Newcastle Jets are pleased to announce that American goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom is back on board for the upcoming Westfield W-League 2018/19 season.
A key cog in the Jets wheel last season, the shot-stopper played all 13 matches including the Semi Final against Sydney FC.
Up against some tough competition in Claire Coelho, Eckerstrom made the spot between the sticks her own and kept two clean sheets along the way.
The 25-year-old has played for Portland Thorns in the NWSL over the Australian winter and had a tough battle for the starting spot in goals with fellow American Adrianna Franch.
In all, the Newcastle-bound goalkeeper made 10 appearances and kept two clean sheets in her time with the NWSL Championship runners-up Portland.
With the announcement of Eckerstrom, it means that the Westfield W-League squad is finalised and its now full steam ahead.
Eckerstrom will help Newcastle defend on the front foot this season.
Westfield W-League Head Coach, Craig Deans said it’s nice to have the whole squad together ahead of the trip to Melbourne on November 1.
“It’s fantastic to have Britt back on board for the upcoming season,” Deans said.
“She’s a real competitor, a quality player and she has a really positive impact on the entire squad. Britt will help keep things organised at the back and give us good foundations to build on.
Eckerstrom said she was happy to be returning Down Under.
“It’s fantastic to be back in Newcastle, I really enjoyed my time here last season and I’m excited for this year,” Eckerstrom said.
“Working with [goalkeeping coach Andrew] Goldy last season helped me improve my game, and I really saw the benefits of being here in Australia during the NWSL off-season.
“We made the Semi Final last season, and we're all going to be working hard to have another successful season."