Above: Young Matildas eligible players Hana Lowry of Perth Glory (left) and Western Sydney Wanderers’ Bryleeh Henry (right) pictured with head coach Leah Blayney. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
(16/3/22)
The Young Matildas have been confirmed as one of the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) three representatives at this year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup which Costa Rica will host.
This will be the first time since 2006 that Australia will participate in a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and their third overall appearance at the youth championships.
Originally planned for 2020, the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will run from 10th-28th August 2022 across the two host cities of San José and Alajuela.
With the cancellation of the 2022 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup, the standings of the 2019 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship were used to determine the representatives from Asia. Following the withdrawal of North Korea from the nomination process, Australia received an invitation courtesy of being the next highest-ranked Member Association from the 2019 edition.
A participant the last time Australia took their place in the U-20 World Championship, head coach Leah Blayney expressed her delight at the news and the importance of the opening presented to her young charges.
“The opportunity for our Young Matildas to show the world their abilities as individuals, and as a group, will be a game-changer for women’s football moving forward,” Blayney said.
“Very few youth players get the opportunity to play on the world stage and this is a tournament that has introduced us to global superstars like Marta, Christine Sinclair, Alex Morgan, Dzsenifer Marozsán, and Asisat Oshoala.”
Above: The Young Matildas in training. Photo provided to Impetus by: Football Australia.
“The last time we qualified in 2006, I was a player, and to now have the chance to lead these young women to the tournament, it fills me with great pride but also determination to ensure we maximise the opportunity. This has come at a fortuitous moment where we as a nation are actively seeking higher-level match minutes for our youth players at all levels.”
“This class of players have demonstrated through their performances in the A-League Women’s competition that they have enormous potential, and this could accelerate their football education. The impact this will have moving forward for the 2024 Paris Olympics, 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics is phenomenal.”
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, welcomed the inclusion of the Young Matildas said: “The participation of the team in this year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, will be a significant moment for the next generation of players.
“Under the guidance of Leah Blayney, over the past 12 months, we have seen several players from this cycle transition into the senior team. Now many more of the U-20 players will have the invaluable experience of preparing for a major tournament that will provide critical experiences of high-level international minutes against a diverse range of opponents.”
The 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica will be the 10th edition of the tournament and features 16 nations from six confederations with players born on or after 1 January 2002 eligible to compete.
The participating teams will be divided into four groups of four teams with the Official Draw scheduled to take place in San José, Costa Rica on 5 May 2022.
Above: Canberra United’s Michelle Heyman (left) captured in full flow against Brisbane Roar earlier this season. Photo: Canberra United.
Canberra United captain and the A-League Women’s all-time record scorer Michelle Heyman spoke to the media this week highlighting the need for the competition’s players to be seen as professionals and the need for a fairer league. The striker also reviewed the club’s season. Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from The Matildas and Canberra United legend.
Michelle Heyman is a legend of Australian football. When she speaks, players and fans listen. After hearing a series statements from the striker expressing her frustration with those running the A-League Women, one can only hope that the powers that be take note as well.
“This was the most stressful season I’ve ever been part of. Games and kick-off times changed every single week, which produced a whole lot of stress. I felt sorry for Melbourne Victory for playing so many games close together and Newcastle Jets who just ran out of players in the end.”
Whilst no-one could have predicted the COVID outbreaks that impacted both Victory and the Jets (along with many other clubs), Heyman highlighted the fact that the inability to extend the season to avoid such a huge backlog of games demonstrated a failure to understand women’s football.
“It’s about time we changed and were seen as professionals. We’ve become the A-Leagues – football is one and we need to be treated as one. The women need to get together and push for this. Most of us have to work during the season, so having to try and get time off for midweek rearranged games (particularly for long-distance ones) is an additional stress on us. Some of the standards haven’t been up to it. It’s our time. We need to speak up for where we are at. I’ll continue to be as loud as possible because we deserve it. It’s taking too long to get what the players want.”
Heyman was asked if she hopes that all the additional challenges put on players this season across the competition could end up being the final driver for the sort of change that players and fans have been calling for.
Above: Showing frustration – Michelle Heyman (right) – pictured against Melbourne City. Photo: Canberra United.
“I bloody hope so,” the striker smiled, “I’ve been here since 2008/09 season and it’s been a long time for myself. You would think that by now we would have had a full home and away season to play each other twice. Some teams only play the top teams once, others twice. The competition isn’t fair from the get-go.”
Canberra United’s captain then turned her focus on her team’s 2021/22 campaign. “Frustrating is the word that sums the season up. Having so many draws (seven of the club’s 14 games) – if we had got one or two wins from those draws could have made such a difference. Looking at the season and how we turned it round over the last four games makes it frustrating.
“We dominated teams in that period. We lost the same number of games as Adelaide (five) all season and they made the Finals. Looking ahead for next season, we have to take all our chances and make sure you do come out with the wins. We need to work on the last 15 minutes and not conceding. Teams came back to get draws or wins against us during that period.”
Heyman took huge pride about the development of her club’s younger generation of players across the campaign. “I look at Sasha Grove from last season to this and she’s come on the field and took players on and now she has that experience. She’s had two years now, she’ll be 18 now and these young players are getting that bit older and more experience.
“With Chloe Lincoln (who only turned 17 in January), she is a goalkeeper and has so much pressure. She took it with both hands and was our Rising Star this season. It’s a great thing for Canberra, but also for the league to showcase and show everyone what is to come. If this is what we’ve got, it’s nice to see the growth within our game.”
The media conference closed with potentially the best possible news for all lovers of Australian women’s football as Heyman outlined her future plans.
“Most definitely I will be back next season. I’m loving the game. I feel fit, I’m still scoring goals and doing my job. No-one can stop me yet. There’s a few more players who are 34 and even older than me. I don’t want to give up. Don’t let it go until you can’t. So I’m continuing until people tell me I’m not good enough. I’ve still got it, so they’re not taking it away from me yet!”
Jean-Pierre Thiessetsummarizes the 16th round of D1 Arkema (15/3/22).
What a strange and desperate round! The two “supposedly” best teams in French league could not win. Paris Saint-Germain drew 0-0 with sixth placed Montpellier, and Lyon were held 1-1 against bottom club Saint-Etienne. These two results are not very reassuring with the UEFA Women Championships’ League games coming up in two weeks.
Issy away from home won 1-0 against Dijon. It was a logical win for Issy in an even game where Batcheba Louis (24 years old), from Haiti, scored at the 73rd minute with a beautiful shot. With this second consecutive win, Issy continues to move up in the standings and can still stay in D1 for next season. Goal for Issy from Batcheba Louis (73).
Reims won 1-0 away from home against Guingamp.In another equal game, and in which there were a lot of stray passes and lost possession (around only 60% of successful passes for each team), Reims scored at the very end of the match thanks to Océane Deslandes after a great pass from Rachel Corbos. With this win, Reims consolidate their seventh place in the league. Goal for Reims from Océane Deslandes (90).
Bordeaux away from home won 3-0 against Soyaux. In a game edged by Bordeaux, the visitors was a little bit more efficient even if they had to wait until the 90th and three minutes into stoppage time to score their second and third goals. Bordeaux and Montpellier are now both on 26 points in fifth and sixth place in the standings respectively. Goals for Bordeaux from Julie Dufour (53), Mélissa Gomes (90), Maëlle Garbino (90+3).
Paris FC won 3-1 at home against Fleury. In this important game between two teams battling it out for the third Champions League qualifying spot, Paris FC dominated this game and Fleury, despite the fact they put a lot of impact suffered. Paris FC, which had lost against Fleury last week in France Cup, were able to react. After their goal in the 13th minute and up to the first goal of Paris FC, Fleury thought that they could do it again and beat Paris FC. On the second and third goals for Paris FC, Katriina Talaslahti, Fleury’s goalkeeper, alone in front on Paris FC strikers, got a touch on the shots but not enough to prevent them from going into goal.
Paris FC are now nine points ahead of Fleury but nothing is completely decided because they had four big games (Paris SG and Montpellier at home, Lyon and Bordeaux away from home) in their future schedule while Fleury had only one big game against Lyon at home. Goals for Paris FC from Mathilde Bourdieu (27, 61), Clara Matéo (88). Goal for Fleury from Dominika Grabowska (13).
Paris Saint-Germain at home drew 0-0 against Montpellier. This game was edged by Paris SG (61% possession). All along the game, Montpellier were aggressive and put a lot of pressure on Paris SG players. For Paris SG, Paulina Dudek, their captain, had to be replaced at the 20th minute due to injury. PSG were lacking support, presence, and accuracy in front of the goal; Marie-Antoinette Katoto was several times alone with no solution proposed by her teammates. Even if Sandy Baltimore entered at half time, the strong pressing of Montpellier did not allow Paris SG to develop their game. This combined with the great performance of Gabrielle Lambert, Montpellier goalkeeper, allowed Montpellier to obtain a deserved draw.
Olympique Lyonnais were held 1-1 away from home against Saint-Etienne. In this game, Lyon were dominant (65% possession, 28 shots with 13 on target, nine corners), yet they were below par throughout. How they could not score more than one goal from 28 shots is a staggering and a such lack of efficiency in front of the goal for the “supposedly” best team in the world is not only a shame but also very disturbing. Even if we must point out the great performance of Emily Burns, Saint-Etienne goalkeeper, we have to say that she was helped by the poor shooting of Lyon strikers in the six yards area with most of the shots straight at her.
There are also question marks about Lyon coach Sonia Bompastor’s team selection for the match. Why was Griedge MBock played in front of the defence, where she is obviously not at ease, instead of reintegrating Damaris Egurrola, who was available, in the team and put MBock back in the central defense instead of Kadeisha Buchanan? Why not try to put Sara Gunnarsdottir in midfield during the second half? Why not put Janice Cayman, who produced great performances each time she is on the field upfront from the beginning of the game? A lot of questions and a lot of disturbing thoughts before the UEFA Women’s Champions League in two weeks. Goal for Lyon from Melvine Malard (79). Goal for Saint-Etienne from Manon Uffren (73).
Above: Maja Znamirowskacompletes the scoring for Pride Park with her fourth goal of the afternoon at Belper Town. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.
By Doug Outt(15/3/22).
Pride Park overcame the odds to end a run of five games without a win with victory at Belper Town on Sunday in the tier seven Derbyshire Ladies League Division One.
After another break of four weeks without a game, the Pride returned to action at Alton Manor. The two previous games between the sides this season were very close and entertaining encounters with honours shared at a win apiece. Another closely fought game was expected.
Park were missing several players through injury or unavailablity, leaving them a little short of the ideal matchday squad overall and in defence in particular – striker Annie Laight had to drop in at centre-back. Pride were therefore pleased to welcome another striker, Summer Evans, back for her first game in two months following injury, as well as Otty Baker and Izzy Wilsoncroft (making her 50th appearance) for their first games in three and two months respectively.
The game was typical of the games between the sides this season, with both teams intent on attacking, resulting in an end-to-end game, with both Belper and Pride Park having brief periods where they appeared to be edging it, without ever being comfortable.
It was tit-for-tat throughout the first half. Summer Evans opened the scoring for The Pride, meeting a cross from Tash Allderidge with an acrobatic scissor kick after nine minutes. This was followed by a period of Belper enjoying good possession, and having a couple of glimpses of goal, both foiled by Jade Howell, before they equalised after 21 minutes.
Above: Summer Evans (centre) marked her return from injury for Pride Park with a goal and two assists at Belper Town on Sunday. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.
It looked like Evans had restored Park’s lead five minutes later, until Belper’s keeper got down to turn a goal-bound shot around the post, but after 27 minutes the visitors were back in front, when good build up play by Beth Thompson and Evans allowed Hannah Kwiatek to put Maja Znamirowska through to score.
Belper equalized again ten minutes later, but were only level for a minute this time, as Evans was first to a Belper goal kick and laid off a pass for Znamirowska for a first time right foot finish to make it 3-2.
There were still eight minutes to half time, but Belper only needed two minutes to draw level again. It was almost a surprise there were no further goals and at half-time it was all square at 3-3.
Park made a couple of minor adjustments to their approach for the second half which seemed to work to an extent, as they enjoyed much better possession. Belper were proving difficult to break down, however, and the visitors had to remain wary of the threat on the counter-attack, but although Belper had slightly more sights of goal, it was The Pride who made theirs count, with a further two goals scored by Znamirowska – within two minutes of coming back on after being rotated off for a brief rest – with assists from Lottie Bryan and Evans respectively.
Although Belper attempted to recover, Park defended well and limited them to a couple of chances, a shot from distance saved by Howell and a shot that went wide.
Above: Possession is contested at Belper Town on Sunday. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.
Laight grew into her central defensive role as the game progressed, not only defensively solid but composed on the ball when in possession, forming an encouraging partnership with Sophie Ayton.
Aside from a couple of occasions when shots had to be blocked, Howell had good protection but when called upon, did exceptionally well with a number of shots, showing good reactions, agility and handling.
The work of the whole team out of possession has to be recognized as every player put in a shift and defended from the front when the visitors didn’t have the ball; the role of Eliot Sayavong – particularly in the second half – being a key factor as she screened the back four well, and together with Allderidge, made important blocks and interceptions to break up Belper attacks and The Pride’s counter-attacks.
Znamirowska and Evans were clinical with their chances with six shots between them, all on target, and five resulting in goals.
It was, once again, a closely fought and enjoyable game and Pride Park were pleased to come out on top. As always, there’s things that could be improved on but, overall, and in the circumstances, this was a good performance and result, particularly as it was the team’s first game in a month and with so many players returning from long layoffs. Next week Pride Park are at Wirksworth (kick-off 1.30pm).
Above: Hannah Billingham about to score AFC Wimbledon’s winning goal against Enfield Town yesterday. Photo: Glyn Roberts.
By George Jones – AFC Wimbledon Ladies (14/3/22)
Hannah Billingham produced a finish worthy of winning any game to earn a hard-fought victory for the Dons in the FA Women’s National League Division One SE on Sunday.
Billingham struck an absolute rocket into the top corner with her weaker right foot, and her 55th-minute goal was enough to secure a 1-0 win for a Wimbledon side who lost key striker Ashlee Hincks to injury after just 10 minutes. Kevin Foster’s side are third in the table with games in hand on leaders Hashtag United, so it’s still all to play for in the title chase for Wimbledon.
Yesterday’s match marked a welcome return to Plough Lane after a spell of playing home matches at Carshalton Athletic. After a scrappy first-half, it appeared that Wimbledon had got off to a perfect start in the second-half when Steph Mann’s deflected shot seemed to cross the line, but the referee thought otherwise. However, there was not long to wait before Billingham’s decisive strike, and the Dons prevented Enfield from conjuring up an equalizer in a second-half of few chances.
Above: Hannah Billingham receives the El Sueno Tequila Player of the Match Award after AFC Wimbledon’s win over Enfield Town at Plough Lane yesterday. Photo: AFC Wimbledon.
First-team coach Andy May said: “It was a game more about our character and our personality. We had to work hard and dig deep. We didn’t play the football we know we can, but once again we showed that character, hunger, and desire to win the game. There were pleasing elements, but also aspects that we need to look at to make sure the football is at the standard that we need.”
El Sueno Tequila player of the match Hannah Billingham said: “It was a difficult game, but credit to Enfield as they came at us and made it hard. Off the back of a good win last week, we are a bit disappointed with our performance, but three points is three points and that’s all that matters really.”
Next up for the Dons is Sunday’s vital clash at home to league leaders Hashtag United (2.00 pm kick-off at Carshalton Athletic FC).
Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Highman, Sargent, Billingham, Mann, Stow, Taylor (Childerhouse), Stanley, Hincks (Lewry then Sampson), Carter (Siber).
Above: Canberra United’s Chloe Lincoln (left) and Keeley Richards with their awards. Photo: Canberra United.
From Aggie Bradshaw (14/3/22)
Canberra United goalkeepers Keeley Richards and Chloe Lincoln, as well as star U.S. defender Allyson Haran claimed top honours at the 2021/22 Canberra United Awards Night at the weekend.
Ally Haran was recognized by both the coaches and players; named Player of the Year and Players’ Player. Haran is a respected and well-liked team member but also performed incredibly well in her first Liberty A-Leagues season.
The 25-year-old flew back home to the U.S., after Canberra’s final game of the season but accepted both awards while in Brisbane, saying it was a huge surprise.
Above: Canberra United’s squad at the end of season awards. Photo: Canberra United.
“We have so many great players and everyone played their own part in games and each and every game everyone went out there and gave it their all so I was just happy to show up for the team every game and I’m so happy that the team was happy with my performance,” she said.
“I really enjoyed my time here. The girls were awesome, the coaching staff was nice. While it wasn’t the season we wanted, we really pulled it together and were able to show we’re a good team and were able to play some good football.
“The fans were awesome, the girls were awesome, I’m really happy I was able to spend my season here with Canberra United.”
Above: Canberra United’s Volunteer of the Year Liam O’Donnell pictured with captain Michelle Heyman. Photo: Canberra United.
Despite missing half of the season due to injury, Keeley Richards was overwhelmingly voted in by Members as the 2021/22 Supporters’ Player of the Year. Standing tall at every game, Richards made an average of four saves per match with one clean sheet. After her season ended due to injury, Richards maintained a consistent and supportive presence around the team, always providing encouragement and words of advice to those around her.
The University of Canberra Rising Star Awards went to goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln, who stepped in when Richards suffered her injury. Elevated to the playing squad in January, the 17-year-old made her debut at Viking Park against Perth Glory and went on to help keep the opposition scoreless on three occasions.
Volunteer Liam O’Donnell was recognized for his years of work at Canberra United home games, named Volunteer of the Year. Liam has been one of the senior volunteers for years, working as an usher and ticket scanner.
Above: Sam Kerr slides in to score Chelsea’s stoppage-time winner over Aston Villa at Kingsmeadow today.Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Words and EXCLUSIVE photos from Kingsmeadow by Ben Gilby(13/3/22)
Sam Kerr scored a dramatic winner two minutes into injury time at the end of 90 minutes to keep Chelsea firmly in the FAWSL title hunt.
Kerr benefited from a long goal kick forward from Zećira Mušović which bounced awkwardly among the Villa defence and allowed the Western Australian to slot home a goal which sparked wild scenes.
It was tough on Villa who produced a superb defensive display marshalled by Sarah Mayling. Indeed, their goalkeeper Hannah Hampton pulled off three world-class saves in the second half as part of a display that I would mark as the greatest goalkeeping display I have seen in the flesh at a women’s football match.
Above: Sam Kerr’s wild shirt-twirling celebrations after scoring Chelsea’s late winner. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Such was her performance that every single Chelsea player went straight to the Villa goalkeeper as soon as the final whistle to congratulate her on her efforts and commiserate her on the result.
Hampton’s heroics surely now put her in the box-seat to be Lionesses number one choice ahead of the home Euros this summer.
Chelsea dominated the attacking stats (22 shots to seven, eight to one on target), but they never really found their flowing attacking game. The home side keenly felt the continued absence of Fran Kirby due to illness with Erin Cuthbert and Jessie Fleming only available as late second-half substitutes.
Guro Reiten put in an outstanding shift on the right-wing, but the Birmingham-based visitors would have argued that they deserved a point. Yet, come the hour, come the Matildas hero as Kerr struck.
Ben Gilby’s EXCLUSIVE photos from Kingsmeadow:
Click on the arrow on the left-hand side to move to the next photo.
Above: Lia Privitelli puts Melbourne Victory ahead at Coopers Stadium today. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
By Kieran Yap (13/3/22)
After one of the toughest months of scheduling in A-League history, Melbourne Victory have emerged with their best performance of the season to beat Adelaide United 2-1 in the semi final.
Victory played every three days for most of February, they had players missing through injury, suspension, and international call-ups. Jeff Hopkins has been constantly re-fashioning and re-fixturing his side almost since round one.
When they travelled to Adelaide to face the in-form team of the competition, they had not won in five games while Adelaide had been outstanding in that same time.
In 32 degree heat on a near cloudless day, both sides began cautiously. They were able to pass the ball around the back unhurried. The pressure only came if either side tried to move through midfield.
Adelaide United almost took the lead early. A miscommunication between Courtney Nevin and Casey Dumont allowed Dylan Holmes to sneak in and get a shot on target.
Above: Combative midfield action at Coopers Stadium in today’s semi-final. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Unfortunately for the Reds, Dumont was able to recover and block the shot. Up the other end, Victory took the lead through captain Lia Privitelli.
The winger was back in her preferred position as an attacker in this game. She has been used to fill gaps in the squads in a variety of roles. In the semi-final, she started wide on the right. She had scored a brace against Adelaide United in round one this season.
Catherine Zimmerman’s first time curling pass cut out the entire Adelaide United defence. Privitelli had ghosted in at the back post. Her finish was composed and well placed. Victory were 1-0 up in the opening half-hour.
Minutes later, Adelaide United hit back in incredible fashion. Nanako Sasaki stepped up to take a free-kick. With the Melbourne defence and goalkeeper all expecting a cross, the Japanese midfielder took everybody in the stadium by surprise.
Her shot curled and dipped and sailed beyond Dumont as she scrambled to get a hand to the ball. It bounced in off the underside of the bar and Adelaide was level.
Above: Joy unconfined for Adelaide United after Nanako Sasaki levelled the scores. Photo: Adelaide United.
The match became much more tactical from that point on. Melbourne Victory’s back four were doing an excellent job of keeping the lethal duo of Fiona Worts and Chelsie Dawber quiet.
The pair have 23 goals between them this season, but their movement as much as their finishing has torn teams apart. All four of Victory’s defenders had to be on the highest level of concentration to keep them from getting chances to score.
Dawber did well to create an opening in the second half. She shuffled her feet to make some time and shifted onto her right foot, but her shot sailed narrowly high.
It was a missed chance, created from nothing, but It would also be Adelaide’s last real shot on goal for the match.
Victory went up the other end and Privitelli turned provider as they re-took the lead.
Above: Melina Ayres wheels away in delight after restoring Melbourne Victory’s lead. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Melina Ayres was unmarked and untracked as she cruised into the penalty area. Her volley was low, hard, and perfectly timed. Annalee Grove could do nothing to stop Victory going 2-1 up.
Victory’s experience in knockout games began to show. Even players in the squad who did not win the championship last season like Nevin or Chidiac have played in tournaments at senior international level. From the time they took the lead, it became about getting the job done.
Victory brought on Harriet Withers, the plan looked to be to use her pace to stretch Adelaide and prevent them attacking too much as they chased an equalizer.
Victory continued to move the ball aggressively with quick long passes to relieve pressure on the midfield and reduce the chance of a turnover.
Adelaide struggled to create much. When they did regain possession, they were hurried by Victory’s press. The equalizer would not come. Their remarkable season was over.
Above: The disappointment is clear for Adelaide United’s players after the game, but they have had another season to be proud of. Photo: Adelaide United.
Victory now has another Melbourne Derby to look forward to in next weekend’s Preliminary Final for the right to meet Sydney FC in the Grand Final. City are wounded, tired, and will be missing key players Tyla-Jay Vljanic and Melissa Barbieri. Victory should be able to bring Kyra Cooney-Cross back into the side that now is at full strength for the first time all season.
Adelaide United will have to reset. They have built this side over multiple seasons and although they had the best season in the club’s history, there is still room to improve and if they keep the majority of the squad together, that looks likely.
Their trajectory has been upward and there is no reason it should not continue. This should be the first of multiple finals campaigns for Adrian Stenta’s entertaining squad.
In the end, experience mattered more than exuberance. Adelaide will be back, but Victory march onward.
Above: Melbourne Victory celebrate after setting up a Preliminary Final with cross-city rivals Melbourne City next weekend. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Ahead of Sunday’s second A-League Women semi-final, Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Adelaide United‘s Dylan Holmes and Fiona Worts along with Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins (12/3/22).
Sunday’s semi-final at Coopers Stadium between Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory will see the winner face Melbourne City next weekend for the right to face Sydney FC in this season’s Grand Final in the Harbour City.
Adelaide United star Dylan Holmes looked ahead to their first-ever W-/A-League Women Finals match by admitting that she still isn’t sure if she really believes that it’s happening.
“I don’t know if it has fully sunk in yet. I’m so excited and it’s been a long time coming. I think that the fact that we have so many South Australian girls in the squad makes it even more special.
“We’re going to go into the game with a lot of confidence and with the crowd supporting us. We’re in a totally new situation. I don’t think any of us have ever played a Finals game before, but luckily, we’ve played Melbourne Victory twice this season so we know what to expect and that’s a good thing.”
“It’s Finals, so everything gets thrown out of the window. What happened a couple of weeks ago is not relevant now.”
Above: Adelaide United Dylan Holmes speaks to the media on Wednesday ahead of her team’s first-ever W-/A-League Women Finals match. Photosupplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
Whilst some might just be delighted to actually have made their maiden A-League Women Finals campaign, Holmes is positive that her team aren’t just there to make up the numbers.
“There is a feeling that we can now go all the way. We’ve had a great run to the end of the season and scored a lot of goals. We’re clicking at the right time and there is so much belief that things won’t end here. We’re going to fight for it (a Grand Final win).”
“This is the biggest game for the club’s women’s team. It’s at Coopers Stadium, so we really hope lots of fans will turn out to support us.”
“We’ve grown a lot between when we played them the first time (Adelaide lost 5-1) and the second time (Adelaide won 3-0). We have a lot of belief that we will beat them.”
Above: Adelaide United’s Fiona Worts at her media conference on Friday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
Adelaide United striker Fiona Worts, the A-League Women’s leading scorer is all out to top what she described as “the best season of her career” by recording her team’s first-ever W-/A-League Women Finals win tomorrow.
“It’s exciting, (but) it’s going to be a very different game against Victory this time as we know they won’t have liked the result when they last played here (a 3-0 Adelaide win).”
Whilst unlike a number of her team-mates, Worts wasn’t in South Australia for the club’s difficult days, she recognizes the incredible progress her side have made in recent years.
“For me I’ve only known a strong Adelaide United – almost making Finals last year and qualifying this year. We deserve to be here. Towards the end of the season we have been really strong.
“A lot of these girls have been here for a long time. It’s credit to them the progress that has been made here and where we are now. We’re hoping that it will be a big crowd tomorrow and with it being a double-header, it would be great if the fans turn up in numbers early for our game rather than coming in late second half for the men’s game after ours.”
This may be the first post-season A-League Women match for the club’s players, Worts points out that there is big match experience in the Adelaide United side.
“I’ve played in cup finals and that before for other teams and some of the other girls have too, so there is experience of these big games here. This has definitely been the best season of my career. I’m happy here and enjoying things, so that’s a big part of me doing what I’ve done this season.
“I feel confident on the ball now whether it is laying off to team-mates who I know can take it on well, or me going on to shoot.”
Worts hinted that she has been approached by clubs overseas as a result of her outstanding form this season, but insisted that right now her focus is solely on Adelaide United.
“For me, I want to play at the highest level I can for as long as I can. I’m not thinking about what happens after the next few weeks, it’s all about the Finals with Adelaide. When you have a good season, doors open elsewhere, but that’s for the future.”
Above: Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins talking to the media on Friday. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins knows that his team will have to do it the hard way if they want to retain their title after finishing fourth going into the new Finals system.
“The new Finals format means it’s harder for us, meaning we’ll have to win three games now and will have to play away three weeks in a row. I really like the format though. Last season we lost to Sydney near the end of the campaign and then had to go away to Brisbane to win the semi.”
After a heavy fixture schedule in recent weeks, Hopkins’ squad have had time to rest and recharge, and have generally positive selections news ahead of the game. “Kyra (Cooney-Cross) is not available, but everyone else is. It’s a nice position for me to be in as a coach. Melina Ayres could start if called upon. She played 20 minutes last week and came back really well. She has good game understanding and really looked after her body whilst she was injured. I pretty much know who I’m selecting. Kyra is out, but we have a good squad, it is not fazing us.
Victory are Finals regulars, but they travel to an Adelaide United side on Sunday who are preparing for their first-ever W-League/A-League Finals campaign.
“I think we have an advantage on Adelaide as we have lots of Finals experience,” Victory’s head coach asserted. “Having said that, it could go the other way with Adelaide really buzzing having made it for the first time. We can’t do anything about them though. I’m impressed with the quality of our training and energy.
“Last time we went there, just a couple of weeks ago, we lost 3-0, but we are in a very different place now. Different personnel and we were in the middle of a lot of fixtures in a short turnaround. There are a couple of areas, particularly midfield duels that we lost badly out there and I wasn’t happy about that and the team have recognized that they want to put that right. The attitude will be completely different.
“Bungey (Claudia Bunge) will be back and as far as I know, we haven’t conceded a goal when Bunge and Brooke Hendrix have played together. Melina (Ayres) will play a big park and so will AJ (Amy Jackson). Our form coming into the game isn’t fantastic, but there are definite reasons for that and we understand why. Fatigue crept in. We’ve been through it and come out of it.
“Physically we are a lot better now, but mentally as well, knowing we came through it unscathed. We know what we’ve got to do and it is down to us to go there and to show we are capable of putting in a performance that we are capable of. If we can do that I am confident that we can go to Adelaide and win.”
Above: Sydney FC players and fans go wild after Cote Rojas’ equalizer one minute into stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Report and EXCLUSIVE pitch side photos from Kris Goman at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium (12/3/22).
What. A. Match. Seriously, just go and watch it.
It’s hard to even describe this match and do it justice, there was so much going on. Sydney FC v Melbourne City, arguably the two best teams in the comp by a stretch. Semi-Final. Winner goes straight to the grand final and gets to host the Grand Final. Loser plays the winner of the other semi for a second chance. There’s a lot at stake.
Before we even start, Sydney get presented the Premier’s Plate and plenty of fans got in early to enjoy that triumph. The plate was presented, the plate was hoisted, the fireworks went off and the streamers fell. A nice start to the evening for the Sydney fans.
Sydney started well and really dominated the first half with possession, territory, and shots however City got the first runs on the board on a transition play. Leticia McKenna sent a ball from midfield out to Tyla-Jay Vlajnic on the left. She ran onto it and with one touch, put it to the centre of the box just into reach of Nat Tobin who tapped it right into the path of Hannah Wilkinson coming around from behind her.
One movement with her left foot and the Kiwi striker had it into the bottom right corner of the box despite Jana Whyman’s best efforts and outstretched foot. Against the run of play, City take the lead and that’s the way it stayed going into halftime.
Above: Melbourne City’s Hannah Wilkinson (17) celebrates with Tyla-Jay Vlajnic after putting City 1-0 up. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Into the second half and once again Sydney are dominating play but City are biding their time and at 58 minutes Rebekah Stott does a bit of nifty footwork to avoid Charlotte Mclean on the left and passes to an onrushing McKenna. She brings the ball into the box and down to the byline and cuts it back to Wilkinson who has timed her run beautifully and smashes it into the back of the net with Whyman unable to do anything about it. Melbourne have taken a 2-0 lead and have quietened the Sydney crowd. At this stage it looks like we’re going to Melbourne for the Grand Final.
However, Sydney don’t give up that easily and now it gets really interesting. Cortnee Vine came on at halftime for Paige Satchell and Maria Jose Rojas was subbed in at 64 minutes for Remy Siemsen and this partnership defines the term Game Changers.
With seventeen minutes left, Ally Green makes a gang busting run through the entire City defence on the left into the box and right down to the byline to then lob the ball back to the middle of the goal as Vine rushes through and leaps into the air to connect and put the ball past Melissa Barbieri who hasn’t missed a beat yet but is caught flat footed and dejectedly watches it sail past her. It’s a glorious goal and Sydney are back in the match. Green really did all the work on that and deserves the assist.
Things tighten up as Hawkesby lobs a ball from the far side of the centre circle to Vine who’s in the clear with only Barbieri to beat who rushes out from the box. Vine taps it past the City keeper and Vlajnic who is in hot pursuit catches her foot and sends both of them sprawling.
As the last defender, there’s only one result and the ref pulls out the red card. Unfortunately, Vlajnic has hurt herself quite badly in the process and would have been subbed off anyway but now there’s no sub and City are down to ten players which is the last thing they needed.
Above: Sydney FC star and inaugural Impetus A-League Women Player of the Year Cortnee Vine captured in a familiar pose during yesterday’s semi-final. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Shortly after, almost exactly the same thing occurs with Green sending the long ball to Vine who finds herself in wide-open spaces with just her and the City keeper. She chests to the left creating a tight angle before shooting high. It looks like Barbieri gets a hand to it before it slams into the woodwork and over the goal.
Due to a few injuries, we go past 90 minutes and Sydney keep pressing. Mackenzie Hawkesby punts into the box. Nat Tobin runs onto it and is tackled by Tori Tunmeth in the middle of the box and both go down. It’s play on as the ball is cleared by Marisa Van der Meer but it goes straight to Ally Green.
She kicks it straight back to almost where Tobin is still lying in the box and Hawkesby’s outstretched foot brings it down and under control and puts it in front of Rojas. She swivels past Tobin who’s still lying on the field and shoots and the little master makes no mistake as it avoids a diving Barbieri and hits the back of the net. The crowd goes wild. It’s even at 2-2 with minutes to go. The game must be decided so there’s be an extra 15 minutes each way.
At 96 minutes Sydney get a corner and Hawkesby steps up to take it as she usually does. She’s placed it perfectly to the back post and Sarah Hunter finds herself in a bit of space, jumps up, and heads the ball straight in across the goal to the top right. What a time to score your first goal for Sydney! She’s ecstatic and the team goes wild with congratulations and celebrations. As do the crowd.
With eight minutes left on the clock, after a shot on goal by City, Whyman catches and quickly boots the ball upfield, releasing Rojas. She’s not alone but splits Meisha Westland and Kaitlyn Torpey with a pass through to Vine who’s sprinted to catch up with play. She runs on to the ball and slots it past Barbieri. It seals the match at 4-2 and secures the home grand final for Sydney FC.
Above: Sydney FC celebrate their place in the Grand Final after coming from behind to beat Melbourne City in some style. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus
However, there’s one final piece of drama to unfold. Vine once again finds herself in the clear with just Bubs to beat. Barbieri isn’t having another goal though and comes out of the box and jumps with all arms and legs out as Vine shoots. It catches her hand and she knows it. The ref also knows it and brings out a red. The City keeper is off along with Vlajnic and both will miss the next game in a sensational finish.
There’s so much that’s not detailed in this report. The coaches got yellows too, there was drama, aggression, injury, heroes and some incredible play. 27 shots by Sydney. The full game needs watching. Seek it out.
Speaking after the game, Sydney FC attacker Cortnee Vine said: “I wanted to be a game-changer when I came on. I know our team is the fittest in the league and I knew we’d run over them and that’s what we ended up doing. I just wanted to get on and score and change the game and I think I ended up doing that.”
The Premier’s head coach Ante Juric was delighted and showed his pride in his team’s achievement. “It was an epic encounter. I wasn’t surprised because City are excellent and it went back and forth and we came back from 2-0 which was nice. I’m real happy and proud of everyone. I just want these girls to win the Grand Final so much and I’ll try and do everything I can to get them there.”
Kris Goman’s EXCLUSIVE Photo Gallery From Netstrata Jubilee Stadium For Impetus:Cick on first image to start sideshow
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