United re-signs NPLW player of the year Akins
GOLD Coast United coach Michael Cook made the resigning of Mackenzie Akins a priority and yesterday he got his wish as the US striker agreed to terms for the 2019 NPL Women’s season.
The Californian, 24, was a revelation in her maiden NPLW campaign, scoring 25 goals in 26 games en route to United’s Women’s Player of the Year award.
It was her first full season since a serious knee injury cut short her stint in Sweden and with a visa extension looming, she had no qualms staying.
“I’m very excited to extend my stay at Gold Coast United,” Akins said. “United is a club that is committed to growing the women’s side of the game and that’s very important to me. They’ve also shown me tremendous support and I’m very fortunate to play with a talented group of women that will push for contention next year.”
United also re-signed Eloise Fryer and Deeanna Thompson earlier this week.
Cook, whose side stormed home to finish sixth in this year’s NPLW, said he expected Akins to go to another level in 2019. “MacKenzie’s a wonderful player and a strong personality,” he said.
“She was involved in all of the key, positive moments the team enjoyed in 2018, especially during our great run in the second half of the season. Once again she will be invaluable with our plans to push for a much higher finish in 2019.
“With both her and Deeanna Thompson now committed, opposition defences will need to be on their guard when GCU come to town.”