The Matildas were riding high after a hard-fought 3-2 victory in the latest World Cup qualifier, but behind the scenes, tension was brewing. For the second time in as many months, Sam Kerr found herself at the center of controversy.
It had happened in the 74th minute. Caitlin Foord had driven a low cross into the box, only for it to deflect off her shin and into the net. The stadium erupted as Caitlin ran toward the corner flag, her hands pointing to herself in celebration. But the referee’s official match report credited the goal to Sam, who had been near the ball and instinctively raised her hand in the confusion.
Caitlin didn’t confront Sam on the pitch, but the tension was palpable as she walked past her teammate, refusing to acknowledge her. When the match ended, Caitlin left the field without joining the team huddle, retreating into the tunnel.
The post-match celebration was muted. Sam, usually the focal point of the team’s camaraderie, noticed the subtle shifts. Teammates who were particularly close to Caitlin—Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, and Steph Catley—kept their distance. Conversations around the locker room were quiet, with Caitlin’s absence looming over them.
Sam approached Kyra. “Look, it wasn’t intentional. I didn’t ask for the goal to be given to me.”
Kyra’s response was curt. “You didn’t stop it either.”
Sam stood there, stunned, as Kyra turned and walked away.
The next morning, the media added fuel to the fire. Articles with headlines like “Kerr Claims Another Foord Goal—Matildas Rift Rumored” and “Kerr Controversy Strains Australia’s World Cup Dreams” spread across social media. Analysts dissected the replay, debating whether the goal should have been credited to Caitlin.
Caitlin, meanwhile, had been conspicuously silent. She hadn’t joined her teammates for breakfast or attended the scheduled recovery session. When Steph Catley checked on her, she found Caitlin packing her bags.
“You’re leaving?” Steph asked, shocked.
Caitlin nodded, her eyes red from crying. “I can’t stay here, Steph. It’s too much. The media, the tension... it’s like I’m suffocating.”
Steph tried to reason with her. “But the team needs you. We’re a family, Cait. We’ll figure this out.”
Caitlin shook her head. “I’ve made up my mind. I’ve already spoken to Tony [Gustavsson]. I’m withdrawing from the squad.”
That evening, Caitlin boarded a flight to Dublin, seeking refuge in the comfort of Katie McCabe’s home. The two had grown closer over the years, and Katie had always been Caitlin’s safe haven during turbulent times.
When she arrived in Dublin, Katie was waiting at the airport, wrapping Caitlin in a tight hug. “You should have called me earlier,” Katie said softly, guiding her toward the car. “We’ll get through this.”
Caitlin didn’t say much on the drive home, but Katie didn’t push. She knew Caitlin needed time to process.
Back in the Matildas camp, the absence of Caitlin was keenly felt. The team dynamic had shifted, with small cliques forming and tension brewing between Sam and several teammates.
Tony Gustavsson called a team meeting, urging everyone to come together. “Whatever’s going on between you, it ends now. We have a World Cup to prepare for, and we can’t afford distractions.”
Sam finally addressed the room. “I never wanted the goal to cause this. If I could give it to Caitlin, I would.”
But her words rang hollow to some, particularly Kyra and Katrina, who remained loyal to Caitlin.
In Dublin, Caitlin began to find her footing again. Katie helped her rediscover her love for the game, organizing casual kickabouts and encouraging her to open up about her feelings.
“You can’t let this break you, Cait,” Katie said one evening over dinner. “You’re stronger than this. And you love the Matildas. Don’t let one incident take that away from you.”
Caitlin nodded, though she wasn’t ready to return just yet.
The Matildas faced an uphill battle, both on and off the pitch. The team’s unity had been shaken, and the media continued to speculate about Caitlin’s withdrawal. Sam, feeling the weight of her teammates’ judgment, worked tirelessly to rebuild trust.
As the weeks passed, Caitlin began to feel the pull of the game again. With Katie’s support, she started training with a local Dublin club, slowly regaining her confidence.
Would Caitlin return to the Matildas? Could the team heal before the World Cup? Only time would tell.
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WSL Oneshots
Fiksi PenggemarA story of various one shots from across the WSL with some Lionesses and Matildas ones included too
