Welcome back to Matildas Abroad, where I analyse the performances of all our Aussies playing overseas! What a week of action we had this week!
Europe (Champions League & Europa Cup) — Arsenal and Häcken gain advantage as Luik breaks nine-year-old European record
Caitlin Foord (centre) was the only Australian to feature in Arsenal versus Lyon, a fixture that would normally have three other Matildas players playing. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
The first legs of the Champions League semi-finals showed that all is still to play for, with Bayern Munich opening with a 1–1 draw with Barcelona at home at the Allianz Arena. Arsenal defeated Lyon 2–1 at home at Emirates Stadium, giving them an advantage going into the second leg on the road, though Lyon have shown they can come back before and can bruise their opponents, as evident by their comeback against Wolfsburg in which they easily won the second leg at home. Caitlin Foord played the entire match for the Gunners, while Steph Catley was out with the calf injury she sustained with the Matildas and Kyra Cooney-Cross remains out due to her mother's cancer diagnosis. Lyon were also without Teagan Micah due to her injury.
Aivi Luik (right) became the oldest player to play in a women's European club final, at 41 years of age. Häcken have the advantage going into the return leg, having won 1–0 on the road over Hammarby in an all-Swedish final. Image source: Instagram (@weuropacup).
In the Europa Cup, Aivi Luik played the full match at right centre back in Häcken's 1–0 away win over Hammarby in the first leg of the final, giving Getingarna the advantage going into the second leg at home. By playing in the final, the 41-year-old became the oldest player to ever play in a women's European final, surpassing the record set by Brazilian icon Formiga who played for PSG in the 2017 Champions League final at 39 years and 90 days old.
America (NWSL & USL Super League) — Arnold pulls off stunning performance as Thorns beat Angel City
Mackenzie Arnold (pictured) was a star between the sticks for Portland Thorns, who won 2–1 away over Angel City. One of her saves was nominated for NWSL Save of the Week. Image source: Instagram (@thornsfc).
North Carolina Courage opened the weekend with a 1–0 away win over Houston Dash, though Cortnee Vine was completely absent from the squad, further casting doubts on her future at the club. The Courage sit 10th on the standings. On the other hand, while she was unable to keep a clean sheet, Mackenzie Arnold pulled off an exceptional performance in goals for Portland Thorns in their 2–1 away win over Angel City, winning Player of the Match based on Sofascore ratings (though the actual award was given to American striker and stoppage time goalscorer Sophia Wilson who won them the game, despite the Thorns conceding a last-minute goal after that). The Thorns are second on the table, sitting just two points behind San Diego Wave.
In the USL Super League, Sophie Harding came off the bench in Fort Lauderdale United's 3–1 loss on the road to Spokane Zephyr. Morgan Aquino's DC Power did not play this week as they had a bye.
England (WSL, WSL2 & WNL) — Kerr scores a historic brace, Carpenter scores and Wheeler assists
Charlize Rule (second from left) with some of her Matildas teammates and friends after winning the FIFA Series. Charlie was lucky to not be sent off in their match against Manchester City. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
The end of the football season in England is nearing, with the WSL being in its 20th of its 22 rounds, the last season with only 12 teams and 22 games before the expansion to 14 teams and 26 games next season. Dario Vidošić's Brighton kicked things off with a surprise victory and a late twist in the title race, with the Seagulls winning 3–2 at home over league leaders Man City. Charlize Rule started and was given a yellow card before being subbed off, but her time on the pitch wasn't without controversy as she was lucky to not see red following a controversial challenge. Mary Fowler came on as a sub for City, but failed to make an impact.
Sam Kerr (pictured) was awarded WSL Player of the Match for her brace against Everton. Ellie Carpenter had the highest Sofascore rating. Image source: Instagram (@chelseafcw and @matildas).
Now for the most action-packed game of the week and perhaps the season as Everton hosted Chelsea at their home ground of Goodison Park, with the Toffees falling 4–1 to the Blues. Clare Wheeler had a moment of pride despite the loss, having assisted American-born Japanese star Yūka Momiki's equaliser (securing the annual single assist the defensive midfielder has gotten in every season since moving to the club in 2022), while Ellie Carpenter scored Chelsea's third goal and got the highest Sofascore rating of any player in the match, awarding her Sofascore Player of the Match. The attention was all on our very own Matildas skipper and the official Player of the Match award winner, Sam Kerr, who netted a brace for the Chels', solidifying her spot as the club's top scorer this season and tying her with Chelsea and Lionesses legend Fran Kirby (now a Brighton player) as the club's all-time leading goalscorer in the WSL. She almost beat that record and almost got to keep the match ball, though was denied a hat-trick by a controversial refereeing decision.
Alanna Kennedy (left) signing autographs and taking selfies with fans. Lani played the full match for London City, who destroyed Leicester 5–1. Image source: Instagram (@londoncitylionesses).
London City managed to get a huge 5–1 win at home over bottom of the table Leicester. Alanna Kennedy played the full match in defensive midfield for the Lionesses while Emily van Egmond was not in the squad altogether for the Foxes. My team Tottenham drew 0–0 at home with Man United, being unable to convert our shots despite being the better team. Charli Grant was concerningly yet again an unused substitute, while Clare Hunt remains out for the season with her knee injury sustained during the Asian Cup semi-final against China. Captain Katrina Gorry was absent from the squad entirely for West Ham's crucial 1–0 win over Liverpool away (with the win being awarded by an own goal from Swedish striker Cornelia Kapocs). Arsenal's participation in the Champions League semi-finals against Lyon postponed their match away to Aston Villa till next week, but the Gunners did play this morning, annihilating Leicester 7–0 at home. Caitlin Foord came on as a sub, while Steph Catley was out with the calf injury she sustained with the Matildas and Kyra Cooney-Cross remains out due to her mother's cancer diagnosis. Emily van Egmond started before being subbed off for the Foxes. The loss confirms Leicester's participation in the promotion/relegation playoff.
Now for a quick breakdown of the WSL table: Man City remain first, though their lead over Chelsea in second has shrunk to six points. Arsenal are two points lower in third with two matches to spare, meaning the Gunners will very likely end up finishing second. Man United are fourth and Tottenham are nine points lower rounding out the top five, but Spurs remain six points clear of Brighton in sixth. The next midtable places are London City, Everton, Aston Villa, Liverpool and West Ham, concluding with Leicester who are 12th and in the relegation playoff spot. The Foxes are unable to catch West Ham and will play in the promotion/relegation playoff. The playoff could include any of the WSL2's top three: Charlton, Birmingham and Crystal Palace, with the top two going up directly while the third place team (currently Palace) plays in the playoff, all decided on a chaotic final day.
Alana Murphy (pictured) and Nottingham Forest have confirmed a midtable finish. Forest are unable to be promoted or relegated this season. Image source: Instagram (@nffcwomen).
In the WSL2, the second last matchday of the season was played out. Tanya Oxtoby's Newcastle United shattered their slimming promotion hopes with a 2–1 loss at home to Bristol City, with Bristol scoring in the ninth minute of second half stoppage time to seal the win for the Robins. Kaitlyn Torpey was not in the squad altogether for the Magpies, indicating a possible injury. The Toon, who have dropped to fifth place, cannot catch Crystal Palace and will have to wait until next season to be promoted. Meanwhile, Alana Murphy played the full match for Nottingham Forest who secured a 1–0 win on the road over Portsmouth, a win that sent Pompey down to the National League South. Forest themselves are seventh on the table, ironically just below Portsmouth's arch-rivals Southampton.
Meleri Mullan (pictured) tore her ACL in March and missed the remainder of the National League season, which concluded this week. Image source: Instagram (@meleri18).
In the non-league tiers, this was the final week of action before the end of the season. In the Women's National League North, we had an Aussie derby as Racheal Quigley's Wolverhampton Wanderers played Bonnie Davies' Halifax Town, with Wolves coming out on top 3–0 at home. Wolves finished second and in the promotion playoff spot, while Halifax finished 11th and were relegated from the Premier Division to Division One. In the National League South, Meleri Mullan's Hashtag United drew 2–2 with Wimbledon at home (though she herself remains out with an ACL injury), while Layla Proctor's Plymouth Argyle won 4–1 away over Real Bedford. Plymouth finished second in the league and secured the promotion playoff spot and Hashtag finished ninth. Gwalia United, the only Welsh women's club playing in the English league system and home of dual international Anna Powell, finished 11th and were relegated.
France (Première Ligue) — Hoarau benched on injury return
Clara Hoarau (pictured) returned to Fleury's bench after recovering from an injury that forced her to withdraw from the Young Matildas' squad for the U20 Asian Cup in Thailand. Image source: Instagram (@fcf91_feminines).
It was nothing special at all this week in the Première Ligue, with none of our Aussies getting game time. Kyah Simon was not in the matchday squad altogether for Dijon, who lost 2–1 at home to Paris FC, with the Rouges sitting sixth. Clara Hoarau returned from the injury that ruled her out of the U20 Asian Cup in Thailand and was on the bench for Fleury's 2–0 loss to PSG at home, with Fleury sitting fifth and two points higher than Dijon. Lyon did not play on the weekend due to their Champions League match, though they did face Nantes away midweek this morning, with a rotated Lyon side shockingly drawing 1–1, just their third draw in another invincible season. Lyon have already topped the regular season table, now sitting first and 12 points clear of second-placed Paris FC. Teagan Micah remains out with an injury and thus did not play.
The next week of the Première Ligue is the last week of the regular season before the playoffs. The top four teams, Lyon, PSG, Paris FC and (for the first time since the playoffs were added) Nantes, will face off in the playoffs. The two finalists qualify for the Champions League league phase, while the winner of the third place match enters the qualifying rounds. The winners of the playoff final are crowned champions of France. International viewers can now watch every Première Ligue match with French commentary on the league's YouTube channel.
Germany (Frauen-Bundesliga & 2. Frauen-Bundesliga) — Frankfurt do the double over Wolfsburg for the first time in 17 years, Hoffenheim thump Cologne
Leia Varley (front) is still adjusting to life in Germany, but has made her way into the starting 11 for her club Nuremberg. Image source: Instagram (@clubfrauen).
Nuremberg kicked off the weekend of German football, though ultimately lost 1–0 at home to Hamburg. Leia Varley started before she was subbed off. The loss leaves them in 11th place and four points clear of relegation with three games to go. Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt won a comfortable 3–1 victory over Wolfsburg (the team an injured Sharn Freier is on loan back at Brisbane Roar from) to do the double over the Wölfinnen for the first time since the 2008–09 season. Hayley Raso came on as a substitute for the Adler, who sit in third place and thus in the third and final European spot (a qualifiers spot).
Jamilla Rankin (pictured) and Hoffenheim could be playing in Europe next season should they manage to go on a winning run and catch Eintracht Frankfurt. Image source: Instagram (@tsghoffenheimfrauen).
Meanwhile, also in the race for Europe, Hoffenheim tore Cologne apart by winning 6–2 at home, with Jamilla Rankin playing the full match. Hoffenheim sit fourth and four points away from stealing Frankfurt’s European spot. Down in the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga, Bochum lost 3–0 away to Mainz and sit in seventh place. Lara Kirkby came on as a substitute.
Italy (Serie A Femminile) — Roma move closer to the scudetto after beating Juventus
Wini Heatley (front) and Roma are close to lifting the Serie A Women title, having beaten Juventus 1–0 away from home. Inter Milan are now the only team that could make an unprecedented late run for the title. Image source: Instagram (@asromawomen).
Como kicked off a big weekend of Italian football with a 1–1 draw at home with Parma, which was an important point for the newly-promoted Crociate who are a win off mathematical safety. The draw leaves Como in eighth and Parma in ninth. Alex Chidiac played the entire match for Como.
For a gigantic match though, Juventus hosted Roma in a clash that saw the Giallorosse come out on top with a 1–0 win on the road. The win makes it impossible for Juventus to overtake Roma, leaving Inter Milan as the only team able to pull off a late run to win the scudetto. Roma are first and six points clear of Inter (who have sealed the second of the three Champions League spots), while Juve are third and eight points behind Inter with three games to go. Wini Heatley came on as a substitute for Roma, while Annalise Rasmussen was concerningly benched without game time yet again, leaving fans like myself questioning why she made such a big move midseason rather than waiting for a different move at the end of the season.
Jacynta Gala (pictured), who once was in contact with the AFA who tried to cap her for Argentina, has been capped for the Matildas before. However, her lack of game time at Sassuolo has threatened her future selections. Image source: Instagram (@jacynta_gala).
Meanwhile, to wrap up a near-perfect weekend for Roma fans (especially Aussie Romanisti), Lazio suffered a 3–0 loss at home to Sassuolo, each goal perhaps representing three important points for the Neroverde who have moved up to 10th place. Just to emphasise how important those three points were, the win means that Sassuolo are now seven points clear of relegation with three games to play, facing Genoa and likely champions Roma at home (the former being a relegation battle and the latter being an Aussie derby) before closing the season off with an away match against Napoli. However, a sad sight to see was that neither Jacynta Gala nor Jess Nash got game time, sitting on the bench spectating as if they were fans.
Portugal (Liga BPI) — Damaiense and Marítimo fight for relegation spot
Margaux Chauvet (right) and Valadares Gaia have already confirmed their place in the Campeonato Nacional next season, though they did suffer a 3–1 loss to relegation-battling Damaiense last weekend. Image source: Instagram (@margauxchauvett).
Benfica, a club Hayley Raso almost signed for, were crowned Portuguese champions over the weekend with two matches to spare, securing a spot in the Champions League league phase for next season alongside their sixth consecutive league title. Down in the depths of the relegation battle, however, is unfortunately where two of our three Aussies currently in Portugal sit, however. Leah de Oliveira started in a 1–0 home loss to Vitória de Guimarães before being subbed off, with the result leaving the Madeiran team in 11th and surviving the direct drop spot on goal difference only (though remain in one of two relegation playoff spots). Speaking of the drop zone, however, the team actually in 12th place (Damaiense) actually won this week for just the second time this season, ending a 14-match winless run by securing their first away win of the season, a 3–1 win over Valadares Gaia. While it was supposed to be an Aussie derby, Carla Wilson was not in the squad for Damaiense, while Margaux Chauvet was an unused substitute for Valadares, who are fourth and five points off Torreense who occupy the third and final European spot (a qualifying round place).
Scotland (SWPL & SWPL2) — Boughton assists to confirm Motherwell's SWPL1 spot, Aberdeen to contest pro/rel playoff
Emma Ilijoski (pictured) and Aberdeen will be playing in the promotion/relegation playoff, following the Dons' 1–0 away loss to Montrose. Image source: Instagram (@aberdeenfcwomen).
Aberdeen were defeated 1–0 away from home by Montrose, confirming their spot in the promotion/relegation playoffs (third in the relegation group and ninth overall). Emma Ilijoski played the full match, swapping her traditional position in defence for one in midfield. Meanwhile, Milly Boughton started, bagged an assist and played till coming off the 80th minute in Motherwell's 3–0 away win over already-relegated Hamilton Academical to secure a spot in the SWPL1 next season, with the Women of Steel sitting second in the relegation group and eighth overall. The Accies have accumulated just two points in the entire season and have a goal difference of a whopping –85. Meanwhile, the club Milly is on loan from (Hibernian) won 1–0 at home over Celtic before a 1–0 loss away to Rangers this morning, now sitting fifth in the championship group. In the SWPL2, Emma McMurdo's Spartans sit top of the promotion group after a 2–0 away win over Kilmarnock.
Sweden (Damallsvenskan & Elitettan) — Sayer and Siemsen score but it's Kristianstad at the top
Remy Siemsen (right) scored her first goal of the season for FC Rosengård, who drew 1–1 away from home with newly-promoted IK Uppsala. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
The week kicked off with Rosengård drawing 1–1 away from home against newly-promoted Uppsala, with our very own Remy Siemsen playing the entire game and scoring the away goal. The draw puts FCR in 12th place (the relegation playoff spot), with the club so far showing no signs of its former highly successful self following their worst season ever. While only three matches have been played, in deeper trouble is Vittsjö who suffered a 1–0 loss away to Piteå and sit 13th, the first relegation spot. Daniela Galić played the full match up front, and while she played okay by all accounts, it appears that she's scoring fewer goals from her new position as striker as opposed to her rich goalscoring form last season when she was in attacking midfield. Perhaps in order to go on a winning run they'll put her back in that midfield position to allow the emerging midfielder to keep banging in goals rather than playing with two strikers.
Amy Sayer (centre) scored her second league goal for Malmö FF, who defeated IF Brommapojkarna 2–0 at home. Malmö will be among the teams challenging for the title. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
Malmö secured a 2–0 win at home over Brommapojkarna, with Amy Sayer starting and scoring the winning goal before being subbed off. Courtney Nevin also returned to the starting lineup and played the full match, marking her first start of the season. The Blåe sit second on the ladder, ironically being two points behind another Scanian club, Amy and Remy's former club Kristianstad (whose strength this season was in doubt due to many high profile departures). Malmö are one of the favourites to lift the title, and there's a good chance this season will be just as competitive as the last throughout the table.
Jada Whyman (pictured) remains out with an injury. AIK Stockholm were supposed to take on BK Häcken, but due to Häcken's participation in the UEFA Women's Europa Cup final this match was postponed. Image source: Instagram (@matildas and @jadawhyman).
Due to Aivi Luik's Häcken's participation in the Europa Cup final, their match away to Jada Whyman's AIK Stockholm was postponed to a latter date, as was Hammarby's fixture against Eskilstuna United away. Meanwhile, down in the Elitettan, nice captain Polly Doran played the full 90 minutes for Linköping in their 1–1 draw with Jitex. A fallen giant relegated for the first time ever last season, Linköping's hopes for promotion back to the Damallsvenskan are high. They sit third on the ladder and in the promotion playoff spot after three matchdays.
Other leagues — Canadian NSL kicks off, Monterrey finish second and advance to Liguilla
Kahli Johnson (pictured) played in sleety conditions for Calgary Wild in their opening match of the Northern Super League season, in which the Wild lost 2–0 at home to Montréal Roses. Image source: Instagram (@calgarywildfc).
In Canada's NSL, Kahli Johnson played the full match for Calgary Wild in their season opener, a 2–0 home loss to Montréal Roses. With one match having been played in just the second ever season of the Canadian national top-flight professional women's club soccer league, the Wild are bottom of the table.
In the Greek Women's A Division, Erin Kontousikos' Kifisia lost 2–0 at home to Panathinaikos, while Shivani Battaglia's already-relegated Nees Atromitou lost 4–0 away to Asteras Tripolis. With three games to go, Kifisia are 10th and safe while Nees have been already relegated.
In Mexico's Liga MX Femenil, Monterrey wrapped up their season with a 3–0 home loss to UANL Tigres that saw them drop to second place on the Clausura table on the final day, meaning Club América finished top of the regular season table for the Clausura stage. However, the top eight teams now play in the Liguilla stage, similar to the Finals Series we have in Australia. Emily Gielnik came on as a substitute in the 3–0 loss to Tigres, though it’s understood she played fairly poorly.
Transfer Talk — Lowry and Tumeth depart Sydney FC, Catley re-signs for Arsenal
Hana Lowry (pictured), produced by Perth Glory and later signed by Sydney FC in 2024, has completed a transfer to Vålerenga IF for an undisclosed fee, marking a return for Australian players in Norway's Toppserien. Image source: Instagram (@vifdamene).
In this Transfer Talk segment, we have some big news as two stars from my team, Sydney FC, have jumped ship following our worst season ever. The first was Hana Lowry, who signed for Toppserien giants Vålerenga though is yet to début, while the second was Tori Tumeth who, after speculation, was confirmed as a new signing for NSL side Vancouver Rise. The signings mark a return for Aussies in the Toppserien after absence in recent seasons and a second Aussie in the NSL after Kahli Johnson at Calgary Wild. Thanks for everything and good luck on your new adventures, Hana and Tori!
Steph Catley (pictured), and her dog Calvin (also pictured), will be staying at Arsenal following Steph's signing of a new contract with the Gunners. Her teammates Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord are yet to confirm their future officially, though it's believed the latter will be leaving at the end of the season. Image source: Instagram (@arsenalwfc).
Meanwhile, it was confirmed yesterday that Steph Catley has signed a new contract with her club Arsenal. While it was widely speculated that she would stay, it's widely believed that Caitlin Foord will depart Arsenal alongside her partner Katie McCabe and move to the NWSL. It's also believed that Sam Kerr while leave Chelsea and join an NWSL club, bringing her partner and former player Kristie Mewis and her son Jagger with her. Other players out of contract include Arsenal's Kyra Cooney-Cross, who has lacked game time at the reigning European and world champions (particularly in the beginning of the season) and Melbourne City's Holly McNamara, who is expected to move overseas.
Charli Grant (pictured) was confirmed this morning to be parting ways with Tottenham Hotspur following the expiration of her contract at the end of the season. Where do you think she will go next? Image source: Instagram (@spurswomen and @charli_grant).
Announced this morning, it has been confirmed that Charli Grant will be among the players parting ways with Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season. While as a Spurs fan I do fully understand and strongly support our desire to improve and invest further in the women's team in order to find success, I'm quite critical of the fact that mismanagement of Charli and leaving her on the bench to do nothing for no explained reason has, alongside her injury, caused her to miss the Asian Cup and the FIFA Series with the Matildas. I also think she deserved far more minutes than we gave her, hence why I'm unsurprised that she is parting ways with the club. I wish her all the best in what's next to come in her career for club and country.
Player of the Week — Sam Kerr
This week's Player of the Week award goes to Sam Kerr for her brace for Chelsea against Everton! Congrats Sammy!
Conclusion
That's all for this week, but stay tuned for next week! As always, feel free to jump into the comments with any questions or to discuss the weekend's matches. Thanks for reading, hopefully you found this helpful!
Europe (Champions League & Europa Cup) — Arsenal and Häcken gain advantage as Luik breaks nine-year-old European record
Caitlin Foord (centre) was the only Australian to feature in Arsenal versus Lyon, a fixture that would normally have three other Matildas players playing. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
The first legs of the Champions League semi-finals showed that all is still to play for, with Bayern Munich opening with a 1–1 draw with Barcelona at home at the Allianz Arena. Arsenal defeated Lyon 2–1 at home at Emirates Stadium, giving them an advantage going into the second leg on the road, though Lyon have shown they can come back before and can bruise their opponents, as evident by their comeback against Wolfsburg in which they easily won the second leg at home. Caitlin Foord played the entire match for the Gunners, while Steph Catley was out with the calf injury she sustained with the Matildas and Kyra Cooney-Cross remains out due to her mother's cancer diagnosis. Lyon were also without Teagan Micah due to her injury.
Aivi Luik (right) became the oldest player to play in a women's European club final, at 41 years of age. Häcken have the advantage going into the return leg, having won 1–0 on the road over Hammarby in an all-Swedish final. Image source: Instagram (@weuropacup).
In the Europa Cup, Aivi Luik played the full match at right centre back in Häcken's 1–0 away win over Hammarby in the first leg of the final, giving Getingarna the advantage going into the second leg at home. By playing in the final, the 41-year-old became the oldest player to ever play in a women's European final, surpassing the record set by Brazilian icon Formiga who played for PSG in the 2017 Champions League final at 39 years and 90 days old.
America (NWSL & USL Super League) — Arnold pulls off stunning performance as Thorns beat Angel City
Mackenzie Arnold (pictured) was a star between the sticks for Portland Thorns, who won 2–1 away over Angel City. One of her saves was nominated for NWSL Save of the Week. Image source: Instagram (@thornsfc).
North Carolina Courage opened the weekend with a 1–0 away win over Houston Dash, though Cortnee Vine was completely absent from the squad, further casting doubts on her future at the club. The Courage sit 10th on the standings. On the other hand, while she was unable to keep a clean sheet, Mackenzie Arnold pulled off an exceptional performance in goals for Portland Thorns in their 2–1 away win over Angel City, winning Player of the Match based on Sofascore ratings (though the actual award was given to American striker and stoppage time goalscorer Sophia Wilson who won them the game, despite the Thorns conceding a last-minute goal after that). The Thorns are second on the table, sitting just two points behind San Diego Wave.
In the USL Super League, Sophie Harding came off the bench in Fort Lauderdale United's 3–1 loss on the road to Spokane Zephyr. Morgan Aquino's DC Power did not play this week as they had a bye.
England (WSL, WSL2 & WNL) — Kerr scores a historic brace, Carpenter scores and Wheeler assists
Charlize Rule (second from left) with some of her Matildas teammates and friends after winning the FIFA Series. Charlie was lucky to not be sent off in their match against Manchester City. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
The end of the football season in England is nearing, with the WSL being in its 20th of its 22 rounds, the last season with only 12 teams and 22 games before the expansion to 14 teams and 26 games next season. Dario Vidošić's Brighton kicked things off with a surprise victory and a late twist in the title race, with the Seagulls winning 3–2 at home over league leaders Man City. Charlize Rule started and was given a yellow card before being subbed off, but her time on the pitch wasn't without controversy as she was lucky to not see red following a controversial challenge. Mary Fowler came on as a sub for City, but failed to make an impact.
Sam Kerr (pictured) was awarded WSL Player of the Match for her brace against Everton. Ellie Carpenter had the highest Sofascore rating. Image source: Instagram (@chelseafcw and @matildas).
Now for the most action-packed game of the week and perhaps the season as Everton hosted Chelsea at their home ground of Goodison Park, with the Toffees falling 4–1 to the Blues. Clare Wheeler had a moment of pride despite the loss, having assisted American-born Japanese star Yūka Momiki's equaliser (securing the annual single assist the defensive midfielder has gotten in every season since moving to the club in 2022), while Ellie Carpenter scored Chelsea's third goal and got the highest Sofascore rating of any player in the match, awarding her Sofascore Player of the Match. The attention was all on our very own Matildas skipper and the official Player of the Match award winner, Sam Kerr, who netted a brace for the Chels', solidifying her spot as the club's top scorer this season and tying her with Chelsea and Lionesses legend Fran Kirby (now a Brighton player) as the club's all-time leading goalscorer in the WSL. She almost beat that record and almost got to keep the match ball, though was denied a hat-trick by a controversial refereeing decision.
Alanna Kennedy (left) signing autographs and taking selfies with fans. Lani played the full match for London City, who destroyed Leicester 5–1. Image source: Instagram (@londoncitylionesses).
London City managed to get a huge 5–1 win at home over bottom of the table Leicester. Alanna Kennedy played the full match in defensive midfield for the Lionesses while Emily van Egmond was not in the squad altogether for the Foxes. My team Tottenham drew 0–0 at home with Man United, being unable to convert our shots despite being the better team. Charli Grant was concerningly yet again an unused substitute, while Clare Hunt remains out for the season with her knee injury sustained during the Asian Cup semi-final against China. Captain Katrina Gorry was absent from the squad entirely for West Ham's crucial 1–0 win over Liverpool away (with the win being awarded by an own goal from Swedish striker Cornelia Kapocs). Arsenal's participation in the Champions League semi-finals against Lyon postponed their match away to Aston Villa till next week, but the Gunners did play this morning, annihilating Leicester 7–0 at home. Caitlin Foord came on as a sub, while Steph Catley was out with the calf injury she sustained with the Matildas and Kyra Cooney-Cross remains out due to her mother's cancer diagnosis. Emily van Egmond started before being subbed off for the Foxes. The loss confirms Leicester's participation in the promotion/relegation playoff.
Now for a quick breakdown of the WSL table: Man City remain first, though their lead over Chelsea in second has shrunk to six points. Arsenal are two points lower in third with two matches to spare, meaning the Gunners will very likely end up finishing second. Man United are fourth and Tottenham are nine points lower rounding out the top five, but Spurs remain six points clear of Brighton in sixth. The next midtable places are London City, Everton, Aston Villa, Liverpool and West Ham, concluding with Leicester who are 12th and in the relegation playoff spot. The Foxes are unable to catch West Ham and will play in the promotion/relegation playoff. The playoff could include any of the WSL2's top three: Charlton, Birmingham and Crystal Palace, with the top two going up directly while the third place team (currently Palace) plays in the playoff, all decided on a chaotic final day.
Alana Murphy (pictured) and Nottingham Forest have confirmed a midtable finish. Forest are unable to be promoted or relegated this season. Image source: Instagram (@nffcwomen).
In the WSL2, the second last matchday of the season was played out. Tanya Oxtoby's Newcastle United shattered their slimming promotion hopes with a 2–1 loss at home to Bristol City, with Bristol scoring in the ninth minute of second half stoppage time to seal the win for the Robins. Kaitlyn Torpey was not in the squad altogether for the Magpies, indicating a possible injury. The Toon, who have dropped to fifth place, cannot catch Crystal Palace and will have to wait until next season to be promoted. Meanwhile, Alana Murphy played the full match for Nottingham Forest who secured a 1–0 win on the road over Portsmouth, a win that sent Pompey down to the National League South. Forest themselves are seventh on the table, ironically just below Portsmouth's arch-rivals Southampton.
Meleri Mullan (pictured) tore her ACL in March and missed the remainder of the National League season, which concluded this week. Image source: Instagram (@meleri18).
In the non-league tiers, this was the final week of action before the end of the season. In the Women's National League North, we had an Aussie derby as Racheal Quigley's Wolverhampton Wanderers played Bonnie Davies' Halifax Town, with Wolves coming out on top 3–0 at home. Wolves finished second and in the promotion playoff spot, while Halifax finished 11th and were relegated from the Premier Division to Division One. In the National League South, Meleri Mullan's Hashtag United drew 2–2 with Wimbledon at home (though she herself remains out with an ACL injury), while Layla Proctor's Plymouth Argyle won 4–1 away over Real Bedford. Plymouth finished second in the league and secured the promotion playoff spot and Hashtag finished ninth. Gwalia United, the only Welsh women's club playing in the English league system and home of dual international Anna Powell, finished 11th and were relegated.
France (Première Ligue) — Hoarau benched on injury return
Clara Hoarau (pictured) returned to Fleury's bench after recovering from an injury that forced her to withdraw from the Young Matildas' squad for the U20 Asian Cup in Thailand. Image source: Instagram (@fcf91_feminines).
It was nothing special at all this week in the Première Ligue, with none of our Aussies getting game time. Kyah Simon was not in the matchday squad altogether for Dijon, who lost 2–1 at home to Paris FC, with the Rouges sitting sixth. Clara Hoarau returned from the injury that ruled her out of the U20 Asian Cup in Thailand and was on the bench for Fleury's 2–0 loss to PSG at home, with Fleury sitting fifth and two points higher than Dijon. Lyon did not play on the weekend due to their Champions League match, though they did face Nantes away midweek this morning, with a rotated Lyon side shockingly drawing 1–1, just their third draw in another invincible season. Lyon have already topped the regular season table, now sitting first and 12 points clear of second-placed Paris FC. Teagan Micah remains out with an injury and thus did not play.
The next week of the Première Ligue is the last week of the regular season before the playoffs. The top four teams, Lyon, PSG, Paris FC and (for the first time since the playoffs were added) Nantes, will face off in the playoffs. The two finalists qualify for the Champions League league phase, while the winner of the third place match enters the qualifying rounds. The winners of the playoff final are crowned champions of France. International viewers can now watch every Première Ligue match with French commentary on the league's YouTube channel.
Germany (Frauen-Bundesliga & 2. Frauen-Bundesliga) — Frankfurt do the double over Wolfsburg for the first time in 17 years, Hoffenheim thump Cologne
Leia Varley (front) is still adjusting to life in Germany, but has made her way into the starting 11 for her club Nuremberg. Image source: Instagram (@clubfrauen).
Nuremberg kicked off the weekend of German football, though ultimately lost 1–0 at home to Hamburg. Leia Varley started before she was subbed off. The loss leaves them in 11th place and four points clear of relegation with three games to go. Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt won a comfortable 3–1 victory over Wolfsburg (the team an injured Sharn Freier is on loan back at Brisbane Roar from) to do the double over the Wölfinnen for the first time since the 2008–09 season. Hayley Raso came on as a substitute for the Adler, who sit in third place and thus in the third and final European spot (a qualifiers spot).
Jamilla Rankin (pictured) and Hoffenheim could be playing in Europe next season should they manage to go on a winning run and catch Eintracht Frankfurt. Image source: Instagram (@tsghoffenheimfrauen).
Meanwhile, also in the race for Europe, Hoffenheim tore Cologne apart by winning 6–2 at home, with Jamilla Rankin playing the full match. Hoffenheim sit fourth and four points away from stealing Frankfurt’s European spot. Down in the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga, Bochum lost 3–0 away to Mainz and sit in seventh place. Lara Kirkby came on as a substitute.
Italy (Serie A Femminile) — Roma move closer to the scudetto after beating Juventus
Wini Heatley (front) and Roma are close to lifting the Serie A Women title, having beaten Juventus 1–0 away from home. Inter Milan are now the only team that could make an unprecedented late run for the title. Image source: Instagram (@asromawomen).
Como kicked off a big weekend of Italian football with a 1–1 draw at home with Parma, which was an important point for the newly-promoted Crociate who are a win off mathematical safety. The draw leaves Como in eighth and Parma in ninth. Alex Chidiac played the entire match for Como.
For a gigantic match though, Juventus hosted Roma in a clash that saw the Giallorosse come out on top with a 1–0 win on the road. The win makes it impossible for Juventus to overtake Roma, leaving Inter Milan as the only team able to pull off a late run to win the scudetto. Roma are first and six points clear of Inter (who have sealed the second of the three Champions League spots), while Juve are third and eight points behind Inter with three games to go. Wini Heatley came on as a substitute for Roma, while Annalise Rasmussen was concerningly benched without game time yet again, leaving fans like myself questioning why she made such a big move midseason rather than waiting for a different move at the end of the season.
Jacynta Gala (pictured), who once was in contact with the AFA who tried to cap her for Argentina, has been capped for the Matildas before. However, her lack of game time at Sassuolo has threatened her future selections. Image source: Instagram (@jacynta_gala).
Meanwhile, to wrap up a near-perfect weekend for Roma fans (especially Aussie Romanisti), Lazio suffered a 3–0 loss at home to Sassuolo, each goal perhaps representing three important points for the Neroverde who have moved up to 10th place. Just to emphasise how important those three points were, the win means that Sassuolo are now seven points clear of relegation with three games to play, facing Genoa and likely champions Roma at home (the former being a relegation battle and the latter being an Aussie derby) before closing the season off with an away match against Napoli. However, a sad sight to see was that neither Jacynta Gala nor Jess Nash got game time, sitting on the bench spectating as if they were fans.
Portugal (Liga BPI) — Damaiense and Marítimo fight for relegation spot
Margaux Chauvet (right) and Valadares Gaia have already confirmed their place in the Campeonato Nacional next season, though they did suffer a 3–1 loss to relegation-battling Damaiense last weekend. Image source: Instagram (@margauxchauvett).
Benfica, a club Hayley Raso almost signed for, were crowned Portuguese champions over the weekend with two matches to spare, securing a spot in the Champions League league phase for next season alongside their sixth consecutive league title. Down in the depths of the relegation battle, however, is unfortunately where two of our three Aussies currently in Portugal sit, however. Leah de Oliveira started in a 1–0 home loss to Vitória de Guimarães before being subbed off, with the result leaving the Madeiran team in 11th and surviving the direct drop spot on goal difference only (though remain in one of two relegation playoff spots). Speaking of the drop zone, however, the team actually in 12th place (Damaiense) actually won this week for just the second time this season, ending a 14-match winless run by securing their first away win of the season, a 3–1 win over Valadares Gaia. While it was supposed to be an Aussie derby, Carla Wilson was not in the squad for Damaiense, while Margaux Chauvet was an unused substitute for Valadares, who are fourth and five points off Torreense who occupy the third and final European spot (a qualifying round place).
Scotland (SWPL & SWPL2) — Boughton assists to confirm Motherwell's SWPL1 spot, Aberdeen to contest pro/rel playoff
Emma Ilijoski (pictured) and Aberdeen will be playing in the promotion/relegation playoff, following the Dons' 1–0 away loss to Montrose. Image source: Instagram (@aberdeenfcwomen).
Aberdeen were defeated 1–0 away from home by Montrose, confirming their spot in the promotion/relegation playoffs (third in the relegation group and ninth overall). Emma Ilijoski played the full match, swapping her traditional position in defence for one in midfield. Meanwhile, Milly Boughton started, bagged an assist and played till coming off the 80th minute in Motherwell's 3–0 away win over already-relegated Hamilton Academical to secure a spot in the SWPL1 next season, with the Women of Steel sitting second in the relegation group and eighth overall. The Accies have accumulated just two points in the entire season and have a goal difference of a whopping –85. Meanwhile, the club Milly is on loan from (Hibernian) won 1–0 at home over Celtic before a 1–0 loss away to Rangers this morning, now sitting fifth in the championship group. In the SWPL2, Emma McMurdo's Spartans sit top of the promotion group after a 2–0 away win over Kilmarnock.
Sweden (Damallsvenskan & Elitettan) — Sayer and Siemsen score but it's Kristianstad at the top
Remy Siemsen (right) scored her first goal of the season for FC Rosengård, who drew 1–1 away from home with newly-promoted IK Uppsala. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
The week kicked off with Rosengård drawing 1–1 away from home against newly-promoted Uppsala, with our very own Remy Siemsen playing the entire game and scoring the away goal. The draw puts FCR in 12th place (the relegation playoff spot), with the club so far showing no signs of its former highly successful self following their worst season ever. While only three matches have been played, in deeper trouble is Vittsjö who suffered a 1–0 loss away to Piteå and sit 13th, the first relegation spot. Daniela Galić played the full match up front, and while she played okay by all accounts, it appears that she's scoring fewer goals from her new position as striker as opposed to her rich goalscoring form last season when she was in attacking midfield. Perhaps in order to go on a winning run they'll put her back in that midfield position to allow the emerging midfielder to keep banging in goals rather than playing with two strikers.
Amy Sayer (centre) scored her second league goal for Malmö FF, who defeated IF Brommapojkarna 2–0 at home. Malmö will be among the teams challenging for the title. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
Malmö secured a 2–0 win at home over Brommapojkarna, with Amy Sayer starting and scoring the winning goal before being subbed off. Courtney Nevin also returned to the starting lineup and played the full match, marking her first start of the season. The Blåe sit second on the ladder, ironically being two points behind another Scanian club, Amy and Remy's former club Kristianstad (whose strength this season was in doubt due to many high profile departures). Malmö are one of the favourites to lift the title, and there's a good chance this season will be just as competitive as the last throughout the table.
Jada Whyman (pictured) remains out with an injury. AIK Stockholm were supposed to take on BK Häcken, but due to Häcken's participation in the UEFA Women's Europa Cup final this match was postponed. Image source: Instagram (@matildas and @jadawhyman).
Due to Aivi Luik's Häcken's participation in the Europa Cup final, their match away to Jada Whyman's AIK Stockholm was postponed to a latter date, as was Hammarby's fixture against Eskilstuna United away. Meanwhile, down in the Elitettan, nice captain Polly Doran played the full 90 minutes for Linköping in their 1–1 draw with Jitex. A fallen giant relegated for the first time ever last season, Linköping's hopes for promotion back to the Damallsvenskan are high. They sit third on the ladder and in the promotion playoff spot after three matchdays.
Other leagues — Canadian NSL kicks off, Monterrey finish second and advance to Liguilla
Kahli Johnson (pictured) played in sleety conditions for Calgary Wild in their opening match of the Northern Super League season, in which the Wild lost 2–0 at home to Montréal Roses. Image source: Instagram (@calgarywildfc).
In Canada's NSL, Kahli Johnson played the full match for Calgary Wild in their season opener, a 2–0 home loss to Montréal Roses. With one match having been played in just the second ever season of the Canadian national top-flight professional women's club soccer league, the Wild are bottom of the table.
In the Greek Women's A Division, Erin Kontousikos' Kifisia lost 2–0 at home to Panathinaikos, while Shivani Battaglia's already-relegated Nees Atromitou lost 4–0 away to Asteras Tripolis. With three games to go, Kifisia are 10th and safe while Nees have been already relegated.
In Mexico's Liga MX Femenil, Monterrey wrapped up their season with a 3–0 home loss to UANL Tigres that saw them drop to second place on the Clausura table on the final day, meaning Club América finished top of the regular season table for the Clausura stage. However, the top eight teams now play in the Liguilla stage, similar to the Finals Series we have in Australia. Emily Gielnik came on as a substitute in the 3–0 loss to Tigres, though it’s understood she played fairly poorly.
Transfer Talk — Lowry and Tumeth depart Sydney FC, Catley re-signs for Arsenal
Hana Lowry (pictured), produced by Perth Glory and later signed by Sydney FC in 2024, has completed a transfer to Vålerenga IF for an undisclosed fee, marking a return for Australian players in Norway's Toppserien. Image source: Instagram (@vifdamene).
In this Transfer Talk segment, we have some big news as two stars from my team, Sydney FC, have jumped ship following our worst season ever. The first was Hana Lowry, who signed for Toppserien giants Vålerenga though is yet to début, while the second was Tori Tumeth who, after speculation, was confirmed as a new signing for NSL side Vancouver Rise. The signings mark a return for Aussies in the Toppserien after absence in recent seasons and a second Aussie in the NSL after Kahli Johnson at Calgary Wild. Thanks for everything and good luck on your new adventures, Hana and Tori!
Steph Catley (pictured), and her dog Calvin (also pictured), will be staying at Arsenal following Steph's signing of a new contract with the Gunners. Her teammates Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord are yet to confirm their future officially, though it's believed the latter will be leaving at the end of the season. Image source: Instagram (@arsenalwfc).
Meanwhile, it was confirmed yesterday that Steph Catley has signed a new contract with her club Arsenal. While it was widely speculated that she would stay, it's widely believed that Caitlin Foord will depart Arsenal alongside her partner Katie McCabe and move to the NWSL. It's also believed that Sam Kerr while leave Chelsea and join an NWSL club, bringing her partner and former player Kristie Mewis and her son Jagger with her. Other players out of contract include Arsenal's Kyra Cooney-Cross, who has lacked game time at the reigning European and world champions (particularly in the beginning of the season) and Melbourne City's Holly McNamara, who is expected to move overseas.
Charli Grant (pictured) was confirmed this morning to be parting ways with Tottenham Hotspur following the expiration of her contract at the end of the season. Where do you think she will go next? Image source: Instagram (@spurswomen and @charli_grant).
Announced this morning, it has been confirmed that Charli Grant will be among the players parting ways with Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season. While as a Spurs fan I do fully understand and strongly support our desire to improve and invest further in the women's team in order to find success, I'm quite critical of the fact that mismanagement of Charli and leaving her on the bench to do nothing for no explained reason has, alongside her injury, caused her to miss the Asian Cup and the FIFA Series with the Matildas. I also think she deserved far more minutes than we gave her, hence why I'm unsurprised that she is parting ways with the club. I wish her all the best in what's next to come in her career for club and country.
Player of the Week — Sam Kerr
This week's Player of the Week award goes to Sam Kerr for her brace for Chelsea against Everton! Congrats Sammy!
Conclusion
That's all for this week, but stay tuned for next week! As always, feel free to jump into the comments with any questions or to discuss the weekend's matches. Thanks for reading, hopefully you found this helpful!
