Wikipedia

Ellie Carpenter

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.[1] 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).

Ellie Carpenter
Carpenter with the Matildas at the 2017 Algarve Cup
Personal information
Full name Ellie Madison Carpenter
Date of birth (2000-04-28) 28 April 2000 (age 24)
Place of birth Cowra, New South Wales, Australia
Height 1.64 m (5 ft 5 in)
Position(s) Right-back
Team information
Current team
 Lyon
Number 12
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2015–2017 Western Sydney Wanderers 23 (0)
2017–2019 Canberra United 21 (5)
2018–2020 Portland Thorns 35 (1)
2019–2020 → Melbourne City (loan) 14 (2)
2020– Lyon 109 (1)
International career‡
2014 Australia U17 2 (0)
2014–2017 Australia U20 14 (0)
2016– Australia 82 (4)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22 November 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22 November 2024

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 in the 20th century).[2] She was also the youngest Australian competitor at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games,[3] 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.[4]

Carpenter was named the W-League's W-League Young Footballer of the Year three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020.[5]

Early life and education

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Ellie Madison Carpenter[6] was born on 28 April 2000[7] in Cowra, New South Wales,[8] located approximately 300 km (190 mi) west of Sydney. She grew up on a farm there with her parents, who were both physical education teachers.[9][2] Growing up, Carpenter regularly undertook extended travels to play soccer in Young, Canberra, and Sydney.[9]

At age 12, her family moved to Sydney so she could attend Westfields Sports High School.[10] She attended both Cowra and Mulyan Public Schools.[11]

At age 17, she dropped out of school to pursue her athletic career full-time.[12]

Club career

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Western Sydney Wanderers FC

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Carpenter joined Western Sydney Wanderers in September 2015.[13] During the 2015–16 W-League season, she was a starting defender in all twelve games that she played.[7] The Wanderers finished in seventh place during the regular season with a 3–6–3 record.[7] Her performance during her inaugural season earned her a call-up to a training camp with the Matildas in November 2015.[14] 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.[15]

Canberra United FC

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Carpenter with Canberra United, 2017

In August 2017, Carpenter signed with Canberra United for the 2017–18 W-League season.[16] Carpenter was a starting defender in 10 of the 11 games she played and scored 2 goals.[7] She scored her first goal during the team's 6–1 win over Adelaide United on 7 January 2018.[7] Her next goal was the Wanderers' lone goal during a 5–1 loss to Newcastle Jets on 28 January.[7] Canberra finished in fifth place during the regular season with a 5–6–1 record.[7] Following the season, she was awarded the league's Young Footballer of the Year.[5]

During the 2018–19 season, Carpenter scored a goal during the team's season-opening 2–0 win over Melbourne City.[7] 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.[17] Canberra finished in eighth place with a 3–4–4 record.[7] Carpenter was named Young Footballer of the Year for the second consecutive time.[5]

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.[18] She noted, "I'm off to find a new challenge and to experience new things. My time in green will always be memorable."[18]

Portland Thorns

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Carpenter playing for Portland Thorns, June 2018

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.[19] Carpenter was a starting defender in 16 of the 19 games she played during the 2018 season and scored one goal.[7] Portland finished in second place during the regular season and advanced to the NWSL Playoffs.[7] After defeating Reign FC 2–1 during the semifinals, Portland was defeated 3–0 by the North Carolina Courage in the Final.[20]

Carpenter was a starting defender in 16 of the 19 games she played in during the 2019 NWSL season.[7] 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.[21]

Melbourne City FC (loan)

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In October 2019, Carpenter joined Melbourne City on a one-season loan.[22] She was a starting defender in all 14 matches and scored two goals.[7] 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.[23][24][25] After advancing to the Final Stages, Carpenter helped Melbourne City win the Grand Final shutting out Sydney FC 1–0.[26] Carpenter was named Young Footballer of the Year award for the third consecutive time in July 2020.[5]

Lyon

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In June 2020, the Thorns announced the transfer of Carpenter to Lyon.[27] On 3 July, she signed a contract that extends to 2023.[28] 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.[29] Carpenter was an unused sub in the Champions League final win against Wolfsburg.[30] 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.[31]

On 28 June 2022, Lyon extended their contract with Carpenter until 30 June 2026.[32]

International career

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Carpenter (left) with Australia in 2018

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.[33] She made her debut for the under-17 team in a win over Vietnam, playing a full match in the first game of qualification.[34]

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.[35] Her appearance marked the first Australian international (women's or men's) born since 2000.[35] 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."[35]

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.[36] 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.[37]

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.[38] 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.[39]

In February 2019, Carpenter was named to the Matildas squad for the inaugural FFA Cup of Nations.[40] Carpenter helped the Matildas win the Cup.[41]

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.[42] 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.[43] 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.[44]

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.[45]

On 3 July 2023, Carpenter was selected in the Matildas squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.[46]

On 4 June 2024, Carpenter was named in the Matildas team which qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics, her third Olympic games selection.[47] As through most of her career, she plays in the right-back position.[48]

Personal life

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Carpenter is engaged to Dutch footballer and Lyon teammate Daniëlle van de Donk.[49][50]

After living in France, she now speaks French.[51]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of match played 24 January 2024[7]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] Continental[b] Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Western Sydney Wanderers 2015–16 W-League 12 0 — — — 12 0
2016–17 W-League 11 0 — — — 11 0
Total 23 0 — — — 23 0
Canberra United 2017–18 W-League 10 2 — — — 10 2
2018–19 W-League 11 3 — — — 11 3
Total 21 5 — — — 21 5
Portland Thorns 2018 NWSL 19 1 — — — 19 1
2019 NWSL 16 0 — — — 16 0
Total 35 1 — — — 35 1
Melbourne City (loan) 2019–20 W-League 14 2 — — — 14 2
Lyon 2020–21 D1 Féminine 18 1 1 0 5 0 — 24 1
2021–22 D1 Féminine 16 0 0 0 12 0 — 29 0
2022–23 D1 Féminine 6 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 8 0
2023–24 D1 Féminine 10 0 0 0 4 0 1[c] 0 8 0
50 1 4 0 23 0 1 0 78 1
Career total 143 9 4 0 23 0 1 0 171 9
  1. ^ includes Coupe de France
  2. ^ includes UEFA Women's Champions League
  3. ^ TDC

International

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As of match played 26 October 2023
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Australia 2016 4 0
2017 8 1
2018 15 0
2019 10 0
2020 4 0
2021 13 2
2022 5 0
2023 12 1
Total 71 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
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 6 March 2017 Albufeira Municipal Stadium, Albufeira, Portugal   China 2–1 2–1 2017 Algarve Cup
2 21 January 2021 Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai, India   Indonesia 7–0 18–0 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup
3 10–0
4 26 October 2023 Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth, Australia   Iran 1–0 2–0 2024 AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament

Honours

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Melbourne City

Olympique Lyonnais

Australia

Individual

References

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  1. ^ Rawsthorne, Sally (11 April 2016). "Back to earth for teenage superstar". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Carpenter leads Australia's 21st century brigade". FIFA.com. FIFA. 2 June 2016. Archived from the original on 15 October 2016. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
  3. ^ Thomson, Warren (4 July 2016). "Ellie Carpenter becomes Australia's youngest Olympian after being named in Matildas. Spouse to Oliver Josipović as of November, 2019 squad". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
  4. ^ "Thorns FC NWSL Preview : Home stretch arrives with showdown in Orlando". timbers.com. Retrieved 10 August 2018.[permanent dead link‍]
  5. ^ a b c d e "Wanderers' Hamilton named W-League's best, Carpenter young footballer of year". The World Game. 24 July 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  6. ^ "Women's Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020 – Squad list: Australia" (PDF). FIFA. 5 August 2021. p. 1. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Ellie Madison Carpenter". Soccerway. Retrieved 30 October 2024. Cite error: The named reference "soccerway" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  8. ^ "Australian Women's Football Team named for Rio Games". Football Federation Australia. 4 July 2016. Archived from the original on 8 April 2020. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
  9. ^ a b "Ellie Carpenter's sacrificial round trip from Cowra to the Matildas". SBS. 9 June 2016. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
  10. ^ "Matildas millennial Ellie Carpenter chasing Rio Olympics Spot". ESPN FC. 24 May 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
  11. ^ "Cowra junior Ellie Carpenter signs with Olympique Lyon". 19 June 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  12. ^ Tiernan, Eamonn (17 November 2017). "Canberra United star Ellie Carpenter dropped out of high school and hasn't looked back". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  13. ^ Brown, Andrew (23 September 2015). "Ellie Carpenter signs with Western Sydney Wanderers' W-League squad". Parramatta Sun. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  14. ^ "Rio Olympics 2016: Ellie Carpenter becomes Australia's youngest Olympian after being named in Matildas squad". Daily Telegraph. 5 July 2016. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  15. ^ "Ellie Carpenter may be youngest athlete heading to Rio, but she's a seasoned professional". SBS. 19 July 2016. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  16. ^ Helmers, Caden (28 August 2017). "Matildas young gun Ellie Carpenter signs with Canberra United for W-League". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
  17. ^ "Carpenter scores controversial goal as Canberra draw with Wanderers". Sydney Morning Herald. 7 December 2018. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  18. ^ a b Bertoldo, Lucie (29 September 2019). "Ellie Carpenter calls time on Canberra United career to join new W-League club". Canberra Times. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  19. ^ "Ellie Carpenter becomes youngest goalscorer in NWSL history". Pro Soccer USA. 19 May 2018. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
  20. ^ "North Carolina Wins N.W.S.L. Championship in a Rematch". New York Times. 22 September 2018. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  21. ^ "Portland Thorns fall to Chicago Red Stars in 2019 NWSL playoffs: Live updates recap". The Oregonian. 20 October 2019. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  22. ^ Lynch, Michael (29 October 2019). "Matildas teen sensation Ellie Carpenter signs for City's W-League side". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  23. ^ "FULL REPORT: CARPENTER STARS, CITY GRAB THE CHOCOLATES". The Women's Game. 20 February 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  24. ^ "Carpenter scores double as City thrash Wanderers and clinch Premiership". W-League. 20 February 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  25. ^ Lewis, Samantha (15 March 2020). "W-League review: Carpenter stars for Melbourne City to set up Grand Final vs. Sydney FC". ESPN. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  26. ^ Reilly, Ella (21 March 2020). "Melbourne City win W-League grand final behind closed doors". The Guardian. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  27. ^ "Thorns FC transfer defender Ellie Carpenter to French club Olympique Lyonnais". thornsfc.com. 17 June 2020. Archived from the original on 17 June 2020. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  28. ^ "ELLIE CARPENTER : "I THREW MYSELF AT THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE SUCH AN EXPERIENCE"". Olympique Lyonnais. 3 July 2020. Retrieved 6 July 2020.
  29. ^ "Ellie Carpenter makes impact on Lyon debut". Matildas. 14 August 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  30. ^ "Ellie Carpenter's Lyon team claims fifth-straight Champions League crown, beating Wolfsburg". ABC News. 30 August 2020. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
  31. ^ "Carpenter injured in bittersweet Euro win". 21 May 2022.
  32. ^ "Ellie Carpenter extends through 2026!". ol.fr/. Olympique Lyonnais. 28 June 2022. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  33. ^ "Mini Matildas head to AFC qualifiers". Football Federation Australia. 29 September 2014. Archived from the original on 23 March 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
  34. ^ "Mini Matildas defeat Vietnam 6-0 in opener". The Women's Game. 5 October 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
  35. ^ a b c "Ellie Carpenter, 15, makes her debut for Matildas in big win over Vietnam". The Daily Telegraph. 4 March 2016. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  36. ^ Whitelaw, Anya (16 January 2020). "Ellie Carpenter and her Matildas chase a spot at Tokyo Olympics". Cowra Guardian. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  37. ^ "Rio 2016: Matildas knocked out by Brazil in thrilling quarter-final shootout". The Guardian. 12 August 2016. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  38. ^ "Matildas win Tournament of Nations with emphatic victory over Brazil". The Guardian. 3 August 2017. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  39. ^ "Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter flattened by 'absolutely vicious clearance'". Wide World of Sports. 30 July 2018. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  40. ^ "Ellie Carpenter named in inaugural Cup of Nations squad". Canberra United. 20 February 2019. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  41. ^ "The Matildas' band of sisters is ready to conquer the FIFA Women's World Cup". ABC. 2 June 2019. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  42. ^ "Ellie Carpenter backs the Matildas to respond to Italy loss in Brazil clash". Fox Sports. 11 June 2019. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  43. ^ "Australia 3-2 Brazil: Women's World Cup 2019 as it happened". The Guardian. 13 June 2019. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  44. ^ "No magic, only heartbreak in Australia's Women's World Cup loss to Norway". ESPN. 22 June 2019. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  45. ^ "Australian Olympic Team for Tokyo 2021". The Roar. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  46. ^ "MATILDAS SQUAD ANNOUNCED: FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ | Matildas". www.matildas.com.au. 3 July 2023. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  47. ^ "History making Matildas team selected for Paris Olympics". Matildas. Football Australia. 4 June 2024.
  48. ^ Kemp, Emma (10 February 2024). "When 23 becomes 18: The Matildas making the cut for Olympics". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  49. ^ Lordanic, Marissa (26 April 2023). "Ellie Carpenter's journey back to the World Cup makes it easy to forget she's only 22". ESPN. In her Lyon apartment, partner and teammate Danielle van de Donk was there...
  50. ^ Zaczek, Zoe (2 January 2024). "Matildas star Ellie Carpenter engaged to Olympique Lyonnais teammate and Dutch footballer Daniëlle van de Donk". Sky News Australia. Archived from the original on 2 January 2024. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  51. ^ Lordanic, Marissa (26 April 2023). "Ellie Carpenter's journey back to the World Cup makes it easy to forget she's only 22". ESPN. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
  52. ^ "LYON BAT PARIS ET S'OFFRE LE DOUBLÉ" (in French). 21 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  53. ^ "ET DE 10 POUR LYON" (in French). 13 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  54. ^ "Trophée des Championnes 2023 - Finale - Lyon (D1)-PSG (D1) 2-0". Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  55. ^ UEFA.com. "History: Wolfsburg 1-3 Lyon | UEFA Women's Champions League 2019/20". UEFA.com. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  56. ^ "Barcelona 1-3 Lyon: OL win eighth UEFA Women's Champions League final in thriller". 21 May 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  57. ^ "Ellie Carpenter named AFC Asian International Player of the Year (Women)". Matildas. 29 October 2024. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  58. ^ "IFFHS Woman Team - AFC - of the Decade 2011-2020". IFFHS. 30 January 2021.
  59. ^ "Dolan Warren Awards: Mierzejewski wins Johnny Warren; Kerr, Polkinghorn split the Dolan". The Daily Telegraph. 30 April 2018. Retrieved 31 October 2020.

Further reading

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  • Grainey, Timothy (2012), Beyond Bend It Like Beckham: The Global Phenomenon of Women's Soccer, University of Nebraska Press, ISBN 0803240368
  • Stay, Shane (2019), The Women's World Cup 2019 Book: Everything You Need to Know About the Soccer World Cup, Books on Demand, ISBN 1782551921
  • Stead, Emily (2020), The Ultimate Guide to Women's Football, Scholastic, ISBN 9780702302046
  • Theivam, Keiran and Jeff Kassouf (2019), The Making of the Women's World Cup: Defining stories from a sport's coming of age, Little, ISBN 1472143310
  • Williams, Jean (2007), A Beautiful Game: International Perspectives on Women's Football , A&C Black, ISBN 1845206754
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