Westfield Matilda and local star Karly Roestbakken will officially join Nikola Orgill as one of Canberra United’s co-captains for the Westfield W-League 2019/20 season.
Roestbakken has enjoyed a meteoric rise in 2019, making her national team debut at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup before captaining the Westfield Young Matildas at the recent AFC U-19 Women’s Championship in Thailand.
The teenage defender was also recently named as the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) Young Women’s Footballer of the Year, and also received the inaugural Collette McCallum medal for exemplifying exceptional standards, commitment and courage while representing her country.
Now preparing for her fourth season in green, Roestbakken says she is honoured to be taking on a leadership role alongside Orgill.
“I am really looking forward to co-captaining the side this year,” Roestbakken said.
“To be named one of the captains alongside my good friend Nikola is a pretty awesome feeling, I’m ready for the task and can’t wait for our first game on Sunday.”
United’s squad has come together over the last few weeks, with Head Coach Heather Garriock opting for a mix of local, interstate and international talent.
Brazilian international Camila headlines the side’s overseas contingent, which also includes American stars Katie Stengel, Kaleigh Kurtz and Simone Charley. Elise Thorsnes, who has made over 100 international appearances for Norway, will also join Garriock’s squad as a guest player in Season 12.
“I know Elise quite well, she is very chilled and very relaxed but also very hard working,” Roestbakken said.
“She’s going to be a really good striking force for us, and definitely a good player for the younger players to learn off.
“I think the squad has shaped up really nicely and we are definitely ready to make our mark this Westfield W-League season.”
Canberra United kick off their Westfield W-League campaign on Sunday at McKellar Park against last year’s grand finalists Perth Glory.
If you want to see Karly and Nikola lead the side out on Sunday, Canberra United memberships and tickets are on sale NOW on our website.
