by Ben Gilby (9/7/24)
Above: Morgan Aquino, who had a sensational campaign in goal for Perth Glory in 2023/24. Photo: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory goalkeeper Morgan Aquino, one of the leading lights of the Western Australian side’s 2023/24 campaign has departed the club for a new opportunity with American side DC Power in the USL Super League.
The 22-year-old started every game last season to take her career tally of Glory appearances to 41 and in addition to being named ALW Goalkeeper of the Year, also claimed the club’s Players’ Player and Members’ Player of the Year Awards. Aquino finished in third place in Impetus‘ A-League Women Player of the Year list – and was the highest-ranked goalkeeper.
Ahead of her international move, the former Australia Under-20 international acknowledged how much her time with Glory meant to her at a personal level.
“There’s no greater honour than playing for my hometown team,” she said. “I’m super proud to be able to play in front of my family and friends each week.
“Thank you to all my teammates over the past years. You’ve inspired me to be better every day and thank you also to all the Perth Glory staff who have helped grow this club and the game.”
Aquino told me last season for Perth Glory’s official website that one of the keys to her outstanding form was the fact that she was a regular starter at last. The previous two seasons had seen the shot-stopper competing with Courtney Newbon and then Sarah Langman for the number one position, and it was the “hunger and desire” to maintain her position as first choice that propelled her to new heights.
Those new heights produced some staggering statistics – 126 saves, with an 81.1% success rate.
Glory CEO Anthony Radich was full of praise for the departing goalkeeper, saying: “Morgan has served the club extremely well for a number of years, has worked tirelessly to improve her game, and thoroughly deserves this great opportunity that has presented itself in the U.S.”
Also today, Perth Glory announced their new A-League Women home stadium for 2024/25.
As expected, the club will be moving to the Sam Kerr Football Centre at Queen’s Park Open Space, in the City of Canning. The venue, used as a training base for Denmark, Canada, Panama, Haiti, and Morocco at last year’s World Cup is the State Football Centre and the Hyundai NTC side play all their home matches at the venue in the NPLW WA. A 700-seater covered stand provides accommodation for spectators.
Perth Glory had spent the previous two seasons playing at Macedonia Park, and prior to that at Dorrien Gardens.
Follow Impetus on social media –
Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Facebook: @impetuswomensfootball Instagram: @impetusfootball
impetusfootball.org 