A-League Women newcomers Western United have locked in their quota of internationals for the club’s inaugural season by signing Guyana defender Sydney Cummings.
The 23-year-old joins American goalkeeper Hillary Beall (on-loan from Racing Louisville), Philippines midfielder Jaclyn Sawicki and American striker Hannah Keane as Western’s internationals for the 2022-23 Liberty A-League season.
Western, who have recruited Matildas star Chloe Logarzo, can still sign a guest marquee in addition to their four full-time internationals ahead of their season opener against defending champions Melbourne Victory on November 19.
“The league in Australia has always been talked about so highly, and I felt like it was such a great opportunity for me to try to elevate myself as a player,” she said.
“I’m really excited for that aspect and that challenge of being in Australia and learning more from the people there.
“Having the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural season is very meaningful and really gives all of the players a leg up on our competition, because are fighting for something so new and something that we’ll all have a hand in creating and cultivating.
“It’s a great honour and a fantastic opportunity, especially because what Mark and the staff at Western are creating has the potential to be something really special.”
Cummings was a national-team replacement player for San Diego Wave but is yet to make her National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) debut.
Western head coach Mark Torcaso expected Cummings to lead the side’s defence.
“Sydney is incredibly tall, incredibly strong and athletic and will be a physically dominant force in the A-League,” Torcaso said.
“In addition to those strengths she also reads the game superbly well and has all of the top-level awareness and ball-playing skills that you want in a centre-back.
“Even though she is only 23 years of age she has great experience under her belt, so she will be brilliant in helping lead our younger players at the back and contribute from the start.”
