It’s a teenage dream at Canberra United Academy.

The young NPLW side has broken back into the top four, after recording a much needed win over Canberra Olympic in Round 13 of the competition.

From this weekend though, they will be fighting to keep their finals chances alive without centre back Annie Grove who has flown to the USA, after signing with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

Younger sister and teammate Sasha Grove said while they’ll miss her impact, her departure is something to be celebrated.

“A few years back for me I always thought, she’ll always be with me for the rest of my life so it’s a little bit of an empty gap but I’m really happy to see her pursuing what she wants to do, especially alongside Isy Davy,” Sasha said.

As one of the more senior players in the squad, Sasha said it provides great opportunity for the reserves.

“It’s something we celebrate. That’s the whole point of the program, we want players to progress and go where they want to go,” she said.

“If that’s the USA that’s the USA, if it’s W-League, it’s W-League, we’re really happy to see that.

“And that’s obviously giving some of our reserves and younger girls an opportunity to step up because that’s what the program is all about.”

CUA hosts Wagga City Wanderers at Hawker Football Centre on Sunday, a side who are no doubt keen to bounce back after two scoreless weeks.

Grove and her Academy teammates are well aware of Wagga’s dangers and how to overcome them.

“Every team we’ve played has really brought us a challenge this season,” she said.

“We know Wagga has a really strong defensive line, and they have a lot of physicality so that’s something we have to match.”