Catley predicts bright future for Westfield Matildas after successful Chile series

Steph Catley feels the Westfield Matildas can look to the future with confidence after completing a clean sweep of their two-game series with Chile.

The Westfield Matildas backed up their 2-1 win in front of a record crowd in Sydney on Saturday with a well-earned 1-0 triumph in Adelaide on Tuesday night.

Despite creating a host of chances - and missing a first-half penalty – Emily Gielnik’s 23rd-minute goal was enough to ensure Ante Milicic’s squad finish 2019 on a high.

While admitting the team are still striving to produce a 90-minute performance, Catley says there are positive signs heading towards next year’s Olympic Games qualifiers.

“I think it was a similar performance to the first game. We were up and down and had patches where we could have scored lots of goals but kind of just missed,” Catley told Matildas.com.au.

“We obviously missed the penalty. It was a good performance and for our first time back in camp in a while there's some really positive signs.

“We're looking forward to the future.”

REPORT: Gielnik's goal enough as Westfield Matildas complete sweep of Chile
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Midfielder Emily van Egmond, who made a late cameo off the bench at Coopers Stadium, added: “It was good to close out the two-game series with two wins.

“I think to close out the year with our last international game was a positive to finish on a high.

“We have a bit of work ahead of us with the qualifiers coming up and I know now that the girls will go to their respective W-League clubs they'll be in the best possible environments leading into that tournament.”

WATCH: Emily van Egmond reacts to 1-0 win over Chile

After more than 20,000 fans turned out to watch the side in action at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday, there was another sensational attendance in Adelaide on Tuesday night.

More than 10,000 were on hand for what was the Westfield Matildas first match in South Australia in 13 years.

“It's been absolutely awesome to be back in Adelaide. I love this stadium, I'd never played here before and I heard only good things,” Catley said.

“The field was amazing, the atmosphere was great and everyone felt really close. The Adelaide fans turned out in numbers so it was awesome.”

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This article was originally published on the CommBank Matildas website.
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