Wellington Phoenix have signed experienced 23-year old Australian representative Jaushua Sotirio on a one-year deal, as the club continues the recruitment process for the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season.
Sydney-born Sotirio made his debut for Western Sydney Wanderers in the Hyundai A-League in 2013 and has gone on to make 81 appearances, scoring 11 goals.
The attacker made 13 appearances in the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season, scoring three goals. His goal against Melbourne City was awarded the Hyundai A-League January goal of the month.
Sotirio has also made a combined 13 appearances for the Young Socceroos and Olyroos, including a winner against Indonesia in the AFC U-19 Championship.
Head Coach Ufuk Talay believes Sotirio will be part of an exciting new look attack in Wellington.
“Jaushua brings in that experience, having been involved with Wanderers in the AFC Champions League but he is also still very hungry to improve and succeed.
“I’m looking to bring in players that work hard and aim to continually raise their game and Jaushua fits that bill.”
Sotirio is looking forward to the new challenge that awaits him in New Zealand.
“I have spent most of my career in Sydney so it was time for a change and a new challenge and Wellington represents the perfect opportunity to prove what I can do.
“There’s some really exciting young players at the club and I believe we can create something special in Wellington.”
At a Glance
2013 Marconi Stallions
2013-2019 Western Sydney Wanderers – 81 appearances | 11 Goals | Coach: Tony Popovic, Josep Gombau, Markus Babbel
2014 – Australia U-20s – 7 appearances | 1 Goal | Coach: Paul Okon
2014 – Australia U-23s – 6 appearances | 3 Goals | Coach: Josep Gombau
