Welcome back to Matildas Abroad, where I analyse the performances of all our Aussies playing overseas!
Europe (Champions League & Europa Cup) — Carpenter assists twice in Chelsea's big home win
Ellie Carpenter (left) was outstanding for Chelsea against Real Sociedad, picking up two assists in a 5–2 victory at home, including one two French star Melvine Malard (right). Image source: Instagram (@melvine_malard).
The Champions League third qualifying round is now underway, with the first leg having been completed. Eintracht Frankfurt drew 1–1 at home with PSG, leaving their tie all square for the Adlers' trip to Paris. Hayley Raso came off the bench in the second half, while Jamilla Rankin was an unused sub. Meanwhile, Ellie Carpenter was on fire as she played whole game for Chelsea, assisting not one but two of Chelsea's goals in a 5–2 victory over Real Sociedad, who surprisingly made the qualifiers over Atlético Madrid. The Blues take a three-goal advantage away to San Sebastián.
Hana Lowry (pictured) on the ball for Vålerenga. Enga secured a 2–0 away victory over Radomlje, who finished second in last season's Slovenian Women's League (SŽNL). Image source: Instagram (@grabthemomentphoto).
The Europa Cup first qualifying round also kicked off, with the first legs having been played out ready for the second legs up next. Hana Lowry started for Vålerenga in their 2–0 away win over Radomlje, the reigning Slovenian runners-up. The Bohemene take a two-goal lead back to Oslo for the second leg. Torreense meanwhile won by a whopping 6–1 scoreline at home over Ukrainian side Kolos, taking a five-goal lead to the village of Kovalivka. Ella Tonkin played the entire match at centre-back for SCUT, a rising Portuguese side that she recently joined.
America (NWSL) — Arnold keeps a clean sheet as Portland rise up to third
Mackenzie Arnold (left) handing out roses to her Portland Thorns teammates after her clean sheet. The Rose City Riveters (the Thorns' active supporters' group) has a long tradition of giving out roses to players after matches. Image source: Instagram (@mackenziearnold).
Mackenzie Arnold kept a clean sheet for Portland Thorns in a 1–0 victory over new expansion franchise Denver Summit. The three points pushes the Thorns up to third place (thanks to San Diego Wave's 3–2 home win over Utah Royals) where they sit on equal point with Washington Spirit in second. For Macca, it was her first clean sheet in over a month, having failed to keep one in six straight matches. However, it does bring her total up to seven, putting her third in the Golden Glove race. She has one less clean sheet than Sandy MacIver, the Spirit's Scotswoman in goals, but still three less than German Gotham star Ann-Katrin Berger.
Sam Kerr (pictured) was honoured for her greatness as a described "global soccer icon" by the New York Yankees, who let her throw the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium. Image source: Instagram (@yankeestadium, @gothamfc, @samanthakerr20, @nwsl, @yankees).
Meanwhile, Gotham FC drew 0–0 away with Angel City. Sam Kerr, who recently threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the New York Yankees in the MLB (despite her Massachusetts-born wife Kristie Mewis being a Boston Red Sox fan), played the entire match up top, but there was clearly room for improvement for the NWSL all-time leading goalscorer. The point nevertheless affirms the Bats' seven-point lead at the top of the table after the Spirit lost 1–0 at home to Orlando Pride, though with the Thorns up next they'll need to stay on song in a title race clash at home on Friday night, or Saturday morning here in Australia.
Canada (NSL) — Vancouver secure a huge and important win
Tori Tumeth (centre) training for Vancouver Rise. The Rise are back in the playoff zone after a huge 5–1 victory over Ottawa Rapid on the road. Image source: Instagram (@vancouverrisefc).
Vancouver Rise secured a huge and hugely important win over Ottawa Rapid, beating them 5–1 away from home to push them back up to fourth place and in the playoff zone by a mere point. Tori Tumeth played the entirety of the match. Meanwhile, Calgary Wild went in front then came from behind to secure an entertaining 2–2 draw against second-placed Montréal Roses, which Kahli Johnson played the entirety of. While the Wild are pretty much out of contention for the playoffs and have been for months, being quite poor throughout the season, they do now have nine points, a major improvement from the two they had just earlier this month.
England (WSL) — Carpenter named in the PFA Team of the Year
Ellie Carpenter (pictured) has been named in the 2025–26 PFA Women's Super League Team of the Year (WSL TOTY) by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA). The award was voted by fellow players, proving that even the players themselves regard her among the world's best. Image source: Instagram (@elliecarpenterr).
World-class right-back and Matildas star Ellie Carpenter has received a major accolade after her immense début season with Chelsea, further adding to her claim of being the world's best female player in her position. She's been named in the PFA WSL Women's Team of the Year, which is a world-class team of the season consisting of the 11 best players of the season, as voted by WSL players. She's one of three Chelsea players in the team, with the other two being English goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and English forward Lauren James. The team also consists of Man City's Kerstin Casparij from the Netherlands, Arsenal's Emily Fox from the US and Tottenham's Tōko Koga from Japan, Arsenal's Mariona Caldentey from Spain, Man City's Yui Hasegawa from Japan and Man United's Jess Park from England in midfield, and Arsenal's Alessia Russo from England and Man City's Bunny Shaw from Jamaica up front. Congratulations Ellie!
Italy (Serie A Women's Cup) — Serie A Cup kicks off with Roma and Sassuolo wins
Wini Heatley (right) and Roma will be aiming to not only defend their Serie A Women and Women's Coppa Italia titles from last season, but also to win the Women's Supercoppa alongside their first ever title in the new Serie A Women's Cup. Image source: Instagram (@winiheatleyy).
The second ever edition of Italy's premier women's league cup competition, the Serie A Women's Cup, kicked off last weekend. Reigning runners-up Roma (who won the domestic double last season) kicked things off with a 2–0 away victory over Ternana. Wini Heatley came on as a substitute at half time in the win, which puts Roma top of Group A after the first match. Meanwhile, Alex Chidiac started before coming off for FC Como in their 1–1 draw away with AC Milan, which puts them third in Group C. Finally, Jacynta Gala started up front before being subbed off in Sassuolo's 2–1 away win over Fiorentina, which sees them top Group B on the first matchday.
Sweden (Damallsvenskan & Elitettan) — Sayer scores on Grant's début, Siemsen scores against her old club from a Henry assist
Amy Sayer (pictured) levelled the scoring for Malmö FF in their 1–1 draw against Hammarby IF. She now has four Damallsvenskan goals to her name this season. Image source: Instagram (@malmo_ff).
Malmö kicked off the week with a huge clash, going up against title challengers and giants Hammarby at home. With the result ending 1–1, Amy Sayer struck to find the back of the net to equalise, cancelling out Hammarby's lead through an own goal by Swedish-born Serbian international Emma Petrović. Amy played the entirety of the match, while Courtney Nevin started before being replaced at half time by Charli Grant, who picked up a yellow card on her competitive début, both competing for the left back spot for club and country. The Blåe still sit in third place, but are long off the title, being 12 points behind second place (which their opponents Bajen occupy) and 16 off the top spot (which Häcken holds firm). Malmö are in a race of their own though, with AIK just two points behind them fighting for the third European spot, followed by Eskilstuna, Kristianstad and Vittsjö.
Remy Siemsen (centre) opened the scoring in FC Rosengård's 1–1 draw away with her old club Kristianstads DFF. The assist came from fellow Australian Bryleeh Henry, proving that a front three of those two and Isabel Gómez could be lethal if used properly. Image source: Instagram (@fcrosengard).
The club from the other side of Malmö was also held to a draw, with Rosengård drawing 1–1 away with fellow Scanian side Kristianstad. Remy Siemsen opened the scoring off the back of a Bryleeh Henry assist, scoring against her old club (whom she left at the end of last season). The duo played the entirety of the match, while Izzy Gómez came off the bench. Rosengård are still fighting for their lives though, sitting down in 13th place, the first of the two relegation spots. They need two points to surpass Norrköping and take the playoff spot, and four points to leave the relegation zone by overtaking Djurgården. Hopefully their Aussie front three can save them!
Polly Doran (pictured) picked up an assist for Linköping FC to help them return to the top of the Elitettan table. Image source: Instagram (@mia_eriksson83).
Aivi Luik played all of Häcken's 4–1 victory over AIK Stockholm at home, which secures their spot in first place, being four points clear of Hammarby. Bajen's aforementioned draw with Malmö helps Getingarna, who are searching for a second consecutive title and third ever title after their double-winning season last year. Meanwhile, Vittsjö drew 1–1 with Norrköping at home, though in a surprise move Daniela Galić was benched (hopefully to rest her for Vittsjö's next clash against Hammarby away), though she did come off the bench in the second half. Vittsjö are seventh, but unexpectedly only need four points and favourable results to overtake Malmö in third place (a Champions League qualifier spot). Finally, in the Elitettan, Linköping beat Enskede 2–1, with Polly Doran playing the whole match and bagging an assist. Linköping, who suffered a historic relegation last season, are two points clear at the top of the table and in the box seat for promotion, with Göteborg taking second place (the other promotion spot) over Elfsborg after they lost their first match of the season, losing 2–0 away to KIF Örebro to push them down to the promotion playoff spot.
Other leagues — Pumas cruise to an easy victory, Spartans suffer a hard defeat
In Mexico's Liga MX Femenil, Emily Gielnik came on as a substitute for Pumas UNAM, who cruised their way to a 5–0 battering of Querétaro at home. Pumas are currently fourth in Group B, but still have some way to go to reach the top, being six points behind current league leaders Club América.
In the Netherlands' Vrouwen Eredivisie, Cece Los was absent from the matchday squad for Twente, who smashed Den Haag 7–1 on the road to put themselves top of the table after the second matchweek.
Milly Boughton (pictured) will be hoping to play a more crucial role for Hibernian this season after being loaned out to Motherwell for the second half of last season after a lack of game time in the first half of the season. Image source: Instagram (@milly_boughton).
In Scotland's SWPL, Milly Boughton was an unused substitute for Hibernian while Kyah Simon wasn't in the squad at all, with Hibs defeating Partick Thistle 3–1 on the road. Hibs are now third on the ladder, on equal points with Hearts and Rangers above them and Celtic below them after all four teams made it two wins from two. Meanwhile, speaking of Glasgow Rangers, Emma McMurdo was an unused sub for newly-promoted Spartans as they suffered a whopping yet unsurprising 7–0 loss to a superior side in the Gers. The Spartans are nevertheless seventh, but at least they already have one point from their 1–1 draw away with the Jags on the opening day, with points being a rarity for newly-promoted sides.
Friendlies — Cooney-Cross scores a stunning but emotional goal in a huge friendly victory
In an emotional first match back for Kyra Cooney-Cross, the talented defensive midfielder scored a spectacular goal in Arsenal's 5–1 route over Charlton Athletic in a friendly match at Meadow Park. Image source: Instagram (@kyracooneyx).
In England, London City won 1–0 over Atlético Madrid at home, though Alanna Kennedy didn't feature in what's been a hugely upgraded squad for the Lionesses, making it unclear whether she'll remain at the club or seek a better opportunity elsewhere. Arsenal, meanwhile, kicked off their preseason with a 1–0 home win over Paris FC, before winning 5–1 at home over newly-promoted Charlton. In the match, Kyra Cooney-Cross scored from a stunning strike after coming on at half time in what was her first appearance since the tragic death of her mother from bile duct cancer. As for the other Aussie Gunners, Steph Catley started before being replaced while Caitlin Foord came off the bench, while for the Addicks, Emily van Egmond started before being subbed off.
Charlie Rule (left) played the entirety of a friendly match against Barcelona, with her Brighton & Hove Albion falling to a 3–1 defeat. She has an ambitious goal for the season, saying in her own words that her main goal is to secure a starting spot for the Matildas at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil next June. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
Elsewhere around the world, English sides also travelled to France and Spain. Aston Villa faced Teagan Micah's Lyon in what ended in a 3–1 win for the Lyonnes, with Teags not in the squad due to injury but making progress as she's returned to training. On the other hand, Dario Vidošić's Brighton lost 3–1 away at the hands of Barcelona, with Charlie Rule playing the whole game at right-back. To wrap things up, Newcastle drew 2–2 away with València, with Kaitlyn Torpey starting for the Magpies.
Transfer Talk — Hoban joins Torreense, various players stay or return home
Newcastle Jets striker Sophie Hoban (pictured) has joined Torreense in Campeonato Nacional Feminino. She joins former Adelaide United centre-back Ella Tonkin at the club, as well as three other Australians in the Portuguese top flight. Image source: Instagram (@torreensefeminino and @sophiehobes).
The transfer window is really starting to shape up as we come towards the end of what's been an incredible window for Aussie players. Sophie Hoban is the latest player to make the move overseas, joining Portuguese side Torreense in the Campeonato Nacional (Liga BPI) from Newcastle Jets in the A-League. She joins fellow new Aussie signing Ella Tonkin at the club after she joined from Adelaide United earlier this window. The pair will also be among five Australian players playing in the Portuguese top flight this season, with the other three being Margaux Chauvet at Valadares Gaia, Leah de Oliveira at Marítimo and Tilly McNamara at Racing Power.
Peta Trimis (pictured) has well-established herself as one of the most exciting players in the A-League Women. She'll be staying at Central Coast Mariners on a two-year contract, ensuring any potential overseas buyer must pay a fee to sign her. Image source: Instagram (@ccmariners, @ccmarinersw and @petaatrimiss).
As for the signings back home, it's becoming clearer which Aussies will be staying in the Dub next season as the league continues to seek to boost its global standing as one of the top 15 leagues in the world. As for Matildas returning home, Sharn Freier has returned to Brisbane Roar after an unsuccessful period at Wolfsburg, Jada Whyman has returned to Sydney FC after terminating her contract with AIK midseason and Jess Nash has been signed by Melbourne City after a season at Sassuolo. On the front of inter-league transfers, City have announced the return of Aimee Medwin, Izzy Hodgson joins the Roar after 11 seasons at Adelaide United and Sarah Langman has returned to Western Sydney Wanderers after being at Central Coast Mariners. For other departures, Rhianna Pollicina has decided to leave Melbourne Victory while Sydney have culled three players in Sofia Fante, Abbey Lemon and Caley Tallon-Henniker. Finally, for contract extensions, the Sky Blues have extended Young Matildas Rubi Sullivan's contract, while Young Matildas star Peta Trimis has extended her contract with Mariners for two years to ensure any overseas bidders pay the Mariners for her.
Player of the Week — Kyra Cooney-Cross
After a tough race for the award, I've named Kyra Cooney-Cross this week's Player of the Week! Well done Kyra!
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 & Europa Cup) — Carpenter assists twice in Chelsea's big home win
Ellie Carpenter (left) was outstanding for Chelsea against Real Sociedad, picking up two assists in a 5–2 victory at home, including one two French star Melvine Malard (right). Image source: Instagram (@melvine_malard).
The Champions League third qualifying round is now underway, with the first leg having been completed. Eintracht Frankfurt drew 1–1 at home with PSG, leaving their tie all square for the Adlers' trip to Paris. Hayley Raso came off the bench in the second half, while Jamilla Rankin was an unused sub. Meanwhile, Ellie Carpenter was on fire as she played whole game for Chelsea, assisting not one but two of Chelsea's goals in a 5–2 victory over Real Sociedad, who surprisingly made the qualifiers over Atlético Madrid. The Blues take a three-goal advantage away to San Sebastián.
Hana Lowry (pictured) on the ball for Vålerenga. Enga secured a 2–0 away victory over Radomlje, who finished second in last season's Slovenian Women's League (SŽNL). Image source: Instagram (@grabthemomentphoto).
The Europa Cup first qualifying round also kicked off, with the first legs having been played out ready for the second legs up next. Hana Lowry started for Vålerenga in their 2–0 away win over Radomlje, the reigning Slovenian runners-up. The Bohemene take a two-goal lead back to Oslo for the second leg. Torreense meanwhile won by a whopping 6–1 scoreline at home over Ukrainian side Kolos, taking a five-goal lead to the village of Kovalivka. Ella Tonkin played the entire match at centre-back for SCUT, a rising Portuguese side that she recently joined.
America (NWSL) — Arnold keeps a clean sheet as Portland rise up to third
Mackenzie Arnold (left) handing out roses to her Portland Thorns teammates after her clean sheet. The Rose City Riveters (the Thorns' active supporters' group) has a long tradition of giving out roses to players after matches. Image source: Instagram (@mackenziearnold).
Mackenzie Arnold kept a clean sheet for Portland Thorns in a 1–0 victory over new expansion franchise Denver Summit. The three points pushes the Thorns up to third place (thanks to San Diego Wave's 3–2 home win over Utah Royals) where they sit on equal point with Washington Spirit in second. For Macca, it was her first clean sheet in over a month, having failed to keep one in six straight matches. However, it does bring her total up to seven, putting her third in the Golden Glove race. She has one less clean sheet than Sandy MacIver, the Spirit's Scotswoman in goals, but still three less than German Gotham star Ann-Katrin Berger.
Sam Kerr (pictured) was honoured for her greatness as a described "global soccer icon" by the New York Yankees, who let her throw the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium. Image source: Instagram (@yankeestadium, @gothamfc, @samanthakerr20, @nwsl, @yankees).
Meanwhile, Gotham FC drew 0–0 away with Angel City. Sam Kerr, who recently threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the New York Yankees in the MLB (despite her Massachusetts-born wife Kristie Mewis being a Boston Red Sox fan), played the entire match up top, but there was clearly room for improvement for the NWSL all-time leading goalscorer. The point nevertheless affirms the Bats' seven-point lead at the top of the table after the Spirit lost 1–0 at home to Orlando Pride, though with the Thorns up next they'll need to stay on song in a title race clash at home on Friday night, or Saturday morning here in Australia.
Canada (NSL) — Vancouver secure a huge and important win
Tori Tumeth (centre) training for Vancouver Rise. The Rise are back in the playoff zone after a huge 5–1 victory over Ottawa Rapid on the road. Image source: Instagram (@vancouverrisefc).
Vancouver Rise secured a huge and hugely important win over Ottawa Rapid, beating them 5–1 away from home to push them back up to fourth place and in the playoff zone by a mere point. Tori Tumeth played the entirety of the match. Meanwhile, Calgary Wild went in front then came from behind to secure an entertaining 2–2 draw against second-placed Montréal Roses, which Kahli Johnson played the entirety of. While the Wild are pretty much out of contention for the playoffs and have been for months, being quite poor throughout the season, they do now have nine points, a major improvement from the two they had just earlier this month.
England (WSL) — Carpenter named in the PFA Team of the Year
Ellie Carpenter (pictured) has been named in the 2025–26 PFA Women's Super League Team of the Year (WSL TOTY) by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA). The award was voted by fellow players, proving that even the players themselves regard her among the world's best. Image source: Instagram (@elliecarpenterr).
World-class right-back and Matildas star Ellie Carpenter has received a major accolade after her immense début season with Chelsea, further adding to her claim of being the world's best female player in her position. She's been named in the PFA WSL Women's Team of the Year, which is a world-class team of the season consisting of the 11 best players of the season, as voted by WSL players. She's one of three Chelsea players in the team, with the other two being English goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and English forward Lauren James. The team also consists of Man City's Kerstin Casparij from the Netherlands, Arsenal's Emily Fox from the US and Tottenham's Tōko Koga from Japan, Arsenal's Mariona Caldentey from Spain, Man City's Yui Hasegawa from Japan and Man United's Jess Park from England in midfield, and Arsenal's Alessia Russo from England and Man City's Bunny Shaw from Jamaica up front. Congratulations Ellie!
Italy (Serie A Women's Cup) — Serie A Cup kicks off with Roma and Sassuolo wins
Wini Heatley (right) and Roma will be aiming to not only defend their Serie A Women and Women's Coppa Italia titles from last season, but also to win the Women's Supercoppa alongside their first ever title in the new Serie A Women's Cup. Image source: Instagram (@winiheatleyy).
The second ever edition of Italy's premier women's league cup competition, the Serie A Women's Cup, kicked off last weekend. Reigning runners-up Roma (who won the domestic double last season) kicked things off with a 2–0 away victory over Ternana. Wini Heatley came on as a substitute at half time in the win, which puts Roma top of Group A after the first match. Meanwhile, Alex Chidiac started before coming off for FC Como in their 1–1 draw away with AC Milan, which puts them third in Group C. Finally, Jacynta Gala started up front before being subbed off in Sassuolo's 2–1 away win over Fiorentina, which sees them top Group B on the first matchday.
Sweden (Damallsvenskan & Elitettan) — Sayer scores on Grant's début, Siemsen scores against her old club from a Henry assist
Amy Sayer (pictured) levelled the scoring for Malmö FF in their 1–1 draw against Hammarby IF. She now has four Damallsvenskan goals to her name this season. Image source: Instagram (@malmo_ff).
Malmö kicked off the week with a huge clash, going up against title challengers and giants Hammarby at home. With the result ending 1–1, Amy Sayer struck to find the back of the net to equalise, cancelling out Hammarby's lead through an own goal by Swedish-born Serbian international Emma Petrović. Amy played the entirety of the match, while Courtney Nevin started before being replaced at half time by Charli Grant, who picked up a yellow card on her competitive début, both competing for the left back spot for club and country. The Blåe still sit in third place, but are long off the title, being 12 points behind second place (which their opponents Bajen occupy) and 16 off the top spot (which Häcken holds firm). Malmö are in a race of their own though, with AIK just two points behind them fighting for the third European spot, followed by Eskilstuna, Kristianstad and Vittsjö.
Remy Siemsen (centre) opened the scoring in FC Rosengård's 1–1 draw away with her old club Kristianstads DFF. The assist came from fellow Australian Bryleeh Henry, proving that a front three of those two and Isabel Gómez could be lethal if used properly. Image source: Instagram (@fcrosengard).
The club from the other side of Malmö was also held to a draw, with Rosengård drawing 1–1 away with fellow Scanian side Kristianstad. Remy Siemsen opened the scoring off the back of a Bryleeh Henry assist, scoring against her old club (whom she left at the end of last season). The duo played the entirety of the match, while Izzy Gómez came off the bench. Rosengård are still fighting for their lives though, sitting down in 13th place, the first of the two relegation spots. They need two points to surpass Norrköping and take the playoff spot, and four points to leave the relegation zone by overtaking Djurgården. Hopefully their Aussie front three can save them!
Polly Doran (pictured) picked up an assist for Linköping FC to help them return to the top of the Elitettan table. Image source: Instagram (@mia_eriksson83).
Aivi Luik played all of Häcken's 4–1 victory over AIK Stockholm at home, which secures their spot in first place, being four points clear of Hammarby. Bajen's aforementioned draw with Malmö helps Getingarna, who are searching for a second consecutive title and third ever title after their double-winning season last year. Meanwhile, Vittsjö drew 1–1 with Norrköping at home, though in a surprise move Daniela Galić was benched (hopefully to rest her for Vittsjö's next clash against Hammarby away), though she did come off the bench in the second half. Vittsjö are seventh, but unexpectedly only need four points and favourable results to overtake Malmö in third place (a Champions League qualifier spot). Finally, in the Elitettan, Linköping beat Enskede 2–1, with Polly Doran playing the whole match and bagging an assist. Linköping, who suffered a historic relegation last season, are two points clear at the top of the table and in the box seat for promotion, with Göteborg taking second place (the other promotion spot) over Elfsborg after they lost their first match of the season, losing 2–0 away to KIF Örebro to push them down to the promotion playoff spot.
Other leagues — Pumas cruise to an easy victory, Spartans suffer a hard defeat
In Mexico's Liga MX Femenil, Emily Gielnik came on as a substitute for Pumas UNAM, who cruised their way to a 5–0 battering of Querétaro at home. Pumas are currently fourth in Group B, but still have some way to go to reach the top, being six points behind current league leaders Club América.
In the Netherlands' Vrouwen Eredivisie, Cece Los was absent from the matchday squad for Twente, who smashed Den Haag 7–1 on the road to put themselves top of the table after the second matchweek.
Milly Boughton (pictured) will be hoping to play a more crucial role for Hibernian this season after being loaned out to Motherwell for the second half of last season after a lack of game time in the first half of the season. Image source: Instagram (@milly_boughton).
In Scotland's SWPL, Milly Boughton was an unused substitute for Hibernian while Kyah Simon wasn't in the squad at all, with Hibs defeating Partick Thistle 3–1 on the road. Hibs are now third on the ladder, on equal points with Hearts and Rangers above them and Celtic below them after all four teams made it two wins from two. Meanwhile, speaking of Glasgow Rangers, Emma McMurdo was an unused sub for newly-promoted Spartans as they suffered a whopping yet unsurprising 7–0 loss to a superior side in the Gers. The Spartans are nevertheless seventh, but at least they already have one point from their 1–1 draw away with the Jags on the opening day, with points being a rarity for newly-promoted sides.
Friendlies — Cooney-Cross scores a stunning but emotional goal in a huge friendly victory
In an emotional first match back for Kyra Cooney-Cross, the talented defensive midfielder scored a spectacular goal in Arsenal's 5–1 route over Charlton Athletic in a friendly match at Meadow Park. Image source: Instagram (@kyracooneyx).
In England, London City won 1–0 over Atlético Madrid at home, though Alanna Kennedy didn't feature in what's been a hugely upgraded squad for the Lionesses, making it unclear whether she'll remain at the club or seek a better opportunity elsewhere. Arsenal, meanwhile, kicked off their preseason with a 1–0 home win over Paris FC, before winning 5–1 at home over newly-promoted Charlton. In the match, Kyra Cooney-Cross scored from a stunning strike after coming on at half time in what was her first appearance since the tragic death of her mother from bile duct cancer. As for the other Aussie Gunners, Steph Catley started before being replaced while Caitlin Foord came off the bench, while for the Addicks, Emily van Egmond started before being subbed off.
Charlie Rule (left) played the entirety of a friendly match against Barcelona, with her Brighton & Hove Albion falling to a 3–1 defeat. She has an ambitious goal for the season, saying in her own words that her main goal is to secure a starting spot for the Matildas at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil next June. Image source: Instagram (@matildas).
Elsewhere around the world, English sides also travelled to France and Spain. Aston Villa faced Teagan Micah's Lyon in what ended in a 3–1 win for the Lyonnes, with Teags not in the squad due to injury but making progress as she's returned to training. On the other hand, Dario Vidošić's Brighton lost 3–1 away at the hands of Barcelona, with Charlie Rule playing the whole game at right-back. To wrap things up, Newcastle drew 2–2 away with València, with Kaitlyn Torpey starting for the Magpies.
Transfer Talk — Hoban joins Torreense, various players stay or return home
Newcastle Jets striker Sophie Hoban (pictured) has joined Torreense in Campeonato Nacional Feminino. She joins former Adelaide United centre-back Ella Tonkin at the club, as well as three other Australians in the Portuguese top flight. Image source: Instagram (@torreensefeminino and @sophiehobes).
The transfer window is really starting to shape up as we come towards the end of what's been an incredible window for Aussie players. Sophie Hoban is the latest player to make the move overseas, joining Portuguese side Torreense in the Campeonato Nacional (Liga BPI) from Newcastle Jets in the A-League. She joins fellow new Aussie signing Ella Tonkin at the club after she joined from Adelaide United earlier this window. The pair will also be among five Australian players playing in the Portuguese top flight this season, with the other three being Margaux Chauvet at Valadares Gaia, Leah de Oliveira at Marítimo and Tilly McNamara at Racing Power.
Peta Trimis (pictured) has well-established herself as one of the most exciting players in the A-League Women. She'll be staying at Central Coast Mariners on a two-year contract, ensuring any potential overseas buyer must pay a fee to sign her. Image source: Instagram (@ccmariners, @ccmarinersw and @petaatrimiss).
As for the signings back home, it's becoming clearer which Aussies will be staying in the Dub next season as the league continues to seek to boost its global standing as one of the top 15 leagues in the world. As for Matildas returning home, Sharn Freier has returned to Brisbane Roar after an unsuccessful period at Wolfsburg, Jada Whyman has returned to Sydney FC after terminating her contract with AIK midseason and Jess Nash has been signed by Melbourne City after a season at Sassuolo. On the front of inter-league transfers, City have announced the return of Aimee Medwin, Izzy Hodgson joins the Roar after 11 seasons at Adelaide United and Sarah Langman has returned to Western Sydney Wanderers after being at Central Coast Mariners. For other departures, Rhianna Pollicina has decided to leave Melbourne Victory while Sydney have culled three players in Sofia Fante, Abbey Lemon and Caley Tallon-Henniker. Finally, for contract extensions, the Sky Blues have extended Young Matildas Rubi Sullivan's contract, while Young Matildas star Peta Trimis has extended her contract with Mariners for two years to ensure any overseas bidders pay the Mariners for her.
Player of the Week — Kyra Cooney-Cross
After a tough race for the award, I've named Kyra Cooney-Cross this week's Player of the Week! Well done Kyra!
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!
