Illawarra star Caitlin Foord made an instant impact for Arsenal, scoring on debut to put the Gunners into the FA Cup quarter-finals.
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Foord showed the goal sense which has made her an attacking weapon for the Matildas and in the W-League, putting away the loose ball from Netherlands international Danielle Van de Donk's shot. The 55th minute goal put Arsenal on course for a 2-nil win over Lewes, to put them into the last eight, where they will meet bitter north London rivals Tottenham.
"I'm really delighted to get the goal but more importantly get the win," Foord told Arsenal.com.
Foord also hit the woodwork and had two other chances in the first half.
It comes before Arsenal meet Chelsea - featuring Matildas teammate Sam Kerr - in the Continental League Cup final on Monday (AEDT). Foord had arrived in England only last week following the Matildas' Olympic qualifying tournament, in which she kicked three goals in 28 minutes against Taiwan.
Australia meet Vietnam in a two-leg World Cup qualifier next month, starting in Newcastle.
Having previously played in the US league, Foord said she was ready to prove herself with one of the "biggest clubs in the world".
"That's what I'm hoping for. Hopefully this is the right move for me and it does help take my game to the next level," Foord told the Mercury last month before leaving for Arsenal.
"Obviously I'm very excited for the new challenge and the new experience.
"But I'm very nervous as well.
"It's a new team, not really knowing anyone. It's one of the biggest clubs in the world, with some of the biggest players in the world and coached by one of the best coaches in the world.
"I'm still learning and I'm still trying to get better."
Arsenal are third in the UK Super League, four points behind Manchester City and three adrift of Chelsea.
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