Western United’s defensive stocks in the Liberty A-League Women have been boosted with the Club securing young Victorians Alyssa Dall’Oste and Natasha Dakic ahead of its inaugural campaign.
With Dall’Oste in goal and Dakic in front of her marshalling the back four, Calder United conceded just seven goals in 21 regular season games in NPLW Victoria this season – the best defensive record the competition has ever seen.
Ahead of joining the Green and Black, the pair both commented on the honour of representing Western United in its inaugural season in the competition.
“It’s an incredible feeling (to sign). It’s something that I’ve continued to work hard towards and to think that the opportunity has come is quite surreal. I’m honoured and excited to be sharing a piece of history as well as this new chapter in my footballing journey,” Dakic said.
“It is an honour to be part of Western United’s inaugural squad, I am so proud to be able to represent such an important part of Western United’s history. The culture that has already been created within the Club is like no other and I’m excited to start this journey,” Dall’Oste added.
Dall’Oste and Dakic are ready to give everything to make good on the first opportunities at professional level in their young careers.
“Playing at this higher level is something I’ve been looking forward to and working towards for some time now, and I know that being surrounded by the environment and team at Western United will push me to be my best,” Dall’Oste said.
Dakic added:
“I think moving to Calder was the best decision I had made, I’ve become a lot more confident within myself and my own abilities. I’ve been working hard for this moment, it’s going to be a new challenge for myself but one that I think I am ready for.”
Western United Head Coach Mark Torcaso has seen both players elevate their game in NPLW and knows they are both ready to make the step up to the professional game.
“Alyssa and Tash both came to Calder with the goal to push for a spot in the A-League Women, and I’m really pleased to reward them for their hard work now,” he said.
“Alyssa has made some phenomenal saves in big games throughout the year and Tash has been one of the standout defenders in the competition with her composure and quality on and off the ball.
“I’m really excited to see them both make the step up to the A-League Women and I look forward to seeing them both continue to work hard and develop their game.”
After winning the NPLW Goalkeeper of the Year award as a 17-year-old in 2018, Dall’Oste joined Calder United in 2019 and helped the side to a Premiership, Championship and NIKE F.C. Cup treble.
Dakic joined Calder a year later and has won two NIKE F.C. Cups and added the NPLW Victoria Premiership this year.
Both players are set to enter the NPLW Victoria Finals with Calder United and will join their new Western United teammates for the beginning of pre-season in October.
Alyssa and Natasha have signed on, now it’s your turn. Become a Foundation Member and show your support for Western United’s inaugural A-League Women team.
