Joe Spallina was announced as the California Redwoods’ general manager March 11, and he finally has the first two signings under his belt. On March 17, the league announced the Redwoods had signed midfielder Aidan Danenza and attackman Vince D’Alto to contracts through the 2026 season.

“Both players had super productive college careers,” said Spallina, who has known both Long Island natives for years.

D’Alto played at Boston University, where he holds several program records including career goals (167), career points (280), goals in a game (seven) and points in a game (14). He also earned a number of accolades with the Terriers; he was a two-time USILA Honorable Mention All-American, a four-time All-Patriot League selection (three First Team honors and one Second Team) and a four-time First-Team All-New England selection.

He has the opportunity to be only the second alumnus of Boston University to play in the PLL, the first being Reece Eddy.

“Vince is a super athletic, angry dodger that gives us great versatility, can run on the midfield, invert behind the cage or play attack,” Spallina said.

Danenza was a captain at Duke in 2024. He improved his point total every year while playing for the Blue Devils, culminating in a career-high 34 points (21G, 13A) in 2024 to go along with 14 ground balls and four caused turnovers, both of which were also personal bests for a single-season. He had four points (2G, 2A) in the team’s NCAA Tournament First Round victory over Utah. He finished second among midfielders at Duke in points for the 2024 season. 

Spallina coached Danenza on Team 91 Long Island when he was only 6 years old.

“Aiden is a great two-way mid,” he said, “and someone that can fill multiple roles.”

The Redwoods have been one of the more active teams in the player movement period as the team tries to improve an offense that finished seventh in scores during the 2024 season. 

Before picking up D’Alto and Danenza, California added attackman Jackson Morrill and midfielders Ryan Aughavin and Ronan Jacoby through player movement. The team also has the second and 10th picks in the 2025 College Draft, which PLL beat writer Adam Lamberti predicts will be used on offensive talent.

Still, Spallina said he couldn’t believe the talent that was available in the player pool, and he’s excited to see what Danenza and D’Alto do in training camp.