From an unknown Westfield W-League debutant to Grand Final hero, Savannah McCaskill’s 2018/19 campaign for Sydney FC was little short of remarkable.
The 22-year old American arrived on loan in the Harbour City from the aptly-named NWSL club Sky Blue FC.
Fast forward four months and McCaskill stood tall on the biggest stage to lead her team to victory.
Let’s take a look at the season that was for the talented young star!
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Worth the wait
Despite flourishing in Sydney FC’s attack, fans actually had to wait until Round 7 to see the American attacker find the back of the net.
But it was some game to make your entrance in.
Sydney’s home game against Adelaide United at Cromer Park had two separate delays due to lightning.
However, not even mother nature could stop McCaskill leading the Sky Blues charge to a five goal rout, and she got her name on the scoresheet with a diving header in the second half.
It may have taken a while but McCaskill was off the mark.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5979030323001
Double trouble
Of the five goals netted by the South Carolina-born striker, four of them came as braces.
The first of these was against Newcastle Jets at a sunny Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Round 10 as Sydney sought to nail down a top four spot.
McCaskill opened the scoring with another header, assisted by Caitlin Foord, before going on to seal all three points deep into injury time with a well-placed shot on the turn.
Had it not been for Newcastle Jets goalkeeper and national compatriot Britt Eckerstrom, she might well have tallied even more.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5985874575001
Grand Final hero
They say great players produce on the biggest stage and that was certainly true for the American on Grand Final day.
Having just been pegged back after a Sam Kerr penalty, McCaskill linked up with Foord once again, timing her run to perfection and heading the cross over the head of Eliza Campbell in the Perth Glory goal.
The 22-year old would then go onto give the Sky Blues a two-goal buffer when she found herself in the right place at the right time to pounce on a stray ball and thump it into the far corner.
A brilliant display and ultimately the difference for Sydney as they triumphed 4-2 over the Glory.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6002878563001
