Sydney: Matildas head coach Alen Stajcic has announced a 21-strong squad ahead of next week’s two-match international friendly series against China PR in Melbourne and Geelong.
Headlined by star forward Sam Kerr, the squad for the matches on November 22 and 26 is brimming with experience, and features 13 players with 50 or more international appearances.
Adelaide United goalkeeper Eliza Campbell is the only uncapped player, while 17-year-old defender Ellie Carpenter retains her place in the senior squad after representing Australia at last month’s AFC U-19 Women’s Championship in China.
With the Australian W-League in full swing, the vast majority of the players selected come from local clubs, with only Vegalta Sendai’s Caitlin Foord and FFC Turnbine Potsdam’s Elise Kellond-Knight currently playing their club football abroad.
Ahead of what will be his team’s final matches of 2017, Stajcic said he was pleased with his team’s progress over the course of the year.
“Our focus all throughout this year has been building the depth of the squad in the lead up to the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Jordan,” he said.
“Our two games against China PR will be our 10th and 11th matches this year, and I believe that throughout 2017 we have progressed significantly.”
Following excellent crowds for home wins against Brazil in New South Wales in September, Stajcic, encouraged fans in Melbourne and Geelong to turn out in similar numbers.
“China PR are a very good team and will provide a tough test for us next week. Hopefully we can build on the fantastic support we received in New South Wales while in Victoria, while also progressing further as a team,” said the 44-year-old, who also confirmed Australia’s participation in next March’s Algarve Cup.
The matches will be China’s first under Iceland’s Sigurður Ragnar Eyjólfsson, who was announced as their new head coach on Monday, succeeding Frenchman Bruno Bini.
Australia Squad
Player
Club
Caps (Goals)
Laura ALLEWAY
Melbourne Victory
49 (2)
Mackenzie ARNOLD (GK)
Brisbane Roar
14 (0)
Tameka BUTT
Brisbane Roar
61 (8)
Eliza CAMPBELL (GK)
Adelaide United
0 (0)
Ellie CARPENTER
Canberra United
12 (1)
Steph CATLEY
Melbourne City FC
62 (2)
Larissa CRUMMER
Melbourne City FC
13 (2)
Lisa DE VANNA
Sydney FC
126 (43)
Caitlin FOORD
Vegalta Sendai (JPN)
58 (11)
Katrina GORRY
Brisbane Roar
57 (14)
Amy HARRISON
Sydney FC
5 (0)
Michelle HEYMAN
Canberra United
53 (20)
Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT
FFC Turbine Potsdam (GER)
85 (1)
Alanna KENNEDY
Melbourne City FC
57 (3)
Samantha KERR
Perth Glory
55 (15)
Chloe LOGARZO
Sydney FC
18 (0)
Clare POLKINGHORNE
Brisbane Roar
97 (7)
Hayley RASO
Brisbane Roar
21 (1)
Kyah SIMON
Melbourne City FC
76 (21)
Emily VAN EGMOND
Newcastle Jets
63 (14)
Lydia WILLIAMS (GK)
Melbourne City FC
62 (0)
Fixtures
November 22 Australia v China PR Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
November 26 Australia v China PR Kardinia Park, Geelong.
Photos: AFP
Source: the-afc.com