Aussie Update: Fletcher and Loyden Loan Paying Big Dividends
Saint Louis Athletica
10/26/2009 - 01:14 p.m.
ISIphotos.net
ST. LOUIS, MO (October 26, 2009) – Life down under continues to go well for Kendall Fletcher and Jillian Loyden. The Athletica duo, on-loan to the Central Coast Mariners of Australia’s W-League, have helped their club earn nine points in the season’s first four games. Fletcher and Loyden’s squad sit just one point shy of the top of the table.
Coming off their first loss of the season, to league-leading Brisbane, the Mariners rebounded with a 5-1 thrashing of Newcastle. Kendall Fletcher scored her first goal of the Aussie campaign, while former Athletica teammate Lydia Vandenbergh netted the opener. Jillian Loyden had another steady day in goal, conceding just her third goal in four games as she earned her third win.
Fletcher’s goal came from a penalty kick in the 65th minute. The Mariner’s Renee Rollason had taken the ball into the box drawing the Newcastle foul. Fletcher was handed the resulting penalty chance, and she stepped forward to power it home. The goal for Fletcher was well deserved, last week against Brisbane she was robbed by the crossbar on a free kick that would have tied the game. Fletcher’s penalty conversion made the score line 4-1 Mariners, essentially killing off the game.
Kendall and Jill want to share their Australian experience with their Athletica fans back home. The duo has been snapping pictures wherever they go. Today we are happy to present the first installment of Kendall and Jill’s Australian Scrapbook. Check back each week for more updates.
Kendall Fletcher, Lydia Vandenbergh, and Jillian Loyden pose with a Koala at a wildlife park in Sydney, Australia.
Kendall Fletcher feeds a kangaroo from her an ice cream cone at a wildlife park in Sydney, Australia.
Athletica goalkeeper Jillian Loyden feeding a goat a a wildlife park in Sydney, Australia.
Athletica goalkeeper Jillian Loyden models some Australian head gear.
Athletica goalkeeper Jillian Loyden's view from her balcony that she wakes up to each morning in Australia.
Jillian Loyden snapped this picture from her balcony of an Australian Rainbow Lorikeet, Trichoglossus haematodus.
Jillian Loyden captured the waves crashing onto a nearby beach.
Jillian Loyden and Kendall Fletcher's team, the Central Coast Mariners, check out the stadium prior to a game in October.
Kendall Fletcher ready for a day of sun and fun on the Australian beaches.