Veronica Latsko has made an impressive start to her Westfield W-League career after moving to Adelaide United on loan from the United States.
Like her compatriot in Amber Brooks, Latsko joined the Reds from National Women’s Soccer League outfit, Houston Dash, and has made a seamless transition.
A successful college career with the Virginia Cavaliers saw her drafted by Dash earlier this year.
And in her first season the winger scored four goals in 21 matches.
The 22-year-old revealed she was quickly convinced by Head Coach, Ivan Karlović when contacted about the possibility of playing in Australia.
“I talked to Ivan (Karlović) and the way he described the team was exactly something I was looking for,” Latsko said.
“He said that he really emphasises on hard work and just working as a unit, as a team to reach a final goal.
“And I was like absolutely, I want to play for a coach and a team that cares about hard-working players and has that at the forefront of their thoughts.”
She revealed Brooks agreeing to sign also contributed in her decision as well as talking to a number of former Reds imports.
“Amber signing here and Sofia (Huerta) hyping it up a lot,” she said.
“And I also played with Danny Colaprico and Makenzy Doniak so I talked to them and they loved their experience here.
“And they were like, ‘V you’ve to do it, you’ve to go, you’ll absolutely love it’, and they weren’t wrong.”
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Latsko’s ability to adapt swiftly in her new surroundings has to date paid massive dividends as well, indicative of her positive attitude and welcoming teammates.
She scored the decisive goal that handed United a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar on Sunday thanks to her composure in front of goal.
A slick attacking move involving Dylan Holmes and Michelle Heyman, ended in the former unlocking the Roar’s defence with an incisive through ball for the American to run on to and dink her finish over the ‘keeper.
“I mean the girls have been amazing from day one,” she revealed.
“They were so welcoming and so kind and they made the transition into this team so easy.
“But I feel incredibly welcomed and I think that the transition is incredibly smooth.”
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Latsko is hoping to win while simultaneously continue to develop and improve her game.
She is confident that those two goals can co-exist.
“I’m hoping that the two can coincide so that I can develop my game and my technical ability, and my ability to make decisions on the field when I’m under pressure,” she continued.
“And have that lead to actual results but I don’t think the two are mutually exclusive.
“I think the environment that we’ve here is conducive to my development and the girls here are always so excited to do extra stuff.
“And I love it. I love being able to get more touches on the ball before or after training and there’s always a group of girls that are excited to do that and that’s awesome.
“That’s something you don’t see everywhere so it’s exciting.”
Adelaide United host Canberra United in Round 4 of the Westfield W-League 2018/19 season on Thursday, 22 November at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT. Gates open at 6.00pm. Enter via Holden Street.
