Jordan Thompson reveals how she escaped Israel war for Sydney FC, and shot at A-Leagues history
Jordan Thompson’s decision to take her career overseas triggered a 12-month tale in which she fled a war and wound up playing for a shot at history in Australia. Find out how it unfolded inside.
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Jordan Thompson has had an intense 12 months, forced to flee Israel and leave her club when the war broke out, accepting a lifeline contract from Sydney FC and now lining up for her first A-Leagues’ Women’s grand final.
Thompson, 25, is American – she played for Washington Spirit for the past two seasons before deciding she needed to take her career on the road.
She signed with Hapoel Raanana, a club based in Israel.
Three weeks after the season started the war broke out.
“It was definitely nothing I’ve ever experienced before,” Thompson said.
“Obviously in America we have really good national security and we’re isolated in a way.
“It definitely gave me a new perspective.
“I was there right when it started and I got out a week later. It was definitely scary but I also recognised the privilege that I had to be able to leave, the people in Israel and people in Gaza don’t have that privilege.
“I was in a relatively safe part of Israel, the club was really amazing helping us navigate the whole situation, I was glad to get home and glad to be in Australia now.”
Thompson said she didn’t think she would be able to play football until the January transfer window. The injury to Sydney FC captain Natalie Tobin opened a door for her to join the A-Leagues.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the A-Leagues and to be able to do it with Sydney FC has just been an absolute dream come true,” Thompson said.
“There are so many talented veteran players, so many talented young players and there’s just so many good players in the league.
“It’s really challenged me, pushed me and demanded that I bring my best, not just every game but every training session as well.”
Sydney FC had an impressive season – earning a spot in the grand final against Melbourne City – the team that claimed the premiership from right under the Sky Blues’ noses.
“We were really bummed to not have clinched the premiership,” Thompson said.
“We had all the opportunity in the world and there’s no one to blame but ourselves for not showing up and doing our best and that was something we kind of had to come to terms with.
“But it’s really great that we still have an opportunity to play for a grand final and use the feeling of what it felt like to lose the premiership and to carry that into the grand final – we don’t want to feel that again.”
This grand final is Sydney FC’s seventh straight appearance in the big dance. They have come up against Melbourne City three times and never celebrated a grand final win against them.
Thompson knows they will have to work for the win.
“They’ve had an incredible season, they have incredible players,” Thompson said.
“They’re a really, really technical team, are really good at keeping the ball and creating a lot of opportunities.
“It’s just going to take us playing out game an being the best that we can be on the day to eliminate any chances they create.”
As a centre-back a lot of that comes down to Thompson.
She said her confidence in her own ability had never been higher thanks to Sydney FC coach Ante Juric.
“He’s absolutely incredible,” Thompson said.
“I have learned so much from him. What separates him and what he’s able to build is he gives you the safety to fail but does it in a way where he still demands the best side of you as a person and player every day.
“If you bring that every day it’s okay to make mistakes and it’s okay to learn and he wants you to make mistakes so you can learn and get better.
“I’ve been pushed every single day but I’m grateful I’ve had a safe space to mess up and learn from those mistakes.”
Thompson said it is Juric’s guidance that will help the Sky Blues’ lift the trophy on Saturday afternoon.
“It’s been the same message whether we are winning, drawing or losing and I think being able to focus on that has helped us grow as a team and helped us push through the harder points of the season and to not get so caught up in the results,” Thompson said.
Melbourne City will host Sydney FC at AAMI Park at 4.15pm on Saturday May 4.
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