Riley, who was recently selected by FC Gold Pride as 10th overall pick in the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) draft, will inject versatility, experience and pace into a New Zealand line-up smarting from Wednesday night’s 0-3 defeat to the Matildas at North Harbour Stadium.
The 22 year old fullback/winger touched down early today but was quickly involved in the Ferns final training run later in the morning.
“I think it shows the enthusiasm of the girl,” said New Zealand coach John Herdman.
“Ali arrived at 5am after a 10 hour flight and although she was given the option to not train she chose to take part. She’s got an immense spirit and some talent attached to that as well.
“It’s a boost for the team and she’s definitely shows the fighting spirit the team are committing to going into this next game.”
After training, Riley said she could already feel the determination of the squad to put Wednesday night’s performance behind them.
“The mood is really positive. The training was sharp, the analysis and footage is there for us and we know what we have to do. The coaches have done everything they can so now is just for us to execute the game plan,” Riley said.
Riley is expected to slot straight in the starting eleven and while Herdman will be forced to replace suspended captain Hayley Moorwood – the midfielder was sent off late in Wednesday’s game – he didn’t rule out further changes.
“In reviewing the game some players put their hand up and said that wasn’t an acceptable performance. We’re in a performance culture so if you don’t perform there’s no guarantee you’ll pick the shirt up again.”
“We’re got a bit of depth now and as the coaches are confident that players can step in and take the opportunity.”
Moorwood’s absence means that the Football Ferns will have a new captain on Saturday. VfL Wolfsburg defender Rebecca Smith, who led the Ferns at the 2007 Women’s World Cup won’t join the team until they reach the Cyprus Cup next week leaving Wednesday’s 20 year old vice-Captain Abby Erceg, goalkeeper Jenny Bindon, striker Amber Hearn and former U-20 skipper Kirsty Yallop as the main contenders.
The match kicks off at 3pm on Saturday. Tickets are $10 for adults and children accompanied by a paying adult get in for free.
Trans-Tasman Women’s Football Series
Match Two
Bill McKinlay Park
Panmure, Auckland
Saturday 20 February
Kickoff: 3pm
New Zealand (from): 1-Jenny BINDON (GK), 2-Ria PERCIVAL, 3-Anna GREEN, 4-Katie HOYLE, 5-Abby ERCEG, 7-Ali RILEY, 9-Amber HEARN, 10-Annalie LONGO, 11-Kirsty YALLOP, 12-Betsy HASSETT, 13-Bridgette ARMSTRONG, 14-Rosie WHITE, 15-Hannah WALL, 16-Emma KETE, 17-Hannah WILKINSON, 18-Kristy HILL, 20-Aroon CLANSEY (RGK).
Suspended: 8-Hayley MOORWOOD.
Coach: John Herdman
Australia (from): 1-Melissa Barbieri (GK / Captain), 4-Clare Polkinghorne, 5-Lauren Colthorpe, 6-Servet Uzunlar, 7-Heather Garriock, 9-Sarah Walsh, 10-Kylie Ledbrook, 11-Lisa De Vanna, 12-Kathryn Gill, 13-Thea Slatyer (46), 14-Collette McCallum, 15-Sally Shipard, 16-Elise Kellond-Knight, 17-Kyah Simon, 18-Lydia Williams (RGK), 19-Leena Khamis, 22-Samantha Kerr, 23-Kim Carroll, 24-Tameka Butt,27-Aivi Luik.
Coach: Tom Sermanni
Story courtesy NZ Football.