Brazilian glovewoman Barbara signs for Melbourne City
A former Matildas keeper took her chance well when starting for Melbourne City in recent weeks, but a fresh signing from the club could spell the end for her career in the A-Leagues.
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Former Matildas keeper Melissa Barbieri’s shot as a starting keeper for Melbourne City is likely over with the powerhouse club signing star Brazilian glovewoman Barbara in time for finals.
City lost their first choice keeper Lysianne Proulx three weeks ago after she signed a record deal with US club Bay FC.
Retired Matilda’s keeper Barbieri had taken on the role well making several impressive saves over the past weeks but she is unlikely to get the chance again with City signing Barbara.
The 35-year-old Brazilian keeper has been between clubs and said her time in Australia for the FIFA Women’s World Cup was part of her reason for making the move down under.
“It wasn’t the sole reason, but it definitely did help to have that time in the country and to experience the culture. Unfortunately, the tournament didn’t go the way we’d hoped with the national team, but I’m excited to be back in Australia and for the new challenge ahead,” Barbara said via a translator.
“I did have a number of offers, but what stood out about Melbourne City and Australia was that it was a new experience for me. I’m really excited to see the country and have this opportunity to play in the A-Leagues.”
City are flying in the A-Leagues women’s competition only recently dropping from first place on the ladder to second, just behind Western United.
“My biggest goal is just to help the team win. They have had a good season so far and I’m hoping to help continue that and win silverware for the club,” Barbara said.
“I’d already heard a lot of great things about Melbourne when we were here for the World Cup. When the offer to join City came up, I had some friends who knew the Club well and gave me lots of support.
“Arriving here I had high expectations of the Club and the environment, and it’s certainly lived up to that and more. It’s a great group of players and the facilities are excellent.”
City will play Brisbane Roar on Saturday and it is understood Barbara is available for selection.
“I’m really excited to get out on the pitch for my first game. Playing is always the best part of being an athlete, and where we can put into practice everything that was trained during the period leading up to that game. After a couple of weeks now in training with the team, I’m ready to play and hope to mark my in my first game with an important three points,” she said.
City coach Dario Vidosic said it was an exciting signing and huge coup for the club and league.
With just one point between City and Western United Vidosic said Barbara’s experience was exactly what the team needed.
“Her experience and her determination to win, she has been in high pressure games and moments and so this should be nothing out of the ordinary for,” Vidosic said.
“I think that is what we have been lacking a little bit is not being able to deal with the current situation. A lot of people have been out and a little bit of fear of losing, her mentality is I’m here to win a medal.
“That is her mentality so hopefully that will rub off on the others as well.”
City will play Brisbane Roar in Brisbane on Saturday at 4pm (AEDT).
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Originally published as Brazilian glovewoman Barbara signs for Melbourne City
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