Above: Lauren Allan celebrates her goal for Newcastle Jets. Image: NewcastleJetsfc Instagram
Newcastle Jets ended the year on a high, as they picked up a much-needed win in the Liberty A-League.
It was a belter of a day on the last day of 2022 at No2. Sportsground, as just under 900 fans watched Ash Wilson’s side pick up a 2-0 victory against Adelaide United, the Jets had lost three games on the bounce before yesterday’s game.
Adelaide had a good chance in the opening stages, as Melinda Barbieri went close with a free kick that was brilliantly saved by Georgina Worth.
United had the better of the chances in the opening half an hour with a few chances but to no avail. They went close again in the 27th minute as Dylan Holmes’ cross was flapped at by Worth and cleared off the line by Cannon Clough.
The Reds finished the half strong with Fiona Worts’ cross-turned shot almost catching Worth off guard as she looped the ball towards the goal and hit the crossbar.
Above: Adeliade United’s Chelsie Dawber battles for possession at Newcastle Jets yesterday. Photo: Adelaide United.
Into the second half and the Jets woke up, as Cass Davis nearly scored from a corner, but it was saved by Annalee Grove.
Adelaide thought they had broken the deadlock in the 53rd minute, but Chelsie Dawber’s effort was ruled out for offside.
Newcastle took the lead 15 minutes into the second half as a great ball from Davis set Lauren Allen away one v one with Grove and despite the goalkeeper’s best efforts, the ball found its way into the back of the net.
Allen bagged her second of the game two minutes from time to see the win as it was Tara Andrews’ turn to play through Allen to slot the ball home in the bottom corner of the net to seal all three points.
After picking their first home win of the season, Ash Wilson’s side will next play Sydney FC on the 7th of January at No.2 Sportsground at 3pm.
Above: Celebrations for Western United who came from 2-1 down to defeat Perth Glory today. Photo: Keep Up.
Western United came from behind twice to maintain their perfect start to their first-ever A-League Women season in a spiky New Year’s Day encounter at Macedonia Park.
This was a game full of drama with goals galore and a real physical edge. Mark Torcaso’s visitors had considerably more shots (23 to nine), but they could never shake off a Perth Glory side that showed occasional flashes of brilliance in attack combined with a hugely impressive performance by Sarah Langman in goal.
The home side welcomed back key striker Rylee Baisden who missed Tuesday’s trip to Melbourne City with a minor injury. Sadie Lawrence also stepped up from the bench to replace the unwell Sarah Cain. Susan Phonsongkham was a sub.
Two weeks on from their previous match, Western United’s Stacey Papadopoulos was back after suffering from concussion against Adelaide United. Kahli Johnson came into the starting line-up along with Julia Sardo.
Whilst it was the unbeaten visitors who gained much of the possession in the earliest of exchanges, the Glory defence, which worked so well at AAMI Park last time out stayed strong.
Sofia Sakalis, who was so impressive with her skillful touches and vision in Perth’s last game was at it again with eight minutes gone with real impact. Out on the left flank, Sakalis gathered the ball, turned her marker, and within one movement, threaded through an inch-perfect pass into the stride of Cyera Hintzen in the box who squared the ball to her right for fellow American Baisden to direct into the net.
Above: Rylee Baisden shows her joy after putting Perth Glory ahead today. Photo: Keep Up.
It was only the fourth goal Western United have conceded in five games this season, and the Victoria side were thrown defensively. Within six minutes Perth could have doubled their lead when Baisden’s ball was deflected into the path of Hintzen, who was just about to pull the trigger when Sardo dived in with a perfectly timed tackle.
The visitors pushed up to set an attack within moments, earning their first corner. Lifted in high from the left, Sydney Cummings beat Kim Carroll in the air to direct a header that Sarah Langman did well to push against the bar, only for Hannah Keane to respond quickest to direct the ball over the line to level the scores.
The game was now alive and becoming increasingly end-to-end. United’s World Cup winner Jess McDonald drove through the centre of midfield and laid a pass off to Keane outside her on the right. A low ball across to the left-hand side of the box found Johnson who directed a shot that Langman got down well to save at the post.
Just before the half-hour mark, the visitors were having more of the possession from an attacking perspective. McDonald earned a free-kick when her cross came off Rigby’s arm just outside the box on the right. The resulting ball came in and led to a corner. With Western United’s prowess from set-pieces growing, the corner from the left came in high once more. Liz Anton blocked one shot from the visitors before Langman’s dive denied Johnson again.
McDonald was becoming increasingly influential. A long ball from Keane curled a clever into her path running into the box. The intelligent length on the ball meant that Langman had to decide quickly whether to stand her ground or advance towards the American attacker. In the end, the Perth goalkeeper opted for the latter and the danger went. The visitors were now well on top and the Glory needed to see out the remaining 10 minutes without conceding again.
Five minutes before the break, controversy centred around Western United goalkeeper Hillary Beale in two incidents within 60 seconds. Baisden split the United defence beautifully to play in Sakalis. A heavy touch handed the advantage to Beale and Sakalis went down in the box. Despite loud claims from the home bench, penalty claims were waved away correctly as there was little in the way of contact.
Above: Perth Glory’s Cyera Hintzen, who linked up well with Rylee Baisden throughout the game, gets away from Sydney Cummings. Photo: Keep Up.
Within a minute, Baisden’s clever link-up play was in evidence once more as her long ball released Hintzen who was met outside the area by Beale in a clash of legs. Referee Caitlin Williams showed a yellow to Beale which provoked more frustration from the home side who believed it was a sending-off offence. The resulting free kick from Hana Lowry curled well over the bar.
There was still time for more drama before the half-time whistle went. Emma Rober’s shot came back off Anton allowing Johnson to fire an effort that Langman tipped over – the latest personal duel between them. It led to a corner, as the visitors continued to cause chaos in the Perth box with set-pieces. This time Anton’s header came back off her own bar. Perth survived for 1-1 at the break.
The second half opened with end-to-end opportunities. Whilst Western United couldn’t quite penetrate, the home side did. Rigby’s slide tackle in midfield drove the ball forward but with a deflection, there was a big slice of backspin on the bounce which Ella Mastrantonio took advantage of to beat Alana Cerne and find Lowry in the box. The locally-born midfielder took control, beat Melissa Taranto, and sidefooted a finish into the right-hand corner of the net.
The visitors responded immediately with McDonald playing a low ball in from the right which Keane slid in for at the near post, but her effort went wide.
On the hour mark, Mark Torcaso introduced Matildas star Chloe Logarzo and she stamped her class on the encounter within 10 minutes. McDonald’s ball across from right caused problems at the back for Perth as Keane’s run blocked off Anton allowing Logarzo to fire home the equaliser.
Above: Within 10 minutes of coming onto the pitch Chloe Logarzo was on target for Western United. Photo: Keep Up.
Keane was involved again shortly afterwards as she broke through the centre and cut in which allowed her to see off the Glory defensive pair of Carroll and Anton before curling a shot towards the top left-hand corner that Langman saved well.
Glory continued to create, and a high ball in from the right saw Sakalis and Gabriella Coleman leap for the same ball and it eventually fell for Demi Koulizakis who fired in shot that Beall blocked.
The game was decided with four minutes left. Alana Cerne earned a free kick outside the box to the right of centre. Melissa Taranto played it in, Langman repelled, but the ball dropped to Keane who shot, Koulizakis tried to clear off the line but only succeeded in helping the ball into the net and United were in front for the first time all afternoon.
All the stats show that Western United deserved the victory. They had the competition’s season’s best XG (expected goals) of over 4.1, but despite this they could never quite shake off the Western Australians who contributed to a hugely watchable encounter.
Perth Glory remain a curates egg of a team this season. They have shown flashes of their potential in every game this season, but have never managed to produce a 90-minute performance to turn that potential into the points that many predicted they would earn this season.
Western United are the real deal. No-one thought they would struggle in their inaugural campaign, but equally not many put their hand up to suggest Mark Torcaso’s side as being in contention for silverware. They certainly are now.
It’s been another great year for women’s football and eight Impetus writers, Ben Gilby, Johnathan Stack, Ben Carey, Emmanuel Faith, Kieran Yap, Darrell Allen, Nathan Edwards, and Kris Goman highlight their team, player, coach, and unsung hero of the year. In true Impetus style, there are representatives from the top-flight and grassroots levels of the women’s game(30/12/22).
Team of the Year:
Above: The Lionesses – a popular choice as our team of the year. Photo: Lionesses.
BEN GILBY:England. It’s more than just becoming the first English national football team to win a major honour since 1966, it’s about what they have done for the sport in the UK. The young girls they have inspired, the new fans they have brought in, and the visibility they still have almost five months on from that game at Wembley.
JOHNATHAN STACK: England. Unbeaten in 2022, became European Champions on home soil and one of best teams right now.
BEN CAREY: There’s no question about it. The team of the year has to be England. Their incredible run at the Euros to claim their first-ever major title was quite simply breathtaking. Some amazing individual performances, but more importantly stellar teamwork throughout the tournament. England also beat the best team in the world, the USA, at Wembley Stadium, which is another incredible achievement. In terms of the club game, Barcelona are worthy of recognition. Dominant in the Liga F with 30 wins out of 30. They also won their domestic cup and made the Champions League Final for the second year running.
EMMANUEL FAITH: While the Lionesses have made history and finally brought the trophy home with monumental performances, The SpanishU17 and U20 youngsters have conquered the world, achieving these goals with style and finesse. With the current standstill between the Spanish senior team and the national football association, we might see some of these youngsters in Australia and New Zealand next year.
Above: Spain lift the FIFA U20 World Cup this year. Photo: Tico Times.
KIERAN YAP: I hate to admit it as an Aussie, but it’s The Lionesses. Their Euros tournament was thrilling to watch, and the excitement was palpable from across the world. It’s hard not to love them.
NATHAN EDWARDS: There have been many great teams at club level and international level this year, once again showing the huge growth of talent in the game, but England finally completed the task of bringing football home, in front of a packed-out Wembley Stadium. It was a great way for Ellen White and Jill Scott to bow out from the game and hopefully, the victory against Germany will be a catalyst for change in women’s football within the country.
KRIS GOMAN: While it’s tempting to go on about Arsenal or one of my favourite Sydney or NWSL teams, or even the Matildas, I really don’t think anything can beat what the English Women’s National Team, the Lionesses, achieved this northern summer at the Euros. Apart from bringing it home, they galvanised a nation and did more for women’s football than any team before them. On social media I watched a country move from “nobody cares” to, not only people knowing their names, but actively supporting them. As someone who’s been banging the drum of women’s football for a while, it was incredible to watch. There was a palpable change of attitude and it was down to this team. To top it off with Jill Scott winning I’m a Celebrity and Beth Mead winning the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year, among other awards, it just shows the shift in attitude.
DARRELL ALLEN: University of East Anglia. Promoted out of the tier eight Norfolk Women’s and Girls Football League Division Two in their first season and now ripping it up in Division One with five wins from their opening six games, a stunning League Cup win at Mulbarton in November clinched them this award and there is a lot to come from Tom Peck’s team in 2023.
Player of the Year:
Above: Beth Mead with her collection of trophies after the European Championship Final in August. Photo: Lionesses.
BEN GILBY:Alessia Russo. Simply in terms of how she has grown from January to December 2022. The Manchester United attacker went into the European Championships with seven caps and four goals. Russo wasn’t quite being talked up as a potential household name in the same way that the likes of Beth Mead, Ellen White, and Lucy Bronze were. Yet, by the time of the knock-out stages, Russo was rapidly becoming a superstar who embraced the pressure of a home tournament and was well on her way to becoming a national hero. Four further goals during the tournament, and two more since the tournament have launched the Maidstone-born 23-year-old into the category of sensation. Four goals in seven FAWSL appearances this season for Manchester United so far is another positive reward.
JOHNATHAN STACK: Beth Mead. An absolute baller who had an incredible Euros and a good start to the WSL season until her injury.
BEN CAREY: Beth Mead. She scored 25 goals and 18 assists for club and country. Those numbers are simply astonishing. There were a few strikers who scored more goals, such as Sam Kerr, Ewa Pajor, and Sophia Smith, but they all had far fewer assists. Mead is an absolute team player. She also won player of the match twice during the Euros, and the Golden Player award (player of the tournament).
EMMANUEL FAITH: Beth Mead has had a remarkable 2022, from a superb WSL run where she was part of the team of the season, to winning the player of the tournament and the golden boot at Women’s Euros. Mead has shown the world what she is made up of and it is really heart-wrenching that she injured her ACL recently.
Above: Katrina Gorry – her form has had a major influence on Australia’s recent fine run of results. Photo: Football Australia.
KIERAN YAP: Katrina Gorry. The Matildas looked like a completely different side when Gorry returned to the national team setup. There was more composure and creativity in the midfield, more danger from long range, and she linked the defence with midfield in a way we’ve rarely seen. Gorry has been Australia’s best player as their form started to improve. There should be a royal commission into why previous national team managers ignored her.
NATHAN EDWARDS: Beth Mead. What a year for the Arsenal star! Along with winning the Euros as the competition’s top goalscorer, she finished second place in the Ballon d’Or, only being pipped by the mercurial Alexia Putellas, but one accolade tops it all off. She made history last week, becoming the first female footballer to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, a great and well-deserved achievement. She sadly had her time on the pitch in 2022 cut short due to a heart-breaking ACL injury, but she will come back fighting like she always does when faced with a challenge.
KRIS GOMAN: Beth Mead. I’m signing up for this bandwagon. She’s been on fire for club and country. Obviously, an incredible performance at the Euros but every part of her game has come together. Trying not to think about the ACL situation…
DARRELL ALLEN: Katie Knights. An instrumental part of Wymondham Town’s treble-winning season in 2021/2022 including winning the player of the match award in the Harrod Sports Final at Carrow Road, Knights had more than earned her move to tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East side Norwich City where she has lit up multiple matches and been a huge part of Norwich City’s increased success this season.
Coach of the Year:
Above: Sarina Wiegman – undisputed choice as Impetus‘ coach of the year. Photo: Lionesses.
BEN GILBY:Sarina Wiegman. Unbeaten as England coach, unbeaten in the European Championships. The organisation and belief that she injected into a team who had promised so much but never quite managed to achieve since 2015 was the work of someone at the absolute top of their career.
JONATHAN STACK: Sarina Wiegman. It’s a no-brainer. The FA did remarkably well to get Wiegman from the Dutch National Team where she won the Euros, and she repeated the achievement this year with the Lionesses.
BEN CAREY: Sarina Wiegman led England to a first-ever major title at the Euros, which was amazing. But perhaps even more incredible is that it was Wiegman’s second Euros win in a row, after leading the Netherlands to the title in 2017. Also, she led England to a flawless World Cup qualification with zero lapses in form. 80 goals for and 0 against. That should, quite frankly, be illegal.
EMMANUEL FAITH: Sarina Wiegman. The reasons are obvious, she is an absolute genius on and off the field. Engaging in interviews, and her in-game management are just two of the many qualities that make her stand out.
Above: Melbourne Victory’s Jeff Hopkins, Kieran Yap’s choice as Coach of the Year. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
KIERAN YAP: A little closer to home, and it’s Jeff Hopkins of Melbourne Victory. Despite an injury and COVID-ravaged season, which included a packed February schedule, they won the Championship for a second year running. Hopkins carefully managed his team and trusted his young players to get them through to the finals. He refused to rush star striker Melina Ayres back until she was 100% fit. The results were implausible but glorious.
NATHAN EDWARDS: It has been very England-centric so far, but it that is because of the size of the achievements obtained this year, and the main factor in the Lionesses’ success has been their Dutch coach, Sarina Wiegman. She has added the final layer to this England side and taken them to continental glory, showing off her intriguing character and tactical intelligence along the way.
KRIS GOMAN: Sarina Wiegman. What she’s done for the Lionesses has rocked women’s football. Her second Euros. No losses. And she seems to be a really nice person that the players love. I’ve bought the T-shirt. Literally.
DARRELL ALLEN: Adrian Tink. Someone who conducts himself in a remarkable professional way, out of the noise and out of the limelight. Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers scored 130 goals and finished second last season as well as winning the Plate. They are coached to incredibly high standards and look well placed to do even better this time around with seven wins from their opening eight games so far this season.
Unsung Hero:
Above: AFC Wimbledon’s Ashlee Hincks – the club’s reigning player of the season – male or female. Photo: Glyn Roberts.
BEN GILBY: Ashlee Hincks. The 34-year-old AFC Wimbledon striker capped a sensational season by winning the club’s player of the season award – which, as part of the Dons’ ‘one club’ ethos, saw the club’s female and male players contesting the same award. Hincks comfortably beat off her male counterparts to take the trophy to a standing ovation at a packed Plough Lane stadium. The former Chelsea, Millwall, and Crystal Palace player, who took part in two FA Cup Finals and played for England at youth levels, scored 40 goals in 35 games last season for The Dons, and by the start of this month had already amassed 22 for the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East side. Hincks is an absolute joy to watch.
JOHNATHAN STACK: Alessia Russo. An incredible player who had a strong Euros with an amazing goal against Sweden, and Russo has brought that form into the WSL for Manchester United.
BEN CAREY: Guro Reiten. She had a staggering 11 goals and 19 assists for club and country, consistently performing for Norway and Chelsea (in the WSL, the FA Cup, and the Champions League). In terms of elsewhere, my standout goalkeepers this year were Mary Earps, Merle Frohms, and Manuela Zinsberger. Each of these keepers had over 15 clean sheets for club and country. The defenders that caught my attention were Leah Williamson, Millie Bright, Steph Catley, Mapi Leon, Lucy Bronze, Naomi Girma, Selma Bacha, and Wendie Renard. Finally, there were some incredible midfield performances by Katrina Gorry, Lena Oberdorf, Grace Geyoro, and Alexia Putellas.
Above: Guro Reiten slams home a goal during Chelsea’s WSL title-winning performance against Manchester United in May. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
EMMANUEL FAITH: Erin Cuthbert. I don’t know how she misses out on all noticeable awards and selections, but what Cuthbert has done for the Chelsea team is beyond comprehension. It’s sad that we won’t be seeing her in the World Cup but if Chelsea’s success last season is to be replicated then the Scot is an ingredient that mustn’t go missing.
KIERAN YAP: Charli Grant. She’s a favourite of Impetus, and her potential has not been a secret for some time, but Charli Grant has been vital to The Matildas in Ellie Carpenter’s absence. Grant has similar attributes to Carpenter and could have tried to play the same way as the Lyon star, but she had brought her own style to the role. Her two-footed passing and off-the-ball movement makes her an asset to the team. Grant has risen from fringe player to one of the real barometers for Australia.
Above: The inspirational Rukhsana Hussain – Nathan Edwards’ choice as Unsung Hero of the Year. Photo: Twitter.
NATHAN EDWARDS: Rukhsana Hussain. Although Hussain isn’t a sports star in the sense of lighting up stadiums and producing magical performances for the world to see, she isn’t even a footballer but a vital part of the footballing community within Leicester. She was nominated for this unsung hero award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards and this is because of her work in growing the sport within the Muslim community of all ages, and it isn’t just 2022 that she deserves this title but for the past seven years.
KRIS GOMAN: I’m tempted to go for someone like Ashleigh Neville that has killer game after killer game both in attack and defence but never gets a call up to the Lionesses but I’m going to go for Millie Bright. An absolute rock in defence and while she’s not exactly unsung, defenders don’t get the same attention as forwards and never get the opportunity to win a golden boot. She played the fifth most minutes of anyone on the team. They only conceded two goals the whole tournament – one against Spain and one against Germany in the final, largely down to her defence. While the whole team has obviously enjoyed the accolades, the spotlight has been on the forwards. I could use a similar argument for Keira Walsh too.
DARRELL ALLEN: Charnelle Riggall. Quite simply one of the nicest and most helpful people in the Norfolk Women and Girls League. Charnelle captains Bungay Town with impressive leadership and people skills. Charnelle is happy to lend a hand, give advice, and all is done with a smile on her face. A true star of Norfolk Football.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby, Kieran Yap, and Ryan Miller-Woods report on today’s A-League Women media conferences at Adelaide United, Melbourne Victory, Wellington Phoenix, and Western Sydney Wanderers – where there is news of a vital new signing (30/12/22).
ADELAIDE UNITED
by Ben Gilby
Above: Adelaide United boss Adrian Stenta sees big things ahead for his team in 2023. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
Adelaide United go into their New Year’s Eve game at Newcastle Jets on the back of a two-week break, something head coach Adrian Stenta believes makes his side extra hungry for success at Number Two Sportsground.
The South Australians’ last match was back on 17th December at Wellington Phoenix, and Stenta highlighted the positives and negatives of that unexpected change to their schedule.
“It’s been a bit different, challenging at times because we had the bye followed by a postponed game (the return clash with Wellington Phoenix), but we’ve had time to work on things and put plans in place starting with the game at Newcastle Jets.
“Any time you have a larger amount of time between games it allows you to freshen up. We’re excited to get going again. When you are starved of games, it makes the next one coming up that bit more enticing and important.”
Adelaide United journey up to Newcastle tomorrow to take on a Jets side who have the leakiest defence in the competition by some margin, yet only leaders Melbourne City have scored more goals than Ash Wilson’s side. The Reds’ head coach recognises the threat, but understands the opportunity for another win is there for his side.
“Newcastle have the ability to play really attractive, dangerous attacking football,” Stenta said. “They have some dangerous players, particularly in their attack. They can put scoreboard pressure on and score goals. We do feel there are opportunities for us to hurt the opposition and gain advantage. If we are able to execute, then we can beat any opposition on any given day.”
Tomorrow’s game brings down the curtain on the most successful calendar year in the history of Adelaide United’s women’s team. Their head coach believes that 2023 could be even better.
“We’re hopeful to finish the year as we started it, and that’s on a positive. We have high hopes and expectations. The club is moving in the right direction, and 2022 is an example of that. We know we have some big hurdles to climb in 2023, but there is something special in this group. We’re looking forward to doing what we can to unleash that.”
MELBOURNE VICTORY:
by Kieran Yap
Above: Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins speaking to the media today. Image: Melbourne Victory.
After winning their last three games, Melbourne Victory are in the hunt for a fourth against Canberra United on Saturday afternoon.
Thirteen days will have passed since Victory’s last match, a 5-2 win over the Newcastle Jets that coach Jeff Hopkins was still effusive about after the Christmas break. “We’ve had a little bit of time to reflect on the performance,” Hopkins told the media. “The first-half performance from us against Newcastle is right up there with the best that we’ve played.
“In terms of our football, in terms of the intensity and the quality and just the way that we finished everything off, is as good as I’ve ever seen since I’ve been at the club I think.”
Victory surged to a 4-0 lead before halftime in their last outing with in-form striker Melia Ayres and captain Kayla Morrison both netting braces. Although Melbourne conceded twice in the second half, Hopkins looked at that as an opportunity for the team to improve as they strive for 90 minutes of consistent football.
“Obviously there were reasons in the second half why we had that little drop-off. Losing Casey (Dumont) was a big part of that. We didn’t handle the transition from her coming off, and Miranda (Templeman) coming on. The Jets scored straight away, and we had a little bit of an anxious 20 minutes or so.
“It showed us an area that we needed to work on. We’re now comfortable if that does happen again, we’re better prepared for that.” Goalkeeper Dumont was substituted with a concussion but has been declared fit to play against Canberra. She passed her return-to-play protocols with “flying colours” according to the coach. Victory will also be buoyed by the return of Grand Final hero Amy Jackson to the squad. The club has been cautious with her this season and refused to rush her back.
Above: Amy Jackson, who Melbourne Victory boss Jeff Hopkins reveals could be back this weekend. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Hopkins said that Jackson’s availability will have knock-on effects for the whole team. “Amy’s the one, it gives us a few more options. Obviously, we can move KK (Elise Kellond-Knight) around, we can move Murph (Alana Murphy) around. Chids isn’t so stuck in the position that she’s been. That opens things up for us.”
Jackson’s return offsets the loss of central defender Claudia Bunge. Victory will have to face the unpredictable and dangerous Canberra attack without one of the pillars of last season’s success. “That’s the one loss we’ve had,” said Hopkins. “She didn’t come up from the injury a couple of weeks ago, but she was touch and go for tomorrow, but we’ve decided we’re not going to risk her. Hopefully we’ll get her back for next week.”
The immediate test is Canberra United. Melbourne Victory’s performances have been steadily improving over the past month. They have registered a tight win over Wellington Phoenix, an impressive defeat of Perth Glory away from home, and a convincing display against The Jets. Hopkins would like to see that trajectory continue on Saturday.
“It will be interesting to see how we perform from the start but also in the areas that we’ve highlighted,” said Hopkins. “Can we do what we’ve set out to do and follow the game plan and be successful?”
Victory are more rested than this weekend’s visitors who lost 4-0 to Melbourne City before Christmas. However, the Victory head coach is wary of the threats they pose. Particularly Michelle Heyman, who Hopkins described as one of the best strikers in the league.
“She’s got pace, she’s very smart and a great finisher. Two great wide players as well. Their attack in transition is where they’re very very strong. “I think that could be the key to us defensively, to counter the counter-attack as well as we possibly can, not let them attack quickly. “If we can do that, that will go a big way towards negating a lot of their threats.
WELLINGTON PHOENIX:
by Ryan Miller-Woods
Above: Welington Phoenix goalkeeper Brianna Edwards speaking to the media today. Image:Wellington Phoenix.
Wellington Phoenix face a hugely important game against fellow winless outfit Western Sydney Wanderers on Monday, and goalkeeper Brianna Edwards is confident that her side are going to repeat their victory against the Wanderers from last season.
Despite a difficult run results-wise from the start of the season, Edwards sees definite signs of the team coming together once more under adversity: “I think it’s been character-building. It’s brought out a lot mentally in a lot of the girls and me especially, you know copping goals in the first couple of rounds was hard, but I think it allowed us to steer the team in the right direction, we’re getting closer and closer, the win is coming and conceding less goals. It’s hard but we’re getting there.
“The culture at the (Wellington) Phoenix as a club is great, I think we’ve grown to become a family over the last year and this season. It’s definitely what keeps our team together in the hard times”.
Edwards has been deputising for the injured Lily Alfeld all season to date and has been, to a degree, thrown in at the deep end, but it is a situation that she is embracing: “As an athlete, I think it’s hard to be happy with your performance all the time but I think there’s definitely been moments where I’m like this is how I want to perform, it’s just about being more consistent.
“I think that will come with more experience, you know I’ve only played six games in the A-League (Women). More experience and more games is going to give that consistency.”
While the results haven’t been there for Wellington so far into the season, they have been showing signs that they are on the up, and in at least a few of their matches, luck simply hasn’t been on their side – that has to change at some point, and there’s no reason why that cannot happen on Monday.
Above: Saskia Vosper – the Phoenix full-back believes Wellington’s travails last season are standing them in good stead this season. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
Also speaking to the media today was Saskia Vosper who believes that it is only a matter of time before Wellington Phoenix notch their first win of the campaign.
“I feel like every game we get better and better like from the first game we had (against Melbourne City) probably a first half of a really good performance then we’ve just building and building from there. I’m excited to go out against Western Sydney and show them what we can do.”
Vosper outlined the key role that head coach Natalie Lawrence and her coaching staff have had in keeping confidence high among the squad. “Well, it’s all about staying calm and doing the simple things right and just fighting together as a team and just going out there as a unified team.”
The Phoenix full-back believes that herself and her teammates are benefitting from drawing from their well of tough experiences from last season’s inaugural campaign in the division, and it has made them better people and players as a result.
“I kind of know what to expect (now). Last season I was very naive and I didn’t what the calibre of games (in the A-League Women) were, but this season I kind of know how to prepare myself, both mentally and physically.”
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS:
by Ben Gilby
Above: Western Sydney Wanderers’ new signing, Philippines international striker Sarina Bolden (8). Photo: Sports Inquirer.
Western Sydney Wanderers have announced the signing of Philippines international Sarina Bolden. The 26-year-old striker has most recently been playing in Japan, and has 17 goals in 29 international appearances.
It is an important capture for Wanderers head coach Kat Smith whose side have only scored two goals all season, and gone goalless in their last four matches. “Sarina Bolden… can play across the front three. For us to score more goals this season, it’s a key move going forward,” Smith admitted.
Reflecting further on her team’s showings so far this season, which has seen a number of positive performances undone by an inability to score, the Western Sydney boss praised her squad for refusing to let things get them down.
“There have been moments in games that have been frustrating, moments when decisions haven’t gone our way, but credit to the players, they keep turning up to training. (They are) determined to get better. They are not letting those moments in previous games impact their approach to training and the next match.”
Wanderers face a huge game on Monday when they travel to Wellington Phoenix for a battle of the bottom two, as the only winless teams in the competition go head-to head. Smith said: “It will be interesting to see how Wellington show up. Factoring in the travel, it’s an international flight, but we’re ready to play.
Above: Western Sydney Wanderers’ Danika Matos speaking to the media today. Image: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Defender Danika Matos believes that the strengths new signing Sarina Bolden brings to the club could bring about a change in her side’s fortunes in front of goal.
“Sarina is a great addition to the team. She is a true nine, very strong on the ball, she has great vision, she’s here to score goals, and that is exactly what we need.”
Matos recognised the frustrations around her team’s start to the season, something she puts down to the sheer number of new faces in the squad.
“We’ve had a tough run. We’re still a new team, we’re still trying to gel. We’re finding out each other’s ways of playing and understanding each other’s attributes. Every week we are progressing more. We just want to try and get the ball back in the net.”
Monday’s clash in Wellington is hugely important for both sides, and the Western Sydney Wanderers defender is under no illusions as to how tough it will be.
“Wellington – they are a young team and very aggressive. They come at you a hundred miles an hour. They are in their home-town, they haven’t played many games there, so we’re expecting a fight.”
Ben Gilby reports on both sides’ media conferences this week in the build-up to Sunday’s game at Macedonia Park(29/12/22).
PERTH GLORY
Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis believes his team has proved they are more than capable of mixing it with the best ahead of Western United’s visit on New Year’s Day. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis believes his team can use the positives of pushing league leaders Melbourne City close on Tuesday when it comes to hosting unbeaten Western United on New Year’s Day.
Reflecting on Perth’s showing at AAMI Stadium, Epakis said: “It was a very hard-fought performance. We defended very resolutely against some of the best attacking threats in the competition. I genuinely thought we could have walked away with something a bit more positive (result-wise).”
The Glory boss went with a bench stacked full of dynamic attacking threat which added pep to the final quarter of an hour. Explaining the reasoning behind taking that approach rather than starting with those players, he said:
“We brought on players to bring the energy we needed. Those that started laid a foundation and put a lot of effort in. It’s bitter-sweet. We did a lot of really good things, but unfortunately didn’t get anything (from the match). We do have the belief though that we can mix it with one of the strongest teams in the competition.”
Perth went into the match without in-form striker Rylee Baisden due to a minor injury. Epakis provided an update about the American’s availability for Sunday’s game: “Rylee pulled up a bit sore after the game against Canberra and was a risk that if we played her (at Melbourne City), from a loading point of view, might have had more damage and been out for longer. She should be back (for New Year’s Day).”
Western United’s first-ever visit to Macedonia Park comes in the midst of a tough turnaround of matches against two of the competition’s top teams in the space of five days – a spell that included 1,600+km flights to and from Melbourne. The Glory head coach sees no negatives in scheduling though.
Above: Perth Glory’s Rylee Baisden is likely to return to the squad on New Year’s Day after missing the trip to Melbourne City on Tuesday with a minor injury. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
“I’m happy about that because we don’t have time to sit and frown on the negative thoughts. We can pick ourselves up and I genuinely believe that the players are going to be raring to go knowing that they can take a lot of internal belief out of this match (against Melbourne City) and go out and have a crack at another good opposition ASAP.
“It was tough with the heat and the travel, but we’ll be fine. The players are so focused on the task in hand, that overcomes any fatigue.”
Sunday’s opponents Western United are riding the crest of the wave after a dream start to their first A-League Women season, but it is a start that Epakis is not particularly surprised about.
“I think they are getting exactly what they deserve. When you invest heavily in anything, you always get some level of return, and they are definitely getting that from their playing group. They’ve come in as a new team, but a lot of them have played together in NPL (for Calder United) for a few seasons and they’ve topped that up with top tier recruits, so credit to them for that.”
“Having said that, we’re in a good place in our own business. They are going to come here in good form, but we’re coming in with a fixated mindset on getting a mindset, and I’m positive about what we can achieve.”
Outlining what he expects from the game, the Perth Glory boss said: “I think it will be a transitional one because they (Western United) like to attack quickly. It is going to be end to end. The 4pm gale force winds at Macedonia Park will play havoc and will suit the team who gets possession in the first half.
WESTERN UNITED
Above: Western United’s Mark Torcaso – detailed planning and preparations before his team’s entry into the A-League Women are bearing fruit. Photo: Western United.
Western United head coach Mark Torcaso believes that the extra break that his team have been afforded after the postponement of their scheduled game at home to Newcastle Jets this week has come at the perfect time for his unbeaten side.
United last played on 17th December, when they gained a superb 3-1 win at Melbourne City, and it has allowed Torcaso’s players to rest and recuperate as well as add detail to preparations for their first trip West.
“We’ve been able to freshen a few people up,” the Western United boss said, “We had a few knocks against City. Harriet (Withers) has had a setback with her ankle. She went under the knife on Monday or Tuesday so she will be maybe another eight weeks away. The others are pretty much ready to go.”
After her superb two-goal performance at AAMI Park last time out, Torcaso revealed that his Matildas star Chloe Logarzo could be in line for her first call into the starting line-up this season, although her game time remains a careful balancing act.
“She’s definitely capable of starting, we’re just going through the process of whether she will or not. She has some targets she needs to meet both in-house and Matildas, so we’re just ramping her up.”
In terms of what those targets are, the United head coach identified that it surrounds “Her physical preparation. She wants to be in the best form physically but to be primed ready for World Cup selection. We’re happy with where she’s at and she’s happy with the way we’ve managed it. It’s now a matter to build minutes.”
Above: Chloe Logarzo – seen here scoring her second goal for Western United at Melbourne City – could be in line for her first start for the club on New Year’s Day. Photo: Western United.
Asked if he was surprised by how quickly the members of his squad that have little or no previous top-tier experience have adapted to Western United’s first A-League Women campaign, Torcaso underlined the importance of the long-term planning of the side’s entry into the competition
“We tried to create the set-up at Calder (United) to be similar to A-League Women in regards to all players’ preparations. “I always knew a lot of these players had the ability, it was about how long they would take to adjust. I feel they adjusted pretty quickly. It shows our NPL is one of the better ones in the country if we have players who are able to stand up and compete in the A-League straight away.
“Perth – you have Sarah Cain, Alana Jancevski – girls who have been playing NPL Victoria as well. From that perspective, we have good people and good players around who can step up to the professional level.”
Whilst Perth Glory have only a single win to their name so far this season, Torcaso is well aware that the Western Australians offer his team a real threat.
“They are a good side, they have a coach who has them well organised. It has been a pretty consistent group. He (Alex Epakis) is building in the same way to what Adelaide have (in terms of keeping the majority of a squad together) so they are a dangerous opponent. They have good players individually, but also ones that can link together and play well.
“We’ve worked very hard on what Perth’s strengths and weaknesses are. It’s a long trip, some of our girls will be having their first Perth trip, but if we worry about ourselves we’ll be OK. But they are playing us for the first time, so there’s no expectations on us in that position.”
Above: Sydney FC striker Remy Siemsen. Photo: Sydney FC.
Sydney FC striker Remy Siemsen is heading back to Europe after the Sky Blues agreed a club-record transfer fee for a Liberty A-League Women’s player.
The details of the move are exceptionally sketchy at the current time with the new club and the exact timing of Siemsen’s departure still under wraps, as is the fee, which will remain undisclosed as part of the terms of the agreement.
The 23-year-old recently return from a spell at AIK in Sweden and has scored two goals in four games, however, the lure of another spell abroad and more experience ahead of the Women’s World Cup next year proved too much.
“I’m very grateful to Sydney FC who have allowed me to depart and pursue this fantastic opportunity. It has always been a dream of mine to play in this overseas league and I am excited to test myself against some of the best players in the world.
“The environment at Sydney FC is amongst the most elite I have experienced and it has been great to return back here and contribute to my hometown club. “We’ve got yet another fantastic squad this season and I’ve no doubt the girls will be challenging for trophies come the end of the season.
Above: Remy Siemsen is hoping the move back to Europe will further boost her World Cup prospects. Photo: Football Australia.
“I’ll be following from overseas and I wish everyone here all the success in winning a third straight Premiership. I’m sure I’ll be back in Sky Blue again one day.”
Head Coach Ante Juric was full of praise for the striker and signaled his intent to replace her.
“Remy has been extremely good and has slotted in very well since coming back from Sweden,” he said. “She will be a miss, of course, but this is a great opportunity for her to play as a full-time professional footballer.
“We have players that will no doubt step up and take this opportunity that has presented itself, with that we will need to replace Remy so the strength of our squad will not be affected.
“Again, we are proud of Remy and what she has achieved, though now as team we are looking forward to the next game and we will prepare and focus as usual.”
Above: Jens Scheuer, unveiled as the new head coach of Brighton and Hove Albion today. Photo: Paul Hazlewood, supplied to Impetus by: Brighton and Hove Albion.
Barclays Women’s Super League side Brighton and Hove Albion have today announced Jens Scheuer as their new head coach. The 44-year-old German has agreed a deal that will keep him on the south coast until the summer of 2026.
Scheuer has previously coached FC Bayern Munich Frauen and SC Freiburg Frauen in the women’s Bundesliga, and expressed his excitement in the opportunity given to him by the Sussex club.
“It’s a great feeling, I’m very excited to work for the team and the club. The facilities are the best I have ever seen. I had good talks with [technical director] David Weir. The first time we spoke it was clear for me that I wanted to come here and build a team which can grow and move up the table. I’m very excited for the future and can’t wait to get started.”
Women’s chair Michelle Walder said, “I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Jens as our new head coach of the women’s team.
“He has great experience at the very top level of women’s football in Europe: winning the Bundesliga in 2021 at Bayern Munich. He consistently finished in the top two during his three seasons there and guided them to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2021.
Above: New Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Jens Scheuer. Photo: Paul Hazlewood. Supplied to Impetus by: Brighton and Hove Albion.
“Jens was our number one target from the start, and the process was similar to the one we recently undertook when appointing Roberto De Zerbi as men’s head coach.
“The excellent results during Amy Merricks’s time as interim coach and having the winter break took some of the time pressure off us, and allowed us to go through a thorough process which reaffirmed Jens as our first choice.”
Technical director David Weir added, “Jens has a brilliant footballing CV and was the standout candidate. His record at Bayern Munich speaks for itself, but having met with him it’s clear his ambition and vision matches ours and we are excited to start working with him.
“Amy, Perry [Northeast], and the staff have done an excellent job over the interim period, and we picked up some important results with a win and a draw from the three games in the WSL, and a win in the Conti Cup, going into the Christmas break.
“Amy, Perry, and all the staff will be key in helping Jens settle in and prepare for his first game at Leicester City on 15th January.
“We will also have our new women’s and girls’ managing director Zoe Johnson, who is joining us from Sheffield United, starting with us early in the New Year.”
Above: Jens Schauer – who comes with Bundesliga and Champions League experience from his time at the helm of Bayern Munich. Photo: Paul Hazlewood. Supplied to Impetus by: Brighton and Hove Albion.
Above: Melbourne City’s Rhianna Pollicina celebrates her penalty success which sealed the three points for the Sky Blues today. Photo: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City went three points clear at the top of the A-League Women after a deserved victory over a hard working Perth Glory side.
City boss Dario Vidosic’s half-time personnel and tactical changes were the difference as substitute Rhianna Pollicina’s penalty sealed the win.
As the Sky Blues’ chief predicted in his Boxing Day media conference (https://impetusfootball.org/2022/12/26/melbourne-city-v-perth-glory-preview/), star striker Hannah Wilkinson was named in the home team’s squad for the first time this season after overcoming a quad injury. However, this does not mean the end for the Chilean magician Cote Rojas who has lit up the opening six weeks of the A-League Women, as she will be back in February when Emina Ekic returns to the United States.
In a further reshuffle, mindful of his team’s previous outing just four days ago, Vidosic brought Daniela Galic, Emina Ekic and Melissa Barbieri into the starting line-up. Pollicina moved to the bench, where former Canberra United star Karly Røstbakken returned to the squad after injury.
There were also changes in the Perth Glory line-up with Bella Wallhead returning to the starting 11 in place of Sadie Lawrence who dropped to the bench and Sarah Cain returned after suspension. Alana Jancevski and Gabriella Coleman who, up until now have rotated between each other in the starting line-up, were both substitues on a very attacking bench which also included Demi Koulizakis. In-form attacker Rylee Baisden remained in Western Australia after suffering a minor injury.
Above: Hannah Wilkinson warming up pre-game. Her return was a late Christmas present for City fans. Photo: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City set out to maximise possession with the visitors deploying Kim Carroll on Wilkinson along with an enjoyable battle between Ella Mastrantonio and Galic. However, the Football Fern only needed seven minutes to get her first shot in as Ekic beat Tash Rigby along the left to pull across a low ball that Wilkinson hit wide.
With 13 minutes gone, Western Australian product Leticia McKenna took the bull by the horns and skipped across the pitch passing purple shirts with ease until the former Glory player got a shot away that forced Sarah Langman to palm away at the right hand post. A number of the Perth squad know only too well from playing alongside the 20-year-old what she can do with time and space to run – so this was not an episode they would be in a hurry to allow again.
Despite the 75% of possession that the home side gathered in the opening 20 minutes, the Glory defence remained unbreached and the longer the half went on, the more successful their defensive press was with City forced to start playing from further back. Their structure and organisation at the back was better than at anytime this season to date. A sign of further positivity for Alex Epakis’ team was a first shot on target with the pace of Cyera Hintzen allowing her to get away.
Hintzen had another real opportunity with five minutes to the half remaining. Supreme skill from Susan Phonsongkham to control a pass and flick it past her marker allowed her to deliver an inch perfect ball through into the striker’s path. As the American looked to round Barbieri, in came Naomi Chinnama to make a timely tackle.
Above: The first half battle between Melbourne City’s Daniela Galic (left) and Ella Mastrantonio was entertaining to watch. Photo: Keep Up.
Perth’s tactical nous was developing throughout the half. They were looking to frustrate the City movement and passing game initially before bringing on second half replacements on in a bid to pull something from the game. The challenge for the Glory coaching team was when to make that call and ring the changes.
However, the initial changes came from the home side with Pollicina coming in for Bryleeh Henry and Julia Grosso replacing Chelsea Blissett. The momentum came with them as Galic played in Pollicina who offloaded behind her for McKenna to put a shot wide. The early pressure continued and only a miraculous clearance off the line from Mastrantonio saved the visitors as Pollicina delivered a low ball across for Galic who combined with Kaitlyn Torpey.
Torpey came close again shortly afterwards as she lifted a shot from the right hand edge of the box. Langman misjudged it badly and could only punch the ball against her own post with danger narrowly averted.
City’s forward momentum continued as Pollicina burst into the box and went down under pressure from Kim Carroll. Whilst contact looked to be minimal, referee Rebecca Mackie pointed to the spot and Ekic placed the ball confidently into the left hand corner.
Above: Two of Australian women’s football’s brightest young stars Perth Glory’s Hana Lowry (left) and Daniela Galic in action today. Photo: Keep Up.
Within five minutes Ekic appeared to hyper-extend her ankle in reaching for the ball before Cain and was forced to depart the action.
With eight minutes to go, Jancevski came on to join Coleman in attack along with Hintzen. Her flick header found Koulizakis within seconds, but the resulting shot was way over the bar. Shortly afterwards Sakalis scooped a glorious pass through to Hintzen whose shot was too high, as the visitors’ final opportunity to take something from the game went.
In the end, it was Melbourne City’s substitutions that proved to be the difference. Pollicina was influential within moments of arriving, and with 12 minutes remaining, Røstbakken’s welcome return came after an injury-ridden period. This, combined with a more direct approach to their attacks nullified the Perth high press that worked effectively in the second quarter of the match.
For the Glory, Sofia Sakalis showed her ability in tricks and flicks, but City’s personnel and tactical changes at the break was the game changer. Perth’s game at home to unbeaten Western United on New Year’s Day is now hugely important in their bid for Finals football. Alex Epakis’ side are now seven points adrift of the top four having played a game more than three of the teams currently in those positions.
Above: Melbourne City interim head coach Dario Vidosic speaking to the media today. Image: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City interim head coach Dario Vidosic expects Hannah Wilkinson to return to his squad for tomorrow night’s game with Perth Glory at AAMI Park.
Vidosic also revealed that Matildas international Emma Checker could potentially play some part in the encounter depending on the outcome of late checks: “Wilkie (Hannah Wilkinson) will more than likely play, Emma Checker, we’re looking at, she was sick for quite a long time and so has missed a lot of training.”
City come into this match, their second in four days, on the back of a 4-0 win at Canberra United. Whilst the scoreline was comprehensive, the City head coach didn’t feel that the performance was.
“In patches we were good (against Canberra United), but we didn’t have as much control as we had against Western United (in their previous game). There were some technical errors. It’s a hard place to go, Canberra. When we played well, we looked good.
“But I sometimes forget how young they are. We had a 16-year-old, two 17-year-olds, 19, 20, 18-year-olds. They are learning a lot. I can be harsh sometimes forgetting how old they are.”
One of those young stars is 16-year-old Daniela Galic, who scored her first goal in the win over Canberra United, and has been one of the young stars of the competition this season. The City boss is proud of the young star.
Above: Daniela Galic – the 16-year-old is one of the brightest young stars in the league this season. Photo: Melbourne City.
“She’s very talented. She’s 16, we demand a lot from her, but that prepares her for bigger and better things. Everyone sees her talent, and I think her future will be overseas, and hopefully at a high level. I’m just trying to look after her, teach her, and let her play. At the end of the day everyone wants to have fun. Matchday we want to win, but at their age, they want to enjoy it.”
Vidosic knows he is up against a Perth Glory side who are well rested, having their last game, also a win over Canberra, nine days ago. Despite this, the Sky Blues boss isn’t too concerned about the opposition. His full focus is on what his own team are doing.
“They (Perth) want to keep the ball. We won’t change too much. We want to be the dominant team, we’re playing at home, at AAMI Park, so we want the points…and build into the New Year.”
With Vidosic now well into his second month as a head coach, he reflected on the process of taking over and making his mark in the game from the sidelines. “At first it was a shock (being asked to take over). I’m quite similar (to my Dad, Rado). We want the ball all the time, we want to play an excitable brand. After some of our game, we’ve had people come up to us saying ‘youse play great football’, and that’s what it’s all about.”
The chance to step up as interim head coach at Melbourne City is the culmination of a process that Vidosic himself began preparing for whilst still playing
“Even when I was playing, in my mid-20s. I noticed what Barcelona and Pep Guardiola were doing and I started analysing. I just want to enjoy and keep learning.”
PERTH GLORY:
Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis says confidence is high ahead of his team’s battles with the top two sides in the competition over the next five days. Image: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis is urging his team to use the huge confidence boost that they got in coming from 2-0 down to defeat Canberra United in their last outing when they travel to Victoria to face Melbourne City tomorrow.
Speaking to the media, Epakis highlighted: “The team is in really good spirits and there is a great energy and buzz among the squad. It’s great to be part of it.”
After having nine days between that win over Canberra United and their game against City, the Western Australians now face two games in five days against the competition’s top two sides, with Western United coming to Macedonia Park on New Year’s Day. On top of that, the squad face two 2,700 km flights thrown in for good measure. It’s a test that the Glory have to pass to get their Finals bid on track.
“We know it’s an important period coming up. We’ve got a few games in quick succession and we want to make sure we start off that run of games over the festive period high in intensity on the back of our last performance (against Canberra).
“That win was very important and a lot of players grew in confidence in themselves more than anything. That sort of result was similar to ones we had last season and the way we won games. We know we are capable of those sorts of gritty performances and winning when it doesn’t look like we will – 90 minutes is a long time and things can change quickly as we saw against Canberra.”
Above: Perth Glory players come together – the Western Australians know their next two games are vital. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
However, Perth will know that having a slow start and mounting a comeback against Canberra is one thing, Melbourne City are a very different beast, with only one defeat all season, and the competition’s top scorers.
“We have a different type of test for this match. We’re going to have to be better,” Epakis recognised. Hopefully, we can manage our performance from minute one to minute 90 to make it easier for ourselves.”
“They are a very strong outfit. They have traditionally been for a number of years now. They are a very dynamic and athletic team. We have to match that aspect of the game and we have to be really good and disciplined in the moments we don’t have the ball, and in that transition period. With the ball, we’re as good as anyone.”
Epakis revealed that preparations for the match included training on Christmas Day. “They (the players) were talking of getting me a Grinch outfit. I think they think I am the Grinch with or without the outfit!
“We did our usual two-day preparation for any game, and it just so happened that it fell on Christmas Day. To be fair to the players, they haven’t shown any disappointment. We were done early in the morning and enjoyed Christmas away from the team.”
Above: Mackenzie Hawkesby dispatches the penalty that put Sydney FC ahead in the derby today. Photo: Sydney FC.
Sydney FC scored twice in a four-minute period just after the half-hour mark to claim a routine victory over cross-city rivals Western Sydney Wanderers in hot conditions at Allianz Stadium.
Goals from Mackenzie Hawkesby and a characteristic marauding run and rocket-propelled finish from Cortnee Vine sealed the points.
With Sydney FC’s outstanding American signing Madison Haley missing with a minor injury, Remy Siemsen was brought into the starting line-up. Rachel Lowe took her place on the bench, and captain Nat Tobin, harshly sent off in the first meeting between these two sides just three weeks ago, was in defence.
Above: Western Sydney in possession at Allianz Stadium today. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
The home side were in control from the early stages. They were patient, looking to maintain possession until openings presented themselves. As is their wont, Wanderers worked hard and looked to close down the space available to the Sky Blues, but there remains a concerning lack of firepower, something that has dogged the club for a few seasons now.
This means that once Western Sydney go behind, the prospect of a comeback is almost inconceivable. The fact that the team has now gone scoreless in four of their five games merely underlines this.
The home side began to turn possession into concerted chances with just over 20 minutes gone. Kirsty Fenton cut in from the left into the box, leaving Sophie Harding for dead. She got a shot away which led to a mini pinball around the area before going out for a corner that Western Sydney dealt with.
Before the half-hour mark, the second corner in a row delivered by Mackenzie Hawkesby on the left was met by the head of Siemsen and flew well wide, but referee Rebecca Durcau pointed to the spot adjudging Amy Harrison held Sarah Hunter. It was not a foul that led to mass appeals – indeed the only thing the award did provoke was mass confusion. Regardless, up stepped Mackenzie Hawkesby to smash down the centre for the home side to take the lead.
Above: Mackenzie Hawkesby celebrates after putting Sydney FC ahead from the penalty spot. Photo: Sydney FC.
Three minutes later, Sydney struck again with a piece of true Cortnee Vine magic along the right. A Wanderers attack was broken up and a long half-volleyed pass crossfield from Hawkesby fell into the path of an unmarked Vine. The Matildas star drove into the box, turned Danika Matos, and curled a sensational effort into the far corner of the net. It was some way to score her first goal of the season.
The home side were now rampant and Vine was involved again as she motored away along the right and fed Siemsen inside her who fired in a shot across goal that Jordyn Bloomer did well to get a hand to.
Three minutes before the break, Western Sydney carved out their first opening of the game as Hollie Caspers, left of centre, fed Harrison inside her. The ball was played on for Sheridan Gallagher to get a shot away that the advancing Jada Whyman repelled magnificently.
There was still time for Sydney create another golden opportunity. Princess Ibini laid off to Fenton on the left wing. The former Newcastle Jet advanced into the box, seeing off Alexia Apostolakis in the process, but her shot came off the outside of the post.
Above: Cortnee Vine salutes her magnificent strike. Photo: Sydney FC.
The second half opened with a change in goal for Western Sydney with Sham Khamis replacing Bloomer. Another change of note occurred when Lowe was introduced on the hour mark after Siemsen took a knock and had ice applied to her knee after leaving the pitch.
Western Sydney began their best period of the afternoon with 25 minutes remaining. Charlotte Mclean’s back pass from the left of the box was short allowing Gallagher in. Whyman went in with her feet to avert the danger, only for the ball to head Harrison’s way. The Sky Blues goalkeeper dived studs first and made connection with the Wanderers player’s shin first and the ball was cleared. Spot kicks have been given for less, but referee Durcau was unmoved.
Wanderers’ flurry continued as sub Cushla Rue broke through via Olivia Price and saw her shot come back off the right-hand post. The 19-year-old Rue had another opportunity five minutes from the end when she was found by Price again after a lovely lay-off from Bethany Gordon, but it was directed wide of the right-hand post. The substitute created headaches in this period for the home side in a way that few of her teammates had managed to date.
Above: Cushla Rue, who went to the U20 World Cup with the Young Matildas in August, put on an impressive cameo for Western Sydney Wanderers from the subs bench. Photo: Football Australia.
Vine delivered Sydney’s final chance of the afternoon as her run and curved ball into the box found Lowe who was denied by the onrushing Khamis.
There will be tougher tests for Sydney FC this season, and when they come, the Sky Blues will want to convert a larger percentage of their chances. The home side had seven shots on target to Wanderers’ two, 19 total shots to five with the visitors unable to force any corners until the final two minutes of the match.
Speaking after the encounter, Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric said: “I’m happy, it’s one of our better games, especially in the first half, considering the heat. We could have had a few more goals and put them to bed early but we played well.”
Reflecting on another strong showing by goalkeeper Jada Whyman, who kept her fourth clean sheet in five games this season, Juric opined: “I don’t understand how Jada doesn’t get the recognition she deserves, it’s harder to keep in a team that has less shots against them and she will step up when we need a save and she did that again today.”
Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Rule, Mclean, Tobin, Fenton, Hollman, Hunter, Hawkesby, Vine, Siemsen, Ibini. Substitutes: de la Harpe, Lemon, Lowe, Offer (GK), Stanic-Floody.
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