US talk show host Seth Meyers shared his love for the Australian women's soccer team when he admitted to crying over veteran goal keeper Lydia Williams' retirement in an episode of Late Night.
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"I cried today, I almost forgot to tell you," the talk show host told his guest, a jet-lagged Amy Poehler.
"The Australian goal keeper on the women's national team is retiring and she gave the number one jersey to who's taking over," he said.
"I love a sports cry," the Parks and Recreation comedian said.
"I liked an Australian getting a little... they seem like they never cry," Meyers said before they both launched into attempts at an Australian accent.
Meyers was referring to a video posted to the Matildas' social media on June 6 showing retiring goal keeper Lydia Williams handing her jersey to Mackenzie Arnold.
Arnold takes the top jersey
The video showed Ms Williams delivering a moving speech to the team saying "when you walk into a changeroom, the first thing you see is where your number is".
"It's how you identify yourself, it's something that is a part of you. It's just as important as a signature," she said.
"The beauty about sport and what this team is, is that numbers are meant to be passed on."
Through tears Ms Arnold accepted the jersey and said "when I came into camp, it wasn't my most ideal camp...but I remember coming in and watching you and Bubs [Melissa Barbieri] battle it out for this jersey".
"And I just remember watching you take it and become your own and I knew from that moment that this is eventually what I wanted to wear," she said.
"I think we've gone through a lot and I know that I probably couldn't have kept going and got to this place without you.
"To take this from you means more than you know and congratulations on such an amazing career, I'm so glad I could be a part of it."
Ms Williams is retiring after 19 years playing for the national soccer team. She represented Australia at five FIFA tournaments, six AFC Women's Asian Cups and two Olympic Games Women's Football Tournaments.
She is handing the top spot to Ms Arnold who made her debut for Australia in 2012 at the age of 18 years and is a favourite among football community.
She was voted the Player's Player by her teammates at West Ham United F.C. and won Player of the Tournament for the 2023 Cup of Nations held in Australia in February 2023.
During the tournament she conceded only two goals and made nine key saves.
"Going into the World Cup, Mackenzie looks to be an asset to the Matildas' goalkeeper union," the national team said.
Anna Houlahan
Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
