Jordan Thompson has been in Australia for a number of months now and as she begins to settle, the results have been very defensively positive.
The Sky Blues are now undefeated in their last six matches, with Thompson and the Sydney FC defence keeping a clean sheet in four of those and she believes that it not just the defenders that should be getting the credit for this.
Their resilience will be put to the test this weekend, in a Grand Final re-match when Western United host the Sky Blues as part of the A-Leagues Unite Round.
“Every team we play is going to be a big game obviously but being a Grand Final re-match there is some heightened excitement but for us this season has been focusing on the now and what’s happening this year.
“A lot of things happened last year that was amazing but we are focusing on us and what we can do each day,” she said.
“We are putting a huge emphasis on us and playing as a team.
“If we lose the ball, everyone is running back and we have a big focus on defence, even if you’re a forward, midfielder or centre back,” Thompson said.
The injuries have also been hitting the Sky Blues hard with a number of their forward line ruled out, but the American isn’t letting it get to her and her side.
“You hate to see anyone get injured and it has been tough with the injuries we have had, but we have great depth in our squad and it’s creating opportunities for others to step up.
“We’re just focused on controlling the controllables and injuries are just part of the game sadly, so we are just keeping a positive outlook on that, knowing we have a big squad to lean on.”
Unite Round will see all 12 teams from the Liberty & Isuzu UTE A-League competitions come to Sydney and Thompson is looking forward to sampling matches she wouldn’t have otherwise seen.
“I think this is an amazing opportunity for people to see soccer and be in the centre of it.
“I’ve never heard of anything like this and I am really excited to be a part of it and also getting to watch lots of games as well,” she said.
“This league is littered with so many good players, whether they are a Matilda or they’ve previously been in the Matildas or they’re up and coming.”
Finally, the 25-year-old reflected on what she has made of her short stint in Australia so far.
“I love it here. You can feel that everybody loves soccer here and is starting to become so invested in it.
“Going around the league and playing in front of 3,000 fans with Sydney fans always there has been really, really fun,” Thompson said.
“Every team is really good and no one is guaranteed a win on any given day, so overall my time so far has been great.”
Catch Jordan at Allianz Stadium on Sunday as part of Unite Round.
Match Details
Western United v Sydney FC
Liberty A-League Round 12
Sunday 14th January 2024
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 5:00pm AEDT
Gates Open: 4:00pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Play
Tickets: Click Here
