Sofia Huerta is a familiar name for many Westfield W-League fans: The United States international previously played for Adelaide United in the 2016/17 Season, before returning in Sky Blue for a Championship-winning campaign.
Huerta signed for Sydney FC with ambitions of nailing a spot in the US Women’s National Team and, based off her storming performances down the right flank, such a goal might be achievable.
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We aren’t the only ones who reckon Huerta had a barnstorming season, either.
The forward-turned-defender started all 14 games for Sydney FC and didn’t miss a minute of the action as she helped the Sky Blues to their third ever Westfield W-League Championship.
Come with us as we reflect on Huerta’s strongest season to date on Australian shores.
Hit the ground running in Sydney
We knew Huerta was good, but not this good.
When Sydney FC announced the signing of Huerta, fans had every right to be thrilled.
The American didn’t disappoint, creating two chances in the Sky Blues’ 3-0 Derby demolition over Western Sydney Wanderers.
She backed up that performance by creating another two chances as Sydney FC fell 3-1 to Melbourne City, but by now it was clear Huerta was quality.
Sydney fell 3-2 to Melbourne Victory the week later at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium with Huerta’s performance foreshadowing what was to come three months later.
Attacking prowess begins to click
In hindsight, it seems Round 6 may have been a watershed moment for Huerta.
Having created five chances in the first four games, Huerta was rewarded when her cross against Brisbane Roar was turned in by Princess Ibini, helping them to a 5-1 win.
The American went one better a week later as she found the back of the net in Sydney’s 5-2 dismantling of Adelaide United.
Her header in first-half injury-time restored Sydney’s lead and began what would be their second onslaught in as many weeks.
It’s no coincidence that Sydney found their attacking spark at the same time Huerta discovered her own, such was her influence on the squad throughout the campaign.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5978988290001
Setting the benchmark again and again
Huerta continued her impressive form by bagging an assist against Newcastle Jets, before scoring and providing in Sydney’s 3-0 win against the Wanderers at home.
With Sydney marching on to the final, Huerta saved her best performances until last.
Her goal against Brisbane Roar in the Semi-Final doubled Sydney’s lead, giving them a buffer that helped them hold on for a 2-1 win.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6000458954001
Then — need we say anything? — Huerta scored one of the finest goals of a Westfield W-League Grand Final.
Her rocket from outside the box was a strike to remember, bringing Netstrata Jubilee Stadium’s faithful to their feet and setting the tempo for a dominant Grand Final.
Huerta created two chances in that Final and kept Rachel Hill quiet throughout the fixture.
Here’s to hoping we get to see a lot more of Sofia Huerta on Australian shores.
