Garriock set to join Matildas 100 cap club
The Matildas performances against the USA over the next two matches will give the team a good indication of their chances in the upcoming AFC Asian Women's Cup says influential midfielder Heather Garriock.
The Matildas performances against the USA over the next two matches will give the team a good indication of their chances in the upcoming AFC Asian Women's Cup says influential midfielder Heather Garriock.
On the eve of her 100th cap for her country, Garriock has jetted into North Carolina from Denmark to join her Australian teammates ahead of their first international against the USA to be played at 9am AEST Monday.
"You don't need any extra motivation when you play the USA but it is pretty special that it is my 100th and it will show us how we are placed ahead of the Asian Cup," said the 25-year old midfielder.
"It's a great honour and I believe I am the youngest male or female to get 100 caps so that is something I am proud of."
"I feel like I am only half way through my career and already there have been some great moments. Scoring my first ever goal in front of family and friends in Sydney and the World Cups have been amazing."
Garriock has been plying her trade professionally in Denmark and has been in supreme form having scored eight goals in as many games for Fortuna Hjorring.
"It has been a huge challenge playing overseas and it has been great for my professional development. It's the best form I have been in for a long time," added Garriock.
"It's a very physical league and even at training there is nowhere to hide. We are training five times a week and when you are surrounded by nine national team players it does improve your game."
Following the first match against the USA, Garriock will fly back to Denmark where she will play for her club in the Danish Cup Final on 1 May before returning to the USA for the Matildas second match against the USA on 3 May.
Australia are yet to defeat the United States in 18 encounters losing 16 of those matches, however there have been two draws in the last three meetings between the two nations.
The Australian squad features 15 members of the squad that reached the quarter finals at last year's FIFA Women's World Cup in China.
The Matildas squad for their United States tour is:
Goalkeepers - Melissa Barbieri (Melbourne), Lydia Williams (Canberra) Defenders - Di Alagich (Sydney), Kim Carroll (Brisbane), Lauren Colthorpe (Brisbane), Kate McShea (Brisbane), Karla Reuter (Brisbane), Cheryl Salisbury (Newcastle), Clare Polkinghorne (Brisbane) Midfielders - Joanne Burgess (Brisbane), Amy Chapman (Canberra), Heather Garriock (Sydney), Collette McCallum (Perth), Amber Neilson (Newcastle), Joanne Peters (Newcastle), Sally Shipard (Brisbane) Forwards - Kate Gill (Newcastle), Caitlin Munoz (Canberra), Kyah Simon (Sydney), Sarah Walsh (Sydney) (current home city)
Tour Fixtures:
Sunday, April 27 USA v Australia WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, Nth Carolina, 7pm local time (9am AEST Monday)
Saturday, May 3 USA v Australia Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama, 4pm local time (7am AEST Sunday)