The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Kerr’s American dream
Scotland women’s coach Shelley Kerr believes tonight’s game against the United States is an indication of how far they have come as a team.
The Scots qualified for the World Cup for the first time earlier this year and will round off a memorable 2018 by hosting the world champions in Paisley.
Jane Ellis brings the American side to St Mirren Park on the back of an undefeated year and with Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan in attack, who have more than 200 goals combined for the national side.
Aberdeen’s Rachel Corsie, who plays in Canberra on loan from Utah Royals, will captain the side, but Mintlaw’s Kim Little is out due to a fractured fibula suffered playing for Arsenal last month.
But for Kerr, whose side are ranked 19th in the world, the preparations for France 2019 begin in earnest against the world champions.
She said: “Having the best team in the world come to Scotland is fantastic and is a measure of how far we’ve come, when we’re attracting this level of opposition.
“Showcasing some of the finest players the women’s game has ever seen in Scotland is another opportunity to inspire the nation and young aspiring footballers.
“Since we qualified for the Fifa World Cup in Albania there has been a real increase in the interest of the team and all of the players are still on a high from the achievement.
“It is now up to us to ensure we are as best prepared for the Fifa World Cup as possible and that will start by testing ourselves against the greatest team in the world.”
The US racked up the 500th win in their history last Thursday, with Jessica McDonald scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Portugal.
Head coach Ellis said: “We’ve brought a larger roster to Europe for two main reasons.
“First, our core players have had a very demanding year and the priority for that group was qualifying for the World Cup.
“A slightly larger roster enables us to share players’ loads in training and in matches while still getting in quality minutes.
“The second is that this approach will give us an opportunity to look at the depth in certain positions outside of the 20 players from qualifying.
“With two midfielders and two defenders (Morgan Brian, McCall Zerboni, Tierna Davidson and Kelley O’Hara) not with us, this trip will provide a window for several other quality players to get time with the main group.” for the season to 13 when he swept home another Kerr assist.
Alness United dropped points for the first time this season when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Orkney at Kirkwall Grammar School 3G pitch.
Golspie Sutherland lost ground when they were beaten 2-1 by onform St Duthus at the Links.
Marc Coghill gave Golspie the lead five minutes from the break with a fine finish.
But in a late rally, goals from new signing Charlie Macdonald and Scott Miller turned the match Saints’ way.
Thurso notched their first league win of the season when they came from behind to beat Bunillidh Thistle 3-1 at Sir George’s Park.
“Goller completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute”