23 matches in the Women’s Football League, three in the Women’s Cup, two in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and four in the Baltic League – a total of 32 official matches in the Riga FC Women squad, of course also several friendly matches with the team, and this year – the number one goalkeeper in the national team as well. For the second year in a row, the Best Goalkeeper award in the Women’s League – that was the season of our first-choice goalkeeper this year, Elza Renāte Strazdiņa.
The most significant moment in your career this season?
– My debut in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Unfortunately, not everything went the way we wanted – we didn’t reach the second round, but those were matches of a very good level.
I would also definitely highlight the two national team matches. The first was against Kosovo at the beginning of the year, where we won 1–0; it was also my first debut match in the starting eleven. The second was the Baltic Cup match against Estonia, which I would describe as the toughest game for me in my position.
In your opinion, what didn’t work out for us in the Champions League?
– I would say that luck wasn’t on our side. Luck is part of football, and this time it wasn’t with us. Of course, the first match against Flora was a bit easier, which was reflected in the result. We knew our opponents. The second match was more complicated – an unfamiliar style of play. But the camp in Luxembourg really brought our team together.
What was the biggest challenge in your position, considering the difference in level between the Latvian championship and European matches (including the national team)?
– Definitely the mental side. As a goalkeeper in the domestic league, I had less work – this season we were clear leaders.
In matches of any other level, you had to concentrate much more. But I really like games where I have “work” to do. It was good that we had such matches too – they helped my development a lot.
What were you expecting from this season, and did it come true?
– Even before the season, the team’s goals were set – victories in all competitions. Overall, almost everything we planned and what I personally expected was achieved. The only thing is that I didn’t know I would become the first-choice goalkeeper; I thought I would have to fight for a place in the lineup. However, it turned out that last year’s first-choice goalkeeper, Enija Vaivode, started the season with an injury.
This year we also made our debut in the Baltic League.
In the previous season, with the Liepāja team, I had already experienced the level of the Baltic Women’s Football League a bit. But this year, yes, it was Riga FC Women’s debut, and most importantly, we won the Cup.
Which match do you remember best?
– The match against Gintra. One of my favorite games – excellent teamwork, great unity before the Champions League. From my position as well, even though we conceded one goal, it was still one of the strongest performances. Of course, I’d like to play against such opponents more often.
What can you say about the training process?
– Very good. Despite the fact that the championship itself wasn’t particularly strong, the training process really helped us develop – goalkeeper training, team training with foreign players – all of it was at a truly good level.
This year Riga FC Women conceded three goals. Two by you, one by Aleksandra. Do you remember both?
– Yes. The first was conceded in the match against Rīgas FS – a free kick by Darja Fiošina.
Did you not expect that shot?
– I was a bit unfocused at that moment; I didn’t expect a shot. I was expecting a cross. The second one was against RFS Women – Čemertāne crossed, I saved it, and she scored the rebound.
For the second year in a row, Best Goalkeeper in the Women’s League – does it mean something to you?
– This award shows that I am developing. In 2022 and 2023 I won the Best Goalkeeper award in the Women’s First League, and now for the second year in a row in the top division. That means the direction is right. I have to keep going.
In the home match (Riga FC Women – Rīgas FS), where we lifted the trophy, you came on as an outfield player in the final ten minutes, playing in attack. Tell us whose idea that was?
– Yes, that happened. I mentioned to the coach that I’d like to play on the field. But we hadn’t agreed on anything. Against Rīgas FS, I came on in my usual position, then swapped with Aleksandra at the end of the match. I was walking toward the bench when the coach handed me a jersey and said, “Get dressed quickly” – it was a pleasant surprise. I played the final minutes in attack.
Had it been a long time since you last played as an outfield player?
– Last season, with Jelgava FS in the First League. I even scored one goal.
You’ve emphasized several times that we were very united this year.
– Yes, this year really was great – an excellent team and atmosphere. It was a pleasure to attend every training session. Even this year, when I graduated from high school, a large part of the team came to my graduation. We were like one big family.
You’ve finished school – are you continuing your studies?
– Yes, at the moment I’m studying business management. Perhaps one day I’ll join some football structure from the management side, maybe I’ll become a football analyst. But for now, my plans still include playing football.
We won’t see you in the Riga FC Women squad next year. Will you tell us where you’re going?
– The closest plan is to spend a few years outside Latvia. But my personal goal is the same – to earn the first-choice goalkeeper position at my next club as well.
