Hayley Raso: Westfield Matildas rising star

She is the talented and versatile Westfield Matilda, known for her dashing displays and trademark ribbon in her hair.

The 23-year-old is fast becoming a star of Australian women’s football and a key member of Alen Stajcic’s sensational side.

And it’s safe to say Raso won’t forget her exploits in 2017 any time soon.

On the club front, Raso is coming off a stellar season in America’s National Women’s Soccer League with Portland Thorns.

She scored six goals and had three assists and helping the Thorns go all the way and clinch the NWSL title.

Playing in an attacking role, Raso was instrumental in Thorns’ success and was a real fan-favourite and just last week took out the Supporters' Player of the Year at Portland’s end-of-season awards.

Raso’s success with the Thorns is just reward for her talent and perseverance, coming just over a year after she was let go by Washington Spirit and unsure of her future in the NWSL.

She needn’t have worried.

Hayley Raso battles for possession with a Brazilian opponent during the recent home series.
Hayley Raso battles for possession with a Brazilian opponent during the recent home series.

Her development over the last 18 months has been incredible, maturing as a player and now brimming with confidence with every appearance.

And it’s filtered through to the Westfield Matildas, where she is emerging as an important member of Stajcic’s squad.

Raso was a part of the side that won the Tournament of Nations in the USA earlier this year, where Australia registered impressive wins over the host nation, Japan and Brazil.

She backed it up by helping the Westfield Matildas sweep the two-game friendly series on home soil in September.

And after starting the Westfield W-League 2017/18 Season on the right note with Brisbane Roar, Raso is sure to be a part of Australia’s squad for the games against China in Victoria later this month.