Images: Matt Johnson
Galaxy United have secured the signature of striker Leigh Gray for the 2017 season.
In a huge coup for Vincenzo Ierardo’s side, the prolific American joins after a 20-goal season for Heidelberg United in 2016, finishing second in the league golden boot behind Melina Ayres but emerging as Heidelberg’s top scorer, and best and fairest.
She had also starred in the club’s Team App Cup triumph, netting a hat trick in a 4-0 rout over Bulleen Lions.
Her exploits in Victoria were previously well known as Gray featured for the Bergers under John Kyrgios in the 2013 season, netting a similar tally as the side reached the semi finals.
She had also played for five years in the USA for Division 1 outfit La Salle University.
The striker, who is just as capable setting up teammates as she is putting the ball into the back of the net, fills a key area missing for Galaxy last season; goals were hard to come by at times with nobody cracking double figures up front.
She’ll complement the W-League duo of Laura Spiranovic and Kariah White up front in 2017 as Ierardo’s side looks to go one better than its grand final finish in 2017.
Gray also adds experience to Galaxy’s recruitment, joining NTC trio Akeisha Sandhu, Jasmine Arezzolo and Coby McInerney as new signings for the upcoming season.
“I’m so excited to be a part of Galaxy this year. I like their style of play and it was impressive to see how far they went last year as a new club. I’m really thankful for the opportunity to play for Vince and the club and looking forward to playing with all the girls on the team,” she told the club.