STEPHANIE ROCHE HAS joined Sunderland Ladies.
The 26-year-old Ireland international, who hit the headlines after her goal for Peamount United finished runner-up in last year’s Fifa Puskas Award, makes the move to the FA Women’s Super League (WSL) club after recently leaving US side Houston Dash.
Having arrived in the States from French outfit ASPTT Albi back in February, the striker’s stay was short-lived as the club opted to end her contract in May.
“It’s great to be at Sunderland Ladies and I can’t wait to get started,” said Roche.
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.”
The Black Cats were crowned champions in the WSL 2 last season and earned promotion to the top flight, where they are currently fourth in the table after six matches played.
Sunderland AFC Ladies head coach, Carlton Fairweather, added: “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.”
