Brighton & Hove Albion v Liverpool: The Media Conferences

Impetus’ Ellie Ramsauer was in Brighton and Hove Albion interim head coach Amy Merricks‘ event whilst Shannon Cookson dialled into Liverpool’s presser which was taken by assistant coach Amber Whiteley (20/11/22).

Above: Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Amy Merricks. Photo: Brighton and Hove Albion Women.

Brighton and Hove Albion go into their vital home game with fellow WSL cellar-dwellers Liverpool on Sunday in a positive frame of mind after their dramatic 5-4 win at West Ham United last time out, writes Ellie Ramsauer.

Reflecting on that win at Victoria Road, Brighton interim head coach Amy Merricks stated: “We were all proud of them [the players] in terms of the performance and the way they applied themselves.” She added that the team “played with some real intent” and that “there are some really positive foundations to build on from that game.” Merricks did concede, however, that there were “moments in the game where we need to learn to manage it better” and that was a “lesson learned.”

Following Albion’s big win, there has been a two-week international break in which a number of players have flown across the globe to play for their respective nations. When asked whether this break may have affected the team’s momentum Merricks responded that she “didn’t think so,” instead the Seagulls’ chief thought there had been some “really exciting elements as a club and a team over the two weeks, so for example with Katie Robinson making her debut for the England Senior team” as well as the fact that “Park Ye-Eun scored for [South] Korea.”

This led Merricks to the conclusion that “there’s several different things that we can build on and I think actually it’s quite nice sometimes for them to get a change of scenery, they come back and those that have remained worked really hard, so no complaints.”

Above: Rebekah Stott in training this week. Photo: Brighton and Hove Albion Women.

Another big talking point, as the Albion boss reflected on the West Ham game, was the number of players who got goals, which included three players who got debut goals for the club. In particular, Elisabeth Terland got her first goal for the club which pleased Merricks as she’s “been trying for a few games, came very close a number of times, so for her just to get the ball over the line was probably a big moment.” Danielle Cater also bagged a brace, as well as an assist, against West Ham, which Merricks said “shows that she can have a good impact on the game.”

Looking forward to Sunday’s vital game against a team around them in the table, there was positive news on the injury front. “Rebekah Stott’s been on the pitch a bit more which is really nice to see, Maisie [Symonds] has been in and around training which is nice to see but [she’s] not there just yet.”

In terms of specific targets for the match against Liverpool, the Brighton chief emphasised a need to “focus on the performance, focus on applying ourselves well first and foremost and the result will take of itself.”

Merricks asserted that Liverpool are “a really organised side’ and that “they also have several individuals with very good experience in the WSL and exciting youngsters coming through so they’ll be set up well, I have no doubt that they will come at us during the game and we have to be prepared for that.”

However, the interim head coach declared that her team have to “focus first and foremost on our performance” as well as carrying over “our intent from West Ham.” Merricks also mentioned that “managing the game where we can and where we need to’ is important.

During the international break, there was a new appointment at the club as Zoe Johnson was named as the women’s and girls’ Managing Director. Merricks reflected that the move was “a really positive appointment in terms of her experience in the game, she’s done a fantastic job at Sheffield United, has plenty of experience pitch-side as well as through being a General Manager, so an exciting appointment from the club and hopefully that can push us on.” There wasn’t, however, any news on the managerial vacancy with Merricks stating that “the club is still in the process of going through the appointment for the head coach” which is “still ongoing.”

Above: Liverpool assistant coach Amber Whiteley. Photo: Liverpool FC Women.

Liverpool’s trip to the Broadfield Stadium on Sunday is a hugely important encounter with The Reds currently sitting tenth having lost their last five games, with The Seagulls only one place ahead of them in the table, writes Shannon Cookson.

Assistant Coach Amber Whiteley, speaking to the media in Matt Beard’s absence due to temporary illness, confirmed that there is still a positive feeling in the squad: “I think there’s so much you can take from the recent performances. You’ve got to take positives from every game and use that as fuel and motivation for the coming weeks. We’ve had a lot of positives to take from recent games”.

Beard’s team lost only 1-0 to Aston Villa in their last fixture. Whiteley outlined how things are looking in the Liverpool camp.

“The squad is looking good; the players are very experienced.” Whiteley went on to explain that keeper Rachael Laws will not be in the squad due to an injury, however, both Leanne Kiernan and Ceri Holland have made progress: “Rachael Laws picked up a knock this week in training and she will be out for two weeks however Ceri Holland has made good progress as well as Leanne Kiernan but she is obviously a long way off.”

Above: Liverpool in training this week. Photo: Liverpool FC Women.

Whiteley confirmed just how hard this Women’s Super League is and how time is needed to adjust: “We know that it’s a difficult league and it would take time to adjust but now we’re really focussed on turning those performances into results”. The Reds are experiencing their first WSL campaign after two seasons in the Championship – a league they won at the end of the 2021/22 season.

When asked about Brighton’s interim head coach, the Liverpool assistant coach explained: “There is the element of the unknown for this weekend. But Amy Merricks has worked with Hope Powell for quite a long time, and we expect them to go back to basics. Amy is a well-experienced coach. We expect them to be well organised, well prepared for the game and it’s a difficult test for us.”

Liverpool are looking to bounce back from their recent results. The team look positive, the manager and assistant manager seem to be happy with how the squad are reacting and how well the training is going.

United Make Statement In Dramatic Win At Arsenal

Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United

by Darrell Allen at The Emirates for Impetus (20/11/22).

Above: Alessia Russo celebrates her goal in second-half stoppage time that sealed Manchester United’s win. Photo: Barclays WSL.

Manchester United came from behind to secure a famous win at The Emirates and end Arsenal’s long winning run in the WSL. 

Ella Toone gave Manchester United the lead at the interval but Arsenal turned the game on its head with goals from Frida Maanum and Laura Wienroither before the visitors turned the game on its head again late on with Millie Turner and Alessia Russo scoring and sending the three points back to Manchester.

Failing To Meet Expectations

On their big Saturday night at The Emirates in front of over 40,000 fans, it is fair to say Arsenal failed to deliver and failed to live up to the expectations on them for this game.

In the first half, Arsenal’s performance was below par. United enjoyed some excellent possession and chances. Leah Galton forced a save out of Manuela Zinsberger before Nikita Parris fired over the bar.

The home fans’ frustration was shown when Ella Toone’s goal was greeted with frustration and boos from the Arsenal support.

There was a reaction and improvement in the early stages of the second half with the goals from Maanum and Wienroither, however United were better across the course and distance of the game and came away with the win they fully deserved. 

Stunning Drama

Above: Frida Maanum levels for Arsenal after the break. Photo: Barclays WSL.

Whilst the majority of the crowd would have been disappointed with the end result, they couldn’t say they weren’t entertained. This was just a stunning game of football.

It was Toone time in the first half before United looked like they had collapsed in yet another big game but Marc Skinner’s team were a threat all night and the dramatic way in which Millie Turner’s header came off the crossbar and went in sparked energy and belief that more could happen. 

Just as the stoppage time board went up and signalled seven additional minutes, up stepped Alessia Russo to head home and take the life out of the Emirates. The home crowd were stunned but United had won it and deservedly so.

Delightful Deliveries 

A theme of the night for both clubs were the ball deliveries for the goals. First up, the late cross from the by-line from Hayley Ladd which found Toone to score.

After Laura Wienroither had glided through herself to level the scores there was the fabulous cross from Katie McCabe who found the Austrian who volleyed home to give Arsenal the lead.

To finish the night was Katie Zelem who provided two electric balls for two incredible headers from Turner and Russo respectively. Just a stunning game with the deliveries the highlight.

Awesome Away Fans

Above: Millie Turner’s header to level the scores with five minutes to go sparked bedlam in the away end. Photo: Barclays WSL.

There has been much debate over recent months about whether the WSL should have away sections. The Manchester United supporters at The Emirates gave only a good demonstration of why this is a good idea.

They filled the famous Clock End Away, singing and dancing the night away. They could even be heard after the game as they made the way back to their coaches to head back north. This away crowd made the atmosphere and it’s an absolute must at all WSL venues. 

Over to you Chelsea 

Chelsea will have been delighted with the result at The Emirates which sees Arsenal, Manchester United and the defending champions all sit tied on 18 points after seven games.

Chelsea of course have their big day at a sold-out Stamford Bridge today with Emma Hayes returning and Erin Cuthbert buzzing after signing her new contract. 

The Blues have the chance to go three points clear, albeit with a game in hand but a win over Tottenham would see Hayes and her team take their first real attempt at physiological authority on the WSL this season.

Teams: ARSENAL (4-3-3): Zinsberger, Wubben-Moy, Catley, Nobbs, Mead, Maanum, Walti, Mccabe, Foord, Blackstenius, Wienroither. Subs: Marckese, Beattie, Miedema, Maritz, Iwabuchi, Agyemang, Earl, Reid. 

Scorers: Maanum 46′, Wienroither 73′.

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-1-4-1): Earps, Battle, Blundell, Toone, Zelem, Galton, Ladd, Le Tissier, Turner, Parris, Russo. Subs: Baggaley, Thorisdottir, Moore, Boe Risa, Thomas, Garcia, Tounkara, Williams, Staniforth. 

Scorers: Toone 39′, Turner 85′, Russo 90+1′.

Referee: Kirsty Dowle

Attendance: 40,064.

Western United v Melbourne Victory Photo Gallery

Impetus’ Kieran Chea was pitchside at Western United’s historic first-ever A-League game against Melbourne Victory yesterday. His EXCLUSIVE photography from the game is below (20/11/22).

Above: Chloe Logarzo fires in a free-kick for Western United. Photo: Kieran Chea for Impetus.

Jess McDonald Makes History With Western United Win

Western United 1-0 Melbourne Victory

By Kieran Yap (19/11/22)

Above: Celebrations after Jess McDonald’s historic goal for Western United. Photo: Western United.

Western United have arrived in the A-League Women. The competition’s newest side defeated the reigning champions Melbourne Victory 1-0 in front of over 2,500 fans at City Vista.  

The match was an important one for both dedicated fans and neutrals. Chloe Logarzo was named in the squad for Western United, while Elise Kellond-Knight lined up for the visitors. 

The two Matildas returned to the field and the Australian topflight after both recovered from long-term injuries.  

But this match about was more than just two players. This was a meeting between two teams looking to start the season off with a win, and the first local derby for the well-supported Victorian clubs.  

Conditions were windy. Any ball in the air had the potential for either chaos or waste. Although the rain cleared and both teams had attacking talent to spare, chances were hard to come by.  

Above: The Western Core, the A-League Women’s newest Active Support Group had plenty to make noise about at City Vista. Photo: Western United.

Melina Ayres looked the most dangerous in Victory’s first half. A half volley and another shot soon after was well-struck but marginally off target.  

Up the other end, Hannah Keane was a hard-working threat to Victory’s defence. The American striker weaved her way into the box from the left but elected to cross to compatriot Jess McDonald instead of taking on the shot herself.  

The Western United number nine had two more attempts in the first half. A volley on the turn whistled over the crossbar, then after benefiting from a turnover, she had another effort skim just wide of the bottom corner.  

New Victory full-back Jessika Nash impressed Victory fans whenever she drove forward with the ball. The Young Matilda combined with Catherine Zimmerman to play in Tiffany Eliadis, but Hillary Beall was off her line quickly to snuff out the danger. 

When the goal came, it was suitably through one of the big-name recruits. A Western United attack forced a close-range save from Casey Dumont, but the ball was deflected back into a dangerous area. Jess McDonald made the most of the half chance to sweep the ball low beyond Casey Dumont.  

Western United manager Mark Torcaso had named an attacking line-up and the lead was well deserved. They were not intimidated by one of the league’s benchmark sides.  

Above: Western United goal scorer Jess McDonald leads the celebrations. Photo: Western United.

Although Victory enjoyed plenty of possession, clear-cut chances were rare. Ayres’s flick put asked Chidiac in on goal, but her lofted shot bounced just wide of the goal with Beall beaten on a rare occasion for the afternoon. 

Although Victory pressed for the rest of the game, the equalising goal never arrived. The introduction of Amy Jackson and the shift of Zimmerman to centre forward gave them more control of midfield, but Alana Cerne and Sydney Cummings were commanding be composed in defence, while the introduction of Chloe Logarzo only made things tougher for Victory. 

The final whistle sent The Western Core into raptures, while Victory’s title defence got off to a less-than-ideal start.  

It was a competitive and compelling football match, if not one packed with highlights. Despite the conditions, there was still plenty to celebrate. Logarzo and Kellond-Knight emerged unscathed, and biggest cheer of the day was reserved for Aleks Sinclair’s arrival on the pitch in her overdue A-League debut. 

Melbourne Victory’s start to the season does not get any easier. They face an away trip to face Sydney FC for round two. The Grand Final rematch now has even higher stakes after this early setback.  

Western United fly off to play Wellington Phoenix. The win will give them confidence against a team that knows what it’s like to be the new kids on the block and will be unlikely to provide any favors. 

Above: Scenes of joy in the dressing room after Western United’s superb win. Photo: Western United

Teams: WESTERN UNITED (4-3-3): Beall, Iermano, Cummings, Cerne, Papadopoulos, Robers, M.Taranto, A.Taranto (Logarzo), McDonald, Keane, Johnson (Sinclair).

Scorer: McDonald 54′.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Dumont, Tathem (Kos), Bunge, Morrison, Nash, Kellond-Knight, Eliadis (Jackson), Chidiac, Zimmerman, Ayres (Briedis), Goad,

Referee: Lara Lee.

Attendance: 2,753.

Canberra United And Perth Glory Show Potential In Entertaining Draw

Canberra United 2-2 Perth Glory

By Kieran Yap (19/11/22)

Above: Goalscoring celebrations for Canberra United at McKellar Park. Photo: Canberra United.

Canberra United welcomed Perth Glory to McKellar Park in a fixture that promised goals. When these two last met, the result was a dramatic 3-3 draw, and this round one match started in similarly frenetic style.

Glory named the hugely talented Bella Wallhead in their starting line-up for the first time since the 2020/21 season, and the youngster and her defensive colleagues had to step up in the early stages.

Canberra started aggressively and with attacking intent. Moving the ball forward at pace was valued over possession by the home side, and they created a flurry of goal-scoring chances in the opening minutes.

Michelle Heyman looked dangerous early. The A-League Women’s star striker skipped around Glory keeper Sarah Langman but hit her shot over the bar.

Wu Chenshu was next to threaten for Canberra United. Her shot from the edge of the box flew just over the bar. Following efforts from Vesna Milivojević and the returning Nikki Flannery, Perth Glory had Langman to thank for keeping things level.

Above: Canberra United’s talismanic Michelle Heyman in action today. Photo: Canberra United.

Canberra United’s fast start paid off in the 12th minute. New signing Grace Jale making an immediate impression on the fans after heading in Grace Maher’s corner kick to open the scoring.

It was a perfectly struck, in swinging delivery from the Canberra United playmaker. The New Zealand attacker had only to direct it goalward and she made no mistake from close range.

With Perth still reeling after conceding, Michelle Heyman almost doubled the lead. Her shot hit the upright after she danced through the defence and struck off her left foot.

As the half wore on, the visitors worked their way into the game. Alana Jancevski dropped deep to receive the ball. Sofia Sakalis and Hana Lowry became more involved and started to scheme in midfield.

Lowry was the first Glory play to test Chloe Lincoln in the Canberra goal. Her shot on her non-favoured right foot forced Lincoln into a spectacular diving save at full stretch.

New American striker, Gabriella Coleman began to trouble the Canberra defence. Her run and cross from the left bounced off the near post and trickled along the line before it was cleared by Emma Ilijoski.

Perth eventually carved out an equaliser in the 35th minute. In a similar style to Canberra’s opener, Liz Anton leapt to head home Ella Mastrantonio’s corner kick. The players from both sides paused in shock, but there were no arguments from the home team when the goal was awarded after it bounced in off the woodwork. Anton’s goals for Perth are few and far between, and notably Canberra are the only side she has scored against for Alex Epakis’ side.

Above: Perth Glory celebrate coming from behind. Photo: Perth Glory.

Canberra United restored their lead before halftime. Grace Maher was once again the architect. Her long run through midfield ended with a well-timed pass into the path of Milivojević, who finished under Langman to make it 2-1.

It was a much more even second half. Although both teams had threats, clear chances on goal became harder to forge. Cyera Hintzen was introduced for Glory in an attempt to switch up the attack.

The American striker was a huge influence last season and made an almost immediate impact on this match.

Hintzen found space inside the penalty area and cut the ball back to Coleman who levelled the scores in the 64th minute.

The momentum had swung slightly toward the visitors and Sakalis was having a huge impact as an advanced midfielder. An attempted overhead kick and a shot on the turn did not result in goals, but the Victorian NPLW star looked dangerous until she was swapped for Susan Phonsongkham.

Above: Perth Glory’s Susan Phonsongkham battles for the ball. Photo: Canberra United.

Canberra searched for the winner through efforts from Wu and Milivojević, while rising star Sasha Grove pushes further up the pitch.

Neither side could find the winner, despite both teams playing with plenty of intent. In the end, a draw felt fortunate but not undeserved from Perth Glory. Canberra United would have felt unlucky not to win in the opening round after dominating the shots on target 11 to four. Nikki Flannery had the best two chances to win the game late, but her shots hit the post and flew over the bar respectively

This was an exciting match between two sides focussed on scoring. Canberra United looked far sharper than their opening rounds of last season. Perth Glory entered this season with ambitions of a top-four place. They would not be perturbed by this performance, after initially being on the back foot, they were able to work their way back into the contest admirably.

Both teams will look to improve, but look to have all the pieces on the field to do so.

This fixture looked likely to produce goals and attacking play, and it delivered on that promise.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-1-4-1): Lincoln, Grove, McComasky, Faulknor, Ilijoski, Maher, Flannery, Wu (Hughes), Milivojević (Christopherson), Jale, Heyman.

Scorers: Jale 13′, Milivojević 41′.

PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Langman, Rigby, Anton, Carroll, Wallhead (Baisden), Mastrantonio (Cain), Sakalis (Phonsongkham), Lowry, Jancevski (Hintzen), Coleman, Green.

Scorers: Anton 34′, Coleman 63′.

Referee: Casey Reibelt

Attendance: 1,263.

Brisbane Roar To Opening Day Win

Brisbane Roar 2-1 Newcastle Jets

By Johnathan Stack (19/11/22)

Above: Jamilla Rankin brings the ball away for Brisbane Roar. Photo: Sofascore.

Brisbane Roar and the Newcastle Jets got the 2022/23 Liberty A-League Women season underway in a fiery affair at Perry Park.

Roar had the better of the opening exchanges of the game with Shea Connors firing wide while the Jets had chances with a Murphy Agnew free-kick tipped over by Hensley Hancuff and Sarah Griffith went close.

Larissa Crummer got the better of her former team as she scored the first goal of the match, as Roar broke the deadlock 15 minutes before halftime with the Jets defence at sixes and sevens, allowing the Australian international to slot into an empty net.

Above: Sharn Freier, scorer of Brisbane Roar’s second goal. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

Brisbane did have a goal disallowed for a foul in the box from a corner kick, which denied Crummer her second of the game. But they were not to be denied as a cross in from Connors saw Sharn Freier grab her first goal of the season.

Into the second half, it was a slow start after the break with both teams struggling to get going – not aided by the stop-start nature caused by 19 fouls committed and five yellow cards being handed out by the 55-minute mark.

Connors had a great chance to make it 3-0 as she was played in behind by a sublime pass from Margot Robinne but she hit her shot at Georgina Worth in the Newcastle goal.

Ashlee Brodigan had a big chance of pulling a goal back for the Jets from point-blank range, but Brisbane’s shot-stopper Hancuff did well to get down to it.

The Jets were pressing and pushing to get back into the game with 20 minutes to go but to no avail, with Agnew’s strike on goal was saved comfortably.

Above: Murphy Agnew, who had a strong performance on debut. Photo: Newcastle Herald.

But she had better luck and grabbed a debut goal from the penalty spot, after Hensley Hancuff very lucky to stay on the pitch after fouling Adriana Konjarski. The Roar keeper was the last player but only received a yellow.

That shifted a change of atmosphere in the last 15 minutes, with Newcastle now pushing to get the equaliser and nick a point from what was a two-goal deficit.

The visitors thought they got the equaliser five minutes from time as Agnew’s corner was headed home by Tara Andrews, but it was ruled out as Konjarski, who was deemed in an offside position, tangled with Hancuff on the goal line.

So, Brisbane Roar pick up an opening day win as they kick off their 2022/23 campaign with a victory, meanwhile, the Newcastle Jets are now without an opening day win for six years with their last coming at the start of the 2017/18 season.

Up next in Round Two for the Brisbane Roar are Canberra United who travels to Perry Park, while the Newcastle Jets host the Western Sydney Wanderers in Tamworth at Scully Park.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (4-3-3): Hancuff, Connors, Crummer, Freier, Haffenden, Hecher, Levin, Lind, Norrie, Palmer, Rankin. Substitiutes: Davern, Rasschaert, Robinne, Shuttleworth, Stephenson.

Scorers: Crummer 31′, Freier 39′.

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

Scorer: Agnew (pen) 75′.

Referee: Kate Jacewicz.

Attendance: 1,327.

Natalie Lawrence: We Want To Stay In The Finals Race

Ahead of their historic first-ever home match, Wellington Phoenix head coach Natalie Lawrence spoke to the media. Impetus’ Ryan Miller-Woods reports (19/11/22).

Above: Wellington Phoenix head coach Natalie Lawrence (left). Photo: Hagan Hopkins.

In anticipation of their match against Melbourne City, Wellington Phoenix head coach Natalie Lawrence spoke to the media yesterday as the club’s first-ever home game drew close.

After their inaugural season in which they were located in Australia throughout the entire campaign, the opportunity for the club to be able to play in front of a home crowd in New Zealand becomes a reality tomorrow afternoon. This a significant match for everyone involved. History will be made as Wellington finally hosts the first A-League Women match to be played outside of Australia.

The preparation for the match hasn’t been without its hiccups, with Lawrence having a number of players ruled out of the game.

“Mickey (Michaela) Robertson has got the concussion, so she’s not quite ready to play, we are hoping to have her back maybe next week. Obviously a concussion we have to take really seriously and make sure she’s going through the proper steps to make sure she’s okay.

“Rollo (Emma Rolston) has been ruled out, she hasn’t been able to recover again from her back, which was really, really unfortunate because she was training really well, has been great around the environment and we know about Izzy (Isabel) Gomez, Lily (Alfeld) and Grace (Wisnewski), so yeah a few injuries for our first game but we still feel pretty happy, we’ve developed a strong squad this year, so we know we have the players to still put on a strong performance.”

The Phoenix head coach sought to allay fears that some of these injuries came as a result of players playing more minutes than would have been ideal, particularly with the game coming so swiftly after an international window.

Above: Natalie Lawrence pointing the way towards a positive season for the Nix. Photo: John Davidson.

“None of those injuries have really been I don’t think from the loading. Rollo’s (Emma Rolston) was always one we were going to have to manage and I just think to the timing of that has been really unlucky for her.

“When you look at the Ferns (New Zealand), actually someone like Paige (Satchell) was able to get minutes with them so that actually helps us out, so whilst the timing sometimes isn’t amazing and in pre-season losing quite a few of our players came at a tricky time, also the fact that they can play high-level international games at home before our first game, is quite a positive for us and when you’ve got Betsy (Hassett) and Paige (Satchell) able to play, that makes a huge difference.”

On being asked whether she has spoken to the team about the match with the occasion itself and whether she has brought anyone outside of the club to prepare them with pep talks and motivational speakers to be an assistance to the players, Lawrence responded: “No, we haven’t. We’ve mentioned it but we haven’t fully focused on it.

“One of the big things this week was whilst we’ve moved from pre-season into season nothing changes, the process is the process and that’s the one thing we can control. We went through it last year with the first game of the season being this huge momentous occasion and the feeling is the same.

“So what I think the girls have done this week being in the media and talking about and trying to get this 10,000 (crowd attendance), that’s kind of channelled their focus in a different way, so then they get out everything there and when they’re training, they’re like fully focused, fully in on training on how we can beat (Melbourne) City. So they’ll be nerves, a lot of nerves. How they channelled it last year, they’re even more well equipped this year.”

The Phoenix head coach concluded by outlining the high expectations she has for her team this season.

“One of the things I’ve always said is obviously we never go to lose any game, we’ve set ourselves up not to lose but to win and we want to stay in the race (for the Finals). So for as long as we actually possibly can, we want to stay in the race. We have realistic targets and came bottom last year.

“That’s not going to be acceptable this year, for the club, for us, for the players. None of us want that again and we want to stay in the race for the Finals for as long as we can and control what we can and stick to our process, then the outcome will look after itself.”

Arsenal Ready To Perform In Big United Clash

Impetus’ Johnathan Stack attended Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall‘s media conference ahead of today’s huge WSL game with Manchester United at The Emirates (19/11/22).

Above: Jonas Eidevall, Arsenal head coach spoke to the media ahead of today’s big game against Manchester United. Photo: Arsenal Women.

The Barclays Women’s Super League is back with a bang after the international break as Arsenal takes on Manchester United in a top-of-the-table clash.

A win for United will see them go level on points with the Gunners. With champions Chelsea also up there at the top, it is vital that Jonas Eidevall’s side pick up three points.

Arsenal welcome back Vivianne Miedema to the team and there was a welcome sight as Lioness captain Leah Williamson returned to training this week.

Eidevall outlined the threat that Marc Skinners’ team pose: “It will be a tough game. We obviously now have a quick turnaround from the international period. For us, it’s about playing one game at a time, controlling what we can control, and making the most of our performance. If we do, we’re confident that we can deliver good results.”

Once again Arsenal will take to the field at the Emirates Stadium with a big crowd in attendance, with over 35,000 tickets sold. The Arsenal head coach spoke about the benefits that come from playing so many matches at the venue: “I think it’s one of our two homes. And from the time I’ve been here, we feel more and more that this is our home.

“We feel more and more that it’s on a platform, where we’re able to share our love for Arsenal with so many more people than just ourselves in the team. To share that and to see how much energy that creates, and that bond between the team and the supporters, I think it’s beautiful, and the Emirates just gives us much more opportunity to do so.

“Manchester United have had a great start to the season. I’m so pleased that we can, again, sell such a high number of tickets when we go to Emirates and have these high standards. It was a beautiful experience at the North London derby and, together with our fans, we want to try and create the same thing.”

Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne City: Preview

by Jonathan Tay (18/11/22)

Above: Action from last season’s game between Melbourne City and Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Daniel Pockett.

THE GAME

Wellington Phoenix vs. Melbourne City, 1:00 pm AEST/2am UK, Sunday 20 November, Sky Stadium, Wellington.

THE CONTEXT

Above: Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic. Photo: AP.

At the dawn of a new season, hope springs eternal.

All clubs start on the same level playing field; no team yet to kick a ball in earnest, nor face up to a midfield worth a combined 136 Matildas caps. For Melbourne City, reality hits this Sunday, as they travel across the ditch to face the Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand to open their 2022/23 A-League Women’s campaign.

The biggest question for City to answer this season: are they true title contenders?

“We remember last season; we know what we want this season,” striker Hannah Wilkinson pronounced at the A-League launch on Wednesday. “Our whole team, we had some high expectations, and we didn’t quite achieve them. So it certainly feels like unfinished business.”

Last season, City played a pleasing-on-the-eye, passing-heavy brand of football, led by veteran coach Rado Vidosic. However, though they were runners-up for the premiership, their young side fell short against both Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory in the finals series, missing out on the Grand Final. That unfinished business will likely lead through the same two unyielding obstacles of Sydney and Victory this time round as well.

Whilst a number of the squad have returned this season, City continue to rely on youth (with an average age of 22.8 years), and time will tell if they have enough experience and endurance to last the course.

“We’re going to try to do our best of course,” Vidosic said at his pre-match press conference.  “Who’s going to win it? It’s very hard to predict right now; I think Sydney FC would be one of the favourites again, Melbourne Victory have recruited quite smartly as well. Western United, we played them a couple weeks ago, they’ve got a World Cup winner in their team – they looked very good.

“I think this season [the standard] is going to be a little bit better than what it was last year, which is great. If we can keep on improving our league, I think that’s the main thing – and we’re going to try our best to be there at the end.”

We won’t get answers to all questions straight away, but Sunday’s game provides a softer opening for City, against a Phoenix side who, on paper at least, look to still have an inferior squad. It will be a prime opportunity to see whether this group can continue to maintain Vidosic’s tactical demands for aggressive pressing and calm ball composure, and how the new signings are integrated into the side.

Above: Melbourne City’s Hannah Wilkinson (far left) won’t be able to take to the field in her native New Zealand this weekend due to injury. Photo: Melbourne City.

Most of the recent recruits have travelled with Americans Emina Ekic and Julia Grosso coming in alongside Young Matildas starlets Bryleeh Henry and Daniela Galic. Ex-Sydney FC player Maria Rojas is another welcome addition following news which broke this week that Wilkinson will miss the first month of the season with a quad injury, joining Holly McNamara who’s out long-term with an ACL injury.

Further back, intrigue will surround who steps up to fill the hole in midfield left by Rebekah Stott’s departure. New Zealander Katie Bowen injects a defensive stability, whilst City will be hoping for further internal improvement from the likes of Leah Davidson, Leticia McKenna and Darcey Malone. Karly Roestbakken, who battled injuries throughout last term, will unfortunately also begin this season out of action (foot).

“We’re absolutely firing to try and achieve those goals that we set out,” Wilkinson said. “The core group of players are back, so it’s like we’re kind of picking up from where we left off, but pushing ourselves a little bit harder, to try and really get what we want to achieve.”

We will see City play a small part in a bit of A-League history; taking on the Phoenix in what will be their first proper home game in Wellington, and the first Women’s game hosted outside of Australia in the domestic competition.

Wellington, for their part, will hope to continue to build on the positivity engendered during a difficult, inaugural season. Having been forced to use Wollongong as a home base last year, where they earned just a single point, they’ll be relieved to finally have the comfort of a Kiwi crowd. They showed signs of late improvement, winning two of their last four matches to close out 21/22.

They are unfortunately the only team that does not in fact start on the same level playing field, continuing to be hindered by the inequitable rule which counts Australian-born players towards their foreign quota of five players. Internationals Betsy Hassett and Paige Satchell have however been drafted in to boost the seniority within the team, though goalkeeping captain LIly Alfield will miss their opening fixture, still recovering from knee surgery.

Speaking about the game, Vidosic added, “It’s about a four-hour flight, the length is probably similar to Perth. I think last season we didn’t travel to Perth, so for some of these girls it’ll be the first time they need to use their passports, that’s a good experience. We’ll see how things go, it’s an early morning training in Wellington, but the good thing is we’re playing in a beautiful stadium – apparently they’re going to have a good crowd as well, so I think it’s going to be a cracking game.

“When you’re playing in front of a big home crowd, it’s actually more pressure on you (the home team). Some of our girls played at the (Under-20) World Cup in Costa Rica, in front of 22,000, and did really well, so it’s not that they’ve never faced anything like that.

“I think the pressure is equal, I don’t think the players will have that on their mind when they go out to play. Our experienced girls will help the younger less experienced ones if there are any problems.”

A PLAYER TO WATCH

Above: Rhianna Pollicina in action against Adelaide United last season. Photo: Melbourne City.

Rhianna Pollicina had a standout season in 2021/22. She contributed seven goals and three assists and provided the most shot-creating and goal-creating actions of any City player.

She thrived as one of the two “number 10s” in Vidosic’s 3-4-3 formation; not only key in creating chances for her side, but also in Melbourne City’s high-pressing strategy.

She may be one of City’s only familiar faces in the forward areas for Sunday’s game, so the 25-year-old will hope to showcase consistent form to open her sophomore year in Sky Blue.

A STAT

Bryleeh Henry had a dismal last season with Western Sydney Wanderers. A promising forward in the Young Matildas squads, she was mired in the gloom of a seemingly rudderless Wanderers side which finished second-last just ahead of Wellington.

Henry was presented with chances worth a measly 1.6 expected goals (xG) from 11 games, including nine starts. She will have been disappointed with just one goal from the penalty spot to show for the sum total of her campaign.

Above: Bryleeh Henry, a key signing for City, seen here in action for Western Sydney Wanderers last season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

By comparison, Wilkinson was second in the golden boot race, with 12 goals from chances worth 9.0 xG. Henry will be hoping for a similar City bump, plying her trade in a more cohesive and competent squad.

“We tried to bring her in a few years ago, but she decided to stay at Western Sydney. This year when her contract was up, she reached out, and it was very easy to bring her in,” Vidosic added on Friday. “We worked together for the [under-20] World Cup…She’s doing really well, so I can’t wait to see how she’s going to go in the game on Sunday.”

A QUOTE

“It’s a bit silly of me,” Wilkinson lamented on her injury. “I just went straight in; too hard, too soon after my Covid infection which was a bit too much for my body.

“When I came back here, I still had a lot of quad pain from not training and being sick for a while, and just managed to pull or strain my quad a little bit. It’s going well, I’m definitely through the worst of it. Back on the pitch doing more specific stuff, so yeah, getting past it.”

The Football Fern is expected to be out of action for a month.

THE OPPOSITION

Three questions with Denise Duffy and Jonathon Haggar, part of the Flight of the Nix, a Wellington Phoenix supporters group. The Phoenix are hoping for a crowd of about 10,000 for the first home game in the club’s history.

Wellington will make history this Sunday, being the first club to host a game in the A-League Women’s outside of Australia. How are you feeling about finally being able to see the Phoenix playing at their actual home ground (and in their actual home country!) in Wellington, New Zealand?

Denise: I think New Zealand is switching more and more on to women’s sports. For long term fans of the game it’s thrilling and a bit of a relief that there is professional [women’s] football in this country. I think you will see some tears at the opening match for sure. And do tune in. No country does opening ceremonies quite like the Kiwis – it should be beautiful. Our Flight of the Nix crew will be there.

Making their debut in the A-League competition, there were obviously very few expectations for Wellington last season. What are the club hoping to achieve as they commence their sophomore year?

Denise: When we spoke with new coach Natalie Lawrence her response was realistic. They want to be there in the playoffs at the end season. Of course our fans and certainly these athletes want more. Here’s their dilemma: if they bring in high calibre athletes from abroad, it is at the sacrifice of a Kiwi spot. While other teams are stacking their rosters with short-term deals, the Phoenix are not going to do this.

Their commitment is to develop future Ferns. They have already been successful at this. New Zealand will continue to be super patient and supportive of this team and this approach. I will say, winning is addictive, it draws more fans, it creates confidence. Fans are hoping and expecting this team to continue to gel and run through brick walls for this coach. If we see that, they are bound to win some. 

This offseason, there have been a number of new signings, re-signings, and five of the squad who were selected for the New Zealand Football Ferns’ recent friendlies. Who are the players we should be keeping an eye on right out the gate?

Jonathon: I’m tipping Michaela Robertson for the team’s golden boot. She is a prolific goal-scoring machine. She’s been out of professional circles for a while but she is going to be an absolute blast to watch. Milly Clegg won’t start many games but is a super reliable sub. Very young at 17, but has future star potential written all over her. She played in the U17s and U20s World Cup this year, and is another prolific goal-scoring machine. She is super football smart, controls her body well around the pitch, and has phenomenal football IQ.

Paige Satchell was at Sydney FC and wasn’t getting many minutes but has come to the Nix to push for a Ferns starting position. Lots of pace, excellent ball control, strong physically. Claudia Cicco is an up-and-coming Matilda, playing for the Australian U20s squad, and is a fierce defender. She is no pushover and takes her role in the back line extremely seriously. As an understudy to Kate Taylor and Mackenzie Barry, she is going to have to work hard to make the starting squad but Claudia has got the ambition and talent.

Adelaide United: Wanting To Do Better And Better

by Johnathan Stack (18/11/22).

Above: Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta speaking to the media today. Photo provided to Impetus by: Adelaide United.

Adelaide United are focussed on going even further into Finals football this season beginning with a home game with many people’s favourites Sydney FC this weekend.

As they faced the media today, head coach Adrian Stenta and captain Isabel Hodgson outlined their aims for the clash against the Harbour City side and why they are so positive about their prospects over the coming months,

Stenta emphasised the clarity that is present in his team’s preparations: “I think we’re really clear about the way we want to play, I think we’re really clear about the opposition we’re coming up against, and the quality that they’ll bring. But even though it’s been a long off-season, it’s been quite a short pre-season in terms of the time afforded to us to work with all our players and get them all on the same page.

“I think every team is in the same boat, (but) we’re really lucky that we’re still able to lean on a core group of players that have been here consistently in my time here at the club. We’re going to ask them to stand up and lead the way again and we think that the players that we have brought in offer a lot of quality as well. I’m really happy with the way the squad’s come together and how our preparations have come together for Round One.”

Above: Isabel Hodgson is aware that many people have major expectations for Adelaide Unitedmthis season, and she is hungry for success. Photo provided to Impetus by: Adelaide United.

Skipper Hodgson spoke about how the club’s successes over the past two years have brought about a shift in people’s perceptions of Adelaide United saying:

“We’re not just the underdogs that could maybe upset teams. We’re kind of (one of) the teams that are meant to win, so there’s a bit of a mindset change.”

Isabel Hodgson, Adelaide United captain.

“All of the girls want to win every game; you can see that training even just in rondos people are yelling at each other because they don’t want to be the last in (the middle). That competitive nature is there and that mindset of winning every challenge is definitely there.

“I think that’s been our mentality for the last couple of years. (It) obviously paid off last year with the finals, but like (Adrian Stenta) mentioned, we kind of finished last year with a bit of a bitter-sweet feeling. We’re happy we made Finals, but that wasn’t enough for us. That’s what we’re looking for this year, to keep doing better and better.”