Brisbane Roar women's team defeats Lady Reds 2-0 in Adelaide

by:
Val Migliaccio From:
adelaidenow November 10, 2012
4:33PM

BRISBANE Roar's W-League side earned a spirited 2-0 win over the Lady Reds at Hindmarsh Stadium today.
Roar's Amy Chapman put away a neat cross from Brooke Spence from 5m to have the home side on the back foot after just 10 minutes before Matildas squad member Elise Kellond-Knight sealed the Brisbane side's second win of the season from the penalty spot.

Kellond-Knight made it 2-0 after she was brought down by Alex Natoli in the 63rd minute.

Roar jumped the Lady Reds from kick-off when Spence threatened to open up the home side in the third minute with a tantalising cross for Lana Harsh, but she missed the target from 6m.

But after a torrid opening the Lady Reds forced the 2012 W-League grand finalist to defend deep without success.

Racheal Quigley kick-started the revival with a 22m long-range effort which was blasted wide in the 19th minute.

.....
Quigley was then extremely unlucky eight minutes before the break when a clever chip over advancing keeper Kate Stewart smacked against the post.

Roar cleared the rolling ball to safety after Holly Patterson split Brisbane's defence with a through ball before Quigley watched with disbelief.

Patterson then had a chance which sailed just over the bar from 18m before the break before Stewart was forced off the park with what appeared to be an ankle injury.

Stewart was replaced by experienced Japanese keeper Hoshimi Kishi.

Lady Reds keeper Kristi Harvey was forced into action after half-time to deny Roar's Katrina Lee-Gorry from point blank range before Quigley watched Kishi tip her 15m effort over the bar.

But just as the Lady Reds appeared closer to earning an equaliser Kellond-Knight earned a spot kick when she hit the deck inside the box after a lightening quick turn.

The Matildas player made no mistake with her left foot to seal the victory.

LADY REDS 0 lost to BRISBANE ROAR 2 (Amy Chapman 3m, Elise Kellond-Knight 64m) at Hindmarsh Stadium. Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/brisbane-roar-womens-team-defeat-lady-reds-2-0-in-adelaide/story-e6frfg8x-1226514263782

Simon Jones Canberra join Matildas on international stage

Saturday, 10 November 2012 4:26 PM


November is set to be a huge month for Australian women's football. Not only will Canberra United have the honour of becoming the first Westfield W-League team to play in an international club tournament, but the Westfield Matildas will be jetting over to Hong Kong for the second round of qualifying for the 2013 East Asian Cup.

Much has been made of the recent announcement that Tom Sermanni will be taking up the helm of the US women's football team after the upcoming qualifiers, and he will no doubt be keen to see his former players in next year's finals in Seoul. But before they can challenge South Korea, Japan and North Korea for the East Asian Cup, the green and gold will first have to overcome their round two opponents China, Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei.

"To get to through these qualifiers is an important part of our preparation for the World Cup qualifiers, and also so we can play against the best teams, which we need to do as much as possible," says Westfield Matildas coach Tom Sermanni.

"We will be taking a very young team, and in some ways an inexperienced team, which is important for the future of the Matildas."

There's a definite expectation that the Westfield Matildas will come up trumps in their qualifiers, which will be held between November 20-24, and the competition will coincide with Canberra United's own international tournament. The reigning Westfield W-League champions have accepted an invitation to take part in the inaugural International Women's Club Championship.

Heading over to Japan on November 20, Canberra United will be representing the four-club competition as champions of Australia. They will face two Japanese teams - both league and club winners from 2012 - as well as UEFA Champions League winners (and one of the biggest names in world football) Olympique Lyonnais. The French club has dominated national and European women's football in recent years and it will no doubt be an incredible experience for the girls in green to face one of the best teams in the world.

Australian football has much to be proud of in the women's game this month. While the Westfield Matildas will have plenty of belief they can make the finals of the 2013 East Asian Cup, Canberra United are justifiably ecstatic to be testing themselves against such quality international competition.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Canberra-join-Matildas-on-international-stage/52526

Steve Orme at Leichhardt Oval, Omnisport

Victory women down Sydney Sunday, 11 November 2012 7:13 PM

Melbourne Victory have posted their first-ever Westfield W-League victory over fierce rivals Sydney FC with a 2-1 triumph in a tense encounter at Leichhardt Oval.

Victory hit the front in the eighth minute via a brilliant Stephanie Catley free-kick but the Sky Blues got back on level terms after a classy Alanna Kennedy header just before half-time.

Both sides had their chances in a hard-fought second-half but an opportunistic goal from replacement striker Laura Spiranovic in the 81st minute proved the difference between the two sides.

Melbourne's second straight win lifts them within striking distance of the top four, while the Sky Blues remain in the top half of the table despite their first loss of the campaign.

The hosts suffered a blow before kick-off when dual international Ellyse Perry was ruled out with hamstring soreness.

Things got worse for the hosts in the when Catley found the target with a curling free kick to give the visitors the early advantage.

That sparked the Sky Blues into action, with Kennedy, Samantha Kerr and Simon all firing shots on goal in a dominant period for the hosts.

The dangerous Jess McDonald almost doubled Victory's lead against the run of play on the half-hour with a dangerous header that forced Sian McLaren to dive at full-stretch and pull off a classy save.

But Sydney quickly reasserted their dominance, peppering Victory's goal before Kennedy finally found the back of the net with a clinical header off a pin-point corner kick from Kerr.

Simon fired the first shot of the second stanza but just missed the target after some clever lead-up work from Kerr down the left wing.

Sydney continued to dominate general play but the dangerous combination of McDonald and Barilla almost stung the hosts in the 68th minute, with McLaren again on hand to save the day.

Davey diffused a dangerous situation at the other end moments later, just beating Simon to a loose ball on the edge of the penalty box.

Melbourne's Amy Jackson was denied by McLaren moments later as the end-to-end action kept coming.

But the Sydney custodian was powerless to stop Spiranovic's match-winner as the replacement striker swooped on a loose ball and connected from close range to stun the hosts.

Sydney FC 1 (Kennedy 41,)
Melbourne Victory 2 (Catley 8, Spiranovic 81)

Sydney FC: 1. Sian McLaren, 2. Teresa Polias, 3. Elizabeth Ralston, 4. Samantha Kerr, 9. Caitlin Foord, 10. Renee Rollason, 12. Chloe Logarzo (Annalie Longo 70), 13. Larissa Crummer (Hannah Bromley 82), 14. Alanna Kennedy (Nicola Bolger 65), 17. Kyah Simon (c), 19. Emma Kete
Melbourne Victory: 1. Brianna Davey, 2. Danielle Johnson, 3. Maika Ruyter-Hooley, 4. Rebekah Stott, 6. Petra Larsson, 7. Stephanie Catley (Cindy Lay 90), 9. Tiffany Eliadis (Fishlock 46), 10. Jessica McDonald, 14. Enza Barilla, 15. Amy Jackson, 17. Gulcan Koca (Laura Spiranovic 77)

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/melbournevictory/news-display/Victory-women-down-Sydney/52625

Rampant Perth hit battling Jets for six

By CRAIG KERRY Nov. 12, 2012, midnight

OOPS: The Jets concede their second goal from a corner against Glory. Picture: Peter Stoop

.OVER the first three rounds of the W-League, the Jets took positives out of defeat and missed opportunities.

Even in a 5-0 loss to defending champions Canberra, the game was scoreless until the 74th minute and Newcastle created plenty of chances.
But there was no glossing over their 6-1 defeat to Perth Glory at Wanderers Oval on Saturday, which kept them in last place on one point with four goals for and 15 against.
‘‘We had two good chances in the first half, but in the most we were nothing like we have been in the past three games. We were poor in all aspects,’’ Jets co-coach Peter McGuinness said.
‘‘They deserved the win, Perth, and to get a scoreline like they did.
‘‘They were very, very good and we were very, very poor.
‘‘We only sparked up for a period there after they scored the first goal.
‘‘Apart from that we were flat, indecisive, stand-offish and we were just outplayed.’’
Former Jets strikers Kate Gill and Lisa De Vanna terrorised Newcastle in their first game together since De Vanna returned from a stint in Sweden last week.
Newcastle product Gill scored a hat-trick and fellow Matildas Collette McCallum and De Vanna also got on the scoresheet.
Gill, who played for the Jets in 2008-09, said she and the Glory were driven to make up for their poor showing in a 2-0 loss to Wanderers last week.
‘‘It’s always good to score, but it was more pleasing that we put on a decent performance and won after our performance against Western Sydney,’’ Gill said.
‘‘It was a big turnaround in attitude from the team. We were all very disappointed after giving away three points last week and we came out wanting to make up for that.’’
De Vanna scored in the fourth minute with a cracking long-range strike and McCallum embarrassed the Jets defence in the 19th minute, curling the ball with her left foot directly from a corner.
Jets goalkeeper Eliza Campbell got a hand on a long-range shot in the 58th minute, but the ball deflected off the crossbar to the waiting Gill who tapped it home.
Gill found the net again in the 63rd minute when the Jets defence was left flat-footed by a clever through-ball.
Marianna Tabian scored Glory’s other goal, in the 68th minute, after being gifted an open shot following nice touches from Gill and De Vanna.

American import Tori Huster registered the Jets’ only goal five minutes later after knocking in a cross from countrywoman Tiffany Boshers.
Gill then converted a penalty in injury time after being fouled by Jets skipper Hayley Crawford.
The Jets will try to regroup when they host second-last Adelaide on Saturday.
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/948439/rampant-perth-hit-battling-jets-for-six/?cs=306

United in struggle for numbers

Fleta Page

Canberra United captain Ellie Brush was shattered after the first send-off in her W-League career against Western Sydney on Sunday, with her team now facing a situation of having only just enough players to field a full team against Melbourne Victory this weekend.

Brush received two yellow cards, earning her a red card and an automatic one-week suspension.

''[I was] obviously very disappointed, and quite upset … and the fact I [was] letting down the team for the rest of the game and of course next week, [it's] still taking a bit to get over,'' Brush said.

With Brush ruled out, Canberra United's selection woes for the Melbourne match are further complicated by an agreement struck with Matildas coach Tom Sermanni to not play Michelle Heyman or Sally Shipard if he didn't select them for the East Asian Cup qualifiers so they could instead play for Canberra United in the World Club Championship in Japan.

''It was about parity and fairness across the league because a number of clubs will be missing a whole lot of players for the next two weekends, including Melbourne,'' United CEO Heather Reid explained.

Despite the fact Shipard is still recovering from knee surgery and was ruled out for the Wanderers match, Sermanni said he would have picked her for the Matildas if not for the agreement, leaving Reid negotiating for Shipard's inclusion on the bench this week to prepare for the World Club Championship.

''He [Sermanni] has said if Melbourne Victory are OK about it, she could be a substitute player,'' Reid said, but she was yet to speak with Victory coach Mike Mulvey.

''Clearly we want to try and get Shipard onto the field [ahead of Japan] given that she couldn't play [on Sunday].''

If Shipard can't play, it will leave United to test the complete depth of its squad, with only 15 available players, after Ashley Sykes went down with a quad injury and Hayley Raso unavailable due to school commitments.

But coach Jitka Klimkova was finding positives in the situation.

''Everyone will be on the field which is good for the team, that each player can have some minutes on the ground, and I'm sure they'll grab their chance,'' Klimkova said.



Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/football/united-in-struggle-for-numbers-20121112-298uj.html#ixzz2CBIK9eFi

Westfield W-League ins and outs

Friday, 16 November 2012 12:36 PM

We bring you all the ins and outs for your team ahead of Round five of Westfield W-League action.

Perth Glory v Sydney FC
Saturday 17 November 2012
Nib Stadium, Perth
Local kick-off: 11am

Catch the Action live streaming online from 2.00pm AEDTvia ABCand Nationally on ABC1 from 5pm

An intriguing contest awaits in the west with both teams missing numerous key personnel due to Matildas’ commitments, and in the case of Sydney FC, injury. Perth will have to make do without headline-grabbing trio Kate Gill, Lisa De Vanna and skipper Collette McCallum.

Nevertheless, with a record-breaking 11-0 defeat against the Sky Blues last season still fresh in the memory, the Glory have an excellent opportunity to banish those memories. A win for the home side would open up a five-point margin over the Sky Blues, an unthinkable prospect this time last season. The match will double as the Glory’s fifth annual National Breast Cancer Foundation fundraiser match, with the home side to don a smart special commemorative pink and purple playing kit.

Sydney face a massive test of their resources with four call-ups to the national team, as well as missing Ellyse Perry who was also set to feature for the Matildas, but for a hamstring strain which kept her out of last week’s 2-1 home loss against Melbourne Victory. With seven absentees overall, youngsters Meg McLaughlin and U-17 national team midfielder Amy Harrison are set to feature for the first time this season.

Interestingly, experienced and influential midfielder Kylie Ledbrook is a surprise call-up who, despite playing in the NSW Premier League during the winter, had initially intended to sit out the Westfield W-League season.

Perth Glory squad: 1. Carly TELFORD (gk), 2. Sarah CARROLL, 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Sasha ANDREWS (c), 7. Aivi LUIK, 8. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 9. Rosie SUTTON, 10. Jaymee GIBBONS, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 15. Liz MILNE, 16. Thia EASTMAN, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 18. Kirri BOLTON, 19. Shawn BILLAM, 20. Zoe PALANDRI (gk) (*two to be omitted)

Ins: 5. Shannon MAY, 10. Jaymee GIBBONS, 16. Thia EASTMAN, 18. Kirri BOLTON, 19. Shawn BILLAM (all promoted)
Outs: 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Kate GILL, 14. Collette MCCALLUM (all national team duty)
Unavailable: Nil

Sydney FC squad: 1. Sian MCLAREN (gk), 2. Teresa POLIAS, 3. Elizabeth RALSTON, 5. Meg McLAUGHLIN, 7. Nicola BOLGER, 8. Amy HARRISON, 10. Renee ROLLASON, 11. Annalie LONGO, 12. Chloe LOGARZO, 13. Larissa CRUMMER, 15. Hannah BROMLEY, 19. Emma KETE, 20. Sham KHAMIS (gk), 21. Kylie LEDBROOK (* one to be added)

Ins: Meg McLAUGHLIN, Amy HARRISON (both promoted), Kylie LEDBROOK (returns to club)
Outs: Sam KERR, Caitlin FOORD, Alanna KENNEDY, Kyah SIMON (all national team duty),
Unavailable: Ellyse PERRY (hamstring – 2 to 3 weeks), Natalie TOBIN, (calf – 2 to 4 weeks), Brittany WHITFIELD (injured)

Melbourne Victory v Canberra United
Saturday 17 November 2012
Wembley Park, Melbourne
Local kick-off: 3pm

Much will be on the line for both teams with Melbourne Victory growing in confidence as each week passes. Their most recent outing was an impressive 2-1 win against Sydney FC, their first ever victory against their northern rivals.

Remarkably, a win here would see the Victory leapfrog Canberra, and without a win in Victoria for four years, history is against the champions.

Swede Petra Larsson and Welsh captain Jessica Fishlock both made strong debuts last weekend, and the Victory will harbour genuine hopes of breaking United’s remarkable 18-match unbeaten run.

Canberra have become renowned for their resilience but that will thoroughly be tested this weekend with Jitka Klimkova’s side set to be missing six first-team regulars.

Captain Ellie Brush (suspension) and Hayley Raso (school) will be absent, while injury is set to rule out Mackenzie Arnold and Ashleigh Sykes. Meanwhile, prolific striker Michelle Heyman and influential midfielder Sally Shipard will also be on the sidelines. The pair have been granted permission to remain with the club for the upcoming International Club Championship in Japan, rather than be on Matildas duty for the East Asian Championship. Canberra’s upcoming commitments in Japan means their trip to Melbourne will be their last Westfield W-League outing for a fortnight.

Melbourne Victory squad: 2. Danielle JOHNSON, 3. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 4. Rebekah STOTT, 5. Laura SPIRANOVIC, 6. Petra LARSSON, 9. Tiffany ELIADIS, 10. Jessica McDONALD, 12. Jackie VOGT, 14. Enza BARILLA, 15. Amy JACKSON, 16. Georgie KOUTROUVELIS, 17. Gulcan KOCA, 18. Cindy LAY, 20. Cassandra DIMOVSKI (gk), 22: Jessica FISHLOCK, 30: Melissa MAIZELS (gk) (* one to be omitted)

In: Melissa MAIZELS (promoted – Bulleen Lions)
Outs: 1. Brianna DAVEY (national duty), 7. Stephanie CATLEY (national duty)
Unavailable: Ashley BROWN (knee – season), Louisa BISBY (knee – season), Caitlin FRIEND (knee – indefinite)

Canberra United squad: 20. Trudy Burke, 2. Caitlin Cooper, 3. Georgia Yeoman-Dale, 4. Christine Walters, 5. Grace Field, 6. Caitlin Munoz, 9. Grace Gill, 10. Snez Veljanovska, 12. Sally Rojahn, 13. Nicole Sykes, 16. Catherine Brown, 17. Ariane Hingst, 18. Samantha Wood, 19. Jennifer Bisset, 22. Aroon Clansey

Ins: 5. Grace FIELD, 9. Grace GILL, 10. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 12. Sally ROJAHN (all promoted)
Outs: 7. Ellie Brush (suspended), 8. Hayley Raso (school), 11. Michelle Heyman, 14. Ashleigh Sykes (hip – one week)
Unavailable: Mackenzie Arnold (injured), Sally Shipard

Brisbane Roar v Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday 17 November 2012
Cleveland Showgrounds, Brisbane
Local kick-off: 3pm

Rarely has the resources of a Westfield W-League club been as tested as Brisbane Roar this weekend with an unprecedented six players on national team duty.

Brooke Spence’s call-up this week in place of the injured Ellyse Perry merely adding to coach Belinda Wilson’s selection dilemmas. Queensland women’s football has long been blessed with a seemingly endless array of local talent and the latest young guns will have the opportunity to test themselves at the highest level against the Wanderers. Defeat could send the Roar tumbling into a congested midtable, while victory could send them go top, if results go their way.

Despite a lack of names familiar to many Westfield W-League fans, Western Sydney Wanderers have acquitted themselves superbly in their maiden season.

An impressive win against pacesetters Perth Glory was followed up last weekend with a draw against reigning champions Canberra United. Though they will miss Servet Uzunlar and Teigen Allen this weekend, the Wanderers will be boosted by the arrival of highly experienced Iceland international goalkeeper Thora Helgadottir.

Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Hoshimi KISHI (gk), 3. Amy CHAPMAN, 6. Ashley SPINA, 7. Erika ELZE, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9. Emma PITTMAN, 10. Lana HARCH, 11. Vedrana POPOVIC, 14. Georgia CHAPMAN, 15. Hannah BEARD, 16. Sachiko TATSUOKA, 18. Kate STEWART (gk), 20. Joanne BUCKLEY (gk), 22. Lauren BROWN, 23. Chelsea HARPER, 24. Hayley SHEAHAN (* one to be omitted)

Ins: Georgia CHAPMAN (returns from injury), Joanne BUCKLEY (promoted), Lauren BROWN (promoted QAS), Chelsea HARPER (promoted QAS), Hayley SHEAHAN (promoted QAS).
Outs: Laura ALLEWAY, Clare POLKINGHORNE, Brooke SPENCE, Tameka BUTT, Emily GIELNIK, Katrina GORRY (all national team duty)
Unavailable: Rebecca PRICE (knee - 1 week)

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 1. Liz DURACK, 2. Samantha SPACKMAN, 3. Alexandra HUYNH, 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 5. Olivia KENNEDY, 6. Rachael SOUTAR, 8. Vanessa HART, 9. Sarah WALSH (c), 11. Louise FORS, 12. Jessica SEAMAN, 13. Catherine CANNULI, 14. Trudy CAMILLERI, 16. Linda O'NEILL, 17. Alisha BASS

Ins: 6. Rachael SOUTAR, 17. Alisha BASS, 20. Thora HELGADOTTIR
Outs: 10. Servet UZUNLAR, 15. Teigen ALLEN (both national team duty), 21. Georgia ROWNTREE (omitted)
Unavailable: Jenna KINGSLEY (knee – season)

Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United
Saturday 17 November 2012
Wanderers Oval, Newcastle
Local kick-off: 4.30pm

As the only Westfield W-League side without a win, Newcastle Jets will be desperate for three points against last season’s cellar dwellers. The Jets will, however, have to make do without the guile and drive in midfield offered by Emily Van Egmond who will be on Matildas duty. Van Egmond’s absence will be partly offset by the return of defender Stacey Day from suspension, with the Jets desperate to arrest their defensive woes having shipped 15 goals in their opening four outings.

Adelaide, similarly, will be looking to halt a three-match losing streak, having started the campaign brightly with a win. In their defence, the three defeats have been against top–four teams. Last weekend United were outplayed at times by a rampant Brisbane Roar, yet still managed to create some gilt-edged goalscoring opportunities. Expect plenty of attacking endeavour from both teams with the vanquished to be left propping up the table.

Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Eliza CAMPBELL (gk), 2. Hannah BREWER 3. Hayley CRAWFORD, 4.Gemma PEARCE, 5. Tori HUSTER, 6. Angela SALEM, 7. Gema SIMON, 9. Tara ANDREWS, 11. Kate HENSMAN, 12. Tiffany BOSHERS, 13. Bronte Bates 14. Sammara SCHMITZER, 15. Alishia FOOTE, 16. Stacey DAY , 18. Michaela HATZIRODOS, 20. Alannah ROSEWOOD (gk) (* one to be omitted)

Ins: Stacey DAY (returns from suspension)
Outs: Emily VAN EGMOND (national team duty)
Unavailable: 8. Madeline SEARL (injury)

Adelaide United squad: 1. Kristi HARVEY (gk), 2. Ruth WALLACE, 3. Alex NATOLI, 5. Abby ERCEG (c), 6. Cassandra TSOUMBRIS, 7. Racheal QUIGLEY, 8. Sarah McLAUGHLIN, 9. Marijana RACJIC, 13. Ann MAYO, 14. Lorena MAGGIO, 16. Jess WATERHOUSE, 17. Laura JOHNS, 18. Georgia MACRI, 19. Holly PATTERSON

Ins: Grace HENRY (promoted), Jess WATERHOUSE (returns from Australia U-16 duty), Laura Johns (promoted)
Outs: Elise WHORLOW (omitted), Emma CHECKER (National team duty), Kelly BARLTROP (omitted)
Unavailable: Nil

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Westfield-WLeague-ins-and-outs/53049

Katie Gill - Star of the Week

Simon Jones
Wednesday, 14 November 2012 3:02 PM

After a stunning display against the Newcastle Jets, in which she scored a second-half hat-trick and helped her side return to the top of the Westfield W-League table with a bang, Katie Gill is our very deserving star performer of the week.

The 27-year-old Matilda came back to haunt her former club with three wonderful strikes, and the victory sees Perth once again leading the charge for the W-League title, one point clear of Canberra United.

Katie isn't getting carried away despite the big win however as she knows how easy it is to drop unexpected points.

"Football is a funny game," Katie blogged after the game. "One week you are struggling to find reasons why you have thrown away three points and the next you are handing a team a 6-1 thumping!"

Following two seasons plying her trade abroad, where she starred for Swedish clubs Sunnanå SK and LdB FC Malmö, the striker settled back into the W-League with Perth after beginning her football career in Newcastle.

"I have to say it was strange playing in my home town of Newcastle, but at the end of the day when you're on the field none of that matters. All that matters is the colour of the shirt you have on and doing the best for your team."

Auckland-born Gill has been a regular for the Australian national team since 2005 and has an incredible goal-scoring record for the Matildas. Having been called up again for the national squad alongside teammates Collette McCallum and Lisa De Vanna, Katie believes the Glory will face stiff opposition this weekend as several W-League regulars head over for the East Asian Cup qualifiers.

"This weekend's game against Sydney is going to be a tight contest, as both teams will be without their Matildas players. However I have no doubt that the Glory girls will perform and come away with the win."

Congratulations to Katie Gill and her Glory teammates for their wonderful win at the weekend. With Perth now tentative favourites to challenge for the title, round 5 in the W-League looks set to be very interesting as we creep towards the season's halfway mark.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Katie-Gill--Star-of-the-Week/52876

Michelle Tobin at Cleveland Showgrounds, Omnisport

Wanderers account for Roar

Saturday, 17 November 2012 6:42 PM

Western Sydney Wanderers have secured their second win of the Westfield W-League season, beating a depleted Brisbane Roar 2-1 at Cleveland Showgrounds.

Without regular duo Servet Uzunlar and Teigan Allen, Western Sydney introduced Vanessa Hart and Linda O'Neill into the starting 11.

Roar coach Belinda Wilson - contending with the absence of six key players - handed a starting W-League debut to 16-year-old Chelsea Harper at right-back.

The home side found themselves on the back foot as early as the seventh minute, when Western Sydney took the lead through a first-time shot inside the six-yard box from former Brisbane player Catherine Cannuli.

Following the opener, the humid conditions influenced proceedings in the first half, with neither side creating much in the way of clear-cut chances, but the Wanderers did dominate possession as the Roar were content to sit back and soak up the pressure.

After the break, it only took Brisbane four minutes to force their way back into the contest, stand-in captain Elise Kellond-Knight providing Amy Chapman the perfect cross to score her second goal in as many weeks.

English import Hannah Beard should have put her side in front two minutes later when she latched onto a well-timed through ball from young striker Emma Pittman, but Beard could not get her shot on target.

The miss proved costly, as Cannuli bagged her brace just before the hour mark, chipping Roar goalkeeper Hoshimi Kishi with a cheeky strike from 30 yards out.

The Western Sydney striker could have had her hat-trick five minutes later as she smashed a fierce volley just over the crossbar.

Kellond-Knight, playing her first match at home in over 18 months, had a late chance to equalise but her long-range free-kick flew inches wide of the Wanderers goal.

Brisbane Roar 1 (Amy Chapman 49)
Western Sydney Wanderers 2 (Catherine Cannuli 7, 56)

Brisbane Roar: 1. Hoshimi Kishi (c), 3. Amy Chapman, 6. Ashley Spina (14. Georgia Chapman 60), 7. Erika Elize, 8. Elise Kellond-Knight, 9. Emma Pittman, 10. Lana Harch, 11. Vedrana Popovic, 15. Hannah Beard (22. Lauren Brown 69’), 16. Sachiko Tatsuoka, 23. Chelsea Harper

Western Sydney Wanderers: 2. Samantha Spackman (6. Racheal Soutar 80'), 3. Alexandra Huynh, 4. Alesha Clifford (12. Jessica Seaman 73), 5. Olivia Kennedy, 8. Vanessa Hart, 9. Sarah Walsh (c), 11. Louise Fors, 13. Catherine Cannuli (17. Alisha Bass 82'), 14. Trudy Camilerri, 16. Linda O'Neill, 20. Thora Helgadottir (gk)

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Wanderers-account-for-Roar/53156

Ben Cameron at nib Stadium, Omnisport

Super Sutton fires Glory

Saturday, 17 November 2012 4:52 PM

A Rosie Sutton hat-trick has helped Perth Glory move clear atop the Westfield W-League standings with an action-packed 3-1 win over Sydney FC at nib Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Glory are now on 12 points from five matches with Canberra United in second on eight points, but the champions are still to play this weekend.

In 32-degree heat, it was a frenzied first half that saw both teams score.

Sutton opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a glancing header that got past a diving Sian McLaren.

But Sydney responded from the restart after Perth goalkeeper Carly Telford parried a shot back into a dangerous area and Chloe Logarzo was on the spot to tap home the 19th-minute goal.

Sutton's second came in the 76th minute when she headed home a well-weighted Marianna Tabain cross into the top-right corner of the Sydney goal.

And the striker completed her hat-trick when she got in behind the Sky Blues' defence and dribbled past McClaren to roll home the 85th-minute sealer for Perth.

Both teams had their chances to lead before half-time but failed to capitalise.

Sydney came tantalisingly close to taking the advantage in the 24th minute when goalscorer Lorgazo's shot forced a save from Telford and then from the rebound Nicola Bolger's shot hit the inside of the post only to deflect out of the goals and be cleared by the Perth defence.

Aivi Luik had a shot from beyond 18 yards for Perth, but it went just over the crossbar as Perth wrested back some of the momentum.

The heat appeared to take its toll on the players in the second half, as play slowed down but opened up considerably as Sydney took control of the match.

Sydney's best chance of the second half came when Logarzo sprayed a shot from just six yards over the crossbar.

And they had claims for a penalty in the 65th minute when Perth captain Sasha Andrews appeared to handle the ball in the box, but referee Rebecca Durcau waved away the appeals.

Perth were not without their own chances in the second half, Elisa D'Ovidio found herself unmarked in the middle only with McClaren to get two hands to her shot and knock it wide.

Tabain very nearly added a fourth goal for the home side in injury time with a free kick that grazed the top of the Sydney goal.

Perth Glory 3 (Sutton 18, 76, 85)
Sydney FC 1 (Logarzo 19)

Perth Glory: 1. Carly Telford, 3. Carys Hawkins (Sarah Carroll '69), 4. Bronwyn Studman (Jaymee Gibbons '80), 5. Shannon May, 6. Sasha Andrews (c), 7. Aivi Luik, 8. Ella Mastrantonio, 9. Rosie Sutton, 13. Elisa D'Ovidio (Shawn Billam '68), 15. Liz Milne, 17. Marianna Tabain

Sydney FC: 2. Teresa Polias, 3. Elizabeth Ralston, 7. Nicola Berger, 10. Renee Rollason (Kylie Ledbrook '58), 12. Chloe Logarzo, 13. Larissa Crummer, 15. Hannah Bromley, 19. Emma Kete, 1. Sian McClaren, 11. Annalie Longo (Meg McLaughlin '78), 22. Lillie Billson

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Super-Sutton-fires-Glory/53152

Mark Hughes at Wanderers Oval, Omnisport

W-League Jets hammer hapless Adelaide

Saturday, 17 November 2012 8:07 PM

Newcastle Jets have got their Westfield W-League campaign back on track with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Adelaide United in an entertaining Round 5 match at Wanderers Oval, Newcastle.

The Jets led 2-0 at half-time and added another two in the second half in a strong display but it was Newcastle's American imports Angela Salem and Tori Huster who starred for the Jets scoring a goal each and controlling the play in the midfield.

The win lifts the Jets off the bottom of the table onto four points and just one win out of the top four while Adelaide now find themselves propping up the W-League ladder.

The Jets started the game the better and opened the scoring in just the eighth minute of the match when Tara Andrews latched onto a through ball into the box and squeezed her shot past Adelaide goalkeeper Kristi Harvey for a 1-0 lead.

Andrews went close to doubling Newcastle's lead in 15th minute when she stabbed a shot from 10 metres out but she sent it narrowly wide of the near post.

The Jets were in total control of the match and Salem was allowed too much room in the middle of the park before unleashing a long-range effort in the 23rd minute that just sailed wide of the target.

Newcastle scored their second goal after a period of sustained pressure resulted in a penalty in the 39th minute when Adelaide defender Alex Natoli brought down Tiffany Boshers in the box. Salem calmly slotted from the spot to make it 2-0.

The home side continued to probe with Salem creating half chances on the edge of the penalty area but Adelaide held out until half-time.

The visitors came out with more determination in the second half and mounted a couple of raids early but they were dealt with by the Jets' back four.

Newcastle wrestled back control of the match with a third goal in the 51st minute when Huster put substitute Kate Hensman through on goal.

Harvey blocked the shot but Andrews pounced on the loose ball and fired it back towards goal where Hensman got a touch to deflect it into the back of the net.

The Jets got their fourth in the 66th minute when Gema Simon got in behind the defence down the left wing before looping a cross to the back post where Huster sent a powerful first-time volley into the roof of the net.

Adelaide were unlucky not to claw a goal back when they hit the woodwork twice in the space of five minutes.

Substitute Georgia Macri, courtesy of some great play down the right wing by Rachel Quigley, got off a shot which beat Jets goalkeeper Eliza Campbell but smacked off the near post.

Shortly after, Marijana Racic worked a good one-two for Macri to chip a shot over Campbell but it came off the crossbar.

Down the other end, Huster had two great chances to add to her total but Harvey pulled off two brave saves to deny the American and the Jets had to be content with four goals.

Newcastle Jets 4 (Tara Andrews 8, Angela Salem 39p, Kate Hensman 51, Tori Huster 66)
Adelaide United 0
At Wanderers Oval, Newcastle

Newcastle Jets Eliza Campbell (GK), 2. Hannah Brewer, 3 Hayley Crawford (capt), 4. Gemma Pearce, 5. Tori Huster, 6. Angela Salem, 7. Gema Simon , 9. Tara Andrews (13. Bronte Bates 63'), 12, Tiffany Boshers, (18. Michaela Hatzirodos 69'), 20.15. Alisha Foote (11. Kate Hensman 46') 16. Stacey Day.

Adelaide United
1. Kristi Harvey (GK), 3. Alex Natoli (2. Ruth Wallace 41') 5. Abby Erceg (capt), 7. Rachel Quigley, 8. Sarah McLaughlin, 9. Marijana Rajcic, 11. Grace Henry (18. Georgia Macri 53') 13. Ann Mayo, 14. Lorena Maggio (17. Laura Johns 53') 16. Jessica Waterhouse, 19. Holly Patterson.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/WLeague-Jets-hammer-hapless-Adelaide/53219

Perth move top of W-League

By Pete Smith, AAP
November 18, 2012, 12:25 pm

AAP © Last season's strugglers Perth Glory have moved to the top of the W-League.

Traditional W-League heavyweights Brisbane Roar, Canberra United and Sydney FC all tumbled to surprise defeats to leave last season's strugglers Perth Glory atop the ladder after round five.

With a host of key players absent across the league due to Matildas duty, upset results were always on the cards.

And so it proved, with the big-name trio all losing in the same round for the first time in the five-year history of the league.

Canberra United crashed to their first defeat in 18 matches, dating back to January last year, as Melbourne Victory trounced the reigning champions with three unanswered goals to move into second.

The Victory's new imports led the way with the home side two goals up at half-time thanks to strikes from Canadian Jessica McDonald, and English Super League Player of the Year Jessica Fishlock.

United, without six key players due to injury, unavailability or national team selection, were rarely in the contest and Enza Barilla sealed Melbourne's third win on the trot with a late goal.

"It's a good win, there's no doubt about that, but it could have been a more emphatic victory," said Victory coach Mike Mulvey, in his first season at the club.

"We put three in the back of the net and it could easily have been double that."

There was a similarly remarkable scoreline in Perth as the Glory secured a 3-1 win over Sydney FC, having last year suffered a record-breaking 11-0 loss against the same opponent in a campaign where they finished second last.

Unheralded Glory striker Rosie Sutton hit a hat-trick to more than make up for the absence of star forwards Lisa De Vanna and Kate Gill.

There was another upset in Brisbane as the home side was undone by former striker Catherine Cannuli, who scored both goals in Western Sydney Wanderers' 2-1 victory.

Cannuli scored in each half, either side of an Amy Chapman goal, as the league's newest club claimed the biggest scalp of its short history.

Newcastle Jets were comprehensive winners in a meeting of the leagues two bottom sides as Adelaide United were routed 4-0.

The Jets belatedly kick-started their season with a maiden win, while United now occupy bottom position.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/soccer/15410191/

Perth take advantage as the big guns fall silent

DateNovember 19, 2012
Pete Smith

TRADITIONAL W-League heavyweights Brisbane Roar, Canberra United and Sydney FC all tumbled to surprise defeats to leave last season's strugglers Perth Glory atop the ladder after round five.

With a host of key players absent across the league due to Matildas duty, upset results were always on the cards. And so it proved, with the big-name trio all losing in the same round for the first time in the five-season history of the league.

Canberra United crashed to their first defeat in 18 matches, dating from January last year, as Melbourne Victory trounced the champions 3-0 to move up to second.

Victory's new imports led the way with the home side two goals up at half-time thanks to strikes from Canadian Jessica McDonald and English Super League player of the year Jessica Fishlock.

United, without six key players due to injury, unavailability or national team selection, were rarely in the contest, and Enza Barilla sealed Melbourne's third win on the trot with a late goal.

''It's a good win, there's no doubt about that, but it could have been a more emphatic victory,'' Victory coach Mike Mulvey said. ''We put three in the back of the net, and it could easily have been double that.''

There was a similarly remarkable scoreline in Perth as the Glory secured a 3-1 win over Sydney FC, having last year suffered a record-breaking 11-0 loss against the same opponents in a campaign where they finished second last.

Glory striker Rosie Sutton hit a hat-trick in the absence of star forwards Lisa De Vanna and Kate Gill.

There was another upset in Brisbane as the home side was undone by former striker Catherine Cannuli, who scored both goals in Western Sydney Wanderers' 2-1 victory.

Cannuli scored in each half, either side of an Amy Chapman goal, as the league's newest club claimed the biggest scalp of its short history.

The Newcastle Jets were comprehensive winners in a meeting of the league's two bottom sides as Adelaide United were routed 4-0. It was the Jets' first win of the season, and left Adelaide last on the ladder.

AAP



Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/a-league/perth-take-advantage-as-the-big-guns-fall-silent-20121118-29kb9.html#ixzz2Cbpg67p8

Mike Mulvey, Melbourne's giant killer

Simon Jones
Thursday, 22 November 2012 3:38 PM

Players often get all the plaudits when they produce a result, but after breaking Canberra United's 18-match winning streak, an incredible record that has stood since January 2011, Melbourne Victory's new coach Mike Mulvey is the man in the spotlight.

After only five weeks in charge of the Westfield W-League club, and with three wins to his name so far, Mulvey is already making history with his Victory outfit. Aside from their emphatic 3-0 drubbing of a Matildas-depleted Canberra squad on the weekend, his team have also managed to defeat their northern rivals Sydney FC for the first time in the history of the competition.

Not one to get carried away with results, however, Mulvey said after their round-five clash that his Victory unit could have scored at least half a dozen goals had they converted more of their chances.

"It's a good win, there's no doubt about that, but it could have been a more emphatic victory," he said. "We put three in the back of the net, and it could easily have been double that."

Mulvey is no stranger to Australian football, having worked with Gold Coast United in various positions before being handed the caretaker role for what would prove to be the club's final six matches in the A-League. His transition to the women's game has been exceptionally smooth so far and he is keen to work with up-and-comers and leave his mark on Aussie football.

"Melbourne approached me with a four-month project to take the W-League team for the season and I agreed to do that because I wanted to work with the players," Mulvey said. "There are a lot of good young players at Victory and if I can bring something to them and help develop their chances of becoming Matildas and Young Matildas then I'll be very pleased with that."

Youth was always going to be a big part of Victory's campaign, even before the appointment of Mike Mulvey, who took the position at the eleventh hour. His coaching background is tightly bound to the development of young talent, having won three National Youth League trophies in as many seasons and working with current A-League regulars and even Socceroos like Tommy Oar.

Mulvey's confidence in youth has served Melbourne Victory well so far, and they will likely play a similarly integral role in their round-six match against Brisbane Roar. The Queensland side snared a tight 1-0 win away from home in round two, but after three wins on the trot, Mulvey's Victory are looking like a completely different team - one full of confidence.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Mike-Mulvey-Melbournes-giant-killer/53579

Peter Smith W-League champions take on world's best

Thursday, 22 November 2012 3:44 PM

Canberra United may have achieved a monumental feat in winning last season’s Westfield W-League without suffering a single defeat, but Jitka Klimkova’s side face a task of herculean proportions this week as they rub shoulders with the world’s best at the inaugural International Women’s Club Championship in Japan.

The team from the nation’s capital open up their campaign tonight against Japanese champions INAC Kobe Leonessa.

Japanese women’s football is riding an enormous high on the back of last year’s breakthrough FIFA Women’s World Cup win in Germany, with the national team impressing not only with their results, but notably, with their individual technical skills and possession-based brand of football.

And, to provide further context of the task facing Canberra, Leonessa’s status in the Nadeshiko League is comparable to that of Japan in the international arena.

Canberra’s record in their all-conquering campaign, impressive that it was, is dwarfed somewhat by Leonessa’s domestic form.

The team, led by national team skipper and FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Homare Sawa, are undefeated across 38 league matches dating back over two years.

Their only defeat in that time came during in the Nadeshiko League Cup in August, at the hands of NTV Beleza, though Leonessa were missing a handful of their young stars on duty at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

The Tokyo-based Beleza eventually won the cup to earn passage to this week’s tournament, where they will meet European champions Lyon in tonight’s late match.

Suffice to say Leonessa’s latest league title win earlier this month, came in a canter with a 15-point margin to second placed Beleza.

They did so, in part, due to a star-studded roster full of national team players, complemented by some of Japan’s finest young talent.

Aside from Sawa the list of world champions include goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori, full-back Yukari Kinga, midfielder Asuna Tanaka and plus forwards Shinobu Ohno, Megumi Takase and Nahomi Kawasumi.

The ranks of the two-time national champions also feature some of the finest young players in the world such as Korea Republic attacking midfielder Ji So-Yun, winner of the 2010 adidas Golden Ball at the FIFA -20 Women’s World Cup.

Such is Leonessa’s depth that Yoko Tanaka, another star-in-waiting, who was the second-top goalscorer at this year’s U-20 World Cup, only rarely features in the starting line-up.

This week’s action will take place on the outskirts of Tokyo at Saitama’s Komaba Stadium, former home to J.League superclub Urawa Red Diamonds, and indeed Socceroo coach Holger Osieck,

A victory for Canberra in Saitama tonight, means what will be arguably an even tougher challenge in Sunday’s final, with European champions Lyon expected to cruise into the decider past an out-of-form Beleza.

Lyon can lay claim to even stronger track record than Leonessa over recent years. Described by Canberra’s Michelle Heyman, who played against Lyon for Danish Brondby recently in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, as “the best side I have ever seen”, the French side may well indeed be the best women’s club team of all time.

Patrice Lair’s side are currently 59 matches without defeat, having won the last six French titles, and, perhaps more notably, the last two European crowns, breaking Germany’s long-held domination of the continent.

With the financial support of the highly successful men’s club, Olympique Lyonnais, to use their correct title, can field a starting XI entirely comprised of French internationals, supplemented by highly regarded Swedish striker Lotta Schelin.

Results aside, history will likely view Canberra United’s class of 2012 as landmark pioneers. 32 years ago the Intercontinental Cup began in Tokyo featuring a one-off match between the men’s champions of Europe and South America.

The annual contest eventually morphed into the FIFA Club World Cup, and the hope is that the coming few days in Japan will signify another watershed moment in women’s football.

Regardless of the eventual outcome this week in Japan, the benefit to Canberra United and to Australian women’s football will be significant.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/WLeague-champions-take-on-worlds-best/53581

New women's league model: less hype, better performance

http://www.socceramerica.com/article/49303/new-womens-league-model-less-hype-better-perfor.html

Canberra United outclassed in Japan

23 November 2012-SBS

W-League champion Canberra United will meet J.League Cup winner NTV Beleza in a play-off for third after losing its opening International Women's Club Championship match 4-0 to L.League champion INAC Kobe Leonessa.

Canberra is one of four domestic champions competing in the inaugural tournament in Saitama City, Japan.

Jitka Klimková's side which claimed the 2011-2012 W-League Premiership/Championship double was no match for its opponent, which boasts five members of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup-winning Japan side: Homare Sawa, Shinobu Ohno, Yukari Kinga, Nahomi Kawasumi and Ayumi Kaihori.

INAC Kobe Leonessa will meet reigning European champion Olympique Lyonnais Femini - which won its match against Beleza 5-2 - in the final on 25 November.

The third place play-off will be curtain-raiser to that match.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/australia/news/1130047/Canberra-United-outclassed-in-Japan

Midfielder key to Jets' finals push
DateNovember 25, 2012
Alex Rowe

NEWCASTLE'S attacking midfielder Gema Simon doesn't back down from a challenge - and if the Jets are to have any chance of making the W-League finals this season, they will need the 22-year-old to maintain her combative attitude.

The Jets face Western Sydney on Sunday at Campbelltown Stadium, and while a win would put them back in contention, another loss would leave them well behind the finals contenders halfway through the 12-round season.

''We know we have a tough road ahead of us this season, but it's a challenge that we have to overcome,'' Simon said. ''We really want to make the finals. I miss finals football and after our first win and clean sheet against Adelaide [last Saturday], the group has been great in training. It's really brought us together and the confidence back.''

Simon's footballing career has been plagued by injury, the Armidale-born Novocastrian often battling through persistent pain with tendonitis in her right knee.

However, surgery almost nine months ago, combined with a rigorous rehabilitation, has allowed her to compete pain free for the first time in years.

''It's been a lot of work, I'm not going to lie,'' she said. ''I have an ice bath the day before the game, I get massages during the week, ice every day and all the normal management during the week as well as rehab.

''I feel a lot better than recent seasons, after the surgery I had over 8½ months ago. Since then the body's feeling a lot better and I can finally play pain free which has really helped my confidence.''

Jets coach Wayne O'Sullivan has noticed the difference following discussions with Simon before taking over as co-coach with Peter McGuinness at the start of the season. ''We had a heart-to-heart about where things needed to go in order for her to develop as a football player and it came down to hard work and she's been the epitome of that in pre-season,'' O'Sullivan said.

Simon is dreaming big, and at the age of 22 she still has her best years to come. ''I would like to play for the Matildas, and I definitely want to go overseas and play in a foreign competition in the next couple of years. Possibly America, Europe, anywhere,'' she said.

The Jets will be without Matilda midfielder Emily van Egmond and will be sweating on the fitness of midfielder Hannah Brewer.



Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/midfielder-key-to-jets-finals-push-20121124-2a02a.html#ixzz2D91BYtBr

W-League: Sydney returns to winning ways

25 November 2012-AAP

Sydney FC has bounced back with comprehensive 4-0 victory over Adelaide United, following a recent poor run of form and despite the absence of a host of key personnel on national team duty.

Sydney and Brisbane Roar have moved into equal second, keeping their title hopes alive and taking full advantage as leader Perth Glory and defending champion Canberra United had their match postponed.

Joining the two sides is Western Sydney Wanderers, with the trio two points shy of Glory.

Canberra is a further two points adrift with its home match against Glory deferred due to its participation in the inaugural International Women's Club Championship in Japan.

Brisbane Roar made light of the absence of six players to edge out in-form Melbourne Victory with the last kick of the game.

Both sides seemed set to share the spoils until Roar's Amy Chapman scored in the 89th minute, her second goal of the match.

Amid a flurry of opportunities at both ends, Jessica McDonald then equalised for Victory, before Ashley Spina conjured a winner in the dying stages for a 3-2 win.

Sydney FC avoided an unprecedented third loss on the trot with an emphatic 4-0 win over bottom-of-the-table Adelaide.

Two goals in each half saw the visitor cruise to victory, with midfielder Chloe Logarzo bagging a second-half double.

Sydney was without four Matildas representatives, although it was boosted by the return of Ellyse Perry from a hamstring strain, with the the dual international setting up the opener for Renee Rollason with striker Emma Kete also on the scoresheet.

Long-serving Matildas striker Sarah Walsh, who recently announced her retirement from international football, returned to form as Western Sydney Wanderers thrashed Newcastle Jets 3-0 in stifling heat at Campbelltown.

Walsh scored twice before substitute Candace Sciberras rounded out the scoring in the dying moments of the match, just five minutes into her W-League debut.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1130397/W-League-Sydney-returns-to-winning-ways

FFA gets behind Ovarian Cancer research

Tuesday, 27 November 2012 12:39 PM

Football fans and families are urged to attend Westfield W-League ‘Silver Round’ this weekend and support ovarian cancer research.

Football Federation Australia is proud to announce its inaugural Westfield W-League ‘Silver Round’ in support the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, Australia’s pre-eminent body supporting ovarian cancer research.

In support of this worthy cause, the Westfield W-League has declared this weekend’s round as its ‘Silver Round’. All players will be wearing silver shoelaces to show their commitment to fighting ovarian cancer, and supporting the thousands of Australian women and their families who are affected by this insidious disease.

One Australian woman dies every ten hours from ovarian cancer, which has a mortality rate that is proportionally higher than breast cancer, because there is currently no early detection method.

Football fans and families who come to each of the four games in Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide and Perth, will be able to make a donation, or purchase their own silver shoelaces and silver pins to help fund research for early detection and help save lives.

“Football Federation Australia is delighted to have come on board in support of the OCRF, and help raise awareness of this disease, and encourage more Australians to support research that we hope will ultimately save women’s lives,” said Head of the Westfield W-League Damien De Bohun.

“We would like to encourage everyone to get down to their local Westfield W-League game this weekend to support this great cause, and also watch some fantastic football.”

OCRF CEO and Co-Founder, Liz Heliotis said: “The OCRF is proud to be working with Football Federation Australia and the Westfield W-League, one of the world’s premier women’s football competitions, towards this shared goal. We appreciate the support from players, support staff and fans alike.

“With no early detection methods, ovarian cancer is one of the most life-threatening disease a woman can face. Our women footballers are a great inspiration, and we hope that together we can make a real and lasting difference.”

Westfield W-League ‘Silver Round’ fixtures:
• Sydney FC v Canberra United, Saturday 1 December, 10am local time – Leichardt Oval Sydney
• Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory, Saturday 1 December, 2:00pm local time – Burton Park Adelaide
• Perth Glory v Western Sydney Wanderers, Saturday 1 December, 4:00pm local time – Intiga Stadium, Inglewood (Perth)
• Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar, Sunday 2 December, 2:00pm local time – Wanderers Oval Broadmeadow (Newcastle)

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/FFA-gets-behind-Ovarian-Cancer-research/54027

W-League Round 7 Match Preview

Wednesday, 28 November 2012 12:16 PM

Round 7 of the Westfield W-League sees the Newcastle Jets take on the Brisbane Roar at Wanderers Oval (Broadmeadow) on Sunday, as the competition enters the second half of the season.

The Jets had their first win for the season in Round 5 against Adelaide United in front of a faithful home crowd. In overcast conditions over 500 fans showed up to support the girls in what was a must win match for the home side.

After a strong and competitive performance the Jets girls came out on top after scoring a convincing four goals throughout the match. This result lifted the girls from the bottom of the table and saw Adelaide slip into last spot within the competition.

At the conclusion of the match the players remained on the field to sign posters and autographs and to thank the fans for their ongoing support after a rough start to the season.

Last weekend saw the Jets girls travel to Campbelltown Stadium to come up against the newcomers to the competition the Western Sydney Wanderers. In blistering heat, the girls went down 3-0 to the home side who now move into second position on the ladder.

Coach Pete McGuinness was very disappointed with the end result of the match against the Western Sydney Wanderers as he felt both sides were not playing the best football, making it a poor game overall.

“It was a very uninspiring game overall; both sides were playing poor football and in the difficult conditions of the heat and poor ground it was very disappointing," McGuiness said.

"The girls were lethargic and we struggled to make chances and Western Sydney took their chances.”

The girls returned home and put in a hard week of training in preparation for Sunday's match against traveling side, Brisbane Roar.

Brisbane United has had a tumultuous start to the season with a draw, two losses and three wins next to their name. Brisbane defeated Melbourne Victory in Round 6 in what ended in a high scoring match.

The final score line read 3-2 in favour of the home side and Brisbane now sit in equal second position on the ladder with ten points next to their name.

Season 4 saw the Jets and Brisbane come up against each other twice throughout the competition with both teams securing a win in each of the games.

The girls will come up against Brisbane Roar at their home ground of Wanderers Oval, Broadmeadow on Sunday and Peter McGuinness has been preparing for the tough match.

“It’s definitely going to be a tough game," he added.

"Brisbane will have six girls returning from national duty so we will have be at our very best to compete.

"We will work on being closer as a team throughout training sessions in the lead up for the match and will need all the support we can get from our fans."

MATCH DETAILS
Newcastle Jets vs. Brisbane Roar
Wanderers Oval, Broadmeadow
Sunday 2nd Decemeber
Kick off 2pm

TICKET PRICING
General Admission - $10
Concession - $5
Jets Members - FREE
Children Under 16 - FREE

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/WLeague-Round-7-Match-Preview/53660

Perry prepares to take on coach who asked her to ditch dual role

DateDecember 1, 2012
Sebastian Hassett

JUST as it looked as though Ellyse Perry would be forced into an agonising choice between football and cricket, the dual-code international might have - at long last - struck the perfect balance.

Six months ago, Perry was cornered by her W-League club, Canberra United, and told by coach Jitka Klimkova that her parallel sporting endeavours would have to end if she wanted to stay with the competition's champions.

A brief stand-off ensued before the 22-year-old decided to end her three-year stint at the club to sign with Sydney FC. Unlike Canberra, the Sky Blues said they had no problem with Perry's commitments to the Australian cricket team and the NSW Breakers.

So far, the relationship could not have gone much better. At the halfway point of the season, the Sky Blues are second, two points behind ladder leaders Perth, with Canberra down in sixth and facing a battle to make the finals.

At Leichhardt Oval on Saturday morning, the Wahroonga resident comes face to face with Klimkova and her former teammates for the first time since making the switch. However, it's hard to detect any resentment for her old club.

''I've not really thought about Canberra or Jitka too much since I've left but I really enjoyed working with her, and there's no bad feeling from my end,'' Perry said on Friday. ''I respect her and her coaching philosophy. She's brought success to Canberra, and I fully understand why she wanted that full-time commitment from everyone.

''This game is a huge match for all of us, not just me, because they're still the benchmark in of the W-League, and we're still trying to be as consistent. All the girls will want to perform against them because they're such a big club.''

Outspoken former teammate Sally Shipard suggested this week Perry ''left them hanging'' when she skipped last year's finals to play cricket. Perry wouldn't be drawn into the controversy. ''Firstly, Sal and I are great mates and I really admire her and get along well with her,'' Perry said.

''Perhaps it didn't work out as well as we would have liked, at least from a personal point of view, but I think it would be pretty selfish of me to comment because Canberra went through the whole season undefeated and won the league. I'm not sure they needed me anyway given how well they performed.''

While one sport is tiring enough for most, both of Perry's pursuits are played - at least at the top level - over the summer, making the period incredibly hectic. At least this time there's no commute between Canberra and Sydney.

''It's lovely to be home. I played all my junior sport here in Sydney so it's great to be in familiar surroundings and without the bother of driving back and forth or catching a flight every second day,'' she said. ''I've really enjoyed the start of the summer because I've been able to train fully with both Sydney and the Breakers.''

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Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/perry-prepares-to-take-on-coach-who-asked-her-to-ditch-dual-role-20121130-2amgd.html#ixzz2DlFBjDob

W-League: Perth the team to beat

2 December 2012

Perth Glory continues to set the pace after an exciting Round 7 of the W-League with 20 goals scored across the four matches.

Glory overpowered in-form Western Sydney Wanderers with three unanswered goals to stay two points clear at the summit.

Marianna Tabain, Kate Gill and Collette McCallum were the three familiar names on the scoresheet for Glory, which was largely dominant against the only side that had defeated it this season.

Jamie Harnwell’s charges can virtually book their finals berth with victory in their crucial catch-up match against Canberra United on Wednesday.

Competition big guns Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar sit ominously in second place, although both were pushed hard before claiming late winners against Canberra United and Newcastle Jets respectively.

Sydney edged a last-gasp win over Canberra thanks to Emma Kete’s strike as the W-League’s match of the round was decided by the final kick for the second week in a row.

Canberra, having seen its 18-match undefeated run ended a fortnight ago, slumped to its second successive loss as Sydney triumphed by the odd goal in seven.

Despite the defeat the champion will take heart after twice drawing level, despite returning to excessive Sydney humidity after the near-freezing temperatures it experienced in Japan last weekend at the International Women’s Club Championship.

Brisbane Roar, like Sydney, was boosted by the return of a host of key players from Matildas duty but was still forced to rely on a winner 10 minutes from time by inspirational captain Clare Polkinghorne against Newcastle Jets.

Roar travelled to Newcastle as a warm favourite but was 1-0 down at the interval after American midfielder Tori Huster broke the deadlock.

Brisbane replied with goals from Emily Gielnik and Amy Chapman, but Gema Simon’s strike looked set to see the dividends shared until Polkinghorne’s intervention.

There was a far more one-sided contest in Adelaide as the home side Adelaide United crashed to a 5-0 loss against ever-improving Melbourne Victory.

Victory was in control from the outset as Laura Spiranovic scored her third in four outings, with a double from Jessica McDonald before half-time effectively ending the contest.

Second-half strikes from Enza Barilla and Steph Catley completed a rout of the bottom side with Victory well placed in fourth, just a point off second.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1131449/W-League-Perth-the-team-to-beat

W-League defeated by Roar

Mark Hughes at Wanderers Oval, Omnisport
Sunday, 2 December 2012 4:52 PM

Brisbane Roar have fought back from a goal down to record a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Newcastle Jets in an action-packed Round 7 Westfield W-League clash at Wanderers Oval in Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.

The Jets had the better of play in the first half and led 1-0 at the break courtesy of a well-taken shot by American import Tori Huster in the 16th minute.

But the Roar upped the tempo in the second half and took the lead via a cracking shot from Amy Chapman nine minutes after the resumption and a penalty to Emily Gielnik in the 63rd minute.

The Jets clawed their way back into the contest when Gema Simon equalised in the 69th minute but the Roar sealed the win when skipper Clare Polkinghorne headed home 10 minutes before the final whistle.

The win lifts Brisbane into third place on the Westfield W-League ladder while the Jets remain in seventh.

The match started in breezy overcast conditions and it was the home side who took control early when opening the scoring after 16 minutes.

Emily van Egmond flicked on a Tiffany Boshers cross from the right flank to the edge of the six-yard box where Huster swept in a right foot shot into the far corner of the net.

The Roar almost equalised just a few moments later when Vedrana Popovic sent a dangerous corner to the back post where Lana Harch headed toward goal only to see her shot cleared off the line by Newcastle defender Hannah Brewer.

Down the other end the Jets went close to doubling their lead near the half-hour mark when Boshers sent another strong cross into the box that unmarked striker Michaela Hatzirodos tried to guide the ball into the net but Roar goalkeeper Hoshima Kishi got down low to save.

The Jets started the second half where they left off when Hatzirodos pounced on a defensive error from the Roar and scampered to the edge of the box before unleashing a strong shot that produced a fine diving save from Kishi, high and to her right.

The visitors hit back just before the hour mark when Gielnik pushed the ball out to Chapman who struck on thunderbolt from the corner of the box that found the top far corner of the net to make it 1-1 after 57 minutes.

The visitors took the lead just six minutes later when live-wire winger Katrina Gorry was brought down in the box by Brewer. Gielnik stepped up to the penalty spot and fired her shot past Eliza Campbell to make it 2-1.

The Jets wrestled back control of the fixture when substitute winger Madeline Searl broke into space down the left flank before firing a cross towards the back post where Boshers chipped the ball back into the six-yard box for Simon to steer the ball into the net to make it 2-2 after 69 minutes.

Both sides pressed for the winner with Campbell working hard to keep out shots from Gorry and Gielnik while the Jets went close with Searl and a long-range effort from Huster.

But it was the Roar who would have the final say in the 80th minute when Popovic sent a swinging free-kick toward the back post where Polkinghorne got free of her defender and sent her strong header inside the far post.

The home side pressed hard for a late equaliser but the Roar showed plenty of determination in defence to hold on for a thrilling win.

Newcastle Jets 2
Tori Huster 16, Game Simon 69

Brisbane Roar 3
Amy Chapman 54, Emily Gielnik 62p, Clare Polkinghorne 80
at Wanderers Oval, Newcastle.

Newcastle Jets
1. Eliza Campbell (GK), 2. Hannah Brewer, 3 Hayley Crawford (capt), 4. Gemma Pearce, 5 Tori Huster, 6. Angela Salem (8. Madeline Searl 56min) 7. Gema Simon, 10. Emily van Egmond, 12, Tiffany Boshers (15. Alisha Foote 77min),16. Stacey Day, 18. Michaela Hatzirodos (9. Tara Andrews 81min).
Unused sub 20 Alannah Rosewood (GK)

Brisbane Roar
1. Hoshima Kishi (GK), 2. Laura Alleway, 3. Amy Chapman (13. Tameka Butt 72min), 4. Clare Polkinghorne (capt), 5. Brooke Spence, 7. Erika Elze, 8. Elise Kellond-Knight, 10. Lana Harch (16. Sachiko Tatsuoka 63min), 11. Vedrana Popovic, 17. Emily Gielnik, 19. Katrina Gorry (6. Ashley Spina 86min).
Unused sub Kate Stewart (GK)

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/WLeague-defeated-by-Roar/54582

Preview: Canberra United v Perth Glory

Tuesday, 4 December 2012 11:13 AM

This match postponed from a fortnight ago because of Canberra United’s participation at the International Women’s Club Championship is shaping as a crucial encounter for both teams, albeit for very different reasons.

With just five rounds remaining, champions Canberra desperately need three points if they are to remain in touch with an in-form top four. Conversely, frontrunners Perth Glory can take a giant stride towards an unlikely premiership claim, with a win in the nation’s capital to move them five points clear at the top.

What a difference a year makes. Just on 12 months ago, Canberra were in the midst of an unparalleled undefeated season en-route to their maiden title, while Perth had suffered an ignominious Westfield W-League record defeat at Sydney FC. Canberra’s lengthy unbeaten run has suddenly become a distant memory, and in the space of just two weeks they have suffered four losses, including two in Japan.

There are, however, positive signs for Jitka Klimkova’s team who unluckily lost their last two outings in the final minute. Canberra’s young guns continue to make great strides, while inspirational midfielder Sally Shipard continues to look stronger with each match after her lengthy injury lay-off.

There are no such concerns for the Glory who have won five of their six outings, and yet again have a full roster to choose from. The Glory have really hit their straps in front of goal over recent weeks and, after their 3-0 home win over Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday, are only one behind Sydney FC as the league’s top goalscorers.

This match is Perth’s second of three outings within seven days, with a crucial week for the Glory rounded out by a trip to Brisbane Roar on the weekend.

Canberra United squad: 1. Mackenzie ARNOLD (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER, 3. Georgia YEOMAN-DALE, 4. Christine WALTERS, 5. Grace FIELD, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Hayley RASO, 10. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Sally ROJAHN, 13. Nicole SYKES, 15. Sally SHIPARD, 16. Catherine BROWN, 17. Ariane Hingst, 18. Samantha WOOD, 19. Jennifer BISSET, 20. Trudy BURKE (gk), 21. Nikki WASHINGTON (*four to be omitted)

Ins: 5. Grace FIELD, 10. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 12. Sally ROJAHN, 18. Samantha WOOD (all promoted)
Outs: None
Unavailable: Grace Gill (ankle – 2 weeks), Ashleigh Sykes (hip – 1 week)

Perth Glory squad: 1. Carly TELFORD (gk), 2. Sarah CARROLL, 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Sasha ANDREWS, 7. Aivi LUIK, 8. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 9. Rosie SUTTON, 10. Jaymee GIBBONS, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Kate GILL, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 14. Collette McCALLUM (c), 15. Liz MILNE, 16. Thia EASTMAN, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 18. Kirri BOLTON, 19. Shawn BILLAM, 20. Zoe PALANDRI (gk) (*five to be omitted)

Ins: 2. Sarah CARROLL, 10. Jaymee GIBBONS, 16. Thia EASTMAN, 18. Kirri BOLTON, 19. Shawn BILLAM (all promoted)
Outs: None
Unavailable: None

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Preview-Canberra-United-v-Perth-Glory/54736

Glory women still top despite loss

Shayne Hope, The West Australian

December 5, 2012, 6:03 pm

Glory women still top despite loss

Perth Glory women remain two points clear on top of the W-League despite suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of reigning champions Canberra United at Deakin Football Stadium today.

Caitlin Munoz converted a fifth-minute penalty to give the home side the lead following a foul on Hayley Raso.

But Glory were level just four minutes later when in-form striker Rosie Sutton found the net.

Matildas attacker Collette McCallum nearly gave Glory the lead when she struck the crossbar with a fierce drive from 20m.

Nikki Washington fired home on 53 minutes to give Canberra their second lead of the game and they held on despite Kate Gill and Lisa De Vanna going close to equalising.

An indirect free kick from McCallum flew into the top corner but was ruled out as it went untouched.

Glory are away to third-placed Brisbane on Saturday.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/soccer/15563768/

W-League defeated by Roar

Washington guides Canberra past Perth


Russ Gibbs, Omnisport
Wednesday, 5 December 2012 9:00 PM

A brilliant solo strike by new signing Nikki Washington has given Canberra United a crucial 2-1 victory over league leaders Perth Glory at Deakin Stadium.

Washington struck with a super effort in the 53rd minute to net her second goal in two games and put Canberra right back into the title race and set them up nicely for the weekend match with Newcastle Jets.

The match started at a frantic pace and barely let up for the opening 45 minutes as both teams launched onto the offensive in Canberra.

United, having lost their previous two matches in the competition, were determined to get their title challenge back on track against the league leaders and made in-roads as early as the fourth minute.

Hayley Raso showed a terrific turn of pace to get away from her marker and was upended in the penalty area, with referee Peta McCallum not hesitating to point to the spot. Caitlin Munoz assumed the responsibility and coolly sent Glory goalkeeper Carly Telford the wrong way to open the scoring.

The Canberra lead didn't last long, though, as Perth hit back within five minutes. A free-kick was sent deep into the penalty area and headed back across goal by Katie Gill where Rosie Sutton anticipated the bounce to dive and head firmly into the net for her fourth goal of the season.

New Canberra signing Washington showcased her trickery with a scintillating run down the right flank, culminating in a cut-back and curling cross that just eluded the diving Munoz at the far post.

Perth responded with Collette McCallum rattling the crossbar with a fierce shot from distance while Munoz tested Telford down low in reply for Canberra.

It looked like goals could come at either end and Perth Glory centre back Sasha Andrews could have done better than blaze over the bar from the edge of the area after United struggled to deal with the visitors' set-piece. As it was, neither side could add to their early goals and the teams entered the changing rooms evenly poised at 1-1.

It didn't take Canberra long to seize the initiative after the interval and, just as they had done in the opening half, they struck early. Washington intercepted a loose pass in midfield and put her head down, advancing on the Perth goal. A drop of the shoulder opened up space and the finish was unerring, a low rifled shot beyond the dive of Telford and into the bottom corner of the net to send the home fans into frenzy.

Westfield W-League leading scorer Katie Gill was crucial in keeping Perth's charge for an equaliser alive, and she tested Arnold a minute after the goal with a firm header from close range. Washington then almost repeated her feat from the Sydney FC match when her lobbed cross was pushed over the bar by a furiously back-pedalling Telford.

While the tempo lulled the action certainly didn't and Lisa De Vanna exploded into action, skipping past three challenges and shooting at goal but straight at a relived Arnold.

Perth thought they had levelled six minutes from time when McCallum curled a wonderful free-kick over the Canberra wall and into the top corner but Glory celebrations were curtailed with the realisation that the free-kick was indirect and thus the goal was correctly chalked off.

With that moment went Perth's last chance and Canberra emerged victorious to move within a point of the top four.

Canberra United 2 (Caitlin Munoz 5' (pen), Nikki Washington 53')
Perth Glory 1 (Rosie Sutton 9')
Attendance: 623

Canberra United: 1. Mackenzie Arnold, 2. Caitlin Cooper, 6. Caitlin Munoz, 7. Ellie Brush, 8. Hayley Raso, 11. Michelle Heyman ((3. Georgia Yeoman-Dale 90’), 13. Nicole Sykes, 16. Catherine Brown, 17. Ariane Hingst, 19. Jennifer Bisset, 21. Nikki Washington (15. Sally Shipard 85’)
Perth Glory: 1. Carly Telford, 3. Carys Hawkins, 4. Bronwyn Studman, 6. Sasha Andrews (5. Shannon May 87’), 7. Aivi Luik, 9. Rosie Sutton (13. Elissa D’Ovidio 59’), 11. Lisa De Vanna, 12. Kathryn Gill, 14. Collette McCallum, 15. Elizabeth Milne (8. Ella Mastrantonio 74’), 17. Marianna Tabain

Yellow Cards: 2. Caitlin Cooper, 19. Jennifer Bisset (Canberra United), 11. Lisa De Vanna, 14. Collette McCallum (Perth Glory)

Referee: Peta McCallum

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Washington-guides-Canberra-past-Perth/54880