‘Chloe is a fighter, but she also understands where she’s at’: Matildas star Logarzo pushing for start

Western United coach Mark Torcaso is confident Chloe Logarzo will be fit and firing in time for the World Cup, but the star Matilda may need to wait a little bit longer before being handed a starting role at club level.

Logarzo made her return from a torn ACL in October, but is still working her way back to full fitness in what has been a slow-but-steady approach.

The 28-year-old has made five cameos off the bench for United this A-League Women season, and her recent form has been irresistible.

Logarzo scored two goals to knock off ladder leaders Melbourne City last month, and added another last week to help her side come from behind in a 3-2 win over Perth Glory.

United, in their inaugural season, will be aiming to notch their sixth straight win when they host winless Wellington on Saturday.

Logarzo is keen to earn a start soon, but Torcaso is planning to hold her back for a bit longer.

“She’s building her minutes for the World Cup,” Torcaso said.

“She probably wanted to start (against Glory last week), but she’s got a few more weeks to make sure she’s ready for 90-minute games.

Chloe is a fighter, but she also understands where she’s at. She’s bought into this club, and she’s really driven by making sure she’s ready for the World Cup.

Logarzo will return to Kansas City when her loan deal at United expires.

Her time in the US National Women’s Soccer League will further boost her preparation for the World Cup, which begins in July.

Torcaso thinks Logarzo’s stints in Australia and the US will leave her primed for the tournament.

“This transition from A-League and then to the US league for a couple of months is going to be really good for her,” he said.

“We’re confident we’ll have her physically ready, and she’s confident too.”

Wellington sit last on the table, having earned their first point of the season on Monday in a 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Western Sydney.

“It’s been quite a short turnaround but we’re definitely taking confidence from that first point,” Phoenix coach Natalie Lawrence said.

“We feel like we could have got more and that’s a credit to the group that we’re not just happy with that point.”

Wellington will be without midfielder Betsy Hassett, who will be tied up on bridesmaid duties at the wedding of fellow New Zealand international Rosie White.