It’s not a medal, but Kerr leaves Tokyo with a scoring record
SHE left without an Olympic bronze medal, but Sam Kerr racked up another milestone in Australia’s 4-3 loss to the US at Ibaraki Kashima Stadium, about 90 minutes from Tokyo.
A slick ball from Caitlin Foord and a first-time strike with her left boot that defeated the keeper’s outstretched hand made Kerr the Matildas’ all-time leading goalscorer.
The goal – her 48th – took her past former teammate Lisa De Vanna’s total.
A great save from US keeper Adrianna Franch was the only reason Kerr was denied a second from a header that was also goalbound.
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has been calling for a “collective attack” but Kerr remains undeniably the talisman for this side.
Australia has had four goalscorers during this Olympic campaign, but Kerr sits on top of that list with six.
Outsiders will credit Kerr as the ultimate player for her speed of thought, understanding of space, football smarts and finish.
Insiders – teammates – will say it’s her work ethic, defensive forward plays and commitment to perfection. And her humility.
Keeper Teagan Micah, who has faced a barrage of Kerr shots during training, revealed that during this Olympic campaign, Kerr did not leave the training pitch until she had nailed her finishes. She stayed out on the park, shot after shot until happy.
There’s a reason the No. 20 jersey is the most popular jersey sold by Football Australia and it’s because of the skipper’s scoring power.
Although that jersey might now be No. 2 after this campaign as an Olympic 18-player squad was initially named and players only had to choose a number within this range.
After making her debut at 15, Kerr has become the most prominent athlete promoted by Nike Australia.
And now she is our greatest Matilda, if not greatest footballer, ever.