Western United have secured the services of World Cup-winning striker Jessica McDonald will for their inaugural women’s outfit.
McDonald will spend three months in Green and Black, arriving at the beginning of November and playing until the end of January; available for nine matches with the team before returning to America, where she currently plays for Racing Louisville.
The 34-year-old is a FIFA Women’s World Cup champion with the United States in 2019. In total, she scored four goals and registered two assists in 19 matches for her country.
In the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), McDonald remains fourth on the all-time list with 54 goals to her name and boasts the most assists by an individual player in the NWSL with 32.
McDonald will be returning to Victoria after playing for Melbourne Victory some nine years ago, and is eager to return to her old surroundings.
“I am super stoked to have another opportunity to play in Australia,” she said.
“It’s always a great opportunity as an athlete to test your soccer knowledge and continue to learn in different ways, adjusting to the game how it’s played elsewhere.
“Hopefully I can help another program succeed with what I can bring to the table.”
“Jess is a phenomenal player and this is such a fantastic signing. I’m so thankful for all of the work the club has put in to secure her signature,” he said.
“Her records and achievements speak for themselves, she has done it all in the game but she still has so much ability to bring on the pitch and we are looking forward to seeing that in Green and Black.
“With our previous relationship at Victory, it’s the perfect time to meet up again. Our fans are going to be amazed when they see her in action and I can’t wait to see the buzz that she will create while she’s here.”
