CommBank Matildas wing-back Ellie Carpenter said she was “proud” after reaching a century of appearances for the CommBank Matildas against Mexico on Saturday evening.
The 26-year-old was speaking to media after the 1-0 defeat in Newcastle.
“It’s bittersweet, obviously,” she summarised.
“I’m very proud to reach 100 games for my country. Unfortunately, it was not the result we wanted. We need to be better. On the other hand, I'm very proud to reach 100 games.”
She diagnosed the problem as the team not being clinical enough in the front third.
“We weren't there tonight in the final third,” she said.
“I think we were a bit sloppy, losing balls and second balls as well. We had some opportunities to put it in the net, and it didn't come. Hopefully, on Tuesday night, we can do that.
“We want to play exciting football, and we want to put the ball in the net. Tonight, that wasn’t it.”
Looking back on her journey, she said that the achievement hadn’t quite sunk in yet.
“I don't think it's really sunk in that I've played 100 times for my country,” she said.
“It's such a special honour, and one that I’ll reflect on later, and also think about what's still ahead for my future here with the national team. Time has really flown by. Just 11 years ago I was in the stands, and now I'm here, so it's quite crazy, how football works.
“I’m proud of my journey so far. I still have a lot to give to this team, over the next couple of years, and that'll be my main goal - keep striving to be a better version of myself, and to help this team win.”
Carpenter wore the captain’s armband to mark the occasion.
“It’s always an honour to captain the team, to lead the team. It's an amazing feeling. There’s nothing better than putting on this jersey,” she said.
She cited Steph Catley as a player that she has looked up to throughout her career.
Looking ahead to Tuesday, Carpenter praised Mexico while emphasising what the Matildas will be looking to improve.
“Mexico are a great team, they press really high, and they have great technical players,” she said.
“They get in behind and they can score goals, and they showed that tonight. We really need to tighten a few things up before Tuesday night.”
COMMBANK MATILDAS | JUNE 2026 | NEXT GAME
CommBank Matildas v Mexico
Date: Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Kick-off: 7.00pm AEST
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
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