Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Perth Glory’s latest arrival, striker Rylee Baisden, along with head coach Alex Epakis (7/10/22).
Perth Glory today announced the arrival of American striker Rylee Baisden, who joins an already strong-looking group of attacking players in Western Australia.
The 28-year-old arrives following a successful season in the NWSL with North Carolina Courage and is no stranger to the Liberty A-League having scored three times in 11 appearances for Brisbane Roar during the 2019/20 campaign.
Originally from California, Baisden enjoyed a stellar collegiate career at Pepperdine University and following her spell with Roar, debuted for North Carolina in September 2020.
She is excited to be returning to Australia and confident that Glory can make a major impression in the ALW this year.
“I am beyond thrilled to be joining Perth Glory this season,” she said. “In speaking with [Head Coach] Alex [Epakis], it sounds like I share the same mindset and attitude towards football and winning as him and the rest of the club.
“I’m looking forward to hopefully being a worthy addition to the team and I’m excited to share the field with some amazing players in a country I have so much love for. After finishing my first season in the league back in 2020, I was excited to get back, but COVID derailed that plan.
“I feel like I have a bit of unfinished business and I’m grateful for this opportunity to come back.”
Epakis, meanwhile, believes Baisden’s signing represents a major coup for the club. “To secure Rylee for the upcoming ALW season is really special and exciting,” he said.
“She is exactly the type of player we are looking to have in our attacking play; quick, dynamic and with the capacity for repeat efforts with and without the ball.
“Rylee is very direct and exciting when she is on the ball and moreover, she brings a strong level of experience from some of the top competitions around the world, as well as previous experience in the ALW.
“I am really looking forward to welcoming her to the club and I am sure she will have a strong impact for us in the competition.
“Finally, her professional mentality and demeanour is something that certainly stood out to me during our conversations and I believe the team will benefit a lot from having Rylee here this season.”
Epakis’ team already boast the attacking talents of Susan Phonsongkham, Sofia Sakalis, Cyera Hintzen, Alana Jancevski and Abbey Green amongst others. They will certainly pose a real threat to defences across the A-League Women this season.
The club are expected to be making further squad announcements shortly.
Perth Glory’s Current ALW 2022/23 Squad:
Morgan AQUINO, Kim CARROLL, Tash RIGBY, Tijan McKENNA, Liz ANTON, Hana LOWRY, Demi KOULIZAKIS, Susan PHONSONGKHAM, Rylee BAISDEN, Sofia SAKALIS, Sarah CAIN, Cyera HINTZEN, Bella WALLHEAD, Abbey GREEN, Sadie LAWRENCE, Sarah LANGMAN, Ella MASTRANTONIO, Claudia MIHOCIC, Alana JANCEVSKI, Milan HAMMOND, Gabriella COLEMAN.
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