Above: Michelle Heyman (right) in action for Canberra United last season against Brisbane Roar. Photo: Canberra United.
Canberra United announced this morning that Michelle Heyman has agreed a two-year marquee deal with the club with will keep her in green up until the conclusion of the 2023/2024 season.
Heyman, the Liberty A-League all-time leading scorer having netted 82 times in 141 matches, is a Canberra United legend having won two Grand Finals with the club, scoring a brace in the win over Brisbane Roar in the showdown at McKellar Park in 2012.
In addition to agreeing terms with United, Heyman will also be installed in the role of Capital Football, Football Ambassador, where she will have leadership in promoting the game to the Canberra football community, as well as helping to boost participation.
“I am absolutely thrilled to sign a new two-year contract with Canberra United,” Heyman said of the announcement.
“It’s no secret that I love being part of the club here in Canberra and that I have enjoyed many happy memories playing in the famous green shirt.
Above: Canberra United legend Michelle Heyman speaking to the media earlier today. Image: Canberra United.
“With Njegosh (Popovich) being named Head Coach, and the addition of his coaching staff and some excellent young signings, it was an easy decision for me to commit to the club for the next two seasons. I am excited by the direction that the club is taking and can’t wait to get started.”
The symbolism of having a two-year deal is powerful for Heyman. “It’s the first time I’ve had a two-year deal anywhere, so it’s great to have that security and also that the club don’t necessarily view me as old!”
As well as being delighted about her new contract, Heyman is over the moon about the team moving back to McKellar Park for the season. “I’m super happy to be back at the cauldron, it has so many memories of the past. The fans make this feel different from anywhere else. The other clubs hate coming here as everyone is always cheering.
“I’ve put so much blood, sweat, and tears into this club. I wear this club on my sleeve. I am Canberra United. It sums up what I have done for this club and what I can do for this club. It made me feel wanted and feel that the club value me.”
The Australian football icon highlighted the wider consequences of being given a two-year deal, admitting: “I might not have to have a job now. I want to make sure that every minute now I have a chance – there’s a World Cup coming up and I have a point to prove and goals to score.
Above: Canberra United head coach Njegosh Popovich speaking at today’s media conference in Canberra. Image: Canberra United.
The addition of Heyman to the United roster means that Head Coach Njegosh Popovich has a top-class finisher in his ranks, the striker having scored 20 goals in 61 internationals for the Matildas, and another experienced head to guide the younger players around her.
Heyman struck nine times in fourteen outings during the 2021/2022 Liberty A-League season, including a last-day hat-trick in a 3-3 draw against Brisbane Roar.
“I am thrilled that Michelle has committed herself to Canberra United for the next two Liberty A-League campaigns,” Popovich enthused.
“There is no doubt that she is one of the greatest strikers to have played the women’s game, and her goal-scoring record in the A-League is incredible. But it’s not just her goals that makes her such a special talent.
“Michelle is a very clever footballer in the way she can drop deep and dictate the tempo of attacks and how she links up between midfield and the forward line. Whilst her finishing is exemplary, it’s her all-round game that makes her a standout.”
Heyman is Canberra United’s eleventh signing for the forthcoming Liberty A-League season.
Ben Gilby provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Western Australia NPLWomen’s competition. As usual, there is a detailed report on one game and a wrap of all the other matches along with photos(8/8/22).
Above: Hyundai NTC’s star from the Goldfields, Tanika Lala drives a shot in on goal yesterday. Photo: Ben Gilby
MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:
Hyundai NTC 3-1 Balcatta Etna
by Ben Gilby at E&D Litis Stadium
The NTC produced a performance of maturity that belied their tender years to come back from an early setback to earn a controlled victory over Balcatta Etna in a vital game in the Top Four Cup race.
It was the visitors who had the momentum from the start in sunny conditions at E&D Litis Stadium. Monique Prinsloo found Aaliyah Jorquera outside her on the right. The move ended with Monique D’Opera crossing the ball in towards Mia Yeo at the back post and referee Stephen Knight pointed to the spot adjudging there was an NTC hand on the ball as the move progressed.
With less than two minutes on the clock, Monique Godding stepped up, but Lilly Bailey saved well with her feet, however Knight ruled a retake for encroachment. It was second time lucky for Godding as she dispatched the spot kick into the left-hand side of the goal.
Above: Balcatta Etna’s Aaliyah Jorquera who had an impressive first half. Photo: Ben Gilby
Jorquera and Elizabeth Doust caught the eye in the opening half with their busy nature; determined to run off the ball into channels and when in possession look to advance into the box.
However, when it comes to the NTC, there is always the threat of intricate passing moves with the magic wand of Grace Johnston and Louise Tana in addition to the outstanding young gun Tanika Lala. It was Lala who offered the first threat just before the 10-minute mark when she forced Gabby Dal Busco into a save in the Balcatta goal.
Within moments, Dal Busco was called into action again as Johnston released Lala and the visitors’ custodian got down well to push the ball out.
Above: Mia Yeo pictured on a typical marauding run. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Balcatta threatened again as Yeo showed her quality with a fine through ball to release Monique Prinsloo who fired wide.
However, just before the half-hour mark, the NTC began to get on the front foot. Lala forced two saves from Dal Busco in quick succession, the second a superb tip over the ball.
Johnston curled the resulting corner in towards the back post where Violet Longmore headed home unmarked to level the scores.
Above: Tanika Lala – the Hyundai NTC striker had another impressive afternoon. Photo: Ben Gilby.
The NTC continued to press, forcing back-to-back free-kicks on the right-hand side, but whilst there was no reward from these set-pieces, their increased territorial hold was marked just before the break with a second goal.
A game of head tennis centrally about 30 yards from goal ended with Sophie Meaden heading through to Lala who let fly from outside the box and the ball bounced in front of the diving Dal Busco and in.
The NTC continued their momentum in the second half. Their trademark passing movements began to find their mark more. Balcatta tried to play a disciplined defensive line. Lala found her way through but Jorquera covered well to crash the ball out of play.
Above: Balcatta Etna goalkeeper Gabby Dal Busco dives, but cannot stop Tanika Lala’s penalty. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Eight minutes in, and Lala was felled in the box. As referee Stephen Knight pointed to the spot, Balcatta claimed that the ball had been won, but there was no moving the official. Lala picked herself up and efficiently dispatched the ball into the right-hand corner.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between after that. Balcatta rolled the dice on the subs bench, but despite the injection of energy from Angelique Alberts, the visitors were not able to get a foothold back in the game and that is to the credit of NTC who remained exceptionally well organised at the back.
There was one further opportunity for Lala to complete her hat-trick but Dal Busco got down well at her near post to deny the star from the Goldfields.
Above: Balcatta Etna battled away at Hyundai NTC, but couldn’t quite create the chances to boost their Top Four Cup hopes. Photo: Ben Gilby.
This outcome gives the NTC a great chance of making the Top Four Cup – qualification is looking pretty congested, but if they can pick up a win at Subiaco next weekend, the youngsters will be hard to shift.
Conversely, for Balcatta, it is looking a real tough task to make it now. They have a strong squad who you feel are capable of great things – those good times may now have to wait for another year.
Above: Jaime Duncanson (Sky Blue shirt on left of image) lifts the ball over Fremantle City goalkeeper Dayle Schroeder on Friday night. Photo: NPL.
Round 18 action started on Friday night with two matches. First, there was the vital second against third blockbuster at Wauhop Park saw Fremantle City host Perth SC.
Freo knew that a win would make them favourites to keep hold of second spot with only three weeks of the regular season remaining, and they made a fast start. With just a shade over 60 seconds on the clock, Perth SC keeper Rebecca Bennett repelled a shot with her feet, the attempted defensive clearance rebounded off a Fremantle player and rolled across the box for Jessica Darmago to fire home.
The Azzurri kept faith and with 23 minutes played were level. Jaymee Gibbons picked up possession in the middle, beat her marker, and played in Jaime Duncanson outside her. Perth’s deadly attacker took a touch, advanced into the box, and lifted the ball over advancing Freo goalkeeper Dayle Schroeder.
Fremantle hit back and forced three corners and as many shots on target before the interval, but could not make those chances count. How they would pay for that in the second half.
Above: There was plenty to celebrate for Perth SC on Friday night at Fremantle City. Photo: NPL.
Perth SC were dominant from the start of the second period, scoring three times in the opening 13 minutes to seal the deal. First, Abbey Meakins ended a sweeping movement by hitting a shot from just over 20 yards which took a wicked deflection off a Freo player and pitched high before bouncing in front of a wrong-footed Schroeder and going in.
Within three minutes it was 3-1 to The Azzurri when Duncanson gained advantage from loose Fremantle play to set in motion a sweeping move which eventually saw Ella Lincoln found on the edge of the box on the right-hand side. The youngster took a touch, turned her marker and unleashed a confident shot across Schroeder and into the far corner of the net. It was great skill.
Above: Jessica Flannery provides the cross for Stella Zampogna’s fifth Perth SC goal. Photo: NPL.
Just after the hour mark, Meakins grabbed her second from a free-kick around 20 yards out to the right of centre. Her shot bounced in front of the diving Schroeder and found the net. In the final minute, Stella Zampogna completed the scoring as she dispatched Jessica Flannery’s cross from the left into the net with some aplomb.
Perth SC are hitting top form at the right time of the season. Their last three games has seen them hit 15 goals, conceding just two. This period has also seen The Azzurri become the first team to avoid defeat to Perth RedStar.
Above: Sadie Lawrence lets fly from outside of the box to give Murdoch University Melville the lead on Friday night at Curtin University. Photo: NPL.
Also on Friday night, Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) continued their fine recent run with a 3-0 win at winless Curtin University.
The visitors were rampant from the start at Edinburgh Oval, forcing six corners in a 12-minute spell, but despite this, it took them until eight minutes before the break to hit the front. From a throw-in on the right-hand side, the ball was laid back to Perth Glory W-League player Sadie Lawrence who took a touch to roll away from a would-be marker just outside the box and then lash home a sensational finish into the top left-hand corner.
Above: Andrea Preiato lashes home Murdoch University Melville’s second goal from outside the box. Photo: NPL.
It became 2-0 20 minutes into the second period as Elysse Shore gathered possession on the left flank and fed Andrea Preiato who took a touch and lifted another brilliant finish high into the far corner of the net.
The scoring was completed a quarter of an hour before the end as Rachel Gilles stood over a free-kick, around 25 yards from goal, way out on the left touchline. Her shot was high towards goal, and Curtin keeper Gabriele Maluga could only help the ball into the net.
Above: Rachel Gillies (far left of picture) lines up her free-kick that flew in to complete Murdoch University Melville’s win on Friday night. Photo: NPL.
Murdoch University Melville’s latest success puts them just a single point behind third-placed Fremantle City – it makes the clash between the two sides next Saturday at 5pm all the more mouthwatering.
Above: Andreia Teixeira’s corner causes chaos in the Subiaco penalty area as Perth RedStar go 2-0 up on Saturday evening. Photo: NPL.
Perth RedStar may have wrapped up the NPLW WA title last weekend, but they are not going to step off the accelerator any time soon, seeing off previously in-form Subiaco 6-2 at RedStar Arena on Saturday evening.
The hosts were on the front foot from the start, racking up three corners in the opening period, so it was no shock when they went ahead with 11 minutes played as Jay Coleman played through an inch-perfect slide rule pass for Larissa Walsh to round Marissa Pidgeon and slot home from wide out to the right of the box.
RedStar doubled their lead after the 20-minute mark as Andreia Teixeira’s corner from the right was adjudged to have crossed the line with Coleman and Walsh in the mix close to the line. Credit to Subi though, as within two minutes they were back in the game when their first shot on target ended with a goal. Matildas legend Lisa De Vanna took the ball on the left flank and found Megan Shepherd before being fed once more and she curled in a shot from the far side which flew over Maya Diederichson in the RedStar goal. Some may claim this was a cross that got lucky – but this is De Vanna we’re talking about.
Above: Olivia Wood (red shirt left of centre of photo) lets fly with a stunning shot to put Perth RedStar 3-1 ahead. Photo: NPL.
Back came RedStar and they re-established their two-goal cushion within four minutes. Kim Carroll in midfield fed Olivia Wood who let fly with a sensational curling shot from over 20 yards that rocketed into the top right-hand corner. The hosts hit their fourth just before the interval as Kim Carroll converted a penalty into the right-hand side of the net.
The first half yielded 10 shots on target and five corners for RedStar as well as a 4-1 lead. Subiaco had chances at the start of the second period and got a goal back 10 minutes in when Shepherd dispatched a penalty.
Perth RedStar had the final say with two further strikes. First, a sweeping move was ended by former Football Fern Renee Leota netting after she took the ball around Pidgeon and slid home. The scoring was completed two minutes from time when Walsh gained possession on the left flank and played in a perfectly weighted low ball for Quyen Doan to nod into an empty net.
Above: Kim Carroll (7) about to dispatch a penalty for Perth RedStar against Subiaco on Saturday evening. Photo: NPL.
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
GD
Perth RedStar
17
16
1
0
65
8
49
+57
Perth SC
17
9
3
5
35
11
30
+24
Fremantle City
18
8
4
6
40
32
28
+8
Murdoch University Melville
18
8
3
7
25
19
27
+6
Hyundai NTC
18
7
5
6
29
33
26
-4
Balcatta Etna
18
7
1
10
22
26
22
-4
Subiaco
17
4
3
10
22
53
15
-31
Curtin University
17
0
2
15
17
73
2
-56
Round 19 Fixtures: Perth SC v Perth RedStar, Murdoch University Melville v Fremantle City, Balcatta Etna v Curtin University, Subiaco v Hyundai NTC.
Above: Grace Taranto gets a shot away against Bayside United. Photo: Gold Leaf Creative.
The Nike FC Cup final between South Melbourne and Calder United promises to be one of the best games of Victoria’s women’s season. The statewide knockout competition has come down to traditional powerhouses South Melbourne and 2022’s most consistent side, Calder United.
Based on league standings, the seventh-placed South Melbourne come into the final as underdogs. However, their strong cup form and incredible semi-final win, and quality on the pitch, gives them a good chance of lifting the trophy.
After trailing 2-0 to an in-form Heidelberg United, South Melbourne staged a remarkable comeback to score three times and reach the final. Goals from Janna Lawson, Georgia Kandilas, and Grace Taranto helped to shape one the most remarkable comebacks in the history of the competition.
Above – Highlights of South Melbourne’s incredible Semi-Final win over Heidelburg United.
“It was a very exciting, intense game,” Taranto told Impetus.
“Being 2-0 down is always a bit of a sickening feeling. But throughout the season, South as a team have proven our resilience multiple times, and we all love each other and know how capable we all are of absolutely anything and won’t give up until the 90-minute whistle sounds.”
Taranto is still just 19 years old but has built a reputation as one of Victoria’s best defenders. In the Semi Final win, she moved into midfield, her composed finish levelled the scores just a minute into the second half, setting up an epic win.
With nothing to lose, South Melbourne surged to victory, according to Taranto it was built on belief, determination, and support.
“It was a high risk, high reward game for us,” she said. “That’s how we played and at the end of the day that’s what got us the result.”
Although South Melbourne’s league form has been inconsistent, they have been compelling viewing. Dramatic moments and tight contests have been hallmarks of their season.
Salvaging a draw from the jaws of defeat in the last second against Alamein was another example of their belief and grit. Despite being a goal down and a player down, they found a way.
“The best thing for Cup finals and any game in fact is just having an array of experience in different games,” says Taranto.
“From this you learn how to play based on the situation. The Alamein game is just another example of not dropping your heads and keep pushing to the last minute. The Semi-final was an enthralling contest. After South Melbourne took the lead through Kandilas’s 73rd-minute strike, they had to survive Heidelberg’s star studded attack at their most intense.
Some stunning team and individual defending saved the day for South Melbourne. Holly Murray and Claudia Mihocic held firm at the back. Mihocic in particular was impressive with some spectacular, perfectly timed sliding tackles that have become her trademark.
In front of a fired-up crowd and against one of the best attacks in Victoria, South’s defence stayed composed. According to Taranto, knockout football has a different energy to league games.
“There’s something about Cup games that builds a different atmosphere on the field. Especially night games. South more than anything wants to win this final, so training has been awesome and the team spirit just incredible.”
Taranto’s form with South Melbourne this season has continued her upward trajectory in the game. She earned a contract in Adelaide United’s history-making A-League women’s squad in 2021/22. After a season in the elite environment, she has returned to South Melbourne as one of the NPLW’s star performers.
“Adelaide United has been a major part of my development this year. Training in that environment with such dedicated coaches and talented players, I learnt so much and re-gained confidence that I feel I had lost after two years of lockdown and injuries in Melbourne.
“I came back from Adelaide feeling so motivated and determined to just keep working hard and doing everything I can that would make me a better footballer. I’m so grateful for that incredible experience.
Taranto’s versatility and form this season has earned her another chance at A-League level. Canberra United announced her as one of Njegosh Popovich’s first signings as the club aims to bounce back after missing the finals in 2021/22.
She joins Mihocic, and Murray as South Melbourne players in the top tier. Her return to the club has helped prepare her for this step.
“South has been a great team for me this year, with the coaching staff and players constantly supporting and teaching me. This season South has exposed me to different positions and made me a diverse player, having played in centre back, full back, and now midfield.
“Knowing how to play different positions has strengthened my awareness of the game and this is something that I feel will be very helpful for the upcoming A-league season.
When asked what she is looking forward to most at the three-time premiers, her excitement is obvious.
“Everything! I am so excited to work with Gosh, he’s an amazing coach, and having worked with him before, I know how much he has to offer and I can really see him being a crucial part in my footballing career.”
In the immediate future, there is the Nike F.C Cup Final and a meeting with Calder United. South Melbourne’s opponents this weekend have only lost twice in 2022, but South Melbourne has the weapons to win.
Francesco Iermano, Lawson, and Kat Goff provide pace and creativity, while young striker Bella Stringfellow has hit form at the right time.
According to Taranto, there is no fear of the occasion or opposition.
“Calder is a talented team but so are we. The fact that they are top of the league table doesn’t scare us but more so excited us. We know we are so capable of winning this Final and won’t stop at anything. It would seriously be incredible. South has given me a lot growing up being my second ever football team.
“Being the only girl in an all-boys team, the club always supported me. Now being back years later I would love and do everything I can to give back to the club.”
South Melbourne and Calder United face off for the Nike F.C Cup trophy on Sunday afternoon at Valley Park Events Centre at 4pm.
Above: Scenes at Wembley Stadium after England’s European Championship Final on Sunday. Photo: Lionesses.
With the culmination of an enthralling UEFA Women’s Euros, it is difficult not to look ahead with anticipation to the next big tournament – the Women’s World Cup in 2023. The Matildas kick off on home soil in just under a year’s time.
And as the Lionesses revel in the glory of a first major trophy, the women’s game as a whole is celebrating an ongoing, inexorable rise: burgeoning attention, broken audience records, and continued evidence of the growing levels of footballing quality.
So after having witnessed such a captivating competition in England, here we look forward to what we can expect from the European contingent of nations who will compete at AU/NZ ‘23.
The Best Players in the World
There is no doubting the elite football talent in Europe.
There was a reason to watch each and every Euros match; stars at the peak of their powers in Alex Popp, Kadidiatou Diani, and Beth Mead, as well as rising youngsters in the likes of Lauren Hemp, Selma Bacha, and Lena Oberdorf, carrying their countries’ ambitions on their backs.
Alessia Russo. Back-heel goal. All angles 😍
With the #WEURO2022 final TONIGHT, we NEED to re-watch this unbelievable goal again, and again… and again!
Amongst them, they displayed dazzling skill, conjuring moments of magic throughout the tournament; Alessia Russo’s outrageous backheel goal, Athenea Del Castillo waltzing Rachel Daly to the ground, Nicky Evrard’s goalkeeping heroics.
Australians may already be familiar with a number of these nations and players; the Matildas having first-hand experience of the might of Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Spain during the Tony Gustavsson era.
Europe boasts 12 of the top 20 nations on the FIFA World Rankings, so you can guarantee more than a few will have a say in the final destination of the World Cup trophy.
A Dominant England
With the European Championship “coming home” right from their backyard, can England now return from the farthest reaches of the Commonwealth with the World Cup as well?
Their free-flowing offence, led by Mead, Hemp, Fran Kirby, Ella Toone, and Russo, racked up the highlights on the way to the trophy, scoring 22 goals (1st at Euros) from 59 chances created (2nd).
Source: FBREF.
But even more impressive was the Lionesses’ ability to overcome adversities and grind out tough wins.
Smashing any preconceived notions of English fragility, they came from behind against Spain, weathered early trouble versus Sweden, and bested Germany over 120 minutes in the final.
Manager Sarina Wiegman has completely rejuvenated the squad, and their resilience and quality in depth will make them formidable opponents for anyone at next year’s World Cup, up there with the likes of powerhouses USA, as well as Sweden and Germany.
Tactical, Talented Managers
Yes, it was the first time since 2009 that two female managers had contested the Euros final.
But in truth, Wiegman and Martina Voss-Tecklenburg have proven to be amongst the very best gaffers in the game, regardless of gender.
Above: Germany head coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg looks with regret at the European Championship trophy at Wembley after her side’s loss on Sunday. Photo: DFB Frauen.
The biggest differentiator throughout the tournament was tactical malleability, with both managers able to cajole commitment and wring every ounce of effort out of their respective squads.
Voss-Tecklenburg’s Germany were unmatched energetically, allowing only 8.6 passes per defensive action (second), forcing 95 high turnovers (first) from 158 pressed sequences (first), and giving numerous goalkeepers nightmares of captain Popp furiously bearing down on them.
Source: The Analyst.
On the other side of the draw was now back-to-back Euros champion, Wiegman. Every decision she made seemed to turn to gold – central to this being her use of timely substitutions, with bench players scoring a third of her team’s goals. Formations were tweaked for different situations, whilst she also varied the Lionesses’ aggressiveness without the ball, depending on the opponent.
As teams across the world continue to scout and learn from European success, the strategic battle will be one of the most intriguing areas to keep an eye on in 2023.
International Fanatics and Fervour
As covered by us earlier in the tournament, Europe boasts some of the most passionate, football-loving countries in the world.
Next year, Australia will come face-to-face with some of the most unique and endearing (and to some, perhaps unbearable) traditions which result from proudly supporting one’s nation.
IT'S HOME 🏴
Sweet Caroline blaring. England players in tears.
Absolute SCENES at Wembley as the Lionesses are crowned European champions ❤️
From the Swedes’ ABBA renditions to the blaring trumpets of England and the marches of the Dutch Oranje wave, the World Cup will bring an international vibrancy and pizzazz to the already colourful fabrics of our cities and stadiums.
The Growth of the Game
The incredible numbers coming out of the Euros underscore the furious speed at which the women’s game has gained attention: 87,120 were at the final, a record crowd for any men’s or women’s game in the competition’s history, with a peak TV audience of 17.4 million tuning into BBC One’s broadcast.
Record breaking from start to finish 🤩
The #WEURO2022 final has become the ALL-TIME most-attended match at either a men's or women's EURO final tournament 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/4wZqIP7rlm
Similarly, the quality and excitement of the games has also increased dramatically. 96 goals were scored in this year’s version of the Euros, compared to 68 in 2017, whilst pass completion and shot conversion across most participants has also improved.
This is the type of football attractive back here in Australia as well – head coach Gustavsson has been preaching the need for his team to want the ball, to be proactive and “on the front foot”.
An A-League Women’s player survey noted likewise. Whilst the general consensus was that the domestic style of football was predominantly transitional, the majority of players also felt that “possession-based gameplay” would produce greater attacking outcomes and goal-scoring opportunities.
The nation will be hoping the Matildas can keep up with the level of competition at what will be an unprecedented World Cup in 2023. Regardless though, the ability to draw on the interest, resources and hard work that has gone before will be important in further developing the grassroots of the game throughout Australia and New Zealand over the long term.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase women’s football, and will be thrilling for both countries to be a part of this massive movement, with plenty of reasons to watch and attend next July.
————————————————–
Jonathan’s picks for Best Squad of the Euros (4-3-3):
Above: Swedish star Johanna Rytting Kaneryd signing with the West London club today. Photosupplied to Impetus by: Chelsea FC Women.
Chelsea have just announced the signing of Sweden international Johanna Rytting Kaneyrd on a three-year deal, with an option to extend for a fourth year.
The winger joins the Blues from BK Häcken in her native Sweden and has put pen to paper with the Blues until summer 2025.
The Swedish international player becomes Emma Hayes’ fifth summer signing following the announcements of Kadeisha Buchanan, Eve Perisset, Katerina Svitkova, and Lucy Watson.
The versatile winger began her professional career at the age of 17 for Tyreso FF before her real breakthrough in 2016 when she signed for Djurgårdens IF. Across two seasons she made 45 appearances, scoring six goals.
The Swedish international then made the move to FC Rosengård where she helped the team lift their 11th Damallsvenskan league title in 2019. Following a successful time with Rosengard, the 25-year-old made the move to BK Häcken where she really hit form, scoring 15 times in 55 appearances.
JRK also has 20 international caps under her belt and was selected to take part in this summer’s European Championship, where she featured in all five of Sweden’s games.
The winger will wear the number 19 shirt for the Blues and is excited to get her Chelsea career underway, saying: “I’m delighted to join this amazing club! I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and staff and start working on our goals for the season!”
Commenting on Kaneyrd’s move to the Blues, manager Emma Hayes said: ‘We’ve been watching Johanna develop over the last 12-18 months and she has had an unbelievable season last year in Sweden.
‘She’s extremely quick, direct, a great age and she’s the profile player we’ve been looking for. Johanna will bring another dynamic to the team and we are really looking forward to her career with us at Chelsea.’
Kaneyrd will join up with her new Chelsea teammates at Cobham, with pre-season already underway.
Like just everyone else who adores women’s football, Impetus’ Emmanuel Faith has been enthralled by Euro 2022. Here, he reflects on the best players in each position before selecting his team of the tournament (4/8/22).
Above: England star Beth Mead with the player of the tournament, European Championship, and golden boot trophies on Sunday. Photo: Euro 2022.
Enthralling is mild to describe the recently concluded Euros. With 87,192 fans in the stadium at Wembley for the final, over 17,000,000 watching on TV in the UK alone and all sorts of other records falling by the wayside, it was a tournament that cannot be forgotten.
Full of memories, I have ruminated about the exhilarating matches and selected my team of the tournament. Since most teams played with the 4-3-3 formation, I would be sticking with that.
Goalkeeper:
Above: England goalkeeper Mary Earps making a fine save against Sweden in the semi-finals. Photo: Lionesses.
This was quite a difficult choice to make. The Netherlands goal-keeper, Daphne Van Domselaar is a really worthy candidate for the heroic stops she made against France, especially the double-saves that ensured the match was forced into extra-time. Additionally, and you can’t write off Merle Froms for being Germany’s wall. However, my slot will however go to England’s Mary Earps.
From the crucial save she made against Spain; blocking off Del Castillo’s looping shots to the crucial saves she made against Sweden in the opening 10 minutes before her team gained balance, Mary Earps has come a long way.
Defenders:
Above: Millie Bright – sensational for England. Photo: Lionesses.
Centre-back: My centre-back pairings would be Millie Bright and Wendie Renard. There were a lot of outstanding candidates in the tournament, like the German pairing; Kathrin Hendich and Marina Hegering, and the Spanish pair of Mapi León and Irene Paredes but having a coordinator like Renard and a ball-clearer like Millie Bright is a solid foundation to win this kind of tournament.
Full-Backs:
This is also another really competitive position as there were really outstanding performers like Eve Perisset and Sakina Karachoui for France, Giulia Gwin and FelicitasRauch for Germany, I would however stick with Selma Bacha and Lucy Bronze. Bacha’s performance against Netherlands is one of the best you would see from any 21-year-old footballer right now, and Bronze brought a perfect balance of attack and defense on the flank for the Lionesses. She knew when to stay back, be disciplined and when to wander into the other half. Her only goal of the tournament was also crucial as it came at the time that England were struggling to extend their lead.
Midfielders:
Above: Young Player of the Tournament Lena Oberdorf. Photo: Euro 2022.
This tournament spotlighted a lot of midfield maestros. From Aitana Bonmatí who like a metronome dictated the pulse and rhythm of the Spanish team, to Grace Geyoro whose hat-trick brought Les Blues to life. Keira Walsh’s vision birthed wondrous goals and exciting pre-assists, we surely are blessed to witness these talents.
My three midfielders would be Lena Oberdorf, Fran Kirby, and Kosovare Asslani. Winning the young player of the tournament meant you delivered an outstanding performance and Oberdorf was Germany’s shield and pivot when things got really tough. Kirby, despite coming back from illness played an important role in the hosts’ opening goal and kept on reminding everyone about how important she is throughout the tournament. Her goal against Sweden was stunning. Asslani is also another hero with exciting brilliance and trickery off and on the ball. Her ability to coordinate the Swedish midfield is also an interesting trait to have.
Forwards:
Above: Alexandra Popp – Germany’s superstar. Photo: Euro 2022.
A tournament that produced 95 goals and averaged 3.1 goals per game depicts the presence of brilliant attackers. From Alexia Russo’s brilliant back-heels to Diana Silva and Jessica Silva’s brilliant strikes, is it an European finals if there are no wonder goals from talented forwards?
My slots go to Kadidiatou Diani, Beth Mead, and Alexandra Popp. Diani’s versatility in the box is excellent – her ability to complete take-ons, dribble seamlessly and find a wonder-strike makes her an exciting talent any coach would love to start with.
Alexandra Popp needs to introduction, six goals in six games and you could say she carried Germany on her back. Despite missing the final due to last minute injury, the star cemented her name as far as strikers in modern football is concerned.
When Beth Mead didn’t make the PFA’s WSL team of the season, there were a lot of justifiable concerns, especially about how she deserved a slot ahead of Vivianne Miedema. Well, I am giving her the slot. Scoring six goals is brilliant, but creating five assists alongside the goals makes Mead the kind of player any coach wants in her starting line-up. Who else would have won the player of the tournament if not Beth Mead.
Line Up: 4-3-3: Mary Earps, Selma Bacha, Millie Bright, Wendie Renard, Lucy Bronze, Lena Oberdorf, Fran Kirby, Kosovare Asslani, Kadidiatou Diani, Beth Mead, Alexandra Popp.
Impetus’ Blaise Ogutu brings us his detailed weekly round-up of all the action from the NWSL (4/8/22).
Above:Washington Spirit’s Trinity Rodman (left) battles Ryan Williams of the NC Courage.Photo:@TheAthleticSCCR/Twitter.
Braces, Nail biters. Comebacks. The NWSL returned after a weekend off and without any more scheduled breaks from here on out, teams look to push on full throttle till the end of the season. Here is how the games turned out.
On Friday, North Carolina Courage came from behind three times to earn a point against visitors Washington Spirit in an entertaining 3-3 draw. In a game that had a rain and lightning delay midway through the first half, the return an hour later produced the goods. It was in the 42nd minute that Trinity Rodman opened the scoring. Ashley Sanchez found her out wide with a no-look pass and Rodman had to keep her cool head to get one past an on-rushing Casey Murphy.
Two minutes later, Courage levelled matters through Brittany Ratcliffe who managed to muscle her way past Kelley Ohara and Sam Staab before clinically beating Kingsbury at the far post. Washington found themselves ahead again through Tara McKeown a minute later. Ohara this time with a lovely cross to find McKeown whose deft header flew over Murphy. The second half kicked off with the same energy as North Carolina equalised again via Diana Ordonez who tapped in a square ball from Meredith Speck in the 53rd minute.
The action didn’t stop there as Rodman finished off her brace linking up again with Sanchez and getting the better of Kaleigh Kurtz before beating Murphy at the near post. Washington would have the game wrapped up but Sean Nahas’ charges had different ideas. In the 62nd minute, a penalty came their way after Ratcliffe was tripped in the area and Ordonez stepped up to coolly dispatch her attempt to make it 3-3. Courage could have had a winner in added time but the crossbar was at hand to deny substitute Jorian Baucom’s header. In the end, it was a draw that suited neither side as they look for ways to climb out of the basement.
While the thunder and rain was rolling in Carolina, Portland Thorns squeezed past Racing Louisville with a 2-1 victory at the Lynn Family Stadium in Kentucky. Sophia Smith marked her return to the side with a brilliant goal following a neat touch to get away from Gemma Bonner at the halfway line. Her driving run drifted to the left before she released a shot far post beating Katie Lund.
Portland dominated proceedings for most of the half but couldn’t double their advantage over a tired-looking Louisville. They were made to pay by young Aussie Alex Chidiac with a ridiculous finish from a tight angle. Coming off the left side, Chidiac dribbled past her first defender on the by-line before squeezing her shot past a crowded goalmouth to record her first goal of the campaign.
The second half began in an even fashion though Portland’s Bella Bixby had to pull off a fingertip save to deny Jessica McDonald’s header from close-range. It was substitute Raquel Rodriguez who made the difference for Portland in the second half as her shot in the 74th minute was initially parried by Lund but it fell right on Hina Sugita’s toes to simply finish the rebound condemning Racing to yet another late goal this season.
Above: San Diego Wave players celebrate teenage debutant Jaedin Shaw, who scored the winner, after the game. Photo: @sandiegowavefc/Twitter.
Saturday evening saw the Chicago Red Stars take on the San Diego Wave at Soldier Field and it was the visitors who came out victorious with a slender 1-0 victory. The only goal of the game came from 17-year-old Jaedin Shaw, who was making her debut for the Wave. It was a well-worked move with Katie Johnson who was through on goal unselfishly laying it off to Shaw who took a touch to get past her marker before slotting the ball across the line in the 28th minute.
In the second half, the Red Stars began crafting chances but were being denied by a resolute Wave defence remarkably marshalled by rookie Naomi Girma. The defence was however broken up on the hour mark when Abby Dahlkemper received her marching orders for a second bookable offence. Chicago had thirty minutes to find an equaliser and had a chance to do so when Girma brought down substitute Ella Stevens with ten minutes to go. Kailen Sheridan proved to be the hero saving Mallory Pugh’s weak attempt to maintain the lead and get the win that took San Diego back to the top of the standings.
The final game on Saturday featured a battle for the last play-off spot as OL Reign came from behind to beat Angel City FC 3-2 at the Banc Of California Stadium. Angel City’s early goalscoring streak continued when Cari Roccaro found the back of the net in the 9th minute of the game. They doubled their lead at the half-hour mark when Savannah McCaskill put away a penalty after Alana Cook was adjudged to have fouled Sydney Leroux. A penalty was handed on the other end in stoppage time of the first period when Jess Fishlock was fouled by Jun Endo but Kim Little’s attempt from the spot was expertly saved by DiDi Haracic.
In the second half, Reign turned the tide when Fishlock’s persistence paid off with a lovely goal bending her attempt past Haracic. Ten minutes later, Sofia Huerta found the equaliser with a flying long-range effort from the edge of the area. The comeback was completed when substitute Tobin Heath slotted in a lofted ball from Huerta to make it 3-2 with one minute of normal time remaining.
Above: Ecstatic Sofia Huerta and Quinn after Huerta’s screamer Photo: @OLReign/Twitter.
Over at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, visitors, Houston Dash came back from a goal behind to win 4-2 in another multiple-goal thriller. Gotham took the lead courtesy of Paige Monahan in the 4th minute who tucked in Taylor Smith’s squared ball into the box. Houston pushed on for an equaliser which came through an own goal by Gotham defender Mandy Freeman. From a corner by Maria Sanchez, Katie Naughton flicked it on at the near post before a mix-up in Gotham’s goal line.
Gotham looked more expressive in the second period and could have gotten their way back on a counterattack led by Midge Purce but after beating Nichelle Prince on the wing, her final pass couldn’t find Monahan.
Sophie Schmidt went on to produce a world-class finish for the Dash in the 70th minute with a clean left-footed strike into the top corner to make it 3-1. A minute later, they again found themselves in Gotham’s defensive area and McCall Zerboni’s clumsy tackle on Sanchez was punished with the award of a penalty. Up stepped Ebony Salmon to put it away down the middle for her fourth goal of the season.
Scott Parkinson’s side pulled one back with ten minutes to go when Purce was off to the races from her own half, driving and drifting to her left before letting one fly past Jane Campbell. That was however all they could do as Houston climbed up to third on the log ahead of Chicago Red Stars while Gotham’s season continues to look grim and the chances for a play-off spot quickly fading away.
The final game of the weekend saw Kansas City Current play out a 2-2 draw with the Orlando Pride at the Lynn Family stadium in Kansas. Orlando found themselves a goal up midway through the first half when Celia Jimenez beat Current’s Hailie Mace to a header past a static AD Franch. A goal totally against the run of play caught Kansas by surprise. They again caught Kansas napping at the beginning of the second half when Julie Doyle capitalised on a collision between Elizabeth Ball and Franch in the Current penalty area.
Above: Orlando’s Erika Tymrak squares off against Current’s Victoria Pickett Photo: @ORLPride/Twitter.
Ten minutes later, substitute Elyse Bennett pulled a goal back when she found herself one against one on the right wing and from a narrow angle, snuck her shot past McLeod. Pressure piled on for Orlando from that point with Bennett working their backline time and time before finally, Cece Kizer found the equaliser with 8 minutes on the board remaining. Lo’eau Labonta with a lofted ball into Kizer’s running route whose first touch took the ball over McLeod and easily finishing the move. The draw saw Kansas remain occupants of the final play-off spot and the Pride in eighth, five points adrift.
In the latest in our WA On Wednesday series of interviews, Balcatta Etna goalkeeper Gabby Dal Busco spoke to Impetus’ Ben Gilby. In this first part of a two-part interview about her hugely successful playing career which saw her represent her country, WA, as well as Perth Glory at W-League level, Gabby also gives an insight into what it is like to have Sam Kerr as your captain(3/8/22).
Photo: Gabby Dal Busco making another great save this season for Balcatta Etna. Photo: JASP Photography.
Gabby Dal Busco is one of the best-known players in the Western Australian game. Having played for the NTC and represented the state at the National Youth Championships, she spent four years at Perth Glory in what was then the W-League. She admits though that it was a round ball from a different sport that got her into the game.
“I started playing football when I was about eight or nine years old. I had played around the backyard with my cousins every now and then growing up, but I actually got into playing football through netball. A girl I was playing netball with invited me down to a training session to try it out, and I was hooked straight away.
“I played at Floreat Athena in a mixed team for a few years, before moving to Balcatta at the age of 11 to play in the under 13’s girls’ team.
I played for Balcatta for a couple years until I was selected into the NTC program in 2010. I continued with the NTC program until 2018, and over this time, was selected to represent WA at U13, 14, and 15 levels at the Youth National Championships (in Canberra and Coffs Harbour), as well as representing WA a number of times at the NTC Challenge in Canberra at U17 and U19’s level.
“Whilst competing at these tournaments, I was lucky enough to have been identified for National camps and all-star teams in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. Whilst I was involved in the NTC program, I played close to 200 games, and also continued to be involved in the program as a mentor, coach, and physio in the years after.
Above: Gabby Dal Busco pictured representing the Young Matildas. Photo supplied by: Gabby Dal Busco.
“Over my years at NTC, I had the opportunity to be involved in the Perth Glory and Young Matildas setups. My journey at Perth Glory commenced in 2011, when I was selected as a train-on player, and I received my first contract with the club in 2012, when I was signed as an injury replacement player.
“I made my debut for the club in 2014 and played with the club until 2018. Over this time, I had the opportunity to train, play and learn from some of the best players in Australia, and the world – the likes of Sam Kerr, Alanna Kennedy, Caitlin Foord, Mackenzie Arnold, Collette McCallum, Kate Gill, Lisa De Vanna, to name a few.
“My journey with the Young Matildas coincided with my time at Perth Glory, from 2013 to 2015, and included representing Australia at AFF Tournaments in Vietnam in 2014 and 2015.
“After my time at NTC came to an end, I came back to Balcatta, which felt like a natural transition for me, having played with a number of these players at NTC or within the State Team setup, as well as playing with girls I had played with at a junior level. This year will mark over five years of being back at Balcatta, and I recently made my 150th appearance for the women’s first team.”
Gabby’s spell at Perth Glory coincided with some of the greatest successes in the club’s W-League history. It was an incredible period for the shot-stopper, and one she looks back fondly on.
Above: Gabby Dal Busco in the Perth Glory starting line-up ahead of the 2016 W-League Grand Final. Photo supplied by: Gabby Dal Busco.
“It was amazing to have been able to have the opportunity to train and play with some of the best players in WA, Australia, and even the world. Being around such an elite group of players really helped me to develop not only as a player on the pitch, but as a person off the pitch.
Players like Carly Telford, Chantelle Jones, and Mackenzie Arnold stood out as key role models for me as a young goalkeeper, and brought the best out of me in training. It created such a great environment for me to challenge myself, and I think this reflected across the team over this period.
“I distinctly remember the moment Mackenzie Arnold got injured in a game against Canberra (in Canberra) in 2014 – it was the last round of fixtures before the finals series. We had had a very successful season up to this point, only having lost one game all season. Suddenly, the coach at the time, Jamie Harnwell turned to me and asked me to warm up, I was going to make my debut for the club. I was so nervous I even started running onto the field before the referee had called me on!
“I remember the support that flooded in from my teammates, distinctly Sam Kerr, Shannon May, Kate Gill, and Collette McCallum. I can still remember the pep-talk Welsh International Carys Hawkins, gave me. It was so reassuring to have that support from my teammates, and that support continued throughout the following seasons as I made my starting debut and was able to secure a consistent starting spot within the team.
“I was lucky enough to play in both the semi-final against Sydney FC and Grand Final against Melbourne City in 2016, both of which were played at home at what is now HBF Park (previously NIB Stadium) in front of the record W-League crowd at that time.
Above: Safe hands Gabby Dal Busco in action for Balcatta Etna this season. Photo supplied by: Gabby Dal Busco.
“This period also coincided with some of the best experiences of my career – playing in a W-League Grand Final with world-class players and representing my country on the international stage, as well being the recipient of the goalkeeper of the year award for the NPL and Women’s Premier League in 2014, 2015 and 2020.
“Sam Kerr was an immense role model over this time in my development as a leader on and off the pitch, and has probably influenced how I lead the team at Balcatta as their captain. In fact, one of my greatest memories was before the 2016 Grand Final – Sam (Kerr), who was the captain that season, had written personalised, inspirational notes for each player in the squad and placed them on our shirts to read before the game. I actually think I still have this note! These gestures helped to shape me as a leader within my team and do everything I can to support my teammates on and off the pitch.”
To be part of this incredible period of footballing achievements, Gabby had to face and try to overcome that perennial challenge that female players have to face – fitting football into their work-life balance.
“That was one of my biggest challenges, but I think I was able to adapt quickly and manage this relatively well. A time where my training load was high, and I was travelling regularly to the eastern states for national training camps or away games (with Perth Glory), coincided with studying six ATAR subjects as well as participating in other extracurricular activities through school. I think you learn to adapt in these situations, and get pretty good at juggling it all!
Don’t miss the second part of our exclusive interview with Gabby Dal Busco which will be published next Wednesday where the Balcatta Etna goalkeeper talks about life at Grindleford Reserve and how she sees the NPL WA Women’s competition this season.
Kieran Yap provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Victoria NPLWomen’s competition. As usual, there is a detailed report on one game and a wrap of all the other matches along with photos (3/8/22).
Above: Alana Jancevski (left) and Lia Privitelli show their joy after Bulleen’s 4-0 win at Bayside United. Photo: Bulleen Lions.
MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:
Bayside United 0-4 Bulleen Lions
Round 18 of Victoria’s NPLW was a goal fest. There were 19 goals over the four games and some surprising results. But through all the incredible attacking power on display, there was no better finishing than in Bulleen’s 4-0 win over Bayside United.
Bulleen’s third place position on the ladder was comfortable but not quite safe. Caitlin Friend’s team were missing Paige Zois who had been called up for Young Matildas duty and star defender Rebekah Stott had announced her return to the WSL with Brighton and Hove Albion.
These are two great testaments to the talent and form at Bulleen but does them no favours on match day. After losing 3-0 to Calder United last week, they needed a win to return some confidence to their position.
Bayside offered a good opportunity. The bottom-placed team are not as poor as some of their worst results suggest and have been competitive when they play to their strengths. Up against Bulleen’s sparkling attack, they were in for a tough afternoon.
The Lions were on the front foot from the kick-off, and in the 23rd minute, Alana Burn had the first of the game. A cross from Lia Privitelli on the left wing was cleared but fell to Burn around 20 yards from goal. The bayside defenders pushed out quickly to prevent another cross, but Burn took aim and fired a long-range, lofted effort into the net.
The second goal came in the 30th minute. Bayside’s attack was cut off by Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, who played it quickly to Privitelli. The captain had her back to the defender when she received the ball, but broke open the play with a good turn and strong run into the box.
She cut the ball back to Alana Jancevski, who was under pressure when she hit the first time shot. Her direction and connection was good enough to loop over the goalkeeper and make it 2-0.
Above: Lia Privitelli in action during Bulleen’s 4-0 win at Bayside United. Photo: Bulleen Lions.
Jancevski had been in strong form this season. She does not seem to hesitate in front of goal, similarly to her debut goal for Perth Glory in last season’s A-League Women’s she was able to catch the defender and goalkeeper by surprise for her seventh of the season.
Vlajnic scored one of her own in the second half, and it might be one of the best strikes you will see in Australia for all of 2022.
It is an easy goal to describe, but nearly impossible to do justice to with words. A Bulleen throw-in was played back to Vlajnic. The fullback is known for her incisive passing and good crossing, but she pulled off something truly special in the 70th minute.
After controlling the bouncing ball on her thigh, she hit a high, dipping shot with the outside of her left foot. It was the lowest percentage option, but Vlajnic executed the highest level of skill. The ball bounced into the goal off the far post and Bulleen were 3-0 up in incredible fashion.
In the 90th minute, The Lions put the icing on the cake. Jancevski was allowed space to turn and pick out a pass in the middle of the park. She played a through ball into the path of Simone Vass, but Bayside keeper Lauren Farrugia was out off her line and able to block the shot.
Aleena Gutszmit was on hand for the composed finish from the rebound. It was her first goal in just her second appearance and a wonderful ending to Bulleen’s afternoon.
Above: Calder United show their joy during a vital win over Heidelberg United in the top-of-the-table clash. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819
In other matches, Heidelberg United faced Calder United for the third time this season. The top-of-the-table clash was predictably dramatic. Kathryn Vlahopoulos’s penalty kick sent Heidelberg into the halftime break with a one-nil lead, but a strong second half from Calder saw them run out 2-1 winners. Alana Cerne levelled the scores for Calder, before Emma Robers scored a spectacular last-minute winner.
In any other week, Robers goal would have been the best of the round. Her volley from the edge of the box was perfectly hit and practically unsavable. It was always going to take something special to separate these sides.
Alamein and Box Hill United scored two goals each in an entertaining draw. Sofia Sakalis opened the scoring in the 12th minute, but Sidney Allen equalised almost straight away for Alamein.
Anais Josefski’s effort re-took the lead for Box Hill, but they were denied all three points by Nia Stamatopoulos’ in the 82nd minute.
Artwork: South Melbourne.
In the surprise result of the round, FV Emerging defeated South Melbourne 6-2 after a stunning second half.
An own goal and a strike from Akeisha Sandhu meant that South Melbourne went into the break 2-1 up. Anika Dovaston’s goal for FV Emerging had them in the game, but few would have predicted the second-half onslaught.
Sarah Cain levelled the scores in the 48th minute, before Candice Kilderry and Caitlin Karic added to FV Emerging’s tally. Cain and Karic both brought up their braces in a terrific performance by the young side.
South Melbourne were missing Claudia Mihocic from the defence and may have had their focus on the upcoming Nike FC Cup, but this was a stunning display by some of Victoria’s most promising rising stars.
Karic was exceptional with Australia’s Under 23’s recently, and Kilderry has five goals to her name this season. She is an attacker with a very composed finish and ability to time attacking runs perfectly.
Not much changes on the ladder. The top four remain fairly locked in, but FV Emerging could sneak into fourth spot if they win next week over Box Hill and Bulleen do them a favour against Alamein.
There are still three games remaining of the season, but Round 19 is shaping up to be a consequential one.
Ben Gilby provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Western Australia NPLWomen’s competition. As usual, there is a detailed report on one game and a wrap of all the other matches along with photos(1/8/22).
Above: Perth RedStar – NPLW WA champions 2022. Photosupplied by: Carlos Vega Mena.
MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:
Murdoch University Melville 2-0 Hyundai NTC
Defending champions Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) earned a crucial victory in the race for Top Four Cup qualification over rivals Hyundai NTC at Besteam Stadium on Friday night.
MUM FC have been in their best form of the season over the past month or so which has seen them lift from the lower reaches of the table to the brink of Top Four Cup qualification.
The challenges faced by a team who were virtually rebuilt for the 2022 season were obvious in the first months of the campaign – the squad needed to gel and find their feet – but there were glimpses that once they were firing on all cylinders, Murdoch could be a top four challenger. That is now starting to happen.
NTC came into the game in fourth, MUM FC sixth, just two points behind their teenage visitors.
Above: Murdoch University Melville (red) took on Hyundai NTC in horrendous conditions on Friday night. Photo: NPL.
The first half opened in difficult blustery and very wet conditions on the synthetic Besteam Stadium pitch. It was the hosts who fashioned the best early opportunities with Samantha Mathers getting free along the right before cutting in along the by-line to fire in successive shots that were repelled by NTC keeper Lilly Bailey at her near post.
Meghan Hulsman probed forward shortly afterwards, and advanced into the box before Violet Longmore put in a tackle that provoked some penalty shouts from Murdoch, but referee Andre Ferreira was not interested.
MUM FC continued to enjoy more possession, but clear-cut chances were few and far between – not a surprise given the combination of the conditions and what was on the line in this match.
As the half wore on, NTC’s attacking dynamos Tanika Lala and Louise Tana, plus the constant creativity and vision of Grace Johnston began to show their worth. Yet despite getting more possession and territory, clear-cut chances remained at a premium.
With nine minutes remaining ahead of the break, there were suddenly a flurry of opportunities for the home side. Clara Hoarau found Nikita Strickling who hit a powerful drive from the right of centre in the box which was repelled for a corner by the strong hand of Bailey in the NTC goal.
Within minutes, Murdoch advanced once more and Mathers’ throw on the right found Strickling. Hulsman was then involved who laid the ball off to Hoarau inside the box who was able to sort her feet out before firing the home side ahead.
Above: Murdoch University Melville celebrate Clara Hoarau’s goal which put them ahead on Friday night. Photo: NPL.
MUM FC continued to be on the front foot after the break and they doubled their lead six minutes into the second period. Perth Glory A-League Women player Sadie Lawrence gathered possession, drove forward, and found Andrea Preiato who then fed Strickling to fire home an absolute rocket from the edge of the box to double her side’s lead as the rain continued to sheet down.
Rachel Gillies’ free-kick from 40 yards dipped suddenly and landed on the top of the net in a superb effort that suddenly went a lot closer than anyone could have predicted.
Above: Nikita Strickling lets fly with a rocket shot to double Murdoch Univesity Melville’s lead. Photo: NPL.
Hulsman was putting in a superb shift in the difficult conditions – both in her intelligent runs, link-up play, and shots. She was a thorn in the side of the NTC who could never quite limit her influence.
The NTC threw on both of their two substitutes – Catherine Adams and Wilma Thodhlana in an attempt to get back into the game. They had a chance from Louise Tana’s effort and then, in the closing minutes, a viciously curling free-kick by Adams from the edge of the box that Todd, who saw it late, got down brilliantly to push away for a corner.
Above: Catherine Adams curls in a late free kick for Hyundai NTC. Photo: NPL.
This was a huge win for Murdoch University Melville in the Top Four Cup qualification race. They are now in fourth place, a point clear of NTC who remain their closest challengers, with Balcatta Etna just a further point behind.
Above: Post-match scenes as Perth RedStar wrapped up the NPLW WA title with five games to spare. Photo: Fotoenzo.
Perth RedStar‘s incredible season continued as they confirmed they would be NPLW WA champions with five games remaining after defeating second-placed Fremantle City 4-0 at RedStar Arena on Sunday afternoon.
After a period of pressure that saw four shots on target and two corners in the space of 13 minutes, RedStar went ahead just after the half-hour mark with a sensational move that was started and finished by Larissa Walsh and underlined this team’s class.
Taking the ball in midfield, Walsh turned and set in motion a stunning attack that saw pace, and outrageous turns away from would-be markers, before Walsh received possession again on the right-hand edge of the area where the league’s deadliest attacker fired home with aplomb.
Above: Renee Leota fires in Perth RedStar’s second goal against Fremantle City. Photo: NPL.
The home side continued to press and doubled their lead in stoppage time at the end of the first half. Walsh got down the left and played the ball for Renee Leota to turn away from a defender and hit a low shot into the net.
Carlos Vega Mena’s side kept it up in the second period and any lingering doubts as to the outcome of the game were swept away with 22 minutes remaining. Once more it came from a move of quality. An inch-perfect through ball was played into the stride of Olivia Wood who ran into the box and hit a great shot around her covering defender and in for 3-0.
Above: A clinical strike from Olivia Wood makes it 3-0 for Perth RedStar against Fremantle City. Photo: NPL.
The icing on the title-winning cake came with 10 minutes left as RedStar took advantage of an over-hit Fremantle pass to attack, with Wood beating the advancing Indianna Casili in the visitors’ goal to roll home the fourth.
RedStar have now won the three pieces of silverware available to them so far this season, with this achievement added to their Night Series Final (under their previous guise of Northern Redbacks), and State Cup Final successes. The season-ending Top Four Cup is the only remaining honour to claim.
Perth SC ended a superb week with a 10-2 thrashing of winless bottom side Curtin University at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday.
Above: Returning former Perth Glory star Caitlin Doeglas (14) celebrates with Abbey Meakins during Perth SC’s 10-2 win over Curtin University. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
The Azzurri had become the first team to avoid defeat against Perth RedStar in midweek, earning a 0-0 draw on the road, and buoyed by that, they were ruthless in their demolition of Curtin in a bid to claim second place in the ladder before the end of the season.
Perth SC announced a return for former Perth Glory W-League player Caitlin Doeglas who set the ball rolling with the home side’s opening goal with five minutes on the clock.
Above: Ella Lincoln gets a shot in for Perth SC against Curtin University on Saturday – a game in which the young gun grabbed a hat-trick. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Young Azzurri prospect Ella Lincoln then grabbed a superb hat-trick, with Doeglas adding her second just before the half-hour as Perth SC went in 5-0 up at the break.
A spell of four goals in nine minutes opened the second half as Liana Cook and Abbey Meakins got in on the act for the home side before Dakota Van-Vugt hit two in the spell to bring minor relief to Curtin University.
Above: Jaime Duncanson fires home for Perth SC against Curtin University on Saturday. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
However, another rapid-fire burst of goals saw Perth SC hit the double figures mark as Jamie Duncanson grabbed a brace either side of Cook’s second of the afternoon.
This stunning result sets up a huge second against third clash on Friday night when The Azzurri travel to Fremantle City.
Subiaco continued their excellent form by defeating Balcatta Etna for the second week in a row at Rosalie Park.
Whilst Ella Mastrantonio was not in the squad this week, Subi still had Lisa De Vanna and Marianna Tabain to steer the team’s talented youngsters around the park. The hosts forced three corners in the opening four minutes in a statement of intent.
Subiaco went ahead with 11 minutes on the clock in sensational style. Emma Ylias’ throw on the right parallel with the 18-yard box led to a shot from Frankie Murray which was deflected into the path of Melissa Shepherd who hit an absolute worldie into the net first time from over 30 yards that Gabby Dal Busco was never going to stop in the Balcatta goal.
After having a goal disallowed, Balcatta levelled matters on 19 minutes with another superb strike which felt into the top of the net.
Above: Lisa De Vanna fired in a cross for Ingrid Gomez Basallo to put Subiaco 2-1 up. Photo: NPL.
In stoppage time at the end of the first half, Subi regained the lead. Ylias’ throw on the left allowed De Vanna to get free along the wing and fire in a dangerous cross which Dal Busco palmed away, but the ball was returned to the mix for Ingrid Gomez Basallo to steer home.
Subiaco sealed the win nine minutes into the second period. A long ball released De Vanna who showed that she still has a good turn of pace to spin away from a Balcatta player, run towards the box, and slot under Dal Busco to make it 3-1.
This victory extends Subiaco’s record-breaking number of wins for a season to four, and points tally to 15. They are now looking up the table for a best-ever placing in the top six this season.
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
GD
Perth RedStar
16
15
1
0
59
6
46
+53
Fremantle City
17
8
4
5
39
27
28
+ 12
Perth SC
16
8
3
5
30
10
27
+20
Murdoch University Melville
17
7
3
7
22
19
24
+3
Hyundai NTC
17
6
5
6
26
32
23
-6
Balcatta Etna
17
7
1
9
21
23
22
-2
Subiaco
16
4
3
9
20
47
15
-27
Curtin University
16
0
2
14
17
70
2
-53
Round 18 Fixtures: Fremantle City v Perth SC, Curtin University v Murdoch University Melville, Perth RedStar v Subiaco, Hyundai NTC v Balcatta Etna.
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