Above: Ellie Dorey celebrates for the Dons at Craven Cottage yesterday. Photo: Tom Smeeth.
AFC Wimbledon kicked off the Capital Cup campaign in style with a 3-1 win against Fulham FC at Craven Cottage. A brace from Ellie Dorey and a second-half goal from Ashlee Hincks was enough to ensure the Dons came out on top on a memorable day.
The impressive crowd of 3,181 were silenced early when Ellie Dorey opened the scoring not even five minutes into the game as she got on the end of an expertly placed Gloria Siber pass.
Wimbledon set out to dominate the game from that moment. The hosts had some opportunities going forward, but were kept at bay by the defensive line and goalkeeper Faye Baker. The Dons deservedly doubled their lead five minutes before the halftime break, when Dorey yet again got on the end of a fine pass, this time from Ashlee Hincks.
Immediately after the goal Dorey, had to be substituted with hamstring issues, and was replaced by Ella Newman, making her debut for the side. In the dying seconds of the first half, Fulham pulled a goal back, thanks to former Don Georgia Heasman.
The second half was an even affair, with both sides creating more and more opportunities. Fulham sent a few balls into the stands but also had an attempt cleared off the line by Amy Taylor.
Wimbledon also charged forward, but struggled to show the clinical finishing which has been a key element in recent displays. With 20 minutes to go, Hincks got on the scoresheet after a Taylor masterclass down the right wing, effectively finishing off the game.
After the game Dons captain Kelly Highman said “Fair play to Fulham, they put everything into that game today and made it difficult for us, and we made it difficult for ourselves but we came out with the win so that is all that matters.”
AFC Wimbledon Manager Kevin Foster reflected: “The early goal helped, it settled us in ways, but almost spurred them on at times. I thought they made it difficult for us but thankfully we had some quality in key areas at key times which made the difference.”
The Dons are next in action on Sunday 27th November as our Vitality Women’s FA Cup campaign continues against Billericay Town at Carshalton Athletic FC with a 3pm kickoff.
Last season, Impetus‘ weekly awards for the A-League Women proved to be a real hit with our audience, and they’re back for 2022/23.
Each week the writing and photography team covering the competition for us will nominate a player, coach, and event of the week. We’ll keep a tally of the player and coach votes as the weeks go by and at the end of the home and away season announce our winners for 2022/23.
Last season’s player of the year was Cortnee Vine of Sydney FC, with Perth Glory’s Alex Epakis taking coach of the year. Here’s this season’s first winners:
Player of the Week:
Above: Cote Rojas (centre) put in a sensational performance that saw four of our seven votes available go in her favour for Player of the Week. Photo: Melbourne City.
KIERAN YAP: It has to be Cote Rojas. She was only signed to Melbourne City days before the team travelled to face Wellington. The Chilean trickster scored one, earned a penalty, and set up another. Nobody else was near her this round.
BEN GILBY: Cote Rojas had her magic wand out and flourished it with style at the start of the second half for Melbourne City at Wellington Phoenix. When the Chilean is in that type of form she is unstoppable. Mazy runs, outrageous skill, pin-point passing, and deadly finishing. The A-League Women is always a better place for her presence.
JONATHAN TAY: Maria Rojas produced a stunning performance in Melbourne City’s first game of the season, made even more incredible by the fact she’s only been with the team for about a week. The Chilean striker dazzled against an overmatched Wellington Phoenix backline, notching a goal and an assist. Salient throughout the game, Rojas’ magnetic ball control and tricky movement were on display for the first three goals of the 4-1 blowover: laying the opener on a plate for Bryleeh Henry, dancing her way through the defence for her own tally, before winning a penalty for the third.
BEN CAREY: Annalee Grove – It’s so hard to go past Pollicina’s two goals and an assist, but in my opinion, Grove making five saves and keeping a clean sheet against Sydney FC, probably the most offensive team in the league, is even more impressive. Honorable mentions to Shea Connors and Grace Maher for excellent first-round performances too.
RYAN MILLER-WOODS: Despite only being an injury replacement player for Hannah Wilkinson at Melbourne City, how Rojas played against Wellington truly made herself known as well as making a quick-fire impact early on in the second half, really showed that she should be a permanent member of the City squad (although her Cypriot parent club will have a thing to say about that!) For however long she will be playing this season, she will be crucial to Melbourne City if this performance was anything to go by.
KIERAN CHEA: Sydney Cummings. Her presence in the air and strong tackles helped ensure that Western United got their historical debut win.
JOHNATHAN STACK: Shea Connors of Brisbane Roar. She played her part in both her team’s goals and caused the Jets’ defence countless problems.
Coach of the Week:
Above: Western United coach Mark Torcaso. Image courtesy of Western United F.C.
KIERAN YAP: Adrian Stenta was brave to substitute proven stars at Adelaide in favour of rising hopefuls. But it paid off when Emilia Murray scored the winning goal. On paper, Adelaide did not have the depth on the bench that Sydney FC did, but the 1-0 win proves otherwise.
BEN GILBY: Can’t go beyond Mark Torcaso at Western United. A brand new team come together containing some of his Calder United NPLW Victoria stars and some other excellent signings take on the defending champions in their first-ever match and gets the win.
JONATHAN TAY: Adelaide United have big expectations going into the season, having brought back the majority of their squad, including the dangerous forward duo of Fiona Worts and Chelsie Dawber. Against Sydney FC, they were still the underdogs on paper, but head coach Adrian Stenta’s charges managed to frustrate the reigning Premiers all afternoon. They defended solidly enough, with Stenta asking his midfield to tightly man-mark, preventing easy passage through the centre of the pitch. Adelaide then managed to pull off a classic smash-and-grab, with substitute Emilia Murray popping up in the 88th minute to head home the winner, laying down an early marker for the top four hopefuls.
BEN CAREY: Mark Torcaso (Western United) – Leading an expansion team to win their first match against the reigning champions is an incredible achievement.
RYAN MILLER-WOODS: In place of father Rado, who was unable to take charge in Wellington due to illness, it felt almost like nothing had been changed as Dario Vidošić for his sides impressive opening win against Wellington Phoenixslotted himself perfectly into the role. Whatever was said by him to the team in the half-time break worked as Melbourne City really showed their quality against Wellington in the second half with how they changed the perspective of the match in a blink of an eye.
KIERAN CHEA: Western United’s Mark Torcaso capped off a great start to the season with a win against the reigning ALW champions
JOHNATHAN STACK: Dario Vidošić for stepping in at the last moment to lead Melbourne City to an impressive opening win against Wellington Phoenix in the absence of his father.
Event Of The Week:
Above: A historic game for Wellington Phoenix yesterday for all sorts of reasons. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
KIERAN YAP: Aleks Sinclair’s arrival on the pitch for Western United drew a bigger cheer than the first goal of their season. Sinclair is a Calder United legend and her adulation was an encouraging sign that the supporters have crossed over to the A-League Women’s. It was also recognition for what she means to Victorian football.
BEN GILBY: After an entire season based out of New South Wales, finally Wellington Phoenix could play the first home game in their history. The first ever game of professional women’s club football played in New Zealand, the first A-League Women match to be played outside of Australia and a record crowd for a stand-alone home and away season game as well, 5,213 – all factors that made this a historic event.
JONATHAN TAY: After a whole season stricken by Covid lockdowns and travel restrictions keeping them in Australia, the Wellington Phoenix finally played their first real home game. It was a history-making moment for the Phoenix, hosting the first-ever professional women’s football game in New Zealand, and at the same time breaking the record attendance for a standalone A-League Women’s match. The pōwhiri , a traditional Maori welcome, led both Wellington and Melbourne City sides onto the field, with the mayor of Wellington and the Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand part of a crowd of 5,213. The final scoreline could not put a dampener on the significance and emotion of the occasion.
BEN CAREY: The Wellington Phoenix corner in the 83rd minute that saw a sympthony of headers and failed clearances by Melbourne City and eventuated in a high curling shot from Ava Pritchard that deflected off Torpey and past James in goals to score The Phoenix’s first goal of the season.
RYAN MILLER-WOODS: Even though it wasn’t the result that they would have wanted going into the match, the fact that Wellington Phoenix were able to play not only at home in New Zealand for the first time but in front of a record crowd for a regular season match in the A-League Women as well was momentous. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come and that from a Wellington perspective, more people come to support them in both the build-up to New Zealand co-hosting next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
KIERAN CHEA: Western United v Melbourne Victory. A great crowd at City Vista was further solidified by a fantastic game culiminating in Western United’s first-ever game and win in the ALW
JOHNATHAN STACK: Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne City for breaking the attendance record of a stand-alone game in the Liberty A-League.
Above: Emilia Murray turns away in delight after scoring her late winner for Adelaide United. Photo: Liberty A-League.
Adelaide United has gotten their season off to the perfect start with a 1-0 win over reigning premiers Sydney FC.
A tight, and very even contest was eventually decided in the 87th minute with Emilia Murray’s first goal in the A-League Women.
The match, at Adelaide’s ServiceFM Stadium was played in blustery conditions similar to that which Melbourne Victory and Western United had to contend with. Both teams tried to keep the ball on the ground, which led to numerous intercepted passes in the final third, and a match that was played mostly in midfield.
Adelaide finished last season with the best record in their history. A first finals campaign was stopped by Melbourne Victory, but they have retained the majority of their squad this season, and added Victory’s Melinda Barbieri, while welcoming back former star defender Maruschka Waldus.
Above: Sarah Hunter (left) contests possession for Sydney FC in Adelaide today. Photo: Adelaide United.
Sydney’s season begins missing some key players from their consecutive premierships. Remy Siemsen moved to Europe, while Taylor Ray is unavailable after suffering a knee injury on international duty. Fan favourite full back Ally Green has been replaced by fellow New Zealand international Anna Green.
In their place, Sydney FC has strengthened in some areas. Abby Lemmon has joined after impressing at the Youth World Cup with the Young Matildas. Kirsty Fenton has joined from Newcastle Jets, and striker Shay Evans has returned to the club.
With all the new faces, it was the most famous name that started the game brightest. Cortnee Vine began the season at full pace. Her early trademark run down the right created the first real scoring chance for Sydney FC. The cutback fell to Charlize Rule, but Annalee Grove in the Adelaide goal made an athletic save with her outstretched foot.
Emily Condon was Adelaide’s most creative force in the first half. Her acceleration and eye for an opportunity broke though Sydney’s midfield press. She carried the ball with purpose and confidence and played a well-timed pass out wide to Chelsie Dawber.
The playmaker continued her run and got on the end of Dawber’s cross but the ball bounced into the arms of Jada Whyman to snuff out the danger.
Above: Dylan Holmes (right) tussles with Mackenzie Hawkesby of Sydney FC. Photo: Adelaide United.
In midfield, Sydney’s Mackenzie Hawkesby was engaged in an entertaining duel with Adelaide’s Dylan Holmes. The two box-to-box midfielders each tried to assert their influence on the match while keeping the other under control.
The results were far from a stalemate. Each had their moments in the game, although Hawkesby was able to get forward more and posed more of a threat than Holmes through her set pieces.
The second half saw the game open up more. Dawber had a shot skid just wide of the left post after a cutback from Fiona Worts.
Sydney’s best chance came after another Vine run. Her low cross was cleverly left by Hawkesby in the middle and arrived at the feet of Princess Ibini in acres of space and an eternity of time. Grove stayed on her feet and composed. The shot was directed straight at her without much power. it was a surprising waste by a player whose right foot normally packs a punch.
With the game headed toward a draw. Adelaide coach Adrian Stenta made some changes. He brought off Emily Condon, captain Isobel Hodgson, and Dolan Medallist Fiona Worts.
Onto the pitch came, Emilia Murray, Barbieri, and Meisha Westland. Katie Bowler also replacing Xiao Yuyi.
Above: Sheer joy for Emilia Murray after the local teenager secured Adelaide United’s win. Photo: Adelaide United.
The move was courageous. Stenta was taking off a lot of experience and proven match-winning ability, including last season’s Golden Boot winner.
In the 87th minute, Emilia Murray scored the match-winner. The 18-year-old made an intelligent run into the box when Dawber received the ball out wide on the right.
The long curling pass was perfectly hit, especially considering the conditions. And Murray arrived before Whyman to nod it over the keeper. Adelaide held on for the remaining minutes and earned an opening-day win against a likely top-four opponent.
Adelaide next face Perth Glory. Their defence will be tested against the versatile and creative Glory attack. But with Grove in fine form against Sydney, they will feel confident even on the road.
Sydney will look to rebound against Melbourne Victory. The two clubs are in the unfamiliar position of facing each other after a loss. Nothing but a win will satisfy either manager. Especially in a Grand Final rematch.
Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-1-2): Grove, Hodgson (Bowler), Tonkin, Waldus, Hayward, Sasaki, Holmes, Xiao (Murray), Condon (Barbieri), Dawber, Worts (Westland).
Scorer: Murray 87′.
SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, De La Harpe, Mclean, Tobin, Green, Hunter, Hawkesby, Rule (Stanic-Floody), Ibini, Vine, Evans (Dos Santos).
Above: Melbourne City celebrate at Sky Stadium earlier today. Photo: Melbourne City.
In their opening match of the A-League Women season, Melbourne City was victorious against Wellington Phoenix in front of a record crowd attendance for a home and away A-League Women’s match in Wellington after a convincing performance.
Whilst City had the greater opportunities in the first half, Phoenix made distinctive claims as well.
The pressure early on was made by Melbourne City, but the Phoenix were able to have an answer to the City attack relatively without any significant danger.
Above: Wellington Phoenix’s Kate Taylor makes a great cover tackle. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
The first major attempt by Wellington was made by Ava Pritchard in the 12th minute from outside the box with a shot that went safely into the arms of City goalkeeper Sally James.
As the game approached the half hour mark, Wellington were seen more from an offensive perspective, but City were stubborn at the back.
The visitors had a great opportunity to open the scoring in the 37th minute when Emina Ekic was found in the box, and made a great turn, but her shot agonisingly hit the post.
Brianna Edwards for Wellington made a great save from a one-one situation in the 41st minute via a cross from Daniela Galic which was then controlled and shot at by Ekic that was then covered off and cleared by the Wellington defence.
Above: Daniela Galic and Rhianna Pollicina celebrate. Photo: Melbourne City.
Within three minutes of the re-start, Cote Rojas began to unleash her magic wand. She crossed the ball into the box and at the near-post, an open Bryleeh Henry slotted first-time into the back of the net.
Not long after that, City was able to double their lead thanks to a pass made by Rhianna Pollicina towards Rojas in the box who then turned, timed her shot, and directed the ball past Edwards into the goal in the 50th minute. It was Rojas at her best.
Controversy reigned in the 53rd minute as Pollicina crossed into the box with the ball appearing to have gone over the line before Wellington’s Edwards had saved it, but in the moment it then was spilled out towards Rojas who put it in but was deemed offside. The officials then deliberated on whether the initial cross made by Pollicina went over the line and after a little bit of time, it was decided that Edwards did enough to keep the ball out and deny the goal.
In the 65th minute, Wellington’s Zoe McMeeken made contact with City’s Rojas who had made a run into the box with the ball at her feet and went down in the box from the contact made, and the visitors were awarded a penalty as a result of it. Pollicina then stepped up to score despite Edwards who got a hand to it.
Above: Melbourne City’s Daniela Galic, aged just 16 put in an impressive shift. Photo: Melbourne City.
Within four minutes, Pollicina was on target for City again as Galic passed the ball into the box for Pollicina, who then turned and curled her shot past Edwards that went into the bottom-left corner.
The home side, roared on by an atmospheric crowd, ended the game on top, and with 82 minutes played, the ball was guided into the box from a corner. City keeper James that got directly parried which led to an almighty scramble that ended with Pritchard, who slightly missed the ball initially before seeing her second attempt deflect off the visitors’ Kaitlin Torpey and in.
Five minutes into stoppage time, Phoenix were unlucky not to add to their tally as, Lancaster, who had made a great run, saw her shot hit the post.
Above: Wellington Phoenix’s squad together after their first-ever home game. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Impetus’ Ellie Ramsauer was in Brighton and Hove Albion interim head coach Amy Merricks‘ event whilst Shannon Cookson dialled into Liverpool’s presser which was taken by assistant coach Amber Whiteley(20/11/22).
Above: Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Amy Merricks. Photo: Brighton and Hove Albion Women.
Brighton and Hove Albion go into their vital home game with fellow WSL cellar-dwellers Liverpool on Sunday in a positive frame of mind after their dramatic 5-4 win at West Ham United last time out, writes Ellie Ramsauer.
Reflecting on that win at Victoria Road, Brighton interim head coach Amy Merricks stated: “We were all proud of them [the players] in terms of the performance and the way they applied themselves.” She added that the team “played with some real intent” and that “there are some really positive foundations to build on from that game.” Merricks did concede, however, that there were “moments in the game where we need to learn to manage it better” and that was a “lesson learned.”
Following Albion’s big win, there has been a two-week international break in which a number of players have flown across the globe to play for their respective nations. When asked whether this break may have affected the team’s momentum Merricks responded that she “didn’t think so,” instead the Seagulls’ chief thought there had been some “really exciting elements as a club and a team over the two weeks, so for example with Katie Robinson making her debut for the England Senior team” as well as the fact that “Park Ye-Eun scored for [South] Korea.”
This led Merricks to the conclusion that “there’s several different things that we can build on and I think actually it’s quite nice sometimes for them to get a change of scenery, they come back and those that have remained worked really hard, so no complaints.”
Above: Rebekah Stott in training this week. Photo: Brighton and Hove Albion Women.
Another big talking point, as the Albion boss reflected on the West Ham game, was the number of players who got goals, which included three players who got debut goals for the club. In particular, Elisabeth Terland got her first goal for the club which pleased Merricks as she’s “been trying for a few games, came very close a number of times, so for her just to get the ball over the line was probably a big moment.” Danielle Cater also bagged a brace, as well as an assist, against West Ham, which Merricks said “shows that she can have a good impact on the game.”
Looking forward to Sunday’s vital game against a team around them in the table, there was positive news on the injury front. “Rebekah Stott’s been on the pitch a bit more which is really nice to see, Maisie [Symonds] has been in and around training which is nice to see but [she’s] not there just yet.”
In terms of specific targets for the match against Liverpool, the Brighton chief emphasised a need to “focus on the performance, focus on applying ourselves well first and foremost and the result will take of itself.”
Merricks asserted that Liverpool are “a really organised side’ and that “they also have several individuals with very good experience in the WSL and exciting youngsters coming through so they’ll be set up well, I have no doubt that they will come at us during the game and we have to be prepared for that.”
However, the interim head coach declared that her team have to “focus first and foremost on our performance” as well as carrying over “our intent from West Ham.” Merricks also mentioned that “managing the game where we can and where we need to’ is important.
During the international break, there was a new appointment at the club as Zoe Johnson was named as the women’s and girls’ Managing Director. Merricks reflected that the move was “a really positive appointment in terms of her experience in the game, she’s done a fantastic job at Sheffield United, has plenty of experience pitch-side as well as through being a General Manager, so an exciting appointment from the club and hopefully that can push us on.” There wasn’t, however, any news on the managerial vacancy with Merricks stating that “the club is still in the process of going through the appointment for the head coach” which is “still ongoing.”
Above: Liverpool assistant coach Amber Whiteley. Photo: Liverpool FC Women.
Liverpool’s trip to the Broadfield Stadium on Sunday is a hugely important encounter with The Reds currently sitting tenth having lost their last five games, with The Seagulls only one place ahead of them in the table, writes Shannon Cookson.
Assistant Coach Amber Whiteley, speaking to the media in Matt Beard’s absence due to temporary illness, confirmed that there is still a positive feeling in the squad: “I think there’s so much you can take from the recent performances. You’ve got to take positives from every game and use that as fuel and motivation for the coming weeks. We’ve had a lot of positives to take from recent games”.
Beard’s team lost only 1-0 to Aston Villa in their last fixture. Whiteley outlined how things are looking in the Liverpool camp.
“The squad is looking good; the players are very experienced.” Whiteley went on to explain that keeper Rachael Laws will not be in the squad due to an injury, however, both Leanne Kiernan and Ceri Holland have made progress: “Rachael Laws picked up a knock this week in training and she will be out for two weeks however Ceri Holland has made good progress as well as Leanne Kiernan but she is obviously a long way off.”
Above: Liverpool in training this week. Photo: Liverpool FC Women.
Whiteley confirmed just how hard this Women’s Super League is and how time is needed to adjust: “We know that it’s a difficult league and it would take time to adjust but now we’re really focussed on turning those performances into results”. The Reds are experiencing their first WSL campaign after two seasons in the Championship – a league they won at the end of the 2021/22 season.
When asked about Brighton’s interim head coach, the Liverpool assistant coach explained: “There is the element of the unknown for this weekend. But Amy Merricks has worked with Hope Powell for quite a long time, and we expect them to go back to basics. Amy is a well-experienced coach. We expect them to be well organised, well prepared for the game and it’s a difficult test for us.”
Liverpool are looking to bounce back from their recent results. The team look positive, the manager and assistant manager seem to be happy with how the squad are reacting and how well the training is going.
by Darrell Allen at The Emirates for Impetus (20/11/22).
Above: Alessia Russo celebrates her goal in second-half stoppage time that sealed Manchester United’s win. Photo: Barclays WSL.
Manchester United came from behind to secure a famous win at The Emirates and end Arsenal’s long winning run in the WSL.
Ella Toone gave Manchester United the lead at the interval but Arsenal turned the game on its head with goals from Frida Maanum and Laura Wienroither before the visitors turned the game on its head again late on with Millie Turner and Alessia Russo scoring and sending the three points back to Manchester.
Failing To Meet Expectations
On their big Saturday night at The Emirates in front of over 40,000 fans, it is fair to say Arsenal failed to deliver and failed to live up to the expectations on them for this game.
In the first half, Arsenal’s performance was below par. United enjoyed some excellent possession and chances. Leah Galton forced a save out of Manuela Zinsberger before Nikita Parris fired over the bar.
The home fans’ frustration was shown when Ella Toone’s goal was greeted with frustration and boos from the Arsenal support.
There was a reaction and improvement in the early stages of the second half with the goals from Maanum and Wienroither, however United were better across the course and distance of the game and came away with the win they fully deserved.
Stunning Drama
Above: Frida Maanum levels for Arsenal after the break. Photo: Barclays WSL.
Whilst the majority of the crowd would have been disappointed with the end result, they couldn’t say they weren’t entertained. This was just a stunning game of football.
It was Toone time in the first half before United looked like they had collapsed in yet another big game but Marc Skinner’s team were a threat all night and the dramatic way in which Millie Turner’s header came off the crossbar and went in sparked energy and belief that more could happen.
Just as the stoppage time board went up and signalled seven additional minutes, up stepped Alessia Russo to head home and take the life out of the Emirates. The home crowd were stunned but United had won it and deservedly so.
Delightful Deliveries
A theme of the night for both clubs were the ball deliveries for the goals. First up, the late cross from the by-line from Hayley Ladd which found Toone to score.
After Laura Wienroither had glided through herself to level the scores there was the fabulous cross from Katie McCabe who found the Austrian who volleyed home to give Arsenal the lead.
To finish the night was Katie Zelem who provided two electric balls for two incredible headers from Turner and Russo respectively. Just a stunning game with the deliveries the highlight.
Awesome Away Fans
Above: Millie Turner’s header to level the scores with five minutes to go sparked bedlam in the away end. Photo: Barclays WSL.
There has been much debate over recent months about whether the WSL should have away sections. The Manchester United supporters at The Emirates gave only a good demonstration of why this is a good idea.
They filled the famous Clock End Away, singing and dancing the night away. They could even be heard after the game as they made the way back to their coaches to head back north. This away crowd made the atmosphere and it’s an absolute must at all WSL venues.
Over to you Chelsea
Chelsea will have been delighted with the result at The Emirates which sees Arsenal, Manchester United and the defending champions all sit tied on 18 points after seven games.
Chelsea of course have their big day at a sold-out Stamford Bridge today with Emma Hayes returning and Erin Cuthbert buzzing after signing her new contract.
The Blues have the chance to go three points clear, albeit with a game in hand but a win over Tottenham would see Hayes and her team take their first real attempt at physiological authority on the WSL this season.
Impetus’ Kieran Chea was pitchside at Western United’s historic first-ever A-League game against Melbourne Victory yesterday. His EXCLUSIVE photography from the game is below (20/11/22).
Above: Chloe Logarzo fires in a free-kick for Western United. Photo: Kieran Chea for Impetus.
Above: Celebrations after Jess McDonald’s historic goal for Western United. Photo: Western United.
Western United have arrived in the A-League Women. The competition’s newest side defeated the reigning champions Melbourne Victory 1-0 in front of over 2,500 fans at City Vista.
The match was an important one for both dedicated fans and neutrals. Chloe Logarzo was named in the squad for Western United, while Elise Kellond-Knight lined up for the visitors.
The two Matildas returned to the field and the Australian topflight after both recovered from long-term injuries.
But this match about was more than just two players. This was a meeting between two teams looking to start the season off with a win, and the first local derby for the well-supported Victorian clubs.
Conditions were windy. Any ball in the air had the potential for either chaos or waste. Although the rain cleared and both teams had attacking talent to spare, chances were hard to come by.
Above: The Western Core, the A-League Women’s newest Active Support Group had plenty to make noise about at City Vista. Photo: Western United.
Melina Ayres looked the most dangerous in Victory’s first half. A half volley and another shot soon after was well-struck but marginally off target.
Up the other end, Hannah Keane was a hard-working threat to Victory’s defence. The American striker weaved her way into the box from the left but elected to cross to compatriot Jess McDonald instead of taking on the shot herself.
The Western United number nine had two more attempts in the first half. A volley on the turn whistled over the crossbar, then after benefiting from a turnover, she had another effort skim just wide of the bottom corner.
New Victory full-back Jessika Nash impressed Victory fans whenever she drove forward with the ball. The Young Matilda combined with Catherine Zimmerman to play in Tiffany Eliadis, but Hillary Beall was off her line quickly to snuff out the danger.
When the goal came, it was suitably through one of the big-name recruits. A Western United attack forced a close-range save from Casey Dumont, but the ball was deflected back into a dangerous area. Jess McDonald made the most of the half chance to sweep the ball low beyond Casey Dumont.
Western United manager Mark Torcaso had named an attacking line-up and the lead was well deserved. They were not intimidated by one of the league’s benchmark sides.
Above: Western United goal scorer Jess McDonald leads the celebrations. Photo: Western United.
Although Victory enjoyed plenty of possession, clear-cut chances were rare. Ayres’s flick put asked Chidiac in on goal, but her lofted shot bounced just wide of the goal with Beall beaten on a rare occasion for the afternoon.
Although Victory pressed for the rest of the game, the equalising goal never arrived. The introduction of Amy Jackson and the shift of Zimmerman to centre forward gave them more control of midfield, but Alana Cerne and Sydney Cummings were commanding be composed in defence, while the introduction of Chloe Logarzo only made things tougher for Victory.
The final whistle sent The Western Core into raptures, while Victory’s title defence got off to a less-than-ideal start.
It was a competitive and compelling football match, if not one packed with highlights. Despite the conditions, there was still plenty to celebrate. Logarzo and Kellond-Knight emerged unscathed, and biggest cheer of the day was reserved for Aleks Sinclair’s arrival on the pitch in her overdue A-League debut.
Melbourne Victory’s start to the season does not get any easier. They face an away trip to face Sydney FC for round two. The Grand Final rematch now has even higher stakes after this early setback.
Western United fly off to play Wellington Phoenix. The win will give them confidence against a team that knows what it’s like to be the new kids on the block and will be unlikely to provide any favors.
Above: Scenes of joy in the dressing room after Western United’s superb win. Photo: Western United
Teams: WESTERN UNITED (4-3-3): Beall, Iermano, Cummings, Cerne, Papadopoulos, Robers, M.Taranto, A.Taranto (Logarzo), McDonald, Keane, Johnson (Sinclair).
Above: Goalscoring celebrations for Canberra United at McKellar Park. Photo: Canberra United.
Canberra United welcomed Perth Glory to McKellar Park in a fixture that promised goals. When these two last met, the result was a dramatic 3-3 draw, and this round one match started in similarly frenetic style.
Glory named the hugely talented Bella Wallhead in their starting line-up for the first time since the 2020/21 season, and the youngster and her defensive colleagues had to step up in the early stages.
Canberra started aggressively and with attacking intent. Moving the ball forward at pace was valued over possession by the home side, and they created a flurry of goal-scoring chances in the opening minutes.
Michelle Heyman looked dangerous early. The A-League Women’s star striker skipped around Glory keeper Sarah Langman but hit her shot over the bar.
Wu Chenshu was next to threaten for Canberra United. Her shot from the edge of the box flew just over the bar. Following efforts from Vesna Milivojević and the returning Nikki Flannery, Perth Glory had Langman to thank for keeping things level.
Above: Canberra United’s talismanic Michelle Heyman in action today. Photo: Canberra United.
Canberra United’s fast start paid off in the 12th minute. New signing Grace Jale making an immediate impression on the fans after heading in Grace Maher’s corner kick to open the scoring.
It was a perfectly struck, in swinging delivery from the Canberra United playmaker. The New Zealand attacker had only to direct it goalward and she made no mistake from close range.
With Perth still reeling after conceding, Michelle Heyman almost doubled the lead. Her shot hit the upright after she danced through the defence and struck off her left foot.
As the half wore on, the visitors worked their way into the game. Alana Jancevski dropped deep to receive the ball. Sofia Sakalis and Hana Lowry became more involved and started to scheme in midfield.
Lowry was the first Glory play to test Chloe Lincoln in the Canberra goal. Her shot on her non-favoured right foot forced Lincoln into a spectacular diving save at full stretch.
New American striker, Gabriella Coleman began to trouble the Canberra defence. Her run and cross from the left bounced off the near post and trickled along the line before it was cleared by Emma Ilijoski.
Perth eventually carved out an equaliser in the 35th minute. In a similar style to Canberra’s opener, Liz Anton leapt to head home Ella Mastrantonio’s corner kick. The players from both sides paused in shock, but there were no arguments from the home team when the goal was awarded after it bounced in off the woodwork. Anton’s goals for Perth are few and far between, and notably Canberra are the only side she has scored against for Alex Epakis’ side.
Above: Perth Glory celebrate coming from behind. Photo: Perth Glory.
Canberra United restored their lead before halftime. Grace Maher was once again the architect. Her long run through midfield ended with a well-timed pass into the path of Milivojević, who finished under Langman to make it 2-1.
It was a much more even second half. Although both teams had threats, clear chances on goal became harder to forge. Cyera Hintzen was introduced for Glory in an attempt to switch up the attack.
The American striker was a huge influence last season and made an almost immediate impact on this match.
Hintzen found space inside the penalty area and cut the ball back to Coleman who levelled the scores in the 64th minute.
The momentum had swung slightly toward the visitors and Sakalis was having a huge impact as an advanced midfielder. An attempted overhead kick and a shot on the turn did not result in goals, but the Victorian NPLW star looked dangerous until she was swapped for Susan Phonsongkham.
Above: Perth Glory’s Susan Phonsongkham battles for the ball. Photo: Canberra United.
Canberra searched for the winner through efforts from Wu and Milivojević, while rising star Sasha Grove pushes further up the pitch.
Neither side could find the winner, despite both teams playing with plenty of intent. In the end, a draw felt fortunate but not undeserved from Perth Glory. Canberra United would have felt unlucky not to win in the opening round after dominating the shots on target 11 to four. Nikki Flannery had the best two chances to win the game late, but her shots hit the post and flew over the bar respectively
This was an exciting match between two sides focussed on scoring. Canberra United looked far sharper than their opening rounds of last season. Perth Glory entered this season with ambitions of a top-four place. They would not be perturbed by this performance, after initially being on the back foot, they were able to work their way back into the contest admirably.
Both teams will look to improve, but look to have all the pieces on the field to do so.
This fixture looked likely to produce goals and attacking play, and it delivered on that promise.
Teams:CANBERRA UNITED (4-1-4-1): Lincoln, Grove, McComasky, Faulknor, Ilijoski, Maher, Flannery, Wu (Hughes), Milivojević (Christopherson), Jale, Heyman.
Above: Jamilla Rankin brings the ball away for Brisbane Roar. Photo: Sofascore.
Brisbane Roar and the Newcastle Jets got the 2022/23 Liberty A-League Women season underway in a fiery affair at Perry Park.
Roar had the better of the opening exchanges of the game with Shea Connors firing wide while the Jets had chances with a Murphy Agnew free-kick tipped over by Hensley Hancuff and Sarah Griffith went close.
Larissa Crummer got the better of her former team as she scored the first goal of the match, as Roar broke the deadlock 15 minutes before halftime with the Jets defence at sixes and sevens, allowing the Australian international to slot into an empty net.
Above: Sharn Freier, scorer of Brisbane Roar’s second goal. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
Brisbane did have a goal disallowed for a foul in the box from a corner kick, which denied Crummer her second of the game. But they were not to be denied as a cross in from Connors saw Sharn Freier grab her first goal of the season.
Into the second half, it was a slow start after the break with both teams struggling to get going – not aided by the stop-start nature caused by 19 fouls committed and five yellow cards being handed out by the 55-minute mark.
Connors had a great chance to make it 3-0 as she was played in behind by a sublime pass from Margot Robinne but she hit her shot at Georgina Worth in the Newcastle goal.
Ashlee Brodigan had a big chance of pulling a goal back for the Jets from point-blank range, but Brisbane’s shot-stopper Hancuff did well to get down to it.
The Jets were pressing and pushing to get back into the game with 20 minutes to go but to no avail, with Agnew’s strike on goal was saved comfortably.
Above: Murphy Agnew, who had a strong performance on debut. Photo: Newcastle Herald.
But she had better luck and grabbed a debut goal from the penalty spot, after Hensley Hancuff very lucky to stay on the pitch after fouling Adriana Konjarski. The Roar keeper was the last player but only received a yellow.
That shifted a change of atmosphere in the last 15 minutes, with Newcastle now pushing to get the equaliser and nick a point from what was a two-goal deficit.
The visitors thought they got the equaliser five minutes from time as Agnew’s corner was headed home by Tara Andrews, but it was ruled out as Konjarski, who was deemed in an offside position, tangled with Hancuff on the goal line.
So, Brisbane Roar pick up an opening day win as they kick off their 2022/23 campaign with a victory, meanwhile, the Newcastle Jets are now without an opening day win for six years with their last coming at the start of the 2017/18 season.
Up next in Round Two for the Brisbane Roar are Canberra United who travels to Perry Park, while the Newcastle Jets host the Western Sydney Wanderers in Tamworth at Scully Park.
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