Sydney FC squad announced for title defence
Sydney FC are confident they can defend their Westfield W-League title in 2013/14 after Head Coach Alen Stajcic unveiled a strong 18 player squad, including six current Matildas and five Young Matildas.
The Sky Blues also have four new faces including prolific English striker Jodie Taylor and experienced goalkeeper Casey Dumont, who joins from Brisbane Roar.
The 2012/13 Championship winners have also added centre half Alesha Clifford, who impressed in two games against the Sky Blues last season as well as central midfielder Trudi Camilleri, both from Western Sydney Wanderers.
“I-m very happy with the make-up of our squad this season,” said Head Coach Alen Stajcic. “We have the right mix of experience and youth and I-m hoping we can go all of the way again.”
“We are building a strong team at Sydney FC, one I hope can continue to be successful in future years.”
27-year old forward Jodie Taylor has a career record of 56 goals in 75 games, including 12 in 21 during a two year stint with Melbourne Victory (2010-2012). She joins having spent most of 2013 playing for Göteborg FC in the Swedish Women-s Premier League where she hit 10 goals in 10 games.
“Jodie has a fantastic goalscoring pedigree as W-League fans will know,” said Stajcic. “I-m really looking forward to seeing her fit into our squad.”
Matildas Samantha Kerr and Caitlin Foord also return for another season, bringing with them more experience and quality after successful stints playing in the United States National Women-s Soccer League.
Influential captain Danielle Brogan and forward Leena Khamis are fit again after both missed last season with serious knee injuries, while Natalie Tobin, Chloe Logarzo, Amy Harrison, Elizabeth Ralston and Sham Khamis have gained more maturity with the Westfield Young Matildas squad, narrowly going down to Japan on penalties in the Final of the ASEAN Football Federation Women-s Championship in Myanmar this week.
The Sky Blues will travel to Japan in November to compete in the 2013 mobcast Cup International Women's Club Championship where they will test themselves against representatives from Europe, Asia and South America.
“It will be a fantastic experience and an honour to be representing Australia and Asia,” said Sydney FC vice-captain Teresa Polias. “The whole squad is looking forward to it and I-m sure the club will benefit hugely from the trip.”
The competition takes place between the 29th of November and 8th of December with German club Wolfsburg and Colo Colo from Chile (respective Champions from Europe and South America) also invited to take part.
Sydney FC-s W-League team will play against MacArthur Rams at Campbelltown Stadium this Saturday in their first pre-season game. Kick off is at 2:30pm and the Sky Blues will be holding FREE football clinics run by the W-League players and coaching staff for all kids on the day from 1pm-2pm. Head to the Stadium early to participate in these mini clinics!
The Sydney FC 2013/14 Westfield W-League Playing Squad is:-
Goalkeepers Casey Du Mont Sham Khamis
Defenders Danielle Brogan (captain) Alesha Clifford Caitlin Foord Amy Harrison Ellyse Perry Elizabeth Ralston Renee Rollason
Midfielders Teresa Polias (vice-captain) Nicola Bolger Trudi Camilleri Samantha Kerr Chloe Logarzo Natalie Tobin
Forwards Leena Khamis Emma Kete Jodie Taylor