Reigning A-League women goalkeeper of the year Hillary Beall will look to go one better with Western United, making her return on loan from National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Racing Louisville FC.
The American was a revelation for Western United in its debut season in the A-League, keeping seven clean sheets to help United to second place on the table and an appearance in the grand final.
One of the team’s vice captains last season, Beall received a list of accolades over the course of the campaign A-League player of the month in January and February, A-League save of the year and the Western United player of the season, on top of the league’s best goalkeeper honours.
Set for her return to the Green and Black, Beall said she was itching to get back and tend to unfinished business with her teammates.
“It was an incredible season we had in our first year. We fell short twice of some hardware, so I think that is definitely something I am coming back for, to win a championship,” she said.
“I really enjoyed my time at Western so I am really grateful the club is bringing me back in with the girls.
“Obviously the main goal is to win a championship. Coming back though, I now have two years as a pro under my belt and I have found myself and my confidence, so I will bring that to the group.”
Western United general manager of soccer Mal Impiombato said Beall’s return was an indicator of United’s growing intent to be competitive and successful in the A-League.
“Hillary was the best goalkeeper in the competition last season and we are delighted to have her return and be a key part of our roster again,” he said.
“Her accolades and awards spoke to the quality she brought on the pitch and it was important for us to bring that back into our squad as we continue to aim high in the Liberty A-League.”
In other Western United news Young Matilda Avaani Prakash will realise her enormous potential at Western United, signing her first professional contract in the A-League Women.
At 16 years of age, Prakash has a remarkable resume having represented Australia at Under-17 and under-20 level while also training as part of the Future Matildas program this year.
In 2022, she was part of the Junior Matildas side that won the Australian Football Federation Women’s Championship, playing alongside Western United defender Silver Bell Morris in that team.
Reaching a long-term goal in signing her first professional contract, Prakash said she is overjoyed to sign for Western United and is anxious to get started in the A-League.
“I am very grateful to Western United and can’t wait to play. I have been working very hard toward this for a number of years now,” she said.
“I am super excited and honoured to play alongside the talented players in the team and be guided by Mark. This is only the beginning of my professional football career, and I aim to bring finesse to Australian football and play a game that players and fans both enjoy.”
