Experienced defender/midfielder Kendall Fletcher has become the third US international to sign for United for the coming W-League season.

First-year United coach Liesbeth Migchelsen believed Fletcher's ability to play in any position in the back four, or as a defensive midfielder, made her a valuable acquisition.

''Kendall Fletcher is one of the key players for Canberra United this season,'' Migchelsen said.

''My expectations of her are very high.

''She's strong, she's fit, she has knowledge of the game and she will teach the youth players a lot.''

Fletcher is expected to arrive in Canberra next week to link up with the squad, which has already begun pre-season training.

She will join a revamped squad featuring fellow Americans Lori Lindsey and Stephanie Ochs.

Lindsey, 33, is a veteran of 31 internationals and will provide stability in midfield.

Ochs is a current under-23 US striker who will add plenty of pace to United's attack in combination with Matildas spearhead Michelle Heyman.

Fletcher previously had stints in Australia with the Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory, and is currently playing for Vittsjo in Sweden.

The 28-year-old received her solitary cap for the US senior women's team in 2009, and also represented her country at under-19 and under-21 level.

Fletcher could fill the hole in the centre of defence caused by the departure of Caitlin Cooper.

She could also be used in a holding midfield role until Matildas star Sally Shipard returns from a knee injury.

Fletcher's ability to find the back of the net makes her a dangerous proposition.

She has scored eight goals in 33 W-League matches, four each for the Mariners and the Victory.

She has spent the past two seasons in Sweden, chipping in with four goals from 37 appearances.

She is expected to be available for United's first game of the season against the Brisbane Roar in Queensland on November 9.