Above: Impetus’ Player of the Month for April, Izzy Holly McNamara (centre). Photo: Melbourne City.
Each month, Impetus‘ team of writers and photographers who cover the competition will vote to decide their best player, head coach, and young player in the A-League Women. Here are the winners from April.
Player of the month:
Holly McNamara (Melbourne City)
The Golden Boot winner, the star of the league and the Melbourne City Invincible, Holly Mac is Impetus’s player of the month for April. The Matildas striker scored three goals in April as she helped City finish top of the table and complete a season long unbeaten run.
Her finishing has been excellent, her movement sometimes thrilling and her ability to decide games seems to be increasing with each week. April was another outstanding month for the brilliant young striker and with two more trophies to win, it can still get better for Holly Mcnamara.
Young player of the month:
Alexia Apostolakis (Melbourne City)
Above: It’s been an excellent month for Alexia Apostolakis. Photo: Melbourne City.
It’s an all City month, but when you win the league without losing a game it is hard to ignore the individual quality that makes that happen.
Apostolakis has not been as spectacular as some young players in April, but rarely plays a wrong pass of mistimes a tackle in the Melbourne City defence.
She earned a call up to the Matildas squad as a train-on player at the start of the month and despite being only 18, that felt overdue.
Apostolakis was once again crucial for April’s two league games, where City had to get results to win the league. She is an assured and confident presence in a side brimming with talent.
Head Coach of the month
Michael Matricciani (Melbourne City)
Above: A third head coach of the month award for Melbourne City’s Michael Matricciani. Photo: Melbourne City.
Another unbeaten month, leading to the stunning achievement of ending the A-League Women home and away season having not lost a single match.
City were the previous side to go through an entire season without defeat back in 2019/20, but that was over a 12-game season. To do it over 23 matches in the way that Matricciani led his team to this time round is a totally different matter.
On domestic duties this month, Matricciani coached his side to two wins out of two – scoring a total of nine goals in those successes over Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory, conceding just twice.
There’s plenty still for City to achieve in May as they aim to clinch a first A-League Women Grand Final win since 2019/20, and also go into the Semi-Finals of the Asian Champions League.
Those achievements make Matricciani the first person to win an Impetus A-League Women monthly award more than once in a season and ensure his side complete a clean sweep of our awards for April.
Impetus‘ A-League Award Winners 2024/25:
November 2024:
Player: Tameka Yallop (Brisbane Roar).
Young Player: Sarah O’Donoghue (Perth Glory).
Head Coach: Alex Smith (Brisbane Roar).
December 2024:
Player: Laini Freier (Brisbane Roar).
Young Player: Tiana Fuller (Central Coast Mariners).
Head Coach: Michael Matricciani (Melbourne City).
January 2025:
Player: Leticia McKenna (Melbourne City).
Young Player: Alyssa Whinham (Wellington Phoenix).
Head Coach: Jeff Hopkins (Melbourne Victory).
February 2025:
Player: Chelsie Dawber (Adelaide United).
Young Player: Jessika Nash (Central Coast Mariners).
Head Coach: Adrian Stenta (Adelaide United).
March 2025:
Player: Izzy Gomez (Central Coast Mariners).
Young Player: Alana Murphy (Melbourne Victory).
Head Coach: Michael Matricciani (Melbourne City).
April 2025:
Player: Holly McNamara (Melbourne City).
Young Player: Alexia Apostolakis (Melbourne City).
Above:Chelsea celebrate their sixth successive league win. Photo: @ChelseaFCW on X.
Ahead of the game, Arsenal lost to Aston Villa, meaning that Chelsea would be crowned champions with two games to spare if they avoided a loss to Manchester United. In a tight duel that could have gone either way, Lucy bronze secured Chelsea’s sixth consecutive Women’s Super League title by scoring from a corner.
During the first 20 minutes, Manchester United were bold, with the hosts playing aggressively and without fear. Dutch midfielder Dominique Janssen made a daring opening challenge on Bronze which the crowd enjoyed. Both teams had early chances, but neither side managed to reach the back of the net.
Chelsea striker Mayra Ramirez went down after a race with United captain Maya Le Tissier, who had covered the backline exceptionally. Determined to continue, she returned to the pitch. However she didn’t last long.
Rytting Kaneryd was subbed on and took her place, whilst Beever-Jones moved further inside to the position of a number nine. Chelsea’s players easily adapted and the substitute had an immediate impact.
Many more opportunities came as the game continued with a fast pace. Nothing could make it past Phallon Tullis-Joyce or Hannah Hampton, proving how crucial each goalkeeper has been to their team this season.
Manchester United once again started the second half on the front foot. They had the better of the chances, however couldn’t find the goal.
The Red Devils carried on the way they finished the first half with Melvine Malard immediately taking a chance, attempting to set the tone for the rest of the game. Manchester United really pushed Chelsea all the way with their intense gameplay, trying to find a point to break through.
By the 70th minute changes were made to United’s side, with Toone, Terland and Sandberg coming on to replace Malard, Clinton and George. This suggested head coach Marc Skinner’s gameplan: get to the hour mark without conceding, then bring on the impact substitutions.
With only 15 minutes to go, Lucy Bronze jumped highest, meeting the ball from a corner and headed into the net to give Chelsea the lead. Seven minutes were added to the game but despite chances Manchester United were unable to turn it around .
Above: Lucy Bronze celebrates her goal with teammates. Photo: @ChelseaFCW on X.
Manchester United came across as the better side tonight at Leigh Sports Village, showing a strong and passionate performance but it was just not enough. The final whistle blew and Chelsea were crowned champions, for the sixth time straight! This is an incredible achievement for Sonia Bompastor, who has only been managing the side for a year since Emma Hayes’ departure.
When the teams next meet at Wembley, will Chelsea be able to take the win against the reds and crown themselves FA Cup champions and treble winners, or will Manchester United retain the trophy?The FA Cup final is on Sunday 18th May.
Bulleen Lions have broken a three game losing streak in the league with an entertaining win over Boroondara-Carey Eagles. Danella Butrus scored a contender for goal of the season in an outstanding performance that saw her earn a penalty before helping set up the opening chance as well.
Following losses to Essendon Royals, Preston Lions and Alamein, Bulleen needed a result. They had recovered some form, luck and injured players in the Nike FC Cup win over Keilor Park but that had to transfer to the NPL for the reigning premiers to return to the winners list.
Nia Salleh, Rosie Rodger and Sarah Cain made up an attacking midfield, while Mary Brown earned herself a start as the centre forward. Bulleen were dominant for most of this match, looking to make the most of their creative midfield trio with through balls to the pacey attackers.
Butrus was the most dangerous player on the pitch from the earliest stages of the game. The former Junior Matilda proved a handful for Kanako Higuchi in the Boroondara defence.
Butrus was the first to test Mia Mossman in goal with a low trajectory effort in the first half. Mossman saved well and then followed it up with an immediate block from Salleh’s effort on the rebound.
Butrus’s trickery earned her side a first half penalty. After wriggling free on the wing, she was brought down in the box, but Mossman was once again equal to the occasion and saved Salleh’s spot kick.
An opening goal felt inevitable, and it arrived soon after. Rodger’s defence splitting pass found Butrus who forced Mossman into yet another save, but Anais Josefski followed up the chance to tuck away the rebound.
That pair combined again before half time when Josefski’s trademark run created a chance for Butrus who’s shot bounced back off the far post.
It took something special to beat Mossman for the second time, and Butrus provided that in the second half. She doubled Bulleen’s lead with a spectacular overhead kick. Turning the corner into the net from near the edge of the 18 yard box with a piece of ridiculous skill.
Substitute Talor Golden made it 3-0 immediately from the kickoff with a composed finish after Bulleen won the ball back with intense pressure. The contest was effectively over and the result leaves Bulleen only a point outside the top four, and more importantly arrested a slide in results that while uncharacteristic for them, is not that unusual in the context of this NPLW Victoria season.
Other results in Round Six saw Alamein defeat Essendon Royals 4-2. Fujiwara Airi opened the scoring for the Royals, but Zoe Houghton levelled things up or the visitors. Savanna Anastasopoulos put Alamein ahead in the second half before another equalising goal by Mia Lantieri-Bartley.
Emma Runnalls and Paige Clemenson scored the vital goals to ensure Alamein left with an impressive three points.
Heidelberg United defeated Brunswick Juventus 2-1 thanks for goals from Samantha Curwood-Wagner and Sawa Matsuda. Shishido Nanami opened the scoring for the home side, but the Zebra’s were unable to hold that lead in the second half.
Footballs Victoria Acadamy got their first win of the season with a 2-1 result against Spring Hills FC. The young side looked headed for another loss when Sophie Papalia finished for the home side in the 54th minute Fiorina Iaria levelled the scores with an impressive response ten minte later before Ehva Gutszmit won it late.
South Melbourne continued their imperious form with a 4-1 win over Box Hills United. The result never felt in doubt after the visitors opened the scoring in the third minute through Mami Ambo.
South were 2-0 up after Bridie Cooling doubled their lead. Gabrielle Simpson pulled one back for the home team, but that was answered with another pair of strikes from new signings Alana Burn and Raquel Derales.
A Valentine Pursey hatrick was enough for Preston Lions to survive a late comeback by Bentleigh Greens. Eri Narita scored the other goal for the home side, while Sidney Allen brough up a brace for the visitors before Georgia Kandilas provided some hope with a goal in the 90th minute.
Above: Arsenal’s Chloe Kelly and Leah Williamson celebrate. Photo: Jay Patel.
Impetus‘ UK co-editors Catherine MacKenzie and Ava-Marianne Elliot look back at four games of top-level European football: the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals between Chelsea and Barcelona, and Arsenal and Lyon.
A number of players from the England national team were on show across the ties; but how did they fare? We take a look at some key take-aways and consider what we can learn about the Lionesses from their UWCL appearances.
Chelsea vs Barcelona: the importance of maintaining a strong mindset
By Catherine MacKenzie
First leg: Barcelona 4 – 1 Chelsea
Second leg: Chelsea 1 – 4 Barcelona
Aggregate: Barcelona 8 – 2 Chelsea
No Lionesses started for Barcelona in either game; goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck was on the bench. Chelsea, however, featured many Lionesses across the pitch: goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, defenders Millie Bright, Niamh Charles and Lucy Bronze, midfielder Keira Walsh, and forward Aggie Beever-Jones all featured in the tie.
Whilst it was never going to be easy for Chelsea to get past their frequent foes Barcelona, few would have anticipated the 8-2 aggregate drubbing. The way the first game elapsed, there was a combination of defensive frailty and tactical naivety that left Chelsea exposed to a ruthless Barca side.
The frequency with which English clubs are eliminated from European competitions raises wider questions. Chelsea are the dominant force in English women’s football, and their squad to face Barcelona included four Lionesses with winning medals from the 2022 European Championships.
For Barcelona, five of the starting eleven lifted the World Cup trophy in Australia, with Salma Paralluelo also coming off the bench to make it six Spain players involved. The gulf in that final was smaller – Spain eventual 1-0 winners – but the Spanish have since gone on to dominate much of European international football, winning the inaugural Nations League.
If England’s lack of dominance does say something about the progress of women’s football in England, there is a chance to have a rebuttal: Arsenal will face Barcelona in the Champions League final, and England will soon face Spain in the Nations League.
So, with those games in mind – what can we learn from Chelsea’s double loss?
Moments of calamity make the difference
Chelsea’s starting defence for both games included a duo who are mainstays of the Lionesses back line: Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright. They were joined in the return leg by relative youngster Niamh Charles – Charles has been in and out of the Lionesses starting lineup and returned from injury earlier this year.
Above: MIllie Bright for England. Photo: Shell Lawrence for Impetus.
The England defence has had a mixed run of form. Friendlies in late 2024 were used as a way of tweaking defensive tactics, and the team conceded four in a loss to Germany at Wembley, going 3-0 down within half an hour.
A capitulation like that has been rare from Sarina Wiegman’s England side – perhaps the closest they had come before was going 2-0 down to the Netherlands in the Nations League in the autumn of 2023.
The third iteration of England defending calamitously came in their most recent game away to Belgium, where Bright and Charles were withdrawn at half-time with the Lionesses 3-1 down. The team did eventually stage a comeback to reduce the scoreline to 3-2, and the second half performance was much stronger.
These games show that England can be easily rattled at times — and when they are, they often collapse, at least for a moment.
When Chelsea conceded their second goal (in either leg) against Barcelona, there was a sense of immediate panic that was reminiscent of England when they conceded their second against Belgium.
For a few moments, Chelsea looked so shaken that they seemed to forget the basics, and it was obvious that a third goal would be conceded.
The panicked moments for both England and Chelsea were small in duration – lasting mere minutes in a long game. However, at these levels, those small moments will be exploited, particularly when opposing teams know it is likely to happen and can tailor their press towards it.
It must be said that England are not alone in having these moments. Spain themselves ended up 2-0 down to Belgium.
The difference was that they eventually staged a comeback to win 3-2, and there was a longer length of time between the two goals; England and Chelsea both conceded in quick succession.
These moments of chaos after first conceding should be something both Bompastor and Wiegman are eager to stop – particularly as an increasing number of teams will be able to exploit them.
What does this mean for England’s starting XI?
It is unfortunate for Bronze, Bright and Charles that these performances have come at a time when there are increasing calls for Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier and Millie Turner to get more game time for England. The duo have been a rock-solid centre back pairing this season for the Red Devils, contributing to the league’s best defensive record.
Above: Millie Turner and Maya Le Tissier with Aggie Beever-Jones. Photo: @MayaLeTissier on X.
Whilst it is likely that recent Chelsea performances have only heightened those calls, the fact remains that England are currently two months away from a major tournament, with little time to experiment.
Le Tissier and Turner have both featured as recently as winter 2024, and whilst it is unlikely they will be promoted to the starting lineup with the Euros so quickly approaching, their form does point to an interesting discussion about what happens to England’s starting defence post-2025.
Arsenal vs Lyon: a more positive outlook
By Ava-Marianne Elliot
First leg: Arsenal 1 – 2 Olympique Lyonnais
Second leg: Olympique Lyonnais 1 – 4 Arsenal
Aggregate: Arsenal 5 – 3 Lyon
For Arsenal, turning around a 2-1 first-leg deficit away in Lyon was going to be no easy feat. The Gunners struggled against the French giants on home turf.
Three Lionesses appeared in the starting lineup. The usual centre-back choice of vice-captain Leah Williamson was no surprise, Chloe Kelly made a start on the wing, and Alessia Russo was of course the one to lead the line. Beth Mead lost her spot in the lineup to Kelly this time around, starting on the bench alongside a now injury-free Lotte Wubben-Moy.
Whilst Kelly was originally a question mark for Wiegman’s Euros squad, it feels like her place should be set in stone now. The winger has found flying form since departing Manchester City for Arsenal on loan, and the confidence and joy she’s found in North London has reflected hugely in her displays on the pitch.
Above: Chloe Kelly celebrates Arsenal’s win. Photo: Alex Burstow.
Against Lyon, Kelly was stellar. She caused a number of problems and kept Lyon’s Australian fullback, Ellie Carpenter, on her toes. In particular, Kelly was brilliant at exploiting space to push Arsenal forwards. She certainly gave Lyon the run around.
Beth Mead is in good form, and always seems to be in the right place on the pitch, particularly excellent at finding space. In the first leg, she had a good first half despite Arsenal’s loss, but in the second leg, she came on the 72nd minute, not really having the time to make a significant impact with her side already far in the lead.
At this point, it seems cemented that both players will be heading to Switzerland. The debate now falls to who is more likely to get the starting spot, and who will be an impact substitution for Wiegman’s side.
One figure who will never be in doubt for Wiegman is England captain Williamson, who was crucial in the Gunners’ fight against Lyon. With an 80% pass accuracy and forceful when meeting the threat of Ada Hegerberg, Williamson seems to never fail to be a reliable figure.
Similarly, Russo appears to be another incredibly reliable figure, especially as of late. In the Champions League, the striker has scored seven goals, meaning she’s joint second for the competition’s leading goal-scorer with Ewa Pajor.
Above: Alessia Russo celebrates her goal against Lyon. Photo: @ArsenalWFC on X.
Her goal was clever, and she’s been so phenomenal this season, it feels inevitable that we may see her have a brilliant run in Switzerland.
Wubben-Moy is one of the biggest question marks. Whilst the centre-back is solid for her club side and works well paired with Williamson, she seems to be further away from Wiegman’s vision, and rarely features on pitch for the country.
Against Lyon, Wubben-Moy was brought on in the 87th minute to see out the game. In the few minutes she featured, she was a solid figure at the back for Arsenal. Being just off the back of an injury and a huge competition for spots in the defender position, whether Wubben-Moy will be named will be unclear until the final Euros squad is released.
Above: The Brighton team celebrate their win. Photo: Craig Galloway.
By Alyce Collett (29/04/25)
On Sunday, Brighton and Hove Albion snapped a three match losing streak with a thrilling 3-2 win over Everton. In a high scoring, very even match, a 93rd minute winner from Nikita Parris saw the Seagulls head back to the south coast with all three points in hand.
The joy in Parris’ voice after the match was clear for all to hear, noting that she was “very happy we got the result today.”
“I felt in the first half we started too slow, and then we had to come back every time. But to get the response was so important for us as a team, our mentality, the resilience.”
“In the second half we dominated. We didn’t create clear good chances, which I feel like has been our theme throughout the season. We need to be able to have something to the end product of our possession because we absolutely battered Everton in the second off and we just needed that final ball, and that came in the final seconds of the game, which is the Brighton way right now talking about” Parris said with a chuckle.
The star striker also noted that she had her pre-planning to thank for being able to generate that match winner.
“I think that goal came from repetition practice from training, but also my analysis of the Everton defence and where the areas and the gaps will appear and when a new one is running behind them that the keeper would come rushing out, and I knew I had to put it either side of her,” she said.
Parris’ coach Dario Vidošić was just as happy post match as his star forward was, saying that he was “pleased and very happy, I think for the group as well. We’ve had some tough results, some where we played some good football and just didn’t get the rewards. But I think today we had to show character twice going down one nil to something that we spoke about, we practice. So it’s always a little bit harder, but again, fantastic reaction.
“I thought first half we got our rhythm, we were starting to get control. Probably got sucker punched by the two goals, but excellent response. Even at the start of the second half, we broke one on one, had a terrific chance, and that sort of set the tone.”
The calmness of his side was what pleased Vidošić most about his team’s performance.
“It felt, even though we had probably, you can have every right to [panic], you’re chasing the result, you want rectify things, you want to get back, but even in the second half we showed that calmness, even first half calmness. Even when we went one nail down, we started to play, stuff that we work on, that we practice.”
Above:Football West Academy’s Theodora Mouithys (gold shirt) in action against Perth SC last season. Photo: Football West
29/4/25
We’ve assembled a group of people who are watching the competition’s matches especially closely to identify the league’s most consistent players each month. For April, Ben Gilby, Kelechi Osunwa, and Tommy Doleman produced a short list of five players, from which the winner was selected.
The shortlist – April 2025
Klaudia Houlis (Football West Academy)
Above: Klaudia Houlis (blue shirt) in action at UWA-Nedlands last season. Photo: Football West.
In her third season as part of the set-up, Klaudia Houlis has established herself as one of the best young weapons in the competition. Goals have always been an integral part of her game, and that remains the case, with five in six matches to date. However, Houlis is also thriving with the additional responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband. She has always been a threat, but this season is seeing a more rounded game, which bodes well for her future career.
Jamie-Lee Gale (Balcatta Etna)
Above: Jamie-Lee Gale (right, eyes closed) celebrates a goal with Liana Cook. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Always one of the most threatening players in the competition, the former Fremantle City star, who has also played A-League Women football for Perth Glory, Jamie-Lee Gale has hit the ground running in 2025 as part of Balcatta Etna’s superb attacking line. Pete Rakic’s side are thought by a number of people to be the favourites for the NPLW WA title this season, and Gale’s combination play via her surging runs up the flank, exceptional finishing, and dangerous set-pieces have seen her at the peak of her powers already. Then, throw in a total of six goals in four games this season, which includes a hat-trick at UWA-Nedlands and a superb Olimpico and you get a player at her peak.
Lacey Heys (Football West Academy)
Above: Lacey Heys (gold shirt nearest camera) has had a great start to the 2025 season. Photo: Busselton-Dunsborough Mail.
A player who has been hugely influential in everything that her side has done this season, Lacey Heys has had an exceptionally impressive April as the Football West Academy hit top spot on the ladder. Heys has contributed an impressive number of assists, and shown real quality with her free-kicks.
Violet Longmore (Perth SC)
Above: Violet Longmore (left) has had a superb start to life at Perth SC. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Just five NPLW WA matches into her career at Dorrien Gardens, Violet Longmore is showing all the promise that marked her out as an integral part of the recent Hyundai NTC set up. Longmore has vision and composure beyond her tender years. An integral component linking the Azzurri defence with attack, Longmore has settled in quickly and is building up an impressive relationship with those around her in contributing to her side’s impressive start to the season.
Impetus NPLW WA Player of the Month for April 2025:
The player that Kelechi Osunwa has described as “the velvet glove to the steel fist that is the NTC” has been absolutely on fire in the opening six weeks of the NPLW WA season. Whilst Mouithys burst onto the scene last year with her powerful runs and immensely impressive upper body strength, this season has seen her take it to a whole new level. Five goals in her side’s six games is an impressive stat in itself, but her sheer presence and influence on each match have been exceptional. A recent call up to the Junior Matildas is rich reward for her superb start to the season.
Above: The West Ham team that put seven past Crystal Palace. Photo: @westhamwomen on Twitter
West Ham United dominate Crystal Palace in a season defining afternoon at Sutton United Football Club.
An uncontrolled opening 15 minutes, made for a frustrating start for Crystal Palace and West Ham United fans alike.
West Ham dominated possession, but were not able to convert the many chances created. Palace promisingly delivered corners that were not converted into the goals the home side desperately needed for a chance to stay in the topflight.
West Ham’s frustrations were swiftly put to bed, when a sharp cross from Verena Hanshaw found the head of an impressively elevated Shekeira Martinez. The header competently secured West Ham the lead, leaving the Palace backline visibly unsure of their tactical identity for the remainder of the first half.
Palace called for a goal, but unfortunately for them, West Ham Goalkeeper Kinga Szmeik answered. Palace’s Ashleigh Weerden’s creative exploitation of space on the right wing allowed her pass to be received by an open Clariisa Larisey. Making a swift run to the front right-hand side of the box, Larisey’s cross was promisingly shot towards goal by Captain Katie Stengel.
Szmeik clinically parried the ball out of immediate danger, giving Palace an open goal on the rebound. However, the swift crowd of Iron’s denied Palace the chance to secure the equaliser. Seemingly ignited, a tenacious home side took back the possession that deprived their visitors of a goal until the 41st minute.
West Ham Captain Katrina Gorry’s dominance in the centre midfield allowed a clean ball to fall at the feet of Martinez, positioned in the right side of the box. She shot a robust ball that confidently found the back of the goal.
Hungry for more, Martinez’s beaming run forward from the midfield caught Palace goalkeeper Shae Yanez off her line. Enabling Martinez to calmly secure a hat trick before the half.
Above: Emma Harries, who scored a brace in yesterday’s fixture. Photo: @westhamwomen via Instagram
Martinez’s stride from outside the box saw the forward secure yet another goal for the Hammers. Although the goal was allowed on this occasion, the eager Martinez appeared to be offside by a small margin. With no Virtual Assisted Refereeing (VAR) in the WSL, the just outcome can only be hypothesised.
Already dominating, Asseyi produced what can only be described as a wonder goal for the Hammers in the 69th minute. Receiving the ball from behind the centre circle, Asseyi’s striding run forward powerfully disjoined both Palace’s midfield and backline. Not over yet, Asseyi ensured the ball found the net with a powerful volley from an awe-inspiring distance.
A late challenge committed by West Ham’s Riko Ueki against Indiyah-Paige Riley inside the box resulted in a disciplinary yellow card and penalty kick awarded. A composed Stengel assumed the penalty position and confidently earned the Eagles their first goal of the match.
West Ham’s Emma Harries did not allow the late Crystal Palace gain to stop momentum. A challenging one v one with Katerine Veje forced Harries into a tight angle on the right side of the box. Taking the risk, Harries cross found the net, deservingly giving the visitors a lead some might not have deemed possible this time last season.
In a last effort to preserve the eagle’s chance in the topflight, Yanez commendably saved a promising shot committed by Princess Ademilyui. However, the rebound fell at the feet of Harries whose search for a brace was completed with ease at 94 minutes, determining the ultimate 7-1 score line.
The aftermath of the game was both equally sombre and exhilarating. With Crystal Palace officially relegated and returning to the Championship next season, whilst West Ham United proved what excellence they have brought to the league this season.
Teams: CRYSTAL PALACE: Yanez (GK), M. Cato, A. Weerden, H, Nolan, R.Öling, A. Potter, C. Larisey, M. Geji, L. Woodham, A. Nouwen, K. Stengel (captain) Substitutes: Maj-Majasaari, Veje, Arthur, Sharpe, Hughes, Blanchard, Green, Riley, Larkin
Above: The Mariners and their fans after winning the Elimination Final against Canberra. Photo: Central Coast Mariners
After yesterday’s match at Industree Group Stadium was called off due to a waterlogged pitch, Central Coast Mariners and Canberra United have gone head to head in a heated elimination final, determining which of these sides will earn their place in the Ninja A-League 2024/35 season semi-final.
The Mariners defence made themselves known early on, catching Michelle Heyman offside in what would’ve been a great first chance for Canberra in the third minute.
The gravity of the match aided itself to the physicality on the pitch, which made for an exhilarating and unpredictable meeting. The match established itself as a memorable and aggressive one, with unwavering determination at both ends, when a poorly timed side tackle on Izzy Gomez earned Darcey Malone an early yellow card, the first of many risky moves made throughout the evening.
A tight shot from Brooke Nunn marked the first real chance of the match, although the strike ended just off target.
Canberra United dominated the ball in the first half, holding 66% of possession, although they could not seem to turn it into a goal, or even a strong opportunity for quite some time. Their first real chance came from a shot from Michelle Heyman in the 27th minute. While on target, the strike was not strong enough to break the shield of Sarah Langman.
The Mariners quickly responded to this Canberra chance, with an attempt from Izzy Gomez, that while an impressive strike, ended just wide.
Just as it was looking to be a half-time stalemate, the 43rd minute saw Canberra United finally actualise their dominance, as Michelle Heyman opened the scoring, assisted by Sofia Christopherson. The goal marks Heymans eighth of the season, as well as Christopherson’s first Ninja A-League assist.
The visitors’ confidence was restored by their less as they desperately looked to double their lead before the break, with two consecutive strikes from Sofia Christopherson and Mary Stanic-Floody, were cleverly saved by Mariners keeper Sarah Langman , during additional time.
Though there were quite a few last minute chances at both ends during additional time, another goal was not to be found, leaving Canberra United in the lead at the break.
Central Coast wasted no time in response to Canberra’s lead, with Jade Penncok equalising just one minute into the second half, with a shot from inside the penalty area, off an Annabel Martin header.
The hosts maintained their dominance throughout the remainder of the match, holding 70% of the possession, a monumental turn-around from their first half performance.
Although there was no lack of action at any point, there was a noticeable decline in the amount of shots as opposed to the first half. While this shift was a testament to the strong defensive lines of both these teams, it did pose the question, would this critical match manage to find a winning goal?
Canberra United almost reclaimed their lead in the 70th minute, when a foul on Aideen Keene, by Annalise Rassmussen, awarded the visitors a free kick in a dangerous area. Bethany Gordons strike, however, ended too wide.
It was Central Coast Mariners who found the leading goal, finding the back of the net for the second time, when Jade Pennocks shot from distance, earnt the English striker a brace.
After seven minutes of added time, a shift in tactics from Canberra United, and multiple last minute attempts at both ends, a final goal was not to be found, leaving Central Coast Mariners victorious, as they earned their way to a home semi-final.
The result marks the end of Canberra United’s season, as they close out what has been a wonderful campaign.
Next weekend will see Central Coast Mariners host Melbourne City in the Ninja A-League 2024/25 semi-final at Industree Group Stadium, in what is set to be an exhilarating afternoon of football, and the most important meeting of the Mariners campaign thus far.
Above: Lauren Hemp proved to be the difference between the sides. Photo: Manchester City.
Lauren Hemp returned from injury ruthlessly, producing the crucial assist as Manchester City beat Leicester to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive.
It was a momentous occasion for Manchester City, as Club Captain Alex Greenwood also returned from a long-term knee injury, with both being out of action since the turn of the year.
However, City’s injury crisis in attack was still visible. With Internationals Khadija Shaw, Mary Fowler, Aoba Fujino and Viviane Miedema all still sidelined the responsibility of playing striker fell to Brazilian winger Kerolin, who continued to struggle to adapt to this – preferring to drop deep and pick up the ball rather than occupy space in the box and provide an outlet for crosses as a striker usually would.
This lack of presence in the Leicester City box forced Man City’s forward players to try something different, with Lily Murphy, Laura Coombs and Jess Park all trying several long-range efforts on Janina Leitzig’s goal.
The Introduction of Hemp and Greenwood on the hour mark brought about a shift instantly, with Hemp showcasing her skill and ball control to love past defenders and lay multiple crosses right across the face of the goal.
It only took ten minutes of this pressure until eventually one ball fell to Jess Park on the back post, who subsequently took a touch then whacked it into the net.
Above: Manchester City celebrate Park’s goal. Photo: @ManCityWomen on X
The final 20 minutes were focused on getting the result through for City and thanks to a number of strong saves and claims from goalkeeper Khiara Keating they were able to. While it was not a vintage performance, there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel for City in a season dominated by so many injuries to crucial players.
For Leicester, it was a very respectable showing after their 5-1 humbling by Arsenal last time out. The gameplan was based on quick counter attacks and utilising the space in behind City’s fullbacks Leila Ouhabi and Kerstin Caspirij who like to push up in attack.
This plan came to fruition nicely, with Leicester’s direct passing as soon as they won the ball catching the City backline out. Particularly, Hannah Cain was a constant threat down the right and would surely have scored had in not been for Keating in the City net.
Looking ahead to the future, Man City will be eagerly watching on Wednesday night as a Chelsea win will keep them four points behind Manchester United. This would allow them to reduce the gap to one if they can win the Manchester derby next Sunday at 12pm.
Leicester, who’s safety in the WSL was confirmed by a Crystal Palace defeat earlier on Sunday travel to Palace as they look to build some momentum towards the end of what has been a difficult first season for Amandine Miquel.
Above: Arsenal celebrate Mariona Caldentey’s goal, the former Barcelona player was phenomenal for the Gunners. Photo: Arsenal WFC
Arsenal ruthlessly overturned a first-leg deficit at the Groupama Stadium, putting four past Lyon to reach their first European final in 18 years. Impetus Football’s Ava-Marianne Elliott explores how Renee Slegers’ side sank the French giants to take one step closer to winning the UWCL trophy.
Heading into the fixture, it was known that achieving a win would be no easy feat for Arsenal. The Gunners hadn’t reached a Champions League final since they last won the title in 2007, and eight-time champion’s Lyon have had a dominant run across the competition across the years.
Arsenal are no strangers to turning around the scoreline, as proved against Madrid in the quarter-final stage, but it was going to take a strong, decisive side to sink Lyon.
Slegers’ made two changes to the side that lost 2-1 at the Emirates. Despite an ankle injury sustained during the international break, a quick recovery meant Daphne Van Domselaar made a return between the sticks, and Chloe Kelly replaced Beth Mead on the wing.
Joe Montemurro also decided to alter his side, with Wendie Renard returning to the starting lineup to make her 500th club appearance after being deemed fully fit. There was a reshuffle in midfield, and Melchie Dumornay dropped in for Danielle Van de Donk, allowing captain Ada Hegerberg to start.
The visitors did not have to wait long for the breakthrough they desperately needed, seeing them go level on aggregate just five minutes in. In a defensive struggle for the hosts, the ball hit Frida Maanum, before a rebound struck Christiane Endler and unluckily crept into her own net.
The leveller lit a fuse for Arsenal, and proved they were far from out of the competition.
Above: Caldentey celebrates her strike. Photo: @boodlepim on Instagram/ Twitter.
In first half stoppage time, Mariona Caldentey put Arsenal ahead in dramatic fashion. Alessia Russo set her teammate up for a spectacular strike that Caldentey sent soaring into the top right of Endler’s net.
Arsenal distinctly had the advantage, maintaining 64% of possession in the first half and leaving Lyon trailing at the break, but there were undoubtedly moments of uncertainty for the visitors. The Arsenal defence worked relentlessly to ensure they kept the advantage, with centre-back pairing of Leah Williamson and Australian international, Steph Catley, working near seamlessly.
Van Domselaar was also a hugely crucial figure. After only returning to training off the back of an injury not long prior to the team’s departure to France, she dealt with the pressure and performed well on the biggest stage.
Coming back out for the second half, it felt as if Arsenal still had unfinished business. Surely enough, Russo found herself next on the scoresheet. It just had to be the Gunners’ number 23, who capitalised on poor defending and slotted in a third goal with help from Maanum in under a minute after the restart.
Above: Australian international Caitlin Foord, who netted Arsenal’s fourth goal. Photo: Arsenal WFC
Over 20,000 fans watched on from the stands in disbelief as Caitlin Foord jumped on another defensive error. Endler passed the ball across the box to Vanessa Gilles, who slipped and handed possession to Foord for an easy fourth goal.
Whilst the fourth goal seemed to wrap up the action, Lyon mustered a consolation goal just after the 80 minute mark. Whilst she was excellent, Dumornay’s shot wasn’t enough to get her side back into the game, and Arsenal claimed a win that sealed their trip to Lisbon.
Arsenal now turn to the challenge of Barcelona, who they will face at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon on Saturday the 24th May. Whilst a win will be no easy feat for the Gunners, the North London side have shown their resilience, and now European victory is in reach for the first time in 18 years.
impetusfootball.org 