WA’s Sam Kerr has returned to the goalscorer’s list ahead of the upcoming Asian Cup opening match against the Philippines at Perth Stadium next month.
Two of Australia’s superstar Matildas will fly home for the tournament in a buoyant mood after Mary Fowler made her first start in 315 days, while Kerr proved once again she’s the queen of the FA Cup with a smartly taken goal.
Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler celebrate a goal against the Philippines in Perth in late 2023.Getty
There had been plenty of questions over the readiness of the illustrious duo with Fowler having been sidelined for three weeks since making a 15-minute return for Manchester City following her long injury absence and Kerr cutting a frustrated figure for Chelsea with only bit-part cameos.
But with Australia’s opening match just a week away against the Philippines in Kerr’s Perth backyard, the pair chose the perfect moment to demonstrate their sharpness as they helped steer their sides into the quarter-finals of the Cup.
Kerr, who always seems to come alive during the Women’s FA Cup, having scored five goals in three final victories and netting a double against Crystal Palace in the previous round, this time transformed the fifth-round tie against Manchester United after coming on as a 72nd minute sub at Kingsmeadow.
On her 150th appearance for the Blues, the Matildas skipper soon livened up Chelsea’s stuttering attack, scoring within six minutes of her entrance, a left foot strike cannoning in off the post after fellow Aussie Ellie Carpenter’s delivery into the box wasn’t cleared.
“I know it’s not been easy for Sam, because she’s a competitive player who wants to play a lot of minutes, and I understand that,” Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor said, referring to how she’s so often used Kerr as a sub since she returned from her ACL injury.
“But those on the bench are really important for me, because they can make an impact when they come in. I think that’s what Sam did today, and it’s great for the team. I’m really happy for her.”
It spells more good news for Matildas’ boss Joe Montemurro, who had commented in the week on Kerr’s enthusiasm, noting “there’s something in Sam’s voice … there’s a buzz in the air when you speak to her.”