Holly Mac keeps City on Track

Wellington Phoenix 0-1 Melbourne City

By Kieran Yap 30/3/25

Above: Holly McNamara (left) is congratulated by Leticia McKenna after her goal. Photo: Melbourne City

A Holly McNamara goal, her 12th of the season, has given Melbourne City a vital win away to Wellington Phoenix and maintained their lead at the top of the table with two games left to play.

City arrived in New Zealand in strong form, a 3-0 win the previous weekend in the Asian Champions League was followed up by a 4-0 thrashing of Brisbane Roar on Wednesday. With second placed Melbourne Victory closing in, another win here was crucial and would maintain a five point gap between first and second spot on the ladder.

Wellington needed a win to maintain any mathematical chance of reaching sixth place on the ladder, and even in the best case scenario would need other results to go their way. Still they began in aggressive style. Emma Main’s cross from the right almost set up Olivia Ferguson for the opening goal. The header flashed wide.

City played their usually possession game and looked to build through the midfield or Lourdes Bosch on the right wing. Wellington had some success in crowding the centre of the pitch rather than trying to press high up the pitch for the visitors to play through.

This made for a combative midfield tussle. Annalie Longo and Laura Hughes both looked to exert their influence and for the opening half hour, the strikers from either side were isolated.

The breakthrough came on the 35th minute. McNamara volleyed home the cross from Bosch with instinct and technique. The shot took Carolina Vilao by surprise, but was perfectly directed to beat the Portuguese goalkeeper.

McNamara would have two clear chances to double the lead. First after winning possession and shooting just moments after scoring, and again with a second half penalty that Vilao was equal to. The save lit up the home crowd and gave Wellington some added inspiration for the second half.

For the last 20 minutes of the game, a Wellington equaliser looked likely and may have been deserved. The Phoenix were pushing for a goal, maintained attacking pressure and delivered a series of promising attacks, but they were missing the cutting edge or composure to finish them.  The introductions of Alyssa Whinham and Mebae Tanaka added some pace to the side, but neither was able to really test Malena Mieres.

For all their positive play, Wellington’s best chance of the match came in the first half when a corner kick looked to be headed directly for the net, only for City to scramble clear with the desperation of a side hungry for a second successive premiership.

It bodes well for City in the remaining matches of the home and away season. They can win with style, or grind out a result, and when it matters, luck is falling their way.

City next host The Newcastle Jets in a game that could possibly seal the premiership, while Wellington continue the fight with a trip to face Canberra United.

Teams: Wellington Phoenix 4-4-2: Vilao, Jaber, Kelly, Barry, Wall, Main, McCutcheon, Jale, Elliot, Longo, Fergusson. Substitutes: McMeeken, Whinham, Tanaka, Neary, Brazendale.

Melbourne City 4-4-2: Mieres, Roestbakken, Stott, Otto, Apostolakis, Bosch, Davidson, Hughes, Speckmaier, McNamara, McKenna. Substitutes: Pollicina, McMahon, Henry, Vlajnic, Barbieri.

Goals: McNamara 35’

Referee: Bec Mackie

Attendance: 862.

Sorensen: “… if we give them a bit, they will take advantage of it.”

By Alyce Collett (29/03/2025)

Above: Brian Sorensen in training. Photo: Everton Women.

Following the highs of a big win over Crystal Palace last weekend, Brian Sorensen’s Everton face a different challenge on Sunday as they face third-placed Manchester United.

After picking up the win last weekend, Sorensen said that his side “are all in good spirits” at the moment. He added that “we gave them two days off after that game because it was a Saturday game and now we play Sunday, so I think they also enjoyed that.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s match against Manchester United, Sorensen highlighted the squad that United manager Marc Skinner has at his disposal: “[Manchester United] have a very good team…some really good young players in it, but also some really experienced ones.”

Speaking further about his opponent, Sorensen picked out keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce for particular praise, admitting that he believes the Reds’ American goalkeeper “has done exceptionally well”.

Everton have been able to match top teams fairly well this season, however Sorensen reiterated that because his side is now better resourced than they were earlier in the year, the team is now “in a different place in terms of how we can approach the game.”

“For example the game plan, but also what does it look like in the last 30 minutes or 15 minutes of the game, depending on different scenarios and so on. So we feel more prepared to take the teams above us on.”

As much as all the talk around Everton recently has been the new signings in attack, one of the side’s best players in their win over Crystal Palace was defender Sara Holmgaard.

“I think Sara’s just been consistent now for a long period of time, which wasn’t the case in the beginning with the injuries she had,” Sorensen said.“We know her qualities. She has a good engine. She can go up and down and she has a really good left foot, but in the box, she’s a threat on the header. So yeah, I would like to have her delivery, but I also want to have her in the box. But she showed both last weekend, so that’s good.”

Above: Sara Holmgaard for Everton. Photo: Everton Women

One thing that has been much talked about with the Everton side this season is its ability to adapt, but Sorensen was very adamant that “It’s not going to be any different from us in terms of we have a game plan and we see opportunities where we also can hurt them.”

“Of course we know our defence have to be at our best and we have to be very concentrated for the full 90 minutes because if we give them a bit, they will take advantage of it.”

Everton make the short journey to Manchester on Sunday. Kick off is at 12pm at Leigh Sports Village, and the match will be televised on BBC iPlayer in the UK.

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Canberra gain superb win in Perth as Finals race heats up

Perth Glory 1-2 Canberra United

by Isabelle Campbell (29/3/25)

Above: Mary Stanic-Floody celebrates her goal, which put Canberra United 2-0 up from the penalty spot today. Photo: A-Leagues.

Perth Glory’s comeback effort fell just short as they were defeated 2-1 by Canberra United at Sam Kerr Football Centre.

Despite a second-half goal from Tijan McKenna, the hosts couldn’t find an equaliser, and Canberra ended their winless streak with an important victory between two sides looking to break into the top six.

Perth were looking to build on their recent strong form, and with the visitors enduring a tough six-match winless streak, the hosts were determined to take full advantage of their strong record on home soil. The Glory had extended their unbeaten run to three games following a 1-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers, and were eager to continue their momentum against a Canberra side struggling to find their momentum.

The Glory didn’t waste any time, with Kelli Brown firing the first shot of the match, a long-range attempt that was comfortably gathered by Canberra keeper Sally James. Perth’s Megan Wynne then won a free kick after being fouled. Captain Izzy Dalton stepped up, but her delivery failed to trouble James.

Canberra responded with a corner kick of their own, where Mary Stanic-Floody, known for her dangerous shots from distance, unleashed a strike that threatened but was cleared by Perth’s defence. Things then took a concerning turn when Glory’s Nat Tathem went down clutching her knee, forcing an early substitution that left the Western Australians without one of their strongest players of the season.

Perth continued to press and nearly found the breakthrough as the ball pinged around the goalmouth, but it was cleared to safety. However, it was Canberra who struck first. Stanic-Floody delivered a well-placed ball to the league’s all-time leading goal scorer, Michelle Heyman, who made no mistake in putting the ball past keeper Casey Dumont.

The visitors then doubled their advantage shortly after when Tijan McKenna fouled in the penalty area. Stanic-Floody stepped up for the spot-kick and, in her 50th A-League appearance, made it 2-0, sending Dumont the wrong way.

As the match settled into a quieter phase, both teams struggled to find any rhythm in attack. With just six minutes remaining in the half, Glory’s Georgia Cassidy won another free kick, but the opportunity came to nothing. Sarah O’Donoghue tried to line up McKenna, but James was equal to it once again, keeping her clean sheet intact. Grace Johnston then made a strong run down the right flank, only to see her shot narrowly miss the mark.

With no further chances, the whistle blew for half-time, and the players headed into the break to cool off, not just from the scorching Perth heat but also the intense emotions of the opening 45 minutes.

The second half set off in the same intense fashion, with Heyman going down in the box and being awarded a penalty. Bethany Gordon faced off against Dumont but sent the ball too high and missed the mark, much to the relief of the Perth crowd.

Perth’s luck finally turned in the 60th minute when Tijan McKenna fired a shot into the net, bringing the Glory back into the game and reigniting their hope of a chance at making the finals. Eyes were again on McKenna as she darted towards goal and laid it off for Brown, who was unable to keep her shot low enough to find the net.

Having only spent a short amount of time on the pitch, Susan Phonsongkham had an attempt at leveling the score, but couldn’t generate enough power on the ball to trouble James. At the other end, Canberra came close when Darcey Malone created a chance that rolled across the face of goal, but no one was there to tap it in.

Perth fans were left holding their breath once again when a ball delivered by Izzy Foletta found a purple shirt in the box, though the shot rebounded off the woodwork and was quickly cleared by Canberra’s defence.

Despite their best efforts, the home side couldn’t find an equalizer, and the match ended 2-1 in favour of Canberra. The victory provided them with a crucial boost in their own finals chase.

Perth now need to beat both Sydney FC away and Melbourne City at home on the final day to have any hope of making the top six – but after this defeat, the gap is now five points, which makes it almost impossible to make up.

Canberra United will now have another huge game in the finals race against a fellow top six hopeful next week when they play host to Wellington Phoenix.

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

Goals: McKenna 60’.

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

Goals: Heyman 16’, Stanic-Floody (pen) 20′.

Referee: Molly Godsell.

Attendance: 896.

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Late Flannery strike seals big Victory in second v third clash

Melbourne Victory 2-1 Adelaide United

by Emma Burke (29/3/25)

Above: Nikki Flannery (right) celebrates her late winner for Melbourne Victory against Adelaide United today. Photo: A-Leagues.

A late goal from Nicki Flannery has kept Melbourne Victory’s Premiership hopes alive after defeating Adelaide United 2-1 at AAMI Park today.

The South Australian side were forced into a change just before kick-off, with their starting keeper Claudia Jenkins, who recently declared for New Zealand, getting injured during warm-up. It led to a debut for 16-year-old Ilona Melegh between the sticks for the Reds.

After an uneventful first half, Victory broke the deadlock when Flannery converted her first for the night with a world-class finish from the top of the 18-yard box with just over 20 minutes to play. Jessica Young, in her second appearance for Victory, provided Flannery with the assist.

Adelaide found themselves back in the game when Victory striker Emily Gielnik gave up an unnecessary penalty by raising her arm and getting hit with the ball from a free kick delivery.

The penalty, taken by Dylan Holmes, was perfectly executed, hit with power and sending keeper Courtney Newbon in the wrong direction.

With the score levelled and less than four minutes of regulation time left to play, Adelaide kicked the intensity up a notch.

Unfortunately, the tactic change left them exposed, allowing Victory the opportunity to find their second and winning goal for the afternoon.

In a moment of swift redemption, Gielnik ran onto a wide ball, taking it to the touchline before sending in a well-timed cross to meet the head of Flannery who was positioned on the penalty spot.

All Flannery had to do was redirect the ball on target, which she did with ease, securing Melbourne Victory all three points and keeping them within reach of the Premier’s plate.

For a superb set of the images from the game by Impetus’ Beck Hartley, check out our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball

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

Scorers: Flannery 69’, 90+1’.

ADELAIDE UNITED (3-4-1-2): Melegh, Tonkin, McNamara, Tolland, Hodgson, Sasaki, Holmes, Leon, Condon, Dawber, Worts. Substitutes: I. Hodgson, Karambasis, Morgan, Kirkby

Scorer: Holmes 86’ (pen).

Referee: Isabella Cooper.

Attendance: 1,716.

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Sydney take derby honours as Finals hopes live on

Western Sydney Wanderers 0-2 Sydney FC

by Ben Gilby (28/3/25)

Above: Sydney FC celebrate after Indiana dos Santos (second left) put her side 2-0 up in the derby tonight. Photo: Sydney FC.

Sydney FC’s hopes of clinching what, for so long looked to be a highly unlikely place in the Finals, are firmly on thanks to this success in the Sydney derby at Marconi Stadium tonight.

A penalty from Mackenzie Hawkesby in first-half stoppage time and Indiana dos Santos’ strike with just over 25 minutes to go sealed the Sky Blues’ third win in their last four games, with the latter also claiming the record as the youngest ever scorer in a Sydney derby.

It was dos Santos who was the standout player in an attacking sense in the first half. She forced Sham Khamis into the first serious save of the match and then saw a power blaster of an effort go wide.

The 17-year-old was also involved in the build-up to her side’s opening goal three minutes into additional time in the opening half. Her corner from the right fell for Maddie Caspers who looked to beat Amy Harrison, only for the Wanderers defender to handle in the box.

Mackenzie Hawkesby stepped up to power the ball down the centre and beat Khamis in the Wanderers’ goal.

Sydney kept up the momentum in the early stages of the second half. Just three minutes in, Caley Tallon-Henniker advanced along the right flank and held off her opponent well to step back and feed Hawkesby behind her. The attacker burst into the box, leaving would-be tacklers in her wake to hit a powerful shot that went into the side netting.

Above: Mackenzie Hawkesby (right), who put Sydney FC 1-0 up from the penalty spot, looks to escape from Western Sydney Wanderers’ Amy Chessari. Photo: Sydney FC.

Five minutes later, Bronte Trew was released with a superbly weighted low pass through the midfield, which rolled perfectly into her stride to advance into the box, and just held off two defenders to release a shot that was well saved by the outstretched foot of Sydney keeper Jasmine Black.

Sydney hit back strongly with Millie Farrow showing her influence after coming on as a sub. First, the English striker saw an effort go high over the bar after being found by more excellent wing play from Tallon-Henniker. Then, she squared the ball off to Princess Ibini positioned 25 yards outside the area, to the left of centre. Ibini’s first-time shot came crashing off of the crossbar.

The second goal finally came after 64 minutes. Wanderers coughed up possession trying to play out from the back, allowing Farrow to break forward towards the left-hand post before laying off perfectly into the path of dos Santos to fire first-time high into the far corner of the net.

Wanderers tried to rally, and with a quarter of an hour remaining, with Trew central to their remaining opportunities. First, her shot rolled agonisingly against the right-hand post. Then, Sophie Harding played a glorious one-touch side-footed pass with the inside of the boot into Trew’s path centrally in the box, but the shot went frustratingly wide of the left-hand post.

With two minutes remaining, Western Sydney spurned their final chance. Madison McComasky played in Trew, who had her back to goal, and on the turn, placed a shot well wide of the right-hand post.

Whilst Sydney left Marconi Stadium with the points, it could have been a different story had the Wanderers been able to be far more accurate in front of goal. The creativity was good, the finishing less so. It will now be extremely difficult for them to avoid the wooden spoon this season.

The Sky Blues now return to the Harbour City for their penultimate game of the home-and-away season against a Perth Glory side who, on one hand are yet to win on the road this season, but on the other, should they defeat Canberra United tomorrow, will set up next weekend’s match as a virtual elimination final. Sydney then face a tricky trip to Adelaide United on the final weekend.

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

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

Scorers: Hawkesby 45’+3 (pen), dos Santos 64′.

Referee: Page Malau-Aduli.

Attendance: 1,409.

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Skinner:“I am so, so proud of the way she has been able to deal with it”

By Catherine MacKenzie (28/03/2025)

Above: Marc Skinner and Ella Toone. Photo: Manchester United

Manchester United face a much-changed Everton in the Women’s Super League this Sunday. Ahead of the game, head coach Marc Skinner has been talking about his fear of The Toffees’ “unpredictability”.

This weekend, Manchester United face a resurgent Everton. The Toffees dismantled Crystal Palace 3-0 in their last run out, with goals from Kelly Gago, Justine Vanhaevermaet, and Sara Holmgaard. Recent games have also seen them beat Aston Villa 2-0, with goals from new signing Maren Mjelde and Japanese International Honoka Hayashi. Between September and December, the club scored six goals in the WSL; since January, they have scored fifteen. Under new ownership, the club made six significant signings in the January transfer window, and this investment is paying off.

Above: Everton celebrate their win over Villa. Photo: Everton Women

Since January, Everton’s goal scorers have come from across the pitch, with an unpredictable attacking shape meaning opponents need to adapt throughout the game. Referencing this unpredictability, United head coach Marc Skinner declared that his team are prepared for the possibility of facing different shapes. He added that although the Toffees tend to “give you space”, United will “have to be really focused” to manage their unpredictable attacks.

In the media, there has been a relatively rare week of positivity for Skinner. Ella Toone, arguably United’s most recognisable player, spoke about the support she has felt from her club coach throughout the most difficult season of her career. Following the loss of her father last September, she experienced her first major injury as a professional player, ruling her out of contention for both United and England for two months.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Toone said: “Throughout the hardest part of my whole life, he was there, and he got me through it. I know that his door’s always open, and I can have an honest conversation with him and ask for advice, but also, if I need a shoulder to lean on, I know that I can lean on him”.

In an era where news coming out of either Manchester United team (men’s or women’s) is rarely positive, this was a welcome story for Skinner. Although he says that this kind of heartwarming message from one of his players is harder to deal with personally than the criticism that comes with his job, he added that he is “so, so proud of the way she has been able to deal” with the last few months.

This also comes at a time when there has been the occasional story about player distress at Manchester United. In an Instagram post in February, Brazilian forward Geyse wrote “staying in a place where we don’t feel happy is an agonising and lonely feeling. Every day seems heavier, and the simple fact of being there becomes a burden”. The club have consistently denied that there is a negative environment around the women’s team, and Skinner shared his hope that Toone’s comments will “tell the truth about the environment and about me as a person”.

Above: Geyse celebrates. Photo: Matt Appelby

The head coach was also asked about how he is planning to help players navigate the complex months leading up to a major international tournament (this summer’s European Championships), whilst maintaining their attention at club level. Skinner highlighted the importance of good relationships with teams from the national set-up; the head coach alongside their sports science staff. “I talk with Sarina before and after every camp”, he shared, adding that they “have a good relationship”.

The next few weeks are make-or-break for United’s season; although they are currently seven points ahead of Manchester City in the third Champions League place, they also have the toughest run-in. In their final weeks, United face West Ham, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Whilst most focus is on the final three games against the rest of the top four, the two games against resurgent Everton and West Ham are vitally important to maintain the difference to their cross-city rivals.

In a boost to United fans’ hopes, Skinner shared that barring long-term injuries (Evie Rabjohn) and suspensions (Gabby George), the entire squad is fit ahead of Sunday’s game.

Manchester United v Everton kicks off at 12:00 GMT on Sunday and will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer in the UK. Australian coverage will be on Optus Sport.

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Cassidy: I was so motivated to come back sooner than predicted

by Ben Gilby (27/3/25)

Above: Perth Glory’s Georgia Cassidy speaking at today’s media conference. Image: Perth Glory.

Perth Glory’s Young Matildas midfielder Georgia Cassidy has revealed that her firm determination to disregard medics’ advice that she would be out injured for the rest of the A-League Women season spurred her recovery to return and influence her side’s last four matches of the home-and-away season.

Cassidy injured her quad against Brisbane Roar in January, and whilst the initial prognosis was serious, the 19-year-old showed character and grit to return to action at least a month sooner than originally expected.

“It was pretty hard watching (from the sidelines),” the Perth-local said, “but the support around me was pretty good, which made it a lot easier…knowing that I was going to be out (originally) for the rest of the season just motivated me to come back sooner.”

The midfielder’s comeback game came in last weekend’s vital victory over Western Sydney Wanderers, which, thanks to Izzy Folletta’s goal in second-half injury time, kept the Western Australian side’s Finals hopes alive.

“I’ve been waiting a long time (to get back to full fitness)…and to come away with the win was very good,” the Young Matilda smiled.

Above: Georgia Cassidy (right) in action against Western Sydney Wanderers last weekend on her return from injury. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

While Cassidy looked to fit seamlessly back into the purple machine, she did admit that the one thing that proved to be a bit of a challenge was match sharpness after her time on the treatment table. The teen starlet recognised the influence of co-captain Izzy Dalton around her on the pitch to keep her going.

“You know you can always trust her…she always lifts you up as well,” the midfielder said.

The Glory now have a huge game on Saturday in their bid to make Finals. Canberra United, who are just two points ahead of Cassidy and her teammates come to the Sam Kerr Football Centre, where Perth are in red hot form.

Another home win will give the Western Australian side a massive confidence boost to their hopes going into the last two games of the campaign, which will see them travel to Sydney FC and host unbeaten Melbourne City on the final weekend.

This will be the third time that Canberra and Perth have met this season. The previous results were a draw in Sydney during Unite Round and a frustrating defeat in the national capital despite the Glory having more shots on target, a greater percentage of possession, and greater passing accuracy.

Cassidy feels there is unfinished business between the two sides, and this Saturday will be the perfect time to put things right. No extra motivation is needed. “We feel like they just snagged points off of us each time we versed them this season, so they gotten pretty lucky, so we want it back!”

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Melbourne City defeat Roar with second half scoring blitz


Brisbane Roar 0-4 Melbourne City

By Alyce Collett 26/3/25

Above: Melbourne City. Photo: A League.

Melbourne City’s undefeated A League Women’s season is still in tact after they defeated Brisbane Roar 4-0 tonight in their rescheduled match from a couple of weeks ago.

City really showed their class, and really opened things up in the second half with goals to Holly McNamara, Bryleeh Henry and Mariana Speckmaier after Taylor Otto opened the scoring early in the first half. 

Melbourne City initially dominated possession, but almost brought themselves undone when one bad pass in defence – which has been a bit of an issue for them this season – was pounced on by Tameka Yallop, but fortunately for City the subsequent goal attempts were unsuccessful. 

However, City did not have to wait long to eventually get on the board, getting a goal on the board inside 10 minutes. It was messy at times, but eventually Otto tapped the ball in past several Brisbane defenders to convert a TJ Vlajnić corner.

Despite the early goal, it did not feel like there was a change in momentum as the match remained pretty open and free flowing. 

One thing that City did do really well though was regularly be in the right place in the right time to pinch possession off their hosts, so at times it felt like there were more City players on the pitch than Roar ones. 

It was a very entertaining and at times fiery first half, but in the end Otto’s goal was all that separated the teams at the break. 

The even, free flowing nature of the first half continued into the second, as the match was free flowing and full of end to end action. 

For City, Lourdes Bosch was looking really dangerous out on the right wing, while for the Roar, Momo Hayashi was really dangerous through the centre corridor, not afraid to show off how much power she has in her shooting game. 

City eventually did themselves a second goal at about the 70 minute mark when McNamara beautifully struck the ball first touch from the top of the box, straight into the back of the net. 

City’s defence was really on show in the second half, really neutralising the Brisbane attackers. Combine that with Brisbane’s going offside problem and Brisbane rarely looked even close to scoring, despite how hard Yallop, Hayashi and Emily Pringle were working. 

City were not done scoring though, as Henry added to the tally with about two minutes of regulation time to go after pinching the ball off Brisbane defender Isabella Hoyos, steaming towards goal and converting. 

Speckmaier put the full stop on the evening after converting a Leticia McKenna cross with less than half a minute left in extra time. 

The really telling full time stats were around the shots each side managed to get away. 

City had double the number of shots the Roar did (22 to 11) and had nine more shots on target than their hosts (13 to four. City also took most of their shots inside the box (15 to one), while Brisbane took most of its shots outside the box (10 to seven). 

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (3-4-2-1): Richards, Blissett, Hoyos, McQueen, Hayashi, Kruger, Kuilamu, de la Harpe, L. Freier, Yallop, Popadinova. Substitutes: Cuthbert, Gibbon,Morris, Pringle, Woods.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-2-3-1): Mieres, Roestbakken, Stott, Otto, Vlajnic, Davidson, Hughes, Bosch, McMahon, Speckmaier, McNamara. Substitutions: Apostolakis, Barbieri, Henry, McKenna, Pollicina.

Scorers: Otto 9’, McNamara 70’, Henry 89’, Speckmaier90+5’

Referee: Rachael Mitchenson

Attendance: TBC

NPLW Vic Round 2: South Melbourne score seven

By Kieran Yap 25/3/25

Above: South Melbourne players celebrate a second half goal against FV Academy. Photo: Passion Creations

South Melbourne defeated a 10-player FV Academy on Saturday night after a second half goal fest that saw the game end 7-2. Miesha Westland, and Nikka Furukawa both scored twice for the home side while Fiorina Iaria’s finish was a highlight for the visitors.

It only took three minutes for the first major incident of the game, Dragan Kljajic played Furukawa through behind the Academy defence and she was pulled back by Amelia Tartaglia as the last defender.

The resulting free kick from Olivia Bomford did not threaten Charlotte Hrehoresin in goal, but The Academy side were under immediate pressure.

Westland’s storming run through the centre set up the opening goal. After spreading the ball wide to Kljajic, the chance ended up with Raquel Derales, and although the former Calder striker’s effort was blocked, Furukawa was on hand to slide the ball home.

Despite being a player and a goal down, FV Academy responded admirably. South Melbourne captain Francesca Iermano conceded a penalty and Eva Kokotis struck the resulting spot kick accurately to level the scores.

South Melbourne retook with lead on the half hour mark. An underhit backpass ended up with Derales who’s square pass was finished off by Kljajic.

FV Academy drew level in stylish fashion before the break. Heidi Dalton’s clever pass ser Iaria free with all the space she needed to draw her side level once again. The first touch set her up for the shot, and the second lofted the ball perfectly over the onrushing but well positioned Cristina Esposito.

South Melbourne came out after halftime in top gear, and Iermano’s early cross earned them a penalty kick. New signing Tiff Eliadis stepped up to take it and although the shot was saved by Hrehoresin, Westland reacted quickest to knock in the rebound and make it 3-2.

Eliadis’s influence grew throughout the match and the former Melbourne Victory championship winner set up Bomford with a lofted pass that the striker finished confidently over the goalkeeper. That made it 4-2 and the game was getting away from FV Academy.

Another Eliadis run helped put the result beyond any doubt. The eventual pass set up Westland for her second and she took the chance with a calm low finish.

The floodgates were well and truly open and Mami Ambo made it 6-2 after sneaking behind the defence and rounding the goalkeeper.

In the dying stages, Furukawa made it seven with a tap in after the ball bobbled off the crossbar. It was a deserved goal for the playmaker and it would be the final goal of an eventful game.

FV Academy showed plenty of promise for the rest of the season. Despite the score, they played with an attacking mindset and did not go into damage control mode after losing a player. Iaria’s goal was taken superbly. It was a quality individual effort to finish off an impressive team move.

After an opening day draw again Bentleigh Greens, South Melbourne found their groove against FV Academy. Importantly, the new signings all performed well. Eliadis was instrumental in the second half, and Derales showed all the craft that has seen her lift every trophy available in Victorian top flight football.

This was an exciting and interesting game, and when these teams meet again it should be another entertaining fixture.

Around the grounds, Heildelberg United scored a late winner to defeat Bentleight. Steph Galea’s finish after a long bomb by Mia Bailey awarded all three points to the visitors. the defending Champs are now two wins from two games in a solid start to the campaign.

Essendon Royals and Box Hill United wrestled out a 2-2 draw. Emma Perrone and Josephine Aulicino scored for the home side, while Sasha Coorey and Grace Paradis scored for The Royals.

Despite peppering the Spring Hills goal for over 90 minutes, it took until the dying stages for Bulleen to defeat newly promoted Spring Hills FC. Nia Salleh’s excellent finish separated the teams in the second minute of added time. The chance was unlocked by the vision and technique of Sarah Cain, who’s ball from deep in midfield split the Spring Hills defence, and gave Salleh a 1-1 chance which she finished across the keeper.

A Neve Duston brace gave Alamain a slightly surprising win over last season’s Grand Finalist’s Preston Lions. Her second goal was an early contender for the best of the season. It was a rocket from distance to delight the home crowd at Dorothy Laver.

The highlight of Boroondara-Carey Eagles 3-1 win over Brunswick Juventus was Priya Savarirayan’s long solo run from wide and emphatic finish at full pace. That goal followed Drew Dempsey’s opener with Anastasia Ramel responding for the home side.

Slegers: “Football is unpredictable, that’s the magic about it.”

By Rachel Gore (25/03/2025)

Above: Arsenal manager Renee Slegers watches her team train. Photo: Arsenal Women.

Ahead of a vital Champions League clash, Arsenal’s Leah Williamson and manager Renee Slegers spoke of the squad’s “anger” and the vitality of keeping good moments “in your pocket just as much as the bad”.

Tomorrow night Arsenal will face Real Madrid in the second leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter final. In the first leg, the London-side returned to the UK with nothing after a 2-0 loss. For tomorrow’s match, all of Arsenal’s players, barring long-term injured Lotte Wubben-Moy, will be available. Laura Wienroither, who made her post-ACL injury comeback at Saturday’s WSL match against Liverpool, is unlikely to start as she “comes back from a long-term injury”.

This first leg fixture sparked outrage as it was played on a water-logged, cut up, pitch. Speaking on this Slegers said: “We have to deal with any circumstance and if the competition rules say that this pitch is good to play, we have to deal with it”. Providing a player’s perspective on the grass, Williamson reiterated the fact that “two teams played on the pitch”, saying that “the anger is more at ourselves [than at the pitch] because we know what we can do, and we didn’t [deliver]”.

Tomorrow Arsenal will play at the Emirates, a stadium where Slegers says they “thrive”. Whilst Meadow Park is a “more intimate setting”, the Emirates is a greater stage which allows for larger crowds. Speaking on playing at big stadiums, Williamson said: “I think we’re very lucky here [at Arsenal], in that the stage tomorrow night isn’t foreign to us”.

Although tomorrow’s match is an away fixture for Real Madrid, they enter with a two-goal advantage. Slegers said that Arsenal must “plan for all possible scenarios”, emphasising that her squad will “be calm and composed”. Slegers knows what this game means for people, and what it means for her team, but is also aware that “all games are important if you’re coaching Arsenal”.

In preparation for tomorrow’s game, Slegers’ side have reflected on the first leg. Speaking on this, Williamson said: “It’s about us taking individual responsibility first and foremost”. She stated that “when you’re underperforming you look inwards first, this team is very good at doing that”.

Above: Leah Williamson training ahead of Real Madrid. Photo: Arsenal Women.

Recently, the product of looking inwards “has been great”: following their elimination from the FA Cup by Liverpool, Arsenal beat Liverpool in the WSL. Slegers is “really happy” with what her side did against Liverpool and Williamson states that these results prove that Arsenal “can turn things around” giving the players “confidence”.

Player confidence further stems from Arsenal’s “experience of overturning the last quarter final against Bayen Munich”. Williamson said that “anyone who was involved in that game will have confidence” as the circumstances were “very similar” to those seen in this set of matches against Real Madrid. Against Bayern, Arsenal “had a great second half finish” and wanted to pick up where they left off – “that’s the aim for tomorrow as well”.

Despite the similarities between these previous scenarios with Liverpool and Bayern Munich, tomorrow is “a completely different task”. Williamson anticipates that defenders will “have to be very disciplined” as Real Madrid’s “threat comes with fast attacks”.

Above: Arsenal celebrate overturning a 2-0 deficit in 2023. Photo: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Arsenal’s own attacking forwards, Chloe Kelly and Caitlin Foord, stood out in their most recent Liverpool match. When asked about these wingers, Slegers mentioned that “they are just two examples” of the quality in the squad. She stated: “They are important players but everyone on the pitch is very important”.

In addition to looking at their own games, the Arsenal staff watched Real Madrid’s match against Barcelona in which Madrid made history by coming away with a 3-1 win. Slegers said that the staff “reviewed the game the next morning” which they “always do” as they’re “very detailed on opposition”. The manager noted how Madrid has “been developing their play” and took away “a lot of learnings” but highlighted that “that’s them” and the focus tomorrow is on “us”.

Fans are not the only ones hoping that Arsenal make it through to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, footballing organisations across the UK are hoping that an English club can win the title this season. Williamson stated that this is the goal “from an FA perspective and a WSL perspective”. She said: “It’s up to one of us to make that happen”.

Currently, Arsenal is the only English side to have ever one the Women’s Champions League. When asked about the possibility of her club bringing home the title for the second time, Williamson said “it would be incredible”, describing the thought as “the dream”. For Arsenal, “tomorrow night is another step in that journey”.

As a lifelong Arsenal fan, Williamson wants her club to win as a supporter, in addition to as a player. Slegers has spoken to Williamson about her relationship with Arsenal and acknowledged that “Arsenal means a lot to Leah”. Despite this, she encourages Williamson to separate this love for her club from how she plays on the pitch, stating that players should focus on “what they need to do here and now because thinking about history and what lies in their future is not going to help in the moment”.

Tomorrow Williamson and the rest of Arsenal’s squad, will concentrate on getting the ball across the line to secure their spot in the semi-final of the Champions League. Arsenal is expecting over 20,000 fans to turn up for what is set to be an exciting match.

As Slegers stated, “football is unpredictable and that’s the magic about it, that’s why people come to the stadium”. Arsenal v Real Madrid kicks off at 8pm tomorrow and can be watched on DAZN’s Youtube or BT Sport – the result truly could go either way.

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