Tara Murray
Western United’s inaugural A-League Women’s squad has received a massive boost with the signing of Matildas’ star Chloe Logarzo.
United announced last week that Logarzo would join the club on loan from Kansas City in the National Women’s Soccer League in America.
Having played for 54 games for the Matildas, including scoring eight goals, Logarzo is one of the most experienced players in United’s squad.
She made her debut for Australia in 2013 and recently returned to the squad after recovering from a serious knee injury.
Logarzo has previously represented Colorado Pride in the United States and played in top divisions in Sweden, Norway and England, where she lined up for Bristol City in the Women’s Super League.
A two-time A-League champion with Sydney FC, Logarzo returns to Australia for the first time in two years.
“I am really excited to be returning to the A-League with a new club, new city and a new challenge ahead of the World Cup,” she said.
“There is no better time to return home to the A-League than now, leading into the World Cup and with Western United, a new and ambitious club.
“I feel incredibly confident that this is the correct decision for my return to playing.”
United coach Mark Torcaso said Logarzo’s signature was a major coup for the club and signalled its intent heading into the competition for the first time.
He said she is a world class talent and would be huge for the playing group and the league itself.
“I’m really excited and proud that we can give Chloe a platform to continue her return to the pitch ahead of the World Cup next year,” he said.
“She is the type of player that can change a game in an instant and I can’t wait to work with her and see her help us on the pitch, but also off the pitch with the knowledge she can share with our younger players.”
Western United women’s football manager Amanda Stella said Logarzo would bring fans through the gates.
“Chloe’s leadership and standing in the game will help set the foundations for our culture and vision moving forward as a Club in the A-League Women,” she said.
Logarzo will join up with her new teammates in pre-season training in early November ahead of the opening round in the A-League Women’s season, which begins from November 18.
Meanwhile on Thursday, the fixture for the A-League Women’s season was released.
United will begin its new journey into the competition with a blockbuster rivalry clash against Melbourne Victory.
The home fixture will be played at City Vista Recreation Reserve – the first of five home matches at the venue in the west – on November 19.
United will also play home matches in Ballarat, while the location of two matches is still to be confirmed.
