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 as the Sun sets on the European football season!
Europe (Champions League & Europa Cup) — Luik's Häcken lift the inaugural Europa Cup, Lyon make a comeback over Arsenal
Caitlin Foord (pictured) and Arsenal have been knocked out of every cup competition and have not won the WSL. Whether this season counts as trophyless depends on whether the Champions Cup is counted as a trophy for this or last season, as it was held in 2026 featuring last season's continental champions. If the former, Arsenal have gone trophyless for the first season since 2021–22. Image source: Instagram (@wchampionsleague).
The Champions League final is finally set following the conclusion of the second legs of the semi-finals. OL Lyonnes, down 2–1 at Emirates Stadium in the first leg, pulled off another comeback at Groupama Stadium, winning 3–1 over Arsenal to advance 4–3 on aggregate. Caitlin Foord was the only Australian in either team's squad, playing the full match, but played poorly and received a yellow card. Steph Catley and Kyra Cooney-Cross remain out for Arsenal for an injury and personal reasons respectively, while Lyon's Teagan Micah is also out injured for the season. In the other tie, in which the first leg ended 1–1 in Munich, Barcelona won 4–2 over Bayern Munich at Camp Nou, advancing to the final alongside Lyon. Barça will be playing their sixth UWCL final in a row, while Lyon will have a chance to win a record nine titles in the fourth Barça vs Lyon final. The final will be held on 24 June at 2:00am AEST, with the match being livestreamed on Disney+. The final will be hosted at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo.
Aivi Luik (front) lifting the Europa Cup trophy with Häcken. Aivi's had a phenomenal week so far, having been declared the oldest European champion in the women's game aged 41 before scoring against Djurgården in the league. Image source: Instagram (@thepfa).
Meanwhile, 41-year-old Aivi Luik has officially become the oldest player to win a women's European final, achieving European glory with Häcken for the first time in the inaugural Europa Cup. After being 1–0 up in the first leg at 3Arena in Stockholm, Häcken defeated Hammarby 3–2 at Hisingen Arena in Gothenburg to win the final tie 4–2, with Swedish superstar wonderkid Felicia Schröder, aged 19, scoring a goal in the first leg and a hat-trick in the second. Aivi played every single minute of the tie as part of Getingarna's back line. She and her newly-crowned double-winning side have one last trophy to win to complete the treble: another rematch against Bajen in the Svenska Cupen final. Congratulations Aivi!
America (NWSL & USL Super League) — Arnold keeps a clean sheet as Thorns stay top with third successive win
Shot-stopper Mackenzie Arnold (pictured) has made some stunning saves for Portland Thorns, who sit top of the NWSL. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
In the NWSL, Cortnee Vine was absent from the matchday squad altogether for North Carolina Courage, who lost 2–1 at home to reigning NWSL shield winners Kansas City Current. The Courage are ninth on the ladder. Meanwhile, Mackenzie Arnold played the full match in goals for Portland Thorns, keeping a clean sheet in their 2–0 win on the road against Chicago Stars. The Thorns are four points clear at the top of the table and have won three games in a row and have gone five games in a row without losing.
Morgan Aquino (pictured) is the other Aussie goalie playing pro soccer in America. She is yet to make her Matildas début. Image source: Instagram (@photosmrelacion and @creativemrelacion).
In the USL Super League, Morgan Aquino was surprisingly an unused sub for DC Power in their 1–1 draw away with Dallas Trinity. With two matches to go, the Power are fifth, one point behind the Trinity and above Spokane Zephyr on goal difference. Meanwhile, Sophie Harding was a late sub for Fort Lauderdale United, who lost 2–1 at home to Tampa Bay Sun, who recently signed Sydney FC's American 2024 grand final hero Shea Connors.
England (WSL & WSL 2) — Man City declared WSL champions, Kennedy and Kerr score as Kerr breaks Chelsea record, WSL 2 wrapped up
Charlize Rule (pictured) has become a key part of Brighton's defence, but has only recently cemented her spot in the Matildas squad. Nevertheless, she’s fully deserved her spot. Image source: (@bhafcwomen).
The WSL's really heating up ahead of the final day this weekend, with Brighton kicking last weekend off with a 1–1 draw on the road to Man United, a game the Seagulls were so close to winning to shatter the Red Devils' European hopes. Charlize Rule started and picked up a yellow card in her time on the pitch, having come off as a sub. Meanwhile, Man City is very close to winning the WSL title following their 1–0 win over rivals Liverpool thanks to a stoppage time winner from German defender and Sofascore Player of the Match Rebecca Knaak. Mary Fowler, still coming back to full fitness, came on as a sub. City need just one point to claim the title.
Alanna Kennedy (pictured) scored a consolation goal for London City, who ended up losing 2–1 away to Spurs. Image source: Instagram (@londoncitylionesses).
Tottenham won 2–1 over London City, meaning we've now beaten every team except Chelsea in a competitive or friendly match. Alanna Kennedy came on as an injury replacement and scored a consolation goal at the end of the match for the Lionesses. For Spurs, Clare Hunt remains out for the season with an injury while Charli Grant was an unused substitute (as usual unfortunately). Charli will be leaving Spurs so it's hoped that she will feature in one last match on the final day against Brighton away.
Sam Kerr (pictured) became Chelsea's all-time leading goalscorer on the weekend, scoring her 64th goal for the Blues and cementing her place into the history books. Image source: Instagram (@chelseafcwomen and @samanthakerr20).
Chelsea beat Leicester 3–1 away to confirm the Foxes' place in the promotion/relegation playoff. Emily van Egmond started before being subbed off for the Foxes, while Ellie Carpenter played the entire match for the Blues. But the big story was of course relating to Matildas captain Sam Kerr, not for starting before coming off, but for her historic opening goal that solidified her place in Chelsea's history books. The star striker and legend of the women's game is now the all-time leading goalscorer for both her club and country, having officially surpassed Lionesses legend Fran Kirby's record as Chelsea's all-time leading goalscorer in the Barclays WSL, having found the back of the net 64 times since signing in 2020. Congratulations Sammy! Chelsea are second on the table, though Arsenal could still overtake them as they have a game in hand.
Clare Wheeler (pictured) and Everton have a catch-up game to be played, as their match against Arsenal had to be postponed due to the Gunners qualifying for the Champions League semi-finals. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
West Ham captain Katrina Gorry wasn't part of the Hammers' squad for their 2–0 win on the road over Aston Villa. The Irons are now 10th in the league. Clare Wheeler's Everton were set to play Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord's Arsenal, but the match has been postponed due to the Champions League semi-finals. However, Arsenal did play a catch-up game against Brighton, drawing 1–1 with Caitlin Foord starting before coming off in her 200th Gunners game after a fairly poor performance, while Charlize Rule also started before coming off. The other huge story this week is that Arsenal's draw has confirmed that Mary Fowler and Manchester City are officially WSL champions! The Cityzens are unable to be caught and have officially clinched their second ever league title, their first since 2016. Chelsea's six-year winning streak in the WSL has officially ended. Congratulations Mary!
Emily van Egmond (pictured) and Leicester will be playing in the promotion/relegation playoff against Charlton at a neutral venue. The playoff serves as a one-off alternative to direct relegation due to the expansion of the WSL. Image source: Instagram (@prewcaptures and @chelseawomensg).
In the WSL 2, both Aussies' clubs suffered losses on a chaotic final day of the English second tier. Tanya Oxtoby's Newcastle United, who were without Kaitlyn Torpey, lost 1–0 at home to Durham, a loss that saw them drop down to sixth place in the final standings. Only three points below them in seventh is Nottingham Forest, who were emphatically defeated 3–0 at home by Southampton. Alana Murphy started for Forest before being subbed off. At the top of the table, while both Birmingham and Crystal Palace were promoted, Charlton were knocked down to third and have therefore confirmed their place in the promotion/relegation playoff against Emily van Egmond's Leicester.
Germany (Frauen-Bundesliga & 2. Frauen-Bundesliga) — Raso scores after coming on as a super sub against Nuremberg
Hayley Raso (pictured) scored her second goal and first Bundesliga goal for Frankfurt, scoring in the dying minutes against Nuremberg. Image source: Instagram (@eintrachtfrankfurtfrauen and @matildas).
Starting off the weekend in the Bundesliga was Eintracht Frankfurt, who won 4–1 over Nuremberg, with Leia Varley starting before coming off. However, the big moment of course belongs to the Matildas legend Hayley Raso, who came on in the first minute of second half stoppage time, scored in the fourth minute of added time to seal the huge win over Nuremberg. One more match is yet to be played, with Jamilla Rankin's Europe-pushing Hoffenheim faces off away against Bayern Munich at 2:00am AEST tomorrow night. In the 2. Bundesliga, Bochum lost 2–0 at home to Stuttgart, with Lara Kirkby coming on as a substitution. Bochum sit eighth on the ladder and cannot be promoted or relegated.
Italy (Serie A Femminile) — Heatley's Roma declared champions of Italy, winning their third scudetto
Anna Rasmussen (pictured) still hasn’t débuted for Juventus yet, but will need to get some solid minutes in to be in contention for a spot in the World Cup squad next season. Image source: Instagram (@juventuswomen).
Kicking off the weekend in the Serie A was Juventus who won 3–2 on the road over Napoli, with Anna Rasmussen annoyingly remaining an unused substitute yet again, with the talented striker yet to make her début for the Bianconere, who sit third on the table. Meanwhile, Sassuolo drew 0–0 at home with Genoa to move up to ninth place, though neither Jacynta Gala nor Jess Nash got any game time for the Neroverde.
Wini Heatley (front) celebrates with her teammates by waving a giant Italian flag after Roma were officially crowned Serie A champions after their win over Ternana. Wini has clinched silverware in just her first season at the club. Image source: Instagram (@asromawomen).
The big news however comes from the Italian capital of Rome. It's official: Roma are the champions of Italy! The Giallorosse claimed a 2–0 win at home over Ternana to clinch the scudetto with two matches to spare. Roma now have three league titles, having won their first two back-to-back in the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons. Wini Heatley was an unused sub, but nevertheless was all in on the celebrations as she lifted the trophy in her first season at the club. Having claimed the top spot, Roma have also been confirmed a spot in the league phase of the Champions League, while Inter Milan will play in the second qualifying round as they have confirmed their second place finish. Congratulations Wini!
On the other hand, in the final match of the weekend, Como lost 1–0 away to Fiorentina, with Alex Chidiac playing the entire match and getting a yellow card. Como are eighth on the ladder.
Portugal (Liga BPI) — Marítimo pick up important points as the relegation battle drags into the final day
Former Sydney FC defender Margaux Chauvet, scouted by Valadares Gaia from the American college system, finally started for the first time since joining the club. Image source: Instagram (@valadaresgaiafeminino).
In Portugal's Campeonato Nacional, the midtable is almost all up for grabs. Valadares Gaia kicked things off with a 1–0 loss at home to Rio Ave thanks to a 91st-minute winner from American midfielder Chardonnay Curran. Margaux Chauvet finally made her first start for Valadares, playing the entire match at centre back as part of Gaia's three at the back defensive line.
Leah de Oliveira (left) signing a jersey. It's quite common for women's footballers to interact with fans, especially kids, to inspire the next generation. Image source: Instagram (@csmaritimomadeira and @colegiodomaritimo).
Meanwhile, in what could have been an Aussie derby if it weren't for Carla Wilson's continued absence, Damaiense and Marítimo faced off in a crucial match in the relegation battle. Marítimo came out on top with a 2–1 win away from home, with Leah de Oliveira coming on as a late sub. This virtually relegates Damaiense due to having only 11 points and a –32 goal difference, though Marítimo are on 17 points with a –20 goal difference which also all but confirms they will play in the relegation playoff against either Racing Power (seventh) or Rio Ave (eight) depending on the results of the final day.
Sweden (Damallsvenskan & Elitettan) — Galić and Luik score, Malmö wins the Malmö Derby
Courtney Nevin (pictured) is making her way back into Malmö's starting 11 despite being benched for the first two games. Malmö are top of the Damallsvenskan table. Image source: Instagram (@malmo_ff).
Malmö kicked off the weekend in the Damallsvenskan with a 1–0 away win in the Malmö Derby against their rivals Rosengård. On the sky blue side (today the victorious side) of Malmö, Amy Sayer played the entire match while Courtney Nevin started before coming off as a sub. On the red and blue side of Malmö, Remy Siemsen started before coming off after an underwhelming performance. She registered two shots, with the first one saved and the second blocked. The win puts Malmö top of the table by one point, while Rosengård are now dead last with just a single point in their first four games.
Daniela Galić (pictured) is in great form for Vittsjö, but unfortunately hasn't played for the Matildas in quite some time. Football Australia and both the Matildas and Socceroos need to do better with young talents and dual internationals. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
Meanwhile, Vittsjö finally picked up their first win of the season by winning 1–0 at home over AIK Stockholm, and what a way to do it with Daniela Galić also scoring her first goal of the new year. Starting up front, she scored before coming off as a sub. Jada Whyman remains unavailable for AIK due to injury. AIK are sixth while Vittsjö have moved up to 10th. Speaking of goalscorers though, right after being crowned a European champion, 41-year-old veteran defender Aivi Luik played the entire match, picked up a yellow card and scored for Häcken in their 3–0 win over Djurgården at home. Goals and even assists from Aivi are rare, with this being her first since joining Getingarna in 2023, but she'll be sure to cherish this moment as that may well be her final career goal. Häcken are now third on the table, being below Hammarby but above Kristianstad on goal difference and a point below Malmö.
Polly Doran (pictured), vice-captain of Linköping, could be back in the Damallsvenskan as soon as next season after the relegation of the former giants last year. Image source: Instagram (@linkopingfootball club and @elitettan).
In the Elitettan, Polly Doran played the entirety of Linköping's 0–0 draw away with league leaders Elfsborg (a clash between two clubs fighting hard for promotion), though her performance was seen as quite poor. Linköping are third in the league, and alongside the two teams above them (Elfsborg and Umeå) are one of only three teams yet to lose this season after four matchdays.
Other leagues — Tumeth débuts in heavy loss, Première Ligue wraps up before playoffs, Gielnik's Rayadas advance in the liguilla
Tori Tumeth (pictured) débuted for Vancouver Rise, though the Rise couldn't back that up with a win and remain at the bottom of the NSL table. Image source: Instagram (@vancouverrisefc).
In Canada's NSL, Calgary Wild, who were without Kahli Johnson, kicked off the weekend with a heavy 5–2 defeat away to Ottawa Rapid. Tori Tumeth, who recently signed for Vancouver Rise from Sydney FC, has officially made her début, having come on as a substitute. However, the Rise also suffered an even heavier defeat on the road, losing 4–0 to league leaders Montréal Roses. Both the Rise and the Wild remain the only teams with zero points so far this season, thus sitting at the very bottom of the table.
Clara Hoarau and Fleury's season has concluded, with Clara once again being a substitute throughout the campaign. Image source: Instagram (@fcf91_feminines).
In France, the Première Ligue wrapped up its final day of regular season action before the playoffs, featuring Lyon, Paris FC, PSG and (for the first time since the playoffs were added) Nantes. Teagan Micah remains out for the season but nevertheless Lyon won 3–1 over Montpellier at home, finishing first by 12 points and going invincible once again. Kyah Simon was of course not in the squad for Dijon, who won 1–0 away over Marseille and finished sixth. Clara Hoarau came on as a 90th minute substitute for Fleury, who at the last minute drew 1–1 with Saint-Étienne away to finish fifth, above Dijon merely on goal difference.
In Greece's Women's A Division, Erin Kontousikos' Kifisia won 2–1 over Agia Paraskevi, though despite being a good three points, they remain 10th. Shivani Battaglia's already-relegated Nees Atromitou lost 2–0 away to Volos and sit 13th.
Emily Gielnik (pictured) and Monterrey are off to the semi-finals of the liguilla, where they will face Pachuca over two legs. The winner will face either América or Toluca in the final, also over two legs. Image source: Instagram (@emilygielnik).
In Mexico's Liga MX Femenil, Emily Gielnik and Monterrey kept their league title hopes alive with a 4–0 win at home in the second leg of their liguilla quarter-finals tie against Cruz Azul, with a hat-trick from Spanish striker Lucía García sealing the win for Rayadas. Rayadas will face Pachuca in the semi-finals, with the first leg at home and the second leg away, and will face either Club América or Toluca in the two-legged final.
In Scotland, while there was no Aussies in action in the SWPL 1 this week, there was in the SWPL 2. Emma McMurdo's Spartans won 2–0 away over Boroughmuir. Spartans are top of the promotion group, the better of the two groups formed after the split in the Scottish leagues and the one that plays for promotion (hence its name).
Transfer Talk — multiple players to be out of contract on 30 June
Charli Grant (pictured), a fan favourite at Spurs, will be departing the Lilywhites this June following the expiration of her contract. Image source: Instagram (@spurswomen).
As the season comes to a close, so do many unextended contracts. So far, only Charli Grant has been confirmed to be leaving her club (Spurs). While Steph Catley has extended her contract with Arsenal, the other two Aussie Arsenal players, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord, have not extended their contracts, with the former being widely rumoured to be leaving. Another player reportedly set to leave London is Sam Kerr, who is linked with a move to the NWSL.
On the hunt for a treble and determined to end the club's championship (grand final) curse, this Melbourne City team, now premiers for the third year in a row, is full of young stars who could well be overseas next season. Key players include Alexia Apostolakis, Leticia McKenna and Holly McNamara. Image source: Instagram (@melbournecity, @aleagues and @matildas).
The other Aussies abroad with contracts set to expire this June are Morgan Aquino (DC Power), Leah de Oliveira (Marítimo), Emily Gielnik (Monterrey), Katrina Gorry (West Ham's captain) and Teagan Micah (Lyon). Sharn Freier's loan spell at Brisbane Roar from Wolfsburg is also coming to an end. Additionally, it's likely that various A-League Women players, such as Melbourne City's Alexia Apostolakis and Holly McNamara, will seek overseas moves, and that overseas clubs may release players (such as Leicester City potentially releasing Emily van Egmond in the event of relegation).
While the women's game continues to grow Down Under, the A-League remains unstable for some clubs, with Canberra United possibly being forced to fold if they are unable to find a new owner. Similar to what happened with Western United after their liquidation, Canberra players like Michelle Heyman (pictured) would in that scenario become clubless. Image source: Instagram (@michelleheyman23).
With Canberra United's future sadly being in doubt due to their fight to find a new owner, there is also unfortunately a chance that every single Canberra player may be out of contract if the club ends up folding, similar to how Western United players were left clubless following their liquidation. Matildas players Michelle Heyman and Sally James alongside rumoured Tillies call-up Beth Gordon are among those already out of contract.
Player of the Week — Alanna Kennedy
Despite being on the losing side of the match, this week's Player of the Week award goes to Alanna Kennedy for her goal against Spurs! Well done Lani!
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, and once again, congrats to our trophy winners!
Europe (Champions League & Europa Cup) — Luik's Häcken lift the inaugural Europa Cup, Lyon make a comeback over Arsenal
Caitlin Foord (pictured) and Arsenal have been knocked out of every cup competition and have not won the WSL. Whether this season counts as trophyless depends on whether the Champions Cup is counted as a trophy for this or last season, as it was held in 2026 featuring last season's continental champions. If the former, Arsenal have gone trophyless for the first season since 2021–22. Image source: Instagram (@wchampionsleague).
The Champions League final is finally set following the conclusion of the second legs of the semi-finals. OL Lyonnes, down 2–1 at Emirates Stadium in the first leg, pulled off another comeback at Groupama Stadium, winning 3–1 over Arsenal to advance 4–3 on aggregate. Caitlin Foord was the only Australian in either team's squad, playing the full match, but played poorly and received a yellow card. Steph Catley and Kyra Cooney-Cross remain out for Arsenal for an injury and personal reasons respectively, while Lyon's Teagan Micah is also out injured for the season. In the other tie, in which the first leg ended 1–1 in Munich, Barcelona won 4–2 over Bayern Munich at Camp Nou, advancing to the final alongside Lyon. Barça will be playing their sixth UWCL final in a row, while Lyon will have a chance to win a record nine titles in the fourth Barça vs Lyon final. The final will be held on 24 June at 2:00am AEST, with the match being livestreamed on Disney+. The final will be hosted at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo.
Aivi Luik (front) lifting the Europa Cup trophy with Häcken. Aivi's had a phenomenal week so far, having been declared the oldest European champion in the women's game aged 41 before scoring against Djurgården in the league. Image source: Instagram (@thepfa).
Meanwhile, 41-year-old Aivi Luik has officially become the oldest player to win a women's European final, achieving European glory with Häcken for the first time in the inaugural Europa Cup. After being 1–0 up in the first leg at 3Arena in Stockholm, Häcken defeated Hammarby 3–2 at Hisingen Arena in Gothenburg to win the final tie 4–2, with Swedish superstar wonderkid Felicia Schröder, aged 19, scoring a goal in the first leg and a hat-trick in the second. Aivi played every single minute of the tie as part of Getingarna's back line. She and her newly-crowned double-winning side have one last trophy to win to complete the treble: another rematch against Bajen in the Svenska Cupen final. Congratulations Aivi!
America (NWSL & USL Super League) — Arnold keeps a clean sheet as Thorns stay top with third successive win
Shot-stopper Mackenzie Arnold (pictured) has made some stunning saves for Portland Thorns, who sit top of the NWSL. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
In the NWSL, Cortnee Vine was absent from the matchday squad altogether for North Carolina Courage, who lost 2–1 at home to reigning NWSL shield winners Kansas City Current. The Courage are ninth on the ladder. Meanwhile, Mackenzie Arnold played the full match in goals for Portland Thorns, keeping a clean sheet in their 2–0 win on the road against Chicago Stars. The Thorns are four points clear at the top of the table and have won three games in a row and have gone five games in a row without losing.
Morgan Aquino (pictured) is the other Aussie goalie playing pro soccer in America. She is yet to make her Matildas début. Image source: Instagram (@photosmrelacion and @creativemrelacion).
In the USL Super League, Morgan Aquino was surprisingly an unused sub for DC Power in their 1–1 draw away with Dallas Trinity. With two matches to go, the Power are fifth, one point behind the Trinity and above Spokane Zephyr on goal difference. Meanwhile, Sophie Harding was a late sub for Fort Lauderdale United, who lost 2–1 at home to Tampa Bay Sun, who recently signed Sydney FC's American 2024 grand final hero Shea Connors.
England (WSL & WSL 2) — Man City declared WSL champions, Kennedy and Kerr score as Kerr breaks Chelsea record, WSL 2 wrapped up
Charlize Rule (pictured) has become a key part of Brighton's defence, but has only recently cemented her spot in the Matildas squad. Nevertheless, she’s fully deserved her spot. Image source: (@bhafcwomen).
The WSL's really heating up ahead of the final day this weekend, with Brighton kicking last weekend off with a 1–1 draw on the road to Man United, a game the Seagulls were so close to winning to shatter the Red Devils' European hopes. Charlize Rule started and picked up a yellow card in her time on the pitch, having come off as a sub. Meanwhile, Man City is very close to winning the WSL title following their 1–0 win over rivals Liverpool thanks to a stoppage time winner from German defender and Sofascore Player of the Match Rebecca Knaak. Mary Fowler, still coming back to full fitness, came on as a sub. City need just one point to claim the title.
Alanna Kennedy (pictured) scored a consolation goal for London City, who ended up losing 2–1 away to Spurs. Image source: Instagram (@londoncitylionesses).
Tottenham won 2–1 over London City, meaning we've now beaten every team except Chelsea in a competitive or friendly match. Alanna Kennedy came on as an injury replacement and scored a consolation goal at the end of the match for the Lionesses. For Spurs, Clare Hunt remains out for the season with an injury while Charli Grant was an unused substitute (as usual unfortunately). Charli will be leaving Spurs so it's hoped that she will feature in one last match on the final day against Brighton away.
Sam Kerr (pictured) became Chelsea's all-time leading goalscorer on the weekend, scoring her 64th goal for the Blues and cementing her place into the history books. Image source: Instagram (@chelseafcwomen and @samanthakerr20).
Chelsea beat Leicester 3–1 away to confirm the Foxes' place in the promotion/relegation playoff. Emily van Egmond started before being subbed off for the Foxes, while Ellie Carpenter played the entire match for the Blues. But the big story was of course relating to Matildas captain Sam Kerr, not for starting before coming off, but for her historic opening goal that solidified her place in Chelsea's history books. The star striker and legend of the women's game is now the all-time leading goalscorer for both her club and country, having officially surpassed Lionesses legend Fran Kirby's record as Chelsea's all-time leading goalscorer in the Barclays WSL, having found the back of the net 64 times since signing in 2020. Congratulations Sammy! Chelsea are second on the table, though Arsenal could still overtake them as they have a game in hand.
Clare Wheeler (pictured) and Everton have a catch-up game to be played, as their match against Arsenal had to be postponed due to the Gunners qualifying for the Champions League semi-finals. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
West Ham captain Katrina Gorry wasn't part of the Hammers' squad for their 2–0 win on the road over Aston Villa. The Irons are now 10th in the league. Clare Wheeler's Everton were set to play Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord's Arsenal, but the match has been postponed due to the Champions League semi-finals. However, Arsenal did play a catch-up game against Brighton, drawing 1–1 with Caitlin Foord starting before coming off in her 200th Gunners game after a fairly poor performance, while Charlize Rule also started before coming off. The other huge story this week is that Arsenal's draw has confirmed that Mary Fowler and Manchester City are officially WSL champions! The Cityzens are unable to be caught and have officially clinched their second ever league title, their first since 2016. Chelsea's six-year winning streak in the WSL has officially ended. Congratulations Mary!
Emily van Egmond (pictured) and Leicester will be playing in the promotion/relegation playoff against Charlton at a neutral venue. The playoff serves as a one-off alternative to direct relegation due to the expansion of the WSL. Image source: Instagram (@prewcaptures and @chelseawomensg).
In the WSL 2, both Aussies' clubs suffered losses on a chaotic final day of the English second tier. Tanya Oxtoby's Newcastle United, who were without Kaitlyn Torpey, lost 1–0 at home to Durham, a loss that saw them drop down to sixth place in the final standings. Only three points below them in seventh is Nottingham Forest, who were emphatically defeated 3–0 at home by Southampton. Alana Murphy started for Forest before being subbed off. At the top of the table, while both Birmingham and Crystal Palace were promoted, Charlton were knocked down to third and have therefore confirmed their place in the promotion/relegation playoff against Emily van Egmond's Leicester.
Germany (Frauen-Bundesliga & 2. Frauen-Bundesliga) — Raso scores after coming on as a super sub against Nuremberg
Hayley Raso (pictured) scored her second goal and first Bundesliga goal for Frankfurt, scoring in the dying minutes against Nuremberg. Image source: Instagram (@eintrachtfrankfurtfrauen and @matildas).
Starting off the weekend in the Bundesliga was Eintracht Frankfurt, who won 4–1 over Nuremberg, with Leia Varley starting before coming off. However, the big moment of course belongs to the Matildas legend Hayley Raso, who came on in the first minute of second half stoppage time, scored in the fourth minute of added time to seal the huge win over Nuremberg. One more match is yet to be played, with Jamilla Rankin's Europe-pushing Hoffenheim faces off away against Bayern Munich at 2:00am AEST tomorrow night. In the 2. Bundesliga, Bochum lost 2–0 at home to Stuttgart, with Lara Kirkby coming on as a substitution. Bochum sit eighth on the ladder and cannot be promoted or relegated.
Italy (Serie A Femminile) — Heatley's Roma declared champions of Italy, winning their third scudetto
Anna Rasmussen (pictured) still hasn’t débuted for Juventus yet, but will need to get some solid minutes in to be in contention for a spot in the World Cup squad next season. Image source: Instagram (@juventuswomen).
Kicking off the weekend in the Serie A was Juventus who won 3–2 on the road over Napoli, with Anna Rasmussen annoyingly remaining an unused substitute yet again, with the talented striker yet to make her début for the Bianconere, who sit third on the table. Meanwhile, Sassuolo drew 0–0 at home with Genoa to move up to ninth place, though neither Jacynta Gala nor Jess Nash got any game time for the Neroverde.
Wini Heatley (front) celebrates with her teammates by waving a giant Italian flag after Roma were officially crowned Serie A champions after their win over Ternana. Wini has clinched silverware in just her first season at the club. Image source: Instagram (@asromawomen).
The big news however comes from the Italian capital of Rome. It's official: Roma are the champions of Italy! The Giallorosse claimed a 2–0 win at home over Ternana to clinch the scudetto with two matches to spare. Roma now have three league titles, having won their first two back-to-back in the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons. Wini Heatley was an unused sub, but nevertheless was all in on the celebrations as she lifted the trophy in her first season at the club. Having claimed the top spot, Roma have also been confirmed a spot in the league phase of the Champions League, while Inter Milan will play in the second qualifying round as they have confirmed their second place finish. Congratulations Wini!
On the other hand, in the final match of the weekend, Como lost 1–0 away to Fiorentina, with Alex Chidiac playing the entire match and getting a yellow card. Como are eighth on the ladder.
Portugal (Liga BPI) — Marítimo pick up important points as the relegation battle drags into the final day
Former Sydney FC defender Margaux Chauvet, scouted by Valadares Gaia from the American college system, finally started for the first time since joining the club. Image source: Instagram (@valadaresgaiafeminino).
In Portugal's Campeonato Nacional, the midtable is almost all up for grabs. Valadares Gaia kicked things off with a 1–0 loss at home to Rio Ave thanks to a 91st-minute winner from American midfielder Chardonnay Curran. Margaux Chauvet finally made her first start for Valadares, playing the entire match at centre back as part of Gaia's three at the back defensive line.
Leah de Oliveira (left) signing a jersey. It's quite common for women's footballers to interact with fans, especially kids, to inspire the next generation. Image source: Instagram (@csmaritimomadeira and @colegiodomaritimo).
Meanwhile, in what could have been an Aussie derby if it weren't for Carla Wilson's continued absence, Damaiense and Marítimo faced off in a crucial match in the relegation battle. Marítimo came out on top with a 2–1 win away from home, with Leah de Oliveira coming on as a late sub. This virtually relegates Damaiense due to having only 11 points and a –32 goal difference, though Marítimo are on 17 points with a –20 goal difference which also all but confirms they will play in the relegation playoff against either Racing Power (seventh) or Rio Ave (eight) depending on the results of the final day.
Sweden (Damallsvenskan & Elitettan) — Galić and Luik score, Malmö wins the Malmö Derby
Courtney Nevin (pictured) is making her way back into Malmö's starting 11 despite being benched for the first two games. Malmö are top of the Damallsvenskan table. Image source: Instagram (@malmo_ff).
Malmö kicked off the weekend in the Damallsvenskan with a 1–0 away win in the Malmö Derby against their rivals Rosengård. On the sky blue side (today the victorious side) of Malmö, Amy Sayer played the entire match while Courtney Nevin started before coming off as a sub. On the red and blue side of Malmö, Remy Siemsen started before coming off after an underwhelming performance. She registered two shots, with the first one saved and the second blocked. The win puts Malmö top of the table by one point, while Rosengård are now dead last with just a single point in their first four games.
Daniela Galić (pictured) is in great form for Vittsjö, but unfortunately hasn't played for the Matildas in quite some time. Football Australia and both the Matildas and Socceroos need to do better with young talents and dual internationals. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
Meanwhile, Vittsjö finally picked up their first win of the season by winning 1–0 at home over AIK Stockholm, and what a way to do it with Daniela Galić also scoring her first goal of the new year. Starting up front, she scored before coming off as a sub. Jada Whyman remains unavailable for AIK due to injury. AIK are sixth while Vittsjö have moved up to 10th. Speaking of goalscorers though, right after being crowned a European champion, 41-year-old veteran defender Aivi Luik played the entire match, picked up a yellow card and scored for Häcken in their 3–0 win over Djurgården at home. Goals and even assists from Aivi are rare, with this being her first since joining Getingarna in 2023, but she'll be sure to cherish this moment as that may well be her final career goal. Häcken are now third on the table, being below Hammarby but above Kristianstad on goal difference and a point below Malmö.
Polly Doran (pictured), vice-captain of Linköping, could be back in the Damallsvenskan as soon as next season after the relegation of the former giants last year. Image source: Instagram (@linkopingfootball club and @elitettan).
In the Elitettan, Polly Doran played the entirety of Linköping's 0–0 draw away with league leaders Elfsborg (a clash between two clubs fighting hard for promotion), though her performance was seen as quite poor. Linköping are third in the league, and alongside the two teams above them (Elfsborg and Umeå) are one of only three teams yet to lose this season after four matchdays.
Other leagues — Tumeth débuts in heavy loss, Première Ligue wraps up before playoffs, Gielnik's Rayadas advance in the liguilla
Tori Tumeth (pictured) débuted for Vancouver Rise, though the Rise couldn't back that up with a win and remain at the bottom of the NSL table. Image source: Instagram (@vancouverrisefc).
In Canada's NSL, Calgary Wild, who were without Kahli Johnson, kicked off the weekend with a heavy 5–2 defeat away to Ottawa Rapid. Tori Tumeth, who recently signed for Vancouver Rise from Sydney FC, has officially made her début, having come on as a substitute. However, the Rise also suffered an even heavier defeat on the road, losing 4–0 to league leaders Montréal Roses. Both the Rise and the Wild remain the only teams with zero points so far this season, thus sitting at the very bottom of the table.
Clara Hoarau and Fleury's season has concluded, with Clara once again being a substitute throughout the campaign. Image source: Instagram (@fcf91_feminines).
In France, the Première Ligue wrapped up its final day of regular season action before the playoffs, featuring Lyon, Paris FC, PSG and (for the first time since the playoffs were added) Nantes. Teagan Micah remains out for the season but nevertheless Lyon won 3–1 over Montpellier at home, finishing first by 12 points and going invincible once again. Kyah Simon was of course not in the squad for Dijon, who won 1–0 away over Marseille and finished sixth. Clara Hoarau came on as a 90th minute substitute for Fleury, who at the last minute drew 1–1 with Saint-Étienne away to finish fifth, above Dijon merely on goal difference.
In Greece's Women's A Division, Erin Kontousikos' Kifisia won 2–1 over Agia Paraskevi, though despite being a good three points, they remain 10th. Shivani Battaglia's already-relegated Nees Atromitou lost 2–0 away to Volos and sit 13th.
Emily Gielnik (pictured) and Monterrey are off to the semi-finals of the liguilla, where they will face Pachuca over two legs. The winner will face either América or Toluca in the final, also over two legs. Image source: Instagram (@emilygielnik).
In Mexico's Liga MX Femenil, Emily Gielnik and Monterrey kept their league title hopes alive with a 4–0 win at home in the second leg of their liguilla quarter-finals tie against Cruz Azul, with a hat-trick from Spanish striker Lucía García sealing the win for Rayadas. Rayadas will face Pachuca in the semi-finals, with the first leg at home and the second leg away, and will face either Club América or Toluca in the two-legged final.
In Scotland, while there was no Aussies in action in the SWPL 1 this week, there was in the SWPL 2. Emma McMurdo's Spartans won 2–0 away over Boroughmuir. Spartans are top of the promotion group, the better of the two groups formed after the split in the Scottish leagues and the one that plays for promotion (hence its name).
Transfer Talk — multiple players to be out of contract on 30 June
Charli Grant (pictured), a fan favourite at Spurs, will be departing the Lilywhites this June following the expiration of her contract. Image source: Instagram (@spurswomen).
As the season comes to a close, so do many unextended contracts. So far, only Charli Grant has been confirmed to be leaving her club (Spurs). While Steph Catley has extended her contract with Arsenal, the other two Aussie Arsenal players, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord, have not extended their contracts, with the former being widely rumoured to be leaving. Another player reportedly set to leave London is Sam Kerr, who is linked with a move to the NWSL.
On the hunt for a treble and determined to end the club's championship (grand final) curse, this Melbourne City team, now premiers for the third year in a row, is full of young stars who could well be overseas next season. Key players include Alexia Apostolakis, Leticia McKenna and Holly McNamara. Image source: Instagram (@melbournecity, @aleagues and @matildas).
The other Aussies abroad with contracts set to expire this June are Morgan Aquino (DC Power), Leah de Oliveira (Marítimo), Emily Gielnik (Monterrey), Katrina Gorry (West Ham's captain) and Teagan Micah (Lyon). Sharn Freier's loan spell at Brisbane Roar from Wolfsburg is also coming to an end. Additionally, it's likely that various A-League Women players, such as Melbourne City's Alexia Apostolakis and Holly McNamara, will seek overseas moves, and that overseas clubs may release players (such as Leicester City potentially releasing Emily van Egmond in the event of relegation).
While the women's game continues to grow Down Under, the A-League remains unstable for some clubs, with Canberra United possibly being forced to fold if they are unable to find a new owner. Similar to what happened with Western United after their liquidation, Canberra players like Michelle Heyman (pictured) would in that scenario become clubless. Image source: Instagram (@michelleheyman23).
With Canberra United's future sadly being in doubt due to their fight to find a new owner, there is also unfortunately a chance that every single Canberra player may be out of contract if the club ends up folding, similar to how Western United players were left clubless following their liquidation. Matildas players Michelle Heyman and Sally James alongside rumoured Tillies call-up Beth Gordon are among those already out of contract.
Player of the Week — Alanna Kennedy
Despite being on the losing side of the match, this week's Player of the Week award goes to Alanna Kennedy for her goal against Spurs! Well done Lani!
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, and once again, congrats to our trophy winners!
