Canberra United have upped the ante in their quest to defend their W-League title, signing Mexican midfielder Veronica Perez for the 2015-16 season.
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United captain Nicole Begg also said the stand-off between the Matildas and Football Federation Australia won't have an impact on the club's goal to go back to back.
Perez is one of five additions to the defending champions.
The others are New Zealand forward Emma Kete, Melbourne Victory defender Emma Checker, Adelaide United's Jenna McCormick and 16-year-old Canberra striker Nickoletta Flannery.
Perez, 27, has been capped 78 times by her country and was a standout performer for Mexico at this year's Women's World Cup in Canada.
She fills the void left by the retirement of American midfield general Lori Lindsey, who made a huge impact in her two seasons in Canberra.
Lindsey played alongside Perez at Washington Spirit in the National Women's Soccer League and gave a glowing endorsement to United coach Rae Dower.
"She's a very similar player to Lori in a lot of respects," Dower said.
"She's a very clever player in playing between the lines as Lori was with those penetrating passes.
"We did a fair bit of due diligence, we had over 50 players from interstate and overseas contact Canberra United to want to be a part of us for this year.
"For Lori to give her a recommendation, not only on the field, but off the field, which has been a secret of Canberra's success over such a long time, is very important."
Perez will arrive in Australia in time for Canberra United's opening game of the season, away to the Brisbane Roar on October 18.
United began training last week while the Matildas continue their push for increased wages from the FFA.
That includes United trio Michelle Heyman, Lydia Williams and Ashleigh Sykes.
Begg said it was business as usual for the United players despite what was happening with the national team.
"Most of the girls are aware of what's going on and it doesn't affect the W-League that much at this stage," Begg said.
"It's a positive step at the national level and hopefully it filters down to better working conditions in the W-League.
"The game's growth over the past few years has been massive and the national team is becoming more and more competitive on the international stage, so continuing that growth as full-time athletes, it's important to meet that with full-time wages."
Perez, Kete and returning American midfielder Kendall Fletcher are Canberra's three overseas players despite the FFA now allowing four.
United could still also add a guest player for a seven-game stint, which does not need to be played consecutively.
"Having players like Kendall coming back adds that stability in the squad when we're going to go for the championship again," Begg said.
"I'm really excited to be back in pre-season and heading towards the first game.
"There's a few new faces, and a few old hands, so everyone's looking forward to being back at training and going again."
Canberra United squad: 1. Lydia Williams (gk), 2. Catherine Brown, 3. Julia De Angelis, 4. Kendall Fletcher (US), 5. Jenna McCormick, 6. Caitlin Munoz, 7. Ellie Brush, 8. Meg McLaughlin, 9. Grace Gill, 10. Grace Maher, 11. Michelle Heyman, 12. Emma Kete (NZ), 13. Nicole Begg, 14. Ashleigh Sykes, 15. Emma Checker, 16. Tegan Riding, 17. Veronica Perez (Mexico), 18. Rebecca Kiting, 19. Nickoletta Flannery, 20. Melissa Maizels (gk).
