The Westfield W-League 2017/18 Season will have a distinct American flavour this campaign, with a host of clubs recruiting some impressive talent the United States.
While the likes of Westfield Matildas stars Sam Kerr, Hayley Raso and Steph Catley shone in the NWSL during the recent US season, which players from America will be the ones to watch in the Westfield W-League?
We look at the players leading the US invasion of the competition for the 2017/18 Season.
EMILY SONNETT (SYDNEY FC)
What a signing! The 23-year-old comes to the Sky Blues fresh from winning the NWSL with the Portland Thorns, where she’s a team-mate of Australians Raso and Ashleigh Sykes.
Sonnett started every one of Portland’s 24 matches in their title-winning campaign, anchoring the best defence in the league.
She represented the USA at last year’s Rio Olympics and has played under-18 and under-23 internationals for the United States.
KATIE STENGEL (NEWCASTLE JETS)
The leading goal-scorer for Western Sydney Wanderers last season, Stengel returns to the Westfield W-League but this time with the Jets.
She has played previously for German powerhouse Bayern Munich and scored nine goals as they won the 2014-2015 Frauen Bundesliga title.
Stengel has represented the US at under-18, under-20 and under-23 level and has just completed a NWSL campaign with the Boston Breakers.
NIKKI STANTON (PERTH GLORY)
The 26-year-old midfielder is a team-mate of Sam Kerr at Sky Blue FC and Perth Glory where she returns for a third season in the Westfield W-League.
She received Female Athlete of the Year honours in her Senior year at Mount Si High School, where she was also team captain.
HALEY KOPMEYER (CANBERRA UNITED)
The 27-year-old goalkeeper played with the Brisbane Roar two years ago and has been lured back to the Westfield W-League by Canberra coach Heather Garriock.
She has just completed the NWSL season with the Seattle Reign.
LAUREN BARNES (MELBOURNE CITY)
The 28-year-old defender returns for a second season with Melbourne City, having previously played for cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory for two seasons.
A stalwart of the Seattle Reign side in the NWSL, she has represented the United States at under-15, under-20, under-23 and is also full international for the US Women’s National Team.
