Steph Catley

Stephanie-Elise "Steph" Catley (born 26 January 1994) is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Arsenal and the Australian national team, the Matildas. She previously played for Reign FC, Orlando Pride, and Portland Thorns FC in the American National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) as well as Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City in the Australian W-League.

Catley was named PFA Women's Player of the Year in 2020. She was awarded the W-League's Young Player of the Year for the 2012-13 season and the Female U20 Footballer of the Year by Football Federation Australia in 2012 and 2013.

International Career

Having spent years playing in the youth teams of Australia, Catley made her international senior debut against New Zealand in June 2012, along with her childhood friend Ashley Brown. Catley made 32 appearances for the Matildas leading into her first World Cup campaign.

In the summer of 2015 at age 21, Catley competed with the Matildas at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada. During the tournament, Catley played every minute of all five of Australia's matches in the left back position, tallying a total of 450 minutes. She made eight tackles and won them all. Catley also made 12 interceptions and won 13 duels. Her passing accuracy was measured at 72.4%. The Matildas lost 3–1 to the United States during their first group stage match. Catley helped hold Nigeria to a 2–0 shutout in the team's second group stage match and a 1–1 draw against Sweden. Australia finished second in the "Group of Death" and advanced to the Round of 16 where they faced Brazil and won 1–0 as the underdog team. The Matildas faced 2011 champions, Japan in the quarterfinals and narrowly lost 1–0 after Japan scored a last–minute goal in the 87th minute.

After qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics in Japan, the Matildas faced Canada in their first group stage match and lost 2–0 with Catley subbing in for Sam Kerr at halftime. The team tied their next group stage match against Germ