Above: Fran Stenson signs on the dotted line for the Championship club. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Southampton FC Women
Fran Stenson has completed the move from Championship rivals Sheffield United to Southampton FC.
“We’re delighted to welcome Fran to the club, and looking forward to seeing the strong competition she will add to our goalkeeping group” Director of Women’s Football, Marieanne Spacey-Cale voiced about Stenson.
The England youth international made 25 appearances for Sheffield United in the 22/23 season. Being only 23 years old, Stenson has a myriad of experience under her belt already. She made her professional debut in 2017 for Birmingham City in the WSL and has since then signed for clubs such as Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City.
Above: Happy to be a Saint – Fran Stenson. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Southampton FC Women.
Fran Stenson is also joined at Southampton FC by her former teammate at the Blades; Tara Bourne. This signing makes the fourth arrival of the summer transfer window for the club. “I’m really happy to get the deal done.” Stenson said. “I feel like the club has high ambitions which align with mine and I think it’s going to be a very exciting season.”
“I think it’s going to be a very competitive group, we’ve got great keepers and I think we can all learn off each other. They can definitely raise my game and I can definitely raise theirs – that’s a really important part to have so we can push on.” The 24/25 campaign is set to be an exciting one for The Saints who placed sixth last season.
Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross captured during training this week in Marbella. Photo: Rachel Bach / Football Australia.
by Ben Gilby (11/7/24)
Australia have continued their preparations for Sunday evening’s (local time) final pre-Olympic friendly with Canada in Marbella by bringing Winonah Heatley into the squad for the game after injuries have impacted Steph Catley and Kaitlyn Torpey.
Whilst Heatley cannot be part of the squad or alternates list for the Olympics as they have already been submitted, she can provide cover and play for this match only as it falls within a FIFA international window.
Catley and Torpey are both nursing lower leg injuries – Torpey’s was sustained in her final game for San Diego Wave before coming into the camp whilst Catley was already managing the niggle.
Heatley has been in influential form with her Danish side FC Nordsjælland, captaining them to their first Elitedivisionen title, scoring a decisive goal in the final match of the season to clinch the league. Days later she completed the double as the club lifted the Danish Cup to claim a historic feat.
There is no suggestion at this time that either Catley or Torpey will miss the Olympics.
More images from this week’s Matildas training by Rachel Bach, supplied to Impetus by Football Australia:
Keep an eye out for Impetus‘ detailed preview articles on every one of the nations competing at the Olympics Women’s Football competition, starting on the site this Saturday.
Photo: Alessia Russo speaking to the press Credit: Aimee Reynolds for Impetus.
by Freya Ward at St. George’s Park for Impetus with exclusive photography from Aimee Reynolds (10/7/24).
England are preparing to face Ireland and Sweden in the final two games of their UEFA EURO qualifying group stage. Alessia Russo described the upcoming fixtures as “two massive games.”
The squad must bring their A-game to secure automatic qualification, which the team has made clear they are striving for, Russo touched on the extremely “high standards,” that the squad have for themselves and that automatic qualification is “ultimately the goal.”
The media were able to get a glimpse into training, where we witnessed Anna Moorhouse’s first session with the squad, the 29-year-old Orlando Pride number one told us she was brought to tears when she received the call from Sarina Wiegman.
Moorhouse is a brilliant addition to England’s GK union, if her current domestic form is anything to go by she currently has seven clean sheets in the National Women’s Soccer League, more than any other goalkeeper in the league.
Currently, the Lionesses sit third in their group with seven points, equal with Sweden, however, its goal difference keeping them from sitting in one of the sought-after automatic qualification spots. England face the Republic of Ireland on Friday at Carrow Road, Norwich, where they will be hoping to keep Ireland’s total points at zero, to give themselves the best chance of finishing in the top two to avoid two rounds of play-offs.
Avoiding need to play competitive games during the international windows in which those play-off rounds for finishing third would involve the would allow the team more time to rest and recover, which is a huge focus for the team after a busy two years with back-to-back major tournaments.
Lionesses boss Wiegman has emphasised the importance of giving her players time to step away from the pitch, to ensure their top performance on the it, and six points out of six over the coming days would go a long way towards ensuring that could happen.
For more updates from inside of the England camp make sure that you are following Impetus on all social media platforms, where our team will be uploading a variety of exclusive content from England’s media events including an exclusive TikTok with Esme Morgan over the coming days.
In this week’s ‘WA On Wednesday’ feature, Ben Gilby speaks to UWA-Nedlands’ Emily Dinsdale about hercareer which has seen her progress from the club’s amateur team to now playing a starring role for the NPLW WA’s newest side for the 2024 season (10/7/24).
Above: Emily Dinsdale (green shirt) in action for UWA-Nedlands. Photo supplied to Impetus by: UWA-Nedlands.
Emily Dinsdale is an example of what can happen when you keep plugging away and improving your game over a number of years. In six years at UWA-Nedlands, she has moved up through the levels and is now a hugely impressive performer as captain of the club in their first-ever NPLW season.
Looking back over her time at the club, Dinsdale said: “I have quietly progressed at UWA Nedlands from the Women’s Amateurs team, then to State League, and I was very excited to take on the new challenge as captain in our first NPLW team. I’ve played with some of the girls in this team for many years now, and love the team bond and culture we have this season.”
However, the player’s footballing story goes back a lot longer than her time at UWA-Nedlands, as she takes up the story. “I started playing football 20 years ago at Wembley Downs Soccer Club, as the only girl in a team of all boys.
Above: Emily Dinsdale (green shirt) involved in an aerial challenge last season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: UWA-Nedlands.
“In the last 20 years, I haven’t gone a single year without playing soccer. I played at WDSC for 13 years, then for a year at Monash University in Melbourne, before coming to UWA-Nedlands. As a player I love to work with space down the wing, taking players on and setting up goals. I enjoy using quick footwork and speed to create scoring opportunities for the forward team. As a captain, I aim to lead by example by putting in consistent effort at training and giving 100% to every challenge in games.”
Those efforts and challenges have stepped up another notch this year as the club’s third-place finish in the 2023 State League Division One enabled them to be considered for the first-ever promotion spot into the NPLW WA. It was a place they were awarded to replace Curtin University, who finished bottom last season. Dinsdale reflected on last season which saw the club involved in a three-way battle with Hamersley United and Perth AFC for top spot.
“At the beginning of the year, we set the goals of winning the Night Series, and the State League title. To have won the Night Series after losing Grand Finals the two years prior was a huge highlight. Unfortunately with regards to the State League season, we didn’t finish up quite where we were hoping to.
“Hamersley United and Perth AFC always put up strong fights and it was great to have that challenge. We always knew coming into those games that we would be up against physically strong and experienced players. After coming up short in some of those key games last season, we’re determined to capitalise on our chances this season.
“Finding out about our promotion to the NPLW was hugely exciting, not just for our first team but also for the club as a whole. Multiple people in the club have put so much time and energy into getting us to this point, so we’re thrilled to be given this opportunity.
“It’s exciting to have a pathway for the young girls at the club to be able to strive towards a high level of performance.”
Emily Dinsdale on the impact that promotion to the NPLW WA can have on the whole club.
The higher levels of performance required meant that pre-season training and preparations were on a whole new level to what the players had previously experienced at the club. It was part of a whole culture of stepping up the challenge and expectations to give the team the best possible chance of a competitive NPL season.
“I think moving up into the NPL, and stepping in as captain this year, are definitely the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a footballer. Coming up against teams with lots of experience, as a team with only one player with NPL experience is a massive challenge.
“Pre-season training was definitely more intensive than in previous seasons. We completed trials in November, and have been training three to four days per week since then. It’s felt like a very long pre-season so there was lots of nervous energy and adrenaline coming into our first games. It was great to see so many of the same faces back from last season, and the pre-season preparation has allowed us to build some really strong relationships with our new recruits.
“I feel that the hard work we’ve done in pre-season, as well as finding our feet in Night Series, have given myself and the whole team some valuable confidence. I know we will continue to step up to the challenge this season and prove we belong in this league.”
The team have definitely stepped up to the challenge so far. They were place in a fiendishly tough NPLW Night Series group with Perth RedStar, Hyundai NTC, and Balcatta Etna to kick things off – and they held their heads high, and Dinsdale is extremely proud of her team’s pre-season run.
Above: Calm in possession – Emily Dinsdale. Photo supplied to Impetus by: UWA-Nedlands.
“We always knew our draw in the Night Series was a tough group. Our first two games against RedStar and Balcatta were a baptism of fire, however despite the losses we definitely didn’t come away from them feeling deflated. Scoring three unanswered goals in the first half of our game against NTC was a huge positive, and gave us some good confidence going forward. Obviously, it was disappointing to then come away with a draw, but I think overall we came away from the Night Series with optimism about the season ahead.”
Those three round-robin matches prepared the team for the opening rounds of the NPLW WA. The historic first game saw Hyundai NTC make the trip to the UWA Sports Park, and whilst the visitors had the lion’s share of possession and territory, Dinsdale’s side were well-organised, well disciplined, showing potential in attack and quality at the back in the shape of goalkeeper Morgan Springer.
UWA-Nedlands have continued to grow from then and have been competitive. Dinsdale and her team mates have able to pick up results against teams around them in the table to currently stand three points above bottom-side Murdoch University Melville, and have a game in hand on them.
“I feel individually, and as a team, we’re continuing to improve every week. The confidence in individuals and the link-ups between players are becoming stronger every training session and game. We’ve been gradually finding our rhythm and cohesion on the field. I think we have a good bit of momentum and confidence…and we’ll be a force not to be underestimated.
“As a team, we’re realistic about our goals, and what we want to achieve. Obviously, the main aim is to retain our spot in the NPLW, but we would ideally like to come out mid-table at the end of the season. We want to prove that although we might be coming in as under-dogs we’re not to be under-estimated, and we will put up a strong fight at this level.
“Personally, my aim is to work hard on and off the pitch, and put in 100% on game day to be a role model to the team, and young girls coming through the club. I want to build a great team and club culture that attracts and retains players.”
Dinsdale has certainly done that. A hugely consistent performer for her side leading by example, she made the shortlist for Impetus‘ NPLW WA Player of the Month awards for May. As well as being a key link-up player that drives her team forward, the UWA-Nedlands captain has been in among the goals and assists this season.
Emily Dinsdale and UWA-Nedlands have been an excellent addition to the NPLW WA this season – and they have the confidence and ability to produce the results to ensure their stay in the competition lasts beyond this year.
Above: Leading by example as UWA-Nedlands’ first NPLW WA captain. Photo supplied to Impetus by: UWA-Nedlands.
Above: Claudia Cicco in action for the Young Matildas. Image: Tiff Williams, Football Australia.
By Ryan Miller-Woods(10/7/24).
After playing an important role in Newcastle Jets’ success last season, Young Matildas defender Claudia Cicco has re-signed with the club m until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Cicco made a total of 18 appearances for the Jets last season, starting 17 times and playing a total of 1526 minutes. For her second season in the league and her first with Newcastle, Cicco was allowed her to play some of her best football.
As a reward for her consistently strong performances, the player was called up to the Young Matildas squad for the 2024 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup in Uzbekistan in March. Cicco made three appearances and scored in Australia’s final group stage match against Chinese Taipei as the Young Matildas qualified for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia by finishing third.
Cicco’s versatility is something that really benefits her and her team, where not only can she play in the defence but when required can also be used as a winger or as a striker.
An example of how Cicco’s speed can be impactful was during the opening match of Australia’s campaign at the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup against South Korea where her and Jets teammate Lara Gooch brought reinvigorated energy to the second half of that match.
Cicco’s new deal at the Jets will ensure that she can continue her growth alongside players such as club captain Cassidy Davis who is an excellent influence on younger players within the squad.
Speaking about her new contract, Cicco said, “I’m really excited and grateful to re-sign with the Jets again. I love Newcastle and am looking forward to the growth of the club. I can’t wait to get back into training, to improve each day under Ryan Campbell’s guidance. Newcastle has become my home away from home and I love playing for our passionate fans.”
Head Coach Ryan Campbell spoke of the importance of retaining a player of Cicco’s potential saying, “Re-signing Claudia was a key goal of mine in order to continue what we have been building from last season. Her pace and defensive ability are second to none and she is developing nicely as an attacking fullback. I am looking forward to working more with Claudia to help her continue to become an even more effective player.”
Above: Morgan Aquino, who had a sensational campaign in goal for Perth Glory in 2023/24. Photo: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory goalkeeper Morgan Aquino, one of the leading lights of the Western Australian side’s 2023/24 campaign has departed the club for a new opportunity with American side DC Power in the USL Super League.
The 22-year-old started every game last season to take her career tally of Glory appearances to 41 and in addition to being named ALW Goalkeeper of the Year, also claimed the club’s Players’ Player and Members’ Player of the Year Awards. Aquino finished in third place in Impetus‘ A-League Women Player of the Year list – and was the highest-ranked goalkeeper.
Ahead of her international move, the former Australia Under-20 international acknowledged how much her time with Glory meant to her at a personal level.
“There’s no greater honour than playing for my hometown team,” she said. “I’m super proud to be able to play in front of my family and friends each week.
“Thank you to all my teammates over the past years. You’ve inspired me to be better every day and thank you also to all the Perth Glory staff who have helped grow this club and the game.”
Above: Morgan Aquino makes a save for Perth Glory against Newcastle Jets during the 2022/23 season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Tom McCarthy.
Aquino told me last season for Perth Glory’s official website that one of the keys to her outstanding form was the fact that she was a regular starter at last. The previous two seasons had seen the shot-stopper competing with Courtney Newbon and then Sarah Langman for the number one position, and it was the “hunger and desire” to maintain her position as first choice that propelled her to new heights.
Those new heights produced some staggering statistics – 126 saves, with an 81.1% success rate.
Glory CEO Anthony Radich was full of praise for the departing goalkeeper, saying: “Morgan has served the club extremely well for a number of years, has worked tirelessly to improve her game, and thoroughly deserves this great opportunity that has presented itself in the U.S.”
Also today, Perth Glory announced their new A-League Women home stadium for 2024/25.
As expected, the club will be moving to the Sam Kerr Football Centre at Queen’s Park Open Space, in the City of Canning. The venue, used as a training base for Denmark, Canada, Panama, Haiti, and Morocco at last year’s World Cup is the State Football Centre and the Hyundai NTC side play all their home matches at the venue in the NPLW WA. A 700-seater covered stand provides accommodation for spectators.
Perth Glory had spent the previous two seasons playing at Macedonia Park, and prior to that at Dorrien Gardens.
Above: The stand at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, the new home A-League Women venue for Perth Glory. Photo: Venues West.
Above: A smiling Hayley Raso during training in Spain yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Australia have arrived at their warm-weather training camp in Marbella, Northern Spain ahead of this weekend’s pre-Olympic Friendly against Canada on Saturday.
Here is a selection of photos from yesterday’s training session, provided to Impetus by Football Australia.
Keep an eye out for Impetus‘ detailed preview articles on every one of the nations competing at the Olympics Women’s Football competition, starting on the site this Saturday.
Above: Australia’s Ellie Carpenter. Photo Kris Goman for Impetus.
Ahead of the Matildas’ final preparation game for the Olympic Games, defender Ellie Carpenter sat down with media to discuss the team’s hopes for Paris, her past Olympic appearances, the upcoming game against Canada, and being named Vice-Captain.
“Every game is a final, you have to be ready for it,” said Carpenter.
“It’s most of our third Olympics, second Olympics, so we know what it’s about. It’s a tough schedule, it’s every two days you’re backing up against top-10 teams in the world,” she continued.
“The best is going to win it, the fittest.”
The Matildas open their Olympic tournament against Germany, in Marseille, before travelling to Nice to play Zambia, then back to Marseille to play the United States, all in the span of six days.
The past two major tournaments have seen the Matildas just miss out on a podium finish, placing fourth each time.
“We all still remember that feeling of losing the medal match, losing the semi to not being in that gold-medal match. We don’t want to repeat that.”
“Coming fourth at the Olympics is honestly the worst place you would come,” said Carpenter.
At her last Olympic Games, in Tokyo, she was unable to take to the field in the third-place match, due to receiving a late red card in the semi-final loss to Sweden.
“I hope not to repeat that, I hope to play in a medal match, they’re the games you want to play in, the games you want to help your team win.”
The final stop before Paris? One last game against Canada, the current Olympic Champions, in Spain.
“It’s kind of a pre-warm up before the Olympics,” said Carpenter, “it gives a chance to give match minutes, fitness and final tune ups.”
With many players currently on their end of season breaks, the match will be an opportunity for the team to get back into gear and ready for the tournament ahead.
This time around, the games will look a little different for Carpenter, as she goes into it having been named a Vice-Captain.
“It is a very proud moment for myself, and I’m very proud to be named,” she said.
“When I got named Vice-Captain, I just kept being me, I didn’t change anything, I think that’s why I got chosen to be in that role.”
As for the tournament itself, Carpenter stressed that despite wanting to come away with a medal, there’s no expectations on the team from within the team.
“Like the World Cup, we’re going to go in there, do our best, and see what happens.”
Above: Young gun Emma Dundasshining in her debut season for the Jets. Image: A-League Women.
By Ryan Miller-Woods (9/7/24).
After having had a breakout maiden A-League Women’s campaign with Newcastle Jets which saw her voted as the club’s Young Player of the Year, 17-year-old midfielder Emma Dundas has re-signed with the Jets until the end of the 2025/2026 A-League Women’s season.
Dundas made her A-League debut in the opening round of last season in the F3 Derby against Central Coast Mariners and made a total of 22 appearances throughout the season, starting 17 matches and playing over 1400 minutes, as well as scoring her first goal in the A-League Women in the 8-0 rout of Adelaide United in Round 22.
The way Dundas set herself up and seized her moment perfectly showed that she is a player well beyond her years and one to watch for the coming season.
Internationally, Dundas was called up to the Junior Matildas for the 2024 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup in Indonesia back in May off the back of her performances in the A-League Women. She started in all three of Australia’s group matches against China, Japan, and Thailand. As well as that, she was recently called up to the Young Matildas for the two friendlies against New Zealand this month in preparation for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The fact that Dundas has been signed for the next two seasons shows she’s very much valued by the club and this should prove to be a great piece of business by Newcastle.
Dundas is a very exciting talent with a lot of potential at such a young age and playing alongside players such as club captain Cassidy Davis will only keep furthering Dundas’ development as a footballer going into her second A-League Women’s season.
Dundas will be an important player for Newcastle next season towards not only having another successful season but also making back-to-back Finals campaigns.
With both Dundas and Davis confirmed for the 2024/2025 season, Jets fans can begin to see the shape of their midfield to look like for next season.
The player that Dundas could potentially become is something that should really excite Newcastle fans for the future.
As for her thoughts on re-signing with Newcastle Jets for the upcoming A-League Women’s season, Dundas said, “I’m really happy to be able to re-sign for my hometown team. This season has been so surreal from my debut in Round One against the Mariners to playing Finals football with this great group of girls. This is the best place for me to play my football. I’m looking forward to continue growing as a player and I’m excited for what is to come for this team.”
Newcastle Jets Women’s Head Coach Ryan Campbell had this to say about Dundas re-signing with the club, “Emma is an example of the type of player that we are looking to develop at the Newcastle Jets. She is a homegrown player who has worked hard through our Academy to earn the chance to play for the club at the highest level. I am looking forward to working with her to help to get as much experience as possible in order to take her game to as far as she wants it to go.”
Above: Keely Lockhart celebrates scoring for Heidelberg United.
Heidelberg United 5 Boroondara Eagles 0
A dominant Heidelberg hammer a hapless Boroondara. Doubles from Keely Lockhart and Kathryn Vlahopoulous and a goal directly from a corner by Margot Robinne gave Heidelberg a comfortable victoy.
From the offset, Heidelberg looked threatening. Robinnewould have felt she should have done better from a cutback to the edge of the box that found her in space. Her effort however, was miscued over the bar.
Heidelberg went even closer to opening the scoring. Lockhart shot took a wicked deflection, forcing Boroondara keeper Malee Siketa into a tremendous save. The first goal for Heidelberg seemed inevitable
Indeed, it was and it was achieved in spectacular fashion. A fizzing corner from Robinne was too much for Siketa to handle, the ball slipping between her fingers and into the net.
Heidelberg’s attacking intent was relentless, causing a shaky Boroondara defence all sorts of problems.
This intent paid off again in the 41st minute when the home side doubled their lead. The goal stemmed from excellent wing play from Maddison Rakic. She was able to steal a march on her marker and drive towards the byline. Her pinpoint cross found a rising Lockhart to powerfully head home.
The beginning of the second half mirrored the beginning of the first. Heidelberg causing serious issues for a struggling Boroondara defence. The situation went from bad to worse for the visiting team. Defender Anna Liacopoulos was forced to play in goal after starting keeper Siketa was withdrawn due to injury. Heidelberg smelt blood in the water
A third goal soon came and this time Lockhart was the architect. After a ball in behind found Lockhart in acres of space on the right-hand side. The forward cut inside into the penalty area and had ample time to find the arriving Vlahopoulos at the far post who tucked the ball home.
The third goal was swiftly followed with the fourth goal for the home side. The unlikely goalkeeper Liacopoulos brought down an onrushing Sarah O’Donoghue. The referee pointed to the spot almost instantaneously. Vlahopoulos did the rest, firing to the right side of the keeper and getting her second goal of the game.
The fifth and final goal of the game rounded off an outstanding performance from both Heidelberg and Lockhart. Alana Janceviski’s inch perfect through ball set Lockhart in on goal. With ease, she rounded an unfortunate Liacopoulosand slotted home into an empty net to claim her second goal of the game.
78:59: GOAL! Heidelberg United W score to make it HUFC 5 : BEFC 0.
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