Sunderland AFC Ladies have completed the signing of FIFA Puskas Award runner-up Stephanie Roche, handing the Republic of Ireland international a two-year deal.
The 26-year-old previously made headlines with Irish club Peamount United, after her phenomenal strike came second in the international goalscoring award – bettered only by James Rodriguez’s phenomenal strike for Colombia in the World Cup.
Roche is now looking forward to the opportunity of featuring in an ever-growing league, and representing the Black Cats at elite level in the WSL 1.
“It’s great to be at Sunderland Ladies and I can’t wait to get started,” Roche said on the official club website.
“I know there is a high standard in WSL 1 and it’s something I’m looking forward to being a part of. The team have done really well this season and hopefully I can play my part too.”
Roche will now join Carlton Fairweather’s side after the international break with her new side sitting fourth in the table, above current WSL1 champions Liverpool Ladies, following three wins and three losses in their inaugural season in the top flight.
With ten goals scored in six games, a feat only bettered by Notts County, Roche will add yet more attacking threat to the side from the North East as they face County in their first fixture after the World Cup, followed soon after by league leaders Chelsea.
Speaking about his latest signing, Fairweather said: “Stephanie is going to be a very good addition to the side. The fact she was nominated for the Fifa Puskás Award at the 2014 Ballon d’Or ceremony shows her ability, but it isn’t just about that and she will bring added value to the side.
“From her point of view it is a great opportunity to establish herself in the FAWSL 1 and then push on from there, so her main objective will be to cement her place in the first-team and continue to represent Republic of Ireland at international level.
“We have had a good start to the season and as we enter the next phase we want to push on and improve.”
As well as representing Irish sides Raheny United, Dundalk City and Stella Maris, Roche has also featured for French outfit ASPTT Albi and Houston Dash of the United States.
