Phoenix rise ever powerfully to dominate Brisbane

Wellington Phoenix 3-0 Brisbane Roar

by Ben Gilby (14/3/26)

Above: Wellington Phoenix‘s Macey Fraser, wearing their special Match for Good kit, made a welcome return for her team from the bench against Brisbane Roar today. Photo: Wellington Phoenix

Wellington Phoenix closed in on their first ever Finals qualification with a comfortable win over Brisbane Roar at Hnry Stadium today.

Two goals in a six minute burst in the first half from Manaia Elliott and Emma Pijnenburg were later added to by Makala Woods as the Nix put a dent in Brisbane’s chances of finishing in the top six.

Phoenix were dominant in attack, firing in 20 shots compared to the Roar’s six, with five of them on target to the Queenslanders’ three.

The two teams’ form prior to the international break had seen Bev Priestman’s side win four of their last six matches, compared to Brisbane’s run of two wins in the same period. With just four matches of the regular season remaining, Roar needed to step it up if they were to improve their top six chances.

Nix went into the game without teen star Pia Vlok, who suffered concussion on her first international duty with the Football Ferns, but this news was balanced with the welcome return of Macey Fraser on the bench. Brisbane named Matildas’ star Tameka Yallop among their substitutes.

Wellington had the game’s first chance with just six minutes played – and what a chance. After building along the right, Pijnenburg turned and sent a curling rocket of a shot from around 20 yards that came crashing back off of the cross bar with Roar keeper Tahlia Franco beaten.

Four minutes later they hit the front after more good work along the right as Brooke Nunn lifted the ball in, and Elliott got up above Aimee Medwin to nod home inside the six-yard box.

Just after the quarter-hour mark, the red hot Phoenix made it two. Roar initially cleared a corner that came in from the left, but the ball fell for Pijnenburg on the left hand side of the box. The 21-year-old took a touch with her left foot before hitting an effort with the outside of her right that flew in.

Wellington were dominant, and at this stage, Brisbane were holding on for dear life.

With 28 played, the visitors had a let off when Ellie Walker’s drive from right of centre just outside the box was parried away by Franco, but only as far as Woods who could only put it wide with the goal gaping.

The Roar had a chance as the half edged towards its conclusion as Ashlyn Miller broke through the middle and lifted a shot, but Victoria Esson was able to parry. Marianna Seidl’s follow-up was blocked by the Nix shot-stopper.

The home side conjured up one more chance before the break as Elliott released Lucía León along the left. The former WSL star advanced towards the box and squared a pass to an unmarked Woods, but the American side-footed wide of the right hand post.

Brisbane had the first chance of the second 45 when Wellington could not quite clear their lines, allowing Miller to lift a side-footed chance narrowly over the top.

Wellington finally put the match to bed with 18 minutes remaining as Fraser’s corner from the right caused chaos in the Queenslanders’ box with Walker having two shots blocked in quick succession. The second rebounded back off Woods who turned and fired home inside the six-yard box.

The final opportunity of the encounter fell the Roar’s way as Amali Kinsella skipped away along the left and put in a low cross into space, for Daisy Brown to strike, but Esson made a superb save to maintain her clean sheet.

This was a comprehensive victory for Wellington, which probably should have been by a much bigger margin. They now go to New South Wales for two away games in the space of five days starting next Friday at Sydney FC before facing reigning champions Central Coast Mariners. If they can take at least four points from those matches, then a home Final could well be on the cards for Bev Priestman’s team.

Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Esson, Jale, Walker, Barry, van der Meer, Nunn, Pijnenburg, Nunn, León, Elliott, Anthony, M.Woods. Substitutes: Benson, Brazendale, Feinberg-Danieli, Fraser, Jaber, Main.

Scorers: Elliott 10′, Pijnenberg 16′, Woods 72′.

BRISBANE ROAR (4-2-3-1): Franco, Seidl, Cuthbert, Studer, Medwin, A.Woods, Hayashi, Miller, Kruger, Stephenson, Brown. Substitutes: Campbell, Hanson, Kinsella, Meyers, Piazza, Yallop.

Referee: Sarah Jones.

Attendance: 4,169.

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Exclusive: FC Utrecht’s Lobke Loonen on the Eredivisie golden boot race and learning from Alessia Russo

By Jan-Kees Joosse (14/3/26)

Above: Lobke Loonen in training. Photo: Jan-Kees Joosse.

On a Tuesday morning, FC Utrecht are training ahead of their match against Ajax. After weeks of sunshine, the weather has turned nasty, but for one striker there is not a cloud in the sky. Lobke Loonen currently sits second on the top scorers list in the Women’s Eredivisie with 12 goals, one behind Twente’s Jaimy Ravensbergen. With the form she’s in right now, the football world seems at her feet and she is rightly seen as one of the rising stars of Dutch football.

After taking photos in the rain, I was in the canteen at Stadion Zoudenbalch drying my dripping hair before heading to Stadion Galgenwaard to interview her. Lobke walked into the canteen by herself, which briefly made me think we would do the interview there. That turned out to be coincidence — she had “bib duty.” Later she explained she had forgotten to fill in her daily wellbeing check, which meant she got an extra task and had to hand in the training bibs. Once we were sitting in the players’ area at Stadion Galgenwaard, it gave me the perfect opener to ask how her “wellbeing” was.

Yeah, things are good!

That doesn’t surprise me when you’re having a season like this.

Yeah, those things are connected. I can only speak for myself of course, but I feel that if I’m feeling good off the pitch, you can see that on the pitch as well. I play with more confidence, I’m braver. And when I feel good on the pitch, I automatically feel better off the field too. So I do think there’s a link there.

You’re currently second on the top scorers list in the Eredivisie. Does that make you nervous or does it give you a kick?

I’m not nervous about it, I just enjoy it. It’s a reward for what I show on the pitch, that I’m up there. So that’s a nice bonus. It also motivates me to keep scoring, keep working and keep going. I’m one goal behind Jaimy (Ravensbergen, ed.), so that’s a nice challenge to catch her.

When I looked into your career, I saw that when you were 17 at KAA Gent you took a penalty in your very first match. How do you do that at 17, playing at the highest level for the first time for a new club?

I actually don’t know how that happened. I went there from PSV’s youth team and I was brought in with the idea that I would play. That was the reason I went to Belgium. I wanted to get out of the youth league and play lots of minutes at the highest level. At PSV I could train with the first team and sometimes sit on the bench, but I was never going to get minutes. So I thought: I just want to play at the highest level and get minutes.

Then Gent approached me and that already felt good, because it means they see something in you. That gives confidence and the idea you can play a lot. I was young, but I came there to play, so that gave me more the position of a starting player and not the “young kid”. I’m a striker, so I thought: if there’s a penalty, I’m taking it! I never really thought about how strange it might be when you’re 17.

I also remember that I had already scored quite a lot in pre-season, so then you also think: yeah, I can take that one. Then you’ve earned your spot.

Is the football culture in the Netherlands different from Belgium?

Yeah, I do think so. People often say the Dutch are more direct than Belgians. That’s also how I experienced it. Sometimes things stay a bit under the surface there, whereas in the Netherlands we would say it straight away. That’s not always better either, because sometimes things just explode, so to speak. But that’s a big difference.

I was there with another Dutch girl, so we could laugh about those cultural differences. Or the Belgians would laugh at us. That made it quite funny.

You’re from North-Brabant — did you live in Ghent?

Yeah, I lived there at the time. I’m from near Den Bosch. It was about a two-hour drive to my parents, so I lived in Gent.

That’s quite young to make a step like that.

Yeah. I have two sisters and they had already left home to study. I had also finished secondary school. I didn’t really think too much about it. I finished high school quite early, so I just thought: yeah, this is possible.

Maybe you matured early?

Yeah… I don’t know.

Was it a strategic choice to leave PSV for Gent?

Yeah, I wasn’t really ready to play at PSV yet either. They had Katja (Snoeijs, ed.) and Joëlle (Smits, ed.) as strikers then. I was always going to lose that competition at that moment. So it was a strategic choice to get minutes. Not necessarily to leave the Netherlands. It could also have been ADO at the time. The chance to go to Gent just came up, and with Covid it was a bit harder as well.

Two years later ADO Den Haag came calling. Did that feel like a chance to prove yourself in the Netherlands?

Yeah, it was my first chance to play in the Eredivisie, so I definitely felt like: now I want to show it here as well. I knew a lot of girls from the national teams, so I wanted to show in the Netherlands what kind of player I am. I felt that if I could score goals in Belgium, I could do it here too.

What did Linda Helbling say when she wanted to bring you to FC Utrecht?

She told me a lot about the club, her vision, the playing style and why she thought I would fit in. It was also about what she sees in me and what Utrecht needed at that moment. I think Utrecht were third at the time, so that already said a lot. It was a really fun team to watch. Good football. Lots of energy.

The week before I had played against Utrecht with ADO and we had lost 2–0 quite convincingly. That also made me think: I want to take the next step.

Did you feel that it was necessary for your career?

Yeah, and that summer I had already wanted to make a move, but it didn’t happen.

Was that move to FC Utrecht?

No, to another club. So I already had that thought in my head. When it didn’t happen I stayed at ADO and thought: then I’ll give everything for one more season. Work extra hard. I could train extra with the coach, really focus on my own development.

The plan was basically to move the following summer. But then the opportunity already came in the winter to go somewhere higher. Then I thought: why wait if it can happen now?

Maybe it was a great way to adjust to the club and benefit this season?

Yeah, I think so. The first six months here weren’t amazing. I underestimated how difficult it is to join halfway through the season. The group is already formed. Everyone has their place and suddenly someone new comes in and changes the group dynamics.

I struggled with finding my place socially. Linda gave me a lot of trust, but that also brought pressure. I felt like I had to score and be important every match. That made me think too much on the pitch, which doesn’t help me at all.

For me it works best when I feel good, when I feel free and play with that mindset. I play much better like that than when I’m constantly thinking about what people think of me or what I should do. So it was good that I had that half-year to adjust. After six months things fell into place and I found my spot. Now it’s paying off.

You study psychology. Does that help when you go through a period where the goals aren’t coming?

Since my time at PSV I’ve been in contact with a sports psychologist. That helps me anyway. When things weren’t going well I also reached out to him more. I’m really interested in that side of football — the mental aspect. Learning about it is one thing, but applying it to yourself is always harder. But it definitely helps me in some way. It remains a complex thing.

Utrecht are known this season as a team that often comes back from behind. What’s the psychology behind that?

I think it’s also something in our team. When things aren’t going well, at some point something just drops off us. When we’re 3–0 down it almost feels like… not that the match is gone… but you start thinking: well you don’t give a shit at that point! We’re already behind anyway. Let’s just play football and do everything we can to turn it around.

It gives you more freedom. It’s easier to attack something — to have to score goals — than to defend a 3–0 lead. When you’re chasing the game like that you also have nothing to lose. Maybe that’s it.

Why are you no longer with the Netherlands U23s?

Last season was basically my last year. That age group is finished unless you get special permission. Last year was my final period. I’m too old now.

You’ve said before that you want to reach the top. What do you think it takes nowadays to represent The Netherlands?

I think you have to play for a top club and show it on the pitch — that you can handle that level. In the Netherlands you probably have to be the best player on the pitch to really get noticed. Otherwise I think you have to make the step to a higher league abroad and show it there.

If you look at the Dutch national team players, they all play abroad and they actually play for their clubs. From the Eredivisie it’s difficult to reach that level, so at some point you have to make the step abroad.

Would you choose a growing club, or if Chelsea called would you go anyway — even if it meant getting benched?

If Chelsea calls, I’m going, she laughs.

I see it a bit like the start of my career. If I make a step, I want to play. You can never get guarantees, but at least the intention to play. Because that’s where you learn the most. That probably means not going straight to a top club, but to a mid-table club or a lower club in a top league.

Do you have role models?

Not really players, but I have huge respect for Sarina (Wiegman, ed.). For everything she has achieved. First with the Netherlands and then with England. But also how she keeps speaking out about the development of women’s football and the position of women in society. I think that’s really cool.

Because I didn’t really grow up with women’s football, I never had a real idol. But if I look now, for example at Alessia Russo — I’d like that.

In the way she plays?

Yeah. I think our playing style is a bit similar. Physically strong. A real finisher. She always works incredibly hard. I’ve always had that too. She won the Champions League last year and the European Championship, and she played everything.

When did you realise you wanted to become a professional footballer?

I always wrote in those little friendship books at school that I wanted to be a professional footballer. But at that time I had no idea what the possibilities were. Women’s football was never on TV, for example. That makes a difference.

That’s why it’s so nice for young girls now. We can be role models. The club you support — you can actually play there yourself. I’m sure that if it had been on TV back then, I would have watched every week.

Did you grow up in a sporting family?

Yeah, very sporty, but not really a football family. My mum and my sisters all played hockey and my dad used to be a cyclist. But everyone was very active. My parents still run a lot. Just not much football.

How important was the role of your parents in your career?

Without my parents this would never have worked. The mental support first of all. When I had a bad match or was going through a tough period, they always made me feel like I was good enough and that I mattered. Even if I played badly — just as much as when I played well. It’s about who you are.

But it was also practical. Driving me to training, making sure there was food. When I was in secondary school I had to go to Eindhoven four or five times a week. Sometimes I could manage by train, but sometimes I had class until a certain time and someone had to take me. Luckily my parents had that possibility. Without them it would never have worked.

FC Utrecht face Ajax on Sunday 15th March at 11:15 UK time – the match is broadcast on ESPN in the Netherlands.

This interview was published in Dutch on www.fcleeuwinnen.nl – follow Jan there for news on Dutch women’s football.

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“We only want wins”: Blissett Sets Sights on Finals for Victory

By Isabelle Campbell (14/03/26)

Melbourne Victory defender Chelsea Blissett believes the extended mid-season break may have come at the perfect time as Victory prepare for their final regular-season home match against Western Sydney Wanderers.

The pause in the A-League Women schedule during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup gave the squad three uninterrupted weeks on the training track before the final run of games.

“We spent a lot of time on the field, working on the things that we felt like we needed as a team coming into these last three games of the regular season,” Blissett said.

“I think we made the most of the opportunity that we had to really hone in on what we felt we were lacking as a squad. It was a really enjoyable three weeks.”

“We just spent a lot of time together as a team, really enjoyed each other’s company and just pushed each other on the training field.”

The team used that time to focus on areas they felt had been off the mark in recent matches, particularly the way the team attacked in the final third.

“We just really felt like we needed to be more aggressive when we’re going forward, how we went forward and our movement up top, we felt like we were lacking a little bit in our last couple of games,” she said.

“So we really started working on that. But we also just worked on enjoyment and how we play together as a squad as a whole.”

Victory have struggled at times to convert chances this season, but Blissett believes the side may be starting to find better cohesion at the right time.

“I think we’re starting to really find our rhythm and find our togetherness, not only as a team, but in that front third as well,” she said.

“So I definitely wouldn’t be surprised if those goals start flowing in these last couple games.”

While the opening half of the season may not have unfolded as they had hoped, Blissett said building chemistry within a squad can sometimes take longer than expected.

“I think sometimes, as a squad, you never really know how a team is going to gel together,” she said.

“You never really know when you put 11 people on the park how it’s going to go. Obviously, we’ve not had the season we’ve necessarily wanted so far, but I think as long as we all want to win and we all want to put our heads down. Unfortunately, sometimes it just takes longer than others.”

Despite the Wanderers sitting near the bottom of the table, Blissett said Victory are wary of the threat they pose in transition.

“I think it’s how we go forward, how we prepare for their quick transitions. We’ve been working on that all week. We know that they can be a dangerous team on the counter, so that’s probably what we’re going to try to nullify moving forward.”

With matches remaining against Western Sydney, Sydney FC and Perth Glory, Victory see the final three fixtures as a key opportunity to finish the regular season strongly.

“It definitely is an expectation on us moving forward, that we only want wins,” Blissett said.

“We don’t want draws. We don’t want to rely on other results to kind of get to where we want to go. If we want to make a really good run into finals and set ourselves up really well, we definitely need to collect those nine points.”

Saturday’s match will also be part of the league’s Female Football Round, celebrating the growth of the women’s game and the people within it.

“It means a lot to us,” Blissett said. “We’re seeing a change and a growth in the game that we haven’t really seen. We’re starting to really push for full time professionalism, and it means a lot to us to be able to celebrate the round and be able to push that open into our fans and into the A-league Women’s in general, that this is what we want out of our league, and this is what we see the future for our league.”

“For everyone to come down and support and show that not only do we all love football, but Australian fans love female football too.”

As Victory head into their final home game of the regular season, Blissett and her teammates know the stakes are clear: secure the wins needed to push into the finals. With confidence building and determination high, the defender is optimistic the team can deliver on the pitch and showcase the women’s game during Female Football Round.

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Hoban gives Jets finals hope


Newcastle Jets 3-1 Sydney FC

By Kieran Yap 14/3/26

Above: Josie Allan and Sophie Hoban. Photo: Newcastle Jets

The Newcastle Jets have defeated Sydney FC 3-1 at No. 2 Sportsground thanks to a brace by Sophie Hoban. The win gives the Jets some hope for the season and keeps their slim finals hopes alive.

Following a three week break for the Asian Cup group stages, the A-League women was back in action. Sydney FC named an almost first choice lineup for their trip to Newcastle, but curiously chose to have two goalkeepers on the bench. Newcastle came into this game in search of their first win since January. If they needed a boost in confidence, when these two sides last met, Newcastle secured the points.

The home side were aggressive early, and Melina Ayres looked dangerous. The striker tested Heather Hinz from outside of the box and then again with a header. But neither effort could beat the in-form goalkeeper.

Sydney FC took the lead slightly against the run of play. Riley Tanner caused chaos with a run behind the defence, then pressuring Claudia Cicco as she attempted to clear. Georgia Ritchie made a decision to take matters into her own hands and came roaring out off her line, but Tanner beat her to the ball.

Despite the open net, the ball passed through three more Sydney FC players before Mackenzie Hawkesby finally slotted the ball beyond the repositioned Ritchie to make it 1-0.

Melina Ayres soon had her side level when Hinz and Madison Ayson became bizzarely discombobulated. Ayres took full advantage and scored with a simple finish in the 21st minute.

Sophie Hoban has be the architect of most of Newcastle’s best moves this season. Before half time she put The Jets into the lead with her first of the season. After dispossessing Rubi Sullivan, she prodded the ball beyond Hinz with a classy toe-poked effort.

Another flick from Hoban almost provided The Jets with a third, but the ball tricked wide. Newcastle were in the ascendancy and Josie Allan was next to test Hinz with a long range stinger.

The home side continued to probe and Allan’s ball found Hoban in the area. Her finish through the legs of Hinz gave Newcastle the important two-goal cushion that they needed.

Sydney FC pushed forward in search of goals, but despite coming close through Bianca Galic they could not close the gap. Sydney’s finals hopes have all but faded with that result, but The Jet’s season still has a pulse, and they played the type of football that would trouble most teams. They will look to add another win to their season when they travel to face Brisbane next week

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Ritchie, Cicco, Wilson, Prior, Bates, Hoban, Dundas, Copus-Brown, J Allan, Collins, Ayres. Substitutes:  Boertje, Paige, Lancaster, L Allan, Karapidis, Brown.

Goals: Ayres 21′ Hoban 30′ 73′

Sydney FC (4-3-3): Hinz Fenton, Ayson, Sullivan, Pearson, Lemon, Hawkesby, Galic, Corbett, Ulkekul, Tanner. Substitutes: Tallon-Henniker, Halmarick, Luchtmeijer, Cassar, Robertson, Oppedisano.

Goals: Hawkesby 15′

Referee: Izzy Cooper.

Attendance: 897.

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Matildas secure two big prizes in close call win over DPR Korea

Australia 2–1 DPR Korea

By Callum Logie 13/3/26

Above: Four Matildas celebrate after Alanna Kennedy (middle of facing trio) scored tonight against DPR Korea. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.

Australia have advanced to the semi finals of the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup with a 2-1 victory over DPR Korea. Alanna Kennedy’s good goal scoring form continued and was joined on the scoresheet by Sam Kerr, and although the North Koreans did peg one back through Chae Un-Yong, it ultimately was not enough.

This win also sees Australia qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, becoming the second national behind only hosts Brazil to book their place at next year’s tournament.

The game started just as expected, with many physical challenges from both teams marking the first five minutes of the game. Neither team generated any major chances as they were feeling each other out in the early stages.

However, it did not take too long for Australia to open the scoring, doing so in the ninth minute. After winning the ball high up the pitch, Kerr played a low cross toward Emily Van Egmond which then deflected over to Kennedy who steadied herself and drove a shot into the top right corner.

The North Koreans did manage some close chances to equalise at around the half an hour mark – including good chances from both Kim Kyong-Yong and Chae Un-Yong – but some quality goal keeping from Mackenzie Arnold helped the Matildas maintain their slim lead.

DPR Korea went even closer just before half time when a clever turn on the ball from Hong Song-Ok led to DPR Korea hitting the post just before the half-time whistle.

This meant Australia went into half-time with its one goal lead intact, but DPR Korea were determined to equalise heading into the second half.

However, those plans to equalise got even harder mere minutes into the second half when the Matildas doubled their lead.

Home town hero Kerr stepped up after a quick breakaway and Katrina Gorry won the ball high up the field and played in Kerr, who drove a terrific left-footed strike past Yu Son-Gum to double the advantage.

DPR Korea continued to knock on the door though, with a nice piece of control on a half-volley saw Kim Kyong-Yong force a good save out of Arnold again around the hour mark.

The pressure finally paid off for DPR Korea minutes as a well-worked attacking move saw Kim Kyong-Yong play a great low cross to the edge of the six-yard box which found Chae Un-Yong for a tap-in finish.

The North Koreans kept pushing for an equaliser and went close in the 83rd minute but were denied after a world class save from Arnold. A long range effort from An Kuk-Hyang forced a fully stretched save from Arnold who kept her team ahead as it approached the closing stages of the game.

In the eight minutes of stoppage time, DPR Korea kept pushing hard even into the whopping eight minutes of stoppage time and tried to find that crucial equaliser, but Joe Montemurro supplemented the defence with a third centre-back in Charlize Rule which meant the Matildas were able to hold on to the win.

Australia will play the winner of China PR and Chinese Taipei in the semi-finals, who play each other tomorrow in the second of the quarter finals.

Teams: AUSTRALIA (4-3-3): Arnold, Torpey, Hunt, Heatley, Carpenter, Kennedy, Van Egmond, Gorry, Fowler, Foord, Kerr. Substitutes: Wheeler, Rankin, Nevin, Lincoln, Chidiac, Johnson, Sayer, Aquino, Heyman, Cooney-Cross, Rule, McNamara, Siemsen.

Scorers: Kennedy 9′, Kerr 47′.

DPR KOREA (4-4-2): Yu Son-Gum, Ri Myong-Gum, An Kuk-Hyang, Song Chun-Sim, Ri Hye-Gyong, Myong Yu-Jong, Kim Song-Gyong, Hong Song-Ok, Chae Un Yong, Han Jin-Hong, Kim Kyong-Yong. Substitutes: Pak Ju-Mi, Kim Jong-Sun, Ri Kum-Hyang, Hwang Yu-Yong, Pom-Mi Jo, Oh Sol-Song, Jon Ryong-Jong, Kim Hye-Yong, An Pok-Yong, Choe Il-Son, Ri Hak, Sin Hyang, Ri Song A.

Scorers: Chae Un-Yong 65′.

Referee: Veronika Bernatzkaia (Kyrgyzstan)

Attendance: 16,466

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Morgan’s Olimpico Seals Historic Win for Adelaide United

Adelaide United 2-1 Perth Glory

by Isabelle Campbell (14/3/26)

Above: Fiona Worts, Emily Condon and Emily Hodgson. Photo: Adelaide United

Adelaide United collected all three points at Coopers Stadium, defeating Perth Glory 2-1 to secure their fourth consecutive victory, the first time the club has achieved a four-game winning streak.

It was a lively start at Coopers Stadium with both sides attacking early. Adelaide threatened inside the opening minute when Fiona Worts charged forward, forcing a fingertip save from Glory goalkeeper TJ Morrissey to deny the hosts an early lead.

Perth responded almost immediately by surging down the opposite end, where Rola Badawiya produced an effort of her own, signaling Glory’s attacking intent.

Badawiya continued to trouble Adelaide’s defence and nearly broke the deadlock in the 8th minute, but her attempt was well handled by 17-year-old Adelaide keeper Ilona Melegh, who stood firm between the posts.

The breakthrough eventually arrived courtesy of Badawiya, who produced a moment of quality with a powerful run forward before unleashing a clinical left-footed strike to put the visitors ahead 1-0.

Adelaide thought they had found an equaliser in the 25th minute when Worts tucked the ball into the net, but celebrations were cut short as the goal was quickly ruled out for offside.

The home side kept pushing, and their persistence paid off just after the half-hour mark. Following some excellent build-up play, Worts finally got the goal she had been chasing, finishing neatly to bring Adelaide level at 1-1.

Both teams continued to create chances as the half progressed, each searching for an advantage, but neither side could find the breakthrough before the referee brought the first half to a close.

The second half began with both sides still evenly matched. Glory captain Izzy Dalton nearly restored the visitors’ lead following a corner but could only find the side-netting.

Adelaide struck the decisive blow in the 56th minute when Sarah Morgan delivered a spectacular olímpico, curling a corner directly into the net for her first goal of the season to make it 2-1.

Perth almost gifted Adelaide another when a defensive mishap nearly resulted in an own goal from Grace Johnston, but the ball rolled just wide of the post.

In the 66th minute, Welsh international, Megan Wynne made her long awaited return for Perth Glory after 11 months out with an ACL injury.

Chances were limited in the closing stages, and Adelaide were forced into a substitution after Emilia Makris had to leave the field with an injury.

Perth’s hopes took a further hit with nine minutes of regular time remaining, when Onyinyechi Zogg was shown a red card, reducing the visitors to ten players.

Adelaide nearly extended their lead from the resulting free kick, but the powerful strike from Paige Zois was tipped over the bar by Morrissey, who produced several strong saves to keep Glory within reach.

Despite being a player down, Perth nearly found a dramatic equaliser when Dalton delivered a brilliant cross toward Wynne, but Melegh reacted quickly to deny the forward her comeback goal.

After six minutes of added time, Adelaide held firm to secure the result and collected all three points, sending them to second place on the table and extending their win streak to a history making four games.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Melegh, Tolland, McNamara, Tonkin, E. Hodgson, Morgan, M. Taranto, Condon, A. Taranto, Healy, Worts. Substitutes: Jenkins, Zois, Holmes, Dawber, Makris, Gooch.

Goals: Worts 31’, Morgan 56’.

PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Morrissey, Tathem, McKenna, Zogg, Johnston, Tovar, Wainwright, Dalton, Badawiya, Lincoln, Hollar. Substitutes: Skinner, Anderson, Cassidy Wynne, O’Donoghue, Westaway.

Goals: Badawiya 11’.

Referee: Mikayla Ryan

Attendance: 1,527.

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From injury setback to England debut: Pattinson ready for Arsenal challenge

By Hope Robinson (11/3/26)

Above: Poppy Pattinson for England against Ukraine Photo: London City Lionesses

Hope Robinson attended London City Lionesses’ media conference with England’s latest debutant, Poppy Pattinson, who faces Arsenal at Copperjax Community Stadium on Sunday at 11:55am in front of their first ever sold-out crowd. The 25-year-old spoke about her first experience with the Lionesses, her move to London City in the summer, and the challenge of facing one of the league’s strongest sides in front of a packed home crowd.

“Absolutely loved it”- Pattinson on England debut

After eight seasons competing in the Women’s Super League, Pattinson finally earned her first senior England appearance, a moment she described as the culmination of years of persistence.

“Absolutely loved it. I want to be a part of it in the long run,” Pattinson said. “I got on with everyone really well and I’m happy all around.”

The defender admitted the experience of being around the Lionesses squad reinforced just how special the environment is.

“It was amazing. I had the best 12 days away with the team,” she explained. “I know a lot of the girls coming through the age groups and being around them in the WSL. The quality of training is amazing. You can really see it’s a special group and a special team that are really going to be the best.”

Pattinson also shared the significance of making her debut alongside a familiar face.

“I came on at half time with Esme Morgan. We spent a lot of time in the youth age groups together, so it was really nice to get that moment with her.”

From injury setback to international recognition

The call up came shortly after Pattinson had overcome a difficult spell earlier in the season following injury.

“When I got injured at the start of the season it really hit hard,” Pattinson admitted. “I haven’t had to deal with a setback like that.”

Rather than allowing the setback to stall her progress, she used the recovery period as motivation.

“I used that as a real chance to do something different and come back and really make my impact. I played five games and then got the call up.”

Looking back on the journey that led to her debut, Pattinson reflected on the long road she has travelled since she started playing.

“Over the last two weeks I’ve put my whole emotions from being eight years old into perspective until now at 25,” she said. “In youth football you feel so close at times and so far away at others.”

“I always hoped and dreamed and never gave up on that. It wasn’t in my mind that after five games back fit I would be making my debut.”

Establishing herself at England left back

Competition for places within England’s defence remains fierce, but Pattinson is determined to establish herself in the squad.

“I’m happy to get the recognition now,” she said. “As a player the goal is to stay there and make that position my own.”

“The quality of players competing there is very high. We can keep pushing each other to keep the quality high. I’ll keep my head down and hopefully it can happen.”

Pattinson believes the pathway through England’s youth system prepared her well for the step up to senior level.

“The pathway creates an environment where you’re ready for the seniors when your time comes,” she said. “On the pitch they want to play the same style. The quality of the seniors is huge and you can only grow and develop from that.”

A pivotal season with London City

This season has also marked an important chapter in Pattinson’s club career after her move to London City Lionesses in the summer.

“It’s huge,” she said. “Receiving the debut and signing for the club in the summer is a big part of my career and something I’ve worked so hard for.”

“There are special players in this league and I’m super grateful to be part of such a talented team here at London City. We have some great players and it’s only going to get better as we start to work together. The connections on the pitch are still building.”

She believes the club are moving steadily towards their ambitions.

“We’re going in the right direction. You can’t win trophies overnight, you have to build the structure,” Pattinson said. “We have a great group and I’m sure there will be more additions. Each department is really working on their strengths and I’m sure there are big things to come.”

“All of us are new and trying to build something together, so it’s super important. It’s like a family.”

Tactical growth under a new manager

Pattinson also highlighted the role of the club’s manager in helping her develop since returning from injury.

“The timing was when I was getting back fit,” she explained. “It was a fresh start with someone who had never seen me before, but he trusted me to start games.”

“He’s a very tactical coach and as a player I like to solve problems.”

After eight seasons in the Women’s Super League, Pattinson takes pride in maintaining her standards at the top level.

“I’m very proud of that,” she said. “But there are a lot of people with a lot of caps in this league. I’m sure there’s a lot more to talk about than just me.”

The impact of a rare left foot

One of Pattinson’s defining attributes as a defender is her natural left foot, something she believes can provide a unique advantage.

“Of course it’s a great strength,” she said. “It’s quite a rare quality in teams because there aren’t a lot of left footed players.”

“I just want to use it as a superpower, delivering left footed crosses into the box and creating chances.”

However, she also acknowledged there are still aspects of her game she wants to improve.

“My decision making in certain moments can improve,” she said. “There are always more decisions to make.”

Preparing for a sold out clash with Arsenal

Attention now turns to Sunday’s home match against Arsenal, which will be played in front of a sold out crowd.

“We’re so happy about that,” Pattinson said. “It can make a huge difference.”

“From recent performances against big teams it really helps. It can change momentum and swing it in our favour.”

“The sell out is huge and we are all really excited for it.”

Despite the scale of the occasion, Pattinson insists the squad are focused on delivering a strong performance.

“We’re definitely going to go for it,” she said. “It’s a huge moment and we just want to put on a big performance.”

“We want to perform well and enjoy playing at this level.”

Learning from defeat and building identity

London City will enter the Arsenal match looking to respond after a difficult result against Tottenham in their previous fixture.

“That game was a tough defeat,” Pattinson admitted. “But overall it was a good game.”

“We really showed what we’ve learned and built in and out of possession. We’re trying to create a clear identity and put on performances the crowd will enjoy.”

A message to the next generation

Having experienced both the highs and lows of her career journey, Pattinson hopes her story can inspire younger players chasing the same dream.

“Everyone’s path to the top is different,” she said. “My story shows you never know when it can come.”

“I had to go to my biggest low with the injury and then come back to my highest high.”

Her advice to those aiming for senior England recognition remains simple.

“Enjoy the journey,” Pattinson said. “Be yourself and never give up.”

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The Rise of Jess Park and Her Impact This International Break

By Hope Robinson (11/3/26)

Above: Jess Park against Iceland Photo: Lindsay Cook for Impetus.

Jess Park impressed for England during the March international break, starting both World Cup qualifying matches against Ukraine and Iceland as the Manchester United midfielder continued her standout club season. The fixtures saw Park feature across multiple attacking roles while helping the Lionesses secure maximum points. Her performances also reflected the form she has shown since moving from Manchester City to Manchester United.

England platform continues standout season

In the recent international break, breakout star Jess Park shone in two assured performances for England in World Cup qualifying games against Ukraine and Iceland. The fixtures transferred the Manchester United midfielder’s club form onto the international stage, continuing a season that has seen the 24-year-old emerge as one of the Women’s Super League’s standout players.

Park started both fixtures for the Lionesses, playing different roles in each match. She featured on both wings against Ukraine before operating in a more advanced midfield position against Iceland. Her instinctive ability to receive the ball in tight areas and move play forward quickly, while utilising skilful footwork, helped England maintain a strong attacking rhythm across the qualifiers and secure maximum points.

On-pitch impact

Operating primarily between midfield and the forward line, whether from the ten position or by inverting from the wing, Park repeatedly found encouraging pockets of space that allowed England to progress efficiently through the thirds. Rather than forcing play, she often showed patience, timing runs well, selecting the right pass or driving forward with the ball at her feet when the opportunity presented itself.

Park’s controversial Manchester ‘swap deal’ move with Grace Clinton has also played a significant role in her progression. Over recent seasons, Park’s potential had gradually become clear, but she lacked the consistent club minutes needed to demonstrate it fully. Her limited minutes at Euro 2025 may also have been a factor in her decision to push for a move away from childhood club Manchester City.

The summer move

At the time, there was a sense in some quarters that Park’s career had been pushed aside to accommodate Clinton’s return to Manchester City. Clinton had been widely praised following her loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur, and many expected her development to accelerate immediately upon signing for City.

Instead, the narrative has shifted dramatically as the season has progressed. Park has flourished at Manchester United, becoming a central figure in their attacking play and arguably one of the most influential players in the Women’s Super League this season.

International team influence 

Against Ukraine, Park’s movement allowed England to stretch the defensive block, often drifting into half spaces to link play with the forwards. She showed a clear understanding of when to carry the ball forward and when to recycle possession, ensuring England maintained control of the match. She scored a brace in this game.

The game against Iceland posed a slightly different challenge, with England facing a more advanced defensive structure. Park adapted well, dropping deeper at times to help progress the ball before moving into attacking positions around the edge of the penalty area.

There were also encouraging signs in her defensive work. Park pressed aggressively when England lost possession and showed a willingness to track runners, a quality that fits well within Sarina Wiegman’s tactical approach.

The next step 

If there was an area where Park could still increase her impact, it came in the final third. Her positioning regularly placed her in promising areas, but there were moments where a quicker shot or more incisive final pass could have turned strong attacking phases into clear scoring opportunities.

Against opposition such as Ukraine and Iceland, where England dominated possession, those final details can make the difference between a good performance and a truly decisive one. Park did many things well across both matches, but sharpening that final action would elevate her influence even further.

Opportunity to leadership

Even so, her trajectory this season has been difficult to ignore. While Park has grown into a leading figure at Manchester United, Clinton has found opportunities far harder to come by at Manchester City, struggling for consistent minutes within a competitive squad.

That contrast has only reinforced how beneficial the move has been for Park. Rather than fading into the background, she has stepped into a larger role and responded with the most complete season of her career so far.

The confidence built through that club form was evident throughout this England camp. Park played with the assurance of someone who knows her place in the side is earned through performance rather than potential.

If she continues developing an even more decisive edge in front of goal, and a wider passing range, Park’s influence for both Manchester United and England could grow even further, and honours such as the PFA Player of the Season award could seriously be within reach. On current form, she already looks like a player whose importance is steadily increasing at both levels- one to watch.

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NPLW VIC R4: Big wins and Box Hill’s instant rebuild

By Kieran Yap 11/3/26

Above: Box Hill United’s Sydney Manarik fights for possession with Minori Akiyama. Photo: Adrian Geremia

It was a high scoring round in the NPLW Vic this weekend, and a month into the season it is still hard to get a sense of where many teams really stand. Boroondara have a perfect record and Box Hill, the reigning champions look like one of the teams to beat despite looking very different to the lineup that lifted the trophy.

In the Grand Final re-match, Box Hill took only seconds to score against Heidelberg United. The league’s in-form player Erin Keyt threaded a through ball for Juri Kawano to round Mia Bailey for the opener.

Keyt doubled the lead herself in the 10th minute. She burst free behind the Heidelberg defence and kept her feet to make it 2-0 before the hosts had time to settle.

Some excellent interplay around the edge of the box created the third goal. Kiara Bercelli scored Box Hill’s third before half an hour had been played. Her terrific finish capped off the type of end-to-end team move that they are becoming known for.

Heidelberg had begun the game without star signing Hayley Geurts and their afternoon only became worse in the second half. Talismanic goalkeeper Mia Bailey had to be subbed out following a horrible looking head injury. Bailey rushed out to make an excellent save as another goal looked inevitable, but looked in immediate distress in the aftermath. She was able to walk off the pitch but it made the result feel secondary and the rest of the game feels like an afterthought. All thoughts turned to her safety and recovery.

Box Hill added a fourth in the dying stages. Consistent winger Gabrielle Simpson finished off another calm, yet rapid passing move from the visitors. Box Hill knocked the ball about with short, passes until it arrived at the Number Seven who turned and shot from the middle of the 18-yard box.

Bentleigh Greens tough start to the season continued with another difficult loss. Spring Hills FC scored six with last season’s Gold Medal winner Aleks Sinclair netting twice.

The opening goal came in the 14th minute. A second attempt at a corner was nodded in at close range at the far post by Aubrie Labno. Bentleigh equalised through a corner of their own. Madina Ali forced the ball over the line from close range in the 21st minute.

Sinclair restored Spring Hills’ lead in the shadows of half time. A deft header by Bella Stringfellow put the star forward into enough space and Sinclair finished calmly in the 42nd minute.

Margaux Clarke made it 3-1 to Spring Hills almost immediately after the restart. A low, long range drive snuck in at the corner of the net after Bentleigh only half-cleared Olivia Anderson’s cross.

Substitute Chelsea De Silva made it 4-1 after being found un-marked directly in front of goal by Lauren Antonello, but her first time finish across her body was still excellently taken.

With less than 20 minutes of play remaining, there was still enough time for Clarke and Sinclair to score another each. Clarke’s came via a terrific, quick turn to send multiple defenders the wrong way in the box and Sinclair’s capped off a very strong performance from her team. Stringfellow was the architect again, her clever cutback set the captain up for a simple, unopposed finish.

The big wins continued on Friday night. Boroondara Eagles defeated Preston Lions 4-1 away. Eagles speedster Priya Savarirayan scored twice after Valentines Pursey’s opener for Preston, with Sarah Brunner and Emma Vane adding one each to keep The Eagles at the top of the table with a perfect record. Michael Maroulis’s side is the only one to remain undefeated after four rounds.

On Saturday, a first minute strike by Anna Liacopoulos was enough for Alamein FC to defeat the visiting Essendon Royals. She did not hesitate when the ball fell to her in midfield and the shot from the middle of the park looped over the backpedalling Zara Board for the only goal of the game.

Keilor Park scored another early goal for this round when Abby Holmes put her side ahead at home against Avondale FC. The clock had barely ticked past a minute when Holmes thrashed the ball into goal following a poor corner clearance by the visitors.

Asuka Miyata levelled the scores with an incredible, unsavable effort from distance in the fifth minute, and a curling, well placed finish from close range by Elise Kellond-Knight made it 2-0 early in the second half.

Any hopes of a Keilor comeback were extinguished when Beattie Goad ran onto a long pass, rounded the goalkeeper and made it 3-1 in the 79th minute.

South Melbourne capped the weekend’s games with a 5-1 win against Melbourne Victory U23’s. Victory were without several crucial players in midfield and attack and South took full advantage of that and a red-card to Aeryn Tarrant to climb to third on the ladder.

Meisha Westland scored with a powerful free-kick in the 10th minute that Chloe Mckenzie could do little to keep out. In a week packed with goals, this felt like the best one.

Alexis Pantazopoulos scored with an explosive solo run that took her all the way to the six yard box, and Westland had her second before half time with a back post tap-in following some excellent build up from Emily Roach.

Victory restored some hope through Anika Dovaston’s spectacular but somewhat fortuitous effort but South struck back with Heidi Dalton scoring a brace to complete a good win away by South Melbourne.

With no games on Sunday, we had to wait until Monday for Melbourne City to host Bulleen Lions.

The visiting Bulleen had seemingly put a stuttering start to the season behind them with a Round Three win against Keilor Park, and added to that with a 4-0  defeat of City.

Maja Markovski was in sparkling form once again in a mobile role in attack. A lowered tky weighted long ball from Claudia Mihocic found the striker in a dangerous position. Her first touch took her clear and she made the finish look easy under the on-rushing Dali Gorr-Burchmore.

The City goalkeeper was solid between the sticks as Bulleen pushed for a second and it took until the 55th minute to beat her again . Markovski picked up the ball deep, and went on a weaving run before finishing from the edge of the box.

Sarah Cain and Markovski combined centrally to play set up Bulleen’s third. Rosie Rodger beat the offside trap and rounded the keeper to rolls the ball home for her first of the season.

The captain added to Bulleen’s tally in the 77th minute, Alana Cortellino’s quick chance of direction and pace drew multiple defender toward her and her cutback left Cain with a simple, unmarked finish at the far post.

In Appreciation of…. Box Hill United’s instant rebuild

Box Hill United Pythagoras are playing the most entertaining and eye catching football in the NPLW. They have an attacking, but organised style of football that favours short, quick passing and clinical attacks. Most teams have taken some time to warm up to this season, as new signing as tactics bed in, but Box Hill only stumbled in Round One. since then they have scored 14 goals in three games to be the highest scoring side over the opening month.

A Grand Final winning club continuing to dominate in the next season is not a surprising thing, but what makes Box Hill’s form interesting is that the current squad is very different to the one that lifted the trophy in 2025.

Of that starting 11 on Grand Final day, only Maho Murakami and Sofia Palywoda were on the pitch when Round Four kicked off.

Sara Petkaris and Gabrielle Simpson are the only other players two be in the squad for both games.

The matchday squad has seen significant turnover. Wonderkids Georgia Karaparidis and Sienna Techera have moved to Melbourne City and Victory respectively, Sofia Sakalis has played in every game for Melbourne Victory, and while Josie Aulicino and Rhianna Pollicina are both vying for signing of the season in the A-League Women, while Holly Murray and Grand Final hero Carina Rossi have both made big contributions to Adelaide United.

Box Hill did not just lose some players from the Championship winning team, they lost seven outfielders to the A-League Women, plus a prodigious goalkeeper in Chloe Mckenzie.

Instead of struggling following these departures, Box Hill have looked even stronger. big squad changes are nothing unusual in the NPLW, but the instant chemistry that Box Hill has created is. The way that they play is fluid, confident and without hesitation, the ball is flicked between players and before the opposition has time to react Erin Keyt is in on goal.

The former Box Hill junior has been a revelation since returning to the club following some years in the US college system. Quick, clinical and composed, she has terrorised defences over the past month with six goals in the past three games. Her ability in attack, combined with Simpson’s improved form has made Box Hill the most deadly side in the league so far.

The signing of Keeley Segavcic in goal has also been crucial. The former Western Sydney Wanderer has only kept two clean sheets, but for Box Hill to attack the way they do, and to play out from the back with the efficiency and confidence they have shown, they needed an experienced and talented players between the sticks. Segavcic has been better than the stats indicate, especially against Preston when the Lionesses would have surely equalised if not for the star signing.

Box Hill ended last season on an 11 game winning streak, and that culture has seemingly stuck at the club even though some players have departed. They are a swashbuckling, entertaining team that are now compulsory viewing for any fan of this league.

It is a long season, and we are only a fifth of the way through. Box Hill United have taken many by surprise, but right now they look like the most dangerous team in the competition.

On paper at least, the next three games look tougher than the last. They will host South Melbourne and Melbourne Victore before traveling to face Boroondara Eagles.

Box Hill can seriously play, but these games might ask the question, can they fight? It will be exciting to find out.

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“If we want to be playing finals, these are the games we have got to be ready for.” Perth Glory’s Stephen Peters and Sarah O’Donoghue preview Adelaide United

Image: Sarah O’Donoghue talks to the media. Image: Perth Glory.

By Ella McShane (10/3/26)

Air traffic generated by women in football increases yet again this Friday as Glory make the trip to Adelaide to face the Reds amidst the action of the Asian Cup. 

The home tournament has given the league a three week reprieve. However, there was concern of a momentum loss for Glory, as the contentious concluding game of the block, a dynamic 3-2 Victory over the Jets, showed promising signs coming into the concluding weeks with finals football on the line. 

“The break has really helped us. We’ve still kept the momentum from the Newcastle game. And we’ve been able to channel what we were doing, into what we need to do coming into the final four games,” O’Donoghue said. 

Winning momentum remains crucial for Glory, as their fifth place position on the table places them in contention for finals football, a prospect this side has not faced for quite some time. 

“If you’re not mentioning [finals], it means you’re scared of it. We are not scared of it. It’s something that we’ve got to be ready for, the pressure that comes with that level of conversation. The old cliche is going to come out, the ‘one week at a time,'” said Peters.

“We are very keen to treat every game as final. We’re going to put everything on the line, give it our all every single game,” said O’Donoghue. 

The Reds third place position on the table also places them in strong contention for finals football. 

“We are expect a hard game, they’re dangerous in attack. We are working on ourselves and we will give them what we’ve got,” said Peters. “We’ve definitely improved as a side since [the last time we faced them] and I think they have as well. So it is going to be interesting to see how that matches up.”

Looking to the injury bench, Peter’s remains hopeful for the potential return of an undisclosed member of the squad. And detailed the squad dynamic given the loss of crucial players. 

“Losing Julia [Sardo] and Susan [Phonsongkham] after the Canberra game was a pretty tough one.”

“Different players, have stepped up into roles, showcasing the depth we have at our disposal.” 

Adelaide United v Perth Glory will take place at 4pm AWST at Coopers Stadium. Round 19 will be available to stream live and free on 10Play and Paramount+ for paying subscribers. 

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