PERTH Glory Women have boosted its W-League championship prospects by re-signing last season’s Most Glorious Player Vanessa DiBernardo.
The 24-year old attacking midfielder has just finished her National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season with the Chicago Red Stars, who finished third on the table and were edged out in extra time during the semi-final against the Washington Spirit.
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READ NOWDiBernardo produced seven assists for the Red Stars, the second highest in the NWSL this season, and is looking forward to her second stint with Glory in the W-League.
“I had a really great time last year,” Glory’s 2015-16 golden boot winner said.
“We probably didn’t get the results we wanted but I know that (coach) Bobby (Despotovski) and the rest of the team have worked hard to bring in some new blood, locally and from overseas.
“I think with the squad the coaches are building we should be confident in eyeing off a finals berth.”
Glory coach Despotovski said he was happy with the way his squad was taking shape but the hard work was yet to begin.
“We’ve got our targets and we know what we want to achieve. Last year was a period of consolidation, now we are moving forward with the aim of giving the title a real shake,” he said.
DiBernardo is the second Chicago player set to wear the Glory jersey this season after her teammate Alyssa Mautz was signed by the club last week.
DiBernado’s father Angelo competed at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 and represented the USA men’s national soccer team; they are the only father/daughter relationship among soccer players who have represented USA.
Mexico’s Arianna Romero and American Nikki Stanton are the other international signings due to arrive soon.
Glory Women kick-off their W-League season with a double header against Western Sydney Wanderers on November 6.