By Kieran Yap (kieran84@live.com.au) 14/10/23
Above: Mackenzie Weinert celebrating for the University of Washington. Photo: Instagram
Melbourne Victory has been busy in the off-season. Some big names have been signed and among the returning Matildas and former rivals is a player that is unfamiliar to Australian fans, but may not be for long.
Mckenzie Weinert is the latest American striker to wear the Melbourne Victory shirt. Like LynnWilliams, Darian Jenkins and Catherine Zimmerman, who came before her she is a wide, quick and inventive forward who can create goals, score from any range and enjoys a battle.
Her highlights reel from The University of Washington shows a dangerous, two footed footballer who thrives in one-one-one situations with or without the ball. Weinert’s off the ball movement allows her to beat defenders by ghosting into the box, or after a combination of passes with teammates. The footage also shows a strong finisher and a hunger for goals matched by composure in traffic.
Weinert looks like the prototypical Victory player, the type that Jeff Hopkins has historically built his game plan around.
“It’s been great,” Weinert said to Impetus Football about her time in Australia so far.
“It’s very different to Portland Oregon. The weather is actually kind of similar though, rain and cold, so I’m used to that. I’m looking forward to summer, but I’ve really enjoyed it so far.
“It was definitely a football move. It was a great opportunity to keep playing and really develop here.
“It was my first experience with jet lag. That was my biggest difficulty when I got here.
“On top of that, being far from family and trying to learn to new system was difficult…but the team has been super welcoming, everyone’s been great. The adjustments I’ve had to make haven’t made such a big impact.”
Weinert’s eye catching displays in the College system caught the eye of NWSL recruiters. She signed with OL Reign during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as a national team replacement player. It was a decision that would have immediate benefits and eventually lead her to Melbourne.
“It was amazing. Laura Harvey, the head coach, she has a great football mind. I developed a lot there, but I’m very excited to continue here and to develop under Jeff.
Reign’s current roster features a number of names that have made a big impact in Australia, during her time in Seattle, Weinert shared a locker room with the likes of former A-League Women stars like Jess Fishlock, Nikki Stanton and Veronia Latsko.
The conversations she had there, helped her decide to move across the world to further her career.
“Quite a few people played in Australia during the off-season, and I heard nothing but great things about the league and Australia in general.
“It where everyone says I could go and develop, it aligns perfectly with the NWSL season, and it was a good opportunity.
“I listened to what they had to say and thought about what they experienced in the league. It kind of made it a no brainier to come and try here.”
Having never been to Australia before, the A-League Women also provides an opportunity for Weinert to travel around the country. She is looking forward to visiting some cities she has heard a lot about, and hopefully heading back to Victoria with a few goals to her name.
“I’ve heard great things about Perth. You hear a lot about Sydney, and we play a NZ team, I’m looking forward to going there as well.
“I truly think it’s a great opportunity to explore the country… ultimately I’m here for football but the little perks on the side like travelling aren’t too bad.”
Weinert forms part of a new-look Melbourne Victory attack. She is one of five new signings for the final third alongside Emily Gielnik, Kurea Okino, Rachel Lowe, and Ella O’Grady.
Beattie Goad, Ava Briedis and Lia Privitelli will also return making for an enviable set of options. Although they have not played a competitive match together, Weinert says that they are all learning each other’s games quickly.
“It’s been good. That’s one of the difficulties you face, learning people’s styles and what they look for when they’re on the ball. This pre-season that’s what I’ve been focussing on.
“Overall, I feel like we’ve meshed together pretty well. I’m looking forward to season starting and seeing how that all comes along.”
One of the attributes that sets Weinert apart is her power and ability off both feet. It makes her a difficult striker for opposition defenders to close down, and her speed on the dribble means that she can open up space to shoot on either side.
When asked if she is left or right footed, Weinert has to pause and think for a moment.
“Growing up my dad was very strict with using both feet.
“Ever since my dad instilled that in me, I feel pretty equal on both feet.
“I think I prefer shooting on my left, but if somebody asked me I’d say I’m right footed. I’m thankful for my dad for making that happen.”
Footballers in the USA are not short of role models, and as a striker Weinert has some of the game’s best to look up to. She credits Alex Morgan as one of her favourites and looks to emulate the World Cup winner’s style of play and ability.
“I thought ‘oh I’m fast I could be like her.’ That’s where it started.
“She uses her strength that she has in her game really well.
“That’s kind of something I admire. You know your strengths and you know how to use them.
“I think what people can expect from me is competition. I’m a hard tackler and hopefully they can expect some goals.”
Weinert is ready to be involved in Melbourne Victory’s Round One match against Brisbane Roar. A win would start off the season in perfect style, and Weinert hopes to help the team reverse a recent trend.
Brisbane has not lost to Victory in the past two seasons, but Weinert was unfamiliar with that statistic and is only concerned with what comes next. The overall feeling is of excitement to get started in front of what is anticipated to be a huge crowd.
“I feel great, I think we’re very fortunate to have the facility.
“Everyone is really looking forward to the game and firing on all cylinders. It’s going to be a tough game, but we’re definitely up to the fight.”
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