Welcome back to Matildas Abroad, where I analyse the performances of all our Aussies playing overseas!
This week we had plenty of action around Europe as we progress through the second half of the season. Apologies for the late post, I got a bit distracted.
England (Women's FA Cup) — Kerr scores a brace, Hunt's Spurs thrash Foxes at home
Alanna Kennedy (pictured) in action for London City. She played the full 90 minutes as the Lionesses narrowly avoided a cupset against Sunderland. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
This week we had some FA Cup fourth round action over in England, with the draw for the fifth round being held tonight.
Everton kicked things off with a 5–0 win over West Brom away, with Clare Wheeler coming on as an injury replacement substitute just four minutes into the match. Meanwhile, Tanya Oxtoby managed Newcastle United in their 3–0 defeat at home to West Ham who were without their captain, Katrina Gorry. Kaitlyn Torpey was unable to make an appearance for her new club Newcastle but was present watching the match and interacting with fans. Alanna Kennedy played the full 90 minutes for London City as the Lionesses avoided a cupset with a second half winner over Sunderland away from home. Over to the reigning champions Chelsea, for whom Sam Kerr started and scored a brace in their 5–0 home thrashing of Crystal Palace before being subbed off for fellow Aussie Ellie Carpenter. It's the third year in a row that the Blues have drawn Palace in the FA Cup, having knocked them out each time.
Clare Hunt (right) celebrating Tottenham's 3–0 win with Japanese fellow defender Tōko Koga (left) and Dutch goalkeeper Lize Kop (centre), two of her closest friends at Spurs. Image source: Instagram (@spurswomen).
As for my club Tottenham, Clare Hunt played the full 90 minutes in our solid 3–0 home win over Leicester, for whom Emily van Egmond came on as a sub for, while Charli Grant remains out due to injury but is reportedly scheduled to be back by February. Meanwhile, while Mary Fowler is still absent due to injury, her side Man City secured a thumping 6–0 win away over Bournemouth. Staying on the South Coast, Charlize Rule started for Brighton before coming off as a late sub in their 2–0 home win over Nottingham Forest. Finally to wrap things up in Pomland, Arsenal secured a 2–0 win over Aston Villa, with Steph Catley playing the full 90 minutes while Caitlin Foord came on as a substitute. Kyra Cooney-Cross is still on personal leave, currently staying in Brisbane for her mum who was recently diagnosed with stage four cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of bile duct cancer that has no cure. Again, those who are able to are encouraged to donate to her family's GoFundMe page.
To wrap up all the action, every team with Aussies except Newcastle have progressed to the fifth round of the cup, which will be drawn tonight and played on 22 February.
France (Première Ligue) — Lyon suffer shock goalless draw with Paris FC
Teagan Micah (pictured) was on the bench for Lyon in their shock 0–0 draw away to Paris FC, their first non-win of the season. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
It was a weekend of draws this week in the Première Ligue, with both Dijon and surprisingly Lyon being held to draws. Kyah Simon came on as a very late sub for Dijon as they drew 1–1 away from home to Montpellier. Dijon now sit seventh in the league, a drop from their fourth place finish last season. Meanwhile, champions Lyon dropped points for the first time this season, drawing 0–0 away to Paris FC. Prior to yesterday, Lyon had won all 12 of their league matches, but now in their 13th game they've had to settle for a draw. As for Teagan Micah, she was on the bench for the match.
Italy (Serie A Femminile) — Roma hold on against Sassuolo in an Aussie derby
Alex Chidiac (pictured) in action for Como. With her consistent minutes at Como and previously consistent minutes at Melbourne Victory, Chids is a contender for the Asian Cup squad. Image source: Instagram (@comowomen).
The Serie A Women finally returned this week, following the return of Italian women's football last week with the Supercoppa Italiana. Alex Chidiac kicked things off for the Aussies, playing the full 90 minutes in Como's 0–0 draw away to Napoli, performing decently well in midfield. Como sit fifth on the ladder, but are only two points off second place.
Meanwhile, in an Aussie derby, Jess Nash played the full 90 minutes in defence for Sassuolo in their 2–1 away loss to Roma, but was surprisingly not in her best form, usually being the best defender or even the best player on the pitch for Sassuolo, but this week she performed the worst. A minor setback, though with her otherwise decent or good performances and her consistent starting record for Le Neroverdi, I'm backing her to receive a spot in the Asian Cup squad. Also at Sassuolo, Jacynta Gala started but was subbed off, while Wini Heatley was unfortunately an unused sub for the second match in a row for Roma (following her absence from the pitch in the Supercoppa), who held on to a 2–1 lead to extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points, following Inter Milan's 2–1 comeback home victory over Juventus.
Scotland (SWPL and Women's Scottish Cup) — Dons done in Scottish Cup
Emma Ilijoski (pictured) training for Aberdeen. The Dons are having a poor season, currently sitting ninth (second last) in the SWPL and being eliminated by Montrose in the Scottish Cup. Image source: Instagram (@aberdeenfcwomen).
It was a poor week for Aussies in Scotland this week. In the SWPL 1, Milly Boughton was not in the matchday squad altogether for Hibernian as the reigning league champions suffered a 2–1 away loss to Rangers. Hibs now sit fifth in the league but seem to be refusing to give Milly a chance, which has lead me to think there's only one option for the English-born Young Matilda who previously played for West Ham, Tottenham and Arsenal's academies and for Ipswich Town loan: come and play in the A-League Women. She's never played in the A-League, but I think she should to regain her minutes.
Meanwhile, Emma Ilijoski started for Aberdeen in their 2–1 loss at home to Montrose in the Scottish Cup, meaning both Aberdeen and Hibs have now been eliminated from the competition.
Other leagues — Galić's Vittsjö defeated in friendly
Emily Gielnik (pictured) arriving at training for Monterrey. She was not in Rayadas' squad for their 1–0 away win over Querétaro. Image source: Instagram (@rayadas).
While the Damallsvenskan doesn't restart until March, we did get to see some friendlies in action over the weekend in Sweden. Daniela Galić's Vittsjö suffered a 5–1 loss at home to Danish side Nordsjælland, with Dani being in the squad for the match. The 2026 season should be a big one for her, having immediately played a key role for Vittsjö upon signing mid-last season, scoring and assisting several times for the club. Over in Germany, where women's football doesn't return until next week, Hayley Raso was not in the squad for Eintracht Frankfurt in their 3–0 away win over Essen. Meanwhile in Mexico, Emily Gielnik was not in the matchday squad for Monterrey in their 1–0 away win over Querétaro in the Liga MX Femenil Clausura. However, Rayadas still sit top of the table, having won their all three of their Clausura matches in 2026.
Transfer Talk — Siemsen joins Rosengård, Torpey joins Newcastle
Remy Siemsen (pictured) has joined FC Rosengård following her departure from Kristianstads DFF at the conclusion of last season. She will now play against two Matildas, best friend Courtney Nevin and close friend and former KDFF teammate Amy Sayer, in the two Malmö Derbies next season. Image source: Instagram (@fcrosengard).
We've got some big transfer news this week! Remy Siemsen, who was released by Kristianstad following the end of last season, has joined moved across Scania to join Rosengård. The most decorated club in Sweden and former giants in the Swedish women's game, Rosengård have lost almost all of their talent and in 2025 had their worst season ever, finishing 11th and only two points clear of the relegation playoff spot (in the Damallsvenskan, the bottom two teams (13th and 14th) are relegated automatically and the third last (12th) placed team goes to a playoff against the third placed Elitettan team, with the top two Elitettan teams being promoted automatically). She moves even closer to her best friend and former Leicester teammate Courtney Nevin and stays in the same city as close friend and former Kristianstad teammate Amy Sayer, with both of them playing for Rosengård's rivals Malmö (who technically used to be the same club, but that's a long story).
Kaitlyn Torpey (pictured) made a surprise move to Newcastle United following her departure from Portland Thorns. She will aim to be a key player for the club as they fight for promotion from the WSL2 to the WSL. Image source: Instagram (@kaitlyntorpey).
Meanwhile, Kaitlyn Torpey, who was released by Portland Thorns at the end of the 2025 NWSL season, has made a surprise move to Newcastle United in the WSL2, becoming Aussie manager Tanya Oxtoby's first new signing. The Magpies will be fighting for promotion this season, becoming easier to do so this season as for this season only two teams are automatically promoted and a third team is sent to a playoff against the bottom placed WSL team, all part of the WSL's expansion from 12 to 14 teams. Torps was not in the squad for Newcastle in their 3–0 away loss to West Ham in the FA Cup, but did watch the game and interacted with fans for the first time since joining the club.
Player of the Week — Sam Kerr
Sam Kerr after scoring a brace against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup. Sam is this week's Player of the Week. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
This week's Player of the Week award goes to none other than Sam Kerr for her brace against Crystal Palace! Well done Sammy!
Conclusion
That's all for this week, but stay tuned for next week's edition as German football finally returns next week. As always feel free to comment any questions or to discuss the weekend's matches. Thanks for reading, hopefully you enjoyed and found this useful!
This week we had plenty of action around Europe as we progress through the second half of the season. Apologies for the late post, I got a bit distracted.
England (Women's FA Cup) — Kerr scores a brace, Hunt's Spurs thrash Foxes at home
Alanna Kennedy (pictured) in action for London City. She played the full 90 minutes as the Lionesses narrowly avoided a cupset against Sunderland. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
This week we had some FA Cup fourth round action over in England, with the draw for the fifth round being held tonight.
Everton kicked things off with a 5–0 win over West Brom away, with Clare Wheeler coming on as an injury replacement substitute just four minutes into the match. Meanwhile, Tanya Oxtoby managed Newcastle United in their 3–0 defeat at home to West Ham who were without their captain, Katrina Gorry. Kaitlyn Torpey was unable to make an appearance for her new club Newcastle but was present watching the match and interacting with fans. Alanna Kennedy played the full 90 minutes for London City as the Lionesses avoided a cupset with a second half winner over Sunderland away from home. Over to the reigning champions Chelsea, for whom Sam Kerr started and scored a brace in their 5–0 home thrashing of Crystal Palace before being subbed off for fellow Aussie Ellie Carpenter. It's the third year in a row that the Blues have drawn Palace in the FA Cup, having knocked them out each time.
Clare Hunt (right) celebrating Tottenham's 3–0 win with Japanese fellow defender Tōko Koga (left) and Dutch goalkeeper Lize Kop (centre), two of her closest friends at Spurs. Image source: Instagram (@spurswomen).
As for my club Tottenham, Clare Hunt played the full 90 minutes in our solid 3–0 home win over Leicester, for whom Emily van Egmond came on as a sub for, while Charli Grant remains out due to injury but is reportedly scheduled to be back by February. Meanwhile, while Mary Fowler is still absent due to injury, her side Man City secured a thumping 6–0 win away over Bournemouth. Staying on the South Coast, Charlize Rule started for Brighton before coming off as a late sub in their 2–0 home win over Nottingham Forest. Finally to wrap things up in Pomland, Arsenal secured a 2–0 win over Aston Villa, with Steph Catley playing the full 90 minutes while Caitlin Foord came on as a substitute. Kyra Cooney-Cross is still on personal leave, currently staying in Brisbane for her mum who was recently diagnosed with stage four cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of bile duct cancer that has no cure. Again, those who are able to are encouraged to donate to her family's GoFundMe page.
To wrap up all the action, every team with Aussies except Newcastle have progressed to the fifth round of the cup, which will be drawn tonight and played on 22 February.
France (Première Ligue) — Lyon suffer shock goalless draw with Paris FC
Teagan Micah (pictured) was on the bench for Lyon in their shock 0–0 draw away to Paris FC, their first non-win of the season. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
It was a weekend of draws this week in the Première Ligue, with both Dijon and surprisingly Lyon being held to draws. Kyah Simon came on as a very late sub for Dijon as they drew 1–1 away from home to Montpellier. Dijon now sit seventh in the league, a drop from their fourth place finish last season. Meanwhile, champions Lyon dropped points for the first time this season, drawing 0–0 away to Paris FC. Prior to yesterday, Lyon had won all 12 of their league matches, but now in their 13th game they've had to settle for a draw. As for Teagan Micah, she was on the bench for the match.
Italy (Serie A Femminile) — Roma hold on against Sassuolo in an Aussie derby
Alex Chidiac (pictured) in action for Como. With her consistent minutes at Como and previously consistent minutes at Melbourne Victory, Chids is a contender for the Asian Cup squad. Image source: Instagram (@comowomen).
The Serie A Women finally returned this week, following the return of Italian women's football last week with the Supercoppa Italiana. Alex Chidiac kicked things off for the Aussies, playing the full 90 minutes in Como's 0–0 draw away to Napoli, performing decently well in midfield. Como sit fifth on the ladder, but are only two points off second place.
Meanwhile, in an Aussie derby, Jess Nash played the full 90 minutes in defence for Sassuolo in their 2–1 away loss to Roma, but was surprisingly not in her best form, usually being the best defender or even the best player on the pitch for Sassuolo, but this week she performed the worst. A minor setback, though with her otherwise decent or good performances and her consistent starting record for Le Neroverdi, I'm backing her to receive a spot in the Asian Cup squad. Also at Sassuolo, Jacynta Gala started but was subbed off, while Wini Heatley was unfortunately an unused sub for the second match in a row for Roma (following her absence from the pitch in the Supercoppa), who held on to a 2–1 lead to extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points, following Inter Milan's 2–1 comeback home victory over Juventus.
Scotland (SWPL and Women's Scottish Cup) — Dons done in Scottish Cup
Emma Ilijoski (pictured) training for Aberdeen. The Dons are having a poor season, currently sitting ninth (second last) in the SWPL and being eliminated by Montrose in the Scottish Cup. Image source: Instagram (@aberdeenfcwomen).
It was a poor week for Aussies in Scotland this week. In the SWPL 1, Milly Boughton was not in the matchday squad altogether for Hibernian as the reigning league champions suffered a 2–1 away loss to Rangers. Hibs now sit fifth in the league but seem to be refusing to give Milly a chance, which has lead me to think there's only one option for the English-born Young Matilda who previously played for West Ham, Tottenham and Arsenal's academies and for Ipswich Town loan: come and play in the A-League Women. She's never played in the A-League, but I think she should to regain her minutes.
Meanwhile, Emma Ilijoski started for Aberdeen in their 2–1 loss at home to Montrose in the Scottish Cup, meaning both Aberdeen and Hibs have now been eliminated from the competition.
Other leagues — Galić's Vittsjö defeated in friendly
Emily Gielnik (pictured) arriving at training for Monterrey. She was not in Rayadas' squad for their 1–0 away win over Querétaro. Image source: Instagram (@rayadas).
While the Damallsvenskan doesn't restart until March, we did get to see some friendlies in action over the weekend in Sweden. Daniela Galić's Vittsjö suffered a 5–1 loss at home to Danish side Nordsjælland, with Dani being in the squad for the match. The 2026 season should be a big one for her, having immediately played a key role for Vittsjö upon signing mid-last season, scoring and assisting several times for the club. Over in Germany, where women's football doesn't return until next week, Hayley Raso was not in the squad for Eintracht Frankfurt in their 3–0 away win over Essen. Meanwhile in Mexico, Emily Gielnik was not in the matchday squad for Monterrey in their 1–0 away win over Querétaro in the Liga MX Femenil Clausura. However, Rayadas still sit top of the table, having won their all three of their Clausura matches in 2026.
Transfer Talk — Siemsen joins Rosengård, Torpey joins Newcastle
Remy Siemsen (pictured) has joined FC Rosengård following her departure from Kristianstads DFF at the conclusion of last season. She will now play against two Matildas, best friend Courtney Nevin and close friend and former KDFF teammate Amy Sayer, in the two Malmö Derbies next season. Image source: Instagram (@fcrosengard).
We've got some big transfer news this week! Remy Siemsen, who was released by Kristianstad following the end of last season, has joined moved across Scania to join Rosengård. The most decorated club in Sweden and former giants in the Swedish women's game, Rosengård have lost almost all of their talent and in 2025 had their worst season ever, finishing 11th and only two points clear of the relegation playoff spot (in the Damallsvenskan, the bottom two teams (13th and 14th) are relegated automatically and the third last (12th) placed team goes to a playoff against the third placed Elitettan team, with the top two Elitettan teams being promoted automatically). She moves even closer to her best friend and former Leicester teammate Courtney Nevin and stays in the same city as close friend and former Kristianstad teammate Amy Sayer, with both of them playing for Rosengård's rivals Malmö (who technically used to be the same club, but that's a long story).
Kaitlyn Torpey (pictured) made a surprise move to Newcastle United following her departure from Portland Thorns. She will aim to be a key player for the club as they fight for promotion from the WSL2 to the WSL. Image source: Instagram (@kaitlyntorpey).
Meanwhile, Kaitlyn Torpey, who was released by Portland Thorns at the end of the 2025 NWSL season, has made a surprise move to Newcastle United in the WSL2, becoming Aussie manager Tanya Oxtoby's first new signing. The Magpies will be fighting for promotion this season, becoming easier to do so this season as for this season only two teams are automatically promoted and a third team is sent to a playoff against the bottom placed WSL team, all part of the WSL's expansion from 12 to 14 teams. Torps was not in the squad for Newcastle in their 3–0 away loss to West Ham in the FA Cup, but did watch the game and interacted with fans for the first time since joining the club.
Player of the Week — Sam Kerr
Sam Kerr after scoring a brace against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup. Sam is this week's Player of the Week. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
This week's Player of the Week award goes to none other than Sam Kerr for her brace against Crystal Palace! Well done Sammy!
Conclusion
That's all for this week, but stay tuned for next week's edition as German football finally returns next week. As always feel free to comment any questions or to discuss the weekend's matches. Thanks for reading, hopefully you enjoyed and found this useful!
