A spectacular, long-range Kyra Cooney-Cross strike helped the CommBank Matildas cruise to a crushing 5-0 win over New Zealand in an international friendly on Friday night.
The former Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory star found the top corner from just past the centre circle to score the fourth of five goals in a resounding win for Australia at polytec Stadium, home of the Central Coast Mariners, in the first of a two-game friendly series against New Zealand.
Cooney-Cross’ stunning sealer came after goals to Ellie Carpenter, Amy Sayer and Hayley Raso and before a Katrina Gorry sealer as New Zealand were comprehensively defeated in Gosford.
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Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro named Ninja A-League stars Holly McNamara, Michelle Heyman, Chloe Lincoln and Tameka Yallop on his bench for the friendly clash, with McNamara, Heyman and Yallop all receiving minutes in the 4-0 win.
McNamara assisted Gorry to make it 5-0 at polytec Stadium in a game that could have ended 6-0 if not for Newcastle Jets goalkeeper Anna Leat’s penalty save to deny Steph Catley from the spot late in the game.
The All Whites starting XI featured five Ninja A-League players: Canberra United defender Elizabeth Anton, Jets duo Leat and Kelli Brown, Wellington Phoenix defender CJ Bott and Melbourne City forward Deven Jackson.
All but one Round 5 fixtures in the Ninja A-League were rearranged for the current FIFA international window, as internationals at clubs around the Ninja A-League pause their domestic commitments to represent their respective nations.
But there is one Ninja A-League fixture on the weekend agenda: Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory at the Home of the Matildas on Sunday, November 30.
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