Canberra United welcome five new players to their squad as they begin preparations for retaining the title.

Reigning Westfield W-League Champions Canberra United welcome five new players to their squad as they begin preparations for retaining the title they won last season. Mexican international superstar Veronica Perez and New Zealand forward Emma Kete are joined by Emma Checker, Jenna McCormick and 16-year-old rookie Nickoletta Flannery in a group that looks set for another sustained title charge.

Perez, capped 78 times by Mexico, signs from Washington Spirit and will bring her unique flair and individuality to the squad and will be the first Mexican international to play in the Westfield W-League. Kete is no stranger to the competition having enjoyed fruitful stints at Perth Glory and Sydney FC in addition to being part of the Canberra United team that won the title in Season 4.

Young defender Checker, capped once by the Matildas, signs on from Melbourne Victory and is joined by McCormick who was Adelaide United Player of the Season last year. Flannery meanwhile is a local Canberra product who has been in tremendous form for the NTC United this past season and was a stand-out in the recent trial process.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome these new players to Canberra and are sure that they will add to the quality that we already have in our squad,” Head Coach Rae Dower commented. “The players that we have added to the roster all bring exceptional talent and skill and will settle into the team environment that is such an important part of our success at United.”

Also returning for Season 8 is goalkeeper Lydia Williams, back in the number one jersey after missing last season through injury. One of Canberra’s foundation players, Williams made a successful return from her second knee injury to play an integral role in the Matildas run to the World Cup Quarter Finals in Canada.

Williams is one of six players who were part of the inaugural Canberra squad in 2008 with Grace Gill, Nicole Begg, Ashleigh Sykes, Rebecca Kiting (who took a sabbatical to complete a scholarship in the USA) and Ellie Brush all back for another tilt at the title. Canberra starlets Julia De Angelis and Grace Maher will be aiming to kick-on from an outstanding debut season in green and there will be a return to Canberra for popular American midfielder Kendall Fletcher.

“The balance of the squad looks to be very good and we are happy with our recruitment process,” Canberra United CEO Heather Reid commented. “We welcome several new players to the CU Family this season and are sure that they will be wonderful additions to our championship winning squad. As with any sporting team there is an evolution of players and some of our champions have departed or are taking a break from the club. We thank them for their service to Canberra United.”

Canberra United begins the defence of their Westfield W-League crown on Sunday 18th October when they play Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium.

CANBERRA UNITED SQUAD

1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 2. Catherine BROWN, 3. Julia DE ANGELIS, 4. Kendall FLETCHER, 5. Jenna MCCORMICK, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Meg MCLAUGHLIN, 9. Grace GILL, 10. Grace MAHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Emma KETE, 13. Nicole BEGG, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Emma CHECKER, 16. Tegan RIDING, 17. Veronica PEREZ, 18. Rebecca KITING, 19. Nickoletta FLANNERY, 20. Melissa MAIZELS

COACHING STAFF

Head Coach: Rae DOWER

Assistant Coach: Njegosh POPOVICH

Team Manager: Antoni JAGARINEC

Goalkeeper Coach: Aroon CLANSEY

Video Analyst: Jocelyn MARA

Doctor: Dr. Wilson LO

Physiotherapist: Julian RUSSELL-JONES

OFFICE STAFF

CEO: Heather REID

Media & Communications Manager: Russ GIBBS

Events Manager: Michael KELLY

Football Operations: Chris DOYLE

Membership Manager: Sigourney DUNK

Workforce Manager: Sam IRVINE