Our Perth Glory Westfield W-League side are set to play their first home game of the season on Saturday at Dorrien Gardens.
Western Sydney Wanderers will provide the opposition, kick off is at 7pm and here are five reasons why you should get along and get behind the women in purple!
Young Guns
This year’s Glory W-League side is absolutely bursting with young WA talent and Head Coach Bobby Despotovski is committed to giving the starlets an opportunity to shine.
16-year-old Leticia McKenna has already announced herself with a stunning volley against Canberra United in Round 2, Abbey Meakins and Jenna Onions have made a seamless transition into senior football and the likes of Lexie Moreno, Liana Cook, Jamie-Lee Gale and Isabella Foletta are all pressing serious claims for game-time.
Another highly-rated teenager, Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, will unfortunately miss the Wanderers game due to an ankle injury, but once she returns to full fitness, her pace, dribbling skills and direct approach look set to endear the attacking midfielder to the Glory faithful.
Midfield Stars
We should probably say midfield stars and stripes because several of the players set to feature prominently in the engine-room on Saturday hail from the United States.
Glory’s Alyssa Mautz has made a spectacular start to her second spell with the club, scoring twice in as many games, while Nikki Stanton showed in the Round 2 draw with Canberra that she remains one of the most consistent midfield performers in the competition.
They won’t have it all their own way against the Wanderers, however, as fellow-American Lo’eau LaBonta is a key figure for the red-and-blacks.
The 25-year-old may be diminutive in stature, but she is a tenacious player who helped Utah Royals secure a creditable fifth-place finish in last season’s NWSL.
‘Keeper Clash
There is another intriguing match-up in prospect at either end of the pitch where two ‘keepers vying for a spot in the Matildas squad will go head-to-head.
New Glory recruit Eliza Campbell has already impressed with her composure, distribution and shot-stopping, while Wanderers’ Jada Whyman has continued the fine form that saw her rewarded with a recent Matildas call-up.
Both will be out to impress again at Dorrien Gardens and given that Campbell is just 23 and Whyman only 19, there looks to be every chance of the duo competing to be Australia’s regular number one for many years to come.
Ready to Fire
Only the woodwork prevented Rachel Hill from opening her account for the season in Round One and you get the feeling that the goals are about to flow for the livewire US Under-23 international.
Hill led the league for assists last season in addition to scoring nine goals and having delivered eight crosses already this term, looks set to be a major contributor in the final third once again.
Simply Sam
Do we really need to say anything more?!
Skipper Kerr missed Glory’s season-opener due to suspension and didn’t find the net against Canberra in Round 2, but she still showed flashes of brilliance in the 4-4 draw at McKellar Park and will be gunning for the Wanderers come Saturday evening.
The two-time Julie Dolan Medal winner and W-League Golden Boot holder is quite simply one of the best female players on the planet with the ability to destroy any defence.
It’s all shaping up to be an absolute cracker of a night on Saturday and the women need your support, so click HERE for your match tickets or HERE for a W-League membership.
#OneGlory
