Jordan Silkowitz is the latest American to make an impression in the Liberty A-League. She has high hopes, just like Brisbane Roar. This is her story after making history in the NWSL Draft.
With our interview wrapping up after almost 40 minutes, there was a telling moment that provided an insight into Jordan Silkowitz the person.
Being from the United States, the conversation naturally shifted to American sports for a brief period – sometimes who a person roots for says a lot about them.
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“I’m a New York Giants fan but I will root for Jason Kelce even though he plays for the Philadelphia Eagles,” the Virginia native told aleagues.com.au, referring to the NFL, where the Giants and Eagles share a deep rivalry.
“He is just a good person. That’s me as a player, I have all these ambitions professionally, but I want to be known as a good human and good teammate. That’s the most important to me.
“Hard work will get you places and just being a good person. Doing the little things – just saying hi to people will get you places. It doesn’t cost anything to be kind.”
Also a big family person, the smile on Silkowitz’s face as she shared her matchday tradition said it all.
“Obviously I’m far from home, so I tape my fingers before games and before every game I write my family on my tape so it’s like they’re there with me,” she said.
“They’re coming over for Christmas, so I’m pumped. (It’s the) first time they will watch me (play) professionally.”
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Making history in the NWSL
Silkowitz is only at the beginning of her footballing journey, but she is already making a strong impression with Brisbane Roar, where she is on loan.
It comes after making history in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The 23-year-old became the first player to be drafted into the NWSL out of Iowa State after she was selected by Kansas City Current. She was also the first goalkeeper ever drafted by the Current.
“It’s still so surreal. I’m so grateful. I actually started out at a different university in the States. I was at Ohio State and spent two years before transferring,” she reflected.
“I want to put Iowa State on the soccer map. To be Iowa’s first-ever draft pick to the NWSL was a really special moment. I’m honoured and grateful to represent the program.
“That night, it was in Philadelphia. It was two hours from my house. As a kid, you always watched the NBA draft, NFL draft, you watch the NWSL draft and you think wow that’s so cool. You dream of that moment.
“It was a little nerve-racking because there is that potential that you don’t get drafted. You have no idea what’s going to happen. I jump remember walking in and thinking wow I’m actually at the NWSL Draft. Regardless of what happens, I’m grateful to be here.
“I said to my parents, I was like ‘I’m nervous’. If I get drafted, it’s end of fourth round. Nothing crazy. Do we even have to go for the first two rounds just because I was nervous.
“So we get there and you’re seeing all the players. My heel had just broken, so I had to change into a different pair of shoes right before I got called. All of a sudden, ‘Kansas City with the 18th pick – Jordan Silkowitz’.
“Honestly I think I blacked out. I was in such shock. I couldn’t believe what was happening. A childhood dream since I knew what soccer was. I still don’t have words for it.”
Liberty A-League was always on the map
When Silkowitz’s name was called out in the second round in the 2023 NWSL Draft, it fulfilled a childhood dream.
But a temporary move to Australia was always part of the plan.
“Being in the league, I have to sit behind two legends – Cassie Miller and Adrianna Franch. Just got to learn a lot as a young goalkeeper,” she said. “It’s my first year as a pro straight out of college, so it was just a big year to be a sponge and learn from those two.
“I knew for my development, I needed to get games. My agent and I just sat down and spoke with our goalkeeper coach. We’ve been looking at the A-League since I first got drafted.
“What is my long-term plan? That was definitely on the cards and it was amazing that it worked out.”
She is the latest American to make an impact, not only with the Roar but in the A-Leagues.
Countrywoman and fellow goalkeeper Hensley Hancuff spent last season on loan in Brisbane from Gotham FC.
Hillary Beall has also enjoyed great success in the competition at Western United – crowned the Liberty A-League Goalkeeper of the Year, and she is back for more on loan from Racing Louisville FC.
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“Just the environment and the atmosphere and the league itself,” she reflected on the move on the back of the success of Hancuff and Beall. “Also the timing of it is perfect for the American goalkeeper situation.
“Seeing them come down here and have great stints – hearing how much they’ve enjoyed the time down here made the jump easier.”
This is Silkowitz’s first taste of top-flight football at senior level and she has hit the ground running with the Roar.
Since making her debut away to Melbourne Victory in round one, she has emerged as another stellar pickup by the Roar from the United States. She produced an inspired performance to help Brisbane earn a draw away to Central Coast Mariners last week.
“I actually landed on Thursday and we played Melbourne Victory on Sunday,” Silkowitz recalled.
“Landed on Thursday, got all my testing done on Friday, and travelled with the team on Saturday to go play on Sunday.
“I hit the ground running when I got here. It was a very quick turnaround. I was still waking up at 3am.”
Making the game fun and Brisbane’s ultimate goal
As Silkowitz reels off the list of goalkeepers she draws inspiration from, it’s clear how she wants to play.
USA legends Hope Solo and Tim Howard were big influences growing up, but Canada’s Kailen Sheridan and German duo Manuel Neuer and Marc-Andre ter Stegen paint a picture.
“Sheridan, I really admire and love how she plays. How bold she is with the ball at her feet,” she said. “That’s how I want to be.
“I love making the game fun. I don’t want to just be a goalkeeper, I want to be the 11th player on the field. I try to do that.
“Whatever the game gives me, I try to take advantage and see how I can make the game a little interesting.”
Silkowitz, whose long-term goal is headlined by her ambition to represent the United States at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympics, added: “I really like how Neuer, Ter Stegen, Sheridan play. I really like to be out on the field and that 11th player. Not just be a last resort.
“I like to play in possession and be involved and help start the attack. Obviously as a goalkeeper, the goal is to defend the goal like the last line of defence but in my eyes, you’re also the first line of attack.
“When that transition happens, if it’s in your hands, how can you make it happen quickly? All those three goalkeepers play bold and aren’t afraid with the ball at their feet. So many times people are afraid to fail and obviously you are the last line, so if you mess up it is highlighted. But watching how bold they are. They mess up too. Just having that confidence in yourself and ability.”
Her form has helped Brisbane make an impressive start to the season.
The Roar have seven points from four games to sit fourth in the standings, having kicked off the campaign with wins over Victory and reigning champions Sydney FC.
They are two-time Liberty A-League champions but their last triumph came back in 2011, having lost the 2012 and 2014 Grand Finals. Brisbane also finished 11 points outside the top four in 2022-23.
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But Silkowitz and the Roar are on a mission this season. That is evident after the departure of Garrath McPherson this week, with former Roar and Melbourne City assistant Alex Smith appointed as the club promised to hold the team to “high expectations”.
“Top four, top one is our goal,” Silkowitz said. “Everyone’s eyes are fixed on that.
“Everyone has bought in. Our owners, CEO Kaz (Patafta) and Zac (Anderson), they have been incredible. Continuing to push that standard. That’s our goal.
“We’re not settling for anything less than that. Taking it one game on that but our eyes are fixed on top spot.”
Silkowitz and the Roar are also preparing to play their first game on home soil after back-to-back fixtures on the road.
It will be their first game in Brisbane since a standalone club-record crowd of 3,679 watched the Roar trump Sydney 1-0 in Round 2.
Silkowitz, who loves to bake during her time away from football, said: “It was incredible to have that much support from people and people caring about the game. It really is home-field advantage.
“You look over and see the hill is packed, the stand is packed. People are standing all around the field. Playing at home is special.”
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