Western United ALW Team News: Round 1 vs Perth Glory

Western United returns to Liberty A-League Women action this weekend with a number of players hoping to make their Green and Black debuts against Perth Glory on Saturday night.

Following on from the Grand Final appearance last season, Mark Torcaso will be hoping his side goes one better and has named five potential debutants in his first extended squad of the season.

Grace Maher has made an immediate impression amongst her new teammates and coaches and will hope to have a similar impact on the pitch come game time.

After her signing was confirmed yesterday, Kiara De Domizio is also included in the 18-player list and could be in line for a professional debut among the front three, as could Keiwa Hieda.

The Japanese ace was a shining light for Calder United in NPLW Victoria and will hope that form translates into the Liberty A-League.

Her Calder United teammates Natalie Picak and Lucy Richards are also named in the 18 as they strive to play their first games in professional football this season.

Alyssa Dall’Oste will compete with Picak for the start in goal, coming off a strong pre-season and her first exposure to the professional game with United last season.

The remainder of the returning stars from United’s inaugural squad are all named and eager to feature, including Chloe Logarzo and Jaclyn Sawicki in midfield.

Hannah Keane will hope to pick up where she left off after winning the golden boot last season while Alana Cerne and Kahli Johnson will be ready to go after a busy off-season period with international commitments.

New signing Catherine Zimmerman is unavailable for the Round 1 fixture as she continues to recover from a foot injury that has kept her sidelined during pre-season.

Torcaso and his team will be out to collect maximum points in Western Australia to kick off the new season in style ahead of two blockbuster home matches against Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City next up.

Full Western United extended squad

Western United squad: 1. Alyssa DALL’OSTE (gk), 2. Stacey PAPADOPOULOS, 4. Jaclyn SAWICKI, 6. Chloe LOGARZO, 7. Kiara DE DOMIZIO, 9. Hannah KEANE, 10. Kahli JOHNSON, 11. Emma ROBERS, 12. Lucy RICHARDS, 14. Natasha DAKIC, 15. Adriana TARANTO, 16. Melissa TARANTO, 18. Grace MAHER, 19. Tyla Jay VLAJNIC, 20. Keiwa HIEDA, 22. Alana CERNE, 24. Julia SARDO, 26. Natalie PICAK

Ins: Nil

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 34. Catherine ZIMMERMAN (injured)