Welcome back to Matildas Abroad, where I analyse the performances of all our Aussies playing overseas!
America (NWSL) — Kerr scores her historic 80th NWSL goal
Sam Kerr (front) scored her historic 80th goal in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), becoming the first player to score 80 regular season goals. Image source: Instagram (@samanthakerr20).
Gotham FC kicked off the week with a 2–1 comeback win at home over reigning shield winners KC Current. Sam Kerr started up front and played the entire game, in which she scored the winning goal to secure her place in NWSL history by becoming the first player to reach 80 regular season goals. Having scored or assisted in four of the seven matches she's played so far, she's averaging 0.57 goal contributions per game so far. She was also named Sofascore's Player of the Match for her performance up top. The Bats sit top of the table, extending their lead to six points over rivals Washington Spirit following the Spirit's 1–1 draw away to Angel City. Meanwhile, Mackenzie Arnold was between the sticks for Portland Thorns in their 2–1 victory at home over Orlando Pride. The Thorns have now won back-to-back games for the first time since May, having ended a four-match winless streak last week. They sit fourth on the ladder, being seven points clear in the playoffs but nine points off the top spot, making it unlikely for them to either miss the playoffs or win the shield, though they are only three points off second place.
Canada (NSL) — Johnson scores and assists in the Wild's first home win
Kahli Johnson (back) scored the opening goal for Calgary Wild in their shocking 4–3 home victory over Ottawa Rapid's 10 players. The Wild have now won back-to-back games and have their first home win of the season, which comes after their first away win of the season over a 10-player Vancouver Rise last week (3–2). Image source: Instagram (@northernsuperleague).
Calgary Wild secured a surprising victory this week, finding their second three points (and their first at home) of the season in a 4–3 win over league leaders Ottawa Rapid, who were (like Vancouver Rise, who they beat last week) down to 10 players. The Wild opened the scoring through Kahli Johnson, who later provided the assist for the second goal before being substituted off in the upset win. The Wild remain last by some margin (exactly 11 points) but are now in a more respectable position, with eight points compared to the two they had last fortnight. Meanwhile, the Rise secured a 2–1 win at home over Halifax Tides, though they were without Tori Tumeth due to her serving a suspension from the previous match against the Wild. The Rise sit in fifth place, two points off a playoff spot.
Sweden (Damallsvenskan & Elitettan) — Galić assists, Häcken and Malmö hit for six
Daniela Galić (centre) assisted once again on the weekend, providing the decisive pass to the equaliser as Vittsjö GIK came from behind to defeat AIK Stockholm 2–1 on the road, a crucial win for their European hopes over a fellow challenger. Image source: Instagram (@annahaddock_).
Vittsjö opened the week with a 2–1 comeback victory over AIK away, with Daniela Galić playing the whole match and providing the assist for the equaliser. Vittsjö are in a tight race for the third European place, currently being four points off reaching it and fighting with AIK, Eskilstuna and Kristianstad for it. What won't help them in that regard though is that Malmö, who occupy the spot (which they also finished in last season), have clearly gone back to their winning ways, destroying relegation-threatened newly-promoted side Uppsala 6–0 on the road. Courtney Nevin played the entirety of the match at left-back, while Amy Sayer came on as a sub in midfield and Charli Grant remains still yet to make her first competitive appearance for the club. Being a left-back herself, she may be forced to try and play in a different position if she's to avoid competing with a fellow Matilda, possibly opening the door to a second iteration of the winger experiment tried at Tottenham, or perhaps a shift to centre-back or right-back.
Polly Doran (pictured) captained Linköping FC to a 2–1 victory over BK Häcken Academy. While the team could've certainly done better against a side yet to win and poised for relegation, she was outstanding at the back. Image source: Instagram (@linkopingfootballclub).
Speaking of lopsided results, Häcken also won 6–0 on the road, in their case over Brommapojkarna. 41-year-old veteran Aivi Luik wasn't part of the squad this week. The reigning double winners end the week in the top spot, two points clear of second-placed reigning double runners-up and Svenska Cupen winners Hammarby. On the other hand, Rosengård's woes have continued, with the side falling to a 1–0 away loss to newly-promoted but Europe-challenging Eskilstuna. Remy Siemsen started on the right wing with Izzy Gómez on the left and Bryleeh Henry at left-wing-back, though the former was the only one to play the entirety of the match. Rosengård are now 13th (or second last), being in serious danger of a historic relegation. They need two points to be in the playoff spot and four to leave the drop zone entirely. In the Elitettan, Polly Doran played an outstanding 90 minutes plus stoppages as captain in Linköping's 2–1 away victory over Häcken II, the B team of Häcken. Linköping are second in the Swedish second tier and in a promotion spot, as well as just one point and goal difference off Elfsborg in the top spot.
Other leagues — Ilijoski débuts for Odense, Twente win their Eredivisie opener
Emma Ilijoski (centre) made her first and second appearances for Odense BK this week. She signed for the A-Liga club from Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL) club Aberdeen in the European summer transfer window. Image source: Instagram (@odenseboldklub_q).
In Denmark's A-Liga, Emma Ilijoski made her début for Odense in a 3–0 loss away to league leaders and reigning champions Køge. She later played the entirety of a 3–1 loss to Kolding. The losses, the club's first two of the season puts Odense in fourth after four games, with six points.
Teagan Micah (pictured) is officially back in training, a major milestone in her road to recovery from her concussion sustained last season that ruled her out of the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup on home soil. Image source: Instagram (@ol.lyonnes).
While France's Première Ligue is yet to start, there is exciting news to come out of Lyon, with Teagan Micah having returned to training on the road to recovery from her injury, which prevented her from taking part in the Asian Cup on home soil. It's hoped that she'll be both back to playing soon and getting consistent minutes, whether that be at Lyon or elsewhere on loan or by a transfer.
Emily Gielnik (pictured) has made herself at home in Mexico, having played for two different Liga MX Femenil clubs since moving there in 2025. Image source: Instagram (@pumasmxfemenil).
In Mexico's Liga MX Femenil, Emily Gielnik started up front before being taken off for Pumas UNAM, but it wasn't her brightest game, as Pumas lost 3–1 away to Pachuca. Pumas sit fifth in the second group of the apertura stage of Liga MX after three matches.
It's unclear what the plan for Cece Los (left) is at FC Twente. There's a chance she could be part of the B team, loaned out elsewhere in Europe or loaned back home. Or, all could go well and she could play for Twente's first team. Image source: Instagram (@fctwentevrouwen).
In the Netherlands' Vrouwen Eredivisie, Cece Los was absent from the matchday squad for Twente in their 2–1 win over De Graafschap at home in the opener. The victory puts the Tukkers at equal first place with five other teams on points or equal second place with four others on goal difference, ordered in third place.
Hana Lowry (pictured) is back in action, with Vålerenga returning to winning ways after a poor few weeks prior to the July break. Image source: Instagram (@vifdamene).
In Norway's Toppserien, Hana Lowry started before coming off for Vålerenga in a 4–1 away win over Bodø/Glimt, and did the same in a 2–1 home win over Hønefoss, in which she provided an assist to the opener. In what's been a frustrating season for Vålerenga, they still sit fourth and two points off a Europa Cup spot (and three behind one in the Champions League), but they're now in their best form since May off the back of a very poor June and a break in July.
After spending half a season on loan at Motherwell, Milly Boughton (pictured) is back at her parent club Hibernian. She's now joined by fellow Australian Kyah Simon and Australian-born Ireland international Aoife Colvill. Image source: Instagram (@milly_boughton).
In Scotland's SWPL, Hibernian started their season in style, defeating Motherwell 7–0 at home in their opening match, propelled to victory by new signing Aoife Colvill, a dual international of Australia (her country of birth) and Ireland (who she represents through her heritage). Milly Boughton came on as a sub for Hibs, while Kyah Simon didn't feature. The Hibees sit first on goal difference after the opening matchday.
Friendlies — Newcastle and Roma defeated in preseason clashes, Toulouse held to a draw
Wini Heatley (pictured) has been part of Roma's preseason defence, continuing her role at centre-back from last season. Roma will be looking to defend their double and go for the treble. Image source: Instagram (@ragazze.giallorosse).
Roma played a friendly match away against Borussia Dortmund, who are currently in the Regionalliga West (a regional German third tier) but will very likely be promoted to the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga and then eventually the Frauen-Bundesliga with the amount of investment they've done. The Giallorosse, despite being far ahead of the Schwarzgelben, lost 1–0, with Dortmund taking the win before the men's teams drew 2–2 as part of a double-header friendly. Wini Heatley was a substitute in the match. Meanwhile, Anna Rasmussen's Toulouse settled for a 1–1 draw away with Montpellier in a domestic friendly, with the home side equalising in the 90th minute to stop the Violettes from securing the win in the preseason friendly.
Kaitlyn Torpey (pictured) will be hoping to become a Women's Super League player next season. For the upcoming season, her and Tanya Oxtoby's Newcastle United will be chasing for promotion from the Women's Super League 2 (WSL2). Image source: Instagram (@newcastleunitedwomen).
Tanya Oxtoby's Newcastle took on Inter Milan at home, with the WSL2 promotion-chasing Magpies falling 2–0 to the reigning Serie A Women runners-up. Kaitlyn Torpey started before being subbed off in the match. To wrap things up for the week, Wini Heatley's Roma bounced back from their loss to Dortmund with a whopping 12–2 home win over Serie B Women side Res Roma.
Transfer Talk — Aquino leaves DC Power, more A-League departures
Morgan Aquino (right) has been let go by USL Super League club DC Power FC. Her next move is to be determined. Image source: Instagram (@emilycolton19).
Matildas backup goalkeeper Morgan Aquino, one of just four Aussie goalies overseas (including the injured free agent Jada Whyman), has left DC Power ahead of the upcoming USL Super League season. Her departure now means that zero Australian players play in the American second division, which functions as a closed league like all other soccer leagues in the country. It's unclear where her next destination will be, but she's got the broad but binary choice between returning home or staying overseas.
Taylor Ray (centre, front) has left Melbourne Victory, just one season after she joined the club from Central Coast Mariners. The former Sydney FC defender will be now donning a different shade of sky blue, signing for Melbourne City. Image source: Instagram (@taylorrrayyy_).
Meanwhile, the transfer window back home is shaping up to determine who could and who won't be playing overseas next season. Brisbane Roar have announced five departures, with Americans Ashlyn Miller and Marianna Seidl joining Brooklyn FC (alongside former Roar coach Alex Smith) and Eibar, respectively. Of the three locals, Aimee Medwin, Kiera Myers and Alicia Woods have decided to leave. The former has already been poached by Melbourne City, as has Central Coast Mariners' Avaani Prakash and rivals Melbourne Victory's Taylor Ray, showing City's commitment to a rebuild after so many talented departures and their renewed push for the Champions League title.
Player of the Week — Kahli Johnson
This week's Player of the Week award goes to Kahli Johnson for her goal and assist against Ottawa Rapid. Well done Kahli!
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!
America (NWSL) — Kerr scores her historic 80th NWSL goal
Sam Kerr (front) scored her historic 80th goal in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), becoming the first player to score 80 regular season goals. Image source: Instagram (@samanthakerr20).
Gotham FC kicked off the week with a 2–1 comeback win at home over reigning shield winners KC Current. Sam Kerr started up front and played the entire game, in which she scored the winning goal to secure her place in NWSL history by becoming the first player to reach 80 regular season goals. Having scored or assisted in four of the seven matches she's played so far, she's averaging 0.57 goal contributions per game so far. She was also named Sofascore's Player of the Match for her performance up top. The Bats sit top of the table, extending their lead to six points over rivals Washington Spirit following the Spirit's 1–1 draw away to Angel City. Meanwhile, Mackenzie Arnold was between the sticks for Portland Thorns in their 2–1 victory at home over Orlando Pride. The Thorns have now won back-to-back games for the first time since May, having ended a four-match winless streak last week. They sit fourth on the ladder, being seven points clear in the playoffs but nine points off the top spot, making it unlikely for them to either miss the playoffs or win the shield, though they are only three points off second place.
Canada (NSL) — Johnson scores and assists in the Wild's first home win
Kahli Johnson (back) scored the opening goal for Calgary Wild in their shocking 4–3 home victory over Ottawa Rapid's 10 players. The Wild have now won back-to-back games and have their first home win of the season, which comes after their first away win of the season over a 10-player Vancouver Rise last week (3–2). Image source: Instagram (@northernsuperleague).
Calgary Wild secured a surprising victory this week, finding their second three points (and their first at home) of the season in a 4–3 win over league leaders Ottawa Rapid, who were (like Vancouver Rise, who they beat last week) down to 10 players. The Wild opened the scoring through Kahli Johnson, who later provided the assist for the second goal before being substituted off in the upset win. The Wild remain last by some margin (exactly 11 points) but are now in a more respectable position, with eight points compared to the two they had last fortnight. Meanwhile, the Rise secured a 2–1 win at home over Halifax Tides, though they were without Tori Tumeth due to her serving a suspension from the previous match against the Wild. The Rise sit in fifth place, two points off a playoff spot.
Sweden (Damallsvenskan & Elitettan) — Galić assists, Häcken and Malmö hit for six
Daniela Galić (centre) assisted once again on the weekend, providing the decisive pass to the equaliser as Vittsjö GIK came from behind to defeat AIK Stockholm 2–1 on the road, a crucial win for their European hopes over a fellow challenger. Image source: Instagram (@annahaddock_).
Vittsjö opened the week with a 2–1 comeback victory over AIK away, with Daniela Galić playing the whole match and providing the assist for the equaliser. Vittsjö are in a tight race for the third European place, currently being four points off reaching it and fighting with AIK, Eskilstuna and Kristianstad for it. What won't help them in that regard though is that Malmö, who occupy the spot (which they also finished in last season), have clearly gone back to their winning ways, destroying relegation-threatened newly-promoted side Uppsala 6–0 on the road. Courtney Nevin played the entirety of the match at left-back, while Amy Sayer came on as a sub in midfield and Charli Grant remains still yet to make her first competitive appearance for the club. Being a left-back herself, she may be forced to try and play in a different position if she's to avoid competing with a fellow Matilda, possibly opening the door to a second iteration of the winger experiment tried at Tottenham, or perhaps a shift to centre-back or right-back.
Polly Doran (pictured) captained Linköping FC to a 2–1 victory over BK Häcken Academy. While the team could've certainly done better against a side yet to win and poised for relegation, she was outstanding at the back. Image source: Instagram (@linkopingfootballclub).
Speaking of lopsided results, Häcken also won 6–0 on the road, in their case over Brommapojkarna. 41-year-old veteran Aivi Luik wasn't part of the squad this week. The reigning double winners end the week in the top spot, two points clear of second-placed reigning double runners-up and Svenska Cupen winners Hammarby. On the other hand, Rosengård's woes have continued, with the side falling to a 1–0 away loss to newly-promoted but Europe-challenging Eskilstuna. Remy Siemsen started on the right wing with Izzy Gómez on the left and Bryleeh Henry at left-wing-back, though the former was the only one to play the entirety of the match. Rosengård are now 13th (or second last), being in serious danger of a historic relegation. They need two points to be in the playoff spot and four to leave the drop zone entirely. In the Elitettan, Polly Doran played an outstanding 90 minutes plus stoppages as captain in Linköping's 2–1 away victory over Häcken II, the B team of Häcken. Linköping are second in the Swedish second tier and in a promotion spot, as well as just one point and goal difference off Elfsborg in the top spot.
Other leagues — Ilijoski débuts for Odense, Twente win their Eredivisie opener
Emma Ilijoski (centre) made her first and second appearances for Odense BK this week. She signed for the A-Liga club from Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL) club Aberdeen in the European summer transfer window. Image source: Instagram (@odenseboldklub_q).
In Denmark's A-Liga, Emma Ilijoski made her début for Odense in a 3–0 loss away to league leaders and reigning champions Køge. She later played the entirety of a 3–1 loss to Kolding. The losses, the club's first two of the season puts Odense in fourth after four games, with six points.
Teagan Micah (pictured) is officially back in training, a major milestone in her road to recovery from her concussion sustained last season that ruled her out of the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup on home soil. Image source: Instagram (@ol.lyonnes).
While France's Première Ligue is yet to start, there is exciting news to come out of Lyon, with Teagan Micah having returned to training on the road to recovery from her injury, which prevented her from taking part in the Asian Cup on home soil. It's hoped that she'll be both back to playing soon and getting consistent minutes, whether that be at Lyon or elsewhere on loan or by a transfer.
Emily Gielnik (pictured) has made herself at home in Mexico, having played for two different Liga MX Femenil clubs since moving there in 2025. Image source: Instagram (@pumasmxfemenil).
In Mexico's Liga MX Femenil, Emily Gielnik started up front before being taken off for Pumas UNAM, but it wasn't her brightest game, as Pumas lost 3–1 away to Pachuca. Pumas sit fifth in the second group of the apertura stage of Liga MX after three matches.
It's unclear what the plan for Cece Los (left) is at FC Twente. There's a chance she could be part of the B team, loaned out elsewhere in Europe or loaned back home. Or, all could go well and she could play for Twente's first team. Image source: Instagram (@fctwentevrouwen).
In the Netherlands' Vrouwen Eredivisie, Cece Los was absent from the matchday squad for Twente in their 2–1 win over De Graafschap at home in the opener. The victory puts the Tukkers at equal first place with five other teams on points or equal second place with four others on goal difference, ordered in third place.
Hana Lowry (pictured) is back in action, with Vålerenga returning to winning ways after a poor few weeks prior to the July break. Image source: Instagram (@vifdamene).
In Norway's Toppserien, Hana Lowry started before coming off for Vålerenga in a 4–1 away win over Bodø/Glimt, and did the same in a 2–1 home win over Hønefoss, in which she provided an assist to the opener. In what's been a frustrating season for Vålerenga, they still sit fourth and two points off a Europa Cup spot (and three behind one in the Champions League), but they're now in their best form since May off the back of a very poor June and a break in July.
After spending half a season on loan at Motherwell, Milly Boughton (pictured) is back at her parent club Hibernian. She's now joined by fellow Australian Kyah Simon and Australian-born Ireland international Aoife Colvill. Image source: Instagram (@milly_boughton).
In Scotland's SWPL, Hibernian started their season in style, defeating Motherwell 7–0 at home in their opening match, propelled to victory by new signing Aoife Colvill, a dual international of Australia (her country of birth) and Ireland (who she represents through her heritage). Milly Boughton came on as a sub for Hibs, while Kyah Simon didn't feature. The Hibees sit first on goal difference after the opening matchday.
Friendlies — Newcastle and Roma defeated in preseason clashes, Toulouse held to a draw
Wini Heatley (pictured) has been part of Roma's preseason defence, continuing her role at centre-back from last season. Roma will be looking to defend their double and go for the treble. Image source: Instagram (@ragazze.giallorosse).
Roma played a friendly match away against Borussia Dortmund, who are currently in the Regionalliga West (a regional German third tier) but will very likely be promoted to the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga and then eventually the Frauen-Bundesliga with the amount of investment they've done. The Giallorosse, despite being far ahead of the Schwarzgelben, lost 1–0, with Dortmund taking the win before the men's teams drew 2–2 as part of a double-header friendly. Wini Heatley was a substitute in the match. Meanwhile, Anna Rasmussen's Toulouse settled for a 1–1 draw away with Montpellier in a domestic friendly, with the home side equalising in the 90th minute to stop the Violettes from securing the win in the preseason friendly.
Kaitlyn Torpey (pictured) will be hoping to become a Women's Super League player next season. For the upcoming season, her and Tanya Oxtoby's Newcastle United will be chasing for promotion from the Women's Super League 2 (WSL2). Image source: Instagram (@newcastleunitedwomen).
Tanya Oxtoby's Newcastle took on Inter Milan at home, with the WSL2 promotion-chasing Magpies falling 2–0 to the reigning Serie A Women runners-up. Kaitlyn Torpey started before being subbed off in the match. To wrap things up for the week, Wini Heatley's Roma bounced back from their loss to Dortmund with a whopping 12–2 home win over Serie B Women side Res Roma.
Transfer Talk — Aquino leaves DC Power, more A-League departures
Morgan Aquino (right) has been let go by USL Super League club DC Power FC. Her next move is to be determined. Image source: Instagram (@emilycolton19).
Matildas backup goalkeeper Morgan Aquino, one of just four Aussie goalies overseas (including the injured free agent Jada Whyman), has left DC Power ahead of the upcoming USL Super League season. Her departure now means that zero Australian players play in the American second division, which functions as a closed league like all other soccer leagues in the country. It's unclear where her next destination will be, but she's got the broad but binary choice between returning home or staying overseas.
Taylor Ray (centre, front) has left Melbourne Victory, just one season after she joined the club from Central Coast Mariners. The former Sydney FC defender will be now donning a different shade of sky blue, signing for Melbourne City. Image source: Instagram (@taylorrrayyy_).
Meanwhile, the transfer window back home is shaping up to determine who could and who won't be playing overseas next season. Brisbane Roar have announced five departures, with Americans Ashlyn Miller and Marianna Seidl joining Brooklyn FC (alongside former Roar coach Alex Smith) and Eibar, respectively. Of the three locals, Aimee Medwin, Kiera Myers and Alicia Woods have decided to leave. The former has already been poached by Melbourne City, as has Central Coast Mariners' Avaani Prakash and rivals Melbourne Victory's Taylor Ray, showing City's commitment to a rebuild after so many talented departures and their renewed push for the Champions League title.
Player of the Week — Kahli Johnson
This week's Player of the Week award goes to Kahli Johnson for her goal and assist against Ottawa Rapid. Well done Kahli!
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!
