Whichever way you look at it, Western United’s Liberty A-League Women introduction has captured the attention of pundits and fans, far and wide.
Western cannot be stopped in 2022-23. The new girls on the block upstaged high-flying Melbourne City 3-1 in their top-of-the-table blockbuster at AAMI Park on Saturday.
A Chloe Logarzo double, including her stunning long-range strike, preserved Western’s 100% record while ruining City’s perfect record through five rounds.
It’s been a Cinderalla story for Western, who have beaten three of the four finalists from last season – City, Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United.
Speaking on Dub Zone, commentator Teo Pellizzeri said: “It’s incredible to think they’ve won every game so far.
“It’s a long season but they look like a team of destiny at the moment.”
Former A-League Women head coach Catherine Cannuli added: “Everything they touch turns to gold. Everything is just falling for them.
“It’s fantastic.”
What is Western’s secret?
Western are a train gathering more and more steam in the Liberty A-League.
They have the likes of Logarzo and FIFA Women’s World Cup-winning striker Jess McDonald in their squad, but Western’s roster is built around links with Calder United.
Their head coach Mark Torcaso was in charge of NPLW VIC champions Calder, who share a partnership with Western. Players such as Alana Cerne, Aleks Sinclair, Adrianna and Melissa Taranto and Stacey Papadopoulos have been involved with Calder.
Papadopoulos did not play on Saturday due to concussion but she discussed what is behind Western’s red-hot start to 2022-23.
“Calder have built a really good program over the years. A lot of us have come from Calder,” she told Dub Zone.
We’ve built a lot of chemistry and a winning mentality. We’ve just brought that straight across to Western.
“With the additions of the internationals and interstaters, it’s added more to it.”