Alanna Kennedy Appeared in World Cup Quarterfinal and W-League Grand Final
Republished News from the NWSL – The Western New York Flash announced the club has signed Australian international Alanna Kennedy, pending the receipt of her P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Per team and league policy, terms of the contract were not announced.
“Alanna is a versatile player who can play as a defensive midfielder but also as a central defender. She brings positive energy to any team and will be a strong asset for the Flash this year,” said Flash General Manager Rich Randall. “Alanna had a great World Cup and W-League season and, at just 21-years-old, has a very bright future in the NWSL.”
Kennedy debuted for the Australia Women’s National Team in 2012 and, last year, helped the Matildas reach the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinal. Kennedy featured in all five of Australia’s World Cup matches, totaling 370 minutes.
After upsetting reigning Champion Canberra United in the semifinal, Kennedy led Sydney FC to the 2016 W-League Grand Final but the club fell to expansion-side Melbourne City.
Kennedy is a veteran of Australia’s Westfield W-League, despite being just 21-years-old. The midfielder debuted for Sydney FC in 2011 at age 16, a team that went on to win the regular season and reach the Grand Final. In her six seasons, Kennedy has reached the league’s championship match four times, winning in 2013 with Sydney.
Though Kennedy started her Westfield career with Sydney, she also had stints with the Newcastle Jets (2012), Western Sydney Wanderers (2014) and Perth Glory (2015).
Kennedy and Australia next look to the Rio Summer Olympics as they begin play in the 2016 AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament on February 29 against Japan in a rematch of the World Cup quarterfinal. The top two teams of the tournament will earn a spot at the upcoming Olympic games.
2016 WNY Flash season tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling (716) 655-PLAY or visiting wnyflash.com.
Alanna Kennedy
Position: Defender
Nationality: Australia
Date of Birth: January 21, 1995
Birthplace: Campbelltown, Australia
Height: 5-9
Previous club: Sydney FC
Main Image Photo Credit: Todd Korol/Getty Images
