Above: Sam Kerr celebrates after scoring her second goal against Manchester United yesterday. Photo: Getty Images.
Chelsea gave Manchester United a lesson in the importance of flexibility, concentration and ruthlessness as the defending champions comfortably dispatched the north-western side at the Leigh Sports Village, with Sam Kerr scoring two and making one of her side’s six goals.
The visitors made two changes for this game. Niamh Charles replaced Ji So-yun, who only returned from Asian Cup qualifying duty on Friday, and Melanie Leupolz came into the midfield after Erin Cuthbert suffered a head injury for Scotland during the week.
The tone of the first half was set just sixteen seconds in when a dreadful clearance from Mary Earps towards Maria Thorisdottir saw the former Chelsea defender mis-control and allow Kerr in to shoot, but Earps managed to push the ball away to the right.
Marc Skinner’s side failed to heed the warning and another catastrophe when trying to play out from the back resulted in Chelsea taking the lead. Earps played the ball towards Hannah Blundell and United’s other former Chelsea defender was robbed of possession all too easily. Leupolz’s through ball towards Sam Kerr allowed the Matildas captain to feed Fran Kirby in the middle of the six yard box, who comfortably slotted home her 50th FA WSL goal.
Above: Fran Kirby puts Chelsea ahead with less than two minutes on the clock. Photo: Getty Images.
Chelsea maintained a high press to further turn the screw and make United continue to panic at the back.
It took the hosts five minutes just to get out of their own half. Lucy Staniforth achieved it for her side when she broke down the right and pulled a ball towards Leah Galton but it was too high.
Chelsea continued to threaten and Leupolz fed Sophie Ingle, who in turn found Kirby. Thorisdottir, under extreme pressure, couldn’t clear properly and the ball fell to Kerr who volleyed an effort off her shin wide of the right-hand post.
Much of United’s joy came courtesy of Ona Batlle who was giving Charles real problems down the left, but Marc Skinner’s side were not able to supply her with the ball often enough.
Taking advantage of Charles’ problems on that side of the pitch, Staniforth came across and some fantastic footwork saw her find Kirsty Hanson, who hit an effort just wide.
As the half wore on, Charles grew into the game and she played a crucial role in nullifying the threat of Ella Toone. The United star was forced to take possession across the box rather than inside it and became increasingly isolated as a result.
With United unable to break through the Chelsea defence, the reigning champions made the home side pay for failing to convert opportunities with a moment of magic from Pernille Harder.
On 23 minutes, Denmark’s record scorer motored down the left-hand side. Jackie Groenen and Thorisdottir couldn’t handle the threat as Harder simply waltzed between them, drove into the box and dinked a glorious effort over Earps with her weaker left foot.
Above: Pernille Harder pictured after scoring her outstanding solo goal. Photo: Getty Images.
In the final ten minutes of the half, Chelsea re-imposed the high press and United simply couldn’t cope with the pressure. Kerr was left totally unmarked on the right and had acres of space to play with. She played a ball in with ease but Harder’s effort was wide.
More diabolical defending just seconds later allowed Harder to get a powerful shot away which was straight at Earps.
Four minutes before the break, another error at the back led to Chelsea’s third goal. Aoife Mannion played a pass towards Katie Zelem, but Guro Reiten intervened and found Kirby on the left. The Lioness laid a low ball across the box towards Kerr and it was easy for the Western Australian to make it 3-0.
It seemed inconceivable that United refused to amend their policy of playing out from the back. The waves of high pressing from Chelsea caused panicked loose passing which Kirby and Kerr were gleefully pouncing on. At the highest level, you just cannot keep stubbornly sticking to the same game plan when it is causing untold damage to your team.
As the players emerged for the second period, Skinner made one change with Alessia Russo replacing Staniforth in a bid to inject some more aggression into their attack. The change made a difference within two minutes when Hanson ran down the right and found Toone. Her ball across found Russo, who hit a shot that deflected off Millie Bright and into the net.
Above: Sam Kerr hits her second. Despite being clearly offside, the Western Australian’s goal was allowed to stand. Photo: Getty Images.
United’s hard work was undone just four minutes later in controversial fashion. Leupolz played a ball to Kirby on the right, and the Berkshire-born attacker in turn found Kerr with a first-time cross. The Matildas all-time record scorer was clearly offside, but play continued as Kerr’s first effort went up in the air and she knocked the ball home at the second attempt.
Russo was involved again in United’s next opportunity with 67 minutes played. Hanson beat Carter and toe-poked the ball through to the substitute, who hit a rocket shot that beat Berger but came crashing back off the bar.
Chelsea remained exceptionally well organised at the back and made a number of changes to their attack. Yet, there was still time for more below-par defending from the home side.
With two minutes left, Leupolz was able to find substitute Beth England on the edge of the box. The 2019/20 FA WSL Player of the Year laid a ball back for Drew Spence, and Chelsea’s longest-serving player was given far too much time to get a shot away and hit her side’s fifth.
Above: Drew Spence jumps for joy after making it 5-1. Photo: Getty Images.
Deep into stoppage time, Spence broke through and fired a shot which rebounded off Earps’ midriff into the path of Canada’s Olympic hero Jessie Fleming, who sidefooted home.
Speaking after the game, Chelsea boss Emma Hayes said: “I have an amazing dressing room. The players that came off the bench raised the bar towards the end. I actually thought we were poor in the first half even though we led 3-0. I have high standards. But Sam, Fran and that goal from Pernille, phwoar!
“Pernille has been unbelievable pre-season. Others take all the credit, but Pernille is a top, top player.”
Reflecting on Sam Kerr’s second goal, Hayes admitted: “To be fair, Sam was clearly offside. We have to keep putting resources into our officials and the FA making them full-time and then introduce VAR.”
Pernille Harder spoke about the win saying: “We have amazing players and I have a lot of fun here. We also have impact players off the bench too. We have a big squad. We can get better all the time. Already we’re better than last season and we are just going to get better and better.”
For Manchester United, they again have to learn the hard way about what they need to do in order to compete for Champions League qualification. Unless several new signings can come in during the winter transfer window it looks highly unlikely that they will come close to breaking into the top three this season.
Jean-Pierre Thiesset reports from Lyon’s win against Guingamp and summarizes the fourth round of D1 Arkema.
Above: Daniëlle Van De Donk scores Lyon’s fourth goal in the 86th minute. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Olympique Lyonnais won 4-0 at home against Guingamp. Once again, Lyon dominated this game with 66% of possession, 566 passes with 86% of success, and 30 shots including 14 on target while Guingamp had only 301 passes with 71% of success and two shots with one on target. This game saw the comeback of Griedge MBock after 477 days.
Above: Griedge MBock, back on the field. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Playing a quick game, as we are used to since Sonia Bompastor has been named coach, Lyon had a lot of opportunities to score but a lack of concentration on the last action, prevented them from scoring more than four goals.
Above: Sonia Bompastor, OL Coach Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Lyon’s goals came from Melvine Malard (3), Kadeisha Buchanan (48), Emelyne Laurent (72) and Daniëlle Van De Donk (86).
Fleury won 1-0 at home against Soyaux in a game which saw Soyaux have slightly the better of it with 59% of possession. With this second win, first at home, Fleury is now sixth in the table. Their goal came from Nicola Karczewska (39).
Montpellier won away from home against Reims 4-1 despite going behind to a strike from Kessya Busy in the opening minute. Montpellier hit back with goals from Sarah Puntigam (18, 84) and Lena Petermann (27, 31). With this win, Montpellier climb to the fifth place.
Bordeaux won away home against Issy 1-0. Goal for Bordeaux from Melissa Gomes (37), who dominated this game with 68% of possession, 22 shots including seven on target.
Saint-Etienne won away from home 4-0 against Dijon. Goals for Saint-Etienne from Esther Okoronkwo (4, 25), Cindy Caputo (52), and Audrey Chaumette (83). With this first win, Saint-Etienne are now up to seventh place. However, for Dijon, the things are not going very well and they are in eleventh place after three losses.
Paris Saint-Germain, at home, won 4-0 in the derby against Paris FC. Goals for Paris SG from Marie-Antoinette Katoto (18, 26), Kadidiatou Diani (43), and Sara Däbritz (59 on penalty). Paris SG largely dominated largely the game with 58% of possession, 19 shots including 13 on target, 488 passes (83% successful); for Paris FC, 9 shots with only 1 on target, 351 passes (76% successful). With this result, only two teams are yet to lose this season – Lyon and Paris SG.
Above: Ellie Dobson, voted as Brighouse Town’s player of the match. Photo supplied by: Brighouse Town
Brighouse Town came away from Stoke City with a point from their FA Women’s National League Northern Premier clash, but in reality should have grabbed all three.
Town will be utterly disappointed with the number of chances they squandered, and will no doubt be hoping to bounce back this coming weekend at home to West Bromwich Albion.
Brighouse started the game well but only after a scary moment at the back. Shauna Legge mis-timed her pass to allow the Stoke striker in, but Imogen Maguire did well to deny the home side an early goal.
From then on, Town took control and began to build a number of good openings. Their goal came midway through the half. Darcie Greene flew down the left wing and put in a delightful cross for Monique Watson to score her first goal for the club at the back post.
Stoke reacted well to conceding the goal and took command of the game as Brighouse struggled to get out of their own half and after a number of close chances the home side got their reward. An excellent strike from 25 yards caught the visitors out to bring the game level just before the break.
Graphic Supplied By: Brighouse Town.
A tactical change at half-time saw Sophie John enter the field of play, her ability to block off the midfield was a key factor in the decision and it proved the right one with Town dominating pretty much from start to finish. Maguire in the Town goal was a spectator in the second period with Town attacking at will. No fewer than five one on one chances came and went leaving the Brighouse faithful scratching their heads as to how they weren’t ahead in the contest.
After the match, Brighouse Town manager Rob Mitchell was left disappointed but took the positives of another point on the road. “Of course we are disappointed not to have won the game, especially given the number of chances we created, but that’s football, I would be more concerned if we weren’t creating those chances.
“Hopefully we can take today as an opportunity to learn and improve in order to move forward. We have definitely transitioned well into what is a difficult league, but we cannot rest on our laurels and we must keep picking up points to retain our place for next season.
Player of the match – Ellie Dobson (pictured at the top of the page).
Town welcome West Bromwich Albion to the Yorkshire Payments Stadium this Sunday in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier with a big crowd anticipated. There will be junior teams taking part in games as well as being mascots from Brighouse Town, Brighouse Juniors, Battyeford Belles and Norristhorpe Panthers. If you would like to join them, it is a 2pm KO at the Yorkshire Payments Stadium, HD6 2PL and prices are £5 for adults and £3 for concessions, children U16 can get in for just £1.
Advert supplied by Brighouse Town – BTAFC Women Shorts Sponsor.
Above: Toni Duggan and Hanna Bennison embrace after the Swedish teenager’s first FAWSL goal. Photo: @EvertonWomen
After two rounds, neither team has recorded a win this season and both are desperate for the win and some points. Both sides have a few players returning from international duty and coming off successful matches for their respective countries.
What started as a pretty even affair in the first half with both teams scoring a single goal, ended with Everton slowly taking control and dominating in the second half to record a convincing 3-1 win.
Birmingham City kick off. A lob into the box by Aurora Galli finds Grace Clinton offside in Everton’s first foray into the box. Birmingham don’t seem to be at all intimidated by Everton and are getting plenty of early possession.
Above: All smiles as Leonie Maier celebrates her first goal for Everton. Photo: @EvertonWomen
A lobbed ball up to Izzy Christiansen sees her nudge it across to Clinton. Her shot is blocked and rebounds back to Leonie Maier. She strikes hard and the ball deflects off Harriet Scott and and it whistles past the keeper, Emily Ramsey, into goal to put Everton ahead.
City responded with a ball from midfield through to Sarah Ewans at the top of the box sees Sandy McIver come right out to block, then clear, the ball successfully. Shortly after, more pressure from the visitors allows Scott to get a shot away but it’s straight at McIver who has it under complete control.
Back down the other end quickly and Toni Duggen slips a pass through to Turner who crosses the ball. Maier connects but her header is into the side netting.
Birmingham attack again and Jade Pennock gets a ball from Lucy Quinn on the right, just outside the box. She controls it and brings it inside the box and strikes with her right, sending it across the goal to the bottom left corner, beating McIver cleanly, to even up the scores.
Above: Toni Duggan on the move for Everton. Photo: @EvertonWomen
Just before half time a cross by Kenza Dali sees Ramsey at full stretch to punch away the ball. After the break, Swedish teenage sensation Hannah Bennison comes on to replace Aurora Galli.
Very soon after the kick off, Dali sends a cross to Clinton who heads on target but straight to Ramsey, with no real power. Louise Quinn and Gabby George clash heads during a corner and both need concussion assessment. Quinn must have received a cut above her right eye and is heavily taped up. George seems to be OK.
With just over 20 minutes left, an Everton attack down the right leads to Emslie’s cross missed by a number of attackers to then be sent out to the right by Bennison. Shortly after, Everton play through the centre to Bennison who passes to Toni Duggan. The Lioness returns the favour to Bennison who is in the open at the top of the box. She strikes true and to the top left beating Ramsey for her first FAWSL goal to re-establish Everton’s lead.
There’s nine minutes of stoppage time but one minute in, Sørenson goes down with what looks like a knee injury. She’s able to limp off with assistance but it looks very tender and Poppy Pattinson comes on as her substitute.
Above: Kenza Dali drives past Birmingham City’s Louise Quinn. Photo: @EvertonWomen
Christiansen takes a corner late in the game. She sends it towards the back post and Sevecke pops up to head it to the left post leaving Ramsey flat footed and confirming Everton’s second half dominance for her first FAWSL goal.
The past seven days have been exceptionally busy for the game Down Under. There’s been the celebration of a hundred years since the first women’s football match held in public, a frustrating display from the Matildas, the schedule of the first W-League matches announced along with new signings, kit launches, and an explosive interview from Lisa De Vanna who announced her retirement. Ben Gilby hears from some of the biggest names in Australian women’s football including Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson, Football Australia CEO James Johnson, APL League Commissioner Greg O’Rourkeplus all the W-League players and coaches in the news this week.
Above: This week marked the centenary of the firstwomen’s football match played in Australia in front of the public. Photo: Football Queensland.
Centenary Marked:
Above: Pictured at The Gabba, Brisbane ahead of a re-enactment of the first women’s football match played in front of the Australian public a hundred years ago. Photo: Football Queensland.
Football Australia in partnership with its nine Member Federations, yesterday celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the first recorded public women’s football match.
In front of 10,000 people at the Gabba in Brisbane on 24 September 1921, North Brisbane and South Brisbane hit the pitch. With the flame sparked, the subsequent century has seen the women’s game build to unprecedented popularity.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson reflected on the anniversary for women’s football and the progress achieved since the first days.
“This is an incredible milestone for football in this country. Our game has come so far since the first public match was played at the Gabba in 1921,” said Johnson.
“From the pioneering women of the early 1970s, to the hundreds of thousands involved in playing, coaching, officiating and administration, the contribution of women in football is immeasurable. They have built a wonderful platform for the game which now sees our Commonwealth Bank Matildas as the most recognisable and most loved women’s national team in the country today.
“The participation footprint of the women’s game continues to grow and is vital to the continued growth of Australian football as we build towards becoming the first Australian sport to achieve a 50:50 gender participation balance by 2027, as part of our vision to become the centre of women’s football in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Matildas Suffer Defeat in Dublin:
Above: It was a frustrating night for Sam Kerr on her hundredth cap for Australia in Dublin. Photo: Guardian Australia.
The Republic of Irelandgained a deserved 3-2 win over the Matildas at Tallaght Stadium, Dublin on Tuesday. The Irish took the lead after just three minutes when a curling free-kick from Lucy Quinn hit the left hand post and rebounded off of Matildas goal keeper Mackenzie Arnold and rolled in. The lead lasted for just eight minutes when the impressive 18 year-old Mary Fowler hit a great low shot from outside the box into the net. However, Australia, without several first choice defenders and still sticking with three at the back succumbed to several errors at the back. With 24 minutes on the clock, O’Sullivan’s deflected shot put the Irish back ahead only for Fowler to hit her second in first half stoppage time. There was another defensive calamity for what turned out to be Ireland’s winner just after the break when Louise Quinn escaped her markers at a corner to score.
Head coach Tony Gustavsson made his disappointment clear at the press conference after the game: “It felt like they wanted it more than us and that’s not OK. That hurts, to be honest. We’re the Matildas it’s in our DNA to always give it 100%”
“I need to look myself in the mirror and ask ‘Could I have done something different?’ The stats showed me that we had 50% passing accuracy in the final third. The crossing accuracy was 20%. It’s a reminder that games are won and lost inside the 18 (yard box).
“For defending, I mean, come on, we weren’t even second to the ball. Right now, it’s a big disappointment. We have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of work ahead of World Cup ’23. Today it was even clearer how much we have to do.
“There are no excuses, we had nine days to prepare. We dominated possession but possession doesn’t win games. We were late to everything in the game from the first whistle. It was Sam Kerr’s hundredth game and we wanted to leave her with good memories. We did not look energised or like we had passion and that is not OK.
“I don’t see any positives at the moment – although at the moment I’m still quite emotional about what happened. Yet, Mary Fowler – wow, her first half was world class. She wasn’t as effective in the second half as we didn’t attack down her part of the pitch. Kyra Cooney-Cross looked like an experienced international player tonight, particularly when she played in the number six role.
“Angie Beard was really impressive in training and she deserved some minutes. She came in and played great with and without the ball. She is a good communicator and brave. That pleases me.
“Chloe Logarzo’s injury (later revealed as an ACL) is definitely not what she needs right now, or what we need right now. She was sparkling in the first half.”
The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) this week confirmed that the W-League will kick-off on 3rd December.
The season will commence with Wellington Phoenix’s historic first game in the competition, taking on Western Sydney Wanderers Wanderers. Other opening weekend action sees Canberra United hosting Melbourne City, Sydney FC at home to Newcastle Jets, Perth Glory taking on Brisbane Roar and champions Melbourne Victory at home to Adelaide United.
The first four of the W-League will be based on a conference system. The four New South Wales based clubs which includes Wellington Phoenix will play each other in one half of the split. Speaking about the situation that the Phoenix face for their first ever W-League campaign, Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome said: “We always knew our W-League side would be based in Australia for their inaugural season. As a Club we’ve learnt over the past two seasons to be as adaptive and flexible as possible, especially with all the challenges that Covid has thrown at us,” says Dome. All of Phoenix’s opening four matches will be played as double headers with their A-League side’s matches.
Wellington Phoenix’s base of operations and temporary home venue are yet to be confirmed. Additionally, Perth Glory’s home venue is to be announced along with the location for Brisbane Roar’s first home game in round two against the Western Australians.
Due to the present COVID-19 transition plan, only the first four rounds of fixtures have been announced due to state border restrictions. More details about subsequent fixtures will be released later in the year, with restrictions predicted to be eased by the turn of the year.
This season will also feature the inaugural Club Championship, a trophy awarded to the clubs with the most success across both the men’s and women’s leagues.
“Football is back and we can’t wait to get started,” said Leagues Commissioner Greg O’Rourke. “We’ve got more football than ever before, with both an expanded finals series and the addition of Wellington Phoenix to the women’s league.
“We’ve already seen some incredible young talent coming through the League and on to the Olympics, and with those players now more established, we are going to see even more great football stories.
W-League Player Announcements From Clubs:
Above: Hayley Taylor-Young – back at Canberra United once more. Photo: W-League
Canberra United have announced a further two additions to their W-League squad this week as Hayley Taylor-Young and Lauren Keir will once more be in lime green.
First was the news of Taylor-Young’s re-signing. The 19-year-old was a powerhouse off the bench for Canberra United last season, providing energy in often crucial stages of games.
Down 1-0 in their round four match against Perth Glory last season, Taylor-Young was brought in off the bench and immediately made an impact, scoring in the 87th minute to help maintain Canberra’s undefeated record at Viking Park.
“I’m very honoured and excited to be able to play for Canberra again,” Hayley said
“Last year was yet another incredible experience and gave me a huge opportunity to grow as a player.
“I believe it helped me find more confidence in myself.
“Being surrounded by such talented groups has helped me grow into the player I am today and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given.
“I want to learn as much as I can from the other girls, form some long lasting friendships and make finals once again.”
Canberra United Head Coach Vicki Linton said it’s great to welcome Hayley back for another year.
“She is a talented young player and it will be good to see her continue developing and to increase her impact in games.”
Above: Lauren Keir – an important re-signing for Canberra United. Photo: W-League.
24-year-old Lauren Keir is also back after making a huge impact in Canberra’s run to finals last season, playing 90 minutes of every match to notch up 1,170 minutes of W-League football in 2020/21.
“Since her debut in 2018, the defender has shown reliability at the back but also made two great goal assists in Season 13 of the W-League, which led to game winning goals.”
Keir said she can’t wait to do it all again this season.
“It means a lot to put the Canberra jersey back on for another season and play for my home town again,” Lauren said.
“I want to play consistent football & help the team go one step further this season.”
Keir is the eighth signing to be announced for the upcoming season, joining Michelle Heyman, Emma Ilijoski, Laura Hughes, Allira Toby, Grace Maher, Keeley Richards and Hayley Taylor-Young.
“I absolutely loved every part of last season & can’t wait to be back working with Vicki, the girls and seeing all our fans again!”
“It is great to re-sign Lauren for the upcoming season, joining the number of Canberra locals in the squad,” Canberra United Head Coach Vicki Linton said.
“Lauren had a good season last year, contributing to our run into the finals. I look forward to working with her again and see her continue her development.”
Artwork supplied by: Melbourne City
Melbourne City revealed the return of Melissa Barbieri for her 11th W-League season.
Since joining City in November 2017 on an injury replacement contract, Barbieri has played a massive role in the W-League squad which will continue as a playing Assistant Coach this season.
The veteran has had a big hand in the development and mentorship of City’s goalkeepers and was called into action last season when Player of the Year Teagan Micah went down with injury.
Barbieri played the final four matches of the season and in the process, became the oldest player to play in the W-League.
The 41-year-old clearly hadn’t missed a beat, keeping two clean sheets and showing she is still more than capable when called upon between the sticks.
Head Coach Rado Vidosic said: “We’re always happy to have Melissa at the Club so are excited that she’ll be back again this season.
“She plays a huge role off the field in coaching and mentoring not just our goalkeepers, but the whole squad.
“Her experience and knowledge are vital to the squad and our coaching staff, so we are very happy to have her back.”
Melissa Barbieri was delighted to return to City: “It’s always easy returning home. The location of our training facility has changed but the City family and values remain.
“I’m looking forward to helping all of my new and returning teammates settle in well and create some new memories out here in Casey Fields.
“I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can from both Rado and PK, and personally want to help get our team keeping clean sheets again and pushing for a top of the table position.”
Above: Queensland teen goalkeeping starlet Mia Bailey has been handed her first W-League deal by Brisbane Roar. Photo: Cairns Post.
Brisbane Roar has given another opportunity to an emerging Queensland talent by signing goalkeeper Mia Bailey to her first W-League deal for the upcoming season.
The Cairns-born Junior Matilda becomes the 11th confirmed member of Garrath McPherson’s squad and second shot-stopper alongside fellow Future Matildas player Georgie Worth.
“It’s so surreal. It’s a been a dream since I started playing football when I was five years old,” said Bailey, who is completing her final year of high school. “I’ve just been working hard. I moved to Brisbane when I was 14. I’ve done some training sessions with a couple of girls up in Cairns and to see how happy football makes them makes me work even harder.”
“The Junior Matildas and Future Matildas processes are quite similar to the W-League. Garrath has been my coach since Under-15s in the QAS and I know a few of the players in the squad. I’ve trained with Georgie and she’s been an inspiration to me – it’s really good to work with someone who works hard and pushes you. I just want to thank my mum and family from Cairns and all my past coaches for supporting me.”
McPherson said 17-year-old Bailey was another example of the pathway that exists into Roar’s senior W-League setup. “Mia is an incredibly talented goalkeeper who has been in our FQ/QAS program for a number of years and benefited from the elite training environment it provides,” the Head Coach said.
“It’s exciting to see more and more players stepping out of the program and into the senior Brisbane Roar side. Mia is a very driven young person who can be a role model for other aspiring young goalkeepers in Queensland.”
Goalkeeper Coach Brody Sams added: “Mia’s opportunity has come about as a result of her attitude and application day in and day out. It will be great to see how she approaches her first season at the highest level of football in this country.”
Sydney FC have revealed their new home and away kits for the 2021/22 season, with bots kits provided by Under Armour.
Details include a raised 3D Sydney FC badge and new back of neck logo, incorporating the club’s iconic “We Are Sydney” slogan.
Under Armour Ambassador and Sky Blues’ defender Angelique Hristodoulou was excited to be part of the unveiling. “I really think everyone will love the new look and designs,” she said.
The home kit has the traditional sky blue shirt with dark blue playing shorts, with a Sky Blue stripe through the lower back part, as well as traditional all Sky Blue socks.
It’s a similar story with the away kit, where the shorts are all Sky Blue with a white stripe in the lower back half, plus Sky Blue socks.
A Sydney FC alternate third kit is in production and will be released closer to the start of the new season.
Above: Newcastle Jets’ kit for 2021/22 has gone back to an earlier classic design. Photo supplied by: Newcastle Jets.
Newcastle Jets‘ new kit, provided by VIVA, is completely different to what we have become accustomed to seeing in recent seasons as the club have gone back to the past and celebrate their maritime heritage.
For the first time in ten years, Newcastle Jets will return to their roots for their home kit with Port of Newcastle featuring as the major partner on a new gold jersey for the A-League team.
While the Club has most recently played in blue and red primarily, they have also worn gold. From the 2021/22 season onwards, the Jets will return to gold as the primary strip colour.
Executive Chairman Shane Mattiske said; “While the Club is moving forward into a new era in many ways, we are determined to reconnect with our origins and uphold the history of football in the region.
“It was a clear decision for the Club to return to wearing gold and it is a notion we know many supporters and former players strongly support. Our return to gold marks the perfect time for the Club to unite with another local icon, Port of Newcastle, our city’s golden port.”
Bonded by Gold for the next three upcoming seasons, Port of Newcastle’s gold and navy logo will be proudly worn by players on the front of jersey position for the A-League and FFA Cup campaigns.
“The players love the new kit and the Jets are extremely excited to be partnering with the Port of Newcastle,” Mattiske said.
“The Port is a huge supporter of jobs among our fan base, the Hunter region’s economy and just like the Jets, are an iconic part of our community.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said Port of Newcastle’s staff are thrilled to be bonded by gold with the local team as the Jets return to their iconic roots.
“The Port’s been here for 222 years and we have a strong workforce of Jets supporters among our own Port of Newcastle team,” Mr Carmody said.
“Many don’t know that the Port of Newcastle has a long history of loving and supporting football, with some of the first wharfies to work at the Port through the 1900s belonging to social football teams and kicking the ball around the Port after a hard day’s work.
De Vanna Quits Amidst Matildas Criticism:
Yesterday, legendary Australian international Lisa De Vanna announced her retirement in an interview with Michael Cain on ESPN. De Vanna spoke to Cain about her anger from missing out on a chance with the Matildas Olympic squad after discussions with head coach Tony Gustavsson. She also spoke out about how “hard done by” former national head coach Alen Stajcic was at being removed from his job ahead of the 2019 World Cup after the fall out of a player welfare survey. The full article can be read here: https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/4479912/heartbroken-lisa-de-vanna-walks-away-from-football
Over the past ten days or so there has been a vast number of international matches. European nations began their World Cup qualifying competition, Asia got its Asian Cup qualification under way and there were several friendlies. Ben Gilby rounds up the action in words and pictures.
Above: Dominant England celebrate during their 10-0 win in Luxembourg. Photo: Getty Images.
EUROPE:
UEFA’s World Cup qualification games for the 2023 World Cup got under way.
Group A opened on 17th September with Olympic Games silver medallists Sweden gaining a narrow 1-0 win in Slovakia thanks to Friolina Rolfö’s goal after ten minutes.
The second round of matches took place four days later with Sweden gaining six points from six with a 4-0 thrashing of Georgia. Manchester City’s Filippa Angeldahl opened the scoring five minutes before the break before Chelsea’s Magda Eriksson doubled their lead four minutes into first half stoppage time. Caroline Sager added the other two in the final ten minutes with a penalty and another strike in injury time. Finland were made to work hard for their opening win in Turku as visitors Slovakia fought valiantly. Adelina Engman gave the hosts the lead after 37 minutes.Mária Mikolajová levelled matters just after the hour mark. The scores were only level for five minutes though as Ria Öling hit the winner for the Finns.
16th and 17th September saw the commencement of Group B’s matches. Spain came away from the Faroe Islands with a comprehensive 10-0 win. Amaiur Sarriegi grabbed four goals with Irene Guerrero, Alexia Putellas, Lucia Garcia, Patri Guijarro, Mariona Caldentey and Laia Alexiandri hitting one each. Scotland ended their frustrating run of results with a 2-0 win in Hungary with Erin Cuthbert and Martha Thomas on target.
On 21st September both Spain and Scotland grabbed their second wins by a large margin. Spain smashed past Hungary in Budapest. Esther González Rodríguez, Mariona Caldentey and Amaiur Sarriegi all grabbed braces with Athenea Del Castillo also on the scoresheet. At Hampden Park, Scotland comfortably dismissed the Faroe Islands 7-1. Chloe Arthur (two), Erin Cuthbert, Christy Grimshaw, Martha Thomas, Jenna Clark and Claire Emslie scored for the hosts. Maria Biskopstø scored a consolation for the Islanders.
Group C got underway on 17th September. Belarus swept aside Cyprus 4-1. Anna Kozyupa, Anastasia Shuppo (penalty), Anna Pilipenko and Anastasiya Shlapakova were on target with Antri Violari getting one back for the Cypriots. Netherlands began life after Sarina Wiegman with a disappointing 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Groningen. Andrea Stašková gave the Czechs the lead just after half-time. Vivianne Miedema’s customary goal saved Dutch blushes with seven minutes to go.
Above: Czech Republic’s Andrea Stašková hit three goals in her country’s first two World Cup qualifiers. Photo: Getty Images.
Czech Republic continued their strong start to qualification with a comprehensive 8-0 thrashing of luckless Cyprus in Liberec on 21st September. Andrea Stašková hit a brace and Kamila Dubcová, Tereza Krejčiříková, Lucie Martínková and Klára Cvrčková all weighed in too in addition to an own goal from Chara Charalambous. The Netherlands returned from Iceland with their first win of this embryonic qualifying campaign. Daniëlle van de Donk and Jackie Groenen scored the goals in the 2-0 success.
There were goals galore in Group D in the opening two rounds of action. On 17th September. Austria grabbed eight in Latvia after going a goal behind toViktorija Zaičikova’s 12th minute strike. Marie Höbinger equalised five minutes later. Further goals from Nicole Billa, Barbara Dunst, Sandra Voitāne (own goal), Laura Feiersinger, and two in the closing minutes from Katja Wienerroither. England were similarly dominant in dismissing North Macedonia 8-0 in Southampton as the Sarina Wiegman reign got underway. Two goals from Ellen White and Beth England, two own goals (Julija Zivikj and Sara Kolarovska) plus strikes from Ella Toone and Beth Mead sealed the three points.
Northern Ireland comfortably dispatched Luxembourg 4-0 in Larne in front of a packed house. Marissa Callaghan, Rachel Furness, Emily Wilson and Lauren Wade scored the goals.
Four days later, Austria hit six without reply in North Macedonia. Nicole Billa grabbed a hat-trick, there was a brace from Marina Hanshaw and Marie Höbinger got the other. Northern Ireland gained a second successive 4-0 win at home with Latvia on the receiving end this time. Louise McDaniel, Kirsty McGuinness, Marissa Callaghan and a Rachel Furness penalty the difference. England returned from Luxembourg with a 10-0 victory in a game which saw some staggering statistics. The Lionesses had 82% of possession and 19 shots on target (to the hosts’ zero). Ellen White, Alex Greenwood and Millie Bright scored twice with the other goals coming from Nikita Parris, Rachel Daly, Beth England and a Jessica Berscheid own goal.
Group E opened on 16th and 17th September with a dominant 7-0 win for Denmark over Malta. Signe Bruun’s brace was added to by Sanne Troelsgaard, Stine Larsen, Pernille Harder, Rikke Sevecke, and Sara Thrige. Harder’s goal made her Denmark’s record international scorer with 66 goals in 129 games. Bosnia and Herzegovina suffered a 3-2 defeat at home to neighbours Montenegro in a game which saw four goals in the opening 19 minutes. Armisa Kuč ‘s two goals in the opening nine minutes set Montenegro on the way before a further two goals in the following ten minutes saw the hosts draw level as first Melisa Hasanbegović and then Milena Nikolić scored. Montenegro earned the three points thanks to Slađana Bulatović’s penalty on the hour mark. Russia also opened their campaign with a victory after they saw off Azerbaijan 2-0. Marina Fedorova and Nelli Korovkina were on target.
On 21st September, the Danes and Russians stamped their authority on the group with big victories. Denmark hit eight without reply in Azerbaijan. Stine Larsen’s hat-trick was added to by Signe Bruun’s brace and a goal apiece from Mille Gejl and Emma Snerle. Male Mollayeva’s own goal completed the rout. Russia dismissed Montenegro 5-0 in Moscow thanks to a hat-trick from Nadezhda Smirnova and single strikes from Nelli Korovkina and Anna Belomyttseva. A 2-2 draw between cellar dwellers Malta and Bosnia and Herzegovina did neither side any favours but Bosnia will feel the greatest frustration as they blew a 2-0 lead built in the opening 33 minutes thanks to goals from Milena Nikolić and Maja Jelčić. Malta hit back in the final ten minutes with goals from Maria Farrugia and Stefania Farrugia.
Group F opened on 16th and 17th September with Norway crushing Armenia 10-0 in Oslo. Caroline Graham Hansen and Lisa-Marie Utland both hit hat-tricks, with Guro Bergsvand, Karina Sævik, Julie Blakstad, and Elisbeth Terland grabbing the others. Albania and Kosova played out a 1-1 draw. Megi Doci gave Albania the lead just before half-time from the penalty spot before Valentina Limani levelled up. Belgium returned from Poland with a good point. Ewa Pajor gave the hosts the lead before Janice Cayman equalised with just over ten minutes left.
Above: Belgium’s Tine De Caigny (6) and Poland’s Sylwia Matysik fight for the ball during a 1-1 draw. Photo: David Catry via Imago.
21st September saw Norway rack up another comfortable win, this time 3-0 in Kosovo. Viola Abduli’s own goal set the visitors on their way before later strikes from Julie Blakstad and Lisa-Marie Utland confirmed the win. Belgium continued their unbeaten start after swatting aside Albania 7-0. Jassina Blom’s hat-trick, Tine De Caigny’s brace plus single strikes from Janice Cayman and Tessa Wulleart completed the rout. Poland are also unbeaten after a 1-0 win in Armenia. Weronika Zawistowska scored the only goal of the game.
Group G’s opening round of games on 17th September saw the favoured teams all gain comfortable victories. Italy brushed aside Moldova 3-0 in Trieste. Christiana Girelli scored two goals in a 12 minute spell (one penalty) with Valentina Giacenti adding the third. Switzerland saw off Lithuania 4-1. Aston Villa’s Alisha Lehmann set the ball rolling on the 15 minute mark before Coumba Sow made it 2-0. Rimantė Jonušaitė’s strike gave Lithuania hope before the Swiss rallied and added further goals from Ramona Bachmann and Svenja Fölmli. Romania gained an important three points as they saw off Croatia 2-0. Laura Rus and Cristina Carp were on target.
Four days later, the same three teams all won again in comfortable style. Switzerland hit six without reply in Moldova. Ana-Maria Crnogorčević, Coumba Sow, Fabienne Humm, Svenja Fölmli, Riola Xhemali and Alisha Lehmann were on target. Italy returned from Croatia with a 5-0 win. Valentina Giacenti (two), Sara Gama, Cristiana Girelli, and Valentina Cernoia scored. Romania put three past Lithuania without reply as Laura Rus (two) and Mihaela Ciolacu scored the goals.
Germany opened their Group H campaign in imperious style on 18th September with a 7-0 thrashing of Bulgaria. Lea Schüller, Lina Magull, and Linda Dallmann all hit braces with Tabea Waßmuth completing the rout. Two days previously, Turkey held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in Alanya. Yağmur Uraz gave Turkey the lead before Jéssica Silva levelled just before the hour mark.
On 21st September, Portugal recovered from their disappointing draw in Turkey with a 4-0 win in Israel. Telma Encarnação got the ball rolling after just two minutes with Dolores Silva making it 2-0 with a penalty just five minutes later. The other two goals came in the second half through Diana Gomes and Carole Costa. Germany gained another routine win, but they had to come from behind to beat Croatia 5-1. After Nina Matejić gave the Croats a third minute lead, Germany hit back in style with four goals from Lea Schüller and one from Chelsea’s Melanie Leupolz.
Finally to Group I where it is already evident who the top three teams are likely to be as all recorded big wins. France won 10-0 in Greece. Marie-Antoinette Katoto hit a hat-trick with Grace Geyoro adding a brace. Amel Majri, Kadidiatou Diani, Viviane Asseyi, Wendie Renard and a Maria Palama own goal completed the rout. Wales hit six against Kazakhstan in Llanelli. Kayleigh Green (two), Tash Harding, Rachel Rowe, Gemma Evans and Ceri Holland were on target. Slovenia won 4-0 in Estonia. Two goals from Lara Prašnikar, Lana Golob and Sara Agrež all scored.
Four days later, Slovenia gave France a scare in Murska Sobata in a real see saw game. Lara Prašnikar gave the hosts the lead before Marie-Antoinette Katoto levelled eight minutes later and then put the French ahead with an hour played. A penalty two minutes from time from Mateja Zver looked to have earned the Slovenes an excellent draw, but another spot kick from Amel Majri four minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game earned all three points for France. Tash Harding scored the only goal in Wales’ 1-0 win in Estonia. In the final game of the round, Greece gained an important 3-2 win in the battle of the strugglers with Kazakhstan. Anastasia Spyridonidou (two) and an own goal from Aigerim Aitymova helped the Greeks to the win. Svetlana Bortnikova and Begaim Kirgizbaeva hit consolations for the Kazakhs.
Above: Wales’ Tash Harding – two goals in her country’s first two World Cup qualifiers. Photo: Around Town Wales.
ASIA:
The first qualification matches for the 2022 Asian Cup took place over the past ten days as a reduced tally of 23 nations began the process of trying to join hosts India and automatically qualified Australia, Japan and China in the event. Afghanistan were withdrawn after the Taliban regime’s disgraceful failure to allow women to represent the country in sport. North Korea and Turkmenistan were unable to travel due to the coronavirus pandemic and Iraq opted not to participate.
Group B opened on 23rd September with Vietnam gaining a huge 16-0 win over the Maldives in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Phạm Hải Yến scored six in 23 second half minutes and there were braces for Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhã, Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Dung, single strikes from Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Ngân, Trần Thị Thùy Trang, Chương Thị Kiều Huỳnh Như and Hồ_Thị_Quỳnh. Additionally, Hawwa Hanefa contributed an own goal.
Above: Phạm Hải Yến celebrates one her incredible six goals in 23 minutes for Vietnam against the Maldives. Photo: SC
Group Cbegan on 24th September in Dunstanbe, Tajikistan with Indonesia’s 1-0 win over Singapore thanks to a goal from Baiq Amiatun after just four minutes.
Group E, opened on 17th September with South Korea demolishing Mongolia 12-0 in Tashkent. A hat-trick by Moon Mi-ra, two goals each from Choo Hyo-Joo, Tottenham Hotspur’s Cho So-Hyun and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Lee Geum-min were added to by Lee Min-a, Chelsea’s Ji So-yun and Park Yee-un completed the rout. Three days later, Mongolia were on the receiving end of the same score line by Uzbekistan in Tashkent. Hat-tricks from Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva and Makhliyo Sarikova were added to by Nilufar Kudratova’s brace and a goal apiece from Saida Galimova and Maftuna Shoyimova. Altantuya Altansukh’s own goal was the other score. On 23rd September, South Korea clinched top spot with a 4-0 success against Uzbekistan. Two goals in the closing moments from Moon Mi-Ra plus Choe Yu-Ri’s effort and an own goal by Nozima Kamoltoeva ensured that the Koreans will go to the finals.
In Group F, Philippines gained a dramatic 2-1 win over Nepal in Tashkent. Bimala Chaudhary gave the Nepalese a ninth minute lead. But two goals in second half stoppage time gave Philippines the win as Tahnai Annis and Camille Wilson scored. Three days later, Nepal were held to a 0-0 draw by Hong Kong. Philippines ensured they will progress to the next stage of qualifying after another late goal saw off Hong Kong 2-1. Tahnai Annis put the Filipino’s ahead before Chung Pui Ki levelled on the hour mark. Chandler McDaniel’s strike with three minutes left in Tashkent guaranteed all three points for the Philippines which sealed their qualification.
Above: Wild celebrations for the Philippines after they hit two goals in second half stoppage time to turn a 1-0 deficit against Nepal to win 2-1. Photo: AFC
Group G opened on 19th September, Jordan saw off Bangladesh 5-0 in Tashkent. Maysa Jbarah grabbed a hat-trick in 15 minutes in addition to goals from Shahnaz Jebreen and Bana Al Bitar completed the scoring. Three days later, Bangladesh suffered another 5-0 loss, this time to Iran. Behnaz Taherkhani hit two penalties in addition to goals from Melika Motevalli, Golnoosh Khosravi and Hajar Dabbaghi which sets up a qualifying decider between themselves and Jordan.
Group H saw its first action on 19th September in Al-Ram, Palestine with Thailand’s 4-0 win over Malaysia. Kanyanat Chetthabutr’s hat-trick and Nutwadee Pram-nak’s second minute effort sealed the three points. Three days later, Malaysia re-stored faint hopes of qualifying with a 2-0 win over Palestine. Andrea Lee and Steffi Sarge Kaur were on target.
All remaining games will take place before the end of November.
FRIENDLIES:
Brazil defeated Argentina 3-1 on 17th September. Debinha, Nycole Raysla and Angelina all scored before the hour mark. Bonsegundo got one back for Argentina in the last 20 minutes.
Chile and Uruguay played out a 2-2 draw on the same day.
Above: The Republic of Ireland gained one of their greatest ever wins when they beat Australia on Tuesday night. They did so without eight regular players. Photo: ESPN.
21st September saw four further games. First, the Republic of Ireland gained a deserved 3-2 win over Olympic semi-finalists Australia at Tallaght Stadium, Dublin. The Irish took the lead after just three minutes when a curling free-kick from Lucy Quinn hit the left hand post and rebounded off of Matildas goal keeper Mackenzie Arnold and rolled in. The lead lasted for just eight minutes when the impressive 18 year-old Mary Fowler hit a great low shot from outside the box into the net. However, Australia, without several first choice defenders and still sticking with three at the back succumbed to several errors at the back. With 24 minutes on the clock, O’Sullivan’s deflected shot put the Irish back ahead only for Fowler to hit her second in first half stoppage time. There was another defensive calamity for what turned out to be Ireland’s winner just after the break when Louise Quinn escaped her markers at a corner to score. Impetus’ Kieran Yap analyses the game here: The Case For More Game Time For ‘Old’ Young Matildas (wordpress.com)
USA gained another straightforward friendly victory when they demolished Paraguay 8-0. The game was over as a contest with just eight minutes played as the Americans built a 3-0 lead in that period thanks to strikes from Rose Lavelle, Sophia Smith and Alex Morgan. It was 5-0 on the sixteen minute mark as Morgan grabbed her second and Catarina Macario was on target. Morgan completed her hat-trick just after half-time with Macario scoring her second and Carli Lloyd completed the rout with 12 minutes to go.
On the same night, Mexico defeated Colombia 2-0 with goals from Maricarmen Reyes and Maria Sanchez.
Finally, Costa Rica saw off a late revival from Panama to earn a 3-2 win. Costa Rica built a 3-0 lead by the 66th minute thanks to Carolina Venegas, Lixy Rodriguez and Raquel Rodriguez. Strikes from Marta Cox and Katherine Castillo in the final few moments of the game produced a dramatic conclusion.
Above: Costa Rica’s Lixy Rodriguez (12), on target against Panama. Photo: Pintrest.
Kieran Yap analyses Australia’s 3-2 desperately disappointing 3-2 loss to the Republic ofIreland and shows how the Young Matildas class of 2019 are starting to make their mark in the senior side. He also argues that less game time in upcoming friendlies for Sam Kerr will be to everyone’s benefit in the future.
Above: Sam Kerr denied in Dublin on Tuesday night. Photo: Getty Images.
Australia’s 3-2 defeat to the Republic of Ireland contained some sadly familiar moments. Free kicks were given away in dangerous areas, set pieces were dealt with poorly, heart stopping defensive errors occurred and the stark difference between the team with and without Ellie Carpenter is starting to look worrying.
Tony Gustavsson was unable to hide his disappointment with the performance. Australia have lost by larger margins and have been beaten in more important games but this seemed to hurt more. It was the first game that the team had not improved in.
This does not mean there were no signs of a positive future.
Five players from the 2019 Young Matildas Asian Cup side were in the squad. Three of them started, Mary Fowler, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Courtney Nevin.
All three played important roles in the match. Nevin struggled for pace against a tireless and quick Ireland team but in possession she was comfortable. Her long pass from deep led directly to Australia’s first goal, it was Catley-like in its precision and vision.
For the past four years, Australia has lacked real depth at left back. Nevin has grown to become an option now. She will play much better games for The Matildas but her emergence and the first appearance of Angie Beard could put an end to players being used well out of position to fill that role.
Above: The looks on the faces of the Matildas say it all after another disappointing defensive performance in Ireland. Photo: ESPN.
It is on the right that solutions must be found. Clare Polkinghorne, Emma Checker and Charli Grant all were trialled, but against Katie McCabe it was always going to be difficult. Grant is the only one of the three who plays full back at club level and will surely get more opportunities.
In the midfield, Kyra Cooney-Cross played perhaps her best game at senior level for Australia. She looked enthusiastic in the pre-Olympic freindlies and comfortable in Tokyo but this was the first time she showed that she could play 90 minutes in midfield at international level.
She was composed in possession, unafraid of the physical contests and was always available to her teammates. She is a midfielder who can take possession under pressure and make the right decision. Her shot on goal whistled over the bar but the way she made space for herself was impressive.
Then there was Mary Fowler. Two years ago in Nepal, she was the star of that Young Matildas side. She looks now to be evolving into a genuine star of the senior team.
Fowler’s two goals were the obvious highlights but her ability to twist and turn into space where none reallty exists is what sets her apart. Fowler is more than just technical ability or athleticism. She looks like a player who knows what she will do before she gets the ball.
Above: Mary Fowler (arms raised) had another hugely promising performance for Australia in Dublin. Photo: Irish Examiner.
Her last three goals for Australia have all appeared slightly fortuitous. The long range strike against Team GB took a deflection as did her second goal against Ireland. Her first strike of the night wiggled under the goalkeepers grasp.
Obviously these goals have an element of luck, but Fowler creates that good fortune. She hits the ball hard, on target and most importantly without hesitation. Defenders have little opportunity to block properly and goalkeepers have been caughty by surprise.
In the space of two years, Nevin, Grant, Cooney-Cross and Fowler have gone from an Under 19 Asian Cup to exchanging passes for The Matildas.
Even after a disappointing result, there is much to look forward to.
It’s Tara Time
Above: Time for Tara Andrews to get some more Matildas action? Photo: Newcastle Herald
Sam Kerr needs a rest. Her Olympic heroics and sensational Chelsea season was rewarded with a fortnight off and she has shown no signs of slowing down since her return. However, some extra time at home with her famous cat Helen in the next international window could do her and Australia a world of good long term. Even superheroes need a break.
If the next matches are to take place in NSW as planned, Newcastle Jets striker Tara Andrews should be considered at centre forward.
She is on the radar after appearing at the Talent ID camp earlier this year and was in excellent form in the last W-League.
More importantly, Andrews is a different type of striker. She is a powerful finisher but can also link up play and hold up the ball. She has the attributes and abilities to change a match.
When Australia is next struggling to break down a team as they did against Ireland, Andrews brings new tactical possibilities.
Tony Gustavsson loves a “game changer” why fly our weary strikers half way around the world when we have one at home already?
Overnight Perth Glory added two overseas players to a squad which has had a number of exciting Australian talent signed over the past few months. Ben Gilby hears from the players, head coach Alex Epakis and club CEO Tony Pignata.
Perth Glory have added two overseas players to their exciting new look squad for the forthcoming W-League campaign with the club announcing the arrival of Danish international Mie Leth Jans and American striker Cyera Hintzen.
Artwork supplied by: Perth Glory
The 27-year-old Jans has won 26 caps for her country, and can play equally effectively as a central defender or as a holding midfielder has previously played for top European sides Manchester City and Rosengard.
The Dane has spent the last three years in the Swedish top-flight, where she claimed a league winners’ medal with Rosengard in 2019, and is excited at the prospect of beginning a new chapter in her career in Western Australia.
“I’m delighted to be joining the club which I’ve heard many good things about from my Australian friends,” she said.
“After I spoke to Alex Epakis [Head Coach], I was convinced this was the right place for me to go to next on my journey. I like the way Alex is passionate about this project, I like his values and I’m sure I can learn a great deal by working with him.
“I’m very much looking forward to meeting everyone, trying a different league and doing my best to help the team achieve its goals.”
Epakis, meanwhile, believes that securing the Dane’s services represents a major coup for Glory.
“The club and I are certainly extremely pleased to have Mie join us for the upcoming season,” he said.
“Her playing record and resume speaks volumes of the type of character and player she is. She has an immense amount of experience at both world-class club level and international level.
“My initial interactions with Mie painted a very clear picture; she is a leader, she is determined and she is a pure professional. She will no doubt play a critical part in our squad this season and I think everyone associated with Glory and the W-League should be excited to have someone of Mie’s calibre in the competition this year.”
Those sentiments were echoed by Glory CEO Tony Pignata. “Signing a player of Mie’s experience and quality illustrates very clearly our determination to build a squad capable of being extremely competitive in the W-League this season,” he said.
“The squad is shaping up really well and I’m sure our Members and fans are looking forward to what promises to be an exciting campaign.”
Artwork supplied by: Perth Glory
The announcement of the acquisition of highly-rated American striker Cyera Hintzen just a few hours later ramped up excitement levels even further in Western Australia.
The 23-year-old, who is a former USA Under-19 international, spent last season at reigning Icelandic league champions Valur for whom she impressed in both the domestic competition and UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Hintzen previously enjoyed a stellar college career at The University of Texas, being named the Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2018 having scored ten goals and claimed nine assists.
She is now relishing the prospect of unleashing her attacking talents upon the W-League as part of Head Coach Alex Epakis’ new-look Glory squad.
“Australia has always been a place that I’ve wanted to play in ever since college,” she said.
“I know the players that come out of there are well-developed and have a great experience on and off the field, so when Perth reached out, I knew it was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. I’m looking forward to developing a relationship with everyone on and off the field and am excited to learn from the players and the environment around me which will help me grow in my game.
“I want to contribute in any way I can to help achieve our goals and win a Championship.”
Epakis, meanwhile, believes that Hintzen has the potential to make a major impact at W-League level.
“Cyera is a blockbuster player,” he said. “She is an explosive poacher and her scoring ability in various scenarios is of an elite level.
“She has a proven record at Champions League level and is certainly going to make her mark as one of the most exciting attackers in the competition.
“I had been tracking Cyera for a number of months, both in the US and more recently in Europe and I am confident she will be a hit. She is very focused on having a great season with the club and has all the attributes to be a real success.”
Glory CEO Tony Pignata is similarly confident that Hintzen will impress in purple.
“Cyera definitely has that x-factor and we’re thrilled to have signed her,” he said. “She will add further firepower to the exciting attacking talent which we already have in the squad and we’re all looking forward to seeing her in action.”
Ben Gilby rounds up all the week’s news from the Damallsvenskan and Elitettan.
Above: Jelena Cankovic, who scoredleaders Rosengård‘s second goal against Hammarby. Photo: Aftonbladet.
DAMALLSVENSKAN:
Djurgården gained an important point courtesy of a 2-2 draw at home to Vittsjö in front of 300 fans. Fernanda da Silva put the visitors ahead after 20 minutes and they remained in the lead until stoppage time at the end of the first half when Fanny Long levelled. Within seven minutes, Hayley Dowd put the hosts ahead, With just over 20 minutes left, Clara Markstedt drew Vittsjö level.
Rosengård gained yet another routine victory as they beat Hammarby 2-1 in Stockholm. Sanne Troelsgaard put the visitors ahead after 26 minutes and Jelena Cankovic made it 2-0 mid way through the second half. Nina Jakobsson’s strike in stoppage time at the end of the game was one positive for the assembled crowd of 473.
Kristianstads ran out 1-0 winners at home to Linköping in front of 297 fans. The only goal of the game came through Sveindis Jane Jonsdottir with 51 minutes played.
Above: Sveindis Jane Jonsdottir, scorer of the Kristianstads’ winner over Linköping. Photo: Teller Report.
Eskilstuna United continued their fine season with a 2-1 win over strugglers Växjö in front of the week’s best crowd of 1,107, but they had to do it the hard way. It was Växjö who took the lead thanks to Emmi Alanen’s 18th minute strike. Two goals in three second half minutes turned the game on its head as Elise Stenevik (64) and Mia Jalkerud (67) earned Eskilstuna the win.
BK Häcken gained what, in the end was another routine win, but it took them a while to finally subdue visitors KIF Örebro. Elin Rubensson (74) and Anna Csiki’s goal with five minutes to go calmed any nerves among the crowd of 624.
AIK were pulled back into the relegation battle after a disappointing loss at home to strugglers Piteå. Jennie Nordin scored the only goal after 71 minutes to the frustration of the 239 fans gathered.
Table From: Svensk Fotboll
The Damallsvenskan takes a week’s break now due to the international window. Action returns next weekend with the following fixtures.
Umeå IK remain six points clear at the top after a 1-0 win at Sundsvalls DFF. An own goal after 22 minutes separated the teams. Second placed IK Uppsala steadied the ship after coming from behind to gain a 2-1 win at IFK Norrköping. Gloria Douglas put the home side ahead on the hour mark before Ellen Toivio levelled nine minute later. Ellen Hansing’s strike in second half stoppage time sealed Uppsala’s recovery. IFK Kalmar moved back up to third after a 3-0 win over Mallbackens IF Sunne. An own goal after five minutes set Kalmar on their way with Minnie Asperot making it 2-0 six minutes before half-time. Tabby Tindell completed the scoring just before the hour mark. IF Brommapojkarna surrendered third spot after they could only draw 0-0 with Lidköpings FK. Morön BK remain fifth despite a 1-0 loss at Alingsås FC United. Alexandra Roholt scored the only goal after 25 minutes.
Latest Results: IFK Kalmar 3-0 Mallbackens IF Sunne, IFK Norrköping 1-2 IK Uppsala, Lidköpings FK 0-0 IF Brommapojkarna, Sundsvalls DFF 0-1 Umeå IK, Bollstanäs SK 0-1 Älvsjö AIK FF, Borgeby FB 2-1 Jitex Mölndal, Alingsås FC United 1-0 Morön BK.
The Elitettan takes a week’s break now due to the international window. Action returns next weekend with the following fixtures.
Next Fixtures: Jitex Mölndal v Älvsjö AIK FF, IK Uppsala v Sundsvalls DFF, Lidköpings FK v Bollstanäs SK, Morön BK v IFK Kalmar, IF Brommapojkarna v Alingsås FC United, Mallbackens IF Sunne v Borgeby FB, Umeå IK v IFK Norrköping.
It’s been another week packed full of player signings and the first kits for the new season have been unveiled. Ben Gilby brings you the views of all the players, coaches and officials involved.
Canberra United re-sign two major players:
Above: Grace Maher (right) is back in lime green for 2021/22. Photo: Canberra Times
Canberra United has secured another two re-signings for 2021/22, with the outstanding Grace Maher and talented goalkeeper Keeley Richards committing for the upcoming season.
At 22, midfielder Maher has played 59 W-League matches, and amassed 1,006 minutes of football last season with 533 passes at 72% accuracy.
Maher spent the W-League off-season playing in the NPL NSW Women’s competition with APIA Leichhardt, playing 11 matches before the season was suspended due to Covid.
The Majura FC local has always called Canberra home and said she’s excited to build on last season’s results.
“I am proud and excited to be back in green this season,” Maher said.
“We had a successful campaign to get back into finals football last year and I cannot wait to be here to help build on that.
“Canberra is my home and the feeling of playing for United is something I don’t get at other clubs.
“This season is set to be exciting and I think building off what we created last year and improving those finer details will be key for us this year”.
Speaking on her re-signing, Canberra United Head Coach Vicki Linton said “It is great having players such as Grace who are so passionate about playing for the club.
“Grace continues to grow as a professional player and it will be good to work with her again this season and to see that continued development.”
Above: Keeley Richards – back at Canberra United for 2021/22. Photo: Canberra Times
Goalkeeper Keeley Richards joined the club for the 2020/21 season, managing three clean sheets for the side, including in her debut against the Western Sydney Wanderers in round five.
Richards spent the off-season with Logan United in the Queensland NPLW, where she has made more than 100 appearances for the club over five seasons.
Richards said it was an easy decision to come back to Canberra for her second season in the W-League.
“The experience last year was incredible and the opportunity to continue to work with and learn from Chantel Jones and Vicki Linton was something I jumped at,” Richards said.
“The culture of the club is like no other team I’ve been involved with and it’s a privilege to be a part of that again.”
Richards added she’s determined to go one better with the team this upcoming season.
“Getting knocked out in the semi last year was tough, it would be amazing to be able to take it one step further this season.”
Head Coach Vicki Linton said she’s looking forward to seeing what Keeley can do in her second season of W-League.
“It is good to have Keeley back,” Vicki said.
“After making her debut last season I am sure she will be keen to get back into the environment, continue to develop and learn and build on her performance from last year.”
The announcements of Maher and Richards bring Canberra’s signings announced for Season 14 of the W-League to six, joining Michelle Heyman, Emma Ilijoski, Laura Hughes and Allira Toby.
Melbourne City add another four:
Melbourne City FC have announced the signing of youngsters Sally James, Holly McNamara, Caitlin Karic, and Darcey Malone for the upcoming W-League season.
Artwork courtesy of: Melbourne City
One of the country’s brightest young goalkeeping talents, 18 year-old James endured a tough run with injury last season which limited her to just three W-League appearances. This wasn’t enough to hold the youngster back as she was called up to the Matildas Transition Camp in June 2021 which was held in Sweden.
She also has been involved with the Young Matildas program since 2020 and will be looking to put her best foot forward in her first season in Melbourne.
James will be looking to follow in the steps of City’s past two keepers; Teagan Micah and Lydia Williams, who are currently battling it out for the number one Matildas jersey.
Head Coach Rado Vidosic said: “We’re excited to have one of Australia’s best young keepers joining the Club this season.
“Sally is a proactive, modern goalkeeper, who will suit our style of play well. She’s a hard-worker and there’s no doubt she has a promising future. We look forward to her arriving in Melbourne and working with her to help her reach her full potential.”
James was looking forward to representing the club: “I decided to join City to step out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself in a new environment. The coaching staff have shown a lot of faith in me, and I’ll give 100% of myself to repay that. I’m excited to meet the team and the coaching staff, as well as learning the City style of play.”
Striker Holly McNamara and midfielder Darcey Malone (both 18-years-old) have both signed two-year deals, while 15-year-old attacker Caitlin Karic has signed on for 2021/22.
McNamara is a former Young Matilda who has spent the last four years at the Football New South Wales Institute and is regarded as one of the brightest young strikers in the country.
She has captained the Institute and had scored five goals this season prior to the NPL NSW season being suspended due to COVID-19.
Speaking about being given a deal at City, McNamara said: “I’m really looking forward to getting some W-League experience and hopefully getting some game time under my belt.
“City have the best facilities and coaching in the country as well as playing a big role in the development of younger players. I’m very excited to be a part of it.”
Above: Caitlin Karic, Holly McNamara and Darcey Malone – all teenagers signed by Melbourne City this week. Photos supplied by: Melbourne City.
Karic is an exciting young player who will bring plenty of talent to our attacking third and provide further flexibility to Rado Vidosic’s playing squad.
The young attacking midfielder will be looking to learn plenty from the more senior members of the squad. She is also no stranger to City, having been part of the Melbourne City College of Football program at Overnewton College since she was just ten.
She was hugely excited by the opportunity in front of her: “I’m really looking forward to playing in a professional environment and playing alongside and learning from the experienced players.
“Rado Vidosic is an experienced coach who I think I can learn a lot from, so I’m very excited to play under him.”
Malone already has a couple of W-League appearances under her belt, along with experience in the Junior Matildas set-up. Her composure on the ball and football knowledge beyond her years will see her challenging for game time this season.
She said that after holding talks with Rado Vidosic, it was an easy decision to sign: City’s style of play really suits my game and I feel I can contribute to the team in that regard.
“City is the most successful club in the W-League with a very professional set up and a great team culture. I am excited to be a part of what Rado is building and I feel very lucky to be included in his plans.”
Sky Blues’ head coach Rado Vidosic believes that he has signed some of the best young players that Australia has to offer.
“We’re excited to be bringing in three of the best young footballing talents in Australia. Holly is one of the top young strikers in the country and we’re very happy to have her joining the Club. She has pace, is technically gifted, and we believe she’ll fit in well with our style of play.
“Caitlin is an attacking threat and certainly has a bright future ahead of her. We’re excited to work with her and help her develop into the player we know she can become.
Darcey joins us with some previous W-League experience, and she’s also spent time in the Junior Matildas set-up. Her qualities fit seamlessly into our style of play, and we look forward to seeing her improve this season.”
Following these signings, City now has 13 players confirmed in its 2021/22 playing squad, including Emma Checker, Rebekah Stott, Kaitlyn Torpey and Tori Tumeth.
Perth Glory Add Sadie Lawrence:
Artwork supplied by: Perth Glory
Perth Glory have confirmed the signing of midfielder Sadie Lawrence nine seasons after she last played for the club.
The 28-year-old returns to the Glory fold having previously made 17 W-League appearances in the famous purple between 2009 and 2012.
With ten goals from 21 games for Murdoch University Melville FC, Lawrence has been in stellar form in the NPLW WA this season and the former Australia Under-20s representative is now hugely excited at the prospect of re-igniting her W-League career.
“To be back playing for Glory is something that I’ve wanted for such a long time,” she said, “and I couldn’t be happier or more grateful to have this opportunity.
“My aim is to just play the best football I possibly can and do the best for my home-state club.
“I’m really looking forward to working with (Head Coach) Alex Epakis and hopefully I can help get the club to where it wants to be.”
Above: Sadie Lawrence in action for Perth Glory back in 2009. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images.
Epakis, meanwhile, is confident that Lawrence can make a major contribution in the coming campaign.
“I am ecstatic to have Sadie back at Perth Glory this season,” he said. “She has previously represented the club very proudly and will add a further level of depth and quality to our spine this year.
“I have been watching the NPLW WA very closely this season and she has been a consistent standout player. I believe she has the mind-set and leadership qualities to be a really valued member of our squad.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Sadie and am backing her to work very hard and help the team in achieving our goals this season.”
Glory CEO Tony Pignata also feels that the signing of Lawrence will be welcomed by the club’s Members and fans.
“Sadie is another example of our commitment to giving local WA players an opportunity to represent their home-state club,” he said.
“Alex (Epakis) is assembling an exciting and dynamic mix of local, interstate and international players whom we are confident will make Glory highly-competitive and very entertaining to watch in the W-League this season.”
First New Kit News:
Adelaide United and Perth Glory launched their home and away kits for the new W-League season this week.
Above: The new Adelaide United shirt for 2021/22. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
First up were the South Australians whose new design, supplied by UCAN, returns to a conventional all red kit, contrasting last year’s generous use of navy across the shoulders.
The design is complemented by a distinctive coral pattern on the sides which references one of South Australia’s native flora, the Swainsona formosa, commonly known as the Sturt’s desert pea.
The look is complete with red shorts and red socks, with the outside of the shorts also employing the Sturt’s desert pea pattern in coral.
Adelaide United’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Marius Zanin, said: “We’re very excited to launch such a classic looking Adelaide United home shirt for the upcoming season.
“We believe this design balances perfectly between a reflection of the past and consideration of the future while paying homage to the State of South Australia.”
For the ninth successive season, SA Power Networks will be visible on the front of the shirt.
Above: Adelaide United’s new away shirt for the W-League. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
The away kit incorporates the State colours of South Australia, utilising navy blue accompanied by shades of dusk blue with a gradient pattern to represent the rolling vineyards of the iconic South Australian wine region along with fluro red detailing on the neckline, cuffs, and bottom of the shirt.
Navy shorts and navy socks complement the jersey with the gradient pattern also visible on the sides of the shorts.
Adelaide United’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Marius Zanin, said: “In keeping with our theme of incorporating elements of South Australia into our jerseys, we opted to pay homage to the State’s world class wine region. The lined patterns scattered across the playing top reflects the rows of vines throughout the countless vineyards South Australia has to offer. I believe this jersey will resonate with our fans because of its uniqueness and it really captures the imagination as it is something we haven’t done before.”
Above: Hana Lowry (far left) shows off the new Perth Glory home kit with Tash Rigby (far right) displaying the new away kit. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory‘s new kit, supplied by Macron was launched to mark the club’s 25th anniversary, and aims to be fusion of the old and the new, featuring the original Glory badge and a 1996 embossed pattern within the fabric of the home shirt and a teal colour for the away strip.
Glory’s traditional orange trim is well represented on the home and away kits and the club’s OneGlory hashtag is once again displayed on the back of the collar.
Perth Glory CEO Tony Pignata believes that with the input of Members and fans having played a crucial role in the design process, both kits will prove very popular.
“The feedback we received last year was overwhelmingly in favour of moving away from what had become the club’s traditional away colour of white, hence the switch to teal which has emerged as a very popular colour choice with a number of leading clubs around the world this year.
“Another priority was, of course, to incorporate a celebration of our 25th anniversary into the kit design and via the inclusion of the retro badge and embossed 1996 design, we believe that has been achieved.”
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