The Wellington Phoenix have added a timely star to their ranks after managing to snare US college standout Isabel Cox.
The Phoenix announced this afternoon they'd secured the talents of 22-year-old Cox as an injury replacement for midfielder Grace Wisnewski, whose season ended last month with a ruptured ACL in her left knee.
Cox joins the Phoenix days after finishing five seasons with the University of North Carolina - one of the most decorated college programmes in the US with 21 National Collegiate Athletic Association to their name.
During her time as a Tar Heel, Cox featured in two NCAA Championship finals and played alongside England star Alessia Russo in her first year.
“It was definitely a great four and a half years playing here," Cox said.
“I wish I could have left with a national championship. We were really close. We made it to the final twice, the final four one year and the elite eight this past year."
Cox joins the Phoenix during an injury crisis in the midfield which was only worsened last week with the sudden departure of vice-captain Chloe Knott.
But Cox said she's not just here to make up numbers.
“I’m tall, I’m 5’10, and I like to think that I’m fast," she said.
“I love to cross the ball in and find good seams to pass to people, but my favourite thing to do is get the ball, face up and take someone on 1vs1.
“I’ve been watching highlights of the team and I think I’ll definitely be able to add a lot to this team and work with these players really well.
“I think the Phoenix fits my style of play a lot.”
Cox decided to forgo the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) draft to sign with Wellington - a move coach Paul Temple said he feels is becoming more of a trend.
"They’re looking at other opportunities overseas and the Americans look really kindly on the A-League and think this is a really good place to come.”
Cox will join the side in Wellington next week.
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