A goal-scoring ace and a fleet-footed midfielder have signed with Canberra United as Heather Garriock's side look to become a striking force in the 2019-20 W-League season.
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Midfielder Laura Hughes returns for her third straight season with Canberra United while Hayley Taylor-Young joins the club after a breakout year in the National Premier League.
The 17-year-old striker scored 30 goals in 17 games with Canberra United Academy this season, taking out joint Golden Boot honours.
Taylor-Young joins Norwegian international Elise Thorsnes in the frontline, as Canberra United look to become a top-four contender.
Garriock's side finished eighth last season with three wins, four draws and five losses; scoring 13 goals across across 12 games.
"I'm really excited to be a member of the Canberra United team this season," Taylor-Young said.
"I believe the CUA program has helped me develop my skills and understanding of the game and has given me a great platform to build from at the next level."
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Taylor-Young could make her W-League debut in Canberra, with the club set to open their campaign with two home games against Perth Glory (November 17) and Melbourne City (November 24) at McKellar Park.
Canberra United held an undefeated record at the venue last season, winning three and drawing three at home.
Hughes is taking confidence in kicking off their season at McKellar Park, despite facing two W-League powerhouses.
"We were very consistent at home last season and that's where we got all of our wins," Hughes said.
"The crowd and fans at Canberra back us at McKellar and it's become a fortress. It's really exciting to kick off our first game there, hopefully with a win."
Hughes won the club's Rising Star award last season and made five starts in ten appearances with the W-League side.
The 18-year-old hopes to build on her breakthrough season is confident Canberra United can push to return to the finals.
"I'm looking to keep improving and stepping more into the W-League and advance through Canberra United," Hughes said.
"Experience doesn't always come with age, it comes with the level that you've played at. I think we've definitely got experience, regardless of age, which can also play an advantage to us because other teams will underestimate us.
"I think we have the potential to make a mark in the W-League this year."
Canberra United kicked off their W-League preparations with available players last week and simultaneously held trials for local and interstate players.
Canberra are yet to announce their four international signings, with Thorsnes returning to the club as a guest player.
International players are yet to arrive in the capital due to National Soccer League duties and other commitments, while Karly Roestbakken and new recruit Annalee Grove head to Thailand with the Young Matildas.
Roestbakken has been named captain of Leah Blayney's side for the AFC under-19's Championship and will face the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Sunday.
The Young Matildas will then play Thailand and Vietnam for a chance to advance to the semi-finals of the competition.
Roestbakken and Grove will recommence their preparations with Canberra United when they return in early November.
CANBERRA UNITED FIXTURES
Round 1: Canberra United v Perth Glory at McKellar Park, 4pm Sunday November 17
Round 2: Canberra United v Melbourne City at McKellar Park, 4pm Sunday November 24
Round 3: Newcastle Jets v Canberra United at McDonald Jones Stadium, 4.30pm Saturday November 30
Round 4: Canberra United v Brisbane Roar at McKellar Park, 7.30 Thursday December 5
Round 5: Perth Glory v Canberra United at Dorrien Gardens, 10.15pm (AEST) Friday December 13
Round 6: Adelaide United v Canberra United at Marden Sports Complex, 4pm Sunday December 22
Round 7: Canberra United v Western Sydney Wanderers at McKellar Park, 7.30pm Thursday December 26
Round 8: Canberra United v Sydney FC at McKellar Park, 4pm Sunday January 5
Round 9: Melbourne City v Canberra United at ABD Stadium, Thursday January 9
Round 10: Bye
Round 11: Melbourne Victory v Canberra United at Lakeside Stadium, 4pm Sunday January 26
Round 12: Canberra United v Adelaide United at McKellar Park, 4pm Sunday February 16