Sydney FC?s women count down to the W-League
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 |
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Name |
Former Club |
Date of Birth |
Danielle Small |
NSWIS |
7 February 1979 |
Linda O’Neill |
NSWIS |
25 May 1992 |
Alesha Clifford |
NSWIS |
16 September 1991 |
Yesim Uzunlar |
NSWIS |
8 March 1989 |
Carlie Ikonumou |
NSWIS |
29 October 1990 |
Nicola Bolger |
NSWIS |
3 March 1993 |
Kylie Ledbrook |
Macarthur Rams |
20 March 1986 |
Leena Khamis |
NSWIS |
19 June 1986 |
Loren Mahoney |
NSWIS |
9 February 1992 |
Lisa Gilbert |
NSWIS |
9 December 1978 |
Danielle Brogan |
Macarthur Rams |
28 June 1988 |
Sarah Walsh |
NSWIS |
11 January 1983 |
Jessica Seaman |
NSWIS |
17 June 1990 |
Samantha Spackman |
NSWIS |
16 June 1991 |
Michelle Heyman |
Illawarra Stingrays |
4 July 1988 |
Jo Burgess |
QLD |
23 September 1979 |
Rachel Cooper |
NSWIS |
14 March 1989 |
Nikki Dieter |
Albury Assoc. |
24 July 1991 |
Makkieh Elhusseini |
Sutherland |
22 August 1985 |
Heather Garriock |
NSWIS |
21 December 1982 |