Alanna Kennedy

Last updated

Alanna Kennedy
AusChi3 - Kennedy (51556209773).jpg
Kennedy in 2021
Personal information
Full name Alanna Stephanie Kennedy [1]
Date of birth (1995-01-21) 21 January 1995 (age 30)
Place of birth Campbelltown, Australia
Height 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) [2]
Position(s) Centre-back [3] / Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Angel City FC
Number 14
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2010–2011 Sydney FC 1 (0)
2011–2012 Newcastle Jets 9 (1)
2012–2013 Sydney FC 12 (3)
2013–2014 Western Sydney Wanderers 9 (1)
2014–2015 Perth Glory 13 (2)
2015–2017 Sydney FC 24 (3)
2016 Western New York Flash 17 (0)
2017–2020 Orlando Pride 60 (8)
2017–2018 → Melbourne City (loan) 14 (1)
2018–2020 → Sydney FC (loan) 22 (3)
2020 → Tottenham Hotspur (loan) 9 (0)
2021 Tottenham Hotspur 10 (1)
2021–2025 Manchester City 40 (1)
2025– Angel City FC 0 (0)
International career‡
2008–2009 Australia U-17 10 (6)
2011–2014 Australia U-20 3 (0)
2012– Australia 132 (11)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17 December 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22 February 2025

Alanna Stephanie Kennedy (born 21 January 1995) is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a centre-back for National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club Angel City FC and the Australia national team.

Contents

Early life

Kennedy was raised in the Sydney suburb of Rosemeadow and attended selective sports school Westfields Sports High School. [4] [5] As a youth, she was the only girl on an all-boys team [6] and later played for the Campbelltown Cobras. [7] She trained with the Girls Skills Acquisition Program (GSAP) at Macarthur Rams. Kennedy acknowledged the Rams training ground as her "second home" growing up. [8]

Club career

Kennedy (right) and Andi Sullivan fight for the ball in a match between Washington Spirit and Orlando Pride on 23 June 2018. Andi Sullivan & Alanna Kennedy.jpg
Kennedy (right) and Andi Sullivan fight for the ball in a match between Washington Spirit and Orlando Pride on 23 June 2018.

W-League beginnings

Kennedy started her W-League career playing for Sydney FC in the 2010–11 season, where she featured in 3 games. The following year, Kennedy switched clubs and joined the Newcastle Jets in the 2011–12 W-League before returning to Sydney FC in the 2012–13 season. For the 2013–14 season, she joined city rivals Western Sydney Wanderers, [9] and in the 2014 season she joined Perth Glory. [10] In 2015, she returned to Sydney FC and would remain there the following 2 seasons.

Western New York Flash and Orlando Pride

In 2016, Kennedy signed with the Western New York Flash in the National Women's Soccer League. She appeared in 17 games for the Flash in 2016. Kennedy played every minute of Western New York's two playoff games, as the Flash won the 2016 NWSL Championship. [11]

Kennedy heads the ball during an Orlando Pride match, May 2018 Alanna Kennedy (42645297242).jpg
Kennedy heads the ball during an Orlando Pride match, May 2018

On 19 January 2017, Kennedy was traded to the Orlando Pride in exchange for midfielder Sam Witteman. [12] She appeared in every game for the Pride in 2017. In the final game of the regular season on 30 September, Kennedy scored the game-winning goal on a free kick in stoppage time. This win allowed Orlando to finish the regular season in 3rd place and qualify for the playoffs for the first time in club history. [13] In the semi-final, Kennedy scored again but Orlando lost 4–1 to the Portland Thorns.

In the 2018 NWSL season, Kennedy appeared in 20 games and scored 2 goals; however, Orlando could not repeat their success of 2017 and finished outside the playoffs. [14]

In March 2020, the impending NWSL season was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. An eventual restart was made through a smaller schedule 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup tournament. [15] [16] However, on 22 June, Orlando withdrew from the tournament following positive COVID-19 tests among both players and staff. [17]

Melbourne City FC

Kennedy joined Melbourne City on loan for the 2017–18 W-League season. [18] During the 2017–2018 season, Kennedy was named to the Westfield W-League's "Team of the Decade", which was composed of the best XI players to ever play in the W-League, as voted for by the fans. [19]

Sydney FC

After spending one season at Melbourne City, Kennedy signed with Sydney FC for the 2018–19 W-League season, returning to the club she had played at for four previous seasons. [20] On 16 February 2019 Kennedy won her third W-league Championship title with a 4–2 win over Perth Glory in the grand final. She re-signed with Sydney FC for the 2019–20 season. [21] The team returned to the grand final in 2020 but lost to Melbourne City 1–0. [22]

Tottenham Hotspur

In August 2020, having been unable to feature for Orlando Pride in 2020 due to COVID-19 related issues, Kennedy moved to English FA WSL club Tottenham Hotspur on a six-month loan ahead of the 2020–21 season, with an option to make the move permanent. [23]

On 12 November 2020, while on loan at Tottenham, Kennedy's NWSL playing rights were acquired by Racing Louisville FC in the 2020 NWSL Expansion Draft. [24] Upon the expiration of her loan and NWSL contract in December 2020, Kennedy opted to remain in England and sign permanently with Tottenham until the end of the season. [25]

Kennedy was released by Tottenham on 25 May 2021. [26]

Manchester City

At the end of August 2021, Kennedy signed a two-year deal with Manchester City, joining national team-mate Hayley Raso. [27] [28] On 21 January 2025, Kennedy announced she was leaving the club after 3½ seasons. [29] [30]

Angel City

Kennedy signed a one-year deal, plus an option for an extra year, with Angel City FC in the NWSL on 21 January 2025. [29] [31]

International career

Kennedy debuted for the Matildas against New Zealand in 2012. [32] In 2014, at age 19, she was named to the Matildas squad for the 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup. She appeared in three games, as Australia finished runner-up to Japan.

2015 FIFA Women's World Cup

In May 2015, Kennedy was named to Australia's 23-player roster for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and was the second youngest player on their roster. Kennedy appeared in all five matches for Australia. The Matildas finished second in their group and advanced to the knockout stage. They defeated Brazil in round 16 but lost to Japan in the quarter-finals. [33]

2016 Summer Olympics

Kennedy attended her first Olympic Games in 2016. She played every minute of Australia's four matches at Rio 2016. Their quarter-final match against Brazil was tied 0–0 after extra time and went to penalties. Kennedy was the final penalty taker for Australia; she did not score her penalty and Brazil won the match 7–6 on penalties. [34]

Kennedy was part of the Matildas squad that won the 2017 Tournament of Nations and defeated the United States for the first time ever. [35] At the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup Kennedy scored two goals for Australia. The second goal she scored was a stoppage time equalizer against Thailand in the Semi-final. Australia went on to win the game in penalties. Australia lost to Japan 1–0 in the final. [36]

2019 FIFA Women's World Cup

In May 2019, Kennedy was named to the Matildas squad for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, the second time she was included in a World Cup squad. [37] At the World Cup, Kennedy started all four of Australia's matches. In the Round of 16 tie against Norway, Kennedy received a straight red card in the 104th minute of extra-time for a DOGSO foul on Lisa-Marie Utland. Australia went on to lose on penalties and were eliminated. [38]

2020 Summer Olympics

Kennedy was a member of the Matildas Tokyo 2020 Olympics squad. The Matildas qualified for the quarter-finals and beat Great Britain before being eliminated in the semi-final with Sweden. In the playoff for the Bronze medal they were beaten by the USA. [39]

2024 Summer Olympics

On 4 June 2024, Kennedy was named in the Matildas team which qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics, her third Olympic games selection. [40]

Style of play

Kennedy is recognised as being a versatile, technical player and is a right-footed free kick specialist. [2] Known on the international level as a centre back, Kennedy also plays in the midfielder position. [41]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 18 December 2024 [42]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cup [a] League cup [b] Continental [c] Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Sydney 2010–11 W-League 10———10
Newcastle Jets 2011–12W-League91———91
Sydney2012–13W-League123———123
Western Sydney Wanderers 2013–14W-League90———90
Perth Glory 2014–15W-League132———132
Sydney2015–16W-League121———121
2016–17W-League122———122
Total689———689
Western New York Flash 2016 NWSL 170———170
Orlando Pride 2017NWSL255———255
2018NWSL202———202
2019NWSL151———151
Total608———608
Melbourne City (loan)2017–18W-League141———141
Sydney FC (loan)2019–20W-League123———123
Tottenham Hotspur (loan) 2020–21 Women's Super League 1911131—233
Manchester City 2021–22 Women's Super League141404000221
2022–23 Women's Super League2010400070
2023–24 Women's Super League1701020—200
2024–25 Women's Super League70000081151
Total4016010081642
Career total23023711318125826

International

As of match played 1 December 2024 [42]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Australia 201270
201350
201480
2015160
2016122
2017111
2018153
201991
202040
2021141
202270
2023111
2024132
Total13211
Scores and results list Australia's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Kennedy goal.
List of international goals scored by Alanna Kennedy
No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
12 March 2016 Nagai Stadium, Osaka, Japan Flag of Vietnam.svg  Vietnam 3–09–0 2016 Olympics qualifying
29 August 2016 Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil Flag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwe 3–06–1 2016 Summer Olympics
37 March 2017VRS António Sports Complex, Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands 3–03–2 2017 Algarve Cup
410 April 2018 Amman International Stadium, Amman, Jordan Flag of Vietnam.svg  Vietnam 2–08–0 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup
517 April 2018 King Abdullah II Stadium, Amman, Jordan Flag of Thailand.svg  Thailand 2–22–2
62 August 2018 Toyota Park, Bridgeview, Illinois, USA Flag of Japan.svg  Japan 1–02–0 2018 Tournament of Nations
76 March 2019 AAMI Park, Melbourne, Australia Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 2–03–0 2019 Cup of Nations
830 July 2021 Kashima Soccer Stadium, Kashima, Japan Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Great Britain 1–04–3 2020 Summer Olympics
927 July 2023 Lang Park, Brisbane, Australia Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria 2–32–3 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
1028 July 2024 Stade de Nice, Nice, France Flag of Zambia.svg  Zambia 1–16–5 2024 Summer Olympics
1131 July 2024 Stade Vélodrome, Marseille, France Flag of the United States.svg  United States 1–21–2

Honours

Sydney FC

Alanna Kennedy in action at 2017 Algarve Cup.jpeg

Perth Glory

Western New York Flash

Melbourne City

Manchester City

Australia

Individual

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Women's Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020 – Squad list: Australia" (PDF). FIFA . 5 August 2021. p. 1. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 "FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 – Players – Alanna Kennedy". www.fifa.com. Archived from the original on 9 June 2019. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  3. ↑ Kemp, Emma (10 February 2024). "When 23 becomes 18: The Matildas making the cut for Olympics". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  4. ↑ "Alanna Kennedy: Matildas star now giving back". South West Voice. 20 August 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  5. ↑ Tullis, Ashleigh (28 July 2016). "Macarthur soccer star shoots for gold". Campbelltown-Macarthur Advertiser.[ permanent dead link ]
  6. ↑ "Matilda Alanna Kennedy's dreams unfold out west". Daily Examiner. 2 February 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  7. ↑ "Rosemeadow Matilda Alanna Kennedy announced as Macarthur FC ambassador". Advertiser. 20 August 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2020.[ permanent dead link ]
  8. ↑ Layt, Jess (29 June 2020). "Matilda Alanna Kennedy thrilled Australia wins World Cup bid". Liverpool City Champion. Retrieved 16 November 2020.[ permanent dead link ]
  9. ↑ "Wanderers announce strong squad for upcoming W-League season". The Women's Game. 10 October 2013. Archived from the original on 29 September 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  10. ↑ "Perth Glory announce signing of six Matildas". The Women's Game. 6 August 2014. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  11. ↑ Scavuzzo, Diane (26 February 2016). "WNY Flash sign Australian defender". SoccerToday. Archived from the original on 9 June 2020. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  12. ↑ "Orlando Pride Acquires Australia National Team Defender Alanna Kennedy". Orlando City SC. 19 January 2017. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  13. ↑ Purdy, Jacqueline (30 September 2018). "Alanna Kennedy's FK stoppage-time stunner lifts Pride to 3–2 win over Courage". NWSLsoccer.com. National Women's Soccer League. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  14. ↑ "A.Kennedy". Soccerway. Perform Group. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  15. ↑ "NWSL, CPL delay start of 2020 seasons due to Covid-19". SportBusiness. 21 March 2020. Archived from the original on 31 October 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  16. ↑ "NWSL announces 2020 Challenge Cup presented by P&G and Secret". www.nwslsoccer.com. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  17. ↑ "Orlando Pride Statement Regarding 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Participation". www.orlandocitysc.com. Archived from the original on 23 November 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  18. ↑ Davutovic, David (25 October 2017). "Melbourne City caps off W-League signing spree with international duo Alanna Kennedy and Yukari Kinga". Herald Sun . Archived from the original on 29 October 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
  19. ↑ "Revealed! The Westfield W-League Team of the Decade". W-League.com.au. Football Federation Australia. 27 January 2018. Archived from the original on 28 January 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2019.
  20. ↑ Greco, John (5 September 2018). "Kennedy's back as Sydney FC sign six Westfield Matildas". W-League.com.au. Football Federation Australia. Archived from the original on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  21. ↑ "Sydney FC Unveil Championship Defending Westfield W-League Squad". Sydney FC. 24 September 2019. Archived from the original on 25 September 2019. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  22. ↑ "Catley strike seals Melbourne City's record fourth Westfield W-League Championship". Westfield W-League. 21 March 2020. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  23. ↑ "Kennedy and Zadorsky loans". Tottenham Hotspur. Archived from the original on 18 July 2021.
  24. ↑ "Louisville drafts Orlando Pride's Alanna Kennedy, Caitlin Foord". Orlando Sentinel. 12 November 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  25. ↑ "Alanna Kennedy signs permanent deal". Tottenham Hotspur. 7 January 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  26. ↑ Brady, Eve (25 May 2021). "Spurs confirm the departure of eleven senior players". Her Football Hub. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
  27. ↑ Fisher, Bethany (27 August 2021). "Alanna Kennedy: Matildas defender signs for Man City". Her Football Hub. Archived from the original on 30 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  28. ↑ "Alanna Kennedy: Manchester City sign Australia defender on two-year deal". Sky Sports. 27 August 2021.
  29. 1 2 "Alanna Kennedy departs". Manchester City F.C. 21 January 2025. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
  30. ↑ "Australia defender Kennedy to leave Man City". BBC Sport. 21 January 2025. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
  31. ↑ "ACFC Signs Australian Women's National Team Defender Alanna Kennedy". Angel City FC. 21 January 2025. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
  32. ↑ "Westfield Matildas complete miraculous escape". Football Federation Australia. Archived from the original on 24 August 2012.
  33. ↑ "Westfield Matildas name World Cup squad". myfootball.com.au. Football Federation Australia. 12 May 2015. Archived from the original on 2 May 2019. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  34. ↑ "Brazil VS. Australia 0 – 0". Soccerway. Perform Group. Archived from the original on 1 July 2020. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  35. ↑ "Australian women beat U.S. in Tournament of Nations". USA Today. Associated Press. 28 July 2017. Archived from the original on 5 February 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  36. ↑ "Women's Asian Cup". Soccerway. Perform Group. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  37. ↑ "Matildas squad for 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup announced". Australian Olympic Committee. 14 May 2019. Archived from the original on 23 June 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  38. ↑ Pender, Kieran (22 June 2019). "Norway won the shootout 4–1 after a 1–1 draw, with Elise Kellond-Knight cancelling out Isabell Herlovsen's opener before Alanna Kennedy was sent off in extra time". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  39. ↑ "Australian Olympic Team for Tokyo 2021". The Roar. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  40. ↑ "History making Matildas team selected for Paris Olympics". Matildas . Football Australia. 4 June 2024. Archived from the original on 10 August 2024. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  41. ↑ Torres, Luis (11 July 2017). "Orlando Pride's Alanna Kennedy thrives in new midfielder role". orlandosentinel.com.
  42. 1 2 "Australia - A. Kennedy - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". Archived from the original on 23 May 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  43. ↑ "Kennedy and Kerr nominated for FIFPro World XI". The Women's Game. 4 March 2018. Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2019.
  44. ↑ "IFFHS WOMAN TEAM – AFC – OF THE DECADE 2011–2020". IFFHS. 30 January 2021. Archived from the original on 2 April 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2021.

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