All good things must come to an end. Matildas star Ellie Carpenter has called time on her stint with Canberra United and will join another W-League club for the 2019-20 season.
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The flying fullback has ended her tenure after two seasons with Canberra and her new club will announce her signing when she returns from playing in the United States' National Women's Soccer League.
It's a massive blow for Canberra United as they look to return to the finals for the first time in three years. Heather Garriock's side finished eighth last season with three wins, four draws and five losses.
Carpenter claimed two consecutive young player of the year awards in the W-League before making her World Cup debut in France.
"My past two seasons at Canberra United have been nothing but great," Carpenter said.
"I have left the club on very good terms, with Heather being one of my mentors in my footballing career and someone who wants the best for my career.
"I'm off to find a new challenge and to experience new things. My time in green will always be memorable."
Garriock will build her squad around Matildas full-back Karly Roestbakken after the teenager signed a new W-League deal last week.
Roestbakken's new deal will make her one of the core players of the new-look side and is expected to be part of their leadership group.
Canberra United are expected to announce an international signing in the coming days. The club has a few positions remaining in the squad and will hold trials before their preseason kicks off on October 13.
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"I've got my internationals locked in which is fantastic," Garriock said.
"I'm really excited and looking forward to the public getting to know them.
"It's going to be tough for the fans and community to not have Ellie Carpenter come back but I wish her all the best.
"We all know Ellie's capabilities, qualities and she's been a plus for Canberra United but in saying that, building a squad collectively with the same goal is the most important thing."
Football Federation Australia is yet to finalise the draw for the 2019-20 season with kick-off less than two months away.
"The sooner it gets released the better because we need to do all our planning around that draw," Garriock said.
"We're hoping our first game will be at home at McKellar Park."
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
