Chelsie Dawber is returning to Adelaide United for the remainder of the 2023-24 Liberty A-League season.
After a two-year stint with Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States, Dawber makes her way back to her hometown club.
The 23-year-old forward spent part of last season on loan at Adelaide, where she scored four goals in 13 appearances as her Reds tally improved to 21 goals in 55 matches.
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Before joining Chicago in 2022, Dawber scored a career-high 10 gals in 15 games for Adelaide in 2021-22.
“Adelaide is my home and I’m so happy to be back playing for the Reds,” said Dawber, who spent a period on loan at Swedish top-flight outfit Norrkoping in 2023, scoring two goals in 24 games.
“I’ve learnt a lot in my time away and I have also been keeping an eye on how Stents and the girls have been going to start the season.
“I’m really excited by what I have seen so far, and I know I can contribute and bring something different to the side.”
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During her time with the Red Stars, Dawber made four NWSL appearances in Chicago.
All of those games came in 2022 before temporary stints in Adelaide and Sweden.
Adelaide head coach Adrian Stenta added: “Chelsie knows our club and she knows the A-League competition. Most importantly she is fit and ready to come in and make an impact for our side.
“We think we have a lot of firepower in our front third, but Chelsie is a different player and she will give us another option in attack.
“We’re excited to welcome her back into the fold, and looking forward to seeing what she can do alongside our other forwards.”
Adelaide are seeking their first win of the season as they prepare to host defending champions Sydney FC on Sunday.
The Reds have one point from four games to sit six points outside the top four.
