Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, a central figure in one of Australian sport’s most exhilarating moments, is eager to continue her journey with the Matildas and a new club in the United States.
Arnold, who gained recognition for her pivotal role in Australia’s shootout victory against France during the quarter-finals of last year’s Women’s World Cup, has released her biography this week. The book is aptly titled “My Story So Far,” a title that reflects her belief that her career is just beginning.
“We originally considered just ‘My Story,’ but it didn’t feel right,” Arnold explained. “In 2023, I feel like I just got started, and since we’re still in 2024, I didn’t want to conclude my story yet.” Recently, she transitioned to the Portland Thorns in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) after leaving West Ham United in England. “Starting at a new team in a new country opens many possibilities, especially with upcoming tournaments like another World Cup and the Asian Cup,” she noted.
As the Matildas have become Australia’s most beloved sporting team due to their recent successes, they now face an uncertain future following the departure of coach Tony Gustavsson and a disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics. Upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Taiwan are expected to draw significant crowds, reflecting the team’s heightened popularity.
Last month, former coach Tom Sermanni was reinstated in an interim role to guide the team through upcoming matches in Europe against Switzerland and Germany. His tenure is temporary, lasting only until Football Australia appoints a permanent successor.
Arnold remains focused on the team’s needs rather than the coaching transition. “Ultimately, we want a coach who prioritizes our best interests and understands our strengths,” she emphasized. “No matter who steps in permanently, we will support them completely, as they will support us.”
Gustavsson’s departure followed mounting frustration from fans regarding the team’s performance. The Matildas were unable to advance past the group stage in Paris, managing only one victory—a dramatic 6-5 comeback against Zambia.
Arnold defended Gustavsson’s record, asserting that players largely tuned out external criticisms. “It’s just noise at the end of the day. Looking back, we were a very successful team under his guidance,” she said. She expressed gratitude for her relationship with the former coach, despite a rocky start after she was dropped from the Tokyo Olympics squad. “Initially, we weren’t on the same page, but I later understood his reasoning, which ultimately contributed to my growth.”
In the lead-up to the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Arnold established herself as the Matildas’ primary goalkeeper, surpassing Teagan Micah and Lydia Williams. Her performance in the quarter-final shootout against France was especially memorable, inspiring her to dedicate 18 pages of her book to a detailed recounting of the match, which she watched multiple times.
“I was devastated when I missed my penalty,” Arnold recalled. “But as I turned around, my teammates were supportive, which reassured me that everything was okay.” She later discovered they had already shown their support before she even turned back.
Transitioning from West Ham was challenging for Arnold, but she views her three-year contract with the Thorns as a significant opportunity. “It’s a massive chance to step outside my comfort zone in a league that’s experiencing renewed investment,” she remarked.
Now settled in Portland, the 30-year-old plans to split her time over the coming year between the U.S., Australia, and London, where her partner, Kirsty Smith, still plays for West Ham. “With international camps, our schedules can be unpredictable, so we just roll with it and try to make time for each other whenever possible,” she explained.
In collaborating with journalist Emma Kemp on her book, Arnold has revisited the exhilarating experiences of the World Cup. “I don’t think we fully grasped the impact we made until we looked back after everything,” she reflected. “It’s going to be incredibly challenging to recreate those moments again.”
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