Angel City FC sign Brazilian M Maiara Niehues

LOS ANGELES: Angel City FC announced the signing Thursday of midfielder Maiara Niehues to a three-year contract through 2027.

The 20-year-old Brazilian arrives from Portugal’s Sporting CP for an undisclosed transfer fee and will occupy an international roster slot.

“Maiara is a box-to-box midfielder with a tremendous future and we are delighted to welcome her to Angel City,” ACFC sporting director Mark Parsons said. “Maiara has shown in the Brazil youth national team and for Sporting CP in Portugal that she is ready to take this step and we believe she can have an important impact for our club over many years.”

Niehues tallied 18 goals and three assists in 57 matches over the past three seasons at Sporting CP. She began her pro career with Brazilian side SC Internacional in 2020.

Injured Latham out of Pakistan ODIs

New Zealand stumper-batsman Tom Latham was ruled out of the one-day series against Pakistan with a hand injury on Thursday leaving Michael Bracewell to continue as the side’s captain.

With regular white-ball captain Mitchell Santner busy in the Indian Premier League, Bracewell led New Zealand to a 4-1 victory in a T20 series against Pakistan.

Latham was due to lead New Zealand in the three-match ODI series beginning in Napier on Saturday, but he fractured his hand while batting in the nets and will require at least four weeks to recover, the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said in a statement.

Opener Will Young, meanwhile, will miss the last two ODIs to be with his wife as they await the birth of their first child.

PAK vs NZ ODI: A high-stakes clash in Napier awaits

“It’s obviously disappointing to lose Tom as captain on the eve of the series and we wish him a speedy recovery,” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said.

“The side is in safe hands with Michael, who’s done a great job through the T20I series.”

Henry Nicholls will return from a calf strain to replace Latham, while Mitch Hay will keep wickets. Canterbury batsman Rhys Mariu earned his maiden call-up as a batting cover.

“We’ve had to be flexible this tour with numerous players unavailable for different reasons,” Stead said.

“What it does do is offer opportunities to others players and it’s nice to introduce Rhys into the environment for the first time, as well as welcome back Henry.”