Amanda Da Costa signs for Washington Spirit

 Earlier today Liverpool Ladies announced that vice-captain Amanda Da Costa has left the club and signed with NWSL side Washington Spirit.

 Amanda signed for Liverpool in January 2013, during the biggest squad overhaul in the club's history.

Amanda signs in 2013

 In the 21 months since the attacking midfielder has helped Liverpool to 2 cup semi-finals and 2 league titles, making 40 appearances and scoring 4 goals.

 Da Costa has been the heartbeat of the reds team since her move, living and breathing her own personal motto 'Set Yourself On Fire' - any supporter who has watched Da Costa in a Liverpool shirt knows she is one player you can rely on to give 100% effort in each and every game.

Da Costa scores at the Emirates

 Her determination on the football pitch was best displayed in her turn against Lincoln Ladies in the 2013 Continental Cup semi-final. Liverpool faced the toughest test of their season as Lincoln 'keeper Karen Bardsley spurned every attack the reds made, Amanda was the player encouraging her team mates not to let their heads drop - leading by example and never giving up, through the 120 minutes of football as the tie went into extra time.

 Liverpool supporters will also remember her performance in the dominating 4-0 victory over Arsenal Ladies in the league last season at the Emirates. Controlling the play from her central midfield role, Da Costa scored either side of half-time to see the reds well on their way to victory - including a brilliant strike from the edge of the area after neatly controlling the ball.

 In the above video you can also see a fine example of the service Da Costa provided to the Liverpool forwards, her pass to Natasha Dowie on 39 seconds a brilliant ball and her presence on the pitch will no doubt be missed by Liverpool's no.9.

 This season Da Costa scored once in the league, again during a fantastic all-round performance away at title challengers Birmingham City and also netted during the group stages of the Continental Cup.

 Liverpool's loss is Washington Spirit's gain, having watched Spirit play during the summer Amanda will fit brilliantly with the style of play Mark Parsons' side play and will no doubt link well with Canadian international Diana Matheson.

repping Liverpool @ Washington in the summer!

 I'd like to wish Amanda the best of luck in the NWSL, she will be a very hard act to follow for Liverpool. Having already supported Spirit from afar over the last couple of years, I am looking forward to see Da Costa play for such a great club.