Kennedy White has issued a warning to Ninja A-League defences ahead of Melbourne Victory’s Round 3 fixture.
The American striker has made a tremendous start to life in Australia, continuing the frightening form that saw her score 32 times and record 17 assists for Hungarian outfit Győri ETO FC last season.
She netted on her debut against Brisbane Roar in Round 1 before grabbing a 10-minute hat-trick versus Western Sydney Wanderers a week later, a display which landed her in the ALW’s Team of the Week.
Now the competition’s leading goalscorer is looking to strike in Victory’s home opener against Central Coast Mariners on Saturday, November 15, kick-off 5pm AEDT.
Speaking during her pre-match press conference, White picked out her favourite goal from last weekend’s treble and explained how she is determined to enhance her attacking play.
“I love just seeing it go in the back of the net, but honestly, probably the first one, just to get it started off. And it was a great ball from Courtney (Newbon), so probably the first one, just to get it started.
“I don’t want to be one-dimensional. Obviously, I love getting in behind and using my pace, but also coming forward and checking in for balls, mixing it up a bit, being an aerial threat in the box too, and just mixing it up.”
White’s career started in her homeland, representing Green State University and Mississippi State University, ahead of a move to Hungary last summer, where remarkable form, including winning the Hungarian Cup, earned her an off-season switch to Victory.
Performing like an A-Leagues regular, the 25-year-old has credited the other new arrivals for helping her settle quickly into Jeff Hopkins’ squad as she gears up for a first outing at the Home of the Matildas.
“I think at first it can be challenging with such a new team. We had a lot of new players from last year, and obviously, I was new myself, but I feel like we all clicked pretty fast.
“I’m really excited. Honestly, it’s kind of crazy that we haven’t had a home game yet. It feels like we’ve been going for a while, but I’m really excited to see everyone there, play at the field and, hopefully, get a win.”
Watch White’s full press conference below.
