‘I almost copped a snowball to the face’: Gielnik relishing different surrounds ahead of USA test

Emily Gielnik says the Westfield Matildas are embracing the different climate and atmosphere in Colorado ahead of Friday’s (AEDT) blockbuster friendly against the USA.

The Australian squad woke to a sea of white in Denver after snowfall overnight, making it an especially chilly session for the players that have arrived in camp so far.

While Ante Milicic will continue to ramp up preparations in coming days as the match approaches, the focus so far has been about getting some running in the legs as well as lots of skill work.

And the wintry conditions also gave the players a chance to have a bit of fun, throwing snowballs outside their team base.

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“I almost copped a snowball to the face this morning,” Gielnik told www.matildas.com.au.

“[The weather conditions] is something we're not used to, we’re not used to the chill and it’s a different climate and a different atmosphere here but it’s been nice.

“It’s a nice venue change and a different environment, so it’s been enjoyable.”

But Gielnik is also well aware of just how crucial the upcoming match against the USA is for the Westfield Matildas as they look to build ahead of June’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“It’s so important. Just seeing where we are as a group overall because the US is number 1 in the world right now and have been for quite some time,” the 26-year-old said.

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“It will be good to see where we are and how far we have come.

“Once we can regroup, get everyone here together and train properly, it will be good to progress as quickly as possible.”