Later today, Impetus partner club Ashford Town (Middx) play the biggest game in their history when they host FA Women’s National League Southern Premier side Oxford United in the Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round. First Team Assistant Coach Matthew Aumeeruddy spoke to Impetus’ editor Ben Gilby(28/11/21)
Above: Ashford Town (Middx) assistant coach Matthew Aumeeruddy. Photo supplied by: Matthew Aumeeruddy.
It’s been an incredible start to the season for Ashford Town which has seen them in imperious form to top the tier five London & SE Regional Premier. From Matt’s perspective, the reason for their outstanding form is down to “The hard work that the players and staff have put in. We all have the same goals this season and are determined to achieve them.”
Yet, despite the fact results are going so well, the first team assistant coach is more than aware of the challenges that come with good form.
“The hardest thing is to keep improving when the results have been as good as they can be. It is a lot easier to improve when results and performances are not going well as improvement is easily measured on match day. However, there are subtle things in our performances that we know can elevate our game.”
After coming through the qualifying rounds, Ashford Town (Middx) were drawn away to lower league side Sutton United in the First Round. The U’s are a team that Matt knew well from going up the leagues together in the past.
“It was always a difficult challenge when you play teams from a division below because there is a nothing to lose mentality and we know they have some strong players who could be very effective for them. But the majority of the focus was on us and how we were going to have an impact on the game.
Above: Ashford Town (Middx) together on and off the pitch. Photo: Ben Gilby
Of course, the result (6-0) was pleasing but I wouldn’t say it was our best performance of the season in terms of the standards we set. But we were largely in control as well as some brilliant passages of play. We had to be patient in order to get the first goal, but once we did, we never looked back!”
The second-round draw gave Ashford the biggest tie of the round and the biggest game in their history when they were pulled out of the hat to face Oxford United, a team two divisions higher than them.
“I think I was at home at the time the draw was made,” Matt explains, “but there was more intrigue than an anxious wait. Of course, we are relishing the challenge and the players are all excited ahead of this fixture.
“Oxford United are a very good tier three team that have ambitions on promotion to the Championship. They will be well organised in all phases of the game and have players that are very capable in all areas of the pitch.
“We’re hoping for a bumper crowd and have been promoting the game through our usual social media channels. Our admission prices have remained the same (£5 Adults, £3 Concessions) in order to make it an affordable experience.
“The FA Cup is always a special competition to be involved in due to the prestige that holds. We are proud of the run we have been on in this competition and will certainly be giving our all on Sunday.”
With the return of one big name to her hometownclub and another club legend announcing a return, it’s been a big week as the A-League Women kick-off draws ever closer. Ben Gilby brings you all the news from these two announcements plus all that he heard from a raft of special media events(28/11/21).
Artwork: Perth Glory
PERTH GLORY: Home Town Hero De Vanna Returns:
Perth Glory confirmed on Thursday that Lisa De Vanna has signed with the club for the A-League Women 2021/22 Season.
One of the greatest forwards that Australia has ever produced, the Perth local is the second most-capped Matildas player of all time having made 150 international appearances, during which she scored 47 goals.
At club level, meanwhile, she has had two previous spells with Glory, in 2008-09 and 2012-13 and represented a host of leading clubs around the world including Sky Blue FC, Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit in the USA, Fiorentina in Italy and AIK and Linkoping in Sweden.
Also on her glittering resume are W-League Championship titles with Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City, Sydney FC, and Brisbane Roar.
De Vanna is now looking forward to writing a new chapter in her remarkable career with a club that has always remained close to her heart.
“I only very recently decided to get back on board,” she said.
“Alex Epakis [Head Coach] has created a safe, supportive environment and Tony Sage [Club Owner and Chairman] showed me great respect by going out of his way to meet me in person, which I really appreciated and am grateful for.
“Alex has put no pressure or expectation on me; just for me to fall in love with the game again.
“I started my career here and now I want to give back to the family, friends and fans who have supported me all the way along my football journey.
“I’m focused on being a good influence on the young players and helping bring the best out of them; that was a real game-changer for me.
Above: Lisa De Vanna in action for home town club Perth Glory during a previous spell. Photo: Wikimedia.
“A winning mentality never dies and that’s why I’m committed to doing everything I can to bring a first-ever Championship to my hometown club.”
Epakis, meanwhile, is relishing the prospect of seeing De Vanna donning the famous purple once again this season.
“Lisa is a proud West Australian and I know she is valuing the opportunity to represent her hometown club as part of what is shaping up to be a very dynamic and exciting squad to work with,” he said.
“She has a proven track record at every level of the game, is extremely motivated to succeed on a team level, and will provide even further x-factor to our attack.
“Lisa has been involved with the team for over a month now, has fitted in extremely well into our environment and culture, and is focused on working hard to ensure the team has a competitive campaign.
“I look forward to coaching her this season and am eager to see her combine with the other fantastic players we currently have in the team.”
Glory CEO Tony Pignata is similarly delighted to see a player of De Vanna’s quality and stature bolstering what is already a squad packed with potential.
“Lisa’s record speaks for itself,” he said, “and she remains one of the most dangerous forwards Australian and indeed, world football has ever seen.
“Her experience and winning mentality will make her an invaluable member of the group and I’m sure our Members and fans are incredibly excited to see her back in a Glory shirt this year.”
De Vanna’s other honours include a W-League Premiership with Melbourne City in 2015-16, the Julie Dolan Medal in 2002-03, twice being named in the FIFA Women’s World Cup All-Star team, and helping Australia claim the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2010.
CANBERRA UNITED: Legend Sykes Is Back!
Artwork: Canberra United.
Canberra United announced on Tuesday the signing of the club’s record appearance holder, Ashleigh Sykes for the 2021/22 A-League Women’s season.
The Dubbo-born striker has made 113 appearances for Canberra United, scoring 41 goals over 11 seasons, which included three Premierships and two Championships.
Speaking to the assembled media in the national capital, Sykes said she is excited by the challenge of her comeback to the A-League Women’s and looks forward to pulling the United jersey on once more. “I found my love for football again playing with my club team Canberra Olympic this past winter season.
“The players and coaches made it fun, and reminded me how much joy can be found on a football field. I’m hoping to get similar enjoyment from playing for Canberra United again, it’s always been my experience here and the team have made me feel welcome.
“I missed the feeling of competing every day with your teammates and for spots on the team. I love the challenge that this comeback presents. Getting match fit and back up to the standards that the A-League Women’s demand is my driving force at the moment.
“It’s always a privilege to wear the Canberra United jersey and play for this club. I’m super excited by the opportunity from Vicki and the club to have me play for them. I hope to make an impact for the team and add some more firepower to our already talented attacking stocks.”
With this being the second time that the 29-year-old has come out of retirement, Sykes admitted: “Coaching definitely sucks compared to playing! I thought that I’d try and rival John Farnham in terms of comebacks. This is number two so we’ll see how many more there are!
Above: Ashleigh Sykes at the media event to mark her return to Canberra United on Tuesday. Photo: Canberra United.
“I played with Canberra Olympic this year in the NPL. The girls there were awesome to play with and the coaches awesome to play for. It made me find my love for the game once more. I thought that there would not be many more years that I could give it a go, so I did.
“Vicki (Linton, Canberra United head coach) has been a quiet voice in the background for a while, but I approached her in the end asked if she had any spaces in the team and whether she had room for an old, unfit player! I had a week-long trial period and it went OK. It’s been fatiguing, but awesome. Canberra United have a great mentality which has not changed since I was last here (in 2018).
In terms of the role she sees herself as having this season, Sykes said: “It will depend on fitness, but for now I’m trying to be a good role model in training and catching up. Next week (the big kick-off) is coming fast, so we’ll see what Vicki has in store for me, whether that’s impact off the bench or starting.”
With old sparring partner Michelle Heyman at the club once more, Sykes commented that it was just like old times. “The old combination and understanding is still there and it feels great in training. That’s what ten years of playing together gets you. When combination play comes off between us like it did in training recently, you just smile. It’s an awesome feeling. It’s hard to describe when you stop playing what you miss most, but that is one of them. When it’s flowing it’s easy and it feels great. We’re on the same page straight away. It’s important to savour those moments.”
Canberra United Head Coach Vicki Linton commented how pleased she was to have signed Ash for a number of reasons.
“Ash is a quality player with so much experience and has been a massive part of this club from day one,” Vicki said.
“I had the chance to work with her in my time with the Matildas and to be able to reunite with her here at club level is such a nice opportunity. Already she has shown her ability and intelligence as a player and she will no doubt have a positive impact for this team with her performances in games but also with her mentality and the culture she can bring in training. I am really glad she has this chance to come back and compete at a high level again and enjoy her football.”
NEWCASTLE JETS: Tara Andrews & Kirsty Fenton Media Event Plus Ash Brodigan Returns
Above: Newcastle Jets’ Tara Andrews pictured at the media event this week. Photo: Newcastle Jets
With the 2021/22 A-League Women season kicking off in less than a week, Jets star Tara Andrews spoke of how anticipation is building.
“It’s getting really exciting now. We’re all raring to go and ready to play soccer. It’s ben great to be in the training environment, but we can’t wait for that first game now.”
With a few new faces added to the squad, including Norway international forward Marie Markussen, Andrews emphasised what a fillip this was for the team. “We’ve been waiting a few years now for an international player to come in and bolster our squad. It’s really exciting that she’s joined.
“It’s also great to have some support up front and someone to feed me the ball to score more goals. I want to score more goals and be more consistent. Last season I scored a lot of goals in the early weeks and then nothing for a while.”
Andrews also highlighted the fact that she feels that the Jets preparations for the new campaign are better than ever. “It feels a lot more professional this year. We’ve done a lot of strength and conditioning. Ash (Wilson, head coach) has got things organised well.
“In terms of trial games, we played the boys a few weeks ago and we were further ahead from where we were last year against them. Last weekend we played Western Sydney Wanderers, we didn’t win the game, but we were pretty strong against them.
Above: Kirsty Fenton, who also spoke to the media this week, in action during training. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
Kirsty Fenton has progressed through the ranks at Newcastle Jets and is now part of the senior squad preparing for the new A-League Women campaign. She spoke to the media on Wednesday of this week.
“Being in the Jets Academy environment since the under-11s, it’s always been a goal of mine to play for my hometown team and to see all that hard work pay off, not just for me but for my parents and all those coaches who have helped me is special.
“Just being in the same changing shed as the likes of Tara Andrews, Gema Simon, Hannah Brewer, Cass Davies – all of them are girls that I’ve just looked up to this whole time I was growing up as a footballer and to now say that I’m rocking up with them and getting ready for games is incredible.
“They are not as scary as I thought they would be! They are welcoming and really helpful. I just want to put on the jersey and walk on the pitch with the team, working to get game time.”
Fenton emphasised some of the big changes she has had to adapt to since moving up to the senior squad this pre-season.
“It’s the intensity, and the expectations on you – not only on the field, but off the field. Playing in the trial games, getting a feel of things has been really helpful. It is such an amazing thing to be where I am and I want to learn and gain experience from the girls. Down the line there are bigger things that I am aiming for such as Matildas. I’m also still doing my HSC and have one exam still to go! Coming in here straight from the classroom and a three hour exam and letting lose with the girls has been great.”
Artwork: Newcastle Jets.
On Wednesday, Newcastle Jets announced the signing of local forward Ash Brodigan for the upcoming A-League Women’s Season.
Now 22 years of age, Brodigan first debuted with the Club back when she was 16, and now returns to the side having last played in 2018.
Since then, the creative forward has shone in the local Women’s NPL, and Head Coach Ash Wilson was ecstatic to bring her back into the squad.
“Ash has worked hard in the pre-season,” Wilson said.
“What has impressed me is the determination and mentality she has shown. To have gone away from the top-level, set new goals, and come back in as a more mature and motivated player – it is a credit to her.
“Ash brings versatility and creativity to our attack and physically offers us key characteristics that will help us execute our brand of football.”
Brodigan said she was excited return to the A-League Women’s level.
“When I was given the opportunity by the Club, I didn’t have to think twice,” Brodigan said. “It’s exactly where I want to be.”
“I’m excited to be back playing with such an amazing team.”
Ben Gilby hears from Tameeka Yallop on the night of her hundredth cap, debutant Jessika Nash, Manchester City’s Hayley Raso, and Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord(28/11/21).
Above: Inside the huddle. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
“I was gutted that we didn’t get the win”, admitted Tameeka Yallop, speaking after the final whistle.
“However, I was excited to be playing in this stadium and in front of all these fans (a record crowd of over 36,000). We’re leading into (a home World Cup) in 2023 and to have this sort of crowd is awesome.”
Looking ahead to Tuesday’s second game with the USA at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium, Yallop highlighted the modifications that were necessary.
“We need to be more clinical in our finishing. Look, today we got stuck in and played really well. We had a lot of possession, but we need to be more clinical.”
Whilst Yallop was celebrating her centenary of caps, at the other end of the scale, Jessika Nash made her debut. The Sydney FC defender spoke about her experience.
“It’s hard to put into words. Having the backing that I did from the girls was all I needed and the backing from Tony (Gustavsson). It’s unreal and hasn’t sunk in.
Above: In the huddle with the Matildas against Australia yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
“When I found out I would be starting, I was really nervous but I knew from training this week that the girls had 100% backing of me which made it easier. I also knew that Tony would not have put me in if he didn’t have confidence in me.”
Having got her debut out of the way, Nash highlighted the fact that now “I can just be calm going into Tuesday and have that calmness from the get-go. I think the first five minutes was a bit chaotic today, but hopefully, we’ll get a chance to settle in a bit earlier.”
Hayley Raso made her international return from injury from the bench and was clearly disappointed by the outcome of the match.
“It was a tough result and it’s hard to come away 3-0 down. For me on a personal note, it’s nice to be back, but it’s a disappointing result.”
The big positive that the midfielder took out of the game was the record crowd. “They are amazing. They always are, they are like a 12th man for us. We heard them cheering for the whole game.”
Caitlin Foord was clear about the desire within the squad to put things right result-wise in the second game between the two sides in Newcastle on Tuesday.
“It’s disappointing not to get the win in front of the home crowd here, but we’ve got a lot to learn from. We have another game to redeem ourselves in so we are not looking forward to that one.
“It was huge to have that many fans come out today to support us and we really appreciate that support and hopefully we can get the win for them next time.”
Above: The Australia side that started the game against the USA yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Kris Goman was inside Stadium Australia for Impetus and reviews the match and press conferences for us in words and pictures(28/11/21).
Above: Hayley Raso on the charge for Australia as Lindsey Horan looks on. Photo: Kris Goman.
There was a lot going on in this game. The number one ranked USWNT had ventured across the oceans during a pandemic to finally play the 11th ranked Matildas on home soil for the first time in over 21 years – since the Sydney Olympics.
Notably, this is not the USWNT of old. Only six players from the FIFA World Cup-winning team made the trip and only four started. It was a match of new blood on both sides. Also of note, the last time these teams met was at the Tokyo Olympics where the US team beat the Matildas 4-3 in a nail-biter to take the bronze medal leaving Australia with an Olympic high of fourth place but no medal.
Above: Tameeka Yallop (centre) on her hundredth appearance for her country, faces off against Emily Sonnett. Photo: Kris Goman,
While revenge for that loss was on everyone’s minds, it was not to be and the Matildas were defeated by the convincing scoreline of 3-0, however, on the pitch, it was a slightly different story.
During the World Cup, it was the USWNT’s thing to score in the first ten minutes of every match. Ashley Hatch, in her starting debut and only third cap, definitely got that memo and scored 24 seconds in. A bouncing ball sent up by Lynn Williams left debut defender (Matilda #218), Jessika Nash flat-footed and beaten. Hatch dashed around her to pound the ball into the back of the net avoiding Tegan Micah in goal for the Matildas. This was the third-fastest goal ever for the USWNT (Yes, Alex Morgan scored one in 12 seconds once). A disastrous start for the Matildas, leaving the record breaking 36,109 strong crowd in silence.
Australia regrouped and kept the score at 1-0 until the second half. Rose Lavelle missed a couple of very close opportunities early for the USA but generally, Australia looked stronger. The brand new defensive combo of Courtney Nevin and Nash looked a bit tentative at times but Ellie Carpenter was doing her trademarked barnstorming runs up the flanks and getting some good crosses in.
Sam Kerr had a couple of very close calls although Kyah Simon skyed a sitter that Caitlin Foord plonked in her lap right in front of goal. A free-kick late in the half to Foord found her in the clear. She sent a bending ball on target to the goal but Casey Murphy got a hand to it for a spectacular save. There was a bit of bad luck but there was some exceptional keeping from Murphy who was also making her debut for the USWNT.
Above: One of many great stops by USWNT goalkeeper Casey Murphy. Photo: Kris Goman.
Mary Fowler made a lovely run and perfectly timed pass to put Kerr through for a shot on goal that was blocked once more by Murphy. Fowler couldn’t connect with the follow-up and it was cleared safely just before halftime.
Lavelle doubled the score very early in the second half when Midge Purce took the ball right to the goal line and sent it back to Lavelle. One-touch and straight into goal with no mistakes this time. These sorts of moves are what makes Lavelle one of the best players in the world and she looked to be back in World Cup form.
A little later, Charli Grant saved a ball from going out and crossed back to Kerr who got a superb header on target to be caught by Murphy. Kerr was subbed off not long after this so didn’t get the chance to match Tim Cahill’s 50 goal international record. Kerr’s uncle sadly passed away earlier in the week and the team wore black armbands in his honour.
There were some great battles between former Portland Thorns teammates, Emily Sonnet and Caitlin Foord, and Lindsey Horan and Ellie Carpenter. The latter resulted in a penalty when Horan went down at the top of the box during a Carpenter tackle. The crowd clearly didn’t agree with the referee’s decision but Horan calmly slotted it past Micah for the third goal sending the score to a disappointing 3-0.
Above: Ellie Carpenter (left) catches up with former Portland Thorns team-mate Lindsey Horan post-match. Photo: Kris Goman.
The final serious opportunity came through Fowler once more, with a long-range strike that required every inch of Murphy’s six-foot frame to get a hand to. Murphy had an outstanding debut and ended up getting the USWNT player of the match award. Caitlin Foord won the award for Australia.
In the post-match press conference, Kyah Simon said she thought the game was definitely there for the taking.
“I had a chance myself and as a striker, you pride yourself on scoring goals. I take full responsibility that I should have finished that. The game (would have been) 1-1 at that point and would have changed the momentum of the game and not conceding in the first minute as well. We made it difficult for ourselves.
“We were in the game in the middle but they were more clinical in the final third than we were.” She went on, “We had glimpses of good passages of play. It’s hard when you make it an uphill battle.
“These are the big tests that we need against quality opposition to be exposed and there’s always learnings we can take away from these games and we’ve got another opportunity on Tuesday that I’m sure we can right some wrongs from today.”
Above: Kyah Simon, pictured at her post-match media conference. Photovia: Football Australia
When asked about Casey Murphy’s debut, she related, “We know they’re the world number one and there’s obviously a winning mentality throughout the team that’s been there for years that’s tough to play against. There’s so much quality throughout the US squad that we knew that whatever players were on the park, we knew it would be a tough challenge. In terms of Casey, she’s a presence. I’ve only played against her a couple of times and she’s a presence in her 18-yard box.”
She was asked about the defensive mistakes of the young defenders Nash and Nevin and offered, “To play your debut game against the US, yeah, I can relate as that was my debut game against the US as well and you can only learn from your mistakes. I’ve got over 100 caps and missed that goal so you only learn from your debut to your 100 caps. We all know it wasn’t good enough today but we’ll look ahead to Tuesday and hope it can be a more memorable game.”
There’s some explanation to the performance in the following. “It’s been a really weird week for us as a group, to be honest, There’s been a bit of a bug going around the group so some of us weren’t fit even 24 hours ago and we’ve had a few injuries as well but I’m not one to make excuses. We’ll definitely be in better shape going into Tuesday’s game and closer to being 100% fit and healthy. We have more to give and we will do that on Tuesday.” Given the smirk on her face, as she was describing this and other references to gastro, one could only imagine it was a lot worse than described here.
Upon facing the media, Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson was initially quizzed on the disappointing scoreline, he said: “Having a start like that and it’s 0-1 and having a debutant being involved, it’s a tough one. What I’m impressed with is that we didn’t let it get to us, especially the young ones and they grew into the game. When something like that can happen, it can go downhill really quick if you’re not strong mentally.
“When I look at the stats after the game, it’s one of those where it’s a really important reminder that the World Cup Final is going to be won and lost inside the 18. We were winning the game in between the boxes. Look at all the stats. 60% possession v 40%, 505 passes v 303, 71 final third entries v 47, 37 box entries v 24. All those things win the stats but then if you look at the actual finishing they win finishing game by 14-11 and the score by 3-0. So where are games won and lost? It’s how you covert those entries to chances and the conversion rate in scoring. I just think they were much cleaner than us in that area.”
Asked why he partnered youngsters Jessika Nash and Courtney Nevin against the USA he said that “One reason was availability. Neither Polks (Clare Polkinghorne) nor Alana (Kennedy) were available for selection.
Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson speaking to the media post-match. Photovia: Football Australia.
“Another one was we need depth in the backline and we need to look at players and be brave enough to actually get them into these types of games. I’d normally give them ten minutes at the end when you’ve either won or lost the game but those minutes are not the same value as warming up, record crowds, in the stadium that will hold the World Cup Final and if you can deal with that, in that environment, it’s what we need and I’m going to have their back all the time. I didn’t sub her out because of that mistake in the first half. It was a planned sub because Charli was also being really, really good in training and I wanted to see Ellie Carpenter in both roles tonight.”
I asked that after Kyah’s revelation about the bug going through the team, how much did that impact the starting lineup compared to what was planned. He said that “It’s been one of the most challenging camps that I’ve experienced with the preparation with a lot of the players arriving late due to availability to travel after games in Europe. Some players arrived at midnight on Tuesday. And then some players’ unavailability for training so they haven’t really trained as a team like we normally do. Considering that, I’m impressed with how the players approached the game plan, mostly from a defensive point. If you saw, we were man marking, which is a challenge against the US. I haven’t seen many teams have the guts to do it but I threw some challenges at the players and they responded tremendously.”
“The US is the number one team in the world in transition. Look at those two goals they scored. They attack really, really fast and they run a lot. They’ve done that for years and they’re good at it. They beat us twice in transition and that cost us. There’s going to be a lot of learnings tonight in terms of that.”
He said there will still be question marks as to whether more players will be available by Tuesday and they may not know until Monday night or even on the day.
Quizzed once more on the state of defence he said we’ve been in a tumultuous state for a number of reasons Gustavsson said he’s done it before in 2017 with the USWNT when they didn’t have great results that year. He’s patient in this process and he’s done it before.
“I have the belief in this process. But I also know we have to improve. The Asian Cup is coming up and we want to win that. We have work to do in the short term as well so I hope we can take learnings from tonight and show improvement in the game on Tuesday.”
Teams: AUSTRALIA (4-1-4-1): Micah, Carpenter, Nash, Nevin, Catley, van Egmond, Simon, Yallop, Fowler, Foord, Kerr. Subs: Williams (GK), Beard, Roestbakken, Wheeler, Grant, Raso, Cooney-Cross, Siemsen, Rule.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (4-3-3): Murphy, Fox, Davidson, Cook, Sonnett, Horan, Sullivan, Lavelle, Williams, Hatch, Purce. Subs: Campbell (GK), Huerta, Sauerbrunn, Sanchez, Weaver, Balcer, K. Mewis.
After their sensational victory over higher league Middlesbrough in the First Round which saw them come back from 3-1 and 4-3 down, Impetus partner club Chorley host Bradford City in the Women’s FA Cup second round tomorrow. Head coach Ben Gooden spoke to Impetus editor Ben Gilby.
Above: Chorley head coach Ben Gooden. Photo: Moorland Football.
For Ben Gooden, it’s been business as usual at Chorley since the return to football earlier this year. But business as usual has also included a Cup run that has a fairytale attached to it.
“Going into the first round tie, we knew that Middlesbrough were a very good side with really good young players but we went into the game with a plan to try and win. That isn’t anything new for the players to deal with because we do that for every game.
“We had to change the system on the day because of the players available to us but I felt that if we could keep the game in transition, we’d have chances because they would become unorganized and spaces would open up for us.”
The tie was such a rollercoaster as Chorley came back from a 3-1 deficit to 4-4 at the end of 90 minutes. Ben was not surprised by his team’s resilience – it was something he knew was in them.
“I know the character of this team. I think it can be counter-productive to be at the edge of a technical area screaming that they need to score a goal. We’ve instilled that attitude to stick to the game plan regardless of the state of the game. If we keep our heads, let the players compose themselves, and calmly make adjustments if needed we can achieve things.
Above: Chorley celebrate their sensational win over higher division Middlesbrough in Round One. Photo: Munro Sports Photography.
“This season we’ve conceded first and won games and we’ve come back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 and come away disappointed not to have won the game. I don’t think you can ever count us out because even when we are behind we are going to create chances and that was the final message at halftime.
“The whole squad were incredible. We’ve said all year that the need of the team has to outweigh the individual need and you felt that more than ever against Middlesbrough. Everyone worked as hard as they could to ensure we won the game. Whether that was someone on the pitch, whether they were an unused game-changer or they were watching from the side injured. Without that support from their teammates you wouldn’t have the performance in the middle.”
However, the comeback from 3-1 down was not the only incredible element in the game. Chorley’s four goals and winning penalty were scored by 16-year-old Aleesha Collins who was making her FA Cup debut.
“From our perspective, Aleesha isn’t an overnight sensation and that’s why she found herself starting the game. She’s done amazing things with the Under 18’s, stepped up in the FAWN Reserve League and has already made two competitive appearances for the first team.
“The plan was always to choose Aleesha’s games wisely for the first team this season after playing all of our games in the post-season friendlies. We wanted to take the next 12 months to build her confidence and continue with the great work that has been done in the reserves. But you can’t ignore a performance like that. We can’t downplay her arrival because it’s incredible.
“To be fair to her and her sister, they have really good characters and aren’t fazed by anything. It’s why Aleesha put her hand up and wanted to take a penalty. They just take everything in their stride and I think a big contributing factor to that is their family. Those girls are a credit to them and it certainly makes our job easier when they have such strong support behind them.
We’ve told the players previously that we need to protect her and I think after this we’ve to do this as a collective.”
Above: Four-goal teenager Aleesha Collins in action against Middlesbrough in Round One. Photo: Munro Sports Photography.
The second-round draw handed Chorley a home tie tomorrow with fellow FA Women’s National League Division One North side Bradford City.
“We expect Sunday to be a tough game for us, Bradford are an organized side and they work hard. They come here after a big county cup win and we’ve had a weekend without a fixture so they will be full of confidence.
“We’ve played them once already this season and we’ve watched them a couple of times too so we’ve to use that information and put a plan together to try and progress to the third round.
“From a club point of view the FA Cup is an opportunity to bring some prize money into the club and with the first game being away in the north east, we actually lost money through transport hire so it’s nice to get a couple of home ties in after that one.
“From a footballing perspective, it’s been a good opportunity to try and build some momentum against tough opposition. It was amazing to share that experience with the supporters against Middlesbrough as it has been a long time since we last played at home. I just hope we can put on another show for them this time.”
In the fifth and final piece for our charity partners John Moriarty Football’s (JMF) Indigenous Football Week, Impetus founder Ben Gilby hosted a special programme broadcast on SBS Sport and Facebook Live featuringRos Moriarty, JMF co-founder, co-chair, and co-MD, Tiffany Stanley, Wiradjuri Woman, and Dubbo-basedJMF coach, Impetus sponsored Brighouse Town midfielderLeah Embley and Brighouse Town head coach Rob Mitchell26/11/21.
Artwork: John Moriarty Football.
Above: Ros Moriarty, panellist on the discussion programme. Photo: Storyboard Media, supplied by John Moriarty Football.
The programme, just over half-hour in length discussed Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Gender Equality in Football. Among topics discussed were the huge importance of female role models, how working with players needs to focus on support the ‘whole’ person rather than just the footballer and the lack of female coaches in the women’s game and what can be done to address that problem.
Artwork: John Moriarty Football
The panel went on to highlight the challenges and negativity faces faced by females in football and how the pandemic has failed to treat women’s football the same as the men’s game.
Artwork: John Moriarty Football
The programme can be watched on-demand via our charity partner John Moriarty Football’s Facebook page here: fb.me/e/1VL81dlkg
For information on the panellists:
Above: Brighouse Town head coach Rob Mitchell, a panellist on the programme. Photo: Rob Mitchell.
Impetus editor Ben Gilby heard from Australia coach Tony Gustavsson plus players Steph Catley, Emily Gielnik and Hayley Raso in the lead up to tomorrow’s first of two friendlies between the Matildas and world champions USA in New South Wales.
Above: The Matildas in training this week ahead of the first of two matches against the USA on Saturday. Photosupplied to Impetus by: Football Australia26/11/21
With Australia facing two matches in four days against the reigning world champions the USA, head coach Tony Gustavsson emphasized in his pre-match press conference today that he wants to treat it as a real preparation for the 2023 World Cup – facing games back to back against top opposition in huge Australian stadia.
“When it comes to how to treat the game we’ve been very clear on we need to train the processes as staff and as players for a World Cup on home soil,” he said.
“When we play at the stadium that’s going to be the final stadium for the World Cup, and we’ll play the number one ranked team in the world, we were very clear that when we approached this game it would be as a World Cup final with all the routines.
“Whether that’s a press conference, whether it’s a pre-training meeting, whether it’s training content, we’re going to go in with a mindset that it’s all about winning this game and nothing else. It’s about preparing players physically and mentally in the best way for them individually.
Above: Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson was as relaxed as ever at today’s press conference. Photo via: Football Australia
“We are going to try and put out a very strong line-up tomorrow, but I also want to be clear that it is not just about a starting line up here, it’s about the finishing line-up as well.”
Gustavsson admitted that he expects to field a range of different players across the two games against the USA stating that he needs to look at the roster in terms of preparation for January’s Asia Cup plus managing players who have played a lot of league games and Champions League ties along with spending many hours on planes going back and forth between Europe and Australia.
He then outlined the specific challenges that he has faced in the build-up to the first game tomorrow.
“Half of the players arrived late on Tuesday, or midnight on Wednesday so we lost a day of training and then without revealing too much, about 20-30% of the roster haven’t been able to train on Thursday and today, so we have some question marks and three players who are unavailable for selection for the game tomorrow.
“I must say though that the group showed a tremendous ability to adjust to change and circumstances that they can’t control. We can’t wait to get that game started tomorrow.”
One of Australia’s stand-out players over the past six months has been Mary Fowler. Gustavsson was full of praise for the teenager from Cairns.
Above: Tony Gustavsson highlights an opinion during today’s press conference. Photo via: Football Australia.
“She can play in a lot of different positions – out wide, coming inside as a wide forward, a linking 10, and even a nine. Mary is one of those players, similar to Tameka Yallop, she can be a multifunctional player for us because she has the right mindset for that. She has been training in three different spots this week for us. Looking to the World Cup, it would be good to find the right position for her, but I am not scared of moving Mary around as we saw against Brazil when we played her in three different places, she was still Mary Fowler!
“About Meeks (Tameka Yallop) – she is 100% loyal to the team. We had a team workshop last night and she was one of those that the players brought up as an example of always giving 100% and working hard. She puts aside her own interests and maybe her best position for the good of the team. She was all over the park in the Olympics and always did what is best for the team. Her professionalism is always 100%.”
After spending over five years as part of the USA’s coaching team, Gustavsson spoke about his feelings of meeting up with familiar faces once more.
“It is always good to see people again that you have worked with. Five years is a long time, we built up good relationships, but once that whistle goes it is all about beating them on home soil.”
With restrictions eased around Sydney at the present time, Gustavsson spoke about how he has been able to get out and about for the first time to experience Australia’s famous coffee culture and chatting to fans.
“The support we have is wonderful, but I also know from 20 years of experience of coaching that you are only as good as your last game, so if we lose tomorrow, I might not be so popular!
“I’m a passionate person, I’m never going to shy away from my feelings. I’m very passionate about working with this team. I love working with these players. What I will say about the support is that tomorrow, we will feed off of that energy from the stands. The way we want to play – high octane, high energy, is fed by the energy from the crowd. If we break the record for the biggest crowd, then we want people to say ‘I was there, I was part of that.’ It’s a big crossroad moment for the Matildas.”
Above: Steph Catley pictured in Australia’s last international game against Brazil in October. Photo: Getty Images.
Joining Tony Gustavsson at the press conference today was Arsenal star Steph Catley.
It’s been good,” said Catley on the team’s arrival back in Australia to face the world number one side.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind and we’ve done a lot of travel. For a lot of us that are playing over in Europe, it’s been a bit of a back and forth, but there’s nothing like coming home.”
Tomorrow will mark the third time this year the two teams have faced off after two encounters during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Catley spoke about the lessons learned from the two clashes in July and August.
“I think we had two pretty different games,” she said.
“The first one, we were pretty much in control. We had a lot of the ball and created a lot of good chances. Then the second time around, they pressed us pretty high and we struggled to begin with to play out. Then we sort of started solving problems eventually. I think that it just shows that they’re a really flexible team.”
Above: Steph Catley with Tony Gustavsson at today’s press conference. Photo via: Football Australia
With Alanna Kennedy out of the game tomorrow, Catley was asked how she feels about having a new face alongside her. “I’ve played with Alanna for many years now, but at this level, you have to be used to playing with different people. It’s exciting though, we have lots of really good youngsters and players who can step up. We’ve been practicing this in training all week.”
The USA has notably left a number of big-name players out of the squad for the games with Australia. However, Catley is under no illusions that the Matildas’ task remains fiendishly tough.
“They have so much depth in their team that the players who are coming over will be so hungry and excited to perform. You have to be wary when you face players out there like that as they will be wanting it. We still have to face Rose Lavelle and Cat Macario who plays for Lyon plus Lynn Williams. We’ve looked very carefully at their players in video analysis this week, so we’re ready.”
She concluded by highlighting the focus that Tony Gustavsson has about treating this as a World Cup game.
“He definitely has us ready for that. All the meetings this week have had a big picture of the trophy hanging up! A home World Cup Final on home soil in the stadium with it sold out would be a big game and as players, you want to be best prepared for that. This is the perfect preparation for us. There will be a big crowd and we will feed off that.”
Above: Australia and Aston Villa star Emily Gielnik speaking to the media in the build-up to Saturday’s friendly with the USA. Photo via: Football Australia.
A broken toe kept Aston Villa’s Emily Gielnik out of October’s internationals against Brazil and the forward couldn’t be more excited to be back home after a twelve-month absence.
“It feels so damn good to be back in Australia,” said Gielnik. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for such a long time. I’m finally here and I’m buzzing.”
“The last time I was in Australia was probably almost over a year ago now, so I haven’t seen my family and missing my friends. I just missed home and it’s just so good to be back here. That’s the key word – ‘home’, and that’s just where I want to be and doing something I love in front of friends and family – it doesn’t get any better than that.”
Gielnik has been gradually making her return to football and on the weekend recorded 20 minutes with Aston Villa in the FA WSL. After eight weeks on the sideline, the 29-year old was thrilled to be back on the pitch.
“I’m finally back with the girls where I want to be, back in Australia, and I’m on the mend so things are looking promising. I’m just honestly buzzing to be putting the football boots back on and be back on the green grass. So that’s all I really care about right now.
Since making her debut in 2012, Gielnik has gone on to represent Australia at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and is now on the verge of 50 appearances for the national team against the world number one team.
Above: Emily Gielnik pictured in training this week. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia
The last time the two sides met was in the Bronze Medal match at the Tokyo Olympic Games with Gielnik scoring a stunning late goal. Even with a revamped squad, the Villa star believes the Americans will be a strong test.
“I think they’re just like a very physical, fast, attacking solid team,” Gielnik said. “I think that that kind of opposition brings out the best in us so we’re expecting big things from them, but they can be expecting just as much from us.”
Reflecting back on the games against Brazil in October, which the Melbourne-born star was forced to watch from the sofa, she said: “I thought they were some of the most exciting games that I’ve seen. I was one of those people screaming in front of the TV. It was such a quality game of football. I was definitely screaming!”
Gielnik also spoke about her move to England and what life is like at Aston Villa. “My move has been interesting. Two games in, I had a little incident and a broken toe that then kept me out for eight weeks and I only started training back with the team last week and here I am now in Sydney.
“It has not been the start I hoped for, but I’m enjoying it. Birmingham is a nice city and the team are great. I’m looking forward to getting back to full strength and getting to know everyone.”
Above: Hayley Raso speaks to the media this week ahead of Australia’s game with the USA on Saturday. Photovia: Football Australia.
Hayley Raso, another England-based Matilda also spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s game.
“It feels amazing to be back in Australia, although I’m pretty jet-lagged, I’m not going to lie! I’ve missed a few camps through injury, so it is great to return.”
Raso also touched on how tough it has been both on and off the pitch since her move to Manchester City.
“It’s been hard, along with my shoulder injury we’ve had some harsh results on the field. Going into a new team and being injured is always hard, but the girls have rallied around me and we finished just before the international break with a good win (5-0 over Emily Gielnik’s Aston Villa), so hopefully, that gets the ball rolling for us now. Getting two goals and an assist (in the Villa game) was nice!
With City nearer the relegation positions in the FAWSL rather than the Champions League spots, the Queenslander was asked about pressure.
“I don’t really feel pressure in that respect. We know that there is pressure when you are fighting for Champions League or against relegation, but you have to leave that pressure behind and focus on playing and let the results fall the way they do.
“It’s just about sticking together and staying strong. There’s always background noise and people talking, but as long as we are sticking together off the field and on the pitch, I think that people can’t write us off yet. We’ve had some tough results and come off the back of losses, but there is still so much of the season to go. We’re gelling now and starting to get a few players who have been injured back, so hopefully, it’s all upward from here.”
Above: Hayley Raso (centre) training with the Matildas this week. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
The midfielder summed up what daily life is like for her in the FAWSL: “The standard and quality of training each day is at such a high level and that’s only going to help me. I feel honoured to be playing with such a talented group of girls and for me it’s about continuing to develop and seeing what I can add to the team.”
With the prospect of a record crowd for an Australian Women’s international in Sydney tomorrow, Raso emphasized how exciting the present period is for the team.
“It would be amazing. It shows just how much the women’s game has grown here in Australia and I hope that we can put on a great performance for the fans. Them getting behind us is amazing considering it’s been a while since we played here, besides the Brazil games.”
Concluding her time with the media, Raso looked back over the previous games with Brazil and ahead to the forthcoming matches with the USA.
“We put in a great performance against Brazil and I’m hoping we can do the same against the US. We’ve got a pretty good rivalry going with the US and it’s always a pretty tough game. We’ve beaten them a few times and they’ve also beaten us a few times. They are going to be really great games and I know that all the girls are up for it and we can’t wait.
“The US are obviously missing a few of their mainstay players, but the talent in the US is massive and whoever they bring in, whether that’s younger players or less experienced players, you can’t really disregard them. They are always going to turn up and put on a good show and they are a talented team.
In the fourth of our special features for our charity partners John Moriarty Football’s (JMF) Indigenous Football Week, Kieran Yap spoke to Ros Moriarty, JMF co-founder, co-chair, and co-MD. Ros is also the Women’s Football Council Chair of Football Australia.
Above: Ros Moriarty. Photo: Storyboard Media, supplied by John Moriarty Football.
The impact that football can make goes beyond packed stadiums and trophies. At all levels, it has the potential to change lives.
The theme for this year’s Indigenous Football Week is “Gender Equality In Football- Changing The Game.” With the rising profile of women’s football and an approaching World Cup on Australian soil, the timing could not be better to look at what has been achieved and what more can be done.
“In Australia, some of the most positive recent steps is certainly pay parity for our national teams,” says Ros Moriarty of the Moriarty Foundation.
“The renaming of the W-League to A-League Women is also a significant step in acknowledging women’s football.
“But there is still a long way to go. For instance, female football players only account for 20% of participants, only 7% of registered football coaches are women and there is low female representation in the leadership levels of football.”
Ros Moriarty is the Co-founder, Co-chair and Honorary Managing director of Moriarty Foundation. She is also the Independent Chair of The Women’s Football Council and a passionate advocate for equality in football.
“There are a lot of motherhood statements made around gender equality and women’s football, but not always a lot of action,” she says about some of the existing barriers.
“It’s not a box to be ticked or a report to be issued. There’s work to be done at the foundational level of the game, in the structures that support the game, from grassroots right through to the elite level.”
Reaching gender equality in Australian football is about opportunities and JMF has a game plan to address these issues and the will to put it into play.
Above: Achieving a 50/50 gender split in children participating in JMF’s programs is a big part of the Foundation’s work. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Moriarty Foundation.
“The lack of women coaches is certainly a significant area that needs to be addressed,” says Moriarty
“Our program has 43% female coaches. There are fundamental changes that need to occur in how football attracts, employs, and engages with female coaches.
“More mentoring, more flexibility to support mothers and carers, equal pay, these are just some of the changes we need to see.”
John Moriarty Football is being proactive in approaching these challenges. The entire team has worked to further improve their already impressive track record.
They are implementing a three-level approach to increase the percentage of women in football. This was done with the help of former Matilda Tal Karp, who was commissioned by the foundation to help create more diversity tools and further their commitments.
A holistic training and development program to fast track more women into leadership.
Flexible, safe and supportive work environments to drive equal opportunity for mothers.
Awareness and culturally safe channels for proactive gender equality communications and respect.
“Our coaches are community change makers”
The flexibility is essential, not just for gender equality but for providing opportunities for the Indigenous community. There is no one all-encompassing solution. Different cultures and circumstances mean that equality can only be properly achieved by taking this into account.
“Indigenous women often face additional barriers due to cultural responsibilities, socio-economic disadvantage, particularly if they are from a remote region, and racial discrimination,” says Moriarty.
“We know from our Indigenous female football coaches that caring responsibilities and women’s ceremonial practices can impact their work-life and they require flexible arrangements.”
JMF commitment to the Indigenous football community in Australia has been long-running and successful.
Above: Participants in JMF’s coaching work. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Moriarty Foundation.
“We’ve largely done this unsupported by the football hierarchy,” reminds Moriarty.
“What we’d like to see is more investment in community programs that reach remote and regional areas, not just for talent identification, but also to grow the immense social benefits of the game.”
Those social benefits are tangible and measurable. Over 10 years the foundation has shown how football can result in improvements in school attendance and performance. Additionally, student resilience, health wellbeing, and community spirit have grown and role models are discovered and cultivated.
“Football is a powerful vehicle for social good and transformation, at both personal and community levels,” says Moriarty.
“What JMF does so well is it is delivered in a holistic and culturally-enriched way and driven by coaches, employed from the local community and trained by us.
“Our coaches are community change-makers and role models for children and young people. They are actively involved in the community.
“For instance, in Borroloola, NT, our coaches were instrumental in working with the community and local businesses to build and install permanent football goals on the local oval, the first ones in the town ever.
“It has been 10 years of us erecting temporary goals every day and taking them down again. Now it’s just the nets. It’s a big thing.”
Visibility Matters
You cannot be what you cannot see and the elevation of players like Jada Whyman, Allira Toby, and Shadeene Evans to national prominence has a massive effect.
Whyman recently earned a call-up to the senior Matildas squad, Toby is a fixture at the top level of domestic football and Evans’ arrival at Adelaide is a huge coup for the club.
Above: JMF’s coaching sessions are about fun, promoting healthy lifestyles and providing support to Indigenous children’s education as well as football coaching. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Moriarty Foundation.
Whyman and Toby both mentor JMF participants and to for them to achieve the heights that they have is no small feat.
“The impact is immense,” says Moriarty.
“We have 2000 Indigenous boys and girls who participate in JMF sessions in the Northern Territory, New South Wales and Queensland who look up to players like Jada Whyman, Shadeene Evans, and Allira Toby who are breaking through barriers and demonstrating that there are pathways open to get to the top level of the game and follow their dreams.”
Those dreams are becoming more achievable every year but it is not simply a matter of time. It takes effort and vigilance and JMF’s commitment to having a 50/50 balance of boys and girls participating means they have achieved what federations around the world still aspire to.
“We achieved that benchmark early on, and we have never wavered from it,” says Moriarty.
“We decided right from the start that JMF would cater to boys and girls equally so we built our delivery model to suit that.
“We make sure we have female coaches to be role models and mentors for our female participants, we ensure equal treatment of our participants and provide equal opportunity for advancement in the game.
“For instance, we have an equal number of boys and girls in our Scholarship program.”
All eyes will be on Australia for the 2023 World Cup and JMF has shown the way towards gender equality in football.
Should The Matildas achieve the ultimate on home soil it will be a huge win for Australian football.
Should the goal of gender equality be achieved it will be a monumental victory for Australian society.
Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the ninth round of D1 Arkema.
Above: Fleury celebrate their 6-2 win over Guingamp. Photo: @FCF91_Feminines.
Soyaux won 2-1 at home against Saint-Etienne. In an equal game between two teams which were both at the bottom of the table, Soyaux scored twice in the last 20 minutes. With this win, Soyaux are now three points ahead of Saint-Etienne who continue their poor run and stay bottom. Goals for Soyaux: Shana Battouri (71’), Anissa Lahmari (82’). Goal for Saint-Etienne: Marie-Charlotte Léger (20’ OG).
Paris FC won away from home 2-0 against Dijon. Paris FC dominated this game with 67% of possession. This win ensures that they stay third, three points ahead of Fleury. Goals for Paris FC: Coumba Sow (53’), Ouleymata Sarr (80’).
Fleury won 6-2 at home against Guingamp.In a game marginally dominated by Guingamp (58% of possession), Fleury was a lot more efficient. With this win, Fleury stay close to Paris FC and still have a chance to grab third place in the table. Katriina Talaslahti couldn’t do anything to prevent the two goals from Guingamp, the first being an own goal from her teammate Charlotte Fernandes and the second a penalty. Goals for Fleury: Marine Dafeur (8’), Dominika Grabowska (34’), Nikola Karczewska (59’, 69’), Marie Levasseur (71’), Julie D’Ebever (76’). Goals for Guingamp: Charlotte Fernandes (55’ OG), Aissata Traoré (88’ penalty).
Above: Lena Petermann dispatches her penalty for the winning goal for Montpellier at Bordeaux. Photo: @MontpellierHSC.
Montpellier won 1-0 away from home against Bordeaux. In a game that saw Bordeaux gain 59% of possession and have 12 shots, Montpellier scored the only goal from a penalty at the end of the first half. Bordeaux could have had a penalty too and lost a game that they should have won. This result now puts Montpellier fifth in the table two points ahead of Bordeaux. Goal for Montpellier: Lena Petermann (39’ pen).
Paris Saint-Germain won at home 7-0 against Reims. Paris SG gave Reims a chance to score and dominated this game with 77% of possession, 651 passes with 88% successful, 19 shots with 14 on target, and three corners. Goals for Paris SG: Léa Khelifi (5’, 38’), Paulina Dudek (25’), Kadidiatou Diani (45’, 85’ pen), Sandy Baltimore (55’ pen), Jordyn Huitema (74’).
Olympique Lyonnais won 4-0 away from home against Issy. Lyon controlled the game with 74% of possession, 623 passes with 85% successful, 32 shots with 16 on target, and nine corners. Without a great performance from their goalkeeper, Cosette Jolee Morché, the score would have been even greater. Selma Bacha, who played left piston of Lyon attack, delivered another good performance with the following personal statistics (recorded by Jean-Pierre Thiesset during the game): 69 balls played, 38 passes with 91% successful, eight crosses. Goals for Lyon: Melvine Malard (4’), Catarina Macario (5’), Signe Bruun (71’), Ada Hegerberg (79’).
Above: Olympique Lyonnais dominate in the air away to Issy. Photo: @OLFeminin
In the third of our special features for our charity partners John Moriarty Football’s Indigenous Football Week, Kieran Yap profiles Lydia Williams, Arsenal’s hugely experienced goalkeeper who is well worth keeping an eye on both on and off the pitch.
Above: Lydia Williams pictured in typical pose whilst playing for Australia. Photo: Sky Sports.
Australia’s goalkeeper is waiting and watching as the time nears.
It is a moment that requires patience, careful planning, and precise movement but as always Lydia Williams is ready.
One of the world’s best strikers approaches, She is doing the same thing she had done countless times before and then Williams…
…Launches out from underneath the merchandise table, screaming and visibly startling Sam Kerr.
Before that, Clare Polkinghorne was the victim of the Matildas number one’s notorious pranks. The unflappable defender was suddenly faced with Williams in a hockey mask from behind a curtain.
Lydia Williams has been a fixture in the Matildas lineup since the age of 15. The Kalgoorlie-born shot-stopper is one of the most influential members of the squad. A star goalkeeper, a driver of the culture, and a source of fun for fans.
Williams is a veteran of three World Cups, has won the PFA player of the year twice, and was recognized as the goalkeeper of the year on three occasions in Australia.
In the NWSL she was first-choice goalkeeper at two clubs and started every game for the Houston Dash and Seattle Reign.
Fans across the U.S, Australia, and now Britain have been lucky enough to watch her play for their clubs. But in an alternate universe, it might never have happened.
As a child, Williams played Aussie Rules. It was only after a move to a city without a team that she switched codes.
“It wasn’t until I moved to Canberra where there was no AFL so the closest thing to it for me was playing soccer and playing as goalkeeper so I fit in pretty naturally into that,” she told NITV in June this year.
Once the move was made, her reputation steadily rose on the back of impressive performances and hard work. She was signed by Canberra United in 2008 and by the 2015 World Cup, she was Australia’s first choice ‘keeper.
Above: Lydia Williams is now one of many Matildas stars playing in the FAWSL. Photo: Arsenal FC.
In that tournament, Williams established herself as one of the world’s best.
The knockout win against Brazil is remembered for Kyah Simon’s winning goal but Williams’ 90th minute save from Christiane was a decisive moment.
Earlier in the game, she spectacularly denied Formiga in one of the saves of the tournament. Williams was equal to the rocket from the Brazilian legend, launching and saving with the trailing hand,
“I’ve been training for that all my career and it finally paid off today,” Williams told the Sydney Morning Herald at the time.
“Honestly, I just knew they were going to shoot so for me it was high-up in the corner of the goal and that time it was more likely that a trailing hand would get to that height.”
Even when not on the field, Williams’ influence is enormous. When Australia completed their historic win over Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics. Williams remained on the bench throughout, but she celebrated loudly, visibly, and as enthusiastically as any of the on-field players.
She is a role model to many now herself, but like many others once looked up to other high profile athletes.
Speaking to Suzanne Wrack at The Guardian in April of 2021, she recalled watching Cathy Freeman’s legendary run at the 2000 Olympics.
Above: Lydia Williams speaks of her Indigenous Australian role models. Photo: Australian Olympic Committee.
“I still get goosebumps whenever I watch that video.
“She had the whole nation and a whole culture on her shoulders. And she was just so cool, calm, and collected throughout the whole thing. And the whole country remembers it.
“I’d love to do that myself and inspire the next generation of athletes, not just footballers, but athletes and especially Indigenous athletes.
“There’s such an untapped talent pool there and I’d just love to go out into different communities and just inspire that generation to dream big and make it for themselves.”
Williams’ example, profile, and career can have untold benefits for Australian sport, women’s football, and indigenous athletes.
It is often said that you cannot be what you cannot see and Williams is extremely visible and feels very accessible to fans.
She is an Olympian, an Arsenal player, a Matilda, a published author of two children’s books, and a social media star on Tik Tok, in the early days of lockdown her videos became a mix of bizarre and hilarious to the delight of her fans.
Representation matters and Williams represents both herself and thousands of others seemingly effortlessly.
She is an inductee into the Aboriginal and Islander Sports Hall Of Fame already and her career still has years to go.
Lydia Williams speaks on the importance of National Indigenous Football Week and being nominated for Dreamtime Awards' Female Sportsperson of the Year. pic.twitter.com/U5QYVBwHbi
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