Cardiff Metropolitan strengthen ahead of Women’s Champions League
Cardiff Metropolitan have strengthened ahead of their UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
The Archers have added no fewer than five new faces for their Qualifiers, which will take place in Slovenia in August.
Alexis Rienks, Amy Long, Emily Allen, Jodie Passmore and Micaela Milavec have all joined the Archers.
Long, Milavec and Rienks all join having had experience in the United States. Emily Allen returns to Cyncoed, whilst Jodie Passmore moves from Welsh Premier Women’s League rivals Swansea City.
Alexis Rienks was the first announced and makes the move, having previously studied at the University of Nebraska. Rienks can play as either a full-back or a winger.
After signing for the Archers, the 22-year-old Rienks said: “I’m super excited to be in Wales and playing with Cardiff Met. This team is so talented and I can’t wait to see what we can do in the Champions League.”
Joining Rienks at Cyncoed Campus is 23-year-old midfield Micaela Milavec who joins from the New Mexico State University.
She has previous experience in the Women’s Premier Soccer League with Chicago City SC.
In 2017 she was ever present for the New Mexico State, making 20 appearances. A year after recovering from an ACL injury.
“I’m really excited to be playing with Cardiff Met this season,” added Milavec after making the move.
“I’ve been given a great opportunity to play in the Champions League and showcase my abilities at the next level.
Completing the American based continent at the Met is Amy Long, who joins from Milligan College.
The 21-year-old midfielder is English-born, having been brought up in Urmston in Greater Manchester.
Last season, she got three goals and three assists.
Long said: “I’m really excited to join Cardiff Met and can’t wait for the season to get started to see how well we can do.”
Returning to Cyncoed Campus is Emily Allen, who returns to the Met after two-years away.
One of the highlights of her time in South Wales was breaking a Welsh Premier Women’s League record by scoring 15 goals in one match in 2013.
Allen was the former club captain of Met and returns having been at Oxford United for two seasons.
“I’m really excited to be back at Cardiff Met and the Champions League games can’t come soon enough.
“We’ve got a really exciting group this year, with a good mix of youth and experience along with a great set of staff, so it’s exciting times.”
Completing the Archers signings is Jodie Passmore, who leaves Swansea City after serving them for a long period.
Last season, Passmore was on the scoresheet eight times in 12 appearances for Swansea City, finishing 9th in the top goalscorer charts.
In 2016/2017, she bagged 22 goals and was nominated for the Women’s League Player of the Season.
Passmore has experience of playing in Europe and scored against Progres Niederkorn in a 4-0 victory.
“I am very excited to have signed to Cardiff Met and I’m looking forward to a new challenge.
“I hope to be able to bring my own previous experience from the UWCL to the squad and help contribute to a successful campaign.”
(Featured Image: Jordan Jones)
