Canberra United’s midfield has received a boost with the announcement that Westfield Young Matilda Emily Van Egmond has signed with the inaugural Westfield W-League Grand Finalists for the 2009 campaign.
The 16 year old rising-star joins Canberra United from the Newcastle Jets where she made eight appearances and scored twice last season.
Van Egmond is a welcome addition to the squad following season ending knee injuries to key midfielders, Caitlin Munoz and Amy Chapman, according to head coach Ray Junna.
“We-ve lost a lot of experience in the middle of the park with both Munoz and Chapman out of action this season through injury so to have Emily come on board is a real positive for the team,” Junna said.
“It-s great because she-s been touted as a potential star of the game and I-ve got no doubt that she will do a good job at stepping into the role.”
“She-s been training with us for a week and she-s definitely a huge plus for us.”
“It-s now a matter of getting her working with the team and getting that cohesive team environment understanding what we-re trying to do.”
It was the appointment of head coach Ray Junna that attracted Van Egmond to the national capital, a move which is already paying off according to the new recruit.
“[Ray Junna] was probably one of the main reasons why I decided to move down here,” said the daughter of former Socceroo and AIS coach Gary Van Egmond.
“Ray has a great understanding of the game and I-ve learnt so much already since I-ve arrived here along with the way he wants to play and the technical side of football.
“I-ve enjoyed my time so far in Canberra with the club, I miss the surf a bit, but the group of players is really good, there-s plenty of talent and I-m really looking forward to the season.”
Canberra United kicks off its 2009 Westfield W-League campaign against the Brisbane Roar in a Grand Final rematch on Saturday, 3rd October at Ballymore Stadium to be broadcast live on ABC 1.
Tickets are now on sale through the Capital Football office in Deakin for the first home game against Sydney FC at McKellar Park on Saturday, 10th October with kick off at 5:00pm.
