NPL Victoria Women Round One Wrap

Impetus’ Kieran Yap begins his new weekly round-up of all the action from the women’s NPL competition in Victoria. Each week there will be a detailed report of the match of the week plus a summary of the other games (5/4/22).

Above: Bulleen Lions’ crop of Melbourne Victory A-League Women champions pictured before the game at South Melbourne. Photo: Bulleen Lions.

MATCH OF THE WEEK REPORT

South Melbourne 0-3 Bulleen Lions

Although this was the first game of the 2022 season, much was expected. Both of these sides were impressive before the 2021 season was cancelled. South Melbourne had embarked on a winning run of nine games, while Bulleen had an 11 match unbeaten run.

At the time the season prematurely ended, these two clubs boasted some of the best A-League Women’s players in the state league. Much has changed since and the rosters of many clubs are still incomplete until after round two, but there was significant representation from the national competition on display.

South Melbourne were without many of last season’s big guns, but welcomed Perth Glory youngster Tijan McKenna into the team and Melbourne Victory’s Francesco Iermano.

Bulleen boasted Rebekah Stott, Paige Zois, Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, and Tiffany Eliadis in the starting line up with Alana Jancevski in reserve.

With that considered, it should not have been a surprise that Bulleen were ahead at the final whistle. Not many would have predicted the final score.

All of the damage was done in the first half. South Melbourne controlled much of the possession but were unable to seriously test the Bulleen defence. Eliadis sent the competition a reminder of what she can do in the final third after an A-League season being used in deeper roles.

Rebekah Stott confidently switched play out to Claudia Fruscalzo on the opposite flank. Her quick ball forward was left by Paige Zois and Eliadis hit the accelerator to burst into space and shoot across goal to open the scoring.

Bulleen’s second goal looked even simpler, but was another example of Eliadis at her best. she received the ball wide and outside of the area but ran at the South Melbourne defence and hit a low ball across goal.

Vlajnic stayed onside and met the cross at the back post for the easiest of finishes. It was not a counterattack but the move had the pace of one. South Melbourne had no answer for Eliadis’ running. Bulleen were 2-0 up with 23 minutes played.

Above: Tijan McKenna – newly arrived at South Melbourne from Western Australia ahead of the new NPL season. Photo: Gold Leaf Creative.

Eliadis almost had her second when Vlajnic’s trademark play on the wing found her unmarked and six yards from goal. Somehow her header missed the target, but it was the only blemish on a match-winning performance.

Alex Natoli added a third before halftime after a corner kick caused a goalmouth scramble. The celebrations were delayed but not muted as Bulleen established what turned out to be an unassailable lead.

Not that South Melbourne did not keep trying. This is a club accustomed to success and they pressed for a breakthrough. It was not to be their day and that was obvious when a succession of shots could not find the net.

The most frustrating moment for South Melbourne came in the second half when the ball bounced around the penalty box but nobody could hit the target.

Although South Melbourne finished with 10 shots on goal to Bulleen’s six, they did not look as dangerous. The visitors were far more clinical and slightly more creative in attack.

The result put Bulleen back where they ended the last season, pushing for top spot.

Caitlin Friend’s side will likely again be a chance for honours again and with Victory championship skipper Lia Privitelli to come into the squad and Jancevski returning to fitness they may still grow in strength.

South Melbourne were without one of their star recruits in Claudia Mihocic. The central defender and former FV Emerging captain was away with the Young Matildas. Her performance against Melbourne Victory for Perth Glory suggests that she would have made a difference in this game.

Only 90 minutes have passed, so it is obviously too early to write off South Melbourne. But it is not too early to get excited about Bulleen.

Squads: SOUTH MELBOURNE: Farrow, Murray, Young, Bramley, Lawson, Sandhu, Pickett, McKenna, Papatsanis, Goff, Iermano. Substitutes: Picak, Kandilas, Hronopoulos, Stringfellow, Carman.

BULLEEN LIONS: Shields, Natoli, Fruscalzo, Zois, Burn, Eliadis, O’Bryan, Stott, Muldeary, Vlajnic, Dolzan. Substitutes: Sernio, Lettieri, Little, Johnson, Rodger, Jancevski.

Scorers: Eliadis, Vlajnic, Natoli.

Referee: Senko Rastocic.

Elsewhere, Victoria’s NPLW provided some interesting results. Heidelberg United got off to a brilliant start with a 5-1 thrashing of Bayside United. Steph Galea hit four goals with Eve Tiktikakis adding the other. Maryam Anvari was on target for Bayside. Box Hill United and Calder United drew 0-0 on Friday night. FV Emerging defeated Alamein 2-0 with a goal either side of halftime from Candice Kilderry and Ellie Vlaeminck.

Each week Impetus will bring you the best of the action from the NPL Women’s competitions with Kieran Yap reporting on the Victoria competition and Ben Gilby on Western Australia.

The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the 18th round of D1 Arkema (5/4/22).

Above: Action from Guingamp (red) against Olympique Lyonnais. Photo: OL Feminin.

Fleury won 1-0 away to Soyaux. In a game edged by Fleury (57% possession), Soyaux was not able to score as Fleury players showed once more that they know how to play together to pull off important wins. It is important to note the good performance of the young Rosemonde Kouassi. There was another clean sheet for FC Fleury 91 and another great performance by goalkeeper Katriina Talaslahti, who made 10 clearances with her feet, one with her fists, seven catches, and one outstanding save when a shot was heading into the top left-hand corner of the goal. With this win, Fleury can still dream of Champions League. Goal for Fleury from Dominica Grabowska (55 penalty).

Reims won 2-1 away from home against Montpellier. Montpellier just about had the better of the play (58% possession) but Reims were more efficient in front of goal. Even if Montpellier scored first at the very end of the first half, which is normally not very good for the spirit of the team that is behind, Reims never stopped believing they could win. It moved the visitors to seventh place in the standing with a ten-point cushion over eighth. For Montpellier, it is a very bad result because with this loss they are now five points adrift of fourth place and 11 points from third which brings a Champions League spot, which they can forget about now. Goals for Reims from Lou-Ann Joly (74), Kethna Louis (81). Goal for Montpellier from Maëlle Lakrar (45+5).

Bordeaux won 3-0 at home against Issy. In a game edged by Bordeaux (57% possession), Issy had only six shots and Bordeaux could have scored at least three more goals if they were more efficient in front of the goal. Claire Lavogez and Katja Snoeijs (one goal and two decisive passes) were hugely impressive for Bordeaux. Goals for Bordeaux from Katja Snoeijs (10), Claire Lavogez (59), Eve Périsset (77).

Above: A midfield battle in the game between Bordeaux and Issy Photo: Régis Hazenfus.

Olympique Lyonnais won 2-0 away at Guingamp. Guingamp tried to put a lot of pressure on Lyon’s players during the game, but the visitors dominated with 64% possession, and could have scored more goals. Despite this, Lyon keeper Christiane Endler had to pull off a great save on a shot just under the cross bar from Louise Fleury after five minutes. Overall though there was not a lot of suspense in the game. Cindy Perrault, Guingamp’s goalkeeper was impressive, making two big saves at the 62nd minute on a one to one against Selma Bacha and at the 90th+1 minute from a Wendy Renard header following a good cross from Catarina Macario. Goals for Lyon from Catarina Macario (10), Ada Hegerberg (37).

Paris FC obtained a draw 0-0 at home in their derby game with Paris Saint-Germain. In an enjoyable game which was very even, neither team could score despite several opportunities. The best chance for Paris FC came in the third minute when they were awarded a penalty. Unfortunately for them, Daphne Corbos did not hit it very well and Barbora Votikova, PSG’s goalkeeper, dived the right way and caught the ball. Chiamaka Nnadozie, Paris FC’s goalkeeper, the youngest goalkeeper in D1 Arkema at 21 years old, was very impressive. With Lyon’s win at Guingamp, Paris St. Germain are now five points behind and it seems that the 2021-2022 D1 Arkema title race is all but over.  

The match between Saint-Etienne and Dijon was postponed due to a snowstorm in Saint-Etienne. There is still no news about the decision of FFF commission following the incident at the end of Paris FC and Reims game, (see report from the game here: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/03/22/the-view-from-france-37/ We should know more next week.

Full of Pride As Park Send League Leaders To First Defeat

Pride Park 2-0 Draycott Victoria

By Doug Outt (5/4/22)

Above: Beth Jones wheels away after opening the scoring for Pride Park. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

It was top versus second at Moorways on Sunday. Despite occasional sunshine there was a chill in the wind, which was blowing down the length of the pitch.

With four missing through long term injuries, illness, and two further late withdrawals – life gets in the way of football sometimes – the Pride were left with just 11 at kick off, plus one late arrival still on the way. It was a problem faced by both teams as Draycott were also missing players. It wasn’t ideal coming into a top of the table meeting between first and second but you have to play with the cards you’re dealt.  

The games marked milestones for three Pride Park players, as Summer Evans made her 50th appearance in League and Cup, Tash Allderidge clocked up a century of League appearances, and it was the sixth anniversary of Maja Znamirowska making her debut.  

Draycott are runaway leaders of the Derbyshire Ladies League Division One, unbeaten and with 12 wins in 13 coming into this game. Pride Park were disappointed to lose the opening game of the season to them after taking a two-goal first-half lead, but could take encouragement from that game and recent form.  

Pride made a bright start, having much of the early possession, but without creating any clear openings. The first real chance fell to Draycott just after 10 mins, as their player was put through down the left but keeper Howell came out to narrow the angle and the shot was hit into the side netting.

Pride Park’s build-up play in the first half was good and looked threatening on a number of occasions, but their attacks were tending to break down as the goal came into range.  

Above: Pride Park apply pressure to the Draycott Victoria goal. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

The home side’s first opportunity came after 17 minutes after Allderidge was fouled in Pride’s defensive third. From the resultant free-kick Laight put Znamirowska through but under pressure from a defender, she shot wide.  

Both Evans and Znamirowska were on the receiving end of a number of challenges that resulted in free kicks, and could, arguably, have had more. From one of these, after Evans was felled on the corner of the box just before half-time, Allderidge’s kick was headed away from a crowded six yard box.  

The Pride were awarded another free kick from a similar position with very little time left in the first half. The set-piece was whipped in by Laight, the goalkeeper got to the ball, but could only parry to Znamirowska whose shot was blocked, the ball then ricocheted around a ruck of players inside the six-yard box, but the finishing touch couldn’t be found and the ball was cleared.  

It had been a very even first half of few chances, with the majority of the play concentrated in the middle third of the pitch. Pride Park’s aim in the second half, therefore, was to turn their attacking play into clearer opportunities and to get more attempts on goal.  

They made a good start, as from a free-kick Znamirowska laid the ball back to Ayton but her shot was wide. Five minutes after the restart, however, Pride were a goal up. Centre-back Beth Jones intercepted a through ball inside the Park half and laid the ball off to Baker, who threaded a ball through to Znamirowska down the left. Znamirowska took the ball forward a few paces before squaring it across the six-yard box – where Jones, having continued her run, met the cross for a calm left-foot finish to steer the ball wide of the keeper.  

Pride were close to doubling their lead less than ten minutes later; Allderidge nicked the ball off Draycott in midfield, played a pass up to Evans who headed into Bryan’s path on the right. Bryan played a neat exchange with Evans which put Bryan behind the defence and her cross found Znamirowska in the centre but her glancing header went just wide of the far post.

Above: Annie Laight’s arching free-kick from 40 yards eludes the Draycott Victoria keeper for Pride Park to go 2-0 up. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

Two minutes later Znamirowska had another chance but her shot went wide. After 15 mins there was almost a chance for Draycott as an attempted clearance rebounded but Howell was out quickly ahead of the striker to dive on and smother the ball.  

Pride were awarded a free-kick inside the Draycott half, almost 40 yards from goal. Laight took the kick and sent the ball up in an arc to glance in off the crossbar to put Pride two up with just under a quarter of an hour to play.  

It was now about game management, not taking chances, and keeping secure at the back. With four minutes to play the referee awarded a puzzling and soft free-kick to Draycott, apparently for a handball, but Howell had her angles right and collected the shot without having to move.  

Draycott had a couple of efforts in the dying minutes, both from distance and perhaps more in hope than expectation, but both were safely collected by Howell as Pride were able to see the game out for the win and hand the league leaders their first defeat of the season thanks to a very mature performance and a goal for each of the centre-backs.  

It was a hard-working and thoroughly deserved win. A second clean sheet of the season for Howell is a reward for extra training and reflects solid defending by the back four, but also all-round team effort to defend from the front out of possession.  

In possession, Pride Park built up well and probably had the better opportunities aside from the goals, but it is the centre-backs that get the headlines, as an excellent goal apiece for Beth Jones and Annie Laight, together with a clean sheet, secure the win.  

It is but a minor blip for Draycott, who remain 12 points clear and Champions elect. The teams do it all again next week, same time, same place, as Draycott return to Moorways next Sunday for the teams’ third and final meeting of the season.  

Artwork: Graphics by PW.

Williamson To Captain Lionesses At Euros

5/4/22

Above: Leah Williamson speaking as Lionesses captain at the pre-Arnold Clark Cup media event. Photo: The FA.

Leah Williamson has been confirmed as the England captain for the 2022 UEFA Women’s European Championships.

Williamson was told the news yesterday by head coach Sarina Wiegman on the first full day of the camp at St. George’s Park, with the rest of the squad informed later that evening. Millie Bright has been appointed the new vice-captain, and Ellen White as the third in line. England are preparing for the resumption of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 qualifiers later this week.

The 25-year-old had been wearing the armband in the absence of the injured Steph Houghton, who first captained England herself in January 2014 before being confirmed in the role in April that year.

Williamson, who led the team to success in the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup last month featuring Spain, Canada and Germany, said: “This is an incredibly proud moment for me and my family and I am honoured to be asked to lead us at the Euros.

“Steph Houghton is one of this country’s all-time greats and to follow in her footsteps – and all of those special names who have led the team in the past – means so much.

“Although I will be wearing the armband, I know we have a squad full of leaders who share my pride and passion in playing for our country. Whether I am captain or not, I will never take anything for granted and will always do my best for England every time I pull on the shirt.”

England are preparing for the forthcoming away FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers against North Macedonia on Friday 8 April (7pm kick-off BST) and Northern Ireland on Tuesday 12 April (7.55pm kick-off BST).

Houghton has not played for England since February 2021 and is working hard on her return from an Achilles injury in a bid to be fit for this summer’s finals.

Wiegman said: “This decision gives us continuity at this important final period as we build towards the tournament. It is important we give everyone clarity at this stage.

“Leah has been a great leader for us and I know she will continue to set the example we need in her work on and off the pitch. While I know this is significant news for our fans, for me the most important thing is that we work hard in training and perform to the best we can in our matches as a team. The main thing is we are ready for our World Cup qualifiers and then the Euros this summer.

“She joins a proud list of England captains and will be following in the footsteps of the likes of the first captain Sheila Parker but also her predecessor Steph Houghton who have all been integral for the women’s game.”

Dons Extend Run At Cambridge

Cambridge United 0-3 AFC Wimbledon

By George Jones – AFC Wimbledon Ladies (4/4/22)

Above: AFC Wimbledon find the net away to Cambridge United at St. Neots Town FC yesterday. Photo: Glyn Roberts.

AFC Wimbledon extended their unbeaten run in the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East to 18 games with an impressive 3-0 victory away to Cambridge United on Sunday.

The Dons went into the game knowing that due to there being only one promotion spot available, promotion was no longer possible despite their brilliant run of form but with a cup final still to come in a couple of weeks the South Londoners wanted to continue their form. 

Wimbledon were without Gloria Siber for the trip to face Cambridge United due to her being called up for international duty by Hungary. Despite this, the Dons went into the game looking to build on the victory against Actonians in midweek and were keen to set a high tempo right from the start.

AFC Wimbledon dominated the opening stages and were awarded a penalty with United reduced to 10 players after Anna Re was sent off for a deliberate handball on the goal line. Ashlee Hincks stepped up and scored her 38th goal of the season in all competitions.

With the hosts being a player down Wimbledon continued to dominate and apply pressure and with 35 minutes on the clock, they doubled their lead thanks to an unlikely source with Steph Mann getting her first goal of the season from close range after a run-in from the back post gave the Dons a 2-0 lead at half time.

In the second half, Wimbledon continued their dominance and less than five minutes into the re-start, Megan Stow scored their third goal. With the game pretty much put to bed, the Dons continued to control the game in a professional manner whilst making changes with Kelly Highman, Steph Mann, Amy Taylor and Megan Stow all coming off at various stages allowing Emily Oliver to make her return after a spell out along with Emily Donovan, Angel Fowler and Chloe Sampson coming off the bench as Wimbledon ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

Speaking after the match, Wimbledon defender Rosie Russell said: “It was a really enjoyable game in general, competitive. We raised the tempo which was good and brought in the success from Wednesday, started well moved it around, and yeah it was an enjoyable game.”

First-team coach Andy May was also positive “It was really pleasing. (Head coach) Kevin (Foster) spoke to them before the game and set a couple of challenges about what we do in terms of setting our standards and setting our tempo so to see that implemented in that 90 minutes was really pleasing.”

Teams: CAMBRIDGE UNITED: Webb, Re, Otten, Fox, Jenkins, Griffin, Hewitt, Rouse, Davies, Burt, Bennett. Substitutes: Markwell, Emmings, Marwell, Cantwell.

AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Highman (Fowler), Sargent, Billingham, Mann (Sampson), Stow (Oliver), Taylor (Donovan), Stanley, Hincks, Carter.

Scorers: Hincks (pen) 30′, Mann 35′, Stow 49′.

Katrina Gorry: Back With The Matildas

Australia midfielder Katrina Gorry spoke to the media from Townsville today ahead of The Matildas’ international with New Zealand. Impetus’ Ben Gilby watched on (4/4/22).

Above: Katrina Gorry, talking to the media earlier today. Photo: Football Australia.

Watching Katrina Gorry since she returned to the game at the start of the A-League Women season after giving birth to baby Harper campaign, has been a joy to behold. The presence and shooting ability remain the same, but the smile and sense of loving what she is doing are bigger than ever.

“Since I’ve returned I’ve fallen back in love with the game and I’m playing with pure enjoyment. It shows in my performances recently just how much happier I am on the field.”

An impressive run of games in a mixed season for Brisbane Roar has ended with a recall to the Australian national side ahead of two friendlies with New Zealand over the next ten days. Gorry revealed that she has been in contact with the Matildas coaching team for a while.

“I’ve been working closely with Tony (Gustavsson – head coach) and Mel (Andreatta – assistant coach) for some time and it’s about enjoying being back in camp, back around the girls, and testing myself along with some of the best players in the country and in the world and seeing where I am. There’s no pressure on me.”

Whilst being back in a Matildas camp is a big deal, to do it for a game in her home state is another big plus.

Above: Katrina Gorry is back in the Matildas camp, along with daughter Harper. Photo: Football Australia.

“It’s really exciting, I’m a Queenslander through and through and it’s great to be up here in Townsville, seeing all the fans come out for the game will be special. New Zealand will be a tough opponent. I’m sure that everyone will turn it up on game day to support us.”

The midfielder, who will be heading out to Sweden to play for Vittsjö after the international window, believes that she can bring something extra to the team after their poor early exit at the Asian Cup at the start of this year.

“A big part of my game is combination play and to be combining with the players in our squad is exciting and important for me. All the players were disappointed with the Asian Cup. I was shattered for them. You could see if after the Korea game.

“To be on home soil among family and friends is important for us now. The two games we have with New Zealand are in Townsville where we haven’t been before and Canberra, where we haven’t played for a long time, so it’s a big opportunity.

“Us against New Zealand is a big rivalry, like New South Wales against Queensland. Hosting the World Cup with them brings something extra to it too.”

Rampant Second Half Sees Chelsea Go Top

Chelsea 5-0 Reading

Words and EXCLUSIVE photos by Ben Gilby (4/4/22)

Above: Deanne Rose (right)’s battles with Jess Carter was one of the highlights of the first half. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

Chelsea moved one point clear at the top of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League thanks to a dominant second-half performance against Reading at Kingsmeadow last night.

Goals either side of half-time from Jessie Fleming and a superb volley from Beth England turned the game after Kelly Chambers’ Berkshire side had frustrated the defending champions in the opening 45 minutes.

Reading were exceptionally well organized, resolute, and adopted a super high press which earned them turn over ball and forced Chelsea into occasional misplaced passes. Add into the mix the sensational Deanne Rose whose pace on the counter led to a hugely entertaining personal duel with Jess Carter. If the Royals only had a quality striker to finish, then Chelsea could have been in trouble.

Above: Jessie Fleming in action last night. The Canadian Olympic champion put Chelsea ahead with a great piece of skill. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

However, as they usually do against the massed ranks of defensive visitors at Kingsmeadow, Emma Hayes’ side found a way to breakthrough. Erin Cuthbert, a real Scottish terrier in midfield once more found Reiten on the left. The Norwegian, in sublime form all night, pulled over a cross on the left which Beth England nodded back to Fleming who chested down and struck home.

Just seven minutes into the second period, it was the game-breaking second. Once more it was Reiten the provider. England fed the ball out to her on the left for a cross which the Lionesses striker volleyed home into the left-hand corner of the net.

It was all Chelsea after that with Reading’s efforts of the first half just a fading memory. Two goals in 11 minutes from Sam Kerr added gloss to the Blues’ rampant showing. Her first goal on 66 minutes was supplied by Norwegian star Reiten once more as a low ball in from the left was swept home by Australia’s all-time leading goal scorer.

Kerr made it 4-0 when Cuthbert laid across a perfectly angled shot for the East Fremantle-born star to side foot comfortably into the net.

Above: Beth England sizes up the penalty in stoppage time at the end of the game which made it 5-0. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

There was time for a fifth in stoppage time when England was brought down. Kerr initially picked up the ball for what would have been a hat-trick goal, but to the applause of the crowd handed it to England to dispatch into the net.

Chelsea were comfortable winners in the end and now are a point clear of Arsenal with a superior goal difference. Reading had produced the best performance of any non-top three side at Kingsmeadow this season, but Emma Hayes’ side’s ability to score when it mattered did for the Royals in the end.

Ben Gilby’s EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from Kingsmeadow:

Teams: CHELSEA (3-5-2): Musovic, Bright, Nouwen, Eriksson, Carter, Fleming, Ingle, Cuthbert, Reiten, England, Kerr. Substitutes: Mjelde, Charles, Spence, Andersson, Abdullina, Berger (GK), Thompson.

Scorers: Fleming 40′, England 52′, 90+2′ (pen). Kerr 66′, 77′.

READING (5-4-1): Moloney, Bryson, Harding, Evans, Cooper, Woodham, Harries, Eikeland, Peplow, Rose, Rowe. Substitutes: Dowie, Stewart (GK), Roberts, Primmer, Troelsgaard.

Referee: Emily Heaslip.

Attendance: 2,485.

Lyon and PSG Set Up Last Four Champions League Clash

Jean-Pierre Thiesset was pitchside for Impetus at the UEFA Women’s Champions League Quarter-Final matches between Olympique Lyonnais and Juventus. He reviews that match in words and EXCLUSIVE photos and rounds up the action between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich (3/4/22).

Above: Ada Hegerberg puts Lyon ahead with a header from Selma Bacha’s cross against Juventus. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais both made it through to the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals and will play against each other for a place in the final.

Olympique Lyonnais qualified with an aggregate score of 4-3 against Juventus. After losing 2-1 away from home in the first leg on March 23 despite dominating the possession (60%), Lyon came back stronger and efficiently in the second leg on March 31st and won 3-1 at home in front of a crowd of 20,017 people. Lyon started well and put a lot of pressure on Juventus players and without a great performance by Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, Juventus goalkeeper and ex Lyon player, Lyon could have scored several goals at the beginning of the game.

Above: Olympique Lyonnais and Juventus players line up pre-game wearing blue and yellow jackets in support of Ukraine. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

After a nervy moment at the 23rd minute where Selma Bacha was called upon to make a great block to prevent Juventus from opening the scoring, the home side pushed again and scored twice within two minutes just after the half hour.

Above: Melvine Malard’s header from Lindsey Horan’s cross puts Lyon 2-0 up on the night. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Lyon continued to push and delivered a very good performance, not giving Juventus the opportunity to come back. The second half was like the first one with Lyon in charge and more great saves from Peyraud-Magnin who kept her team in the game. Then, with 73 minutes played, Catarina Maccario scored the third goal for Lyon. After this third goal, Lyon continued to dominate even if Juventus still tried to come back and scored at the 84th minute. To be noted was the great performance of Lindsey Horan for her start for Lyon. She was everywhere on the field, giving a decisive passe and helping also her teammates to defend. Goals for Lyon from Ada Hegerberg (33), Melvine Malard (35), Catarina Maccario (73). Goal for Juventus from Andrea Staskova (84).

Above: Catarina Maccario’s great right-foot shot makes it 3-0 for Lyon after 73 minutes. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Paris Saint-Germain qualified for the semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate win against Bayern Munich. After winning 2-1 away from home in the first leg on March 22 in an equal match, Paris SG thought that the most difficult part was done but Bayern Munich players came to Paris for the second leg on March 30 with more desire to qualify and almost did it in front of a crowd of 27,262 people.

Bayern Munich caused a lot of problems to PSG and dominated with 63% possession. The home side made a lot of errors, and, in my opinion, Bayern Munich would have deserved to progress to the last four. Matters were not decided until eight minutes from the end of extra-time when former Chelsea star Ramona Bachmann scored the decisive goal. Goals for Paris SG from Sandy Baltimore (17), Ramona Bachmann (112). Goals for Bayern Munich from Saki Kumagai (19), Lea Schüller (54).

Above: Lindsey Horan in action during the Lyon v Juventus Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg tie.
Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

ParaMatildas Announce First Ever Training Squad

Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears all about the ParaMatildas’ first squad gathering in Canberra (1/4/22).

Above: The ParaMatildas players gather today for a historic training camp. Photo: Football Australia.

Head coach Kelly Stirton has selected an 11-player squad as the ParaMatildas today commence their first-ever national team training camp.

Held at the Australian Institute of Sport alongside their national team compatriots, the Commonwealth Bank Junior Matildas, and Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas, the three-day camp marks the official commencement of the ParaMatildas preparation for the historic 2022 IPCPF Women’s World Cup.

Stirton expressed her anticipation for the first assembly of the ParaMatildas players and staff.

“It’s an exciting time and it’s the first time we have been together as a team under the ParaMatildas name,” Stirton said. 

“This camp is about connecting as a squad, developing the team culture, and building a solid platform to take to the World Cup.  The coaching staff and team are on a high and can’t wait to get on the field.”

Above: Getting ready for the World Cup – The ParaMatildas. Photo: Football Australia.

Ranked number four in the world, earlier this week the ParaMatildas’ IFCPF Women’s World Cup pool opponents were revealed with Australia taking on Japan, the United States, Spain, and the Netherlands.  The tournament will take place from 8th-18th May 2022.

Australia’s national team for footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, and symptoms of stroke,  CP football is a seven-a-side sport with smaller goals, 30-minute halves, and no offside. 

Players are classed as FT1, FT2, and FT3 depending on how their disability affects a player, with at least one FT1 player and a maximum of one FT3 player required at all times. 

With a clear goal in sight, Stirton and her coaching staff will enter the training camp with full focus. 

“Our goal is to build a strong world-class team. It’s a tight turnaround but I believe we can certainly push for that top spot.  Our goal in the World Cup is to play our best football and for the players to finish the tournament proud of their accomplishments.”

ParaMatildas Squad Selection:

NO.NAMEAGECITY/ STATECLASSIFICATION
1Holly SAUNDERS19Sydney, NSWFT1
2Georgia BEIKOFF29Newcastle, NSWFT2
3Nicole CHRISODOULOU30Sydney, NSWFT2
4Taylor DOYLE30Sydney, NSWFT2
5Lainee HARRISON18Newcastle, NSWTBC
6Matilda MASON30Canberra, ACTFT2
7Emily O’SULLIVAN28Adelaide, SAFT2
8Katelyn SMITH26Perth, WATBC
9Rachel TOLSON22Shearwater, TASTBC
10Eloise NORTHAM19Sydney, NSWTBC
11Rae ANDERSON25Wamberal, NSWTBC

Supporters can follow the journey of the ParaMatildas to the IFCPF Women’s World Cup through their website and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

You can also donate to support the ParaMatildas team with all donations of $2 or more tax deductible. The funds go directly to supporting ParaMatildas national team training camps, coaching, sports science, and tournament costs to ensure that the ParaMatildas have the best possible chance to represent Australia on the world stage. In return, sponsors will get a “Virtual seat” to show their support of the team. Click here for more details: https://asf.org.au/projects/football-federation-australia-limited/paramatildas-virtual-seats?Token=a1H5j0000011oqJ&Status=preview