Welcome back to Matildas Abroad, where I analyse the performances of all our Aussies playing overseas!
Europe (Champions League) — Godden's Nike Lusso secure third place in UWCL qualifier mini tournament
Katie Godden (centre) and Nike Lusso defeated ŽFK Skopje 2–0 to claim third spot in their mini tournament in the UEFA Women's Champions League first qualifying round. They will now return back home to Tbilisi to finish their domestic season. Image source: Instagram (@katiegodden).
Georgian side Nike Lusso have secured a third-place finish in their mini tournament, hosted in Sosnowiec, Poland. Nike defeated Macedonian side Skopje 2–0, but after losing their first match 7–1 to hosts Czarni Sosnowiec, they have been eliminated from European football. Katie Godden started at centre forward before coming off as a sub. The team will now return back to Tbilisi to continue the 2026 Women's League season.
America (NWSL) — Kerr scores against Arnold in Aussie derby
Sam Kerr (pictured) scored her first goal for Gotham FC, netting the equaliser in their 2–2 draw against Portland Thorns, a shot Mackenzie Arnold couldn't save, though thankfully for her, Sammy did delay her celebrations as to not do it right in front of her. Image source: Instagram (@gothamfc).
This week in the NWSL, we had an Aussie derby as Portland Thorns hosted Gotham FC at Providence Park. Mackenzie Arnold played the entirety of the match, which ended in a 2–2 draw, but it was her good friend and Matildas teammate and captain Sam Kerr who scored the equaliser against her, levelling the scoring to find the back of the net for the first time since returning to the club formerly known as Sky Blue FC. It should be the first of many for the legendary Tillies skipper. The draw sees the Bats remain in second place after 16 games and the Thorns fifth after 17. Macca sits third in the Golden Glove race with six clean sheets, equal with Englishwoman Anna Moorhouse.
Canada (NSL) — rising Rise fall, Wild continue miserable season
Tori Tumeth (right) played the entirety of Vancouver Rise's narrow defeat to Halifax Tides, which ended their two-match winning streak. Image source: Instagram (@fergy.visuals, @crowcollectivesg and @vaninsider).
It wasn't a good week for either of our Aussies' teams in the NSL, with both teams falling to losses. Vancouver Rise lost their two-match winning streak after losing 1–0 at home to last season's wooden spooners Halifax Tides thanks to an own goal. Tori Tumeth played the entirety of the match for the Rise, whose loss has pushed them back down to fifth place (second last). Meanwhile, Kahli Johnson started before being subbed off for Leah Blayney's Calgary Wild in their 1–0 defeat on the road to reigning regular season winners and final runners-up AFC Toronto. The Wild still remain dead last with just two points, currently on track to become the worst ever NSL team and the first to go winless (granted the league only started up last season).
Denmark (A-Liga) — A-Liga season begins but no Ilijoski
Emma Ilijoski (pictured) was absent from Odense BK Q's matchday squad jn their 1–0 win over FC Nordsjælland, but nevertheless Odense sit equal at the top of the table, only second place on goal difference. Image source: Instagram (@emma.ilijoski).
In Denmark, the A-Liga season kicked off, with Odense pulling off a 1–0 win over giants Nordsjælland, shooting them up to second place, only behind ASA Aarhus on goal difference. However, Emma Ilijoski, who recently signed from Aberdeen in Scotland's SWPL, was not in the squad altogether.
Sweden (Damallsvenskan & Elitettan) — Galić scores to deliver a blow to Malmö's hopes
It was a messy situation, but Daniela Galić (left, back) was credited with Vittsjö GIK's lone goal in their 1–0 victory over Scanian neighbours Malmö FF. Image source: Instagram (@vittsjogikofcl and @obosdamallsvenskan).
In the Damallsvenskan, Vittsjö hosted Malmö in a clash that was brought forward due to the Champions League second qualifying rounds, with Norrköping also hosting Hammarby for the same reason. Vittsjö pulled off a surprise 1–0 victory over Malmö, with none other than our very own, underrated midfielder Daniela Galić scoring what was initially ruled an own goal by Serb Emma Petrović in a scramble in the box. She played the entirety of the match for Vittsjö, who now move up to fifth place and potentially able to challenge for the third European place. Meanwhile, Courtney Nevin and Amy Sayer both started before coming off, while Charli Grant wasn't in the matchday squad altogether. The win adds insult to injury for the Himmelsblått, who remain third but on equal points with AIK, and after Hammarby's 4–0 win to extend their and Häcken's already strong lead it's looking all but certain that Malmö will have to wait another year for their first major trophy, likely shifting their focus to qualifying for European football.
Polly Doran (pictured) has so far vice-captained Linköping FC to an unbeaten season in the Elitettan. However, their draw this week ended their six-match winning streak and saw them drop back down to second place (though this still leaves them in the promotion zone). Image source: Instagram (@mia_eriksson83).
On the return of the Elitettan after the July break, Linköping drew 1–1 with Trelleborg, with vice captain Polly Doran playing the entire game. While LFC remain unbeaten this season and in the promotion zone, the draw does mean they've fallen back to second after Elfsborg's 4–1 win over Umeå. It also ends their six-match winning streak, which they had held since 8 May.
Friendlies — Henry scores her maiden goal in red and blue
Cornelia Los (pictured) came off the bench for FC Twente in their 2–1 win over SGS Essen. Now having gone back to the Netherlands, they'll play in the Supercup against PSV Eindhoven next. Image source: Instagram (@fctwentevrouwen and @cece.los).
In Germany, Frankfurt played out a 0–0 draw at home with Dutch visitors Feyenoord. Hayley Raso was part of the first half 11, while Jamilla Rankin was part of the second half 11. In another goalless draw, Leia Varley started before coming off for Nuremberg against Hoffenheim away. Another Dutch side in Twente also travelled to Germany, with Cece Los coming off the bench in a 2–1 away win over Essen.
Bryleeh Henry (right) scored her first goal for FC Rosengård, scoring the decisive winner in a 1–0 victory over Stabæk FC. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
Elsewhere, Ella Tonkin's Portuguese side Torreense defeated Spanish side Eibar 2–0 on the road. Meanwhile, Swedish side Rosengård defeated Norwegian side Stabæk 1–0 at home, with Bryleeh Henry scoring the only goal for the victorious hosts, her first goal since signing for the club. She started the match alongside fellow Matildas Izzy Gómez and Remy Siemsen.
Transfer Talk — Babington to assist Blayney at Calgary Wild, Davidson to Charlton, Quigley to Stoke, Lowe to Durham
Kory Babington (pictured) has landed a job overseas, becoming assistant to fellow Australian Leah Blayney at Calgary Wild in Canada's Northern Super League (NSL). Image source: Instagram (@central_coast_brasil).
To kick off this week's edition of Transfer Talk, former Central Coast Mariners head coach and former Young Matildas assistant coach Kory Babington has become Leah Blayney's assistant coach at Calgary Wild in the NSL. An experienced coach across grassroots, youth, semi-pro and pro levels of the game in Australia, he will be assisting in the Wild's effort to somehow miraculously avoid the all but inevitable wooden spoon, with the Wild still remaining winless this season so far. He also joins Matildas squad forward Kahli Johnson, as well as American former Melbourne City defender Taylor Otto who also signed this week, hoping to strengthen the club's backline.
Leah Davidson (pictured) has signed for newly-promoted Women's Super League (WSL) side Charlton Athletic, joining Grace Johnston at the London-based club. As it stands, the WSL will feature 12 Australian players next season. Image source: Instagram (@cafcwomen and @_leahdavidson_).
In another unexpected move, Leah Davidson has left Melbourne City and secured a transfer to newly-promoted WSL side Charlton, joining fellow new Aussie recruit Grace Johnston from Perth Glory at the club. Charlton were promoted to the WSL via a one-off playoff match against Emily van Egmond's Leicester, in which the third-placed WSL 2 side in the Addicks defeated the WSL wooden spooners in the Foxes on penalties. Her departure continues yet another overseas (predominantly European and especially English) raid of City's double-winning squad, even though they didn't win the Champions League. It likely leaves City in a position to either rely on their remaining depth, promote many of their youngsters (despite their under-20s being second last in the NPLW Victoria) or to invest in recruiting new talents, local and foreign alike, ahead of their title defence and Champions League push next season.
Racheal Quigley (pictured) has signed for Women's National League (WNL) North club Stoke City. After securing promotion with Wolverhampton Wanderers last season, she may well do it again in the same division for the second season in a row. Image source: Instagram (@scfc_women and @quigzy).
Meanwhile, after being let go by Wolves after playing a part in their promotion-winning side, Racheal Quigley has signed for WNL North side Stoke, moving across the WNL North after the Wolves earnt promotion to the WSL 2 last season. She joins a side that finished fourth last season, but would still be aiming to heavily improve to close the fairly big gap between them and the top three sides last season. The Potters will enter the season as potential promotion contenders, and the 35-year-old Adelaidean striker may have a chance at winning promotion with another WNL team.
Rachel Lowe (pictured) has signed for Women's Super League 2 (WSL 2) club Durham after stints at three A-League Women clubs (Western Sydney Wanderers, Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory). As it stands, she will be one of five Australians playing in the English second tier in the upcoming season. Image source: Instagram (@durhamwfc).
To wrap things up for the week, another Rach has moved clubs, with Rachel Lowe signing for WSL 2 club Durham after leaving Melbourne Victory at the end of the season. First a Wanderer and later a Sky Blue and a Vuck, she'll be playing overseas for the first time in her career. The Blues are a standalone women's club based at the prestigious and historic Durham University. Including this week's signings, the WSL and WSL 2 now have a combined total of 17 Australian players, setting out what should be another exciting season of English football for fans Down Under, and what should make for a stronger and harder-to-pick Matildas squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Player of the Week — Daniela Galić
This week's Player of the Week award goes to Daniela Galić for her goal against Malmö! Well done Dani!
Conclusion
That's all for this week, but stay tuned for next week! As always, feel free to jump into the comments with any questions or to discuss the weekend's matches. Thanks for reading, hopefully you found this helpful!
Europe (Champions League) — Godden's Nike Lusso secure third place in UWCL qualifier mini tournament
Katie Godden (centre) and Nike Lusso defeated ŽFK Skopje 2–0 to claim third spot in their mini tournament in the UEFA Women's Champions League first qualifying round. They will now return back home to Tbilisi to finish their domestic season. Image source: Instagram (@katiegodden).
Georgian side Nike Lusso have secured a third-place finish in their mini tournament, hosted in Sosnowiec, Poland. Nike defeated Macedonian side Skopje 2–0, but after losing their first match 7–1 to hosts Czarni Sosnowiec, they have been eliminated from European football. Katie Godden started at centre forward before coming off as a sub. The team will now return back to Tbilisi to continue the 2026 Women's League season.
America (NWSL) — Kerr scores against Arnold in Aussie derby
Sam Kerr (pictured) scored her first goal for Gotham FC, netting the equaliser in their 2–2 draw against Portland Thorns, a shot Mackenzie Arnold couldn't save, though thankfully for her, Sammy did delay her celebrations as to not do it right in front of her. Image source: Instagram (@gothamfc).
This week in the NWSL, we had an Aussie derby as Portland Thorns hosted Gotham FC at Providence Park. Mackenzie Arnold played the entirety of the match, which ended in a 2–2 draw, but it was her good friend and Matildas teammate and captain Sam Kerr who scored the equaliser against her, levelling the scoring to find the back of the net for the first time since returning to the club formerly known as Sky Blue FC. It should be the first of many for the legendary Tillies skipper. The draw sees the Bats remain in second place after 16 games and the Thorns fifth after 17. Macca sits third in the Golden Glove race with six clean sheets, equal with Englishwoman Anna Moorhouse.
Canada (NSL) — rising Rise fall, Wild continue miserable season
Tori Tumeth (right) played the entirety of Vancouver Rise's narrow defeat to Halifax Tides, which ended their two-match winning streak. Image source: Instagram (@fergy.visuals, @crowcollectivesg and @vaninsider).
It wasn't a good week for either of our Aussies' teams in the NSL, with both teams falling to losses. Vancouver Rise lost their two-match winning streak after losing 1–0 at home to last season's wooden spooners Halifax Tides thanks to an own goal. Tori Tumeth played the entirety of the match for the Rise, whose loss has pushed them back down to fifth place (second last). Meanwhile, Kahli Johnson started before being subbed off for Leah Blayney's Calgary Wild in their 1–0 defeat on the road to reigning regular season winners and final runners-up AFC Toronto. The Wild still remain dead last with just two points, currently on track to become the worst ever NSL team and the first to go winless (granted the league only started up last season).
Denmark (A-Liga) — A-Liga season begins but no Ilijoski
Emma Ilijoski (pictured) was absent from Odense BK Q's matchday squad jn their 1–0 win over FC Nordsjælland, but nevertheless Odense sit equal at the top of the table, only second place on goal difference. Image source: Instagram (@emma.ilijoski).
In Denmark, the A-Liga season kicked off, with Odense pulling off a 1–0 win over giants Nordsjælland, shooting them up to second place, only behind ASA Aarhus on goal difference. However, Emma Ilijoski, who recently signed from Aberdeen in Scotland's SWPL, was not in the squad altogether.
Sweden (Damallsvenskan & Elitettan) — Galić scores to deliver a blow to Malmö's hopes
It was a messy situation, but Daniela Galić (left, back) was credited with Vittsjö GIK's lone goal in their 1–0 victory over Scanian neighbours Malmö FF. Image source: Instagram (@vittsjogikofcl and @obosdamallsvenskan).
In the Damallsvenskan, Vittsjö hosted Malmö in a clash that was brought forward due to the Champions League second qualifying rounds, with Norrköping also hosting Hammarby for the same reason. Vittsjö pulled off a surprise 1–0 victory over Malmö, with none other than our very own, underrated midfielder Daniela Galić scoring what was initially ruled an own goal by Serb Emma Petrović in a scramble in the box. She played the entirety of the match for Vittsjö, who now move up to fifth place and potentially able to challenge for the third European place. Meanwhile, Courtney Nevin and Amy Sayer both started before coming off, while Charli Grant wasn't in the matchday squad altogether. The win adds insult to injury for the Himmelsblått, who remain third but on equal points with AIK, and after Hammarby's 4–0 win to extend their and Häcken's already strong lead it's looking all but certain that Malmö will have to wait another year for their first major trophy, likely shifting their focus to qualifying for European football.
Polly Doran (pictured) has so far vice-captained Linköping FC to an unbeaten season in the Elitettan. However, their draw this week ended their six-match winning streak and saw them drop back down to second place (though this still leaves them in the promotion zone). Image source: Instagram (@mia_eriksson83).
On the return of the Elitettan after the July break, Linköping drew 1–1 with Trelleborg, with vice captain Polly Doran playing the entire game. While LFC remain unbeaten this season and in the promotion zone, the draw does mean they've fallen back to second after Elfsborg's 4–1 win over Umeå. It also ends their six-match winning streak, which they had held since 8 May.
Friendlies — Henry scores her maiden goal in red and blue
Cornelia Los (pictured) came off the bench for FC Twente in their 2–1 win over SGS Essen. Now having gone back to the Netherlands, they'll play in the Supercup against PSV Eindhoven next. Image source: Instagram (@fctwentevrouwen and @cece.los).
In Germany, Frankfurt played out a 0–0 draw at home with Dutch visitors Feyenoord. Hayley Raso was part of the first half 11, while Jamilla Rankin was part of the second half 11. In another goalless draw, Leia Varley started before coming off for Nuremberg against Hoffenheim away. Another Dutch side in Twente also travelled to Germany, with Cece Los coming off the bench in a 2–1 away win over Essen.
Bryleeh Henry (right) scored her first goal for FC Rosengård, scoring the decisive winner in a 1–0 victory over Stabæk FC. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
Elsewhere, Ella Tonkin's Portuguese side Torreense defeated Spanish side Eibar 2–0 on the road. Meanwhile, Swedish side Rosengård defeated Norwegian side Stabæk 1–0 at home, with Bryleeh Henry scoring the only goal for the victorious hosts, her first goal since signing for the club. She started the match alongside fellow Matildas Izzy Gómez and Remy Siemsen.
Transfer Talk — Babington to assist Blayney at Calgary Wild, Davidson to Charlton, Quigley to Stoke, Lowe to Durham
Kory Babington (pictured) has landed a job overseas, becoming assistant to fellow Australian Leah Blayney at Calgary Wild in Canada's Northern Super League (NSL). Image source: Instagram (@central_coast_brasil).
To kick off this week's edition of Transfer Talk, former Central Coast Mariners head coach and former Young Matildas assistant coach Kory Babington has become Leah Blayney's assistant coach at Calgary Wild in the NSL. An experienced coach across grassroots, youth, semi-pro and pro levels of the game in Australia, he will be assisting in the Wild's effort to somehow miraculously avoid the all but inevitable wooden spoon, with the Wild still remaining winless this season so far. He also joins Matildas squad forward Kahli Johnson, as well as American former Melbourne City defender Taylor Otto who also signed this week, hoping to strengthen the club's backline.
Leah Davidson (pictured) has signed for newly-promoted Women's Super League (WSL) side Charlton Athletic, joining Grace Johnston at the London-based club. As it stands, the WSL will feature 12 Australian players next season. Image source: Instagram (@cafcwomen and @_leahdavidson_).
In another unexpected move, Leah Davidson has left Melbourne City and secured a transfer to newly-promoted WSL side Charlton, joining fellow new Aussie recruit Grace Johnston from Perth Glory at the club. Charlton were promoted to the WSL via a one-off playoff match against Emily van Egmond's Leicester, in which the third-placed WSL 2 side in the Addicks defeated the WSL wooden spooners in the Foxes on penalties. Her departure continues yet another overseas (predominantly European and especially English) raid of City's double-winning squad, even though they didn't win the Champions League. It likely leaves City in a position to either rely on their remaining depth, promote many of their youngsters (despite their under-20s being second last in the NPLW Victoria) or to invest in recruiting new talents, local and foreign alike, ahead of their title defence and Champions League push next season.
Racheal Quigley (pictured) has signed for Women's National League (WNL) North club Stoke City. After securing promotion with Wolverhampton Wanderers last season, she may well do it again in the same division for the second season in a row. Image source: Instagram (@scfc_women and @quigzy).
Meanwhile, after being let go by Wolves after playing a part in their promotion-winning side, Racheal Quigley has signed for WNL North side Stoke, moving across the WNL North after the Wolves earnt promotion to the WSL 2 last season. She joins a side that finished fourth last season, but would still be aiming to heavily improve to close the fairly big gap between them and the top three sides last season. The Potters will enter the season as potential promotion contenders, and the 35-year-old Adelaidean striker may have a chance at winning promotion with another WNL team.
Rachel Lowe (pictured) has signed for Women's Super League 2 (WSL 2) club Durham after stints at three A-League Women clubs (Western Sydney Wanderers, Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory). As it stands, she will be one of five Australians playing in the English second tier in the upcoming season. Image source: Instagram (@durhamwfc).
To wrap things up for the week, another Rach has moved clubs, with Rachel Lowe signing for WSL 2 club Durham after leaving Melbourne Victory at the end of the season. First a Wanderer and later a Sky Blue and a Vuck, she'll be playing overseas for the first time in her career. The Blues are a standalone women's club based at the prestigious and historic Durham University. Including this week's signings, the WSL and WSL 2 now have a combined total of 17 Australian players, setting out what should be another exciting season of English football for fans Down Under, and what should make for a stronger and harder-to-pick Matildas squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Player of the Week — Daniela Galić
This week's Player of the Week award goes to Daniela Galić for her goal against Malmö! Well done Dani!
Conclusion
That's all for this week, but stay tuned for next week! As always, feel free to jump into the comments with any questions or to discuss the weekend's matches. Thanks for reading, hopefully you found this helpful!
