Michelle Heyman was on the scoresheet again as the CommBank Matildas were held to a 1-1 draw by Slovenia in their international friendly.
Ninja A-League legend Heyman broke the deadlock on Sunday before Mirjam Kastelec dramatically equalised in the 91st minute in Perth.
New Matildas head coach and A-Leagues great Joe Montemurro made six changes to the starting XI that defeated Slovenia on Thursday, with Heyman, Mackenzie Arnold, Remy Siemsen, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Charli Grant and Kaitlyn Torpey coming into the line-up.
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After a scoreless opening period, Heyman put Australia ahead five minutes into the second half as the 36-year-old Canberra United striker’s volley found the back of the net.
“Like a fine wine, Michelle Heyman just keeps getting better,” former Matilda Grace Gill said in commentary on Paramount+.
“She is telling the new boss that she well and truly still has it. That is a well-worked finish by the Matildas.”
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Following a goal-line clearance that prevented Australia from doubling their lead, Slovenia salvaged a draw in the dying moments as Kastalec converted a rebound.
Despite the draw, the Matildas remain unbeaten under new boss Montemurro while three of their last four goals have been scored by Ninja A-League stars – Heyman, Melbourne Victory’s Emily Gielnik and reigning Golden Boot winner and Melbourne City sensation Holly McNamara.
On Sunday, Gielnik and McNamara featured off the bench along with Victory’s Alana Murphy and Western United captain Chloe Berryhill.
For Berryhill, it was a successful return to the international arena after her stunning Matildas comeback was cut short by concussion in December.
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“I live by the motto of trusting the process, so if I do everything right hopefully the outcome will be good,” she told reporters.
“I’ve landed myself back in the national team which I’m very grateful for. It’s always an honour to always put on the jersey and be back with the girls
“I feel very blessed. It’s been a long journey.”
