Impetus welcomes Shannon Cookson to our team who will be providing regular coverage on Liverpool. She joined the Reds’ head coach Matt Beard‘s media conference today ahead of their home game with a rampant Arsenalon Sunday (21/10/22).
Above: Liverpool boss Matt Beard spoke to the media earlier today. Photo: Liverpool FC Women.
After three games, Liverpool are currently sitting ninth in the WSL table. So far, the Reds have won one and lost two as they face off to second-place Arsenal at Prenton Park on Sunday. The Gunners have three wins from three games, plus a stunning 5-1 win in Lyon during midweek.
Newly promoted Liverpool beat current champions Chelsea 2-1 to get their campaign off to a great start. January signing Katie Stengel was the star against the reigning champions scoring both penalties for the Reds.
Head coach Matt Beard confirmed in a press conference today that he understands the challenge they face when playing against Arsenal however he is excited at the same time to be a part of this league again and the challenges that will come.
Above: Liverpool in training this week. Photo: Liverpool FC Women.
“Like I have said time and time again, this is why we want to be in this league: to be testing ourselves against the best teams. Arsenal have had a fantastic start to the season and obviously the performance against Lyon the other night as well pretty much shows the form they’re in.”
He went on to confirm how he will address his team’s shape ahead of this game: “We’ve been pleased with the way we’ve been playing but we need to address the way we’re starting games. We have adjusted one or two bits in training this week for that. We’re pleased with the way we’re playing; we’ve got different ways of playing in different systems, so we just have to adapt to what Arsenal do.”
Liverpool are without their strikers Leanne Kiernan and Shanice Van De Sanden. Kiernan was the Red’s highest goal scorer last season in the Championship and misses Arsenal’s visit due to an ankle injury which was picked up in the win against Chelsea. Van De Sanden has progressed in training, Beard has confirmed that she will still be out for a couple of weeks with a minor achilles issue.
Ceri Holland and Rhiannon Roberts have recently returned from international duty and Beard outlined the reasons for taking time to consider whether the pair are ready for this week saying: “It wasn’t just the number of minutes that they had played for Wales but also the emotional side of it as well, being so close to that penalty shootout.”
Beard’s side are looking to bounce back after their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last time out. Over the last couple of games, the Reds boss has used the favoured 3-4-3 formation, however, it is quite possible he will change his mind as he competes to beat the team who currently sit second in the table.
Holly Wright was in Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Hope Powell‘s media conference ahead of their home game with Chelsea on Sunday, and heard the former Lionesses star outline what her side needs to focus on against the defending champions (21/10/22).
Above: Brighton head coach Hope Powell is looking for her team to combine the stubbornness of previous seasonsagainst Chelsea with their second half showing at Manchester United. Photo: Brighton and Hove Albion Women.
Brighton and Hove Albion are currently lacking a little bit in depth with the injuries they have got, but their former England head coach Hope Powell is optimistic that things are going in the right direction.
“It’s nice to see Stotty (Rebekah Stott) and Megan Connolly on the grass who are making really good progress. Maisie (Symonds) was in today, I think she did a bit on the bike, but it is just nice to see them in and around the building to be honest.”
Despite the tough 4-0 defeat at Manchester United last weekend, Powell will be looking to take the positives from the second-half performance into this Sunday’s game against Chelsea. “It was a tough game. First off, I don’t quite think we were at the races. The second half changed; the formation did a lot better. I think the way we ended the game against United, we certainly need to build on that going into the Chelsea game. Credit to United a very strong side with really strong depth but come Sunday again, we will give it a good go.”
The Brighton head coach added that passion and desire will be key to getting a result against yet another one of the top WSL clubs. “We recognise the ability of Chelsea and the depth and the quality they have. I think we’ve just got to take care of ourselves. We know it’s going to be tough, but we have got to be prepared for that fight. In the first half against United, the passion and desire that we generally show wasn’t there, but we showed it in the second half so I’m hoping we carry that through to the Chelsea game.
”So far, I think we have played against two top sides, and I think we are playing against another top side on Sunday. I think for us, it’s the attitude and efforts that we need to see more of. We need to see more of what we certainly saw against Arsenal. I was really proud of the players even though we got beat. If we combine the attitude (we showed) against Arsenal and the desire to win the game (that we had) against Reading, you give yourself a chance, and that’s all we can ask.”
The Seagulls haven’t had an easy start to the WSL campaign already playing what will be considered two of the top teams in their first few games, but fans will be looking at the history books hoping to conjure a similar performance together that The Blues were unable to break down earlier this year. “We know that we have to start thinking about how we perform. What our attitude is going into the game and leave everything out there. I think historically, when we’ve done that before against Chelsea, we have been really hard to beat. We had good desire, good intent, and we just need to show that again on Sunday.”
Above: Rebekah Stott back in training this week. Photo: Brighton and Hove Albion Women.
Powell explained how much of a tough opposition Chelsea actually are as well as how she plans to set her team up to upset the defending champions. “We know the strengths of Chelsea. We know they are a good team, every player in their team is an international.”
“Whether we play 10 at the back or five at the back or four at the back, there still going to overload in the channels. I think what we have to do is try and deny them that space, deny them the ball as much as we can. When we haven’t got the ball, be in good shape and be aggressive.”
Hope Powell, Brighton and Hove Albion head coach.
Powell continued: “We know what we are up against, and I think we understand that they are going to have more of the ball than we do. They are going to be able to overload whether it’s out wide or through the centre. I think it’s just about us trying to negate that, where we can and build from there.”
In front of a home crowd on Sunday and off the back of a successful Euros which saw ticket sales go through the roof, Powell is hoping that they can put on a good performance for both sets of fans. “We haven’t been there (to Crawley) for a while actually. I believe we’ve sold quite a few tickets which is really good. I think on the back of the Euros our season ticket sales went up by 212% or something like that, which is fantastic.
“Chelsea have a lot of internationals, and a lot of stars so I’m sure people will want to come out not only to support us, but to see their players as well. I’m hoping that we get a good crowd and 99.9% of the crowd support Brighton to give us an extra boost.”
The 55-year-old concluded the media conference by affirming her support for equality and diversity throughout women’s football. “I think creating opportunities has certainly been spoke about during the summer. The lack of diversity on the pitch needs addressing and work needs to be done to ensure that football games are accessible to everybody and clearly it doesn’t seem to be that way.
“I know that’s something that the FA have looked at with the emerging talent centres. I guess we can be judged and juried when those centres are in place, then over a course of time we will look at it again and see whether it’s worked, or it hasn’t worked.”
Brighton and Hove Albion have yet another hard task ahead of them as they face Chelsea at Broadfield Stadium late Sunday afternoon. The game will be broadcast live on the FA Player with kick-off scheduled at 6.45pm.
Impetus’ Johnathan Stack was in Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor‘s media conference for us ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur(21/10/22).
Above: Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor looks happy, but recognises that his team cannot afford to drop many more points this season. Photo: Manchester City.
Manchester City will be looking to keep the momentum going as they face Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow at Brisbane Road.
City picked up their first win of the season against Leicester City last Sunday at home and now head to the capital to face a Tottenham side just one place and three points above them in the Barclays Women’s Super League table.
Going into Saturday’s clash, Taylor made it clear that due to the short season in the WSL there are few chances to recover from slip-ups.
“They’re all must win when you only have 22 games, the hardest thing to do is win them. Everyone is capable of beating everyone on their day, which makes the job more difficult. When you lose a few games, it makes the winning of the title difficult. That’ll never change and I’m pretty sure every coach would say the same. For us, must-win is probably a bit too extreme, it’s important for us not to lose it, we go into games trying to win.
Above: Alanna Kennedy in training. Gareth Taylor states that the Matildas star is “one week further down the line than before” in her rehab. Photo: Manchester City.
“I always look at performance level, that’s always something that sits well with me if we perform to our levels or not, it usually dictates whether you’re going to be successful. Sometimes you’re fortunate enough but being good in both boxes gives you the best chance to win the game.”
Taylor provided injury updates on Ruby Mace and Alana Kennedy saying, “There’ll be a couple of doubts, but nothing outside of what we spoke of previously. Ruby and Alanna are a week further down the line than before and closer to a return. Outside of that, there are a few knocks, but everyone’s come through unscathed and looking forward to keeping the players healthy.
“That’s going to be important with the games we have, this period is a decent run of fixtures, a three-game week for us which we enjoy but keeping them healthy and ready to play is important. At the moment things are looking good.”
Manchester City will be looking to get their season back on track after a rocky start. they face Tottenham Hotspur before getting their Continental League Cup campaign underway against Blackburn Rovers in midweek.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Melbourne Victory’s returning in-form Australian international Alex Chidiac and the club’s Director of Football John Didulica(21/10/22).
Above: Alex Chidiac striding forward for Melbourne Victory last season. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory today announced the key re-signing of 2021/22 Victory Medalist and Matildas midfielder Alex Chidiac on loan for the 2022/23 Liberty A-League season.
Chidiac returns for her second season at Victory from her parent Club, Racing Louisville FC where she made 18 appearances in the American NWSL, scoring twice in the latest campaign.
The midfielder’s first season at Victory saw her make 14 appearances, scoring once and assisting twice in a campaign that saw her lift her second A-League Women’s Championship in the Club’s back-to-back success.
Chidiac was in excellent form for the Matildas in the most recent international window, putting in an impressive shift from the bench against South Africa in London and then in Denmark as Australia chalked up back-to-back wins.
Above: Alex Chidiac was in fine form for the Matildas in the most recent international window. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica said Chidiac’s return will bolster Victory’s chances of winning its third consecutive Championship.
“We’re thrilled to be able to have Alex back for another season at Victory,” Didulica said.
“Her influence on the squad was immediate when she joined us in January, setting the standard on and off the pitch, and we believe she has more to offer coming into such an important period for women’s football in Australia.”
Chidiac was also looking forward to returning to the club for the upcoming A-League Women’s season.
“I’m excited to be heading back to Victory and I can’t wait to link up with the team and get back to work in Australia,” Chidiac said.
“I had a great experience with Jeff and the squad last season, and I want to achieve more with this Club and with this group this campaign.”
Chidiac will join the squad for pre-season training in October as the side prepares for its first match of the season against Western United on Saturday 19th November.
In the third part of our series of interviews with Impetus-sponsored players, Chorley‘s Lisa Topping, who we have supported for three seasons now, spoke to Ben Gilby aboutthe team’s progress, aims for the season, and the importance of the Euros legacy filtering down to the grassroots (15/10/22).
Above: Lisa Topping (purple kit) in action for Chorley at FC United of Manchester in the FA Women’s National League Division One North last season. Photo: John Shirras.
Chorley had a season to be proud of last time round. A fantastic FA Cup run, and a reputation for being a seriously tough nut to crack in the fourth-tier FA Women’s National League Division One North. They are a club that regularly punches above their weight, and don’t quite receive the recognition that they deserve for doing so.
Lisa Topping, who played top-level football for Liverpool earlier in her career, is an established part of the Chorley club, and we’re delighted to be sponsoring her for a third season. At the current time, Lisa is recovering from a foot injury, but looking to return to action soon. The defender opened our conversation by outlining the focus of pre-season as the club sought to build on last season’s positive outcomes.
“We had a good pre-season which saw us play quality teams that allowed us to apply things we’d been working on in training. We used the time in pre-season to really build on the foundations set the previous year and work on some of our areas. Positively, we welcomed new players into the squad, which is always good and gives us more depth and diversity.
“Those new faces coming in is great. It’s always important to bring more depth to a squad competing in this league, as it can be a long season. Positively, we’ve seen some younger players make the step up from the reserve team, which is fantastic to see as that shows our structure encourages development, growth, and sustainability. It’s a good balance to have both youth and experience and it benefits both parties. They will continue to grow in confidence and performance throughout this season, and as an older player, that’s fun to watch!”
Looking ahead to the campaign on a personal level, Lisa’s aims are all centred around adding value to the club. “I want to do whatever I can do to support the team in achieving our goals. It’s all about a team mentality at Chorley and each person playing their individual part. For me, it’s not just about how I personally play or perform but also about supporting the growth of the team, whether it be by encouraging younger players or being a voice on the sideline whilst I’m injured.”
Chorley’s reputation as being a tough nut to crack has continued to reap rewards this season, as Lisa reflected. “The team have had a good start to the campaign. The FAWNL is a tough league to be in where fixtures and results can be unpredictable.
“With that comes the need to be prepared for every game and battle to the end, which is a trait of Chorley where we never back down until the final whistle. Valuable points on the road have been picked up at the likes of Newcastle United and similarly much-needed ones at home versus Merseyrail. The team needs to continue to take each game at a time.”
Above: Chorley (sky blue) in action in front of 2,000 fans at Newcastle United earlier this season. Photo: Newcastle United.
Lisa touched on the superb result at Newcastle United – a game which saw Chorley earn a point in a game played in front of 2,000 fans at Kingston Park. I asked her what that experience was like for the squad.
“We seem to be a thorn in Newcastle United’s side. Last year we took vital points away from them which in the end stumped their promotion capabilities. We seem to have remained a thorn this year with a worthy away point in front of over 2,000 fans. You can always rely on a Laura Walker free kick in those situations! The girls and travelling Chorley fans will have celebrated loudly despite being only a few in number.”
While the summer saw the huge boost of a home European Championships, with the Lionesses winning the competition and the resulting boost in crowds at the top level. However, lower down the women’s football pyramid, clubs are still waiting to see the rewards of the summer’s successes
“A lot of focus is being put on the Women’s Super League and Championship after the tournament but there’s so much more to women’s football than those two leagues. The FAWNL gives a fantastic, tough game of football to watch too, and at a very local level. Hopefully, the grassroots clubs around us gain more interest and involvement, and in turn over time that will mean more players coming through our ranks.
“I think by putting Karen Carney in place to lead the FA’s review of womens football is a really important step. I’m confident she’s going to do a great job in ensuring progress. Momentum can very quickly be lost, so it’s really important to capitalise on it now and drive the changes that need to happen.
“As mentioned, the more people we get watching FAWNL games the better as it increases exposure. For me, being around the game for the past 25 years, I’ve recognised that it’s really important to provide opportunities for girls to play. Like so many others, when I was young I had to fight to play football with the boys and that was an intimidating experience that would make a lot of girls shy away from the sport. So, it’s about making football accessible early for all. “
Above: Rachel Weaver, who had a sensational game as a stand-in centre back for Pride Park. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.
The Pride were stretched to the limits by a combination of injuries, illnesses, and other absences for Sunday’s Challenge Cup game against Shirebrook, with just eleven players available. In the absence of a goalkeeper, a not-quite-fit-to-play-outfield Bleu Lewis-Wilson volunteered to play in goal for the first time ever, Rachel Weaver moved across to partner Annie Laight at centre back and Ella Kew played as a striker.
Despite the unusual lineup, Pride made a positive start to the game and took the game to the visitors, forcing two corners in the opening minutes, Kew almost scoring from the second in what would have been a carbon copy of her goal last week, but she couldn’t quite make the connection and the ball went wide of the post. Kew had another attempt a minute later, this time saved by the keeper, and Allderidge also saw her shot saved.
Eliot Sayavong was unlucky to see her half-volley just fly wide of the post after Allderidge glanced on an Izzy Wilsoncroft throw-in, but the breakthrough came shortly afterwards. Lizzie Pacey collected a loose ball on the left and played the ball up to Kew, who held it up well and laid off a return pass to Pacey on the overlap – she took a touch of the ball out of her feet and hit a low left footed cross across the face of goal.
Fran Critchley-Watson looked like she was going to get on to it but she was caught in a sandwich between two defenders, once of which slid under her and took her feet away, but the ball broke to Allderidge who hit an emphatic finish across the ‘keeper and into the corner of the net with fifteen minutes played.
A minute later and good build-up play involving Wilsoncroft, Kew, Critchley-Watson and Sophie Roberts gave Eliot Sayavong a shot on goal, but her shot was saved by the ‘keeper. The first fifteen minutes had been almost all Pride Park but Shirebrook responded and started to grow into the game – hitting a shot wide after a pass put an attacker in behind, but making no mistake after 22 minutes when a precise diagonal pass split the Pride centre backs and into the path of the attacker, who steered the ball wide of Lewis-Wilson to level the scores.
The goal gave Shirebrook encouragement and shortly after the goal had another shot on target but Lewis-Wilson did well to get down and turn it round the post. There was a let-off after 26 minutes when Shirebrook broke down their left and pulled back a low cross that went across the face of goal but the attacker coming at the far post put her shot wide with the goal at her mercy.
This seemed to revive Pride who responded in kind, mounting a series of attacks that lead to a couple of free kicks. The first of these resulted in a shot from distance by Laight, who did well to keep her shot down and on target, but it was collected at the second attempt by the keeper.
The second free kick, from further out, was taken again by Laight and flighted in superbly outside the far post eluding Kew and Sayavong only by inches. As half-time approached a glancing header by Kew put Roberts through but under pressure from a defender the ball clipped the back of her heel, falling into the path of Critchley-Watson for a first time shot, partially blocked and looping up to be caught by the keeper.
The second half followed a very similar pattern to the first period, with Pride Park having the better of it in the opening stages. Kew’s shot was saved by the keeper, Roberts and Critchley-Watson went close and Weaver driving forward after collecting a loose ball was unlucky not to burst through, being just crowded out by a couple of defenders on the edge of the area. Only six minutes after the restart, however, Pride were back in front; a throw-in on the right by Wilsoncroft was laid off superbly by Kew into the path of Critchley-Watson and she hit a dipping shot beyond the keeper.
The game was opening up more with both sides finding space and creating openings. Shots from Sayavong and Critchey-Watson were saved by the Shirebrook ‘keeper, and Roberts saw an effort go just wide, while at the other end Lewis-Wilson saved one shot and saw another go wide as Shirebrook tried to reduce the deficit. It momentarily looked like Pride might have extended their lead just after the hour, when Sayavong anticipated a Laight free kick into space and just beat the ‘keeper – who bravely dived at her feet – in a race for the ball but her shot only just cleared the bar. Fortunately, neither player was hurt in the resulting collision and helped each other to their feet – reflecting a game played competitively but in a good spirit by both sides.
As the game entered its final quarter the sides traded shots, a little like two prize fighters in the ring but it was Shirebrook who landed the punch – equalising with a little over ten minutes to play. Pride responded well and put Shirebrook under pressure in the final minutes creating a few chances without landing a knockout punch – an Allderidge corner was just missed in the air by Eliot Sayavong with a huge leap above the ‘keeper, the ball was instinctively prodded goalwards by Fran Critchley-Watson, and after a scramble in the six yard box Shirebrook managed to get the ball away.
The respite was short lived, however, as within a minute Kew slipped a pass in for Laight who timed her run to perfection but could not quite find the connection she wanted with her shot which was saved by the keeper low to her right. There was just time for one more attempt but Kew hit her shot wide of the post.
An entertaining game ended all square. In challenging circumstances, the Pride put in a good shift – which without the benefit of substitutes many were no doubt feeling towards the end – but showed excellent commitment and effort to the end. Once again, they were good in possession, with some intelligent play that only lacked a little on the final ball to make the most of it.
After some initial “tuning” issues the defence adapted well and gave novice goal-keeper Lewis-Wilson good protection – but on the occasions when the defence was breached, Bleu embraced the challenge, could have done nothing about either goal, and looked anything but a first timer between the posts!
Both teams will probably feel they could have won it but to coin a football cliché “we go again” (literally) – having been unable to separate the sides in ninety minutes, the tie now goes to a replay at Shirebrook on 30th October – when one way or another there will be a winner, whether in ninety minutes, after extra-time, or decided on penalties.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Sophie Stapleford who has signed her first A-League contract with her local club Newcastle Jets, after overcoming huge personal challenges, plus the views of head coach Ash Wilson (20/10/22).
Graphic: Newcastle Jets.
Newcastle Jets have announced the signing of Maitland Magpies Captain Sophie Stapleford for the coming A-League season.
Stapleford, a midfielder, joins the club after her impressive performances in the Newcastle NPL this year as well as her eye-catching displays in the Newcastle Jets Elite Training Program sessions during the off-season.
Newcastle Jets Coach Ash Wilson is excited to welcome Stapleford on board.
Above: Sophie Stapleford (right) in action for Maitland Magpies in the Newcastle NPL. Photo: Newcastle Herald.
“I’m very pleased to be able to announce Sophie in the Newcastle Jets squad. Sophie earned recognition this season with consistent performances for Maitland in the Newcastle NPL and backed this up with impressive sessions as part of the Elite Training Program I was running during the ALW off-season.
“She can be utilised in a number of positions due to the physical and technical qualities she possesses. This combined with her drive to make forward runs and play forward reflects the brand of football we aim to play and made her someone we were keen to work with.
“I think most of the football community in this area are aware of Sophie’s background, the challenges she has faced (she has recovered from a brain tumour) but how hard she has worked and how much resilience she has shown to get here and I can’t wait to see what she is able to achieve working in this high-performance environment.”
Stapleford is excited to get going and impress in her first A-League season. “I’m really excited to be signing with the Jets for my first A-League season. It hasn’t been the easiest journey for me to get here but I’m so grateful for this opportunity. I want to train and play consistently and keep improving every week. I can’t wait for us to work hard throughout the season and build together as a really positive football squad on and off the field.”
Impetus’ Jean-Pierre Thiesset was pitchside at the Groupama Stadium last night for Arsenal‘s stunning 5-1 win over Olympique Lyonnais and he brings us an EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from the match (20/10/22).
Above: Arsenal celebrate Caitlin Foord’s opening goal on a momentous night in Lyon. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Above: Another goal to celebrate for Arsenal. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Above: Beth Mead lets fly for the Gunners. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Above: An aerial contest in the build-up to Melvine Malard’s goal for Olympique Lyonnais. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Above: Arsenal gather in unity. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Above: Caitlin Foord gives advice to Lotte Wubben-Moy. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Above: Vivianne Miedema looks to cover. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Above: Caitlin Foord in possession. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Above: Steph Catley looks up to deliver the ball in Lyon last night. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Above: Beth Mead and Selma Bacha face off. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Above: Arsenal’s Lionesses star Beth Mead. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Above: Janice Cayman looks on as Kim Little plays a pass. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Above: Wendie Renard (left) and Vivianne Miedema focus on the ball. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Above: Frida Maanum lets fly. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Above: Arsenal’s Laura Weinroither looks to close down Danielle van de Donk. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Above: Olympique Lyonnais and France’s young gun Selma Bacha shoots last night. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Impetus’ Holly Wright was in Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner‘s media conference today ahead of this weekend’s trip to Leicester City. The Red Devils’ chief underlines the importance of going flat-out against the WSL strugglers on Sunday (19/10/22).
Above: Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner. Photo: Manchester United Women.
Having won their last nine games at home in which they have scored twelve goals and not conceded since Arsenal found a way past them almost a year ago, Manchester United hit the road where they have struggled to emulate their home form and travel to Leicester City.
Head coach Marc Skinner insists that ensuring a lack of complacency is key despite the teams being at opposite ends of the table: “If we look back to last season, it was a different kind of situation. We wanted to recruit in the summer so that we could adapt and find different ways to be a different opponent.
“When we play Leicester this weekend, I think the biggest thing for us is that we will not take Leicester lightly. I think complacency can be a real beast for any team that aspires to be successful. I’ve got to make sure that we don’t get complacent at any point and for me, I have nothing but respect for every team in this league.”
Skinner added how it’s important to stay mentally switched on against a team that are the underdogs. “We will never underestimate any team. We have got to make sure that we select the right team and focus in the right ways.
“We have already started today looking at ways in which we can beat Leicester but the one thing we won’t do is take anything lightly. We have to be at our very best again to beat a Leicester team at a very big great stadium. We are going to find ways to make sure that we stave off any complacency.”
Above: Lydia Bedford, Leicester City’s head coach, someone that Marc Skinner has huge respect for. Photo: FA WSL.
The Manchester United chief was full of admiration for Leicester City and head coach Lydia Bedford’s progress since taking charge in November 2021 claiming that they are progressing in the right way after having a total rehaul. “I think it’s difficult because when Lydia went there, she had to turn around a team that wasn’t necessarily hers.
“We have obviously loaned Carrie (Jones) there who won’t be able to play against us, but we wouldn’t have done that if we didn’t feel that Leicester was a great space or a great place that people can keep progressing and get better. I think it’s been a tough start for them. I think when you look at who the games were against in particular the Aston Villa game it was a case of the old cliché ‘a game of two halves’.”
Looking ahead to the game on Sunday, the former Birmingham City manager identified the ways that Leicester can create problems for his team on the pitch. “They have lots of quality. They just need to try and piece everything together. They have clear threats, which we have to make sure that we control what we can to stop them getting those opportunities but there is nothing we will take lightly.
“We have got to be at our very, very best in every game. There’s a short number of games this season. It’s easy to get up for what people would say is the bigger games, but for us, this is a big game. We are travelling away, we have got a great home form and now we need to make sure we translate that onto the field and into our away games. We will be taking them with the utmost respect that they deserve.”
There will be a number of absentees from Skinner’s squad this weekend as they continue their recovery from injuries sustained. Alessia Russo is still recovering from the injury that forced her to withdraw from the England squad earlier this month as well as the league game at Brighton last weekend.
“Alessia is still the same. She’s progressing nicely again on the field and returned to training for the first time last week alongside her rehab she is probably around two or three weeks away from recovery. Other players who will miss out on the trip to Leicester are Grace Clinton, Hannah Blundell, and Ona Batlle. Skinner provided an update on how each of those players are getting on in their rebab.
Above: Hannah Blundell – likely to miss United’s trip to Leicester City on Sunday. Photo: Manchester United Women.
“Grace Clinton won’t be available. She’s back on the grass training, which is good. Hannah is back in individual training. It was more precautionary on the weekend, she felt something so it’s just important that we don’t overdo it. Ona is again testing better so we’re just making sure that she’s healthy, and safe but every day, she’s getting a little bit better. We will follow the protocol that’s needed. We’re lucky enough to have a full-time doctor so she gets care all the time. So yeah, there’ll be no risk to Ona. She’s progressing nicely every day. We will see towards the game that weekend.”
What has been clear to see this season is the strength and depth of the United squad with numerous different goal scorers hitting the back of the net which was on the agenda over the summer – something which has been key to the Red Devils’ positive start to the campaign.
“I think we’re growing in experience, which is what we needed. There were moments last year when we were exceptional, like really, really great and it’s consistency. That’s what the additions to the team have allowed us to do – find different ways to score goals. I think the most impressive stuff for me is the different amount of scorers we’ve had, which shows that we are a team rather than exceptional individuals.
“We want to be a team and we want to help each other and I think that’s going to be the difference. It’s a good start but that’s all it is. That’s really all it is. We have got to make sure we stay grounded stay level and do the best in every game which starts again against Leicester this weekend.
Manchester United will look to continue their unbeaten start to the 2022/23 WSL campaign against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. Sunday afternoon’s match will be broadcast live on the FA Player with kick-off at 3pm.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Western United‘s World Cup-winning striker Jessica McDonald and head coach Mark Torcaso plus Melbourne City’s Young Matildas starlet Daniela Galic and head coach Rado Vidosic(19/10/22).
American World Cup-winning striker Jessica McDonald will light up the Liberty A-League Women after signing a guest contract with Western United’s inaugural women’s outfit.
McDonald will arrive in November and spend three months with the Green and Black, making her available for the opening nine matches of the season.
“I am super stoked to have another opportunity to play in Australia,” she said. “It’s always a great opportunity as an athlete to test your soccer knowledge and continue to learn in different ways, adjusting to the game how it’s played elsewhere. Hopefully, I can help another program succeed with what I can bring to the table.”
The 34-year-old joins with a world-class pedigree, being a FIFA Women’s World Cup champion with the United States in 2019. In total, McDonald has registered four goals and two assists in 19 matches for her country.
Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, McDonald has won three NWSL Shields and three NWSL Championships, claiming the Championship MVP for her brace in the 2018 final.
“We have focused heavily on ensuring that we are competitive in our inaugural season in the A-League Women competition, and securing Jess McDonald certainly helps that,” Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato said.
“Her qualities and presence up front as well as her experience and leadership over a lengthy career at the highest level will be invaluable to our squad, not only in this inaugural season, but going forward as a result of the impact she will create in the West.”
McDonald returns to the A-League after a stint with Melbourne Victory during the 2012/2013 season where she previously worked with United Head Coach Mark Torcaso.
“Jess is a phenomenal player and this is such a fantastic signing,” Torcaso said. “I’m so thankful for all of the work the Club has put in to secure her signature.
“Her records and achievements speak for themselves, she’s achieved the highest highs in the game and will bring that confidence and experience to the changeroom and to the pitch. With our previous relationship at Victory, it’s an easy fit for us both. Our fans are going to be amazed when they see her in action and I can’t wait to see the buzz that she will create while she’s here.”
McDonald will arrive in Melbourne at the beginning of November and will be ready to go for Western United’s blockbuster Round One clash against Melbourne Victory on Saturday November 19th.
Graphic: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City have announced the signing of 16-year-old Young Matildas midfielder Daniela Galic ahead of the upcoming A-League Women’s season,
Widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Australian football, Galic recently was a standout performer for the Young Matildas in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Despite being a few years younger than her teammates, she started all three matches and was awarded the Player of the Match award in the group game against Costa Rica.
An attacking midfielder who has been labelled by Matildas legend Grace Gill as the ‘future of Australian football’, Galic joins City for what will be her first season as professional.
Head Coach Rado Vidosic said he was delighted to have Galic as part of his squad this season.
“Daniela is a player we’ve rated very highly for a while now so we’re very excited to be able to bring her into the club this season,” Vidosic said.
“She has a very bright future ahead of her and now being part of a professional environment every day, we’re excited to see her continue to grow and develop as a player and person.”
Galic spoke of her excitement at the opportunity ahead with City and in her first season as a professional.
“Melbourne City has a great winning mentality and I know the coaches and club can really help me develop my football,” Galic said.
“I’m hoping to get as many minutes on the park as possible and l look forward to playing in a good team where I can continue to develop and improve my game alongside a great bunch of girls.”
Current 2022/23 City ALW Squad: Melissa BARBIERI, Chelsea BLISSETT, Emma CHECKER, Naomi CHINNAMA, Leah DAVIDSON, Daniela GALIC, Julia GROSSO, Bryleeh HENRY, Sally JAMES, Caitlin KARIC, Darcey MALONE, Leticia McKENNA, Holly McNAMARA*, Rhianna POLLICINA, Karly ROESTBAKKEN, Kaitlyn TORPEY, Tori TUMETH*, Hannah WILKINSON.
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