Welcome back to Matildas Abroad, where I analyse the performances of all our Aussies playing overseas!
Europe (Champions League & Europa Cup) — Raso sent off, Lowry scores
Hayley Raso (pictured) was sent off with a second yellow card in Eintracht Frankfurt's 5–1 away loss to Paris Saint-Germain after extra time. Many fans argue that the challenge wasn't worthy of a booking. Image source: Instagram (@football360au and @thewomensgame).
The third round of the Champions League is complete, and the teams are now set for the competition proper. After being drawn 1–1 on aggregate, Frankfurt suffered a 5–1 defeat away to PSG after extra time after Hayley Raso, who started, was sent off with a second yellow card in what a large number of fans regard was an unfair punishment. Jamilla Rankin came off the bench as a sub in the match, which resulted in the Adler being demoted to the Europa Cup. Meanwhile, Chelsea's 1–0 away win over Real Sociedad meant they qualified for the Champions League in style with a 5–2 aggregate victory over the third-placed team from Liga F. Ellie Carpenter started as a wing-back before coming off in the match.
Hana Lowry (pictured) scored one of Vålerenga IF's seven goals in their thumping 7–1 victory over Radomlje in the second leg. Image source: Instagram (@vifdamene).
In the Europa Cup, the first qualifying round ended with the second legs being completed, and all of our Aussies have advanced to the second round. Ella Tonkin played the entirety of Torreense's 3–1 away win over Kolos Kovalivka, with Torreense advancing 9–2 on aggregate. Sophie Hoban wasn't in the squad. Meanwhile, Vålerenga smashed Radomlje 7–1 at home, absolutely romping home to a massive 9–1 victory on aggregate. Hana Lowry played the whole match and scored for Enga, netting the fifth goal in the 73rd minute. Tijan McKenna was once again not in the squad, however.
Ellie Carpenter (front) and Chelsea did as everyone expected and qualified for the Champions League. Chelsea had previously qualified directly for every group or league stage since the mini-tournament format was introduced. Image source: Instagram (@elliecarpenterr).
For a wrap-up of how many Aussies will be in Europe this season, there'll be eight Aussies in the Champions League this season and up to nine in the Europa Cup depending on the results of the upcoming second qualifying round. The eight in the Champions League are Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord from Arsenal, Ellie Carpenter from Chelsea, Aivi Luik from Häcken, Teagan Micah from Lyon, Mary Fowler from Man City, and Wini Heatley from Roma. Meanwhile, the Europa Cup could feature Jamilla Rankin and Hayley Raso from Frankfurt, Charli Grant, Courtney Nevin and Amy Sayer from Malmö, Sophie Hoban and Ella Tonkin from Torreense, and Hana Lowry and Tijan McKenna from Vålerenga. In total, we could have up to 17 Australians playing in European women's continental club competitions!
America (NWSL) — Arnold vs Kerr matchup ends all square
Mackenzie Arnold (pictured) taking a selfie with Portland Thorns fans after their 1–1 draw with Gotham FC away from home. Image source: Instagram (@thornsfc).
This week saw a huge top-of-the-table clash between league leaders Gotham FC and challengers Portland Thorns, with the Bats striking first in the second half before the Thorns equalised from the penalty spot afterwards, with the match ending in a 1–1 draw at home for Gotham. Sam Kerr started up top for Gotham while Mackenzie Arnold was in the sticks for Portland, though neither were particularly fantastic in the entire game that they played. The Bats sit five points clear at the top of the table, while the Thorns have dropped to sixth place: nine points clear in the playoffs but seven points off the top spot.
Canada (NSL) — Johnson scores to help Calgary keep a draw against Tumeth's Vancouver
Kahli Johnson (left) scored to put Calgary Wild in front against Vancouver Rise at home. The Wild just fell short, with the Rise equalising in the second half of stoppage time to draw the game 2–2. Image source: Instagram (@calgarywildfc).
In another Aussie derby this week, Calgary Wild hosted Vancouver Rise in a match that too ended all square, in this case 2–2. Kahli Johnson started, scored and received a yellow card before coming off, netting her fourth goal this season and putting the Wild ahead right after the Rise equalised (though only for the Wild to concede an equaliser in the dying seconds of the game). Meanwhile, Tori Tumeth also received a yellow card whilst playing the entire match at the back for the Wild. Despite picking up their 10th point of the season in their comeback second half of the season, Calgary remain dead last by 11 points, while Vancouver are fourth and in the playoffs by two. Separating the two sides is Halifax Tides.
Germany (Frauen-Bundesliga & 2. Frauen-Bundesliga) — Frankfurt held to a draw by Nuremberg, Kirkby's Bochum go top of the table
Jamilla Rankin (pictured) made her starting début for Eintracht Frankfurt, playing the entirety of the club's 1–1 draw at home with FC Nürnberg. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
In the second matchweek of the Frauen-Bundesliga, Eintracht Frankfurt faced off against Nuremberg at home in what ended in a 1–1 draw. Both Jamilla Rankin and Hayley Raso started for Frankfurt, with the former playing the full match on her starting début and the latter coming off as a sub at half time, while Leia Varley played the entire game for Nuremberg. The Adler are fifth in the league, while the Glubb are 10th after two matches.
Lara Kirkby (pictured) and VfL Bochum are chasing promotion from the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga this season, currently sitting top of the table on equal points with second-placed SGS Essen, a fallen giant who were relegated from the Frauen-Bundesliga last season. Image source: Instagram (@vflbochum1848_frauen).
In the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga, Lara Kirkby's Bochum secured a 3–0 victory over Sand. The win pushes Bochum up to first place on goal difference after four games. Meanwhile, Anna Margraf's Mönchengladbach suffered a 5–1 away loss to newly-relegated Essen, leaving them 10th after the same amount of matches.
Italy (Serie A Women's Cup) — Galabadaarachchi's Sassuolo secure a surprise victory over Heatley's Roma
Jacynta Gala (right) and her Sassuolo teammates celebrating after an upset victory over Roma in the Serie A Women's Cup. Image source: Instagram (@lanaclelland).
FC Como kicked off the second group stage matchday of the Serie A Women's Cup with a 1–0 away defeat to Juventus, with Alex Chidiac starting and receiving a booking before coming off. The loss means Como are third with still only one point, eliminating them from being able to advance past the group stage. Meanwhile, Roma took on Sassuolo at home and in a surprise turn of events, the Neroverde secured the victory over the Giallorosse. Wini Heatley played the entirety of Roma's defeat, while Jacynta Gala started up front before coming off as a sub in an important victory for Sassuolo. Roma are third with three points due to a worse goal difference than Fiorentina and less points than Sassuolo (who have six). This means Roma do have a chance of advancing, but we must secure an emphatic victory over Fiorentina in our final match to do so.
Sweden (Damallsvenskan & Elitettan) — Sayer assists, Grant starts for Malmö for the first time
Izzy Gómez (pictured) picked up a yellow card after coming off the bench for FC Rosengård. While they were never the favourites to win, their 1–0 away loss to BK Häcken only deepens their troubles in the relegation zone. Image source: Instagram (@fcrosengard).
Rosengård kicked off the week with a 1–0 away loss to Häcken, with the falling giants on one hand holding on to just 1–0 while on the other hand remain in danger of relegation, still sitting in 13th place (one of two relegation places). For Rosengård, Remy Siemsen played the entire match, while both Izzy Gómez (who picked up a yellow card) and Bryleeh Henry came off the bench. Aivi Luik did not feature for Häcken, who remain four points clear at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Daniela Galić played all of Vittsjö's 3–1 loss away to second-placed Hammarby, a loss that still leaves them seventh but hurts their European hopes, sitting seven points off a European spot.
Charli Grant (pictured) made her starting début for Malmö FF in a 4–0 victory at home over Växjö DFF. She started at right-back with Courtney Nevin at left-back, while Amy Sayer in right defensive midfield assisted the second goal. Image source: Instagram (@charli_grant).
On the other hand, Malmö cruised to a huge 4–0 victory away over Växjö to remain in third place. Amy Sayer started before coming off, having assisted the second goal as part of Icelander Hlín Eiríksdóttir's hat-trick. Courtney Nevin also started before coming off, and starting alongside her was another one of our very own in Charli Grant, who made her first start for the Himmelsblått and played the entirety of the comfortable win. In the Elitettan, however, Linköping suffered a 4–1 home loss to Göteborg, with Polly Doran playing the entire match and receiving a yellow card in what was perceived as a poor performance from her. Showing how bloody close the Elitettan promotion race is, the loss pushes Linköping down to fourth place, with the top three being Göteborg, Elfsborg and KIF Örebro.
Other leagues — Odense suffer three consecutive losses
In Denmark's A-Liga, Emma Ilijoski played the entirety of Odense's 2–0 loss at home to Midtjylland, though she was rated fairly poorly. After kicking their season off with two wins in a row, Odense have now suffered three consecutive losses and have dropped down to sixth place.
In Mexico's Liga MX Femenil, Pumas UNAM defeated Guadalajara 2–0 on the road, with Emily Gielnik coming off the bench. Pumas are now third in Group B of the apertura stage of Liga MX.
Emma McMurdo (front, right) and Spartans suffered another whopping defeat in the Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL), losing 7–0 away to Glasgow City. Image source: Instagram (@dfc1872).
In Scotland's SWPL, Hibernian's winning start came to an end after they lost 2–0 away to Celtic, with Milly Boughton an unused substitute and Kyah Simon missing from the matchday squad and still yet to make a single appearance for the club. Hibs are now fourth in the league, but only two points and goal difference off first. Meanwhile, Spartans suffered another blistering defeat after a thumping 7–0 loss on the road to Glasgow City. Emma McMurdo played the entirety of the match for the Spartans, who sit eighth on the ladder.
Transfer Talk — Vidošić leaves Brighton with links to Angel City, Bocci to Como 1907, Cameron to Huesca
Dario Vidošić (front) has left Brighton and Hove Albion for an opportunity elsewhere. He will go down as their greatest manager so far, with the Seagulls receiving their two best ever Women's Super League finishes and qualifying for their first Women's FA Cup final under him. Image source: Instagram (@bhafcwomen and @dvrio__).
In the biggest transfer news this week, coach Dario Vidošić has left Brighton just days before the WSL season kicks off. He's been highly linked to the NWSL, with Alanna Kennedy's former side Angel City being a particular name that comes up. With the Seagulls, the former Melbourne City coach delivered them their two best ever WSL finishes in history, as well as qualifying for the 2026 Women's FA Cup final. He has been replaced by Real Sociedad manager Arturo Ruiz.
Two NPLW players have moved to Europe this week. Astrid Bocci (left, right) signed for the FC Como Academy after playing for Melbourne Victory U20, while Estella Cameron (right) signed for Huesca. Image sources: Instagram (@f90_football_academy, @adrian.biagioni, @glc_chefathome, @astrid.bocci and @littlecat1510, and @sdhuescafem and @elitefootballaustralia).
Meanwhile, two NPLW players have made moves to Europe (specifically Italy and Spain), adding to the incredible window Australian players, including both A-League Women and NPLW players, have had. Astrid Bocci, a 17-year-old defender of Italian background, has made the jump from NPLW Victoria club Melbourne Victory U20 to Serie A Women club FC Como (Alex Chidiac's club), where she'll likely be part of their academy setup. The other player to move was Estella Cameron, an 18-year-old midfielder of Spanish descent, who moved from NPLW NSW club APIA Leichhardt to Segunda Federación Femenina club Huesca, becoming the only Aussie woman to play in Spain this season (albeit in the third tier).
Player of the Week — Hana Lowry
This week's Player of the Week is Hana Lowry for her goal against Radomlje! Well done Hana!
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) — Raso sent off, Lowry scores
Hayley Raso (pictured) was sent off with a second yellow card in Eintracht Frankfurt's 5–1 away loss to Paris Saint-Germain after extra time. Many fans argue that the challenge wasn't worthy of a booking. Image source: Instagram (@football360au and @thewomensgame).
The third round of the Champions League is complete, and the teams are now set for the competition proper. After being drawn 1–1 on aggregate, Frankfurt suffered a 5–1 defeat away to PSG after extra time after Hayley Raso, who started, was sent off with a second yellow card in what a large number of fans regard was an unfair punishment. Jamilla Rankin came off the bench as a sub in the match, which resulted in the Adler being demoted to the Europa Cup. Meanwhile, Chelsea's 1–0 away win over Real Sociedad meant they qualified for the Champions League in style with a 5–2 aggregate victory over the third-placed team from Liga F. Ellie Carpenter started as a wing-back before coming off in the match.
Hana Lowry (pictured) scored one of Vålerenga IF's seven goals in their thumping 7–1 victory over Radomlje in the second leg. Image source: Instagram (@vifdamene).
In the Europa Cup, the first qualifying round ended with the second legs being completed, and all of our Aussies have advanced to the second round. Ella Tonkin played the entirety of Torreense's 3–1 away win over Kolos Kovalivka, with Torreense advancing 9–2 on aggregate. Sophie Hoban wasn't in the squad. Meanwhile, Vålerenga smashed Radomlje 7–1 at home, absolutely romping home to a massive 9–1 victory on aggregate. Hana Lowry played the whole match and scored for Enga, netting the fifth goal in the 73rd minute. Tijan McKenna was once again not in the squad, however.
Ellie Carpenter (front) and Chelsea did as everyone expected and qualified for the Champions League. Chelsea had previously qualified directly for every group or league stage since the mini-tournament format was introduced. Image source: Instagram (@elliecarpenterr).
For a wrap-up of how many Aussies will be in Europe this season, there'll be eight Aussies in the Champions League this season and up to nine in the Europa Cup depending on the results of the upcoming second qualifying round. The eight in the Champions League are Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord from Arsenal, Ellie Carpenter from Chelsea, Aivi Luik from Häcken, Teagan Micah from Lyon, Mary Fowler from Man City, and Wini Heatley from Roma. Meanwhile, the Europa Cup could feature Jamilla Rankin and Hayley Raso from Frankfurt, Charli Grant, Courtney Nevin and Amy Sayer from Malmö, Sophie Hoban and Ella Tonkin from Torreense, and Hana Lowry and Tijan McKenna from Vålerenga. In total, we could have up to 17 Australians playing in European women's continental club competitions!
America (NWSL) — Arnold vs Kerr matchup ends all square
Mackenzie Arnold (pictured) taking a selfie with Portland Thorns fans after their 1–1 draw with Gotham FC away from home. Image source: Instagram (@thornsfc).
This week saw a huge top-of-the-table clash between league leaders Gotham FC and challengers Portland Thorns, with the Bats striking first in the second half before the Thorns equalised from the penalty spot afterwards, with the match ending in a 1–1 draw at home for Gotham. Sam Kerr started up top for Gotham while Mackenzie Arnold was in the sticks for Portland, though neither were particularly fantastic in the entire game that they played. The Bats sit five points clear at the top of the table, while the Thorns have dropped to sixth place: nine points clear in the playoffs but seven points off the top spot.
Canada (NSL) — Johnson scores to help Calgary keep a draw against Tumeth's Vancouver
Kahli Johnson (left) scored to put Calgary Wild in front against Vancouver Rise at home. The Wild just fell short, with the Rise equalising in the second half of stoppage time to draw the game 2–2. Image source: Instagram (@calgarywildfc).
In another Aussie derby this week, Calgary Wild hosted Vancouver Rise in a match that too ended all square, in this case 2–2. Kahli Johnson started, scored and received a yellow card before coming off, netting her fourth goal this season and putting the Wild ahead right after the Rise equalised (though only for the Wild to concede an equaliser in the dying seconds of the game). Meanwhile, Tori Tumeth also received a yellow card whilst playing the entire match at the back for the Wild. Despite picking up their 10th point of the season in their comeback second half of the season, Calgary remain dead last by 11 points, while Vancouver are fourth and in the playoffs by two. Separating the two sides is Halifax Tides.
Germany (Frauen-Bundesliga & 2. Frauen-Bundesliga) — Frankfurt held to a draw by Nuremberg, Kirkby's Bochum go top of the table
Jamilla Rankin (pictured) made her starting début for Eintracht Frankfurt, playing the entirety of the club's 1–1 draw at home with FC Nürnberg. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
In the second matchweek of the Frauen-Bundesliga, Eintracht Frankfurt faced off against Nuremberg at home in what ended in a 1–1 draw. Both Jamilla Rankin and Hayley Raso started for Frankfurt, with the former playing the full match on her starting début and the latter coming off as a sub at half time, while Leia Varley played the entire game for Nuremberg. The Adler are fifth in the league, while the Glubb are 10th after two matches.
Lara Kirkby (pictured) and VfL Bochum are chasing promotion from the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga this season, currently sitting top of the table on equal points with second-placed SGS Essen, a fallen giant who were relegated from the Frauen-Bundesliga last season. Image source: Instagram (@vflbochum1848_frauen).
In the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga, Lara Kirkby's Bochum secured a 3–0 victory over Sand. The win pushes Bochum up to first place on goal difference after four games. Meanwhile, Anna Margraf's Mönchengladbach suffered a 5–1 away loss to newly-relegated Essen, leaving them 10th after the same amount of matches.
Italy (Serie A Women's Cup) — Galabadaarachchi's Sassuolo secure a surprise victory over Heatley's Roma
Jacynta Gala (right) and her Sassuolo teammates celebrating after an upset victory over Roma in the Serie A Women's Cup. Image source: Instagram (@lanaclelland).
FC Como kicked off the second group stage matchday of the Serie A Women's Cup with a 1–0 away defeat to Juventus, with Alex Chidiac starting and receiving a booking before coming off. The loss means Como are third with still only one point, eliminating them from being able to advance past the group stage. Meanwhile, Roma took on Sassuolo at home and in a surprise turn of events, the Neroverde secured the victory over the Giallorosse. Wini Heatley played the entirety of Roma's defeat, while Jacynta Gala started up front before coming off as a sub in an important victory for Sassuolo. Roma are third with three points due to a worse goal difference than Fiorentina and less points than Sassuolo (who have six). This means Roma do have a chance of advancing, but we must secure an emphatic victory over Fiorentina in our final match to do so.
Sweden (Damallsvenskan & Elitettan) — Sayer assists, Grant starts for Malmö for the first time
Izzy Gómez (pictured) picked up a yellow card after coming off the bench for FC Rosengård. While they were never the favourites to win, their 1–0 away loss to BK Häcken only deepens their troubles in the relegation zone. Image source: Instagram (@fcrosengard).
Rosengård kicked off the week with a 1–0 away loss to Häcken, with the falling giants on one hand holding on to just 1–0 while on the other hand remain in danger of relegation, still sitting in 13th place (one of two relegation places). For Rosengård, Remy Siemsen played the entire match, while both Izzy Gómez (who picked up a yellow card) and Bryleeh Henry came off the bench. Aivi Luik did not feature for Häcken, who remain four points clear at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Daniela Galić played all of Vittsjö's 3–1 loss away to second-placed Hammarby, a loss that still leaves them seventh but hurts their European hopes, sitting seven points off a European spot.
Charli Grant (pictured) made her starting début for Malmö FF in a 4–0 victory at home over Växjö DFF. She started at right-back with Courtney Nevin at left-back, while Amy Sayer in right defensive midfield assisted the second goal. Image source: Instagram (@charli_grant).
On the other hand, Malmö cruised to a huge 4–0 victory away over Växjö to remain in third place. Amy Sayer started before coming off, having assisted the second goal as part of Icelander Hlín Eiríksdóttir's hat-trick. Courtney Nevin also started before coming off, and starting alongside her was another one of our very own in Charli Grant, who made her first start for the Himmelsblått and played the entirety of the comfortable win. In the Elitettan, however, Linköping suffered a 4–1 home loss to Göteborg, with Polly Doran playing the entire match and receiving a yellow card in what was perceived as a poor performance from her. Showing how bloody close the Elitettan promotion race is, the loss pushes Linköping down to fourth place, with the top three being Göteborg, Elfsborg and KIF Örebro.
Other leagues — Odense suffer three consecutive losses
In Denmark's A-Liga, Emma Ilijoski played the entirety of Odense's 2–0 loss at home to Midtjylland, though she was rated fairly poorly. After kicking their season off with two wins in a row, Odense have now suffered three consecutive losses and have dropped down to sixth place.
In Mexico's Liga MX Femenil, Pumas UNAM defeated Guadalajara 2–0 on the road, with Emily Gielnik coming off the bench. Pumas are now third in Group B of the apertura stage of Liga MX.
Emma McMurdo (front, right) and Spartans suffered another whopping defeat in the Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL), losing 7–0 away to Glasgow City. Image source: Instagram (@dfc1872).
In Scotland's SWPL, Hibernian's winning start came to an end after they lost 2–0 away to Celtic, with Milly Boughton an unused substitute and Kyah Simon missing from the matchday squad and still yet to make a single appearance for the club. Hibs are now fourth in the league, but only two points and goal difference off first. Meanwhile, Spartans suffered another blistering defeat after a thumping 7–0 loss on the road to Glasgow City. Emma McMurdo played the entirety of the match for the Spartans, who sit eighth on the ladder.
Transfer Talk — Vidošić leaves Brighton with links to Angel City, Bocci to Como 1907, Cameron to Huesca
Dario Vidošić (front) has left Brighton and Hove Albion for an opportunity elsewhere. He will go down as their greatest manager so far, with the Seagulls receiving their two best ever Women's Super League finishes and qualifying for their first Women's FA Cup final under him. Image source: Instagram (@bhafcwomen and @dvrio__).
In the biggest transfer news this week, coach Dario Vidošić has left Brighton just days before the WSL season kicks off. He's been highly linked to the NWSL, with Alanna Kennedy's former side Angel City being a particular name that comes up. With the Seagulls, the former Melbourne City coach delivered them their two best ever WSL finishes in history, as well as qualifying for the 2026 Women's FA Cup final. He has been replaced by Real Sociedad manager Arturo Ruiz.
Two NPLW players have moved to Europe this week. Astrid Bocci (left, right) signed for the FC Como Academy after playing for Melbourne Victory U20, while Estella Cameron (right) signed for Huesca. Image sources: Instagram (@f90_football_academy, @adrian.biagioni, @glc_chefathome, @astrid.bocci and @littlecat1510, and @sdhuescafem and @elitefootballaustralia).
Meanwhile, two NPLW players have made moves to Europe (specifically Italy and Spain), adding to the incredible window Australian players, including both A-League Women and NPLW players, have had. Astrid Bocci, a 17-year-old defender of Italian background, has made the jump from NPLW Victoria club Melbourne Victory U20 to Serie A Women club FC Como (Alex Chidiac's club), where she'll likely be part of their academy setup. The other player to move was Estella Cameron, an 18-year-old midfielder of Spanish descent, who moved from NPLW NSW club APIA Leichhardt to Segunda Federación Femenina club Huesca, becoming the only Aussie woman to play in Spain this season (albeit in the third tier).
Player of the Week — Hana Lowry
This week's Player of the Week is Hana Lowry for her goal against Radomlje! Well done Hana!
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!
