https://theniche-cache.com/football/2022/10/1/football-ferns-vs-japan-squad-yarns-amp-previewWhere is Abby Erceg? In North Carolina as per usual. The frustrating thing about this situation isn’t so much that she tends not to be available for friendly games any more as it is the near-complete lack of clarity about it. Even in her presser, Klimková expressed an initial desire to talk about other players instead. But she did go on to explain the state of affairs better than anyone else has for a while, so that was helpful.
Erceg, same as with eight of the last ten squads, has remained at home in America to focus on her club team. In fairness, that’s never been more pertinent (on the field at least) than right now with the playoffs imminent. But she hasn’t retired from international football. JK still has a place for her in these squads and intends to have a longer chat with Abby after this tour.
Basically, she’s doing what Trent Boult is doing with the Blackcaps. After 146 international caps, a large chunk of them as captain, if anyone has earned the ability to do that then it’s Abby Erceg... it’d just be nice is NZF were forthcoming about it rather than hiding behind phrases like ‘personal reasons’ and ‘unavailable for selection’. As long as she plays the World Cup next year then nobody’s arguing. Just be honest, you know?