A strong Bundoora United contingent will make up Calder United in 2016 as Jess Pitts, Rachel Alonso and Jess Au all sign on with the club for their inaugural WNPL Victoria season.
Spearheaded by former Bundy coach Mark Torcaso, United have taken the approach of recruiting a group that has had experience working together, and will be hoping those connections yield results come the start of the season.
21-year-old Alonso has been a mainstay of the Bundoora United side since 2010 and has had experience in the Australian top-flight with both Melbourne Victory and last year Adelaide United.
Her decision to move to Calder was largely influenced by the close network of friends who had already joined the club.
“Moving to Calder United SC was a no-brainer. The club has shown a very positive vision going into the first year of WNPL and being a part of a new team is very exciting,” Alonso said.
“Mark Torcaso and good friend Enza Barilla had a big influence on my decision as they have been a massive part of my footballing career.”
She’s agile and crafty on the wing and will provide an attacking spark in the forward third alongside teammate fellow signing Jess Au.
The former South Melbourne winger joined Bundoora at the beginning of the 2015 WPL season, having spent a season in the Melbourne Victory set-up without making an appearance.
Hampered by a head injury early into her stint with Bundy, Au will be looking for a return to her 2014 form, which saw her grab nine goals and countless assists off the wing for South.
Proximity was a factor in Au’s decision to move to Calder.
‘I decided to move to Calder United SC because it’s the closest club to me in the WNPL. After a few training sessions I really enjoyed it, especially their great training facilities,” Au said.
“I look forward to working with Calder United and can’t wait to be playing in a great team atmosphere surrounded by quality players and coaches. I’m looking forward to the exciting challenges that the new season brings.”
The versatile Pitts – current Melbourne Victory squad member – will link up with Calder United at the conclusion of the W-League season and also admitted that the Bundoora connection played a large factor in her move.
‘The move was primarily due to Mark Torcaso’s appointment as coach of Calder. Mark is a fantastic coach and with the ex-Bundoora connection, I [wanted] to stay with that group of girls.
“I really enjoyed last season at Bundoora and I want the connection to continue.”
The robust central midfielder has enjoyed spells at both centre-back and left-back for the Victory, but is best suited to a holding role through the middle, where she showed her immense ability for Bundoora after graduating from the Senior NTC.
The trio will join former Bundoora teammate and skipper Enza Barilla, as well as Melbourne Victory midfielder Cindy Lay at the club for next season.
