With France’s D1 Arkema returning after its Christmas and New Year break, Jean-Pierre Thiesset is back to round up all the action from Round Twelve.
Paris St Germain stayed top of the table by winning at home 1–0 against third place Bordeaux. They could have scored more goals as they dominated the match overall but had a few problems in turning the pressure into goals. Sara Däbritz (41) was the only scorer.
Above: Paris St. Germain celebrates Sara Däbritz’s match winner against Bordeaux. Photo: @PSG_Feminines
Olympique Lyonnais won at home 3–0 against Reims. The first half was not very good for Lyon with a lack of speed in midfield which did not allow them to score although they were dominating. Things got better in the second half especially after Wendie Renard, almost the best scorer for Lyon while being defender, was on target from a corner as usual. The scorers were: Wendie Renard (47, 64) and Amandine Henry (90+1).
Montpellier were not able to profit from Bordeaux’s defeat to close up on them as they lost 4–1 at Guingamp. The hosts’ goals came from Alison Peniguel (14), Margaux Le Mouël (43), Louise Fleury (56) and Faustine Robert (66). Lena Peterman (83) reduced the deficit for Montpellier.
Paris FC won 3–0 away from home at Soyaux. The goals came from Clara Matéo (51, 77) and Evelyne Viens (73). This is a very good result for Paris FC which closes the gap on Montpellier and Bordeaux to the extent that they could still have a chance for the third place in next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Above: Paris FC’s Clara Matéo – scorer of two goals in her side’s 3-0 win at Soyaux. Photo: lesfeminines.fr
Two games were cancelled due to snowstorm in Paris area: Issy v Dijon and Fleury v Le Havre. The table now looks like this:
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
GD
Paris St. Germain
12
11
1
0
47
2
34
+ 45
Olympique Lyonnais
12
11
0
1
43
4
33
+ 39
Bordeaux
12
7
2
3
23
13
23
+ 12
Montpellier
12
6
1
5
16
20
19
– 4
Paris FC
12
5
3
4
21
17
18
+ 5
Fleury
11
5
3
3
11
16
18
– 5
Guingamp
12
5
1
6
19
18
16
+ 1
Dijon
11
4
1
6
12
20
13
– 8
Reims
12
3
2
7
16
23
11
– 7
Soyaux
12
2
1
9
7
26
7
– 19
Issy
11
2
0
9
8
53
6
– 45
Le Havre
11
1
1
9
10
23
4
– 13
The news of the week is the arrival of midfielder Catarina Macario at Lyon on a two and half year deal. Catarina Cantanhede Melônio Macário (born October 4, 1999) is a Brazilian-born American. Macario was a decorated collegiate player in the United States. In 2017, she was named “Freshman of the Year” by the TopDrawerSoccer.com and ESPNW Player of the Year. In 2018, Macario won the Hermann Trophy, ESPNW Player of the Year, and the TopDrawerSoccer.com National Player of the Year Award.
Lyon are certainly busy in the transfer market this winter as defensive midfielder Damaris Egurolla will probably also sign for them soon. Damaris Berta Egurrola Wienke (born 26 August 1999) is currently at FA Women’s Super League side Everton. She started at Athletic Bilbao in 2015 and left for Everton in 2020. Despite being born in the USA, she made her senior debut for Spain in 2019.
It seems that Lyon is preparing for the departure of several players at the end of this season especially in their midfield by recruiting young midfielders.
Chelsea won the battle of the top two in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League as they condemned Manchester United to their first defeat of the season at Kingsmeadow and went top of the table in the process.
The two teams went into the match as the only unbeaten FAWSL sides this season, but in the end the difference was a defensive error which allowed the in-form Fran Kirby to settle matters.
United started impressively on the front foot, clearly settling into a pressing game from the start.
Despite this, it was Chelsea who came closest after three minutes. Ji found Fran Kirby who released Sam Kerr. The Australian star drove into the box, took the ball away from Millie Turner and fired in an effort which Mary Earps did well to get a foot to.
Shortly afterwards, Kirby and Kerr combined again with the Matildas star set free into the box, but she fired wide.
A breathless opening period continued as USNWT star Christen Press was played through for United but just ruled offside after the Chelsea defence quickly stepped up.
Kirby and Kerr combined brilliantly twice more in quick succession. First, the Lioness found Kerr again after a run down the left. Kerr got ahead of Millie Turner and hit a shot which looked to be deflected wide but no corner was awarded.
Almost immediately afterwards, the pair combined again to produce a glorious opportunity for Kerr, but as Earps advanced she hit it wide. So many great chances before the twenty minute mark for Chelsea and all went begging. Would the champions ultimately rue these missed opportunities?
Above: Sam Kerr looking to get free from Millie Turner. Photo: @ChelseaFCW
United hit back well when Kirsty Hanson got clear down the right and put in a great cross. Millie Bright’s attempted clearance only succeeded in allowing Christen Press to get a shot away which rolled narrowly wide of the post.
Chelsea finally took one of their chances when Kirby’s run into the box saw her get a shot away that Earps blocked at the expense of a corner. Erin Cuthbert’s flag kick came in. Millie Bright’s header was cleared off the line by the head of Amy Turner, Kirby’s follow up effort came back off the post into the path of Pernille Harder who couldn’t miss and Chelsea had the lead.
United responded creditably and Galton played a lovely ball wide to Hanson who now popped up on the left hand flank. She glided past Maren Mjelde and played in Ella Toone whose effort deflected into the path of Press but Berger blocked the effort before the offside flag went up.
Above: Christen Press’ effort is blocked by Ann-Katrin Berger. Photo: @ManUtdWomen
Galton once more created for the visitors. This time down the right, earning a corner with five minutes of the half left, but Magda Eriksson headed clear.
United continued to build as Press found Toone who played a lovely ball behind to Hanson who slid an effort round Ann-Katrin Berger into the net, but assistant referee Sian Massey Ellis had her flag up once more.
With a minute to go before the break, Harder drove through the midfield and got a fierce shot away which swirled and Earps grabbed at the second attempt.
The second half opened in a slightly more cagey fashion and was slightly moving in United’s favour. Casey Stoney had clearly taken an opportunity to tighten up and reduce the creativity of Chelsea’s attacks.
Above: Kirsty Hanson of Manchester United looks to hold off Jonna Andersson. Photo: @ManUtdWomen
Stoney also brought on Lauren James and her injection of skill earned her side a leveller. Maren Mjelde’s headed clearance fell to Kirsty Smith who found Leah Galton and then Ella Toone. Smith took charge again and played in James who turned and curled a magnificent effort into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
Chelsea were nudged out of their second half slumber and formulated an instant reply when Sam Kerr turned Ona Batlle and hit a shot which Mary Earps pushed away with a one handed diving save.
Seconds later a defensive lapse saw the centre back pairing of Amy Turner and Millie Turner fail to deal with a long ball through which they allowed to run on to Fran Kirby. The Chelsea hot-shot ruthlessly punished United by hitting a shot across Earps into the far corner and just four minutes after being pegged back, the champions were back in front.
With eighteen minutes to go, the hugely impressive James conjured up another opportunity for United. She danced her way into the box and fired a left footed effort just past the far post.
Towards the end, an unnecessary foul from Leupolz in the centre of the pitch allowed James to scamper away down the left again but United frustratingly conceded possession with Toone adjudged to have put in a high boot.
Above: Fran Kirby’s goal separated the two sides in the final reckoning. Photo: @ChelseaFCW
Chelsea comfortably saw out the remainder of the match and now they have hit the top of the table with a game still in hand, they will be very hard to shift. This win sees them now equal Manchester City’s record of going thirty-one games unbeaten.
Despite the defeat, Manchester United can take a lot of positives from the game. They came desperately close to getting a point at least from the game and caused the champions enough problems in defence to suggest that their challenge is far from over.
Pre-season W League favourites Brisbane Roar are still looking for their first win of the season after they racked up their fourth draw from four games this campaign.
Newcastle Jets were outstanding in the first half at McDonald Jones Stadium and will be frustrated that they were not able to build as big a lead on the scoreboard as they probably should have.
Jets started well with Gema Simon and Sunny Franco in promising form offensively.
Rhianna Pollicina robbed Matildas regular Clare Polkinghorne in the midfield and played in Franco. Her sensational strike hit the upper left hand post with Georgina Worth well beaten in the Brisbane goal. The rebound fell to Franco and this time her fierce follow up effort hit the base of other post.
The Roar responded shortly afterwards after they earned a free kick on the right hand edge of box. Emily Gielnik’s ball in was comfortably headed clear by Hannah Brewer. The ball quickly found its way to Isobel Dalton whose lofted effort was comfortably held by Claire Coelho in the Newcastle goal.
Jets’ creativity continued to cause Brisbane headaches. On the quarter hour mark, Pollicina found Lauren Allen. The Newcastle born striker played in Simon. Her cross was met by another ferocious effort by Franco which Worth did well to stop.
Less than a minute later, Allen played a high ball in which was met by the head of club record scorer Tara Andrews, and her effort bounced into the left hand corner of the net, the third consecutive W League game she has scored in.
Above: Newcastle Jets celebrate Tara Andrews goal which gave them the lead over Brisbane Roar at McDonald Jones Stadium. Photo: @NewcastleHerald/Getty Images.
Brisbane came close just past the match’s quarter mark. Jets defender Tara King miscued a pass which allowed Rosie Sutton to pounce and play in Gielnik who curled an effort just over the bar.
Gielnik had another opportunity when she got above Tessa Tamplin to get on the end of a great cross from Winonah Heatley, but the Matildas forward couldn’t get her header on target.
As the half moved towards its conclusion, the Roar continued to be more prominent than their hosts from an attacking perspective. It was clever game management in terms of allowing a patient passing game to take the sting out of the Jets.
Their efforts were not rewarded in front of goal and, consequently Newcastle created two great chances. First, Simon’s corner was met by a shot from Pollicina, but her effort was well wide. Shortly afterwards she had an even better opportunity. A glorious high curling ball in from Tessa Tamplin caused chaos in the Roar box. Worth went to punch clear. The ball fell to Pollicina once more, but again, it was over the bar.
Just before the half-time whistle, Rosie Sutton got an effort away for the Queenslanders which a diving Coelho held.
A relatively even opening to the second period saw both sides create opportunities. Tara Andrews played a ball to Lauren Andrews but the effort came to nothing. However, Brisbane were shortly to have better luck, nine minutes into the half.
Georgina Worth’s long goal kick after saving an effort from Sunny Franco, was nodded on by Rosie Sutton for Emily Gielnik to chase onto and confidently slot home for 1-1.
Brisbane dialled up the pressure and kept possession intelligently to further take the sting out of the Jets.
Above: Brisbane’s Rosie Sutton tries to get between two Jets. Photo: @WLeague
As the game entered its final quarter of an hour, Brisbane’s Leticia McKenna found Gielnik who returned the favour to the Western Australian before she was stopped by an outstanding tackle by Alisha Bass.
Jets had a glorious chance when substitute Sophie Harding, whose searing pace along the left flank was so impressive, was put through by Cassidy Davis against Roar keeper Georgina Worth, but the 21 year-old forward couldn’t get her feet sorted. The ball then came out to Sunny Franco who hit her shot wide of the right hand post.
With nine minutes left, Brisbane fashioned an opportunity when Rebekah Horsey found Mariel Hecher in the area and the Brazilian’s effort was palmed away by a diving Claire Coelho.
Olivia Chance had another effort for the Roar when she escaped from Taren King and fired a shot wide. Not long afterwards, Gielnik charged into the box and hit a low shot with the outside of the foot which Coelho did well to turn away for a corner.
It wasn’t all Brisbane in the final stages though. Tara Andrews combined with Franco who released Harding down the left. She played her way into box and turned Isobel Dalton but couldn’t find Jets striker Andrews who was well placed in the area.
Brisbane’s Kim Carroll was yellow carded for pulling down Andrews. Gema Simon’s free kick from the right hand side found the head of Andrews, but Worth gathered comfortably.
From the resulting clearance, Newcastle created the game’s final opportunity. And what an opportunity it was. Davis played a ball out to Harding who turned Roar defender Jamilla Rankin and smashed a superb effort which the diving Worth had to push away for a magnificent save.
Newcastle Jets’ head coach Ash Wilson expressed some frustration about her team’s inability to capitalise on a hugely impressive opening half: “We’ve got ourselves in a similar position to the game against Sydney last week. We need to manage the game and manage the moment. Brisbane are a great team and they have great players and we had to keep composed and win the game at all costs. We have set standards for first halves. We have to keep things simple and keep doing what we did in the first half.”
Brisbane Roar coach Jake Goodship reflected: “We needed more aggression in midfield after the first half. We got that and it worked.”
The government regulations and border closures see all teams essentially playing their neighbours to reduce travel and thus we have another Sydney derby on our hands.
This time it’s a Sydney FC home match so we’re at Stadium Australia which is where the final of the 2023 World Cup will be held. Tip for anyone thinking of going to the world cup final, don’t buy tickets behind the goals. You’ll be a long way away from the action.
This is a double header with the A league and, in an interesting twist, the men are playing first instead of the other way around. The crowd for the men’s match is 14,000 and they are only using the lower levels of seating.
The match is notable for some anniversaries with Sydney FC’s Teresa Polias’ 150th match and Western Sydney Wanderers; Caitlin Cooper’s 60th.
The match starts off pretty even. The marking is tight on both sides and the Wanderers have obviously learnt some lessons from their last encounter.
The battle of the Courtney/Cortnee-ies starts off early with a run down the right flank by Vine which ends in a free kick to be taken by Polias. The cross to the back post lands right on Ellie Brush’s head but skims the crossbar.
Soon after the Wanderers get a corner that Nevin takes. The shot towards the back of the box sees possession lost.
Above: Courtney Nevin – an impressive game for the Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder. Photo: Kris Goman.
The ball is up and down both ends of the field in what starts as a pretty even first quarter. Price gets a good run into the box and is able to shoot but it goes across the goal and out. Another Wanderers corner is wasted with a short corner that ends up going out. A run by Russell gets a pass to Khamis for a shot that is easily gathered by Wyman. Copus-Brown brings the ball down the right and takes a hopeful shot that lands on the roof of the goal.
In the first 20 minutes the Wanderers have looked a bit more threatening with more shots on goal although possession has been pretty even.
There’s another free kick for Polias near the box. She sends it into the middle of the box but it’s cleared by the Wanderers back to Polias who sends it back with a bit more authority this time. Courtney Newbon has to punch it away and Remy Siemsen clocks a hand ball in the process so it’s back with the Wanderers in Sydney’s closest foray so far.
A mid-air clash with Natalie Tobin’s shoulder and Leena Khamis’ head grants Wanderers another free kick. Nevin takes it and Khamis gets her head to it but it’s way off to the left of goal. Following on, Vine ends up with the ball and gets to dance in the box before taking a low shot, safely gathered by Newbon.
Vine creates more havoc down the right for Sydney and is looking very strong in her battles although Nevin seems to have her measure and isn’t letting her get away with too much. Play switches to the other side and Princess Ibini brings the ball into the box. Danika Matos sticks her leg out in an attempt to slow her down but trips her up in the box. Penalty for Sydney. Mackenzie Hawkesby to take it. She sends it low and to the right as Newbon dives to the left. She raises her fist in victory as soon as the ball leaves her foot. She scores and gets her very first W-league goal. 1-0 Sydney.
Above: Mackenzie Hawkesby puts Sydney ahead from the spot. Photo: Kris Goman.
This is a bit of a blow to the psychology of the Wanderers as they’ve been marginally on top to date.
Vine makes another run into the box and the cross is stopped by Cooper. Vine is looking consistently dangerous in attack. Her next run is foiled by Nevin who’s also having a blinder.
Almost immediately after is the best run of play in the match. There’s videos on Sydney FC’s social media of this and it’s definitely worth watching. Vine again brings it down the right side and sends a beautifully weighted pass to Siemsen in front of goal with Matos closing in. Siemsen takes one touch and it bounces off the right goal post into the path of Ibini who passes back to Hawkesby at the top of the box. She cracks it into the crossbar and it rebounds to Vine and Cooper and Vine sends it over the crossbar. Sensational but ultimately unfruitful and the Wanderers get off lightly.
Above: Courtnee Vine’s effort on its way over the bar with Wanderers’ keeper Courtney Newbon beaten. Photo: Kris Goman.
There feels like a shift to Sydney now since the goal and the pressure is unrelenting. Vine comes into the box once more and takes a direct shot. Cooper steps into the flight path and cops the ball right on the chin. Vine rushes over to check she’s OK. She’s a bit stunned but will live, maybe with a bruise. She clearly doesn’t want to go off but the trainer is inclined otherwise. Wanderers are down to ten players and a turnover sees Ibini with the ball in the box in another battle with Matos. This time it’s guided safely out for a corner.
The corner is cleared as it’s decided Cooper won’t be returning. She’s shaking her head in defiance but higher powers have decided. In the meantime a ball comes through into the box to Vine who puts it at the feet of Siemsen to run onto and it’s just her and Newbon. The shot goes across goal and just to the right of the far goalpost.
Cooper is still protesting that she’s fine but she’s definitely off and Nikola Orgill will replace her just before half time.
Five minutes into the second half, Princess Ibini gets a run down midfield and is followed by Olivia Price who gets caught up in her long legs, causing Ibini to trip which results in a yellow for Price. Teresa Polias takes the free kick but guides it left of goal in a direct shot.
Above: Western Sydney Wanderers’ Julie Russell (left) tussles with Sydney’s Princess Ibini. Photo: Kris Goman.
In a turnabout, Nevin takes the ball down the left followed by Courtnee Vine defending this time. The tackle in the box somehow results in a Sydney free kick when it looks like it should have been a Wanderers’ corner. Not sure what the ref saw to arrive there.
Ibini is seeing a bit more action in the second half after a pretty quiet first half and gets a nice pass from Mackenzie Hawkesby in the midfield. She’s in the clear on the left and brings it into the box towards goal when Margaux Chauvet appears out of nowhere with a perfectly timed goal saving tackle to kick the ball out for a corner. Polias takes the corner and after a bit of bouncing around, it’s safely with Courtney Newbon. After a bit of midfield work, the ball comes to Siemsen who brings it into the box and once again, Chauvet clears it for a corner. She’s stepped up in defence since Cooper has left the field.
Polias’ corner goes to the far post and goes out for another corner. It looks like Ellie Brush headed it out and Leena Khamis, in particular, isn’t impressed with the call. The next shot from Polias goes straight to Brush’s head but lands in Newbon’s gloves. The last ten shots on goal have all been Sydney’s and there’s a clear shift in control of the game since half time.
Wanderers pass it between the backs then back to Newbon who doesn’t quite get the distribution right and places the ball at the feet of Ibini who’s made a rush into the box. She sends it to the left of goal but that could have easily been a very costly mistake.
Ally Green makes a break down the left after a pass from Ibini, she brings it into the box and passes to Siemsen from the left. Newbon blocks it but sends it straight up and it’s cleared off the goal line by Orgill in a spectacular kung fu side kick. Polias takes the corner and sends it to the middle of goal. It touches the crossbar then Newbon gets a hand to push it to the left but it’s on the tip of Brush’s boot which is now chest height and she gets it past Newbon to the back of the net. 2-0 Sydney after a concerted 20 minute attack.
Wanderers have their work cut out for them now. There’s a bit of argy bargy going on between Polias and Khamis and the Wanderers coaches and the lineswoman as a ball that should have been a Wanderers throw in is given to Sydney.
Above: Courtney Nevin of Western Sydney Wanderers attempts to hold off Courtnee Vine (left) of Sydney FC. Photo: Kris Goman.
A ball comes down towards Khamis who’s made a break and Brush gets a toenail to it and clears it for a corner. She’s going to need to stretch her hamstrings tonight. Everyone is in front of goal for this corner. It lands right in the middle but Jada Mathyssen-Whyman gets a hand to it and punches it away in her first effort for the half. Vine has come across to the left and made a run into the box but is repelled and sends it back out to the right to Charlotte McLean who lobs a long shot to Rachel Lowe in the box but she’s offside. The replay shows she wasn’t offside and the refereeing is suddenly starting to look very average. A nice long ball comes through to Georgia Yeoman-Dale (or ‘Yeo-da’ – I’m determined to make this stick!) but the defence are on it before she can work any magic. The throw in comes back into the box but is eventually cleared by Polias but that is intercepted by Danika Matos who has a go but it goes wide to the left. Wanderers seem suddenly invigorated and aren’t giving up.
At 75 minutes Matos gets a nice pass to Julie Russell who runs it down the right. Copus-Brown (Co-Bro?) crosses it but Mathyssen-Wyman plucks it out of the air before Khamis can get there.
At 78 minutes Cortnee Vine is taken off and replaced with Allira Toby. Vine had a knock to her knee a little earlier so it’s probably precautionary but she has had a brilliant game. If she’d scored she would have definitely got player of the match and she’s certainly gone up quite a few notches in my estimation as I had a front row view of her first half work.
After some spirited midfield play Lowe tries a little dink over but it’s straight to Newbon. She clears it and soon after it’s back with Ibini who runs it into the box and shoots. She’s cleared Matos this time but Chauvet comes out of nowhere again and puts her off enough that the shot is an easy one for Newbon to gather up.
Above: Wanderers goalkeeper Courtney Newbon trying to clear the danger in the box. Photo: Kris Goman.
In a couple of mid field scuffles, Lowe gets a yellow for a tackle of Wheeler but Chauvet manages to avoid a yellow for something similar seconds earlier.
At 85 minutes, a run down the centre by Ibini is halted by a spectacular slide tackle by Yeoman-Dale but the play ends in a corner for Sydney. Polias sends it to the back of the box and it’s cleared by the Wanderers. Wheeler is bumped off the ball she’s chasing by Keane and Sydney get another free kick. Green kicks it to Ibini who is unmarked and she crosses it to Lowe who shoots but it’s cleared ok.
There’s four minutes injury time to be played which sees another attack on the box and a good cross by Angelique Hristodoulou go out just to the left of goal.
In a last ditch effort, Yeo-da gets a cross from the left flag to the front of goal but it’s cleared by Sydney as the full time whistle goes and sees Sydney with their third win clear at the top of the table.
The Wanderers look pretty distraught after a valient effort. They defended tough but couldn’t get it together in attack, especially in the second half. While the score looks like a convincing win, the Wanderers were impressive. Chauvet, Matos, despite the penalty, and Nevin, especially in the first half with her battle with Vine, all played really well. Vine for me was probably best on field but Polias got player of the match which was well deserved and I guess it was her 150th match so there might have been some bias there.
Wanderers can walk away from that match with their heads held high but saying all that, Sydney deserved the win in the end and were able to finish their chances. Their concerted effort in the first 20 minutes of the second half paid dividends. Possession was Sydney 54%, WSW 46%, territory Sydney 58%, WSW 42%, Corners Sydney 6, WSW 4. Most telling stat was shots which was 18 for Sydney and 3 for the Wanderers, probably all in the first half. Polias got 9 balls into the area, with Vine getting 6 and Ibini 4. Both teams are playing Newcastle next with Wanderers playing away next week and Sydney at home the week after.
After last week’s 6-0 thrashing at the hands of their cross-town rivals Melbourne City began the first half with obvious determination to make amends.
They welcomed Alex Chidiac into the starting line-up and reinstated Rhali Dobson while Victory started without superstar Lisa De Vanna due to a sore hamstring.
From the kick-off the game was fast paced, physical and entertaining, Melina Ayres nearly skipped into the area but was denied by a sliding Jenna McCormick and Amy Jackson earned herself an early yellow card for a bruising tackle on Chidiac.
City were visibly working much harder than last week defensively, typified by Harriet Withers desperately racing back from the wing to block a dangerous run by Longo.
City’s hard work was rewarded in the 22nd minute, Chinatsu Kira drove at the Victory defence and although her shot was scuffed the ball fell to Chidiac on the edge of the area. She shaped to shoot but took a couple of touches to carry the ball clear and into space to fire into the top right corner with a classy left foot finish. Neutral fans and supporters of the national team will be glad to see a fit and in form Alex Chidiac, in case anybody dared forget how good she in her absence, this was a wonderful reminder of her poise, pace and skill.
Above: Alex Chidiac puts Melbourne City 1-0 up. Photo: @MelbourneCity
City had the momentum and were unlucky not to double the lead after Gabby Garton scrambled to get back into goal after a rushed clearance but the effort by Vlajnic drifted just wide. The lead was doubled just minutes later when Kira cut the ball back from the touchline, whipping it venomously across goal where an unfortunate Claudia Bunge deflected it into her own net for an own goal. There was not much she could do to prevent it, the cross was designed to cause havoc and Bunge would have been unwise to let it run past her, City were deservedly 2-0 up.
Although City were in control, Victory players were not discouraged. Angie Beard and Melina Ayres were both denied by Tegan Micah, both side footed good strikes on goal and it took the City ‘keepers best efforts to stop them scoring.
Kyra Cooney-Cross with the extra responsibility in midfield kept busy and kept attacking, eventually earning a free kick that Melinda Barbieri hit very well and Micah did well to athletically dive and palm over the bar.
Just minutes into the second half, another free kick to Victory and again Barbieri lined up, this time she smashed the ball past the wall and beyond Micah who could do nothing to stop it spearing into the net. It was a phenomenal strike, perfectly hit and directed, it feels like every week another “goal of the year” is declared and this was another contender.
Victory began the second half with an increase in aggression, the press and pace in their play from last week had returned and they drew level in the 50th minute. A hopeful ball forward was scrappily dealt with by the City defense and Catherine Zimmerman bustled into position at the edge of the area, turned and belted a half volley to score her second in two games. It was a beautiful goal aesthetically, both feet rising from the ground as she struck it. The new Victory signing celebrated beneath a pile of ecstatic teammates.
Above: Catherine Zimmerman – Melbourne Victory’s goal scorer on the ball later in the game. Photo: @VictoryWLeague.
Victory appeared to have the upper hand and City looked to be tiring, Cooney-Cross and Barbieri combined on the right to cross into Ayres who was desperately unlucky to see her header bounce off the far post and McCormick again slid in in to stop Zimmerman as she raced onto a through ball.
City managed to survive the pressure and hit back in 87th minute to take the lead. Alex Chidiac picked up the ball in space in the middle of the park, she exchanged passes with Hollie Palmer and carried the ball forward with purpose, she slid a perfect through ball ahead of Harriet Withers who placed it past Garton to make it 3-2. Withers had looked most likely to score last week for City and had made a nuisance of herself throughout this match, to score such a vital goal was a deserved reward for the speedster.
Above: Harriet Withers’ late winner for Melbourne City sparked huge celebrations for the Sky Blues. Photo: @MelbourneCity
Victory had chances to equalize, Natalie Martineau’s close range header came close, Ayres had a volley on target but Emma Checker took the pain to block it and Kyra Cooney-Cross had a chance flash just wide on the near post but City would hold on for a deserved win.
It was a shame that such a fantastic football match had to end, but it was worse that it ended in the fashion that it did, in the late stages a group of men behind the goal (members of the Victory men’s Active Support) threw bottles at Teagan Micah as she prepared to take a goal kick. It was a needless display of toxic masculinity, a carryover from the ridiculous posturing that plagues some A-League games. While it was initially great to see a large attendance, there are some people the game is better off without and throwing objects at players deserves a lifetime ban from both competitions. It was childish, abusive and dangerous.
In the end, the final whistle blew, City had made up for last week’s loss and with the return of Emma Checker completing a side that looks like it is beginning to click things are starting to look up for the reigning champions.
Victory have a win a draw and a loss to their name this season but they look dangerous when they attack, they again showed multiple avenues to goal and although missing their best player in De Vanna, they were in the game until the last minute.
This was a terrific game with some brilliant goals and individual performances, the only downside apart from the crowd trouble were injuries to Longo and McCormick and hopefully they recover quickly. If last week’s derby was a perfect performance, this was an almost perfect contest with a deserving winner.
Perth Glory’s highly talented team of youngsters went down to their second straight Westfield W League defeat of the season against Adelaide United at Dorrien Gardens, with Emily Condon scoring the decisive goal for the South Australian side for the second week in a row.
Above: Emily Condon (on right) holding off Perth’s Sarah Morgan. Condon’s goal separated the two sides for the second week running. Photo: @wleague
The game took place on a warm late afternoon in Perth on a pitch which showed signs of being slightly sun scorched in places.
Glory made two changes from the side that went down 1-0 to the same opponents last weekend with Sarah Carroll coming in for Jamie-Lee Gale after recovering from illness and Hana Lowry replacing Kat Jukic in an attacking position. There was a further change on the bench with Patricia Charalambous in for Isabella Wallhead.
Adelaide just had one change in their starting line-up – a straight swap with Charlotte Grant coming in for Emily Hodgson in the defence who went down to the bench. Ella Tonkin dropped out of the squad in addition.
Perth started playing some really lovely easy on the eye triangular passing moves and looking comfortable on the ball.
Yet, despite this early possession, it was the visitors who took the lead. Emily Condon, scorer of the only goal between the two sides last week found Maria Jose Rojas who played the ball back to Condon on the right of box. Her cross in was cleared by Glory’s Tash Rigby. However, the ball was returned to the danger zone quickly through Mallory Weber who weaved a lovely pass through to former Leicester City and Coventry United striker Fiona Worts to slot home with just six minutes played.
Five minutes later, Rojas found her way into the box but she was brilliantly marshalled by Sarah Carroll and Elizabeth Anton at the expense of a corner, which Glory dealt with and the outstanding local youngster Gemma Craine showed her searing pace to break through and hit an effort wide.
Above: Adelaide United’s Maria Jose Rojas (right) battles with Perth Glory’s Tash Rigby in the first half. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
Perth looked slightly more organised this week and had another opportunity when Malia Steinmetz found Craine who was too quick again for Maruschka Waldus and earned a corner. Deborah-Anne de la Harpe’s ball in was met by the head of Caitlin Doeglas but Sian Fryer-McLaren was not tested in the Adelaide goal.
A catastrophic error at the back almost led to the visitors doubling their lead. Whilst under no pressure, Glory defender Sarah Morgan’s attempted back pass was far too short and let Emily Condon in, but the Adelaide midfielder inexplicably put it wide.
United conjured up another effort when Charlotte Grant got free from de la Harpe down the right and played in a tempting curler which was just too high.
Perth finally managed to release themselves from defensive duties thanks to a great bit of skill which saw Doeglas turn a defender and a burst of speed saw her play in Hana Lowry. The seventeen year-old home towner played in a lovely cross for Doeglas but the danger was dealt with. Doeglas had another opportunity just before the break when Morgan dinked a ball over the top to her, but Fryer-McLaren snaffled up the danger.
Above: Hana Lowry (right) showing great promise at the age of seventeen for Perth Glory. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
The final chance of the opening stanza fell to the visitors as Grant got past Morgan but Elizabeth Anton did brilliantly to hold her up at expense of a corner. From the resulting set piece, Waldus headed down to Rojas, but Lily Alfeld was down quickly to deny Adelaide’s dangerous Chilean.
The overall pattern of the first half was Perth looking dangerous on the attack, but struggling to generate sufficient possession to maintain the pressure. This is, again partly connected to twin issues of putting a team together late and the consequences of coronavirus quarantine protocols, which has meant that they have only recently been able to train together.
Adelaide started the second half on the front foot. Charlotte Grant weaved her magic again and played in Maria Jose Rojas but Sarah Carroll cleared well.
Yet, out of nothing Perth conjured up an equaliser after 53 minutes. Hana Lowry picked up a loose Adelaide pass and found Marianne Tobain who combined with Caitlin Doeglas and the latter slotted a brilliant effort across the face of Sian Fryer-McLaren for Glory’s first goal of the season.
Above: Caitlin Doeglas (14) gets the celebrations after her goal for Perth Glory. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
Lowry got free again and pulled in a glorious cross which Marianna Tobain connected with acrobatically but it flew over the bar. Beaming sixteen year-old Tijan McKenna then came on for her home debut for Perth. McKenna, younger sister of former Glory star Leticia, who is now at Brisbane Roar, is still at school.
The goal changed the momentum briefly and Perth began to cause real problems in the Adelaide defence, notably with Lowry, Craine and Tabain at the heart of it all. A high ball in from Tash Rigby was needlessly headed out for a corner under no pressure by Matilda McNamara. The flag kick found Lowry whose shot was blocked.
Above: Sixteen year-old Tijan McKenna (right) was delighted to make her home debut. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
More disappointment came for Perth with twenty minutes to go when star player Gemma Craine went down attempting to run down McNamara. Glory will be hoping it proves to be cramp rather than a hamstring injury.
With sixteen minutes left, Adelaide’s Georgia Campagnale let fly with a stunning effort from outside the area which rocketed towards the top right hand corner, but an outstanding save from Lily Alfeld saw the ball pushed away for a corner.
Moments later, Adelaide had better luck when Rojas beat Rigby and found Weber on the edge of the box. Her ball in to the far post was headed in by Emily Condon.
Above: Adelaide United celebrate Emily Condon’s winner leaving Perth Glory’s Deborah-Anne de la Harpe dejected. Photo: @wleague
Worts could have added a third with eight minutes left when she fired an effort over the bar, but perhaps she might have been better off squaring to a team-mate who was free on the right hand side of the box.
Condon had another chance in the closing periods, but she was well marshalled by young Perth striker Lowry in defensive mode. Mallory Weber fired in a powerful effort from the edge of the box to follow up, but Alfeld did well in the Glory goal.
There were more positives for Perth to take in defeat and there is clearly a lot of young talent in the squad, but they need more time to gel. However, time is something which is not available in this short W League campaign. Losing their most influential attacker does not bode well for an immediate change of form, particularly with Canberra United next up.
Perth Glory coach Alex Epakis said: “We’re heading in the right direction. We’ve had some good moments with the ball. We just need to find some cutting edge now to create chances. We have to be more proactive to create more pressure. Gemma Craine has the X-Factor and we’re confident in her putting chances away. We have to do more to support her and make sure we have numbers up there with her and not just relying on her.”
Adelaide United have now wrapped up back to back victories after an opening 4-3 loss to pace setters Canberra United. The South Australians have a solid foundation to claim a maiden Finals appearance come March.
@DandalBs returns with our weekly feature on all the news, views and transfer speculation in the top two tiers of Swedish Women’s Football, the Damallsvenskan and Elitettan.
As we suspected two weeks ago, it now seems almost certain that Kopparbergs/Göteborgs FC will play Damallsvenskan 2021 as a part of BK Häcken. Häcken is the club behind the huge Gothia Cup youth tournament and at the present the strongest of the men’s elite clubs in Göteborg. Things should be confirmed on 27th January when the board of BK Häcken has called its members to an extra annual meeting to decide whether or not they will take over Kopparbergs/Göteborgs FC.
Above: BK Häcken are set to vote on taking over Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC.
From BK Häcken’s perspective, their official supporter club, with no formal standing but influence, has announced that they are against incorporating Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC in their club. However, they have stated that they are not against a co-operation between the clubs.
Back within Kopparbergs/Göteborgs, coach Jörgen Ericson has left the club after three years. As he departed, he said: “I love the girls, the club has been gold. But it’s enough now.” It is reported that club chairman Bronsman would have liked him to stay. Mats Gren stays on the coaching staff and has been joined by Matti Demegård, Sweden’s assistant coach when they won silver medal at the 2016 Olympics’ Women’s Football event.
Above: Lotta Ökvist – has joined reigning champions Kopparbergs/Göteborgs from Manchester United this week. Photo: @NeverlandMGMT.
There have been some movement of players at the club over the last week as Sweden U19 midfielder Hanna Andersson has left after limited playing time and joins Piteå. It has also been rumoured that Julia Roddar may be on the move to NWSL side Washington Spirit Roddar is under contract 2021, so a transfer fee would be required. Coming in is Swedish international defender Lotta Ökvist from Manchester United. United manager Casey Stoney said of the transfer: “It was the right thing to do by her as a person to allow her to go back to Sweden and be closer to the people that she cares about,” following reports that Ökvist was finding it hard being in England during the pandemic.
NEWS IN BRIEF:
Damallsvenskan 2021 will start on 18th April and finish on 13th November. Match schedule not set yet. It has also been confirmed that this will be the last 12 team season for the Swedish women’s top flight. There will be only 1 club relegated and three promoted from the Elitettan. There will then 14 teams in the Damallsvenskan from 2022.
The Swedish Cup for Women in 2021 will be structured with four groups of four teams and will be played between 13th and 27th March. The four group winners will advance to semi-finals.
Rosengård‘s 25 year-old back-up goalkeeper Emma Lind has joined Frauen-Bundesliga club Turbine Potsdam.
Above: Emma Lind newly arrived at Turbine Potsdam. Photo: cityreport.pnr24-online.de.
After five years in Linköping, mostly as a back-up, 24 year old goalkeeper Matilda Haglund moves back to Elitettan side Lidköping.
Damallsvenskan clubs are starting their pre-season training, with newly promoted Hammarby doing so in the midst of snow. The club have stated their aim to win the top flight championship within three years. Their lost top flight title came in 1985.
Above: Hammarby begin training for the 2021 Damallsvenskan campaign in the snow. Photo: Jonas Lindkvist.
Goalkeeper Shannon Lynn, who has been at Vittsjö since 2014, has signed a new contract to stay at the club for one more year. The club have also announced the signing of 24 year-old Finnish international midfielder Julia Tunturi from Eskilstuna on a two year deal.
Hot on the heels of a sensational performance in the qualification stages of the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the club clinching the League and Cup double, Ben Gilby spoke to Elaine Harrington, secretary of Republic of Ireland’s top side Peamount United.
Above: Peamount United celebrate winning the FAI Women’s National League at the end of the season. Photo: @peamountutd
Elaine began our conversation by explaining the history of the club: “We were founded in 1983. The club itself is mostly known for its success with our women’s teams which was established in 1988. Year on year we have strengthened girls/women’s section and now attract some of the best players to our club. We won the first ever Women’s National League in Ireland, and subsequently became the first ever Irish team, male or female to qualify for the final stages of the UEFA Champions League in the process.”
It is to Peamount United’s Champions League history that we then turned to. “Previously when we played in the Champions League we got through the qualification group finishing as the best runner up. We were then took on Paris St. Germain. Sometimes the fact we are an amateur club can have a strain on our players as they are all either in college or work and find it hard to get time off. This season we had a qualification game against Glasgow City. It was a surprise to us how well we did (Peamount took City to a penalty shoot-out), we worked hard to prepare but the fact the girls all have to return to college / work can put a little strain on them.”
Peamount United’s return to Champions League football a couple of months back came after they won the Women’s National League for the first time in seven years. “For the previous three years we had finished as runners-up so we were getting stronger, but just couldn’t get it over the finish line. Wexford were the champions and we beat them twice. We actually only lost one game all season but Shelbourne pushed us all the way finishing one point behind us in 2019”
That championship win put Peamount United into a UEFA Women’s Champions League First Qualifying Round tie in which they were handed possibly the toughest possible draw – away to last season’s Quarter-Finalists, Glasgow City. Peamount took City to extra-time and then a sudden death penalty shoot-out: “Honest opinion: We were outstanding!” said Elaine.
“I think we were not expecting the result. We never even considered penalties! I think going into a game as the underdogs is a help as you feel you have nothing to lose, we had been playing really well in the previous games and had no injuries so we were hopeful. We were absolutely delighted with the performance of the team, however we were a little disappointed thinking how close we got. We dusted ourselves off as we had a semi-final game against Wexford on the following Sunday, which we won thank God!”
Those Champions League appearances have had long lasting benefits for the Irish side as Elaine explained: “When you have a success like that it can then give you that final push to try and win the league again to get back to Champions League again. It also gives you the opportunity to attract new players in.”
Above: Peamount United walk out to a guard of honour from opponents Wexford Youths when the FAI WNL title was confirmed. Photo: @peamountutd
I then asked Elaine to give us the lowdown on the top flight of women’s football in the Republic of Ireland: “The Women’s National League (WNL) was founded in 2011, previously we competed in the DWSL (Dublin Womens Soccer League). The WNL was set up by the FAI to try run things more professionally. This year there are nine teams in it. There is a gap between top and bottom, however the gap is closing as more girls are playing soccer at the moment. It is well supported by UEFA and FAI, but as long as it remains amateur it is hard to grow it. It costs about 50,000 Euros per annum to run a team, and we are always relying on sponsors and asking our players to get a sponsor for themselves. But hopefully it will change in the future. The 20*20 campaign has been a big help to girls’ sports.”
The year 2020 has not just been about an incredible UEFA Women’s Champions League performance – they also secured their return to the competition next season by not just winning the WNL but claiming the FAI Women’s Cup in fine style.
The Women’s National League of Ireland was won by five points from runners-up Shelbourne. Peamount United won eleven of their twelve matches, with just one defeat – 3-0 to Wexford Youths in August. The FAI Cup was won in true style as the club beat Cork City 6-0 at Tallaght Stadium. Stephanie Roche scored two with Aine Marie O’Gorman, Karen Duggan, Rebecca Watkins and Teigan Ruddy on the mark.
All of Peamount United’s fantastic achievements in 2020 have of course come against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic. Harrington identified the areas that it had impacted on the club: “The biggest impact is not having spectators at our games. Financially we are better off as we have received COVID payments to the club from our Government to help us out. Apart from that the other major challenge that we have is the fact that the girls have to work or study and still play. The amateur status is the thing we would most like to change, if we could even go semi-professional it would be a big help.”
The club have a fantastic pathway for female football too, which Elaine outlined to me: “We currently have a top girls team at every level from U12. The FAI have brought in an U17 WNL team two years ago, and hopefully next season we will have an U19 WNL team. Our aim is to try and keep them at the club for as long as possible.”
As a totally amateur club, Peamount United rely on a small band of volunteers to keep them up and running. One of the most prominent of this band is Denis Commins who Harrington identifies as being “one of the founder members of the club. He has always ensured that everything is run to benefit the girls in every way possible, he is always going out and looking for sponsorship for girls, along with looking after our facilities, which are top class.”
Above: Peamount United celebrate completing the domestic double by lifting the FAI Women’s Cup after a 6-0 win over Cork City. Photo: @FAI_WNL
Elaine Harrington ended by stating what she feels is her strongest wish for the club over the next five years: “I hope to see us go semi-professional. I’m sure if the same people that are involved with it today are still around we will be as good if not better than we are today.”
Impetus‘ comprehensive coverage of the 2020/21 Westfield W League season is drawing large numbers of readers throughout the UK, Australia, USA, Scandinavia and France! We’re proud that, thanks to our Australian based contributors Kris Goman and Kieran Yap, and UK based Ben Gilby we have been in a position to offer reports on every game played so far and share with you exclusive photos from Sydney based matches.
Our ‘Sunday Dub’ articles each week will continue to feature all the reports, action, views and news. Look out for our Midweek Dub interviews and previews in addition.
Impetus is the home of W League coverage in the UK – know any women’s football fans who haven’t joined the ‘Sunday Dub’ yet? Spread the word #SundayDub
Thanks to Graphics by PW for this phenomenal piece of artwork to support our coverage!
Impetus is not associated with or approved by the players or teams shown.
Above: Fran Kirby celebrates one of her four strikes at the Madejski Stadium this afternoon. Photo: @BarclaysFAWSL
Chelsea took advantage of all other FA Women’s Super League teams being on the side-lines to close the gap on Manchester United at the top of the table to three points in addition to holding a game in hand and having superior goal difference over United after a comfortable win over Reading at the Madejski Stadium.
Emma Hayes’ side went into the game with Guro Reiten back in her influential midfield spot with Beth England, Ji and Pernille Harder forming part of an astonishingly strong bench with, perhaps an eye on next Sunday’s showdown with Manchester United.
Reading had plenty of possession in the earliest of the initial exchanges before Fran Kirby began to spark the visitors into attack.
With five minutes played, Melanie Leupolz stole possession from Angharad James and played in Kirby who in turn fed Sam Kerr. The Matildas superstar could have had a shot, but laid a ball off for Kirby which the hosts cleared for a corner.
Four minutes later, Kirby showed her influence again down the left and once more found Kerr, but the Australian’s shot was not powerful enough and easily blocked.
There was a glimmer of hope for Reading just before the quarter hour mark after Reiten gave away a free kick centrally outside the box, but Fara Williams’ weak effort went well wide.
Shortly afterwards, Reading were punished after a superb solo finish from Fran Kirby. A long ball through was flicked on beautifully by Kerr into the path of Kirby who was in acres of space. The former Royal rounded Grace Moloney and hit the ball into the net with ease. It was a deserved goal for a player in dominant form.
Kirby’s magic start to the game almost led to a second goal on twenty-two minutes. Jonna Andersson charged down the left and found Kirby in acres of space but the effort came back off of the woodwork.
Seconds later there was no stopping the Chelsea hot shot. She easily won a battle against Emma Mitchell and held off the former Arsenal defender to hit a shot across Moloney for her second of the afternoon.
Just before the half-hour mark, Reading came close when James played in Tash Harding who saw Ann-Katrin Berger off her line and lofted a great effort only to see it bounce narrowly wide.
The Royals did a good job in taking the sting out of Chelsea by trying to maintain a patient passing game around the half hour mark, but the home side’s downfall was an inability to maintain that possession in an attacking sense.
An example of poor control of the ball in an attacking position by Reading almost let in Chelsea for a third goal on thirty-six minutes as Kerr broke free and looked to be in a great position to shoot, but squared for Kirby which allowed the Royals to clear.
Above: Niamh Charles had an impressive afternoon for Chelsea. Photo: @ReadingFCWomen
As the half entered its closing stages, Chelsea pressed. Andersson was found by Reiten on the left and played in a glorious curling cross towards Niamh Charles which Moloney dealt with.
Then, a glorious inch perfect ball from Sophie Ingle found Charles on the right. The former Liverpool player beat Lily Woodham and laid a pass back for Kirby in the box, but Jess Fishlock cleared.
Right on the half-time whistle, Kirby grabbed her hat-trick goal which she so richly deserved for an outstanding performance.
Fara Williams gave away a free-kick and received a yellow card for her pains. Erin Cuthbert floated the resulting set-piece to the back post to Kerr. The East Fremantle born striker lofted the ball back to Kirby who was unmarked in the six yard box and she nodded home with ease. Reading keeper Grace Moloney protested that the ball was out of play when Kerr played the cross in and received a yellow card as a result.
Fran Kirby was in on goal within three minutes of the re-start and was denied by a sensational tackle from Jess Fishlock. Moments later, Sam Kerr was agonisingly close when Erin Cuthbert found Kirby who played a lovely ball in but the Australian put her header just wide of the left hand post.
Chelsea earned a corner on fifty-two minutes after a quick counter attack. Originally, a poor clearance from Ann-Katrin Berger fell straight to Lauren Bruton, but the visitors regained possession and drove up the left wing. Kerr got in behind and earned a corner. The flag kick was met with another thumping header from Kirby for hers and Chelsea’s fourth with questionable marking once more from Reading.
Just past the hour mark, there was a flurry of danger from Reading when Angharad James pulled a decent ball back into the box but Millie Bright was able to clear. Shortly afterwards, Bruton found Tash Harding who raced through and was just denied by Berger before the assistant lifted an offside flag.
Chelsea rang the changes and two of the new arrivals were involved in their next chance with ten minutes left. Ji played in Pernille Harder who raced in but was denied by Moloney.
With six minutes to go, the visitors earned a free kick when Beth England was fouled by Deanna Cooper centrally just outside the box. Ji fired in a free-kick which Moloney seemed happy to let go wide – but it was far closer than she may have thought.
Less than a minute later, Ji had better luck with a glorious finish. Blundell played in a high ball which Jessie Fleming played towards the South Korean who let it bounce before unleashing a great shot into the far corner of the net.
Fran Kirby will quite rightly take all the headlines from a sensational individual performance. There does need to be major questions asked of Reading’s defensive structure which allowed their former star so much space amid some catastrophic marking. Chelsea will also point to a really positive performance from 21 year-old midfielder Niamh Charles who hasn’t started many games this season, but put in a great shift this afternoon.
It makes their showdown with Manchester United at Kingsmeadow next weekend even more mouth-watering. If Chelsea were to win that, it would mark a potentially decisive shift in the championship race.
impetusfootball.org 