Top goalscorer Mariana Speckmaier has turned down offers to stay at the Wellington Phoenix and says she plans to sign with another club.
In a media release, the Phoenix said: “The Wellington Phoenix have unfortunately been unable to convince Mariana Speckmaier to return to the capital for the 2024-25 Liberty A-League.”
The striker had indicated she planned to sign “elsewhere”, the statement said.
United States-born Speckmaier (26) leaves the Nix as the women’s team’s all-time leading goal scorer despite playing just one A-League season.
She found the back of the net 10 times in 21 matches during the 2023-24 campaign and also provided assists for two other goals.
As well as claiming the team’s golden boot, Mariana Speckmaier was voted the women’s player of the year by media at the club’s awards night in April.
“The Wellington Phoenix thank Mariana for her contribution to the club and wish her all the best for the future,” the club said.
Speckmaier joined the Phoenix in 2023 after playing for Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League. She had previously played for clubs in Iceland and Russia.
Speckmaier’s form with the Phoenix earned her a recall to the Venezuela national team in 2024.
READ MORE: Out-of-contract Phoenix striker Mariana Speckmaier recalled to Venezuela side >>>>
This story was first published on July 3, 2024.
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