Boston Legacy FC had multiple players called up to international duty, let's see how they did.
Aïssata Traoré - Mali
Minutes: 180
Aïssata and Les Aiglonnes are still in contention for the two Confederation of African Football (CAF) spots in the 2028 Olympics. Mali narrowly moved on to the third round of Olympic qualifiers with an aggregate score of 7-5 after two matches against Benin.
Aïssata played the full 90 and had 1 goal contribution in each game.
Les Aiglonnes suffered a 3-1 defeat against Benin in the first leg. Traoré scored Mali's only goal by hitting a half volley as the keeper ran toward her during the second half.
Mali ended the first half of the second game with a 3-0 lead, enough to advance to the next knockout round had they held that result. Benin nearly made a comeback in the action-packed second half and cut the lead down to 3-2 by the 74th minute. Traoré responded by chipping the keeper in the 78th minute. With only a few minutes remaining, Mali was once again in the clear with a 5-2 scoreline, and a foul on Aïssata in the box at the 85th minute gave her team the chance to put the nail in the coffin. Mali was awarded a penalty kick and converted it, ending the game with a 6-2 win.
Mali will face Senegal in the third round next February.
Gift Monday - Nigeria
Minutes: 114
Nigeria shut out Comoro twice in the second round of 2028 Olympic qualifiers. The Super Falcons will move on to the next stage and will face Morocco in February.
Monday started as the no. 9 in the first game against Comoros and played until the 69th minute. Though Nigeria had control of the first half, it wasn’t until the last 45 that the team found the back of the net. Nigeria recovered a loose ball after a corner kick against Comoros in the 48th minute. Monday was already inside the box and headed down a cross for teammate Michelle Alozie to drill it into the net. The Super Falcons recorded their second goal after a corner kick was headed into the net. The first leg ended with a 2-0 Nigeria victory.
Monday started as the striker in the next match and came off at the start of the second half. The forward was dangerous in and around the box but could not convert any of her chances. Nigeria went on to win 5-0.
Nicki Hernandez - Mexico
Minutes: 135
Hernandez started as a left back in two friendlies against Jamaica.
The first game resulted in a 4-3 loss for Mexico. There were slight positional changes throughout the game as Mexico responded to Jamaica’s attack. Hernandez would often play inside when going up to the final third in possession and switch with the winger to send crosses into the box. She recorded one shot from outside the box that was blocked.
Defensive Stats:
- 2 interceptions
- 2 clearances
- 3 recoveries
- 6/11 ground duels won
- 1 foul
Mexico came back with a vengeance for the second game, beating Jamaica 3-1. Hernandez only played the first 45 minutes.
Defensive stats:
- 2 interceptions
- 1 block
- 4 recoveries
- 2/4 ground duels won
- 1 foul
Barbara Olivieri - Venezuela
Minutes: 135
Olivieri started as a rightback in Venezuela’s first game against Colombia, a departure from her usual offensive role in the midfield. Though she had more defensive responsibilities, she still roamed the midfield and contributed to the team’s attack, making a few attempts at goal. Olivieri recorded the team’s second shot on target in the sixth minute, which was saved by Colombia’s goalkeeper. She played the full 90 minutes. Venezuela lost 1-0 after conceding a goal in the second half.
In the second game, Olivieri started on the bench and subbed in at the second half. She played in the same rightback position and ended up being the difference maker for her team. La Vinotinto took complete control of the final 45 and maintained a high press, giving Olivieri the freedom to be more involved in the attack. She was the main distributor on the right flank. Her drive into the box at the 88th minute led to Venezuela’s lone goal. Fellow Legacy teammate Jorelyn Carabali was unable to get to Olivieri before she got her shot off. The Colombia goalkeeper blocked the shot, but the resulting loose ball was tapped in. Venezuela lost 2-1.
Jorelyn Carabali - Colombia
Minutes: 180
Carabali played the full 90 minutes for both of Colombia’s wins against Venezuela. She started as a centerback and mostly stayed back with the keeper to collect or clear any errant touches or dispossess Venezuela’s attackers. She was also the main player to initiate the build up and distribute long balls to start an attack. Offensively, Carabali had occasional carries through the midfield and a few touches on the ball during set pieces.
Colombia beat Venezuela 1-0 in the first game. The game-winning goal in the second game started with Carabali threading the ball up the field. One pass later, Gabriela RodrÃguez chipped the Venezuelan keeper. Las Cafeteras secured the 2-1 victory to close out the international window.
Carabali received a player of the match award for the second game.
Nichelle Prince - Canada
Minutes: 62
Prince started on the right flank in Canada’s first match against Denmark. She proved to be a threat on the wing, recording two shots and nine crosses into the box in 62 minutes. Canada tied 1-1 with Denmark and won 4-2 on penalty kicks.
Canada suffered a 4-3 loss in its next match against Denmark. Prince did not dress for the second game.
Lilly Reale - USA
Minutes: 0
Reale did not play any minutes for the U.S.
The defender was listed as a substitute for the first game and did not dress for the second. The USWNT lost 2-0 in the first match against Spain and tied 2-2 in the second go around.
