Victory W-League pair Cindy Lay and Enza Barilla have both secured their WNPL futures, signing with Calder United – formerly Keilor United – for the 2016 season.
The club have made a real statement of intent with the signatures of the high-profile duo, who’ll add tenacity to the midfield for their new side.
Calder United coach Mark Torcaso is confident the talented pair will not only deliver on the pitch, but also off it in, in helping the progression of some of his younger fledglings.
“These two signing will help the club establish itself in the new league,” Torcaso said.
“Both have a wealth of experience and I’m not only confident they’ll deliver, but more importantly the positive affect it will have on developing players across Calder United.
“These two signings are the first of a few that will help Calder United SC and the Western Suburbs to new heights in women’s football.”
Timorese-born Lay – 21 – had a standout season for FC Bulleen Lions, where her creativity in the centre of the park played a large role in the club’s stellar goal scoring record in 2015.
She added 12 goals and earned plaudits for a number of outstanding performances pulling the strings for the club she’s been with since 2014, having come through the ranks of the NTC program after beginning her career as a Sunshine George Cross junior.
Lay has also been in the Melbourne Victory set-up since 2012, where she spent two consecutive seasons with the club as a teenager, before being drafted back into the club this season on a short-term contract.
She admitted proximity was a large factor in her decision to move, and was highly-complimentary to former club Bulleen with her departing words.
“The location of Calder has influenced my decision to move as it’s closer to home and would be more convenient for me with managing University and work commitments,” Lay said.
“I’m looking forward to the WNPL season at an exciting new club. It was a very hard decision for me to leave Bulleen, a club that has treated myself and all the players so well, but I’m ready for my next challenge with some talented girls at the new Calder United.”
Barilla makes the short trip from Bundoora United, following her long-time coach Torcaso, having spent seven years at Hillsview Reserve after also graduated from the NTC herself.
One of the premier midfielders in the competition, Barilla’s known for her attacking brilliance, but her defensive work is often understated as she tirelessly works around the pitch to win possession.
A veteran of over 50 games for the Victory, the versatile 24-year-old will be hoping to replicate her form with her new side.
“Calder United SC have provided me with a new and exciting journey,” she said.
“I am looking forward to working with this new team, coaches and the club and can’t wait until the season begins in 2016”