Girls with Game

What do the Matildas do with Lisa De Vanna?

2010-10-30T12:03:00.000+11:00

So today I'm roaring, on what I think is one of the most interesting questions heading into Germany, what will happen to Lisa De Vanna?

You can read the story here, but what's even more interesting is the media release that Perth Glory issued yesterday with the W-League team for 2010/11.

In it, coach John Gibson explained his decision not to re-sign the Westfield Matildas pocket rocket.
"Unfortunately we've had to make some hard decisions on the squad for upcoming season and Lisa didn't fit into the plans of the future direction of the team over the next few years,” he said.

Interesting, not the fact that she's not going back to Perth, that was evident weeks ago that she's probably going to Melbourne. But that Perth are saying it was their decision not to re-sign De Vanna, that essentially, she wasn't wanted in Perth, they forced her to go elsewhere.

It looks like wherever she does end-up, De Vanna is going to have a lot to prove in the W-League this summer.

Matildas narrowly lose to Germany, 2-1, in Germany

2010-10-29T11:41:00.000+11:00

A 2-1 defeat to current FIFA World Cup winners Germany is certainly not a bad thing, but I think the most interesting point to come from this is just how different it was from playing in Asia. Cue Kate Gill's comments,

“The football here is very different to Asian Football. They are more physical in Europe," she said.

“You get a very different experience from these matches and we have to learn how to better adapt to these conditions over the next 9 months.”

Which is why playing a friendly in Germany at this stage was a masterstroke, just when the Matildas think they are on top of the World - hit them with the fact they are just on top of Asia.

Although, it does seem Australia did come out on top in one battle of physicality, with Kerstin Garefrekes forced to withdraw after coming off second-best in a clash with Sally Shipard midway through the first half.

There are match report details on the FFA website, but why ruin it all when you can watch it on ABC TV this Saturday at 3pm? Also sets up a nice little reminder, that on Saturday week - that's where you will find live W-League.
GERMANY 2 (Inka GRINGS 36', Martina MÜLLER 71') bt MATILDAS 1 (Sam Kerr 28') at Volkswagen-Arena, Wolfsburg
Referee: Tanja SCHETT (Austria)
Assistant Referees: Inka MÜLLER and Christina JAWOREK (both Germany)
Crowd: 7,229

Germany line-up: Ursula HOLL (gk), Sandra BARTUSIAK, Babett PETER, Sonja FUSS (46' Verena FAISST), Lena GOESSLING, Simone LAUDEHR, Kim KULIG (46' Martina MÜLLER), Kerstin GAREFREKES (25' Célia OKOYINO DA MBABI), Fatmire BAJRAMAJ, Inka GRINGS (69' Dszenifer MAROSZÁN), Birgit PRINZ (69' Ariane HINGST)
Substitutes not used: Nadine ANGERER (gk), Josephine HENNING, Tabea KEMME, Melanie BEHRINGER, Anja MITTAG, Alexandra POPP

Westfield Matildas line-up: Melissa BARBIERI (GK), Clare POLKINGHORNE (Caitlin MUNOZ 63'), Kim CARROLL, Lauren COLTHORPE (Teigen ALLEN 57'), Servet UZUNLAR, Collette MCCALLUM, Sally SHIPARD (Aivi LUIK 88'), Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, Kate GILL (Leena KHAMIS 80'), Kyah SIMON, Samantha KERR
Substitutes not used: Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), Thea SLATYER

Matildas camp ahead of Peace Cup and Germany friendly

2010-09-09T18:10:00.000+10:00

The Matildas have a busy month ahead of them, with the Peace Cup in Korea and then a friendly against Germany in Germany on October 28. Yes, that's right, Germany, the second best women's team in the world. What a test that will be.

Here are the players that went into camp today at the Australian Insititute of Sport in Canberra -

Emma Wirkus (Adelaide), Victoria Balomenos (Adelaide), Collette McCallum (Perth), Sam Kerr (Perth), Laura Alleway (Brisbane), Karla Reuter (Brisbane), Kim Carroll (Brisbane), Clare Polkinghorne (Brisbane), Amy Chapman (Brisbane), Brooke Spence (Brisbane), Joanne Burgess (Brisbane), Elise Kellond-Knight (Gold Coast), Casey Dumont (Gold Coast), Aivi Luik (Gold Coast), Tameka Butt (Gold Coast), Melissa Barbieri (Melbourne), Lydia Williams (Canberra), Emily Van Egmond (Canberra), Sally Shipard (Canberra), Caitlin Munoz (Canberra), Ellie Brush (Albury), Kyah Simon (Sydney), Thea Slatyer (Sydney), Kylie Ledbrook (Sydney), Leena Khamis (Sydney), Teigen Allen (Penrith/Sydney), Michelle Heyman (Sydney), Ellyse Perry (Sydney), Danielle Brogan (Sydney), Caitlin Foord (Sydney)

Head Coach: Tom Sermanni, Asssistant Coach: Robbie Hooker, Goalkeeper coach: Paul Jones

Obviously this camp is missing all those Matildas who do ply their trade overseas, Sarah Walsh, Heather Garriock, Katie Gill, Lisa de Vanna (who if you didn't already notice, has been splashed across news today for all the wrong reasons) and Lauren Colthorpe.

But nice to see Amy Chapman, Victoria Balomenos and Caitlin Munoz back from injury (what else but knee reconstructions), and Ellyse Perry back from her Australian cricket duties.

On Friday morning, the team's patron, Australia's Governer-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, will also drop in and speak to the girls about their AFC Cup win and anything else on their mind, over a cup of tea.

GirlsWithGame monthly wrap in women's football - August 2010

2010-09-08T11:24:00.000+10:00

So apologies again for the sporadic posting that has become a trademark at GirlsWithGame. But here is my compromise, in the lead-up to the W-League, a monthly wrap of all the happenings and then from November a more consistent focus on the W-League. Heading into next year's FIFA Women's World Cup, it's going to be a cracker of a season.

So firstly, what's the latest W-League gossip?

Well the hottest property to come from the Mariners collapse is Michelle Heyman, and this story in the Illawarra Mercury seems to suggest she could be in Canberra this season. Fourfourtwo also carried the story, but am not sure they can actually carry that exclusive tag off given the Mercury story was three weeks before? Given United's biggest problem last year was scoring goals, she would be a handy addition. But remember United will also have Caitlin Munoz back this season. I saw Caitlin play in Canberra not long ago, and she is in tip-top shape. Canberra have also signed on former AIS assistant Ray Junna for his second season in the coaches box. Ellyse Perry, who claimed every award at Canberra last season, is also likely to be back for another go round in the capital. Perry didn't play in the Asian Cup this year because she was winning the International Cricket Council's Twenty20 World Cup, but given there is no major cricket tournaments on in the middle of next year, it's very likely she will make a return to the Matildas team in time for Germany. Here's her latest from the FIFA website.

At the Newcastle Jets, Sasha McDonnell and Kara Mowbray have signed on for their third club in three seasons. The pair, who are from Queensland, started with Canberra United, then McDonnell went to Brisbane for season two and Mowbray went to Melbourne. Now both are reunited at the Jets. Read more in this Newcastle Herald story, where coach Wayne O'Sullivan reckons it will be their best yet. Hayley Crawford will be captain again.

Melbourne Victory have a new coach. Vicki Linton will be the second female in charge of a W-League team after Nicola Williams coached Perth Glory in the first season.

Of course, the draw is also now out. Starting on November 6, it will be the longest W-League season so far, but that doesn't actually mean any more games. But because of byes and breaks throughout the season, there will be 12 weeks of action, but each team will play 10 regular season games, the same amount as the first two seasons, and also have two byes. The final will be in February 12. Find it all here.

In Matildas news, Australia's national women's team, have reached their highest FIFA ranking, with their AFC victory pushing them from 14th to equal 11th (with Italy). Matildas mentor Tom Sermanni said that a long term aim is to get into the top-10 and stay there.

Australia's greatest female footballer has been recognised by the Professional Footballer's Association and the FFA, with a new Cheryl Salisbury medal awarded to the best female footballer each year. Of course, given it's a PFA award, it's voted for by the players. Read all about it here.

In related news, Salisbury has been busy since retiring, she's become a mum. See Josh Leeson's story in the Newcastle Herald.

And in some international news, at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, which is where I was lucky enough to be in August, the Chilean women's football team won the Gold medal at the first official IOC youth event. I managed to sneak into the football venue more than once and watched the Chilean girls in their first game against Trinidad and Tobago. Composed, physical and yet pretty technically awesome, I think these girls could go a long way.

For more international news, see FIFA's official August round-up here, including the wrap-up from the second season of the USA's Women's Pro Soccer league.

And lastly, make sure you become a Matildas fan on facebook. Because lately, the page has been updated more often with some great links. So become a fan, make comments, because it seems like the FFA are listening.

Central Coast Mariners out of W-League

2010-07-29T17:53:00.000+10:00

So news today is that the 2010/11 season of the W-League will start on November 5 and will another 10-round competition, but without the Central Coast Mariners.

First of all, it's hardly a surprise, given that Football NSW and NSWIS were supporting two teams (Sydney FC and the Mariners) and the Mariners girls were actually based in Sydney, not at all near Gosford like their men's counterpart. So now there will be two NSW teams, Sydney FC and Newcastle (who are backed by Northern NSW football, so a different entity to Football NSW), but I think will work better for women's football overall in NSW. One team per local federation makes sense to me.

Secondly, it may be one less team, but in a league where the difference between the top and bottom teams in the first two years was quite obvious, is that a bad thing? Instead heading into the FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany, it will put more pressure on every single player who wants to play W-League this year. There is about 20 less places than last year, it's going to be more competitive just to get into a W-League side. Which is another positive.

So is there any negatives out of this? Well yes, less girls will get a spot on a W-League roster this season, but in addition to my second point, coming out of an Australian Sports Commission conference on women in sport and media coverage yesterday (more on this later), I don't think that's such a bad thing either. The consensus was there, yes, women in sport should have more coverage in mainstream media, but the product has to be great first. One less team will make a more even field, a more competitive league. And I can't see a problem with that. In just the third season, I think it makes a lot more sense to cut back and make the league solid and viable before going forward.

The only other observation I have is that, well, this is going to make Sydney FC pretty unstoppable if they claim Mariners golden boot winner Michelle Heyman. Can't wait for November 5 to roll around.

1GOAL - help give girls worldwide some education

2010-06-16T11:08:00.001+10:00

So now the World Cup is on and all of Australia's focus is on the Socceroos, although, after the first game, I think there is probably a few broken hearts around the country. But anyway, what is means is that the Matildas are out of the worldwide spotlight.

But that doesn't mean girls have to be completely, and it's today I'm going to ask you to do a little something for me, and sign up to the 1GOAL campaign.

1GOAL's aim is to use the biggest event in the world, the FIFA World Cup and leverage the huge audience watching for a positive goal. Which is simply, education for all. We all know the basics, education is basically the key to a future, for anyone and everyone, right across the world. And it's most important for girls, because in third world countries they are less likely to have access to education than boys.

And all it takes is to sign-up your name to the cause. I've done it and it takes 20seconds maximum. When you do, you will be joining some impressive company, including the Matildas team and eight million other people worldwide.

Right now, there is also lots of pretty awesome competitions, like winning Socceroos stuff by producing a video, and if you are a student aged 13 to 17, you can win a trip to Africa and see an Aid Education project first hand to learn more about it.

So what are you waiting for, just hop on over to 1GOAL Australia website, and sign-up. It's as easy as that, and you will have helped football bring a little light to a worldwide problem. And while you are there, check out the 1GOAL Australia blog from South Africa, that includes this tweet from yesterday '1GOAL Ambassador Christiano Ronaldo was named after Ronald Reagan. True story.' See, charity and entertainment!

Now get back to some World Cup watching, and hopefully there will be a Matildas camp to report about here soon!

Matildas win the Asian Cup - a week in Australian news

2010-06-06T16:22:00.000+10:00

So this time last week the Matildas were just about to get their hands on Australia's first ever Asian Cup, and since then they've been able to soak-up a little of the spotlight. Here is my round-up of the best stories that appeared in the last week.

One of my all-time favourite writers Greg Baum, tackles the entire issue of Matildas and other women's media with perfect prose. Read his thoughts on The Age website.

Matildas captain Melissa Barbieri is also on The Age website, speaking her mind on Sunday, although you only need to read my previous post to see that I don't actually agree with what's said. It's still interesting to read her words though.
Peter Wilkins, although I cringed at some of his efforts while actually commentating the girls, has written a piece on Clare Polkinghorne, at ABC Sport, who I think is one of the most important players in the Matildas future.

Dan Silkstone's piece, that reveals the delicious detail that goalkeeping coach Paul Jones and Melissa Barbieri were faking it with a dossier of notes during the penalty shoot-out, making the Koreans think the Matildas captain knew which was the kick was going to come.

And from the horses mouth, one of my newest favourite writers, Australia's brilliant first-penalty-taker Sal Shipard. Read her blog here.

Shipard again (she's becoming a bit of a media star) in the fourfourtwo podcast.

Technically it's a cricket and soccer story, but with Ellyse Perry in it, how can it not be in the SMH.

Finally, while it isn't actually about them winning the Asian Cup but a preview, a special mention to Aussie magazine Women's Health and it's fashion spread, starring Barbieri, Katie Gill, Thea Slatyer, Elise Kellond-Knight and the girl-of-the-moment, Kyah Simon. See a video from the shoot, here.

Don't forget the great coverage from the oft-forgotten small-town papers. Here's to you, Newcastle Herald, Rouse Hill Times, Blue Mountains Gazette, the South East Advertiser and the Daily Advertiser. In fact, a double cheer to the Newcastle Herald, who I believe now offer the best Matildas and W-League coverage in the country. They don't just state what happened, they actually talk to the players, about tatics and stuff that actually relates to the game. Amazing!

So are there any other great stories I have missed? Which is your favourite? For me, it's hard to go past Sal Shipard's blog entry. Not only informative and interesting, it's just beautifully written as well. Thanks for sharing Sal!

Matildas in the media - time for a change

2010-06-03T10:42:00.003+10:00

WAIT...stop there for just a minute...I know what you are thinking, it's just another rant about the Matildas should be getting more media coverage. But my point is different.

I think it's about time they stopped whining about it and did something instead.

Now, don't jump straight to the comments, just let me explain myself.

I've worked at a daily newspaper, I've seen how television newsrooms work too, as much as the world has progressed, sports newsrooms have not. Men’s sports are the way, but there is a reason for that. Simply, more people care, there are more letters to the editor, more comments on the internet, more readers. It’s actually vicious cycle for women’s sport, many Australians don’t know much about Aussie girls teams, that’s because they aren’t on the TV or newspaper every-day. The newspapers and TV then don’t cover them because they think people don’t care.

But people, we're in the age of the internet, Facebook, Youtube, blogs and Twitter. These days, anyone can create their own media. So the way Australian mainstream media works isn't going to change soon, but the way the Football Federation Australia put together its own Matildas media can.

So how about a Youtube channel with Matildas interviews and maybe even a few skills? Facebook and Twitter inviting fans to ask the Matildas their own questions and have that put up in a public forum? More stories on the FFA website, or a separate Matildas one where fans can interact with the players more? Cost is also an issue, but Youtube, Facebook and Twitter? Free. There is already 1500 supporters on the Matildas Facebook page, there is a video of when Aussie World Surfing champ Steph Gilmore visited the camp. It’s a great start, but let’s have more.

I think the most important thing is to break this self-defeating cycle that's been across what media the Matildas did recieve this week. The whole, we did something amazing, but respond with a 'now, we should get more media coverage,’ comment. As a result, the story ends up being how women’s soccer hasn’t changed.

Actually tell the story of how amazing that game was, the conditions they had to overcome, you could make people who read the story realise, wow, these girls didn't just win the Asian Cup, they put in a bloody good performance. Maybe I should have watched. Maybe I will watch next time.

Here is a story from Dan Silkstone in The Age. It's just what happened in the game, and gosh, it's interesting and also kind of hilarious. On Tuesday, that story was the third most popular item on the The Age sport website.

Heather Garriock makes this comment at the start of the ABC's 7.30 Report story, “It's important for the newspapers to report on all our games and just try and do individual things, publicity things, with us.” This is a story on how female football in Australia is behind the eight-ball and she was obviously asked that question, but this is exactly what I think needs to stop. This plea is not getting the Matildas anywhere. Instead, I think it’s time that Football Federation Australia took some steps to help the Matildas make it on their own.

Hopefully it will start with the W-League this year.

I cringed last year when a quiz on ABC Grandstand asked 'Would you go to a W-League match if it was a curtain-raiser to an A-League game?' I heard a number of people call in and say, sure, I'd love to watch the girls play if they did that. Problem was, there has already been several games played as A-League curtain raisers that season. Similarly in a comment on a fourfourtwo story on the girls return a few days ago, one said they would go to curtain raisers if they put them on. THEY ALREADY DO. But unfortunately it just seems the message isn't getting out.

So why do I even care? Well I love the Matildas, I love the W-League and I believe there IS the support from fans out there in Australia. Last year I won an Australian Sports Commission media award for the best coverage of women's sport for my stories on Canberra United in their first season of the W-League. I hate to boast, but I'm super-proud of this one. But the reason I was able to do so many Canberra United and women's football stories, I pushed and pushed and pushed. Why? Because I believe that women's football is damn entertaining. And people responded, they read it, they came out and followed the team.

In the first year of the W-League, when Canberra United made the grand final, I annoyed my boss until I got a huge broadsheet pull-out team poster. It went in and the following night at an open training session, I had a huge grin plastered on my face as little girls (and boys for that matter) brought along their posters and had them signed. The reality is that Canberra is a different market to any other major city, there is no major men’s sporting team in summer, so United already had a step-up in a limited sporting market and I had more space to fill. But I think it shows there is potential.

I believe that Women’s football in Australia can be huge, but instead of feeling defeated all the time, how about we empower this Matildas team? Stuff the mainstream media, let’s give the fans more using this new amazing set of interactive social media tools we have.

Then before the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, get together the major players in Australian media, after a bit of self-promotion. Show them the W-League attendances, the fans on Facebook, the followers on Twitter, show them how many people do care about the Matildas. Tell them the amazing stories, like Sal Shipard’s return to the game after two-years out and everything that goes with it, how almost every player has had a knee reconstruction, plenty of them three, but keep going. Show them the characters, how Tom Sermanni never gives a boring quote, Heather Garriock’s honesty, Lisa de Vanna’s wild streak. Show them just how bloody well they actually do play. Show them the Asian Cup penalty shoot-out, those five perfect penalties.

Dare them not to cover the Matildas then.

2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup final - Australia 1 bt DPR Korea 1 (5-4 on penalties)

2010-05-31T00:27:00.002+10:00

Wow, what a final, for a host of reasons and not all of them good. (Um, did you see the pitch? More like a swamp), but this is how the final moments of the AFC Womens Asian Cup in Chengdu went.

After tied of 90minutes of normal time, then another 30minutes of super-painful extra-time, no-one could have made playing in that torrential rain and the swamp easy, it all came down to penalties.

DPR Korea go first, Korea score. Nicely taken penalty to the corner.
Sal Shipard - SCORES!
DPR Korea, a big miss.
Kylie Ledbrook - SCORES! Almost exactly the same spot as Shipard's.
DPR, Barbieri went the right way, but just missed getting a hand on it and it goes in.
Kate Gill - SCORES! Another one pretty much straight down the middle.
DPR, put it into the top corner and scores, very very hard for any keeper to get that one.
Heather Garriock - SCORES!
DPR Korea, score as Barbier gets stuck to her spot.
Kyah Simon - SCORES! And the Asian Cup is all Australia's! Way to make a bit of history girls!

MATCH DETAILS - AUSTRALIA 1 (Sam Kerr 19’) bt JAPAN 1 (Ra Un Sim 73'), Australia win on penalties 5-4 at the Chengdu Sports Center Stadium, Chengdu, China
Referee: Sachiko Yamagishi
Australia starting line-up: 1.Melissa BARBIERI (gk) (c), 4.Clare POLKINGHORNE, 5.Lauren COLTHORPE, 6.Servet UZUNLAR, 7.Heather GARRIOCK, 12. Kate GILL, 14.Collette MCCALLUM (27.Aivi LUIK 97’), 15.Sally SHIPARD, 16.Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT (10.Kylie LEDBROOK 101’), 22.Sam KERR (17.Kyah SIMON 75’), 23.Kim Carroll
Substitutes not used: 18.Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), 3.Karla REUTER, 13.Thea SLATYER, 19.Leena KHAMIS, 25.Casey DUMONT (gk), 31.Teigen ALLEN
Injured: Tameka Butt, Sarah Walsh, Lisa De Vanna
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil
DPR Korea starting line-up: 1.Hong Myong Hui (gk), 4.Yun Song Mi, 5.Choe Yong Sim, 6.Ra Un Sim, 8.Jo Yun Mi, 9.Rei Ye Gyong, 10.Kim Yong Ae (14.Yun Hyon Hi 53’), 11.Kim Kyong Hwa (15.Mun Chol Mi 70’), 13.Kim Chung Sim (20.Ri Hyon Suk 103’), 16.Yu Jong Hui, 21.Song Jong Sun
Substitutes not used: 3.Kwon Jong Sun, 7.Choe Un Ju, 12.Kim Un Ju, 17.Jon Myong Hwa, 18.Jo Yun Mi (gk), 22.Ri Jin Sim (gk)
Yellow cards: Choe Yong Sim 45’
Red cards: Nil

Tom Sermanni's new hair

2010-05-30T21:47:00.000+10:00

Anyone else notice anything different in that pre-match interview? Umm, yes. Where is your mo and silver locks Tom? It seems they have been the victim of the Matildas success.

Thanks to Sal Shipard's insight here, Sermanni made the promise that the girls could get rid of said moustache and dye his hair if they qualified for the World Cup, so hello Germany, goodbye facial hair!

Can the Matildas make history? 2010 AFC Women's Cup Final

2010-05-30T20:42:00.000+10:00

So it's almost time, in just a little under an hour we'll be able to find out whether this Matildas team can make a little history of its own. Which is all pretty amazing really when we think about where the Matildas have been since the last Asian Cup, there has been retirements of legends and plenty more who had a break from the game, but also a new women's league in Australia and with it more games and more time for the new generation to develop.

Ie, what looked like a pretty dire situation two years ago, has now actually turned-out to be a great one. There is no doubt the W-League has played a role. I'm sure that players like Elise Kellond-Knight, Teigan Allen and Sam Kerr would have been part of the Matildas senior team some-day, but perhaps not as quickly as they have thanks to the experience in the W-League. There they showed Tom Sermanni that they aren't just promising young players, they are already mature enough and good enough to play senior international football. That's certainly what we have seen from them in the Asian Cup.

The other great thing about this campaign is that it will keep those senior players who are still there in for at least one more W-League season and one more international one, in the lead-in to the FIFA 2010 Women's World Cup. Someone like Thea Slatyer (who has now captained the Matildas twice in the Asian Cup, the first time she's worn the armband for her country), who only played a handful of minutes in the W-League this season after returning from an overseas adventure, will no doubt play every-single game this year. And that's great news for the next generation of Matildas coming through, because the better the W-League, the better the Australian women's football program will be.

And of course, it doesn't need to be pointed out that going to the FIFA World Cup is another huge positive, but the point I'm going to make here is exposure. While people are still banging on about the Matildas being so far behind the men in media coverage, money etc (which is still mostly true) people still forget that now, as opposed to even 10-years ago), women can earn enough to live-on playing football in Europe or America and I reckon there are plenty of Australian's that could hold their own in those leagues, playing against the best in the world in Germany next year might convince those clubs too and that can also only be a benefit.

But all that is still in the future, right now, this group of girls has a chance to make history now as the only Australian team to win an Asian Cup. On the AFC website, Tom Sermanni thinks that Australia’s ability to score goals from all across the park will be the difference. I think it’s not just that that could set this team apart, it’s just how entertaining they could be at scoring goals too. Sarah Walsh, Katie Gill, Heather Garriock and Sam Kerr are all capable of a spectacular shot and I hope that now with the pressure of actually qualifying for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup off, they will just go for it and produce some of that brilliantly entertaining football that we know they can.

North Korea have won three out of the last four tournaments, but they have brought a younger team this time and aren't the powerhouse they used to be.

So what will happen? I'm not going to predict the starting line-up as I've been terrible so far, but I am thinking Lydia Williams will be in goal (like the ASEAN final last year), and that the Matildas will win. Go get it girls!

Matildas qualify for 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup!

2010-05-28T02:03:00.000+10:00

It was close, it was sometimes scrappy and sometimes brilliant, but Katie Gill's half-time goal was just enough last night to clinch the Matildas place in the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup final and with it, a place in next year's FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany.

So yay for that! Great effort girls! Some interesting choices, with Elise Kellond-Knight in defence and Clare Polkinghorne playing an attacking role, but it all worked out somehow in what looked to me to be a frenetic, crazy kind of game. (Like, just how many goal kicks did Barbieri have in the first 25-minutes? A bucketload). Tommy was certainly very pleased with the effort at last night's presser in Chengdu, China, you can read what he had to say here.

Now the next thing is, can the Matildas capture their first-ever Asian Cup title when they meet Korea DPR in the final on Sunday night? Well given they beat Japan, the roaring favourites to win this, you would have to think the Matildas are in with a chance.

Here is the match details re Japan, more re the final to come later!

AFC Women's Cup semi-final - AUSTRALIA 1 (Kate Gill 45’+1) bt JAPAN 0 at the Thursday, 27 May 2010 at Chengdu Sports Center Stadium, Chengdu, China
Referee: Pannipar Kamnueng
Australia starting line-up: 1.Melissa BARBIERI (gk) (c), 4.Clare POLKINGHORNE, 5.Lauren COLTHORPE (27.Aivi LUIK 82’), 6.Servet UZUNLAR, 7.Heather GARRIOCK, 12. Kate GILL, 14.Collette MCCALLUM (22.Sam KERR 90’), 15.Sally SHIPARD, 16.Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 23.Kim Carroll, 9.Sarah WALSH (31.Teigen ALLEN 61’)
Substitutes not used: 18.Lydia WILLIAMS (GK), 3.Karla REUTER, 10.Kylie LEDBROOK, 13.Thea SLATYER (c), 17.Kyah SIMON, 19.Leena KHAMIS, 24.Tameka BUTT, 25.Casey DUMONT (gk)
Yellow cards: Collette MCCALLUM 37’, Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT 50’
Red cards: Nil
Japan starting line-up: 12.Kaihori Ayumi (gk), 2.Iwashimizu Azusa, 3.Yano Kyoko (Megumi 88’), 4.Kumagai Saki, 5.Kinga Yukari, 6.Sameshima Aya, 8.Miyama Aya, 9.Nagasato Yuki, 10.Sawa Homare, 13.Yamaguchi Mami (Ando KOZUE 35’), 16.Sudo Akiko (Utsugi Rumi 59’)
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil

And the rest of the Matildas AFC Women's Cup Group B matches

2010-05-25T13:49:00.000+10:00

Oops-a-daisy, but unfortunately this whole travelling through Canada thing hasn't helped when it comes to regular internet access. Luckily I've been able to catch-up on all the Matildas news thanks to kind people who have emailed me, but if you missed it, here is a recap.

What happened in their Group B matches? Since we last spoke, the pretty much full-strength Matildas beat the Korea Republic 3-1 thanks to three second-half goals, but then a half-strength (or would we even call it that?) team lost 1-0 to China. Which certainly wasn't the end of the world, but it does mean we have to now play Japan in the semi-final - which is a lot harder than North Korea.

What about Lisa de Vanna? Yep, that's a broken leg folks, suffered against China. Which seems to be a bit of unfortunate trend when it comes to Australia's top strikers. Sarah Walsh first (last year), now Lisa. Let's hope that it doesn't come in threes.

What's next? A semi-final match-up against Japan, who topped Group A. Not only did they finish up there, they scored 14 goals in three matches and conceded only one. They did have the easier group, but still all those goals and the fact that the are undefeated, that has got to instill some confidence. The loss of de Vanna could also affect Australia to two ways. One is that the Matildas will step-up to cover the loss and just find goals from elsewhere (or give Sam Kerr a start, which is kind of an exciting thought), the other is that they may be a bit lost. Which they can't really afford to do against Japan, a team with all those goals and all that confidence. Because the simply reality is that win this semi-final against Japan (on May 26th at 6pm Australian time), they are into the AFC Asian Women's Cup final and will have qualified for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany. Lose and they face the third/four play-off game, which they must win to make it. After what happened to the Australian under-17 team earlier this year, went through the group stage undefeated, lost a heart-breaking seven-goal semi-final and then lost the third/fourth game to miss out on their spot at the under-17 World Cup. Of course, the senior Matildas team is a lot more experienced and most have been playing at this top-level for years, but that might still linger in the mind of a few in this team - included Sam Kerr and assistant coach Robbie Hooker (who was the coach of that 17's team). Whatever happens, I'll be sure to be tuned in to this one and I hope you do too, live on ABC TV.

MATCH DETAILS for those other two group-games -
GROUP B MATCH 2 - AUSTRALIA 3 (Kim CARROLL 51', Lisa DE VANNA 58', Sam KERR 64')
bt Korea Republic 1 (Kang SUN MI 70’) on Wednesday, May 19, at the Chengdu Sports Center Stadium, Chengdu, China.
Referee: Sachiko YAMAGISHI
Assistant referees: Takahashi SAORI and Ayukai SHIHO
Fourth official: Pannipar KAMNUENG
Australia starting line-up: 1.Melissa BARBIERI (gk) (c), 4.Clare POLKINGHORNE, 5.Lauren COLTHORPE, 6.Servet UZUNLAR, 7.Heather GARRIOCK, 11.Lisa DE VANNA (22.Sam KERR 63’), 12. Kate GILL, 14.Collette McCallum (15.Sally SHIPARD 78'), 16.Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 23.Kim Carroll, 31.Teigen ALLEN (9.Sarah WALSH 56')
Substitutes not used: 18.Lydia WILLIAMS (GK), 3.Karla REUTER, 10.Kylie LEDBROOK, 13.Thea SLATYER (c), 17.Kyah SIMON, 19.Leena KHAMIS, 24.Tameka BUTT, 27.Aivi LUIK, 25.Casey DUMONT (gk)
Yellow cards: Melissa BARBIERI 74’, Kate GILL 88’
Red cards: Nil
Korea Republic starting line-up: 18.Kim Jung Mi (gk), 3.Yu Ji Eun, 6.Jeon GA Eul, 10.Ji SO Yun, 12.Choe Su Jin (15.Lee Jang Mi 59’), 13.Kim Do Yeon, 14.Kwon Hah Nul (7.Yoo Young A 78’), 20.Jung Hae In, 24.Cho So Hyun, 27.Kang Sun Mi, 28.Kim Soo Yun
Substitutes not used: Nil
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil

GROUP B MATCH 3 - CHINA 1 (Zhang RUI 9') bt AUSTRALIA 0 on Sunday, May 23 at the Chengdu Sports Center Stadium, Chengdu, China
Referee: Sachiko YAMAGISHI (Japan)
Assistant referees: Ayukai SHIHO (Japan) and Takahashi SAORI (Japan)
Fourth official: Semaksuk PRAEW (Thailand)
Australia starting line-up: 18.Lydia WILLIAMS (GK), 3.Karla REUTER, 7.Heather GARRIOCK, 9.Sarah WALSH (11.Lisa DE VANNA 53’) (22.Sam KERR 73’), 10.Kylie LEDBROOK, 13.Thea SLATYER (c), 15.Sally SHIPARD, 17.Kyah SIMON (14.Collette MCCALLUM 60’), 19.Leena KHAMIS, 24.Tameka BUTT, 27.Aivi LUIK
Substitutes not used: 1.Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 4.Clare POLKINGHORNE, 5.Lauren COLTHORPE, 6.Servet UZUNLAR, 12. Kate GILL, 16.Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 23.Kim Carroll, 31.Teigen ALLEN, 5.Lauren COLTHORPE, 25.Casey DUMONT
Yellow cards: Karla REUTER 20’
Red cards: Nil
China starting line-up: 1.Zhang YANRU (GK), 2.Liu HUANA, 3.Yuan FAN, 5.Weng XINZHI, 7.Bi YAN, 8.Xu YUAN, 9.Han DUAN (13.Ma JUN), 14.Li DANYANG, 15.Sun LING, 16.Zhang RUI (11.You JIA 84’), 24.Ma ZIXIANG (19.Lou JIAHUI 76’)
Substitutes not used: 4.Jin XIAMOEI, 6.Zhang NA, 12.Guan JINGJING, 17.Pang FENGYUE, 18.Weng XIAOJIE (gk), 20.Zhou GAOPING
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil

Matildas 2 bt Vietnam 0 in 2010 AFC Asian Women's Cup Group B Match 1

2010-05-20T05:22:00.001+10:00

So the Matildas kickstarted their 2010 AFC Asian Women's Cup with a win! And even more interesting, in the other match in Group B, Korea Republic and China played out a 0-0 draw. That has two great benefits, that Australia already have three points while the two teams they really have to beat to get into the finals only has one and the Matildas already have a better goal difference. But aside from that, let's look quickly at last night's game and what it all means.

The good parts: A relatively easy win to get confidence up and experience into Australia's most inexperienced line-up. I though Leena Khamis was great, she just has that bit of anger, and she uses it to perfection. Her aggressive style, which was just to run straight at Vietnam's defenders, worked very well. Kylie Ledbrook was great too and I think she deserves to stay in the midfield when the A-team comes in against Korea. Defence was fine, Slatyer and Uzunlar the best, but they also didn't get very much of a work-out.

The bad parts: Some terrible passing early on in the game and getting too caught-up in Vietnam's game, which was basically to try and boot the ball anywhere they could out of defence. It didn't really work for them, and it didn't really work for the Matildas. But still enough quality there to show the Matildas deserved the win. Aivi Luik and Sally Shipard had a few 'oops' moments where they lost the ball, but both always chased it up. Plus for Luik that game was mostly about experience and for Shipard, getting back in the swing of it, they'll both be better for it. Not anything bad actually, just showed that some players were a little rusty, and some inexperienced, which was to be expected in that starting XI.

What Tom said: “Vietnam played very well and it was a tough first game. They were disciplined in defence and had some good passages of play,” said Sermanni.
“We are pleased to get the win which was our aim as we knew it would be difficult. I am satisfied with the win, but I think we could have played better.
“We have come to expect tough games against the likes of Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar, so to come through unscathed with a win is a positive.
“But we did have quite a few nerves and we didn't quite reach the high expectations we could have.”

“When we play in these tournaments it is very important to use the squad as a whole instead of just relying on the same starting 11.

“Both China and Korea will be very difficult to play against and to beat.
“There will be significant changes for the next game and we’ll see where we are placed following that.”

What comes next: Korea Republic - who opened with that aformentioned 0-0 draw with China in their match last night. And almost a whole team full of changes, with Polkinghorne, Garriock, McCallum, Walsh, Gill and de VVanna still to come in. I'd be very surprised if any of those players didn't play next game.
Interesting that Elise Kellond-Knight didn't play, which makes me think she is now considered one of the top Matildas midfielders. I'm a huge KK fan, she's gritty and tough but also technically very good, so I'd be very happy to see her holding down a central position in there.

MATCH DETAILS
AUSTRALIA 2 (Leena KHAMIS 28’, Kylie LEDBROOK 52’ (pen)) bt VIETNAM 0 at the Chengdu Sports Center Stadium, Chengdu, China on Wednesday, May 19, 2010.
Referee: Ri Hyang OK
Assistant referees: Hong Kum NYO and Liu Hsiu MEI
Fourth official: Sachiko Yamagishi
Australia starting line-up: 18.Lydia WILLIAMS (GK), 3.Karla REUTER, 5.Lauren COLTHORPE (31.Teigen ALLEN 64’), 6.Servet UZUNLAR (22.Sam KERR 53’), 10.Kylie LEDBROOK, 13.Thea SLATYER (c), 15.Sally SHIPARD, 17.Kyah SIMON, 19.Leena KHAMIS, 24.Tameka BUTT, 27.Aivi LUIK
Substitutes not used: 1.Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 4.Clare POLKINGHORNE, 7.Heather GARRIOCK, 9.Sarah WALSH, 11.Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Kate GILL, 16.Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, , 25.Casey DUMONT (gk)
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil
Vietnam starting line-up: 1.TRINH (gk), 4.Nguywen Thi Hanh, 7.Nguyen Thi Nga, 8.Dao Thi Mien, 13.Nguyen Thi Muon (19.Oanh 76’), 14.Chi, 15.Anh, 16.Le Thi Thuong, 18.Nguyet,23.Hong,29.An
Substitutes not used: 3.Nhieu Tuy Linh, 5.Nhu, 10.Nguyen Thi Thanh, 12.Phu, 17.Nguyen Hai Hoa, 20.Nguyet, 28.Do Thi Thu Trang, 27.Duong Thi Danh (gk), 28.Ngoc
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil

Matildas v Vietnam - AFC Women's Asian Cup Group Match 1

2010-05-19T16:47:00.005+10:00

The latest news on the squad that is set to start the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup opener for Australia is this, Lydia Williams in goal, Melissa Barbieri on the bench. Defender Thea Slatyer will wear the captain's armband. And two wonderful stories in that Aivi Luik will play, completing the journey she set out to when she came back to Australia from America at the end of last year, with a goal to get into the Matildas, and so will Sally Shipard, who is back on the international stage after a two-year-break and a W-League season where she signed for Canberra United but couldn't play at all due to an international transfer hold-up.

Thanks for the update FFA, and go get-em girls!

So looks like I was rather off in my starting XI predictions, this is who is out there. Williams (GK), Slatyer (C), Colthorpe, Luik, Khamis, Butt, Shipard, Simon, Uzunlar, Reuter and Ledbrook. Six minutes in and going ok so far.

Game update: 29minutes, goal! Lovely Leena Khamis header. Matildas have dominated so far, but at times got caught up in Vietnam's tendency to just kick the ball around anywhere instead of to a teammate. Am watching the game via dodgy internet stream with no commentary, but at least it's on!

Half-time update: still 1-0 to the Matildas and they are looking very much in control, although at sometimes kind of uncontrolled. What do I mean? Well the Matildas are dominating, but there has been some errant passes and too many lost long balls. So still plenty to work on in the second half, but if they can, the goals should start to flood in.

51st minute: Kylie Ledbrook very nicely finishes the penalty that Tameka Butt earned. 2-0 Matildas.

And oh dear, there goes my internet feed. Well, it's been fun so far. See you again soon.

Latest team news - Sarah Walsh is in! - Plus first eleven

2010-05-18T02:30:00.002+10:00

So just a matter of days away now and the good news from Matildas camp in Chengdu is that Sarah Walsh has passed a fitness test on her knee and will be in the squad for the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup. That means Michelle Heyman is back on a plane to Australia. But overall for Australia's chances, it's a GREAT thing that Walsh is fit because she is one of just four Australian gals plying their trade overseas and that experience is going to count for a lot come May 19.

The top Matildas goalscorer in the current squad was pretty relieved to get there, “It’s been a long four weeks and I’m very grateful to our medical team and Tom (Sermanni) who worked so hard and showed me so much support to get me back in time for the cup,” Walsh said. “Now my knee is strong it’s about concentrating on my fitness and getting out there to help the girls qualify for the World Cup and win the Asian Cup.”

But when the match kicks-off at 5pm Australian time on Wednesday, who will actually be out there? I'm not sure if Walsh will be on the field, although she is usually first-choice striker with DeVanna coming off the bench, but will her knee be up for the 60 or 70minutes she will have to play if she starts? So there are still plenty of questions as there are a few players in the mix in this squad that didn't play in the last four friendlies. So here is my guess at the starting eleven, in four-four-two although they are probably just as likely to play four-three-three, for the first game against Vietnam.

GK - Melissa Barbieri
Defenders - Clare Polkinghorne, Thea Slatyer, Kim Carroll, Heather Garriock
Midfielders - Collette McCallum, Lauren Colthorpe, Elise Kellond-Knight, Sally Shipard
Strikers - Katie Gill, Lisa de Vanna
Bench - Sarah Walsh, Karla Reuter, Tameka Butt, Kyah Simon, Lydia Williams (GK)

But a few reasons, given Barbieri is now Matildas captain I expect her to start in every-game, with Williams and then Dumont as the back-up order in case of injury. I think the central defenders will be Kim Carroll and Thea Slatyer, an experienced duo who are also just very very tough, but with some speed on the outside in Polkinghorne and Garriock because the Matildas will need it to shut down those speedy Asian attacks. There is so many quality midfielders it's hard to pick which way Tom Sermanni will structure it there, but Collette McCallum is the best set-piece taker in the Matildas and will start. I really like the way KK plays the game, so she's in my team, but could also be Kylie Ledbrook in a more defensive position, or Aivi Luik, or Kyah Simon in a role there. I'd also like to see Sal Shipard get a go, because after last year's W-League season debacle which you can find more about here and here (although they have spelt her name wrong, come on Half Time Heroes), I think she deserves it. She was a starting member of the team in the 2007 World Cup, when she was still a teenager. But compared to lots of other players, she doesn't have that much game-time under her belt, so you can see how other players would be ahead of her. I think Tameka Butt will definitely play, but just whether it's an impact player off the bench or as a starter, I'm waiting to see. The strikers, well that's probably the easiest. It will be Katie Gill and either Lisa de Vanna or Sarah Walsh. I'm 99 per cent sure on that one.

Given I have been overseas and not actually been able to watch any of those lead-up games (which has frustrated me no end), this is probably way off, but I thought I would give it a go anyway. So please chip in with your starting XI's and let's see who is closest to pinning the tail on the donkey!

And remember, for all of you lucky enough to be in Australia, watch the game live on ABC. After all, they have also just agreed to cover the competition until its conclusion on May 29, on top of Australia's group matches. So if the Matildas do make it through to the finals, they will be live on TV too. And finally,

GO MATILDAS GO!

Matildas 2010 Asian Cup squad vs the 2007 Matildas World Cup squad

2010-05-11T16:18:00.000+10:00

So the Matildas leave for China tomorrow for the 2010 Asian Cup, and as of today have one extra passenger, Central Coast Mariner Michelle Heyman.

Heyman, who was voted the best player in the W-League last season and the golden boot winner, is in as injury cover for senior striker Sarah Walsh. Now Walsh will still travel to China and be given until May 17, when the FFA has to submit it's full squad to the AFC, to prove her fitness. Otherwise it looks like Heyman will be going from local women's premier league in New South Wales, to an international stage in 12-months. It's funny how a little thing like opportunity, wouldn't have happened if not for the W-League, can help out with that.

So shall we talk about the squad? How it's all coming together and if they are really a chance to qualify for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany? Well, I could, but first let's start with something that requires a little back-tracking, but I think is certainly worth it.

Because what I want to know is, after all this talk of a complete rebuilding period in Australian women's football after a host of post 2007 World Cup retirements - how different is this actual squad from that World Cup edition?

So I decided to crunch the maths, and here is the comparison.

THE 2010 MATILDAS ASIAN CUP SQUAD
Goalkeepers – Melissa BARBIERI, Lydia WILLIAMS, Casey DUMONT
Defenders – Heather GARRIOCK, Clare POLKINGHORNE, Thea SLATYER, Teigen ALLEN, Kim CARROLL, Karla REUTER, Servet UNZULAR,
Midfielders – Lauren COLTHORPE, Collette McCALLUM, Sally SHIPARD, Tameka BUTT, Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, Aivi LUIK, Kylie LEDBROOK,
Forwards – Lisa DeVANNA, Kate GILL, Sarah WALSH, Sam KERR, Leena KHAMIS, Kyah SIMON

THE 2007 WORLD CUP MATILDAS
Goalkeepers – Melissa BARBIERI, Lydia WILLIAMS, Emma WIRKUS
Defenders – Di ALAGICH, Rhian DAVIES, Heather GARRIOCK, Kate McSHEA, Clare POLKINGHORNE, Cheryl SALISBURY, Thea SLATYER, Karla REUTER
Midfielders – Lauren COLTHORPE, Alicia FERGUSON, Collette McCALLUM, Joanne PETERS, Sally SHIPARD, Danielle SMALL
Forwards – Joanne BURGESS, Lisa DeVANNA, Kate GILL, Caitlin MUNOZ, Sarah WALSH

But what does it all mean Basil?

Well there are 12 players returning from the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup. They are, Melissa BARBIERI, Karla REUTER, Lydia WILLIAMS, Heather GARRIOCK, Clare POLKINGHORNE, Thea SLATYER, Lauren COLTHORPE, Collette McCALLUM, Sally SHIPARD, Lisa DeVANNA, Kate GILL and Sarah WALSH.

The new faces in 2010 are: Teigen Allen, Tameka Butt, Casey Dumont, Kim Carroll, Elise Kellond-Knight, Sam Kerr, Leena Khamis, Aivi Luik, Clare Polkinghorne, Kyah Simon and Servet Uzunlar. And now possibly Michelle Heyman.

So pretty much the squad is half new. But is it a completely new generation of Matildas? I think it can probably be argued both ways.

One is that yes, it is, simply because of the players who aren't there. Cheryl Salisbury was a once in a lifetime player. She simply could not be directly replaced in the Matildas team, because there isn't anyone else like her. Then there is Jo Peters, Di Alagich, both players with a huge amount of international experience who also retired.

But there is also a lot of familar faces in all positions and in particular in the attacking half. Although if Walsh is injured it will be a huge blow, Lisa de Vanna and Kate Gill are a more than capable duo. Add in Sam Kerr off the bench and there is a world class attack. The defence and midfield will be a lot less experienced together, but stick Heather Garriock and Sally Shipard in the middle with some new Matildas and it will always be a dangerous line-up. Thea Slatyer and Clare Polkinghorne are great tough defenders, and if you put them at centre-back it could allow for some more attacking players on the wings, or even put Polkinghorne out there on a wing and Servet Uzunlar in the middle. Another interesting storyline will be what happens in goal. Melissa Barbieri's selection as captain suggests she will start every game, but in the past two years she and Lydia Williams have had an on-off type arrangement. Casey Dumont is also right-up there if we are going on W-League form, not age and experience.

Whichever way you look at it, it's an interesting mix of old and new. It's a team with plenty of talent and let's hope it's enough to earn a second FIFA Women's World Cup berth.

I'll be following with interest, and I hope you are too.

Notes from a WPS match

2010-05-02T09:56:00.000+10:00

So one part of being overseas is that today I actually was able to catch some WPS action, that's the Women's Pro Soccer League. Unfortunately not live, but through Fox Sports World's broadcast. So my thoughts after watching an entire game? Well it's pretty damn similar to Australia's own W-League.

I caught the Round 4 game between Sky Blue FC and FC Gold Pride, the team that has the best women's player in the world - Marta. But apart from Marta, whose skill-level is amazing, most of the players looked on par with the W-League. Of course the American game was fast and physical, but that's the way they play, and going on the game I saw yesterday, the Australian league is a more technical game and even more focused on possession. So the leagues have their differences, but going on yesterday's match, there is no reason why more of Australian couldn't get gigs there. Someone like Sam Kerr, with her physicality combined with great foot skills, I'm sure would carve it up.

But there is one thing that the WPS has that the W-League doesn't. And that is FC Gold Pride's Kiki Bosio and her flip throw. Yep, the flip throw. Here is her explanation of it, from an interview with her college team before she graduated last year.

SCU: What, if any, are the secrets behind your flip throw? How have you been able to make it such a valuable asset to your game?

KB: I don't think there are any secrets to my flip throw. It honestly is not hard to do once you get over the fear of doing it. It is a skill that I learned when I was nine years old so I have had 13 years to develop it. It has definitely been a useful tool to my game and the team's game. We've scored a number of goals off of it this year and play it similar to a corner kick.

Well anyway now Bosio is a first-year WPS player, but is starting to become a dangerous asset off the bench thanks to the craziness that is the flip-throw. Well that's what the special comments girl on the TV said, and yes, she apparently does it for every throw-in. So my question is, who will be the first to bring it into the W-League?

And to round it out, some other interesting WPS facts. If you couldn't get to the game yesterday, or the Fox Soccer TV broadcast, the game was also on an internet stream and for those lucky enough to have iphone's, a phone stream. Three different ways to watch the game? Yes please. Then there is my favourite, fantasy women's football. Check it out here. Perhaps one of the first female-athlete fantasy games out there?

Oh and the game? FC Gold Pride won 1-0 thanks to a nicely-finished set-piece goal from Canadian Christine Sinclair, who then did the chicken dance afterwards.

Matildas squad to tour New Zealand announced

2010-02-11T10:36:00.001+11:00

So the squad is out and isn't it an interesting one! Certainly pretty different from the players who attended the training camp in Canberra a few weeks ago and one that actually isn't as inexperienced as perhaps thought. Helping that is a few players back in the line-up, like Sally Shipard and Kylie Ledbrook, who have both been out of the set-up for two years. In particular it's great to see Shipard back, after she retired at just 19 and then had her W-League comeback cruelled by an international transfer, but more on that later. Thea Slatyer is another who hasn't played a whole lot lately, but was a starting member in defence at the 2007 World Cup. Then there is the talented youth, Sam Kerr, who cleaned up at the W-League awards despite hardly playing any games. Aivi Luik will be on her first Matildas tour after ending her American college career to do just that.

Technology issues prevent me from easily putting it all up here, but briefly here is the squad and I promise more will follow!
Melissa Barbieri (gk), Tameka Butt, Kim Carroll, Lauren Colthorpe, Lisa de Vanna, Heather Garriock, Katie Gill, Elise Kellond-Knight, Sam Kerr, Leena Khamis, Kylie Ledbrook, Aivi Luik, Collette McCallum, Clare Polkinghorne, Sally Shipard, Kyah Simon, Thea Slatyer, Servet Uzunlar, Sarah Walsh, Lydia Williams (gk).

The squad will play games against New Zealand on February 17 and 20.

Cya later Los Angeles Sol - First WPS team goes bust

2010-01-30T10:39:00.002+11:00

So it might be happy days in Australia thanks to the Matildas new pay deal, but on the other side of the world Women's professional soccer took a small step backwards yesterday.
The Los Angeles Sol has folded.
Yes, the WPS's marquee team, with none other than Marta as their best player, the inuagural grand finalists and league champions. Well they won't be doing any of that in 2010.
The Anschultz Entertainment Group handed back it's ownership stake back in November. They are the same group that owns MLS team LA Galaxy (yes, the one that Beckham plays for) and had owned a host of other MLS teams, but just decided they didn't want to own the girls anymore.
Women's Pro Soccer league management took over and tried to find a new owner, but couldn't and yesterday announced the franchise was kaput, for this season at least.
The players will be drafted out in a re-assignment draft next Thursday. Which could either be kind of awesome for Atlanta Beat, who has the first pick in this draft, or kind of stressful.
On one hand, it's a clear choice, pick-up four time FIFA women's World Player of the Year Marta. On the other hand, will any other team have enough to pay her the $500,000 salary that she got in her first season at the Sol?

Overall though, for the league that was supposed to reinvent women's football when it started last year and unlike it's predesscor, the WUSA, do all that without going broke - it's not a great step. Or is it?
If you want to hear from the frustrated, read LA journo Jo-Ryan Salazar's excellent piece here on the Bleacher Report.
But delving further into the story, there are plenty more that suggest it's not the end of the world, or at least the start of a crumble.
On World Soccer Digest, Richard Barley has put together a story using lots of other links to other stories including a long five-part piece from Jeff Kassouf at the Equalizer, that sums up what happened. Although Kassouf is kind of angry with it all, Barley sums it up as not entirely bad. Perhaps just weeding out the owners that aren't actually that serious. You can also read Jeff's full piece here.
But perhaps the one that makes most sense is from Tom Dunmore on Pitch Invasion, where he actually wonders if them folding is a good thing. Which it may be. It's a very eloquently put piece.

So what's the down-under view from GWG? Certainly I think there is positives to come out of this. The big-one? The debate above. When it comes down to it, even this professional women's league isn't anywhere near the men's when it comes to the crunch, but what will help it get there? A generation of fanatical fans and interested media who are committed to spreading the stories. At least from the hoopla happening on the interweb right now, it's obvious there are a whole lot of people from both sides who care about women's football. A tad soppy? Well, yes. But it's the lesson that I'm going to take from it. And it seems the lesson that some of the club's already have. The Chicago Red Stars have just posted on their website a statement saying they are strong, but please, if you like women's football show your support by attending a game, or buying a membership. The main message? Assert that this league matters. It's a good one for any women's football league, or any women's sporting league anywhere to take. So girls and boys wherever you are, get on board and support your team!

New Matildas pay deal - is professionalism almost here?

2010-01-23T12:19:00.001+11:00

So by now, I'm sure all you female football fans have heard the great news. If you haven't already over at The Women's Game, SBS, the ABC, the AFC or others that are covering the news, this year the Matildas will start to recieve match payments and have new and improved contracts with Football Federation Australia. So what does it mean? GWG has a stab at telling you.

THE CONTRACTS - In case you missed it, the story is this. For this year's Women's Asian Cup, a minimum of the 23-players in the Matildas squad will all receive six-month contracts. They will range in salary, but the top few players will earn $17,000. All players will then receive between $500 and $1000 for each game they play. It's the first-time ever the Matildas will be paid match-payments. The Professional Footballer's Associtation played a huge role in the negotiations to get this far, particularly with the Matildas players representatives, Melissa Barbieri, Kate McShea, Lauren Colthorpe, Sarah Walsh and Heather Garriock.

WHAT THEY SAID - PFA chief executive Brendan Schwab,“We are determined to work with FFA to make football the sport of choice for elite athletes of both genders,” Mr Schwab said. “This agreement is a significant step towards the development of a professional career path for our best women footballers.”
“The new arrangements are a significant improvement on the previous agreement and are a result of constructive negotiations between all parties. As well as an increase in payments there are some other new conditions that will make being a Westfield Matilda much more beneficial.”
Matildas and Brisbane Roar defender Kate McShea, "It's guaranteed income which will hopefully help us focus more on football," McShea said. "We'll still have financial worries but they'll be a bit less of a burden.
"Our entire budget is probably what one Socceroo gets but in terms of female sports we're sitting pretty good. We've definitely come a long way."

WHAT IT MEANS - The immediate benefit - The Matildas 2011 World Cup qualifying campaign, which starts in May in China. In a year where they are focusing on trying to qualify for a FIFA Women's World Cup, the players can now spend a bit more time doing that than having to work to earn a living.
It also means the Australian's that played in overseas leagues last year, Heather Garriock, Sarah Walsh, Lisa de Vanna, Collette McCallum, Katie Gill and Lydia Williams, will not be so much out of pocket if they do stay at home instead of returning to the professional teams they belong to overseas. They could be earning actual enough to live-on wages in the Women's Pro League in America, or in Gill's case, Sweden. So this new Australian contract will at least help them pay the bills while they focus on getting Australia to a FIFA Women's World Cup.

The incentive - The contract will also be able to give Tom Sermanni an incentive for which to garner commitment. For example, after 2007 World Cup Thea Slatyer took some time off football. She played the first W-League season but then went travelling overseas, before coming back right at the end of the season and ended-up playing 30minutes for Canberra in one game. But if Tom Sermanni wants Thea Slatyer in his team, and as pretty much the only starting defender left from that 2007 World Cup team I'm sure he does, Slatyer will need to commit to a contract. Before those involved in the Australian set-up didn't have anything to really keep player's in the system for, apart from a love of the game. That can get hard to keep-up if you have a full-time job, plus a partner or family to contend with. Canberra United midfielder Grace Gill once said to me "I wonder how many men would keep playing if they weren't being paid for it?" and it's a quote I bring up again and again. Of course, they still need a love for the game. But it must be so much easier to love the game if it loves you back a little bit.

The career pathway - I think this announcement isn't just about the current players, although it is great for them, but it's about the impact it has for the players in the future.
For this argument, let's not even touch the old women versus men topic, because that's probably never going to change, but let's just talk about the female sporting landscape in Australia.
What do I mean there? Well, After the old WNSL collapsed and football was in no-women's land for four-years, Australian cricket, basketball and netball made steady increases.
The WNBL continues to be a strong league, none more so than this year where a host of Opals returning to the league means the title-race is right-open.
The WNCL has added two new women's teams this year, the ACT and Tasmania (although Tassie were just in the Twenty20) and has had national annual contracts for its players for years.
Netball has had a huge overhaul, with the old Commonwealth Bank trophy replaced by the Trans-Tasman competition with half and half Australian and New Zealand teams. Given that netball is the second-biggest sport behind Rugby Union in NZ, it was a smart move. The TV rights deal allowed them to struck a semi-professional league for women, with a minimum wage of $10,000 for a six-month contract. But most players are on more. Now more players from Australia are going to NZ to play as well.
Overall in terms of gaining a career in the sport, cricket and netball are still limited because the sports aren't played that widely across the world.
Football however is more like basketball, it's played almost everywhere, and basketball which has done a very good job of making a career pathway for its players in Australia. Apart from the individual sports (golf, swimming and tennis) do you know many Aussie women making a career from their sport? Well yes, there are some and most of them play basketball. Lauren Jackson is one player that does earn her entire living from her sport and playing in the USA, Korea and then Russia allowed her to do that.
There have been overseas female football leagues for years, but because Australia didn't have a national league, there was nowhere to really learn at a high-level and make a case to those European teams or American college scouts in football. Some players have done it, but it wasn't easy.
But now at least football is starting to get on par with providing that international pathway like basketball.
And as the fastest growing sport for women to play in Australia, there is now reward for making the top level. This new deals, and the promise that another deal will be negotiated in June to take the Matildas through to 2012, are the next step towards professionalism for Australia's footballing females. And yay for that!

Squad for first Matildas camp in January 2010

2010-01-13T16:11:00.002+11:00

So Tom Sermanni did tell me there would be 25-players at this camp, but given that five of his 29-squad that was announced by the FFA today are goalkeepers - that was about right in terms of field players. As mentioned in my pre-camp chat to Sermanni, which you can easily scroll down for, it's just below this post! it's now at the pointy-end of selection time.
Meet the players most likely to be representing Australia at the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup in China in May, and yes, there are some surprises in there.

Westfield Matildas squad list -Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Training Camp, AIS Football Fields, 14-17 January 2010, Teigen ALLEN (Sydney FC), Laura ALLEWAY (Melbourne Victory), Melissa BARBIERI (Melbourne Victory, GK), Leah BLAYNEY (Central Connecticut State University, USA), Ellie BRUSH (Canberra United), Joanne BURGESS (Brisbane Roar), Tameka BUTT (Brisbane Roar), Lauren COLTHORPE (Brisbane Roar), Casey DUMONT (Brisbane Roar, GK), Heather GARRIOCK (Sydney FC), Kathryn GILL (Perth Glory), Michelle HEYMAN (Central Coast Mariners), Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT (Brisbane Roar), Samantha KERR (Perth Glory), Leena KHAMIS (Sydney FC), Kylie LEDBROOK (Sydney FC), Aivi LUIK (Brisbane Roar), Collette McCALLUM (Perth Glory), Sian McLAREN (Adelaide United, GK), Kate McSHEA (Brisbane Roar), Ellyse PERRY (Canberra United), Clare POLKINGHORNE (Brisbane Roar), Karla REUTER (Brisbane Roar), Kyah SIMON (Sydney FC), Thea SLATYER (Canberra United), Emily VAN EGMOND (Canberra United), Sarah WALSH (Sydney FC), Lydia WILLIAMS (Canberra United, GK) and Emma WIRKUS (Perth Glory, GK).

The youngest: Teigen Allen (Sydney FC). The 15-year-old defender just pips Emily van Egmond, 16, and Sam Kerr, 16, to the post as the youngest in this group. All have played plenty of senior minutes this year in the W-League and dominated much-more senior opponents. It's Allen's first senior camp, while Kerr and van Egmond have both been there before.
The oldest: Jo Burgess (Brisbane Roar). The 30-year-old midfielder was outstanding for Brisbane Roar this season, creating chance after chance. She just comes in ahead of the Matildas no.1 keeper Melissa Barbieri, who reaches the 3-0 mark on January 20. An interesting time for the keepers' in the squad, Barbieri, Lydia Williams, Emma Wirkus, Sian McLaren and Casey Dumont. Although Barbieri I think is still the favourite.
The roughie: Leah Blayney (Central Connecticut State University, USA). The one great thing when it comes to US College graduates, just like Aivi Luik, is that they tend to have lots of stuff written about them on the web. As College sport is big business, although it's actually amateur, in the USA. So Blayney is from Katoomba, came through NSW academy programs and played in the old WNSL. She's also already played for the Young Matildas, at two FIFA under-20 World Cups, was involved in World Cup qualifiers and was a reserve player for the Athens 2004 Olympics. She played for Sydney FC in the first season of the W-League. But has mostly played college in the past three years and has excelled in the Northeast Conference women's soccer league. She's been named in three all-star teams and was named player of the year this season, with 10 goals and 13 assists. Will be interesting to see how she figures in the coming months as she leaves to go back to the USA almost straight after the camp. But she definitely wants to be there as she told the Blue Mountains Gazette. “Going to the Matildas training camp is an opportunity I’m thrilled about because I definitely want to play for the Matildas again," she said. Also could include Thea Slatyer in the roughie category. Although returning to Canberra United for the final three games, Slatyer only played 30minutes this season. After she played almost every game and vice-captained Canberra in the first season. She hasn't played that much football in the past year, since the first W-League season, but she is an experienced and confident defender who could definitely figure in the final mix. She was a starting member of the 2007 FIFA World Cup team.
W-League second-season starlets: Michelle Heyman (Central Coast Mariners), Ellie Brush (Canberra United), Laura Alleway (Melbourne Victory), Aivi Luik (Brisbane Roar), Sam Kerr (Perth Glory), Emily van Egmond (Canberra United), Teigen Allen (Sydney FC) Leena Khamis, (Sydney FC), Kylie Ledrook (Sydney FC). These are players that either were on the fringe or nowhere and made the cut thanks to a good second W-League season. Here's to the W-League for giving them that chance.
The missing Matildas: Where in the world is Lisa de Vanna? After Servet Uzunlar's stellar season in defence, surprising not to see her in there either.

2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers - it all starts here for the Matildas

2010-01-12T05:31:00.003+11:00

Well, not here on this very computer screen, that would be just silly. But it will start, officially, in Canberra this week with the first Matildas camp in 2010. While Tom Sermanni had close to 40 players in some camps last year, he's about to start whittling down to find his A-team that he hopes will qualify for the 2011 Women's World Cup in Germany.
They can only do that by finishing in the top-three teams at the AFC Women's Asian Cup in China this May. Quite a tough ask when you consider that Australia is currently the fourth-ranked team in Asia - behind North Korea (fifth), Japan (sixth) and China (13th). The Matildas are in 14th.
But so back to the numbers at this camp later this week, there will be about 25-players at the Australian Institute of Sport. And no injured tag-alongs, only fit players will be invited.
To quote flight of the concords - it's business time.
So girlswithgame caught up with Sermanni last month to find out his thoughts on Asia, from the under-16 girls failed qualifying, what this AFC tournament is going to be like, and what impact this W-League season has had on his Matildas thinking.

Is this camp where the real preparations for the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup start?
"We've had basically a year of transitioning. So now it's time to start trying to put together that 18 (field players) and who is going to be in there. But it's been tough, you look at the 18 I had at the last World Cup and this year there was only been two players in that line-up that have been available to be in camps this year. (With Sarah Walsh, Heather Garriock, Lisa de Vanna, Collette McCallum, Katie Gill and Lauren Colthorpe still playing, but just overseas). It's a significant change, so trying to find a balance in the squad to go forward, that's been tough."

Do you have a good idea of who that 21, 18 plus three goalkeepers, will be?
I've got an idea now, I'm still juggling players but we had around 40 players before, now we've looked at players closely in the W-League and we will pare the squad back. From now until getting the team sorted for May, it will be a much smaller squad.

Any standouts from this W-League season who have surprised you? The one who really hasn't been involved in anything at all is Michelle Heyman. She's really come out of nowhere. She's been the one that has stood out. In relation to others that have probably been under the radar, Servet (Uzunlar) playing at the back for Sydney, well we never would have thought of her there that was one out of left-field, but overall most of the players [that were standouts] are already involved in the program. Sam Kerr has also made an impact.

Can Michelle Heyman make that step-up to the international level? I just don't know at the moment. The thing in relation to Michelle, one of the things that makes me thing she might have a chance is that across her goals there have been some really good quality finishes. It's not like they bounced in off her shin, or she's just fallen into goal, some of her finishes have been quite accomplished. She's quite tall and physical, could that help against those smaller Asian teams too? She's is, but she's also quite mobile and she has reasonable speed with her feet in the W-League, whether that transfers over, well we'll have to wait. But I will say, that's the reason why the W-League is so important because of players like that. It gives them an opportunity.

So just how tough is it going to be to qualify for the 2011 World Cup in Germany through the AFC women's championships? It's going to be very difficult. It's going to be a very tough prospect. Three teams qualify and there are three teams higher than us in world ranking s at this stage, that tells you how tough it's going to be. Firstly, we are going in with probably the least experienced team we've ever had. The turnover, we've lost Cheryl [Salisbury], Joey [Peters], Di [Alagich] and more, there is probably 600 caps there. You can't replace that easily. That does make it difficult. Then there is the draw. There are five teams that can really challenge to make it through, [Japan, North Korea, China, South Korea and Australia], but it also means in two groups, well straight away you have three very competitive teams in one group. So we have to get past South Korea and China in our group and then if we do, need to beat North Korea or Japan in the semis. There are no games where we can afford to rest our best team. Which in these tournaments can make a big difference. Japan and North Korea may have a game or two where they can rest players in the group stage, we can't afford to do that.

What about playing China in China? (Who have been known to revert to, well, interesting tactics, before, see here) It's going to be very difficult. But at the end of the day, in all things, we can't say well we didn't succeed because we had to play China in China. If we don't qualify, we can't use that excuse.

An Australian women's team hasn't qualified for a FIFA World Cup through Asia for three years, was it disappointing to come so close with the under-16 girls team earlier this year? It was extremely disappointing, from many aspects, probably the biggest one was that we certainly believed that we deserved to quality and played well enough to do so. But football can be a cruel game sometimes and we were very unfortunate that we didn't get the break at the right time, in the right game. In the five games we had played, apart from the Japanese game when I think the team had physically and emotionally run out of gas because of the North Korean game, apart from that game, the team played exceptionally well.

How tough has the move into Asia been? It was commented on by the AFC that they thought we were the most improved country that they had seen in the last two years [at the under-16s], but I think we have been playing catch-up since we have gone into Asia. Asian counties have had these tournaments going on for some time, whereas we basically with our younger teams we haven't had the resources or the programs or the indentification in place as well as these Asian counties. So we have been playing catch-up and it's a case of constantly refining what we are doing, what we firmly believe are the types of athletes and players that we need to take the game ahead. What we have now within our younger team is some outstanding individual players, but in a team sense and probably technically in a game sense we are probably playing a little bit of catch-up with Asian teams and that's going to take time and that's going to take us utilising the resources we have to the best of our ability. It's constantly refining, I can't sit here and say we now have to do x,y and z because we are kind of doing the stuff I think we have to do, we just probably have to tweak and refine things a little bit and keep plugging away and hopefully make that breakthrough.

Is Australian women's football getting there then? Definitely, we are getting used to it. It 's not just getting used to the Asian style as a player and this might sound daft, but getting used to going to Asia to play. It's the different temperatures, the humdity, the food. All those things play a big factor and we are still getting used to going to Asia to play. But certainly I think we are doing the right things.

So stay tuned later this week for the actual squad list attending this camp. Also don't forget to scroll down and check-out the girlswithgame 2009 W-League season wrap and the year in Australian women's football. And in other women's football news this week, the 2010 American WPS draft is just three days away. And what's this, an actual live broadcast? Well, thankyou Fox Soccer. Should be interesting to see what the Aussie girls do this year, had heard from a couple that they were staying home this year to focus on World Cup qualifiers instead? But I'm sure all will be revealed, or at least a little bit of the picture, when the draft is on this week. While we are on the international round, make sure you stop by FIFA women's page to see their December wrap-up, including the 2009 FIFA Women's World Player of the Year.

Australian women's football year in review - 2009

2010-01-09T14:47:00.000+11:00

So there wasn't any World Cups, or even any World Cup qualifiers, but there was still plenty of women's football action in Australia, or involving Australia, last year. Here is a short-wrap of the year that was 2009 in Australian women's top-level football.

JANUARY - The first Westfield W-League finals series was played out between Brisbane Roar, Newcastle Jets, Canberra United and Sydney FC. In the two semi-finals, Canberra (third) upset Newcastle (second) to become the first team through to the inaugural grand final. In the other semi-final that followed, Sydney FC pushed Brisbane Roar all the way to penalties in searing heat in Brisbane. In the final that followed, injury hit Canberra hard in the week leading up and Brisbane pounced early to take a 2-0 win and the first premiership to go with their league championship. Lana Harch, who scored the second goal and set the first one up, was named player of the match. Also in January was a friendly match against Italy at Parramatta Stadium in Sydney, where Australian legend Cheryl Salisbury farewelled the game on January 31st.

After 151 games, the most out of any Australian footballer, Salisbury bowed out in the 2-2 draw. She was almost able to complete a fairytale ending, when she scored a penalty to take the score to 2-1 in the second-half. But Italy equalised with 10-minutes to go. Still, it didn't take away much from the occasion. I was one in the stands joining in on the standing ovation when she was substituted with six minutes to go. And there was hardly a dry eye on the field afterwards. As Tom Sermanni said in this Mike Cockerill story, she'll be missed. "It's like when you're a kid, you come home from school and your mum's there, it makes you feel comfortable," Sermanni says. "Having Shezza around, you know when the team goes out on the field, the leadership is there. Her sheer presence gives you that sense of comfort. That's what we'll miss the most. There's not another Cheryl Salisbury, and there won't be for some time to come. But it's not just about the stature she brings. We talk about her reputation, but she's also been an outstanding player. She can play midfield, defence, or attack. The respect she's got is worldwide. When she played for the FIFA-All Stars, the coach, Hope Powell, said to me, 'I never realised how good a footballer she was.' It's on the field that Shezza is going to be almost impossible to replace." Read the rest of the story here. Pic. Salisbury being chaired off in Sydney.

FEBRUARY - The second of the Matildas friendlies against Italy did not go so well. It was the farewell match for Joey Peters, who was retiring after 110 games, and she took on the captain's armband for the game. But the Matildas lost 5-1 at Canberra Stadium, which is not how home-town debutant Ellie Brush (who just happens to be a central defender as well) wanted her first Matildas cap to go. It marked a changing in the guard for Australian women's football. Tom Sermanni admitted as much in his after-match press conference. “The first thing that went wrong was we conceded three goals in the first 15 minutes ...,” Sermanni said. “I think the second thing that was evident today was the fact that we are having a turnover in the squad.
“So when you put a combination of things together and add into that Cheryl retired last week and Joey retired today, you have I suppose the feeling of an Australian cricket team and it will take us a while to get back to where we were a year and a half ago.”
Peters for her part was upset, but happy she had made the decision to retire. “I’m very emotional at the moment, It’s just all hit me at once, I was fine leading into the game and it just felt like another game but just as I was about to walk on the field it hit me all at once,” Peters said. “But I’m pleased with the decision and at peace with it.”

MARCH - A new era in women's professional football was also happening across the other side of the world and a handful of Matildas were involved in the inaugural season of the Women's Professional Soccer league. Heather Garriock (Chicago Red Stars), Sarah Walsh (Sky Blue FC), Lisa de Vanna (Washington Freedom) and Collette McCallum (Sky Blue FC) were all picked up in the first draft, and Lydia Williams earned the rookie goalkeeper spot after trialling strongly with Chicago. After the last attempt at a women's pro league in America went bust years ago, the new league started with eight teams across the states and paid all of its contracted players enough cash to live on. Pic: Lisa de Vanna in action in the WPS.

APRIL - The first ever under-14 girls national titles were held in Canberra and a team selected by new under-14 Australian coach Jeff Hopkins went on to compete in Asia. It's the youngest age-group that's ever had a national titles in Australia and adds another step in the pathway to becoming a Matilda.

AUGUST - The Young Matildas team misses out on qualifying for the 2010 under-20 FIFA Women's World Cup in controversial circumstances. And Tom Sermanni didn't hold back, calling the officials incompetent in this story. The story of the brawl that erupted in the match between China and Australia made nationwide news, with the AFC handing the FFA a $4700 fine.

But in happier news this month, Collette McCallum helped Sky Blue FC to complete a fairytale finish to the season and capture the first WPS premiership after defeating Los Angeles Sol (who had none other than Brazilian champion Marta in its team) in the final on August 22nd. In a journey that has to be read about to be believed, after three sacked coaches and then captain/coach Christie Rampone revealing she was actually pregnant while she coached the team and played in the final month, Sky Blue FC still triumphed. "...It was such an achievement to win and also with all the ups and downs that we did have, my team was just crazy in all the stuff we went through, so to get to the end and then actually win it, it was just great," McCallum told girlswithgame.

OCTOBER - The second season of the W-League kicks-off with the same eight teams, Sydney FC, Brisbane Roar, Central Coast Mariners, Canberra United, Melbourne Victory, Perth Glory, Adelaide United and Newcastle Jets, but a host of new faces. There is new coaches at Canberra (Ray Junna), Perth (John Gibson) and Newcastle (Wayne O'Sullivan) and even more new captains. Clare Polkinghorne took over at Brisbane, Lydia Williams became a co-captain with Ellie Brush in Canberra, Melissa Barbieri became a co-captain with Tal Karp in Melbourne, Hayley Crawford stepped into the very big-shoes of Cheryl Salisbury at Newcastle and Chistina Papageorgiou took the armband at Adelaide.

NOVEMBER - The Australian under-16 girls team fail to qualify for the 2010 under-17 Women's World Cup. After going undefeated throughout the round stages at the 2009 under-16 AFC women's championships, the Robbie Hooker coached team just came up against a Korean side that just kept coming and ended-up winning 4-3 in a thriller. It means apart from the Matildas, an Australian underage team hasn't qualified for a FIFA junior World Cup since 2006. They haven't qualified through Asia once. Out of all teams, this one had high expectations with players like Sam Kerr, Emily van Egmond and Tara Andrews, but they missed out by the smallest margin when they went down in the third-placed play-off against Japan. They would have played in the final if they had beaten Korea Republic. Instead North Korea, South Korea and Japan went through. You can re-cap the campaign, including previews with Hooker in my November archives and the original preview here.

DECEMBER - After a W-League season that turned into a three-team race, Sydney FC down the Central Coast Mariners in the final-round of regular season games to take the league championship by a single point. They then thumped Canberra United in their semi-final despite being a player down, with Canberra only just sneaking into fourth spot courtesy of a Perth win over Melbourne and better goal difference than the the Victory, to win a home final. In the other semi, Brisbane Roar ended the Mariners chances of a fairytale season with a 1-0 win in that semi. It set-up the final that everyone had predicted at the start of the year though, with almost every player who started in the grand final either a Matilda or a Danish international (Sydney FC's Cathrin Paaske and Julie Rydahl). In a thriller where Brisbane Roar scored first, Sydney then scored three brilliant second-half goals to claim its second title for the 2009 season. The Roar did score a late goal to make it 3-2, but Sydney already had the game wrapped-up. Alen Stajcic was a very happy coach. "It was a fantastic second-half performance," Stajcic declared. "It often takes us 15-20 minutes to warm up into but once a game settles, we play the football we want and we get on top and that is what happened today."

"I thought in that half-hour spell in the second half we could have got five or six goals."
"We really dominated and scored some good goals, and probably could have scored a few more."

"Brisbane obviously had to come at us in the last 15 minutes so they were a little bit exposed at the back." And while Michelle Heyman couldn't complete her amazing year, from Sydney FC sub in season one to golden boot winner in 2009, with a finals appearance, the Mariner who could did finish with plenty of personal glory as the Julie Dolan medallist for season 2009. Heyman scored 11 goals in the season, including a hat-trick. In the other major awards, Perth pocket-rocket Sam Kerr won Players' Player, Ellyse Perry and Elise Kellond-Knight tied the young player of the year and Ray Junna (Canberra) and Stephen Roche (Mariners) tied the coaches award. For a full list of the winners, see here.

And that's all folks. But did I miss anything? Feel free to comment away!

Westfield W-League 2009 season review

2010-01-07T06:34:00.002+11:00

So I think we can all agree it was an amazing Grand Final, even though I haven't written about it here yet. Please excuse my tardiness as that involves an interstate house move and then an across the world move to Vancouver, but here is my (late, sorry) season review for season 2 of the Westfield W-League. A team by team analysis on how each club peformed and a wrap-up of who won the awards. Stay tuned later this week for a Q&A with Matildas coach Tom Sermanni, ahead of the Matildas first camp for 2010.

SYDNEY FC

2008/09 season - fourth, lost major semi-final on penalities to Queensland Roar

2009 season - PREMIERS and LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, finished on top of the ladder with 23-points, one ahead of the Central Coast Mariners and beat Brisbane Roar 3-2 in the 2009 grand final.
So Sydney FC were big underachievers in season one and in season two Alen Stajcic put together a squad list that should have, rightly so, started the league as favourites. It's been mentioned so many times on this blog you are all probably over it, but a team with Heather Garriock, Sarah Walsh, Cathrin Paaske and Julie Rydahl? All experienced international players who are all creative playmakers, it should have been a deadly combination. Took a few games to gel, particulary the first one where a stunned Sydney FC were beaten by the Mariners and a little-known former Sydney FC player in Michelle Heyman. Once it did gel though, they carved up most opposition. Garriock was particulary excellent as captain. She played in defence and also in the midfield and you couldn't get a better example of what she was capable of when Sydney FC went a player down 10minutes into the semi-final against Canberra. She just ran and ran, but didn't lose her excellent skill on the ball either. But we've already heard plenty about those big-names, but it wouldn't have all come together for Sydney FC this season without the rest of the team. Particulary Servet Uzunlar, who is listed on the FFA's Matildas page as under forwards, making the switch to defence to fill a hole and now looks to be in contention for a starting role there come May and the World Cup qualifiers. The gutsy, tiny, teenage Linda O'Neill in midfield. Leena Khamis, last year's golden boot who was excellent again with seven goals this season. Kylie Ledbrook in the midfield, Alesha Clifford in defence and the one that hardly seems to get a mention anywhere but should, Nikola Dieter. Out of all the teams in the top-four, the least experienced keeper internationally and also one of the youngest, but was confident and agile when needed to be.

VERDICT - All in all, Sydney FC deserved its haul this season as everything came together when it needed too.

BRISBANE ROAR
2008/09 season - PREMIERS and LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, beat Canberra United 2-0 in the first grand final at Ballymore Stadium in January 2009.
2009 season - second, lost grand final to Sydney FC 3-2.
Brisbane started the season as favourites again, with hardly any changes to its squad and the addition of Aivi Luik to the midifeld. Liuk has an accomplished American career and a stint in Ukraine, read about it here, but has never played for the Matildas so came back to make a go of it this season. Also had a new captain in Clare Polkinghorne, who took over from Kate McShea. They started the season strongly, but then injury contributed to an inconsistent patch in the middle where they were lucky to escape with a draw against the winless Adelaide, who had gone 2-0 up in Brisbane before the Roar came back to draw 2-2 in Round 7. Finished off the season strongly, but not well enough to win another grand final. Bright spots were Polkinghorne, Tameka Butt, Elise Kellond-Knight, Luik, Kate McShea and Casey Dumont. Other than that, perhaps a few too many Matildas in the mix? Jeff Hopkins mixed and matched his starting line-up more this year than last and it didn't seem to work, with a few players in and out of form.
VERDICT - Close to a grand final win, but their season was nowhere near as good as the first one where they were unbeatable. But will no doubt come back stronger from it.

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS
2008/09 season - sixth, with four wins and six losses
2009 season - third, lost to Brisbane Roar 1-0 in the minor semi-final after finishing second on the ladder at the end of the regular season.
With not one senior Matilda in its squad at the start of the season, the Mariners were written off by pretty much everyone and yes that includes me. But they also added three experienced Americans, including a very good goalkeeper in Jillian Loyden and then played host to the coming of age for Michelle Heyman. After a great local season, where she was the top goalscorer in the NSW women's premier league, Heyman scored twice against her old Sydney FC team in Round 1 to hand the Mariners the win. The question was then, could she keep it up? Well yes, and so could the Mariners. Heyman ended up with 11 for the season, the golden boot, and the Julie Dolan medal for W-League player of the year. But what most impressed me is that the Mariners just worked with what they had. They didn't have a huge number of players with great technical skill on the ball, but they instead just played it simple. Simple passes, got it forward and when they were there, took a shot. More often than not it worked. Football can often be overcomplicated, but the Mariners played simple, great entertaining football. With the host of young players they had this season, hopefully they can bring it all together again next year. And by then, Heyman could have a few Matildas caps to her name too.

CANBERRA UNITED
2008/09 - second, lost grand final to Queensland Roar 3-0
2009 - fourth, lost major semi-final 3-0 to Sydney FC
A new coach, Ray Junna, and an almost completely new team mainly thanks to injury and players being unavailable. Two of United's best in the first season, Amy Chapman and Caitlin Munoz, out with injury, Thea Slatyer was off overseas and Rhian Davies not making that extra-huge long trip from near Darwin. So there is about 150 Matildas caps right there - lost. But United's young team exceeded expectations. Somehow gaining Ellyse Perry was brilliant, as was Emily van Egmond's move to Canberra, and they both added creativity and class to defence and midfield. In fact, Canberra's midfield and defence I matched it with almost everyone. It was just that there was so much pressure on so little out and out strikers that the goals were so hard to come by. Going from a supporting striker to the main role in just one season for Ashleigh Sykes was always going to be a HUGE ask. Sykes created so many chances, and should have scored many more, but I've got no doubt she will. Tseng Shu-O was great too, but still not an out an out striker. Some great second-year performances from some of United's young and returning faces, Cian Maciejewski stepped up another level from her first year, Ellie Brush was great again while Kahlia Hogg and Jen Bisset were excellent in the midfield. Could be a team on the rise. And yay, a team who was updated it's website with the awards! And there was no real surprise with Ellyse Perry sweeping the board. As well as the MVP and the Players' Player award, Perry also scooped the fans award. Although I think there is two players who would have been very close in voting, Cian Maciejewski and Ellie Brush, although the ankle injury late in the season cost Cian two-games, Perry deserves it. Remember this was also her first full football season after having more than 12-months off as she focused on that other sport she also plays for Australia, cricket, and played in an ICC women's World Cup and ICC women's Twenty20 World Cup. She admitted she was a bit nervous coming back into it, but she played like she had hardly missed a beat. A great defender on the right side, her greatest asset is just how much she attacks, her crossing and her ability to strike a deadball. She scored one goal all season, but had at least six assists.
VERDICT - Exceeded their own expectations this year, but if they can get an international class striker next season, either Munoz back from injury or someone else, then they will be title contenders then.

MELBOURNE VICTORY
2008/09 season - fifth, with four wins and six losses
2009 season - fifth, with four wins, two draws and four losses
So it was history repeating itself for Melbourne Victory and it must have been painful. In the first season it was Canberra United that won in a 3-2 thriller in Round 9 to put itself into the finals and keep Melbourne out. But the Victory reversed that in the same Round 9 clash in season 2009, with an 87th minute winner from Katie Thorlakson handing them the 1-0 win and a place in the four with just one round to go. There was just one scenario that could put them out in the final round, a Canberra win over Adelaide in Canberra and then the Victory losing to Perth in Perth. Unfortunately for Melbourne fans and the club, that's exactly what happened. But still it was a better season for the Victory, they finished with two more points than in their first season and put in some great performances. The addition of American Julianne Sitch was a great one, while a number of other players did well. They did have a whole host of fly-in fly-out Queenslanders though and speaking to co-captain Tal Karp earlier this season, she said that had been tough. With travel allowances for each team to be cut down even further next season, will this be the case again?
VERDICT - Did well with the squad they had, but will be ruing those few chances, a goal here or there, that would have been enough to secure their first W-League finals appearance this year.

PERTH GLORY
2008/09 season - seventh, with three wins, two draws and five losses
2009 season -sixth, four wins, one draw and five losses
So Perth did finish with more points and one spot higher than they did in the first season, but surely this will be a underachievement? I know that I certainly predicted that it would be Perth, not the Mariners, who would step-up and take Newcastle's spot in the finals this year. But to be fair, the players that I expected to help with that, Sam Kerr, Katie Gill, Lisa de Vanna and Collette McCallum didn't play that much. Kerr was overseas with the Australian under-16 team most of the season, Gill only played the final two games after her committments with her Swedish club, McCallum was injured for almost half the season and well de Vanna was her usual exciting self. Because she lost her temper, as she is prone to do, a few times she was suspended and just went missing in others. But well, when she's on, she's amazing. Without those four on a regular basis though, Perth were going to struggle to match some of the big teams. When they had them, like when they beat Brisbane and then Melbourne right at the end of the season, they were amazing. Still, Perth did play some great football under John Gibson even without those players and great to see someone like Shannon May rewarded, she took home the award for Perth's most glorious player. Sam Kerr also lived-up to the hype, that Tom Sermanni predicted here, and took home two W-League awards, for best goal and Players' Player.
VERDICT - Disappointing, but no doubt having a second season in a row where they only starting performing to their potential in the last four games, will be prepared for a better 2010 season.

ADELAIDE UNITED
2008/09 season - last, two wins, one draw, seven losses
2009 season - seventh, no wins, three draws, seven losses
Well in one aspect, Adelaide did do slightly better than their first season because they didn't finish with the wooden spoon. But going from having two wins to none? Well that wasn't so great. But Adelaide did lose so much experience and class from its first season, pretty much all due to retirement. This year there was no Di Alagich, no Sharon Black, no Kristyn Swaffer. So that was always going to hurt. Then there was the knee injury to Vicky Balomenos, the only Matilda in the Adelaide team. Also, Adelaide did suffer because some of its best players spent a lot of the season with Robbie Hooker's under-16 Australian team. So it was always going to be a struggle for Adelaide, but they probably still could have played a bit better throughout the season. For instance, they went up 2-0 against Brisbane Roar in Brisbane late in the season. Where was that spark the rest of the season? Still uncovered some great little players, like Donna Cockayne and Rachel Quigley.
VERDICT - A bit more consistency and a bit more experience needed for them to make a serious finals challenge.

NEWCASTLE JETS
2008/09 season - third, finished the regular season in second but lost 1-0 to Canberra United in the second semi-final
2009 season - last, two draws and eight losses
The Jets had the biggest fall from season one to two, but when you look at the players not with the team in the second season you can kind of understand why. Emily van Egmond went to Canberra, Katie Gill to Perth and then the biggest blow, two legends of the women's game in Australia, Joey Peters and Cheryl Salisbury retired. Peters had 109 Matildas caps and Salisbury, with 151 caps, is the most-capped Australian player across both the Socceroos and Matildas. It's not just the numbers, Salisbury is arguably Australia's greatest footballer. Then the Jets lost coach Gary Phillips a few months before the season started and his replacement, Wayne O'Sullivan, was only made coach a few weeks out. They also lost some of their best players, like Tara Andrews, for the under-16s AFC tournament. They did regain Hayley Crawford from Canberra and also had another experienced Matilda Amber Neilson in midfield. Alison Logue was also good in goal again after she was great in the first season. But just nothing seemed to work for the Jets. They lost too many games in the final 10minutes and must have wondered where all their luck went.
VERDICT - Like Adelaide, more experience needed here, but also probably just a little bit of luck. They didn't win a game like Adelaide, but in two games against eventual premiers Sydney FC only lost 1-0. Were in almost every game they played.

girlswithgame 2009 WESTFIELD W-LEAGUE SEASON snapshot
The stars that shone - Heather Garriock, Sarah Walsh, Katie Gill, Cathrin Paaske, Collette McCallum
The new ones in the making - Sam Kerr, Ellyse Perry, Tameka Butt, Elise Kellond-Knight, Clare Polkinghorne, Michelle Heyman, Servet Uzunlar, Nicole Sykes, Kahlia Hogg, Emily van Egmond, Casey Dumont, Leena Khamis, Linda O'Neill,
The coaches that shook up the style of game - Ray Junna (Canberra United), John Gibson (Perth Glory), Stephen Roche (Central Coast Mariners)
The internationals - The Danes, Cathrin Paaske and Julie Rydahl (Sydney FC), the Americans, Jillian Loyden, Kendall Fletcher and Lydia Vandenburgh (all Mariners), Julianne Sitch (Melbourne Victory) and Alex Singer (Perth Glory), the Canadian, Katie Thorlakson (Melbourne Victory), and the Tawianese, Tseng Shu-O and Chiung-Ying Lin (Canberra United)
Golden Boot - Michelle Heyman (Mariners) 11 goals
Julie Dolan medal for player of the year - Michelle Heyman
Players' Player - Sam Kerr (Perth Glory)
Young Player of the year - Ellyse Perry (Canberra United) and Elise Kellond-Knight (Brisbane Roar)
What happened? Brisbane started favourite again, but were quickly joined by the Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC as chances to claim the league champions title. Fourth spot turned into a battle between Canberra, Melbourne and Perth as those three battled inconsistency, but also putting in some stellar performances. Newcastle and Adelaide drew each other in their first game, 0-0, and it took them both several weeks to even score a goal. They didn't get much better throughout the season, while the top-six almost levelled out. It all came down to the final round, when Sydney FC beat the Mariners to claim the league championship and after it beat Adelaide, Canberra snuck into fourth spot on goal difference thanks to Perth beating Melbourne Victory in Perth. In the finals, Sydney easily beat Canberra and Brisbane just beat the Mariners to make it a Sydney/Brisbane final. In the final, Brisbane scored first but Sydney FC came from behind twice to win in a 3-2 thriller at Shark Park in Sydney.
What's going to happen next year? Expect more home-grown talent in each team (although not sure Brisbane and Canberra can fit any more home-grown players in!) as the travel allowance for interstate players is decreased. After the success of all the internationals this year, there was hardly one that didn't contribute, more focus on international players. Different line-ups and a more technical style of football, as introduced by coaches like Ray Junna and John Gibson this year who started the 4-4-3 line-up and focused on possession-based football. I think the competition will even out across the league. But mainly, don't expect to hear any W-League news for the next five months. From now, it's all about the Matildas World Cup qualifying campaign. First camp is at the AIS from January 14 to 17. Stay tuned for more here!

Westfield W-League grand final preview

2009-12-17T21:37:00.000+11:00

So it's finally here, although in such a short 10-week season, it's more like it's already here. I hold out for a future with at least 14-rounds, so each team can play each-other. But that aside, let's look at the 2009 Grand Final first, because it's going to be a cracker. While Canberra United did deserve to be in the inagural decider in the 2008/09 season, the grand final against Roar was a bit of a fizzer just because injuries robbed United of a real chance to compete. Amy Chapman could only hobble due to a knee injury and Brisbane set-up the early goal through a counter-attack down the wing she was playing on. From there, they shut it out early. Saturday's game could still go the same way, but just on the way that both have played this year, I think it will be close - if not go down to the wire.

THE GAME-PLAN - If either team does want to wrap this up early, which let's face it, they do, then early goals will be key. But it's going to be a bit of a tricky mix. Because Brisbane have the best defensive line in the W-League and one of Australia's best goal-keepers, but Sydney FC's forward line is surely the most deadly. Michelle Heyman might have been a one-woman goal-scoring machine for the Mariners, but Sydney have so many scoring options. Sydney FC's defence is possibly their weak-spot, particulary with Alesa Clifford out suspended this week. But Brisbane's forward line will be missing Sasha McDonnell who is also suspended, who created plenty of chances against the Mariners last week. So on those musings, it looks like Sydney FC will create great chances but be shut-out by a great defence, while Brisbane may create less chances against what's seen as the weaker defence - although they are still very capable. So basically in my confusing little equation there I think it's going to take some spectacular efforts to open the scoring for either team, and both teams certainly have those players.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
SARAH WALSH (Sydney FC) Walsh is one of the best strikers in the world, when she sees a chance, she takes it as in last week's beautifully converted Kyah Simon cross. Very, very dangerous.
HEATHER GARRIOCK (Sydney FC) As much as Paaske and Rydahl add so much class to Sydney FC's midfield, the Sydney FC captain is just the heart and soul of the team. She's such a technically great player, but a gutsy one too.
TAMEKA BUTT (Brisbane Roar) If there was ever a game they needed Butt to score, it's this one. The winger is no stranger to it though, has bagged a hat-trick this year and is a competent finisher when needed. Could be the difference.
CASEY DUMONT (Brisbane Roar) So yes, I'll bring it up again. But that first penalty Dumont took against Sydney FC last year? This girl just has mountains of confidence in the big games. Has hardly set a foot wrong all year and will be very very hard to get past in Brisbane's goal.

THE TEAMS - So a straight swap for Sydney, with experienced defender Lisa Gilbert coming into the team for Alesha Clifford. Will Alen Stajcic start with Gilbert in the back though? Or perhaps 15-year-old Teigan Allen who has played for the Young Matildas and a few games this year? Kylie Ledbrook was great when she went back after Clifford's red last week, but I think she's too valuable for the midfield. For Brisbane if Courtney Beutel is fit then I'd assume she'd start for Sasha. Brisbane have named Jenna Tristram, but I think she's very, very unlikely to play. It could be a great chance for some of the Roar's young strikers, like Steph Latham, to get a go.
Referee: Kate Jacewicz
Sydney FC squad: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 2. Teigen ALLEN, 5. Lisa GILBERT 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 8. Julie RYDAHL, 9. Sarah WALSH, 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrine PAASKE, 12. Michelle CARNEY, 13. Catherine CANNULI, 15. Kyah SIMON, 16. Linda O’NEILL, 18. Whitfield, BRITTANY 19. Leena KHAMIS, 20. Carla MONFORTE (gk)
In: Lisa GILBERT (promoted)
Out: Alesha CLIFFORD (suspended)
Unavailable: Nicola BOLGER (knee - season), Danielle BROGAN (knee – season)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6. Joanne BURGESS, 7. Pam BIGNOLD, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9 Jenna TRISTRAM, 10.Lana HARCH, 11. Aivi LUIK, 12. Steph LATHAM 13. Tameka BUTT, 15. Leah CURTIS 16. Lauren COLTHORPE 18. Courtney BEUTEL, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT, 20. Kate STEWART (gk), 21. Alisha FOOTE *two to be omitted*
In: Alisha FOOTE (promoted), Leah CURTIS (promoted), Jenna TRISTRAM (promoted), Stephanie LATHAM (promoted)
Out: Sasha MCDONNELL (suspended)
Unavailable: Emily GIELNIK (foot - season), Brooke SPENCE (ankle - season)
*Head-to-Heads: Played 3 Sydney FC wins 0, Brisbane Roar wins 1, Draws 2.

My prediction? It's almost too close to call, but I like the underdog and I think Brisbane will want to make up for only finishing third in the regular season. So the Roar to win 2-1, although I think Sydney FC are favourites and very much deserve to be.

Westfield W-League grand final week gossip

2009-12-17T08:32:00.000+11:00

So the really interesting news will be who the ins and outs are today for each team, particulary with two suspsended players to replace (Sasha McDonnell at Brisbane and Alesha Clifford at Sydney), but before then here is a bit more gossip.

At Sydney, Linda O'Neill still seems to be suffering from the flu, see this story on fourfourtwo where it doesn't look likely she will be able to play much part. While you are there, check out Alen Stajcic's response to Lawrie McKinna's twittering. Seems he might give it a go next season! But Leena Khamis, who scored a great goal against Canberra in the semi, said told Sydney FC's website they are still very confident. All around the team everyone’s excited, we’re going in with a bit of confidence coming from last week’s game [semi-final],” said Sydney’s star striker Leena Khamis. “It’s our first Grand Final so everyones on a bit of a high. And who better to play in a final than Brisbane.” The last time the Sky Blues faced the Roar was back in round four, a game which resulted in points being shared after a one-all draw.
“We almost dominated that game and we were unlucky to come away with the draw,” said the 23-year-old. The star striker feels Sydney will look to take control of the game early on. “The start of the game will be very crucial, probably the first 15 or 20 minutes,” said the forward. “The speed, the tempo and just the excitement of being in the Grand Final will show in the opening stages.”

“To get on top in the first 20 minutes will be important and get our ball rolling.”

While up in Brisbane, Karla Reuter, who scored the only goal in the semi-final win over the Mariners, has said that the Roar still have another level to reach. “We really all feel as though we have a lot more to give,” the 25-year-old said. “There’s only one game left and we can’t leave anything in the tank.” Check out the rest of the story on Reuter here.

On Saturday, expect to see a few familar Matildas faces who we haven't seen much of this season at the ground. Players like Kim Carroll, Danielle Brogan, Jenna Tristram and Caitlin Munoz are all being brought to the game so that Matildas medical staff can give them a once over and see if they may be ready for the World Cup qualifiers preparation, which will kick off in January with the first camp from the 14th to 17th.

In Canberra, United's management committee have offered to extend Ray Junna's contract for next year, but he's waiting to see how he goes in the ACT Academy of Sport role first. Apart from Stephen Roche at the Mariners, Junna is the only coach that isn't the state institute coach as well. But that didn't happen in Canberra as Robbie Hooker has had the role for years, but with Hooks set to take on Matildas in a full-time role next year, the job has opened. Junna has said he would love to continue, it's his first ever year coaching women's football, he is just waiting to see if it all works out.

And finally up at Newcastle, Wayne O'Sullivan gives his thoughts on the season over at the Newcastle Herald

And don't forget to check out all the predictions from a host of women's football experts and interested parties over at http://www.thewomensgame.com/. It seems all the money is with Sydney FC from the canvas of opinions.

Westfield W-League semi-final 2 - BRISBANE ROAR 1 bt MARINERS 0

2009-12-13T18:41:00.001+11:00

So it's the final that I, apologies to Mariners fans here, I think everyone wanted to see when Brisbane Roar come down to Sydney to take on the Sky Blues at Shark Park next Saturday.
So how did they get there? A sole goal to defender Karla Reuter was the difference and in the end, a very similar story to yesterday. Experience won through over enthusiasm was combined with another well-founded football rule, that a team with 10-players often rises to the occasion. Today's was a bit different as it was Roar striker Sasha McDonnell who was red-carded after Brisbane had already scored, but to still hold-on facing an onslaught from a Mariners team that desperately wanted to score, was a decent effort. I was only able to catch patches of the game tying in with my other actual work, but I did see that tackle that left Mariner Jenna Kingsley with a possible broken leg. Coach Stephen Roche said in the press conference afterwards she went straight to hospital, but there didn't seem to be any hard-feelings. "Jenna.. she's in a pretty bad way I think, she might have a broken leg. She's gone to hospital. Yes, there was plenty of feeling. Good hard football, a very physical contest," Roche said. It just seemed like it was that kind of game, tough, physical and unrelenting pressure from both teams. From what I did see, it was a cracking semi-final, exactly what finals football should be, close, physical and exciting and it had all of those.

THE WINNERS - BRISBANE ROAR

Jeff Hopkins said that the 6-0 thrashing of Newcastle last week had given them the boost they needed, yesterday and hopefully for next week too.
"The last game against Newcastle was excellent but before that we weren't firing on all cylinders," Hopkins said.
"But we got it right against Newcastle and this win will be a good confidence boost."
But just on the final, Brisbane will now be without striker Sasha McDonnell for the final because of her red-card, which puts both teams in very interesting positions. Because Sydney FC are down a defender, Alesha Clifford will be suspended from her red-card, and Brisbane down a striker. Courtney Beutel has been training again and played the last 15minutes, but is she fit enough to start? Jenna Tristram surely won't play after suffering yet another knee injury last weekend. And will Sydney go with Kylie Ledbrook in defence and add another midfielder, or bring in a defender to start? Some very interesting selections ahead.
*notes on quotes, yes, amazing insight there but unfortunately it's all that Sportal offered and there wasn't a media person on Brisbane's end to email me any quotes. Hopefully I will be able to get some better insight's for you all this week!

THE LOSERS - CENTRAL COAST MARINERS

Coach Stephen Roche. "A little bit gutted, when the send-off happened, well, but then we just didn't have enough gas left in the tank.

"We defended very well in the first half and I think that's something we learned from the first game, just how mobile they are, but first half I thought we nuliified pretty much anything they had. So pretty happy with the way that we defended and then the way we came out second-half was still good, then the send-off, putting all that pressure on but we just couldn't come up with it.

"There was nothing left in the tank there with anyone, at the end of the day they are a qulity team but we have well and truly matched it."

Does it bode well for next year? "Next year we will keep as many of them as we can, keep them with us and it's another year, for a pretty young team we'll come back next year and give it a bit more of a go, go one better.

"We aimed to get to finals, so to get second and nearly pinch the premiership there wasn't much in that either, we're over the moon with that."
Westfield W-League player of the year Michelle Heyman. "It is disappointing to lose, though it has been a great season by all the girls - we have had a great season, and we'll be back to go a step better next season.
"It was tough, perhaps the marking was not as tight as last weekend against Sydney FC, though they were really well organised today and made it tough for us," Heyman said.
MATCH DETAILS

BRISBANE ROAR 1 (Karla REUTER 63’) bt CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 0 at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford.
Referee: Kirralee Gardener
Assistant referee: Catherine Nash and Liz Shorter
Fourth official: Pete McCallum
Central Coast Mariners line-up: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER (C), 3. Lyndsay GLOHE (13. Trudy CAMILLERI 73’), 4. Rachael DOYLE, 9. Renee ROLLASON, 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR, 16. Jenna KINGSLEY (8. Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI 45’), 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH
Substitutes not used: 7. Teresa POLIAS, 15. Elizabeth O'REILLY, 20. Rachel COOPER (gk)
Yellow cards: Michelle HEYMAN 75’
Red cards: Nil
Brisbane Roar line-up: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER, 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6. Joanne BURGESS (18. Courtney BEUTEL 75’), 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 11. Aivi LUIK, 13. Tameka BUTT (10.Lana HARCH 89’), 14.Sasha MCDONNELL, 16. Lauren COLTHORPE, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT (7. Pam BIGNOLD 68’)
Substitutes not used: 20. Kate STEWART (gk), 12. Steph LATHAM
Yellow cards: Lauren COLTHORPE 32’, Sasha MCDONNELL 33’/69’, Karla REUTER 48’
Red cards: Sasha MCDONNELL 69’

Westfield W-League semi-final 1 - SYDNEY FC 3 bt CANBERRA 0

2009-12-13T00:12:00.002+11:00

So at the end of the day, the score looks a little lopsided. But the game was, despite going a player down 13minutes in when Alesha Clifford was handed a red for her tackle on Ashleigh Sykes, Sydney completely dominated and as Canberra captain on the day Lydia Williams said, it even appeared like some times they were the team with the extra player. All Sydney's stars, Garriock, Walsh, Khamis, Simon, Paaske and Rydahl, played brilliantly and in the end that was the difference. They just didn't let Canberra have any time or space on the ball, just kept hurrying them into doing things that ultimately didn't come off.
But it's enough from me, here's what the players and coaches thought of the first W-League semi-final of 2009.

THE WINNERS - SYDNEY FC
To coach Alen Stajcic, what did you think after the red-card? "Just a little bit worried, especially so early in the game when it could go to extra time, so yes, really worried but we re-organised well.
"We had Kylie Ledbrook there and just lost a bit in midfield and young Linda was sick as well so I knew she couldn’t last long, so just that whole reshuffle, we had to play with 10 players that was always going to make it difficult.

"But in terms of the context of the game and then what happened on the field, the way we finished, I thought the last 20minutes of the first half we really started to get on top and carried it through most of the second half, so it was good discpline, good composure, good finishing and we probably could have got another one there at the end.
"It’s one of the best performances I’ve ever seen, 10 players for 75minutes on a fairly hottish day against a good team, who haven’t lost that amount since Round 1, against a great goal-keeper, I’m really proud and it’s probably the best performance I’ve seen.
"But the way we finished the game and knocked the ball around at times it looked like we had the extra player, especially switching to Kyah there on the side, the midfielders, Paaske, Heather and Julie, just ran their butts off, that whole midfield they were just dominating that midfield against a good player like Emily van Egmond, so really proud." Who would you like to play in the final? I’d like Central Coast as I’ve coached most of them over the last 4 or 5 years at NSWIS, I know Heather will probably say Brisbane, but just to get two Sydney teams up would be my preference.
And to captain Heather Garriock, did it feel like you were a player down on the field?
"Absoutely, it felt like a player down, I don’t think all three midfielders had ever done so much running, especially for me to say that, I’m one of the fitter ones.
"It probably didn’t look it from the sidelines because we were knocking the ball around really well in patches, it broke down so time, because we are a pretty tricky team and sometimes we overplay it, in saying that, some of the football out there was magnificent.
Having the final back at Shark Park next week? It can’t be better, myself and Walshy, Servet, we all live here and we are estatic it’s here, of course I'm from Campbelltown but I've been here for the last three or four years and it’s brilliant to be able to play in the shire, I coach here as well. The support in general is fantastic.
A message to supporters? It was great to see some of the Cove there today, but hopefully we can get even more next week. But it helped so much, when we scored we could here them. The supporters were the extra player out there for us today."

THE LOSERS - CANBERRA UNITED
United's captain yesterday, Lydia Williams on what happened. On the day, while they player sent off, they wanted it more. That’s just the way football is. I think even though they had 10-players, it still felt like they had 11 or 12 on the park and at the end of the day you have to finish chances and at the end of the day they did and we didn’t.
To coach Ray Junna, on how Sydney FC just didn't allow Canberra any time at all on the ball. "It's just that, coming up against international players they just did the little things really well, we couldn’t dwell on the ball or take that extra look, because things were happening at a different pace.
"So hopefully the girls learn that from the game, we had a lot of 17 and 18-year-olds out there so hopefully they can put that in the memory bank and hopefully they will learn from it.
"They just didn’t get a chance on the ball, the one-twos, those little things, they didn’t allow us to do that. They overpowered us today, the first two goals were just a little bit sloppy too, just those little things again we spoke about letting people run across in front of you and those first two goals...then once they went two-up, they had it.
"But it was good to make it to the four and we’ll be back again next year."
On whether Canberra can keep the same squad, answered with much laughter from both Ray and Lydia, as with eight teenagers in the starting line-up today, most from Canberra, most of them are there to stay.
"They are all from Canberra, I don’t know where they are going to go, so they’ll definitely stay together," Junna said. "They are young, they can’t move out of home, so we will be staying together, you never know what will happen but hopefully we do stay together," Williams said.
Williams on if it was a bad way to end the season, "I think it was a bit disappointing, but at the end of the day it’s just a game and we’ll learn from it.
"It’s the end of the season for us but we made it to the top-four which is what we wanted too, and we met all expectations that we set out for ourselves, so that’s a positive."
And does Junna think now that Sydney will win the league championship and premiership?
"Well they haven’t got a defence now, so I will be surprised if they win it. So they will give it a shake whoever they come up against. But anything can happen."

MATCH DETAILS
SYDNEY FC 3 9(Sarah WALSH 44', Leena KHAMIS 61’, Heather GARRIOCK 84’) bt CANBERRA UNITED 0 at Shark Park, Cronulla.
Referee: Casey REIBELT
Sydney FC Line-up: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 4. Alesha Clifford, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 8. Julie RYDAHL, 9. Sarah WALSH (12. Michelle CARNEY 87’), 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrine PAASKE, 15. Kyah SIMON, 16. Linda O’Neill (2. Teigan ALLEN 38’), 19. Leena KHAMIS (13. Catherine CANNULLI 85’)
Substitutes Not Used: 18. Brittany WHITFIELD, 20. CARLA Monforte (gk)
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: 4. Alesha Clifford 13’
Canberra United Line-up: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (gk)(c), 2. Rebecca KTING, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Kahlia HOGG (6. Eleanor RAYMOND 86’), 7. Ellie BRUSH (c), 8. Emily VAN EGMOND, 10. Shu O TSENG, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Elyse PERRY, 19. Jennifer BISSET (11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI 61’)
Substitutes Not Used: 9. Grace GILL, 13. Thea SLATYER, 20. Jocelyn MARA (gk).
Yellow Cards: 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI 61’, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN 77’, 8. Emily VAN EGMOND 60’
Red cards: Nil

So one semi-final down and it's been confirmed that next week's final will be at Shark Park at 3pm on Saturday. So who will be turning-up to try and wrestle the premiership from Sydney FC? It will all unfold from 3pm today at Bluetongue Stadium. If you can't be there, watch it live on ABC TV.

Canberra United v Sydney FC - live!

2009-12-12T15:38:00.012+11:00

So it's very very windy here at Shark Park, so windy that it's going to make it tough to score anything unless it's on the ground I think. But a very interesting battle here.

So the red card to Alesha Clifford in the 13minute, was it deserved? It was clearly in my line of sight and yes, it was. Nothing too bad about it, but clearly it was last defender stopping the goal. So it makes it very very interesting now, particulary if Canberra can score before half-time. Sydney FC may be down to 10-players, but they haven't looked like it yet. Very very even at the moment, with 13minutes to go until half-time.

Also, Lisa de Vanna is here walking around with a Sydney FC shirt on. Just a supporter or more? Am starting the rumour mill.

Interesting that Linda O'Neill was just subbed off, with defender Teigen Allen on. Subs before half-time are always an interesting affair, but even more so given that Sydney have gone more defensive already. Sure they are down to 10-players, but is Alen Stajcic really feeling that much pressure from Canberra that he feels he needs to go more defensive already? A small-up for Canberra in the mind-game. *Turns out, that O'Neill was sick, had the flu and Stajcic said afterwards he knew she wouldn't last the game, but going down an extra-player meant it had to happen sooner rather than later.

Great atmosphere here at Shark Park, there are about 50 of Sydney FC's cove here and chanting up a storm. The Capital Punishment supporters are also here in strong numbers.
GOAL! Sarah Walsh from a Kyah Simon cross. Sydney FC 1-0 up just before half-time. And now the Cove has really gone off, with flares. That kind of smell disgusting and there is smoke across the ground.

Half-time, SYDNEY FC 1 (Sarah Walsh 45') leading CANBERRA UNITED 0 at Shark Park.
A very even first-half where Sydney FC made the most of its chances to steal a 1-0 lead. As I said before, probably the only way goals will be scored in this game with the wind so strong like it is, on the ground or at very very close range, where Walsh was when she tapped in the cross. Sydney FC certainly don't look like they are playing with one less player though and United need to make the most of that if they can get back that goal and even try and win in the second-half. Sydney FC currently look like they will land its first W-League grand final spot at the moment though.

10minutes into the second-half, Sydney FC have dominated the opening parts of this half. Two great runs from Sarah Walsh created chances, but nothing that really pressured Lydia Williams. Although, just as I said that, Ashleigh Sykes found some space and outpaced Ledbrook, but then slowed up, was caught and didn't pull the trigger early enough. Bit better momentum for Canberra though. But Sydney FC just look too confident and organised on the ball. Walsh causing problems again, and Brush forces a throw-in on the left-side of the ground to stop the run. Heather Garriock puts in a cross from that throw-in that Simon almost, almost gets a touch too in the box. But still 1-0.

GOAL, 61st minute, Khamis gets onto a lovely ball in at the top of the box from Julie Rydahl and just gets enough on the header to loop it in over Williams. A great goal and looks like that's Sydney through to the grand final. Canberra made a sub directly after, Maciejewski on for Bisset.

70th minute, Sydney FC are still attacking well, Heather Garriock has pushed right forward and creating plenty of chances as Canberra have gone into their shells a bit. Would take a miracle for United to come back from here.

GOAL, 84th minute. And Sydney FC add another, this time it's Heather Garriock and she's deserving of it. Has been great all day. But wow, sloppy defence from Canberra there. Just gave Rydahl, then Walsh, then Garriock way too much time on the ball.

FULL-TIME, SYDNEY FC 3 (Sarah Walsh 45, Leena Khamis 61, Heather Garriock 84') bt CANBERRA UNITED 0 at Shark Park. Crowd 741.
Congratulations to the first team through to the 2009 W-League grand final, Sydney FC! Deserved to win. Back with more quotes etc later :)

Westfield W-League semi-final preview

2009-12-12T07:57:00.000+11:00

So the time is finally upon us. For the four teams fighting it out for a place in the 2009 Westfield W-League season, it's all down to this weekend. Can Canberra United cause an upset like it did in last year's finals and knock out a team that finished above it, or will Sydney rise to its potential? Will the Mariners create a fairytale finish or will they fall to Brisbane Roar who have unfinished business after letting a chance to win the league championship slip away.

SATURDAY, SYDNEY FC v CANBERRA UNITED at Shark Park, Woolooware.
So Canberra United has never beaten Sydney FC, but the two teams have only played each other twice. Once this season, once last season. This year Sydney FC went 2-0 up thanks to Cathrin Paaske header from a corner in the 83rd minute. United then stole one back in the 89th minute, but it was a little too late. The first goal had been when Sarah Walsh just got a half a step lead on Nicole Sykes. Now Sykes is quick, very quick, but so is Walsh and that's all she needed. So convential thinking there is that United will have to be on top of every tiny detail to make sure Walsh, Paaske, Julie Rydahl, Kyah Simon or Heather Garriock don't get any room. The other strategy they could go for is an all-out attack, hope to get one early and really frustrate Sydney. Yesterday Canberra coach Ray Junna labelled Sydney's defence as 'suspect' and said they needed to get Sydney there, going in with nothing to lose, they would throw everything at the game. That's likely to mean Ellyse Perry will start in midfield again, where she dominated last week. Thea Slatyer isn't likely to get a start, but all things considered that's probably a good thing. Bronwyn Studman has been brilliant in centre-back since replacing Chiung Ying-Lin halfway through the season, plus Casey Reibelt is refeering the game. That's who sent Slatyer off within five minutes in that embarassing Adelaide game in 2008, and then the former Matildas centre-back was given a suspended sentence for confronting Reibelt after the game.
Another interesting point, that I detailed in the newspaper today, United will have eight players under the age of 20 in its starting line-up. That's some contribution from the teenage talent-pool in Canberra.
It will be a boost if Cian Maciejewski lines-up as well, she was excellent against Sydney in the first-game. I spoke to her yesterday and she's been cleared to play, now now it's just up to Ray Junna if he starts her.
But like Sydney coach Alen Stacjic earlier this week, Sky Blues captain Heather Garriock thinks that winning the league title was the confidence boost they need to make the grand final. “Winning the minor premiership gives us confidence going into the semis and finals. It’s definitely something we’ve worked towards all year but we haven’t finished the job yet,” said Garriock.
MATCH DETAILS
Local kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Casey Reibelt
Live and exclusive on ABC1 and ABC HD from 3.00pm AEDT
Sydney FC squad: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 2. Teigen ALLEN 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 8. Julie RYDAHL, 9. Sarah WALSH, 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrine PAASKE, 12. Michelle CARNEY, 13. Catherine CANNULI, 15. Kyah SIMON, 16. Linda O’NEILL, 18. Brittany WHITFIELD, 19. Leena KHAMIS, 20. Carla MONFORTE (gk)
In: Julie RYDAHL (returns from injury)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nicola BOLGER (knee - season), Danielle BROGAN (knee – season)
Canberra United Squad: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 2. Rebecca KITING, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Kahlia HOGG, 6. Ellie RAYMOND, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Emily VAN EGMOND, 9. Grace GILL, 10. TSENG Shu O, 11. Cian MACEIJEWSKI, 12. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 13. Thea SLATYER, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jennifer BISSET, 20. Jocelyn MARA
*one to be omitted*
In: Cian MACIEJEWSKI (return from injury)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: LIN Chiung Ying (knee – season), Christine WALTERS (calf – indefinite), Sally SHIPARD(awaiting international clearance)

SUNDAY, CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (2nd) v BRISBANE ROAR (3rd) at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford. So the Mariners have been so good throughout the regular season this year, but this is what could bring them unstuck, pressure. Mariners coach Stephen Roche brought up earlier this week that plenty of his team had played NSW premier league finals this year, including Michelle Heyman, and five of them played in the winning team. But when it comes to finals, Brisbane do have quite a record. First of all withstanding Sydney FC's push to penalities in the semi-final last year and then smashing Canberra United in the final.
Interesting to see that Brisbane have named Jenna Tristram, but according to all reports she is no chance to play. But former Brisbane captain Kate McShea is still confident they can score anyway after that 6-0 smashing of Newcastle last week. “We were struggling to find the back of the net in a few of the games, but after getting six goals last week, the flow has come back to the team," McShea said.
“We had a meeting as a team, at training we were probably a little bit lapse, and we have stepped up the quality and intensity at training and has now came out in the way we played on the weekend.
“We have had a good week at training working on our own game and not worrying about the opposition. If we do the things we do well then I think they will struggle to contain us.
"Courtney is back in training so Jeff will have a few selection problems." From the Mariners preview on their website, Jenna Kingsley said the team will have learnt plenty from when they played earlier this year.

"They did beat us last time, though we will be ready to play this weekend," Kingsley said.
"They are a really good side, they have a lot of experience, and they move the ball around really well, so we will need to be at our best to get over them and win."
It should be an interesting encounter as both teams have very different styles of playing, again I think early goals will be crucial. But I think that Brisbane should win. So still a possibility it could be a grand final re-match again next week, Brisbane v Canberra at Ballymore. Still, plenty to happen today. Good luck everyone!
MATCH DETAILS
Local kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Kirralee Gardener
Live and exclusive on ABC1 and ABC HD from 3.00pm AEDT
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER (C), 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Rachael DOYLE, 5. Jessica SEAMAN, 7. Teresa POLIAS, 9. Renee ROLLASON, 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 13. Trudy CAMILLERI, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR, 15. Elizabeth O'REILLY, 16. Jenna KINGSLEY, 17. Britt SIMMONS, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH, 20. Rachel COOPER (gk)
*one to be omitted*
In: Caitlin COOPER (return from suspension), Britt SIMMONS (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI (knee – 1 week)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6. Joanne BURGESS, 7. Pam BIGNOLD, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9 Jenna TRISTRAM, 10.Lana HARCH, 11. Aivi LUIK, 12. Steph LATHAM 13. Tameka BUTT, 14.Sasha MCDONNELL 15. Leah CURTIS 16. Lauren COLTHORPE 18. Courtney BEUTEL, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT, 20. Kate STEWART (gk)
*two to be omitted*
In: Alisha FOOTE (promoted), Leah CURTIS (promoted), Jenna TRISTRAM (promoted), Courtney BEUTEL (return from injury)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Emily GIELNIK (foot) Brooke SPENCE (ankle - season)

The Westfield W-League grand final - who will make it?

2009-12-09T22:43:00.001+11:00

So the semi-finals are just days away now, and I bet there is nerves in every camp. But who is shaping up to be favourites?
Although I'm going against my own hopes here, I do think Sydney FC should beat Canberra on Saturday. I mean, just look at those players! Cathrin Paaske, Julia Rydahl, Heather Garriock, Sarah Walsh, Kyah Simon. They are all top international class players. Add in a backline that has held together very well strengthened by a solid performance from Nikola Dieter in goals, they have experience and class all over the park. And I think after speaking to Sydney FC coach Alen Stajcic this week, they know not to underestimate the fourth-placed team. When I asked him if losing last year's semi-final to Brisbane Roar on penalties had given the team extra motivation to make it, he said that game was crucial but maybe not for that reason.
"It was a good lesson for us, because we know anything is possible, we'll draw a bit of motivation from that because last year we were the team that just snuck into the four and we almost made it. So we'll know that anything can happen and make sure we are aware of that."
A few other answers...
Was winning the league championship really important? I think so. It was a real confidence booster, we really struggled with confidence last year and now we have a group of really talented players, so now to have the mix of both those things has been key.
Are you confident of beating Canberra? I just think that if we play to the level we are capable of, I don't think any other team can match us. Canberra do have a couple of weapons, Ashleigh Sykes and Tseng [Shu O] and Lydia [Williams] in goals is very hard to get past, but I'm pretty confident that if we can play to our potential then we should win.
And on Ellyse Perry, who this week is still likely to have one training session with Sydney FC in Sydney even though she will play for Canberra United this weekend? Perry lives in Sydney, so has trained with Sydney FC all season during the week, with one training session in Canberra each week before the games. "She's been training with us for two or three years, so I don't think she'll pick up anything extra this week, we might just kick her a bit harder (said with plenty of laughs)," Stajcic said.

But as for the talented Miss Perry herself, who this weekend will have another triple-treat with cricket for the NSW Breakers on Friday and Sunday, to fit in the W-League semi-final on the Saturday, she thinks Canberra are well placed for an upset. "I think the funny thing about finals, across any sport, is that it seems to bring teams to the same level. Just the weight that is placed on the game, it brings sides a lot closer together.
Perry also thinks that Sydney FC's greatest strength could also be it's greatest weakness. "I think all teams have weaknesses, Obviously Sydney have a team that has some quality players, but sometimes it can be a bit difficult if you have such a great team of individuals but things aren't going their way, maybe that could be a bit hard to deal with."
Perry nominated shutting down Sydney's attack as the crucial part of Canberra's chances.

And a quick word from Brisbane Roar, where Jeff Hopkins is pretty happy after his team's final round 6-0 smashing of Newcastle - a hit of form right when they needed it. "Apart from Jenna [Tristram], who injured her knee last weekend again, we'll have a full squad to choose from and we just put in a great performance on the weekend," Hopkins said. "The Mariners are a good side, we have a lot of respect for them, but we just found some form at the right time."

And don't forget to check out http://www.thewomensgame.com/ and check out the W-League team of the year story. Anyone not in there you think deserves to be so, or anyone who is in there that you think shouldn't be? Well let us know!

Westfield W-League awards - all the well-deserving winners here

2009-12-07T20:15:00.002+11:00

So the Central Coast Mariners were the big winners in today's W-League awards, with no surprises in Michelle Heyman as the Julie Dolan Medal for Player of the Year. But Perth Glory, who missed the finals, and Canberra, who just snuck in, also both came away with plenty.
All the award-winners below, what do you think? Make sure you check out the great story on Sportal on Michelle, on how only two years ago she didn't see much of a career path in women's football. Now she's the best player in Australia. Well done Michelle!

Julie Dolan Medal - Player of the Year: Michelle Heyman, Central Coast Mariners

Players’ Player of the Year: Samantha Kerr, Perth Glory

Goalkeeper of the Year: Jillian Loyden, Central Coast Mariners

Young Player of the Year: (tied) Elise Kellond-Knight, Brisbane Roar and Ellyse Perry, Canberra United

Coach of the Year: (tied) Stephen Roche, Central Coast Mariners and Ray Junna, Canberra United

Referee of the Year: Kate Jacewicz

Golden Boot: Michelle Heyman, Central Coast Mariners – 11 goals

Goal of the Year: Samantha Kerr, Perth Glory – Round 8, Perth Glory v Sydney FC

Hat Trick Award: Michelle Heyman, Central Coast Mariners – Round 7, Adelaide United v Central Coast Mariners and Tameka Butt, Brisbane Roar – Round 10, Newcastle United v Brisbane Roar

Fair Play Award: (tied) Sydney FC and Canberra United

And while you are thinking about who you think is the best player this year, why don't you check out three girls who think they are experts, ie myself, and two other girls who have done their all for W-League media coverage this year, Ann Odong and Fiona Crawford. We had a go at putting together who we think are our teams of the year and we'd love to hear what you think! Check the three teams out here, and then let us know by commenting away. And not that it's a competition or anything girls, but I'd just like to note that while of course we all had Heyman in our teams and most had Jillian Loyden, I was the only one that picked both Perry and Kellond-Knight in my team. That's one-point for me! Although interestingly, no-one picked Sam Kerr in their teams. Why didn't I? Because simply she didn't play that many games because of her Australian under-17 duties. She's certainly an amazing player, but I thought I'd go for players who have played more games this year and thought that might count in the awards too. But to win the players' player award after only playing half the season is certainly a great achievement. Well done Sam!

In other news, the joint-young player of the year Ellyse Perry will play for Canberra this weekend. She's going to put her amazing skills to the test again in another three-day split weekend. Cricket against Victoria on Friday, soccer against Sydney FC on Saturday, then cricket against Victoria on Sunday. How does she do it? I don't know, but she's amazingly great at both.

We're a happy team at Canberra

2009-12-06T22:29:00.004+11:00

So headed down to Canberra United recovery today where the mood was pretty much still amazement, particulary after co-captain Ellie Brush made the 2-0 result over Perth even more exciting after an early call. Late on Saturday night, Brush heard the score from another source, except that she heard Melbourne won 2-0 and when she did, there was actually 20minutes left in the Perth game. But Brush had already sent a message to most of the team saying thanks for the season. So most of the Canberra girls were even more surprised to hear that Perth had actually won 2-0 and handed them the fourth finals spot.

Although coach Ray Junna, who was very very confident Perth would get the job done anyway, wasn't too worried. "I think de Vanna went on in the 64th minute and it was nil-all, when it’s nil-all and Lisa comes on anything can happen," Junna said. "She had a point to prove and she scored the vital goal, you make these guestimations but it was good it came through."

But while they were still soaking up every bit of their lucky-break, the talk has already started that they want to make the most of their chance against Sydney. Assistant coach Caitlin Munoz, who of course is an international striker herself but hasn't played this season due to injury, thinks they thoroughly deserve it.

"I think the girls deserve it, they’ve worked really hard on areas where we were struggling at the start of the season, but now it’s coming good when we need it to," Munoz said. "I’m just so happy for the girls, they all wanted it so much, because we came second last year they want to try and get there again or even try and finish first. so I’m just happy for them, they are a good bunch of girls.

"A lot of teams underestimated us, but the young girls have done so well. Bronny [Studman] has come in and taken that spot at centre-back, same with the Sykes, they’ve improved a lot and Kahlia Hogg has improved a lot, so everyone has done their job and that’s kind of what has got us through."

And on Sydney FC? "They are going to be tough, they do have a lot of experienced players and they have been scoring goals which always helps," Munoz said. "On our day, anybody can win, if we can just keep doing what we are doing, if we can cut out their main ball-players I think we have a chance."

And as for the actual game against Adelaide on Saturday that Canberra won 3-0 to complete it's part of the finals bargin? United did play well against Adelaide, but in reality should have killed off the game earlier. But midfielder Emily van Egmond, who along with Ellyse Perry was brilliant in the midfield, said they were just happy it was a much better performance than against Melbourne. “It was just a relief, after we scored the second I just didn’t want to stop scoring as we just had so many chances, but to get three was still a good result,” van Egmond said. “I think at training Reg helped us in the that last third where we needed it, last week our play up to halfway was magnificent but we just couldn’t get it together up front, this week was a lot more positive, we had all four midfield players creating chances so it was great.”

And Perry on finally getting the goal she deserves after her stellar season? “It's always nice to get on the scoresheet, but what's even more fantastic is playing with such a great bunch of girls, I’ve just enjoyed it so much this season, so it’s just the icing on the cake I suppose,” Perry said.

Westfield W-League semi-finals snapshot

2009-12-06T08:41:00.000+11:00

So the details are here for the semi-finals weekend of the 2009 Westfield W-League. With Sydney and Canberra to meet on Saturday followed by the Mariners and Brisbane on Sunday.

SATURDAY, SYDNEY FC (1st) v CANBERRA UNITED (4th) at Toyota Park (or Shark Park), 3pm.
So Sydney FC claimed the league championship and what is seen to be the easier opponent in Canberra. But in this finals series, I don't think any team can be taken lightly. Remember how Canberra upset the Jets to make the grand final against the Roar last season? Sydney FC have won the only encounter between the two teams this year, 2-1 at McKellar Park. But it was one of those games that could have gone either way. Sydney's stellar line-up suggests it should have the experience to beat United's team of teenagers (the average age hovers around 18), but should be enthralling.

SUNDAY, CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (2nd) v BRISBANE ROAR (3rd) at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford. So Brisbane have smashed themselves back into some form, largely courtesy of a Tameka Butt hat-trick to make sure Newcastle finished with the wooden spoon thanks to the 6-0 win. But the Mariners are such a tricky team. They are very physical, but they use that to their advantage by playing a simple style of football, run the ball and then shoot. Brisbane only just escaped with a win thanks to an 81st minute Sasha McDonnell goal when these two teams met in Round 3 at Ballymore Stadium. Brisbane will no doubt be desperate to win after some up and down late season form cost them the chance to win back-to-back league titles.

But the best part about this weekend's W-League action? Both games will be LIVE on ABC TV. So everyone can watch every minute! Will be back later this afternoon with news from the Canberra camp and then more from the W-League awards in Sydney tomorrow.

Westfield W-League Round 10 review

2009-12-06T00:18:00.033+11:00

Well, what can I say? WOW! Didn't that kind of live-up to expectations as a cracking final round?

To start off with Sydney FC lived-up to their more impressive team on paper and claimed a 1-0 win over the Central Coast Mariners to take the league championship title. It's the first-time Sydney FC have been on top of the table this season. Then Brisbane Roar found itself some much needed form by putting six goals past Newcastle and set-up what will be an interesting semi-final against the Mariners.
And then, well then the night really started to get interesting.

Adelaide United really pushed Canberra United in Canberra, but a goal from a corner just before half-time and then a strong-finishing Canberra scored two in the last four minutes so that a 3-0 win kept their finals chances alive. But they had to hold their breath for almost four hours as they waited, and waited, and waited to see what the result between Perth and Melbourne would be. Thanks to the live gameday tracker at thewomensgame.com, (thanks Ann!), I was paying close attention. Then when Lisa de Vanna scored in the 81st minute, well, amazing for Canberra, how heart-breaking for Melbourne. But the strategy of playing de Vanna off the bench paid major dividends. Katie Gill then sealed Perth's win and Canberra's finals spot with her goal in the 87th minute.

But I think most importantly, I think that the fourth finals spot came down to goal difference and then Perth were just one-point behind that, it shows that across the league there is more depth this year. Because next week I think either Melbourne or Perth, well particulary Perth now they have Katie Gill, could have been just as capable of causing an upset as Canberra United.

SYDNEY FC 1 (Leena KHAMIS 35’) bt CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 0 at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford.
Referee: Kate Jacewicz
Assistant referees: Liz Shorter and Katie Patterson
Fourth official: Laura Elliot
Central Coast Mariners line-up: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Rachael DOYLE, 5. Jessica SEAMAN (15. Elizabeth O'REILLY 77’), 9. Renee ROLLASON (c) (7. Teresa POLIAS 72’), 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR (13. Trudy CAMILLERI 60’), 16. Jenna KINGSLEY, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Rachel COOPER (gk)
Yellow Cards: Michelle HEYMAN 58’, Renee ROLLASON 59’, Jenna KINGSLEY 67’
Red Cards: Nil
Sydney FC line-up: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 2. Teigen ALLEN 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 9. Sarah WALSH (18. Brittany WHITFIELD 90’+1), 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrine PAASKE, 15. Kyah SIMON (12. Michelle CARNEY 90’+3), 16. Linda O’NEILL, 19. Leena KHAMIS (13. Catherine CANNULI 77’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Carla MONFORTE (gk)
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil

BRISBANE ROAR 6 (Clare POLKINGHORNE 2’, Tameka BUTT 19’/26’/66’, Joanne BURGESS 81’, Lana HARCH 91’) bt NEWCASTLE JETS 0 at Wanderers Oval, Broadmeadows.
Referee: Kirralee Gardener
Assistant referees: Tanya De Boer and Catherine Nash
Fourth official: Penelope Nash
Newcastle Jets line-up: 1. Alison LOGUE (gk), 3. Pelay INGLES, 5. Stacey DAY (8. Bronte BATES 57’), 9. Kate HENSMAN, 10. Hayley CRAWFORD (c), 11. Carlie IKONOMOU, 13. Caitlin JARVIE (18. Leia SMITH 78’), 14. Hannah BREWER (17. Madeline SEARL 46’), 15. Renee CARTWRIGHT, 16. Kirstyn PEARCE, 19. Tara ANDREWS
Substitutes Not Used: Michelle GRIGG (gk)
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Brisbane Roar line-up: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6. Joanne BURGESS, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 11. Aivi LUIK (12. Steph LATHAM 69’), 13. Tameka BUTT, 14.Sasha MCDONNELL (10.Lana HARCH 69’), 16. Lauren COLTHORPE, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT (7. Pam BIGNOLD 89’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Kate STEWART (gk)
Yellow Cards: Sasha MCDONNELL 49’
Red Cards: Nil

CANBERRA UNITED 3 (Ellie BRUSH 45’+1, Emily VAN EGMOND 86’, Ellyse PERRY 90’) bt ADELAIDE UNITED 0 at Deakin Oval, Canberra.
Referee: Peta McCallum
Assistant referees: Allyson Flynn and Brett Woodford
Fourth official: Gary Vandeburgt
Canberra United Line-up: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 2. Rebecca KITING, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN (13. Thea SLATYER 51’), 5. Kahlia HOGG, 7. Ellie BRUSH (c), 8. Emily VAN EGMOND, 10. TSENG Shu O (12. Snez VELJANOVSKA 88’), 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jennifer BISSET (9. Grace GILL 64’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Jocelyn MARA
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Adelaide United line-up: 1.Sian McLAREN (gk), 3.Renee HARRISON, 5.Ashlee FAUL, 7.Racheal QUIGLEY, 8.Ruth WALLACE, 9.Angela FIMMANO (19. Nenita BURGESS 78’), 11.Georgia CHAPMAN (6.Thomai KEZIOS 86’), 13.Lauren CHILVERS, 15.Tenneille BOALER (12.Katerina BEXIS 65’), 16.Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (c), 17.Karina ROWETH
Substitutes Not Used: 20.Kristi HARVEY (gk)
Yellow Cards: Karina ROWETH 52’
Red Cards: Nil

PERTH GLORY 2 (Lisa DE VANNA 81’, Katie GILL 87’) bt MELBOURNE VICTORY 0 at Clipsal Stadium, Inglewood.
Referee: Lee Corey
Assistant referees: Josh Mihevc and Josh Manella
Fourth official: Steve Muldoon
Perth Glory line-up: 1. Emma WIRKUS (GK), 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Sam KERR, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 8. Tanya OXTOBY (C), 9. Dani CALAUTTI (11. Lisa DE VANNA 63’), 12. Katie GILL, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 15. Alex SINGER, 17. Marianna TABAIN
Substitutes Not Used: 16. Sadie LAWRENCE, 18. Ellis GLANFIELD, 20. Zoe PALANDRI
Yellow Cards: Ella MASTRANTONIO 45’+1
Red Cards: Nil
Melbourne Victory line-up: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 2. Vedrana POPOVIC, 3. Marlies OOSTDAM, 4. Tal KARP (10. Deanna NICESKI 90’), 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 8. Katie THORLAKSON, 11. Julianne SITCH, 12. Monnique HANSEN-KOFOED, 13. Katrina GORRY (9. Stephanie CATLEY 77’), 14. Selin KURALAY
Substitutes Not Used: 18. Ursula HUGHSON, 20. Nicole PAUL (gk)
Yellow Cards: Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY 51’, Katie THORLAKSON 90’+2
Red Cards: Nil

Westfield W-League Round 10 preview

2009-12-05T09:55:00.001+11:00

Hello peoples. So I will be keeping this short, because in about 12 hours I hope to have the review with all the action up for you. But your already know what's in stake in an awesome round 10 today anyway don't you? You don't? Well here is a sneak peek. The Mariners and Sydney play off for the league championship title today. Yep, 3pm at Bluetongue Stadium and if you can't get there, it will be LIVE on ABC TV. Don't miss it! With the Mariners on 22 points and Sydney FC on 20, if either team can get a win it will mean the title. My tip, I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that it could be Sydney.
The other games are no less exciting. Particulary with Canberra still able to sneak into finals, if it beats Adelaide United today and then Perth beats Melbourne Victory. Which I think is a 50/50 chance of happening. And then there is Brisbane Newcastle, where the Roar will be very keen to get back into form before finals, while the Jets could possibly avoid the spoon with a win - or even a draw. So yes, there is the potential for plenty of movement on the ladder in Round 10. Enjoy the day's action!
And also, while the FIFA men's World Cup draw is dominated all the international football news, there was another little interesting press release that says from 2015 - the women's World Cup will be expanded to 24 teams for development. A huge boost for women's football and Australian football, stay tuned for more news!

ALL GAMES TODAY
CENTRAL COAST MARINERS v SYDNEY FC at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Local kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Kate Jacewicz
Live and exclusive on ABC1 and ABC HD from 3.00pm AEDT
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Rachael DOYLE, 5. Jessica SEAMAN, 7. Teresa POLIAS, , 9. Renee ROLLASON, 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 13. Trudy CAMILLERI, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR, 15. Elizabeth O'REILLY, 16. Jenna KINGSLEY, 17. Britt SIMMONS, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH, 20. Rachel COOPER (gk). *one to be omitted*
In: Elizabeth O'REILLY, Britt SIMMONS.
Out: Caitlin COOPER (suspended – 1 week)
Unavailable: Caitlin COOPER (suspended – 1 week) , Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI (knee – indefinite)
Sydney FC squad: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 2. Teigen ALLEN 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 8. Julie RYDAHL, 9. Sarah WALSH, 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrine PAASKE, 12. Michelle CARNEY, 13. Catherine CANNULI, 15. Kyah SIMON, 16. Linda O’NEILL, 18. Brittany WHITFIELD, 19. Leena KHAMIS, 20. Carla MONFORTE (gk) *one to be omitted*
In: Michelle CARNEY (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nicola BOLGER (knee - season), Danielle BROGAN (knee – season)

NEWCASTLE JETS v BRISBANE ROAR at Wanderers Oval, Broadmeadow
Local kick-off: 4.00pm
Referee: Kirralee Gardener
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Alison LOGUE (gk), 3. Pelay INGLES, 5. Stacey DAY, 7. Gema SIMON, 8. Bronte BATES, 9. Kate HENSMAN, 10. Hayley CRAWFORD (c), 11. Carlie IKONOMOU, 12. Emma STEWART, 13. Caitlin JARVIE, 14. Hannah BREWER, 15. Renee CARTWRIGHT, 16. Kirstyn PEARCE, 17. Madeline SEARL, 18. Leia SMITH, 19. Tara ANDREWS, 20. Emma-Kate DEWHURST (gk) *two to be omitted*
In: Hannah BREWER (return from illness), Madeline SEARL (return from injury)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Libby SHARPE (injured), Loren MAHONEY (injured), Amber NEILSON (suspended)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6. Joanne BURGESS, 7. Pam BIGNOLD, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9 Jenna TRISTRAM, 10.Lana HARCH, 11. Aivi LUIK, 12. Steph LATHAM 13. Tameka BUTT, 14.Sasha MCDONNELL 15. Leah CURTIS 16. Lauren COLTHORPE 18. Courtney BEUTEL, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT, 20. Kate STEWART (gk) *three to be omitted*
In: Alisha FOOTE (promoted), Lauren COLTHORPE (return from suspension), Leah CURTIS (promoted), Sasha McDONNELL (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Emily GIELNIK (foot – season) Brooke SPENCE (ankle - season)

CANBERRA UNITED v ADELAIDE UNITED at Deakin Football Stadium, Deakin.
Local kick-off: 5.00pm
Referee: Peta McCallum
Canberra United Squad: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 2. Rebecca KITING, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Kahlia HOGG, 6. Ellie RAYMOND, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Emily VAN EGMOND, 9. Grace GILL, 10. TSENG Shu O, 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI, 12. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 13. Thea SLATYER, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jennifer BISSET, 20. Jocelyn MARA *two to be omitted*
In: Rebecca KITING (promoted), Ellie RAYMOND (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: LIN Chiung Ying (injury – knee – season), Christine WALTERS (injury – calf – indefinitely), Sally SHIPARD (awaiting international clearance)
Adelaide United squad: 1.Sian McLAREN (gk), 2.Ebony WEIDENBACH 3.Renee HARRISON 5.Ashlee FAUL, 6.Thomai KEZIOS, 7.Racheal QUIGLEY, 8.Ruth WALLACE, 9.Angela FIMMANO, 11.Georgia CHAPMAN, 12.Katerina BEXIS, 13.Lauren CHILVERS, 15.Tenneille BOALER, 16.Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (c), 17.Karina ROWETH, 18.Rochelle KUHAR, 19. Nenita BURGESS, 20.Kristi HARVEY (gk), 21.Greta FRENCH-KENNEDY *three to be omitted*
In: Ebony WEIDENBACH (returns from injury), Thomai KEZIOS (promoted), Katerina BEXIS (promoted), Greta FRENCH-KENNEDY (promoted)
Out: Donna COCKAYNE (suspended)
Unavailable: Ruth BLACKBURN (ankle – season), Marijana RAJCIC (ankle – season)

PERTH GLORY v MELBOURNE VICTORY at Clipsal Stadium, Inglewood.
Clipsal Stadium, Inglewood
Local kick-off: 5.15pm (8.15pm AEDT)
Referee: Lee Corey
Perth Glory squad: 1. Emma WIRKUS (GK), 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Sam KERR, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 8. Tanya OXTOBY (C), 9. Dani CALAUTTI, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Katie GILL, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 15. Alex SINGER, 16. Sadie LAWRENCE, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 18. Ellis GLANFIELD, 19. Katarina JUKIC, 20. Zoe PALANDRI *one to be omitted*
In: Lisa DE VANNA (return from suspension)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Collette McCALLUM (ankle – season), Ciara CONWAY (knee – season)
Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 2. Vedrana POPOVIC, 3. Marlies OOSTDAM, 4. Tal KARP, 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 8. Katie THORLAKSON, 9. Stephanie CATLEY, 10. Deanna NICESKI, 11. Julianne SITCH, 12. Monnique HANSEN KOFOED, 13. Katrina GORRY, 14. Selin KURALAY, 18. Ursula HUGHSON, 20. Nicole PAUL (gk)
In: Nil
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nil

Westfield W-League Round 9 review

2009-11-29T21:44:00.001+11:00

Well well well. What a round! And the key word? Revenge.
Melbourne claimed the perfect revenge for THAT round 9 game last year when Canberra booked its place in the finals and ended the Victory's season, with the Victory's 1-0 win this year all-but securing a finals place for them. Then Perth Glory had its grudge match against Brisbane, after being smashed 6-0 in its last game just last month, and two goals from Katie Gill was enough to hand the Roar only its second ever W-League loss. It also meant Brisbane cannot win back to back league titles, while the Mariners are now in the box-seat to complete their fairytale journey of wooden-spoon fodder to league champions. Although, sets-up a controversial game next week with Sydney FC and the Mariners playing off effectively for the league championship, perhaps a little weird when most of them are NSWIS scholarship holders? But anyway, that's still a week away. For now, read ahead for all the details from what was an amazing round of football in Round 9 of the W-League.

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 3 (Michelle HEYMAN 36’, Kendall FLETCHER 71’, Lydia VANDENBERGH 74’) bt NEWCASTLE JETS 1 (Tara ANDREWS 44’) at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford. So the Mariners knew a win here would make them tough to catch in the league championship, whatever the result in the final match in Round 10. And they managed to get it, after the poor Newcastle Jets suffered defeat in almost exactly the same way in two weeks. The Mariners scored first, just like Canberra did last week, before Tara Andrews equalised and the scores were tied for about 30minutes. Although, by then the game was pretty different as Newcastle were down one Matildas midfielder after Amber Neilson was red-carded for dissent. Anyone know what she said? Anyway, the rest went pretty much exactly the same as the week before. Last week against Canberra it was a goal to Tseng Shu O and then Kahlia Hogg, in the 74th and 76th minutes that gave Canberra a 3-1 win. On Friday night at Bluetongue Stadium, it was the Mariners two field-playing American imports (as opposed to its other one, goalkeeper Jillian Loyden), who scored in the 71st and 74th minute to give the Mariners the three points. So Newcastle have just one game left to try and avoid the wooden-spoon. And it's against Brisbane Roar who will desperately want some form heading into finals, but have struggled recently.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Peta McCallum, Assistant referee: Liz Shorter and Penelope Nash,Fourth official: Catherine Nash
Central Coast Mariners line-up: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (GK) 2. Caitlin COOPER (c), 3. Lyndsay GLOHE 4. Rachael DOYLE 9. Renee ROLLASON (7. Teresa POLIAS 90’ )10. Kendall FLETCHER 11. Michelle HEYMAN (5. Jessica SEAMAN 87’) 12. Samantha SPACKMAN 14. Ashleigh CONNOR (13. Trudy CAMILLERI 70’), 16. Jenna KINGSLEY, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH
Substitutes not used: 20. Rachel COOPER (GK)
Yellow Cards: Caitlin COOPER 77’
Red Cards: Nil
Newcastle Jets line-up: 20. Emma-Kate DEWHURST (GK), 3. Pelay INGLES, 5. Stacey DAY (18. Leia SMITH 52’) , 6. Amber NEILSON, 7. Gema SIMON, 8. Bronte BATES (9. Kate HENSMAN 63’), 10. Hayley CRAWFORD (c), 11. Carlie IKONOMOU, 15. Renee CARTWRIGHT (13. Caitlin JARVIE 80’), 16. Kirstyn PEARCE, 19. Tara ANDREWS
Substitutes not used: 1. Alison LOGUE (GK)
Yellow Cards: Bronte BATES 39’, Carlie IKONOMOU 79’
Red Cards: Amber NEILSON 24’

MELBOURNE VICTORY 1 (Katie THORLAKSON 87’) bt CANBERRA UNITED 0 at Olympic Park, Melbourne. Well as a Canberra fan it was devastating to say the least, but will admit that Melbourne played very very well, created a number of chances and it took some excellent goal-keeping from Lydia Williams and defending from all of United's back-four, Nicole Sykes, Ellie Brush, Bronwyn Studman and Ellyse Perry to keep them out. In the end, the sustained pressure just worked when they conjured a goal from about the third rebound from a corner. It first was cleared back to the corner taker, Julianne Sitch, who smashed it back in again, it then went out to someone, couldn't see who, who put it back in from Melbourne and it rebounded off Jen Bisset on the goal-line where it fell to Katie Thorlakson, who basically didn't have to move and just pushed it in. It was definitely perfect revenge from last year's Round 9 game between the two teams, when Canberra ended Melbourne's finals hopes sealed their own. For Melbourne co-captain Tal Karp, a former Canberran, it was a grudge match. "Absoutely, before this game we hadn't got a point against Canberra and we desperately wanted that to change and get this game, we needed it for the finals, for myself personally and for the team it was a grudge match, we needed the points and we got them," Karp said.
Melbourne coach Matt Shepherd said reverting back to four-four-two after the girls had pestered him about it, had worked perfectly. Instead of not being able to get around Canberra's diamond midfield set-up with their own like earlier this year, with four across the middle, they completely dominated Canberra in the midfield. Katrina Gorry was particulary outstanding, her pacey runs caught Canberra on the break a number of times.
For Canberra, Ashleigh Sykes and Tseng Shu O just didn't get that much of the ball and apart from a clear handball that should have been a penalty and an Emily van Egmond header that went just wide, they didn't have that many clear-cut chances. Which United coach Ray Junna admitted, but said he thought his team didn't deserve to lose. "I don't think they deserved a win, I think a draw would have been a fair result," Junna said. "So we lacked a bit of penetration up front, we didn't really get in behind them, but I don't think we deserved to lose. "We just lacked a bit of movement, people were trying to pass it in rather than take it in, dribble it in and commit people, and we didn't do that today. The field was a bit big big and we got a bit stretched and I don't know, just that decision around that final third is the critical factor in football and we didn't have that today."
Williams, who had one of her best games all season despite the loss, with some cracking saves, said it was disappointing as she felt Melbourne had wanted it more. "That's just football for you, anything can happen, unfortuntely they scored a scrappy goal and at this point in the competition any goal is a goal, it's just unfortunate that they wanted it more than us on the day and I guess that's whats disappointing about it," she said. But she also joked that with Perth the only chance Canberra have to make the finals now, she would be calling all her contacts over there to make sure they did it for Canberra. And also quickly on the weather, from 43degrees in Newcastle the week before, to about 18degrees and rain for most of the second-half in Melbourne, what a difference a week makes for Canberra! crazy!
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Catherine Hofmann, Assistant referee: Elizabeth Hyland and Jonathan Barriero,Fourth official: Stan Tasic.
Melbourne Victory line-up: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 2. Vedrana POPOVIC (3. Marlies OOSTDAM 77’), 4. Tal KARP, 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 10. Deanna NICESKI (8. Katie THORLAKSON 56’), 11. Julianne SITCH, 12. Monnique HANSEN-KOFOED, 13. Katrina GORRY, 14. Selin KURALAY, 18. Ursula HUGHSON (9. Stephanie CATLEY 85’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Nicole PAUL (gk)
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Canberra United line-up: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Kahlia HOGG, 7. Ellie BRUSH (c), 8. Emily VAN EGMOND, 9. Grace GILL (2. Rebecca KITING 67’), 10. TSENG Shu O, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jen BISSET
Substitutes Not Used: 6. Ellie RAYMOND, 13. Thea SLATYER, 20. Jocelyn MARA (gk)
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil

SYDNEY FC 6 (Sarah WALSH 8’, Heather GARRIOCK 10’/74’, Leena KHAMIS 26’, Brittany WHITFIELD 90’+1, Kyah SIMON 90’+3) bt ADELAIDE UNITED 2 (Racheal QUIGLEY 82’/90’+2) Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide. So Adelaide's last W-League win was in last season when they beat Sydney FC 3-2 at Hindmarsh, but they just couldn't complete that kind of upset on Saturday. Particulary after Sarah Walsh and Heather Garriock set the score at 2-0 after just 10minutes, before Leena Khamis made it 3-0 after 26. The rest of the goals were basically scored in junk-time to take it out to 6-2, but good to see young Adelaide striker Rachel Quigley on the board again. She's actually now third in the league in terms of goals-scored with five, and considering Adelaide have only scored seven, that's a pretty decent record. But good to see Kyah Simon get on the board for Sydney FC, I'm pretty sure that's her first goal this year. They certainly seem to be hitting their straps at the right time of the year and can still claim the league championship if they beat the Mariners next week. And what a game to be on TV as the ABC match of the round. Whoever wins, wins the league championship. Couldn't get a better one! So Mariners fans, get on down to Bluetongue. Everyone else, make sure you watch! Also well done Adelaide on finding four female referees for this game. Great to see all girlpower on the pitch!
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Lee Corey, Assistant referee: Airlie Keen and Stacey Sasopoulos, Fourth official: Ana Nevjestic
Adelaide United line-up: 1.Sian McLAREN (gk) (20.Kristi HARVEY (gk) 46’), 5.Ashlee FAUL, 7.Racheal QUIGLEY, 8.Ruth WALLACE (9.Angela FIMMANO 46’), 11.Georgia CHAPMAN, 13.Lauren CHILVERS, 14.Donna COCKAYNE, 15.Tenneille BOALER, 16.Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (c), 17.Karina ROWETH (3.Renee HARRISON 80’), 18.Rochelle KUHAR
Substitutes Not Used: 19.Nenita BURGESS
Yellow Cards: Donna COCKAYNE 62’
Red Cards: Nil
Sydney FC line-up: 1.Nikola DEITER (gk), 4.Alesha CLIFFORD, 6.Servet UZUNLAR, 7.Heather GARRIOCK (c), 8.Julie RYDAHL, 9.Sarah WALSH (2.Teigen ALLEN 60’), 10.Kylie LEDBROOK (18.Brittany WHITFIELD 76’), 11.Cathrine PAASKE, 15.Kyah SIMON, 16.Linda O’NEILL, 19.Leena KHAMIS (13.Catherine CANNULI 72’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20.Carla MONFORTE (gk)
Yellow Cards: Cathrine PAASKE 74’
Red Cards: Nil

PERTH GLORY 2 (Katie GILL 17’/63’) bt BRISBANE ROAR 1 (Courtney BEUTEL 11’) at Clipsal Stadium, Perth. So at the start of the season I labelled Perth as one team that should make the finals. They can't now, no matter what happens in their last game (although they can keep Melbourne out), but finally they have produced a result that I think is worthy of their team. Yes, Sam Kerr and Katie Gill are stars, but they do have some quality players across the park but it just hasn't come together all that often for Perth this season. In fact, it's looking very much like last year when they finally got their good game going, only to just miss out on finals as they ran out of games. As far as a longer season goes, which will hopefully happen next year, I think Perth will be the team to benefit from it most. But anyway, to the actual game, while the Sportal report talks about just how dominant Brisbane were I think it's an important note that shots on goal don't always equal dominance. From other accounts, Perth held possession well and made the most of their chances, Brisbane did not and didn't actually pressure Emma Wirkus much. (Much like in Melbourne, where Canberra failed to actually test Melissa Barbieri). But the message is clear, Brisbane will need to up their game now before finals or they face the prospect of missing out on a chance to defend their premiership win.
But over in Perth, John Gibson was a very happy man. “Certainly we knew it would be a tough back end of the season but we trusted everything we have done this year and the girls worked really hard.”

“They deserve everything they got. We rode our luck a little bit at times but they just worked their backsides off for each other and that was fantastic” said Gibson. “All the departments, from our defenders to our midfielders to our forwards, were fantastic today and it was really pleasing.” He was also, not surprisingly, please with Katie Gill who was also in action at the other end of the ground, like saving shots off the goal-line for Perth as well as scoring. “Katie did exceptionally well for us today. She is a wonderful asset to the group and adds a bit of experience and some leadership. It was quality play today by her and Sam [Kerr] and it was good to see. For us now it is about getting positive results and moving forward. We have a really young group so I am looking forward to progressing with them next year.”
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Rebecca Durcau, Assistant referee: Tim Mihevc and Trent Fleskens, Fourth official: Josh Mihevc
Perth Glory line-up: 1. Emma WIRKUS (GK), 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Sam KERR, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 8. Tanya OXTOBY (c), 9. Dani CALAUTTI, 12. Katie GILL, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 15. Alex SINGER, 17. Marianna TABAIN
Substitutes Not Used: 16. Sadie LAWRENCE, 18. Ellis GLANFIELD, 19. Katarina JUKIC, 20. Zoe PALANDRI (gk)
Yellow Cards: Katie GILL 61’, Elisa D’OVIDIO 72’, Marianna TABAIN 90’
Red Cards: Nil
Brisbane Roar line-up: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER, 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6. Joanne BURGESS, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 10.Lana HARCH, 11. Aivi LUIK, 13. Tameka BUTT, 18. Courtney BEUTEL, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT
Substitutes Not Used: 7. Pam BIGNOLD, 12. Steph LATHAM, 15. Leah CURTIS, 20. Kate STEWART(gk)
Yellow Cards: Ellen BEAUMONT 86’, Karla REUTER 90’
Red Cards: Ni

Westfield W-League Round 9 preview

2009-11-26T16:37:00.002+11:00

So now we are here at the penultimate round of the Westfield W-League for season 2009. Has it come all too fast, well yes, but also remember that the best part is still to come! This weekend has some cracking games. So particulary for anyone a little bored with the A-League and wants some games that are really season-defining ones, you can't go past the girls this weekend. And with three of the games at some of Australia's best venues, Bluetongue, Hindmarsh and Melbourne's Olympic Park, it's a great chance to see some great football at great grounds.

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS v NEWCASTLE JETS, Friday 27 November 2009, Bluetongue Stadium, 5:15pm local. Newcastle regain captain Hayley Crawford from suspension, while the Mariners as pretty much as they have been all-season, at full strength. They have a golden chance to try and wrap-up the league championship title and Renee Rollason is confident. So what has been the difference for the Mariners this season, when they have gone from wooden-spoon fodder to title contenders? Rollason puts it down to experience. "We, the girls that were part of last season’s team, did really well, though perhaps we just lacked experience at certain times which saw us miss out on the finals," she said. "This season, with the addition of Kelly (Golebiowski) and our three American imports (Jillian Loyden, Kendall Fletcher and Lydia Vandenbergh) we have that extra experience that has added what we lacked last time around." Read the full story from Mariners W-League man Joseph Carlucci here.
TEAMS
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER, 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Rachael DOYLE, 5. Jessica SEAMAN, 7. Teresa POLIAS, 8. Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI, 9. Renee ROLLASON, 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 13. Trudy CAMILLERI, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR, 15. Elizabeth O'REILLY, 16. Jenna KINGSLEY, 17. Britt SIMMONS, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH, 20. Rachel COOPER (gk) *three to be omitted*
In: Jessica SEAMAN, Elizabeth O'REILLY, Britt SIMMONS
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nil
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Alison LOGUE (gk), 2. Libby SHARPE, 3. Pelay INGLES, 5. Stacey DAY, 6. Amber NEILSON, 7. Gema SIMON, 8. Bronte BATES, 9. Kate HENSMAN, 10. Hayley CRAWFORD (c), 11. Carlie IKONOMOU, 12. Emma STEWART, 13. Caitlin JARVIE, 15. Renee CARTWRIGHT, 16. Kirstyn PEARCE, 18. Leia SMITH, 19. Tara ANDREWS, 20. Emma-Kate DEWHURST (gk) *two to be omitted*
In: Hayley CRAWFORD (return from suspension)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Madeline SEARL (injured), Loren MAHONEY (injured), Hannah BREWER (illness)

MELBOURNE VICTORY v CANBERRA UNITED, Saturday 28 November 2009, Olympic Park, 3:00pm local. Live and exclusive on ABC1 and ABC HD from 3.00pm AEDT.
The Melbourne Victory media-release pretty much says it all. Canberra and Melbourne Victory Women currently occupy fourth and fifth respectively on the Westfield W-League ladder, separated only by goal difference with two games remaining in the 10-round season. With Central Coast Mariners, Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC havin g already guaranteed places in the four-team Finals Series, Melbourne Victory and Canberra will likely battle it out for the last remaining spot.
After three weeks on the road (including the home game in Shepparton) that have delivered two draws and a loss, Melbourne are desperate for a win at home.
Adding to the mix, is that Melbourne and Canberra have some fantastic history. Well fantastic for Canberra, in three games, the Victory have never claimed a point. And then there is THAT game from last year, when Amy Chapman slotted the 93rd minute winner to book Canberra's finals spot. Which will still be haunting every Melbourne player that played in that game last year. Melbourne captain Tal Karp wants some pride.
Melbourne Victory Women co-captain, Tal Karp, said this week’s match is do-or-die for the team.
“We haven’t taken a point off Canberra in two seasons, so this Saturday is definitely a grudge match for us,” Karp said.
“We need the points to progress – but we also need a positive result to reclaim a bit of pride - our girls are hungry for the win.”
Karp said the team must play smarter if they’re to beat Canberra.
“Last time we played Canberra, they were better organised than us. I think we have the quality of players to beat them, but we need to play as a team.”
The Round 9 match has been moved due to the condition of Bob Jane Stadium's surface, but will still be broadcast live and exclusively as scheduled on ABC1 from 3pm.
“The team is really looking forward to playing at Olympic park. It is such a fantastic surface - probably one of the best parks we have played on all season,” Karp said.
“Most of the girls are really excited, although some are little nervous. Broadcasting is such a good thing in terms of boosting the popularity of our game and the numbers of girls playing football in Victoria - we intend to make the most of it!”
A big in for Canberra with Thea Slatyer, who has returned from overseas touring just in time to play a part. Slatyer doubles the Matildas caps in the team and while United already have plenty of capable defenders, it means they can now move someone like Bronwyn Studman, Nicole Sykes or Ellyse Perry (probably Perry), into the midfield where they can really use their pace. Melbourne have American Julianne Sitch back from suspension which will be a boost.
TEAMS
Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 2. Vedrana POPOVIC, 3. Marlies OOSTDAM, 4. Tal KARP, 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 8. Katie THORLAKSON, 9. Stephanie CATLEY, 10. Deanna NICESKI, 11. Julianne SITCH, 12. Monnique HANSEN KOFOED, 13. Katrina GORRY, 14. Selin KURALAY, 18. Ursula HUGHSON, 20. Nicole PAUL (gk)
In: Julianne SITCH (returns from suspension)
Out: Enza BARILLA (not selected)
Unavailable: Nil
Canberra United Squad: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 2. Rebecca KITING, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Kahlia HOGG, 6. Ellie RAYMOND, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Emily VAN EGMOND, 9. Grace GILL, 10. TSENG Shu O, 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI, 12. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 13. Thea SLATYER, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jen BISSET, 20. Jocelyn MARA
*two to be omitted*
In: Thea SLATYER (new signing)
Out: Lucy ALLAN (short term contract ended)
Unavailable: LIN Chiung Ying (injury – knee – season), Christine WALTERS (injury – calf – indefinitely), Sally SHIPARD (awaiting international clearance)

ADELAIDE UNITED v SYDNEY FC , Saturday 28 November 2009, Hindmarsh Stadium, 3:30pm local, 4:00pm AEDT. An interesting kind of preview on the Sydney FC website where coach Alen Stajcic says Sydney FC want to make the top-five, hmm, do you mean top-four? The report also refers to the team's 4-2 win over Perth. Ahem, make that 5-2. But lets not dwell on that, instead it's another interesting match-up. Last week Adelaide almost pulled off the upset of the season (or perhaps even biggest upset in W-League history) when they went 2-0 up against Brisbane and hung-on for a 2-2 draw. They still have everything to play for, and as stated in the FFA mid-week preview, Adelaide's last win in the W-League was against Sydney at Hindmarsh Stadium. A 3-2 win last year. Renee Harrison back from suspension is a boost, and the Reds have plenty to play for.
Adelaide United squad: 1.Sian McLAREN (gk), 3.Renee HARRISON 5.Ashlee FAUL, 6.Thomai KEZIOS, 7.Racheal QUIGLEY, 8.Ruth WALLACE, 9.Angela FIMMANO, 11.Georgia CHAPMAN, 12.Katerina BEXIS, 13.Lauren CHILVERS, 14.Donna COCKAYNE, 15.Tenneille BOALER, 16.Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (c), 17.Karina ROWETH, 18.Rochelle KUHAR, 19. Nenita BURGESS, 20.Kristi HARVEY (gk), 21.Greta FRENCH-KENNEDY *three to be omitted*
In: Renee HARRISON (returns from suspension), Katerina BEXIS (returns from injury)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Ebony WEIDENBACH (ankle – 1 week), Ruth BLACKBURN (ankle – season) Marijana RAJCIC (ankle – season)
Sydney FC squad: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 2. Teigen ALLEN 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 5. Lisa GILBERT, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 8. Julie RYDAHL, 9. Sarah WALSH, 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrine PAASKE, 12. Michelle CARNEY, 13. Catherine CANNULI, 15. Kyah SIMON, 16. Linda O’NEILL, 19. Leena KHAMIS, 20. Carla MONFORTE (gk) *one to be omitted*
In: Lisa GILBERT (promoted), Alesha CLIFFORD (promoted)
Out: Brittany WHITFIELD (injured)
Unavailable: Nicola BOLGER (knee - season), Danielle BROGAN (knee – season)

PERTH GLORY v BRISBANE ROAR, Saturday 28 November 2009, Clipsal Stadium, 3:00pm local time.(6:00pm AEDT). So Perth must win to keep any chances of finals hopes alive and no doubt they will want to make-up for the 6-0 thrashing the Roar handed-out last time. Coach John Gibson certainly does.
“It will be a very tough game this weekend against Brisbane, we have a score to settle after the result last time we played them and we are definitely going into the game looking to win” said the Glory coach. The last time the Roar visited Perth in season one of the W-League, Brisbane escaped with a 5-3 win thanks to two last minute goals after trailing the home side 1-3 at the main break and Gibson will be hoping for a similar positive response this time around, barring the glut of goals against.
“The amount of goals conceded recently is not a concern in regards to individuals, it’s the whole group defending collectively that we need to work on. It takes a whole unit to defend, and we have been working on that at training during the week. A lot of it is organisation, and the errors we have made are because of a lack of concentration at vital moments in the game” said Gibson. Without those lapses in concentration, Gibson feels that the league table would look a lot different in complexion, with the Glory currently sitting four points outside of the fourth finals position.
“For large chunks of games this year we have competed very well and it has been pleasing to see that level of competition against some of the country’s best players.”
“Finals are still in the back of our minds, but mainly we are focusing on our performances and the processes involved in making sure we are not only competitive, but in a position to take maximum points from our remaining matches.” Lisa de Vanna is suspended again, this time for gathering too many yellow-cards this season. But perhaps a break is what she needs? Up in Brisbane after their shock 2-2 draw last week, they have brought back some of their best-players, Courtney Beutel, Kate McShea and Aivi Luik. Coach Jeff Hopkins is still thinking that the league title is within reach, from http://www.brisbaneroar.com.au/, “I guess the main thing is we now have to put that game behind us and start looking forward to Perth,” Hopkins said.

“Perth is a very, very tough road trip for us.” Hopkins said he hoped his team would take some lessons from the draw with Adelaide, particularly tightening up on set-pieces, an area where the Roar has conceded twice in two weeks. Despite thrashing Perth 6-0 at Ballymore Stadium three weeks ago, Hopkins said there would be no complacency in the preparation for the match.
“Firstly they are a very good side with some excellent attacking players and secondly the length of the journey,” he said.“We’re going to prepare very well for it this week with a light week, we’ll travel to Perth the day before and stay the night after.
TEAMS
Perth Glory squad: 1. Emma WIRKUS (GK), 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Sam KERR, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 7. Elissia CANHAM, 8. Tanya OXTOBY (C), 9. Dani CALAUTTI, 12. Katie GILL, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 15. Alex SINGER, 16. Sadie LAWRENCE, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 18. Ellis GLANFIELD, 19. Katarina JUKIC, 20. Zoe PALANDRI *one to be omitted*
In: Katarina JUKIC (promoted)
Out: Lisa DE VANNA (suspended – 1 week)
Unavailable: Collette McCALLUM (ankle – indefinite), Ciara CONWAY (knee – season)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6. Joanne BURGESS, 7. Pam BIGNOLD, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9 Jenna TRISTRAM, 10.Lana HARCH, 11. Aivi LUIK, 12. Steph LATHAM 13. Tameka BUTT, 14.Sasha MCDONNELL 15. Leah CURTIS 16. Lauren COLTHORPE 18. Courtney BEUTEL, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT, 20. Kate STEWART (gk) *three to be omitted*
In: Courtney BEUTEL (promoted), Kate MCSHEA (promoted), Aivi LUIK (promoted), Alisha FOOTE (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Emily GIELNIK (foot), Brooke SPENCE (ankle - season)

Remember to check out, http://www.thewomensgame.com/, for more great W-League stories and news from Perth. Stay tuned here for a Tom Sermanni wrap on the AFC under-16 girls tournament.

Westfield W-League Round 9 snapshot and other news

2009-11-25T12:29:00.000+11:00

So the FFA sent out its media snapshot this week and for a week of W-League that has huge importance in the context of the season, it kind of missed a few interesting tid-bits. So here is an extended snapshot for anyone who wants a little bit more!

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS v NEWCASTLE JETS, Friday 27 November 2009, Bluetongue Stadium, 5:15pm local. In the context of the Mariners season, this is up there with one of the most important. A win over Newcastle would keep them ahead of Brisbane Roar, who face a tricky game against Perth, and in front with one more round to go in the race for the league championship. It would be a huge accomplishment for the Mariners to do so, considering they don't have one senior Matilda while Brisbane have Matildas that can't even make its bench. Newcastle certainly proved tricky for Canberra last week though and have been scoring more goals near the end of the season. I'm certain they'll want to trip-up any teams finals or title hopes. The first W-League Friday night game this season, and I think possibly ever, hopefully there is a few at Bluetongue stadium to see the local F3 derby match.
Also, see the Newcastle Herald's game-report to see just how tough the conditions were at last Sunday's game.

MELBOURNE VICTORY v CANBERRA UNITED, Saturday 28 November 2009, Olympic Park, 3:00pm local. Live and exclusive on ABC1 and ABC HD from 3.00pm AEDT.
Well well well, a Round 9 clash between Melbourne Victory and Canberra United, where the winner stands to gain a place in the finals and the loser miss-out after coming heart-breakingly close. Wait, doesn't that sound familar? Oh yes, that's exactly what happened in season 1. Back then, in my top-five moments from W-League season 1, I put Amy Chapman's goal (that was definitely intended as a cross as it sailed in from 30m out and into the top-right corner, so utterly perfect) that won them the game as number one. The final score of 3-2. It's up there with some of the best ever sporting events I've seen. And I'm betting that Melbourne do not want their finals chances to come down to a scoreline like that again. But Canberra will be confident, in three W-League games against Melbourne, it hasn't lost one. And it's also kept two clean sheets, including the 2-0 win this year that was Canberra's first-win of the season.
I'm betting it will be fast and furious. Luckily, everyone else gets to watch it this weekend as well as it is the ABC TV game of the week. Clearly the FFA had remembered last year's result when they did the fixture, and history has repeated itself perfectly to set-up a cracker.

Also down in Canberra, inagural season vice-captain and former Matilda Thea Slatyer has rejoined her team for the final two games (and anything beyond that!). Slatyer has been travelling pretty much since the last W-League season finished, but arrived back in Australia just in time for the end of the season. She started training last week, but all the paperwork is now done and she's expected to line-up against Melbourne. Read the story on Canberra United's website here.

ADELAIDE UNITED v SYDNEY FC , Saturday 28 November 2009, Hindmarsh Stadium, 3:30pm local, 4:00pm AEDT. Buoyed by an outstanding performance against the Brisbane Roar last weekend, Adelaide go into this match with an extra touch of confidence, having defeated Sydney FC in their last encounter (3-2) at Hindmarsh Stadium on November 11 last year – Adelaide’s last win in the Westfield W-League. So this is one FFA W-League preview snapshot that did really catch my eye. Given Adelaide's impressive 2-2 draw with Brisbane, that going on the match report could have maybe even been a win, could Adelaide finish its season as the W-League giantkiller and build some nice momentum into next season? Sydney though are still in the race for the league title if they can win this one, so I'm sure that's motivation enough for the Sky Blues. But still, wouldn't be surprised with any result here.

PERTH GLORY v BRISBANE ROAR, Saturday 28 November 2009, Clipsal Stadium, 3:00pm local time.(6:00pm AEDT). The Glory, having conceded 17 goals in their past four matches will be aiming to avoid Brisbane scoring their 50th Westfield W-League goal, the Roar currently on 47 goals in their 20 matches to date - an average of 2.35 goals per game. Ouch, that 17 goals in four-matches is not a pretty statistic. But now with Katie Gill, Sam Kerr and Lisa de Vanna perhaps a little less grumpy and more in goal-scoring form (she did find the back of the net in the 5-2 loss to Sydney), Perth will be keen for some pride and goals to finish off their season. And particulary after the last time these two teams met, just a few weeks ago, Brisbane put a record-equalling six goals past the Glory. If Brisbane do lose, it will decrease their chances of claiming back to back league championships.

So a thrilling round awaits! Remember to also check out previews an interviews with W-League players over at http://www.thewomensgame.com/, and stay tuned for a bit of a wrap from Matildas coach Tom Sermanni on the Australian AFC under-16 campaign.

Westfield W-League Round 8 review

2009-11-24T16:20:00.000+11:00

So now just two regular-round games to go and things are getting interesting. Mainly as Canberra United have made the top-four for the first-time this season and are now in the box-set to make it. Canberra, Melbourne or Perth now can't afford to drop a game if they want to keep their chances alive, which is going to make for some blockbusters next week. But before then, let's see just what set-up this three-into-one doesn't go finals conundrum.

SYDNEY FC 5 (Julie RYDAHL 12’ (pen), Leena KHAMIS (14’/19‘), Cathrine PAASKE 39’, Sarah WALSH 84’) bt PERTH GLORY 2 (Samantha KERR 6‘, Lisa DE VANNA) at Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
So with Katie Gill and Sam Kerr on the pitch, Perth had a much better start than their past few games. But Sydney's clash overcame them in the end. Still what a game for TV, you couldn't ask for much more than seven goals. It does mean now that Perth's finals chances are pretty much gone. In terms of pure points they can still make it, but the 6-0 loss to Brisbane followed closely by the 4-0 one to Canberra has hammered their goal difference into very negative territory. On the flip-side, Sydney FC could now very well fancy themselves as contenders for both the league title and the premiership.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Prue Donohue
Assistant referees: Sarah HO and Liz SHORTER
Fourth official: Laura ELLIOT
Sydney FC line-up: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 2. Teigan ALLEN, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c) (12. Michelle Carney 58’), 8. Julie RYDAHL, 9. Sarah WALSH (18. Brittany WHITFIELD 84’), 10. KYLIE LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrine PAASKE, 15. Kyah SIMON, 16. Linda O’Neill, 19. Leena KHAMIS (13. Catherine CANNULLI 80’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Carla MONFORTE (gk)
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Perth Glory line-up: 1. Emma WIRKUS, 3. Carys HAWKINS (16. Sadie LAWRENCE 88’), 4. Samantha KERR (19. Katrina JUKIC 81’), 5. Shannon May, 6. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 8. Tanya OXTOBY (c), 9. Danielle CALAUTTI (11. Lisa DE VANNA 48’), 12. Katie Gill, 13. Elisa D’Ovidio, 15. Alexandra SINGER, 17. Marianna TABAIN
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Zoe PALANDRI (gk)
Yellow Cards: Katie GILL 34’, Lisa DE VANNA 85’
Red cards: Nil
CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 2 (Michelle HEYMAN 28’/53’) bt MELBOURNE VICTORY 0 at Leichhardt Oval, Sydney.
So with two rounds to go, can anyone catch Michelle Heyman for the golden boot? I don't think so myself. The former Sydney FC substitute player has continued on what was a cracking season in the NSW Women's Premier League, when she scored more than 20 goals, to 10 goals in eight W-League games. The loss means Melbourne have dropped out of the top-four, and must be feeling deja-vu at that fact they've been pushed out by Canberra. But back to the Mariners, who are now the out and out favourites to take the league title. Well you would think so, with games against Newcastle and then a tricky one against Sydney FC, but still it's a handy one-point gap to have over Brisbane. Who would have thought at the start of the season a team without one single senior Matilda, would win the title? What's what saying again, a team of champions will always lose to a champion team? Seems it could be apt.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Kirralee Gardener
Assistant referees: Leanne Smith and Katie Patterson
Fourth official: Penelope Nash
Central Coast Mariners line-up: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER (C), 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Rachael DOYLE, 8. Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI (16. Jenna KINGSLEY 84’), 9. Renee ROLLASON (13. Trudy CAMILLERI 59’), 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH (7. Teresa POLIAS 90’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Rachel COOPER (gk)
Yellow Cards: Jenna KINGSLEY 88’
Red Cards: Nil
Melbourne Victory line-up: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk) (C), 2. Vedrana POPOVIC (8. Katie THORLAKSON 64’), 3. Marlies Oostam, 4. Tal KARP, 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Maria RUYTER-HOOLEY, 9. Stephanie Catley, 10. Deanna NICESKI, 12. Monique HANSEN-KOFOED, 13. Katrina GORRY (19. Enza BARILLA 46’), 18. Ursula HUGHSON (14. Selin KURALAY 50’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Nicole PAUL (gk)
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil

CANBERRA UNITED 3 (Cian MACIEJEWSKI 9’, TSENG Shu O 74’, Kahlia HOGG 76’) bt NEWCASTLE JETS 1 (Amber NEILSON 53’ (pen)) at EnergyAustralia Stadium, Newcastle.
So Canberra's late run of season form continues, and sets-up a very familar-looking clash in Round 9, but before we get to that - it almost didn't happen. First of all on Sunday, it was crazy conditions in Newcastle. The temperature was 42-degrees on the ground and it was a humid, terrible heat that was energy-zapping. I have no idea how those girls made it through the match without fainting, and they certainly deserve a round of applause for just getting through that game. But at the end of the day, Canberra dominated the chances and deserved to win. After scoring in just the 9th minute, from an Ellyse Perry free kick that almost curled by itself until Cian Maciejewski made sure of it with her head, Canberra should have gone into half-time 3-0 up but didn't. That allowed Newcastle back into the game and then took their chance when awarded a penalty. Really shouldn't have been a penalty, but anyway. Amber Neilson took it beautifully. It then looked like Canberra were going to throw-away a golden chance to control their own finals destiny as scores were locked at 1-1 for 20minutes, before some individual brilliance from Tseng Shu O and Kahlia Hogg took the score to 3-1, in the 74th and 76th minute. But special mention to Ashleigh Sykes, who set-up both Tseng's and Hogg's goals beautifully. Newcastle showed some great passages of play in stages, but on the whole just weren't consistent enough. A tough game to judge though on the heat, it really was crazy!
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Peta McCallum
Assistant referees: Penelope Nash and Catherine Nash
Fourth official: Tanya De Boer
Newcastle Jets line-up: 1. Alison LOGUE (gk), 3. Pelay INGLES, 6. Amber NEILSON (c), 7. Gema SIMON, 8. Bronte BATES, 13. Caitlin JARVIE (9. Kate HENSMAN 64’), 15. Renee CARTWRIGHT, 16. Kirstyn PEARCE, 17. Madeline SEARL (11. Carlie IKONOMOU 59’), 18. Leia SMITH, 19. Tara ANDREWS (12. Emma STEWART 83’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Emma-Kate DEWHURST (gk)
Yellow Cards: Pelay INGLES 87’
Red Cards: Nil
Canberra United line-up: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Kahlia HOGG, 7. Ellie BRUSH (c), 8. Emily VAN EGMOND (12. Snez VELJANOVSKA 76’), 10. TSENG Shu O, 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES (2. Rebecca KITING 57’), 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jen BISSET (9. Grace GILL 49’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Jocelyn MARA
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil

BRISBANE ROAR 2 (Tameka BUTT 42’, Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT 53’) drew with ADELAIDE UNITED 2 (Racheal QUIGLEY 10’, Ruth WALLACE 20’) at Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane.
Well well well, wasn't this a surprise! In what was previewed everywhere as perhaps a chance for Brisbane to break the record for goals, Adelaide United instead claimed it's third-point for the season which was enough to move away from the wooden-spoon spot. But what I'm interested to know is why Casey Dumont was on the bench? Was it a 'we're going to win anyway, we'll give Kate Stewart a go this season' type-decision?, or is Casey injured? Either way, dropping that point now means the Mariners are in the best spot to claim the league championship, so Brisbane have dropped a golden chance to all but secure its back to back titles.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Rebecca Durcau
Assistant referees: Renee Coghill and Christie Robb
Fourth official: Brooke Staff
Brisbane Roar line-up: 20. Kate STEWART (gk), 3. Karla REUTER 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 7. Pam BIGNOLD, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 10.Lana HARCH (9. Jenna TRISTRAM 71’), 12. Steph LATHAM (6. Joanne BURGESS 38’), 13. Tameka BUTT, 14.Sasha MCDONNELL, 16. Lauren COLTHORPE, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT
Substitutes Not Used: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk), 15. Leah CURTIS
Yellow Cards: Lauren COLTHORPE 84’
Red Cards: Nil
Adelaide United line-up: 1.Sian McLAREN (gk), 5.Ashlee FAUL, 7.Racheal QUIGLEY (6.Thomai KEZIOS 90’), 8.Ruth WALLACE (9.Angela FIMMANO 69’), 11.Georgia CHAPMAN, 13.Lauren CHILVERS, 14.Donna COCKAYNE, 15.Tenneille BOALER (19. Nenita BURGESS 79’), 16.Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (c), 17.Karina ROWETH, 18.Rochelle KUHAR
Substitutes Not Used: 20.Kristi HARVEY (gk)
Yellow Cards: Ashlee FAUL 44’, Donna COCKAYNE 47’
Red Cards: Nil

Westfield W-League Round 8 preview

2009-11-19T22:09:00.000+11:00

Oh dear, am so behind this week. Sorry! But I'm back and promise to update regulary from now on. So to Round 8, and it's really becoming crunch time now. Some interesting match-ups, that could mean a shake-up of the top-four for the first time in a few rounds. If the Mariners beat the Victory by one or more goals and if Canberra United beat Newcastle by two or more goals, then they will move into fourth spot. Hmm, Canberra's late season run looks very familiar to me! Wish I could get to Sydney this weekend for the double-header, but for anyone who is there, definitely head down. Two excellent games for the price of one!

SATURDAY
SYDNEY FC v PERTH GLORY at Leichhardt Oval, Leichhardt. Local kick-off: 3.00pm. Referee: Prue Donohue. Live and exclusive on ABC1 and ABC HD from 3.00pm AEDT.
So Perth's meltdown of a season continued last week when they were on the end of another record score. The 4-0 win was Canberra United's biggest ever W-League win. Perth striker Lisa de Vanna did not have a good game. Well, actually, she did play well for the first half, but started to get frustrated, yell at her team and then didn't even warm-up with them after the break. After some heckling from the hill, she also gave the crowd the one-finger salute, before she was subbed off early. Now that Katie Gill is in this week, perhaps she'll perk up with a striker the quality of Gill alongside her? There is no doubt that Gill and de Vanna are a class forward act. Could they be the catalyst to surprise Sydney this week? And don't forget that Sam Kerr is back from Australian duty. She's definitely a game-changer. If Perth do lose, that is pretty much their season gone. While Sydney will want to win to make sure they secure their finals spot and not scrape in like last year. Whatever happens, it's sure to be an entertaining game with players like de Vanna, Gill, Kerr, Cathrin Paaske, Heather Garriock and Sarah Walsh. Not only some of the best players in the league, some of the best players in the world.
Sydney FC squad: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 2. Teigan ALLEN, 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 5. Lisa GILBERT, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 8. Julie RYDAHL, 9. Sarah WALSH, 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrine PAASKE, 12. Michelle CARNEY, 13. Catherine CANNULI, 15. Kyah SIMON, 16. Linda O’NEILL, 18.Brittany WHITFIELD, 19. Leena KHAMIS, 20. Carla MONFORTE (gk)
*two to be omitted*
In: Teigan ALLEN (international duty), Brittany WHITFIELD (international duty)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nicola BOLGER (knee - season) Danielle BROGAN (knee – season)
Perth Glory squad: 1. Emma WIRKUS (GK), 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Sam Kerr, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 7. Elissia CANHAM, 8. Tanya OXTOBY (C), 9. Dani CALAUTTI, 10. Ciara CONWAY, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Katie GILL, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 15. Alex SINGER, 16. Sadie LAWRENCE, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 18. Ellis GLANFIELD, 19. Katarina JUKIC, 20. Zoe PALANDRI
*three to be omitted*
In: Ciara CONWAY (promoted), Katie GILL (new signing)
Out: Jaymee GIBBONS
Unavailable: Collette McCALLUM (ankle – indefinite)

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS v MELBOURNE VICTORY at Leichhardt Oval, Leichhardt. Local kick-off: 5.00pm. Referee: Kirralee Gardener
If Melbourne could cause an upset win here, they could almost seal their finals spot with a meeting against Canberra next week. Last week the Victory managed to claim a point off Brisbane, for the second-time this year, when they played out a 1-1 draw. But this week they are without American Julianne Sitch and Queenslander Kara Mowbray, whose contract has expired as the Australian under-16 player she was in for is back. Mowbray I think will be a big loss. She's scored some crucial goals for them this season and from her time in Canberra last year, I think is a gutsy, strong player. The Mariners have Michelle Heyman in fantastic form, she scored the league's 200th goal last week on her way to a hat-trick, and just seem to be getting better. Hard to go past the Mariners, but the Victory just keep improving. A fascinating game.
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER, 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Rachael DOYLE, 5. Jessica SEAMAN, 7. Teresa POLIAS, 8. Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI, 9. Renee ROLLASON, 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 13. Trudy CAMILLERI, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR, 15. Elizabeth O'REILLY, 16. Jenna KINGSLEY, 17. Britt SIMMONS, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH, 20. Rachel COOPER (gk)
*three to be omitted*
In: Trudy CAMILLERI (promoted), Elizabeth O'REILLY (promoted), Britt SIMMONS (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nil
Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 2. Vedrana POPOVIC, 3. Marlies OOSTDAM, 4. Tal KARP, 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 8. Katie THORLAKSON, 9. Stephanie CATLEY, 10. Deanna NICESKI, 12. Monnique HANSEN KOFOED, 13. Katrina GORRY, 14. Selin KURALAY, 18. Ursula HUGHSON, 19. Enza BARILLA, 20. Nicole PAUL (gk)
*one to be omitted*
In: Stephanie CATLEY (returns from international duty) Katrina GORRY (returns from injury), Caitlin FRIEND (returns from international duty), Enza BARILLA (returns from illness)
Out: Gulcan KOCA (not selected), Julianne SITCH (suspended), Kara MOWBRAY (contract expired)
Unavailable: Nil

SUNDAY
NEWCASTLE JETS v CANBERRA UNITED at EnergyAustralia Stadium, Newcastle. Local kick-off: 2.15pm. Referee: TBA
So on paper this looks like it should be a bit of a walkover for the improving Canberra United team who have finals in their sights. But the Jets, despite their not winning a game, haven't actually conceded THAT many goals this year and a team out to play for pride is always dangerous. The loss of Jets captain Hayley Crawford, who was red-carded last week, will hurt their chances though. Crawford played for Canberra last year and was a crucial part of the midfield that drove them to the first W-League grand final. I'm sure she would have loved to play against Canberra. They do have their under-16 players back, but then again so do Canberra and their's is Emily van Egmond, who used to play for Newcastle and has been one of Canberra's best in the two games she has played this season. United will be very disappointed if they don't win, but they also aren't complacent if you read this preview from Canberra United.
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Alison LOGUE (gk), 2. Libby SHARPE, 3. Pelay INGLES, 5. Stacey DAY, 6. Amber NEILSON (c), 7. Gema SIMON, 8. Bronte BATES, 9. Kate HENSMAN, 11. Carlie IKONOMOU, 12. Emma STEWART, 13. Caitlin JARVIE, 14. Hannah BREWER, 15. Renee CARTWRIGHT, 16. Kirstyn PEARCE, 17. Madeline Searl, 18. Leia SMITH, 19. Tara ANDREWS, 20. Emma-Kate DEWHURST (gk) *three to be omitted*
In: Hannah BREWER (International Duty), Madeline SEARL (International Duty), Tara ANDREWS (International Duty)
Out: Harmonie ATTWILL (not selected), Nicole JONES (not selected)
Unavailable: Hayley CRAWFORD (suspended - 1 week), Loren MAHONEY (injured)
Canberra United Squad: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 2. Rebecca KITING, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Kahlia HOGG, 6. Ellie RAYMOND, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Emily VAN EGMOND, 9. Grace GILL, 10. TSENG Shu O, 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI, 12. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jen BISSET, 20. Jocelyn MARA, 22. Lucy ALLAN
*one to be omitted*
In: Emily VAN EGMOND (returning from international duty), Lucy ALLAN (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: LIN Chiung Ying (injury – knee – season), Christine WALTERS (injury – calf – indefinitely), Sally SHIPARD (awaiting international clearance).
BRISBANE ROAR v ADELAIDE UNITED, Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane, Local kick-off: 6.00pm (7.00pm AEDT). Referee: Rebecca Durcau
So I suppose the big question here is, is the 6-0 record of the biggest margin in W-League history about to fall? I think Adelaide United will be doing everything possible to ensure it doesn't. At least the heat in Brisbane won't affect them, after more than a week of 40-degree heat in Adelaide, I think these girls will be ready for everything! They also have some handy inclusions, two players from the Australian under-16 team and Angela Fimmano, who is Adelaide's poster-girl this season but has been injured. Brisbane are without defender Brooke Spence with an ankle injury, but it's not too bad when you can call in another Matilda to replace her (Pam Bignold or Karla Reuter). Could this be the game where Brisbane really wrap-up the league championships? With the end of the season quickly approaching, Brisbane don't have a firm grip on the championship yet, like they did last season, with the Mariners creeping closer and closer and even have a better goal difference. But a big win here could change that and I'm sure Brisbane want to make sure they can go back to back after their impressive season.
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6. Joanne BURGESS, 7. Pam BIGNOLD, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9 Jenna TRISTRAM, 10.Lana HARCH, 11. Aivi LUIK, 12. Steph LATHAM 13. Tameka BUTT, 14.Sasha MCDONNELL 15. Leah CURTIS 16. Lauren COLTHORPE 18. Courtney BEUTEL, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT, 20. Kate STEWART (gk)
*four to be omitted*
In: Leah CURTIS (promoted), Jenna TRISTRAM (promoted), Pam Bignold (promoted)
Out: Brooke SPENCE (ankle - season)
Unavailable: Emily GIELNIK (foot)
Adelaide United squad: 1.Sian McLAREN (gk), 5.Ashlee FAUL, 6.Thomai KEZIOS, 7.Racheal QUIGLEY, 8.Ruth WALLACE, 9.Angela FIMMANO, 11.Georgia CHAPMAN, 13.Lauren CHILVERS, 14.Donna COCKAYNE, 15.Tenneille BOALER, 16.Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (c), 17.Karina ROWETH, 18.Rochelle KUHAR, 19. Nenita BURGESS, 20.Kristi HARVEY (gk), 21.Greta FRENCH-KENNEDY
*one to be omitted*
In: Ashlee FAUL (returns from international duty), Ruth WALLACE (returns from international duty), Angela FIMMANO (return from injury)
Out: Renee HARRISON (suspended – 1 week), Katerina BEXIS (hamstring – 1 week)
Unavailable: Ebony WEIDENBACH (ankle – 1 week), Ruth BLACKBURN (ankle – season) Marijana RAJCIC (ankle – season)

AFC under-16 women's third-placed play-off - Japan 6 bt Australia 2

2009-11-15T22:59:00.000+11:00

So unfortunately the Australian under-16 girls team has failed to qualify for next year's FIFA under-17 women's World Cup after going down to Japan 6-2 in the third-placed play-off at this year's AFC under-16 championship in Bangkok tonight.
Japan went up 2-0 right on halftime, and then they opened the floodgates in the second-half. Japanese striker Kyokawa Mai scored five goals in the win. Tara Andrews and Caitlin Foord scored for the Australian team, with both goals coming in the last 30minutes.
The match card is up on the AFC website with all the details.

AFC under-16 girls semi-final preview with Robbie Hooker

2009-11-15T16:51:00.000+11:00

Tonight the under-16 Australian girls team will play for a place in the 2010 FIFA under-17 World Cup. The team won eve ry one of its three group games, against China, Taiwan and Japan, but then lost its semi-final against North Korea – who are the reigning world champions at that age group.

But tonight they will play Japan in Bangkok and the winner will be the third-placed team in this year's AFC under-16 c hampionships. The top-three teams go through to next year's FIFA under-17 World Cup.
girlswithgame caught up with Australian under-16 head coach Robbie Hooker to find out what the feeling is like in camp as the team aim to be the first since 2006 to qualify for an age-group FIFA World Cup.

GWG: So heading into tonight's game, are you confident?
Robbie Hooker: We're reasonably confident, to score three goals against North Korea who are the reigning world champions in a game that we probably should have won, and to beat Japan and China in the group games, it goes to show we really aren't that far away from the top teams in the world.

Will you be very disappointed if Australia doesn't qualify for the World Cup? It absolutely will be very disappointing as our goal in coming here was to qualify for the World Cup. And really, we should be able to beat Japan and I think we will go into this game as favourites. But football is a funny game and it doesn't always go to form. Still I think we have shown enough that we can win this game.

Will you make any changes to the starting line-up from the semi-final? We might, Tara Andrews [who scored all four goals in Australia's first group 4-0 win against China] has been out since the first game with a hamstring injury, but hopefully she will be able to play some part of the game.

Given that she did do so well in the first game, will that be a good confidence boost for the team? It certainly will, she's got a lot of good qualities and Japan haven't played against her yet. I'm not sure if they watched our first game against China, but they probably haven't seen her play at all, so she could be a bit of an unknown which is great.

Is there any areas of your game you need to improve from the last one against Japan? They've got a couple of tricky players that we need to make sure we don't give too much space to them. But we have played well so far. Against North Korea, had that game gone the other way which it was a chance to do, we would be talking about a completely different situation now. But we know we aren't too far away from those top teams.

So game kicks off at 8pm AEDT, score-up ASAP from hopefully about 10pm when it finishes. Good luck everyone!

Westfield W-League previews... from others

2009-11-13T19:25:00.001+11:00

As I'm just a little flat-out again, here are some previews from the very talented staff at the Central Coast Mariners and Canberra United to read while I get my own stuff happening. Well written and interesting, thanks both Joseph (Mariners) and Chris (Canberra).

Washington to Central Coast – Golebiowski leading Mariners cause

By Joseph Carlucci

The dream of each Australian female footballer is to play at the highest level and represent the Matildas at a World Cup, and for the lucky few that get the chance to don the Green and Gold, the feeling is immense.

One talented footballer, the Central Coast Mariners ‘veteran’ Kelly Golebiowski – at the age of 28 – whom has not only sported the Matildas jersey at a World Cup and an Olympic Games, but also played in the Women’s MLS in the United States alongside an iconic symbol of women’s sport, Mia Hamm.

“It was definitely a career highlight to play and train with Mia Hamm , as has been playing for Australia,” said the former Washington Freedom player.

“It was quite indescribable, Mia (Hamm) was a player that I looked up to, I mean I had posters of her in my room, she was my idol and to play with her was a tremendous experience.”

Golebiowski returned to Australia following an extended stay in the United States, and following a first season with Sydney FC in the Westfield W-League, has arrived at the Central Coast Mariners where the attack-minded player is really enjoying her football.

“We are all having a great time this season, each and every squad member is challenging for starting spots, and we are really making it difficult for the coach each week; the depth is fantastic,” said Golebiowski.

At 28-years of age, Golebiowski does not mind being called the ‘veteran’ of the side, nor does she mind the extra responsibilities on her s houlders amongst a relatively young playing squad.

“I enjoy being the old head in the team, giving the girls some advice from my experiences in football both with the Matildas and overseas; it really is an honour.

“And, when you see the efforts that each player puts in, our results are testament to the work ethic of the team altogether,” Golebiowski's aid.

The Mariners’ sit in second-spot on the W-League ladder, three-points behind Brisbane Roar, though despite the general on-looker still doubting the Mariners’ title ambitions, Golebiowski remains adamant her team will continue to turn heads between now and the season’s end.

“We all enjoy the ‘underdogs’ tag, it is fine by us if we are written off, no problem at all with that.
“We’ve got a strong self belief amongst the group, and this has been our driving force with our results, which are perfectly reflected by t he League ladder and results to-date,” said Golebiowski.
Despite the W-League in Australia lacking the prowess of the American women ’s league in Mia Hamm’s day, Golebiowski remains confident that women’s football in this country is certainly on the rise.
“We have a young competition here, we are only now into the second season.
“In the US, they had a lot of money injected into the game and that allowed for the competition to develop.
“In Australia, we now have a stepping stone, which is fantastic for all of the players in the country,” continued the Mariners’ attacking midfielder.
The only downside at this point is the short season, as a ten-round regular season is definitely not enough.
“In saying this though, the platform is there, and we all need to work hard to keep women’s football growing,” said Golebiowski.
The Mariners head to Adelaide to face bottom-placed Adelaide United, though despite the Round 2 defeat of the South Australian outfit in the Central Coast Mariners’ first ever W-League match at Bluetongue Stadium, Golebiowski and Co. will not be taking their opponent lightly.
“We won’t be looking at the fact that they are last, we can't afford to do that.
“As I said about our self belief, this has been our strong point, and we will continue to play as we have with the same intensity as we have up u ntil now.
“Also, with a short season, we cannot afford to drop points, so the g irls will all be out there to continue the good that we have achieved to-dat e,” ended Golebiowski.
The Central Coast Mariners next match of the Westfield W-League season will be against against Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium this Saturday, 14 N ovember. Kick-off is at 2:30pm ACST (3:00pm AEDT), and will be broadcast liv e and exclusively on ABC1.

Finals football starts early for Canberra, by Chris Gottaas,
CanberraUnited.com.au
The pressure of finals football starts this weekend against the Perth Glory with Canberra United needing to win the majority of its remaining fixtures to secure a berth in the Westfield W-League finals.

Down but not out, the club remains in sixth place with a win and two draws from the opening six rounds but a win this weekend could see Canberra leap frog Perth into fifth and sit on the cusp of the top four.
While the task at hand will be a challenge, Canberra United is very confident of being able to contest this year’s finals series according to midfielder Snez Veljanovksa.
“It’s going to be an interesting couple of weeks,” Veljanovska said.
“The next few games are vital to us in terms of winning and hopefully making the top four.
“It would be great to move up the ladder but we’re just taking it one week at a time and if we can beat [Perth] then great but we’re certainly going to be up for the challenge and ready.”
Hosting the Glory for the first time on home soil, Veljanovska believes the side took a lot of confidence from last outing against Perth in Round Three which saw Canberra come from two goals behind to draw.
Perth struck twice in the first ten minutes of the match but a season defining second half saw the gutsy side draw level with goals from Tseng Shu O and Ashleigh Sykes as the club recorded its first point of the season.
“I think we can take a lot of confidence out of that one because we now know that we’re capable of winning the game and beating them,” Veljanovska said.
“We know how they play and they’re obviously playing under our conditions so it will be a lot better.
“We’re up for the challenge and I think we can dominate in this game.”
Canberra has made a habit of conceding early in matches, a practice the side is looking to amend.

“It’s been talked about a lot [at training], basically we need to stop doing it,” Veljanovska said.

“We definitely need to get going from the first whistle so we need to work hard and not let anyone score against us in the first few minutes of the game and that’s what’s really costing us at the moment.”

The whole side is focused on the next few weeks and vying for positions with vital matches against Perth, Newcastle and Melbourne in the next three weeks.

The girls are working really hard at the moment at training,” Veljanovska said.

“Everyone is really trying to earn their spot, do what they can and put in the effort at training so I think that’s really going to help in the game.”

For 22-year-old Veljanovska, last weekend was her first start for Canberra United after making six appearances for the club as a substitute, a feat she hopes to achieve a few more times this season.

“It was definitely nerve racking, it took me a little while to get into it but once [the game started] I was switched on and did whatever I could,” Veljanovska said.

“It was a great experience and I’d love to experience it more often.”

“I would love a few more starts.”
The Perth Glory will travel to the national capital for the first time as Canberra United host Round Seven of the Westfield W-League at McKellar Park on Saturday evening with kick off at 5:00pm.

AFC under-16 girls semi-final - DPR Korea 4 bt Australia 3

2009-11-13T08:46:00.000+11:00

So very late last night Australian time, unfortunately the Aussie girls had their first loss of the AFC under-16 tournament when DPR Korea came back to clinch a 4-3 win in the 85th minute. Australia had scored first, in just the 8th minute through Brittany Whitfield and but then Korea equalised in the 18th minute. But Foord scored again in the 28th minute to put Australia up 2-1. Korea then found the back of the net again just before half-time, in the 37th minute, to bring the score back to 2-2. Emily van Egmond then scored to put Australia up 3-2 after 64minutes, before goals to DPR Korea in the 77th and 85th minute meant that they progress to the final, to play the Korea Republic. It now means Australia must win the third-place play-off against Japan to make next year's under-17 World Cup. But they have already beaten Japan in the tournament, 3-1 in the group stages.
Match report is up at the AFC website.

W-League visits Shepparton - why regional games are a great idea

2009-11-10T17:49:00.001+11:00

So in last week's preview I added in a few sentences about just how excellent an idea it was to move a W-League game to Shepparton, citing the 'Canberra effect'. Which is, there isn't much else happening there over summer so why not move women's games to areas where they don't have to compete with men's for attention? So anyway, after Teo from Shepparton news emailed me last week to point out his podcast where he had some interviews with Melbourne Victory people, he kindly followed up with what he was able to write in the newspaper. As you can see, it gained a whole page and more.

So this is exactly why I think more of these games should be moved to regional areas. Yes it's great that the women in Queensland get to play on Ballymore Stadium, but what about moving a game to Cairns? which doesn't have an A-League team and in summer the biggest thing happening is the men's basketball - which is at night and indoors.

Yes, most of the clubs are linked to men's A-League clubs and its great if they can play curtain raisers o nthe big grounds. But while the league is still growing, getting the product out to as many people as possible surely is just as important as just playing the games. And making the W-League game the biggest thing on in a particular place that weekend, makes more people go along.

Hence, the Canberra effect.

In Canberra, apart from local cricket the biggest things on in summer are the Canberra Capitals playing in the WNBL and now Canberra United in the W-League. For The Canberra Times season preview this year, we did a combined eight-page lift-out with stories, player profiles and statistics. While the Sydney newspapers have had a few W-League results in, they have had hardly a fraction of the coverage Canberra United and the Newcastle Jets have, (cheers to you, Newcastle Herald!), I'm not sure about TV and radio coverage in other areas, but the girls are on WIN and ABC weekly and on both commercial and ABC radio as well. Which is why Canberra have some of the strongest crowd numbers - people know about them. So congratulations to Shepparton for turning on the welcome mat for the W-League and hopefully there are more regional visits to come in the next few seasons. Certainly something like a Canberra United game in Dubbo, taking the game to the Sykes' sisters, could work. Anywhere else you think a W-League game should go?

Westfield W-League Round 7 news

2009-11-10T11:51:00.001+11:00

So I flagged it months ago on here and it seems like Katie Gill is finally back in the country and set to play for Perth Glory this weekend. Well according to the FFA snapshot they sent out yesterday, which suggests she will be a prime candidate to score the leagues 200th goal when it goes off this weekend. Which is very unlucky for Canberra as it seems to remind me very much of this time last year, when Gill stepped off the plane from Sweden straight onto the field for the Newcastle Jets and scored two excellent goals to hand the Jets a 2-1 win. Now she will be straight off a plane against Canberra again, except this time she'll be playing for Perth. It shall be a very interesting match-up at McKellar Park this weekend, so make sure you get down there Canberrans.

Other interesting tidbits ahead of this weekend's round courtesy of the FFA snapshot for Round 7,
Adelaide United v Central Coast Mariners
Saturday, 14 November 2009, Hindmarsh Stadium, 2.30pm local (3.00pm AEDT)
This is the Westfield W-League Match of the Round live and exclusive to ABC1 and ABC HD
After securing their first point in five matches last weekend, Adelaide United will now be aiming to record its first win in over a year – Adelaide’s last Westfield W-League victory was on 9 November 2008, a 3-2 win over Sydney FC

Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets
Saturday, 14 November 2009, Seymour Shaw, 4.00pm local
Newcastle are aiming to break an eight-match winless streak – the last time the Jets won a Westfield W-League match was on 20 December 2008, a 2-0 win over Sydney FC

Canberra United v Perth Glory
Saturday, 14 November 2009, McKellar Park, 5.00pm local
A strange record exists between Canberra United and Perth Glory – not only are they the only teams to have been involved in a 2-2 draw in the Westfield W-League, in fact, both previous matches between Canberra and Perth have ended 2-2

Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory
Saturday, 14 November 2009, Ballymore Stadium, 6.00pm local (7.00pm AEDT
Having remained undefeated for its 16 consecutive match, Brisbane Roar have now surpassed South Melbourne’s 16-match undefeated streak achieved in the 2000/01 NSL (men’s) season. The Roar is therefore aiming for its 17th undefeated match in a row - the last time a 17-match undefeated streak was attained in an Australian national football competition was in 1986/87, when Apia Leichhardt ultimately achieved a 22-match undefeated streak on its way to the 1987 national championship

AFC under-16 championships in Thailand game three - Australia 3 bt Japan 1

2009-11-09T22:47:00.003+11:00

So Australia move through to the semis of the AFC under-16 women's championships as the only team not to drop a game after beating Japan 3-1 in Thailand tonight. The two Korean teams, DPR Korea and Korea Republic drew in their round game, so they both finished on seven points in Group A while Australia topped Group B with a perfect nine points, three wins from three games. Australia will now play DPR Korea in the semi-finals on Thursday in Thailand. If they win that match, then they will have qualified for the under-17 FIFA women's World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago next year. The top-three teams go through from this tournament. But remember it's been four-years since an Australian women's youth team has made one of these events, so while they are in a great position - there is still plenty of work to do in the finals. Here's hoping this is the team to do it!
But to Monday night's game, three first-half goals to the Aussie girls set up the win. Brittany Whitfield scored in the 14th minute, followed by Teigen Allen in the 29th and then Caitlin Foord in 45+1.
The match-card is up here, more to follow tomorrow.

*And now an update from Tuesday, the FFA report is now up.
Australia fought back from a goal down to defeat Japan 3 – 1 in the final game of the group stage in the AFC U16 Women’s Championships in Thailand. Australia finished top of Group B and set up a semi-final clash with defending champions DPR Korea, who finished runners-up in Group A.
Japan took an early lead in the 7th minute when a Haruka Hamada cross found Kanna Oda unmarked at the back post for her shot to rebound off the goal post and onto Australian goalkeeper Brianna Davey who could do nothing but watch it fall into the back of the net. Australia managed to equalise in the 13th minute after a Teigen Allen corner was fumbled by the Japanese goalkeeper Mayu Yoshida for Brittany Whitfield to pounce on the mistake and slot the ball into the empty goal. Both teams looked to push forward and gain the upper hand, however it was Australia’s Teigen Allen who managed to break the deadlock in the 28th minute after receiving the ball just outside the 18-yard-box. After beating her defender Allen unleashed with a shot that the Japanese goalkeeper could do nothing to stop.
Australia then extended their advantage in first-half stoppage time when Caitlin Foord beat the offside trap courtesy of a through ball from Emily Van Egmond to finish precisely and round out the scoring.
The second half went by without much incident as Australia held onto their two goal advantage to finish the group stage with 14 goals for and only 1 against.
"We already knew we were through to the semi-finals but for the girls to fight back from one goal down so early in the match is testament to how much the players want to win and how unified they are as a group," said Westfield Australia U16 Women’s Head Coach Robbie Hooker.
"We'll look to continue working on the technical side of our game but tactically we are playing very well and the players are now focused on the semi-final against DPR Korea."
Australia’s next game is against DPR Korea on Thursday 12 November at 7.00pm local (11.00pm AEDT) at the Supachalasai National Stadium. Japan will face Group A winners Korea Republic.

Westfield W-League Round 6 wrap

2009-11-09T17:10:00.004+11:00

So it feels like only a day ago I was previewing this round and then it was all over. Oh that's right, because I did only preview it on Saturday. But anyway, it might have been one short-sharp round with all the games over in a matter of hours - but what a round. Goals everywhere - and not just from one team as in last week's game - and interesting results for the top-six. Basically from here, any of those teams could still make the finals. So here is the wrap (which yes, is late again, sorry for the slackness!).

BRISBANE ROAR 2 (Jo Burgess 6', Elise Kellond-Knight 74') bt CANBERRA UNITED 1 (Cian Maciejewski 58') at McKellar Park. Crowd 602. Referee, Pru Donohue. So as I spoke about before, it's a great W-League rivalry. It certainly lived up to it. It was a great game, plenty of chances from both teams, some great saves and some great goals. But Canberrans, where were you? The lowest crowd of the year so far - you had better bring it next week or I will be really angry. Anyway, Canberra United will be able to take plenty from the game even though they lost it. First of all the first goal was freakish. Yes, Lydia Williams fell over while running backwards to try and get it, but I don't think she would have got to it anyway, it was just a crazy shot that dipped just under the crossbar. Burgess even offered up a hand in way of apology when the shot went in and the referee took extra long to signal it, as really, no-one could believe it had gone in. For the next 50minutes or so, the game was played on very even terms. Although, to be picky, Brisbane did force Williams into more saves than United did for Dumont. But United thoroughly deserved its equaliser and none more so than the player who scored it - Cian Maciejewski. She had hardly slept and hadn't eaten for almost 24-hours before the game after tending to her sick dog (which sadly died overnight on Friday), but she still turned up to play and was one of United's best. Her volley from a Bec Kiting cross was excellent and what a way to score her first W-League goal.
Unfortunately, it United just didn't have enough to keep out Brisbane and Elise Kellond-Knight put in a contender for goal of the year. She took a few touches along the top of the box before curling in a shot in the top-right corner. Not much but perhaps not letting Brisbane have as much time to shoot could have stopped that one. Canberra looked very good though and with four winnable games to finish the season, could definitely make the finals. Coach Ray Junna thinks they need to stop letting in easy goals though.
"Testament to the girls they gave it their all, that was our goal to come our here to play a bit of football and take it to them, which they did, but again unlucky with two, pardon the french, shitty goals again, the first one was soft, the second one she was stretching for, it happens, but it seems to happen more to us than anyone else, but we have four more games and we'll keep plugging on," he said. "It's certainly not out of our grasp so we'll certainly give it a go." Jeff Hopkins was happy to get the win, but not overly happy with the performance after the 6-0 smashing the week before. "We're also a little bit disappointed in the way that we played, credit to Canberra they really came at us there, especially in the way that they played in the second half, but after the way we played last week and the way he have been playing, we are a little bit disappointed with today," Hopkins said. Although he did say, perhaps they were lucky to get the three points.

"I think most probably looking back on the game a draw would have been a fair result, but the quality and the character of our team really shows through when times get tough and in tight games that's what makes the difference so I'm really proud of all the girls and how they played." And the crucial touches that did hand them the game, Kellond-Knights goal followed by Casey Dumont's two goal-line saves in the final five minutes? "[Elise] normally just stands on that foot, I couldn't believe it," [lots of laughs], "It was a great strike from Elise, she does srtike the ball really well with either foot and Casey is doing what she does most weeks when she gets tested.
"I believe she is the best goalkeeper in the country and I'm sure it wont be long if she keeps going like that she'll be proving that at the top level."
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Pru Donohue
Referee assistants: Brett Woodford and Greg Taylor
Fourth official: Gary Vandeburgt
Canberra United Line-up: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (c), 2. Rebecca KITING, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 7. Ellie BRUSH (6. Ellie RAYMOND 90’), 9. Grace GILL (5. Kahlia HOGG 60’), 10. TSENG Shu O, 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI, 12. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 19. Jennifer BISSET (22. Lucy ALLAN 63’)
Substitutes not used: 20. Jocelyn MARA
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil
Brisbane Roar line-up: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 5. Brooke SPENCE, 6. Joanne BURGESS, 7. Pam BIGNOLD (13. Tameka BUTT 65’), 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 10.Lana HARCH (12. Stephanie LATHAM 86’), 11. Aivi LUIK, 18. Courtney BEUTEL (14.Sasha MCDONNELL 65’), 19. Ellen BEAUMONT
Substitutes not used: 20. Kate STEWART (gk)
Yellow cards: Sasha MCDONNELL 79’, Tameka BUTT 90’
Red cards: Nil

NEWCASTLE JETS 3 drew with ADELAIDE UNITED 3 at Wanderers Oval, Newcastle. So first things first, Adelaide have scored a goal, yay! Three of them! yay! But wow, neither of these teams can buy a win can they? Previous to this game the only point they had each claimed was from a 0-0 draw in Round 1. The round 6 game had plenty more excitment, but unfortunately the same amount of points. Which certainly makes the battle for the wooden spoon interesting. Can this be the kickstart of a late season run though? Now both teams have scored a few, will they suddenly find the confidence? Very hard to judge until next week is my judgement. But on a positive note, quotes from both sides on Sportal. Newcastle captain Hayley Crawford was positive after the result. Obviously we would have preferred to win but we showed great character to come back into the game after being down 3-1," she told Sportal. "If we can start games the way we finish them then we will get that win we are looking for." Tennille Boaler said the result was a good one for Adelaide United, who picked up their first goals of the season. "It was good to get some goals and hold a lead but they fought back hard," she said. "In the end though, there were some positives signs there for us."
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Kate Jacewicz
Referee assistants: Tanya De Boer and Catherine Nash
Fourth official: Kiralee Gardener
Newcastle Jets line-up: 1. Alison LOGUE (gk), 2. Libby SHARPE, 3. Pelay INGLES, 5. Stacey DAY, 6. Amber NEILSON, 7. Gema SIMON, 9. Kate HENSMAN (22. Nicole JONES 79), 10. Hayley CRAWFORD(c), 15. Renee CARTWRIGHT, 18. Leia SMITH (8. Bronte BATES 75’), 21. Harmonie ATTWILL (4. Loren MAHONEY 68’)
Substitutes not used: 20. Emma-Kate DEWHURST (gk)
Yellow cards: Stacey DAY 58’, Amber NEILSON 75’
Red cards: Nil
Adelaide United line-up: 1.Sian McLAREN (gk), 2.Ebony WEIDENBACH, 3.Renee HARRISON, 7.Racheal QUIGLEY, 11.Georgia CHAPMAN, 12.Katerina BEXIS (13.Lauren CHIVERS 64’), 14.Donna COCKAYNE (6.Thomai KEZIOS 90’), 15.Tenneille BOALER, 16.Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (c), 17.Karina ROWETH, 18.Rochelle KUHAR
Substitutes not used: 19. Nenita BURGESS, 20.Kristi HARVEY (gk)
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 2 bt PERTH GLORY 1 at Clipsal Stadium, Inglewood.
So the Mariners keep up their good form, but what has happened to Perth? Well missing Collette McCallum I expect hurt them a lot and the player that starred when they did win, Sam Kerr, is still overseas. It now seems after all promise from the start of the season, Perth's shot at finals is fading. They now have a crucial game against Canberra next week. Although, going by my reckoning, it's about time that Katie Gill started to appear for Perth. Canberra will not like that AT ALL, after what she did in Round 1 last year. Meanwhile, the Mariners simple 'win the ball and shoot game' has them sitting pretty. An unfussy team who are great to watch for their unrelenting attack, they certainly deserve their spot. Now it just will be interesting to see how they go in finals against the likes of technically excellent Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar. So far though, Mariners coach Stephen Roche is a happy man, from the Central Coast's media release. “We are enjoying it. We are enjoying the training, we are enjoying the football. We will just keep enjoying it and see what happens,” said Mariners head coach Stephen Roche. “Same story as last week with Canberra. We made a lot of chances and should have shut the gate at the end of the first half. “We are really concentrating for the full match. Last year we still played good attacking football. Last year we put a lot of teams under pressure but had some really bad lapses in concentration. This year it’s a lot better,” Roche said.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Lee Corey
Referee assistants: Josh Mihevc and Trent Fleskens
Fourth official: Tim Mihevc
Perth Glory line-up: 1. Emma WIRKUS (gk), 3 Carys HAWKINS, 5 Shannon MAY, 8 Tanya OXTOBY (c), 9 Danielle CALAUTTI, 10 Ciara CONWAY (6 Ella MASTRANTONIO 33’), 13 Elisa D’OVIDIO (21 Jaymee GIBBONS 90’), 15 Alexandra SINGER, 16 Sadie LAWRENCE, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 19 Katarina JUKIC (11 Lisa DE VANNA 41’)
Substitutes not used: 20. Zoe PALANDRI (gk)
Yellow Cards: Alexandra SINGER 31’, Ella MASTRANTONIO 77’, Lisa DE VANNA 83’
Red Cards: Nil
Central Coast Mariners line-up: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 2 Caitlin COOPER (c), 3 Lyndsay GLOHE, 4 Rachael DOYLE, 8 Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI, 9 Renee ROLLASON (13 Trudy CAMILLERI 76’), 10 Kendall FLETCHER, 11 Michelle HEYMAN (16 Jenna KINGSLEY 90’), 12 Samantha SPACKMAN, 14 Ashleigh CONNOR (5 Jessica SEAMAN 90+2’), 19 Lydia VANDENBERGH
Substitutes not used: 20. Rachel COOPER (gk)
Yellow Cards: Kendall FLETCHER 16’, Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI 56’, Ashleigh CONNOR 63’
Red Cards: Nil

MELBOURNE VICTORY (Julianne SITCH 62’) drew with SYDNEY FC 1 (Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY 90’+4) at Deakin Reserve, Shepparton. Well well, Melbourne almost came up with the win they needed to put a nice little gap between them, Perth and Canberra, but an own-goal in the 94th minute helped Sydney to claim a point. The Victory couldn't have got much closer to one. It's made it an interesting road to finals now, with Melbourne certainly open to a charge from Perth or Canberra. But anyway, the game sounds like a cracker. And yay, it looks like the intrepid Sportal reporter in Shepparton has included some quotes. A cracking report from James Ranson here. From Laura Alleway, who is refreshingly honest,"Shattered to go down late on, the girls dug really deep and played really hard. Melissa Barbieri had an absolute blinder of a game," she said. "It's just incredible really, we've got Julianne in the middle who just rips players to pieces, she has been outstanding, I don't really have words for her," she said. "We're a better team this season and Katie (Thorlakson) gives us so much strength up front," said Alleway of the Victory's international recruits.
"We still have a few things to work on, we've got five Queenslanders in the team which is difficult to coordinate because we live so far away from each other, but we work for each other and that's what's great about the team this season."
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Catherine Hofmann
Referee assistants: Elizabeth Hyland and Stan Tasic
Fourth official: Jonathon Barreiro
Melbourne Victory line-up: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 3. Marlies OOSTDAM, 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 7. Sarah GROENEWALD (18. Ursula HUGHSON 64’), 8. Katie THORLAKSON (10. Deanna NICESKI 74’), 11. Julianne SITCH, 12. Monnique HANSEN KOFOED, 13. Katrina GORRY, 19. Enza BARILLA (4. Tal KARP 45’), 21. Kara MOWBRAY
Substitutes not used: 20. Nicole PAUL (gk)
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil
Sydney FC line-up: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 8. Julie RYDAHL (13. Catherine CANNULI 81’), 9. Sarah WALSH, 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrine PAASKE, 15. Kyah SIMON, 16. Linda O’NEILL, 19. Leena KHAMIS (12. Michelle CARNEY 81’)
Substitutes not used: 5. Lisa GILBERT, 20. Carla MONFORTE (gk)
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil

AFC under-16 qualifiers - Australia 7 bt Chinese Taipei 0

2009-11-07T22:36:00.001+11:00

Australia's second game of the 2009 under-16 AFC championships has just wrapped up and it's another win for the Aussie team. Which means, barring any huge upsets, they have made it through to the semi-finals of the titles. To make it to next year's under-17 FIFA women's World Cup, they need to finish in the top-three so it means they are halfway there. According to the match statistics, Australian coach Robbie Hooker gave most of his first-team a rest, with Emily van Egmond, Sam Kerr, Erika Elze and Tara Andrews all on the bench, and instead gave some of the other girls in the squad time against Chinese Taipei. Caitlin Friend scored a hat-trick, Samantha Hatzirodos a brace, while Sharni Brown, Heidi Makrillos and Rebekah Stott added the others. The Australian team plays its last round game against Japan on Monday.
From the FFA match report,
Rebekah Stott opened the scoring in the 3rd minute after finding herself on the end of a corner by Caitlin Friend that was flicked on at the near post by Heidi Makrillos. Makrillos then added to Australia’s lead in the 5th minute, when she managed to collect a wayward Chinese Taipei goal kick and calmly placed the ball back over the head of Chinese Taipei goalkeeper, Lin Shih-Ting.
Australia continued to dominate the play when Sharni Brown added to the lead in the 12th minute.
Brown then turned provider with a pin point cross for Michaela Hatziridos to head home and extend Australia’s lead in the 19th minute.
Hatziridos then found her name on the score sheet again in the 33rd minute after finishing off a Teigen Allen cross who had advanced out of the back line into the attacking third.
With three minutes left in the half Caitlin Friend found herself unmarked inside the 18-yard-box to finish off Australia’s scoring for the half.
Chinese Taipei proved much more resilient in the second half and looked to have shutout the Australians.
However, with four added minutes of stoppage time in the game, Caitlin Friend managed to beat the offside trap, courtesy of a through ball from Makrillos. Friend, in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, neatly slide the ball past the advancing Lin Shih-Ting. This rounded out Australia’s scoring for the afternoon, with Chinese Taipei conceding 7 goals.
Westfield Australia U16 Women’s Head Coach Robbie Hooker was pleased with his teams performance and happy to see his players continued progression in the tournament,
“We used a very different line-up in today’s game but I’m glad the girls stepped up and put their case forward for selection in the semi-finals,” said Hooker.
“We still have Japan to play and it would be fantastic to finish top of Group B and also try to continue our run of clean sheets.
“We have to continue playing positive football and work on our technique but all-in-all I am very pleased to have made it to the semi-finals without yet conceding a goal,” finished Hooker.
Australia’s next game is against Japan, who beat China 3-1 in the other Group B match, on Monday 9th November, 4.00pm (8.00pm AEDT), at the Supachalasai National Stadium in the match that will decide who ends top of Group B.

Westfield W-League Round 6 preview

2009-11-07T11:29:00.002+11:00

So sorry everyone on the latest of the preview this week. Have just been a little busy, but here it is anyway. A shortened version this week so we can just get right to the juicy stuff. All games are today, so a very short-sharp round with (hopefully) lots of action.

CANBERRA UNITED v BRISBANE ROAR at McKellar Park, 3pm. Live on ABC TV.
Refereee: Prue Donohue. So the W-League may have only been going for a total of 18 rounds - but this rivalry is already a great one. Canberra and Brisbane have played each other four times, including in the first ever Westfield W-League grand final earlier this year. Brisbane have the better record, with two wins out of those four games. But Canberra are also the only team to have ever taken three points from the Roar. That was back in Round 2, 2008 when Lara Boon was the goalkeeper instead of Casey Dumont (who was away on international duty), and a mistake allowed Kara Mowbray to shoot into an open goal. They won 1-0. But it wasn't just a fluke, in the round nine game, only an 89th minute goal from Vedrana Popovic helped Brisbane to come away with a point. Brisbane have comprehensively won the past two games, the grand final 2-0 and the Round 1 2009 rematch 3-0, but can Canberra put the spark back into the rivalry today? It does seem hard. From my preview, that was kind of cut in today's paper but here it is in the full version, they are certainly down on numbers. But in saying that, Jeff Hopkins also said this week he would never underestimate Canberra and expects today's game to be a cracker. If Tameka Butt does play her first game in three weeks in a return from injury, she could be the difference. But the message is, if you are in Canberra, come along to McKellar Park, wear green and support United. It is the TV game after all - make sure everyone knows United have plenty of support!
Canberra United co-captain Ellie Brush will be given until the last minute to prove her fitness for today's crucial clash against Brisbane Roar at McKellar. Brush tore ligaments in her right ankle in last weekend's draw with the Central Coast Mariners and has not trained this week, but yesterday she was confident she would be able to take her place at the centre of defence against Brisbane.
``I think I will be able to play,'' Brush said. ``I still need to have a fitness test, but it's just kept improving and I've done everything I can to make sure I can play.''
It would be a huge boost to the team if Brush could line-up, given defender Lin Chiung-Ying is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury and Ellyse Perry is out on cricket commitments.
If Brush could play, Ray Junna would need to make just one change to his starting back-four and is likely to give Bronwyn Studman her first start this season. Studman impressed after she was subbed on for Brush last weekend.
In Perry's spot in midfield, Junna is likely likely to hand 15-year-old Kahlia Hogg her first W-League start.
Injury replacement-player Lucy Allan, who was a senior member of the team last year but wasn't given a senior contract at the start of this year, is will be considered for a midfield or defence role. Whatever does happen with his line-up today, Junna said he certainly wouldn't ask his team to play defensive despite the fact that United need a result in the round six game to keep its season alive.
``There is no use going out there and building a wall and trying to defend, I think the second we do that everything we have been working towards goes to waste,'' Junna said.
`We've been playing attacking football and we'll go out there and give it a go.
``If it doesn't work well then that's ok and we'll learn a lesson, but there is no reason to stop playing the way we have been.''
Also if anyone can't make the game and would like to listen to it, you can hear myself on air with the excellent Russ Gibbs and lovely Luzy Zelic on the livestream of 2XX 98.3fm radio, http://www.2xxfm.org.au/08/. We live call every Canberra home game on the Canberra community station.

NEWCASTLE JETS v ADELAIDE UNITED at Wanderers Oval, Newcastle. 4pm. Referee, Kate Jacewicz. So the replay of the Round 1 game that saw a 0-0 draw and the only points that each team has claimed this season. But in recent weeks Newcastle have been steadily improving, they have scored some goals and apart from the blip against the Mariners, have generally kept a fairly tidy defence. But Adelaide United will be very keen I think to firstly, score its first goal this season, and secondly perhaps claim the three points in the second real chance they have had to do so this year. This game could decide the wooden spoon, so the chance to avoid it will be plenty of motivation. I think the Jets may just have Adelaide at home though, particulary with the strong crowds they have been getting at Wanderers Oval. Adelaide have a few new players this week, including Thomai Kezios and Greta French-Kennedy.

PERTH GLORY v CENTRAL COAST MARINERS at Clipsal Stadium, Inglewood. 3pm Perth time, 6pm AEDT time. Referee. Lee Corey. So Perth are very keen to make up for last week's 6-0 thumping at the hands of Brisbane. “It’s about getting back on track, it was obviously a very disappointing result last weekend and we are looking for a positive reaction from the team against the Mariners on Saturday” said Glory coach John Gibson. “We need to get back to basics, do the things that have worked well for us in the past. If we do the one percenters, we can compete and have a chance at success.”
“The players have been switched on at training, we have worked on a few things for the weekend and have looked fairly sharp, so we are hopeful of a much improved showing.”
They have Lisa de Vanna back from suspension, but they could lose another Matilda Collette McCallum for the rest of the season. She has an ankle injury that could put her out for six weeks. Mariners have included a few players like they did for last weekend's Canberra game, but ended up going in with an unchanged line-up. A very interesting game in terms of the top-four.

MELBOURNE VICTORY v SYDNEY FC at Deakin Reserve, Shepparton, Victoria. 7pm. Referee, Catherine Hofmann. So this is another game moved from Bob Jane Stadium as the ground has been judged unfit for use, but I think it's actually kind of fantastic. Shepparton, and the rest of country Victoria for that sake, doesn't get to see much elite level football (apart from the odd men's VPL game), so taking the game to areas like this is a fantastic idea. It's also a fantastic idea just for the 'Canberra factor' as I think I will call it. In Canberra at around this time, there isn't much else on in terms of outdoor sport. Pretty much just local cricket, so for a great afternoon's entertainment on a lovely day - you can't beat an afternoon at McKellar Park for some top-quality football. If other games were taken to rural areas where they aren't competing with cricket or other major events in capital cities, I think it would boost crowd numbers. But back to the game. Another very interesting one when it comes to shaping the top-four. Sydney FC finally hit top form last week, can they carry it on? They have an unchanged line-up. The Victory have included three of their most experienced players. All have international experience, Marlies Oostdam, Julianne Sitch and Selin Kuralay. For more from Victory's camp, check out this podcast from Victorian radio host Teo here.

And also remember to check out http://www.thewomensgame.com/. this week for Ann Odong's stories, including speaking to Leeanne Grantham and Julie Rydahl.

AFC under-16 girls game 1 - Australia bt China 4-0 in Thailand

2009-11-06T07:53:00.002+11:00

So very late last night in China, well 10.30pm Australian time, Australia kicked off its campaign to qualify for the under-17 FIFA Women's World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago. And they kicked it off in some sort of style with an impressive 4-0 win over China.
Newcastle Jets striker Tara Andrews claimed all four goals in the win, scoring in the 18th, 58th, 63rd and then 87th minute. Australia must finish in the top-three at this tournament to qualify and so that win, is a very very good start. Well done girls! Full match report up at the official AFC website here.

*And now updated with the official FFA match report is out. Details and everything thanks to the FFA below.
The Westfield Australia U16 Women’s team has started off with a commanding performance against China in the opening game of the AFC U16 Women’s Championships. Australia was quick to engage in the opening few minutes, creating many attacking opportunities.
Tara Andrews opened the scoring in the 18th minute after getting in front of her defender at the near post to be on the end of a free kick whipped in by Stephanie Catley.
Australia continued to dominate the first half with good shape and structure, lead by the midfield trio of Teigen Allen, Alanna Kennedy and Emily Van Egmond. After returning from the break Australia looked to push forward with continuous pressure on the Chinese back four and Andrews was again able to capitalise on these opportunities and extend Australia’s lead in the 58th minute. With Australia pushing forward, Hannah Brewer found herself in the attacking third and was able to deliver a cross into the 18-yard-box for Caitlin Foord to challenge with the Chinese goal keeper. From the resulting challenge Andrews was able to pounce on the ball and produce another clinical finish.
China was unable to break down the Australian back four of Hannah Brewer, Rebekah Stott, Erika Elze and Stephaine Catley. And Cately turned that defensive dominance into a deadly attack when she launched a ball from left back that found Andrews in the box.
With an assured couple of touches, Andrews rounded the keeper to score her hat-trick, all but resigning China to defeat. In the 87th minute Andrews rounded out Australia’s scoring when she found herself on the edge of the 18-yard-box with an advancing Chinese goalkeeper.
With composure that belied her years Andrews was able to keep her composure and neatly chip the advancing keeper.
Australia was unlucky not to finish the match with another goal as they where awarded a penalty in the 89th minute as Caitlin Friend was judged to have been fouled in the area. Emily Van Egmond stepped up to take the resulting penalty only to see her shot rebound of the cross bar.
“It was a great performance from the girls, there’s still a lot of room for improvement but tactically we played very well,” said Head Coach Robbie Hooker.
“The tactics we have been working on over the past months is now paying off. Technically we still have room for improvement but a 4-0 result in our first match of the Asia Cup is a great result.” After a quiet tournament at the AFF ASEAN Cup in Myanmar last month Hooker was delighted with his four-goal striker’s performance, “Tara had a quiet tour in Myanmar due to illness, but today she proved what an asset she is to this team,” Hooker enthused.
“To be given five chances on goal and put four away was very pleasing – for a striker if you’re scoring at that ratio and finishing the way she did you can’t ask for anything more.”
In the other result in Group B, Japan produced an unstoppable performance to down Chinese Taipei 16 – 0 in their opening match.
“Japan looked good – quick, skilful, technically very good,” continued Hooker.
“We have Chinese Taipei next and we will look at giving some of the other players in the squad a run in this match,” finished Hooker.
Australia’s next game is against Chinese Taipei on Saturday 7th November at 4.00pm local at the Supachalasai National Stadium.

Australia 4 (Tara ANDREWS 18’/58’/63’/87’) bt China 0
AFC U16 Women’s Championships
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Local kick-off: 6:30pm (10.30pm AEDT)
Supachalasai National Stadium, Bangkok
Westfield Australia U16 Women’s line-up: Brianna DAVEY (GK), Hannah BREWER, Erika ELZE (c), Samantha KERR (Brittany WHITFIELD 82’), Alanna KENNEDY (Caitlin FRIEND 84’), Stephanie CATLEY, Tara ANDREWS, Emily VAN EGMOND, Rebekah STOTT, Teigen ALLEN, Caitlin FOORD
Substitutes not used: Alexandra HUYNH, Heidi MAKRILLOS, Ruth WALLACE, Amy HIGGINS (GK), Ashlee FAUL, Michaela HATZIRODOS, Sharni BROWN, Candace SCIBERRAS, Madeline SEARL, Elizabeth DURACK (GK).

Westfield W-League - who is the best of them all?

2009-11-05T15:24:00.002+11:00

So we're halfway through the season now and I think the teams that will challenge for the title, Brisbane Roar, Sydney FC and the Central Coast Mariners, have separated themselves from the pack.
I still think that Brisbane are the team to beat (can anyone say depth? they have it in spades), but there are also a few variables that I think may just come into it. Like say, game-breaking players who can completely change a match in minutes. Which is what brings me to this next post, who is the best player in the Westfield W-League? And the nominees that have been chosen in a very scientific manner (ie, just me), in no particular order, are...

CATHRIN PAASKE - Sydney FC. On basic statistics, she has to be included. The Danish international is a former nominee for FIFA World Player of the year (in 2006), has over 100 international caps for Denmark and is one of her countries all-time leading goalscorers. She took a few games to settle in the W-League, but has definitely had an impact. Has scored a couple of goals and become Sydney FC's playmaker in the middle. Of course, she's not the best Australian player, but is she the best player in the Australian league?

CASEY DUMONT - Brisbane Roar. She may be the youngest out of all the W-League's goal-keepers, but she is the best. Technically she is still behind Melissa Barbieri and Lydia Williams in pecking order for the Matildas, but on current form and goals conceded in this W-League season - Dumont has them both beat. She does also have the best back-four in the league ahead of her, Polkinghorne, McShea, Reuter and Spence (although Bignold is there too sometimes), so that no doubt helps. What will be interesting is what happens once Brisbane come to crunch games - ie finals. Last year, that's really where she showed her class. She was amazing in both the semi and the final. Her ability to stay calm under pressure is what might see her make the leap to Matildas for World Cup qualifiers.

SAM KERR - Perth Glory. She's only 16, but wow, what an excitement machine. So far she's found it hard to get away from the `I'm Daniel Kerr's sister tag' (for those who don't know, he's a premiership-winning midfielder with the West Coast Eagles and in AFL-crazy WA, that's a BIG deal), but if she keeps this up she is well on the way to making a name for herself. In the past month has almost single-handedly opened up games for both Perth and the Australian under-16 women's team (they were up 1-0 in the ASEAN final before she came on, they ended up winning 7-0). A creative, attacking midfielder who Tom Sermanni expected big things of at the start of the season. She's lived up to it.

HEATHER GARRIOCK - Sydney FC. With Cheryl Salisbury and Joey Peters now retired, H is now Australia's most capped player, sitting on 113. After going through her entire career without one serious injury, her last 12-months have been kind of terrible. Her season for Sydney FC was ruined with a hip flexor, and that and a few other problems kept her mostly out the first American WPS season. She played a total of 89 minutes for the Chicago Red Stars. But now she's back for Sydney FC and fit, and certainly if not the best player, she's been the most attacking left-back I've ever seen. Technically very good and a very smart player, she's a possible Matildas captain too.

Other notable mentions, Tseng Shu O - Canberra United. The capital's purple-haired dynamo has lifted her team in the last few weeks, not to mention the crowd, with her special brand of excitement in front of goals. The Taiwanese international is highly skilled and great to watch and has changed games for Canberra.

Michelle Heyman – Central Coast Mariners. Kind of came out of nowhere to be leading the goalscorers, but is physically strong and can find the back of the net. Was the leading goalscorer in NSW women’s premier league this year.
Lisa de Vanna – Perth Glory. The only other player in the league to have been nominated for FIFA women’s world player of the year (in 2007), but hasn’t been as successful in Aussie leagues as she has overseas.
Collette McCallum – Perth Glory. One of the Matildas best set-piece takers, continually drives Perth forward.
Lydia Williams – Canberra United. The goalkeeper had a rough start, but has done well over the past three weeks to help her team to some much needed points.
Sarah Walsh – Sydney FC. After coming back from a broken leg in the last 12-months, Walsh has hit top-form again and is equal leading WWL goalscorer with four.
Tameka Butt – Brisbane Roar. has been injured for the past few weeks but is a quick exciting midfielder, with an emphasis on quick, who provides Brisbane with a host of scoring options.
Ellen Beaumont – Brisbane Roar. the lanky midfielder has caused opposition defenders plenty of problems so far this year – pinching three goals.
Melissa Barbieri – Melbourne Victory. Still the number 1 Matildas keeper and still very hard to get past.
Clare Polkinghorne – Brisbane Roar. One of the toughest defenders going around.
Katie Thorlakson – Melbourne Victory. The Canadian striker hasn’t performed in every game, but she does have past form. Before two knee reconstructions she scored 23 goals and had 24 assists in one college season. The only player with more? American great Mia Hamm.

So what do you think? Is there anyone else that springs to mind? Particularly from Newcastle and Adelaide, as I haven’t had the chance to watch them much this year, is there a player or two that has stood out above the rest? But do remember that this is the best of the best. The game-breakers. If there are anymore, let me know.

Westfield W-League Round 5 wrap

2009-11-02T10:51:00.001+11:00

So now we are officially halfway through the season and the contenders I think have truly separated from the pack. Namely, Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC. Within 24-hours of each other, they have both recorded W-League record scores. It was the Central Coast Mariners that set the record for biggest ever win in Season 1, with a 5-0 win over Adelaide. But this round, Brisbane eclipsed that over the hapless Perth with a 6-0 win. But Sydney FC didn't let them keep it for long, as they equalised it with a 6-0 romp over the poor Reds - who still haven't scored a goal. That and more in the Round 5 wrap.

MELBOURNE VICTROY 2 (Katrina GORRY 45', Deanna NICESKI 90'+3) bt NEWCASTLE JETS 1 (Renee CARTWRIGHT 61') at the Veneto Club, Bulleen.
So the first ever game on a synthetic pitch seemed to go on without too much concern from either team, but then again there were not quotes in the sportal match report so I'm not entirely sure if it affected much. The main thing is that the Jets came very very close to claiming their second point of the season, before Deanne Niceski scored the winner in the 93rd minute. Ouch. Good news is that the Jets new signing, former Young Matilda Renee Cartwright, had immediate impact and she scored in the 61st minute. With the Jets depleted through international duty and HSC exams, once they get a few of those girls back in, then things will really start looking up. Melbourne are now outright third on the ladder and have bounced back well after last week's horror game against Canberra.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Rebecca Durcau
Assistant referees: Elizabeth Hyland and Jonathan Barreiro
Fourth Official: George Lakrinidis
Melbourne Victory line-up: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 2. Vedrana POPOVIC, 4. Tal KARP (c), 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY (7. Sarah GROENEWALD 45’), 8. Katie THORLAKSON (10. Deanna NICESKI 58’), 12. Monnique HANSEN KOFOED, 13. Katrina GORRY, 15. Jessica HUMBLE (18. Ursula HUGHSON 71’), 19. Enza BARILLA, 21. Kara MOWBRAY
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Nicole PAUL (gk)
Yellow Cards: Kara MOWBRAY 89’
Red Cards: Nil
Newcastle Jets line-up: 1. Alison LOGUE (gk), 3. Pelay INGLES, 4. Loren MAHONEY (8. Bronte BATES 45’), 5. Stacey DAY, 6. Amber NEILSON, 7. Gema SIMON, 9. Kate HENSMAN, 10. Hayley CRAWFORD (c), 13. Caitlyn JARVIE (11. Carlie IKONOMOU 71’), 15. Renee CARTWRIGHT (21. Harmonie ATTWILL 75’), 8. Leia SMITH
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Emma-Kate DEWHURST (gk)
Yellow Cards: Renee CARTWRIGHT 50’
Red Cards: Nil

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 1 (Kendall FLETCHER 20’) drew with CANBERRA UNTED 1 (Ellie BRUSH 3’ (pen)) at Canberra Stadium. Well, definitely the most physical game I've seen so far this W-League season. I can see why the Mariners have claimed the results this year, they are physically imposing and not afraid to use their bodies and that combined with the fact that when they get close to goal, they actually shoot. It's simple football but it works. While I've seen other teams hesitate and try and set up the perfect goal, the Mariners on Saturday made a run, smashed through a few defenders and then had a crack. The players backed themselves and it was great to see. At the end of the day, a draw was probably an accurate reflection as both team's dominated at different parts of the game. Canberra did have a number of chances in the final few minutes though, which is why midfielder Grace Gill and coach Ray Junna were disappointed because they thought they could have won. Hmm, it's a very similar story to United's first season last year - when they claimed the most draws in the season - but found winning form at the end of the season and in the finals to make a grand-final appearance. Can they do it again this year, or is five points too far behind the pack already? Mariners coach Stephen Roche thought his team also had chances to win, and were particularly ruing their quick free kick in the first half. United goalkeeper Lydia Williams had still been organizing her wall when the Mariners took it, but it went waay wide. Another one took an off-the-line save from United’s Jenny Bisset to keep the Mariners out.
“I thought we held possession pretty well, it was pretty physical in spots but I think all the games are like that anyway,’ Roche said. “I’m pretty disappointed, we probably could have killed the game off in the first half with the quick free kick…then the one off the line, there was quite a few chances that could have killed it off. A point is a point and it’s away from home, even though it is our home game, but I thought we could have taken three points back. It’s just taking our chances, they just have to go in the net, which we have been doing.”
And also a quick word from Mariners American goalscorer Kendall Fletcher, whose flat shot across goal took a deflection and went in to help the Mariners claim a point, on what she thinks about the league.
“I think it’s great,” she said. “I didn’t really know what to expect but it was a great opportunity for us American girls to come down here, it works well with our league, it’s a bit more physical than sometimes we are used too, it’s a whole new set of challenges and it makes us see the game differently, a different set of players, a different look, so it’s great for us.”For Canberra United, injuries are now their biggest problem, with both central defenders out for next week’s game against Brisbane. Lin Chiung Ying did her ACL and Ellie Brush an ankle.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Kate Jacewicz
Assistant referees: Brett Woodford and Greg Taylor
Fourth Official: Gary Vandeburgt
Central Coast Mariners line-up: 1. Jillian LOYDEN, 2. Caitlin COOPER (c), 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Rachael DOYLE, 8. Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI (13. Trudy CAMILLERI 70’), 9. Renee ROLLASON, 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN (16. Jenna KINGSLEY 78’), 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH
Substitutes Not Used:17. Britt SIMMONS, 20. Rachel COOPER (gk)
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Canberra United line-up: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 2. Rebecca KITING, 4. LIN Chiung Ying (5. Kahlia HOGG 30’), 7. Ellie BRUSH (c) (3. Bronwyn STUDMAN 68’), 9. Grace GILL, 10. TSENG Shu O, 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI (12. Snez VELJANOVSKA 89’), 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jennifer BISSET
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Jocelyn MARA (gk)
Yellow Cards: Jennifer BISSET 21’
Red Cards: Nil

BRISBANE ROAR 6 (Lana HARCH 8’/54’, Courtney BEUTEL 19’, Ellen BEAUMONT 21’/80’, Sasha McDONNELL 90’+1) bt PERTH GLORY 0 at Ballymore Stadium. So it seems Brisbane have smashed itself back into goalscoring form against the hapless Perth. Mainly, what has happened to the Glory? It seems losing both Sam Kerr (international duty) and Lisa de Vanna (suspension), was a little too much for one game. De Vanna will be back this week, while Kerr will miss the next three with the Australian team. But I reckon that it's about this time Perth are set to unveil Katie Gill, the Matildas striker who hasn't made it back to the W-League this year as her season in Sweden Gill of course played for Newcastle last year, but she's headed back to Perth when she does return. Which I think will be in the next two weeks. Brisbane are now a game clear on top of the ladder ahead of Central Coast. And what's more, Brisbane still didn't have Tameka Butt, who I think is arguably one of the most exciting young talents in the W-League.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Casey Reibelt
Assistant referees: Renae Coghill and Christie Robb
Fourth Official: Pru Donohue
Brisbane Roar line-up: 1. Casey DUMONT (GK), 2. Kate McSHEA, 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (C), 5. Brooke SPENCE, 6. Joanne BURGESS (15. Leah CURTIS 67’), 7. Pam BIGNOLD, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 10. Lana HARCH (9. Jenna TRISTRAM 77’) , 11. Aivi LUIK, 18. Courtney BEUTEL (14. Sasha McDONNELL 67’), 19. Ellen BEAUMONT
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Kate STEWART (GK)
Yellow Cards: Ellen BEAUMONT 43’
Red Cards: Nil
Perth Glory line-up: 1. Emma WIRKUS (GK), 2. Carys HAWKINS, 5. Shannon MAY, 8. Tanya OXTOBY (C), 9. Danielle CALAUTTI, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 14. Collette McCALLUM, 15. Alexandra SINGER, 16. Sadie LAWRENCE (21. Jaymee GIBBONS 72’), 17. Marianna TABAIN, 18. Ellis GLANFIELD (10. Ciara CONWAY 34’) (19. Katarina JUKIC 72’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Zoe PALANDRI (GK)
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil

SYDNEY FC 6 (Alesha CLIFFORD 6’, Sarah WALSH 23’/36’, Leena KHAMIS 60’, Michelle CARNEY 74’, Catherine CANNULI 84’) bt ADELAIDE UNITED 0 at Sydney Football Stadium. Not content to let Brisbane hold the record for long, Sydney FC promptly went about showing they could easily net a 6-0 win yesterday too. It's a scoreline that I think Sydney FC have hoped for weeks though as clearly besides Brisbane, they have the most talented team on paper. Actually I think they have more international caps than Brisbane. But as Sydney coach Alen Stajcic said earlier, they hardly had a preseason at all together so it was basically a matter of using the first few games to work everything out. Now it's clearly working. The Mariners may be equal top at the moment, but I'm thinking that it's looking like a Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar grand final at the moment. (A bit unfair to the Mariners you say? Perhaps, but I just think Sydney get them on experience). And poor Adelaide who are yet to score a goal, perhaps they have their best chance when they meet the Newcastle Jets again next week?
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Kiralee Gardener
Assistant referees: Liz Shorter and Laura Elliot
Fourth Official: Peta McCallum
Sydney FC line-up: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 8. Julie RYDAHL (13. Catherine CANNULI 77’), 9. Sarah WALSH (12. Michelle CARNEY 64’), 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrine PAASKE, 15. Kyah SIMON, 16. Linda O’NEILL (5. Lisa GILBERT 75’), 19. Leena KHAMIS
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Carla MONFORTE (gk)
Yellow Cards: Lisa GILBERT 88’
Red Cards: Nil
Adelaide United line-up: 1.Sian McLAREN (gk), 2.Ebony WEIDENBACH, 3.Renee HARRISON, 7.Racheal QUIGLEY, 11.Georgia CHAPMAN (10.Marijana RAJCIC 78’), 12.Katerina BEXIS (9.Angela FIMMANO 64’), 14.Donna COCKAYNE, 16.Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (c), 17.Karina ROWETH, 18.Rochelle KUHAR, 19. Nenita BURGESS (15.Tenneille BOALER 34’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20.Kristi HARVEY (gk)
Yellow Cards: Renee HARRISON 64’, Ebony WEIDENBACH 76’, Christina PAPAGEORGIOU 82’
Red Cards: Nil

Also don't forget to check out all the reports and great interviews from Ann Odong on http://www.thewomensgame.com/.

What's happening in women's football around the world

2009-10-29T21:41:00.004+11:00

Just a quick note to say that FIFA's monthly women's wrap is up here, it includes the latest transfer goss from the WPS (Sky Blue FC seem to have done VERY well), Marta's stint back in her home country of Brazil which culiminated in a 9-0 win in the championship final, and more. Also tonight, Germany take on America. No 1 vs No 2. Does it get any better? Hopefully there are some highlights up soon. While you are at the FIFA site, don't forget to read Pete Smith's story on Kyah Simon.
Also check out http://www.girlsinfootball.com/ Polly commented on my fairgame magazine post and so I thought I would call by her website to say hi and although it's a UK one, it has lots of great things for Aussie girls too. Like lots and lots of videos showing skills and how to perfect them. And if you do pop by here on Saturday, I will try and surprise with some Canberra United stories. Until then, see you later alligators.

Westfield W-League Round 5 preview

2009-10-29T21:11:00.000+11:00

So firstly, a few interesting happenings this week. Number one is that Matildas star Lisa de Vanna has been suspended for her little outburst last weekend. From the AAP report, De Vanna was angry at being substituted in the 31st minute of the Glory's 1-0 win over Adelaide on Saturday. She swore at coaching staff and a fourth official and also raised her middle finger towards members of the crowd as she went down the tunnel. Football Federation Australia has found her guilty of bringing the game into disrepute and issued a two-match ban. One match is suspended, to be put into action if de Vanna re-offends in the next six months. Glory coach John Gibson was not a happy man either. “We accept the penalty handed to Lisa by the governing body, the incident was unacceptable on many levels in terms of respect for the game and the fans” said Glory coach John Gibson.
“As a group this goes away from our one of our goals for the season, which is about respect, and from the culture we are trying to establish this season. From the team's point of view the issue is over, we react positively, move forward, stay together and look forward to this weekend’s game."
It's certainly not a good example and de Vanna has been known in the past to have a very short-temper, I remember reading stories about how she had walked out on numerous clubs around the time she was starring for the Matildas at the 2007 World Cup in China. But I can't help but wonder, would she have been suspended if it wasn't the TV match?

Anyway, onto some more positive news and Melbourne and Newcastle play the first ever W-League game on a synthetic pitch. Moved from Bob Jane Stadium due to the poor pitch there, it will be interesting to see what happens.
They opened one of these new generation surfaces in Canberra recently at Hawker and I have walked on it, kicked a ball on it and watched a few games there. The first thing about one here is that you have to get very very close to realise it's not actually grass. Then once you are on it, it basically plays like a pitch should except unlike the drought-affected pitches we have these days, it's an even surface so you can actually read the bounce. In that sense, the one in Canberra is amazing. But in the first few months players did complain of more grazes and sore muscles, but it seemed to clear up as time went on and the pitch settled. I'm not sure how old the pitch at the Veneto Club is, but they played an NYL game on it last week so it must be ok. Will be interesting to hear the feedback from it, as really, these pitches are the way of the future. Because the drought doesn't look like breaking, pitches that don't need watering are a good idea plus the idea that these can be used 24/7 and 365 days of the year. Let me know what you think Melbourne readers :)

And so now to the actual game previews. How much will the absence of de Vanna and Sam Kerr hurt Perth against Brisbane? And can Canberra United continue its stellar form and knock off the impressive Mariners. It's all ahead in Round 5. I'll keep it as a shorter post this week, if you want the full teams please click through to Ann Odong's fantastic website, http://www.thewomensgame.com/.

SATURDAY, MELBOURNE VICTORY v NEWCASTLE JETS at the Veneto Club, 2pm. Referee: Rebecca Durcau. So the Victory were not happy at all with their performance against Canberra last week and I assume they would have had the chance to train at the synthetic pitch this week so hopefully they know the ground. They lose Selin Kuralay (unavailble), Steph Catley (international duty) and Marlies Oostdam (injury), but regain Kara Mowbray, who has obviously signed another injury-replacement contract, Jess Humble, Sarah Groenewald, Gulcan Koca and Ursula Hughson. Lose a lot of experience with Kuralay and Oostdam out, so could be another danger game for Melbourne. Except that Newcastle are losing even more players this week and showing their young age, it's all either so they can sit their HSC exams or play for the under-16 Australian team. Elizabeth Sharpe, Kristyn Pearce and Emma Stewart are out with HSC, Tara Andrews (the Jets only goalscorer so far this year), Maddy Searl and Hannah Brewer are all with Robbie Hooker's Australian squad. But the ins are promising, Stacey Day is back as is Loren Mahoney and Harmonie Atwill. They have also signed a new player, Renee Cartwright, who scored a few goals in the NSW premier league last season and is a former Young Matilda, originally from Crookwell. Find out all about her in this great story from the Newcastle Herald.

BRISBANE ROAR v PERTH GLORY at Ballymore Stadium, Local kick-off 2.30pm. Referee: Casey Reibelt. Don't forget, this is now the Westfield W-League Match of the Round live and exclusive to ABC1 and ABC HD, after they switched from the Melbourne game late last week. So Perth look to be a much lesser force without the two players that have created so many chances for the Glory this year, Lisa de Vanna and Sam Kerr, but that's exactly when teams can come up and surprise you. They still have Collette McCallum, who is one of the best set piece takers in the Matildas. De Vanna and Kerr the only outs, with three youngers in the extended squad, Katarina Jukic, Ciara Conway and Ellis Glanfield. Brisbane haven't made any outs yet, but added Pam Bignold, Tameka Butt, Leah Curtis and Steph Latham to an extended squad. Butt will definitely be back in. After smashing Canberra 3-0 in Round 1 though, Brisbane have scored just two goals in the other three games. Their draw last week came courtesy of a Sydney FC own goal. So are they ready for a huge win? Or is their dominance slipping slightly? I shall tune into ABC TV to find out.

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS v CANBERRA UNITED at Canberra Stadium, 4.15pm. So yes, I have listed the Mariners first for a reason. It may be in Canberra, but it's still a Mariners home game as it's a curtain raiser to the boys clash against Adelaide United. But Canberra will be hoping the home crowd is an advantage in its race to keep its finals hopes alive. Tseng Shu O, with her pretty purple bob, scored two excellent goals last weekend. The first one worthy of any highlights reel as she completely outstepped the senior Matildas goalkeeper in Melissa Barbieri. I spoke to her this week (through a translator) and she said one of the things that has been so amazing is the crowd support, she said that in Taiwan no-one would ever bother to watch her play. So she is loving the United fans on the McKellar hill. Still Canberra will need a super effort to beat the inform Mariners and the leagues leading goalscorer in Michelle Heyman. Particulary as the Mariners have been playing three up front. United's defence worked super well last week, but that was when they just had one striker to deal with, Katie Thorlakson, who wasn't that quick. This week I expect the Mariners to keep the back-four extra busy, which means that Nicole Sykes and Ellyse Perry probably won't be able to run it up the line as much as they did last week. Em van Egmond is a big loss too, she was outstanding against Melbourne. But as attested to last year in its run to the grand final, once Canberra have its confidence up, the girls are hard to stop. Hopefully a huge crowd turns out for the first ever women's national league game at Canberra Stadium.

SUNDAY, SYDNEY FC v ADELAIDE UNITED at the Sydney Football Stadium, 2.15pm. Referee, Kiralee Gardener. So another Sunday fixture for the Sydney FC girls. Unlucky not to get a win against Brisbane last week, and only having beaten the Newcastle Jets 1-0, I have the feeling it could be Adelaide's turn to get punished this week. Sydney have SUCH a good team on paper, they should really be putting away teams like this. Defender Danielle Brogan is out with a knee injury, scarily it says unknown next to her name, which will be a big blow for the Sky Blues and two more girls are out with Hooker's team, Brittany Whitfield and Teigan Allen. No players in. It's a similar story for Adelaide, with Ashlee Faul and Ruth Wallace out and no players added. Can Sydney get it together, or will Adelaide battle away for another respectable loss? As the only team yet to score a goal this W-League, I think the Reds will be pretty happy if they can just focus on that first, like their captain said last week.

So enjoy the halfway round of the season this weekend, see you on the other side :)

AFC under-16 championship preview with Australian coach Robbie Hooker

2009-10-28T19:01:00.002+11:00

So it's been a while since an Australian youth girls team has qualified for a FIFA under-17 or under-20 World Cup. The last team was the one that went in 2006 to the under-20 event in Russia. And just to clarify, these events are held every two years, not four like the senior World Cups. The under-19 girls just missed out in controversial circumstances earlier this year for next year's under-20 tournament.
But anyway, now it's almost November and that means that the next Australian women's team chance is now. They will leave on Sunday morning for Thailand, where Japan, China and Chinese Taipei face them in the group stages of the under-16 AFC women's cup.
Australia have to finish in the top-three in the eight-team tournament to qualify for next year's under-17 FIFA World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago.
It's going to be tough, but new Australian coach Robbie Hooker thinks this team could be the one to do it. girlswithgame caught up with Hooker this week to find out why.

girlswithgame: It's been a while since an Australian youth women's team has qualified for a youth women's FIFA World Cup, can this group do it? Robbie Hooker: This group has probably the best chance of any of the previous U/17 squads as the elite training programs in each state have improved and the W-League has given opportunity to young players that were not previously there.

Australia's group, China, Japan and Chinese Taipei, seems like a pretty tough one, what are you expecting the competition to be like? China and Japan will be very hard to beat but we should knock over Chinese Taipei.

This Australian team does seem to be a pretty talented one, as well as two girls in particular who have made an impact in the W-League, Sam Kerr and Emily van Egmond, what else is strong about the team? The team has a good all round look and feel about it. Apart from the two players you have mentioned there are probably another 8-10 players that are or should be playing in the W League. Their technical ability is good and now they are learning a lot tactically as well.

From the ASEAN tournament, it seemed like there was a lot of different goalscorers, is that one of the strengths in the squad? There was a lot of goal scorers but that was because we created a lot of chances from all types of attacking play, counter attacks and set plays as well.

Your also a defensively minded coach, given that's where you played, how is the defence shaping up? Don't know why you think I am a defensive minded coach, I consider myself a winning minded coach. Almost all winning teams have a good defensive structure and record. If that is defensive minded then I am guilty. We actually scored 45 goals with at least 12 different goal scorers but having said that we did work a lot on our defensive structure (will need it in Thailand) but that actually starts in the opponents third of the field so it is an aggressive or attacking defensive structure.

You have said before this group is one of the most technically gifted to come through, why do you think that is? Technically, this group of players have had the best environment to train in with all the NTC programs around the country.

You lost Nicola Bolger to an ACL injury while over in Myanmar, will she be a big loss? Nicola will be a huge loss for this team. She was a real contender to lead the side in Thailand so not only did we lose a great midfielder but I need to think of other players to lead the team. Her vision and reading and understanding of football was second to none in this team and that is extremely hard to replace.

The conditions are probably going to be one of the toughest things, did the trip to Myanmar help prepare the girls in that sense? The Myanmar trip was ideal in terms of acclimatising the players to the heat and humidity that we will get in Thailand.

You are back in camp from Wednesday this week until you head over, what will be some of the most important things you will be doing in this camp? The pre tour camp is probably the most important camp we will have had. We will be working on the things that I think we need to do to beat China in the first game. That is the total focus between now and next Thursday. As this is an under age group there is still a lot of educational and developmental focus as well but in reality that will be secondary for this trip. This is all about getting a result.

Is it a final selection camp, or will the girls from the ASEAN tournament be the ones going over? There was only 20 players involved in the ASEAN trip but we are able to take 23 to Thailand. All players apart from Nicola will go to Thailand and we have added 4 more to the list so we will be taking the max allowable.

And finally, it's your first major tournament as an Australian head coach, are you excited? I am extremely excited about the leading this group of players and playing my bit in getting them to the WC. I really thrive on the challenge of competition not only as a player but now as a coach.
Throughout the tournament, keep up with the latest news at the AFC official website. girlswithgame will also being doing its utmost to bring you previews and then the results ASAP after the games. So watch this space. And to the girls, coaches and staff, good luck!

Here is the squad that started camp today. Teigen Allen Sydney Sydney FC, Tara Andrews Newcastle Newcastle Jets FC, Hannah Brewer Newcastle Newcastle Jets FC, Sharni Brown Sydney North West Sydney Koalas, Stephanie Catley Melbourne Melbourne Victory FC, Brianna Davey Melbourne Football Victoria NTC, Elizabeth Durack Sydney North West Sydney Koalas, Erika Elze Brisbane QAS, Ashlee Faul Adelaide Adelaide United FC, Caitlin Foord Sydney NSWIS, Caitlin Friend Melbourne Melbourne Victory FC, Michaela Hatzirodos Brisbane QAS, Amy Higgins Brisbane QAS, Alexandra Huynh Sydney Marconi, Alanna Kennedy Sydney NSWIS, Samantha Kerr Perth Perth Glory FC, Heidi Makrillos Sydney NSWIS, Candace Sciberras Sydney Marconi, Madeline Searl Newcastle Newcastle Jets, Rebekah Stott Brisbane QAS, Emily Van Egmond Canberra Canberra United FC, Ruth Wallace Adelaide Adelaide United FC, Brittany Whitfield Sydney Sydney FC.

fairgame magazine... would it work in Australia?

2009-10-27T10:43:00.001+11:00

So for the last few weeks while I prepare to nod off to sleep I've had the pleasure of flipping through a few issues of the UK edition of fairgame magazine, a whole magazine devoted to that one thing I am quite partial to - women's football.

Going by its credits page, it's a pretty small team with editor Jen O'Neill and news editor Wilf Fifth, plus a person each in design, advertising and marketing. It's published by its own company, fairgame publishing, as I bet that no other magazine stable wanted to take it on.

Basically it's all about women's football in the UK, as obviously, that's where it's based. The latest edition I recieved, April 2009, has stories about English coach Hope Powell and winning the Cyprus Cup (the first thing the English girls have won in a while), a wrap-up of the women's FA Cup, a story on how the FA has cut its promised summer league and a start for professional women's football with it, Arsenal coach Vic Akers on finishing up his 22-year-career in charge of the girls, team profiles of Arsenal and Sunderland who will play in the Cup Final, posters, a day in the life of a pro player, regional round-up, a few more profiles, fitness workouts, a strength training session with Sky Blue FC's fitness guy and new drills, which this issue is all to do with long range passing. In short, it's fantastic.

I am surprised to read though that the women's leagues in the UK aren't professional. Not standard wise, as I've never seen it but I bet it's fantastic as it's been going around a lot longer than other comps, but because of stories like the one from Aresnal ladies. It's the story on Vic Akers who has managed the ladies for the past 22-years (yep, that's right 22!), but is hanging up his coaching boots this year. But in the story it says he'll be going onto general manager and will continue to oversee player recruitment, but it will still be unpaid. Akers paid job is to be Arsene Wenger's kit man. So the coaches aren't even paid? It seems that way. After Akers bowed out, Sunderland's coach is the next longest serving one. He's a police constable. Also in that story, it seems there IS a professional league on the way. But it's not there yet.

So Australia already has a semi-professional league, could we sustain a magazine like this? It seems America couldn't. If you google fairgame magazine it comes up with an option to go to the American or UK website, except that the American one doesn't work anymore and further googling found fans who were last month asking questions about their subscriptions. That one has apparently gone bust, or I hope is just taking a break? As to ride on the amazing wave the American girls have over there, ie the players can afford to live off the cashola they earn from playing, would be a terrible thing to do.

But anyway, back to an Australian edition. In terms of content, I suppose a down under one would be a bit more limited just by the fact there are eight W-League teams and the season only goes for 10 weeks. That in itself makes it a little tricky to cover regulary over a year. (Although, I can't quite get a gauge on how often UK fairgame is published, the last one is from April, the new one came out last week, but they don't seem to be regular either). Matildas are in a down period at the moment, but fingers crossed that will pick up in the next year with World Cup qualifiers and fingers crossed, a World Cup for the Aussie girls. There would obviously be the same sort of options to do with fitness and technical drills, which I think is fantastic, isn't that what young girls here would like more than anything else? A female taking them through how they approach each skill? And profiles, posters etc would also be easy to put together. I think perhaps the one thing that would determine just how well it would work is advertising. Fairgame mag has a LOT of advertisers. There is 14 full page ads and another few that take the total up to 16 pages of ads in 45 pages. Plenty of the ads are from different soccer schools in England offering programs, as well a leagues, equipment and then more soccer schools. Would there be enough advertisers to support it in Australia? It's an interesting concept though and given soccer is the fastest growing sport for women in Australia, perhaps its one with merit in the future. I know I would like to have the option of a fairgame magazine as opposed to other women's mags like Cleo or Dolly.

So anyway, if you are interested, I recommend you support fairgame and give their magazine a go. I ordered them here and for about $15 had two issues in Australia within a week. Ok, there are a lot of English words that might drive you a little mad, like gaffer, and it's pretty much only has UK news, but it offers an interesting perspective on women's football and things like the fitness and skills pages are obviously easily translated world-wide. This is the latest issue. I'll be hopping on to order one right now. Also, apologies for my terrible attempt to get pics of the pages, but I wanted to put something up to show you what it's like.

Round 4 Westfield W-League wrap

2009-10-26T13:02:00.002+11:00

So to think, at the end of next week we'll be halfway through the season and then things will really start to get interesting. But in this short season, have Canberra United already left their run too late, despite notching up their first win in Round 4? And have the Mariners already secured their spot in the finals thanks to a rampaging 5-1 win over Newcastle? All that and more in one post. Apologies for the lateness, but am still being affected by killer flu.

PERTH GLORY 1 (Alex Singer 48') bt ADELAIDE UNITED 0 at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide.
So another loss to the Reds, but they seem to get getting closer every time. Still, are now the only team to not have a goal next to its name after four rounds. Come on Adelaide, so close! From all accounts, including Tom Sermanni's that I caught at the Canberra United match, Sam Kerr was on fire for Perth Glory. Kerr came on after just 31mins, replacing Lisa de Vanna (who was not at all happy with that), but then starred. Speaking to Canberra's Emily van Egmond yesterday about the upcoming under-16 Asian Cup - she was similary glowing about Kerr. Kerr was the one who completely changed the scoreline in the ASEAN Cup final last week, and looks one to watch as a bolter for the Matildas senior AFC cup challenge next year. Even Adelaide's captain said they couldn't do much against her when speaking to Sportal after the game.
"Sam Kerr came on a bit earlier than we expected, but she played a brilliant game, she was fast," Christina Papageorgiou said. She also said they would just need to focus on goalscoring first, winning next. "We've got to score some goals first (before winning a game), so we'll look at putting the ball in the back of the net this week at training."
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Jacqui Melksham
Assistant referees: Airlie Keen and Skye McCabe
Fourth official: Ana Nevjestic
Adelaide United line-up: 1.Sian McLAREN (gk), 2.Ebony WEIDENBACH, 3.Renee HARRISON, 7.Racheal QUIGLEY, 11.Georgia CHAPMAN (10.Marijana RAJCIC 67’), 12. Katerina BEXIS, 14.Donna COCKAYNE (9.Angela FIMMANO 70’), 16.Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (c), 17.Karina ROWETH, 18.Rochelle KUHAR, 19. Nenita BURGESS (15.Tenneille BOALER 61’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20.Kristi HARVEY (gk).
Yellow Cards: Nil.
Red Cards: Nil.
Perth Glory line-up: 1. Emma WIRKUS (GK), 3. Carys HAWKINS, 5. Shannon MAY, 8. Tanya OXTOBY (C), 9. Dani CALAUTTI, 11. Lisa DE VANNA (4. Sam KERR 31’), 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO (6. Ella MASTRANTONIO 88’), 14. Collette McCALLUM, 15. Alex SINGER, 16. Sadie LAWRENCE, 17. Marianna TABAIN.
Substitutes Not Used: 7. Elissia CANHAM, 20. Zoe PALANDRI.
Yellow Cards: Nil.
Red Cards: Nil.

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 5 (Lydia VANDENBERGH 5’, Michelle HEYMAN 21’/25’, Kendall FLETCHER 65’, Tudy CAMILLERI 82’) bt NEWCASTLE JETS 1 (Tara ANDREWS 88') at Wanderers Oval, Newcastle.
So congratulations to the Jets, because at least now they have scored a goal! The Mariners did this fairly easily though and were up 3-0 after the first 24minutes. Congratulations to Michelle Heyman as well who is now leading the golden boot standings with four. The Mariners are now just one point behind Brisbane after four rounds and are offensively the most dangerous team. They have scored a whopping 10 goals in four games, ahead of Brisbane's effort of six (and remember three of those came in one game against Canberra). The little team that could is how the men's Mariners team is often described, not full of stars, but an honest hard-working team that gets results - the female Mariners seem to be doing the same. Except that of course, the girls are actually based in Sydney, not Gosford, as they are just the other half of the NSWIS team. But wherever they are based, they have had an amazing start to the season and deserve second spot. Speaking to Sportal reporters, Coach Stephen Roche was of course, happy with the 5-1 win. “We have been working on playing three up front and using that to get in behind the defence and it worked perfectly today,” he said.
“From there it was good finishing that gave us the win.”
Newcastle vice-captain Amber Neilson said the Jets were happy with the second-half. “We needed to be organized a bit more and communication let us down. But they knocked the ball around really well.”
“We had a run at them in the second half and showed lots of heart but just couldn’t convert our chances.”
Also congrats to Heyman who was awarded Football NSW's Platinum Medal for best player in the Arrive alive Women’s Premier League. Heyman scored 24 goals in 21 games in helping her Illawarra Stingrays team to the premiership and championship. More here.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Kirralee Gardner
Assistant referees: Tanya de Boer and Catherine Nash
Fourth official: Penelope Nash
Newcastle Jets line-up: 1. Alison LOGUE (gk), 3. Pelay INGLES, 6. Amber NEILSON, 7. Gema SIMON (2. Libby SHARPE 44’), 10. Hayley CRAWFORD (c), 11. Carlie IKONOMOU (8. Bronte BATES 70’), 12. Emma STEWART (13. Caitlyn JARVIE 59’), 16. Kirstyn PEARCE, 17. Maddy SEARL, 18. Leia SMITH, 19. Tara ANDREWS.
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Emma-Kate DEWHURST (gk).
Yellow Cards: Amber NEILSON 55’, Kirstyn PEARCE 65’.
Red Cards: Nil.
Central Coast Mariners line-up: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER (c), 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Rachael DOYLE, 8. Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI (13. Tudy CAMILLERI 65’), 9. Renee ROLLASON, 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN (16. Jenna KINGSLEY 71’), 12. Samantha SPACKMAN (17. Britt SIMMONS 78’), 14. Ashleigh CONNOR, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH.
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Rachel COOPER (gk).
Yellow Cards: Caitlin COOPER 85’, Ashleigh CONNOR 90’.
Red Cards: Nil.

CANBERRA UNITED 2 (TSENG Shu O 27’/48’) bt MELBOURNE VICTORY 0 at McKellar Park, Canberra.
I told you I had a good feeling about this one Canberra fans, finally a scoreline reflecting the performance. Tseng's first goal was magic too. With supreme confidence, she took about three touches to get around Barbieri who could only watch from behind as the girl with the wonderful purple hair finished past her into an empty net. The next wasn't quite as pretty, a toe poke that just beat Barbieri to the ball and trickled in slowly, but it was just as deserved. Canberra's non-local new players this year, Emily van Egmond and Ellyse Perry, were also outstanding. As was Cian Maciejewski who I think changed United's fate when she dispossessed Katrina Gorry on the wing - when no-one, no-one was expecting it - early in the second half and Ash Sykes almost scored. From that momentum United just kept going and really it was hard to fault anyone. United coach Ray Junna was happy, but still a little frustrated that with all their chances they couldn't kill the game off earlier. Melbourne Victory captain Tal Karp was bitterly disappointed. It's the Victory's third loss in three W-League games to United and despite playing well in the first three rounds, they just didn't have much at all against Canberra. "We weren't happy with the result, we were really disappointed to lose three points and really, that's three times now we have lost to Canberra, so hopefully we can get better from here," Karp said.
So what happened? "To be honest, our preparation hasn't been the best," Karp said. "We have five players that come in from Queensland and so we can't train with them during the week, so it's been a bit disjointed. But ultimately Canberra took it to us today and we just weren't able to compete, we were just behind the play too often.
"Canberra did really well, they have a really young team but they moved the ball around really well and were threatening. We are going to have to do a whole lot better next time we come up against them."
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Sara Hodson
Assistant referees: Allyson Flynn and Greg Taylor
Fourth official: Gary Vandeburgt
Canberra United line-up: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 4. LIN Chiung Ying, 7. Ellie BRUSH (c), 8. Emily VAN EGMOND (12. Snez VELJANOVSKA 82’), 9. Grace GILL, 10. TSENG Shu O, 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI (2. Rebecca KITING 64’), 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jennifer BISSET (5. Kahlia HOGG 60’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Jocelyn MARA.
Yellow Cards: Ashleigh SYKES 61’
Red Cards: Nil.
Melbourne Victory line-up: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (c), 2. Vedrana POPOVIC, 3. Marlies OOSTDAM (19. Enza BARILLA 68’), 4. Tal KARP (14. Selin KURALAY 50’), 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 8. Katie THORLAKSON (10. Deanna NICESKI 68’), 9. Stephanie CATLEY, 11. Julianne SITCH, 12. Monnique KOFOED, 13. Katrina GORRY.
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Nicole PAUL (gk)
Yellow Cards: Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY 66’
Red Cards: Nil.

SYDNEY FC 1 (Catherine PAASKE 34’) drew with BRISBANE ROAR 1 (Kyah SIMON 46' OG) at Sydney Football Stadium.
And just as I thought it might be, the match of the round ended up being a draw as there just wasn't much between these two teams. Although, I didn't expect that Sydney would score both goals. Since the Round 1 win over Canberra, Brisbane have only scored one goal in each game. Still I think probably that yesterday's game was just quality defence more than anything keeping the score very low. Paaske's goal sounds like a ripper, very much like Tseng Shu O's from Canberra. The Danish International has taken a couple of weeks to settle in, but now seems like she's getting into it. And as a former nominee for FIFA World Player of the Year, that's a very dangerous sign for others than Sydney FC. As far as I'm aware, the only other currently playing in the Westfield W-League who has been nominated for that award is Matilda Lisa de Vanna. But with Paaske having played more internationals than de Vanna, does that make her the best player in the W-League currently? Hmm.. perhaps a topic for discussion later this week.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Rebecca Durcau
Assistant referees: Sarah Ho and Leanne Smith
Fourth official: Laura Elliott
Sydney FC line-up: 1.Nikola DEITER (gk), 2. Teigan ALLEN (16. Linda O’NEILL 75’), 3. Danielle BROGAN, 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 8. Julie RYDAHL (12. Michelle CARNEY 82’), 9. Sarah WALSH (19. Leena KHAMIS 61’),10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Catherine PAASKE, 15. Kyah SIMON.
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Carla MONFORTE (gk).
Yellow Cards: Danielle BROGAN 58’
Red Cards: Nil.
Brisbane Roar line-up: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER (19. Ellen BEAUMONT 45’), 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c) 5. Brooke SPENCE, 6. Joanne BURGESS, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 10.Lana HARCH, 11. Aivy LUIK, 16. Lauren COLTHORPE 18. Courtney BEUTEL (9. Jenna TRISTRAM 65’).
Substitutes Not Used: 14.Sasha MCDONNELL, , 20. Kate STEWART (gk)
Yellow Cards: Kate MCSHEA 81’.
Red Cards: Nil.

Westfield W-League Round 4 preview

2009-10-22T19:50:00.001+11:00

So first of all, apologies for the lack of posts this week but have been struck down by unfortunate case of killer flu. Next week will (hopefully) be back to normal. But before then we have a whole of Round 4 to go and it's going to provide some crackers. Just thinking of last year's game between Canberra United and Melbourne Victory makes me all wistful for the amazing talent that is Amy Chapman, I can still picture her wonder-scross that curled in over Melissa Barbieri that ended up being the winner in the 93rd minute. Obviously Chappy is not here this year, she's injured, but can this game provide something special too?
And then there is the match-up everyone wants to see, Brisbane Roar up against Sydney FC. Plus it's all starting to really count, Perth's John Gibson has said it - it's his first 'must win' game of the season. Oh the possibilities, but let's delve into each game with a little more detail.

Saturday, ADELAIDE UNITED v PERTH GLORY at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide. Local kick-off: 2.30pm (3.00pm AEDT). Referee: Jacqui Melksham
Live and exclusive on ABC1 and ABC HD from 3.00pm AEDT
So Adelaide gain some strike power back from international duty in Ruth Wallace and a couple more back from injury, including their captain Christina Papageorgiou and Karina Roweth. Perth welcome back Sam Kerr, who helped Australia to its thumping win over Thailand in the first ever under-16 girls ASEAN CUP final last Sunday. So the questions are, can Adelaide score its first goal this season and could they possibly hold out Perth's dangerous forward line enough to win? It's a tough ask and one that still seems a little out of reach. Given that Emma Wirkus used to play for Adelaide, I think she'll be keen to keep her old team out too. Perth should win, but I think that United are getting stronger and may score a goal sooner rather than later. Perth coach John Gibson has put the pressure on already. “After this week we are half way through the season. It is a must win game, and going into the next few weeks, the games will get tougher so we need to capitalise this weekend. Most of the Adelaide squad are home grown and very similar to us so it should be a great game” he said.
“It is a must win for us this weekend, we want to continue our recent form, play a solid ninety minutes and it’s a game that we go into really wanting to win. “We were disappointed to drop two points last week (against Canberra), it was one of our best performances for the year, our first half was outstanding. We had a few lapses of concentration in the second half and that cost us.”
Adelaide United squad: 1.Sian McLAREN (gk), 2.Ebony WEIDENBACH, 3.Renee HARRISON, 5.Ashlee FAUL, 6.Thomai KEZIOS, 7.Racheal QUIGLEY, 8.Ruth WALLACE 9.Angela FIMMANO, 10.Marijana RAJCIC, 11.Georgia CHAPMAN, 12.Katerina BEXIS, 13.Lauren CHILVERS, 14.Donna COCKAYNE, 15.Tenneille BOALER, 16.Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (c), 17.Karina ROWETH, 18.Rochelle KUHAR, 19. Nenita BURGESS, 20.Kristi HARVEY (gk) *four to be omitted*
In: Ashlee FAUL (returns from international duty), Ruth WALLACE (returns from international duty), Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (return from injury), Karina ROWETH (return from injury)
Out: Nil
Perth Glory squad: 1. Emma WIRKUS (GK), 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Sam KERR, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 7. Elissia CANHAM, 8. Tanya OXTOBY (C), 9. Dani CALAUTTI, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 14. Collette McCALLUM, 15. Alex SINGER, 16. Sadie LAWRENCE, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 18. Ellis GLANFIELD, 20. Zoe PALANDRI
*one to be omitted*
In: Sam KERR (return from national duty)
Out: Nil

NEWCASTLE JETS v CENTRAL COAST MARINERS at Wanderers Oval, Newcastle. Local kick-off, 4pm. Referee: Kirralee Gardner.
So the Mariners only just lost to Brisbane, 1-0, and the goal was scored in the last few minutes. Newcastle only lost 1-0 to Sydney FC, but both teams looked fairly ordinary last week in that game and Leena Khamis scored the only goal after four minutes. How will they turn up this week for the F1 derby? I still think the Jets are struggling for striking options without Katie Gill and Emily van Egmond, well clearly they are struggling to score as they haven't yet this season, but I think it's a similar problem to Canberra - they just don't have anyone who possesses that killer blow in front of goal. Perhaps even floating captain Hayley Crawford, who was a Matildas striker who scored at junior FIFA World Cups before her second coming in the midfield last season, could be an answer? The Mariners will see this as a game where they should claim the points and will be eager to and go closer to securing that finals spot that seemed very unlikely at the start of the season. No big ins or outs for either team so I expect the Mariners to win comfortably - unless the Jets can a striker with a clear purpose.
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Alison LOGUE (gk), 2. Libby SHARPE, 3. Pelay INGLES, 5. Stacey DAY, 6. Amber NEILSON, 7. Gema SIMON, 8. Bronte BATES, 9. Kate HENSMAN, 10. Hayley CRAWFORD (c), 11. Carlie IKONOMOU, 12. Emma STEWART, 13. Caitlyn JARVIE, 16. Kirstyn PEARCE, 17. Maddy SEARL, 18. Leia SMITH, 19. Tara ANDREWS 20. Emma-Kate DEWHURST (gk) *two to be omitted*
In: Libby SHARPE (promoted), Tara ANDREWS (promoted), Maddy SEARL (promoted)
Out: Loren MAHONEY (not selected)
Unavailable: Nil
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER, 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Rachael DOYLE, 5. Jessica SEAMAN, 7. Teresa POLIAS, 8. Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI, 9. Renee ROLLASON, 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 13. Tudy CAMILLERI, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR, 15. Elizabeth O'REILLY, 16. Jenna KINGSLEY, 17. Britt SIMMONS, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH, 20. Rachel COOPER (gk).
*three to be omitted*
In: Ashleigh CONNOR (promoted), Elizabeth O'REILLY (promoted), Britt SIMMONS (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nil

CANBERRA UNITED v MELBOURNE VICTORY at McKellar Park, Canberra. Local kick-off 5pm. Referee: Sara Hodson
So we all know what a classic this was last year. It was round nine and secured Canberra's finals hopes while crushing Melbournes. It's a lot earlier in the season now, but this game could also be crucial. United are sitting seventh on the ladder with only one single point. Melbourne are third on six. With the Mariners also on six and likely to move to nine this week with another win, the Victory and the Mariners could get an eight-point jump on Canberra. And United's finals chances could be slipping away before even their season gets started. It just shows what an awfully short season it is. But, even putting aside by Canberra bias, I feel weirdly positive about the ACT's chances at home. Firstly their strikers finally started scoring goals last weekend and they claimed their first points in emphatic fashion by a comeback against Perth. Strangely it was that exact same occurence last year in Round 5 that really kickstarted Canberra's run into the first grand final. Canberra have the wood over Melbourne, winning 1-0 last year in Melbourne before that 3-2 thriller in round nine. And Canberra have Bec Kiting, who was one of its best defenders in season one but has been injured so far this year, available and Em van Egmond back from international duty. Van Egmond is doubly important - she had United's only decent chances against Brisbane in Round 1. While the Victory have youngster Stephanie Catley back, it's also meant they lose Kara Mowbray who was on injury replacement contract in Victoria. Mowbray played for Canberra last year, scored the second goal in the 3-2 game against Victory and some of the most important ones in United's campaign. I bet she would have been keen to score against Canberra. So will Canberra hit top gear or Melbourne keep cruising at its already high level? I can't wait to watch. Spoke to Melissa Barbieri today and she said that Melbourne just want as many points as they can early this year to avoid the heartache last year. "Last year after that Mariners game [in round 10] that we lost, well that was pretty disappointing," she said. "So we just want to wrap up as many points as we can early on so that doesn't happen again."
Canberra United squad: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (c), 2. Rebecca KITING, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 4. LIN Chiung Ying, 5. Kahlia HOGG, 6. Ellie RAYMOND, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Emily VAN EGMOND, 9. Grace GILL, 10. TSENG Shu O, 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI, 12. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jennifer BISSET, 20. Jocelyn MARA
*one player to be omitted*
In: Rebecca KITING, Emily VAN EGMOND (returns from international duty)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Chistine WALTERS (calf - indefinitely), Sally SHIPARD (awaiting clearance)
Melbourne Victory Women: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 2. Vedrana POPOVIC, 3. Marlies OOSTDAM, 4. Tal KARP, 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 8. Katie THORLAKSON, 9. Stephanie CATLEY, 10. Deanna NICESKI, 11. Julianne SITCH, 12. Monnique HANSEN KOFOED, 13. Katrina GORRY, 14. Selin KURALAY, 19. Enza BARILLA, 20. Nicole PAUL (gk)
In: Stephanie CATLEY (promoted)
Out: Sarah GROENEWALD (omitted), Kara MOWBRAY (contract expired)

SUNDAY, SYDNEY FC v BRISBANE ROAR at Sydney Football Stadium, Local kick-off, 2.15pm. Referee: Rebecca Durcau
So a combined total of 22 players that have either played for the Matildas at some level or are currently Matildas will play in this game - plus two Danish internationals who have more than 200 international caps between them - this match has 'class' stamped all over it. If only this was the TV game. Oh well, anyone that is a women's football fan and in Sydney, don't even think twice - just go! As for the result? Well it shall be interesting to see what unfolds. After Brisbane's forwards smashed through Canberra's defence in Round 1 I thought they would be unstoppable, but they haven't managed huge bags of goals since then and Courtney Beutel and Tameka Butt haven't scored at all. Against an excellent Sydney defence, possibly the best in the league outside their own, can Brisbane regain its form or may they be held goal-less for the first time? Brisbane's best chance I think will be to put Butt on Heather Garriock's side and as we have seen so far, with Garriock being the most attacking left back I have ever seen, Butt is quick enough to catch her off-guard and get in down that right side. Now Sydney have goalscorers all across the park, but they certainly won't be allowed as much time and space as they were against Newcastle last weekend this time. Brisbane's defence has a big test on its hand. So what could happen? I think it will either be a very entertaining nil all draw, or it will turn into a shoot-out with snippets of individual brilliance from players like Sarah Walsh, Leena Khamis, Heather Garriock, Courtney Beutel, Jo Burgess or Tameka Butt.
Sydney FC squad: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 2. Teigan ALLEN, 3. Danielle BROGAN, 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 5. Lisa GILBERT, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 8. Julie RYDAHL, 9. Sarah WALSH, 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrin PAASKE, 12. Michelle CARNEY, 13. Catherine CANNULI, 15. Kyah SIMON, 16. Linda O’NEILL, 18. Brittany WHITFIELD, 19. Leena KHAMIS, 20. Carla MONFORTE (gk). *three to be omitted*
In: Teigan ALLEN (return international duty), Lisa GILBERT (promoted), Brittany WHITFIELD (return international duty)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nicola BOLGER (knee - season), Danielle SMALL (departed club)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c) 5. Brooke SPENCE, 6. Joanne BURGESS, 7. Pam BIGNOLD, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9 Jenna TRISTRAM, 10.Lana HARCH, 11. Aivy LUIK, 12. Steph LATHAM 13. Tameka BUTT, 14.Sasha MCDONNELL 15. Leah Curtis 16. Lauren COLTHORPE 18. Courtney BEUTEL, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT, 20. Kate STEWART (gk)
*four to be omitted*
In: Karla REUTER (promoted), Jenna TRISTRAM (return from injury), Steph LATHAM (promoted), Leah Curtis (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Emily GIELNIK (Foot)

Westfield W-League Round 3 wrap

2009-10-19T12:15:00.001+11:00

So there was a little bit of history repeating itself thanks to a late Canberra United comeback in Perth to draw 2-2 with the Glory, but apart from that it seems the Westfield W-League results fell into a little bit more predictable fashion in Round 3. Are the cream starting to separate from the crop? All the Round 3 scorers and happenings in one little post.

SYDNEY FC 1 (Leena Khamis 5') bt NEWCASTLE JETS 0 at Energy Australia Stadium, Newcastle. So Sydney won, but like me, did anyone else watching the game think that that score probably wasn't an accurate reflection? Although, while I thought Sydney did dominate the play, they certainly didn't play as well as they did against Canberra United last week so perhaps 1-0 was an accurate score. There was sloppy work from both teams, particulary in the second half both teams were getting terrible touches on the ball in the midfield and the Jets had some pretty ordinary attempts at clearances from defence that went straight out. I think Sydney really needed to be more ruthless in front of goal. Fair enough that Sarah Walsh didn't play, but watching on ABC TV I thought that Julie Rydahl, Cathrin Paaske, Heather Garriock, Linda O'Neill and Leena Khamis had some great chances, but they tried to pass it around and be fancy instead of pull the trigger. I know that a 4-0 or 5-0 result doesn't look great for the league, but I think perhaps in the argument for teams getting better, a thrashing here and there would actually be good as it would show W-League players what they have to do to get to a Matildas standard. The Jets still haven't scored a goal this season, although Emma Stewart came very close when she recieved a long ball through and got first touch, unfortunately her second touch went straight to Deiter. Also, special mention to Heather Garriock for being the most attacking left back I have ever seen. She did it against Canberra last week, but stepped it up even more against Newcastle. Just watching Garriock alone is worth the $5 or $10 it will cost you to get into a W-League game.

MELBOURNE VICTORY 2 (Katrina GORRY 29’, Selin KURULAY 82’) bt ADELAIDE UNITED 0 at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide. So Melbourne continued its positive start to the season and Adelaide still haven't scored a goal. Although, with Melissa Barbieri in goal for the Victory that was always going to be hard. According to the statistics though, Melbourne had 30 shots to Adelaide's seven, so did the Victory waste their chances or was it some stellar defending from Adelaide? From the match report, looks like great defending. Going on the highlights they showed at halftime on ABC TV on Saturday though, Adelaide went close to scoring a few times in Round 2 - while a win might be a while off they look like they may be capable of scoring a few this year. It's a challenge the Jets and Adelaide now have, who will score their first goal? My bet is on Adelaide. Also, am very much looking forward to seeing what the Victory are made of when they come to Canberra this weekend.

PERTH GLORY 2 (Collette McCALLUM 6’, Marianna TABAIN 8’) drew with CANBERRA UNITED 2 (TSENG Shu O 61’, Ashleigh SYKES 82’) at Clipsal Stadium, Perth. So a little bit of history repeating itself here. In Round 5 last year, Perth Glory went up 2-0 early only to have United come back with two late goals to equalise. Last year it was Caitlin Munoz and then Ashleigh Sykes in the 89th minute. In 2009, it was Taiwanese import Tseng Shu O in the 62nd then Sykes again in the 82nd to seal Canberra's first point this season. Coach Ray Junna was left wondering what could have been though after United gave away that 2-0 lead, firstly a penalty against Ellie Brush that Collette McCallum converted in just the 6th minute, followed by a lucky volley from Marianna Tabain that just dropped perfectly over Lydia Williams. Find comments from Junna here. But my favourite quote from the weekend comes from Ashleigh Sykes, who has had a mountain of pressure on her this year to step up from the impact player off the bench to starting striker and scored her first goal on the weekend. When asked by my colleague Chris Dutton if she was happy to get rid of the monkey on her back in today's The Canberra Times, Sykes said, "I don't know if it was a goalscoring monkey on my back," she said. "I was more like a gorilla.
"I had a few chances this year but I haven't been able to put them away so hopefully I can carry it on and keeping getting a few in the coming weeks."
Both Ash and Nic Sykes start their HSC exams this week and both have six over the next two weeks, for those two and all other W-League girls out there who are in the same position, good luck!

BRISBANE ROAR 1 (Sasha McDonnell 80') bt CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 0 at Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane. So Brisbane Roar move clear at the top of the W-League table with a tight 1-0 win. But given that the goal only came from substitute Sasha McDonnell in the 80th minute (she came on in the 79th and the goal was her first touch), the Mariners can probably feel unlucky that they didn't get a point. Can anyone catch Brisbane as they charge towards second consecutive W-League championships? I'm thinking not really. For more details on the match, here is a great report from Sportal's Rob Forsaith. He particulary made me smile with his description on the 'Butt and Beutel show'.

Australian girls win first ever ASEAN under-16 girls final!

2009-10-19T08:48:00.001+11:00

So the girls took on Thailand in the final of the ASEAN under-16 girls final in Myanmar, and though it's not up on the FFA website yet, you can read all about it here on the ASEAN website.
Australia ended up winning 8-0, but the scoreline doesn't reflect that it was pretty close. Up until the 67th minute, it was 2-0, but Sam Kerr then scored and it seemingly opened up the floodgates.
Heidi Makrillos (75th), Kerr (83rd minute), Teigen Allen (88th), Caitlin Foord (90th) and Emily van Egmond (90th), finished off the scoring in a flurry. Well done Australia!
The girls will now fly back to Australia and spend about a week at home before heading to the AFC under-16 titles at the end of this month. The ASEAN titles were a warm-up for these, which also double as the qualifiers for the under-17 FIFA women's World Cup.
Hopefully most of them will play for their Westfield W-League teams this weekend.
*Update, report from FFA is now out.
Thailand played strongly in the first half, only conceding one goal but tired during the second allowing the Australians to finish well from some good attacking play. The Australian team dominated possession in the first half with Thailand defending with discipline.
They dropped deep with 10 players behind the ball making it difficult for the Australian team to find away through. However the deadlock was broken in the 30th minute with Brittany Whitfield, who completed the tournament with a goal in every game, once again on the spot to finish from a Sharni Brown cross from the left. In the last two minutes before half time, Thailand won the ball in midfield and turned the Australian defence around with a through ball but Ashlee Faul managed to chase down her opponent and her sliding tackle forced a corner. Australia defended strongly and went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
The start of the second half was similar to the first, with Australia continuing to dominate possession against the disciplined Thailand defence.
Australia’s pressing game caused a turnover in the final third for Whitfield to slip a pass through to Caitlin Foord to score in the 59th minute. Sam Kerr then subbed on in the 60th minute and the goal flurry came from there. Heidi Makrillos and Brittany Whitfield scored one a piece to equal Caitlin Friend as top scorers for the tournament with 7.
“I am very pleased with the team performance tonight and through the tournament. I thought Thailand was in the match for the first half, but we controlled the match well and scored some good goals,” said Coach Robbie Hooker. “I still think there are some things we need to work on including finishing, but it was a good result and valuable experience heading into the AFC Championships.”
Match details
Australia 8 (Brittany Whitfield 30’, Caitlin Foord 59’/90’, Sam Kerr 67’/82’, Heidi Makrillos 75’, Teigen Allen 88’, Emily Van Egmond 90’+2) bt Thailand 0
AFF U16 Championships, Myanmar
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Local kick-off: 6.00pm (10.30pm AEDT)
Youth Training Centre, Yangon
Australia Line-up: Brianna DAVEY (GK), Ashlee FAUL, Rebekah STOTT (c), Erika ELZE, Stephanie CATLEY (Hannah BREWER 69’), Emily VAN EGMOND, Alanna KENNEDY, Teigen ALLEN, Brittany WHITFIELD (Heidi MAKRILLOS 75’), Caitlin FOORD, Sharni BROWN (Sam KERR 60’).
Substitutes not used: Amy HIGGINS(GK), Alexandra HUYNH, Ruth WALLACE, Caitlin FRIEND, Tara ANDREWS.
Unavailable: Nicola BOLGER

Under-17 Australian girls into ASEAN final

2009-10-17T18:19:00.000+11:00

Not making the final, no offense to the competition, would have been a bit disappointing looking at the more than 10-nil scorelines the Australian girls have dished out this week. So good to see they have made it with a 6-1 win over the Myanmar A team on Friday. Not sure exactly what happened as the FFA media release has a few different times in its copy as to the actual box score at the bottom, but seems a good performance non the less.
Head Coach Robbie Hooker was pleased. “I am happy with the result – there were some good individual performances but the team performance lacked consistency.”
“It was disappointing to concede a goal from a set play but it was good experience for the girls to play under these conditions against a home crowd and now to have the opportunity to play in a final leading into the AFC tournament,” finished Hooker.
Australia’s next game is the final to be played against Thailand on Sunday 18th October at 6.00pm local time at the Youth Training Centre, Yangon.

Match details: Semi-final
Australia 6 (Nicola Bolger 18’, Caitlin Friend 21’/58’, Caitlin Foord 30’, Brittany Whitfield 52’, Emily van Egmond (pen)) bt Myanmar (A) 1
AFF U16 Championships, Myanmar
Friday, 16 October 2009
Local kick-off: 6.00pm (10.30pm AEDT) , Youth Training Centre, Yangon
Australia Line-up: Brianna DAVEY (GK), Rebekah STOTT, Emily VAN EGMOND, Erika ELZE, Stephanie CATLEY, Sam KERR (Brittany WHITFIELD 60’), Nicola BOLGER (c) (Teigen ALLEN 32’), Alanna KENNEDY, Caitlin FOORD, Caitlin FRIEND (Heidi MAKRILLOS 79’), Tara ANDREWS.
Substitutes not used: Amy HIGGINS (GK), Alexandra HUYNH, Ruth WALLACE, Ashlee FAUL, Sharni BROWN.
Unavailable: Hannah BREWER

Westfield W-League Round 3 preview

2009-10-15T19:52:00.003+11:00

So is this the round that the Mariners prove they are real Westfield W-League title contenders? They are up against Brisbane Roar - the inaugural champions who so far haven't missed a beat. Then there is the team that met Brisbane in the grand final of the first season, Canberra United, who haven't registered a single point this year. Can they get any against Perth?

SATURDAY, ADELAIDE UNITED v MELBOURNE VICTORY at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide. Local kick-off: 2.30pm (3.00pm AEDT)
Referee: Lee Corey
Melbourne Victory only just lost to Brisbane Roar last weekend thanks to an 84minute scramble in goal that was eventually awarded to Ellen Beaumont and had an impressive 2-0 win over Perth in Round 1. They have looked impressive, while Adelaide have not. Adelaide, like Newcastle, are also yet to score a single goal so far this season. Adelaide have their captain Christina Papageorgiou back, while Melbourne welcome back former Matilda Selin Kuralay who was suspended after recieving two yellows (and apparently having a bit of a physical tiff with Perth's Lisa de Vanna's as well) in Round 1. Still another game where I won't be able to watch Melbourne, if anyone does go, let me know how they go? Are they a real challenger? If they are they should deal with Adelaide fairly easily.
Adelaide United squad: 1.Sian McLAREN (gk), 2.Ebony WEIDENBACH , 3.Renee HARRISON, 6.Thomai KEZIOS, 7.Racheal QUIGLEY, 9.Angela FIMMANO, 10.Marijana RAJCIC, 11.Georgia CHAPMAN, 12.Katerina BEXIS, 13.Lauren CHILVERS, 14.Donna COCKAYNE, 15.Tenneille BOALER, 16.Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (c), 17.Karina ROWETH, 18.Rochelle KUHAR, 20.Kristi HARVEY (gk)
*one to be omitted*
In: Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (c) (return from injury)
Out: Nenita BURGESS (not selected)
Unavailable: Ruth BLACKBURN - injured (season), Ashlee FAUL (international duty), Ruth WALLACE (international duty)
Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 2. Vedrana POPOVIC, 3. Marlies OOSTDAM, 4. Tal KARP, 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 7. Sarah GROENEWALD, 8. Katie THORLAKSON, 11. Julianne SITCH, 12. Monnique HANSEN KOFOED, 13. Katrina GORRY, 14. Selin KURALAY, 19. Enza BARILLA, 20. Nicole PAUL (gk), 21. Kara MOWBRAY
In: Selin KURALAY (returns from suspension)
Out: Ursula HUGHSON (omitted), Deanna NICESKI (omitted)
Unavailable: Caitlin FRIEND (international duty) Stephanie CATLEY (international duty)

NEWCASTLE JETS v SYDNEY FC at EnergyAustralia Stadium, Newcastle. Local kick-off: 3.00pm Referee: Kirralee Gardener
Live and exclusive on ABC1 and ABC HD from 3.00pm AEDT
So Newcastle, like Adelaide, are still goal-less after two games. Can they break the drought against Sydney FC? Well going on results so far, while Sydney have a massive amount of strike power, their defence is not THAT hard to get past. It's just that outscoring Sydney, who have Leena Khamis, Sarah Walsh, Catherin Paaske, Julie Rydahl and Heather Garriock is one hard task - as Canberra found out last week. So its not unlikely that Newcastle will score, I think it's just unlikely they can win. As Alen Stajcic said after the game last week, basically his best players flew in a few days before the season started so the first two games have been their preseason. Now they will really start to hit their straps. Also, where has Danielle Small gone? Beside her name in the team list it just says departed club, to where? I will try to find out.
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Alison LOGUE (gk), 2. Libby SHARPE, 3. Pelay INGLES, 4. Loren MAHONEY, 5. Stacey DAY, 6. Amber NEILSON, 7. Gema SIMON, 8. Bronte BATES, 9. Kate HENSMAN, 10. Hayley CRAWFORD (c), 11. Carlie IKONOMOU, 12. Emma STEWART, 13. Caitlyn JARVIE, 14. Hannah BREWER, 16. Kirstyn PEARCE, 17. Maddy SEARL, 18. Leia SMITH, 20. Emma-Kate DEWHURST (gk)
*four to be omitted*
In: Emma STEWART (promoted), Libby SHARPE (promoted), Bronte BATES (promoted), Hannah BREWER (promoted)
Out: Tara ANDREWS (international duty)
Unavailable: Nil
Sydney FC squad: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 3. Danielle BROGAN, 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 5. Lisa GILBERT, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 8. Julie RYDAHL, 9. Sarah WALSH, 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrin PAASKE, 12. Michelle CARNEY, 13. Catherine CANNULI, 15. Kyah SIMON, 16. Linda O’NEILL, 19. Leena KHAMIS, 20. Carla MONFORTE (gk)
*One to be omitted.
In: Linda O’NEILL (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Teigan ALLEN (international duty), Nicola BOLGER (international duty), Danielle SMALL (departed club), Brittany WHITFIELD (international duty).

PERTH GLORY v CANBERRA UNITED at Clipsal Stadium, Inglewood. Local kick-off: 3.00pm (6.00pm AEDT) Referee: Casey Reibelt
So the master meets the apprentice, as in former United assistant John Gibson up against the man who taught him his trade when Gibson was a scholarship coach at the AIS, Ray Junna. And according to Collette McCallum, expect to see very similar game plans. No doubt the only issue is for Canberra is that Perth have waay more Matildas caps to use at their disposal. Plus Perth have an out an out star goalscorer, Lisa de Vanna, who Canberra United actually tried to recruit this off-season and now unfortunately it's the only thing Canberra area really missing - someone to put the ball in the back of the net. Perth won't be too confident though, they were up 2-0 last year before two goals in final five minutes handed Canberra a point. United will have one distraction though, the ref Casey Reibelt, was on the end of some controversial decisions last season including the red card to Thea Slatyer within 10minutes in the game against Adelaide United.
Perth Glory squad: 1. Emma WIRKUS (gk), 3. Carys HAWKINS, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 7. Elissia CANHAM, 8. Tanya OXTOBY (c), 9. Dani CALAUTTI, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 14. Collette McCALLUM, 15. Alex SINGER, 16. Sadie LAWRENCE, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 18. Ellis GLANFIELD, 19. Katarina JUKIC
In: Nil
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Sam KERR (international duties), Zoe PALANDRI (overseas)
Canberra United squad: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 4. LIN Chiung Ying, 5. Kahlia HOGG, 6. Ellie RAYMOND, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 9. Grace GILL, 10. TSENG Shu O, 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI, 12. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jennifer BISSET, 20. Jocelyn MARA
In: Nil
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Rebecca KITING (back – 1 week), Emily van EGMOND (international duties – 2 weeks), Christine WALTERS (calf - indefinitely), Sally SHIPARD (waiting clearance – indefinitely)

SUNDAY, BRISBANE ROAR v CENTRAL COAST MARINERS at Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane
Local kick-off: 6.00pm (7.00pm AEDT), Referee: Pru Donohue
So it's a top of the table clash up in Brisbane and we get to find out whether or not the Mariners first-up thrashing of Sydney FC was a fluke. Given that Sydney and Brisbane are set to be the benchmark this year, this game will be telling. Brisbane have a nice bonus in that Matilda Jenna Tristram is back from her knee injury. She snapped her ACL in Round two against Canberra last year. It's the first time this year she has been named and with Sasha McDonnell starting last week against Melbourne, expect that Tristram will come off the bench. Mariners are still at full strength. Should be an enthralling match. Now if only all the games were live on ABC TV. Oh well, hopefully in seasons not so far from now they will. Enjoy Round 3!
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk), 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c) 5. Brooke SPENCE, 6. Joanne BURGESS, 7. Pam BIGNOLD, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9 Jenna TRISTRAM, 10.Lana HARCH, 11. Aivy LUIK, 12. Steph LATHAM 13. Tameka BUTT, 14.Sasha MCDONNELL 15. Leah Curtis 16. Lauren COLTHORPE 18. Courtney BEUTEL, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT, 20. Kate STEWART (gk)
*four to be omitted*
In: Jenna TRISTRAM (return from injury)
Out: Nil
Unavaible: Emily GIELNIK (Foot)
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER, 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Rachael DOYLE, 5. Jessica SEAMAN, 7. Teresa POLIAS, 8. Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI, 9. Renee ROLLASON, 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 13. Tudy CAMILLERI, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR, 15. Elizabeth O'REILLY, 16. Jenna KINGSLEY, 17. Britt SIMMONS, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH, 20. Rachel COOPER (gk).
*three to be omitted*
In: Lyndsay GLOHE (promoted), Elizabeth O'REILLY (promoted), Britt SIMMONS (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nil

girlswithgame profile - meet Perth Glory Matilda Collette McCallum

2009-10-14T10:52:00.000+11:00

The 23-year-old just had the wildest ride of her soccer career to help claim the inaugural Women's Professional League title in American with Sky Blues FC, and now she's back in Australia trying to get Perth Glory into its first W-League finals campaign. The Scottish born midfielder has a killer kick from set pieces, hence the corner she took last week against the Newcastle Jets that ended up going in for the matchwinner. Introducing, Collette McCallum.

girlswithgame: Happy with your first win last weekend for Perth Glory? Collette McCallum: It was good to get a win at home and certainly better than last year, last year it took us a long time to actually get going. It was unfortunate against Melbourne last week for us, the 2-0 loss, it just wasn't out best game, the girls looked really nervous so to actually go out on the weekend and get a win was really good.

How important is it to make than home ground advantage count for Perth this year? Well, I don't feel that we are that far away, but most people think we are pretty far away. But for the long flight there we have to take advantage of being at home and feeling fresh while the other teams do have a long trip over.

Are you keen at Perth to go better than your disappointing season last year? Definitely, we still have a few of the young ones here and physically they aren't as strong, but they are quite smart players, very technical so that is to our advantage. [Lisa] de Vanna is back, Emma Wirkus, she's a goalkeeper who is very experienced and a great communicator, so she's a great addition. Evenutally we are going to have Katie Gill come into the team so she will add plenty of experience up front.

On your American season that only finished in late August, have you had much of a break before starting the Australian one? We were the last ones apart from LA to finish our season so it was quite long, but I took a week off and then headed to Scotland for a holiday. While there I still just did some fitness, just some running and stuff, but I think I was a bit jetlagged when I came back to Australia. That didn't help me in the Melbourne game as my legs were still very heavy, it was pretty unbelieveable actually. I think the holiday gave me a little break but I'm still quite fresh to get back into this and hopefully play well.

The finish to your season in the WPS was nothing short of incredible, after losing two coaches throughout the season, one being fired and the other one walking out with no notice, to then go on and win the league, have you ever been part of anything like that before? Last year I had the Pali Blues, which was the then highest league in America and we won that which was really good and it was a great feeling to play and win it. But because this is now the WPS, womens pro league and the first year back, it was such an achievement to win and also with all the ups and downs that we did have, my team was just crazy in all the stuff we went through, so to get to the end and then actually win it, it was just great.

At any point in the season did you think it was a write off, or were you still positive? I think that we kept it positive, I've been in other seasons where teams have lost the first eight games or so and then gone on to win it. Football is a funny game, so we just tried to keep positive. There were a few months when we were on our road trip when we did really really well and I think we got a bit lucky, because we had to have Boston lose the last game for us to make the four and then that happened, so after that, we just had this feeling 'we are going to win this' and we went all the way. It was brilliant.

So did the team know that Christie Rampone, who was captain and then took over as the third coach of the season, was actually three months pregnant when she played in the final against LA soul? No we had no idea. She told us literally after the final, that we won, she told us then. She is just unbelievable, I have so much respect for her and what she's done in the women's game. She has done so much for the American team but also around the world for girls to really look up to her. She's a brilliant defender, very hard to get past and I was very grateful to play with her in that team. She knows her football too, so she tweaked a few things in our team and we have gone out and won the final, so did she a lot in the final few weeks and the finals.

Are you a better player because of that season in the professional league? Physically I think I'm stronger, technique wise it kind of goes out the window a little bit because the American game is so different and its such a direct physical game, that you have to try and cope and adapt to. So physically that was good for me but tactically and technically I have to get back into the different game here in the Australian league.

Back into the Australian league, how hard is it to approach as such a short season after playing more than 20 games in America? It is tough because its such a little league, but it's good and it's exciting because every game is a tough game, you can't just expect to go through the motions and then pick up points next weekend because every game counts and every point is important to get and especially away from home. [Perth coach John Gibson] Gibbo is great and we're doing great at training, so hopefully this weekend I think we will get a result against Canberra. They have a good squad, with the likes of Lydia Williams who has also been away in America, so she brings experience as well. They still have young players like Ellie [Brush, Gracie [Gill] and Ashleigh [Sykes], so I think its going to be an exciting game but I think we should definitely get a result out of it.

Has John Gibson changed the way that Perth play this year? He has changed the style and I think he has the same philosophy as the Canberra coach Reggie (Ray Junna). They've both at the AIS and they kind of have the same philosophy in the game as you know in the game, playing good football, keeping the ball, not just launching it and running and they do have good players and so do we, do we have changed the system and tweaked a few things and it will be interesting to see how it plays out on the weekend.

Canberra have been playing the new formation favoured by the dutch that FFA have now adopted, four-three-three, is that they way Perth have lined up so far? We're actually playing a 3-5-2, so it's a similar system but it just depends on what players you have available and for us that system works best to our strengths.