Led Chicago with seven assists in 2016

CHICAGO – The Chicago Red Stars announced today that midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo will be on loan during the NWSL offseason to Perth Glory FC for the second season in a row.

Fourth-overall pick in the 2014 NWSL College Draft, DiBernardo proved to be a strong force in the midfield with her dynamic passing, posting 15 assists in her three years in the NWSL – seven in 2016 alone – leading the Red Stars each year. In 2016, DiBernardo racked in the most minutes on the team (1,787), just 13 minutes shy of a perfect season.

In her first season for Perth Glory, DiBernardo started in all eight games in which she played, scoring a team high six goals. Honored with the Golden Boot Award and Most Glorious Player Award for Perth, she was also awarded the W-League’s Goal of the Year for her 30-yard launch that soared over Brisbane’s goalkeeper, being the only American to win the title.

DiBernardo will be joined this season by fellow Red Stars midfielder Alyssa Mautz, who is new to the Australian scene.

Glory Women kickoff their Westfield W-League season in an exciting double header against the Western Sydney Wanderers on November 6. Full schedule can be viewed here.

DiBernardo will return to the Chicago Red Stars prior to the start of the 2017 NWSL season.