Willa Pearson Breaks Sam Kerr's 17-Year Record as Sydney FC Thrash Brisbane Roar 4-0

History. Willa Pearson. Youngest ever scorer in the A-League Women. Sam Kerr’s 17-year-old record — gone. The teenager found the net during Sydney FC’s 4-0 demolition of Brisbane Roar, breaking a mark held by one of the greatest players the women’s game has ever produced. A star is born.

A Record That Stood for 17 Years

Sam Kerr’s record as the youngest scorer in the domestic women’s competition had stood since the earliest years of the league, a testament to the longevity and quality of the Matildas captain’s career. For 17 years, no player had been able to surpass Kerr’s precocious achievement, until Pearson stepped up and etched her name into the history books.

The goal itself came during a dominant Sydney FC performance against Brisbane Roar, with the Sky Blues running rampant in a 4-0 demolition. Pearson’s composure in front of goal belied her age, and her celebration reflected a young player who understood the significance of the moment. Sydney FC’s victory was emphatic across the board, but it was Pearson’s record-breaking strike that will be remembered long after the final whistle.

Montemurro Opens Door for Domestic Stars

The timing of Pearson’s breakthrough could not be more significant. New Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro has publicly stated his willingness to consider A-League Women performers for national team selection, opening the door for domestic-based players to push their claims ahead of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup on home soil.

Montemurro’s approach represents a shift in thinking that could benefit emerging talents like Pearson and other standout performers in the A-League Women. With the Asian Cup fast approaching, consistent performances at the domestic level will carry genuine weight in the national team selection picture.

A-League Women Season Continues

The 2025-26 A-League Women season is being contested by 11 clubs, following the removal of Western United from the competition by Football Australia due to financial reasons. Despite the reduction from 12 teams, the quality and competitiveness of the league has remained strong throughout the campaign, drawing the same kind of excitement tha