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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Fuller strike separates the Mariners and Wellington

Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Wellington Phoenix

By Jonathon Hagger (26/01/2024)

Above: Tianna Fuller strikes the winning goal for Central Coast Mariners. Photo: A-Leagues

Central Coast Mariners leapfrogged the Phoenix to re-enter the top six with this vital win at Woy Woy Oval today.

To the untrained eye, the opening minutes of the match may have appeared to have been unappealing but for the avid football fan, it was an interesting eight minutes as neither team were able to establish dominance. The quality of most passing and execution was right from the outset. Repeatedly though, the final passes for each team went astray with no real scoring opportunities being created.

That changed in the fifteenth minute when the Mariners went coast to coast off a well placed long ball reached Rasmussen who laid off a perfectly weighted ball to Fuller who unleashed a shot but the Phoenix keeper, Vilao, safely collected the ball.

With both teams’ attack being annulled by the other teams’ midfield a shift of intent happened from the twentieth minute with each side applying high press coverage and attempting to cut through with long passes along the pitch out wide and trying to get over the top. Neither team were really able to worry the opposition.

The 37th minute opened up the first chance for a goal to be scored as a very poor clearance by the Phoenix inside their sixteen years box was fluffed. Following a run right through the middle of the Phoenix by the Mariners midfielder Taylor Ray, defender Jaber tried to layoff a soft pass to her goalkeeper, but Vilao wasn’t expecting it, with Jaber receiving the ball straight back again and resorting to putting the ball out for a corner.

The Phoenix’s first real chance of scoring came about in the 44th minute as attacker Elliot created space on the left-hand wing, and crossed for the waiting Grace Jale who was well placed just on the outside of the six yard box, however the attacker was unable to get the right angle on her kick resulting in the the ball sailing well over the top of the Mariners goal.

With half time approaching both teams decided to up the ante in the additional minutes with each team creating chances to score. The 47th minute mistake by the Mariners of not clearing the ball well, resulted in attacker Jale receiving the ball and being able to pass to an unmarked Fergusson, but as she attempted to get the ball onto her shooting foot, Mariners goalkeeper Langman stretched her body to its full extent and managed to block the shot.

Coming back after half time both sides ratcheted up the energy levels and signs of enthusiasm. It didn’t take long for Central Coast to create space on the right wing through Fuller, whose cross into the penalty area bounced perfectly for an attacking player to score, but unfortunately for the Mariners, their attackers were not in a position to take advantage.

The first goal of the match came in the 53rd minute for the Mariners off a run by Nunn who was central on the pitch,  beat her marker, and passed to Fuller. A Hail Mary shot on goal from 20 metres out drifted over the head of the Phoenix goalkeeper, bounced off the the woodwork of the far post and into the net.

The Phoenix countered with some impressive setup passes from Whinham to Elliot then on to Fergusson, deep in the Mariners area, who found herself in a one on one challenge with the Mariners goalkeeper. But central defender Taylor Ray was able to use her speed and agility to cut inside Fergusson, dislodging the ball which was collected by the keeper.

It was at this time that something clicked for the Phoenix. Repeated corner opportunities from the hour mark allowed them to really apply pressure on the Mariners. Sadly for the Phoenix no goals were forthcoming, but that intent could be seen in the Phoenix defenders, Barry and Jaber, moving a lot higher up the pitch and putting themselves into space. Very much an ‘all hands on deck’ strategy.

Five minutes from the end, the visitors created an excellent opportunity with some classy passing and four attacking players in the 18-yard box but the Mariners stood up to the challenge posting seven defenders plus the goalkeeper. Once again, defender  Ray came to the rescue and put the ball out for an offensive corner for the Phoenix. In the same way the other corners played out, the Phoenix were unable to find a way to score.

Three minutes into added time, the Mariners almost added a second when Jade Pennock struck a beautiful pass into the goal area looking for Shadeene Evans, but high-quality defensive work from Jaber cleared the danger.

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-3-3): Willacy, Rowe, Nash, Ray, Martin, Quilligan (78’), Nunn, Galic, Pennick, Rasmussen (69’), Fuller (86’). Substitutes: Carmichael, Trimis (78’), Evans (69’), Kraszula, Seaman (86’).

Scorers: Fuller 53′.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (3-4-3): Vilao, Jaber, Barry, Kelly, Elliot, Wall (86’), McCutcheon, Longo, Whinham (74’), Jale, Fergusson (69’). Substitutes: Fienberg-Danielli, McMeeken (86’), Brazendale, Main (69’), Ingham (74’).

Referee: Rachel Mitchenson.

Attendance: 721.

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Jets and Canberra share the points in thrilling encounter

Newcastle Jets 2-2 Canberra United

by Isabelle Campbell (25/1/25)

Above: Canberra United’s Maja Markovski (green) tries to hold off a challenge in today’s game. Photo: Canberra United.

In a thrilling encounter at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle Jets and Canberra United played out a tight 2-2 draw.

The two sides went into the game with Jets eager to end their winless streak of six matches, while Canberra sought to extend their unbeaten run which went out to four matches after their game with Western Sydney Wanderers last time out.

Canberra United wasted no time taking control of the game, charging toward goal immediately after kickoff. Newcastle Jets quickly responded with an attack of their own after Hayley Taylor-Young fouled Sheridan Gallagher. The resulting free kick, however, soared over the bar and failed to trouble keeper Sally James.

In just the 10th minute, Lara Gooch capitalised on a Canberra mistake and fired a brilliant shot into the net, giving her side an early lead.

The match took a concerning turn soon after, as a heavy head collision between Tash Prior and Holly Murray forced both players to leave the pitch. Newcastle were particularly cautious owing to Prior’s extensive concussion history and chose not to take any risks.

Canberra turned their luck around when Sofia Christopherson found space and slotted the ball into the goal, bringing the scores level.

Possession remained evenly split, but Newcastle continued to look the more threatening in attack.

Matilda Michelle Heyman showcased her goal scoring abilities once again, extending her record as the A-League’s leading goalscorer with a perfectly-placed finish following an excellent assist from Taylor-Young. Up the other end of the pitch, Gallagher sent a dangerous cross into the area, but Libby Copus-Brown couldn’t keep her shot low, leaving Canberra unscathed.

As the half drew to a close, Newcastle had a chance to equalize through a corner. The ball pinballed around the box but was eventually cleared. Copus-Brown had the final effort of the half, unleashing a powerful strike that flew just off target, leaving Canberra ahead at halftime.

The second half began at a slower pace, with neither side creating significant chances early on. Cassidy Davis nearly sparked life into the match with a powerful strike that hit the post and rebounded dangerously out and then back toward the open goal, but Canberra’s defense managed a last-second clearance to keep their lead intact.

Canberra continued to press for an advantage, creating multiple opportunities but failing to find the finishing touch. Newcastle had a free kick in a promising position but couldn’t make it count.

The breakthrough came when Josie Allan showcased her skill, weaving through the visitors’ defence before delivering a perfect pass to Sheridan Gallagher who confidently found the back of the net, leveling the score and reigniting Newcastle’s hopes.

However, Gallagher’s night took a turn for the worse in the dying minutes of regular time. After receiving her second yellow card, she was sent off, leaving Newcastle to battle through the final minutes with just 10 players. Despite the five minutes of stoppage time, neither side could find a winner, and the match ended in a hard-fought draw.

Next week will see Newcastle Jets travel to take on the Central Coast Mariners whilst Canberra United return home to face off against Perth Glory. Both sides will be looking to gain more than just the singular point earned from this match.

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (4-1-4-1): Krzyzaniak, Cicco, Prior, Davis, Dundas, Copus-Brown, Allan, Gallagher, Hoban, Baumann, Gooch. Substitutes: Wilson, Breier, Allan, Robertson, Adams.

Scorers: Gooch 10’, Gallagher 71’.

CANBERRA UNITED (3-2-4-1): James, Anton, Murray, Nathan, Stanic-Floody, Robers, Taylor-Young, Christoperson, Bertolissio, Gordon, Heyman. Substitutes: McKenzie, Dos Santos, Markovski, Malone, Majstorovic.

Scorers: Christopherson 24’, Heyman 29’.

Referee: Caitlin Williams.

Attendance: 3,264.

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City edge past Wanderers in hard fought battle

Western Sydney Wanderers 0-1 Melbourne City

by Alice de Koster-Kitto (25/1/25)

Above: Melbourne City (sky blue) and Western Sydney Wanderers contest possession today. Photo: Melbourne City.

Melbourne City have maintained their excellent campaign in a well-fought 1-0 victory against Western Sydney Wanderers and Wanderers Football Park on Saturday.

The fixture was set to be an exciting match-up, with the two sides currently sitting at opposite ends of the ladder. Melbourne City went into the game in second while Western Sydney Wanderers were at the bottom of the ladder.

Despite this disparity, and City clearly having the upper hand, the match was fairly even for the majority of play. Western Sydney displayed strength in their defensive structure that hasn’t been seen yet this season, putting pressure on the visitors.

The first real chance came from the hosts in the 3rd minute, with an excellent run from Ella Buchanan, who didn’t quite have the footing behind it to open the scoring.

Western Sydney continued their streak of shots, with another good strike from Danika Matos, who couldn’t find the back of the net.

The scoring was opened in the 14th minute by Holly McNamara, assisted by Mariana Speckmaier. The goal was a momentous one, as the match marks McNamara’s first start in over a year, following her third anterior cruciate ligament injury. The 22-year-old remains the top scorer in this fixture and has further proven her importance to Melbourne City’s squad.

Although City’s lead inspired the visitors to put pressure on the Wanderers’ defence, the hosts maintained their dominance in terms of shots on target and continued to make tactical plays in dangerous areas throughout the remainder of the first half. The visitors remained ahead at the break.

Following an ankle injury at the end of the first half, Western Sydney’s Sienna Saveska was taken off at half-time, making way for Ena Harada, who made an instant impact on the pitch, involving herself in several great opportunities, that looked to be propelling the Wanderers towards an equaliser.

The match remained fairly even overall throughout the second half. Melbourne City continued to move with a sense of cohesion, while Western Sydney remained dominant in the attacking end, making it quite difficult to tell where the next goal would come from, if at all.

Lourdes Bosch found Holly McNamara well in the 48th minute, giving McNamara an excellent chance to net her second goal of the match, however, the strike was just wide of goal.

Just minutes after her strike, Holly McNamara made way for defender Karly Rostbakken, causing some reshuffling within the City squad, that would ultimately strengthen their defence, making the Wanderers attempt to dismantle their backline, increasingly difficult.

As stoppage time approached, the pitch became a place of greater intensity, when Western Sydney was momentarily left down a player, as Sophie Harding was taken off with injury. Cushla Rue and Bronte Trew made their way onto the pitch shortly after the disruption and quickly amended any uncertainty within the Wanderers side.

Cushla Rue made the first attempt from either side in quite some time, shortly after coming onto the pitch, however, the attempt was off target. Despite the miss, Rue’s shot picked up the momentum of the match, as both sides desperately searched for a second goal.

A chance from Leticia McKenna in the 67th minute got the visitors dangerously close to a second goal, however, a deflection from Shamarin Khamis, kept the score as it was.

Despite Western Sydney’s best efforts in the closing stages, it was City who took another set of three points.

The victory has extended City’s impeccable campaign this season and will send them into next weekend’s top-of-the-table match-up against Melbourne Victory at home,  with confidence as they try to maintain their top place ranking.

Western Sydney Wanderers will head to Ironbark Fields to face Western United during round 14. Although Western United would be expected to come out on top of that matchup, the Wanderers showed a defensive effort and squad cohesion today that has been missing from their side so far this season.

Kris Goman’s EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from the match for Impetus is now on our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball.

Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-3-3): Khamis, Matos, Lobo, Harrison, Buchanan, Chessari, Price, Bennett, Younis, Harding, Saveska. Substitutes: Segavcic, Ferris, Trew, Rue, Harada.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-2-2-2): Mieres, Apostolakis, Stott, Otto, Vlajnic, Davidson, Hughes, McKenna, Speckmaier, Bosch, McNamara. Substitutes: Barbieri, Roestbakken, Pollicina, McMahon, Murray.

Scorers: McNamara 14′.

Referee: Bec Mackie.

Attendance: 634.

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Americans on target as Adelaide and Western share the spoils

Adelaide United 1-1 Western United

by Emma Burke (25/1/25)

Above: Nanako Sasaki breaks through for Adelaide United in today’s game. Photo: Adelaide United.

Finals hopefuls Adelaide United and Western United shared the points in their battle at the Marden Sports Complex today.

The home side took an early lead through Erin Healy. The American international took off down the left flank on an individual mission and wasn’t interrupted by a single defender on her way, before stepping into the centre and firing from the top of the box. 

The curling right-footed shot made its way into the top right corner, out of reach of a diving Chloe Lincoln.

Western United had multiple opportunities to equalise during the rest of the first half, with chances falling to both Kahli Johnson and Captain Chloe Logarzo.

They finally found a goal just after the hour mark through their American Catherine Zimmerman. 

The former Melbourne Victory star’s close range effort was shot with strength behind it that had it hitting the back of the net before Adelaide United keeper Claudia Jenkins could even react.

With the points shared, Adelaide United remain in third on the table, while Western United sit just outside the top six in seventh place.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (3-4-3): Jenkins, Tolland, McNamara, Tonkin, Leon, Morgan, Sasaki, Hodgson, Dewey, Dawber, Healy. Substitutes: Karambasis, Mullan, Bowler

Scorer: Healy 9’.

WESTERN UNITED (4-2-2-2): Lincoln, Grove, Maher, Dehakiz, Sardo, M. Taranto, Eggesvik, Logarzo, A. Taranto, Zimmerman, Johnson. Substitutes: De Demizio, Roach

Scorer: Zimmerman 61’.

Referee: Izzy Cooper.

Attendance: 786.

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Slegers: “We have big belief in what we are doing”

By Rachel Gore (25/1/25)

Above: Renée Slegers addresses the media ahead of Sunday’s match against Chelsea Photo: Arsenal FC

Arsenal manager Renée Slegers acknowledged what Sunday’s top of the table clash “means for fans and players” and described how Arsenal is going for the win whilst also admitting her respect for Chelsea.

Slegers addressed the media this afternoon ahead of Sunday’s top of the table clash against Chelsea.

Arsenal currently behind Chelsea in the WSL table and, therefore, all eyes are on their upcoming face off. In addition to gaining three points, Arsenal fans hope that their team will end Chelsea’s unbeaten streak.

According to Slegers, Arsenal is “aware of the threats” that Chelsea has. Specifically, she mentioned their strong upfront players and the way that they’re “goal directed” in and around the box. In response to this, the Gunners will have to be “disciplined” in their “defensive structure”.

Furthermore, she highlighted the opportunistic nature of Chelsea when she said: “they are a team that when they get chances in the game, they are likely to take them, I think that is one of their big strengths; when they get momentum, they capitalise.” This attack-driven gameplay will require Arsenal to have “high concentration levels all the way through”. A particular focus will be on the first 15 minutes which have been noted as being “important” when staff have broken down previous games “into 15-minute blocks”.

Slegers also reflected on the last time Arsenal faced Chelsea, which resulted in a victory for the Blues. She highlighted that their “momentum” then was different as they had just lost to Bayern Munich away.

Expanding on this, she said: “I and the players have a big belief in what we’re doing at the moment”. They recognise “how good Chelsea is” but will “go for the win”.

Despite this belief, Slegers acknowledged that the game will be tight with physical battles and shifting momentum. She said that the team “don’t expect to win every game”, emphasising that they are “very humble for every task”. They are being “realistic about the opposition and their strengths” and they “want to take this game and approach it as any other game”.

When expressing her “respect” for Chelsea, Slegers also admitted her admiration for their manager, Sonia Bompastor. She said that the manager is “really trying to get the best out of that team”.

Beyond this, Slegers spoke on the significance of having two female managers, who are currently managing the best two teams in the country, go head-to-head. She described how it “says something about the opportunities given and how different federations are working to get more women into top roles in football”. This evidence of female managerial talent is also a testament to the increasing “opportunities for women in sport in general”.

Speaking on her own players, Slegers confirmed that Caitlin Foord and Lia Walti will be back in the squad following their absence at Wednesday’s Brighton game. She said that they were “both on the pitch today” and that their removal from Wednesday’s squad was simply a precaution.

Wednesday’s match against Brighton also saw Slegers utilise different players, one of which being Rosa Kafaji. Speaking on Kafaji and her performance, Renee said that she sees her “as a very good player for now and for the future of Arsenal”. She highlighted the positive qualities that Kafaji brings to the team, including deep runs, dribbling and strong 1v1 battles.

One player who scored on Wednesday, and has impressed as of late, is Alessia Russo. When asked about the striker, Slegers said: “I’m very impressed with who Alessia is as a person, she’s just a very good person. She cares for everyone and her teammates, cares for staff, treats everyone with respect.” The manager also highlighted the hard work she puts in on the training pitch, highlighting that “she’s a great player to work with”.

It was Wednesday which also bought Kyra Cooney-Cross’ first official Arsenal goal. Slegers described the Matilda as “an excellent player” mentioning that younger players can “need some time to adjust” when moving to a club like Arsenal. She highlighted that Cooney-Cross has “invested a lot of work” and that this has led staff to be “very happy with her” and “the level that she’s performing at now”.

Questions were also asked about the young Arsenal players who have recently been loaned to Championship League clubs. These are Laila Harbert, Vivienne Lia and Madison Earl. Slegers said that the club try to find what’s “best for these players in the short term and long term” and that it’s good for the young Gunners to “go out on loan and get some minutes”.