Arsenal Champions League stadium move – Meadow Park was the only option

by Rachel Gore (16/12/24)

Above: The Emirates Stadium. Photo: Arsenal FC.

The last month has seen highs and lows for Arsenal; the squad has consistently won matches however they have also been told that they are being forced out of The Emirates Stadium so that the men can play there instead.

At the beginning of November, it was announced that Arsenal men’s League Cup quarter-final fixture would have to occur on 18th December due to a Metropolitan Police request that Spurs and Arsenal did not host home matches on the same day.

To many this would not have seemed to be an issue, simply the men would play Crystal Palace at the Emirates on 18th. However, a match at the venue had already been scheduled for this date; Arsenal Women were set to play Bayern Munich in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Arsenal had been selling tickets for their women’s game on this date since September but suddenly it would no longer be held at the Emirates – the women had been pushed out to accommodate the men.

It is not simply the principal of the removal of the women’s team for the men’s that is disappointing for fans, it is also the practicality. Now, the game will occur at Meadow Park which has a capacity of 4,500. Prior to the announcement of the stadium change, more tickets than this had already been sold meaning that many fans who thought they would get to witness Arsenal take on Bayern Munich will no longer get the chance to.

The problem with Meadow Park is not solely its capacity, it also does not meet UEFA regulations. These regulations include a wide range of requirements, some of which look at pitch heating, grass height, pitch surrounding areas, and goalpost structures. UEFA has granted “special dispensation” to their usual regulations for this fixture, allowing Arsenal to host the match at Meadow Park.

If Arsenal were still to host the game against Bayern Munich, after The Emirates was taken away, it was never going to be a case of them finding a big enough venue for the number of tickets already sold, the only option was Meadow Park due to UEFA regulations.

Above: Meadow Park, the venue for Arsenal’s Champions League game with Bayern Munich. Photo: Arsenal FC.

Article 25.02 of the Champions League competition regulations states that “each club must propose one or a maximum of two stadiums for its home matches as from the group stage” and that these must be nominated prior to the beginning of the competition.

For Arsenal, this change in stadium is particularly disappointing following their conscious effort to show that the Emirates was also the home of their women’s side.

In May, the club announced that they would host 11 women’s games at the Emirates in the 24/25 season, three of these being Champions League fixtures. Upon this announcement, club CEO, Vinai Venkatesham, said that the move “is part of a collective drive across the club to take the women’s game forward and support sustainable growth of the game so it can thrive in the long term”.

Arsenal was not the only club making stadium changes this season. Numerous Women’s Super League (WSL) clubs announced that they would be hosting some, or all, of their matches in their respective ‘men’s’ stadiums. These included Spurs, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea, who are hosting three WSL games at their major stadiums. Furthermore, the King Power Stadium is the permanent home of Leicester City and Villa Park will hold all of Aston Villa’s WSL matches.

These shifts to move women’s football matches into main stadiums should have meant that Arsenal Women’s removal from the Emirates was unprecedented. However, the reality of women’s football remains; it’s overlooked and therefore the men’s teams remain the priority. This fact is recognised by fans who have been left disappointed but not necessarily surprised.

Arsenal’s interim head coach, Renee Slegers, has called this move to Meadow Park a “bump in the road” and fans are certainly hoping that this is all that it is.

The forced removal of Arsenal WFC from the Emirates to make way for the men’s team has raised many questions about the priorities of the club and how women’s football is truly viewed in the UK.

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City remain undefeated upon Holly McNamara’s return

Melbourne City 4 – 2 Canberra United

By Alice de Koster-Kitto (15/12/24)

Above: Holly McNamara steps back on to the pitch. Photo: Melbourne City.

Melbourne City have extended their winning streak in a home victory against
Canberra United, as Holly McNamara made an inspiring impact upon her return to the Ninja A-League.

The scoring was opened with a 12th-minute strike from Michelle Heyman, putting Canberra United in the lead, despite Melbourne City’s early advantage.

Melbourne City entered the match determined to prolong their five-match winning streak, and their tenacity only heightened as the visitors took the lead.

The host’s high press limited Canberra’s further chances, as they maintained possession during the first half. It was quite apparent that there was to be further scoring in this match, however.

Melbourne’s dangerous strike rate, paired with Canberra’s impeccable defensive line meant it was unclear which side the next goal would come from.

Although there were several shots on target from the leaders, a low block from
Canberra United, prevented City from equalizing until the 48th minute, with Kathryn Harvey’s header from extremely close range.

Despite their loss in the end, Canberra United’s keeper Sally James was a stand-out for the visiting side, extending her wonderful start to the season, as the 22-year-old saved several dangerously close shots from Melbourne City, notably from newly capped Matilda, Laura Hughes.

City’s lead was extended in the 60th minute when a header from Mariana Speckmaier bounced off the hip of Canberra’s Maja Markovski, hitting the back of the net, and going down as an own goal.

A 71st-minute substitution saw Melbourne City’s Holly McNamara return to the Ninja A- League, after 392 days. The 21-year-old suffered a 3rd Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury in November of 2023, after scoring a hat trick in a 3-1 victory over Newcastle last season.

McNamara’s return to the pitch came with a shift in momentum as City matched the energy and stamina that Canberra had maintained throughout the match, and their dominance was further established.

Despite a few good chances, Canberra continued to give up possession in dangerous areas, which ultimately saw Laura Hughes net City’s third goal of the evening.

During the final minute of regulation, Canberra’s top goal scorer, Michelle Heyman earned a brace as she took a shot from the center of the box, hitting the back of the net, and restoring a little faith in the visiting side.

In an inspiring turn, Holly McNamara assisted in the 4-2 victory when her shot was nudged in Leticia McKenna in the 3rd minute of stoppage time.

The win marks Melbourne City’s 5th consecutive win in the 2024/25 Ninja A-League season, leaving them at the top of the ladder with an impressive 14 points. Canberra United currently sits at ninth, with a total of seven points.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-3-3): Mires, Apostolakis, Stott, Otto, Roestbakken, Davidson, Hughes, Harvey, McKenna, Henry, Speckmaier. Substitutes: Barbieri, Murray, Bosch, McNamara, Vlajnic.

Scorers: Harvey 48’, Markovski 61’ (OG), Hughes 77’, McKenna 90+3.

CANBERRA UNITED (3-5-1-1): James, McKenzie, Anton, Ayson, Stanic-Floody, Robers, Taylor-Young, Christopherson, Markovski, Malone, Haeyman. Substitutes: Murray, Natham, Majstorovic, Bertolissio, Gordon.

Scorers: Heyman 12’, 89′.

Referee: Bec Mackie.

Attendance: 926.

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Battling Brisbane send Mariners to first loss

Brisbane Roar 2-1 Central Coast Mariners

by Jonathon Hagger (15/12/24)

Above: Sharn (left) and Laini Freier, who were on the field together for the same time for Brisbane Roar today. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

The highly anticipated match between the classy Brisbane Roar and their opponents the undefeated Central Coast Mariners delivered an impressive encounter. Following a 24-hour delay due to atrocious weather conditions, both teams came into the match well-rested and ready to go. 

With the match being played on a rather damp pitch, much of the play in the opening minutes saw each team patiently assessing both the conditions and their opponents. Brisbane had a greater level of possession which they turned into an incredible opportunity to score in the ninth minute through a breakaway run by Sharn Frier that deflected off a Mariners defender in the six-yard area and came agonisingly close to crossing the goal line.

Less than 60 seconds later, Hayashi launched a sneaky speculator shot on goal that hit the Mariners’ goal crossbar but didn’t go in.  

Patience and possession aptly describe Brisbane’s approach to the match with repeated waves of attack. Frier’s pace and balance on the ball opened up a scoring opportunity in the 18th minute however the strong defensive work of Jessika Nash, managed to diffuse the danger.  

Frier continued to assert herself with a lovely layoff in the centre of the pitch to Kuilamu in the 26th minute who took a shot however the Mariners keeper was well positioned to make an easy save.  

Central Coast weren’t letting Brisbane have all the ball though and from the 35th minute onwards camped themselves in the Roar’s half. Brisbane appeared to change their game plan and seemed happy to absorb the pressure being applied.

The most contentious issue in the first half came about in the 38th minute as Mariners attacker Pennock was clattered into by defender Varley inside the penalty area. Referee Mossin decided there wasn’t enough contact in the play to warrant a penalty.

The remainder of the first half played out with the Mariners dominating possession and Brisbane mostly soaking up the pressure being applied.

The second half started in the same way that the first finished, with both teams settling into a see-saw pattern of possession. It took until the 52nd minute for the Mariners to threaten the Brisbane goal on the back of Trimis beating her marker on the wing and a well-weighted cross that eventually found Martin in the six-yard area. The home defence once again stood strong and the score remained unchanged.  

The script was flipped in the 56th minute when Martin was dropped to the pitch attempting to advance the ball away from her goal area. Having lost possession the nearby Brisbane players swooped on the ball with Deborah-Ann de la Harpe scoring an exceptional goal on a tight angle off her right foot that swept past the outstretched arms of the keeper and found the net.

Just 90 seconds later, the visitors handed possession back to Brisbane just outside the goal area, and a clean through ball from Freier to the centre of the six-yard was, thankfully for the Mariners, unable to find an orange shirt, and went out for an attacking corner. 

The opening goal of the match had a massive impact on the approach each team took from that point on. The Mariners appeared to become hesitant, whereas Brisbane increased the pressure. Freier took control of play keeping the Mariners defenders guessing. An excellent attacking corner in the 65th minute gave Brisbane multiple opportunities to score as the ball bounced around between players however it wasn’t to be with the keeper Langman eventually tidying up.  

The Mariners found themselves with a great chance to score in the 67th minute following a free kick awarded after Trimis was fouled just inside the right-hand touch line. A curling kick from Martin was well on target but was headed over the net.  

In the 75th minute, the game was blown open as Fuller pounced on a loose ball that Brisbane defender Pringle let slip at the top of her goal area. A well-placed shot went to the wrong side of the Brisbane keeper and into the back of the net.

However, Brisbane were not yet done and after repeated attacks on the Mariners’ goal, one finally came to fruition in the 79th minute from a miracle header from Yallop that went in. It was a goal that seemed to defy the laws of physics.  

While the Mariners battled away and attempted to equalise, Brisbane’s defence stood fast. A late Mariners corner in the 89th minute was unable to find an attacking player and the opportunity to score was lost.  

The final six minutes of play in stoppage time provided chances for each team to score, but Brisbane ran victors to hand the Mariners their first loss of the season.  

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (3-2-4-1): Sekany, de la Harpe, Varley, Blissett, Woods, Hiyashi, S. Freier, Yallop, Levin, Kuilamu. Substitutes: Richards, Hecher (70’), Kruger, Pringle (55’), L.Frier (71’).  

Scorers: de la Harpe 56’, Yallop 79’. 

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (3-4-1-2): Langman, Riley, Irwin, Nash, Martin, Pennock, Faloc, Ray, Rasmussen, Nunn, Trimis. Substitutes: Carmichael, Fuller (67’), Quilligan (93’), Puxty (85’), Evans (67’).  

Scorer: Fuller 75’.

Referee: Isabella Mossin.  

Attendance: 751.

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Perth take the Glory after fine win over Adelaide

Perth Glory 3-1 Adelaide United

Report by Ben Gilby with EXCLUSIVE photography from Rob Lizzi at the Sam Kerr Football Centre (15/12/24)

Above: Perth Glory’s Naomi Chinnama gets up highest to head home her side’s first goal in today’s game. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

Perth Glory claimed their second win of the A-League Women season as they produced their best 90-minute display of the campaign to defeat an Adelaide United side who went into the game in fourth place.

The home side were extremely well organised at the back and largely nullified the considerable threat of Fiona Worts, Chelsie Dawber, and Emily Condon. Offensively, they were able to make the most of chances when they came – factors that ensured that the points would stay in Western Australia.

Glory boss Stephen Peters handed an A-League debut for locally produced midfielder Charli Wainwright. This was a landmark day for the youngster who has both outstanding vision and passing range. It meant that the regular midfield starting line-up for NPLW WA side Perth SC were all playing together in an A-League Women game, with Wainwright joining Georgia Cassidy, Tijan McKenna, and Grace Johnston in a purple shirt.

With co-captain Izzy Dalton missing, Glory brought back another hugely talented local youngster, Mischa Anderson on the bench. The defender has been a star for both the NTC and Perth RedStar in recent NPLW WA seasons. Miku Sunaga also returned as a substitute after missing last week’s home game with Melbourne Victory.

Above: Charli Wainwright (purple shirt on right) puts in a tackle on Adriana Leon during her Perth Glory debut. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

For the visitors, all eyes were drawn to their bench. The listing of Emily Condon and Chelsie Dawber as substitutes showed the potential and power of the South Australians. Any team who has two such talented players as replacements is capable of serious damage. Condon would be thrown into the fray after just 10 minutes after an injury to Erin Healy.

Perth started positively. Gabby Hollar, returning to the starting line up after being on the bench last week, released Megan Wynne who danced up the right flank and played in a teasing ball that Claudia Jenkins punched away. In these early exchanges, Tathem was linking up well with the Welsh international on that flank as the Glory gave the Adelaide defence plenty to think about.

It’s taken a few weeks for Wynne to find her feet in the A-League Women, but she was a player possessed from the start of this encounter. Taking possession, turning, and driving into space between the Adelaide defence, she caused problems that Adrian Stenta needed to solve quickly.

The South Australians were looking to find Fiona Worts offensively at every opportunity, but the English striker was well marshalled by two Glory defenders at all times, with Tathem guiding the younger heads around her superbly. This was a well-organized and confident start by Perth. They just needed to find a goal to show for their efforts, as visiting keeper Jenkins had only rarely been forced into the action.

The reward finally came with 23 minutes of the clock. With the Glory awarded a free kick on the right, Georgia Cassidy curled the ball in viciously towards the back post where Naomi Chinnama rose highest to score her first-ever A-League Women goal in her 49th appearance.

Above: Perth Glory celebrate Naomi Chinnama’s goal. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

Adelaide worked hard to respond, but the Perth defence screened off their attackers, which forced the South Australians to play across rather than through. It could have been better still for the home side with four minutes of regulation time to go before the break. Tathem honed in on goal but looked to square a pass to Kelli Brown rather than going for power, allowing Jenkins to gather.

The visitors had the better opportunities in the second period, and Casey Dumont was called upon to make two superb saves back to back just after the hour mark to deny Condon. Moments later, Tathem blocked Maleri Mullan’s effort on the left-hand side of the box.

Perth went straight down the other end and were denied by a sensational piece of goalkeeping by Jenkins. She first saved Hollar’s shot with a dive before getting a hand to Johnston’s follow-up which was cleared at the expense of a corner that saw Hollar head wide of the left-hand post.

The home side were left to rue those misses as, with 20 minutes remaining, Adeleide levelled. Chelsie Dawber received the ball, drove forward to be one-on-one with Dumont, and fired a powerful shot into the net.

Yet, parity only lasted four minutes as Wynne was brought down as she entered the area by Mullan and Hollar confidently sent the penalty into the right hand corner of the net.

Above: Gabby Hollar (purple shirt) gets up high to make a header today. The American scored Perth’s second and third goals. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

Things got even worse for the visitors when Matilda McNamara was shown a red card for pulling back Kelli Brown as the last defender. Despite the newly called-up Matilda’s protestations and those of teammate Ella Tonkin, there was no changing referee Mikayla Ryan’s mind. The resulting freekick brought about a goalmouth scramble of schoolyard proportions before the visitors finally cleared.

In stoppage time, Perth sealed the win in style as Hollar sent a powerful header in at the back post from Brown’s corner on the left.

Perth now have a huge encounter on Friday night when they travel to take on a Western Sydney Wanderers side, fresh from securing their first win of the campaign in some style against Western United. Both teams will see it as a real chance to kick-start their seasons and push towards mid-table.

Check out our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball for more of Rob Lizzi’s EXCLUSIVE images from the game for us.

Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Dumont, Tathem, Zogg, Chinnama, Johnston, McKenna, Cassidy, Wainwright, Wynne, Brown, Hollar. Substitutes: Abdul-Massih, Anderson, Foletta, Sunaga, Templeman (GK).

Scorers: Chinnama 23′, Hollar (pen) 74′, 90+1′.

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

Scorers: Dawber 70′,

Referee: Mikayla Ryan.

Attendance: 968.

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10 player Jets strike late to sink Sydney FC

Sydney FC 1-2 Newcastle Jets

by Kieran Yap (14/12/24).

Above: Indiana dos Santos shields the ball. Photo: Sydney FC

Newcastle Jets have recorded a remarkable win over Sydney FC despite being a player and a goal down for most of the game.

Indiana Dos Santos’s first-half strike was cancelled out by two late goals by Deven Jackson and Lauren Allan after Sydney FC were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage.

A draw would have been bad enough for the reigning champions, but a defeat leaves almost too many questions to answer. On the day when Princess Ibini celebrated a games record for the club and Millie Farrow was brought into the starting XI, there should probably have been more to celebrate.

Things looked positive for the hosts when Newcastle were down to 10 players in the 12th minute. Danielle Krzyzaniak charged off her line to preemptively snuff out an opportunity in needless and reckless fashion and was shown her second immediate red card of the season for the same error.

Sydney FC took the lead through Indiana Dos Santos in the 22nd minute. The Young Matildas playmaker received the ball after a Jets turnover and lashed the ball into the roof of the net from an acute angle.

Mille Farrow looked dangerous when in space. The former Perth Glory striker was able to run at the Jets defence through the middle and fizzed an effort over the bar from range. Mackenzie Hawkesby and Ibini also attempted to test Tiahna Robertson who had taken over in the Jets goal.

Sydney FC perhaps inspired by Robertson’s relatively undersized stature continued long range attempts, which was curious given the enjoyed the majority of possession. Although it must be tempting to assume Robertson can be easily beaten from distance, she surely has learned how to deal with those types of efforts to get this far in her career.

As the game wore on, both sides emptied their benches. Sydney FC were in search of a sealer, and Newcastle Jets were surging for an equaliser. Despite the fresh legs for the home side, they were still unable to kill the game off. Ibini came closest with a diving header that flashed over an open goal. When The Jets brought Lauren Allan into the contest, it changed the momentum for good.

Allan was tricky, aggressive, and creative on both wings for Newcastle. Her experience and mobility would be the difference between a draw and defeat, and between a draw and a win.

Tash Prior almost equalised when her header bounced off the crossbar. The recently capped Matilda kept the chance alive, but her cross floated harmlessly across goal.  

Allan kept the ball in play, created some space after a stepover, and whipped the ball in off her trusty right foot. The inswinger was met by the lunging and somehow unmarked Deven Jackson and the Jets were 1-1 in the 86th minute.

Sydney struggled to wrestle control back in the remaining minutes and looked the more panicky of the sides, despite both being urgent in their play. Allan scored the winner in the 95th minute to send to visiting bench into raptures.

Although Newcastle deserve all the plaudits, much of the discussion will be around Sydney FC after this loss. They have scored just five goals in six matches, but with the exception of a winner against Western Sydney, their goals come from opposition errors rather than the smooth buildups fans have become accustomed to.

In defence, they also have issues. How Jackson was allowed to be unmarked six yards from goal despite the Jets being a player down is likely down to individual errors, but small errors have added up this season to four points in total so far this season.

Sydney are hesitant in attack and disorganized in defence. They are reliant on moments of individual quality. Some magic from Dos Santos or a tackle from Tumeth does not make a championship team.

There is still time to turn it around and the quality in the squad to do it, but this is more than a slump. The gap between their best and worst football is very small and not in a good way.

This win was a showcase for Newcastle’s team spirit and a surprising level of depth in Ryan Campbell’s squad. Allan is a club legend but could be brought off the bench, Libby Copus-Brown and Gia Vicari could also add spark and experience late in the game.

As always, the Jets’ best qualities are out wide, but they have genuine game-changers in the team, who delivered when called upon.

The only real question Campbell has to deal with right now is should Robertson be the first-choice keeper?

Both of Krzyzaniak’s red cards this season were very avoidable. The types of incidences where it would have been easier to do nothing instead of a diving handball 30 yards from goal, or a needless challenge when the defender was still in position to deal with it.

Robertson is small for a goalkeeper but did not put a foot wrong today, and although teams seem to think they can beat her with long, high shots, she seems able to position herself well enough to deal with them.

By virtue of her suspension, that will be a question Campbell will not have to answer immediately, and for now, the Jets can rightfully celebrate a remarkable and deserved win.

To view Ryan Miller-Woods’ photo gallery from the game for Impetus, check out our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Franco, Tumeth, Thompson, Tobin, Lemon, Caspers, Hollman, Hawkesby, dos Santos, Farrow, Ibini. Substitutes: Chauvet, Bryson, Connors, Luchtmeijer, Edwards.

Scorers: dos Santos 22’.

NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Krzyzaniak, Cicco, Prior, Davis, Baumann, Hoban, Dundas, Jackson, Allan, Gallagher, Breier. Substitutes: Rolley, Copus-Brown, Allan, Vicari, Robertson.

Scorers: Jackson 86’, Allan 90+5’.

Referee: Caitlin Williams.

Attendance: 3,533.

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Saveska hat-trick propels Wanderers to first win in style

Western Sydney Wanderers 5-1 Western United

by Joe Rosedon (14/12/24)

Above: Sienna Saveska (left) celebrates for Western Sydney Wanderers today. Photo: A-Leagues.

Sienna Saveska’s first-half hattrick helped to earn Western Sydney Wanderers first win of the season, dismantling Western United 5-1 at CommBank Stadium.

The first goal of Saveska’s hat trick and the Wanderers’ first goal in four games came in notable fashion. Directly from the corner, she somehow squeezed the ball between Sasha Grove at the near post and Chloe Lincoln in goal. It seemed fitting that Western Sydney’s goal drought would end spectacularly, and more would soon follow.

With a one-touch pass, Sophie Harding set Cushla Rue away on the right side. The winger looked up and picked out Saveska’s darting run in the box. With a delicate finish, Saveska angled the ball past Lincoln to double her personal tally and the home side’s lead.

Two was to become three for Saveska and Western Sydney. This was the pick of the crop. Saveska unleashed a thunderous strike on the edge of the box into the top left corner that gave Lincoln no chance of saving. For a team that has struggled to find the back of the net all season, they were making goalscoring look second nature.

Western Sydney’s first-half scoring had not concluded just yet. Amy Harrison’s direct pass from deep caused all sorts of issues for Western United’s defence. The ball landed at the feet of Rue who was bearing down on goal. She held off Grace Maher and poked the ball through Lincoln to remarkably give Wanderers a four-goal lead at halftime.

Western United did have chances to make the score line more respectable before the break, with Kahli Johnson unable to get enough on Aimee Medwin’s deflected cross to direct into the goal but could not cope with the attacking onslaught.

Harrison had a golden opportunity to add to her assist in the opening stages of the second half. Rue was brought down in the box by Grove, and the referee Casey Reibelt showed no hesitation when pointing to the spot. However, Harrison could not score, missing the target comfortably.

Incidentally, Western United were soon to gain some form of consolation from the penalty spot. A somewhat dubious handball from Ella Buchanan was enough for Reibelt to award a penalty once again. This time, Matilda Chloe Logarzo converted to reduce the deficit and give the visitors a faint glimmer of hope.

The visitors were starting to show more attacking intent following the goal. Johnson had her close-range flick cleared off the line by Amy Chessari following Logarzo’s dangerous corner and Emily Roach’s downward header. Johnson again could have scored, her curling effort from just inside the box forced Sham Khamis into a good save.

Yet Western Sydney had not finished scoring just yet and Harrison’s passing proved influential once again and this time Matos was the target. The pass first reached Lincoln who spilled the ball into the path of Matos. Her persistence was rewarded, taking the ball past both Lincoln and Alana Cerne to score her first A-League Woen goal and round off a tremendous performance from the Wanderers.

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

Scorers:  Saveska 10’, 24’, 27’. Rue 38’, Matos 82’.

WESTERN UNITED (3-5-2): Lincoln, Sardo, Cerne, Maher, Medwin, Eggesvik, Taranto, Hieda, Grove, Logazo, Johnson. Substitutes: Dall’Oste, Roach, Prakash, Cortellino, Dehakiz.

Scorer: Logarzo 64’ (pen).

Referee: Casey Reibelt

Attendance: 2,225.

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Nat Tathem: “We’re focusing on clean sheets”

by Ben Gilby (13/12/24)

Above: Nat Tathem talking to the media ahead of Sunday’s game with Adelaide United. Image: Perth Glory.

Perth Glory defender Nat Tathem believes that the heartbreaking way that her team fell to Melbourne Victory last Sunday can spur them on to success this coming weekend when they host Adelaide United at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game against the high-flying South Australian side, the 28-year-old reflected on head coach Stephen Peters’ message to his team his week to ensure that a similar outcome doesn’t happen again.

“It was hard to take…Stephen’s main message is ‘What can we learn from this? How can we be better?’ From the start of the season, our team has been getting better and you can see that out on the pitch. We need to control the controllables, and learn from that moment in the game.

“From the stats, that was, like the only shot on target (that Melbourne Victory had), so I think Casey (Dumont, Perth goalkeeper) was frustrated as she didn’t have much to do, and that’s always a keeper’s worst nightmare.

“I think defensively we have been copping a few goals, a few long-range shots in the last few matches, so that’s definitely been something we’ve been concentrating on – keeping a clean sheet. We were three minutes away from our first clean sheet, so it was really deflating for us.”

Whilst the loss to Melbourne Victory, which saw the Glory drop to one off the bottom of the ladder, was hard to take, there are signs of improvements in the team’s season defensively. The Western Australian side conceded 10 goals in their first three games, but have only let in two subsequently. Tathem puts this down to the squad gelling and being able to field their best players in the right positions.

“In pre-season, we had a lot of injuries, a lot of changes to our back line, so the first few games was trying to get used to that mix. We brought a lot of new players in our squad this season, compared to other teams in the league, so we’ve had to figure out the play. A few of those games were a bit of blow outs – decision-making in the last 20, 30 minutes because of our fitness. After the first few games, we’ve been able to get our fitness up and mould together as a team and that’s why you can see we are conceding less goals now.

“I was playing centre back at the start (of the season), just filling spaces for some girls we had coming back (from injury), but I’ve been around long enough and I know most positions on the pitch. I just want to be on the pitch, I don’t care what position that’s in…I think the fact that he (Stephen Peters, head coach) has me as a versatile player helps the team and helps me as he knows that if something has to change, it doesn’t have to come from the bench.”

Over the same time that Perth’s defensive record improved, their goalscoring stats have taken a turn in the other direction. Five goals were scored in the first two games, but only one has been netted since then. It’s something that needs to be put right quickly. Tathem believes that the fighting spirit is there in the squad to ensure it happens.

“Coming originally from Brisbane, it’s a state where we only have one team, so I think I really understand that mentality. We fight not just for Perth, but for the whole of Western Australia, there’s no other (pro) team here, so I really like that environment.”

Above: Nat Tatham (purple kit) celebrates with Casey Dumont after the Perth Glory goalkeeper saved Rachel Lowe’s penalty against Melbourne Victory last Sunday. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

Tathem’s influence has been rewarded this week as the Queenslander was named in the squad list for Australia’s national female Futsal team for their training camp between 16th and 20th December to prepare for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup China 2025 Qualifiers.

The defender was named alongside former Perth Glory players Demi Koulizakis and Mariana Tabain, plus Western Australian Zoee Spadano. It’s a particular thrill for Tathem as it was the avenue of the sport that first grabbed hold of her.

“I started playing Futsal first. I didn’t start playing football until I was 12…It’s something I’ve always enjoyed, I think it’s made me a better player because it’s (a) smaller (pitch), quicker decisions (are needed), more pressure, and less time on the ball, so I think that really translates for me into football. It’s been my building block, it’s the reason I play football.

“I used to play in the F-League – which was similar to the A-League in the day, we would fly around the country playing against other cities, unfortunately that was stopped, the funding got cut from it, so to see now we now have an Australian women’s team, going to a World Cup next year, that’s definitely exciting.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s home game with a fourth placed Adelaide United side with three wins from their opening five games, Tathem knows that the Glory face a tough battle.

Their improved defensive record will come under real threat from Reds stars Fiona Worts and Emily Condon, who have netted a total of eight goals so far. The 28-year-old defender admitted: “Worts made a big name for herself a few years ago, she’s always a player to watch. She’s hard to defend, she’s agile, she wants to score goals.

“I love to play against the best players, it really tests me. We’re focusing every week on keeping those clean sheets. That’s what we want. Across our back line, we have enough experience to deal with them.”

Indeed it is – Perth now need to find their mark in front of goal – if those two things can combine then the home side could be about to move up the ladder.

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Elliot strikes saves the Phoenix

Melbourne Victory 1-1 Wellington Phoenix

By Alyce Collett (13/12/24)

Above: Manaia Elliot scored the late equaliser for Wellington. Photo: Wellington Phoenix

Wellington Phoenix achieved an almighty escape against Melbourne Victory, pulling out a one all draw from the clutches of defeat.

After Alana Jancevski slotted a penalty home early in the second half, Manaia Elliott pinched one back for the Phoenix in the dying seconds of regulation time to earn the draw. 

Victory did much of the attacking early, more often choosing to go the aerial route instead of weaving their way past the Phoenix defence. 

The likes of Nikki Flannery and Jancevski were looking dangerous early, but thanks to some stellar keeping from Carolina Vilao, the Victory attackers were unable to put one in the back of the net. 

The Victory were a lot calmer with the ball in possession – whether in attack or defence – and the Phoenix did not really look threatening at all early. Wellington did have two decent chances in the first half, but they well dealt with by Victory keeper Courtney Newbon and the rest of her defence. 

Despite there being an obvious difference in amount of time on the ball it was a really free flowing first half, with not too many stoppages to note. 

As the half progressed the Phoenix defensive unit – lead by Mackenzie Barry – became more cohesive and connected, proving harder for Victory to navigate and therefore making their attacking plays less and less threatening, despite not really dropping in frequency. 

However, up the other end, Grace Jale and Olivia Fergusson were being too well marked by Claudia Bunge and Kayla Morrison to pose any threat for the Nix.

As halftime drew closer, the path to the deadlock breaking goal was no clearer than it had been 45 minutes prior. 

The half time stats told an interesting tale. Victory dominated possession, leading 70.8% to just 29.2%. However, the shots were a lot more even, with Victory only leading that three to one. Despite this, Victory’s attacking play looked more dangerous and likely to get a shot than the Phoenix’s had. 

The second half began as free-flowing as the first had been, but a mere five minutes in Victory finally found some reward for their possession dominance. After Flannery was brought down in the box, Jancesvski slotted the subsequent penalty into the bottom corner to hand the hosts the lead. 

This goal seemed to give the home side a spring in their step, with Gielnik having the confidence to shoot from outside the 18-yard box. The goal also saw the Phoenix lift their physicality, much to the displeasure at times of Victory players and fans alike. 

Lara Wall almost found the equaliser for the Phoenix in the 63rd minute, but her shot went just narrowly wide of the goal. Moments later Victory got within inches of a second goal but some made scrambling defensive work right on the line kept the ball from going through. Second half substitute Emma Main also had a chance just as good as Wall’s later in the half, but unfortunately for the Phoenix it ultimately had the same result. 

As the second half drew to a close, Victory kept peppering the Phoenix goal but as hard as they tried, they could not quite sneak it past Vilao and the Phoenix defence for a second goal.

Just as it looked like Victory would run out winners, Elliott popped out of nowhere and headed the ball into the back of the net with some pace to equal up proceedings with only about half a minute left in regulation time. 

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

Scorer: Jancevski 51’.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-2-3-1): Vilao, Jaber, Barry, Kelly, McCutcheon, Jale, Ferguson, Whinham, Brazendale, Longo, Wall. Substitutes: Neary, McMeeken, Elliott, Tanaka, Main.

Scorer: Elliott 90′.

Referee: Molly Godsell.

Attendance: 725.

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Kelly Stirton: The ParaMatildas journey has just begun

by Ben Gilby (12/12/24)

Above: ParaMatildas’ head coach Kelly Stirton addresses the media. Photo: Mark Avellino. Supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

Kelly Stirton has just made history. The first person to coach an Australian football team to victory in a World Cup Final. Her team did it the hard way, coming back from 2-0 down to the USA after six minutes, which just goes to prove the spirit and belief she has instilled in her players.

“The first six minutes were not what we expected,” Stirton admitted. “We went in with a game plan, the first ten minutes we were a bit slower. However, after the first goal, we saw a spark in the girls and the game plan started to come into action. Combinations were connecting and defensively we stayed strong.”

Those connections and defensive organisation ensured that the team hit back to win 6-2 against the nation that defeated them in the previous World Cup Final.

The ParaMatildas went into their second World Cup on the back of an Asia-Oceania Cup in November 2023. The head coach recognised how important this achievement was both in terms of adjusting style, and gaining further confidence and belief.

“We changed our tactics to suit a more futsal style of play, the ParaMatildas boss said. “It has taken 10 months to get it to where we knew other teams would struggle to defend and break us down.”

Above: ParaMatildas head coach Kelly Stirton (right) in training with player Eloise Northam. Photo: Mark Avellino. Supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

The team went into the previous World Cup in 2022 as a new entity. It was an experience that Stirton learned a lot from, and it provided the initial building blocks for their success this time round.

“We only had six weeks to prepare (last time) where as leading into this World Cup, we had two years to rebuild and structure our environment into more high performance to allow our athletes to grow and build into world champions,” Stirton said.

Talking to any member of the ParaMatildas set-up, one of the things that strike you instantly is the sheer belief and determination among everyone to go the extra kilometre in order to reach their aims. That and the fact that they know each other so well that individual skill sets come together perfectly to create a hugely powerful squad. It’s something that Stirton is immensely proud of.

“Each member of the squad brings different strengths on and off the field,” she said. “They bond well together and know how each other adapts in different environments. They all have different playing styles which complement each other.”

Stirton has hit the heights of being a World Cup-winning coach after just six years in the role of a head coach. It’s something that she still finds difficult to compute.

“It has been amazing. It has always been a dream to coach at such a high level and to be able to do this is something special. To now say we have done all we can with winning both the Asia Cup and World Cup is something unimaginable and I pinch myself every day.”

Above: Kelly Stirton (right) with her coaching staff during the ParaMatildas’ group stage game against the USA in the IFCP World Cup. Photo: Mark Avellino. Supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

Stirton is an inspirational leader – all the ParaMatildas players have made no secret of that. She is successful in multiple different roles, and that makes her more than just a regular international head coach.

“I have two beautiful kids who keep me busy, I own my own coaching business (the inclusive football coach) and work as the CEO of Basketball ACT. I also coach at the South Canberra Football Club in the Division One women’s competition. We’re one of the best clubs around.”

Stirton’s status now gives her an important place in setting standards for the future of the women’s Para Football program in Australia. In terms of what needs to happen to ensure that the ParaMatildas remain at the top of the global game, the head coach is clear. “We need to create pathways for our youth.”

“We can’t grow without a youth development program. This comes down to funding and the backing of Football Australia…I really want to see the sport grow and I want to be able to help Australia do it. It’s a passion and I love it. My athletes and staff are my family and our journey has just begun.”

Stirton ended with a message for everyone who her team of champions have inspired over the past two years. No matter who you are, and whatever challenges you face, it’s a powerful statement.

“Don’t give up on your dreams, no matter what disability you have. The world is your oyster, and we are here to help you through that journey.”

This is the third in Impetus‘ four-part series of exclusive interviews with the ParaMatildas’ World Cup winners. Read all of them via the links below:

PART ONE: KAITLYN SMITH: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/12/10/katelyn-smith-we-bloody-did-it-but-man-it-was-a-rollercoaster-to-get-there/

PART TWO: TAHLIA BLANSHARD: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/12/11/tahlia-blanshard-this-is-only-the-beginning/

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Tahlia Blanshard: “This is only the beginning”

by Genevieve Henry (11/12/24).

Above: Tahlia Blanshard (3) surges forward for the ParaMatildas in their World Cup group game with the Republic of Ireland. Photo: Mark Avellino, supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

A part of the groundbreaking ParaMatildas side that became the first Australian team to win a football World Cup, Tahlia Blanshard has emerged as an incredibly impactful figure in Australian football.

Blanshard, who only started playing in 2018, has become one of the most important figures in this team, bringing skill and passion from the defence.

In the IFCPF World Cup final that would see the ParaMatildas make history, the team faced the USA, the very side that they fell to in the final two years previously. Australia was determined to get redemption, and they got it. Blanshard commented on how this rivalry and high-level opponent brought out the best in the side.

“The final was definitely one of the toughest games I’ve ever played, but it was also one of the most fun and rewarding games too. We knew the US was an incredibly strong team and we knew that we had to give 110% effort if we wanted to come out on top.

“The US came out super strong from the whistle, but I believe the early goals from the US played a big role in us finding that next level within ourselves and fuelling our determination to win. I always say to myself that even if my legs get tired, I play with my heart, and that’s what I feel we all did in that final.”

Blanshard reflects with pride how both she and the team have grown in their two-and-a-half-year history.

“The greatest feeling for me is looking back on 2022 when I was midway through transitioning from my previous sport of swimming, and at the time still unsure which path I would take, to now, just two and a half years later, having a World Cup silver, an Asian Cup gold – with my first individual achievement of getting MVP of the final, and, officially, also now a World Cup gold. It’s wild to think back on how much has been achieved by the ParaMatildas in such a short amount of time, it all honestly makes me extremely emotional!

Above: Tahlia Blanchard in action for the ParaMatildas in their IFCP World Cup group game with the USA. Photo: Mark Avellino, supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

“The ParaMatildas are my family. I love getting to be with all of the girls. It’s just so great to be surrounded by so many similar people who all share the same dream. Each of the athletes have different strengths, and I feel we are really getting to the point where each person has a special strength that they bring to the group. The word “united” is very special to us, and I feel that is the best way to summarise our squad.”

Although the ParaMatildas have not been around for long, they have already become the very best in the world, and Blanshard is thrilled at having seen the growth from the very beginning.

“I love how being involved from the beginning of our sport means that I get the privilege of watching it grow in Australia and across the world. I’ve seen the number of athletes in Aus go from maybe five at most, to having full training camps and knowing there’s now players from all across the country.”

Blanshard has battled with her mental health throughout her life, but through her own strength and the support received, she has proven that nothing can stop her.

“Being an athlete who has also struggled with their mental health for the majority of their life, a lot of my biggest trials in my football have actually come from within, and were ones that were hard to see from the outside, but that’s where I feel very privileged to now be surrounded by such an amazing support system, and such incredible teammates.”

Aside from football, Blanshard keeps herself busy with her other passions: music and dancing, saying, “I have a massive love for music! I listen to music every day and love going to concerts. I especially love supporting smaller Aussie musicians and find it really exciting to find new songs. I also have a massive love for my childhood hobby of dancing, so for a fun way to socialise and switch off from football I still go to Physical Culture classes at my local childhood club.”

Blanshard recently graduated with a degree in health science which she has already put into use. “My degree has helped me a lot both in starting up and coaching my CP football clinic on the Central Coast and also with my work with disability and youth advocacy, especially when those issues fit with the health banner. I have dreams to go on and do further studies in the next year or two.”

With her clinic and outreach, Blanshard is doing her part to make football a more accessible place. “I am so passionate about watching this sport thrive, and each time we find a new player, it continues to drive me to be the best athlete I can be.

Above: Tahlia Blanshard in possession for the ParaMatildas in their IFCP World Cup group game with the USA. Photo: Mark Avellino, supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

“I hope to see a day where all kids with CP know football is an option for them, and when kids and adults can all have access to opportunities to play no matter where they live. I believe it is important to do whatever we can to grow CP football, as those younger developing athletes are our next generation of ParaMatildas’ stars.”

“CP football, especially five-a-side, is both fun and challenging. It’s extremely fast-paced, and each game is so different from the next. Also, the close off-pitch connections we build with the other teams we play against is something that you don’t see in many other sports, and is a big reason why I love this sport so much.”

As well as her community work, Blanshard uses her position and social media to advocate for all the causes she is passionate about, ensuring she does her part to make the world a more inclusive space. She shared her advice on the best way to be an advocate for change and be a kinder person.

“The most important thing is to listen to and amplify the voices and stories of those with lived experience – whether that be me or any others of the thousands of incredible advocates in your community.

“One of the best things someone can do is keep holding room to continually learn, and know that every little action makes a difference – from calling out a mate using hurtful language, all the way to sharing stories, attending events, or signing petitions. It all matters to create a more accessible and inclusive world.

The status that the ParaMatildas are now building in Australia as the country’s very first world champion football team continues to blow Blanchard away.

“Thank you so much for supporting us. I cannot even put into words what it means to know we have people who, not only know who we are, but actually follow and support us. This is only the beginning of our story, and I’m so grateful we have you all on this journey with us!”

This is the second in Impetus‘ four-part series of exclusive interviews with the ParaMatildas’ World Cup winners. Read all of them via the links below:

PART ONE: KAITLYN SMITH: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/12/10/katelyn-smith-we-bloody-did-it-but-man-it-was-a-rollercoaster-to-get-there/

Follow Impetus on social media:

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