The 21-year-old was the No.2 overall pick in the NWSL draft but The Equalizer has reported she has no intention of playing for the club which selected her, Sky Blue FC.

“There’s challenges with her,” Sky Blue general manager Tony Novo told The Equalizer.

“But I think that she will be here once we talk to her and get by some of the negativity we’ve had in the past. There’s a lot of things that we need to improve.”

So while searching for options for the 2019 season, Mace is set to come in as a guest player for the reigning Champions.

The US national team defender made her debut in April before being named in the 20 player roster for the 2018 CONCACAF Women's Championship, making her the only college player in the squad.

Melbourne City currently sits in sixth on the W-League ladder, just two points from the fourth-placed Sydney FC.

Mace also isn't shy of scoring and played both a defensive and attacking position with her college side UCLA.

However, her decision not to pursue the 2019 season with Sky Blues once again highlights the issues still revolving around the New Jersey club. Former players and staff members of the club have expressed to Deadspin that the playing conditions at the club are unsafe, unsanitary and unprofessional. 

Melbourne City has yet to announce Mace.