Glory duo on target for Matildis

Perth Glory duo Lisa De Vanna and Sam Kerr were on target for the Matildis as Australia booked a place in the Women’s Asian Cup football semi-finals with a 3-1 win over South Korea at Chengdu in China on Friday night.

A 15 minute flurry of goals in the second half ensured Australia took out the Group B match with Kim Carroll, De Vanna and Kerr all getting their names on the score sheet.

A late goal from Kang Sun Mi and some strong attacking raids from the South Koreans made for a tense finale but resolute defending saw the Matildas hold out.

Australia went into the break the stronger of the two sides having a host of chances in a scoreless first half.

That changed during a purple patch in the second period.

In the 51st minute Elise Kellond-Knight hit a long range shot that forced Jung Mi to tip the ball over the bar.

From the resulting corner Heather Garriock swung the ball into a dangerous area with Kim Carroll controlling her volley perfectly to score her first goal for the Matildas and open up a 1-0 lead.

In the 58th minute De Vanna had a classy shot saved by Jung Mi but couldn’t be stopped on the rebound as she calmly potted past the stranded keeper. With her first touch of the game youngster Kerr, on as a substitute for here Glory team mate De Vanna, put the result beyond doubt finding the net following a goalmouth scramble from a another Glory player,Collette McCallum’s, corner in the 64th minute.

Australia’s defence was finally breached in the 70th minute when So Hyun knocked in a looping free-kick into area with Kang Sun Mi rising highest to place a powerful header beyond the reach of a fully stretched Barbieri.

The Matildas had opened up their campaign with a 2-0 defeat of Vietnam on Wednesday.

The eight-team tournament doubles as a World Cup qualification event, with the top three teams earning a passage to Germany next year.

Glory quartet in Matildas squad

Perth Glory quartet Collette McCallum, Kathryn Gill, Emma Wirkus and Samantha Kerr (photo) have been selected in a 29 strong squad for a four-day Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) training camp in Canberra which commences on Thursday.

Perth Glory Women’s Head Coach, John Gibson, is delighted to see so many of his talented players chosen for the training camp.

“All four of these girls have proved time and time again throughout the W-League season that they are class players and well worthy of their position in the Westfield Matilda’s training squad,” said Gibson.

“I wish them all the best at the camp, and will be hoping to see all four names on the final squad list to travel to China.”

Westfield Matildas head coach Tom Sermanni will be using the first camp of the year as an important part of the team’s preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2010 which will be held in Chengdu, China between 19-30 May.

With the Westfield W-League having just ended it will be the first opportunity for Sermanni to work with his players, and he is hoping for a good camp. “It’s exciting to start up again for what is going to be a very important year for the team,” said Sermanni on the eve of the camp.

“These training camps over the next couple months will go a long way towards shaping the final squad in the lead up to the Asian Cup.”

“The big difference, in comparison to previous campaigns, is that the Westfield W-League has provided players a great opportunity to showcase their talents against their peers and players like Michelle Heyman and Teigen Allen have received their first call up the senior national women’s national team as a result.”

“It’s now up to each player to prove that they deserve to be in the final squad that will travel to China in May”, concluded Sermanni.

The Westfield Matildas have been drawn in Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2010 along with host nation China, Vietnam and Korea Republic.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2010 also serves as a qualifying competition for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup which will be held in Germany. Only the top three Asian teams from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2010 will progress to the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Australia is currently ranked 14 in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings and fourth within the AFC.

Football Federation Australia would like to acknowledge the support of the Australian Institute of Sport for their ongoing funding for these training camps and the provision of scholarships to Australian Women’s National Football team players.

Westfield Matildas squad list

Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Training Camp, AIS Football Fields

14-17 January 2010

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

2010 FFA FUTSAL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 31st FFA Futsal National Championships will be held in Canberra between 11 January and 15 January 2010.

The FFA Futsal National Championships are by far the biggest National football tournament in Australia, attracting up to 2000 competitors from Australian States, Territories, New Zealand and the Solomon Islands.

Western Australia will be represented by 4 teams, U12 Boys, U14 Boys, U12 Girls and Open Women.

Keep up to date with alll the results at the following link:

http://www.futsalnationals.com.au/

Glory End WLeague on a High

Perth Glory ended their Westfield W-League season and a high, with a 2-0 win against Melbourne Victory at the Clipsal Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The win ended the Victory’s hopes of a finals birth, and goals from Matildas stars, Lisa De Vanna and Katie Gill, moved the Glory to sixth position on the final table the clubs best season to date.

“De Vanna, Kerr and Gill – It was a wonderful combination and that’s even possibly a national team combination going forward. I was pretty happy with that tonight,” said a pleased John Gibson after the match.

“The team has done everything we have asked of them for the year. Again we talk about processes, skill sets and habits. They did that again today and they were fantastic, particularly when the other team had so much at stake.”

“We lost our way a bit just after half time, but we made a few adjustments and then we got on top of them again. It’s a credit to the girls. They have had some not so good experiences but they have learned from them this year.”

“The organisation and concentration was apparent tonight and it would have been good if we could have done that in some of the other games through the season” he said.

The conditions were oppressive at kick off with the temperature high in the 30’s and it was the visitors who began brightly. American import Julianne Sitch skipped past the Perth defence but her shot posed no problems for Glory keeper Emma Wirkus.

With Canberra United winning earlier in the day, Melbourne needed at least a point from the match to get their first taste of finals action, but it was the Glory who had the first real opportunity. The lively Elisa D’Ovidio latched onto a through ball, with Melbourne keeper Melissa Barbieri advancing; the midfielder’s attempted lob went over the bar.

Minutes later young Matildas’ Sam Kerr picked up a loose ball on the wing and her cross was only cleared as far as Ella Mastrantonio, whose resulting 20-yard strike missed the upright by inches.

The visitors went close themselves before the break, Vedrana Popovic released Sitch, but the American’s shot was well saved by Wirkus and the sides went in level at the break.

Both sides had early chances in the second half, first a barnstorming run by D’Ovidio released Kerr, but Melbourne keeper Barbieri was out bravely to save at Kerr’s feet.

A minute later Selin Kuralay squandered Melbourne’s best chance, when a poor clearance fell at her feet 15-yards out, the striker’s cracking first time shot crashed off the bar and she fired the rebound straight at Wirkus.

Just after the hour a dangerous low shot from Sitch forced Wirkus into a good save, but Melbourne would regret their missed chances later in the game.

The introduction of De Vanna in the 64th minute was a great move from Glory coach John Gibson. Showing no signs of a troublesome ankle injury, the Matildas striker looked sharp and determined from the outset, her first ball sent Ella Mastrantonio in on goal, but she fired wide.

Victory were still in the driving seat and a draw would see them in the finals, and on 68 minutes a brilliant 40-metre cross shot from Melbourne’s Monnique Hansen-Kofoed from the right almost saw them take the lead, as the ball confused Wirkus in the air, forcing her to backpedal and tip over the bar.

The home side began to take control of the game as De Vanna and Kerr terrorised Melbourne’s defence. The pair were both brought down in the penalty area, after good runs into the box but referee Lee Corey waved away their penalty claims.

The crowd were urging the Glory on and in the 81st minute, De Vanna’s speed finally told. She was sent clear by a superb through-ball from Gill, and calmly slotted the ball past Barbieri, much to the delight of the Glory faithful.

Kuraly had the chance to level and put Melbourne into the finals five minutes later, but she sent her header over the bar from a good position and once again the Victory paid, as the home side doubled their lead.

A rushed clearance out of the Melbourne defence fell perfectly for Gill to fire home a stunning half-volley from 25-yards out, sending a good crowd into raptures as Melbourne’s dream ended.

The result was a fitting end to Glory’s season with the Perth side finishing just one point outside of the Top 4.

“People are obviously going to talk about Canberra; the 2 – 2 result in really trying conditions. However, there have been a whole lot of different moments and incidents throughout the year where we could have got some points.”

“But where the group is at, at this point, I think it is a fantastic result for us to finish just a point outside of the four.”

“We knew that the middle part was going to be hard with the draw that we had but there are no excuses.”

Perth Glory squad: 1 Emma WIRKUS (GK), 3 Carys HAWKINS, 4 Sam KERR, 5 Shannon MAY, 6 Ella MASTRANTONIO, 8 Tanya OXTOBY, 9 Dani CALAUTTI (11 Lisa DE VANNA 63’), 12 Katie GILL, 13 Elisa D’OVIDIO, 15 Alex SINGER, 17 Marianna TABAIN – Substitutes not used: 16 Sadie LAWRENCE, 18 Ellis GLANFIELD, 20 Zoe PALANDRI (RGK)

Yellow Cards: Ella MASTRANTONIO 45+1’

Red Cards: Nil

Melbourne Victory squad: 1 Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 2 Vedrana POPOVIC, 3 Marlies OOSTDAM, 4 Tal KARP (10 Deanna NICESKI 90’), 5 Laura ALLEWAY, 6 Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 8 Katie THORLAKSON, 11 Julianne SITCH, 12 Monnique HANSEN KOFOED, 13 Katrina GORRY (9 Stephanie CATLEY 77’), 14 Selin KURALAY – Substitutes not used: 18 Ursula HUGHSON, 20 Nicole PAUL (RGK)

Yellow Cards: Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY 51’, Katie THORLAKSON 90+2’

Red Cards: Nil

Referee – Lee Corey

Glory Girls Lose Suspended De Vanna

Perth Glory and Matilda’s striker Lisa De Vanna has been suspended for two W-League matches for an expletive-laden rant aimed at Perth Glory’s coaching staff and a match official.

De Vanna, who is on-loan at the W-League side from US woman’s professional league side Washington Freedom, was upset when Glory coach John Gibson decided to substitute her in the 31st minute of Perth’s 1-0 W-League win over Adelaide at Hindmarsh Stadium last Saturday.

It is understood the 24-year-old, who has scored 20 goals in 59 appearances for the Matildas, swore at the coaching staff and a fourth official as she stormed off the pitch before raising her middle finger towards a few members of the crowd.

Football Federation Australia found De Vanna guilty of offensive behaviour and intimidation of a match official, deeming she displayed “offensive, obscene, provocative or insulting gestures or language” as well as “intimidation of match officials, including derogatory or abusive words toward a match official”.

One match of De Vanna’s two-game ban will be suspended for a period of six months, meaning she will only miss Saturday’s away clash with Brisbane unless she re-offends before April 24.

Gibson said De Vanna’s actions were unacceptable but no further suspension would be handed down by the club.

“She was very remorseful about the incident and has apologised,” said Gibson.

“She’s carrying a bit of an ankle injury and she was frustrated with the way things were going in the game and she reacted unacceptably.

“It was totally unprofessional to the game and the fans.

“There’s no further suspension on top of the FFA penalty but we’ve put some guidelines down and she’s working with us.”

De Vanna’s absence is a major blow to the Glory, who have surged to third place on the eight-team table following two wins and a draw from the first four rounds.

W-League First Up Defeat For Perth

Perth Glory Women have come up empty handed from their Round 1 clash against Melbourne Victory, going down 2-0 at Etihad Stadium.

Goals from Victory midfielder Enza Barilla and striker Katie Thorlakson in each half sealed the win in a match where the Glory struggled to get a foot in the contest.

Glory head coach John Gibson was disappointed with the result but only had praise for his troops who came up against some physical opposition.

“We weren’t good enough on the night. The Victory are a physical side with some mature bodies and they played well, and we didn’t play to our best” said Gibson.

“We were a bit conservative away from home with the opposition and surroundings, the girls defended well but some lapses in concentration and a lack of quality on the night cost us.”

Melbourne raced out of the blocks early, immediately asserting its dominance on the game and creating two half-chances in the opening minutes.

Perth striker Lisa De Vanna looked the most likely to score for the visitors, but despite a number of menacing runs, she lacked support and Victory keeper Melissa Barbieri was rarely tested in the opening half.

The closest the Glory came to scoring was early on when De Vanna attempted to latch onto a through ball, only to see Barbieri race off her line and arrive at the same time with the ball ricocheting out for a goal kick much to the relief of the Victory players.

The goal finally came for the home side in the 34th minute when a poor pass out of defence allowed Thorlakson to collect the loose ball. She then sent it out wide to Sitch, who showed great poise before delivering a perfect pass to the onrushing Barilla, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of Wirkus’ goals.

The goal seemed to spring the Glory into action with midfielder Shannon May hitting their first shot on target, although it failed to test Barbieri, as the sides headed into half-time with Melbourne deserving its lead.

The Victory didn’t slow down in the second half with forward Kara Mowbray almost scoring right from the kick off. After a brilliant run down the left flank, Mowbray attacked the box but tried to cross instead of taking the shot.

Melbourne eventually got the second goal it deserved in the 71st minute when Thorlakson capped off a fine team move. Right-back Vedrana Popovic won the ball in the midfield before playing a fine one-two pass with Kurulay and then delivering a perfect cross along the ground for Thorlakson to easily finish.

The Glory threatened the goals in the final 10 minutes when midfielder Samantha Kerr unleashed a shot from outside the penalty area, but it lacked venom and Barbieri was easily able to gather.

Victory midfielder Selin Kuralay was sent off late for a second bookable offence but it was too late for the Glory to take advantage of.

Gibson said the Glory dressing room was already looking forward to their first home match next week in what is already a vital match for the Perth side in the 10-week season.

“The team is focused next week on getting a result on the board against the Jets. We need to keep working hard, every game is crucial in this league” he said.

“Being a short season next week is vital and we need to make sure we are challenging for the three points.”

Melbourne Victory 2 (Barilla 34′, Thorlakson 71′)
Perth Glory 0

Saturday, 3 October 2009
Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne

Kick off: 4.45pm (EST), 2.45pm (WST)
Referee: Jacqui Melksham

Perth Glory squad: 1. Emma WIRKUS (GK), 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Sam KERR, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Ella MASTRANTONIO (14. Collette McCALLUM 58’), 7. Elissia CANHAM (9. Dani CALAUTTI 62’), 8. Tanya OXTOBY (C), 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 15. Alex SINGER, 16. Sadie LAWRENCE (18. Ellis GLANFIELD 75’), 17. Marianna TABAIN

SUBS NOT USED: 15. Alex SINGER
YELLOW CARDS: Elisa D’OVIDIO 91’

Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 2. Vedrana POPOVIC, 3. Marlies OOSTDAM, 4. Tal KARP, 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 7. Sarah GROENEWALD, 8. Katie THORLAKSON (13. Katrina GORRY 78’), 11. Julianne SITCH, 12. Monnique HANSEN KOFOED, 15. Jessica HUMBLE, 19. Enza BARILLA (14. Selin KURALAY 58’), 21. Kara Mowbray (9. Stephanie CATLEY 73’)

SUBS NOT USED: 20. Nicole PAUL (gk)
YELLOW CARDS: Selin KURALAY 79’, 90’

RED CARDS: Selin KURALAY 90’

Gibson to Coach Glory in WLeague

Perth Glory have announced the appointment of John Gibson, has their new coach for season 2009-10 in the Westfield W-League.

Gibson, who is currently head coach for the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) Women’s programme, and previously held roles with the Young Matildas, Young Socceroos and Australian Institute of Sport, and will bring a wealth of coaching knowledge to the elite women’s football team in WA.

Gibson, who played for the Olyroos in Barcelona as well as more than 300 games in the National Soccer League, will be announcing his 20 player squad in the next few weeks, and is excited about the opportunity ahead.

“I am looking forward to beginning training once the team is chosen, I know that there are a lot of talented female players in WA and I am excited about working with the team to get them well and truly ready for the 2009/10 W-League season,” said Gibson.

“It’s an exciting time for football in the state, and we have a saying within the WAIS Group – “The challenge is fun”. Everybody involved is incredibly enthusiastic and can’t wait for the season to begin, it’s defiantly exciting and successful times ahead,” he added.

Gibson’s appointment to the W-League club will not affect his role at WAIS, but will give him more work, which he’s more than happy to do. “There’s obviously a great synergy between the WAIS & W-League – as a high percentage of the make-up of the W-League Squad will come from the WAIS Squad – However I’ve seen some talented individuals in the local Women’s League. It’s a wonderful opportunity for these WA athletes to test themselves in a National competition, it will be a great experience for those involved,” explained Gibson.

Education and Development Manager at Football West, Andrew Bettell is pleased with Gibson being appointed as head coach.

“John Gibson has been a fantastic addition to the sport in WA with his work with the WAIS scholarship holders, and we are excited to have him on board to coach this year’s W-League team,” said Bettell

The inaugural Perth Glory Women’s team had a tough introduction to the nation’s premier Women’s competition in the 2008/09 season, winning three and drawing two of their ten games to narrowly miss out on the playoffs. The Squad is talented and three have been selected in the Matildas, and Gibson believes its great news for the club. “It’s great news for the athletes – Sammy (Sam Kerr), Maz (Marianna Tabain) and Ella (Ella Mastrantonio), and the club.

“It’s thoroughly deserved and all three will be a key to the Young Matildas in their attempt to qualify for next year’s U20 World Cup in Germany. We’ve got a few more, with hard work and a good W-League will be pushing for selection for the Young Matildas and the U17s squad as well.

“There’s a nice depth of talent developing. It displays that the hard work of Football West is bearing the fruits of its labour, yet everyone is continuously striving for more,” the former Socceroos coach added.

The 39-year-old is hoping the Glory can improve from next season, and he knows it want be for the lack of trying. “Obviously we will be looking to improve last year’s experience, and the group will certainly be better for last year’s W-League experience. We will sit down as a group and set some individual, departmental and team goals for the upcoming season,” said Gibson.

FOOTBALL STARS of TOMORROW SHOW

FOOTBALL STARS of TOMORROW SHOW
coming to BALCATTA SC at 9.00am on Saturday 4th July

FOOTBALL STARS of TOMORROW hosted by Andrew Paschalidis will be
broadcast on CHANNEL NINE and FOX SPORTS this year commencing on Channel
Nine on SUNDAY, JUNE 28.

They have selected BALCATTA Soccer Club as part of the Hyundai Goals for
Grassroots initiative.

Only 10 teams in Australia have been selected to appear on this year’s
series.

They will be doing a feature about Balcatta SC Under 17 GIRLS team which
has won three Premierships in a row.

They will be filming at Grindleford Reserve at 9.00am on Saturday 4th
July when the Under 17 GIRLS team will be having a scratch match with
the Under 15 GIRLS team

** Also attending will be RICHARD GARCIA & ADRIAN MADASCHI who played
for Balcatta SC and are both Socceroos (play for Australia)

** Also, PERTH GLORY will be sending their 2 new signings MILE
STERJOVSKI & JACOB BURNS who are also Socceroos

Everyone is welcome to attend, so please come to the club & have a look
– you might get to see yourself on national television.

A Gallant 2nd Half Not Enough to Keep Premier Ladies in the Cup

20 June 2009 Report By Alistair Rhodes

Mandurah City’s Women’s Premier team is out of the Cup, losing to Balcatta 3-1 despite a valiant effort by the Premier Ladies.

A below par first half saw Mandurah going into the break with a 2-0 deficit. Mandurah seemed to have no energy or physical commitment in the first half, apart from defender Caris Rhodes and forwards Kelly Sharp and Opal Wright. Poor defending gave Mandurah ‘keeper Ashley Knox with no chance with either goal, both scored late in the first half.

The second half was a different matter. Mandurah really stepped up, pressing forward at every opportunity and winning many throw-ins and corners to put pressure on the Balcatta defence. It was no surprise when Opal Wright magnificently received a pass and turned to volley past a helpless Balcatta ‘keeper. The game continued in the same mode, Mandurah pressing forward, but Balcatta still looking dangerous on the break. The referee turned down what looked an obvious penalty when Opal Wright was brought to ground in the penalty area. With 10 minutes to go a superb solo run from Balcatta striker Ellis Glanfield saw her slip a shot past the Mandurah ‘keeper.

Mandurah can take heart from a spirited second half, and also learn from a poor first half where they failed to adequately compete against a good Balcatta outfit.

This weekend (28^th June) Mandurah Premier and Premier Reserves are away against a good Queens Park outfit, where they will need to take their best form into the game for 90 minutes. 

Premier Ladies Win Against Gosnells

Premier Ladies – Mandurah City vs Gosnells

Sunday 14th June 2009 Report By Alistair Rhodes

Mandurah City played host to Gosnells at Hyundai Stadium on Sunday 14^th June in what promised to be a tough and lively game. Both teams are near the bottom of the League Ladder and desperate for points.

Mandurah started off at sprint pace and dominated for long periods of the first half. However, shots on target were scarce for Mandurah and it wasn’t until close to half time that Opal Wright managed to find the net for the home team to take a much deserved lead. City played some excellent football in the first half and Coach Alistair Rhodes asked for this to be maintained during the second half.

Gosnells had other ideas though, and came out fighting in the second half, making the game much more competitive. With Stacey Marr, Marina Valsecchi and Courtney Hutchen dominating the midfield it was only a matter of time before Mandurah increased their lead, which happened with a typical Amy Fraser ‘sneak’ goal and a terrific header from a corner by Opal Wright. With 10 minutes to go Gosnells pulled a goal back through Sarah Carroll, probably Gosnells best player on the day. A well deserved and much needed 3-1 win for mandurah City.

The Premier Reserves were involved in yet another thriller. Mandurah dominated general play in the first half without creating many chances, only to find themselves 2-0 down due to clinical Gosnells finishing. The second half saw Mandurah once again dominate general play, with two excellent finishes from Amy Fraser helping Mandurah to a 2-2 draw.

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