Ahead of the Sky Blues’ final round #SydneyDerby at Seymour Shaw this Sunday (kick off 4pm AEDT) we caught up with youngster Taylor Ray to chat about her Westfield W-League debut and first ever goal in Friday’s Australia Day #BigBlue at AAMI Park.
Your starting debut on Friday night, how much did you enjoy that?
I was definitely a bit nervous and excited. It was a great opportunity for me to play with the likes of Chloe Logarzo and Lisa De Vanna and all the girls. It was a privilege to get to start my first game.
On the big stage at AAMI Park in front of a big crowd, did you enjoy that experience?
Yeah for sure. The atmosphere makes everything amazing and to play against Melbourne, to prove myself against them and just play the best I could was awesome.
What were the feelings like when you scored your first goal?
I couldn’t believe it at the start, I had the opportunity and they said ‘if you have the chance take the shot’, so when it went in I was like ‘wow’. It really makes you believe in yourself that when you can take your chances it pays off. It was a great feeling, especially for my first W-League goal, I’m very happy with it.
Has it all sunk in yet, making your debut and scoring?
I don’t think it’ll sink in for a couple more weeks. Hopefully I get to go out again this weekend and show myself to the team and competitors what I can do.
How much do you enjoy playing for Sydney FC?
It’s terrific, it can really develop me as a player, playing with the experienced players like Chloe and Leddy [Kylie Ledbrook]. They’ve really been helping me out in midfield by giving my tips, one on one coaching I guess. It’s great that everyone is out to help out us younger girls.
What sort of tips have the squad been passing on to you?
They’ve just been telling me to always be scanning my shoulder and making more movements and taking more shots, dribbling into space. Just practising different techniques.
What goals have you set yourself for the rest of the season?
Just when I get out on the pitch, it would be good to get another goal and some assists. It really want to work on my defence too.
What sort of match are you expecting on Sunday in the #SydneyDerby?
We just want to go out and show them how we can play, keep the ball and create opportunities. With the Derby there’s going to be a lot of pressure but we’ll go out there and show them how we can play.
What would it mean for you to play in the Derby?
Just playing in such a great team against a fiery Wanderers, it’ll mean a lot to me because I’ve been working really hard in training so I just want to go out there and prove to myself that even though I’m young what capabilities I have.
Catch the Sky Blues’ Westfield W-League squad in action this Sunday at Seymour Shaw in the final round of the season in a massive #SydneyDerby. Get down early for a free girls skills training and witness a WPL 1 trial match between Sutherland Shire Football Association and Southern Districts (kick off 1pm AEDT).
The Girls Only Training Session details are available here.
AFC Champions League Memberships are now available! Purchase yours and be at Sydney Football Stadium for our three blockbuster Group Stage clashes as we go on our #QuestToBeTheBest! Click here to secure your seats.
