Tomorrow, Arsenal face West Ham in their second game of the 25/26 WSL season.
Ahead of the match, Renée Slegers reflected on last weekend’s season opener and told the media what she is anticipating, and how her squad have prepared for tomorrow’s fixture. Historically, West Ham away has always been a hard game for Arsenal, which Slegers confirmed:
“I know historically it’s always been a hard game for Arsenal to go to, it’s a hard ground. They play a type of football that they believe in and they’re very disciplined in the way they do things. But we’ll have to be that as well.“
Despite their well-organised structure, West Ham are unlikely to finish in the top 3 on the WSL table. When asked about the importance of securing wins against teams that may finish mid-table or lower, Slegers highlighted Arsenal’s commitment to consistency.
For the Gunners, it’s not about the opponent. Whether they’re playing West Ham or top-tier clubs like Barcelona, who they kept a clean sheet against in the Champions League final, the focus this season is on maintaining a high level of performance week in and week out:
“I think every single game will be a test for us because if you want to bring consistency, you have to be consistent over the whole season. So that’s on us and that’s what we’ll focus on.“
To build on their opening performance and ensure consistency throughout the season, Arsenal are aiming to secure 3 points, score multiple goals, and deliver a strong all-around display in tomorrow’s fixture against West Ham.
Since Arsenal last played West Ham in a competitive game, the Hammers have made changes. Although, after a preseason friendly against them, which Arsenal won 2-0, Slegers suggests she has some idea about the team that her squad will face tomorrow:
“I think they’ve tweaked a couple of things and changed a couple of things but I think we have quite a good idea of who we’re going to play against tomorrow.”
This West Ham team includes forward Shekiera Martinez whose strengths were recognised at the Women’s Professional Game Awards last season when she won the WSL Rising Star Award. Slegers labelles Martinez as “impactful”, describing her qualities as “If you look at her contributions in the second half of last season, she’s been very impactful for them. She brings a lot. She brings full threats. She’s a threat in behind. She has physicality and a high work rate. So she’s definitely a player that we’ll have to deal with tomorrow.”
Arsenal “have plans to exploit weaknesses and to stop strengths” as other teams do however they prioritise doing what they think is right for them as a squad. This approach was evident last weekend when 18-year-old Katie Reid featured in Arsenal’s starting eleven. She paired up with fellow centre-back Steph Catley and was, in Slegers’ words, “the right player” for their WSL opener against newly promoted London City Lionesses.
Slegers thought that Reid played her role “really really well”, expressing no regret for choosing the young defender over more experienced squad members, like Lotte Wubben-Moy. Whilst the manager did not confirm whether Reid will start tomorrow, it is likely that she will feature heavily throughout this season’s campaigns.
Another young player who started for Arsenal last weekend was the club’s million pound signing, Olivia Smith. Having just turned 21, Smith is still young and Slegers believes that it is important that the club support her as she develops:
“She’s also very young still, she’s just turned 21. What’s important for us is that we support her really well because she’s still very young. We see so much potential and she’s already contributing a lot and I think you saw that last Saturday.”
Smith scored a beautiful debut goal for Arsenal on Saturday which proved that the forward “adds things” to the club’s game. Slegers was “already impressed” by Smith before she had signed her Arsenal contract and is “really happy with what she’s bringing” to the team.
Against West Ham tomorrow, Smith will battle with fellow Candadian, Shelina Zadorsky.
In defence, Zadorsky brings stability and will likely focus on reading the danger that Smith brings. Strong defence from experienced Zadorsky, and her teammates, will pose a challenge for Smith and her teammates.
It is her ability to adapt and utilise her player’s attributes which led Slegers to be awarded the LMA John Duncan Award yesterday. This award is given to a head coach chosen by the LMA (League Managers Association) who has accomplished something significant in the field of football.
Being given this award was was special for Slegers, although she was quick to point out that football is a team sport:
“It was a special moment because I could share that moment with other coaches that were there so I had really good interactions with a couple of others and shared some experiences so that was really nice. But you’re right because you do things together and if I wanted to do something alone I shouldn’t be in football because this is a team sport. We’ve done that together so I will always be uncomfortable when I have to pick things up by myself!”
Speaking of her team, Slegers’ confirmed that all of Arsenal’s players, bar Leah Williamson who is out with a long term knee injury, are available for tomorrow’s game.
West Ham v Arsenal kicks off at 19:30 tomorrow at Chigwell Construction Stadium and can be watched on Sky Sports.
Above: Manchester United huddle after their last game. Photo: Manchester United Women.
All that stands between Manchester United and a spot in the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) is a two-legged tie against Norwegian side SK Brann Kvinner.
Context
Both teams will play European football this season; the dual-legged tie decides which competition they play in. The winner will compete in the UWCL, with the losing team taking part in the inaugural Europa Cup. This is the final qualifying round before the UWCL proper, and the last chance for teams to claim a spot in the competition.
It is also a return to Norway and Brann for United’s Elisabeth Terland and Lisa Naalsund, which United head coach Marc Skinner noted in his pre-match press conference:
“With how hard she [Terland] works for our team, I think she would be a threat to anyone. Regardless, it’s a nice story she’s going back, and of course Lisa is as well,” Skinner continued: “She will have all those feelings but she’ll subdue them to make sure that we try and win the game. So I am sure she looks forward to trying to score over there and pay respect obviously to the club where she started.”
Team news
United fans will have to wait to see new signing Fridolina Rolfö in action for the reds – she is still regaining match fitness after picking up an injury during the summer’s European Championship. Left-back Gabby George is similarly returning to fitness; Skinner has suggested that both may be available to face London City Lionesses this weekend.
With returns for Simi Awujo and Leah Galton still weeks away, the squad traveling to Norway is looks light. In United’s last outing (against Leicester), they only named five players on the bench – expect the same in Norway. Skinner has alluded to the need to protect his team, given the length of the season and potential runs in four competitions: “We have to be careful with these games coming thick and fast. So both should be available for the weekend.”
Form
United enter the tie off the back of three competitive wins since the summer break: they dismantled PSV 4-0 in the last round of qualifiers, followed by a frought 1-0 win over Hammarby in Sweden. Their first league game of the season was a 4-0 drubbing of Leicester City, with Toone, Terland, and Malard all on the scoresheet.
Brann have not dropped a point in their last 10 games, scoring 27 and conceding only two. With Norway operating a summer league, they are currently nearing the end of their season in first place: four points and eight goals ahead of runners-up Vålerenga.
Difference makers
Speaking ahead of the match, Skinner highlighted Brann midfielder Signe Gaupset as one to watch. The 20-year-old starred for Norway at the Euros, assisting twice as well as scoring a brace – all in one match (against Iceland).
Above: Signe Gaupset for Norway. Photo: BA_no on X.
In her last seven games, she has two goals and three assists, highlighting her attacking threat. About Gaupset and Brann’s front line, Skinner said:
“We obviously know about Signe Gaupset in midfield but also their front line can be really really aggressive. They play a good style of football.”
Skinner also alluded to a possible 12th woman for Brann – the voracity of the 14,000-strong crowd expected at the stadium. The club have the highest average attendance for women’s games in the country, averaging over 2,000 per game compared to around 600-700 for their title rivals. United have experienced this kind of hostile atmosphere already in recent weeks, during their 1-0 win away at Hammarby (Swedish football is known for its ‘soft hooligans’). Skinner highlighted this:
“I think something like 14,000 tickets were sold, so it’s going to be a raucous atmosphere, but I think the Hammarby game probably prepared us as well for that which was probably a good test. So I think I expect a similar kind of quality.”
United’s attacking threats are various. In the three competitive games following the summer break, Toone, Malard and Terland have all been in good goal-scoring form.
Above: Toone, Malard, and Terland for United. Photo: Manchester United Women.
It is clear that relationships are forming and players are growing more aware of their team-mates’ strengths. Alluding to this, Skinner spoke about the United’s attacking threat and how he sees his team’s build-up play:
“There’s no one better than Ella to find those spaces when she’s in there. So Teri’s little runs – Tooney sees it before the forward sees it – so having support around you in those areas is vital.”
“So to talk about Elisabeth and Tooney, but even Mal and Tooney, a couple of Tooney’s chances were created from give-and-goes with both players. So I think if we can create that kind of fluidity and just that kind of keeping the opponent guessing, then I think you’re going to create a lot of chances.”
Previous UWCL experience
Brann have the benefit of more UWCL experience than United, taking part in the last two iterations of the competition. They reached the quarter-finals in 2023-24 before losing 5-2 on aggregate to FC Barcelona; the home leg was a narrow 1-2 loss. That same year, Brann drew 2-2 against European giants Lyon, showcasing their strength at home.
Above: Brann face OL Lyonnes in 2024. Photo: Alex Pantling / UEFA.
The Red Devils have a shorter history in the competition: their first chance came in 2022/23, where they fell short of qualifying for the competition proper by losing 4-2 on aggregate to PSG during the second qualifying round. United’s recruitment has also tended to focus on youth and potential rather than ‘ready to go’ experience.
However, over the last two summers, this has changed as more European experience has been added to the teamsheet. Dutch defender Dominique Janssen has reached two finals with previous club VfL Wolfsburg, and Malard won four UWCL titles with Lyon.
The club’s newest additions provide even more experience: Julia Zigiotti Olme from Bayern Munich, and Rolfö has lifted the trophy twice with FC Barcelona. Asked about the importance of signing players with UWCL experience – particularly facing teams with more of a history in the competition – Skinner said:
“I think it’s something we’ve needed, really. We have a great energetic, young, growing group, and I think we needed to in this window add in that experience. Adding in Frido as well gives us the opportunity to – I think this is the best way of putting it – make better decisions in intense moments.”
The United head coach went on to clarify the qualities he has identified in these experienced players that will be beneficial for his team:
“It’s knowing that actually you trust yourself when the nerves kick in because the nerves come regardless, but you get less and less of them the older you get. So for us, I think it’s vital if we’re going to go into these two games and then qualify for the Champions League proper and then if we do that, we are going to need all of that vital experience.”
SK Brann Kvinner v Manchester United kicks off at 18:00 BST and will be broadcast on MUTV.
Box Hill United will face Heidelberg United in the Victorian NPLW Grand Finals. A 3-1 to Box Hill against Bulleen saw them reach the decider against last year’s champions and this year’s runaway premiers who won their game against Essendon Royals 1-0.
Heidelberg and Essendon faced off for the second time in two weeks. Round 22 saw The Warriors win 3-0, but this was a much more tightly contested game.
The Royals went into this crucial game without the services of star winger Deven Jackson, but with Olivia Wood and Emma Langley, they still had the firepower to challenge Heidelberg.
The home side was almost at full strength and although it was a fairly open match. Heidelberg had the better opportunities. The deciding goal game early. Sawa Matsuda added yet another to her remarkable season scoring her 19th goal of the season after Bronte Peel’s effort was blocked and half cleared.
Alessia Bresciano was lively for Essendon. Her runs from deep and confident passing from the wing created their best chances, even if the finishes were not enough to test Mia Bailey in the Heidelberg goal.
The second half opened up further. Essendon had to chase the game and Heidelberg’s attacking press occasionally left space for that if they could get through the midfield. A brilliant, diving save from Bailey stopped Wood’s curling effort finding the top corner.
Not to be outdone, Zara Board pulled off a similarly athletic stop in the Essendon goal when she dived to block a goal bound Matsuda effort from range.
Essendon tried until the final whistle, but the equaliser eluded them. Wood was inches away from scoring but the cross to the far post was inches out of reach and Heidelberg was able to hold on to the 1-0 lead and book their place in the Grand Final.
They were made to earn it, but it comes as no surprise that Heidelberg have made another decider. They have been the most consistent and at times the most entertaining team this season. They have goal scorers in midfield, on the wings, from fullback and a seemingly unstoppable Matsuda in attack.
Their real strength lies on the bench where they can have game changers like Cameron Barriero, Steph Galea and Kathryn Vlahopoulos in reserve, but all able to improve their side and change the way the opposition has to play when they are introduced.
They are every chance of going back to back.
Essendon fall agonizingly short in a second successive season, but in the two years since promotion to the NPL, they have secured top four finishes. They had to overcome the loss of Ava Groba and continue to push for honours this season and only got better as the year went on.
The Royals clearly have the foundations of a strong club. They can develop players, as well as attract star recruits like Alana Cerne and Grace Maher. They probably did enough to deserve a goal in this game, but sometimes in football deserve has got nothing to do with it.
They will be back, and on the evidence of 2024 and 2025, it is likely they will be stronger again.
Heidelberg may be the best team of the home and away season, but over at the Veneto Club, the two best sides of the moment faced off. Box Hill had scored seven in the R22 game against Preston, and Bulleen put eight past Brunswick Juventus on the same turf. That did not necessarily mean lots of goals for this game, but it guaranteed quality.
Bulleen got off to the strongest start and an Alana Cortellino attack on the right set up Tiffany Eliadis for a close range chance that somehow came off the post.
Danella Butrus was lively as always and also rattled the woodwork with a strike across goal that had Chloe Mackenzie diving to reach.
Butrus was the one to open the scoring. Sarah Cain’s ball over the top found the winger in just enough space to beat Elwen Parbery and thrash her shot into the net.
Far from being discouraged by conceding, Box Hill began to find their feet in the game. Parbery was getting forward on the right and Josephine Aulicino was becoming more involved. Sofia Sakalis and Maho Murakami were both dangerous and forced saves from Emily Sheilds in the Bullen goal.
Rhianna Pollicina levelled the scores midway through the first half. A stunning, curling free kick from about 25 yards beat the wall and the goalkeeper to bring Box Hill back into it.
Box Hill took the lead moments before half time, Aulicino maintained possession with Nikolina Bucalo and created just enough space to shoot from the edge of the box. The ball found the bottom corner through a sea of players and despite the best efforts of Sheilds.
It was an all out attacking affair in the second half, and both coaches turned to the bench to maintain the pace and wrestle back the swinging momentum. Niah Salleh was introduced for Bulleen while Georgia Karaparidis entered the fray for Box Hill.
Karapardis’s trickery had Bulleen backpedalling before she set up Sakalis for a shot, but the ball went over the bar.
Bulleen would have felt hard done by, with a penalty shout to Butrus denied as she cut into the box and a few calls that did not go their way.
With time ticking away, Box Hill found the sealer. Aulicino’s driving run through the middle ended with a shot and save, but the ball fell to Sienna Techera and the new Melbourne Victory signing finished calmly for a 3-1 lead in the 83rd minute.
That result puts an end to Bulleen’s season, and they will likely disappointed ending 2025 without a trophy. However it was another strong campaign by The Lions who overcame a slow-ish start to make the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive season. They are the only club to do so.
They found their best football in the second half of the season, Isabella Accardo was excellent when she arrived in defence, Tiff Eliadis was crucial, they had to overcome a serious injury to Erin Hudson and Danella Butrus had a breakout season that could see her in Gold Medal contention.
Bulleen were undefeated in the last five games and it was unfortunate for them that they faced the only side in better form over that period.
The win makes it 10 in a row for Box Hill United, and it sees them into their first NPLW Grand Final.
Box Hill have been virtually unstoppable as they’ve surged towards the last game of the year. They have stars like Pollicina and Sakalis, but have players all over the pitch who can contribute to an aggressive, confident style of football. In Techera they have a genuine prodigy, a finisher and creator who can play anywhere in attack.
Chloe McKenzie’s form in goal has earned her a contract with Melbourne Victory, Aulicino is a player who can both boss a hand and break one open, and Holly Murray has been a pillar in defence.
The Grand Final is unpredictable, Heidelberg will be well aware that anything can happen on the day and it feels unlikely that 1-0 will be the scoreline.
This incredible season is headed for an epic conclusion.
Above: Alyssa van Heurck, who put Balcatta Etna ahead tonight. Photo: Football West.
A hugely impressive tactical and disciplined team display, allied with some excellent individual performances, ensured that Balcatta Etna qualified for their first Top Four Cup Final since 2018 at Dorrien Gardens tonight.
Balcatta have done it the hard way, being taken to extra-time away to the Football West Academy on Saturday, and doubling up by recovering from a Perth equaliser with 11 minutes remaining to defeat the league champions for the right to take on Perth RedStar on Saturday late afternoon at the Sam Kerr Football Centre in the season-ending encounter.
Tonight’s encounter was tough on these teams. Both had been taken to extra-time at the weekend, Perth ended up going all the way to penalties against Perth RedStar, and had 24 hours less to recover compared to Balcatta.
Encounters between these two sides are always tight and tense – they know each other inside out with so many players taking on their former clubs.
From the start, Balcatta were composed and looked to maintain possession – they were happy to pass sideways and backwards in a bid to ensure Perth’s attackers were starved of the ball and to maintain their own control of territory.
The hosts gained their first opportunity with 17 minutes played. Boehm played the ball forward, and after an initial Balcatta interception, Epril Nossent picked up possession and fed Ella Lincoln. The Perth attacker played a pass to Daisy McAllister outside her, who advanced to hit a low shot that Rebecca Bennett got down well to save at the left-hand post.
As the half developed, Carys Davis’ influence grew. She was doing a superb job in marshalling key Azzurri creator Jess Flannery. Wherever Flannery went, Davis followed in close proximity, shutting down space and winning back possession for her side. It was a hugely impressive performance from the Balcatta number five.
Equally strong for the visitors was Rachel Jarvis, who was popping up on both wings, using excellent footwork to beat defenders and get the ball into the box.
Just before the half-hour mark, Balcatta threatened as Lucy Jerram drove along the right and fired an angle drive that Dayle Schroeder held.
A minute later, the visitors had better luck as, from a throw-in on the right, Jamie-Lee Gale played in a high cross which Alyssa van Heurck met with a side-footed volley that flew into the net. It remained 1-0 to Balcatta at the interval.
The visitors had the early chances in the second half, with Schroeder coming out well to deny Gale in a one-on-one. Within two minutes, Schroeder saved impressively again as Jerram hit a goal-bound effort.
Perth then rallied and produced their most sustained spell of attacking football all night. With just over half an hour to play, substitute Ruby Marshall won possession and crossed in from the right – Violet Longmore was poised to turn the ball in, but there was Davis once more in the right place at the right time to deny the home side.
The Azzurri created two more excellent chances – first, Lincoln burst along the right and cut in to hit a low shot that Bennett gathered. Then Flannery threaded a pass to Lincoln from the left. The ball was then moved on to Louise Tana to hit a shot just wide of the left-hand post.
However, Balcatta were not out of the equation, and Gale again advanced through on goal and saw her shot lift narrowly over the top.
Then, with 11 minutes remaining, Perth got a reward for their pressure. Tana was brought down right on the edge of the box on the left-hand side by Izzy Foletta. Up stepped Kim McCartney to curl yet another of her picture-perfect free-kicks into the top of the net.
However, any hopes that the NPLW WA champions had of completing their comeback were shattered just six minutes later.
Awarded a free-kick on the right-hand side, Foletta lifted the set-piece into the mix, and the ball was headed into their own net by a Perth defender.
The hosts pushed hard in the remaining time, but could only create one real chance – and it saw Ruby Marshall head narrowly over the top from a Sam Mathers’ corner.
It was heart-break for Perth, who, after winning the NPLW WA title for the first time this season, have fallen in the cruellest way possible in both their Top Four Cup ties. A penalty shoot-out loss to Perth RedStar on Sunday, and now a late own-goal.
Balcatta are deserving of huge praise. They have negotiated a real fixture pile-up in the final month of the season, and got through it to qualify for Saturday’s season showdown.
They have now reached all three of this season’s cup finals. Whilst they began the campaign defeating the Azzurri to win the Night Series, they were defeated less than a fortnight ago by Fremantle City in the State Cup Final. Pete Rakic’s charges will be looking to end the season as they started it – with silverware.
Above: NAC Breda and Feyenoord face off. Photo: Vrouwen Eredivisie website.
This season is incredibly tense in the Eredivisie, after the KNVB decided to reduce the league from 12 to 10 clubs. With the potential for three relegations this year, every match counts, every mistake can be fatal, and every point can make the difference between survival or relegation. The 2025-26 Eredivisie kicked off with some big scorelines and a brand new club joining the league – the Netherlands’ answer to London City Lionesses, HERA United. In his first round-up for Impetus Football, Jan-Kees Joosse reviews the weekend action.
The context: reducing the league
The KNVB has applied the pyramid structure, meaning promotion and relegation apply for the Eredivisie (top tier), Eerste Divisie (second tier), and Tweede Divisie (third tier). By reducing the Eredivisie from 12 to 10 teams, stronger clubs will play more challenging matches, working towards a professional championship where all clubs must pay their players at least minimum wage.
This way, the Eerste Divisie will expand into a league with full-fledged teams, not just reserve sides. Next year, four or five senior women’s teams may compete for promotion to the Eredivisie. Any new club that wants to join the Eredivisie must climb up through the Tweede Divisie. For example, FC Groningen is participating for the first time this year with their women’s team in the Tweede Divisie, where the reserve teams of lower-ranked Eredivisie clubs compete against each other.
What this means: due to some youth / reserve teams of Eredivisie clubs playing in the Eerste Divisie, relegation and promotion is complex: if De Graafschap or Sparta Rotterdam finish top of the Eerste Divisie, the 10th-placed Eredivisie side will also drop down, alongside the 11th and 12th.
In this way, the KNVB aims to ensure the quality of women’s football and allow for healthy growth in the Dutch women’s game.
Discontent at PSV despite win over Excelsior
PSV 1 – 0 Excelsior Rotterdam
PSV started the season with concerns. After losing the Super Cup to FC Twente (despite a 2-0 lead at one point) and a hopeless defeat against Manchester United in the Champions League qualifying rounds, the injuries to Fenna Kalma, Aniek Nouwen, and captain Gwyneth Hendriks were a major blow. Especially at the back, things look shaky: last year’s stability from Veerle Buurman (departed) and Hendriks (injured) is gone.
Aniek Nouwen was brought in to replace them, but she too is sidelined with injury. As a result, Sisca Folkertsma and Emmeke Henschen had to play out of position in central defense. The struggles for fitness do not end there: Chimera Ripa didn’t look sharp, Renate Jansen had a rare off day, and Liz Rijsbergen struggled. Against last season’s bottom team, PSV should do more than scrape by with a 1-0.
Excelsior held PSV level for long spells through solid defending and PSV’s lack of creativity. Losing by one goal can almost be seen as a win for them, but the lack of attacking threat is worrying. With three relegation spots this year, Excelsior must do everything to finish in the top nine. That means improving in attack.
Above: PSV v Excelsior. Photo: ExcVrouwen on x.
Star Player: Riola Xhemaili works like a crowbar for PSV. She scored the winning goal that secured a Euro quarterfinal spot for Switzerland – now she headed PSV to three much-needed Eredivisie points.
Questions: Was it wise to gamble on Nouwen despite her injury history, and how will PSV solve this structural defensive issue? Can Excelsior learn to counterattack effectively to pick up points and avoid relegation?
Ajax showcase total football at its finest
Ajax 6 – 0 ADO Den Haag
After the painful 6-0 loss to PSG in preseason, Ajax proved they can turn things around. Against ADO Den Haag, Anouk Bruijl’s side had a lightning start and kept scoring relentlessly. The variety of goalscorers stood out. Bruijl has reassigned players to new positions, leaning heavily into total football — the philosophy Johan Cruyff embodied.
The squad looks productive but confusing for long-time followers, given all the ins and outs in transfers. Joëlle Smits, arriving from PSV, scored as a false 10 instead of her usual striker or right-wing role. Danique Noordman played right-back instead of her usual attacking midfield. Sherida Spitse returned to midfield instead of central defense, while Jonna van de Velde was deployed elsewhere.
ADO stayed in the game for a long time despite conceding an early penalty, but they kept giving the ball away cheaply. They failed to exploit Ajax’s positional rotations. Without departed talents like Lobke Loonen (to FC Utrecht) and Danielle Noordermeer (to Ajax), ADO lacked attacking punch. In the past they could bite back late, but with less experienced players, they collapsed. Fitness dropped in the second half, Ajax stormed through, and confidence took a hit.
Goals came from Spitse (penalty), Joëlle Smits (curler into the far corner), debutant Mirthe van Koppen, Tolhoek (clinical finish), Ilayah Yazlin Dostmohamed (stunner reminiscent of Aitana Bonmatí’s Euro semifinal winner), and substitute Keukelaar, who capitalized on a mistake.
Above: Ajax v ADO Den Haag. Photo: AjaxVrouwen.
Star Player: Joëlle Smits scored a beautiful debut goal, proving her worth at her third Eredivisie top team.
Questions: Have Ajax shuffled too many names and positions to realistically win the title? How can ADO protect themselves from these heavy defeats and still pick up points with limited resources?
FC Twente punish Heerenveen mistakes
SC Heerenveen 1 – 3 FC Twente
Under new coach Corina Dekker, Twente maintained their high level after Joran Pot’s departure. With Champions League experience against Chelsea and Real Madrid, the squad stayed largely intact, apart from Daniëlle de Jong and Kayleigh van Dooren. Jill Roord filled Van Dooren’s role, making the team look more mature and effective.
Heerenveen, with a rich women’s football history (the first footballing home to Oranje captain Sherida Spitse, Lieke Martens, and Vivianne Miedema), had a slight revival last season after flirting with relegation. The club still leans on talent but lacks Ajax-like facilities for development.
They lost 18-year-old international Lyanne Iedema to PEC Zwolle but signed Inessa Kaagman, an ex-international with WSL and Ajax experience. She can mentor youngsters like Bente Vermeer and Aymee Altena, helping Heerenveen avoid relegation. But they must stop gifting chances in the box, as defensive errors cost them against Twente.
The game was decided in the first half. Roord delicately assisted Sophie Proost, who smashed home. Defensive errors were ruthlessly punished by Jaimy Ravensbergen, last season’s Eredivisie top scorer.
Above: Jaimy Ravensbergen. Photo: FC Twente Vrouwen on x.
Star Player: Jill Roord — once again showing how easily she fits into any team, as she did at Wolfsburg and Manchester City.
Questions: Is the FC Twente squad deep enough to handle Champions League matches every two weeks? Are Heerenveen investing enough to stay safe, or are they failing to restore their old stature?
FC Utrecht leave it late
PEC Zwolle 1 – 2 FC Utrecht
Utrecht disappointed in their opener. After finishing fourth last season, they were favorites. With many lineup changes – Op den Kelder and Bormans replacing Oranje international Ilse van der Zanden, and youngster Rosaly Renferem replacing captain Marthe Munsterman in defensive midfield – Utrecht looked unstable. PEC Zwolle made life difficult.
Zwolle have long produced talent but underperformed last season. Under new coach Olivier Amelink – in his first women’s football role – the team played with intensity and high pressing. They’ll have lost sleep over not getting a result here.
They pressed high and showed no fear against Utrecht. Former Utrecht player Judith Roosjen played with extra bite. Japanese signing Ishida opened the scoring, and an upset seemed on the cards.
Above: PEC Zwolle v FC Utrecht. Photo: VrEredivisie on X.
But late substitutions turned things around: Munsterman restored order to the defence and right winger Sam de Jong exploited the tired legs of PEC Zwolle and created dangerous opportunities for the team. In stoppage time, former ADO star Lobke Loonen’s brace stunned PEC and gave Utrecht a comeback win.
Star Player: Nikita Tromp — her technique lifts Utrecht, and she provided the winning assist.
Questions: How will coach Linda Helbing integrate talents Dap, Renferem, and Koopman while seeking stability after losing Van Schoonhoven and Van der Zanden? Can PEC maintain this high tempo physically to break into the subtop, or was this naïve football?
Newcomers HERA stand United
AZ Alkmaar 2 – 2 HERA United
AZ’s goal is a top five finish, and they have the talent, but they started poorly as a collective. HERA’s pressing and intensity surprised them, and they lacked solutions. AZ scored early with Fieke Kroese’s opener and capitalized on mistakes at the back.
However, HERA struck back, and AZ ended up 2-1 down. The draw was eventually settled via a handball penalty against HERA. Without it, AZ would have lost, and the disappointing opener would have been a disaster for their top five chances.
Above: HERA kick off their first match. Photo: VrEredivisie on X.
Star Player: Samya Hassani, Moroccan international, long known for her explosiveness at Telstar, scored the 2-1 – the goal of the match.
Questions: Can HERA maintain this strong level with a newly assembled team? Can AZ reach the top five once again?
Feyenoord lack defensive instinct
NAC Breda 1 – 3 Feyenoord Rotterdam
NAC Breda opened in their Rat Verlegh Stadium, drawing plenty of fans. Their women’s team has grown rapidly over the past 18 months, climbing from the Eerste Divisie to the top tier after Fortuna Sittard pulled the plug on its women’s side.
Their first opponent in the Eredivisie was Feyenoord Rotterdam. Slowly climbing in recent years under Jessica Torny, they finished fifth last season. Against NAC, however, there was little cohesion. Offensively strong, but defensive errors nearly cost them. Celainy Obispo put Feyenoord ahead with a fine volley, and Kokona Iwasaki doubled it with quality. NAC pulled one back late as Feyenoord’s shaky defense resurfaced.
Above: NAC score their first Eredivisie goal. Photo: VrEredivisie on X.
Feyenoord can compete in the subtop with their attacking quality, but a European ticket will be hard without defensive organization. Mistakes might not be punished against newcomers, but tougher sides like Zwolle or Heerenveen would have.
For NAC, realistically, survival in the top tier is a tough ask: lack of time and Eredivisie experience may hurt them, as the women’s team is just one and a half years old.
Even if they don’t survive, the experience is invaluable. Against Feyenoord they showed quality both defensively and offensively. Feyenoord’s goals were good, not just NAC errors. After matchday one, they’ve proven they belong at this level, justifying the KNVB’s decision to grant them Fortuna’s license.
Star Player: Celainy Obispo, who set the tone with a crisp volley.
Questions: Can Feyenoord fix their defense to truly contend for European football? Can NAC survive?
Follow Jan for all the news about Dutch Women’s Football on www.fcleeuwinnen.nl. Read news about the star players, get strong point of views from our columnists and discover all about upcoming Dutch talents.
The development of professionalism across all tiers of English women’s football is projected to make the 2025/26 season one of the most dynamic and competitive to date.
With a record number of star signings, brand new integrative infrastructure, and clubs now hungrier than ever to secure one of the three promotion spots up for grabs; you could easily argue that the WSL 2 will be one of the most competitive leagues, not only in England, but Europe.
Impetus spoke with players from multiple WSL 2 clubs, gaining insight as to what they have been doing on and off the pitch during preseason to ensure they are prepared for what is guaranteed to be an action-packed season ahead.
Bristol City
After two difficult seasons, relegation from the WSL in 2023/24 and missing out on the top spots in WSL 2 last term, Bristol City enter 2025/26 needing a turnaround to re-establish themselves as contenders. Star signings such as Sophie Ingle from Chelsea and Champions League winner Vicky Losada, make a statement about the club’s commitment to a turn around.
Fran Bentley
“[We are] just being as professional as we can, our days are longer and our sessions are harder to make sure we can compete at that level, [because] we know that there’s not just going to be one team doing well”
“Going for that promotion that everyone has to push every week and every day and it’s really going to be tough to compete, but everyone’s doing all they can.”
Bristol City kick off their WSL 2 campaign at St Andrews against Birmingham City
Charlton Athletic
Despite significant player turn over, Charlton enter this season as one of the top contenders for promotion. Having finished third with only four points separating them from promotion contenders Birmingham City, their established leadership and cohesive club culture promise the Addicks an exciting season.
Sophie Whitehouse
“This preseason we’re definitely trying to get to know each other a lot better…when you go through the hard moments, that’s what you rely on.”
“Every team is competitive and very good at football. So, in the games, you kind of need the other side of it, like the mental side. So that’s what we’ve been working on a lot this preseason… getting to know each other. [Knowing] why they’re here, why they’re playing, so that you can push them to be their best”
Durham
Durham’s squad is composed of an exciting mix of experienced internationals and emerging talents. Having made a significant five place jump in the league standings and finishing fourth in the league last season, Durham is predicted to be promotion contenders if they are able to build on last seasons positive run.
Cat Sheppard
“I think that a big emphasis for us is on team…getting our team chemistry right and getting our team culture right. And I think everything else will fall into place…focusing on us as a team and a unit and that’s what matters most”
Ipswich Town
Ipswich secured promotion to the WSL 2 last season after topping the table in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division. The blues will have a new home at JobServe Community stadium in Colchester, which boasts a 10,105 capacity.
Nat Negri
“We know that we’re going to have some competitive games and we know that is probably going to be a different challenge.”
“We’re going to take each week as it comes and we’re not going to expect anything from each day, whether or not it’s going to be a top end team or a bottom end”
Nottingham Forest
The Reds were crowned champions of the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) following an unbeaten season. Despite it being their inaugural season, the Reds have already made their mark on the WSL 2 with star signings and ambition at the forefront of their 2025/26 campaign.
Amy Claypole
“The level’s going to be really, really high. As players, we have to up the training intensity, the quality, again, moving in with the professionalism as it’s growing”.
“We’re obviously doing extras; the training is increasing more. The demand is more. But I think that’s what you want as a player. You want it to be at the highest level possible and to have as much competition as possible”.
Portsmouth
The 2024-25 was Portsmouth’s inaugural season in the WSL 2 (then Championship) and the Pompey endured a campaign of two contrasting halves. If they can harness the momentum built in the latter stages of 2024/25, Pompey look set for a far more prosperous season ahead.
Hannah Coan
“We’ve got a really good group of players just trying to re switch on, do as much as we can on the pitch, off the pitch, analysing games, and just working as hard as we possibly can.”
“We know we don’t want to start the year, how we did last year, so we kind of just need to stay concentrated, focus on ourselves, and go from there.”
Sheffield United
Sheffield United come into this season with everything to prove. Finishing at the bottom of the table last season, the retention of their spot in the league was only made possible by the withdrawal of Blackburn Rovers due to financial constraints.
Connie Scofield
“I had a good off season, rested a little bit, and then we know that it’s going to be a really competitive this season.”
“There’s a lot of teams fighting to go up. So we’re just working hard and training every day and pushing each other and really building the connections, because we’re quite a new team”
Southampton
Following a four-place drop in the league standings between the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, Southampton knew ambition was essential if they were to compete. With a reset in leadership and balanced summer signings, they look well-positioned for an improved WSL 2 campaign.
Amy Goddard
“[we are doing] everything[we] can. You know, whether that comes from preparation and that comes from, you know, performing weekend, week in week out.”
“I think we’ve got a good group of girls and we’re ready to go and be solid and put on performances for our fans.”
Sunderland
Once giants in the women’s game, Sunderland have everything to regain in what is guaranteed to be the historically competitive season ahead. The team finished at a neutral seventh place last season but are consistently mentioned in some of the most attended fixtures in the calendar. With young talent plentiful and a strong squad, Sunderland have backing for a what could potentially be a re-establishing season.
Katy Watson
“The standard of the game’s gone up a lot in the past few years, and it’s a lot more intense, so obviously, training’s a lot harder than it used to be. We’re doing a lot more running, so we can be the fittest team in the league.
“We’re trying to block out the noise, all the pressure…we’re not changing anything, just going into with how we always would.”
Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United were not in attendance at media day.
The opening round of fixtures featured the following results:
Sheffield United 0 – 4 Sunderland
Southampton 4 – 0 Ipswich Town
Portsmouth 0 – 2 Durham
Birmingham City 5 – 1 Bristol City
Nottingham Forest 1 – 2 Newcastle United
Charlton Athletic 1 – 0 Crystal Palace
The next round of fixtures take place next weekend. Fixtures are as follows:
Above:Ellie Carpenter in her debut on Friday nightPhoto:chelseafc.com
It is not every time you win the “player of the match” on your debut, especially in a talent-stacked team like Chelsea, where almost everyone is an overperformer, but that’s what Ellie Carpenter did.
Chelsea began their 2025/26 Women’s Super League title defense with a 2–1 victory over Manchester City, and the most compelling storyline of the night was the blistering debut of summer signing Ellie Carpenter.
From the moment she stepped onto the pitch at Stamford Bridge, Carpenter was a live wire with rapid pace in attack, and when tracking back.
Her first 20 minutes were a showcase of control, aggression, and acute timing. In fact, she won eight of nine duels, put six crosses into the box, made nine recoveries, six tackles, and two interceptions all while crafting two key goal-scoring opportunities.
It was her low, precise cross in the 31st minute that unlocked the game: Aggie Beever-Jones clipped it home from close range, seamlessly demonstrating how Carpenter’s offensive instincts slot into Chelsea’s rhythmic dominance and fast counter-attacking power.
Carpenter’s presence stretched Manchester City’s defensive structure, exploiting space in transition and pushing opponents back with relentless width. Her tactical intelligence was as resounding as her runs.
What This Means Going Forward
Carpenter’s debut was a signal, symbolising exactly why she was bought. With Lucy Bronze out for a while, the fans can look forward to witnessing a lot of her amazing traits as a footballer. That is either in a back three, five or a more traditional four. her ability to cover a lot of ground with her pace is valuable to Chelsea’s style of play.
Looking ahead, Carpenter’s role could be transformative for Chelsea’s season. In the WSL, her energy ensures the Blues won’t be outworked on the flanks, particularly against sides like Arsenal and Manchester United that thrive on exploiting wide areas.
Her ability to handle one-on-one duels gives Chelsea an insurance policy they’ve occasionally lacked in defence. Offensively, her overlapping and underlapping runs offer Bompastor tactical flexibility: Carpenter can operate as a traditional full-back hugging the touchline, or invert into a wing-back to add another passing option.
Her presence in the squad also reinforces the balance of Chelsea’s ambitions. In the WSL, her energy ensures defensive security against high-pressing sides while offering an outlet in transition. In Europe, where wide spaces are often decisive, her pace and decision-making could prove crucial in Chelsea’s quest for their first Champions League title.
Her experience with Lyon in continental competition equips her with both the mentality and tactical awareness to thrive on the biggest stage. With Carpenter, Chelsea are plugging gaps while future-proofing their squad for the battles that will popup as the season keeps evolving, especially during the busiest part of the season, as Chelsea aim to compete on all four fronts.
Of course, one game doesn’t define a career at Chelsea, and Carpenter herself will know there’s more to come. There were moments on Sunday where her eagerness to push forward left small gaps at the back, and she will need to fine-tune that balance with her new teammates. But if this debut is any indication, the adjustment period will be short.
Above:Caitlin Doeglas (in possession), who scored Perth RedStar’s equaliser and their first penalty in their shoot-out win over Perth SC today. Photo: Denyse RM Photography.
It was a dramatic weekend of action, which emphasised just how little the top four sides in the 2025 NPLW WA have between them. Both ties went to extra time, and one went to penalties. Here’s the review of all the action.
Football West Academy 3-4 Balcatta Etna
After extra-time
Above: Jamie-Lee Gale (centre), who scored Balcatta Etna’s opener against the Football West Academy. Photo: Denyse RM Photography.
Balcatta Etna ran out winners of a seven-goal thriller against the Football West Academy (FWA) that took two hours of football to be decided at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.
Balcatta opened the match with threatening overhead volleys from the backline, but Football West Academy quickly adapted, grounding the ball in the midfield and began to assert themselves on the encounter.
That dominance soon paid off when Emily Garnett surged forward, cleared space for herself, and unleashed a powerful volley that found the back of the net to put the home side ahead.
Balcatta wasted no time in responding, settling into a sleek rhythm of transitional play. From which Jamie-Lee Gale was able to capitalise and netted Balcatta the equaliser from within a crowded box.
With the score level, both sides tightened up. Defensive marking grew closer, and much of the play condensed around the halfway line. But at the 36-minute mark, Rachel Jarvis spotted a rare opening inside the box. Her strike first looked destined only to clip the post, yet a fortunate rebound gave Balcatta a deserved lead.
The second half picked up just where the tightly contested as the first ended. Gale again threatened with a scorching run down the right wing. The FWA defence were able to catch on to her threat, closing her down. However, Gale swiftly cut back to Alyssa van Heurck, who hammered home a rocket to extend Balcatta’s advantage.
FWA, refusing to fold, pressed forward with sharper passing. Their persistence paid off when Lacey Heys snatched a goal in a packed box, just moments before Balcatta’s defence could shut her down.
The teenage side’s momentum continued to build when Theo Mouithys completed the comeback utilising her trademark dominance in the final third, netting an impressive goal that levelled the scores with just six minutes remaining. It would be time for an additional half hour to separate the sides.
Both teams pushed relentlessly for victory, showcasing their technical quality and determination. But it was Balcatta’s Abbey Meakins who ultimately sealed the result, capitalising on a corner to deliver the match-winning goal.
Teams: FOOTBALL WEST ACADEMY: McGreadie Cole, Johnson, Santich, Z. Dumont, A. Dumont, Heys, Leong, Houlis, McAuliffe, Mouithys, Garnett. Substitutes: Borg, Collinson, Santos, Kuzamba, Dalton, Barlow, Brady.
Scorers: Garnett 9′, Heys 82′, Mouithys 84′.
BALCATTA ETNA: Bennett, M. D’Opera, Foletta, Murray, Davis, Marwick, van Heurck, Jarvis, Cook, Meakins, Gale. Substitutes: Duncanson, Hargreaves, Britton.
Scorers: Gale 23′, Jarvis 37′, van Heurck 65′, Meakins 100′.
Perth SC 1-1 Perth RedStar
Perth RedStar win 3-1 on penalties after extra-time
Above: Ella Lincoln, who was a real threat in the first half for Perth SC in their hard-fought tie with Perth RedStar. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Perth RedStar ran out winners after a penalty shoot-out to take the direct route to next weekend’s Top Four Cup Final, leaving Perth SC needing to take advantage of their double chance in facing Balcatta Etna in midweek to reach the season decider.
The game had been moved to Inglewood United’s stadium due to Dorrien Gardens’ already hosting a rugby union final this weekend, but due to a waterlogged pitch at Inglewood on Saturday, Perth RedStar hosted this game on Sunday.
Whilst RedStar started strongly, it was Perth that had more chances in the opening half. Ella Lincoln was a thorn in the RedStar side as she was involved in three opportunities in a short space of time – providing for Daisy McAllister on two occasions – the first saw a shot blocked, and the second a header go just wide.
Just as it looked as if the sides would go in 0-0 at the break, Lincoln was played through, held off Emily Dunn, and fired home.
RedStar saw an early second-half effort from Renee Leota repelled by Dayle Schroeder before they levelled the scores with 20 minutes to go.
Leota went down in the box, and a penalty was awarded. Jayna Ridley’s spot kick was saved by Schroeder, but Caitlin Doeglas pounced to follow up and turn the ball in.
The rest of the game, including the period of extra time, saw very few clear-cut opportunities. Emily Dunn’s excellent defending to keep out Ruby Marshall’s shot for Perth was the closest either side came to adding to the scores, so the first spot in the Top Four Cup Final would be decided by a penalty shootout.
Step forward Gabby Dal Busco who more than lived up to her long time reputation of one of the top shot stoppers in the women’s game.
RedStar took a crucial two penalty lead after Doeglas and Ridley both netted with Sam Mathers’ effort saved by Dal Busco who also helped Kim McCartney’s penalty onto the post. Whilst Tijan McKenna scored Perth’s third, and Renee Leota saw hers saved by Schroeder in the Perth goal, it all came down to the fourth penalties.
Alkira Mogridge stepped up and scored for RedStar, meaning that Marshall had to score in order to keep Azzurri hopes alive – but she hit her effort over the top and Perth RedStar were through to their fourth successive Top Four Cup Final.
For the NPLW WA champions Perth SC, they now must face off with Balcatta Etna in midweek in order to try and earn a second attempt to defeat RedStar.
Above: United celebrate their win. Photo: ManUtdWomen on X.
Manchester United kicked off the new WSL season in style with a 4-0 demolition of Leicester City.
Whilst Leicester City are currently reeling from the controversial sacking of head coach Amandine Miquel 11 days ahead of the new season, United have already been in action this summer – facing PSV and Hammarby in Champions League qualifiers.
The Red Devils are looking to sustain their top-three finish from last season and compete in Europe, which made Sunday’s opening day duel with Leicester a must-win. With Rick Passmoor in interim charge of a Leicester team tipped for relegation this season, their trip to Leigh Sports Village provided a difficult start for the head coach.
The teams
A common complaint from United fans is that the club’s summer transfer business (comprising of Julia Zigiotti Olme, Fridolina Rolfö and Jess Park) has not provided enough depth to cover runs in four competitions. Their bench against Leicester exemplified this: only five players were named, including a goalkeeper and academy prospect Mared Griffifths.
Despite Millie Turner returning to fitness, Swedish international Anna Sandberg has enjoyed strong pre-season performances and was given the nod at left-back with Dominique Janssen continuing to partner Maya Le Tissier in the center. The midfield comprised of a WSL debut for Zigiotti Olme alongside Toone and Miyazawa. Leicester were missing a number of the key players from last season, including England international Ruby Mace. 20-year-old new signing Olivia McLaughlin started on the bench.
The action
With a trip to Norway awaiting them later in the week, United were eager to get the game done and dusted early. It was an electrifying start for the Red Devils, as they capitalised on an understandable lack of cohesion within the Leicester midfield. Manchester native Toone was in particularly fine form; the signing of Zigiotti Olme giving her more space to be creative in the number 10 role.
For Leicester, the opening stages were resigned to defending, however it did not take long for United to break the deadlock. They were afforded space inside the box, and in a characteristically unselfish move, Elisabeth Terland tapped the ball into Toone’s path, leaving Toone to slot home.
The partnership between Sandberg and Malard down the left was particularly effective in disrupting the Foxes every time they managed to break out of United’s press – winning the ball back and getting it back towards the Leicester box. They did not have long to wait for the second goal, as Terland met a sublime cross from Riviere, claiming her goal with a strong header.
With a midweek trip to Norway in mind, United took their foot off the gas after their second goal. Leicester failed to capitalise on this despite a few miscommunications amongst the United back-line. They had the occasional chance but lacked the quality to get the ball over the line.
Following the break, play continued in much the same vein: United dominated without creating much, with Leicester occasionally making a charge on the break. A third goal did eventually come for the hosts, as Dutch defender Janssen perfectly placed her cross for Malard to head in, and the French forward got her second goal only minutes later.
Jess Park was given her debut, and she made a quick imprint on the game, using her technicality to get the ball into the box through a packed Leicester defensive line. A debut goal was not to be, but a positive impression on a first outing.
Player of the match – Ella Toone
Toone was everywhere. Given license to be creative, the midfielder can be electric, and she appeared to enjoy linking up with Terland and Malard.
Above: Ella Toone. Photo: ManUtdWomen on X.
What was perhaps most impressive was that whilst United did lose some of the attacking momentum they started the game with, Toone was consistent in her press throughout the whole 90 minutes; evidenced by her goal and assist coming at either ends of the match.
An honourable mention does need to be paid to Malard, Sandberg, and Janssen – none of whom put a foot wrong throughout the 90, and who all contributed in some way to the build-up of the goals.
Final thoughts
It was a positive afternoon for United, and they will be pleased with their goalscoring form ahead of their final Champions League qualifier mid-week. However, there were points for improvement: the communication between shot-stopper Tullis-Joyce and her backline was missing at times, and head coach Marc Skinner will have been worried to see a few players go down with knocks.
Leicester struggled – particularly defensively – at times, and most worryingly lacked a sense of on-pitch leadership. There were the occasional forays forward, but Passmoor has a lot of work to do ahead of a tricky run of fixtures, facing Liverpool and treble-winners Chelsea in the coming weeks.
United head to Norway where they face Brann Kvinner in their final qualifier for the Champions League this Thursday, before facing newly-promoted London City Lionesses next Sunday. Leicester await a Liverpool side beaten 4-1 by rivals Everton in their first outing.
TEAMS: MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Tullis-Joyce, Riviere, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg, Zigiotti Olme, Miyazawa, Bizet, Toone, Malard, Terland. Substitutes: Middleton-Patel, Turner (for Sandberg 69’), Park (for Janssen 57’), Naalsund (for Zigiotti Olme 65’), Griffifths.
Above: Ornella Vignola celebrates after one of her goals at Anfield today for Everton. Photo: The Straits Times.
Ornella Vignola’s dream debut saw Everton to a perfect start to the WSL campaign, as Brian Sorensen’s tactical nous shone through and the Gareth Taylor era at Liverpool got off to an unceremonious start at Anfield.
A Merseyside derby at Anfield to kick off the Gareth Taylor era at Liverpool and the Freidkin group era-proper at Everton. Both teams come into the season looking to assert themselves as a top team, having been mid table fillers over the last few years.
To do this, Liverpool had hired ex Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor, we led them to second in the 2023/24 season – only missing out by goal difference. Everton’s strategy was to stick with Brian Sorenson and bring in new players instead.
The Teams
With Gareth Taylor’s first team selection at Liverpool, we began to see a picture of what he envisioned for the club. It looked like the 4-3-3 he favoured at City, with Kapocs and Holland on the wing and Mia Enderby in the middle.
Everton, meanwhile named a vastly changed team, with Ishikawa, Pacheco, Vignola, Robinson, van Gool, and Momiki given club debuts. Kelly Gago was left on the bench after her outstanding campaign last year. England U-21’s winger Katie Robinson started her Everton career at right back.
The Action
Known for his slow, methodical style of build-up play at City, it was clear that keeping possession was also going to be a staple of Taylor’s Liverpool team. The use of Hobinger to press aggressively and become a second striker when pressing was also a regular tactic at City.
The first moments of the game were dominated by the battle between Ceri Holland on the right wing and Maz Pacheco, with the Welsh winger getting through and putting dangerous crosses in a few times, while Pacheco was able to intercept a number of passes and stop those attacks.
It was Cornelia Kapocs, thoug,h who opened the scoring, cutting in from the left flank and smashing the ball into the top corner, giving Brosnan no chance to save.
Everton really struggled to get a foothold in the game early. Even when passing out from the back, they couldn’t find that out ball to give them some control or even a sniff of possession in Liverpool’s half.
All it takes is once chance, however, and from a Liverpool corner, Hayley Ladd smashed a long ball up towards Vignola, who brilliantly dribbled it all the way into the box, cut over to her left foot and bent a shot into the far corner. Having had no notable attacks all game long, Everton had levelled it up.
Liverpool continued to plug away, and it was Ceri Holland who threatened most, hitting the post with a shot and having more crosses cleared away. Marie Hobinger spurned a glorious chance when Hayley Ladd misjudged a back pass and played her right in, but the Austrian Midfielder could only fire it wide.
Towards the end of the half, Everton started to have some success with the ball, but Liverpool stayed disciplined in defence. Deep into injury time, Maz Pacheco put in a wonderful cross, and Snoeijs was able to get a strong header, which flew into the net even despite Faye Kirby getting a hand to it.
Despite the scoreline, Brian Sorenson made three changes at halftime, including Ruby Mace’s first appearance for the club. This completely flipped the game, and it was now Everton dominating the ball, with Liverpool resorting to counterattacks. Pacheco picked up the ball on the left, once again put a great cross in, and Vignola headed home for 3-1.
Wheeler, van Gool, and Holmgaard combined very well in the opening minutes of that second half, and it was this combo that killed the game off for good. Holmgaard ran all the way down the right, finding Vignola, who cut inside and shot towards goal. It took a huge deflection and slowly rolled past the wrong-footed Kirby. Liverpool tried to get back into it, but never had any clear chances from this point o,n and Everton marched back across the city with three points.
Where this leaves the teams
For Everton, it was the perfect start to the season. Soaking up all the pressure in the first half, they were clinical and came away with a lead. The changes in personnel and game plan worked brilliantly in the second half, and Liverpool didn’t know what had hit them.
Whether or not the plan was to counterattack in the first and dominate the second with those changes or not, Brian Sorensen read the game perfectly and exploited the main weakness of Gareth Taylor’s tactics – something he did against City last year as well, with Taylor at the helm.
Sorensen further proved his side’s ability to adapt to whatever the opposition brings them, and Everton surely look on for their best season in the WSL for a good few years if they can keep up this clinical edge.
The transfer window also seems to have been a great success for the Toffees, as all their new signings looked right at home.
For Liverpool, it was an incredibly frustrating afternoon. They did everything planned in the first half, but just couldn’t finish the chances when they were ahead in the game. Coming out in the second half, they were too slow to adjust and were pinned in by Everton for 15 minutes. By the time they did sort this out, the game was already gone.
Most concerning, perhaps, is that Everton have created a blueprint of how to beat this team.
Everton host London City Lionesses on Friday night, while Liverpool head to Villa Park on Sunday in the team’s next matches..
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