Calder and Bulleen Prepare For NPLW Victoria Showdown

Impetus’ Kieran Yap looks ahead to Sunday’s NPLW Grand Final as two teams stacked full of top players go head to head (8/9/22).

Above: Calder United (green) overcame FV Emerging in the semi-final last week. They face the challenge of Bulleen Lions in Sunday’s Grand Final. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.

Victoria’s NPLW Grand Final is upon us. After 21 rounds and a weekend of finals, Calder United and Bulleen Lions will face off at Olympic Village to battle for the championship.

Calder United defeated a persistent but unlucky FV Emerging in their semi-final. Matilda Lohrey had the first chance of the game. She was played behind Calder’s defence by Rosie Curtis, but her shot from close range was saved by Alyssa Dall’Oste.

Sarah Cain, who was awarded the NPLW Gold Medal alongside Sofia Sakalis, created the next chance. Her pressure and pace forged an opening on the wing and her cross fell to Sewards. Candice Kilderry got the final touch of the move, but once again Dall’Oste was equal to it.

Above: Calder United on the attack against FV Emerging in their semi-final win. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.

It would take something special to beat an in-form Miranda Templeman in the FV Emerging goal. The newly announced Melbourne Victory signing has been in sparkling form of late and only Raquel Derales’ piece of magic could beat her on the day.

Stacy Papadopoulos’s run through the midfield opened up space. She spread the ball wide to Aleksandra Sinclair who crossed it in quickly ahead of Derales.

The first touch fook the ball down and the second lofted it over Templeman in incredible style. It would be the only goal of the match and one worthy of winning any game.

Templeman was called into action late to stop a powerful drive from Melissa Taranto, but FV Emerging could not trouble Dall’Oste up the other end.

It ended a brave and encouraging season from the NTC side. Sarah Cain announced herself as a major talent, and her form should propel her to a strong season with an ambitious Perth Glory. Candice Kilderry and Caitlin Karic were other strong standouts, but the entire squad was impressive as they surged late to an unlikely fourth position.

Above: Sarah Cain – the Perth Glory A-League Women player had a superb season for FV Emerging. Photo: Kris Goman.

Calder are exactly where most observers expected them to be. They have been dominant all season long, but their top-place finish and Grand Final appearance is down to great management and a trusted youth system.

Seven players joined the senior squad from the Under 19’s for 2022. There were no big-name signings and only two A-League Women players – Emma Robers and Harriet Withers – in the side.

Despite this, they dominated and met every challenge. They have a squad of even contributors, but the players with enough individual skill to break open a final.

Stacy Papadopoulos or Melissa Taranto loom as potential game changers for Sunday’s big match, but as Derales showed, the danger can come from everywhere.

Bulleen’s semi-final win was a slight upset. They finished comfortably in third, but were missing some significant players heading into the semi-final. Rebekah Stott and Tyla Jay Vlajnic both earned overseas moves, but Caitlin Friend has rarely had her full squad available all season. Bulleen would not be frightened by form or reputation.  They have the players to win any knockout game.

Above: Paige Zois – always a dangerous player for Bulleen Lions. Photo: Bulleen Lions.

Heidelberg struck first. Emily Roach received the ball wide and created space for herself with a clever turn. With the Bulleen defenders expecting a cross, she instead opted for the incredible.

Roach looked up and spotted an opportunity that only exquisite skill could exploit. From outside the box and on the wing she sent a perfectly hit chipped shot over the goalkeeper. Words barely do the goal justice. It was a true moment of magic from the new Canberra United signing.

For most of this season, once Heidelberg hit the front, they stay there or extend their lead, but Bulleen had other ideas.

It was Alana Jancevski who brought things level. The unpredictable forward played a short corner and got the ball back. She carried the ball a few yards in and whipped the ball into the near post to catch Melissa Maizel’s by surprise and make it 1-1.

Soon after, Bulleen had the lead through captain Lia Privitelli. A defensive calamity from a goal kick was pounced on by the Bulleen number nine. She kept her composure to cruise around her fellow Melbourne Victory champion and tap it into an open net.

Above: Bulleen Lions’ Alana Jancevski – “a threat from anywhere 40 yards from goal.” Photo: Gold Leaf Creative.

This was an unfortunate way for Heidelberg to bow out, but their season has been remarkable. They have been a guaranteed source of goals all season, with Stephanie Galea and Danielle Wise both prolific.

Rebecca Burrows earned plaudits at the awards night. She was named Players player of the year, while Roach, and Grace Jale both earned contracts at Canberra United in the A-League Women.

Johnno Clemente’s side played stylish, fast-paced football all season and were a credit to the competition. Second on the ladder and a semi-final place is a significant achievement from the club and hints at a brilliant future for all involved.

Bulleen will be confident going into the final. They have not beaten Calder United this season, but until last weekend they had lost three times against Heidelberg. They have trophy-winning experience and a wealth of talent that Caitlin Friend has gotten to peak at exactly the right time.

Paige Zois has grown into a star of the competition and earned a call up to the Under 20 World Cup, Jancevski is a threat from anywhere within 40 yards of goal, and Privitelli has lightning pace.

Calder will go in as favourites to lift the trophy. But Bulleen will have no concerns about being underdogs. The stage is set for a terrific match.

Artwork: Graphics by PW.

Canada Loss Underlines The Importance of Building Depth

Impetus’ Kieran Yap reflects on Australia’s defeat to Canada yesterday. With EXCLUSIVE photos by Kris Goman at Allianz Stadium (7/9/22).

Above: The Matildas come together in the huddle before their impressive first half showing against Canada yesterday. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

“How it looked is how it felt for us” said Caitlin Foord after Australia’s 2-1 loss to Canada.

“We felt like we were dominating, we felt like us again. We felt like we were playing well and a bit unlucky not to score a couple more. We don’t have that much time together leading into the World Cup, so that’s why those moments like the first 45 are really important, that we build on that, take that momentum into the next game and learn from that second 45 as well.”

The Matildas opening half was everything supporters, fans, analysts and critics would have wanted to see. Australia were direct in their passing, defensively strong, particularly on the flanks, and attacking in numbers.

Above: Celebrations after Mary Fowler put Australia ahead against Canada yesterday. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Mary Fowler’s opening goal arrived before 10 minutes of play, and Australia created four more excellent chances in the first half along with having a penalty claim denied.

The second half was the exact opposite. Tony Gustavsson enacted some pre-planned substitutions, and Canada lifted their game to the level befitting Olympic Gold Medallists. Australia went from dominating, to competing, to hoping.

Above: Cortnee Vine (right) who had an impressive first half, looks on as Jessie Fleming drives forward for Canada. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

The most obvious change was on the right wing. Canada introduced Janine Beckie to the contest, Australia withdrew Cortnee Vine, who along with right-back Charlotte Grant had been impassable in defence and dangerous going forward.

With that partnership broken up, Canada enjoyed newfound space on the wing, and Australia became stretched more than they had been in the opening half. They were quickly on the back foot.

“We evaluated Vine at halftime,” explained Gustavsson to the media post-match. “She did a strength test, she lost 50% of strength in her hamstring and couldn’t continue unfortunately, because she had a really good first half.

“It’s frustrating because you felt the first 45 minutes was maybe the first time in a long time we’ve packaged a performance consistently. We’ve seen patches before…but this was a 45-minute complete performance when we were actually dominating Canada.

Above: Aivi Luik – strong at the back. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

“We know exactly what’s going to happen. Canada has nothing to lose, they’re going to press the shit out of us. We need to be ready for it…but I don’t think we were really ready.

“We didn’t match their speed of press with our speed of play…we didn’t play fast enough.”

It was a frustrating turn of events for Aussie fans. Although all of these friendly matches are essentially a pre-season to the World Cup, this felt like a winnable game, and the intent from the first whistle was clearly to do so.

However, Gustavsson urged fans to consider the depth that is being built. Even Matildas fans with short memories will be well aware of what has happened in the past when one a single player was missing.

Above: Clare Polkinghorne (left) marking Janine Beckie last night. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

In the past, any injury would lead to a domino effect. Clare Polkinghorne injured meant Steph Catley moving to centre-back, which meant Elise Kellond-Knight to left back which meant… you get the picture.

Once upon a time, this had reached a point where Caitlin Foord, and Kyah Simon were filling in or being experimented with as fullbacks. Although it is the role where Foord first earned her reputation, it is not where one of the nation’s best strikers should be.

Grant and Vine’s performance should be encouraging and is perhaps the most successful example of the depth building that Gustavsson had undertaken.

Australia’s right flank has long been a strength and a place of vulnerability. Hayley Raso and Ellie Carpenter can not easily be matched for speed, skill, or effort. Both players would risk serious injury to win the ball and developed a strong chemistry over the years.

Above: Charli Grant (left) put in another good shift for The Matildas. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

However, without one of them, Australia were significantly weaker. Without both of them it could be disastrous. Their particular set of skills are hard to find once, let alone twice.

The Matildas now have that set of skills four times. Grant and Vine are not at the same level as the Lyon and Manchester City stars, but against Canada, they further established themselves as senior players.

The emergence of both means that Australia can handle the loss of Carpenter and/or Raso without changing game style or tactics, that is significant.

At left back, it remains less obvious. Courtney Nevin is fast growing into a player who can deliver at the top level, and Tameka Yallop is surprisingly strong as a fullback. But neither are replicas of Steph Catley, and it requires a slight reshuffle in the absence of the Arsenal gun.

Above: Courtney Nevin – growing into a player who can deliver at the top level. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Centre Back is the one area where depth has not been increased. Alanna Kennedy and Polkinghorne remain the first choice pairing, but beyond them, no obvious understudy or successor has emerged. Although Aivi Luik was strong in both games, as she has been at club level in her reincarnation as a defender.

Gustavsson has indicated that receiving senior Matildas caps will now be more difficult as he narrows down the squad to compete for the World Cup. But another strong central defender needs to be found unless they want to change to a back three in case of injury or situation.

Naomi Chinnama excelled at the Under 20 World Cup, and Clare Hunt was possibly the best Australian defender in last season’s A-League Women’s.

Matilda McNamara has been starting regularly at her club in Denmark and Angie Beard is a versatile defender who is better out wide, but can move inside, or at least allow Catley to.

Above: Smiles from Sam Kerr at the end. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Gustavsson reiterated that seven starters from the Olympics were missing from this squad. If you add Kellond-Knight and Chloe Logarzo to that list, this was not even a nearly full strength Australian side.

But there are no guarantees he will have one at his disposal in 2023. The depth building project is essential, but questions remain if it is entirely successful. Only time will tell on that.

In the meantime, this result was more disappointing than other losses. Not because the score really matters in the big scheme of things, but just because the disparity between the first and second half was so stark.

This is why building depth is so important. Ideally, the on-field struggles that we are experiencing now should have been done years ago, a combination of a short-term senior coach and the pause on football during the pandemic denied that opportunity.

Australia has two more international windows this year. They will be used to test Australian players and tactics against different opposition from different continents.

This is all just pre-season, results don’t mean anything. But they don’t mean everything either.

Lionesses Wrap Up Qualification In Style

by Johnathan Stack at the Bet365 Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent (7/9/22)

Above: There was plenty for the Lionesses to celebrate last night. Photo: Lionesses.

It was not cold, wet, or windy, but England were on fire and certainly did the job on a Tuesday night in Stoke-on-Trent beating Luxembourg 10-0 to round off their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers in dominating fashion. 

Goals from Alessia Russo, Rachel Daly, Beth Mead, Nikita Parris, Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp, and braces from Georgia Stanway and Bethany England saw England finish with a perfect 100% record in qualifying. 

England were in control of the match from the start and were as ruthless as they have been throughout these qualifiers as they looked to finish Group D flawlessly. They created chance after chance. 

It was a great display all around as England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck did not touch the ball once with her hands as Luxembourg failed to register a shot on goal with the Lionesses finishing with 81% possession to boot.

Above: A big crowd at Stoke enjoyed the rampant Lionesses take on Luxembourg. Photo: Lionesses.

Ten wins from ten for the European champions in the qualifying campaign meant it was a night to remember as England took to the field for the first time on home soil since the historic triumph over Germany at the end of July.

Before the match, recently retired Lioness legend Jill Scott brought the UEFA Euro trophy onto the pitch, and England head coach Sarina Wiegman was presented with her UEFA Women’s coach of the year award in from of a home crowd of just over 24,000.

It was a great performance yet again from the Lionesses who picked up their third 10-0 win of the qualifying campaign, finishing with a goal difference of +80 with no goals conceded throughout the entirety of the campaign – extremely impressive stats that should not go unnoticed.

So, with the World Cup qualifiers, over focus and attention will now be on the new WSL season that starts this weekend, but it won’t be too long before the Lionesses return to St George’s Park for another international period as next month, they take on world champions the USA at a sold-out Wembley Stadium together with a friendly against the Czech Republic at Brighton’s Amex Stadium four days later.

Above: Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman speaks to the media after the match last night. Photo: Johnathan Stack for Impetus.

After the game, England head coach Sarina Wiegman expressed her delight with how the qualification campaign went saying: “I don’t think it could be much better than this so I’m really happy. The team has done a tremendous job coming out of the summer, everyone came in very differently, but then you play two games like this and we knew, of course, tonight we were so much better than Luxembourg but we still had to had to make the tempo of the game and keep the energy in the game that’s what we really wanted to do and I think that’s what we did for the most part of the game and 10-0 is really nice to go home with too.”

England captain Leah Williamson who provided a glorious assist for Alessia Russo for England’s second goal spoke about ending the qualifiers on a high: “It was a great campaign from us, and we always want to be better, we will look at those areas but in terms results on the pitch you couldn’t have asked for much more.” Williamson also spoke about carrying on the legacy that is being created post-Euro’s “We have set a tone and hopefully, across the WSL it will continue but every time we play an England game, we want people to come and have that experience.”

It has been a very successful summer for England who will have one eye on preparations for next summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, but will have the other eye on the upcoming task ahead as they prepare for a World Champions vs European Champions showdown.

Graphic: Johnathan Stack.

Teams: ENGLAND (4-3-3): Roebuck, Bronze, Daly, Walsh, Williamson, Greenwood, Parris, Stanway, Russo, Toone, Mead. Substitutes: Earps (GK), MacIver (GK), Bright, Zelem, Wubben-Moy, Carter, Hemp, Nobbs, England, Stokes, James, Salmon.

Scorers: Stanway (pen) 12′, 26′. Russo 18′, Daly 38′, Mead 40′, England 48′, 90+2′. Parris 59′ Toone (pen) 73′, Hemp 90′.

LUXEMBOURG (4-4-1-1): Schlime, Becker, Kremer, Lourenco, Dos Santos, Schmit, Soares Marques, Jorge, Have, Lourenco. Substitutes: Goetz, Weyer, Ludwig, Delgado, Mendes, Schon, Tiberi, Marques Abreu, Kocan, Albert.

Referee: Simona Ghisletta (SUI).

Attendance: 24,174

Above: The Lionesses squad that started the game against Luxembourg last night. Photo: Lionesses.

History Makers & Record Breakers: Wales Make Play-Offs For First Time

Wales 0-0 Slovenia

by Martin Townley at the Cardiff City Stadium (7/9/22)

Above: Post-match scenes of delight among the Welsh players. Photo: FAW.

It was an historic night in Cardiff as Gemma Grainger’s Wales side made history making it to the World Cup play-offs for the first time.  Needing just a point in front of a record crowd of 12,741 for a women’s football match in Wales, the side drew 0-0 with Slovenia.

Before kick-off as Zombie Nation blasted around the stadium, the heavens opened and rain cam hammering down on Cardiff City Stadium.  The rain didn’t damper the home crowd who belted out Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. 

Wales, knowing that a draw was enough to see them reach the play-offs, were cautious in their play.  They moved the ball patiently and did not commit too many players forward as they clearly were aware of Slovenia’s quick counter attacking style.

With so much on the line for both nations the game was tense, and the opening minutes showed both side struggling to get into their rhythms.

Slovenia captain Mateja Zver had the best chance of the early exchanges, latching onto a loose pass and trying a shot from the edge of the box.  Her shot was straight at Laura O’Sullivan and the Wales keeper parried it down before dropping on the ball. 

Carrie Jones out wide was Wales most dangerous player and she cut inside the box and hit a shot straight at Zara Mersnik. Jones was brought down on the edge of the box, but ref plays on.  Moments later and the same player had the ball on the edge of the box and curled a shot over the bar.  

A Rhiannon Roberts cross from the right was caught on the volley by Jones.  The effort whisked across goal where Kayleigh Green was sliding in, but she couldn’t connect. 

In the 70th minute Zara Mersnik pulled off two fantastic saves from a Jones shot then from Gemma Evans’ close range header. 

Above: Hayley Ladd in action for Wales last night. Photo: FAW.

Wales were managing the later stages of the game well with Roberts keeping the ball deep in the Slovenia half.  There was time for one last chance for the visitors however, when a ball over the Welsh defence needed Laura O’Sullivan to smother bravely. 

Slovenia couldn’t find the goal they needed, and the final whistle blew to huge cheers around the stadium. 

Wales make the play-offs for the first time after missing out in their final game in 2018, losing to England 3-0 after leading the group.  Then again in 2019 they narrowly failed after a home 2-2 draw with Northern Ireland gave the visitors a better head-to-head record.

Wales manager Gemma Grainger was delighted after the game: “I’m so pleased for the players, they deserve everything that they get. It has been an exceptional campaign. We have developed.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the players. The players need to take all the credit, the 12,000 supporters here tonight were behind us, and we fed off that. Now we want even more. We don’t mind who we get in the draw, we don’t have a preference. We will look at the play-offs as game 11 and game 12, but we can at least talk about them now.”

Wales will be in the draw for the playoffs on Friday 9th September and Grainger continued: “I am pleased for the players, for them it has been a long-time coming. In terms of growing the game and making people fall in love with the team… it’s been a special night. I didn’t let myself think about this moment, but we inspired 12,000 people, that’s incredible.”

Captain Sophie Ingle also praised the record-breaking crowd. “I’m ecstatic, we dug deep, they’re a great team, a physical team, and they battled until the end,” she said. “I don’t know how we didn’t score, but we got the result we needed. A lot of family and friends are here and the fans, over 12,000… it’s amazing.”

Teams: WALES (5-3-2): O’Sullivan, Evans, Ingle, Roberts, James, Green, Harding, Rowe, Ladd, Holland, Jones. Substitutes: Clark, Middleton-Patel, Woodham, Green, Ward, Fishlock, Hughes, Estcourt, Walters, Wynne, Fibley, Morgan.

SLOVENIA (4-3-2-1): Mersnik, Golob, Agrez, Korosec, Zver, Conc, Prasnikar, Kolbl, Erzen, Rogan. Substitutes: Galjot, Nemet, Gradisek, Rozmaric, Klopcic, Kustrin, Makovec, Krizaj, Milovic, Babnik, Vindisar.

Referee: Kateryna Monzul.

Attendance: 12,741

Norfolk Weekly Wrap

Impetus‘ Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (6/9/22).

Above: Jess Horn hits a superb strike from 40 yards for Wroxham against Bowers and Pitsea. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos. 

It was another action packed Sunday across Norfolk with Norwich City, Wymondham Town, Wroxham, King’s Lynn Town, and Fakenham Town all in action. 

Norwich City made it 10 points from a possible 12 in their opening four games, drawing 2-2 at home to London Seaward in FA Women’s National League Division One South East. 

London Seawood took the lead on 27th minutes with a curling shot from the edge of the box by Suzy Davies before Alice Parker equalised for the hosts right on half time to send the teams in level at the break.

Above: Megan Todd in action for Norwich City against London Seaward on Sunday. Photo: Norwich City Women.

Norwich City thought they had won it when Natasha Snelling scored her seventh goal of the season on 84 minutes but there was a late twist in the tale when Jo Butler-Williams header past Bryony Williams in the home goal meant that the North East London side took home a share of the spoils.

It’s been a wonderful start to the season for Shaun Howes and his team and a sign of how far they are progressing as a club that they were disappointed to not win this game. 

Wymondham Town‘s tough start to life in tier four life continued with a 4-0 defeat at Chesham United. Millie Comgerton, Gemma Fraser, former Norwich City star Keunna Dill and Kate Bowers were scorers for the hosts on the day. Wymondham are still with out a point this season.

In the tier five Eastern Region Premier Division it was a disappointing day for both Wroxham and King’s Lynn Town. 

Above: Becky Russell battles away for Wroxham against Bowers and Pitsea. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.

Wroxham played their part in a thrilling contest against Bowers and Pitsea at Trafford Park.

Amy Jacobs gave the visitors the lead on 21 minutes before Wroxham captain Jess Horn levelled things up emphatically on 42 minutes scoring from 40 yards out.

Kelsey Smith scored within a minute of the re start to regain the lead for Bowers and Pitsea before an own goal made it 3-1 to the visitors on 49 minutes. The rapid fire scoring start to the second half continued as Laura Densley reduced the deficit for the hosts just after the hour before Jessica Strizovic made it 4-2 to Bowers & Pitsea, sending the points went back to Essex. 

King’s Lynn Town were also beaten in tier five going down 4-0 at newly promoted AFC Sudbury. 

Above: Alice Collins, usually a midfielder, spent the whole of Sunday’s game in goal for King’s Lynn Town at AFC Sudbury. Photo: Richard Brown.

Alex Penny, Evie Creaton, Holly Kennard, and Caitlyn Charles were the AFC Sudbury scorers. However King’s Lynn battled hard with players missing and a special mention has to go to midfielder Alice Collins who stepped up and played in goal to fill the void left by missing players.

With team spirit and togetherness like this, better results won’t be far away for Alex Cook and his team.

In the tier six Eastern Region Division One North, Fakenham Town remain pointless losing 3-2 at St. Ives Town however that doesn’t tell the whole story.

A remarkable brace from 16-year-old Chloe Gravett gave Fakenham a two goal lead was just the tonic the Norfolk side needed and they thought they were going to kick start their season but a brace from Hannah Seymour-Shove and another from Freyja Bermudez all in the final 12 minutes saw St. Ives complete a remarkable comeback and get the victory. 

D1 Arkema 2022/23 Preview

Impetus’ French editor Jean-Pierre Thiesset brings us his look ahead to the new season in France’s top tier. He runs through key signings, injuries, and makes his predictions for 2022/23 (6/9/22).

Above: Olympique Lyonnais lift last season’s D1 Arkema title. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

The New Teams:

Above: The Rodez squad that achieved promotion at the end of last season. Photo: Rodez Aveyron Football.

There will still be 12 teams in D1 Arkema this season with two new teams, Rodez and Le Havre replacing Saint-Etienne and Issy, who were relegated at the end of last season.

Rodez have already spent nine previous seasons in D1 Arkema from 2010 to 2019. Le Havre return to the top flight after being relegated at the end of their only previous spell in 2020/21 when they finished bottom.

The Main Injuries:

Above: Marie-Antoinette Katoto of Paris St. Germain, Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Paris Saint-Germain will have to start its season without its leading scorer Marie-Antoinette Katoto who tore her left-hand side ACL at the beginning of the Euros in England.

Olympique Lyonnais have lost Australian international right back Ellie Carpenter who tore her left-hand side ACL during the Womens UEFA Champions League final in Turin.

The Main Moves/Transfers:

Bordeaux lost most of their key players in part due to the financial problems of the professional men’s team who were demoted to the second tier. Their main departures: Eve Périsset (Chelsea), Charlotte Bilbault (Montpellier), Claire Lavogez (Kansas City), Inès Jaurena (Lyon), Katja Snoeijs (Everton), Laetitia Philippe (Le Havre), Marine Perea (Guingamp). There are no arrivals.

Fleury lost a few players but kept most of their key ones. Arrivals: Laurine Baga (Lyon), Batcheba Louis (Issy), Chantelle Swaby (Rangers), Chloé N’Gazi (Orleans). Departures: Diaz Cirauqui (Dijon), Emmeline Mainguy (Metz), Kenza Chapelle (Nantes), Nikola Karczewska (Tottenham).

Above: Le Havre unveil new signing Eva Kouache. Photo: Havre Athletic Club.

Le Havre made a lot of changes but only a few that are worth mentioning. Main arrivals: Eva Kouache (Metz – ex-Lyon), Laetitia Philippe (Bordeaux).

Olympique Lyonnais made few changes in their squad and mostly reinforced their midfield and let go only two main players. Main arrivals: Signe Bruun (Manchester United – Loan return), Sara Däbritz (Paris SG), Inès Jaurena (Bordeaux). Main departures: Kadeisha Buchanan (Chelsea), Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir (Juventus), Emelyne Laurent (Bayern Munich).

Montpellier have balanced their arrivals and departures even if the loss of Mary Fowler will be difficult to compensate for. Arrivals: Léa Khelifi (Paris SG), Charlotte Bilbault (Bordeaux), Océane Deslandes (Reims), Celeste Boureille (AC Milan). Departures: Mary Fowler (Manchester City), Sarah Puntigam (Cologne), Ashleigh Weerden (Ajax), Morgane Nicoli (Sevilla).

Paris FC made only a few changes in a squad that did a very good job last season, clinching a place in UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arrivals: Louise Fleury (Guingamp), Margaux Le Mouël (Guingamp), Lou Bogaert (Lille). Departures: Hélèna Theriez (Brest), Oriane Jean François (Paris SG).

Above: Gérard Prêcheur, new head coach of Paris St Germain. Photo: PSG Féminines.

Paris Saint-Germain recruited Gérard Prêcheur the ex-coach of Lyon from 2014 to 2017 with which he won several titles in the French Premier League and in UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arrivals: Alice Pinguet (Le Havre – loan return), Lieke Martens (Barcelona), Lydia Williams (Arsenal), Oriane Jean François (Paris FC). Departures: Léa Khelifi (Montpellier), Sara Dabritz (Lyon), Jordyn Huitema (OL Reign), Luana (Corinthians), Charlotte Voll (Altach), Aminata Diallo (free).

Reims lost Naomie Feller who departed for Real Madrid and made a few other changes but kept most of last year’s squad.

There are no significant changes at Rodez and Soyaux.

My Predictions For This Season:

Olympique Lyonnais seems to be the team that once again will largely dominate D1 Arkema this season. Almost no key players left except Kadeisha Buchanan who was not always a starter; they reinforced their midfield with Sara Dabritz; and have Janice Cayman and Inès Jaurena to step in for Ellie Carpenter during her injury.

Furthermore, a few young players from the OL Academy are ready to step up like Nesrine Bahlouli (midfielder), and Kysha Sylla (defender). With the other young players that already integrated the squad last year (like Alice Sombath and Inès Benyahia), Lyon will not only have a strong starting lineup but also a strong bench to back them up for the whole season.

Lyon already demonstrated that their young squad is ready by helping them to win the WICC Cup in Portland in August defeating Chelsea on penalties after a 2-2 draw before seeing off and Monterrey of Mexico 4-0 in the Final.

Above: Inès Jaurena in action for Lyon last month in a friendly against St. Etienne. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Paris Saint-Germain will fight at least for second place, especially with Gérard Prêcheur at the helm, but it could be more difficult for them without Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Sara Dabritz, and Jordyn Huitema who were three of their key players last year. They already struggled in the AMOS Cup in Toulouse where they finished last losing their two games, 1-0 to Manchester United in the semi-final and to Barcelona on penalties in the third place game after a 1-1 draw.

Paris FC and Fleury will probably fight for thir place and maybe for second if Paris Saint-Germain find it harder this time round. Paris FC started their pre-season by winning 3-0 against Servette Geneva and then a loss on penalties to Roma.

Montpellier may enter in the fight for third or fourth, but it will be difficult with the loss of Mary Fowler. They are more likely to join Reims in a battle for fifth or sixth. The latter side have lost Naomie Feller but that kept most of their last season players.

Guingamp and Dijon could aim to the bottom middle part of the standings. Bordeaux will probably struggle to avoid relegation even if they have a very good coach, Patrice Lair. They lost too many key players who have not been replaced to hope a lot more than just stay in D1 Arkema next season.

Above: Le Havre preparing for battles ahead. Photo: Havre Athletic Club.

Soyaux, Le Havre, and Rodez will probably fight all season long with Bordeaux not to be bottom.

First Round Fixtures:

Weekend of September 10:

Bordeaux v Le Havre

Paris Saint-Germain v Soyaux

Paris FC v Rodez

Reims v Olympique Lyonnais

Montpellier v Dijon

Guingamp v Fleury

Above: Delphine Cascarino, player of the match at the Trophée des Championnes clash between Olympique Lyonnais and Paris St. Germain. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Before then was the Trophée des Championnes game between the D1 Arkema Championship winner Olympique Lyonnais and the French Cup winner Paris Saint-Germain on August 28, 2022.

Olympique Lyonnais won the battle 1-0. In a game where the ball went back and forth, Lyon were more efficient and scored after 13 minutes. Danielle Van De Donk was on the mark following a shot from Delphine Cascarino which was deflected the Paris SG goalkeeper to Van De Donk. Despite the fact that Lyon started without seven of their key players – Ellie Carpenter, Catarina Macario, Wendie Renard, Amandine Henry, Eugénie Le Sommer, Damaris Egurrola, and Selma Bacha, we saw a team that played together and that was very strong in midfield and defence. Delphine Cascarino was named player of the game.

Orlando Pride Rise To Play-Off Contention

by Blaise Ogutu (6/9/22).

Above: Orlando Pride players huddle after a game. Photo: ORLPride/Twitter.

Teams in the NWSL this season have been riddled with their own storylines. Whether good, bad or ugly, there is no denying the fact that the league has gotten a lot of attention in recent months.

One team that caught people’s attention is the Orlando Pride. The team currently sits in eighth place, with five points being the only barrier to a play-off berth. The fans and players have been through a lot this season, especially with off-pitch issues plaguing the franchise from earlier this year. 

Let us take it back to December 2021. As part of the expansion draft, Orlando lost arguably the face of the franchise in the form of Alex Morgan to the newly formed San Diego Wave. She was followed by Jodie Taylor who also ended up on the west coast.

Within a similar period, they also traded goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris and defender Ali Krieger to Gotham FC in New Jersey. Two other important cogs in the Pride machinery. Furthermore, in the same two weeks, they traded another goalkeeper, Brittany Isenhour and defender Phoebe McClernon. They weren’t done yet as they waived Konya Plummer and Crystal Thomas. All this before 2022.

The new year came rolling in and more players rolled out of Orlando. In January, Pride lost Taylor Kornieck, Emily Van Egmond, Ali Riley, and Marisa Viggiano in trades to San Diego, Angel City and Houston Dash. Adding salt to injury, these players have turned out to be massive coups for their respective teams. Adding to the list of players shipping out was Mia Fishel, a talented 20-year-old forward who chose to play across the border in a relatively new Liga MX Femenil for Tigres.

Above: Orlando Pride’s Exploria Stadium. Photo: ORLPride/Twitter.

Clearly, something was not being done right down in Florida. The mass exodus left the team with almost no senior players. Compounding the heap of problems, during a Challenge Cup group stage game against the North Carolina Courage, Brazilian superstar Marta pulled up with an injury. Days later, the club confirmed the veteran striker would be out for the season with an ACL injury.

The club was in disarray barely a month before the start of the NWSL regular season. At the start of the season, Orlando only managed two wins in seven games getting eight points out of a possible 21. Another disappointing season was on the cards for the team.

On 7th June, the club announced that head coach Amanda Cromwell and assistant Sam Greene would be placed on administrative leave, effective immediately, pending the conclusion of a joint investigation between the NWSL and NWSL Players Association that explores allegations of workplace misconduct toward NWSL players.

Orlando looked inwards for a replacement and another assistant, Seb Hines was placed on the hot seat on an interim basis. So swift was the move that Hines learned of his new position the same time he heard the news of Cromwell and Greene’s suspensions.

Above: Orlando’s interim head coach, Seb Hines. Photo: ORLPride/Twitter.

Coming off the back of a heavy 5-0 defeat at the hands of the Houston Dash, Hines had to find a way to steer the Orlando ship into safer waters. A tough ask for a coach who only came in two years before. The 34-year-old former defender had to rally his new troop ahead of the game against Chicago Red Stars. Needless to say, Hines lost the game courtesy of a Mallory Pugh tenth-minute strike.

A tough away fixture at the NWSL Shield-chasing Portland Thorns awaited them next and they lost resoundingly 6-0. It was looking bleak. Lucky enough for the struggling team, a two-week international break gave them a chance to regroup.

The regroup however had to be done without another star forward: Sydney Leroux. The striker was traded to Angel City during the break leaving yet another gaping hole that needed to be filled in. Return to action saw Pride host struggling Racing Louisville at the Daytona International Speedway. Seb Hines would register his first point at the helm of the club after his team battled from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw.

The team would go on a seven-game unbeaten run starting with a win slender 1-0 win over the Houston Dash. After the win against Houston, Orlando won two more games and drew three before finally losing the streak to a Megan Rapinoe-inspired comeback to the OL Reign.

In that seven-game run, Seb Hines improved one aspect the team had been struggling with, defending. The partnership forged between Megan Montefusco and Toni Pressley has proved fruitful in games in which they have had their backs against the wall.

Their attack hasn’t been the best but it has done the job as Hines would have wanted. Julie Doyle and Darian Jenkins all found the back of the net in that run supplied by Meggie Dougherty-Howard and Erika Tymrak from midfield. Hines further strengthened his forward line with the acquisition of Ally Watt from OL Reign who scored on her debut. The winner against Gotham FC.

Above: Ally Watt celebrating her debut goal in Orlando vs NJ/NY Gotham FC. Photo: ORLPride/Twitter.

Few people gave the team a chance to be a play-off prospect. With the off-field issues still raging on, Hines seems to have found the right formula to make the team competitive again. With five games remaining in the regular season, Orlando still remain a wild shot at the playoff positions. They still have Angel City and OL Reign to dislodge in order to get the coveted position.

Whether they do get to the post-season, (something they haven’t achieved since 2017) it is no doubt that Seb Hines has built a solid foundation for a team that was crumbling day by day. Huge credit to needs to go to the players who have also had to endure the rough moments the club has gone through.

Lionesses Prepare For A Party In The Potteries

by Johnathan Stack at St. George’s Park (5/9/22)

Above: Lionesses’ Keira Walsh and head coach Sarina Wiegman at today’s media conference at St. George’s Park. Photo: Johnathan Stack for Impetus.

With World Cup qualification secured, the Lionesses head to Stoke-on-Trent for what is being described as a homecoming celebration.

Around 30,000 fans will descend on a sold-out Stoke City Stadium, in what will be England’s first home game since winning the UEFA Euro 2022 final and being crowned European champions.

With a brilliant 2-0 away victory in Austria on Saturday, thanks to goals from Alessia Russo and Nikita Parris confirming England as Group D winners, tomorrow night’s match will be the final game of FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying against Luxembourg.

Above: The Lionesses in training this morning at St. George’s Park. Photo: Johnathan Stack for Impetus.

Speaking on Russo starting in the number nine role against Austria, England manager Sarina Wiegman said: “We talk a lot about principles and how we want to create chances and score goals, and you want your players who can score goals the best to be in the best position at the moment the ball comes in front of goal. We really wanted Alessia to be in and around the 18-yard box when the ball gets there.

“Once in a while you go into the corner because that’s the solution for that moment, you have to do it. But you’re starting task is a little closer to the centre of the pitch. Dropping deep sometimes can absolutely be a solution if you want to get an overload or something but then someone else needs to make the run in behind.”

After the game, Wiegman was greeted by travelling England fans, and she spent time signing autographs while they chanted her name. It was an experience that she greatly valued. “It’s nice, it is absolutely nice. I think it’s all about the players. When they perform well, I’m doing well too. We work together, we work as a team. It’s always about the team but it’s nice, first of all, that the people come to Austria to watch us, they come to the stadium to cheer for us, and part I’m just part of what they cheer for.”

And even with the pressure off the Lionesses, Sarina Wiegman expects a similar result so the reverse fixture which saw England win 10-0 in the Stade de Luxembourg almost a year ago.

Above: England are put through their paces at training this morning. Photo: Johnathan Stack for Impetus.

With the match tomorrow being the first home match since the Euros success, Wiegman reflected on the incredible support that she feels that the team has from the public: “It’s really exciting and the support we have had has been great in the Euro’s and they keep coming now, so tomorrow it will be 30,000 coming to watch and we really want to show again our game and make a celebration and have a nice football game.

“This team is so eager to do well. Playing Luxembourg and it’s all done in the qualification, but we also have 30,000 people coming to watch us and that’s really exciting. As seen in training sessions and in the game played on Saturday, it’s so sharp and at such a good level, the team just wants to train and do well and do well every day in every moment that we get. I expect a very energetic team that really wants to show and with lots of goals and of course conceding none.”

With Group D done and dusted, the Lionesses head coach is expected to ring the changes with players itching to stake a claim in the starting 11 tomorrow night. Wiegman explained: “We still have one training session to do. Every player coming in very differently you might expect some changes.

“We are reviewing every game all the time, we’re reviewing what we did in camp and in training sessions on the pitch. This game will be a lot in possession, not the highest level, of course, it’s always an opportunity to show yourself and they are always competing here, competing in training and in games and also as competing at your club and as Keira (Walsh) said showing consistency in your own game for your team and getting minutes at your club which will give us all the information, we need to make the right choices.”

Above: The Lionesses are heading out for the final game of the qualification campaign tomorrow. Photo: Johnathan Stack for Impetus.

Also, in the press conference sat alongside Sarina Wiegman, was Keira Walsh, player of the match against Austria. The Manchester City midfielder is set to receive her 50th cap for England tomorrow: “If I’m in the team it’s exciting, when I was younger, I didn’t think I’d ever get to 50 caps for my country. I’ve still not even had time to reflect on the Euros so much because we’re straight back into it but I’m sure after the game probably sit down with my family at some point and reminisce on my journey in football.”

Walsh also spoke of her emotions on clinching qualification for next summer’s World Cup: “I don’t think it was a relief, I think we look forward to those sorts of games, we want to be playing in World Cup qualifiers. Austria is a good team and had a great Euros as well. We are confident in our own abilities, and we played a good game. It was just exciting to be back together after the Euros and get playing with each other again.”

Given the amazing celebrations from the Lionesses after the UEFA Euro 2022 final Walsh was asked whether the team celebrated after the game on Saturday evening: “I think it was difficult, with us being in different places in terms of club and stuff some of the girls had to go and train after the game, so we were kind of separated a little bit. But we came back to the hotel together and had post-match which was nice, (but) there were definitely muted celebrations compared to the Euros.”

Either way, there will definitely be celebrations after the full-time whistle tomorrow night which will bring the curtain down on an incredible summer not just for England but an incredible summer for women’s football in general, but up first can the Lionesses do it on a cold, wet and windy night in Stoke?

Gustavsson: It’s About Momentum

Impetus’ Ryan Miller-Woods heard from Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson ahead of the Matildas’ second friendly against Canada tomorrow (5/9/22).

Above: Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson has a lot to ponder ahead of tomorrow’s second game with Canada. Image: Football Australia.

Tony Gustavsson admitted today that he is still not sure on the availability of a number of his players ahead of their second friendly against Canada in Sydney.

“We tested some of the players in football but also afterwards some high-speed running because we have some soft tissue issues and some of the players weren’t available for the first game and we will hear later how they responded to that.

“Steph Catley is a question mark, for example, we decide that tonight, Caitlin Foord went through the training good, but we need to see how she responds tonight to that training. Those are the two ones that, Meeks (Tameka Yallop) trained fully as well and also Cortnee Vine trained fully, so hopefully, there’s some more players available for the game tomorrow but I won’t know for certain until tonight.

Above: Tony Gustavsson speaking to the media today in Sydney. Image: Football Australia.

“We looked at backup options, but we said that let’s wait for the training today because if three to four players pulled up well tonight, we don’t need it and if we do get an option that we can bring someone in, we do it, late call tomorrow just as a back-up on the bench so we have numbers at least but it doesn’t look like we need to right now cause in the training today, I actually had 19 outfield players that fulfilled the training but that includes Steph (Catley) that’s a little bit of a question mark, so it looks better going into this game than the first one.”

With the match being the first-round ball occasion hosted by the new Allianz Stadium, the Matildas head coach emphasised that tomorrow is more about building momentum for his team than a stadium opening.

“Everything is about momentum in sport, right? To get that momentum and I’ve been around in this game long enough for these 22 years to have taught me that sometimes you need a result just for the momentum and the belief around you, right? In that sense it is important.

“Internally, there’s still and I know some people might be sick and tired of me saying this but internally, we know what we have done, we know where we are and there’s a belief in the process and I don’t think that belief is going to be lost, even if we lose the game if that makes sense. I will be more worried if the game didn’t look good, you know, if performances are not there if they’re not playing the way we want to play, then maybe you can start to say ‘What’s happening here, right? But I think for the momentum, in that sense, I do think it is important and also for the outside, you know?

Above: Tony Gustavsson reflects on the importance of building momentum. Image: Football Australia.

“What we want to do is we want to inspire and these women want to fill this stadium on the 20th of July (2023), so if we can pull out a good performance, that could lead to a good result and get that momentum and the ways of positivity and then we want to fill this stadium.”

As Gustavsson highlighted, the countdown toward next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is getting closer by the day, there is no question that the heat is being turned up on the Matildas head coach and his team to get results and performances on a more regular basis.

“I mean, it might be unfair to ask for trust in the process but I understand what it’s like, I do, you know I’ve been there on the other side as well and when you don’t see what is happening on the inside and you want to see those results to get the belief but I think Sam (Kerr) and the players, they deserve all the belief that they can get and even if we happen to lose a friendly or so, I think you know, if they can feel the belief from the fans, look at those last 50 minutes against Canada from Brisbane, for example, it was the fans, carrying us through those 50 minutes and we almost scored two goals because of that energy and the belief that we can do with the ‘Never Say Die’ attitude again like we’ve done a lot of times before.

“I’d say as well that it is important to look at the whole picture and see what we’ve tried to do. Maybe I can look at the mirror sometimes and say ‘Was I overambitious’ you know, trying to build depth in the roster and at the same time played the toughest schedule in the history of this program and maybe that wasn’t the best for the belief and the trust from the outside but I was very clear with the federation (Football Australia) and with the players, what we were doing, so I think internally the patience is there to trust us, the belief is there but externally I understand the question, I do and it’s fair.”

Above: Tony Gustavsson admits he has more options in midfield and up front compared to defence. Image: Football Australia.

There has been a degree of criticism over Australia’s defence, and Gustavsson emphasised that he sees that his team are attack heavy in terms of player numbers.

“We are definitely overloaded in the midfield, there’s tons of fantastic midfielders in this country and that’s a challenge because there’s not room for every single one of them. You saw in the last game that I played a centre midfielder out wide with Kyra Cooney-Cross because she has been phenomenal in clubland (for Hammarby) when she comes back from injury and she’s been phenomenal in training, so she deserved a start. So I choose to put her out on the 11 because I know she can play out there and by the way, she had a phenomenal second half (against Canada in Brisbane).

“When it comes to Chids (Alex Chidiac), all she can do is keep focusing on what she is doing right now meaning deliver good games in clubland (for Racing Louisville), coming in here, and try to prove for me that she deserves minutes on the field but it is tough competition, it’s tough competition for her, for Meeks (Tameka Yallop), for Chloe Logarzo, for Kyra Cooney-Cross, EVE (Emily van Egmond), Mary (Fowler), you name it, you know, it’s just a few of all the world-class midfielders, we add Wheeler (Clare Wheeler) to that list as well, Mini (Katrina Gorry) who’s normally maybe an eight or 10, who plays in the six role, you add KK (Elise Kellond-Knight) to that, coming back playing games now, a bit too early to bring her into this camp, I spoke to her but hopefully, we see her in the October camp and then here you go and there might be room for three of them.”

After the performance in the first game against Canada in Brisbane on Saturday, it will be interesting to look out for what Australia can, as a whole, do differently to get a result in Sydney.

Wales Prepare to Make History

by Martin Townley (5/9/22)

Above: Wales are hoping for plenty of celebrations tomorrow night when they could clinch a first-ever World Cup Play-Off spot. Photo: FAW.

Wales will face Slovenia on Tuesday at Cardiff City Stadium in their final World Cup Qualifier needing just a draw to secure a place in the World Cup Play-offs and will have the backing of a record crowd set be over 10,000. 

Gemma Grainger’s side stand on the brink of history and will be the first Welsh women’s side to make a major tournament play-off.  A 1-0 win away to Greece on Friday night leaves a play-off place in Wales’s own hands thanks to Carrie Jones’ goal. 

Slovenia could, with a win, overtake Wales in Group I and steal second place and a play-off place. Sara Makovec and Mateja Zver both scored as Slovenia kept their qualification hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Kazakhstan. 

When the sides met back in October last year the match ended 1-1.  Manja Rogan giving the hosts the lead with Kayleigh Green equalising two minutes after.  Shortly after scoring Green was shown a red card for a second booking leaving Wales to hold on for what may turn out to be a vital away point. 

Despite only needing a point Wales manager Gemma Grainger told BBC Sport,

“We have put ourselves in this position where we need only a point, but we’ll absolutely prepare to go and win that game because they are the standards that we have as a team. They are the standards whoever we play.

Above: There will be a record crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium tomorrow night. Photo: Cardiff City FC.

“We know what position we have put ourselves in and we know now that we will flip to Slovenia,” Grainger added.

With a record crowd at Cardiff for the game, Grainger emphasised the importance of the fans to the team,

“The fans are huge to us, we have broken the record by a long way, but we want to see more than 10,000 because they are huge.

“We have seen it with Rob [Page] and the men’s team and now it’s our turn. The fans will make the difference.”

Wales star Jess Fishlock was on the bench for the game against Greece after picking up an injury.  There is no news as yet as to whether or not Fishlock will start against Slovenia, so it’s likely that Wales will remain unchanged from the team that started against Greece. 

This game will be a tense affair with so much on the line for both teams but with the Red Wall in full force Wales at Cardiff is a tough task for any team.