In a thrilling post-season friendly, Arsenal Women defeated the A-League All-Stars 1-0 in Melbourne.

The victory was marked by a standout performance from Caitlin Foord, who revealed how her move to Arsenal rekindled her love for the game.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 24: Caitlin Foord of Arsenal waves to the crowd during the exhibition match between A-League All Stars Women and Arsenal Women FC at Marvel Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 24: Caitlin Foord of Arsenal waves to the crowd during the exhibition match between A-League All Stars Women and Arsenal Women FC at Marvel Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Australian international Caitlin Foord has opened up about how her move to Arsenal in 2020 revitalised her love for football after a period of disillusionment. In an interview ahead of Arsenal‘s friendly against the A-League All-Stars in Melbourne, Foord spoke candidly about her struggles prior to joining the Gunners.

“I felt like I lost my love for the game,” Foord revealed. “I was going through the motions, and when I got to Arsenal, that sparked me again. I enjoyed playing again.”

The 29-year-old striker attributed her renewed passion to the style of play, the competitive nature of the English Women’s Super League, and the overall environment at Arsenal. She emphasised her enjoyment of the club’s playing style and the league’s competitiveness as key factors in reigniting her passion.

“I love the way that we play, the style, the league, the competition in the league – it was really exciting,” she continued. “It really brought that back for me, and it’s been like that ever since. We just need to win more trophies now.”

Arsenal women beat A-League All-Stars in Melbourne friendly

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 24: Teyah Goldie of Arsenal controls the ball as seagulls take flight during the exhibition match between A-League All Stars Women and Arsenal Women FC at Marvel Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 24: Teyah Goldie of Arsenal controls the ball as seagulls take flight during the exhibition match between A-League All Stars Women and Arsenal Women FC at Marvel Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Arsenal Women secured a 1-0 victory against the A-League All-Stars in a post-season friendly at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Friday. The only goal of the match came from Alessia Russo, who headed in a Vivienne Lia cross late in the first half.

The Gunners dominated the opening period, with Victoria Pelova coming close to scoring after dispossessing Tameka Yallop, only for Russo‘s subsequent shot to be ruled out for a foul. The All-Stars threatened sporadically, with Elise Kellond-Knight‘s corner leading to a Tameka Yallop shot that sailed over the bar, and Cortnee Vine‘s effort easily saved by Sarah Bouhaddi.

Arsenal‘s breakthrough came just before halftime when academy graduate Lia delivered a superb cross from the right wing, which Russo met with a powerful header into the bottom corner.

The second half saw several substitutions from both teams, with Arsenal replacing goalkeeper Bouhaddi with Naomi Williams and bringing on Emily Fox, Teyah Goldie, Frida Maanum, and Cloe Lacasse. Despite numerous chances from Caitlin Foord and others, Arsenal was unable to extend their lead.

The All-Stars had a chance to equalise in the 89th minute when Hannah Wilkinson broke through on goal, but Williams made a crucial save to maintain Arsenal‘s 1-0 lead.