Overseas stars set to grace Westfield W-League in 2018/19

A host of Westfield Matildas stars have returned for the upcoming Westfield W-League 2018/19 Season.

But fans will also be blessed with a raft of overseas stars who have arrived Down Under to ply their trade.

There are some old favourites back for more and new faces ready to take the league by storm. 

WATCH: How Westfield W-League fans will be following the action
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NEW SIGNINGS: Perth complete W-League squad with double signing

American stars head Down Under

There’s a huge representation of American players in the Westfield W-League this season, and one of the biggest returnees is Rachel Hill at Perth Glory.

The 23-year-old American striker enjoyed a stunning debut campaign last year, finishing third in the goal-scoring charts with nine and also contributing a league-best six assists.

Glory have also picked up former Adelaide United and Chicago Red Stars defender Katie Naughton, who made 24 appearances and clinched the club’s best defender award for her 2018 National Women's Soccer League exploits.

Hill could be matched in the Golden Boot race by compatriot Katie Stengel, who has signed up at Newcastle Jets once more.

Stengel was the Jets' leading scorer last season and played a key role in the club’s first Semi-Final appearance in almost ten years, playing in all 13 matches for the club.

She led the scoring charts for the Jets with ten goals in 13 games – a haul which ranked her second overall in the league. She’ll be joined by fellow American Britt Eckerstom in the Hunter Valley after a fine campaign between the sticks in 2017/18.

From Western Australia to Western Sydney – the Wanderers boast two Americans in their squad for 2018/19 as midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta and aptly-named defender Sydney Miramontez have joined Dan Barrett's side.

The Wanderers' city rivals Sydney FC also boast a strong American contingent, with the likes of Sofia Huerta, Danielle Colaprico and Aubrey Bledsoe arriving as a strong boost to Ante Juric's Championship ambitions.

Meanwhile, Adelaide United have secured talented young forward Veronica Latsko and bolstered their defence with United States international Amber Brooks.

Melbourne Victory also boast a healthy dose of American players. They’ve signed Orlando Pride duo Christine Nairn and Dani Weatherholt and picked up central defender Samantha Johnson for the Westfield W-League 2018/19 Season.

Crosstown rivals Melbourne City on the other hand have secured defender Lauren Barnes and former Sydney FC live-wire Jasmyne Spencer.

Katie Stengel
Katie Stengel

Canberra’s South African duo

Refiloe Jane and Rhoda Mulaudzi could become the first South Africans to play in the Westfield W-League since the league's inception if they run out for round one.

The two former Banyana Banyana players were snapped up by Canberra coach Heather Garriock after an impressive trial.

Jane is a technically sublime midfielder who has drawn massive praise from the United stalwart, while Mulaudzi’s pace and aggression will prove big assets in United’s title quest.

City’s Danish superstar

Danish international defender Theresa Nielsen joins Melbourne City with an impressive resume.

Not only has she played 121 times for Denmark, but Nielsen was also named in the Best XI at UEFA Women's Euro 2017.

She has also won multiple Elitedivisionen titles and Danish Women’s Cups while with Brondby IF and just completed a season in the NWSL at Seattle Reign, where she played alongside both Lydia Williams and Steph Catley.

nielsen
Theresa Nielsen

Wanderers’ forward Ghanaian for glory

Ghana international forward Elizabeth Addo will be looking to fire the Red and Black to the finals for the first time this season.

The 25-year-old joins the club on loan from NWSL outfit Seattle Reign.

She has been capped 25 times by Ghana and has also played her club football in Nigeria, the US, Sweden and Hungary to date.

Adelaide United’s Icelandic duo

Icelandic internationals Fanndís Fridriksdóttir and Gunnhildur Jónsdóttir will be two league newcomers ready to set the competition on fire in 2018/19.

Fridriksdóttir is a left-winger who has spent the majority of her playing career in her homeland, most noticeably with Breidablik where she scored a prolific 97 goals in 173 games.

Meanwhile, Jónsdóttir strengthens the midfield with her composure and skill in possession.

A proven winner from Ireland at Canberra

Canberra United’s Denise O'Sullivan brings Championship-winning experience to the club for the Westfield W-League 2018/19 Season.

The Irish international midfielder joined United after helping North Carolina Courage take out the 2018 National Women's Soccer League title.

Despite being just 24, O'Sullivan has already made over 60 appearances for Ireland.

Denise O'Sullivan for Courage
Denise O'Sullivan

Lethal English duo

Melbourne Victory’s all-time leading Westfield W-League goalscorer Natasha Dowie has made a huge impact since she first graced Australian shores in 2015.

The former Liverpool striker will be lining up against fellow English international Jodie Taylor this season, who has signed on for Melbourne City.

A Scottish coup for Canberra

Canberra United pulled off a major coup for the Westfield W-League 2018/19 Season with the signing of Scotland international captain Rachel Corsie.

Corsie also plays for Utah Royals in the NWSL and brings a wealth of leadership experience to the nation's capital and will take the captaincy reins at the club.

Brisbane’s Japanese star

Japanese superstar Yuki Nagasato is one of her nation’s most decorated players and should be eyeing silverware with Brisbane Roar.

The 31-year-old helped Japan lift their first ever FIFA World Cup in 2011 and led them to the last four in 2015, as well as an Olympic silver medal at the London 2012 Games.

The forward boasts 132 international caps, a UEFA Women’s Champions League winners medal with FFC Turbine Potsdam, in addition to being a two-time Frauen Bundesliga champion and a Bundesliga golden boot winner in 2013.

Nagasoto
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This article was originally published on the Westfield W-League website.
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