Central Coast Mariners star Isabel Gomez has completed her incredible comeback after being called up for the Matildas’ upcoming series against Argentina.
The 22-year-old 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.
Since making her return for the Mariners, she has been in electric form, steering her side into this Sunday’s Ninja A-League Grand Final with a 121st minute goal against invincible Premiers Melbourne City over the weekend.
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A return to the Matildas fold completes what has been a remarkable story unfolding in the A-Leagues.
Interim head coach Tom Sermanni has also selected uncapped former Ninja A-League stars Morgan Aquino (now with DC Power) and Kahli Johnson (now with Calgary Wild) in a 23-player squad to take on the World No. 33 in Melbourne (May 30) and Canberra (June 2) in the coming weeks.
Gomez is joined by Melbourne City’s Leah Davidson, Holly McNamara and Bryleeh Henry, Canberra United’s Michelle Heyman and Newcastle Jets defender Tash Prior as the representatives from the domestic competition.
“We were pleased with how the group responded during the Korea Republic series as it showed that we have solid foundations as we continue to build depth and work on strengthening areas of improvement,” Sermanni said.
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“This squad selection rewards players who have performed well, both here in Australia and overseas. It’s important we continue to create a competitive environment while also giving opportunities to those who’ve earned their place.”
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“Every window brings us closer to the Asian Cup, and each match is a chance to improve our identity, develop our playing style further, and build the cohesion we’ll need to be successful next year.”
Vice-captain Ellie Carpenter and experienced midfielder Katrina Gorry are unavailable after being granted personal leave. While goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold (lower leg) and midfielder Tameka Yallop (hamstring) have been ruled out due to injury.
Full Matildas squad for series against Argentina
| NAME | POSITION | CLUB | ‘A’ CAPS (GOALS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan AQUINO | Goalkeeper | DC Power | 0 (0) |
| Steph CATLEY (C) | Defender | Arsenal WFC | 137 (7) |
| Kyra COONEY-CROSS | Midfielder | Arsenal WFC | 57 (1) |
| Leah DAVIDSON | Midfielder | Melbourne City FC | 3 (1) |
| Caitlin FOORD | Forward | Arsenal WFC | 135 (38) |
| Isabel GOMEZ | Midfielder | Central Coast Mariners FC | 0 (0) |
| Charlotte GRANT | Defender | Tottenham Hotspur WFC | 33 (1) |
| Winonah HEATLEY | Defender | FC Nordsjælland | 7 (0) |
| Bryleeh HENRY | Forward | Melbourne City FC | 4 (1) |
| Michelle HEYMAN | Forward | Canberra United FC | 77 (29) |
| Clare HUNT | Defender | Tottenham Hotspur WFC | 32 (1) |
| Alanna KENNEDY | Defender | Angel City FC | 135 (11) |
| Kahli JOHNSON | Forward | Calgary Wild FC | 0 (0) |
| Holly McNAMARA | Forward | Melbourne City FC | 7 (0) |
| Teagan MICAH | Goalkeeper | Unattached | 22 (0) |
| Courtney NEVIN | Defender | Leicester City WFC | 31 (0) |
| Natasha PRIOR | Defender | Newcastle Jets FC | 7 (2) |
| Jamilla RANKIN | Defender | TSG Hoffenheim | 2 (0) |
| Amy SAYER | Midfielder | Kristianstads DFF | 11 (1) |
| Kaitlyn TORPEY | Forward | Portland Thorns FC | 14 (1) |
| Emily VAN EGMOND (VC) | Midfielder | Birmingham City WFC | 158 (31) |
| Clare WHEELER | Midfielder | Everton WFC | 28 (2) |
| Jada WHYMAN | Goalkeeper | AIK FC | 0 (0) |
