Wellington Phoenix pair Michaela Foster and Brianna Edwards have been called into the Football Ferns squad as replacements ahead of Friday’s international against Portugal in Hamilton.
It’s the first full call-up for Foster, a former age group international, and follows impressive performances in the Women’s A-League this season.
Foster (24) replaces Phoenix teammate Grace Wisnewski as the Ferns’ training player after Wisnewski’s withdrawal from the national squad for personal reasons.
Phoenix goalkeeper Edwards (20) has also been drafted into the Ferns squad after an injury to Vic Esson.
Four other Phoenix players — Betsy Hassett, Paige Satchell, Mackenzie Barry and Kate Taylor — were to join the Football Ferns in Hamilton today (Monday February 13).
Foster, raised in the Waikato, is a set-piece specialist, able to curl crosses in or out with either foot.
Main photo: Michaela Foster … replaces Grace Wisnewski in the Ferns training squad.
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Edwards was part of the Ferns squad brought together for January’s two-match series with the United States but did not feature in either game.
She’s the second goalkeeper replacement for the Ferns, with Murphy Sheaff called into the squad for Anna Leat who has a back injury.
READ MORE: Injury forces goalkeeper Anna Leat to withdraw from Ferns squad >>>>
Interview with Michaela Foster
The Ferns’ match against 22nd-ranked Portugal is on Friday February 17 at FMG Stadium Waikato.
New Zealand will meet 29th-ranked Argentina at the same venue on Monday February 20 before playing the Argentines again at North Harbour Stadium on Thursday February 23.
Foster will re-join the Phoenix after the first match against Argentina with Hassett, Satchell, Barry, Taylor and Edwards to return to club duties just a couple of days before the team’s round 15 match against Sydney FC at North Harbour Stadium on Sunday, February 26.
READ MORE: Stott and Bott ready to return to Ferns for games against Portugal and Argentina >>>>
Fixtures
Game to be played on Friday February 17, 2023
Football Ferns v Portugal
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 7pm
Game to be played on Monday February 20, 2023
Football Ferns v Argentina
North Harbour Stadium, Albany, Auckland, 7pm
Game to be played on Thursday February 23, 2023
Football Ferns v Argentina
North Harbour Stadium, Albany, Auckland, 7pm
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