It’s taken Kristen Hamilton a bit of time to get used to the roads in Australia but the US import has been right at home on the pitch after starring in Western Sydney Wanderers win over Brisbane Roar.
The American international scored a sublime hat-trick as the Wanderers continued their 100% record with a 3-1 triumph at Lions FC Stadium.
And Hamilton created a slice of history in the process, becoming the first Wanderers player ever to net a treble in the Westfield W-League.
Roar simply had no answer to Hamilton’s combination with compatriot Lynn Williams, with the pair running riot over the 90 minutes.
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Williams provided the pace, power and ammunition, while Hamilton stole the show with her finishing, including a rocket to complete her hat-trick after the break.
“We’re best friends off the field and we connect well on the field,” Hamilton told Fox Sports of her combination with Williams.
“I definitely don’t get three goals without her tonight.
“She’s all over the place, she makes defenders think twice about leaving her and coming to defend me. It makes my job easy having her on my team.”
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The win has taken the Wanderers to the top of the Westfield W-League ladder, with only themselves and Sydney FC possessing a perfect record so far.
The Red and Black have never made the Finals Series in their history but are on course to do just that – and possibly even more – after their eye-catching start.
“I don’t think [it could have gone any better],” admitted Hamilton.
“We wanted to get off to a good start and we’ve obviously done that the first three games.
“But I think there’s a lot to improve.”
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This is Hamilton’s first season in the Westfield W-League, having preferred to use her NWSL off-season to “rest and recuperate” in the past.
But the chance to be a part of a potential Wanderers revolution was too good to pass up.
“I’ve heard such great things about the league and Western Sydney, I knew a couple of girls who had played here in the past,” she said.
“I was excited about the new facilities, new coaching staff, kind of a new team and a chance to make an imprint.”
And what about the toughest part of her time Down Under so far?
“The driving is a little difficult,” she admitted.
“I’ve done it and I will say I’m a little more comfortable now, I can drive on the highway so I’m good.”
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