Report by Ben Gilby with EXCLUSIVE photos from Kieran Chea at AAMI Park
Above: Celebrations for Australia after Sam Kerr put them ahead. Photo: Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Two goals from Caitlin Foord steered Australia to only their second-ever win over Sweden yesterday.
The Arsenal attacker’s brace was added to by strikes from Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler as The Matildas beat the world number two-ranked nation, who had only lost once in 20 matches going into the encounter.
Above: Sam Kerr and Nathalie Björn contest possession. Photo: Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Whilst the Swedes will point to their missing attackers Kosovare Asllani, Lina Hurtig, and Fridolina Rolfö, the Matildas were also without key players Ellie Carpenter, Kyah Simon, and Alanna Kennedy. Regardless, this was a hugely impressive outcome for Tony Gustavsson’s team.
Australia had the first opportunity as Kyra Cooney-Cross got through and won a corner. Kerr headed wide from the set piece.
Above: Johanna Rytting Kaneryd stuck the woodwork for Sweden. Photo: Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Overall, Sweden were the strongest side in the opening 45. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd hit the angle of post and bar, and Clare Polkinghorne was forced to clear the ball off the line.
The visitors were able to nullify the threat of Cooney-Cross and Cortnee Vine for most of the opening half, but that would change in some style after the break. Australia were finding it challenging to produce the final ball as they closed in on the Swedish goal and with Madelen Janogy hugely influential across the front line and in her ability to drop both deep and wide, it was the Scandinavians who had the upper hand.
Above: Sweden’s Madelen Janogy (second left) had an influential first half. Kieran Chea for Impetus.
However, the one thing that Sweden couldn’t do is get on the scoresheet. They were made to pay eight minutes before the break when a typically marauding run from Hayley Raso ended with the Manchester City winger finding Kerr in the box to poke home.
Australia were red-hot from the kick-off of the second half and didn’t let up. Putting Gustavsson’s mantra of fast-paced pressing attacking football into action, Raso’s backheel released Cooney-Cross who in turn found Foord. The Arsenal star is in career-best form and cut inside to steer a sensational shot into the corner of the net.
Above: Cortnee Vine looks to square the ball across the box. Photo: Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Confidence coursed through the Matildas and Cooney-Cross, loudly supported by the Melbourne Victory fans that idolised her in this very stadium during her A-League Women spell was all over it. Those on-point switches of play were back and a joy to see as the 20-year-old gun mixed it and prospered against the world’s second-ranked side.
It could have been three when, from a corner, Kerr flicked a header across to Raso who couldn’t quite direct her shot on target, with the ball dribbling agonisingly wide by centimetres.
Her Manchester City teammate Mary Fowler came on just after the hour mark and within 10 minutes put the Matildas’ fans in dreamland when her angled shot deflected into the net.
Above: Katrina Gorry’s eyes up the ball. Photo: Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Foord made it 4-0 with 12 minutes remaining with substitute Emily van Egmond claiming an assist.
This was Australia’s first win over Sweden since 1997. It also extended their present winning run to three matches, with 11 goals scored in those matches. With Thailand to follow in Gosford on Tuesday, all is set for a celebratory evening on the Central Coast as the Matildas end their campaign for 2022 before moving into a home World Cup year.
Above: The Matildas post match. Photo: Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Above: Rossvale celebrate a goal this season. They will be all out to make the SWF League Cup Final this weekend. Photo: Kelly Nielson.
SWF League Cup Semi-Final News & Final Venue:
The final of the SWF Championship and League One Cup will take place in Clackmannanshire in the heart of Scotland on the 11th December 2022.
Kicking off at 2pm after the Sky Sports SWPL Cup Final between Rangers and Hibernian, the game at The Indodrill Stadium in Alloa will be live streamed by Scottish Women’s Football, offering fans of women’s football a great opportunity to watch a double bill of exciting finals.
The semi-finals of the cup are taking place this Sunday (13th November) and will see either Glasgow club Rossvale, featuring Impetus sponsored Lauren Coleman or Dundee’s Dryburgh Athletic take a place in the final.
In the second matchup, either Ayr United or FC Edinburgh will claim the other final place. Both ties will take place at Airdrieonians FC’s Excelsior Stadium.
Above: Alloa Athletic’s Indodrill Stadium, the venue for the SWPL and SWF Championship & League One Cup Finals this season. Photo: Geoff Jackson.
Speaking about the venue for the match, Scottish Women’s Football CEO Aileen Campbell said: “I’m delighted we are bringing a major national final to Clackmannanshire, offering girls across the ‘Wee County’ the opportunity to take in top competitive action. And for the first time, Women’s Football fans across Scotland will be able to watch a double bill of cup finals, with Sky Sports broadcasting the SWPL Cup final then fans can tune into what will be a fiercely competitive Championship and League One final.
“Of course, we have the small matter of two exciting semi-finals in Airdrie to come this weekend. There is still a chance to get tickets for those matches at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie on Sunday for just £6 for adults and £2 for children. I wish all four teams luck, and may the best of them reach the final in a month’s time.”
Above: Rangers celebrate a goal against Benfica in their UEFA Champions League First Round match this season at Ibrox. Photo: SWPL.
Scotland looks set to have two teams feature within the 2023/24 UEFA Women’s Champions League based on the provisional access list provided by UEFA.
Scotland is currently ranked 13th in the coefficient. This means the SWPL champions will enter the Champions Path and the SWPL runners-up will enter the League Path, both at Round One.
SWPL Managing Director, Fiona McIntyre, said: “This is positive news for the SWPL and the whole of the girls and women’s game. This will provide a valuable opportunity for two SWPL teams to compete at the highest level of European football.
Both Rangers and Glasgow City competed in this year’s competition. Glasgow City entered the League Path and hosted Paris FC, Servette, and AS Roma at Petershill Park in Round One. Despite a competitive showing, City were defeated 3-1 by AS Roma to end their journey in the competition.
Above: Glasgow City (sky blue) taking on Swiss side Servette in the UEFA Champions League First Round this season. Photo: SWPL.
Rangers managed to successfully navigate through Round One of Champions Path in Greece before meeting Benfica in Round 2. A 1-0 win in the second leg in Portugal took the game to extra-time where Benfica prevailed 5-3 on aggregate.
“Both Glasgow City and Rangers were exemplary representatives of Scotland, and the SWPL, in this year’s UEFA Women’s Champions League competition” added Fiona. “I know both were disappointed not to reach the Group Stage (last 16) and I’m sure both clubs, amongst a number of other SWPL sides, will be desperate for the opportunity to compete again next season in Europe’s premier competition.”
The final day of the 2022/23 SWPL season is 21st May and SWPL teams will start their 2023/24 UEFA Women’s Champions League journey on 6th September 2023.
Ahead of tomorrow’s friendly in Melbourne, Impetus hears from Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson and Sweden chief Peter Gerhardsson (11/11/22).
Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson speaking to the media today. Image: Football Australia.
It’s All About “Pressing Attacking Football”
Matildas’ head coach Tony Gustavsson outlined in his media conference the key expectation for his team this international window.
One of the phrases that Gustavsson used repeatedly with the media today was “pressing attacking football. It’s his mantra, it’s what he wants to see, and is aware of the consequences of the potential of conceding goals that it comes with.
“Getting a ticket for the Matildas means they (the fans) know they will get pressing and attacking football. The players are so excited to be back and want to create a good feeling for the fans, particularly as our last group game in the World Cup will be played here.”
“We play a high-octane game and that tells on the legs. In the last 30 minutes, that’s when you need the fans. Let’s do that tomorrow together.”
“People might mention clean sheets. No. We need to score more goals than the opposition. We need to stay true to who we are. I’ve said it from day one, we are a pressing team. Can we do that against a top team when we’re still missing players, or will we cop three goals and therefore need to score four?”
Tony Gustavsson, Australia head coach.
In terms of getting the players in the right positions to deliver this type of play, Australia’s head coach highlighted how high his standards are.
“I was a bit disappointed yesterday (in training) as the players looked flat which frustrated me. Today was gold standard. As today was a bit more intensive, we had a few knocks and so there are two question marks over selection tomorrow. I won’t identify them now as that may influence Sweden’s preparations. One blocked a shot with her foot and tweaked it.”
The Matildas’ last international action, which delivered impressive performances against South Africa in London and Denmark, saw an injury-ridden Australia try out some new combinations – with some excellent performances seen as a consequence. Gustavsson outlined how these deserve to be rewarded for the sake of ensuring his team has the best group of players as possible for the World Cup.
“Whilst we say we want continuity, that doesn’t mean that everyone is guaranteed (a place in the squad). It’s down to them if they want to be involved in the World Cup, as a starter, as a game changer. There is competition for spots now. I can challenge the players. In the last camp, some players took advantage of the opportunity so they need a second chance to see if they can step up against a top-level team.
“We are not talking about (always selecting) the best players, but the best link of players, the best collective team.
“We can beat a second or third-tier team, we need to prove we can against a top-level team. We are still missing players, particularly at the back, so I’m curious to see how we go tomorrow. Some of the scorelines have blinded people from the performances. We were very good against Canada in the first half.”
With Elise Kellond-Knight back in contention to play a part in this international window, Gustavsson spoke of her return being a careful balancing act.
Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson was in a positive mood ahead of tomorrow’s match with Sweden. Image: Football Australia.
“KK has had a couple of 90 minutes behind her, 60s and 45s. We need to be calm and low with expectations with her. She has come back and we need to see how long it takes her to make the step from clubland to international football. She has a fantastic role within the team. Her role with Kyra Cooney-Cross at Hammarby shows that in helping to develop Kyra as a player.”
Asked if he was concerned that Sam Kerr hasn’t scored as regularly in international football as some may wish, the Matildas’ head coach emphasised the reality of the situation.
“Sam came back to us after she needed a break mentally and physically. She didn’t play in June, and was ill during the last window. It’s not about her being in best form now, it’s about the World Cup.
“You can see very clearly if you look at club performances, players in form with clubs, perform with national teams. Form comes from club land. Coming into this camp, we have goals and assists from a lot of players from other players around the squad not just Sam.”
With Gustavsson facing off against the country of his birth once more tomorrow, he made it very clear that whilst he expects a tough match, it’s all about the green and gold tomorrow. “Peter (Gerhardsson – Sweden head coach) is a phenomenal coach. They have continuity over time. Look at their tournament results – semi-finals, finals. Do I want to beat them? Of course I do! The amount of times I’ve played Sweden in tournaments and friendlies is a lot. I would love to play them in the (World Cup) final.”
“I Want To Beat My Boy, I Want To Beat Tony!”
Above: Sweden head coach Peter Gerhardsson speaking to the media in Melbourne today. Image: Football Australia.
Sweden head coach Peter Gerhardsson emphasised how important it was to him and his team to make the long journey to Australia to face the Matildas in preparation for next year’s World Cup.
“It is very important for us to be here to get used to it. We had the first day and saw how much we could do (with jet lag). It is very individual with how it impacts the players. It is not the same as when we have training sessions in Europe. We had to be careful. It was a low load. Yesterday was better.
“The whole preparation is for the World Cup. We come out here on 10th July (next year) and play our first match on 23rd. We will have one training game whilst here and (we will) work out when the best time to play it will be after seeing how quick we recover after a match after the training and travel this time round.”
Gerhardsson revealed that his squad of 21 players are all fit for tomorrow’s game in Melbourne and is expecting a strong test against a team he sees as having many similarities with his own.
“Australia for us are good to meet. We know Tony and his tactics. Yet for me, it is (all about) what we can do. Tactically, it is interesting. They (Australia) change their formations in games. When you look at the Australia squad and the Sweden squad it is similar. Australia have five players in Sweden, we have about the same. The same number play in England, with top clubs there and across Europe.
“We play in an equal way. We both want speed. We both want passing. That’s modern football. If you want to go long in a tournament, speed and transitions are key. The game tomorrow will be like that. Many transitions. This is why I like to meet Australia.”
Above: Sweden head coach Peter Gerhardsson, who wants to get one over close friend Tony Gustavsson tomorrow. Image: Football Australia.
The Sweden head coach was questioned about the threat of Sam Kerr – but whilst full of praise for the Western Australian, he was clear that he knows what to expect and that his own team has threats too.
“Sam is one of the world’s best strikers. We have Stina Blackstenius. Sam is very good and clear what she can do. We do have Magdalena Eriksson too – she can tell us about Sam (being a Chelsea team mate of Kerr), but Sam can tell you about Magda! She is a winner, clever, speedy. It is good for us to meet that kind of player.”
In terms of what he specifically wants to see from his own team tomorrow, Gerhardsson was realistic about the limited control he has in terms of preparations. “The development of a national team is always with the clubs.
“We are nine months from the World Cup. In tournaments, we show we grow into a tournament. That is important. It is not playing a starting 11 now, but to see players, to see relationships. It is the smaller things now. Every game has its own life, so players develop at clubs. It is more important for them to play regular in championships for clubs than to play tomorrow.
“After the game tomorrow. if we see good things, it is about a feeling. It’s about trust. If we play well and do well then there is big trust. We can build it.”
The Swedish head coach comes up against a familiar opponent tomorrow in Matildas’ chief Tony Gustavsson. There is clearly a lot of respect between them.
“I know Tony, I like him. It was close for us to work together before. He was at Hammarby and I was at Helsingborgs and I was thinking of working with him, but Helsingborgs would not let me go. We are good friends. I love to beat my boy! I want to beat Tony!”
In the latest of our series of interviews with Impetus-sponsored players, Evie Nebbitt from tier five London & South-East Regional Premier side Saltdean United spoke to Ben Gilby about her footballing journey, being Sutton United’s youngest-ever captain, and life in Sussex(10/11/22).
Above: Evie Nebbitt showing her joy after a goal for Saltdean United. Photo: Simon Roe. Supplied by: Evie Nebbitt.
Evie Nebbitt is in her first season playing tier five football having made the move from hometown club Sutton United to Saltdean United ahead of this season as she moved to the area to start university.
Nebbitt’s journey to her current position at the Sussex-based club began at a young age as the defender reveals: “I started playing football when I was around eight-years-old after watching my older sister play. She made it look fun and exciting, and it compelled me to have a go. I always used to play for the boys’ teams in primary school before being introduced to woman’s football just before I started high school playing for my local club Carshalton Athletic.
“I then trialed and got into Charlton Athletic at the age of 13 and played academy football for four years learning how to play any position along the back creating diversity in the way I played. It was challenging and pushed me to become a strong version of myself and will forever be grateful for the coaching staff and my teammates.
Above: Evie in action for Charlton Athletic. Photo supplied by: Evie Nebbitt.
“During this time, I also played football for Surrey county and Sutton schools where I was a part of the team that won the London Youth Games in 2017. I also played for my high-school girls’ team in which we won the National Cup with the final being held at the Madejski Stadium, home of Reading FC. This was an amazing experience for a group of young girls, and to top it off I scored two goals which made the day even better.
“At the age of 16, I made the decision to join Sutton United where I went straight into first-team football. I was thrown in the deep end and I wouldn’t have preferred it any other way as I believe it helped me build confidence and made me physically stronger as I was playing against and with older and more experienced players.
“After moving to the University of Sussex, I made the decision to look for a new club in order to play more regularly and locally. I recently signed for Saltdean where I am just finding my feet. All the coaching staff and players have made me feel welcomed and I’m feeling positive and optimistic about this season.”
The defender describes herself as being “a diverse player. I can adapt to play any defensive position when needs be. I also like to push up the pitch too when I play full-back and get involved with the attacking play. I would still describe myself as a young player meaning I am still learning and finding my way.”
Evie’s development from a child finding her feet in the game to her position as a regular starter in tier five is down to a hugely important group of people. “I have been very lucky with all the support I have received through my footballing career so far,” she recognised.
Above: Evie has had the support of her parents from the earliest days – as shown here when she was a youngster. Photo supplied by: Evie Nebbitt.
“Firstly, I have to mention my family such as my parents always taking time out of their days to drive me anywhere for football and supporting me from the sidelines pushing me to do my best, and my brother and sister for encouraging me and inspiring me to get involved with the game.
“I have had many coaches over the years. My real development as a player started at Charlton Athletic when I was being trained by members of the women’s first team at the time. At age 14, that was really inspiring for me and engorged me to learn and aspire to be where they were.
That support network combined with Evie’s own determination has helped her to overcome many challenges on the way. The most prominent barriers that she has faced are very familiar to many female players.
“I think every young female footballer has experienced the situation at least once when she is growing up is someone telling you ‘you can’t do it.’ I started out playing in boys’ teams and I would get told that it wasn’t ‘normal’. From a young age, I have aspired to be the best I can be to prove others wrong.
Evie Nebbitt, Saltdean United.
After her time at Charlton Athletic, Evie returned closer to home to South-West London to join Sutton United, a club who were making rapid progress up the leagues, and indeed this season find themselves as equals to Saltdean United in tier five. The young defender looks back at her time at Gander Green Lane with happiness.
“At Sutton, many changes were made in order to succeed. The formation was changed to a back five with wing backs to fit the team’s playing style which continues to be successful to this day. My manager at the time always had an eye out for new players or coaching staff to help move the team forward.
“One of the great things about Sutton is their youth teams. Players are given the chance to play up and learn from older players and develop to hopefully one day play in the first team.”
One of Evie’s fondest memories of being at the U’s is being given the armband and becoming as a result the club’s youngest-ever captain.
“When I was first told I was going to captain the side, I thought my manager was joking. I was very surprised as there were much older players on the team at the time and wasn’t sure why he picked me. To walk out of the changing room with the girls and support them on the pitch as their captain built my confidence and gave me reassurance in myself that I can be a leader. I am most grateful to be given that experience and to show people what I’m made of.”
During the summer a planned move to University in Sussex led Evie to depart from Sutton and join Saltdean United. Whilst it’s still early days for her at the club, she is enjoying the challenge.
Above: Evie in action for Sutton United where she was the club’s youngest captain. Photo: Paul Loughlin. Supplied by: Evie Nebbitt.
“Everyone down at Saltdean has been great. My coaches Zak (Dove) and Tom (Saunters) have been pushing everyone to be the best version of themselves on the pitch and always take the time to help me individually to improve my performance. They are also firm and if we aren’t playing how they know we can they will tell us and encourage us to step it up. I am one of quite a few new players this season however the team has grown so much already and I am feeling positive about what’s to come.
“The atmosphere before a game is great as we have the music on and some of the girls dancing and singing. I know that the girls would be there for me on my best days and my worst days.
Saltdean United were talked up last season by some observers of the London & South-East Regional Premier as being potential champions, but with injuries decimating the squad at times, the campaign never really got going. Evie points out how the squad is focussed on reaching their potential this time round.
“Everyone worked so hard during pre-season. There are lots of new signings including older, more experienced players and also younger, more impressionable players. Everyone is learning from each other and is helping one another improve. We are learning from each week’s performance and are putting in the effort in training to correct our past mistakes.”
In terms of goal setting for the campaign ahead, the young defender is keen to develop herself both as a person and as a footballer.
“My personal aim is to always listen and learn. I am always keen to improve myself as a player and a person in order to perform the best I can. As a team, I think our aim is to get stronger together and always be improving. Like anyone who plays, we want to he winning and so I believe our aim is to work hard in order to do that.
“But most importantly the overall aim is to enjoy the game like we always have and remind ourselves why we play.”
Impetus was proud to attend the FIFA Volunteer Program Launch atGlen Eira FC, where several Matildas alongside World Cup Mascot Tazuni delighted fans and acknowledged some incredible contributors to the sport. Kieran Yap reports (10/11/22).
Above: Tazuni– the official World Cup mascot makes its first appearance on Australian soil this week. Image courtesy of FIFA.
The draw has been set, the tickets are rapidly selling and over 1.5 million spectators are expected to fill the stands at the 2023 World Cup.
It is shaping up to be one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Australia and New Zealand are seeking volunteers be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
The goal is to recruit as many as 5000 volunteers to assist the huge numbers of fans anticipated to attend. Some notable and prolific volunteers were acknowledged at the event and held up as examples.
Spiros Drossos and Maggie Stavrou received warm welcomes for their seven years of volunteer coaching at Glen Eira.
Natalie Brotherston and Michael Jones have both been volunteering at major events since the Sydney Olympics. Jones is currently contributing to the T20 World Cup, and Brotherston has worked at seven international sporting tournaments.
Rishab Mahajan was one of the first to sign up as a volunteer for the 2023 World Cup and his enthusiasm was clear to see by all in attendance.
They were each presented FIFA Volunteer shirts by Matildas Elise Kellond-Knight, Alex Chidiac, Jada Whyman, and Emma Checker.
Above: The FIFA Volunteers with Tazuni and Matildas, Jada Whyman (L), Alex Chidiac, Emma Checker, and Elise Kellond-Knight. Image courtesy of FIFA
Legacy 23 Ambassador Kate Jenkins said that the football had long relied on volunteers and that being a part of the World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change the game and impact Australian society.
“These clubs run on people who just give their time an energy,” she said from the stage.
“They are also the role models for our kids. They’re the ones who create our community. The 2023 World Cup is the best opportunity not just to promote opportunities for girls in sport, but also opportunities for women and girls across the board.”
The World Cup has big goals off the field, and as Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner, and a long-time member of the football community, Jenkins sees a chance for a long-lasting legacy.
“The aim for us is that football has the legacy of being the first sport that achieved gender parity. I think we can do it. It is my job to get us there.”
Matildas and Melbourne City defender Emma Checker has seen the changes in the game since her career began. Women’s football has a swell of momentum behind it. But she pointed out that it was not always the case.
Above: Emma Checker (centre) with two of Glen Eira FC youngsters. Image courtesy of FIFA
When her career began almost 10 years ago, media coverage was almost non-existent. In 2022 the Women’s Euros enjoyed huge crowds and global coverage, culminating in a packed Wembley Stadium. The 2023 World Cup is likely to be even bigger. Ticket sales have already outperformed the 2019 tournament in France.
“When I look at the change in that decade, it makes me realize just how far we’ve come. “On my debut, I barely had a photo. If you walked down the street and said, ‘do you know who The Matildas are?’ people would say ‘who?’
“It has come so far. Having a home game ten years ago would have been in a community park. Now we’re selling out home games. The excitement and the joy that brings me to see that change is massive.
“The young girls that are coming through now don’t necessarily understand how big that change has been.
“Football globally is so big, but it hasn’t always been that way. It’s taken a lot of hard work from a lot of people top get it to where it is. I feel really privileged to be able to witness that progression.
“There’s no more exciting time that now, we’re on our way up, and hosting a World Cup is the biggest opportunity for growth in the sport.
“I think for us in Australia we were already growing… kids, girls and boys the numbers are climbing, and I think with the timing of the men’s World Cup followed by ours at a time when kids are signing up for next season, its massive.
“You can’t not be drawn in, even if you’ve never watched a game. A World Cup draws a crowd.”
That crowd will need support, local knowledge, and friendly faces to help them navigate the two vast countries.
“The simple answer is, we can’t do this without volunteers,” said Checker. “Volunteers make up such a big part of preparing for these tournaments, and how these tournaments are run. I know as a player it’s something that we’re always forever grateful for.
“We know the hard yards that go behind these tournaments. It’s something that is incredibly important, and I would encourage as many people to get involved as possible.”
Above: Canberra United’s new signing Wu Chengshu in action for China. Photo via: Canberra United.
Canberra United have signed Chinese international Wu Chengshu for the forthcoming A-League Women season – the first Chinese international to play for the club.
Wu, who has appeared for her country in twelve international matches winning the AFC Asian Cup in 2022, has been playing her club football in the Chinese Women’s Super League for Jiangsu Suning Ladies FC.
The signing of Wu, who scored against Japan in the 2022 AFC Asian Cup Semi-Final and played 45 minutes in the Final in midfield, a 3-2 win over the Korea Republic, is a landmark moment for Canberra United.
“We are delighted to announce the signing of Wu Chengshu for Canberra United Football Club,” CEO Chris Gardiner commented.
“Wu Chengshu joining the club will expand the club’s profile into mainland China where we hope to be able to convert some of the estimated 1.4 billion population into die-hard Canberra United supporters!
“The signature of a player of the calibre of Wu Chengshu reflects the club’s intentions for the new season and I am sure she will prove to be a real asset to the club and a particular favourite with our fans.”
“We are extremely excited to welcome Wu Chengshu to the club, and I am looking forward to working with her and helping her integrate into being an important part of our team for the new season,” Head Coach Njegosh Popovich said.
“She is a technically gifted footballer who reads the game really well and has a desire to score goals.
“Her profile is exactly what we are looking for at Canberra United and her experience of the international game will be a welcome addition to the young and talented squad we are assembling.”
Canberra United’s 2022/2023 Liberty A-League season begins on Saturday 19 November with a home match against Perth Glory at McKellar Park.
Above: Ella Toone, who signed a new contract at Manchester United today – a major boost for Marc Skinner’s side. Photo: Express & Star.
Manchester United today announced that Ella Toone has signed a contract extension, keeping her with the club until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Toone joined United in 2018 as part of the club’s inaugural FA Women’s Championship winning side, and has gone on to become The Red Devils’ all-time leading goal scorer with 43 goals and was the first United woman to make more than a hundred appearances for the club – she now stands at 110 games played.
On the international stage, the midfielder was crowned European Champion with the Lionesses this summer, scoring the opening goal in the team’s 2-1 final victory over Germany at Wembley in front of 90,000 fans.
On extending her deal, Toone said: “I’m delighted to sign a new contract at Manchester United. The club’s ambitions really match mine and there’s nowhere better for me to learn. To play for my childhood club I support is really special and I’ll never get tired of pulling on the red shirt. To now be able to do that for even longer is a proud moment for me and my family.”
“Ella epitomises everything Manchester United stands for, and her new long-term contract reflects the club’s ambition of continued growth and success, with a role model of her quality at the centre.”
Polly Bancroft, Head of women’s football, Manchester United.
Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner was ecstatic to secure one of his most important players on a long-term deal: “Ella’s long-term commitment to Manchester United is yet more proof of the club’s continued investment in the future success of this team. Ella has always been and remains a key member of our squad on and off the field, and we are delighted she will continue to wear our famous colours with pride for years to come.”
With their A-League Women debut fast approaching, things are taking shape at Western United. For this week’s Midweek Dub feature, the club’s inaugural head coach Mark Torcaso talks to Impetus’Kieran Yap about their first pre-season(9/11/22).
Above: Members of Western United’s inaugural team. Image supplied by: Western United.
When Western United’s participation in this season’s A-League Women was first announced, there was excitement. But that was as much about the implications for an extended season, and the opportunities for Victorian players. With the squad fully assembled, that enthusiasm has now extended to their on- field potential.
“It’s been exciting,” is how head coach Mark Torcaso describes the preparations. “It’s been obviously very different for a lot of people including myself. “Being exposed to full time training environments is challenging, but it’s definitely very exciting.
“The last couple of days we’ve worked out how it all looks in regard to settling ourselves in and understanding the demands of full-time professional environment.”
Torcaso has taken the reigns following several successful seasons in charge of Calder United in Victoria’s NPLW. The 2022 season resulted in three trophies, and they enjoyed almost total dominance over the competition. It was an incredible achievement given that Calder were without some big-name stars of the past and relied heavily on their own academies.
By 2021, Calder had formed an official link with Western United. It helped lay the foundations for this inaugural topflight season. Western United have announced some of the biggest signings in the league, but the core of their team is based on Calder United’s champion side.
It is a different model to most new clubs, who have either relied on a number of big names like Melbourne City did or on their academies like Western United has and Central Coast likely will.
As coach of both sides, it is a process that Torcaso has found helpful. An official link between NPLW and A-League clubs is one he thinks could work for other teams.
“We won’t know that until the end of the year, but I think from what I see it’s a genuine pathway. It’s there for the players of the northwest to have genuine opportunities and basically create one vision and one club philosophy.”
Above: Western United coach Mark Torcaso. Image courtesy of Western United F.C.
Torcaso is confident in the season’s preparation. He says that the former NPL stars have had to adjust to the amount of training, but this was planned for.
“We tried to replicate that as best we could at Calder over the last couple of seasons in trying to give them more training than what they normally would so when this transition happened it would be fairly simple.
“Adjusting to that has been some of the little hurdles or challenges. Just the intensity of the sessions and the quality of the resources that we have.
“There are also positives in that, getting to feel what that professional environment is actually about is very important for the players.”
Headlining the players signed from Calder United was Alana Cerne. The classy midfielder was crucial to the side’s success. She dominated the Nike FC Cup Final and controlled the midfield in most rounds. The playmaker was the first player Western United announced.
A brilliant hit from Alana Cerne to open the scoring in yesterday's NPLW Victoria Grand Final🔥 pic.twitter.com/BuOjTxn9wy
“Cerne’s been with Calder since she was 15 or 16,” says Torcaso of one of the clubs standout homegrown talents.
“She’s somebody that lives in the northwest, somebody that’s missed out on opportunities in the past that probably should have gotten opportunities. She’s going to be a fantastic player.”
Since Cerne, some impressive additions have been made to the squad, Hillary Beall was signed on loan from Racing Louisville in the NWSL. The young goalkeeper made some impressive saves in a pre-season friendly against Melbourne Victory. She was decisive in a 1-0 win.
Stacy Papadopoulos looks a likely star of the competition. The fleet-footed winger is a damaging player that also seems destined for highlights reels.
Two big-name signings were made that served as statements by the club that they are planning on making an impact. Matilda’s star Chloe Logarzo, and World Cup Winner from the USA, Jess McDonald.
“I worked with Jess at Victory in 2012 when she was there,” says Torcaso. “That relationship was something that was built then. It’s surprising to the football world, but for us it was a connection that I had with her that created that opportunity for her to come out here.
“As a whole it’s just about setting the tone, making sure we are as ready as possible and having players like Chloe and Jess and other players with a little bit of overseas experience, allows us to be competitive and not just a team that makes up numbers.
“We want to be a team that can be ready. It can help some of the players that have come into this team from the NPL clubs like Calder or FV Emerging. It allows them to develop by having really good quality people around them.”
Logarzo will add significant experience to the team. She has won two W-League Championships with Sydney FC, and is a player that will guarantee interest in the club. After suffering a knee injury in 2021 while with The Matildas, her game time has been minimal. How she performs at Western United could shape Australia’s World Cup chances.
Torcaso is clearly happy to have players with enviable resume’s on his squad, but says that the will not be expected to carry the team. They will have the same expectations as the other players.
“She’s like any other player,” he says of Logarzo. “It doesn’t matter if you’re Chloe of Jess McDonald or (Calder captain) Aleks Sinclair, in the end you’re a player that trains well and plays well and keeps your spot.
“The name (recognition) is an important thing, but its more about making sure you get the right balance and perform or challenge every single week.”
It is a standard that the individual players are accustomed to. As a club, it should prepare Western United to adapt quickly to the A-League Women.
In the pre-season game against Melbourne Victory last weekend, both sides were missing players, but Western United were able to play their own game style and had the better of the attacking chances toward the end of each half.
Above: Mark Torcaso. Image courtesy of Western United F.C
Young Matilda Khali Johnson was dangerous in the first half, while Hannah Keane scored a 90th minute winner to end the second.
Up against the reigning champions, Western United did not look out of place to the delight of their vocal and organized support.
Western United’s first season will be significant for a number of reasons, it is the result of long term planning, and the club has a clear purpose and mission to provide opportunities for women’s player in Western and regional Victoria. Off the field, the pieces are in place for an exciting future.
On the field, they look ready for an impressive debut season.
Above: Beth Jones celebrating a goal for Pride Park in a previous match. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.
Pride Park returned to Derbyshire Ladies League action on Sunday with a trip to Stanton Ilkeston. Just as the game was getting underway, heavy rain started and the pitch was soon both slick on the surface and heavy underfoot.
Despite the conditions Pride made a strong start, with Eliot Sayavong testing the home keeper, before – twice in quick succession – the Ilkeston shotstopper could only parry Beth Jones’ shots into the path of Summer Evans who converted from close range – but both times Evans had strayed just offside. Nevertheless, it seemed like a goal was coming and it was duly delivered by Tash Allderidge, the skipper scoring direct from a free-kick from the edge of the area with 16 minutes played.
Pride continued to dominate and the only puzzle is how they didn’t add to the score, particularly just after twenty minutes as Jones was through one-on-one on with the keeper who blocked the defender-cum-striker’s effort, the ball fell to Hannah Kwiatek – her shot was blocked on the line, then Evans picked up the rebound, rounded the keeper, but saw her shot cleared off the line.
Exquisite through balls by Annie Laight and Kwiatek put Jones and Evans respectively through, but the keeper held Jones’ shot and tipped Evans’ effort round the post. The Pride continued to pepper the Stanton goal with shots, with Kwiatek and Evans drawing saves out of the keeper, and as the first half ended Jones lifted a shot over the Stanton number one only to see it come back off the crossbar.
Above: Tash Allderidge, who scored for Pride Park on Sunday, seen here in action in a recent game against Shirebrook. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.
The first half had been dominated by Pride, only to be denied by Stanton’s keeper who was in outstanding form – but Pride picked up where they left off and only three minutes into the second half the home custodian could do nothing about Jones’ cannon of a shot from outside the area to make it 2-0.
Five minutes later Allderidge added a third from the spot after Ella Kew had been brought down, and Jones added a fourth as the hour came up, through one-on-one and slotted the ball wide of the keeper, before completing her hat-trick (her second in successive games) after being played in by a superb pass by Rachel Weaver.
Jones could have had another hat-trick in the second half, prodding one chance just wide, denied at point-blank range by another superb save by the keeper after good work down the left by Kew who shot just wide after being put through by Sayavong.
Pride will be pleased to get a first clean sheet of the season, which had appeared momentarily under threat a couple of times – a moment of indecisiveness at the back giving Stanton a shooting opportunity but it was put wide, and another strike from close range hit wide of the goal, but otherwise, the defence wasn’t troubled, although Stanton battled to the end. Overall, it was a commanding performance that was good to watch and a well-deserved three points.
Pride return to Cup action next week, with the First Round of the Derbyshire Challenge Cup against Amber Valley at Moorways (1.30pm).
With just over a week to go until the 2022/23 A-League Women season gets underway, we hear of new signings at both Canberra United and Newcastle Jets (9/11/22).
Above: Madison McComarsky (28) in action for Wayland Baptist University. Photo: Wayland Baptist University.
Canberra United today reported the addition of defender Madison McComasky to their A-League Women squad.
McComasky brings the total of players signed to 21 as kick-off to the brand-new campaign edges ever closer.
McComasky gets her first chance to impress in the A-League after joining United for the new campaign having impressed in the New South Wales NPL for the Macarthur Rams.
Speaking about his newest recruit, Canberra United head coach Njegosh Popovich said: “She is an exciting prospect and I believe that the professionalism within our club will help her to become a very competitive centre back for us this season.
“I first noticed Maddison playing for Macarthur and she was a standout In both the semi-final and final of the NPL NSW competition. Her reading of the game is very good, her positioning and awareness are a standout of her game. I am looking forward to working with Madison during the season.”
McComasky, who can play in both defence or midfield, has spent most of her formative footballing years in the United States Collegiate system starting with Northeast Texas Community College and then Wayland Baptist University, before starring for the UIW Cardinals in San Antonio, Texas.
One of five siblings, McComasky impressed Popovich and after a trial period at the club has secured a spot in the squad for the upcoming season.
Canberra United’s 2022/2023 Liberty A-League season begins on Saturday 19th November with a home match against Perth Glory at McKellar Park.
Graphic: Newcastle Jets.
Newcastle Jets today announced the signing of Josie Allan on a scholarship deal. Allan, who plays as an attacker, joins the senior side after coming through the club’s Academy.
Head coach Ash Wilson is pleased to have Allan on board for the coming season, saying: “Josie is an exciting academy product who we believe has a clear future pathway aligned to our A-League club and the potential for success beyond that. She is only 16 but has a great attitude, is quick, dynamic, and has spark in the way she plays.
“Regardless of the situation, she is in, Josie plays with confidence beyond her years and backs herself. We see the potential, and while there is still a lot of growth and learning for Josie as a player and athlete, it is important for us to support her and challenge her so that she can reach that potential as well as contribute positively to the future of our club and team.”
Allan is looking forward to the season ahead of further developing her game at the Newcastle Jets. The teenager said: “I’m very excited to be joining the team this season after coming through the Jets Academy.
“The team and the coaching staff have been great to me so far in helping me ease into the team environment. I’m looking forward to taking my game to the next level this season and it will be amazing to make my debut for the club.”
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