Canberra United have bolstered their defence with American defender Kaleigh Kurtz on a season-long loan from National Women’s Soccer League powerhouse North Carolina Courage.
The 25-year-old has played an important role in North Carolina’s recent dominance of America’s top tier and secured consecutive Championships with the club after defeating Chicago Red Stars in the final a fortnight ago.
A native of South Carolina, Kurtz was snared from the University of South Carolina in 2018 and has gone on to start 15 matches for the Courage over the past two campaigns.
Featured image courtesy of Canberra United
SEASON PREVIEW: Gill backs ‘ultimate competitor’ to lead United back to Finals
DON’T MISS IT: How to watch Westfield W-League Round 1
We have bolstered our back line with the signing of back-to-back NWSL champion @KaleighKurtz for the upcoming @WLeague season! #GoGreen
Read ?? https://t.co/YANPJQm5NT pic.twitter.com/43PaZwDuvY— Canberra United (@CanberraUnited) November 11, 2019
“I am super excited for the upcoming season, this is my first time in Australia so it’s a great opportunity to develop, both as a soccer player and as a person,” Kurtz said.
“The mentality that we have at the Courage is not always results oriented, we believe if we can work on getting better every single day then the results will come.
“Hopefully I can bring that mentality to the squad and we can all push each other to improve each day.”
“Kurtz’s leadership qualities are fantastic, she is a great communicator, plays with both feet and is solid down back,” said Canberra boss Heather Garriock.
“She is coming straight from winning back-to-back championships so it’s great to have someone with a winning mentality come into our squad that knows what it takes to win.”