Ballarat Eureka Strikers captain Nat Barbara is about to play her final game in Football Federation Victoria’s women’s state league two north-west competition, before jetting off to Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States.
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The 19-year-old accepted a soccer scholarship at Clayton State University.
The Strikers face the bottom-of-the-ladder Yarra Jets at Fairfield Park on Sunday, a team they previously defeated 3-1 earlier in the season.
Barbara has proven a handy and versatile player on and off the pitch, especially when required to help fill positions due to injuries.
“She is our captain and we will have to make sure to send her off with a bang and play as well as last week,” coach Adam Vranesic said.
The round 13 clash also marks a special milestone for three Strikers.
Team members Alannah Stevens, Sophie Emota and Kassandra Stabb are each celebrating their 50th game.
“It’s something to give them some extra drive so those girls will remember the game for a good reason,” Vranesic said.
But a couple of players are still under an injury cloud.
Ashley Blackburn, who had injury trouble in the Strikers’ match last weekend, did not train with the group but is a possibility to play.
Meanwhile, Alysha Reisacher is another who did not train due to illness and is less likely to take to the pitch.
Madison Vranesic will remain on the sidelines until she gets approval from a physiotherapist.
Goal keeper Paige Daly is also a chance to miss due to injuring her knee midweek, with the coach concerned she may do more damage.
While Daly did not train, she is likely to be tested with some drills in the warm up.
Vranesic said he was comfortable about having players who could rotate in the goal keeper position if required to ensure Daly was right for a battle with top team Hoppers Crossing the following week.
The coach said the Strikers had built consistency over the past five weeks and was confident the team selected would play at its best.
