AUSTRALIA DAY!!

So i've been accused of being biased in my support for my fellow countrywomen(The Brits) in the WPS from some of my colleagues..mainly my Australian colleague Bluey..no actually he is called Tom.(Thommo ! ) haha.

Anyway...as it's the summer of the Ashes - (cricket - England v Australia) and all is fair in love and war, this post is dedicated to the Matilda's in the WPS. Fair Dinkum!



Heather Garriock- Chicago Red Stars

Is the most capped Australian on the current team(Captain Cheryl Salisbury has retired on 151 caps) with 111 with 19 goals scored.
Heather has been to the 2003 and 2007 World Cup scoring in both.
Plays for Sydney FC in Australia's professional league the Westfield W-League.
2008 wasn't a good year with Sydney FC as Garriock their Captain was out injured for most of the season but managed to tally 4 appearances and 1 goal.
Garriock was drafted to Chicago Red Stars but again been sidelined with injuries having only played 20 minutes in 2 games so far.
Top midfielder when healthy is one of the best in the world with her industry and take control.



Lydia Williams - Chicago Red Stars

Back-up goalie behind no1 Melissa Barbieri at only 21 yrs of age Williams looks set to make a splash in Australian women's soccer.
Already with 18 national caps, Williams is well thought of as she is strong, agile and quick.
The starting GK for Canberra United in the Westfield W-League , Williams took her team to the final, missing out on the 2008 Inaugural Championship to the Brisbane Roar.Williams played in all 12 games.
Drafted to Chicago Red Stars to continue her learning of the game as understudy to top Swedish GK Caroline Jonsson.

Sarah Walsh - Saint Louis Athletica

Explosive forward Walsh made her mark for the Matilda's at the 2004 Olympic Games and 2007 World Cup.
57 Caps 26 goals. It could have been , should have been many more if it wasn't for various knee injuries and a broken leg. Walsh has had 2 ACL injuries. Despite this she is one of the fastest forwards in the world.
Famous in Australia for scoring the 1st goal of the Matilda's 2007 World Cup campaign and her war paint on her face.(see picture -right).Walsh is a favourite with fans who like her fun nature and bundles of energy.
Plays for her home town Sydney FC in Australia's Westfield W-League, although only played 2 games due to injury.
Drafted to NJ Sky Blue FC, Walsh played 5 games scoring 1 goal but has been blighted by a hamstring injury.
In June Walsh was traded to Saint Louis Athletica. No appearances as of yet for them.







Lisa DeVanna - Washington Freedom

At age 24 De Vanna is a seasoned pro for the Matilda's.
58 Caps and 20 goals she combines with Sarah Walsh to make one of the fastest forward lines in Women's soccer worldwide.
Usualy coming of the bench DeVanna is known for her explosive pace , directness to goal and impact on a game.
Top scorer for the Matilda's in the 2007 World Cup with 4 goals. Named in the 2007 World Cup All Star team and was the 2nd ever Australian to be nominated for 2007 Fifa World Player of The Year.
Played for the Perth Glory in the Westfield W-League in 2008 scoring 3 goals in 7 matches.
Drafted to the Washington Freedom in 2009. DeVanna has improved her game and fitness by playing 15 matches and scoring 5 goals.







Collette McCallum - NJ Sky Blue FC

Scottish born Australian ( Glasgow) , McCallum is recognised as being one of the most talented up in coming midfielders in women's soccer.
49 caps 7 goals for the Matilda's she made her mark in 2007 World Cup scoring a goal against Canada helping to put Australia through to the Quarter-Finals.
Possessed with a lethal left foot McCallum has the vision and the ability to pick out teamates with one pass. She is also a dead ball specialist. A midfield maestro for the Matilda's McCallum supplies the passes for her speedy teamates.
2008 won the W-League Championship with Pali Blues.
Played for the Perth Glory in Australia's pro League Westfield W-League also in 2008.
Post Discovery for NJ Sky Blue FC. 15 games played 2 assists.




The Matilda's in WPS. A talented bunch that will surely make their mark in the 2011 World Cup along with the rest of their national teamates. With the professional Westfield W-League starting their 2nd season in October this year more gems will likely be found for the national team making Australia a team to watch in the soccer world.

Most if not all the WPS player will go back and play for their Australian clubs after the WPS season is finished to once again help their sport grow in the land down under.