Hayes rues refereeing controversy as Barça complete comeback

Chelsea 0-2 FC Barcelona

Barcelona win 2-1 on aggregate

by Ava-Marianne Elliott at Stamford Bridge for Impetus (28/4/24)

Above: Aitana Bonmati celebrates her goal that levelled the scores on aggregate last night. Photo: Sky Sports.

Reigning UWCL Champions Barcelona overturned 1-0 first leg deficit to deliver a devastating defeat to Chelsea in front of a sold-out crowd at Stamford Bridge.

Heading into the fixture, Emma Hayes’ side saw just one change to the lineup that dealt Barcelona their first defeat on home soil in five years during the first leg. Catarina Macario was brought into the squad to take the place of Mayra Ramirez, who was unavailable for selection after sustaining an injury. Similarly, Jonatan Giráldez made a singular switch to his Barcelona side. Lucy Bronze was recalled to the starting XI, with Mariona Caldentey dropping to the bench.

With the first finalist spot at Bilbao at stake, it was evident that the fixture was going to be intense. The early minutes on the clock saw both sides granted early opportunities to make a difference to the scoreline, however there was an equal distribution of wasteful mistakes whilst fighting for early control, the role of nerves eminently present.

Chelsea’s first glimpse at doubling their lead and opening the night’s scoring came in the 16th minute when Erin Cuthbert was found by Ashley Lawrence’s cross. Much to the crowd’s dismay, the shot soared far over the bar. In quick succession, another chance arose for the home side, but there was nobody in sight as an option for Lawrence to send the ball to.

Hannah Hampton had work to do for the first time of the evening when Lucy Bronze sent a cross into the box from the right channel. Although the ball was headed away, it fell directly to an awaiting Caroline Graham Hansen, who sent a relatively tame volley low from the edge of the box.

Barcelona’s breakthrough appeared at the 26-minute mark when Aitana Bonmati had her say, sending the aggregate scoreline equal. Her formidable presence quickly ripped the Blues’ lead from their grasp, her shot taking a deflection off Kadeisha Buchanan and escaping the reach of Hannah Hampton’s glove.

With their aggregate goal advantage now gone, there was work to be done for Chelsea. There was a golden opportunity to regain their lead in the 31st minute when Lauren James crossed the ball over to an unmarked Melanie Leupolz who pulled back her foot, sending an effort from six yards out smashing agonisingly against the crossbar.

Macario’s shot in the 35th minute was barely pushed away by Cata Coll, and a mistimed back-pass from Irene Paredes just two minutes later was pounced on by Sjoeke Nüsken. Lauren James was just unable to convert the cross, and Kaneryd just wasn’t able to make the right shot after her teammates miss, handing Barcelona another enormous let-off for their mistakes.

It looked as if Barcelona would source the winner when the second half opened, the team holding a completely dominant spell of possession in and around the Chelsea box. After a run of shots superbly blocked by the immense defensive efforts from the Blues’ backline, there was relief for the home side when Ona Batlle sent the ball over the goal.

Above: Dismay for Chelsea as Kadeisha Buchanan is shown the red card last night. Photo: Chelsea FC.

Things reverted back to Chelsea’s control when Bonmati sent Macario to ground, conceding a free kick in a promising position. Despite Macario’s shot being unsuccessful, another excellent chance to level the score arose just before the 60-minute mark, when James sent the ball across to Lawrence down the right-hand side of the pitch. She cut it back for an arriving Nüsken, but the shot excruciatingly missed the net by a fine line, spinning against the outside of the post.

Although the chances were appearing, things progressed from bad to worse for Chelsea when they were forced down to ten. Buchanan was shown two yellows in quick succession, the first in the 54th minute when the defender forced Paralluelo to the floor, the second in the 59th minute after catching Patri Guijarro on the ankle with her foot trying to collect a loose pass. The call was controversial, and it left the home side in an even more unfavourable position against the world’s best.

A run of chances followed for both sides. Chelsea were visibly putting up a significant fight despite having such a huge disadvantage, but it wasn’t long before misfortune struck again. Carter pushed an advancing Bonmati into Lawrence, who caught the midfielder’s leg just inside the box, sending her to ground. The referee signalled to the spot, with VAR confirming another controversial call.

Rolfö kept a level head as she stepped up to take the crucial penalty that would give Barcelona the lead in front of the home crowd shouting discouragement from behind the goal. She cooly converted from the spot, sending Hampton flying in the opposite direction and giving her side a huge advantage.

With just 15 minutes left on the clock to source an equaliser, it was going to be a difficult affair for Chelsea.

In the 78th minute, Chelsea found themselves in a positive position, but frustration rose when nobody in a blue shirt was able to find the end of Cuthbert’s cross. The amount of options remaining was running dry, and Barcelona’s clever game management was beginning to come into play.

The 83rd minute saw captain Millie Bright make her first appearance since November, who was thrown on at centre-forward. Tension was evidently sky high as the final grains of sand ran through the hourglass.

A minimum of six minutes of extra time was announced, and it seemed to inject even more life into a depleted Chelsea. In the dying moments of the game, their efforts to find an equaliser increased. Yet, despite a free kick just outside the box and shouts for a penalty in the 94th minute, they failed to find the net.  

Above: Erin Cuthbert (22) cannot believe a chance went begging. Photo: Zac Goodwin.

The sound of the final whistle brought a contrasting mix of emotions on the pitch and in the stands. For Giráldez’s Barcelona, there was elation as their place at Bilbao in May and a chance to defend their title was secured, facing either Paris St. Germain or Olympique Lyonnais in the final. For Hayes’ Chelsea however, disappointment and heartbreak marked the end of the Blues’ manager’s final game at the Bridge, with Barcelona knocking them out of the competition for the third time in four years.

In her post-match interview, Hayes’ stressed the importance of correct officiating decisions being made, particularly at such high levels of the game. “I was surprised when I saw her [Demetrescu] selected. She’s famous for easy cards and I think that that is the probably the worst decision in UEFA Women’s Champions League history.

“When you work so hard for days, weeks, months, years, you come here and you expect the best from the officials at the very least, and it feels really, really hard to take.” Further, she stressed how gutted she was for her players, outlining that she personally believed they “didn’t feel like we [Chelsea] had the opportunity to lose it.

“The toughest thing to take is that we didn’t lose it. There’s nothing you can do when there’s such a terrible decision and it’s already hard enough. They are a top team.”

Teams: CHELSEA: Hampton, Lawrence, Carter, Buchanan, Charles, Cuthbert, Leupolz, Nüsken, James, Kaneryd, Macario. Substitutes: Mušović (GK), Bright, Ingle, Reiten, Kirby, Périsset, Mjelde, Ćanković, Beever-Jones, Björn

FC BARCELONA: Coll, Paredes, Paralluelo, Graham, Patri, Aitana, Bronze, Rolfö, Walsh, O.Batlle, Engen Substitutes: Paños (GK), Gemma, Jana, Pina, Marta, Mariona, Alexia, Bruna, Brugts, Vicky, Martina.

Scorers: Bonmati 25′, Rolfö (pen) 75′.

Referee: Iuliana Demetrescu (ROM).

Attendance: 39,398.

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City outshoot Jets to make the Grand Final

Melbourne City 3-0 Newcastle Jets

Melbourne City win 6-0 on aggregate.

By Kieran Yap 28/4/24

Above: Melissa Barbieri celebrates Melbourne City’s win after the final whistle. Photo: Melbourne City

Melbourne City have advanced to the A-League Women Grand Final with a 3-0 win in the second leg of their semi final against the Newcastle Jets. Goals to Rhianna Pollicina, Hannah Wilkinson, and Leticia McKenna secured the win, with Newcastle left to rue some early missed chances.

The Jets arrived in Melbourne with a monumental task, to score at least three goals while conceding none against the league premiers. Coach Ryan Campbell’s intentions were clear from the kick-off with Melina Ayres, Sarina Bolden, and Lara Gooch all starting. They were supported by MelindaJ Barbieri and Lauren Allan. All the chips were on the table and Newcastle left no room for caution.

City made some adjustments. Wilkinson returned to the starting XI and Julia Grosso replaced  Karly Røstbakken at left back. Naomi Chinnama was back in the squad to give City some defensive depth.

The day could have been so different so easily. Newcastle came out of the gates at full throttle. Allan, Ayres, and Bolden all had close-range chances in the one early passage of play, while Bolden was once again denied by Barbara in goal when she had almost too much time to pick her spot.

The Jets continued to probe and press for the first 20 minutes with both Gooch and Ayres coming close again but suffered a blow when Melbourne City scored to make the challenge ahead of them almost insurmountable.

Daniela Galic created some space for herself on the edge of the area and poked a pass into the path of Rhianna Pollicina to fire home. Following the goal, City started to control the game, and while Newcastle continued to press aggressively, Dario Vidosic’s side passed through the midfield with relative ease to create chance after chance at the other end.

Emina Ekic and Grosso were menacing if slightly wasteful on the left flank, while Bryleeh Henry continued to impress in her new role as an attacking right back. Galic, and Pollicina rotated positions in the final third to create openings. Although Newcastle had been unlucky not to score first, they went into the break fortunate to be only one goal down.

When Wilkinson found the net in the second half it was 5-0 on aggregate and 2-0 on the day. She beat Nino to the ball after Ekic’s cross and effectively ended the tie as a contest. Substitute Leticia McKenna completed the scoring in the 70th minute underlining the firepower that Vidosic has at his disposal.

City were able to show off their impressive squad in the later stages of the game. Henry shifted into attack. Ekic swapped flanks and Chinnama came on to preserve the win. Even without star playmaker Galic or goal scorer Wilkinson, City continued to create chances and could have had one or two more.

Melbourne City will host Sydney FC next Saturday at AAMI Park, and it will be an intriguing contest. City have returned to peak form and has a plethora of goal-scoring options to choose from. Unlike last season, they have been able to beat other finals teams in the home and away campaign, and are an improved, faster, and more confident side than in 2022/23.

Six goals across the last two games from six different goal scorers is in stark contrast to Sydney FC who have struggled to find a reliable source of goals this season.

Mackenzie Hawkesby was their only scorer in the two legs of the semi-final. Although The Mariners are a much more defensively strong side than Newcastle, and Ante Juric’s side can rely on the threat of Cortnee Vine, City will have no reason to fear the defending champions and can have every confidence in their game plan no matter who they put on the pitch. The only downside to this game was an injury to goalkeeper Barbara who ended the game in the hands of medics. It could mean another moment of glory for Matildas legend Melissa Barbieri.

It was a strong display in the semi-final second leg, which will make for an interesting Grand Final. The top two sides are facing off at the end to the biggest A-League Women season yet.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-2-2-2): Barbara, Grosso, Stott, Otto, Henry, Pollicina, Hughes, Davidson, Ekic, Galic, Wilkinson. Substitutes: Barbieri, Chinnama, L Mckenna, McMahon, Karic.

Scorers: Pollicina 26’, Wilkinson 67’, L. McKenna 70’.

NEWCASTLE JETS (3-4-1-2): Nino, Wilson, Prior, Baumann, Allan, Copus-Brown, Davis, Gooch, Barbieri, Ayres Bolden. Substitutes: Huynh, Dundas, Robertson, Hammond, Hoban.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

Attendance: TBD.

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Vidosic: “We want to retain calm in the chaos”

by Ben Gilby (27/4/24)

Above: Dario Vidosic speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s semi-final second leg with Newcastle Jets. Image: Melbourne City.

Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic emphasised repeatedly to the media ahead of tomorrow’s A-League Women semi-final second leg that the tie isn’t over despite his team holding a 3-0 lead over Newcastle Jets.

“We give Newcastle respect. They gave (scored against) Adelaide eight goals…they are desperate, they are chasing goals, and they have goals in the team.”

Vidosic is right to be wary. The Jets side that City face in tomorrow’s second leg are a team playing their first Finals campaign since the league’s very first season in 2008 and they don’t want their sensational journey to end yet. Indeed, only Melbourne Victory scored more goals than Newcastle across the regular season. The Sky Blues boss knows that the Jets don’t just have a strong offensive ability, despite the scoreline last weekend, they managed to cause City a number of issues in their defensive set-up as well.

“We didn’t play our best with the ball, and that’s credit to Newcastle. They were very, very aggressive, very aggressive with regards to the press, so we anticipate the same…we try to get better every week, try to play a better game than the last time we were out (there).

“We want to retain calm in that chaos, and finals football is always chaotic…mistakes are magnified because they could be costly, but we’ve played our way all season, and it’s been successful…they (Newcastle) were aggressive in the first game, they were high in the press, and we anticipate much of the same in that aspect.”

Above: Action from last weekend’s first leg hosted by Newcastle Jets in Maitland in front of almost 7,000 fans. Photo: Newcastle Jets.

In terms of what the differences came down to last weekend, Vidosic recognises that, as it is so often in Finals football, it came down to taking chances when they come. His team did that in the first leg, and there is no reason that the Jets can’t do it this time round.

“We were clinical, we got our chances and we put them away…it was very very pleasing. It was a great game, the atmosphere was awesome, credit to the Newcastle fans, they came out to support their team…we kept a very attacking team quiet in front of almost 7,000 fans.

“We’ve analysed them…they are going to be desperate, they are trying to chase down three goals…but we’ll play our normal football, that’s what we’ve done all season…we don’t talk about a 3-0 lead, we start again nil-all. We’re looking forward to coming home and hopefully making a grand final.”

In terms of availability, the City boss is without Karly Røstbakken, and it appears to be very questionable as to whether or not she would be available for the Grand Final should they make it as, Vidosic admitted: “It’s hard to say. We have to just wait and see until next week. We first need to finish off the job this weekend and we’ll see about next weekend after that. Everyone (else) is good.”

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Exciting draw sees Sydney through to seventh straight Grand Final

Sydney FC 1-1 Central Coast Mariners

Sydney FC win 2-1 on aggregate

by Ben Carey (27/4/24)

Above: Central Coast Mariners’ Australian international Kyah Simon (yellow shirt) shields the ball from Sydney FC’s Mackenzie Hawkesby in today’s semi-final second leg. Photo: Sydney FC.

Mackenzie Hawkesby’s goal on the half-hour mark eventually proved to be enough to seal Sydney FC’s place in a seventh successive A-League Women Grand Final – but Central Coast Mariners, in their first season back in the league, can take so much pride in their performance across the afternoon and the season as a whole.

A sun-kissed Leichhardt Oval packed with over 7,000 fans, was the stage. Sydney claimed a narrow 1-0 win in Gosford last week thanks to sensational performances from Indiana Dos Santos, Mackenzie Hawkesby, and their entire backline.

The match started in a high tempo but scrappy fashion. Both sides were very evenly matched in attack and defence, but neither could maintain possession long enough to build anything truly dangerous.

Just before the quarter-hour mark, Sydney captain, Princess Ibini, fired two warning shots when she hit the crossbar twice in a minute. Ibini, who dislocated her shoulder during the match last week (and popped it back in herself!) would come back to haunt the Mariners’ defence 15 minutes later.

Ibini chased down a ball that everyone else on the pitch had assumed was going out. She managed to keep it in, just on the sideline, and play it out to Dos Santos, who hit a cross into an awkward position in the Mariners’ box. Matildas star, Cortnee Vine, got a slight touch on it, which confused the defenders and set up Hawkesby for her second Finals goal in as many weeks.

Hawkesby once again proved what a top-quality player she is, setting up and scoring crucial goals for her team, time and time again. There should be a criminal investigation into why her former WSL team, Brighton and Hove Albion, only used her once last season.

After conceding, the Mariners tightened up their defence and pushed forward a little more to try and create goalscoring opportunities. Just before halftime, the visitors finally had a sustained period of possession, which they were able to convert into an equaliser. Some quick passes between Faye Bryson and Wurigumula, and a few poor clearances by Sydney, saw the ball fall Rola Badawiya, who smashed it past Jada Whyman.

The second half picked up where the first left off, with Central Coast in the ascendency. Just before the hour mark, they had a massive chance to force the match into extra time. Some great build-up play from the Mariners and sloppy defending from Sydney saw the ball fall to Paige Hayward a few yards out from the goal, but she must have had a rush of blood to the head because she launched it halfway to the moon.

The game started to open up a lot more after the hour mark. It became a lot more transitional and end-to-end gameplay. Shea Connors once again came on and started causing all sorts of new headaches for the Central Coast defenders. Her best chance came in the 80th minute when she found herself in acres of space with one defender and Casey Dumont to beat. But they combined well and snuffed out her potential match-winning goal.

In the last 20 minutes, Central Coast pressed even higher, throwing everything they had at Sydney who sat back and absorbed wave after wave of attack, solid in their defensive structure and bailed out a few times by Whyman.

The Sydney keeper’s most spectacular and crucial save came just minutes before the end of regular time when a dangerous cross came into the box and Annabel Martin played an excellent high, looping header to the top corner of the box. Whyman lept up and plucked the ball out of the air in what was one of her best saves of the year. When she landed, her whole body was inside the goal, but she had managed to keep her hands and the ball across the line.

Sydney was able to hold on and see out a 1-1 draw, which means that they now go through to the grand final for a record seventh consecutive season. Their record in those seven grand finals is mixed. They have lost twice to both Melbourne City (2018, 2020) and Melbourne Victory (2021, 2022), and won two titles against Perth Glory (2019) and Western United (2023).

Ante Juric’s side will be hoping that Newcastle Jets can pull off a miraculous comeback from a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Melbourne City tomorrow because Sydney have an extremely poor record against City.

They have lost all three grand finals they have played against them. But for now, the Sky Blues will be very happy about making it through to the final, and head coach Juric will have plenty of time to make adjustments for the deciding game of the season. No matter who Sydney face in the final, they will be confident they can win. They are, after all, the most successful club in A-League Women’s history and will be a formidable opponent.

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Lemon, Thompson, Mclean, Tumeth, Hawkesby, Hollman, Chauvet, Ibini, I. Dos Santos, Vine. Substitutes: Franco, Connors, Johnson, Ray, Tallon-Henniker.

Scorers: Hawkesby 30’.

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (3-4-3): Dumont, Martin, Irwin, Wardlow, Bryson, Gomez, Hayward, Galic, Badawiya, Wurigumula, Simon. Substitutes: Langman, Karambasis, Karrys-Stahl, Rasmussen, Trimis.

Scorers: Badawiya 43’.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 7,063.

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Emily Husband: “Nothing is achievable by yourself.”

Above: Emily Husband speaks to the media. Image: Central Coast Mariners.

By Ryan Miller-Woods (26/4/24).

The media heard from Central Coast Mariners’ Annabel Martin and Head Coach Emily Husband ahead of their upcoming semi-final second leg against Sydney FC on Saturday. 

Despite the 1-0 defeat last week in Gosford, the Mariners are still very much in with a great chance of making next week’s Grand Final in their first season back in the A-League Women. Given how both sides have played this season, it really sets up the spectacle of this weekend’s match against Sydney with it all to play for. 

Whatever happens this weekend for the Mariners, Emily Husband can feel very satisfied with how her first season with the club and as head coach in the A-League Women has gone which with the playing style that she’s implemented has brought the best from a lot of the players within her squad and with that has deservedly got the opportunity to lead the club to a Grand Final at the first time of asking in Central Coast’s return to the competition. 

When asked what she feels the team learnt from last week’s match against Sydney FC ahead of the second leg, Husband said, “reflecting on the game, we were probably victims of our own mistakes, not just for the goal but multiple errors leading up to that where Sydney FC had opportunities, and we’ve got to really look to minimise those in such important games. We’ve worked massively on possession and things like that during the week and identified areas where we can continue to hurt them. We’re just really excited to get stuck into this second leg.” 

The three previous times both sides have faced each other this season have been absolute battles. When asked whether she expects it to be much of the same this weekend, Husband said, “of course! Obviously, there’s a reason why (Sydney) are where they are, and they’ve been a successful team over the years. So that’s something we’ve got to consider but we’ve shown that we can beat them before, and I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that we can beat them again.” 

When asked to reflect on how this first season as head coach with the club and in the league has been for her with potentially a spot in the Grand Final, Husband said, “this is somewhere I’ve wanted to be for a long time and you put the hours on the pitch for these moments, so as much as you have a tendency to think about everything in such deep context, I think you sometimes have got to take a step back and still enjoy them. I’ve absolutely loved my first year and I’ve been so lucky to have the group of girls I have.” 

“Nothing is achievable by yourself and every single person in the group has been valuable in order to get us to this position, so I’m really thankful and hopefully, it continues.” 

Above: Annabel Martin speaks of the strength of the Mariners’ defensive unit. Image: Central Coast Mariners.

Someone who will be important in the match is Annabel Martin whose contributions have been very impressive throughout this campaign for Central Coast. When asked what she and the team have learnt from last week’s match against Sydney FC ahead of the second leg, Martin said, “sometimes games go like that, anything can kind of happen. I thought we created quite a few chances and on the opposite side of that, I thought they did as well. We’ve played them three times this year and every game has been a battle and I think tomorrow’s going to be no different, so it’s going to come down to what team takes their chances best.”  

Central Coast were one of the best teams defensively where during the regular season conceded the second least goals with 25, only behind tomorrow’s opponents Sydney FC who conceded just 20 goals.  

When asked what it’s been like within the defensive unit this season, Martin said, “we’re just a bunch of battlers back there, to be honest, always putting our body on the line. Different players can come in and out of that back four. Obviously, losing Taren (King) was a big loss but having other players step up into that role as well, we’ve gone from a three-back to a four-back, so I think it’s just next man up kind of mentality and I think we really embraced that back there. 

Cortnee Vine: “It’s about who wants it more.”

Above: Cortnee Vine speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s semi-final second leg. Image: Sydney FC.

By Genevieve Henry (26/4/24).

Following a successful outing to Gosford, Sydney FC return home to play the second leg of their semi-final tie with the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday. Matildas star and last weekend’s player of the match Cortnee Vine spoke to the media on all things finals.

If the Sky Blues manage to hold on to their 1-0 lead on aggregate, they will play in their 7th Grand Final, an astounding achievement for the club, which Vine credits entirely to Ante Juric. “Ante is one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. I definitely wouldn’t be in any position that I’m in without him. We would never be in these grand final and premiership positions if it wasn’t for him. I don’t think he gets enough credit. He’s my coach of the year every year.”

“We have quite a bit of experience when it comes to finals series, but we’ve also had a lot of experience losing, as well. I think we know how it feels, and we don’t want that feeling. A lot of the senior girls hold on to that going into these final games.”

Finals are a different game than regular season. No longer about the long run and making sure they’re ready to keep going, each player has to give it their all. “It’s not just about consistency now; it’s about grit. It’s about who wants it more. We’ve learnt from past finals series that it’s not pretty football, it’s scrappy football. We do want to end this season on a high.” 

When asked about her role in the squad, Vine said, “you could probably chuck me in the ‘leadership role’ with a lot of the other senior girls that have been here for the last four years. Just getting around those younger girls who have never been in this situation before and telling them the nerves are okay– everyone gets nervous, I get nervous for every game– but you’ve gotta turn those nerves into excitement and show them on the field.” 

“It’s gonna be a tough game. Central Coast came out in that last game we versed them and showed us again what they’re made of. They’re a very strong team, they’re a very technical team, and they have a coach that’s very tactical. It’s gonna be a very hard game, but I think the girls are feeling a bit more confident now that we’ve beaten them once.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Central Coast came out and changed their formation. We’ll go into more tactical analysis on them in the next few days with Ante and try some different approaches of how they’ll come out and we will adapt to that, but we’ll go out and play our same way we usually play. You’ve gotta be confident in the formation you play and the players you go out with, so not (many) changes for us.”

If the game does go to penalties, it would be quite the story. Central Coast’s Casey Dumont, a penalty beast, versus Vine, Australia’s shootout hero. Vine commented that they hadn’t really talked about it in training. “I’m probably expected to take one, I haven’t taken one since the last one (vs France) I took! I’m sure I’ll put my hand up if it comes to that situation, and I’m sure a lot of leaders will do the same.”

The A-League double is in sight for Melbourne’s McKenna sisters

By Emma Burke 26/4/24

Melbourne City’s Tijan and Leticia McKenna are sisters, housemates, premiership teammates and Grand Final aspirants. Ahead of the semi final second leg, they talk to Impetus Football about the season so far.

“We’ve suffered some hard losses… so it’d be a nice little closing for the story we’ve written the whole season, it’d be a nice little ending,” said Tijan McKenna, when asked what winning the A-League Women’s Championship would mean to her. 

Tijan, 19, just has to get there first, and if her Melbourne City team does, she’ll do so alongside her older sister Leticia, 21, who has been working towards this moment for three years now.

A re-design of the finals has meant that City have played one of their two semi-finals against the Newcastle Jets and after that first game they now seemingly have one foot in the door.

“For us, in our heads it’s only half-time, so we still have another 90 minutes to go of the second leg,” said Leticia.

“We worked really hard to get the result, the three-nil, to put us in a good spot.”

The club recently lifted the Premiers’ plate in the final game of the season, played in and against the sisters’ first club, Perth Glory. 

“It was really special to win that last game of the season at home in Perth with friends and family in the crowd,” said Leticia.

The two both debuted for Perth Glory, Leticia in 2018 at 16 years old, and Tijan a few years later in 2021, also only 16, after Leticia had already left for a year-long stint at Brisbane Roar.

“It was really special, I was very lucky with the group of girls that introduced me to the league,” Leticia said of her debut with Glory

“Playing alongside incredible names, internationals, and the Perth girls that were a part of that group as well, it’s something I look back on and it makes me smile because of how lucky I was and how much I enjoyed it.”

“I had big shoes to fill when she left,” said Tijan of her own experience.

“Obviously I wish she was still at the club when I debuted. It was a scary feeling stepping onto the field or at least getting the first call up to sit on the bench and not knowing if you’re going on or not.

“When it happened it was special for about three seconds and then I stepped on the field and it was like, game time,”

After two years of playing with Melbourne City, Leticia was joined by her sister for the 2023/24 season, where they’ve both been used in a number of positions on the pitch. Luckily, they both enjoy being yo-yo’d around the ground.

“Being versatile is something that you want because either way you want to play and do your part for the team… [learning] new stuff and [taking] it onboard it’s going to take you to the next level,” said Tijan, who can and has played in City’s defence and midfield.

“I love being in midfield and it’s definitely the preferred position but I’m happy to play anywhere. Getting minutes and being a part of the squad is always really good,” said Leticia, who has played across attack and midfield this season.

The two are living together again, which has its pros and cons, the cons mainly to do with determining who has done the most chores (Leticia cooks the most, but Tijan is adamant that she cleans more) and having no parents being readily available to decide who’s right or wrong in an argument.

The benefits of the situation however, definitely outweigh the small drawbacks. 

“I’ve missed having her at home so for me it’s quite nice living with her again,” said Tijan.

“As teammates… She’s experienced more difficult situations so when I get something thrown in front of me, she’s there to help and coach me. It’s been really good and I hope there’s more to come.”

The McKenna sisters road to wearing the same colours at the professional level has been a long one. They played for Western Australia’s NTC side four years ago and came close again last season when playing in Victoria’s NPLW.

However, it was not only for other teams but derby rivals in Heidelberg United and South Melbourne.

Friends, family and teammates might agree that it’s best to have them on the same side, but they have different answers to the same question.

“I’d rather have her on my team than be taken out by her,” said Leticia wisely

“I prefer playing against her,” replies Tijan with a grin.

The international future for the two looks bright, with Leticia eyeing off an Under-23’s call-up for a round of Friendlies, and Tijan who only recently returned with a Bronze Medal from the Under-20’s Asian Cup, which saw the Young Matildas qualify for the U-20 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Colombia.

Right now, however, their focus remains on Sunday, where they’ll find out if they’re one step closer to writing that nice little ending to this chapter in their footballing lives.

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Margaux Chauvet: “It’s an absolute honour to play for Sydney FC and the perfect motivation going into this weekend’s semi-final.”

Above: Margaux Chauvet (blue) tussling with her former club. Image: Sydney FC.

by Genevieve Henry (26/4/24).

A standout in Sky Blue, Margaux Chauvet announced that she had re-signed with Sydney until the end of the 2025-26 A-League Women season on Wednesday. The 21-year old has played an important role so far this season, and will hope her impact can continue throughout finals season as well as the next two seasons. A versatile player who can play in both defence and midfield, Chauvet is a valuable asset to Sydney. 

Chauvet has a unique story among her peers. Born in Côte d’Ivoire to French and American parents, she and her family fled to France when riots and civil unrest broke out in 2004. Soon after, they relocated to Australia and made Wollongong their new home, where Margaux grew her love for football thanks to her brother. After playing with a few local teams, she joined the Illawarra Stingrays, a storied club that has developed the likes of Mary Fowler, Michelle Heyman, and Caitlin Cooper. She stuck with the Stingrays until 2018, then joined the Football NSW institute to play in the NSW NPL One for one season. 

She earned herself a move to Western Sydney Wanderers when she was 17, where she impressed at centre-back for two seasons before moving to Icelandic club Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkur with fellow Aussie and current Perth Glory player, Susan Phonsongkham. 

Her first spell as a Sky Blue was as an injury replacement player, before signing with Sydney in August 2023. Since joining, she has featured in a few roles, impressing both at the back and in the middle of the park. She has played some outstanding games for the club, most recently shining in the disappointing loss against Melbourne Victory as well as making a vital goal-line clearance against the Central Coast Mariners in the first leg of the semi-final last week. Chauvet said, “this season has been my best in the A-League so far and I am extremely excited to build from it.”

Head coach Ante Juric commented, “she has now played her way into the starting line-up and is looking forward to playing in her first A-League home semi-final; and potentially a Grand Final, so it has been a breakout year for her.”

Above: Chauvet speaking to the press about her extension. Image: Sydney FC.

“This game will probably be the biggest game I’ve ever played.” This contract extension could be just the thing that propels Chauvet to star in the second leg of the semi-final, saying “I’m so happy, it’s an absolute honour to play for Sydney FC and the perfect motivation going into this weekend’s semi-final at Leichhardt Oval.” She continued, “the fans are second to none at Sydney FC, the best in the country, and I can’t wait to be representing them in many more finals clashes.”

Throughout her career, coaches and teammates have often praised Chauvet highly, with Juric saying, “Margaux has thoroughly earned this contract extension with her hard work, dedication and the way she has performed this season. She gives us great versatility and has been able to perform a number of roles to a high standard for us this season.” Among Chauvet’s most touted qualities are her game-smarts and confidence, as well as composure and discipline. She has incredible defensive stats, with her interceptions in the 98th percentile and her clearances in the 90th percentile of women’s footballers worldwide. Her experience as both a full-back and a centre back really play into her strengths in the midfield, her tenacity and ability to turn plays around being exceptional.

On her positional change, Chauvet said, “Moving into the six position’s been great; I have played there previously at other clubs. I’ve been loving it. I’m just trying to do my job.” And that she has. Although she faces tough competition from fellow Sky Blue midfielders, she has cemented a starting spot and made herself invaluable. “I’ve kind of found my groove in the team.”

Although she is eligible for quite a few different national teams, Chauvet has spoken many times of her aspirations to play for the Matildas someday, saying in a 2021 interview with the Illawarra Stingray, “I would love to one day play for the Matildas. That’s always been one of my goals.” She was selected to join the Matildas’ first ever Talent Identification Camp in 2020. She is well on her way to her goal, having also been selected for the Young Matildas in 2021. If she continues on this trajectory, she may well find herself there soon.

The NWSL Recap: Round 5

Image: Orlando Pride Website

By Hannah Chadwick (25/04/2024)

Huge score lines, 27 goals, unexpected signings, injuries  It has been a busy weekend in the NWSL.

Our first game of the weekend was a sole goal thriller where Orlando Pride remained unbeaten as they took all three points from San Diego Wave. Summer Yates scored the only goal of the game which was her second for the club. Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sherdian made the initial save after Kerry Abello fired her shot at goal. Barba Banda also had her debut for the pride. While Wave managed to only have one shot on target in the 82nd minute which reduced them to 10 players as Alex Morgan was forced off after being injured after trying to receive a cross from Savannah McCaskill as she was taken down by defender  Emily Sans and goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse. Both teams had opportunities to turn the game around but lacked the finishing ability. 

Two late goals meant that Washington Spirit took the win over Gotham FC. Croix Bethune and Ashley Hatch both scored to claim the win. Spirit also kept their unbeaten streak. The first half had opportunities for both teams to score the opener but it was Casey Kruger for Spirit who picked up the ball in space and found Bethune who launched it into the top corner outside the box and she had the opening goal. It was Bethune once again causing trouble for the Gotham defence as she took a shot inside the box which resulted in a handball. Ashley Hatch covered the penalty giving her team a two goal lead. Both teams had chances the rest of the first half but were unable to find the target. We also had our first look at Gotham’s new signing Ann-Katrin Berger, a goalkeeper who spent six years at the club before departing.

Late second half goals from Racing Louisville means they beat Utah Royals FC. By five goals to one. Goals for Louisville came from Uchenna Kanu, Savannah DeMole who scored a brace, Reilyn Turner and Emma Sears. While Olivia Smith Griffitts thought she brought the royals back into the game. Kanu opened the scoring with a perfectly timed back post header after Lauren Milliet Cross. This was the momentum  that Louisville needed as in the following 15 minutes they had multiple chances on goal, a chance saved off the line and forced royals goal keeper Many Haught into making six saves. Although the Utah equaliser came three minutes into the first half after making a beautiful run finishing with a well placed shot into the back post. It was a slow start to the second but the floodgates soon opened as DeMole pounced on a rebound after Haught saved the initial shot from Elexa Bahr. Then we had a VAR review which determined that Sears was fouled in the box once again DeMole stepped up and converted the penalty. The game then found a rhythm and both teams were unable to make any advancements until Carson Pickett drifted a cross in which found the head of Turner who found the back of the net. The fifth and final goal of the night came from Emma Sears as she picked up a pass in midfield and thought her way down the field before smashing a shot from 12 yards out. 

Unbeaten, top of the table Kansas City Current take on Bay FC. This game was a seven goal thriller with Beatriz Zaneratto Joao scoring a brace, Bayley Feist, Temwa Chawinga also scoring a brace for current. While Kayla Sharples and Tess Boade scored for Bay. We also had the season ending injury to Bay midfielder Alex Loera who suffered an ACL injury. The first goal scored by Zaneratto was as she intercepted a failed pass and found herself one on one with the goal keeper and she didn’t miss. The next goal came just a few minutes later as Spaanstra was able to recover a cleared corner kick and sent the cross in, Feist managed to jump the highest to direct the header down and into the near post. This was also her first goal for the club. Although Bay did manage to get one back as Deyna Castellanos found the ball in a pocket of space and offloaded it to Kayla Sharples who found the back of the net. This was the closest to goal the current backline would allow them to get to the goal for the remainder of the match. DiBernardo continued her dominant performance as she controlled the play and became the playmaker. She was drawing players left and right which made an opening for Chawinga to score her first goal of the night by sending a long cross in and Chawinga controlled and took two touches before it found the back of the net. Chiwenga’s second goal was very similar to the first with DiBernardo once again being the playmaker behind the goal and she sent a long curved pass into her path, Chawinga avoided the defender and was one on one with the goalkeeper and it rippled the back of the net. The final goal of the night for Current  was a combination of Chawinga and DiBernardo combining to win the ball and work it up the pitch before feeding it into Zaneratto who weaves her way through the defenders to add to the scoreline. The seventh and final goal did come from Bay and Joelle Anderson set up Tess Boade who took on several players before making her way down the left wing and finishing from close range. 

Portland Thorns are hungrily looking for their first win of the season as they take on Houston Dash. With Christine Sinclair, Sophie Smith, Olivia Moulrie and Janine Beckie. All on target for the thorns it means that they pick up their first set of three points. While Diana Ordonez was on target for the Dash. The thorns got off to a dominant and fast pace in the first few minutes, with Sinclair finding herself sending a volley into the box after being set up by Smith. Smith finds herself in the thick of the action once again as she finds the ball at her feet as she outpaces the Dash backline and sends her shot past the diving figure of Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell. Dash soon found themselves a chance at goal in the 42nd minute when Elin Rubensson went to lob the ball over the head of thorns goalkeeper Shelby Hogan but she managed to reach back and punch the ball into safety. Straight after half time the Dash were constantly pressing the ball, which resulted in them turning the ball over as the combination between Michelle Alozie and Avery Patterson brought the ball into Dash possession and Alozie sent the cross in and Orzonez capitalised on it and found the back of the net. The final two goals came from Moultrie and Beckie. As Moultrie is threaded the ball through the box by Smith to find the back of the net and Beckie steals the ball of the Dash Defender before dribbling up the field to take on Campbell one on one and she doesn’t miss. 

 First half goals from Chicago Red Stars means they beat Seattle Reign FC away from home. Goal came from Ally Schlegel and Mallory Swanson for the red stars while Tziarra King was the sole scorer for Reign. The red stars also announce that Ava Cook has a season ending ACL injury. The first goal of the night came from a link up between Swanson and Schlegel as they weaved their way through the Reign defence before Schledge found the back of the net. Reign then spent the rest of the first half defending and not having any shots on goal. The red stars nearly had a third just minutes later as Swanson fired a shot towards goal and rattled the cross bar. As the game was approaching halftime Swanson unleashed a shot towards Reign keeper Laurel Ivory who was unable to stop her from scoring. Reign came out with energy and displaced urgency, want and quality after half time as they pressed high up the pitch and found success as they were picking up more loose balls. Using this technique Reign picked up a corner where rookie Emeri Adames sent a fast paced shot volleying towards the bottom corner of the goal but it was saved off the line. Tziarra King came on as a substitution in the 77th minutes making immediate impact as she scored just two minutes after coming onto the field as Welsh international Jess Fishlock plates the ball to the feet of king outside the 18 yard box took a touch before launching the ball to the upper right corner of the goal and adding her first goal to the tally for the season. Regin maintained their high press for the rest of the second half but were unable to find an equaliser. 

   

Photo: Angle City Website

A brace from Claire Emslie means that Angle City steals all three points at home to the North Carolina Courage. Tyler Lussi scored the sole goal for the Courage as they failed to gain any points. The opening minutes of the match were quiet as Angle City allowed courage to press them but held their shape and were not allowing them through. In the 22nd minute City had their first breakthrough as Alyssa Thompson was fouled just outside the 18 yard box which resulted in a free kick. Emslie steps up to take it and she curls it over the wall and inside the right post. The rest of the first half was quiet with no attempts on goal but both teams were pressing. The second goal for Angle City came from Emslie again as Lily Nabet sent the ball to Thompson who sent a pinpointed ball into the path of Emslie who beat the two remaining defenders and chipped the ball over Courage goalkeeper Murphy’s head and into the back of the net. The goal for Courage came in the 73rd minute from a free kick from defender Feli Rauch fell to the far side of the six-yard box and Tyler Lussi got a touch on it to send it into the back of the net. Both teams are now pushing for a goal with the biggest chances coming from Thompson for Angle City and Ashley Sanchez for Courage. But neither team was able to find another goal.   

Coming Up This Weekend-

Saturday 27th April-

Washington Spirit vs Orlando Pride 

Angel City FC vs KC Current 

Sunday 28th April-

North Carolina Courage vs Seattle Reign FC

Utah Royals FC vs Houston Dash 

Chicago Red Stars vs Portland Thorns 

San Diego Wave vs Bay FC

Gotham FC vs Racing Louisville

Norfolk Wrap

Ceri Flye (Left) scored for Norwich City in their 4-1 home win over AFC Sudbury. Credit – Norwich City Women FC

FA Women’s National League Division One South East

Norwich City rounded off their home fixtures for the season with a 4-1 win over AFC Sudbury. Natasha Snelling scored a brace with Ceri Flye and Lauren Hailes scoring the other two goals. Aliyat Lambe scored for AFC Sudbury.

Eastern Region Premier Division

Wroxham were 2-1 winners at home to Stevenage thanks to a brace from Lara Densley. Hannah Nebbitt got the goal for Stevenage.

Eastern Region Division One North

Dussindale & Hellesdon continue to lead the way in Tier Six following a 4-0 win at Stevenage Development. Alisha Juby scored a brace with Siesha Humphries and Isabelle Moore scoring the other goals.

Mulbarton Wanderers continued their fine form with a 2-0 win over Biggleswade United, the goals were scored by Rebekah Lake and Molly Ryan.

Fakenham Town were beaten 5-1 at home by Haprenden Town. Shelley Woods scored for Fakenham Town but a Sophia Amanor Hat-Trick and a Rebecca McShane brace saw Harpenden Town take all three points.

Rebekah Lake (Right) scored for Mulbarton Wanderers in their 2-0 win over Biggleswade United. Credit – Ben Cunningham

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Sprowston took over the lead of Tier Seven with a 5-0 win over University of East Anglia. Bailey Duffield and Holly Whayman both scored a brace each with Rose Milligan scoring the other goal.

It has been a good few days for Bungay Town, who now sit second after two victories, on Wednesday night Bungay Town were 6-0 home winners vs University of East Anglia thanks to a Zoe Cossey Hat-Trick and goals from Brooke Osborne, Mia Rose and Selina Rowland.

They followed that up on Sunday with a hard fought 2-1 win at Mulbarton Wanderers Development. Laura Thacker and Ciera Flatt scored for Bungay Town with Lucy Kean getting the goal for Mulbarton Wanderers.

Caister got back to winning ways after their defeat at Sprowston last week by winning 9-1 at Thorpe St Andrew. Lauren Goulder scored four goals, Rebecca Waters and Hazel Saddington scored a brace each with Bethany Turner getting their other goal.

Rebecca Waters (Red) scored a brace for Caister in their 9-1 win at Thorpe St Andrew. Credit – SG Photography

Costessey Sports recorded an impressive 2-0 win at Kings Lynn Soccer Club thanks to goals from Harriet Pike and Natasha Youngs.

Long Stratton were 4-2 winners at home to North Walsham Town thanks to a brace each from Elisha Bower and Caitlin Skipper. Kiera Brown and Rio Dobbie scored for North Walsham Town.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Stalham Town continue to lead the way following a 9-1 victory at Horsford Harriers. Abigail Gower scored five with Kerri Eke and Charlotte Fisher getting a brace each.

Bure Valley remain hot on Stalham’s tail with an impressive 3-0 win against in form Shrublands. A goal each from Emily Addison, Danielle Barnes and Emma Macmillan saw the hosts claim the points.

Action from the match between Bure Valley (Red) and Shrublands. Credit – Steve Wood

Beccles Town Development were 9-0 winners at home to Martham. Alesha Tuttle scored a hat-trick, there was a brace each from Libby Elder and Saffron Jones-Yates and a goal each from Stevie Potter and Vicky Bloomfield.

Mundford were 10-0 winners at home to Freethorpe. Niamh Underhill and Bethany Seymour both scored a hat-trick with Sophia Price, Lauren Roberts, Tiffany Seymour and Atlanta Stevenson scoring the other four goals.

FC Viking Valkyries were 8-0 winners at home to Red Rose thanks to 7 goals from Jessica Bennett and a goal from Paige Hill.

A Lucie Morley Hat-Trick saw Great Yarmouth Town record a 3-0 home win against Horsford Hurricanes.

Emma Macmillan (Left) scored for Bure Valley in their 3-0 win over Shrublands. Credit – Shay Porter

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One

Mulbarton Wanderers secured their title with a 2-0 home win over Rockland thanks to goals from Alice Ladbrooke and Joanne Hooper.

Taverham were 1-0 winners at home to Dussindale & Hellesdon thanks to a goal from Hannah Parker.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two

Fc Viking Valkyries were 2-1 winners at home to Hockering.

University of East Anglia were 3-1 winners at Aylsham.

It was a very happy day for Costessey Sports as they were 2-0 winners at Kings Lynn Soccer Club in Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One. Credit – Karl Wharam