Impetus has been hugely privileged to be able to sponsor Lisa Topping of Chorley Women (pictured above in a late spring friendly against Chester by John Shirras) from the FA Women’s National League Division One North this season. In this our final catch up of 2020/21, Lisa tells us about how the re-start of football went for her in Lancashire.
“Finally on the pitch we’ve trained in person twice a week and played a run of friendlies which has been great. It’s been a really good opportunity to be back together as a team and spend some time kicking a ball before pre-season starts in July. In such a short time we’ve really grown and developed as a team showing both individual and team improvements throughout,” explained Lisa, who was clearly overjoyed to be able to be playing for Chorley again.
“Off the pitch, not much has changed in terms of working and walking the dogs…except the better weather we’ve been having is a nice and welcomed change!”
After so long in lockdown, Lisa highlighted just what it was like to finally return to train. “The first session back was like waking up for Christmas morning. We were all buzzing to see each other again. Team banter and friendships are something special so to be able to reconnect after a long spell of virtual meetings was brilliant.
“Ben Gooding and the rest of the management team were very aware that we needed to kick a ball and that’s what we did! We weren’t run in to the ground for no reason, instead we did technical work that built up fitness in itself. And this tactic has shown, where our fitness has improved but our football skills have too.”
With the lockdown periods now hopefully behind us, Lisa reflected how the last 18 months or so has changed her.
“As a person who is family oriented, it’s been really challenging being apart from my family and not having the same social connectedness we usually have. Similarly with football, it’s always been a central element of my life and part of how I define myself and not having that ability to play has been difficult. I think until you lose something, you don’t necessarily fully appreciate it. And lockdown has definitely made me so much more appreciative of both my family and my football. Possibly two things I’ve taken for granted since they’ve never been restricted.”
Lisa had a good run of form in Chorley’s games when football was able to return, being named as players’ player of the match in one of them.
“I’ve been pleased with my form in the games. I was apprehensive at first about being rusty in game like scenarios but that soon went away after the first pass or tackle. Ben and management are really supportive and focused on development and I think that training style has really helped me improve aspects of my game. There’s a culture at Chorley of not being afraid to make mistakes and that lack of pressure really helps just enjoy playing the game.
Above: Lisa calm on the ball under pressure against Chester recently. Photo: John Shirras.
“I think we’ve done well in the games post lockdown. Two of those were against teams in our league (Bradford City and Liverpool Feds) and we had solid performances. We lost to Bradford but took tons of positives to build on in to next season and we won against Liverpool Feds who compete for the top spots in our league, so we were happy. Management have ensured that everyone has had minutes during this time too so it’s been a full squad effort. The club is doing something right because it’s worth noting that four of our U18s stepped up and played minutes with the first team during these games, demonstrating that progression is coming through.”
With there being a short break now before the traditional pre-season regime kicks in, Lisa is keen to build on the progress of the last six weeks or so of training and matches.
“I intend to get back into a running/fitness regime for the month we have off so we can keep building on the progress we’ve made. I also intend to make sure I spend my weekends wisely as football season limits how much we do so I envision a camping trip will be on the cards as well as maybe some mini breaks locally.”
With the FA recently announcing the outcome of promotion applications for next season, Lisa highlighted how it will impact Chorley in terms of the shape of the FAWNL Division One North.
“We’ve recently heard that Brighouse Town have been promoted from our league and into the FAWNL Northern Premier. It’s very much deserved for them as they’ve always been a top contender and we wish them all the best in the league above.
“Then, a local team in FC United of Manchester are coming into the league as well as Alnwick Town, which is a long six hour round trip for us. But hopefully spectators are back allowed then so I can enjoy the ride whilst my Dad drives!”
Everyone at Impetus looks forward to following Lisa and Chorley on their journey in the FAWNL Division One North next season.
It’s been yet another busy week in Western Australia as Perth Glory brought back a big name from their past and recognised last season’s key players at their awards night.
Perth Glory confirmed earlier in the week that experienced defender Kim Carroll (pictured above by Jason McCawley of Getty Images) has re-joined the club for the 2021/22 W-League season.
The 33-year-old made more than 60 appearances in purple over the course of five seasons, featuring in two Grand Finals for the Western Australians, before returning to her previous club Brisbane Roar in 2020.
Having helped the Queenslanders reach the Finals last season, the former Matilda with 54 senior international caps to her name is looking forward to playing her part in driving Glory towards the same objective in the coming campaign.
“Essentially I’m based in Perth now, so I wanted to return to my new home,” she said.
“Head coach Alex Epakis has a plan for the club in the short and long term, he’s very competitive and has that winning mentality, so it all seems very exciting.
“He’s signed some young, up-and-coming players and is looking to create a competitive environment and only good things can come from that.
“At a personal level, I want to be fit and healthy and playing at my best and challenge other people within the team as I hope they challenge me.
“And in terms of the team targets, any team would be crazy if they said they didn’t want a top-four finish.”
Epakis, meanwhile, believes that Carroll is another key signing for Glory whose positive influence will be felt on and off the field.
“Kim returning to the club is without doubt a fantastic outcome. She has a priceless amount of experience and will bring an added level of leadership to our group.
“From all my contact with her so far, it is very clear that she is a determined character and is ready to come back to Glory and play a part in helping the team improve. “Overall, Kim is a very welcome addition and I can’t wait to work closely with her to help her perform at the best level possible.”
Glory CEO Tony Pignata is similarly pleased to see a player of Carroll’s stature back in the Glory fold.
“Kim remains one of the standout defenders in the competition and was a cornerstone of our side for many years. It’s fantastic that she has decided to return and be a part of what is a very exciting project currently underway at the club,” he said.
Meanwhile on Friday, Liz Anton was named as Perth Glory’s 2021 Most Glorious Player (MGP) Award winners at the club’s awards night held at Crown Perth.
Above: Liz Anton won the big award on the night at Crown Perth. Photo: Perth Glory FC.
Anton was rewarded for a string of fine performances during what was her maiden W-League campaign, with her fellow-New Zealander, Lily Alfeld, also claiming a trophy in the form of the W-League Players’ Player of the Year Award.
Others to feature on the W-League honours list were Western Australian duo Caitlin Doeglas and Hana Lowry who shared the W-League Golden Boot and Marianna Tabain who was acknowledged for reaching the milestone of 100 W-League games.
Above: Caroline Seger, who earned her 215th cap for Sweden against Australia this week – more than any other European footballer. Photo: UEFA
@DandalBs highlights all of the week’s news from Sweden.
NATIONAL TEAM NEWS:
Sweden drew 0-0 against Australia in Kalmar in a match which marked Caroline Seger’s 215th cap – a record for any European footballer man or woman. Sweden’s starting line-up and tactics will almost certainly not be the ones that they will employ against the Matildas in the Olympics. “You don’t want to give away too much” said striker Kosovare Asllani.
Sam Kerr came closest to scoring when she crashed a fierce effort against the bar from the left hand side of the box midway through the second half. Sweden had the better of the territory and possession of the first half but couldn’t get past an inspired Teagan Micah who was on debut for Australia in goal.
Chelsea captain Magdelena Eriksson left the pitch in the first half with Magdalena a bag of ice around her left calf. Team doctor Mats Börjesson insists that it won’t prevent her from playing at the Olympics.
Ben Gilby’s analysis of the game from a Matildas perspective can be read by clicking here
DAMALLSVENSKAN:
The Damallsvenskan took a week’s break due to the international window. Action begins again this weekend.
Table From: svenskfotboll.se
Round Nine Fixtures:
Växjö v Djurgården
Piteå v Hammarby
BK Häcken v AIK
KIF Örebro v Kristianstads
Eskilstuna United v Linköping
Rosengård v Vittsjö
ELITETTAN
Above: Sara Eriksson – scorer of IF Brommapojkarna’a winner at Älvsjö. Photo: IF Brommapojkarna Facebook.
Only one game was played last weekend, and it saw Älvsjö AIK FF host IF Brommapojkarna at Älvsjö Idrottsparken. The outcome was a major dent in the home side’s promotion ambitions. Mathilda Johansson Prakt put the visitors ahead after 68 minutes with Maria Poli equalising nine minutes later. Bromma took the points at the death when Sara Eriksson hit the winner for only her side’s third win of the campaign. All other Round Nine games will be played this weekend.
Round Nine Fixtures: Älvsjö AIK FF 2-1, IF Brommapojkarna, Lidköpings FK v Mallbackens IF Sunne, Morön BK v Umeå IK, IFK Kalmar v Borgeby FK, IFK Norrköping v Bollstanäs SK, Jitex Mölndal v Alingsås FC United, Sundsvalls DFF v IK Uppsala.
Table From: svenskfotboll.se
NEWS ROUND-UP:
Fridolina Rolfö has agreed to move to a new, as yet undisclosed, club and is looking very much forward to join them. Lyon and Barcelona have been rumoured as her destination, but Rolfö only says that it is very flattering to be mentioned in connection with such clubs.
KIF Örebro‘s star Jenna Hellstrom has been handed a five match suspension as a result of incidents from the match against BK Häcken on 30th May. There was a normal two game ban for accumulated yellows and for a red card offence. The additional three seems to be for cursing the referee. Hellstrom is not pleased with the long suspension, which her club unsuccessfully appealed against, and thinks she’s being victimized for not behaving as expected for a woman.
Above: Anna Anvegård, strongly linked with a move to Everton in the FAWSL. Photo: fotbollskanalen.se
As discussed in The Swedish Scene over the past month, Rosengård‘s Anna Anvegård, the Damallsvenskan top scorer 2019 and 2020 has now been strongly linked to Everton by the Telegraph Newspaper in England. Another rumoured Everton target, Hanna Bennison, now also has been interest from Bayern Munich. Rosengård’s sporting director, Therese Sjögran has previously stated that when Bennison goes, “she won’t go for just a million (kroner – approx £100,000). Bennison has a year and a half left on her contract.
Gaëlle Enganamouit, formerly a player at Eskilstuna United and Rosengård has just been announced as the new head coach of Cameroon.
The last week has seen a large number of international games around the world. Ben Gilby rounds up the action.
A busy pre-Olympic spell of international action began on Thursday 10th June when Japan produced a dominant 8-0 win over Ukraine.
Two goals each from Yuzuho Shiokoshi and new Arsenal signing Mana Iwabuchi (pictured above) set the Games’ host nation on their way. Further strikes from Saori Takarada, Hina Sugita, Mina Tanaka (penalty) and Yuka Momiki completed the rout.
Slovakia earned an impressive 1-0 win over Chile, who are in the same group as Team GB at the Olympics. Patrícia Hmírová’s strike just after the half hour mark was the difference.
Italy were another European nation who achieved a fantastuc result – seeing off a Netherlands side without Vivianne Miedema, 1-0. Cristiana Girelli’s penalty after 14 minutes sealed the victory.
Ben Gilby’s in-depth analysis of Australia’s 3-2 defeat in Denmark can be read by clicking here
Sweden celebrated Caroline Segar’s incredible achievement of making 214 appearances for her country – drawing level with Therese Sjögran at the top of the charts. Five hundred spectators were allowed into the stadium in Kalmar and saw BK Häcken’s in-form striker Stina Blackstenius grabbed the winner with 66 minutes gone.
Scotland returned from Northern Ireland with a narrow 1-0 win over Kenny Shiels’ understrength side. There was a great atmosphere at Seaview with five hundred fans watching Northern Ireland for the first time since their incredible qualification for the European Championships.
Above: Caroline Weir – scorer of Scotland’s winner against Northern Ireland. Photo: Dunfermline Press.
The Scots put the home side under pressure from the off as Claire Emslie put an effort wide at the near-post. She also hit the bar with effort later on in the opening half.
Birmingham City’s youngster Chloe McCarron had a free-kick which landed on the top of the Scottish net.
The deciding moment came with twelve minutes left. Cliftonville’s Toni-Leigh Finnigan made contact with Christie Murray in the box and a penalty was awarded. Up stepped Caroline Weir to dispatch the spot kick and Scotland left with the win.
Spain continued their excellent run of form with a straightforward 3-0 win over Belgium inAlcorcón. The Spanish were absolutely dominant, with 74 per-cent of possession and had 11 shots on target compared to just one for the Belgians.
Mariona Caldentey put the Spanish ahead just before the break before Alexia Putellas doubled the advantage from the spot after 50 minutes. Aitana Bonmati completed the scoring with 15 minutes left.
France earned a 1-0 win over Germany in Strasbourg thanks to a strike from Kenza Dali after half an hour.
Friday 11th June saw a further four games. First, in Cartagonova, Brazil swept aside Russia 3-0. Two goals from Bruna Benites Soares either side of half time were added to by Andressa Alves da Silva’s strike nine minutes from the end.
Canada, who will face Team GB in the group stage of the Olympics, played out a 0-0 draw with the Czech Republic.
Finland and Poland were involved in a dramatic clash in Pinatar, Spain. The Finns built a 2-0 lead with two goals in as many minutes. Eveliina Summanen put them ahead with 23 minutes on the clock and Karolina Klabis’ own goal doubled their advantage shortly afterwards. Dominika Grabowska got Poland a lifeline just before the hour mark and Ewa Pajor completed the comeback with less than a quarter of an hour to go.
The Republic of Ireland recovered well after a tough first half in their visit to Iceland. The home side built a 2-0 lead within the opening fifteen minutes through goals from Agla María Albertsdóttir and Alexandra Jóhannsdóttir. Vera Pauw’s side struggled to get their passing going in windy conditions, and Dagný Brynjarsdóttir made it 3-0 before half-time. Goals from Heather Payne and Amber Barrett made things more respectable from an Irish perspective.
Portugal will take a lot of comfort from their defensive performance against the USA in a match that the World champions only won by a single goal late in the second half. Despite dominating the entire game, the USA’s sole converted effort came from Sam Mewis who headed Christen Press’ corner into the roof of the net. The USA had 26 shots on goal and earned 15 corners but Portugal worked extremely hard to stay in the game throughout.
Above: Jassina Blom – scorer of Belgium’s winner against Luxembourg. Photo: worldfootball.net
In the sole match played on 12th June, a much changed Belgium side, playing their second match in 48 hours, squeaked past minnows Luxembourg 1-0. The Belgians totally dominated the match with 72% of possession, 27 shots on goal compared to just one for Luxembourg and 11 corners. Despite this, they only had Jassina Blom’s ninth minute strike to show for their efforts.
On Sunday 13th June, Japan continued their goal-laden warm up spell for the Olympics with a 5-1 win over Mexico in Toshigi. Mana Iwabushi put the Japanese ahead on 36 minutes and it remained 1-0 until the break. Less than sixty seconds after the re-start, Mina Tanaka doubled Japan’s advantage. Mexico, who put in a fantastic effort throughout which saw them muster 46 per-cent of possession and have seven shots on goal, got back into the game just three minutes later when Alison Gonzalez scored. Sadly for the visitors, Yuka Momiki restored Japan’s two goal advantage four minutes later. Momoka Kinoshita and Jun Endo completed Japan’s tally in the last seventeen minutes.
Tunisia returned from Jordan with a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Hazim Lamti (34) and Ala Hamdi (81).
Latvia had a difficult first half at home to Estonia, conceding four goals in less than half an hour. Lisstte Tammik (16), Berle Brant (28), Kairi Himanen (43) and Mari-Liis Lillemäe (45). Renāte Fedotova got a goal back for the Latvians in the final minute of the game.
Above: Berle Brant – on target for Estonia in Latvia. Photo: Playmaker.
Lithuania gained a 2-0 win over Faroe Islands with Rimantė Jonušaitė (16) and a penalty from Ugnė Lazdauskaitė in the 78th minute sealing the win.
Malta won the battle of the minnows against Montenegro thanks to a strike just after the half hour mark from Jade Flask.
Despite going behind to a ninth minute strike from Croatia’s Izabela Lojna, Slovenia eventually ran out comfortable 4-1 winners. Two goals from in three minutes before half-time from Mateja Zver (41) and Lara Prašnikar (44) put the home side in front. Second half efforts from Zver (58) and Dominika Čonč completed the win.
In the day’s other game, Costa Rica made a fast start against Guatemala. Raquel Rodriguez gave them the lead after a quarter of an hour with Gloriana Villalobis making it 2-0 on 33 minutes. Gloria Aguilla gave Guatemala some hope just before the break, but Melissa Herrera’s strike after 64 minutes sealed the win for Costa Rica.
On 14th June, the United States swept aside Jamaica 4-0 in Houston. It took just 23 seconds for the World champions to go ahead when Rose Lavelle played in Carli Lloyd in the six yard box. The USA legend took a touch and swept in home past Sydney Schneider, becoming the oldest ever goal scorer for her country at the age of 38 years and 332 days.
It was 2-0 after just seven minutes when Christen Press went down in the area and a penalty was awarded. Up stepped Lindsay Horan to net. Margaret Purce scored only her second international goal just after the 20 minute mark when she shot home at the near post after Press played her in.
It took until stoppage time at the end of the second half for the USA to get a fourth and it came courtesy of Alex Morgan. Sam Mewis chipped a ball towards Morgan around the penalty spot region for the former Spurs player to head home.
Italy gained another victory – this time against Austria, but they had to work very hard to achieve it.
Angelica Soffia put the Italians ahead after just three minutes but Nicole Billa levelled ten minutes later. It remained level until the early stages of the second period when Soffia hit her and Italy’s second (53). Back came Austria though with Carina Wenninger’s equaliser. With a quarter of an hour left, Elena Linari grabbed the winner from the spot.
Russia gained an impressive 1-0 win against Finland thanks to Nadezhda Smirnova’s goal on the hour mark.
Above: Russia’s Nadezhda Smirnova, match winner against Finland. Photo: worldfootball.net
Brazil and Canada played out a 0-0 draw.
15th June was a busy night of action with some quite incredible results.
It is fair to say that no-one predicted the result of Netherlands’ clash with Norway in Enschede. The Scandinavians fielded a regular side, but were, incredibly completely taken apart 7-0 by the Dutch.
Vivianne Miedema put the Netherlands ahead on the quarter of an hour mark and Sherida Spitse made it 2-0 ten minutes later. It was a spell of three goals in seven minutes which totally transformed the outlook.
Jill Roord (51), an Ingrid Moe Wold own goal (53) and another strike from Miedema (57) took the tally to five. Shanice van de Sanden (73) and Danielle Van de Donk (84) completed the rout.
It was a night to forget for the Norwegians who could only muster five shots on target compared to the Netherlands’ 15.
Chile came away from Germany with a superb 0-0 and also managed to earn as many shots on target as their hosts.
Sweden and Australia battled out a 0-0 draw – for Ben Gilby’s match analysis, click here
Costa Rica swept aside Guatemala, going one better in their encounter on 13th June with a 4-1 win. Three goals in 20 minutes decided matters in the first half. Shirley Cruz (15), Stephanie Blanco (32) and Cristin Granados (36) put the hosts in the driving seat. Andrea Alvarez (76) got one back for Guatemala before Diana Saenz completed the scoring with seven minutes left.
Above: Aitana Bonmati (6) and Marta Cardona (18) in celebratory mood after another great win for Spain. Photo: Diego Souto (Getty Images).
Spain continued their excellent run with a 3-0 win over Denmark. Aitana Bonmati put the hosts ahead in Alcorcón in first half stoppage time. Patri Guijarro doubled their advantage mid-way through the second period before Bonmati completed matters four minutes from time. It was a dominant performance from the Spaniards who mustered 19 shots to Denmark’s one.
Wales went down to a 1-0 loss to Scotland at Llanelli when Erin Cuthbert took advantage of Welsh keeper Laura O’Sullivan’s error which gave the Chelsea star an open goal to shoot into after a poor attempted pass to a team mate on the hour mark.
Cuthbert came close earlier when her effort came crashing back off of the crossbar. Her FAWSL team-mate Sophie Ingle, playing in midfield came closest for the Welsh.
The Republic of Ireland went down to their second defeat in four days against European Championship qualifiers Iceland in Reykjavik. This reverse means that Vera Pauw’s side have now lost their last seven games. The Irish were far more solid in defence that in the first encounter, allowing the home side just opportunity in the first half when Berglind Björg Þorvaldsdóttir’s effort was saved by Irish keeper Courtney Brosnan at the near post.
Amber Barrett was one of Ireland’s best players, sending an effort wide of the post. Megan Connolly also let fly with a ferocious shot from 30 yards, which Icelandic keeper Cecilía Rán Rúnarsdóttir pushed round the post.
Ireland would rue these missed opportunities as Þorvaldsdóttir put Iceland ahead. Karólína Lea Vilhjálmsdóttir doubled the Icelandic side’s advantage with ten minutes to go.
Above: Berglind Björg Þorvaldsdóttir’s goal put Iceland ahead against the Republic of Ireland. Photo: @berglindbjorg.
The final game of the international period saw USA take on Nigeria. Once again, the World champions dominated the game with 72 per-cent possession and made more than twice the number of passes than the Nigerians. However, they found it difficult again to convert possession and chances into goals. The USA scored in stoppage time at the end of each half with Christen Press netting just before half time and Lynn Williams at the end of the match.
In this, the first of a regular series of articles for Impetus, James Thomas, the newly appointed head coach of the Trinidad and Tobago women’s national team, speaks to Ben Gilbyabout his footballing journey and how he aims to take the Caribbean nation to the World Cup in 2023.
Above: James Thomas, in his previous coaching role in the Welsh Women’s National Performance Centre. Photo: John Smith/Same Old Smith Photography – FAW.
James Thomas’ coaching career started at the age of 16 at Cardiff City FC and has taken him to the USA, several top level English clubs and international set-ups for both England and Wales. He is now in the early stages of an exciting opportunity on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
“I started coaching at Cardiff City on a work experience placement for their Football in the Community scheme assisting with, and then delivering sessions at local schools, clubs and school holiday camps. This developed into a job for me and I spent about nine years working within the community scheme and Centre of Excellence at the club. During this time I also spent a season working with the Football Association of Wales, and their Girls South Wales Centre of Excellence. I went on to spend three years working in Southern California coaching at various clubs with Girls teams predominantly. When I returned from the US I had a spell as a coach for Manchester United working on their Soccer Schools program.”
“After a couple of years out of the game, I took a role working within the England Women’s & Girls Elite Talent Pathway as U16s Head Coach at their South West England Advanced Coaching Centre (ACC) in Bristol. I spent 3 years at the ACC and this led to an opportunity to join Bristol Academy WFC (now Bristol City WFC) initially as a Head Coach of the U14’s, but during my time there I also held roles as Assistant Coach of the U20’s WSL Development Squad, that featured players such as Lauren Hemp, Aimee Palmer, Flo Allen, and Lily Woodham all of whom have gone onto careers in the WSL and internationally.
“My last role at Bristol City was as Head Coach of the WSL Academy & 16-19 College programs whilst also being part of Willie Kirk’s staff in and around the first team environment.”
“In 2018 I was given the opportunity to join the Wales Women’s National Team staff and during my 3 years with the FAW, I was fortunate enough to work across a variety of roles with the U17/19 and Senior National Teams including Coach, Assistant Coach and Analyst. I also had the opportunity to be Head Coach for an experimental U16 UEFA Development Tournament that was held in Slovenia in 2019. I also spent three years working as a coach within the Women’s National Performance Centre. Outside of my commitments with the FAW, I also held the role of Assistant Manager of Cardiff City Ladies FC, who compete in the FA Women’s National League.
From working with the FAW to now taking over as the head coach of Trinidad and Tobago is a huge jump. James explained how it came about.
Above: James gets a point across during Wales Women’s Performance Squad Training. Photo: John Smith/Same Old Smith Photography – FAW
“I had been thinking for the past 12 months or so about what the next step in my development as a coach should be, and when the changes within the FAW Women’s staff started happening at the beginning of the year with staff leaving I felt that the time for me to take the next step. Although I had remained at the FAW, I felt this was the right time for me to move onto a new role that would challenge me.
“The position with Trinidad and Tobago was advertised in January, and it immediately took my interest as the standard of players they have is very good and felt that my experiences and thoughts on the game could add value to them as a national team and as I said I was looking for a challenge and challenges don’t come much bigger than trying to qualify for a FIFA World Cup!
“They had 195 coaches from around the world apply for the job, so I knew I was in for a tough challenge, but was confident that my experiences and ideas would stand me a good opportunity of progressing through the process of multiple interviews and shortly after I was contacted by the General Secretary of the National Association to formally offer me the role, which I of course accepted there and then.
“I have just relocated to the islands full time. We are launching a National Performance Program and this will see us working with the domestic players three or four times a week, so it is essential I am there full time to make sure I can control that program and to set the standards I expect of the players and staff within the environment.”
“Additionally, I have already started looking at players in Europe who have Trinidad and Tobago heritage to see if they could be added to the mix and there are a couple on the radar already.”
James outlined his plans for his first weeks and months in the job. “As far as the National teams are concerned, we are working right now on the organising camps and hopefully four friendly games ahead of our World Cup qualifying campaign with starts in November.
Above: Promotional artwork for the Trinidad & Tobago National Team. Photo: Trinidad & Tobago Football Association.
“The immediate goal is to implement a game model that will afford us the best chance of success in the qualifying campaign. The players have a ton of ability and potential, and are great athletically, but from what I’ve seen from the previous games I have watched there has been a lack of organisational structure within the team. My job and the job of my staff is to add a lot of coaching detail to the team’s game plan.”
With more places than ever before available for World Cup qualification, James confirmed that a major goal would be to make it to the tournament with the Caribbean side.
“Of course, it will be tough and we have a lot of work to do in a relatively short space of time, but that is the challenge now for the players and staff – to learn the game plan inside out so that we are able to hit the ground running come qualifying in November.”
James ended by considering what he wanted his legacy to be for women’s football in Trinidad and Tobago.
“I want to be able to look back and be proud of the work we have done and the legacy I have left. Not just in terms of the Senior National Team performances, but also the impact on the development of the game domestically.”
Impetus will be following James Thomas’ progress with Trinidad and Tobago with regular interviews over the coming months as the team embark on the road to the 2023 World Cup.
Above: Chelsea team-mates Sam Kerr and Magda Eriksson contest possession in Kalmar. Photo: Mia Eriksson.
Sweden 0-0 Australia
By Ben Gilby
A Sweden side who fielded a team which is likely to be considerably different from the one that they take to the Olympics, were held 0-0 by a well organised Australia in Kalmar.
It would also be fair to say that the Scandinavians will probably deploy a different formation and tactics when the two team meet in the Games on 24th June in Saitama.
The match was a celebration of legendary star Caroline Seger who played her 215th international match, becoming the most capped European footballer of all time, male or female.
After conceding 13 goals in their three previous games under Tony Gustavsson, the Matildas were far more solid defensively throughout. Once more they lined up with a back three, but the extra time in camp since the previous friendly with Denmark last Thursday had clearly resulted in greater understanding and solidity.
There were several changes in the Australian starting line-up as Teagan Micah made her debut in goal, midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross made her first start and Emily Gielnik came in for Caitlin Foord.
Sweden started strongly and mustered 80% possession in the opening twenty minutes, but they found the Matildas defence hard to breach and when they did, Micah was in good form between the sticks.
This was the key difference from the previous games against Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark where Australia conceded at least once when under early pressure. The dam held and the Matildas confidence grew noticeably.
The presence of Gielnik was offering more of a threat up front and this change also resulted in Kyah Simon being more prominent in dangerous positions. She came close just after the half hour mark when Sam Kerr crossed in from the right and the Blacktown born forward hit an effort just over.
Above: Emily Gielnik, who had an influential evening for the Matildas. Photo: Mia Eriksson via @TheMatildas
However, Tony Gustavsson still hasn’t really solved the conundrum of how to use Kerr effectively. The Chelsea star was having to drop deep or come wide in a bid to gain possession. At the moment, defences are finding it all too easy to nullify her threat and the Matildas need to use the five week period between now and the Olympics to work out how to get the best out of their superstar.
Kerr never stopped trying and did come the closest to scoring when Gielnik played her in wide on the left. The Western Australian cut in and unleashed a vicious effort which crashed back off of the bar.
Kyra Cooney-Cross had a very decent first start. Once the 19 year-old starlet got up to the pace of the game, she looked calm and composed on the ball and looking to make dangerous passes. This will be the first of what will certainly be countless starts in the green and gold over the coming decade.
Ellie Carpenter was hugely impressive coming forward once more. Seger found it increasingly challenging to live with the Cowra born star’s pace.
Hayley Raso put in a sterling shift defensively as well, keeping Madelen Janogy at arm’s length for much of the game. This did though reduce Raso’s potential for trademark surging runs forward, but the Queenslander had another impressive game.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd was prominent for the Swedes and Kosovare Asllani fired in a shot into the side netting in the second half when squaring a pass could well have resulted in a goal.
With five minutes left, a Swedish corner rebounded off the bar, but with Australia bringing more defenders on – including Laura Brock replacing Kerr, who had ice taped to her thigh – the home side couldn’t break through.
Immediate concerns surrounding Kerr seem misplaced as the striker has regularly had ice applied to the same area since hitting a hat-trick against West Ham United in December for Chelsea. Similar concerns for her FAWSL team-mate Magda Eriksson, who had to leave the pitch with ice on her calf in the first half have also been downgraded thanks to Swedish team doctor Mats Börjesson who has stated that he believes she will be fine for the Olympics.
Above: The Australia team who played Sweden in Kalmar last night: Back Row: Clare Polkinghorne, Teagan Micah, Steph Catley, Emily Gielnik, Emily Van Egmond, Kyra Cooney-Cross. Front Row: Tameka Yallop, Sam Kerr, Kyah Simon, Hayley Raso, Ellie Carpenter. Photo: @TheMatildas
Above: Chorley Reserves celebrate their Cup Final win in the GMWFL Premier Division Cup Final. Photo: John Shirras.
The two teams competing in yesterday’s Greater Manchester Women’s Football League Premier Division Cup Final have played each other twice over the last few weeks, both teams winning their home fixtures so the game was nicely poised.
The match began evenly with both teams having half chances in the first few minutes. Grace Mills looking very dangerous down Chorley’s right and Mossley’s number eight looking dangerous down their left. The deadlock was broken around the 10 minute mark, excellent footwork from Jade Foster and a deft touch from Ellie Cartwright allowed Valentine to shoot calmly past the Mossley keeper 1-0.
Mills then went close minutes later but couldn’t convert. It was Mossley’s turn to go close with a great drive from the left but Amelia Knowles in the Chorley goal made a fabulous diving save to the left. Mossley’s number eight was looking lively again minutes later but this time her attempt just flew over the bar. A cracking cup tie was emerging and it was end to end stuff. However just before the drinks break Ellie Fitton scored a bullet header from a Mills corner for 2-0.
Mossley came out firing on all cylinders and had the first chance after the drinks break, a low cross from the right this time and somehow Knowles in the Chorley goal pulled off a point blank save when it seemed the striker must score. In the next 10 minutes, both teams had half chances, substitutions were made for both teams as the heat played a factor but it was Chorley sub Chloe Drury who made the biggest impact, a low cross from her to Mills saw her get the goal her performance deserved and Chorley went in 3-0 at the break. A truly entertaining first half and some really good football on display from both teams.
Above: Ellie Fitton celebrates scoring one of her three goals for Chorley in the Cup Final. Photo: John Shirras.
Shortly into the second half a free kick from Mills was converted by Fitton, her second headed goal of the game and Chorley began to dominate. Haase who had come on at half time unfortunately sustained a knee injury early in the half and was forced off the pitch. Mills again went close after she stole the ball on the half way line and let fly from 20 yards with a terrific strike that thundered against the cross bar. Shortly after another Chorley corner was headed in by Drury from close range for 5-0.
Darby, Williams & Valentine were working hard in the Chorley midfield not allowing Mossley to have as much of the ball, Abbey Smith and Hannah Derbyshire were outstanding in defence allowing Mossley very few chances. Mills scored her second of the game to make it 6-0, calmly converting after good build up play through the midfield.
Chorley made it 7-0 minutes later when Captain Fitton popped up in the penalty area to tap in her hat trick after good work from Cartwright and Shirras on the right. Mossley to their absolute credit never gave up but Knowles was in outstanding form and stood tall in a one on one to protect Chorley’s clean sheet.
Just after the drinks break Cartwright made it 8-0 with a cool side footed finish into the corner. Mossley kept going but Chorley remained resolute at the back with Worthington and Brooke sweeping up any danger. Williams then scored an absolute cracker from all of 25 yards to make it 9-0 before in the last moments of the game Mossley got the goal their performance and hard work deserved, a lovely finish from the right as the game finished 9-1.
A fantastic first half from both teams, the first goal of the second half was always going to be crucial and Chorley went on to dominate in the second. A thoroughly entertaining cup final with both teams playing some excellent football at times but on the day Chorley were more clinical with their chances and very much deserved their win.
It’s been a really difficult season for the Reserves in particular as the rules around Covid affected them more than the first and U18s. Since the re-start it’s fair to say they’ve had mixed results and performances but you cannot fault the effort and performance on show today. A special mention for manager Andy Thornhill who stepped in part way through the season and that’s never easy, the girls did him and the club proud today.
Above: Chorley U18s celebrate after sealing the Greater Manchester Women’s Football League U18s championship. Photo: @ChorleyWomenFC
The Cup win was the icing on the cake for the Club this weekend as on Saturday, Chorley U18s finished their season with their tenth win in ten games and celebrated being GMWFL U18s Champions.
The future looks bright for the Club, who from next season will have three open age women’s teams;
Chorley’s Development Team will compete in the North West Regional Division One North
Chorley Reserves will compete in the FAWNL Reserve Northern Division.
Chorley’s first team will continue to compete in the FAWNL Division 1 North
First Team Manager Ben Gooden said ‘’We feel it’s a great time to join the club, we’ve restructured in order to develop the players the best we can by providing competitive football in the right environment. We are excited already for next season.’’
Trials for all three teams are confirmed for Sunday 20th June 2021 and Sunday 27th June 2021 at Coppull United FC, for more information please check out @ChorleyWomenFC on Twitter or get in touch with the club.
Perth Glory have continued their squad construction for the 2021/22 W-League season by re-signing a further three players and announcing the arrival of Young Matilda Aideen Keane.
The club first revealed just over a week ago that long-serving defender Sarah Carroll had re-signed. The versatile 26-year-old debuted for Glory back in 2011 and has become one of the club’s greatest ever servants in the intervening ten seasons, racking up more than 80 appearances and featuring in three Grand Finals.
With the Glory squad taking shape rapidly ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, Carroll is excited at the prospect of representing her hometown club once again.
“The environment and culture that head coach Alex Epakis built last year with the group is very positive,” she said.
“He has big aspirations for the group, the club and the direction in which he wants to go and I believe in what he’s trying to instil into the group.
Above: Sarah Carroll – back for another season in Perth purple. Photo: Perth Glory FC
“It’s definitely something that I want to be a part of. In terms of looking forward to next year, Alex has had more time to put his spin on things this year and he’s working really hard to put together a quality team that can compete and is capable of success.
“I’m really happy to be involved again and hopefully we can see Perth back up there and competing strongly with the rest of the league.”
Epakis, meanwhile, feels that Carroll’s experience and versatility will again make her an invaluable member of the Glory squad.
“I am really happy to have Sarah return for next season,” he said, “She brings a fantastic demeanour and conducts herself as a benchmark professional on and off the field.
“Sarah will be important in using her leadership to help to maintain our culture and ensure that the younger players continue to transition well into the team. “She has the capacity to play in a number of positions and I know I will be able to rely on her to do whatever job is needed for the team week in, week out.”
Earlier this week, the club made ensured that they kept more of their exciting young talent in WA when they confirmed that highly-rated teenagers Isabella Wallhead and Abbey Green have re-signed with the club.
Above: Isabella Wallhead in action for Perth Glory last season against Melbourne City’s Rhali Dobson. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
The duo, both aged 18, continued their development last season with defender Wallhead starting four games and making a further three appearances as a substitute and attacker Green producing two lively cameos off the bench before injury unfortunately brought her campaign to a premature end.
The Perth locals, who went head-to-head with their respective NPLW WA sides Hyundai NTC Women and Murdoch University Melville FC last week, are excited at the prospect of donning the famous purple once again in 2021/22.
“I’m thrilled to be signing again for Glory and can’t wait to see what this season brings us,” said Wallhead. “Although we faced many hurdles last season, the camaraderie between the players and staff was amazing to be a part of.
“It allowed me to be more confident in my abilities knowing that the team would have my back. “I was beyond happy last year to get the game-time I did and can’t wait to continue improving in the coming season.”
Green was equally delighted: “I’m also really excited to get the opportunity to play again this season. Everyone’s determined to have a more successful season this year and prove ourselves as a team which I’m grateful to be a part of.”
Above: Abbey Green – looking to put a tough 2021 behind her with another year at Perth Glory. Photo: Perth Glory FC
Epakis, meanwhile, is confident that both players are capable of making a major contribution to the Glory cause in the upcoming campaign.
“Bella showed last season that despite her age, she can go toe-to-toe with strong opposition players. “She developed throughout the course of the season and we are happy to have given her another opportunity to be able to continue to represent her home State.
“Bella will have the ability to further grow and develop within the environment and have the opportunity to learn from senior players. She is a player with a great skill-set and I can’t wait to work with to her find another level in her game next season.”
“The same applies to Abbey who unfortunately sustained an injury early in the season which kept her off the field for the majority of the year. It was disappointing, as she certainly would have played a part in helping the squad. Nonetheless, she is now fully recovered, fit and extremely determined to represent Glory again.
“As a WA local, Abbey certainly brings the effort and desire to ensure her home club is ready to compete strongly in the competition next season and I am excited to see how she performs. I’ll be ensuring that she gets the right support and coaching to really showcase her ability.”
Then at the end of the week came the announcement that another young star was moving to the club, this time from New South Wales in the shape of Aideen Keane.
Above: Perth Glory announce the arrival of Aideen Keane. Photo: Perth Glory FC
The 19-year-old Young Matildas representative gained her first taste of W-League football with Western Sydney Wanderers last term and is currently starring for Northern Tigers in the NPL NSW.
Keane, who has scored four goals in ten appearances for the Tigers this season, is relishing the prospect of playing her part in what she believes is a very exciting project currently underway at Glory.
“I’m really excited to be there because I think it’s the best place for me to get a chance to show what I’m made of,” she said.
“I think I’m going to get the opportunities at Glory and be able to develop into the best player I can be and show that off. I really want to try and solidify my spot in the team and just do as much as I can for the team to be in the best position we can be to win games and make the Finals.”
Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis, meanwhile, feels that Keane’s all-action playing style makes her a perfect fit for the group which he is assembling.
“Aideen is a fantastic addition to our squad and I am really happy that she has decided to call Glory home for next season. Her youth international experience to date shows that she is a player of immense promise and is highly regarded.
“She is such a blockbuster player who has very intense actions and movement with and without the ball and she will certainly add attacking qualities to our team in the front third. Our attacking style of play is going to be a key aspect for us as a team next season and having Aideen ensures that we have great attacking options to really bring that dynamic type of play to life. I know she works extremely hard and she will certainly be a strong and competitive presence within the team.”
“Furthermore, Aideen has made the move to Perth because she believes in the vision that we are heading in and feels that she can play a part in helping us achieve our goals as a club. I know that she is extremely hungry to keep improving her game and has a really strong mindset in terms of helping the team as well as individually refining her own skill-set. I am really excited to have her as part of the Glory family.”
Those sentiments were echoed by Perth Glory CEO Tony Pignata.
“Alex is building a dynamic, hungry and talented squad for next season,” he said, I’m confident there will be a very competitive Glory side in 2021/22.”
Above: Ellie Carpenter competes with Rikke Marie Madsen. Photo: Football Australia.
Denmark 3-2 Australia
By Ben Gilby
The Matildas remain very much a work in progress as they produced a performance which mixed promise with pain in Horsens on Thursday evening.
Australia began the game with high energy and seized control of the midfield from the off playing a rapid fire passing game with confidence. There was creativity on both flanks, but it was always going to be tough with a starting formation that saw Sam Kerr play as a lone striker.
The Chelsea superstar did have some opportunities in the first forty-five. Early on, she turned Simone Boye Sørensen and forced a good save from Lene Christensen.
However as time went on, Kerr became increasingly isolated. Kyah Simon was often located very wide, occasionally even outside the attacking rampages of Ellie Carpenter from right-back with Hayley Raso occasionally popping up in the same channel. Therefore, Denmark were able to swamp Kerr with defenders to nullify her threat.
Just after the twelfth minute mark came the first sign that all was not right with the defensive set up. As the Danes attacked, it became increasingly apparent that there were often three Matildas defenders at the back with acres of space between them which the home side took advantage of.
Above: Emily Van Egmond – won her hundredth cap for the Matildas in Denmark on Thursday. Photo From: Football Australia.
The defensive set up also became hindered with a calamitous six minute period of indecision. With a quarter of an hour played, the Danes earned a free kick on the right which was whipped high into the box. Raso and Emily Van Egmond both went to head it clear, both missed it and in the resulting panic, Tameka Yallop reached out a leg in an attempted clearance but could only direct it past Mackenzie Arnold and Denmark were ahead.
Four minutes later and again, the Australian defensive formation was split too far apart as the Danes could pick a hole to attack. They earned a corner which led to more chaos at the back as three opportunities to clear the danger were missed and Rikke Sevecke, who looked to be offside, finally forced the ball into the net but the goal was given. There was anger that the goal was allowed, but the Matildas had too many chances to clear the danger before the ball finally found the net.
It became 3-0 after an unfortunate error of judgement from Arnold when a fiendishly curling cross came back off the woodwork at the near post and the West Ham goalkeeper could only end up helping the ball over her own line.
This was the nadir, but the positives all flowed from here on in. Australia re-took the midfield and began to re-assert themselves offensively, albeit despite Kerr still being shackled by the Danish defence and Caitlin Foord surprisingly not involved much on the ball.
Going into this match, the Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson did admit that “We only have three days together before the first game against Denmark…is it going to look perfect? Probably not.”
Above: Mary Fowler, seen here battling with Denmark’s Rikke Sevecke, had a positive second half. Photo: Henning Bagger/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP.
Some positive changes were made by the coaching staff and the impact they made were clear. Mary Fowler, the 18 year-old striker from Cairns who plays her football in D1 Arkema with Montpellier made a real impact. She was busy, industrious and linked up well with Kerr, allowing the Western Australian to have more of an influence on the game. Later on in events, Emily Gielnik came on for Raso and offered another outlet which added to the threat of Fowler and Kerr.
A combination of the Matildas having claim to the midfield, a more cohesive attacking formation and the #NeverSayDie spirit, saw a promising second half which means that the squad can go into Tuesday’s game in Kalmar with Olympic group rivals Sweden in good heart.
Not everything was perfect in the second half, if we were being ultra picky, Kerr was caught offside too many times and Ellie Carpenter coughed up possession occasionally, but one was left with the impression that the coaching staff and players had learned from the inefficiencies of the first half and were striving to put it right.
Fowler’s contribution was rewarded with her first goal for her country – and it was a real rocket of a shot. Clare Polkinghorne’s stoppage header ensured that the score line took on a more realistic hue.
Above: The Matildas team that took on Denmark in Horsens: Back row: Kyah Simon, Aivi Luik, Mackenzie Arnold, Emily Van Egmond, Clare Polkinghorne, Steph Catley. Front row: Ellie Carpenter, Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso, Sam Kerr, Tameka Yallop. Photo: Football Australia
@DandalBs returns with all the latest news from within the Swedish game – we have stories from the International camp as well as our regular Damallsvenskan and Elitettan round-upsplus more transfer and injury news.
NATIONAL TEAM NEWS:
Above: Stina Blackstenius celebrates after scoring Sweden’s winner against Norway on Thursday. Photo: SVT.se
Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson called up 25 players for Sweden’s friendlies against Norway (last Thursday) and Australia (next Tuesday). There were no surprises in the selection. Very few, if any, who are not named will be on the 18+4 Olympic roster. Nathalie Björn and Emma Berglund were recalled to the national team for the first time since 2017. Among the other players selected were Hedvig Lindahl, Magda Eriksson, Kosovare Aslani, Fridolina Rolfö and BK Häcken’s in form striker Stina Blackstenius.
One player who missed the Norway game on 10th June was forward Lina Hurtig due to “family reasons”. It is still unclear if she will be available for selection for the game against Australia match on 15th June too. Mimmi Larsson was been called up as a replacement.
The Norway match resulted in a 1-0 win for Sweden in front of 500 fans in Kalmar. The match saw Caroline Seger’s record-equalling 214th appearance for her country. In form striker, Stina Blackstenius finished off a good Swedish attack.
DAMALLSVENSKAN:
This was the first set of matches this season where fans were allowed into stadiums as coronavirus restrictions were lifted slightly across the country.
The first game to be played in front of fans was Linköping’s clash with Hammarby. It had been reported that 200 of the 500 tickets available had been snapped up by travelling Hammarby fans. The match itself ended in a 3-3 draw. Emilia Larsson put the visitors ahead after just four minutes before Sofie Bredgaard levelled just under a quarter of an hour later. A spell of two goals in five minutes either side of the half hour mark saw each side score once more as Emma Jansson re-stored Hammarby’s lead momentarily but Sofie Bredgaard levelled once more. Six minutes into the second half, Nilla Fischer put Linköping ahead for the first time, but just after the hour mark, Matilda Vinberg wrapped it up at 3-3.
Rosengård‘s 100% start to the season stopped at seven wins after they were held 0-0 away to Kristianstad long suite. A tough, physical match took place with few scoring chances. There was also a good display of goalkeeping by both teams’ custodians. There were over 300 people in the stadium.
A somewhat contentious penalty kick just five minutes from time ensured that Vittsjö defeated Växjö 1-0. Fernanda Da Silva scored from the spot. Växjö are usually a strong side defensively, but they are suffering up front, scoring only two goals in eight games. It was to the delight of the 282 fans at Vittsjö.
Above: Djurgården’s match winner, Daniela Zamora. Photo: Fotbollskanalen.se
Djurgården gained a vital 1-0 win over Eskilstuna United thanks to a goal from Daniela Zamora after 35 minutes. This win for Djurgården ended a run of six straight defeats, in front of a crowd of 500 fans.
AIK earned a great 2-0 win over KIF Örebro. Thanks to goals from Honaka Hayashi after nine minutes and Rusul Kafaji’s strike a quarter of an hour later settled the game. Örebro were slightly hard done by, but the Solna based side scored two good goals in front of 382 supporters.
BK Häcken failed to take advantage of Rosengård’s first dropped points of the season when they could only draw 0-0 with Piteå and consequently stay five points behind the league leaders.
Table from: Svenskfotboll.se
Round Nine Fixtures:
Växjö v Djurgården
Piteå v Hammarby
BK Häcken v AIK
KIF Örebro v Kristianstads
Eskilstuna United v Linköping
Rosengård v Vittsjö
ELITETTAN
Round Eight Results: Umeå IK 1-0 Sundsvalls DFF, Borgeby FK 0-0 Mallbackens IF Sunne, Jitex Mölndal 1-0 IFK Kalmar, Älvsjö AIK FF 1-0 Lidköpings FK, Bollstanäs SK 0-1 Morön BK, Alingsås FC United 3-1 IFK Norrköping, IF Brommapojkarna 0-2 IK Uppsala.
Above: Moa Öhman’s two goals kept IK Uppsala top of the Elitettan. Photo: IK Uppsala.
The table remains unchanged as the top four all won and are separated by just three points. Leaders IK Uppsala remained two points clear at the top after a 2-0 win over IF Brommapojkarna thanks to two goals from Moa Öhman. Umeå IK saw off Sundsvalls DFF only due to a single goal from Elvira Fjällström. Villemo Dahlqvist’s sixth-minute strike was enough to ensure that Morön BK saw off strugglers Bollstanäs SK. Fourth placed Älvsjö AIK FF remained in the promotion hunt thanks to Marie Segerholm’s goal that ensured victory over Lidköpings FK.
Round Nine Fixtures: Älvsjö AIK FF v IF Brommapojkarna, Lidköpings FK v Mallbackens IF Sunne, Morön BK v Umeå IK, IFK Kalmar v Borgeby FK, IFK Norrköping v Bollstanäs SK, Jitex Mölndal v Alingsås FC United, Sundsvalls DFF v IK Uppsala.
Table From: Svenskfotboll.se
NEWS ROUND-UP:
German website http://sportsbuzzer.de says that Barcelona is likely to be the destination for Fridolina Rolfö when she leaves VfL Wolfsburg. Rolfö herself denies to that any transfer is completed, but it is expected to go through before the Olympics.
Kristianstad‘s young star Sveindis Jane Jonsdottir, who missed her sides’ last three matches due to a knee injury, played thirty minutes in their 3-1 loss to Hammarby last weekend.
Less positive news surrounds Eskilstuna United‘s Halimatu Ayinde, who was hurt in the match against BK Häcken a fortnight ago. It has been revealed that she suffered a severe ACL and meniscus injury and faces a long spell on the sidelines.
The Swedish transfer window doesn’t open until 15 July, but Vittsjö have already announced the signing of 17 year-old Sweden U17 captain Klara Nyberg from third tier side Själevad.
Above: Hanna Bennison in action for Sweden against Norway on Thursday has had a big week – an international cap, graduating high school and announcing she’s open to moving abroad. Photo: Sydsvenskan.se
Eighteen year-old midfield talent Hanna Bennison, who finished high school this week and is only coming off the bench for Rosengård, has started to think about moving clubs. She confirms Everton’s interest, but there are other English and German clubs too. She played an impressive role in Sweden’s 1-0 win over Norway on Thursday. National head coach Peter Gerhardsson was very pleased with her performance against Norway and let her leave the camp to go home for a champagne breakfast and everything that goes with a Swedish high school graduation. “I hope she’ll have as much fun as I had”, Gerhardsson said.
Hammarby‘s Madelene Janogy has been named Damallsvenskan Player of the Month for May.
Rosengård midfield wizard Jelena Čanković, has signed an extension of her contract until 2025. Boss Therese Sjögran is “incredibly happy and proud” over Čanković’s extension.
impetusfootball.org 