Tara Murray
American Jessica McDonald leaves Western United on a high as she helped the side to another win on Saturday in the A-League Women’s competition.
Having signed a short term contract to join United for its inaugural season, McDonald has been influential in helping the side to an 8-1 record.
On Saturday, she played a role in both United’s goals as they beat the Brisbane Roar 2-0 and cement the side’s spot at the top of the table.
Speaking on the A-League coverage following the game, McDonald said her time at United had been fun.
“I would definitely have to say it was a fun season,” she said.
“I know I’ve said that before, but it truly was to obviously come here and help create a winning environment and that was my goal when I came down here.
But to also have fun and one incredible thing that I have done at the end of the day… This is just the cherry on top but created new friendships.
“These are such incredible human beings that I was able to play on the field with… I’m just so grateful for that and grateful for what my job brings to the table and that’s creating many friendships around the world and back.”
McDonald said her biggest goal when coming down to Australia was to have the biggest impact possible. For the world-cup winning star, it was also a chance to get some confidence back.
“This journey has honestly… truly humbled me and especially to come down here and make the sacrifice that I made to obviously leave my son. We wanted to end it with a bang and being eight and one before I leave, I mean it doesn’t get any better than that to help create a winning program.”
McDonald said making the journey to Australia and United had been bittersweet with having to leave her son back home.
She said it was what she needed to do to continue her career which is at the back end.
“My son, he’s at an age where he understands the sacrifice that I’m making,” she said.
“But at the end of the day, this was the journey that I had to continue on in my career because I lost a lot of confidence last season in 2022 as a footballer, and one thing I really wanted to do this offseason, coming down here to play for Western was to have fun and gain more confidence.
“So that’s exactly what I did. And I’ll definitely leave here satisfied and I know my son at the end of the day will be proud of me.”
McDonald said there had been offers to stick around in Australia long term, but for now she rejoins Racing Louisville FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Watching from the other side of the world, McDonald said she sees a deep finals run for the team in the future.
