Matildas Abroad Review: Luik returns to starting lineup

Aivi Luik returned to the starting team at BK Häcken in their huge win on the weekend.

Read our review of all of the Matildas Abroad below.

Sweden

BK Häcken comprehensively defeated Trelleborg 7-0 on the weekend to maintain second place on the Damallsvenskan table. Goals were shared between six players, including a brace to Sara Schröder. Aivi Luik started the game for the first time since returning from injury and was withdrawn after 62 minutes of action.

Meanwhile, Kristianstads DFF suffered a 2-0 defeat against Norrköping. Wilma Maria Leidhammar’s second-half goal gave Norrköping the lead before Alexandra Victoria Hellekant sealed the result in stoppage time. Clare Polkinghorne started the match in the heart of their defence while Amy Sayer continues her recovery from her ACL rupture.

The Damallsvenskan now takes a break until Kristianstads play Norrköping again on August 11.

United States

San Diego Wave suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss against Portland Thorns on Saturday thanks to a late Izzy D’Aquila goal. The Wave had more possession and plenty of opportunities but it was D’Aquila’s goal that made all the difference. Emily van Egmond started and played the full game, while Kaitlyn Torpey was unavailable with injury.

The NWSL will now break until after Paris 2024™ - the Wave’s next game is on August 25.