How Ellie Carpenter could change the game for Chelsea

By Genevieve Henry (2/7/25)

Above: Ellie Carpenter in action for Australia

Ellie Carpenter isn’t just another signing for Chelsea– with her unmatched engine, tenacious speed, and elite experience, she could be not only the future of the club, but a complete game changer. Impetus Football’s Genevieve Henry takes a look at how this transfer will benefit both Chelsea and Carpenter.

Chelsea have won almost everything they could ever dream of. It’s no secret that Sonia Bompastor was brought in to chase the elusive UEFA Women’s Champions League title– a title with which she is very familiar. In recruiting Carpenter, Bompastor adds to the list of UWCL winners in the team in hopes of their experience improving Chelsea’s shot at the trophy. 

But, Carpenter doesn’t just come with an impressive collection of titles, accolades, and records–there is a reason she’s been at the top for so long. Making her debut for the Australian Women’s National Team at just 15, Carpenter has played a key role in the squad for an astonishing ten years. Thriving in her preferred position of right-back, she has developed a near-unbeatable set of skills.

Known for her rapid speed and fearless attacking from deep-lying positions, Carpenter is one of the most versatile and valuable players in the game. Carpenter’s style of play matches Chelsea’s dynamic tactics well. Her flexibility as a player is a great asset and should fit into their system well. 

Not only should Carpenter help Chelsea, but vice versa. Chelsea’s world-class facilities and staff can bring the Australian to the next level. Under the tutelage of Bompastor at Lyon, Carpenter came into her own as one of the best defenders in the world, but with a little more time she could become the very best. 

Although she is skilled in many aspects, Carpenter could reach these new heights if she increases her productivity in scoring goals. While prolific scoring is a rare skill for fullbacks to master, Carpenter’s speed allows her to be in dangerous positions. As seen recently for Australia, she can create the opportunities necessary; she just needs the confidence to back herself. If she could become confident in front of net, the 25-year old could truly become one of the most dangerous players anywhere. 

Above: Carpenter defends against Japan and West Ham’s Riko Ueki. Image: Genevieve Henry for Impetus.

Alongside scoring, Carpenter should be able to increase her output in terms of assisting teammates. While she is currently a frequent distributor of secondary assists, her positioning once again allows her to create such dangerous chances that she should realistically be able to produce more assists. With Chelsea’s attackers and many goalscorers throughout the squad, there is some serious talent to both finish chances and assist her in her own endeavours. 

However, it may not be a cakewalk for Carpenter. The Australian will face fierce competition for her spot in the defensive line, with world-class teammates looking to cement their own place in the starting lineup. At the same time, one would assume a player of Carpenter’s calibre may not agree to a move if not guaranteed playing time. As her deal is rumoured to be a swap deal with Canadian Ashley Lawrence, the move suggests a straight positional swap. 

Within Chelsea’s illustrious squad, there is potential for Carpenter to develop great connections on the field. She will have the opportunity to play alongside some of the most respected defenders in the game, with stars such as Naomi Girma and Lucy Bronze among the headliners. These world class players can also contribute to one another’s growth, not only from pushing one another in training, but in simply assimilating and becoming the very best they can be.

Pushing up from defence, Carpenter will also have the opportunity to form partnerships with attacking players. Fans can see the productivity of Carpenter when her fluidity is matched by those around her. For the Matildas, Carpenter’s relationship with right-winger Hayley Raso has become one of the most dangerous aspects of their game. As displayed in recent games (with Holly MacNamara and the Matildas), Carpenter is at her best when matched for speed by a teammate, allowing the two to bomb up the field wreaking havoc. With quick players such as Aggie Beever-Jones and Sandy Baltimore in Chelsea’s squad, this could develop into a promising attack plan. 

Another positive aspect of this move is Carpenter’s connections to individuals already at Chelsea. This move by Bompastor makes sense, as she saw promise in the Australian defender back when she signed for Lyon and has worked to develop her massively. She is also familiar with Camille Abily, assistant at Lyon and now Chelsea. Carpenter also played with the likes of Catarina Macario and Kadeisha Buchanan at Lyon, the latter of which is an especially vital connection defensively. Lastly, Carpenter of course knows Sam Kerr very well, with this transfer possibly representing a metaphorical passing of the torch. 

Above: Carpenter captaining her national team in the SheBelieves Cup. Image: Genevieve Henry for Impetus.

Carpenter is not only a fantastic player, but a promising leader. As a player in the prime of her talent, the 25-year old can grow into a leadership role within Chelsea’s squad. Carpenter has played on the biggest stages, with two Champions League titles as well as experience at two World Cups and three Olympic games with the Matildas. In fact, she holds the record for the youngest female footballer to ever compete at the Olympics. These facts only encapsulate a fraction of her excellence, alongside her many other impressive feats.

All in all, Chelsea’s acquisition of Ellie Carpenter should be a story that ends with trophies and glory. 

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Euros preview: Wales

By Gethin Thurlow (2/7/2025)

Above: The Cymru squad heading to Switzerland. Photo: Cymru on X

For the first time ever, Wales are in a major international tournament. They’ve been thrown right into the deep end with their group: the plucky underdogs will be looking to cause a few upsets, particularly against rivals England.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Olivia Clark (Leicester City), Safia Middleton-Patel (Manchester United), Soffia Kelly (Aston Villa), Poppy Soper (Blackburn Rovers).

Defenders: Rhiannon Roberts (Real Betis), Josie Green (Crystal Palace), Charlie Estcourt (DC Power), Hayley Ladd (Everton), Gemma Evans (Liverpool), Mayzee Davies (Manchester City), Lily Woodham (Crystal Palace – on loan from Seattle Reign), Ella Powell (Bristol City), Esther Morgan (Sheffield United).

Midfielders: Alice Griffiths (Durham – on loan from Southampton), Angharad James (Seattle Reign), Lois Joel (Newcastle United), Carrie Jones (IFK Norrköping), Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign), Mared Griffiths (Manchester United).

Forwards: Ceri Holland (Liverpool), Rachel Rowe (Southampton), Kayleigh Barton (Charlton Athletic), Tianna Teisar (Bristol City), Hannah Cain (Leicester City), Ffion Morgan (Bristol City), Elise Hughes (Crystal Palace).

Head coach:

The Canadian Rhian Wilkinson took over in February during a crucial 2024 for Cymru, with Euros qualification being decided later that year. Not only has she achieved this, but she has brought Cymru to a level above where they have been under previous managers, both in terms of performance and results.

Above: Rhian Wilkinson. Photo: Cymru.

While her tactics follow a similar basic pattern to former Cymru coaches: defend, defend, counter-attack; Wilkinson’s model is more structured. Forwards like Ffion Morgan and Hannah Cain are chosen and use their speed to get in behind opposition, while midfielders like captain Angharad James-Turner and Jess Fishlock use their passing talent to sit deeper and pick out those long balls.

Wilkinson has outright improved individual players, beyond tactical adjustments too. For moments in matches now, even when facing top sides Cymru can consistently threaten the box and posses the ball in the opposition’s half. She has transformed the side in only a year.

With more wins (6) than losses (5) or draws (5) from her first 16 games in charge, the Canadian has shown her pedigree and as long as Cymru can hold onto her, the future can only get better for this side.

Euros history:

Coming to the women’s football party later then a lot of other European countries, Cymru have always been a bit behind, only appointing a full-time manager in 2012. However, since then the dragons have gone from strength to strength, edging closer to qualification each tournament that passes.

How they qualified:

Being placed in a ‘league B’ group. Cymru knew they would have to go through the playoffs to qualify, but winning the group did give them a more favourable path through the playoffs, which is exactly what they did. In the first round of playoffs, Wales lost they away leg 2-1 but pulled it back 2-0 at home to win 3-2 on aggregate thanks to an extra time Jess Fishlock goal.

 This got them into the final playoff, two legs against a favoured Ireland side that had beaten France merely months prior and qualified for the last World Cup. After a nervous draw in the home leg, they faced a tough task against a huge Irish crowd at the Aviva. Defending valiantly all game, two second half goals were enough to see Cymru to their first ever major tournament.

Strengths:

As they have shown in their Nations League group up against top European opponents (Sweden, Denmark, Italy), Rhian Wilkinson’s side work very hard off the ball and are difficult to break down – they rarely concede more than one or two goals in a game and this means they are hardly ever ‘out’ of any given match.

They are also able to counter-attack quickly, with pace in attacking areas and midfielders with the ability to play accurate long balls. This allows Cymru to punish teams that dominate the ball and play a high defensive line if they can keep the ball out of the net.

Development areas:

Whilst the defence is fantastic and Wilkinson builds the tactics to get the most out of her players, the top sides are going to score past you if they dominate possession. The midfield therefore will definitely need to focus on controlling the ball and dictating the overall play more to compete against the world class midfields they will face in the Euros. They could do with being more clinical too; when playing a counterattacking style the chances on goal are going to be few and far between so you need to score them when they do arise, and this is something which holds back Cymru.

Key players:

Jess Fishlock

Bigger than football in Wales itself, Jess Fishlock barely needs an introduction. Having bossed America, Australia, England and even the Netherlands for the last two decades; at the ripe age of 38 Fishlock is not done yet. The motivation of playing at a major tournament for Cymru has surely given her that drive to keep going, especially given how close they were to reaching the last few world cups. Whatever the result then, July is going to be a surreal and special moment for her.

Above: Jess Fishlock for Wales. Photo: Ashley Crowden/FAW.

On the pitch, Fishlock is more than just a talismanic figure. Her ability to move the ball is still world class; she’s probably still the best finisher on the team and with bags of experience and intelligence, she can read the game on a different level to the others. Keeping Fishlock fit and maximising her minutes will be Cymru’s most crucial task in the tournament.

Olivia Clark

However well Cymru perform at the Euros, they are going to face a lot of shots. That’s where goalkeeper Olivia Clark comes in. Even when the defence does its job, much responsibility still falls on the Leicester City goalkeeper to keep the opposition out. Not only are her reflexes to be tested, but she’ll need to be on tip top form in terms of kicking and aerial claims too, given how pinned in Wales are likely to be facing such world class opponents.

One to watch:

Liverpool attacking midfielder Ceri Holland had a good WSL campaign this year and she has also shone for Cymru since Wilkinson’s appointment. Employed as a attacking midfielder and sometimes as a winger for Cymru, Holland has exceptional passing ability and is often driving on attacks with her vision and poise on the ball.

With goalscoring opportunities limited, Cymru will be relying on Holland’s magic in the summer to create clear cut chances, whether that be a killer-accurate pass into the box through the defence, a looping cross or a long ball for the strikers to chase much of Cymru’s attacking threat will come through her.

Success would be:

Drawn into group D, which in these Championships really does stand for group of death. Containing the last two winners (England 2022, Netherlands 2017) alongside perennial contenders France, who have just trounced their Nations League group with six wins from six. Given this outstanding pedigree of opponents and given where Cymru’s level ultimately is; I think getting a point will constitute a successful Euros.

While this may sound harsh, I don’t think there are many teams in world football that would fancy themselves to get a point out of those three games. What I think is most important to emphasize is that just qualifying is an absolutely massive achievement for the country. Whatever occurs in the tournament, it will be a watershed moment for Cymru and will only push women’s football on.

Prediction:

I think they can do it, and while the Red Wall would love it to be against England; I see that first major tournament point coming earlier – in their first game in fact against the Dutch. With star striker Vivianne Miedema fighting to make the squad with a hamstring injury they will be most vulnerable at the beginning of the competition. If Cymru can put together a plan and execute it, this could catch the Netherlands off guard in the game they are probably focusing on least.

All it takes is a Dutch team that hasn’t quite gelled yet for Cymru to put them under pressure and whether they can find the back of the net or not I can see this game being 0-0 or 1-1. It is very hard to imagine Cymru getting any more than that; out of what is a dominant France team and the holding European Champions led by tournament specialist Sarina Wiegman.

Group fixtures:

5th July – Netherlands, Swissporarena, 5pm UK time

9th July – France, St. Gallen, 8pm UK time

13th July – England, St. Gallen, 8pm UK time

This is the latest part of our Euros nation previews – click on the links below to view the previous articles:

SWITZERLAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/16/euros-preview-switzerland-2/

NORWAY: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/17/euros-preview-norway/

FINLAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/18/euros-preview-finland-2/

ICELAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/19/euros-preview-iceland-2/

SPAIN: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/20/euros-preview-spain-2/

PORTUGAL: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/21/euros-preview-portugal/

BELGIUM: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/22/euros-preview-belgium-2/

ITALY: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/23/euros-preview-italy/

SWEDEN: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/24/euros-preview-sweden-2/

POLAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/25/euros-preview-poland/

DENMARK: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/26/euros-preview-denmark/

GERMANY: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/27/euros-preview-germany-2/

FRANCE: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/28/euros-preview-france-2/

ENGLAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/29/euros-preview-england-2/

NETHERLANDS: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/30/euros-preview-netherlands-2/

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NPLW Vic R14: Box Hill find a way past Boroondara

By Kieran Yap 1/7/25

Above: Box Hill United score the winning goal from the penalty spot.

Box Hill and Boroondara-Carey played out a five goal thriller, with Sofia Sakalis’s solo run helping decide the game.

Box Hill entered Round 14 with the announcement of a new signing. Dual Melbourne City premiership winner Rhianna Pollicina returned to the club to join the attack and wear the armband. She was accompanied by fellow A-League Women’s forward Carina Rossi who would form part of an attack with club icon Sofia Sakalis and Sienna Techera. When combined with the promising form of rising star Georgia Karaparidis and American import Josephine Aulicino, Box Hill suddenly look like a club that needs to supply popcorn at home game for the pure entertainment on show.

Their opponents may not boast as many big names but are now seasoned campaigners in this league and routinely find themselves challenging more established clubs for honours or ladder position. 2025 has been no exception for Boroondara-Carey Eagles and the visitors could not be taken lightly.

Box Hill started the brighter of the two teams. It is not unusual to dominate possession against Boroondara, but is can be difficult to forge chances against one of the league’s better counter-attacking sides.

The home sound found no such problem, a header from a corner kick bounced off the crossbar in the opening minutes.

It was not long before Box Hill had the lead and it was through the skill and style of Pollicina.

Sakalis and Techera combined out wide to put Aulicino in a shooting position. Her effort was blocked but the ball spun up into the air and fell kindly for Pollicina to volley home from close range.

In response, Boroondara went on the attack and nearly drew level through Drew Dempsey. The winger’s shot from wide did not seek to trouble Chloe McKenzie in goal but was a reminder of the danger in giving Boroondara half a chance.

That danger came to pass when Candela Ferreyra-Bas earned a penalty in the closing stages of the half. The former Box Hill player picked herself up to score from the spot kick herself and level the scores.

Box Hill retook the lead in the second half. Nikolina Bucalo’s cross from the right caused chaos in the Boroondara defence and Katie Cox was able to bundle it home to make it 2-1.

Another Box Hill attack almost provided a two goal cushion, but Angeliki Hondoulas cleared off the line to keep Boroondara in the game.

That almost proved fateful when Hayley Geurts’s free kick from very long range fizzed into the bottom corner for Boroondara’s second equaliser.

The visitor’s defensive efforts look to have earned them a valuable point, but in the 86th minute Sakalis had other plans. The attacker went on a long trademark run through the middle of the park and earned a penalty which Aulicino placed beyond Mia Mossman.

It is the type of chance few players in this or the A-League Women could create. Sakalis had the rare ability to carry the ball through central areas and attack with great pace and purpose. She’s a weapon and she delivered when Box Hill needed her most.

The result had implications at the top half of the table with Boroondara being leapfrogged by Bulleen Lions.

Box Hill will travel to face Bentleigh Greens and build on their improving form.

Around The Grounds

A long ranger screamer from Julia Budiongo sealed three points for Spring Hills at home to Essendon Royals.

Olivia Wood opened the scoring for Essendon in the first half after finishing a great counter attack. Maja Markovski levelled things up with a well placed header from a Spring Hills corner.

Mami Albo scored with an effort from the wing to give the home side a deserved lead. It may have been a cross but it looked on target the moment it left her boot. Budiongo’s long range drive ensured the win for Spring Hills FC.

Preston Lions hosted Bulleen and played out a game of two halves. The visitors ended the first half 3-0 ahead thanks to a brilliant run and chip from Ava Briedis, a scrambled close range finish from Isabella Accardo and powerful strike from Hollie Massie. It could have been more but Paige Zois’s effort skimmed the crossbar.

Preston brought themselves back into the match almost immediately after half time. Mebae Tanaka’s goal brought it back to 3–1 and Valentine Pursey’s 75th minute strike ensured a frenetic finish.

Bulleen held on for the win and find themselves in third place after the game between Alamein and South Melbourne.

A solitary goal separated the two top four sides. South Melbourne captain Francesca Iermano delivered her team the three points in the 88th minute.

A Rebecca Saber equaliser was not enough to rescue Bentleigh Greens against Brunswick Juventus.

The 55tu minute goal came either side of strikes from Natalia O’Leary and Sienna Cappola to secure an important win for the home side.

Sarah O’Donoghue’s first half brace gave Heidelberg United a 2-1 lead against a spirited FV Academy.

A well worked move that ended in an Emily Rutkowski goal levelled the scores in the second half but Heidelberg went up another gear and won 4-2 thanks to goals from Brontë Peel and new signing Caitlin Karic.

Following last week’s draw against South Melbourne, it was another strong performance by FV Academy against top quality opposition. It was not until Peel’s goal on the counter attack that the win looked safe for Heidelberg United.

Round 15 will see the runaway leaders face South Melbourne in what shapes to be the game of the round, but elsewhere third placed Bulleen face Alamein in fourth in a must win match for both sides.

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NPL NSW Women’s Round 17 Wrap-Up: Short-Handed Sides, Surprise Upsets, and the Finals Race Heating Up

By Georgie Lewis 1/7/25

Above: University of Sydney and Sydney Olympic line up before their match Photo: Georgie Lewis

As the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition enters its final stretch, Round 17 delivered another set of compelling storylines.

With several teams missing key players due to Young Matildas camp, the weekend tested depth, resilience, and tactical adaptability. From APIA’s upset of the league leaders to Sydney Uni’s composed win over an in-form Olympic, every match carried serious implications for the top four.

Here’s how the action unfolded across the grounds:

Match of the Round – APIA Leichhardt 2-0 Mt Druitt Town Rangers
At Lambert Park, APIA Leichhardt reignited their finals hopes with a statement 2-0 victory over table-topping Mt Druitt Town Rangers. From the outset, APIA looked sharp and hungry, matching Mt Druitt’s physicality and pressing them into uncomfortable positions.

Their opener came at a crucial time — just before the break — when Sophie Hoban finished off a flowing team move with a confident strike. In the second half, APIA maintained the intensity, with Ash Brodigan doubling the lead after a clever build-up on the right flank. Brodigan’s finish was composed, capping off a complete performance from Brad Attard’s side.

The win hands Mt Druitt only their second loss of the season and serves as a reminder that APIA, despite recent inconsistency, remain a serious threat. With the Sapphire Cup final between these two sides looming, this result could also be a psychological boost for the inner-west outfit.

Bulls FC Academy 3-1 Northern Tigers
Bulls FC Academy extended their unbeaten streak to ten matches in a performance that showcased both style and steel. Claudia Valletta opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a curling free-kick from the left wing — a moment of individual brilliance that set the tone for the rest of the match.

Northern Tigers responded seven minutes later when Nicola Dominikovich showed persistence in the box, capitalising on a loose ball to level the score. But the Bulls, brimming with confidence, hit back almost instantly. Tamires Souza ghosted into the box and buried Valletta’s cross with a composed header just before the break.

In the second half, Bulls tightened their grip. Petria Phillips capped off the performance with a stunning long-range strike that rocketed into the top corner — a goal worthy of the highlight reel. The Bulls now sit well-positioned on the ladder and are one of the most in-form sides in the competition. Their blend of attacking fluency and defensive organisation has made them a dark horse for the premiership.

Sydney University 2-0 Sydney Olympic
At Sydney Uni Football Ground, the hosts delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, frustrating an Olympic side riding a five-game winning streak. Despite several key absences, Uni looked organised and confident in their structure.

They struck early through Jenny Hill, who found space in the box to nod home a pinpoint cross. The first half was an even contest statistically, but Uni’s defensive shape and work rate stood out. Olympic, who have surged up the table in recent weeks, struggled to break down a disciplined back line.

As the game wore on, Olympic committed more bodies forward — and Uni made them pay. In stoppage time, substitute Poppy Tay burst into space on the counter and unselfishly squared it for Hill, who slammed home her second and sent the Uni bench into celebration. It was a professional, composed win that keeps Sydney Uni within reach of a late push.

Illawarra Stingrays 1-1 NWS Spirit
Down the south coast at Macedonia Park, third-placed Illawarra Stingrays and fourth-placed NWS Spirit played out a tense, high-stakes 1-1 draw. The opening goal came in the 18th minute when a misplayed pass out from the back by the Stingrays allowed Princess Ibini to calmly slot into the bottom corner for Spirit.

Spirit, who have struggled to convert pressure into goals in recent weeks, were without key forward Skye Halmarick due to Young Matildas duty — a notable absence in a side still looking to rediscover its early-season attacking rhythm.

Despite the setback, the Stingrays grew into the game, and their pressure finally told in the 76th minute. A looping cross from Siobhan Edwards caused chaos, leading to a rebound that Kaelah Austin hammered into the roof of the net. It was a deserved equaliser for the hosts, who once again showed their ability to grind out results.

But for both sides, it was an opportunity missed. Illawarra continue to lead the league in draws — a pattern that could haunt them if they can’t start turning one point into three.

Macarthur Rams 3-0 UNSW
At Lynwood Park, the Rams rediscovered their scoring touch in a dominant 3-0 win over an inconsistent UNSW side. Tea Mucenski opened the scoring with a brilliant back-to-goal finish after Darcey Malone’s deflected shot fell into her path. Her awareness and execution gave Macarthur the early edge.

Shortly after halftime, Mucenski turned provider, swinging in a pinpoint cross from the left that Bronte Trew coolly converted. Then, in the 77th minute, Sakura Nojima split the UNSW defence with a perfectly-weighted through ball, and Halle Callow raced through to finish with precision.

It was the kind of performance that Macarthur — last season’s champions — have needed. While they’ve been off the pace this year, this result could be a turning point heading into a difficult run home.

Manly United 2-0 Newcastle Jets
Manly United kept pace with the top four after a solid 2-0 win at Cromer Park. The match began in even fashion, but Manly soon found their stride. In the 20th minute, Lucy Richards released Nicole Stuart on the right wing, and she made no mistake with the finish.

Manly controlled much of the contest from there, though they had to wait until the 85th minute to double their advantage. Stuart turned provider, setting up substitute Sienna Dale, who whipped in a precise cross for Anita Zordan to bury at the back post.

The Jets, still winless in their last seven, showed glimpses of attacking intent but were again undone by lapses in concentration and a lack of cutting edge. For Manly, the clean sheet and three points could prove vital in what’s shaping up to be a chaotic finals race.

Gladesville Ravens 2-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
The final match of the round saw Gladesville Ravens come from behind to defeat the Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 at Christie Park. On a chilly evening, it was the visitors who struck first — Olivia Vanderlaan found Amy Barker in the box, and the Wanderers forward fired low into the corner.

But the Ravens, who had snapped their winless streak last week, weren’t rattled. Allyssa Ng Saad continued her red-hot form, drawing her side level with a composed finish in the 56th minute.

Then came the winner: a relentless high press forced the Wanderers into an error while playing out from the back, and Patricia Charalambous capitalised with a powerful strike that found the net despite Aimee Hall getting a hand to it.

It was another gutsy win for Lauren Phelps’ side, who now seem to be turning a corner at just the right time.

 Ladder Check – After Round 17

  1. Mt Druitt Town Rangers – 35 pts (16 played)
  2. Bulls FC Academy – 33 pts (17 played)
  3. Manly United – 31 pts (17 played)
  4. Illawarra Stingrays – 31 pts (17 played)
  5. NWS Spirit – 30 pts (17 played)
  6. APIA Leichhardt – 27 pts (17 played)
  7. Northern Tigers – 25 pts (16 played)
  8. UNSW – 25 pts (17 played)
  9. Gladesville Ravens – 20 pts (17 played)
  10. Sydney Olympic – 18 pts (16 played)
  11. Western Sydney Wanderers – 18 pts (17 played)
  12. Sydney University – 15 pts (16 played)
  13. Macarthur Rams – 12 pts (17 played)
  14. Newcastle Jets – 9 pts (17 played)

Top four qualify for finals. Bottom team faces relegation.

🇦🇺 Young Matildas Watch – Round 17 Absences

With the Young Matildas in camp this week, 14 NPL NSW clubs were affected by player absences — with many missing key starters. While some clubs were able to adapt, others felt the strain as the finals race intensified.

NWS Spirit

  • Skye Halmarick (FWD)
  • Rubi Sullivan (DEF)
    Spirit’s attacking edge was blunted without Halmarick, and their backline missed Sullivan’s presence.

Macarthur Rams

  • Tegan Bertolissio (DEF)
  • Amelia Cassar (MID)
  • India Breier (FWD)
  • Maya Lobo (DEF)
    A heavily depleted Rams squad stepped up impressively in a 3-0 win.

Bulls FC Academy

  • Amber Luchtmeijer (FWD)
  • Avaani Prakash (MID)
    Still dominant, the Bulls’ depth continues to shine.

Illawarra Stingrays

  • Sienna Saveska (FWD)
  • Caley Tallon-Henniker (FWD)
    With their regular forwards out, the Stingrays again struggled to secure all three points.

Northern Tigers

  • Jasmine Black (GK)
    A crucial defensive leader absent in their 3-1 loss to the Bulls.

Sydney University

  • Madeleine Caspers (MID)
    Creative spark missing, but others filled the void.

Sydney Olympic

  • Tiana Fuller (FWD)
  • Peta Trimis (FWD)
    Olympic lacked their usual dynamism up front.

Western Sydney Wanderers

  • Amelia Bennett (DEF)
  • Talia Younis (MID)
    Both absences contributed to Wanderers’ inability to close out their lead.

Despite the disruption, the round showcased impressive squad depth and rising stars across the league.

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Euros preview: Netherlands

By Rachel Gore (30/6/25)

Above: The Netherlands starting line up ahead of their fixture against South Africa. Photo: Oranjeleeuwinnen. 

The Netherlands took home the Euros trophy in 2017 but have underwhelmed since. This summer, the side want to impress once more and make it past the quarterfinals.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal), Lize Kop (Tottenham), Danielle de Jong (Twente)

Defenders: Lynn Wilms (Unattached), Caitlin Dijkstra (VfL Wolfsburg), Ilse van der Zanden (Utrecht), Veerle Buurman (PSV), Merel van Dongen (Monteerey), Kerstin Casparij(Manchester City), Dominique Janssen (Manchester United)

Midfielders: Jill Roord (PSV), Sherida Spitse (Ajax), Danielle van de Donk (Lyon), Victoria Pelova (Arsenal), Damaris Egurrola (Lyon), Jackie Groenen (Paris Saint-Germain), Wieke Kaptein (Chelsea)

Forwards: Lineth Beerensteyn (VfL Wolfsburg), Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City), Romée Leuchter (Paris Saint-Germain), Esmee Brugts (Barcelona), Chasity Grant (Aston Villa), Renate Jansen (PSV), Katja Snoeijs (Everton)

Head coach:

Andries Jonker was appointed as the Netherlands Women’s head coach in 2022 with a contract which stretched to the end of the 2025 Euros. It has now been confirmed that this contract will not be extended and that Arjan Veurink will become the new head coach after this summer.

So far, Jonker has experienced 33 games in charge. These fixtures have resulted in 19 wins, four draws and ten losses.

Euros history:

It was not until 2009 that the Netherlands qualified for the European Championships, and it was in this debut year that they made it to the semi-finals. However, at the next tournament, in 2013, the side exited in the group stage after they failed to gain any wins. 

Sarina Wiegman then led her Dutch team to victory on home soil in 2017. This win changed the trajectory of women’s football in the Netherlands as it prompted a growth in popularity and increased following of the women’s game.

Following this outstanding performance in 2017, fans had high hopes for the Netherlands at the 2022 Euros. Despite these, the squad exited the tournament in the quarter-finals after losing to France in extra time. 

How they qualified:

The Netherlands finished second in their qualification group which included Italy, Norway and Finland. The side won two of their matches, drew three and lost one. Ultimately, it was an equaliser from Vivianne Miedema in their last game which secured their place at the Euros.

Strengths:

It is the attacking energy which is perhaps the Netherlands’ greatest strength. Their attack is technical, fast and incredibly clinical which lends to pressure on defenders and goalkeepers. 

Another stand out element of the Netherlands’ play is their set pieces. Sherida Spitse can deliver targeted corners and free kicks which her teammates can transfer into goals. The team utilises high advantages during these set pieces and therefore pose aerial threats.

Additionally, the composition of their squad is a strength in itself. The Dutch squad consists of players with experience and younger ballers who have emerged more recently. This means that there are members who experienced the 2017 Euros win and are hungry for more success and players who will be attending their first tournament and are therefore yearning for victories. 

Development areas:

The team’s Euros history highlights one of their biggest weaknesses, their lack of consistency. The side have gone from making it to the semi-finals to failing to escape the group stage and also from champions to being knocked out during the quarterfinals. Their 2025 qualifiers performance highlights this pattern as they experienced wins, losses and draws.

The Netherlands are also vulnerable in defensive transitions with their full backs often leaving space behind them that teams can quickly break through. This weakness was exploited by France in 2022 and ultimately caused the Dutch side to be knocked out of the tournament.

Recent matches that the Netherlands have played against top teams have shown that whilst they have a creative midfield, they often do not think quickly enough to keep the ball. This poses as an issue when excellent teams, like Sweden and Germany, press aggressively or change their tactics as the Netherlands can be slow to adapt.

Key players:

Vivianne Miedema:

The Netherlands is home to exceptional attacking talent with a big name being Vivianne Miedema. Miedema is clinical in the box and plays intelligently during the build-up. After being deemed fit from an injury she’s been carrying since April, she’ll be crucial for the team if she can keep up fitness. 

Daphne Van Domselaar:

At the other side of the pitch, Daphne van Domselaar will be in the net. The goalkeeper makes exceptional saves and has recently won the Champions League with Arsenal. Whilst her domestic experience is impressive, the keeper does have less international experience than the keepers of other top teams and this could cause an issue when she’s faced with excellent strikers during high pressure games.

One to watch:

One Dutch player to keep your eyes on during the tournament is Danielle van de Donk. The midfielder is exceptionally good at linking midfield and attack which enables aggressive play from the forwards. 

Success would be:

The Netherlands are in a tough group and will therefore have the initial aim of making it out of the group stage. If they succeed with this first task, the team will want to make it to the semi-finals. Ending their tournament journey at this later stage will prove to fans that the team are not on the up and that the younger players that have been introduced are helping to positively shape the squad.

Prediction:

The Netherlands will most likely make it out of the group stage and then through to the quarter finals. Due to previous recent results and inconsistencies it’s likely that the side’s journey will end in the quarter or semi finals.

Group fixtures:

5th July – Wales, Swissporarena, 5pm UK time

9th July – England, Letzigrund, 5pm UK time

13th July – France, St. Jakob-Park, 8pm UK time

This is the latest part of our Euros nation previews – click on the links below to view the previous articles:

SWITZERLAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/16/euros-preview-switzerland-2/

NORWAY: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/17/euros-preview-norway/

FINLAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/18/euros-preview-finland-2/

ICELAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/19/euros-preview-iceland-2/

SPAIN: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/20/euros-preview-spain-2/

PORTUGAL: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/21/euros-preview-portugal/

BELGIUM: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/22/euros-preview-belgium-2/

ITALY: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/23/euros-preview-italy/

SWEDEN: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/24/euros-preview-sweden-2/

POLAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/25/euros-preview-poland/

DENMARK: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/26/euros-preview-denmark/

GERMANY: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/27/euros-preview-germany-2/

FRANCE: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/28/euros-preview-france-2/

ENGLAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/29/euros-preview-england-2/

Follow Impetus on social media –

Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball

Instagram: @impetusfootball

Impressive Lionesses get the perfect send off

England 7-0 Jamaica

By Ella McShane at the Kong Power Stadium for Impetus (29/06/2025)

England had the perfect send-off to the 2025 Euros by beating Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz 7-0 in front of a 26,000 strong crowd in Leicester.

England set the tone for a possession-based approach with the ball controlled along the backline, notably going back and forth between Leah Williamson and Alex Greenwood.

With the ball not leaving England’s half for the opening ten minutes, a goal felt imminent – however a frustrating number of uncapitalised chances began to grow. Ella Toone put England’s growing frustrations to bed when a rebound off Georgia Stanway saw the ball land in an open pocket of space. Toone’s powerful shot from outside the box found net, and opened the scoring.

The ball remained locked in England’s half with Chantelle Swaby being the Reggae girl to initiate Jamaica’s admirable threat in the first half, by intercepting England’s efforts in the attacking midfield. Shortly after, Kalyssa Van Zanten asserted her dominance and broke England’s backline lock with a powerful stride up the midfield.

A goal did come for Reggae Girlz, however it was ruled out for offside. The goal seemed to wake England’s defenders up – and they did not falter again throughout the 90 minutes.

Lucy Bronze was the Lioness to counter the Reggae girl’s first half warnings. The defender’s prompt high press into the right-hand side of the box allowed her to receive a clean ariel cross from Carter positioned at the diagonal opposing corner as she made it 2-0.

Toone’s brace rounded off the Lionesses scoring for the first half. Toone was in the perfect position to exploit the space to her right – she got her second and England’s third off the crossbar.

England opened the second half in a similar fashion, with possession concentrated at the back line and the tempo slowed in comparison. As the half-progressed fluidity in transitions increased among both sides. England’s strong presence in the final third resulted in an ultimately dominant half.

Throughout the second half, the Lionesses’ high press never waned, and they forced Jamaica keeper Brooks into a spectacular double save or two. However, a newly-returned Georgia Stanway looked hungry for a goal, and she did not have to wait long as she was given the space to launch a rocket into the top right-hand corner.

England’s crowded final third proved profitable yet again when a collected cross from Lauren James met the head of Alessia Russo, positioned in a spacious pocket right on the goal line to make it 5-0.

Substitute Aggie Beever-Jones had a number of quick attempts and eventually shot home. A stride up the centre midfield concluded with sweeping forward slide took the score line to a hefty 6-0

Beth Mead’s last-minute effort provided the goal that ultimately saw the Lionesses off to the Euros. A dynamic press forward completed with a swift cross into the box.

TEAMS: ENGLAND (4-2-3-1): Williamson, Hampton, Bronze, Walsh, Greenwood, Stanway, Mead, Toone, Hemp, Carter, Russo. Substitutes: Charles, James, Le Tissier, Moorhouse, Clinton, Morgan, Agyemang, Kelly, Beever-Jones, Park, Keating, Wubben-Moy.

Goal scorers: Toone (10’, 45+4’), Bronze (32’), Stanway (59’), Russo (71’), Beever-Jones (85’), Mead (90+6)

JAMAICA (4-3-3): Swaby, Brooks, Swaby, McKenna, Van Zanten, Cameron, Simmonds, Primus, Adamolekun, Ingleton. Substitutes: Morgan, Mensah, Cardoza, Sampson, Bailey, Walker, Mitchell, Thomas, Blades.

Referee: Franziska Wildfeuer

Attendance: 26,042

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Pre-Euros Friendlies: What Have We Learned?

By Catherine MacKenzie and Alyce Collett (29/6/2025)

Above: the UEFA Women’s Euros trophy. Photo: UEFA.

Ahead of the UEFA Women’s Euros kicking off this week, the 16 countries involved have been using friendlies to assess where they are heading into the competition. Looking at the likely title contenders, what have we learned from the games?

France

France 3 – 2 Brazil

France 5 – 0 Belgium

Above: France starting 11 against Brazil. Photo: equipedefranceF on X.

One of the biggest talking points surrounding France in the lead up to this tournament has been the absence of some key stars from their squad. One of those is Eugenie Le Sommer, who has been a stalwart in attack for the French for a number of tournaments.

However, their two friendlies have shown that scoring will not be an issue for the French. Not only did they score plenty of goals, they had five different goal scorers scoring the eight goals – alongside a number of different assist-providers amidst strong rotation.

The friendlies also exposed their depth up front: if an opponent can deal with the physicality of Kelly Gago, there are different profiles of forwards ready to come on – such as Sakina Karchaoui or Kadidiatou Diani.

France are on a good run of form, however they have only played one top-10 ranked team since last December’s 4-2 loss to Spain. They swept aside Belgium with ease; their biggest test ahead of the tournament came against Brazil. Les Blues were 2-0 down within 20 minutes, however clawed back the game thanks to the second half introductions of Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Melvine Malard.

The comeback showed their belief in the team, however it is also telling that they needed their more experienced players to generate the impetus for the comeback. They also looked susceptible to defensive struggles with pace – and conceding two in quick succession will be a cause for concern.

Spain

Spain 3 – 1 Japan

Above: Spain starting 11 against Japan. Photo: SEFutbolFem on X.

Spain opted for a single send-off game, against reigning She Believes champions Japan. Japan beat the USA earlier this year and have confirmed their status as a force not to be underestimated. With key players missing on both sides – Yui Hasegawa for Japan and Aitana Bonmati for Spain – it became a battle based on how their sides coped without them.

Spain’s comeback and eventual win showed their greatest strength: they do not need consecutive Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati to dominate and beat a top-level opponent. Whereas she would be the ultimate difference maker in most teams, for La Roja she is the best of the best.

This should serve as a warning to Euros competitors: if Bonmati takes time to recover from the viral meningitis that has left her hospitalised, Spain are still huge favourites for every game they play.

Netherlands

Netherlands 2 – 1 Finland

Above: Netherlands starting 11 against Finland. Photo: OranjeVrouwen on X.

For the Netherlands, this was an important game with many different narratives behind it. It would be head coach Andries Jonker’s last game on home soil, and Vivianne Miedema was making a welcome return from injury.

It was a game of two halves for Oranje. Miedema’s minutes were managed, and once she left the pitch in the second half the Leeuwinnen did not have the same spark. In a rather scathing post-match interview, Jonker was asked why he opted not to bring on PSG’s Romée Leuchter – a more similar profile to Miedema than Chasity Grant – and the Oranje boss replied that she is “hopeless” as a striker.

Pundits and fans were shocked – and it is likely not an entirely happy camp heading for Switzerland.

The game showed that similarly to France, the Dutch struggled to maintain the same togetherness without one of their biggest stars on the pitch – and as Miedema is only just returning from injury, she is unlikely to play 90 minutes of every Euros game.

England

England 7 – 0 Jamaica

Above: The Lionesses starting 11 against Jamaica. Photo: @Lionesses on X.

England opted for an unfamiliar opponent for their send-off friendly, seeing them take on the Reggae Girlz in Leicester. The biggest learning from the game is arguably that when their first 11 is fit and on the pitch together, the Lionesses pose a huge goalscoring threat.

That the goals came from six different players is a testament to that threat. Jamaica are ranked 40th in the world and England’s dominance was not surprising. Some have criticised the England camp for their choice of opponent, considering Spain and France’s choices. However, that ignores the fact that in the last twelve months, few teams in Europe have had the tests that England have – Sweden, France, Spain, Portugal and Belgium all twice, alongside the US and Germany once each.

The game also highlighted the competition in numerous parts of the pitch – Ella Toone played in the 10 role and scored a brace, and she is in competition with Grace Clinton, Jess Park, and Lauren James for that spot. Jess Carter had an impressive game at left-back; she is in competition with Niamh Charles for that spot. The game may have given head coach Sarina Wiegman a few headaches – headaches she will be pleased to have.

Germany

Germany have not opted to have public friendlies – it is likely they have been played behind closed doors against other in-house teams. This could be a positive or a negative – whilst it gives head coaches the change to test out their tactics and start building momentum without the prying eyes of opponents, players will have missed getting a big send off. Showing off what your squad can do ahead of a major tournament can be hugely encouraging for the team, and it gives them a chance to connect with fans before departing.

However, given their form – beating Austria 6-0 and Netherlands 4-0 in their last two outings – it is unlikely to impact them too significantly.

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Euros Preview: England

By Ava-Marianne Elliott (29/06/25)

Above: The England team that lined up in their Euros send off game. Photo: Lionesses on Twitter.

The Lionesses have already etched their names into the history books. A phenomenal run in UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 fuelled by grit and determination led them to a first-placed finish, and their run in the competition was nothing short of remarkable. 

This year, with a fresh squad, a champion’s status to defend and a legacy to continue, England are likely to be a powerhouse of this year’s tournament. 

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Jess Park (Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)

Forwards: Michelle Agyemang (Arsenal), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chlesea), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Unattached), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

Above: Head coach Sarina Wiegman. Photo: Lionesses on instagram.

Head Coach:

Manager Sarina Wiegman is no stranger to success. Leading England to their victory in a home Euros in 2022, she continues to lead the team three years on. She’ll have her sights set on the title, as reaching the final this year would be her fifth consecutive appearance in a major tournament’s final stage. 

Euros History:

After a string of not qualifying three Euros running from 1987 to 1991, the nation’s luck in the competition wasn’t as successful as many would hope them to be. 

The team reached the semi-final stage in 2017, and they came even closer twice in their history, being runners up in the tournament in 1984 and 2009. Triumph finally came in 2022, securing gold with goals from Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly, achieving a 2-1 victory over Germany at Wembley Stadium. 

Qualification: 

England’s qualification for the tournament wasn’t quite as straight forward as they would’ve hoped. With two draws against Sweden to start and end their qualification, two wins against the Republic of Ireland, plus a win away in France but a loss to the side on home turf, it’s agreeable that the team perhaps could’ve found another win somewhere. 

Nevertheless, they qualified, and we’ll be seeing the team in Switzerland take on France again in the group stages. 

Strengths:

One of England’s main strengths has to be the experience and ability of the squad to cope with high-pressure fixtures. They have the ability to rise to the occasion and find a brilliant form when it matters, but a lot of this will rely on the players staying fit throughout the month of the tournament, especially Chelsea’s Lauren James. 

Development Areas:

With their huge successes in recent years, there comes a lot of criticism when the team doesn’t perform to the best of their ability. In order to fight their way out of group D, England will need to find a cohesive form in order to not buckle under the pressure. 

After big, experienced names such as Millie Bright and Fran Kirby dropped from the squad, it’s crucial the team balance their youth talent and experience to find a new level point that works. This is especially key for the defensive players, as that area is where the team often slip. 

Key players: 

Above: Alessia Russo Photo: Lionesses on Instagram. 

Alessia Russo:

Russo is far more than your average striker. The 26-year-old flourishes in the nine role, but also excels in her off the ball movement and work rate. Her versatility allows her to transition between different roles with ease, adding an element of unpredictability for opponents who come face to face with the forward. 

Above: Keira Walsh. Photo: Lionesses on Instagram. 

Keira Walsh:

A unique talent, there’s not many better options for a playmaker than Walsh. Her ability to dictate the pace of the game whilst being a composed, technically intelligent defensive midfielder makes her instrumental in England’s set up. 

Above: England captain Leah Williamson. Photo: Lionesses on Instagram. 

Leah Williamson:

Leading by example from the back, captain Williamson is a strong, versatile presence on the pitch. As well as her ability to lead the backline and operate as an excellent centre-back, Williamson has been called to step into the midfield on many occasions, performing each time with her eye for a long pass and composure on the ball. 

One to watch:

Being labelled as the one to watch falls to Michelle Agyemang, the youngest of the team at just 19-years-old. The Arsenal forward has risen through the youth ranks and secured a spot in the squad for Switzerland where she’ll be hoping to have a good run in her breakout tournament. 

If Agyemang sees game time, she could be a weapon for England. A present and clever goal-scorer, the rising star netted her first goal in style, a clever volley just 41 seconds into her Senior team debut against Belgium. 

Success would be:

With such a high expectation carrying across from the monumental success of the 2022 Euros on home soil, there’s a lot of pressure for England to claim the top spot again. 

Even with a difficult group to conquer, it’s likely we’ll see England in the knockouts. Realistically, it would be good to see them at least make an appearance in the final, but to get there they will have to be ruthless.

Prediction:

I predict England will make it to the semi-finals. They may go further to reach the final, however if we see that Spain-England match up again, I think the Lionesses will be the ones to fall short. 

With such a talented roster of players, if things work smoothly, they could be one of the biggest threats of the competition. 

Group Fixtures: 

5th July- France, Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, 8pm UK time

9th July- Netherlands, Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, 5pm UK time

13th July- Wales, Arena St.Gallen, St.Gallen, 8pm UK time 

This is the latest part of our Euros nation previews – click on the links below to view the previous articles:

SWITZERLAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/16/euros-preview-switzerland-2/

NORWAY: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/17/euros-preview-norway/

FINLAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/18/euros-preview-finland-2/

ICELAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/19/euros-preview-iceland-2/

SPAIN: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/20/euros-preview-spain-2/

PORTUGAL: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/21/euros-preview-portugal/

BELGIUM: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/22/euros-preview-belgium-2/

ITALY: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/23/euros-preview-italy/

SWEDEN: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/24/euros-preview-sweden-2/

POLAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/25/euros-preview-poland/

DENMARK: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/06/26/euros-preview-denmark/

FRANCE:

Euros Preview: France

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Impressive Matildas denied at the death

Australia 1-1 Slovenia

by Kelechi Osunwa at HBF Park for Impetus (29/6/25)

Above: Winonah Heatley, who was outstanding for Australia, wins a tussle tonight in Perth. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.

On a balmy winter night at Perth’s HBF Park, Australia and Slovenia played out an enthralling 1-1 draw in match two of their two-match series.

Australia took the lead early in the second half with a volley from Michelle Heyman to claim the rewards for a dominant first half. Slovenia remained resolute, stayed in the fixture and capitalised on a chaotic final 10 minutes to grab a late equaliser when Mirjam Kastelec reacted quickest to power home.

The result is likely to please both coaches, with Matildas boss Joe Montemurro happy with his team’s defensive connectivity and attacking patience, while his Slovenian counterpart praised their persistence in claiming a draw against a side he described as one of the best in the world.

With both sides ringing in the changes, and having that added level of familiarity, the early moments of the encounter were far less frantic than Thursdays, when Australia took the lead inside three minutes.

The inclusion of Winonah Heatley, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Michelle Heyman, and the repositioning of Amy Sayer into a more central ‘number 10’ position gave the Matildas an ideal balance of composure and solidity.

Above: Michelle Heyman breaks through for Australia tonight. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.

In Cooney-Cross and Sayer, Australia were able to dictate play from a central position, and the two were crucial to early attacking forays.

Sayer combined with Alanna Kennedy to slip in the overlapping Ellie Carpenter to fire a dangerous cross that was foiled by a desperate Lana Golob.

The Matildas continued to attack on their right-hand side with Carpenter a willing runner, much to the dismay of her counterpart Kaja Erzen, who had the unenviable task of tracking the fullback. Sayer and Carpenter combined again with Remy Simesen to send a low cross into Heyman, who fired wildly into the night sky.

Sayer seemed the have the freedom of HBF Park and began to conduct attack after attack. She broke into the box to collect a clever pass from Heyman, her low cross looked to find Kaitlyn Torpey, but a quick-thinking Sara Gradišek did enough to deflect the opportunity wide.

The Matildas’ press and high line was relentless, with Slovenia unable to beat it and often resorted to wild clearances to relieve some pressure. Where Slovenia had lived on misplaced passes and transitional attacks on Thursday, there were no opportunities to sustain the visitors in the first 30 minutes.

Australia could smell blood and almost took the lead when Cooney-Cross wriggled past two players to find Heyman. The striker drove towards the penalty area with options to her left and right. As the defence backtracked, she unleashed a powerful effort that narrowly flew wide.

Above: The Matildas celebrate after Michelle Heyman (second left) put them ahead tonight. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.

Slovenia did well to quell the home side’s momentum and settle more into the match by forcing the Matildas to turn around, and Mateja Zver was tasked with sticking close to Sayer as halftime gave them reprieve.  

Australia took the lead five minutes after the restart when Heyman volleyed home from a Carpenter cross. The Matildas won the ball in the attacking third, where Kennedy and Siemsen combined to find the overlapping Carpenter, who found Heyman. Her movement was subtle but effective enough for her to find a half-yard of space to finish unerringly.

The old adage of being most vulnerable after you score proved to be correct as the goal sprung Slovenia into an attacking flurry that needed a previously very quiet Mackenzie Arnold to spring into action on two occasions. 

The most important of which was three minutes after the goal when substitute Lara Janež’s outstretched pass sprung Zver with only Arnold to beat. The Slovenian captain struck an effort with power and direction, but straight at Arnold, who was able to absorb the danger.

The match became stretched as Slovenia pushed for an equaliser, Prašnikar and Čonč grew in influence for the visitors, but their attacking forays left them vulnerable on the counter attack which Carpenter looked to single handedly exploit on several occasions with dangerous runs into and crosses into the penalty area that unfortunate to not find a teammate.

Above: Ellie Carpenter runs down the flank tonight. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.

Despite only having a handful of sessions with the side, glimmers of Montemurro’s philosophy were on display. This was most evident when Heatley, Cross, Sayer, and Holly McNamara combined for Sayer to volley high and wide. The move incorporated composed playing out the back, direct dribbling, and vertical combination play; all elements that Montemurro will hope to see his team hone to a greater extent as they have more time together.

With the game in its dying embers, Slovenia made a raft of changes, and they threw caution to the wind.

Janež headed over the bar after a terrific Špela Kolbl cross to give the visitors some life. The Matildas failed to heed that warning and gave Slovenia encouragement when an errant pass from Courtney Navin caused chaos in their box that needed a clever save from Arnold before a well-timed block by Heatley to divert the danger.

Despite the warnings, the Matildas were punished minutes later when Slovenia claimed a much-deserved equaliser. Prašnikar did well to hold of her marker before finding the run of Janez, the midfielder found fellow substitute Naja Pope Mihelič who cut inside from the left and drove a low effort that cannoned off the post only for Mirjam Kastelec to burst past three defender to slam home and send the visiting dugout into a frenzy.

For Montemurro and the Matildas, the result would feel more fitting if it had come after Thursday’s more even encounter, but the controlled nature of the performance will leave them feeling like they are moving more and more in the right direction with a process they can trust.

Check out our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball for two galleries worth of Cat Bryant’s exclusive photography from the game.

AUSTRALIA (4-2-3-1): Arnold, Heatley, Hunt, Torpey, Kennedy, Sayer, Carpenter, Grant, Cooney Cross, Heyman, Siemsen. Substitutes: Nevin, Prior, Micah, Gielnik, Raso, Whyman, McNamara, Chidiac, Rankin, Nash, Murphy

Scorer: Heyman 50’.

SLOVENIA (3-4-3 ): Pasar, Golob, Agrež, Gradišek, Korošec, Kajzba, Zver, Čonč, Prašnikar, Eržen, Križaj. Substitutes: Meršnik, Mihelič, Kastelec, Testen, Kuštrin, Kolbl, Ketiš, Vindišar, Kramžar, Janež, Sternad.

Scorer: Kastelec 90+1’.

Referee: Anne Marie Keighley (NZL).

Attendance: 13,115.

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