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.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Westfield W-League grand final week gossip
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.
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.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Westfield W-League semi-final 2 - BRISBANE ROAR 1 bt MARINERS 0
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
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 ROARJeff 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 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
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’
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
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.
But it's enough from me, here's what the players and coaches thought of the first W-League semi-final of 2009.
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."
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.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Canberra United v Sydney FC - live!
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 :)
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
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)
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)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Westfield W-League grand final - who will make it?
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!
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!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Westfield W-League awards - all the well-deserving winners here
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.
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!
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.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
We're a happy team at Canberra
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
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.
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
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
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
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Westfield W-League Round 10 preview
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
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
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Westfield W-League Round 9 review
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
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
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Westfield W-League Round 9 preview
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Westfield W-League Round 9 snapshot and other news
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Westfield W-League Round 8 review
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
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
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