Universitario de Deportes has signed Chilean midfielder Lesly Olivares as part of its preparation for the 2026 Women’s Copa Libertadores. The 25-year-old player joins the team from Fortaleza in Colombia, expanding coach Carlos Véliz’s options in midfield.
Olivares arrives at the ‘leonas’ after a season in Colombian football, where she defended the colors of Fortaleza. Previously, she was also part of Millonarios, another club in the Colombian top division. Her signing responds to Universitario’s need for greater depth in midfield ahead of the continental tournament.
The Chilean footballer will have to adapt to a squad that is still looking to achieve its goals in the local tournament, after winning the 2026 Apertura Tournament, thus securing the Peruvian slot for the next Women’s Copa Libertadores. However, the team has seen a decline in its performance during the Clausura and aims to improve its position in the later stages of the championship.
Olivares’ arrival not only brings experience from abroad but also enriches the Chilean presence in the squad. Coach Véliz hopes her familiarity with Chilean football and her recent competitive activity will facilitate her integration and accelerate her adaptation to the upcoming commitments.
The Women’s Copa Libertadores will be held from October 15 to 31 in Quito, Ecuador, featuring 16 clubs from the ten associations of the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) in a format that includes group stages and knockout rounds.
This competition will be a new test for Universitario, which seeks to translate its domestic performance to the international stage. The team’s composition, the integration of the new players, and their physical condition will be key factors before their trip to Ecuador.
Olivares’ arrival is part of a broader movement by the club, which has also signed Alesia García, a forward from the Peruvian national team, and defender Grace Cagnina. Additionally, goalkeeper Mia Shalit has joined the team, along with Claudia Domínguez and 27-year-old American defender Valeria Itzel. These signings aim to strengthen all lines and prepare the team for the demands of the international tournament.
The midfield, where Olivares plays, also includes Chilean Ana Gutiérrez, providing coach Véliz with new options for playmaking and ball recovery. With these additions, Universitario’s squad focuses on consolidating its partnerships before the end of the Clausura and their participation in the Women’s Copa Libertadores.
Source: www.infobae.com
