Westfield Matildas living the dream in US
Five of Australia’s top female players are living the dream of playing professional football in the newly formed Women’s Professional Soccer League in the United States of America.
Westfield Matildas stars Heather Garriock and Lydia Williams (Chicago Red Stars), Collette McCallum and Sarah Walsh (Sky Blue FC) and Lisa De Vanna (Washington Freedom) have just kicked off the new season and looking to enhance their reputations in women-s world football.
The newly formed competition consists of seven teams in its inaugural season, with two teams aiming to join in 2010.
The story so far is mixed for the five players with Chicago Red Star the best placed of the teams in second place after four games. However for Heather, her time has been one of frustration, having missed the first three games as she recovered from injuries picked up in Australia, only to suffer an ankle injury just nine minutes after coming on in her first game last weekend, a 4-0 win over Boston that is likely to sideline her for some time. Lydia meanwhile is No.2 keeper behind Sweden international keeper Caroline Jonsson and has yet to see any game time.
Lisa De Vanna has seen game time in all four games for Washington Freedom, starting in two and coming off the bench in two others. The explosive striker is still trying to find her feet and while yet to open her account, her pace and skill make her a serious threat around the penalty box.
Collette McCallum and Sarah Walsh have been regular starters for Sky Blue FC in their opening three games of the season, although they have yet to record a win. They lost their opening game to league leaders Los Angeles Sol, but two draws against FC Gold Pride and Chicago, mean they are not far away from that first win. Walsh had an assist for the Blues goal against Pride.
www.footballaustralia.com.au will aim to keep you updated with how these players are faring during the season, which runs through till August. Alternatively you can go to the following website to get the daily news and updates on the competition - www.womensprosoccer.com/