Maya Le Tissier: the 22-year old captain redefining leadership

by Catherine MacKenzie (09/03/2025)

Above: Maya Le Tissier for Manchester United. Photo: Rob Mellor for Impetus.

Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier is having her best season yet, and could be an important figure for England at the 2026 World Cup.

The beginning of the 2024-25 WSL season brought numerous changes to the Manchester United squad that finished fifth in 2024, two places short of the all-important Champions League spots. Amidst constant controversy surrounding new majority-shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, many important players departed; acclaimed goalkeeper Mary Earps left for Paris, World Cup winner Lucia Garcia left for Mexico, and United captain Katie Zelem left the club after six years.

Although little has been confirmed about the reasons behind these departures, sources have suggested that Ratcliffe’s actions have played a role by continuously showing a disinterest in his women’s team’s progress. For example, in May 2024 United won their first piece of major silverware, beating Tottenham 4-0 at Wembley in front of over 75,000 spectators. It was expected that as majority owner, Ratcliffe would also be in attendance. However, he instead went to watch Manchester United men take on Arsenal, in a game of relatively little significance.

There was also ‘Portacabin-gate’: ahead of the 2024–25 season, the women’s team were relocated to portacabins at the club’s Carrington training complex. This move enabled the men’s use of the women’s facilities while their indoor amenities underwent a £50 million refurbishment. According to the Guardian, this decision led to disappointment among the squad, further contributing to a perception that the women’s team was not prioritized within the club.

Previous captain Katie Zelem has also played an unintended role in this continued narrative; during a tour of Carrington in February 2024, Ratcliffe met with members of the women’s team. During this visit, he reportedly asked then-captain Zelem, “What do you do at the club?”. Considering the media narrative surrounding the women’s team, it is perhaps unsurprising that such important players as Zelem chose to leave the club during the summer of 2024.

In discussing a replacement captain, there were many candidates who may have been suitable: Millie Turner and Ella Toone (current vice-captain) among others. However, the armband went to Maya Le Tissier, who at 22 years old is the youngest captain in the WSL and six years younger than the average age for a WSL captain (28.6 years).

For Le Tissier, this was a huge vote of confidence: chosen to lead the team at a time when the off-pitch attention was just as strong as the pressure to reach the Champions League in the 2024-25 season.

It is an unlikely role for a 22-year-old, but one that Le Tissier has taken on in extremely impressive fashion. As United manager Marc Skinner said recently; “I’m so happy with her because in the last few games, she has driven this team. The growth of her leadership qualities…she takes control and it is incredible. For her to do what she does, I’m really happy. She is an incredible character and footballer”.

Above: Maya Le Tissier and Marc Skinner. Photo: TNT Sports

In October 2024, she became the youngest player to reach 100 WSL appearances (including her time at United and previously at Brighton). She has started every game and become an integral part of the best defence in the league; United have only conceded six goals in fifteen games and have kept ten clean sheets. This form has also been noticed by England manager Sarina Wiegman, who has started Le Tissier in recent games against South Africa and Switzerland.

The numbers speak for themselves; in the 2024-25 season so far, Le Tissier has made 32 tackles, eight more than the 2023/24 season in its entirety and one more than Chelsea captain Millie Bright. She has already won more aerial duels than last season, with 29 wins compared to 25 in the 2023/24 season, and has been dribbled past only seven times – compared to thirteen in the 2023/24 season and half the amount as Lucy Bronze (14). This is in addition to attacking elements; Le Tissier has made the same number of key passes this season as Leah Williamson (5), who is known and lauded for her ability to bypass the midfield and pass through the lines.

Le Tissier’s opportunities for England have been somewhat hampered by a disagreement between club and country on her best position. Whilst at United she plays in a centre-back pairing with Millie Turner, Wiegman has said that she sees Le Tissier as more of a right-back.

England desperately need a back-up right-back for Lucy Bronze, who is at an age where injury is likely to be lengthier and more difficult to overcome. Le Tissier is the most natural alternative, and it is possible that following the Euros this summer, she may push for a move somewhere where she can play in that position, giving her a better chance of starting as England’s first choice right-back for the 2026 World Cup.

At twenty-two years old, there is huge potential for Le Tissier to develop into one of the best defenders of her generation. Adding strong leadership qualities to her technical stability may be the factor that sets her in the best stead as the future starting right-back for England and is something that will only further her in Wiegman’s plans ahead of the Euros this summer and the World Cup in two years time.

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Phoenix fire up Finals hopes with Wanderers win

Wellington Phoenix 2-1 Western Sydney Wanderers

by Ben Gilby (9/3/25)

Above: Mebae Tanake (centre) celebrates after her superb equalising goal for Wellington Phoenix today. Photo: A-League Women.

Wellington Phoenix came from behind with two goals in the last 15 minutes to defeat Western Sydney Wanderers at Porirua Park and move to within a point of the top six.

The Nix had the first real chance of the match just eight minutes in when Manaia Elliott escaped through on the left of centre to crash in a low shot that went agonisingly wide of the far post.

Shortly afterwards they came close again when Annalie Longo’s corner curled in from the left towards the near post and Olivia Fergusson’s header flashed just wide of that same post once more.

It wasn’t all Wellington though as the Wanderers broke through with 20 minutes on the clock and the ball was squared from the right flank to Sienna Saveska to send in a powerful effort from the edge of the box that Carolina Vilão pushed away spectacularly.

Just two minutes later, the visitors were ahead. Alivia Kelly wasn’t sure whether to stick or twist as Bronte Trew pressured her outside the box, and that momentary hesitation between her and Vilão allowed the Western Sydney attacker to nip in and calmly roll the ball home.

Shortly afterwards, the dangerous Saveska sent a viciously curling left footed free-kick in from the right which only just cleared the bar, as the Wanderers looked to press home their advantage.

Wellington hit back strongly for the remainder of the half. It was from another set piece that gave them another chance just before the half hour mark. Longo sent in another dangerous corner from the left that nestled into the mix, but Emma Main skied her effort from the edge of the six yard box.

Three minutes before the break, Main released Whinham along the right flank. The talented midfielder skipped clear, then cut in along the by-line to supply a low ball for Fergusson, who was not much more than three yards out from goal, but her first time shot agonisingly came back off the right hand post. Moments later Whinham and Fergusson were involved again, this time with the latter seeing a shot squirm wide of that same post.

Whinham’s influence continued. On the hour mark, she broke through right of centre and hit a shot that was repelled by a flying Sham Khamis in the Wanderers goal who incredibly got back on her feet to save Elliott’s follow up.

Finally, with a quarter of an hour remaining, the Nix got on the score sheet. Longo’s corner from the right was initially repelled by the Wanderers defence, only for that clearance to fall for Mebae Tanaka who took a touch and fired an absolute rocket into the net for her first ever A-League Women goal.

Then, with four minutes left of regulation time, the visitors lost possession near the left hand corner flag allowing Zoe McMeeken to put a cross into the box for Fergusson to hit a superb first time volley in from close range.

It was exactly what the Phoenix deserved. With most of the teams around them dropping points this weekend, Paul Temple’s team have got back to winning ways at the right time. If Wellington can continue to keep focussed at the back and take their chances when they come, they can hit the Finals places for sure.

Speaking after the game, the Nix boss said: “It’s huge for us to get three points because it capitalises on that, cuts the gap to one and of course if it’s that tight it’s anyone’s game.

“The manner of how we won that game today will help the confidence as well so it was just what we needed.”

Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Vilão, Jaber, McCutcheon, Kelly, Wall, Whinham, Longo, Brazendale, Elliott, Main, Fergusson. Substitutes: Abbott, Ingham, McMeeken, Neary, Tanaka.

Scorers: Tanaka 75′, Fergusson 86′.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-3-3): Khamis, Matos, Buchanan, Harrison, McComasky, Chessari, Price, Harada, Saveska, Rue, Trew. Substitutes: Bennett, Caspers, Kapetanellis, Younis.

Scorer: Trew 22′.

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance: 678.

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Furphy goal sets up Melbourne’s victory

Melbourne Victory 2-0 Canberra United

By Alyce Collett 9/3/25

Above: Holly Furphy (left) following her goal for Victory Photo: Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory has moved back into second spot on the A-League Women’s ladder after a 2-0 win over Canberra United this afternoon. 

After a pretty even first half, the Victory asserted some dominance and control over the game in the second half, and with goals to Holly Furphy and Emily Gielnik the Victory picked up their 11th win of the season. 

The game was so even early it was really hard to establish who had the momentum. 

Initially Canberra had the more threatening attacking plays, but eventually it was Victory who racked up the attempts that were closest to resulting in a goal, eventually going within inches of scoring off a corner. 

Players like Rachel Lowe and Jyanna Dos Santos were trying their hardest in attack for their respective sides, but both sides defences – particularly the likes of Kayla Morrison, Claudia Bunge, Elizabeth Anton and Madison Ayson – really stood tall and made sure no one’s attacking plays became successful. 

As the half progressed, the Victory continued to rack up more time on the ball than Canberra, but Canberra’s well positioned defence meant that none of their attacking moves amounted to much. 

Canberra certainly had plenty of attacking play, but the visitors’ attacking plays always petered out further away from goal than Victory’s did. 

In the end it was an entertaining first half, but it did not result in any goals. 

The first half stats told an interesting tale. 

Victory had 20% more of the possession than Canberra, but only three more shots than their visitors, with both sides having a single shot on target. 

In an at times scrappy start to the second half, the passing accuracy from both sides was a bit down from the first half but the shot on goal accuracy improved as both sides had shots go within inches of going into the back of the net. 

Melbourne Victory almost had the first goal of the match in the 68th minute, but unfortunately for the home side Kayla Morrison was offside when she took her shot. 

They did not have to wait too much longer to actually get a goal on the board, wth Furphy slotting a shot in the back of the net from the tightest of angles to give Victory the lead a couple of minutes later. 

Victory found themselves a second goal with about eight minutes of regular time left after Gielnik headed home an Alana Murphy corner perfectly. 

The two goals had definitely swung momentum Victory’s way, but some in the Canberra side refused to give up. Particularly the likes of Hayley Taylor-Young, who really impressed out on the left wing, and had a shot to really test Courtney Newbon in the Victory goals in extra time. 

However as hard as the likes of Taylor-Young were working it was ultimately in vain as Canberra proved unable to find the back of the net. 

Teams: MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Newbon, Bunge, Murphy, Chidiac, Flannery, D’Appolonia, Gielnik, Morrison, Lowe, Pickett, Jancevski. Substitutes: Wilson, O’Grady, Furphy, Young, Candy.

Scorer: Furphy 70’, Gielnik 83’

CANBERRA UNITED (3–5–2): James, Anton, Ayson, Dos Santos, Robers, Taylor-Young, Markovski, Keane, Malone,Bertolissio, Gordon. Substitutes: Majstorovic, Murray, Stanic-Floody, Christopherson, Heyman.

Referee: Bec Mackie

Attendance: TBC

Washington Spirit stun champions Orlando Pride to win Challenge Cup

Orlando Pride 1-1 Washington Spirit (2-4 on penalties)

By Catherine Mackenzie 8/3/25

Above: Washington Spirit celebrate winning the 2025 Challenge Cup. Photo: @WashSpirit on X

Washington Spirit beat NWSL Champions Orlando Pride on penalties to lift the 2025 Challenge Cup.

In the United States, the new season of women’s football is nearly upon us. The NWSL returns later in March, with reigning first-time champions Orlando Pride aiming to retain their championship and shield double. To kick off the domestic season, on Friday evening Pride faced championship runners-up Washington Spirit in the 2025 Challenge Cup.

Often likened to England’s Community Shield, the Challenge Cup brings together the winner of the NWSL championship and the winner of the NWSL shield (the team that won the league phase of the NWSL). Last year, Orlando Pride won both, so the Challenge Cup instead offered Spirit the chance for revenge in a repeat of the championship game.

The aforementioned championship-decider was played last November, with the Floridians running out 1-0 winnerscourtesy of a goal from Zambia’s in-form striker Barbra Banda. As tends to be the case in big games, the scoreline did not reflect the full story; Spirit had the lion’s share of the best chances, with 26 shots to Pride’s nine, and five shots on target compared to Pride’s three. 

Orlando’s English goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse put in a player of the match performance to keep the Washington side at bay, and it was Banda’s speed and physicality that eventually proved the difference as she dribbled past the Spirit defence for the match winner.

Above: Anna Moorhouse during November’s championship-decider. Image: @ORLPride on X

Three months, the festive period and two international breaks later, Spirit had their chance for revenge. They started with three changes in midfield: new signing and Japanese international Narumi Miura got her first start for the club, with 17-year-old Chloe Ricketts and veteran Brittany Ratcliffe also getting the nod this time around. USWNT star Trinity Rodman continued her recovery from the injury that ruled her out of February’s She Believes tournament and was not fielded.

For Orlando, there were fewer changes; Brazilian Adriana left the club in January for Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah and was replaced by Morgan Gautrat. The only other change came in defence, with Coriana Dyke replaced by Rafaelle.

The game started with rustiness showing from both sides,something we often see from teams in their opening games after a lengthy break. Spirit were particularly sloppy in the opening quarter as they struggled to retain possession and created little – perhaps also symptomatic of integrating new players into the spine of the team, with Miura and Ricketts coming in. 

For much of the opening half it seemed like only a matter of time before Orlando would strike, with Banda energetically searching for an opener. As the game neared half time, Orlando were awarded a penalty as Narumi took down Watt on the edge of the box. This would have been soft, however, and the penalty was overturned by VAR.

This missed opportunity seemed to encourage the Floridian team and they struck from a corner minutes later, as defender Rafaelle beat Spirit keeper Kingsbury with a powerful shot.

Above: Orlando Pride’s Rafaelle celebrates her goal. Image: @ORLPride on X.

Spirit looked rejuvenated after the break and were tighter on the ball. They created momentum and had the better of the chances, buoyed by the introduction of Morris and Bernal in the 61st minute.

A dangerously placed free-kick in the 72nd minute gave Spirit the opportunity they needed and Leicy Santos confidently took her chance, beating Moorhouse with a superb strike. 

Above: Leicy Santos celebrates her equaliser. Image: @WashSpirit on X

With no extra time in the challenge cup, the match headed straight for penalties. Spirit keeper Aubrey Kingsbury cemented her player of the match performance with a penalty save to give her team the win.

Spirit head coach Jonatan Giraldez notched his first piece of silverware since moving from Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona last summer, where he won numerous awards and accolades including a domestic quadruple. His first American silverware is a deserved emblem of the progress Spirit have made under his leadership; from finishing eighth in 2023 to being the main challengers for the championship title in 2024.

Walking away from that November game with nothing in terms of silverware will have been hard to take, but Spirit can take great pride in their performance on Friday – they showed that they can compete with the best and will be looking to improve on last season’s second place. For Orlando, this is a sign that the NWSL moves quickly, and they cannot stand still if they hope to retain their championship title.

Teams:

ORLANDO PRIDE (4-4-2): Moorhouse, Rafaelle, Sams, Strom, Abello, Angelina, Hanson, Watt, Marta, Gautrat, Banda. Substitutes: Doyle, Lemos, Yates, Chilufya, Crone, Martinez, Villacorta, Chanda, Chavoshi.

Scorer: Rafaelle 41’

WASHINGTON SPIRIT (4-3-3): Kingsbury, Krueger, Morgan, McKeown, Carle, Santos, Hershfelt, Miura, Ricketts, Ratcliffe, Hatch. Substitutes: Bernal, Morris, MacIver, Rodman, Dulaney, Boade, Detrizio. 

Scorer: Santos 72’

Referee: Alex Billeter

Attendance: TBC

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Healy the hero as Adelaide extend unbeaten run to 11

Adelaide United 1-0 Central Coast Mariners

By Isabelle Campbell 8/3/25

Above: Adelaide United celebrating Erin Healy’s goal. Photo: Adelaide United

Adelaide United extended their history-making unbeaten run in a tight 1-0 win against the Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium. 

Adelaide United looked to capitalize on a home advantage as they hosted Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium in a Ninja A-League clash. The hosts came into the match unbeaten in 10 league games, a club record, while the Mariners were aiming to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat to Western Sydney Wanderers and end their three-game winless run.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, the home players took to the pitch hand in hand with their mothers and other influential women in their lives. The women’s match also headlined the event, taking the later slot in a double-header with the men. The match also marked a special milestone for Matilda McNamara, as she made her 50th appearance for Adelaide United, her hometown club.

The Mariners started strong, with Peta Trimis immediately driving toward goal and getting a shot away, though it was just off target, sparing Adelaide United from an early upset. At the other end, Jessika Nash came up with a crucial block to deny the goal scoring form of Erin Healy.

The visitors continued to press, with Sarah Rowe testing Claudia Jenkins from distance, but the Adelaide keeper was up to the task. A throw-in deep in attack gave Brooke Nunn a chance to strike, only for Jenkins to deny her. Less than a minute later, Nunn threatened again, but once more, Jenkins stood firm.

Adelaide had their own opportunities, with Sarah Langman making an important save to keep out Healy, who rose highest to meet Sarah Morgan’s cross. Healy then came close again, firing a powerful shot just wide.

A foul on Healy by Shadeene Evans gave Adelaide a free kick in a dangerous area, but they couldn’t capitalize. Chelsie Dawber later found herself with a golden chance, making a breaking run through the centre and getting a foot to the ball, but Langman made a crucial intervention to divert its path.

Taylor Ray had a shot from a corner, but her effort sailed just over the bar. Evans found herself in the referee’s book after a foul on Lucia León.

Despite plenty of attacking intent from both sides, the teams went into halftime with the scoresheet still nameless, though the Mariners looked ever so slightly, the more dangerous in front of goal.

Breaking the deadlock early on in the second half, Erin Healy did what she does best, scoring her sixth goal of the season to give Adelaide United the lead. Dawber soon looked to double the advantage, but her effort was ruled offside.

The Mariners’ task became even harder when Shadeene Evans was shown a second yellow card and sent off for a poorly timed challenge on Emily Hodgson. Down to 10 players and a goal behind, the Mariners faced an uphill battle.

Dawber had another chance to extend Adelaide’s lead, but her powerful shot was again called offside. 

The Mariners came close to equalizing when Tiana Fuller had a great opportunity, but her attempt just missed the target. The visitors continued to push with several good shots on goal, both from open play and set pieces, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

Nash put in a crucial defensive block against Dawber to deny a second goal and keep the Mariners in the game. With seven minutes of added time, the Mariners threw everything forward in search of an equalizer, but Adelaide held firm to secure the win.

The win extended Adelaide’s record-breaking unbeaten streak to 11 games and pushed them into second place on the table, with Melbourne Victory still to play this round.

The next round of the Ninja A-League will see Adelaide travel to face Melbourne City, while the Mariners return home to take on Perth Glory and pick up some much needed points. 

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (3-4-3): Jenkins, E. Hodgson, León, McNamara, Tonkin, Tolland, Morgan, Holmes, Healy, Condon, Dawber. Substitutes: Karambasis, Sasaki, Dewey, Panagaris, Melegh.

Goals: Healy 50’

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-4-2): Langman, Seaman, Nash, Martin, Gomez, Pennock, Ray, Rowe, Nunn, Trimis, Evans. Substitutes: Carmichael, Rasmussen, Fuller, Quilligan, Hughes.

Referee: Izzy Cooper

Attendance: 8,582.

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Jets win vital battle at the bottom

Newcastle Jets 1-0 Sydney FC

by Alice de Koster-Kitto (8/3/25)

Above: Sheridan Gallagher (right) celebrates with Lorena Baumann (22) after scoring the winning goal today. Photo: A-Leagues.

Newcastle Jets have earned consecutive wins for the first time this season, with a 1-0 victory over Sydney FC.

The triumph marks their second win over Sydney this season, and keeper Danielle Kryzyniak’s first clean sheet since the start of the campaign. 

An early long strike from Tash Prior established Newcastle Jets as the dominant side early on, despite being collected by Sydney FC goalkeeper, Bethany Mason-Jones. The visitors quickly responded to this strike, however, when a clever cross from Princess Ibini met the foot of Caley Tallon-Henniker, whose strike ended just wide.

Although Newcastle remained technically dominant, continuing to hold the majority of the possession, the chances remained fairly even through the first half, and it was quite unclear where the first goal would come from, with end-to-end action keeping the match exciting and unpredictable. 

Mackenzie Hawkseby looked to extend her wonderful campaign for Sydney with a shot from inside the box, assisted by Tallon-Henniker, that was ultimately saved at the right side. 

Despite a number of chances, the match appeared disorganised, with both sides seeming unsure of their tactic at times, making for a quite messy style of play that resulted in an obvious frustration on the pitch, contributing to the lack of goals early on. 

The 23rd minute saw Newcastle Jet’s Tash Prior find the net, however the match remained scoreless, as Prior was caught offside. 

Sheridan Gallagher was close to breaking the stalemate in favour of the Jets with a long range effort, which was saved by Bethany Mason-Jones. Gallagher wasted no time taking another chance on the ball, opening the scoring with just two minutes left of regulation in the first half. The header from Josie Allan met the foot of Gallagher at very close range, who tapped it into the net, leaving the Jets in a 1-0 lead at half time. 

Both sides entered the second half, looking to improve their overall performance, with Sydney FC re-entering the game especially determined to equalise.

Connors proved her vital impact on the pitch, making a great effort just minutes after entering the game, however the strike was just high, an issue that seems to be continual for the visitors during the match, as a chance from Mackenzie Hawkseby was failed in a similar way just minutes later. 

After being treated for what appeared to be a knee injury, Newcastle Jets’ Josie Allan was replaced by Clare Adams, causing concern for the home side, as Allan had played a vital role in their dominance thus far. 

The match saw yet another game-changing injury just minutes later, when a tussle inside the box left Sydney keeper Bethany  Mason-Jones, treated and taken off for the remainder of the match. 

Mason-Jones was replaced by 18-Year-Old debutant Jasmine Black, who through the remainder of the match, would prove herself deserving of a place in the squad going forward, as Newcastle fought hard to maintain their dominance. 

Making an instant impact in the box, Black made an impeccable save at the 78th minute, when Deven Jackson’s effort came dangerously close to earning the Jets another point.

Despite five minutes of added time, and a number of chances right to the final whistle, the match ended 1-0 to Newcastle Jets, leaving the ladder as is with Jets in 11th place, while Sydney remains bottom of the lot in 12th. 

Round 19 of the Ninja A-League will be crucial for both these sides, as they fight to make their way up the ladder, currently sitting in the bottom two spots.

Next week, Sydney FC will head home to Leichhardt Oval, to face Wellington Phoenix, while Newcastle Jets will go on the road to Perry Park to take on Brisbane Roar. Both of these matches will be a tough fight, and are set to be two riveting evenings of football.   

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (3-4-3): Krzyzaniak, Wilson, Cicco, Prior, Davis, Dundas, L Allan, Gallagher, Hoban, Baumann, J. Allan Substitutions: Breier, Rolley, Jackson, Robertson, Adams.

Scorer: Gallagher 42’. 

SYDNEY FC (4-1-4-1): Mason-Jone, Lemon, Tobin, Thompson, Tumeth, Hollman, Dos Santos, Caspers, Ibini, Hawkesby, Tallon-Henniker. Substitutes: Black, Bryson, Farrow, Connors, Johnson.

Referee: Molly Godsell.

Attendance: 1,127.

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Perth keep their season alive with win over Western

Perth Glory 3-0 Western United

By Emma Burke 8/3/25

Above: Sarah O’Donoghue (L) celebrates with Megan Wynne and Kelli Brown. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus

A finals appearance for Perth Glory is no longer out of reach after defeating Western United in a 3-0 win at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.

An early goal from Kelli Brown, assisted by a clever ball around a defender from Sarah O’Donoghue, had Perth leading on the scoreboard, but working tirelessly to keep it that way.

Western United came down hard on Glory, launching repeated attacks to no avail. Shots from Captain Chloe Logarzo, Isabel Dehakiz, and Aimee Medwin were either sent wide of the goal, struck the post, or were well handled by Glory keeper Casey Dumont.

In the second half, Glory saw the return of midfielder Susan Phonsongkham, who had been out injured since September of last year, who made an immediate impact on the game.

Her first involvement saw her send an incredible ball across the field to Cymru international Megan Wynne, who was left one-on-one with Western United’s keeper Chloe Lincoln. 

This led to Julia Sardo sliding into the back of Wynne, taking her out, and being shown a red card by referee Georgia Ghirardello for denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, reducing Western United to 10 players for the remaining 20 minutes of the match.

Kelli Brown then scored for a second time, her first shot on goal at Lincoln, who wasn’t able to keep hold of it, allowing Brown to have a second bite at the cherry, which she made no mistake with.

Not yet finished, Perth then won a penalty from Claudia Mihocic being booked for a handball on the edge of the penalty area.

To secure all three points and cap off a great return to the A-League Women, Phonsongkham took the spot kick, delivering to the right side of the goal, while Lincoln dove to the left.

This win – which also saw the Western Australian side keep their first clean sheet of the season, leaves the Glory on 18 points, meaning they could still have a shot at making finals this season, while Western United remain in fourth, for now, as other results from this weekend could see Central Coast Mariners or Canberra United leapfrog them on the table.

To view Rob Lizzi’s full set of images from the game for Impetus, check out our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball – https://www.instagram.com/impetusfootball/

Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Dumont, Foletta, Zogg, Thomas-Chinnama, McKenna, Dalton, Palmer, Tathem, Brown, O’Donoghue, Wynne. Substitutes: Wainwright, Phonsongkham, Anderson, Lincoln, Templeman.

Scorers: Brown 14’, 81’, Phonsongkham (pen) 86’.

WESTERN UNITED (4-2-3-1): Lincoln, Grove, Maher, Mihocic, Sardo, Eggesvik, Dehakiz, Zimmerman, Logarzo, Medwin, Taranto. Substitutes: Cerne, Cortellino, Hieda, de Domizio, Picak.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 873.

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Bulleen lift Community Shield with win against Heidelberg United

Bulleen Lions 4-2 Heidelberg United

By Kieran Yap 8/1/25

Above: Erin Hudson lifts the Community Shield with the Bulleen Lions Photo: Bulleen Lions

Bulleen Lions have started off 2025 by lifting the Community shield. Caitlin Freind’s new look attack was in sparkling form as they defeated last season’s Grand Final winners 4-2 at The Home of The Matildas.

There were changes to both lineups. Heidelberg United are without Alana Jancevski and Sara O’Donoghue, both were stars of the 2024 campaign but are currently in the A-League. While talismanic captain Steph Galea was on the bench after recently recovering from an off-season injury.

Bulleen have undergone a significant mini rebuild in the off-season. With Maja Markovski and Alana Cortellino at Canberra United and Western United respectively, The Lions recruited strongly and named speedster Anais Josefski in attack with the craft duo of Rosie Rodger and Danella Butrus. Former Gold Medal winner Sarah Cain also started for Caitlin Freind’s enviable looking lineup.

The defending champions hit the scoreboard first, with Bronte Peel scoring in the 12th minute. Bulleen would answer emphatically with three goals in rapid succession before half time.

Butrus got off to the best possible start at her new club with a free kick in the 30th minute that curled beyond Mia Bailey in the ‘Bergers goal.

Grace Cagnina scored another from a scrambled effort after a corner kick seemingly seconds later, with Josefski finished her chance to make it 3-1. The game had turned and The Lions went into the break in a commanding position.

Bulleen seemed in control for much of the second half, but Heidelberg had their moments in attack. Keely Lockhart was a standout for The Bergers, as dangerous and persistent as ever, and proving a handful for the Bulleen defence whenever she was on the ball.

Bulleen extended their lead in the 80th minute. Rosie Rodger finished with precision from outside of the box and while the result looked assured, whenever Heidelberg are involved there is always more to come.

Asuka Miyata provided some hope, and the drama neutrals craved. She cleverly beat her defender and scored with a rocket from the top of the 18 yard box.

At 4-2 it looked impossible, but Bulleen fans still waited nervously for the final whistle. A repeat of Heidelberg’s Grand Final heroics was not out of the question, but the final whistle blew and in the end it was a deserved win by the 2024 NPLW premiers.

Bulleen lifted the first of a possible four pieces of silverware for this season, but they will have bigger fish to fry in 2025, and they have the players to launch another premiership challenge and make it three in a row. That three of their goals were scored by new faces is a hugely promising sign, and the idea of them getting stronger as a team throughout the year is an exciting one.

Heidelberg have retained their ability to score from almost nothing and fight out games until the end. They will improve as they settle, and perhaps some more new signings arrive. Once Galea can start they suddenly become a much more dangerous prospect in attack.

This was an early trophy decided, but this is also all prelude. If this game is anything to go by, the 2025 NPLW Victoria season is going to be another high quality and very entertaining one.

Teams: BULLEEN LIONS: Shields, Rodger, O’Bryan, Molloy, Massey, Josefski, Golden, Cain, Cagnina, Butrus, Bulic. Substitutes: Brown, Kozomara, McGorian, Salleh, Sallese.

Scorers: Butrus 30′, Cagnina 33′, Josefski 37′, Rodger 80′.

HEIDELBURG UNITED: Bailey, Barreiro, Burke, Curwood-Wagner, Heysen, Lockhart, Matsuda, Miyata, Peel, Tancin, Wild. Substitutes: Vlahopoulos, Kyriacou, Ingles, Galea, Draai, Bitzios.

Scorers: Peel 10′, Miyata 88′.

Referee: Angelique Mangion.

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Wainwright: “It’s been a challenge, but I like challenges!”

by Ben Gilby (5/3/25)

Above: Perth Glory’s Charli Wainwright speaking to the media today ahead of Friday’s home game with Western United. Image: Perth Glory.

It’s been an incredible year for Charli Wainwright. The young midfielder had gone from captaining Murdoch University Melville as a teenager to becoming part of Perth SC’s midfield that won their first State Cup and got to the Top Four Cup Final. Throw in a first pro contract with Perth Glory and it reaches fairytale proportions.

Speaking to the media today from Perth Glory’s HQ in Fremantle, Wainwright admitted: “Coming into the season, I didn’t expect to start any game or get any game time, however that’s not to say I didn’t have any expectation on myself to push for that.”

The 20-year-old has a presence, elegant ball playing skills and vision beyond her years, and after fighting hard to make the Glory squad – one of the few local players around that do not have an NTC background – Wainwright has flourished, starting eight matches and chalking up a total of 13 appearances.

“I’ve 100% exceeded my targets for the season…I think that this season for me was about development, and I’m pretty happy with how it’s gone…Some of the players you are playing against are quite difficult, but it’s a challenge and I like challenges and I’m here to develop and I think that’s what I’m doing.”

Wainwright was assisted in her debut season as a pro being accompanied by a large number of her Perth SC team-mates. Indeed, at times this season, the Perth Glory side has consisted of herself, Tijan McKenna, Georgia Cassidy, and Grace Johnston – all of whom made up the Perth SC midfield for the 2024 NPLW season. On top of that has been the presence of striker Ella Lincoln, who grabbed her first pro goal in Saturday’s defeat at Newcastle Jets.

Having players she knew well from Perth SC really helped Wainwright settle in at the Glory: “Starting the season in a new environment – a professional environment – so knowing a few faces that you can talk to and ask questions was definitely a help to me. It made the transition from NPL to A-League seamless.”

Above: Charli Wainwright (purple shirt) competing against Central Coast Mariners earlier this season. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

In terms of the major challenges she faced in making the step up from NPLW WA to A-League Women, Glory’s number 27 revealed: “It’s a lot faster, you need to be a lot fitter. Going from training two days a week with your NPL club, to full-time training. The match fitness you need to have to compete for 90 minutes of the game is a complete difference.

Perth Glory go into Friday’s home game with Western United on the back of a hugely frustrating 3-2 loss to Newcastle Jets. It was a game that Perth had the better of, but they paid the price for conceding two goals in the first three minutes. The outcome was compounded by every team immediately above and below the Glory winning. That hurt.

“We were definitely disappointed, especially with how we started the game conceding two goals so early,” Wainwright reflected.

However, all season long, the Glory have been a different proposition on Western Australian soil. Four home wins and some near misses from making it more. The Sam Kerr Football Centre has been packed out with four-figure crowds raising the roof with loud support.

“I love playing at home,” the midfielder smiled, “All our wins have come from home games. It’s a great environment at Sam Kerr (Football Centre), we thrive on it, so we’re definitely keen to play on Friday night.

“Every game is a must win for us…we have to go in with everything we’ve learned, effort. Focus is on effort. At the moment, it’s all about basics…playing out from the back, playing forward. Just basic things that we start to need getting right.”

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