With the first half of the D1 Arkema completed, Beyond 90 gives you a review of our Aussies’ journeys in France.
Ellie Carpenter (Olympique Lyonnais)
Ellie Carpenter had the difficult task of making the OL fans forget Lucy Bronze but the Australian has quickly integrated into the club. Her regular performances and undeniable attacking contribution have won over the coaching staff, and the French and international public.
Carpenter has quickly proven herself to be important and decisive, scoring a capital goal in the victory over Girondins de Bordeaux on Matchday 3. Another significant achievement was being elected Player of the Match for their away game against on Matchday 10. She has started ten out of 11 games and has the 5th best playing time of the team with 831 minutes.
The Olympique Lyonnais stands second of the D1 Arkema, one point behind Paris Saint-Germain – which won 1-0 over the OL on Matchday 9.
Laura Brock (EA Guingamp)
Laura Brock earned a spot in the defence of the EA Guingamp. Her experience is helpful for her rebuilding team and its young players.
After a slow start, EA Guingamp finally kicked off their season but the Aussie has missed the last two games due to a muscle injury. With nine appearances, including eight as a starter, Brock has – despite her injury – the 8th best game time for EA Guingamp (703 minutes).
Guingamp is 8th in the championship with 13 points. The team is as close to relegation as they are to the 4th place. With a -2 goal difference, the defensive performances of the team could impact its final standing.
Mary Fowler (Montpellier HSC)
With 2 goals scored, including a decisive goal against Paris FC on Matchday 4, Mary Fowler is currently the top Australian scorer in the history of D1 Arkema and the 4th top-scorer for her team at mid-season.
Fowler is the only Australian to have appeared in all 11 games, but has only started six times. It seems the manager is making her a super sub. Fowler has the 10th most game time in the MHSC, but she has only the 4th game time among forwards with 535 minutes played.
More generally, Montpellier is facing problems in offence. Moreover, the team lost to direct rivals Bordeaux (2-0), Lyon (5-0), and was surprised by Dijon 3 on Matchday 8 (1-0). In mid-season, the MHSC is 4th in the standings with 19 points (4 points behind Bordeaux and a UWCL qualification).
Emma Checker (FC Fleury 91)
Unfortunately, Emma Checker’s French adventure ended after an ankle injury. The Australian will have played just one game and 26 minutes in D1 Arkema. However, she will be back in the Westfield W-League with Melbourne City FC.
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