Cary, NC (November 27, 2019)- Denise O’Sullivan and Lynn Williams were eligible to join Western Sydney for the second week of the W-League season to total four North Carolina Courage players starting in games.

Western Sydney Wanderers FC 1-0 Newcastle Jets

O’Sullivan and Williams joined Kristen Hamilton in Western Sydney’s starting lineup against the Newcastle Jets. The broadcast promoted the three players as announcer Ben Homer said, “Western Sydney is all about star power and they’ve brought in three stars from the North Carolina Courage that have been at the heart of their domination in the NWSL.” Hamilton was able to score in her first career W-League start and quickly made a difference in her second game, earning a foul right outside the box in the first minute of the game. Williams was able to get her first shot off in the 16th minute. The game was paused for a weather delay in the 26th minute due to lightning in the area. During the break, Western City Wanderers head coach Dean Heffernan had great things to say about Hamilton, O’Sullivan, and Williams. “They are brilliant,” said Heffernan. “They’ve been great ever since they walked in the door. They are living up to their expectations.” Once play resumed, right before halftime, Hamilton took a shot from long range that required a diving save from Newcastle’s goalkeeper. On the corner kick that followed, Hamilton got on the end of the cross and fired another strong shot at the net. The Wanderers headed into halftime tied 0-0 with the Jets. In the 58th minute, Williams earned Western Sydney a penalty kick after her shot deflected off of a defender’s hand. Amy Harrison converted the PK for the Wanderers. Western Sydney held on to the lead to start the season with back-to-back wins for the first time in team history.

Kristen Hamilton

90 minutes

180 minutes on the season

8 shots

1 goal

Denise O’Sullivan

90 minutes

Lynn Williams

90 minutes

7 shots

Canberra United 1-2 Melbourne City FC

Kaleigh Kurtz started as a center back for Canberra as they began the game with a 1-0 record. Melbourne City FC pressed high the entire game pressuring Kurtz and Canberra’s backline. “Kaleigh Kurtz has been really solid in the back,” said Grace Gill, a former Canberra United player. “She is really competent on both her left and right foot. She’s been a great recruit for Canberra.” Canberra United could not secure a draw as Melbourne City was awarded a penalty kick in the final minute of stoppage time.

Kaleigh Kurtz

90 minutes

180 minutes on the season