20 March 2018

Heyman and Carpenter named in Matildas' squad for Asian Cup

| Lachlan Roberts
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Michelle Heyman reached two milestones in season 11 as she made her 100th Westfield W-League appearance and scored her 50th Canberra United goal. Photo: Stephanie Meek Photography, supplied by Canberra United.

Canberra United stars Michelle Heyman and Ellie Carpenter have been named in an experienced Matildas’ squad for the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Jordan next month as they aim to lift the Asian Cup trophy for the second time in their history.

Head coach Alen Stajcic’s final 23-player squad for the Asian Cup was announced on Monday as the team start a two-week training camp in WA.

The Asian Cup will also serve as Asia’s qualification process for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup which will be held in France.

The strong Australian side will enter the tournament with a wealth of international experience at their disposal with the 23-player squad having 1,108 ‘A’ international caps between them, at an average of just over 48 caps per player.

Stajcic is looking forward to the upcoming tournament and believes the players are focussed on the challenge ahead.

“The AFC Women’s Asian Cup is the major tournament on our calendar this year and will also be serving as a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier so there is plenty at stake,” Stajcic said.

“Looking to the tournament, we certainly do not underestimate any of our opposition. The Korea Republic have made great improvements in recent times and Japan are the defending champions so there will be definitely no complacency on our part.”

Heyman and Carpenter were important pieces in Heather Garriock’s Canberra United outfit in Season 11, with Heyman reaching two milestones as she made her 100th Westfield W-League appearance and scored her 50th Canberra United goal.

Carpenter continued to blaze a trail as one of the best young footballers in the country, with the 17-year-old awarded Canberra United’s player of the year.

The Matildas will play Japan, Korea Republic and Vietnam in Group B of the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, with the top five teams at the tournament qualifying for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

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