American Emily Sonnett a key player in Sydney FC title push

SHE might be one of the best defenders in the W-League, but it was Emily Sonnett’s sweeping counter-attack that got Sydney FC to the grand final.

Emily Sonnett of Sydney FC, Pic: AAP

SHE might be one of the best defenders in the W-League, but it was Emily Sonnett’s sweeping counter-attack that got Sydney FC to the grand final.

With the semi-final against the Newcastle Jets having gone into extra time on a hot and muggy Sydney afternoon, Sonnett ran the length of the field before putting Lisa De Vanna through to score the winner.

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The American’s contribution has been telling all season and Sonnett admits that, selfishly, she would love to make a similar impact against Melbourne City tomorrow.

“I would like to say yes, but I think it’s going to be a little bit hotter, so I’m just going to do my best and forget the rest,” she said.

Known defender with dangerous attack.

It’s the first time the 24-year-old has left the US to play football abroad and, while she’s enjoyed every aspect of living in Sydney, at the start of the season she wasn’t sure if the “soccer” part would quite work out.

The Sky Blues lost their opening three games, before stringing together an unbeaten run that has landed them in the grand final.

“It’s awesome we’ve turned it around, because it did not look promising after the first three games,” Sonnett said.

“I’ve always had in the back of my mind that I wanted to play overseas and I had always heard the W-League was a great fit for that in-between off season for the NWSL.

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“I’ve enjoyed my time immensely. The country is great, the food is great. Not knowing a lot, just knowing I had teammates and friends come over here and loved it, I think the soccer piece worked out. Now we’re in the grand final and I couldn’t be more happy.”

Should Sydney beat City, Sonnett will add the W-League title to the NWSL title she won with Portland Thorns at the end of last season.

But they will have to do it without their injured star striker Caitlin Foord, who is due to join Sonnett at Portland next season.

Sonnett during Sydney’s final round victory. Pic: AAP

“I’m gutted for her. It’s not good timing and hopefully the recovery time isn’t as long as some are saying,” Sonnett said.

“She’s very good, but it gives a great opportunity to some of the girls who have been working hard all year and I’m really excited for them to step into the role.”

Both Sydney and City have the chance to make history by winning their third W-League title, but with so much at stake Sonnett says they’re trying to approach the game just like any other.

“We’re keeping the same schedule we’ve had throughout the year,” she said.

“We’re not changing anything. The girls are buzzing to play in the grand final and we’re just really excited to get out there.”

Originally published as American Emily Sonnett a key player in Sydney FC title push