Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Western United‘s World Cup-winning striker Jessica McDonald and head coach Mark Torcaso plus Melbourne City’s Young Matildas starlet Daniela Galic and head coach Rado Vidosic (19/10/22).
American World Cup-winning striker Jessica McDonald will light up the Liberty A-League Women after signing a guest contract with Western United’s inaugural women’s outfit.
McDonald will arrive in November and spend three months with the Green and Black, making her available for the opening nine matches of the season.
“I am super stoked to have another opportunity to play in Australia,” she said. “It’s always a great opportunity as an athlete to test your soccer knowledge and continue to learn in different ways, adjusting to the game how it’s played elsewhere. Hopefully, I can help another program succeed with what I can bring to the table.”
The 34-year-old joins with a world-class pedigree, being a FIFA Women’s World Cup champion with the United States in 2019. In total, McDonald has registered four goals and two assists in 19 matches for her country.
Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, McDonald has won three NWSL Shields and three NWSL Championships, claiming the Championship MVP for her brace in the 2018 final.
“We have focused heavily on ensuring that we are competitive in our inaugural season in the A-League Women competition, and securing Jess McDonald certainly helps that,” Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato said.
“Her qualities and presence up front as well as her experience and leadership over a lengthy career at the highest level will be invaluable to our squad, not only in this inaugural season, but going forward as a result of the impact she will create in the West.”
McDonald returns to the A-League after a stint with Melbourne Victory during the 2012/2013 season where she previously worked with United Head Coach Mark Torcaso.
“Jess is a phenomenal player and this is such a fantastic signing,” Torcaso said. “I’m so thankful for all of the work the Club has put in to secure her signature.
“Her records and achievements speak for themselves, she’s achieved the highest highs in the game and will bring that confidence and experience to the changeroom and to the pitch. With our previous relationship at Victory, it’s an easy fit for us both. Our fans are going to be amazed when they see her in action and I can’t wait to see the buzz that she will create while she’s here.”
McDonald will arrive in Melbourne at the beginning of November and will be ready to go for Western United’s blockbuster Round One clash against Melbourne Victory on Saturday November 19th.
Melbourne City have announced the signing of 16-year-old Young Matildas midfielder Daniela Galic ahead of the upcoming A-League Women’s season,
Widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Australian football, Galic recently was a standout performer for the Young Matildas in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Despite being a few years younger than her teammates, she started all three matches and was awarded the Player of the Match award in the group game against Costa Rica.
An attacking midfielder who has been labelled by Matildas legend Grace Gill as the ‘future of Australian football’, Galic joins City for what will be her first season as professional.
Head Coach Rado Vidosic said he was delighted to have Galic as part of his squad this season.
“Daniela is a player we’ve rated very highly for a while now so we’re very excited to be able to bring her into the club this season,” Vidosic said.
“She has a very bright future ahead of her and now being part of a professional environment every day, we’re excited to see her continue to grow and develop as a player and person.”
Galic spoke of her excitement at the opportunity ahead with City and in her first season as a professional.
“Melbourne City has a great winning mentality and I know the coaches and club can really help me develop my football,” Galic said.
“I’m hoping to get as many minutes on the park as possible and l look forward to playing in a good team where I can continue to develop and improve my game alongside a great bunch of girls.”
Current 2022/23 City ALW Squad: Melissa BARBIERI, Chelsea BLISSETT, Emma CHECKER, Naomi CHINNAMA, Leah DAVIDSON, Daniela GALIC, Julia GROSSO, Bryleeh HENRY, Sally JAMES, Caitlin KARIC, Darcey MALONE, Leticia McKENNA, Holly McNAMARA*, Rhianna POLLICINA, Karly ROESTBAKKEN, Kaitlyn TORPEY, Tori TUMETH*, Hannah WILKINSON.
*Currently sidelined due to ACL injuries.
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