Jess Fishlock

Jess Fishlock

Fishlock with Wales in 2015
Personal information
Full name Jessica Anne Fishlock[1]
Date of birth (1987-01-14) 14 January 1987
Place of birth Cardiff, Wales
Height 1.58 m (5 ft 2 in)
Playing position Midfielder
Club information
Current team
 Seattle Reign FC
Number 10
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
Cardiff City Ladies
Newport Strikers
0000–2007 Cardiff City Ladies
2007–2008 Bristol Academy
2008–2010 AZ 31 (6)
2011–2012 Bristol Academy 26 (7)
2012–2013 Melbourne Victory 6 (2)
2013– Seattle Reign FC 44 (12)
2013 → Glasgow City (loan) 6 (2)
2013–2014 → Melbourne Victory (loan) 17 (5)
2014–2015 → FFC Frankfurt (loan) 26 (2)
2015– → Melbourne City (loan) 11 (2)
National team‡
2006– Wales[2] 87 (28)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 31 January 2016.
† Appearances (goals)

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 8 September 2012

Jessica Anne "Jess" Fishlock (born 14 January 1987) is a Welsh football midfielder who currently plays for Seattle Reign FC and the Wales women's national football team. She previously played for English club Bristol Academy in the FA WSL, Dutch club AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie, Glasgow City in the Scottish Women's Premier League, Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City in Australia's W-League, and Bundesliga club FFC Frankfurt in Germany.

Early life

Fishlock was born in Cardiff, Wales to Kevin and Sharon Fishlock. She has two brothers and three sisters.[3] As a child, she began playing football with her brothers before joining Cardiff City Ladies F.C. at age nine and later became the team's record goal scorer. She made her debut against Reading Royals on 29 September 2002 and scored 19 times in 23 appearances in her first season at the club.[4] Laura McAllister, who was captain of Cardiff City when Fishlock joined the squad said, "Jess joined the junior team but she was so good we fast-tracked her. Jess is just a fabulous player. She is technically superb with fabulous skills and among the 2 or 3% in Britain. She's ambitious and adventurous and to be a top, top sports-player you've got to be like that."[5] At age sixteen, she was a member of the senior side that won the 2004–05 SW Combination League Championship without losing a point. The team later beat Everton en route to the last eight of the FA Cup and won the Welsh Cup to move on to the UEFA Women's Cup.[6][3]

Playing career

Club

Cardiff City LFC

Fishlock started her career playing for Cardiff City Ladies, becoming the club's record goalscorer and helping them to promotion to the Women's English Premier League. After a brief spell with the Newport Strikers, she returned to Cardiff before making the short move to Bristol Academy in 2007.

AZ Alkmaar, 2008–2010

Fishlock playing for Dutch club, AZ Alkmaar, May 2010

In 2008, the Dutch Champions AZ Alkmaar approached Jess to join them and become the first overseas player in the Eredivisie. Jess won back to back league titles during the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 seasons, and were on track to defend a third title during the 2010/2011 season when she left to come back to the UK.

Bristol Academy WFC, 2011–2012

Jess returned to join Bristol in 2011 in order to play in new WSL in England. During the 2011 WSL season, Bristol achieved a higher-than-expected final league position, and also reached the FA Cup Final, providing Jess another chance to play in the Women’s Champions League knockout stages. Jess was awarded the 2011 Club Player of the Year, 2011 Fans Player of the Year, and was voted in the WSL All-Star Team, as voted for by the WSL managers.

During the 2012 WSL season, Bristol achieved their highest final league position, reached the semi-final of the FA Cup and Continental Cup. Jess was also awarded 2012 Club Players Player of Year, 2012 Fans Player of the Year and 2012 FA WSL Players Player of Year, voted by managers and players of the FA WSL League. [7][8]

Melbourne Victory, 2012–2014

In November 2012, Fishlock joined W-League side Melbourne Victory for six weeks on a guest player contract helping the team reach their first ever grand final. During the 94th minute of a match against former champions, Canberra United, she scored the game-winning goal boosting Melbourne to the top of the league table.[9][10] During her six games with Melbourne, she became a favourite with the fans and was also nominated as one of four players for the league-wide Player of the Year Award.[11][12]

In September 2013, it was announced that Fishlock would return to the Victory for the 2013/14 season on loan from the Seattle Reign FC.[13] During her 11 appearances for the team, she scored three goals and helped lead the team to the Grand Final where the Victory defeated Brisbane Roar 2–0. Fishlock served an assist to Lisa De Vanna in the 38th minute for the game-winning goal. She was named Most Valuable Player of the Match. The win marked the Victory's first Grand Final title in the history of the team.[14]

Seattle Reign FC, 2013–present

Fishlock during a match against FC Kansas City, 2013

In February 2013, Fishlock joined National Women's Soccer League side, Seattle Reign FC for the league's inaugural season.[15][16] During their second league match against the Portland Thorns, Fishlock scored her first goal in front of a record-setting 16,479 fans at Jeld-Wen Field, establishing herself as a powerful force for the Reign.[17][18] The media named her NWSL Player of the Week for Week 2 of the 2013 season.[19] Fishlock started in all 21 games that she played during the regular season, missing only one game due to Wales national team commitments. She was a leading scorer on the team with four goals and tallied a total of 1,879 minutes.[20]

Fishlock defends against Christen Press, 2014

Fishlock returned to the Reign for the 2014 season. The team set a league record unbeaten streak of 16 games during the first part of the season. During the 16 game stretch, the Reign compiled a 13-0-3 record.[21] The Reign finished first in the regular season clinching the NWSL Shield for the first time.[22] After defeating the Washington Spirit 2-1 in the playoff semi-finals, the Reign were defeated 2-1 by FC Kansas City during the championship final.[23] Following the regular season, Fishlock along with teammates Kendall Fletcher, Kim Little, and Nahomi Kawasumi was named to the league's Best XI team.[24] Fishlock finished the 2014 season, having scored four goals and provided 8 assists. She started in all 22 matches in which she played.[25]

During the 2015 season, Fishlock scored her first goal of the season during the team's home-opener against Western New York Flash. Her goal in the 25th minute was the first of the match and assist to Megan Rapinoe in the 86th minute contributed to a 5–1 win for the Reign.[26] During a match against the Washington Spirit on 2 May, Fishlock scored a goal in the 75th minute off an assist from Kim Little resulting in a 3–1 win over the Spirit.[27] During a match against Sky Blue FC in New Jersey, Fishlock received a controversial red card in the 90th minute that required her to sit out the team's next match against league-leading Chicago Red Stars.[28] Both matches resulted in 1-1 draws. During the team's second match against Sky Blue FC in Seattle on 6 June, Fishlock scored a goal and an assist earning Player of the Match after leading Seattle to a 3-0 win.[29] She was named NWSL Player of the Week by the media for the ninth week of the season.[30] The Reign finished the regular season in first place clinching the [NWSL Shield]] for the second consecutive time.[31] After advancing to the playoffs, Seattle faced fourth-place team Washington Spirit and won 3-0, advancing to the championship final.[32] Seattle was ultimately defeated 1-0 by FC Kansas City during the championship final in Portland.[33] Fishlock, along with teammates Kim Little, Beverly Yanez, and Lauren Barnes were named to the NWSL Best XI team.[34]

Glasgow City, 2013

Fishlock (second player from left) warms up for FFC Frankfurt, September 2014

After the conclusion of the National Women's Soccer League season in August 2013, it was announced that Fishlock would join Scottish Women's Premier League champions Glasgow City on loan until November 2013.[35] Of her signing Glasgow City head coach Eddie Wolecki Black said, "This signing is significant, not only for the club but also the country. Whilst we continue to set new records at home, our aim is to make progress on the European stage and the signing of Jess highlights this. She will bring experience, versatility, pace and intelligence to the team and most importantly will raise the standard of the players around her. That's what top players do, they make good players better players both on and off the park."[36]

FFC Frankfurt, 2014

Fishlock spent the 2014-2015 Reign FC off-season on loan in the Frauen Bundesliga with FFC Frankfurt.[37] Fishlock was a vital part in their success, starting in all available matches. They were unbeaten in the second half of the season, a run which led them to be crowned the champions of Europe. Although Fishlock returned to Seattle prior to the Final, she was considered a huge part of their journey, by all players, staff & fans, playing 90% of all games and subsequently earned a medal.

Fishlock playing for Wales, September 2015

International

Fishlock became an international regular for Wales. After captaining the team at the U–19 level, she was called up to the full squad and made her debut against Switzerland in 2006.[2] She was made captain of the Wales women's national football team during games against the Republic of Ireland and Israel in June 2012. As of August 2013, she has played over 66 times for the Welsh national side and has scored 22 goals.[38]

In March 2013, Fishlock captained the Wales squad that played at the 2013 Algarve Cup in Portugal.[39] After a 1–0 win over Mexico during Wales' first match, Fishlock scored the game-winning goal of the match during the 11th minute.[40] After Wales tied Hungary 1–1 on 11 March 2013, the team faced Portugal in the knockout stage. Fishlock scored Wales only goal in the 77th minute. Portugal scored an equalizing goal in the 93rd-minute leading to penalty kicks to determine the victor. Portugal won after scoring three penalty kicks over Wales' one.[41]

In February 2015, incoming Welsh manager Jayne Ludlow unveiled her squad for the 2015 Istria Cup which did not feature long-time captiain Fishlock.[42] Two months later, she was re-called to the team.[43]

Honors and awards

Individual

Team

Coaching career

In 2012, Fishlock was the first team coach for her former team, Cardiff City Ladies FC, alongside Manager Jamie Sherwood.[3] In October 2015, she was named assistant coach for Melbourne City.[46]

Personal life and endorsements

Fishlock gave an interview to BBC Sport in October 2015, during which she blew the lid off her struggles as a high-profile gay athlete. Demanding greater "respect", she railed against social media homophobia and threw her weight behind the work of Athlete Ally.[47]

Fishlock has an endorsement deal with natural sports beverage company, Golazo, Inc..[48]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "RCD Espanyol 6–1 Bristol Academy WFC". International Women's Cup. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  2. 1 2 "International Teams – Jessica Fishlock". The Football Association of Wales. Retrieved 2009-08-13.
  3. 1 2 3 "Jess Off to Seattle Reign". Cardiff City Ladies FC. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  4. ↑ "Jessica Fishlock - Striker". Cardiff City Ladies F.C. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
  5. ↑ "Jess Fishlock: Wales captain's excitement at signing for Seattle Reign". BBC. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  6. ↑ "JESSICA FISHLOCK DISCUSSES HER LOVE FOR THE GAME WITH RMC". Ricky Master Coach. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  7. ↑ "Reign FC’s Jess Fishlock up for PFA Women’s Player of the Year". Goal WA. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  8. ↑ "Inspirational Fishlock leads by example". FIFA. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  9. ↑ "Fishlock wins it late for Victory". Football Australia. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  10. ↑ "Melbourne snatch victory late". The Women's Game. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  11. ↑ "Star performer of the week: Jessica Fishlock". Football Australia. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
  12. ↑ "Season Review: Melbourne Victory". The Women's Game. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  13. ↑ "Jess Fishlock returns to Victory". The Women's Game. 10 September 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
  14. ↑ "W-League grand final: Melbourne Victory beat Brisbane Roar for first title". The Guardian. 23 February 2014. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  15. ↑ "Seattle Reign FC announce free agent signings". NWSL News. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
  16. ↑ "Jess Fishlock to leave Bristol Academy for Seattle Reign". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  17. ↑ "Five things learned: Sinclair, Fishlock stand out". Equalizer Soccer. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  18. ↑ "Portland Thorns FC vs Seattle Reign FC: Final score 2–1, Alex Morgan is the heartbreak kid". SB Nation. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  19. ↑ "Reign FC Midfielder Jessica Fishlock Voted NWSL Player of the Week". Our Sports Central. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  20. ↑ "Jessica Fishlock". Soccer Way. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  21. ↑ "Seattle Reign FC sees unbeaten streak end at 16". The Seattle Times. 12 July 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  22. ↑ "Reign Dominate Dash to Clinch Shield". Sounder at Heart. 30 July 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  23. ↑ Bird, Liviu (31 August 2014). "FC Kansas City beats Seattle Reign to win NWSL championship". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  24. ↑ "NWSL Announces 2014 Best XI". National Women's Soccer League. 29 August 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  25. ↑ "2014 Player Statistics". National Women's Soccer League. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  26. ↑ Cockrum, Kyle. "Seattle Reign Thrash The Flash 5-1 To Open 2015 Season". Sounders Nation. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  27. ↑ Lauletta, Dan (3 May 2015). "Reign snap skid, beat Spirit 3-1 in Seattle". The Equalizer. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  28. ↑ Sinclair, Scott. "Sky Blue FC Earn 1-1 Draw with Seattle Reign in Dramatic Fashion". Playing for 90. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  29. ↑ "Reign Blot Out Sky Blue in Fishlock's Return". Sounder at Heart. 6 June 2015. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  30. ↑ "Seattle Reign FC Fishlock Voted NWSL Player of the Week". National Women's Soccer League. 9 June 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  31. ↑ "SEATTLE REIGN WIN NWSL SHIELD FOR 2ND STRAIGHT SEASON". ESPN. 27 August 2015. Retrieved 10 October 2015.
  32. ↑ "Seattle Reign shuts out Washington Spirit, 3-0, in NWSL semifinal". The Seattle Times. 13 September 2015. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
  33. ↑ Goldberg, Jamie (1 October 2015). "NWSL Championship Game: FC Kansas City 1, Seattle Reign 0 - Live chat and updates recap". The Oregonian. Retrieved 10 October 2015.
  34. ↑ "our Seattle Reign players make NWSL Best XI squad". Sounder at Heart. 24 September 2015. Retrieved 10 October 2015.
  35. ↑ Bird, Liviu (19 August 2013). "Seattle Reign FC midfielder Jess Fishlock joins Glasgow City on loan". Soccerwire.com. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  36. ↑ "Glasgow City sign Jess Fishlock on loan from Seattle Reign". BBC. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  37. ↑ "Frankfurt sign Fishlock, new Wolfsburg deals". UEFA. 12 August 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  38. ↑ "Glasgow City sign Welsh international Jess Fishlock on loan until end of season". Scotzine. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  39. ↑ "Algarve Cup beneficial to Wales, says captain Jess Fishlock". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  40. ↑ "Mexico vs. Wales Match Report" (PDF). Federacao Portuguesa de Futebol. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  41. ↑ "Portugal Beat Wales on penalties – Goal Highlights – 2013 Algarve Women’s Cup 13th March". Women's Soccer United. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  42. ↑ "Wales captain Jess Fishlock left out of Jayne Ludlow's first squad". BBC Sport. 19 February 2015. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  43. ↑ Matheson, Sian (1 April 2015). "Jess Fishlock recalled for Wales Women’s double-header against Slovakia in Bangor next week". Wales Online. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  44. ↑ Bywater, Alex (6 October 2014). "Real Madrid star Gareth Bale voted Wales player of the year for the fourth time". Wales Online. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  45. ↑ Windley, Matt (23 February 2014). "Melbourne Victory wins first W-League title with 2-0 win over powerhouses Brisbane Roar". Herald Sun. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  46. ↑ "Melbourne City player-coach role suits Wales's Jess Fishlock". BBC. 13 October 2015. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
  47. ↑ "Jess Fishlock: Gay Wales & Seattle star urges greater respect". BBC Sport. 21 October 2015. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
  48. ↑ "Lamar Neagle & Jess Fishlock Join Golazo Natural Sports Fuel Team". Golazo. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 7 November 2015.

Further reading

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