In four of the last five Westfield W-League seasons, she has been a mainstay for Melbourne City and contributed to their four championships. And it was very, very competitive, very technical.” Luik told matildas.com.au. Well, I’m glad one person in New Zealand is. The ladder-leading Central Coast Mariners continued their wi, Rhyan Grant marked his 200th A-League appearance by scoring the decisive goal as Sydney FC snapped their winless streak with a 2-0 triumph against ten-man Western United at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium. Chelsea will look to add another trophy to their cabinet as they take on Bristol City in the Continental Cup final. ...gland ABCTV will  broadcast live one match per round of the A-League and Westfield W-League 2020/21 Season, all matches of the Westfield W-League 2021 Finals Series live and provide a delayed broadcast of one A-League 2021 Elimination Final, one A-League 2021 Semi Final and the A-League 2020 Grand Final. Dylan Holmes Captain of Adelaide United. by sportsbird » Sat Dec 19, 2020 11:14 am. So I decided to come here. And in comparison with a lot of people around the world right now, I definitely cannot complain because I'm still working, I have a job and I'm able to be outside. You don't really ever want to go somewhere, in my opinion, where you're not learning. Grant capped a typically relentless, all-action display by notching his 10th, After hitting scorching-hot form while smashing Melbourne Victory for six, Melbourne City head into their first ever meeting with Macarthur FC on Friday looking for a fourth straight win. Luik is no stranger to football being the world game. Sevilla currently sit in eighth in the Primera División. And I really enjoyed my time as challenging as it was. The full A-League schedule is available here and the full Westfield W-League fixture schedule will be revealed on Monday 30 November 2020. Fears of a sub-standard A-League have been eased with a record-breaking start to the 2020-21 season. ", “Now, being a mentor, that is a little bit more important to me. NSW 2000, Australia, © 2019 Football Federation Australia ABN 28 106 478 068 | All Rights Reserved, Team of the Week presented by Bunnings Warehouse, Find out when the derbies, rivalries and big matches of 2020/21 take place, All players signed for A-League 2020/21 Season, Every club's released jerseys so far for A-League 2020/21 Season, Start date confirmed for the A-League and Westfield W-League, A-League and Westfield W-League kicking off together for first time, Expansion club Macarthur FC’s debut away to local rival Western Sydney Wanderers FC in double-header, Ex Westfield Matildas boss Ante Milicic leading Macarthur FC, ex-Socceroo Mark Milligan captain, Sydney FC host Melbourne City FC in A-League grand final replay at ANZ Stadium, Festival of professional football coming, with games broadcast on FOX SPORTS six days per week, Australia’s rising stars on show with over 40 Olyroos, Young Socceroos and Young Matildas to feature in A-League and Westfield W-League, plus dozens of Socceroos and Westfield Matildas. For the young ones, who come in to make them feel a little bit more comfortable in the environment to be a bit more welcoming, to be there to answer any questions they might have, that's a bit more important to me.”, “And coming into an environment where you can't communicate too much. Ian Foster is “pretty satisfied” with the All Blacks 2020 season. Patrick Kisnorbo's side were forced to navigate their way out of a four-match losing stre, Sydney FC have an opportunity to return to the A-League's top six when they host Newcastle Jets this Saturday (kick off 5.05pm AEDT). ... Westfield Matildas 2020 Christmas and New Year's message to fans Official Partners of the Westfield Matildas. Macarthur FC are coached by Ante Milicic who joins the club after leading the Westfield Matildas at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. I've definitely learnt to be more patient. History will be made in Sydney, with a brand-new derby and an opening day double header for the men’s and women’s teams as Western Sydney Wanderers FC men’s team face Macarthur FC and the women’s team host Melbourne Victory at Bankwest Stadium. Reds captain off to Europe. But her last two moves abroad have seen her land in Spain following a stint with Melbourne City.Â. The later than usual season start also means that we have more alignment with the rest of the game. Ante Milicic (Macarthur FC inaugural coach and former Westfield Matildas Head coach): Mark Milligan (Macarthur FC captain, four-time FIFA World Cup Socceroo): Keanu Baccus (Western Sydney Wanderers FC rising star and Olyroo): Georgia Yeoman-Dale (Western Sydney Wanderers FC and Matildas-capped midfielder): Jamie Maclaren (Melbourne City FC, Socceroos striker, 2019/20 golden boot): Melissa Barbieri (Melbourne City FC keeper and Matildas great): Robbie Kruse (Melbourne Victory, Socceroos attacker): Macarthur FC Training (including Ante Milicic and Mark Milligan footage): Bankwest Stadium (hosting season opening double-header): Campbelltown Stadium (Home of Macarthur FC). Alen Stajčić (born 2 November 1973) is the current manager for A-League club Central Coast Mariners.While as a footballer he was a NSW Premier League player and Australian Youth Representative.. The festival of professional football begins with 18 matches played over eight days, including a Westfield W-League and A-League Grand Final rematch between Sydney FC and Melbourne City FC at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday 30 December and an F3 Derby (Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets) on New Year’s Eve at Central Coast Stadium. ... (East) led the charge for their respective conferences and will captain their own teams. But there are other ways besides just language where you can show that so I've been trying to do that as well, with body language or just supporting them in in other ways. The A-League and Westfield W-League seasons commence with an historic double-header, to mark the first time both seasons kick off together, on 27 December. Her familiarity with the league and an away trip to Sevilla while at her former club Levante made it an opportunity she didn't want to pass up. It has taken her to the biggest tournaments in football. Basically all I've had to go through these last six, seven months is whenever you're outside you have to wear a mask unless you're at a restaurant and you're eating. The team was really, really good. “I wanted to continue learning Spanish, and I wanted to play in the league again. The second leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League round of 16 ties are just around the corner. The Matildas exodus and lack of international imports played heavily into their hands, having been the only team last season to not field a single visa player, and therefore came into 2020-21 with a squad cohesion and player chemistry that was the envy of many others. We’re going to see the best the leagues have on offer with so many Socceroos and Matildas putting on a show for fans across the nation.”. Since turning his hand to coaching he had become the head coach of NSWIS for Women's Soccer, Head Coach of The Hills Sports High School Football Program, Head Coach of the … And the facilities are fantastic here.”. From Julie Dolan, the first captain, to Cheryl Salisbury, the longest serving captain, to Sam Kerr, the current captain, the Westfield Matildas have been led by some extraordinary women over the course of their history. "Â, “But it's good because I'm learning something. Cricket: Pat Cummins has been announced as the captain of NSW, a potentially telling sign of Australia's next test captain. Unhappy star deserts club mid-season. She has also plied her trade across North America, Australia, and Scandinavia. And the thing is, when you're in the backline, if you make the wrong decision, or if you're a split second off, that could be the difference between a goal and not.”, “But in saying that, learning to or continuing to learn to deal with it, you have to be very, very patient, that's for sure. With five matches this round, there is plenty of action to watch. With midweek fixtures coming up and the Conti Cup final on the weekend, there are only two matches in the FA. It’s a challenge she is relishing with her team-first approach coming to the fore. Then it was her Matildas' captain Kerr who again took centre stage for Chelsea, heading home a thumping early opening goal and creating the second in the Blues' 2-0 win at West Ham which keeps them top of the WSL table. ... Football. A 1-1 draw with Real Madrid over the weekend has kept the side comfortably mid-table though Luik thinks the team could be higher on the table. “We are kicking off with a summer of football – a December start, games broadcast six days a week, and more young, Australian talent on the pitch than ever before, with more than 40 Olyroos and Young Socceroos and Matildas in the two leagues. And I loved the way the league was a long league. However, it is also highlighting the language barrier. And also because Sevilla is a huge club with a great history. Steve Crawley, Executive Director of FOX SPORTS said: “What better way to finish off this year and start 2021 than to sink our teeth in to six days a week of football. Chelsea and Sam Kerr battled it out against Atletico Madrid and came out on top. KEY DATES: Find out when the derbies, rivalries and big matches of 2020/21 take placeLATEST SQUADS: All players signed for A-League 2020/21 Season, Adelaide UnitedBrisbane RoarCentral Coast MarinersMacarthur FCMelbourne CityMelbourne VictoryNewcastle JetsPerth GlorySydney FCWellington PhoenixWestern Sydney WanderersWestern United, NEW KITS: Every club's released jerseys so far for A-League 2020/21 SeasonANNOUNCEMENT: Start date confirmed for the A-League and Westfield W-League, Melbourne City's sensational six-goal win over crosstown rivals Melbourne Victory headlined Match Week 11 ? The Blues enter this game in strong form. Thank God for Google Translate too by the way.”, Much like everyone else in the world, Luik and Sevilla have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. And I'm definitely learning how to deal with that.Â. Luik isn’t just learning new things during this stint in Spain but actively teaching as well. The Sky Blues snapped a four-match run without a win by accounting for Western United 2-0 on Wednesday, with Bobo again on the scoresheet and R, It is approaching do or die territory for Melbourne Victory, who will attempt to turn their A-League season around against Adelaide United on Saturday night (kick off 7.10pm AEDT). The clubs from the Victorian capital have dealt with cont, Locked Bag A4071 Most users ever online was 603 on Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:43 am Statistics Total posts 1522942 • Total topics 77106 • Total members 16954 • Our newest member Patmac Three Westfield Matildas and their clubs have the chance to progress through to the quarter final stage of Europe's biggest women's football competition.... "I'm not too sure how I would have coped having been inside if the rules meant that I had to be so I consider myself very lucky and very blessed.". Grant Brebner's side are reeling from their 6-0 Melbourne Derby hammering to Melbourne City last, Melbourne City go in search of a third straight win when they kickstart Matchweek 12 against Macarthur FC on Friday, while Melbourne Victory seek to bounce back in their Original Rivalry clash with Adelaide on Saturday. FOX SPORTS will broadcast A-League and Westfield W-League football for six days a week up until the end of the Westfield W-League season, including every match of the A-League season and the 2021 Finals Series and two matches per round of the Westfield W-League 2020/21 season as well as all Westfield W-League 2021 Finals Series matches. But once this one came up, it was a no brainer for me. The Matildas exodus and lack of international imports played heavily into their hands, having been the only team last season to not field a single visa player, and therefore came into 2020 … The Australian Women's Soccer Association (AWSA) was founded in 1974 and a representative Australian team competed at the following year's Asian Women's Championship. Two Westfield Matildas have progressed through to the quarter finals of the UEFA Women's Champions League. “Being a leader is not that important to me, what's important to me is winning the games and doing everything I can to help the team do that, on and off the field. Â, “That's been the hardest thing and the biggest obstacle that I've had to and am continuing to try to overcome. It's a little bit harder to do that. Chelsea 2-0 Atle, Locked Bag A4071 For Luik, the choice to return to Spain was an easy one. 16 Replies 1159 Views ... 2020 12:15 am; WNPL Grand Final 2020. by Riggles64 » Wed Oct 07, 2020 2:46 am. "But otherwise, we've been really lucky. Matildas; Other Sports ... NBA 2020-21: Five talking points from Week 7. I’m getting better at it week by week, the more Spanish that I learn, but it definitely makes it difficult.”, “A lot of your success in the backline relies on communication and really quick decision making. but which players stepped up to earn their stripes in the Team of the Week, presented by Bunnings Warehouse? Sydney South, We have a curfew and then at times there's been a regional boundary around the province of Sevilla or Andalusia and so you can't travel outside of that.". The Westfield Matildas return to the pitch at club level for another weekend of matches with a top of the table clash in France the pick of the bunch. “We’ve always had an ambition to align to the A-League and W-League seasons, so to be able to do that this year is a big step forward. A-League and Westfield W-League 2020/21 countdown begins A-League and Westfield W-League kicking off together for first time; Expansion club Macarthur FC’s debut away to local rival Western Sydney Wanderers FC in double-header; Ex Westfield Matildas boss Ante Milicic leading Macarthur FC, ex-Socceroo Mark Milligan captain In our latest instalment of The Check In, Westfield Matilda and Sevilla FC player Aivi Luik chats about playing in defence, learning Spanish, and being a mentor. Four-time FIFA World Cup Socceroo Mark Milligan, Captain of the latest A-League expansion team, Macarthur FC said: “After the year that 2020 has been, we are more ready than ever to get back on to the pitch and into the stadium and I know that we’re hearing from members every day about how excited they are that football is back for summer. To start our season with a brand-new derby showdown against Western Sydney Wanderers is the ideal way to kick-off and we are ready to go.”. I wanted to come back.”Â, “During the COVID spell when my agent was looking at the next chapter, there were a few teams interested. “I played here two seasons ago in Spain for Levante. Australian football fans would be used to seeing Luik play at the base of the midfield as a number six. And I'm one of those people who loves to be outside. With finals looming in the Westfield W-League, round 12 is set to be action packed and super important in the battle for the top four spots.  NRL: The Dragons have appointed halfback Ben Hunt as their captain for the 2021 season. But the Westfield Matilda is taking a glass half approach to restrictions and counting the positives in this difficult time.Â, "Honestly, the lockdown in Spain hasn't been that bad, especially here in Sevilla. I just had a feeling that this was the right pick for me. NSW 2000, Australia, © 2021 Football Australia ABN 28 106 478 068 | All Rights Reserved, [READ: Matildas Abroad: frozen pitches halt matches but Kerr still red hot], [MORE: One year on: Re-living Westfield Matildas v China from a team manager, commentator and fan perspective], [READ: Westfield W-League midseason report: The up-and-coming Australian players who have impressed so far], [WATCH: Katrina Gorry: I always wanted to be a mother], [MORE: FIFA appoints Chief Operating Officers for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™]. 0. Most of us are relieved it wasn’t worse. While the language barrier can throw a spanner in the works, taking younger players under her wing is something she values. A national team made up primarily of players from New South Wales and Western Australia was sent to the 1978 inaugural World Women's Invitational Tournament, in Taipei, Taiwan. “This has been one of the most challenging fixture processes we’ve ever been involved in because of the continually evolving restrictions, but our priority has always been bringing the best football to fans in the safest way, working with all our stakeholders to do so.”. But an injury crisis at Sevilla has seen the 35-year-old push back into the heart of defence. Sydney South,