Stephanie Roche is one of the more high profile names in the Sunderland Ladies, side and she believes they can build on their impressive first season in the FA WSL1.
Settling in to her new club
Roche signed for Sunderland Ladies in June of last year, making this her first pre-season with her fellow teammates. The Irish striker has only made five appearances for the club, scoring once.
When asked about how she was finding her time on Wearside so far, Roche responded, "I came during the middle of the season last year so I'm happy to have a good pre season before I start this season.
I've also been able to get to know my team mates better which has made things a lot better for me."
Roche and her teammates have a month left to prepare themselves for the start of the season.
Another good year
Sunderland haven't had the greatest of starts to their season with a draw against Glasgow City and a defeat at the hands of Hibernian. However, despite these results, Roche is confident that the season will be as successful as the last one.
Saying that last season "was a great one for the club", as they competed in the league for the first time, Roche cited that "to do as well as we did was special", especially so for those that have played for the Black Cats throughout their career.
That Puskas goal
Roche shot to global fame in 2014, after she was nominated for the FIFA Puskas award for the best goal of the year. She came second only behind James Rodriguez of Real Madrid.
When asked if she believed that goal made her career what it is today, Steph claims it was more her hard work than anything else.
"I am where I am today because I worked hard on my technical ability, without that I wouldn't have scored the goal," she said.
However, the Ireland international did admit the goal put her name out there.