US international Lori Lindsey says the women’s game is going from strength to strength and is eager to show the Canberra public what the W-League is all about.
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Canberra United fans will get their first glimpse of the veteran midfielder in Sunday’s home opener against the Western Sydney Wanderers at McKellar Park.
Lindsey made an immediate impact in her United debut, scoring a goal and controlling the centre of the park in the 3-0 upset on the road to Brisbane Roar last Saturday. The 33-year-old boasts a wealth of experience having gained 31 caps for her country, including the 2011 World Cup.
She said the momentum gained from that tournament in Germany, along with the resurgence of the professional league in her own country, bodes well for the future of the women’s game.
‘‘In the last five years it’s grown exponentially,’’ Lindsey said. ‘‘We have players on the US team playing in Sweden making a great living; France and Germany as well.
‘‘I think the W-League is starting to pick up and starting to get a following.’’
Lindsey said the women’s game offered a point of difference from their male counterparts.
‘‘It’s a little bit less individual,’’ she said. ‘‘In the men’s you see some of the best athletes and they can take over, and you see that in the women’s game, but not as much. It’s very much a team-orientated sport.
‘‘It’s going to take time for people to see we’re great athletes. Once people see some games, they will realise it’s a cheap way to get some great entertainment.’’
Lindsey is the oldest player on the United roster and one of three Americans in the squad alongside Stephanie Ochs and Kendall Fletcher. She admits it will be difficult for her to break back into the US team as coach Tom Sermanni ushers in youth before the 2015 World Cup.
‘‘Whether I like it or not, I’m getting towards the latter part of my career,’’ she said.
‘‘As long as I’m feeling healthy and I can contribute in a positive way then I hope to keep playing.’’
United have a near full-strength squad to choose from for Sunday’s match, with Georgia Yeoman-Dale (illness) and Holly Houston (hamstring) fit to play. Matildas star Sally Shipard (knee) is expected to return to the field in December.
- Sunday: W-League round two — Canberra United v Western Sydney Wanderers at McKellar Park, 3pm. Tickets at the gate.
