Cortnee Vine’s blistering kind for Sydney FC has been rewarded with a recall for the Matildas’ April pleasant in opposition to Mexico.
Vine withdrew from February’s Olympic qualifiers in opposition to Uzbekistan for private causes.
However with six objectives and three assists in her previous 5 A-League Girls video games, the 25-year-old winger made an irresistible case for a recall in opposition to world quantity 31 Mexico.
Leicester Metropolis defender Courtney Nevin, who was omitted of final month’s qualifiers, has additionally been recalled to Tony Gustavsson’s 23-player squad.
There was no room for in-form Melbourne Victory striker Emily Gielnik or Western Sydney Wanderers ahead Sophie Harding, who was a train-on in opposition to Uzbekistan.
Chloe Logarzo (hip) drops out, whereas Lydia Williams (ankle) and Charlie Rule (hip) stay sidelined together with Sam Kerr (anterior cruciate ligament).
The sport — which takes place in San Antonio, Texas, on April 10 Australian time — kicks off the Matildas’ preparations for the Olympics and doubles as a uncommon audition for the 18-player squad for the Paris Video games.
Mexico, who beat the USA 2-0 within the group stage on the latest continental Gold Cup, will pose a stern check for Gustavsson’s fees.
Forward of Thursday’s Olympics draw, Gustavsson stated the squad rewarded gamers for his or her particular person performances, whereas specializing in squad connection and chemistry.
“Following the achievement of Paris 2024 qualification, our consideration turns totally to making sure the perfect preparation when it comes to matches and coaching exercise for the Olympics,” Gustavsson stated in a press release.
“With our opponents revealed on the Olympic draw this Thursday, our extraordinarily difficult task over the approaching months, and subsequent two FIFA worldwide home windows, is to slim down on the ultimate 18 gamers that may present the perfect probability for achievement.
“That these choices can be tough speaks to the real depth and competitors for locations that we now have created over the previous three years.
“Sadly, as a consequence of restricted roster spots for the Olympics, that ends in some superb gamers in robust kind lacking out on choice for this window and for the Olympics.
“The upcoming worldwide in opposition to Mexico will see one eye on preparation mode in opposition to a high quality opponent … whereas additionally persevering with to implement our evolving enjoying type forward of what is going to be a really aggressive Olympic event.”
Matildas squad to face Mexico
Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah, Jada Whyman
Defenders: Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Charli Grant, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Aivi Luik, Cortnee Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Kaitlyn Torpey
Midfielders: Kyra Cooney-Cross, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Amy Sayer, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop
Forwards: Caitlin Foord, Michelle Heyman, Hayley Raso, Cortnee Vine.
AAP
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