Tides sign versatile defender Julianne Vallerand

The Halifax Tides have continued to bolster their roster, inking Québec-native Julianne Vallerand to a contract.

Vallerand, 23, joins the Tides following a stint with Spokane Zephyr FC. She also starred with West Virginia University, playing a variety of positions, including striker and full-back. Although a natural defender, she tallied 16 goals and six assists across her varsity career, packing an offensive punch.

Now, she is set to help the Tides climb up the table.

“(Football) is freedom,” said Vallerand in a press release. “I’m excited to go to ‘work’ every day.”

The Québec-native also brings a wealth of experience on the international stage: she represented Canada with the U-15, U-17 and U-20 national teams.

Vallerand is the third player Halifax has signed over the last few weeks as they look to strengthen their squad following a shaky start. The club announced the additions of Amanda Allen and Tiffany Cameron — both attacking-minded players — earlier in the month.

The Tides will be counting on their new arrivals to chip in offensively as they have struggled to score; their nine goals for is the lowest in the league. The vast majority of their offence has come from midfielder Megumi Nakamura and Nova Scotian Saorla Miller, who account for five goals between them.

Halifax's two strikers — Milly Clegg and Christabel Oduro — have yet to register a goal contribution.

Vallerand, of course, will be another option available to interim head coach Stephen Hart. Although only a handful of matches into his tenure, Hart has already shown he's willing to shake things up, playing Clegg on the wing and rotating the squad.

It remains to be seen whether he'll opt to play Vallerand as a full-back or, perhaps, slot her further forward.

The Tides host the Montréal Roses on Saturday, August 2.

Cover Photo Credit: West Virginia University Athletics