The Matildas will return to McDonald Jones Stadium this year to take on Chile in front of a Newcastle crowd.
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The announcement was made on Monday by the Football Federation Australia.
“Last year’s matches against Brazil were truly memorable events with a sell-out crowd in Penrith and a new crowd record in Newcastle,” FFA CEO David Gallop said.
“The past 18 months have seen the Westfield Matildas go from strength to strength, they have captured the imagination of all Australians and have inspired a new generation of footballers.
“With the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup coming up in nine months, and our own bid to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup ramping up, matches like this are important on and off the field.”
- RELATED READING: 2017 International Series: Matildas vs Brazil live from Newcastle
The NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the regional game scheduled for November was a fantastic opportunity for football fans to see the Matildas in action on home soil.
“We expect this two-match series against Chile to be irresistible to fans,” he said.
“These matches also offer fans the opportunity to experience everything Penrith and Newcastle have to offer and I encourage visitors to book their tickets and extend their stay and get out and explore the many wonderful venues and attractions on offer.
The Matildas head coach Alen Stajcic was keen to use the two matches as part of his team’s preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup which will be held in June next year in France.
“Chile are an emerging nation in international women’s football and have qualified for next year’s FIFA Women’s World cup for the first time in their history,” Stajcic said.
"They (Chile) had a fantastic Copa America this year and have showed a great level of technical proficiency, as we would expect from a proud South American footballing nation.
“For us to prepare for the FIFA Women’s World Cup we need to play against a diverse range of opposition and Chile will be great challenge for us.
“The atmosphere at our matches in Penrith and Newcastle last year was amazing and I know that the players are looking forward to running out in front of large, vocal home crowds,” concluded Stajcic.
Members of the Football Family and registered players will be able to purchase tickets from 11am (AEST) Monday September 3, 2018 with the general public on-sale from 11am (AEST) Thursday, September 6, 2018. For all ticketing information visit https://matildas.footballaustralia.com.au/tickets
Westfield Matildas v Chile
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Tuesday 13 November 2018
Kick-Off: 7:30pm (AEST)
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