Clare Polkinghorne is heading back to Australia after parting ways with her American National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Houston Dash.
The Dash announced on Thursday (AEST) that Polkinghorne had been released immediately to return home due to “personal family reasons”.
The Westfield Matildas defender joined Dash in June 2018 as has made 18 appearances for the club.
She has played every minute of her nine appearances this year, either side of playing for Australia at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
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The 30-year-old was the first player to play 100 games in the Westfield W-League, where she is a stalwart for Mel Andreatta’s Brisbane Roar.
Polkinghorne has won three premierships and two championships in the Westfield W-League, as well as appearing 118 times for the Westfield Matildas and playing at four FIFA Women’s World Cups.
The Dash are currently in sixth place in the NWSL, five points outside the playoff spots with seven games still to play.
