International Roundup: April Break

Katie Bowen, Ferns Bring Challenge to Matildas

Courage defender Katie Bowen earned back-to-back starts for New Zealand during the April international break, totaling 180 minutes in the Ford Football Ferns’ pair of tilts against the Australians. Playing on the backline in New Zealand’s first match against the Commonwealth Bank Matildas, Bowen recorded 32 touches and 21 passes, and contributed three clearances and two interceptions for the Kiwis. The game ended in a narrow 2-1 victory for Australia, but there was more to come between the squads. Bowen started the second match in the midfield, moving up to fill the role usually occupied by midfielder Ria Percival, who was forced to withdraw after the first fixture due to injury. Bowen proved up to the challenge, recording 37 touches and creating one scoring chance through 90 minutes of play. The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill alumna boasted a team-high 90.9% passing-accuracy on 22 passes, and excelled defensively with three tackles won, four interceptions and seven duels won. Ultimately, the Aussies pulled out a 3-1 win, thanks in large part to a brace from Sam Kerr, and the New Zealand squad will get back to work ahead of their next matches in June.

Debinha, Kerolin Add Dimension for Brazil

In their first outing since the Tournoi de France, Debinha and Kerolin Nicoli rejoined the Brazilian Women’s Football Team for a pair of friendlies in Spain. The Brazilians first took the field against Spain, a familiar foe, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Debinha served as Brazil’s captain for that match, while Kerolin tallied an assist in 90 minutes played.

Looking for a win before leaving the Iberian peninsula, Brazil came out strong against Hungary with Kerolin receiving her second straight start, and Debinha available off the bench. Keeping her momentum from the previous match, Kerolin recorded three shots in 67 minutes of play before being subbed off. Debinha subbed in for Gabi Nunes in the 66th minute, ultimately recording one shot. The Brazilians wrapped up their pair of matches with a 3-1 win over Hungary, taking good vibes into the months ahead. Brazil will get back to competition with a pair of friendlies in June before taking part in the Copa América Feminina in July.

Denise O’Sullivan, Republic of Ireland Stun Sweden

Courage veteran Denise O’Sullivan brought her on-field prowess to the Republic of Ireland’s midfield once again in their most recent 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying match, a 1-1 draw with world-ranked No. 2 Sweden. O’Sullivan contributed immensely on the pitch, even earning the helper on Irish Captain Katie McCabe’s goal in the 44th minute of play.

Ireland’s World Cup dreams are still very much alive, and the Girls in Green will get back to action on June 27, 2022, against Georgia.

Diana Ordoñez Makes Powerful Debut for Mexico

Diana Ordoñez announced her intent to play for Mexico in March, shortly before being called into her first camp ahead of La Tri’s two CONCACAF April qualifying matches. Available off the bench in Mexico’s outing against Anguilla, Ordoñez entered the match in the 56th minute and on her very first touch, scored her debut goal for Mexico not even a minute later. Not quite finished, Ordoñez netted her second goal of the match just 11 minutes later in the 67th minute of play. Mexico ultimately defeated Anguilla 11-0.

Back home in Mexico, La Tri prepared to take on Puerto Rico in one more match to solidify their place in this summer’s CONCACAF tournament. Ordoñez began the game on the bench but she’d see action in the second half. Subbing in in the 52nd minute, Ordoñez scored not even two minutes later, contributing the fifth goal in Mexico’s eventual 6-0 win.

With the win, Mexico has qualified for the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship in June/July of this year. Looking for their first championship win, Mexico will have home-field advantage as the tournament will be held in Monterrey, Mexico, from July 4-18. Mexico will play Peru in a pair of friendlies in June ahead of the tournament.