Western United’s dynamic midfield duo of twin sisters Adriana and Melissa Taranto will continue to impose itself on the Liberty A-League Women with both players extending their stays in the West.
The twins scored two goals and provided six assists between them across the season, with Adriana featuring in every match and Melissa missing just one game during the campaign.
After signing on together just as they did when they joined the Club last August, Adriana and Melissa are ready to go to another level in 2023/24.
“After the success of the Matildas, I feel as though this season is going to be a special one for everyone involved and I cannot wait to get started,” Adriana said.
Melissa added:
“We had such an incredible debut season last year so I can’t wait to help the team be even more successful. Last year was just the beginning. I feel like Western is my second family, so bigger and better things to come.”
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato said securing the Taranto twins for another season was imperative to the team’s success.
“We are delighted to have both Adriana and Melissa remaining in our program next season having identified them early on as players who we wanted to secure into the future,” he said.
“Having developed through our pathway at Calder United, Adriana and Mel were pivotal members of our inaugural squad both in terms of ability on the pitch and their leadership and impact on the team culture off the pitch.
“We have been extremely pleased with their progress back in an A-League environment and look forward to seeing them grow further in all aspects as professionals.”
Adriana and Melissa lined up alongside each other in midfield on the opening day of the season in November, representing a full circle moment for the pair.
Both had previously played for Melbourne Victory as teenagers and after spending five years away from the Liberty A-League, they returned to defeat their former side in brand new colours.
The pair went on to enjoy outstanding seasons as Melissa ranked sixth in the team’s Player of the Season voting while Adriana’s four assists were a team high alongside Hannah Keane.
Adriana’s first career Liberty A-League goal came in the Round 5 win against Melbourne City before Melissa found the net in the big 5-0 victory over Canberra United in January.
After a successful return to the professional game, the Taranto twins will look ahead to an even bigger second season with Western United as the side chases another successful campaign.
