Westfield Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter will link with Portland Thorns for the 2018 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the US.
The Thorns announced Carpenter’s capture on Wednesday (AEDT), pending an international clearance.
It’s a huge achievement for the 17-year-old Canberra United star, who will be the first player born in the 2000’s to feature in the NWSL.
“This is an exciting move for us and for Ellie,” said Thorns FC head coach Mark Parsons.
“We are signing a powerful, attacking fullback that can help us now and also has huge upside in the long term.
“Ellie has strong technical ability with an attacking attitude that will add to our play out of the back.
“Her winning mentality to improve and compete makes her a great addition to our group.”
Carpenter has played 13 times for the Westfield Matildas, scoring one goal against China at last year’s Algarve Cup.
She was also the youngest member of Australia’s 2016 Rio Olympics squad, going to the tournament as a 16-year-old.
The tenacious teenager is coming off a superb season with Canberra United in the Westfield W-League, where she was voted the Player of the Year and Supporters’ Player of the Year at their awards night last week.
In 10 matches in the Westfield W-League campaign, she scored two goals and had two assists.
She will link up with the Thorns after April’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign with the Westfield Matildas.