Westfield Matildas gun Katrina Gorry has revealed how one phone call convinced her to gamble on an unknown adventure and completely reshape her Tournament of Nations preparations.
On the back of her involvement at the AFC Women's Asian Cup, Gorry has emerged as a key figure for Utah Royals in the club's debut season in the National Women's Soccer League.
Arriving late to the squad has not stopped the dynamic midfielder from quickly acclimatising to new surrounds with 13 appearances already accrued on her second stint in the United States.
But, as explained to matildas.footballaustralia.com.au, she could well have been turning out on a different continent if not for a timely chat with Royals coach and former Arsenal manager Laura Harvey.
"I planned to sign in Japan again for this season until the coach called me and told me that Utah was being established," Gorry explained.
"Pretty much from there she told me about all the facilities they were going to have and the money that they had to support the club and I think that's what kind of compelled me.
"I've been pretty excited since the day I landed.
"The facilities are absolutely incredible, something I've never experienced in my football career before.
"I wasn't exactly sure what to expect because they are such a new club but it's one of the most incredible clubs I've ever played at."
The 25-year-old has just as swiftly come to develop a fondness for the "really funky city" of Utah, home to both the Royals and Major League Soccer partner club Real Salt Lake.
While their debut year hasn't gone entirely to plan, the Royals remain in contention for a post-season spot just over a month out from the end of the season.
"I think a couple of results haven't gone our way but that's football," Gorry said.
"Being such a new to team, getting to know everyone is always difficult but we've done well and we've got quite a few games coming up that we can get a few points from and hopefully get into the top four."
For now, the 68-time international is set to turn her attention back to the Westfield Matildas and this month's Tournament of Nations.
Australia will again meet Brazil, Japan and the United States and Gorry is eager to build on the stunning success of last year's inaugural edition, when a maiden win over the host nation led to lifting the trophy.
WATCH THE WESTFIELD MATILDAS IN ACTION AT THE TOURNAMENT OF NATIONS WHEN THEY TAKE ON BRAZIL, USA AND JAPAN FROM 27 JULY LIVE ON FOX SPORTS
"To have our first win against America last year is still pretty special to us, but we lost to Japan in the Asian Cup so I think there's that added fire in our bellies to beat these teams not just once or twice but consecutively," she said.
"This is a big tournament for us.
"I think we need to take confidence out of that US game. Obviously they're a powerhouse of women's football and no matter who they put on the field it's always going to be a tough game.
"We have to take the confidence from beating them last year."
2018 Tournament of Nations – Westfield Matildas Match Schedule
Brazil v Westfield Matildas
Date: Thursday, 26 July 2018 (local)
Venue: Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kansas
Kick-off: 3.15pm (local) (6.15am AEST – Friday, 27 July 2018)
Broadcast: LIVE in Australia on FOX SPORTS 507
USA v Westfield Matildas
Date: Sunday, 29 July 2018 (local)
Venue: Pratt & Whitney Stadium, East Hartford, Connecticut
Kick-off: 7pm (local) (9am AEST – Monday, 30 July 2018)
Broadcast: LIVE in Australia on FOX SPORTS 505
Westfield Matildas v Japan
Date: Thursday, 2 August 2018 (local)
Venue: Toyota Park, Bridgeview, Illinois
Kick-off: 4.45pm (local) (7.45am AEST – Friday, 3 August 2018)
Broadcast: LIVE in Australia on FOX SPORTS 505
