June 6, 2006 - W Soccer Signs Eight
June 6, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Women’s Soccer Recruits 2006
LAWRENCEVILLE--Rider University women’s soccer head coach Kevin Long has announced the 2006 signing class. Eight newcomers will suit up in Cranberry and White for the 2006 season. The 2006 class includes five local players from New Jersey, one from Coach Long’s home state of Virginia and two from Pennsylvania.
Defender Leslie Amster of Somerville (Jersey Knights X-Treme), defender Stacy Belgiovene of Toms River (Match Fit Academy), defender Meghan Brett of Mercerville (Nottingham), defender/midfielder Alison Brody of Alexandria, Va. (LMVSA Patriots), defender Shanel Fredericks of Voorhees (Mt. Laurel Strikers), midfielder Tara Morris of Philadelphia, PA (FC Coppa), defender Kate Murphy of Holland, PA (FC Bucks), and midfielder Natalie Sica of Marlton (Match Fit Academy) have committed to Rider.
“I am very excited about this year’s recruiting class,” said Long, who has compiled 26 wins in his three seasons at Rider. “We feel these players will help us complete the rebuilding process and look forward to watching them develop over the next several years.”
Amster spent a year off of soccer while attending the Raritan Valley Community College. Amster was a top recruit as a graduating senior at Somerville High School, where she was named a 2005 NSCAA All-American and was the four-time team MVP. “Leslie will be competing for playing time in the defense,” said Long. “Leslie brings great pace, excellent vision, and a work rate that will be contagious.”
Belgiovene played for the North American Super Y Champion club team and earned notice as a defender both for her Match Fit team and in High School where she was a first team Class A South selection and was named to the All-County Team. “I am hoping that Stacy can firm up the middle of the field for us,” said Long. “She is a tough tackler and hard to beat in the air.”
A distinguished scholar and team MVP at Nottingham, Brett was named first team All-CVC as a senior. A recent world traveler through the People to People Student Ambassador program, Brett, too, will be shoring up the defense for the Broncs. “Meghan will bring her quick step to the ball and composure along with a competitiveness that transcends into everything she touches,” said Long.
Brody was captain of her West Potomac High School team and received district honors. “Alison is a crafty ball handler with good vision, and makes every player around her that much better,” said Long.
Fredericks comes from the Group IV State Champion Eastern Regional High School team where she anchored the defense for four years. “We will look for Shanel to attack out of the back, if not with pinpoint accurate passing, then with her ability to carry the ball forward,” said Long.
Morris was a standout player for Saint Hubert’s High School. “Tara is what I call a true goal scorer,” said Long. “Her work rate puts her in good positions to be able to score, and she has the ability to finish those many chances.”
Murphy was a two-year captain for the PIAA perennial power, Council Rock South. “Kate has a rich background as a flank midfielder and defender,” said Long. “One of the hardest players I have seen. She is physical, fast, and fearless. I am eager to see her make an impression either in the back, or in midfield.”
Sica joins teammate Belgiovene from Match Fit Academy. Sica was a four-year MVP for Holy Cross High School. “Natalie has played just about every position on the field in her club and high school career,” said Long. “Nat is very versatile, she can play anywhere. Her pace and touch on the ball make her a threat anywhere on the field.”
The Broncs start their 2006 campaign August 25 against Towson University. “We are looking to benefit from the tough road we traveled last year,” said Long. “So many players had to step up for us and perform under pressure. That experience, coupled with this 2006 recruiting class will most certainly help us reach the success we have come to expect here at Rider.”
Long led the Broncs to the 2004 MAAC Championship game after a Rider-record 12-win season.
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