Women’s Asian Cup: Matildas call up former Perth Glory goalkeeper Morgan Aquino after Jada Whyman injury

Former Perth Glory star Morgan Aquino has received an eleventh-hour call-up to the Matildas’ Women’s Asian Cup squad after fellow goalkeeper Jada Whyman was ruled out through injury. The Dianella junior will remain in Perth with the team, having arrived as a train-on player earlier in the week with Whyman and Matildas’ No.1 ‘keeper Mackenzie Arnold under injury clouds. The Matildas’ goalkeeping stocks have taken several blows over the past few weeks, with Teagan Micah — who has started more games in goal for Australia under new coach Joe Montemurro than anyone — ruled out last week through concussion. And with Arnold not training fully earlier this week, the American-based Aquino joined Whyman and Chloe Lincoln in camp. The West Australian understands Football Australia also reached out to current Glory goalkeeper Teresa Morrissey, who has enjoyed a stand-out season in the A-League Women, as a candidate to be on stand-by. Arnold eased some concerns over her fitness by joining the goalkeepers group at the Matildas’ final session before Sunday’s Asian Cup opener against The Philippines. But Whyman was not spotted on the training track on Saturday and Football Australia confirmed on Sunday morning that a knee injury would prevent her from taking part in the tournament. Aquino is yet to make her Matildas debut, but has been involved in several camps as a back-up ‘keeper since Montemurro began his tenure. Other than captain Sam Kerr, she is the only West Australian in the squad. She was named A-League Goalkeeper of the Year and voted Glory’s player’s player during the 2023-24 A-League season, earning herself a big money move to American USL Super League side DC Power.