The NWSL is wrapping up and the Matildas will be back in action soon. Plenty of goals, awards and accomplishments broken down by Kristin Shaffer for your 9 Best Of The Week.
THREE BEST GOALS
3. SAM KERR’S BRILLIANT CHIP
The Chicago Red Stars scored in the first nine minutes of the game and not surprisingly, it was from the foot of Sam Kerr.
Chicago was on the counter and the ball was played to Kerr at the top of the box, she had a strong touch that forced her run to go almost endline.
But when it seemed Kerr had no angle for a goal she perfectly chips the ball into the back of the net. This reminds us all that Kerr can do the impossible.
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— Chicago Red Stars (@chiredstarsPR) September 22, 2019
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╬═╬/▌ just dropping in to say
╬═╬/ \ @samkerr1 scored pic.twitter.com/wu0mkwrsuy
2. LATE WINNER FROM INDIANNA ASIMUS
The Wyoming Cowgirls were down 1-0 late in their game against South Dakota. What looked like a loss for Wyoming they were able to net a late goal earning themselves the tie.
Wyoming had a free kick at the edge of the box and were able to have the ball hit the cross bar which led to the their players rushing the goal.
It looked like mayhem in the box. Indianna Asimus was able to get her body on the ball and push it across the line securing the tie. Asimus was at the right place at the right time.
85' | DRAMA IN GILLETTE! The Cowgirls even the score 1-1 late in the game behind an @indiannaasimus goal!#OneWyoming #GoWyo pic.twitter.com/hBuKMvFxNo
— Wyoming Cowgirl Soccer (@wyosoccer) September 20, 2019
1. SAM KERR'S RECORDING BREAKING GOAL
Kerr did not let her early goal be her lone goal of the week. She would add another one, giving her the brace, but more statistically impressive was the fact it was her 18th goal of the season.
23 games this season and 18 goals, simply incredible.
Her 18th goal was impressive as well. Kerr was passed a great through ball at the top of the box. She cut the ball across the box, putting the ball on her right foot.
Kerr then slid the ball into the left side of the goal putting the Red Stars up 3-0.
Record-breaking.@samkerr1 now has 18 goals this season for the most ever scored in an #NWSL season.
— NWSL (@NWSL) September 22, 2019
3-0 | #CHIvWAS pic.twitter.com/fKbWPQHlHd
TOP THREE MOMENTS
3. MATILDAS CALLED INTO CAMP
Players are with their overseas club teams now, but international friendlies are coming up fast. The Matildas will be in camp from October 1-9 for the first time since the Women’s World Cup this summer.
The players heading to camp were announced this past week. The 21 players called in were a good mix of World Cup players along with newcomers and players who are trying to become a more constant player in the Matildas player pool.
The camp comes before the Matildas host Chile for two games with the first on November 9 in Parramatta.
21 players will assemble in Australia for a domestic camp next month. #WeAreMatildas https://t.co/d8ouhGcGDM
— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) September 23, 2019
2. CHERYL SALISBURY TO BE INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME
Former Matildas captain, Cheryl Salisbury, will be inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
Being inducted is a huge honor and it comes with an added bonus since she is the first female footballer to be inducted.
Salisbury had a storied career having a record high 151 caps, adding 38 goals. Her level of play awarded her a spot on the FIFA Women’s World XI team in 2004 and 2007.
The induction will be held in Melbourne on Thursday, 10 October at Palladium at Crown.
Congratulations, @cherylsali5bury!
— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) September 22, 2019
The former Westfield Matildas captain will be the first female footballer inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.#GoMatildashttps://t.co/UYIJwsMLyl
1. JUNIOR MATILDAS HEAD TO SEMIFINALS
The Junior Matildas took care of business this week guaranteeing a spot in the semifinals of the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship.
This is the first time the Junior Matildas have made it to the knockout stage of the tournament since 2009. If the Junior Matildas can keep up their play and win their next match they will ensure a spot in the 2020 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
They will play DPR Korea on Thursday at 3pm AEST.
A spot at the 2020 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup is up for grabs on Wednesday as the Westfield #JuniorMatildas face DPR Korea in the #AFCU16W Championship Semi Finals.
— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) September 23, 2019
Kick-off is 3pm AEST. Live stream the game via our website: https://t.co/PCG86xVbFn#GoMatildas pic.twitter.com/ACwyhpQxHs
THREE BEST PERFORMANCES
3. STEPH CATLEY
Reign FC may have fallen in their matchup this week but it was only a 1-0 scoreline. Their opponent, Sky Blue FC, had less shots and scoring opportunities but the Reign were never able to capitalize.
Catley was a main reason that the Sky Blue were limited this week. She continues to be one of the best players for the Reign.
Based on inStat she was ranked the third best player on the pitch for either team.
RFC-SBFC - inStat Top Rated
— Chris Henderson (@chris_awk) September 23, 2019
1. Raquel Rodriguez (SBFC)
2. Carli Lloyd (SBFC)
3. Steph Catley (RFC)
4. Allie Long (RFC)
5. Elizabeth Eddy (SBFC)
Bottom Rated (minimum 30 minutes played)
1. Caprice Dydasco (SBFC)
2. Jen Hoy (SBFC)
3. Paige Monaghan (SBFC)
2. JUNIOR MATILDAS
Typically this is reserved for a single player's performance but in this instance the entire Junior Matildas deserves a top performance.
Early in the week they set themselves up well by beating Thailand 6-1 and all they needed in their next match was a tie.
A tie would guarantee them a spot in the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship and the Junior Matildas did just that in their match with Bangladesh, finishing the game tied at 2-2.
Congratulations, girls!
— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) September 22, 2019
The Westfield Junior Matildas secured a semi final berth at the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship after a comeback draw against Bangladesh.#AFCU16W #GoMatildashttps://t.co/67gmC0jX93
1. SAM KERR
A record setting week earns Kerr the top performance. She netted two goals and added an assist for her team’s 3-1 victory.
Kerr set the record for the most goals in a season in the NWSL breaking the previous record which happens to be held by her from 2017.
The Chicago Red Stars have one more game for the regular season where Kerr can add to her total.
Breaking her own records
— Chicago Red Stars (@chiredstarsPR) September 22, 2019
Just @samkerr1 things pic.twitter.com/rcVT3Oo8Gb
Follow Kristin Shaffer on Twitter: @k_shaffe
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