by The Owls have announced another senior team signing: Kennedy Metzger. Hailing from the United States of America, she had a strong showing at high school level, following which she progressed into college level football with Ball State University and later on with Grand Valley State University. During that time she also gained semi-professional experience with Chicago Kics and Dutch Lions.
The twenty-three year old may be considered a modern forward with versatility in attacking roles. She has been fielded both in the centre of attack and on the wing. However, as you will see Metzger knows her way around a tackle too. The Sporting Fan is bringing you some first words from Swieqi United’s new capture as the clock ticks toward the first-kick off of the Assikura Women’s League next week.
Eleanor Saliba (ES): What got you interested in playing football and how would you sum up your journey up to this point?
Kennedy Metzger (KM): I started playing at a really young age in America. I played in club (youth level at US) until I was thirteen, then played with my high school for four years. Following that I got recruited for college where I attended Ball State University for four years (until 2021), then I moved to Grand Valley State University for one year (last year) because of the disruptions the Covid-19 pandemic.
ES: What would you say was the major difference between playing high school football and the level at college?
KM: The intensity level is definitely very different. A lot of players who do club will move into high school and continue playing there in the spring with whatever school they’re with, but it is not required. At college level it is more competitive and intense in actual play, but also in terms of the time requirements, commitment and dedication needed for you to be part of the sport.
ES: Considering how big women’s football is in the USA, what was particularly enticing for you to come to Malta to play football?
KM: In general to play professional football has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. Coming to Malta with Swieqi United gives me the possibility to achieve this with a group of players who are really good, while also having this possibility to experience a different culture. I think that’s important to learn something different to what you’re used to. So, I’m really happy that I made this decision.
ES: So, how would you sum up your experience in Malta so far?
KM: I like it a lot so far, the weather is beautiful. I also feel that the team has also been extremely welcoming to me. The coach really knows what he’s doing, and I feel like I will be able to learn a lot from him. I’m definitely glad to be here.
ES: How has your experience been with the team in preparation to start the league?
KM: We started with online sessions with the coach while I was still in America. Of course there are difficulties to have that coach-player training aspect when you are in different countries and online. However, since I’ve been here it’s been really good to mesh with the team, while working on fitness.
ES: From what I have seen you can play on the wing but also as the central attacker…
KM: It’s actually a funny story because I was committed to the college as a centre-back since I played as a defender for thirteen years. However, they were saying I ran with the ball too much, so they thought to stick me up front. Turns out I was pretty good in attack! So, I ended up playing in attack for quite a while from college and then started also to shift to the forward wing roles (both sides).
ES: So, what can fans of Swieqi United look forward to seeing from you when you are out on the pitch?
KM: Well, hopefully goals (laughs). I guess that is my main aim here, to score some goals, but also perhaps be able to chip in with a few assists. Apart from that, I would say I hope that as a team we are able to play some good football and have a good style of play. Obviously, we want to take it one day at a time, but in the end we are looking to bring home a championship, so hopefully (we are able to do) that.
In high-school Metzger was recognized with an award as the top player in the state. During her time at Grand Valley University, Kennedy Metzger won the Conference League Championship which enabled the team to compete in the NCAA tournament (which can be likened to the UEFA Women’s Champions League in Europe) where they made it to the round of sixteen.
ES: Swieqi United won the Assikura Women’s Knockout last year and are bidding to win the super cup and the league title this year. What would you say is particularly useful having won the league title back home, as you undertake this objective over here?
KM: I think having experienced that, you want to chase that feeling again. So I want to help the team to achieve that and to also win it for the fans of Swieqi. I think experiencing the pressure in those matches back home will be important to be able to win tough games here, so that we can achieve that title.
ES: What are you most looking forward to when playing your first game with Swieqi United?
KM: I’m excited to be out there with the team. I cannot emphasize enough how much I like being around the players here and the coaching staff. So, I am excited to go out there and show everyone what we have been working on together.
Quick-fire questions:
- Score or Assist – Score
- Play in cold weather or hot weather? – Hot, I mean I’m in Malta I must choose that
- Savoury or sweet food? – Sweet
- Take player 1v1 or play 1-2 with teammates? – 1v1
- Favourite football player? – Tobin Heath
- Halloween or 4th of July? – Halloween
- Getting ready for a match: music or no music? – Music
- More strength or more speed? – more speed
- If you were not a football player, what would you do? – I like volleyball so probably I would play volleyball
- Dream competition to play in? – World Cup
The Sporting Fan thanks Kennedy Metzger for her time to be able bring you this feature and look forward to seeing her on the pitch very soon. Swieqi United will kick off their league commitments next Saturday 26th August against Mtarfa FC at 9 pm (Dingli Ground).
Lead Photo: Michael Azzopardi / Swieqi United FC
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[…] United have announced that they will be mutually ending the agreement with Kennedy Metzger who will be returning to the United States, following a four month term with the […]