Victory continues to strengthen its W-League roster, signing American Kristen McNabb on a season-long loan.
Victory continues to strengthen its W-League roster, signing American Kristen McNabb on a season-long loan deal from Seattle Reign.
McNabb, who will be available for Victory’s season opener against Canberra on Saturday, is likely to begin a central defensive pairing with Laura Alleway.
“She gives us that natural balance alongside Laura, being left-sided,” Victory W-League head coach Jeff Hopkins explained.
“In talking to Laura Harvey, the Seattle Reign coach, she believes Kristen is one of the best one v one defenders they have at the club.
“Kristen’s technically very good, and she’s comfortable on the ball which will help us when we build up from the back.”
McNabb has represented the United States at Under-18 and Under-23 level, and was the 37th selection for Seattle in the 2017 NWSL College Draft.
She played 18 games for Seattle in the 2017 NWSL season, and Hopkins believes McNabb will be a valuable addition to the side.
“For a young player, she reads the play very well,” Hopkins added.
“She plays like a veteran, and that’s one of the most important things you can ask for from a central defender.”
Victory kicks off its W-League season against Canberra United on Saturday at Epping Stadium.
Current Melbourne Victory W-League roster
Laura Alleway, Melina Ayres, Mindy Barbieri, Angela Beard, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Casey Dumont (GK), Natasha Dowie, Tiffany Eliadis, Christina Gibbons, Alexandra Gummer, Gulcan Koca, Whitney Knight, Annabel Martin, Kristen McNabb, Bethany Mason-Jones (GK), Lia Privitelli, Laura Spiranovic
