Matildas co-captain Lisa De Vanna has agreed to terms with fledgling W-League outfit Melbourne City ahead of the 2015/16 season.
After leading Australia to a quarter-final berth at the Women’s World Cup in Canada, the 30-year-old striker arrives at the club as their inaugural signing.
Widely regarded as one of soccer’s best female players, De Vanna has represented Australia at three World Cups and the 2004 Athens Olympics.
“We are very proud and honoured to have Lisa as our first W-League player,” City coach Joe Montemurro said in a statement issued on Saturday.
“We all know what Lisa has achieved as a Matilda and to have a player of her stature come to Melbourne City FC in its inaugural season is something the whole club is excited about.
“Lisa has played a large part in the rise of women’s football in this country and to have her on board means we can build towards creating a competitive side in this year’s W-League.”
De Vanna said she was relishing the prospect of “an exciting new challenge”.
“Joe approached me a few months ago about playing for city and invited me to come and visit the City Football Academy,” she said.
“After 10 minutes of being there I was sold to the idea of playing for city. It’s a great opportunity and I’m quite honoured to be part of it.”
After winning her 100th international cap in Australia’s opening World Cup match last month, De Vanna’s goal in the 3-1 defeat to eventual winners USA saw her become the first Australian female to score at three consecutive World Cups.
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The Matilda scored the first two of her team's goals in the 4-0 win.
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