Latest news with #CaitlinFoord
ABC News
11 hours ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Matildas coach Joe Montemurro names squad for Slovenia and Panama friendlies
New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has given Australia's next generation of football talent the nod as he plots a path to the 2026 Asian Cup. Montemurro has cast a wide net for his first Matildas team and named 14 A-League Women players in a 33-strong squad for upcoming games against Slovenia and Panama. Matildas captain Steph Catley, forward Caitlin Foord and midfielder Katrina Gorry will not feature in the four-game window, with the trio taking leave. Montemurro, well familiar with the domestic league after stints with Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City, says the four-game window in Western Australia presents the perfect opportunity to experiment with personnel. Reigning Julie Dolan medallist Alex Chidiac and Victory striker Emily Gielnik return to the national team after being overlooked regularly by Tony Gustavsson and Tom Sermanni. "It's a good opportunity to roll out some new ideas and obviously the focus is the Asian Cup," former Lyon coach Montemurro said. "This camp is really an identification process. It's a process for the players to understand where we're heading. Do you have a story idea about women in sport? Email us abcsport5050@ "It's really, really important that we give every player an opportunity." Cortnee Vine remains on leave after Montemurro flagged reaching out to the North Carolina Courage winger. Vine, who shot to stardom when she scored the winning spot-kick in the Matildas' epic quarter-final penalty shootout at the Women's World Cup, hasn't played for the national team since the Paris Olympics. Brisbane Roar midfielder Tameka Yallop remains sidelined with a leg injury, while recent debutant Kahli Johnson has been ruled out with a thigh injury. In their place, Montemurro has handed Roar forward Grace Kuilamu and Western United's Adriana Taranto their first call-up. Meanwhile, vice-captain Ellie Carpenter returns from personal leave, while Mackenzie Arnold, Hayley Raso and Sharn Freier will make their comebacks from injury. Midfielder Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, who has yet to find a new home after her time at Portuguese club Sporting CP came to an end, returns to the Matildas for the first time since June 2022. The Matildas face Slovenia on June 26 and 29, then Panama on July 5 and 8, in WA. Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold*, Chloe Lincoln**, Sally James**, Teagan Micah, Jada Whyman* Defenders: Ellie Carpenter, Charlotte Grant, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy*, Winonah Heatley*, Alexia Apostolakis*, Jessika Nash**, Courtney Nevin, Natasha Prior, Jamilla Rankin Midfielders: Kyra Cooney-Cross*, Alex Chidiac, Emily Van Egmond, Clare Wheeler*, Chloe Berryhill**, Amy Sayer, Jacynta Galabadaarachchi**, Alana Murphy, Adriana Taranto** Forwards: Emily Gielnik, Michelle Heyman, Holly McNamara, Hayley Raso, Kaitlyn Torpey*, Sharn Freier*, Bryleeh Henry**, Grace Kuilamu**, Remy Siemsen* * Participating in Slovenia series only ** Participating in Panama series only AAP
News.com.au
12 hours ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Steph Catley and Sam Kerr among absentees from Joe Montemurro's first Matildas squad
New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro's first squad is a 'balance of experience and potential' with a host of fresh faces and several notable absentees, including captain Steph Catley and ongoing injury casualty Sam Kerr. Montemurro has named a 33-player squad ahead of four matches – two against Slovenia and two against Panama – in Western Australia from June 26 to July 8. Catley, who has captained the national team since Kerr suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in her knee in January last year, has been granted personal leave, along with fellow star duo Caitlin Foord and Katrina Gorry. Apart from Kerr, others out through injury are Mary Fowler, Tameka Yallop and recent debutant Kahli Johnson, while Cortnee Vine remains on extended leave. Forward Grace Kuilamu and midfielder Adriana Taranto have both earnt their first senior call-ups and are among six uncapped players in the squad, the others being defender Alexia Apostolakis, midfielder Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, and goalkeepers Sally James and Jada Whyman. 'This group represents a balance of experience and potential, and we'll use this window to connect, experiment, and move forward with clear intent,' said Montemurro, who earlier this month was confirmed as Maildas coach after Tom Sermanni had been interim boss since September last year. 'We wanted to use this window not just to prepare for the matches but to really explore the talent that's coming through. 'It's a rare opportunity to work with a broadened squad, give players their first or renewed taste of the environment, and assess where we are as a group. 'This window is about setting the tone. We're laying the foundations for the next phase of our journey as we build relationships, create an understanding of our style of play, and enhance the high-performance environment that enables our players to thrive.' Goalkeepers Whyman and Mackenzie Arnold, defenders Ellie Carpenter, Alanna Kennedy and Winonah Heatley, midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross and Clare Wheeler, and forwards Sharn Freier and Remy Siemsen will only take part in the matches against Slovenia on June 26 and June 29, both at HBF Park. Players only taking part in the games against Panama on July 5 (Bunbury) and July 8 (HBF Park) are Kuilamu, Taranto, Apostolakis, Galabadaarachchi, James, Chloe Berryhill, Bryleeh Henry, Chloe Lincoln and Jessika Nash. Matildas squad: Alexia Apostolakis (Melbourne City), Mackenzie Arnold (Portland Thorns, USA), Chloe Berryhill (Western United), Ellie Carpenter (Olympique Lyon, France), Kyra Cooney-Cross (Arsenal, England), Alex Chidiac (Melbourne Victory), Sharn Freier (Wolfsburg, Germany), Jacynta Galabadaarachchi (Unattached), Emily Gielnik (Melbourne Victory), Charlotte Grant (Tottenham Hotspur. England), Winonah Heatley (Nordsjaelland, Denmark), Bryleeh Henry (Melbourne City) Michelle Heyman (Canberra United), Clare Hunt (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Alanna Kennedy (Angel City, USA), Grace Kuilamu (Brisbane Roar), Chloe Lincoln (Brisbane Roar), Sally James (Canberra United), Holly McNamara (Melbourne City), Teagan Micah (Unattached), Alana Murphy (Melbourne Victory), Jessika Nash (Central Coast Mariners), Courtney Nevin (Leicester City, England), Natasha Prior (Newcastle Jets), Jamilla Rankin (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany), Hayley Raso (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Amy Sayer (Kristianstads DFF, Sweden), Remy Siemsen (Kristianstads DFF, Sweden), Adriana Taranto (Western United), Kaitlyn Torpey (Portland Thorns, USA), Emily van Egmond (Birmingham City, England), Clare Wheeler (Everton, England), Jada Whyman (AIK, Sweden).
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘Setting the tone': Joe Montemurro opts for mix of experience and potential with first Matildas squad
Alex Chidiac has been recalled into the Matildas squad to face Slovenia and Panama is a series of friendlies in Australia. Alex Chidiac has been recalled into the Matildas squad to face Slovenia and Panama is a series of friendlies in Australia. Photograph: Darren Pateman/AAP Joe Montemurro will use the start of his tenure to test the depth of Australian women's football, after the new Matildas coach announced an extended squad for four friendlies that lacks star power and is awash with fresh and fringe faces. Continuing the experimentation of interim coach Tom Sermanni, nearly half of the 33 players called up by Montemurro for the series against Slovenia and Panama have fewer than 10 caps. Advertisement Related: Matildas usher in new era after key interim role is filled perfectly by Tom Sermanni | Joey Lynch Notable absences include stand-in captain Steph Catley and forward powerhouse Caitlin Foord, who are taking personal leave. Tameka Yallop is out with injury, Katrina Gorry remains on leave and Sam Kerr's return to playing remains a mystery. Mary Fowler's extended absence also continues as she recovers from an ACL injury sustained during Manchester City's FA Women's Cup semi-final in April. Along with six uncapped players – including Young Matildas Grace Kuilamo and Adriana Taranto, who have received their first senior call-ups – Montemurro has brought back into the fold a handful of experienced Matildas who have been on the fringe in recent years. Advertisement Dynamic midfielder Alex Chidiac returns off the back of a successful A-League Women season with Melbourne Victory after which she received the Julie Dolan medal for best player in the league. Chidiac most recently stepped out in the green and gold for some token minutes during the 2023 Women's World Cup. Chloe Berryhill (nee Logarzo) and Emily Gielnik will also join the squad after returns to form and fitness. Berryhill's long-awaited return to the national team was cut short in December last year when she suffered a concussion in the 27th minute. Montemurro said the long international window allows him to lay the groundwork for the major tournaments on the horizon, chiefly the home 2026 Women's Asian Cup and the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. 'This window is about setting the tone,' he said. 'We're laying the foundations for the next phase of our journey as we build relationships, create an understanding of our style of play, and enhance the high-performance environment that enables our players to thrive. Advertisement 'We wanted to use this window not just to prepare for the matches, but to really explore the talent that's coming through.' Holly McNamara, Jamilla Rankin, Natasha Prior, Bryleeh Henry, Winonah Heatley and Jessika Nash – all relatively new to the national set-up – will have another chance to shine with senior players out of the mix. One exception though is breakout star and debutant from the Argentina series Kahli Johnson who has been ruled out with an injury she picked up in the second match. Ellie Carpenter is back after taking a short break to get married, and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, midfielder Hayley Raso and forward Sharn Freier have all recovered from injury. The former Lyon and Arsenal coach said his selections represent a good balance of experience and potential. Advertisement 'Slovenia and Panama have been strategically scheduled to give us the right mix of conditions and opposition as we begin this phase,' he said. 'With the blend of players in this extended squad, these fixtures allow us to explore tactical ideas, build cohesion, and gradually shape the way we want to play moving into the next cycle.' Not all players in the extended squad will be available for both the Slovenia and Panama series. Matildas squad Mackenzie Arnold, Chloe Lincoln, Sally James, Teagan Micah, Jada Whyman; Alexia Apostolakis, Ellie Carpenter (vc), Charlotte Grant, Winonah Heatley, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Jessika Nash, Courtney Nevin, Natasha Prior, Jamilla Rankin; Chloe Berryhill, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Alex Chidiac, Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, Alana Murphy, Amy Sayer, Adriana Taranto, Emily Van Egmond (vc), Clare Wheeler; Sharn Freier, Emily Gielnik, Bryleeh Henry, Michelle Heyman, Grace Kuilamu, Holly McNamara, Hayley Raso, Remy Siemsen, Kaitlyn Torpey
The Guardian
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
‘Setting the tone': Joe Montemurro opts for mix of experience and potential with first Matildas squad
Joe Montemurro will use the start of his tenure to test the depth of Australian women's football, after the new Matildas coach announced an extended squad for four friendlies that lacks star power and is awash with fresh and fringe faces. Continuing the experimentation of interim coach Tom Sermanni, nearly half of the 33 players called up by Montemurro for the series against Slovenia and Panama have fewer than 10 caps. Notable absences include stand-in captain Steph Catley and forward powerhouse Caitlin Foord, who are taking personal leave. Tameka Yallop is out with injury, Katrina Gorry remains on leave and Sam Kerr's return to playing remains a mystery. Mary Fowler's extended absence also continues as she recovers from an ACL injury sustained during Manchester City's FA Women's Cup semi-final in April. Along with six uncapped players – including Young Matildas Grace Kuilamo and Adriana Taranto, who have received their first senior call-ups – Montemurro has brought back into the fold a handful of experienced Matildas who have been on the fringe in recent years. Dynamic midfielder Alex Chidiac returns off the back of a successful A-League Women season with Melbourne Victory after which she received the Julie Dolan medal for best player in the league. Chidiac most recently stepped out in the green and gold for some token minutes during the 2023 Women's World Cup. Chloe Berryhill (nee Logarzo) and Emily Gielnik will also join the squad after returns to form and fitness. Berryhill's long-awaited return to the national team was cut short in December last year when she suffered a concussion in the 27th minute. Montemurro said the long international window allows him to lay the groundwork for the major tournaments on the horizon, chiefly the home 2026 Women's Asian Cup and the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. 'This window is about setting the tone,' he said. 'We're laying the foundations for the next phase of our journey as we build relationships, create an understanding of our style of play, and enhance the high-performance environment that enables our players to thrive. 'We wanted to use this window not just to prepare for the matches, but to really explore the talent that's coming through.' Holly McNamara, Jamilla Rankin, Natasha Prior, Bryleeh Henry, Winonah Heatley and Jessika Nash – all relatively new to the national set-up – will have another chance to shine with senior players out of the mix. One exception though is breakout star and debutant from the Argentina series Kahli Johnson who has been ruled out with an injury she picked up in the second match. Ellie Carpenter is back after taking a short break to get married, and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, midfielder Hayley Raso and forward Sharn Freier have all recovered from injury. Sign up to Moving the Goalposts No topic is too small or too big for us to cover as we deliver a twice-weekly roundup of the wonderful world of women's football after newsletter promotion The former Lyon and Arsenal coach said his selections represent a good balance of experience and potential. 'Slovenia and Panama have been strategically scheduled to give us the right mix of conditions and opposition as we begin this phase,' he said. 'With the blend of players in this extended squad, these fixtures allow us to explore tactical ideas, build cohesion, and gradually shape the way we want to play moving into the next cycle.' Not all players in the extended squad will be available for both the Slovenia and Panama series. Mackenzie Arnold, Chloe Lincoln, Sally James, Teagan Micah, Jada Whyman; Alexia Apostolakis, Ellie Carpenter (vc), Charlotte Grant, Winonah Heatley, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Jessika Nash, Courtney Nevin, Natasha Prior, Jamilla Rankin; Chloe Berryhill, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Alex Chidiac, Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, Alana Murphy, Amy Sayer, Adriana Taranto, Emily Van Egmond (vc), Clare Wheeler; Sharn Freier, Emily Gielnik, Bryleeh Henry, Michelle Heyman, Grace Kuilamu, Holly McNamara, Hayley Raso, Remy Siemsen, Kaitlyn Torpey
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
European glory has Catley hungry for Matildas success
Securing silverware with Arsenal has made Matildas captain Steph Catley all the more 'hungry' to add to her trophy collection at next year's AFC Women's Asian Cup. Catley and Arsenal's other two Matildas, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross, are still on cloud nine after winning the UEFA Women's Champions League with a 1-0 victory over Barcelona in last weekend's final in Lisbon. 'It's been a big few days, biggest of my life, my career, I would say,' Catley said. 'It's something I've dreamed of my entire career. It's the pinnacle of football and being able to do it alongside my two Aussies, and just being part of Arsenal and being that club in England to do it again, it's very, very special.' Just as special would be the Matildas being able to win a major trophy for the first time since 2010 at next year's Women's Asian Cup, which starts in Australia in March. 'To actually do it (win the Champions League), just makes me think about my career and think about the things that I really want to achieve, and winning silverware with the Matildas has always been top of my list,' Catley said. '(It) definitely makes me hungry. I've got the taste of trophies, and that would mean a lot to me if we were able to (win the Asian Cup). 'It's coming very close, but I think it's good for at least the three of us to have a taste of (winning a trophy), and to be able to lead that success and that hunt for success for our (national) team, that'd be very nice. 'Maybe it hasn't been the most successful few years, but set we still believe we can achieve something special.' After only arriving in Matildas camp on Wednesday night, Catley, Foord and Cooney-Cross were unused substitutes in Australia's 2-0 win over Argentina at Marvel Stadium on Friday night. However, it's likely all three will start when the Matildas again face the Argentines in Canberra on Monday night. And that suits Catley, who said she could get 'antsy' watching from the sidelines. 'It'd be nice to get back on the field again. I'm not a very good sub. I don't like sitting on the bench,' she said. 'I feel good. We have had a big couple of days, and it's obviously a long way to travel, and we only travelled a few days ago, but I'll be ready, and the girls will be ready. 'It's the end of the season, so it's not like we're unfit or not ready to play. We're definitely ready to play.'
