Western United A-League Women Squad: Round 13 vs Perth Glory

Mark Torcaso has named his 18-player extended squad for Western United’s first match in Ballarat in the Liberty A-League Women against Perth Glory on Saturday.

Former Perth player Julia Sardo is back in contention having missed the last two matches with a minor muscle injury.

Sardo’s return is a welcome one, providing further cover at full-back as Stacey Papadopoulos remains on the sidelines. Francesca Iermano is also back in the extended squad and will hope to provide an option to Torcaso this weekend.

Captain Jaclyn Sawicki made her first start for Western United last week and got through 45 minutes unscathed. The Philippines star will hope to increase her workload this weekend and carry on from what was an eye-catching display in midfield.

Also making her first start in last Saturday’s 5-0 win over Canberra United was Angie Beard, who shone at left-back and provided her first assist for the Green and Black.

United’s No.23 will once again be aiming for a spot in the starting XI and continue to build her form having joined the Club in the new year.

Hannah Keane has scored in four matches in a row and will hope to be the first player to hit double figures in the Liberty A-League this season to continue her strong form up front.

Fellow North American star Danielle Steer opened her professional account with a goal and an assist last week and will be after back-to-back starts for the first time since arriving in the West.

Torcaso’s side has kept two straight clean sheets and will be aiming for a third successive win to continue its momentum at the top of the league.

Full Western United squad

Western United squad: 1. Alyssa DALL’OSTE (gk), 4. Jaclyn SAWICKI, 5. Aimee MEDWIN, 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, 24. Julia SARDO

Ins: 7. Francesca IERMANO, 24. Julia SARDO (returns from injury)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 2. Stacey PAPADOPOULOS (injured), 6. Chloe LOGARZO (injured), 12. Harriet Withers (injured)

*two to be omitted