Robina City sign American goalkeeper Shannon Differ for Brisbane Women’s Premier League

ROBINA City have been forced to head abroad for a solution to their goalkeeping crisis, with an experienced US college player to link up with the Brisbane Women’s Premier League squad next month.

ROBINA City have been forced to head abroad for a solution to their goalkeeping crisis, with American Shannon Differ to link up with the Brisbane Women’s Premier League squad next month.

Without a recognised shotstopper five games into their maiden BWPL campaign, City have turned to a handful of outfield players to share the load between the sticks.

They have so far papered over the cracks admirably, picking up seven points from their first four games before falling to unbeaten Broadbeach United 1-0 at Nikiforides Family Park on Friday night.

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The Dolphins made it three wins from four games thanks to a wonderstrike from captain Gemma Hicks midway through the first half, handing Robina their first loss since falling to Peninsula Power 6-0 in their league debut.

Robina City women’s coach Ian Shaw.

City will have one more game - at home to high-flying The Lakes next Saturday - before Differ, a veteran at Pennsylvania’s Gannon University, arrives in Australia on March 31.

“The last five weeks we’ve had no goalkeeper so we’ve had different outfield players playing in goals,” coach Ian Shaw said.

“Right from the start we’ve found it hard to find a keeper. The team is playing well and defence is playing well so having a recognised keeper will be great.

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“I think it was quite a good game (on Friday), both teams had opportunities. I’m really proud of my team because we’re playing better football each week.

“I’m really enjoying coaching and I think we’re going to have a good season. We’ve put some results together and we’re really just starting to see the potential of the team.”

Yesterday, Coomera beat North Brisbane 4-0 at Prentice Park, while Southport fell by the same scoreline at home to University of Queensland.