Anton strike sends former club to defeat

Canberra United 1-0 Perth Glory

by Ben Gilby (1/2/25)

Above: Liz Anton (right) celebrates her winning goal with Maja Markovski. Photo: Canberra United.

Liz Anton’s close range effort 11 minutes into the second half was enough to claim victory for Canberra United over her former side Perth Glory at McKellar Park today.

Whilst it was Perth who had by far the better of the opportunities (16 shots on goal to Canberra’s three), the home team were able to make theirs pay to deliver an important three points.

The Glory went into the game on the back of last weekend’s last-gasp 3-2 win over Brisbane Roar but also had to cope with the news that influential midfielder Georgia Cassidy had joined the long injury list that head coach Stephen Peters is having to manage.

On the positive side of the ledger, Sarah O’Donoghue returned on the bench after her own spell on the treatment table. It was a game that Perth knew they needed to win in order to maintain hopes of Finals football against one of their potential rivals for a spot in the six.

After both sides engaged in an early arm-wrestle to establish a foothold in the game, the first-half chance finally came in the 25th minute when the visitors’ co-captain Izzy Dalton sent a free-kick in from the left-hand edge of the box that curled across viciously before dipping late to only just clear the crossbar.

Four minutes before the break, Perth created another opportunity when Dalton found Wynne outside her on the right flank. The Welsh international’s low cross bounced just past the near post, helping it to elude the Canberra defence, allowing it to fall for Nat Tathem at the back.

Her shot rebounded up off of Alex McKenzie, but home keeper Sally James was unable to claim allowing Tathem a second bite at the cherry which was cleared.

Above: Tijan McKenna who had an impressive afternoon in the centre of the park for Perth Glory. Photo: Perth Glory.

Those opportunities for the visitors came and went, and 11 minutes into the second half, Canberra made them pay with their only shot on target across the 90 minutes.

Emma Robers floated a corner in from the right high to the near post amidst heavy traffic which made life extremely tough for Casey Dumont in the Glory goal. She did well to get a hand to the ball, but it fell for New Zealand international Anton to turn home from close range at the second attempt.

Perth tried to hit back, and with just over 20 minutes remaining came close once more. Tijan McKenna, who once more showed why centre-midfield is her best position with an impressive display of vision and ball playing ability, played in a corner from the right which was met by Onyi Zogg at the near post around the six-yard box with a first-time shot on the turn which was pushed onto the post by James before her defence tidied up.

With eight minutes remaining, Michelle Heyman, who started on the bench showed her danger with a flash of brilliance. Played through from a long ball towards the right, the Matildas’ striker held off two defenders and unleashed a shot from just outside the box with the outside of her foot that just went over the top.

This was a match that Perth will feel they should have taken points from, but the outcome now ends any realistic hopes that they have of making the top six, with the Western Australians now eight points behind.

However, for Canberra, this was a hugely important win in the battle for Finals where every point matters. The capital city side are deep in the mix for a place in the six, as one of five sides separated by just four points between fourth and eighth.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-3-3): James, Taylor-Young, Christopherson, Anton, Bertolissio, Robers, McKenzie, Gordon, Markovski, Stanic-Floody, Malone. Substitutes: Heyman, Keane, Majstorovic, Nathan, dos Santos.

Scorer: Anton 56′.

PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Dumont, Johnston, Chinnama, Zogg, Folletta, Tathem, Wainwright, McKenna, Doeglas, Dalton, Wynne. Substitutes: Abdul-Massih, Anderson, O’Donoghue, Sunaga, Templeman.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 1,807.

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Slegers: “I am in a luxury position with all these great players”

Above: Renée Slegers addresses the media Photo: Arsenal FC

by Rachel Gore (31/1/25)

Arsenal’s manager Renée Slegers spoke on the fitness of Foord and Little, the club’s newest signings, and the “quality” of her squad ahead of Sunday’s match against Manchester City.

Following their recent loss to Chelsea, Arsenal are in fourth place in the WSL table, one point behind Sunday’s opponents Manchester City in third.

Whilst this match, and Arsenal’s next few games, are particularly important due to their position in the table, the squad will “approach the game” in the same ways as always. Slegers said that they are starting “afresh” after last week’s loss but equally that they “know what the table looks like”.

The last time that Arsenal faced City was in September, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Slegers has analysed this fixture but knows that City has “changed a lot of things” and that they too will have “looked back at that last game”, highlighting that “both teams are in a learning process”.

In this September fixture, Vivianne Miedema played for City against her former club. When asked about Miedema, Slegers said: “We play against a lot of quality players in this league and Viv is definitely one of them, she has high quality in everything she does”. She did, however, also state that the Arsenal “girls know her very well and they have a plan to defend against her in the best way”. Slegers’ squad will be extremely focused when they “defend the box” to prevent another Miedema goal.

Slegers also provided clarity on the fitness of Arsenal players Kim Little and Caitlin Foord. Little broke her finger during the recent Crystal Palace fixture and “managed two games” but had to undergo surgery for her long-term health. Slegers said that Foord is “recovering well” and that they will see whether she is fit in time for Sunday.

A key quality of these players, and the other Arsenal players, is their versatility. Slegers was keen to speak about the “quality in the squad” and the fact that many of her players excel in multiple positions. She remarked that she hasn’t “had the privilege of working with these kinds of players before” and further said: “You can have all these beautiful ideas in your head as a coach and anything is possible with the best players in the world”.

Despite the depth of talent in her squad, Slegers had been putting out similar starting line-ups for recent matches. She said that this decision came with the aim of building “consistency because it had been stormy around the team”. This “worked” and even with these measures, “playing minutes were quite well shared amongst players”.

In the last 24 hours, Arsenal have also announced the signings of two new players. Speaking on these signings, Slegers described the “processes in the background” and the “great structure in place”.

The first of these signings was Jenna Nighswonger, an American defender making the transfer from Gotham FC. Nighswonger has the “preferred position” of left back but “she can play in other positions as well”. Slegers mentioned that Arsenal had been looking to “add a player to the squad” who works well in these defensive areas and that this, alongside her age, makes Nighswonger “a great fit”.

The signing of Chloe Kelly, which became official late last night, saw Arsenal steal one of City’s players ahead of Sunday’s game.

Kelly has moved to Arsenal on loan from City and is, therefore, ineligible to play against her parent club on Sunday. Slegers is set to “sit down with Chloe this afternoon” and whilst discussions will “mostly” be about the processes at Arsenal and how they’ll work together, the manager did say that they “might have some conversations” about Sunday’s game.

Slegers is not only excited to welcome Kelly because of the intel she could offer about City’s tactics, but also because Kelly has been at the club before and so “understands what Arsenal is”, knows some of the girls, and has “links to the culture”. She revealed that Kelly had been on Arsenal’s radar for a while.

Slegers gratitude for these new additions to her squad, and the existing players, was evident as she said: “I’m in a luxury position with all these great players”.

Skinner: “This window could change the women’s game”

By Catherine Mackenzie (31/1/25)

Above: Manchester United Boss Skinner addresses the media. Photo: Manchester United Women

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner sees Chelsea’s Girma acquisition as game-changer

The January transfer window has now closed for all Women’s Super League clubs, and attention returns to the league games this weekend.

Manchester United head to London to play Tottenham Hotspur, who are currently sixth in the table. Speaking to media ahead of the clash, Skinner was asked for his thoughts on movements in the transfer market, particularly for Chelsea, who signed Naomi Girma for £900,000 – a world record for a female footballer.

In contrast, United have been quiet in the window, with the main movements being out of the exit door rather than incomings. Hayley Ladd was sold to Everton at the beginning of the month and there has been a loan move for Emma Watson to the Toffees as well. 

On the lack of incomings, Skinner stated that “if we found the right person and we could find the right deal, we would try,” but that “we are solely focused on what we can achieve”. 

On Girma, he asserted that “this window could change the women’s game” due to the level of transfers that have occurred in a January window – transfers that would normally be reserved for the summer. 

He spoke extensively about United’s approach to transfers, suggesting that the club’s focus has always been on developing youth and recruiting “smartly”, and that he feels he has the quality of players to finish the season in a strong position.

Speaking about this weekend’s clash against a Tottenham in poor form – they have been knocked out of the FA Cup by Everton, and the League Cup by West Ham – Skinner asserted that “there is never a good time to play them”, and that he is expecting a tough game.

It will also be a return to the London club for Celin Bizet and Grace Clinton, who moved to the Reds last summer. Asked about the duo, he suggested that both will play vital roles for United in the final months of the season. 

Clinton has been used as a substitute in recent games, however Skinner admitted that this is likely to change – he felt the team’s performances in her absence (due to injury) meant that changes felt unjustified in the moment, but that Clinton is definitely considered to be a vital part of United’s starting eleven.

Adelaide Snatch last-second win over Sydney FC

By Isabelle Campbell 31/1/25

Above: Chelsie Dawber scores for Adelaide United. Photo: A-Leagues

In a dramatic battle at Leichhardt Oval, Adelaide United triumphed 3-2 over Sydney FC. Despite Sydney’s best efforts to end a nine-match winless streak, Adelaide extended their unbeaten run to seven games.

Sydney FC hosted the current third place, Adelaide United at Leichhardt Oval on Friday. Looking beyond their struggles this season, Sydney had history on their side, having never lost to Adelaide at home. Meanwhile, The Reds welcomed back Dylan Holmes, who made her first appearance of the season following injury.

The match started evenly, with both teams establishing their presence in the opening exchanges. However, Adelaide soon began to show their attacking intent, with Erin Healy sending in a shot that nearly tested Sydney goalkeeper Brianna Edwards. The visitors continued to press and soon earned a corner, but the delivery was sent high over the bar following a header, letting Sydney off the hook.

Sydney’s first real chance came from a long-range strike by Indiana dos Santos, but Claudia Jenkins was alert and able to parry the effort away from danger. The hosts looked to build momentum, with captain Nat Tobin searching for a breakthrough, but she couldn’t find the finishing touch.

In the 23rd minute, Adelaide made their pressure count when Emily Condon found herself in a tight spot in front of goal but managed to find an opening and fire the ball home, putting the visitors ahead 1-0. Soon after, Healy looked poised to double the lead, but Tobin came up with a crucial block to keep Sydney within reach.

The final 10 minutes of the half saw both sides locked in a physical battle, fighting for control but struggling to create clear chances. As the halftime whistle blew, Adelaide maintained their narrow 1-0 lead, leaving Sydney with work to do in the second half.

Adelaide came out strong in the second half, with Emily Hodgson forcing Edwards into a save with a powerful shot from outside the box. Adelaide’s fluid build-up play paid off shortly after when Emily Condon scored her second of the game, making it 2-0.

Sydney tried to respond, but Tobin was shown a yellow card after a shirt pull on Healy, giving Adelaide a free kick in a dangerous position. Unfortunately for the visitors, they couldn’t make the most of it and were denied a third goal.

Sydney’s breakthrough came in the 65th minute, when Indiana dos Santos weaved through Adelaide’s defense and calmly slotted one past Jenkins to get Sydney on the scoreboard.

Maddie Caspers also looked dangerous in attack, creating several good chances, but couldn’t quite find the finishing touch to bring her team level. Sydney began to pick up momentum in the final 20 minutes, firing off a few solid shots at goal, but Jenkins was equal to them, holding onto the lead.

Then, in the dying moments of the match, Millie Farrow scored in the 93rd minute, netting her first goal for Sydney and sending the home crowd into a frenzy, with the score now tied at 2-2.

But Adelaide wasn’t ready to settle for a draw. In a dramatic last-second play, Chelsie Dawber fired home to snatch all three points for her side, making it 3-2 with mere seconds remaining. The referee blew the final whistle, and Adelaide extended their unbeaten streak to seven games.

Next weekend will see Sydney FC host again, this time Western United who will be coming off a convincing 4-1 win. The sky blues will be once again desperately searching for some points to add to the table. Adelaide United will return home to face off against Perth Glory.

For Kris Goman’s EXCLUSIVE photography from the game, check out our Instagram feed @ImpetusFootball

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Edwards, Bryson, Tobin, Thompson, Tumeth, Chauvet, Johnson, Caspers, Ibini, Hawkesby, Dos Santos. Substitutes: Franco, Hollman, Farrow, Lemon, Tallon-Henniker.

Goals: Dos Santos 65’, Farrow 90+3’

ADELAIDE UNITED (3-4-1-2): Jenkins, E. Hodgson, León, McNamara, Tonkin, Tolland, Sasaki, Morgan, Condon, Healy, Dawber. Substitutes: Grove, Karambasis, Dewey, Holmes, Bowler.

Goals: Condon 23’ 54’, Dawber 90+4’

Referee: Sarah Jones

Attendance: 1,488.

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Western United cruise to victory over Western Sydney Wanderers

Western United 4-1 Western Sydney Wanderers

Above: Sara Eggesvik celebrates first ALW goal for Western United Photo: Western United

by Joe Rosedon (31/1/25)

Western United up to fourth in the table following comfortable 4-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.  

Western United could not have asked for a better start. A clean through Khali Johnson was brought down by Western Sydney goalkeeper Shamiran Khamis. Referee Isabella Cooper showed no hesitation in giving the penalty. Captain Chloe Logarzo made no mistake from the spot, sending Khamis the wrong way and scoring her 5th goal of the season.

The start for the home side got even better. A corner from Western United was cleared only as far as a lurking Melissa Taranto on the edge of the area. Taranto controlled the ball with her first touch and hammered the ball with her second, giving Khamis no chance and doubling Western United’s lead remarkably in the 7th minute.

Unsurprising based on the balance of play, Western United got their third goal of the first half and it was from a corner once again. Grace Maher’s pinpoint corner located a rising Sara Eggesvik who headed home to score her first ALW goal. It was nothing less than Western United deserved.

Yet Western Sydney Wanders had not given up just again. Corners again proved to be the theme of the game, and this was the most spectacular of the lot. Sienna Saveska caught out Chloe Lincoln, scoring an Olimpico and giving the away a route back into the game.

The start of the second half followed a similar path to the first with Western United dominating the proceedings. Top scorer Johnson attempted to dink the ball over Khamis at close range but was her effort was well blocked via the goalkeeper’s shoulder.

Following this early chance, Western Sydney did up the pressure on the Western United defence but without any clear-cut chances being created that troubled Lincoln. Second half substitute Bronte Trew found a decent amount of space on the left-hand side but fired straight at the Western United goalkeeper while Saveska should have scored her second of the game but blazed it over the bar from close range.

The next goal and the fourth for Western United sealed the victory for the home side. With her first touch of the game, an unmarked Kiara de Domizio headed past Khamis following Maher’s pinpoint cross which perfectly located the forward to conclude the scoring.

For Adrian Geremia’s EXCLUSIVE photography from the game, check out our Instagram feed @ImpetusFootball

Teams: WESTERN UNITED: (4-4-2) Lincoln, Sardo, Dehakiz, Maher, Grove, Eggesvik, M.Taranto, Logarzo, A.Taranto, Johnson, Zimmerman. Substitutes: Dall’Oste, Mihocic, Prakash, Medwin, De Domizio

Scorers: Logarzo 3’(pen), M.Taranto 7’, Eggesvik 36’, de Domizio 86’

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-2-3-1): Khamis, Bennett, McComasky, Harrison, Buchanan, Chessari, Price, Matos, Saveska, Younis, Harding. Substitutes: Segavic, Lobo, Rue, Harada, Trew

Scorers: Saveska 39’.

Referee: Isabella Cooper

Attendance: 507.

Holly McNamara previews Melbourne Derby

By Emma Burke 31/1/25

Above: Holly McNamara. Photo Melbourne City

Holly McNamara spoke to the media ahead of Melbourne City’s top of the table clash with Melbourne Victory

“We don’t like Melbourne Victory, they don’t like us, it’s like that,” said Holly McNamara when facing the media ahead of Melbourne City’s top of the table clash against Melbourne Victory.

“The Derby is always one of the biggest games, so to add a top of the table clash to that, it makes the stakes a little bit [higher],” she said.

McNamara is well on her way back from her third ACL injury, having appeared in eight games so far this season, scoring three times, and picking up one assist.

“It’s definitely been a slow one this time, it’s kind of on track for all things,” said McNamara about her knee, with this being the second time she’s torn her right ACL. 

“Obviously it was a bit tough at the start, being injured, but since being back, my teammates, the staff around me, have been unreal. I think they’ve made the journey so much easier and the transition back to playing,” said McNamara.

The Melbourne Derby is to be played tomorrow at 6pm at City’s home ground of Casey Fields and McNamara recognises the severity of the meeting.

“Facing Melbourne Victory is the original Melbourne Derby, we want to be the best team in Melbourne, we want to be the best team in Australia, and to do that we have to beat Melbourne Victory.”

Also on the horizon for the young star, the potential of being called back up into the National Team. 

The Matildas will make their return to the international scene in February, when they travel to America to play in the SheBelives Cup and face the United States, Japan, and Colombia.

Having already played three games for the Matildas back in 2022 at the Women’s Asian Cup, McNamara is familiar with what it takes to play at the highest level.

“Anytime that you can go up for selection for your country, you want to do that,” said McNamara. 

McNamara’s keeping a level head about it all, choosing to keep her sights on what she knows is a definite for herself and her football.

“I’m just looking forward to this game, and then we’ll see what happens after that.”

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Chinnama: Brisbane win “shows we can come back from anything”

by Ben Gilby (30/1/25)

Above: Naomi Chinnama speaking to the media today at Perth Glory’s Fremantle HQ. Image: Perth Glory.

Perth Glory’s in-form Young Matildas defender Naomi Chinnama hailed her team’s resilience as they ended a six-match run without a win against Brisbane Roar last Sunday, and is confident they can keep the positivity going when they travel to Canberra United on Saturday.

Reflecting on the Western Australian side’s 3-2 win at the Sam Kerr Football Centre last weekend, Chinnama admitted: “It was massive for us. Our effort – we’ve been working hard each week, and to finally get a result has just been amazing.”

Perth achieved the victory the hard way, coming from 1-0 and 2-1 down thanks to two goals from Caitlin Doeglas and a dramatic late free-kick from Ella Abdul-Massih. For the former Melbourne City defender, it symbolised the character and desire within the Glory squad.

“It just shows the resolve of the girls, and it shows we can come back from anything and we’ll take that moving forward for our next games. It was great to turn around that result and they (Brisbane) are a really good team. We also had the fans as well, and they were backing us, and they gave us that extra bit of motivation.”

Chinnama has been growing in stature in the Perth backline as the season has progressed. Whilst the Glory’s midfield and strikers have suffered from a seemingly endless run of injuries, head coach Stephen Peters has been able to select the same four names at the back. The Young Matilda’s understanding with Onyi Zogg, Nat Tathem, and Grace Johnston has blossomed week in-week out.

Above: Naomi Chinnama in action earlier in the season. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

“I think we’re starting to gel really nicely, and we can see that with how we’re playing. I trust them completely and I hope they feel the same way about me, and I just love working with them and for them,” said Chinnana.

She continued: “The team have been extremely helpful and I feel like each game, we’re all trying to be the best version of ourselves. Each game they’re pushing me and I do my best to put my best foot forward each match.”

Standing in the way of Perth recording a second straight win is Canberra United at their fortress McKellar Park home. The capital city side are one of a log jam of sides looking to make the top six. With the Glory seven points outside of the last Finals spot, Saturday’s encounter is hugely important for both sides, and Chinnama is realistic and up for the challenge.

“They’re a good squad, and they are holding their own. We definitely have to make sure we’re on top of everyone, and we know Michelle Heyman’s in there too, so we’ll have to keep our eyes on her!

“She’s a great player. I like that she continues to shatter expectations and done really well for Canberra and the Matildas. I just know that when we meet on the pitch, I’ll try my best to stop her, and she’ll do her best to get past me, and, yeh, that’s the game!”

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A brief history of Holly Furphy

By Kieran Yap 29/1/25

Above: Holly Furphy celebrates her goal against Sydney FC. Photo: A-Leagues

When Melbourne Victory defeated Sydney FC in Round 13 all the talk was about the two goal scorers. Alana Jancevski earned goal of the week for her thunderous free-kick, and Holly Furphy, the new signing who made an immediate impression.

Furphy entered the game in the 68th minute. Nine minutes later she had her first goal in the A-League Women. The unfamiliar number nine stayed onside, ran onto Rachel Lowe’s perfectly weighted ball, and rounded Brianna Edwards to effectively seal the win.

Furphy’s skill and composure in scoring would have been admirable in a 100 game veteran, for a first gamer it was extraordinary. But although she burst onto the scene this week, this moment has been a long time coming, and that that’s part of what makes it so exciting. This was no fluke, it is something the 22 year old has been building towards for years.

Furphy’s first introduction to football was at the age of 10 after trying out for the Yarra Jets. After trying other sports as a child, she found her calling. It was not long before the ambitious youngster was trying out for state representative teams, and although she was not accepted immediately, often facing rejection at the final hurdle,  she eventually earned a place in the Victorian NTC at the age of 13.

In 2016, she was in the Victorian state squad that won the championship, and finished as top goal scorer in the state for her age group.

The Emerging Matildas side in the NPLW Victoria was the next step, and Furphy was part of what is now a near mythical squad. The 2021 team featured the likes of Naomi Chinnama, Caitlin Karic, Alana Murphy, Claudia Mihocic, Rosie Curtis, Leia Varley, Sarah Cain, Francesca Iermano, Lucy Richards and Jessica Young, and were famous for a dominant 5-0 win over South Melbourne in a sadly cancelled season.

Furphy scored in that game, putting the ball past Matildas and A-League Women legend Melissa Barbieri, and while most of her teammates made their professional debut’s in the years since, Furphy took a different path, one that was more challenging but ultimately an opportunity of a lifetime.

The highly rated striker joined Santa Clara University in the U.S College System, the move is always a risky one for young Australian prospects. As we have seen with Tegan Micah, Beattie Goad and Amy Sayer, the pressure cooker environment and professional setting can create excellent footballers, but it means players are out of the view of Young Matildas selectors. It is a risk.

Above: Holly Furphy in action for the University of Santa Clara. Photo: University of Santa Clara.

Santa Clara turned out to be a good fit for Furphy as a player and under the tutelage of assistant coach, the World Cup legend Brandi Chastain, she found her feet. Her Freshman year was off to a promising start after four starts in five games, but it was sadly cut short by injury. Furphy’s Sophomore year saw her play 18 times and score twice while registering an assist.

Upon returning to Australia, Furphy earned an opportunity with the club she was once a train on player with. Injuries to fan favourites Paige Zois and Lia Privitelli opened up some roster space, and Jeff Hopkins welcomed back a player he placed under the tutelage of Natasha Dowie four years earlier.

“She’s always thinking about where can I go get the ball and be a threat,” said Hopkins of the then trainee in 2020.

“She has a lot of the characteristics of a good striker.”

Furphy is tall, fast and has quick feet. She is athletic, physical and as we saw on the weekend, has an eye for goal. Although she played out wide against Sydney FC, she is comfortable in the number nine role, and along with Ella O’Grady adds depth and goal threat to Victory’s squad.

Furphy is also known for her defensive pressure, something she always displayed in the NPLW and youth teams but was likely enhanced in the physically demanding college system. She can turn with the ball under pressure and is explosive when in space

The attacker looked fearless running at the sometimes-ruthless Sydney FC defenders, the likes of Tori Tumeth and Nat Tobin can intimidate even stars of this league, but Furphy showed no signs of apprehension and her first professional touch was a delightful one to skip clear of a lunging challenge perhaps intended to “welcome” her to The Dub.

Victory’s team is deep, but still finding their best football and lineup and this is another exciting development in a promising season. Furphy’s football journey began a long time ago, but Saturday might still be the start of something special.

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City’s latest signings debut in six goal thriller  

By Freya Hiscott for  Impetus  (27/01/25) 

Above: Aemu Oyama in action as she makes Manchester City debut in latest WSL fixture. Photo: @mancitywomen on Instagram.  

An insight into Manchester City’s newest signings, Kerolin Nicoli and Aemu Oyama, who both featured in City’s 4-2 WSL win against Aston Villa at the weekend.  

A background into Aemu Oyama 

Aemu Oyama was Manchester City’s second signing of the January transfer window. The 20-year-old midfielder signed from Waseda University until the summer of 2027. Oyama shines as a defensive midfielder with an abundance of strength, energy, and technical ability. In her words: “I have a wide vision, and I can create chances by passing in the way that the opposition team can’t even imagine.” By committing to the blues, Oyama will join one of her footballing idols, Yui Hasegawa. 

 
Oyama on the world stage 

Oyama is undoubtably one of Japan’s most promising and exciting young talents. Last summer Oyama featured in Japan’s U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign, scoring a goal in a 7-0 win against New Zealand during the Group Stages. She then helped her nation progress to the final where they were beaten by North Korea. 

Above: Aemu Oyama after signing her professional contract with Manchester City. Photo: @mancitywomen on Instagram.  

An insight into Kerolin Nicoli 

Kerolin Nicoli is a 25-year-old forward who has recently signed for this Manchester City side, keeping her at the Joie Stadium until the summer of 2028, joining from NWSL club North Carolina Courage. The Brazilian international is nearing 50 appearances for her nation after making her debut at only 18-years-old against England in 2018. Kerolin spent three successful seasons at North Carolina Courage. In 2023, she secured 14 goals in 24 appearances. Earning her the recognition of the league’s Most Valuable Player and being named in the NWSL’s Best XI for the season. 

International Career 

Kerolin has 45 caps for Brazil, playing in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, all be it Brazil failed to make it past the group stage. However, she recently represented her nation in the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning a silver medal. Contributing the to the 4-2 semi-final win over world champions Spain.  

Above: Kerolin Nicoli after signing her professional contract with Manchester City. Photo: @mancitywomen on Instagram.  

What will both of these new signings bring to Manchester City? 

After the early set-back of an Aston Villa goal six minutes in, City bounced back to dominate the game and secure three points with a convincing 4-2 win.  

With a brace from Vivianne Miedema and goals from both Mary Fowler and Jess Park. This fixture also saw the return of the league’s top goal scorer Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw after suffering from an injury early on in December. 

City’s strong showing provided the perfect opportunity for the Blues newest signings to make their debuts, helping them gain some match day experience ahead of a tough run of fixtures starting with Arsenal on Sunday. 

Whilst Aemu Oyama, aged just 20-years-old, is likely a signing for the future. City fans can expect Kerolin to make an immediate impact. Her ability to score with either foot playing as a centre forward or in a deeper lying position, makes her a versatile signing for this City side – with ambitions to be the best player in the world.  

Abdul-Massih wins it for Perth Glory

Perth Glory 3-2 Brisbane Roar

By Kieran Yap 26/1/25

Above: Ella Abdul-Massih celebrates with Charli Wainwright and Izzy Dalton after scoring her late winner for Perth Glory. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

Perth Glory have snatched a dramatic win against Brisbane Roar. The home side twice came from behind to score a 93rd-minute winner from an Ella Abdul-Massih free kick.

The two sides have mostly experienced very different seasons. Brisbane Roar have been flying high in the top half of the table, and thrilled fans as the highest-scoring team. Perth have struggled with form and injuries. However, neither of them had won in the last month and given the travel that Roar had to undertake, this was anybody’s game.

Things looked tough for the home side early on. Tameka Yallop opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a clever backheel after a corner kick fell to her at the six-yard box.

Brisbane looked in fine form and almost doubled the lead soon after. Sharn Freier’s close-range effort was well blocked by Casey Dumont. It would turn out to be a turning point in the game.

The in-form Caitlin Doeglas turned cleverly 18 yards from goal and struck past Olivia Sekany to level the scores. Brisbane answered almost immediately when Emily Pringle set up Grace Kuilamu to turn and shoot from close range.

Remarkably, the first-half scoring was not over and Doeglas brought up her brace when she raced in to steal the ball off Sekany’s toes and tap into an empty net.

Perth began the second term in the ascendancy with Nat Tathem instrumental in winning control of the midfield. Brisbane continued to test the Glory defence but both sides looked prone to a defensive error and it felt like luck played the largest part in the score staying level.

It was beginning to look like it was not Brisbane’s day when star winger Sharn Freier went off injured. The recent Wolfsburg signing went down after racing to cross the ball and was clutching her ankle. Reports from the league indicate that it is not serious, and all Australian football fans will be hoping that early news is accurate.

With the game headed towards a draw and both keepers denying chances to Doeglas and Alicia Woods respectively, it would take something special to win this one. Abdul-Massih delivered that in the 93rd minute.

The former Western Sydney Wanderers youngster was fouled when clear through on goal, with Holly McQueen sent off as a result. Brisbane would have felt confident that they could hold on for the draw with the professional foul having been committed outside of the box.

Absul-Massih had other ideas and confidently drilled the resulting free-kick low and hard beyond Sekany for a dramatic late win. It was Glory’s third win of the season and their first since November.

Next up, Stephen Peters’ side will look to build on this momentum with a tricky away trip to Canberra. Brisbane are now in real need of a win and will be tested by an unpredictable and dangerous Wellington Phoenix.

Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-1-4-1): Dumont, Mckenna, Zogg, Chinnama, Johnston, Cassidy, Wynn, Tathem, Dalton, Doeglas, Hollar. Substitutes: Sunaga, Foletta, Abdul-Massih, Wainwright, Templeman.

Scorers: Doeglas 29’, 34’, Abdul-Massih 90+3’.

BRISBANE ROAR (3-2-4-1): Sekany, McQueen, Varley, Blissett, Kruger, Woods, Pringle, Yallop, L Freier, S Freier, Kuilamu. Substitutes: De La Harpe, Hecher, Popadinova, Richards, Hoyos.

Scorers: Yallop 5’, Kuilamu 31’.

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance: 1,044.

Exclusive photography gallery from Rob Lizzi for Impetus at the Sam Kerr Football Centre

Above: Ella Abdul-Massih’s last gasp free-kick wins the game for Perth Glory. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

Above: Cailtin Doeglas (left) celebrates with Gabby Hollar after scoring. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

For more of Rob Lizzi’s exclusive photography from the game for Impetus, visit our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball

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