Australia's number two goalkeeper, it would be easy for Lydia Williams to get frustrated.  Instead Canberra's custodian has racked up experience in the best women's league in the world featuring the likes of Marta, Cristane and Abby Wambach.

This season Williams will lead United alongside Ellie Brush as the capital side strive to go one better.

Australia's number two goalkeeper, it would be easy for Lydia Williams to get frustrated.  Instead Canberra's custodian has racked up experience in the best women's league in the world featuring the likes of Marta, Cristane and Abby Wambach.  This season Williams will lead United alongside Ellie Brush as the capital side strive to go one better.

You have returned from the United States after a stint with the Chicago Red Stars, how are you feeling about the second season of the W League?

I am really excited about the season.  It will be exciting to watch the teams and coming back from Chicago I can't way to play.

Canberra United made it through the grand final last year, you must be looking to go one better this season?

Definitely, but we will take it one step at a time and see where that takes us.  Hopefully we will get the Cup this year at the final.

There is a new look to the side.  You have picked up a couple of key players including Ellyse Perry and Emily Van Egmond but lost Caitlin Munoz.   Leading up to the first round, how is the side looking and feeling?

We have a quite a young side this year.  We have played a few practice games in the last two weeks and from those practice games there is a positive outlook on the team.  I am really excited to play with these new girls and help them to play soccer.

You lost Robbie Hooker but Ray Juna has stepped in as the new coach.  How have you found working with him and how has the side responded to a new coach?

I think change is always a good thing and I think everyone has taken to Ray positively.

I've found him really good to work with and I think he wants to work with us.  While it’s quite a loss losing Robbie as a coach, I think it’s a big gain with the likes of Ray.

You played and trained with the Chicago Red Stars in the off-season, what have you learned about professional football that you will be able to bring back to the W-League?

I think playing over in the States in the best league in the world you are training with world class players everyday.  Hopefully I bring that type of experience back and teach the girls the intensity that you need to be training and playing at the higher level.

What do you bring to Canberra United, not only as goalkeeper but as a player?

I bring a lot of experience and being a more experienced player in international football and overseas professional leagues hopefully teach the girls.  Hopefully they listen to me a little bit!

How did you get into the position of goalkeeper?

For me it was the only position left on the team so basically I just got stuck with!

When did you see it as a career path and a way to for you break into the national team?

I really did like it but it was when I saved a penalty in one game that my coach said "Okay you are not changing positions ever again".  It was kind of just thrown on me but I love it now.

How did you find the move from WA to Canberra?

I grew up in Kalgoorlie so coming from Kalgoorlie to Canberra was quite a culture shock for me.  I was more concerned about making friends than making any soccer team.  It all just fell into place as I was growing and improving because I just loved the sport.

Who have been your biggest influences?

My parents and my coaches, especially the National Team coaches that I have been training with for the last 5 years.  Also I couldn't be where I am without the support of the girls on the team and we have been together for about five years now.

What are your goals for the next 12 - 18 months?

We have our World Cup qualifiers next year and I want to be an important part of that.  I am also thinking of going back to the States but I am not really sure yet.

Right now I am focusing on the W-League and I think everything will fall into place during and after.