New signing Cadi Rodgers has enjoyed an encouraging start to life at Argyle, with the defender now set to join up with the Wales senior squad for their upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Albania.
Rodgers joined the Pilgrims from Chelsea Under-23s last week, having spent the previous two seasons at the London club after progressing through the Welsh academy system.
Rodgers’ move to Devon marks her first season in senior women’s football, with the 19-year-old making her competitive debut in Argyle’s 1-0 win over Torquay United in the FA Women’s National League Cup.
“It was always going to be a big first game to come into,” Rodgers said. “It [Home Park] is a big stadium and there was a lot of pressure on us.
“We knew Torquay were going to come into it wanting to hit the ground running, so I think we did well to come away with a win.
“We really fought for it in the second half. I think the performance was not quite there, but we still came away with a win which was positive.”
Rodgers believes she has settled in quickly as she formed part of the Pilgrims’ back-three on Sunday with Ellie M Bishop and Aliyat Lambe, helping Matt Green’s side record a clean sheet on her first outing for Argyle.
“Everyone here is great,” she said. “We are all talking a lot and are gelling really well.
“We know that we have got each other’s backs which is the main thing, so I know that if I go for the ball, I am covered.”
As a centre-back, Rodgers says her position gives her the opportunity to help others and influence the game beyond her defensive duties.
The Welsh teenager said: “I would say in a back three or five, I definitely prefer being in the middle. I like being a sweeper and I like covering my teammates. I just love defending.
“Where I play, you can basically see everything, so you can give as much information as possible to the people in front of you.
“I like being loud on the pitch, although It is a bit different to what I am like off it!”
Rodgers’ latest Wales call-up provides another step in an international career that has already seen her progress through the age groups.
With her first league outing at Home Park approaching, against Real Bedford on Sunday, the defender is already looking forward to building on the positive start against Torquay.
“I am buzzing for my first league game here, and coming off a win [over Torquay] there will be a bit of confidence amongst the squad,” Cadi told Argyle TV.
“I think we want to put things right in terms of results. The girls will be pumped, and I am looking forward to it.”
Tickets for the Pilgrims’ next game at Home Park, against Real Bedford on Sunday, 4 October, are available now and can be purchased here.