Stephanie Roche, voted the runner-up for the 2014 Fifa Puskas Award, has joined Sunderland Ladies of the Women’s Super League on a two-year deal.
The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland striker – whose spectacular goal for Peamount United finished second to James Rodríguez’s World Cup screamer for Colombia in the vote for the goal of the year – has moved to Wearside following a brief spell in the US with Houston Dash. Roche has also played in France for ASPTT Albi.
“It’s great to be at Sunderland Ladies and I can’t wait to get started,” she told the club’s website. “I know there is a high standard in WSL 1 and it’s something I’m looking forward to being a part of. The team have done really well this season and hopefully I can play my part, too.”
The head coach, Carlton Fairweather, added: “Stephanie is going to be a very good addition to the side. The fact she was nominated for the Fifa Puskas Award at the 2014 Ballon d’Or ceremony shows her ability – but it isn’t just about that and she will bring added value to the side.”
