Hayley Raso heads back to Canberra United

Canberra United have announced the signing of championship winning duo Hayley Raso and Stephanie Ochs.

While the signing of Ochs has been anticipated for weeks, the return of striker Hayley Raso to United colours is a surprise move.

“I am so excited to be back with Canberra United for the upcoming Westfield W-League season,” Raso said.

“I cannot wait to represent this great club, join Canberra's strong squad and to push for the title this year.”

A 2014 AFC Asian Cup silver medalist and 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup squad member, Raso broke through to national team prominence on the back of two seasons with Canberra in 2011 – 2013, making 18 appearances and claiming the Season 4 premiership and championship double in Canberra's unbeaten season.

The pacy winger heads to Canberra after winning the league title with American side Portland Thorns. Raso's inclusion continues head coach Rae Dower's re-building of the club with Raso adding pace and experience.

“I'm really looking forward to working with Hayley again after coaching her for Queensland at National Youth Championships level,” said Dower.

“Hayley has developed well over the last couple of years and comes into the season in good form helping the Portland Thorns to win the NWLS Shield."

“She is another player with Matilda's experience and I think that she will form a great attacking partnership with Michelle Heyman, Ashleigh Sykes and Steph Ochs.”

Raso has spent the last four W-League seasons with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory.

Ochs, who won a Grand Final with United in Season 7 scoring in the 3-1 defeat of Perth Glory in Western Australia, will add further menace to an already promising attacking line-up at the club.

“I'm so excited to be back with Canberra United and am looking forward to another great season with this talented group of girls,” Ochs said. “I was gutted that I had to sit last year out with my injury but I'm now more motivated than ever to bring another championship back to Canberra.”

“It's really exciting news that Steph will be re-joining the team for Season 9,” Dower said.

“In her last game for us, she scored in our grand final win and had a great game so we will be hoping she picks right up from where she left off. She played a major role in the success of Season 6 as Premiers and Season 7 as Champions scoring goals and providing assists."

Canberra United have a bye in the opening round before taking on Melbourne City on 12 November 2016.

STATISTICS

Name: Hayley Raso

Position: Midfielder / Striker

Date of Birth: 5 September 1994

Place of Birth: Brisbane, QLD

Clubs: Banora Point, Palm Beach Sharks, Gold Coast, Canberra United, Brisbane Roar, Washington Spirit, Melbourne Victory, Portland Thorns

Representative Honours: Gold Coast Rep Team, Queensland, Australia U19, Matildas

Matildas: 14 appearances (debut: 24/06/12 v New Zealand (Wollongong) D 1-1 – sub) Goals: 1

Canberra United Debut: 22/10/11 v Adelaide United (away) W 4-1 – sub

WWL Appearances: 52

WWL Goals: 12