Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Sheridan Gallagher as the Young Matildas captain signs a new two-year deal with Western Sydney Wanderers (14/9/22).
Above: Sheridan Gallagher in action for the Young Matildas against Costa Rica in the U20 World Cup recently. Photo: Football Australia.
Western Sydney Wanderers today confirmed the re-signing of Young Matildas captain Sheridan Gallagher for the next two Liberty A-League seasons.
Gallagher featured in her first season of the domestic competition in 2021/22, making 10 appearances for the Red & Black.
The hardworking forward was recently named Australia’s captain at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica where she guided the side in the group stages.
Above: Sheridan Gallagher (centre) in action for Western Sydney Wanderers in the Sydney derby last season. Photo: Kris Goman.
Gallagher said she was eying a good season ahead for the Wanderers. “My first season in the A-Leagues was a real eye-opener to what potentially playing football full-time can be,” she explained.
“It was great to get a lot of minutes in my first season and I think working hard and being true to yourself is what I’ll take with me into this upcoming season. My goals are for the club to have a really great season and to help them make Finals would be amazing.
“To recently go to a World Cup and represent your country, to pull on that jersey is an amazing feeling and to play against world-class players is an experience I’ll never forget.”
Ben Gilby rounds up all the action fromboth the Damallsvenskan and Elitettan and DandalBs provides his news round-up from around the leagues
Above: Vittsjöand their Australian internationals celebrate during their 3-0 win at Djurgården. Photo: Bildbyrån via Vittsjö.
Damallsvenskan Round 19 Wrap:
Above: BK Häcken’s hat-trick hero Pauline Hammarlund. Photo: BK Häcken
Umeå IK are suddenly looking over their shoulders near the bottom of the table after a 5-0 thumping at BK Häcken. Pauline Hammarlund contributed a hat-trick, the first of which came after 19 minutes after Hanna Wijk found her. Six minutes before the break, Hammarlund grabbed her second as Elin Rubensson provided the assist. Two goals in a four-minute spell early in the second half killed off any hopes that Umeå had as Hammarlund completed her hat-trick and Stine Larsen played in Anna Csiki to make it 4-0. Mille Jensen made it five in the closing stages, to the delight of the assembled crowd of 1,232.
Above: Kristianstads four-goal star Evelyn Viens pictured after her team’s 6-2 win at AIK. Photo: Kristianstads.
AIK‘s season of struggle continued as they went down to a 6-2 defeat at home to second place Kristianstads. Whilst the Solna-based side will have the positive of their Australian international striker Remy Siemsen scoring her first goal since moving to Sweden, it only came after they were well beaten. Kristianstads’ red-hot attacking force of Evelyn Viens and Tabby Tindell produced the visitors’ first three goals between them. Viens completed her hat-trick six minutes into the second half with Mia Carlsson making it 5-0 with only 56 minutes on the clock. AIK grabbed the first of two consolations with 20 minutes to go thanks to an own goal before Siemsen scored with two minutes remaining. However, Kristianstads had the final word at the death as Viens grabbed her fourth in front of a crowd of 432.
Above: Hammarby’s Madelen Janogy celebrates with her teammates during her team’s superb win over Rosengård. Photo: Hammarby Fotboll.
Hammarby‘s strong squad showed that they are most definitely in the race for Champions League qualification after they became only the second team all season to defeat defending champions and league leaders Rosengård. Played in front of an excellent crowd of 1,538, the Stockholm-based side took a grip of the game in the opening 24 minutes as two goals from Swedish international Madelen Janogy set them on the way. This was a match that saw four Australian internationals on the team sheets, with Elise Kellond-Knight (Hammarby) and Teagan Micah (Rosengård) starting and Kyra Cooney-Cross joining Courtney Nevin on the bench for the home side. Rosengård’s lead at the top of the Damallsvenskan is subsequently cut to three points. Hammarby are now just five points outside of the top three.
Above: Regan Steigleder, who put KIF Örebro ahead at IFK Kalmar. Photo: Northwestern University Athletics.
IFK Kalmar are also looking nervously over their shoulders in the bottom third of the table after going down 4-0 at home to KIF Örebro. Three goals in a nine-minute spell after the half-hour mark settled matters in front of 360 fans. Regan Steigleder hit Örebro ahead with Michaela Kovacs doubling the advantage within six minutes. Emelia Pelgander made it three. Within two minutes of the second half opening, Berglind Augustdottir completed the rout.
Above: Therese Simonsen jumps for joy after equalising for Linköping with four-goal Amalie Vangsgaard (14) joining in. Photo: Filip Oskarsson via Linköping.
Linköping came from behind twice to defeat Eskilstuna United 5-2 at home. The visitors produced a game show which made light of their financial problems which has necessitated the trimming of their squad. Noor Eckhoff gave Eskilstuna the lead on 22 minutes – an advantage that lasted only four minutes before Amalie Vangsgaard grabbed the first of four goals to level. Eckhoff struck again to ensure the visitors led at the break. Therese Simonsen equalised before Vangsgaard scored three in 18 minutes to complete her tally for the game.
Piteå‘s hopes of breaking into the top six foundered as they were held 0-0 at home to second-bottom IF Brommapojkarna in front of a crowd of 982. This was an excellent result for the visitors who are now within just two points of IFK Kalmar, who are in the lowest safe position in the table.
Above: Flying action as Vittsjö (red) win at Djurgården. Photo: Bildbyrån via Vittsjö.
Vittsjö move up to sixth after a 3-0 win at Djurgården. Starting with all three of their Australian internationals – Clare Polkinghorne, Charli Grant, and Katrina Gorry – the visitors took a stranglehold on the match thanks to two goals from Jutta Rantala in a seven-minute spell with Gorry returning from Matildas international duty to score Vittsjö’s third in front of 442 fans.
Table From: Svensk Fotboll.
Round 20 Fixtures(16th – 19th Sept): Rosengård v IFK Kalmar, Kristianstads v Hammarby, Eskilstuna United v BK Häcken, IF Brommapojkarna v Djurgården, KIF Örebro v AIK, Umeå IK v Piteå, Vittsjö v Linköping.
Elitettan News:
Above: Two goals from Dessislava Dupuy put Växjö in a strong position to return to the Damallsvenskan at the first attempt. Photo: Växjö.
Växjö are a point clear at the Elitettan summit after a comprehensive 6-0 win at home in the top verses bottom clash with Älvsjö AIK FF. Two goals on either side of the half-hour mark from Dessislava Dupuy put the hosts in control. Amanda Altheden made it three four minutes into the second period. Three more goals came in the final 15 minutes with Evelyn Ijeh, Mimmi Strömgren, and Sophia Redenstrand on target in front of 286 fans.
Above: Celebrations for IK Uppsala. Artwork: IK Uppsala.
IK Uppsala are second after a 2-1 win a Team TG FF Goals from Johanna Renmark and Nicole Robertson before the break set the visitors on their way. Emma Åström’s strike nine minutes into the second half gave the hosts hope, but they couldn’t fashion an equaliser to the frustration of the 84 fans gathered.
Above: A comfortable win for Alingsås FC United sees them well established in the promotion battle. Artwork: Alingsås FC United.
Alingsås FC United are third, a further point behind, after a 5-0 win at home to Sundsvalls. Olivia Sultan and Lisa Johansson put the hosts ahead towards the end of the first half, with an own goal four minutes into the second stanza increasing the lead. Two goals in seven minutes in the final quarter of the encounter from Rebecca Cameras and Pernilla Milton completed the scoring in front of 150 fans.
Results Round 19: Gamla Upsala SK 0-3 Jitex BK, Alingsås FC United 5-0 Sundavalls, Ifö Bromölla IF 1-3 Lidköpings FK, Mallbackens IF Sunne 3-0 Bergdalens IK, Team TG FF 1-2 IK Uppsala, Växjö 6-0 Älvsjö AIK FF, IFK Norrköping 4-1 Rävåsens IK Karlskoga.
Table From: Svensk Fotboll.
Round 20 Fixtures(17th – 19th Sept): Rävåsens IK Karlskoga v Team TG FF, Alingsås FC United v Ifö Bromölla IF, Lidköpings FK v Mallbackens IF Sunne, Älvsjö AIK FF v Gamla Upsala SK, Sundsvalls v IFK Norrköping, IK Uppsala v Växjö, Bergdalens IK v Jitex BK.
News Round-Up
by DandalBs
Above: More farewells at Eskilstuna United as financial issues continue to bite. Photo: Bildbyrån.
EskilstunaUnited‘s financial problems sees them continue to sell players. The latest to depart is 22-year-old Norwegian defender Elise Stenevik, who has joined WSL side Everton.
The Champions League final qualifying round draws for Swedish sides see Rosengård paired with Norwegian side Brann, with BK Häcken given a tough test against Paris St. Germain.
Swedish star Freja Olofsson is heading to Real Madrid from Racing Louisville in a move that has seen a six-figure transfer fee in return.
Above: BK Häcken’s Lotte Ökvist has moved to Eskilstuna United on loan. Photo: Bildbyrån.
BK Häcken‘s Lotte Ökvist has joined Eskilstuna United on loan. Häcken head coach Robert Vilahamn favours other players in Ökvist’s position and she hasn’t even made the bench the post-Euro matches. Also departing Häcken is Julia Karlernäs who has joined Serie A newcomers Como.
Sweden had a successful ending to their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 5-0 win over Finland. Goals from Stina Blackstenius, Lina Hurtig, Linda Sembrant, Rebecka Blomqvist, and Fridolina Rolfö earned an impressive victory.
Sweden have revealed an extremely challenging schedule for the next international window has been revealed. Peter Gerhardsson’s side will play Spain in Cordoba on 7th October, four days before taking on France in Göteborg.
Above: Honaka Hayashi of AIK looks to be on her way to West Ham United. Photo: Bildbyrån.
There are reports that AIK‘s Honoka Hayashi is close to signing with West Ham United in the WSL.
The Damallsvenskan Player of the Month nominees for September were Vilde Hasund (Hammarby), Rebecca Knaak (Rosengård) and Fanny Andersson (Piteå).
In one day a vast number of internationals and big-name players have signedfor a total of three different A-League Women clubs. Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from some of the players concerned plus the views of Western United, Sydney FC, and Adelaide United (13/9/22).
Above: Chloe Logarzo – a marquee signing for Western United’s inaugural season. Graphic: Western United.
Logarzo Unveiled At Western United
Matildas star Chloe Logarzo will add world-class firepower to Western United’s inaugural Liberty A-League Women squad after signing on loan from Kansas City in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Capped 54 times by the Matildas, Logarzo has been a mainstay in the side since debuting in 2013 and recently made her return to the side after an ACL injury.
Logarzo has previously represented Colorado Pride in the United States and played in top divisions in Sweden, Norway, and England, where she lined up for Bristol City.
A two-time A-League Women Champion with Sydney FC, Logarzo returns to Australia for the first time in two years and is determined to make a difference in Green and Black.
“I am really excited to be returning to the A-League with a new club, new city, and a new challenge ahead of the World Cup,” she said.
“There is no better time to return home to the A-League than now, leading into the World Cup and with Western United, a new and ambitious Club.I feel incredibly confident that this is the correct decision for my return to playing.”
Western United Head Coach Mark Torcaso said Logarzo’s signature was a major coup. “Chloe’s game needs no explanation, she is a world-class talent and she will be huge for our group and for the league,” he said.
Above: Chloe Logarzo pictured during her time with Bristol City in the WSL. Photo: Bristol City.
“I’m really excited and proud that we can give Chloe a platform to continue her return to the pitch ahead of the World Cup next year. She is the type of player that can change a game in an instant and I can’t wait to work with her and see her help us on the pitch, but also off the pitch with the knowledge she can share with our younger players.”
Western United Women’s Football Manager Amanda Stella said Logarzo’s capture proved United’s ambition heading into its inaugural season.
“Bringing in a player of Chloe’s calibre lays down a marker for us and shows the competition that we are here to compete,” she said.
“Chloe will get fans through the gates, she’ll get people off their seats and everyone in the West should be excited about coming to watch her play. In our inaugural season, Chloe’s leadership and standing in the game will help set the foundations for our culture and vision moving forward as a Club in the A-League Women.”
Logarzo will bring flair and experience at the highest level to the team and will add inspiration to the young players around her in the squad.
She will join up with her new teammates in pre-season training in early November ahead of the opening round in the A-League Women season, which begins from November 18.
Sydney FC Announce Stellar Squad
Above: Mackenzie Hawkesby – back in sky blue for 2022. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Sydney FC’s Championship winning Head Coach Ante Juric, Liberty A-League Captain Natalie Tobin and nine of the Sky Blues 2022 Premiership winning squad, including Matildas Princess Ibini, Mackenzie Hawkesby, and Rachel Lowe, will return to defend their title in season 2022-23.
The Sky Blues have also recruited five Young Matildas who were part of Australia’s squad at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup last month, plus several other new faces.
Coach Juric is back for a sixth consecutive season having guided Sydney FC to each of the past five Grand Finals, winning one and securing two Premierships along the way.
Tobin will Captain the squad for a second year in her 10th season in Sky Blue and is joined by recent Matildas representative Ibini in her eighth season as the club returns to the new Allianz Stadium.
Sydney FC Player Of The Year Hawkesby and A-League Women’s Goal Of The Season Winner Lowe return for another season after last year’s heroics earned them call-ups to the Matildas squad to face Spain and Portugal in June.
Young Matildas Sarah Hunter and Charlie Rule are joined by their Under 20 World Cup team-mates defender Kirsty Fenton, midfielder Abbey Lemon and forward Jynaya Dos Santos.
Double Premiership winning and ever-present defender Charlotte Mclean returns for a third season in Sky Blue and is joined in defence by Perth Glory left-back Deborah Anne De La Harpe.
Goalkeeper Katie Offer will again challenge for the number one position while Junior Matildas’ Captain Shay Hollman, who won player of the tournament at the AFF U18 Women’s Championship, and fellow Junior Matilda Mary Stanic-Floody are promoted from scholarship to full-time contracts.
Above: Deborah-Ann de la Harpe, a stand-out at Perth Glory last season returns to New South Wales this season for Sydney FC. Image: Perth Glory.
Indiana Dos Stantos and Anika Stajcic, daughter of Sydney FC Hall Of Famer and former Women’s Head Coach Alen Stajcic, are new additions on scholarship contracts.
Head Coach Ante Juric is already happy with the balance of youth and experience.
“I’m delighted with the players we have signed so far and we’ll be adding some more quality in the coming weeks which I believe will give us a great chance at silverware again.
“We’ve managed to keep the core of our successful team from the past two seasons and are in talks with a number of others to return. The new players are fantastic additions and will bring more youth and exuberance to our play which I’m excited to see.”
Captain Natalie Tobin, who made her Sky Blue debut in the W-League Grand Final in 2013, is looking forward to another memorable year.
“I can’t believe this will be my 10th season at Sydney FC,” said the 25-year-old.
“It’s been an incredible journey for me and the past few years, in particular, have been extremely special. We’ve had success and I’m thrilled to see the core of that group staying together this season. I’m also excited to welcome and watch our new additions in action.
“We’ve recruited some fantastic young players and it all bodes well for a really great year.”
Sydney FC expect to make further signing announcements in the build-up to the season in mid-November with Liberty A-League fixtures likely to be revealed later this week.
Jenna McCormick Is Back For Adelaide
Artwork: Adelaide United.
Adelaide United is delighted to announce the return of experienced centre-back, Jenna McCormick, her third stint with the Club after signing a one-year contract.
The 27-year-old began her career with the Reds, playing 26 matches between 2012 and 2015 before returning for the 2017/18 campaign.
In 2019, McCormick made her Matildas debut against Chile and currently has four caps for her country.
The defender has plied her trade overseas in Iceland, Norway, Spain, and Denmark with Stjarnan, Medkila, Real Betis, and Aarhus Gymnastik Forening (AGF) respectively.
McCormick has also represented Canberra United, Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory, and Melbourne City in the Liberty A-League, amassing a total of 96 games in the competition.
Speaking on her decision to re-join the Club, the 2013/14 Dianne Alagich Medallist, said: “I’m really excited to be back in my home state playing for Adelaide United, the club where my career started.
“This team has become extremely competitive over the last few seasons and you can see a real togetherness within the squad, which is something I’m looking forward to being part of. Adrian (Stenta) is an excellent coach who encourages an attractive style of football, and I believe we have a great squad that can seriously challenge for the title this season.”
Adelaide United’s Liberty A-League Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “We’re really thrilled to have signed a player with a lot of pedigree like Jenna.
“You only have to look at her resume to see she possesses plenty of experience, having represented her country, played in Europe, and spent almost a decade in this league. Her signing definitely strengthens our defence and I’m very pleased with how the squad is coming together.”
Across her two spells with Adelaide, McCormick accumulated 38 appearances, scoring one goal.
Impetus’ Blaise Ogutu brings us his detailed weekly round-up of all the action from the NWSL (13/9/22).
Above: Crystal Dunn in action for the Portland Thorns three months after the birth of her baby. Photo:@ThornsFC/Twitter.
New Table-Topper, Brazilian Connect, And More
The end of the regular season looms ever closer and the race for the shield continues to grip the fan bases of the teams involved. Further down the table, the play-off spots are still up for grabs as well as no one seems to put enough distance between themselves and the others. We take a look at how things panned out this weekend.
Portland Thorns went back to winning ways after a peculiar August period as they cruised to a 2-0 win over Orlando Pride at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando on Friday night. Goals by Yazmeen Ryan and Hina Sugita proved to be enough to take the Thorns back into first place for the night.
The visitors were up and running in the opening twenty minutes of the game as substitute goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse and Celia produced crucial saves to deny Sophia Smith. Moorhouse was in action to deny Morgan Weaver’s fizzing attempt from the edge of the box with a diving save in the 26th minute.
Portland were not kept off the scoreboard for long as Ryan netted her second of the season. Weaver’s underlapping run down the left allowed her to get a lifted pass to her fellow attacker who adjusted well to get to the ball before Pride defender Jordyn Listro and put it away.
Orlando had a chance of their own in the latter stages of the opening half through Mikayla Cluff but the midfielder’s header sailed just wide over the crossbar.
Rhian Wilkinson’s charges dominated the second half with Ryan and Natalia Kuikka both seeing their chances go high and saved by Moorhouse respectively.
The game was put beyond Orlando’s reach when Meghan Klingenberg, Weaver and Olivia Moultrie all combined to tee up Sugita. The Japanese international saw her shot tuck neatly past Moorhouse and seal the win. The game also saw the return of Crystal Dunn from maternity after almost a year off the pitch as she came on late in the second half.
Above: Danielle Colaprico (white) faces off against Sofia Huerta (blue). Photo: @tayvincent6/Twitter.
Friday night also saw OL Reign entertain the Chicago Red Stars at Lumen Field in Seattle. The hosts took the lead through summer recruit Jordyn Huitema in the 18th minute. Her initial shot deflected off defender Zoe Morse and the Canadian got a second bite of the cherry to score past Alyssa Naeher.
Reign looked the better of the two sides as they continued piling pressure in the first half. Naeher had to pull off a double save to deny an in-form Megan Rapinoe in the 25th minute. Huitema could have had a first-half brace but her 39th-minute chance at the back post only hit the upright.
Chicago got the next goal of the game against the run of play right before halftime through Ella Stevens. Rachel Hill pounced on a long ball upfield and her shot was not properly saved by Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Stevens was at the right spot to scoop up the seconds and notch her fourth of the season.
The visitors looked like a different team in the second half and they got their work’s worth in the 68th minute. Yuki Nagasato’s shot inside the box hit Sam Hiatt’s hand and the referee called for a penalty which Danielle Colaprico stepped up to put the Red Stars ahead in the game.
Reign’s resilience however thwarted Chicago’s hopes of an away win as Rose Lavelle got restored parity with ten minutes to go. Dribbling into space down the left side, the midfielder’s rifling shot nestled inside the side netting. She could have gotten the three points in the 93rd minute had her header not hit the crossbar and the follow-up shot by Rapinoe saved by Naeher. A 2-2 draw at the end of a pulsating game.
Above: Washington Spirit fans celebrating their win over San Diego Wave at Audi Field. Photo: @WashSpirit/Twitter.
Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off served up an NWSL classic as Washington Spirit narrowly edged San DiegoWave 4-3 at Audi Field in the capital. Teenage sensation Jaedyn Shaw opened proceedings with a well-timed run to give San Diego the lead in the seventh minute. Spirit defender failed to close down Australian Emily Van Egmond as she floated in a deadly ball to Shaw who evaded Camryn Biegalski at the far post.
Washington responded with the equaliser four minutes later through Tara McKeown. Ashley Hatch and Sanchez both combined on the move and the latter pushed the ball out wide to McKeown who clipped the ball over Kailen Sheridan.
The hosts then went ahead on the half-hour mark through defender Amber Brooks. San Diego failed to clear their lines and the ball fell perfectly for the 31-year-old to poke it home.
She was at it again a minute before the break as she crept up at the back post to nod in her second of the afternoon and put Washington two goals to the good.
In the second half, the hero turned villain as Brooks clattered into Alex Morgan in the box leading to a penalty. The striker took it upon herself to pull a goal back for the visitors from the spot.
San Diego continued their second-half resurgence and with seven minutes to go, they won a controversial corner which was dispatched by Alex Morgan’s header to make it 3-3. Washington contested the decision to award a corner as they felt the ball went out for a throw-in instead.
There would be drama in the dying minutes though as McKeown smartly drew a foul from Van Egmond earning a penalty. Ashley Hatch was good from the spot to get the win Washington desperately needed.
Later on Saturday, the North Carolina Courage pumped five goals past Racing Louisville as their charge for the play-off spot continued. Brazilians Kerolin and Debinha both got a brace and Tess Boade notched her first of the season for the Courage. Nadia Nadim got the solitary goal for Louisville as they continued their woeful run of winless games.
Above: Courage forward Keerolin celebrates with teammates after netting a brace against Racing Louisville. Photo: @TheNCCourage/Twitter.
On Sunday, Gotham FC welcomed Kansas City Current to the Red Bull Arena in Harrison New Jersey and the visitors went home with all three points courtesy of a penalty from Hailie Mace in the second half. Claire Lavogez had arguably the most chances in the game as she saw her 1st minute attempt deflected wide.
She was again causing trouble in the second half against a resolute Gotham defence. Found out wide by Mace, her shot was deflected by Taylor Smith and almost crept in but it was cleared off the line by Paige Monaghan.
Gotham couldn’t hold their fort for long enough as substitute Ellie Jean clumsily took down Lavogez in the box in the 78th minute. Hailie Mace put away her strike to take the lead. Two minutes later, the hosts went hunting but Kristie Mewis’ shot drew a fingertip save from Adrianna Franch onto the crossbar. The win and the shutout ensured Franch’s 40th clean sheet in her NWSL career.
The final game of the weekend provided Houston Dash a chance to go top of the table as they faced Angel City at the PNC stadium in the Bayou City.
Maria Sanchez gave the home side the lead in the 42nd minute. Following a short corner, the Mexican attacker found space on the edge of the box and with no one closing her down, she fired a rocket past a diving DiDi Haracic.
Above: PNC Stadium as Houston Dash takes on Angel City. Photo: @HoustonDash/Twitter.
In the second half, it was Simone Charley who got the equaliser four minutes after the break. Beating Katie Naughton to a moving ball, the striker continued her run and it proved beneficial as Jane Campbell failed to gather the loose ball and Charley had the easiest finish to make it 1-1.
Houston had a host of chances in the second half but couldn’t make them count. In the final ten minutes, Valerie Gauvin’s first chance in Houston’s orange went narrowly wide while Bri Visalli’s attempted curler deflected and hit the crossbar going over. The draw meant Juan Carlos Amaros’s side ended the weekend fourth instead of first.
Here is how things stand as the Current hold first place for the first time this season.
Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the first round of 2022-2023 D1 Arkema season.
Above: Lindsay Horan (left) and Danielle van de Donk celebrate for Olympique Lyonnais. Photo: Damien LG.
Paris Saint-Germain won 2-0 at home against Soyaux. Paris SG opened against a weak Soyaux team. Even if they largely dominated this game, the hosts were not efficient enough to earn a bigger win. It seems that the absence of Marie-Antoinette Katoto is already impacted their scoring ability. Lieke Martens scored her first goal for her new team only five minutes in the match. We must also point out the great performance of Siga Tandia, Soyaux’s central defender, and Romane Munich, Soyaux goalkeeper, who both prevented Paris SG from adding to their tally. Goals for Paris SG from Lieke Martens (5), Kadidiatou Diani (34).
Bordeaux won 4-2 at home against Le Havre. In a game even in all statistics, Bordeaux won against newly promoted Le Havre. It was not an outstanding game and even if they won let Le Havre score twice. To be noted, on her first game in D1 Arkema, Salome Elisor scored twice for the visitors. Goals for Bordeaux from Maëlle Garbino (13, 44), Mickaëlla Cardia (23), Mélissa Gomes (53). Goals for Le Havre from Salome Elisor (3, 65).
Paris FC won 2-0 at home against Rodez. Paris FC dominated this game (66% possession) but lacked efficiency as seven shots on target only yielded two goals. Goals for Paris FC from Clara Matéo (28), Mathilde Bourdieu (72).
Montpellier won 3-0 at home against Dijon. A good start for Montpellier at home in a game where Dijon was never able to put them in danger.
Above: Charlotte Bilbaut and Marion Torrent pay homage to their France squad teammate Griedge Mbock severely injured during the last game of the France squad. Photo: MontpellierHSC.
Olympique Lyonnais won 5-1 away from home against Reims.
Lyon started the season missing a lot of regular players (Ellie Carpenter, Griedge MBock, Catarina Macario, Wendie Renard, Ada Hegerberg, and Amel Majri). During the last France squad team, Griedge Mbock quit the game with a dislocated knee, and will be absent for at least six months. So, Lyon started with Alice Sombath and Amandine Henry in central defence. Selma Bacha who still had some light calf pain, played only the first half as left forward to preserve her as the season will be long. Reims produced a good performance during the first 70 minutes, being dangerous with fast counterattacks, but they conceded three goals in the last 20 minutes when it started to be more difficult for them. Goals for Lyon from Daniëlle Van De Donk (16, 85), Damaris Egurrola (39), Sara Dabritz (72), Melvine Malard (90+4). Goal for Reims from Melchie Daëlle Dumornay (63).
Above: Fabrice Abriel, Fleury coach, during press conference. Image: FC Fleury ’91.
Fleury won 3-0 away from home against Guingamp. Except for its goalkeeper Katriina Talashlati, who was replaced by Manon Heil, Fleury started with almost its usual starting team. The Finnish international told me the morning of the game that she had caught flu whilst on international duty, and that she will be back soon.
In a press conference leading up to the game, Fabrice Abriel, Fleury’s coach, said: “Our objectives are to make good games, score a lot of goals, and try to be as close as possible to victory at each game.”
In the same media event, Léa Le Garrec, Fleury team Captain, said: “Our objectives for this season are to start well, and to do better than last season where we finished fourth We hope to finish third (earning Champions League football) and we will do everything we can for that.”
After this first game, Fleury showed that they were ready to fulfill their objectives. Goals for Fleury from Rosemonde Kouassi (18, 79), Julie Piga (52).
Above: Léa Le Garrec, Fleury captain, during the pre-game press conference. Image: FC Fleury ’91.
Ahead of tomorrow’s official fixture release, there were major announcements at three clubs today, with Wellington Phoenix revealing their new head coach, Perth Glory adding a new hot-shot to their pack, and Brisbane Roar welcome back another of last season’s squad. Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from the players and coaches involved (12/9/22).
Above: Nat Lawrence – last season’s assistant will take over at the Phoenix this season. Artwork: Wellington Phoenix.
Lawrence Steps Up As Lewis Returns Home
Inaugural assistant Natalie Lawrence is stepping up to take over as head coach of the Wellington Phoenix for the upcoming Liberty A-League season.
Lawrence is replacing Gemma Lewis, who is returning home to Wales to take up the role of senior pathway manager for women’s football.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to take charge of the Phoenix and one that I can’t wait to start,” Lawrence said. “Having been part of the team last year and seeing them grow, to now be able to bring the team back to New Zealand and play games in Wellington, which I definitely consider to be my Kiwi home, is incredibly exciting.”
Lawrence moved to New Zealand 11 years ago, having started her coaching career in her native England.
“As soon as I got to Wellington in 2011 I was like, “I should have been born here, this is definitely my home’.
“Being able to walk out with the team in that first game at Sky Stadium is going to be something special for me personally and all the players involved, whether they were involved last season or not. It’s going to be outrageous.
“The World Cup’s just around the corner, women’s football is buzzing here and around the world and to be part of it at this level of the game in what I consider my home away from home is something you kind of dream of.”
On top of serving as Lewis’ assistant at the Phoenix, Junior Football Ferns and the Future Ferns Domestic Programme (FFDP) over the past two years, Lawrence boasts extensive head coaching experience.
She worked for Capital Football from 2012-2015, coaching Capital in the national women’s league before moving to Vancouver to lead the Whitecaps’ women’s academy programme.
Lawrence returned to her home away from home in 2018 when she became the first female head coach of a men’s national league side when she took charge of Team Wellington’s youth team.
“I have been Gemma’s assistant in quite a lot of projects but how we work together is really collaborative.
“We work together so closely on everything and I think that will really help me going into this role, as well as the heading coaching experience I’ve had previously.”
Natalie Lawrence will move to Wellington next week, with her first task to appoint her assistant coach.
“Gemma will be massively missed amongst the staff and the players, and we’ll try and do her proud this season,” Lawrence said. “But we’re really excited for what she’s going to be doing in Wales.”
Above: Gemma Lewis, who did an outstanding job in difficult circumstances last season at Wellington Phoenix, is returning home to Wales. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Gemma Lewis has been appointed the senior pathway manager for women’s football at the Welsh FA, who are also giving Lewis the opportunity to study for her UEFA Pro Licence.
“Being able to work in women’s football in Europe right now is huge and the opportunity to do my pro licence as well is something that was a big pull for me,” Lewis said.
“The cherry on the cake is I get to return home. I’ve been away from Wales for nine years.
“The opportunity to do all that and go home and spend a bit more time with my family all rolled into a package that was too hard to turn down.”
But the former Welsh international will leave New Zealand with a heavy heart.
“As much as I talk about going home, I’ve spent a third of my life in New Zealand. It’s difficult to leave. New Zealand has turned into my second home.
“I would have loved to do a second season with the Phoenix, but the timing didn’t really work out.”
Lewis will still take a keen interest in the team’s progress.
“The team that is being built is one that I’m really excited to watch and see how they get on.
“Nat stepping into the head coaching position is a really good decision. From all of my work with her and seeing how good she is with the players, I’m really excited to watch a season with her in charge and see what stamp she puts on the team.”
Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome has thanked Lewis for her contribution to the club.
“Gemma will forever be our first women’s head coach,” Dome said.
“She did an incredible job putting a team together at short notice for our inaugural A-League women’s season and ensured they were competitive on the field while playing the entirety of their season in Australia.
“Gemma has a great opportunity to develop further as a coach in Wales and she leaves with our best wishes.”
The Phoenix are convinced Lawrence is the ideal person to take over the reins.
“Nat came across really well when we interviewed her. Her beliefs align with what we want to achieve as a team and a club,” Dome said.
“We have no doubt she can step up into the head coaching role and we look forward to seeing what the team can achieve under her leadership.”
Natalie Lawrence’s first game in charge of the Phoenix will be revealed tomorrow, when the draw is scheduled to be announced for the 2022-23 Liberty A-League season.
Above: Perth Glory’s new arrival from the USA – Gabrielle Coleman. Artwork: Perth Glory.
Epakis Welcomes “Powerhouse” Striker Coleman
Perth Glory today announced that American forward Gabriella Coleman has been signed for the 2022-23 Liberty A-League Season.
The 24-year-old has most recently been plying her trade in Iceland with HK Kopavogur for whom she scored nine goals last season, having previously been a standout performer at collegiate level for both Mississippi State and Oklahoma State University.
Glory’s new recruit boasts an impressive sporting pedigree, with her father Marcus having enjoyed an 11-year NFL career which saw him represent the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, and Houston Texans and earn All-American and Hall of Fame honours.
Coleman is excited to be joining Glory for what will be her first taste of Liberty A-League football.
“I’m really looking forward to coming to Perth Glory and contributing to a team that embodies some of the same soccer philosophies that I share,” she said.
“Speaking with Head Coach Alex [Epakis], I believe that this is a great opportunity for me to grow as a player, while hopefully helping the team achieve success as well.”
Epakis believes that Coleman possesses all the attributes required to make a major impression during her maiden season in purple. “Gabriella is a powerhouse player,” he said.
“An attacker who is very strong in open space when she is running at defenders, she also offers the flexibility in her game to link play up and play with her back to goal. She is a further excellent addition to our attacking options and someone whom I believe can add a level of physicality and speed to our overall balance within the squad.
“Gabriella is very hungry and determined to do well and has a fantastic growth mindset which became clear during our early conversations. I’m very excited to work with her.”
The club will be making further signing announcements in the near future.
Above: Annabel Haffenden back at Brisbane for 2022/23. Artwork: Brisbane Roar.
Haffenden Back At Brisbane
Brisbane Roar has bolstered its defensive stocks with the signing of young gun Annie Haffenden for the 2022/23 Liberty A-League season.
The 20-year-old will return to Brisbane for her second season having made 13 appearances for Garrath McPherson’s side in the most recent campaign.
Having only joined the Roar on the verge of the 2021/22 season, Haffenden was a breakout player having made the most of the opportunity afforded to her.
“It was amazing to get that opportunity, I owe a big thanks to Garrath and the coaching staff for providing it. I was able to develop a lot and I’m really excited to get out there this season and be on the pitch as much as I can,” she said.
In all 12 matches she started, Haffenden was able to play the full 90 minutes, cementing herself as a key member of the Roar squad. Playing those minutes provided the Alamein junior with valuable first-team experience that she will be looking to build on in the upcoming campaign.
Since the Roar’s season ended in March, Haffenden has experienced a whirlwind offseason, spending time with Swedish side Vaxjo DFF.
“It was really eye-opening with the speed of play. It was crazy to be a part of but it taught me to be adaptable both on and off the pitch, adjusting to a new environment and playing styles but I’m excited to build on what I learned over there as well as with the Roar,” she said.
Haffenden also caught the eye of the national team, taking part in the Australian U20’s camp in New Zealand.
“It was an unbelievable experience and I was grateful to be a part of that international tour. I learned a lot in that environment as well and it’s something I don’t take for granted.”
Above: Brisbane Roar’s Annabel Haffenden (left) takes on Melbourne Victory’s Catherine Zimmerman in last season’s A-League Women. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
Now back on home soil, Haffenden is eager to reunite with several familiar faces in the Roar squad.
“I’m so excited to be back with the Roar this season and back with the girls. We gained a lot of momentum towards the back end of last season and we have so much potential as a group so I’m excited to get going because we have some unfinished business,” she said.
Roar’s Head Coach Garrath McPherson was pleased to be able to re-sign Haffenden for the upcoming season.
“I am looking forward to having Annie back in Brisbane this season and excited that she has committed to us for another year of her development,” he said.
McPherson is eager to see the defender continue her development in the upcoming Liberty A-League season after the progress she showed in the 2021/22 campaign.
“To think that 12 months ago Annie was an 11th-hour recruit for us as an 18-year-old is remarkable,” he said.
“She has this hunger to learn and improve that is very unique. This mindset and approach to her football saw her continue to improve with every week and by the start of pre-season she was an A-League Women starting centre back.
“Fast forward a year and Annie has been involved with an Under 20 Australian camp to New Zealand and gained overseas experience in Sweden as a professional footballer.
“Fans should be excited to see where she is in another six months time!” McPherson added.
Above: Perth RedStar lift the NPLW WA Top Four Cup after their win over Hyundai NTC yesterday. Photo: Football West/Foto Enzo.
Perth RedStar completed their perfect season with a 3-0 win over Hyundai NTC in the NPLW WA Top Four Cup Final at Perth SC’s Dorrien Gardens.
RedStar’s comfortable victory saw them end the campaign with all four of the trophies available in NPLW WA football – the pre-season Night Series, the State Cup, the NPLW WA Championship, and the Top Four Cup – in their trophy cabinet.
If this is not impressive enough, it comes with the added achievement of an unbeaten campaign, with only Perth SC (twice) and Balcatta Etna earning draws against the undisputed champions.
They came into this Final on the back of a free week to prepare having taken the direct route into the season decider thanks to winning the major semi-final against Perth SC.
Conversely, Hyundai NTC had a major physical exertion in midweek, with their preliminary final against Perth SC going all the way to extra-time, before being settled by Tanika Lala’s 92nd-minute goal. They would also be without Junior Matilda Georgia Cassidy, who was suspended after being shown a yellow card in both her team’s Top Four Cup games.
Above: The NPLW WA’s top scorer Larissa Walsh, who put Perth RedStar ahead. Photo supplied by: Perth RedStar.
It was always going to be vital for the talented teenagers of the NTC to start calmly. However, any hopes of keeping things tight disappeared after just five minutes. A free-kick to the right of their penalty area saw Olivia Wood benefit from a loose NTC pass. She instantly found Shawn Billam who laid off quickly to Sarah Carroll on the edge of the box. The Perth Glory A-League Women star angled a perfect ball into the feet of the oncoming Larissa Walsh on the right of the area, and the NPLW WA’s top scorer finished confidently into the right-hand corner of the net.
Buoyed by their perfect start, RedStar looked to push forward. Walsh played a ball in from the right for Sarah Carroll which fell somewhat awkwardly for her, but she still managed to get a shot away that went narrowly wide of NTC keeper Lilly Bailey’s goal.
The consequences of this concession were stark. In their current guise of Perth RedStar, the club have never gone behind, and had conceded just nine goals in the NPLW WA all season. Add in the additional fact that under the RedStar banner, Carlos Vega Mena’s team have never lost a match, the scale of the task in front of Hyundai NTC was huge.
NTC needed to dig in and simply keep their backline intact. They were able to conjure up occasional opportunities. With 17 minutes on the clock, their hugely talented attacker Tanika Lala broke through the midfield, showing pace and excellent footwork before unleashing a powerful shot from the edge of the box that Maya Diederichsen got behind well in order to deny the hotshot from the Goldfields.
With 25 minutes played, a visibly distressed Walsh had to depart from the pitch, clearly not moving freely. Jayna Ridley came on in her place.
Above: Tanika Lala who, along with Grace Johnston had the NTC’s best chances in the Final. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Just moments later, another of NTC’s most talented young stars, Grace Johnston showed exactly what she can do. Taking possession with her back to goal, some 40 yards out, Johnston took two touches on the turn and unleashed an absolute rocket that missed the target by just centimetres at the right handpost.
NTC let a golden opportunity slip by just after the half-hour mark as Louise Tana made ground up along the right and hit a ball in towards Lala at the near post. The attacker dug out a shot that rolled across the six-yard box, with Anna Powell unable to get a touch on, and the ball rolled out for a corner. Bronwyn Studman eventually cleared the danger.
As they have a predictable habit of doing, RedStar made the NTC pay for failing to take that chance, and with five minutes remaining of the half doubled their lead.
Quyen Doan played a long angled pass from inside her own half in behind the high line of the NTC defence and the bounce spun the ball into the path of Shawn Billam. Billam advanced into the box and slid her shot under Bailey and into the net.
RedStar continued to press in the second half, and three opportunities came to further extend their lead within a four-minute spell. From the sixth of their ever-growing corner count, Bailey couldn’t gather the cross, and Studman hit a shot over.
Above: Perth RedStar’s Jay Coleman (left), battling it out against Hyundai NTC earlier in the season. Photoprovided by: Perth RedStar.
Shortly afterwards, Sarah Carroll was in at the left side of the box, with Bailey making an excellent save from point blank range. The NTC custodian made a similar stop within moments as Jay Coleman found Ridley who was denied.
As the sun began to go down over Perth, the inevitability of RedStar’s victory grew with NTC unable to get any shots in on goal as the undefeated NPLW WA champions took the heat out of the game, using their experience to manage the encounter effectively.
There were further opportunities for Carlos Vega Mena’s side to add to their tally, with Bailey denying Carla Bennett. Then with a quarter of an hour to play, superb footwork from substitute Renee Leota saw her escape from the attention of two defenders and find Wood outside her. A low ball was played in from the right for Leota near the penalty spot, but the shot was lifted well over the bar.
Within two minutes though, the icing on the RedStar cake was added. Wood showed outstanding skill to get away from Violet Longmore and then dance past Jenna Harnwell along the left to lift the ball in. NTC’s Ava Richards went down under the physical presence of Coleman whose pass found Ridley. The substitute smashed home a shot from the right of centre inside the area.
The remaining 12 minutes were comfortable for RedStar as they deservedly took the honours.
Above: Perth RedStar club legends Carla Bennett (left) and Shawn Billam (right) celebrate with the Top Four Cup after their 3-0 win over Hyundai NTC. Photo: Football West/Foto Enzo.
This Perth RedStar team will go down as one of the greatest in Western Australian women’s football history. It is a real shame that they will not get the chance to test themselves against the NPLW champions of the other states. Such a hugely talented, ruthless team who are so well coached would be a serious threat to the best that New South Wales and Victoria would have to offer.
Perth RedStar one of those truly outstanding teams that only come around every few years. They are that good. They are worthy champions.
Whilst the NPLW WA season may now have come to an end, our WA on Wednesday series will continue with Impetus’ Ben Gilby speaking exclusively to the competition’s head coaches and players to review the campaign. With the new A-League Women season on the horizon, the feature will go on to feature weekly interviews from the Perth Glory team.
Ahead of Saturday’s NPLW WA Top Four Cup Final between Perth RedStar and Hyundai NTC, RedStar head coach Carlos Vega Mena spoke exclusively to Impetus’ Ben Gilby about his team’s sensational season, the threat of the NTC, and how he views the season more widely across the NPLW WA (8/9/22).
Above: Perth RedStar head coach Carlos Vega Mena has overseen a sensational campaign from his team. Photo: Fotoenzo (supplied by Perth RedStar).
Perth RedStar are within touching distance of completing the sort of season that coaches, players, and fans dream about.
Three pieces of silverware (pre-season Night Series Cup, State Cup, and NPLW championship) are in the trophy cabinet already, with the remaining one up for grabs on Saturday against the talented teenagers of Hyundai NTC. An unbeaten season across all competitions has seen RedStar remain unbeaten having won all but three matches – drawing against Perth SC (twice) and Balcatta Etna. For head coach Carlos Vega Mena, it’s a culmination of achieving different goals set through the season.
“When we started this season, we were focussing on one goal at time. We set our sights on making it through to the Night Series finals, as we missed out last year, and once we secured the title we moved onto the next goal, only focussing on the next game. I never dreamed that we would go through the season undefeated, but when the players set themselves to the task they made it a reality.
Above: Togetherness and work ethic are the key reasons for Perth RedStar’s success this season. Photo: Foto Enzo (supplied by Perth RedStar).
“The girls have taken on my philosophy and playing style with confidence, they worked hard in the pre-season and continue to work hard at training every week which translates onto the pitch on gameday. We are a team with a combination of experienced and younger players which seems to work on the pitch.
“The players work really well together and understand that success is based on teamwork. Every week saw us missing different players from the line-up, this meant we had to rely on the players on the bench. I think the fact that we can pull players off the bench, put them on the pitch, and not see a drop in the playing level is one of the contributing factors to our success. Consistency is another key factor, and the fact that we didn’t postpone any matches this season enabled us to keep the momentum going as best we could.”
Another of the positives for the club was that, unlike many of their opponents in the NPLW WA, they kept the vast majority of their playing squad from 2021 together for this campaign. RedStar, previously known before this season as Northern Redbacks have a special history in Western Australian girls and women’s football having developed so many outstanding players down the years.
Vega Mena deeply appreciates the achievements of the Redbacks and the influence it has: “Northern Redbacks was unique in that it was an all-female club which focussed solely on female football and female player development. The Redbacks family have always had a very strong sense of club culture and spirit, and support for each other. I believe the loyalty of many of the players stems from this spirit and the club’s commitment to furthering female football.
“This club spirit has carried over to the newly formed Perth RedStar, along with the commitment to female football. Teamwork is the key to success, in order to have this you need the right people around you. As a coach, I want my players to be good people, not just good players. I have encouraged this philosophy since I started coaching many years ago and I am currently coaching a truly awesome group of people.”
Above: Carlos Vega Mena’s philosophy of having good people, not just good players, is paying dividends at Perth RedStar. Photo: Foto Enzo (supplied by Perth RedStar).
Down the years, a team’s greatness can be measured by its ability to capitalise on turning chances into goals when opportunities arise. RedStar are one of these sides. They have a relentless ability to soak up any pressure, and then when the inevitable shift in momentum comes, punish opposition profligacy and take control on the scoreboard. If you add this to RedStar’s outstanding rapid-fire passing moves on the attack, you get to quickly see why this side are one of the very best.
These two-pronged approaches did not come together by accident as Vega Mena explained. “Last year the players had to adjust to a new coach and a new playing style. The key for success when you introduce a new coach with a new philosophy is to have players that have the ability to listen, take on board your playing style and bring it to the pitch on game day. It is a combination of what type of players you have, what message you give them, the style of training, and having players capable of performing it on the pitch.”
Whilst Perth RedStar have been hugely successful in 2022, it has not been a season without challenges, as their head coach reflected. “Every team this year has struggled through COVID, player injuries, player availability, and player movement. We were no different.
“I think the postponement of games has been challenging (mainly due to COVID, but occasionally weather too). When teams are repeatedly playing catch-up games, it is disruptive and you are putting player welfare at risk. As a coach, I would like to play with the same team every week, but this season there were changes to the line-up for almost every game.
“There were games where we had four or five of our first team players out, however, we were determined not to postpone any matches and pushed through with the players we had access to. It was important to keep playing in order to keep the momentum. This gave quite a few of our U21 players a chance to come to the bench and/or take the pitch for the first team.”
Above: Perth RedStar go into Saturday’s Grand Final with three pieces of silverware already in the trophy cabinet. Photo: Foto Enzo.
Perth RedStar’s opponents in Saturday’s Grand Final are Hyundai NTC. The teenage side only confirmed their spot in the top four on the last weekend of the season, finishing fourth. They overcame third-place Fremantle City and second-placed Perth SC to reach the Top Four Cup Final and offer a real threat, both physically and in the quality and skill set that their young side possess. Vega Mena knows that his team will have a real challenge in front of them on Saturday.
“NTC are a very well-coached team. They have been impressive to date and have played some quality football. They are dangerous with their combination of speed and energy, and are always brave on the ball.
“I think NTC can challenge any team on any given day, especially if they put in a full team performance. I believe it has been the most successful season for them in the NPLW era and I look forward to seeing them in action in the final. NTC is packed full of talented and skilful young players. Tanika Lala has been integral for them up-front. Georgia Cassidy and Grace Johnston are always standouts.”
Whilst Perth RedStar finished the season well clear at the top of the NPLW WA table, their head coach recognises that overall, despite the disruption of postponements, it has been largely a very competitive season.
“I believe the competition remained competitive, especially for those seeking a spot within the Top Four. This meant that we couldn’t be sure who would fill the Top Four slots until almost the end of the season. There are a lot of talented young players spread throughout the clubs and there has been plenty of opportunities for them to come through the ranks this season. I think the postponement of games was disruptive, which affected many of the other teams, and meant that they had an inconsistent start to the season.”
Above: Perth RedStar’s Olivia Wood (left) battles it out against Hyundai NTC in an earlier encounter this season. Photo: Perth RedStar.
Reflecting more specifically on the chances given to talented young players in the competition this year, Vega Mena said: “I think it’s important that we give them these opportunities along with a strong pathway to keep them playing football in WA. The reality is that it’s hard for them to stay here in WA at the moment as there are more opportunities over east. This is something we all need to discuss and plan for.
“The experienced players are role models for the young talent and it’s important to keep both in WA to ensure a competitive league and competition in the future. I think ensuring that there is a strong female infrastructure, which includes suitable female facilities, is a step in the right direction.”
With Perth RedStar’s incredible campaign almost at the end, their head coach knows the challenge next year will be to both maintain and build on these achievements, but for now, his focus is all on Saturday’s game with Hyundai NTC.
“It has indeed been an incredible season. Undefeated in all competitions to date, Night Series Champions, State Cup Champions, and League Champions. It’s more than I ever dared to hope for and I couldn’t be prouder of the players for their team spirit, hard work, and commitment. We also couldn’t have had such a successful season without the support and encouragement from Perth RedStar’s management and members.
“Every year clubs experience player movement, whether players decide to spread their wings, retire from football altogether or return to play and I’m sure we will see more of this in 2023. After the weekend, I will turn my attention to next season but for now. I am focussed on the last game of 2022.”
Impetus’ Kieran Yap looks ahead to Sunday’s NPLW Grand Final as two teams stacked full of top players go head to head (8/9/22).
Above: Calder United (green) overcame FV Emerging in the semi-final last week. Theyface the challenge of Bulleen Lions in Sunday’s Grand Final. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.
Victoria’s NPLW Grand Final is upon us. After 21 rounds and a weekend of finals, Calder United and Bulleen Lions will face off at Olympic Village to battle for the championship.
Calder United defeated a persistent but unlucky FV Emerging in their semi-final. Matilda Lohrey had the first chance of the game. She was played behind Calder’s defence by Rosie Curtis, but her shot from close range was saved by Alyssa Dall’Oste.
Sarah Cain, who was awarded the NPLW Gold Medal alongside Sofia Sakalis, created the next chance. Her pressure and pace forged an opening on the wing and her cross fell to Sewards. Candice Kilderry got the final touch of the move, but once again Dall’Oste was equal to it.
Above: Calder United on the attack against FV Emerging in their semi-final win. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.
It would take something special to beat an in-form Miranda Templeman in the FV Emerging goal. The newly announced Melbourne Victory signing has been in sparkling form of late and only Raquel Derales’ piece of magic could beat her on the day.
Stacy Papadopoulos’s run through the midfield opened up space. She spread the ball wide to Aleksandra Sinclair who crossed it in quickly ahead of Derales.
The first touch fook the ball down and the second lofted it over Templeman in incredible style. It would be the only goal of the match and one worthy of winning any game.
Templeman was called into action late to stop a powerful drive from Melissa Taranto, but FV Emerging could not trouble Dall’Oste up the other end.
It ended a brave and encouraging season from the NTC side. Sarah Cain announced herself as a major talent, and her form should propel her to a strong season with an ambitious Perth Glory. Candice Kilderry and Caitlin Karic were other strong standouts, but the entire squad was impressive as they surged late to an unlikely fourth position.
Above: Sarah Cain – the Perth Glory A-League Women player had a superb season for FV Emerging. Photo: Kris Goman.
Calder are exactly where most observers expected them to be. They have been dominant all season long, but their top-place finish and Grand Final appearance is down to great management and a trusted youth system.
Seven players joined the senior squad from the Under 19’s for 2022. There were no big-name signings and only two A-League Women players – Emma Robers and Harriet Withers – in the side.
Despite this, they dominated and met every challenge. They have a squad of even contributors, but the players with enough individual skill to break open a final.
Stacy Papadopoulos or Melissa Taranto loom as potential game changers for Sunday’s big match, but as Derales showed, the danger can come from everywhere.
Bulleen’s semi-final win was a slight upset. They finished comfortably in third, but were missing some significant players heading into the semi-final. Rebekah Stott and Tyla Jay Vlajnic both earned overseas moves, but Caitlin Friend has rarely had her full squad available all season. Bulleen would not be frightened by form or reputation. They have the players to win any knockout game.
Above: Paige Zois – always a dangerous player for Bulleen Lions. Photo: Bulleen Lions.
Heidelberg struck first. Emily Roach received the ball wide and created space for herself with a clever turn. With the Bulleen defenders expecting a cross, she instead opted for the incredible.
Roach looked up and spotted an opportunity that only exquisite skill could exploit. From outside the box and on the wing she sent a perfectly hit chipped shot over the goalkeeper. Words barely do the goal justice. It was a true moment of magic from the new Canberra United signing.
For most of this season, once Heidelberg hit the front, they stay there or extend their lead, but Bulleen had other ideas.
It was Alana Jancevski who brought things level. The unpredictable forward played a short corner and got the ball back. She carried the ball a few yards in and whipped the ball into the near post to catch Melissa Maizel’s by surprise and make it 1-1.
Soon after, Bulleen had the lead through captain Lia Privitelli. A defensive calamity from a goal kick was pounced on by the Bulleen number nine. She kept her composure to cruise around her fellow Melbourne Victory champion and tap it into an open net.
Above: Bulleen Lions’ Alana Jancevski – “a threat from anywhere 40 yards from goal.” Photo: Gold Leaf Creative.
This was an unfortunate way for Heidelberg to bow out, but their season has been remarkable. They have been a guaranteed source of goals all season, with Stephanie Galea and Danielle Wise both prolific.
Rebecca Burrows earned plaudits at the awards night. She was named Players player of the year, while Roach, and Grace Jale both earned contracts at Canberra United in the A-League Women.
Johnno Clemente’s side played stylish, fast-paced football all season and were a credit to the competition. Second on the ladder and a semi-final place is a significant achievement from the club and hints at a brilliant future for all involved.
Bulleen will be confident going into the final. They have not beaten Calder United this season, but until last weekend they had lost three times against Heidelberg. They have trophy-winning experience and a wealth of talent that Caitlin Friend has gotten to peak at exactly the right time.
Paige Zois has grown into a star of the competition and earned a call up to the Under 20 World Cup, Jancevski is a threat from anywhere within 40 yards of goal, and Privitelli has lightning pace.
Calder will go in as favourites to lift the trophy. But Bulleen will have no concerns about being underdogs. The stage is set for a terrific match.
Impetus’ Kieran Yap reflects on Australia’s defeat to Canada yesterday. With EXCLUSIVE photos by Kris Goman at Allianz Stadium(7/9/22).
Above: The Matildas come together in the huddle before their impressive first half showing against Canada yesterday. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“How it looked is how it felt for us” said Caitlin Foord after Australia’s 2-1 loss to Canada.
“We felt like we were dominating, we felt like us again. We felt like we were playing well and a bit unlucky not to score a couple more. We don’t have that much time together leading into the World Cup, so that’s why those moments like the first 45 are really important, that we build on that, take that momentum into the next game and learn from that second 45 as well.”
The Matildas opening half was everything supporters, fans, analysts and critics would have wanted to see. Australia were direct in their passing, defensively strong, particularly on the flanks, and attacking in numbers.
Above: Celebrations after Mary Fowler put Australia ahead against Canada yesterday. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Mary Fowler’s opening goal arrived before 10 minutes of play, and Australia created four more excellent chances in the first half along with having a penalty claim denied.
The second half was the exact opposite. Tony Gustavsson enacted some pre-planned substitutions, and Canada lifted their game to the level befitting Olympic Gold Medallists. Australia went from dominating, to competing, to hoping.
Above: Cortnee Vine (right) who had an impressive first half, looks on as Jessie Fleming drives forward for Canada. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
The most obvious change was on the right wing. Canada introduced Janine Beckie to the contest, Australia withdrew Cortnee Vine, who along with right-back Charlotte Grant had been impassable in defence and dangerous going forward.
With that partnership broken up, Canada enjoyed newfound space on the wing, and Australia became stretched more than they had been in the opening half. They were quickly on the back foot.
“We evaluated Vine at halftime,” explained Gustavsson to the media post-match. “She did a strength test, she lost 50% of strength in her hamstring and couldn’t continue unfortunately, because she had a really good first half.
“It’s frustrating because you felt the first 45 minutes was maybe the first time in a long time we’ve packaged a performance consistently. We’ve seen patches before…but this was a 45-minute complete performance when we were actually dominating Canada.
Above: Aivi Luik – strong at the back. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“We know exactly what’s going to happen. Canada has nothing to lose, they’re going to press the shit out of us. We need to be ready for it…but I don’t think we were really ready.
“We didn’t match their speed of press with our speed of play…we didn’t play fast enough.”
It was a frustrating turn of events for Aussie fans. Although all of these friendly matches are essentially a pre-season to the World Cup, this felt like a winnable game, and the intent from the first whistle was clearly to do so.
However, Gustavsson urged fans to consider the depth that is being built. Even Matildas fans with short memories will be well aware of what has happened in the past when one a single player was missing.
Above: Clare Polkinghorne (left) marking Janine Beckie last night. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
In the past, any injury would lead to a domino effect. Clare Polkinghorne injured meant Steph Catley moving to centre-back, which meant Elise Kellond-Knight to left back which meant… you get the picture.
Once upon a time, this had reached a point where Caitlin Foord, and Kyah Simon were filling in or being experimented with as fullbacks. Although it is the role where Foord first earned her reputation, it is not where one of the nation’s best strikers should be.
Grant and Vine’s performance should be encouraging and is perhaps the most successful example of the depth building that Gustavsson had undertaken.
Australia’s right flank has long been a strength and a place of vulnerability. Hayley Raso and Ellie Carpenter can not easily be matched for speed, skill, or effort. Both players would risk serious injury to win the ball and developed a strong chemistry over the years.
Above: Charli Grant (left) put in another good shift for The Matildas. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
However, without one of them, Australia were significantly weaker. Without both of them it could be disastrous. Their particular set of skills are hard to find once, let alone twice.
The Matildas now have that set of skills four times. Grant and Vine are not at the same level as the Lyon and Manchester City stars, but against Canada, they further established themselves as senior players.
The emergence of both means that Australia can handle the loss of Carpenter and/or Raso without changing game style or tactics, that is significant.
At left back, it remains less obvious. Courtney Nevin is fast growing into a player who can deliver at the top level, and Tameka Yallop is surprisingly strong as a fullback. But neither are replicas of Steph Catley, and it requires a slight reshuffle in the absence of the Arsenal gun.
Above: Courtney Nevin – growing into a player who can deliver at the top level. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Centre Back is the one area where depth has not been increased. Alanna Kennedy and Polkinghorne remain the first choice pairing, but beyond them, no obvious understudy or successor has emerged. Although Aivi Luik was strong in both games, as she has been at club level in her reincarnation as a defender.
Gustavsson has indicated that receiving senior Matildas caps will now be more difficult as he narrows down the squad to compete for the World Cup. But another strong central defender needs to be found unless they want to change to a back three in case of injury or situation.
Naomi Chinnama excelled at the Under 20 World Cup, and Clare Hunt was possibly the best Australian defender in last season’s A-League Women’s.
Matilda McNamara has been starting regularly at her club in Denmark and Angie Beard is a versatile defender who is better out wide, but can move inside, or at least allow Catley to.
Above: Smiles from Sam Kerr at the end. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Gustavsson reiterated that seven starters from the Olympics were missing from this squad. If you add Kellond-Knight and Chloe Logarzo to that list, this was not even a nearly full strength Australian side.
But there are no guarantees he will have one at his disposal in 2023. The depth building project is essential, but questions remain if it is entirely successful. Only time will tell on that.
In the meantime, this result was more disappointing than other losses. Not because the score really matters in the big scheme of things, but just because the disparity between the first and second half was so stark.
This is why building depth is so important. Ideally, the on-field struggles that we are experiencing now should have been done years ago, a combination of a short-term senior coach and the pause on football during the pandemic denied that opportunity.
Australia has two more international windows this year. They will be used to test Australian players and tactics against different opposition from different continents.
This is all just pre-season, results don’t mean anything. But they don’t mean everything either.
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