Ahead of the season's most important phase, including Baltic League finals, Champions League qualifying in Šiauliai and the A League title race, Gintra have added another newcomer.
American Allyson Murphy Pauletto, who can play on the wing or up front, officially joins the Lithuanian champions and will wear number 11.
She has arrived, passed her medical and joined training. In good spirits, she joked that the club could surprise her by choosing either of her two official surnames for her shirt and communications.
"Those details don't matter much. Warm connections matter more than passport names. I knew immediately I'd like it here. Lithuania is beautiful, Šiauliai welcoming and people helpful. I'm from a small town near Denver and have always preferred living away from big-city noise. This city's atmosphere and pace seem perfect," smiled Pauletto, soon to turn 25.
Allyson began football at four with FC Boulder, then attended Colorado State University and became a prominent college player. Gintra are not her first professional club: she previously represented Portugal's A.D. Ovarense.
Known for vision and reading play, A. Murphy Pauletto's favourite contribution is an assist
After spending most of last season in Portugal, she welcomes the change from a mid-table club to a team competing for titles and the chance to fulfil her Champions League dream.
She is expected to debut in the next match, the Baltic League semi-final against Riga SFK on 8 August at Šiauliai Central Stadium at 18:00. Admission is free: support Gintra on the road to the final!
Šiauliai hosts Champions League qualifying on 6–9 September. In Group 8, the Lithuanian champions compete for one main-tournament place against Welsh champions Cardiff City, Scottish powerhouse Glasgow City and Irish champions Shelbourne of Dublin.
Gintra face Cardiff City in the semi-final. Stand with the team: every supporter's presence at the stadium matters! Buy your tickets now through this link.