Above: Mackenzie Barry (right) in action for Wellington Phoenix last season against Sydney FC’s Cote Rojas. Photo: Matt King.
Wellington Phoenix’s newly capped Football Fern Mackenzie Barry was announced earlier today as the club’s first contracted player for the 2022/23 A-League Women season.
The young centre back has jumped at the opportunity to re-sign with the Phoenix after leading the team in clearances, blocks, and interceptions in their inaugural campaign.
Barry’s performances caught the eye of Ferns coach Jitka Klimková, who named the 21-year-old in the New Zealand squad for last month’s internationals against Norway and Wales.
“I’m really proud to be playing for the Phoenix,” Barry said. “I feel quite committed to the club after just one season and I really want us to do well. Last season we progressed so much and I’m really looking forward to seeing how we compete in the league this year and how much we’ve improved.
Above: Mackenzie Barry – rising with the Phoenix last season. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
“It felt like we were just getting started last season. We were really competing well, we were winning games and we were scoring goals so this season is really exciting.”
Barry, who hails from Taranaki, is also looking forward to playing in front of Phoenix fans in Wellington for the first time.
“Playing at home will make everyone more passionate. We had a great little support group in Australia and they were so committed and amazing, but I think playing in front of your friends and family you are really playing for something and you want to do the best you can in front of them and make them proud.
“Everyone is going to step up and it’s going to be really special, especially that first game, playing in front of friends and family. I’m really looking forward to it.”
She will have ‘a little support group’ in Wellington when she moves down in October, with her older brother and one of her younger sisters studying in the capital.
Above: Mackenzie Barry in action against Melbourne City last season. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
“Moving to Wellington does feel more like home, knowing that I’ve got my family and other friends there.”
Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis was delighted by the news. “I am really excited to have Mack back. She grew through the season and we saw how dominant she was for us in a defensive role,” Lewis said.
“She was really key for us cleaning up a lot at the back and she kept us in a lot of games. Being called up to the Football Ferns just shows the progress that she’s making. She’s just getting started and we believe we can help develop her into a key player for the Ferns.”
“We want to continue the momentum from the second half of our first season and continue what we’re building,” Lewis said.
“We really believe in the team that we invested in and we want to make sure we secure and work with those key players moving forward to make sure we can keep developing our identity and showing New Zealand and the A-League what the Wellington Phoenix women’s team is about.”
The 2022/23 season is scheduled to start on 18th November, with a draw due out in the next month.
Above: Ella Mastrantonio pictured playing for the Matildas last year. Photo: W Sports & Media.
Perth Glory today confirmed that experienced Matildas midfielder Ella Mastrantonio has signed a two-year contract with the club.
The 30-year-old returns to her hometown team having made 56 W-League appearances during three previous stints in purple between 2008 and 2010, 2011 and 2014, and 2015 and 2016.
Having spent the last two years in Europe representing then English Super League club Bristol City and Italian side Lazio, she is now excited at the prospect of re-joining the Liberty A-League.
Above: Ella Mastrantonio pictured in an earlier spell with Perth Glory. Photo: FootballWA.net
“I’m very happy to have signed back at home with Perth Glory,” she said. Speaking with [Head Coach] Alex Epakis and people around the club, there is a very good vision and plan for the women’s football department which I’m excited to be a part of.
“Coupled with the announcement of the season being extended and more teams coming in, the club is heading in the right direction, especially in the lead-up to the Women’s World Cup next year. I’m excited for the coming season!”
Epakis, meanwhile, believes that the signing of Mastrantonio represents a major coup for the club.
Above: Ella Mastrantonio (number 14 back row) with a 2007 Matildas Youth Squad. Eagle-eyed readers may also recognise the likes of other current Matildas Kyah Simon, Emily van Egmond, and Tameka Yallop. Photo: @TheMatildas
“Securing Ella for the next two ALW seasons is a phenomenal outcome,” he said. Ella is a very proud West Australian who has accumulated some very extensive experience across European competition and national team activity over recent years.
“She is returning to Glory with experience and hunger and is determined to do well and enjoy success with her hometown club. Her ability and experience as a top-level player is clear.
“She is very technical, has the ability to start many attacks from deep areas, is a great ball winner, and has a strong presence. There is no doubt she will bring a lot of value to the squad and I am eager to see her contribute positively to our already strong foundations.”
Above: Ella was a huge hit with the Western Sydney Wanderers fans when they made the finals for the first time in the club’s W-League history. Photo: @Ella_Mas11
Glory CEO Tony Pignata is similarly confident that Mastrantonio will prove to be a key addition.
“Signing a player of Ella’s class, experience and pedigree is fantastic for the club and I’m sure our Members and fans will be thrilled,” he said.
“She will further bolster the excellent squad which Alex has worked very hard to assemble and we look forward to seeing her back in a Glory shirt for the next two seasons.”
Born in Fremantle, Mastrantonio made her senior debut for Glory while still a teenager in 2009, having been part of the Australia squad which had won the AFF Women’s Championship in Vietnam the previous year.
The following decade saw her split a further two spells at Glory with three at Melbourne Victory and she claimed a Premiership title with the navy-and-whites in 2018/19.
After spending the 2019-20 campaign at Western Sydney Wanderers, the gifted midfielder moved to England to join the then Super League side Bristol City and the following year, was recruited by Lazio.
At international level, meanwhile, she has seven Matildas caps to her name and wore the green and gold as recently as last year.
Impetus’ Blaise Ogutu brings us his detailed weekly round-up of all the action from the NWSL (12/7/22).
Above: Kylie Strom wheels away in celebration against Houston Dash. Photo: @ORLPride.
Derby Weekend And Late Goals: Round 11
It was yet another action-packed weekend of soccer in the NWSL with key match-ups in the battle for the play-off spots and the title. With some players still on international duty, the league is full of teams digging deep into their squad depth to come up with the right winning formula. Let’s take a look at how things unfolded this past weekend.
On Friday, Orlando Pride recorded their first home victory in 2022 beating a backsliding Houston Dash 1-0 on their return to the Exploria Stadium.
The lone goal came in the 79th minute via a Prissock own goal. Houston’s clearance from a corner found Carrie Lawrence who chipped it back into the crowded box and found Kylie Strom. The right back’s header towards goal ricocheted off Ally Prissock and rolled slowly beyond Jane Campbell in goal. Pride’s interim coach Seb Hines would have been happy with the improved performance from his side after getting the better of Dash for the first time in four years. Orlando had a number of chances to score in the first half through Darian Jenkins but her shot in the 16th minute went wide off the mark.
In Louisville, hosts Racing Louisville fell victim to Gotham FC losing 2-1 courtesy of Taylor Smith’s goal ten minutes from time.
Louisville had a chance to break the deadlock early in the first half with Emina Ekic forcing Ashlyn Harris into a save from a deadly free-kick. Halfway through the half and the New Jersey-based club found the opener through Paige Monahan. Racing through on goal on the right flank, the winger never yielded to pressure from the defenders and beat Lund in goal with a fierce strike. The first goal in three matches for Scott Parkinson’s side.
In the second half, Gotham were yet again at Louisville’s throats when Taylor Smith had a free run at their defence, but saw her weak shot parried by Lund. On the other end, Savannah DeMelo continued her impressive run in front of goal with a superb finish. Charging forwards, she found enough space to bend her shot past Harris to level matters. The final blow for Racing came in the 80th minute when Nahomi Kawasumi threaded a pass onto Smith’s path to put away the chance and give the visitors a much-needed win in the race for the play-offs.
Above: The sold-out crowd at the Banc of California Stadium. Photo: @weareangelcity.
It was the SoCal Derby on Saturday when the two expansion teams met at the Banc Of California Stadium. Angel City FC ran out 2-1 winners over San Diego Wave to condemn league leaders to their third loss of the season.
Goals from Ali Riley and debutant Claire Emslie on either side of a Kristen McNabb equaliser in front of a home crowd. Angel City for the second weekend in a row found themselves in front less than ten minutes into the game when Ali Riley found the back of the net. Overlapping on the left flank, the New Zealand native latched on to a pass from Jun Endo before rifling her shot through Carly Telford’s legs.
The second half brought out the fireworks as the home side pushed for a second and briefly thought they had it but Sydney Leroux was deemed to be offside before scoring. Instead on the other end, San Diego found the equaliser through McNabb’s low shot from out wide.
Momentum shifted and San Diego almost went ahead when Kelsey Turnbow’s lofted shot hit the upright before being deflected outside by teammate Katie Johnson. Angel City’s Tyler Lussi received her marching orders in the 79th minute after a second yellow card but that did not deter the ten players left to snatch a lead two minutes later.
Claire Emslie found on the right by Cari Roccaro’s cross to put her chance past Telford. Casey Stoney’s charges could have levelled scores for the second time but DiDi Haracic was on hand to tip over Abby Dahlkemper’s header and preserve the win in the 86th minute. A win that keeps the LA side firmly in a play-off spot and an outside chance to top the table.
Above: Del Fava clears off the line spectacularly against Washington Spirit. Photo: @thekccurrent.
Washington Spirit’s woeful run in the league stretched to 11 games without being on the winning end after suffering yet another 1-0 defeat at the hands of Kansas City Current.
The sole goal in the game came through Cece Kizer in the 68th minute to stretch their Current’s unbeaten run to six games at Segra Field. In a game with few chances for both sides, the second half offered the best action of the evening with Elyse Bennett missing a point-blank header in the 54th minute from a Hailie Mace cross.
Washington’s best chances at the time came within a minute of each other when Tara McKeown won the ball off Addisyn Merrick before her shot was saved by Franch between the sticks. The resultant corner found Amber Brooks whose looping header was cleared off the line by Current wingback Del Fava. The 23-year-old was involved on the other end with the game-changing delivery to find Kizer who bundled in a bobbling ball.
The home side had a chance to equalise in added time when they were awarded a penalty. Tiyana Alexander, who had been fouled failed to convert the spot-kick with Franch guessing right to maintain another clean sheet in the tank.
Late Sunday evening saw a double header with the second derby of the weekend at Lumen Field where OL Reign and Portland Thorns played out a 2-2 draw. This was the same result in Chicago after the Red Stars came back from two goals down to earn a point against North Carolina.
In Seattle, Portland had an early lead against the run of play. A gift from Reign who had a miscommunication in defence leading to an own goal by Phoebe McClernon. Less than a minute later, the home side made amends through Olivia Athens. The game eventually settled and Portland dominated possession for a majority of the first half.
On the hour mark, Yazmeen Ryan and Meghan Klingenberg linked up before the latter floated in a cross that found a rushing Hina Sugita to put the visitors ahead. Portland eased off the gas and Reign to over dominating possession which eventually led to the equaliser through Bethany Balcer. The 25-year-old found space in between defenders and ahead of Bixby in Thorns goal to head in her fourth goal of the season.
Above: Wild Scenes at the death as the Red Stars equalise against the Courage. Photo: @MattJWood.
North Carolina Courage found themselves in the lead against second-placed Chicago Red Stars in the 22nd minute through Carson Pickett. Chicago had a chance to equalise through captain Dibernado but her searing shot could only rattle the crossbar. Courage doubled their lead four minutes after the break when Brittany Ratcliffe tapped in from close range.
Chicago upped the game after going down and a couple of close attempts by Sarah Griffith either went wide or saved by Rowland in the Courage goal. Ava Cook also had a chance after getting past defenders but her shot went over. Griffith finally got her goal in the first minute of added time lobbing Rowland and setting up the game for a grandstand finish. And that is exactly what happened as defender Amanda Kowalski grabbed the equaliser right at the death with a towering header to preserve Chicago’s charge for the Shield.
Here is how things stand following this round of fixtures.
Impetus’ Darrell Allen and Jorge Ceron round-up on a dramaticevening of action in Group A. Darrell reviews England’s sensational demolition of Norway whilst Jorge’s reflects on Austria’s game with Northern Ireland which sets them up with a chance of a Quarter-Final berth (12/7/22).
Above: The sheer joy of the Lionesses was reflected around the whole of the English women’s football family after last night’s stunning result in Brighton. Photo: Lionesses.
England produced arguably their greatest ever performance last night in Brighton to demolish Norway, one of the potential tournament winners 8-0. I reflect on the key aspects of the victory below.
Perfect Penalty
Georgia Stanway lifted The American Express Community Stadium off its feet in the most perfect way with a superbly struck penalty to give liftoff to this extraordinary night in Brighton.
Everyone watching collectively held their breath when the ball was placed on the spot but the no-nonsense Stanway from Barrow-in-Furness was the coolest person in Brighton as she thundered her penalty into the top corner and we had take off on this night of fairytale proportions.
Super Six
Above: Lauren Hemp jumps for joy last night. Photo: Lionesses.
Following the opening verse from Stanway, England went on to dismantle Norway before the interval.
Lauren Hemp had a nervous wait from VAR but she was comfortably onside and her smile said it all when the goal was given.
England went on to produce one of their greatest performances as braces from Beth Mead and Ellen White ensured that England led by six at half time.
This was a performance, a display of footballing brilliance, and a battering for Norway of seismic proportions.
Mead Motivation
Despite a wonderful team performance, there is only one name on the lips of every England fan right now and that’s Beth Mead.
The Arsenal striker is making so many friends across the country who she will never even meet. Mead added to her first-half brace by completing her hat trick in the second half.
Like on Wednesday when a Mead goal won the points against Austria, she stole the show again with a hat trick and superb performance to take the headlines in a wonderful team performance down on the south coast.
Beth Mead is an inspiration to a nation in need of feeding off positivity, and you sense there is plenty more to come before July is out.
Above: Beth Mead who is having a staggering tournament. Photo: Lionesses.
Safe Second Half
It wasn’t supposed to be this easy, but with every passing minute, it was a joy that football fans rarely experience, a walk in the park some may call it.
Those six first half goals meant it was set up for a safe second half with no worries for England.
Russo made it seven before the inspirational Mead rounded off the scoring on an extraordinary evening.
However, Sarina Wiegman will be most pleased with the clean sheet and the attitude shown in maintaining responsibility and ensuring Norway did not find the net. The perfect night for England in all departments of the pitch.
Brilliant Brighton
Above: England captain Leah Williamson shows her post match joy. Photo: Lionesses.
Top marks to Brighton and everyone who attended last night’s game at the American Express Community Stadium.
The atmosphere was brilliant from start to finish, of course helped by the rampant performance from England but take nothing away from the 28,847 spectators, they were superb.
It was noticeable that Norway supporters were on their feet at the end of the game applauding England and that shows the respect everyone has for each other in the women’s game.
Freedom Friday
This wonderful night meant England secured their place in the Quarter Finals and are already confirmed as winners of Group A.
This sets up Freedom Friday where England face Northern Ireland in Southampton knowing the job of qualification is complete. However, this will be like the final for Northern Ireland who will be heading home after the match, so they will be going all out to make a real statement.
Sarina Wiegman may try a few different personnel but she will allow no let up to the extraordinary performance of the Norway game. The standard has been set and the thought of what could lie ahead between and 31st July is something for all fans of women’s football in England to enjoy.
Austria See Off Northern Ireland To Set-Up Qualifying Decider With Norway
by Jorge Ceron
Above: Katharina Schiechtl celebrates the first goal for Austria. Photo: @oefb1904
On a day in which the eyes of the world were taken by the spectacular 8-0 win by England over Norway, the game between Austria and Northern Ireland was also played, a key match for both team’s hopes to stay alive in the tournament, since the the nation that lost would be saying goodbye to the competition early.
The Austrians went into the game in Southampton as slight favourites, and with the better of the two matches in the World Cup qualifiers between the two nations which ended 3-1 in their favour in Vienna, and ended 2-2 in Belfast.
From the beginning of the game an Austrian dominance was shown, and before the tenth minute, Barbara Dunst had already had the first clear opportunity for the Austrians, and those dressed in red and white did not allow the Northern Irish to cross midfield. The dominance continued continued with striker Nicole Billa, who has had very few opportunities in the tournament, putting a shot that wide.
It was from a free-kick in the 18th minute that barely deflected in off of the Werder Bremen defender Katharina Schiechtl that the Austrians put themselves in front on the scoreboard. It took until the 41st minute for the next chance to arrive. It came via an error from Northern Ireland goalkeeper Jacqueline Burns in clearnign the ball, but she produced a good save from Dunst.
At the beginning of the second half, aware that with this score they were almost eliminated, Northern Ireland put pressure on Austria, but the Green and Whites could trouble the Austrian defence.
After failing to take advantage of any opportunities, Austria controlled the remainder of the game and their best moments came. From the 80th minute, they earned three corner kicks, and had a shot on goal, before the second goal came in the 88th minute through defender Katharina Elisa Naschenweng of Hoffenheim.
Austria know they only need a draw against Norway to qualify for the quarter-finals on Friday. Norway need to bounce back from the huge scars of their loss to England in order to deny the Austrian side.
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(11/7/22).
Above: Abbey Meakins’ superb volley seals the three points for Perth SC in the Italian derby against Balcatta Etna on Saturday. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:
Perth SC 1-0 Balcatta Etna
Perth SC gained a hugely important victory over a top four rival in very wet conditions at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday.
It was a big day for both sides with the clubs’ men’s and women’s teams taking each other on in back-to-back Italian derby NPL action on a pitch that got increasingly heavier as the action wore on.
There was very little time for the traditional arm-wrestle of a start as within four minutes Perth SC went ahead. Nadia Harvey started the move with a throw-in on the left, deep in the Balcatta box. Possession was spread across to the opposite wing where a cross was played in towards The Azzurri‘s Abbey Meakins who hit a superb first-time hooked volley over her shoulder and into the net.
Above: Abbey Meakims (8) celebrates her match-winning goal on Saturday. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Meakins has been in great form this season, and really benefiting from Perth SC’s switch to a passing based style of play. This tactic was ensuring that the home side stayed on top in the opening 20 minutes as their passing game managed to be both patient and expansive, looking to spread the play from flank to flank as well as penetrate centrally.
Another similar move was constructed with 11 minutes played and ended with Emma McMurdo letting fly just outside the box with a shot that went narrowly wide of the right-hand post. Meakins was causing mischief in the box again as the half wore on, getting up to challenge Balcatta Etna keeper Gabby Dal Busco at the near post from a high cross.
The visitors are not a team to be forced permanently on the defensive though, such is the potential for creativity within their side. Aaliyah Jorquera, Monique Godding, Monique Prinsloo, and Lauren Continibali, to name but four of Balcatta’s talented line-up, are always going to cause problems.
Above: Balcatta Etna and Perth SC contest possession on Saturday. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Balcatta looked to retain possession as the half wore on to reduce the sting of the Azzurri‘s attack and build moves of their own, but Perth SC defended strongly and put in some superb well-timed tackles to reduce the visitors’ threat throughout the opening 45 minutes.
Whilst there were no further additions to the scoresheet before the break, the match, which was becoming a fascinating tactical battle, was not without opportunities. Dal Busco, arguably the best goalkeeper in the competition this season, was called into action on two occasions to deny the hosts.
Just past the half-hour mark, the shot-stopper got down brilliantly at her near post to hold a long-range shot as the rain sluiced down. Then, within touching distance of the break, Meakins curled in a low free-kick from the central area outside the box which Dal Busco gathered near the right hand upright.
Above: Perth SC play a pass forward on Saturday. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
The second half opened with Perth SC gaining possession, drawing the opposition, and moving the ball on. They were patient, probing, and constantly looking to advance. All that was missing for The Azzurri was the final ball and the ability to get past Dal Busco.
Jaime Duncanson was hardworking and always alert to create for the hosts. Whether it be an inch-perfect long-range curled past from one flank towards another, or intelligent running, the Perth SC star was excellent.
Cass Harvey increased in stature for the visitors, using a combination of skill and a good football brain to attack whilst constantly looking to bring her teammates into the game.
Above: Perth SC’s outstanding Jaime Duncanson gets a shot away against Balcatta Etna on Saturday. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Just after the hour mark another superb move involving some excellent vision from Duncanson with a perfectly weighted pass ended with the ball rebounding back off the bar.
For Balcatta, a free-kick floated into the box from just inside the Perth half led to Harvey angling a shot towards goal, but it didn’t have the power to worry Rebecca Bennett in the Azzurri goal. Similarly a chance for Alanah Veroni which Bennett was able to push aside for a corner that was cleared as far as Harvey who hit an effort wide.
In the end, there were no further goals as the final whistle went amidst the heaviest rain of the encounter.
This was a vital win for Perth SC against a fellow top four side. But, for Balcatta, a combination of a second successive defeat to a top four rival and Murdoch University Melville’s form immediately below them means their post-season hopes are once more in the balance. There is no doubt that Balcatta have the talent to make it, but battle is really joined now with three clubs all seriously pushing for fourth place.
The clash between Balcatta Etna and Murdoch University Melville at Grindleford Reserve next weekend is now a huge encounter in both team’s quests for a top four spot.
Above: Curtin University celebrate Dakota Van-Vugt’s opening goal. Photo: NPL.
Three days of Round 15 action got underway on Friday night with two matches. At Wauhop Park, there was huge drama in the match between second-placed Fremantle City and winless bottom club Curtin University.
With just eight minutes on the clock, the visiting Curtin side went ahead as Danielle Suckling pounced on loose Freo control in the midfield and threaded a lovely pass through between two defenders for Dakota Van-Vugt to take a touch and slot across Fremantle goalkeeper Dayle Schroeder and into the far corner of the net.
The home side rallied and, indeed had the ball in the net with 23 minutes played as Tash Rigby’s angled pass from the right-wing found Jamie-Lee Gale who crossed in, and the ball looped into the net from a deflected shot, but the effort was ruled out by referee Stewart Beattie.
They had better luck nine minutes later as Gale got free along the right and cut into the box to the near post here she picked out Mikayla Lyons with a low pass which she tucked into the net to level the scores.
Yet, the competition’s cellar dwellers responded brilliantly and re-established their lead within seven minutes. Samara Riches won possession on the right and played a pacy low cross in which alluded players at the near post, but unmarked behind was the excellent Taylor Reid who smashed home a first-time shot.
Above: Fremantle City’s Laura Waltman (9) gets free along to wing to play the ball in for Mikayla Lyons’ late leveller on Friday night. Photo: NPL.
Despite Freo pushing hard in the second half as the game moved into stoppage time, the visitors were still ahead and within touching distance of their first win of the campaign. Yet, there was a heartbreaking late twist for Curtin. Laura Waltman gained possession on the left flank and crossed in. The defence were unable to clear and it fell perfectly for Lyons who took a touch that lifted the ball higher before volleying it into the far corner to equalise.
The other game on Friday night saw Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) renew hopes of a place in the top four after a 2-0 win over Subiaco at Besteam Stadium. The defending champions went ahead 11 minutes in as a corner came in from the left and bobbled around in the box before falling for Poppie Hooks to volley home into the far corner.
Subiaco hit back well, hitting seven shots on target and earning several corners before the break, but they were unable to turn this into a goal.
Above: Poppie Hooks (third player from left) strikes a pose after putting Murdoch University Melville ahead. Photo: NPL.
The visitors were made to pay shortly after the hour mark as MUM FC sealed the points. Sophia Neal played the ball in high from the right and Andrea Preiato nodded in at the back post.
Murdoch University Melville conjured up several chances to add to their tally in the final 10 minutes, but the scoreline remained 2-0.
Above: Kim Carroll’s free-kick from an acute angle puts Perth RedStar ahead on Sunday against Hyundai NTC. Photo: NPL.
The final game of the round saw a high-quality and skillful encounter between unbeaten league leaders Perth RedStar and the talented Hyundai NTC youngsters at RedStar Arena on Sunday afternoon.
Kim Carroll gave the home side the lead with 10 minutes on the clock when her free-kick, out on the left, parallel with the penalty area flew straight in to the net from an acute angle. Whether the 54-cap Matilda meant to score is debatable, but regardless it was a fine effort.
With confidence coursing through their veins, RedStar pushed forward looking to increase their tally, but the NTC were well organised and able to thwart. Indeed it was the teenage side who were to score next.
Above: Georgia Cassidy levels the scores for the NTC from the penalty spot. Photo: NPL.
The ever-dangerous Tanika Lala gained possession on the left and fired in a cross that came off the arm of Andreia Teixeira and referee Niall Gillmor had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Georgia Cassidy stepped up to fire home the equaliser.
However, scores were only level for four minutes as RedStar halted an NTC attack with a superbly timed tackle. Possession worked its way up the right-wing to Larissa Walsh who squared a low pass for Olivia Wood to hit a first-time effort to score at the near post.
RedStar had the better of the second period, earning ten shots on target and five corners, however into the last eight minutes, they still held just a single goal lead. Things then changed rapidly as NTC goalscorer Georgia Cassidy received a second yellow card, and within four minutes, the home side scored a match-settling third.
Above: Jayna Ridley slides home Perth RedStar’s third into an open net against Hyundai NTC. Photo: NPL.
Renee Leota released Walsh who advanced with pace through the centre to be met by onrushing NTC goalkeeper Lilly Bailey. Walsh had Jayna Ridley outside her who was never going to miss the empty net. It’s now a 17-point lead for Perth RedStar at the top of the table.
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
GD
Perth RedStar
14
14
0
0
55
6
42
+49
Fremantle City
15
7
4
4
33
22
25
+11
Perth SC
13
7
2
4
20
7
23
+13
Balcatta Etna
13
6
1
7
15
16
19
-1
Murdoch University Melville
14
5
3
6
15
16
18
-1
Hyundai NTC
14
4
5
5
22
28
17
-6
Subiaco
13
2
3
8
12
37
9
-25
Curtin University
13
0
2
11
12
52
2
-40
Round 16 Fixtures: Hyundai NTC v Perth SC, Balcatta Etna v Murdoch University Melville, Subiaco v Fremantle City, Curtin University v Perth RedStar.
Impetus Jean-Pierre Thiesset looks back on yesterday’s opening round of matches in Group D at Euro 2022 and saw his own nation produce a statement-making start(11/7/22).
Above: France’s first-half hat-trick hero Grace Geyoro. Photo: Euro 2022.
Belgium 1-1 Iceland
Iceland had just about the better of this match played at the Academy Stadium in Manchester.
Above: Berglind Bjorg Thorvaldsdottir celebrates after putting Iceland ahead. Photo: Euro 2022.
Backed by their superb fans who created a great atmosphere, Sveindis Jane Jonsdottir, whose long throw-ins are a real weapon, Karolina Lea Vilhjalmsdottir (who made some decisive passes), and goalscorer Berglind Bjorg Thorvaldsdottir were the pick of the crop. Indeed, Thorvaldsdottir could have made things even better for Iceland if she had not missed a penalty in the 32nd minute.
Apart from the last 20th minutes of the game, after having scored from a penalty, Belgium did not show a lot – which is frustrating for them as a win would have gone a long way to enabling them to qualify for the Quarter-Finals.
Above: Justine Vanhaevermaet levels the scores from the spot for Belgium. Photo: Euro 2022.
Teams: BELGIUM (4-2-3-1) Evrard, Philtjens, De Neve, Kees, Vangheluwe, Biesmans, Vanhaevermaet, Cayman, De Caigny, Dhont (Eurlings 78′), Wullaert, (Kerkhoven 90+3′).
Above: There was so much for France to celebrate last night. Photo: Euro 2022.
France 5-1 Italy
France produced a superb performance, especially in the first half to comprehensively defeat Italy in Rotherham.
The opening period, in which they scored all of their five goals saw the French beating two records: the largest score in first half in a Euros game, and the first time that a player had scored a hat-trick in first half in a Euros match – an honour that went to Grace Geyoro.
Ahead of kick-off, there were a few questions asked of Corinne Diacre, France coach, about her selection. For example, she put in Aissatou Tounkara instead of Griedge Mbock in central defence with Wendie Renard (Tounkara played in the last two games with Mbock as Renard was not ready to play) and left out Amandine Henry in midfield, but the show put on by France players demonstrated that so far that she seems to have made the right decision.
Above: Delphine Cascarino making it 3-0 for France. Photo: Euro 2022.
Of course, in the second half, the momentum slowed and Italy gained more possession, but overall Diacre’s team showed that they do have the quality to potentially win this competition.
France completely asphyxiated the Italians in the first half, producing a very good performance with a superb performance of precise and quick passing to advance using all their players.
Above: Australia celebrate Winonah Heatley’s early goal that put them ahead against Singapore today. Photo: Football Australia.
The Australian Under 23’s defeated Singapore’s senior side 4-1 in a dominant performance amid torrential rain in Manila.
Australia needed a big win to give them a realistic chance at second place. Thailand and the Philippines look like they will proceed to the semi-finals. However, Australia’s next generation of stars looked at home at international level and have been improving throughout the tournament.
After a 4-0 win over Indonesia, Mel Andreatta rotated the squad again. Chloe Lincoln started in goal, Naomi Chinnama came into defence with Winonah Heatley, Chelsea Blissett, and Alexia Apostolakis.
Katie Godden started up front in her first appearance of the tournament, and Paige Zois joined up with Hana Lowry and Sarah Hunter in midfield. Abbey Lemon and Caitlin Karic started in the wide areas.
It took only 10 minutes for Australia to open the scoring. Zois’s corner kick swung in from the left and Heatley nodded home from a few yards out. It was a dangerous ball in, with swerve and precision. Heatley rose highest and the captain got her side off to a perfect start.
A few minutes later, it was another corner kick and another goal. This time it was Hana Lowry on set-piece duty from the other side. Sarah Hunter was the target, and her header crossed the line by the barest of margins.
Australia had both goals from set-pieces, but they were also dominating in central midfield. Alexia Apostolakis was used in the unfamiliar left-back role and spent much of her time in the attacking third. She was unlucky not to score but tested the Singaporean keeper with a good first-time shot.
Mel Andreatta made some changes in the second half. Charli Grant, Sheridan Gallagher, Jyana Dos Santos, and Daniella Galic were introduced over the next 45 minutes. All would make an impact with Gallagher adding a shooting threat while Galic pulled the strings in attack.
Above: Perth Glory’s Hana Lowry celebrates her goal. Photo: AFC.
Hana Lowry added a third goal when she tapped home from another corner. It was a simple finish, but the Perth Glory playmaker had created the chance with a terrific through ball that nearly set Apostolakis through on goal.
Grant added an extra threat on the right, she combined with Karic to make for a frighteningly quick and direct wing. A long run from the senior Matildas right back beat multiple defenders but the move was blocked by a swarming Singaporean defence. It was a reminder of what she can do at her turbo-charged best.
Sheridan Gallagher made it 4-0 with a spectacular goal. Chinnama started the move with some good defensive work that led to an attack. After a rushed Singapore clearance and some aerial ping-pong, the ball was well controlled by Jyana Dos-Santos. She held it up well and created some space for herself before playing back to Zois who found Gallagher on the left flank.
The Western Sydney Wanderers striker cut inside and from about 25 yards out, she hit an unstoppable shot into the net. After coming close earlier in the half, and some other near misses against Thailand, Gallagher had her goal, and it was worth the wait.
Australia were in cruise control. But as the conditions became wetter, the chances dried up. Singapore scored a late consolation goal in bizarre circumstances.
Nur Umairah Hamdan took a free-kick from near the halfway line. The flight of the ball and the bounce deceived Lincoln who was off her line. Australia’s goalkeeper had been confident and untroubled until that 88th minute, but could only catch the ball over the line. It was a frustrating end to an otherwise strong performance.
Australia has one more game to play on Tuesday against Malaysia. They will want to end the tournament on a high note and most players will want to head to the Under 20 World Cup in strong form.
So far, they have spent the AFF Women’s championship in a state of steady improvement despite massive squad rotations, player unavailability, and senior opposition. A big win in what might be their final game in Manila is a deserving way to bow out.
Above: The Matildas team that started the match with Singapore today. Photo: Football Australia.
Impetus’ Jean-Pierre Thiesset was in Finland’s media conference today and spoke to goalkeeper Katriina Talaslahti (10/7/22).
Above: Katriina Talaslahti in action for Fleury in France’s D1 Arkema this season. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Finland’s young goalkeeper Katriina Talaslahti recognises the importance of Finland’s game against Scandinavian rivals Denmark in Milton Keynes on Tuesday with both sides having lost their opening Group B games.
“We are going through how Denmark play to be ready for this next game. We will have two training sessions before next game.”
Despite going down 4-1 to Spain in their opening game, Finland goalkeeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela put in a good performance, but Talaslahti is champing at the bit to get a chance to start for her country on Tuesday.
Above: Katriina Talaslahti speaking in today’s media conference. Image: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.
“I am one hundred percent ready. I already played a lot of important games with my club (Fleury in D1 Arkema, France’s premier league). The next game will be a tough game, but I will definitely be ready and I will be able to show my skills and help my team to win and this is all that matters.
“You feel more confident when you have some games under you. It will be a huge step to go on the pitch and help the team win.”
Talaslahti ended the media conference by addressing the fantastic travelling support that the Finns have.
“Yes, it is great to see that so many fans followed us. It brings us motivation and happiness, and obviously, when you are in the stadium it is nice to see these white and blue colours, and the people that are supporting us.”
Above: Lina Magull celebrates after putting Germany ahead against Denmark last night. Photo: Euro 2022.
Fans at the Brentford Community Stadium were given a show as it was a day for goals and Germany did not disappoint as they stamped their mark on UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s side put on an awe-inspiring display in West London as they got their bid for a ninth Women’s European Championship title underway and put their name in the hat for contention.
Throughout the game Germany was dominant and Voss-Tecklenburg got her tactics spot on, the relentless pressing game from Germany was immense, forcing Denmark into mistakes and loose passes.
It paid off exceptionally, early on with Germany hitting the woodwork three times in the opening 15 minutes, and the deadlock was broken in the 21st minute with the player of the match Lina Magull charging down an attempted Denmark pass from defence to latch on and smash the ball home to give the Germans a 1-0 lead.
The midfield three and front three for Germany were causing a lot problems in the final third, we have all heard the phrase ‘attack is the best form of defence’ and Germany showed us how it is done.
Above: Svenja Huth of Germany (9) battles with Denmark’s Rikke Madsen at Brentford last night. Photo: Euro 2022.
Schüller, Bühl, and Huth were all over the Denmark defence harassing them from the get-go, and that is what won Germany the game, being backed up by Oberdorf, Däbritz, and Magull – their determined attitude caused Denmark to finish the game with just 42% possession as well as 68% pass accuracy.
Germany did not let Denmark into the game at all, they put the pressure on time and time again regaining possession in a totally ferocious performance.
Germany came into this match off the back of thrashing Switzerland 7-0 in their only warm-up game to this tournament, there were slight doubts amongst the German media after the World Cup qualifier defeat to Serbia, but I think those doubts can be forgotten about because Germany just swept aside a Denmark team who have won four out of their last six matches.
Second-half goals from Lea Schüller, Lena Lattwein, and Alexandra Popp who got on the scoresheet in her 115th appearance for Germany with her first goal in a European Championship after missing the last two tournaments through injury.
Germany needed this opening win; it will certainly calm a few nerves for sure and bring a lot of confidence into the camp. But also, this victory will put the rest of the teams at this tournament on notice. Germany has arrived at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and arrived in stunning style.
Germany is off to the start they would have hoped for and got what they wanted; they go top of Group B ahead of Spain on goal difference heading into matchday two where they will play Spain at the Brentford Community Stadium on Tuesday before finishing Group B in Milton Keynes against Finland next Saturday.
Above: Lucia Garcia Cordobawheels away in delight after scoring for Spain. Photo: Euro 2022.
Spain overcame a shock early goal concession to overcome Finland by the comfortable-looking scoreline of 4-1 at Stadium MK, Milton Keynes.
Having to overcome adversity is a theme of Spain’s Euros. As well as having to overcome that early Finnish strike, they were also having to balance the lost of leading players Jennifer Hermoso and 2021 Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.
Above: Wild celebrations for Finland after Linda Sällström’s early goal. Photo: Euro 2022.
This match, played in front of a crowd of just under 17,000 was historic as it was the biggest audience to watch a group stage match not involving the host nation in the tournament’s history, and the crowd were treated to a dramatic early goal which was the fastest scored in the Euros for 27 years as Linda Sällström put them ahead with just 52 seconds played.
The Spanish used two different strategies to impose themselves on the game – the usual tiki-taka of short passes amidst a quick game. It must be emphasised that Finland that were very well organised, keeping their 4-4-2 strictly in place.
Despite their adherence to the tactical set-up, Finland were not able to stem the flow of Spanish possession, as they gained 78% possession overall). Praise is due to keeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela. The Tottenham Hotspur player put in an outstanding performance to limit the number of goals that Spain scored.
So, good start, for Spain, but given the events later yesterday in Brentford, they will need to improve if they want to win against Germany to grab the top spot in Group B.
Above: Mariona Caldentey scores Spain’s fourth from the penalty spot. Photo: Euro 2022.
impetusfootball.org 