Melbourne City mean business for the Westfield W-League title defence with the announcement of three new signings on Wednesday.
City has added Westfield Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy, Japanese international Yukari Kinga and United States youth international Ashley Hatch to their squad for the 2017/18 Season.
City unveiled Kennedy, Kinga and Hatch at Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square in the heart of the CBD on Wednesday to celebrate the start of the new season, which commences with a blockbuster 2017 Grand Final replay against Perth Glory at nib Stadium on Friday night.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be here at Melbourne City. To join a club which has created history in the W-League is exciting and I feel this is the perfect place for me to continue my development as a player,” Kennedy said.
“The facilities here at the City Football Academy are incredible and the way the whole club operates together – the integration between the men’s, women’s and youth teams – is first class.
“I’m looking forward to working with the team and learning from such an experienced coach in Patrick.
“He will push me and challenge myself to be the best player I can be and I can’t wait to get started.”
At just 22 years of age, Kennedy has secured 57 caps for the Westfield Matildas and is a former Westfield W-League winner with Sydney FC and Perth Glory.
She also won America’s National Women’s Soccer League with Western New York Flash in 2016.
Kinga, 33, is regarded as one of the best talent’s in Women’s football, having played with FA WSL team Arsenal Ladies in England – winning a FA Women’s Cup with the London club.
She boasts a glittering resumé that includes over 100 international caps for Japan, a FIFA World Cup winners medal in 2011, and Olympic Games silver medals during a 13-year international career.
United States youth international Hatch arrives in Melbourne on the back of a break-out season for NWSL Shield winners North Carolina Courage.
The 22-year-old tied the league’s rookie record with seven goals during her debut campaign, helping the Courage secure top spot at the end of the regular season.
Melbourne City FC W-League Squad:
Lydia Williams (GK), Yukari Kinga, Lauren Barnes, Steph Catley, Larissa Crummer, Jess Fishlock, Rhali Dobson, Rebekah Stott, Alanna Kennedy, Ashlee Hatch, Amy Jackson, Kyah Simon, Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, Emily Shields (GK), Sofia Sakalis, Hayley Richmond, Emily Kenshole (GK)
