Aussie footballers are highlight-machines, but sometimes these amazing moments don’t show up on the stat sheet. So, in a new segment, resident football-expert Kristin Shaffer counts down the three best goals, moments and performances each week.
THREE BEST GOALS
3. Claire Wheeler’s long-distance goal for Sydney University SFC
Only two Aussies who are playing abroad scored this week so a stunning goal in the domestic National Premier League NSW Women’s was added to this week’s list.
The Sydney University SFC took on the Illawarra Stingrays in the latest match of the round. Sydney University was able to apply some pressure and get numbers forwards when a poorly cleared ball found its way to the feet of Claire Wheeler outside the 18-yard box.
She was able to settle the ball and with her second touch, still outside the box, she sent a low ball into the left corner of the goal to put her team up 1-0.
2. Sam Kerr’s 12th goal in 12 games
Not very often do the terms goal and Sam Kerr not occur in the same sentence and this week was no different. Kerr already had a league best 11 goals entering the match and it would only take her five minutes to bring that total to 12.
Her initial strike was saved by the keeper, but with persistence and a little flair Kerr was able to knock the ball into the net.
Look at @samkerr1 ballin', scoring #MKOT | #CHIvUTA pic.twitter.com/77O7Wdk5VZ
— Chicago Red Stars (@chiredstarsPR) August 4, 2019
1. Tameka Yallop’s game winning goal
Scoring goals for your team is always enjoyable, but there is something special about scoring a game winner. The game was an even contest and only saw one goal in the full 90 minutes.
Yallop might not have known it at the time since it was only the 37th minute but her lone goal would be all Klepp IL needed for the victory and to make the goal even better it was against, Lillestrøm KL, the top team in the Toppserien League.
.@TamekaButt scores the match-winner for @KleppIL! #GoMatildas pic.twitter.com/dFZ5FvkdIu
— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) August 4, 2019
THREE BEST MOMENTS
3. Hayley Raso earning the penalty for Portland Thorns
In a game that ended in a 2-2 tie, every goal proved vital. The first goal of the match came from a penalty kick for the Portland Thorns.
The goal might not have been scored by an Aussie but the constant pressure from Raso caused the defender to take her down inside the box.
2. Mackenzie Arnold signing with the Chicago Red Stars
The starting goalkeeper for the Matildas, Lydia Williams, is currently out with a left ankle injury and a time table for her return has not been made. Many believe Mackenzie Arnold is the direct backup to Williams.
However, Arnold has been without a club since the W-League season thus limiting her minutes in goal during a game. Then just this week the Chicago Red Stars announced the signing of Arnold where she joins Sam Kerr.
The Red Stars do have the USWNT starting goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher, but with their national team’s Victory Tour, Arnold may be able to get some minutes this season in the NWSL. Nevertheless, anyone taking shots from Kerr consistently in practice is sure to stay sharp when called upon.
Join us in welcoming @MaccaArnold1 to her kind of town.
— Chicago Red Stars (@chiredstarsPR) August 1, 2019
📝: https://t.co/sfBpcav2dG pic.twitter.com/0V2Zm71Tnl
1. Sam Kerr named to The Best FIFA Women’s Player 12-woman shortlist
The players named to this list are the top players for their club and country and the committee has asked fans who are able to vote for their top three finalists during the timeframe of May 25, 2018- July 7, 2019.
During that time Kerr has scored 23 goals and five assists for the Red Stars, 17 goals and four assists for Perth Glory FC, and five goals for the Matildas during the Women’s World Cup.
🚨 Here they are! 🚨#TheBest Women's Player nominees:
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 31, 2019
🏴@LucyBronze
🇺🇸@julieertz
🇳🇴@CarolineGrahamH
🇳🇴@AdaStolsmo
🇫🇷@amandinehenry6
🇦🇺@samkerr1
🇺🇸@roselavelle
🇳🇱@VivianneMiedema
🇺🇸@alexmorgan13
🇺🇸@mPinoe
🇫🇷@WRenard
🏴@ellsbells89
Voting NOW OPEN 👇https://t.co/t8x1884tdq
THREE BEST PERFORMANCES
3. Hayley Raso
During her game against Sky Blue FC Raso was all over the pitch. She won numerous free kicks and corner kicks for the Thorns.
Whenever the Thorns had an opportunity to score Raso was involved in the play. She has been given more minutes this season for Portland and she has made sure to make her minutes count.
Hey Portland, ya know what day it is 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/6b24kCmbMI
— Hayley Raso (@HayleyRaso) August 3, 2019
2. Steph Catley
The Reign FC defender was able to help get a clean sheet for her team against the Houston Dash. Shutouts are without a doubt a team effort but the players coming up the right side against Catley were limited to just one goal on frame for the entire game.
The defensive prowess of Catley cannot be overlooked for her team.
.@rosiewhite13's first time on the scoresheet was enough for @ReignFC to earn all three points in Houston.
— NWSL (@NWSL) August 3, 2019
Recap the game in 60 seconds or watch the full highlights here: https://t.co/5NAcYWcQ2Z #NWSL pic.twitter.com/jcvrzGQ0Gf
1. Sam Kerr
Not only did Kerr score a goal for the Red Stars she continued to raise havoc throughout the entire match. With some of her top teammates away for team USA all eyes were on Kerr to produce.
The pressure of carrying her team was not too much for her and she had seven shots with four of them on frame. She made key passes all game and sent the ball to her teammate who would assist the second goal for the Red Stars.
Kerr was the biggest star on the field, and she showed it.
3 points at home & a clean sheet! Thanks for coming out Chicago 😘
— Sam Kerr (@samkerr1) August 4, 2019
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