Carli Lloyd will get an opportunity to demonstrate her skills in England. (Andy Mead/YCK Photo)
U.S. international and World Cup hero Carli Lloyd will play in England through June, according to multiple reports Tuesday.
An announcement that the 34-year-old midfielder will sign with Manchester City is expected Wednesday. Philly.com and the Houston Chronicle reported the pending deal.
Lloyd, the two-time reigning FIFA Women’s World Player of the year, signed a short-term contract with the team, meaning she won’t be playing in the National Women’s Soccer League until the summer.
Regardless how she fares in England, Lloyd already has forged her place in soccer history. She tallied back-to-back game-winning goals in consecutive Olympic gold-medal finals (2008 and 2012) and was the key play in the United States’ march to the 2015 Women’s World Cup crown in Canada. She recorded a hat-trick in the 5-2 triumph over Japan in the championship game.
Lloyd will become the third U.S. national team player to move to England this year. Rockville Centre, N.Y. native Crystal Dunn inked a deal with Chelsea and retired international Heather O’Reilly joined Arsenal. Neither player will return to the NWSL this season.
Orlando Pride and U.S. international forward Alex Morgan, who signed with French club Lyon in December, can return to the NWSL this year.