de Reus announces squad to host China PR

Credit: Bryan Crawford/FFA

Matildas Head Coach Hesterine de Reus has named a 21 player squad to take on China PR in the upcoming two match series commencing later this month.

de Reus is looking forward to the opportunity of testing her side against a traditional powerhouse of Asian women’s football.

“Playing an Asian opponent is a good challenge for us. We lost to China last November which adds just a little bit of extra incentive for the players,” said de Reus.

“We would like to work on pro-active defending, more so than in the US game. In an attacking sense we want to have more control of possession so that is the technical areas we wish to primarily work on."

The squad features many of the players who took part in last month's US Tour with a number of relatively new players receiving call ups.

Canberra twins Nicole and Ashleigh Sykes, Brisbane Roar striker Hayley Raso and Sydney FC's Nicola Bolger have all earned their chance to impress the national coach.

“We have some new players to look at as well, so a different dynamic and a new perspective added."

“This is a great opportunity to get the girls in camp and get some consistency going.”

Brisbane duo Amy Chapman and Vedrana Popovic will come into the squad for the second match only with Bolger and Sam Kerr released after the first match to participate in the Women’s World Club Championship in Japan with Sydney FC.

WIN Stadium, Wollongong (Sunday 24 November (kick-off 3pm), and at Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta (Wednesday 27 November (kick-off 7pm)) will host the two match series.

Tickets for the two matches in Wollongong and Sydney can be purchased at www.footballaustralia.com.au/tickets

Westfield Matildas Squad

Teigen Allen (Western Sydney Wanderers), Laura Alleway (Brisbane Roar), Nicola Bolger * (Sydney FC), Tameka Butt (Brisbane Roar), Kim Carroll (Brisbane Roar), Stephanie Catley (Melbourne Victory), Amy Chapman ** (Brisbane Roar), Brianna Davey (Melbourne Victory) Lisa De Vanna (Melbourne Victory), Heather Garriock (Western Sydney Wanderers), Kate Gill (Perth Glory), Katrina Gorry (Brisbane Roar), Michelle Heyman (Canberra United), Elise Kellond-Knight (Brisbane Roar), Samantha Kerr* (Sydney FC), Clare Polkinghorne (Brisbane Roar), Vedrana Popovic** (Brisbane Roar), Hayley Raso (Brisbane Roar), Ashleigh Sykes (Canberra United), Nicole Sykes (Canberra United), Emly Van-Egmond (Western Sydney Wanderers), Lydia Williams (gk) (Canberra United)

* First match only

** Second match only