Above: AFC Wimbledon celebrate yesterday at Carshalton. Photo: Glyn Roberts.
The Dons ran out eventual winners at Carshalton Athletic on Sunday in a game that was overshadowed by a serious injury sustained by the Stevenage keeper in the first 10 minutes.
Wimbledon went into the game after last Sunday’s incredible penalty shoot-out victory away to Portsmouth to secure their place in the semi-final of the FAWNL Plate. With second place Billericay Town not playing, the Dons knew a victory would further close the gap to the top two.
The hosts got off to a perfect start when Katie Stanley opened the scoring after only nine minutes. However whilst the Dons were celebrating the Stevenage keeper stayed down having sustained a shoulder injury in the process of attempting a save. There was then a 30-minute break in play whilst she received treatment before being transferred to hospital. When play restarted the rest of the first half was a scrappy affair with neither team having any clear-cut chances.
In the second half, the Dons started in a much stronger fashion and doubled their lead just before the hour mark as Ashlee Hincks continued her scoring streak. Wimbledon continued their dominance and kept searching for more goals. However, a well-disciplined Stevenage side dug in and made life difficult for the Dons and prevented them from extending their advantage.
El Sueno Tequila Player of The Match Angel Fowler said “The main thing was we got the win today, it was not our best performance either but we certainly played our game and did what we needed to do to get three points”
First-team coach Andy May reviewed the game saying: “It was a difficult one to be fair looking back at it, we didn’t set our standards and the intensity we wanted to work at but at the end of the day it’s three points so it’s a pleasing thing but I think there is more from us than that performance today.”
Adelaide United have announced the launch of the inaugural A-Leagues Pride Game, in conjunction with major event partners McDonald’s and Flinders University, on Saturday, 26 February 2022.
Adelaide United will be the first A-Leagues Club and the first professional football team to host a Pride Game in Australia with the women’s team kicking proceedings off against Melbourne Victory, before the men host Central Coast Mariners.
Pride Cup will be partnering with the Club to help facilitate the gameday in what is a celebration of the LGBTI+ community and promotion of inclusivity.
Above: Dylan Holmes pictured in the special shirt that Adelaide United will wear for the game. Photo provided to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
Players from the Club’s women’s and men’s teams will both be wearing rainbow names and numbers on the back of their playing jerseys in a show of support and solidarity for the LGBTI+ community.
The game will feature performances by cabaret performer Issie Heart (they/them) and Qwire, Adelaide’s LGBTI+ inclusive choir.
Adelaide United Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Kosmina (he/him), said: “This is an extremely proud day for Adelaide United and the wider football community. Through football, we want to continue to provide a safe space that is welcoming for all people to come and attend matches at Coopers Stadium. We want people to know that it doesn’t matter what your sexuality, ethnicity, gender, or socio-economic background is – you are always welcome at Adelaide United.”
Above: Adelaide United defender Josh Cavello. Photoprovided by Impetus by: Adelaide United.
Adelaide United defender, Josh Cavallo (he/him), said: “This is a significant day for myself, members of the LGBTI+ community, and Adelaide United. Adelaide United is an incredibly inclusive environment and is like one big family. They’ve been extremely supportive of me since I arrived in Adelaide, and I couldn’t be prouder what the Club together with Pride Cup have organized.”
Adelaide United defender, Isabel Hodgson (she/her), said: “This Pride Game will certainly help raise awareness and advocate for inclusivity. As Captain of our women’s team, it’s really exciting to be a part of something that celebrates diversity and welcomes all walks of life.”
“I’m confident this game will have an impact on local clubs and make the cultures of dressing rooms right around the country more inviting and inclusive.”
Above: Adelaide United captain Isabel Hodgson pictured in support of the initiative, Photo provided to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
Pride Cup Chief Executive Officer, James Lolicato (he/him), said: “This is an exciting moment for Australian football and we are delighted to partner with Adelaide United for this meaningful occasion.
“78% of LGBTI+ people don’t feel safe as spectators at sporting events, this is a huge opportunity to show LGBTI+ people that football can be a safe and welcoming place for all. This is about more than just visibility though. We will also be holding education sessions, empowering the Club to become leaders in equity and inclusivity.”
United Pride merchandise will also be available at Coopers Stadium and in-store, with proceeds going to Pride Cup, while there will be a range of rainbow stadium assets, from corner flags and safe smoke to signage.
Tickets for the doubleheader are on sale and you can purchase your seats here.
Above: Adelaide United A-League Men defender Javi Lopez pictured in the club’s special shirt for the game. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
Above: Adelaide United celebrate during a sensational performance at Brisbane today. Photo: Adelaide United.
By Ben Gilby(13/2/22)
Adelaide United put in a sensational performance to put Brisbane Roar to the sword in some style at Moreton Daily Stadium.
This incredible win, earned courtesy of five goals from Fiona Worts, in conjunction with Finals rivals Perth Glory suffering a 4-0 loss to Melbourne City, puts the South Australian side in the driving seat to claim a top-four place for the first time.
Roar were forced onto the back foot by an extreme high press from the visitors which gave Adrian Stenta’s side the momentum from the earliest of stages.
Adelaide took only 13 minutes to take the lead. Emily Hodgson was fouled by Mariel Hecher in the centre circle. Brisbane looked to have dealt with the danger when Natalie Tathem played the ball comfortably back to her goalkeeper Mia Bailey.
Unfortunately, the 17-year-old custodian’s first touch was too heavy and then was forced into a rushed clearance by Worts which led to a weak pass straight into the path of Chelsie Dawber. The locally produced striker in her current form did not need a second invitation to slot home.
Above: Celebrations for Adelaide Untied. Photo: Adelaide United.
With 20 minutes on the clock, Hecher had a great chance, running through from the left after exchanging wings and producing a shot that Adelaide keeper Annalie Grove blocked.
Adelaide responded well with 23 minutes gone, and forced back-to-back corners for the second time in quick succession. Emily Condon’s ball from the left curled in viciously on the strong breeze. Kayla Sharples got up highest to launch a header, but it was Roar’s Hollie Palmer who deflected the ball past her own goalkeeper for 2-0.
It took just a further 10 minutes for Worts to make the most of another unfortunate moment for Bailey in the Brisbane goal. Dylan Holmes, running centrally played in Dawber on the right. The striker’s low shot across the box was initially claimed by Bailey, but she couldn’t hold on as the ball went straight to Worts who couldn’t miss from four yards.
It was very nearly four shortly afterwards as Reona Omiya found Dawber, but her shot rolled agonizingly wide of the left-hand post.
Two minutes before the break it was 4-0. The move started at the back with Sharples initiating a move with a long ball towards the right which eventually found Isabel Hodgson. She beat Anna Margraf and played in Dawber who put in a superb low ball across for Worts who skilfully directed the ball into the far corner of the net.
Above: Five goal Fiona Worts (left) and Chelsie Dawber – who are now positioned third and second respectively on the leading goalscorers charts. Photo: Adelaide United.
Any hopes that Brisbane may have had that Adelaide would take their foot off the gas in the second half were quickly dispelled as United continued to attack.
Ten minutes into the second period, Condon pulled a corner to the near post which held up in the wind, and Matilda McNamara got up to direct a back header into the far corner of the net.
Just when the Roar may have thought things couldn’t get any worse, they conceded again within 120 seconds as Worts completed her hat-trick.
Katrina Gorry had the ball taken off her in a robust challenge from Holmes who advanced towards the box and curled a delicious pass with the inside of her foot into the path of Worts who ran in at the back post to crash home.
A third goal in four minutes then followed, but fortunately for the home fans, this one went their way.
Above: Despite the best efforts of Katrina Gorry (right), Brisbane were on the receiving end of their record defeat. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
Gorry ran onto the ball in the centre, just outside the box beat McNamara and pulled the ball across the box for Shea Connors to sidefoot home from close range.
Roar rallied briefly with Connors seemingly popping up everywhere with the tempo picking up a level once more. Ayesha Norrie hit a long-range effort which Grove gathered on the bounce.
Adelaide rode out the storm and responded in style with a seventh. Condon released Worts and she drove sensationally past Jessie Rasschaert and lifted the ball over the diving Bailey who, in the process injured herself and had to leave the field of play. Isabella Shuttleworth came off the bench to make her A-League Women debut.
The chances continued to rain in on the Brisbane goal. Dawber raced along the right, beating Margraf and found Condon who saw her effort crash back off the far post. The rebound landed kindly for Worts who drove a shot that Shuttleworth held superbly.
Above: Fiona Worts – who will remember this performance for life. Photo: Adelaide United.
With 25 minutes to play, Adelaide hit their eighth as Gorry lost possession to Omiga. Possession was then provided to Worts. The striker played in Dawber who was wrapped up by the Roar, only for the ball to find its way for Worts to fire across Shuttleworth.
The final word in the goalscoring stakes went Roar’s way as Connors grabbed her second.
Brisbane won a free kick on the right-hand side. Gorry’s fierce effort was too hot for Grove to handle and she could only parry the ball into Connors’ path inside the six-yard box to score.
Adelaide ended the afternoon on the front foot still with Worts having an effort blocked in search of her sixth goal.
Above: Adelaide United celebrate after the game. Photo: Adelaide United.
There are tough questions for Brisbane Roar head coach Garrath McPherson to answer now. His team are not playing badly and have some superb creativity within their ranks, but they have a habit of conceding far too many goals and this thorough outclassing is not something Roar fans are used to.
Above: Princess Ibini celebrates after scoring the winning goal. Photo: Sydney FC.
In the last game of a massive weekend of football, Sydney FC travelled to play Newcastle Jets. The only team to score against the defending premiers named a full-strength side for the first time in weeks. Sydney FC welcomed back Remy Siemsen and Cortnee Vine to their attack.
Newcastle came into this game with a mathematical hope of making the finals, but they would need to win their remaining games and tests do not come much tougher than Sydney FC.
It was the league’s top side that had the first attack. Mackenzie Hawkesby lined up a strike from long range and Claire Coelho did very well to push over the bar.
From the resulting corner, Nat Tobin’s header missed the target, but it was a threatening start from Sydney FC.
Lucy Johnson had Newcastle’s first chance. A Sophie Harding cross was not cleared and Johnson pounced on the loose ball. She thrashed her right foot at the ball and hit it well, hard and low but it fizzed wide of the post.
It was an open, attacking game and Princess Ibini opened to scoring with a trademark strike.
She picked up the ball in midfield, exchanged passes with Siemsen, and then cut inside onto her right foot. From there the result seemed inevitable. This is Ibini’s favourite place to shoot from and she hit a brilliant shot into the back of the net. Coelho dived and stretched but could do nothing to stop the goal.
Marie Dølvik answered with a strong run on the left before crossing low into the box. Nobody was on hand to tap it home when any touch would have done.
Above: Marie Dølvik put in another strong performance for Newcastle Jets. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
The play continued end-to-end and Ibini again was the main danger. Her acceleration into the box earned Sydney FC a penalty kick. To the delight of the home crowd, Coelho was able to save Siemsen’s shot.
Ibini continued to threaten and created some space for herself on the wing. Her shot was optimistic but forced a save from Coelho who was proving hard to beat.
Newcastle were attacking without forging any clear chances but were leaving space in defence. Cortnee Vine tried to take advantage with a long-range strike but it whistled over the bar.
The speculative but impressive efforts continued after halftime. Nat Tobin hit the crossbar from just inside halfway. Coelho looked to have it covered but it underlined the threat that Sydney FC pose from anywhere on the field.
Rachel Lowe underlined this with a free-kick that forced the best from Coelho. The Jets goalkeeper made a diving athletic save to keep the score at 1-0.
Marie Dølvik looked the most dangerous for Newcastle. Her pace on the wing and willingness to shoot kept Sydney alert. A stepover and cut back made some space and her shot forced a strong save from Jada Whyman.
Tara Andrews was reinstated to the starting lineup, and her hold-up play was proving her value to the team. She would have been disappointed not to score when a lofted ball into the box fell to her feet.
Above: Newcastle Jets’ Sophie Harding looks to win a header under pressure from Sydney FC goalkeeper Jada Whyman. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
She focussed on directing her volley and Whyman was able to save easily. It was the sort of chance she rarely misses, and Sydney hardly ever give up.
Sydney had control of the midfield and were able to create chances almost at will. Ibini continued to torment the defence and Rachel Lowe had a few attempts on goal. But the Jets defence were staying focussed, and Coelho was in excellent form.
As the match came to a close, Newcastle brought off both Marie Dølvik and Tara Andrews. It seemed that they were settling for a close loss and re-focussing on the next round of matches. However, Sophie Harding very nearly snatched an equalizer. Her half volley from the edge of the box brought a diving save from Whyman.
Then, three minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game the drama came. Newcastle earned a corner, their goalkeeper Claire Coelho came up for it and Taryn King’s shot deflected off her and bobbled into the net.
The Jets players and fans erupted into celebration but the referee spotted a foul. Coelho had jumped early and was judged to have fouled Whyman.
The goal was disallowed and an entertaining match ended in dramatic and slightly disappointing fashion.
It was a brave call from the referee, but the crowd went through the full range of emotions in the space of seconds.
Above: Sydney FC’s returning Matilda Cortnee Vine (left) takes on Newcastle Jets’ Gema Simon.
Newcastle will remain outside of the top four with their chances dwindling. But as always, they played a very watchable, and entertaining style of football. They missed three very gettable chances on goal that they would have expected to bury.
Sydney FC continue toward an undefeated season. Princess Ibini’s had her best game for the season and are only a couple of wins from securing the premiership.
This game had quality, drama, and controversy at Number Two Sports Ground. It was an exhilarating (if slightly disappointing) end to an amazing round of football.
Speaking after the game, Sydney’s goalscorer Princess Ibini said: “I just saw the opportunity to take the shot tonight and there’s no secret to the strike, just practice and plenty of training.”
On the disallowed goal, she felt: “It’s ref’s decision, so whatever she says it’s her call, but I think she made the right decision.”
Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric felt his side was somewhat fortunate to escape with a win, regardless of the disallowed goal. “I thought it was a foul, but Newcastle actually did well, so we were probably lucky to get a win.”
Above: Melbourne City’s Rhianna Pollicina involved in a tangle against Perth Glory today. Photo: Melbourne City.
At Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, NSW.
By Ben Gilby (13/2/22)
Melbourne City claimed a vital win which makes them massive favourites to finish in the top two.
This defeat, and the impact on their goal difference means that Perth Glory may now have to potentially beat both Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC to make the top four themselves.
Playing their second game in four days, Perth Glory made three changes. Sofia Sakalis came in for Demi Kouliakis who dropped to the bench, and Leena Khamis came in as a substitute to replace suspended Susan Phonsongkham. Courtney Newbon replaced Morgan Aquino, who had a fine game on Thursday, in goal.
Melbourne City retained the same sixteen-player squad from last week with Tyla-Jay Vlajnic recording her 50th game for the club.
The Glory started comfortably in possession, imposing a patient, passing game on City. The Western Australians were probing and waiting for the right moment to play in the final ball.
This, plus their successful use of a high press kept the Sky Blues under the pump with Rado Vidosic’s side coughing up possession in their own half on too many occasions in the opening 10 minutes.
With two minutes on the clock, Perth created the first opportunity as Cyera Hintzen played in strike partner Sofia Sakalis on the edge of the box. Melissa Barbieri held on to the shot.
City’s uncomfortable start was in evidence again just six minutes later. Deborah-Ann de la Harpe worked her way along the right and pulled a ball across. With Barbieri committed coming towards the ball, her defender Winonah Heatley headed back towards the edge of the box.
Hana Lowry took advantage of the miscommunication to hit a low shot towards the open goal, but Kaitlyn Torpey got in well to deny the teenage Perth star.
City gradually settled, looking to play long balls over the top, and earned back-to-back corners as the game entered the 20-minute mark.
Above: Tyla-Jay Vlajnic in action on her 50th game for Melbourne City. Photo: Melbourne City.
Perth had another opportunity as City needlessly conceded a free-kick on the left-hand side around 20 yards out. de la Harpe curled an effort in towards the far post, but Barbieri gathered comfortably.
Just after the half-hour mark, Rhianna Pollicina went down off the pitch after being shepherded out of play by Kim Carroll. There was no obvious challenge or foul. The City star required treatment on the side of her knee shortly afterward. With the Sky Blues about to lose both Hannah Wilkinson and Rebekah Stott to international duty with New Zealand, the last thing Rado Vidosic needed was a question mark over the availability of another offensive player.
City continued to have the better of the remaining period of the opening half. They were working hard, but struggled to produce a final ball. Torpey drove past Abbey Green along the right to find Wilkinson. The Kiwi chested down and laid off for Holly McNamara who lofted a shot over the bar.
The Sky Blues had better luck deep into injury time. A ball lofted into the box was nodded back by Wilkinson who chested the ball down for Pollicina. The 25-year-old, showing no lasting impact from the knee issue, laid a lovely finish into the net for her fifth goal of the season.
Despite playing their second game in four days, Perth started the second half on the front foot. de la Harpe’s influence was growing, but the importance of finding the final ball was key.
The game was ultimately decided just past the hour mark. Lowry fed a dangerous corner into the mix from the right for Perth which led to a playground-style scramble in and around the six-yard box which City finally dealt with for a goal kick.
Above: Perth Glory’s Hana Lowry (left) in a close tussle for the ball. Photo: Perth Glory.
Barbieri hit the kick long and Green’s back header fell was jumped on gleefully by McNamara to advance to a one-on-one with Perth keeper Courtney Newbon and calmly slot home into the bottom corner.
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis rang the changes, introducing the competition’s most experienced strike partnership in 37-year-old Lisa De Vanna and 35-year-old Leena Khamis.
Khamis in particular involved herself in a physical battle and worked hard, but around her, the impact of her teammates playing two games in such a short space of time was becoming apparent.
City’s use of the direct approach had the desired impact with the third goal two minutes from the end. Former Glory player Leticia McKenna hit a long ball through which landed into the stride of McNamara on the right. Newbon advanced well out of her area, but the teenage Matilda lifted a shot comfortably over the Perth keeper and into the net.
The scoring is completed in stoppage time, despite strong Perth protestations for offside. A long, low ball through split the Perth defence and found Wilkinson. Once more Newbon was forced to come way out of her goal and once more, City profit, as the Football Fern took a touch away from Newbon to score. The Sky Blues ran out 4-0 winners, which was probably a bit harsh on Perth, but City clearly deserved the win.
Above: Melbourne City celebrate a vital win in the Finals race Photo: Melbourne City.
City goalscorer Rhianna Pollicina was modest about her strike: “I was in the right place at the right time!” She also explained the circumstances behind her knee issue midway through the first half.
“I fell over and felt the back of my knee. I was worried it was an ACL, so I wanted the physio to have a look, but it’s all OK now.”
Perth defender Liz Anton spoke of her disappointment and the impact of playing two games in such a short space of time. “Our first half was good, the late goal then killed us going into half-time.
“We had a short turnaround (from the win over Adelaide United on Thursday), and I don’t want to use it as an excuse, but it really hurt us. I don’t think we had enough energy going forward and then there were a few things at the back towards the end.
“The goals towards the end I think were down to fatigue. I was certainly feeling it really hard in the last 10. But, credit to City, they did well.”
Holly McNamara was delighted to win a game that she found tough. “It was a grind. Credit to Perth because it was a hard game. We didn’t play our best football, but we fought out well for the win.”
With regard to her second goal, she said: “It was a great ball through from ‘Teech (Leticia McKenna) and I saw Courtney Newbon coming out and just lifted it over her. I’ve tried them before and they’ve not worked!”
Above: Perth Glory will now regroup ahead of next week’s game with another Finals chasing team, Melbourne Victory. Photo: A-League Women.
For Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis, pride in the first-half performance was tinged with regret that again, his team came up against a top side just days after playing a previous fixture. “First, credit has to go to where it’s due. Melbourne City were good today and I don’t want to take away from anything they did.
“We came in with a really specific game plan which we could see was working for the first 40-50 minutes. The goal we conceded before half-time meant that we needed to go forward a bit more in the second. That left us a bit open in those transition moments. I think 4-0 was an inflated scoreline, but we weren’t as good as we can be.”
He emphasized the impact of the scheduling for his team’s matches against both the top two sides this season.
“We’re a good team, a competitive team and I really believe that we can compete with anyone. It’s just unfortunate now that those games against Sydney and City that we weren’t able to get a good crack at them because we played them only a couple of days after a previous game.
“If we had been able to play both of those games with a fresh squad and preparation time then I think there may have been a different outcome.”
Ahead of what becomes a must-win game in the Finals race against Melbourne Victory next week, Epakis said: “Everybody deserves a couple of days off now mentally and physically. We should have close to everyone who is able to play available for next week.”
Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Newbon, Rigby, Anton, K.Carroll, Green, Leth Jans, Lowry, Cain, de la Harpe, Hintzen, Sakalis. Substitutes: Aquino (GK), Koulizakis, De Vanna, Lawrence, Khamis.
MELBOURNE CITY (3-4-3): Barbieri, Tunmeth, Checker, Heatley, Torpey, Davidson, Stott, Vlajnic, Pollicina, Wilkinson, McNamara. Substitutes: James (GK), van der Meer, Blissett, McKenna, Westland.
Above: Melinda Barbieri (30) celebrates with Catherine Zimmerman during Melbourne Victory’s win over Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory delivered the Western Sydney Wanderers a lesson they’d rather forget with their biggest defeat of the season.
For a team that was noted for their defence, the loss of Clare Hunt is being more and more keenly felt. Conversely, it was Victory’s biggest win of the season and it felt like everything came together for them beautifully. Kyra Cooney-Cross was on fire and had a hand in four goals.
Despite more Wanderers shots, the Victory defence held strong and didn’t let a goal in. With seven shots on target for Victory, five of them went in. This result puts both Sydney FC and Melbourne City on notice as the finals approach.
Victory strike early when just five minutes in and Caitlin Cooper loses ball in her half and Kyra Cooney-Cross dribbles down the right and crosses. Catherine Zimmerman missed the connection initially, but had time to turn and was able to gather the ball, strike it, and put it past Sarah Langman.
Bryleeh Henry runs down the left and strikes but it was gathered by Casey Dumont. Wanderers get a corner as Henry continues to attack in the area. Copus Brown takes it short sending it to Matos but Matos’ strike is cleared downfield.
Cooney-Cross makes a lot of damaging runs down the right. In one, Markovski sends a cross right across the face of the goal that goes sailing through and out the other side untouched by anyone. Both the defence and attack are missing in action.
Victory get a free kick on the right near the box when Henry does a spot of shoulder holding on Polly Doran. It comes to naught and then Wanderers get a free-kick from a very similar spot up their end. And that also comes to naught. Matos takes an ambitious long-range shot. It’s on target but is caught comfortably by Casey Dumont.
A cross from the right comes to Henry but kicking it on the volley sends it sky-high and over the bar. Wanderers are giving it all they’ve got but, as much as I hate the word, they just aren’t being clinical. There’s swipes at uncontrolled balls and a few long-range shots that are on target but not delivered with enough venom to beat Dumont. It’s all a bit kick it and hope for the best rather than any thoughtful execution.
Cooney-Cross, on the other hand, performs some magic in the midfield as she gets the ball, turns some Wanderers on their bums, and sends a beautifully weighted pass through to Mindy Barbieri. Barbieri runs on to it as Langman comes out. She’s able to slide it past and into the back of the net and Victory are up 2-0.
Wanderers are immediately looking to reply with a cross from Tegan Collister and then a long-range strike by Alex Huynh.
Up the other end and Alex Chidiac gets a corner after a battle with Huynh. This results in another corner and Langman ends up with it after a heavy and late challenge by Henry on Chidiac in the box is ignored by the referee.
Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross on yet another dominant run. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Wanderers have a great opportunity just before halftime when Henry takes a long run through the centre of the park and then passes on to Teigan Collister but Collister can’t get it past Dumont. They get a corner after the next play which goes to the back post and comes out to Erica Halloway who takes a punt but it skews out to the left of goal.
Galic tries a long-range shot that isn’t quite on target but Dumont pushes it out for a corner which she catches easily. Four minutes of injury time. A free-kick by Huynh is headed out for a goal kick in the dying minutes of the half. It’s 2-0 as we go into the break.
At halftime Wanderers have more shots, shots on target, and shots from inside the box but haven’t been able to get past Dumont.
Early on, Withers makes a run down the left to inject immediate excitement but Langman has it covered.
Chidiac shoots and Langman gets a hand to it and it rolls across the face of goal and just misses the right post and goes out in a scary moment for the Wanderers as time seemed to stand still. A corner which Chidiac lobs to the far post but Langman jumps and grabs it out of the air.
Henry receives a lovely ball in the area but directs it straight to Dumont in a one-on-one situation. Just needed a bit more composition and thought about where it was going.
Cooney-Cross battles down the right in a one on one with Matos. She gets a rising shot away and it’s straight into Langman’s hands. There have been plenty of shots this half and we’re less than 10 minutes in.
Cooney-Cross takes a lovely shot from the right and really gets a crack at it. Good direction but Langman is able to grab it.
There are more tense moments as Cooney-Cross sends a lob to Withers but Langman is all over it again.
Cooney-Cross gets her inevitable goal when she’s in the clear on the right from a Wanderers give-away and Langman has to come out. She’s able to skip around her and roll the ball into goal. She’s had an incredible match and that goal was well deserved even if it was her first for the season and long overdue.
Another long shot from Cooney-Cross very soon after kick-off gets through to Zimmerman. The initial shot is blocked but comes back to Zimmerman who heads it. This bounces off the post and Zimmerman slams the rebound into the back of the net for third time lucky. It’s now 4-0 and Zimmerman has a brace.
Above: 15-year-old Ella Abdul Massih in debut action for Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers
Withers gets a run down the left with Cooper in hot pursuit and Cooper is able to get the ball back.
Then Courtney Nevin scores a cracking long-range goal that loops over Langman who’s off her line and into goal. It’s Nevin’s very first A-League goal against her old team and it’s her 20th birthday. Not a bad birthday present and an extra reason to celebrate. It’s getting embarrassing for Wanderers now and this is their worst defeat by a long shot.
Fifteen-year-old Ella Abdul Massih comes on for Collister for her debut. Collister is not happy about leaving the field and tries to storm off down the tunnel until she’s called back by Wanderers boss Catherine Cannuli.
Cooney-Cross steps past a few players to take another long-range shot which hits the crossbar and bounces back into play. Langman would have been beaten if it was a few centimeters lower. She really has been a stand-out in this match.
Abdul Massih has a nice little run down the left towards goal and gets a good pass away. Looks like there’s a bit of talent there.
Libby Copus-Brown sent a nice ball through to Isabella Habuda but she can’t get it past Dumont in another close chance for the Wander Women. Abdul Massih takes a shot that’s blocked and seems to have no fear.
A Wanderers free-kick from the left is somewhat surprisingly taken by Abdul Massih. She goes for goal and it just skims the crossbar in a pretty decent attempt. A ball through from Price to Abdul Massih is blocked by Doran but it’s another good shot.
Danika Matos rolls her ankle and is in a bit of pain as play stops for treatment. She’s in a bit of distress as Rosie Galea readies to come on. She hobbles off in tears and a considerable amount of pain and won’t be back on as Galea replaces her.
Wanderers attack again as we approach stoppage time. Cooper gets a yellow.
Polly Doran delivers a long ball to Withers out on the left flank and she takes it to the corner but Henry gets it off her.
In a last-ditch effort, the ball comes through from Eliadis to an offside Cooney-Cross who boots it into goal after the whistle but it’s not flying with the ref and she gets a yellow for her troubles. But it’s still a resounding win for Victory and Cooney-Cross had an incredible game.
Above: A rampant performance from Melbourne Victory who are approaching ominous form at the right stage of the season. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Cooney-Cross said after the match that this was a much better performance and that they’d been a bit rusty as they were playing bottom teams and just not good enough. Their team meeting said things had to be better and that they needed to keep finishing so they did that today.
In her post-match interview, Caitlin Cooper said she personally wasn’t good enough today and took on some responsibility for the loss. ”Definitely not good enough in defence. Need to pick things up and we’re just not good enough. Not keeping the ball in the final third. Need to turn things around.” It was also Cooper’s birthday but she may not be celebrating quite as hard as Nevin.
Above: Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby, captured in action against Sydney FC earlier this season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
With two teams firmly engaged in the Finals race meeting head-on at Central Coast Stadium on Sunday, Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby and Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic(12/2/22).
Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby spoke about her huge pride in achieving a 1-0 win over Adelaide United on Thursday and how the deep bond in the team is driving their bid for a place in the Finals.
An ebullient Rigby revealed how after a combination of tough seasons for the club and being forced on the road since the beginning of January, things are coming good at last. Something that was encapsulated in the win over the South Australians.
“Oh my God, I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy after a game! It was so important and we tried to articulate that before the game. I couldn’t have asked for more from the girls. They gave every inch of themselves. It was a very intense game and we were able to grind it out. The energy in the team is great and it’s a real confidence boost.
“Over the last couple of seasons, we’ve had some tough runs, so these moments make it all worth it. I couldn’t be doing it with a better group of girls. To experience this with them is phenomenal.
“We knew Adelaide were going to be really tough, we went down to them 4-2 earlier in the season. Now we take on Melbourne City, we’re playing at Central Coast Stadium which we believe to be our 100% good luck stadium as we’ve had two great performances there (wins over Western Sydney Wanderers and Adelaide United). We have a few Central Coast fans on our side now as well!”
Rigby reflected on the road trip nature of Perth Glory’s enforced time on the road due to the COVID border restrictions in Western Australia.
“I’d say the last two weeks are probably the best it’s been. We now know we are here for the rest of the season. There are no uncertainties. We’ve got some amazing characters in the group and we’ve been able to gel and find cohesion. It’s created a closer group.”
The win over Adelaide United on Thursday came despite playing for much of the second half without striker Susan Phonsongkham who was sent off after receiving two yellow cards. Rigby revealed what the dismissal did in terms of team structure and cohesion.
“We tried to stay more compact, tighter, and not let anyone through. I really felt after the game almost like that the sending-off didn’t happen as Adelaide didn’t really break through and we were still able to go on the attack. That response was really important.”
Above: Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby speaking to the media on Friday. Photo: Perth Glory.
The Adelaide win came on the back of a disappointing result in Canberra last weekend where Perth lost a 3-1 lead in the final ten minutes and only left the national capital with a point.
The Glory defender spoke about how the outcome of that game was used as a motivating tool going into the match with the South Australians.
“After the review, we realized we played really well in the middle hour of the game, but not so good in the fifteen minutes at the start and end. So we knew that we needed to look at our game management. It’s always tough playing at Canberra, they have a fantastic crowd, but we didn’t play well enough in the final 10 minutes. We need to get that better focus on game management.”
Positivity is high in the camp, but focus has to move on to being tight once more for a tough game with Melbourne City.
“The camp is elated, but the turnaround is really quick,” Perth’s captain emphasized. “We’ve made sure we had a recovery day today (Friday) and we’re going to hone in our focus for City tomorrow. We need to ride on the energy going into the game.
“The Finals word is absolutely being banded around! Absolutely! We’re sitting equal third at the moment. It’s probably going to be a fight between us, Victory and Adelaide for who makes Finals. I think Sydney and City pretty much are certain for Finals.
“The sacrifices we’ve made being over here (in a North Sydney hub) for almost 10 weeks in total. We don’t just want to be here. We have four games left and Finals is a real chance for us. We need to be pushing for the best. We’re a collective group and we want that moment. It’s so exciting.”
With Susan Phonsongkham out due to suspension after receiving two yellow cards against Adelaide United, Rigby revealed that there is a chance that Leena Khamis may potentially be available for the weekend’s game.
Focusing specifically on Melbourne City, with the Sky Blues having Rebekah Stott and Hannah Wilkinson in their travelling party before they depart for international duty with New Zealand, Perth’s captain knows that she will have to be marshalling her defence strongly on Sunday.
“Stotty is such an incredible player and inspiration to everyone. On the field she is a menace. The service she provides to Wilkinson is so good. We were really tight on our players against Adelaide, so we’ll be aiming to do the same on Sunday.”
Above: Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic speaking to the media on Friday. Photo: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic was full of praise for Perth Glory’s achievements this season and knows that his team face an exceptionally stern test on Sunday.
“I’m expecting a tough game. I’ve read what Alex (Epakis, Perth Glory head coach) was saying about their game with Adelaide being in tough conditions (temperatures over 30C), being away from family, friends, and loved ones. But, I think that situation has really galvanized them as a unit. They have been together for a long time now.
“You can see that camaraderie, that never say die attitude, and the fighting spirit they have produced. It has been exceptional. When they were down to 10 players (after Susan Phonsongkham was sent off), you didn’t notice it. It was unbelievable.
“You could hear them talking to each other through the whole game. The communication, the encouragement was excellent. One player that stood out for me was Sarah Cain. She was with us last season. To see her so dominant was really good to see. Her improvement under Alex is good.”
Whilst City are three points clear of those below them in the Finals race, Vidosic knows that nothing can be taken for granted. “It’s a very important game for us and for them. Every game is important now as here are less and less to play.
“We can’t talk about Finals, we have to take one game at a time. Once you start talking about Finals then you lose focus on the current game. That is something that you can’t do. We have to match Perth and then hope our quality comes out on top.”
In terms of availability, Vidosic had good news to share. “We have a full set of players available, everyone who had COVID is also back and available.”
Above: Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins talking to the media on Friday. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Ahead of Saturday’s game between Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park, Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins and the Wanderers pair of Malia Steinmetz and new signing Ella Abdul Massih(11/2/22).
Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins revealed that his team used the COVID enforced break to their program to reset and refocus ahead of the run-in for Finals.
He also reflected on how his team had made improvements in recent games after a disappointing spell that saw 11 goals conceded in three games.
“Looking back, we needed to focus on defensive positioning to deal with direct play. The goals we copped were down to that. Having time away due to COVID meant that we could deal with that. Even this morning (Friday), we had a big review about it. We’re defending differently now and better.
“Normally when you look back you can see one game that really shapes your season. Last year it was the 6-0 loss up in Brisbane and this year it was probably the loss at home to Brisbane which followed another heavy defeat. It made us highlight a few things to work on. The players have responded really well.”
As well as focusing on righting some wrongs defensively, Hopkins is happy that the situation has allowed him to have virtually a fully fit squad.
“We’ve had a few games in a short period of time and a lot of players coming back into the squad, so we’ve been pretty lucky with fitness and more players to choose from. Everyone’s pulled up well from the games. Apart from Melina (Ayres), everyone is available this week.”
Melbourne Victory’s head coach then touched on the qualities that recent signing Brooke Hendrix has brought to the group.
“It feels like she’s been here all the time. She’s a good character, very reliable. She has a good relationship with ‘Bungey’ (Claudia Bunge) already. She reads the game well and is a good player.”
Focusing specifically on Western Sydney Wanderers, Hopkins said: “We’ve watched them a few times. They play with a high press and are aggressive. If we get complacent playing out, they will catch us and hurt us. We have a fair bit of respect for them. It took a penalty to beat them up there.
“We’re confident going into it. We’re focused on imposing our game on them. We are paying them respect, but tomorrow’s about us and how we play. If we do that, I think we’ll win.”
The match with Wanderers is the beginning of a run of three straight home matches in a total of four home games in their last five fixtures – something which puts Victory in a good spot to qualify for Finals.
“Knowing we can play at home is a big incentive for us. We’re really looking forward to it and it is a bonus,” Hopkins said.
Above: Malia Steinmetz talking about her selection by New Zealand on Thursday. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Malia Steinmetz was this week named in the New Zealand national squad for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup in the United States.
Steinmetz has featured in six matches in the Wanderers midfield this season and is one of six players in the A-League Women’s set to represent the Football Ferns in the Cup.
“I was picked for the squad a few years ago when I was younger, so it’s taken a while to get back and it’s great to have made it. It’s promising, but it’s a hard effort up to the World Cup. the Wanderers midfielder said.
Steinmetz sees her growth at the Wanderers as a key reason for her international call-up. “It’s because of the team around me and the work we’re doing here. It’s such a high intensity. I want to work on pass completion and getting more on the ball now.”
Wanderers former Perth Glory midfielder appreciates the growth in her as a player since she came to what was then the W-League last season. “I’m so glad I made the move. It’s a good league. You can see that with the players and now with the fact that Wellington Phoenix have come in.
“Part of going overseas to play is growing the game. You want to play professionally and not have to work another job too. It makes it harder to play every game.”
Steinmetz noted that one of her Wanderers team-mates Bryleeh Henry is a Matilda and recognized that the potential of the two meeting on the international scene would not go unnoticed.
“Oh, yeah, if that happened, there would be a lot said and a lot done, but she’s a good mate. There would definitely be a rivalry!”
The Football Ferns will play against USA, Czech Republic, and Iceland, in the round-robin tournament from 18th-24th February 2022.
Above: Ella Abdul Massih – speaking to the media after the announcement of her signing. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Western Sydney Wanderers announced the signing of rising star, 15-year-old Ella Abdul Massih for the remainder of the season.
The St Clair local has been rising through the ranks of the National Premier League Women’s competition with Southern Districts and has been part of junior National Team squad lists over the last five years.
The youngster has spent the last season and a half as a train-on with the Wanderers A-League Women side and has now been promoted, following the news that defender Clare Hunt has been ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury.
Hunt played an instrumental role in the Wanderers backline this season, earning plaudits for her performances in the heart of defence.
Abdul Massih said she was eager to repay the faith for the opportunity to sign with the Red & Black.
“I used to go out and support the Wanderers, back when they had Caitlin Cooper player – and she’s still here, which is amazing to look back on and see pictures with her from 2015,” said Abdul Massih.
“I just want to say a big thank you to Catherine (head coach Catherine Cannuli) and Serg (Sergio Malfara) for their faith in me that I can step up to this.
“I hope that I can prove to them that I deserve to be here.
“The girls have been absolutely amazing. There’s not another squad I’d want to make a debut or be part of, so I’m grateful for that.”
Above: Wellington Phoenix celebrate after their historic 3-0 win at Canberra United. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Canberra United 0-3 Wellington Phoenix
By Kieran Yap (11/2/22)
It finally happened. It looked likely for a few weeks as Wellington Phoenix rapidly developed from a team holding on to a team expecting to win. After narrow, heartbreaking losses against Brisbane Roar and Perth Glory, they have achieved their first win in the A-League Women’s with a 3-0 defeat of Canberra United.
Almost 1,000 spectators were on hand to see the historic occasion. Although most would not have been happy about it. Viking Park in Canberra holds a loyal group of supporters and they still have not seen their side win this season. They were not outplayed by Wellington over 90 minutes, but the young Phoenix side was more clinical and creative when it counted.
Canberra started with a twin strike force of Michelle Heyman and Ashleigh Sykes up against the much-lauded defensive pairing of Mackenzie Barry and Kate Taylor. Scoring goals has not been an issue for Canberra this season, but after Jess Nash and Kendall Fletcher departed, they have spent the season searching for a solution at centre-back.
Above: Wellington Phoenix’s Alyssa Whinham (centre – 20) in a tangle for possession at Canberra. Photo: Canberra United.
The job of the Canberra defence for this game was to protect 17-year-old debutant goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln. It would be a long night for the back four.
Things started positively for the home side. Michelle Heyman had the first real chance of the game when she drove past Barry on the wing and straight towards goal. She outpaced the young defender but her shot could not find the back of the net. It was not an easy finish but it was a missed opportunity.
When Phoenix’s chance arrived, they did not waste it. Alyssa Whinham, fresh from her award as young player of the month twisted and turned on the edge of the box but could not find the shot. The ball was eventually played into the path of Chloe Knott who’s shot was at Lincoln but struck hard enough to slip through her grasp to open the scoring.
The young goalkeeper looked disappointed, but she was not helped by her defence. A lapse in concentration allowed Knott to get goal side effectively unopposed. She did not need a second invitation to take a shot.
Both sides were attacking. Canberra were understandably chasing the lead and Phoenix were only interested in extending theirs. As half time neared Kate Taylor launched herself at a free-kick to score a second and fell awkwardly onto her back. After a worrying amount of time on the ground, she was able to walk off the field. However, she only lasted a few seconds of the second half.
Wellington had been in leading positions before. The question for the second half was, could they maintain it, or extend it, or would Canberra United stage another comeback?
Canberra came into the second half with attack as the main objective. With Lily Alfeld in the best form of her career, they found it impossible to score. Wellington were living a charmed life and on the 50th minute they were clinical once again.
Above: Wellington Phoenix celebrate. Photo: Canberra United.
A quick, direct series of passes on the counterattack found Grace Jale on the left. She ran into the ball and slid it calmly into the net to double the lead.
Sykes almost pulled one back for Canberra United when she chased down a lost cause of a through ball and got a shot away. Unluckily it flashed across the Wellington goal.
Canberra United’s shots on goal were adding up and their corner count was increasing. Grace Maher was striking them as well as she ever had and it seemed improbable that Canberra would not score from at least one of those perfect deliveries.
Despite Canberra increasing the attacking pressure, it was the Phoenix who struck once again.
Above: Wellington Phoenix’s Alyssa Whinham, announced as Young Player of the Month ahead of the game. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
This time the ball fell to Ava Pritchard. Her shot was deflected past Lincoln and it was credited as an own goal but most fans would be happy for it to go to Pritchard.
Grace Maher almost scored a consolation for Canberra United. Her curling, dipping shot from 18 yards had Alfeld beaten, but no the crossbar.
She is so often the hero for her hometown team. A deadly set-piece specialist with a wand of a left boot. It looked like game over at 3-0 down. At 3-0 down and with Maher subbed off, it definitely was.
The final whistle eventually went. Wellington had their first win as a women’s team. They played with style and fought with spirit.
Above: It was another inspired performance by Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Lily Alfeld. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Canberra had the lion’s share of chances but the ball would just not fall for them. They are the only winless team remaining in this season’s competition.
But this game was all about Wellington. The core of this young side is made up of New Zealand Youth internationals. They are young, living away from home in a hotel for the season. They have steadily improved and for the last few rounds, it has been predicted that their first win would come soon. Tonight it finally did, it came in style with a 3-0 result that they were able to enjoy.
If Gemma Lewis can keep the majority of this side together, there is no telling how good they might one day become.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from the proud Phoenix coach after the game. “I think you could see from the reaction from the girls at the final whistle it means a lot.
“There’s a couple of tears even and it seems silly, it’s just one game in a league (and) we’re still bottom of the table.
“But the sacrifices that these girls have made and they’re doing it tough and they’re struggling.”
Lewis went on: “Some of them are on countdown until when they’ll be able to get home and they’re still trying to put in a performance day in day out…so it really means a lot then when they get this reinforcement of why they’re doing it and feeling like they’re making progress.”
With Phoenix’s habit of letting winning positions slip in recent weeks along with Canberra twice coming back from the dead at the end of matches this season, Lewis was never quite sure the win was secure.
“We were like 85 minutes and I still thought we were going to lose it maybe…especially watching Canberra at 80 minutes they come alive and start putting away goals so I still wasn’t comfortable.
“The difference in this game was we took our chances, which we haven’t in previous games, and also we were disciplined at the back.”
Above: Perth Glory goalscorer Mie Leth-Jans celebrates with Deborah-Ann de la Harpe. Photo: Scott Gardiner via Perth Glory.
By Kris Goman.
This is a must-win match for both teams as they try to make the finals. Adelaide has won five of their last six matches and are going for a record four clean sheets in a row this match. Although Perth has been playing very well lately too and went into the game unbeaten in their last four, Adelaide went into this match as favourites.
Perth apply early pressure from kick-off but Emily Hodgson escapes down the left to get Adelaide into their half. Nice passing through the centre for Glory to Abbey Green on the right and this passage of play ends in a corner for Perth. Deborah-Anne de la Harpe takes it and it goes to near post to be headed straight into far side of goal by the Dane, Mei Leth Jans. Perth go up early 1-0.
Adelaide respond with a press but Perth’s defence is up to the task. Fiona Worts brings the ball into the box and Emily Condon gets a shot away but it’s not on target and is out to the left of goal.
Dylan Holmes brings the ball down the centre and passes to Chelsie Dawber on the right of the box. Her cross is picked up by Worts. Worts shoots but is tackled and goes down. Condon gets to the ball and shoots at close range but Morgan Aquino saves. The save however bounces back into the field of play and Worts has recovered for the follow up and makes no mistake. It’s in the back of the net for the equalizer. Or is it?
Seems there’s no kickoff and it’s not really clear what’s going on. The goal was disallowed and apparently it’s Worts that was offside. Adelaide United boss Adrian Stenta made his views clear. It didn’t really look like offside as the ball was in front of Worts the whole time. Bizarre. The score is back at 1-0.
Cyera Hintzen took an ambitious shot on goal from a long way back and it takes off over the goal post. Perth are awarded a free-kick when Hana Lowry is kicked in the shins. She gets to take it and it goes to the far post where Annalee Grove is all over it easily.
Hintzen gets another corner for Perth. de la Harpe to take it again but it’s volleyed away by Emily Hodgson.
Half hour in and Perth has slightly more possession and is keeping Adelaide under wraps.
A bouncing ball comes into the box and Worts sends it over the goal.
Adelaide gets a free-kick almost on the byline and just outside the box after a foul by Anton. It goes into the box and Dawber eventually is able to strike but Aquino is right in its path and is able to pick the ball up.
Nanako Sasaki draws a foul from Demi Koulizakis in a choice position on the left about 20 meters from the box. The kick is cleared by Perth to Koulizakis but Hintzen can’t capitalize once she has possession.
Lowry has the ball in the centre and passes to Hintzen out on the left who switches back to Lowry. Lowry’s shot is blocked by Kayla Sharples. There’s another corner for Perth soon after, just before halftime. It’s sent to the near post again but is headed away and Condon, on the counter, takes it all the way to the Adelaide 6-yard box but couldn’t get a shot away and leaves Dawber frustrated by Condon’s indecision as she doesn’t pass and doesn’t shoot.
Interestingly, Leth Jans, in her halftime TV interview, wasn’t aware the goal was disallowed and thought the match was tied. Adelaide return to the field looking a bit angry and determined after the break.
Susan Phonsongkham comes on at halftime for Koulizakis after her first start for Perth.
Adelaide are trying a few long shots early on and is pressing hard. They are obviously amped up by the halftime talk.
Phonsongkham gets a yellow for dissent very early in the half.
Above: Perth Glory’s Hana Lowry (right) puts in a challenge. Photo: A-League Women.
Hintzen wins a corner as her cross is pushed out by Adelaide. Liz Anton puts the corner out for a goal kick.
Isabel Hodgson gets a yellow after pulling Phonsongkham’s shirt then kicking the ball away.
At 62 minutes, Phonsongkham goes for a late tackle on Holmes and gets another yellow and that converts to a red and she’s off after only 17 minutes on the field. Perth has it in front of them with only 10 players on the field to stop an invigorated reply.
Adelaide get a free kick on the left that Worts takes. It goes straight to Aquino. Worts gets another shot on goal but it’s also to Aquino who grabs it comfortably.
Adelaide seems to have taken their foot off the gas. Hintzen is able to stop a lot of balls upfront and the Reds using their numerical advantage. Stanbury sends a big ball downfield that Dawber runs onto and gets a good shot to the top right of goal, but Aquino gets a glove to it. The resulting corner causes mayhem in the box as it goes to the back post and is headed and goes right across the goal. It lands over with Worts but her shot goes high.
Green sends ball across the box that De Vanna pulls up on but Sakalis has a shot but misses.
A late attack by Adelaide is defended well by Perth. With three minutes to go, Keane gets a shot in on the right but Sharples is able to block it. Yellow to Emily Hodgson as she’s a bit feisty in the last minutes of the game. Dawber crosses and Omiya gets a shot away but Aquino deflects it as four minutes of extra time are announced. The short corner is taken by Worts who plays a pass towards Mullan but it goes out for a goal kick.
Tense moments in the dying minutes of the game. Another corner is awarded to Adelaide as the seconds tick away. Worts takes it and Kim Carroll heads it away. Sakalis holds up the ball and draws a foul from Mullan. The whistle goes and Perth are victorious in an outstanding performance from ten players against a full-strength Adelaide. They get the three points and are now equal in points with third-placed Adelaide.
Above: Adelaide United need to re-group ahead of another game at the weekend as the Finals race just got even tighter for them. Photo: Adelaide United.
In the post-match interview, Deborah de la Harpe said they had, “A perfect display of what we’re about as a team away from our support system and to get the win with ten men is amazing. Shows our resilience and a fantastic effort from the whole squad.”
Worts’ post-match thoughts on the no goal, “Thought I was offside and looked and the flag wasn’t up so I just put it in. We’ve got a pretty quick turnaround (to the next match) so we need to pick ourselves up and go again.”
Liz Anton, Tash Rigby, and Kim Carroll stood very strong defensively for the Western Australian side.
This win is huge for Perth Glory. The three points take them to equal third with both Adelaide and Melbourne Victory but they are in fifth spot based on goal difference. Possession was pretty even during the game but Adelaide had 14 shots to Perth’s seven and six on target shots to Perth’s one. It just shows how strong defensively Perth were and obviously Aquino’s six saves made the difference.
Perth don’t have an easy run to the finals with a match on Sunday against Melbourne City, then Victory, then Sydney and finally finishing with Wellington Phoenix. Adelaide meets Brisbane on Sunday, followed by Phoenix mid-week followed by Victory, before finishing with Sydney. The finals are still very much open and it makes for an exciting end to the season as all teams battle for those coveted four spots.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from an exceptionally proud Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis post-match: “It was such a proud and pleasing performance. I said to the group before the game what we’re going through and achieving as a collective is inspiring.
“The players are facing up to all the challenges. I said to them that we needed an inspiring performance today and they certainly went above and beyond that. It wasn’t always pretty and it wasn’t always in the game plan, but it was resilient, it was based on a determination, it was pure effort. There was a fixated mindset that we wanted to defend the lead.
“It fills me with so much belief and it will fill the group with so much belief about what the next couple of weeks will look like.”
Above: Plenty for Perth Glory to celebrate after the game. Photo: A-League Women.
Epakis highlighted what he was particularly looking for from his team going into the match. “It was about a response to the disappointment of last week (when Perth let a 3-1 lead slip in Canberra) and put on a resilient performance to put that behind us. We don’t look past the performance, the rest will come.”
The tough games keep on coming for Perth as they now have just two days to recover before facing another rival in the Finals race, Melbourne City. Perth’s head coach outlined.
“The players really pushed themselves to the absolute limit today. The quick turnaround isn’t great, but we have a lot of momentum and energy after today, so that will cover up a few things in difficult moments. Everyone is ready to do a job and everyone has belief in each other.
“You can’t underestimate the challenges that we are going through as a group. We’re a small travelling party and we have been together now for over a month. We’ve had a different challenge came up almost every day. We haven’t sat on our hands, we’ve taken on the challenge and the result today typifies that.”
Asked about some controversial officiating decisions which included Adelaide having a goal disallowed for offside and his own returning star Susan Phonsongkham receiving two yellow cards, Epakis said: “Over the course of the season I think the decisions even themselves out. I’ve got no real opinion on the sending off. It could have gone either way. At the end of the day, the team responded well. Susan is gutted, but she will bounce back strongly and have a good end to the season.”
Teams: PERTH GLORY: Aquino, Carroll, Rigby, de la Harpe, Anton, Lowry, Koulizakis, Cain, Hintzen, Green, Leth Jans Substitutes: Newbon (GK), Phonsongkham, De Vanna, Sakalis, Keane.
Scorer: Leth Jans 6′.
ADELAIDE UNITED: Grove, I. Hodgson, McNamara, Sharples, E. Hodgson, Sasaki, Holmes, Condon, Dawber, Worts, Hayward. Substitutes: Stanbury, Omiya, Mullan, Evans, Templeman.
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