Sligo Rovers have recruited from the American market ahead of the Women's Premier Division season with Sydney Stephens and Manu Baptista Filipe joining the Bit O' Red.
Stephens, a 23-year-old midfielder, arrives at the Showgrounds after an impressive collegiate football career with Illinois Soccer.
She was a regular starter for the University of Illinois women's soccer team and made significant contributions in goals and assists while balancing her studies.
Filipe, originally from Porto, developed her game at Sporting Clube de Braga.
She progressed through the club's academy system between 2017 and 2020. During her development years, she also gained recognition at Under-16 underage international level, taking part in Portugal national training camps and highlighting her potential from an early age.
Filipe later relocated to the United States to continue both her football and education in the collegiate system.
Rovers boss Gavin Hughes is thrilled with the additions: "Sydney is a technically gifted player who brings creativity, speed, and intelligence to every session.
"She's a natural leader and already commands respect in training. Her experience at a high level of college football, combined with her mentality and professionalism, make her a perfect fit for the squad.
"Manu stood out during recruitment because of her composure on the ball and her ability to influence games from midfield. From her early training sessions, you can see her understanding of space, her work rate, and her constant involvement in play.
"She suits the way we want to play. She is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, keeps possession moving, and has the vision to link defence and attack. Players with that level of awareness are extremely valuable."
Sligo now have 19 players for the new campaign with Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie, Bonnie McKiernan, Emma Duffy, Leah Kelly, Anna McDaniel, Kelsey McQuillan, Rachel McGoldrick, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Keela Scanlon, Ciara Henry, Cara King, Jessica Casey, Alana Doherty, Keeva Flynn, and Ivana McMahon also part of their squad.
Rovers host defending champions Athlone Town on 19 March in the season opener.
