Latest news with #Women'sAsianChampionsLeague
The Advertiser
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Goal-scoring sensation leads City's push for $2m trophy
One of the Matildas' most gifted prospects, Holly McNamara has the world at her feet and a bright future calling. But first, she's ready to win the biggest club game of her career, and land Melbourne City a bumper $2 million pay day. McNamara made a scintillating return from injury to charge to the golden boot with 15 goals and help City win the A-League Women premiership. But she was concussed 10 minutes into the second leg of City's semi-final loss to Central Coast, and the club missed out on a treble. Thankfully, she had something else to play for. McNamara was excellent in Wednesday night's Women's Asian Champions League semi-final win over Incheon Red Angels, and is ready for Saturday's final against Wuhan Jiangda. "There was so much heartbreak around that semi-final, the way it went down. But I'm so glad we regathered ourselves," McNamara told AAP. "That was a big thing for us, that we knew we had this competition. "This is such a good feeling now to be in this final - it's hard to put into words." If City win at Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium, they will earn a $2 million prize packet. Each player will receive around $47,000 if they win, or $23,000 if they lose. "In terms of prize money for women's football, it's amazing," McNamara said. "We're so glad and happy that we can push for that and then get some reward out of it at the end." It would also be reward for a stellar individual season. McNamara was shocked when coach Michael Matricciani told her she'd be a central striker, instead of a winger. It has unlocked another level to her game. "There's a lot more opportunities in front of goal to finish and obviously score goals," she said. "It's a bit more direct, and hopefully I can stay there." McNamara has also gained confidence from Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni starting her at No.9. "I'm just really glad to be back out there," she said. "That's what I'm doing at the moment: just trying to really enjoy it and put my best foot forward to hopefully impress, but just have fun." City veteran and former Matildas captain Melissa Barbieri watched superstars Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord emerge as teenagers, and is now seeing McNamara flourish. "She's better than they were," Barbieri told AAP. "While Sammy and Caitlin Foord were already quite technically gifted with their dribbling and things, Holly's touch under pressure and her ability to snap-shot from anywhere, I get to see daily." She believes McNamara's hard road, including overcoming three ACL tears, will benefit her long-term. "She's been dealt quite a difficult hand, and the things that she's learned from that is probably going to put her in good stead," she said. "She's got a good head on her shoulders and she's not about to let stardom get in the way of anything." That includes a decision on her future after the upcoming Matildas camp. McNamara, 22, is attracting attention from overseas and also has an offer from City. "It's exciting to think about, but I'm really just focused on this next game and then going into (Matildas) camp after that," McNamara said. "My ambition is to always go play in a league overseas, just not sure when that will be. "I'd love to challenge myself eventually and whenever the right moment is at the right club then that'll come up." First, McNamara wants to get that medal around her neck. "Hopefully we can get it done and get the other trophy," she said. "It'll just be unreal." One of the Matildas' most gifted prospects, Holly McNamara has the world at her feet and a bright future calling. But first, she's ready to win the biggest club game of her career, and land Melbourne City a bumper $2 million pay day. McNamara made a scintillating return from injury to charge to the golden boot with 15 goals and help City win the A-League Women premiership. But she was concussed 10 minutes into the second leg of City's semi-final loss to Central Coast, and the club missed out on a treble. Thankfully, she had something else to play for. McNamara was excellent in Wednesday night's Women's Asian Champions League semi-final win over Incheon Red Angels, and is ready for Saturday's final against Wuhan Jiangda. "There was so much heartbreak around that semi-final, the way it went down. But I'm so glad we regathered ourselves," McNamara told AAP. "That was a big thing for us, that we knew we had this competition. "This is such a good feeling now to be in this final - it's hard to put into words." If City win at Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium, they will earn a $2 million prize packet. Each player will receive around $47,000 if they win, or $23,000 if they lose. "In terms of prize money for women's football, it's amazing," McNamara said. "We're so glad and happy that we can push for that and then get some reward out of it at the end." It would also be reward for a stellar individual season. McNamara was shocked when coach Michael Matricciani told her she'd be a central striker, instead of a winger. It has unlocked another level to her game. "There's a lot more opportunities in front of goal to finish and obviously score goals," she said. "It's a bit more direct, and hopefully I can stay there." McNamara has also gained confidence from Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni starting her at No.9. "I'm just really glad to be back out there," she said. "That's what I'm doing at the moment: just trying to really enjoy it and put my best foot forward to hopefully impress, but just have fun." City veteran and former Matildas captain Melissa Barbieri watched superstars Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord emerge as teenagers, and is now seeing McNamara flourish. "She's better than they were," Barbieri told AAP. "While Sammy and Caitlin Foord were already quite technically gifted with their dribbling and things, Holly's touch under pressure and her ability to snap-shot from anywhere, I get to see daily." She believes McNamara's hard road, including overcoming three ACL tears, will benefit her long-term. "She's been dealt quite a difficult hand, and the things that she's learned from that is probably going to put her in good stead," she said. "She's got a good head on her shoulders and she's not about to let stardom get in the way of anything." That includes a decision on her future after the upcoming Matildas camp. McNamara, 22, is attracting attention from overseas and also has an offer from City. "It's exciting to think about, but I'm really just focused on this next game and then going into (Matildas) camp after that," McNamara said. "My ambition is to always go play in a league overseas, just not sure when that will be. "I'd love to challenge myself eventually and whenever the right moment is at the right club then that'll come up." First, McNamara wants to get that medal around her neck. "Hopefully we can get it done and get the other trophy," she said. "It'll just be unreal." One of the Matildas' most gifted prospects, Holly McNamara has the world at her feet and a bright future calling. But first, she's ready to win the biggest club game of her career, and land Melbourne City a bumper $2 million pay day. McNamara made a scintillating return from injury to charge to the golden boot with 15 goals and help City win the A-League Women premiership. But she was concussed 10 minutes into the second leg of City's semi-final loss to Central Coast, and the club missed out on a treble. Thankfully, she had something else to play for. McNamara was excellent in Wednesday night's Women's Asian Champions League semi-final win over Incheon Red Angels, and is ready for Saturday's final against Wuhan Jiangda. "There was so much heartbreak around that semi-final, the way it went down. But I'm so glad we regathered ourselves," McNamara told AAP. "That was a big thing for us, that we knew we had this competition. "This is such a good feeling now to be in this final - it's hard to put into words." If City win at Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium, they will earn a $2 million prize packet. Each player will receive around $47,000 if they win, or $23,000 if they lose. "In terms of prize money for women's football, it's amazing," McNamara said. "We're so glad and happy that we can push for that and then get some reward out of it at the end." It would also be reward for a stellar individual season. McNamara was shocked when coach Michael Matricciani told her she'd be a central striker, instead of a winger. It has unlocked another level to her game. "There's a lot more opportunities in front of goal to finish and obviously score goals," she said. "It's a bit more direct, and hopefully I can stay there." McNamara has also gained confidence from Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni starting her at No.9. "I'm just really glad to be back out there," she said. "That's what I'm doing at the moment: just trying to really enjoy it and put my best foot forward to hopefully impress, but just have fun." City veteran and former Matildas captain Melissa Barbieri watched superstars Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord emerge as teenagers, and is now seeing McNamara flourish. "She's better than they were," Barbieri told AAP. "While Sammy and Caitlin Foord were already quite technically gifted with their dribbling and things, Holly's touch under pressure and her ability to snap-shot from anywhere, I get to see daily." She believes McNamara's hard road, including overcoming three ACL tears, will benefit her long-term. "She's been dealt quite a difficult hand, and the things that she's learned from that is probably going to put her in good stead," she said. "She's got a good head on her shoulders and she's not about to let stardom get in the way of anything." That includes a decision on her future after the upcoming Matildas camp. McNamara, 22, is attracting attention from overseas and also has an offer from City. "It's exciting to think about, but I'm really just focused on this next game and then going into (Matildas) camp after that," McNamara said. "My ambition is to always go play in a league overseas, just not sure when that will be. "I'd love to challenge myself eventually and whenever the right moment is at the right club then that'll come up." First, McNamara wants to get that medal around her neck. "Hopefully we can get it done and get the other trophy," she said. "It'll just be unreal."
West Australian
23-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Goal-scoring sensation leads City's push for $2m trophy
One of the Matildas' most gifted prospects, Holly McNamara has the world at her feet and a bright future calling. But first, she's ready to win the biggest club game of her career, and land Melbourne City a bumper $2 million pay day. McNamara made a scintillating return from injury to charge to the golden boot with 15 goals and help City win the A-League Women premiership. But she was concussed 10 minutes into the second leg of City's semi-final loss to Central Coast, and the club missed out on a treble. Thankfully, she had something else to play for. McNamara was excellent in Wednesday night's Women's Asian Champions League semi-final win over Incheon Red Angels, and is ready for Saturday's final against Wuhan Jiangda. "There was so much heartbreak around that semi-final, the way it went down. But I'm so glad we regathered ourselves," McNamara told AAP. "That was a big thing for us, that we knew we had this competition. "This is such a good feeling now to be in this final - it's hard to put into words." If City win at Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium, they will earn a $2 million prize packet. Each player will receive around $47,000 if they win, or $23,000 if they lose. "In terms of prize money for women's football, it's amazing," McNamara said. "We're so glad and happy that we can push for that and then get some reward out of it at the end." It would also be reward for a stellar individual season. McNamara was shocked when coach Michael Matricciani told her she'd be a central striker, instead of a winger. It has unlocked another level to her game. "There's a lot more opportunities in front of goal to finish and obviously score goals," she said. "It's a bit more direct, and hopefully I can stay there." McNamara has also gained confidence from Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni starting her at No.9. "I'm just really glad to be back out there," she said. "That's what I'm doing at the moment: just trying to really enjoy it and put my best foot forward to hopefully impress, but just have fun." City veteran and former Matildas captain Melissa Barbieri watched superstars Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord emerge as teenagers, and is now seeing McNamara flourish. "She's better than they were," Barbieri told AAP. "While Sammy and Caitlin Foord were already quite technically gifted with their dribbling and things, Holly's touch under pressure and her ability to snap-shot from anywhere, I get to see daily." She believes McNamara's hard road, including overcoming three ACL tears, will benefit her long-term. "She's been dealt quite a difficult hand, and the things that she's learned from that is probably going to put her in good stead," she said. "She's got a good head on her shoulders and she's not about to let stardom get in the way of anything." That includes a decision on her future after the upcoming Matildas camp. McNamara, 22, is attracting attention from overseas and also has an offer from City. "It's exciting to think about, but I'm really just focused on this next game and then going into (Matildas) camp after that," McNamara said. "My ambition is to always go play in a league overseas, just not sure when that will be. "I'd love to challenge myself eventually and whenever the right moment is at the right club then that'll come up." First, McNamara wants to get that medal around her neck. "Hopefully we can get it done and get the other trophy," she said. "It'll just be unreal."
Perth Now
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Goal-scoring sensation leads City's push for $2m trophy
One of the Matildas' most gifted prospects, Holly McNamara has the world at her feet and a bright future calling. But first, she's ready to win the biggest club game of her career, and land Melbourne City a bumper $2 million pay day. McNamara made a scintillating return from injury to charge to the golden boot with 15 goals and help City win the A-League Women premiership. But she was concussed 10 minutes into the second leg of City's semi-final loss to Central Coast, and the club missed out on a treble. Thankfully, she had something else to play for. McNamara was excellent in Wednesday night's Women's Asian Champions League semi-final win over Incheon Red Angels, and is ready for Saturday's final against Wuhan Jiangda. "There was so much heartbreak around that semi-final, the way it went down. But I'm so glad we regathered ourselves," McNamara told AAP. "That was a big thing for us, that we knew we had this competition. "This is such a good feeling now to be in this final - it's hard to put into words." If City win at Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium, they will earn a $2 million prize packet. Each player will receive around $47,000 if they win, or $23,000 if they lose. "In terms of prize money for women's football, it's amazing," McNamara said. "We're so glad and happy that we can push for that and then get some reward out of it at the end." It would also be reward for a stellar individual season. McNamara was shocked when coach Michael Matricciani told her she'd be a central striker, instead of a winger. It has unlocked another level to her game. "There's a lot more opportunities in front of goal to finish and obviously score goals," she said. "It's a bit more direct, and hopefully I can stay there." McNamara has also gained confidence from Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni starting her at No.9. "I'm just really glad to be back out there," she said. "That's what I'm doing at the moment: just trying to really enjoy it and put my best foot forward to hopefully impress, but just have fun." City veteran and former Matildas captain Melissa Barbieri watched superstars Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord emerge as teenagers, and is now seeing McNamara flourish. "She's better than they were," Barbieri told AAP. "While Sammy and Caitlin Foord were already quite technically gifted with their dribbling and things, Holly's touch under pressure and her ability to snap-shot from anywhere, I get to see daily." She believes McNamara's hard road, including overcoming three ACL tears, will benefit her long-term. "She's been dealt quite a difficult hand, and the things that she's learned from that is probably going to put her in good stead," she said. "She's got a good head on her shoulders and she's not about to let stardom get in the way of anything." That includes a decision on her future after the upcoming Matildas camp. McNamara, 22, is attracting attention from overseas and also has an offer from City. "It's exciting to think about, but I'm really just focused on this next game and then going into (Matildas) camp after that," McNamara said. "My ambition is to always go play in a league overseas, just not sure when that will be. "I'd love to challenge myself eventually and whenever the right moment is at the right club then that'll come up." First, McNamara wants to get that medal around her neck. "Hopefully we can get it done and get the other trophy," she said. "It'll just be unreal."
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
City cruise into Asian Women's Champions League semis
Melbourne City have charged into the semi-finals of the inaugural Women's Asian Champions League with a comfortable 3-0 win over Taiwanese club Taichung Blue Whale. City will play Incheon Red Angels in May, after the South Korean club beat Iran's Bam Khatoon 1-0 in their quarter-final. The semi-finals and final will be held at an as-yet undetermined centralised venue. Mariana Speckmaier scored in the fourth minute before a a Blue Whale own goal in the 43rd doubled City's lead. Holly McNamara won a penalty and converted it in the 63rd minute to decide Sunday's quarter-final in front of 1865 fans at AAMI Park. First #AWCL goal for Holly Mac 🌟#MCYvTBW | 🩵 3-0 🔵 — Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) March 23, 2025 The A-League Women leaders will hope star striker McNamara has avoided injury after she came from the field following a knock to her right knee two minutes after her goal. She had reached for her right knee, but got up and left the field under her own steam. McNamara, who has overcome three knee reconstructions, had been due to be substituted, and appeared in good spirits later in the match. The home side took the lead when Taylor Otto looped an athletic effort goal bound before Speckmaier made it a certainty by slamming the ball home. City doubled their lead when McNamara's cross deflected off Li Pei-jung and keeper Tsai Ming-jung could only knock it further into her own net. In the 63rd minute, McNamara was brought down by goalkeeper Tsai and coolly stepped up to take the penalty herself and converted. . @MelbourneCity lead in their AFC Women's Champions League Quarter-Final inside 4 MINUTES! 🔥Watch #MCYvTBW live and free on 10 Play. — Ninja A-League (@aleaguewomen) March 23, 2025 Substitute Emilia Murray won another penalty in the 77th minute but Tsai saved Leticia McKenna's spot-kick. Taichung came desperately close to scoring when Tanaka's shot slipped through Mieres's open hands and hit the crossbar, only for the City goalkeeper to catch it again. City, who are aiming to complete a treble this season, face a tight turnaround to play Brisbane Roar at Perry Park on Wednesday, then Wellington away at Porirua Park on Sunday.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
City set ALW unbeaten streak record with Adelaide win
Melbourne City have gone five points clear at the top of the table and extended their unbeaten run to an A-League Women record 19 games with a thrilling 4-3 win over Adelaide United. Sunday afternoon's game at Casey Fields between leaders City and third-placed Adelaide was clearly the game of the round. Resurgent Matildas striker Holly McNamara was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick - though she could have the first of her three goals awarded to teammate Lourdes Bosch. HISTORY MADE 🙌@MelbourneCity break the record for the longest unbeaten streak in Ninja A-League history!19 MATCHES IN A ROW 🤯They now stand just four matches from an invincible season. What a team.#MCYvADL — Ninja A-League (@aleaguewomen) March 16, 2025 City (43 points, 19 games played) lead Melbourne Victory (38 points, 18 games) and Adelaide (36 points, 19 games) at the pointy end of the season. They are chasing three trophies - the premiership, championship and Women's Asian Champions League. City had an opportunity to freshen up after last weekend's game against Brisbane Roar was postponed and scored early. Tyla-Jay Vlajnic's free kick proved too hot too handle for Claudia Jenkins and McNamara was on hand to bundle home - though Bosch could potentially have got the final touch. City doubled their lead in the 27th minute when Bosch went on a brilliant run down the right then slipped the ball to McNamara, with the outside of her boot, and the striker slid in to score. A wonderful team goal from our City girls!#MCYvADL | 🩵 2-0 🔴 — Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) March 16, 2025 The Reds hit back six minutes later when City failed to clear their lines and Ella Tonkin bundled home. An own goal by Adelaide's Lucia Leon, an attempted clearing header from a corner, made it 3-1 in the 31st minute. In the 53rd, Erin Healy lashed home from the edge of the area to draw Adelaide within a goal. McNamara drove the ball into the bottom corner to restore a two-goal buffer and complete her hat-trick in the 64th minute. Zoe Tolland headed home in the 73rd to make for a nervous finish but City held on. Brisbane host Newcastle in Sunday's late match at Perry Park.
