It's been a whirlwind few weeks for Canberra United star import Maria Rojas.
After years of rejection the Chilean made her W-League debut in round one, scored a screamer in round two and then won the biggest game of her international career, taking down the Matildas on Saturday.
Canberra United’s Maria Jose Rojas scores during the W-League round two match against Perth Glory. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong
The 30-year-old known as 'Cote' has played 14 internationals and scored two goals in the Copa America earlier this year to help qualify Chile for their first women's World Cup.
Rojas now wants to upset the Matildas twice in three days when she faces Australia and her Canberra teammate Ellie Carpenter in Newcastle on Tuesday.
It would be a stunning brace for the team ranked No. 39 in the world but Rojas is confident they can clinch another confidence-boosting win ahead of next year's World Cup.
"We know how strong they are and are sixth in the world for a reason. We know they can score at any time and have have strong players but we're working really hard," Rojas said.
"We were concentrating and everyone gave 100 per cent on Saturday, we never stopped. We were hungry and excited to represent our Chilean supporters.
"We stayed calm when we had to and we took our opportunities, while they missed a lot. We didn't have a penalty so [scoring three goals] is credit to us because it's not easy to score against them.
"We‘ve been improving and getting more experience and just beating them once is huge because we don't receive even half of what they receive, it's tough so for us so it means a lot.
"We want to be in the top 20 in the world and we still have a long way to go, so we have to keep working. We won yesterday but we have to keep improving and take another step forward."
Rojas spent three years on Adelaide United's radar but failed to crack the roster. Canberra coach Heather Garriock invited Rojas to trial and was immediately impressed, quickly signing the striker.
It didn't take long for Rojas to show Adelaide what they'd missed when she hammered home a stunner in a 4-4 draw against Perth Glory last week.
"I was dribbling then looked up and shot and you always try to hit the target but when I saw the angle I knew it was going in," Rojas said.
"My journey hasn’t been easy. In Adelaide I didn't get the possibility to play because they were always looking for American players and changing coaches every year.
"It's been three years waiting for this opportunity and I want to make the most it. You want to show people you are ready and even though that goal means a lot to me it still feels a little bit disappointing because that game was kind of a loss."
Rojas and Carpenter will feature in the same games three times in a week but return to being teammates when Canberra face Newcastle away on Saturday.
"It was great playing against Ellie, I thought she would play on the left and I play on the right but they put her on the right so I didn't get to really battle her, but she had a great game," Rojas said.
"Canberra United have been great, my teammates and Heather. I'm really enjoying it a lot and am looking forward to getting back out there this weekend."
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY
Tuesday: Australia v Chile at Newcastle Stadium, 7:30pm.
W-LEAGUE ROUND THREE
Saturday: Canberra United v Newcastle Jets at Newcastle Stadium
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