NWSL Weekly Wrap Round 12

Impetus’ Blaise Ogutu brings us his detailed weekly round-up of all the action from the NWSL (4/8/22).

Above: Washington Spirit’s Trinity Rodman (left) battles Ryan Williams of the NC Courage. Photo: @TheAthleticSCCR/Twitter.

Braces, Nail biters. Comebacks. The NWSL returned after a weekend off and without any more scheduled breaks from here on out, teams look to push on full throttle till the end of the season. Here is how the games turned out.

On Friday, North Carolina Courage came from behind three times to earn a point against visitors Washington Spirit in an entertaining 3-3 draw. In a game that had a rain and lightning delay midway through the first half, the return an hour later produced the goods. It was in the 42nd minute that Trinity Rodman opened the scoring. Ashley Sanchez found her out wide with a no-look pass and Rodman had to keep her cool head to get one past an on-rushing Casey Murphy.

Two minutes later, Courage levelled matters through Brittany Ratcliffe who managed to muscle her way past Kelley Ohara and Sam Staab before clinically beating Kingsbury at the far post. Washington found themselves ahead again through Tara McKeown a minute later. Ohara this time with a lovely cross to find McKeown whose deft header flew over Murphy. The second half kicked off with the same energy as North Carolina equalised again via Diana Ordonez who tapped in a square ball from Meredith Speck in the 53rd minute.

The action didn’t stop there as Rodman finished off her brace linking up again with Sanchez and getting the better of Kaleigh Kurtz before beating Murphy at the near post. Washington would have the game wrapped up but Sean Nahas’ charges had different ideas. In the 62nd minute, a penalty came their way after Ratcliffe was tripped in the area and Ordonez stepped up to coolly dispatch her attempt to make it 3-3. Courage could have had a winner in added time but the crossbar was at hand to deny substitute Jorian Baucom’s header. In the end, it was a draw that suited neither side as they look for ways to climb out of the basement.

While the thunder and rain was rolling in Carolina, Portland Thorns squeezed past Racing Louisville with a 2-1 victory at the Lynn Family Stadium in Kentucky. Sophia Smith marked her return to the side with a brilliant goal following a neat touch to get away from Gemma Bonner at the halfway line. Her driving run drifted to the left before she released a shot far post beating Katie Lund.

Portland dominated proceedings for most of the half but couldn’t double their advantage over a tired-looking Louisville. They were made to pay by young Aussie Alex Chidiac with a ridiculous finish from a tight angle. Coming off the left side, Chidiac dribbled past her first defender on the by-line before squeezing her shot past a crowded goalmouth to record her first goal of the campaign.

The second half began in an even fashion though Portland’s Bella Bixby had to pull off a fingertip save to deny Jessica McDonald’s header from close-range. It was substitute Raquel Rodriguez who made the difference for Portland in the second half as her shot in the 74th minute was initially parried by Lund but it fell right on Hina Sugita’s toes to simply finish the rebound condemning Racing to yet another late goal this season.

Above:  San Diego Wave players celebrate teenage debutant Jaedin Shaw, who scored the winner, after the game. Photo: @sandiegowavefc/Twitter.

Saturday evening saw the Chicago Red Stars take on the San Diego Wave at Soldier Field and it was the visitors who came out victorious with a slender 1-0 victory. The only goal of the game came from 17-year-old Jaedin Shaw, who was making her debut for the Wave. It was a well-worked move with Katie Johnson who was through on goal unselfishly laying it off to Shaw who took a touch to get past her marker before slotting the ball across the line in the 28th minute.

In the second half, the Red Stars began crafting chances but were being denied by a resolute Wave defence remarkably marshalled by rookie Naomi Girma. The defence was however broken up on the hour mark when Abby Dahlkemper received her marching orders for a second bookable offence. Chicago had thirty minutes to find an equaliser and had a chance to do so when Girma brought down substitute Ella Stevens with ten minutes to go. Kailen Sheridan proved to be the hero saving Mallory Pugh’s weak attempt to maintain the lead and get the win that took San Diego back to the top of the standings.

The final game on Saturday featured a battle for the last play-off spot as OL Reign came from behind to beat Angel City FC 3-2 at the Banc Of California Stadium. Angel City’s early goalscoring streak continued when Cari Roccaro found the back of the net in the 9th minute of the game.  They doubled their lead at the half-hour mark when Savannah McCaskill put away a penalty after Alana Cook was adjudged to have fouled Sydney Leroux. A penalty was handed on the other end in stoppage time of the first period when Jess Fishlock was fouled by Jun Endo but Kim Little’s attempt from the spot was expertly saved by DiDi Haracic.

In the second half, Reign turned the tide when Fishlock’s persistence paid off with a lovely goal bending her attempt past Haracic. Ten minutes later, Sofia Huerta found the equaliser with a flying long-range effort from the edge of the area. The comeback was completed when substitute Tobin Heath slotted in a lofted ball from Huerta to make it 3-2 with one minute of normal time remaining.

 Above: Ecstatic Sofia Huerta and Quinn after Huerta’s screamer Photo: @OLReign/Twitter.

Over at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, visitors, Houston Dash came back from a goal behind to win 4-2 in another multiple-goal thriller. Gotham took the lead courtesy of Paige Monahan in the 4th minute who tucked in Taylor Smith’s squared ball into the box.  Houston pushed on for an equaliser which came through an own goal by Gotham defender Mandy Freeman. From a corner by Maria Sanchez, Katie Naughton flicked it on at the near post before a mix-up in Gotham’s goal line.

Gotham looked more expressive in the second period and could have gotten their way back on a counterattack led by Midge Purce but after beating Nichelle Prince on the wing, her final pass couldn’t find Monahan.

Sophie Schmidt went on to produce a world-class finish for the Dash in the 70th minute with a clean left-footed strike into the top corner to make it 3-1. A minute later, they again found themselves in Gotham’s defensive area and McCall Zerboni’s clumsy tackle on Sanchez was punished with the award of a penalty. Up stepped Ebony Salmon to put it away down the middle for her fourth goal of the season.

Scott Parkinson’s side pulled one back with ten minutes to go when Purce was off to the races from her own half, driving and drifting to her left before letting one fly past Jane Campbell. That was however all they could do as Houston climbed up to third on the log ahead of Chicago Red Stars while Gotham’s season continues to look grim and the chances for a play-off spot quickly fading away.

The final game of the weekend saw Kansas City Current play out a 2-2 draw with the Orlando Pride at the Lynn Family stadium in Kansas. Orlando found themselves a goal up midway through the first half when Celia Jimenez beat Current’s Hailie Mace to a header past a static AD Franch. A goal totally against the run of play caught Kansas by surprise. They again caught Kansas napping at the beginning of the second half when Julie Doyle capitalised on a collision between Elizabeth Ball and Franch in the Current penalty area.

Above: Orlando’s Erika Tymrak squares off against Current’s Victoria Pickett Photo: @ORLPride/Twitter.

Ten minutes later, substitute Elyse Bennett pulled a goal back when she found herself one against one on the right wing and from a narrow angle, snuck her shot past McLeod. Pressure piled on for Orlando from that point with Bennett working their backline time and time before finally, Cece Kizer found the equaliser with 8 minutes on the board remaining. Lo’eau Labonta with a lofted ball into Kizer’s running route whose first touch took the ball over McLeod and easily finishing the move. The draw saw Kansas remain occupants of the final play-off spot and the Pride in eighth, five points adrift.

Graphic: NWSL.

NPL Victoria Women Round 18 Wrap

Kieran Yap provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Victoria NPL Women’s competition. As usual, there is a detailed report on one game and a wrap of all the other matches along with photos (3/8/22).

Above: Alana Jancevski (left) and Lia Privitelli show their joy after Bulleen’s 4-0 win at Bayside United. Photo: Bulleen Lions.

MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:

Bayside United 0-4 Bulleen Lions

Round 18 of Victoria’s NPLW was a goal fest. There were 19 goals over the four games and some surprising results. But through all the incredible attacking power on display, there was no better finishing than in Bulleen’s 4-0 win over Bayside United.

Bulleen’s third place position on the ladder was comfortable but not quite safe. Caitlin Friend’s team were missing Paige Zois who had been called up for Young Matildas duty and star defender Rebekah Stott had announced her return to the WSL with Brighton and Hove Albion.

These are two great testaments to the talent and form at Bulleen but does them no favours on match day. After losing 3-0 to Calder United last week, they needed a win to return some confidence to their position.

Bayside offered a good opportunity. The bottom-placed team are not as poor as some of their worst results suggest and have been competitive when they play to their strengths. Up against Bulleen’s sparkling attack, they were in for a tough afternoon.

The Lions were on the front foot from the kick-off, and in the 23rd minute, Alana Burn had the first of the game. A cross from Lia Privitelli on the left wing was cleared but fell to Burn around 20 yards from goal. The bayside defenders pushed out quickly to prevent another cross, but Burn took aim and fired a long-range, lofted effort into the net.

The second goal came in the 30th minute. Bayside’s attack was cut off by Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, who played it quickly to Privitelli. The captain had her back to the defender when she received the ball, but broke open the play with a good turn and strong run into the box.

She cut the ball back to Alana Jancevski, who was under pressure when she hit the first time shot. Her direction and connection was good enough to loop over the goalkeeper and make it 2-0.

Above: Lia Privitelli in action during Bulleen’s 4-0 win at Bayside United. Photo: Bulleen Lions.

Jancevski had been in strong form this season. She does not seem to hesitate in front of goal, similarly to her debut goal for Perth Glory in last season’s A-League Women’s she was able to catch the defender and goalkeeper by surprise for her seventh of the season.

Vlajnic scored one of her own in the second half, and it might be one of the best strikes you will see in Australia for all of 2022.

It is an easy goal to describe, but nearly impossible to do justice to with words. A Bulleen throw-in was played back to Vlajnic. The fullback is known for her incisive passing and good crossing, but she pulled off something truly special in the 70th minute.

After controlling the bouncing ball on her thigh, she hit a high, dipping shot with the outside of her left foot. It was the lowest percentage option, but Vlajnic executed the highest level of skill. The ball bounced into the goal off the far post and Bulleen were 3-0 up in incredible fashion.

In the 90th minute, The Lions put the icing on the cake. Jancevski was allowed space to turn and pick out a pass in the middle of the park. She played a through ball into the path of Simone Vass, but Bayside keeper Lauren Farrugia was out off her line and able to block the shot.

Aleena Gutszmit was on hand for the composed finish from the rebound. It was her first goal in just her second appearance and a wonderful ending to Bulleen’s afternoon.

Teams: BAYSIDE UNITED: Farrugia (Quinn 81′), Budiongo, Baker, Anvari (Dimas 84′), Cain-Edwards, Fogarty, Galletti, Kiousis (Susser 75′), Mclure, Parker (Gaudry 84′), Shearing, Sousa.

BULLEEN LIONS: Shields, Burn (Griss 83′), Dolzan, Jancevski, Little, Johnson, O’Bryan, Oruc, Privitelli (Vass 83′), Rodger, Sernio, Tevere, Vlajnic, (Vlajnic 88′).

Scorers: Burn 23’, Jancevski 30’, Vlajnic 70’, Gutszmit 90’.

Referee: John White.

Round 18 Wrap

Above: Calder United show their joy during a vital win over Heidelberg United in the top-of-the-table clash. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819

In other matches, Heidelberg United faced Calder United for the third time this season. The top-of-the-table clash was predictably dramatic. Kathryn Vlahopoulos’s penalty kick sent Heidelberg into the halftime break with a one-nil lead, but a strong second half from Calder saw them run out 2-1 winners. Alana Cerne levelled the scores for Calder, before Emma Robers scored a spectacular last-minute winner.

In any other week, Robers goal would have been the best of the round. Her volley from the edge of the box was perfectly hit and practically unsavable. It was always going to take something special to separate these sides.

Alamein and Box Hill United scored two goals each in an entertaining draw. Sofia Sakalis opened the scoring in the 12th minute, but Sidney Allen equalised almost straight away for Alamein.

Anais Josefski’s effort re-took the lead for Box Hill, but they were denied all three points by Nia Stamatopoulos’ in the 82nd minute.

Artwork: South Melbourne.

In the surprise result of the round, FV Emerging defeated South Melbourne 6-2 after a stunning second half.

An own goal and a strike from Akeisha Sandhu meant that South Melbourne went into the break 2-1 up. Anika Dovaston’s goal for FV Emerging had them in the game, but few would have predicted the second-half onslaught.

Sarah Cain levelled the scores in the 48th minute, before Candice Kilderry and Caitlin Karic added to FV Emerging’s tally. Cain and Karic both brought up their braces in a terrific performance by the young side.

South Melbourne were missing Claudia Mihocic from the defence and may have had their focus on the upcoming Nike FC Cup, but this was a stunning display by some of Victoria’s most promising rising stars.

Karic was exceptional with Australia’s Under 23’s recently, and Kilderry has five goals to her name this season. She is an attacker with a very composed finish and ability to time attacking runs perfectly.

Not much changes on the ladder. The top four remain fairly locked in, but FV Emerging could sneak into fourth spot if they win next week over Box Hill and Bulleen do them a favour against Alamein.

There are still three games remaining of the season, but Round 19 is shaping up to be a consequential one.

Table From: NPLW Victoria.

Lionesses Roar As Football Comes Home

Impetus’ Darrell Allen and Johnathan Stack reflect on an incredible evening at Wembley Stadium, with Darrell bringing the Lionesses’ perspective and Johnathan the German view as he hears from key members of the Germany squad and coaching staff (1/8/22).

Above: England lift the European Championship trophy amidst sensational scenes at Wembley last night. Photo: Lionesses.

More Than Just A Tournament Victory

by Darrell Allen

A dramatic evening which started with German star Alexandra Popp pulling out injured just minutes before kick-off ahead of a first half where England had chances, but couldn’t convert. Despite their setbacks, Germany bossed the second half, but the Lionesses showed their character with Ella Toone’s sensational goal. From there on the drama ratcheted up several more times as Lina Magull levelled with 10 minutes to go setting up extra-time. Then came Chloe Kelly to spark absolute delirium.

I look back at some of the key aspects of an incredible night at Wembley.

Scoring At A Crucial Time

Above: Ella Toone after putting the Lionesses ahead. Photo: Lionesses.

It’s a fact that when Ella Toone gave England the lead they were on the back foot in the game. After a goalless first half, Germany came out with more energy and assertiveness in the second half and should have been in front if it wasn’t for some top class goalkeeping from Mary Earps. 

Toone’s wonder goal came at a time when Beth Mead was making her way around the pitch perimeter after coming off injured so England took the lead with 10 on the field and whilst being on the back foot in the game which made it all the more extraordinary.

An England Tournament Win Is Never Easy

Above: Chloe Kelly after scoring the winning goal, with Jill Scott and Lauren Hemp in persuit. Photo: Lionesses.

Extra time in a major final which was also against Germany? It just had to be done.

England were the better team in the first half with Germany better in the second half period so extra time was perhaps the correct outcome.

Just as thoughts were turning to who would be taking penalties. Chloe Kelly poached home to win the tournament and spark wild scenes of celebration all around Wembley. 

Good game management saw England through to the end and be crowned European Champions. 

Jubilant Jill Scott

Above: After heartbreak 13 years ago, England legend Jill Scott was overjoyed to receive a winners medal last night. Photo: Lionesses.

The only player who played in the Lionesses’ previous major final, Euro 2009’s 6-2 loss to Germany final, this day meant so much to Jill Scott. 

Scott came on in the 88th minute and played to the conclusion of the final. The England legend could been seen in tears after the final whistle including when meeting Prince William in the post-match presentation. 

A hugely emotional day for all at Wembley Stadium but an especially proud one for Jill Scott.

Mead Claims Additional Triumph 

Above: Beth Mead with her trophy haul last night – top goalscorer, player of the tournament, and the European Championship trophy. Photo: Lionesses.

Little else can be left to say about Beth Mead of Arsenal. Over the course of the last month, Mead has befriended the nation and warmed the hearts of so many.

Her six goals and five assists saw her take the top scorer award and an additional accolade of player of the tournament. Of those goals, five came in the group phase including a hat trick against Norway before an important strike in the semi-final triumph over Sweden. Mead has become a national treasure all in the space of four weeks. 

The way that the Arsenal star conducted herself so positively and professionally in television interviews across the tournament has made her an icon and she has been a crucial component in making sure that England were in a position to win the tournament. 

More Than Just A Football Tournament 

Above: Scenes pre-game at Wembley – it has been an inspiring month for girls and women’s football. Photo: Euro 2022.

This victory by England will do so much for the women’s game in the country. Young girls just starting will have a much better time in society than the current crop of victorious Lionesses did growing up.

Hope will be that today’s crowd of 87,192 will inspire many to look for a domestic match near them when the Women’s Super League begins in September. 

We have been on an absolute thrill ride across the last month and that’s down to the wonderful role models of Sarina Wiegman and her fabulous team.

“We Were Close, But England Withstood the Pressure”

by Johnathan Stack

Germany’s bid for a ninth European championship crown came to a nail-biting end as the hosts of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, England won 2-1 in extra time at Wembley Stadium.

The Germans were rocked a few minutes from kick-off as their star player at this tournament and captain Alexandra Popp who was named in the starting 11 was ruled out of the game with a muscle injury sustained in the warm-up, so Lea Schüller was Popp’s replacement in the lineup as the players took their places in the tunnel.

Above: Germany’s key player Alexandra Popp warming up pre-game – her injury just minutes from kick-off was a body blow for Germany. Photo: DFB Frauen.

In a cagey first half which saw both teams come close to scoring which a goal mouth scramble nearly led to German defender Marina Hegering giving Germany the lead, and Ellen White coming close only to see her effort go just over Merle Frohms’ crossbar.

The game then came to life in the second half as Germany were caught out by a brilliant pass from Keira Walsh who found Ella Toone who audaciously chipped Frohms to give England the lead.

The Germans were back on level terms soon after as a great move on the edge of the box saw Lina Magull tap in Tabea Waßmuth’s near post cross.

But the Germans were ultimately undone in extra time as another goal scramble saw England substitute Chloe Kelly poke the ball home past Merle Frohms from close range to win the final for England.

One positive for Germany from this tournament is the fact that 20-year-old midfielder Lena Oberdorf was named UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Young Player of the Tournament.

Above: Lena Oberdorf with the Young Player of the Tournament trophy after the match. Photo: DFB Frauen.

Germany Head Coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg reflected on the agonising defeat saying: “We were close, but England withstood the pressure. Congratulations to them. We are very sad that we lost. We are in a process; it was not quite enough, so we have to do a little bit more. We grow from games like this.”

Speaking about losing her captain right before kick-off Voss-Tecklenburg said “Alexandra Popp would have triggered something against our opponents with her presence. But it just didn’t work out.”

Above: Germany head coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg ponders on where it all went wrong. Photo: DFB Frauen.

Voss-Tecklenburg added: “We gave it everything we had for 120 minutes. We overcame all sorts of setbacks, including the absences of Alex Popp and Klara Bühl. We have to let it sink in and process our disappointment while still being very proud of ourselves, because it was such an evenly-matched game, one that maybe didn’t deserve to have a winner at the end.”

Germany goalkeeper Merle Frohms had this to say after the game: “It was just as tense and exciting as we were expecting. We knew that England were tough opponents, but we also knew that we have beaten tough sides before, which gave us confidence. We weren’t able to bring it to the pitch today; maybe it was a little bit of nerves but, after six games, at some point your strength starts to run out a bit.

“It was amazing to play in front of a crowd like that and to have that many fans here. Even when we arrived on the bus, they were all waiting and applauding us. That’s what differentiates women’s football a bit: they were English fans, but you could feel that they were happy to have us there and they were looking forward to the game.”

Above: Germany down and out at the final whistle. Photo: DFB Frauen.

Germany defender Marina Hegering spoke after the match: “We were unlucky to lose. Sometimes, you just need a bit of luck. We had Lina Magull hitting the post — if that had gone it, maybe it would have changed things. It really hurts right now. It was very back and forth, and we managed to silence the crowd once. It would have been great if we had managed it a second time.”

“We grew into an incredible team here, and during our pre-tournament camps. We delivered some incredible team performances, which is one of our strengths, and we can draw on that to help us to process it all.”

Germany finishes their FIFA World Cup qualification group with an away doubleheader against Turkey and Bulgaria in September.

Teams: ENGLAND (4-5-1): Earps, Bronze, Bright, Williamson, Daly, Stanway, Walsh, Mead, Kirby, Hemp, White. Substitutes: Carter, England, Greenwood, Hampton, Kelly, Parris, Roebuck, Russo, Scott, Stokes, Toone, Wubben-Moy.

Scorers: Toone 62’ Kelly 110’.

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

Scorer: Magull 79’

Referee: Kateryna Monzul

Attendance: 87,192.

Georgia Stanway: There Was A Moment I Was Told I Wasn’t In

Impetus’ Ben Gilby was in the Lionesses pre-Euro 2022 media event yesterday and heard from England midfielder Georgia Stanway (30/7/22).

Above: Georgia Stanway speaking to the media yesterday afternoon as she revealed there was a time several months ago when she was told that she wouldn’t be in the team. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

England star Georgia Stanway revealed in the Lionesses pre-Euro 2022 Final media conference yesterday that she had been told that she was not going to be in the England team several months ago.

“To be honest, there was a moment when I was told I wasn’t. There was a moment where I was told to keep going and close the gap between me and the others. I’m not sure what changed things, what changed her (Sarina Wiegman’s) mind. There were no conversations. It was literally just down to situations.”

Stanway has been a sensation at this tournament, whilst her stunning goal against Spain in the quarter-finals took the headlines, she has been a real engine in midfield, a relentless ball of energy. It is now inconceivable that the Barrow-in-Furness-born player would not be part of this team.

Above: Georgia Stanway celebrating THAT goal against Spain in the quarter-finals. Photo: Lionesses.

“It’s been a bit of a ride, when Sarina first came into the job, I don’t think I was in favour. When she came in I was playing in defence for City and I’m a centre-midfielder. The Arnold Clark Cup was when I could actually say to her ‘This is me.’ It wasn’t really until the first game at the Euros that it felt like I was in.”

Stanway hasn’t looked back since and cannot stop beaming when asked about England’s progress in this tournament and the knock-on impact of it.

“We’re in such a good place. We’ve dominated the games we’ve played in so far. We know how special it is going to be. The stadium will be packed out, and the fans will be loving it!

“The number of people wearing England shirts with the women’s team names on is mad. It’s not women’s football, it’s not men’s football, it’s football.”

Georgia Stanway, England.

“It’s mad. We’re here and we don’t see much, but friends and family tell you. I don’t think though that we realise how big it’s been and how big it will be. It’s mad how many people recognise us.

Above: Georgia Stanway celebrating after England’s semi-final win. She’s aiming for even bigger celebrations on Sunday. Photo: Lionesses.

“We need to stop talking about how big women’s football is getting and now need to talk about how big it is. The TV figures are ridiculous now. The fans are going to be a massive part of it on Sunday.

“The fact that people are going – ‘The Lionesses are playing tonight, let’s get round the TV’ – it’s mad! The next step now is to get as many people as we can in the domestic game, we want as many people watching club as well as country.”

One of the aspects of the Lionesses being in camp for nine weeks that has not been touched upon is the lingering COVID protocols which have meant that the team have not been able to have any physical contact with loved ones for a considerable length of time. Stanway outlined the challenges that has posed for the squad.

“It’s been really hard, I can only speak to my parents from a distance, I just want to hug them. We haven’t seen our families for six weeks. This is the ninth week we’ve been in camp. People assume that because it’s a home tournament we’re seeing them all the time, but we’re not.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s Final, Stanway will be going up against a number of players who will be her new club teammates at Bayern Munich. However, the midfielder highlighted the influence of both Sarina Wiegman and Jill Scott in ensuring she is in the best possible place to be successful in the match.

Above: Georgia Stanway – playing for the little girl that wanted to be there from the start. Photo: Lionesses.

“Sarina has the experience, she’s been here and done it before, whereas we haven’t. We’ve made sure we’ve focused on ourselves. The biggest thing she has said to us is ‘Play for the little girl that wanted to be here from the start’.

“Jill doesn’t give herself enough credit for what she brings to this team. She always delivers. Off the pitch, she is the person to go to when you are down. She knows how to lift the mood. She always believed in me from the first day at Manchester City. She always told me ‘shoot! shoot! The only person who did…’ Indeed, and look what happened against Spain when Stanway did shoot!

One of the key battles in Sunday’s game will be in the midfield where the former Manchester City star will come up against the 20-year-old German sensation Lena Oberdorf.

“Yeah, the girls have told me that they are looking forward to the midfield battle between us to see who comes out on top! She is a great player. Their midfield is very good. It will be a real battle, but we’ll see who comes out on top. They can see how well we’ve done in this tournament. From the start, it was written in the stars that we would play Germany in the final. I think these are the two best teams going into the final.”

Jill Scott: It’s A Gamechanger If We Win

Impetus’ Ben Gilby was in the Lionesses pre-Euro 2022 Final media conference and heard from England legend Jill Scott, who played in the nation’s previous Euro Final in 2009 (29/7/22).

Above: Jill Scott speaking to the media today at the Lionesses’ South-West London base. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

“I’m actually gutted that on Sunday it will all be over, we’ve been having such a great time.”

Jill Scott, England.

Jill Scott is a legend of English football and an absolute stalwart of the Lionesses. With 160 caps behind her, Scott has been an integral part of the squad for this tournament, coming on as a substitute at vital times to transfer her experience to the team in order to aid them in getting over the line.

Scott first played for the Lionesses in 2003, and six years later was part of the England team that made it to their most recent major final – Euro 2009 in Finland. A game that ended in a painful 6-2 loss to Sunday’s opponents Germany.

“When you speak about the 2009 Final, we knew that Germany were ahead of us in a lot of ways in terms of where football was in their country compared to ours. It was always going to be so difficult to win that game.

“Where the game is at now, it’s a different place. I think the 2009 Final against Germany had about 15,000 people in the ground. Now there will be 90,000 on Sunday. In 2009 players had their first central contracts. Now everyone is professional in the WSL, training full-time. It’s like night and day. But we can’t forget everyone who came before us and wear the shirt.”

Above: Jill Scott in action in the Euro 2009 Final for England against Germany. Photo: Reuters.

“Now, we’ve made quarter-finals, semi-finals. A lot of money has been invested. Sunday is for everyone – people who went before us in the team. Women’s football writers often do it for the love of the game too – if we can win the tournament on Sunday, they can have their hands on the trophy too.”

Scott spoke openly about the emotions of seeing such incredible support for the team throughout the competition. “We’ve seen the crowds all tournament – 70,000 at Old Trafford for the opener, 90,000 on Sunday at Wembley. It gives me goosebumps just saying it. The fans have just been amazing.

“It’s a defining moment for our sport. It’s hard when you are in it, because you just go from one thing to the next – meeting, training session, match. We don’t see the noise on the outside. Young boys and girls are coming up to us at the hotel asking for pictures.

“We wanted to inspire the nation and provide more opportunities for young girls and young boys, give women opportunities to work in the sport. We’ve ticked all those boxes so far, I think. There’s just one more box to go now!

“It’s been really difficult not to get emotional. Just seeing so many people at our games, everyone hanging around to see us. There have been a lot of special moments. We can’t thank the fans enough, these are memories we’ll take away for life. We have to have logical minds on Sunday though and focus on the task in hand.

Above: Jill Scott takes on Finland’s Maija Saari in the Euro 2009 Quarter-Final. Photo: Reuters.

“It will be a gamechanger if we win on Sunday. It’s hard because I’d be lying if I said the whole thing hasn’t crossed my mind. You can’t help but dare to dream.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s final specifically, Scott knows that Germany will give the Lionesses a challenge on a higher level to those they have faced already.

“When Germany were playing France in the semi-final, we knew both teams were fantastic and it would make a tough final. It’s another top opposition and tough game. We have to focus on ourselves. The girls have been incredible, totally out of this world.

“Germany and ourselves have been the most consistent teams in this tournament. Germany are so physical, so well drilled. They like the one-on-one duels and like to get you in on those battles as they believe they will win them. We expect a tough test, but we can take a lot of confidence in how we’ve been playing.”

Of course, with England taking on Germany, there will always be talk (and fears) of a penalty shoot-out to decide the winners. Scott is calm about any prospect of that.

Above: Jill Scott in training during the tournament. She sees Sunday’s Final as potentially “gamechanging” for women’s football in England. Photo: PA.

“We’ve had all our processes set in place for months now. I feel we’re the best-prepared team here, we’ve prepared for every possible eventuality.”

It is absolutely clear that there is no fear in this Lionesses team. There is a sense of belief in their ability and a real calmness instilled by head coach Sarina Wiegman.

“Sarina has been brilliant. She is an incredible women. She is very logical. She keeps us focused. I don’t think she realises how good she is. Against Spain, she was so calm on the sideline, she had all her processes in place. She is the driving force behind us being in the final.”

Allied to the sense of calmness is the really tight nature of the players. “We have a special group, we all get on so well. Sometimes I sit there and think: ‘God, there’s 15 years between us,’ when I think about the likes of Lauren Hemp!

“For me, playing alongside Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway for the past eight years at Manchester City, I’m just glad that the whole world is able to now see what I’ve seen for the past eight years with them. I’ve played with the best players in the world in training everyday.”

Above: Jill Scott with Sarina Wiegman, who the England legend describes as being “the driving force behind us being in the final. Photo: AFP.

“Millie Bright blocked me today in training today and nearly broke my arm. I turned round and told her to make sure she does that on Sunday. I don’t think anyone has got past her this tournament. She’s won every single header. She has been so consistent for Chelsea and now with England. She always breaks through barriers to get herself on the pitch and she is now getting her rewards. The plaudits are so well deserved.”

Looking ahead, at the age of 35, Scott knows that time is not on her side in terms of her playing career, but will wait until the dust settles after the final to make any decisions.

“I said that I wanted to give absolutely everything at this tournament. It’s taken a lot of energy over the past three months. I don’t know. I’ll see what this week looks like, and some decisions will be made.”

Glory, Roar & Nix Announce New Additions

Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Perth Glory‘s Sarah Langman, Brisbane Roar‘s Hollie Palmer, and Wellington Phoenix‘s Chloe Knott as they are unveiled today – plus the views of each club’s head coaches on their signings (29/7/22).

Perth Glory Add Langman

Perth Glory today announced that goalkeeper Sarah Langman (formerly Willacy) has signed a one-year deal with the club.

The 27-year-old has played nearly 60 Liberty A-League games during spells with her hometown club, Adelaide United, and most recently, Western Sydney Wanderers. Langman was called into the Matildas squad for the 2019 friendly series against Chile.

Having featured 13 times for Wanderers last term, she is looking forward to furthering her ambitions to play Finals football in the West.

“I’m excited for my move to Perth for the upcoming season,” she said. “[Head Coach] Alex Epakis has built a core playing group and I am looking forward to bringing my experiences to the team and helping the club push for that Finals spot. I think the move to Perth is the right one for me to keep developing my football and to be the best I can be.”

Epakis believes that Langman is another key addition to the squad for 2022/23. “I am excited to have Sarah as part of the Perth Glory family for next season,” he said. “She has a great character about her and a strong skill-set on the field.

Above: Sarah Langman making a save during her Adelaide United days. Her arrival in Western Australia ensures that Perth Glory have two excellent goalkeepers. Photo: Sarah Langman Twitter.

“She will certainly add further depth to our goalkeeper options and will be doing her part to fight for a position and help the team improve and grow further. Sarah brings the experience of 60-odd ALW appearances and has been involved in senior Matildas camps across recent years.

“I believe her key strengths, on top of her shot-stopping ability, are her distribution from the back and her aggressive positioning. “I look forward to having her in the squad this season.”

Glory CEO Tony Pignata is similarly enthused by the prospect of Langman lining up for Glory.

“Sarah is undoubtedly one of the best ‘keepers in the competition,” he said, “and a very good pick-up for the club. There is serious competition for every position in the squad that Alex has worked so hard to assemble and that bodes well for what we are confident will be a really successful Liberty A-League campaign.”

Langman debuted for Adelaide in the 2016/17 season and soon established herself as the Reds’ first-choice number one, forcing herself into Matildas contention in the process

After six seasons with United, she completed a move to Western Sydney where she was again a regular starter, making 21 starts across the 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns. Glory’s new recruit made 47 saves last term and kept three clean sheets.

Artwork: Perth Glory

Perth Glory Contracted Players for Liberty A-League Season 2022/23

Morgan Aquino, Sarah Langman, Alana Jancevski, Kim Carroll, Hana Lowry, Claudia Mihocic, Tijan McKenna, Sofia Sakalis, Isabella Wallhead, Abbey Green, Natasha Rigby, Cyera Hintzen, Liz Anton, Sarah Cain, Demi Koulizakis, Sadie Lawrence, Ella Mastrantonio, Susan Phonsongkham.

Palmer Back At The Roar

Artwork: Brisbane Roar

Brisbane Roar today revealed that they had re-signed midfielder Hollie Palmer for the upcoming Liberty A-League season.

Palmer will rejoin the Roar following her NPL Queensland commitments with her current club Capalaba FC, where she has been building form and fitness after overcoming the ankle injury she sustained late last year.

That setback forced her to miss the first half of the last Liberty A-League campaign, meaning the 21-year-old will be full of motivation for the new season.

“Brisbane is home for me, I enjoy being around my family, and I when I got to play last season I enjoyed myself,” Palmer said. “We were starting to play well towards the end of last season, starting to get into a rhythm. It’s a shame it ended when it did. But I think that will give us so much confidence and if we can build on that, we’ll do well.

Above: Hollie Palmer in action for Brisbane Roar in the past. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

“I’m feeling good now thankfully. I’ve been working hard and it’s been good getting 90 minutes for Capalaba. Hopefully, I can stay injury free and have a good pre-season.”

Palmer becomes the Roar’s second confirmed re-signing with more to follow as Garrath McPherson looks to build on last season’s strong finish. Alongside captain Ayesha Norrie, the Head Coach now has two midfield pieces in place.

“It’s exciting,” McPherson said. “The way Hollie finished last season showed why we were so keen to bring her home from Melbourne. I can’t wait to see her fit and healthy and starting games.

“We’re chasing cohesion. We started pretty much from scratch last season, so to have Hollie and Eash locked away – and we’ll see a number of other re-signings – is a really good platform to build on.”Whilst that time out was disappointing for us and for Hollie, I think any time a player gets a long-term injury it gives them that hunger to get back and they really understand why they love football.”

Nix Secure Knott For Another Season

Artwork: Wellington Phoenix.

Chloe Knott is the latest player to commit to Wellington Phoenix. The hardworking midfielder has signed a new two-year deal with the club, after being one of just two players to start all 14 matches in the women’s maiden season.

Knott, 26, scored two of the Nix’s goals, including the first in the team’s breakthrough 3-0 win over Canberra United in February. She also showcased her versatility by playing in an unfamiliar position up front.

“It was definitely an easy decision to re-sign with the club,” Knott said. “I was super keen to get back into it after last season as it felt like we had a lot of unfinished business.

“As a team, we want to be competitive next season. We don’t want to just be in the league to make up the numbers. We want to win games and hopefully finish a lot higher than we did last season.”

Above: Chloe Knott in action for Wellington Phoenix last season – she played an important role in the club’s maiden season. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

Knott was born in England but went to high school in Auckland and wants to play for the Football Ferns in the future. “I have to stay in New Zealand to fulfil the eligibility requirements but I’m not complaining. A two-year deal for me means a bit of stability and means I can plan for the next two years with the Phoenix.

“I think there are going to be some tears as it’s going to be very emotional to be on New Zealand soil after last year. To have fans and family in the stands will be really awesome.”

While the Phoenix women won’t assemble in Wellington until October, Knott and a number of her teammates have been taking part in an off-season programme in Auckland, under the guidance of head coach Gemma Lewis.

“I’ve been training with a lot of the girls already like Paige [Satchell], Alyssa [Whinham] and Kate [Taylor]. We’ve all been in together since the Phoenix season finished and those partnerships will hopefully be fine-tuned for the season ahead.”

Above: Chloe Knott’s re-signing brings the Nix squad up to eight ahead of next season. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

Lewis is delighted Knott has re-signed with the club as she believes “Chloe embodies what the Phoenix are about in terms of her work ethic, her professionalism, and her commitment. She didn’t care who she was playing against, she always gave whatever she could and made an impact on the game,” Lewis said.

“We saw that with the turnovers she created and some of the scrappy goals that she created, which are hard to come by. Chloe also played wherever we put her last year and is really flexible in that respect. She can play as a midfielder really well, she can play in the forward line and she can still be effective.

“She’s an athlete and we know she’s only getting better and better as a result of being involved in the off-season programme.”

Chloe Knott is the Phoenix women’s eighth signing for the 2022-23 Liberty A-League season, joining fellow foundation players Lily Alfeld, Kate Taylor, Alyssa Whinham, Mackenzie Barry, and Brianna Edwards and Football Ferns recruits Betsy Hassett and Paige Satchell in the Wellington squad.

Summer’s Campaign For Equality

Back in June, the then nine-year-old Summer Hoofe went into her local branch of Sports Direct to buy a new pair of football boots. When she saw that the store had labelled football boots as being for boys, she was rightly shocked. Summer began a social media campaign highlighting the crazy situation and called for all football boots to be marketed as unisex which soon caught the attention of the Manchester Evening News. Impetus’ Ben Gilby spoke to Summer about her campaign, her football, and, of course the Lionesses (28/7/22).

Above: Summer with some of the trophies won with Tikitaka Girls. Photo: Charlene Hoofe.

“I first started playing about two years ago. “I enjoy being part of my teams and scoring goals.”

Summer Hoofe is just like any other young female footballer. She loves the game, she loves playing it, and she loves the camaraderie it brings. When she went into her local branch of Sports Direct to buy a new pair of football boots to wear for the three different teams she plays for, she got a nasty surprise.

“When I went into Sports Direct, to get new boots, I noticed that all the labels said they were for boys. It made me really angry, so my sister helped me to make a TikTok video about it.”

Summer Hoofe.
Above: Summer playing the game she loves. Photo: Charlene Hoofe.

“Once my friends saw my campaign that football boots should be branded as unisex, they agreed with me – even the boys that I play football with agreed. There haven’t been any women players who reached out to back my campaign though, and that makes me really sad.”

Summer lives and breathes football and plays the game whenever she can, as she reveals: “I play for Wigan Junior Latics Mixed Team on the wing. I also play for Tikitaka Girls and Bolton Futsal Club. The Latics Mixed Team did OK this season. Tikitaka did great and won the league. My best performance was when I played in a tournament and scored a worldie from the half way line!”

Above: Summer in the kit of her beloved Liverpool. Photo: Charlene Hoofe.

The youngster then highlighted her footballing heroes, and she clearly has an eye for a great player. “My favourite is Luiz Díaz at Liverpool because he is an effective creative player. Ella Toone is my favourite player for Manchester United as she inspires me to be just like her – but she can’t sing! Alex Brooks at Blackburn Rovers is also great because she has made some great saves and has a great kick.”

Like everyone who adores women’s football, Summer is loving every second of the Euros, and having been to a Lionesses match herself during the competition, she is absolutely clear that they are going to lift the trophy on Sunday.

Above: Summer shows her delight at discovering she had tickets for the Lionesses opening game at the Euros for her 10th birthday! Photo: Charlene Hoofe.

“England are going to win the Euros because I personally think they have smashed every team so far and I cannot wait to watch them on the TV playing at Wembley Stadium. It’s going to be amazing. I was really lucky to go and watch the opening game against Austria at Old Trafford as I got tickets for my 10th birthday.

“It was a great game and the atmosphere was amazing. I just wish that they had scored more goals, but they have made up for that since! Making history against Norway scoring eight. I’m so excited for Sunday, but it will be sad when it is over as it’s been so good watching so much women’s football on the TV.”

Above: Summer at Old Trafford for the Lionesses’ opening game with Austria at Euro 2022. Photo: Charlene Hoofe.

WAFCON: A Worthy Final And A Sign Of Things To Come

by Emmanuel Faith, Impetus’ African Women’s Football Correspondent (28/7/22)

Above: South Africa celebrate with the WAFCON trophy after defeating Morocco in the final. Photo: CAF Online.

When the hosts Morocco locked horns with the five-time finalists South Africa at the Rabat Stadium, we knew we were in for an exciting ride. Both teams were unbeaten prior to the finals, and both were set for breaking a record. Morocco trying to repeat a feat of hosting and winning, while the South Africans were committed to ending the hoodoo of the trophy evading them.

The first half was feisty, terse, and tense as South Africans played direct football, optimizing the speed and trickery of Noxolo Cesane and Seopesenwe on and off the ball. With half-goal scoring chances created in the fourth and eighth minutes, however the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco remained resilient, soaking up the pressure while hitting the Bayana Bayana on the counter. There were chances towards the end of the first half as Hildah Magaia drew a save from Morocco’s goalkeeper, while Ayane recorded the host nation’s first shot on target in the final.

The match sprung to life in the second half when Magaia connected with Seopesenwe to slot calmly into the right corner of the net to put South Africa ahead. A few minutes later, Magaia latched on a loose ball played into the box to double the lead leaving the Moroccan’s rattled. The hosts’ manager, Reynald Pedros issued directions from the touchline and it worked as in the 81st minute, Ayane connected with a beautifully laid pass from Fatima Tagnaout to get a goal back, causing the stadium to erupt in raucous roar.

South-African however defended with resilience in the last ten minutes, ensuring they laid their hands on the trophy for the first time.

Above: Zambia celebrate with their bronze medals after defeating Nigeria in the Third/Fourth Place Play-Off. Photo: CAF Online.

A day before, Zambia had beaten the Super Falcons of Nigeria by a goal to nothing to take the bronze medal. A long-range strike from Zambian midfielder, Susan Katongo hit the bar and was deflected into the net off of the Nigerian goalkeeper. It was enough to give the she-polopolo of Zambia the win.

This was the first time the Nigerian women finished outside of the top three teams since 2012. Andile Dlamini won the goalkeeper of the tournament, while Ghizlane Chebbak won the player of the tournament.

With all eyes on the FIFA World Cup 2023, there are a lot of expectations from Africa. The continent’s best finish on the global stage has been quarter-finals and they would be looking forward to equaling that record and who knows, maybe surpassing it.

Above: Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak, player of the tournament. Artwork: CAF Online.

For players like Grace Chanda, Ghizlane Chebbak, and Jermaine Seopesenwe, they are new names the world can’t wait to behold, while for established stars like Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala, who were recently crowned African player of the year for a record fifth time, they would be looking to make a better account of themselves while living up the expectations of their fans and supporters.

Let’s not forget that there is still the possibility of one or two more African nations picking up slots from the Inter-Confederation play-offs next February, and I am sure that Africans would be hoping that at least, Cameroon gets one of those slots as it increases the continent’s chances of making it to the next round.