Western Sydney Wanderers forward Sophie Harding has been called into the Matildas squad for the first time after Cortnee Vine’s withdrawal ahead of this month’s Olympic Games qualifier against Uzbekistan.
Vine was one of five Liberty A-League stars in the 23-player squad set to for a two-game home-and-away series against Uzbekistan on February 24 and 28, with the series winner booking a spot at the Paris Olympic Games as one of two Asian Football Confederation (AFC) representatives.
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But Sydney FC forward Vine has dropped out of the squad due to personal reasons, leading to a maiden call-up for Harding while Melbourne City’s teenage sensation Daniela Galic will join the Matildas as a train-on player in Dubai.
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Harding has enjoyed a breakout season in 2023-24 – the 24-year-old has scored nine goals in 15 matches to sit second in the Golden Boot standings.
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Galic, 17, has five goals and four assists for Liberty A-League leaders City this season.
In the Young Matildas’ squad for next month’s AFC Under-20 Women’s Asian Cup in Uzbekistan, the midfielder will re-join Australia’s youth side for the final phase of the tournament.
