Gintra introduce another mid-season signing: talented 23-year-old American winger Madison Bowers, who joins the Lithuanian champions and will wear number 14.
After impressive performances in US college football, the promising player is ready for the next step. She leaves her homeland for the first time to begin her professional career in Europe.
Madison grew up in a football-loving environment, discovering the sport at a very young age and continuing that journey ever since. After school, the athletic player attended the University of Houston, representing it for four years and earning a bachelor's degree. She is now continuing her master's studies at Stephen F. Austin State University.
"I had a great time and valuable experiences playing for Houston, but now I feel ready to take the next step and move up a level. Gintra impressed me with their winning history and the opportunity to play at an elite level, especially in the UEFA Women's Champions League. This is also my first time outside the United States, making it a personal challenge as well as a career move. I'm ready to develop in a new environment and excited to start this chapter in Šiauliai. My first impressions are excellent: the city is welcoming, has everything I need and the people are very friendly. I'm sure it will be memorable," Madison said.
M. Bowers represented the University of Houston
Her college coaches valued her as a fast, fearless winger who enjoyed taking players on and using the width of the pitch. "My greatest strength is beating opponents with speed and driving forward confidently. I mainly played out wide in college. I like creating chances from the flanks and attacking the penalty area," explained Gintra's new signing.
"Madison has strong physical conditioning, good pace and the attacking threat we need. She stood out in college for her drive and willingness to attack. Moving into professional football in Europe will give her further opportunities to develop. We believe in her potential and look forward to seeing her in the upcoming matches," said club director Mantas Radavičius.
Šiauliai will host a UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying tournament for the third consecutive year. Gintra face Romanian champions FCV Farul in the semi-final on 27 August. The Ukrainian champions play the other semi-final against opponents to be confirmed shortly. The final for the sole place in the main UEFA Women's Champions League competition takes place on 30 August at Šiauliai City Stadium.
Failure to reach the group stage would not end Gintra's European season: finishing at least third in the qualifying tournament would allow them to continue in the UEFA Women's Europa Cup.
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