Central Coast Mariners star Isabel Gomez made her CommBank Matildas debut and Canberra United legend Michelle Heyman scored in Australia’s 4-1 win over Argentina in an international friendly on Monday night.
Gomez came off the bench in front of a sell-out crowd in Canberra, where the Matildas eased past the South American visitors thanks to A-Leagues great Heyman, as well as a Amy Sayer double and Emily van Egmond’s goal.
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For the 22-year-old, it was capped an incredible comeback from injury. She earned a maiden national team call-up in November but heartbreakingly was not able to participate following a serious injury that left her sidelined for three months prior to returning in February.
“Just coming off the injury and to get called up again is just so special. To do it in Australia as well with my family watching, it’s an amazing feeling,” Gomez told Paramount+.
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Despite last year’s injury, Gomez ended her 2024-25 domestic campaign with a Championship and an international debut.
“It’s crazy to think,” Gomez said when asked if she thought it was possible after the injury.
“To be honest, no. It was such a hard injury and I didn’t think I’d get this far, so to get this far is amazing.”
After the game, debutant Gomez swapped shirts with her namesake from Argentina – Virginia Gomez – and she explained the cool reason why.
“I’m like, once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity, my first call-up to swap with another Gomez, why not?,” she smiled.
While Gomez donned the Green and Gold for the first time at senior level, all eyes were Canberra United icon Heyman while Melbourne City sensation Holly McNamara also came off the bench.
The legendary striker was a second-half substitute and scored in Tom Sermanni’s final game as interim head coach, with Joe Montemurro appointed on Monday.
“We knew she was going to come,” Sermanni said of Heyman. “It was great to see her come on and score.
“It doesn’t get much better than that front of her home crowd.”
It was an unforgettable occasion for Heyman, who added: “It was an incredible feeling. I always wanted to play in this stadium packed.
“I never thought the dream would happen so for myself to get out here tonight and play the game I love in front of friends, family and Canberra United fans, it just makes me so happy to be part of this game still.”
