Monday 24 October 2011
Sunday 23 October 2011
A horror start and some harsh lessons but hope for the future.
The opening game of the season saw Adelaide United Lady Reds get off to a horror start, conceding a soft goal inside the first two minutes, then learn the harsh lesson that our fitness is still a way off that required for the W League BUT there were some positives to take from the game!
On a hot day, compounded by the 1.45 kick off time we could not have got off to a worse start really, allowing Canberra onto the front foot straight from kick off and having cleared that initial danger a seemingly harmless long ball wasn't dealt with and allowed the impressive Michelle Heyman to open the scoring after just 88 seconds. The girls visibly horrified with the opening responded well and started to claw their way back into the game. Canberra, one of the title favourites, were a constant threat going forward and but for a couple of last ditch tackles from Abby Erceg, Anna Green and some bright goalkeeping from Kristi Harvey, they could have extended their lead. However The Lady Reds created a few scoring chances of their own, with MJ going close to getting on the end of a few good crosses from Anna Green and Grace Henry, Rachel Quigley and Donna Cockayne starting to show a growing understanding and confidence going forward.With the first half coming to a close some good pressure in the Canberra defensive third led to a turn over of possession and MJ found Rachel Quigley inside the box and she lifted the ball over Matilda's No.1 Lydia Williams, to level the scoreline at 1-1. The score stayed that way until the break and it was no more than the girls deserved for their efforts.
In the second half the Lady Reds started brightly and enjoyed some more possession and Donna Cockayne started to look threatening down the right. Unfortunately Canberra's superior fitness started to show and as the Adelaide girls started to tire, experienced players like Sally Shipard and Michelle Heyman began to exploit the extra space provided them. The Canberra lead was restored in a slightly fortuitous manner when a low cross from the right was helped over Kristi Harvey by Caitlin Munoz. As stated in the Canberra match report, "The Adelaide of old may have crumbled after that but this group seems to be made of sterner stuff", in fact we almost equalised shortly after, when some good work on the right between Greta French-Kennedy and Donna Cockayne saw Greta's effort beat Lydia Williams but not the crossbar and the rebound fell tantalisingly short of the closing Racheal Quigley. A third goal was added as tired legs provided too much space in the Adelaide box and resulted in Caitlin Munoz getting her second after a turn and shot that found its way in off the far post. The fourth goal was a classy finish from Michelle Heyman, who produced a curling shot that left the well performed Kristi Harvey no chance, as it found its way into the top far corner of the net.
4-1 was probably a fair result for Canberra's dominance, particularly of the second half as we tired but our fitness will improve quickly as the season goes on and as we continue to work hard on the training field. That is one positive, a second is the fact that we played some football, we were able to have spells of prolonged possession and we were organised out of possession. There are obviously aspects of both our in and out of possession play we can and need to improve upon and our fitness needs to improve but all of this can be achieved with hard work.
Team: Kristi Harvey, Ruth Wallace, Anna Green, Abby Erceg, Racheal Quigley, Leanne Slater, Marijana Rajcic, Donna Cockayne, Emma Checker (Greta French-Kennedy), Grace Henry (Georgia Macri), Katherine Ebbs (Nenita Burgess) Sub: Ebony Philcox
On a hot day, compounded by the 1.45 kick off time we could not have got off to a worse start really, allowing Canberra onto the front foot straight from kick off and having cleared that initial danger a seemingly harmless long ball wasn't dealt with and allowed the impressive Michelle Heyman to open the scoring after just 88 seconds. The girls visibly horrified with the opening responded well and started to claw their way back into the game. Canberra, one of the title favourites, were a constant threat going forward and but for a couple of last ditch tackles from Abby Erceg, Anna Green and some bright goalkeeping from Kristi Harvey, they could have extended their lead. However The Lady Reds created a few scoring chances of their own, with MJ going close to getting on the end of a few good crosses from Anna Green and Grace Henry, Rachel Quigley and Donna Cockayne starting to show a growing understanding and confidence going forward.With the first half coming to a close some good pressure in the Canberra defensive third led to a turn over of possession and MJ found Rachel Quigley inside the box and she lifted the ball over Matilda's No.1 Lydia Williams, to level the scoreline at 1-1. The score stayed that way until the break and it was no more than the girls deserved for their efforts.
In the second half the Lady Reds started brightly and enjoyed some more possession and Donna Cockayne started to look threatening down the right. Unfortunately Canberra's superior fitness started to show and as the Adelaide girls started to tire, experienced players like Sally Shipard and Michelle Heyman began to exploit the extra space provided them. The Canberra lead was restored in a slightly fortuitous manner when a low cross from the right was helped over Kristi Harvey by Caitlin Munoz. As stated in the Canberra match report, "The Adelaide of old may have crumbled after that but this group seems to be made of sterner stuff", in fact we almost equalised shortly after, when some good work on the right between Greta French-Kennedy and Donna Cockayne saw Greta's effort beat Lydia Williams but not the crossbar and the rebound fell tantalisingly short of the closing Racheal Quigley. A third goal was added as tired legs provided too much space in the Adelaide box and resulted in Caitlin Munoz getting her second after a turn and shot that found its way in off the far post. The fourth goal was a classy finish from Michelle Heyman, who produced a curling shot that left the well performed Kristi Harvey no chance, as it found its way into the top far corner of the net.
4-1 was probably a fair result for Canberra's dominance, particularly of the second half as we tired but our fitness will improve quickly as the season goes on and as we continue to work hard on the training field. That is one positive, a second is the fact that we played some football, we were able to have spells of prolonged possession and we were organised out of possession. There are obviously aspects of both our in and out of possession play we can and need to improve upon and our fitness needs to improve but all of this can be achieved with hard work.
Team: Kristi Harvey, Ruth Wallace, Anna Green, Abby Erceg, Racheal Quigley, Leanne Slater, Marijana Rajcic, Donna Cockayne, Emma Checker (Greta French-Kennedy), Grace Henry (Georgia Macri), Katherine Ebbs (Nenita Burgess) Sub: Ebony Philcox
Friday 21 October 2011
Opening game
Lady Reds ready to kick-off WWL season
On the eve of the Westfield W-League kick-off Adelaide United coach David Edmondson admitted there is little left to do ahead of the Lady Reds 2011/12 season opener against Canberra United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday.
Edmondson said the Lady Reds are ready to kick-off the new era with the Football Federation SA Head of Women’s Football putting the side through their paces at the final training session on Thursday night.
“Yes we are ready. You would always prefer more time but everyone has worked hard over the last six weeks or so and have done everything possible on and off the pitch to be prepared,” he said.
“The only thing left to do now is to finish those preparations and have the team as rested and relaxed as possible for Saturday. I am looking forward to the game and I know the players are too.”
The majority of the squad has been picked from the Adelaide Airport Premier and State League competitions but boasts three quality and experienced internationals.
Edmondson acknowledged the significant difference in standard of the WWL, but said he has been “impressed” with the girls’ attitude and preparation.
“It is a huge step up from the local leagues to W-League football, particularly in terms of intensity of play, speed of play and the physical demands of the competition,” he said.
“All players have had to adjust from playing in their clubs to a much faster and structured style of football which will be required to be competitive in the W-League.”
“I have been impressed with the way all of the players have adapted and responded to what I have asked of them and I am sure they will reap the benefits of their efforts during the season.”
New Zealand international Abby Erceg has been named captain, compatriot Anne Green is set for her WWL debut and American-born striker Ashleigh Gunning returns for her second season with Adelaide United.
With 100 caps between Erceg and Green, their experience will be invaluable in a squad which includes 10 players under 21, including Emma Checker, Grace Henry and Ebony Philcox who have recently toured New Zealand with the Westfield Australia U17 squad.
“Abby and Anna bring a lot of experience and obviously a lot of quality too but this is a team game and they can only be successful as part of that team,” Edmondson said.
“All of the squad will play its part and the team culture that is developing will be an important factor in the teams performance this season. The International players have 'mucked in' with everyone else and they have been welcomed by the local girls equally which has been fantastic to see and be a part of.”
“Ashleigh has not arrived yet but. I am sure she will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the squad this season, the way they have gelled and how we are looking to play. If she can continue her form from last season and more recently her form in Sweden I am sure she will add to the squad when she arrives.”
Adelaide United will be looking to improve on past season’s results and Edmondson revealed the Lady Reds have set some positive goals for the upcoming campaign.
Adelaide United v Canberra United
Saturday 22 October
Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
Local kick-off: 1.45pm
Adelaide United squad: 20. Kristi HARVEY (Gk), 2. Ruth WALLACE, 3. Anna GREEN, 4. Daniela DI BARTOLO, 5. Abby ERCEG (C), 6. Ebony PHILCOX, 7. Racheal QUIGLEY, 8. Leanne SLATER, 9. Marijana RAJCIC, 12. Greta FRENCH-KENNEDY, 13. Vanessa REED, 14. Donna COCKAYNE, 15. Emma CHECKER, 16. Grace HENRY, 17. Katherine EBBS, 18. Georgia MACRI, 19. Nenita BURGESS
*two to be omitted*
Unavailable: 1. Sian MCLAREN (injured), 10. Angela FIMMANO (injured), 11. Ashleigh GUNNING (overseas)
Canberra United squad: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (Gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER, 4. Christine WALTERS, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Hayley RASO, 9. Grace GILL, 10. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 13. Nicole SYKES, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Sally SHIPARD, 18. Taryn HEMMINGS, 19. Jennifer BISSET, 20. Aroon CLANSEY (Gk)
Saturday 15 October 2011
Finding the net!
Adelaide Lady Reds find the back of the net (twice) in a very tough final hit out before the opening W League game of the season.
Today saw the Lady Reds facing Tony Vidmar's SA U14 Boys side, 'fresh' from their impressive performance in Coffs Harbour at the National Championships. This was always going to be a very tough game with the well drilled and technically proficient boys side strong favourites to win the game.
The Lady Reds, trialled Brisbane keeper Lara Boon with a view to finalising the one tbc spot in the squad and she was busy early on in the game with the girls carelessly conceding possession from the back. Having looked solid at the back last weekend this start was disappointing to say the least! The slow start was punished by the boys and falling behind early was not the way we wanted to start the game. Some passages of play hinted at much more positive signs to come but too often we rushed passes or just lacked the patience to keep the ball, or our shape. A couple of soft goals followed and could have led to the side losing confidence and belief, but this a stronger bunch of young women than that and despite being 4-0 down at half time hopes remained high.
A couple of personnel changes and tactical tweaks at half time led to a much brighter start to the second half and the confidence in possession visibly grew. Grace Henry impressed in a slightly unfamiliar role in the centre of midfield and MJ was becoming a real threat up front. As our share of possession increased and as we were able to show greater patience, so the chances started to come. A couple of half chances slipped by but after some good build up play involving the majority of the team MJ found space with a great first touch and smashed the ball past the keeper into the top corner of the net, registering the Lady Reds 'first' goal in anger.
Following this goal MJ and the whole side relaxed further and began to play some lovely football, stringing passes together and showing much more patience and confidence. Anna Green started to link well with Daniela Di Bartolo and MJ, Racheal Quigley and Grace Henry started to find each other with some quick easy passes keeping the boys pegged back and under pressure. This pressure led to a corner which found its way out to Emma Checker 40yds out from goal. Emma's first touch saw her beat the pressuring defender and from 30yds out she struck an unstoppable shot that ripped into the back of the net to make the score 4-2 and reward the Lady Reds for their improved showing.
After the second goal two more chances resulted in good saves from the boy's keeper and a couple of near misses from Anna Green, Abby Erceg and Racheal Quigley while a good tackle just prevented MJ from grabbing her second of the game. The girls were now playing some very good football, were dominating possession and with Kristi Harvey now in goal were looking fairly comfortable. Unfortunately, we could not find a third goal and conceded a 5th in the dying minutes to make the final score 2-5.
Despite the scoreline, again there were many positives to be taken from this game, namely the goals scored and especially the more controlled 2nd half performance. MJ looked sharp and dangerous up front, there is real competition for starting roles throughout the midfield and the back four, with Ruth Wallace set to return this week, looks like it could develop a good understanding.
After two very tough games against excellent boys sides, this week will see the focus switch to preparing for the first competitive W League game of the season against Canberra next Saturday at Hindmarsh.
I'm sure that the girls would love as much support next weekend as possible out at Hindmarsh for the first game in this new era of Adelaide United Lady Reds, so I hope to see and hear as many of you as possible cheering the team on.
Team:
Lara Boon - triallist (Kristi Harvey), Emma Checker, Nenita Burgess (Greta French-Kennedy), Abby Erceg (capt), Anna Green, Ebony Philcox (Katherine Ebbs), Leanne Slater, Racheal Quigley, Donna Cockayne (Grace Henry), Georgia Macri (Daniela Di Bartolo), Vanessa Reed (Marijana Rajcic)
Squad Named
So here it is, the 2011/12 Adelaide United Lady Reds Squad:
Sian McLaren, Ruth Wallace, Anna Green, Daniela Di Bartolo, Abby Erceg (capt), Ebony Philcox, Racheal Quigley, Leanne Slater, Marijana Rajcic, Angela Fimmano, Ashleigh Gunning, Greta French-Kennedy, Vanessa Reed, Donna Cockayne, Emma Checker, Grace Henry, Katherine Ebbs, Georgia Macri, Nenita Burgess, Kristi Harvey.
http://www.ffsa.com.au/
Sian McLaren, Ruth Wallace, Anna Green, Daniela Di Bartolo, Abby Erceg (capt), Ebony Philcox, Racheal Quigley, Leanne Slater, Marijana Rajcic, Angela Fimmano, Ashleigh Gunning, Greta French-Kennedy, Vanessa Reed, Donna Cockayne, Emma Checker, Grace Henry, Katherine Ebbs, Georgia Macri, Nenita Burgess, Kristi Harvey.
http://www.ffsa.com.au/
Thursday 13 October 2011
Interview
Here is a link to an interview on The Women's Game.
Looking forward to the squad being named tomorrow.
Monday 10 October 2011
UPDATE
Since my arrival in Adelaide 4 weeks ago, a squad of upto 40 players have been training together with the aim of making the final 20 to be named in the W League Squad for 2011/12.
The ladies have been working extremely hard to develop their fitness and to understand the game plan we are going to play this season and I am very pleased with the progress we are making as a team.
After a hard week of training focusing on developing our fitness we had a pre-season hit out against Para Hills Knights U15 Boys. The boys were league champions last season and many have gone on to play U17 and U19 Football so this was always going to be a very difficult test for the Lady Reds.
The game started at a hectic pace with the Lady Reds probably settling the quicker and surprising the boys with their intensity and competitiveness. We created one good early chance but just before she could finish, Rachael Quigley was thwarted by a desperate covering tackle. After this the boys settled and enjoyed a greater share of possession. Despite this the Lady Reds looked solid defensively, with the settling presence of NZ International Abbey Erceg, marshalling the back 4. With half time approaching a lapse in concentration allowed the Para Hills striker too much room on the edge of the box and he unleashed an unstoppable strike into the roof of Kristi Harveys net to give the boys a 1-0 lead. Disappointingly the girls conceded a second almost immediately after carelessly losing possession following the kick off.
2-0 at half time was not really a true reflection of the first half but highlights the importance of concentrating and continuing to play for the full 45 or 90 minutes of a game.
The second half saw almost a complete change in team for the Lady Reds, with only NZ Internationals Abby Erceg and Anna Green playing the full 90 minutes. Despite the changes, which saw a number of younger players representing the Lady Reds, the game followed a similar pattern with the girls producing 1 or 2 half chances but failing to put them away, whilst looking pretty solid at the back.
The final score of 3-0 was probably a fair reflection of the game and the standard of the boys but there were many encouraging signs from the Lady Reds.
Team: (1st half)Kristi Harvey, Greta French-Kennedy, Nenita Burgess, Abby Erceg, Anna Green, Jodi Bruce, Leanne Slater, Rachael Quigley (Katherine Ebbs), Donna Cockayne, Marijana Rajcic, Georgia Macri.
Team: (2nd half)Sarah Willacy, Roushan Walsh (Greta French-Kennedy), Abby Erceg, Laura Johns, Anna Green, Jess Nagel, Katherine Ebbs (Rachael Quigley), Maddie De Rou, Danielle Di Bartolo, Bec Souter, Vanessa Reed.
The ladies have been working extremely hard to develop their fitness and to understand the game plan we are going to play this season and I am very pleased with the progress we are making as a team.
After a hard week of training focusing on developing our fitness we had a pre-season hit out against Para Hills Knights U15 Boys. The boys were league champions last season and many have gone on to play U17 and U19 Football so this was always going to be a very difficult test for the Lady Reds.
The game started at a hectic pace with the Lady Reds probably settling the quicker and surprising the boys with their intensity and competitiveness. We created one good early chance but just before she could finish, Rachael Quigley was thwarted by a desperate covering tackle. After this the boys settled and enjoyed a greater share of possession. Despite this the Lady Reds looked solid defensively, with the settling presence of NZ International Abbey Erceg, marshalling the back 4. With half time approaching a lapse in concentration allowed the Para Hills striker too much room on the edge of the box and he unleashed an unstoppable strike into the roof of Kristi Harveys net to give the boys a 1-0 lead. Disappointingly the girls conceded a second almost immediately after carelessly losing possession following the kick off.
2-0 at half time was not really a true reflection of the first half but highlights the importance of concentrating and continuing to play for the full 45 or 90 minutes of a game.
The second half saw almost a complete change in team for the Lady Reds, with only NZ Internationals Abby Erceg and Anna Green playing the full 90 minutes. Despite the changes, which saw a number of younger players representing the Lady Reds, the game followed a similar pattern with the girls producing 1 or 2 half chances but failing to put them away, whilst looking pretty solid at the back.
The final score of 3-0 was probably a fair reflection of the game and the standard of the boys but there were many encouraging signs from the Lady Reds.
Team: (1st half)Kristi Harvey, Greta French-Kennedy, Nenita Burgess, Abby Erceg, Anna Green, Jodi Bruce, Leanne Slater, Rachael Quigley (Katherine Ebbs), Donna Cockayne, Marijana Rajcic, Georgia Macri.
Team: (2nd half)Sarah Willacy, Roushan Walsh (Greta French-Kennedy), Abby Erceg, Laura Johns, Anna Green, Jess Nagel, Katherine Ebbs (Rachael Quigley), Maddie De Rou, Danielle Di Bartolo, Bec Souter, Vanessa Reed.
Sunday 9 October 2011
Welcome
Welcome to the new blog of Adelaide United Lady Reds.
Adelaide United Lady Reds will compete in the W League this season, starting with a home game at Hindmarsh on the 22nd October vs Canberra.
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