(no title)

Kuilamu brace seals vital win for Roar

Brisbane Roar 2-0 Melbourne Victory

by Isabelle Campbell (8/1/25)

Above: Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Courtney Newbon engaged in an aerial battle with Brisbane Roar’s Evdokiya Popadinova. Photo: Richard Haines / Front Page Football.

Brisbane Roar clinched a huge three points in the battle of second against third at Perry Park today thanks to a brace from Grace Kuilamu.

The visitors had gone into the game looking to stretch their unbeaten run to eight matches. Both teams entered the match level on 18 points, separated only by goal difference, and just four points behind the current league leaders, Melbourne City.

All eyes were on the scoring form of Laini Freier, who has shone in her debut season with seven goals so far—more than any other player in the league. After back-to-back hat-tricks, Freier’s attacking prowess was expected to test Victory’s defense.

Brisbane Roar wasted no time making their presence felt at Perry Park. Just seconds after kickoff, Sharn Freier fired a shot at goal, forcing Courtney Newbon into an early save. Moments later, she threatened again, connecting with a well-placed ball from her sister Laini, but Newbon was once again up to the challenge.

Roar kept pressing and earned a free-kick in a dangerous area after Emily Pringle was fouled by Sara D’Appolonia. The ball bounced threateningly around the box, but Victory managed to clear the danger.

At the other end, Alex Chidiac tried to ignite her side’s attack with a left-footed strike from distance, but it flew wide of the target. Emily Gielnik later connected with a through ball from Claudia Bunge but couldn’t direct her header into the goal.

Possession soon swung back to Brisbane, and Pringle tried her luck from a tight angle, but Newbon was quick to shut down the effort. The breakthrough finally came as Grace Kuilamu, who was making her return from injury, rose to head the ball in from close range, giving Roar their well-deserved lead.

Victory’s defense struggled to contain the attack of Roar, and Newbon was called into action again to deny Laini Freier’s long-range effort with a sharp save. However, she once again couldn’t keep out Kuilamu, who netted her second to complete her brace.

Victory had one late chance before halftime when Nicki Flannery unleashed a long-range strike, but Olivia Sekany parried it to safety. Brisbane headed into the break as the more dominant side, recording eight shots on target to Victory’s one and holding a commanding 2–0 lead.

The second half began with both teams struggling to break through their opponents. Ten minutes in, Tameka Yallop took a chance from distance, but her shot flew just over the crossbar, keeping the scoreline unchanged. Brisbane had a series of corners shortly after, but none resulted in a clear-cut opportunity.

As the clock ticked down, Sharn Freier fired a ball from outside the box in an attempt to extend her side’s lead, but it drifted just wide. Moments later, the action quickly shifted to the other end, where Emily Gielnik tested Sekany with a long-range effort, however the keeper was up to the task and made a routine save.

Victory’s best chance came from Ella O’Grady, whose shot went wide after a scramble in the box. With more time taken, it could well have been the opening goal for Victory. Sekany again denied Gielnik, who found space inside the area but still was unable to beat the Roar goalkeeper.

In five minutes of added time, both sides had opportunities, but neither could make a change to the scoreline. The match ended 2-0 in favour of Brisbane Roar, with Kuilamu’s brace proving to be the match-winning difference.

Both sides play again in just three days with Brisbane Roar travelling to go head to head with table-toppers, Melbourne City. Melbourne Victory will be looking to regain momentum as they face Newcastle Jets.

Check out our Instagram page – @ImpetusFootball to view Richard Haines’ two galleries of images from the match at Perry Park.

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

Scorers: Kuilamu 22’, 37’.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-4-2): Newbon, Wilson, Bunge, Murphy, Chidiac, Flannery, D’Appolonia, Gielnik, Morrison, Lowe, Jancevski. Substitutes: O’Grady, Curtis, Pickett, Sakalis, Candy.

Referee: Bec Mackie

Attendance: 2,965.

Follow Impetus on social media –

Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball

Adams completes thrilling comeback for Jets

Newcastle Jets 3-3 Adelaide United

By Alyce Collett 8/1/24

Above: Claire Adams after equalising in the dying minutes for Newcastle Jets. Photo: A-Leagues.

In a game full of twists and turns, Adelaide have played out a thrilling three all draw against The Jets at the Number 2 Sportsground.

In at times atrocious conditions, Adelaide were 3-1 up thanks to goals from Fiona Worts, Emily Condon, and Lucia Leon, but the Jets never stopped fighting and eventually evened up proceedings with mere moments to spare thanks to goals from Josie Allan, Deven Jackson and Claire Adams.

Both sides showed positive signs early, getting shots away early. Despite the horrible weather in Newcastle it was pretty free flowing football, with plenty of end to end action.

However Adelaide did not take long to get on the scoreboard, with Worts ultimately chipping Tiahna Robertson in the Newcastle net mere minutes into the match, making the most of some excellent build up play from the Reds that involved Leon and Chelsie Dawber.

As the half progressed Newcastle certainly did have its fair share of attacking chances, but the accuracy of their attempts proving to be a big issue for them.

Missing the crucial Natasha Prior was only making things harder for the hosts. They did have some very good chances at various points in the half, but thanks to the woodwork and some stellar keeping from Claudia Jenkins, the Jets were unable to slot any of them in.

Adelaide meanwhile had better accuracy in front of goal with their attacks looking more dangerous and they were more attentive on the ball in their attacking half, so when they did turn it over they were able to get the ball back quicker than the Jets were up the other end.

As the half progressed and the weather got worse the game evened up as both sides continued to rack up the attacking chances but could not convert any of them. For the Jets, Lauren Allen was really working hard to try and create chances for her side, while for the Reds Dawber and Worts continued to be really dangerous close to goal.

Ultimately Adelaide went into half time with that one goal advantage, but the match felt a lot more even than it had earlier in the half.

It was Newcastle who looked the more dangerous side early in the second half, racking up more of the attacking play. However, in the tough and unappealing conditions the Jets were struggling to get the power in their shots at goal to ultimately make the most of them, but they did have to battle against the wind.

As the half progressed and the weather did not improve the match started to get a bit spicy, with tempers starting to flare and Matilda McNamara, Sarah Morgan and Sheridan Gallagher all picking up yellow cards as a consequence.

For much of the half, it did not look like either side was going to change the scoreline, but suddenly out of nowhere Condon worked the ball round several Newcastle defenders and slotted through Adelaide’s second goal, which really was against the run of play.

Moments later Newcastle finally found the back of the net after Josie Allan – who had only been on the field for a couple of minutes – rocketed one into the back of the net from a pretty tough angle.

Not even two minutes later Adelaide restored their two goal lead after Leon headed in a Condon cross perfectly.

Newcastle never stopped attacking and were rewarded with a second goal after Jackson headed in the ball. As time wore on, it became simply a matter of could the Jets beat the clock to level the scores.

With just 90 seconds left in stoppage time, Adams slotted through the hosts’ third goal and rescued a point for her side.

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (3-4-2-1): Robertson, Wilson, Cicco, Davis, Dundas, Copus-Brown, Jackson, L.Allan, Gallagher, Baumann, Walandouw. Substitutes: Hammond, Gooch, J.Allan, Adams, Boertje.

Scorers: J.Allan 76’, Jackson 84’, Adams 90+3’.

ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Jenkins, E. Hodgson, León, McNamara, Tonkin, Tolland, Condon, Morgan, Healy, Dawber, Worts. Substitutes: Grove, Sasaki, Kirkby, Mullan, Bowler.

Scorers: Worts 4’, Condon 74’, Leon 79’.

Referee: Kelly Jones

Attendance: 923.

Follow Impetus on social media –

Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball

Ella Lincoln: “It’s always been a dream of mine…I’m proud of myself”

by Ben Gilby (7/1/25)

Above: Ella Lincoln talking at today’s media conference. Image: Perth Glory.

It’s been a heck of a year for Ella Lincoln. From being the NPL WA’s top scorer and winning the State Cup with Perth SC to now making her professional debut in the A-League Women. She’s done it all.

Lincoln’s substitute appearance against Wellington Phoenix on Saturday came with an additional landmark – she became the thousandth different player to play in the W/A-League Women since it began.

Reflecting on the achievement, the striker said: “It has always been a dream of mine to make my debut for my hometown club, and it was also great to achieve a huge milestone of being the 1,000th A-League Women player – it’s pretty cool. I thought I was getting closer (to being selected), but I didn’t realise it would be the trip to New Zealand. I’m proud of myself that I did get selected.

Any Glory away trip is a long one, but the one to Wellington is extreme. Lincoln revealed that the homeward leg was even tougher than usual.

“It was definitely very long, and coming back we got delayed and there was a plane stuck on the tarmac, so it was a really long journey! There were a few positives to take, but we have to just live from here.”

Lincoln’s debut was the culmination of months of hard work after her superb form in the NPL with Perth SC earned her an A-League Women contract. It’s been quite a step up, and the attacker revealed just how hard it has been.

“It was quite challenging just transitioning from a couple of days a week in the NPL to a full-time professional environment. It takes a big toll on the body physically and mentally, but I’ve enjoyed every single minute of it, so I’m super grateful for it.”

**Above:** Ella Lincoln (right) breaks through for Perth SC against Balcatta Etna in the NPL WA in 2024. **Photo:** Ben Gilby for *Impetus*.

Lincoln is one of a large number of stars from the NPL WA who have been given a chance with the Glory this season. It’s a source of real pride for the striker that she is alongside so many familiar faces from the local league, and the impact they are having this season is marked.

“Overall the girls and the coaching staff have been amazing, they’ve made it a great environment to be around. It’s pretty cool to see a lot of the local WA girls in the one team – a couple of weeks ago at HBF Park (against Central Coast Mariners), our midfield three consisted of Georgia (Cassidy), Tijan (McKenna), and Charli (Wainwright) that was our whole midfield three at Perth SC in the NPL, so that was great to see.”

Perth now have a big game on Friday night when they take on Sydney. The reigning champions haven’t made the start to the season that they would have liked, and the Glory are three points ahead of the Harbour City side. It’s a chance for the Western Australians to put real daylight between themselves and the bottom of the table.

Looking ahead to the challenge, Lincoln said: “I’m expecting a fast and transitional game. They have just come off a 1-1 draw with Melbourne City which I feel was a pretty close and intense game. Obviously, they are previous title champions, so we know what to expect and they have some individuals that we need to be aware of.

“We just have to dig deep. We have such a good squad with a lot of talent…we need to get the work done, and as long as we’re giving 100% we’ll definitely be able to grab three points off of anyone. The table is quite close, but anything’s possible…we’re all good players and we can do anything!

The game with Sydney will take place at the Glory’s new home of the Sam Kerr Football Centre – a venue where Lincoln played a prominent role for her NPL WA side in their State Cup Final win and Top Four Cup Final defeat in September 2024.

“I’ve had the privilege of being able to play at the Sam Kerr Football Centre during the NPL, and it’s such a great facility and we have great fans,” Lincoln said.

“When they get behind us, it’s amazing. I wasn’t part of the (Glory) squad for the last games there – but the energy, the vibes there is just insane.”

Lincoln is a player who thrives with a crowd giving her vocal support. If she gets on the pitch this weekend, don’t be surprised to see this potent finisher slot in home in style.

Follow Impetus on social media –

Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball

Aitana Bonmatí: How is she so good?

by Ellie Clifford (6/1/25)

Above: Aitani Bonmatí in action for Barcelona. Photo: Barca Universal

Aitana Bonmatí has once again been one of the standout stars for FC Barcelona in Liga F this season, contributing six goals and the same number of assists so far. But what makes the Spaniard one of the best midfielders?

One of the key components of Bonmatí’s game is her technical proficiency. The box-to-box midfielder has exceptional ball control and dribbling skills which allows her to advance the ball from the defence to the attack. This season, Bonmatí has a successful dribble rate of 63.6% (in comparison to her team-mate Alexia Putellas on 42.9%)

The Catalan’s high footballing IQ also contributes to her successful dribbles, often manipulating her style of dribbling depending on the scenario she is in. When given space to exploit, Bonmatí takes longer touches to drive into space.

However, as the available space becomes smaller, she takes more controlled and shorter touches. This change in dribbling draws the opposition closer to her, creating space for her teammates to exploit.

**Above:** Aitana Bonmatí celebrates after scoring for Barcelona at Chelsea in the Champions League last season. **Photo:** Sky Sports.

When playing for Spain under Montse Tome, the 26-year-old acts as a deep-lying playmaker. This role is more disciplined and causes her responsibilities to shift towards providing defensive support and stability during transitions of play. However, defense is one of the weaker aspects of Bonmatí’s game due to her lack of physicality and disadvantage in aerial duels.

Bonmatí has linked up brilliantly with many different players over her years at Barcelona, but it’s Alexia Putellas who has provided her with the greatest partnership. Putellas offers more of a defensive cover than Bonmatí, winning 75% of all tackles and 75% of all aerial duels this season.

This, in turn, allows Bonmatí to advance further up the field and join attacks, often with late runs into the box. However, this partnership does not seem as effective at an international level. This may be due to the players’ similar characteristics causing them to restrict each other. Despite this, both players play a pivot role in the heart of both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team where they have contributed to major successes.

So, how do you stop Aitana Bonmatí? This is a question many teams have asked and have failed to answer. The most effective tactic is to dedicate one player to marking her out of the game. Even with this, Bonmatí still manages to exploit and create space by dragging this player out of the game. The Catalan star’s high skill level and good decision-making make her unpredictable, making it even harder for defenders to know how to cope against her.

Aitana Bonmatí’s technical ability, footballing IQ, and adaptability make her one of the world’s best midfielders. Her ability to transition between roles for club and country highlights her versatility and value as a player. She has firmly established herself as a key figure for both FC Barcelona and Spain. As Bonmatí’s career progresses, her drive to further evolve her skill set shows the potential for her to grow even further in the coming years, solidifying her legacy within the sport.

Follow Impetus on social media –

Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball

Last gasp Wanderers earn point in eight goal thriller

Melbourne Victory 4-4 Western Sydney Wanderers

By Alyce Collett 5/1/25

Above: Ellie Wilson celebrates her goal. Photo. A-Leagues.

Melbourne Victory and the Western Sydney Wanderers have played out a thrilling eight goal draw to round out the weekend’s A League Women’s action.

With goals to Claudia Bunge, Ellie Wilson, Alex Chidiac and an own goal off the foot of Gemm Ferris, the Victory looked home with matter of minutes to go. But, two goals in two minutes to the Wanderers from Talia Kapetanellis and Sophie Harding to compliment earlier goals from Harding and Sienna Saveska rescued some points for the visitors.

Although Victory had more of the ball than the Wanderers initially and looked more comfortable with ball at foot, it was the home side who landed the ultimate blow first. Only a matter of minutes into the contest, Harding pounced on a bad pass from Bunge, and worked her way towards the goal and snuck the ball into the bottom corner of the Victory net for the opening goal of the match.

After the goal the contrast between the sides was intriguing.

On the one hand, the Victory were doing more of the attacking play, but were unable to feed the ball to their strikers with much effectiveness, with the likes of Amelia Bennett, Amy Harrison and Gema Ferris working really well together to neutralise any dangerous movement close to goal from the Victory attack.

On the other hand, the Wanderers had less of the ball in attack, but the likes of Amy Chessari were feeding the ball really well into the likes Harding and Danika Matos, who were creating plenty of headaches for the Victory defenders.

One thing that was not helping the Victory’s cause was the wind, which gave through balls extra distance.

The Wanderers did almost have a second goal inside the opening half an hour but an offside call denied Matos a goal.

But with half time only a matter of minutes away, Victory found the equaliser after Bunge headed in an Alex Chidiac corner, and suddenly the game had taken an intriguing turn.

The home side started the second half like they finished the first, and were very much on the attacking foot early. They did eventually find some reward for effort when Wilson rocketed one in from outside the box to give the home side the lead.

But the Wanderers were not going to die quietly, and levelled things mere minutes later after Saveska countered with a long range bomb of her own.

As the second half progressed it was a pretty free flowing match, with both sides having a number of chances in their attacking third.

Victory did catch a lucky break about halfway through the half when an unlucky bounce off the foot of Ferris and into the back of the net to restore the lead to the home side.

Victory found a fourth with a matter of minutes left in the match, where after a chaotic passage of play, Chidiac ultimately slotted a goal into the bottom corner.

Western Sydney weren’t done though, as Kapetanellis slotted one through in the 90^th minute to give her side some hope.

Harding then slotted her second through minutes later to level up the game again.

The Wanderers kept pushing right until the dying second but ultimately could not find themselves a winner.

Team: MELBOURNE VICTORY (3-4-1-2): Newbon, Wilson, Bunge, Sakalis, Murphy, Chidiac, Flannery, D’Appolonia, Morrison, Jancevski, Lowe. Substitutes: O’Grady, Gielnik, Briedis, Pickett, Candy.

Scorers: Bunge 45’, Wilson 51’ Ferris (O.G) 77’ Chidiac 87’

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-1-4-1): Khamis, Ferris, Bennett, Chessari, Harrison, Harding, Saveska, Matos, Rue, Younis, Harada. Substitutes: Price, Trew, Kapetanellis, Lobo, Segavcic

Scorers: Saveska 54’, Kapetanellis 89’, Harding 4’, 90+2’

Referee: Caitlin Williams

Attendance: 725.

Follow Impetus on social media –

Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball

Melbourne City deny Sydney FC

Sydney FC 1-1 Melbourne City

By Joe Rosedon (5/1/25).

Above: Rebekah Stott (left) tracks Princess Ibini. Photo: Melbourne City

League Leaders Melbourne City earned a draw against a spirited Sydney FC today at the Harbour City side returned to Leichhardt Oval.

A wonder strike from the home side’s Lucy Johnson was cancelled out in the second half by Leticia McKenna’s equaliser which extended City’s lead at the top to four points.

Melbourne City missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring in what was the first real chance of the game. City’s top goal scorer Mariana Speckmaier almost turned provider, whipping in a delicious cross for Bryleeh Henry from the left. Henry reached the ball before Tahlia Franco but poked the ball just wide of the post.

Yet Sydney prospect Indiana Dos Santos had other ideas. Johnson was able to play the ball into the left had channel to locate Shea Connors. The Sydney forward took a touch and looked for options. The option she picked was Dos Santos who, from the edge of the box, hammered the ball against the cross bar.

What was to follow for Sydney was truly spectacular and will rank highly as one of the goals of the season. In the 29^thminute, Connors rolled the ball into the path of Johnson. With space opening in front of her, Johnson had one target in mind. With the inside of her foot, she launched an audacious first-time effort into the top right corner, giving goalkeeper Malena Mieres no chance of denial. Sydney were deserving of their lead.

It could have been more for the hosts in the closing stages of the first half. The crossbar again proved to be Dos Santos’ worst enemy. After isolating Alexia Apostolakis in the penalty area, Dos Santos cut inside took aim, and cannoned another attempt off of the bar.

It would have been expected by Sydney that City would start the second half all guns blazing and indeed they did. Speckamier forced Franco into a tremendous save following excellent close control from half-time substitute Lourdes Bosch to create the opportunity for the visitors. Speckmaier flashed her attempt across the goal and looked likely to nestle in the bottom left if Franco had not intervened.

After getting in such a promising position, Sydney were the architects of their own downfall. A miscued clearance from Franco was pounced upon by Holly McNamara who squared it to McKenna for the simplest of finishes to draw the table toppers level.

The game subsequently became a cagier affair following Melbourne City’s equaliser with chances for a winning goal becoming few and far between. Caley Tallon-Henniker’s deflected shot in the dying stages could have gone anywhere but just flew past the post and both teams had to settle for a point.

Kris Goman’s exclusive set of images from the game for Impetus are now on our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball

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

Scorer: Johnson 29’.

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

Scorer: McKenna 62’.

Referee: Rachel Mitchenson.

Attendance: 2,340.

Follow Impetus on social media –

Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball

Early strike seals first win for Adelaide over the Mariners

Central Coast Mariners 0-1 Adelaide United

by Isabelle Campbell (4/1/25)

Above: Greta Kraszula, who made her A-League Women debut for Central Coast Mariners today. Photo: Central Coast Mariners.

Adelaide United earned an excellent win on the road at Central Coast Mariners today thanks to Emily Hodgson’s goal after nine minutes at Woy Woy Oval.

Entering the match with just one point separating them on the table, it was a high stakes game for both sides. However, the Mariners carried confidence into the fixture, having claimed victory in their last five encounters against the visitors.

Adelaide United started the match firing, with Emily Hodgson opening the scoring from inside the penalty area following a beautiful assist from Chelsie Dawber. It was Hodgson’s first goal in eight years, marking a memorable moment for the defender. Moments later, Dawber nearly added her own name to the scoresheet, but Sarah Langman made a routine save to deny her.

Central Coast had a few attempts of their own, including an effort from Shadeene Evans that lacked direction and failed to trouble Adelaide’s defense. Taylor Ray also tried her luck but sent her shot off target. Langman was called into action again with a stop to shut down another attempt from Dawber, keeping Adelaide from furthering their lead.

Lucía León smartly drew a foul from Ray to earn Adelaide a free-kick in a dangerous position. However, the resulting effort sailed over the crossbar. Fiona Worts, looking to add to her tally of six goals this season, also had a chance but failed to convert.

At halftime, the match remained tightly contested, with possession and shots at goal fairly even. However, Adelaide United continued to look the more threatening side, recording four shots on target compared to the Mariners’ two.

The second half started slowly, with both teams struggling to find rhythm early on. In time though, the shots came flowing. Annalise Rasmussen made a strong run forward and delivered a lovely cross into the box, finding the head of Nunn, who was unable to direct her effort on target. Matilda McNamara came up big for Adelaide, making a vital block to deny Tess Quilligan’s shot, which looked destined to test the goalkeeper.

Central Coast’s recent signing from the AFLW, Sarah Rowe, fired a shot from distance headed straight toward goal but it was easily dealt with by Claudia Jenkins. Nunn tried her luck again with a long-range strike that appeared to be heading in, but Jenkins once again reacted flawlessly to send the effort away from danger. Rasmussen followed up with another attempt, only for McNamara to make another solid block and keep the Mariners at bay.

Both teams made several substitutions in an attempt to spark some life into the match during a lull in play. Peta Trimis delivered a perfectly weighted cross to Annabel Martin, whose header sailed over the bar, leaving her still searching for her first goal in the league.

Late in the game, a yellow card for Jenkins handed the Mariners a free-kick just outside the box, but they failed to convert the opportunity. Adelaide United held firm through added time, securing a 1-0 victory and ending their losing streak against the Mariners.

Next up for the Mariners is a trip to take on Western Sydney Wanderers, aiming to regain confidence. Adelaide United are now in the midst of a busy spell of three games in eight days with them now travelling to Newcastle Jets on Wednesday before hosting Wellington Phoenix next Sunday.

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-3-3): Langman, Nash, Martin, Pennock, Galic, Ray, Rasmussen, Rowe, Quilligan, Nunn, Evans. Substitutes: Carmichael, Fuller, Kraszula, Puxty, Trimis.

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

Goals: Hodgson 9′.

Referee: Page Malau-Aduli.

Attendance: 981.

Follow Impetus on social media –

Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball

Canberra record superb comeback win at Brisbane

Brisbane Roar 1-2 Canberra United

by Emma Burke (4/1/25).

Above: Spectacular action from today’s game at a packed Perry Park between Brisbane Roar (blue shirt) and Canberra United. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

Brisbane Roar have been unable to back up their impressive 8-2 winning win against Western United last week, losing 2-1 at home to Canberra United in front of the league’s highest crowd for a standalone game this season of 3,612.

This result marks Brisbane’s third loss of the season, with two of the three being to Canberra United, who have only won three games this campaign themselves.

Brisbane saw Evdokia Popadoniva return to their starting XI after weeks sidelined with a hamstring injury, but the Bulgarian forward was unable to make an impact on the scoresheet for the Roar.

It wasn’t until the final 20 minutes of the game that the deadlock was able to be broken, done so by the now lead in the race for the Golden Boot with seven goals to her name, Laini Freier. All of those strikes have come in the last three matches.

An impressive hold-up play from Tameka Yallop kept an otherwise well-disciplined Canberra defence occupied in the box. Every defensive eye on the Brisbane Captain, who has been dangerous in front of goal this season, meant that Laini Freier could receive a square ball and shoot down the near post, out of keeper Sally James’ reach.

Canberra took only minutes to respond, through Emma Robers. The midfielder came charging through the centre of the park to get on top of an attempted clearance by the Roar, and then launch a long-range effort from well outside the box. The unexpected shot slipped past Olivia Sekany in goal, tying up the scoreboard with increasingly little time left in regular play.

The visitors completed their comeback and secured the win with a goal scored by none other than Michelle Heyman. The play started with Sally James’ long ball from goal that Brisbane’s defence was unable to clear. Having beaten the defenders and left one-on-one with Sekany in goal, all Heyman had to do was beat the keeper, which she did at the right post with ease.

Canberra United will now return home to the nation’s capital to host Western United on the 11th January at 5pm, while Brisbane have a much quicker turnaround and will play Melbourne Victory at home on 8th at 7pm.

Check out our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball for two sets of images from Richard Haines at Perry Park.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (3-3-3-1): Sekany, Blissett, Varley, McQueen, Hayashi, Yallop, Woods, S. Freier, L. Freier, de la Harpe, Popadinova. Substitutes: Pringle, Kruger, Tan, Hecher.

Scorers: L. Freier 72’.

CANBERRA UNITED (4-3-3): James, Taylor-Young, Ayson, Anton, Bertolissio, Robers, McKenzie, Gordon, Nathan, Heyman, Christopherson. Substitutes: Markovski, Stanic-Floody, Murray.

Scorers: Robers 80’, Heyman 88’.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

Attendance: 3,612.

Follow Impetus on social media –

Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball

Nix take Distance Derby spoils to hone in on Top Six

Wellington Phoenix 2-0 Perth Glory

by Ben Gilby (4/1/25).

Above: Grace Jale (second left) celebrates her goal that gave Wellington Phoenix the lead today. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

Wellington Phoenix continued their push for a maiden place in the Finals with a tactically astute win over Perth Glory at Porirua Park today.

Goals from Grace Jale and Olivia Fergusson secured the Phoenix’s fourth win in nine games this season, and the honours in the ‘Distance Derby’ between the two clubs located the furthest apart in world domestic club football at over 5,200 km.

Whilst Paul Temple’s side were not really spoken about in the discussion for the Top Six shake-up ahead of the season, they are now coming in under the radar. Their mix of hugely talented youngsters and those who have been part of the Nix’s A-League Women journey from the start, are revelling under the Temple’s guidance.

Temple made two changes to his starting lineup, bringing in Mebae Tanaka and Zoe McMeeken for Alivia Kelly and Daisy Brazendale. His Perth counterpart Stephen Peters did the same, with Izzy Foletta coming in at right back and Miku Sunaga starting up front. Nat Tathem additionally moved up into midfield from the backline. Co-captain Izzy Dalton and attacker Tanika Lala dropped down to the bench, where locally produced striker Ella Lincoln came in for the first time along with Claudia Valletta .

Phoenix were fastest out of the blocks and conjured up the game’s first opportunity with three minutes played. Lara Wall, who has stepped up impressively from New Zealand’s domestic women’s competition with Cashmere Technical, made ground up the left and played in a high cross to the back post which caught the strong breeze for Tanaka whose shot was blocked by Grace Johnston.

The home side were playing it smart, using their knowledge of the conditions at Porirua Park to loft passes through along with consistently dangerous curling set pieces from Annalie Longo which kept the Glory on the back foot.

Whilst Perth began to even up the possession share, Nix were working hard to stop them from making much progress in an attacking sense. They had their focus on the Glory’s key midfield creators, denying them time on the ball. Whilst the visitors earned a number of corners with the advantage of the wind, they were largely denied any sustained forward momentum by these Wellington tactics.

The hosts were continuing to experience joy along the left. With 23 minutes gone, Longo drove along the flank to send in a teasing ball for Tunaka to head goalwards, but Casey Dumont in the Perth goal made the save comfortably.

Longo was producing a stand-out performance, looking for channels to dart into, this time on the right as she again linked up with Tanaka for Olivia Fergusson to send a shot narrowly wide of the right-hand post.

Perth ended the half on a high with Wynne teaming up with Sunaga along the left. It remained goalless at the break.

However, with less than two minutes of the second period played, Wellington struck. Goalkeeper Carolina Vilão’s clearance kick bounced over Foletta and into the path of Grace Jale. The former Perth player controlled the ball instantly and danced away from the attentions of her defender to crash home a low shot from around 25 yards, slightly to the left of centre, bouncing just in front of Dumont and in.

It was a particularly sweet moment for Jale, who never quite found her best form in a Perth shirt last season.

Moments later, Glory attacker Gabby Hollar was forced from the pitch with what initially looked to be blood coming from her nose. With Sarah O’Donoghue and Kelli Brown also missing long-term from the team’s striking stocks, this was the last thing head coach Peters would have wanted.

With 21 minutes remaining, things got worse still for the visitors. Wall was played in along the left and had space to advance before floating a ball into the box for Fergusson. The attacker got up highest around the penalty shot to get her head onto the ball which bounced down and in near the left-hand post.

Perth responded by bringing on Valletta and Lincoln for their first A-League Women appearances for the club. The Glory then came close twice in quick succession with five minutes remaining. Lala burst through and saw her shot repelled by Vilão, only for the ball to fall into the path of Sunaga who hit a powerful shot from 20 yards against the bar.

That was largely it as the home side ran out comfortable winners. Wellington will aim to cement their top six ambitions over the next eight days, with trips to both Western Sydney Wanderers and Adelaide United.

Perth host Sydney FC on Friday night which now looms large as a vital game between two sides who are lower down the ladder than they would like to be.

Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-3-3): Vilão, McMeeken, Jaber, Barry, Wall, Whinham, McCutcheon, Longo, Tanaka, Fergusson, Jale. Substitutes: Danieli (GK), Kelly, Elliott, Brazendale, Main.

Scorers: Jale 47′, Fergusson 69′.

PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Dumont, Foletta, Zogg, Chinnama, Johnston, Wainwright, Cassidy, Tathem, Wynne, Hollar, Sunaka. Substitutes: Templeman (GK), Valletta, Dalton, Lincoln, Lala.

Referee: Mikayla Ryan.

Attendance: 675.

Follow Impetus on social media –

Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball

Sydney’s Struggles: There’s No Magic Fix

Above: Sydney FC in a huddle at Leichhardt Oval. Image: Sydney FC.

by Genevieve Henry (1/4/25).

Sydney FC are having a historically rough season. How could a team that won the Championship last season be at the bottom of the table?

To massively oversimplify – they just can’t score. Defensively, they’re not shipping tons of goals, but the middle of the park is also a problem area. Not only can the Sky Blues not find the back of the net, they’re struggling to create chances.

Sydney have scored an abysmal five goals this season, compared to finals contention teams’ range of 11-27. After round nine last season, they had scored 11. Even then, they were seen as struggling with finding the back of the net. This is on another level of struggle.

The most obvious issue is the lack of a striker. Shea Connors is a great player, but she is not the kind of forward a team can be built around. Previously, she has excelled as a winger, and she’s just not hitting her straps in the position she is being played in.

The lack of a striker was evident last season as well, but the Sky Blues were still being spoiled by a high-scoring winger in Cortnee Vine. Princess Ibini hasn’t hit form in a while either. It’s imperative that Sydney look for a striker during the transfer window, or they may just stay at the bottom of the table. The attack is rudderless.

The acquisition of Kyah Simon was supposed to preemptively fix that. Simon is one of the finest players in the country when she hits form. Unfortunately for both her and Sydney, that doesn’t seem to be often lately, as she can’t seem to shake the injuries.

Simon is the kind of player who can transform an attack and most certainly turn a season around. Sydney will be desperate to get her on the pitch. Juric shared that her injury still “doesn’t look so good” and that “it keeps getting pushed back”.

Other attacking signings such as Hana Lowry and Millie Farrow looked very exciting, but unfortunately for Lowry, she devastatingly tore her ACL right after her maiden Matildas call-up. Juric said of Lowry, “The big loss was Hana. She was a key player for us and everything was sort of set around her in preseason and the first couple of weeks.

“To lose her in that way was quite sad for her and bad for us.” Farrow has looked promising and full of energy but has not transferred that into goals. Young gun Indiana Dos Santos can be great, but she is still developing and cannot be the focal point of the attack, as would be expected of any 17-year-old.

Defensively, Sydney don’t seem to be struggling too much. The loss of Charlotte Mclean is noticeable, but captain Natalie Tobin has returned from her ACL injury looking strong.

Tobin is building a good partnership with American Jordan Thompson, picking up where McClean left off. Tori Tumeth on the right is excelling, as is Faye Bryson when played on the left. When Abbey Lemon is on the left, teams tend to attack that side harshly due to her relative inexperience, but she has shown much promise.

Moving forward into the midfield, a major issue is the lack of consistency. The midfield was supposed to be built around Lowry, but since her injury, the most constant player is 17-year old Maddie Caspers. Caspers has been good, but with the right combination of players around her, she could be great.

**Above:** Caspers speaking to the media about her faith in the team. **Image:** Sydney FC.

Speaking to the media, she said, “Last season was a great season for me. I did come in when we were high, but this challenge is gonna make me grow as a player.” She has played alongside variations of Margaux Chauvet, Shay Hollman, Lucy Johnson, and Mackenzie Hawkesby.

Last season, Hawkesby came in and turned things around for Sydney but has not yet hit her groove this season. Once Hollman returns from a small injury, she, Caspers, and Hawkesby could establish a great pattern and connection. If some consistency can be established in the midfield, it could go a long way in spurring Sydney on.

Caspers is confident that they can turn their season around. “We’ve got to keep pushing, working, and training, and I think the results will come.”

Sydney has always been known for being a nurturing environment that allows young players to become stars while still finding success, a rare balance in football. On a positive note for the Sky Blues, Caspers says this culture has not shifted with their current struggle. “It hasn’t been the best start to the season, but the vibes and the culture of the girls is still good.”

All over the field, it’s as though Sydney had forgotten the basics. More often than not, their games seem like kickball. Players who have previously excelled technically look lost and incompetent at times.

Even in their one win of the season, against Western Sydney Wanderers, Sydney looked rough. The passes were off and most players seemed to be kicking the ball big and to no one, just out of panic. By no means does this denote that their players are not up to the task.

The Sky Blues have some of the best players in the league, from young and promising stars to experienced veterans. They are good players going through a slump. This squad has the capability to turn their season around, and they have been improving.

“Sometimes it doesn’t turn around straight away, but you can’t give up.” Juric said, “I’m not fussed with where we are. There are 42 points left…We’re not in a desperate situation at the moment. I’ll be honest with you, it doesn’t look great, but I definitely have belief in this team and so do the players. I can see it, I can feel it.”

Juric is one of, if not the, best coaches in the league. He has won countless titles and trophies. But, what’s happening at his club is mystifying.

Is it the departure of Vine? Is it the injuries to Kirsty Fenton and Hana Lowry? Is it the loss of Jada Whyman between the sticks? Is it Juric’s fault? Sports fans famously love to look for someone to blame. But, it’s impossible to pin it all on one individual. It’s surely a combination of all of these, as well as a million other tiny, behind-the-scenes factors.

**Above:** Juric speaking to the media this week. **Image:** Sydney FC.

“Over the last four years, we’ve lost everyone. We’ve got four or five going every year to Europe, which is a credit to the club, but eventually that hurts you and this year has shown a little bit of that.”

Top-of-the-table Melbourne City have not lost a single game this season and look a frightening for Sydney on Sunday. Juric stressed that his Sky Blues will be approaching this game like any other, doing everything within their power to turn their luck around.

One thing that will bring confidence to Sydney is that they arguably played their best football of the season against City in a 1-1 draw in November. The game will be held at Leichhardt Oval, a fortress in recent times for Sydney. While the pitch itself has not been quality this season, the fans and environment will hopefully spur last season’s champions against the premiers.

Sydney needs a reset. Whether it comes in the form of new signings, a shift in tactics, or a change in coaching, the Sky Blues desperately need something to change. Finishing outside of finals contention seems out of the question for a team with Sydney’s history and calibre. If they can get a result against Melbourne City, success will seem possible once again.

Follow Impetus on social media –

Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball