Kyra Carusa departs Denmark as Ireland striker signs for London City Lionesses

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Credit: Eddie Lennon

Republic of Ireland striker Kyra Carusa has joined London City Lionesses from Danish side HB Koge.

Earlier this week the London club confirmed the departure of Rianna Jarrett with her return to Wexford but have quickly replaced one Irish forward with another as 27-year-old Carusa joins the London club who play in the English Championship.

"It's always been a dream of mine to play in England," said the 2022 Elitedivisionen Most-Valuable Player. "And I have always said that I want to be a part of a programme that is doing something historic or playing for something bigger than wins and losses.

“I feel like London City is a programme that really met the requirements and the standards that I was looking for. I didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to do something historic again and that's why I'm here.

"I'm excited to have the opportunity to compete, play highly competitive games, and make a difference for London City right off the bat."

On Instagram she thanked her Danish club where she won two league titles making 57 top flight appearances contributing 43 goal contributions (30 goals and 13 assists). In the 2020/21 season she played a crucial part in helping her team win the Danish league, as she finished top-scorer in the Danish Elitedivisionen with 18 goals.

She posted: “The sweetest and yet scariest goodbye. HB Køge, thank you for finding me when I needed you most. Neither of us knew what was to come at the time, but we both could feel it was going to be something special.

“Even though we are going different ways, we part as good friends who have changed each other’s lives for the better. I cannot thank you enough for welcoming me with open arms. Denmark will forever be a home to me.”

Previous to playing with HB Koge, she had a spell with Le Havre and the San Diego born striker (who qualifies for Ireland through her grandparents) amassed 78 goal contributions (35 goals, 33 assists) in 94 appearances for Georgetown University and Stanford University.

"It's fantastic news for the Club," said interim head coach Nikita Runnacles about the signing of the eight time capped Irish international (who has two international goals) who is part of Vera Pauw’s World Cup bound squad and has Champions League group stage experience.

"This is a player who we have been watching for a couple of years and have been excited about the prospect of her potentially becoming a London City player.

"We're delighted to get this over the line and for her to feature at a really crucial point in our season. Her character reflects the values of the Club, with how she is and what her personal ambitions are.

"We know that we're going to get work-rate and leadership on and off the pitch, but her goalscoring, creativity, and hold-up play speaks for itself.”

About Macdara Ferris

Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile