Above:Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Photo: Manchester United.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce came to the WSL with huge expectations and big boots to fill. Replacing Mary Earps was no easy job.
During her five years at Manchester United, Earps was able to win many awards; internationally, domestically, and personally.
After playing around 40 games for both Reims and OL Reign in two years with both clubs, Tullis-Joyce did not get the game time or experience at United during her first season. Now that Earps has left the club, the New York-born shot-stopper has stepped up.
Since the club’s opening game at Old Trafford in September, Tullis-Joyce has proved her worth by only conceding three league goals. In an interview with the BBC, Manchester United manager Marc Skinner described Tullis-Joyce as “the best shot-stopper I have ever worked with in my life.”
Above: Phallon Tullis-Joyce with Leah Galton. Photo: Manchester United.
The six-foot-one American is full of confidence and commands her penalty area brilliantly. Tullis-Joyce is very vocal, helping to organise her defence and give them extra guidance.
Due to her height, the keeper is well-placed to deal with crosses and set pieces. She stays composed well under pressure, with her ability to make critical saves in important moments keeping Manchester United a competitive and attacking side in tight and challenging matches.
Good game reading means Tullis-Joyce understands how to handle quick turnovers and help United transition from defence to offence. A skill like this is valuable, meaning fast delivery of the ball enables teammates to catch opponents off guard.
Since the opening of the WSL’s 24/25 season, the talented keeper has provided standout performances in key matches. An example is her performance against Arsenal where she used all of the positive attributes she brings to the club to ensure that United were able to claim a vital point. Her impactful saves have meant her teammates can maintain their momentum and strive to play to their best potential.
Overall, Phallon Tullis-Joyce has been a key aspect to the development of the United squad, building their defence and providing a steady foundation within the team to help on building their attacking play. Her signing showcases United’s ambitions to compete at their highest level. The keeper is going to be one to watch throughout the season as she continues to fill the boots of Earps.
Above:The Matildas come together in the huddle. Photo: Football Australia.
The infamous penalty shootout, the crushing defeat inflicted by Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses, the society-altering rise of women’s sport. The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup undoubtedly left an unprecedented legacy defined by love, loss, and a united Australia. Foord’s statement echoes the thoughtsof millions of Australians when discussing the Women’s World Cup legacy.
“It’s something we never thought would happen in a million years.”
Matildas’ striker Caitlin Foord, discussing the legacy left by the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on the Howie Games podcast
As spectator, I can only describe my commitment to the sport as something positive I get to experience in my life. However, now that I have been following the Matildas across club and country, for over a year, I am beginning to observe basic longitudinal sport psychology.
Although the impact of the World Cup was largely positive, there are still an unprecedented number of eyes on the squad. And unique to the women’s game, this all happened rather quickly. I can help but wonder has this put the Matildas under pressure that was grossly unprecedented?
When looking for the answer, I turned to sports psychology and came across two terms.
Social inhibition: “the tendency for otherwise apparent behaviours to be minimised in the presence of others” (Oxford Academic, 2016).
Social Facilitation: “an improvement in the performance of a task in the presence of others” (S. McLeod, 2023).
Above: A packed Stadium Australia supporting the Matildas during the 2023 World Cup. Photo: Ben Gilby.
To put it simply, does the presence of spectators increase negative anxiety within the athlete or does it fill them with the needed adrenaline to rise to the occasion. Whether or not an athlete experiences either one of these psychological phenomena depends on the nature of the sport and “the situation and the characteristics of the of both the athlete and the others present”. (L.Chareyre. et al, n.d.)
In the Matildas’ case however, you’ve gone from match attendances being described as an “11,271-strong crowd” one year to 18 months later, you’ve sold out Stadium Australia and 76,000 people have turned up to a friendly on a cold Monday evening. From a humanistic standpoint, it doesn’t take much empathy too understand how that sort of pressure, accelerating in that sort of time frame, would be an enormous task to rise to as an athlete.
What would go on inside your head both in your everyday and professional life? However, I am not a professional athlete, thus research within sports psychology is the only reliable source of explanation available. And like many issues and questions posed in the women’s game, this exact psychological phenomenon has yet to be specifically researched. Despite it impacting many female athletes, who are experiencing the rapid development of their respective games.
When we analyse the current state of any sports team, we draw conclusions from the results. During the World Cup, the Matildas earnt themselves the greatest ever Australian World Cup performance on paper. However, the results that have followed haven’t exactly “lived up to the hype”. With the team dropping from eleventh to fifteenth in the latest FIFA rankings released in August of 2024.
Therefore, posing the question, have they crumbled under the post-World Cup pressure and are now experiencing a form of social inhibition as a team? Many anecdotal explanations come to mind.
On the one hand, I believe some of the criticism the squad is receiving is warranted. There have been some games over the last 15 months that I can only describe as ‘lukewarm at best’. The football lacked confidence and the tactics did not seem to adapt well to an opponent. Who are the Matildas post World Cup?
On the other hand, I believe a large majority of the discourse surrounding this team was, at the time of the World Cup, ill-informed. This stemmed largely from press giants interested in making quick money and thus manifested into public. Most of the Australian public were introduced to this squad, at a time when this team was in peak form during a time of peak interest.
Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross hits her incredible goal for Australia against Germany. Photo: Football Australia.
High expectations were well earned by the Matildas and then exaggerated by the press. A lot of the time, it was not mentioned what a lot of firsts this truly was for the girls. The quarter finals for example. To hold off the, at the time, world number two’s France, for two hours, was a victory in itself.
Looking forward, the future of this Matildas squad does not need to be viewed as one big question mark. The October international break revealed the qualities in this team that have carried it from its foundations, all the way to the 2023 World Cup on home soil.
In the first game, the Matildas took on Switzerland. The result, a lack lustre 1-1 draw. In the second match, they took on the world number four Germany that held a 3-0 victory over their heads, from the disappointing Olympic campaign. The first fifteen minutes were less than ideal for the Aussies, with Germany holding most of the possession and goal in hand five minutes in.
Then, a fire re-ignited by Kyra Cooney Cross’ screamer, scored just before half time. The play was patient, the possession was taken back, and we witnessed some world-class one-v-ones between Australian striker Caitlin Foord and the German backline. Confidence radiated from the pitch. They refused to say die.
So, to answer the question has the rapid and somewhat unprecedented growth of the Matildas, put them under performance-altering pressure? I believe it has but for both better and worse.
There have been moments over the last 15 months, that have posed valid questions regarding the squad’s longevity to maintain results. Getting knocked out of the Olympics at the group stages, the three-spot decline in the FIFA World rankings, disconnected tactics that result in disappointing scoresheets and goal differences.
But the Matildas have gained a very important twelfth player, the masses of fans. Who in February of this year, saw them defeat Uzbekistan 10-0 at home and qualify for the Olympics. When in the first leg of that qualifier, Australia only managed three goals past world-ranked forty-eighth Uzbekistan at their home match in Tashkent.
The win against Germany has hopefully instilled a new sense of confidence in this squad. Because at the centre of this team and its fans, there are Aussies that refuse to “Never Say Die.”
Above: Michelle Heyman, Maja Markovski and Mary Stanic-Floody. Photo: Canberra United.
A hundredth Canberra United goal from Michelle Heyman combined with a superb second half performance from goalkeeper Sally James was enough to keep up their perfect start to the season, defeating Wellington Phoenix 1-0.
The only goal in the game came in the eleventh minute. A great team move saw Heyman lay the ball off to Emma Robers on the centre circle. Robers then split the Wellington defence open with an intricate through ball to Maja Markovski. Markovski was able to hold off Tiana Jaber in the box, remain composed and square the ball to Heyman for the simplest of finishes.
Wellington were positive with their response, getting into promising positions but unable to produce many clear cut goal scoring opportunities and trouble Sally James. Likewise,
Canberra were unable to really create anything of substance after their goal until the back end of the first half
Mary Stanic-Floody found Heyman in the box. In classic centre-forward fashion, Heyman flicked the ball onto an onrushing Aideen Keane who was met bravely by Carolina Vilão to smother the ball.
Keane again could have scored. Grace Jale gave the ball away cheaply and the counter was on. Keane was in behind the Wellington defensive line but skewed her effort wide of the target.
The half time interval seemed to do Wellington some good. From kick off, the home side were on the attack, working it to Manaia Elliott in the penalty area. Elliott could only fire over the bar from a tight angle
The highlight of the game however was soon to follow. Wellington captain Annalie Longo’s dog fancied a kick about. After jinking through the midfield, the dog was cynically brought down by Longo and returned to the touchline.
This brilliant play brought the biggest cheer of the afternoon from the Yellow Fever who launched into a rendition of Who Let the Dogs Out.
Longo’s dog seemed to give her and Wellington newfoundpurpose. Her lofted corner was met by a rising Jale. The ball looked destined for the net. James had other ideas, producing a tremendous reflex save.
Wellington were starting to ramp up the pressure. Emma Main fired straight at James from the right-hand side whilst Alyssa Whinham was inches away from an equaliser, striking the post from the edge of the area.
James again was called into action. The keeper palmed Jale’scross into the pass of Whinham. With the goal at her mercy, Whinham somehow lifted the ball over the bar. Elliot came close again, her near post attempt pushed away for a corner by James. Canberra were holding on for dear life.
Another Wellington corner in the dying stages almost drew them level. James stood strong again by meeting Jale’s header with a strong palm to keep the away sides lead intact and insuring a first victory for Canberra in New Zealand.
Above:Adelaide United mob Emily Condon after her goal. Photo: Adelaide United
Wanderers Football Park saw Adelaide United uphold their six-game winning streak against Western Sydney Wanderers, in a 2-0 victory over the hosts.
With both sides going in with something to prove, their determination was displayed from the start. However, Adelaide seemed to capitalise on this pressure, dominating from the first touch. The first real chance of the match came from the youngest player on the pitch, when Adelaide’s Sian Dewey, just 17 years old, made an impressive attempt from outside the box in the 4th minute.
While possession remained fairly even throughout the match, the visitors continued to dominate, taking advantage of what seemed to be quite a disorganised Wanderers squad. Adelaide played with great force, taking continuous shots very early on, whilst Western Sydney could not seize any opportunities.
In a frightening turn of events, Adelaide United’s Lucia Leon went down with what seemed to be a shoulder injury, causing a delay in the game at the 24th minute. Though the injury was seemingly quite significant, Leon returned to play after receiving treatment.
It soon became apparent that the Wanderers took advantage of the delay, coming back in a much more organised fashion, particularly in the defensive line. However, the hosts were yet to make an attempt on goal.
There was another significant delay in the 31st minute when Wanderers defender Madison McComasky suffered a shoulder injury following a clash with Adelaide’s Erin Healy. After receiving treatment, it was decided that McComasky needed to leave play, and was replaced by Talia Younis.
Cushla Rue made the first attempt for the Wanderers, with a missed shot from outside the box, as the pressure built towards the tail end of the first half. A second attempt was made by Sienna Saveska shortly after but was ultimately saved by Claudia Jenkins.
Both sides took a few corners during the first half, however, neither was able to take advantage and turn it to a goal.
It was Adelaide United who opened the scoring during stoppage time, when Emily Condon shot from range, scoring a much-awaited, and well-earned goal, leaving the visitors 1-0 up at halftime.
Fiona Worts found the South Australian side’s second goal of the match, scoring just a minute into the second half with an assist from Healy.
The match returned to play with a significant increase in energy, with a run of solid attempts from both sides early on. The lead from Adelaide looked to have motivated Western Sydney, as their play became much more structured, and they began taking opportunities.
As the game approached stoppage time, the aggression increased, with Wanderers desperately looking for a late goal at their first home game of the season, while Adelaide shifted their tactics to play much more defensively
While they put up a fight toward the tail end, the home side’s sudden shift in momentum was no match for Adelaide’s consistent dominance, and they were not able to find the back of the net.
Western Sydney Wanderers will face Sydney FC, in a highly contentious Sydney Derby next Saturday at Leichhardt Oval. Although the Wanderers most recent success against Sydney was a draw in 2021, the 2023/24 A-League Women champions are yet to win a game this season. Should Western Sydney take this round’s loss in their stride, and work towards creating a more cohesive structure, they could have a real chance at victory in their first derby of the season.
Adelaide United will head to McKellar Park next, to face Canberra United who are currently second on the ladder after winning both of their opening games.
Above: Perth Glory celebrate during their victory against Newcastle Jets today. Photo: Perth Glory.
An impressive display from a burgeoning young Perth Glory side saw the Western Australian outfit deservedly clinch their first home win for almost a calendar year.
Stephen Peters’ side showed real promise in attack and calm in the face of pressure in defence to overcome a Jets side who played the final 21 minutes with 10 after goalkeeper Danielle Krzyzaniak’s diving handball over 20 yards outside her area.
However, the game was largely decided by this time as maiden A-League Women goals from Georgia Cassidy and Sarah O’Donoghue, plus Kelli Brown’s second in as many games had put the Glory out of reach.
Both sides went into the game making one change to their starting line-up from their opening round encounters. The Glory brought teen talent Ella Abdul-Massih into midfield for striker Tanika Lala. Jets boss Ryan Campbell included Josie Wilson in defence for Tash Prior. Perth head coach Stephen Peters was also able to include co-captain Onyi Zogg on the bench for the first time.
The encounter started with a bang. Jets keeper Krzyzaniak received the ball from a pass back and looked to play out to Libby Copus-Brown. It never had a chance of reaching its intended target as Perth midfielder Cassidy bit in ahead and fired home from 15 yards into an empty net with 52 seconds on the clock.
The Jets looked to hit back shortly after as Copus-Brown advanced and fed Lauren Allan, but Izzy Dalton made a well-timed tackle to clear the danger.
Tijan McKenna was buzzing away for Glory and used her outstanding passing ability to float a perfectly weighted ball into the stride of Brown, who advanced in on goal but saw her shot go over the top. The Young Matilda was also showing the other side of her game, tracking opponents and getting vital tackles in. It was another excellent performance from the locally produced star.
The Glory’s attacking game was exquisite to watch at times – chips and flicks from the likes of Gabby Hollar – there are positive signs of a new style building with a developing knowledge of the channels players are going to run into. At this early stage, it doesn’t always come off, but the signs are there of what it can build into.
Whilst it took the Jets a while to flick the switch on their own offensive game, they too showed just what they are capable of with outstanding threaded balls between defenders for their runners to target.
With 13 minutes played, they also demonstrated their ability with direct runs between defenders. Josie Allan picked up possession in the midfield, beat Cassidy, and drove into space before firing home a rocket past the despairing drive of Miranda Templeman in the Perth goal from over 20 yards for her first A-League Women goal.
The home side continued to press. Brown was fed by Adbul-Massih out on the right and then sent a firm shot in on goal that was deflected out for a corner. The resulting flag kick on the left was an idiosyncratic Cassidy vicious inswinger which was met by the head of Hollar but couldn’t beat Krzyzaniak.
Miko Sunaga was a real ball of energy, linking up well with Hollar, and Brown as Perth dialled up the pressure ahead of the half-hour mark. The pace of runs, the speed of the pass, and the clever direction of balls into space were at the heart of the Glory’s attack.
As the half approached its latter stages, Newcastle stepped up the pressure and forced regular corners. Lorena Baumann’s and Copus-Brown’s balls into the box were dangerous, but the visitors couldn’t quite find the right key to unlock the Perth defence. They needed to be that bit more pacier with their passing in and around the box.
Just as they did in the first half, Glory came out of the blocks firing, with defender Grace Johnston racing into space along the right to crash in a shot. Shortly afterwards, Dalton advanced along the same flank and played in a cross that Krzyzaniak mishandled. Hollar reacted quickest, but her shot went wide of the left-hand post.
Minutes later, Perth took advantage of their ascendency. Brown picked up possession on the right-hand side of the midfield and played a pass into space for Dalton to find substitute Sarah O’Donoghue who fired home from the right-hand side of the box.
Newcastle took control of possession and territory, but they could not find enough pace in their passing to trouble the Glory defence, and they paid the ultimate price with 65 on the clock.
Templeman’s long clearance wasn’t dealt with by the Jets and came to O’Donoghue to advance one-on-one with Krzyzaniak. The Jets keeper came well out of her goal to deflect the shot across to the right where Brown picked up the play and lifted the ball into the empty net from almost 25 yards for her second goal in as many games.
Three minutes later, Brown was clean through. Krzyzaniak came almost 20 yards outside her box to push the Glory attacker’s shot to the right for the easiest red card decision you will see anywhere all season.
The visitors made light of being a player down as they had the majority of the play for the rest of the game. A degree of reward for this effort came three minutes into stoppage time when Sheridan Gallagher sent a superb lofted shot from 25 yards over Templeman and in.
A first home win since 11th November 2023 is something to savour for Glory – but even more positive is the potential that exists within this squad. This potential though will be really tested on Friday night at Brisbane Roar. The Jets receive Wellington Phoenix in round three, with both sides still looking for their first wins of the campaign.
Above:Sydney FC’s Hana Lowry in action at Brisbane Roar today. Photo: Sydney FC.
Brisbane Roar gained a narrow and hard-fought 1-0 victory over reigning champions Sydney FC, thanks to Chelsea Blissett’s goal in first-half stoppage time at Perry Park.
This is a fixture that Sydney has the better record in, having won nine of the last 18 encounters, compared to Roar’s tally of five wins with four draws.
The match held several personal milestones, with Roar captain Tameka Yallop now only three games away from surpassing Clare Polkinghorne’s club record for most appearances. Sydney forward Shea Connors came face to face with her former club, while 17-year-old Amber Luchtmeijer made her professional debut, coming on as a substitute later in the game.
On the downside, Brisbane was missing the presence of Sharn Freier, who was sidelined due to precautionary tightness.
Both teams showed intensity from kickoff, with each side awarded a few early free kicks that ultimately didn’t translate into scoring chances. Roar controlled the tempo with steady possession but faced a resilient Sydney defence. The hosts also had goalkeeper Olivia Sekany in top form. She made a crucial save in the 21st minute to deny Jordan Thompson’s close-range attempt.
Brisbane’s standout player for the match was undeniably Yallop, who consistently orchestrated attacks and generated multiple shots on goal.
Millie Farrow created Sydney’s best chance in the first half, charging into the Roar’s box and getting a shot off, only for Sekany to pull off a huge stop once again.
In the dying moments of the first half, Blissett broke the deadlock, slotting a shot past Brianna Edwards to put the home side ahead just before halftime.
Yallop continued to shine in the midfield, repeatedly testing Sydney’s defence and creating chances, though her shots narrowly missed the mark or were blocked by Sydney’s persistent backline.
Roar dominated in the shot count with 15 attempts compared to Sydney’s eight, although only three of their efforts were on target, they one-upped Sydney’s two. Edwards’ sharp goalkeeping kept Sydney in contention, but the side ultimately couldn’t find a response to Blissett’s decisive first-half strike.
As the final whistle blew, the Queenslanders celebrated their win of the season, giving the perfect response to last weekend’s opening-round set back at Canberra United.
Sydney will be looking to gain their first three points in a huge derby against Western Sydney Wanderers next weekend, while Brisbane host Perth Glory.
Above:Lourdes Bosch celebrates after scoring the equaliser for Melbourne City earlier today. Photo: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City have come from behind for the second week in a row to defeat Melbourne Victory 3-2 in a feisty Derby at AAMI Park.
City opened the scoring in the sixth minute through Mariana Speckmaier after Victory were caught ball-watching.
Victory won a penalty after Emily Gielnik was taken down in the box by Bryleeh Henry. Gielnik made no mistake from the spot and converted to tie up the score in the 20th minute.
A big scare came for City after Taylor Otto went down for an extended period clutching her knee. Otto was bowled over by Alanna Jančevski who received a yellow card for the challenge.
Victory pulled ahead just before the half, executing a training ground goal in perfect time. New signing Nikki Flannery’s cutback found Alanna Jančevski unmarked near the spot and her first-time shot was well weighted to beat the keeper at the near post.
Lourdes Bosch pulled one back for the away team, taking advantage of an uncharacteristically poor back pass from Claudia Bunge to keeper Courtney Newbon.
City’s game-winner came to Mariana Speckmaier late in the game, when substitute Leticia McKenna played an impressive ball over the top for her to run onto. Speckmaier beat her defender long enough to get the shot off and beat a diving Newbon.
Despite throwing everything they could at City’s defence, including Kayla Morrison into the attacking line, Victory could not find an equaliser.
“We finished the game pushing to try and get an equaliser… but we were our own worst enemy,” said Victory Head Coach, Jeff Hopkins after the whistle.
However, City’s Head Coach Michael Matricciani had only praise for his squad’s win, saying, “In the end we found the solution to unlock them to get the couple of goals in the second half, which were well deserved.”
Victory host Western United at the Home of the Matildas next Sunday for their round three fixture, while City welcome Central Coast Mariners to Casey Fields on Saturday.
Check out out Instagram feed – @ImpetusFootball – for Beck Hartley’s EXCLUSIVE photography for us from the game!
Reportby Alyce Collett, EXCLUSIVE photographty from Adrian Geremia (8/11/24)
Above: Aimee Medwin (5) sails high to head the ball in attack.PhotoAdrian Geremia for Impetus
Western United 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
Western United and the Central Coast Mariners have played out an entertaining goalless draw to kick off the second round of the A-League Women season.
In stark contrast to the goal fest at the same venue a week prior, the match was still very entertaining despite the lack of goals on the scoreboard.
The first half saw Western United have slightly more of the ball, but at 53 to 47% it was not a huge advantage.
For much of the half, neither side really looked like scoring, with Alyssa Dall’oste and Sarah Langman rarely challenged. Central Coast had the only shot that really troubled a keeper, but a well positioned Western United defence saw the home side able to clear it off the line.
Both sides did have their chances though, with Western United recording 11 shots in the first half (with five of them on target) compared to the Mariners three shots (with one being on target).
For Western United, Catherine Zimmerman and later Aimee Medwin were getting space out wide and looking really dangerous, but the passes and the finishing from United’s midfielders did not set their team mates up for success.
Meanwhile for Central Coast, Jade Pennock and Taylor Ray centrally and Brooke Nunn and later Peta Trimis out wide certainly generated plenty of attacking momentum for their side, but Western United’s defenders were able to position themselves really well and halt that momentum around the top of the box.
The second half was just as entertaining as the first, but did not produce any more goals than the first half did.
Both sides continued to have enough opportunities in the second half, but faced very different problems when trying to shoot on goal.
For the home side, despite how industrious Kahli Johnson and Chloe Logarzo were, they faced a very congested box with too many bodies from both sides in the way of the United strikers getting a goal. For the Mariners, they had plenty of space and caught the United defenders off guard on a number of occasions, but were thwarted by heavy touches and inaccurate shots on goal.
Western United were the ones who got closest to breaking the deadlock, not only by recording significantly more shots than the Mariners but by those shots getting closer to hitting the back of the net than any of the Mariners’ shots did. Western United had seven shots to three for the half, with two of them on target compared to the Mariners’ zero.
Check out our Instagram feed – @ImpetusFootball – for more of Adrian Geremia’s exclusive photos for us from the game.
Teams: WESTERN UNITED (4-4-2): Dall’oste, Grove, Cerne, Maher, M.Taranto, Dehakiz, Hieda, Logarzo, Medwin, Johnson, Zimmerman. Substitutes: Lincoln, Roach, Eggesvik, Ibarguen, Sardo.
Above: Arsenal prodigy Vivienne Lia. Photo: Arsenal
Although their senior squad is packed with talent, it is only the tip of the iceberg at Arsenal.
As Arsenal Women are well underway in both their WSL and Champions League endeavours, the club’s dedication to developing emerging young talents is more apparent than ever.
While established squad members provide the framework of the team, it’s often the youthful spirit and desire to prove that can trigger a needed change in gameplay. This season, a handful of Arsenal’s youngest players are not only eyeing future possibilities; they are set to make their mark on the present.
Let’s break down a few of these young players’ potential and see how they’re ready to contribute to Arsenal Women’s success this season; from the attacking threat of Freya Godfrey and Vivienne Lia, game control of Laila Harbert and composed defending of Katie Reid, these young talents are stepping up into key roles this season.
Katie Reid
18-year-old centre-back Katie Reid climbed her way up through the academy and into the first team where she recently signed her first professional contract. The defender made her first team debut in the Gunners 5-0 WSL victory over Bristol City in April this year. Known for her strong defensive skills and ball distribution, Reid has quickly established herself as a valuable asset to the squad. As a centre-back, her composure under pressure and quick decision-making abilities are all the makings of a world-class defender.
Training and playing alongside fellow Arsenal Academy graduates and centre-backs Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy grant Reid invaluable mentorship from two of the top players in her position. Drawing from Williamson’s leadership and Wubben-Moy’s tactical insight, Reid is set to elevate her capabilities and upgrade her game to potentially become a future foundation of Arsenal’s defensive line.
Reid’s recent signing illustrates the club’s trust in her potential, as she continues to hone and build upon her game, Katie Reid has the potential to be a key player for Arsenal Women, helping them to achieve this season and hopefully for many more to come.
Freya Godfrey
Looking to Arsenal’s forward line, Freya Godfrey signed her first professional contract with Arsenal in June of last year before being loaned out to Charlton Athletic the following month. Having been in the Arsenal Academy since the age of 12, Godfrey is an exciting young talent for the club, who showcases her versatility and attacking prowess at every opportunity.
Though only 19 years old, she has already gained significant experience through loan spells, including a notable stint at Ipswich Town under dual registration with Arsenal. Though she played primarily as a striker at Ipswich, Godfrey can play comfortably across the front line, offering Arsenal depth and flexibility in their attacking options.
Godfrey’s ability to adapt to jump into different roles, whether on the wing or as a central striker, allows for tactical adaptability while helping to manage squad rotation during the season. With the team participating in multiple competitions this season, squad rotation will be key.
Godfrey’s growth this season will be key, and if she can tap into her full potential in such a high-profile setting, she could quite easily establish herself as a key component for the North London club both now and in the future. Her skills on the ball, agility, and vision make for a potent attacking threat, whether creating chances for teammates or getting on the scoresheet herself.
Recently nominated for the Golden Girl Award, Freya Godfrey is positioned to be a game-changing player for the Gunners; her flair, fluidity, and forward-thinking plays are sure to pique the interest of fans and leave them wanting to see more of what she can bring to the table.
Vivienne Lia
Viv Lia made her senior team debut in the last fifteen minutes of the Conti Cup quarter-final victory over London City Lionesses at just 17. Lia is among Arsenal Women’s brightest young prospects, with a remarkable technical skillset and maturity beyond her young age. Self-described as a pacy winger, her composure under pressure and ability to control the tempo of a game stand out; even when surrounded by more experienced players Lia can hold her own without issue. As Arsenal looks to build upon their already all-star midfield, Lia’s flair makes for an exciting option to integrate into the first team over time.
Lia could be pivotal in helping Arsenal navigate the demands of their busy calendar this season. With injuries always being a concern and rotation a key factor in maintaining form across competitions, Lia’s presence could provide some moments of rest and relief to more senior midfielders whilst also giving her the opportunity to gain hugely valuable minutes.
Her ability to read gameplay and her tactical intelligence could make her a great option coming off the bench or potentially even as a starter. Lia’s development will be one for fans and competitors alike to watch, as she holds the potential to become a key component of Arsenal’s midfield for years to come.
Her performances in both training sessions and games will be closely watched, not just by the coaching staff but also by fans eager to see her evolution. The future is undeniably bright for this young player, and her journey promises to be thrilling to follow.
Laila Harbert
Laila Harbert has been with Arsenal since the age of nine, and now at just 17, she’s one of the club’s brightest young prospects. Outside of her club achievements, Harbert has also made a name for herself on the international stage, being named captain of the England U17 Lionesses. This leadership role highlights her maturity and ability to inspire those around her, both on and off the pitch.
A defensive midfielder, Harbert thrives under pressure, most notably when building up from the back. She’s more than comfortable taking on duals and finding a way through tight spaces, a skill she honed during her time training with the boys at Hale End. For three seasons, Harbert was one of just two girls training in the boys’ setup, an experience she says has helped to shape her as a player, noting how the quicker pace and physicality level helped to sharpen her skills.
Her development through Arsenal’s Academy is evident in her personal physicality and tactical intelligence. Arsenal’s packed schedule this season could offer her the opportunity to step up and give her the chance to relieve senior players and gain valuable WSL minutes. Having already proven herself for country, this season could well be her time to do the same for club.
Out on loan
In addition to Arsenal’s core squad, another three of the club’s young players are currently building upon their skills and gaining experience out on loan in the Women’s Championship this season. Centre-back Teyah Goldie is at Watford, focusing on rebuilding her defensive strength following her recovery from an ACL injury. Whilst forward Michelle Agyemang is developing her already immense attacking prowess at Brighton . Maddy Earl has joined Bristol City Women on a dual registration for the first half of the 2024-25 season. These loan spells are crucial for their growth, giving them the chance for regular game time in competitive environments before returning to Arsenal.
Above: ParaMatildas star Eloise Northam celebrating the team’s IFCPF Asia-Oceania Women’s Championshipswin last year. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
With the IFCPF World Cup in Spain just a week away, ParaMatildas head coach Kelly Stirton has named her squad for the tournament.
Stirton’s 10-player list consists of a mix of experience and youth with seasoned campaigners Rae Anderson, Georgia Beikhoff, and Elosie Northam leading the side.
Rebecca Jones and Trinity McPhie could make their ParaMatildas’ debut on the world stage, while Annmarie De Uriarte and Carly Salmon will be motivated to make their World Cup debuts.
Above: The ParaMatildas team at the 2022 IFCPF World Cup. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
In their first IFCPF World Cup appearance in 2022 – which was also the year the team was formed by Football Australia – the ParaMatildas progressed to the Gold Medal match before narrowly falling to the USA in extra-time. Following their triumph at the IFCPF Asia-Oceania Women’s Championships in 2023, the team will be determined to claim top honours.
Set to run from 11th-20th November, the ParaMatildas will kick-start their campaign at the IFCPF World Cup against Japan on Friday, 15 November at 12.30pm AEDT (2.30pm CET), before coming up against the USA on Sunday, 17 November at 12.30pm (2.30pm CET), Ireland on Monday, 18 November at 12.30pm AEDT (2.30pm CET) and Denmark on Tuesday, 19 November at 12.30pm AEDT (2.30pm CET). Women’s tournament fixtures and results can be found HERE.
ParaMatildas’ Head Coach Kelly Stirton expressed her excitement about witnessing what the squad will accomplish in Spain.
“This is what we have been building for since the Para Asian Cup in Melbourne last year and the players and staff cannot wait to showcase the progress and development made in that time,” Stirton said.
Above: ParaMatildas head coach Kelly Stirton. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
“The disappointment of losing the final at the last World Cup to the USA in extra time is fueling our desire to go one better and prove we’re the best women’s CP Football team in the world.
“Our squad contains plenty of firepower, speed, and agility making us a dynamic team on the field but we’re also fortunate to have a composed and positive team off the field.
“We are heading to Spain to play for each other and our country. This team has shown me that obstacles put in front of them can be overcome by working together as a team and I can’t wait to see what they’re able to achieve in Spain,” Stirton concluded.
All ParaMatildas matches at the IFCPF World Cup 2024 will be streamed live and free on Football Australia’s YouTube Channel HERE.
impetusfootball.org 