Stajcic settles on Sydney squad

Sydney looking to take back the title | TWG

Alen Stajcic has named his Sydney FC squad for the 2011/12 Westfield W-League.  The squad sees the return of Sarah Walsh and the introduction of Matildas' defender Thea Slatyer as well as the promotion of several NSWIS players.  “The 2011/12 competition is going to be tighter than ever before. I think there are five teams that can win it,” said Stajcic. “There’s no way it is going to be a two-horse race as some people believe it has been in recent seasons. Newcastle, Melbourne and Canberra all look strong and Sydney FC and Brisbane will be up there again.”

Sydney once again has assembled an impressive squad containing Season Three Westfield W-League Golden Boot and Julie Dolan Medallist Kyah Simon as well as Matildas Heather Garriock, Caitlin Foord, Leena Khamis and others.

The Sky Blues have also picked up three notable international signings with USA’s Megan Rapinoe, Allison Lipsher and Estelle Johnson all pulling on the guernsey

“We’ve put together a good squad with a good mix of Matildas and younger local players and the three girls from the USA are a boost, especially Megan Rapinoe, who was one of the stars of the last World Cup.

“Our goals for the season are the same as they were in previous seasons. We need to continue to improve our performances years on year and from week to week because the standard of the competition is improving.

“If we can play to our potential and continue to improve then we’ll certainly be there at the end of the season when the whips are cracking.”

Sydney FC kicks off their W-League campaign against Brisbane Roar at Leichhardt Oval this Saturday (22 October). Kick off is 3pm.