With the Women’s Football competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games just a couple of weeks away, Impetus unveils its team of writers for the event and outlines our in-depth coverage of the event.
The forthcoming Olympic Games is the first major international women’s football competition since Impetus‘ founding in September 2019. We are delighted to be able to reveal a strong team of writers based in five different countries to bring you the best possible coverage of the action.
Ben Gilby is Impetus‘ founder and editor. Based in Surrey, UK, Ben will be using his extremely strong links and contacts to Australian women’s football to provide feature articles on The Matildas ahead of the Games and be involved in match reports and previews for the Australian national team. He will additionally be assisting with our coverage of Team GB.
Darrell Allen will be leading our coverage of Team GB throughout the Games. Darrell is the media officer of Wroxham Women and is well known around the Norfolk women’s football scene for his devotion and passion for the sport.
Kris Goman played a major part of our hugely successful coverage of the W-League. Based in Sydney, Kris provided some outstanding reports and exclusive photos for Impetus directly from W-League matches in the Harbour City. Passionate about the women’s game, Kris will be providing previews, reports and analysis of the games involving Australia and New Zealand.
Catherine Pacquette is Impetus’ go-to expert on the North American scene. Living in Canada, Catherine launched her own women’s football platform, HerBeautifulGame. Since joining Impetus recently, Catherine has been providing some hugely insightful and knowledgeable articles on the NWSL. Therefore, we could not have anyone better to provide us with detailed coverage of the USA and Canada throughout the Games. If that is not enough, she will be leading our coverage of the FA Women’s Super League next season.
Jean-Pierre Thiesset, is based in Lyon and has been providing interviews and round-ups from the French women’s game all season long. For the Olympics, Jean-Pierre will be focusing on the Chilean national team for us.
Abi Ticehurst, from Berkshire has recently begun covering Irish Women’s Football for Impetus. She’ll be further broadening her horizons during the Olympics by providing previews, reports and analysis on the Netherlands. Abi is well known for her coverage of women’s football in Berkshire, presenting the Matchfixx podcast and next season will be leading our coverage of the FA Women’s National League.
Kieran Yap, based in Melbourne was a major part of our hugely successful coverage of the W-League last season. Kieran produced match reports and some exceptionally insightful analysis. His review of the W-League Grand Final won plaudits on social media in Australia and the UK. Kieran has a great knowledge of women’s football and contacts within the Australian game and so will be playing a key role in our coverage of The Matildas.
@DandalBs, located in Lund, provides Impetus with weekly news from the Swedish women’s game. Throughout the Games we’ll be hearing all the important news from the Swedish camp both on and off the pitch.
Impetus Olympic Coverage:
Starting this weekend, we will be providing team previews of the competing nations plus features on players. During the competition, there will be previews, reports and post match analysis from many of the group games and then throughout the knock-out stages. Keep your eyes peeled for daily coverage as the Impetus increases for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
KIF Örebrochairman Frederik Sterngard spoke to Ben Gilby about the Damallsvenskan club’s history, which included a Champions League run which led to financial pressures before rebuilding towards their present status.
KIF Örebro can trace their roots back to 1980 when Karlslunds IF men’s club put together a women’s side. However, as Frederik Sterngard reveals, things changed quickly.
“They did not feel that they got enough attention within the club,” he said, “so they started their own women’s club, Karlslunds IF DFF. They did well and advanced all the way to the top tier league, the OBOS Damallsvenskan. The club is placed in tenth place in the all-time table with 372 games played in the league and 495 points earned.
“KIF Örebrohave spent 19 of the past 20 seasons in the OBOS Damallsvenskan with 2018 spent in the second tier Elitettan. Today the club has the first team and two youth academy teams (U19 and U17), and also six girls teams.”
That pathway can see players start at the club from a young age, as Sterngard explained. “A girl starts aged six at KIF Örebro and when reaching the age of fourteen we give players an opportunity to join our U15/U16 team and then to try out for joining our academy (U17 and U19). Then we have a lot of collaboration between U15/16 and U17, but also U17 and U19. And in the end players from our U19 train and play games with the first team.
“However from U17 and up its only elite players. So we don’t have a senior team for those that don’t make it into the elite., These players go to third tier clubs around us in the Örebro area, same with players from U17 and U19 that don’t make it.
“Our academy also attract players from around the region. This year, we have one of the strongest U19 teams we’ve had for a long time and we have also just started our U17 team. So we are spending a lot of money on the academy. We want to produce good players for not just KIF Örebro, but also to the top clubs in Europe.”
This expansion has been particularly impressive amidst the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit Örebro badly, as Sterngard reveals.
“It has had a big impact. It made it hard to maintain operations within our elite teams. They were effected by financial losses.
Above: KIF Örebro celebrate over Vittsjo GIK earlier this season. Photo: Hasses Sportbilder
“However, a small budget and help from the government and local partners enabled the club managed to make it through the year. In terms of positive cases, the club has only had a couple. The 2020 season was supposed to start mid-April, but did not start until the end of June. This had an impact on all the players and the pre-season. It did create some stress fractures and also some serious injuries with a whole season being played in fewer months. In the end we managed to end up in seventh place in the league.”
The club enjoyed their greatest season in their history in 2014 when they finished as runners-up in the Damallsvenskan which earned them a place in the UEFA Champions League. It was a campaign that Frederik and the fans will never forget.
“We had a really strong team 2014 lead by Rickard Nilsson. The runner-up position (with 42 points after 14 wins and 6 losses and 32-14 in goal difference) came as a surprise to many, but a lot had to do with KIF Örebro having both good players in the team with a very offensive playing style. Key players in the achievement were Julia Spetsmark, Stephanie Labbé, Sarah Michael and Sanna Talonen.
“Of course, it led to a place in the Champions League for 2014/15 and that was amazing in terms of experience and brand value for our club. It put KIF Örebro on the map. With a win over PAOK and then playing two draws against Paris St. Germain (being eliminated on the fact that it was 1-1 in the home game in Sweden) was hard. The team with Spetsmark, Hanna Folkesson, Elin Magnusson, Lisa Dahlkvist, Sarah Michael and Sanna Talonen was so good.
“The home game against Paris St. Germain saw us achieve our record attendance in our clubs history: 5,976! We are proud of our effort. We know we could have beaten PSG, but this time it was not enough to play two draws.
“However the Champions League experience was not all positive. In economic terms that season was devastating. There were no money in the Champions League back then. So a lot of costs were brought on and our expensive squad did start an economic down spiral in 2016 and 2017.
“This caused serious economic problems with negative capital, making the club almost losing its elite status within the Swedish Football Association, which could have cost us a spot in the OBOS Damallsvenskan. In 2017 the club did not perform well and we were relegated, much due to the financial situation effecting the whole operations.
“Looking back, that one season in the Elitettan was good for the club. It gave us a re-start and the club started to deal with the bad financial position. A new focus on young hungry players and players that had big potential was brought on as the “guideline” for the sports director.
“We also aimed to bring through more local talent. After two years of losses, the club made a profit again in 2018, and the team also did perform securing the spot back to the OBOS Damallsvenskan.
Above: KIF Örebro head coach Richard Johansson. Photo: Hasses Sportbilder
“This was against all odds. A lot of experts did predict the end of the club in 2017 when we were relegated due to our bad financial outlook and the fact that going back up again is very hard. But we did work hard, cutting costs and also putting our new strategy in to place with a new club director and new coaches. Stefan Ärnsved came in as head coach. He stayed on for three years (2018-2020). Now its Rickard Johansson as head coach.
Sweden has, historically been one of the most successful nations in European club competitions. With the big finances at clubs in England and clubs such as Olympique Lyonnais and FC Barcelona, I wondered if Sterngard felt that it was the end of any chance that Swedish sides have of successful runs in Europe.
“This is a hard question, but an important one. I think we need to understand that our biggest strength is that Sweden has over 100,000 girls playing football. If the elite clubs play our cards right we can capitalize on this, making sure Sweden produce good talent for the clubs in the big leagues. That could mean money pouring in to Swedish elite women’s football.
“We also need to build on the fact that Swedish clubs do a lot of good in terms of commercially. We have now started to see big companies picking up on this, investing in the Swedish clubs. This is a big source of income that will grow. The clubs also have to come together and really see it as a mission for ALL clubs to make sure that in the short term FC Rosengård and BK Häcken (formerly Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC) advance to the group stage of the new Champions League format.
“But in the end, money will make all the difference. Still not that much money is being spent on women’s football, but if it develops as we hope the big nations in Europe will advance. I hope Sweden can keep competing on a high level and hopefully we can see that the big focus on gender equality in Sweden can help capitalizing more money in to Swedish women’s football.”
We then turned our focus onto this season specifically. At the present time, KIF Örebro are just below the mid-table mark. “Ahead of this campaign, we did sign a big talent: the Icelandic national team goalie Cecilia Ran Runarsdottir, one of Europe’s biggest talents. We also brought back Jenna Hellstrom (Canadian national team player) who was previously at our club in 2019. I would say these are two really special signings, enthused Sterngard.
Above: Jenna Hellstrom – an important singing for KIF Örebro ahead of this season. Photo: Hasses Sportbilder
“Then we have a lot of young promising Swedish players such as Anna Sandberg (local product), Cassandra Larsson (youth national team) and also Berglind Ros Augustidottir (Icelandic national team players). Some other strong names that stayed in the club from last year are Karin Lundin (11 goals in 2020) and Elli Pikkujämsä (Finnish national team defender). We are awaiting Heidi Kollanen to recover from a knee injury. She is also a Finnish national team player.
“This season, our new coach Rickard Johansson is implementing a whole new playing style at KIF Örebro. We are going to play more with the ball and try to build up our attacks from the back line (or even the goalie). A lot of work has been put into this with a lot of new players this year and this new playing style. It made us lose more games than usual in the pre-season period. In the Swedish cup we did not have our overseas players ready, which had a big impact and we went out in the group stage.
“Overall this season, we are proving a lot of experts wrong. They did not believe in our new playing style, or at least not that it would pay off so quickly. We are committed to continue working with our young players (our average age is 21) to believe in their own and the team’s qualities.
At the present time, the club are in ninth place with three wins and two draws from their eleven games. However, Sterngard is positive about the campaign.
“We think we will have better form after the Olympic break. Until then, we have a few hard games against top teams (Rosengård, Kristianstad, Linköping and Hammarby) where Jenna Hellstrom is not allowed to play (due to a red card) that will be hard. We hope to reach a top half position in the table eventually.”
“The Damallsvenskan is always a high standard with entertaining football. However FC Rosengård and BK Häcken are now in their own mini league of two teams as they have a lot of national team players and also big financial resources behind them, admitted Sterngard.
“I hope that the Damallsvenskan can continue to give good entertainment and attract good players, or even be the league where the young talented players want to come and get their playing time and showing themselves and everyone else what they are capable of.”
Follow Swedish women’s football on Impetus each week with @DandalBs detailed round-up of all the news. Every Saturday morning all year round.
Adelaide United‘s women’s and men’s teams have both enjoyed huge success in 2020/21, but their announcement of Vito Basile (pictured above, photo via Adelaide United FC) as new Head of Football at the club shows that the South Australian side are going all out for even greater success next season.
Adelaide United have today announced the appointment of Vito Basile as the Club’s new Head of Football across both their W-League and A-League sides.
Basile arrives at South Australia’s top club with a wealth of football experience, having worked within the national team programs and with some of Australia’s best footballers for the past decade.
Prior to joining the Reds, Basile held key positions with Football Australia, playing a pivotal role in managing male and female high performance programs, including the Socceroos and the Matildas competing at major tournaments.
Between 2014 and 2021, Basile was Football Australia’s Women’s National Performance Manager, leading the Matildas’ operations and preparation for the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaigns and the 2016 Summer Olympics.
He also spent time as the Men’s National Teams Manager and as an Assistant Team Manager with the Socceroos during the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups as well as the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Speaking on his appointment, Basile said: “I’m excited to commence this new challenge at Adelaide United as Head of Football.
“I’ve worked in football for a long time and have a sound understanding of the high performance standards, operations, and administrative aspects involved in the game.
“As a proud South Australian, I’ve closely supported both the men’s and women’s teams since their establishment all those years ago and I want to thank the Club for the faith and trust they’ve shown me already.
“I’m looking forward to working with all stakeholders to further enhance and to build on the previous strong foundations that have been laid at Adelaide United”.
Adelaide United Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Kosmina, said: “Vito brings extensive football pedigree to our Head of Football role.
“We’re bringing in a respected and knowledgeable football person who has been to a combined four FIFA World Cups and a Confederations Cup, as well as an Olympic Games.
“Vito’s role will encompass oversight of our entire football operation, including A-League, W-League, and youth teams.
“His understanding of high performance football environments is immense and his appointment will take our programs to the next level, as we build on the successes of the past 12 months.”
Ben Gilby writes for Beyond90, Australia’s leading independent women’s football platform. Visit https://beyond90.com.au/
Impetus’ coverage of Australian Women’s Football is supported by The Chicken Salt Co. They are offering every Impetus reader 5% off all orders of Chicken Salt from their website. Go to https://www.chickensalt.co.uk/?mate=impetus and place your order – 5% will automatically be taken off of the cost. The coupon code is impetus.
Abi Ticehurst rounds up all of the action as the top two went head to head in the latest round of FAI Women’s National League action and the rest of the league concentrated on closing the gap.
In the Spotlight: Shels on top in seven goal thriller
Crowds were allowed back in for the first time since the league kicked off and the 300 who turned up for the battle of the top two were not disappointed. Both sides headed in the game level on points, but Peamount United had the upper hand having played one game less. Shelbourne looked to build on their previous performance with the same starting XI as the previous five whilst Peamount kicked off their return with this game and sought to blow away the cobwebs of the mid-season break.
Barely 30 seconds from the whistle and Emily Whelan was in with a chance but could not to get the ball quite under the right control in order to put Shelbourne in front. Moments later and a looping free kick from Jessie Stapleton was able to find the head of Saoirse Noonan (pictured celebrating above via @Shelsfc) and the Shels were 1-0 up.
The Peamount defence looked unsettled for much of the first half with panic passes played. Their first real attempt was a ball struck into the bottom corner but it lacked pace and was easily collected by Amanda Budden. Some slick passing up field by Shelbourne saw the ball land with Ziu who was able to turn Peamount which opened up space for Noonan and the home side were 2-0 up inside 15 minutes. The Peas continued to struggle with the rhythm of the game, losing possession in easy build up points and from set pieces. They seemed to find form towards the end of the half as Sadhbh Doyle caught the crossbar, however Jess Gargan was able to clear. Just ten minutes before the break, a Peamount penalty was converted into the bottom right corner by an assured Doyle. 2-1 going into the break.
Pace certainly picked up from the whistle and a feisty second half ensued. A Noelle Murray free kick found Jamie Finn but to no avail, but little time was wasted before a previously limping Whelan fizzed a ball across the box and it smashed in the back of the net. Worldie. 3-1 to Shelbourne.
Noonan was able to run amok in midfield, cut inside the box and shot from a tight angle before she was denied by a Peamount block. Peas followed up on the attack and Gorman noticed Budden off her line and lobbed her to make it 3-2.
A pacey final 10 minutes saw Shels denied a penalty, which was a very questionable decision by the referee indeed. One minute into stoppage time at the end of the game and Karen Duggan dramatically equalised for Peamount in what was assumed to be the last goal of the game, however in true Murray style, she was able to latch on the end of a long ball and secure the three points for Shelbourne in the final moments, all whilst manager Noel King had been sent to the stands by the referee. What a game.
Noonan has seen a fair amount of pressure in front of goal having made the step up from Cork City, but she didn’t disappoint in this game. Honourable mentions to Budden who had a sterling game to deny Peamount scoring more goals. She now has eight clean sheets to her name so far this season. Sadhbh Doyle the standout for Peamount.
FT Shelbourne 4-3 Peamount United
Above: Game faces on for Cork City. Photo: @Becky_Cassin
A huge result for Cork City who secured their first win of the season and moved up the table from the bottom spot as a result. Captain Becky Cassin capitalised on an off-guard Bohemians as a free-kick swung in. No let up for Bohemians as they face Peamount next.
Above: Eyes on the prize – DLR Waves and Galway battle for possession. Photo From: Peter Minogue Photography.
A smart passing game played by DLR Waves ensured that they would secure the win away from home at Galway. Shauna Fox with the first of DLR’s goals. Katie Malone followed suit and secured the second from inside the six yard box. An impressive performance up top for Impetus’ own Carla McManus once again, she’ll be keen to be back on the scoresheet for the Waves when they play Cork City at home. A debut appearance between the sticks for Galway’s Leah Hayes-Cohen and she’ll no doubt want to keep building on that experience.
FT Galway WFC 0-2 DLR Waves
Deadlock for the first 65 minutes in the tightly fought contest, Sinead Taylor was able to put that right for WexfordYouths. A point a piece looked likely when Gillian Keenan nabbed one for Treaty United, however Aoibheann Clancy snuck a late goal for Wexford to clinch the victory.
FT Wexford Youths 2-1 Treaty United
Pos
Team
Pld
Pts
GD +/-
GF
W
1
Shelbourne
11
28
+23
29
9
2
Peamount United
10
25
+21
29
8
3
Wexford Youths
11
24
+22
31
7
4
DLR Waves
10
19
+6
15
6
5
Galway
11
11
-11
17
3
6
Bohemians
11
8
-10
16
2
7
Treaty United
10
8
-25
15
2
8
Cork City
11
6
-11
13
1
9
Athlone Town
10
6
-15
13
1
Next Fixtures:
Saturday 10th July:
DLR Waves v Cork City (4pm)
Peamount United v Bohemians (4pm)
Athlone Town v Wexford Youths (7pm)
Sunday 11th July:
Treaty United v Galway (2pm)
Above: Impetus sponsored Carla McManus races towards goal for DLR Waves at Galway at the weekend. Photo From: Peter Minogue Photography.
Catherine Paquette casts her expert eye over Round Seven of the NWSL and highlights all the moments that mattered.
This past NWSL weekend was a foresight, arguably of things to come. It was the first weekend where some of the internationally selected Olympic players were absent on national team preparation duty.
The remaining Olympians departed this week and will be gone for at least the next month. In total more than three starting line-ups worth of NWSL players will be heading to Tokyo. The only team unaffected is Racing Louisville.
Teams are allowed to temporarily bolster their squads during this loss. Some, the OL Reign for example, have planned ahead and arranged loans which will last through the expected Olympic period. Others have signed replacement players on short term contracts.
The weekend gave us a first glimpse though of teams without some of their most skilled talent.
Friday had six teams meet in three fixtures. The first of the long weekend saw the Chicago Red Stars get their third win of the year, on the road, against the Washington Spirit. The winning goal was poked in by Kayla Sharples in the 33rd minute of the match off a corner.
Chicago’s striker Kealia Watt, who looked significantly more offensive this match than any other all season, should have been given the second of the match. It was erroneously not called as a goal after the ball bounced back into play from inside the net and was missed by the touchline referee.
Above: Washington Spirit’s Ashley Sanchez goes for goal . Photo: AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Overall though, it was not a great match for either team. The Red Stars have had an erratic start to the beginning of the season, playing a dull brand of football often littered with mistakes and a lack of creativity. While there were moments of respite from that during the last match, suffice to say that overall the Red Stars’ Friday performance was not much of an improvement. Luckily for them most of their Olympic players had already departed. The same occurred with the Washington Spirit.
Washington for their part do pass the ball well. Sadly, that seems to be all they are currently capable of doing. Their coach Richie Burke has been quoted as saying he wants his team to make 600 passes minimum each game. While the idea of having a successfully passing team is a good one, if they are hardly hitting the back of the net and are consistently conceding then passing ideals are worthless.
The Spirit have conceded in every match of the year bar one and have yet to play a regular season game this year where their winning margin was greater than one. They are not the worst performing team in the league by far but they still have a ways to go to improve in order to become a dominant, consistent team.
The second match of the weekend was between the Houston Dash and the OL Reign. Houston still had some Olympic talent who had yet to depart. The Reign entered the match without their head coach Farid Benstiti, who had resigned the day prior after an abysmal year and a half in charge of the team. Sam Laity, who has been with the Reign since their inception, took over as interim coach.
The resignation did not change the 2021 form of the Reign. They succumbed to a 2-0 loss to the Dash at home. The OL Reign were able to show creativity in their build up, as they have done this year, but as always were not able to find space and convert in the final third. A lot of credit has to go to the Dash’s Jane Campbell, who made a number of great saves.
The Dash for their part slowly built from the back but often looked predictable in their attack. The Reign, to their credit, were able to keep the Dash contained in their own half for the earlier part of the match.
Above: Jas Spencer celebrates a goal to remember after returning from injury. Photo: Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle
However, a great pass from Shea Groom to Jas Spencer led to the Dash’s first goal of the night. The goal was especially emotional for Spencer who had just made a two year comeback from injury. She had had an ACL tear at Houston while playing for the Reign in 2019. Seeing her joy after scoring in the stadium where her career nearly ended was lovely.
The Dash were also able to capitalize later on in the game off a set play. A great ball in from Sophie Schmidt was headed twice before finding the back of the net. This is the second assist in two matches for Schmidt who will now depart for Olympic duty with Canada.
The final match of the first day of play actually stretched over two days. Gotham FC’s game against Kansas City was delayed for more than three hours due to weather conditions and started at 10:20 PM on Friday night.
A goal from NJ/NY in the middle of the first half by Ifeoma Onumonu resulted in a Gotham lead for most of the game. Onumonu received the ball in front of goal off a great Midge Purce pass and sent a low curler into the corner of the net.
KC continued to show the struggles they are encountering as an expansion side. Some sloppy passing and mistakes under pressure plagued many of their attacking chances. However, one cannot fault them for continuing to persevere and not giving up, especially against a Gotham squad that gave a lot of forward pressure and did not leave KC much room to operate.
This perseverance led to what is so far the goal of the season. KC’s Mariana Larroquette received the ball just inside Gotham’s half. She then proceeded to pass to herself and then charge towards the goal. She finished it off with an incredible curling strike after 38 minutes into the top of the net. There was nothing Gotham’s goalkeeper Didi Haracic could do about it.
The match ended tied in the early hours of Saturday with a score of 1-1.
And Larroquette evens it up with an amazing 38 yard goal.
— Her Beautiful Game (@HerBeautifulGam) July 3, 2021
The next match occurred later on Saturday. PortlandThorns were at RacingLouisville without all their American and Canadian internationals. It was the two sides’ second encounter of the year. The Thorns had bested Racing 3-0 in the earlier match in June.
The scoreline for this game would be quite similar. An unlikely foul by Racing’s Yuki Nagasato in the first half led to a converted Raquel Rodriguez penalty for the Thorns. A second goal, off a clearly well rehearsed set play, was headed home by Simone Charley.
Louisville are still learning a lot as an expansion franchise. While mistakes are still being made by the side and there are a lot of passes to nowhere, they showed they have a lot of good ideas to develop play and are able to follow through with tactical plans. In this match Louisville were able to keep the Thorns compact with a high defensive line for many parts of the match. As they are not losing any internationals to the Olympics this should keep Louisville more stable over the next month of play.
And the youngest player ever to play in the @NWSL, @olivia_moultrie, enters the field.
— Her Beautiful Game (@HerBeautifulGam) July 4, 2021
The big story of this game though was the debut of 15-year-old Olivia Moultrie. Moultrie, with the support of the Thorns whom she has been training with for the last few years, sued the NWSL for discrimination due to the league’s age restriction. A judge sided with Moultrie and ordered the league to allow her to sign.
After a bit of drama with regards to discovery rights, which were allocated to the OL Reign after the court injunction and required the Thorns to trade a draft pick to get Moultrie’s rights back, Moultrie signed a professional contract earlier this week.
A lot had been written about this young player, often described as a prodigy. She was offered a college scholarship at 11 and decided to turn professional at age 13. Her debut was therefore hotly anticipated. While she was on the field for only the last 10 minutes of the game, her few touches and runs showed signs of why Portland have been in agreement to allow one so young to turn professional.
The final match of the weekend was between the Orlando Pride and the North Carolina Courage. While the Pride have been performing very well for most of the season, this match was not their best. They are both currently missing significant parts of their squads to international Olympic duty. The beginning of their match started with severe pressure from the Courage and saw the Pride make many mistakes.
A big one, a bad pass back by Dougherty-Howard in the third minute of play, was well-read by the Courage’s Debinha who picked up the ball and slotted it home. Things did not improve performance-wise for the Pride who looked very one-dimensional during most of the match.
Their goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris was the one reason that the scoreline did not finish off worse than it was. Harris made a number of world class saves throughout the match including a penalty save in the 35th minute.
However, Harris’ heroics could only go so far. A wonderful Courage team goal occurred in the 66th minute. Angharad James crossed to Lynn Williams who in turn passed it in front of the net for Jessica MacDonald to make a short pass to Havana Solaun who kicked it into the net.
The Pride did try to fight back, with a number of attempts on goal but were unsuccessful in their comeback. The Courage won the match 2-0 and were propelled to the top of the table. Whether they will be able to keep this position after the remainder of their Olympians leave will be seen.
There are five more matches this upcoming weekend spread over Friday to Sunday.
Don’t miss Catherine‘s round up each Tuesday from the NWSLand keep an eye out for her special articles for Impetus.
Impetus are hugely excited to announce that we are sponsoring Ashford Town (Middx) striker Ashley Cheatley, one of the most prolific goal scorers in the fifth tier of the sport. Ben Gilby spoke to Ashley to launch the sponsorship which is just one element of our partnership with Ashford Town (Middx) for the new season.
Ashley Cheatley (pictured above in a photo she supplied Impetus with) has a quite phenomenal record at Ashford Town (Middx). Despite playing as high as Championship football earlier in her career, she is clear that opting to play in the tangerine and white it is the best footballing decision that she has ever made.
“Moving to Ashford Town was one of the best moves for me as an individual and for me to grow as a player. I can remember the first day I got the call from chairman and head coach Will Boye saying he was starting up at Ashford and wanted me to be part of it. To be honest, I wasn’t keen because it meant starting from the bottom, and I was already comfortable at my previous club, Brentford.
“However, in my first season, I scored 77 goals in a season, 11 in one game once, and I believe that I’ve topped the goal scoring table in all the seasons that I’ve been there apart from one!
“I got a call up to represent Middlesex County and after three years representing, we managed to win our first cup within the Southern Counties.
“Within my playing career at Ashford, I’ve loaned to Enfield in the FAWNL where I scored three goals in three games, and signed for Millwall Lionesses during the Spring Series.
“Ashford Town have been such a big part of my life and career and to this day, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been at a football club.
“Life at Ashford is amazing. I’ve never been so happy and content at a club in my whole career and I don’t think you can find a club quite like Ashford, from the players to the coaching staff to even the locals at Ashford everyone is one big family. My teammates are amazing both as players and individuals. Everyone’s vibe is the same, the energy levels are up there. Come onnnnnnn thennnnn!”
Ashley is full of gratitude for the support that her family have given her since her earliest days kicking a ball around.
“My parents and grandparents used to take me to a field back when I was roughly 18 months old, to kick a ball around, this weirdly is only about two to three minutes from Ashford, and they always believed in my ability and pushed me to do what I want to do always.
“My grandad was one of my biggest fans. Every time he came to watch he would say to me ‘I’ll tell you what you are, you’re bloody brilliant’ – I’ll never forget that! Unfortunately my grandad has passed away but my family still come to this day or watch on streams when they can.
“Will Boye at Ashford has had the most influence on me, he’s always allowed me to do what I want to do on the pitch and to help my development. He is so understanding and shows care and respect. You don’t find that often.”
Above: Ashley (right) in action for Ashford Town against Wycombe Wanderers. Photo supplied by: Ashley Cheatley.
Ashley’s goal scoring record goes before her and banging the ball in the back of the net is something that she absolutely loves.
“I actually don’t like to speak about me and how I play, I don’t want anyone to think I’m bragging or even worse lying. How can you tell someone you’ve scored 77 goals in a season and expect them to believe it? I would say I’m quite skilful, quick and direct. I like to run at defenders and finish every time. Ideally!
“To be honest, since I joined my first team at age 11, I’d just been a goal scorer, double figures every season until about I was about 13, when I came out of football as I fell out of love with the game and returned at 16.
“My first season back wasn’t great, but from about age 17+ I’d just had a natural goal scoring ability which has obviously grown over the years through training and development.”
With Ashley having played Championship level football with Millwall in the past, she still has desires to play higher up the leagues again.
“I would love to play higher. I’m 26 this year so I’m almost running out of time to be able to get a look in at the top clubs. However, tier two football is what I would like to be involved within again for sure.”
As we are gradually heading towards light at the end of the covid tunnel, Ashley can see some positives for her game as a result of lockdown.
“To be honest, the first lockdown improved my ball control. I kept in the garden practising new skills, ball control, kick-ups, the lot. I’d spend hours outside trying to master certain skills like kick ups on the floor with a round the world, and only went back into the house once I’d done it!
“It has definitely helped me a lot because I like the feeling of accomplishment in football, mostly get that feeling through scoring or a successful dribble.”
With the new season rapidly approaching, Ashley revealed the goals that she has set herself for the campaign. “It’s to win promotion by finishing top which would give us FAWNL status, to be the top goal scorer in all competitions and to finish the season the best player that I can be.
“In terms of Ashford’s aims for the season, they are promotion to the FAWNL and cup wins, plus continual team and player development.”
@DandalBs brings us our weekly wrap of the goings on in Swedish women’s football with the Olympic squad announcement, the latest round of Damallsvenskan and Elitettan action plus all the latest transfer news.
Sweden have announced their Olympic squad. Goalkeepers: Jennifer Falk, Hedvig Lindahl. Defenders: Jonna Andersson, Nathalie Björn, Magdalena Eriksson (pictured above via Chelsea FC Women), Hanna Glas, Amanda Ilestedt, Emma Kullberg. Midfield/forwards: Filippa Angeldahl, Kosovare Asllani, Hanna Bennison, Stina Blackstenius, Lina Hurtig, Sofia Jakobsson, Madelen Janogy, Fridolina Rolfö, Olivia Schough, Caroline Seger. Also called up: Zecira Musovic, Julia Roddar, Anna Anvegård, Rebecka Blomqvist. The Swedes have been drawn in the Games’ ‘Group of Death’ alongside World champions USA plus Australia and New Zealand.
DAMALLSVENSKAN:
Kristianstad demolished Piteå 6-1 thanks to goals from Anna Welin (2), Alice Nilsson (2), Miranda Nild and Sveindis Jane Jonsdottir. Astrid Larsson gave Piteå the lead but Kristianstad equalised within a minute and became more dominant the longer the match went.
Hammarby saw off Växjö 2-1 with goals from Emilia Larsson and Matilda Vinberg either side of a goal from Elin Nilsson for Växjö – only their third goal this season after ten matches.
Above: Hanna Bennison’s goal put Rosengård ahead in their top of the table clash with BK Häcken. Photo: Peter Sonander/SPP
In undoubtedly the most important match of the season so far, the top two went head to head. Rosengård extended their lead to eight points at the top – a major step towards taking the title – after a 2-0 win over BK Häcken. Hannah Bennison (54) and Stefanie Sanders (88) were on target. It was an intense and high paced match. However things will now prove to be very interesting after head coach Jonas Eidevall departing to take over as Arsenal head coach in the FAWSL. Renée Slegers, Sweden’s U23 manager and coach of Rosengård’s third tier team steps up to become the new head coach of the senior side.
AIK suffered another defeat, with Eskilstuna United claiming a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Fanny Andersson and Loreta Kullashi.
Vittsjö suffered a surprising 1-0 loss to Djurgården as the result of a long distance free kick from Fanny Lång.
Linköping eased to a 4-1 win over KIF Örebro. Cornelia Kapocs (2), Frida Maanum and Uchenna Grace Kanu were on the scoresheet. Örebro’s goal came via an own goal in stoppage time at the end of the game. It was a fitting farewell from captain Maanum, scoring a nice goal in a clear win. Maanum has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in the FAWSL.
Table From: svenskfotboll.se
Round Ten Fixtures:
Piteå v AIK
Växjö v Eskilstuna United
BK Häcken v Kristianstads
KIF Örebro v Rosengård
Hammarby v Vittsjö
Djurgården v Linköping
ELITETTAN
Above: Henna-Riikka Honkanen, who scored five of Umeå’s seven goals against IFKNorrköping to extend her lead at the top of the goal scoring chart. Photo: Bildbyrån.
The battle of the top two ended with a 2-1 win for IK Uppsala away to Morön BK who now drop to third. Marika Bergman Lundin gave Uppsala an early lead which Isabella Matsson doubled after 22 minutes. Morön profited from an own goal at the death but it was too late. Umeå took advantage to jump into second spot, two points behind the leaders after demolishing IFK Norrköping 7-1. Five goals from Henna-Riikka Honkanen, which takes her tally for the season to 13 (seven clear at the top of the goalscoring chart), plus one each from Monica Jusu Bah, Lisa Bjork sealed the win. Irma Cajlakovic got Norrköping’s sole reply. IK Kalmar are two points adrift in fourth after a 3-2 win over struggling Bollstanäs SK. Minnie Asperot, Tabby Tindell and Jenny Stadin earned them the win. Sanna Ohlund and an own goal were responsible for Bollstanäs’ strikes. Älvsjö AIK FF boosted their promotion hopes ahead of next week’s big clash away to Umeå with a 4-0 thrashing of Mallbackens IF Sunne. Alice Bergstrom, Jennie Hallstrom, Alice Ahlberg and Maria Poli were on target.
Latest Results: Sundsvalls DFF 1-0 IF Brommapojkarna, IFK Kalmar 3-2 Bollstanäs SK, Älvsjö AIK FF 4-0 Mallbackens IF Sunne, Lidköpings FK 2-1 Alingsås FC United, MorönBK 1-2 IK Uppsala, IFK Norrköping 1-7 Umeå IK, Jitex Mölndal 2-0 Borgeby FK
This Week’s Fixtures: IK Uppsala v IFK Kalmar, Umeå IK v Älvsjö AIK FF, Alingsås FC United v Sundsvalls DFF, Bollstanäs SK v Lidköpings FK, Mallbackens IF Sunne v Jitex Mölndal, IF Brommapojkarna v Morön BK, Borgeby FK v IFK Norrköping
Table From svenskfotboll.se
NEWS ROUND-UP:
Sofia Jakobsson has left Real Madrid after two years. Negotiations broke down, as far as I understand over the size of the contract. Olympique Lyonnais and Bayern Munich have been mentioned as potential new clubs.
Above: Kosovare Asllani – renewed her deal with Real Madrid. Photo: AS
Kosovare Asllani has agreed a new contract with Real Madrid. Asllani, a self confessed Madridista, has according to the report been more willing to negotiate salary than Sofia Jakobsson was.
Amanda Ilestedt has left Bayern München after two years. She has several offers from clubs with UEFA Champions League winning potential, according to her agent..
There are unconfirmed reports that Rosengård are persuing Eskilstuna’s 22 year-old star forward Loreta Kullashi. There is also interest from French and Italian clubs, but Rosengård is closest to a deal.
Above: Nora Rönnfors’ injury is another major blow for AIK. Photo: AIK Fotboll.
AIK‘s 21 year-old forward Nora Rönnfors, who has scored three goals so far this season, has suffered a torn ACL and won’t play any more this season. A tangible loss for AIK, who has a fairly long injury list even without Rönnfors and they are beginning to get dragged into a dog fight at the bottom.
Växjö have signed Finland forward Adelina Engman, most recently with Montpellier. The 26 year-old has 74 caps for her country and has previously played for Göteborg and Chelsea. She will replace Danish forward, Signe Holt Andersen, their leading 2020 goal scorer who has announced on her Instagram page that she has left the club
Linköping‘s Elin Landström will leave the club at the summer break. The 29 year-old wingback will leave for a club in a foreign league.
After such a promising start to her first W-League season with Perth Glory, English-bornstriker Gemma Craine (pictured above by Tom McCarthy) suffered a season-ending injury in her first home game for the club. This week, the club announced that they had re-signed her for the 2021/22 W-League campaign. As well as detailing the whole story, Ben Gilby spoke EXCLUSIVELY to Gemma about the announcementand hears about the Western Australian club’s acquisition of exciting Young Matildas star Susan Phonsongkham from Western Sydney Wanderers.
Perth Glory have confirmed that exciting forward Gemma Craine has re-signed with the club for the Westfield W-League 2021/22 Season.
The 26-year-old impressed during her first two games in purple last year, only for her maiden W-League campaign to be cruelly ended by a serious hamstring injury sustained against Adelaide United in Round Four.
Speaking exclusively to Impetus editor Ben Gilby, Gemma told him: I’m a player that always gives 100%, I’ll put my body on the line for the team. I know the team comes first and I’ll be whatever the team needs me needs to be. The injury only enhanced my focus.
“Obviously it was tough being out with injury and it was always hard to watch when you just want to be out there helping the team out.
“My rehab has only made me fall in love with the game even more. Injuries can be pretty horrible to go through but they also help to give you perspective and a chance to really appreciate the game and how lucky we are to play it. If I could go back I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Having now made a full recovery, Craine has been playing in the NPLW WA this season for Perth SC and is relishing the prospect of resuming her W-League career later this year.
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis, meanwhile, is confident that the former San Diego State University representative has what it takes to make a major impact in 2021/22.
Photo: Perth Glory FC.
“Gemma playing for Glory next season is something myself and all our Members and fans should be excited about,” he said.
“She showed very clear signs of her ability and attacking threat last year, despite having her season cut very short by injury and I believe she certainly would have played a big part in helping us last season.
“We are now really focused on ensuring she is fit and healthy for the season and I really believe she will come back stronger mentally and physically than she was prior to her injury.
“She is a mature player, a winner and a very hard worker who has the ability to play in multiple positions across the forward line or in midfield and is yet another strong addition to our squad.”
Glory CEO Tony Pignata is equally confident that Craine can help drive the W-League side forward next term.
“Gemma is another exciting addition to a squad that is really taking shape,” he said.
“Alex Epakis is looking to recruit players who combine talent and flair with a willingness to work hard for the team and even during the short time she played for us last season, it was clear to see that Gemma definitely ticked those boxes.”
Meanwhile, the club have also announced the signing of Young Matildas forward Susan Phonsongkham. The 20-year-old arrives having spent the past four seasons with Western Sydney Wanderers for whom she made a total of 19 W-League appearances and scored one goal.
A mobile and versatile forward, Phonsongkham claimed the NPL NSW Golden Boot while playing for Sydney Olympic in 2019 and is now looking to make a similar impact for Glory next season.
“I’m really looking forward to experiencing a new environment and working under Alex Epakis,” she said. “I like the way he wants the club to be going, it’s definitely heading in the right direction and I really want to be a part of that.”
Epakis, meanwhile, believes that the Thailand-born attacker has the potential to become a real favourite with the Glory faithful.
“Susan playing for Perth Glory next season will be a sight that all our supporters should be really excited about,” he said.
“She is a very good player who has so many technical and positional qualities.
Photo: Perth Glory FC
“There are not many players in the country who have Susan’s attacking quality and she will certainly bring another level to our attack.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to coach her and I know that she is coming to Perth Glory to work very hard, improve and help the club achieve its goals.”
Glory CEO Tony Pignata feels that Phonsongkham is another high-quality addition to what is an exciting squad being assembled at the club.
“Alex has secured the services of some of the brightest young talents in the country over the last few weeks,” he said, “and Susan also fits into the category.
“I’m sure she will have an important role to play in what promises to be an exciting W-League campaign for the club in 2021/22.”
Ben Gilby writes for Beyond90, Australia’s leading independent women’s football platform. Visit https://beyond90.com.au/
Impetus’ coverage of Australian Women’s Football is supported by The Chicken Salt Co. They are offering every Impetus reader 5% off all orders of Chicken Salt from their website. Go to https://www.chickensalt.co.uk/?mate=impetus and place your order – 5% will automatically be taken off of the cost. The coupon code is impetus.
Ben Gilby spoke to Perth SC’s head coach DanielleBrogan, (pictured above) about the development of women’s football at the club, to review their inaugural NPL Women’s campaign and look ahead at their aims for 2021.
Danielle Brogan is a former Matilda who has played for Sydney FC, Adelaide United and Perth Glory in addition to spending time in the top flight of English women’s football with Notts County who appeared in the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium during her year there. She was appointed as head coach ahead of the club’s entry into 2020’s first season of NPL women’s football in Western Australia.
The NPL is a competition which is immediately below W-League standard in Australia with different states running their own NPL leagues. There is no promotion and relegation between the NPL and the W-League, but it offers Australian women an opportunity to play a longer season and a number of players go straight into the NPL at the end of the W-League season.
Danielle highlighted the importance of Western Australia finally launching their own NPL competition for women last year: “For many years our young female players had been playing amongst boys teams until we were able to fulfil junior girls’ teams in competition. We began the process for application into the women’s league in Perth approximately four or five years ago as an expression of interest. Our proposal came to fruition with the restructure of the NPLW, which was a great achievement by all involved to have a successful outcome.”
With Western Australia’s NPL competition for women being launched in 2020, Danielle is very clear in what, for her the key benefits of the new structure are.
“I believe it has brought structure and accountability for clubs to support the women’s competition. It has also brought in a much larger competitive platform with teams only having access to a capped number of W-League players.
Above: Perth SC looking to strike their way towards another Finals campaign. Photo: Rob Lizzi via Perth SC
“The standard has improved drastically. Every team had a loss at some stage throughout the inaugural season last year and the top four positions in the table came down to results relied upon within the last few rounds. The quality of the game and football played was also noticeable.
“As a club we have had tried to promote Super Saturdays where our men’s and women’s teams play back to back games throughout the day. This has generated a few hundred people to the games.”
In terms of Perth SC’s own inaugural campaign, they finished in second spot with only four losses. For Danielle, this was an excellent achievement.
“2020 exceeded our expectations immensely. We set out to create a great culture and environment within the team with the vision to also help create dynamic footballers. We couldn’t have asked anymore from the players and staff involved.
Danielle has an experienced staff around her at the club, being assisted by Katie Holtham, who was an inaugural player in 2020 and also played for several top clubs in England including Chelsea, Doncaster Rovers Belles and Notts County. David Dal Busco is the under 23’s coach who also acts as a first team assistant. Our goalkeepers are assisted by the club goalkeeper coach with integrated sessions with the men’s players.
In reviewing last season, Danielle identified some of the club’s key performers.
Above: Emily Henderson, pictured playing for Perth Glory in the 2015 W-League, had a magnificent campaign for Perth SC in 2020. Photo: Zimbio
“Emily Henderson and Zoee Spadano were also some of the hardest and most consistent players throughout the year. Rebecca Bennett as goalkeeper was also outstanding and earned a call to Perth Glory for the W-League.”
The presence of a strong pathway in place at Perth SC is key to building long term sustainability and success. Danielle outlines the present status of girls’ football by revealing that “Currently we have junior girls’ teams up to the age of 16s. We’re hopefully to add an Under 18s team in the near future to bridge the gap to Under 23’s which is hugely positive.”
Another huge positive at the club is the strength of the relationship between the men’s and women’s teams.
“We have a fantastic relationship. We have fortnightly club dinners with the members and our respective coaches have very good relationships where they share their football knowledge. Some of our female players also get the opportunity to train with the men’s youth teams.”
With Perth Glory being the state’s representative side in the W-League, the NPL women’s clubs play a major part in the development of players to play top level club football in Australia and this is something that Danielle highlights is an ongoing relationship.
Above: Action from Perth SC’s game against reigning champions the Northern Redbacks. Photo: Rob Lizzi via Perth SC
“During the W-League, we attempt to keep communications with the Glory coaching staff regarding players. In 2020 we saw Perth Glory’s head coach Alex Epakis spectate at games and he is in touch with us about player discussions leading into the 2021/22 W-League campaign.”
Going into the new Western Australia NPL season, clubs had to negotiate the various obstacles caused by coronavirus. Danielle’s experience from the club’s perspective is generally positive.
“The snap lockdowns have caused rescheduling issues, however we have to be thankful for the position we are in compared to the rest of the world. We still get the ability to exercise and socialise and rescheduling a few games or training sessions is not a huge disruption.”
The club’s successes in 2020 had a positive impact on recruitment for the new season as Danielle highlights. “It was an exciting experience for 2021 roster. We wanted to keep the bulk of our squad and managed to strengthen in a few areas too. Our aims are to go one better in the league by finishing top and then end up in the final of the top four cup.”
Perth SC are presently in sixth place in the eight team WA NPLW, but only two points outside of the top four, who qualify for the Finals at the end of the season. We’ll be checking in with Danielle and the club later in the season.
Ben Gilby writes for Beyond90, Australia’s leading independent women’s football platform. Visit https://beyond90.com.au/
Impetus’ coverage of Australian Women’s Football is supported by The Chicken Salt Co. They are offering every Impetus reader 5% off all orders of Chicken Salt from their website. Go to https://www.chickensalt.co.uk/?mate=impetus and place your order – 5% will automatically be taken off of the cost. The coupon code is impetus.
Australia announced their squad for the Olympic Games early this morning, and it is one filled with players plying their trade in some of the biggest clubs in women’s football including FA Women’s Super League title and Golden Boot winner Sam Kerr (pictured above, supplied by Football Australia), Lyon star defender Ellie Carpenter, UEFA Women’s Champions League bound Arsenal trio, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Lydia Williams, as well as W-League Grand Final match winner Kyra Cooney-Cross.
The 18 players selected are a mix of youth and experience, with three players recording over 100 international appearances for Australia. Teenagers Cooney-Cross and Mary Fowler join Teagan Micah, Emily Gielnik, Hayley Raso and veteran Aivi Luik as the six Olympic debutants.
The squad, which looks very strong on paper does not come without a few potentially risky selections.
Tony Gustavsson has called up both Elise Kellond-Knight and Chloe Logarzo, both of whom have been side-lined for injuries for a lengthy period, and who have not played for the Matildas since the pandemic. First choice goalkeeper Lydia Williams has been out for much of last season with Arsenal. Teagan Micah has also come in as goalkeeper after impressive against Sweden in the Matildas’ most recent friendly with long time second choice goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold of West Ham United named as a travelling reserve. Another of the travelling reserves is young South Australian star Charli Grant, who has yet to make her international debut despite being called up for the most recent friendlies.
Whilst the return of Logarzo and Kellond-Knight is a risk, it is not a surprise. Speaking at his press conference prior to the friendlies with Denmark and Sweden, head coach Tony Gustavsson told me that, although Logarzo was not ready for those two games he was in “constant contact with her” in order for there to be an opportunity to take the former Bristol City player to Tokyo, such is her massive importance to the Matildas. Equally, Gustavsson admitted selecting Kellond-Knight for the Scandinavian friendlies despite knowing she wasn’t yet fit to play as he wanted to have a good look at her in training.
The Matildas qualified for the Olympics in March 2020, with Emily van Egmond and Sam Kerr leading the Australian charge during the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifiers. They eventually clinched their their ticket to Tokyo away from home with victory in against Vietnam just prior to the outbreak of coronavirus.
The Matildas open their campaign on 21 July against New Zealand before meeting world number five and reigning Olympic silver medallists Sweden, and finishing the group stage against reigning World Champions and world number one USA.
Captain Sam Kerr explained that leading the team at an Olympics is a special feeling.
“It’s a massive honour,” Kerr said. “Any time I pull on the jumper, I feel really proud, but to call yourself an Olympian is something special. Not many people get to do it so I’m really proud to be an Olympian and to represent Australia. I can’t wait!
“It’s different to say a World Cup just for the fact that it is the Olympics. It’s a little bit prestigious, it’s just overwhelming. I grew up watching the Olympics like everyone else so to be here, for my second time, is a dream come true.
“The Matildas are a really, really exciting team. We’re fast, we’re strong, we’re fit, and I feel like the rest of the world knows that about us. It’s really about using our strengths to the best of our abilities. Off the field what people don’t see is we’re a really close-knit family. We all have each other’s back and we can’t wait to go and represent Australia in the best way possible.
“I’m really proud and really excited for this opportunity, it’s something I definitely don’t take for granted.”
Above: 18 year-old Mary Fowler – a dream call up for the Olympic Games. Photo Supplied By: Football Australia
At just 18, debutant Mary Fowler is the youngest on the team.
“It feels absolutely amazing to be selected for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics,” Fowler said. “As a kid, it’s the one dream I had in sports so it feels amazing.
“The moment I found out I was going to Tokyo; I was in a meeting with the coaches, and I don’t really expect myself to react overly over the top, to be so emotional.
“But when I got told, and I got handed a piece of paper saying I’m going, everything just clicked. And then I just started tearing up. I was a bit taken aback because this doesn’t usually happen, but it was just a really good feeling.”
Coach Tony Gustavsson said the strength of the squad made today’s selection very difficult.
“First I want to thank every single player out there that fought to get a spot, and they’ve done it so that I had a difficult decision to make,” Gustavsson said. “That’s how it should be for a head coach and that’s also how we get better.
“The players that have been selected, it’s a team with a lot of passion and pride to now represent the country. It’s a spirit within the team that I love.
“It’s a team and a roster that is very attacking balanced, but also with a lot of versatility. There’s a lot of players in this roster that can play multiple positions with which is exactly what you need in an Olympic tournament.
On the pitch you are definitely going to see a brave team that’s going to take a step forward. It’s going to be an attacking mindset on the field. Off the field, this team is always going to represent in the best way possible. It’s an authentic team that is really true to who they are and very, very proud to represent their country.”
Name
Position
Age
Olympic Games
Lydia Williams
Goalkeeper
33
2nd (2016)
Teagan Micah
Goalkeeper
23
Debut
Alanna Kennedy
Defender
26
2nd (2016)
Steph Catley
Defender
27
2nd (2016)
Clare Polkinghorne
Defender
32
2nd (2016)
Ellie Carpenter
Defender
21
2nd (2016)
Aivi Luik
Defender
36
Debut
Emily van Egmond
Midfielder
27
2nd (2016)
Elise Kellond-Knight
Midfielder
30
2nd (2016)
Tameka Yallop
Midfielder
30
2nd (2016)
Chloe Logarzo
Midfielder
26
2nd (2016)
Kyra Cooney-Cross
Midfielder
19
Debut
Sam Kerr
Forward
27
2nd (2016)
Hayley Raso
Forward
26
Debut
Caitlin Foord
Forward
26
2nd (2016)
Emily Gielnik
Forward
29
Debut
Kyah Simon
Forward
30
2nd (2016)
Mary Fowler
Forward
18
Debut
Mackenzie Arnold, Laura Brock, Charlotte Grant and Courtney Nevin have been named as the travelling reserves. If called up to the team due to injury or other circumstances, they would be selected to the Australian Olympic Team at that time.
Ben Gilby writes for Beyond90, Australia’s leading independent women’s football platform. Visit https://beyond90.com.au/
Impetus’ coverage of Australian Women’s Football is supported by The Chicken Salt Co. They are offering every Impetus reader 5% off all orders of Chicken Salt from their website. Go to https://www.chickensalt.co.uk/?mate=impetus and place your order – 5% will automatically be taken off of the cost. The coupon code is impetus.
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