Perth Glory’s Liberty A-League squad is beginning to take shape under new head coach Stephen Peters with news defender Jessika Cowart and forward Susan Phonsongkham have both signed on for the 2024-25 campaign.
Cowart, 24, will return for the Glory this season after starting all 22 of the club’s matches in what was her debut campaign in 2023-24.
After represented the Philippines at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Cowart soon became a key figured at the heart of the Glory defence and went on to rack up 1,966 minutes of football under former coach Alex Epakis.
“Jess is an experienced, composed and strong defender who provides a commanding presence in a vital area of the pitch,” Glory coach Peters said.
“Having settled so quickly in what was her first ALW season last year, we expect her to go from strength to strength in 2024-25.”
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In a further boost to the Glory, 23-year-old attacker Phonsongkham has also put pen-to-paper on a new deal which will see her add to her 38 career appearances for Perth.
Phonsongkham started the 2023-24 Liberty A-League campaign with a bang, scoring three goals in her side’s first four matches as the Glory remained in the title race before dropping away after Christmas.
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Finishing the season with four goals and one assist, the attacking midfielder is currently plying her trade with Preston Lions in NPLW VIC where her three goals in 11 games have helped push the Lions into title contention with three games left to play.
“Susan is a key attacker for us as she is a constant threat in the final third,” said Peters.
“In addition to her finishing ability, she provides a creative spark which will help drive us forward as an attacking force and we believe that her best is still yet to come.”
The re-signings of Cowart and Phonsongkham follow on from the club’s acquisition of American striker Gabby Hollar, who joins the Glory off the back of a stellar season with Boroondara-Carey Eagles in the NPLW VIC.
It certainly promises to be a busy time for Glory head coach Peters and his staff with more arrivals expected through the door as they look to replace several key departures.
