Tara Murray
Western United coach Mark Torcaso wants his playing group to continue to keep a level head as they get into the second half of the A-League Women’s season.
Having exceeded all expectations in their debut season with nine wins from their first 10 matches, there’s plenty of excitement surrounding United.
Torcaso wasn’t keen to set expectations heading into the season. He said the start they’ve had has been pretty incredible and he’s not setting any limits on what they can achieve.
“It’s been pretty amazing to be honest,” he said. “I’m very proud of how fantastic the girls have been.
“The whole squad and their application. The results are starting at training, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves.
“We take each game and each week as it comes, it’s been so enjoyable.”
While many people have been surprised how a large amount of the group had stepped up from the National Premier League Women’s competition, Torcaso is not one of them.
Having coached a bulk of the group at Calder United, where they won several trophies, Torcaso expected good things from them.
“Those Calder girls who have come through with me, it has been amazing,” he said. “It’s an unbelievable feeling that these women each week keep going.
“They’ve exceeded my expectations. I knew they would adapt to it and they stuck with and were patient, whether they’ve played five minutes or almost every game.
“They’re good enough to play in this league.”
Many of the players have spoken about the Calder United culture and the impact that has brought to the group.
All the players are buying and the results are showing. On field, Hannah Keane has been the star, leading the golden boot award for the highest goal scorer.
Having been cut by Melbourne City at the last minute a few years ago, she’s been keen to make her mark.
“I knew Hannah had this quality,” Torcaso said. “I was surprised no one had picked her up and I had followed her progress since she was last in Australia.
“I kept track of her and said if I ever get to an A-League club, I would contact her as I wanted her to play for me.
“She has so much more to give, the surprises are still to come.”
United’s early success has seen the club continue to attract good players in the midseason transfer window,
Alana Beard, another to play under Torcaso at Calder, joined the club bringing plenty of experience, as did Danielle Steer, who was playing overseas.
Having lost Jessica McDonald back to America with her stint over, the arrivals came at the perfect time.
Torcaso said the pair would be important in the run home.
Another player Torcaso is hoping will play a big role in the run home is Matildas star Chloe Logarzo.
“Chloe has a bit of a foot niggle so she had to pull out of the Matildas camp. Hopefully she can continue her progress so she can be available for the world cup.
“Hopefully we’ll see her back on the field in the next few weeks.”
As for the second half of the season, nothing changes for Torcaso and the playing group despite being the hunted.
United was set to face Perth Glory on Saturday, after deadline.
“We want to keep level headed, keep challenging, keep on being a nuisance to the opposition side,” he said.
“I keep telling them to be annoying and focus on each week and each game.”
