New look Lionesses for the Euros

By Catherine MacKenzie

Above: The Lionesses in a recent game. Photo: Shell Lawrence for Impetus.

Sarina Wiegman announced her squad for this summer’s Euros from St.George’s Park this afternoon.

This summer, England’s Lionesses will be aiming to defend their Euros title. They were champions on home soil in 2022, which was followed up by a first world cup final appearance in 2023.

The squad heading to Switzerland this summer will look very different to the squads of these tournaments. England have been rocked by a series of high profile retirements: first Mary Earps, then Fran Kirby, followed by Millie Bright withdrawing due to exhaustion after playing in four different tournaments for Chelsea.

Her withdrawal points to the larger conversations around scheduling – with players expected to handle increasing loads whilst also adapting to the pressures that come from the growth of the women’s game.

There is also a question around why players are choosing to retire so early – Earps and Kirby are both in their early 30s, and whilst the circumstances underlying their retirements will inevitably differ, it is a striking pattern.

Impetus has also discussed players – though not national team – who are choosing to retire even earlier, particularly throughout Europe. For example, players in the Dutch league are retiring as young as 21.

This leaves the England squad looking very different compared to previous tournaments. In goal, there is a lack of experience – though Hannah Hampton is established as Chelsea’s no.1, she only has 14 senior caps, and backups Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse are both uncapped.

The loss of Kirby is not as unexpected – the midfielder only chose to retire after being informed that she would be a reserve player in case of injury.

There is a wealth of young competition in her role – Grace Clinton and Jess Park are both solid attacking midfield options, alongside the more experienced Ella Toone.

Bright’s absence is arguably the most impactful. The Chelsea stalwart captained England at the 2023 World Cup and would have been expected to start every game. In her absence, captain Leah Williamson will be expected to partner Alex Greenwood at centre-back, unless she is preferred at left-back, in which case Lotte Wubben-Moy would likely partner Williamson.

England are blessed with a wealth of talented defenders – it is the leadership at the back that has taken a major blow. Hampton is not known for being vocal, and she will have to manage a back line of vastly more experience.

It will be up to Williamson and Greenwood to lead the team from the back – which is a lot of pressure for them to handle.

It is certainly a new-look England that are heading to Switzerland this summer; ironic considering the narrative that Sarina Wiegman struggles to trust young players.

The full squad is presented below:

Goalkeepers

Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating, Anna Moorhouse

Defenders

Leah Williamson, Alex Greenwood, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Lucy Bronze, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan

Midfielders

Grace Clinton, Jess Park, Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh

Forwards

Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Aggie Beever-Jones, Michelle Agyemang, Alessia Russo

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NPL NSW Women’s Round 13 Wrap-Up

By Georgina Lewis 3/6/25

Above: Sophie Harding for NWS Spirit. Photo: Aptitude Photography

Round 13 of the NPL NSW Women’s competition marked the halfway point of the 2024 season, and it didn’t disappoint. From stunning long-range strikes to dramatic late winners, the weekend served up a bit of everything — and with just a few points separating the top contenders, every result now feels decisive.

Mt Druitt kept their grip on top spot with a composed away win, while the Wanderers snapped their losing streak in style. Elsewhere, UNSW edged a five-goal thriller, Olympic found much-needed momentum, and several finals hopefuls continued to jostle for position.

Here’s your full wrap-up of an action-packed weekend.

Match of the Round: Western Sydney Wanderers 5–0 Newcastle Jets
Wanderers Football Park

The Western Sydney Wanderers snapped a five-game losing streak in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 5–0 victory over the Emerging Jets in a dominant performance at home.

Miriam Zumaya struck early, finishing a one-on-one chance in the 7th minute after a long ball from Amelia Bennett. She doubled the lead 11 minutes later, reacting quickest to tap in a rebound after a long-range effort from Lauren Nada was parried into her path.

The Wanderers continued to pile on the pressure in the second half, outshooting the Jets 30 to 10. Amy Barker capitalised on a wayward pass from the goalkeeper to make it 3–0 in the 68th minute, before heading home a well-worked short corner routine for her second just twelve minutes later.

Olivia Vanderlaan capped off the win in the 90th minute, tucking home from close range after a sharp assist from Ava D’Costa.

Western Sydney Wanderers Starting XI: Lauren Nada, Chelsea Barton, Alyssa Mckenzie, Miriam Zumaya, Alvina Khoshaba, Anika Stajcic, Ava D’Costa, Talia Younis, Jasmin Selva, Amelia Bennett, Amy Barker.
Substitutes: Estella Cameron, Catalina Wyrzynski, Olivia Vanderlaan, Christa Oliva, Annabelle Croll, Tahlia Voskanian.

Newcastle Jets Starting XI: Isabella Threlfo, Sophie Howarth, Kate Heap, Emma Dundas, Layla Sharpe, Navah Crofton, Marni Duggan, Julieanne Fox, Annika Driscoll.
Substitutes: Josie Allan, Lily-Rose Dunbar, Lacey Dobson, Aaliyah Kilroy, Charlotte Lowrie, Mackenzie Preston-Poole.

NWS Spirit 0–2 Mt Druitt Town Rangers
Christie Park

League leaders Mt Druitt Town Rangers continued their strong run of form with a professional 2–0 win over NWS Spirit in the round’s only Saturday fixture.

The Rangers wasted no time asserting their dominance, going ahead in just the 2nd minute. A high press forced Spirit into a turnover in their own half, and Adelaide Wyrzynski capitalised with a quick cross into the area. While the initial attempt was blocked, Leena Khamis was on hand to bury the follow-up.

They doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Khamis dropped deep to thread a brilliant pass through the defence. Erin Tavares let the ball run onto Wyrzynski, who blasted a first-time strike into the roof of the net.

Spirit pushed for a way back into the game but couldn’t break through a composed Mt Druitt defence.

NWS Spirit Starting XI: Tiahna Robertson, Erin Pridmore, Kayla Osborn, Bethany Gordon, Skye Halmariack, Ella Abdul Massih, Princess Ibini-Isei, Madison McComasky, Cristina Aunon, Sophie Harding, Ariana Stoltzfus.
Substitutes: Shani Cooney-Cross, Victoria Martin, Rubi Sullivan, Siena Hawkins, Viktorija Calusic, Grace Smith.

Mt Druitt Town Rangers Starting XI: Holly Williams, Kaiya Buchanan, Rosaria Galea, Olivia Sloan, Erin Leah Tavares, Leena Khamis (C), Tiarne Flavin, Ella Buchanan, Ena Harada, Adelaide Rosalinda Wyrzynski, Renee Krstanovska.
Substitutes: Laura Tredinnick, Emily Kos, Holly Dalrymple, Jessica Robinson, Rita Boateng, Keiko Tanaka.

Bulls FC Academy 1–1 APIA Leichhardt
Northbridge Oval

In a tightly contested clash at Northbridge Oval, Bulls FC Academy and APIA Leichhardt played out a 1–1 draw in a match that showcased two sides with finals aspirations.

APIA opened the scoring in the 27th minute after a slick passage of play ended with Charlotte Lancaster being brought down in the area. Ashlie Crofts converted from the spot with a composed finish into the bottom corner.

The Bulls hit back just seven minutes later when Tamires Souza bundled the ball over the line after a chaotic scramble from a corner.

Both sides searched for a winner in the second half, but the points were ultimately shared.

Bulls FC Academy Starting XI: Mio Nemoto, Elizabeth Grey, Avaani Prakash, Claudia Valletta, Tamires Souza, Jasmine Meli, Petria Phillips, Jynaya Dos Santos, Gemma Ferris, Amber Luchtmeijer, Indiana Dos Santos.
Substitutes: Ashley Henebery, Arna Hogarth-Scott, Daniella Naimi, Grace Johns, Jade Guichon, Ashley Hughes.

APIA Leichhardt Starting XI: Sophie Magus, Claudia Cicco, Jessica Seaman, Teal Kilbride, Te Reremoana Walker, Charlotte Lancaster, Ashlie Crofts (C), Jordan Jasnos, Estelle Fragale, Sophie Hoban, Alyssa Rose.
Substitutes: Hannah Mcnulty, Mia Golding, Zoe Panagopoulos, Christina Kilecec, Paige Cuthill, Ashlee Brodigan.

UNSW 3–2 Northern Tigers
The Village Green

UNSW made it three wins on the bounce after a thrilling 3–2 victory over the Northern Tigers.

Demi Koulizakis opened the scoring in the 34th minute after a bursting run and assist from Angelique Hristodoulou. The Tigers levelled early in the second half through Beth Bernardi after a smart pass from Charlotte Mortlock.

Just minutes later, Skye Casacchia put UNSW back in front with a stunning half-volley from outside the box. The Tigers responded once again, this time through a well-placed header from Haley Johnson in the 75th.

But it was substitute Trudy Camilleri who had the final say, heading home an Hristodoulou cross in the 82nd minute to seal a memorable win.

UNSW Starting XI: Aya Yamahata, Abigail Evetts, Demi Koulizakis, Chloe Smith, Marcella Santos, Abbey Lemon, Maryam Mostaghimi, Skye Casacchia, Angelique Hristodoulou, Sarah Langman, Jasmine Limon.
Substitutes: Leia Puxty, Allira Toby, Georgia Plessas, Trudy Camilleri, Akala Howell, Tess Quilligan.

Northern Tigers Starting XI: Josie Wilson, Isabella Keech, Savannah Murray, Haley Johnson (C), Charlotte Mortlock, Saffron Grass, Beth Bernardi, Olivia Cartwright, Bo Burton, Aimee Longhurst, Jasmine Black.
Substitutes: Lily McMahon, Greta Kraszula, Mischa Anderson, Rosie Ewin, Annaliese Glastonbury, Isla Witham.

Macarthur Rams 2–4 Sydney Olympic
Lynwood Park

Sydney Olympic picked up a vital win in their fight to climb the table, downing the 2024 champions Macarthur Rams 4–2 in a high-scoring affair.

Olympic took the lead early when Alyssa Whinham’s shot deflected off Chantelle Maniti and found the net. Macarthur equalised soon after through an outstanding strike from Amelia Cassar.

Whinham restored the lead with a confident penalty before turning provider alongside Sarah Yatim to tee up Aideen Keane for 3–1. India Breier pulled one back before halftime, but Olympic sealed the win through another Whinham finish in the 77th.

Macarthur Rams Starting XI: Tegan Bertolissio, Chantelle Maniti, Darcey Malone, Amelia Cassar, Tea Mucenski, Sakura Nojima, Maya Lobo, India Breier, Isabella Coelho, Claire Corbett, Liana Luong.
Substitutes: Lola Sossai, Gabriela Silva, Libby Morris, Halle Callow, Charlotte Hampshire, Abigail Inman.

Sydney Olympic Starting XI: Gabrielle Peak, Baxter Thew, Aideen Keane, Alyssa Whinham, Maya Fernandez, Rochelle Borromeo, Tara Baudana, Sarah Yatim, Maxine Peak, Brianna Clarke, Chloe Gordon (C).
Substitutes: Chloe Tseros, Ebony Mccue-Shore, Olivia Lysiak, Priya Sciuriaga, Bella Voisey-Youldon.

Manly United 2–1 Sydney University
Cromer Park

Manly United came from behind to defeat Sydney University 2–1 and keep touch with the top four.

Sydney Uni struck first through Alice Thompson, who cut in off the left and found the bottom corner. Manly equalised after halftime when Emily Minett beat the offside trap and found the net with help from a deflection.

Minett then bagged the winner in the 79th minute, latching onto a long goal kick from Jodie Drever and finishing calmly past the keeper.

Manly United Starting XI: Phoebe Gilbane, Grace Arnold, Nicole Stuart, Ruby Jackson (C), Anita Zordan, Emily Minett, McKaela Schmelzer, Jodie Drever, Lucy Richards, Daisy Arrowsmith, Chloe O’Brien.
Substitutes: Nicole Simonsen, Leah Burton, Alexia Forner, Tegan Biasi, Peyton Starner, Ava Roberts.

Sydney University Starting XI: Charlotte Owen, Alice Thompson, Amelia Feeney, Talia Kapetanellis, Jaime Beaufils (C), Megan Simpson, Tahliya Sambrook, Jenny Hill, Jennifer Kokoris, Sofia Fante, Maria Tsavalias.
Substitutes: Charlotte Hogan, Maddie Caspers, Ruby Egan-Brown, Hannah Callaghan, Ellen Hughes, Zanthe Juric.

Illawarra Stingrays 1–1 Gladesville Ravens
Macedonia Park

A late equaliser saw Gladesville Ravens snatch a point against the Illawarra Stingrays in a 1–1 draw.

Caitlin Cooper gave the Stingrays the lead in the 76th minute after a lung-busting run and a neat exchange with Chloe Middleton. But Miku Sunaga answered back for the Ravens just two minutes from time, rising highest to head home the equaliser and ensure both sides took a point.

Illawarra Stingrays Starting XI: Sophie Emery, Alex McKenzie, Poppie Hooks, Chloe Middleton, Siobhan Edwards, Alexia Karrys-Stahl, Danika Matos, Annabella Keep, Caitlin Cooper, Sofia Christopherson, Brooklyn Hudson.
Substitutes: Kaelah Austin, Adelaide Thompson, Ella Giles, Kate McPherson, Helena Halios-Lewis, Sophie Bailey.

Gladesville Ravens Starting XI: Annie Halls, Lexie Moreno, Breanna Buccini, Morgan Roberts, Keisha Allen, Poppy Channing, Allyssa Ng Saad, Miku Sunaga, Isabella Habuda, Taren King, Shamiran Khamis.
Substitutes: Eliza Coleman, Charlotte Wilford Carroll, Kaylie Shannon, Natalie Sproule, Eliza Hamilton, Alethea Levy.

With the ladder tightening and form lines beginning to emerge, the second half of the season promises plenty of drama. Mt Druitt remain the team to catch, but a cluster of in-form sides — including the Bulls, UNSW, and Manly — are building serious momentum.

At the other end, the battle to avoid the bottom is heating up, with crucial clashes ahead for Macarthur and the Jets. Round 14 is shaping up to be another defining weekend, and if Round 13 was any indication, there’s still plenty of twists to come.

Redemption for Football Ferns as Venezuela series ends tied

New Zealand 2-1 Venezuela

by Jonathon Hagger (4/6/25)

Above: Rebekah Stott (13) in possession for the Football Ferns against Venezuela yesterday. Photo: RNZ.

The Football Ferns responded from a disappointing performance and result against the Venezuelans at the end of last week to level the two-match series in Spain yesterday.

New Zealand were hungry to secure a win and ensure they tied the series. Ferns’ coach Micheal Mayne made five changes to the starting lineup, rewarding a number of players who were not included in the first match. Those players included Liz Anton in the defensive line, Manaia Elliot, Milly Clegg, Jacqui Hand, and Kellie Brown in the midfield and forward positions.

The match started with a similar feel to match one as Venezuela had an early opportunity to score the opening goal from deep inside the Ferns’ half in the opening minutes. Keeper Victoria Esson was called into action, but the shot sailed across the face of the goal and exited harmlessly on the other side.

New Zealand started this match much more positively. Their first real opportunity came in the tenth minute as they launched a counterattack, harnessing the speed and precision of Hand. While no shot was put on goal, a lapse of discipline by the Venezuelan defenders taking down Ferns defender Taylor resulted in a penalty. Katie Kitching stepped up to take the kick, but the shot deflected off the post.

With Annalie Longo playing in her preferred midfield role, much more energy and speed in transition were demonstrated, giving the Ferns forwards space to work with.

The next real opportunity for a goal came in the 40th minute as Venezuela were awarded a free kick just inside the field of play from the Ferns’ left-hand corner flag. An average-looking kick was not collected by Esson, allowing Mariana Speckmaier to somehow get a toe on the ball and slide it into the goal.

Just three minutes later, New Zealand leveled the scores. A pass back from the midfield to the defenders that looked innocent was played up the right-hand wing, and a beautiful cross from Brown found Clegg standing unguarded in the area, and a quality shot beat the goalkeeper.

Just mere seconds later, a speculative chip kick by Castellanos midway in the Ferns’ half, flew over Esson’s head and missed the target by a manner of inches.

The second half started with New Zealand applying all the pressure. Venezuela were mostly held in their own half as they were unable to find their way into the opposition’s half. It wasn’t until the 58th minute that the South Americans had their first scoring opportunity, which arose from a corner kick, won by Speckmaier. The ball fell nicely for the Ferns and was easily tidied up.

New Zealand grabbed the winner in the 72nd minute following Venezuela’s inability to clear the ball from deep within their half. Following a pinpoint accurate cross in front of the goal, a lovely cutback and nutmeg by Elliot found Hand waiting to guide the ball into the net.

It was fantastic to see both teams’ hunger from this point on, as each team fought to get the win. The Ferns fought hard to gain possession and shut out the Venezuelan attacking forays while their opposition desperately sought out avenues to move the ball into the New Zealand half. The final twenty minutes of the match went backwards and forwards with neither team gaining the ascendancy as the Ferns gained the win.

The Ferns team looked far more comfortable in this match, and the chemistry among players was much more apparent. With Longo dropping back into the midfield proper, she became the provider of quality through balls and an additional defender as required. With Longo being able to maximise her speed, space was created at the front for the strikers to sit high up the pitch.

The introduction of players who value keeping possession also made an impact. Hand, Brown, and Elliot all provided speed and precision along with chemistry with their teammates, which was largely missing in the first match.

New kids, Manaia Elliot and Deven Jackson, both had high-quality matches and looked very comfortable mixing it up against international opponents.

In a reversal of the first match, the Venezuelan team found the going tough trying to break through the Ferns’ lines to get into attacking areas. With no space opening up through the middle, the wings were targeted first, and then long balls over the top became the strategy.

However, the Ferns were up to the challenge, and besides giving up one goal, the tactic of applying pressure and maintaining possession worked throughout. Venezuela lacked the intensity that they played with in the first match and came up short.

Ultimately, the team that had the greater level of on-pitch chemistry took the win across both friendly matches. In match two, the New Zealand players who missed out playing earlier in the week, took their opportunities and showed that they are hungry and capable of more.

Teams: NEW ZEALAND (3-4-3): Esson, Taylor, Anton, Moore, Stott, Longo, Kitching, Elliot, Hand, Clegg, Brown. Substitutes: Bunge (46’), Hahn (66’), Pijnenburg (66’), Green (84’), Hassett (72’), Jackson (46’).

Scorers: Clegg 43’, Hand 73’.

VENEZUELA (4-2-3-1): Rebanales, Herrera, Gimenez, Rodriguez, Garcia, Castellanos, Altuve, Apostol, Speckmaier, Oliveri, Angelo. Substitutes: Chirinos (46’), Carassco (70’), Rodriguez (79’), Guarecuco (70’), Pescatore (80’), Herrera (90’).

Scorer: Speckmaier 41’.

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Rachel Corsie bows out as Andreatta era begins with impressive Netherlands draw

Netherlands 1 – 1 Scotland

By Gethin Thurlow (03/06/2025)

Above: Scotland huddle post-match. Photo: ScotlandNT on X.

Scotland legend Rachel Corsie bowed out of international football as an unused substitute and Melissa Andreatta gave fans a glimpse of what is to come in an end-to-end clash against the Dutch. 

After a dominant start from the Netherlands, a Lee Gibson save fell to Danielle van der Donk who calmy picked out Jill Roord in the area to put the Dutch ahead. They continued to push for another goal and some last ditch defending was required from centre back Jenna Clark to keep Romee Leuchter from adding to the scoreline, who was a constant thorn in the Scottish side during the first half.

Having fought through this spell of Dutch pressure, an injury to striker Kathleen McGovern allowed Andreatta to pull out the tactics board and give a full-on team talk in view of the TV cameras.

Above: Melissa Andreatta. Photo: ScotlandNT on X.

Whatever she said was clearly effective; as almost straight afterward right back Emma Lawton broke away from a Netherlands corner and launched a cross from at least 30 yards out, McGovern somehow latched on the end of it, guiding it into the corner for a Scottish leveller.

This seemed to give Scotland some renewed confidence and they started to have more control from then on, with Dutch chances coming fewer and farther between. It was so encouraging after what had been a total collapse against Germany from 1-0 up at half time to 6-1 at full time to see Scotland be able to sustain that competitive level.

The half time introduction of Rachel McLauchlan was inspired, and the Scots only got better as the second half went on, implementing the high pressing that Andreatta had discussed in her first ever press conference for the job. Kirsty Maclean and Erin Cuthbert were aggressive in midfield and found themselves in good areas many times, starting to show a bit of a ‘spine’ that the Australian manager could build around.

Above: Erin Cuthbert for Scotland. Photo: ScotlandNT on X.

Arguably, given the last 30 minutes it would be Scotland that are most disappointed to only come away with a draw, as they had a number of touches clean through in the Dutch box, but the stiff reflexes of van Domselaar and some indecisiveness from Scotland kept the score 1-1.

The grit, fight, strength and leadership shown by all 16 Scots out there today was a fitting tribute to the icon that is Rachel Corsie. Consistently throughout her international career, this is what Corsie displayed and finding someone worthy to replace her and lead this team into a new era will not be an easy task.

Above: Rachel Corsie. Photo: PA Media.

This point may not have been crucial to the Nations League table. But it represents far more than that. It was the performance that will be remembered not the score. It was the day Melissa Andreatta showed she was for real; and that Scotland could compete with anyone again.

TEAMS: NETHERLANDS (4-3-3): van Domselaar (GK), Casparij, Dijkstra, Spitse (Captain), Brugts, Kaptein, Groenen, Roord, van de Donk, Roord, Leuchter. Substitutes: Kop (GK), Baijings, Egurrola (85’), Grant (69’), R Jansen, D Janssen (68’), Snoeijs (85’), Wilms (74’), De Jong, van Dongen, S van der Sanden, I van der Sanden.

Scorer: Roord (10’)

SCOTLAND (4-2-3-1): Gibson (GK), Lawton, Howard, J Clark, Muir, Maclean, Cuthbert, McAulay, Weir (Captein), Gregory, McGovern Substitutes: Cumings (GK) Maciver (GK), Cornet, Corsie, Davidson, Hay, Howat (56’), Thomas (56’), McLauchlan (46’), Newsham, Smith (46’), Watson (94’)

Scorer: McGovern (27’)

Referee: Silvia Gasperotti

Attendance: 8,180 (ITA).

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“The Sweetest Way to Win”: Sarah Rowe’s Perfect Run with the Mariners

By Isabelle Campbell 3/6/25

Above: Sarah Rowe (left) after the A-League Women Grand Final win. Photo: A-League/Central Coast Mariners

When Sarah Rowe signed with the Central Coast Mariners midway through the A-League Women’s 2024/25 season, it was with excitement, ambition, and a willingness to be pushed outside her comfort zone. What followed was something she could never have predicted: a journey that ended with silverware.

“I got asked the question today ‘what did you enjoy most?’ And honestly, the answer was all of it,” Rowe shared in an interview. “Every moment of Mariners, I enjoyed. It was just such a special time filled with so many special people. I feel like it was exactly what I needed.”

Her arrival came at a critical point in the season but despite limited recent football experience, Rowe quickly earned a place in the starting eleven.

“I think Emily [Husband] knew that I probably didn’t have the experience in soccer over the last couple of years. But she knew that I was an experienced athlete and had probably been in pressure situations in different sports, she also knew I was willing to do any hard yards or any hard work behind the scenes to get myself to a place where I was good enough to be a starter.”

“Two weeks in, she was like, ‘I’m going to start you.’ And I was kind of looking at her being like, are you sure? I don’t think I’m ready. But because she thought I was ready, I was like, well, I have to be ready.”

Rowe’s debut in the backline required quick adjustment, not just to a new team, but a new position entirely.

“I had never played right back. So I was going from having an attacking mindset to actually being dictated to by my player and having a defensive mindset.”

Behind the scenes, she and Husband committed to hours of tactical analysis.

“Emily was amazing. She did so much work with me behind the scenes. We looked at video tirelessly every week to just see where I could improve and how I could get myself to a position where I would start every week. I think she probably trusted the work that I was putting in to get there.”

But the physical side was no small hurdle, either.

“The girls had match sharpness way ahead of me. My body wasn’t even in the right shape to play soccer. I changed the way I train, there were elements of the game that I struggled with earlier

on, I was running past things versus being able to stop as effectively and quickly as you need for soccer.”

“AFLW had coached me to be a different way and I had to kind of unlearn those habits and relearn new ones that were essentially muscle memory in my head from having played soccer before.”

There’s no shortage of praise for Emily Husband in the media and the sentiment is just as strong among her players.

“I just think she’s incredible. I think she’s a tactical genius, which she would hate me saying because she’s so humble. Her values are exactly where they should be. She’s so sincere and she’s so loyal to her players and she makes us feel that all the time.”

“If there was ever a problem in my life, even my personal life, I could always lean on Emily no matter what. She was always there to listen, but she always expected the highest standards of us.”

“I probably haven’t met as well-rounded a coach before in my career. Just massive respect. Cannot speak highly enough about her.”

Never the team picked to win, the Mariners gained confidence with each match, heading into the final with quiet belief.

“Probably the last two weeks of the season, it was nothing but elation, from the Melbourne City game to the final. After that, it was just the highest of highs that you feel in sport.”

The grand final itself brought everything full circle. Against her former club, Melbourne Victory, Rowe played in front of a crowd filled with friends, family, and her Collingwood teammates.

“It was like the dream final set up for me, essentially across the road from Collingwood grounds, all my Collingwood teammates being there, my dad being there, playing my old club, Victory. It couldn’t have worked out better.”

“You wouldn’t ever want to win a game any other way than we did in penalties. It’s the sweetest way to win a game.”

Though just a short time at the club, the bond forged with the Mariners’ supporters was strong.

“I got to build relationships that will last forever. I got to know the fans, I got to know families in the crowd. I really felt a part of everything that was Mariners.”

“It reminded me of home back in Ireland. Sometimes you think in professional sport that sincerity can get lost, but it really has restored my faith in humanity and the way people are.”

Compared to her earlier stint in the A-League with Melbourne Victory, Rowe sees this chapter as one where she had the opportunity to settle in.

“I had more time at Mariners, which meant I got to build deeper relationships. At Victory, they put so much work into me when I hadn’t played soccer in eight years, I’ll never forget them for that. But this time I was a starting player, I played 21 games, and I really felt part of the club.”

Now, with the season complete and her AFLW preseason already well underway, Rowe isn’t ruling out what comes next.

“I would definitely be considering another season. What that looks like, I suppose, is kind of all up for debate at the moment. But it’s definitely not too far from my mind. I’m definitely going to be having conversations about it over the next couple of weeks.”

And when asked to sum up her entire experience as a Mariner?

“Honestly, just grateful. Grateful to have met the people that I did. Grateful to have been a part of the team that we were. And just grateful that we got what we deserved in the end.”

“So often in sport, you really don’t. You put in tireless days, day in, day out, for very little highs and a lot more lows. I think when you do achieve those highs, you appreciate them like no other.”

Medal in hand, Sarah Rowe capped off a season defined by hard work, growth, and a team that refused to be counted out.

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NPLW Vic Round 11: Karaparidis turns on style on Box Hill win

By Kieran Yap 4/6/25

Above: Georgina Karaparidis surfs the corner flag.

Box Hill United defeated Preston Lions 3-1 in a game of spectacular goals and relentless attacking football.

Box Hill entered round 11 struggling for wins, but goal scoring has not been a recent problem, especially with rising star Georgina Karaparidis in for form. The 18 year old had scored in the last two games and would prove a handful for even Preston’s experienced defence.

The visiting Lions dominated the early exchanges, putting Box Hill on the back foot. Miri Nishimura was pulling the strings in attacking midfield, while Ellie La Monte and the overlapping Georgia Henderson were ominous on the left of Preston’s attack.

When the opening goal came, it was no great surprise, but the manner still left anybody watching in shock. Nishimura unleashed a dipping 25 yard strike that left Box Hill’s defenders with no chance.

Box Hill had spent much of the game playing on the counter attack with Gabrielle Simpson the busiest creative for for the home side, and the goal to Preston only opened the match up even more. In the second half the goals began to flow and it was Karaparidis who drew things level in the 64th minute.

Substitute Sara Petkaris threaded a clever pass into the path of Karaparidis’ clever ghosting run and the striker only needed one touch to finish low and into the net.

Preston tried to hit back and almost re-took the lead following a flowing move involving Nishimura, La Monte and Valentine Pursey. The chance ended up at the feet of Eliza Amendolia who’s effort brought a superb save out of Natasha Stathopoulos in goal.

Box Hill made it 2-1 in the 71st minute with an effort to match Nishimura’s opener. Fullback Josephine Aulicino received the ball near the touchline, tricked her way past one defender, and pushed beyond the next. after holding off the challenge she fired a rocket of a shot into the top corner to finish off an incredible induvial piece of play and put Box Hill ahead.

The sealer came almost immediately after. Karaparidis’ trickery and tenacity out wide created the chance, and she teed up Kaitie Cox for another brilliant curling finish.

Box Hill almost added a fourth after Emma Perone ran onto Karaparidis’ through ball, but could not beat Maggie Byrne in goal who made an unlikely one-on-one save.

Their fourth win of the season lifts Box Hill into eighth on the table, and into the traffic jam of quality sides looking to break into the finals positions. Next up they will host Bulleen Lions in what is shaping to be the game of round 12. Preston Lions will hope to respond against Spring Hills FC.

There were goals a plenty elsewhere across the league. Bulleen defeated Brunswick Juventus 3-1 despite going behind to a first half penalty by Lyela Butler.

A second half resurgence came in the form of a brace by Mary Brown. The youth team graduate scored in the 51st and 84th minutes to put Bulleen back in control and and own-goal settled matters on Saturday afternoon.

FV Academy beat Bentleigh Green 4-2 at The Home of The Matildas. Chelsea Briggs opened the scoring with a brilliant, bending effort from the corner of the box before Kaya Jugovic added a brace, including another spectacular long range strike, to put the home side well in control.

Two goals to Coco Parker brought hopes of a comeback for the visitors, but the ever deadly Fiorina Iaria settled things with a 79th minute finish to complete a Jasmine Millar’s square pass while in on goal.

Heidelberg United’s time at the top of the table continued with a 3-2 win against Essendon Royals. Last season’s Champions were made to earn it after coming from two goals down, but right now there is no stopping Sawa Matsuda, who’s hatrick was enough to see and raise Sasha Coorey’s brace for Essendon.

Heildeberg’s Japanese attacker now has 13 goals in 11 games and is the clubs most deadly forward since Danielle Wise roamed the Olympic Village stadium.

South Melbourne’s recent struggles continued. The 1-1 draw with Boroondara-Carey Eagles mean that the early pace setters are now five games without a win. They remain hard to beat, but match winning moments are frustratingly elusive for a side that was scoring for fun in the early rounds.

Raquel Derales’ 27th minute strike put South in the lead but that was surrendered in the 76th minute with a goal by Boroondara’s speedster Priya Savarirayan.

In the only other draw of the round, Alamein and Spring Hills FC played out a 0-0 result at Dorothy Laver Reserve.

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A bittersweet victory as Ireland beat Slovenia

Above: Saorise Noonan fights for the ball against Slovenia. Image: Ireland Football Twitter.

By Alyce Collett (3/6/25).

It was a bittersweet end to the UEFA Nations League campaign for the Republic of Ireland, who despite beating Slovenia 1-0 have failed to top their League B group after not winning by a big enough margin. 

The home side dominated possession all night, but just could not get many shots on target, which meant Saoirse Noonan’s first half goal was the only one they were able to record, falling three short of the desired margin to top the group. The result means that the Girls in Green now face a play off in October for a second chance to try and get back into League A. 

There was a high level of alertness to the Republic of Ireland’s play early on. It was clear the Girls in Green knew what was at stake today so they were not going to let any balls slip through or attention drop off at any stage. 

It was not resulting in a high number of threatening shots on goal, but after some at times concerning performances from the Girls in Green this Nations League season, there was hope for those in the home camp that things were going to be different today.

Eventually the first goal came almost 20 minutes in, after Noonan headed home a well placed Jessie Stapleton cross to get things going for the home side. 

Both sides were giving their all to the contest, with both sides having multiple players come up worse the wear from contests. One thing that the Republic of Ireland was doing really well was using the width of the pitch, maximising the pace of the likes of Emily Murphy and Abbie Larkin. 

Above: Ireland’s starting lineup. Image: Ireland Football Twitter.

However a crowded penalty box meant that goals were not plentiful in the first half, with Noonan’s the only one before the break. Lana Golob, Dominika Čonč and the rest of the Slovenian defenders definitely did not make things easy for the Irish despite the home side’s dominance in attacking play. 

The half time stats really told the story of Ireland’s dominance. The Irish had 24% more of the possession and 10 more shots on goal than the Slovenians, but unfortunately for the Irish they only had two more shots on target than their opponents recorded. 

The Irish started the second half much like they ended the first – on the front foot on the possession front, but not getting the shots on target they needed.

Slovenia defended really well, crowding the box and making it harder for the central attackers of Ireland to have much wiggle room. This forced the Republic of Ireland to go aerially, but they were not getting the accuracy on the headers they were needing. 

As the minutes ticked down and at times frustrations started to simmer, those extra goals the Republic of Ireland desperately needed were looking less and less likely to come. 

Teams: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (4-3-3): Brosnan, McCabe, Patten, Stapeleton, Hayes, Carusa, Noonan, Murphy, O’Sullivan, Sheva, Connolly, Larkin. Substitutes: Campbell, Louise Quinn, Mannion, Toland, Littlejohn, Barrett, Healy, Clancy, Moloney, Mustaki, Whitehouse. 

Scorers: Noonan 19’

SLOVENIA (4-4-2): Mersnik, Erzen, Golob, Čonč, Agrez, Kramzar, Korosec. Markovec, Prasnikar, Kolbl, Stemad. Substitutes: Vindisar, Testen, Kajzba, Zver, Kastelec, Kustrin, Krizaj, Ketis, Milovic, Janez, Pasar.

Referee: Miriama Bočková [SVK]

Attendance: 9,433

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Lionesses’ narrow loss to Spain exposes deep problems with fan culture

Spain 2 – 1 England

By Catherine MacKenzie (3/6/25)

Above: the Lionesses’ celebrate opening the scoring. Photo: Clare Wood for Impetus.

Football is England’s favourite sport – and with that distinction comes knowledge and passion. In every household you are likely to find at least one football fan, who follows their club with passion and spends their time reading about their favourite team. In pubs and bars all over the country, people sit and discuss games, teams, players, tactics; they shout with joy and sometimes anger.

The prevalence of social media means these conversations are now open to anyone with an internet connection, and millions of people all over the world take part in daily discussions based on football. The rise of social media has coincided with the rise in popularity of the women’s game, giving fans – varying in demographics – the opportunity to voice their opinions to the world.

This is often a good thing, however it has become increasingly tiresome – the same complaints, endless abuse towards players (and managers) – and the anonymity gives us the ability to speak without consequence. Particularly when so many are emotionally invested in the Lionesses, there is a tendency for online conversations to take on a level that is beyond what would happen in real life.

On Tuesday evening, the Lionesses fell 2-1 to Spain in Barcelona. There were endless narratives around this game: the world cup final of 2023, England’s win in February, Arsenal’s Champions League victory. Then there is the fact that the Euros are around the corner.

The stakes feel high for every England game, but for this game, they felt even higher.

England got the early goal courtesy of Alessia Russo (on her 50th Cap); if VAR had been in place, the goal would have been ruled out as there was a foul in the build-up. For the remainder of the first half, England fans were joyous as the team managed the game well – Alex Greenwood and Leah Williamson strong in defence, and a recently-returned Georgia Stanway holding down the midfield.

After half-time, substitutions were made. Young Missy Bo Kearns earned her debut, and Lucy Bronze’s minutes were managed as she was replaced by Jess Carter.

Spain’s substitutes made the difference, though: minutes after coming on, Claudia Pina got her first goal and soon found the net again.

This is where the narrative changed for England and their fans. Suddenly the excitement over Bo Kearns’ debut was replaced with anger, and many questioned Stanway’s removal (likely managing minutes due to her recent injury).

The game ended with Spain decidedly the better team on the day, deserving the win. The loss exposed a deep fracture in the nation’s relationship with the Lionesses: Chelsea fans blamed Leah Williamson for the loss, Arsenal fans blamed Keira Walsh.

In reality, the loss is not a major negative. Finishing second in the Nations League group still means England are in league A for World Cup qualifying, and they can choose their opponents in the fall instead of playing yet another European rival once again. A narrow loss against the world champions – with a number of players only just returning from injury – is not a bad return. However, the discourse amongst fans suggests otherwise.

In the women’s game in England, it feels like there is an inability to support country independently of club – which, combined with the mess that social media likes to hold – is dangerous. Add the fact that the Lionesses brought home the first major trophy for a senior English side in decades, and we do not accept the team losing.

Ahead of this summer’s Euros, England do have a deep problem to fix. It is not one, however, that is found on the pitch or in the dressing room. It is in the stands.

TEAMS: SPAIN (4-3-3): Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Aleixandri, Carmona, Guijarro, Paralluelo, Bonmati, Putellas, Caldentey, Gonzalez. Substitutes: Nancleres, Sullastres, Fernandez, Garcia, Mendez, Zubieta, Lopez, Garcia, Redondo, Pina, Martin-Prieto, del Castillo.

Scorers: Pina 60’, 70’

ENGLAND (4-3-3): Hampton, Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Charles, Stanway, Walsh, Mead, Park, Hemp, Russo. Substitutes: Moorhouse, Keating, Wubben-Moy, Morgan, Carter, Le Tissier, Toone, Bo Kearns, Agyemang, Parris, Beever-Jones, Kelly.

Scorer: Russo 22’

Referee: Katalin Kulscar (HUN)

Attendance: TBC

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The pros and cons of Joe Montemurro as Matildas coach

Above: Joe Montemurro while coaching the A-League All Stars in 2024

Impetus writers look at the reasons for optimism and concern following Joe Montemurro’s arrival as the Matildas coach.

Why we’re optimistic: By Ella Mcshane

In a widely anticipated move, Joe Montemurro has been announced as the next head coach of the CommBank Matildas. While the news itself sends minimal shock waves through the Australian football community, Montemurro’s impressive coaching record offers a much-needed glimpse of hope for the successful future for the CommBank Matildas.

Montemurro began his women’s football coaching career in the Australian domestic league in 2014 after successfully leading men’s youth teams for the years prior. And since joining at the genesis of the women’s professional game in Australia, only layman’s terms can describe Montemurro’s coaching career. Wherever he has gone, results have followed.  

Montemurro led Melbourne City’s inaugural side through an invincible 2015–16 season and secured the championship again the following year. He then joined English powerhouse Arsenal, delivering the Women’s Super League title in the 2018–19 season. Over three years at Juventus, he guided the team to one Scudetto, two Italian Cups, and two Italian Super Cups. Most recently, Montemurro capped his short tenure at Olympique Lyonnais by securing the French Première League title.  

Although telling, results and accolades are mere symbol of what characterises a successful manager. Montemurro has historically been praised for his personable and “project” style of coaching. Beth Mead honouring the Australian in her memoir Lioness “From day one, Joe has a warmth to him and is deeply personable. Every day, he walks around the training ground…and checks in on each of us” (Beth Mead, 2022).  

With the Matildas looking to take the next step toward major silverware, Montemurro’s arrival signals both ambition and renewal. His proven ability to build winning cultures and foster longitudinal cohesiveness, is arguably the cog that has understandably been missing in the mechanisms of the Matilda’s since the departure of Tony Gustavsson.  

Why we’re slightly worried: By Kieran Yap

Make no mistake, Joe Montemurro has the most impressive CV from any Australian coach and any potential Matildas coach, but that does not make this an appointment without risk.

For all his success, Montemurro has no experience in international football. He has had almost unequalled success at club level, but he will only have nine months and four international windows to implement his style and choose his best squad of players before the Asian  Cup.

The day to day opportunity to work with players will not be possible with The Matildas and the player pool is spread across Europe, North America and Australia. It is a huge task with very little time.

Montemurro’s titles have come with Arsenal, Juventus, Lyon and Melbourne City. All impressive clubs but also the fastest cars in the race, at least on paper.

The Matildas, for all their talent and potential are not that, and are possibly approaching a rebuilding phase.

Australia has stars, and Montemurro’s record shows that he knows how to work with the biggest names on the planet, but they will also need to integrate younger, less experienced players with almost no time. On this aspect of the job he is unproven and with the U20 and U17 coaches also new to their roles there will be no time to learn. All of this has to be gotten right in around 6-8 games at most.

The incoming Matildas coach has extensive experience in Europe, but defeating European opposition is no longer the hugely important task it was before the 2023 tournament. Our title rivals are in Asia and that is a vastly different challenge logistically, and tactically. It has been a challenge Australia has long struggled to meet and one that European style possession football has been ineffective so far.

They will go into the home Asian Cup as one of the favourites but will face  significant challenges from South Korea, North Korea, China, and Japan. These teams are not only formidable in form and have decent records against Australia but all play very differently and will likely require a variety of tactics to overcome.

The appointment is the best possible choice in this moment, but the 10 month delay in finding a coach has cost Montemurro and Australia vital preparation time, and although he has often brought instant success, international football is an entirely different beast to club world.

The timing  of this announcement means that it will only be seen as a success if Australia lift the trophy for the first time in over a decade, but it also means that it is much more difficult to do so.

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