The CommBank Matildas delivered an impressive performance, defeating Haiti 7-1 in their final match of the October international window. The victory featured a standout performance from Leticia McKenna, who scored twice in her first start for the national team.
In addition to McKenna’s goals, the match saw second-half scores from Caitlin Foord, Daniela Galic, Clare Wheeler, Holly McNamara, and an own goal by Haiti. Head Coach Joe Montemurro made four changes to the lineup that faced Germany earlier in the window, including the introduction of Courtney Nevin and Charli Grant in defense, and the addition of Alana Murphy and McKenna in midfield.
The Matildas opened the scoring just 80 seconds into the match. Clare Wheeler controlled the ball at the byline and found McKenna, who finished confidently. However, Haiti quickly responded. Striker Melchie Dumornay capitalized on a defensive lapse, scoring in the third minute to level the match.
Australia dominated possession but faced challenges from Haiti’s counterattacks. In the 33rd minute, Brittany Raphino hit the crossbar after a rebound from goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who managed to save the follow-up shot. McKenna netted her second goal just before halftime, finishing from close range after a blocked shot from Hayley Raso.
The second half saw a shift in momentum, with Australia applying constant pressure. Alana Murphy nearly added to the score with a curling effort that required a fine save from Haiti’s goalkeeper. Shortly after, an own goal gifted Australia a two-goal lead. Sam Kerr caused the defensive error after being played through by Foord.
Kerr then assisted Foord for Australia’s fourth goal in the 65th minute. Several substitutions followed, introducing Remy Siemsen, Daniela Galic, Alexia Apostolakis, and Holly McNamara to the match. Galic made an immediate impact, scoring her first senior international goal in the 73rd minute with a well-placed shot after a pass from Murphy.
Wheeler increased the lead further, scoring from a cross that found its way into the net. With just minutes remaining, McNamara extended the scoreline to 7-1 with a goal that slipped under the Haitian goalkeeper during a one-on-one situation.
With this commanding win, the Matildas concluded the October international window on a positive note and will next compete against Colombia in Australia next month.
Match Summary
Haiti: 1 (Dumornay 3′)
Australia: 7 (McKenna 2′, 44′, OG 53′, Foord 65′, Galic 73′, Wheeler 80′, McNamara 90′)
Haiti: 1. Naila Louissaint (GK), 3. Jennyfer Limage (14. Amandine Pierre-Louis 75′), 6. Melchie Dumornay, 7. Batcheba Louis (19. Lourdjina Etienne 75′), 8. Brittany Raphino (15. Darlina Joseph 75′), 9. Sherly Jeudy, 10. Nerilia Mondesir, 11. Roseline Eloissaint (17. Chelsea Domond 46′), 16. Claire Constant, 20. Kethna Louis (2. Chelsea Surpris 63′), 21. Anyssa Ibrahim (22. Nya Jean-Baptiste 63′)
Unused substitutes: 23. Kelly Maignan (GK), 4. Jasmine Vilgrain, 5. Laurie-Ann Moise, 12. Danique Ypema, 13. Audrey Francois, 18. Josephine Vanuxeem, 24. Tabita Joseph, 25. Maudeline Moryl
Yellow cards: Pierre-Louis 78′
Australia: 1. Mackenzie Arnold (GK) (12. Chloe Lincoln (GK) 80′), 2. Courtney Nevin (27. Tori Tumeth 80′), 3. Winonah Heatley, 6. Clare Wheeler (13. Alex Chidiac 80′), 8. Kaitlyn Torpey (28. Alexia Apostolakis 66′), 9. Caitlin Foord, 15. Alana Murphy, 16. Hayley Raso (29. Daniela Galic 66′), 19. Leticia McKenna (26. Remy Siemsen 66′), 20. Sam Kerr (25. Holly McNamara 66′), 22. Charlotte Grant (5. Jamilla Rankin 80′)
Unused substitutes: 18. Courtney Newbon (GK), 10. Emily van Egmond, 11. Leah Davidson, 17. Amy Sayer, 21. Ellie Carpenter, 24. Hana Lowry
Yellow cards: Wheeler 30′, Nevin 58′
