Above: Sam Kerr arriving to Cardiff. Photo: via Commbank Matildas
By Callum Logie (25/10/2025)
Sam Kerr has announced her intention to return to a leadership role for the Matildas upon her return to the squad after nearly two years out from an ACL injury.
Speaking to the press in Cardiff ahead of the Matilda’s upcoming friendly against Wales, Kerr spoke about her passion for the team and how she feels she has a lot to give to the side in a leadership role.
“On being the captain, of course I still feel really passionate about that,” said Kerr.
“I have so much more to give this team in a leadership role. This team here will make football decisions, and I feel like football-wise, I’m one of the best leaders in the team. I feel really passionate and proud that I’ve been in that position before, and hopefully continue forward.”
Arsenal’s Steph Catley has taken the captain’s armband during Kerr’s absence and has done an admirable job leading the team for that near two year period. Coach Joe Montemurro indicated that bringing Kerr back into the squad will be at the same gradual pace that her club side Chelsea has been implementing since her return.
Kerr spoke candidly about her recovery period for the injury, sharing about the mental struggles of working through such a level of rehabilitation, especially when receiving treatment for a previous undiagnosed injury.
“I struggled a little bit in the first nine months with a few setbacks,” Kerr said.
“As an athlete, you go up and down in self-belief and self-doubt when you’re injured. It’s hard to be away from the game.”
Being the competitive leader she has always been, Kerr has expressed frustration toward her limited minutes with Chelsea upon her return, indicating that she was eager to contribute more now that she was able to play again.
“I’ve come back from my injury, but there’s a year-and-a-half of no football behind me, so it’s been quite frustrating because I want to play as many minutes as possible, but there have been people a lot smarter than me holding me back a little bit,” Kerr said.
“I’m definitely not 90-minute fit. I think I’ve got about 70 minutes in me. That’s what I would say. Every day, every session is helpful for me, because I’ve had a year-and-a-half out of football, so I just need more sessions, more game time. I’m fully fit, but I’m about 70-80 per cent game fit.”
Kerr was pleased with her reintegration into the Matilda’s set-up indicating that coach Joe Montemurro allowed her to come back into the squad and play with the group on her terms.
“I’ve just come in and the only meetings I’ve attended, which has been really nice to be honest, have been the team meetings. I think everyone is just giving me space to just come back and enjoy myself and be free, come back in and play football.” Kerr said.
While eager to get involved in the friendly on Sunday, next year’s Asian Cup remains the key focus for Kerr and the Matildas.
“I’ve had a long time out of football, and the Asian Cup is the most important thing to me coming up, so there’s no need to rush it,” she said.
“The Asian Cup is so important. When I last won it, I was a young 16-year-old kid, so I didn’t even really get to experience what it actually was like. Looking back, I was living my dream without even knowing it, so it would be good to hopefully lift the trophy. It would be a dream come true.”
Above:Annalie Longo (right) battles with her Mexican opponent. Photo:via Mexico Football
By Jonathon Hagger (24/10/2025)
MEXICO 1 – 0 NEW ZEALAND
The first of a trio of friendly matches for the New Zealand Football Ferns this international window did not go well for the travelling Football Ferns, after an early Aaliyah Farmer goal saw Mexico saw the Ferns lose to Mexico 1-0.
The first goal scoring opportunity came about in the eighth minute as a deflected pass fell at the feet of an unmarked Lizbeth Ovalle in the Ferns goal area, which was ultimately deflected out for a corner kick by a fully outstretched Liz Anton.
The Mexican women went ahead with the first goal of the match off a well taken corner kick that baffled the Ferns defenders, who appeared to be unaware of their required positional roles. An uncleared ball found the feet of Farmer who easily slotted the ball into the next, giving Mexico an early lead in the 9th minute.
The Mexican women played a possession-based game throughout the first half, building in phases and advancing confidently down the pitch. Whereas the Ferns – who were unable to keep possession for any length of time – resorted to playing counterattack football which was easily shut down by a well drilled defensive unit.
The remainder of the first fell into a slow rhythm with the Mexican women closing any opportunities for the Ferns, while the Ferns absorbed relentless pressure fending off wave after wave of attack. Halftime was taken with the score remaining at Mexico 1 – 0 to the Football Ferns.
The second half started in the same way that the first half finished – Mexico holding the ball deep inside the Ferns half, waiting for opportunities to present themselves, and attempting to score. Shots on goal and attempts to score played out in the first five minutes with the Ferns, once again, sitting on their heels trying desperately to at least get the ball through to the attacking midfielders but alas, without success.
An uncharacteristic lapse of concentration in the Mexican team created an opening for the Ferns to score in the 52nd minute. Poor clearance actions by Mexico gave the Ferns a rare chance to score as a well weighted chip by Michaela Foster into the path of a fast-moving Milly Clegg, forced the goalkeeper to punch the ball away into safety.
The introduction of Manaia Elliott provided some spark for the Ferns as she controlled the ball well on the left flank. Elliott injected herself into the play energetically right from her first touch of the ball.
The Ferns secured their first real goal scoring opportunity in the 63rd minute from a very irregular lack of clearance by Mexico. Kelli Brown fired a solid shot from the top of the goal area, forcing the Mexican goalkeeper into action. The shot was saved, and the Ferns earned an attacking corner. In the same way as the rest of the match, the attack was shut down by a dominant Mexican defensive unit.
The match snapped out of its lackluster speed beginning in the 75th minute as a defensive high press forced the Ferns into turning over possession of the ball in their own half. A strong shot struck from 10 feet out from the goal area by Montserrat Saldívar required Victoria Esson to activate her reflexes and force the ball away.
Mexico’s next threatening play came in the 81st minute with a speculative shot on goal by Ovalle that was taken with two hands by Esson, which was then followed up a mere minute later with the Mexican women stringing together passes that cut through weak Ferns defence.
Not wanting to settle for just one goal, the Mexican women upped the ante in the final five minutes of the match with wave after wave of attack. The Ferns defenders were caught floundering as the attackers ran past and through them. Esson’s heroics as goalkeeper made all the difference and saved the Ferns from an even bigger loss.
The Mexican women can take a lot of positives from the match as their chemistry was good and the quality of passing excellent. The Ferns on the other hand have a lot of work to do if they are going to keep attempting to implement the coaches’ desired system.
NEW ZEALAND: Esson, Anton, Foster, Taylor (54’), Hahn, Hand (54’), Kitching (78’), Longo (54’), Riley, Brown (63’), Clegg (63’). Substitutes: Barry, Blake, Bowen (54’), Bunge, Elliott (54’), Jackson (78’), Lake, Moore (54’), Neville, Pijnenburg (63’), Rennie (63’), Wall, Santos.
Above:Hayley Raso working hard in training. Photo:via Football Australia.
By Isabelle Campbell (23/10/2025)
Hayley Raso is preparing to reach a monumental milestone in her career – her 100th appearance for the Matildas in their upcoming match against Wales on Saturday. This milestone represents years of dedication, hard work, and resilience, and it holds a special place in her heart.
Reflecting on what this achievement means to her, Raso spoke to the media about the emotional journey she has experienced along the way. She has faced ups and downs, competed in numerous tournaments, and overcome injuries. These moments combining to make this milestone all the more meaningful.
“I’ve been in this team for a long time, so I feel like there’s been a bit of a roller coaster of emotion, ups and downs, been at a lot of tournaments, comeback from injury, and I think when I think about it like that, it’s just really special to have played for this team for so long and to reach such an important milestone.”
For Raso, reaching 100 games is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of the strong bond she has with the team itself.
“To be able to do it 100 times for Australia, it’s pretty special. We’re a group who have been together for such a long time. It’s like a family, and I think that representing Australia is the biggest honour in the world.”
As Matildas are preparing for another major tournament on home soil, Raso reminisced on the incredible atmosphere during the World Cup and is eager to experience that again.
“We saw what happened after the World Cup and how Australia took to us and the crowds we got and all of those things after having the World Cup in Australia so we’re hoping to replicate that a little bit.”
“We want to make sure that we’re inspiring Australia, bringing in people, getting all of the fans behind us, and we know that that will take us far in the tournament.”
Since her recent move to Germany to join Eintracht Frankfurt, Raso noted that “it’s taken me a few weeks just to understand the way it works in Germany, but I’m loving it over there. I’ve got a really great team. I’m enjoying the football, so I’ve come in here off a high and I’m feeling really good.”
Hayley Raso (above) has had a big few months moving from Tottenham Hotspur to Eintracht Frankfurt. Photo: via Eintracht Frankfurt
“Life is different. I’m in a really good environment at the moment, so that’s important to me, and one I was chasing. I’ve been very pleasantly impressed with the league and the facility and the clubs.”
Playing regularly across multiple competitions has been one of the major benefits of her move.
“We’ve had a lot of games. We’re playing twice a week, each week. It’s been a really good step for me and a really good move that I needed.”
Although the Matildas have limited camps left before the Asian Cup, Raso feels confident in the coaching staff’s approach and the clarity of the team’s goals.
“We’ve only got a couple of camps and when you think about it, it’s actually very soon, but when you’re in the National team set up, you kind of have to move quickly with your information.”
“We’ve been here a couple of days now, we’ve had a lot of meetings. We’re getting everything across and making sure that everything’s very clear.”
Looking ahead to the match against Wales, Raso says the team is focused on executing the coach’s game plan and making the most of their training sessions.
“Joe has come in and he’s kind of implementing his game plan and the way he wants us to play and what he wants us to do.”
She notes that avoiding travel-related fatigue has allowed for more practice time on the pitch.
“We haven’t lost a number of days flying to Australia with jet lag and those things, so we’re actually able to get a lot more sessions on the grass to prepare.”
As one of the more experienced players in the squad, Raso recognises the responsibility she has to support younger teammates.
“I don’t know at what point I became this experienced player, but I can definitely feel it after being here for so long” Raso said.
“I remember my first days coming in and trying to find my feet and it being difficult going into the national team set up for the first time. Because it’s such a big jump.”
As Raso prepares to take to the field for her 100th game in the green and gold, she carries the pride of a long journey and the determination to continue representing her country with passion and commitment.
Above:Ellie Carpenter working hard in training. Photo:Rachel Bach for Football Australia.
By Alyce Collett (23/10/2025)
The Matildas are in an important stretch of international windows, and will take another step up in challenge when they face England and Wales in the next week.
Speaking to the media, star defender Ellie Carpenter alluded to the momentum the team is currently trying to build.
This window will be the second until new manager Joe Montemurro, and Carpenter believes this window will see the team build on the foundations laid a few months ago.
“Obviously the camp in July, there was a lot of new faces, experience and also young players coming through, but now I think we have the core group here” Carpenter said.
“He implemented in Perth what his style of play is, how he wants us to execute that on the pitch, and I think in these next few games we can really show what he wants us to do.”
There are not many matches left for the Matildas to prepare for March’s Asian Cup, but Carpenter did confirm that the team has clear plans for what they hope to get out of this window.
“I think chemistry within the team” Carpenter said.
“I think building on those foundations that we want to bring into the Asian Cup. Obviously Wales is a tough opposition they just competed at the Euros, and obviously we all know England are fresh coming off that Euros win.
“But I think we want to see us playing good football and obviously converting chances because I feel like our style of play now, keeping the ball and also going forward but being patient with it.
I think you’ll be see that in the next two games and I think also seeing who fits with each other, relationships on the field, what combinations work well. Joe needs to look at that.”
Next year’s Asian Cup is significant for the Matildas for more than one reason.
Not only is it another major tournament at home but the tournament serves as Asia’s qualifiers for the World Cup, and unlike at the last tournament in 2022 Australia has to fight for its spot at the World Cup this time around because they are not hosting the World Cup.
“I think it’s in the back of our minds” Carpenter admitted, speaking about whether she and her team mates have been thinking about the significance of the tournament as a World Cup qualifier.
“I think that Asian cup in India, we were automatically qualified, but I think it just shows the importance of this tournament. It’s not just the Asian Cup, it is our qualifying. So that is very important and there is so much at stake.
“We need to be ready. We need to be competitive and we need to win our games, just as simple as that. So we know what’s at stake, and I think more for us here, it’s probably just a day to day thing to get through camp, but I’m sure it’s in everyone’s minds and obviously when we come next year in March, we all know what’s at stake.”
It has been a big few months for Carpenter, who is playing for Chelsea in the English Women’s Super League after moving across from French giants Lyon in the mid year transfer window.
Ellie Carpenter (above) has had a big few months on the domestic football front, but has settled in really well to new club Chelsea. Photo: via Chelsea FC
Carpenter described her move to Chelsea as “I think was the best thing for my football career at this time.”
“I think the, the league is very competitive. I can already see my game improving in small parts. Every game is hard and the training environment also is intense.
“I’m really happy of how the season has started and obviously being under Sonia [Bompastor] again.”
This move has brought some new challenges for Carpenter, who said that she “wanted to be out of my comfort zone again, and I think moving to Chelsea I was put out of my comfort zone a little bit. A new team, a new environment, a new league, a whole new team that I didn’t really know going into it.
“I’m a very competitive person, so I really love a challenge and I think it’s really bringing out the best in me.”
Above: Clare Hunt in action for the Matildas against Japan at the SheBelieves Cup. Image: Genevieve Henry for Impetus.
By Genevieve Henry (22/10/25).
Clare Hunt has been off to a flying start for the 25-26 season for Tottenham, establishing herself as one of the most composed and consistent centre backs in the Women’s Super League. Playing with confidence, she looks like a new player–or perhaps the one we fell in love with during the World Cup.
With questions about the look of the Matildas defence for not only this window but the next few years, many of Australia’s best defenders are looking to cement their starting spots under head coach Joe Montemurro. Between Hunt, Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, and Wini Heatley to name a few, there’s heavy competition for centre backs for the Australian national team– and since her transition from the left to the middle for Arsenal, Catley looks to be a lock for one of the spots. Alongside Catley, Hunt is putting on a convincing argument for why she should start.
If these decisions were made solely on club performance, Hunt would be a lock. Hunt is the only Australian in the WSL to play every minute of every game this season. Steph Catley comes closest, but Hunt has not been subbed off a single time so far. In contrast, Hunt’s likely main competition in Kennedy has played only 181 minutes for London City Lionesses. Only Charli Grant at Tottenham has played less for the Australians abroad in England. Heatley has been performing well and starting for AS Roma in Italy, but Serie A Femminile has played three matches to the WSL’s six as of yet.
Only losing to Chelsea and Manchester City in the WSL so far, Tottenham are performing at the expected level for the players they have. Undergoing a revitalization under head coach Martin Ho, the defence has solidified since previous seasons. Hunt has played a large role in that, anchoring the defence besides the sensational Japanese 19-year old Toko Koga.
Hunt has more clearances and more blocks than any other WSL player, with 40 and 14 respectively. Her clearances rank in the 91st percentile and blocks in the 99th. Additionally, Hunt is ninth in accurate long balls per 90, with the fifth highest success rate. Her percentage of aerial duels won also ranks in the 90th percentile, which is in complement to Catley’s only ranking in the 27th.
In fact, Catley and Hunt have near opposite qualities reflected in statistics; where Catley excels in passing and forward momentum, Hunt brings more typical centre-back characteristics. While this partnership works perfectly in theory, the pair should be tested together in the few remaining windows to build chemistry for this cycle.
Above: Hunt on the ball in February for the Matildas. Image: Genevieve Henry for Impetus.
In her meteoric rise to the biggest stage, Hunt barely put a foot wrong for the Matildas. She has kept this going for the large part of her still young national team career. There was a rough patch for her that coincided with the whole team’s rough patch, so it would be hard to calculate the mental and physical aspects that shaped that period. Hunt has also started to play at a higher level more regularly, which in turn is improving her confidence and form.
Even in playing against the biggest names in football including Bunny Shaw, Alessia Russo, and the dozens of other top strikers in the WSL, Hunt seems unphased. That’s not to say there’s no room for improvement– there is– but having the building blocks of composure make a difference, especially for the national team. When trust is placed in Hunt, it is evident that she excels and works hard to round out her game.
Another positive aspect of Hunt is her age. A player in her prime, the 26-year old plays with composure far beyond her years but still has longevity and time to develop even further. She is actually five years younger than Catley and four younger than Kennedy. Playing as right-sided centreback, Hunt could potentially play for many more cycles to come alongside 25-year old Ellie Carpenter.
Whether it’s a Hunt and Catley combo we see in these friendlies or any iteration of the many capable defenders that the Matildas have in their roster, Hunt has certainly put herself in the best possible position to shine.
Above:The ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ campaign was supported in all SWPL fixtures this weekend Photo:SWPL
Glasgow City’s 2-0 lead was just enough to see them through a final 10 minutes full of Celtic pressure, sending them five points clear at the top of the SWPL after the first round of fixtures. Celtic dropped to fourth in the table having experienced a mixed start to the campaign.
The Teams
Host Celtic opted for a new look left hand side, with Aislin Streicek on the wing ahead of Lisa Robertson – the defensive midfielder that can step into left back when required. Elena Sadiku went all out in attack, starting both Amy Gallacher and Maria McAneny in attacking midfield behind Saoirse Noonan. Being this aggressive was a risk for the second-placed side in the SWPL, leaving Momo Nakao essentially alone to do the brunt of midfield work and ensure that the attack even has the ball enough to use all their talent.
Leanne Ross’s unbeaten side looked very familiar, with Lisa Evans at right back, Natalia Wrobel favoured in the number 10 role and Amy Anderson anchoring the side in defensive midfield. Ross has had to deal with managing more games than any other SWPL side recently as they continue to progress through the Europa Cup, so she will be happy with the work done to allow such a strong team to be named at the end of a two-week stretch with four games.
The Action
Linda Motlhalo unexpectedly started in a double pivot at the base of midfield alongside Anderson. Whether this was a response to Celtic’s team or not, it was certainly effective at overpowering their opponents, and Glasgow City were able to dominate that midfield battle and assert themselves on the Celtic defence.
Despite that success in the middle of the park, City’s front four struggled to create clear chances, with the Emma-Lawton-led Celtic back four holding strong. Nakao was left to do much of the physical heavy lifting in that midfield, and she did this as well as she could given the circumstances, winning the ball back many times and starting attacks for her side.
Given the abundance of attacking options, when Celtic did break forward there was usually a player available to at least fight for long balls that came into them, but trying to combine with each other and create chances out of that was difficult. Gallacher and Noonan playing together was rare these days, and that lack of chemistry – along with Streicek who did not often play on the left wing – hindered Celtic’s attacking threat in the first half.
As the Glasgow City pressure kept increasing, Lisa Rodgers was called into action various times and did well to dive all over the goal and keep City out. However, she could do nothing when Sofia Maatta was played in – open and in front of the goal – by a perfectly timed Nicole Kozlova pass. Maatta made no mistake, and City had a lead over their city rivals in Hamilton.
It had been a relatively equal first half, with neither team clicking in the final third, but as the rain poured and players entered to begin the second half, it was the away side that took control and sought to put the game to bed.
While there were no personal changes, Leanne Ross had clearly noticed some tactical aspects of the Celtic team to exploit, and her side instantly looked more dynamic in attack. Right back Evans can play as a winger too, and used her speed and attacking instincts to overlap beyond Maatta. While the Finnish winger was marked by Robertson, there was no one to follow Evans, so Glasgow City used this advantage to get in behind multiple times, allowing Evans to deliver some good crosses.
Just after the hour mark, Evans found herself free again on the right hand side and aimed a cross at Kozlova and Harrison in the middle. In the torrential conditions though, she sliced the ball, sending it away from City’s striker and right into the top left corner of the goal, giving Rodgers no chance to see or stop it and doubling their lead.
Above: Lisa Evans celebrates her goal Photo: @GlasgowCityFC on X
Initially, the pattern of the game continued. Kelly Clark’s mistake at the back summed up Celtic’s day, when she miscontrolled a high ball and allowed it to fall to Lisa Forrest. Leanne Ross’s first substitute of the day laid the ball on a plate for Maatta as Kozlova had done earlier, but Rodgers got out and managed to deflect her shot out for a corner.
Kimberly Smit has been a very solid centre back all year for Glasgow City, but on this day she sparked the Celtic resistance at New Douglas Park. Under pressure from Noonan, she couldn’t find a pass and eventually gave the ball up, allowing Noon through, and she easily bent her shot into the bottom corner, giving her team some hope of a comeback.
Kozlova pulled some nice moves and got herself into the box from the restart, but her shot was pushed wide by Rodgers. From this point on, the home fans and players suddenly seemed to remember who they were, pushing all out to level the tie.
In the three minutes of injury time allotted, Cross and Noonan combined well with the Irish striker’s shot finding McAneny in the middle. She could only blast her shot wide of the post, to the delight of City and despair of the home fans.
Player of the Match Amy Anderson
Above: Amy Anderson celebrates scoring against HB Koge in the Europa Cup Photo: @GlasgowCityFC on X
A player that has been at the heart of Glasgow City’s team for a lot of the season, Anderson rarely gets the plaudits that others in her side do. Without the ex-Motherwell star nailing her role, the others couldn’t succeed. She gets everything going for her side, winning the ball back when needed and often being designated the role of attack starter in the absence of Sam Van Diemen, who departed the club this summer.
With such a unique style of football that City play – focusing on beautiful and quick passing moves rather than the more direct and basic football employed by other top teams like Hibs and Rangers – the decision making of Anderson can determine how threatening an attack is.
On this rainy Sunday, Anderson thrived and seemed unaffected by the conditions or physicality that the game was played with, delivering the ball around to where it was needed and limiting the forward threat of Gallacher and McAneny.
Where this leaves the teams
There were doubts over the abilities of Elena Sadiku coming into the season and so far we haven’t got a clear answer either way. Losses against City and Rangers suggest that perhaps she cannot get that top level of performance from her side against the best of the best, but a draw that Celtic were leading for the majority of against Hibs was a good result. Sadiku also managed an opening day victory at Hearts and has dispatched of all other sides with relative ease.
Fans are yet to be convinced, and the six point gap to City at the top is too much for such a club to accept, but they are level with Rangers and just one point behind Hibs. This game was a tough matchup, but ultimately the performance was not good enough, and even if they had found a leveller at the end, it wouldn’t have undone that. The international break gives Celtic and Sadiku time to reflect and try to come back stronger, but she will know that improvements are needed if she is to stay around beyond the season.
Glasgow City’s season keeps getting better and better. After their late comeback on Wednesday kept their European run alive, Leanne Ross once again proved that she is expertly balancing rotation to ensure minutes are managed while performance doesn’t drop. With eight wins and one draw in the first nine league games, it has been as close to perfection as they could’ve hoped for, and with the other professional teams taking points away from each other, their lead at the top is five points.
The international break is actually not ideally timed for Glasgow City as they carry all the momentum, but they won’t mind a break. Ross needs to ensure that her side comes out of the break firing on all the same cylinders as they are now and she’ll be fine. There is of course so far to go in the SWPL title race, but it’s all going as Ross would’ve dreamed of for now.
Teams: CELTIC (4-1-4-1): Rodgers, Lawton, Clark (c), Walsh, Robertson, Nakao, Cross, McAneny, Gallacher, Streicek, Noonan. Substitutes: Luke (for Streicek 69’), Smith (for Gallacher 75’), McGoldrick (for Nakao 88’)
Above: The formation of the original BeNe league in 2012. Photo: UEFA.
Between 2012 and 2015, Belgium and the Netherlands joined forces on the ‘BeNe’ league. Rumour has it the federations are considering a reformation.
Last week’s Champions League match between the Dutch FC Twente and Belgian OH Leuven (a 2–1 victory for Leuven) was more than just another game. It was a meeting between the reigning champions of Belgium and the Netherlands, and a reminder of the old BeNeLeague: the joint competition that existed from 2012 to 2015. In Belgium, many still quietly hope for its return.
The head of the Belgian Football Federation, Peter Willems, called the idea “a no-brainer, philosophically speaking” last summer. OH Leuven’s coach, Arno Van Den Abbeel, agrees. He says, “Belgium and the Netherlands are both struggling to field enough quality teams every weekend.”
I can’t really judge the Belgian league, but when it comes to the Netherlands, I’m less pessimistic. Yes, there are clubs that still invest too little, but that problem is already being addressed. The KNVB (Dutch FA) is reducing the Eredivisie from twelve to ten clubs to raise the level of play and competition. Fewer teams means more top matches, more intensity, and hopefully more spectators.
That the bottom half of the table is lagging behind isn’t because of the league format, but because of a lack of ambition from some clubs. Big names like Heerenveen barely invest in their women’s side, while smaller clubs are left to fill the gaps where others — like Go Ahead Eagles, FC Groningen, Fortuna Sittard, Sparta, and NEC — have failed to build something sustainable.
Bringing back the BeNeLeague wouldn’t solve that problem; in fact, it might make clubs lazy. Think about it: six Dutch teams would disappear from the top flight. What would that mean for those women’s teams and their youth development? Fewer teams means fewer opportunities for girls to play at a high level. That’s not progress, that’s regression.
The Dutch league is growing precisely because of small but meaningful investments from larger men’s clubs. AZ, Feyenoord, and FC Utrecht have shaken things up, forcing the traditional top three – Ajax, PSV, and FC Twente – to drop points and making the title race more exciting.
Just look at the numbers: the gap between the champions and sixth place is shrinking every season.
2021/22: 32 points
2022/23: 29 points
2023/24: 25 points
2024/25: 21 points
The gap is closing – and that’s exactly what you want in a healthy league.
At the bottom, teams like Excelsior, Heerenveen, NAC Breda, ADO Den Haag, PEC Zwolle, and HERA United are battling to stay up. Likely, two of them will be relegated after this season. In a small country like the Netherlands, that means the best players from those clubs will move to other Eredivisie sides, which naturally raises the overall level of competition.
With fewer teams, the KNVB can also push toward a fully professional league, where every player earns a proper salary. Meanwhile, clubs like HERA United – with their refreshing vision for women’s football – are inspiring others to invest more seriously.
On top of that, the Netherlands’ UEFA coefficient keeps rising. The country currently sits in seventh place in Europe, thanks to improving Champions League performances. Ajax reached the quarterfinals in 2023/24, and this year FC Twente even managed to draw against Chelsea – something unthinkable just a few years ago.
Reviving the BeNeLeague might seem like a quick fix for more excitement and higher standards, but in the long run, it wouldn’t help women’s football. It would reduce opportunities for players, widen the gap with the grassroots level, and slow the steady growth we’re already seeing.
The game between OH Leuven and FC Twente showed that the sport is evolving. We should honor that process, not skip it. Growth takes time in different forms for every competition.
Above:Caitlin Doeglas, who scored one and created several other great opportunities for Western Australia today – seen in this image in action for Perth RedStar this season. Photo: Denyse RM Photography.
A Western Australia team drawn from the NPLW WA claimed a superb victory over Perth Glory at Dorrien Gardens this afternoon.
Whilst the A-League Women side had the bulk of possession and shots on goal, it was the WA state team who showed the greater ability at putting the ball in the net when rare chances came for them.
Allied to this was a superbly well-organised defence, whereKim McCartney and Matilda Bohm were excellent, with Alex Poad, Sofie Osborne, and Alyssa van Heurck also putting in a great shift. Dayle Schroeder and Beck Bennett did everything asked of them in goal as well.
The Glory squad contained four starters who had played NPLW WA football (three in 2025) and a further five on the bench. The WA state team started with four who had played A-League Women minutes for Perth in the past.
One of those Glory alumni in the WA side, Abbey Green was on it from the start, forcing a corner after a trademark run down the flank in the opening minute.
It was one of Stephen Peters’ close-season signings, Rola Badawiya who created the A-League Women side’s first chance with seven minutes on the clock. The attacker showed a superb ability in stepping round the WA defence and fired in a powerful shot that Dayle Schroeder pushed onto the bar.
As the half developed, Glory’s talented midfield began to stamp their authority on proceedings. Tijan McKenna and Susan Phonsongkham were shifting positions across the middle third and producing both intelligent runs and probing passes. Julia Sardo, newly arrived from Western United also became more influential on the right as the half wore on.
Perth created back-to-back opportunities just before the half hour. First, Grace Johnston threaded a perfectly weighted ball through, but just as Badawiya was about to pull the trigger, Sofie Osborne put in a superb tackle to deny the former Central Coast Mariners striker.
Then, Phonsongkham cut in from the right and rifled in a shot that cannoned up off the top of the bar.
With 35 played, Sardo ran up the right before squaring for Izzy Dalton in the centre, on the edge of the box. The Glory captain fed a pass through for Phonsongkham, but her low shot was saved by Schroeder.
Then, with four minutes left on the half, Green did brilliantly to keep the ball in on the WA left and played a perfect pass up the line for Jamie-Lee Gale who looked to burst between Glory keeper Jess Skinner and defender Mischa Anderson, but was felled with a penalty awarded.
Up stepped Caitlin Doeglas to give the State team the lead with a powerful shot into the bottom left corner. It was just about the first shot WA had in the half, but it was a superbly placed spot kick.
Glory looked to rally before the interval, with Dalton seeing an effort go just wide of the right-hand post, and Johnston’s long-range effort on the left was pushed out by Schroeder.
It was WA who earned the first chance of the second half when Doeglas’ strong running saw her hold off Anderson before hitting a shot that Jess Skinner held.
Bennett was on in place of Schroeder in goal, and the Balcatta Etna custodian showed her worth twice in a matter of minutes just before the hour mark when she saved from O’Donoghue and Anderson.
With 17 minutes remaining, Zogg dived in feet first to be just centimetres away from connecting with Johnston’s curled free-kick from the left.
Doeglas continued to be a thorn in the Glory’s side when the opportunity arose, and Skinner was called into action to deny her lofted shot.
The longer the half went on, the fewer clear-cut chances Perth were able to create. Western Australia pulled all 11 behind the ball, and the A-League Women side could not find a way to break through.
Indeed, it was the state team who had the game’s final two opportunities. First, Doeglas played in Renee Leota who hit a powerful effort that Skinner repelled magnificently with her right hand.
Then, in stoppage time at the end, Sam Mathers found room on the left to play in Leota and the NPLW WA top scorer shot strongly into the net from a tight angle to put the icing on the cake for the state team.
Western Australia had a lot to be proud of. The performance was well-organised, disciplined, and hard-working.
This was a frustrating afternoon for Perth Glory. They showed their promise in terms of creativity, on another day they could have scored a hatful – but there remains work to do in terms of turning those chances into goals.
Teams: WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Schroeder, Bohm, McCartney, van Heurck, Foletta, Osborne, McAllister, Poad, Gale, Green, Doeglas. Substitutes: Bennett (GK for Schroeder 46′), Collinson (for Poad 72′), Flannery (for Green 72′), Leota (for Gale 66′), Kiama (for Foletta 66′), Meakins, Mathers (for McAllister 46′).
Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross in action as a second-half substitute against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday. Photo: Arsenal Women.
Arsenal’s start to the season has seen four points dropped to top four rivals Manchester City and Manchester United, as well as being frustrated at home by Aston Villa, and defeat in the opening game of their Champions League defence to Olympique Lyonnes. A lack of pace in build-ups and problems beating ultra-high presses have been a key part of this. Yet Renée Slegers has a player whose very raison d’êtrecan solve both problems.
The 23-year-old is a player that Impetus‘ team of writers have been following closely since her debut as a 15-year-old in what was then the W-League. It was clear from those embryonic days that here was a youngster who could have the world at her feet – (https://impetusfootball.org/2023/09/23/the-stations-of-the-cooney-cross/).
Now, two of our editors examine exactly what the Matilda can bring to the table with more game time, as well as the potential knock-on impact for those around her in the team’s midfield.
Urgency, set-piece mayhem, and the X-Factor
by Ben Gilby
Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross during her cameo for Arsenal against Olympique Lyonnes. Photo: Arsenal Women.
At their best, Arsenal are a fluid attacking machine that the best of defences cannot stop. However, over the last month or so, the midfield has found it challenging to generate pace to deliver incisive attacks and play killer balls to the strike force.
The Gunners have found it exceptionally difficult to break through the shackles of a high-press – both Aston Villa and Olympique Lyonnes applied it superbly. The consequence was a lack of urgency coming forward, and a tendency to play sideways and backwards, looking to create space, with wide players having limited possession, and when the likes of Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly did receive the ball, they found themselves swallowed up immediately.
Cooney-Cross has all the tools in her bag to unlock these problems. The Australian has always had exceptional close control, and over the course of her time in England, has developed this ability with pace. It means that the former Melbourne Victory and Hammarby star knows nothing other than to take on players directly who are looking to deny her space, and she has the footwork to escape from these tight corners.
Whilst Renee Slegers is going to stick with Kim Little in the Gunners’ midfield, when the North Londoners are finding it hard to create space and urgency, the call needs to come to Cooney-Cross to come on and change the game.
The Herston-born star is a player who needs a good chunk of time on the pitch to operate. She isn’t going to do it in the last five minutes or so. Give Cooney-Cross at least half an hour off the bench, and the influence will come to the boil, and have the space to run, stretch the midfield, find the passes, and hit a few of those long-range rockets that she’s known for.
Against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, Cooney-Cross showed exactly what she can do with an increased amount of game time. There were 25 minutes of regulation time (and a huge chunk of injury time) for her to weave her magic. An Arsenal side who were finding it hard to replicate the pace and rapid passing that gave them an early lead suddenly could move the ball again. Brighton were not able to maintain as much control on the play in the middle third as Cooney-Cross took them on in one-on-one duels and spread the focus of attack to those outside her.
Above: Preparing to perform – Kyra Cooney-Cross on Sunday against Brighton and Hove Albion. Photo: Arsenal Women.
While Kyra Cooney-Cross has shown she deserves far more playing time for Arsenal, her inclusion inevitably comes at the cost of another midfielder’s minutes. With Kim Little, Frida Maanum, Victoria Pelova, and Mariona Caldentey all competing with the Australian for a starting spot in Renée Sleger’s midfield, the question isn’t whether Cooney-Cross is good enough — it’s who makes way.
The most logical answer, at least long-term, seems to be Kim Little.
Little has been the heartbeat of the club for over a decade as the captain, tempo-setter, and one of the most consistent performers in the WSL. But as she nears the end of her career, transitioning into a Cooney-Cross-centered midfield may be just the thing Arsenal need to find their spark this season.
Where Little is a stabilizer, Cooney-Cross is an energizer. Little calms the chaos; Cooney-Cross thrives in it. Arsenal have been slow to find their rhythm and identity as they started this season, and they may need more of the latter.
Little’s skills lie in her ability to read play, dictate tempo, and position herself and her teammates smartly. But Arsenal’s recent inconsistency has exposed the need for more drive through the midfield.
That’s where Cooney-Cross shines, playing with urgency: pressing high, breaking lines with expert through-balls, and shifting momentum from defense to attack with her signature skill of intercepting attacks and quickly carrying the ball up the field in a driving counter-attack.
This decision would not be an easy one, as Little remains one of the most intelligent and respected midfielders in the league. While her scoring record has waned recently– scoring just two goals in each of the past two seasons– her leadership and decision-making remain invaluable.
For Cooney-Cross to take over Little’s role, she would need to expand her attacking influence. She’s shown flashes of it, but to start for Arsenal in the most important matches, the Australian will need to improve her confidence and consistency in front of net.
Cooney-Cross has already proven she can thrive at the highest level. Alongside Katrina Gorry, Australia’s midfield for the past few years, and during their remarkable 2023 World Cup run, was built around Cooney-Cross. Her calm under pressure, the range of passing, and an ability to control games against elite opposition all prove that she is ready for more.
With the Asian Cup approaching, Cooney-Cross is again expected to be the focal point for the Matildas. Yet it raises a fair question: how sustainable is it for a national team to build around a player who isn’t playing regularly at club level?
In Cooney-Cross’s third season now at Arsenal, her youth is no longer an acceptable excuse for her lack of playing time and responsibility. She should be a player in her prime, not one on the bench. Unfortunately, not everyone can be on the field at once. Regardless of what transpires this season, some players are going to have to draw the short straw. Australian fans will hope that it isn’t Cooney-Cross for much longer.
Above: Seeing the 32 shirt on the pitch more for Arsenal could well have major benefits for the North London side. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Above: Arsenal Women head coach Renée Slegers in the media conference on Wednesday. Image: Arsenal.
By Isabelle Campbell (16/10/25)
Ahead of their trip to Lisbon, Arsenal Women held a press conference with head coach Renée Slegers and defender Emily Fox to discuss their upcoming Champions League match against Benfica.
Arsenal Women return to Champions League action on Thursday night looking to build on last season’s historic European triumph in Lisbon. Both Arsenal and Benfica have had difficult starts to this year’s group stage, with early leads slipping away in opening losses, making Thursday’s clash a crucial opportunity for both sides to claim their first points.
Benfica are known for their aggressive and intense style, combining tactical discipline with a strong psychological edge. Arsenal’s aim is to meet that intensity while maintaining control throughout the match.
“They’ll be intense from that perspective as well. They believe in what they’re doing. We’re going to play at a big stadium, we’re going to have a crowd, and we have fans coming too, which is great. We expect a lot of intensity in the game, which we want to match.” Slegers said.
Arsenal head into the game after a 1-0 WSL win over Brighton, a result that offered a solid foundation and a touch of confidence. “It was all about the three points, and we got them together. We’ve had a really productive review with the players since then. We’ve been working hard preparing for Benfica.”
Benfica’s tactical flexibility poses a unique challenge, with tight spaces and quick pressure expected. “Sometimes spaces get really tight and it gets really intense. That’s going to be our challenge, to keep spaces big and be really good in the spaces when they get tight.”
The club also celebrated a proud milestone this week as academy graduate Katie Reid earned her first senior England call-up.
“She’s young, but very mature. She has a growth mindset, she wants to learn every day, she’s very humble, very hardworking,” Slegers said of the young defender. “She’s gone all the way through the academy and now she’s got her first senior call-up. She should be very proud, and we’re proud as a club.”
Meanwhile England Captain, Leah Williamson is making encouraging progress in her injury recovery, having just completed her first session back on the pitch, Slegers said. “Exact timeline we’ll have to see day by day, week by week, but we hope to see her back before Christmas. That would be great.”
On the tactical side, the team continues to focus on playing with forward intent, embracing bravery on the ball to avoid inviting pressure and to create opportunities higher up the pitch. “We’re such a good team on the ball, we want to be brave on the ball. We want to have forward intent, we want to give options going forward.”
Despite their status as defending Champions League winners, Arsenal remain grounded. “We wear that with pride. But you need to be very, very humble for the change that happens and for the opponents that you’re going to face. You have to work really hard, and that’s what we know we’ll have to do tomorrow as well.”
Arsenal Women face Benfica on Thursday at 8pm BST in Lisbon.
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