CommBank Matildas forward Holly McNamara said that she was both relieved and “super happy” to score her first goal in green and gold.
The A-League Women’s golden boot winner was a constant threat in front of goals in Australia’s 3-0 victory over Slovenia on Thursday evening.
Her goal, the second of the match, was a long time coming for the 22-year-old.
“It was a bit of a relief,” she reflected.
“It’s been a few games without scoring a goal – and a few misses, to be honest! I’m just really glad, it was a great ball by [Hayley] Raso and I couldn’t miss.
“I was just super happy in the moment.”
She said that she felt the support of the country as the fans urged her to score her goal.
“[The support] has been so great,” she said.
“No one’s really put any expectation or pressure on me. I’ve just gone out there and tried to play, and I’m really happy for myself, the team and the fans.”
The assist from Hayley Raso was a pinpoint cross from the right-hand side after being substituted on ten minutes earlier.
"It was all her assist to be honest, I genuinely couldn’t miss,” McNamara laughed.
“It was a great ball. Then she goes and turns around and scores another great goal!”
This window is the first in which new Head Coach Joe Montemurro is leading the team. McNamara said that she is enjoying working with him so far.
“It’s really good working with Joe, he’s a great coach,” she said.
“His experience and what he brings, like his tactics – he’s been a great addition and we’re really building towards the Asian Cup.”
Part of that building is growing partnerships between players, such as that between Amy Sayer and McNamara, which was evident throughout the match.
“It’s really good playing with Amy – she’s so technical on the ball,” she said.
“There were a few instances where we played little one-twos, and she got a few shots off.”
McNamara said that this game would hold them in good stead for the future.
“That match had a lot of learning curves that we can learn and build from,” she expressed.
“They’re a good side. We have a lot to learn, personally and as a team, and we can build on that.”
COMMBANK MATILDAS | JUNE/JULY 2025 | MATCH SCHEDULE
Series One
CommBank Matildas 3 v Slovenia 0
CommBank Matildas v Slovenia
Date: Sunday, 29 June 2025
Kick-off: 6.00pm WST / 8.00pm AEST
Venue: HBF Park, Perth
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: Buy Tickets
Series Two
CommBank Matildas v Panama
Date: Saturday, 5 July 2025
Kick-off: 2.30pm WST / 4.30pm AEST
Venue: Hands Oval, Bunbury
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: Buy Tickets
CommBank Matildas v Panama
Date: Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Kick-off: 6.00pm WST / 8.00pm AEST
Venue: HBF Park, Perth
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: Buy Tickets
