Melbourne City star Holly McNamara marked a major career milestone on Thursday night, scoring her first international goal for the Matildas in the team’s 3-0 win over Slovenia in Perth.
Fresh off a stellar season in City blue, where she claimed both the Club and A-Leagues Golden Boot award, McNamara wasted no time making an impression in Joe Montemurro’s first match at the helm of the national team.
The 22-year-old was a constant threat with her blistering pace, consistently troubling the Slovenian defence with her attacking intent across a strong 90-minute performance.
It was McNamara’s moment in the 76th minute that proved pivotal. With the Matildas searching for a breakthrough to consolidate their lead, Amy Sayer broke down the left and fired a teasing ball across the box.
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Hayley Raso latched onto the delivery, steering it perfectly into McNamara’s path, who made no mistake with a brilliant diving header to double Australia’s advantage. The goal not only gave breathing room to the hosts but also signalled the arrival of one of the country’s most exciting young attackers in green and gold.
Earlier in the match, Emily Gielnik had opened the scoring before Raso capped off the night with a late strike to complete the win for the Matildas.
The Matildas will now aim to make it two from two as they face Slovenia once again this Sunday night, with McNamara and her teammates eager to build on a strong start to this new era for the national team.
Following Sunday’s fixture with Slovenia, City duo Bryleeh Henry and Alexia Apostolakis will join the team for a further two international friendlies against Panama in Western Australia.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Matildas v Slovenia
Date: Sunday, 29 June 2025
Kick-off: 6.00pm WST / 8.00pm AEST
Venue: HBF Park, Perth
Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Matildas v Panama
Date: Saturday, 5 July 2025
Kick-off: 2.30pm WST / 4.30pm AEST
Venue: Hands Oval, Bunbury
Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Matildas v Panama
Date: Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Kick-off: 6.00pm WST / 8.00pm AEST
Venue: HBF Park, Perth
Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
