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City and Sydney share the points as Bosch hits the net again

Sydney FC 1-1 Melbourne City

by Alice de Kosta-Kitto at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium for Impetus (24/11/24)

Above: Lourdes Bosch (right) celebrates her third goal in four games this season with Laura Hughes. Photo: Melbourne City.

Melbourne City have dropped to second on the A-League table, after drawing with reigning champions Sydney FC, in the final match of Unite Round.

A sixth-minute strike from Mackenzie Hawkesby opened the scoring, giving Sydney FC the lead. The host’s dominance was short-lived, however, when Melbourne City’s Lourdes Bosch found the equaliser just minutes later, establishing an already contentious match, as an exciting and unpredictable afternoon of football.

Melbourne City controlled the possession early on, although Sydney FC was the one to capitalise on the few opportunities they had.

An attempt from Maddie Caspers in the fourth minute gave Sydney an almost immediate upper hand, which their attack maintained for the majority of the first half, despite City’s dominant defensive line.

**Above:** Amber Luchtmeijer on her A-League Women debut for Sydney FC. **Photo:** Sydney FC.

The two sides last met during the 2023/24 Grand Final, where Sydney FC took home the title. The rivalry made for a thrilling tactical battle that kept both Sydney and City fans captivated from start to finish.

Melbourne City were out for redemption, and their determination was displayed through their unfaltering defence. Sydney on the other hand, took every chance they could get to move up in the table, following a disappointing start to the season.

Indiana dos Santos played a key role in Sydney’s attack. The 17-year-old’s pace and creativity allowed her to make an impact throughout all areas of the pitch, often creating chances for her teammates. Dos Santos’ versatility was a defining feature in Sydney’s ability to withhold attacking pressure against a combative defensive side.

A strong shot from Hawkesby almost saw Sydney take the lead, once again, however despite their consistent effort, the scores remained level at the break.

A blocked attempt from City’s Mariana Speckmaier in the 49th minute, saw a shift in momentum. As the visitors began to take advantage of their chances, Sydney fought back, and the possession ended up at a 51.7% to 48.3% split in favour of Melbourne, a much closer battle than was seen in the first half.

**Above:** Shelby McMahon (left), seen here trying to fend off Sydney FC goalscorer Mackenzie Hawkesby, made her first appearance of the season for Melbourne City today. **Photo:** Melbourne City.

Shay Hollman was Sydney’s first substitution of the match, although the change came earlier than was expected when Hana Lowry had to be taken off after what seemed like quite a painful shoulder injury. Both the Western Australian and the Matildas will be hoping that it doesn’t prove to be too serious after Lowry’s first senior call up for the national side.

With just a few minutes left of regulation time, City once again shifted up ther gears, desperately looking to maintain their undefeated streak this season. Sydney responded with several shots on target, including a very close strike from Shea Connors.

The result sees Melbourne City drop to second place on the ladder, behind Brisbane Roar, while Sydney FC remain ninth.

Sydney will head to Victoria in a fortnight, to face Western United. Meanwhile, Melbourne City are set to host a Western Sydney Wanderers side next weekend still searching for their first win of the season.

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Edwards, Tumeth, Tobin, Thompson, Bryson, Lowry, Hawkesbt, Caspers, Dos Santos, Connors, Ibini. Substitutes: Franco, Hollman, Lemon, Luchtmeijer, Tallon-Henniker.

Scorer: Hawkesby 6′.

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

Scorer: Bosch 11′.

Referee: Rachael Mitchinson.

Attendance: 3,149.

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Glory shared between Canberra and Perth

Canberra United 1-1 Perth Glory

by Ben Gilby (24/11/24)

Above: Izzy Dalton (centre) celebrates her goal for Perth Glory with Tijan McKenna (left of centre) and Sarah O’Donoghue (right of centre) as Georgia Cassidy (left) and Megan Wynne (right) rush to join them. Photo: Perth Glory.

Perth Glory produced a performance full of positives, buoyed by the ability to welcome a number of experienced players into their side as they claimed a point against high-flying Canberra United in Sydney.

Internationals Casey Dumont and Megan Wynne made their Glory debuts, Dumont just a week after her AFLW side Hawthorn lost their semi-final to Port Adelaide. Nigerian international Onyi Zogg also made her first start after being nursed back from injury on the bench in previous weeks.

As well as providing a calming presence to the younger heads around them, these additions to Stephen Peters’ starting 11 meant that Tijan McKenna could be pushed further forward alongside Georgia Cassidy to continue the midfield partnership between the pair that was so fruitful for Perth SC in the NPLW WA this season.

Canberra fielded three players who had spent time at Perth in the past – goalkeeper Sally James, defender Liz Anton, and midfielder Aideen Keane, who was on the bench.

The capital city side gained the first chance with just six minutes on the clock as Mary Stanic-Floody supplied a perfectly judged pass into Michelle Heyman who advanced in on goal. The Matildas striker took a touch to beat Dumont who came out to meet her, but was denied by a superb covering tackle from young Glory defender Grace Johnston.

The Western Australian side set their stall out to use their pace to run directly at the capital city side, and it gave them the offensive front foot as they gradually grew into the game.

Before the half-hour mark, Nat Tathem gained possession along the right and found Sarah O’Donoghue inside her. The striker showed great skill in turning Darcey Malone and running between her and Lillian Skelly before defeating Alex McKenzie with superior footwork. O’Donoghue crashed in a shot which came off the boot of Canberra keeper James and away for a corner.

O’Donoghue has grown steadily into her Perth shirt this season with performances incrementally improving as the weeks go by, and she was to have an increasing influence on this game.

With four minutes of regular time remaining, Perth finally took the lead. A long ball through on the left flank bounced and caused problems for the Canberra defence, allowing Gabby Hollar to lay off a pass for Izzy Dalton on the edge of the box, and the Glory co-captain took a touch before slotting home across James.

Deep into stoppage time at the end of the half, O’Donoghue caused chaos for Canberra again. McKenzie lost possession under pressure from McKenna. The Perth Young Matilda threaded a pass through for O’Donoghue in the centre of the park to run centrally at a host of green shirts, who backed off. She did not turn down the invitation and unloaded with a shot that came back off the right-hand post.

Another of the Glory’s Young Matildas showed her immense skill just before the hour mark as Johnston provided an example of her outstanding range of passing. Allowed to advance through the midfield, the locally produced defender played a sumptuous centimetre-perfect ball into the stride of Morgan Roberts on the right. James saved the substitute’s shot at the near post.

The Western Australian side continued to have joy when running directly at their opponents. Twenty minutes into the second period, Ella Abdul-Massih danced along the right flank before squaring a pass for McKenna in the box, but her initial shot was blocked by her own teammate, Miku Sunaga. The ball came back to McKenna, who saw a second attempt roll wide of the left-hand post.

**Above:** Mary Stanic-Floody (green ribbon) is embraced by Maja Markovski (17) after scoring her superb equaliser. **Photo:** Canberra United.

Four minutes later, with McKenna down on the left flank, play was waved on by referee Beth Rattray, with Emma Robers taking advantage of the space to feed Maja Markovski. The former Melbourne Victory attacker, who had a red-hot NPLW Victoria season, played a delightful backheel to Heyman. Tathem got out to block the Canberra star, but the ball rolled into the path of Stanic-Floody, centrally positioned, just over 20 yards from goal who sent an absolute rocket into the net.

There were a few half chances in the 22 minutes of regulation time that followed, but neither side could add to their tally.

Whilst Perth let the lead slip, there were plenty of good things on display with the exciting raw talent of this young team allied at last with some experienced heads. They now just need to combine this with their attacking talent – the likes of Kelli Brown and Tanika Lala were absent today – and they may soon be able to look further up the table.

To view Impetus’ Kris Goman’s exclusive photo gallery from the game, visit our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (3-4-3): James, Christopherson, Anton, Taylor-Young, Stanic-Floody, McKenzie, Robers, Malone, Skelly, Markovski, Heyman. Substitutes: Bertolissio, Keane, Majstorovic (GK), Murray, Dos Santos.

Scorer: Stanic-Floody 68′.

PERTH GLORY (4-2-3-1): Dumont, Johnston, Chinnama, Zogg, Tathem, McKenna, Cassidy, Hollar, Dalton, Wynne, O’Donoghue. Substitutes: Abdul-Massih, Anderson, Roberts, Sunaga, Templeman (GK).

Scorer: O’Donoghue 41′.

Referee: Beth Rattray.

Attendance: 1,237.

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Cicco and Maher goals result in draw for Jets and Western

Newcastle Jets 1-1 Western United

By Emma Burke (23/11/24)

Above: Grace Maher is congratulated after her wonder goal. Photo: Western United.

For the second game of day two of Unite Round, Newcastle Jets faced off against Western United at Nestrata Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah.

An opening half filled with end-to-end football saw both sides have their chances at goal.

Western United’s chance was the clearest with Sasha Grove winning her side a penalty, after taking a shot on goal that clipped the hands of Jets’ defender Claudia Cicco.

Cicco was let off for her error however, when United Captain Chloe Logarzo missed the spot kick, sending the ball into the right post.

The Jets were forced into an early change, having to take out Natasha Prior, who received a knock in a collision with her own keeper Tiahna Robertson.

A challenge at goal from the Jets left Western scrambling to clear, with the final clearance being made just in front of the goal line by Alana Cerne, whose header took the ball over the bar.

The deadlock was broken by a stunning goal from Cicco who shot from the top of the box. The layoff from Sophie Hoban was timed with perfection for Cicco to run onto the ball and shoot.

Moments later Western United found their response in the form of Maher. The defender was left in simply too much space and fired from thirty yards away.

Newcastle was forced into another injury-prompted change when Lara Gooch went down with an off-the-ball injury which looked to be to her knee, however, having already used up all their substitutes, they were forced down to 10 players.

The Jets were able to hold on to the draw despite being a player down and keep Western United at bay for the final minutes of the game.

With the points split between the two teams, they both look to Round Five where Newcastle Jets will travel to play Adelaide Untied and Western United will host last year’s Champions Sydney FC.

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (3-4-3): Robertson, Baumann, Prior, Cicco, Davis, Allan, Dundas, Wilson, Jackson, Gallagher, Hoban. Substitutions: Copus-Brown, Hammond, Gooch, Adams.

Scorer: Cicco 71’.

WESTERN UNITED (4-3-3): Lincoln, Grove, Mher, Cerne, Dehakiz, Eggesvik, Logarzo, M. Taranto, Zimmerman, Johnson, Medwin. Substitutions: Hieda, Roach, Sardo, Prakash.

Scorer: Maher 80’.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

Attendance: 1,494.

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Late Morrison goal rescues a point for Victory against Mariners

Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Melbourne Victory

By Isabelle Campbell (23/11/24)

Above: Melbourne Victory captain Kayla Morrison with a fan post-game. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

Melbourne Victory remained cool, calm, and collected under the pressure of the Central Coast Mariners’ early lead and came out with a point after a gripping draw.

The Mariners held the lead for most of the match, courtesy of academy graduate Annalise Rasmussen’s early strike, but a late free-kick from Victory saw captain Kayla Morrison ensure the points were shared.

The match kicked off with Melbourne Victory pressing forward, and Emily Gielnik came close in just the eighth minute with a promising shot that went off target. Just four minutes later, the Mariners struck gold when Rasmussen unleashed a spectacular long-range strike, assisted by Brooke Nunn. Victory struggled to respond, with Alana Jančevski and Isabel Gomez both sending efforts wide of the target.

Victory controlled possession for much of the first half, holding 74% in a 15-minute spell, but Central Coast’s defence stood firm. In the final minutes of the half, Courtney Newbon denied Rasmussen a second goal, and Brianne Riley blocked Gielnik’s attempt to level the score.

Taylor Ray was a standout for the Mariners, looking comfortable amongst her new teammates, consistently controlling the tempo of the game, and showcasing incredible distribution from the midfield.

Despite four minutes of added time, the Mariners maintained their 1–0 lead at the break whilst Jeff Hopkins’ side headed in to reevaluate their tactics and return to the game with their intentions set on improving upon their first-half performance.

Victory did, in fact, come out stronger in the second half, and Alex Chidiac would have equalised had Jessika Nash not made a crucial block to deny her. The Mariners held firm despite Victory’s relentless possession.

The game grew more physical as desperation set in. Alana Murphy received the first yellow card of the game for a blatant shirt pull, handing over a free kick though it didn’t come to anything.

Substitute Sara D’Appolonia had an immediate impact on her side’s attack, firing a shot that was blocked by the Mariners’ defence.

Tensions mounted when Ellie Wilson fouled Gomez, earning a yellow card and forcing Gomez off the field due to injury. Peta Trimis came on to replace her.

Despite a tense third quarter of the match, neither side created any clear-cut chances, with a dangerous cross from Gielnik that almost caused an own goal for the Mariners being the closest call.

In the final ten minutes, Victory found their momentum—or perhaps desperation to avoid dropping points. Jade Pennock fouled Chidiac, conceding a free kick in a prime position. Jančevski sent the ball in and defender Claudia Bunge picked it up as it bounced about the area, delivering it to the head of Morrison who headed it in, bringing her side to equalise in the 83rd minute.

The Mariners fought back, earning a free kick in added time after Bianca Galic was fouled by Laura Pickett, but the chance went begging, and the whistle blew with the score locked at 1–1.

This result places the Central Coast in fifth place on the ladder following their third draw of the season while Victory remain at a comfortable third place.

Round Five of the Ninja A-League will be split across two weekends due to the upcoming international break. November 30th will see the Central Coast Mariners take on Canberra United at home while Melbourne Victory will be travelling to the West Coast to take on Perth Glory on 8th December.

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

Scorer: Morrison 85’.

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-3-3): Langman, Riley, Irwin, Nash, Martin, Gomez, Pennock, Galic, Ray, Rasmussen, Nunn. Substitutes: Carmichael, Quilligan, Puxty, Trimis, Evans.

Scorer: Rasmussen 12’.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 1,238.

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Chinnama: “We feel the sting” and aim to get better next game

by Ben Gilby (23/11/24)

Above: Perth Glory defender Naomi Chinnama speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s game against Canberra United in Sydney. Image: Perth Glory.

Perth Glory’s Young Matildas defender Naomi Chinnama believes that with the squad’s plethora of new players gradually beginning to gel, performances and results are about to improve.

The Western Australian side go into tomorrow’s Unite Round game against Canberra United at Sydney’s Netstrata Jubilee Stadium with one win from their opening three games.

In terms of how the new interstate and overseas players are settling in, the 20-year-old former Melbourne City player said: “We’re adjusting more and more. Definitely the time difference and travel has been challenging, but the good news is we’re all getting better at adjusting.

“The flights are longer than what is standard, but we don’t use that as an excuse, we prepare as best as we can, and moving forward we’ll get better and better.”

From a personal perspective, Chinnama goes into tomorrow’s game on the back of by far her best performance in a purple shirt last weekend at Brisbane Roar. The defender’s showing was one of the major positives in the team’s 3-0 loss at Perry Park.

**Above:** Naomi Chinnama in action on her Perth Glory league debut at former club Melbourne City. **Photo:** Tilly McDonald for *Impetus*.

“I feel like I’m starting to settle in nicely,” she said. “I feel like it’s an exciting journey for me. Coming to a (new) club, and the ultimate goal is to help us get as far as we can. I’m excited for this new chapter. I’m grateful for my time at (Melbourne) City, but new times ahead!”

With Perth standing on three points from a possible nine, this weekend could be a pivotal one in their season. One of the squad’s challenges ahead of this season was the loss of experienced members of their backline in the shape of Tash Rigby, Liz Anton, and last season’s breakout campaign from keeper Morgan Aquino. They go into Sunday’s game against Canberra United having conceded 10 goals in those opening three matches.

Chinnama recognises that the stat is far from positive, but believes that the squad are using that pain to come back stronger and more organised. “We like to hold ourselves accountable for everything,” the defender said.

“There is disappointment and I feel as though there are many valuable lessons we can take from each game, and as long as we learn from it…it’s important to feel the sting and just be better the next game.”

With Canberra led by iconic striker Michelle Heyman and having won two of their opening three games, Chinnama knows that tomorrow’s game will be a challenge for the Glory, but one she is pumped for.

“She’s (Heyman) definitely not to be taken lightly, and as for the team, in general, we know it’s going to be a tight competition…it is exciting…she’s such a top quality player that we want to make sure we study up!”

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Brisbane brush past Wanderers

Western Sydney Wanderers 0-4 Brisbane Roar

By Joe Rosedon (23/11/24)

Above: Tameka Yallop of Brisbane Roar. Photo: Brisbane Roar

Brisbane Roar went top of the table after thumping winless Western Sydney Wanderers 4-0 in the second game of the Unite Round.

A double from Momo Hayashi coupled with goals from Tameka Yallop in her record-breaking game and Emily Pringle was enough to seal a commanding win for the Queensland side.

Brisbane dominated the ball in the opening stage but without creating anything that could be considered a clear-cut chance. Both Sharn Freier and Tamar Levin looked lively on the wings, but Western Sydney were able to keep them relatively quiet.

Western Sydney’s resistance did not last much longer. In fortunate circumstances, Brisbane took the lead. Hayashi’s deflected free kick wrongfooted Western Sydney keeper Shamiran Khamis to give the Roar the lead and score her first goal for Brisbane.

Brisbane were firmly on top following the opening goal and looked threatening on every attack. Levin’s close-range effort was smothered well by Khamis whilst Alicia Woods clattered the crossbar on the half-volley after Khamis’ punched clearance could only reach the midfielder.

The Roar deservedly doubled their lead in the closing stages of the first half, Hayashi making the difference once again. Yallop’s deep free kick was flicked by Levin to Hayashi to finish first time on the edge of the box.

Brisbane continued their dominance into the second half. Evdokiya Popadinova was able to drift to the right side and cut the ball back towards Yallop. The Matilda was inches away from a third goal, but the Western Sydney defence did just about enough to stop her from tapping home.

On her recording breaking 153^rd appearance for Brisbane, it felt just that Yallop would get in on the goal scoring action. A poor back pass from Western Sydney was capitalised on by Yallop, curling home from outside the penalty area with an excellent finish.

The pick of the goals, and Brisbane’s fourth, came from Emily Pringle. The American picked up the ball near the corner then brilliantly put the ball through the legs of Danika Matos. With the now acquired space in the box, Pringle drove in and fired past Khamis to complete a comfortable victory.

Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-4-2): Khamis, Matos, Buchanan, Harrison, Hayward, Chessari, Younis, Harada, Saveska, Rue, Harding. Substitutes: Segavcic, Ferris, Kapetanellis, Trew, Bennett.

BRISBANE ROAR (4-3-3): Sekany, De la Harpe, McQueen, Varley, Blissett, Hayashi, Yallop, Woods, Levin, Popadinova, Freier. Substitutes: Richards, Kruger, Kuilamu, Hecher, Pringle.

Scorers: Hayashi 18’, 45+1’, Yallop 67’, Pringle 84’.

Referee: Kelly Jones.

Attendance: 1,398.

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McCutcheon seals first Wellington success

Adelaide United 0-1 Wellington Phoenix

by Alyce Collett (22/11/24)

Above: Wellington Phoenix show their delight after scoring their winning goal against Adelaide United. Photo: A-Leagues.

Wellington Phoenix have won their first match of the 2024/25 season, after they defeated Adelaide United 1-0 to kick off Unite Round in Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Sydney.

Although it looked like neither side would score for much of the match, a sneaky goal from Maya McCutcheon in the dying minutes of the first half, combined with an impressively strong defensive performance from the Phoenix, meant that they emerged victorious.

The first half surprised plenty, especially considering how these sides had been going so far this season.

Although initially, it looked like Adelaide was going to continue where it left off last week in terms of dominating territory and possession, it was not long before they were on the backfoot in that department as Wellington continuously attacked. But the Reds defence stood strong and Wellington were unable to truly capitalise.

Mebae Tanaka was looking really dangerous for the Phoenix down the right wing, but things just were not connecting more centrally for the New Zealanders. Behind Tanaka, Zoe McMeeken also created a lot of run and drive for Wellington.

Meanwhile, up the other end, Mackenzie Barry and the rest of the Phoenix defenders were doing a really good job quelling the influence of the likes of Fiona Worts and Emily Condon – not allowing them to have the space they needed to create anything dangerous. Up the other end Matilda McNamara and her well-timed intercept tackles continued to keep Wellington at bay.

Both teams had real chances in the final five minutes of the half that did not prove successful, with Worts and McCutcheon respectively denied.

Just as it looked like both sides were going to go into the halftime break still in search of that elusive first goal of the match, McCutcheon pounced on some chaos in the box after a free kick in from Tanaka, heading the ball into the goal to give her side the lead.

Although the possession had been as lopsided as over 70% in the Phoenix’s favour at times in the opening half, it ultimately evened up more to sit at 58% for them at the break. They did have 66 more passes during the half than their opponents though.

However, Wellington had 13 shots for the half, four of which were on target, which was in stark contrast to the Reds’ tally, which was four shots with none of them on target.

Adelaide had more of the attacking momentum to begin the second half, but a resolute Wellington defence meant that it ultimately all amounted to nothing. Erin Healy was really starting to make an imprint on the game, freeing up Condon and Worts to also become a bit more influential, and the Reds were starting to sniff something in attack. However, the resolute defence of the Phoenix meant that nothing came of it for the South Australians.

Emma Main almost made the Reds pay mere minutes after coming on just over the hour mark, but some smart and brave keeping from Claudia Jenkins meant that it too came to nothing.

As the second half progressed the Reds did not give up in their pursuit of the equaliser, but the Phoenix defence remained as strong as it had been all game.

Adelaide may have had the possession after the break, but they would pay the ultimate price for failing to register a shot on target. This was a superb maiden win of the campaign for the Nix.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Jenkins, E.Hodgson, Leon, Tolland, Tonkin, McNamara, Morgan, Dewey, Condon, Healy, Worts. Substitutes: Grove, Bowler, Grigg, Karambasis, Mullan.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Vilao, McCutcheon, Barry, Jaber, McMeeken, Brazendale, Tanaka, Whinham, Fergusson, Wall, Ingham. Substitutes: Elliott, Main, Jale, McMillan, Neary.

Goals: McCutcheon 45+3’.

Attendance: 878.

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

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Big guns are back as Girls in Green set sights on history

By Alyce Collett 22/11/24

Above: The Republic of Ireland line up for the anthem. Photo: FAI official media.

The Republic of Ireland have named their squad for a huge December international window, in which they look to create history and qualify for a first ever Euros tournament.

The squad is largely the same as the one that comfortably delt with Georgia in the last window, but a few key faces are back in the squad after recovering from injuries.

Defender Megan Campbell and midfielders Megan Connolly and Ruesha Littlejohn are all back in the squad, and their inclusion will provide flexibility for Eileen Gleeson and her coaching staff, and free team mates up like captain Katie McCabe to be more dangerous and influential closer to goal.

The big name missing from this squad though is Louise Quinn, who misses through injury. However, with the likes of Caitlin Hayes and Anna Patten now in the squad, Quinn’s absence is not as disastrous for the Girls in Green as it has been in the past.

Lucy Quinn and Ellen Molloy are some others who have also not been named in the squad because of injury.

The one surprise omission from the squad though is Saoirse Noonan, with the Celtic striker surprisingly not rewarded for her strong start to the domestic season with her new club.

The Republic of Ireland will kick off their two legged play off tie with Wales in Wales on Friday November 29 local time, before returning home to Dublin and to the Aviva Stadium the following Tuesday local time.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SQUAD VS WALES

Euro2025 Playoffs Round 2

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic)

Defenders: Jessie Stapleton (Sunderland), Diane Caldwell (Zurich FC), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Caitlin Hayes (Celtic), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Megan Campbell (London City Lionesses)

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Lily Agg (Birmingham City), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), RueshaLittlejohn (London City Lionesses), Heather Payne (Everton), Marissa Sheva (Portland Thorns), Izzy Atkinson (Crystal Palace)

Forwards: Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Amber Barrett (Standard Femina), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Julie-Ann Russell (Galway United)

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ParaMatildas win Australia’s first football World Cup “Redemption: We finally got it.”

Above: The ParaMatildas celebrate their historic world cup win. Photo: Mark Avellino/Football Australia.

By Genevieve Henry (19/11/24).

The ParaMatildas claimed a historic win today in the IFCPF Women’s World Cup final, making them the first Australian national team to win a football world cup.

The side, ranked the world number one, completed an impressive comeback against the USA to win 6-2, led by goalkeeper and captain Katelyn Smith, who scored an inspirational hattrick.

Smith, the extraordinary leader from Western Australia said, “To come out and score three goals, one from a penalty and two just kicking it long—hoping to find another player, but ending up in the back of the net— is very, very exciting.”

When asked how it felt to lead her country to a first ever World Cup win, Smith gave a humble captain’s response.

“I think it’ll take a little while to sink in. All the girls have leadership qualities in them and there’s not just one player out there who brings something to the team. There’s a lot of us, there’s ten people here, and there’s all the coaching staff who bring the best out of everyone.”

**Above:** Katelyn Smith celebrates after a true captain’s performance. **Photo:** Mark Avellino/Football Australia.

When the ParaMatildas first burst onto the scene two years ago, they immediately showed promise, making it to the final in this very same competition but ultimately falling to the US. But, with time and resources allowed to improve, the team have proved themselves to truly be the best of the best.

Smith said, “the heartbreak two years ago was a tough one. We were only new into it…to make it to the final and lose was a little bit gut-wrenching. But, now we’ve had two quality years together with a lot of the girls and we’ve come a long way. I’m very proud of everyone.”

Coach Kelly Stirton added, “We only had six weeks to prepare (in 2022). Unfortunately, we went down in the final, but after we lost that final, we prepared and we changed tactics. We brought new girls in and boosted the team. Now we’re here and we’ve won a World Cup final.” She added, “I’ve been waiting for this feeling for two years: redemption. We finally got it.”

A stalwart of the past two years and scorer of two goals, Georgia Beikoff, added, “we’ve always had that fire in our belly, but what’s come a long way in the past two years and we’ve worked really hard.”

Stirton claimed, “every one of those girls deserve it and every one of the girls back home deserve it as well. We’ve brought this back home for them. We’ve done this for Australia and we’ve done this for para-athletes in Australia as well.”

Beikoff said, “it’s not just for people with cerebral palsy (CP), it’s for anyone in Australia with a disability. This is all for you and we’re coming home with the gold…it’s absolutely amazing.”

Smith added, “being an advocate for women’s football and younger CP girls coming through, it just shows them that anything is possible and if you put your heart and mind to it you can achieve anything you want to.”

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Vivianne Miedema – short term pain for City’s long term gain

by Bethany Monkhouse (18/11/24)

Above: Vivianne Miedema in action for Manchester City on her WSL debut at former club Arsenal. Photo: ESPN.

Dutch international Vivianne Miedema’s latest injury setback – surgery on her left knee – has had a frustrating impact on her settling in process at new club Manchester City.

After a hugely promising start as shown in her performances against Arsenal and Barcelona, this latest injury was a big blow to both player and club.

City boss Gareth Taylor has tried to allay fears about the injury, stating that it is “only a small niggle,” and “only a minor procedure,” was required in hospital, although he was unable to give an estimated return date for the star signing, but claimed she is in “high spirits.”

Miedema made an instant impact at Manchester City, scoring her first goal against Paris FC away in the club’s 5-0 win in the Champions League qualifiers. She also scored on her league debut against her former team away at The Emirates.

In addition, she provided an assist for Naomi Layzell’s goal by heading the ball back into the centre of the box for the English defender against the defending Champions League holders Barcelona. This was only the second time that the Catalans had failed to score in their last 80 matches.

Above: Vivianne Miedema in action for Manchester City before her latest injury blow. Photo: BBC.

In such a short space of time, Miedema has shown a spark that her new team very much needed. Her ability to put shots in on goal is second to none.

This spark is crucial because some key players for City have been below their highest standards. It’s also been a tough time for Sky Blues attacker Chloe Kelly who has only started two out of seven games for City this season, in all competitions.

Another advantage that Miedema brings to the team, is her versatility as both a playmaker position and a goal-scorer. For example in that Champions League qualifier against Paris FC, she was deployed in midfield and still managed to score the first goal for her team.

Starting her career as a left winger, and then adapting to the number nine role before moving to number 10, the Netherlands’ record scorer has experience in a range of positions. Having both record breakers Miedema and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw linking up together is something that City fans cannot wait to see. WSL defenders may think differently.

Manchester City will be desperate to get Miedema back to full fitness – she on average scores a goal every 102 minutes she plays. This could prove vital for the North-West side to have the best chance of winning the league this season.

Her presence in the side also offers City real options for rotating the squad to compete in the League Cup, the FA Cup, and the Champions League.

Gareth Taylor believes that upon Miedema’s return, we will see an “enhanced and improved version” of her. The WSL and Champions League have been warned.

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