Matildas defeat trans-tasman rivals New Zealand; Lisa De Vanna dismissed from Australia
Australia’s Kyah Simon working past New Zealand’s Katie Hoyle (4) and Betsy Hassett (12)
By Ann Odong
In front of a crowd of 2,866 parochial supporters, the Westfield Matildas have defeated their trans-tasman rivals New Zealand outfit 2-1 at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford. Goals to Catherine Cannuli and Collette McCallum were enough for the home side to see of the challenge of the New Zealanders despite Hannah Wilkinson’s first half equalizer. A midweek 3-0 victory, and a superior FIFA world ranking, saw the Matildas entered the match strong favorites and they started as such. Controlling possession, the Australian’s looked to exploit the visitor’s early. Just nine minutes in they had the breakthrough. (more…)
Australia’s star striker ruled out of World Cup
Gill to spent the next 12 months on the sidelines
By Ann Odong
Australian National Team striker and reigning AFC Women’s Footballer of the Year Kate Gill has been ruled out the FIFA Women’s World Cup after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Gill injured her knee in innocuous fashion Thursday last week in her Swedish side, Linköpings FC’s 4-0 Cup victory and will now spend the next 12 months on the sidelines. (more…)
Australia beginning World Cup preparations
Decision time for Australia Head Coach Tom Sermanni
By Ann Odong
With the FIFA Women’s World Cup just over eight weeks away, Australia has recently stepped up its preparations for the tournament. With friendlies announced against Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand, traditional sporting rivals England and Mexico, the Australian’s are setting themselves to better their 2007 quarterfinal appearance. (more…)
Kristine Lilly announces her retirement from soccer
U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Kristine Lilly has announced her retirement after a 24-year career. Lilly, who is the most capped player in all of U.S. Soccer with 352 appearances, played in five FIFA World Cups and recently played for the USWNT during the World Cup qualifiers. She scored her final and 130th international goal on May 22, 2010, in a game against Germany. (more…)
