Micah And Andreatta Look Ahead To Matildas v South Africa

Impetus’ Johnathan Stack was in today’s media conference with goalkeeper Teagan Micah, who reflects on the battle for the number one jersey. Ben Gilby heard from the Matildas’ assistant coach Mel Andreatta as she highlights the threat posed by South Africa, and the importance of the squad’s depth-building project (6/10/22).

Above: Teagan Micah speaking to the media today from Australia’s South-West London training base. Image: Football Australia.

Teagan Micah says she is ready to go toe to toe with Lydia Williams and Mackenzie Arnold for the Matildas’ number-one goalkeeping spot and take her chance when called upon.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper is waiting for that opportunity to call the number one jersey her own but has stiff competition in the form of Paris St. Germain’s Williams and West Ham United keeper Arnold.

Micah starred during Australia’s run to fourth place at last year’s Tokyo Olympics, producing a penalty save in a standout performance against Team GB, but has only added two caps to her name this year with Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson giving opportunities to all of his three options between the sticks this year.

The goalkeper told reporters on Thursday morning: “It’s just like a patience game with goalkeeping. Anything can happen at any time, so I just have to be ready. I’m just trying to focus on that development, and I feel like I am developing at my club and then hopefully get the chance, here again, then I can hopefully take it.

Above: Teagan Micah pictured in training this week in South-West London. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Ann Odong/Football Australia.

“It’s hard – at the end of the day I’m versing someone who has nearly over 100 caps more than me, so she does have that experience and all credit to Lydia, when she has come in, she’s played well. So, from what I understand, it’s not necessarily something that I’ve done, it’s at that point where she’s playing well, so I don’t think it’s going to change much, we’ll see.”

Micah has featured regularly for the Swedish side Rosengård and put in some good performances this season as the defending Damallsvenskan champions sit top of the table once more.

The Gippsland native feels that the move to the Malmö-based Swedish club has been hugely beneficial to her game. “I think just playing with such high calibre players, it has helped my leadership and development so much. I love that we play such good football, and we are a winning club it’s a really good mentality.”

As the Matildas get ready to face South Africa in London on Saturday and Denmark in Viborg next Wednesday, Micah is clear about the benefits the squad have in this international window in terms of greatly reduced travelling times for their majority European-based squad.

“It’s massive for us, I think it’s clear when you are flying for 22 hours with the layovers. You come off the back of a game and then you have to fly there, we are only doing a recovery session on Wednesday so that is not even a full session with each other so that makes a massive difference.

“Last camp I think I returned Thursday afternoon, trained Friday, and flew again Friday then played Saturday. I was just shattered and being a goalkeeper is a mental game and when I am yawning at half-time it’s not good, but there’s a massive difference, it’s amazing to go Down Under and play but the reality is we all play over here now. There are benefits to going home but there are also benefits to staying here.”

Above: Mel Andreatta outlining her thoughts on preparations for Saturday’s game with South Africa. Image: Football Australia.

Australia assistant coach Mel Andreatta highlighted the benefits of being able to having the vast majority of the Matildas squad being able to train from the get-go rather than requiring recovery time following long flights from Europe to Australia.

“The first three days here in camp have been excellent. We’ve really enjoyed the training venue and getting together. I think we’ve really noticed the difference in arriving into camp a bit fresher and ready to go. We’ve already had three really quality sessions to kick off camp.

“It’s been really positive and really focused, I would say. I think the playing group is eager to get on the pitch on Saturday and put the work into practice in a good performance.

On the importance of the fixture, Andreatta discussed the significance of taking on the Women’s African Cup of Nations champions in this window.

“It’s an exciting opportunity. Now, after 12 months, we’ve been able to tick the box of playing a country from every FIFA confederation.”

“The key focus is that we want to play well. We want to play well for 90 minutes and put everything that we do in the training park into the game under pressure against different opponents on match day.

Above: Alanna Kennedy – one of the Matildas missing through injury in this window – Mel Andreatta highlighted the importance of a depth-building project to keep the Australian side competitive. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

“South Africa have proven to be a top African nation, and they’re unique in their playing style.  They are very technical, very athletic, and intense in the way that they play. Defensively they’ll come out and win their one v one duels, intercept, transition, and look to get in behind. 

“We need these different opponents to play against so that when we come into a World Cup where we could, in our draw, play any one of these nations it’s important that we have the experience of playing them.

“It gives you that confidence and that familiarity that you can go into a pressure environment with thousands in the stands and know that you’ve faced this before and can go and get the job done.”

Late injuries have hit the Matildas in the last two windows with the absences of Alanna Kennedy (shoulder), Kyah Simon (knee), Tameka Yallop (ankle), Emily van Egmond (quad) and Clare Wheeler (knee) prior to the commencement of October’s camp. 

For Andreatta, it underscores the vital depth-building project that has been undertaken in the past 12–18 months. 

“We’ve been able to do that [build depth] with the number of debutantes over the last 18 months, so I think it’s been effective in that way.”

“We’ve unfortunately experienced some injuries that we found through our screening processes before camp.  Because of that depth building, and players that have been through Talent ID camps, our A-League Women’s competition, NPL competitions through to AFF, we’ve been able to draw on a wider pool of players to build our squad and have a competitive team for this window.”

Glory’s Rigby & Epakis Excited And Ready To Aim For Finals

Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby and head coach Alex Epakis at the team’s season launch media event earlier today. Both are hugely positive of a strong season for the Western Australian side (6/10/22).

Above: Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby and head coach Alex Epakis face the media today at Crown Perth. Image: Perth Glory FC.

Perth Glory missed out on Finals football in the A-League Women by the narrowest of margins last season and both Tash Rigby and Alex Epakis are focussed on ensuring they make the top four comfortably this time round.

Looking ahead to the new season, Rigby said: “We are looking forward to building on the collective spirit that we fostered last season as well as welcoming all our new players with open arms and hearts. We’ve definitely got a lot of hunger out there ready to go.

Above: Tash Rigby in action for Perth Glory at Sydney FC last season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

With regard to being awarded the captain’s armband for another season, the defender, who had another impressive NPLW campaign with Fremantle City this year, said: “It’s such an honour to captain this team and I’m so excited to lead our incredible squad for another season.

“I am grateful to [Head Coach] Alex [Epakis] and the club for this opportunity and I have full faith that with the squad we have, we can compete with the best this season.

“We are looking forward to building on the collective spirit that we fostered last season as well as welcoming all our new players with open arms and hearts.”

Epakis, meanwhile, was unstinting in his praise of his side’s captain.

“Tash is a standout person and the best leader I have had the opportunity to work with,” he said.

Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis has assembled a strong squad in the West. Photo: Perth Glory FC.

“More broadly, I believe we have a strong leadership group and this is led by Tash who plays a pivotal role in shaping it.

“She has a fantastic character which is underpinned by the perfect mix of humility and competitiveness. Tash embraces and actions our team identity and has an unwavering desire to serve her teammates through thick and thin.

“I am grateful to have her close by and deeply value her as a player and person. She is certainly focused and driven on having another standout year and guiding the team throughout the course of the season.”

In terms of the position he believes his team are in going into the new season, Glory’s head coach said: “We’ve retained the core of our existing squad, and to add to that, we’re in a fantastic position. We’ve strengthened where we needed it, particularly in helping us in our attacking play. I’m really excited to work with the whole group.”

Perth Glory’s opening A-League Women fixture is an away clash with Canberra United on Saturday 19th November.

Caitlin Foord: Making The Most Of Every Moment

Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from the Matildas star Caitlin Foord from Australia’s South-West London base ahead of this Saturday’s game against South Africa at Kingsmeadow (5/10/22).

Above: Caitlin Foord speaking to the media. The Arsenal attacker emphasised that results at present will have no bearing on the Matildas’ World Cup outcomes. Image: Football Australia.

Caitlin Foord spoke to the media about the importance of maximising every moment of international camps to ensure that the Matildas are as prepared as possible for next year’s World Cup.

“Time is limited when they get such a short window every month,” said Foord.  “We’re just trying to take every opportunity we get within that time.”

“Obviously, this one’s a good example of that time with the camp being in Europe. We’ve already trained once where normally that’s us coming off the plane or coming in at different times, and all on different levels.”

Above: Caitlin Foord in training at the Matildas’ South-West London camp. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Ann Odong/Football Australia.

“This camp has been really good so far to be able to start and prepare a lot earlier than normal. As I said, it’s just making the most of every opportunity we have.” 

Australia’s build-up to the World Cup has seen a run of tough results. In ten games this calendar year, Tony Gustavsson’s team have won five – against Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and New Zealand (twice). Despite this, Foord is not overly concerned.

“Looking ahead to the World Cup, the results we’ve had don’t really have any bearing. Obviously, we’re footballers, we want to go out on the pitch and get the win. If we don’t it’s disappointing, but come the World Cup, that’s when we want to be flying. That’s what we’re preparing for and we want to get all this out of the way now. It’s about building on the positives and learning from the mistakes.”

After playing limited minutes in the series against Canada, Foord has been in strong form for Arsenal at the start of the Barclays Women’s Super League season.  The winger is working to carry that form into the match against Banyana Banyana for the Matildas.  

Above: Fleet of foot, Caitlin Foord in training this week in South-West London. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Ann Odong/Football Australia.

On a team level, Foord says attention is on producing a consistent performance against the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations Champions. “I think for us the main focus is on ourselves and to obviously try and exploit where they have their weaknesses.” 

“It’s just about playing good football, feeling good, coming together again and playing how we know we can.” 

Foord is no stranger to the Kingsmeadow venue for the weekend with her Gunners’ side visitors to a formidable Chelsea team in the past couple of years.

“It’ll be a bit weird but at the end of the day, when you’re on the pitch, you kind of forget about everything. That it’s another game of football. We’ll train there the day before so maybe we get all the weird stuff out then!”

Roestbakken Signing Another Big Boost For City

Melbourne City have made another big signing with Australian international Karly Roestbakken joining the Sky Blues today. Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from the defender and City head coach Rado Vidosic (4/10/22).

Above: Artwork from Melbourne City.

Melbourne City have added Matildas defender Karly Roestbakken to their 22/23 A-League Women’s squad. 

Roestbakken has most recently been playing at LSK Kvinner in Norway’s top-tier but also has 39 A-League Women’s appearances to her name after having debuted for Canberra United as a 15-year-old. 

Six years later, the versatile defender now has seven Matildas caps to her name and will seek to press her claim to be part of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad in her first season at City. 

Capable of playing multiple roles, Head Coach Rado Vidosic said Roestbakken’s signing was a big coup ahead of the new season. 

“Despite being just 21, Karly is a player with a wealth of experience both in our league at home and in Europe,” Vidosic said. 

Above: Karly Roestbakken holds seven caps for Australia and is big signing for Melbourne City. Photo: Football Australia.

“Having been a former Junior Matildas captain and also a co-captain previously with Canberra, she’ll bring plenty of leadership to our squad this season. We see her playing a key role for us and look forward to her joining the group for pre-season training very soon.” 

Roestbakken said she was excited by the opportunity at City and looking forward to linking up with her teammates in the coming weeks. 

“I think everyone in this league knows Melbourne City’s reputation and they know it’s a club with a high level of professionalism and it seemed like a great environment to be a part of,” Roestbakken said. 

“City had a great season last year and I heard so many positive things about the playing group and watching from the outside, they all just looked like they were having the best time which showed on the pitch as well. 

“I thought Melbourne City would be the perfect place for me to get back into a full-time football environment where I’m training every day and having access to the best facilities as well as playing a gold style of football.  

“I’m really excited to work with all the players and especially Rado as I’ve been chatting with him for a long time now.” 

Steph Catley: It’s A New Challenge

Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from The Matildas’ star Steph Catley as the Arsenal defender made the short trip to South-West London to report for international duty (4/10/22).

Above: Steph Catley speaking from the Australian team camp this week. Image: Football Australia.

Australia have assembled in South-West London ahead of this weekend’s international against South Africa in Kingston-Upon-Thames.

For the squad’s large group of UK-based players, including captain Sam Kerr and vice-captain Steph Catley, along with a number of stars playing club football in Europe, this was a much shorter journey for an international window than in recent times.

For Catley, based in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, just beyond the northernmost fringes of London, the travel into camp was a decidedly atypical affair to those in the past 18 months. 

“It was extremely easy and different. Just a nice cruise in from where I am to here,” laughed Catley.  “So [it took] about 50 minutes and [I’m] feeling fresh, feeling ready to go for day one. It’s a nice change. It’s important because we can just get straight into training as there is no recovery, no sleep issues, we can just get going.”

The fullback has her eyes firmly focused on hitting the pitch against South Africa this Saturday with the opening training session geared towards that preparation. 

Above: Steph Catley training with the Matildas in South-West London yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Ann Odong/Football Australia.

“It was a good session. It was short and sharp, but we were able to sort of do some position-specific training. We were able to really home in on stuff that we need to work on and stuff that’s specific to South Africa and making the most of sort of trying to score goals in the final third against them.” 

In over 100 appearances for Australia, the Arsenal defender has only met an African nation twice (Nigeria in 2015 and Zimbabwe in 2016) and never in an international friendly. This record, Catley believes, underscores the importance of diverse opposition as part of the road to the World Cup. Following Saturday’s match, the Matildas would have met a nation from each of FIFA’s confederations in the last 12 months. 

“It’s nice to have an opponent that we don’t play often. It’s really important to play all sorts of teams.  They all possess different attributes that you have to be ready for, and you have to be used to playing against. African nations are extremely physically strong and talented with a lot of speed. It is easy to be exposed against them. It’s important for us to have this test.

“It creates a new challenge and prepares us in a way that is so important leading into a World Cup.  You don’t know who you’re going to get, and you don’t want to get there and be completely shocked and that means that you lose the game. It’ll be a tough challenge, but we’re excited for it.”

After being in the squad for a decade now, Catley is well placed to assess the impact of the new, young talent coming into the squad. The Arsenal defender admits it makes a pleasing change to see the next generation get a chance. “Yeah, for quite some time we only really had Ellie [Carpenter] coming in and maintaining her squad. They are now cementing places in the team.

Above: The Matildas vice-captain pictured in training yesterday. Catley sees huge positives in the form of the squad’s young players. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Ann Odong/Football Australia.

“Charli [Grant]’s form has been really pleasing. Seeing her grow from when she first came in – she had massive shoes to fill coming in for Ellie at right-back. She’s looked really strong, putting in great performances against Canada, when she dealt with pacey players against her. Kyra [Cooney-Cross] is also growing well into her role in the side.

“As a senior group, we pushed the young players to go overseas to get more experience out of their comfort zone. They might have preferred to stay and play W-League, but you can see each time they come in now the improvements in their development.

“We’re in a good place as a squad.”

Impetus’ coverage of the Matildas game with South Africa continues with coverage of player and coach interviews this week, plus news and pictures before, during, and after Saturday’s clash at Kingsmeadow.

Scottish Weekend Review

Tom Freeman provides all the details from tiers three and four of the Scottish women’s game (3/10/22).

Above: Nicole Rutherford celebrates after scoring for FC Edinburgh on her return from injury. Photo: Sportpix.

Renfrew’s lead at the top of the SWF Championship has been cut after the Lanarkshire side were held to a scoreless draw at home by bottom side Dryburgh Athletic.

Dryburgh goalkeeper Chantelle McKay produced a stunning penalty save to deny the hosts three points, which allowed Livingston and Rossvale to close the gap with 2-0 wins over Morton and Hutchison Vale respectively.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle were again involved in a high-scoring game, coming back from behind to draw with Ayr United in Cumnock, to keep both sides with the same points total. A hat-trick by young striker Rachel Scott for the home side looked to have secured three points but the Highlanders struck back to level 3-3.

Table From: SWF Championship

In the Women’s League One, FC Edinburgh won the top-of-the-table clash with Falkirk comfortably, running out 4-0 winners at the Falkirk Stadium including a goal from Nicole Rutherford on her comeback from long-term injury.

Westdyke kept pace with FC Edinburgh with a 3-1 win against Stenhousemuir, meaning they too leapfrog the Central Scotland sides to second in the table.

Elsewhere, Dundee West came from 3-0 down to rescue a point from BSC Glasgow, while Airdrie Ladies held Edinburgh Caledonia to a scoreless draw at Meadowbank. Grampian Ladies got back to winning ways against Gleniffer Thistle and St Mirren slipped to a 2-1 defeat by Giffnock SC.

Table From: SWF League One

Matildas Forced Into Squad Changes

Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears how a weekend of injuries has led to three ins-and four outs this morning (3/10/22)

Above: Remy Siemsen is back in the Matildas squad. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

Forward Remy Siemsen and defenders Emma Checker and Matilda McNamara have been added to the Matildas squad ahead of the upcoming internationals against South Africa and Denmark. 

Above: Matilda McNamara training with the Australian squad in June. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

The trio will replace Emily van Egmond (quad strain), Tameka Yallop (ankle), Clare Wheeler (minor knee injury), and forward Kyah Simon, who have all been ruled out due to injuries sustained at their clubs prior to the commencement of the October FIFA Women’s International Window. 

Van Egmond, Yallop, Wheeler, and Simon join Alanna Kennedy on the sidelines after the Manchester City defender recently suffered a shoulder fracture to keep her from the October training camp roster. Meanwhile, defender Ellie Carpenter continues to rehab from an ACL sustained in May this year. 

Siemsen, 22, who plays for Solna-based AIK in Sweden, has earned six caps for Australia with her last activity in the June FIFA International Window.  Central defender McNamara receives a second call up to the Australia camp with her first also coming during the June Window.  The 23-year-old plays her club football in Denmark and is currently the only uncapped player in the squad. Fellow South Australian, Checker, has eight international caps to her name with the most recent call-up against Brazil in 2021.  

Above: A return to the national squad for Emma Checker. Photo: Melbourne City.

Australia host South Africa in a “home” match at London’s Kingsmeadow Stadium on Saturday, 8 October with kick-off at 12.30pm local / 10.30pm AEDT.  Tickets for this historic match are available for purchase exclusively online with prices starting at £10 for adults and £2 for juniors and seniors.   

Three days later Australia will tackle Denmark at Viborg Stadium with kick-off at 6.00pm local.  

Impetus will be providing daily news and features from the Matildas camp this week, with a special match preview coming on Thursday, and extensive coverage from Kingsmeadow before, during, and after Saturday’s match.

The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the fourth round of the 2022/23 D1 Arkema season (3/10/22).

Above: Alexandria Lamontagne, Rodez’s goalkeeper as impressive during the warm-up as she was during the game against Olympique Lyonnais. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

There were several surprises during this round of matches with Bordeaux earning a draw at Montpellier despite fielding a team with an average age of just 22. Le Havre, just promoted, grabbed a sensational draw against Paris Saint-Germain, and Fleury were held at home to Soyaux. So, Olympique Lyonnais took advantage to increase their lead at the top of D1 Arkema to two points from Paris SG.

Le Havre obtained a superb draw 2-2 at home against Paris Saint-Germain, coming from 2-0 down in the process. It is the biggest surprise of this round. Le Havre were second best, but tried to play their game and fought hard for every ball to earn a point. PSG had only a few more opportunities to score, especially in the first half and at the end of the game, even if they had almost 70% possession. This draw is all the more surprising given that Paris SG were leading by two goals after just 24 minutes in a game against a team who have just been promoted to D1 Arkema.

Le Havre did though benefit from a big error by Sarah Bouhaddi, who has replaced Matildas shotstopper Lydia Williams between the sticks. Bouhaddi completely missed her clearance after 39 minutes which gave the corner from which Le Havre scored their first goal thanks to Eva Sumo’s header. Bouhaddi made an identical mistake five minutes later but this time the corner was dealt with. To be noted, Christy Gavory scored an outstanding goal from 25 meters just in the upper left-hand corner of the net after having won the ball in midfield and exchanged a one-two with Laura Rueda. With this draw, Paris SG let Lyon alone at the head of D1 Arkema. Goals for Le Havre from Eva Sumo (39), Christy Gavory (52). Goal for Paris SG from Kadidiatou Diani (9 penalty), Ramona Bachmann (24).

Above: Kadidiatou Diani puts PSG ahead at Le Havre from the penalty spot. Photo: L.Pestel/PSG.

Montpellier shared the points at home to Bordeaux in a goalless draw. Bordeaux fielded the 17-year-old pair of Marion Haelewyn and Fiona Liaigre amongst a team with an average age of just 22. This meant that Ella Pallis, 23 had to step up to be the leader on the field to counsel her young teammates. It was not a great game from a purely football point of view, but it remained very watchable due to the back-and-forth nature of the play.

Fleury were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Soyaux. It was not a good result for Fleury who are aiming for third place and Champions League football at the end of this season. This result means their current run of form is a draw and a loss. In my own point of view, Manon Heil, Fleury’s goalkeeper, could, even should, have prevented Ipek Kaya’s goal by catching the ball as it headed towards the corner of the net. Batcheba Louis was a particularly strong performer for Fleury. Goal for Fleury from Batcheba Louis (12). Goal for Soyaux from Ipek Kaya (55).

Above: Christy Gavory scored an outstanding goal after 52 minutes to earn Le Havre a superb draw against PSG. Photo: Le Havre (HAC Féminines Facebook page).

Paris FC won 2-0 away to Dijon. Paris FC produced a strong performance in this victory. The visitors have started the season brilliantly and are already second spot in D1 Arkema, and put their main opponents for third place, and Champions League qualifying – Montpellier, Reims, and Fleury three, four, and five points behind respectively. Goal for Paris FC from Célina Ould Hocine (10), Gaëtane Thiney (78 penalty).

Reims won 3-0 at home against Guingamp. Reims obtained their second win of the season without difficulty. They produced an excellent display, never giving Guingamp a chance. Rachel Corboz showed once again her skills from free kicks by putting a ball against the crossbar from 25 meters which led to a goal from Julie Pasquereau who scored with a header. With this win, Reims are now fifth. Goals for Reims from Monique Ngock (30), Julie Pasquereau (32), Kethna Louis (45+1).

Above: Lindsey Horan in action for Lyon against Rodez with her national flag behind her. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Olympique Lyonnais won 2-0 at home against Rodez. For this game, Sonia Bompastor, Lyon coach, left several key players on the bench – Christiane Endler, Selma Bacha, Daniëlle Van de Donk, Janice Cayman, Signe Bruun, and Lindsey Horan. However, Lyon completely dominated the game with almost 70% possession, even if they only scored two goals despite creating more than 20 opportunities. To be noted was the good performance of Alexandria Lamontagne, Rodez’s goalkeeper, who had a lot of work but preserved her goal several times. Delphine Cascarino produced another outstanding performance with a goal and a decisive pass and was named player of the match. To be noted the great performance of Perle Morroni as left defender, and the good performance of Janice Cayman who played right defender in the second half. Goal for Lyon from Delphine Cascarino (5), Eugénie Le Sommer (32).

Above: Delphine Cascarino putting Olympique Lyonnais ahead after five minutes. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Artwork: D1 Arkema.

Heyman Pinpoints Matildas Return

The Canberra Times this week reported that Michelle Heyman is targeting a Matildas call-up. Impetus’ Kieran Yap outlines what the A-League Women’s all-time record scorer could add to Tony Gustavsson’s squad (2/10/22).

Above: Michelle Heyman lets fly for Canberra United against Brisbane Roar last season. The A-League Women legend is aiming at an international return. Photo: Canberra United.

The Canberra Times has reported that the A-League Women’s all-time leading scorer has targeted a return to The Matildas. Michelle Heyman’s international comeback could bring a new dimension to Australia’s attack.

The article, which can be read here (via a paywall) gives Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson another attacking option to ponder as the Matildas approach their remaining international friendlies ahead of the World Cup.

It is worth remembering that a national team squad is not a Team of the Week or Season. Of course, form is important, but it is a side that must function as a team, and sometimes that has little to do with a player’s statistics.

Michelle Heyman has produced impressive numbers over the past two seasons. 10 goals in 2020/21 and another nine in 2021/22 made her one of the best performing strikers in Australia. she was awarded the Julie Dolan medal at the end of her comeback season as recognition. But these statistics do not show her true potential value to the national side.

Heyman is a tactically different proposition to the other options in the current Matildas squad. She is dangerous on her left or right foot from anywhere within 25 yards, can play with her back to goal, and can drop deep to link up play or spread long passes to the wingers.

The Canberra star still possesses impressive pace and can score with power or a delicate chip over a keeper. The pace of international football is a significant step up from A-League level, but one of Heyman’s greatest assets is her vision and special awareness.

She knows where the spaces in a defence are and exploits them ruthlessly. Her unpredictability means that she often appears to score goals out of nothing. There is no “typical” Heyman goal in the same way you can describe what a Megan Rapinoe or Caitlin Foord strike would probably look like. She can adjust her technique to any split-second occurrence and has the confidence to try it.

Against stronger opposition, or in losing situations, Australia’s attack has looked isolated. The game plan seems to be to get the ball to positions that have the highest chance of scoring. The Matildas work the wings or attempt interplay to get behind the defence then try and square the ball in front of goal. 

When it works, it is magnificent. Emily Van Egmond’s late equaliser against New Zealand was a perfect example of this. Sam Kerr’s finish to a stunning team move against Brazil was another, and in the Asian Cup, they were able to do this repeatedly against Indonesia. Against Canada Mary Fowler’s goal was scored from an almost identical position.

However, it is good to have options. In the same way that Kyah Simon offers something different to Sam Kerr, Michelle Heyman has abilities that only Mary Fowler can replicate, with experience that nobody else can.  

In a desperate situation in a knockout game, bringing on the tall, fast and extremely mobile forward with 61 international caps not only changes the way Australia can attack, but changes the way the opposition have to defend.

Above: Michelle Heyman in action for the Matildas previously. Photo: Football Australia.

Suddenly, Sam Kerr would have a player who could flick on long passes into her path. Just as quickly, the opposition manager must find a defender who can stop Heyman turning and shooting in attack and track her into midfield.

Heyman is likely to have another strong season at Canberra United, but regardless of how many goals she scores, she is the type of player that can make a huge difference with very little opportunity.

Tony Gustavsson has so far elected to trust youth and has uncovered some gems and future stars. The performances of the Young Matildas and Under 23 side mean that there are players that look ready to step up if needed, but there is a readymade option in Heyman.

Although much of his tenure has focussed on giving youth and debutants opportunities, Gustavsson has also shown that he is prepared to turn to experience when necessary. He has trusted Katrina Gorry with a central role in the side, when the brilliant playmaker has been more peripheral over the previous two managers, or at least since 2015.

Gorry’s particular set of skills have filled an important role in the side. Michelle Heyman can do the same.

If the Matildas manager needs a player to exploit an organized defence, or a game changer off the bench. Heyman is a perfect fit.

NWSL: The Final Week Previewed

Impetus’ Blaise Ogutu brings the background to this weekend’s all-important games in the final round of the NWSL’s regular season (30/9/22).

Above: North Carolina Courage’s Debinha celebrates after scoring against Gotham FC. Photo: @TheNCCourage/Twitter.

Four teams have secured their place in the play-off rounds in the NWSL. Four more teams are in the hunt for the remaining two spots.

Four is also the magic number when it comes to the number of teams with a chance to win the Shield on the final day.

Let’s look at what this weekend looks like in this crazy end to the NWSL regular season.

San Diego Wave v North Carolina Courage

After leading the table for the most part of the season, San Diego find themselves in 4th place.  They head into the final weekend hoping that the results of all the teams above them go in Wave’s favour in order to clinch the title. They secured a playoff spot last weekend with a 2-2 draw to Orlando Pride.

They however face a resurgent Courage side that is seeking a playoff spot. For them, a win sees them make the cut and effectively erase their poor form at the beginning of the season.

NJ/NY Gotham v Portland Thorns

Gotham FC have nothing to play for in the final game but their result potentially holds weight in the race for the shield as they welcome the Portland Thorns to New Jersey.

The Thorns became the first team to secure a place in the post-season when they ran out 3-0 victors against Racing Louisville on 22nd September. The two-time champions have a chance to add to their Shield tally with a win over Gotham which will see them retain the trophy they held aloft last season.                                                     

Washington Spirit v Houston Dash

The Washington Spirit have had a season to forget. Following their Championship win last season and an appearance at the Challenge Cup final this year, the team has struggled to get points on the board. This season they fail to feature in the post-season games.

Above: Houston Dash’s Maria Sanchez in action against OL Reign. Photo: @HoustonDash/Twitter.

With nothing to lose, they have the ability to deny Houston Dash a chance at the playoff table. Dash, for the whole season, have been battling top teams for the crown but recent inconsistent results have them still looking to secure a post-season appearance on the final day.

Racing Louisville v Kansas City Current

The Kansas City Current have had a meteoric rise to the top this season. At one point in the season, they were languishing at the foot of the table. That was before going on a 12-game unbeaten streak which saw them perch on top of the standings for the first time in their two-year history.

They have clinched the playoff spot and still have a shot at the Shield when they host Racing Louisville who are another team with a season to forget. They have recently picked up two wins in three games but it was too little too late to salvage a poor season for head coach Kim Bjorkegren.

OL Reign v Orlando Pride

The reverse fixture was a Megan Rapinoe show as she assisted and scored the winner in the dying minutes of a 2-1 comeback win for the OL Reign. It was part of Rapinoe’s late season antics which has pushed the Seattle-based team to second on the table with a chance at winning the Shield for the first time since 2015.

Orlando Pride have had a turbulent season with departures and off-field scandals haunting the team at the start of the season. Interim coach Seb Hines however found a way to steer the ship from rocky waters and compete for a while for the playoff spots. That was not to be as they lost a seven-game unbeaten streak and have gone five games without a win.

Chicago Red Stars v Angel City FC

Above: Mallory Pugh controls the ball against Kansa City Current. Photo: @chicagoredstars/Twitter.

The game with possibly the highest stake will coincidentally be the last game this weekend. Chicago sit in seventh, a point behind North Carolina who occupy the last playoff spot. Angel City are a point behind Chicago and a win for them plus a loss for North Carolina will see them clinch a playoff berth in their inaugural season.

Chicago fans have felt hard done by the injuries the team has suffered throughout the season but Chris Petrucelli and his team have ensured they stay within the playoff spots for the entire campaign. Angel City have also had their own injury woes but all that will be forgotten if they manage to get a victory away from home.

A season that has gripped NWSL fans the entire season boils down to this one weekend and with the playoffs ahead, there is still plenty more to come.