis. The skilful attacker enjoyed a terrific individual season with Bulleen in the NPLW, and earned the admiration of Victory fans with her ability to play anywhere in the injury-hit 2021/22 season.
“She’s had a fantastic pre-season,” said Hopkins. “She’s forced her way into the starting 11 through hard work and her ability to add something different to our midfield. She makes those forward runs and has been able to get into our box really well.”
It shapes up to be an engaging contest between two of the best sides of the previous seasons. Victory will take an almost full squad and aim to get three points against a Sydney FC side welcoming striker Remy Siemsen back into the line-up.
It might be too early to call this a Grand Final preview, but everyone is eager for the Grand Final replay.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby reports on Perth Glory’s media event to mark their first match in Western Australia in almost 12 months (25/11/22).
Above: Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby and head coach Alex Epakis speak to the media today at Macedonia Park. Image: Perth Glory.
It’s a big weekend in Western Australia as Perth Glory’s A-League Women side will play their first home game since 4th December 2021 when Adelaide United visit Macedonia Park in the city of Stirling on Sunday.
The match will be only the sixth W/A-League Women to be staged on Western Australian soil since the commencement of the 2020/21 season after strict border controls during the pandemic, and with the Glory squad looking to be stronger than it’s been since they last made the Grand Final in 2019, excitement is building.
Perth captain Tash Rigby reflected on last week’s opening game in Canberra when the team came from behind twice to earn a point, identifying the major challenge that they needed to overcome in the match.
“We struggled with maintaining possession in the first half, but I thought the second half was a lot better. Look, Canberra is a really tough fixture for us, we don’t have the best record against them, so for us to not drop (three) points over there was awesome and we’re really proud of that.”
The impact of Perth Glory finally being able to play a home game after so long on the road cannot be understated, and Rigby explained what that boost can bring her team.
Above: Perth Glory fans at last season’s only home game, which was also played at Macedonia Park, Balcatta, in the City of Stirling. Photo: Perth Glory.
“It means so much to be able to play at home. I was just persuading the lady at the petrol station to come down to the game. We haven’t been able to play in front of our fans and our friends and family for a long time, so it’s really special for us. Home fans really lift the team up.”
Head coach Alex Epakis described his team’s performance last weekend in Canberra as “…a foundation performance. Very Round One. There were elements in the game that we were strong in and elements that we need to do better.
“We spent this week addressing those. We need to tighten up our control in the match. We had a large amount of possession, we just need to be more effective with it. We’re really positive about how we’ll do in the match (on Sunday).”
Focusing specifically on this weekend’s opponents, the Glory head coach recognised that his team face one of the competition’s leading lights based on their campaign last year and their superb opening round win over a Sydney FC side who have made five consecutive Grand Finals.
“Ultimately, they are a team that are coming off of making Finals for the first time in their history. That’s a credit to them and how they have developed as a squad. We’ve identified areas that we can capitalise on, so it will be an even contest.
“Adelaide have players who have progressed at overseas clubs during the winter and they’ve come back to build that side more. They are a well-structured team. They have players in the transitions, in their front three who can really hurt us, but if we keep the ball better we won’t have to worry about the transitions.”
Alex Epakis, Perth Glory head coach on the threat posed by Adelaide United.
Going into Sunday’s match, Epakis addressed several injury concerns hanging over his squad, with both Claudia Mihocic and Milan Hammond missing last weekend saying: “We’re hoping that they will be more medium concerns than longer term, but we have some locally based players training with us who can step up if needed to and I’d be confident.
“We have a good group from the NTC and young Ischia Brooking was with us today. As time progresses, we want to blood those players, and when they are ready, they will play for Perth Glory.”
Above: The hugely talented Ischia Brooking in possession against Fremantle City in the NPLW WA Finals. She is now training with Perth Glory as a potential injury-replacement signing. Photo: Denyse McCulloch.
A big crowd well into four figures is expected in the City of Stirling tomorrow, and Epakis knows that the potential that his team has this season can make Macedonia Park a cauldron as the season progresses.
“The match we had here last year was incredible, one of my most vivid footballing memories and credit to the playing group who have generated the amount of interest they have with a big crowd expected. We need to keep playing well to make the crowd come back.”
Impetus’ Ryan Miller-Woodsreports on Wellington Phoenix’s media conference ahead of tomorrow’s home game with Western United (25/11/22).
Above: Wellington Phoenix head coach Natalie Lawrence. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
In Wellington Phoenix’s opening match of the season against Melbourne City last week, arguably the most dangerous and effective player throughout was Chile international Cote Rojas who picked up one goal and two very crucial assists.
This week, Wellington will be up against a World Cup winner, the vastly experienced Jessica McDonald. Speaking to the media today, Nix head coach Natalie Lawrence outlined what she is expecting from the USWNT player.
“We know she’s going to provide a lot of class; she’s going to provide speed; she provides the experience. We’ve obviously watched the game back and she scored their goal – but she’s always going to be somebody that we have to watch out for. We’ve looked through videos of her, like recently, and whilst we know what her strengths are and we’re going to try and nullify them as much as we can, so then we can play our game.”
Reflecting more widely on the threat posed by tomorrow’s opponents, Lawrence said: “They’re good, you can tell that a lot of them (United’s players) have come from the same club, with the same coaches and then they’ve added quality in like Jess (Jessica) McDonald, like (Chloe) Logarzo and their goalkeeper (Hillary Beall, on loan from Racing Louisville for the entire A-League Women season).
“They’re going to be like a well-oiled machine and you can see that from (the way) they beat the reigning champions (Melbourne Victory) last week, so we can’t take them lightly. We’ve looked at what strengths they have and their weaknesses and that’s what we’ll try and exploit this weekend so we’re hoping for a pretty good game.”
In terms of player availability this week, Lawrence provided an update. “Still a few similar ones (from last week). So Izzy’s (Isabel Gomez) still out but progressing really well. She actually got through her first training yesterday, was looking good, so hopefully, she’ll be back soon. Wis (Grace Wisnewski) and Lily (Alfeld) are still out and so’s Rollo (Emma Rolston). So we have Mickey (Michaela) Robertson back in and in contention (to appear in the match) which is great.”
In regards to having Michaela Robertson back and available to play, the Phoenix head coach emphasised what the player will add to her side this week.
“She is just like a little whipper-snapper and adds energy because of her pace and because of how she is but just her personality too. So having her back in training and having her back into selection, having her available to play in Wellington, her home town is pretty awesome for her to hopefully make her debut this weekend.”
Above: Wellington Phoenix’s Michaela Robertson – back for tomorrow’s home game with Western United. Photo: Western United.
After being unavailable for selection last weekend due to concussion, Michaela Robertson outlined how frustrating it was to miss her side’s first-ever game at home.
“Yeah, look I had to go into that with a realistic mindset. You know, I hadn’t been training, I hadn’t been cleared but I was obviously a little bit disappointed with the timing, coming in a week late but now that I’m able to take the field, I’m stoked to be named in the squad so soon.”
Unlike anyone else that is in the squad, Robertson is the only player at the club to come from Wellington, which makes tomorrow’s opportunity to play a home game for her hometown team. It’s a culmination of a dream.
“Yeah, I think this is a moment that I’ve dreamed of my whole life, just even for a women’s (Wellington) Phoenix team, to be in the team and now having an opportunity to take to the field, I’m absolutely fizzing for it.”
Having spent last weekend’s game in the stands watching on, Lawrence outlined what she noticed in particular about her team’s efforts against Melbourne City. “Yeah, it was really positive. I think the first half we had a really good performance.
“I thought we could have been wider at times, just held our space and just been a little more patient on the attack, so that’s what we’ve been working on in training this week and just hope to create some moments up top.
“Last week there was a lot to learn from. I think we’ve worked on it a little bit this week in training. There was also a lot of positives, so we’re going to be trying to build on that this game, and yeah, I think we’re going to do really well.”
Ahead of Canberra United’s trip to Queensland to face Brisbane Roar on Saturday, the media heard from players Laura Hughes and Chloe Lincoln.
After their 2-2 draw with Perth Glory to open the A-League Women’s season, Canberra will be wanting to hit the ground running early on in Brisbane and make sure that they can get the three points when it is all said and done.
Above: Canberra United’s Laura Hughes emphasised the importance of her side keeping it tight at the back this weekend. Image: Canberra United.
Laura Hughes opened the media conference by reflecting on last weekend’s draw at home to Perth Glory.
“Yeah, I think we showed promising signs, we were creating lots of chances and unfortunately we couldn’t keep a clean sheet or score as many goals as we wanted.”
In terms of what the side needs to focus on in terms of the Roar, Hughes admitted it’s not just matters on the pitch, but weather conditions that need to be carefully considered.
“I think you know going into any football match, we want to keep a clean sheet, we want to score more goals than them (Brisbane), so I think that’s something that we’ll take into consideration. It’s been pretty cold in Canberra and very hot in Brisbane, so I think that’s something that we’ll have to think about hydrating early and keeping check on our energy levels.”
One of the major things that defined Canberra’s season last time – and indeed that of Saturday’s opponents Brisbane, was the fact that they conceded goals late in matches. Against Perth last weekend, the Capital city side led twice but still only took a point from the game.
“I think obviously we also need to put the goals away and I think in that first half against Perth we could have had three or four goals, which also helps us keep a clean sheet because the other team mentally struggle, you know if they always think they are ahead in the game obviously it’s going to be harder at the back end of the game to keep a clean sheet, so I think keeping that focus at the end of matches, obviously our fitness will keep going up.”
Above: Chloe Lincoln believes her Canberra United team are getting up to speed for the A-League Women ahead of this weekend’s trip to Brisbane Roar. Photo: Canberra United.
Canberra United goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln offered her own thoughts on her side’s opening game of the season.
“I think all things considered it went really well. I know like Laura (Hughes) said we weren’t able to keep a clean sheet or finish some of the chances that we would have liked to but considering such a short pre-season that we’ve had, four weeks, I think the girls really put it all out there and its promising signs for what’s ahead I feel like.”
When pressed on whether she was concerned that more goals could have been conceded as the team twice blew a lead in the game, the young goalkeeper said: “No, I had faith in the girls.
“I think despite the fact that we were possibly running out of legs, you Njegosh’s (Popovich) planned for that and I think we were trying to play smart football as well, and hopefully, we can utilise that in strategy in Brisbane, where we try that and keep the ball more, sort of build up the field instead of countering the counter-attack and all this transition.
“Hopefully, that can help us get through but you know, this season’s a marathon, not a sprint. So Njegosh’s (Popovich) really emphasising that and we’re going to hit peak form soon like Hughesy (Laura Hughes) said and I’m excited to see what that looks like because that was promising signs.”
In terms of specifics needed to combat the threat of Brisbane Roar this weekend, Lincoln emphasised that it is as much about her own team’s conditioning as it about worrying about what Brisbane can do.
“I think there’s obviously things we need to tidy up from an individual perspective, definitely some things that I know I need to do better.
“Its been a long while since a lot of the girls including myself have been playing at this level, so I think for us that’s kind of getting the nerves out and having our first game to sort of see where we are at.”
Chloe Lincoln on Canberra United needing to get up to speed in the A-League Women competition.
“Hopefully now where we know we are at, we can sort of be a bit more safer, take less risk, look to improve those things and hopefully keep clean sheets from now on, fingers crossed, if all goes to plan, so see how we go.”
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS:
Above: Clare Hunt is a hugely inspirational figure at Western Sydney Wanderers and is the ideal choice as captain for 2022/23. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Western Sydney Wanderers have reported that defender Clare Hunt has been named the club’s captain for the season.
Hunt, who joined the Wanderers at the start of the last campaign, has been a prominent figure in the Red and Black’s A-League Women squad after a number of breakout performances in 2021/22.
The talented defender went on to be named the Wanderers Medal winner for 2022 and was on the bench in the PFA’s Team of the Season in her first season at the club.
Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Kat Smith was proud to name Hunt captain for the upcoming season. “Clare has been an integral part of our pre-season preparations and we are delighted that she has returned to the club for her second season in the Red and Black,” said Smith.
“We have a number of leaders in our squad and Clare is one that upholds our values both on and off the pitch.”
Wanderers new skipper Hunt spoke of the honour she feels to be awarded the armband. “It is a very proud moment in my career to be named the captain of the Wanderers and a responsibility that I am eager to take on,” the defender said.
“I am a player that leads by example and sets high expectations for myself and my teammates. This drive to work hard, perform consistently and win, is something that I pride myself on and seek to instil within the team. There are a number of leaders within this squad so I feel extremely supported and well-equipped to lead this fantastic club.
“We have put in a lot of work this pre-season to make our members and fans proud of the club and look forward to continuing to have the support of the Western Sydney community behind us.”
The Wanderers side kick-off their campaign this Saturday when they take on the Newcastle Jets in Tamworth after receiving the bye in Round One.
WESTERN UNITED:
by Ben Gilby
Above: Mark Torcaso. Image courtesy of Western United F.C
Western United head coach Mark Torcaso told the media today that he expects to have Tyla-Jay Vlajnic available for the first time this weekend when his side travels to face Wellington Phoenix.
“T-J Vlajnic has clearance to play this weekend. There have been complexities…(but) she is ready to go.”
Torcaso has said that all his focus turned to this weekend’s trip to New Zealand to face Wellington Phoenix as soon as the final whistle went on his side’s superb win in their first-ever match against Melbourne Victory.
“We did switch off straight away after the Victory game to focus on Wellington, and we’re hopefully ready for them. We literally moved on from that game straight away. It’s great that we beat the champions though.
“Our focus is to try and get another three points. beating Victory is great. Beating your old employer is good. It was massive for the club, our first game. A massive attendance (2,700).”
In terms of what he expects from the Nix on Saturday, Torcaso highlighted two specific areas. “They have a lot of pace, and are a tricky side. They have the advantage of playing on their home ground which is an advantage for them and the first time we’ve faced that. We need to make sure we’re on our game.”
For Western United, this is the first time that some of their players would have set foot on New Zealand soil, with the additional challenge of getting passports and travel documents sorted ahead of an away match.
“It’s a unique opportunity – some players haven’t experienced it. However, there are experienced players in our squad who can help put. I’m looking forward to it, to be honest. It’s a fantastic stadium and one of the best surfaces in the league.
“It looks like it’s going to be another windy one. Preparation was perfect as we had a windy game last week and a windy training session on Monday!” the United head coach smiled.
In terms of preparations, Torcaso was hugely positive, revealing: “It’s been good. We’ve trained pretty well. We have no additional injuries either. We had three missing last week. T-J is back. The other two – Harriet Withers is out for another week or so and Silver Bell Morris is probably another week away.”
The Western United head coach outlined that he is also managing the load that one of his star signings Chloe Logarzo has in the early stages of her own come back saying: “Chloe wants to play 90, but it is a process we have to follow with her so she follows the goals set with the Matildas (in terms of minutes/loads).”
Above: Aimee Medwin pictured during her time at South Melbourne in the Victoria NPLW. Photo: South Melbourne FC.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, Western United reported that Aimee Medwin has become the first Tasmanian to represent them after signing a scholarship contract.
The Hobart local returns to Australia having played in the American college system, first for the University of Mississippi and most recently for Long Beach State University.
“I am really excited to play alongside such an amazingly talented and motivated group of players and coaches at Western United. The club has been great welcoming me so far and I’m very excited to get into games soon. After finishing College I’m really happy to be returning back to Australia to play and be a part of the club.”
The 23-year-old previously represented Australia at Under-16 level and made her Liberty A-League debut with Melbourne City in the 2018/19 season while playing 69 times in NPLW Victoria for South Melbourne.
The signing further strengthens the link between Tasmania and United, with the Club recently announcing A-League matches will return to the state for the third year running.
Western United Head Coach Mark Torcaso said Medwin adds to the list of young talent in the squad who will hope to break through in the Liberty A-League this season.
“Aimee has played at a high level already throughout her young career and I’m pleased that she has committed to continuing her development here with us,” he said.
“Having been a junior international and part of an A-League environment already, she comes from a Division One college program where she has really continued to elevate her game.
“Aimee only adds to our strong presence of young talent here and it is great to have a young girl from Hobart join the Club as we prepare to head over there in January.”
Medwin has joined the squad this week after its 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory in the Club’s first ever Liberty A-League match and will take the No.5 jersey.
Impetus’ Johnathan Stack dialled into Arsenal’s media conference ahead of tonight’s Champions League tie with Juventus in Turin(24/11/22).
Above: Arsenal’s Katie McCabe, who spoke to the media about the massive loss of Beth Mead. Photo: Alamy Stock.
Arsenal are back in action tonight in Italy as they take on Juventus in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The Gunners are currently top of Group C with two wins from two as they prepare for a massive top-of-the-table clash at Allianz Stadium in Turin.
Ahead of the game, the Gunners have been rocked by the news that star player Beth Mead is likely to miss the rest of the season as it was confirmed on Tuesday that she has ruptured her ACL and is a massive doubt for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the Lionesses.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s game, Katie McCabe reflected upon how the squad has reacted to losing their teammate at an important part of the season saying: “For us as a team, she’s going to be a massive loss, but we’ve got a fantastic medical team around the club, and they’ll be doing their utmost to try and get her back. We’re devastated for her, but she’s got great support in our team, and we’ll be rallying around her for sure.” the Republic of Ireland captain said.
Above: Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall, who has huge respect for tonight’s hosts Juventus. Photo: KNews Media
But now the focus is on cementing the top spot in Group C as a win for Arsenal would open a five-point gap with three games to play.
Head Coach Jonas Eidevall gave his thoughts on Juventus saying: “They’re a very competitive team. I think Juventus as a club in the Women’s Champions League have consistently shown over the past few seasons that they can compete with any team in Europe.
“They’ve been doing very well so we have lots of respect for that. We understand and we’re fully aware that it will take a very good performance from us in order for us to get the result.”
Above:Pride Park’s Summer Evans (blue kit) seen here in action in a previous match, played her first 90 minutes of the season on Sunday for the club. Photo: Pride Park FC.
Pride Park Ladies made the short trip to Ilkeston on Sunday for the Derbyshire FA Women’s County Cup Second Round; their first County Cup game since the semi-final in December 2019 – to face Ilkeston Town Ladies of the East Midlands Regional League – one division above Pride in the football pyramid.
The match, designated the tie of the round by DCFA saw two milestone events – the club’s first County Cup game in three years, and Annie Laight’s 50th appearance for the Pride.
The visitors made a decent start; Tash Allderidge having the first shot of the game – just wide – after five minutes. Both teams were probing and had shots without really troubling either keeper until just after the quarter hour, when Pride almost took the lead.
Summer Evans intercepted a goal kick, heading the ball into the channel to the left of goal and into the path of Beth Jones, who beat the defender, and from the angle of the six-yard box her shot was blocked by the ‘keeper’s foot and deflected into the centre of goal. Hannah Kwiatek running in from the right had her shot blocked by a defender, with the ball falling to Evans who also had two attempts blocked before the ball was cleared.
Ilkeston’s bench saw this as a wake-up call and the hosts responded, starting to have the better of possession and to create openings, and took the lead after 25 minutes, scoring a second after 34 minutes.
There was another very good opportunity for Pride after 40 minutes, when an Annie Laight free-kick from just inside Pride’s half was hit into the right-hand channel for Beth Jones, and her lofted shot hit the foot of the far post.
To rub salt in, Ilkeston scored a third a minute before halftime. They extended their lead seven minutes after the restart, but Pride continued to try to play their game and battled to create openings, and only two minutes later Hannah Kwiatek did well to beat the fullback but couldn’t quite get the connection she wanted and her shot went wide.
Photo: Pride Park in possession at Ilkeston Town on Sunday. Image: Pride Park FC.
Just after the hour Beth Jones worked a little space and hit a dipping left-foot shot which the keeper did well to tip onto the crossbar and over.
Ilkeston had found their range and were proving clinical in front of goal, adding another two within a minute of each other with twenty minutes still to play.
Pride Park were now, literally, playing for pride and continued to push for what would be a deserved consolation goal. With fifteen minutes to go they went close when Tash Allderidge hit a cross-shot from wide on the left and the goalkeeper was unable to hold it, but was able to turn round and grab the ball on the line. Three minutes later Beth Jones beat the last defender and the goalkeeper, but her effort was ruled out for an offence – what the offence was remains a mystery.
Then, only two minutes later, Jones was put through, and in a race for the ball with the keeper it was a dead heat, the ball breaking to Millie Holmes who hit a lofted shot from twenty-five yards that was headed off the line by a recovering defender. Ilkeston added another with five minutes to play.
Despite conceding seven goals, the defence actually stood up to the challenge and defended well and behind them, Jade Howell showed good positioning and handling. There was no sense of deflation in the Pride camp after the game – more a sense that they had done themselves justice against higher league opposition and there were both positives, and things to learn, from the game.
Ilkeston’s quality on a very fast superb 4G surface proved just a little too much for Pride in the end but they competed well, and showed their own qualities in spells, without getting the roll of the ball or the rub of the green – although the scoreline did feel a little harsh after going so close on several occasions.
The result of this tie means Pride Park now enter the DCFA Womens Plate competition, and wait to see who they are drawn against and when the tie will be.
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