Brisbane Roar’s debutant goalkeeper Hensley Hancuff was pivotal to her side’s opening round 2-1 victory against Newcastle Jets at Perry Park on Saturday.
Formerly with Gotham FC in New Jersey, Hancuff’s first outing in orange was an influential one, especially given the circumstances around her appearance.
“Believe it or not, she (Hancuff) said to me before the game that this was her first professional football match,” Roar coach Garrath McPherson revealed post-game.
The occasion didn’t overawe the 22-year-old, who came up with multiple clutch saves when the game was there to be won for either side.
Roar’s first win of the season could easily have been flipped on its head, but for Hancuff’s eight saves in the match.
Amidst the Brisbane heat and surging Jets’ side the goalkeeper stood tall with five saves inside the box alone.
While the new recruit played a hand in gifting the Jets their only goal, it was her desperation to prevent Newcastle that ultimately saw Brisbane not surrender the 2-0 lead they had amassed in the first half.
McPherson praised his debutant’s presence and commitment post-game.
“What a superstar. She’s showing why we brought her over here,” he said.
“She is a leader, communicator, shot-stopper and lovely on set pieces. She has the confidence of a six-foot-three human.”
Roar will pray that Hancuff’s rollicking start to life in the ALW doesn’t let up any time soon.
Feature Image Credit: Brisbane Roar FC
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