Grace Clinton: Confidence & experience gained at Spurs bodes well for United

by Boh Blythin (8/9/24)

Above: Grace Clinton in action for Tottenham Hotspur last season. Photo: BBC.

Grace Clinton has made an emotional farewell to Tottenham Hotspur after her season-long loan spell, ahead of her return to Manchester United. 

The typical idea of a season-long loan is to send a player somewhere they can develop and are more likely to get a higher amount of game-time. However, Clinton exceeded these expectations, becoming a key contributor in the Tottenham Hotspur side.

Many Spurs fans have been left devastated by the loss of England’s up-and-coming superstar. Just before she made her departure from the club, the midfielder was given the supporters’ Player of the Season award. 

The energetic youngster developed into a strong midfielder last season, being viewed as one of the most exciting young talents in English football. With the expiration of the loan deal and United recalling the star, Tottenham Hotspur have a big hole left in their squad.

Despite her time at Spurs being brief, the midfielder’s overall performance impacted the club greatly. With standout attributes including the likes of ball control and passing range, she read the game well. Clinton’s ability to make key passes under pressure helped split the opposing defence and create goal-scoring opportunities. Being able to link the defensive and attacking players helped the game transition from defence to offence smoothly. 

During her time in North London, the 21-year-old had developed deep chemistry with Bethany England. With her vision and ability to make consistently precise and accurate long attacking balls, she linked well with England’s effective positioning and finishing ability. Their strengths combined created strong chemistry and more attacking chances for the Spurs side. You would often see Clinton provide assists or key passes to create attacking opportunities, which lead to important goals.

Above: Grace Clinton looks to the skies against Chelsea last season. Photo: Anthony Hanc for Impetus.

On her departure, Spurs have lost a massive amount of creativity in midfield. As an energetic youngster, Clinton was able to offer many opportunities to improve the side’s attacking and defensive play. She displayed this through the likes of her high pressing work rate and defensive support when out of possession.

The midfielder would often drive forward with the ball, creating many goal-scoring opportunities. She was also capable of dropping back and disrupting the opposition’s play by intercepting passes. Losing Clinton may also disrupt chemistry thus affecting the smoothness and effectiveness of the North London side’s tactics.

Upon her return to the Manchester United side, the young star has improved to a greater depth as a midfielder viewed as a more tough and confident individual. She’s well prepared to take on and contribute to the club’s ambitions during the upcoming season thanks to a consistent work ethic and development of her play and self-belief. 

Competing in an intense league with high standards and putting her up against such talented opponents more frequently is something she wouldn’t have got as much access to if she stayed with Manchester United. Due to the club’s top talent, there is competition when fighting to be in the starting lineup. As Clinton was only young and lacking in experience in the league, the likes of Ella Toone and Leah Galton were ahead of her in the pecking order.

The WSL brings huge demands and features top-tier talent. Alongside Clinton’s increase in game time and experience on the pitch, she has upped her physicality and intensity to another level. Overall improving her mental and physical toughness including strength and stamina, is essential for a young and energetic player who aspires to become one of the best.

In the upcoming years, Clinton could become a key player in the Manchester United side. The midfielder is more than ready to contribute significantly to the squad.

Follow Impetus on social media –

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

Azzurri storm to State Cup success

Perth SC 4-1 Perth RedStar

Report by Ben Gilby with photos from Rob Lizzi (8/9/24)

Above: Ella Lincoln celebrates in style after putting Perth SC 2-1 ahead yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.

Perth SC came from behind with a powerful second-half performance which enabled them to defeat Perth RedStar and win their first-ever State Cup.

It was RedStar who gained a slight period of ascendancy just after the 10-minute mark. It began with Caitlin Doeglas storming up the left and curling a pass into the path of Olivia Wood to enter the area, but Thew read the danger excellently.

Yet just over five minutes later, Doeglas was involved again with a different outcome. The former Perth Glory picked up the ball inside her own half and laid a pass back to Sakairi. The Japanese midfielder played an excellently executed high ball through to Wood who let it bounce before firing a half-volley into the net from the edge of the box.

Above: Perth RedStar celebrate after Olivia Wood’s stunning strike put them ahead yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.

Momentum and taking chances when they come are always the keys to getting a result against RedStar, and the Azzurri were able to achieve both immediately after conceding.

Kim McCartney’s free-kick on the right-hand side, parallel with the penalty spot came across, Marshall’s initial header was blocked, but an exchange of passes involving Wainwright and then a one-two between Daisy McAllister and Marshall ended with the latter slotting home to level the scores.

Above: Ruby Marshall (second right) celebrates after levelling the scores yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.

Perth now began to take control, with Tijan McKenna hugely influential in the centre of midfield, spraying around some excellent on-point passing and putting in some crucial tackles. This allied with the ability around her of Wainwright and McAllister began to nullify RedStar’s high press defence with their footwork and quick passing ability.

With 10 minutes of the half remaining, Lincoln gained possession at the by-line and held off the challenge of Doan to feed McAllister, who in turn fed Mathers in space on the right-hand edge of the box. The former MUM FC player hit a shot that Dal Busco got a hand to, and in agonising slow motion gradually trickled wide of the left-hand post for a corner after looking like rolling in for so long. It remained 1-1 at the break.

Above: Tijan McKenna (azure shirt) – who had an outstanding afternoon in the centre of midfield, breaks through yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.

Perth had the first chance of the second 45 when McAllister found Lincoln who broke into the box to go one-on-one with Dal Busco, but her shot could only find the side netting.

There was then a six-minute delay as the sprinklers spontaneously came on, with no-one seemingly able to turn them off. Eventually, when play could get back underway, it was the Azzurri who remained on top.

With 20 minutes to play, Nossent found Marshall out on the right. Teixeira initially cleared, but only as far as McCartney on the right who fed Mathers centrally outside the box in space. After playing a one-two with McKenna, Teixeira was beaten and a low pass found Lincoln to fire home before celebrating with a stunning double backflip as the Azzurri led.

Danielle Brogan’s side were calm under pressure, the passing became even more crisper, elaborate and ever more accurate. Wainwright stepped up her level once more, with her footwork and vision a joy to behold. All of this was duly rewarded with 15 minutes of regular time remaining with the Azzurri being awarded a corner on the left and Mathers curling an Olimpico into the net.

Above: Charli Wainwright (azure shirt), who was a key part of Perth SC’s superb second half performance, puts in a tackle on RedStar’s Reina Kagami. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.

There were still opportunities for Carlos Vega Mena’s side to grab a lifeline as Doeglas had three excellent chances. First, with seven minutes remaining, she powered a shot just wide before seeing a curled effort held by Stacey Cavill. Then, deep into stoppage time, she lifted a shot over the top from inside the box.

The Azzurri fittingly had the last word when substitute Cassidy gained possession along the left and squared a pass for Wainwright to thump home for 4-1.

Above: Charli Wainwright (centre, arm raised) shows her sheer joy after hitting Perth SC’s fourth goal yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.

This was an impressive performance from Perth SC which enabled them to lift only the second piece of silverware in their women’s team’s history. However, looking ahead with these two sides facing each other at least once more in the coming weeks during the Top Four Cup, Perth RedStar will have an immediate opportunity to put things right when they face off again next weekend.

More of Rob Lizzi’s photography from the State Cup Final

Teams: PERTH SC: Cavill, Bohm, Thew, Nossent, McCartney, Wainwright, McAllister, McKenna, Marshall, Mathers, Lincoln. Substitutes: Harvey, Cassidy, Johnston, Insch, Hannan, Ottobrino, Atkinson (GK).

Scorers: Marshall 18’, Lincoln 69’, Mathers 75’, Wainwright 90+3.

PERTH REDSTAR: Dal Busco, Doan, Teixeira, Woolley, Anderson, Carroll, Kagami, Sakairi, Ridley, Wood, Doeglas. Substitutes: Ritchie, Continibali, Odonohoe, Leota, Bellanca, Arai.

Scorers: Wood 16’.

Referee: Jasmine Bremner.

Follow Impetus on social media –

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

Beever-Jones’ Hat-Trick Shines in Chelsea’s Dominant 9-0 Victory

Chelsea 9-0 Feyenoord

By Ruby Vince 7/9/24

Above: Kingsmeadow-ready to welcome Chelsea fans back after the summer break. Photo: Chelseafcw on X

Feyenoord are a Dutch football club from Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The team finished 5th in the 2023–24 Eredivisie Vrouwen season.
 
Why were Chelsea so successful in today’s game?
Chelsea applied high pressure from the start, with quick goals in the 4th and 7th minutes by Sandy Baltimore and Mayra Ramirez, which put Feyenoord on the back foot. These early strikes were a result of direct play and exploiting the space behind Feyenoord’s defence, forcing their backline into rushed decisions.

Chelsea effectively targeted Feyenoord’s defensive letdowns, especially after Celainy Obispo’s red card in the 27th minute. The red card left Feyenoord with 10 players; however, Sonia Bompastor agreed to let Feyenoord sub on a player to continue with 11 players. However, Chelsea’s tactical adjustment was to widen the pitch and stretch their opponents, making it harder for Feyenoord to cover defensive gaps.

Players like Lauren James and Ashley Lawrence provided width, with Millie Bright and Ramirez making key central runs. Chelsea capitalised on their pace and technical superiority, delivering dangerous crosses and pulling Feyenoord’s defensive line out of shape. Chelsea scored key goals from set-pieces, including Bright’s goal from a corner (60’), which showcased their aerial dominance. Feyenoord struggled to defend dead-ball situations, allowing Chelsea to take shots both off and on target.

Chelsea used their substitutes effectively, with players like Maika Hamano and Aggie Beever-Jones coming off the bench to further punish Feyenoord’s tired defence. Beever-Jones’ 27-minute hat-trick demonstrated Chelsea’s depth and their ability to maintain intensity even with fresh legs on the pitch.
 
Aggie Beever Jones’ Influence:
Beever-Jones, who scored a hat-trick, was highly influential in exploiting Feyenoord’s weakened defence, especially in the second half. Coming off the bench, she brought energy and sharp finishing, making diagonal runs into the box and positioning herself perfectly to capitalise on loose balls and defensive errors.

Above: Aggie Beever jones vs Feyenoord. Photo: Chelseafcw on X

ABJ was smart in her movement, staying on the shoulder of the last defender and timing her runs to perfection. Feyenoord’s defence, already under pressure, was unable to coordinate an effective offside trap, allowing Beever-Jones to break through multiple times (notably for her second and third goals). Her ability to finish decisively in front of the goal, especially from the free kick in the 74th minute, and in open play meant that Feyenoord’s defence couldn’t recover in time to prevent her from scoring.
 
What Could Feyenoord Have Done?
Feyenoord needed to adopt a more compact defensive structure to limit space for Chelsea’s attackers. They struggled to reorganise quickly, and Chelsea exploited this with relentless wide play. The defence could have been more aggressive in marking Beever-Jones tightly, cutting off her runs earlier, and not allowing her to face goal so easily. Dropping the defensive line slightly deeper to prevent Chelsea from playing balls over the top might have helped mitigate Beever-Jones’ pace and off-the-ball movement.

In addition to defensive adjustments, Feyenoord could have worked harder to control possession in midfield and slow the game down, reducing Chelsea’s opportunities to counterattack. Chelsea’s midfield, led by Nusken, controlled the tempo, and Feyenoord couldn’t match their intensity.

Chelsea are back at Kingsmeadow for the start of the Women’s Super League when they host Aston Villa at 7pm on 20th September.

Teams: CHELSEA (4-3-2-1): Musovic (GK), Bronze, Bright (C), Buchanan, Charles, Nusken, Kaptein, Baltimore, James, Kaneryd, Ramirez. Substitutes: Hampton (GK), Cox (GK), Ingle, Reiten, Lawrence, Bjorn, Perisset, Hamano, Mpome, Bernabe, Beever-Jones

Scorers: Baltimore 5’, Ramirez 8’, Nusken 32’, Kaptein 45+3’, Bright 62’, Beever-Jones 75’, 85’, 90+2’, Hamano 77’
 
FEYENOORD (4-4-2): Szymsczak, Waldus, Verspaget, Obispo, Brandau, Teulings, de Graaf,
Koga, Conijnenberg, van de Lavoir, Kerkhoven. Substitutes: Weimar, Eikk, Koopmans, Heji, van Bentem, Mulder, Lont, Oudejans, Baubadi, Balkhir, Braun

Referee: Emily Heaslip

“There’s still a chance”- Chinnama and Young Matildas relish experience and keep the belief

By Kieran Yap 5/9/24

Above: Young Matildas vice captain Naomi Chinnama addresses the media through Football Australia.

Following Australia’s second group game against Mexico, Young Matildas defenders Naomi Chinnama and Ella Buchanan spoke to the media about the experience so far.

Australia are still in this tournament was the message from Australia’s Under 20’s Vice Captain. Fresh from the 2-0 defeat against Mexico, Naomi Chinnama said that there was plenty learned from the match.

“They were very well prepared, and they had a plan that they executed extremely well,” she said of their last opponents.

“I feel as though went in fighting right up until the final whistle.

“No doubt there’s a lot of learning that we can take from that game and we just need to use that for Cameroon.

It was another close loss for Australia. A missed penalty was made all the more painful when Mexico scored what could be best described as a lucky goal in the second half before an injury time strike sealed the 2-0 result.

“There were moments where we were successful with our buildup, and we were able to create chances,” said Chinnama. In defence the Aussies were not overwhelmed and kept their shape. It was a harsh result, even though Mexico looked faster and more attacking.

After two losses, Australia can still progress to the knockout rounds with a win. The four best third placed teams in the groups advance in the tournament.

“There’s still a chance,” said Chinnama.

“I’ve been getting around the girls and we’ve been getting around each other. We need to keep our heads up because as long as there’s still a chance, we need to throw everything at it.

“We’re Australians, we need to show our resilience. I believe that’s truly a strength of ours.”

Now at her second youth World Cup after being in the 2022 squad, Chinnama says nothing compares to the experience of an international tournament.

“A World Cup is just amazing. If I was here 10 times it would be the same thing.

“I’m at a loss for words everytime I step on that international stage,

“It’s something I don’t take for granted.

“With each game there’s always learning opportunities. I’m just so grateful to be able to see so many world class opponents.”

The Melbourne City premiership winner captained the side after skipper Jess Nash was substituted. It was something that she considered an honour and focussed on being a role model and in her word  she “tried not to mess it up too much.”

Following the tournament, she will take on as new challenge as Perth Glory’s defensive star signing. It will be the first time she has played for another club outside of Melbourne.

“I will miss Melbourne because it’s been  my home for the last fouer years. Im blessed for the time that I spent there.

“I’m excited to be embarking on this new chapter in Perth. I can’t wait to get started. I’m going to go in and put my head down and work as hard as I can.”

Ella Buchanan made her World Cup debut in the second half against Mexico. The Western Sydney defender said that the experience was an incredible reward for effort she put into being selected.

“It’s pretty incredible to be able to step onto that pitch wearing the Australian uniform.

“A pretty memorable moment I would say, especially as it has been one of my goals to represent Australia, to be able to do that at an U20 world cup was just incredible.

“I’m super super grateful for the opportunity.

“It’s a very very good learning experience to able to see all these different styles and different players. to be able to come up against that and test yourself is really rewarding and there’s lots to take away from it.”

For Buchanan, the appearance capped off a rapid rise. The 20 year old is in just her second camp, and although she was not part of the Asian Cup squad, she continued to push for selection.

“A year ago this seemed pretty far way and not getting selected is a bit disheartening but I took that upon myself to work harder, to stay dedicated and to just have patience because everyone will get their opportunity eventually if you just stay working hard.”

Australia will need every bit of that self-belief across the entire team to progress in the tournament. A win will see them leapfrog Cameroon into third place in the group. With only two full days between matches, the focus has been on physical and mental recovery.

But there is belief in this team to match the talent, and as Chinnama said, “there is still a chance.”

Australia play Cameroon on Saturday morning AEST at 8am

Follow Impetus on social media –

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

Johno Clemente: a coach climbing the ranks

By Kieran Yap

Above: Melbourne Victory assistant Johno Clemente. Photo: Melbourne Victory

We take a deep dive on why the 25-year old Johno Clemente’s name is on everybody’s lips and what the future holds for one of the brightest young minds in Australian Football currently.

Clemente is a coach on the rise in the women’s game. Coaching vacancies are few in the Australian professional game, but when they come up, his name is inevitably mentioned. 

He was heavily rumoured to be a strong candidate for multiple head coach roles this season, however whilst the dust settles, Clemente is preparing for his third year under Jeff Hopkins with Melbourne Victory.

Still only 25, Clemente is one of Jeff Hopkin’s right-hand men, has experience working in the Victorian NPLW and is known for eye catching football in his home state.

The former Heidelberg United and Essendon Royals manager also coaches the Afghan Women’s National Team as they climb the tiers of the state leagues. 

Clemente’s first accolades were at his childhood club, Essendon Royals. 19 years of age, he was tasked with rebuilding a recently relegated squad, on the brink of the team folding he transformed the Women’s Program and got promoted in first time of asking.

Pre-season was a reality check for the rookie coach. With players departing following relegation, the first challenge was to find enough players to field a team. 

“You’d be hoping at least at least 40 people would come to trials and only 10 people came. So that was a very rude awakening.”

“The club was seriously considering folding the folding team”

Remaining positive, or at least optimistic, Clemente eventually formed a squad, but the hurdles continued. The club lost every single game of pre-season and then dropped the first three games of the league. 

Eventually, the club’s fortunes turned, a culture started building and Essendon eventually went on a 10-game undefeated run to promotion, those results naturally earned attention.

Heidelberg United took notice and signed the then 20-year-oldto be the head coach of their senior NPLW team in 2019, making him the youngest ever NPL Senior Head Coach. 

It was a bigger club, a stronger league and although Heidelberg has a proud history, they are not traditional giants of the women’s competition. 

“I knew I wasn’t going to attract the big players,” said Clemente of the first season. 

“I knew I could deliver and focus on, if I could have a good sessions good culture, and then build good relationship and focus on those three key aspects early on, I knew over time that the players would begin to come. That was the platform we used to grow. We built something special, and players were drawn to it and the success followed.”

A sixth placed finish in his covid impacted first season was hard earned, and it was a steep but rapidly climbed learning curb.

Despite the respectable ladder placing, there were some tough results in that first season. Clemente kept the long-term view and set about building a culture around his team that eventually saw them narrowly miss out on silverware in 2022. 

There were intially some raised eyebrows about the club hiring a 20 year old senior coach, but Clemente proved that he was the right choice. 

His three-season tenure at Heidelberg accomplished the highest league finish for the Bergers in twelve years, best cup run since 2016, 10 players signed at A- League clubs, a transformed junior program saw the progression of multiple players to TIDC, NTC and ALW Pathway Programs and he departed Heidelberg with the highest win ratio of any coach in the NPL era.

When quizzed on his success at Heidelberg he reflected on the whole club culture during his time. 

“We had plenty of challenges and barriers we had to break down in the Women’s Program, but it made our resolve stronger and brought the culture of our program closer together because we knew we were working hard for a common goal, we worked hard to align the junior and senior programs, there was plenty of crossover.

“I’d be involved with the juniors as much as possible along with many senior players which made the connection in the club genuine and attracted our junior players to come and support our seniors, it was a special time when things go well.”

Clemente’s Heidelberg United were known for their exciting, attacking, brave style with quality players like Danielle Wise, Steph Galea, current and former A-League talent such as Grace Jale, Rebecca Burrows, Emily Roach, Tijan Mckenna and Isabella Wallhead. 

Heidelberg under Clemente were dynamic and modern in their game style. Just as capable of grinding out a win or engaging in an open end-to-end shootout. They were compulsory viewing in 2022, and it took some epic performances from other sides to deny them a shot at a trophy. 

“I hoped every time someone watched a Heidelberg game they saw a side that was creative , positive, organised and a side that never gave up, I’m a firm believer of having a well balanced approach, being adaptable and also that our structure gives our players freedom to go and express themselves”

Melbourne Victory then secured Clemente’s services. They deployed his talents workimg alongside Jeff Hopkins in the A- League Women whilst also serving as the Female Pathway Coordinator.

It was a role that saw him produce and manage the best young players in Melbourne, create pathways and develop the next generation of Melbourne Victory A-League stars.

Clemente’s full time move to Victory was a full circle moment for the young coach who grew up following the club and was a seamless transition. 

“Working with Jeff Hopkins, Gareth Turnbull, Harley Hamdiani, Caroline Carenegie, John Didulica and many more, how can I not learn and grow? 

“The staff, the club and the culture makes going to ‘work’ every day so fun, but the genuine care and belief seen in everyone who steps through the door is what makes the club so special and that stems from the top with Caroline and JD, but its one of the many reasons I’ll run through a brick wall for Jeff!

“I’m very fortunate to have a role model and mentor in these early stages of my career as special and respected as Jeff Hopkins alongside so many others.”

Alongside his work with the A-League Women squad, Clemente also coaches Melbourne Victory’s Afghan WomensTeam. 

“Working with the Afghanistan Women’s team has been such a rewarding experience, as a coach you try to find teams and clubs to inspire, but in this rare scenario it’s the players and team that inspire the coach.

“It has been great to be across all the female football at the club from our Pathway Programs, Afghan Womens and A- League Women.”

Amongst the recent buzz and hype around his future, Clemente stated he was enjoying the journey. 

“I work every day with the best football people I know, at the biggest football club in the country, the last few months have been chaotic, but positive steps in the right direction and some of the best football people in the country are advocating for me.

“I’m a firm believer of it’s not a matter of ‘will I get the next opportunity it’s a matter of when’ and timing is everything but when that time comes, I know I’ll be ready.

“I’m looking forward to pre-season for the ALW and hopefully adding another trophy to the club’s cabinet and continue to push boundaries and raise standards in all aspects of our female football at the club.”

Melbourne Victory fans are pleased he will continue as an assistant at the club for at least one more campaign and with the genuine excitement of Clemente’s A- League Head Coach potential.

Should Hopkins be lured away to Europe one day, or if a national team comes calling, Victory have his potential successor already on board.

Follow Impetus on social media –

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

Prakash and Kruger reflect on U20 World Cup debuts

By Kieran Yap 2/9/24

Above: The Young Matildas in training. Photo: Ann Odong. Football Australia.

Following the opening game against Colombia, the Young Matildas have focussed on recovery and quick improvement by the time they face Mexico. Avaani Prakash and Zara Kruger both made their FIFA tournament debut’s in the 2-0 loss and spoke to the media about the experience.

“It was amazing,” said Prakash of playing infront of the nearly 40,000 partisan crowd in Colombia.  

“The experience, I can’t even put into words.  

“When we were going for warmups it was so loud. I thought they were all cheering for us, but I didn’t realise the Colombians were right next to us walking out to warm up as well.”

Australia might consider themselves unlucky. Despite coming up against the tournament hosts, they mostly defended diligently and had an equaliser cancelled out controversially by VAR.

Prakash was brought on as a second half substitute and although awed by the crowd, she was able to focus on the task at hand.

“’Get on the ball, we need to win this game’” she said on her intent and thought process.

 “That was all that I was thinking when I was going in, the moment I touched the ball I knew what to do.”

Although they were able to create some chances, Australia did not enjoy the usual amount of possession that they had during qualifying. It is something that they want to improve in the next match against Mexico.

“We just had to get on the ball. I don’t think we were good enough to break their defence down,  but looking to next game that’s one thing we’re going to work on.

“We want the three points, we want to make it out of the group stage and we want to do well in this tournament.”

Brisbane Roar midfielder Zara Kruger echoed those sentiments, which points to a united team as they search for a vital win on Wednesday morning.

“We’ve moved on from that game and we’re into recobvery and working towards what we need to improve on,” said Kruger .

“I think we just need to work as a team and be clinical in the front third and we’ll be able to put goals away.”

Both players said that the pace was quicker than at other levels, particularly the ball speed, but it is something they can adjust to.

“It was tough at times,” said Kruger

“But  I think going into the next game we need to work on a few things and being on the ball a lot more will help a lot.”

Like the 2022 Young Matildas, the current side had to face a loud home crowd in the opening game. Colombia were backed by a sold out stadium and to beging with it was an adjustment for the players more accustomed to a few thousand in the A-League Women.  

“Going into warm up, my ears were ringing a little bit,” said Kruger.

“It was so amazing to hear the crowd so loud and I’ve never played in front of a crowd that loud so it was such an experience.

“Everyone had to use their voices s bit louder. Awareness was a big thing.”

For both players, their debut’s were the result of a whirlwind couple of years, Prakash burst onto the A-League scene with Western United and received a late call up after an injury to star forward Emilia Murray.

“It’s been a big 12 months,” recalled Prakash.  

“Theres been ups and downs, but its been good.

“When I got to Western I think that was a great experience seeing  what it was to be in a professional environment.

“I love western, the coaches, the staff, and most importantly my team. They really helped me grow as person on and off the pitch.”

For Kruger, the opening game was the result of a long and gruelling qualifying campaign. Although the result was not what they wanted, she was able to share the unique experience with some of her closest friends.

“We’ve been working towards this as a group for the past two years and to all go out there and play a part was a special experience.”

The Young Matildas will face a Mexico team that has recently drawn with the United States and beaten Japan. But Australia are confident they can get the job done.

“They’re a very good side and its going tro be a hard game,” said Prakash

“We just need to keep the ball a bit more and create more attacking opportunities going forward.”

Australia play Mexico at 8am AEST. Viewable on 10Play.

NPLW Vic: Preston and Heidelberg head into Grand Final

Preston Lions 1-0 Essendon Royals

By Joe Rosedon 2/9/24

Preston edged past Essendon to reach their first ever Grand Final, after Haley Johnson once again delivers for Preston, scoring the only goal of the game

An unsurprisingly cagey start saw very few chances of note, with both teams reluctant to reveal the hands too early and Essendon able to nullify Preston’s free scoring front line. A tight angled effort from Emma Robers was the closet to opening the scoring for either team during the first 15 minutes but was eventually held by Charlotte Hrehorsein after initially spilling the ball.

Preston’s pressure began to build as the first half wore on and a goal for the home side looked more and more likely. It almost came from Miri Nishimura when her attempt from the edge of the box looked destined for the bottom left corneronce the ball left her boot, only for it to be a few inches wide of the goal. 

On the stroke of hall time Preston had their breakthrough. Mebabe Tanaka received the ball just in front of the halfway line. Her searching cross into the box was aimed for Johnson. 

On receival, Johnson held off Marie Rampal and like she has done all season, put the chance away by sliding the ball underneath an onrushing Bethany Mason-Jones to give Preston the lead. 

Essendon needed a strong start to the second half to wrestle back momentum from Preston. A dangerous corner from TJ Vlajnic forced Hrehorsein into two punches until the ball was eventually cleared away.

Johnson could have had a second but good combined defensive work from Rampal and Mason- Jones pushed Jonhson into a less than favourable shooting position and was unable to convert.

Essendon pushed and prodded but did create enough clear-cut chances to really trouble the Preston defence in the second half of the game. They resulted to desperate long-range efforts in the closing stages that were easily delt with by Hrehorseinwhile their set pieces were met with a similar fate. 

Preston will now face Heidelberg in the Grand Final on Saturday after their shock away victory against Bullen. Reaching the final in only their second season in the NPL Victoria, Preston’s season has been nothing short of remarkable and will be looking to conclude it the perfect way.

Essendon will obviously be disappointed with the result, however after back-to-back promotions the club is clearly headed in the right direction and will look to go one step further next season. 

Bulleen Lions 2-4 Heidelberg United

By Kieran Yap 2/9/24

Heidelberg United will join The Preston Lions in the NPLW Victoria Grand Final after a 4-2 win away to Bulleen.

The fourth placed Bergers came into this game after ending the season in surging form, but for most neutrals, Bulleen were the favourites having won the Nike FC Cup & the premiership this season.

Heidelberg began in attacking fashion, forcing Erin Hudson into a low, close range save early on. A free kick from Alana Jancevski whistled over the bar soon after and it appeared that the visitors had arrived with intent to shoot without hesitation.

Bulleen’s best early chances came through Alana Cortellino. The new Western United signing raced behind the Heidelberg attack but could not find a teammate or the goal.

Tiffany Eliadis battled and ran tirelessly in midfield, but Heidelberg pressed in a fast and organised fashion making it hard for the home side to gain any sustained control.

The opening goal arrived through Stephanie Galea. The Heidelberg captain capitalised on a turnover to lift the ball over Hudson in the 25th minute.

That lead was doubled when Sarah O’Donoghue’s free kick whipped around the wall and bounced over a diving Hudson nine minutes later.

If there was any doubt that it was Heidelberg’s day that was confirmed in the second half. Asuka Miyata’s shot from long range bounded off the bottom of the post and into the diving  Hudson’s back before crossing the line.

Bulleen continued to try and force a way back into this game. Maja Markovski created chances from wide positions and Cortellino continued to threaten, but as they chased the game, they left themselves open to counter attacks against a pacy Heidelberg attack.

Galea effectively sealed the win with her second of the game in the 76th minute. She sped through on goal and slipped the ball past the onrushing Hudson.

Cortellino produced some moments of magic to set up two late goals and give Bulleen some hope, but time was their enemy and Heidelberg never looked like conferring a third.

The result ends Bulleen’s campaign, but 2024 remains a remarkable season. They won their second consecutive premiership with a very different lineup and won the Nike Cup in a thriller of a contest.

Trebles are hard to win and climbing the mountain top three times over a few weeks proved one challenge too many for the best side of the home and away season, but they should be proud of the year they had, even if they stumbled in the unforgiving Australian finals system.

Heidelberg United will face second placed Preston in the Grand Final at the Home of the Matildas.

Based on this performance, they could easily to in as favourites. Heidelberg were fast, decisive and dangerous. They looked energetic with and without the ball and took advantage of errors by their opponents.

Preston United have probably been better for longer, but Heidelberg are peaking at the exact right time of the season.