Tara Murray
Western United isn’t resting on the back of an A-League Women’s grand final appearance, signing one of the competition’s biggest name players.
United last week announced the signing of American attacker Catherine Zimmerman, who crosses from Melbourne Victory.
The 29-year-old has forged a reputation as one of the competition’s deadliest and most explosive attacking players.
Across three seasons at Victory, Zimmerman has racked up 14 goals in 37 appearances and won consecutive championships in 2021 and 2022, scoring in the latter year’s grand final.
Eager to make the switch across Victoria, Zimmerman is raring to get started and help to take Western United to another level in the A-League.
“I’m super excited to be joining Western United this season,” she said. “I’ve had the privilege of playing with a lot of these girls when I first came to Australia so I’m really looking forward to sharing the field with them again.
“The team made a huge statement last year, and if I know anything about these girls it’s that they’re all about consistency.
“I believe I have that same mentality and with my few years of experience in the league and my relationship with the girls, I’m inspired to add something special to the group so we can have another successful season.”
United coach Mark Torcaso, who worked with Zimmerman throughout a trophy-laden period at Calder United, said Zimmerman’s qualities would perfect the green and black’s attacking stocks.
“Zim has been a star in this league for the last couple of years and she will add so much quality into the final third for us,” he said.
“Her finishing is up there with the very best, she has great pace and skill on the ball and she is a brilliant person who already has a strong connection with a number of our players and staff, so she will fit seamlessly into our group.
“I’ve known Zim for a long time and it will be special to reunite with her now in the A-League. I can’t wait to work with her again and I can’t wait for our fans to see what she can do.”
Zimmerman will join a stacked Western United front line which includes compatriot Hannah Keane and Kahli Johnson.
