The Matildas are facing a crucial juncture as they prepare for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup in the United States without their talismanic captain Sam Kerr. The star striker, who has been sidelined for over a year with a ruptured ACL, recently found herself in the headlines for non-sporting reasons after a high-profile trial in London ended last week.
Kerr was found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment for an incident involving a police officer in January 2023. With that legal case now behind her, the 31-year-old Chelsea forward is focusing all her energy on completing her rehabilitation and making a long-awaited return to the pitch.
Carpenter Throws Support Behind Kerr
Stepping into a leadership role in Kerr’s absence, Matildas vice-captain Ellie Carpenter voiced her unwavering support for her teammate. The 24-year-old, who has overcome her own ACL injury to once again be a key figure for the national team, empathized with the challenges Kerr has faced.
“We hope she’s OK with her well being, obviously it has been a very challenging time for her. And secondly, we really hope her rehab journey with her knee is going well and we all can’t wait to see her back on the pitch with her club.
That’s such a hard and lengthy journey, as I’ve been through as well. I really hope that she’s back on the pitch doing what she loves, and that’s going to be the best thing.”
Ellie Carpenter, Matildas Vice-Captain
Rising Expectations Post-World Cup
Carpenter, who has amassed 84 caps since her international debut in 2016, has witnessed firsthand the Matildas’ meteoric rise in popularity and the heightened scrutiny that accompanies such success. Coming off a historic World Cup campaign on home soil, the spotlight on the team has never been brighter.
“Post-World Cup the Matildas were put on the map more so than before. That’s a thing with being part of a team that was so successful.
That brings a couple of things on and off the pitch. The girls know that and we have experienced over the past couple of years that change in our lives.”
Ellie Carpenter
Balancing Results and Renewal at SheBelieves Cup
The upcoming tournament in the US offers an opportunity for the Matildas to regain momentum after a mixed bag of results following their landmark World Cup run. Under interim head coach Tom Sermanni, the emphasis will be on blending the desire to lift the trophy with the need to blood new talent.
Since taking the helm last year, Sermanni has already handed six players their international debuts. Carpenter expects that trend of rejuvenation to continue at the SheBelieves Cup, while still maintaining the attacking philosophy that has become synonymous with the Matildas.
“We want to get back to the Australian way. We want to score goals, play exciting football.
It’s great we have young players coming through. We have experienced players, and I think right now we’re at a perfect way with our depth. The young players have come in, they’ve really done well proving themselves on the international stage, and this tournament will be another great opportunity for them as well.”
Ellie Carpenter
Marquee Clashes Await in US
Australia will open their SheBelieves Cup campaign against familiar foes Japan on February 21 AEDT before meeting hosts United States and Colombia. These clashes with fellow top-ranked nations will provide a stern test for Sermanni’s mix of experienced heads and up-and-coming talents.
With the 2024 Paris Olympics on the horizon and the Matildas set to host the 2025 Women’s Asian Cup, this upcoming tournament takes on added significance. While the team will undoubtedly miss Sam Kerr’s world-class finishing and leadership, they remain confident in their ability to once again capture the hearts of the Australian public.
As for Kerr, her club and country will eagerly await her return to the field, but are determined not to rush the prolific goalscorer. Having their skipper back fit and firing will be critical to the Matildas’ hopes of Olympic glory and Asian Cup success on home soil.
In the meantime, it falls to the likes of Ellie Carpenter, as well as forwards Caitlin Foord and Mary Fowler, to drive the team forward and continue the upward trajectory that has made the Matildas one of the most exciting and beloved national teams in Australia.
