National women's football team mainstay Sofia Harrison takes on a new challenge as she joins SV Werder Bremen in the top-tier Frauen Bundesliga in Germany.
The 23-year-old Filipinas' defender became the latest national team member to jump to the professional level after inking a deal to play in the most prestigious German league.
Harrison said her upcoming stint with the River Islanders will be a big step for her career, especially with the Philippines' aim to bolster its firepower heading into the FIFA Women's World Cup next year.
"Having the opportunity to play in the women's Bundesliga is a big step for me. I hope that I can help the team with my skills to achieve our goals."
A former Slippery Rock University booter, the 5-foot-2 lefty has been with the Philippine team since 2018.
Harrison became one of coach Alen Stajcic's reliable backline pieces, playing for 20 matches and tallying two international goals under her name.
She was a crucial part of Stajcic's heavily-revitalized team that made historic feats in the 2022 Asian Cup, 31st Southeast Asian Games, and recently won the AFF Women's Championship in July.
Werder department head Birte Bruggemann said Harrison's presence finally completed initial preparations for the next season.
The River Islanders finished ninth in the 2021-2022 with only four wins, six draws and 12 defeats.
Harrison will be the second Filipino-blooded player in the German top-flight level as Azkals striker Gerrit Holtmann currently plays for VfL Bochum.
"We wanted to add a left-footed player to our squad in the full-back position so that we can always react to all situations that can arise during a season," Bruggemann said.
"We are therefore glad that we were able to sign a player with potential in Sofia."
