CommBank Matilda Kaitlyn Torpey has scored two goals in her international career, and both have come at Marvel Stadium.
After Australia’s 2-0 victory over Argentina on Friday evening, the 25-year-old said that the stadium - and Melbourne - holds a special place in her heart.
“I was sitting up there for the France opener before the World Cup, and I said to the person I was with: ‘I want to be down there. I don't want to be in the stands,’ she recalled.
“Marvel Stadium does hold a special place in my heart, and it shows by me scoring two goals.”
At the time of that game, Torpey was living in Melbourne and playing for Melbourne City in the A-League Women. The Queenslander spent three seasons there before moving to the NWSL in the United States at the beginning of 2024.
“This is my second home,” she said.
“I probably have more friends here than I do in Queensland, where I'm from. So it's amazing to play here.”
Torpey’s goal – the second of her career – came in the second half and helped the CommBank Matildas seal the result. It was a floater from the right-hand side of the penalty area that bamboozled everyone and settled in the back of the net.
She laughed when she was asked if she would claim that the goal was an intentional one.
“I'm claiming that every day - don't look at my reaction after the goal though!” she joked.
Torpey has been playing her club football this season for the Portland Thorns after moving from the San Diego Wave at the beginning of this year.
She plays alongside CommBank Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who was unavailable for this international window through injury.
“Macca [Arnold] is now one of my really good friends, and so I love playing with her,” she said.
“The Thorns are amazing. It was a great move for me. I've got some decent game time, so I'm really happy.”
It was a comfortable victory in the end for the team, who will take a lot of confidence out of the game. Torpey said they will look to improve the details on Monday.
“I think we can be a little bit more clinical, more gritty and more aggressive up front,” she assessed,
“We’re in preparation now for the Asian Cup, so every game matters. That’s what we’re here for.”
Finally, she had some words for Interim Head Coach Tom Sermanni, who achieved the milestone of 150 games in charge on Friday.
“I feel so lucky to play under him and have experienced him [as a coach],” she said.
“It’s a massive achievement. He’s done amazing things for this country. Tom's been amazing for me, he's given me a lot of opportunities with game time, and I've learned a lot under him, so I have nothing but good things to say.”
CommBank Matildas v Argentina
Date: Monday, 2 June 2025
Kick-off: 7.30 pm AEST
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets
