Matildas The Matildas Thread

[stax on the mull]

Starting to? She made mistakes pre-WC, made a massive one in the WC and was still making them in the friendlies against Chile.

She just doesn't seem capable of being a ball playing defender like Ante wants the CBs to be

Don't think her distribution has ever been an issue. Always been high quality. I just think she's slowing down a bit in pace and reacting slowly, often a step behind the striker watching what unfolds, whereas before she was more of interceptor that read the game quickly and cut out the danger.

Matildas defence conceding goals through mistakes has always been an issue - just as much when Stajcic was coach (just watch the goals conceded the previous time Chile came to play in Australia) but Polkinghorne was always the rock that kept things together. Now, not so much.

So if she's not want Ante wants, why is he picking her for this tournament?

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Caitlin Foord traded to Orlando as part of a deal that nets the Thorns the first overall pick.

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Rumour doing the rounds that Foord won't return to the NWSL this season and instead will head to Europe, most likely with Arsenal.

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Interesting article on the squad selected for the Olympics qualifiers.

 

[Dixie Flatline]

 

[stax on the mull]

Did see some game reports from the US league towards the end of last season that Foord was starting on the bench. Needs to be playing full time.

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Hayley Raso linked to a move to Everton.

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Teagan Micah is in the draft pool for the NWSL, coming out of college. My understanding is that goalkeepers tend to go late in the draft, if at all. The draft occurs tomorrow.

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Raso is off to Everton for the rest of the season. Won't play in tonight's game.

 

[apollo_creed]

Interesting article on the squad selected for the Olympics qualifiers.

Not really interesting and not surprising.

Wonder what prompted the journalist to write this article?

Squad is better off without her.

 

[swingdog]

Raso is off to Everton for the rest of the season. Won't play in tonight's game.

Have you attached much of the English league? I'm trying to get a feel for how good it is. It looks more rough and tumble and less skilled than the NWSL.

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Have you attached much of the English league? I'm trying to get a feel for how good it is. It looks more rough and tumble and less skilled than the NWSL.

Must say I haven't watched any WSL, but my understanding is that the top teams are among the best in Europe and would hold their own against the powerhouses in the NWSL. Chelsea would be one of those clubs.

The bottom clubs would struggle to beat a state league team, I believe. Liverpool are running away with the premier league but their women's team is horrible.

Everton are mid table but are trying to build a better squad and obviously see Hayley as a key acquisition to push them forward.

I guess it's good for Hayley, too. She plays six months in a European competition and, after the Olympics (assuming Australia qualifies), has the choice of returning to the NWSL or to seek a longer term deal in Europe.

Makes four Australians playing in Europe right now: Gielnik, Kerr, De Vanna and now Raso.

 

[Dixie Flatline]

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Stonelake apparently covers women's football in England.

 

[Dixie Flatline]

According to this article, Arsenal are still interested in acquiring Caitlin Foord.

Another Matilda joins Kerr in Women's Super League

Matildas winger Hayley Raso is joining Everton on a six-month contract, joining Australian teammate Sam Kerr in England's FA Women's Super League.

thewomensgame.com

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Micah goes undrafted in the NWSL draft this morning. Not all that surprising, and I'm sure she'll receive a contract offer once her current deal with the Victory expires.

 

[stax on the mull]

Micah goes undrafted in the NWSL draft this morning. Not all that surprising, and I'm sure she'll receive a contract offer once her current deal with the Victory expires.

From the outside it does seem odd that Micah is the understudy goalkeeper at Melb. Victory, but she's picked ahead of that clubs preferred W-League keeper for the National team in the upcoming Olympic qualifiers. Further indicates that the 3rd keeper in a squad isn't expected to play

I'm not happy with any of our GK's. Williams still the best, but when she has to pass the ball around with her feet I don't think she looks comfortable.

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Dumont has been in ripping form for Victory this season. Hard to justify dropping her for Micah, who has been a late season acquisition. Personally, I would have selected Dumont for the Olympics qualifiers, but it is academic, since Williams is the clear first choice Matildas keeper.

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Done deal. Raso the Toffee.

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Brisbane also confirmed it on their website, noting that they have been paid an undisclosed fee for Raso.

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Embarrassing from Cahill.

 

[giggler99]

She played in the A-league? Good one Timmy.

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Foord quits Sydney FC. Will announce her new club soon (cough cough, Arsenal).

 

[drd23]

lol won't be long until barely any Matildas play in the w-league

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Olympic qualifying tournament shifted to Nanjing after the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan.