I was able to sit down with local music artist ‘victoria said‘ and discuss her solo project, her inspirations, and her upcoming releases. Victoria works as staff with my peers in Autisticana and we all are excited about her music and performances.
Scott: How did you become a singer and songwriter?
Victoria: I’ve been singing ever since I can remember. My parents got me a karaoke machine and I was always singing for my family in the living room. From Taylor Swift, Camp rock, high school musical, early 2000s hits, my house heard it all! I’ve taken guitar, vocal, and piano lessons for years. My twin sister Sasha has always been musical as well, she plays piano and sings. When we were like 12 we came together and did a duet for the first time. Our first cover was “Payphone” by Maroon 5. We posted it to YouTube and it became our thing to play covers and sing together. I also posted my own singing videos as well. I think I began songwriting as early as 12/13. They may have been a little cheesy but it brought me to where I am today.
Who are your inspirations?
Literally everyone. From people that I’ve grown up watching and listening to from Disney Channel like Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, to indie artists across multiple genres that come up on my Spotify, to local artists that gig and do shows around Long Island like me! My dad is into a lot of older music that he has introduced me to as well within the rock and folk genres. I absolutely love going to concerts too! That always inspires me. It makes me go home and write even more.
What inspires you to songwrite?
I’m inspired by my experiences and my relationships. The good and the bad are all part of life and I like to write beautiful songs that people can relate to.
What does your artist name called ‘victoria said’ mean?
‘victoria said’ is about speaking through my songwriting. I have people asking me “Victoria said what?” All I say is to listen to my music, that’s what I’m trying to say!
Tell me about your Music that you have already released.
I have 2 singles are out currently. In Feb (2023) I released “Through (thank you),” which is a friend breakup song and the first single of my solo project. “hope you don’t sleep good tonight” was my second single and it was released this past April. This one has a striking title but it’s really talking about the intense emotions during a healing process, and that it’s okay to feel angry. “Lovely” is my newest single set to release on August 18. It is so catchy, fun, summery, and the perfect song for feeling nervous and falling in love.
Are there any other new songs or projects in the near future?
I just filmed a music video with my friends and a videographer, Liam, from Brooklyn for “Lovely” and it’s set to release in September! It was such a long day but so cool. I’ve never done a professional music video like that before! It was amazing planning and putting the vision together. All the songs that I’ve been working on since last fall will be part of EP coming very soon. I’ve been workin with Sarah Gross on Long Island- She’s been producing and mixing for me and it’s been an amazing experience.
The Matildas had played really well throughout their world cup until they have to play against France which their known as the Les Bleues. While both Australia and France are motivated to advance to the Semifinals, the two teams have shown exceptional power and overall achievement. Australia’s Tony Gustavsson and France’s Hervé Renard both enjoyed a successful World Cup campaign. With an outstanding view of their 49,961 fans, the match was held at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Queensland.
The match started off with both teams doing well balance while Sam Kerr gets to start off in the bench just in case of any form of play when needed. At the 12th minute, france took the corner kick which Eugenie Le Sommer had a chance to pass it to Maelle Lakrar bit kicked off target. Australia had some moments but couldn’t get the finishing touches. During the 24th minute Maria Carvajal had signals an Australia throw-in in France’s half. Which quickly became Katrina-Lee Gorry of Australia gets in a strike, but is off target. At the 32nd minute, France took the corner kick and Maelle Lakrar tried to give the Les Blues on the scoreboard which Mackenzie Arnold save it from going in. A the 41st minute, Hayley Raso was about to get the goal for Australia which the french defense almost cost the chance with lack of communication. While Katrina Lee Gorry passed it to Mary Fowler she was about to score for Australia but a great defense from Elisa De Almeida had a massive block which France was lucky to not let Australia get a chance to take the lead which it ended up halftime 0-0. Both teams had caused mistakes and failed possession of the ball.
When the 2nd half began, France already give a fowl to Fowler which Australia will get the free kick but it was blocked. France had most possession but almost had a chance. At the 55th minute the whole crowd was excited for Sam kerr for her to take over the 2nd half of the match. The moment after she got on, Kerr almost got herself a goal and Hayley Raso nearly got herself the goal for the Matildas. At the 58th minute Australia took charge of the corner kicks which couldn’t finish the job at the end which Pauline Peyraud-Magnin the French Goalkeeper was being this massive to refuse the Matildas the chance of a winning opportunity. During in these moments, France had suddenly came more dangerous with the ball and the tactics. The match at Suncorp Stadium has been interrupted briefly for a check on Eugenie Le Sommer, who is down injured which she got hit in the nose. At the 82nd minute, Australia was able to drive forward but Caitlin Foord is called for offside. During the 89th minute, Australia’s Ellie Carpenter breaks free, but the strike goes wide of the post. At the 90th minute, France’s Selma Bacha misses with an attempt on goal. The match was so competitive and still scoreless which means it ends the regulation match and go to extra time.
When extra time began, both teams had played their toughest performance which only one side can win it to the semifinals. At the 95th minute, France surge into the attack at Suncorp Stadium but Elisa De Almeida’s header is off-target. At the 100th Minute, France took the corner kick and Wendie Renard had the goal for France but the referee wanted to turn the play over for offside she was also caught for a push to Australia. During the 105th minute, Caitlin Foord had full advantage of the ball and hand it to Cortnne Vine but almost got themselves a goal. Afterwards, it was another round of extra time and France continue to let the Matildas to struggle the possession which France has contacted to play dangerous. At the 106th minute Viviane Asseyi had the ball in the penalty box and gives it to Vicki Becho which Mackenzie Arnold made a powerful save. By the 110th minute, Lauren Fazer of France passed the ball to Grace Geyoro which Steph Catley of Australia defend it from getting the goal. During the final minutes of exratime, France made 2 subs included the goalkeeper. The Goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin was being replaced by Solene Durand which Peyraud-Magnin did phenomenal with the defense of disallowing goals for Australia. On the other hand, Eve Perisset is replacing Elisa De Almeida for France. After the final moments from both Australia and France, the match ended up to penalty shots.
While Australia and France both haven’t find a strategy to score a goal, they ended went to Penalty kicks and a lot of fans has enjoyed the match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The penalty kick also known as PK mode started off with Selma Bacha but made a weak kick for an easy save from Arnold Mackenzie. When Caitlin Foord of Australia took over, she scores by the left of the post. When Kadidiatou Diane of France took the penalty kick it was an easy shot by the left post. While Steph Caitley of Australia took her shot, it was save by Solene Durand to save France with hope. When Wendie Renard the most farce player of France took the shot which it was an easy goal which had no problem of the danger. By the time Sam Kerr the Capitan of Australia took over, she made a goal which roared the whole stadium to see her score the goal in front of the audience of her home country. She had shown pride what soccer can do for her aussie fans, which made her feel good about the penalty kick. When Eugenie Le Sommer of France took the shot, it was a goal on the right side. As soon as Mary Fowler of Australia took the shot, it was a goal on the left and Australia has believe that could win the Quarterfinals. When Eve Perisset of France and just it the post and misses which Austrlia can bring hope for the victory if they made it. When Mackenzie Arnold of Australia played against Solene Durand she almost give Australia the big win which it the right post. It was 3-3 and made it round 6 which it got electrified in Brisbane and all og the fans got amped up with moment of sudden death. Then Grace Geyoro of France kicked the ball and succeeds from the penalty spot which Mackenzie Arnold almost had it but her fingertips was short to give the Matildas a win. When Katrina-Lee Gorry of Australia took her luck, she scores and did the rockabye baby holding dance while Solene Durand of France failed to save it with her fingertips and Australia went wild. By the Sakina Karchaoui of France scores from the penalty spot, it hit the post but able to get over the line when France an extra life of pendents. When Tameka Yallop of Australia took the kick, she quickly tip toe the play and succeeds from the penalty spot 5-5 into round 8. When Maelle Lakrar of France took the penalty kick it succeeds for France for an another lead. While Ellie Carpenter of Australia took the penalty kick she scores off the post but manage to get in. Afterwards, it was Kenza Dali of France took the shot, she missed but Mackenzie was happy to save but has to redo it because she moved too early. When Clare Hunt of Australia gets ready to take a penalty, she was able to kick it center but the goalie was able to save it. By the time Vicki Becho of France took the opportunity to lead The Blues and just it the post but couldn’t hang on. Lastly, it was round 10 which it was leveled 6-6 but Cortnee Vine took the penalty kick which it could be the moment for Australia. The Matildas has won the Penalty Shootout and they whole team has ran out and celebrated on the pitch for another successful match which they managed to win the Quarterfinals for the first time in World Cup History for both men and women for Australia. They will play against England in the Semifinals on Wednesday.
The most important lesson for the Matildas was to never surrender the power of taking charge of the World Cup and bring in joy for the sport that elevates the team. Everyone in the squad worked so hard to believe in themselves and it wasn’t easy for Australia to keep their grip of saving themselves as the host nation of the World Cup.
Here’s the extra information about the Matildas on your social networks to see some of the greatest moments of this amazing match to remember
Annie Murphy plays Petey in the new animated series Praise Petey, a girl who is a fashion designer in New York City, which she wanted to help her late dad’s cult in New Utopia. The show is also available on Freeform, which is available the next day on Hulu and Disney+ for streaming sites to watch replays.
Annie Murphy plays a New York fashionista who takes over as spiritual head of her father’s rural Southern cult in the series. She had everything she desired in her life back in New York City, where she liked coffee, therapy, jaywalking to museums, subway rides, and in particular Broadway performances. Petey worked as a Senior Assistant Editoral Assistant at Fashiona, a fashion magazine firm, for 8 years. Because of her lack of self-confidence, she frequently feels afraid to speak up. She had a wood plank of her fiancé Brian. The next day, she went to her White St. Barts Office to view a video footage of her late father explaining how he used to raise New Utopia which was actually in North Carolina. She was captivated by her father’s movie about fresh blood entering New Utopia, until one night she was with her BFF at her apartment and discovered that Brian had cheated on her. She felt betrayed and sobbed outside her apartment till her boss phoned and informed her that she had been demoted for irrelevant work behavior pointed out at a meeting especially the shimmy under her breath. After discovering that her apartment had caught fire, she ordered a Cab to the South and exclaimed, “Taxi to the South!” which makes sense given the title of the first episode of the series.
She finally got the bus to New Utopia. By the time she arrived, animals had also gotten from the bus, been kicked by a goat, and landed in the dirt. Her belongings were caked in muck, which irritated her. When Bandit arrived in his pickup truck, she discovered that he’s a good-looking redneck. Bandit urged her to leave town, which Petey believe proved unfair considering her father had devastated the community before she arrived. Petey was outraged because he believed she was going to wreck the town and wanted to manage it her way in order to reform it for the betterment of society. She was afraid since there was a gator in her father’s village, but she swiftly grabbed him and pulled her out of the mud. So Bandit was kind enough to drive her to New Utopia, but he forced her pull the luggage while driving his truck next to her. Eventually, the one who lights the torch to let everyone know that Petey has arrived in New Utopia. The entire community supported her efforts to make her feel like southern hospitality. She was about instruct Bandit how it works, but he drove away and scoffed at at him. When she arrived to the New Utopia Inn, she introduced Mae Mae, her father’s right hand till his death. When she arrived to the New Utopia Inn, she introduced Mae Mae, her father’s right hand till his death. Mae Mae reluctantly requested Emmett to mend her broken shoe as Petey went to her father’s room to take a shower. There was a group of ladies who bathed with her while humming, but she was perplexed because it wasn’t the most unusual shower she’d ever had. Mae Mae surprised her after a shower, which Petey was expecting to swing by for a drink, and she ended up going to The Filthy Pecker, New Utopia’s Hottest Bar in town.
By the time she arrived, she had been introduced by Alan Tudyk, a local star who showed her everyone in the bar but pointed out that they needed young people and booze, which would work well for her plan. Then she noticed Bandit was at the bar and wanted to insult him about being friendly to old ladies but unpleasant to her. Bandit saw Petey was wearing a neckless with a belly chain, which reluctant him, but he ultimately moved away from her. Petey soon chose to sit at the bar and have a drink with Eliza, the waitress at the bar. They both discuss Bandit, their recent relationship breakups, and their favorite television program, Post Trauma and Kissing. Their friendship has bonded, although Eliza has been running the bar for a year and has liked working as a bartender. She wanted to tell Eliza that she wanted to take over her late father’s village from 20 years ago and refurbish it in her own manner. After a pleasant conversation, Petey agreed to try pool darts with Bandit and place a wager on a match. Petey had dominated the battle and had her first kiss with Bandit, for which the entire crowd at the bar shouted and celebrated. Until Bandit intervened, which he couldn’t do since her father operated a cult, which was the primary reason why Bandit wanted her to leave. She told him that she wanted to help restore the community. The floor opened up as soon as she exclaimed Fresh blood to witness Alan Tudyk get slain by the Cult, which the entire town applauded to death, and Petey freaked out and bolted out of the pub. The cult was a typical method to welcome Petey’s homecoming, something she had not anticipated.
When she left the bar, it was too much for her and she puked outside till Mae Mae informed Petey about her first cult routine. That killing a celebrity was a ritual for the night Petey came to town enraged Petey, who wanted to go back home to New York and get her shoes back, but it wasn’t done. She attempted to hail a cab, but there were no taxis available in New Utopia. Eventually, Emmett hands Petey the TV/VCR to demonstrate how her father became terrified after viewing her human sacrifice, even the most odd event in existence. Most importantly, she had the option of remaining in New Utopia and assisting the community, which she was beginning to see may make a difference. After seeing the video, she was still outraged over her father’s cult, which Mae Mae conveyed to her about the cult she had in New York. Deep down, she was dealing with her own difficulties of hiding her feelings in order to avoid being overwhelmed or ashamed, which her terrible luck in New York didn’t help much with on her first night in New Utopia, she realized that her life in New York was a greater cult than her new village. Mae Mae informed her that she could either go back home and murmur herself behind her chain, or she could come up with brilliant ideas and utilize her voice to communicate her alternatives in New Utopia. Petey acknowledges that can contribute excellent ideas and utilize her voice to empower young people. Mae Mae wanted to show her that a young person can run a city and make excellent decisions. Finally, she wanted to give herself another opportunity to stay in New Utopia. The next day, Petey was all dressed up in a floral manner for a ceremony to be hailed as the great daughter, and the entire community said “Praise Petey” to express their warm welcome. The men in red vests informed her about the reforms in New Utopia, to which she answered, “no more human sacrifice and wear jumpsuits over kaftans.” It all ended happily, with Petey taking over the cult and making positive reforms, as the entire village took her to the streets of New Utopia for a moment of joy. Everyone had an opinion about Petey’s time in her new community. Finally, Petey realizes she is a new cult leader, which has elicited varied emotions, and she is eager to step up and make positive changes. She has the opportunity to learn more about her father and what life was like when he used to rule the town in his formative years. She also identified several celebrities who might join a cult, such as Frankie Jonas, Frankie Grande, or a random Freeform personality.
Petey herself had wished to improve New Utopia by enacting new changes and wanting to bring in new events and discoveries to the village that contemporary society would operate like fresh job opportunities and creativity for new ideas. As Petey comes to terms with the fact that she is a cult leader, the adventure for Petey and her companions in their community has never stopped. Observing some weird occurrences in town for the sake of the town or a regular event that appears for some reason.
Her fashion of life is helping the city to be more creative and exciting for new adventures along new characters that would also appear in New Utopia especially interesting stories about her father when he used to take over the town and other people that grew up with her dad.
The Matildas were able to overcome Canada in the last round of the group stages after surviving group stage B. The Matildas must find a way to advance to the Quarterfinals. Sam Kerr, Australia’s Captain, on the other hand, is happy to be back in place but will play as a sub to avoid repeat injuries if she gets on the pitch or if any adjustments are necessary. The game is sold out, with an audience of 75,874 breaking another record. The game was held at Stadium Australia in Sydney, New South Wales.
The match began with Denmark gaining the most of the advantage in the opening 20 minutes, before Australia seized possession of the ball but had few near chances. Mary Fowler maintained the ball after defending Denmark’s attempt, which she held on to in the 29th minute. Additionally, Fowler dispatched a long ball to Caitlin Foord by sprinting it, giving the Matilda’s a 1-0 lead and igniting the joy of the enthusiastic Australian fans. Emily van Egmond had a wonderful run in the 34th minute to set up Caitlin Foord, but she was unable to score another goal.Australia received a few beautiful passes from each player in the 42nd minute but couldn’t close the scoring opportunity. However, the match was really enjoyable for the Aussie fans that watched it. During the remaining 25 minutes before halftime, the Australians had assumed control.
The Matilda’s continued to be focused on winning and moving on to the quarterfinals as the second half got underway. At the 54th minute, the Matildas had a number of passes from the players, but traffic came in the way, and the Danish goaltender Lene Christensen was able to stop it in a straight line. Denmark began to take possession of the ball in the 55th minute, but Mackenzie Arnold had other ideas to keep Denmark from leveling the match. The Aussies had continued to push themselves to keep the match on track by moving up.At the 58th minute, van Egmond gave it to Caitilin Foord, who almost scored Australia’s second goal, but the Danish defenders refused to give Australia the lead, despite the fact that they played effectively for the most part. Katrina Gorry made a beautiful pass to Mary Fowler and then gave it to Caitlin Foord in the 64th minute but had a right away to gain a near position of obtaining their second goal of the match. Emily van Egmond had stopped the ball but Lene Christensen the Danish Goalkeeper was able to stop before it went in again. In the 68th minute, Australia received a free kick from Steph Caitiley to Cooney-Cross and awarded another corner kick. Sam Kerr was getting set to warm up as the crowd applauded for her as she prepared to play in the World Cup for the first time.
Caitlin Foord had possession of the ball during the 70th minute and enacted it to Kyra Cooney-Cross, who subsequently passed it to Caitlin Foord, who additionally passed it to Mary Fowler, who quickly stopped the ball and handed it back to Mary Fowler in the penalty box square, who provided a brief pass to Emily van Egmond, and finally delivered it to Hayley Raso, who scored an additional goal for Australia. Hayley Raso did an airplane lift as she scored for Australia which they knew the team could take a victory into the Quarterfinals. Even their teammates were thrilled during the celebration of another score that increased the advantage to 2-0. Both teams collided in the 75th minute, although Australia was prepared to unleash subs in the interim. After the last play, Hayley Raso and Emily van Egmond were sent off, allowing Sam Kerr and Cortnee Vine to come on as substitutes. Sam Kerr, Australia’s Captain, returned after a warm greeting from all of the supporters chanting her name, and she couldn’t be happier that she was finally allowed to compete in her host nation event. In the 85th minute, Denmark eventually regained possession of the ball and threw it to the left. The captain, Sam Kerr, had her first opportunity to score in the 87th minute, but she missed the target by kicking the ball above the goal post. The fans were pleased with Sam Kerr’s first genuine chance with the ball. Denmark was playing more aggressively in the 89th minute, but they kicked the ball volleyed, allowing MacKenzie to make a simple save for Australia. At the 91st minute, the Matildas produced superb passes from each play, but Cooney-Cross almost gave Australia a third goal, which barely missed the top goal post. The crowd was highly encouraging and enthusiastic when Tameka Yallop replaced Foord in the 95th and final minute just because Foord was the star player who helped the Matilda’s take the 1-0 lead during the first half of the match. The anticipation was electrifying at Stadium Australia in Sydney, where a sold-out crowd of 75,874 awaited the last and final play. When the final whistle blows, the Matildas have won the Round of 16 and will face either France or Morocco in the Quarterfinals, as everyone in the stadium is excited for their home country, despite the fact that the Matildas had an outstanding sensation about their performance against Denmark. Some of the most supportive fans also brought in their Sam Kerr sign to show the love of the match and the team itself.
In the Quarterfinals, Australia will face either France or Morocco, demonstrating to their supporters that Australia can potentially be one of the finest teams in the world in their own nation for hosting this year’s World Cup.
Having Sam Kerr back at the Matildas was a terrific sensation for all of the supporters, especially since she had been absent for the majority of the competition. It was great to watch her take part in the Women’s World Cup after recovering from a calf injury. Hopefully, she’ll get some rest so she’ll be ready for all of her home supporters. The Matildas were brilliant throughout the competition, especially after Kerr was benched in the Group Stages, which they won despite her absence. The love of soccer has shown some great characteristics on each individual player on the Australian Team to see what they are made of and their own unique style of play, which Coach Tony Gustavsson was delighted with, although they never surrendered their style of play regardless of whether they were the host nation of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Even though on the bench, she remained a team player and assisted her colleagues in doing what they do best. Sam Kerr was an exceptional role model both on and off the field, indicating her genuine character and determination to never give up hope in spite of which player takes command of the squad, and it was all worth smiles.
The Lionesses played all three rounds of Group D and won all three matches against Haiti, Denmark, and China. Coach Sabrina Weigman of England currently hopes that the Lionesses will win in order to be eligible to the World Cup and demonstrate to the world that women can be as dominating as men’s teams. Coach Randy Waldrum, the head coach of the Nigerian Women’s National Soccer Team, is also the head coach of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers Women’s Soccer Team during the academic year. England must eventually defeat Nigeria. The match was held at Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
The match began with England having great possession of the ball and dominating the first ten minutes. By the 10th minute, Nigeria was in possession of the ball, and the goalkeeper had volleyed it far over the goal line, resulting in a corner kick. Lauren James was able to boot the ball out of Nigeria’s control after they took the corner kick. Nigeria gained complete control in the 17th minute, and Mary Earps made two saves for England, nearly giving England an early shock that they were fortunate to avoid for a costly goal and punted away. James nearly gave Aleissa Russo a goal for England in the 22nd minute, but the young goaltender was able to make a fantastic stop. England took a corner kick in the 28th minute, but the Nigerian defense saved it, preventing England from scoring. Rachel Daly was ready to receive the ball when it was shoved, and the referee had a superb eye for an England penalty. Nigeria, on the other hand, had additional options for asking the referee to double-check the foul, which was reviewed and checked out of VAR to see whether there was a foul. It turned out that it was used before it was pushed, but it backfired on the foul, revealing that there was no penalty, which incensed England. Following that, Stanway sent the ball to Lucy Bronze, who played it to Lauren James, and the goalkeeper was able to save England’s corner kick. England got the corner in the 40th minute, but James kicked it above the goal line from the same location. The match finished 0-0 in the first half, which England was unhappy with due to a disallowed penalty kick, but the Lionesses had a great chance of keeping their confidence intact on the ball, which Nigeria had given them a fantastic performance.
During the second half, England was expecting to reclaim their advantage until Nigeria seized possession of the ball, forcing England to play more defensive. By the 56th minute, Greenwood had taken the free kick to Ruso but had swiftly headed out of bounds. The audience carried out the wave in the 62nd minute to keep themselves passionate as the game remained 0-0. England took the corner kick in the 66th minute, but Yewande Balogun, the goalie, saved it, and she leaped up like she was on the monkey bars. Nigeria took a corner kick in the 71st minute, but it flew out of bounds, but Mary Herps fell down and called for assistance to regain her grip. She was fortunate that nothing significant occurred while Coach Wiegman advised England to regain possession more frequently and make an effort to score in order to take full advantage. England took a corner kick in the 76th minute, and the goalie made a tremendous save, giving the Lionesses their best chance yet to score. By the 85th minute, Lauren James made a cheeky foul at Michelle Alozie but the referee initially gave her a yellow but the crew of VAR noticed the foul and the referee decided to stop the match to double check with VAR screen. It was revealed that the yellow card is no longer valid and has been replaced by a red card, implying that James knew she would be taken away for a nasty fowl. The two European Championship players who scored, Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly, were substituted on in the 88th minute to offer England hope. England fought everything they could to stay alive, and the match ended 0-0, sending them to extra time and maybe a penalty shootout if the outcome remained the same.
The Lionesses were keen to prevail so they could go to the Quarterfinals, where they would face the Falcons in a tight encounter. England is still seeking for a spectacular glory, but they must play wisely in order to advance to the Quarterfinals. To achieve a successful performance, the squad must tighten possession and play as a unit. In extra time, both teams had a great chance to break through the tie, and there could only be one winner. At the 98th minute, Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie almost scored but couldn’t get her left foot in the goal.During the final few minutes of the first extra time, Nigeria grabbed control of the ball, while England appeared exhausted and hoped for further success. Both teams convened on their respective sides to devise fresh methods to keep the game alive in the hope of a match winner. When the second half of extra time began, both sides carried possession but needed to break the tie. At the 110th minute, Nigeria’s Francisca Ordega had almost scored, and England is fortunate to remain in the game. Nigeria nearly scored the game-winning goal in the 117th minute, but Mary Earps made a fantastic stop on the ball. At the 118th minute, England received a few kicks, and Millie Bright nearly gave the Lionesses a victory goal, but it fell short of her foot. Extra time has ended, and both sides will now compete in a penalty shootout.
During the Penalty Shootout, it is determined that England and Nigeria will have to go to sudden death to see which side can win the match; this is the FIFA Women’s World Cup’s second penalty shootout since USA vs Sweden took a mighty victory to crush the American Dream of getting another repeat. It all began in England. Georgia Stanway, but she missed the far left goal. When Nigerian Desire Oparnozie attempted the penalty kick, it was unsuccessful in the same manner. Bethany England went up and scored the goal, maintaining her perfect career record in all penalty shootouts. Mary Herps desires to save England, but Michelle Alozie of Nigeria booted it too high, giving England belief. Rachel Daly rose up and kicked it inside the top left corner of the goal post, giving England a better chance of winning the penalty shootout. Rasheedat Ajiibade of Nigeria was fortunate just to score when she took the kick. By the time Alex Greenwood of England stepped up to take the penalty shot, the ball had already gone inside the right goal post. When Nigeria’s Christy Ucheibe scored a penalty kick, Herp did not move. When it was Chloe Kelly’s time, it was established that she assisted England in winning the European Championship, that she scored a penalty winner in the 2023 Women’s Finalissima against Brazil, and that she now has the chance to win it in the Round of 16 Penalty Shootout. Kelly scored by kicking the ball, giving England a courageous win in the first knockout match of the Round of 16.
Both England and Nigeria huddled up and give handshakes for a really good performance. Others got upset and cheered them up that the team has played their best which it shows heroism and dedication of their positive spirit to teach young girls could play soccer in future generations to show what a soccer match should really mean to give credit. Although England had struggled to keep possession of the ball and lack of scoring opportunities which they didn’t use enough confidence to keep the match alive, but the team was lucky enough to move on the next round. The Lionesses will now face either Columbia or Jamaica in the quarterfinals.
Even though Nigeria was very strong throughout the match, the Lionesses had their finest effort. They must now concentrate on the pressure, even if they begin to fall short on their most successful players, in order to desire the performance and reclaim their clever moves.
When my twin brother Ryan and I were born prematurely both of us were 3 lbs and over two months early. I was diagnosed with moderate Cerebral Palsy (CP) at birth. Which means I have a brain hemorrhage in a very rare spot. My Cerebral Palsy affects my entire right side. When I was 22 years old I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). POTS means my heart rate goes very high and if I stand up or change positions too fast I pass out and my blood pressure goes very low. My Cerebral Palsy makes my POTS even more challenging. When I was 24 years old I was diagnosed with Epilepsy. Epilepsy (seizures) my Epilepsy spot is right next to my brain hemorrhage. Which makes my Epilepsy even more challenging. On top of me having Cerebral Palsy and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. I have to carry my emergency seizure medicine and wear my Apple Watch at all times. My medical team at (St. Charles Hospital) is amazing. They go above and beyond for me. I don’t know where I would be with them. At every stage of my life, I learn and accept that my life is harder than typical people’s before all of my diagnoses. But that doesn’t stop me. Even with all of my diagnoses I’m still not letting them hold me back from what I do with my life.
2Education/Molly: All of my schooling was very challenging but I did it. Thank God that Individualized Education (IEP) was so detailed and grew with me. From Elementary school to College, I had to work twice as hard as my peers because of all of my learning disabilities as well as my diagnoses. Resource room teachers from Elementary school to High school were great at realizing that I was having trouble and trying to find a solution. I would always ask the teacher if I was having trouble or if they could tell me facial expressions. As I entered Junior school and High school the material got because I was in Regents level classes. Which meant more homework and tests. My stress levels increased. But they were almost therapists to me because they would try to find a solution. If that didn’t work they would have a meeting with my teacher. Between myself, my resource room teacher, and my class teacher we would usually find a solution or have extra accommodation for that class. By Senior year my IEP was the size of a textbook with all of my accommodations. Once I entered College for my Bachelor’s Degree I had to find a College that had a great disability program. If they didn’t have that program I wouldn’t succeed. If I had a problem with a teacher, even after I asked the teacher. They would tell the teacher and help to find a solution. I even had a guidance counselor (Leighann) that was my lifeline. I would email her every day, and I would have a weekly meeting with her. If I didn’t have I didn’t her wouldn’t have been successful. When I got my Master’s Degree my College also had a great disability program and my teachers would email me, to see if I was having any problems with the material. From Elementary school to graduating with my Master’s Degree I went to a lot of tutoring and extra help sessions to better understand the material. Since graduating with my Master’s Degree it’s been very difficult for me to find a job with all of my diagnoses. I’m currently trying to get a job with the government in healthcare administration and leadership, that’s what my degrees are. When I was in College I was suicidal from all of the homework, tests, and stress. My therapist told me to bond with my rescue dog, Molly, which helped a ton. Without bonding with her. There’s no doubt in my mind, Coach Steve, Coach Bob, Chloe, Charmaine, Leighann, and my medical team’s minds that I wouldn’t be alive today. During this time I joined Rolling Thunder Special Needs Program Para-Athletics without the head Coaches Steve and Bob, Chloe and Charmaine watched out to see if I was displaying any suicidal signs during practice, road races, and track meets I joined this Track and Field Team help me feel included without any judgment because everyone understands what I was through. They listened to me and did everything I needed to still be alive. Even when Molly passed during the Coronavirus-19 Pandemic, everyone was there for them checking in on me to see if I was okay and not displaying any suicidal signs. Without all of these people and Molly, I would’ve committed suicide. That’s another of the many reasons why I’m so appreciative of these people because they didn’t have but they wanted to.
3Obstacles To Challenges /Training For Summer Paralympics Paris 2024/Field Hockey:
I’ve had many obstacles in my life. My medical team, Physical Therapists, and Occupational Therapists have been there the whole time. They have helped me turn everyday life activities that were insanely hard for me that turned into challenges because It’s very hard for me to use my right limbs, right fingers, and right toes even though I was stubborn and didn’t want to do them. But I had to be able to function in activities of daily life and be a successful functional person in society. I had to be successful to meet every goal the way they wanted which was “the correct way” or I failed the goal and had to keep working on the goal. I tried to find a shortcut for every goal but it didn’t work whatsoever. Even though all of these goals were hard to meet, I am a successful functional person in society. Thanks to their great work and for handling my stubbornness.
As for my training for The Summer Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 for Track and Field. My Track and Field Team is (Rolling Thunder Special Needs Program Para-Athletics) which is for disabled athletes, most of my teammates have Autism. The head coaches are Steve and Bob. There have been so many obstacles because of all of my diagnoses. Trying to figure out a way that I could successfully run without falling, passing out, or having a seizure. At every practice, I wear my helmet to help in case of emergency. But I didn’t give up and my coaches and pacers on my team didn’t either. Trying to successfully finish practice has also been an obstacle to my safety. I have to have modified practice, wear my helmet, have extra water breaks, and have to wear cooling towels when it’s hot out in case I have an emergency. Even use Quench Gum and Jelly Belly Sport Beans before and during every practice, road races, and track meet. To help me not have an emergency. All of my coaches and my pacers know my faces when I display those symptoms that I’m about to pass out or have a seizure. Another obstacle that turned into a challenge was running road
races successfully and not falling, passing out, or having a seizure. When I run road races I have my two pacers (Chloe and Charmaine) with me. One pacer is in front of me watching it to see if there’s a curb, a pothole, or if the road is uneven. My other pacer is next to me. I have to wear my leg brace, water hydration backpack, and helmet. In case anything happens to me. As well, in case I have a seizure they were taught how to give me my emergency seizure medication. That was difficult to solve, especially for my safety. My two pacers are amazing for keeping me safe. Even during the road race, they will not tell me what mile we’re at. They will only look at my Apple Watch which displays my heart rate. They’re constantly looking at my face to see if I’m about to pass out or have a seizure. Because they know my faces when I display those symptoms.
In terms of throwing the Shot Put and Discus that was a challenge trying to figure out how I would hold them and successfully throw them. My coaches and I figured out a way that works for me. As of writing, I’m on the Long Island Track and Field Team and the New York State Track and Field Team which I was surprised about. But it’s all because of my hard work. Of course, all my coaches go the extra mile. But didn’t any of these challenges stop me from quitting the team. I’m indebted to all of my coaches for them not giving up on me. I didn’t stop because it was an obstacle for me. All of these obstacles have helped me compete in track meets, most of them I’m competing against typical athletes.
Specifically, Training for The Summer Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 for Track and Field has been a challenge because I have to put in a ton of more work at practice, during the Road Races, and I have extra workouts that my other teammates don’t have. I have to a Paralympic Standards for the Cerebral Palsy (CP) category to be considered to compete in The Summer Paralympic Games in Paris 2024. Those Paralympic Standards for 100 meters, 200 meters, and Shot Put are very challenging, especially having moderate Cerebral Palsy (CP) because of the modifications I had to figure out and master to try to meet those Paralympic Standards as of this moment I’m writing this am I very close of meeting those Paralympic Standards. Each of my coaches, my pacers, and my personal I’m so thankful for to have them in my life. I’m currently 0.10 seconds off of the CP Paralympic standard for the 100 meters dash. I’m currently 15 seconds off of the CP Paralympic standard for the 200 meters dash. I’m 1.22 meters off of the CP Paralympic standard for the Shot Put. I’m currently 9 meters off the CP Paralympic standard for Discus. Running my last 5K (3.1 miles) road race I got a Personal Record by over 4 minutes.
I also have a personal trainer (Ryan) from (Whit Fit/Oompf Fit-Club) helping to increase my strength on both sides of my body. Helping me enhance my sprinting form. He has done the same thing with my Shot Put and Discus form. Having me practice these skills during every session. These sessions aren’t easy at all. But my favorite exercise is pulling the sled. As I’m writing this, the most weight I pulled on the sled is 315 lbs. My best pulling the sled while sprinting is 220 lbs. As of me writing this. Pulling the sled makes me so happy and my trainer knows it. But it’s super challenging especially since my Cerebral Palsy right side doesn’t work as well as my non-affected side in every exercise. Especially my Cerebral Palsy fingers because it’s hard to hold the grips on all of the machines that I have use special grips that I can hold on to while doing strength exercises. I have no control of my right fingers and my right toes due to my Cerebral Palsy right side while also using machines hard to use. My trainer has to do twice the amount of work trying to modify everything because of my Cerebral Palsy but he’s willing to do it for me to achieve my goals. Which he doesn’t have to do. Again he goes the extra mile which I’m thankful for.
I also play Field Hockey for (Long Island Field Hockey on their Field Hockey 4 All Team). That’s been an obstacle as well trying to figure out how to hold the Field Hockey stick with only my left arm because I can’t grip the Field Hockey stick with my right arm. Figuring out how to hold the stick, hit the ball, and run at the same time was a challenge to master. I’m grateful to my head coaches (Danielle and Mallory) for helping me to figure out how to play the game safely. I also have to wear my leg brace, my helmet, and a sports sling on my right arm since I can’t hold the stick, during practices and tournaments. I also made the National Disabled Program Field Hockey Team. I was shocked that I made the team. But I didn’t give up and neither did they.
Having relationships with everyone that I wrote about in these blogs have been there in the happy times in my life as well the dark times of life. They were all listening to me, and were willing to find a solution, all at the time being so supportive it’s not even funny. I know that no one of the people had to do that but they were happy to do it. I will have a relationship with them. I have no doubt they will do anything for me and that’s why they will have a special part in my heart. There’s no way I’ll ever be able to repay them. I’m so thankful and blessed beyond belief to have all of them in my life and will have a relationship with them for the rest of my life.
The match was Canada vs. Australia during the final round in the group stages, which these teams are in Group B, while Nigeria would take first and Ireland would be eliminated first, which was the struggle of survival of the best two in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup division. It is determined that Australia desire to perform their best while captain Sam Kerr is sidelined due to a calf ailment. The third match for Australia was held at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne, Victoria. Coaches Tony Gustavsson of Australia and Bev Priestman of Canada have both become desperate about the scenario in regards to which team can go to the Round of 16 with Nigeria while the other would be eliminated with Ireland. If the Matildas win the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification round, they will play at Stadium Australia in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. For sponsorship reasons, it is now known as Accor Stadium as a multi-purpose stadium in the Sydney Olympic Park of the surrounding area.
The match began with both sides taking the ball in the battle to advance to the knockout phase, but only one team could finish top in the group stage, with Nigeria in Group B. The team’s supporters cheered them on and beat on drums to raise the volume in the stadium during the eighth minute. When Australia’s Kyra Cooney-Corry released the corner kick, it was a deep one from Alanna Kennedy with a fast kick from Katrina Gorry that Canada’s Jessie Fleming booted away, giving Australia another try from the back. Mackenzie Arnold, the goalie, produced an incredible kick to Caitlin Foord, who followed by passing it to Steph Catley, who made an enormous pass to the penalty box, where Hayley Raso scored Australia’s first goal. The flag was waved for suspected offside, but the referee requested the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to see whether it went through, and the goal was to be awarded for onside, which Australia was delighted to have early on. The goal, that Hayley Raso provided, has offered all of the fans with some relief, because they may now release their energy.
In the 25th minute, Jessie Fleming gave Canada a corner kick, but Makenzie Arnold volleyed it in with remarkable power. At the 33rd minute, Australia had a terrific steal from Hayley Raso before releasing it to Ellie Carpenter, but she booted an unforced pass to Foord, who quickly gave it to Mary Fowler. Jayne Riviere immediately defended Fowler’s pass, and Raso booted it to the goal zone, where Ellie Carpenter almost put it in before sliding around and Mary Fowler rebounded to score another goal for Australia. The supporters went berserk when Australia led 2-0 following many passes, which produced a 3 V 1 until Fowler was able to score. The squad performed admirably, and Australia was more confident with the ball in the first half. It didn’t stop Canada from claiming that the goal should be disallowed due to a collision from Kadeisha Buchanan of Canada and maybe offside from Carpenter, which was too close to call. Referee Stephanie Frappart opted to verify the footage, which discovered a fracture offside meaning the goal did not count. At the 40th minute, Cooney-Cross of Australia took a corner ball to Canada’s goalie Kailen Sheridan, but Hayley Raso slipped out to give Australia a 2-0 lead. At the corner flag, all of the Australian players raced together to embrace Raso. The crowd couldn’t be more thrilled throughout the game, particularly when the other goal was disallowed and the Matildas were able to make a comeback. Canada was struggling to keep its opponents in place due to a lack of communication and inventiveness on the ball. The match proceeded to halftime with Australia leading 2-0 with hopes to go to the knockout stages.
When the second half began, the Matildas were fully confident on the ball, with the contest in their hands. Katrina Gorry had control of the ball in the 51st minute but shortly lost it after a second of a turnover, which Steph Caitley gave to Raso but almost earned a hat trick. The following minute, Cooney-Cross attempted to kick it from 40 yards out, however Sheridan was able to stop it with her fingertips, preventing Australia from scoring again. Steph Caitley sent a tremendous cross kick to Foord in the 58th minute and raced the ball to Mary Fowler. While Fowler kicked the ball with her left foot, it hit the post but miraculously went in, giving the Matildas a lead of 3-0. She was fortunate that the goal was not dined this time when she got the opportunity to score. The Matildas have taken over first place in Group B and demonstrated their traits as they enhanced their squad to play as magnificent players to do excellent teamwork. Australia has taken control of the contest, while Canada has continued to struggle despite a significant shift in the subs. At the 66th minute, Canada finally shifts into gear with an assist from Cloé Lacasse to Evelyne Veins, who then passes to Deanne Rose, who nearly scored for Canada.
The ball was in Gorry’s possession during the 80th minute when Canada made a fantastic block, but Fowler only managed to hit the post. Vanessa Gillies received the ball after a header and sent it to Veins, but Arnold saved it for Australia and gave Canada a corner kick in the 89th minute. Canada soon unable to recapture the ball, allowing Australia to retake control of the match, which ended up causing 8 minutes of stoppage time. Katrina Gorry was prepared to receive the ball in the 91st minute as Jessie Flaming stomped on the foot inside the penalty box, but the referee swiftly stopped the play due to the confusion of everyone in the crowd who questioned the infraction. The referee checked the status of the foul, which was reviewed for a penalty, as Australia got it all in front of a sold-out crowd of 75,000 supporters in Melbourne. Steph Caitley steps up to kick the penalty shot and give Australia a 4-0 lead, with the fans roaring the excitement and delight of this fantastic match for a night to remember. Australia was able to win the match despite the absence of their Captain Sam Kerr, the top of Group B Table and managed a victory against Canada, which now gives the Matildas complete advantage of the playoffs, while Canada is ousted from the group stages alongside Ireland.
The match demonstrated that Australia, the host country, was known to display complete fan support that they can show power to soccer and have full of love which the squad managed a well-played performance without Sam Kerr. Australia, the host nation, finished first in Group B, ahead of Nigeria, and will face Denmark in the round of 16 on Monday, August 7th. The Matildas expressed their appreciation to all of the supporters who watched them play throughout the world for a significant win that demonstrated to the world that they can be one of the greatest teams in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The tournament was hosted in Australia and New Zealand for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the competition began with England vs. Haiti. England was recognized as the 2022 Women’s European Champions, and one of their accomplishments was winning the World Cup. On the other side, the Haitian Women’s National Team made its World Cup debut in order to demonstrate their country that they can have a positive outlook despite coping with natural disasters in their home country, as well as to show fans that women can play soccer just as well as men. England’s first match was hosted in The Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Queensland. Coach Sabrina Wiegman, who previously coached the Netherlands to glory in the 2017 Women’s Euro Finals, is currently coaching England’s next generation of female footballers.
The Lionesses started off with Chloe Kelly, who helped England achieve the European Championship last season. She got her time in the fourth minute and attempted to kick for distance, but Kerly Théus, the goaltender, saved it. Georgia Stanway had the opportunity to maintain the ball in midfield in the fifth minute although was unable to hold it off. Roselord Borgella of Haiti nearly scored the team’s inaugural goal in the 14th minute, but an enormous run caused her to kick it far right. Chloe Kelly attempted a cross-kick to Alessia Russo in the 21st minute, but the goaltender made a superb save.
During the 25th minute, while England attempted a corner kick, the Lionesses were ready to take possession of the ball when Lucy Bronze signaled that Haiti had been caught for handball inside the penalty area. The referee conducted a review and it was judged a penalty, with Georgia Stanway taking charge of the penalty kick. After Georgia Stanway’s first penalty was saved, the referee determined that it appeared the defending goalkeeper had left her line earlier than expected which England are managed to retry their penalty kick. Stanway then returned to the same spot to give England a 1-0 lead. England is 13-2-0 in the Women’s World Cup when scoring first. The roaring crowd give the atmosphere their approval and viewed it as proof of their strength. Lucy Bronze offered it to Georgia Stanway, who immediately passed it to Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp, who took an unexpected run to grab the goal, which ultimately was deflected by the goaltender. England believed throughout the final five minutes, including stoppage time, that Haiti had gained momentum on power until halftime. Because it was a competitive match throughout most of the time, the crowd cheered on both teams for showing spirit of the power of play.
SECOND TIME'S THE CHARM FOR ENGLAND!
GEORGIA STANWAY SCORES THE FIRST GOAL FOR THE LIONESSES AT THE 2023 FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 🏴🦁 pic.twitter.com/fweSNHjn76
Melchine Dumornay of Haiti rushed the ball and carried out a strong kick in the 50th minute, and Mary Earps, England’s goalkeeper, managed to send it away and Keira Walsh capitalized to move outside of the goal zone. During the 58th minute, Ella Toone passed the ball to Alessia Russo, who took the run and Haiti’s defense took the ball and kicked it out of the zone, but England quickly came once more after 30 seconds with a chance from Russo, which Haiti encounters more power on using the ball to give England greater pressure. Stanway had a long pass kick to Russo in the 64th minute but sent it a little too high, which the goaltender stopped like a punt for volleyball. Kerly Théus began to become more dangerous at punting the ball about, which England was intent on capitalizing on for the purpose to get a second goal. Lucy Bronze delivered to Alex Greenwood in the 74th minute but kicked above the goalie, which Russo did not succeed to use the header in the vicinity of the goal. Her aggressive defense maintained everything compact for her teammates as they battled for survival. Chloe Kelly intended to utilize the ball in the 79th minute but intended to raise her hand for handball, therefore Lucy Bronze made the decision to loop the cross to Bethany England, who beat Théus but swiftly pulled away. When Kelly dribbled the ball and shifted around Théus in the 81st minute, Millie Bright provided it to Bronze, who subsequently gave it to Stanway. Nerillia Mondesir seized the ball and sprinted on the opposite side of the field shortly after, but Jess Carter guarded her as Roseline Eloissaint nearly equaled the match for Haiti before Earps made an exceptional save and punted it out. Daly came close to her chances of giving England the advantage when Kelly passed the ball around the outside of her cross in the 82nd minute. Throughout the whole match, England and Haiti engaged in continuous, intense contemplation. Finally, both teams committed several foolish fouls and a few injuries, which made the game extremely close overall. Haiti took a corner kick in the 91st minute, which Earps volleyed out and punched away. England responded forcefully, especially when Haiti kicked it out for a high ball. Haiti, on the other side, played really well for their first game even though the match finished with England winning 1-0, Haiti played really well in their debut match, but they were unable to overcome England, despite their excellent play.
The Lionesses has played their performance despite that without their loyalists Beth Mead and Leah Williamson, England prevailed to secure out an exhausting victory over a feisty young Haitian squad. Its lone goal occurred upon a penalty kick in the first half. Sarina Wiegman, the team’s coach, has to figure out a method to get her team back on track after winning the Euros last year. Which England has to be more assertive in order to for her team to do well in the World Cup Knockoff Stage. However the Lionesses did well with a large crowd that did great on supporting them and showed their effort that women can play football or soccer as well. England kept their loyal spirit up and show the world that they want to be the best of Europe included the world to show their characteristics.
With 13 turns, the NASCAR Truck Series race in Mid Ohio, which is based after the O’Reilly Auto Parts 150, is expected to be challenging for all truck drivers. The first turn is the one immediately after the checkered line, therefore it requires driving all the way to The Keyhole at turn 2 before continuing on to turns 4 and 5, which are collectively referred to as the Beach. You don’t want to get stranded at the beach given that to the hefty turns and the hotspot for cautions, so avoid doing accordingly. The Esses are near to the Alternate S/F Line at turns 6 through 9, while Thunder Bay is at turns 10 and 11. The last two turns are the final two turns. Lastly for the final 2 turns is the Carousel which is the biggest risk for drivers to take the victory lap.
The race started off with a rain delay due to heavy downpours and the team had to wait for a while the race decided to line up the drivers to go around the lap just to test out the race track but it was too slippery to start the race. It took 20 minutes to drive around the track the official has the flag waved the green flag to start the race which was already a caution from Jake Garcia the #35. After the 1st caution at the 8th lap Tanney Gray the #15 was stuck in the mud. Short afterwards, Tanner Gray got into the beach at turn 4 but managed to drive through the dirt sand which didn’t have to release the caution flag. At the 15th Lap Carson Hocevar the #42 truck pushed Colby Howard the #9 truck into the mud at turn 5. More truck drivers has been getting caught at the beach and others had issues getting out of the mud. Zane Smith pushed Taylor Gray the 17 truck into the grass. In the meantime, Spencer Boyd the #12 truck blocked Conner Jones the #66 and got into the dirt which released the 4th caution with 2 laps to go and Ben Rhodes the #99 Truck and won the 1st stage.
When the 2nd Stage began, there was already a multi truck ruckus after the 2nd turn which the race continued while others drove to the grass. Eventually, Matt Crafton #88 pushed Lawless Alan the #45 truck at the Keyhole. Ben Rhodes and Ty Majeski and Zane Smith took over the Top 3 during most of the 2nd Stage. Corey Hiem decided to pass through Zane Smith with 5 laps to go. Hallie Deegan and Wayne Self were losing control and Self pushed Will Rodgers the #02 truck into the grass. Before the final lap, Hiem and Rhodes drove in the same speed and turned next to each others truck until Hiem gained speed to get extra boast to 2nd. Ty Majeski stayed in the lead and won the 2nd Stage. While battling for 6th Place, there was Steward Friesen #52, Tyler Ankrum #16, Matt DiBenedetto #25, and Rajah Caruth #24 which Friesen won the battle of the blue trucks.
At Stage 3, Daniel Dye #43 truck already got stuck in the dirt at turn 1. Ty Majeski pushed Ben Rhodes at turn 5 at the Beach but luckily neither of them were stuck and quickly went back into the race. Ty Majeski just had some tire problems after getting back on the race track. Moments later Jack Wood was stuck in the bit and demanded a forced caution and Rodgers was also stuck in the mud. After one back from the last caution, Brett Holmes #32 was stuck at the dirt on turn 1 and had trouble getting out which it’s the 6th accident and released the 8th caution. With 15 Laps left to go, Hiem and Smith took the front row to get the lead until Tanner Gray landed at the beach but survived to leave the dirt. Will Rodgers and Austin Wayne Self were stuck at the dirt at the Carousel for the 7th Accident. Within 10 Laps to go, there always another accident at the 1st turn and also debris on the race track which at first Taylor Gray #17 started traffic and caused a multi crash. Which means it’s the 8th accident for 10th caution. By the time there’s 5 laps to go, Corey Hiem was tight to Christian Eckes, Zane Smith, Matt Crafton and Tyler Ankrum in the Top 5 Drivers. Corey Heim stayed in the lead and Zane Smith stay a second behind during the final 3 laps and Corey Hiem has won the O’Reilly Auto Parts 150. Corey Hiem has got his 2nd win of the Season since Martinsville on the 14 of April. It was also Corey Hiem’s Birthday Weekend Victory which it worked out perfectly for his unforgettable performance for the win.
The match started off with the Melbourne Football Club known as the Demons which had a strong start for their season. While the Ggreat Western Sydney Giants had some great victories in most of the close matches but the results weren’t great throughout the season hopefully after their bye week they can win more games so they can have a chance of going to the AFL 2023 Playoffs if they continue to gain confidence and momentum.
The match was hosted in Northern Territories which fans from Alice Springs rallied through rain and mud, with some travelling hundreds of kilometres to watch the Melbourne Demons and GWS Giants at Traeger Park. The event was about teaching Indigenous Australians how to enjoy a live footy match so they can people professional athletes like them. The match had some heavy downpours along the 3 hours of watching the match in all 4 quarters. It was nice that sometimes the AFL goes on special field Trips around the small grounds at minor league stadiums or academy grounds or they would go around the world to excite the fans how to enjoy the Australian Footy League. The few things that most professional sports leagues don’t get to do during the regular season. For example the American Football League would have some teams go on a field trip to London during the mid season. Other sports leagues would often go to similar venues or special events to show fans around the globe to enjoy the sport.
During the 1st Quarter, the Melbourne Demons and the Great Western Sydney Giants played in a gloomy cold weather in Alice Springs which it was supposed to be nice and warm. When the match started, the Dees had 3 behinds. While Haynes passed it inside the 50 meters circle, there was heavy traffic to grab the footy and Callum Brown has helped the Giants get the first goal and give the Giants a 6-3 early lead for the 3 point margin. Kysaiah Pickett took the ball and kicked it to Jake Melksham and landed it inside the 35. Jake Melksham kicked the ball at the 50 and give Melbourne the lead back 9-6. The rain had suddenly poured hard like the tropics during most of the match which both teams had trouble maintaining the ball and harder to score points on the board. The Demons had 2 more behinds and continued the lead into the 2nd Quarter.
It didn’t last while the Giants Captain Toby Greene kicked the ball near the goal square and landed a good goal. The Demons give another behind to level it up but the Giants tried to defend Joel Smith which was a soft kick out to Jake Bowey and give Melbourne the lead back. With 4 minutes left of the clock, Daniel Loyd held the footy and did a long stretch to the Giants while Melbourne did their defense which it landed straight to Greene got it for perfect accuracy, and got an easy goal for the Giants. During the 10 seconds before halftime, the Demons had other ideas to pass it on the edge of the centre square and Toby Greene intercepted the ball and ran it back to kick the ball inside the 50-meter circle while getting the buzzer beater which ended up as a behind and draw the match with 21-21.
During the 3rd Quarter both Melbourne and Great Western Sydney had each got a behind until Xavier O’Halloran got the goal and give the Giants returned the lead. While Greene kicked it a long range shot in the centre square to Jesse Hogan and Melbourne tackled it and struggled to make a pass which landed to Xavier to Greene and pass through traffic and give to Josh Kelly and took a high kick to give the Giants to extend their winning advantage. The Demons has created more turnovers which makes it difficult for them to maintain their possession. While Kieren Briggs punched the footy into the ground and gives it to Stephen Conilingo to Tom Green to Callum Brown and lastly to Issac Cumming. Isaac held the footy and kicked it inside the 50 metre line and just made it into the goal post which the Giants had 4 Goals in a row in the 3rd Quarter. 2 minutes later, Melbourne finally figured out in the goal zone and Brodie Grundy has helped Melbourne but themselves back on the scoreboard. The Dees had other options to find new ways to put themselves to gain access to demonize the Giants and Jake Bowie took control and passed it to Kysaiah Pickett who slide on his knees and managed to save it before getting the goal for Melbourne.
During the 4th Quarter, the fans are having a great time while watching a low scoring affair for a match but fans seemed to enjoy while the kids play in the puddles to get themselves entertained while being creative if they don’t wanna the entire game but still wanna have fun. The match was a 4 point margin while GWS Giants remained the lead 40-36. The Melbourne Football Club had to find a way to put themselves back the lead. While Ed Langdon didn’t have much action with the footy which he was able to do a high kick to finally give the Demons the lead 42-40. Callum Brown has wanted to keep his speed at his momentum until the edge and give it to Jesse Hogan. When Hogan tries to kick the ball for the goal which it was too close for a missed target which ended up as a behind. Meanwhile, Max Gawn passed it with heavy defense to Christian Petracca to Gawn and kicked to the Dees which Tom Sparrow failed to kick the goal which the Demons got another point. When the clock has 3 minutes left, the Giants were about to tire themselves out unless they find something to get a victory Sam Taylor intercepted the Demons and give it to Ryan Agwan and spotted Tom Green.
The footy Launch the kick to Josh Kelly and ran his life to use his left boot to kick a 60 yard goal which it touched the goal square and the GWS Giants has give themselves a winning opportunity with less than 3 minutes left on the clock. Both Demons and Giants had a massive collision battled for the footy which it got more exciting for the fans to hope for the winning goal by the buzzer. The Demons had to find the victory before time expired and Angus Brayshaw dripped over which give Melbourne the opportunity to get the winning goal but Alex Neal-Bullen had the chance to win it but it was far left which Melbourne failed to get the winning shot and had a behind with only a minute left. The Giants has spent the last two minutes defending the Dees while the Demons find one more opportunity to get the winning goal but the Giants intercepted the ball and tackled them halfway through the centre field. The Demons has lost their opportunity to get the winning goal and the Giants has held the game and triumph for the victory 47-45, which it was the lowest scoring match of the season. The Giants have won 4 of the 5 in recent matches and had improved their performance as Adam Kingsley helped the GWS Giants but themselves back to the game.
The Great Western Sydney Giants has improved their batting performance in the 2nd Half of the Season and had some lucky victories against the toughest opponents which most of the results were attributed to close games with both wins and defeats which means the Giants have been able to to maintain their advantage which the results can be seen some ups and downs. However, their dominance has never surrendered and if they continue to get more victories and teams in the bottom ladder of the league, they have a greater chance of being in the Playoffs.
The most important thing is that the GWS Giants never surrender their power and played a tough match with the top 5 teams in the league. The heavy downpours did impact both Melbourne Football Club and Great Western Sydney Giants which had impressive success with the battle of the defense but the Giants were lucky enough to pull off a victory over Melbourne by a 2-point margin.
MELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB 1.5 2.9 4.12 5.15 (45) GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY GIANTS 1.0 3.3 6.4 7.5 (47)
GOALS Melbourne: Bowey, Grundy, Langdon, Melksham, Pickett Greater Western Sydney: Greene 2, Kelly 2, Brown, Cumming, O’Halloran
BEST Melbourne: Viney, Hunter, Petracca, May Bowey, Pickett Greater Western Sydney: Coniglio, Green, Kelly, Greene, , Briggs, Himmelberg
INJURIES Melbourne: Fritsch (foot) Greater Western Sydney: Nil
SUBSTITUTES Melbourne: Jake Melksham (replaced at Bayley Fritsch in the first quarter) Greater Western Sydney: Ryan Angwin (replaced Daniel Lloyd in the fourth quarter)
