CommBank Matildas midfielder Leticia McKenna said that her first start for the national team in their 7-1 victory over Haiti was an incredible opportunity to continue to learn and grow.
The 24-year-old made her fourth appearance for Australia on Wednesday morning (AEDT), scoring the first two goals of the match.
“When I saw I was starting, I was just super happy,” she said.
“An amazing opportunity to grow and continue to learn plenty, and build connections with those around me.
“Very stoked to get the two goals tonight. They obviously contributed to a massive win, which is awesome.
“It's going to add to the confidence, which is great. Continue to keep doing what I'm doing and enjoy football. I’m really glad to add two goals today.”
Her first goal was within the first two minutes of the game. It was the perfect way to begin her first senior international start.
“It was pretty surreal to score so early,” she said.
“It was good momentum for us to start the game. I just saw Wheels [Clare Wheeler] getting to the ball, and she did amazing to keep it in and keep it alive. I thought I’d get in the box. Then when it hit the foot and hit the net, I was just super happy.”
She completed her brace just before half-time, a vital goal to regain the lead and some momentum heading into the break.
“I try to set up Raso, and then the follow-up was in the right spot, and it went in back of the net. That's all that matters,” she said.
“It's really nice to see the girls' reactions. Sam [Kerr] is the first one to react, and she looks like she scored herself off her reaction! I was just a bit flopped on the ground.”
McKenna had to bide her time to get her opportunity, and now that she had, said that the team environment had been welcoming.
“Everyone in this environment has been amazing,” she said.
“Every staff member and player gets around me just before the game. Foordy is telling me to be confident and shoot, and for her to take the time to approach me and show that she backs me, and everything was super special.
“But every individual, whether or not they're a new player or a more experienced leader, that everyone's just been so amazing, and it makes it really enjoyable to come into camp and express yourself on the field.
“Tonight is so special to get my first start in the national team, and then to add two goals to it is certainly a proud moment for myself and my family. Many years of dreaming of opportunities like this, so I’m just super thrilled with how tonight went.”
Like every member of the squad, she has half an eye on 2027 – but she knows she can only take it one day at a time.
“It’s always in the back of your mind,” she admitted.
“But you just have to approach every training, every game, day by day. Control what you can control. It's obviously a massive goal, but at the end of the day, it's just about enjoying football, and hopefully the rest takes care of itself.”
COMMBANK MATILDAS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 | MATCH SCHEDULE
CommBank Matildas v Colombia
Date: Saturday 28 November 2026
Kick-off: 7:35pm AEDT
Venue: GIO Stadium Canberra
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
Tickets: Get Tickets
CommBank Matildas v Colombia
Date: Wednesday 2 December 2026
Kick-off: 7:35pm AEDT
Venue: GMHBA Stadium
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
Tickets: Get Tickets
