Sidelined Newcastle Jets star Claudia Cicco remains confident her colleagues can upset Melbourne City to book a berth in the A-League Women’s (ALW) decider.
While she won’t play an on-field role in Sunday’s second leg of the semi-final series, due to a Jones fracture, the 19-year-old believes her team-mates learned a valuable lesson at Maitland at the weekend.
The Victorians currently lead 3-0 on aggregate, meaning the Hunter-based club must prevail 4-0 at AAMI Park on 28 April.
“I know the result didn’t go our way,” Cicco said.
“But, I think, they were a bit nervous, it looked that way at the start… it was incredible to see how many people turned out to watch us.
“To have a crowd of almost 7,000 here in the Hunter is amazing.
“And, to receive that level of support from the local community showcases how well the girls are really doing.
“It also motivates them.
“I’m positive we can still go all the way.
“We’ve shown throughout the season we can score goals, it was only a couple of weeks ago we beat Adelaide 8-0.”
Cicco joined Newcastle from the Wellington Phoenix where she spent the 2022/23 ALW campaign in her debut year, recording a total of 13 appearances.
Originally from Sydney, the defender played her junior football for the Hurlstone Park Wanderers before linking up with the Football NSW Institute.
She then moved on to APIA Leichhardt, ahead of her stint with the Phoenix.
However, Cicco, a member of the Australian squad that captured the bronze medal at the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2024™, has made every post a winner since landing at the Jets.
Although, her latest injury couldn’t have come at a worst time.
“It’s a complete snap… it’s sort of on the outside of my foot,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“So, I’ll probably be out about two months.
“Hopefully, it’s not much longer than that.
“It’s very hard watching the girls.
“I just want to go on the field and help them.
“But, you now what, they’re killing it without me and the other injured players, like Gema Simon.
“I’m so proud of how far we’ve come, with all the hard work, everything that’s happened within the club.
“It’s really pleasing to see.”
Coach Ryan Campbell also praised Cicco, and the other injured players, for their continued input into the Jets’ charge to the top.
“It’s terrific to have them around the club,” he said.
“They not only bring a lot of energy, but it highlights their respect to their team-mates.”
Cicco agreed.
“For sure, I’m keeping in contact with all the girls,” she said.
“I’m still taking in their game plan and everything, which has been really good.
“I don’t feel like I’m left out or I’m not part of it.
“That doesn’t always happen when you’re injured.
“But, I feel as much a part of the squad as I can possibly be.”
While her recovery is paramount, Cicco is also eying off a return to the Australian line-up later in the year.
“We have the World Cup at the end of August,” she said.
“So, I’m hoping to get back for that.
“For now, I am just going to take it easy and not rush it too much.
“Then, when my body feels ready, I’ll go from there.”
The match kicks off at 1pm.
A-League Women’s semi-finals – leg two
- Saturday 27 April: 3pm, Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners at Leichhardt Oval
- Sunday 28 April: 1pm, Melbourne City v Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park
Grand final
- Saturday 4 May: SF winner v SF winner
For more sports stories:
- ALM: Jets veteran Jason Hoffman joins elite 300-game club
- ALW: Maitland showcases its passion for Jets
- ALW GALLERY: Jets to come out blazing in second leg of battle
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