Welcome back to Matildas Abroad, where I analyse the performances of all our Aussies playing overseas!
The Matildas Abroad series has returned following the Matildas' heartbreak loss to Japan in the Asian Cup final in Sydney in front of a record-breaking crowd, but this week was no short of action despite players still adjusting to the return to club football.
Apologies for the late upload, I've been on holidays.
Asia (Champions League) — City advance to the semis to face Tokyo Verdy in Suwon
Melbourne City (pictured) have a strong squad, but can they win the Champions League? Plus, how many will leave at the end of the season? Image source: Instagram (@melbournecity).
Melbourne City, who were crowned A-League Women premiers on Sunday following Wellington Phoenix's shock 1–0 defeat at home to Western Sydney Wanderers, managed to clinch a spot in the semi-finals of the AFC Women's Champions League. City played Uzbek side FC Nasaf in Melbourne, though despite the huge gap in quality between the two, City only ran out with a 2–1 win thanks to a goal from young gun and Matildas striker Holly McNamara and a late winner from Nigerian international Chinaza Uchendu. City will need to be better than this in the semis, as they'll be up against WE League champions Tokyo Verdy, and their performance against Nasaf was simply not good enough.
The two semi-finals and the final will be held in Suwon, South Korea on 20 and 23 May, respectively. Reigning champions Wuhan Jiangda, who controversially beat Melbourne City on penalties in last season's final, were eliminated following a shock 4–0 thrashing in Wuhan to Suwon FC. In the semis, City will face Verdy from Japan while North Korea's Naegohyang will face South Korea's Suwon. With City being A-League premiers for the third season in a row, it also means they will compete in the competition next season, meaning that even if City don't win the final they still have another chance next season.
Europe (Champions League & Europa Cup) — Gunners beat Blues after two disallowed goals, Raso all but out of the Europa Cup
While Arsenal vs Chelsea is a fan favourite fixture for Aussie fans, only one Matilda featured in the squad for either side: Ellie Carpenter (pictured), who was an unused sub for the Blues. Chances are more will play in the return leg tomorrow morning. Image source: Instagram (@wchampionsleague).
The UEFA Women's Champions League and UEFA Women's Europa Cup returned for the first legs of the quarter-finals and they did not disappoint! As of the quarters, six Aussies remain in the competition. Lyon kicked things off with a shock 1–0 loss away to Wolfsburg, though Teagan Micah remains out injured. Being a narrow lead, the fixture's still play for in the second leg tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, Arsenal commanded with a controversial 3–1 win over rivals Chelsea at home at the Emirates Stadium, with the Chels having two disallowed goals. No Aussies featured in either side's squads, except for Ellie Carpenter who was an unused sub for the Blues. Likewise with Lyon and Wolfsburg, the two London giants meet again tomorrow morning (in their case at Stamford Bridge) and while Arsenal have a two-goal advantage, Chelsea did overturn Man City's 2–0 lead in last season's quarter-finals. The winner of Lyon vs Wolfsburg will face the winner of the North West London Derby in the semi-finals.
Aivi Luik (pictured), aged 40, could potentially win a treble with Häcken, with Getingarna having secured last season's league title and being in the finals of the Svenska Cupen and now the Europa Cup as well. Image source: Instagram (@weuropacup and @weplaystrong).
Meanwhile, in the Europa Cup, while Hayley Raso did not feature in Eintracht Frankfurt's squad for their semi-final against Häcken, Aivi Luik played the full match for Häcken who cruised to a thumping 3–0 away win over Frankfurt to all but secure a place in the two-legged final against either Hammarby or Sparta Prague. The second leg will be held in two days time in Gothenburg.
America (NWSL & USL Super League) — Arnold keeps a clean sheet, McLean returns to Sydney FC
Mackenzie Arnold (pictured) returned back in form at Providence Park, keeping a clean sheet for Portland Thorns in their 2–0 win over NWSL Shield holders KC Current. Image source: Instagram (@mackenziearnold).
Following the Aussies' return from the Asian Cup, Portland Thorns came in clutch with a 2–0 win at home over reigning NWSL Shield holders Kansas City Current, with Mackenzie Arnold keeping a clean sheet for the Thorns who sit fourth on the standings. Meanwhile, it was a completely different story for Cortnee Vine who was an unused sub for North Carolina Courage who are 11th in the NWSL. Up next we have what should be an ultimate Aussie matchup as the Courage host the Thorns, but it looks like Cortnee's future at the Courage is in doubt due to her lack of game time. Similarly, her girlfriend Charlotte McLean has returned to Australia, re-signing for a majorly underperforming Sydney FC and starting in the Sky Blues' backline for their 2–1 home win over Melbourne Victory in the Big Blue (just our fourth win with one game left in what is our worst A-League Men or Women season ever, fighting for the wooden spoon for the first time ever).
Morgan Aquino (pictured) was an injury replacement for Jada Whyman at the Asian Cup, being called up for her first major tournament. While she didn't play any minutes at all, the DC Power keeper remains on the radar for the Matildas. Image source: Instagram (@morganaquino).
In the USL Super League, Fort Lauderdale United drew 1–1 away with Carolina Ascent, though Sophie Harding was an unused sub and Maddy McComasky wasn't in the squad at all for Fort Lauderdale, who sit last on the ladder. Morgan Aquino's DC Power play second-placed Lexington SC at home tomorrow morning, with the Power currently sitting fifth.
England (WSL, WSL2 & WNL) — Foord & Kerr score in massive week of English football
Clare Wheeler (pictured) played for Everton in a hotly-contested Merseyside Derby last weekend, in which Liverpool beat them for the first time in the WSL since 2019 and the first time away in the WSL since 2017. Image source: Instagram (@clarewheeler).
What a week of English women's football, with derbies and key matches across the football pyramid! Everton kicked things off with a Merseyside Derby, with Liverpool getting their revenge and winning 3–2 away from home to paint the city red. While Liverpool have the better record in cup competitions, it's the Reds' first win against Everton in the WSL since 2019 and their first away win over Everton in the WSL since 2017. Clare Wheeler, likely still adjusting after returning from the Asian Cup, came on as a late sub for the Toffees who unsuccessfully attempted a late comeback. Meanwhile, in another very hotly-contested derby, Man City ran out 3–0 winners over Man United away, beating them 3–0 for the second time this season and painting Manchester blue. Mary Fowler came on as a late substitute for City, who had already secured the win thanks to goals from Dutch duo Viv Miedema (who scored a brace) and later Kerstin Casparij, one of Mary's close friends.
Caitlin Foord (pictured) scored for Arsenal in the North London Derby, which the Gunners won comfortably. While Tottenham have certainly improved over the years, there's still a clear gap between the Big Four and the rest of the WSL. Image source: Instagram (@433womenfc).
In another derby, my Tottenham suffered a 5–2 defeat to Arsenal away in the North London Derby, with Caitlin Foord coming on and scoring the fourth goal, while Steph Catley played the full match in defence, returning to her usual centre back role after being surprisingly put back at left back for the Matildas in the Asian Cup. Neither of Spurs' two Aussies featured, with Charli Grant once again not playing (this time being out of the squad altogether) while Clare Hunt is undergoing knee surgery following an injury obtained at the Asian Cup on home soil. Charli's future in lilywhite is unclear, with her having played few minutes all season and currently visiting her old Adelaide United teammate Lara Kirkby (who plays for Bochum) in Germany. Kyra Cooney-Cross will miss the rest of the season for personal reasons, as her mum has been diagnosed with stage four bile duct cancer that cannot be cured. We are wishing Kyra and her family all the best.
Sam Kerr (pictured) scored and assisted for Chelsea as they turned around what could have been a shock loss or draw to Aston Villa. Image source: Instagram (@samanthakerr20).
In a match involving another London side, Chelsea managed a 4–3 comeback win over Aston Villa at home, with Sam Kerr playing the full match up top and scoring the equaliser to make it 1–1 as well as providing the assist for German international Sjoeke Nüsken's winner. Ellie Carpenter played the full match in defence. On the other side of London, a semi-derby was played as West Ham drew 1–1 at home with London City, with the term "semi-derby" being applied as while they aren’t direct rivals, London City was formed as a breakaway club from Millwall Lionesses, with Millwall being the Hammers' arch-rivals. Katrina Gorry came on for the Irons at half-time, while Asian Cup MVP and the Matildas' surprise top scorer at the Asian Cup Alanna Kennedy came on later in the second half for the Lionesses. No Aussies played in Leicester's 1–0 home loss to Brighton, with Emily van Egmond being an unused substitute for the Foxes and Charlize Rule being an unused sub for the Seagulls. Brighton manager Dario Vidošić was given a yellow card.
For a quick look at the WSL table: Man City remain nine points clear at the top with Chelsea second, though Arsenal are third with two games in hand and could overtake Chelsea. Outside the European spots, Man United are fourth, Tottenham are fifth and, after an eight-point gap, Brighton are sixth to round out the top half of the table. In the bottom half, London City are seventh, Everton are eighth, Aston Villa are ninth and Liverpool are 10th. The relegation battle is between 11th-placed West Ham and 12th-placed Leicester, with the Hammers being four points clear of the relegation playoff spot (a one-time replacement for direct relegation due to the expansion of the WSL from 12 to 14 teams).
Kaitlyn Torpey (pictured) arriving back and greeting her Newcastle United teammates after a very warm welcome upon her return from the Asian Cup on home soil, in which Torps played quite well in our quarter and semi-final matches against North Korea and China respectively. Image source: Instagram (@kaitlyntorpey, @matildas and @newcastleunitedwomen).
In the WSL2, Kaitlyn Torpey came on as a sub for Newcastle United, managed by Tanya Oxtoby, who drew 1–1 away with arch-rivals Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear Derby. The Magpies are slipping away from promotion but nevertheless are still fourth and only three points off Crystal Palace (home to Brisbane-raised Football Fern and former one-cap Matilda Indiah-Paige Riley) who occupy the promotion playoff spot. However, direct promotion is a while away, with Birmingham being six points higher and Charlton being nine points higher than the Toon. Meanwhile, Alana Murphy played the full match for Nottingham Forest who beat Durham 2–1 at home, with the former Melbourne Victory midfielder coming up against a familiar face in American-born Venezuelan international Mariana Speckmaier who used to play for Melbourne Derby rivals Melbourne City.
Racheal Quigley (pictured) and Wolves painted Black Country yellow and black as they won the Black Country Derby to increase their hopes of promotion to the WSL2. Image source: Instagram (@wolveswomenfc).
In the National Leagues, Bonnie Davies' Halifax lost 2–0 away to league leaders Burnley, with Halifax being threatened with relegation and 10th in the league, only above the relegation places on goal difference. Meanwhile, Racheal Quigley's Wolves beat Black Country Derby rivals West Brom 1–0 at home and sit second in the National League North, thus being the promotion playoff spot and only four points behind the Clarets at the top of the table. Meanwhile, in the National League South, Anna Powell's Gwalia United beat Real Bedford 1–0 away and sit eighth on the table. Meleri Mullan's Hashtag United lost 2–0 away to Oxford, with the club being in danger of relegation, sitting in 10th and just four points clear of the drop zone.
Germany (Frauen-Bundesliga & 2. Frauen-Bundesliga) — Rankin & Raso's future in Germany in doubt
Leia Varley (pictured) is making her way into the starting 11 for Nuremberg, having started three consecutive games for the lower midtable Frauen-Bundesliga side. Image source: Instagram (@leiavarley).
This week for Aussies in Germany, Nuremberg kicked things off with a 2–0 loss to Bayern Munich, with Bayern scoring twice in the second half. Leia Varley played the full 90 minutes in defence (specifically in her position of right centre back), with the former Brisbane Roar centre back looking like she's solidifying her spot in the starting 11, having now started three consecutive matches for Der Club, who sit 11th and seven points clear of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Hayley Raso was left out of the squad altogether for Eintracht Frankfurt after returning from the Asian Cup, further casting doubts on her future at the club. Die Adler defeated Cologne 2–1 away from home and are now third on the ladder and in a European place.
Lara Kirkby (pictured) and Bochum have little to play for, not being in the promotion nor relegation race, but she nevertheless is still enjoying life in Germany. Image source: Instagram (@vflbochum1848_frauen).
Challenging for Frankfurt's European spot, Hoffenheim beat Freiburg 2–1 away and sit fourth on the ladder and only four points behind Frankfurt. Jamilla Rankin only came on as a substitute in the 88th minute, however, also casting doubts on her future in the Bundesliga after being dropped from her starting place that she previously held tight. In the 2. Bundesliga, Bochum drew 0–0 with Viktoria Berlin, sitting seventh on the ladder. Lara Kirkby was subbed on for Bochum.
Italy (Coppa Italia Femminile) — Heatley and Rasmussen to face off as Roma and Juventus play their third cup final this season
Wini Heatley (pictured) and Roma will play their third cup final against Juventus this season. With Juve having won the last two and Roma looking likely to win the league, can Roma claim a double as Juve have or will Juve claim a treble of cups? Image source: Instagram (@asromawomen).
There were no Serie A matches this week, as the Coppa Italia semi-finals were played out this week. In the Coppa Italia, Wini Heatley came on as a sub for Roma in their 2–1 away win over Inter Milan which saw them advance 3–2 on aggregate, while Annalise Rasmussen was yet again an unused substitute for Juventus who beat Fiorentina 2–1 at home and 4–1 on aggregate, paving way for a third Juve vs Roma cup final this season following Le Bianconere's victories over Le Giallorosse in the Serie A Cup final in the preseason and the Supercoppa final earlier in the year, with Roma aiming to be third-time lucky against Juve.
Annalise Rasmussen (pictured) has completed the first five steps of her Juventus journey: she's signed the deal, she's moved to Turin, she's worn the kit, she's trained with the team and she's been on the bench. Now it's time for the next step: to make her début! Oh, and maybe to get her Instagram account verified with a blue tick! Image source: Instagram (@annalise.rasmussen1 and @juventuswomen).
With Anna yet to make her début in black and white, it would be good to know whether the young and talented Gosford girl is in the club's plans or if she'll be loaned out. Nevertheless, she has only just arrived in Turin from Central Coast Mariners due to being stuck in Doha. As Perth is currently the only place Australians can fly directly to Italy from (with direct flights from Perth to Rome), it appears she went on a Qatar Airways flight from Sydney to Doha that was intended on heading to Turin, though was unable to get to Turin for a while due to the war in Iran. However, she has made it back safely and has been training with the first team, as well as being present on the bench.
Portugal (Liga BPI & Taça da Liga Feminina) — Chauvet's Valadares Gaia fall short in Taça da Liga final
While Margaux Chauvet (pictured) didn't feature in the squad for the final, her new club Valadares Gaia were runners-up in the Taça da Liga, losing 1–0 in the final to Torreense. Image source: Instagram (@margauxchauvett and @valadaresgaiafeminino).
It was a relatively quiet week for Aussies in Portugal, with only one Liga BPI match this week. In that match, Carla Wilson's relegation-threatened Damaiense drew 1–1 at home with Vitória de Guimarães.
The big news however is the Taça da Liga final at Estádio do Fontelo in Viseu, in which Torreense defeated Valadares Gaia 1–0 to claim their first ever title in Portugal's league cup competition, which was founded in 2020 and has been won by Benfica all but (now) twice, with the only other year that another team has won it being Braga who defeated Benfica on penalties in the 2022 final. It was also the first final of the tournament in which Benfica did not play in, and the first that neither Braga nor Sporting Lisbon played in. Nevertheless, unfortunately Margaux Chauvet was not in the squad at all for the historic final.
Sweden (Damallsvenskan & Elitettan) — Sayer scores as Malmö FF top the table in the opening round
Daniela Galić (right) is set for a big season at Vittsjö, and hopefully will return to the Matildas setup following her great form last season. Image source: Instagram (@vittsjogikofcl).
This week saw the return of Swedish women's football, with the Damallsvenskan and Elitettan kicking off with their opening rounds over the weekend. AIK started the action with a 1–0 win over Norrköping, though Jada Whyman is still out injured. Daniela Galić, normally an attacking midfielder, was placed up front as a striker for Vittsjö, who suffered a shocking 2–1 away defeat to newly-promoted Eskilstuna United, though it looks like she personally played alright.
Amy Sayer (pictured) scored her first league goal, second competitive goal and third goal overall for Malmö. Despite a poor cup campaign, Malmö's major spending has so far paid off in the league, being top of the ladder after the opening round. Image source: Instagram (@malmo_ff).
The big news comes from Malmö however, who defeated newly-promoted Uppsala 3–0 at home. In the match, Amy Sayer came on as a sub (ironically replacing Vesna Milivojević, who was born in Australia but plays for Serbia) and scored the second goal, while Courtney Nevin also came on as a sub and helped set up the third goal. Amy has now scored thrice since joining Malmö in the preseason after she left Kristianstad (her second competitive goal and her first league goal in sky blue and white). By all accounts, it looks like she's setting in well at Malmö, only an hour and 10 minute drive from Kristianstad.
Remy Siemsen (pictured) made her league début for Rosengård. The most successful club in the Damallsvenskan, Rosengård battled relegation in what was their worst season ever in 2025, and therefore FCR will be looking to majorly improve this season. Image source: Instagram (@remyysiemsen).
Aivi Luik was not in the matchday squad for reigning champions Häcken, who beat Brommapojkarna 3–2 at home. On the other hand, Remy Siemsen started before being subbed off in Rosengård's 3–1 loss away to Hammarby. Meanwhile, in the Elitettan, newly-relegated former giants Linköping won 3–2 away over Göteborg, leaving LFC fourth after the opening matchday. You may recognise IFK Göteborg from the Herrallsvenskan, as they're quite a big name in Swedish men’s football. However, in the women's game, the club is only just starting to break through, with fellow Gothenburg rivals BK Häcken being much more successful (majorly due to the club buying Kopparberg/Göteborg).
Now for a wrap-up of the table: Malmö top the table in the first matchweek, with Hammarby in second and Häcken in third, with the top three (the Champions League teams) being so far unchanged from last season though reordered. Kristianstad are fourth while Djurgården are fifth, with Eskilstuna in sixth and AIK in seventh to round out the teams with a positive goal difference. For the teams with a negative goal difference: Brommapojkarna are eighth, Piteå are ninth, Växjö are 10th, Vittsjö are 11th, then in the relegation playoff spot is 12th-placed Norrköping before the bottom two (relegation spots): 13th-placed Rosengård and 14th-placed Uppsala.
Other leagues — no action in Scotland, not much to see in France
Clara Hoarau, who was born in the French territory and non-FIFA member of Réunion, was looking forward to débuting for the Young Matildas at the U20 Asian Cup. However, she has been ruled out due to injury and will return to her club Fleury. Image source: Instagram (@fcf91_feminines).
It was a pretty quiet week in France's Première Ligue. Lyon shockingly drew 2–2 away with Strasbourg, with Teagan Micah still injured. Despite the draw, Lyon remain 14 points clear at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Fleury, who were without Clara Hoarau who was with the Young Matildas at the U20 Asian Cup in Thailand but will return home due to injury, lost 2–1 away to Paris FC and sit sixth. Kyah Simon was not in the matchday squad altogether for Dijon, who beat Le Havre 2–1 at home and sit sixth on the ladder.
Erin Kontousikos (pictured) will remain in the Alpha Ethniki provided she doesn't leave Kifisia, despite Kifisia being quite low on the table. All four teams in the relegation zone have been confirmed to be relegated: Trikala, Nees Atromitou, Volos and Acharnikos, in that order. Image source: Instagram (@erin_kontousikos).
In Greece's Women's A Division, Erin Kontousikos' Kifisia suffered a heavy 4–0 away defeat to OFI Crete. Kifisia are 10th in the league, so while it looks like they're battling relegation, in reality they are unable to be relegated as they have four games left and are 14 points clear of 11th place, meaning the relegation places have already been relegated (and oddly, Greece will be relegating four teams this season). One of those teams that have already been relegated is college-developed Shivani Battaglia's Nees Atromitou, who are 12th and unable to be relegated. They played out a 0–0 draw at home with Volos, who are 13th and thus also have been relegated.
While Emily Gielnik (pictured) has been getting less minutes since she signing, her club Monterrey are top of the table in the Clausura stage, the second stage of the Liga MX. Image source: Instagram (@rayadas).
In Mexico's Liga MX Femenil, Monterrey defeated Pachuca 1–0 away from home to remain three points clear of second-placed Club América at the top of the Clausura stage table. Emily Gielnik came on as a sub for Rayadas.
There was no action this week in Scotland's SWPL nor in the SWPL 2.
Player of the Week — Sam Kerr
This week's Player of the Week award goes to Sam Kerr for her brace against Aston Villa in the WSL! Well done 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!
The Matildas Abroad series has returned following the Matildas' heartbreak loss to Japan in the Asian Cup final in Sydney in front of a record-breaking crowd, but this week was no short of action despite players still adjusting to the return to club football.
Apologies for the late upload, I've been on holidays.
Asia (Champions League) — City advance to the semis to face Tokyo Verdy in Suwon
Melbourne City (pictured) have a strong squad, but can they win the Champions League? Plus, how many will leave at the end of the season? Image source: Instagram (@melbournecity).
Melbourne City, who were crowned A-League Women premiers on Sunday following Wellington Phoenix's shock 1–0 defeat at home to Western Sydney Wanderers, managed to clinch a spot in the semi-finals of the AFC Women's Champions League. City played Uzbek side FC Nasaf in Melbourne, though despite the huge gap in quality between the two, City only ran out with a 2–1 win thanks to a goal from young gun and Matildas striker Holly McNamara and a late winner from Nigerian international Chinaza Uchendu. City will need to be better than this in the semis, as they'll be up against WE League champions Tokyo Verdy, and their performance against Nasaf was simply not good enough.
The two semi-finals and the final will be held in Suwon, South Korea on 20 and 23 May, respectively. Reigning champions Wuhan Jiangda, who controversially beat Melbourne City on penalties in last season's final, were eliminated following a shock 4–0 thrashing in Wuhan to Suwon FC. In the semis, City will face Verdy from Japan while North Korea's Naegohyang will face South Korea's Suwon. With City being A-League premiers for the third season in a row, it also means they will compete in the competition next season, meaning that even if City don't win the final they still have another chance next season.
Europe (Champions League & Europa Cup) — Gunners beat Blues after two disallowed goals, Raso all but out of the Europa Cup
While Arsenal vs Chelsea is a fan favourite fixture for Aussie fans, only one Matilda featured in the squad for either side: Ellie Carpenter (pictured), who was an unused sub for the Blues. Chances are more will play in the return leg tomorrow morning. Image source: Instagram (@wchampionsleague).
The UEFA Women's Champions League and UEFA Women's Europa Cup returned for the first legs of the quarter-finals and they did not disappoint! As of the quarters, six Aussies remain in the competition. Lyon kicked things off with a shock 1–0 loss away to Wolfsburg, though Teagan Micah remains out injured. Being a narrow lead, the fixture's still play for in the second leg tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, Arsenal commanded with a controversial 3–1 win over rivals Chelsea at home at the Emirates Stadium, with the Chels having two disallowed goals. No Aussies featured in either side's squads, except for Ellie Carpenter who was an unused sub for the Blues. Likewise with Lyon and Wolfsburg, the two London giants meet again tomorrow morning (in their case at Stamford Bridge) and while Arsenal have a two-goal advantage, Chelsea did overturn Man City's 2–0 lead in last season's quarter-finals. The winner of Lyon vs Wolfsburg will face the winner of the North West London Derby in the semi-finals.
Aivi Luik (pictured), aged 40, could potentially win a treble with Häcken, with Getingarna having secured last season's league title and being in the finals of the Svenska Cupen and now the Europa Cup as well. Image source: Instagram (@weuropacup and @weplaystrong).
Meanwhile, in the Europa Cup, while Hayley Raso did not feature in Eintracht Frankfurt's squad for their semi-final against Häcken, Aivi Luik played the full match for Häcken who cruised to a thumping 3–0 away win over Frankfurt to all but secure a place in the two-legged final against either Hammarby or Sparta Prague. The second leg will be held in two days time in Gothenburg.
America (NWSL & USL Super League) — Arnold keeps a clean sheet, McLean returns to Sydney FC
Mackenzie Arnold (pictured) returned back in form at Providence Park, keeping a clean sheet for Portland Thorns in their 2–0 win over NWSL Shield holders KC Current. Image source: Instagram (@mackenziearnold).
Following the Aussies' return from the Asian Cup, Portland Thorns came in clutch with a 2–0 win at home over reigning NWSL Shield holders Kansas City Current, with Mackenzie Arnold keeping a clean sheet for the Thorns who sit fourth on the standings. Meanwhile, it was a completely different story for Cortnee Vine who was an unused sub for North Carolina Courage who are 11th in the NWSL. Up next we have what should be an ultimate Aussie matchup as the Courage host the Thorns, but it looks like Cortnee's future at the Courage is in doubt due to her lack of game time. Similarly, her girlfriend Charlotte McLean has returned to Australia, re-signing for a majorly underperforming Sydney FC and starting in the Sky Blues' backline for their 2–1 home win over Melbourne Victory in the Big Blue (just our fourth win with one game left in what is our worst A-League Men or Women season ever, fighting for the wooden spoon for the first time ever).
Morgan Aquino (pictured) was an injury replacement for Jada Whyman at the Asian Cup, being called up for her first major tournament. While she didn't play any minutes at all, the DC Power keeper remains on the radar for the Matildas. Image source: Instagram (@morganaquino).
In the USL Super League, Fort Lauderdale United drew 1–1 away with Carolina Ascent, though Sophie Harding was an unused sub and Maddy McComasky wasn't in the squad at all for Fort Lauderdale, who sit last on the ladder. Morgan Aquino's DC Power play second-placed Lexington SC at home tomorrow morning, with the Power currently sitting fifth.
England (WSL, WSL2 & WNL) — Foord & Kerr score in massive week of English football
Clare Wheeler (pictured) played for Everton in a hotly-contested Merseyside Derby last weekend, in which Liverpool beat them for the first time in the WSL since 2019 and the first time away in the WSL since 2017. Image source: Instagram (@clarewheeler).
What a week of English women's football, with derbies and key matches across the football pyramid! Everton kicked things off with a Merseyside Derby, with Liverpool getting their revenge and winning 3–2 away from home to paint the city red. While Liverpool have the better record in cup competitions, it's the Reds' first win against Everton in the WSL since 2019 and their first away win over Everton in the WSL since 2017. Clare Wheeler, likely still adjusting after returning from the Asian Cup, came on as a late sub for the Toffees who unsuccessfully attempted a late comeback. Meanwhile, in another very hotly-contested derby, Man City ran out 3–0 winners over Man United away, beating them 3–0 for the second time this season and painting Manchester blue. Mary Fowler came on as a late substitute for City, who had already secured the win thanks to goals from Dutch duo Viv Miedema (who scored a brace) and later Kerstin Casparij, one of Mary's close friends.
Caitlin Foord (pictured) scored for Arsenal in the North London Derby, which the Gunners won comfortably. While Tottenham have certainly improved over the years, there's still a clear gap between the Big Four and the rest of the WSL. Image source: Instagram (@433womenfc).
In another derby, my Tottenham suffered a 5–2 defeat to Arsenal away in the North London Derby, with Caitlin Foord coming on and scoring the fourth goal, while Steph Catley played the full match in defence, returning to her usual centre back role after being surprisingly put back at left back for the Matildas in the Asian Cup. Neither of Spurs' two Aussies featured, with Charli Grant once again not playing (this time being out of the squad altogether) while Clare Hunt is undergoing knee surgery following an injury obtained at the Asian Cup on home soil. Charli's future in lilywhite is unclear, with her having played few minutes all season and currently visiting her old Adelaide United teammate Lara Kirkby (who plays for Bochum) in Germany. Kyra Cooney-Cross will miss the rest of the season for personal reasons, as her mum has been diagnosed with stage four bile duct cancer that cannot be cured. We are wishing Kyra and her family all the best.
Sam Kerr (pictured) scored and assisted for Chelsea as they turned around what could have been a shock loss or draw to Aston Villa. Image source: Instagram (@samanthakerr20).
In a match involving another London side, Chelsea managed a 4–3 comeback win over Aston Villa at home, with Sam Kerr playing the full match up top and scoring the equaliser to make it 1–1 as well as providing the assist for German international Sjoeke Nüsken's winner. Ellie Carpenter played the full match in defence. On the other side of London, a semi-derby was played as West Ham drew 1–1 at home with London City, with the term "semi-derby" being applied as while they aren’t direct rivals, London City was formed as a breakaway club from Millwall Lionesses, with Millwall being the Hammers' arch-rivals. Katrina Gorry came on for the Irons at half-time, while Asian Cup MVP and the Matildas' surprise top scorer at the Asian Cup Alanna Kennedy came on later in the second half for the Lionesses. No Aussies played in Leicester's 1–0 home loss to Brighton, with Emily van Egmond being an unused substitute for the Foxes and Charlize Rule being an unused sub for the Seagulls. Brighton manager Dario Vidošić was given a yellow card.
For a quick look at the WSL table: Man City remain nine points clear at the top with Chelsea second, though Arsenal are third with two games in hand and could overtake Chelsea. Outside the European spots, Man United are fourth, Tottenham are fifth and, after an eight-point gap, Brighton are sixth to round out the top half of the table. In the bottom half, London City are seventh, Everton are eighth, Aston Villa are ninth and Liverpool are 10th. The relegation battle is between 11th-placed West Ham and 12th-placed Leicester, with the Hammers being four points clear of the relegation playoff spot (a one-time replacement for direct relegation due to the expansion of the WSL from 12 to 14 teams).
Kaitlyn Torpey (pictured) arriving back and greeting her Newcastle United teammates after a very warm welcome upon her return from the Asian Cup on home soil, in which Torps played quite well in our quarter and semi-final matches against North Korea and China respectively. Image source: Instagram (@kaitlyntorpey, @matildas and @newcastleunitedwomen).
In the WSL2, Kaitlyn Torpey came on as a sub for Newcastle United, managed by Tanya Oxtoby, who drew 1–1 away with arch-rivals Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear Derby. The Magpies are slipping away from promotion but nevertheless are still fourth and only three points off Crystal Palace (home to Brisbane-raised Football Fern and former one-cap Matilda Indiah-Paige Riley) who occupy the promotion playoff spot. However, direct promotion is a while away, with Birmingham being six points higher and Charlton being nine points higher than the Toon. Meanwhile, Alana Murphy played the full match for Nottingham Forest who beat Durham 2–1 at home, with the former Melbourne Victory midfielder coming up against a familiar face in American-born Venezuelan international Mariana Speckmaier who used to play for Melbourne Derby rivals Melbourne City.
Racheal Quigley (pictured) and Wolves painted Black Country yellow and black as they won the Black Country Derby to increase their hopes of promotion to the WSL2. Image source: Instagram (@wolveswomenfc).
In the National Leagues, Bonnie Davies' Halifax lost 2–0 away to league leaders Burnley, with Halifax being threatened with relegation and 10th in the league, only above the relegation places on goal difference. Meanwhile, Racheal Quigley's Wolves beat Black Country Derby rivals West Brom 1–0 at home and sit second in the National League North, thus being the promotion playoff spot and only four points behind the Clarets at the top of the table. Meanwhile, in the National League South, Anna Powell's Gwalia United beat Real Bedford 1–0 away and sit eighth on the table. Meleri Mullan's Hashtag United lost 2–0 away to Oxford, with the club being in danger of relegation, sitting in 10th and just four points clear of the drop zone.
Germany (Frauen-Bundesliga & 2. Frauen-Bundesliga) — Rankin & Raso's future in Germany in doubt
Leia Varley (pictured) is making her way into the starting 11 for Nuremberg, having started three consecutive games for the lower midtable Frauen-Bundesliga side. Image source: Instagram (@leiavarley).
This week for Aussies in Germany, Nuremberg kicked things off with a 2–0 loss to Bayern Munich, with Bayern scoring twice in the second half. Leia Varley played the full 90 minutes in defence (specifically in her position of right centre back), with the former Brisbane Roar centre back looking like she's solidifying her spot in the starting 11, having now started three consecutive matches for Der Club, who sit 11th and seven points clear of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Hayley Raso was left out of the squad altogether for Eintracht Frankfurt after returning from the Asian Cup, further casting doubts on her future at the club. Die Adler defeated Cologne 2–1 away from home and are now third on the ladder and in a European place.
Lara Kirkby (pictured) and Bochum have little to play for, not being in the promotion nor relegation race, but she nevertheless is still enjoying life in Germany. Image source: Instagram (@vflbochum1848_frauen).
Challenging for Frankfurt's European spot, Hoffenheim beat Freiburg 2–1 away and sit fourth on the ladder and only four points behind Frankfurt. Jamilla Rankin only came on as a substitute in the 88th minute, however, also casting doubts on her future in the Bundesliga after being dropped from her starting place that she previously held tight. In the 2. Bundesliga, Bochum drew 0–0 with Viktoria Berlin, sitting seventh on the ladder. Lara Kirkby was subbed on for Bochum.
Italy (Coppa Italia Femminile) — Heatley and Rasmussen to face off as Roma and Juventus play their third cup final this season
Wini Heatley (pictured) and Roma will play their third cup final against Juventus this season. With Juve having won the last two and Roma looking likely to win the league, can Roma claim a double as Juve have or will Juve claim a treble of cups? Image source: Instagram (@asromawomen).
There were no Serie A matches this week, as the Coppa Italia semi-finals were played out this week. In the Coppa Italia, Wini Heatley came on as a sub for Roma in their 2–1 away win over Inter Milan which saw them advance 3–2 on aggregate, while Annalise Rasmussen was yet again an unused substitute for Juventus who beat Fiorentina 2–1 at home and 4–1 on aggregate, paving way for a third Juve vs Roma cup final this season following Le Bianconere's victories over Le Giallorosse in the Serie A Cup final in the preseason and the Supercoppa final earlier in the year, with Roma aiming to be third-time lucky against Juve.
Annalise Rasmussen (pictured) has completed the first five steps of her Juventus journey: she's signed the deal, she's moved to Turin, she's worn the kit, she's trained with the team and she's been on the bench. Now it's time for the next step: to make her début! Oh, and maybe to get her Instagram account verified with a blue tick! Image source: Instagram (@annalise.rasmussen1 and @juventuswomen).
With Anna yet to make her début in black and white, it would be good to know whether the young and talented Gosford girl is in the club's plans or if she'll be loaned out. Nevertheless, she has only just arrived in Turin from Central Coast Mariners due to being stuck in Doha. As Perth is currently the only place Australians can fly directly to Italy from (with direct flights from Perth to Rome), it appears she went on a Qatar Airways flight from Sydney to Doha that was intended on heading to Turin, though was unable to get to Turin for a while due to the war in Iran. However, she has made it back safely and has been training with the first team, as well as being present on the bench.
Portugal (Liga BPI & Taça da Liga Feminina) — Chauvet's Valadares Gaia fall short in Taça da Liga final
While Margaux Chauvet (pictured) didn't feature in the squad for the final, her new club Valadares Gaia were runners-up in the Taça da Liga, losing 1–0 in the final to Torreense. Image source: Instagram (@margauxchauvett and @valadaresgaiafeminino).
It was a relatively quiet week for Aussies in Portugal, with only one Liga BPI match this week. In that match, Carla Wilson's relegation-threatened Damaiense drew 1–1 at home with Vitória de Guimarães.
The big news however is the Taça da Liga final at Estádio do Fontelo in Viseu, in which Torreense defeated Valadares Gaia 1–0 to claim their first ever title in Portugal's league cup competition, which was founded in 2020 and has been won by Benfica all but (now) twice, with the only other year that another team has won it being Braga who defeated Benfica on penalties in the 2022 final. It was also the first final of the tournament in which Benfica did not play in, and the first that neither Braga nor Sporting Lisbon played in. Nevertheless, unfortunately Margaux Chauvet was not in the squad at all for the historic final.
Sweden (Damallsvenskan & Elitettan) — Sayer scores as Malmö FF top the table in the opening round
Daniela Galić (right) is set for a big season at Vittsjö, and hopefully will return to the Matildas setup following her great form last season. Image source: Instagram (@vittsjogikofcl).
This week saw the return of Swedish women's football, with the Damallsvenskan and Elitettan kicking off with their opening rounds over the weekend. AIK started the action with a 1–0 win over Norrköping, though Jada Whyman is still out injured. Daniela Galić, normally an attacking midfielder, was placed up front as a striker for Vittsjö, who suffered a shocking 2–1 away defeat to newly-promoted Eskilstuna United, though it looks like she personally played alright.
The big news comes from Malmö however, who defeated newly-promoted Uppsala 3–0 at home. In the match, Amy Sayer came on as a sub (ironically replacing Vesna Milivojević, who was born in Australia but plays for Serbia) and scored the second goal, while Courtney Nevin also came on as a sub and helped set up the third goal. Amy has now scored thrice since joining Malmö in the preseason after she left Kristianstad (her second competitive goal and her first league goal in sky blue and white). By all accounts, it looks like she's setting in well at Malmö, only an hour and 10 minute drive from Kristianstad.
Remy Siemsen (pictured) made her league début for Rosengård. The most successful club in the Damallsvenskan, Rosengård battled relegation in what was their worst season ever in 2025, and therefore FCR will be looking to majorly improve this season. Image source: Instagram (@remyysiemsen).
Aivi Luik was not in the matchday squad for reigning champions Häcken, who beat Brommapojkarna 3–2 at home. On the other hand, Remy Siemsen started before being subbed off in Rosengård's 3–1 loss away to Hammarby. Meanwhile, in the Elitettan, newly-relegated former giants Linköping won 3–2 away over Göteborg, leaving LFC fourth after the opening matchday. You may recognise IFK Göteborg from the Herrallsvenskan, as they're quite a big name in Swedish men’s football. However, in the women's game, the club is only just starting to break through, with fellow Gothenburg rivals BK Häcken being much more successful (majorly due to the club buying Kopparberg/Göteborg).
Now for a wrap-up of the table: Malmö top the table in the first matchweek, with Hammarby in second and Häcken in third, with the top three (the Champions League teams) being so far unchanged from last season though reordered. Kristianstad are fourth while Djurgården are fifth, with Eskilstuna in sixth and AIK in seventh to round out the teams with a positive goal difference. For the teams with a negative goal difference: Brommapojkarna are eighth, Piteå are ninth, Växjö are 10th, Vittsjö are 11th, then in the relegation playoff spot is 12th-placed Norrköping before the bottom two (relegation spots): 13th-placed Rosengård and 14th-placed Uppsala.
Other leagues — no action in Scotland, not much to see in France
Clara Hoarau, who was born in the French territory and non-FIFA member of Réunion, was looking forward to débuting for the Young Matildas at the U20 Asian Cup. However, she has been ruled out due to injury and will return to her club Fleury. Image source: Instagram (@fcf91_feminines).
It was a pretty quiet week in France's Première Ligue. Lyon shockingly drew 2–2 away with Strasbourg, with Teagan Micah still injured. Despite the draw, Lyon remain 14 points clear at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Fleury, who were without Clara Hoarau who was with the Young Matildas at the U20 Asian Cup in Thailand but will return home due to injury, lost 2–1 away to Paris FC and sit sixth. Kyah Simon was not in the matchday squad altogether for Dijon, who beat Le Havre 2–1 at home and sit sixth on the ladder.
Erin Kontousikos (pictured) will remain in the Alpha Ethniki provided she doesn't leave Kifisia, despite Kifisia being quite low on the table. All four teams in the relegation zone have been confirmed to be relegated: Trikala, Nees Atromitou, Volos and Acharnikos, in that order. Image source: Instagram (@erin_kontousikos).
In Greece's Women's A Division, Erin Kontousikos' Kifisia suffered a heavy 4–0 away defeat to OFI Crete. Kifisia are 10th in the league, so while it looks like they're battling relegation, in reality they are unable to be relegated as they have four games left and are 14 points clear of 11th place, meaning the relegation places have already been relegated (and oddly, Greece will be relegating four teams this season). One of those teams that have already been relegated is college-developed Shivani Battaglia's Nees Atromitou, who are 12th and unable to be relegated. They played out a 0–0 draw at home with Volos, who are 13th and thus also have been relegated.
While Emily Gielnik (pictured) has been getting less minutes since she signing, her club Monterrey are top of the table in the Clausura stage, the second stage of the Liga MX. Image source: Instagram (@rayadas).
In Mexico's Liga MX Femenil, Monterrey defeated Pachuca 1–0 away from home to remain three points clear of second-placed Club América at the top of the Clausura stage table. Emily Gielnik came on as a sub for Rayadas.
There was no action this week in Scotland's SWPL nor in the SWPL 2.
Player of the Week — Sam Kerr
This week's Player of the Week award goes to Sam Kerr for her brace against Aston Villa in the WSL! Well done 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!
