Above: Arsenal Manager Renée Slegers Photo: Arsenal FC
By Rachel Gore (13/03/25)
Arsenal’s manager, Renée Slegers, spoke to the media on building a “winning culture” at the club and “moving forward” after Sunday’s FA Cup elimination, focusing on a win this weekend.
Currently, Arsenal sits in third place in the WSL table, with just one point separating them from Manchester City, who are in fourth. Friday’s fixture, against eighth place Everton, is an opportunity for Slegers’ side to cement their place in the top three.
Currently, all the players who were available for Arsenal’s last match will be at hand for Everton away, but Slegers highlighted that her team still have “one more training to go.”
Speaking on Everton, Slegers described the side as an “unpredictable” and “challenging team” who frequently “change between systems.” She highlighted how they can shift well between an aggressive press and comfortable defence with their manager, Brian Sørensen, playing them “to their strengths.” On Friday, Sleger’s squad will try to “break down” Everton’s tactics and bring 3 points back to North London.
Arsenal’s last two clashes against Everton have resulted in draws, with their most recent game seeing neither team place the ball in the net.
On Sunday, in their FA Cup match against Liverpool, Sleger’s side came away goalless once more. This result was “very disappointing” for Arsenal and caused players to be “angry on Monday.” Earlier on in the season Arsenal came back well “from disappointing results” and Slegers is hoping that her players can “leave emotions from last Sunday behind.”
The manager has seen firsthand how “these emotions can lead to motivation” and was keen to mention the quality of play that had been displayed in their training session today. She also mentioned “it was one of the best sessions we’ve had since I’ve come here.”
One Arsenal player who appeared to be particularly distressed after Sunday’s match was goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar. Slegers highlighted the many times that “Daphne has saved us” and stated that, in her opinion, “that goal was very unlucky.” Since Sunday, van Domselaar has had a “constructive conversation” with Arsenal’s goalkeeper coach.
Arsenal’s elimination from the FA Cup is not the sole headline that came out of Sunday’s game; following the fixture Arsenal have launched an investigation into sexually inappropriate comments aimed at Liverpool’s Taylor Hinds. According to Slegers, these comments are “obviously not what we want in society at all”, nor do we want them “in a women’s football context.”
Other recent news in women’s football has focused on the number of manager departures. When asked about the sacking of Manchester City’s Garreth Taylor, Slegers said that she “wasn’t expecting it from the outside” and wished Gareth “all the best for the future.”
Following their elimination from the FA Cup, Arsenal are “still active in the league and the Champion’s League” and “have a big month coming up.” The club are still hoping to bring home silverware as they implement “a winning culture” from the inside. Slegers will continue to “play every player to their strengths.”
Arsenal face Everton on Friday 14th March, and the match will kick off at 19:00.
This article is based on an exclusive interview of Rosemary Durand, Team Manager & Player Care for DFCO (Dijon Football Côte d’Or) Arkema Première Ligue team, realized on January 21, 2025, by Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus Women’s Football.
Rosemary Durand was born on February 19, 2002, in Vesoul, France. From a young age, she does a lot of sport and quickly turns to football where she plays midfielder. She played in French “Régionale 1” (tiers 4) in Vesoul, Saint Vit and Longvic. Unfortunately, she had a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) for the second time in her young career and went under surgery at the end of last year; She is currently in recovery.
Above: Rosemary DURAND, Saint Vit (Blue 6). Photo: Franck LALLEMAND, Est Républicain
In addition to being on the field as a player, she carried out a mission as an educator in Vesoul and a year of civic service in Saint Vit where she was also an educator for U13 women’s and took care of the club’s communication on social networks.
Very involved in all the clubs where she went to help with events, working in the field of sport and particularly in sports management quickly became obvious to her. As she herself says: “I feel like it was innate and that I was predestined for working in sports since I was born.”
After three years of License in Sports Management in STAPS (Sciences et Techniques des Activités Physiques et Sportives – Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities), she is currently in the second and final year of a Master in Sports Management in Law, Economics and Management.
How do we become Team Manager & Player Care for DFCO?
“Although there is no specific diploma as for coaches, education in Sports Management shows the theoretical aspect of the function. After my License in STAPS, I chose to pursue a different master’s degree to adopt a different approach to sports management and complete my skills in law and economics.”
Above: Sylvain CARRIC, DFCO Women’s Section Manager and Rosemary DURAND, DFCO Team Manager and Player Care. Photo: Jean-Pierre THIESSET, Impetus.
“Small peculiarity with the DFCO, I played there for a year, and when you are young in my area the flagship club in women’s football is Dijon. I had been asking Sylvain Carric, Manager of the Women’s Section of the DFCO since July 2022, to integrate me into the club for a few years, and last year he had the opportunity to take me with him. Sylvain is a very good person, he supports me a lot, he is attentive to ensuring that I am fulfilled in my work and that is great.”
What does the profession of Team Manager & Player Care and your own role entail?
“This profession is first and foremost management and logistics, especially during travel for hotel reservations and transportation. At home it is necessary to organize the match with the delegates, the planning and the chronology of the event. So that is all that is organizational. I ensure every day that the training conditions are optimized for the players so that they work in an ideal and efficient environment. It is important that when the players and staff arrive, they only think about football. Team Manager is so diverse with many different situations that that is also what is fun about this job. This includes coordination with partner clubs to organize the entry of young girls escorting players onto the field as well as discussions with federal authorities, for example. I am the one who organizes all the relationships between the different services. I am the interface between the players and other club services.”
“The Player Care side is a little more individualized support for the players, accompanying them and supporting them daily for all extra-sporting aspects. As soon as the players arrive at the club, we must pick them up, do medical checks, integrate them and help them with everything administrative such as looking for an apartment, carry out the procedures with them for rental, electricity, gas and water contracts so that they integrate more easily into the club and into the city. Daily, it means helping them with the various needs they may have, such as processing taxes or finding a hairdresser (laughs). There are also relationships with family and plane reservations when they return to their family. There is hardly a day when I am not in demand and that is fine with me. This year, the additional particularity is that there are more foreigners and there is a need for support which is even much greater. So, Player Care is about supporting the players, accompanying them in everything they need and being there for them.”
“As it is someone who is not directly into sports, it is normal that we talk about her or him less, and she or his is therefore someone in the shadows. However, she or he is someone very important and I think that the more the players rise to a higher level, the more pressure they have, the more they must change countries, and therefore the more it is necessary for them to have extra-sporting support and that this support is in direct correlation with their performance on the field. I am convinced that it is a profession that should not be neglected.”
“There are a lot of things that I appreciate about this profession, especially the little moments of adrenaline before matches or before going on a trip where you say to yourself “is everything going to go well?”. Honestly, overall, everything is quite gripping in the end. There are always hazards and things that do not go as planned and you must quickly adapt and react; Above all, you must be proactive and anticipated, it is full of little challenges that I like, before the match everything must be ready and squared, and I appreciate these moments of adrenaline.”
What is the most difficult for you in this job?
“For me, now it is English language where I am not super comfortable and where I need to improve. The players are kind to me, and they speak to me slowly. I am also in the process of thinking about it and as soon as I have the opportunity, I will try to go somewhere to learn to speak English well because in a job like this it is essential to at least speak fluently English. Otherwise, the hardest part is managing to be organized on all the small missions that are entrusted to me, and which are so different. There are very small things and more important ones to manage, and you must be able to follow the thread, be organized and this is the most complicated so as not to forget anything. Ultimately, it is the hardest, but it is also what is the most exciting and when the players thank me, it makes me very happy because in the end I am doing it for them. It is a success for me when I see that they are fulfilled and satisfied and that makes me proud.”
What are the main qualities necessary to practice this profession?
“You must be very organized, in my opinion that is the basis, and have good interpersonal skills. You must be proactive, anticipate potential hazards and always be one step ahead. We also must have a sense of contact because we are in contact with the players, the staff, the management, the other clubs, the delegates, the federation and we therefore must know how to adapt depending on the public with which we interact.”
How would you like to direct your career?
“I am very happy here in Dijon but then we will see depending on the project that will be put in place for next season if it still corresponds to my values, my ambitions and my objectives. That being said, I am not forbidding myself from looking elsewhere because I want to gain experience and see how things work in other clubs. I would also like to go abroad because doing so would be a great experience. In the longer term, go from club to club to learn, then work in a national team.”
What message would you like to send to the DFCO women players and to young people, girls or boys, who would like to do this job?
“The women players on the DFCO team call me Mom, so I consider them a bit like my daughters, and I try to take care of them as much as possible. They pay it forward to me, as well as to the staff, through their performances and the results they obtain. It is a group that is really united and unique with a mix of foreigners and French people who work very well together. They are an exceptional group, and I will continue to take care of them and be kind to them. Ultimately, we are like a little family.”
“To young people, I would like to say that it is a superb profession and that you should come to it. It is important that we have young people, and not just girls, who are involved because we are the actresses and actors of tomorrow for the development of women’s football. It is important to get involved on the technical side but also on the management and organization side to move things forward and develop women’s football so that there is real recognition of this sport in France. Get involved in women’s football clubs from a young age, you will flourish there.”
Above: Rosemary DURAND, DFCO. Photo: DFCO
Rosemary impressed me with her maturity and her determination to move things forward in women’s football. She reassured me that this job as Team Manager & Player Care was more than important for the future of women’s football and that it deserves to come out of the shadows and finally be in the light.
Follow Impetus on social media –Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball Instagram: @impetusfootball
Above: Susan Phonsongkham speaking to the media today at Perth Glory’s Fremantle HQ.
Approaching her fourth season in a Perth Glory shirt, things had been looking good for Susan Phonsongkham. A new contract off of the back of arguably her best season for the club, and a hugely impressive NPLW Victoria season. Then it all went horribly wrong.
Phonsongkham had been a key part of the Preston Lions side that made the NPLW Victoria Grand Final in 2024, but during that big game, her last one before flying back to Perth to prepare for the A-League Women season, she suffered a devastating ankle injury.
It has been a desperately tough period for the 24-year-old attacker, who admitted today: “It was difficult for sure. I think it was the lowest I’ve ever been in terms of football, but it is what it is, it happens. Now I’m back!”
Back Phonsongkham definitely is. Her return to the Glory as a substitute in last Friday’s 3-0 win at Western United at the Sam Kerr Football Centre saw a cameo of everything that is so good about her. Centimetre perfect passes that curve into the strides of team mates, and devastating runs. The icing on the cake was a goal from the penalty spot.
“It means a lot to me, to be back playing with the girls, and just play for the fans and play for this club, and I want to do something for them…the home crowd has always been amazing here.
“It was really important for the girls to get three points, especially that game. Throughout this season we didn’t have the results we wanted.”
And, as for that penalty, there was just the merest hint of a rueful smile as Phonsongkham revealed how it came about that she took it.
Above: Susan Phonsongkham (left) in possession for Perth Glory on her return from injury against Western United on Friday. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
“I kinda asked for it, just for myself, personally to get my confidence back up and the girls were backing me all the way.”
The midfielder/striker came back into a Glory side now under the stewardship of Stephen Peters, someone who she feels has kept her included and feeling valued despite spending almost all of her time since he arrived at the club on the treatment table.
“I think for Stephen – I’ve obviously played against him in the NPL in New South Wales, so I kinda knew him from then. He has been amazing for us. Implementing different playing styles to what we had last year, so it was good to be fresh.”
That win over Western United has now reignited Perth’s Finals hopes. The Western Australians stand six points outside of the last spot in the six – currently held by Central Coast Mariners. This Friday they travel to Industree Group Stadium to face Emily Husband’s side in a huge contest. It would be a perfect time to earn their first away win of the campaign.
“It’s always been a talk in our group to make the top six,” Phonsongkham admitted. We just need to take one game at a time and see where it goes from there. It will mean a lot for us as a group, also for the fans and the coaching staff as well. It will be a massive, massive thing for the club.”
Whilst in the immediate term, the 24-year-old is solely focussed on hitting her straps once more on the pitch for Perth, she is also beginning to look ahead to what is to come in order to get her in the best possible position to come out flying at the start of next season – and had a message that the club’s fans should feel extremely positive about.
“I’d love to stay. I love the fans, I love the club. The place is amazing, I love Perth. I’m going to have to be smarter in the off-season and not push myself playing NPL if it’s not needed. Every injury I’ve had has come in the NPL and I’ve not been able to come into the (A-League) season fit and ready, so I’ll be smart and look into that.”
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.
Above: Fremantle City goalkeeper Megan Phillips is beaten by Jess Flannery’s rocket for Perth SC in today’s second semi-final. Photo: Rob Lizzi
Perth SC and Balcatta Etna ran out winners in today’s NPLW WA Night Series Semi-Finals with both sides recording 4-1 wins.
Balcatta Etna were first out of the blocks with another impressive performance in downing the talented new Football West Academy (formerly Hyundai NTC) side. Pete Rakic’s team are scoring goals for fun in the pre-season tournament, and this time had a brace from Lucy Jerram and one each from Abbey Meakins and Jamie-Lee Gale to push them into next Friday’s Final. Klaudia Houlis added to her excellent record of scoring in the tournament with the FWA’s goal on the night at Dorrien Gardens.
The second game between Perth SC and Fremantle City looked to be one which, in the build up, could favour the port city side. The Azzurri were coming into the game on the back of last week’s 5-2 loss to Balcatta in their final group game, where as free flowing Freo hit four against Perth RedStar.
Above: Jess Flannery in action in tonight’s second semi-final. The young attacker was a key player in Perth’s win. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
However, Sam Geddes’ team were unable to field any substitutes and also had to deal with an impressive display from Perth. That said, there were still more than enough moments for Freo to have had better luck on another night with Mia Yeo outstanding on the left.
Perth hit the front with 24 minutes played when Spencer failed to clear a ball across the box for Freo, and Daisy McAllister was on hand to smash home.
They doubled their lead just four minutes later with a sensational strike from Jess Flannery, who was found by McAllister on the left-hand edge of the area. Flannery, who missed much of last season through injury showed her immense talent to crash home a rocket shot.
However, Freo grabbed the momentum in the final seven minutes or so of the half and hit back when Janice Kiama forced the ball home from close range after the Azzurri failed to clear a corner from the right which led to a bout of penalty box pin ball.
Above: Perth SC’s Ruby Marshall (azure shirt) is tackled tonight. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Fremantle were unable to regain that spell of play after the break, and on the hour mark, Flannery received the ball from McAllister from a short corner on the right and hit a low ball into the mix that Violet Longmore looked to turn home inside the six yard box.
Yeo tried her best to grab a lifeline for Freo, forcing Dayle Schroeder into two saves, and seeing a shot go agonisingly wide of the right hand upright.
Perth had a chance to extend their lead further when Kiama brought down Louise Tana in the area, but Phillips got down low to the left to save Flannery’s penalty.
However, a fourth did come in the final minute of regulation time, when Kim McCartney’s free-kick from the right had too much power for Phillips.
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.
TOP, TOP BINS 🔥THAT IS AN ABSOLUTE SCREAMER!
What a way to score your first A-Leagues goal – outrageous from Mebae Tanaka for @WgtnPhoenixFC 🤯
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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