6/10/23
Above: New Adelaide United signing Mariah Lee (right) seen in action during her time at Celtic. Photo: A-Leagues.
Nine days out from their season opener at home to Canberra United, Adelaide United today announced three further new signings.
First unveiled were Americans, Jenna Holtz and Mariah Lee. The Washington natives grew up playing together at Washington Premier F.C. and then battled against each other at two of the top universities in the American college system, Holtz for Santa Clara University and Lee for Stanford University.
Holtz arrives from Cacereño Femenino in Spain’s Segunda Federación, where she helped her team qualify for the play-offs, falling just shy of promotion.
She has previous proven leadership qualities, captaining the Seattle Sounders to their first Regional Championship and WPSL National Championship in 2018 after an undefeated season, and had a stint with Valadares Gaia F.C. Futebol Feminino in Portugal. The 27-year-old is an adaptable defender, able to play in any position across the backline and also in central midfield.
Lee is a strong forward who joins the squad with a plethora of international experience, recently spending the pre-season with OL Reign of the NWSL and prior to that played for Sporting Huelva of Spain’s Primera Division.
Notably, Lee scored six goals in 11 appearances for Celtic FC in 2021, including one of Celtic’s most important goals as a professional club.
Her winning strike against Rangers catapulted the Ghirls past their rivals in the hunt for Champions League football, endearing herself to the devoted Celtic faithful. Known to be a positive dressing room influence, the 27-year-old provides the Reds with yet another option in front of goal this season.
Head Coach, Adrian Stenta is delighted with the duo. “We welcome Jenna and Mariah to Australia and know they will fit in seamlessly here, as so many of our College affiliated players do,” he said.
“They have played throughout the world in different conditions and in front of passionate crowds, so we expect them to thrive in our fantastic environment here in Adelaide and across the A-Leagues. It takes a squad to win a Championship which remains our goal, and we believe Jenna and Mariah boost our depth immensely.”
Then came the news the club had added former Brisbane Roar defender Annabel Haffendon to their squad after two seasons in Queensland.
Her 13 solid appearances earned her a contract with Swedish side, Vaxjo DFF, for which she featured five times, and she was also selected in the Young Matildas squad that faced New Zealand in Auckland last June.
With a total of 17 A-League games played, the 21-year-old can’t wait to get started with the Reds. “I’m really excited to be joining Adelaide and with the signings that have been made, it feels like a really solid squad has been built,” Haffenden said.
“I’m looking forward to continuing learning under a new coach in Adrian (Stenta) and taking my game to the next level here in Adelaide. After being injured for a time last season, I’m in a good place now and am keen to begin this new chapter with the Reds. Hopefully, we can achieve something special as a group.”
Head Coach, Adrian Stenta said: “Annie helps complete our squad brilliantly and she has the qualities to really solidify our defence. Her experience abroad and with the youth national set-up will bring a great deal to the group, as well as a calmness that we need when we’re under pressure.
“With a few new faces in the squad along with the best local South Australian talent, we’re very much looking forward to the start of what can be a memorable season for us.”
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