Ellie Carpenter Explained

Ellie Carpenter
Fullname:Ellie Madison Carpenter[1]
Birth Date:2000 4, df=Yes
Birth Place:Cowra, New South Wales, Australia
Height:1.64 m
Position:Right-back[2]
Currentclub:Lyon
Clubnumber:12
Years1:2015–2017
Clubs1:Western Sydney Wanderers
Caps1:23
Goals1:0
Years2:2017–2019
Clubs2:Canberra United
Caps2:21
Goals2:5
Years3:2018–2020
Clubs3:Portland Thorns
Caps3:35
Goals3:1
Years4:2019–2020
Clubs4:Melbourne City (loan)
Caps4:14
Goals4:2
Years5:2020–
Clubs5:Lyon
Caps5:57
Goals5:1
Nationalyears1:2014
Nationalteam1:Australia U17
Nationalcaps1:2
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2014–2017
Nationalteam2:Australia U20
Nationalcaps2:14
Nationalgoals2:0
Nationalyears3:2016–
Nationalteam3:Australia
Nationalcaps3:77
Nationalgoals3:4
Club-Update:18 May 2024
Nationalteam-Update:3 June 2024

Ellie Madison Carpenter (born 28 April 2000) is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a defender for French D1 Féminine club Lyon and the Australia national team.[3] She previously played for Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia's W-League and Portland Thorns FC in the United States' National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

Carpenter made her debut for the Australia national team at the age of 15, the country's first international soccer player – male or female – to be born in the 2000s (the year 2000 is on the 20th century).[4] She was also the youngest Australian competitor at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games,[5] and the youngest ever female footballer to compete at the Olympics. She made her W-League debut at age 15. In May 2018, she was the youngest player to appear in an NWSL game in league history at age 18.[6]

Carpenter was named the W-League's W-League Young Footballer of the Year three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020.

Early life and education

Born and raised in Cowra, New South Wales,[7] located approximately 300 km west of Sydney, Carpenter lived on a farm with her parents who were both physical education teachers[8] Growing up, Carpenter regularly undertook extended travels to play football in Young, Canberra and Sydney.[8] At age 12, her family moved to Sydney so she could attend Westfields Sports High School.[9] She attended both Cowra and Mulyan Public Schools.[10] At age 17, she dropped out of school to pursue her athletic career full-time.[11]

Club career

Western Sydney Wanderers FC

Carpenter joined Western Sydney Wanderers in September 2015.[12] During the 2015–16 W-League season, she was a starting defender in all twelve games that she played. The Wanderers finished in seventh place during the regular season with a record. Her performance during her inaugural season earned her a call-up to a training camp with the Matildas in November 2015.[13] Despite being only 15, she was a versatile right back defender who often helped out in offensive plays overlapping and serving crosses to her teammates.[14]

Canberra United FC

In August 2017, Carpenter signed with Canberra United for the 2017–18 W-League season.[15] Carpenter was a starting defender in 10 of the 11 games she played and scored 2 goals. She scored her first goal during the team's 6–1 win over Adelaide United on 7 January 2018. Her next goal was the Wanderers' lone goal during a 5–1 loss to Newcastle Jets on 28 January. Canberra finished in fifth place during the regular season with a record. Following the season, she was awarded the league's Young Footballer of the Year.

During the 2018–19 season, Carpenter scored a goal during the team's season-opening 2–0 win over Melbourne City. She scored her second goal of the season during a 2–2 draw against her former team, Western Sydney Wanderers on 7 December 2018. The goal was considered controversial as the Wanderers goalkeeper was down injured.[16] Canberra finished in eighth place with a record. Carpenter was named Young Footballer of the Year for the second consecutive time.

In September 2019, Carpenter announced she would be leaving Canberra for another W-League team after returning from playing with the Portland Thorns during the 2019 NWSL season.[17] She noted, "I'm off to find a new challenge and to experience new things. My time in green will always be memorable."[17]

Portland Thorns

Carpenter became the youngest player in NWSL history when she made her debut for the Portland Thorns FC on 9 May 2018. Ten days later, she became the youngest scorer in league history after netting the game-winning goal against the Washington Spirit 22 days after her 18th birthday.[18] Carpenter was a starting defender in 16 of the 19 games she played during the 2018 season and scored one goal. Portland finished in second place during the regular season and advanced to the NWSL Playoffs. After defeating Reign FC 2–1 during the semifinals, Portland was defeated 3–0 by the North Carolina Courage in the Final.[19]

Carpenter was a starting defender in 16 of the 19 games she played in during the 2019 NWSL season. Portland finished in third place during the regular season and advanced to the Playoffs where they were defeated by Chicago Red Stars 1–0 in the semifinals.[20]

Melbourne City FC (loan)

In October 2019, Carpenter joined Melbourne City on a one-season loan.[21] She was a starting defender in all 14 matches and scored two goals. On 20 February 2020, Carpenter scored a brace against her former team, Western Sydney Wanderers, lifting Melbourne to a 4–0 win and the league premiership.[22] [23] [24] After advancing to the Final Stages, Carpenter helped Melbourne City win the Grand Final shutting out Sydney FC 1–0.[25] Carpenter was named Young Footballer of the Year award for the third consecutive time in July 2020.

Lyon

In June 2020, the Thorns announced the transfer of Carpenter to Lyon.[26] On 3 July, she signed a contract that extends to 2023.[27] On 14 August 2020, she made her first appearance for the French club in a 4-0 friendly victory over PSV Eindhoven and provided an assist for Nikita Parris.[28] Carpenter was an unused sub in the Champions League final win against Wolfsburg.[29] She won her second Champions League in 2022, with her club beat Barcelona 3–1, though she was forced to be substituted in just over 20 minutes due to an injury.[30]

On 28 June 2022, Lyon extended their contract with Carpenter until 30 June 2026.[31]

International career

Carpenter has represented Australia on the senior national team (commonly referred to as the Matildas) as well as the under-17, and under-20 national teams.At the age of 14, Carpenter was first called up to the under-17 team for 2015 AFC U-16 Women's Championship qualification in September 2014.[32] She made her debut for the under-17 team in a win over Vietnam, playing a full match in the first game of qualification.[33]

At the age of 15, Carpenter earned her first cap for the senior national team in a 9–0 win against Vietnam on 2 March 2016 during the Olympic Qualifiers.[34] Her appearance marked the first Australian international (women's or men's) born since 2000.[34] Of the game, she stated, "It was an amazing experience. In some ways keeping my concentration was quite difficult, but I felt like I kept my composure and did well."[34]

In July 2016, Carpenter was named to the Matildas squad for the 2016 Rio Olympics. At age 16, Carpenter was the youngest Australian competitor at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the youngest-ever woman footballer to compete at the Olympics.[35] After finishing third in their Group and finishing first in the group of third place teams, the Matildas were defeated by Brazil during an intense penalty kick shootout in the quarterfinals.[36]

In 2017, Carpenter competed with the Matildas at the Tournament of Nations in the United States. The Australians won the tournament after a 6–1 win over Brazil.[37] During the 28th minute of a match against the United States, Carpenter was hit directly in the face by a ball being cleared by American defender Crystal Dunn. Carpenter dropped to the ground and was later taken off the field by medical staff. Playing with gauze up her bleeding nose, she returned to the field to help the Matildas secure a 1–1 draw against the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup champions.[38]

In February 2019, Carpenter was named to the Matildas squad for the inaugural FFA Cup of Nations.[39] Carpenter helped the Matildas win the Cup.[40]

At age 19, Carpenter made her World Cup debut at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France during the team's first Group Stage match: a 2–1 loss to Italy.[41] The team turned it around during their second Group Stage match: a 3–2 win over Brazil, becoming only the second team in tournament history to win after a two-goal deficit.[42] After finishing second in their group after a 4–1 over Jamaica, the Matildas advanced to the Round of 16 where they faced Norway where they lost in penalty kicks.[43]

Carpenter 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.[44]

On 3 July 2023, Carpenter was selected in the Matildas squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.[45]

On 4 June 2024, Carpenter was named in the Matildas team which qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics, her third Olympic games selection.[46]

Personal life

Carpenter is engaged to Dutch footballer and Lyon teammate Daniëlle van de Donk.[47] [48]

After living in France, she now speaks French.[49]

Career statistics

Club

[50]

Club! rowspan="2"
SeasonLeagueNational cupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Western Sydney Wanderers2015–16W-League120120
2016–17W-League110110
Total230230
Canberra United2017–18W-League102102
2018–19W-League113113
Total215215
Portland Thorns2018NWSL191191
2019NWSL160160
Total351351
Melbourne City (loan)2019–20W-League142142
Lyon2020–21D1 Féminine1811050241
2021–22D1 Féminine16000120290
2022–23D1 Féminine6030200080
2023–24D1 Féminine10000401080
5014023010781
Career total143940230101719

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Australia201640
201781
2018150
2019100
202040
2021132
202250
2023121
Total71!4

Scores and results list Australia's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Carpenter goal.

List of international goals scored by Ellie Carpenter
scope=col No.scope=col Datescope=col Venuescope=col Opponentscope=col Scorescope=col Resultscope=col Competition
16 March 2017Albufeira Municipal Stadium, Albufeira, Portugal2–1align=center 2–1 2017 Algarve Cup
221 January 2021Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai, India7–018–02022 AFC Women's Asian Cup
310–0
426 October 2023Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth, Australia1–02–02024 AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament

Honours

Melbourne City

Olympique Lyonnais

Australia

Individual

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Women's Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020 – Squad list: Australia . . 1 . 5 August 2021 . 11 November 2021.
  2. Web site: Kemp . Emma . When 23 becomes 18: The Matildas making the cut for Olympics . The Sydney Morning Herald . 10 February 2024 . 10 February 2024.
  3. News: Rawsthorne. Sally. Back to earth for teenage superstar. The Daily Telegraph. 16 January 2017. 11 April 2016.
  4. Web site: Carpenter leads Australia's 21st century brigade. https://web.archive.org/web/20161015152836/http://www.fifa.com/womens-football/news/y=2016/m=6/news=carpenter-leads-21st-century-brigade-2799477.html. dead. 15 October 2016. 2 June 2016. FIFA.com. FIFA. 16 January 2017.
  5. News: Thomson. Warren. Ellie Carpenter becomes Australia's youngest Olympian after being named in Matildas. Spouse to Oliver Josipović as of November, 2019 squad. Daily Telegraph . 16 January 2017. 4 July 2016.
  6. Web site: Thorns FC NWSL Preview : Home stretch arrives with showdown in Orlando . timbers.com . 10 August 2018.
  7. News: Australian Women's Football Team named for Rio Games. Football Federation Australia. 4 July 2016. 5 July 2016. 8 April 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200408082718/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/article/australian-womens-football-team-named-for-rio-games/12lbjukib5po1a2wlhwqblx47. dead.
  8. News: Ellie Carpenter's sacrificial round trip from Cowra to the Matildas. SBS. 5 July 2016. 9 June 2016. 12 August 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220812180541/https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/zela/article/2016/06/09/ellie-carpenters-sacrificial-round-trip-cowra-matildas. dead.
  9. News: Matildas millennial Ellie Carpenter chasing Rio Olympics Spot. ESPN FC. 24 May 2016. 5 July 2016.
  10. News: Cowra junior Ellie Carpenter signs with Olympique Lyon . 31 October 2020 . 19 June 2020.
  11. News: Tiernan . Eamonn . Canberra United star Ellie Carpenter dropped out of high school and hasn't looked back . 31 October 2020 . Sydney Morning Herald . 17 November 2017.
  12. News: Ellie Carpenter signs with Western Sydney Wanderers' W-League squad. Parramatta Sun. Andrew. Brown. 23 September 2015. 2 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160307155847/http://www.parramattasun.com.au/story/3372576/ellie-keen-to-turn-wanderers-fortunes/. 7 March 2016. dead. dmy-all.
  13. News: Rio Olympics 2016: Ellie Carpenter becomes Australia's youngest Olympian after being named in Matildas squad . 31 October 2020 . Daily Telegraph . 5 July 2016.
  14. News: Ellie Carpenter may be youngest athlete heading to Rio, but she's a seasoned professional . 31 October 2020 . SBS . 19 July 2016 . 17 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211017011707/https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/zela/article/2016/07/19/ellie-carpenter-may-be-youngest-athlete-heading-rio-shes-seasoned-professional . dead .
  15. News: Matildas young gun Ellie Carpenter signs with Canberra United for W-League. Helmers, Caden. 28 August 2017. 28 August 2017. The Canberra Times.
  16. News: Carpenter scores controversial goal as Canberra draw with Wanderers . 31 October 2020 . Sydney Morning Herald . 7 December 2018.
  17. News: Bertoldo . Lucie . Ellie Carpenter calls time on Canberra United career to join new W-League club . 31 October 2020 . Canberra Times . 29 September 2019.
  18. News: Ellie Carpenter becomes youngest goalscorer in NWSL history. Pro Soccer USA. 20 May 2018. 19 May 2018.
  19. News: North Carolina Wins N.W.S.L. Championship in a Rematch . 31 October 2020 . New York Times . 22 September 2018.
  20. News: Portland Thorns fall to Chicago Red Stars in 2019 NWSL playoffs: Live updates recap . 31 October 2020 . The Oregonian . 20 October 2019.
  21. News: Matildas teen sensation Ellie Carpenter signs for City's W-League side. Michael. Lynch. The Sydney Morning Herald. 29 October 2019.
  22. News: FULL REPORT: CARPENTER STARS, CITY GRAB THE CHOCOLATES . 31 October 2020 . The Women's Game . 20 February 2020.
  23. Web site: Carpenter scores double as City thrash Wanderers and clinch Premiership . W-League . 31 October 2020 . 20 February 2020.
  24. News: Lewis . Samantha . W-League review: Carpenter stars for Melbourne City to set up Grand Final vs. Sydney FC . 31 October 2020 . ESPN . 15 March 2020.
  25. News: Reilly . Ella . Melbourne City win W-League grand final behind closed doors . 31 October 2020 . The Guardian . 21 March 2020.
  26. Web site: Thorns FC transfer defender Ellie Carpenter to French club Olympique Lyonnais. thornsfc.com. 17 June 2020. 17 June 2020.
  27. News: ELLIE CARPENTER : "I THREW MYSELF AT THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE SUCH AN EXPERIENCE". Olympique Lyonnais. 3 July 2020. 2020-07-06.
  28. Web site: 2020-08-14. Ellie Carpenter makes impact on Lyon debut. 2020-08-15. Matildas. en.
  29. News: Ellie Carpenter's Lyon team claims fifth-straight Champions League crown, beating Wolfsburg. 2020-08-31. ABC News. 30 August 2020. en.
  30. Web site: Carpenter injured in bittersweet Euro win . 21 May 2022 .
  31. Web site: Ellie Carpenter extends through 2026! . ol.fr/ . Olympique Lyonnais . 12 January 2023 . 28 June 2022.
  32. News: Mini Matildas head to AFC qualifiers. Football Federation Australia. 5 July 2016. 29 September 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20160323130729/http://wu17s.footballaustralia.com.au/article/mini-matildas-head-to-afc-qualifiers/196unpltgj0jj15plgq4yftudj. 23 March 2016. dead.
  33. News: Mini Matildas defeat Vietnam 6-0 in opener. The Women's Game. 5 October 2014. 5 July 2016.
  34. News: Ellie Carpenter, 15, makes her debut for Matildas in big win over Vietnam . 31 October 2020 . The Daily Telegraph . 4 March 2016.
  35. News: Whitelaw . Anya . Ellie Carpenter and her Matildas chase a spot at Tokyo Olympics . 31 October 2020 . Cowra Guardian . 16 January 2020.
  36. News: Rio 2016: Matildas knocked out by Brazil in thrilling quarter-final shootout . 31 October 2020 . The Guardian . 12 August 2016.
  37. News: Matildas win Tournament of Nations with emphatic victory over Brazil . 31 October 2020 . The Guardian . 3 August 2017.
  38. News: Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter flattened by 'absolutely vicious clearance' . 31 October 2020 . Wide World of Sports . 30 July 2018.
  39. Web site: Ellie Carpenter named in inaugural Cup of Nations squad . Canberra United . 31 October 2020 . 20 February 2019.
  40. News: The Matildas' band of sisters is ready to conquer the FIFA Women's World Cup . 31 October 2020 . ABC . 2 June 2019.
  41. News: Ellie Carpenter backs the Matildas to respond to Italy loss in Brazil clash . 31 October 2020 . Fox Sports . 11 June 2019.
  42. News: Australia 3-2 Brazil: Women's World Cup 2019 as it happened . 31 October 2020 . The Guardian . 13 June 2019.
  43. News: No magic, only heartbreak in Australia's Women's World Cup loss to Norway . 31 October 2020 . ESPN . 22 June 2019.
  44. Web site: Australian Olympic Team for Tokyo 2021 . 2022-03-03 . The Roar . en-US.
  45. Web site: 2023-07-03 . MATILDAS SQUAD ANNOUNCED: FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ Matildas . 2023-07-03 . www.matildas.com.au . en.
  46. Web site: History making Matildas team selected for Paris Olympics. Football Australia. Matildas. 4 June 2024.
  47. Web site: Ellie Carpenter's journey back to the World Cup makes it easy to forget she's only 22. Marissa. Lordanic. ESPN. 26 April 2023. In her Lyon apartment, partner and teammate Danielle van de Donk was there....
  48. Web site: Matildas star Ellie Carpenter engaged to Olympique Lyonnais teammate and Dutch footballer Daniëlle van de Donk. Zaczek. Zoe. Sky News Australia. January 2, 2024. January 2, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240102092057/https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/matildas-star-ellie-carpenter-engaged-to-olympique-lyonnais-teammate-and-dutch-footballer-danille-van-de-donk/news-story/c74b4e955f3fe5acc66c284fd063b2f9. January 2, 2024. live.
  49. News: Lordanic, Marissa . Ellie Carpenter's journey back to the World Cup makes it easy to forget she's only 22 . . 2023-04-26 . 2024-02-22 .
  50. Web site: Ellie Carpenter. Soccerway. Perform Group. April 12, 2020.
  51. Web site: LYON BAT PARIS ET S'OFFRE LE DOUBLÉ. fr. 21 May 2023. 13 May 2024.
  52. Web site: ET DE 10 POUR LYON. fr. 13 May 2023. 13 May 2024.
  53. Web site: Trophée des Championnes 2023 - Finale - Lyon (D1)-PSG (D1) 2-0. 13 May 2024.
  54. Web site: Barcelona 1-3 Lyon: OL win eighth UEFA Women's Champions League final in thriller. 21 May 2022. 13 May 2024.
  55. Web site: IFFHS WOMAN TEAM - AFC - OF THE DECADE 2011-2020 . IFFHS . 30 January 2021 .
  56. News: Dolan Warren Awards: Mierzejewski wins Johnny Warren; Kerr, Polkinghorn split the Dolan . 31 October 2020 . The Daily Telegraph . 30 April 2018.
  57. News: Wanderers' Hamilton named W-League's best, Carpenter young footballer of year . 31 October 2020 . The World Game . 24 July 2020.