Not many footballers would face their old club twice in the first four matches for their new side but for Brisbane Roar recruit Hayley Raso, this is the case and she loves the challenge.
Not many footballers would face their old club twice in the first four matches for their new side but for Brisbane Roar recruit Hayley Raso, this is the case and she loves the challenge.
Queenslander Raso made the off-season switch from Canberra United to her hometown club and made her debut for the Roar in their opening round 3-0 loss to her former team.
With Brisbane up against United in this Sunday-s round four Westfield W-League match, Raso admits she does have an extra point to prove on her return to McKellar Park.
“I guess there-s a little bit of added pressure but it actually excites me so I-m really looking forward to playing against them again,” she said.
“Losing to them, you want to go out there and prove that you can get the win.
“We know Canberra are a tough team and will come out firing, so we have to do the same.
“With the first game, we weren-t expecting that outcome so we-ve turned our heads, worked hard to try and get these last two wins away from home and we want that to continue.”
Since their round one defeat, the Roar has managed two important away victories beating Perth Glory 3-0 and coming from behind to overwhelm Western Sydney Wanderers 4-1.
Raso was one of the catalysts in last weekend-s win over the Wanderers, substituted on at half-time when her side was 1-0 down and providing a spark as the Roar ran riot in a second half onslaught.
She played a part in two of Katrina Gorry-s hat-trick goals as well as netting her first in Roar colours just six minutes after coming on.
“Not much went through my mind to be honest, I think I just got overexcited,” Raso laughed when asked about her match-turning goal which made the score 2-1.
“It-s just been an amazing feeling – coming into this club, into this environment and training with these girls here and at Matildas camp as well, then scoring my first goal, it was amazing.”
It-s been a massive few weeks for Raso, who was a part of the recent Westfield Matildas squad that contested the two-match international friendly series against China.
She featured as a substitute for Hesterine de Reus- Australia team in the 2-0 and 2-1 wins.
Brisbane Roar travel south to play Canberra United on Sunday, 8 December. Kick off at McKellar Park is at 3pm, watch on ABC1.
