Canberra United has completed its second signing from the USA with the addition of exciting USA under-23 international Stephanie Ochs to their roster.
Canberra United has completed its second signing from the USA with the addition of exciting USA under-23 international Stephanie Ochs to their roster. Ochs will line up alongside fellow US import and Washington Spirit team mate Lori Lindsey as United looks to reclaim the Westfield W-League Championship won in 2012.
Ochs, a speedy forward with an eye for goal, signs for Canberra from Washington Spirit of the National Women-s Soccer League (NWSL) in her home country. Before that Ochs was drafted by the Boston Breakers in the 2012 WPS College Draft but the league folded before she got the chance to pull on the shirt also worn by former Canberra United players Taryn Hemmings and Nikki Washington.
The 23-year old caught the eye of former Canberra United Coach Jitka Klimkova when Ochs featured for her national team at under-23 level in the Four Nations Tournament held in La Manga Spain where the USA defeated Norway (3-1), Sweden (6-0) and England (2-1). Ochs was named Tournament MVP on the back of two goals and three assists in the trio of matches including the vital opening goal in the crunch win over England that sealed the title.
“I’m extremely excited to be coming to Australia to join Canberra United!” Ochs said. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to play for the club while also experiencing everything Australia has to offer.
“I cannot wait to get started, especially alongside my teammate Lori [Lindsey] from the Washington Spirit. It will without a doubt be a great experience for both of us.”
Canberra United CEO Heather Reid confirmed that the club had been in long discussions with Ochs about a potential move to the Westfield W-League.
“We have been in discussions with Stephanie for a few months and we are very excited to be able to announce her signing,” Reid commented. “Stephanie comes to us highly rated by Jitka and US National team Technical staff as one of the emerging stars of USA football.
“I am sure she will be an excellent addition to what is a very strong attacking line-up. Her pace and creativity will be an asset to Canberra United and we look forward to seeing her in action this season.”
Pre-season training for Canberra United will start on Monday 30th September as the team gears up for their season opener against Brisbane Roar on Saturday 9th November.
STATISTICS
Name: Stephanie Ochs
Position: Forward
Date of Birth: 29 August 1990
Place of Birth: San Diego, California, USA
Clubs: San Diego Toreros, Western New York Flash, Washington Spirit
Representative Honours: USA U-23
Notes: 2013 – Four Nations Tournament (La Manga, Spain) winners, Tournament MVP
