Star Young Gun Whinham Re-Signs For Phoenix

Alyssa Whinham was one of the stories of the A-League Women season in 2021/22 and she’s back for Wellington Phoenix next season. Impetus hears from Whinham and Nix head coach Gemma Lewis.

Above: THAT goal, THAT reaction. Alyssa Whinham provided one of the moments of the 2021/22 season. She’s back at Wellington Phoenix for the next two seasons. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

Junior Football Ferns midfielder Alyssa Whinham is the first player to commit to the Wellington Phoenix women beyond the upcoming Liberty A-League season.

Whinham, 18, has signed a two-year contract with the club, after a breakout 2021/22 campaign, which saw her nominated for the young women’s footballer of the year award.

Despite being signed as a scholarship player she featured in all 14 of the Phoenix’s matches in their inaugural season, starting 12 in a row after impressing as a substitute in the team’s opening two games.

Whinham became the club’s second-ever goal scorer when she found the back of the net against Brisbane Roar in January and her priceless reaction was one of the moments of the season.

“I’m so excited, I’m buzzing,” Whinham said. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to do it all over again.

Above: Alyssa Whinham in action for Wellington Phoenix last season. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

“Being part of the Nix is very special since it’s our first professional women’s team and I couldn’t be any more prouder to represent the Phoenix again.

“I was really happy with my first season and I’m excited to have two more seasons to see what I can do and how far I can go, because I think I have a lot more to give and a lot more I can do to help the Nix.”

The Cantabrian is also excited about getting to play in front of the Yellow Fever for the first time, after playing the entirety of the 2021/22 season in Australia.

“I’ve been a part of that sort of atmosphere watching for so many years. I’ve always been a bit of a fan.

“It’s something truly special so I’m excited to get that experience. It will add the extra push and energy to our team. I’m buzzing just thinking about it so I can’t wait.”

Before moving to Wellington, Whinham is hoping to represent New Zealand at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica next month, along with up to seven other members of the Phoenix’s inaugural squad.

Above: Alyssa Whinham speaking to the media from Wellington Phoenix’s NSW base last season. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

“It’s super cool how many of the Phoenix girls are involved in this under-20 cycle. Getting to represent New Zealand and the Nix on the world stage is a pretty big deal and I think that experience from our first A-League season will hopefully help us when we’re over in Costa Rica.”

Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis says Whinham proved herself last season and they are committed to helping her continue to develop.

“We wanted to show investment in the potential we think she has,” Lewis said. “We think we’re scratching the surface with Alyssa and she still has so much time to grow and develop.

“She’s still got so much to give. She can be a key player within this team and an exciting player for us with how we want to play and how we want to be represented in the A-League.”

Lewis says the two-year contract also shows the Phoenix are looking beyond the initial two-season partnership with New Zealand Football. “We’re already starting to sign players for the 2023-24 season which just shows the club’s continued investment in the women’s team and longer term approach.”

Alyssa Whinham is the team’s second signing for the 2022-23 Liberty A-League season, joining fellow foundation player Mackenzie Barry in the squad.

The Phoenix plan to announce a number of other signings over the coming weeks.

Artwork: Wellington Phoenix

Highly Rated Lincoln Re-Signs For Canberra

Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Canberra United‘s hugely talented young goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln and club legend Grace Gill as the club announced that Lincoln had signed a two-year deal (18/7/22).

Above: After an impressive spell towards the end of last season, and a Matildas U23 call-up for the recent AFF Championships, Chloe Lincoln’s re-signing is huge for Canberra United. Photo: Canberra Times.

Canberra United today announced the re-signing of 17-year-old goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln on a two-year contract.
 
Lincoln, who has represented the Young Matildas and recently played in the AFF Tournament, made her Canberra debut last season as a substitute in Perth and went on to make six starts for the club keeping an impressive three clean sheets in those half-a-dozen outings.
 
Currently playing in the National Premier League (NPL) with the Canberra United Academy, Lincoln is a highly rated prospect by both club and country.
 
“Chloe is swiftly developing into one of the best goalkeepers in the country and I am excited to be able to witness her progression first-hand at Canberra United for at least the next two seasons,” Head Coach Njegosh Popovich said.
 
“Her rise through the Academy ranks and into the Young Matildas set-up has been a rapid one, but thoroughly deserved. She has excellent positioning, is confident on crosses, has brilliant distribution and is a wonderful shot-stopper. In short, she ticks all the boxes needed for a quality goalkeeper at this level.”

Above: Chloe Lincoln in action. Photo: Canberra Times.

Lincoln was thrust into the spotlight last season when deputising for the injured Keeley Richards and was in inspirational form, saving a penalty against Melbourne Victory at Viking Park and even notching an assist to her statistics column from a booming clearance against Western Sydney Wanderers. 
 
“It was an easy decision for me to commit my future to Canberra United,” Lincoln said of her new contract. “The club holds a special place in my heart and the supporters are amazing. 

“It’s been a crazy journey for me. It’s such a special club with the way the players interact the fans. I love it. It’s a pleasure being able to play in the academy side with people of my age and then the chance to play with the first team.
 
“Having made my debut for the club last season, I’ve had a taste of the Liberty A-League and am keen for more. Pulling on the goalkeeper shirt at Canberra United is a real privilege and one I would never take for granted.
 
“I am excited to fight for a place in the starting team and am looking forward to working with an experienced group of players and coaches to bring success back to our community.

After the disappointments of last season when Canberra United were unable to achieve the number of wins that some expected of them, Lincoln sees good things ahead for the new season.

“The players that have signed here already, I can’t wait. It’s shaping up to be such a great team. We need to create an environment where we’re striving to get a common goal with everyone working towards that goal will really help us.”

Above: Chloe Lincoln in A-League Women action for Canberra United last season. Photo: Canberra United.

“To keep having these experiences in the A-League and keep progressing is the goal. That can mean maybe having more international chances after the AFF Championship with the U23s.”

Also speaking to the media about Lincoln’s new deal was Canberra United mentorship group member. The Canberra club legend spoke of the importance of securing the young goalkeeper for a further two years.

“It’s a huge signing for the club. I can’t understate how important it is. To see where Chloe is and the trajectory she is on, it’s a great signing for Canberra United. Her stature is immense.

“She is incredibly capable with both feet which is rare in any player, never mind a goalkeeper. Her shot-stopping and distribution is paramount too, but at the age of 17 she still has so much room for growth.”

Gill emphasised that Lincoln’s ability with both feet – she takes place kicks with her right foot and dropkicks with her left – marks her out as “a special talent. She will be a Matilda for many years to come.”

“We have a core of local players that make up the club and build on that to add around the edges is what makes us who we are. Chloe is taking on a leadership role with the Academy side (in the NPLW) this season and that management of her backline sets the tone.”

Artwork: Canberra United.

Germany Popp To Milton Keynes For Three More Points

by Johnathan Stack (17/7/22)

Above: Germany celebrate after Nicole Anyomi scored her first international goal against Finland last night. Photo: @DFB_Frauen

Alexandra Popp continued her rich vein of form as she scored her third goal in three games as Germany maintained their 100% record at UEFA Euro 2022.

A great crowd of over 20,000 fans packed into Stadium MK, to watch one of the most ruthless teams in this tournament. Even though Germany head coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg rung the changes and rested players with a view towards the quarter-final clash with Austria it was still business as usual.

It took a while for Germany to get up to speed, for most of the first half they were definitely going through the gears. With a place in the knockout stage of the competition already secured, perhaps, half-heartedly there was an expectation of seeing a different German team to the one we saw in the first two games.

Above: Alexandra Popp (right) shows her delight after scoring. Photo: Euro 2022.

But even with rested players, it was job done with the outcome still the same. Three points, three more goals, and a third clean sheet. Goals from Sophia Kleinherne, Alexandra Popp, and Nicole Anyomi made sure Germany go into the quarter-final stage as one of the most dangerous teams at UEFA Euro 2022.

What makes Germany one of the most dangerous teams and a genuine threat to the other most dangerous team in the tournament? Here is my analysis from watching Germany throughout this competition.

Pressing Teams Into Mistakes

Their pressing game is absolutely blistering, from the off the German front three get right at the defence and apply immediate pressure, they apply relentless pressure. Being backed up by the midfield three who will pick up the loose passes and stray balls, the Germans have been so good at getting that quick turnaround when regaining possession.

Above: Sophia Kleinherne (right) captured after scoring her first international goal for Germany. Photo: @DFB_Frauen.

One minute you think you are playing out from the back and moving up the pitch then all of a sudden you are severely on the back foot.

An Eye For Goal

Germany have been scoring goals they currently have the second biggest number of goals at UEFA Euro 2022 with nine. With that relentless pressure if not a case of if Germany is going to score it is when Germany is going to score. They have had 63 attempts on goal so far so have definitely brought their shooting boots with them.

Total Shutout

Merle Frohms has kept three clean sheets during the group stage and has made some great saves on the times she has been called upon. With Kathrin Hendrich and Marina Hegering at the heart of the defence this team has got through the group games relatively untroubled. Germany have dealt with the opposition in front of them accordingly and has been defensively impressive.

Up next for Germany it is back to the Brentford Community Stadium in West London as they take on Austria in the quarter-finals on Thursday. Austria is the Group A runner up having knocked out Norway in a knockout place decider. Expect Germany to be back to full strength minus Lea Schüller who is in isolation. Now the real tournament begins for Germany. It is go hard or go home from here on out.

Above: Germany celebrate another win and another clean sheet at the end of last night’s game in Milton Keynes. Photo: @DFB_Frauen

Teams: FINLAND (4-4-2): Talaslahti, Heroum, Pikkujamsa, Kuikka, Koivisto, Engman, Alanen, Summanen, Kollanen, Sallstrom, Kemppi. Substitutes: Ahtinen, Auvinen, Myllyoja, Oling, Rantala, Rantanen, Sainio, Tamminen.

GERMANY (4-3-3): Frohms, Lattwein, Hegering, Doorsoun-Khajeh, Kleinherne, Popp(c), Huth, Däbritz, Gwinn, Dallmann, Bühl. Substitutes: Anyomi, Berger, Brand, Freigang, Hendrich, Magull, Lohmann, Schult, Waßmuth.

Scorers: Kleinherne 40’, Popp 48’, Anyomi 63’.

Referee: Emikar Caldera.

Attendance: 20,721.

Focussed Lionesses Have Only One Aim

by Darrell Allen (16/7/22)

Above: England see a chance go narrowly wide against Northern Ireland at Southampton last night. Photo: Lionesses.

There was talk in the build-up to this Group A finale against Northern Ireland about how many changes Sarina Wiegman would make to her team. Wiegman, of course, was struck down herself with Covid 19 but the team remain unchanged. 

This shows the single-minded focus that the Lionesses are approaching this tournament with. This game in all seriousness meant very little. England had won the group. Northern Ireland were out there was nothing on this match other than the enhanced pride that comes when two UK nations meet, as well as continuing confidence and momentum. 

An unchanged lineup for a game of this nature shows England’s intentions and the respect Wiegman has for the tournament and opposition.

Above: Alessia Russo – regular chances across the group stage saw her rewarded with goals last night. Photo: Lionesses.

Beth Mead would have been one of many who were delighted by this and she responded by adding the second of the five scored on the night in her quest for the golden boot.

As you would expect from a Northern Ireland side strong in character and determination, Kenny Shiels’ side put up a brave fight all evening but England and their class saw them claim a comfortable win.

Arjan Veurink

Above: Arjan Veurink leading the post-match discussions last night. Photo: Lionesses.

With Wiegman struck down with Covid, it was down to her assistant Arjan Veurink, the former FC Twente women’s and Netherlands assistant to take charge of affairs at St Mary’s on Friday night. 

The unchanged team responded in spectacular fashion with another masterclass in goalscoring and finishing off an opponent. Veurink certainly enjoyed the evening.

Kirby Kicks Things off

Above: Super Fran – Kirby’s form in the tournament is making her struggles of the past few months a distant memory. Photo: Lionesses.

To the credit of Northern Ireland, they were superb in the opening phases and it wasn’t until the 41st minute that their brave resistance was broken. 

It required something special from a special player. That person was Fran Kirby who got this particular night off the mark.

Just as the game looked like it was heading to a goalless first half, a magic moment from Fran Kirby came.

The ball bounced to the Chelsea star on the edge of the box and she curled a shot brilliantly into the top right corner.

Kirby has well and truly come to this Euros party and that’s another incredible prospect as we head into the knock-out phase. Let’s not forget that this is a player who went into the tournament with very little recent game time due to a debilitating illness.

The Perfect Group A

Above: It wouldn’t be an England game at the Euros without Beth Mead scoring. Photo: Lionesses.

Well done England, that’s the group phase of a high-pressure home Euros complete with relative ease.

The most crucial part was negotiating the opening night against Austria in front of a huge crowd without a slip-up. They did that thanks to a Beth Mead goal; things have been a breeze ever since. 

The 8-0 demolition of Norway in the second game made the rest of Europe open their eyes to what England could deliver this summer if they weren’t aware already. 

With last night’s win maintaining a 100% record both winning and continuing the team’s run of clean sheets in addition to the fact that Beth Mead has already scored five goals, the prospect of England taking the trophy and Mead taking the golden boot are very possible. 

Admittedly, there are far tougher challenges ahead, but strap yourselves in for a special couple of weeks ahead. 

Denmark Or Spain 

Next up will be a return to the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton and that will be against Denmark or Spain. They face off this evening at The Brentford Community Stadium. 

A win for Denmark means they will face England but any points for Spain will mean it is they who will face the Lionesses on the South Coast on Wednesday night. 

Above: Scenes of joy in Southampton post-match. Will there be similar sights at Wembley on 31st July? Photo: Lionesses.

Teams: NORTHERN IRELAND (5-4-1): Burns, McKenna, Nelson, Robson, Vance, Holloway, Wade, Rafferty, Callaghan, McGuiness, Furness. Subs: Hutton, Mc Carron, Flaherty, Burrows, Caldwell, McDaniel, Wilson, Andrews, McGuinness, Magee, Turner.

ENGLAND (4-2-3-1): Earps, Bronze, Bright, Williamson, Daly, Walsh, Stanway, Kirby, Mead, Hemp, White. Subs: Greenwood, Carter, Hampton, Scott, Parris, Kelly, England, Toone, Roebuck, Wubben-Moy, Russell.

Scorers: Kirby 40′. Mead 44′. Russo 48′, 53′, Burrows (OG) 76′. 

Referee: Esther Staubil.

Attendance: 30,785.

Billa Breaks Passive Norway

Austria 1-0 Norway

by Jorge Ceron (16/7/22)

Above: Nicole Billa heads the winning goal for Austria. Photo: Euro 2022.

Norway, many people’s dark horses to advance deep into the competition ended a nightmare week in the tournament with elimination at the group stages at Brighton.

Despite being beaten 8-0 by England a few days earlier, the Norwegians started as slight favorites in Brighton against Austria, who were semi-finalists in 2017.

Going into the game, Austria needed only a draw to progress, so one would think that the Norwegians, having the obligation to win, would go with everything from the first whistle, but it was not until the 15th minute that they approached the Austrian goal through Barcelona’s Caroline Graham Hansen, whose shot was deflected away.

There was a real feeling of tension about the game, logical perhaps due to the winner-takes-all situation in terms of qualifying for the Quarter-Finals. Austria had the first opportunity when calling for a penalty when Nicole Billa entered the area and fell, but It was never fatal, although the VAR did check it, the result of that play was the first corner kick of the game.

Above: Norway’s Guro Reiten (left) puts in a challenge. Photo: @OEFB1904.

With 12 minutes on the clock, Laura Feiersinger’s shot looked about to enter the net, but ended up against the bar. The first serious warning from the Alpine nation. The minutes passed and Norway continued to show themselves as a very passive team, perhaps still remembering the eight goals against a few days ago.

Indeed, it was Austria who kept Norway’s backline busy. Just over 10 minutes before the break, after an excellent build-up, Billa’s shot was repelled by Norwegian goalkeeper Guro Pettersen.

But the die was cast, and Billa headed in superbly a precise pass from Verena Hanshaw and scored the first goal of the game. The first precise blow had already been given. Something major needed to happen from the Norwegians in the second half after they ended the opening 45 without a single shot on goal.

Above: Nicole Billa celebrates her match winner for Austria. Photo: Euro 2022.

The second half began like the first. The Austrians going on the attack and Norway passive, knocked out. In the first 20 minutes of the period, Austria had shots on goal, and two crosses into the area, although nothing to worry about, while Norway had only one shot very wide by Ada Hegerberg.

Precisely in the middle minutes of the second half, Norway had its best moment, having several crosses into the area, but they only stayed at that, crosses into the area that nobody could finish off, or shots deflected.

In the final 20 minutes, Austrians responded and Lisa Makas received the ball totally alone in front of the goalkeeper, but that loneliness appeared to unnerve her, and her shot the ball passed under the goalkeeper, flirted with the post, and went to a corner kick.

In the last 10 minutes, the Norwegians remembered the need for goals and went on the attack, although without much technique, or luck, or anything. Five corner kicks were the sum outcome of their attacks, and the most dangerous move for them arrived a minute into stoppage time which the goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger saved brilliantly.

The game ended, and Austria deservedly beat Norway 1-0, qualified for the quarterfinals, and their ‘prize’ is called Germany.

Above: Austria celebrate post-match at Brighton. Photo: Euro 2022.

Teams: AUSTRIA (4-1-4-1): Zinsberger; Wienroither, Wenninger, Schnaderbeck, Hanshaw, Puntigam, Hickelsberger-Füller (Makas), Zadrazil, Feiersinger, Dunst; Billa (Georgieva).

Scorer: Billa 37′.

NORWAY (4-2-3-1): Pettersen, T.Hansen, Bergsvand, Mjelde, Blakstad (Haug), Syrstad Engen, Maanum (Boe Risa); Eikeland (Ildhusøy), Graham Hansen, Reiten, Hegerberg.

Referee: Kateryna Monzul.

Attendance: 12,667

No Fireworks, Just Progress On La Fête Nationale Française

by Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus French Editor (15/7/22).

Above: Belgium goalkeeper Nicky Evrard saves at the feet of France’s Ouleymata Sarr (18) last night as Julie Biesmans attempts to intervene. Photo: Euro 2022.

France did what they needed to in edging past Belgium to qualify for the Quarter-Finals in Rotherham last night.

It was not a fireworks display from Corinne Diacre’s team on Bastille Day, the French national holiday and France sealed their qualification with difficulty. Furthermore, there was very bad news as the excellent Marie-Antoinette Katoto had to leave the pitch with a sprained right knee after 17 minutes. It will not be clear for a few days if she will be able to be back on the pitch for the Quarter-Finals.

Above: Kadidiatou Diani celebrates her goal for France against Belgium last night. Photo: Euro 2022.

France dominated this game but lack efficiency in attack; this is not new, and it is a little bit worrisome for future games in this competition. Throughout qualifying and in friendlies Diacre’s charges have struggled to turn possession and territory into goals, and as the opposition gets tougher, problems may arise.

The group concludes on Monday when France take on an Iceland side who know that a win will guarantee a spot in the last eight. Elsewhere Italy face Belgium with the winners of that game needing France to take something against the Icelandic side.

Teams: FRANCE (4-3-3): Peyraud-Magnin, Karchaoui, Renard, Tounkara, Périsset, Toletti (Matéo 66′), Bilbault, Geyoro (Palis 90’+1), Cascarino (Malard 90’+1), Katoto (Sarr 17′), Diani (Bacha 65′).

Scorers: Diani 6′, Mbock 41′.

BELGIUM (4-2-3-1): Evrard, Philtjens (Deloose 59′), De Neve (Tysiak 70′), Kees, Vangheluwe (Minnaert 46′), Biesmans, Vanhaevermaet (Delacauw 59′) Cayman, De Caigny, Dhont (Eurlings 78′), Wullaert.

Referee: Cheryl Foster.

Attendance: 8,173.

Dower Reflects On “Depth Of Talent” In Junior Matildas Squad

16/7/22

Impetus hears from Junior Matildas head coach Rae Dower as the squad for the AFF U18s Championship is announced and Ben Gilby highlights the Western Australian contingent.

Above: Junior Matildas head coach Rae Dower. Photo: AFC.

Junior Matildas Head Coach Rae Dower has finalised her squad to compete at the AFF U18 Women’s Championship 2022 in Palembang, Indonesia.

Australia will take 28-players to face Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Philippines in Group B of the tournament commencing on 22 July 2022.

The selection of the final squad for this tournament follows four camps over the past six months, involving more than sixty players, with a further six players promoted up and in contention for selection in the Young Matildas squad for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2022.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to travel to Indonesia to participate in the AFF U18 Women’s Championship, which will be the CommBank Junior Matildas’ first competitive matches since September 2019,” Dower said. 

This tournament will be the Junior Matildas’ first international activity since their involvement in the 2019 AFC U16 Women’s Championship where they finished fourth in the tournament three years ago. It also marks the final Australian Women’s National Team to re-commence international action. 

Above: Ella Abdul Massih, who played A-League Women football for Western Sydney Wanderers last season and is part of the Junior Matildas squad named today. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.

“As a coaching unit, we’re delighted with the depth of talent within this age group. The technical quality and game awareness of the players was of a very high standard, and they’ve maintained that level when back with their respective clubs, which presented a welcomed headache when selecting the final squad.”

Rae Dower, Junior Matildas Head Coach.

Football Australia’s commitment to the national youth teams has seen the appointment of additional staff to the Junior Matildas’ support and technical ranks over recent months, with this AFF tournament being their first overseas tournament as members of the National Teams Program.

“This AFF U18 Women’s Championship gives all but four players their first experience in travelling overseas, which in itself is a great life lesson. Combining that with being in a full-time football environment, with the heat and humidity of Indonesia, it will provide the players with invaluable insight into what to expect in the future when competing in tournaments and qualifying through the AFC pathways,” Dower explained.

“I would like to acknowledge the collaboration between Football Australia and the coaching and support staff at both Member Federations and clubs for their tireless work in preparing this age group for Australian honours, and I have no doubt this group of footballers will do everyone proud in Indonesia,” Rae Dower concluded.

Above: Georgia Cassidy – the Hyundai NTC player is in great form in the NPLW WA this season. Photo: Football West.

Among the squad are two outstanding talents of Western Australian football. Zara Board has played regularly in goal for Subiaco this season in the NPLW WA. Her distribution is consistently impressive as is her command of the box for one so young.

Hyundai NTC prospect Georgia Cassidy has been part of a hugely promising side in the NPLW WA this season. The NTC are playing a highly technical brand of rapid pass and move, which has seen Cassidy at the forefront of some impressive performances this season. Her team-mate Tanika Lala, an outstanding player with pace, power and goals can also be regarded as a potential future member of Matildas age group squads.


JUNIOR MATILDAS SQUAD

NamePositionClub / Member Federation
Ella ABDUL MASSIHDefenderNSW Institute / Football NSW
Isabella ACCARDODefenderFootball Victoria NTC / Football Victoria
Josie ALLANForwardNewcastle Jets / Northern NSW Football
Tegan BERTOLISSIODefenderNSW Institute / Football NSW
Zara BOARDGoalkeeperSubiaco AFC / Football West
India BREIERForwardNSW Institute / Football NSW
Daisy BROWNForwardFootball Queensland-QAS / Football Queensland
Georgia CASSIDYMidfielderHyundai NTC / Football West
Alana CORTELLINOForwardFootball Victoria NTC / Football Victoria
Leah DE OLIVEIRAForwardNSW Institute / Football NSW
Jonti FISHERMidfielderFootball Queensland-QAS / Football Queensland
Tahlia FRANCOGoalkeeperNSW Institute / Football NSW
Charlie GIBSONDefenderFootball Queensland-QAS / Football Queensland
Erin GORDONDefenderNSW Institute / Football NSW
Aimee HALLGoalkeeperNSW Institute / Football NSW
Shay HOLLMANMidfielderNSW Institute / Football NSW
Zoe KARIPIDISDefenderNewcastle Jets / Northern NSW Football
Maya LOBOMidfielderNSW Institute / Football NSW
Megan MIFSUDDefenderNSW Institute / Football NSW
Silver Bell MORRISDefenderFootball Victoria NTC / Football Victoria
Ella O’GRADYForwardFootball Queensland-QAS / Football Queensland
Avaani PRAKASHMidfielderNSW Institute / Football NSW
Sienna SAVESKAForwardNSW Institute / Football NSW
Mary STANIC-FLOODYMidfielderNSW Institute / Football NSW
Peta TRIMISForwardNSW Institute / Football NSW
Chloe WALANDOUWDefenderNewcastle Jets / Northern NSW Football
Grace WILSONGoalkeeperSA NTC / Football South Australia
Adelaide WYRZYNSKIForwardNSW Institute / Football NSW

Shadow Players

NamePositionClub / Member Federation
Lily BARBERMidfielderSA NTC / Football South Australia
Margaret BARRETTForwardFootball Queensland-QAS / Football Queensland
Jasmine BLACKGoalkeeperNSW Institute / Football NSW
Aleeah DAVERNMidfielderFootball Queensland-QAS / Football Queensland
Ellen GETTForwardFootball Queensland-QAS / Football Queensland
Claire SCARPINForwardSA NTC / Football South Australia
Hayley WELLINGTONDefenderSA NTC / Football South Australia

Phoenix Farewell Jale Who Is One Of Three New Faces At Canberra

by Ben Gilby (15/7/22)

Above: Grace Jale pictured ahead of last season with Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

Football Ferns forward Grace Jale has signed with Canberra United for the 2022/23 A-League Women campaign.

The 23-year-old was the Phoenix women’s top goal scorer in their maiden season, finding the back of the net six times in 12 matches.

Five of her goals came in the Nix’s final six games and led to her being recalled to the Football Ferns after a four-year absence.

Above: Grace Jale in action for Wellington Phoenix last season against Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: AAP.

Jale featured against the Matildas in April and was also selected in the Ferns squad for last month’s internationals against Norway and Wales.

Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis says Jale needs a new challenge. “We’ve worked with Grace for a number of years, since under-17s onwards, so she’s used to us and now she’s looking to get out of her comfort zone.

“We understand that completely and think it’s a good move for her to check out a different environment and get used to what professional football is without playing for your coaches you’ve known for years and years.”

Lewis reflected on the influence of Jale on her squad last season. “Grace did a really good job for us last year under challenging circumstances and she’s always going to be a part of the Phoenix’s first women’s team. We wish her nothing but the best and we’re excited to see her playing up against us.”

Above: Canberra United unveil their trio of new signings today – from left to right: Rebecca Burrows, Njegosh Popovich (head coach), Grace Jale, and Grace Taranto. Photo: Canberra United.

Jale’s arrival at Canberra United today was part of a triple-player announcement from the capital city club. The Greens have also added Grace Taranto who was previously at Adelaide United and Rebecca Burrows. The latter two players have been in impressive form this campaign in the NPLW Victoria competition with South Melbourne and Heidelburg United respectively.

Canberra have previously announced Hayley Taylor-Young, Sasha Grove, Emma Ilijoski, and Nickoletta Flannery in their 2022/23 squad.

Ben Gooden: How ‘Little Chorley’ Flew Under The Radar

In the final part of our series looking back over the season with Impetus’ sponsored players and partner clubs, Chorley head coach Ben Gooden speaks to Ben Gilby about the FA Women’s National League Division One North side’s successful campaign in both league and cup (14/7/22).

Above: Chorley head coach Ben Gooden on the touchline last season. Photo: John Shirras.

Ben Gooden’s Chorley, although not receiving some of the attention that other teams in tier four have had last season, completed a campaign to be proud of. Just four defeats in the FA Women’s National League Division One North and a superb FA Cup run are examples of what the Lancashire team can do (see https://impetusfootball.org/2021/12/12/chorley-the-game-is-massive-in-stature/). Yet Ben tempers this pride with thoughts of how they could have done even better.

“I think we can look back with some pride that’s for sure. I’ll always look back on a few of the games and wonder ‘what if’? But that is for me to obsess over and try and put it right next season. On the whole though I think we gave a very good account of ourselves for the most part.

Asked whether he thinks the club has received the attention that their achievements deserve, Chorley’s head coach was clear.

“I still don’t think so, but I think it helps us go about our business on the pitch without fear and pressure from the outside. We just have to focus on ourselves. I think in the first round of games we were underestimated by most and you hear the post-match comments from coaches and players after we’d beat them saying ‘no disrespect to Chorley but…’ and that’s fine. We’ll embrace that attitude and use it to fuel us in the chase.”

Ben reflected in detail in identifying what were the keys to Chorley’s successful campaign.

“It’s not a difficult question but the answer has so many layers to it because I can’t put it down to just one aspect, it’s a combination of everything. The players have been brilliant, they’ve taken on board information, they’ve been open to new ideas and they’ve been happy to go and try and win every game that we played in last season.

Above: Chorley head coach Ben Gooden. Photo: @BenGooden.

“When you add this to the hard work we put in at training, the amount of hours put into analysis whether it’s counting every single one of our passes, duels, shots (the list goes on) and then we’ve got the opposition analysis to put the game plan together, it’s always going to be a good mix.

“There were a lot of sacrifices made last season and for a club of our size, that’s what it takes to have a year like that. When pre-season rolls around in the middle of June, it has to start all over again. Unfortunately, nothing is given to us, we aren’t attached and funded by a pro men’s club, we don’t play in a stadium, we have played on five different home grounds this season, our training facilities are spread around all over the place and in the eyes of everyone, we are little Chorley.

“But I think that is part of our charm and that’s what we thrive off. We are happy to be little Chorley in the eyes of everyone else, because we know we have massive hearts, incredible work ethic and a never say die attitude.

“There are lots that contribute really and I think it would be unfair to pinpoint a handful of players when it’s a full squad effort. Everyone brings something to the table and contributes in a positive way.

“Something we do have though is a unique way of implementing the team’s rules. We have a changing room court system where we have a judge, a player appointed jury and a non-financial fines wheel for punishments so there is a fun way of ensuring that the standards are kept.”

In terms of his most memorable moments of the campaign, Ben identified several. “I think it’s the attitude and resilience that is the highlight for me. There’s a bit of something special about the team and we’ve seen it not just on one occasion, but many throughout the season. Which in itself will have created memories that will stay with me and the players probably for the rest of our careers.

“We were 3-0 down at halftime against Stockport County and we came back to 3-3 and had more than enough chances to win the game. There’s the Middlesbrough FA Cup game that we just kept coming back at them and then had it about us to keep our nerve at the end to progress. There is an equaliser late on against Barnsley away, two games against Alnwick where we score a winner in the 94th minute, Stockport again who equalised in the 88th minute and we go and score the winner in the 91st minute.

Above: Ben Gooden (red top) watches his side in action during the campaign. Photo: John Shirras.

“We just don’t give up. We play the same way from the very first whistle to the last and everyone that played us last season may not like to admit it but they will say that if they’ve got something from us, they’ve had to work hard for it.”

Ben is not resting on his laurels and planning to get things in place to help the team’s continuing evolvement in 2022/23.

“In the coaching department, we are adding new people to ensure that we have the right balance of specialisation, individual and unit development, and tactical understanding without watering down what has given us an edge this season.

“In the playing department, we need to ensure our recruitment adds quality and not just quantity, as we are a little light in certain positions. There are upgrades to our game that I need to make on the grass in pre-season and we’ll need a few extra bodies to ensure we can do that consistently in every game of the season rather than most games. A number of targets haven’t paid off for us but the summer is only just beginning.”

“We need to continue what we are doing in terms of developing the younger players but also making slight changes to ensure we are enhancing what we do.

“I’ll not give all of it away but we are making changes to the game model which I think will allow us to be more consistent, see games out and ensure we get more wins on the board. I’ve made changes in the way we look at the analysis of the game which I feel will allow us to be far more productive and be prepared for anything that we may face. 

“The message to the players is that we don’t think of this season as a massive achievement and we’ve hit the ceiling but this is now the minimum expectation and the chase starts now.”

Artwork: Graphics by PW.