Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the eleventh round of D1 Arkema.
Above: Olympique Lyonnais’ Ellie Carpenter salutes the crowd after her team’s 2-1 win at Paris FC. Photo: @OLFeminin
Fleury won 1-0 at home against Issy. In a game dominated by the hosts (66% of possession and 17 shots), we had to wait the 71st minute to see Fleury score. If they had been a little bit more efficient, they could have scored more. With this win, Fleury stay fourth place in the table but are now only one point behind Paris FC. Goal for Fleury from Nikola Karczewska (71).
Above: Nikola Karczewska, Fleury’s goalscorer. Photo: @FCF91_feminines.
Reims won 1-0 away from home against Saint-Etienne. Saint-Etienne edged the possession with 60%, but was not able to score, whilst Reims obtained a penalty which was scored by Rachel Corboz in the 15th minute. Goal for Reims from Rachel Corboz (15 penalty).
Montpellier won 1-0 away from home against Soyaux. With this win, Montpellier are now five points ahead of Bordeaux. Goal for Montpellier from Dominika Skorvankova (20).
Above: Montpellier celebrate after Dominika Skorvankova’s winning goal at Soyaux. Photo: @MontpellierHSC
Guingamp obtained a 1-1 at Dijon.In an even game, Dijon were not able to do better than a draw. Both teams have the same results over the past five games: Lost, Draw, Lost, Draw, Draw. Goal for Dijon from Desire Oparanozie (19). Goal for Guingamp from Héloïse Mansuy (52).
Paris Saint-Germain won at home 1-0 against Bordeaux. Paris SG dominated this game with 70% of possession, 29 shots with 11 on target. However, they were not efficient enough to score in the first half and scored only once in the second half. Goal for Paris SG from Sakina Karchaoui (69).
Above: Selma Bacha, who delivered a decisive pass for Ada Hegerberg to score Lyon’s second at Paris FC. Photo: @OLFeminin
Olympique Lyonnais won 2-1 away from home against third-placed Paris FC. This game was level pegging with Paris FC trying to play offensively against a team stronger on paper in Lyon. It was clear that Lyon were tired from Champions League tie against Benfica in Portugal during midweek. Positively for Lyon, Delphine Cascarino unlocked the game with an individual goal after 38 minutes and Selma Bacha delivered a perfect pass to Ada Hegerberg a minute later for the second goal. Goals for Lyon from Delphine Cascarino (38), Ada Hegerberg (39). Goal for Paris FC from Théa Greboval (45+1). Red card for Sophie Vaysse (64), Paris FC.
Above: Melbourne Victory’s Claudie Bunge (3) tries to hold off Melbourne City’s Hannah Wilkinson. Photo: @gomvfc
The champions had named Alex Chidiac and Lyn Williams in their matchday squad and they were coming off a 5-1 thrashing of Adelaide United, But Melbourne City were not there to make things easy on them.
The first Melbourne Derby of the season was a rough game. In a tense first half, the medical staff were called onto the pitch four times. Neither side could gain any real foothold, both teams seemed eager to bypass their midfield players and shots on target were rare.
Victory moved Kyra Cooney-Cross into defensive midfield. Amy Jackson changed to centre-back to cover for Kayla Morrison and Alex Chidiac took up the number 10 role, in the number 10 shirt.
It was City who had the early chances though. Hannah Wilkinson continued where she left off against Canberra last week. Her height cloaks her impressive pace and she was able to sprint clear of Victory’s defenders twice in the first half.
Above: Hannah Wilkinson drives forward for Melbourne City. Photo: @MelbourneCity
The first time, her shot was struck across goal and the second, she tried to chip the ball over the oncoming Casey Dumont. She sliced the ball to the right and it bounced out harmlessly.
City’s defence held firm against Victory’s strike force of Catherine Zimmerman, Harriet Withers, and new captain Lia Privitelli. But they were helped by Victory’s unusually direct style of play.
In an arm-wrestle of a first half, Tyla -Jay Vlajnic looked the most composed and creative player for City. Rhinanna Pollicina was crafty and Holly Mcnamara impressed yet again. The youngster has dangerous acceleration and was a threat to Victory’s makeshift defence.
McNamara thought she had earned a penalty when she cut inside the area and went shoulder to shoulder with Cooney-Cross. She hit the ground under the physical pressure of the Matilda but referee Casey Reibelt was well-positioned and did not call a foul.
Both goalkeepers were in good touch. Dumont made several confident claims of crosses and high balls. Melissa Barbieri was good in her distribution and when called into action against Harriet Withers was able to save from close range. The striker was offside but neither knew that at the time.
Above: Casey Dumont: made some confident claims. Photo: Getty Images.
When the breakthrough occurred it felt well suited to Victory’s nervy first half. Vlajnic took a free-kick around 30 yards from goal. She hit it well, with pace and at a dangerous trajectory. The City attackers were not on the same page and did not look like getting on the end of it, but confusion at the back resulted in a City lead.
Amy Jackson leapt in front of Dumont and headed the ball into the top corner of her own goal. It was a textbook header. She jumped early and high and headed it back in the opposite direction from where the keeper had run from. Unfortunately, it was at the wrong end of the field.
Victory would go into halftime a goal down and without creating much themselves. They had some big guns on the bench in the form of Williams and Maja Markovski but they had struggled to supply the ones on the field so far.
The second half saw a Victory side unchanged in personnel but improved in style and composure. Cooney-Cross had been barely more than a spectator in the first 45 minutes. She was often stranded in midfield with the ball sailing back and forth over her head. In the second half, Victory started to bring the ball down and play. Cooney-Cross became more involved, Chidiac started to run with the ball and chances started to flow for Victory.
Above: Alex Chidiac – a key arrival for Melbourne Victory. Photo: Football Australia.
Chidiac has an ability to cruise through the middle of the pitch in possession. She breaks up play, commits defenders, and opens up space. She has a powerful burst in her weaponry that allows her to seemingly shrug off defenders. Lynn Williams has been touted as the Lisa De Vanna replacement but in terms of style of play and attributes, it’s Chidiac.
To level the scores, Alex Chidiac used these talents to full effect. She shrugged off a Leah Davidson challenge and cut to her left. Ahead of her Catherine Zimmerman curved her run to stay onside and Chidiac slipped a well-weighted pass into her path. Victory’s number nine shot beyond Barbieri to score her second of the season.
City had no time to recover from the goal. Jeff Hopkins had introduced Lynn Williams. The ex-Wanderer and current U.S.A striker took just minutes to change the game.
Above: Lynn Williams is sent on for her Victory debut by head coach Jeff Hopkins. Photo: @gomvfc.
Polly Doran made space for herself with a strong run on the right-wing. She hit a low cross to the near post where Zimmerman was lurking. Her back heel flick may have been meant for the goal but it shifted the ball into the path of Williams who prodded home to make it 2-1.
City attacked throughout the half to restore parity and rescue a point but for the most part, Victory defended resolutely. Their best opportunity came when Holly McNamara raced towards goal. Amy Jackson did not have the pace to keep up with her and committed either a crude tackle or professional foul, depending on how you want to see it.
Either way, it helped secure the result. She accepted the red card without protest and her day was over, but to an extent, her job was done. Victory had the lead and time was limited.
Above: It was a personally disappointing day for Amy Jackson who scored an own goal and was sent off. Photo: @gomvfc.
City’s effort to equalize kept Victory fans’ hearts in their mouths but the goal never came, Markovski came on for Victory to help hold up the ball and the champions were content to kick the ball high, long, and out in the dying minutes.
It was a harder and closer win for Victory than the first-round thrashing was. However, in a few ways, it was a more impressive performance. The second half demonstrated what the Chidiac and Cooney-Cross combination might provide. Zimmerman is in consistent form and the new arrivals have settled in instantly.
Victory has two wins without really playing their best football so far. They are getting results with room for improvement.
Above: Melbourne Victory celebrate their derby day win. Photo: @gomvfc
City have not struggled to create chances, and if Wilkinson, in particular, can start converting some of them they will win more than they lose.
They need slightly more creativity in midfield. Leticia McKenna has started on the bench in the last two matches and can provide some spark. As City looks to find their best 11, she is one possible solution.
These two teams play again in two weeks. It is sure to be another fantastic contest.
Impetus’ coverage of Australian Women’s Football is supported by The Chicken Salt Co. They are offering every Impetus reader 5% off all orders of Chicken Salt from their website. Go to https://www.chickensalt.co.uk/?mate=impetus and place your order – 5% will automatically be taken off of the cost. The coupon code is impetus.
Above: Two goal Remy Siemsen in celebratory mood. Photo: @SydneyFC
Sydney put on a dominant display against Western Sydney Wanderers in the doubleheader at Commbank Stadium.
Although possession was only marginally in Sydney’s favour, it was what they did when they had the ball that mattered. More completed passes, more interceptions, more shots on goal, more shots on target, and, of course, more goals.
Wanderers looked to be in disarray and without a plan when in possession. They were very reactive rather than proactive and with the exception of a couple of individual runs, couldn’t make much progress against a solid Sydney defence. Wanderers defence didn’t have too many holes but Remy Siemsen’s two goals would not be denied.
Early in the game, Cortnee Vine took a lovely first touch from a Princess Ibini pass before being tripped by Danica Matos to get a free-kick at the top of the box. Sarah Hunter steps up to take the kick and goes for glory and the diminutive Sarah Langman (nee Willacy) tips it over the top post and saves a certain goal.
Above: Cortnee Vine pictured on a typical rampaging run. Photo: @SydneyFC
A clearance by Matos caused a bit of confusion and Siemsen chases it into the box but Langman is able to smother it. Soon after, Vine sends a ball into the box for Mackenzie Hawkesby and Langman comes out to close the angle, and the shot goes wide.
In the Wanderers’ first real attack, Teigan Collister gets a free run before ending up in a wrestle with Natalie Tobin resulting in a Wanderers free-kick which comes to naught. Bianca Galic takes a worldy shot across goal from outside the box but it goes wide.
Wanderers can’t maintain possession and Ibini sends a ball into the box for Hawksby who shoots. Langman tips it right and Siemsen is there to follow up and taps it in easily and unopposed. It’s a poacher’s goal but no one is complaining. Right place, right time. 1-0 Sydney.
Above: Remy Siemsen (left) and Cortnee Vine celebrate. Photo: @SydneyFC
Another nice run from Vine as she receives the ball from Hunter out on the left-wing and sends it across for Siemsen but Langman gets there first.
Hunter gets a yellow after taking the legs out from Sheridan Gallagher in a run down the middle. Libby Copus-Brown takes the free-kick and sends it to the edge of the six-yard box for Whyman to catch easily.
Vine, out on the left, gets a long ball and Caitlin Cooper clears it spectacularly in the box before Vine can get there.
In injury time, Olivia Price gets the ball at the top of the box but can’t quite control it to shoot accurately and it goes over the crossbar in one of the rare shots on goal for WSW.
As the halftime whistle goes, Gallagher bowls over Hunter and puts her on the floor, getting a yellow for her troubles. I think they are even now.
Above: Sheridan Gallagher who was an eye-catching physical presence for Western Sydney Wanderers throughout. Photo: @wswanderers
Siemsen scores a stunner from the top left corner of the box at three minutes into the second half. Hawkesby gets another assist after a lapse of concentration from the Wanderers lets her get a little pass into Siemsen in the box. Siemsen swivels and shoots. She’s hit it perfectly. Perfect in weight, direction, speed, and spin and it hurtles into the top right of the goal, out of reach of the clutching fingertips of Langman, in probably the best goal I’ve seen Siemsen score. She celebrates and rightfully so. It was a thing of beauty.
Charlotte Mclean sent a ball out of the box straight to Copus-Brown who lobbed to Bryleeh Henry, who came on at halftime, but her header went wide. First good chance for the Wanderers of the half.
Rachel Lowe brought the ball into the box but was surrounded by defenders making it difficult to get off a decent shot. Langman has it all wrapped up.
Paige Satchell takes a thunderous run down the right soon after coming on to replace Vine but both crosses are blocked by the Wanderers
Above: Midfield tussle in the derby. Photo: @SydneyFC
At 85 minutes Seimsen comes off for 15-year-old Mary Stanich-Floody to make her ALW debut.
Ibini crosses into the box and Stanich-Floody follows up but offside is called.
Wanderers get an attacking run up the right in a last-minute attack but it’s foiled in the box. Apostolakis, who is also 15, gets a run on before the final whistle blows.
It’s still early in the season and it shows in both teams. While Siemsen was able to put away two chances, there were a few missed by both teams. Defence looked pretty solid on both sides and Sydney dominated the midfield, Ray, and Hawkesby both having very good games. Ray seems to have stepped up to fill Polias’ shoes quite nicely.
Above: The hugely impressive Taylor Ray (18) tussles with Bianca Galic in the derby. Photo: @SydneyFC
For the Wanderers, Langman also had a quality game and saved quite a few shots that could have made this a much bigger scoreline. Gallagher impressed with her rugged determination and aggression. But their passing game let them down and they need to get in front of their opponent.
Sydney walk away with the three points and the derby bragging rights and arguably the goal of the round.
Ben Gilby sums up the post-game reaction. Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric was delighted with Remy Siemsen if not his team’s overall display:
“I’m pleased with the three points but not the performance, I don’t think we played well. We missed passes and didn’t really create chances even though we scored two goals and were in the front third.
“Remy scored the two goals so you’ve got to be happy when your striker is scoring goals. She seems very confident coming from the Matildas, and it’s not just her goals, her link-up play is excellent so she is getting better and better.”
Above: Sydney celebrate the win – but coach Ante Juric feels they can still do a lot better. Photo: @SydneyFC
Impetus’ coverage of Australian Women’s Football is supported by The Chicken Salt Co. They are offering every Impetus reader 5% off all orders of Chicken Salt from their website. Go to https://www.chickensalt.co.uk/?mate=impetus and place your order – 5% will automatically be taken off of the cost. The coupon code is impetus.
Above: Adelaide United’s Emma Stanbury (right) wins a battle for the ball. Photo: @CanberraUnited.
Adelaide United claimed their first victory of the campaign with a stoppage-time winner which sealed a 2-1 over Canberra United side at Marden Sports Complex.
Canberra, who are still looking for their maiden win of 2021/22, were able to field captain Michelle Heyman despite having to leave the field in her team’s opening game against Melbourne City. Vicki Linton’s team started in 30oC conditions with a midfield formation that was noticeably tighter than last weekend.
Paige Hayward was the standout player of the opening 15 minutes as she broke down the left constantly, finding acres of space each time and able to send a succession of crosses into the box, but Fiona Worts and Chelsie Dawber were unable to take advantage.
Despite Adelaide having more of the offensive opportunities, it was Canberra’s master finisher who reminded the South Australians of the painful lesson that you need to finish the chances you create. A centimetre perfect ball through the middle from Chelsee Washington into Heyman’s path allowed the 33 year-old to run through. The home side claimed with some justification that Heyman was offside, but no flag went up and the Shellharbour-born superstar sidefooted home comfortably.
Above: Michelle Heyman celebrates after putting Canberra United ahead. Photo: @CanberraUnited
Tails up after going ahead, the capital city side could have doubled their tally two minutes later when Margot Robinne skipped along the right, and into the box where she held off Matilda McNamara comfortably and hit an effort that Annalee Grove got a hand to which was all-important, as otherwise Laura Hughes would have been presented with an unmissable opportunity.
However, Adelaide levelled in quite some style with 23 minutes on the clock. It all started so innocuously with Canberra in position on the left. Karly Roestbakken played a ball inside to Grace Maher. The latter’s attempt at an onward pass fell straight to Dawber who played in Fiona Worts outside her. The striker, who was in red hot form for Fulham United in the SA NPL hit a side-footed effort which Keeley Richards repelled, but the rebound fell to Nanako Sasaki who hit a first-time screamer into the net from just over 20 yards.
Above: Nanako Sasaki hits her stunning equalizing goal for Adelaide United. Photo: @AdelaideUnited
Canberra had another uneasy moment in defence when Dawber forced a mistake from Lauren Keir after the visiting defender received a pass from her goalkeeper with the Adelaide striker breathing down her neck and won a corner as a consequence which was cleared.
Dawber’s influence on the left was growing as the game neared half-time. The SA NPL’s top scorer for 2021 forced a foul out of Keir, who was cautioned as a consequence. The resulting free-kick from Worts was a beauty as the striker hit a powerful left-footed effort that bounced in front of Richards and picked up even more pace off the turf as it did so, and flashed wide.
Canberra started the second half on the front foot with Ashleigh Sykes on from the bench. Washington went down rather easily under a challenge that saw Maher flash in a freekick from the left which Grove held.
Above: Fiona Worts, who had a strong first half, holds off Grace Maher. Photo: @AdelaideUnited
Emily Condon was talismanic in Adelaide growing into the second half, some eye-catching flicks and dummies were causing Canberra ever-greater headaches. Another impressive performer was 18 year-old Ella Tonkin, who had a great campaign with the Football SA NTC in 2021 as she is being converted from midfield to defence.
Heyman was increasingly isolated for Canberra as the second half entered its final quarter. This plus the limited impact of Washington due to the hard work of Tonkin and her fellow defenders to nullify their threat was impacting the visitors.
On the plus side for the greens, Sykes was putting in some great runs and created a real chance when played through by Washington, but a combination of a great track back by McNamara and save by Grove denied the visitors.
Above: Canberra’s Ash Sykes challenges Annalee Grove for the ball. Photo: @CanberraUnited.
The earlier warm conditions began to take their toll as the pace slowed in the final 20 minutes.
As the game entered its final stages, Canberra earned a freekick when Sykes was brought down. Maher’s effort wouldn’t dip in time to worry Grove.
Sasaki got an effort away in the final nine minutes which went well wide as Stanbury went down with cramp.
Above: Chelsee Washington gets a shot away under the watchful eye of Emma Stanbury. Photo: @CanberraUnited.
Hayward was not as influential in an attacking sense in the second period for Adelaide with little in the way of offensive play coming down her side of the pitch, but she put in a great defensive shift to add to what was an impressive performance for the South Australians.
Canberra had three opportunities in quick succession to seal the win. Sykes worked her way into the box but was denied by Grove who pushed the ball away. It fell to Washington who couldn’t find then net. This time possession was picked up by Heyman on the left who beat McNamara and Izzy Hodgson but her cross eluded everyone.
Just as the game was looking certain to end with honours even, Adelaide struck, 30 seconds into stoppage time at the end of the match.
Worts squared a pass from the left into the path of Sasaki who lofted a glorious chip over Allyson Haran into the path of Condon who guided the ball under Richards and into the net to spark wild scenes at Marden.
Above: Adelaide United celebrate Emily Condon’s late winner. Photo: @AdelaideUnited
Adelaide saw out the remaining five minutes of stoppage time to claim their first three points of the season. Whilst it was harsh on Canberra, who deserved a draw, the Reds defended strongly and crucially were able to take their chance when it came.
Player of the match Emma Stanbury summed up how she felt about the late win for her team: “It’s fantastic, I’m so proud of how we bounced back from a 5-1 loss to put in a performance like that. We deserved that win.
“When the winning goal went in, I was actually on the sideline getting strapped up and I jumped about everywhere and ice was flying all over the place! I’m so happy. It’s so amazing!”
Speaking about her goal, Michelle Heyman was asked if she was offside: “Never! 100% onside. I got myself into the position. We needed to try and sort our midfield out, we were getting split. Emily Condon faced forward and caused us problems. We needed to squeeze up. She’s a very talented player and we needed two players on her as she was able to roll away from us.”
A disappointed Karly Roestbakken summed up Canberra’s performance by saying: “We started the game well, we had it under control. There were a few lapses of concentration that cost us. They got through and got a lucky goal. They came out hard in the second half. There are positives that we can take from this, but we need to tighten up and not let players get through like that.
Impetus’ coverage of Australian Women’s Football is supported by The Chicken Salt Co. They are offering every Impetus reader 5% off all orders of Chicken Salt from their website. Go to https://www.chickensalt.co.uk/?mate=impetus and place your order – 5% will automatically be taken off of the cost. The coupon code is impetus.
Ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup Third Round tie, Ben Gooden, head coach of Impetus partner club Chorley spoke to editor Ben Gilby about their win over Bradford City in Round Two and tomorrow’s home game tie against Newcastle United(10/12/21).
Above: Chorley’s Aleesha Collins strides through purposefullyagainst Bradford City in the FA Cup Second Round last Sunday. Photo: Alan Walker – supplied by Chorley Women.
Chorley followed up their outstanding First Round win at home to higher division Middlesbrough by defeating Bradford City, their fellow FA Women’s National League Division One North opponents 5-0 in a game which had to be moved 18 miles away to Leigh – the nearest 3G pitch available due to adverse pitch conditions at their own home ground.
From a playing perspective, Ben revealed that the venue change had minimal impact on the team. “For me, it actually wasn’t that bad. I was coaching whilst everyone else panicked trying to find a change in venue. I got all of the messages after and then within about twenty minutes the situation was all sorted.
“If you ask the committee, they may have a different story as they did all the hard work. They did an amazing job, as usual, we just turn up and play football. We knew that the change in venue was a situation that may happen and we let the players know about it earlier in the week so it was easy to manage the players’ expectations.”
Chorley’s Second Round opponents Bradford City were a team that they knew well. Chorley’s head coach outlined what specifically he was looking for from his team in the tie.
Above: Chorley and Bradford City enter the pitch at Leigh last weekend for their Second Round tie. Photo: Alan Walker – supplied by Chorley Women.
“Even though we beat them in the league game, we felt we needed to change up the game plan for them. We changed our out-of-possession triggers with the hope that we could be more dangerous in transition, and we felt that our in possession plan against them the first time was good but we had to tweak the system slightly.”
In terms of how playing what was a home game so far away from Chorley specifically impacted the team, Ben said: “We spoke about it before the gameand told the players that they have to adapt quickly. The pitch was a bit smaller than what we are used to so that took some getting used to but the players coped really well.
“We told them that the best way to settle was to go on the offense as soon as we started. We felt that would push Bradford back and allow us to get used to the surroundings as we played. Regardless of the venue, the records still show it as a home fixture and we need to protect it as if we would at Coppull or UCLan when we played there and anywhere else we may have to play.”
Whilst the game saw a comfortable victory on the scoreboard, Ben saw both positives and negatives from the match, with things to work on ahead of tomorrow’s Third Round tie.
“I thought we played well in spells and in others, it was a bit scrappy. A scoreline like that has been coming for us though because we’ve been creating lots of chances but not getting as many shots off as I’d like. I thought we could have done better with some of the chances we had, but we’ve scored nine goals in two games so we can’t be too disheartened by it.
“We are always critical when we analyze our games and even with a scoreline like that, we have to take action points from it. We’ll have to make some tweaks for Newcastle United in the Third Round as they will pose a different challenge.”
Above: Chorley fire in an effort on goal against Bradford City in the FA Cup Second Round last Sunday. Photo: Alan Walker – supplied by Chorley Women.
Newcastle United are another team familiar to Chorley, as, once more they are a fellow FA Women’s National League Northern Division One side. Both sides have only lost one league game all season, so it promises to be a high-quality match.
“They have players that can hurt us that’s for sure,” Ben admits, “and they will be right up there at the end of the season. They move the ball quickly and look to dominate possession so we will have to work hard defensively.
“It sets it up to be a really good game but I think people are actually sleeping on the fact we’ve only lost one game in the league this season. I think our record this season shows the character that we’ve got in the squad.”
Whilst another Cup win could potentially bring about a tie against an FAWSL side, Chorley’s head coach is fully focused on what his players need to do to get past Newcastle United.
“The first thing is we can’t pay attention to what the next round can bring. We know the game is massive in stature but I’d make this a tougher fixture than the Middlesbrough game so we can’t look any further than this Sunday. We’ve just to go out and try and win a game of football.
“What I need to see is we come out and execute the game model for 90 minutes, play like we have been doing and show the heart and desire to win that we’ve had recently. If we can go about our work for 90 minutes, it gives us a good opportunity, but if we can’t execute it, then it could be a really tough afternoon for us.”
Above: Two Impetus partner clubs together! Chorley and Euxton Girls at last Sunday’s FA Cup Second Round tie. Photo: Alan Walker – supplied by Chorley Women.
Above: Perth Glory celebrateAlana Jancevski’s late winner. Photo: @PerthGloryFC
For the second week in a row, a late goal ensured that Perth Glory defeated Brisbane Roar in front of a big and vocal crowd at Perry Park.
Conditions were warm, but the pitch was showing the consequences in some parts of the heavy rain that South Queensland had experienced in the lead-up to the game.
In the opening minute, Roar fashioned their opening opportunity as Mariel Hecher received possession out on the right and fired in a shot that bounced narrowly wide of the near post.
The Queenslanders had all the early play and it was again the right side where they were looking particularly dangerous with Hecher and Larissa Crummer teaming up ominously.
Above: Another of The Roar Corps brilliant banners – a goanna in support of Anna Margraf. Photo: @TheRoarCorps
Sofia Sakalis created Glory’s first chance on eight minutes when she drove through the centre of the box, got past Cannon Clough, and was only denied a shot on goal by a superb tackle by Jessie Rasschaert, who had made a strong start to the game both offensively and defensively.
Perth’s pace in attacking areas and ability to play a careful passing game was something that Roar were more than aware of after the first match between the two sides less than a week ago and the Glory were on it again.
Gemma Craine, one of the stars of the Western Australian show last weekend forced a great save by Georgie Worth just two minutes after Sakalis’ effort when De Vanna played a ball back to Englishwoman in the box. Craine was using her pace and strength to brush off attempted tackles to play balls into the box throughout the night.
Mia Leth Jans, making her debut for the Glory was strong in the tackle and showed her experience with intelligent running in the central midfield. The difference in the balance of the midfield compared to last week’s game between the two sides was marked as a consequence of the Danish international’s inclusion.
Yet it was still Hecher on the right who was finding plenty of space at the heart of Roar’s creativity.
Above: Mariel Hecher (left), who was a handful once more on Friday night, looks to challenge Perth Glory’s Hana Lowry. Photo: @PerthGloryFC.
Perth came close on the half-hour mark when a centimetre perfect cross-field ball from Sadie Lawrence found De Vanna on the left. The hometown star played a ball back for Hana Lowry to pull a fiendishly curling ball back in which Worth had to deal with at the cost of a corner.
Back came Brisbane with three chances in quick succession. Anna Margraf had a superb effort when a through ball into her path led to a firm shot that produced a great save from Morgan Aquino. The Glory keeper was called into action immediately afterward when Ayesha Norrie played in Hecher whose half volley was repelled. A third chance presented itself almost immediately when Clough’s ball in towards the back post was slightly too high for Shea Connors to get an accurate header on.
There were worrying signs for the visitors just before half-time when De Vanna went down and looked to have pulled a hamstring although a half-time assessment revealed it to be cramp, with Susan Phonsongkham coming on to replace the Matildas legend.
It was a first-half full of chances – Brisbane creating more, but Perth still looked extremely dangerous in attacking areas. With the home side having twice as many shots on target and almost twice as many corners, Roar head coach Garrath McPherson will have been happy with the stats, but, chances have to be taken as well as created.
Whilst there were few clear opportunities in the early stages of the second stanza, Connors was starting to play a more prominent part in Brisbane’s attack with Perth’s chances fewer and further between than had previously been the case.
Above: Anna Margraf – forced a great save from Morgan Aquino. Photo: @brisbaneroar.
The one effort that Glory had during the first 15 minutes after the break came courtesy of a powerful break down the left from Craine who ran directly at Rasschaert and got a shot away which was well over the bar.
Roar responded almost immediately with Crummer running onto a long ball and struck an effort just over the top.
Cramp hit Perth again as Craine pulled up in the midst of another power-driven pacy run – although her return after a short period of treatment and immediate ability to chase down a pass at speed set Glory fans’ minds at rest – for a short period at least.
With 20 minutes left, Margraf went close as her cross from the right-hand side bounced off of the top of the bar with Aquino beaten as the game burst into life. Shortly afterward, Katrina Gorry hit a long-range effort that bounced into Aquino’s arms.
With 12 minutes left Brisbane had a penalty shout when Hecher was brought down in the box by Jens who appeared to make contact with a push, but referee Rachael Mitchenson was non-plussed.
Above: Gemma Craine had another impressive performance before cramp struck. Photo: @PerthGloryFC
Into the final five minutes, Perth’s Alana Jancevski found fellow substitute Deborah-Ann de la Harpe in acres of space on the right with a crossfield pass, and the resulting attempted cross into the box rebounded off Clough for a corner.
The resulting flag kick was swung in and headed clear by Crummer but the ball fell straight to Alana Jancevski on the edge of the box who volleyed an effort into the ground. As it bounced up, Hecher could only lift the ball higher and over the head of her own keeper so Perth hit the front with just three minutes to play.
Above: Alana Jancevski wheels away in delight after hitting Perth Glory’s late winner at Brisbane Roar. Photo: @PerthGloryFC.
Brisbane pushed for an equalizer in stoppage time, but the final ball was never quite on point. Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis will be delighted by the organizational qualities of his defence and the improved midfield performance.
Speaking after the game, Glory matchwinner Alana Jancevski said: “It was a hard-fought win for us. I’m so grateful that I got the goal. I saw it coming towards me and I thought ‘why not (hit it)?’ and luckily it took a deflection and went in. That’s childhood dreams! Scoring goals is awesome.”
“It was a great performance by the girls. We dug deep. It wasn’t our best performance, we know that, but it just shows the heart that is in this team.”
Brisbane Roar’s Katina Gorry reflected on another heartbreaking ending for her team: “It’s disappointing. We played well, but lost our heads a little bit. It was a deflection for the goal which happens in football. We’re creating chances and that’s the main thing. It’ll come for us. We’ll come back stronger.”
The outcome of the two matches between these sides is undoubtedly harsh on Brisbane who are far better than the results suggest. If the Queenslanders can convert a higher percentage of the chances they create, then that first win is just around the corner. Conversely, Perth Glory haven’t hit top form yet this season, but they are two wins from two.
PERTH GLORY: Aquino, S.Carroll, K.Carroll, Anton, Rigby, Sakalis, Lawrence, Lowry, Jans, De Vanna, Craine. Substitutes: Cain, de la Harpe, Jancevski, Newbon (GK), Phonsongkham.
Scorer: Jancevski 86′.
Referee: Rachael Mitchenson.
Attendance: 2,239.
Impetus’ coverage of Australian Women’s Football is supported by The Chicken Salt Co. They are offering every Impetus reader 5% off all orders of Chicken Salt from their website. Go to https://www.chickensalt.co.uk/?mate=impetus and place your order – 5% will automatically be taken off of the cost. The coupon code is impetus.
Ahead of tomorrow’s A-League Women derby between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City, Ben Gilby heard from both coaches – Jeff Hopkins of Victory and Rado Vidosic from City(11/12/21).
Above: Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins pictured speaking to the media ahead of the derby. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory Jeff Hopkins admitted that excitement is building in his squad ahead of Sunday’s big derby between the two sides that many predict will be battling it out for first place on the ladder all season.
“We’ve had a great week’s training. The players are really enthused to see Lynn (Williams) and Alex (Chidiac) in training now. Especially after the news we had about Kayla (Morrison – out for the rest of the season through injury) which was a real downer. Kayla has been at training every day this week to see the girls. The playing group have pulled around Kayla. It shows the team culture and spirit we have.
Above: Hopkins told the media he is confident he was plenty of options when it comes to replacing the injured Kayla Morrison. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
“Chids has been back in Melbourne a while, she’s done her 72 hours of quarantine, so has been in training at the end of this week. With Lynn, she is all about the team. She says ‘play me where you want to play me and I’ll do what I need to do for the team’. Lynn has an ability to get the ball under control quickly. She’ll create things and she is a good striker. We’re looking to get her a bit further up the pitch, combining with our strikers, but also with Kyra (Cooney-Cross). I am confident that both will play a role on Sunday.”
Hopkins addressed how he plans to fill the massive hole at centre-back after Kayla Morrison’s injury. “We have a number of options, Courtney (Nevin) can slot in perhaps. There’s another two or three as well. Amy Jackson could drop in there at a push, although she is very important for us in midfield. We’ve had a play around in training this week, so I’m looking a bit happier than I was a few days ago!”
Focusing specifically on tomorrow’s derby, Hopkins said: “City: I’ve been impressed with them. We played them in pre-season as well, although neither of them teams looked like they do now. I’ve been impressed with their intensity, they’ll make things difficult for us. I’m expecting a really tight game. They have recruited really well, they are a lot stronger than last year.
“We need to improve with the ball – play a little bit sharper with it. There are a couple of things defensively we need to do better, and we’ve worked on that and sharpened up, it was a positive change from the players. The team are committed to getting better each week. The players are willing to listen and learn. We’re really looking forward to it – Melbourne derbies are big games – it means a lot to our players and our supporters. We’re getting maybe a bit too excited this morning, but we’ll release the energy at the right time on Sunday.”
Above: Melbourne City boss Rado Vidosic told the media his team has used extra preparation time to their advantage this week. Photo: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic opened by discussing how his team have been preparing for the derby.
“It’s just been a normal week. We had a longer break between the two games (than Victory) and we have been able to both rest the players but also work hard. We are really looking forward to the derby, and the players can’t wait to get out on AAMI Park.
“Our next three games will be played at AAMI Park, which benefits female football in this country. It is unbelievable. Players can’t wait to get out there and start the game.”
“Everyone is available. We are still nursing Stotty, we don’t know how she will go from day-to-day. She was a bit fatigued during the week which is to be expected. She is much better today though.”
Above: Despite feeling that Sunday’s opponents Melbourne Victory were below their best last week, Vidosic told the media that he expects them to be front-runners this season. Photo: Melbourne City.
Turning his attention towards the opposition, Vidosic observed: “Victory are going to be strong, but they were nowhere near their best against Adelaide. They had several one-on-ones with the goalkeeper and plenty of chances. Victory’s opening goal also came from a gift from the Adelaide goalkeeper, which she won’t make again.
“The advantage that Victory have is that they have been together for a long time. Also, Melina (Ayres) will come back and Alex Chidiac is back so they will have a strong bench. They are going to be the front-runners along with Sydney FC.
“It will be interesting to see what they will do with Alex Chidiac. Will they play her? Will Amy Jackson play in the backline to accommodate Chidiac who is a good ball player.”
Vidosic also shared his wider observations from the opening matches: “The first round has shown that teams are not fit yet and games are oscillating from one end to another. Teams will get fitter and we will see better performances. Adelaide can perform better, Brisbane can perform better and Victory can perform better.”
Impetus’ coverage of Australian Women’s Football is supported by The Chicken Salt Co. They are offering every Impetus reader 5% off all orders of Chicken Salt from their website. Go to https://www.chickensalt.co.uk/?mate=impetus and place your order – 5% will automatically be taken off of the cost. The coupon code is impetus.
Above: Elizabeth Eddy leaps on her team mates on a great night for Newcastle Jets. Photo: @NewcastleJetsFC.
Newcastle Jets put Wellington Phoenix to the sword in an impressive display in front of their home fans.
The game kicked off the second round of the Liberty A-League, Newcastle were coming off an honorable loss against Sydney FC and Wellington had a point from their debut game against The Wanderers.
The new kids in the league had impressed many observers in their first fixture. They were brave going forward and aggressive in possession. They took the Wanderers and the league by surprise in that initial outing. The question here would be if they could repeat the performance.
Newcastle is one of the most reliably enjoyable teams to watch. This season they boast some considerable depth. Club stalwart Tara Andrews now has more support. Norwegian striker Marie Dølvik Markussen has arrived to help out the number nine started up front with Sunny Franco and the Newcastle number nine.
There was also the small matter of Emily van Egmond returning to the club. On paper, The Jets have the firepower to beat anybody. The Phoenix youngsters would have their work cut out for them.
Above: Kirsty Fenton celebrates after her first senior strike with Maria Dølvik Markussen. Photo: @NewcastleJetsFC
Despite the star studded attack, the first goal came from an unlikely but welcome source. Markussen had looked menacing from the start but it was youngster Kirsty Fenton who broke the deadlock.
Fenton was almost definitely trying to cross the ball, when it swung over Lily Alfeld and into the net. It was an unfortunate way for The Phoenix to concede but on the balance of play, Newcastle deserved the lead.
The Jets kept the pressure up and in the second half, Markussen had her first for the club.
The Norwegian striker intercepted a soft pass from the back and took a touch before slamming the ball home from the edge of the area. Suddenly, Wellington was 2-0 down.
Despite the scoreline or perhaps even because of it, they did not alter their adventurous play. Vice captain Kate Taylor was exceptional in the first round draw and continued her form here.
She was confident in possession and always trying to build from the back but the physicality and pressure of the Newcastle midfield left little opportunity for Wellington for create any chances.
The scoreline was even more ominous for Wellington as Newcastle’s top scorer from last season had yet to fire up. When she did it took only a few minutes to put the game out of reach for good.
Above: Marie Dølvik Markussen takes the ball past Saskia Vosper. Photo: Ashley Feder/Getty Images via @NewcastleJetsFC
Andrews is a proto typical number nine. Tall, strong with a venomous shot and quick feet, she is a threat from general play and lethal at set pieces.
Her first goal for 2021/2022 came from a corner kick. She lost her marker with ease and flicked a header perfectly into the corner of the net.
Minutes later came Andrews’ second and Newcastle’s fourth. The Jets won possession in the front third again and Markussen delayed to draw defenders before playing it to Andrews who took a touch and fired home from 18 yards.
With the game under control, Andrews, Franco and Markussen were substituted. Lauren Allan and Sophie Harding came on and combined for The Jets’ fifth.
Allan used her electric pace to race onto a lofted pass into the area. She hooked the ball across goal, wrong footing Alfeld and leaving Harding with the easiest of finishes.
Wellington continued playing positive, aggressive football and were rewarded for their endeavor. The first goal of the clubs history as a women’s team was scored in the 81st minute.
A Chloe Knott corner was urged toward goal by Taylor and Ava Pritchard was in the six-yard box to turn it in.
Above: Ava Pritchard, scorer of Wellington Phoenix’s first ever A-League Women goal. Artwork: Wellington Phoenix.
It was a positive end to a difficult day for Wellington. Newcastle would likely be unbothered by the late consolation goal. Their performance was nearly flawless.
The new recruits are in form, Elizabeth Eddy was instrumental in midfield then filling in at fullback and Markussen was dominant up front with Andrews.
The only sour note was an injury to Kirsty Fenton. She damaged her ankle and was carried off the field.
The Jets travel to face Western Sydney Wanderers in the next round. Wellington Phoenix have to regroup and prepare to face the premiers Sydney FC.
Above: Emily van Egmond plays a pass on her return to home town club Newcastle Jets. Photo: Ashley Feder/Getty Images via Newcastle Jets.
Ben Gilby heard Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis speak to the media after the match. She first addressed her side’s first ever A-League Women goal and it’s scorer Ava Pritchard:
“I know you look at that result and the goal kind of goes missing a little bit but that’s still a little piece of history for us, that’s a little piece of history for her and I’m just proud that they kept pushing for the goal as well.”
Looking back at the performance itself, Lewis observed: “What we were aiming for was trying to use the platform of last week and build and improve off it and I think in moments we did, but not consistently enough.
“We made mistakes and we got punished for them and with the quality of players they have we have to expect that. We probably didn’t keep our foot on the gas as much as we would like and we gave them too much space. If you give those players too much space then it means they can dictate the game a little bit more and I think that’s what we started to see in some of the second-half.”
Lewis also believes Newcastle were much better than what they showed in their opening round defeat to Sydney FC.
“They definitely showed some quality at times. Even their performance from last week to this week they’ve definitely done some work and improved over this week and they showed that today. Some of their players really stepped up today and showed their quality.”
Impetus’ coverage of Australian Women’s Football is supported by The Chicken Salt Co. They are offering every Impetus reader 5% off all orders of Chicken Salt from their website. Go to https://www.chickensalt.co.uk/?mate=impetus and place your order – 5% will automatically be taken off of the cost. The coupon code is impetus.
Ben Gilby brings a round-up of the media events this week from fice A-League Women clubs which includes full coverage of three MASSIVE signings as he hears from Emily van Egmond, Lynn Williams,and Alex Chidiac. There’s also coverage of Rebekah Stott‘s media conference where she spoke about her return to senior football after battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.Elsewhere, there are media conferences from Canberra United and Wellington Phoenix ahead of their Round Two games as he heard from Keeley Richards and Gemma Lewis(9/12/21).
Above: Back at home training – Emily van Egmond at Newcastle Jets. Photo: @NewcastleJetsFC
NEWCASTLE JETS: Emily Van Egmond Returns Home on Short-Term Loan
Wednesday saw Newcastle Jets announce the signing of home town Matildas star Emily van Egmond on loan for a short period, which is likely to be three matches.
The 28-year-old midfielder made her debut with the Jets when she was 15 and has since enjoyed multiple stints with the Club while also featuring in the National Women’s Soccer League in USA, the FA Women’s Super League in England, and over 110 games for the Matildas.
Van Egmond last donned the Jets jersey in 2018 when she captained the team to a fantastic season, finishing just one game short of an A-League Women’s Grand Final.
Speaking to the media about her return, the midfielder with 112 Matildas caps said: “The season in the USA ended, and I was here for our games with the USA and the Asia Cup is coming up quickly (January), so it’s really important for the national team that I get games during this period. I missed a lot of games post-Olympics, so I need to play.
“Newcastle is home. I’m only here for a short stint. I’m excited to play with the girls and I’ve played with many of them before. I’ve played with some of them since we were all 12-years-old. Playing for your hometown team is special.
“It’s special here. Players I’ve played with for years – Hannah Brewer, Cass Davis, Tara Andrews. It’s great to see they are so dedicated to one club and being part of the leadership here.
Van Egmond also identified some of the local players that have caught her eye recently: “Young Kirsty Fenton has a lot of potential. She’s got athletic capability, she’s aggressive, and she’s got speed and the way the women’s game is going now, that’s important. Hopefully, she can keep developing, progressing, and get some game time.”
Finally, the midfielder looked ahead to what is likely to be her debut this weekend. “This week is a new week, we’re playing a team in Wellington that no-one is really familiar with. It’s great to have them in the league.
Above: Emily Van Egmond back in Gold. Artwork: Newcastle Jets.
Head Coach Ash Wilson said she was ecstatic to have Van Egmond at the Club once more.
“Emily is a world-class player and Newcastle is her home so to be able to have her put on the Jets jersey again is exciting for the community and the Club,” Wilson said.
“She brings so much to the team in terms of experience, technical and tactical quality, and a winning mentality.”
Wilson made mention of not just what Van Egmond’s skill and experience adds to the team on the field, but the squad, Club, and community off of it as well.
“For us, this signing also demonstrates the commitment from the Club to keep improving and pushing to be more successful,” she said.
“Emily has already been training with us, preparing for her US matches and the lessons being learned from younger, less experienced players around training ethic and attitude have already been invaluable.
“I’m excited to see her back in gold playing a positive, attacking brand of football, and I know she is motivated to contribute to a successful campaign for this community.”
Van Egmond will line up this Friday night for her return game as the side takes on Wellington Phoenix as part of a Double Header at McDonald Jones Stadium.
MELBOURNE VICTORY: Double Delight At Signings Tempered By Morrison Woe
Artwork: Melbourne Victory.
There was both exciting and heartbreaking news for the defending champions this week.
Sunday brought the announcement that they have added another star to their already strong squad as USWNT player Lynn Williams was introduced to the crowd at AAMI Park on their matchday with Adelaide United. This was followed on Thursday by the revelation that Matildas star Alex Chidiac has joined the club on a season-long loan from the Japanese side JEF United Chiba.
The 28-year-old Williams joins the Club from the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL until 7th January on a short-term loan. During her time at the Courage, the American-born winger made 79 appearances for the club, scoring 41 goals.
Williams has also represented her country 45 times, most notably representing the US team in their bronze medal finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and returns to the A-League after a short stint with Western Sydney Wanderers in 2019/20.
Melbourne Victory Liberty A-League Head Coach Jeff Hopkins said Williams will add another level of experience and professionalism to his Championship-winning squad.
“We’re incredibly pleased to have someone of Lynn’s calibre joining the squad for the season,” Hopkins said.
“Her speed and agility in the final third are what sets Lynn apart from many players at her level and to have her join our attacking line is an exciting prospect.
“Lynn’s career in the NWSL speaks for itself, winning a range of team and individual accolades in the competition, and we believe that her winning mentality will help us in our quest for silverware this season.”
Above: Lynn Williams pictured pitchside at Melbourne Victory’s opening A-League Women game with Adelaide United. Photo: @gomvfc
Williams said she’s looking forward to returning to the Liberty A-League and playing with Melbourne Victory.
“I’m thrilled to be back in Australia and joining Melbourne Victory in an exciting time for women’s football in this country,” Williams said.
“Jeff and the girls have been the team to beat and to be joining the squad for the upcoming season is an exciting opportunity.”
Looking ahead to the big derby this weekend against City, Williams said: “I hope to be playing. I have a bit of a calf strain, it’s not bothering me at all. It will depend on the medical team, on how they see it.”
In terms of the maximum four games that Williams could have in a Victory shirt, the USWNT star just wants to add to the team ethos at the club. “I’m going to bring what makes me Lynn to the field. I’m a fast, pacey forward, and if I can help to get the team into a place to help them on their way to a Grand Final, great. But I am here to do whatever I can for the team. If that’s being a cheerleader or coming off the bench that’s fine! But I’d love to do what I can on the pitch for the team.”
With previous experience in the competition with Western Sydney Wanderers, Williams knows the league well. Explaining why she specifically chose to sign for Melbourne Victory, she explained: “Melbourne feels like home for me, my partner is from here. Because of the pandemic, it was important for me to come here so we can spend time together. I feel so at peace when I am here. Every person in the club is so gracious, how could I not want to be here?
“I want to work on things here, sharpen up and take on players. Coming here is an exciting team and after the difficulties in the NWSL this year, with the sexual assault cases, it has been tough. So it’s a good thing.
“Victory has so many great front players. Like the USWNT, they are an attacking team and a good transitional team. The competition is very different since I was last here. The likes of Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter are not here anymore, but it’s great how the young players are coming through. I can see that since 2018/19 their numbers have really grown.”
Williams’ move to Victory sees her team up with Courtney Nevin and Kyra Cooney-Cross once more – two players who she really rates. “It’s great to be with them again. They have so many great attributes, so much potential and they are national team players. They are super. Nevin was great in the backline in the friendlies with the US. Kyra is so dangerous and can dribble well and always find the right pass. Being young is their best attribute as they are willing to soak up all the information and they want to try everything. They make me laugh too!”
In terms of Williams’ view of the Matildas from the recent friendlies, she said: “They put out a young team, but so did we. They were two great games and both sides learned a lot about themselves. Australia came out and played well.”
Melbourne Victory can also confirm the signing of goalkeeper Sophia Varley and the elevation of Alana Murphy to a senior contract for the upcoming season.
Artwork: Melbourne Victory
Melbourne Victory’s squad got even stronger on Thursday with the announcement that Matildas midfielder Alex Chidiac has joined the club.
The 22-year-old comes to Victory on loan from the Japanese side JEF United Chiba where the Australian spent the 2021 season in the WE League.
The diminutive midfielder has 17 national team caps to her name, making her international debut at 16 years old for the Matildas against New Zealand in 2015.
Chidiac’s club career has seen her represent Melbourne City and Adelaide United – winning a Championship in 2016 – before heading to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid in 2018 where she made 22 appearances over two seasons for Atleti, netting twice.
Melbourne Victory Liberty A-League Head Coach Jeff Hopkins said Chidiac’s addition will add another element of experience and flair to his side.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Alex to the squad for the season as we make the final touches to our Championship defence. At 22, Alex has experience beyond her years, making her A-League Women’s debut at 15, representing her country at 16, and becoming an A-League Women’s Champion at 17.
“Alex has the ability to control the midfield but also move forward and find the back of the net in her attacking role and we can’t wait to see how she will complement our squad this season.”
Chidiac echoed Hopkins sentiment, saying she was excited to return to the A-League. “I’m thrilled to be heading back to Victoria with Melbourne Victory and joining a team that is committed to achieving success this season,” Chidiac said.
“Talking to Jeff, the team’s intentions are to take out the Championship for the second successive season and I want to be a part of that journey. The focus for me is to consistently perform, week in and week out for the team and help the Club achieve their goals.”
Chidiac will be available for selection ahead of Sunday’s Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park.
Above: Kayla Morrison ushering the ball back to her goalkeeper Casey Dumont ahead of Adelaide United’s Fiona Worts last Sunday. Photo: Mike Owen/Getty Images.
Less happy news came in the form that scans have confirmed that club captain Kayla Morrison has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament and will miss the rest of the A-League Women season.
The defender sustained the injury in the first half of the side’s opening round clash against Adelaide United at AAMI Park.
Head Coach Jeff Hopkins said that he was devastated by the news but felt Kayla would return stronger
“Our worst fears were answered today with the news of Kayla’s injury and she’ll be a massive loss to the squad for the remainder of the season,” Hopkins said.”Everyone at the Club – from the Men’s and Women’s teams to the administration staff – has shown their support for Kayla and we will do everything we can to help Kayla return to the pitch.
“Lia Privitelli will take the captain’s armband on the pitch for the rest of the season but Kayla will still be instrumental to our title defence with her leadership off the pitch.”
Kayla will undergo surgery this week as she prepares for her rehabilitation. On behalf of everyone at the Club, we wish Kayla a speedy recovery.
MELBOURNE CITY: Rebekah Stott Speaks After Senior Return
Above: Rebekah Stott speaks to the media on Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s Melbourne derby. Photo via: Melbourne City.
After making her return to top-flight Australian women’s football in Round One after coming back from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Rebekah Stott admitted she felt “pretty terrible” after the game given how long it had been since she had played in such a match, however, she feels she is more than ready to play a full role in this weekend’s Melbourne derby against Victory.
“It was incredible, so nice to be back (against Canberra United last week). I was a bit disappointed with how we played in the first half, but I was thrilled to be back on the field, it was so much fun.
“By the time the game with Victory comes round, I’ll be right and ready to go. We were happy with the result in Canberra last week. Rado (Vidisic, head coach) felt our performance in the first half wasn’t good enough. We need to build on that and start strong this time.
“At Canberra, it was really nerves that got us in the first half. We needed to keep the ball and we did it a lot better in the second half. For myself, I had to work on being in a new position on the field. Me playing at six was something Rado and I discussed back in July. He wanted to be more attacking and hopefully set up some goals, so that was in the plan from the very start.
“It’s not totally new, I’ve always driven out from the back from centre-back and I’m quite comfortable driving up the field.”
With New Zealand having a number of potential options at centre-back, Stott emphasizes how her change of role at City will help her future with the Football Ferns too. “Being versatile is a good attribute. The more experience I can get playing at six the better.
“I was really gutted not to go to South Korea (to play with New Zealand in a recent international window), but it was a bit too soon. I’m hoping that by the time the next window comes round in February I’ll be ready.
Above: Ahead of this weekend’s Melbourne derby, City’s Rebekah Stott (left) and Victory’s Lynn Williams faced the media. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Melbourne City.
CANBERRA UNITED: Keeley Richards Looks Ahead To Adelaide Clash
Above: Canberra United goalkeeper Keeley Richards put in a player of the match performance last weekend and she’s all out to repeat in in Round Two against Adelaide United. Photo: Canberra Times
“Ah, it was so good to be back out there last week, pre-season was long!” Canberra United’s goalkeeper said smiling as she faced the media on Tuesday of this week.
“Obviously it was a disappointing result. We can definitely play better as a team, so now we will aim to go one better this week.
“Personally I was happy with my performance, although there are things I can get better with. I know where my bar is set now after that performance getting player of the match, so I need to keep making sure I get above that every week.”
With this being Richards’ second campaign with Canberra, she identified how differently she feels this time around. “I’m much more confident this time in my second season. I know what the crowd is like, what the venue is like, and knowing the girls well.
“Everyone gets along well at the club. Although Grace (Maher) is playing at the back now, she’s Grace Maher, so she’s great at it! It’s great knowing the quality I have in front of me. Having Karly Roestbakken back – she has that air of calm and confidence around her – having her in front of me is just another great thing for us.”
With Canberra’s opposition this weekend, Adelaide United also having lost their Round One game, Richards expects a tough challenge. “Look, I don’t think their result (a 5-1 loss at Melbourne Victory) really reflected how they played. Casey (Dumont) had a great game in goal for Victory. Adelaide created a lot of chances, so we need to be careful in what we do.
WELLINGTON PHOENIX: Lewis Focuses On Her Team’s Attributes
Above: Wellington Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis. Photo: Matt King – Getty Images
Wellington Phoenix are out to create more history in their second A-League women’s match tomorrow.
Gemma Lewis’ side travels up the New South Wales coast tomorrow night to face the Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, seven days after they earned a first-ever point in their historic season opener in Wollongong against Western Sydney Wanderers.
That result has raised expectations.
“We always going to approach every game trying to win it…but I think the difference is it’s probably more realistic,” Lewis told media on the eve of the match.
“It’s not like we’re selling them a dream. I think the players are definitely believing they could get a result out of this game.
“Ideally as a team, we’d be really happy if we built on what we did last week. If we can use last week as the standard and then add and build then we’d be happy and we’d hope from that hopefully we’d get a result because of it.”
Lewis says the players are hungry too and she’s hoping “that’ll drive them on to hopefully have another good performance. From the players’ point of view, they’re wanting to prove themselves a little bit as well. I think some of them feel a little bit underestimated.
“That’s helping us push a little bit more and continue that drive and continue that momentum to see if we can prove people a little bit wrong.”
Opponents now know what to expect from the Phoenix, but Lewis believes her side are still going to be underdogs against Newcastle.
“They’ll definitely be targeting us to get three points. A home game, a double-header for them they’re definitely going to be pushing to get a result against us. But we saw moments of some of their defensive transition, of some of their play out that we thought we could exploit in our press and hopefully exploit in a counter-attack.”
Lewis knows that plans for the game will need to be altered after the Jets announcement about signing Matildas midfielder Emily van Egmond on a short-term contract.
“She’s a world-class player so I think it definitely gives them a lot more confidence. But it doesn’t change anything for us going in. Our players knew they were going to be the underdogs. They knew the players they were playing against were going to be more experienced than them and technically seen as better players than them, but it just gives them another challenge.
“They’ve not really got anything to lose. If you’re playing in the midfield against van Egmond and you end up doing really well that makes people stand up and look at you.
“She’s expected to do well, whereas an Izzy Gomez or a Grace Wisnewski against her probably are expected to maybe get run over by her, but if they don’t then they’re the ones that end up looking good.”
Forward Kelli Brown has defied the odds and recovered from the ankle injury which kept her out of the season opener, but on the eve of the match, a decision had yet to be made on whether she would feature against Newcastle.
“We’re still at the moment umming and ahing on whether or not we’re going to use her for this game. If we were to use her for this game, she’d be limited so she’d be used as a substitute. That’s all she would have been cleared for terms of minutes.”
Impetus’ coverage of Australian Women’s Football is supported by The Chicken Salt Co. They are offering every Impetus reader 5% off all orders of Chicken Salt from their website. Go to https://www.chickensalt.co.uk/?mate=impetus and place your order – 5% will automatically be taken off of the cost. The coupon code is impetus.
In the first of this season’s #MidweekDub features, Impetus editor Ben Gilby spoke EXCLUSIVELY to Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis about the club’s pre-season recruitment and how they are aiming for constant improvements and high standards.
Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis. Photo: Perth Glory FC.
Perth Glory had just about the toughest season that any club could have during 2020/21.
Not sure if they could even take part in the W-League due to border restrictions until the eleventh hour meant that recruitment was virtually impossible apart from bringing together the best young players in Western Australia to pull on the purple shirt. Add in the fact that their new head coach couldn’t get into the state until weeks before the season eventually started left the club in a position of virtually fighting with both arms tied behind their backs.
Whilst results didn’t go their way, the performances and passion that the exceptionally young group put in were hugely promising. To build on those foundations, head coach Alex Epakis and the key people at the club met as soon as the last campaign finished to put in place their plan for 2021/22, with a strong recruitment campaign key.
Alex outlined what that initial process looked like. “It was about identifying the type of character and person that we wanted in terms of a profile and what that looked like. The women’s game is a very transitional one with the capacity to run at high intensity vital. So, with all those things we came up with a matrix system that ensured that whatever player we looked to sign met enough of those metrics into what we wanted on and off the field.
Above: Kim Carroll in training for Perth Glory. Photo: Estybs, provided to Impetus by: Perth Glory FC
“We have signed a lot of attacking players and players who have the ability to play in different positions. We had to bring in some experience in the spine and we’ve done that with Kim Carroll, Mie Leth Jans, and to an extent Cyera Hitzen who has some experience playing for the US national teams at a youth level. To add to Tash Rigby’s leadership and to Sarah Carroll’s leadership, we’ve done some good recruitment in that space. We’ve already noticed a big shift in training as those players are adding experience and expertise in driving the level up.”
The Western Australian side got their recruitment underway early, retaining a number of key players from the previous campaign and bringing in seven new players by the end of June which is almost unheard of in W-League football. Alex identified the reasons for getting organized quickly after all of the challenges that Glory suffered last time around.
“We worked very hard to get these players signed early. I knew I had to be very clear and efficient in that process because I suspected that if players knew that there was a clear plan and a proactive approach to what Perth Glory was building, there would be that excitement, that rebound excitement after a difficult season, so for me it was really important to get the first few signings and get them announced and generate some momentum. It’s the way we needed to do it for this particular season and also the fact that we were able to get quite a few of the signings on board for a few seasons, so it means we acted quick, but it gives myself and the club stability later.”
However, the club’s final signing just days before the new season started was the one that took all the headlines. The return of Australian football legend Lisa De Vanna to the A-League Women and to her hometown club.
Above: Lisa De Vanna on her Perth Glory comeback on Saturday against Brisbane Roar. Photo: @PerthGloryFC
“We are really privileged to have Lisa (De Vanna) join us. She brings a lot of experience both on and off the field and she is a larrikin and it lightens up the mood. You go through so many emotions in professional sport. She felt this was a great environment for her to get back focused on football. She’s a joker, pulling jokes on players and staff. She has a glint in her eye, she hides and all sorts! She’s in unbelievable shape and ready to go.
“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.
Above: Hana Lowry – one of Perth Glory’s brightest teenage talents. Photo: Estybs, provided to Impetus by: Perth Glory FC.
“I think it’s good that we have that mix of experience to get the best out of our younger players. I’m pretty confident that many of the players here will be well known around the country and pushing for higher honours before the end of the season.”
One of the real positives from last season was the way that a large number of very young locally produced players performed in the competition in exceptionally challenging circumstances. The vast majority of those players have been retained. Alex outlined how he is aiming to balance giving these youngsters game time and easing the pressure on them with the more experienced spine in the team this year.
“The job of a coach is to put a balanced team out on a matchday that can win a match. Experience and leadership play a part in that, but also so does the exuberance of youth and naiveté.
“Each match will have a specific game plan and there will be certain players that within that game plan are more suited than others. The age and experience will be a factor, but it won’t be the determining factor. It will be the player who we believe will be the best fit for that game.”
Above: Isabella Wallhead – another locally produced young star with a big future ahead. Photo: Estybs, provided to Impetus by: Perth Glory FC.
Alex also highlighted the close eye that he and his coaching staff kept on WA’s women’s NPL during the off-season of the W-League/A-League Women.
“I was fortunate as despite being stuck in Sydney for a few months, I was able to watch every WA NPL game. We had one of the coaches here watching games and I had another assistant coach watching games. Quite often we would have three or four sets of eyes watching the competition.
“We developed a database of players that we felt would fit our system. Someone like Sadie Lawrence (who was brought in from WA NPL club Murdoch University Melville) and a couple of others who are training with us at the moment – we identified that they are doing some great things in the NPL here and we want to give them an opportunity.
“Personally, I’ve tried my best to have an open and transparent relationship with the clubs here and that’s really important going forward.”
Above: Gemma Craine – after almost a year out injured, she is back and raring to go. Photo: Estybs, provided to Impetus by: Perth Glory FC.
Looking ahead to the new season, with Western Australia’s borders with a number of states still closed due to the pandemic, Alex outlined the constantly changing situation that the club is working with in terms of locations for matches this season.
“I hear something different every day. We have to manage the unpredictability and manage the chaos. We had it last year. Not one week went according to the schedule, whether it be the playing schedule or the training schedule.
“We had 23 weeks of constant changes last year, so, if anything it has set us up to manage this season better. We’ll take it day by day and see how the APL can assist us.”
In terms of how he views the season from a wider perspective, the Perth Glory head coach said: “There’s a lot of dynamic squads there in a dynamic competition. I think it will be competitive, there will still be a level of unpredictability that, for me, means that any team should be able to beat any team if they get the game plan right, if they have the right luck with injuries. As a result, we will have a strong competition.
“For us, we want to make sure that every game we play sees us put in a proud performance and we give it our best effort. If we get the process right and the players are well supported to improve during the season and execute the game plans, we’ll have a great chance of having a successful season – whatever that means. We want to make sure that we can look back and say that we did our best.”
Above: Alana Jancevski – one of Perth Glory’s key close-season captures. Photo: Estybs, provided to Impetus by: Perth Glory FC.
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