MELBOURNE Victory Women will welcome back talented midfielder Sophie Hogben for its crunch clash against Canberra United at Bob Jane Stadium this Saturday (kick off 7pm).
MELBOURNE Victory Women will welcome back talented midfielder Sophie Hogben for its crunch clash against Canberra United at Bob Jane Stadium this Saturday (kick off 7pm).
Hogben has been in Maylasia with the Westfield Young Matildas contesting the AFC U-19 Women-s Championship qualifying round.
Hogben-s speed and skill will add another element to Victory Women, which is in blistering form following a 3-0 triumph over Perth Glory Women.
Hogben earned a place in the Westfield Young Matildas- starting 11 and scored four goals in Australia-s thumping of India.
She came off the bench for Victory Women in its opening round win over Central Coast Mariners Women at Telstra Dome, but has not played since.
”Sophie is a very versatile and skillful player who can be used in a variety of roles, so it-s great to have her back available,” Victory Women Coach Matt Shepherd said.
“She performed well under pressure in Maylasia and the experience will hold her in good stead in the Westfield W-League.
”She-ll add something extra to our midfield, which has been doing exceptionally well so far this year.”
Captain Tal Karp and the experienced Lousia Bisby have been pillars of strength through the middle of the pitch in the opening three rounds.
”They have both shown great leadership, as have all of our more experienced players like Dig (Daniela Digiammarco) and Marlies (Oostdam),” Shepherd added.
”It is a definite strength of ours, and with Sophie we may be able to use her as a more attacking midfielder.”
There is a logjam on the Westfield W-League table heading into Round 4 with the top five teams all equal on points.
Victory Youth and Victory Women will host a double-header at Bob Jane Stadium this Saturday.
Victory Youth will play Newcastle Jets Youth in the National Youth League (kick off 4pm), followed by Victory Women-s match against Canberra (kick off 7pm).
Entry to the double-header is free before 5pm, with tickets available at the gate after that time (adults $5, children between 4 and 16 and concession $2, and children 3 and under free).
