Former Bulleen Lions and Boroondara Eagles utility Jess Tay has elected Galaxy United as her playing home for 2016, citing work commitments as the reason for her choice.
Having turned out for Melbourne United earlier in the pre-season, as well as reportedly mulling over interest from Box Hill United, Tay eventually elected to ply her trade with the regional outfit, which fits best with her work commitments in Geelong.
The smaller commute was a major factor in Tay winding up at Galaxy United, after winning a minor premiership with Boroondara Eagles, the team she played with in the back end of 2015.
“Last year was quite a difficult year for me as I was working full-time in Geelong and playing soccer on the other side of the city,” she told Galaxy United.
“The introduction of Galaxy this year has provided a fantastic opportunity to balance my work and soccer commitments whilst continuing to play at the highest level.
“I’m looking forward to working with Vince [Ierardo] and the girls in what I hope is a very successful season”
Coach Vince Ierardo was equally as chuffed to have secured the services of the versatile player, who is equally adept at centre-half or in a defensive midfield role.
“Jess approached us and mentioned her work situation which has made being part of Galaxy a possibility,” Ierardo said.
“We are delighted to have landed Jess who brings leadership and WPL experience to the team. She is versatile [and] can play in defence or midfield.”
Tay began her WPL with the Bulleen Lions, where she spent two full seasons with the club under Bobby McGuinness before eventually making the move to the 2015 Minor Premiers.
She made 21 appearances, scoring five goals as the Lions found their feet in the back end of the 2013 WPL season, then going on to make 11 appearances (two goals) for the Lions’ highly successful 2014 campaign, which saw them take out the Team App Cup as well as a second place finish in the league.
The Lioness made a mid-season move to Boroondara Eagles, where she flourished in defence for Shaun Ontong’s charges, winning the Cup but falling narrowly short in the Grand Final against South Melbourne.
Former Eagles teammate Sky Jensen – the pair joining to make a formidable defensive pairing – is already at the club as one of 15 senior players named by Ierardo to date.
Feature Image: Graeme Furlong