CommBank Matilda Hayley Raso said that the team's 5-0 victory against New Zealand was a momentum builder as the team prepares for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026™ on home soil.
She score Australia's second goal in front of a sold-out Gosford crowd on Friday evening.
“It’s really nice to get the win," she said.
"It’s important for us to get wins and build a bit of momentum leading into the Asian Cup. We’ve got one more game now, so hopefully we can go into that one the same way as we did tonight."
Gosford has been a happy hunting ground for Raso, having scored in three consecutive games at polytec Stadium for the Matildas.
“Really? That’s a really good stat, I didn’t know that one!" she exclaimed.
"The fans always come out in numbers. It was a special game for me having my family here, and I always love scoring for my country. I don’t know - maybe Gosford’s the place!
“I saw the keeper off her line a bit. I thought, I'll finish this here, and it snuck in the corner. I was delighted with that."
Raso celebrated her 100th appearance for the CommBank Matildas in Cardiff against Wales last month. That milestone was celebrated with a commemorative jersey in Gosford in front of her family and friends, something that she said was very special.
“It was really nice to celebrate that milestone at home," she said.
"It was my biggest honour to reach 100 caps. To be able to have my family out on the pitch tonight, to do it in Australia in front of the fans that I love so much, it was very special.
“It meant a lot to have my family here. They’re just up there in the stands. They follow me around, they’re at all my games. To receive the jersey and to have them on the pitch was really special."
She emphasised the way that the team has been developing under Head Coach Joe Montemurro, and had a message for fans in Adelaide on Tuesday.
"We’ve been under Joe now for a couple of camps," she explained.
"We’re preparing for the Asian Cup, learning new principles, and trying to adapt to the way Joe wants us to play - all of this is in preparation for what we have coming.
"Come out in numbers in Adelaide and get behind us, because we hear you always, all game."
COMMBANK MATILDAS | NEXT GAME
CommBank Matildas v New Zealand
Date: Tuesday, 2 December 2025
Kick-off: 8pm ACDT
Venue: Coopers Stadium, Adelaide
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Buy Tickets