Brown on the board for Matildas
AUSTRALIAN soccer player Ashley Brown has scored her first international goal, opening the scoring in the Matildas’ 4-0 win over Haiti in the United States recently.
AUSTRALIAN soccer player Ashley Brown has scored her first international goal, opening the scoring in the Matildas’ 4-0 win over Haiti in the United States recently.
The 17-year-old winger found the back of the net after six minutes of play, when she curled a corner kick towards goal that was deflected over the line.
“It was really cool, I couldn’t believe it,” Brown told The AJN.
“It was a funny goal actually, because it was a deflection off one of the defenders, so I didn’t even know if it would count as mine or not.
“But I was just happy that we were 1-0 up because that was the first [goal] in that game.”
The youngster has now featured for the Matildas on six occasions after tours to Japan and the United States, which comes after seven appearances in Australia’s under-17 and under-20 sides.
“It’s really exciting at the moment,” Brown said.
“To have two overseas trips and multiple camps is a really cool way to be introduced into the Matildas squad.
“You’ve got nothing to lose, so you just go out there and give it your best.”
Brown made her debut against New Zealand in June and has continued to leave her mark on Australian soccer.
“It’s really crazy,” Brown said with a laugh.
“I always said I wanted to play in the Matildas and now I am.
“I don’t think I realise how much I have really achieved until someone says it.”
She has now returned to Australia to play for the Melbourne Victory in the W-League’s upcoming 2012/2013 season, as well as finish her schooling career with the upcoming VCE exams.
“Both [school and soccer] are really important to me,” Brown said.
“I know I have to concentrate on my school just as much as soccer, so I should be able to give it a real go.”
ASHLEY SHENKER
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