Adelaide United forward, Chelsie Dawber, has signed for National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) outfit Chicago Red Stars as she chases her Matildas dream of featuring in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a fantastic Liberty A-League 2021/22 campaign, scoring 10 goals in 15 matches, and helped the Reds secure its maiden finals appearance.
Dawber joined the Club in 2017 and in five seasons scored 17 goals in 42 games.
Dawber becomes the fourth player from the Club’s women’s team over the last two campaigns to secure a move overseas, following in the footsteps of Dylan Holmes, Charlotte Grant, and most recently Fiona Worts.
Speaking about the move to Chicago, Dawber said: “It’s a new adventure for me and one that I’m really excited about.
“I want to thank Adelaide United and all the coaching staff I’ve worked with for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play for this amazing club.
“My goal has always been to play for the Matildas and I believe playing overseas in a tough league will give me a better chance of a call-up to the national team.”
Dawber also remained optimistic about the possibility of returning to the Reds for next season.
“I’m definitely not ruling out coming back to Adelaide after the NWSL season.
“Approaching a World Cup year, it’s vital to be playing as many games as possible and give myself the best path for success.”
Adelaide United’s Liberty A-League Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “Chelsie was brilliant for us last season and this opportunity abroad in a top competition is reward for her hard work and dedication.
“Spending her off-season playing at a higher level will only improve Chelsie as a footballer and gives her the best possible chance to represent the Matildas at next year’s World Cup.
“As a Club, we pride ourselves on providing the opportunity for our players to play overseas and we’ve now had four members leave our shores in recent times.
“We certainly hope to have Chelsie back in our squad for next season and wish her all the best in America.”
