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The Swedish Scene

Ben Gilby rounds up all the action from both the Damallsvenskan and Elitettan (20/2/22).

Above: Klara Andrup shows her joy after hitting a superb equaliser for IF Brommapojkarna against Djurgården on Sunday. Photo: Tomas Sedin / Sedinbild.

Damallsvenskan Round 20 Wrap:

**Above:** Joy for Kristianstads as they gained a big win in the Champions League race over in-form Hammarby. **Photo:** Kristianstads DFF.

Kristianstads gained an important victory in the Champions League race as they ended Hammarby‘s recent excellent form with a 3-1 win in front of 725 fans. The home side stamped their authority on the game early when Amanda Andradottir put them ahead with 12 minutes played. Ten minutes into the second half, the prolific Tabby Tindell doubled Kristianstads lead after being played in by Mia Carlsson. Hammarby brought on Matildas pair Courtney Nevin and Elise Kellond-Knight in response, joining Kyra Cooney-Cross who started the match. However, Emelia Oskarsdottir extended the home side’s lead further before a consolation for the visitors came at the end when Savage Hashish benefited from Fanny Rönnlund’s assist.

**Above:** Rosengård celebrate their sensational comeback from 2-1 down to defeat IFK Kalmar 6-2 thanks to a Karin Lundin hat-trick. **Photo:** Teller Report.

Rosengård remain top after a comprehensive 6-2 win over struggling IFK Kalmar – but they certainly did not have it all their own way. Indeed, the visitors built leads of 1-0 and 2-1 before succumbing to the defending champions’ quality. Viola Nambi put Kalmar ahead with 13 minutes on the clock before Olivia Schough fed Mia Persson to level within 120 seconds. Wilma Finnman restored the visitors’ lead before the half-hour mark before Ria Öling levelled matters eight minutes from the break. The second half was all Rosengård as strikes from Loreta Kullashi and an 18-minute hat-trick from Karin Lundin sealed the points to the delight of the 876 fans.

**Above:** Marika Lundin, who hit BK Häcken’s winner at Eskilstuna United. **Photo:** BK Häcken.

BK Häcken‘s faltering Champions League qualification hopes gained a boost with a 2-1 win at Eskilstuna United. Hanna Wijk fed Stine Larsen to put the visitors ahead just after the half-hour mark. Mia Jalkerud supplied the assist as Paulina Nyström levelled with just over an hour played to the joy of the gathered 1,031. With 20 minutes remaining, Marika Lundin settled matters with Häcken’s winner.

**Above:** IF Brommapojkarna’s Klara Andrup (13) watches her shot fly past the reach of Djurgården goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl. **Photo:**

IF Brommapojkarna gained a point to climb out of the automatic relegation zone against Stockholm rivals Djurgården. They had to do it the hard way though, coming from behind as Stinalisa Johansson put the visitors ahead after 25 minutes. Klara Andrup levelled matters with a superb shot that whistled past legendary Djurgården goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl just over 10 minutes from time.

**Above:** There was plenty to celebrate for KIF Örebro against AIK. **Photo:** KIF Örebro.

KIF Örebro hammered another nail in AIK‘s miserable season after handing the Solna-based side a 5-1 thrashing, with even Australian international Remy Siemsen’s second goal in two games doing failing to ease the pain. Berglind Augustdottir hit Örebro’s opener on the half-hour mark. It remained a single-goal lead until a spell of two goals in five minutes either side of the hour mark effectively settled matters. Nathalie Persson fed Regan Steigleder to double the hosts’ lead with Katie Lockwood benefitting from Augustdottir’s assist. With 20 minutes left, Siemsen gave AIK a glimmer of hope, but this was snuffed out as Örebro added two further goals in the closing stages thanks to Heidi Kollanen’s penalty and Michaela Kovacs’ effort which was greatly appreciated by the crowd of 391. AIK, despite only recording two wins for the season, are still just three points from safety.

**Above:** Linköping celebrate their win at Vittsjö. **Photo:** Linköping Football Club.

Linköping are second, two points behind leaders Rosengård after coming from behind to win 2-1 at Vittsjö. The home side fielded three Matildas in their starting line-up. Clara Markstedt provided the assist for Jutta Rantala to give Vittsjö the lead to the delight of the 695 crowd. Shortly before the hour mark, Alva Selerud found Michelle De Jongh who levelled. Then, with six minutes remaining, Linköping sealed all three points with Olga Ahtinen on target.

Piteå won the final game of the round at struggling Umeå IK. The only goal of the game came from Josephine Johansson five minutes before the break thanks to Anam Imo’s assist.

Round 21 Fixtures (24th – 26th Sept): BK Häcken v IF Brommapojkarna, Kristianstads v Djurgården, Rosengård v Vittsjö, IFK Kalmar v Piteå, AIK v Eskilstuna United, Umeå IK v KIF Örebro, Hammarby v Linköping.

Elitettan News:

**Above:** Växjö’s Evelyn Ijeh, whose two goals gave her side a great chance of clinching an instant return to the *Damallsvenskan*. **Artwork:** *Elitettan*.

The weekend’s big game was the battle of the top two which saw IK Uppsala and Växjö go head to head in front of 306 fans. The outcome, a 2-0 win for Växjö, puts them four points clear at the top of the table and in pole position to claim an instant return to the Damallsvenskan. Fittingly, it was the recently announced Elitettan player of the month for August, Evelyn Ijeh, who hit both goals, after 19 and 62 minutes.

**Above:** Desirée Tiittanen, whose dramatic late leveller for Ifö Bromölla IF put a dent in Alingsås FC United’s promotion hopes. **Photo:** Ifö Bromölla IF.

Third-placed Alingsås FC United lost a major chance to cut the gap on the top two as they conceded a goal four minutes into second-half stoppage time in a 1-1 draw with an Ifö Bromölla IF side who are in the lower third of the table. Rebecca Cameras gave Alingsås the lead three minutes before the break. Then at the death, up popped Desirée Tiittanen to score a dramatic leveller for the visitors to the frustration of the 150 crowd.

**Above:** IFK Norrköping (red) in possession at Sundsvalls yesterday. **Photo:** IFK Norrköping.

Whilst remaining in fourth, IFK Norrköping took advantage of Alingsås’ slip-up to close the gap after a 3-1 win at Sundsvalls in front of 74 fans. My Cato’s strike put the visitors ahead right on half-time. Ebere Orji brought Sundsvalls back into the game with a leveller eight minutes into the second half. IFK Norrköping then took charge as Wilma Leidhammer and Cato’s stoppage-time strike sealed the win.

**Above:** Alexandra Sandström whose late winner for Team TG FF went a long way to preserve their *Elitettan* status. **Photo:** Pelle Börjesson / BILDBYRÅN.

Team TG FF gained a hugely important three points in their battle to beat the drop with a hugely dramatic 2-1 win at second-bottom Rävåsens IK Karlskoga. They had to do it the hard way with Christie Gray giving the home side the lead seven minutes into the second period. Rävåsens held the lead until two minutes from time when an own goal gave Team TG FF a lifeline. Then, five minutes into stoppage time up stepped Alexandra Sandstrom to score a winner for the visitors to plunge the home crowd of 126 into dispair. Team TG FF are consequently seven points clear of the drop zone.

Results Round 20: Rävåsens IK Karlskoga 1-2 Team TG FF, Alingsås FC United 1-1 Ifö Bromölla IF, Lidköpings FK 4-0 Mallbackens IF Sunne, Älvsjö AIK FF 0-1 Gamla Upsala SK, Sundsvalls 1-3 IFK Norrköping, IK Uppsala 0-2 Växjö, Bergdalens IK 3-2 Jitex BK.

Round 21 Fixtures (24th – 25th Sept): Gamla Upsala SK v Bergdalens IK, Jitex BK v IK Uppsala, Mallbackens IF Sunne v Alingsås FC United, Ifö Bromölla IF v Älvsjö AIK FF, Sundsvalls v Lidköpings FK, IFK Norrköping v Team TG FF, Växjö v Rävåsens IK Karlskoga.

Patience Rewarded As Dons Down Actonians

AFC Wimbledon 2-0 Actonians

by George Jones (AFC Wimbledon Women) 20/9/22

Above: Ashlee Hincks smashes home AFC Wimbledon’s second against Actonians at Plough Lane on Sunday. Photo: Glyn Roberts.

AFC Wimbledon marked their return to Plough Lane stadium in style by marking the occasion with a victory that was sealed by Ashlee Hincks.

Last season’s top scorer struck the second in a 2-0 win versus Actonians after an own goal had put Wimbledon ahead in what was a well-attended fixture at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

The Dons got off to an encouraging start as Ellie Dorey came close to opening the scoring by forcing a fine save from the visiting keeper inside the opening 10 minutes. The Dons kept searching with Hincks as the focal point, her impressive runs into the channels ensuring that the Actonians keeper was kept busy.

The best chance of the half came when a fine cross from Ellie Dorey went across the face of goal, but Ashlee Hincks and Rebecca Carter were both just unable to get on the end of it.

Following a start to the second half when Wimbledon struggled to create anything of note, Billie Brooks headed wide on the hour after getting on the end of a cross by Hincks. Shortly afterwards, there was a lengthy stoppage in play as Rebecca Carter received treatment for a serious-looking injury. Carter was replaced by Remmi Gardner, player of the match last time out, and she made an instant impact by winning possession to start an attack that led to an own goal.

After deservedly making the breakthrough, Wimbledon took complete control, and with 20 minutes left the advantage was doubled through Hincks, who finished off a fine team move to seal the three points.

First-team coach Andy May said: “It was pleasing to grind out a result. We didn’t really set our tempo or intensity out of possession. The stuff we did in possession was good, but we could have produced better in certain spells. When we did play quickly we got success, so we’ll be looking for more of the same in the coming weeks.”

AFC Wimbledon’s next home is at Plough Lane once more on Sunday 2 October (2.00 pm kick-off) versus Wymondham Town. Before then, the Dons make the long trip to Gloucestershire to face Cheltenham Town in a rearranged FAWNL Cup game.

Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Highman, Billingham, Mann (Taylor), Donovan (Lockett), Bath, Carter (Gardner), Dorey (Sampson), Hincks.

Scorers: Own Goal 67′, Hincks 76′.

ACTONIANS: Butler, Ebine, Sinclair, Drage, Munnelly, D’Santos, Graham, Kanno, Netschava, Khan, Ledezma-Viso. Substitutes: Shakes, Lopez, Williamson, Nee-Chambers, Ishmael, Brereton.

NWSL Weekly Wrap Round 18

Impetus’ Blaise Ogutu brings us his detailed weekly round-up of all the action from the NWSL (20/9/22).

Above: Nadia Nadim and Jessica McDonald during Racing Louisville’s win over Orlando Pride. Photo: @RacingLOUFC/Twitter.

Racing Win, Snapdragon Stadium Opens To Record Crowd And More:

Four points separate first from sixth. Five points are the difference between the sixth and eighth. A wild finish to the season is upon us and every NWSL fan is revelling in it. Six teams all with a mathematical chance to win the regular season shield and play-off spots up for grabs. Let’s see how the weekend turned out.

Racing Louisville finally got their long-awaited win as they beat Orlando Pride 2-0 at the Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville on Friday night. Goals from Nadia Nadim and Savannah DeMelo ensured Kim Bjorkegren’s third win of the season but it came three months too late to salvage anything this season.

It was Orlando with the first real chance of the game when Erika Tymrak missed a chance to convert a well-taken set piece as she saw her attempt hit the crossbar in the 3^rd minute. Louisville would take the lead through Nadim ten minutes into the game. A skilful move by Jessica McDonald saw her beat her marker and driving to the by-line, fizzed a square ball to find Nadim from close range for an easy tap-in.

Orlando held their own and piled on pressure with Darian Jenkins seeing her right foot shot parried away by Katie Lund in the Lousiville midway through the half.

Five minutes into the second half, DeMelo finished off a brilliant move started by herself. Linking up with midfielder Wang Shuang, DeMelo’s nifty feet beat defenders before curling one from outside the box past Erin McLeod.

The Pride pushed on, but Lund denied Tymrak twice in the 55^th minute and after the hour mark.

**Above:** Washington Spirit players celebrate a goal against Gotham FC. **Photo:** @WashSpirit/Twitter.

Michelle Betos was put to the test early on having to deny Ashley Sanchez’s shot using her outstretched leg in the 16^th minute. Trinity Rodman, Paige Monaghan, and Ifeoma Onumonu all had chances to score for their sides but failed to convert.

In the second half, Gotham eventually crumbled six minutes into the half when Tara McKeown scored her second goal in as many games. Ashley Sanchez was the provider as she found McKeown down the right-hand channel. Her first attempt was saved by Ali Krieger but the rebound fell for her to easily put it away.

The winger was again in action in the 81^st minute when her shot from the middle of the 18-yard box was expertly tipped over by Betos for a corner. The hosts put the game to bed courtesy of Ashley Sanchez. Committing to a press, Sanchez picked off Betos who was trying to execute a pass before rounding the shot-stopper to slide it into the net and keep Washington’s playoff hopes alive at the time.

North Carolina Courage welcomed OL Reign to Wakemed Soccer Complex with hopes to continue their scintillating late-season charge for the playoffs. This was however not to be as the visitors would make a first-half comeback to successfully end Courage’s three-game unbeaten streak.

North Carolina were off the blocks quicker and three minutes in, Kerolin had a chance at the backpost but her attempt was saved by Phallon Tullis-Joyce. The keeper would however be wrong-footed three minutes later when the Courage took the lead. Kerolin again at the heart of the attack, found Ryan Williams down the right. The right back’s low cross into the box managed to ricochet off Reign defender Alanna Cook for and beat Tullis-Joyce at the near post.

Rose Lavelle’s goalscoring form continues as she levelled for the visitors eleven minutes in. Sofia Huerta’s cross from the right was snatched by Megan Rapinoe who saw her shot saved by Casey Murphy but straight at Lavelle who pulled the trigger for the equaliser.

**Above:** Jordyn Huitema, Rose Lavelle and Megan Rapinoe celebrate a goal against NC Courage. **Photo:** @OLReign/Twitter.

Midway through the half, OL Reign won a free-kick in what looked like quite a distance. Rapinoe stepped up to take it and saw her smart shot wickedly bounce to beat Murphy between the sticks and pull them ahead.

The best chance in the second half came from North Carolina. Kerolin and Debinha again linked up causing chaos at the back. The former’s first attempt was saved from point blank range by Tullis-Joyce and Debinha could only manage to send her shot high and wide. 2-1 was the score in favour of the visitors who will be keen to cement the playoff spot with two more games to go.

Up north in Chicago, coming off a heavy win against then-league leaders Kansas, Chicago Red Stars slumped to a 1-0 defeat to the Houston Dash at the SeatGeek Stadium. A goal from English international Ebony Salmon in the 25^th minute was enough to see off Chicago in a cagey match as both teams fight for a chance of glory come the end of regular season.

It was a record-breaking night in the final game of Saturday as the San Diego Wave played their inaugural game at the Snapdragon Stadium against California rivals Angel City FC. A raucous crowd witnessed San Diego going back on top of the table with a narrow 1-0 win over Freya Coombe’s side.

**Above:** A full Snapdragon Stadium before kick-off. **Photo:** @sandiegowavefc/Twitter.

Teenager Jaedyn Shaw scored her third goal in her third match in the NWSL on the half-hour mark. Following brilliant work down the right flank, Sofia Jakobsson’s floated ball found a back-peddling Shaw to glance her header past DiDi Haracic for the first goal at the new stadium.

The party could have been stopped by Jun Endo three minutes later. From outside the box, she set herself up for a left-foot strike but it drew a sharp save from Kailen Sheridan in goal.

Sheridan was again called to action as Angel City were awarded a penalty in the second half after Claire Emslie was brought down. Sheridan guessed the right way and stopped Savannah McCaskill from getting the leveller for the away side as 32,000 fans willed their team to another shutout win.

In the final match of the weekend, Kansas City Current and Portland Thorns played out to a 1-1 draw at the Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City. A late Hailie Mace stunner cancelled out Raquel Rodriguez’s equally late opener as neither team could find a way to end the weekend on top of the table.

**Above:** KC Current’s Kristen Hamilton and Portland’s Kelli Hubly contest an aerial ball. **Above:** @thekccurrent/Twitter.

Portland had plenty of chances to break the deadlock but Yazmeen Ryan could only rattle the crossbar in the 18^th minute and Morgan Weaver’s low shot after dancing past defenders was gathered by former Thorns goalkeeper Adrianna Franch.

In the 49^th minute, Sophia Smith had another glorious chance for the away side after being found by a defense-splitting pass by Sam Coffey. Again Franch had to come up big to deny the 22-year-old.

Kansas had chances of their own with both Claire Lavogez and Lo’eau LaBonta having opportunities to alter the scoreline. It was Rodriguez who opened the scores in the 87^th minute after winning a ground duel and driving into the box before s=firing low towards the back post to beat Franch.

In the third minute of added time, Mace won a free-kick in Portland’s half and just 20-yards out, fired a well-driven shot which took a deflection into the back of the net to salvage a point for the home side.

With two or three more games to go in the regular season, it is still unclear who will lift the regular season Shield. It is equally impossible to tell how the final top six will look like with three teams below the cut-off point still within mathematical distance to catch Chicago in sixth.

Here is how the table looks like after another entertaining round of fixtures.

The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the 2^nd round of 2022-2023 D1 Arkema season.

Above: Lindsey Horan scores from this free kick for Olympique Lyonnais after 32 minutes against Soyaux. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Fleury at home obtained a draw 1-1 against Paris FC. This game between two teams that would like to finish at least third this season was very hard with a lot of duels. Fleury finished the game from the 83^rd minute with only nine players after Rosemonde Kouassi received a deserved red card after receiving two yellows. Léa Le Garrec received two yellow cards consecutively for having complained too vehemently against the referee who was good, even if she let play go on a lot. Fleury dominated the game in midfield in the first half but after the game was level with Paris FC having the edge at the end,but Fleury fought hard to preserve the score. Speaking to me after the game, Léa Le Garrec said she was disappointed not to have kept her calm and will now miss the next match against Paris St.Germain. Goal for Fleury from Rosemonde Kouassi (21). Goal for Paris FC from Adja Binate Soumahoro (73).

Dijon at home also obtained a 1-1 draw against Bordeaux. In an even, Bordeaux had more shots (12 against eight). With only around 70% of passes successful, both teams lacked the efficiency to win the game. Goal for Dijon from Léa Declercq (39). Goal for Bordeaux from Maëlle Garbino (69).

Montpellier won away from home 3-1 against Reims. Montpellier dominated this game and delivered a very good performance. The players found each other easily (86% of passes successful) and shot more than 20 times with a third on target. Without the good performance of Emily Alvarado, Reims goalkeeper, the score would have been larger for Montpellier. Goals for Montpellier from Luna Gevitz (18, 83), Nérilia Mondésir (57). Goal for Reims from Julie Pasquereau (54).

Paris Saint-Germain won 4-0 away from home against Rodez. Paris SG delivered an impressive performance, never letting Rodez have a sniff. With this win and their four goals, Paris SG take the lead in the D1 Arkema table showing that this year again they will be the challenger to Olympique Lyonnais for the title. Goals for Paris SG from Grace Geyoro (19, 90+2), Sakina Karchaoui (50), Kadidiatou Diani (58).

Le Havre won 1-0 at home against Guingamp. In a game slightly dominated by Guingamp, Le Havre was a little bit more efficient and won their first game in D1 Arkema. Goal for Le Havre from Deja Davis (55 Penalty).

Olympique Lyonnais won 2-1 at home against Soyaux. Wendie Renard did not start the game but entered at the 62^nd minute. Sonia Bompastor, Lyon coach, was trying a new 4-4-2 formation instead of 4-3-3. The players had a lot of problems adapting to this causing difficulties finding each other on the field. Furthermore, it was obvious that a few players were not yet to their full potential. Only Lindsey Horan (named player of the match), Selma Bacha, and Delphine Cascarino who replaced Melvine Malard at the 62^nd minute, really played to their potential. Goals for Lyon from Lindsey Horan (32), Delphine Cascarino (77). Goal for Soyaux from Drepoba Stéphanie Gbogou (90+3).

LYON NEWS:

**Above:** Ellie Carpenter happy to be back on the field and to start running again. **Photo**: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Ellie Carpenter started running again last week as part of her recovery from her ACL injury and was at the game to support her teammates.

Canadian international Vanessa Gilles (below) has joined the club, although she is not ready to play for several weeks due to an abductor injury.

**Above:** Vanessa Gilles who just signed with Lyon to replace Griedge Mbock. Photo: Olympique Lyonnais.

Saints See Off Unbeaten Palace

Crystal Palace 1-2 Southampton

EXCLUSIVE photos from Hannah Parnell for Impetus at Selhurst Park.

Above: Aerial battle at Selhurst Park in Sunday’s Championship clash. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.

Newly promoted Southampton won their first ever Barclays Championship match, spoiling Crystal Palace’s big day at Selhurst Park.

**Above:** Crystal Palace and Southampton players pause before kick-off as a mark of respect for the Queen. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell for *Impetus*.

A record crowd of just under 2,000 gathered in South London buoyed by their team’s superb start to the second-tier season which saw them defeat last season’s runners-up London City Lionesses and Coventry United to push themselves into the top group of teams pushing for a place in the Super League.

**Above:** Lexi Lloyd-Smith (17) celebrates after giving Southampton the lead. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell for *Impetus*.

Whilst Palace dominated the possession, it was Saints who made their 40% of the ball count on the scoreboard. Beth Lumsden called home keeper Fran Kitching into action within two minutes. Shortly afterwards, Lumsden was in threatening action once more as she fed Lexi Lloyd-Smith to give the visitors the lead as her shot went into the bottom left-hand corner.

**Above:** Physical tussle for possession at Selhurst Park on Sunday. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell for *Impetus*.

Palace hit back with Coral-Jade Haines seeing one effort go wide and the other held by Kayla Rendell in the Saints goal. Katie Wilkinson created two chances for the visitors with two left-footed efforts just inside the area.

**Above:** Crystal Palace had the bulk of possession against Southampton. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell for *Impetus*.

As the opening half reached its conclusion, Palace stepped it up with Isabella Sibley seeing an effort go wide, several corners forced and Annabel Blanchard’s shot hit the post. However, three minutes into stoppage time, the home side finally got their reward as Haines’ shot from the right-hand side of the six-yard box levelled the scores.

**Above:** Joy for Crystal Palace as Coral-Jade Haines levels the scores. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell for *Impetus*.

Parity did not last for long – within two minutes of the second-half opening, Lloyd-Smith grabbed her second for Southampton as her shot from the right-hand side of the box went in at the far corner of the net.

**Above:** Celebrations after Lexi Lloyd-Smith hit hers and Southampton’s second. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell for *Impetus.*

Crystal Palace tried to hit back with shots from Blanchard and Chloe Peplow blocked and Rendell was called into action to save Haines’ header and Sibley’s effort.

**Above:** Ella Morris driving forward for Southampton. **Photo:** Hannah Parnell for *Impetus*.

Saints were not without chances to extend their lead as Katie Wilkinson’s effort came back off the post, Beth Lumsden’s shot from outside the box just wide, and Ella Morris’ saved.

Teams: CRYSTAL PALACE: Kitching, Johnson, Sibley, Doran, Everett, Peplow, Haines, Arthur, Filbey, Sharpe, Blanchard. Substitutes: Reilly, Waldie, Negri, Olding, Noble, Barton, Hughes, Guyatt.

Scorer: Haines 45+3′.

SOUTHAMPTON: Rendell, Peake, Parnell, Rafferty, Ward, Rutherford, Collett, Morris, Lumsden, Lloyd-Smith, Wilkinson. Substitutes: Mott, Freeland, Williams, Pusey, Wynne, Griffiths, Watling, Harris.

Scorers: Lloyd-Smith 5′, 47′.

Attendance: 1,846 (Record Attendance).

Rams Take The Honours Despite Aquino’s Heroics

Northern Tigers 0-0 Macarthur Rams (19/9/22)

Macarthur Rams win 6-5 on penalties

by Ryan Miller-Woods

Above: Macarthur Rams lift the NPLW NSW trophy after a dramatic Grand Final win over Northern Tigers. Photo: NPL NSW.

Macarthur Rams earned an incredibly hard-fought victory with a 6-5 win on penalties (0-0 after 120 minutes) against a massively determined Northern Tigers in the NPLW NSW Grand Final at the Valentine Sports Park.

To say that Macarthur had to earn it would be a massive understatement as the grit and sheer determination of the Tigers kept them the scoreline not only scoreless for a full 90 minutes and extra time. So many of Macarthur’s chances throughout the match were prevented by the spectacular and amazing performance by Northern Tigers’ goalkeeper and Player of the Match Morgan Aquino who truly played out of her skin from start to finish.

For Macarthur to have gone a full 120 minutes in the Semi-Final and then repeat that in this match as well is honestly so very impressive. Northern Tigers went into this match as the slight favourites to take home the bragging rights after their dismissive and very comfortable 3-0 victory over the Regular Season Premiers Sydney University in normal time.

The first major chance of the match for Macarthur with Melissa Caceres cutting into the Tigers’ box and laying the ball off to Leena Khamis just puts it over the bar for a Tigers’ goal kick.

**Above:** Valentine Sports Park, venue for yesterday’s Grand Final. **Photo:** Northern Tigers.

Khamis was involved again when Patricia Charalambous crosses the ball into the box but her header went just wide of the near post. Perth Glory A-League Women keeper Aquino was called into action again when Bethany Gordon’s cross went towards Murtagh whose first-time volley is amazingly pushed out of play and over the crossbar.

Murtagh created another opportunity when finding the unmarked Charalmabous in the box which called onAquino yet again to make an incredible save.

Near the end of the first half, Isabel Gomez for the Northern Tigers starts the most promising play that her side have had in the match, as she hit a long pass to Ashlee Brodigan who cut in from the right past McComasky. Possession was lost, but Beth Bernardi found Shadeene Evans, Impetus‘ charity partners Moriarty Foundation’s inaugural scholar, who returned the favour with the ball being passed forward to Josie Wilson who crosses it in but then goes out and over the fence for a Macarthur goal kick.

At the start of the second half, Evans produced a moment of magic as she is found by Gomez. The ball is returned to Evans who chests the ball brilliantly and has an amazing attempt that sails just wide.

As the whistle goes for the end of the second half, the scoreline remained goalless. There was little in the way of goalmouth action in the opening period of the extra half-hour, but come the second stanza, McNulty for the Tigers had a first-time shot that sailed over the crossbar. The final chance of 120 minutes, and the destination of the trophy would be decided from the penalty spot.

**Above:** Morgan Aquino – the Perth Glory A-League Women goalkeeper had a sensational match for the Northern Tigers, including successfully dispatching a penalty in the shoot-out – but she would finish a runner-up. **Photo:** Paul Kane/Getty Images via Perth Glory.

Macarthur took the first penalty in the shootout with Alex Huynh who slotted her penalty beautifully into the bottom left corner. McNulty for Northern Tigers is the next player to take a penalty whose penalty is almost saved by the legs of Shamiran Khamis for Macarthur but importantly for McNulty and the Tigers, it still went into the back of the net.

Holly Williams for Macarthur was the next to step up to the penalty spot and she subsequently hit her effort perfectly into the top left corner. Evans for the Northern Tigers saw her shot goes just wide of the left post. Kylie Ledbrook followed up for Macarthur and her shot was saved by Aquino.

Brodigan for Northern Tigers steps up next and slotted her penalty directly into the bottom right corner. Charalambous succeeded for Macarthur with her shot easily going into the back of the net. Gomez for the Northern Tigers calmly and casually walks up to the penalty spot that while Shamiran Khamis for Macarthur went the right way, Gomez perfectly placed her shot in the bottom left corner.

Gordon for Macarthur is the next up to the spot who places her penalty with a nicely found the net before goalkeeper Aquino stepped up for Northern Tigers and comfortably scored. She returned to her regular spot between the sticks but couldn’t keep out McComasky’s effort for Macarthur.

Bart for the Tigers then approached and placed her shot into the bottom left corner. Leena Khamis succeeded. Someone had to miss again, and that pain fell Abbey Green’s way for the Northern Tigers as Shamiran Khamis saved to ensure Macarthur became the 2022 NPLW NSW Champions.

**Above:** Isabelle Gomez (left) in action for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League Women – she had another superb game in defeat for the Northern Tigers. **Photo:** Western Sydney Wanderers.

There were not enough superlatives to describe the superb performance of Morgan Aquino. Time and time again, she played out of her skin and was really on another level during the match itself. It goes without saying, that there was no more deserving player to be the Player of the Match than her.

Gomez was absolutely amazing in the midfield, especially during the second half and really showed a lot of grit and determination with every ball that she played and every challenge that she made as she massively proved to be an incredibly crucial and integral player for the Tigers in this match. With how she played, she seriously proved why she has been an absolute star within the Northern Tigers throughout this entire season.

Shadeene Evans is also worthy of praise. The way that she played up front really was extremely beneficial to the Tigers with the chances that she made during the match. On another day for her, she could have very much been on the scoresheet. The skill that she showed with the chances made was honestly something entirely.

It was a deserved win for Macarthur Rams – but the superb Northern Tigers pushed them all the way. It was a fitting end to an excellent season.

Teams: MACARTHUR RAMS: S.Khamis, L.Khamis, Charalambous, Murtagh, Sunaga, Huynh, Malone, Caceres, B.Gordon, Foletta, Mccomasky. Substitutes: Williams, C.Gordon, Ledbrook, Duggan, Bishop, Clarke.

Penalties: Huynh (Scored), Williams (Scored), Ledbrook (Missed), Charalambous Gordon (Scored), McComasky (Scored), L.Khamis (Scored).

NORTHERN TIGERS: Aquino, Wilson, Green, Gomez, McNulty, Bart, Evans, Steinmetz, Bernardi, Brodigan, Kilbride. Substitutes: Cabezas, Fraser, Rickard, Mcmahon, Montenegro, Bartels.

Penalties: McNulty (Scored), Evans (Missed), Brodigan (Scored), Gomez (Scored), Aquino (Scored), Bart (Scored), Green (Missed)

Referee: Chloe Gray.

Jets Announce Another Two Squad Additions

Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from both Lucy Johnson and Chloe Walandouw along with Jets head coach Ash Wilson (19/9/22).

Above: Lucy Johnson returns. Artwork: Newcastle Jets.

Newcastle Jets today announced the re-signing of midfielder Lucy Johnson and a first senior contract for academy defender Chloe Walandouw for the 2022/23 season.

Johnson made her debut for the Jets last season, featuring in 13 matches across the campaign.

Newcastle Jets Coach Ash Wilson is thrilled to have secured Johnson’s services for another year.

“I’m pleased to be able to resign Lucy after a promising debut season. She is a player who plays with passion and commitment and has much potential. She is clever and creative and likes to contribute to attacking movements which suits the way we want to play.

“Lucy is also a versatile midfielder which gives us flexibility in what we want to do. I’m keen to see the confidence Lucy will grow with after last season and look forward to the impact she will have in this team.

Johnson spoke of her delight in re-signing with the Jets for the coming season. “I think we can build on the previous season and see some quality results come our way. I’m eager to get started with the girls and coaching staff in pre-season to ultimately contribute to a fantastic season ahead.”

**Above:** Chloe Walandouw – about to prepare for her first A-League Women season. **Photo:** Newcastle Jets.

Chloe Walandouw who has progressed through the Emerging Jets program will play her first season in the A-League having signed her maiden senior contract.

Jets Coach Ash Wilson is excited to watch her develop. “I’m very pleased and proud to be able to sign Chloe. She is an academy product who has represented every age group and wears the Newcastle Jets badge with pride.

“Chloe is a regular member of the under 17 National team who were recently crowned champions of the 2022 AFF Under 17 Tournament. She is a fullback who loves to get forward, using her speed and dribbling skills to contribute to positive attacks. Defensively, she loves a challenge and thrives in one-v-one situations.

“She is someone who epitomises the core values of our club and town, being hard working, having a good attitude, and being humble. These characteristics, combined with her technical quality and positive physical traits, will ensure she continues to grow and thrive in this elite environment. I look forward to working with Chloe and watching her development and I know she will take any opportunity she can to prove herself for this team.”

Walandouw is excited to be linking up with the Women’s side in her first season in the A-League, saying: “After coming through the Jets Academy Program I am looking forward to taking the next step in my football journey. I’m excited to become a part of the A-League environment and I’m wanting to challenge myself. I’m grateful for the opportunity and want to learn as much as possible from it.”

Matildas Announce Denmark Friendly

19/9/22

Above: The Matildas’ October international schedule is now locked in. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Australia will close out the October FIFA Women’s International Window with a trip to Midtjylland to face Denmark at Viborg Stadium on Tuesday, 11 October 2022.

Kicking off at 6.00pm local time, it will be the second meeting between the two nations in the last 15 months as they ramp up their preparations for the Women’s World Cup in earnest.

Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson was pleased to have secured a second opponent for October having announced a game against South Africa at an as yet-to-be-confirmed venue in London last week.

**Above:** Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson sees Denmark as a tough prospect. **Photo:** Football Australia.

“Having faced them in my early days with the team, we are all well aware of the quality of Denmark,” Gustavsson said. “Their quality is demonstrated in Denmark’s significant number of world-class players in the top teams and leagues.”

“In South Africa and Denmark, we have a chance to experience that difference in styles just days apart which will be our reality at the World Cup. As a team, it’s a great challenge in how we transition quickly in a tournament with only a short turnaround.”

After missing out on the most recent editions, Denmark will return to the World Cup one of nine European nations to recently book their ticket to Australia and New Zealand. Denmark produced an impressive campaign as Lars Søndergaard’s side topped UEFA Group E with eight wins and no losses to qualify for the global showcase for the first time since 2007.

October’s fixture will be the sixth meeting between Australia and the world number 17 and will come on the heels of the Matildas’ first-ever clash with South Africa at “home” in London.

**Above:** Denmark’s Pernille Harder, seen here in action for club side Chelsea, will be one of the Danish stars that Australia will need to keep quiet next month. **Photo:** Ben Gilby for *Impetus*.

Squad Changes And Injuries Impact As City Open Campaign

Impetus’ Johnathan Stack was in Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor‘s media conference for us ahead of their season opener at Aston Villa tomorrow. Taylor knows that a mixture of key players departing and injuries make this game a major banana skin amongst a backdrop of concern over the players that have left the club (17/9/22).

Above: Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor. Photo: Lynn Cameron/FA

It’s been a tough period for Manchester City. Key players have departed, a Champions League qualifying stage exit and fans have expressed concerns about what is going on. Despite the background of the Euros joy, it has not been the most joyful of summers in the sky-blue half of Manchester.

A rebuilding process has been required by City head coach Gareth Taylor and his staff down at the Etihad Campus after losing Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh to Barcelona, Georgia Stanway to Bayern Munich, Caroline Weir to Real Madrid, with Karen Bardsley, Jill Scott, and Ellen White retiring.

**Above:** Talented teenage Australian international Mary Fowler’s arrival is potentially huge for Manchester City. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Manchester City did manage to fill in the gaps in the squad and brought in Matilda Mary Fowler from Montpellier, Deyna Castellanos and Laia Aleixandri from Atletico Madrid, Leila Ouahabi from Barcelona, Sandy MacIver from Everton, Kerstin Casparij from Twente and Yui Hasegawa from West Ham.

Hasegawa was brought in after City sold Lioness midfielder Walsh for a world record fee of £400,000.

After the delayed start to the season City will now begin their season, with a trip to Villa Park to face Aston Villa.

In his media conference, City head coach Gareth Taylor recognised he had lost key players, but was positive overall. “I think we’re in a good place. We have lost experience, but we’ve brought in players we think are good for the future, we’ve probably lowered the average age quite a bit.

“With that sometimes you don’t want to lose all that experience but there were various circumstances with all the players. Probably more recently, Ellen’s retirement and Keira moving late was a bit of a jolt, up until then we were in a good place and it left us with a week or so once we realised Keira had requested to leave.”
Gareth Taylor, Manchester City head coach.

“We had to strengthen and we managed to do that with Yui, we were pleased to bring her to the Club. There’s been a lot of changes but we’re pretty content with where we’re at as a squad of players.”

**Above:** Gareth Taylor – the Manchester City head coach needs a winning start tomorrow after a testing summer. **Photo:** Sky Sports.

Ahead of the game with Villa, Taylor said that Ruby Mace and Yui Hasegawa would be unavailable through injury while Matilda Alanna Kennedy could return to the squad after picking up an injury while on international duty with Australia. Taylor said “Ruby Mace won’t make it. That’s a certainty,” Taylor explained.

“She has had a little bit of a setback in her injury so it will be an extended period away from the team.

“Alanna Kennedy is close to returning but we’re not sure if she is going to have enough training minutes under her belt to be a part of the squad.

“They’re quite similar injuries, (Ruby and Alanna) both muscle injuries in the thigh region. Hopefully, they won’t be too far away.

**Above:** Alanna Kennedy could potentially miss tomorrow’s trip to the Midlands. **Photo:** Sky Sports.

“Yui is struggling a little with an ankle injury she sustained on the final day training with West Ham so she won’t make the weekend. Outside of that, the squad is healthy.”

You can read Impetus‘ Nathan Edwards‘ account of Aston Villa head coach Carla Ward’s media conference ahead of tomorrow’s match here: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/09/17/carla-ward-city-are-still-formidable-opponents/

Aston Villa vs Manchester City takes place on Sunday at Villa Park with a 12:30pm KO local time, 9:30pm AEST, 7:30pm AWST, 1:30pm CET. On the UK it is live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

Carla Ward: City Are Still Formidable Opponents

Impetus’ Nathan Edwards was in Aston Villa head coach Carla Ward‘s media conference for us yesterday as she disregarded opponents Manchester City’s big-name losses and looks ahead to her own team’s further development this season (17/9/22).

Above: Aston Villa head coach Carla Ward. Photo: AVWFC Official.

Carla Ward has loved “people saying we will get relegated” ahead of their opening WSL game against a Manchester City team that has had a hectic summer transfer window.

City head to Villa Park in a redefined shape after big departures during the transfer window. However, despite Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh, and Caroline Weir’s transfers, Ward still expects a familar opponent.

The 38-year-old said, “Man City are still very strong, their squad is unbelievably experienced and it still has got a lot of quality.

“I know you are looking for a line for me to say they are going to go to pot, but they are not. They have world-class internationals and they have recruited well after losing some big players.

“Do I think they will finish top three? Absolutely. We won’t underestimate them but it is down to us and we can’t fear them.”

The Citizens have seen nine players leave this window, but Ward still believes they will head into Sunday’s fixture as favourites and it is also a chance to see a new-look Villa side.

**Above:** Aston Villa’s new signing, Lionesses star Rachel Daly. **Photo:** AVWFC Official.

The Villans added Euro winner Rachel Daly, who started all of England’s games in their victorious campaign as a left-sided defender, but the Lionesses star will lead the line for Ward’s side.

“She played at left back for her country because she is a wonderfully talented footballer and you have to find a spot for Rachel Daly.

“She is an unbelievable human being, with a lot of quality on and off the pitch, but she comes in as a forward for us,” said the Villa manager

With the English international’s arrival from Houston Dash, Villa will hope to have someone who can score the goals needed to see them improve on last season’s ninth-place finish.

“We will be pleased with anything top eight. We have to keep improving each year, and I have seen people say we will get relegated which I love and be sure to put up on the wall.

“But Aston Villa as a club aren’t here to try to run before we can walk. It is a project that will slowly but surely make those steps.

“We believe we have had a good summer, which will help us get on the right track and some of the people we have brought in have allowed our youth team players to step up as well.

“We have a really good blend of youth and experience because the likes of Laura Brown, Izzy Goodwin, Freya Gregory, and Olivia McLoughlin are all knocking on the door for starting shirts, and that has been made possible with the guidance from the players we have brought in.”

The game on Sunday is also the first of four games being contested at Villa Park, Aston Villa men’s home ground, this season. Ward said “It will be good to play at Villa Park, but the build-up is like no other. Everything we do now is for points and we need to be ready to take points.”