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De Domizio credits NPL NSW Women’s competition for A-League Women’s opportunity

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Promising attacking star Kiara De Domizio has praised the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition as the stepping-stone towards nailing an A-League Women’s contract with Western United thanks to a solid season at Sydney Olympic.

“The NPL NSW Women’s competition is undoubtedly one of the most competitive and highly ranked competitions across Australia,” De Domizio stated to Football NSW.

“The platform that it provides for players wishing to make it A-League Women’s is very important.

“I believe that the league has seen continuous growth in quality and the calibre of players year on year.

“This has been vital in helping me develop as a footballer.

“It is also fantastic to see improvements in facilities for NPL NSW Womens teams, the media and NPL TV, which all provided a supportive environment for female footballers to thrive.”

Having debuted with Sydney Olympic as a 17-year-old, De Domizio was part of the NPL NSW Women’s setup as a 13-year-old.

Throughout her years, the ambition of playing in Australia’s top tier Women’s competition was always high on the talented attacker’s radar and her dream was realised when Western United came knocking on the door for the 2023/24 A-League Women’s season.

“Initially, I was in contact with a few A-League Women’s clubs, before spending the first 2 weeks pre-season at WSW.

“In the midst of this, Western United FC Head Coach Mark Torcaso reached out and offered me to come down to Melbourne for a week to train/trial and I was up for the challenge.

“After a few training sessions and a pre-season trial game, I was beyond grateful to be offered a contract.

“This led to me relocating from Sydney.”

It was great way to end what was a tough season De Domizio endured at Sydney Olympic as the club missed out on playing finals football.

“As a team, I feel it was difficult for us to achieve consistency throughout the year, compared to previous seasons,” De Domizio stated.

“This can be attributed to a range of factors such as player rotations and injuries.

“However, there were some great moments too.

“On an individual level, my mentality from the start of pre-season was to ensure I elevated my game compared to last year, took full advantage of the opportunities presented to me and to grow in confidence.

“I put in a lot of work outside team training to fine-tune my skills and attributes while working on weaknesses and this evidently led to advancements in my game and growth as a football player physically and mentally.”

Round 26 Review – NPL NSW Women’s

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APIA Leichhardt secured the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s Premiership in the final round of competition. 

Bulls FC Academy secured the last finals spot on Sunday, while the Blacktown Spartans came from behind to confirm their survival in the top tier.

Match of the Round: APIA Leichhardt 7-1 Emerging Jets – Full Match Report

APIA Leichhardt have been crowned National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s Premiers after a resounding 7-1 victory over the Emerging Jets at Lambert Park on Sunday night.

Ash Crofts also claimed the individual accolade of the league’s Golden Boot with a hat-trick against the Jets, captain Rhianna Pollicina had a brace while Sophie Hoban and Isabella Coco-Di Sipio had a goal each.

Bulls FC Academy 2-1 NWS Spirit 

Jaime Gomez’s Bulls FC Academy knew they needed to win on Sunday to play finals football and they did just that against NWS Spirit.

The home side had the lead inside the first 10 minutes as Jessica Seaman took advantage of a spilled ball by Katie Offer in the Spirit goal to tap the ball home.

It was two soon after as Peta Trimis combined with Avaani Prakash before the speedster Trimis showed fine technique to get beyond her defender and put away the rebound after her initial effort was saved by Offer.

Spirit was awarded a penalty late in the piece as Mary Stanic-Floody dispatched her spot kick with the final kick of the game.

Bankstown City Lions 0-0 Football NSW Institute 

Bankstown City Lions and Football NSW Institute rounded off the season in a stalemate at Jensen Park on Sunday.

There were tears at Sefton as news came in from the result at Cromer Park which consigned Bankstown to relegation from the top tier.

With much of their concentration placed on the way things were turning out at Manly, neither side were able to break the deadlock after the first 45.

It was much the same in the second period as the game ticked through to the 90 at 0-0.

Sydney University 1-2 Macarthur Rams 

The Macarthur Rams did what they needed to and took all three points against Sydney University but it was not enough for the Premiership.

Just after the hour mark the home team had the lead, Talia Kapetanellis dropping the ball for Ava Pritchard who battled to poke the ball home.

From the kick off though, the Rams were level.

Mel Caceres pinched the ball from the Uni defence before feeding in Kelli Brown who placed her effort into the top corner.

In the 89th minute the Rams secured the win as an unselfish Leena Khamis played in Brown who had her second with the simplest of finishes.

Illawarra Stingrays 3-1 Sydney Olympic 

At Macedonia Park, the Illawarra Stingrays finished their season in the best possible way with a 3-1 win over Sydney Olympic.

It was Olympic who took the lead though after only two minutes, Brianna Oliverio winning the ball on the edge of the area before finding the finish.

Moments before half time the Stingrays well level after an excellent head by Bronte Pyke at the back post following a corner.

Stingrays captain and veteran Michelle Carney then made it 2-1, reacting quickest in the box to put the home side in front.

The points were secure with 15 minutes remaining as Sakura Nojima finished into the bottom corner with a well struck effort into the bottom corner.

Manly United 2-3 Blacktown Spartans 

There were scenes of jubilation at Cromer Park on Sunday as the Blacktown Spartans secured survival in the top tier with an incredible turnaround victory against Manly United.

United had the lead after 18 minutes as Emily Minett reacted quickest in the box after a corner wasn’t dealt with by the Spartans.

Less than 60 seconds later their lead was doubled as Daisy Arrowsmith showed great composure to bury her effort.

The goals kept coming, only this time it was Blacktown’s turn to score.

Young gun Amber Luchtmeijer ran onto a through ball, rounded Nicole Simonsen and tapped the ball home.

Minutes later and the Spartans were level with the best strike the competition had seen this season.

Christa Oliva let fly on the volley with her first touch, blasting the ball over Simonsen to equalise for the Spartans in remarkable style.

The teams went into half time locked at 2-2 and with this result, the Spartans were going down.

But the hero and saviour of Blacktown stepped up again as Luchtmeijer got onto the end of an Alyssa Ng-Saad pass to place the ball beyond Simonsen to the absolute elation of everyone involved with the Spartans.

The young Spartans held on and did enough to dramatically rescue their status in the NPL competition.

Gladesville Ravens 0-1 Northern Tigers 

At Christie Park the Northern Tigers finished their league season with victory as they defeated the Gladesville Ravens 1-0.

It was a victory that did not mean much as the Tigers finished the season in fifth place, missing out on finals football.

The two teams could not be separated in the first period as they went into the sheds locked at 0-0.

Just before the hour mark the Tigers had the lead as Ash Brodigan ran onto a long ball, lifting the ball over the keeper and into the goal.

It was enough for the victory for the Tigers who turn their attention to the Sapphire Cup final on Sunday.

By Nikola Pozder 

Round 25 Review – NPL NSW Women’s

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APIA Leichhardt have one hand on the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s Premiership after round 25 with a change in the Top Four with one round remaining. 

Match of the Round: Blacktown Spartans 0-4 Bulls FC Academy – Full Match Report

Bulls FC Academy have put finals football in their own hands after a 4-0 win over the Blacktown Spartans at Blacktown Football Park.

After a tight first half where neither team could find a goal, the second period exploded.

Two goals from the fantastic Charlotte Lancaster and a goal each for Amy Chessari and Avaani Prakash were enough for a convincing victory.

Football NSW Institute 1-2 NWS Spirit 

NWS Spirit recorded a tight 2-1 victory over the Football NSW Institute at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday afternoon.

Spirit took an early lead, three minutes were on the clock when Mary Stanic-Floody found space on the edge of the area and buried the ball into the bottom corner.

With 15 minutes to go, the Institute equalised.

The ball fell into the path of Alice Thompson who let fly, finding the top corner with a well struck effort.

Not long after though, Spirit was back in front as Stanic-Floody got her second with a fantastic penalty to secure the three points.

Bankstown City Lions 1-1 Manly United 

In a game with so much on the line, Bankstown City Lions and Manly United shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Jensen Park.

Manly took the lead in the match 10 minutes before half time after some individual brilliance by Nicole Stuart saw her beat her marker down the byline before finding the bottom corner at the near post.

Matt Costantini’s team had to react in the second half and they did as Susan Phonsongkham scored a well struck penalty.

The home side was desperate for all three points and pushed hard as the game ticked on.

Nicole Simonsen was in some form as she made a few spectacular saves in the final 10 minutes.

First Skye Casacchia forced the keeper into a finger tip save before Simonsen again saved from the midfielder from point blank range.

Casacchia had a wonderful chance following a corner but her header went over the bar from inside the six-yard box with another chance falling late to Phonsongkham but again the Manly keeper coming out on top.

Emerging Jets 1-1 Gladesville Ravens 

The Emerging Jets secured their fourth draw of the season as they held the Gladesville Ravens 1-1 at Lake Macquarie.

Just before the break the Ravens hit the front with a special strike from Lexie Moreno who let fly from more than 20 metres out, finding nothing but the top corner.

The Jets equalised 15 minutes into the second period after a fine run and cross by Claire Adams, Ruby Jones taking advantage of a spill by the Ravens keeper and lobbing the ball home.

Jess Wootton almost won it for the Ravens late on but couldn’t direct her header on target.

Sydney University 1-2 Sydney Olympic 

Sydney Olympic’s hopes of finals football remain alive after a hard fought 2-1 victory away at Sydney University.

Olympic opened the scoring in the dying moments of the first half after a powerful strike by Allira Toby inside the box.

Lacie Bowling then took advantage of a goalkeeping howler to double Olympic’s advantage and send them on course for victory.

Uni would make for a nervy finish as Ava Pritchard got on the scoresheet after the ball fell in her path, slotting it home into an empty net.

Illawarra Stingrays 0-0 Macarthur Rams 

The Macarthur Rams knew they needed to win to keep the pressure on APIA Leichhardt but could only manage a 0-0 draw with the Illawarra Stingrays.

Michelle Carney had the first real chance of the game but her header was well saved by Sham Khamis after 10 minutes.

Carney again tested Khamis but once more the keeper came out on top shortly after.

Leena Khamis had Macarthur’s first chance but her effort was well saved.

The Rams keeper was getting a workout and made the save of the evening from Chloe Middleton, tipping her effort over the bar at full stretch.

Missing key players Beth Gordon and Alex Huynh, the Rams could not get going and both teams had to settle for a point.

Northern Tigers 0-2 APIA Leichhardt 

APIA Leichhardt is only one point away from securing the Premiership for the 2023 season after a 2-0 victory over the Northern Tigers.

A goal in either half was enough for Spencer Prior’s team to record a massive victory at North Turramurra.

Their job was made all the easier as Isabel Gomez was sent off for a tackle from behind in the box on Sophie Hoban.

Ash Crofts stepped up to the spot and slotted the ball beyond Sarah Willacy into the back of the net for a 1-0 win.

Credit to the Tigers, they battled hard with 10 players but conceded for the second time deep in second half stoppage time.

Holly McNamara showed some fine skill to feed Rhianna Pollicina in the box before the midfield struck a fine effort beyond Willacy to secure all three points for APIA.

By Nikola Pozder 

Round 24 Review – NPL NSW Women’s

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It was a round of tight scorelines and closely fought battles in the National Premier League’s NSW Women’s competition.

Match of the Round: Bankstown City 0-0 Northern Tigers – Full Match Report

In a tight game at Jensen Park in the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition, Bankstown City Lions held on to a point against the Northern Tigers.

It was a game where not much was given away from either team and chances were tough to come by, resulting in the stalemate.

Bankstown’s job of picking up the much-need win was made tougher when Tiana Jaber was shown a red card in the first half.

The depleted Tigers could not capitalise on the player advantage and had to settle for a point at the conclusion of the 90 minutes.

NWS Spirit 0-2 Illawarra Stingrays 

The Illawarra Stingrays made it consecutive wins with another victory against one of the top teams in the competition NWS Spirit.

Where was this form earlier on in the season because the Stingrays have shown they can mix it with the best.

They scored their first minutes before the break as Kaelah Austin found herself on the scoresheet.

Sakura Nojima continued her fine form for the Stingrays as they scored nine minutes after half time to secure the three points for the visitors.

Bulls FC Academy 2-3 Macarthur Rams 

The Macarthur Rams required a last gasp winner to keep the pressure on APIA Leichhardt as they defeated Bulls FC Academy 3-2.

The Rams opened the game well, taking the lead via Bethany Gordon following a corner.

It was soon 2-0 for the Rams minutes later as Kelli Brown converted a spot kick following a handball in the box.

The Bulls fightback started in style with one of the best headers you’ll see this season as Charlotte Lancaster got up and the far post and rocketed the ball home.

In one of the last actions of the first half the Bulls equalised through Tamires Souza.

Lancaster again rose highest, this time her header clattering against the bar, before Souza picked up the pieces to make it 2-2.

As the game looked set to finish with a point apiece, up stepped veteran Leena Khamis.

If Lancaster’s goal was one of the best you’ll see this year, no doubt Miku Sunaga’s mid-air back heel assist is the best you’ll see in 2023 as Khamis arrived to head the ball home and steal the points.

Sydney University 3-1 Football NSW Institute 

Sydney University secured another win in the latter part of the season, this time defeating Football NSW Institute 3-1.

It was the visitors though that took the lead late in the first half as Caley Tallon-Henniker put the Institute in front.

10 minutes into the second half though, Taren King popped up to equalise for Uni.

An own goal then had the home team in front before Jaime Beaufils secured the victory for Uni with a late goal.

APIA Leichhardt 3-1 Gladesville Ravens 

The league leaders APIA Leichhardt survived an early scare to come away with all three points against the Gladesville Ravens on Sunday afternoon.

After only 60 seconds, Siobhan Edwards snuck in behind the APIA defence before beating Sophie Magus to the ball to place it home into an empty net.

APIA responded through Holly McNamara after some fine work by Sophie Hoban, McNamara lifting the ball into the top corner with a well measured strike.

What the Ravens did in the first minute, APIA captain Rhianna Pollicina did in the final minute of the first half with a well taken goal.

Ash Crofts rounded off the scoring and got herself back on the scoresheet after a dry spell late on, finding herself in the right place at the right time at the far post to poke the ball home following a corner.

Blacktown Spartans 3-0 Emerging Jets 

Blacktown Spartans will come into the final two rounds full of confidence after a convincing 3-0 win over the Emerging Jets.

They took the lead just after the half hour mark  as a long distance shot from Abbey Lemon wasn’t dealt with by the Jets keeper, somehow squirming over the line for 1-0.

Another goalkeeping error allowed Christa Oliva to steal in and double the Spartans advantage with 20 minutes remaining.

Emily Roach then made it 3-0 moments later with a well taken strike to round out the scoring at Blacktown Football Park.

Sydney Olympic 0-0 Manly United 

Sydney Olympic were held by Manly United at Peter Moore Field in a tight game on Sunday afternoon.

Neither team was able to create a clear cut opportunity in the first half with the teams going into half time at 0-0.

Lucy Johnson then had a good chance for Olympic with 20 minutes to go but her effort was well saved.

Manly thought they won it in stoppage time through substitute Sienna Dale, only for Courtney Newbon to pull off an incredible save.

Manly kept the pressure on their rivals but were unable to pinch it late on.

By Nikola Pozder 

Round 24 Preview – NPL NSW Women’s

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There was a major twist in the last round of games that have turned up the heat in the three remaining rounds in the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition.

NWS Spirit v Illawarra Stingrays 

The action kicks off on Saturday afternoon at Christie Park as NWS Spirit host the Illawarra Stingrays.

Spirit left it late last weekend against Manly United but managed to record the victory which more or less consolidates third spot for them.

The return of Sophie Harding will only add further depth to the squad, her presence already well felt with Sunday’s winner coming after a foul on her.

At the other end will be an Illawarra Stingrays team flowing with confidence after an incredible come from behind win over the league leaders.

Defeat against the Blacktown Spartans only two weeks ago would have made for a poor mood within the camp, but Sakura Nojima masterminded last week’s victory.

The Stingrays will come into this knowing that any points will all but secure safety in the competition for 2024.

Sydney University v Football NSW Institute 

In the early game on Sunday afternoon, Sydney University will host the Football NSW Institute at Sydney Uni Football Ground.

Uni made it three games without defeat after coming from behind against the Gladesville Ravens on Sunday to earn a point in a 1-1 draw.

Holly Caspers had found the net for the first time this campaign with the late finish, something that Emily Husband’s team could have done more with this season.

The Institute suffered another defeat on the weekend, taking them to only one win in their last seven starts.

It won’t be any easier this week as they will need to do without influential goalkeeper Tahlia Franco who received her marching orders against Bulls FC Academy.

APIA Leichhardt v Gladesville Ravens 

At Lambert Park at 2:55pm on Sunday, APIA Leichhardt will host the Gladesville Ravens.

It was a colossal collapse from APIA Leichhardt on Sunday and after being in the driving seat to claim the Premiership, they have now given the Macarthur Rams some hope of pinching first place.

This week Spencer Prior will need to lift his team and remind them that they are still in first place in both the Premiership race and the much-coveted Club Championship and remain on course for the Quadruple with the Sapphire Cup and potential league Grand FInal.

Star striker Holly McNamara scored a hat-trick and seems to be finding form at the right time also.

It will be a busy few weeks for the Ravens as they play catch up and try to sneak into the finals.

They have a mid-week away trip to Sydney Olympic on Thursday night before this one and will need to recover if they are to throw themselves into the mix for a Top Four spot.

Bulls FC Academy v Macarthur Rams 

Also, at 2pm on Sunday in a very intriguing fixture, Bulls FC Academy host the Macarthur Rams at Northbridge Oval.

Inconsistency is what has damaged Bulls’ finals hopes over the last seven games where they have recorded two draws, two losses and three victories.

Most importantly, they are still right in the hunt for fourth place and with Aideen Keane in some good form, they may cause the Macarthur Rams some problems.

APIA Leichhardt ensured we’d have a grandstand finish in the women’s competition after suffering defeat last weekend which coincided with Macarthur’s win over Sydney Olympic.

It meant that the gap at the top of the competition table is only one point with three fixtures remaining.

It’s hard to pick a player that stands out for the Rams as all across the park they have been fantastic, making it easier to look at Stephen Peters’ biggest problem which is the ACL injury suffered by Amalia Plummer and who will step into her position.

Sydney Olympic v Manly United 

At Peter Moore Field on Sunday afternoon, Sydney Olympic host Manly United.

Olympic’s finals hopes are still alive and if they are able to secure victory mid-week against the Gladesville Ravens, a win here could see them sneak into the top four by the end of the week.

They will be encouraged by the returns of Ash Irwin, Angelique Hristodooulou and Kiara De Domizio, all who managed to get some minutes under their belts against the Macarthur Rams.

Manly United have somewhat unexpectedly been drawn into the relegation battle but can distance themselves once more with a result or two on Sunday.

They lost it late last week from the spot against NWS Spirit and will need to recover from that disappointment here.

Bankstown City Lions v Northern Tigers – MOTR 

The match of the round takes us to Jensen Park on Sunday at 3pm as Bankstown City Lions host the Northern Tigers.

There is so much riding on the line for both of these teams with finals football the carrot.

Bankstown did what was asked of them last week against the Emerging Jets and in the process gave themselves the best goal difference of the battling teams for fourth spot.

None of that will matter here though if they don’t take all three points as mathematically, they will not be able to catch the Tigers should they lose.

Susan Phonsongkham got herself back on the scoresheet with a brace last week and she will be key for the Lions.

The Tigers have continued their good form late in the season as they scored an impressive 3-0 win over the Blacktown Spartans with Claudia Cholakian the star of the show.

As mentioned previously, a win for the Tigers will eliminate a direct competitor for fourth spot and inch them closer to another finals appearance.

They come into this one with only one defeat in their last five games and are finishing the season strong.

Blacktown Spartans v Emerging Jets 

Blacktown Football Park will be the venue for the Blacktown Spartans’ clash against the Emerging Jets on Sunday.

After their incredible win against the Illawarra Stingrays, the Spartans were brought back down to earth with their defeat against the Northern Tigers on Sunday.

There is little bearing on this game for the Spartans but they may use it as a confidence booster if they can win for their final two vital games in the season.

Time is running out for the Jets to register their first win of the season but they may feel this could be the moment.

After a few tight results and an excellent come from behind draw against NWS Spirit, they suffered a humbling defeat on Sunday at the hands of Bankstown City.