The midfielder has earned her spot in the Sydney FC squad the hard way | Credit: Joseph Mayers Photography The midfielder has earned her spot in the Sydney FC squad the hard way | Credit: Joseph Mayers Photography

Sometimes your parents are right and for Sydney FC's Chloe Logarzo, she very pleased Joe and Kim Logarzo's advice came true.

So what was that advice; keep working and it will one day happen.

For the younger Logarzo it didn't always seem that way. Smaller and slighter than her agemates, and although quick and technically sound, time and again she was overlooked for representative teams. That's where the confidence and advice of her parents and midfielder's own hard work and persistence kept her in the game.

Last season it all paid off.

One of the last selected in the Sydney FC squad, Logarzo was given her chance halfway through the season and against Perth Glory in Round 5, in only her second start, she seized the opportunity.

A goal in a 1 – 3 loss to the Glory was followed by two late goals in a 4 – 2 win over Adelaide United in Round 6 and, most importantly, a regular spot in the Sydney FC line up, including starting in the Grand Final.

The 18 year old's strong season was rewarded with selection in the Young Matildas, her first representative team, and finally the honour of captaining the U20s at the recent AFC U19 Championships.

Heading into her third W-League season it is no surprise to anyone, except maybe Logarzo herself, that this time round there would be no last minute phone call.

"It was actually quite surprising when Staj [coach Alen Stajcic] gave me the call and told me he wanted me to have another contract," she said.

"It's good to know that I wasn't the last person signed so I think that's a bonus."

 

However, with the increased recognition comes the pressure to perform. Particularly in a competitive Sydney FC squad looking to become the first team to defend their W-League championship.

A tough task considering the recruitment of their closest rivals but with the return of captain Danielle Brogana and leading striker Leena Khamis as well as proven goal scorer Jodie Taylor and former Matildas goalkeeper Casey Dumont, Logarzo believes they are in good shape.

"It [the squad] is looking really good coming back from China. All the girls seem really fit."

"Hopefully we will be able to follow it up [the championship] and make history.

Although aware of the expectations on the team and herself, Logarzo feels confident she can continue to improve and make a contribution to Sydney FC's bid for back to back titles.

"Coming from China and having the experience I did get to have, hopefully I will be able to step up into the league and maybe shine a little bit brighter than I did last season."

Sydney FC commence their title defence away to Melbourne Victory in the grand final rematch this Sunday 10 November. Kick off is 3pm (AEDST) live on ABC TV.