Melbourne Victory have announced the loan signing of American defender Lauren Barnes on a guest contract until the end of the season.
Barnes, a former under-23 representative at international level, joins the club from National Women’s Soccer League side Seattle Reign, who are currently in the midst of their off-season.
Victory acted quickly to sign Barnes, after a move for former defender and Kiwi international Rebekah Stott was scuppered, after she failed to muster a release from her contract at 2. Bundesliga club SC Sand.
The current Seattle defender of the year played a part in all 22 games in the 2013 NWSL season, and could see game time as early as next week.
She also links up with Reign teammate Jessica Fishlock, who has impressed this season for Melbourne.