Adelaide United signs SA-born US college talent Isabel Hodgson in boost to W-League finals hopes

Unbeaten Adelaide United has bolstered its hopes of securing a history-making W-League finals berth by re-signing SA-born US college talent Isabel Hodgson.

Adelaide United has re-signed SA-born Isabel Hodgson following her four-year US college stint. Picture: Dean Martin

Unbeaten Adelaide United has bolstered its hopes of securing a maiden W-League finals berth by re-signing SA-born US college talent Isabel Hodgson.

The full back was on Thursday unveiled as a Reds recruit, fresh from earning NCAA Southern Conference all-star selection following a standout season for East Tennessee State.

Hodgson, who made 15 appearances for United from 2013-15, said returning to her hometown club provided an opportunity to gauge her progress during four years Stateside.

She also hoped to help Adelaide’s push for a history-making playoff appearance.

“It’s definitely the right step for me to go forward,” Hodgson, 22, said.

“I was fortunate enough to play in this team for a couple of years before I left for college, but I was a little bit younger then so I was just a player that kind of gave it my best.

“Now that I’ve gone away and come back, I can really contribute to the team in a different way.

“Getting to the W-League finals is one of the biggest goals we’ve had since before I was even playing.

“If I can do anything to help in that, that would be great.”

Hodgson had discussions with the Reds last year and was offered a contract while playing for Adelaide City in the SA Women’s National Premier Leagues during her college break in July.

She finished this semester’s study commitments early to return to SA last week, having broken the all-time games record for the Buccaneers in their run to the conference semi-finals.

The Fulham United product said her division one college stint had exposed her to a new level of training and competition.

“It’s such a great experience and almost like a professional team except you’re still at school,” said Hodgson, who had missed just one match in four years due to injury.

“The facilities are crazy because the schools have so much money for sport and it’s a really great level.

“We played against some really tough teams and some big schools that are full of USA national team players.

Isabel Hodgson playing for Adelaide United in a W-League clash with Canberra United in 2014. Picture: Tom Huntley

“When you’re playing against people like that, you obviously have to play at your best every game or else you’re going to get beat.”

Hodgson would remain with the Reds for the bulk of the campaign, returning to the US to complete her theatre degree in late January just before Adelaide’s last regular season fixture.

The Football Federation SA National Training Centre graduate, who also plays as a winger, was eligible for Saturday’s clash away to reigning champion Melbourne City.

But she would have her work cut out breaking into Ivan Karlovic’s in-form side, which sat third on the table and three points off top.

“It’s going to be tough because there’s some great girls out there and some great competition.

“But it’s so good to see the girls doing really well.

“Even just at training you can see how much of a team environment it is.

“They’re pushing to be the best players they can be, so it’s great to be back here in a winning side.”