Western United A-League Women Squad: Round 12 vs Canberra

Western United will begin life without Jessica McDonald in the Liberty A-League Women with an away trip to face Canberra United on Saturday afternoon.

Mark Torcaso has named his 18-player extended squad ahead of the clash, unable to call upon McDonald for the first time this season after the American returned home at the conclusion of her guest stint.

But United’s head coach will have plenty of options in the front third, with Danielle Steer and Kahli Johnson both seeking a place in the starting line-up.

Tyla Jay Vlajnic has become a threat in the front three in recent weeks and will hope to continue the superb form which has seen her score twice in her last four appearances.

Star striker Hannah Keane will also be out to maintain her goal-scoring form as she leads the golden boot race with seven goals on the back of a run of five in five games.

Jaclyn Sawicki and Angie Beard both added minutes to their legs last week and will each hope to increase their workloads again this week.

Stacey Papadopoulos comes out of the side after picking up a knee injury in the win over Brisbane Roar last week, while Julia Sardo and Harriet Withers remain injury absentees.

Full Western United squad

Western United squad: 1. Alyssa DALL’OSTE (gk), 4. Jaclyn SAWICKI, 5. Aimee MEDWIN, 6. Chloe LOGARZO, 7. Francesca IERMANO, 9. Hannah KEANE, 10. Kahli JOHNSON, 11. Emma ROBERS, 13. Danielle STEER, 14. Natasha DAKIC, 15. Adriana TARANTO, 16. Melissa TARANTO, 18. Aleksandra SINCLAIR, 19. Tyla Jay VLAJNIC, 20. Sydney CUMMINGS, 21. Hillary BEALL (gk), 22. Alana CERNE, 23. Angie BEARD

Ins: 6. Chloe LOGARZO, 7. Francesca IERMANO, 14. Natasha DAKIC, 18. Aleksandra SINCLAIR

Outs: 2. Stacey PAPADOPOULOS (injured), 8. Jessica McDONALD (end of guest contract)

Unavailable: 12. Harriet Withers (injured), 24. Julia SARDO (injured)

*two to be omitted