THREE BEST MOMENTS

 

3. MINUTES IN EUROPE

Not quite one moment, but all of the moments of the European playing Aussies on the field this week. A lot of attention for overseas players is directed towards the NWSL in the USA. But there are plenty of Aussies competing elsewhere, specifically in Europe. And this week may have been when all of them saw playing time.

European football does have multiple games a week for different tournaments and leagues going on at the same time for clubs and the Aussies are benefiting from that structure. No matter how they are gaining the minutes, Aussies being on the pitch can only help their development.

 

 

2.ALANNA KENNEDY SACRIFICING FOR HER TEAM

The lethal foot of Kerr when she is in front of goal speaks for itself. When Kerr shoots she often scores and that is something her Matildas teammates know well. Alanna Kennedy has seen first hand how well Kerr can strike a ball and this past week, Kennedy was able to feel it too.

Kerr was just inside the 18-yard box chasing down a loose ball. She shot the ball one time right on frame, then Kennedy jumps into the shot inside the six-yard box sending in the ball away from goal.

The ball was struck so hard it landed on the far side of the box away from Kennedy. Even if she got a bruise from the shot, Kennedy will be sure to say saving a goal was well worth it.

 

 

1. HAYLEY RASO AWARDED OFF THE PITCH

Having good quality on the field is important, but even more importantly it is about being a quality person off of the field. Hayley Raso has made a point to do that and her efforts have been noticed this season.

Her club, the Portland Thorns, give players who have worked hard in giving back to the Portland community the Stand Together Community MVP Award.

Raso’s list of community involvement is long and includes volunteering for Girls on the Run, Habitat for Humanity, and her visit to Shriners Hospital. She is an outstanding representation of quality both on and off the pitch.