There were emotional scenes at the Emirates as Australian star Kyra Cooney-Cross played her first match for Arsenal since the tragic loss of her mother.
With the Matildas set to play a pair of friendlies against Germany and Haiti early next month as preparations begins for next year’s Women’s World Cup, the sight of a pair of Aussie guns scoring in the Super League would have gladdened hearts.
The Super League’s biggest clubs are gearing up for the start of the Women’s Champions League next month, making the form of Mary Fowler, Ellie Carpenter and co. all the more crucial for their respective teams.
Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
Over in the United States, Sam Kerr celebrated her 33rd birthday in style, while World Cup hero Mackenzie Arnold made a vital save but was beaten late in a tense draw.
Scroll down for our comprehensive guide to how the Matildas are performing around the world in our Tillies Tracker!
ENGLAND
Kyra Cooney-Cross was warmly embraced by Arsenal teammates in her first appearance at the Emirates since the passing of her mother.
The 24-year old was in the starting XI after warming the bench for the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion that kicked off their Super League campaign.
She rushed home in January this year to support her mother Jessica, who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer.
She chose to miss the end of the 2025/26 season to be with her family, standing by her mother’s bedside as she passed away in July.
Cooney-Cross’ Arsenal return was greeted with applause by home fans.
The star midfielder penned an emotional message to supporters in the club’s match-day program, thanking them for their support through the most challenging of times.
“The outpouring of love and support we received from you is something that will never leave me or my family,” Cooney-Cross wrote.
“We are eternally grateful to each and every one of you.
“It’s hard to find more words of gratitude, but I promise you that I will do everything I can to show you in the only way a footballer can, on the pitch.
“My world is far away from the Emirates, but seeing every sign, every message and hearing every song kept me close. Coming back to the UK was made easier because I have a family here.”
Cooney-Cross told the BBC in the lead-in to the match that the game would have extra significance for her as a result.
“I know mum would want me here playing and training,” she said.
“And I want to play for the fans as well, to say thank you to them.
“But it’s mixed emotions. Game days are very emotional for me now. They mean a lot more.
“I would say I’m excited, but it’s also going to be an emotional day.”
She also revealed a message her mother had sent before her passing.
“Kyra, try to remember what it felt like when you were little. when you just loved having the ball at your feet, playing with your mates, testing yourself against the boys or adults for the fun of it,” the message reads.
“Back then, it wasn’t about proving anything … it was about the feeling, the freedom, the creativity, the joy of pushing yourself.
“Play because you love the ball at your feet, the rhythm of the game. Train because it feels good to move and challenge your body and feel strong
“This is how you start doing it for you again – Mum.”
Cooney-Cross was subbed out in the 59th minute of the Gunners’ 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.
Fellow Matilda Caitlin Foord came on in the 84th minute but was unable to provide a tie-breaker.
There were more highlights in Chelsea’s 5-0 thrashing of a woeful Manchester United, with Ellie Carpenter joining in the feast with a second-half goal.
Carpenter’s first shot was saved by United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, but the rebound ricocheted perfectly back to her, with the Matildas vice-captain making no mistake on her second attempt.
The win pushes Chelsea back to second on the Super League table after two rounds, behind Manchester City, who became the competition’s sole unbeaten team with a 4-1 win over Aston Villa.
For the second week in a row, Mary Fowler was crucial, with the star striker scoring with a powerful left-foot strike from just inside the box for a 2-0 lead.
It followed a goal in City’s opening round win over Birmingham City as she continues to recover from her ruptured ACL in early 2025.
“Tonight is the first night where I actually feel a lot more myself, which is a good feeling,” the 23-year old said.
Holly McNamara’s move to the Super League paid immediate dividends, with the emerging talent taking player of the match honours on debut for Everton.
McNamara, whose fledgling Matildas career has been repeatedly derailed by injuries, set up the only goal of the match with a challenging run into the box before her cross was deflected in by Charlton’s Leighanne Robe for an own goal.
UNITED STATES
Sam Kerr celebrated her 33rd birthday before helping Gotham FC maintain their spot on top of the National Women’s Soccer League.
The hard-fought 2-1 win over Racing Louisville leaves the team five points clear of second-placed Washington.
Kerr, who is the competition’s all-time leading regular season goalscorer, linked up with Jaedyn Shaw just seconds into the second half for the match-winning goal.
Matildas teammate Mackenzie Arnold came up with a clutch second-half save for Portland Thorns against the Chicago Stars.
With the Thorns leading 1-0, the goalkeeper was on hand to save a close-range strike from Michelle Alozie, who had cut in on her defender to be left with just Arnold to beat.
However, the stop came in vain in injury time, with a Stars cross headed in by Taylor Wood to tie the scores 1-1.