Impetus’ Johnathan Stack was in Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall‘s media conference for us ahead of the Gunners’ opening WSL game against Brighton and Hove Albion tomorrow night (15/9/22).
Above: Jonas Eidevall at this week’s Arsenal media conference. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
After an exceptional summer of women’s football that gripped the nation and ended in Euro’s glory for the Lionesses, the Barclays Women’s Super League returns this weekend.
Starting a week later than planned out of respect due to the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the WSL has seen a soar in popularity and ticket sales off the back of England winning UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.
At Arsenal, they have sold out of season tickets for the 2022/23 campaign and over 40,000 tickets have already been snapped up for the WSL North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on 24th September.
The Gunners were supposed to get their season underway against Manchester City away at the Academy Stadium in the live TV game, but with all football being postponed last weekend, Arsenal will now get their campaign started at home at a sold-out Meadow Park against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Above: Arsenal in training this week. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
Head Coach Jonas Eidevall gave his thoughts on Friday’s opponents saying: “I’ve been very impressed by Brighton during the pre-season because I also saw that they had a huge turnover (of players). I’ve seen them play against Bayern Munich, I’ve seen them play against us, I’ve seen them play against Manchester City and they looked like a good team in those games.
“I think that some of the players they have got in over this window are of a really high quality, so we are expecting and preparing for a competitive game here on Friday.”
The 39-year-old Swede also gave his thoughts on how the WSL is going to respond to the increased interest after the Euros: “I’m sure that the players will respond in a way that will be excellent because of the quality on the pitch and we see that the sporting product is of high quality.
“We just need to make sure that we now find stadiums that allow all attendances to come in and watch. I think that will be the problem because we have a very low number of medium-sized stadiums in the country.”
Above: Reflecting on the challenge posed by Brighton and Hove Albion plus the correct venues to play WSL games – Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
“You either have smaller stadiums or really big stadiums and our game that didn’t go ahead against Manchester City is a perfect example of that. We’re two good teams with a lot of interest which is going to be a sell-out in their academy stadium, so the question is: if so many more people want to watch the game, where do we play that? So we really can have all the people who want to come to the game and make sure they have access to it.”
He also gave his thoughts on how the WSL can maintain the levels of interest from the summer “In the end, it’s about creating a product that means so much to people that you go there and you watch the game even if it’s a snowstorm! You go there and watch even if it’s not convenient because you care so much about the team and you want to be there so much. We try to do our best on the pitch to create that.”
“Of course, if I speak just about Arsenal, as a whole club, we try to work together with all the departments so we can reach out to all our potential audiences and bring them to the stadium so we can experience that together. That’s not a quick fix just to do one thing, but it’s about creating that connection with people so they want to go and they feel that they have to go because it’s their first priority and then you don’t have to worry about the weather in January when you have created that.”
When asked about his Matildas pair of Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley, Eidevall confirmed that both are fit and available for selection.
Arsenal take on Brighton and Hove Albion at Meadow Park tomorrow night (Friday), 7:30pm.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby brings news of all the important dates and matchups for the season ahead, plus hears from Wellington PhoenixCEO David Dome on the excitement of finally hosting an A-League Women game in New Zealand, and Adelaide United‘s head coach Adrian Stenta and Isabel Hodgson on the excitement to build on their maiden finals appearance of 2021/22 (15/9/22).
The Liberty A-League fixture schedule for 2022/23 was announced earlier today with the season getting underway on 19th November with the last of the 20 rounds of regular season matches being played between 1st-4th April 2023.
With Western United entering the competition this season, the league will run with 11 teams, meaning one side will have a bye each week. Western Sydney Wanderers will be the recipients in the opening weekend.
The 2022/23 campaign will open with a match-up between two sides who just missed out on Finals football last season with Canberra United welcoming Perth Glory to McKellar Park. Also on the same day, Brisbane Roar host Newcastle Jets at Perry Park, and Western United’s historic first-ever A-League Women game is a Victoria derby against reigning champions Melbourne Victory at City Vista Recreation Reserve. The following day, Wellington Phoenix will finally play a game in New Zealand a year after entering the competition when Melbourne City journey to Sky Stadium. The round concludes with a mouthwatering clash between two of last season’s finals qualifiers, Adelaide United and Sydney FC at Service FM Stadium – SA’s state centre of football.
Above: City Vista Recreation Reserve – the first venue to host Western United in an A-League Women match. Photo: Austadiums.
Western Sydney Wanderers enter action in Round Two with a trip to Newcastle Jets. Perth Glory will finally return to Western Australian soil to play A-League Women football for the first time in a year when Adelaide United arrive at Macedonia Park. There will be one other notable fixture in week two with a repeat of the Grand Final of the last two years with Sydney FC hosting Melbourne Victory. It will therefore be a testing opening to the campaign for both these two sides.
There will be a range of fixtures over the Christmas and New Year period. December 23rd sees Canberra United host Melbourne City and Newcastle Jets welcome Brisbane Roar to No 2 Sportsground. There is a Christmas Eve Sydney derby with Wanderers travelling to Allianz Stadium.
New Year’s Eve sees Brisbane Roar take on Sydney FC at Perry Park, Melbourne Victory host Canberra United at CB Smith Reserve, and Newcastle Jets play Adelaide United at No 2 Sportsground. New Year’s Day sees Perth Glory welcome Western United to Macedonia Park, whilst Wellington Phoenix take on Western Sydney Wanderers at Sky Stadium on 2nd January.
The final round of matches between 1st – 2nd April starts with Wellington Phoenix’s game with Melbourne Victory at Sky Stadium, Brisbane Roar host Perth Glory at the atmospheric Perry Park, Western United take on Western Sydney Wanderers at City Vista Recreation Reserve, Sydney FC welcome Newcastle Jets to Allianz Stadium and Melbourne City will take on Canberra United at AAMI Park.
Above: Alyssa Whinham and Wellington Phoenix are finally going to be playing on home soil. Photo: Welloington Phoenix.
Speaking about the excitement of finally being able to host A-League Women in New Zealand, Wellington Phoenix CEO David Dome said: I’ve never been this excited heading into a Phoenix season. It’s the start of a massive 12 months for women’s football in New Zealand and I simply can’t wait for our opening game against Melbourne City.”
Dome has set the bar high, targeting a record A-League women’s crowd for the season opener.
“I want to see 10 thousand plus fans come to Sky Stadium on Sunday, November 20. The players and staff deserve a big homecoming for everything they went through in their maiden season in Australia and we have the chance to show everyone that we have the best fans in the A-League.”
Above: Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta – excited about the fixture reveal. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
Excitement is also building in South Australia with Adelaide United looking to build on their first-ever appearance in Finals football last season. Head coach Adrian Stenta said: “As a Club, we could not be more excited for this new campaign. The steps we took last season were very promising and we’re confident we can continue building on that and improve even more.
“With the core of our squad retained, I know the strong bond we have as a group will remain, as we welcome our new signings with open arms. The positive impact this chemistry can have on the success of a team cannot be undervalued and holds us in good stead ahead of 2022/23.”
Reds captain Isabel Hodgson is also full of anticipation: “Making history last season by reaching our maiden finals series was amazing, although there’s no denying the disappointment we felt when our season came to an end.
“But this has just fuelled the fire within us. I know I speak for the entire group when I say we’re entering this season with another point to prove and will be doing everything we can to make a proper statement in 2022/23.”
For this week’s WA On Wednesday feature, Impetus’ Ben Gilby spoke to Campbell Ballantyne, president of Curtin University.The club’s senior NPLW WA and U21 sides had exceptionally tough seasons which both ended winless. Campbell reflects on the campaign and outlines how the club are looking to become a more competitive outfit for 2023.
Above: Curtin University (orange and black) in possession against Perth SC this season. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
A glimpse at the NPLW WA final table for 2022 makes grim reading for those at Curtin University. Only two points from 21 games, and a campaign that has seen three head coaches at the helm. For President Campbell Ballantyne, the club were battling with one hand tied behind their back from the early days of the season.
“A head coach who was given control of the budget and all the pre-season planning walking out on the girls and the team after four games. Everything from there was trying to patch over these problems.
“When Dom Gangemi walked out, Les Cavil was kind enough to quickly step in as caretaker while we ran an application process. He choose not to apply and Hassan Al-ahmad applied for the job and was successful.
Above: Curtin University battle it out with Balcatta Etna this season. Photo: JASP Photograpy.
“I think all players who stuck with the team did very well in very difficult circumstances highlighting any one of them would be a challenge.
In order to become a far more competitive outfit in the NPLW WA next season, Ballantyne has already laid in place some changes.
“We have plans to over double the budget that we allocate to our NPLW team. We will stand by our ethos of allocation even budgets to both our men’s and women’s first teams, we are still the only club that has publicly announced that.
“We are open to any players looking to join us for 2023 and we are likely to revisit our imports strategy that was destroyed by COVID in 2020. We have every intention of attracting players back from the eastern states too.”
In terms of the club’s playing staff during the season just finished, Curtin’s president spoke of his concern about a development that has recently come to light.
“We were very disappointed to learn through a season report published online by another website that a player we had on a professional contract had been allowed to move clubs within the NPLW WA without my knowledge or consent. We will also be pushing Football West hard on upholding pro contracts and trying to drive up the professionalism of women’s sport.”
Above: Curtin University’s home venue of Edinburgh Oval. Photo: Student VIP.
With the club looking to build their squad, there are other areas of the Curtin set-up which have Ballantyne’s attention at the present time. The club’s home ground at Edinburgh Oval is in need of an upgrade to ensure it can get closer to the standards of other NPLW WA venues. The club president has a sense of frustration at the speed of these developments.
“We are constantly lobbying both the university to improve facilities and Football West to produce the timeline of facility improvements that were promised when the league was launched in 2020. This framework is key to taking to land owners (the university) to get a result.
“I have been told two projects for better access to more public toilets and a new storage area have been approved. Unfortunately, the university retracted the consent they provided for a perimeter fence in 2020.”
Campbell Ballantyne has made clear his plans for improvements at Curtin University for 2023 – for the sake of increasing the competitive nature of the NPLW WA, these need to be able to bear fruit.
Above: Calder United celebrate with the trophy after winning the NPLW Victoria Grand Final against Bulleen Lions. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.
Calder United have capped off a remarkable NPLW season by winning Victoria’s Grand Final 2-0 over Bulleen Lions.
It was Calder’s third trophy of the season following their first-place finish and a Nike FC Cup triumph. Mark Torcaso’s team was rebuilt in short time and dominated the league, scoring 55 goals while conceding just seven in 2022.
The Grand Final was a case of the unstoppable against the unpredictable. Bulleen had been hampered by inconsistencies throughout the season. Caitlin Friend had forged a squad built on a strong pedigree and some exciting youngsters.
At the start of 2022, Bulleen had six players who were in A-League women’s sides last season. Tiffany Eliadis, Lia Privitelli, and Paige Zois from Melbourne Victory, Tyla Jay Vlajnic and Rebekah Stott from Melbourne City, and Alana Jancevski from Perth Glory.
They were complimented by some less familiar but eventually impressive players like the deceptively powerful Aroha Little and the fearless Rosie Rodger.
Importantly, all of the A-League players had come from clubs that either went deep into the season, or had highly unusual campaigns, like Perth’s COVID bubble or Victory’s congested February.
Above: Calder United (green) and Bulleen Lions battle it out in Sunday’s Grand Final. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.
Towards the end of the season, Paige Zois was called up to international duty while Vlajnic and Stott secured unmissable European opportunities. That Bulleen secured third place comfortably and won their semi-final is an amazing achievement by the club, players, and managers.
However, even at full strength, they may have been no match for this Calder United squad, nobody this season was.
Calder United began the season in form and maintained that throughout the season. the Grand Final win was their seventh straight victory. Up until the finals, they had only lost twice and dropped points on five occasions in total.
Scoring against them felt unlikely, preventing them from scoring was almost impossible. They only failed to score on two occasions this season and although the team was littered with individual talent, choosing one standout player is difficult.
So the two teams met in the Grand Final and it felt as difficult to bet against Calder as it did to count out Bulleen. The game was hotly contested, but not a classic contest, and an even first half saw the three best chances fall to Bulleen, while Calder went into the break 1-0 up.
Raquel Derales had the first shot on goal for Calder. The scorer of the semi-final winner made space in the box but was on a difficult angle when she shot. Emily Shields was able to make the first save of what would be a busy afternoon.
Zois returned fire for Bulleen. Calder seemed to put a lot of effort into swarming the Young Matilda and preventing passes to her feet. She was able to run towards goal and get a clean shot away but Alyssa Dall’ Oste was untroubled.
Above: An aerial battle from Sunday;s NPLW Victoria Grand Final. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.
Calder’s opening goal was both fortuitous and deserved from the build-up. A corner kick was only half cleared by Bulleen. Emma Robers maintained possession on the edge of the box and instead of blazing back into a crowded area, she played it back out wide to Alana Cerne.
Cerne whipped in a dangerous cross and the ball deceived Shields to fly into the back on the net. It was a goal crafted from patience, discipline, and luck. To win a Grand Final, all three are handy.
The goal arrived in just the 16th minute, but Bulleen suddenly seemed rushed for a short period. They were more hurried to get the ball forward, but once they regained composure they enjoyed two good chances to end the half.
Both came from the left foot of Alana Jancevski. Her low cross from the wing somehow missed everybody in the area when any touch would have scored. Then in the closing minutes, her free kick was on target and dipping, but Dall Oste’ was able to hold onto it to deny a lurking Eliadis.
The talented forward was finding it hard to find time and space on the ball. She does not need much, but Calder were in no mood to risk her having any.
Calder attacked more throughout the second half. Alexis Rossi hit the woodwork with a spectacular long-range effort. Then Shields made a miracle save from Melissa Taranto’s follow-up. She was called into action seconds later from a header that was clawed away at full stretch.
Cerne played the pass of the game to Taranto again in the3 60th minute. She dropped the ball perfectly over the defence from deep. Taranto’s volley connected well and only the post prevented it from being 2-0.
The second goal came at a bad time Bulleen. The Lions were starting to get a foothold back in the game and were desperately unlucky not to score Lia Privitelli’s flick at a corner kick.
Minutes later, Calder drove forward. Stacy Papadopoulos, who was almost unstoppable on the wing all day, found Melissa Taranto in the box. The forward stopped and turned to find a shot. When it wasn’t on she played it back to the winger.
Above: Aleks Sinclair (on the ball) tries to get away from Bulleen Lions’ Tiff Eliadis. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.
Papadopoulos played a dangerous ball across the face of goal where Taranto was on hand to tap it home. It was a wonderfully crafted goal, where individual skill and team chemistry combined.
Importantly, it left Bulleen with only 15 minutes to score twice, against a team that had barely conceded all year.
Jancevski offered the best hope of that. Her long-range effort looked dangerous off the boot and she looked disappointed when it whizzed over despite the high degree of difficulty.
In a show of force and intent. Torcaso withdrew fullback Montana Matthews and replaced her with striker Ava Groba.
Bulleen could not attack without risking a third, Groba’s pace would leave them vulnerable and she almost scored after a counterattack, before Aleks Sinclair nearly sealed it with a near miss.
After five minutes of injury time, Calder United were crowned Champions with the trophy presented by Tony Gustavsson.
With the core of this squad set to feature in the A-League with Western United, they may surprise a few teams next season. They have talent, they are well organized, and will be complemented by some senior experience.
Above: The sheer joy for Calder United on Sunday. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.
Bulleen pledged to be back next season. Caitlin Friend’s first full season in charge was an admirable one. They were in championship-winning form in the COVID cancelled year and did well to rebound for this one.
But this was Calder’s day as it was their season. They were undeniable, tenacious, and skilful. Julia Sardo received player of the match awards, but Montana Matthews is also due some appreciation.
The full-back has routinely kept dangerous wingers quiet while being confident carrying or passing the ball forward. She has had a breakout season in the NPLW and surely as A-League football in her future.
The Grand Final was no exception. Up against Lia Privitelli, she had her work cut out for her, but was diligent and combative without the ball, while willing to take risks with it. She is a bit special.
That concludes Victoria’s NPLW coverage for 2022. It has been an absolute pleasure to write about these players and clubs this season, and a privilege to see some of Australia’s best and future stars in action up close.
Attention now turns to the upcoming A-League Women’s season. With a new club in the mix, many of Victoria’s players will feature. Anybody who watched this league will be excited to watch them seize the opportunity.
Post To Post Sport‘sCiarán Duffyprovides us with his weekly round-up of the action in Ireland’s top domestic league as the competition reaches Round 22 (14/9/22).
Above: Kate Mooney heads DLR Waves in front against Athlone Town. Photo: @MinoguePeter.
Round 22 of the 2022 Women’s National League saw 20 goals scored. We have new league leaders after a twist in the title race.
Wexford Win To Go Top
Women’s National League legend Kylie Murphy scored her 100th goal for Wexford Youths in all competitions as Wexford Youths took top spot in the Women’s National League.
Cork stunned the would-be league leaders early on with a goal from Christina Dring set up by Eva Mangan. The away side remained solid, but Youths were awarded a very controversial penalty when Danielle Burke was penalised for the most minimal of contact on Becky Watkins. Aoibheann Clancy scored from the spot. Shortly after Clancy scored a second penalty to put Youths in front.
Wexford took control after the hour mark with Ciara Rossiter putting in a fine performance and scoring the third. Ellen Molloy chipped in as she often does before Murphy netted her milestone goal. Wexford Youths 5-1 Cork City
Shels Slip Up As Peas Get Revenge
Last season’s winners have had the better of Peamount this year. However, Shels had a setback in their quest to retain the title when they were beaten by their Dublin rivals, who had won the league the two seasons prior to Shelbourne lifting the trophy.
Both sides performed well but it was the away side who had the better chances, Peamount threatened through Ireland legends Aíne O’Gorman and Stephanie Roche.
Jessie Stapleton came close to putting the reigning champions in front, Stapleton had just returned from Slovakia where she was on Ireland duty.
Peamount would finally make the breakthrough when Stephanie Roch latched on to a Sadhbh Doyle Cross. Doyle had an excellent game and was awarded play of the match. Shelbourne 0-1 Peamount United
Athlone Lose Ground On The Top Two
Although Athlone came into the game as title contenders, it was DLR Waves who will feel they dropped points at the UCD Bowl on Saturday.
The visitors did start well and had a chance in the opening half-hour when Gillian Keenan and Emily Corbet linked up. Both have had super seasons but Corbet couldn’t keep her shot down. Waves took control of the game from there and got their reward. Aoife Brophy and Kerri Letmon linked up well on the left, Brophy send a long diagonal ball to the far wing, where Sarah McKevitt was on hand to whip the ball back in for Kate Mooney to head home.
It was very nearly 2-0 shortly after when Mia Dodd smashed a shot in from long range, but it hit the bar. Athlone pressed for an equalizer while Waves continued to make chances. Eventually, the Midlands side equalized through Madison Gibson who finished from close range. It finished all square, but the point a piece does not really do any good for either side. DLR Waves 1-1 Athlone Town
Connacht Derby Provides Another High-Scoring Affair
Above: Galway and Sligo line up ahead of kick-off. Photo: @GalwayWFC.
A hectic match saw Sligo and Galway play out another seven-goal thriller.
The sides were even early on with Paula McGrory putting the home side in front before Jamie Erickson equalized. McGrory would volley in a second for the reds but they would be pegged back just before halftime with Shauna Brennan scoring off a corner-kick routine.
Galway dominated the second half with headed goals from Bryce Reynolds and Chloe Singleton. Janna Slattery scored from long range in the 70th minute to put the result beyond any doubt.
Just after 18:00 on Sunday, Galway announced they would not be applying to take part in the WNL next season, which would see their spell in the league end since joining in 2012. Sligo Rovers 2-5 Galway.
Battling Treaty Bested By Bohs
Above: Goalscorers Rachel Doyle and Niamh Prior Challenge for the ball. Photo: Conor Wyse.
Treaty United haven’t won a game all season but the Limerick side almost made it to halftime with things level. Abbie Brophy had the ball in the net for Bohs but was ruled out for offside. From there Treaty keeper Trish Fennelly had plenty of saves to make, but couldn’t stop Rachel Doyle’s shot going in after it took a deflection. Bohs led at the break.
The Dublin side took control in the second half. Brophy wouldn’t be denied five minutes into the second period, and she got another shortly after to put the visitors well in control.
Brophy would provide the assist for the fourth. She sent in a ball that was expertly volleyed home by Niamh Prior. Prior joined Bohs from Waves over the Summer in search of more game time. She has been a revelation since and a key figure in Bohemian’s recent wins. Treaty United 0-4 Bohemians.
Table
Wexford overtake Shelbourne at the top of the table with just one point separating the sides. The two teams meet on the last day of the season, so both will know if they win their remaining games, they will be champions.
Peamount and Athlone remain in the title race but will be aware that they cannot afford any more slip-ups.
Galway fasten their grip on a top-half finish with DLR Waves and Bohemians dropping points.
Sligo Rovers, Cork City, and Treaty United all lost meaning the bottom three sides are still well adrift of the rest.
Fixtures
Saturday 17th September Fixtures
Cork City vs Galway
Turners Cross / 17:00
Peamount United vs Sligo Rovers
PRL Park / 17:00
Bohemians vs DLR Waves
Dalymount Park / 18:00
Wexford Youths vs Treaty United
Ferrycarrig Park / 18:00
Athlone Town vs Shelbourne
Athlone Town Stadum / 19:00
Remember you can watch every game live on LOITV.ie for free with sign-up.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Sheridan Gallagher as the Young Matildas captain signs a new two-year deal with Western Sydney Wanderers (14/9/22).
Above: Sheridan Gallagher in action for the Young Matildas against Costa Rica in the U20 World Cup recently. Photo: Football Australia.
Western Sydney Wanderers today confirmed the re-signing of Young Matildas captain Sheridan Gallagher for the next two Liberty A-League seasons.
Gallagher featured in her first season of the domestic competition in 2021/22, making 10 appearances for the Red & Black.
The hardworking forward was recently named Australia’s captain at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica where she guided the side in the group stages.
Above: Sheridan Gallagher (centre) in action for Western Sydney Wanderers in the Sydney derby last season. Photo: Kris Goman.
Gallagher said she was eying a good season ahead for the Wanderers. “My first season in the A-Leagues was a real eye-opener to what potentially playing football full-time can be,” she explained.
“It was great to get a lot of minutes in my first season and I think working hard and being true to yourself is what I’ll take with me into this upcoming season. My goals are for the club to have a really great season and to help them make Finals would be amazing.
“To recently go to a World Cup and represent your country, to pull on that jersey is an amazing feeling and to play against world-class players is an experience I’ll never forget.”
Ben Gilby rounds up all the action fromboth the Damallsvenskan and Elitettan and DandalBs provides his news round-up from around the leagues
Above: Vittsjöand their Australian internationals celebrate during their 3-0 win at Djurgården. Photo: Bildbyrån via Vittsjö.
Damallsvenskan Round 19 Wrap:
Above: BK Häcken’s hat-trick hero Pauline Hammarlund. Photo: BK Häcken
Umeå IK are suddenly looking over their shoulders near the bottom of the table after a 5-0 thumping at BK Häcken. Pauline Hammarlund contributed a hat-trick, the first of which came after 19 minutes after Hanna Wijk found her. Six minutes before the break, Hammarlund grabbed her second as Elin Rubensson provided the assist. Two goals in a four-minute spell early in the second half killed off any hopes that Umeå had as Hammarlund completed her hat-trick and Stine Larsen played in Anna Csiki to make it 4-0. Mille Jensen made it five in the closing stages, to the delight of the assembled crowd of 1,232.
Above: Kristianstads four-goal star Evelyn Viens pictured after her team’s 6-2 win at AIK. Photo: Kristianstads.
AIK‘s season of struggle continued as they went down to a 6-2 defeat at home to second place Kristianstads. Whilst the Solna-based side will have the positive of their Australian international striker Remy Siemsen scoring her first goal since moving to Sweden, it only came after they were well beaten. Kristianstads’ red-hot attacking force of Evelyn Viens and Tabby Tindell produced the visitors’ first three goals between them. Viens completed her hat-trick six minutes into the second half with Mia Carlsson making it 5-0 with only 56 minutes on the clock. AIK grabbed the first of two consolations with 20 minutes to go thanks to an own goal before Siemsen scored with two minutes remaining. However, Kristianstads had the final word at the death as Viens grabbed her fourth in front of a crowd of 432.
Above: Hammarby’s Madelen Janogy celebrates with her teammates during her team’s superb win over Rosengård. Photo: Hammarby Fotboll.
Hammarby‘s strong squad showed that they are most definitely in the race for Champions League qualification after they became only the second team all season to defeat defending champions and league leaders Rosengård. Played in front of an excellent crowd of 1,538, the Stockholm-based side took a grip of the game in the opening 24 minutes as two goals from Swedish international Madelen Janogy set them on the way. This was a match that saw four Australian internationals on the team sheets, with Elise Kellond-Knight (Hammarby) and Teagan Micah (Rosengård) starting and Kyra Cooney-Cross joining Courtney Nevin on the bench for the home side. Rosengård’s lead at the top of the Damallsvenskan is subsequently cut to three points. Hammarby are now just five points outside of the top three.
Above: Regan Steigleder, who put KIF Örebro ahead at IFK Kalmar. Photo: Northwestern University Athletics.
IFK Kalmar are also looking nervously over their shoulders in the bottom third of the table after going down 4-0 at home to KIF Örebro. Three goals in a nine-minute spell after the half-hour mark settled matters in front of 360 fans. Regan Steigleder hit Örebro ahead with Michaela Kovacs doubling the advantage within six minutes. Emelia Pelgander made it three. Within two minutes of the second half opening, Berglind Augustdottir completed the rout.
Above: Therese Simonsen jumps for joy after equalising for Linköping with four-goal Amalie Vangsgaard (14) joining in. Photo: Filip Oskarsson via Linköping.
Linköping came from behind twice to defeat Eskilstuna United 5-2 at home. The visitors produced a game show which made light of their financial problems which has necessitated the trimming of their squad. Noor Eckhoff gave Eskilstuna the lead on 22 minutes – an advantage that lasted only four minutes before Amalie Vangsgaard grabbed the first of four goals to level. Eckhoff struck again to ensure the visitors led at the break. Therese Simonsen equalised before Vangsgaard scored three in 18 minutes to complete her tally for the game.
Piteå‘s hopes of breaking into the top six foundered as they were held 0-0 at home to second-bottom IF Brommapojkarna in front of a crowd of 982. This was an excellent result for the visitors who are now within just two points of IFK Kalmar, who are in the lowest safe position in the table.
Above: Flying action as Vittsjö (red) win at Djurgården. Photo: Bildbyrån via Vittsjö.
Vittsjö move up to sixth after a 3-0 win at Djurgården. Starting with all three of their Australian internationals – Clare Polkinghorne, Charli Grant, and Katrina Gorry – the visitors took a stranglehold on the match thanks to two goals from Jutta Rantala in a seven-minute spell with Gorry returning from Matildas international duty to score Vittsjö’s third in front of 442 fans.
Table From: Svensk Fotboll.
Round 20 Fixtures(16th – 19th Sept): Rosengård v IFK Kalmar, Kristianstads v Hammarby, Eskilstuna United v BK Häcken, IF Brommapojkarna v Djurgården, KIF Örebro v AIK, Umeå IK v Piteå, Vittsjö v Linköping.
Elitettan News:
Above: Two goals from Dessislava Dupuy put Växjö in a strong position to return to the Damallsvenskan at the first attempt. Photo: Växjö.
Växjö are a point clear at the Elitettan summit after a comprehensive 6-0 win at home in the top verses bottom clash with Älvsjö AIK FF. Two goals on either side of the half-hour mark from Dessislava Dupuy put the hosts in control. Amanda Altheden made it three four minutes into the second period. Three more goals came in the final 15 minutes with Evelyn Ijeh, Mimmi Strömgren, and Sophia Redenstrand on target in front of 286 fans.
Above: Celebrations for IK Uppsala. Artwork: IK Uppsala.
IK Uppsala are second after a 2-1 win a Team TG FF Goals from Johanna Renmark and Nicole Robertson before the break set the visitors on their way. Emma Åström’s strike nine minutes into the second half gave the hosts hope, but they couldn’t fashion an equaliser to the frustration of the 84 fans gathered.
Above: A comfortable win for Alingsås FC United sees them well established in the promotion battle. Artwork: Alingsås FC United.
Alingsås FC United are third, a further point behind, after a 5-0 win at home to Sundsvalls. Olivia Sultan and Lisa Johansson put the hosts ahead towards the end of the first half, with an own goal four minutes into the second stanza increasing the lead. Two goals in seven minutes in the final quarter of the encounter from Rebecca Cameras and Pernilla Milton completed the scoring in front of 150 fans.
Results Round 19: Gamla Upsala SK 0-3 Jitex BK, Alingsås FC United 5-0 Sundavalls, Ifö Bromölla IF 1-3 Lidköpings FK, Mallbackens IF Sunne 3-0 Bergdalens IK, Team TG FF 1-2 IK Uppsala, Växjö 6-0 Älvsjö AIK FF, IFK Norrköping 4-1 Rävåsens IK Karlskoga.
Table From: Svensk Fotboll.
Round 20 Fixtures(17th – 19th Sept): Rävåsens IK Karlskoga v Team TG FF, Alingsås FC United v Ifö Bromölla IF, Lidköpings FK v Mallbackens IF Sunne, Älvsjö AIK FF v Gamla Upsala SK, Sundsvalls v IFK Norrköping, IK Uppsala v Växjö, Bergdalens IK v Jitex BK.
News Round-Up
by DandalBs
Above: More farewells at Eskilstuna United as financial issues continue to bite. Photo: Bildbyrån.
EskilstunaUnited‘s financial problems sees them continue to sell players. The latest to depart is 22-year-old Norwegian defender Elise Stenevik, who has joined WSL side Everton.
The Champions League final qualifying round draws for Swedish sides see Rosengård paired with Norwegian side Brann, with BK Häcken given a tough test against Paris St. Germain.
Swedish star Freja Olofsson is heading to Real Madrid from Racing Louisville in a move that has seen a six-figure transfer fee in return.
Above: BK Häcken’s Lotte Ökvist has moved to Eskilstuna United on loan. Photo: Bildbyrån.
BK Häcken‘s Lotte Ökvist has joined Eskilstuna United on loan. Häcken head coach Robert Vilahamn favours other players in Ökvist’s position and she hasn’t even made the bench the post-Euro matches. Also departing Häcken is Julia Karlernäs who has joined Serie A newcomers Como.
Sweden had a successful ending to their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 5-0 win over Finland. Goals from Stina Blackstenius, Lina Hurtig, Linda Sembrant, Rebecka Blomqvist, and Fridolina Rolfö earned an impressive victory.
Sweden have revealed an extremely challenging schedule for the next international window has been revealed. Peter Gerhardsson’s side will play Spain in Cordoba on 7th October, four days before taking on France in Göteborg.
Above: Honaka Hayashi of AIK looks to be on her way to West Ham United. Photo: Bildbyrån.
There are reports that AIK‘s Honoka Hayashi is close to signing with West Ham United in the WSL.
The Damallsvenskan Player of the Month nominees for September were Vilde Hasund (Hammarby), Rebecca Knaak (Rosengård) and Fanny Andersson (Piteå).
In one day a vast number of internationals and big-name players have signedfor a total of three different A-League Women clubs. Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from some of the players concerned plus the views of Western United, Sydney FC, and Adelaide United (13/9/22).
Above: Chloe Logarzo – a marquee signing for Western United’s inaugural season. Graphic: Western United.
Logarzo Unveiled At Western United
Matildas star Chloe Logarzo will add world-class firepower to Western United’s inaugural Liberty A-League Women squad after signing on loan from Kansas City in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Capped 54 times by the Matildas, Logarzo has been a mainstay in the side since debuting in 2013 and recently made her return to the side after an ACL injury.
Logarzo has previously represented Colorado Pride in the United States and played in top divisions in Sweden, Norway, and England, where she lined up for Bristol City.
A two-time A-League Women Champion with Sydney FC, Logarzo returns to Australia for the first time in two years and is determined to make a difference in Green and Black.
“I am really excited to be returning to the A-League with a new club, new city, and a new challenge ahead of the World Cup,” she said.
“There is no better time to return home to the A-League than now, leading into the World Cup and with Western United, a new and ambitious Club.I feel incredibly confident that this is the correct decision for my return to playing.”
Western United Head Coach Mark Torcaso said Logarzo’s signature was a major coup. “Chloe’s game needs no explanation, she is a world-class talent and she will be huge for our group and for the league,” he said.
Above: Chloe Logarzo pictured during her time with Bristol City in the WSL. Photo: Bristol City.
“I’m really excited and proud that we can give Chloe a platform to continue her return to the pitch ahead of the World Cup next year. She is the type of player that can change a game in an instant and I can’t wait to work with her and see her help us on the pitch, but also off the pitch with the knowledge she can share with our younger players.”
Western United Women’s Football Manager Amanda Stella said Logarzo’s capture proved United’s ambition heading into its inaugural season.
“Bringing in a player of Chloe’s calibre lays down a marker for us and shows the competition that we are here to compete,” she said.
“Chloe will get fans through the gates, she’ll get people off their seats and everyone in the West should be excited about coming to watch her play. In our inaugural season, Chloe’s leadership and standing in the game will help set the foundations for our culture and vision moving forward as a Club in the A-League Women.”
Logarzo will bring flair and experience at the highest level to the team and will add inspiration to the young players around her in the squad.
She will join up with her new teammates in pre-season training in early November ahead of the opening round in the A-League Women season, which begins from November 18.
Sydney FC Announce Stellar Squad
Above: Mackenzie Hawkesby – back in sky blue for 2022. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Sydney FC’s Championship winning Head Coach Ante Juric, Liberty A-League Captain Natalie Tobin and nine of the Sky Blues 2022 Premiership winning squad, including Matildas Princess Ibini, Mackenzie Hawkesby, and Rachel Lowe, will return to defend their title in season 2022-23.
The Sky Blues have also recruited five Young Matildas who were part of Australia’s squad at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup last month, plus several other new faces.
Coach Juric is back for a sixth consecutive season having guided Sydney FC to each of the past five Grand Finals, winning one and securing two Premierships along the way.
Tobin will Captain the squad for a second year in her 10th season in Sky Blue and is joined by recent Matildas representative Ibini in her eighth season as the club returns to the new Allianz Stadium.
Sydney FC Player Of The Year Hawkesby and A-League Women’s Goal Of The Season Winner Lowe return for another season after last year’s heroics earned them call-ups to the Matildas squad to face Spain and Portugal in June.
Young Matildas Sarah Hunter and Charlie Rule are joined by their Under 20 World Cup team-mates defender Kirsty Fenton, midfielder Abbey Lemon and forward Jynaya Dos Santos.
Double Premiership winning and ever-present defender Charlotte Mclean returns for a third season in Sky Blue and is joined in defence by Perth Glory left-back Deborah Anne De La Harpe.
Goalkeeper Katie Offer will again challenge for the number one position while Junior Matildas’ Captain Shay Hollman, who won player of the tournament at the AFF U18 Women’s Championship, and fellow Junior Matilda Mary Stanic-Floody are promoted from scholarship to full-time contracts.
Above: Deborah-Ann de la Harpe, a stand-out at Perth Glory last season returns to New South Wales this season for Sydney FC. Image: Perth Glory.
Indiana Dos Stantos and Anika Stajcic, daughter of Sydney FC Hall Of Famer and former Women’s Head Coach Alen Stajcic, are new additions on scholarship contracts.
Head Coach Ante Juric is already happy with the balance of youth and experience.
“I’m delighted with the players we have signed so far and we’ll be adding some more quality in the coming weeks which I believe will give us a great chance at silverware again.
“We’ve managed to keep the core of our successful team from the past two seasons and are in talks with a number of others to return. The new players are fantastic additions and will bring more youth and exuberance to our play which I’m excited to see.”
Captain Natalie Tobin, who made her Sky Blue debut in the W-League Grand Final in 2013, is looking forward to another memorable year.
“I can’t believe this will be my 10th season at Sydney FC,” said the 25-year-old.
“It’s been an incredible journey for me and the past few years, in particular, have been extremely special. We’ve had success and I’m thrilled to see the core of that group staying together this season. I’m also excited to welcome and watch our new additions in action.
“We’ve recruited some fantastic young players and it all bodes well for a really great year.”
Sydney FC expect to make further signing announcements in the build-up to the season in mid-November with Liberty A-League fixtures likely to be revealed later this week.
Jenna McCormick Is Back For Adelaide
Artwork: Adelaide United.
Adelaide United is delighted to announce the return of experienced centre-back, Jenna McCormick, her third stint with the Club after signing a one-year contract.
The 27-year-old began her career with the Reds, playing 26 matches between 2012 and 2015 before returning for the 2017/18 campaign.
In 2019, McCormick made her Matildas debut against Chile and currently has four caps for her country.
The defender has plied her trade overseas in Iceland, Norway, Spain, and Denmark with Stjarnan, Medkila, Real Betis, and Aarhus Gymnastik Forening (AGF) respectively.
McCormick has also represented Canberra United, Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory, and Melbourne City in the Liberty A-League, amassing a total of 96 games in the competition.
Speaking on her decision to re-join the Club, the 2013/14 Dianne Alagich Medallist, said: “I’m really excited to be back in my home state playing for Adelaide United, the club where my career started.
“This team has become extremely competitive over the last few seasons and you can see a real togetherness within the squad, which is something I’m looking forward to being part of. Adrian (Stenta) is an excellent coach who encourages an attractive style of football, and I believe we have a great squad that can seriously challenge for the title this season.”
Adelaide United’s Liberty A-League Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “We’re really thrilled to have signed a player with a lot of pedigree like Jenna.
“You only have to look at her resume to see she possesses plenty of experience, having represented her country, played in Europe, and spent almost a decade in this league. Her signing definitely strengthens our defence and I’m very pleased with how the squad is coming together.”
Across her two spells with Adelaide, McCormick accumulated 38 appearances, scoring one goal.
Impetus’ Blaise Ogutu brings us his detailed weekly round-up of all the action from the NWSL (13/9/22).
Above: Crystal Dunn in action for the Portland Thorns three months after the birth of her baby. Photo:@ThornsFC/Twitter.
New Table-Topper, Brazilian Connect, And More
The end of the regular season looms ever closer and the race for the shield continues to grip the fan bases of the teams involved. Further down the table, the play-off spots are still up for grabs as well as no one seems to put enough distance between themselves and the others. We take a look at how things panned out this weekend.
Portland Thorns went back to winning ways after a peculiar August period as they cruised to a 2-0 win over Orlando Pride at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando on Friday night. Goals by Yazmeen Ryan and Hina Sugita proved to be enough to take the Thorns back into first place for the night.
The visitors were up and running in the opening twenty minutes of the game as substitute goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse and Celia produced crucial saves to deny Sophia Smith. Moorhouse was in action to deny Morgan Weaver’s fizzing attempt from the edge of the box with a diving save in the 26th minute.
Portland were not kept off the scoreboard for long as Ryan netted her second of the season. Weaver’s underlapping run down the left allowed her to get a lifted pass to her fellow attacker who adjusted well to get to the ball before Pride defender Jordyn Listro and put it away.
Orlando had a chance of their own in the latter stages of the opening half through Mikayla Cluff but the midfielder’s header sailed just wide over the crossbar.
Rhian Wilkinson’s charges dominated the second half with Ryan and Natalia Kuikka both seeing their chances go high and saved by Moorhouse respectively.
The game was put beyond Orlando’s reach when Meghan Klingenberg, Weaver and Olivia Moultrie all combined to tee up Sugita. The Japanese international saw her shot tuck neatly past Moorhouse and seal the win. The game also saw the return of Crystal Dunn from maternity after almost a year off the pitch as she came on late in the second half.
Above: Danielle Colaprico (white) faces off against Sofia Huerta (blue). Photo: @tayvincent6/Twitter.
Friday night also saw OL Reign entertain the Chicago Red Stars at Lumen Field in Seattle. The hosts took the lead through summer recruit Jordyn Huitema in the 18th minute. Her initial shot deflected off defender Zoe Morse and the Canadian got a second bite of the cherry to score past Alyssa Naeher.
Reign looked the better of the two sides as they continued piling pressure in the first half. Naeher had to pull off a double save to deny an in-form Megan Rapinoe in the 25th minute. Huitema could have had a first-half brace but her 39th-minute chance at the back post only hit the upright.
Chicago got the next goal of the game against the run of play right before halftime through Ella Stevens. Rachel Hill pounced on a long ball upfield and her shot was not properly saved by Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Stevens was at the right spot to scoop up the seconds and notch her fourth of the season.
The visitors looked like a different team in the second half and they got their work’s worth in the 68th minute. Yuki Nagasato’s shot inside the box hit Sam Hiatt’s hand and the referee called for a penalty which Danielle Colaprico stepped up to put the Red Stars ahead in the game.
Reign’s resilience however thwarted Chicago’s hopes of an away win as Rose Lavelle got restored parity with ten minutes to go. Dribbling into space down the left side, the midfielder’s rifling shot nestled inside the side netting. She could have gotten the three points in the 93rd minute had her header not hit the crossbar and the follow-up shot by Rapinoe saved by Naeher. A 2-2 draw at the end of a pulsating game.
Above: Washington Spirit fans celebrating their win over San Diego Wave at Audi Field. Photo: @WashSpirit/Twitter.
Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off served up an NWSL classic as Washington Spirit narrowly edged San DiegoWave 4-3 at Audi Field in the capital. Teenage sensation Jaedyn Shaw opened proceedings with a well-timed run to give San Diego the lead in the seventh minute. Spirit defender failed to close down Australian Emily Van Egmond as she floated in a deadly ball to Shaw who evaded Camryn Biegalski at the far post.
Washington responded with the equaliser four minutes later through Tara McKeown. Ashley Hatch and Sanchez both combined on the move and the latter pushed the ball out wide to McKeown who clipped the ball over Kailen Sheridan.
The hosts then went ahead on the half-hour mark through defender Amber Brooks. San Diego failed to clear their lines and the ball fell perfectly for the 31-year-old to poke it home.
She was at it again a minute before the break as she crept up at the back post to nod in her second of the afternoon and put Washington two goals to the good.
In the second half, the hero turned villain as Brooks clattered into Alex Morgan in the box leading to a penalty. The striker took it upon herself to pull a goal back for the visitors from the spot.
San Diego continued their second-half resurgence and with seven minutes to go, they won a controversial corner which was dispatched by Alex Morgan’s header to make it 3-3. Washington contested the decision to award a corner as they felt the ball went out for a throw-in instead.
There would be drama in the dying minutes though as McKeown smartly drew a foul from Van Egmond earning a penalty. Ashley Hatch was good from the spot to get the win Washington desperately needed.
Later on Saturday, the North Carolina Courage pumped five goals past Racing Louisville as their charge for the play-off spot continued. Brazilians Kerolin and Debinha both got a brace and Tess Boade notched her first of the season for the Courage. Nadia Nadim got the solitary goal for Louisville as they continued their woeful run of winless games.
Above: Courage forward Keerolin celebrates with teammates after netting a brace against Racing Louisville. Photo: @TheNCCourage/Twitter.
On Sunday, Gotham FC welcomed Kansas City Current to the Red Bull Arena in Harrison New Jersey and the visitors went home with all three points courtesy of a penalty from Hailie Mace in the second half. Claire Lavogez had arguably the most chances in the game as she saw her 1st minute attempt deflected wide.
She was again causing trouble in the second half against a resolute Gotham defence. Found out wide by Mace, her shot was deflected by Taylor Smith and almost crept in but it was cleared off the line by Paige Monaghan.
Gotham couldn’t hold their fort for long enough as substitute Ellie Jean clumsily took down Lavogez in the box in the 78th minute. Hailie Mace put away her strike to take the lead. Two minutes later, the hosts went hunting but Kristie Mewis’ shot drew a fingertip save from Adrianna Franch onto the crossbar. The win and the shutout ensured Franch’s 40th clean sheet in her NWSL career.
The final game of the weekend provided Houston Dash a chance to go top of the table as they faced Angel City at the PNC stadium in the Bayou City.
Maria Sanchez gave the home side the lead in the 42nd minute. Following a short corner, the Mexican attacker found space on the edge of the box and with no one closing her down, she fired a rocket past a diving DiDi Haracic.
Above: PNC Stadium as Houston Dash takes on Angel City. Photo: @HoustonDash/Twitter.
In the second half, it was Simone Charley who got the equaliser four minutes after the break. Beating Katie Naughton to a moving ball, the striker continued her run and it proved beneficial as Jane Campbell failed to gather the loose ball and Charley had the easiest finish to make it 1-1.
Houston had a host of chances in the second half but couldn’t make them count. In the final ten minutes, Valerie Gauvin’s first chance in Houston’s orange went narrowly wide while Bri Visalli’s attempted curler deflected and hit the crossbar going over. The draw meant Juan Carlos Amaros’s side ended the weekend fourth instead of first.
Here is how things stand as the Current hold first place for the first time this season.
Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the first round of 2022-2023 D1 Arkema season.
Above: Lindsay Horan (left) and Danielle van de Donk celebrate for Olympique Lyonnais. Photo: Damien LG.
Paris Saint-Germain won 2-0 at home against Soyaux. Paris SG opened against a weak Soyaux team. Even if they largely dominated this game, the hosts were not efficient enough to earn a bigger win. It seems that the absence of Marie-Antoinette Katoto is already impacted their scoring ability. Lieke Martens scored her first goal for her new team only five minutes in the match. We must also point out the great performance of Siga Tandia, Soyaux’s central defender, and Romane Munich, Soyaux goalkeeper, who both prevented Paris SG from adding to their tally. Goals for Paris SG from Lieke Martens (5), Kadidiatou Diani (34).
Bordeaux won 4-2 at home against Le Havre. In a game even in all statistics, Bordeaux won against newly promoted Le Havre. It was not an outstanding game and even if they won let Le Havre score twice. To be noted, on her first game in D1 Arkema, Salome Elisor scored twice for the visitors. Goals for Bordeaux from Maëlle Garbino (13, 44), Mickaëlla Cardia (23), Mélissa Gomes (53). Goals for Le Havre from Salome Elisor (3, 65).
Paris FC won 2-0 at home against Rodez. Paris FC dominated this game (66% possession) but lacked efficiency as seven shots on target only yielded two goals. Goals for Paris FC from Clara Matéo (28), Mathilde Bourdieu (72).
Montpellier won 3-0 at home against Dijon. A good start for Montpellier at home in a game where Dijon was never able to put them in danger.
Above: Charlotte Bilbaut and Marion Torrent pay homage to their France squad teammate Griedge Mbock severely injured during the last game of the France squad. Photo: MontpellierHSC.
Olympique Lyonnais won 5-1 away from home against Reims.
Lyon started the season missing a lot of regular players (Ellie Carpenter, Griedge MBock, Catarina Macario, Wendie Renard, Ada Hegerberg, and Amel Majri). During the last France squad team, Griedge Mbock quit the game with a dislocated knee, and will be absent for at least six months. So, Lyon started with Alice Sombath and Amandine Henry in central defence. Selma Bacha who still had some light calf pain, played only the first half as left forward to preserve her as the season will be long. Reims produced a good performance during the first 70 minutes, being dangerous with fast counterattacks, but they conceded three goals in the last 20 minutes when it started to be more difficult for them. Goals for Lyon from Daniëlle Van De Donk (16, 85), Damaris Egurrola (39), Sara Dabritz (72), Melvine Malard (90+4). Goal for Reims from Melchie Daëlle Dumornay (63).
Above: Fabrice Abriel, Fleury coach, during press conference. Image: FC Fleury ’91.
Fleury won 3-0 away from home against Guingamp. Except for its goalkeeper Katriina Talashlati, who was replaced by Manon Heil, Fleury started with almost its usual starting team. The Finnish international told me the morning of the game that she had caught flu whilst on international duty, and that she will be back soon.
In a press conference leading up to the game, Fabrice Abriel, Fleury’s coach, said: “Our objectives are to make good games, score a lot of goals, and try to be as close as possible to victory at each game.”
In the same media event, Léa Le Garrec, Fleury team Captain, said: “Our objectives for this season are to start well, and to do better than last season where we finished fourth We hope to finish third (earning Champions League football) and we will do everything we can for that.”
After this first game, Fleury showed that they were ready to fulfill their objectives. Goals for Fleury from Rosemonde Kouassi (18, 79), Julie Piga (52).
Above: Léa Le Garrec, Fleury captain, during the pre-game press conference. Image: FC Fleury ’91.
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