Speaking at the coaches press conference in advance of the NWSL final between North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns, coach Parsons talked positively about each of the Aussies.

Regarding Raso, Parsons said she is an important player, with a high work rate and pace.

"She is a winner and it was refreshing to have a player like that back. To lose her again was a huge blow on the field and off the field".

Parsons told how Raso's own hard work had lifted her level. "We train everyone the same here. She's the one who has made the most of it," he said. 
On Ellie Carpenter, he said "What an exciting young talent. outstanding defensively but she also gives offensively - bombing forward and creating opportunities - that's what we hope for tomorrow.

"She is one of the best attacking fullbacks we've seen in a long time."

Parsons told how in his view Caitlin Foord is really just coming out of her preseason due to her injury affected year, with only 5-6 weeks of training and playing behind her at the moment.

"She's brought incredible intelligence, movement, gets in behind plays to feet combines well and is always looking to create mayhem".

Parsons talked about Foord's excellent contribution in the last few games and spoke enthusiastically about what she will offer in the future when she has had a full preseason. he added that she is "extra extra pumped for tomorrow's game after missing last years W league grand final".