THREE BEST GOALS

 

3. SAM KERR’S NEAR GOAL

In unusual fashion there were no goals by any Aussies this week in the overseas professional leagues. Perhaps most surprising to be left goalless was Sam Kerr.

But even when she isn’t putting goals in the back of the net her near misses still make fans ooh and aah.

In the 6th minute of the game against the Orlando Pride Kerr received a pass about 25 yards from goal. She took two touches to create enough space to send in a rocket that beat the goalkeeper and barely hit the crossbar. 

 

2. MALIA STEINMETZ’S ONE TOUCH FINISH

 

The NPL NSW had their preliminary finals this past week and the Northern Tigers secured their first ever Finals appearance with a 3-0 win.

They supplied all of the offense for the game but the third goal was not only the one that put the game truly out of reach and the most impressive.

The Tigers had a free kick outside the box on the right side. They sent a ball into the box that was headed right to Steinmets running towards goal. With a defender right on her pocket she sent in a one time shot into the far netting for the goal.

 

 

 

 

 

1.RACHEL LOWE’S FIRST CAREER GOAL

The collegiate season in the United States just kicked off. There are two Aussies who suited up for a powerhouse program, the UCLA Bruins. The fourth ranked team in the nation proved their ranking with a 3-0 win.

The second goal of the game proved to be very special one for Lowe. Her teammate carried the ball down the left flank and crossed the ball to Lowe in the middle of the box. She hit the ball on her first touch right into goal past the goalkeeper. 

 

 

 

THREE BEST MOMENTS

 

3. HAYLEY RASO HAS ANOTHER ALMOST-ASSIST

Another week and another great performance from Raso for the Portland Thorns. When the ball goes across the goal line it seems like Raso is somehow instrumental in the play and this past week was no different.

Somehow the defense left Raso unmarked in the box and her teammate played a ball into her at the back of the six yard box. She re-centered the ball back to another Thorns player running on which the goalkeeper was barely able to get a glove on.

The tap from the goalkeeper still allowed the ball to land at the feet of the Thorns player and ultimately into the goal. However, the deflection erased Raso’s assist, but it couldn’t erase her celebration.

 

 

 

2. MILESTONE GAME FOR TEAGAN MICAH

The other Aussie to be on the UCLA squad is Teagan Micah. The Burins’ goalkeeper has been a top player for them all four years she has been there. Micah is such an essential player for them she became the first goalkeeper in program history to start in the team’s opening match all four years.

The match was topped with a 3-0 win, but also her 200th career save. 

 

 

 

 

 

1. EMILY GIELNIK SIGNS WITH FC BAYERN MUNICH

Gielnik had not played for a club team since the W-League season with Melbourne Victory. But she did play for the Matildas in the Women’s World Cup this summer and play was impressive enough to garner the attention of the legendary club, Bayern Munich.

The Frauen-Bundesliga just started play not too long ago. Bayern has only played two matches this season so Gielnik still has plenty of time to have an impact on the team.

 

 

 

THREE BEST PERFORMANCES

 

3. ELLIE CARPENTER

For the second week in a row Carpenter was in the starting lineup for the Thorns. She is coming back from injury and was getting limited minutes, but has now worked herself into the starting lineup and playing a majority of the game.

This week she notched 73 minutes and they were quality minutes. Not only did Carpenter help secure the shutout for the her team, but she also helped stop one of the best offenses in the league of the Chicago Red Stars. Just think what Carpenter will be able to do once she is back to full 90 minute games.

 

 

 

2. STEPH CATLEY

The Reign continue to fight injuries and get their best team on the field. Even though the Reign ended up on the losing end this week they only lost 1-0. Many of their offensive weapons are unavailable which explains the limited goals this season.

It also means the Reign are playing defense more than they are playing offense and to lose a majority of their games by one goal is a true test to their defense. A main factor in that defense is Catley.

She goes in for tackles, bails her teammates out of tough situations and keeps the ball from crossing the goal line. The Reign desperately need Catley on the field at all times.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

GAME DAY vs NC 💪🏼💙 @reignfc @clawds

A post shared by Stephanie Catley (@stephcatley) on

 

 

1. TEAGAN MICAH

Being a consistent starter for a top program is no easy task. Micha has guarded the UCLA goals for four years and she is making sure that her fourth year is not a slouch season. The Bruins have played two games this season and both were shutouts.

Micah’s main job is to keep the ball out of the net and she is doing just that.

 

 

Follow Kristin Shaffer on Twitter: @k_shaffe