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The pros and cons of Joe Montemurro as Matildas coach

Above: Joe Montemurro while coaching the A-League All Stars in 2024

Impetus writers look at the reasons for optimism and concern following Joe Montemurro’s arrival as the Matildas coach.

Why we’re optimistic: By Ella Mcshane

In a widely anticipated move, Joe Montemurro has been announced as the next head coach of the CommBank Matildas. While the news itself sends minimal shock waves through the Australian football community, Montemurro’s impressive coaching record offers a much-needed glimpse of hope for the successful future for the CommBank Matildas.

Montemurro began his women’s football coaching career in the Australian domestic league in 2014 after successfully leading men’s youth teams for the years prior. And since joining at the genesis of the women’s professional game in Australia, only layman’s terms can describe Montemurro’s coaching career. Wherever he has gone, results have followed.

Montemurro led Melbourne City’s inaugural side through an invincible 2015–16 season and secured the championship again the following year. He then joined English powerhouse Arsenal, delivering the Women’s Super League title in the 2018–19 season. Over three years at Juventus, he guided the team to one Scudetto, two Italian Cups, and two Italian Super Cups. Most recently, Montemurro capped his short tenure at Olympique Lyonnais by securing the French Première League title.

Although telling, results and accolades are mere symbol of what characterises a successful manager. Montemurro has historically been praised for his personable and “project” style of coaching. Beth Mead honouring the Australian in her memoir Lioness “From day one, Joe has a warmth to him and is deeply personable. Every day, he walks around the training ground…and checks in on each of us” (Beth Mead, 2022).

With the Matildas looking to take the next step toward major silverware, Montemurro’s arrival signals both ambition and renewal. His proven ability to build winning cultures and foster longitudinal cohesiveness, is arguably the cog that has understandably been missing in the mechanisms of the Matilda’s since the departure of Tony Gustavsson.

Why we’re slightly worried: By Kieran Yap

Make no mistake, Joe Montemurro has the most impressive CV from any Australian coach and any potential Matildas coach, but that does not make this an appointment without risk.

For all his success, Montemurro has no experience in international football. He has had almost unequalled success at club level, but he will only have nine months and four international windows to implement his style and choose his best squad of players before the Asian Cup.

The day to day opportunity to work with players will not be possible with The Matildas and the player pool is spread across Europe, North America and Australia. It is a huge task with very little time.

Montemurro’s titles have come with Arsenal, Juventus, Lyon and Melbourne City. All impressive clubs but also the fastest cars in the race, at least on paper.

The Matildas, for all their talent and potential are not that, and are possibly approaching a rebuilding phase.

Australia has stars, and Montemurro’s record shows that he knows how to work with the biggest names on the planet, but they will also need to integrate younger, less experienced players with almost no time. On this aspect of the job he is unproven and with the U20 and U17 coaches also new to their roles there will be no time to learn. All of this has to be gotten right in around 6-8 games at most.

The incoming Matildas coach has extensive experience in Europe, but defeating European opposition is no longer the hugely important task it was before the 2023 tournament. Our title rivals are in Asia and that is a vastly different challenge logistically, and tactically. It has been a challenge Australia has long struggled to meet and one that European style possession football has been ineffective so far.

They will go into the home Asian Cup as one of the favourites but will face significant challenges from South Korea, North Korea, China, and Japan. These teams are not only formidable in form and have decent records against Australia but all play very differently and will likely require a variety of tactics to overcome.

The appointment is the best possible choice in this moment, but the 10 month delay in finding a coach has cost Montemurro and Australia vital preparation time, and although he has often brought instant success, international football is an entirely different beast to club world.

The timing of this announcement means that it will only be seen as a success if Australia lift the trophy for the first time in over a decade, but it also means that it is much more difficult to do so.

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Lucy Bronze and Sarina Wiegman positive ahead of Spain duel

By Alyce Collett (02/06/2025)

Above: Sarina Wiegman and Lucy Bronze face the press in Barcelona. Photo: The FA.

After her side’s stellar performance against Portugal last week, England coach Sarina Wiegman was in a positive mood heading into her traditional match day minus one press conference ahead of tomorrow’s match against Spain.

The topics were wide ranging, including the importance of backing up a strong performance with another one, and how her side plans to go out and win their Nations League group.

Focusing more on the practicalities of tomorrow’s match, Wiegman also confirmed that everyone who is allowed to play tomorrow night is fit enough to be in contention to start. The only one who is not available for the match day squad is Grace Clinton, who will miss the game due to yellow card accumulation.

**Above**: Grace Clinton against Portugal. **Photo**: @Cozphotos for *Impetus.*

With the announcement of England’s Euros squad not far away, the Euros was also not far from the mind of those present at the press conference. Wiegman confirmed that the England squad for the Euros is almost set, but is not 100% set in stone just yet.

One of the biggest potential stories surrounding the Lionesses’ Euros squad is that of Chloe Kelly, who after a reinvigoration of her career in recent months is firmly back in contention to make the plane to Switzerland.

Wiegman said that of the changes in Kelly in the last few months, she has noticed “most of all that she’s very, very happy, very energetic. Of course going into Arsenal, having great performances, and I think she has improved again I think in possession, but also out of possession.

“She’s certainly showing signs of getting back to her best, and like you say, with a smile on her face as well.”

Star defender Lucy Bronze – who joined her coach at the press conference – confirmed that there is not much of an issue in the playing group about the balance between giving tomorrow’s match their all versus trying to avoid injury ahead of the Euros.

“ I think I play every game like it could be my last” Bronze said.

“So I don’t think that’s an issue, and I think anyone that plays, especially for England, you put on that England shirt and you don’t want to leave anything on the pitch. You’re playing against one of the best teams in the world in Spain, you’ve got an opportunity for England. You can’t ever think too far ahead, never take things for granted I think.”

When many people think of England vs Spain in women’s football, they have a habit of thinking back to the most consequential meeting between the two of recent times – the final of the 2023 World Cup.

But according to Bronze, England have grown and adapted a lot since that night.

“ I think we’re probably one of the most adaptive teams in the world,” Bronze said.

“I think we’ve got the style where we can possess the ball, we can counter attack, we can play in behind. We’ve got fast players, we’ve got technical players, I think it’s something that we’ve been working on for a number of years.

“We’ve faced Spain many times, more than just the World Cup final, the Euros previously, the Euros before that as well, before Sarina was even here.

“And the same with the likes of Germany, with the USA, I think that’s just the top teams nowadays, you have to turn up for every game and for every moment because so many teams are capable of so many different things.

“I think it’s something that we speak about a lot as an England team, how we can adapt in games, how we can change against different teams. But ultimately you have to put on the performance on the day, and I think that’s maybe this nation’s league – if you maybe lose a little bit of yourself, the other team performs. That’s the level of this competition.”

England face Spain in Barcelona on Tuesday 3rd June 2025. Kick off is at 18:00 BST and will be broadcast in the UK on ITV1.

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Sayer completes fairytale return as Matildas defeat Argentina

Australia 4-1 Argentina

by Alyce Collett (2/6/25)

Above: Amy Sayer celebrates after scoring for Australia against Argentina in Canberra tonight. Photo: Football Australia.

Australia has recorded a clean sweep in its two-match series with Argentina after winning game two 4-1 in Canberra tonight.

Amy Sayer was the star for the Matildas, scoring a brace and showing incredible versatility, and was supported with goals from Emily van Egmond and Michelle Heyman. Argentina did score a goal through Kishi Nunez, but were totally outclassed by the Matildas in the second half as the home side stepped up a gear after the interval.

Despite plenty of changes to the starting 11, it was a fairly positive start from the Matildas, who were more on the front foot early than their visitors were.

Argentina had its chances, but the home side had more of the possession and, as a consequence, had more of the threatening chances in front of goal.

Australia did not take too long to make the most of that dominance to get on the board, with Sayer getting on the end of a well-positioned Kahli Johnson cross to pop a first-touch shot into the bottom corner of the Argentinian net and put the Matildas in front.

However, it was not even 10 minutes later before Argentina countered with a goal of their own, after Kishi Nunez pounced on a mistake in the Matildas’ defence to level up proceedings.

The Matildas were forced into an unplanned early change just on the half-hour mark when Johnson was forced off with a quad concern, and was ultimately replaced by Holly McNamara.

**Above:** Clare Wheeler in possession under the watchful eye of Argentina’s Sofia Dominguez tonight. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Despite the interruption to the line-up, this did not stop the Matildas’ momentum as they picked up their second goal with about 10 minutes left in the half. Sayer, who was now on the opposite wing to where she scored her first goal, got on the end of a very well-placed Caitlin Foord through ball to again strike the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Argentina did have some moments of threat late in the first half, with the likes of Florencia Bonsegundo really starting to step up, but ultimately, the South Americans could not add to Nunez’s goal before half time.

The home side came out with a pep in their step in the second half, dominating possession and playing on the front foot.

The Australians kept racking up the shots on goal, but just could not quite find the right angle to get any of them in the back of the net to extend their lead. Argentina did have their moments of positivity in possession, but did not even come close to threatening to score.

Australia did eventually find itself a third goal, after Van Egmond pounced on a deflection to power a shot home.

The solidifying of the lead and dominance in possession meant that Matildas’ coach Tom Sermanni was able to try a couple of different things, including bringing on younger faces and capping a second debutant this window after bringing on Isabel Gomez midway through the half.

Even with all the changes, the Matildas could not stop scoring, with hometown hero Heyman also getting on the board in the final 10 minutes of the match after wrong-footing the Argentinian keeper and sneaking a shot into the bottom of the net.

Heyman’s goal capped off a really impressive performance for the Matildas, who sent off the departing Sermanni on a winning note.

**Above:** The Matildas team that started the match against Argentina in Canberra tonight. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Teams: AUSTRALIA (4-4-2): Micah, Grant, Prior, Catley, Nevin, Johnson, Wheeler, Cooney-Cross, Sayer, van Egmond, Foord. Substitutes: McNamara (for Johnson 32′), Heyman (for Sayer 62′), Kennedy (for Prior 62′), Rankin (for Nevin 76′), Gomez (for van Egmond 77′), Torpey (for Grant 77′).

Scorers: Sayer 14′, 36′. van Egmond 72′, Heyman 83′.

ARGENTINA (4-4-2): Pereya, R. Nunez, Braun, Cometti, Martin, Pereyra, Dominguez, Preininger, Bonsegundo, Rodriguez, K. Nunez. Substitutes: Roggerone (for R. Nunez 46′), Gramaglia (for Dominguez 71′), M. Vargas (for Rodriguez 71′), Stabile (for Martin 84′), A. Vargas (for K. Nunez 84′), Gimenez (for Preininger 89′).

Scorer: K. Nunez 23′.

Referee: Supiree Testhomya (THA).

Attendance: 25,125.

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“I’m here because of the love of the game”- Montemurro appointed as Matildas coach

By Alice de Koster-Kitto 2/6/25

Above: Joe Montemurro. Photo: Football Australia

Football Australia has announced Joe Montemurro’s appointment as head coach of the Matildas, with his tenure looking to extend to at least the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

“To be given the opportunity to lead, I think probably one of the best brands in the world, one of the most exciting teams in the world, and to do it at home and do it with a level of pride for me is something quite emotional,” Montemurro told the media.

The announcement comes a year on from the departure of Tony Gustavsson, who led the national team from 2020-2024. Since the departure of Gustavsson and the instatement of interim coach Tom Sermanni, rumours have been swirling over who the next head of the Matildas would be, with Montemurro’s name being in the mix from day one.

“It was always in the back of my mind, it was always here.”

Though there has been interest in Montemurros future with Football Australia looming over the past months, the news, was finally confirmed alongside the CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock, in Sydney this morning, and was confirmed that the decision wasn’t in official talks, until the past few days, with Montemurro assuring he, “signed the contract in the 31st of May and here I am.”

“I want to win. I want to win playing a great brand of football, I want to win because I know the nation will be behind the successes we’re gonna have.”

Montemurro has faith that “a clear vision for the CommBank Matildas will create a situation here, that every young female player dreams of the opportunities that are gonna be given to them”, and Football Australia CEO reiterates his approach, assuring that his vision “aligns with our federations, ambitious to be world leaders in the world game – now is our time”

The CommBank Matildas have experienced incredible highs and lows over the past few years, from a home World Cup in 2023, exceeding expectations, to an early exit from the 2024 Paris Olympics, and now Montemurro’s wealth of experience, high success rate, is looking to get the national team to an ideal place ahead of one of the most crucial periods for the Matildas in recent history.

“We are at an exciting moment for the Matildas, with the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 nine months away, we expect this team to be focused, driven, and ready to show the world what we believe they are capable of.”

Montemurro’s experience dates back to 2014, when he was appointed head coach of Melbourne Victory followed by Melbourne City. His career expanded to Europe, as he took on a new role at Arsenal in 2017, lifting the 2018/19 WSL trophy with the English giants, going on to coach the Matilda’s own Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord. He would later extend his European success with Italian side Juventus, and eventually carry Ellie Carpenter’s Olympique Lyonnais to their 18th Première Ligue title.

“We want to control, we want to have the ball, we want to control the game even when we don’t have the ball, its very very important that all phases of the game are in a way, controlled”

The style of football Montemurro has developed over his time in Europe will be invaluable to this current Matildas side. While finding great success overseas, Montemurro has not lost his dedication to Australian football, returning to Australia to coach the A-League All Stars squad, in a clash against Arsenal in May 2024.

“It’s going to be a process of working with the teams underneath and creating that sustainability, it’s what I love to do”

Among his dedication to developing the current Matildas squad, Montumurro also comes into the job, looking to the future, with a focus on bringing in younger players, to create a solid foundation, so the Australian side can shine for years ahead.

“Working with the 20s, working with the 17s, but putting in processes now that every player has an opportunity, everybody has a chance”

“Is the Asian Cup winnable? Of course it is.”

Though he comes in just nine months ahead of the Asian Cup, he sings the praises of Tom Sermanni for setting up a system that has made this tournament, and the crucial period ahead of it, so accessible as a coach.

“Tom’s been able to do sort of a bit of a process of bringing in some players, giving opportunities to some players, stabilising the situation, and then from there we can bring it forward.”

Though he is sure he can make something special of an already treasured, and successful national team, Montemurro assures “It’s not going to happen overnight. You’re not gonna see the first game I take over, we’re getting 85% possession.”

“I’m here because of the love of the game.”

Above all Joe Montemurro looks to bring the care, and expertise to the CommBank Matildas, and to the game, that is deserved.

“The only promise I make is that we will play an exciting brand of football, and that the integrity and the level of respect of the Matildas will always be at the top of my thinking.”

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Chelsea’s invincible season: how Sonia Bompastor achieved it

By Emmanuel Faith (01/06/2025)

Above: Sonia Bompastor with her domestic treble. Photo: Chelsea Women website.

12 POINTS.

That was the difference between the first and second position in the WSL this season, the largest numerical point difference in the WSL era between the title winners and the runners-up.

This time last year, I wrote this detailed article analyzing Emma Hayes’ era, suggesting that Chelsea’s systems and structure would cope with the major transition to Sonia Bompastor.

12 months later they have won the league, their 6^th consecutive WSL title – and this time they did it with points to spare.

What is the secret to their dominance?

Let’s dive in.

Effective Recruitment

As highlighted in the article last year, one thing Chelsea has gotten right, is timely and effective recruitment – and a new coach has not upset that.

Chelsea don’t just buy players, they buy player the coach and the team need to raise the bar. Case in point, Sandy Baltimore.

The French winger was signed at the beginning of the season, and slotted into Bompastor’s formation by playing more defensively, especially after starting left-back Niamh Charles got injured.

Another pivotal signing was the Lionesses legend, multiple Champions Leagues-winner Lucy Bronze. Bronze’s initial recruitment led to divided opinions, but ended up being a great addition.

A quick glance at Chelsea’s rivals and you see an obvious gap. For instance, Chloe Kelly would have made a lot more impact for Arsenal domestically if she was signed in August 2024 instead of January 2025, and Kerolin’s goals would have definitely come in handy for an injury-laden attack of Manchester City’s squad earlier in the season.

Simply put, Chelsea’s ability to make proactive recruitment decisions executed with the speed of light distinguishes them and means they are constantly building, never sitting still.

**Above:** Maelys Mpome and Sandy Baltimore. **Photo:** Chelsea WFC.

Resilience and Adaptability

60 points. The total amount of points ever won in a single WSL season.

Fascinating, isn’t it? But this doesn’t tell the whole story.

Chelsea’s first half of the season and the second half, were almost in contrast. 60% of their WSL total tally (34 out of 56) came in the first half of the season.

In fact, they only won two matches (out of eleven) with more than one goal-difference in the last 11 matches, a really low number compared to the first eleven matches, where they won six matches with at least two goal-difference.

This paucity of goals was caused by different reasons, from incessant injuries to key players like Lauren James, Guro Reiten, Erin Cuthbert and even Mayra Ramirez which led to the continuous iteration of formation based on available players.

Despite these odds, Chelsea kept showing up and grinding out results, picking up the three points by any means necessary – a 91^st minute shot from Lauren James, a 93^rd winning header from Aggie-Beever Jones or a 65^th minute equalizer from Wieke Kaptein, this resilient adaptability kept the team going.

Heavy Rotation:

From giving youngsters the platform to shine, to rotating as many players as possible, a major trait the Lyon coach inherited from her predecessor is her ability to rotate players, without changing a lot to the spine of the game.

While there are players like Millie Bright and Hannah Hampton who started almost all the WSL games, there were a lot more fringe players who played crucial roles when asked.

For instance, you might not hear a lot about names like Maika Hamano, or Orian Jean Francoise, or Ashley Lawrence but they all played a part in picking up pivotal points at different timelines of the season.

The Canadian fullback Lawrence had two match-winning assists that got Chelsea a weighted six points.

**Above:** Ashley Lawrence celebrates with Chelsea. Photo: Chelsea Women on X.

Unlike Gareth Taylor who struggled with managing players like Chloe Kelly and Marc Skinner who struggled with managing Geyse, Bompastor has been able to manage her myriad of talents, keeping everyone averagely happy while giving them the room to show up and deliver for the team when required.

There are a lot more factors that contributed to Bompastor’s record-breaking season, like the versatility of team, beating their direct rivals twice to garner crucial points, but this season has only shown the rest of the park that a change in coach doesn’t automatically translate to a change in dominance.

It’s another season, and as the Blue army keeps marching, will they take it a notch higher and attain their European quest given their neighbor’s recent triumph?

Only time will tell.

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NPLW WA 2025 Round 10 Wrap

by Ben Gilby & Ella McShane (1/6/25)

Above: Jess Flannery heads Perth SC into the lead at UWA-Nedlands today. Photo: Rob Lizzi.

Subiaco 0-4 Perth RedStar

by Ella McShane

Perth RedStar’s imperious form continued as they chalked up their fifth win on the bounce with this latest success at Rosalie Park today.

An early RedStar corner threatened goal, saved from imminent danger by goalkeeper Monique Todd, the rebound maintained the threat for the visitors. Subiaco’s Danielle Suckling’s defending header sealed the deal on denying the visitors a lead.

Possession was in RedStar’s control, and they took the lead when, following a corner, Caitlin Doeglas’ controlled cross was capitalised on by Jay Coleman.

The half that followed deservingly went in the visitors’ favour, a control in possession and high press created difficulties for Subiaco’s defence. Sarah Carroll’s longball from outside the box found the feet of the dangerous Lauren Continibali for the forward to secure the visitors a 2-0 lead.

The continuous threat posed by RedStar made for a busy day at the office for Subiaco goalkeeper Todd. Her ability to pre-empt threats made for a commendable,e composed performance.

Tensions grew as the half progressed, and Subiaco’s Soyi Kim’s determination ultimately resulted in an abrasive foul which saw her booked after 43 minutes for a forceful run into RedStar’s Kaitlyn Bellanca.

The Perth winter dusk opened the second half, and the control immediately found its way into Red Star’s favourable half. Contrastingly, Subiaco asserted themselves with mildly cautionary long balls into the box on multiple occasions during the latter half.

RedStar did not take long to put Subiaco’s threats to bed, a striding ball from the midfield seamlessly delivered to an onside and open Doeglas on the left wing to slot it into the top left-hand corner of the net to see the visitors comfortably extend their lead 53 minutes in.

Confidently exploiting space, Subiaco’s Stella Zampogna was able to make a dangerously alarming run into the box. The shot was on target and beat Red Star goalkeeper Jessica Skinner; however, just as the ball reached the line, Emily Dunn swooped and saved the day. Dunn’s execution of the block was an eye rub away from being mistaken for Matilda Caitlin Foord’s now infamous intervention in last week’s UEFA Champions League Final when Barcelona looked certain to score.

The clock with mere minutes to spare, assumed a 0-3 win in Red Star’s favour. However, a last-minute cross from Doeglas found the feet of Renee Leota positioned inside the box at 90+1. Leota’s creative exploitation of the minimal space secured the deal on a 4-0 score line in the visitors’ favour.

Teams: SUBIACO: Todd, Burdett, Sucking, Rudd, Campos, Bailey, Papalia, Kim, Harvey, Tabain, Zampogna. Substitutes: McCulloch, Hughes, Robinson, Steele, Silver, Edwards, Jahn.

PERTH REDSTAR: Skinner, Woolley, Dunn, Teixeira, Doan, Monteiro, Coleman, Carroll, Bellanca, Doeglas, Continibali. Substitutes: Bennett, Ridley, Leota, Lornie, Gray, O’Donohoe, Devitt.

Scorers: Coleman, Continibali, Doeglas, Leota.

Balcatta Etna 6-0 Murdoch University Melville

by Ben Gilby

Abbey Meakins hit a first-half hat-trick as Balcatta Etna recorded their third straight victory today.

The home side hit the front on 11 minutes when Jamie-Lee Gale found Abbey Meakins on the right, and she cut in and unleashed a shot that curled into the far corner of the net.

Balcatta went 2-0 up with 23 minutes played when Gale squared a low pass for Liana Cook to turn into the net from close range.

Two minutes later, the home side increased their lead further when Zoee Spadano linked with Frankie Murray to feed Meakins, who was running in at the back post to hit her second.

Just before the break, Meakins completed her hat trick. A high cross into the box was punched forward by a diving Kaitlyn Mohan and fell perfectly for Meakins to control and then fire home.

Two minutes into the second half, Balcatta hit their fifth of the afternoon with a lovely move. Rachel Jarvis and Hocking combined well before Meakins then laid a pass through for Hocking to advance onto and roll into the net from the edge of the six-yard box.

The scoring was completed on 56 minutes as Spadano was involved in a one-two and got the ball back to slot into the far corner of the net.

Fremantle City 2-4 Football West Academy

by Ben Gilby

**Above:** Emily Garnett (second blue shirt from the right) celebrates one of her two goals for the Football West Academy at Fremantle City today. **Photo:** U18sNPL

Football West Academy (FWA) ended a three-game losing run with this success at Hilton Park today.

The teenage side hit the front with 23 minutes played as Emily Garnett profited from Freo’s attempt to play out from the back. Home keeper Megan Phillips laid a pass for Janice Kiama on the edge of the box. Kiama was surrounded by three FWA shirts, and Garnett was able to burst into the box and fire home.

The score remained that way until 11 minutes after the interval. Garnett was brought down on the edge of the box in a tangle with Kiama, who appeared to come off worse. Garnett fired the resulting penalty low into the right-hand corner of the net.

On the hour mark, matters seemed to have been settled as Lacey Heys was released with an excellently timed pass to roll a shot into the left-hand corner.

However, two sensational strikes from Fremantle in the space of two minutes brought the port city side back into this match.

First, Mikayla Lyons found Abbey Green around 30 yards out from goal, and the former Perth Glory A-League Women player let fly with a stunner that flew into the net. Then, Green fed Sophie Meaden, who lifted in a glorious strike from the edge of the box for her first goal of the season.

Freo were unable to find an equaliser, and, amidst initial confusion and drama, a minute into stoppage time at the end of the game, the Academy sealed their win with a fourth. Theodora Mouithys drove through the middle of the park and hit a powerful shot that crashed down off the underside of the bar and down adjacent to the right-hand post. After consultation between the referee and her assistant, the goal was awarded.

UWA Nedlands 1-2 Perth SC

by Ben Gilby

**Above:** Ella Lincoln (right) celebrates her winning goal for Perth SC at UWA-Nedlands today with Daisy McAllister coming in to join. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi.

The Azzurri were made to work extremely hard by a very well-disciplined home side, but they still ran out winners at the UWA Sports Park today to remain top of the NPLW WA ladder.

It was a match where patience was the virtue for the visitors. They dominated possession and territory, but clear-cut chances were few and far between.

Georgia Cassidy’s talent for the perfectly timed pass, both cross-field and forward into the path of the stride of runners, was much in evidence, and with 10 minutes played, from one such move, Daisy McAllister, fully recovered after being stretchered off last week, advanced but put her shot just wide.

UWA-Nedlands were looking to Emily Dinsdale to create along the left, but she was well marshalled and largely dealt with before coming close to putting a ball into the box.

The hosts had a chance when Matilda Boehm put the ball against her own bar. There was also a nice turn and pass from Andrea Preiato, who threaded a pass through, but the resulting shot was over the top.

Right on the break, Sam Mathers and Cassidy established a short corner routine on the right, and the ball was delivered in for Jess Flannery to nod home towards the back post to ensure that the Azzurri had some reward for their dominance of possession by going in ahead at the break.

Ten minutes into the second half, the home side levelled when they worked possession along the right before two passes inside allowed them to build centrally with a pass played in for Dinsdale to level the scores.

It would only take Perth five minutes to restore their advantage, as, on the hour mark, Sam Mathers played the ball into the mix for Lincoln to slot home from close range – a true poacher’s goal.

There would only be one further real chance of a goal, and that came on 74 minutes when Kim McCartney hit a typically spectacular free-kick that curled its way towards the top corner, but Sauer pushed it onto the bar and over – a magnificent save.

Ladder

Perth SC P9 Pts 23 GD +21

Perth RedStar P10 Pts 22 GD +28

Football West Academy P10 Pts 21 GD +11

Balcatta Etna P8 Pts 16 GD +11

Subiaco P9 Pts 10 GD -3

Fremantle City P9 Pts 9 GD -4

UWA-Nedlands P10 Pts 6 GD -22

Murdoch University Melville P9 Pts 0 GD -44

Fixtures

SATURDAY: Football West Academy v Murdoch University Melville, Balcatta Etna v UWA-Nedlands. SUNDAY: Perth RedStar v Fremantle City, Perth SC v Subiaco.

**Above:** Lacey Heys (8) races through to put Football West Academy 3-0 up at Fremantle City today. **Photo:** U18sNPL.

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New Zealand go down to disappointing loss to Venezuela

New Zealand 1-3 Venezuela

by Jonathon Hagger (1/6/25)

Above: Football Ferns star Annalie Longo (10) battles away against Venezuela yesterday. Photo: RNZ.

New Zealand began their two-match series against Venezuela in Marbella with a performance that new boss Michael Mayne described as “nowhere near” where they need to be.

Backdrop

The New Zealand Football Ferns secured another international series against South American opposition with two matches against a lower-ranked Venezuela. The Ferns squad assembled players located all across the globe to test their mettle against a team that is preparing to play in the Copa América Femenina against teams like Brazil.

For the Ferns, this was the first match under their newly appointed coach, who had been promoted from an interim role. The appointment of Michael Mayne ushers in a new period of football for the Ferns following a lengthy recruitment process.

While Mayne has held the interim head coach role for some months, there is a marked difference between being a caretaker and being the manager in terms of responsibility and accountability for results.

The Ferns squad was an interesting mixture of veterans and players in development. The two bookend players in the squad, being new mum Betsy Hassett and Vic Esson, both 34 years of age, bring an impressive amount of experience. At the other end of the scale, the Ferns have a strong group of young players who are performing well for their respective clubs. Players such as Milly Clegg and Kate Taylor, while young in age, have played a lot of top-level football.

The Venezuelan team, for whom there is not too much written about formally, included players from very well known teams and competitions. Including – the NWSL, Spain, Brazil and US College teams. Of particular interest to Ferns supporters, was the inclusion of Mariana Speckmaier. Formerly of Wellington Phoenix and now playing for Melbourne City in the A-Leagues competition, Speckmaier is a goal scoring ace.

Formations

In the previous friendly matches between the Football Ferns and Costa Rica, coach Mayne switched the more traditional playing formation being 4-4-2 to a more attacking 3-4-3. The Ferns started the match with this same formation.

Venezuela started the match with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Coach Ricardo Belli played a balanced approach with a very strong midfield.

The first half

Venezuela started the match and applied pressure all over the pitch. The speed and physicality of the players opened up space across the entire width of the pitch, giving them lots of room to work with.

The pace of the match was dictated entirely by the South Americans. The pressure applied constantly on the Ferns, smothered their game plan, resulting in the New Zealanders attempting to play passes over the top to break through.

The first goal scoring opportunity came in the fifteenth minute to Ferns attacker, Milly Clegg, resulting from a turnover of possession just outside the Venezuelan goal area. The ball fell kindly at the feet of Clegg, who unleashed a shot on goal that was palmed away by the goalkeeper Caceras.

It would be the Venezuelan team that drew first blood with a goal in the 24^th minute. A defensive lapse by the New Zealand back four gifted Castellanos a shot on goal that bent beautifully to the left, just past the outstretched hand of the goalkeeper.

The vision of Ferns defender Kate Taylor created an opening for attack in the 29^th minute, as she launched a long ball deep into the opposition’s half. Grace Neville’s accurate cross to Milly Clegg was directed at the goal however, the reflexes of Caceras once again saved the day.

The Ferns levelled in the 37th minute, as a result of Venezuelan defenders not clearing the ball from deep in their half. A turnover of possession due to sloppy passing, provided Katie Kitching with two shots on target. The first was saved but not held by Caceras, and the rebound was knocked into the back of the net.

Not to be outdone, the Venezuelan immediately struck back in the 40th minute. Quality passing amongst the midfielders sliced through the Ferns’ defensive setup, leaving a number stranded in space. Defender Romero took a shot from wide outside the goal area on the right-hand side, steered the ball past three New Zealand defenders standing static, and found the left-hand side of the goal.

The second half

The majority of the second half was a tough battle with neither team making many mistakes or turnovers. It was an arm wrestle through and through.

Ferns midfielder and veteran player, Annalie Longo, was given the ball in positions to shoot on a few occasions, but the speculative shots ultimately came to nothing.

In the 77^th minute, Ferns defender Moore, gifted a free shot on goal after an errant pass that was seized upon by young talent, Herrera, but neither of the two attempts on goal went in.

The third goal for Venezuela was scored in the 85^th minute as a pinpoint accurate shot taken by teenager Chirinos flew narrowly above the glove of Ferns goalkeeper Victoria Esson, and squeezed underneath the crossbar and into the net. A superb individual effort.

The remaining minutes of the match were played in a conservative manner by both teams as the final result appeared to be done and dusted.

Analysis

Venezuela came into the match with a clear strategy – place fast, apply pressure, be physical. Their team bonded well and played with good chemistry. With 60% of possession, the score line was a very fair reflection of the match.

The Football Ferns didn’t appear to have a clear-cut strategy, and that was evidenced by the score line. The early pressure that was applied on the New Zealanders rattled them, and it took quite a while for the team to work their way into the match. Uncharacteristic defensive lapses cost goals and lost the Ferns the match.

The coaches of each team will be having very different conversations with their players ahead of game two. Venezuela will be looking to do more of the same, whereas the Ferns really need to find their chemistry, particularly in the midfield and on the wings, if they want to be competitive.

Teams: NEW ZEALAND (3-4-3): Esson, Moore, Taylor, Bunge, Jale, Foster, Hahn, Neville, Longo, Clegg, Kitching. Substitutes: Elliot, Stott, Hand, Hassett, Brown, Pijnenburg.

Scorer: Kitching 38’.

VENEZUELA (4-2-3-1): Caceres, Romero, Herrera, Gimenez, Carrasco, Rodriguez, Garcia, Viso, Castellanos, Speckmaier, Grarecuco. Substitutes: Apostol, Chirinos, Herrera, Altuve, Olivieri, Rodriguez.

Scorers: Castellanos 25’, Romero 40’, Chirinos 80’.

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Suffolk Cup Final: Bungay defeated, but positive

AFC Sudbury 5 – 1 Bungay Town

By Darrell Allen (31/05/2025)

Above: Bungay Town in a team huddle ahead of kick-off at Portman Road. Photo: Ben Cunningham.

A cup final against a team three leagues above them was never going to be easy, but there were positives to take from Bungay Town’s performance in a 5-1 loss to AFC Sudbury.

Overcoming adversity, the season saw Bungay retain the Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One title as well as winning the Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup. The Suffolk Cup final ended in defeat for Bungay, however there were positives to be found, especially considering their opponents, AFC Sudbury, play at a level three leagues above them.

Bungay set up with five at the back with the intention of keeping AFC Sudbury out for as long as possible. Unfortunately, that plan went quickly out of the window as Sudbury were in front inside 120 seconds through Maisie Goodwin.

**Above**: Bungay goalkeeper Chloe Pearce had a very busy evening at Portman Road. **Photo**: Ben Cunningham.

A second was added within 20 minutes through Pheoebe Guiver, a third on the half hour mark from Megan Edwards and fourth from Emily Newcomb. Bungay were understandably disappointed to be in this position – with three of the four goals being deflections.

Plan A out of the window, the cup had gone but that wasn’t going to stop Bungay Town enjoying their evening and on the stroke of half time, Hazel Saddington brought the crowd alive by playing in Beth Turner. The Sudbury keeper did well to stop Beth finding the net.

This chance gave Bungay renewed confidence and belief that further opportunities could come and the team came out second half and played full of belief. The attitude was nothing to lose and everything to gain as Bungay began to get joy passing the ball around well and creating opportunities.

The seventh-tier side finally got their reward for a remarkable second half performance when Selina Rowland played a wonderful ball down the left to Hazel Saddington to run on to and slot the ball into the net on 76 minutes.

It was an iconic moment for Saddington, a Norwich City fan to score at Portman Road, the home of Ipswich Town. The celebrations that followed were the best of the night as Bungay got the moment they so desperately wanted and deserved in the game. AFC Sudbury manager Luke Mallett was disappointed to concede:

He said: “I think in the first half we showed up and we played good football and we moved it around. They were resilient and kept a low block and had lots of numbers back, but we kept the ball moving and although we could have been a little more clinical, I was really happy with the first-half.”

The remaining 14 minutes and stoppage time saw little action of note as Bungay did well to restrict Sudbury to any further goals and can take a huge positive drawing the second half 1-1.

A special mention has to go Bungay Town goalkeeper Chloe Pearce and the defence who were outstanding all evening, in particular Fran Heaney who received the Player of the Match award for Bungay Town.

At the conclusion of the game Bungay went over to Cobbold Stand where their supporters were housed and appreciation was shared between players and supporters for what was a magnificent occasion for the club and superb performance from the team.

Bungay finished the night with huge plaudits on an evening where they done themselves proud against opposition from three levels higher and scored at Portman Road.

In a season of huge success and so many reasons to be proud, this was a fitting conclusion and memories for life for all the players and staff who were involved on Tuesday night.

TEAMS: AFC SUDBURY: Amelia Carter, Sophie Jeffrey, Leonnie Beazant, Eleanor Rossiter, Aliyat Lambe, Alex Penny, Maisie Goodwin, Jessica Allen, Megan Edwards, Phoebe Guiver, Lina Nagib. Substitutes: Maddison Carpenter, Lily-Jo Hinton, Kaste Edwards, Emily Newcomb, Jade Barrett.

BUNGAY TOWN: Chloe Pearce, Grace Storey, Charnelle Riggall, Ruby Roos, Abi Bell, Lauren Purling, Beth Turner, Mia Rose, Hazel Saddington, Fran Heaney, Selina Rowland. Substitutes: Maddie Flatman, Lila Eden, Sofia Serghiou, Molly Webb, Brooke Osborne.

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“I’ve Got the Taste of Trophies”-Steph Catley Eyes More Silverware After Historic Win

Isabelle Campbell 31/05/25

Above: Steph Catley (right) celebrates the Champions League. Photo: Arsenal Football Club

Returning home after Arsenal’s UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph, Steph Catley is still processing the scale of what she and her teammates achieved. The moment that saw three Matildas achieve European glory.

“It’s been a big few days, biggest of my life, my career, I would say,” said Catley in a media conference. “Something I’ve dreamed of my entire career, it’s the pinnacle of football and being able to do it alongside my two Aussies and just being part of Arsenal and being that club in England to do it again, it’s very, very special.

“And then, to come back here and celebrate with the Tillies and all the girls has been really lovely.”

Back in camp with the national team, the shift from celebrating to preparing for matches has come quickly. Catley, finding out from the media that interim coach Tom Sermanni shared his plans to start the Arsenal trio in Canberra on Monday night.

“Did he just? Okay, he hasn’t told me that,” she said with a laugh. “I mean, I feel good. Obviously, we have had a big couple of days it’s obviously a long way to travel and we only travelled a few days ago.”

“But I’ll be ready and the girls will be ready. It’s the end of the season, so it’s not like we’re unfit or not ready to play. We’re definitely ready to play.”

“It’d be nice to get back on the field again. I’m not a very good sub. I don’t like sitting on the bench. I get a bit antsy. So I’m happy to play.”

The emotions of the win haven’t faded, and for Catley, they may not for quite some time.

“It’s a massive high. I don’t know that we’ve necessarily come down. I think it’ll stay with us for a long time.”

“The recovery’s been interesting because, straight on a plane to Australia isn’t the easiest way to go about it. But it’s something that I don’t think I’ll come down from for a very long time.”

Now, with an Asian Cup on home soil fast approaching, Catley said the experience of winning the Champions League has only heightened her ambition to bring silverware home in the green and gold.

“I think it just gives you a little taste of what’s possible, being at a club like Arsenal, I always believed we were capable of doing it, but actually doing it is a whole other thing.”

“And especially when you’re coming up against a team like Barcelona, sometimes it feels quite far away. But to actually do it, it just makes me sort of think of my career and think about the things that I really want to achieve.”

“And winning silverware with the Matildas has always been top of my list.”

She’s determined to bring that success into the national team setup following what she admits to have been a tough few years.

“I’ve got the taste of trophies and that would mean a lot to me if we were able to do that. I think it’s good for at least the three of us to have the taste of that and to be able to lead that success and that hunt for success for our team.”

Catley’s leadership and recent success have already had an impact on the national camp. Debutant and goalscorer Kahli Johnson spoke on how much of a boost it was to have the Arsenal girls return fresh from victory.

“You see a player like Kahli [Johnson] come in tonight and she looks like she’s been in our team for a few years. We’re still finding gems like that and I think coming into a major tournament, that’s the most important thing you can do, try to have a bit of depth there and some competition.”

“If we can inspire any girls at any level in this country to go out and want to be a Matilda, then that is our main job and that’s what we want to be doing.”

Exactly a year before Arsenal’s historic win in Lisbon, the team had been in Melbourne playing a relaxed postseason friendly. Catley looked back on the stark contrast between those two moments.

“It’s pretty amazing. It’s two very different scenarios. We were looking at photos from that tour before playing the game and how different the situations were, that we were in our postseason, just having a great time in Melbourne compared to being in Lisbon, about to play the Champions League.”

From a relaxed postseason friendly in Melbourne to lifting the Champions League trophy in Lisbon, Steph Catley has experienced a remarkable journey over the past year.

This victory has only strengthened her desire to achieve more, both with Arsenal and the Matildas. For Catley, the Champions League win is a milestone, but not the final destination.

Beever-Jones bags hat-trick as Lionesses put six past Portugal

England 6–0 Portugal

by Ava-Marianne Elliott (30/5/25)

Above: England celebrate last night. Photo: Christine Oughton for Impetus.

Under the lights at Wembley, England were ruthless. The Lionesses comfortably saw off visitors Portugal in a win that saw them retain second-place in their Nations League group, setting them up nicely for their away trip to group leaders, Spain, on Tuesday.

This coming summer is a busy one for the Lionesses. The time left on the clock until kick-off in Zurich is quickly passing. Just 36 days remain until England play their opening game of the tournament, facing France at Stadion Letzigrund. The Lionesses will hope to come out roaring and set the tone for their campaign in the early stages as the reigning European Champions.

There was a huge pressure on Wiegman’s side to deliver a result, as this fixture came just three days after Mary Earps’ shock departure. The loss of the keeper sent shock waves through the fan base, the decision to retire from the international stage with immediate effect coming a month before Switzerland, but this win was more the convincing.

The impact of Aggie Beever-Jones

With Alessia Russo out with a calf-injury, England needed to opt for another option in the nine role, and Aggie Beever-Jones more than stepped up. The 21-year-old ran riot at Wembley, consistently outsmarting the Portugal defence and achieving a hat-trick in just 33 minutes. The forward continues to shine brighter with every passing game,

Aggie Beever-Jones etched her name into the history books with that performance. The 21-year-old forward was a relentless burden for Portugal, constantly creating the right space at the right moment to achieve a hat-trick in just 33 minutes. Whilst the rest of the squad were flawless, Beever-Jones was on a completely different level.

With usual starter Alessia Russo out of commission with a calf injury, Sarina Wiegman opted for a front three of Beth Mead, Beever-Jones and Lauren Hemp. The trio worked impeccably, with Hemp and Mead’s work down the channels proving to be a huge problem that Portugal just weren’t able to match. With Beever-Jones leading the line, the excess of 48,000 fans were certainly in for a masterclass.

There was a huge uproar from the stands when she opened the scoring in just the third minute, outsmarting the opposition backline and finding herself the perfect pocket of space to send a shot past Inês Pereira and into the bottom left-corner.

Her second goal was the third of the half. The Portugal defence were trailing, and a brilliant cross from Lucy Bronze allowed Beever-Jones to send a well-executed header into the back of the net.

Beever-Jones’ third came in the 33rd minute, where she successfully bagged a hat-trick on her Wembley debut, making her just the second England women’s player to do so. Captain Leah Williamson’s incredible vision for a long pass found the Chelsea starlet, who took a couple of touches to bypass the defence before rocketing a third into the net.

After that performance, it feels as if she’s cemented her place at EURO 2025.

Impact substitutions

This time six months ago, Chloe Kelly’s space in Switzerland was hugely in doubt. The winger was struggling to gain any game time at Manchester City under Gareth Taylor, and seriously considered taking a break from the football scene. Flash forward to the present, Kelly is back at Wembley, scoring just five minutes after coming off the bench.

The ball started with Alex Greenwood, who had only just made a return to the squad after injury and came off the bench in a triple change alongside Kelly and Maya Le Tissier. The City centre-back made a clever pass that found Mead out on the wing, who had been left to work with too much space. Re-energised and raring to go, Kelly was able to get on the end of Mead’s cross for a great header, making it six for England.

Another positive change for England was made in the 75th minute, when Keira Walsh made way for a Georgia Stanway return. Stanway has been sidelined since late January with an injury to her lateral collateral ligament in her knee, under-going surgery and leaving a question mark over her head for this summer. Her return bolsters the midfield selection, giving England another strong option for the Euros.

***Above****: Beth Mead strikes at goal.* ***Photo****: Christine Oughton for Impetus.*

The rest of the action

Jess Carter was another figure in that England lineup that performed particularly well tonight. Featuring at left-back, Carter was crucial going forwards and in build-up sequences, pushing the team forwards. She also linked up well with Hemp on that left-hand side, overall instrumental, but especially in those first half goals.

England’s two other goals came from Bronze and Mead. The pair both had a faultless run, with Bronze pouncing on a blocked hit from Carter to secure the Lionesses second goal of the evening.

Mead was a creative and incredibly sharp figure amongst the squad, driving the attack. Her performance was capped with a well-taken goal, her movement to find the right position and pinpoint strike securing England’s fourth. She was the driving force behind the attacking momentum, pushing Portugal’s defence into error and working to ensure they couldn’t recover from the quick deficit.

Teams: ENGLAND (4-3-3): Hampton, Bronze, Carter, Walsh, Williamson, Morgan, Mead, Clinton, Beever-Jones, Park, Hemp. Substitutes: Charles, Keating, Le Tissier (57’), Greenwood (57’), Stanway (75’), Kelly (57’), Kearns, Parris, Kirby (67’), Moorhouse, Wubben-Moy, Agyemang.

PORTUGAL (3-5-2): Pereira, Amado, Jacinto, Norton, Borges, T. Pinto, F. Pinto, Dolores Silva (c), Costa, Diana Silva, Capeta Substitutes: Morais, Cota-Yarde, Fonseca, Lopes, Ribeiro, J. Silva (46’), Faria (69’), Mendes (86’), Correira (69’) Dias, Encarnacao, De Freitas Martins Lino.

REFEREE: Frida Klarlund

Attendance: 48,531.

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