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Job Done And New Hope Emerges

Above: Australia’s starting line-up against Thailand on Thursday, including four players making their full debuts. Photo provided to Impetus by: Football Australia.

Kieran Yap reviews the performances of the Matildas debut making players in the Asia Cup along with those who have come into the squad under Tony Gustavsson’s tenure (28/1/22).

Australia got the job done, and they did it comfortably. The score read 2-1 and on the surface that gives the impression that it was a tight game, but Thailand’s goal was in the literal final second of play. Whilst impressive, it was a consolation goal in the truest sense of the word.

Australia dominated play and when Emily van Egmond struck from the edge of the box it was reward for a first half that should have included more.

Sam Kerr entered the play in the second half and scored what would be the winner after Kyah Simon’s shot was spilled by the Thailand keeper.

The match itself was notable for the unfamiliar starting lineup. Nine changes were made from the 4-0 win over the Philippines. With qualification assured and only a draw needed to secure top spot, this was the perfect game to give the young players a chance against an opponent that poses a historical challenge for The Matildas.

Tony Gustavsson was effusive of his starting line-up. He was pleased that despite the vast difference in experience, they all played the same style and with the same intensity.

With that in mind, the best way to judge this game is by the performances of those players.

**Above:** Charlotte Grant made her starting debut against Thailand on Thursday. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Charlotte Grant has been around the team for most of Gustavsson’s tenure. She was included in the extended Olympic squad but did not see game time in the tournament.

After impressing against Brazil with some tidy footwork and against the USA with a run and inch-perfect cross, she was given her first start against Thailand.

Grant’s value goes beyond her considerable skill. She is a natural fullback who can play on either flank. She started the game as a replacement for Ellie Carpenter and ended it in Steph Catley’s usual position.

She has pace, control, and a serious engine for somebody still eligible for the U20’s squad.

Grant’s versatility means that she provides double the depth another fullback would. Against Thailand, despite one or two wayward crosses, she showed that she was ready for serious internationals.

This is a player who could be very important if her career trajectory continues.

Courtney Nevin also played two positions in this match. The Melbourne Victory fullback started on the left where she was defensively solid while using her impressive left foot to deliver some good long passes.

In the second half, she switched to centre-back. She had impressed in the role in the second USA friendly and looks at home in either position.

Nevin started the move that would produce the winning goal. Her vision and technique were on full display when she switched play to Kyah Simon. The pass was stunningly accurate and helped pull the Thailand defence out of formation enough for The Matildas to forge an opening.

Nevin featured in the other group games, but this was her first start at the Asian Cup and she was excellent.

**Above:** Clare Wheeler, pictured during an appearance for Australia off the bench against the USA last year. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Clare Wheeler is in the side primarily for the defensive steel and ball retention that she brings to the midfield. Following her first game against Indonesia and her game-changing cameo against the USA, Wheeler is no longer a fringe player. She is a vital member of the team.

In this game, she was allowed to push forward more. After skipping a tackle and surging into the area, she was unlucky not to score. A volleyed effort in the second half was more difficult, but both attempts were reminders that Wheeler is more than just an enforcer.

Kyra Cooney-Cross is another who has been used in a deep role by Gustavsson. In her last two appearances, she has played more like she does in the A-League Women. Against both the Philippines and against Thailand, she used her pace and power to cruise through midfield in a familiar style.

Her first goal for the national team awaits, but she came very close in this match. The Thai player who blocked the shot immediately regretted it and sadly had to be stretchered off.

**Above:** Cortnee Vine had a hard-working first start for the Matildas. **Photo:** Footbhall Australia.

Cortnee Vine was fantastic and lived up to the considerable hype that has generated around her involvement in the tournament.

She looked as dangerous and creative as she does for Sydney FC. Vine gives the Matildas another speedy option on the right to go with Hayley Raso, Carpenter, and Grant.

The Matildas have depth and quality on that flank.

Holly McNamara ended the game the victim of a still unknown injury. She hobbled off the field in the second half and was replaced by Caitlin Foord. However, McNamara has effortlessly carried her domestic form to the national team.

Like Foord, she is a clever dribbler with tidy footwork and a few tricks in her boots. Also like Foord, she loves to cut inside and shoot off her right foot.

**Above:** Holly McNamara was full of promise before leaving the pitch with an injury. **Photo:** Football Australia.

She is a creative attacker that likes to play on the left-wing. Australia has had few options for that position since Lisa De Vanna. Holly McNamara looks like a long-term prospect for the job who can still make an immediate impact.

Finally, there is Remy Siemsen. Other than Kerr, she is the only other centre-forward in the squad who is regularly completing 90 minutes in the role.

Australia has plenty of players who can fill the gap if Kerr is unavailable, but none have been consistently delivering as the spearhead.

**Above:** Industrious and full of running – Remy Siemsen. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Kyah Simon has had limited game time for Tottenham Hotspur and Foord is used in a variety of attacking positions at Arsenal. Emily Gielnik prefers to play centrally but has missed some football for Aston Villa with injuries. Mary Fowler is something of a super-sub in France but is needed as a playmaker for The Matildas.

That leaves Siemsen. She was good against Thailand and will be disappointed that her second-half shot did not go in. Her movement up front was as good as it is in the national league and she was willing to shoot when given the chance.

Remy Siemsen is important for depth upfront, and also has the quality to impact games. Her career has been on a steady incline over the past few years and if that continues she could be a valuable Matilda in the future.

Overall, the Thailand game saw some pretty impressive contributions from these new faces. Australia now has options, depth, and new possibilities as a result of this game.

Up next, they face South Korea in the quarter-final. This will not be an easy match but Australia is the favourites and there are no simple paths to the final.

The group stage performances and the emergence of the new players against Thailand show that as dangerous as the Koreans are, they also have plenty to worry about.

Vidosic Looks Ahead To Roar After Blunt Assessment On Loss

Above: Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic made his disappointment about last week’s performance against Sydney clear when he spoke to the media on Thursday. Photo: Melbourne City.

Ahead of Saturday’s Liberty A-League Women trip to Moreton Daily Stadium to face Brisbane Roar, Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic (28/1/22).

A much depleted Melbourne City side travel to face Brisbane Roar on Saturday looking to get back on the winners’ rostrum after suffering a 3-0 loss at leaders Sydney FC last weekend.

Vidosic highlighted the difficult preparations that his side face for Saturday’s game in Queensland. “We’ve got only the bare minimum to travel with. We’ve got a few injuries, a few Corona cases, and one (player), obviously with the Matildas. So we’re travelling with 16, the minimum number and we just hope that everyone will be negative on rapid tests.”

Whilst declining to reveal which players are injured or have tested positive for COVID, City’s head coach revealed how those with the virus are doing. “One is feeling well and the other only received their positive test back this morning (Thursday). She’s feeling sick, but this is as she is in the first few days, so hopefully, in a few more she will be OK.

Reviewing the loss at Sydney last weekend, Vidosic was blunt and detailed. “You have to take some lessons from losing. It came down to (the fact that) they (Sydney) wanted it more. They managed to put their game on top of us, so we were not capable of stopping them and we did not play our game.

“It came down to, in the first half, that we were second best in effort, intensity, and attitude. We were just not at the races. We acted a bit better in the second half, we had a goal disallowed and then didn’t mark properly from a corner. That is disappointing.

“When you look at the rosters, we have maybe more experienced players than them (Sydney). From an experience point of view, we should have been better, but then again, the bounce of the ball, the reactions, and all those other little things that need to compliment each other weren’t there. I hope it was a one-off and that we don’t have any games like that again.

“We were not making enough forward runs and when that happens, you can’t get behind opponents. That was a problem. Sydney FC mainly played the forward balls over the top of us to get through. We pride ourselves on a similar game, they (Sydney) played theirs, but we didn’t play ours. We have addressed this.

**Above;** Melbourne City in training this week ahead of their trip to Brisbane Roar. **Supplied to *Impetus* by:** Melbourne City.

“They (Sydney) are a good team, full of confidence and they apply their principles to a ‘T’ and we didn’t apply ours. The good thing is that we will play them again, so we get a chance to get our revenge.”

Vidosic spoke about the return of Sally James in goal at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, coming on as a late substitute for Melissa Barbieri.

“It was good to see her back. She had a fracture of her thumb and then COVID. She is someone who had a harder time to bounce back, but now she is OK. Not 100%, but we want to expose her as much as possible and give her as much game time as possible.

Looking ahead to this weekend’s game in Brisbane, Melbourne City’s head coach is clear what his expectations are. “We need to get ourselves back to what we were like before the Sydney game – being relentless, being dominant. I’m quite sure that we will get at least that side of the game right.”

Vidosic also regards the Roar as a team with a number of very dangerous players who are capable of doing serious damage.

“I watched them (Brisbane) here in Melbourne when they played Melbourne Victory and before it you would have bet your house that Melbourne Victory would win that game and they lost, they copped four goals. They (Brisbane) have some good players.

“Larissa (Crummer) and Shea (Connors) are doing really well at the moment. They have a solid backline and a good goalkeeper. Then you have ‘Mini’ (Katrina Gorry), She is a Matilda, a fantastic player, an Asian player of the year a few years ago. She can command that midfield, she can score goals from a long distance. It will not be an easy game for sure.”

Taking a slightly longer-term view on his team’s fortunes, with the season now past its halfway mark, Vidosic said: “Look, we’ll see where we finish. We want to win as many games as we can. Do we want to win the league? I don’t think anyone can win the league, it is up to Sydney to lose now. I am 100% sure that Melbourne Victory will have a good go at them and we will have a good go at them when we meet them (again).

“When you see them play against other teams, they (Sydney) are so much better than anyone, I don’t see them losing many games between now and the end of the season.”

Gustavsson Speaks About Group Stage Positives

Above: Clare Wheeler and Tony Gustavsson pictured at their media conference yesterday. Photo: AFC Asia Women’s Cup.

Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson was joined by midfielder Clare Wheeler to discuss the Matildas game against Thailand at the AFC Asia Cup. Photo: Football Australia (28/1/22).

Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson spoke about the positives he took from his players’ reaction to the last gasp concession in their 2-1 win over Thailand when he faced the media in Mumbai.

Gustavsson also highlighted the importance of Cortnee Vine to the team and how he sees her as being capable of influencing a game both from deep and in attack.

He first turned his attention to the last gasp goal for Thailand which meant that the Matildas narrowly missed out on navigating the group stage without conceding.

“My first thoughts are how upset the team were after the game. They were upset that we conceded in overtime. We put pride in clean sheets and we have done a phenomenal job defensively. When we lose the ball, we work hard, but the players were really upset that we conceded that goal, and that says a lot about the mission that these players are on now. Instead of celebrating a group stage win, they were upset about conceding a goal. That says a lot about their mindset and that makes me happy.

“The other thing that makes me happy is that we had two clear goals for the group stage, one that we win the group and the other that we have our players fit and in the peak of form. The fact that we have had every one of our 23 players on the park during our group stage sends out a message that we need everyone, and I’m really happy that we have had everyone on the park.”

The Matildas head coach explained in greater detail the thinking behind using all of his available players across the group stage, and the order in which they were selected.

“I’ve been really happy with the way we’ve managed the load of the players during the group stage. The team behind the players has done a phenomenal planning job and spent a lot of hours looking at players who haven’t played for a month coming in and others who have played a lot. Some players needed consistent minutes, others needed heavy minutes at the start and then a bit of a rest. Some players we needed to be careful with at the start of the tournament so they didn’t get injured and so they weren’t used until today.

“I’m happy from both a physical perspective and a football perspective. No matter who was on the park we played the same way. We had an aggressive mindset, we attacked a lot. There were a lot of chances, I think 24 shots again. We could have scored a lot more.”

**Above:** The Australia team that started yesterday’s final Group B game at the AFC Asia Cup against Thailand. **Photo** **provided to *Impetus* by:** Football Australia.

Gustavsson last came up against Thailand during the 2019 World Cup in France when he was part of the USA’s coaching setup. The Swede offered his thoughts on their development over the past two and a half years.

“I think they are a very well-organized team. They have some interesting individual skill-sets and they acted a bit differently (in the match against Australia) than how they were earlier in the group stage when I watched them. They were very conservative in defending and they went a bit longer from the goalkeeper than I have seen before as I was impressed previously with their passing game.

“They took very minimum risks (against Australia) which surprised me because they are very good in their attacking game. I can understand it though as we are good in our pressing game and they didn’t want to take any risks. I see a (Thailand) team that is well organized with a lot of technical players in it.”

Cortnee Vine made her first start for the Matildas in the match, and Gustavsson explained his thinking behind playing her in a deeper role than she has done for Sydney FC in the A-League Women this season.

“We’ve been working in the pre-tournament camp with different options among our roster and different tools. Vine has a really interesting profile as a player. She is an expert out wide taking players on, one-on-one. She was one of the best attackers in this game during the first half, for example. She created a lot on the right side for us.

“But also with her pace and her decision making, she could be a backup for us in the outside-back position both with her pace and with her passing. We tried her as a right-back in Dubai in the pre-camp because we want to have a different profile of players and also because of load. Ellie Carpenter had a yellow card going into this game and also load-wise needed a rest.

“Towards the end, we needed to sub her (Vine) out for fatigue and bring Kyah (Simon) on which meant Simon dropped into right-back.”

Gustavsson ended by praising the resilience in his players after Tameka Yallop tested positive for COVID ahead of the game.

**Above:** Tony Gustavsson explains the positives from Australia’s group stage campaign. **Photo:** AFC Asia Women’s Cup.

“We’ve had many camps with COVID safe protocols now. The players’ ability to adapt and change has really impressed me. The players feel trust in our medical team and the COVID protocols that are in place. We have experts around us and we follow their guidance.”

Clare Wheeler was also present at the media conference and outlined her thoughts on the game against Thailand.

“Regardless of your normal starters, you need 23 players to win the trophy, including game-changers off the bench and that is what you saw today. We tried our hardest and with the goal (that Thailand scored), it’s something that we will look to improve on. Everyone has played a role in the group stage and we can be proud of that.”

The Fortuna Hjørring midfielder spoke about the importance she gave to the game as Australia was virtually assured qualification as group winners regardless of the outcome.

“Every match we want to do our best. We have our standards. It doesn’t matter if it’s a group match, a play-off, or a quarter-final, so every game is like a final for us.”

Wheeler concluded by speaking, from a player’s perspective, about team-mate Yallop’s positive COVID test.

“We’re all around Tameka (supporting her). We trust our medical team and all openly communicate about how we are feeling and make changes if we need to. Things like this in the group bring us closer together.

Wanderers and Adelaide Set For Marconi Showdown

Above: Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Catherine Cannuli speaking to the media on Thursday. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.

Round Nine of the Liberty A-League Women kicks off on Friday night with Western Sydney Wanderers hosting Adelaide United at Marconi Stadium. Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from head coaches, Catherine Cannuli of Wanderers, and Adelaide’s Adrian Stenta (27/1/22).

Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Catherine Cannuli emphasized that she is positive her team has what it takes to improve their goalscoring record and make Finals football.

Cannuli began her media conference by addressing the disappointment of last week’s game against Perth Glory. “We’ve reviewed it. We had been getting better and better, but for some reason, we came out against Perth and, apart from the first 10 minutes we got on the back foot. It wasn’t a great performance, but we have to pick ourselves up.”

Asked about the team’s focus in training, the Wanderers head coach said: “Look, it’s no surprise. We haven’t been scoring goals (only two in seven matches this season) and that’s something that’s been the main focus for us over the last few weeks and it is something we will continue to work on.”

**Above:** Western Sydney Wanderers in training this week ahead of their game with Adelaide United. **Supplied to *Impetus* by:** Western Sydney Wanderers.

Western Sydney take this week’s game to Marconi Stadium, the only match scheduled in the A-League Women for the iconic 9,000 capacity venue during 2021/22. It’s a ground that Cannuli can’t wait to get back to.

“It’s got such good football history. As a young girl, I grew up playing at Marconi and watching the old NSL there. It’s special to get a game there, especially for the local community at Fairfield, and hopefully we’ll get a good crowd there. We often get a lot of the junior clubs supporting us there (see mini-article below).”

Cannuli closed by highlighting the aims she has for her team for the rest of the season. “We’re not going to give up. We’ve spoken about what this club is about and our culture. We’re going to go out there and get as many points as we can from every single game and we’re going to keep fighting for (a place in) that Finals series.

Club Welcome Grassroots Players To A-League Women Action

Western Sydney Wanderers FC will be opening the gates to all registered players under 16 at Friday night’s Liberty A-League clash against Adelaide United at Marconi Stadium.

Registered players wishing to claim their free tickets should click on this link.

**Above:** Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta pictured during training this week. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Adelaide United.

Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta is determined that his side will produce a more ruthless display in the final third of the field as they travel to face Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday night, a team they have never beaten in New South Wales.

He hinted that his team faced a performance from their last opponents, Wellington Phoenix, that they were not quite expecting. “They (Phoenix) played a lot more pragmatically than they had previously, stronger defensively, and were quicker than they had been before. It was a challenging game.

“Some of our build-up play was good and we managed to get ourselves into some good areas, but we were not as good as we needed to be in the final third.”

With the season now just past the halfway mark, Stenta reviewed his team’s progress so far.

“I’m reasonably happy, (but) we need to be more consistent. We’ve found it hard to string 90 minutes together and performances back to back. There’s been some real positives, but there is a lot of work to do.

**Above:** Adelaide United pictured in training this week. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Adelaide United.

“To be sitting in the position we are (Adelaide are in fourth place) and know that we still have some growth and improvement in us, fills me with some hope moving forward.”

Stenta highlighted his expectations of the game at Marconi Stadium saying, “Any away game is hard. It’s going to be a really tight game. Western Sydney have had trouble scoring goals, but they haven’t conceded many (only five in seven games). It’s probably going to be a game of few chances, so quality in that final third is going to be all important.

“They are a well set up team and defensively very sound. It’s going to be about keeping patient and trying to circulate the ball if we can, but like most matches, it will probably come down to a few key moments. We need to be aware of those and make the most of them when they present themselves.”

Stenta ended his media conference with positive selection news. “We’ve pretty much got everyone available for the first time this season, so it’s a tough week to pick a squad of 16 to travel and play. That’s a good position for me to be in and it’s up to the players to prove their worthiness at training.”

Bradford City: Working Hard To Grow Further

Above: Bradford City (white shirts) compete in an aerial battle this season. Photo: @BCAFC_Women

Chris Hames, head coach of FA Women’s National League Division One North side Bradford City spoke to Impetus’ Ben Gilby about his club’s past, present, and aims to keep growing (27/1/22).

Bradford City is a club with a glorious history. Formed in 1988, they were founder members of the Yorkshire and Humberside League and won a number of rapid promotions until they reached the top tier of the sport in 1997/98.

During this period, City made the semi-finals of the FA Women’s Premier League Cup going down on penalties to Arsenal. Their most recent promotion to the top flight came in 2013/14.

**Above:** Bradford City head coach Chris Hames. **Photo:** Twitter.

Head coach Chris Hames picked up the story of the club in more recent times. “We had some very good years challenging some of the biggest clubs in the country before a gradual decline in the last few years following the creation of the WSL and later the WSL2 (now the Championship). The club’s aim now is to get back to the vanguard of women’s football and establish itself in the top two tiers once more.

“The aim absolutely is to go higher in the league system again. We have started to pay expenses for the first time in the club’s history. This has to now be the minimum to compete and recruit at this level (tier four). We think we have a solid plan to progress up the league, and a sensible timeframe to do it. Our development is mental as much as technical and that takes some time.”

Bradford City is seeing the consequences of the growth of the women’s game, with pressures to maintain this growth themselves. “We have to grow exponentially just to keep up. We are seeing teams in our league, traditionally an amateur league, now paying £100+ a game to players. This has made everything far better, far more competitive, but harder along the way.”

**Above:** Bradford City celebrate. **Photo:** @BCAFC_Women

The relationship between City and the men’s team is strong and one which is continuing to grow, as Hames revealed. “We are fully run by the club’s community foundation now, and due to the great links and trust between Qas (our General Manager) and Ryan, we are getting recognition and support from the men’s club all the time.

“That support has already led us playing our derby game at the main Valley Parade stadium and getting a league-high crowd. We now just need to keep up the work to ensure the fans recognize what we are doing and bring their passion across to supporting us too.”

With Bradford City currently in the FA Women’s National League Division One North, Hames outlined his view on the competition this season.

“It’s a tough league. On experience, it seems to be one of, if not the, strongest league at this tier. We have done very well against top sides from the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands, and find our own league matches further along in terms of progress.

**Above:** Bradford City get a shot in on goal against Yorkshire Amateurs. **Photo:** Alex Daniel via Bradford Telegraph & Argus.

The first eight games this season haven’t been as productive as we would have liked. We are ruing some missed opportunities to secure wins, but we are still confident of hitting our stride and progressing up the table and away from the drop.”

Bradford City’s further development will be aided by the pathway from girls to women’s football at the club. “The pathway is outstanding,” said Hames. “We are very proud of the route and the links we have. Nine players who have come through our girls’ teams have represented the first team so far this season. We are seeing technically proficient and tactically clever players coming through each year, with such a passion for the game and the club. It’s very promising.

“In five years, we want to have developed a more professional outfit where we can provide the best football option in the area for women and girls to develop, compete and excel in the game.”

Having A Vine Time In India

Above: Cortnee Vine spoke of her excitement and pride at making her Australia debut with the media today. Photo: Football Australia.

Ahead of The Matildas’ final Group B game in the AFC Asia Cup, Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Australia’s Cortnee Vine, Emily van Egmond, and Teagan Micah (26/1/22).

Australia’s latest debutant Cortnee Vine spoke of her absolute joy at making her Matildas debut on Monday against the Philippines at the AFC Asia Cup in Mumbai.

The Sydney FC star came on in the second half and immediately showed the form that led to her receiving that first international call-up with a typically dominant run down the right.

“It honestly felt amazing! It is so surreal. I still get a bit weird about it! I can’t believe I actually did it, like it actually happened. I can now say that I am a Matilda which is mindblowing!

“I don’t know when it’s going to hit me, it’s all been like a blur. It will probably hit me when I get home and have time to reflect. I don’t have time to do that right now, it’s just go, go, go.

“It’s been my dream since I was a kid. I started playing football when I was five with my brother just having fun. Now I’m wearing that badge with so much pride, it’s an honour to be able to do it. It has been a dream for a very long time.

“There were definitely times when I thought it was not going to happen. Soccer is a rollercoaster. Without support from back home, from family, friends, and partner for just being there. I wouldn’t be here without them.

“My first phone call afterward was to my partner. She was absolutely stoked and so proud of me. Then I called my family, they could not have been prouder. Dad was shedding a tear, so it must have been something!”

Vine spoke about her initial experiences when she stepped onto the pitch. “I didn’t really think about anything. I’m a player who just plays in the now. I just wanted to get out there and play my game and show them what I can do.

“The Philippines did a great job. They held on for so long. Staj (Alen Stajčić) as their coach has done an amazing job. He’s a very good job so I wasn’t surprised that they came out and did a good job.

“We got the win, the girls are stoked and we move on to the next match with Thailand and then the quarter-finals, so it’s all very exciting.”

The Sydney FC striker spoke about receiving her first cap from Sam Kerr. “It was a massive thing. It was Sam Kerr! It’s amazing. She is a player that I aspire to be like. She has achieved so much, along with many of this team. It’s very surreal to play with them.”

Impetus spoke exclusively to Cortnee Vine two days before her call-up to the Matildas squad for the Asia Cup, to read it, click here

**Above:** Emily van Egmond pictured at today’s Matildas press conference. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Australia’s former West Ham United star Emily van Egmond has been in strong form in her country’s opening two games at the AFC Asia Cup. Scoring five goals and taking playing two different roles in her stride, the 28-year-old midfielder highlighted the difficulties that their opponents posed to them and the influence that former Matildas head coach Alen Stajčić has had on the Philippines.

“Credit to the girls. It was a difficult first half for us, they (the Philippines) played a low block and made it difficult for us.

“What he (Stajčić) is doing with the Philippines team is great, they showed they are really resilient. We go into every single game focused on ourselves. It was nice to see Staj post-game and we wish him all the best for the tournament.”

Looking more widely at Australia’s performances in their opening two games, van Egmond highlighted their defence. “It’s been awesome to keep clean sheets. We’ve had two and hope to get another one now against Thailand.

“We’re here to do a job. We have full faith in the coaching team and we’re here to do a job. We’re here to win. Whatever team the coach (Tony Gustavsson) puts out, we have full faith.”

Asked about the injection of energy that the substitutes put into the performance, especially against the Philippines on Monday, van Egmond was effusive with praise.

“The younger girls that have come in for this camp, and the ones previously, have really proved exactly why they are here. They bring a competitive edge and everyone is vying for spots (in the team). For them to be able to get game time is fantastic. To see Cortnee (Vine) get on, I’ve seen her playing for a while during my time at Newcastle (Jets), it’s great. It’s very deserving for anyone who has been selected.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s game against Thailand, the 28-year-old said: “We have a plan, we want to win and make a good statement going into the quarter-finals. We’ll find out more as it gets closer in terms of selection, but the most important thing is to have 23 players who are fit and available.

“It’s all about the team. We all have the same vision and aspiration in terms of what we want to achieve here, which is to win. I’m not looking too far ahead into the future. I’m focusing on my own individual goals and what we can do as a collective for what is best for the team. as always.”

**Above:** Australia goalkeeper Teagan Micah reviewed Monday’s game with the Philippines with the media today. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Teagan Micah returned in goal for the Matildas for Monday’s game against the Philippines and reviewed how she felt things went.

“I loved playing my first Asian Cup game, I had a good (competition) debut and I enjoyed it. Any time I can step out on the park with the girls, I love it.

“It was a tough match for us, especially in the first half, but I’m proud of the girls for how they came out in the second half. We stuck to the game plan and got the three points.

“At half-time, he (Tony Gustavsson) told us about the stats from the first half and that we should be 4-0 up. That’s football though, sometimes the ball just doesn’t go in. It was all about keep going, doing what we need to do and the goals would come. It was just patience, really. We keep going, getting the good performances and clean sheets, and move on to the next (game).”

Micah outlined the importance of staying focused when not having as much to do during a game as she might have. “I like to stay involved, with communication and moving across to follow the ball, moving all the time. In those sorts of games, you do have one or two moments to get involved, so you need to be ready.

“It’s great that there is competition between Lyds (Lydia Williams), Macca (Mackenzie Arnold), and myself. We push each other along, we get on well. It’s a really good environment and it’s good to have people to push you. We’re only going to get better as a result.”

In terms of her own focuses at present, the Rosengård goalkeeper said: “I’m still young, so I want to be a lot more consistent and keep pushing for the number one spot, enjoying my football.

Bryleeh Henry: Wanting To Be The Best She Can

Above: Bryleeh Henry in action for Western Sydney Wanderers against Melbourne Victory recently. Photo: Kris Goman.

For this week’s #MidweekDub feature, Western Sydney Wanderers and Australia international striker Bryleeh Henry caught up exclusively with Impetus‘ Kris Goman. The pair discussed Henry’s sporting background, her international call-up, and life at Western Sydney Wanderers (26/1/22).

Kris Goman (KG): As our site has a global audience, many readers may not be aware of your background. Can you give us an overview of your footballing journey from junior football onwards?

Bryleeh Henry (BH): Originally I started playing soccer when I was around nine years old. I just joined up on the spot because my friends did it. I actually played six or seven different sports growing up. I had a sporting family. I think being in sport was sort of inevitable for me with sporty parents.

So soccer from nine-years-old and when I was fifteen I had to give up other sports as it started to clash too much. I found my passion and love of soccer so kept playing that. I just started at my local club, Penrith FC. Then I went into my first representative team, Mount Druitt Rangers, and then my first NPL team at Blacktown and then Institute and then Wanderers.

KG: So what were the other sports you were playing?

BH: Gosh, I did athletics, swimming, Oztag (a version of tag rugby), I played softball from when I was four.

KG: And what about your parents? You said you come from a sporty family.

BH: Both of them played soccer. Dad switched over to footy (Rugby League) because he was a bit too rough for soccer. He actually played up until the Penrith first grade and then his age group got wiped so he stopped playing. Mum did soccer and swimming. She went to the Olympic trials for swimming.

KG: Wow. That’s amazing. So you only started with the W-League last season and now you have your first Matildas cap. In your wildest dreams did you think this would happen so quickly?

BH: Not at all. It’s surreal that it happened so quick. It’s always been a dream of mine and it’s what I’ve been working towards for ages but for it to come to reality as quickly as it did, yeah, it’s crazy. I think the last time they played Brazil was when they played in Penrith, where I’m from, and I was in the stands watching with my parents so it’s crazy that this time I was now playing.

KG. Amazing. I was at that game too. That was the first Matildas game I saw live and since then I’ve been obsessed. Haha. So, what are you doing differently since being with the Matildas and what are your big takeaways from those camps and matches?

BH: Well I learned so much from there, even off the field as well. Like the people that the girls are off the field and how Tony (Gustavsson, Australia head coach) is and the coaching staff. I learned so much. Just how intense training was there and trying to bring that back into Wanderers training and keep that intensity up so that if the time comes around and I get the chance to go back into the Matildas camp, I’m still training at that intensity level and it’s not such a big gap and a big difference. I’ve just taken as much as I can away from it and back into my training now, is probably what I’m trying to do most.

**Above:** Bryleeh Henry (right) pictured after her Australia debut with Remy Siemsen against Brazil. **Photo:** Football Australia.

KG: So there really is that much of a difference between what you do at the Wanderers day to day to what goes on there. I mean I know that the Matildas camps are very concentrated as you only get a few days together before a big match but the level and intensity is that different from club to country?

BH: I think so, yeah. Obviously, W-League is still massive. It’s a massive league to be playing in and it’s still very intense and you’re competing for spots but I think that international level and the clubs the girls play for overseas is just that step higher. The games are much faster, quicker decisions, you have to be so much fitter and you’re competing for an international spot on an international stage so it’s just that next level up.

KG: Going into your second season with the Wanderers, did you approach the games any different to last year?

BH: I think I’ve sort of gone in with a little bit more confidence. I’m a bit more relaxed. Last year in my first season I was a bit more nervous and didn’t really know what to expect playing in the W-League that I’ve watched growing up for so long. Crazy to be playing in that and I think I was a bit frantic. So coming in this year, I knew what to expect in the game and what training was going to be like so I was a bit more relaxed and confident with myself.

KG: How do you rate the season so far with the Wanderers?

BH: We definitely haven’t got the start that we would like. No team likes to start off losing and drawing games but we’ve definitely had some good passages of play and we’ve played some good football. We’ve been training hard over the last few weeks and I think that we’ve been a bit unlucky in games but we just need to be more clinical with our chances and finishing and that’s what it really comes down to.

That’s why we’ve lost our games. Having a new coach and new girls is great and they’ve been doing amazing. I think if we can just be more clinical in games to come and keep playing the football we know we can, the finals are definitely not out of reach with eight games left. Definitely going for that.

**Above:** Bryleeh Henry jumps for joy after scoring from the penalty spot against Brisbane Roar recently. **Photo:** Western Sydney Wanderers,

KG: Who made the decision for you to take the penalty the other week? How did you approach that and how were the nerves?

BH: I don’t think there was really a formal decision. No one wanted to take it so I was like, I’ll take it.

KG: So you just grabbed the ball and said, “Pick me. I’ll do it”?

BH: Yeah, that was sort of how it happened. I wasn’t overly nervous. I knew it was important that we needed to score that goal. Every time you get a penalty, it’s an opportunity to get in front and I wanted to put the ball in the back of the net more than anything. I just thought in my head that there’s more pressure on the goalkeeper to save the goal than for me to score it. So I just picked my spot and kept to it.

KG: While the Wanderers defence has been impeccable, the second best in the competition, scoring goals is proving more difficult. How much do you take that on personally and do you think the team will fix that problem?

BH: Yeah, I think it’s definitely personal to a level. That’s my job. Every time I go to the park, I want to score a goal so when I’m not doing that, I obviously don’t feel like I’m doing my job to the best that I can. But I think that as a team, we’ve had opportunities and it’s just that sort of final cutting edge that as a team we need to fix and personally as well.

I know I need to be more clinical in front of goal which is something that I’m working on. I want to win games to come but I think we need to create more chances in front of goal. I think our chances creating and shots on target could definitely be a lot higher than what they have been in past games. Making those numbers higher and having more clear chances on goal will make it more likely we’ll score goals.

KG: It’s hugely important for young girls (and old girls) to have sporting role models. Who were your own and what do you think about being a role model for the next generation?

BH: I have to say, and it’s a bit cheeky that everyone says Sam Kerr but it’s Sam Kerr. She’s the best footballer in the world and she plays my position. I’ve always looked up to her and always watched her. She was everywhere so how could you not watch her growing up. She’s amazing.

I think being a role model myself now and knowing that I can have the influence that older girls like her had on me, I think is something that’s important to me. Being at school and they have big sporting people come in and everyone gets so excited. I know how big that was to me as a little kid. Now to be that person that comes into schools or is at things when little kids come to watch you at games, knowing that I was once in that spot and I know how much it meant to me, I try to be the best role model for them. It’s very important.

KG: Have you actually been back to your school or anything like that to do any of those kinds of things?

BH: I have a couple of times.

**Above:** Bryleeh Henry spoke about her recognition of how important being a role model is. **Photo:** Kris Goman.

KG: And how did that go? Was it pretty cool?

BH: Yeah, it was pretty cool. It was pretty crazy, like I said, to be on the other end of it where kids that I went to school with look up to me.

KG: I mean you’re not that long out of school anyway, are you? Surely it’s only a couple of years so you must know some of the people that are still there I would have thought.

BH: Yeah definitely.

KG: What are your personal aims for the season?

BH: I just want to keep developing as a player to become the best player I can and get as much out of this season as I can. I want to get on the scoresheet. That’s my job and that’s my goal when I step out onto the pitch. So definitely putting more goals away for the team and assisting goals is definitely a goal of mine and working as hard as I can for the team.

KG: What would a good season look like for the Wanderers?

BH: I think, you know, winning more games. Draws we had, there were a couple of draws and a couple of losses last year which sort of cost us that season. We’re at that part of the season now where winning is hugely important. If we don’t, then the finals are going to be out of reach. We want to make finals. That’s been our goal since the start and I think if we can get ourselves back into the top four and keep winning games, finals are definitely our goal.

KG: It’s definitely not out of reach. There’s a group of teams there that are all within a few points of each other and really there are only two wins in it to get you from the middle to finals contention without any problems so, fingers crossed, that’s for sure. Rooting for you.

BH: Thanks.

KG: Do you follow the Women’s Super League in England and the NWSL in the USA? What teams do you follow?

BH: I do follow and I like to watch a lot of the games, especially since the Matildas have gone over. I would say I watch more the Women’s Champions League and the WSL in England. I wouldn’t say I really have a team. I think I just like to float between the games. They’re all competitive. I don’t really have a team. I just like to watch all the players.

**Above:** Bryleeh Henry focusing for Western Sydney Wanderers against Melbourne Victory a fortnight ago. **Photo:** Kris Goman.

KG: So let’s do the rapid-fire questions. I’ll just run through and you can answer these quickly.

BH: OK!

KG: What was your best present for Christmas?

BH: Oh gosh. I honestly can’t remember what I got for Christmas. I’m going to say a candle. A really nice smelling candle.

KG: Favourite colour?

BH: Aqua.

KG: Who’s the funniest on the team?

BH: Caitlin Cooper.

KG: Who’s the fastest on the team?

BH: I’m going to say Erica Halloway.

KG: Who’s the best dresser or most fashionable on the team?

BH: Teigan Collister.

KG: Who’s your roomie for away games?

BH: The young Alexia Apostolakis.

KG: What’s your dream car?

BH: Range Rover.

KG: Who would your dream team be to play for?

BH: I’m going to say Chelsea or Manchester City.

KG: And who’s your dream player to play with?

BH: Lieke Martens.

**Above:** Bryleeh Henry in action for Western Sydney Wanderers against Melbourne Victory. **Photo:** Kris Goman.

KG: Finally, did you smash your car up yesterday? I saw a photo on Instagram and you got your car stuck. Did you get it unstuck?

BH: I did get it unstuck eventually. Yeah. I had to go all the way back down to go all the way back up but I got there in the end.

KG: So you didn’t scratch your car?

BH: No, I didn’t scratch it. It’s a very tight corner and I actually got caught because my wheels lifted. I was trying to go but they were spinning and I didn’t know what to do. Libby (Copus-Brown, Western Sydney Wanderers teammate) was behind me so I blame it on her.

KG: So that’s about it. Just one final thing, I assume you’ll be watching the Asian Cup?

BH: Yeah.

KG: Great. So who you going for?

BH: The Matildas!

KG: Correct. Right answer! Ha ha.

Huddersfield Announce Ticket Details For Huge Cup Tie

Above: Huddersfield Town gather at a previous game at the John Smith’s Stadium. Photo supplied by: Huddersfield Town Women.

By Oliver Eaton (26/1/22).

Last month Huddersfield Town Women announced that they will be hosting their Fourth Round Vitality Women’s FA Cup fixture against FA Women’s Super League side Everton at the men’s team’s home at the 24,000 capacity John Smith’s Stadium.

The club has now announced ticket information and the kick-off times as the Terriers aim to smash their attendance record which stands at 1,115.

All tickets are purchased on the turnstile this Sunday (30th January) and it will be cash only. Prices are: Adults: £5, Concessions: £3, Under-16s accompanied by an adult will be free.

Turnstiles will be open from 12pm with access only to the Core Stand Lower. Kick-off, as advertised by the FA, will be 1pm on Sunday 30th January. This is a huge fixture for the club and a big test against a Barclays FA Women’s Super League side. It is also a great opportunity for Huddersfield fans to watch their local women’s football side in action, maybe for the first time.

**Above:** Huddersfield Town (in red change kit) took on FA Women’s Super League side Brighton and Hove Albion in the last sixteen of the 2020/21 FA Cup. **Photo provided to *Impetus* by:** Huddersfield Town Women,

Speaking about the tie, Huddersfield Town Women chair Alison Bamforth said: “The whole club are incredibly excited to have the privilege of welcoming Jean-Luc Vasseur and his Everton side to Huddersfield.

“We are delighted that our players once again have an opportunity to test themselves against WSL opposition, building on the experience of playing Brighton & Hove Albion in last year’s Vitality Women’s FA Cup 5th round.

“I would like to extend huge thanks to Huddersfield Town AFC for hosting the game at the John Smith’s Stadium and would love to see the whole of Huddersfield out in force to be that ‘12th man (player/women)’ and perhaps help generate a bit of FA Cup magic!”

Sam Kerr Receives The Order of Australia

Impetus’ Ben Gilby, who has followed Sam Kerr‘s career from the early days in Western Australia, heard the striker give her views on receiving this honour overnight and profiles her career from those early days (26/1/22).

Matildas captain and national record goalscorer Sam Kerr was been awarded the Order of Australia overnight.

Kerr, recognised as one of the world’s greatest footballers spoke about her huge pride in receiving recognition for her services to football.

“It’s one of the biggest achievements for me. It’s an amazing honour. You never know who is watching. I’ve always been myself and gone about how I believe football and women’s sport should be broadcast. That’s made people feel comfortable and brought people in to do what they want to do and giving people confidence to do so.

“It’s an amazing honour that Australia has recognized what I have done and what the Matildas have done because, to be honest, I don’t see this as an individual award because I’ve had so many teammates and coaches help me along this journey. Who would have thought someone with the Matildas would receive this?”

When asked what remains on her bucket list to achieve, Kerr revealed that she is nowhere near finished yet.

“There’s so much more I want to achieve. I want to win trophies with the Matildas and my club (Chelsea), but I want to continue to help grow the game and I want to reach different people in different walks of life in Australia. There are so many communities who don’t have the resources to have young girls and boys growing up playing sport, so I’d love to do that.

“Even in Asia, being here in India at the moment, I’ve loved seeing the growth and how interested people are here in women’s sport. I’d love to tap into my Indian heritage and help Asian women and girls grow up, but in Australia, getting more pathways for girls and boys in football.”

**Above:** Sam Kerr pictured with Indonesian players after the opening Group B game of the Asia Cup in Mumbai last week. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Football Australia.

The striker reminisced about her Asia Cup experiences over the years, as she now has the status of the player that so many at the competition look up to.

“I remember my first Asia Cup (in 2010 at the age of 16) and I was like ‘Wow! I can’t believe I’m on the same pitch as these players’, so being on the other side of that now is an amazing thing that I’m really proud of. I’ve tried to make as much effort in a COVID safe way with the young girls (on opposing teams) that I can this tournament because I know what it meant to me back then, so I’ve been trying to give my time to everyone here to inspire the next generation.”

Speaking on a broader perspective about recognition for females, Kerr was blunt. “It’s important that females get recognition. We’re getting more and more, but we have to keep breaking down barriers. We need to give people belief and give females that confidence to do what they love and what they are passionate about and do it with conviction.

“For so long people haven’t been recognized in female sport, so we need to break down those barriers and hopefully there are many more females to be recognized for the work that they do.”

**Above:** Sam Kerr pictured in her early days playing for Perth Glory against Canberra United. **Photo:** Wikipedia.

Born in East Fremantle from a sporting family, Kerr’s first club, at the age of 12 was Western Knights, based in Mosman Park just three miles from her home.

Within three years, Sam had attended trials for Western Australia’s state team and then moved across to Perth Glory, the state’s sole W-League (now A-League Women) side. Making her debut at the age of 15, she was named as the league’s Player’s Player of the Year in 2009 – an incredible statistic. Her stay at the Glory lasted until 2012 when she joined Sydney FC. Thirteen goals in twenty-four games was her return.

In the same period, due to the way the Australian and American seasons are scheduled, Kerr played for Western New York Flash for the first NWSL season in 2013 and made it all the way to the Grand Final where they lost to Portland Thorns.

The striker returned to home club Perth Glory who she represented in the W-League from 2014-19 in between spells in America. Back in the purple and orange of her local senior side, Kerr led the Glory to two W-League Grand Finals and won the Julie Dolan Medal as the best player in the W-League twice.

Kerr was in incredible form for the Western Australians, scoring a total of 52 goals in 49 games. In this period the East Fremantle-born star spent two seasons with Sky Blue FC in the NWSL and in 2017, at the age of just 23 became the all-time top scorer in NWSL history. The same season saw her winning the NWSL Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player Award.

Kerr spent the 2018 and 2019 NWSL seasons with Chicago Red Stars, for whom she played in the Championship game. Her American adventure ended with the honour of being the first player to be named as the NWSL’s Most Valuable Player twice, and top scorer three times.

**Above:** Sam Kerr pictured after signing for Chelsea towards the end of 2019. **Photo:** Getty Images.

In November 2019, to great media fanfare, Kerr announced that she would join Chelsea in the FA Women’s Super League, and she made her debut in January 2020 and was part of the team that won the Conti Cup and FAWSL title. The Western Australian has subsequently won the FAWSL title and Conti Cup again along with the FA Cup and FA Community Shield along with an appearance in the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final.

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson, congratulated Kerr and acknowledged the contribution she has made to Australian football.

“The Australian football community has always been incredibly proud of the exploits and leadership of Sam and now she has received formal recognition that is richly deserved,” Johnson said. “I warmly congratulate her on yet another accolade that cements the pride Australians have in Sam and the Matildas.”

“Australian football continues to grow and that is in large part due to the rise of women’s football in the past decade. The Matildas have evolved into a truly iconic Australia team and Sam, now as captain of the team and Australia’s greatest goal-scorer, has played her part in that transformation.

“Importantly, Sam and her teammates have demonstrated how their actions on the pitch can have a positive societal impact off the pitch, transforming the perception of women in sport with their championing of gender equality.”

**Above:** Sam pictured after playing for Australia against Brazil last year. **Photo:** Joseph Mayers, supplied to *Impetus* by: Football Australia.

Gustavsson: The Importance of Staying Focussed

Above: Tony Gustavsson speaking to the media at the Asia Cup yesterday. Photo: AFC Asia Women’s Cup.

Ben Gilby heard from Australia’s head coach Tony Gustavsson after his team’s 4-0 win over the Philippines at the Asia Cup in Mumbai yesterday (25/1/22).

Australia made it two wins from two in Group B of the AFC Asia Women’s Cup after overcoming stubborn resistance from a Philippines side led by former Matildas head coach Alen Stajcic.

The first half saw Australia dominate but struggle to produce a telling final pass or accurate shots on goal, but after Sam Kerr put them ahead early in the second half, there was no stopping the Matildas with further strikes following from Emily van Egmond, Mary Fowler in addition to an own goal from Dominique Randle.

“We knew that this was going to be a very different game (to the opening 18-0 win over Indonesia)”, Gustavsson admitted, “I have to give a lot of credit to the Philippines, I thought that they made it very difficult for us. They did good preparation work.

**Above:** Delight at finally making the breakthrough against the Philippines shows on Sam Kerr’s face. **Photo** **supplied to *Impetus* by:** Football Australia.

“They didn’t surprise me. I saw them against Thailand and I knew they were good. I showed some video to the players so they would see what we would face. You can see that they are well organized. They had a very long prep-time and have fighting spirit. I’m really impressed by them.

“They play for their country with pride and are committed, physical, and work hard for each other. Some teams need to look out for them in this tournament.”

Australia’s head coach remarked how impressed he was that his players kept focused on the job in hand despite so many chances going begging in the opening 45 minutes.

“We were able to stay focussed and not get frustrated. When you create the number of chances that we did in the first half, and the stats say we should be up three or four-nil, and you don’t get those goals, you can lose your head. We talked about that at half-time – ‘keep doing what we are doing, just do it faster’. The players came out with confidence and conviction in the second half and we knew that when a first goal came, so would a second, third and fourth, and so it did.”

Gustavsson was questioned about his team’s reliance on long balls and crosses in the first half and missed chances. “I’m not concerned by missing chances. I think there is a lot of variation in our attack, actually. We’ve sharpened our central combinations and had three good sequences of play. The Philippines forced us out wide too. The way we attack means we earn corners and we know we are deadly from there. I was more impressed with the Philippines defence than I was disappointed with our attack.”

**Above:** Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson praised the Philippines team for their performance and saw positives in his own players’ ability to remain focussed in the light of missed chances. **Photo:** AFC Asia Women’s Cup.

He emphasized his pride in seeing work from the training pitch transfer into match play. “I’m really happy how some of the things we did…in the pre-tournament training camp in Dubai came off. We scored goals from corners and so I’m really happy with the work of the players and the staff.”

The Matildas head coach outlined the reasons for the deeper role that Emily van Egmond (EvE) was deployed in during the game. “We knew that the Philippines were going to kick long a lot, play out from the back, take minimal risks and go long a lot. We wanted to have EvE’s aerial presence and I think she dominated in the air. We also knew that it was going to be very compact in the central area and we wanted to have EvE’s long-range passing.

“I also wanted to open up for Tameka Yallop to come onto the park because her penetrating runs through long blocks is very efficient, so different reasons.”

Having van Egmond play in this different role and the addition of Yallop meant that there was no place in the starting lineup for Clare Wheeler, and Gustavsson had words of comfort for the former Sydney FC star.

“I want to say that Clare Wheeler was fantastic in the opening game as a holding midfielder and the way she dictated the game. Long tournaments are not just about one game. We have different tools to use in different games. She was brilliant in that first game.”

**Above:** Emily van Egmond, who played in a slightly different role on Monday, pictured after getting on the scoresheet again against the Philippines. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Football Australlia.

Gustavsson also emphasized the influence that Sam Kerr has on the team other than her goalscoring. “She is a great captain and a great person. It is not just me who speaks at half-time, it is her as well. She is leading this team in such an impressive way.”

Australia’s head concluded by looking ahead to the final group game against Thailand on Thursday.

“We will treat it the same way as we have the opening two games. We have two main targets for the group stage. One was to win the group, the other is to get out of the group with as many players as possible available to peak mentally and physically going into the next stage.

In terms of selection for the Thailand game, Gustavsson revealed: “We will have a long meeting with the Sports Science department to see which players need playing time to peak in the next stage and who we need to protect. We protected players (against the Philippines) who had a few minor things. But we take this tournament really seriously and every game matters. I think everyone has seen that now with the two line-ups and what we have done in these games.”

For Kieran Yap’s report on Australia’s win over the Philippines, click here