The US under-23 international will occupy a wide role alongside Heyman in Saturday's season-opener against the Brisbane Roar at Kippa-Ring. Ochs and Heyman will get a chance to test out their new-found partnership in a training game with a Canberra boys team on Tuesday night.

Heyman compared Ochs to fellow American Taryn Hemmings, who was an integral part of United winning its maiden championship in 2011-12.

United struggled to fill the void left by Hemmings last year and is desperate to return to the finals.

''They are basically the same kind of player and that's what we were lacking last year,'' Heyman said. ''She's quick, she's smart, she's fit, she's everything we need in a striker.

''I think it's going to be a good season with her up front.

''Me and Steph at training have been going really well together.

''We kind of click already, which is a good start.''

Ochs played for Washington Spirit in the US National Women's Soccer League this year after spending four years at the University of San Diego.

The 23-year-old was spotted by former United coach Jitka Klimkova at an under-23 tournament in Spain this year where she was the MVP.

Heyman stands to benefit the most from Ochs' arrival.

The Matildas representative was a runaway winner of the competition's golden boot in the 2011-12 season with 15 goals, but she could find the net only twice in the previous campaign as United missed the finals.

Heyman will continue in her favoured No.9 role at the point of Canberra United's attack after consulting with new coach Liesbeth Migchelsen.

''She sees me as a No.9 player and with Steph and Ash [Ashleigh Sykes out wide] or Meg McLaughlin, they're all quick forwards with pace, so it should be a good season,'' Heyman said.

''To have the support up top and knowing I can rely on them is a big boost and a massive bonus for our team.''

■ SATURDAY

W-League round one: Brisbane Roar v Canberra United at AJ Kelly Park, Kippa-Ring, 4pm.