Friday, March 7, 2014
COLORADO SPRINGS -- Colorado Pride today announced that Australian W-League players Ashley Spina and Tara Andrews have joined their W-League team for the 2014 season.
Spina is an established Australian W-League player, having played in the Australian top flight since 2011 with both Brisbane Roar and Newcastle Jets. Spina with Brisbane Roar has been both a league champion in 2011 and championship final runner up in 2012. The tenacious midfielder is a key part of Australian National Training center for soccer and is part of the Australian national team squad pool. Spina was awarded the 2013 Australian W-League ‘Goal of the Year’ for an extra time game winner for Brisbane Roar.
“Ashley is a versatile player and can play in a number of positions in a consistent manner," Pride Head coach Daniel Clitnovici said. "She is both footed and her work rate is unmatched, it’s a great signing for Colorado Pride which adds to our already strong roster."
Andrews, at only 19 years of age, is a veteran W-League player, being first capped at the professional level at just 15 years old. Andrews is the current Australian U20 National team captain and is currently also in the Senior Australian National team pool. She has also been capped numerous times by Australia at U17level. The 5-foot-11 center forward holds an Australian W-League record with most goals scored in a single game; 4 Goals scored in 2012 versus Adelaide. Andrews also led the Newcastle Jets in scoring for he 2013/14 season.
“Tara is a young player with a lot of experience, she is a traditional center forward and likes to play with her back to goal and that’s rare in the women’s game," said Clitnovici. "She has good size and looks to use it, She will fit in well with our system”.
The Colorado Pride will be hosting their final W-League tryout on Saturday April 19th at Colorado College Turf Soccer Field from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. This date falls within all NCAA compliance and players are encouraged to attend and register via email to head coach Daniel Clitnovici – [email protected] . Cost for the tryout is $30 per player and all players will need to register prior to the tryout. Registrations will NOT be accepted on the date of the tryout. Please stay updated with Colorado Pride W-League team via www.pridesoccer.com and www.facebook.com/pridesoccerclub.