Matildas star joins Galaxy

MATILDAS star Laura Alleway, pictured, made a telling contribution on her Galaxy United debut, finding the net in a thrilling 3-2 win over WNPL leader Bayside United on Saturday.

Alleway, capped 55 times for Australia, was a shock name on the team sheet before kick-off having only signed with the Torquaybased club late last week.

And she made an instant impact, scoring Galaxy’s first goal with her head in the 53rd minute to cancel out Connie Lewis’s 19th minute opener.

Late screamers from outside the box by twins Adriana (85th minute) and Mel Taranto (92nd) secured a stunning come-from-behind win.

Coach Kat Smith said Alleway would be managed through the WNPL season with an eye for her to be ready for the W-League and 2019 World Cup.

The Australian central defender will play as a defensive midfielder for Galaxy when available this season.

“It’s new for her. We are looking to challenge her in different circumstances to help her prepare for WLeague come the end of the year,” Smith said.

“Her priority and my priority for her — wearing two hats here — is an opportunity to put her in an environment that prepares her for WLeague given she doesn’t have an overseas contract.

“She has a magnificent understanding of the game and has all the attributes. It’s about her conditioning and fitness between now and June/July.”

Bayside was without starting goalkeeper Melissa Maizels in the second half and Galaxy started shooting from range to test young keeper Celia Kelsall as it searched for an equaliser and winner. Enter the Tarantos. “We are waiting on the video to see which one was better,” Smith said.

“They had a rookie in there (at goalkeeper), an under-19 player learning the ropes and the message was to not be afraid to shoot and test her. We know what the wind is like in Torquay and we had the wind in that half.”

The win came at a cost, however, with Aneta Komijat stretchered off with a serious ankle injury.