Melbourne Victory have announced their second international signing with US defender Christina Gibbons joining on loan from NWSL side FC Kansas City.

Selected fifth overall in the 2017 NWSL College Draft, Gibbons completed a strong rookie season with Kansas City appearing in 24 matches and starting in 23 of those games.

“I'm really excited to be joining Melbourne Victory this offseason. Everyone has already been extremely welcoming and I'm eager to get over there, get lots of game experience, and explore the culture,” said Gibbons.

A 2017 NCAA Woman of the Year nominee, the 22 year old's form in at left back and later in midfield saw her considered one of the top rookies in 2017.

While her pace and dribbling skills are most notable, FCKC head coach Vlatko Andonovski has praised the U23 representative for her tactical awareness and ability to retain possession in the midfield.

"She’s a good passer of the ball and her all-round game is really good, so if we played her in a three-player midfield I think she could almost play in any of the roles,” Hopkins said.

“I’m quite excited about seeing her because she’s a young player who’s enthusiastic to come over.”

With the versatility to play attacking and defensive roles – she was named ACC Defender of the Year – Gibbons attributes will be welcome to Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins as he appears to be building a team able to play a technical and quick paced style of football.

“What she’s got from playing in that full-back position is that she’s good defensively and she’s mobile as well.”

“But we’ve predominantly got her to play as a six, as a defensive midfielder and also to support the back four in playing out and starting things from the back."