Hillary Beall will bid farewell to Western United this weekend, with Sunday’s match against Wellington Phoenix set to be her last for the Club.
After Beall was traded to San Diego Wave FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Western United agreed to allow the player to return from her loan early in order to join pre-season at her hometown club.
Beall departs as a fan favourite and a cornerstone of the birth of Western United’s Liberty A-League program.
The American was an inaugural vice-captain, leading the team out in its first ever game against Melbourne Victory and dominating in goal, starting every single match in the 2022/23 season.
Beall’s performances earned here a myriad of awards, including two Liberty A-League Player of the Month awards, recognition in the PFA Team of the Season and the honours of Liberty A-League Save and Goalkeeper of the Year.
It didn’t end there, with Beall also scooping Western United’s inaugural A-League Women Player of the season gong.
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato spoke glowingly of Beall’s impact at the Club, both on and off the pitch.
“Hillary has been an integral part of our journey in the Liberty A-League and we would like to thank her for her valued contributions across the Club,” he said.
“As a leader amongst the group, Hillary was integral in setting the foundations of our program off the field, while her performances on the field were crucial in helping us reach the Grand Final in our inaugural season.
“On behalf of everyone at the Club, I wish to thank Hillary for her time and efforts and wish her all the very best as she departs to pursue opportunities at home in San Diego.”
Beall carried her strong form from last season into this campaign, keeping three clean sheets in her 12 appearances to date.
The 25-year-old was recognised with a nomination for the January Player of the Month award after starring in wins against Melbourne Victory, Adelaide United and Melbourne City.
With Beall departing, Western United has evaluated its options and will move to sign a new goalkeeper imminently in order to fit with league regulations.
