KUALA LUMPUR: She is only 18, but Tegen Su-Yin Butler is already a name to watch in Malaysian women football.
Though more accustomed to playing centreback for the national team, Tegen was deployed as a striker for Selangor at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) and repaid the faith with two goals in a 2-0 win over Sabah in the women's football final at Selayang Stadium on Wednesday (Aug 19).
Selangor retained the gold medal they won in 2024 and Tegen finished the tournament with six goals.
Born in the United States, she qualifies to represent Malaysia through her mother, who hails from Penang.
She has come through the American youth system with stints at FC United and FC America.
On her switch to attack and the Sukma win, Tegen said, "Originally, they looked at me coming in as a defender to help the team.
"But I’m typically a striker or a number 10, so the coach gave me the chance to play in that position ... I’m very thankful for that opportunity and that I could score goals for Selangor and help us bring this victory."
Regarding her ties to Malaysia and her path to the national team, she said that ever since she was a baby, she has been coming back to Malaysia every year.
"I have my family here. I always came back to play football here, spending my summers and holidays. I played with multiple clubs, and one coach who had connections to FAM gave me the opportunity to try out at a camp."
Tegen will now return to the United States to begin her senior year at Orion High School in Illinois, where she will juggle her club season with FC America alongside her school season.
On Wednesday, Selangor coached by Osmera Omaro, broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when winger S. Thivashini muscled past two defenders before squaring the ball for Tegen to tap in past Sabah goalkeeper Nursyaqilah Tasha Barahim.
The Thivashini-Tegen combination clicked again in the 67th minute, with Thivashini once more dribbling past two defenders for Tegen to score.
