Breakers Sign Brazilian Forward Andressa Alves da Silva

A busy month got even busier for the Breakers on Wednesday, when the club introduced its second signing in as many days: Andressa Alves da Silva, a young, technically-gifted Brazilian forward. Alves will join former club-and-country teammate Francielle, who signed with the Breakers on Monday.

"Andressa is a gifted player, has tremendous technical ability, and is a goal scorer," Breakers GM Lee Billiard said. "She is going to be a lot of fun to watch, and a problem to deal with for opposing teams. Adding a player of her caliber at such a young age is a big signing for us as part of this rebuild. I am pleased with how the roster is shaping up and the direction we are heading."

After winning major national championships alongside Francielle with Sao Jose in 2013 and 2014, Alves went on to score three goals during September's Copa America, a tournament Brazil ultimately won. Her feats enabled the Brazilian's to qualify for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics.

Even without seeing Alves in royal and white, we can only assume that she will lead the club's attack in 2015. Her proven goal-scoring record, both on the international and national stage, immediately make her a frontrunner to feature in front of Kristie Mewis, Lianne Sanderson and teammate Francielle. She will face hard-working competition with veteran Katie Schoepfer and up-and-coming, physically-gifted forward Nkem Ezurike, though neither player appears ready to challenge Alves for the spotlight. At this point, Avles will serve as the focal point of the Breakers' attack; the job is hers to loose.

Just one week ago, after waving goodbye to rookie phenom Jazmine Reeves, Billiard promised "big things." Today, he delivered, adding the future cornerstone of the Breakers' front line.

By signing Francielle and Andressa Alves, have the Breakers done enough to replace Heather O'Reilly and Jazmine Reeves? Let us know below!