Sydney FC’s Westfield W-League championship winning side begins the defence of its title this Saturday when they take on the Brisbane Roar at Ballymore Stadium (2pm kick-off) in a replay of last year’s Grand Final.
Sydney FC-s Westfield W-League championship winning side begins the defence of its title this Saturday when they take on the Brisbane Roar at Ballymore Stadium (2pm kick-off) in a replay of last year-s Grand Final.
Coached by Alen Stajcic, the Sky Blues W-League side will play ten matches in 2010/11 with home games at WIN Stadium in Wollongong, Campbelltown Stadium and Seymour Shaw Park in Miranda.
The defending Champions boast a formidable line-up for the third edition of Australia-s premier football competition and will be headlined by Matildas Heather Garriock, who will again be captain, Kyah Simon, Servet Uzunlar and Leena Khamis.
The team is also strengthened by the recruitment of Young Matildas standout Teresa Polias and former Central Coast Mariner Lydia Vandenbergh.
However, they will be without star striker Sarah Walsh who is likely to miss the entire season with a knee injury, while Uzunlar will join the team midseason after she fulfils her club commitments in Denmark.
After starting the season with away games against Brisbane and Melbourne, the champions first home game of the campaign will be against Adelaide United at WIN Stadium on Saturday 20 November (3pm kick-off).
“Being the title holders there will be a lot of pressure on us to keep it. I am sure every other team is going to be out to beat us but we are ready to take it on and really show them that we deserve to hold the title,” Simon said.
“Our preseason has been great. Hopefully going into this weekend-s game which is a grand final replay and really stamp some authority for the rest of the season. We just aim to play our game.”
Stajcic-s side have already sent an ominous warning to their opponents after progressing through the preseason with a series of dominant displays, including a 2-1 win over the Newcastle Jets.
Saturday-s Grand Final replay will be broadcast LIVE on ABC from 2pm on Saturday. ABC TV will again broadcast a ‘match of the week- live and exclusive on ABC1 and ABCHD throughout the 12 week competition and Westfield W-League 2011 Finals Series.
There will also be an extra incentive for the players this season with Westfield Matildas Head Coach Tom Sermanni looking to select his squad for the upcoming FIFA Women-s World Cup 2011 which will be played in Germany in June.
Sydney FC-s 2010/11 W-League squad:
Dimi Poulos – Goalkeeper
Teresa Polias – Midfield
Danielle Brogan – Defender
Alesha Clifford – Defender
Alanna Kennedy – Defender
Servet Uzunlar – Midfield
Heather Garriock (captain) – Midfield
Renee Rollason – Striker
Caitlin Foord – Striker
Kylie Ledbrook – Midfield
Lydia Vandenbergh
Catherine Canulli – Forward
Nicole Bolger – Midfield
Teigan Allen – Defender
Linda O-Neill – Midfield
Kyah Simon – Striker
Leena Khamis – Striker
Erin Herd – Goalkeeper
