Star performer of the week: Kyah Simon

Thursday, 6 December 2012 9:11 AM


Westfield Matildas striker Kyah Simon rediscovered her lethal scoring form with a double strike that helped Sydney FC to a thrilling 4-3 win over reigning champions Canberra United on Saturday.

In one of the games of the season so far, Simon was the standout - also setting up the winner as the Sky Blues climbed to second on the ladder with their fourth win of the season.

In scorching conditions at Leichhardt Oval, Simon opened the scoring with a calmly taken finish in the fifth minute before Sam Kerr gave Sydney a 2-0 lead. Canberra's Georgia Yeoman-Dale and Hayley Raso levelled the score before Simon put the Sky Blues ahead again with a penalty in the 77th minute.

A wonder strike from American import Nikki Washington with six minutes left looked to have secured Canberra a share of the points but Simon and co weren't done yet. Simon made a dangerous run in injury time before picking out substitute Emma Kete, who fired home to give Sydney a memorable win.

After missing several games this season due to a mix of Westfield Matildas commitments, injury and suspension, it was Simon's first goals in four appearances and the 2010/11 Westfield W-League top scorer hopes she's now opened the flood gates.

"I guess it's a monkey off the back getting a goal or two this season," Simon said.

"I'm happy with that and hopefully the goals will keep coming from now on.

"It always makes it hard when you're in and out of the team and it does make it difficult to get some rhythm individually and for the team.

"But hopefully now that we're all together solidly for the rest of the season, hopefully we'll really come into some positive performances in the back end of the season."

The performance capped off a good week on and off the field for Kyah Simon, who was named one of Sydney's 100 most influential people in the(sydney)magazine on Friday.

The Sky Blues now share second spot on the ladder with Brisbane Roar, behind leaders Perth Glory, and Simon believes the side is well placed as it prepares to face Melbourne Victory on Saturday.

"We knew going into the game [against Canberra] on the weekend we needed a win under our belt because the table is so tight at the moment," Simon said.

"Second isn't as good as first but I think it at least puts us in good stead for the crucial games towards the end of the season."


http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Star-performer-of-the-week-Kyah-Simon/54919

Westfield W-League ins and outs

Friday, 7 December 2012 10:06 AM

We give you a preview of all the Westfield W-League action ahead of Round Eight of the competition.

Brisbane Roar v Perth Glory
Saturday 8 December 2012
Queensland Sports & Athletics Centre, Brisbane
Local kick-off: 10am
Referee: Kirralee Gardner

Catch the action live streaming online from 11am AEDT at and nationally on ABC1 from 1.30pm

Perth Glory wrap up a potentially pivotal week with what is traditionally one of the toughest fixtures in the Westfield W-League; away to Brisbane Roar.

The Glory will be overhauled by the Roar at the top if they lose, yet such is the closeness of the competition they could easily have taken a five-point lead into this one. A rather unlucky 2-1 win midweek loss in Canberra denied the Glory the chance to skip clear at the summit. Nevertheless, they will take heart from the numerous goalscoring opportunities created in the nation’s capital. However, a recovery time of just two and half days will test Perth’s resolve, especially if Brisbane turns on its traditional energy sapping summer humidity for this morning kick-off.

A few weeks ago Brisbane were seemingly a touch off their usual impeccable standards, yet the two-time champions can potentially go top with victory here. Coach Belinda Wilson has a full strength squad to choose from and will have enjoyed having a full week working with her numerous national team stars, following an interrupted month due to Matildas commitments in China. However, it is former Matildas midfielder Amy Chapman that is arguably shining the brightest at the moment with four goals in five matches. The match in Brisbane will also mark a homecoming of sorts for former Roar players Lisa De Vanna and Aivi Luik.

Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Hoshimi KISHI (gk), 2. Laura ALLEWAY, 3. Amy CHAPMAN, 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE, 5. Brooke SPENCE, 6. Ashley SPINA, 7. Erika ELZE, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9. Emma PITTMAN, 10. Lana HARCH, 11. Vedrana POPOVIC, 12. Rebecca PRICE, 13. Tameka BUTT, 14. Georgia CHAPMAN, 15. Hannah BEARD, 16. Sachiko TATSUOKA, 17. Emily GIELNIK, 18. Kate STEWART (gk), 19. Katrina GORRY, 20. Joanne BUCKLEY (gk) (*five to be omitted)

Ins: 9. Emma PITTMAN, 12. Rebecca PRICE, 14. Georgia CHAPMAN, 15. Hannah BEARD, 20. Joanne BUCKLEY (gk) (all promoted)
Outs: None
Unavailable: None

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

Western Sydney Wanderers v Adelaide United
Saturday 8 December 2012
Campbelltown Stadium, Sydney
Local kick-off: 2pm
Referee: Lara Smith

Western Sydney Wanderers will be eager to prove that last week’s one-sided defeat in Perth was an aberration, rather than the start of a form slump. The league’s newest club can ill-afford anything other than three points against the bottom side in the competition if they wish to stay in the hunt for a finals berth. The Wanderers though will mindful of a dramatic 4-3 loss against Adelaide on the opening day of the season, which will provide extra incentive for the home side.

After their bright opening to the season, which included that win over the Wanderers and a narrow defeat in Perth, the wheels appear to have fallen off somewhat for Adelaide United.

Coach Dave Edmondson has understandably mad several changes to his squad again in the hope of reinvigorating his battle-weary charges. With memories of that opening round win still fresh, this may well mark a perfect opportunity for the Lady Reds to kick-start their season.

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 1. Liz DURACK (gk), 2. Samantha SPACKMAN, 3. Alexandra HUYNH, 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 5. Olivia KENNEDY, 6. Rachael SOUTAR, 8. Vanessa HART, 9. Sarah WALSH (c), 10. Servet UZUNLAR, 11. Louise FORS, 12. Jessica SEAMAN, 13. Catherine CANNULI, 14. Trudy CAMILLERI, 15. Teigen ALLEN, 16. Linda O'NEILL, 20. Thora HELGADOTTIR (gk), 21. Georgia ROWNTREE (*two to be omitted)

Ins: Alesha Clifford (return from injury), Georgia Rowntree (promoted)
Outs: None
Unavailable: Jenna KINGSLEY (knee – season)

Adelaide United squad: 1. Kristi HARVEY (gk), 3. Alex NATOLI, 4. Jess WHAREPOURI, 5. Abby ERCEG (c), 6. Cassie TSOUMBRIS, 7. Racheal QUIGLEY, 8. Sarah McLAUGHLIN, 9. Marijana RAJCIC, 10. Jenna McCORMICK, 11. Grace HENRY, 12. Elise WHORLOW, 13. Ann MAYO, 14. Lorena MAGGIO, 16. Jess WATERHOUSE, 17. Laura JOHNS, 19. Holly PATTERSON, 20. Kelly BARLTROP (gk) (*two to be omitted)

Ins: 6. Cassie TSOUMBRIS, 7. Racheal QUIGLEY, 11. Grace HENRY, 12. Elise WHORLOW (all promoted)
Outs: 2. Ruth WALLACE, 18. Georgia MACRI (both omitted)
Unavailable: None

Canberra United v Newcastle Jets
Saturday 8 December 2012
Deakin Football Stadium, Canberra
Local kick-off: 4pm
Referee: Rebecca Durcau

Canberra United will go into this home contest buoyed by a strong historical record against Newcastle Jets, and most pertinently, a 5-0 win against the Novocastrians earlier this season. The match will wrap up a tough seven days for the champions that commenced with a gut-wrenching last-second defeat at Sydney FC last Saturday, and continued with a return to the winner’s circle in midweek with their morale-boasting 2-1 win over the leaders.

United appeared to have rediscovered their old form on Wednesday, looking dangerous on the flanks as new American import Nikki Washington impressed.

Newcastle Jets outplayed the mighty Brisbane Roar for large periods of the first half last weekend before ultimately succumbing 3-2. While their fifth loss of the campaign was a blow, the performance suggested that things are turning around for the Jets. Nevertheless, they realistically need to take something from their visit to Canberra if they are to stay in touch with the top four.

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)

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, 8. Madeline SEARL, 9. Tara ANDREWS, 10. Emily VAN EGMOND, 12. Tiffany BOSHERS, 15. Alishia FOOTE, 16. Stacey DAY, 18. Michaela HATZIRODOS, 20. Alannah ROSEWOOD (gk)

Ins: None
Outs: None
Unavailable: Kate HENSMAN (hip flexor - 2 weeks)

Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
Saturday 8 December 2012
Wembley Park, Melbourne
Local kick-off: 4pm
Referee: Peta McCallum

These two are starting to build a rivalry similar to that of their male counterparts in the Hyundai A-League. The latest chapter will be played out in Melbourne, with the Sky Blues no doubt still smarting from a smash-and-grab 2-1 win by the Victory at Leichhardt Oval a month ago.

The Victory’s famed resilience against Sydney FC’s many attacking options is shaping as a fascinating sub-plot to what should be a high quality contest.

Remarkably, the Victory could theoretically move top with a win in this one, or at least leapfrog their rivals.

Sydney, for their part, could also conceivably jump to the summit. The Sky Blues attacking prowess was on show last weekend as they put four goals past the usually tough Canberra defence. However, coach Alen Stajcic will have some concerns about a backline which has leaked 12 goals in seven matches, leaving the Sky Blues with the third worst defensive record in the league.

Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Brianna DAVEY (gk), 2. Danielle JOHNSON, 3. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 4. Rebekah STOTT, 5. Laura SPIRANOVIC, 6. Petra LARSSON, 7. Stephanie CATLEY, 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, 23. Jessica HUMBLE (*three to be omitted)

In: 9. Tiffany ELIADIS, 18. Cindy LAY, 23. Jessica HUMBLE (all promoted)
Outs: None
Unavailable: Ashley BROWN (knee – season), Louisa BISBY (knee – season)

Sydney FC squad: 1. Sian MCCLAREN, 2. Teresa POLIAS, 3. Elizabeth RALSTON, 4. Sam KERR, 5. Meg McLAUGHLIN, 7. Nicola BOLGER, 9. Caitlin FOORD, 10. Renee ROLLASON, 11. Annalie LONGO, 12. Chloe LOGARZO, 13. Larissa CRUMMER, 14. Alanna KENNEDY, 15. Hannah BROMLEY, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 17. Kyah SIMON, 19 Emma KETE, 20. Sham KHAMIS (gk), 22. Lillie FENLON-BILLSON (*three to be omitted)

Ins: Meg McLAUGHLIN, Annalie LONGO, Hannah BROMLEY (all promoted)
Outs: None
Unavailable: Natalie TOBIN (calf – 2-4 weeks)

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Westfield-WLeague-ins-and-outs/55039

Simon Jones Ariane Hingst - a true marquee

Friday, 7 December 2012 10:43 AM


With players like Emile Heskey and Alessandro Del Piero plastered over billboards and hailed as the new faces of Australian domestic football, it's easy to forget that the Westfield W-League has its very own international superstar. Ariane Hingst, Canberra United's stalwart midfielder, has had one of the most glittering careers in football, and her decision to spend her final professional years down under has paid dividends for herself as well as the league as a whole.

Just the name Del Piero conjures images of a footballing great who has achieved the highest successes at individual, club and international level. But those same achievements can also be applied to former German international Hingst. You could even go so far as to say that her honours list is even more impressive than the Italian striker's.

The most interesting stats are at an international level, where it's clear that Hingst has achieved more than anyone else playing Australian football - men's or women's - today. While Del Piero reached the pinnacle of football glory with Italy in 2006, Hingst has lifted the FIFA World Cup twice (in 2003 and 2007). Even more impressive is that she's also amassed three Olympic medals and picked up four European Championships with Germany. Combined, Del Piero and Heskey have zero European titles, but Hingst - Germany's third most capped player - isn't getting caught up in statistics.

"I am super happy to have played for Germany so many times and felt honoured to represent my country," she said. "That is so much more important than on which position I am ranked in specific statistics."

Despite her successes on the international stage, few Australians heard about Hingst's arrival on our shores back in 2011. But she continues to showcase the quality the Westfield W-League has to offer with each passing season.

Hingst now enjoys life with the reigning champions in Canberra after a season with the Newcastle Jets, and believes United is one of the most impressive clubs she's ever played for.

"Canberra could easily compete with a German team when it comes to professionalism," she says. "You can definitely see it's quite professional and everyone is on the highest level they can be."

With players of her calibre now seriously considering the advantages of joining the Westfield W-League, it's not hard to see the competition continuing to grow in size and recognition in the coming years. Ariane Hingst could have easily chosen to spend her twilight football years in any number of leagues across the globe, but the fact that she chose Australia's premier women's competition is a testament to the growth of the game down under and bodes well for its future.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Ariane-Hingst--a-true-marquee/55041

Emily expecting premiers’ best despite busy schedule
Save
By CRAIG KERRY Dec. 7, 2012, 11 p.m.
POSITIVE: Emily van Egmond.
.
MATILDAS midfielder Emily van Egmond knows first-hand the lift Canberra United get from their home crowd and expects them to be as tough as ever today despite playing their third game in a week.
The defending W-League champions host the Jets at Deakin Football Stadium from 4pm, backing up from a 4-3 away loss to Sydney on Saturday and a 2-1 win over leaders Perth Glory on Wednesday night at home.
Two weeks ago they competed in the inaugural International Women’s Club Championship in Tokyo, where they lost 4-0 and 4-3 to Japanese sides INAC Kobe Leonessa and NTV Beleza.
The Jets will be hoping Canberra’s heavy workload helps them take back some ground on the competition heavyweights, who downed Newcastle 5-0 in round two at Wanderers Oval.
However, van Egmond, who played in the nation’s capital from 2009 to 2011, was not expecting anything other than Canberra’s best.
‘‘They are coming off a pretty important win against Perth. It puts them back in the mix because they weren’t doing that well before that,’’ van Egmond said.
‘‘Coming off that win over Perth, who have been flying this year, I think they will be ready to go.
‘‘Having the game midweek, it could be a good thing or a bad thing.
‘‘But Canberra are always a lot harder to beat at home than away because they get the best crowd in the W-League and they have a very good support base.’’
Newcastle need an against-the-odds win today to keep their fading finals hopes alive after a frustrating first seven rounds.
The Jets have lost five games, beaten last-placed Adelaide and drawn with Sydney 3-all in the opening round to be second-last.
The heavy loss to Canberra came despite the game remaining scoreless until the 74th minute, and last week Newcastle led Brisbane 1-0 only to lose 3-2.
Van Egmond said the Jets, who will field an unchanged side, were determined to turn around their fortunes in the 12-round competition.

See your ad here‘‘We are coming off a good performance against Brisbane, who are also one of the best sides in the competition, and we probably deserved to get something out of that game,’’ she said.
‘‘We’re all staying together and staying positive. We’ve got some really good players in our team and we’re all looking forward to the game.
‘‘We all want to go down there and prove a point.’’
In other games today, Brisbane host Perth, Adelaide travel to Western Sydney, and Melbourne Victory are away to Sydney FC.
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1172542/emily-expecting-premiers-best-despite-busy-schedule/?cs=306

Edwina Lawry

It's tight on the W-League table

Friday, 21 December 2012 3:34 PM

What a season it's been for the Westfield W-League. We've seen a welcome return to an eight team format, with the introduction of the Western Sydney Wanderers FC, and the competition has never looked healthier.

It's an exciting prospect for Australian football. Much like the Hyundai A-League, the Westfield W-League table is heavily congested and delicately poised as the season nears its conclusion. With only three rounds remaining, only six points separate the top six teams - all of which are still in a position to make the play-offs.

If the season so far is anything to go by, we can expect drama, see-sawing matches and plenty of unpredictable results. But how are the six teams still in contention looking?

Perth Glory has undoubtedly been the surprise package of the year. They face a tough assignment against reigning champs Canberra in round 10, but with the last two games against Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United, look set for a first place finish.

Arguably the form team of the past month, Brisbane Roar are always a threat at the business end of the season. They haven't missed the finals in the last four years and look unlikely to break that streak this time around.

Melbourne Victory boasts the most miserly defence in the league, conceding an average of only one goal per match - a stat that bodes well for tense finals football. They should make it to the semis in relative comfort. Though how much of an impact the loss of Jessica Fishlock - returning home after a six week guest stint - will have remains to be seen.

A gruelling schedule has tested Canberra United's mettle. Though not at their best this season, they managed to overcome Perth 2-1 earlier this month - a feat not many others have achieved of late. They'll have to earn their top four spot against Perth and Brisbane in the remaining rounds, but it would take a brave person to write them off.

Sydney FC will hope to get back to their winning ways after faltering somewhat in recent weeks. Rather than pushing on from their incredible last-gasp win over Canberra in round seven, they've followed it up with a draw against Melbourne and a frantic 7-5 loss to Perth. Neither result is fatal, of course, but at this stage of the season momentum is everything.

Though inconsistent, Wanderers FC have done enough to keep themselves in the finals race. Like any new franchise, they've faced challenges of recruitment, cohesion and stability. Their path to the finals isn't easy. But by facing the three teams above them on the W-League table, they hold some level of control over their destiny.

It's anybody's guess what will happen on the field in the next few weeks. But one thing's for certain - it's going to be gripping viewing.


http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Its-tight-on-the-WLeague-table/56295

Matildas star Tameka Butt has a knack for attack

by: Damien Stannard From: The Courier-Mail December 21, 2012 10:30PM

THERE is no one word that aptly describes the talents of Brisbane Roar attacker Tameka Butt.
What cannot be disputed is her knack for delivering under pressure in each of the side's four consecutive W-League grand final appearances.

The Matildas star has scored in all four showpiece events, a stunning return for a player who rarely occupies a traditional striker's role.

"I'm a free-range player. I'm always given a bit of a roving commission," said Butt, who has scored 23 times from her 47 women's national soccer league appearances.

The 21-year-old student from the Gold Coast credits her teammates for creating her opportunities.

"The big thing for me is probably my runs off the ball. If I ever stopped I probably wouldn't know what to do," she said. "I think the players around me are used to that."

Butt considers herself a semi-professional player despite spending the past off-season in the United States playing for Boston.

Having been used sparingly by coach Belinda Wilson since her return from national team duty, Butt has scored twice in consecutive games and will be a key player again today when the second-placed Roar host Adelaide United at Redcliffe.

Wins in each of the side's remaining three regular season games could propel Brisbane past Perth to win the premiership and open the door to a fifth-straight grand final.

"With the players and the talent we've got there's no reason why we can't make it to our fifth in a row," Roar captain Clare Polkinghorne said. Polkinghorne and Butt are among a tight-knit group who have been with the Roar since its foundation in 2008.

The other players are Elise Kellond-Knight, Brooke Spence, Lana Harch and Vedrana Popovic.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/gallery/matildas-star-tameka-butt-has-a-knack-for-attack/story-e6freye9-1226542117789

Canberra United bringing Boston down under

January 1, 2013 Jon Tuxworth

Canberra United is fast forming an unofficial sister relationship with Boston after luring American youngster Kristen Mewis for the remainder of the W-League season.

The attacking midfielder arrived in the capital this morning as a timely replacement for injured Matildas star Sally Shipard, out for the rest of the campaign with a knee injury.

Having recently graduated from Boston College as their leading goalscorer, the 21-year-old came close to selection in the USA Olympic squad which won gold at London last year.

Mewis is the third player with Boston ties to play for United, with current Boston Breaker Taryn Hemmings influential in the defending champions’ undefeated 2011-12 season.

Nikki Washington, who has returned home for family reasons after playing three games for Canberra as cover for the injured Ashleigh Sykes, also played briefly for the Breakers in 2011.

US Soccer Federation women’s development boss April Heinrichs is close friends with Canberra coach Jitka Klimkova, and endorsed Mewis as the ideal player to give the side an attacking boost.

United’s title defence is hanging in the balance, two points outside the top four with two regular season rounds remaining.

Saturday’s home clash against sixth-placed Western Sydney therefore shapes as a must-win, which could be daunting for a player in a new country and league.

Mewis is expected to be available for the Wanders clash, and declared she isn’t fazed by the expectation to find her feet immediately.

Her friends back home are preparing for New Year’s Eve celebrations this afternoon, but Mewis wants to get her hands dirty and help spark a Canberra finals charge.

‘‘I love it [the pressure], I’ve been in situations like this before, travelled everywhere with the youth national teams and been under all sorts of pressure,’’ she said on Monday.

‘‘Obviously this is new and my first professional encounter, I don’t know any of the girls, but I’ve been in this situation since I was 14, so I’ll be OK.

‘‘I’ve played with Nikki [Washington] who’s played on the east coast a lot in Boston and so has Taryn. It’s great to hear they’ve come down here and enjoyed it, and I’ll try and keep the whole Boston thing going.’’

Sykes (quad tear) is expected to be available this weekend, giving Klimkova a dilemma on where to play the pacy left-footer.

‘‘I can pretty much play anywhere on the left field, wherever they need me,’’ Mewis said.

‘‘I haven’t really established a specific position yet, I wander all over the place, but I think I can bring something to this team.’’

Mewis will miss New Year’s Eve celebrations in her homeland today, but she said it’s a small sacrifice to make as she looks to kickstart her professional career.

She is tipped to be one of the first players chosen in the Women’s Premier League Soccer Draft at Indianapolis on January 18.

‘‘I knew I had to do something in January. I thought I might be training on my own [in Boston], training with local players or a local boys team,’’ she said.

‘‘When I got the email from Heather [Reid, Capital Football chief executive] I thought I’ll miss New Year’s but that’s Ok, I’d rather go to Australia.

‘‘I’ve only heard great things about the team and I can’t wait to play with them.’’



Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/football/canberra-united-bringing-boston-down-under-20130101-2c3t0.html#ixzz2GyNSZaGB

Victory women thump Adelaide

Saturday, 5 January 2013 6:37 PM

Melbourne Victory have tuned up for the Westfield W-League finals with a resounding 4-1 thumping of Adelaide United at Wembley Park.

Early goals to Danielle Johnson, Petra Larsson and Jessica McDonald put the screws on the Reds before Laura Spiranovic sealed the game in the second half.

The Reds did manage to get a consolation goal through Sarah McLaughlin late in the game as they put together some dangerous counter-attacks.

The match was almost played exclusively in the Victory half as the Reds sat back and looked to launch direct attacks on the break.

After starting brightly, Victory got on the board after two minutes as a poor defensive header allowed captain Johnson to head home from close range.

Only four minutes later, the lead was doubled as Larsson speared a shot into the top corner from outside the area giving Reds keeper Kristi Harvey no chance.

The sustained onslaught continued on the Reds goal and on 14 minutes, a defensive mix-up between the Adelaide central defenders allowed McDonald to waltz through and place her shot home with just the keeper to beat.

The rest of the half was uneventful as Adelaide pushed players behind the ball but they did have a half-chance on the stroke of half-time as Emma Checker headed straight at Victory custodian Brianna Davey.

Victory continued to dominate possession in the second half as the Reds tired and resorted to fleeting chances on the break.

Central defender Rebekah Stott went within a whisker from making it four as her driving run and fierce shot struck the crossbar on 50 minutes.

Larsson looked to repeat her long range heroics on 55 minutes and her shot was unwittingly deflected in by team-mate Spiranovic record Victory's fourth.

While the Victory pressure and close calls continued, Adelaide started to find their feet up forward in the latter stages of the half and were unfortunate when substitute Marijana Rajcic struck the post after some clever footwork in the area.

But the Reds did manage to find a consolation goal on 87 minutes with a superb volley from McLaughlin from inside the six-yard box.

The win vaulted Victory into second spot on the W-League table but with third-placed Perth Glory playing bottom side Newcastle on Sunday, a home-final next week looks unlikely.

Adelaide will be confident staying off the bottom in seventh with only a surprise Newcastle win able to consign them to last spot.

Melbourne Victory 4 (Johnson 2, Larsson 6, McDonald 14, Spiranovic 57)
Adelaide United 1 (McLaughlin 87)

Melbourne Victory: 1. Brianna Davey (GK), 2. Danielle Johnson (c), 3. Maika Ruyter-Hooley, 4. Rebekah Stott, 5. Laura Spiranovic (11. Caitlin Friend 74), 6. Petra Larsson, 7. Stephanie Catley, 10. Jessica McDonald, 14. Enza Barilla, 15. Amy Jackson (23. Jessica Humble 69), 17. Gulcan Koca (9. Tiffany Eliadis 74)

Adelaide United: 1. Kristi Harvey (GK), 2. Ruth Wallace (7. Racheal Quigley 40), 3. Alex Natoli, 4. Jessie Wharepouri (9. Marijana Rajcic 58), 5. Abby Erceg (c), 8. Sarah McLaughlin, 12. Elise Whorlow (18. Georgia Macri 53), 13. Ann Mayo, 15. Emma Checker, 16. Jessica Waterhouse, 23. Kristy Moore

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/melbournevictory/news-display/Victory-women-thump-Adelaide/57367

Pete Smith, Omnisport

Butt brace fires Roar
Saturday, 5 January 2013 5:26 PM

Goals in each half from Tameka Butt have lifted Brisbane Roar to a crucial 2-0 win over arch-rivals Sydney FC.

The win keeps the Roar's hopes of winning the premiership alive after they entered the penultimate round level with leaders Perth Glory, through trailing on goal difference.

However defeat for Sydney, who started the day in fourth, leaves their finals aspirations hanging in the balance.

A highly-organised and determined Roar side deserved their victory, overturning a win for the Sky Blues in Brisbane earlier this season.

The first half proved to be somewhat of an arm-wrestle in warm conditions on the artificial surface at Sydney's Cromer Park, with goalscoring opportunities remaining at a premium.

The two sides seemed set to go into the interval deadlocked, however the Roar made a perfectly timed breakthrough deep into first-half injury time.

The Sydney defence suffered a momentary lapse allowing Emily Gielnik to free the ever-prolific Butt who finished easily past the exposed Sham Khamis.

Butt doubled her side's advantage 10 minutes after the interval by clinically taking advantage of an under-hit Annalie Longo pass.

Brisbane striker Gielnik twice spurned golden opportunities to put the match out of Sydney's reach as she broke towards goal with the home side pushing forward.

Khamis made a great block from Gielnik midway through the second half, while the powerful striker hit a shot narrowly the wrong side of the post in the latter stages.

Despite some periods of pressure Sydney largely failed to unduly trouble Roar custodian Stewart, with substitute Nicola Bolger and Kyah Simon having notable strikes on goal.

With just under 10 minutes remaining Sydney were denied an invaluable goal by the offside flag.

Ellyse Perry fired in a long-range shot which was touched onto the post by Stewart, and Simon was ruled offside when she pushed home the rebound.

Sydney FC 0
Brisbane Roar 2 (Tameka Butt 48'+, 55')

Sydney FC: 20. Sham KHAMIS (gk), 2. Teresa POLIAS, 3. Elizabeth
RALSTON, 4. Sam KERR (13. Larissa CRUMMER 69'), 9. Caitlin FOORD, 10.
Renee ROLLASON, 11. Annalie LONGO, 14. Alanna KENNEDY (7. Nicola
BOLGER 58'), 16. Ellyse PERRY, 17. Kyah SIMON (C), 22. Lillie BILLSON
(19. Emma KETE 58')

Substitutes: 1. Sian McLaren (gk)

Brisbane Roar: 18. Kate STEWART (gk), 2. Laura ALLEWAY, 3. Amy
CHAPMAN, 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE, 5. Brooke SPENCE, 7. Erika ELZE, 8.
Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 11. Vedrana POPOVIC (6. Ashley SPINA 65'), 13.
Tameka BUTT, 17. Emily GIELNIK (15. Hannah BEARD 83'), 19. Katrina
GORRY (16. Sachiko TATSUOKA 77')

Substitutes: 1. Hoshimi KISHI (gk)

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Butt-brace-fires-Roar/57360

W-League: History in the making

Wednesday, 9 January 2013 10:49 AM

Melbourne Victory Women are attempting to make history and break a seventeen year hoodoo when they take on Newcastle Jets this Sunday with a chance of walking away with the Westfield W-League Premiership.

If Brisbane Roar lose or draw with Canberra United on Saturday, a win for Melbourne against the bottom of the table Novocastrians will be enough to win the club’s first piece of W-League silverware and in doing so also confirm a maiden home semi-final.

In that case, not only would club history be made but Australian football history as Melbourne Victory would becoming the first female Victorian team to host a semi-final since the formation of the national domestic competition in 1996.

The significance of achieving the milestone is not lost on Co-captain Steph Catley who is excited at the prospect of being part of the record books.

“It would be huge being a part of the first Melbourne Victory team to win a title, and the prospect of finally earning a home final for Victoria is just as exciting as it gives us a great platform to challenge for the Grand Final.” said Catley.

“This is my fourth season with Melbourne Victory and despite playing in the previous two finals campaigns we’ve been unfortunate enough to have come away empty handed each time.

“A home ground advantage would be massive and to know that we’ve finally got a chance on our turf after seventeen years could make all the difference.”

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing this year with the team having no less than four coaches in the past four months, but Catley insists that disruption has been kept to a minimum.

“While we’ve had a lot going on with our coaches we’ve managed to keep the core group of players so have been able to build a lot of momentum going into the finals.

“A coach is there to guide us and each of the four coaches has done that in their own way – but ultimately it’s about the players, what we do on the field, the intensity we bring and how we approach training.

“There is a lot of trust among the girls; everyone in the squad is playing their part and we’re feeling confident about what’s coming up.”

With the fate of the Premiership not in their own hands, Catley admits that she will be keeping an eye on the Brisbane versus Canberra match but that the result will not be the defining moment of the season.

“Of course we want to win the Premiership but if Brisbane does come out on top we will remain focussed on the Newcastle match as clinching the home final is critical to our hopes of winning the Grand Final.

“The Jets had a great result against Perth last week, especially after such a long flight, so it’s obvious their position on the ladder is not representative of their current performance levels.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge as they will be dangerous and that always makes for a good game, but we’re going into the match full of confidence and with the desire to leave with all three points.”

Melbourne Victory Women take on Newcastle Jets this Sunday from 4:30pm at Wanderers Oval, Newcastle. Brisbane Roar faces Canberra United this Saturday kicking-off 10:30am at Queensland Sports and Athletic Centre.

Keep up to date with all the W-League news on Melbourne Victory's W-League social media channels:
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http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/Chapman-comfortable-at-ALeague-level/57618

Brisbane Roar - Best finish: 1st, Worst finish: 3rd
Melbourne Victory - Best: 1st, Worst: 3rd
Perth Glory - Best: 1st, Worst: 4th
Canberra United - Best: 3rd, Worst: 5th
Sydney FC - Best: 4th, Worst: 5th
Western Sydney Wanderers FC - Best: 6th, Worst: 6th
Adelaide United - Best: 7th, Worst: 8th
Newcastle Jets - Best: 7th, Worst: 8th

This Tamieka Butt is a star.