Canberra United has added a Brazilian superstar to their talented squad, signing 25-year-old Camila Martins Pereira for the upcoming Westfield W-League season.
Joining United on a one-year loan deal from NWSL side Orlando Pride, the versatile striker was a member of the Brazilian squad at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, having previously represented her country at the FIFA U20’s Women’s World Cup in 2014.
Head coach Heather Garriock said Camila brings Brazilian flare to the team.
“The most important thing is that while Camila is great on the ball, her work off the ball is outstanding,” she said.
“She is going to be a crowd pleaser, that’s for sure.”
Camila’s arrival has been a long time coming for Garriock, after she tried to sign the Brazilian back in her first season as coach.
“I have been waiting three years to see her play in Australia,” she said. “I tried to sign her in my first year but she tore the ACL in her right knee a month before she was meant to arrive.
“So I have been waiting a long time and she is everything that I saw before she did her knee.”
Camila said it was persistence that helped her finally arrive in the nation’s capital.
“Heather called me to come in 2017 but I couldn’t come due to an injury,” Camila said. “Now, there were no excuses.
“She trusts my work and gives me the confidence I need to excel as an athlete. I like challenges, so this will be a great challenge in my life.
“Even though it’s my first year and it’s tough to get to the title, I will give everything I can to achieve that.”
If you want to #GoGreen with United this season, memberships and tickets are now on sale on the Canberra United website. Be sure to purchase yours in time for our Round One clash with Perth Glory at McKellar Park at 4pm this Sunday, 17th November. Gates open 3pm.
Canberra United Squad |
Goalkeepers: Shamiran KHAMIS, Annalee GROVE
Defenders: Taren KING, Nikola ORGILL (c), Jessie RASSCHAERT, Patricia CHARALAMBOUS, Kaleigh KURTZ
Midfielders: Karly ROESTBAKKEN, Olivia PRICE, Laura HUGHES, Emma STANBURY, Rebekah HORSEY
Forwards: Elise THORSNES, Hayley TAYLOR-YOUNG, Leena KHAMIS, Katie STENGEL, Simone CHARLEY, Ashlie CROFTS, CAMILA
