Flash Add Australian International Michelle Heyman; Angeli Waived
July 8, 2015 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
ELMA, N.Y. (Wednesday, July 08, 2015) - The Western New York Flash has signed Austalian forward Michelle Heyman, pending the receipt of her P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Per team and league policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
In addition, the club has waived midfielder Jordan Angeli.
Heyman joins the National Women's Soccer League fresh off the Matildas' historic run in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. With an appearance in each of Australia's five World Cup matches (two starts), Heyman and the Matildas finished second in Group D, including a stunning 1-0 victory over Brazil in the Round of 16.
"Michelle coming in is going to enable us to vary things a little bit more tactically. She's going to give us some experience in the final third of the field," said Flash general manager and head coach Aaran Lines. "Everyone who has played in that role for us has done a very good job and we are adding another quality player to our roster - one who has played an important role with Australia, playing all five games in the World Cup."
The forward got her professional start in 2008 with Sydney FC of the Westfield W-League. After a brief stint with Central Coast Mariners the following season, Heyman joined Canberra United in 2010 where she has been ever since.
Playing with current Flash goalkeeper Chantel Jones, Canberra won the 2015 W-League title with a 3-1 win over top-seeded Perth Glory. Canberra also won the Grand Final during the 2011-12 season, when Heyman scored the game's winning goal against Brisbane.
Heyman was honored with the W-League's Golden Boot in both the 2009 and 2011-12 season and also won the Julie Dolan Medal in the former year after being voted the league's best player.
With the Australia Women's National Team, Heyman has amassed 40 caps and 15 goals.
"It's her first experience in America but she is experienced both internationally and at the club level, where she has done very well," Lines added. "Australian players have come here and done very well over the last two years and we believe Michelle will be very eager to do well here in America."
Angeli, 29, was acquired by the Flash via trade with Washington on October 21, 2014. The midfielder scored the Flash's first goal of the season in a 5-1 defeat at Seattle, but later sustained an ankle injury that kept her from the field for an extended period of time. Angeli made three appearances during the 2015 season, totaling 63 minutes and two shots on goal.
Coming off a 1-1 draw with Seattle Reign FC, the Flash return to action on Saturday, July 11 to complete a home-and-home series with the Reign on the West Coast. The game kicks off at 10 p.m. ET.
Western New York returns to Sahlen's Stadium on Sunday, July 19 to host Kelley O'Hara, Christie Rampone and the rest of Sky Blue FC. Tickets for the 3 p.m. contest are available online at wnyflash.com, by calling the Flash at (716) 655-PLAY or by contacting the Sahlen's Stadium Box Office at (585) 454-KICK.
Michelle Heyman
Position: Midfield
Date of Birth: 07/04/1988
Birthplace: Shellharbour, Australia
Height: 5-11
College: N/A
Citizenship: Australia
Previous club: Canberra United
How acquired: via Discovery on July 6, 2015
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- Flash Add Australian International Michelle Heyman; Angeli Waived - Western New York Flash
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