Above: Action from Olympique Lyonnais’ game at Reims last weekend. Photo: OL Feminin.
Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the 15th round of D1 Arkema(3/3/22).
Montpellier at home won 2-0 against Dijon. It was an easy game for Montpellier who dominated (64% possession, 19 shots with eight on target). However, they had to wait until the very end of the first half to score their first goal. With this win, Montpellier close the gap on Fleury to three points from the fourth spot. Goals for Montpellier from Faustine Robert (45+2), Lena Petermann (61 penalty).
Issy won 5-1 at home against Soyaux. In a game where Soyaux had more possession than Issy (62%-38%), Issy were more efficient and won comfortably. This was an important game for both teams as Issy were bottom of the table were Soyaux 10th at the beginning of the game. With this win, Issy move up to 11th and are only three points behind Soyaux, and they can still hope to save their season. Goals for Issy from Allie Thornton (7), Batcheba Louis (17, 40), Roselord Borgella (45+1), Océane Daniel (56). Goal for Soyaux from Eden Avital (81).
Bordeaux at home won 3-0 against Saint-Etienne. Despite the scoreline, it was an even game. Bordeaux were a lot more efficient and won easily to consolidate their sixth place in the standings. Goals for Bordeaux from Claire Lavogez (33), Daphne Mélissa Herrera Monge (52), Maëlle Garbino (90+1).
Paris FC won 5-2 away from home against Guingamp. In an even game from a statistical point of view, Paris FC were more efficient and won this game. With this win, Paris FC secures its third place in terms of qualifying for UEFA Women’s Champions League and are now six points ahead of Fleury. To be noted, that the Paris FC goals were scored by five different players. Goals for Paris FC from Daphne Marie Corboz (12), Louna Ribadeira (15), Clara Matéo (29), Célina Ould Hocine (37), Mathilde Bourdieu (69). Goals for Guingamp from Sally Julini (42 penalty), Louise Fleury (79).
Above: Fleury and Paris SG teams’ presentation. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset forImpetus.
Olympique Lyonnais away from home, won 2-0 against Reims. This was largely dominated by Lyon: 70% possession, 27 shots with 14 on target, 525 passes with 85% successful, and 14 corners. However, the score was still 0-0 at half time and the second goal was scored at the very end of the game (90+3). So large domination by Lyon but without being able to be more efficient. To be noted, it was the 100th game for Selma Bacha as a professional player for Lyon at only 21. Goals for Lyon from Melvine Malard (61), Wendie Renard (90+3).
Paris Saint-Germain won 4-0 away from home against Fleury. This game was largely dominated by Paris SG: 74% possession, 653 passes with 84% successful, but only 11 shots with five on target. Fleury coach, Fabrice Abriel, had decided to play in a 5-4-1 formation to try to limit Paris SG strikers but this has consequently left the ball to Paris SG in midfield depriving Fleury’s strikers of the ball (only five shots from Fleury). I am not used to speaking about referees, but in this game, Fleury could have had a penalty and we must note that with about the same number of fouls (13 for Fleury against 11 for Paris SG) Fleury had two yellow cards. However, Paris SG won, and the gap in quality was high for Fleury. Goals for Paris SG from Grace Geyoro (8), Paulina Dudek (22 penalty), Kadidiatou Diani (62), Ramona Bachmann (89).
Above: Susan Phonsongkham gets in a tackle for Perth Glory at Sydney FC in January. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
For this week’s #MidweekDub feature, Perth Glory’s Susan Phonsongkham had a quick question and answer exchange with Impetus’ Ben Gilby(2/3/22).
BG: Can you give us a taster of your footballing journey from junior football onwards.
SP: I was born in Thailand so I started playing football with neighbours and friends on the streets and representing my school. But I also enjoy other sports as well. Football didn’t get serious until I moved to Australia. I started playing for my local team Burwood FC and that’s when my footballing journey kicks off.
BG: It’s been great to see you again at this level after injury. Why did you choose Perth Glory to continue your career?
SP: I knew that I had to be out of my comfort zone to improve and go to that next level and Perth was the right option for me.
Above: Susan Phonsongkham in typical control on the wing. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
BG: You have a great ability to control the ball in tight spaces. What helped you to develop this skill so well?
SP: I’m not perfect at it but I will always try to work on it as much as I can. Being on the ball, dribbling through cones and juggling helped me a lot to develop the skill.
BG: Perth has recruited many ex-Young Matildas like yourself. Was there anybody in particular you were looking forward to joining forces with?
SP: You’re right, there’s a lot of familiar faces from my Future Matildas and Young Matildas days. It is good to be with them all and I’m excited to be playing and training them.
BG: How much did it mean to you to score on debut for a new club?
SP: It meant a lot for me and the team to get the win that night. To get a goal on my Perth Glory debut was really exciting.
Above: Susan Phonsongkam has been a creative spark for Perth Glory this season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
BG: Tell us about Alex Epakis as a coach. What’s he like as a person and what is he like to work with?
SP: Alex is a great coach and also a great person. He is very motivated to achieve many things with the team and I want to be a part of itas it drives me to go to the next level and I’m grateful for the opportunity he has given me.
BG: What’s it been like having Lisa De Vanna in the squad this season?
SP: Having Lisa’s experience and achievement is a great asset for the team. She knows what it takes to win big games and also she helps younger players like myself.
BG: After coming back after such a long-term injury, what were your own personal aims coming into this campaign?Do you think you’ve achieved them?
SP: Personally I wanted to help my team do well this season and improve together to achieve the squad end goals of competing strongly in each game. We’ve certainly done that.
Above: Newcastle Jets and Melbourne City battle it out on Tuesday. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
By Kieran Yap (2/3/22)
Melbourne City has delayed Sydney FC’s premiership celebrations with a 2-0 win over Newcastle Jets.
Anything less than three points would have handed to title to Sydney. Rado Vidosic brought Hannah Wilkinson and Rebekah Stott straight into the starting lineup after the 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar.
Newcastle’s Cass Davis wore the captain’s armband to commemorate her record-setting game. The loyal Jet has played 108 consecutive games in the A-League Women. It is a remarkable feat, barely possible in the short season, and amounts to almost nine years of unmissed football.
The game started off in an open fashion, although both teams seemed in a hurry to get forward. The first chance fell to City. Hannah Wilkinson, Rhianna Pollicina, and Kaitlyn Torpey combined in a delightful move but the shot from Pollicina went wide.
Newcastle’s best chances came from the pace of Sophie Harding. In the absence of Marie Dølvik and Tara Andrews, the attacking fell to the explosive striker. She sped behind the City defence but got a little too close to Melissa Barbieri who saved.
Lauren Allen was available for the tap in but it would have been a difficult pass.
Above: Newcastle Jets’ Cass Davis in action on her 108th consecutive match. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
Hannah Wilkinson showed her value instantly to her side. Her mobility, holdup play, and intelligence create opportunities. She only needed the slightest touch to tee up Pollicina for another shot but it was overhit and sailed over the crossbar.
Although the game featured two of the league’s best goalkeepers, it was not long before the deadlock was broken. Wilkinson played the ball back to Torpey who’s well-directed low shot skidded into the bottom corner.
The Jets almost replied through a corner kick. City had trouble clearing the ball and it was almost scrambled in but Emma Checker eventually took the simplest approach to snuff out the danger.
Harding came close once more before halftime when she latched onto a defensive error. She hit it well but was straight at Barbieri who had no trouble collecting it safely.
Ash Brodigan created another chance for Newcastle with an impressive burst of pace to get past Tori Tunmeth. She cut inside and got as close to goal as possible but the angle was too difficult to beat Barbieri.
City looked to have doubled their lead before halftime when Rebekah Stott fired at Claire Coelho. The keeper saved well but it fell to Pollicina who tucked it away. The offside flag was immediately up though to rule out the strike.
Above: Emma Checker strides away for Melbourne City. Photo: Melbourne City.
City did eventually get their second goal and it was no surprise who was involved. Pollicina dribbled between the Newcastle defenders to make space for the shot on her left foot. Coelho was well-positioned to stop it and the ball looked to be headed out of bounds.
The City playmaker was alert to the play and directed it back across goal with the outside of her foot and Wilkinson had the easiest finish with her head to bring up her 11th goal of the season.
Despite the scoreline Newcastle did not give up. Harding created space in the area but could not beat Barbieri who must be in the running for Player of the Year by this point.
Kirsty Fenton’s excellent long pass found Lauren Allen in space on the wing. It was an area that Newcastle had no trouble getting into but they had lacked players in the middle to finish.
The winger cut the ball back but Harding was outnumbered and City remained untroubled.
City continued to add pressure, looking for a third but in the end, the 2-0 win was enough to mean the title is still within reach.
Above: Leah Davidson pressing forward for City. Photo: Melbourne City.
They will need a favour though. Even if they win their final match, Sydney FC will have to lose to Adelaide United to send the trophy back to Melbourne.
It is not an impossible scenario, The Reds have been in form and Sydney FC has lost their aura of invincibility.
City looked more like their old self with Wilkinson back up top. The New Zealand international linked up play and provided a focal point along with the goal.
The Jets had the opposite problem, Dølvik was introduced late and Brodigan has been impressive, but they lacked the firepower that they showed early in the season when everybody was fully fit.
Newcastle still has two more chances to finish their season on a high. They face Brisbane Roar twice more in the space of four days.
City will meet Western Sydney Wanderers in a game that they must win. They fill face a team that is determined not to finish bottom. The Wanderers have had a tough year but still have the quality up front to end City’s hopes no matter what happens between Adelaide United and Sydney FC.
Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-3-3): Barbieri, Torpey, Tunmeth, Checker, Vlajnic, Davidson, Stott, Heatley, Pollicina, Wilkinson, McKenna. Substitutes: Blissett, James (GK), Karic, Westland, van der Meer.
Above: Joy unconfined for Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
By Ben Gilby (2/3/22)
Wellington Phoenix claimed their second A-League Women victory of the season at Western Sydney Wanderers. Gemma Lewis’ side are now only bottom on goal difference.
Once more, the New Zealanders had to do it the hard way by coming from behind as Wanderers took the lead after just two minutes. Erica Halloway’s run down the right ended with her crossing the ball in which was met by the head of Ashlee Crofts for her third goal of the season.
Western Sydney threatened again as Zoe McMeeken was dispossessed by Teigan Collister who found Crofts on the edge of the box. Her effort was charged down and fell into the path of Libby Copus-Brown who followed up with a shot which was held at the second attempt by Nix keeper Lily Alfeld.
It wasn’t all one way traffic though, Wellington’s teenage star Alyssa Whinham turned a vicious effort goal wards which just bounced wide of Willacy’s right hand post.
Above: Western Sydney Wanderers’ Caitlin Cooper looks to get away. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
The visitors had better luck eight minutes before the break. A free-kick on the left was initially cleared by the Wanderers, but Wellington recycled and Isabel Gomez lifted a ball into the box which fell perfectly into the path of Kate Taylor. Free of the attentions of Teigen Allen, the Phoenix vice captain controlled the ball around Western Sydney keeper Sarah Langman and tapped home the equalizer – her first ever A-League Women’s goal in her club’s penultimate match of the season.
Wanderers looked to hit back when Galic gained possession with a sliding tackle which found Copus-Brown who fired a cross shot towards Crofts from the right, but there was too much zip on the effort which went wide of Alfeld’s far post. It remained 1-1 at the break.
Phoenix hit the front with 15 minutes remaining with a goal of quality. Saskia Vosper ran along the right and lifted a pass into Ava Pritchard. Langman rushed out towards her and there was no-one at home in the Wanderers defence which gave the teenager all the confidence in the world to hit a shot over the home custodian and into the far corner of an empty net.
Above: Wellington Phoenix delight in finding the back of the net. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
The New Zealanders continued to press. With Wanderers missing in action at the back, Grace Jale played a low angled pass into the stride of Kelli Brown. The forward dawdled which allowed Western Sydney to get numbers back, but Brown managed to twist and turn before lifting a shot which bounced up off of the top of the cross bar and behind.
The game was ultimately decided three minutes into stoppage time. Wanderers were trying to force an equalizer as Alexia Apostolakis took up possession in the centre of the field and played in Halloway outside her, but her cross went straight to the Phoenix defence who cleared with ease. Charlotte Lancaster was found down the left hand touchline and played a ball forward. Apostolakis looked to have all the time in the world to play the ball back to Langman, but Jale was able to get in ahead and lay the ball home for Wellington’s third.
Wanderers needed a quick response and almost instantly, Galic lifted a high shot in from outside of the box. Alfeld tried to hold but the wet conditions caused the Football Fern to drop the ball over the by-line for a corner.
The resulting flag kick came in high from the right and bounced awkwardly off of Talitha Kramer in the six yard box with the ball agonizingly ending up in the net.
Any hope Wanderers had of levelling the scores died a death with the final whistle sounding immediately after the re-start.
Wellington’s greatly improved performances and consistent levels has been rewarded with a second win of the campaign. They are now only bottom on goal difference and many will feel that they deserve to avoid the wooden spoon.
Above: Wellington Phoenix acclaim their supporters after the final whistle. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Speaking to the media, Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis said: “It was good to finally get the game underway to be honest. There were a lot of postponements and a lot of things changing.
“It took us a bit to warm into the game and we probably conceded the last goal because we were pushing for another one for goal difference,” Lewis said.
“That just shows how hungry the girls are to want to try to get off the bottom of the table that even when they’re 3-1 up straight away they were saying ‘let’s get another one, let’s get the three goal difference to try and take us off the bottom’.
“The positive mentality from them is quite cool to see.”
Above: Thetford Town’s Shannon Richardson and Chloe Webb (maroon shirts) in defensive action at North Walsham on Sunday. Photo: Darrell Allen.
North Walsham Angels 4-5 Thetford Town
By Darrell Allen (1/3/22)
After two weeks without a game, Thetford Town returned to Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One action with a tricky trip to North Walsham Angels who may be bottom of the table but they were certainly up for the fight.
Thetford came into the game with a squad of 12, with Melissa Boulton the only absentee as Thetford manager David Skipp had a strong team for the challenge ahead.
It was a proud day for North Walsham Angels with three U16 players making their debuts for the Senior women’s team in the form of Maddy Welton, Amber Roper, and Tanisha Grayling.
The sunshine was beating down on Greens Road. It was a little windy but a beautiful setting for the afternoon ahead.
Prior to kick-off, both teams stood united in support of Ukraine and respective captains Sophie Hall and Sausha Levy-Twomey held up a Ukraine scarf.
The game began and it was Thetford Town who started brightest. Shannon Richardson darting inside and her cross hit the bar and bounced down but Chelsea Page couldn’t finish.
Amy Skipp then fired over the bar before Thetford took the lead courtesy of an unfortunate own goal in the seventh minute from an Angels perspective.
Thetford tried to capitalize on an early lead as Shannon Richardson put in another excellent cross but Becky White was unable to do anything with it.
Becky White then played a wonderful ball over to Shannon Richardson but she couldn’t finish.
North Walsham had withstood the early pressure and turned the game around with two goals in three minutes, the first from Stella Fletcher Helps and the second from Maddy Welton as their confidence and belief grew.
Thetford Town were quick to reply with a Becky White strike from distance as a remarkable start to the game saw four goals shared in the first 16 minutes.
Thetford upped the pressure with a series of corners, Dayna Howard fired over, Becky White unable to finish a stunning Shannon Richardson Cross and North Walsham again saw a tough period through with togetherness and team spirit which was at the forefront of everything they did all afternoon.
Above: Thetford Town captain Sausha Levy-Twomey (with the ball) at North Walsham on Sunday. Photo: Darrell Allen.
North Walsham were in the ascendancy, a good spell of pressure saw them go closest with a free-kick.
Thetford then had more chances, Becky White and Abbie Corbyn both going close. The latter’s chance went just wide on an afternoon of restricted opportunities for the talented Town winger as North Walsham kept Corbyn very quiet.
Becky White put in an incredible cross but a lacklustre header from Chelsea Page drifted wide.
The half ended with a piece of traditional route one football as the ball was played forward by North Walsham to Keira Brown who rounded Thetford goalkeeper Ellie Prentice and put the ball in to give North Walsham Angels the lead 3-2 at the break.
After the re-start, Becky White pressurized Maddy Welton but the chance was punched away by keeper Nicky Reynolds.
Amber Roper had a shot but it was scuffed and easily dealt with by Ellie Prentice in the Town goal.
Thetford upped the anti, but were unable to get level, Chelsea Page missing a sitter before Becky White put another golden chance wide.
Half-time Thetford substitute Courtney Musgrove, who came on for Rachel Lynch looked lively and put a cross into the path of goalkeeper Nicky Reynolds who spilled it into the path of Abbie Corbyn who couldn’t reach to get her foot on it.
A Shannon Richardson Cross evaded everyone before Mia Bambury put a great ball through but nobody was on the end of it.
Dayna Howard the star of the show on the afternoon for Thetford ran in behind well but couldn’t finish.
A further Thetford chance was then spilled by Nicky Reynolds but no one in a Thetford shirt was anywhere to be seen for an easy finish and North Walsham saw the danger away.
Finally, Thetford were to equalize, Chelsea Page getting her head on a corner to make it 3-3 but collided with the post at the same time and received a badly cut nose for her troubles.
The play was stopped while Page received treatment and credit to North Walsham who allowed Thetford use of some of their own medical facilities.
Page had been patched up by manager David Skipp and returned to the pitch shortly before Thetford took the lead with a stunning Shannon Richardson free-kick from around 25 yards out. Thetford had turned the game around and led once again.
Now it was all about game management, but that went out of the window within minutes as North Walsham went straight up the other end of the pitch and scored a 25-yard stunner themselves as Stella Fletcher-Helps made it a personal brace for the afternoon and levelled the scores at 4-4.
Even periods of play followed with not many clear-cut chances in the final stages.
Just as it looked like the points were going to be shared, Chelsea Page fired a shot into the goal from distance to win the game in the 96th minute for Thetford Town.
If ever you needed proof that league tables mean nothing this was it. A truly wonderful game of Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One Football that twisted and turned. The hosts pushed Thetford all the way and can be mighty proud of their efforts.
From Thetford’s perspective to come from a losing position twice to win shows remarkable team spirit and determination. This was demonstrated in abundance from Chelsea Page who scored twice, collided with the post, and left the pitch at full time with blood pouring from her injured nose, to Danya Howard who was here, there, and everywhere. A massive win for Thetford Town but that was very hard work and fair play to Josh Roper and his North Walsham Angels team.
Above:The announcement of Canberra as the venue of the Matildas’ second April international with New Zealand was supported by the local football community. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Football Australia CEO James Johnsonand Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson as Australia’s plans for the April international window were revealed(1/3/22).
Australia today announced a two-game series with New Zealand during the April international window.
The second match in the two-match series will see the Commonwealth Bank Matildas in action on Tuesday, 12 April 2022 at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.
It marks a long-awaited return of the women’s national team to Canberra after a nine-year absence. The last time the Matildas were in the nation’s capital saw a penalty shoot-out victory over New Zealand in the 2013 Centenary Cup.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, said: “As Canberra and the ACT Government have been long-standing supporters of women’s sport and the Matildas, it’s exciting to return to the capital for an international fixture.”
Above: Football Australia CEO James Johnston announcing Canberra as the venue for the Matildas’ second international with New Zealand today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
“The ACT has a strong history of producing women’s national team players including names like Lydia Williams, Caitlin Munoz, Amy Wilson, and Julie Murray, and watching in the stands could be the next generation of Matildas to follow in their footsteps.
“We want to provide the football community and as many Australians as possible the opportunity to watch the Matildas on home soil while we continue our preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“We appreciate the support of the ACT Government in partnering with us to bring the Matildas back to Canberra – a city that has long embraced women’s football and Australian football as a whole.”
The last time the two sides met was at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with Australia coming out on top with a 2-1 victory in the opening group match.
Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson said these matches will present a different type of opponent for the team as they continue to build towards 2023.
Above: Canberra’s GIO Stadium, venue for the Matildas’ second match with New Zealand in April. Photo: Canberra Times.
“With only the FIFA Women’s World Cup on the horizon, the complete focus for the next 12 months will be building a squad to compete on home soil,” Gustavsson said. “That preparation starts with these matches against our fellow co-hosts New Zealand, and we know they will provide a challenge that will help us learn more about the playing group.
“The April window is an opportunity for us to return to the pitch together in front of home supporters. We, as staff and players, are looking forward to playing before a new set of Australian fans in Canberra who I am sure will welcome us warmly.”
Tickets to the encounter will go on pre-sale for Football Account holders on Friday, 4 March 2022, with the General Public tickets window opening on Wednesday, 9 March 2022.
$1 (plus GST) from every ticket will be donated to the women’s CP national football program for female footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, or symptoms from stroke. Ticketing information is available from the official Commonwealth Bank Matildas website at www.matildas.com.au.
The venue for the opening match of the two-match international series will be announced shortly.
Above: Adelaide United and their Coopers Stadium home set up ready for the competition’s first Pride Game at the weekend. Photo: Adelaide United.
As the A-League Women season heads towards its final round of the regular season, our writing team covering the competition Ben Gilby, Kieran Yap, and Kris Goman reveal their player, coach, and event of the week(28/2/22).
PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Ben: Unquestionably Fiona Worts. She is in the goalscoring form of her life. A positive NPL season in a struggling Fulham United side set up the English striker, who formerly played with Coventry United, into red hot form. As Adelaide head into the Finals, they have the competition’s deadliest striking duo.
Kieran: Has to be Fiona Worts. In a must-win game on a huge occasion, she delivered a hat trick to make history. What a season from the striker.
Kris: Fiona Worts. Hat trick. Do I need to say anything else? But she’s been getting better and better as the season’s gone on and this match was critical moving Adelaide into the A-League Women Finals for the first time ever.
Above: Fiona Worts of Adelaide United – the undisputed choice as player of the week. Photo: Adelaide United.
COACH OF THE WEEK:
Ben: For his history-making achievement with Adelaide United this season and having his team peak at the right time, it’s Adrian Stenta. Outstanding work.
Kieran: Adrian Stenta. Adelaide have had their best W-/A-League Women season, making the competition’s finals for the first time and swept away all opponents since losing to Perth. It’s a massive achievement and the result of a few seasons of work.
Kris: For the same reasons, had to be Adrian Stenta. To take Adelaide to the W-/A-League Women Finals for the first time ever, to keep the belief, to raise them up. Definitely gets the gong this week.
Above: Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta – outstanding achievements. Photo: Adelaide United.
EVENT OF THE WEEK:
Ben: Can’t go beyond the competition’s first-ever Pride Game. Adelaide United have been a club that just “get it” for some time now and this showed exactly their united cause. Incredible scenes at Coopers Stadium. Where Adelaide led others now need to follow.
Kieran: Sydney have wrapped up the Premiership, you can’t get much better than that. Two seasons in a row but with a very different team and in some style against Perth Glory.
Kris: Has to be the Adelaide v Melbourne Victory Pride round game. Victory came to the game in their pride socks too. So proud of these teams to make this history. Truly groundbreaking.
We’ve been keeping the tally of our votes for Player and Coach of the Week Awards and will reveal who has gathered the most votes across the season to be crowned Impetus’ inaugural A-League Women Player and Coach of the Yearahead of the first week of Finals.
We are all on the same team, but women’s football fans need to know what the game plan is.
The priority this season as it was last, is to keep the league running against unprecedented challenges. For this the APL and Football Australia deserve commendation.
However, with good reason, the fans are getting restless. Australia’s A-League Women’s community wants a plan for the future, and so far, they have only seen the implementation of things they explicitly do not want.
In the simplest terms, A-League Women’s fans want:
As few double headers as possible
A full home and away season
Full time pay for the players and coaches.
The same eagerness to invest in the league as they show when a 30 something men’s striker from Europe suggests that maybe he might consider thinking about playing in Australia.
The doubleheaders are contentious. From the perspective of a fan on matchday, five hours at a stadium is too long to expect men’s fans to show up for the women, and ALW supporters resent paying for tickets to men’s games they have no interest in, or in some cases actively avoid.
From a broadcast perspective, it makes sense for the same journalists and commentators to be in one location. The possibilities for better camera positioning and the ability to promote sponsors on the sidelines are far better.
From a footballing perspective, players always want and deserve access to the best facilities and pitches. The doubleheader provides this. Currently, there is no easy solution to this question.
In any case, this conundrum will not entice crowds. The men’s fans generally do show up, although not until well into the second half. In the worst cases, doubleheaders have been played with completely unaffiliated men’s teams playing afterward.
Speaking to The Ladies League Big Dub Podcast, Sydney FC CEO Danny Townsend was not convinced that doubleheaders or early kick-off times were a crowd factor. He referred to what was basically a title decider between Melbourne City and Sydney FC.
“You could point to doubleheaders,” he responded,
“But you could point to AAMI Park on a Sunday afternoon between the two top teams in the competition. That argument’s not quite accurate when you point to that game Sunday afternoon.”
This game took place as the curtain-raiser between Western United and Western Sydney Wanderers.
The problems with doubleheaders aside, why would Western Sydney fans want to arrive early to watch Sydney FC play in the ALW? Western United have struggled to attract their own fans let alone any to support Melbourne City’s women.
These are two passionately opposing supporter sets. This game was never going to draw a crowd unless it was a separate women’s fixture, as a title decider should be.
The incoming league chief likely forgot this or never knew it. Either explanation is forgivable, mistakes happen.
But neither reason instils faith in the supporters that the league is being paid proper attention.
In any case, with crowds at men’s games struggling, is relying on them to save women’s football really the best idea?
Townsend also expressed frustration that the Matildas routinely break records with crowds but that does not transfer to the league.
“Where are all these Matildas fans?” he ponders.
“Why are they happy to put on a Matildas shirt one day yet won’t turn up and watch their local A-League women’s team play?
“There seems to be this real fair-weather commitment to Matildas as being this great brand and it is, but why aren’t those fans turning up to watch Sydney FC vs Melbourne City or others?”
Aside from the reasons already covered, one reason is blaringly obvious.
Ticketing links.
The A-League Women Twitter account is 99% great. They provide highlights, lineup, interviews and updates. They announce fixture changes and game times. However, to this date, they do not include links to buy tickets on their posts.
Above: A typical tweet from the A-League Women account advertising games. Source: @aleaguewomen
Fans are forced to tweet into the abyss or wander the deserts of Google aimlessly to find out which outlet supplies the tickets.
Sometimes the tickets are listed online and on club websites under the men’s fixtures only. There are also at least two ticketing outlets, (Ticketmaster and Ticketbooth) who might be handling the game.
The individual clubs social media do provide links, but if the aim is to gather new supporters, ones that may not have chosen a team yet, the central communication hubs need to post them too.
It is a constant mystery that even experienced football fans have struggled to decipher. That often referred to game between Sydney FC and Melbourne City had ticketing links that could not be found through any search engine. They were on the Western United website but could not be found searching “Melbourne City, Sydney FC or A-League Women tickets.”
Contrast this with The Matildas social media and marketing team. Every post from the account that refers to an upcoming game has a link to buy tickets, many mention the costs, or any potential offers and discounts.
They do this almost daily leading up to game day. If you are a football fan and they are playing in your town it is almost harder NOT to go to the game.
The effort is put in, it has been over years, they hustle, and they once even offered free entry for children named “Matilda.” They build crowds, not just expect them, and they make it easy for fans to attend.
For A-League games, there is only broadcast information. Which is fantastic and satisfies commercial partners but does nothing to get people to the ground.
Include a link for tickets.
Above: An example Tweet from the Matildas account with links to buy tickets. Source: @TheMatildas
Expand outside the bubble
Another reason that crowd figures are vastly different between national team games and league games is that they appeal to different demographics.
There exists a large and growing population in Australia that want to attend, promote and enjoy women’s sport. Some of these people do it to the exclusion of men’s sport for their own valid reasons (I have mine).
So far, the A-League marketing is focussed on combining men’s and women’s supporter bases. To grow the women’s game by appealing to fans of men’s football instead of fans of women’s sport.
This is more likely to work for broadcasting. The game is the game, and football is football. But the atmosphere at the ground is different, in some cases deliberately so.
As relative newcomers to the Australian sporting scene, women’s football supporter culture has been able to take what they like from existing football support and leave behind what they do not.
When the men’s active support does show up, they can change the vibe, often unintentionally. Because they are not familiar with how things usually are.
If you have ever been enjoying a night out and then a buck’s night or footy post-season group shows up, you will know the atmosphere changes. The attitude seems to be “lets show them how we do things” rather than any effort to integrate with the existing vibe.
Learning some of the women’s active support chants instead of using slightly altered men’s chants would go a long way to harmonizing support.
This is not the fault of the League, but even when they do show up, it is not quite enough.
Regarding women’s sports fans, those that might go to the netball, WBBL or ALFW to grow A-League crowds, the league seems unaware a market exists.
“It’s not something we’ve talked about,” said Townsend to Rose of the Ladies League.
“It’s an interesting one to consider.
“We’ve typically operated in a football environment when we think about how to recruit fans.”
As the crowds at other events (and Matildas games) has shown, this is something that really needs to be looked at. It is surprising that it has not been considered or at least researched already.
That’s football environment referred to consists of eight million fans of the game in Australia. This takes in a whole lot of different people. Some play, some watch European leagues, some just check out the World Cup.
It is a huge, but diverse demographic to target when compared to something that has established social media communities like ‘Women’s Sport.’
Surely you both the existing football community and the women’s sport community can be reached out to.
A family may have three children and one parent who play. They are registered participants and football fans. But after paying registration and game day costs for four people and spending hours at the ground on a Sunday morning, do they really have enough time to attend a match or two?
Women’s sport fans will make the time, they have already told you they will by devoting so much of it to setting up watch parties, podcasts, websites, and travelling groups of supporters for various sports.
Active support of A-League women’s teams was granted an audience with the league in the pre-season, but surveys of women’s football fans or women’s sports fans have not been attempted since the APL took control of the league.
Their marketing strategy is not guesswork, but without talking to those who do show up, how can they work out how to attract more?
For a crude analogy, if you want to decide to go to a restaurant, do you listen to people who love it or those who long ago decided never to try it?
Above: Links for tickets and inspirational quotes. The Matildas show how to build a crowd. Source: @TheMatildas
Nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd
This is not to say that there is no potential within the football bubble.
Trading cards, Food trucks, and more women’s specific merchandise are all things that the AFLW has explored to build numbers in the stands. As a personal experience, I had watched AFLW on the TV but was also convinced to attend by the presence of a Pancake Parlour van at the ground.
Nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd, however, due to decades of often unfair bad press, few things deter casual fans like a soccer crowd. It is time to expand the bubble outside of football.
The main thing that supporters want is a full home and away season and for players and coaches to be paid a living wage for at least the duration of that season.
The league has yet to set a timeframe on this. It remains an ambition but not a target.
Meanwhile, the AFL player association has stated that 2025 is their goal for full-time pay for women’s players.
The APL has overseen the league for only months, nobody is expecting this to happen instantly, but fans do expect a timeframe to show some ambition and dedication to the players and the sport.
One concern from the league about an extended season is that it will overlap with the American NWSL. From what the fans are saying, they simply do not care about that, and nor should they.
In the absence of U.S imports last season, the league’s younger players stepped up. Experienced players like Dylan Holmes and Clare Wheeler became Matildas and Kyra Cooney-Cross became a star.
For the players that have ambitions to play in the US, clubs have shown themselves to be flexible, and the fans excited for them.
Lynn Williams was accommodated to potentially season-defining effect and Emily van Egmond was able to switch between the Newcastle Jets and the NWSL with mostly appreciation for what she did in her time here.
Player movement happens, the fans are OK with it. It is a compliment to the league and Australian football. In the end, a strong, flourishing competition exceeds the benefits of matching up with the US league.
Coordinating with the NPLs is a different matter, but not an insurmountable challenge.
Fans remain patient, but increasingly frustrated. Those entrusted with the game are not expected to change it overnight, especially when the priority is completing the season in a pandemic.
Fans largely understand that challenges exist, but they need to be able to trust these problems are being addressed
Women’s football fans and players deserve tangible, measurable aims for the game, they deserve a timeframe, and they deserve to be told what it is.
Above: Cortnee Vine celebrates after scoring against Perth Glory today. Photo: A-League Women.
By Ben Gilby (27/2/22)
At University of Tasmania Stadium, Launceston, Tasmania.
Sydney FC gained an important victory over Perth Glory which puts them back in the driving spot for top spot in the end-of-season ladder.
Going into the first W-League/A-League Women’s match to be played in Tasmania, both head coaches named unchanged starting line-ups from the previous round. For Perth, Demi Koulizakis and Sadie Lawrence came in on the bench for Alana Jancevski and Leena Khamis. Sydney had just the one change among their substitutes with Cote Rojas coming back from international duty with Chile to replace Mary Stanic-Floody
Sydney’s four goals in the January encounter between the two sides came as the result of outstanding wing play. The Sky Blues looked to repeat the process from the start, looking to get crosses into the mix and forcing turnover ball. It was relentless from Ante Juric’s side in the first 12 minutes.
It was also clear that the Sydney head coach has studied the influence of Cyera Hintzen on Perth’s attack. Her surging runs through the midfield have been a source of many Glory goals since the New Year. Every time the 24-year-old American gained possession, she was quickly swamped by at least one defender showing close attention.
Above: Cyera Hintzen was well marshalled for much of the game by Sydney. Photo: Perth Glory.
Hintzen’s importance to Perth is multifaceted as an outlet as well as a potential scorer or creator. Therefore the smothering effect of her at the start only served to enhance the domination of territory and possession for Sydney.
Whilst Sydney continued to dominate with Tash Rigby kept particularly busy on the right-hand side, it took 34 minutes for it to finally be reflected on the scoreboard.
More pressure on the right led to a corner from Mackenzie Hawkesby who aimed for Nat Tobin in the middle of the box. The defender, who was originally going to play for the Glory this season, flicked a volley over Courtney Newbon in the Perth goal and into the net.
Perth responded well after the goal and earned several corners with Hana Lowry bending some dangerous efforts into the box. It remained 1-0 to Sydney at the break.
The second half, like the first, opened with torrential rain which, like the opening period eased off within 15 minutes.
Lowry had a golden opportunity to equalize within five minutes of the action resuming. Hintzen got away and fed sub Lisa De Vanna on the right. The Matildas legend returned the favour to Hintzen who played in a low pass towards Lowry who was closed down by Ally Green at the cost of a corner.
The resulting flag kick was another de la Harpe special curled into the six-yard box. A series of goalward headers were eventually dealt with.
Above: Sydney FC celebrate after Cortnee Vine puts them 2-0 up. Photo: A-League Women.
Within two minutes, Sydney made Perth pay for missing that opportunity. It came from a move that brought them so much success in the first encounter between the two sides in January. Hawkesby lifted the ball through to Vine, who was allowed far too much space. Despite Kim Carroll’s attempts to backtrack, there is only going to be one outcome as she took a touch forward and comfortably lifted the ball home.
Seven minutes later, Sydney confirmed the win. Princess Ibini beat de la Harpe along the left and played a cleverly positioned low ball in from the right which bisected Perth’s defence for Vine to slide home the third.
Cote Rojas came off the bench and was immediately involved along the left to feed Ibini whose effort was well held by Newbon.
Rojas continued to attempt to use her magic wand to break through, but Claudia Mihocic was, again working exceptionally hard to deny the Chilean.
Cortnee Vine had to leave the pitch with ice applied to her knee, and there will be concerns with Finals up and coming, especially after she missed the denouement of last season with an ACL injury.
Perth kept knocking on the door in the closing stages and they were rewarded for their efforts with four minutes remaining. Rigby played a square ball to De Vanna who had taken up a central position just over 30 yards out. The Western Australian played a beautiful pass through the Sydney defence for Aideen Keane to run onto and lift the ball over the diving Whyman. It was the 20-year-old’s first A-League Women goal.
There was a concerning clash between Keane and Whyman in stoppage time as both competed for a ball with the Sydney goalkeeper taking a knock to the head and Keane falling awkwardly.
Both players resumed play although Whyman also took another hit shortly afterwards when she rose AFL style to take a ball over the back of her own defence.
Above: After finding victories hard to come by in Victoria, Sydney FC returned to winning ways against Perth today. Photo: Sydney FC.
Sydney FC now take back the clear favourites tag for ending the home and away season on top of the ladder after Melbourne City’s slip up to Brisbane Roar. Perth will be hoping that Canberra United can do them a favour against Melbourne Victory next weekend with their Finals hopes now out of their own hands.
Speaking afterwards, two-goal Cortnee Vine said: “I’m absolutely stoked, it was a really important game and I think we came out there and showed everyone what we can do and why we are at the top.
“I’m really proud of the girls. It’s good to get back on the scoresheet for me and get back in my stride with the team. I’m really happy I put two away today and hopefully, I can put some more away in the next few games.”
Mackenzie Hawkesby felt: “We stuck to our style of play and got the job done. We knew we had to bounce back this week and it was a huge game with Perth looking for Finals. We stayed together.”
Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby said: “It was a really tough game. Sydney were class today. We asked all we could of the girls, but Sydney were too good for us. We had a lot more chances than we did last time against them and we’re still fighting for Finals.”
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis rued his team’s slow start: “We knew we started a bit flat in the first 15-20 minutes and that made it hard to find our place in the game. We then started to play more our style, but we conceded a goal. We tried really hard in the second half, but they had some more quality than us.
“The second half we at least threw some punches, we tried to attack them and we scored. Last time we played them we were very flat. From that point of view, it is an improvement. We could have been better. It didn’t show what we are capable of.”
“The performance this week wasn’t what we wanted in terms of the result. We now focus on the performance against Wellington. We have to make sure we follow process, review the game plan, and do our best to win the match. If things go in our way, great.”
Above: Sydney FC are marching on together towards another Premiers Plate. Photo: A-League Women
Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-2-1-3): Newbon, de la Harpe, Mihocic, K.Carroll, Rigby, Leth Jans, Cain, Lowry, Phonsongkham, Hintzen, Sakalis. Substitutes: Aquino (GK), Koulizakis, De Vanna, Lawrence, Keane.
Above: Stella Zampognawheels away after scoring Perth SC’s winner against Curtin University as the WA NPL Women’s Night Series got underway. Photo: Rob Lizzi
This season Impetus’ coverage of the women’s game in Australia will step up even further as we begin focusing on the NPL (state leagues) in several states. To open our coverage, Ben Gilby, who will be covering the scene in Western Australia (WA) thisseason, summarizes the opening round of matches in the WA NPL Women’s Night Series – a pre-season tournament that sees teams play each other once in a round-robin before progressing to knock-out(27/2/22).
Group A
Above: High rise action between Northern Redbacks (Red and black) and Balcatta. Photo: Fotoenzo
Northern Redbacks are WA’s leading female-only club, with Matildas alumni such as Lisa De Vanna and Kim Carroll playing for the club in the past. The Redbacks recently announced a merger with ECU Joondalup and will be known as Perth RedStar once the main NPL season gets underway.
They began their final few games under their historic name with a 3-0 win over Balcatta. Olivia Wood, a header from Bronwyn Studman and Jayna Ridley earned the points.
Above: Eyes on the prize as Subiaco FC (left) take on Murdoch University Melville. Photo: Fotoenzo.
Murdoch University Melville as expected, also gained maximum points with a 5-0 win over Subiaco. Tia Stonehill was among the goals.
Group B
Above: Perth SC look to build against Curtin University. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Perth SC opened their campaign with a 1-0 against Curtin University at Dorrien Gardens. Stella Zampogna was on target.
Elsewhere, Fremantle City dispatched Hyundai NTC Women 4-0.
Above: Celebration time for Fremantle City against the NTC who they beat 4-0. Photo: Fotoenzo
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