Westfield Matildas squad riding wave of success
When you’re on the crest of a wave, there’s really only one thing to do. Just keep on riding it.
And what a ride it’s been for the Westfield Matildas in 2017.
Australia’s finest female footballers have produced a fabulous year, capturing the imagination of a generation of new fans and delighting everyone who has watched them strut their stuff this year.
And that wonderful journey continues this week with two internationals against China and the chance to place an exclamation point at the end of what has been a remarkable twelve months.
The high water mark came at July’s Tournament of Nations in the United States.
Australia began with a history-making 1-0 win over hosts, followed by a Sam-Kerr inspired 4-2 victory over Japan.
In their final match, the Westfield Matildas did a demolition job on Brazil, winning 6-1 and claiming the silverware.
More was to follow, with back-to-back home wins over Brazil in September.
Five matches for five wins; sixteen goals scored and just six conceded.
Australia is now sixth in the world.
And with the excitement of the Caltex Socceroos’ qualification for the 2018 World Cup still palpable, the week ahead gives football fans even more to cheer about.
The gang is all back together – Sam Kerr and Lisa De Vanna, Tameka Butt and Steph Catley, Clare Polkinghorne and Elise Kellond-Knight and many more who are now household names.
For those who need further introduction: here's the squad.
Westfield Matildas Squad Information:
Name |
Club, Country |
A-International Caps (Goals) |
Laura ALLEWAY |
Melbourne Victory, AUSTRALIA |
49 (2) |
Mackenzie ARNOLD (GK) |
Brisbane Roar, AUSTRALIA |
14 (0) |
Tameka BUTT |
Brisbane Roar, AUSTRALIA |
61 (8) |
Eliza CAMPBELL (GK) |
Adelaide United, AUSTRALIA |
0 (0) |
Ellie CARPENTER |
Canberra United, AUSTRALIA |
12 (1) |
Steph CATLEY |
Melbourne City FC, AUSTRALIA |
62 (2) |
Larissa CRUMMER |
Melbourne City FC, AUSTRALIA |
13 (2) |
Lisa DE VANNA |
Sydney FC, AUSTRALIA |
126 (43) |
Caitlin FOORD |
Vegalta Sendai, JAPAN |
58 (11) |
Katrina GORRY |
Brisbane Roar, AUSTRALIA |
57 (14) |
Amy HARRISON |
Sydney FC, AUSTRALIA |
5 (0) |
Michelle HEYMAN |
Canberra United, AUSTRALIA |
53 (20) |
Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT |
FFC Turbine Potsdam, GERMANY |
85 (1) |
Alanna KENNEDY |
Melbourne City FC, AUSTRALIA |
57 (3) |
Samantha KERR |
Perth Glory, AUSTRALIA |
55 (15) |
Chloe LOGARZO |
Sydney FC, AUSTRALIA |
18 (0) |
Clare POLKINGHORNE |
Brisbane Roar, AUSTRALIA |
97 (7) |
Hayley RASO |
Brisbane Roar, AUSTRALIA |
21 (1) |
Kyah SIMON |
Melbourne City FC, AUSTRALIA |
76 (21) |
Emily VAN EGMOND |
Newcastle Jets, AUSTRALIA |
63 (14) |
Lydia WILLIAMS (GK) |
Melbourne City FC, AUSTRALIA |
62 (0) |
They can flex their muscles again against international opposition on home soil in front of adoring fans.
What a time for the women’s game in Australia. What a chance for them to put the seal on a simply sensational year. What an opportunity to ride the wave a little bit further.
Surf’s up!
Match Details:
Westfield Matildas v China
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Wednesday 22 November 2017
Kick-Off: 7:30pm (AEDT)
Westfield Matildas v China
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Sunday 26 November 2017
Kick-Off: 4.30pm (AEDT)
Both of the Westfield Matildas’ matches against China PR will be broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and SBS VICELAND.
Tickets to see the Westfield Matildas play in Melbourne (Wednesday 22 November) and Geelong (Sunday 26 November) are available at: https://matildas.footballaustralia.com.au/