When Jitka Klimkova was appointed in September of 2011, that that was said could have prepared us for the impact the Czech coach would have on the W-League. 

Canberra United got their Westfield W-League title defence back on track in emphatic style with a comprehensive 5-0 win over the Newcastle Jets at Wanderers Oval, Newcastle, on Saturday afternoon.


Canberra overan Newcastle late | Getty Images

The Westfield Matildas have cruised to a 4-0 triumph over Haiti in today’s international friendly at the Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium in Indianapolis.

First up win for the touring Matildas | FFA

Once again outside influences have necessiated that the Matildas rebuild their squad.  In 2008 it was the retirement of several stalwarts, this time round its injury that has ravaged the World Cup squad. 

However, as last time, several promising players have stepped into the breach for the national team.  Here is the low down on five of those players you might not know but you will soon.

Ashley Brown stepping up into the breach | Graeme Gilmer 

Golden Boot winner Michelle Heyman will be back in green for Season 5 of the Westfield W-League after signing a new deal that commits her to Canberra United for the 2012/13 season.

Heyman committs to Canberra | TWG

Illness meant that we skipped a week's wrap of the Aussies Abroad and plenty has happened in that time.  There were Championships claimed, winless streaks stopped, winning streaks halted and goals aplenty from the Aussies Abroad. So catch up on the Aussies Abroad news, we have divided report of the last two weeks into Europe and the US.  Here is your look at Europe from 29 May 2012 – 11 June 2012.
Brondby back-to-back Champions | Photo: 3F Ligaen

From France to Sweden, several players were in action midweek participating in pre-season friendlies and gaining game time in the prestigious UEFA Women's Champions League.  We have a review at how they fared in their various hit outs as well as look at the weekend fixures. 

Lisa De Vanna in action mid week in Sweden

At the end of Season Four of the Westfield W-League, record number of Matildas and Australian players have departed to test their skills in international leagues from Europe to the USA. The migration of Australian players in nothing new but the numbers are close to unprecedented.
Bill Drossos (far right) with client Kyah Simon | TWG

It's finally here! After 12 weeks, 10 rounds, 35 games and 125 goals, we are down to the final four teams in the Westfield W-League;  Canberra United, Brisbane Roar, Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory.  This weekend the final four battle it out for the right to play in the 2012 Westfield W-League Grand Final.

(L-R) Ashley Brown, Tameka Butt, Kyah Simon, Michelle Heyman | Bryan Crawford (FFA)

A week is certainly a long time in football.  Just asked Matildas’ striker Michelle Heyman.  This time last week Heyman was preparing to lead her NSW Women's Premier League side Illawarra Stingrays into their major semi-final against NWS Koalas.

Fast-forward six days and not only is she making her first starting line up but also scoring her first goals.

Heyman stepping up | TWG