2018 NWSL Champion & North Carolina Courage MVP Denise O’Sullivan has signed with Canberra United as the club’s guest player for the Westfield W-League 2018/19 season.
The Irish international has made over 60 appearances for her country despite being only 24 years of age and arrived in Canberra this week ahead of the new season.
Head Coach Heather Garriock said she was looking forward to working with O’Sullivan and that the two-time NWSL Shield winner would bring experience and fire to the United squad.
“It is great to have Denise in town ahead of the season and she is already making an impact in training,” Garriock said.
“She has already proven herself both in the NWSL and at international level so for her to be in Canberra as our guest player this season is great for our team.”
“For a 24-year old her list of accolades is brilliant, and to be voted the MVP of a title winning team in the NWSL tells you all you need to know.”
“To have a player of Denise’s calibre at Canberra United is so important.”
“Her work ethic, winning mentality and leadership qualities will be crucial for us, she has exception skill and vision and I am sure that she will be a fan favourite.”
Ahead of her arrival in Australia, O’Sullivan said she couldn’t wait to get started with her new side and said she was looking forward to playing for one of the Westfield W-League’s most successful clubs.
“I’m really excited to have signed for Canberra United,” she said.
“I have heard great things about the club from players who have been here in the past and I am looking forward to the experience.”
“Speaking to Heather before my arrival I got a really good feel for the club and am confident it will be a good fit for me, and I’ve heard plenty of good things about Canberra as a place to live too.
O’Sullivan comes in to Canberra off the back of a brilliant season with North Carolina who saw off Ellie Carpenter’s Portland Thorns in the NWSL Championship match and said she is hoping to build on that campaign.
“This season has been amazing with the Courage, and I’m hoping to bring my form and continue it here, and to test myself in another major league.”
“I have been a part of the Senior National team since I was 17 years old and have played for a number of clubs as well.”
“I’ve played with and against some of the best players in the world and have learnt a lot from top coaches, and I’m excited to bring those experiences to Canberra and make an impact while also learning more from new people in the Westfield W-League.
O’Sullivan began training with her new teammates at the University of Canberra this week and will be raring to go when we take on Melbourne City at McKellar Park in Round one, on Sunday October 28th.
Goalkeepers: Shamiran KHAMIS, Melissa MAIZELS
Defenders: Taren KING, Natasha PRIOR, Ellie CARPENTER, Rachel CORSIE
Midfielders: Refiloe JANE, Karly ROESTBAKKEN, Rosie GALEA, Denise O’SULLIVAN
Forwards: Nicki FLANNERY, Rhoda MULAUDZI, Nikola ORGILL, Meaghan MCELLIGOTT
