Sydney FC: We're the best...on paper.
Great to see the confidence coming out of Sydney FC's W-League side.
Matildas star Sarah Walsh says, "We're probably the best on paper," and of course every other team will have something to say about that.
Full Sydney squad below. How strong? Verdict..on paper..very just like their menside:)
Sydney FC’s women count down to the W-League
Boasting a potent mix of experienced internationals, talented youth and the guiding hand of Young Matilda’s coach Alen Stajcic, Sydney FC’s inaugural Westfield W-League team is looking to shine on the National stage as the start of the Westfield W-League draws near.
With little over a fortnight remaining before kick-off, Sydney’s new mentor is confident his players can emulate the success of their male counterparts during their opening campaign.
“We have a lot of stars in the team and are looking to win the competition,” said Stajcic. “We are not afraid to say first position is what we are aiming for so hopefully we will be there on finals day.”
The Sydney squad boasts a number of Matildas, including Heather Garriock, Danielle Small and Sarah Walsh.
With women’s football absent from the National scene in recent years, Walsh believes the re-born league will provide renewed opportunities for young women to follow their football dreams.
“The W-League is going to keep a lot of people in women’s football that would otherwise have been lost from the game,” she said. “Later on this will obviously lead to added pressure and more competition for places in the Matlidas, which can only be good for the game.”
Walsh and FC team-mate Heather Garriock have been chosen in the draft for America’s upcoming Women’s Professional Soccer competition, but before taking up that challenge she has her sights set on taking the Westfield W-League trophy.
“I may be biased but I believe we are probably the best on paper, and if we can live up to our potential we should have a good season,” said Walsh.
Training alongside the Central Coast Mariners women’s squad, FC’s coach believes preparations are progressing well for his side’s first round match against the Perth Glory.
“The team is working well,” said Stajcic. “We have a big group of players so we play together quite regularly and things are shaping up nicely for the start of the competition.”
The Sky Blue women will face their first test when they take on the Glory in the opening match of the Westfield W-League season in Perth on October 25.
For more information please contact Sydney FC Media Manager, Terry Aylett by email at terrya@sydneyfc.com or on 0417226649.
Sydney FC Westfield W-League 2008/09 Squad
NameFormer ClubDate of Birth
Danielle SmallNSWIS7 February 1979
Linda O'NeillNSWIS25 May 1992
Alesha CliffordNSWIS16 September 1991
Yesim UzunlarNSWIS8 March 1989
Carlie IkonumouNSWIS29 October 1990
Nicola BolgerNSWIS3 March 1993
Kylie LedbrookMacarthur Rams20 March 1986
Leena KhamisNSWIS19 June 1986
Loren MahoneyNSWIS9 February 1992
Lisa GilbertNSWIS9 December 1978
Danielle BroganMacarthur Rams28 June 1988
Sarah WalshNSWIS11 January 1983
Jessica SeamanNSWIS17 June 1990
Samantha SpackmanNSWIS16 June 1991
Michelle HeymanIllawarra Stingrays4 July 1988
Jo BurgessQLD23 September 1979
Rachel CooperNSWIS14 March 1989
Nikki DieterAlbury Assoc.24 July 1991
Makkieh ElhusseiniSutherland22 August 1985
Heather GarriockNSWIS21 December 1982
