Canberra United star Karly Roestbakken could play her first Matildas match on Australian soil after their 2020 Olympic qualifying matches were moved to Sydney amid concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Football Federation Australia announced they would hold the Asian women's qualifying tournament in the harbour city after China withdrew as host on Sunday.
The six-match competition had already been moved from Wuhan to Nanjing following the recent outbreak of illness in the original location.
This round of qualifying had been scheduled to start on February 3 but FFA is yet to announce the updated draw and kick off times.
The move means thrice-capped Matilda Roestbakken is in line to play for Australia on home soil for the first time, having been an unused sub in last year's friendlies against Chile.
The 19-year-old midfielder is the youngest player in Ante Milicic's 20-strong squad, who will compete against China, Thailand and Chinese Taipei for a spot in the final qualifying round.
MORE CANBERRA SPORT
Roestbakken joined her Matildas teammates for a training camp in Sydney last week and her absence from Canberra United showed in their 3-0 loss to Melbourne Victory on Sunday.
Heather Garriock's side fell out of finals contention for the third straight season, having lost four consecutive matches and a marquee player to injury.
"When you're a team who has lost their best striker, Katie Stengel, and then your only Matilda, of course it's going to leave a dent in the team," Garriock said after the match.
"The other top teams didn't play games [in round 11] because of the international break but we missed out.
"We missed Roestbakken because she's one of our best players and I think we missed her energy.
"In saying that, I think it's a good learning opportunity for the players. I know we're in the W-League and results are important, I'm absolutely gutted because I'm a winner."
Canberra have two remaining matches to rectify their season and will return to McKellar Park on February 16 to host Adelaide United.
Garriock says it's essential to finish the season off strong and hopes United fans will turn out to support the team in their final home match.
"The most important thing is to continue our culture and character, which is our foundation, and play good football for our fans," Garriock said.
"While we're not in finals, I think it's still important to come out and support us. All the players are going to play right until the last game in Brisbane."
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
