Impetus’ Johnathan Stack was in Arsenal‘s media conference ahead of tonight’s Champions League opener at defending champions Olympique Lyonnais. Both Caitlin Foord and head coach Jonas Eidevall are expecting the hardest possible challenge, but are looking forward to analysing where they stand in comparison to Europe’s best (19/10/22).
Above: Caitlin Foord (left) and Katie McCabe train at the Groupama Stadium ahead of tonight’s big Champions League game with Olympique Lyonnais. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
Arsenal begin their UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign tonight as they face the defending champions of Europe, Olympique Lyonnais in France.
The Group C opener at Groupama Stadium will be a fascinating encounter because Lyon who beat Barcelona in last year’s final, have several major players missing for this evening’s clash. The likes of Ada Hegerberg, Catarina Macario, Dzsenifer Marozsán, and Matilda Ellie Carpenter to name just a few. The total number of absentees for the Champions of Europe runs into double figures. However, the French masters have options aplenty due to a combination of their strength in depth and strong youth set-up
Above: Caitlin Foord in possession against Brighton and Hove Albion. The Matildas star knows that The Gunners face a tough task despite Lyon’s long injury list. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
Despite the French club’s injury list, Arsenal and Australia attacker Caitlin Foord still views Lyon as the ones to beat in the UEFA Women’s Champions League this season.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s game, the New South Wales native gave her thoughts on Lyon saying: “Regardless of whether they have injuries or not, the squad they have is very strong. “The starting eleven that they put out (in their last match) is a world-class team so it is going to be a good challenge for us, I’m excited to play against them. We have a team of world-class players ourselves, so I think it is going to be a really good match.”
The Gunners are not new to facing the champions of Europe in the group stage of the competition as last season they faced the previous defending champions FC Barcelona and lost heavily in both group games. Foord reflected on how the North London side must be ready for their next big challenge.
“We definitely had a lot of learnings from those games, and we have obviously looked at those matches a lot heading into the big games. It purely comes down to us. I think we must be up for the challenge and ready for these games because in the previous games that we have had, we have seen what can happen and we don’t want that to happen again. We want to learn and improve from what went wrong in those games. This game will be a big challenge for us to see how far we have come.”
Above: Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall sees tonight’s game with Olympique Lyonnais as a chance to get an indicator of where his team are at present. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
Head Coach Jonas Eidevall spoke straight after Foord and he gave his views on the challenge his team faces saying: “I think we have a pretty good idea of what kind of opposition we’re gonna play at the top level in Europe, both from playing some of those teams that are in our domestic league but then also from our experience playing Barcelona and Wolfsburg last season.
I still think it’s always a really good opportunity to get that reality check to see where we are at this moment. So I definitely look forward a lot to it. It is always very exciting to see because no matter what, you will know exactly where we are at, what we need to continue to improve on, and what we are already good at. So, I’m really looking forward to seeing where we’re at.”
Arsenal’s game at Olympique Lyonnais is live on DAZN with kickoff at 8pm. Impetus’ Jean-Pierre Thiesset will be pitchside at the Groupama Stadium, his photo gallery will be on the site tomorrow.
With almost a month to go until the start of the A-League Women season, teams are still building their squads. Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from new arrivals Julia Grosso, Georgie Worth, and Vesna Milivojevic plus the head coaches of each of the teams concerned (18/10/22).
Above: Melbourne City’s new signing Julia Grosso. Graphic: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City announced the signing today of American winger Julia Grosso for the 2022/23 A-League Women’s season.
Also capable of playing as a full-back, the 23-year-old joins City directly from the US college system where she attended the University of Kentucky for five years. Grosso was a key member of the Wildcats line-up last season starting every match, while she’s also been captain of the team for the past two seasons.
She becomes the 17th confirmed member of City’s squad for the upcoming season as Head Coach Rado Vidosic gets close to finalising his 2022/23 playing group.
Vidosic said Grosso’s signing adds further depth and versatility to the squad ahead of the new season.
“We’re excited to bring Julia to the club for what will be her first season as a professional,” he said. “It will be a new experience for her after years in the US college system, but we’re excited to work with her and help her reach the potential we can see she has.”
Grosso explained how excited she was by the opportunity in Melbourne and looking forward to getting to work.
“I wanted to join a club that is competitive, passionate, and dedicated to football,” Grosso said. “I have known of Melbourne City for a few years now and I am thrilled to be able to say that I’m a part of such an excellent club that strives for greatness.
“I know this team is capable of winning the double this year and I’m so excited to be a part of that journey, especially in my first professional season.”
Current 2022/23 City ALW Squad: Melissa BARBIERI, Chelsea BLISSETT, Emma CHECKER, Naomi CHINNAMA, Leah DAVIDSON, Julia GROSSO, Bryleeh HENRY, Sally JAMES, Caitlin KARIC, Darcey MALONE, Leticia McKENNA, Holly McNAMARA*, Rhianna POLLICINA, Karly ROESTBAKKEN, Kaitlyn TORPEY, Tori TUMETH*, Hannah WILKINSON.
* = Currently sidelined with injury.
Graphic: Newcastle Jets.
Newcastle Jets have added goalkeeper Georgina Worth to their squad for the coming A-League Women’s season.
Worth joins the club from Brisbane Roar where she made her A-League debut against the Jets in 2017.
Coach Ash Wilson is happy to welcome Worth to the club. “Georgina is someone who has great presence in goal, experience playing at this level, and has a strong desire to have success in Newcastle. She is someone who will continue to create a challenging and supportive environment in that role and it’s important for me to have two quality keepers that will push each other to get the best out of themselves and the team.
“Her ability to deal with high balls, shot stopping, and passing range are some of her technical qualities but she also communicates well and is driven to contribute to the goals, culture, and ultimate success we are aiming for this season and I’m looking forward to her being a Jet.”
Worth herself cannot wait to begin the new season at the Newcastle Jets. “I’m very excited to have signed. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the club and everyone involved. The vision that Ash and the organisation have for the team really drew me to the club and I’m motivated to make a positive contribution both on and off the pitch. It’s shaping up to be a competitive season and I can’t wait to get started.”
Above: Canberra United’s new signing, Serbian international Vesna Milivojevic speaking to the media yesterday. Image: Canberra United.
Canberra United have agreed terms to sign exciting Serbian international midfielder Vesna Milivojevic for the forthcoming 2022/2023 Liberty A-League season.
Milivojevic made five appearances for Western Sydney Wanderers in the 2019/2020 season, making her much-publicised debut in a 2-1 win over Adelaide United, before heading overseas to pursue her football career in Serbia.
Capped nine times by Serbia, Milivojevic has represented her country in FIFA World Cup Qualification matches and scored her maiden international goal in a 4-1 away win over Bulgaria in November 2021.
“I am delighted to be returning to Australia and the Liberty A-League and signing for Canberra United for the upcoming season,” Milivojevic said.
“Having played for Western Sydney Wanderers against Canberra United, I have first-hand experience of them as a football side and have enjoyed playing against them and in front of their hugely enthusiastic fan base. I want to thank Njegosh Popovich and Canberra United for giving me the opportunity and I am looking forward to starting.”
After enjoying a short stint with German outfit BV Borussia Bocholt, Milivojevic returned to Serbia to re-join her first international club, ZFK Spartak Subotica where she was part of the squad that played two-time UEFA Women’s Champions League winners VfL Wolfsburg in 2020.
“I remember Vesna when she was a player for the NSW institute, she was on our long list for the Jnr Matildas, a player with brilliant passing range, carries the ball effortlessly, and has the priceless ability of being able to break the lines, important for a midfielder,” United Head Coach Njegosh Popovich commented.
“She has international experience in Europe with Serbia and has played in some big matches in her short career this only adds to her already impressive playing ability.
“A previous Player of the year in the NSW/NPL Vesna will bring extra authority to our midfield and having started her career in the Liberty A-League, should settle in very quickly. I am certain our supporters will enjoy watching her play and I welcome her to the club.”
Canberra United’s 2022/2023 Liberty A-League season begins on Saturday 19 November with a home match against Perth Glory at McKellar Park.
Impetus’ Blaise Ogutu brings us all the news from the first week of Finals action in the NWSL (18/10/22).
Above: San Diego Wave players celebrate after their comeback win over Chicago Red Stars. Photo: @sandiegowavefc.
Alex Morgan’s 110th-minute goal secured a comeback win for the San Diego Wave as they beat the Chicago Red Stars at the SnapDragon Stadium.
Chicago dominated proceedings in the opening minutes and made their opportunities count in the tenth minute through Yuki Nagasato. San Diego’s Kailen Sheridan’s bizarre attempt to pass failed to reach her teammate leaving Nagasato open for the lobbed pass beyond a hapless Sheridan putting the visitors ahead.
Wave grew more into the game despite the Red Stars having more clear-cut chances. At the half-hour mark, both Sarah Luebbert and Mallory Pugh had chances but Luebbert saw her shot gathered while Pugh’s attempt could only go wide.
Casey Stoney’s side ended the half in confidence with a flurry of chances. Midfielder Taylor Kornieck was the target of Wave’s corners but she could direct her header in the 41st minute into the back of the net. Alex Morgan, whose influence had been limited in the half also had her header saved four minutes later.
The home side started the second half dominant in possession and their persistence in Chicago’s half finally paid off in the 67th minute when Emily Van Egmond got the equaliser. Following brilliant play by Sofia Jakobsson down the left flank, the Swede’s cross was poorly dealt with and the Australian was in the right place to pick up the pieces and score her first of the season.
The goal would force the game to go to extra time as neither team could find the advantage over the other in the final minutes of the regular time.
Two minutes before the end of the first period, Airah Ali had a chance to put San Diego ahead with her first touches of the game but her shot rippled the side netting only. The momentum was in Stoney’s charges’ favour and Alex Morgan made it count putting them 2-1 ahead with ten minutes left in the game. The ball was well-rotated and found its way to Morgan on the left flank and from a tight angle managed to slot in the far corner past Alyssa Naeher.
San Diego would hold on to win the game and set up a semi-final clash against Portland Thorns in Providence Park next week.
Above: Kansas City Current’s Lo’eau LaBonta takes on Houston’s Nichelle Prince (8) and Sophie Schmidt (13) in the quarter-final clash. Photo: Erik Williams-USA Sports Today.
Earlier in the evening, Kate Del Fava’s last-gasp winner helped the Kansas City Current get over the Houston Dash away at the PNC Stadium in Houston.
The action was only three minutes old when Current were awarded a penalty. Dash defender Katie Naughton fouled Kristen Hamilton inside the area and after a couple of minutes, the ever-dependable Lo’eau LaBonta stepped up to easily slot in the spot-kick for the lead.
Parity was restored 16 minutes later when Sophie Schmidt fired in from the back post. From a Dash corner, Current goalkeeper Adrianna Franch could only punch the ball in Schmidt’s path and the Canadian made no mistakes in punishing the away side.
Neither team could exert their dominance for the remainder of the half but Ebony Salmon and Maria Sanchez made their presence felt with attempts and neither could get the net to bulge.
In the second half, the shot-stoppers from both ends had to be at their best to keep their teams in the game as they pulled off save after save. French had to deny Sanchez and Salmon again as she managed to tip over the English youngster’s effort over the bar. Jane Campbell on the other end was at hand to stop Elyse Bennett from helping Matt Porter’s charges to a lead.
A wild sequence of play emerged in the fourth minute of added time when Kansas City pushed forward to find the winner but Cece Kizer couldn’t stretch out enough to meet Bennett’s cross inside the box. Houston went down the other end seconds later with Michelle Alozie finding herself 1v1 with Franch but the keeper got the better of the Nigerian, blocking her shot that was aimed toward the far post.
In the tenth minute of stoppage time, Alex Loera and LaBonta combined superbly and Loera’s low cross led to a goalmouth scramble won by Del Fava to bundle in a scrappy goal, her first of the season to silence a sold-out PNC stadium.
Kansas City will now face NWSL Shield winners OL Reign next Sunday at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Impetus’ Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (18/10/22).
Above: Kamile Omeleviciute of Thetford Town who had penalty appeal turned down after her shot looked to have hit the hand of a UEA player in the first half. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.
Main Match of the Week
University of East Anglia 0-1 Thetford Town
Thetford Town were victorious on the road as they defeated the University of East Anglia (UEA) thanks to a 78th-minute winner from Dayna Howard to progress to the Second Round of the Norfolk Women’s Cup.
The game played between the two teams from the tier seven Norfolk Women and Girls League saw UEA go into the game as favourites following a 100% winning record so far this season with them topping the league in the process. Thetford has had a mixed start to the season with one win, one draw, and one loss after three games.
UEA, roared on by a vocal support of people from across the University complex, started the game brightest with some good early pressure as they looked to continue their positive start to the season and it was only the heroism of Thetford Town defender Rachel Lynch that denied Ella Burnley the chance to open the scoring.
Thetford were denied a penalty a few minutes later when a shot from Kamile Omeleviciute hit raised hands of a UEA player but this was dismissed by referee Matthew Cotton.
In a game that lacked quality, and entertainment, there was very little action of note. UEA had a series of corners next but these were extremely poor and were dealt with comfortably by the visitors
Thetford ended the first half strongest as a throw-in from captain Melissa Boulton found Rebecca White who tried a shot from distance on the turn which was saved by Anoushka Williamson in the UEA goal.
White then had the final chance of the first half in added time when she was through on goal following a beautiful ball from the Thetford Town midfield but she could only slot wide of Williamson’s goal and the scores remained level at the break.
Above: Dayna Howard – Thetford Town’s goalscorer. Photo: Darren Gilham.
The second half followed a similar pattern of no real quality as both teams struggled to entertain on a poor surface at the University of East Anglia.
The play was then stopped for ten minutes when Thetford Towns Sausha Levy-Twomey was taken out following a horrendous challenge. Levy-Twomey required on-pitch attention from the paramedic assigned to the game as well as Thetford Town management David Skipp and Amber Browne.
In a contest that was sometimes feisty and a little nasty, the visitors kept their heads by rising above it and continued to try and play football in the right way.
The decisive moment came when Dayna Howard poked home from a corner in the 78th minute to spark wild scenes of celebration.
The game ended up having over 15 minutes of added time as Thetford Town Assistant Manager Stuart Terry required medical attention after being winded in the closing stages. UEA could only manage one shot between the goal and the final whistle which was comfortably dealt with by Lydia Ward in the Thetford goal.
This was an impressive win for Thetford Town coming away to one of Norfolk’s highest-regarded clubs and winning the game to seal a place in the Second Round of the Norfolk Women’s Cup.
Teams: UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA: Williamson, Brewer, Lee, Coombs, Goodenough, Powell, Thompson, Fuller, Burnley, Standing, Piejko. Subs: Woods, Appleton, Neale, Long, Stel.
FA Women’s National League Division One South-East:
Above: Scorer of Norwich City’s Second Goal Natasha Snelling.Photo: Norwich City Women FC
Norwich City were beaten for the first time this season losing 3-2 at Chesham United, who gained their first win of the campaign as a consequence. A brace from Gemma Fraser and Emma Davies’ effort saw Chesham take victory. Rebecca Russell and Natasha Snelling were on target for Norwich City.
Eastern Region Premier Division:
Above: Jodie Hopkins (right) scored both of King’s Lynn Town’s goals in their defeat to Needham Market. Photo: Tim Smith.
Wroxham bounced back to winning ways with a thrilling 4-3 success at Colney Heath. Holly Connell scored a brace for the Yachtswomen with their other goals coming from Hannah Waters and Keela Olive. Colney Heath’s goalscorers were Hollie Thornton and a brace from Eliza Telford.
It wasn’t such a good day for King’s Lynn Town who were beaten 6-2 at The Walks by Needham Market. A hat-trick from Eva Hubbard plus goals from Eleanor Catchpole, Molly Hall, and Paige Wakefield saw the Marketwomen take all three points back to Suffolk. Jodie Hopkins scored both of King’s Lynn Town’s goals on the day.
Eastern Region Division One North:
In tier six, Fakenham Town were beaten 5-0 at AFC Dunstable. Gemma Whitchurch scored a hat-trick for the hosts with Mollie Burgess getting a brace.
Norfolk Women’s Cup First Round:
Thetford Town’s trip to the UEA was one of four first-round ties played on Sunday. In an all tier seven affair, Mulbarton Belles won 11-1 at Caister thanks to hat tricks from Rebekah Lake and Ellie Hunter. In addition, there was a brace from Eloise Peek with goals from Lucy Lincoln, Alice Smith, and Mollie Ryan completing the rout. Leah Brown scored for Caister.
Gorleston were 11-0 winners at FC Viking Valkyries in a game that saw Kelsi Adams, Hazel Saddington and Rebecca Waters all get hat-tricks with Sienna Saunders and Joana Patricia da Cunha Teixeira getting the remaining goals. In the day’s final tie, North Walsham Town beat Thorpe St. Andrew 2-0 thanks to goals from Rio Dobbie and Rhiannon Holt.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One:
Dussindale and HellesdonRovers were 11-0 winners at Stalham Town in a game that saw Shanice Sutton score five goals, Georgina Belton get a brace with the remaining four goals scored by Chelsea Brister, Siesha Hunphries, Betty Booker, and Phoebe Green. Long Stratton bounced back to winning ways with a 3-1 win at Bungay Town. Luci Middleton, Mary-Ann Hoy, and Emma Allsopp with the goals for Long Stratton with Selina Rowland scoring for the hosts. Sprowston were 2-1 winners at Beccles Town thanks to goals from Anais Winney and Rosie Milligan. Lucy Robbens scored for Beccles Town.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two:
Aylsham continued their flying start to the season with a 10-0 victory against Horsford. Hat tricks from Hannah Claughton and Sophie Lubbock plus goals from Abbie Butcher Vicky Lubbock, Lana Clark, and Florence Simpkin saw the hosts take a comfortable victory. King’s Lynn Soccer Club were 4-1 winners at Shrublands thanks to goals from Kelsey Ramm, Trinity Tokaji, and a brace from Ellie Panks. Lacey Andrews scored for Shrublands. Bulldogs and Freethorpe shared the points in a 1-1 draw. Lauren Roberts scoring for Bulldogs with Kiera Squires getting the goal for Freethorpe.
All the action from the third and fourth tiers of the Scottish women’s game (17/10/22).
Above: Rossvale (yellow and red) tangle with Morton yesterday. Photo: GBR Photographs.
Livingston have gone clear at the top of the Scottish Women’s Football Championship after a flurry of second-half goals saw off Renfrew Ladies at New Western Park.
Lucy Brown had put Livingston ahead in the first half with a speculative shot that could have been intended as a cross, but second-half goals from in-form strike duo Jennifer Dodds and Ashley Fish bookended a consolation from Renfrew’s Vhairi Munro, before Fish fed Brown for her second in the 90th minute to make the scoreline comfortable for the Lionesses.
Above: Championship top scorer Rachel Scott bundles the ball home for Ayr United at Dryburgh Athletic. Photo: Ger Harley / Sportpix.
Elsewhere, Inverness Caledonian Thistle recorded their first clean sheet of the season against Hutchison Vale at home, with goals from Natalie Bodiam, Tina Kelly, and Lorna MacRae sending the Highlanders into the top half of the table. Ayr United rescued a point in Dundee with a goal from the league’s top scorer Rachel Scott and a penalty by Claire Docherty cancelling out strikes from Dryburgh Athletic’s Alma Codegoni and Derrian Gollan to deny Dryburgh their first win of the season. Morton held Rossvale to a 1-1 draw.
In the Women’s League One, FC Edinburgh and Westdyke both came from a goal down to win comfortably against Falkirk and Stenhousemuir respectively, and extend their lead at the top of the table. Airdrie Ladies beat EdinburghCaledonia 5-3 to shake up the middle of the table, while St. Mirren put ten past Giffnock SC to climb to fourth on goal difference. BSC Glasgow against Dundee West was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Above: Possession contested as Morton host Rossvale. Photo: GBR Photographs.
by Johnathan Stack at the Academy Stadium (17/10/22)
Above: Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw (right) – City’s two-goal hero celebrates with her teammates. Photo: Manchester City.
Manchester City finally got off the mark in the 2022/23 Barclays Women’s Super League season with a 4-0 win over Leicester City.
A brace from Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw plus goals from Lauren Hemp and Yui Hasegawa on her Manchester City debut saw Gareth Taylor’s side pick up a vital home win.
The Sky Blues were playing at home for the first time in the league this season and they did not disappoint their fans after defeats to Aston Villa and Chelsea on the road to open the campaign.
Leicester had themselves experienced a tough start to the new season with losses to Everton and Spurs.
City got off to a great start and put the visitors under pressure from the start. Lionesses star, Chloe Kelly rattled the crossbar after being played through by Esme Morgan. The deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute as City striker Shaw headed home after great play from Morgan and Hemp on the left, who then crossed it in for the Jamaican international to score.
Shortly after Kelly fired just over after picking up the rebound in the box from Morgan’s cross.
Above: Yui Hasegawa (left) and Hayley Raso celebrate. Photo: Manchester City.
City didn’t have it all their own way though as Leicester almost caught the hosts out from a quick-thinking corner routine, but Sophie Howard headed just wide. Visitors captain Aileen Whelan picked up the loose ball in the penalty after City failed to get the initial cross clear and had her shot blocked by Alex Greenwood. From that City started a quick counterattack towards the other end, as Deyna Castellanos smashed the ball onto the bar.
Into the second half, it was more of the same as City applied the pressure in search of a second. With Kelly, Laia Aleixandri, and Shaw going close.
Then the Sky Blues finally got their second goal of the game in the 72nd minute as Kelly played in a delightful cross in the box, which was dispatched brilliantly with a diving header from Hemp. That would be Kelly’s last kick of the game, as she was replaced by Australian star Hayley Raso straight after the goal.
Five minutes later, Leicester defender Howard brought Shaw down in the penalty area to give a penalty to City, Greenwood stepped up and had her spot kick saved by Kirstie Levell only for Shaw to fire the rebound in to make it 3-0.
City made it 4-0, two minutes from added time with a great strike from the edge of the box from player of the match Yui Hasegawa at the Academy Stadium.
Above: Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor speaking after the game. Photo: Johnathan Stack.
After the game, City head coach Gareth Taylor gave his views on his team’s first win of the season: “(I’m) delighted, I think it was a vital win. But I was really pleased with the performance, more often than not the performance takes care of the result but not always.
“I was really pleased with the performance, and I thought there were some really good aspects to the way we played, we dominated proceedings. We went 1-0 up, could have gone a couple of more by half-time, we hit the bar twice, we took a while to get going in the second period.
“We know this team even though we make changes, can really open up and score goals, particularly when you bring on the likes of quick players at the top end of the pitch against an opposition who are probably flagging, it makes a difference for any team.”
Taylor also spoke about the impact that Australian international Hayley Raso has coming off of the bench: “Hayley is great to have from the bench, she wants to start games and she has started games.I think when you put that type of player on in that type of game, and there is space in behind against a team that has gone 70 minutes and start to feel the effects I think is a great option to have.
“What Hayley has to do is really improve on her final action, but I will say the same about that with all of our wingers, today we saw some good moments from our wingers but some inconsistencies as well. I think it’s just trying to make sure that we work really to get to the final third and then it’s about that final bit of quality, if Hayley improves on that then there are no limits to her game.”
Above: Lauren Hemp speaking to the media after Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Leicester City. Photo: Johnathan Stack.
City winger Lauren Hemp also spoke to the media after the game, saying: “I think it was clear to see that we all enjoyed today. I think you are starting to see the City we want to show. It’s obviously important in our first home game that we kick it off with a win, we haven’t had the results that we wanted recently but it’s important we start somewhere, and we have started today, obviously, we got the three points, we can work our way up the table now hopefully we can kick on from here.”
This was a much-needed win for Manchester City and eased some of pressure on head coach Gareth Taylor. City had a lot of chances in the game, but they didn’t finally take them until the second half. Ellie Roebuck kept a clean sheet, which is a big plus as City has already conceded six goals this season. Hemp and Kelly looked powerful on the wing and Yui Hasegawa was instrumental in the middle picking up loose passes, linking the play, and scoring an incredible goal on her home debut too.
So, a big three points for City, who play Spurs away next Saturday in the Barclays Women’s Super League at Brisbane Road, before getting their Continental Cup campaign started at home against Blackburn Rovers at the Academy Stadium the following Wednesday.
Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the fifth round of the 2022-2023 D1 Arkema season(17/10/22).
Above: Grace Geyoro (8) celebrates her goal for Paris St. Germain against Dijon with Lieke Martens (22). Photo: L Pestel / PSG.
Paris Saint-Germain won 3-1 at home against Dijon. Lydia Williams, Australian international, was not in the squad after not taking part in training the previous week on international duty. This meant that Sarah Bouhaddi retained the number one shirt with Constance Picaud on the bench. Paris SG scored quickly in this game and dominated largely with almost 70% possession. Even if Dijon equalized in the 18th minute, from a superb shot from Madeline Roth, they never really had a chance to win this game. To be noted: Gérard Prêcheur, Paris SG coach, received a red card for being too vehement against the referees. Goals for Paris SG from Lieke Martens (3), Grace Geyoro (43), Ramona Bachmann (90). Goal for Dijon from Madeline Roth (18).
Above: Mathide Bourdieu (center in pink), Paris FC, in action during the game against Reims. Photo: Paris FC.
Reims obtained a draw 2-2 away from home against Paris FC. In a game slightly dominated by Paris FC which were at home, Reims continued their good run of form and could even have won this game. It was a quality game between two teams that both wanted to win. Once again Rachel Corboz, Reims’ captain, and left midfielder, produced an outstanding performance. Hereafter, her statistics recorded during the game by Jean-Pierre Thiesset: in 80 minutes, 39 balls played, 26 passes with 85% successful, two decisive passes (40th-minute one-two with Kessya Busy, 52nd-minute corner for the head of Julie Pasquereau). To be noted too, Mathide Bourdieu, Paris FC center forward, who scored twice with two superb shots. Goals for Reims from Kessya Bussy (40), Julie Pasquereau (52). Goals for Paris FC from Mathilde Bourdieu (42, 76).
Le Havre won away from home 4-1 against Soyaux. Le Havre produced a good performance in winning their second match in this season. They continued to show that they want to stay in D1 Arkema and looked a good team. This was a bad outcome for Soyaux who lost their third game in five this season. To be noted: the good performance from Nadjma Ali Nadjim, Le Havre’s center forward, with one goal (48th minute), and a decisive pass for Christy Gavory’s fourth-minute opener. Goals for Le Havre from Christy Gavory (4), Nadjma Ali Nadjim (48), Nora Coton-Pélagie (55), Silke Demeyere (90+4). Goal for Soyaux from Morgane Belkhiter (49).
Above: Rachel Corboz, Reims’ captain, who had a superb game in her side’s 2-2 draw against Paris. Photo: Reims.
Montpellier won 4-1 away from home against Guingamp. With this win, Montpellier are now fourth in the standing. Guingamp still have not won any games and are bottom without a single pointless; it will probably be a long and difficult season for them. The match saw another good performance from Faustine Robert, who came back to Montpellier her first club after eight years with Guingamp, with one goal (after 69 minutes), and an assist for Celeste Bouteille’s 28th minute goal). Goals for Montpellier from Celeste Boureille (28), Faustine Robert (69 penalty), Nérilia Mondésir (83), Luna Gevitz (86). Goal for Guingamp from Laurie Teinturier (89).
Above: Alexandria Lamontagne, Rodez’s two-goal hero. Photo: Rodez web site.
Rodez won 2-1 at home against Fleury. This was a great outcome for Rodez, who not only scored their first goals of the season, but also claimed their maiden victory. It was not a great game, and we did not see Fleury’s usual spirit and team play during this game. Furthermore, Manon Heil made an error in failing to catch a shot from 25 meters which was not dangerous, and dropped the ball in front of Alexandria Lamontagne who scored easily both her’s and Rodez’s second goal. With this loss, Fleury are now down to seventh place, already six points behind Paris FC who are third and in the final Champions League qualifying spot. Goals for Rodez from Alexandria Lamontagne (11, 66). Goal for Fleury from Rosemonde Kouassi (16).
Above Selma Bacha, Lyon. Photo: Lyubomir Domozetski, OL web site.
Olympique Lyonnais won 3-1 away from home against Bordeaux. Lyon produced a seriously impressive performance and dominated Bordeaux from the beginning to the end of this game with almost 70% possession. The young player Vicki Becho, 19 years old, started for the first time in D1 Arkema and produced a very good performance. Becho played in place of Delphine Cascarino who came back from international break with France team with an injury to the abductors; she should be out for several weeks.
The game was secured at half time and Sonia Bompastor, Lyon coach, took a few players off in the second half in anticipation of first UEFA Champions League game of this season on October 19th against Arsenal.
Selma Bacha, Lyon's left defender, produced another outstanding performance, and was named player of the match. Hereafter, Selma Bacha statistics recorded by Jean-Pierre Thiesset during the game: 63 balls played, 41 passes with 90% successful, one assist (a free kick met by the head of Wendie Renard at the 14th minute). Goals for Lyon from Lindsey Horan (5), Wendie Renard (14), Melvine Malard (44). Goal for Bordeaux from Melvine Malard (10, Own Goal).
It was a rumbustious clashat the Bescot Stadium yesterday as Aston Villa hosted West Ham United. Craig Anthony was pitchside for us to capture the on-pitch action (16/10/22).
Above: Aston Villa’s Alisha Lehmann fires in a shot watched by West Ham United’s Kirsty Smith. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly gets up above West Ham’s Honoka Hayashi and Mackenzie Arnold. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Rachel Daly in possession. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Rachel Daly takes on West Ham’s Grace Fisk. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Rachel Daly gets a shot away for Aston Villa yesterday. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Kenza Dali prepares to shoot for Aston Villa. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Alisha Lehmann dances down the wing. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Alisha Lehmann looks up before crossing into the box. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Alisha Lehmann hits her penalty which failed to hit the net. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: West Ham United goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who had an impressive afternoon. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Referee Cheryl Foster shows Mackenzie Arnold a yellow card. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Pointing the way ahead. Mackenzie Arnold. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Sarah Mayling crosses in for Aston Villa. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Poised to deliver. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: A penalty box challenge yesterday. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Kirsty Hanson on the ball. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: This way for three points. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Ahead of today’s trip to Manchester United, Impetus’ Ellie Ramsauer was in Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Hope Powell‘s media conference (16/10/22).
Above: Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Hope Powell speaking to the media. Photo: Brighton and Hove Albion Women(16/10/22).
We know what we’re up against but we’ve got fighting spirit.”
Hope Powell, Brighton and Hove Albion head coach.
Brighton and Hove Albion travel to Manchester United today for their first league game of the month. Being played at Leigh Sports Village, this game will be a tough test for the Albion.
Head coach Hope Powell reflected on the impact the international break has had on her squad. “It’s been really challenging 10 days, they have been away in terms of wanting to qualify for a major tournament”. The challenges of this have included having to support the pressures and emotions of her players that come with it. Some players have come back elated and while others are struggling as their team did not qualify for the World Cup.
Above: Brighton training this week. Photo: Brighton and Hove Albion Women.
The Brighton head coach Powell also highlighted the “very tight turnaround (between the end of the international window and this weekend’s games) so we’ve got some tired bodies that need to recover.”
The consequences of this will be seen in terms of managing players closely depending on the minutes they get and various other factors. However, the one positive that Powell was able to point out was that “ultimately for us this time everyone has come back fit and healthy.” This is good news for a Brighton team who have struggled with injuries and suspensions so far this season.
Powell is wary of today’s opponents Manchester United who have started the season strongly with two wins and zero goals conceded that the team ‘expects it to be tough’ on Sunday. The former Lionesses head coach declared that Manchester United are a “very good side,” adding: “they were a very good side last season [and] they’ve got more depth this season’.
Above: Maya Le Tissier – a former star at Brighton who will come up against her former club today. Photo: Brighton and Hove Albion Women.
The Seagulls chief also reflected on encountering a familiar face on Sunday as they come up against former Albion player, Maya Le Tissier, who joined Manchester United in the summer, after four years in Sussex. Manchester United have also brought in a number of other signings over the summer, including Nikita Parris, who joined from Arsenal. However, Powell says her team have ‘fighting spirit’ and that ‘it’s up to us [Brighton] to try and upset them and get something out of the game’.
Another key talking point from the week that Powell also discussed was the news of the report on the systemic abuse of female footballers in the US. As a leading player herself in the past, the Brighton head coach said that she was “really upset for those people [that were affected by the abuse] and upset for the game. We all have a duty of care and a responsibility to call anything we see that’s inappropriate out or any actions that we see to challenge.”
Reflecting further, Powell spoke of her admiration for those who have spoken out. When asked whether she thought that the WSL had the right systems in place to prevent this from happening or give a platform to those who want to speak out, she said she was “hopeful” that clubs did and that at Brighton she believed the correct mechanisms were in place.
Impetus’ Kris Goman was in Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall‘s media conference ahead of today’s game with Reading. She came across a man fully focused on the challenge of Reading amidst a defensive injury crisis (16/10/22).
Above: Arsenal’s Jonas Eidevall speaking to the media. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
Jonas Eidevall addressed his team’s injury concerns ahead of today’s clash with Reading, with the situation in defence becoming sufficiently challenging as potentially leading to players having to be called back from loan deals elsewhere.
Two centre-backs, Leah Williamson and Rafaelle Souza are unavailable though injury. It’s been confirmed that Rafaelle’s injury is a metatarsal fracture but there was no such clarity on Leah Williamson other than Eidevall saying he expected it to be several weeks and that they would have to wait for further assessment by the consultants before we could put a more exact timeframe on it.
Eidevall did say he didn’t think surgery would be required but was quite adamant that Williamson would not be available to play for England during the November international window. The Lionesses’ captain was photographed at the National Television Awards during the week with a protective boot on her right foot and a dress shoe on her left.
Asked if the present situation could be potentially similar to a spell of injuries in defence last season, Eidevall reflected that ultimately, his focus is on fielding the best team available to him and getting them to perform to the best of their abilities.
“We want to be 100% and we want to be fearless in our approach and we want to put the team first. None of that changes if we have one, two, three, four injuries or we have other unavailable players. Then it’s about always finding ways to play our best together as a team and that might change with the personnel that we have available.
Above: Arsenal in training at the end of this week – defensive injuries mean some re-jigging of the squad is needed. Photo: Arasenal WFC.
“That doesn’t mean we can play exactly the same way with every one of our players that are on the team as they have different strengths and different weaknesses. If I learned something from that period last year, it was to see that when we are playing with different players, we might need to tweak some of our different priorities in order to be smart and play into each player’s strengths instead of to their weaknesses.”
Eidevall was asked if there was a recall option for existing players on loan to cover the holes at the back, with Anna Patten at Aston Villa a possibility. It seems it’s not as simple as that.
“No, it’s not the whole season no matter what happens but I don’t think there is a recall option before the transfer window opens. You can’t move professional players back and forth between different clubs when the transfer window is closed. That would be the same for all our players. It would be when the next transfer window opens.”
Brazilian Gio Quieroz’s loan to Everton and Eidevall’s long-term vision for her was also discussed. He was specifically asked about how much the loan was about her international ambitions and whether Arsenal might have preferred to keep her.
The Gunners’ head coach outlined how she was still a young player but has played a lot of “first-team football”, particularly in Spain and how, “I didn’t want her to take a step back in this stage of her career right now in not playing minutes and we wanted her to do that at the highest level possible and to get accustomed to living in England and playing in the league so I think Everton was a very good fit.” He said that the minutes he’s seen her play have been very pleasing and he’d evaluate, week by week and make a decision in the winter if she was to come back or play the full season at Everton.
Above: Caitlin Foord – who had a spectacular international window for Australia, and Vivianne Miedema who was away with the Netherlands. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
The Arsenal squad is made up of many national team players who were busy over the international break. Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord saw two good wins with Australia over South Africa and Denmark. Beth Mead was a key player in the England win over the USWNT and the draw with the Czech Republic. Noelle Maritz and Lia Walti qualified with Switzerland for the World Cup Finals with a last-minute win over Wales and Katie McCabe led Ireland to victory over Kim Little and Jen Beattie’s Scotland, sealing their first appearance in the World Cup Finals.
Coming back from an international period into club football, especially with so few WSL matches being played this season is an issue, as these players have, in recent months almost spent more time with their national sides than clubs. I asked Eidevall about the potential for lost momentum.
“It can be challenging of course because we have now to reconnect again with the group, we have to find our foundation and identity again. Not only that, we have not been together for long. Also, players have been in different cultures and different environments, and of course, now they need to refocus back to our group again so it’s really important we have two days here, Friday and Saturday in order to build for the Sunday game.”
Focusing specifically on today’s game with Reading, it was clear Eidevall was not taking the match lightly and he was fully focused on the task ahead. Reading are yet to record a win and are sitting at the bottom of the table although they’re only two matches in. He was asked if he’d seen any kind of promise in their performances so far.
“Yeah, I think it’s a hard-working team. We saw last season that they had a tough start and they were one of the better performing teams towards the end, once they got going. They won a lot of games in a row. It’s an opposition that we have massive respect for and we prepare like it’s our most important game, which is our next.
Above: Beth Mead with her PFA WSL Fan’s Player of the Month Award – Mead’s fine form will be hugely important over the next week for Arsenal as WSL action combines with the start of the UEFA Champions League. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
“I think that’s the constant challenge to prepare for every game and be 100% and be able to do all the work and preparation. You learn that as a team as you’re getting more mature, it’s about getting those processes right and Reading is no different from that. We know that every game in this league, especially the away games can be tough if we don’t go about it the right way so we need to focus on what we’re going to do.
It’s the first game back from the international break and if we think the game’s going to be easy by any means then we’re making trouble for ourselves and we should always give our very best, 100% and that’s my intention that we give that for Sunday as well.”
The games are coming thick and fast now for Arsenal with an away Champions League tie against holders Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday. Yet, Eidevall was clear that the focus is all on today. None of his players’ minutes will be managed with an eye on the trip to France.
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