Losing Ellie Carpenter was hard to swallow. But Canberra United have been struck with another blow after former captain Rachel Corsie ended her tenure with the W-League club.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Scottish international has called time on her Canberra career for a well-earned break, having split her time between the W-League, National Women's Soccer League and the World Cup this year.
![Canberra United will be without Rachel Corsie. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong Canberra United will be without Rachel Corsie. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc72m9mfov9zq75qaghjn.jpg/r194_88_3964_2405_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Corsie was named the club's player of the year after being one of Canberra's most consistent players throughout a tough 2018-29 campaign. Heather Garriock's side finished eighth last season with three wins, four draws and five losses.
The loss of Corsie and Matildas star Ellie Carpenter will leave a giant-sized hole at Canberra United as the club look to break their finals drought. Irish international Denise O'Sullivan is also unlikely to return.
"Rachel Corsie didn't come back because she's played three seasons back-to-back," Garriock said.
"She needs a break, especially being part of the World Cup squad for Scotland.
"Obviously I'd love all those players back but in saying that, we've retained a lot of players from last year.
"We've got another really exciting player that's going to wow the fans, as well as Elise Thorsnes, who I think is a superstar on the world stage."
MORE CANBERRA SPORT
Garriock will build her squad around Matildas full-back Karly Roestbakken, while the return of Thorsnes will bring 13 years of international experience to the new-look side.
Canberra United unveiled defender Nikola Orgill as one of the team's co-captains on Wednesday, and will be joined by several players in the leadership group.
Roestbakken is likely to be named in the leadership group after being a co-captain last season.
"[Roestbakken's] leadership is going to be crucial," Garriock said.
"She's another role model of the Canberra region who came through our program and pathway.
"For young girls who aspire to be part of Canberra United in the future, she's a fantastic role model."
Canberra United are expected to make several squad announcement in the coming weeks and are set to hold trials for the remaining positions on the roster.
Orgill has full confidence the new-look side will gel together easily and can't wait to kick off the pre-season later this month.
"We built a really good base last season. It's something we can work on and I think the girls have the right attitude," Orgill said.
"We've lost some players but recruited some really exciting players. It will have a bit of a different feel but the core vibe of the team will be the same and fans will have a lot to be excited about.
"I'm just really keen to get out there, come together as a team and work hard during the season."