Bruins Win In Final Minute

Twenty minutes after he made a key play to prevent a goal, freshman midfielder Aaron Lopez put one in the opponent's net with 1:04 remaining, sending No. 7 UCLA to its fourth NCAA championship 1-0 over ninth-ranked Stanford in the Men's College Cup before 8,498 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dalla.

By capturing the meeting of Pac-10 rivals, the Bruins (18-3-3) added the 2002 crown to national titles in 1985, 1990 and 1997 in the school's 11th Final Four appearance. Stanford (18-5-2) was also runnerup in 1998, losing 3-1 to Indiana in the final.

UCLA defeated the Cardinal three times in 2002, all by 1-0 counts, to bring the Bruins advantage in the all-time series to 28-2-4. The two regular-season matches were also decided late with senior midfielder Jimmy Frazelle netting the winner in overtime at home on October 20 and junior forward Cliff McKinley scoring the only goal in the 77th minute of a November 10 road match.

With overtime seeming imminent, UCLA junior midfielder Ty Maurin gathered steam carrying down the left flank before he was leveled by Cardinal senior defender Todd Dunivant 25 yards from the end line. After Maurin was allowed to clear his head, senior midfielder Ryan Futagaki curled his free kick to just short of the penalty spot.

Lopez, running to meet the ball, got inside position on defender Seyi Bolaji, leaping to meet the ball in the air with his left foot. The awkward-looking volley from 12 yards out, bent across the face of the goal and tucked into the right corner, well beyond the outstretched hands of sophomore goalkeeper Robby Fulton.

"I just made my run and the ball was there," Lopez said of his fourth goal of his first collegiate campaign. "Luckily, I got my foot on it and it went in."

Futagaki added, "In our set pieces, our main objective is not to hit it high, because they are so dominant in the air. I tried to play it waist high and fortunately Aaron was there."

Scoring opportunities were scarce throughout the day, but in the 69th minute, Stanford reserve sophomore midfielder Seyi Abolaji carried deep into the left corner before sending a long cross past the far post. Cardinal sophomore striker Matt Janusz bounced a header to about eight yards from the center of the net. Senior forward Roger Levesque pivoted to volley a shot home, but Lopez was a split-second quicker, jumping in and poking the ball away with his right foot to keep the match scoreless.

"I'm very pleased with the way our team played today," Stanford coach Bret Simon said. "They played like champions. As been in games against UCLA this year, we had chances to win that disappeared in a blink of the eye.

""I think both teams played conservatively. In the second half, they put more defensive players on the field and kept us bottled up. Their defenders didn't give any ground and they were a tough group to penetrate. Even though they bent today, they never broke. That is to their credit"

Each team managed only five shots as both sides played with increasing tentativeness as the match wore on. Three Stanford shots were on net to two for the Bruins.

"Every time we played (Stanford) this year, they have been a very organized team," said UCLA junior keeper Zach Wells "We have three brilliant marking backs. Stanford has four very good backs as well. They didn't make many defensive mistakes and neither did we."

Senior midfieder Jimmy Frazelle saved the Bruins an early deficit in the seventh minute. Cardinal senior midfielder Johanes Maliza placed his left-side corner kick right on the head of senior midfielder Taylor Graham who targeted his shot for the far corner of the net. Frazelle was hugging the post and knocked the shot down with his

"It was not the prettiest game these guys have ever played, but I told them, if it's going to be ugly, we need to win" UCLA coach Tom Fitzgerald said. "It was just a great gutsy performance by a great group of guys. . . I think fatigue was a factor with both teams. I know these guys are very fit. It only takes one little mistake and the whole game will change."

Nine minutes later, Futagaki ran onto a soft touch from sophomore midfielder Mike Enfield five yards above the top right of the box and blasted a left-footer off the left post.

Fitzgerald gained a measure of redemption after being fired by Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew in May 2001. "It's kind of surreal. You never think (a championship) can happen, but there's the trophy sitting there, so I guess it did," said Fitzgerald who led Tampa to a NCAA Division II title. "It's an incredible experience to win a championship. You never know what's going to happen in life. I got fired (from Columbus) and didn't know if I was going to coach again. But (it) changed my life. I'm happy to be here and plan on being around a long time."

(www.soccertimes.com)

Top of Page

Wagner, Eskandarian Win MAC's Hermann Trophy

ST. LOUIS, MO. - (December 12, 2002) - Senior midfielder Aly Wagner of Santa Clara University and junior forward Alecko Eskandarian of the University of Virginia are the winners of the 2002 Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy, presented to the top male and female players in NCAA Division I soccer. The winners were decided by a vote of current National Soccer Coaches Association of America members at the NCAA Division I level.

This year's honorees have the distinction of being the first to receive the newly-unified award. This summer's announcement of the unification of the M.A.C. Award and Hermann Trophy completed the merging of NCAA Division I soccer's three top honors. In 1999, the M.A.C. and NSCAA came together to create a single award recognizing the top Division I players.

Wagner won the award convincingly. Christie Welsh of Penn State, winner of the 2001 Hermann Trophy and the Missouri Athletic Club Player of the Year award, was the runner-up, followed by Catherine Reddick of North Carolina and Christine Sinclair of Portland.

Wagner, a senior midfielder from San Jose, Calif., helped lead the Broncos to last Sunday's 2002 College Cup title match, where they lost in overtime to Portland 2-1. She missed seven games with SCU this season while helping the U.S. Women's National Team to the Gold Cup title and a berth in next year's Women's World Cup in China. Wagner's rise to college soccer's top honor has not been a meteoric one. She has battled through several injuries throughout her career and persevered.

Wagner is the second player from Santa Clara to win Player of the Year honors. Mandy Clemens captured the Hermann Trophy and M.A.C. award in 1999. Wagner was a finalist for both the M.A.C. and Hermann Awards in 2000 and 2001.

Last season, Wagner helped lead Santa Clara to their first national championship. She scored the lone goal in the title match to give the Broncos a 1-0 victory over North Carolina.

In addition to her accomplishments on the field, Wagner has excelled in the classroom where she carries a 3.44 GPA in combined sciences. She recently was named to the Verizon Academic All-District team as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Eskandarian edged Pat Noonan of Indiana by four points to win the men's award. Noonan was also runner-up for the M.A.C. award in 2001. Finishing third in the balloting was Diego Walsh of Southern Methodist University and fourth was Mike Tranchilla of Creighton.

Eskandarian, a junior midfielder from Montvale, N.J., established himself as the most prolific goal scorer in the storied soccer history of the University of Virginia. In 2002, he scored a school-record 25 goals in 20 games. His 25th goal came in the second round of the NCAA tournament against William and Mary. The season ended for the Cavaliers that day with a heart-breaking loss on penalty kicks.

Eskandarian has posted 113 career points, sixth best all-time at Virginia. He has scored 50 goals, placing him fourth all-time at UVA. His 16 game-wining goals, rank him third on the Cavaliers career list.

Eskandarian becomes the fifth player from the University of Virginia to be recognized as college soccer's Player of the Year. He joins John Harkes, Tony Meola, Claudio Reyna and Mike Fisher as Cavaliers who have been honored by the M.A.C.

Wagner and Eskandarian will be honored at a dinner Friday, Jan. 10, 2003, at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis. Bruce Arena, head coach of the U.S. men's soccer team and former Virginia coach, will be the featured speaker at the dinner. The winners also will be recognized as part of the NSCAA All-America Luncheon, to be held Saturday, Jan. 18, as part of the 2003 NSCAA Convention in Kansas City, Mo.

All-Time Hermann Trophy Award Winners
MEN Year: Player, College
1967: Dov Markus, Long Island University
1968: Manuel Hernandez, San Jose State
1969: Al Trost, Saint Louis University
1970: Al Trost, Saint Louis University
1971: Mike Seerey, Saint Louis University
1972: Mike Seerey, Saint Louis University
1973: Dan Counce, Saint Louis University
1974: Farrukh Quraishi, Oneonta State University
1975: Steve Ralbovsky, Brown University
1976: Glenn Myernick, Hartwick College
1977: Billy Gazonas, Hartwick College
1978: Angelo DiBernardo, Indiana University
1979: Jim Stamatis, Penn State University
1980: Joe Morrone, Jr., University of Connecticut
1981: Armando Betancourt, Indiana University
1982: Joe Ulrich, Duke University
1983: Mike Jeffries, Duke University
1984: Amr Aly, Columbia University
1985: Tom Kain, Duke University
1986: John Kerr, Duke University
1987: Bruce Murray, Clemson University
1988: Ken Snow, Indiana University
1989: Tony Meola, University of Virginia
1990: Ken Snow, Indiana University
1991: Alexi Lalas, Rutgers University
1992: Brad Friedel, UCLA
1993: Claudio Reyna, University of Virginia
1994: Brian Maisonneuve, Indiana University
1995: Mike Fisher, University of Virginia
1996: Mike Fisher, University of Virginia
1997: Johnny Torres, Creighton University
1998: Wojtek Krakowiak, Clemson University
1999: Ali Curtis, Duke University
2000: Chris Gbandi, University of Connecticut
2001: Luchi Gonzalez, Southern Methodist University

WOMEN Year: Player, College
1988: Michelle Akers, University of Central Florida
1989: Shannon Higgins, University of North Carolina
1990: April Kater, University of Massachusetts
1991: Kristine Lilly, University of North Carolina
1992: Mia Hamm, University of North Carolina
1993: Mia Hamm, University of North Carolina
1994: Tisha Venturini, University of North Carolina
1995: Shannon MacMillan, Portland University
1996: Cindy Daws, University of Notre Dame
1997: Cindy Parlow, University of North Carolina
1998: Cindy Parlow, University of North Carolina
1999: Mandy Clemens, Santa Clara University
2000: Anne Makinen, University of Notre Dame
2001: Christie Welsh, Penn State University

All-Time Missouri Athletic Club Award Winners
MEN Year: Player, College
1986: John Kerr, Jr., Duke University
1987: John Harkes, University of Virginia
1988: Ken Snow, Indiana University
1989: Tony Meola, University of Virginia
1990: Ken Snow, Indiana University
1991: Alexi Lalas, Rutgers University
1992: Claudio Reyna, University of Virginia
1993: Claudio Reyna, University of Virginia
1994: Todd Yeagley, Indiana University
1995: Matt McKeon, Saint Louis University
1996: Mike Fisher, University of Virginia
1997: Johnny Torres, Creighton University
1998: Jay Heaps, Duke University
1999: Sasha Victorine, UCLA
2000: Ali Curtis, Duke University
2001: Luchi Gonzalez, Southern Methodist University

WOMEN Year: Player, College
1991: Kristine Lilly, University of North Carolina
1992: Mia Hamm, University of North Carolina
1993: Mia Hamm, University of North Carolina
1994: Tisha Venturini, University of North Carolina
1995: Shannon MacMillan, University of Portland
1996: Cindy Daws, University of Notre Dame
1997: Cindy Parlow, University of North Carolina
1998: Cindy Parlow, University of North Carolina
1999: Mandy Clemens, Santa Clara University
2000: Anne Makinen, University of Notre Dame
2001: Christie Welsh, Penn State University

All-Time NSCAA Division I Players of the Year
(Note: The M.A.C. and NSCAA merged their awards in 1999.)

MEN Year: Player, College
1996: Mike Fisher, University of Virginia
1997: Daniel Hernandez, Southern Methodist University
1998: Dema Kovalenko, Indiana University

WOMEN Year: Player, College
1996: Jennifer Renola, University of Notre Dame
1997: Sarah Whalen, University of Connecticut
1998: Danielle Fotopoulos, University of Florida

Top of Page

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS UNIVERSITY
2002 NCAA DIVISION II WOMEN'S SOCCER CHAMPIONS

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA-It motivated them every waking moment for the past year. Coming so close a year ago when CBU lost in the final game, but yet not achieving the ultimate goal.

The Christian Brothers University Women's Soccer team need wait no more. At the 2002 NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championships at the Sportsplex in Virginia Beach, VA, the Lady Buccaneers brought home the Gold to Memphis, TN with a 2-1 win over the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

The Bucs (25-1) opened the scoring at 42:42, on a play that Buccaneer fans have seen time and time again. Senior All-American forward Margaret Saurin (Dublin, Ireland), on a corner kick, crossed the ball into the box. 2001 Player-of-the-year Missy Gregg (Centerville, OH) leapt into the air, and with her patented header, knocked it home past UNO keeper Amy Price.

UNO would tie the match in the 25th minute. Senior forward Stephanie Kruse, got behind the defense and found the back of the net.

UNO got the better of the play the rest of the way in the first half, but CBU held on to keep it at 1-1 at half.
Christian Brothers Head Coach Gareth O'Sullivan made a couple of adjustments at half-time and the Lady Bucs came out flying. In the 66th minute, Gregg, with defenders on her, found junior midfielder Anna Rask (Hallstahammer, Sweden) who's blast was true. The goal sent the CBU fans into pandemonium, and propelled the Lady Bucs to CBU's first-ever national title.

The loss was the first (22-1) for Nebraska-Omaha.

The Bucs reached the championship game with a a hard fought, defensive battle in the semifinals. Christian Brothers University defeated Metropolitan State College 1-0 in overtime, to reach the title game for the second consecutive year.

The teams battled the cold, and each other to a scoreless 90 minutes, but at 2:15 of OT, Rask (Hallstahammer, Sweden) hit All-American Saurin (Dublin, Ireland) who finally found the back of the net.

While a team win, two CBU players were honored in post-game activities. Senior defender Kanae Haneishi (Tokyo, Japan), an unsung hero the entire season, was recognized as the Defensive-Player-of-the-Tournament.

Gregg, who has battled back from a torn ACL and partially torn PCL, was named the tournament's outstanding Offensive Player. A fitting end to a collegiate career that saw Gregg smash nearly every scoring mark the NCAA had to offer.

Joining Haneishi and Gregg on the All-Tournament team where Margaret Saurin, Sofia Rask, Tina Froberg, and Arna Heimlund.

Side note: Christian Brothers University President, Brother Stan Sobczyk, is a native of Omaha, Nebraska!

Top of Page

Champions at last

12/09/02
JOHN NOLEN
AUSTIN, Texas -- The Pilots won it for Clive.

"Yeah, definitely," senior Erin Misaki said. "But whether he was sick or not, he's worked so hard at something he created, he deserved a national championship."

Clive Charles -- in an intense battle against prostate cancer for the past 11 months -- got his first national soccer championship Sunday in front of 10,027 at Myers Stadium and a national television audience.

A big pile, with Christine Sinclair at the bottom after she scored the winning goal, told the story as the eighth-seeded Pilots celebrated a 2-1 sudden death overtime win over defending champion and sixth-seeded Santa Clara in an all-West Coast Conference final.

"I was breathless," Charles said as he watched the celebration. "It was just a blur from there."

From there, the Pilots joyously received their first NCAA Women's College Cup championship trophy.

Charles, who took over the Portland women's soccer program in 1989, this season continued to coach the men's and women's teams despite weekly chemotherapy that keeps his cancer under control.

"Now, it's like a 10-ton weight has been lifted off me," he said.

Portland (20-4-2) played so well during the tournament, it was as if there were divine guidance at work, goalkeeper Lauren Arase said after Friday's 2-0 semifinal win over Penn State.

Sunday, the Pilots played Santa Clara off the field in the first half, outshot the Broncos 24-16 for the game and won on two goals by Sinclair, who was voted the tournament's most valuable offensive player. The Pilots were the lowest seed to win the title in the tournament's 21-year history. But they were determined nothing would stop them.

"It was meant to be," defender Kristen Moore said.

It was Moore who stole the ball and set up Sinclair's game-winner 31/2 minutes into the second 10-minute overtime. Moore and fellow outside back Kristen Rogers had not been as effective in the final four at pushing the ball forward as they were earlier in the playoffs.

Before lofting a cross from the left side, "I was thinking, 'It needs to get in there because (Sinclair) is there, and she will finish it,' " Moore said.

Sure enough, Sinclair got a piece of the cross, and the ball deflected off Broncos goalkeeper Alyssa Sobolik and bounced off the right post -- directly back to Sinclair. She tapped the ball off the goal line and into the net.
And the celebration began. It was the sophomore forward's second goal of the game, her NCAA-record 10th of this year's tournament, and her 26th this season, tying her with Marilyn Marin of North Texas for the Division I lead.

"We certainly got the ball to the right person," Charles said.

Sinclair laughed and said, "It was probably not the prettiest goal ever. But they all count."

Especially this one.

Sinclair's first goal was spectacular, and it erased a 1-0 Santa Clara lead in the 61st minute.

"We desperately needed a goal," she said, recalling her shot from outside the left edge of the 18-yard box that bounced, rolled to the far post and ricocheted into the goal.
Did she intend to shoot from there, she was asked.

"It went in the net, didn't it?" she said, laughing.

Sobolik said she thought a defender would get a piece of the ball, then she thought the shot would go wide.

Sinclair "did an awesome job," Sobolik said, shaking her head.

Santa Clara took a 1-0 lead in the 53rd minute.

Devvyn Hawkins finished off a sequence in which Aly Wagner's corner kick was headed by Kristi Candau but deflected by Arase. Chardonnay Poole then knocked the ball off the post, directly to Hawkins.

Arase, who was one of four Pilots selected to the all-tournament team, left the game in the first overtime after being accidentally kicked in the head. Kim Head, a freshman who had played 25 minutes all season, took over for Arase for the final nine minutes.

In addition to Sinclair and Arase, other Pilots on the all-tournament team were Misaki and defender Lauren Orlandos.

The Broncos (20-5-1), who defeated the Pilots 1-0 on Nov. 3 in Portland, couldn't say enough about Charles and his team.

"I couldn't be happier for Clive," coach Jerry Smith said. "If we can't be the national champions, I would want it to be my good friend Clive and the Pilots."

Said Wagner, the 2001 player of the year: "Portland is such a great team. If we can't win it all, I am glad it was them.

"This (national championship) for them has been long overdue." John Nolen: 503-221-8211; johnnolen@news.oregonian.com

Story from Oregonlive.com

Top of Page

Portland Wins First National Title

Christine Sinclair's goal in the second overtime Sunday gave Portland its first national championship in any sport. Portland beat defending champion Santa Clara 2-1 Sunday at the 2002 NCAA Women's College Cup tournament in Austin, Texas, ending the season 20-4-1 to tie the school record for wins.

The Pilots were 3-0-2 in overtimes in 2002, and improved to 15-0 when scoring two or more goals in a game.

The second of Sinclair's two goals on the day ended a flowing day of soccer between the two West Coast Conference rivals, played under intermittent drizzle and rain. After being outshot 4-1 in the first overtime, the Pilots went on the offensive in the second 10-minute extra period.

Sophomore defender Kristen Moore ran onto a long ball down the wing off a service from Erin Misaki, and created enough space to cross the ball to Sinclair. Sinclair's first shot was blocked by SCU keeper Alyssa Sobolik, but the rebound trickled back to Sinclair, who punched it home for the game-winner.

"I was completely breathless. I was sitting there dreading penalty kicks and all of a sudden, there was a break and the ball ended up to the right person," said Portland head coach Clive Charles. "It felt like 10 tons were lifted off my shoulders."

Sinclair finished the year with 26 total goals, running her 2002 playoff goal total to 10, and her career total to 14 - one behind the career record of Mia Hamm (15). Sinclair now holds or ties NCAA playoff records for goals and points in a game (3 goals, 1 assist vs. Richmond), goals in tournament (10), and points in a tournament (21).

"For the first goal, I kept the ball down the line, made the cross towards the net and it found the far post. On the second goal, Kristen [Moore] made an excellent cross. It was nice to finish off the shot," added Sinclair. "The ball was slippery and it skipped. It was not the prettiest goal, but it counted and that is all that matters."

Lauren Arase allowed just one goal in the 2002 playoffs, setting an NCAA record for playoff goals against average (0.16), allowing just one goal in six games.

Just over eight minutes after Santa Clara's Devvyn Hawkins put the Broncos ahead 1-0 in the 53rd minute, Sinclair evened the score with a brilliant bending shot from just outside the penalty area on an extreme angle to the far post.

Sinclair had taken a Santa Clara defender deep with the ball waiting for support, but instead wheeled abruptly to face the field, then fired a low skidding shot that bent around Broncos keeper Alyssa Sobolik and into the side netting behind the far post.

The Broncos nearly countered minutes later, but Chardonnay Poole's header off Aly Wagner's corner kick bounced off the crossbar then the post before Portland's Lauren Arase was able to track down the ball.

Santa Clara's goal started with a Wagner corner kick, and after Leslie Osborne headed the ball over to Kristi Candau, Candau's header was batted away by Arase, but Hawkins jumped on the loose ball and pounded it in past the scrambling Pilot defense.

The goal was the first allowed by the Pilots since Santa Clara scored in the 11th minute at Portland on Nov. 3 - a span of eight games and 809:59 minutes.

"Portland is such a great team. If we can't win it all, I am glad it was Portland," commented Santa Clara midfielder Aly Wagner. "Of course, we wanted to win, but you can't take anything away from them. This [national championship] has been long overdue for them. It's just too bad it had to be against us."
Portland outshot Santa Clara 19-12 in regulation, 14-10 in the second half, but Santa Clara held a 4-1 edge in the first overtime.

Wagner was saved in overtime by a diving Arase after Wagner had won a challenge from Lauren Orlandos. Arase later punched Osborne's long-range shot over the crossbar, but was knocked out with a head injury at 5:33 left in the first overtime, and freshman Kim Head came on after having played just 25:12 the entire season.

The #8-seeded Pilots were the lowest-seeded team to make and win the championship game since the NCAA tournament began seeding eight teams in 1994.

Sinclair, Orlandos, Misaki and Arase were named to the all-tournament team, with Sinclair winning Offensive MVP honors. Santa Clara's Wagner, Hawkins, Veronica Zepeda and Jessica Ballweg were also on the all-tourney team, as well as Penn State's Joanna Lohman, and North Carolina's Catherine Reddick and Lindsay Tarpley. Ballweg was the tournament's Defensive MVP.

Top of Page

Santa Clara Beats UNC In Semifinals

Junior striker Veronica Zepeda's two goals were enough for No. 4 Santa Clara to pots a 2-1 decision over second-ranked North Carolina in an Women's College Cup semifinal before 10,040 at Mike A. Myers Stadium.

Santa Clara (20-4-1) will play eighth-ranked Portland (19-4-2) for the NCAA championship Sunday at 3 p.m. (ET) in a match televised by ESPN. The Pilots advanced to the final by blanking No. 12 Penn State 2-0 in today's opener with forward Christine Sinclair leading the way. The meeting of West Coast Conference powers represents the third time two teams from the same league have net in the NCAA championship game.

"There are no secrets between Portland and Santa Clara," SCU coach Jerry Smith said. "We come from the same conference and we have had a lot of great battles over the years. We played them earlier this year in Portland and recorded a 1-0 victory. We had Aly (Wagner)and they were without Christine (Sinclair). Aly played a great game and we won."

UNC (21-2-4) missed advancing to the title match for only the second time in the 21 years of the NCAA tournament. In 1995, the Tar Heels were knocked out in the semifinals by Notre Dame en route to the national crown.

SCU scored on its only shot of the first half. Senior midfielder Devvyn Hawkins played a ball to sophomore forward Bree Horvath who redirected to Zepeda. Zepeda beat one defender before beating senior goalkeeper Jenni Branam to the far post for a 1-0 lead after 9:30.

"In the first half, North Carolina took it to us and we sat back and played conservatively," Smith said. "We were lucky to get out of the first half ahead 1-0. In the second half, I felt that we played better, created some chances and dodged some bullets.

The Tar Heels countered immediately, but an apparent tying goal was negated by offside call. Minutes later, UNC sophomore forward Anne Morrell put a header pat Broncos sophomore keeper Alyssa Sobolik, but freshman defender Micaela Esquivel dove to save the ball off the goal line.

The Broncos second shot came in the 57th minute, but senior midfielder Aly Wagner's shot was stopped by Branam.

In the 72nd minute, SCU junior forward Kristi Candau chased down a ball near the corner of the penalty area before Branam came out and punched it away. Zepeda pounced on the loose ball and found net from 15 yards for 71:10.

"Carolina's goalkeeper has a mentality where she sometimes goes after balls that she cannot always get to," said Candau, the Broncos' only reserve. "I tried to do anything -- poke it out or put it through. Veronica came out, took and amazing shot and just buried it."

Said Zepeda, "I really don't remember what happened. On the first goal, the ball was played to my feet. I just spun and took a shot. On the second goal, Kristi did a good job of making the goalie come out. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time and followed it up."

Eight minutes later, UNC narrowed its deficit to 2-1 on freshman striker Lindsay Tarpley's 16th goal of the season. She put away a rebound of defender Catherine Reddick's shot.

The ball was in the right place, and I was in the right place at the right time," Tarpley said.

Though the Tar Heels could not pull even, they did avoid their first two-goal loss in 17 years. The last time North Carolina has lost a game by more than one goal was the 2-0 loss to George Mason in the 1985 NCAA championship game, a span of 425 games.

UNC outshot the Broncos 19-7, but only 6-3 on frame and the lack of marksmanship came back to haunt the Tar Heels.

After losing the first 13 matches of the series with UNC, Santa Clara has won the last three, including the last meeting in the 2001 national title match.

"It was interesting because in the first half they had a more aggressive attacking system, but they didn't attack as well in that shape," UNC coach Anson Dorrance said. "The irony was that they moved into a more defensive stance in the second half and gained more confidence."

UNC is now 19-2 in NCAA semifinal matches having advanced to all 21 Final Fours. The Tar Heels have an overall 75-5 NCAA tournament record and 16 crowns, having lost in the final three times and the semifinals twice.

(www.soccertimes.com)

Top of Page

Clemson, Maryland In NCAA Quarterfinals

There will be no rematch between UNC and Indiana for the NCAA Division I men's national championship. Both have been eliminated from the 2002 playoffs.

The defending champion Tar Heels were beaten in the second round by Penn State (1-0) in two overtimes. A year ago it was Carolina that was winning the close overtime games. It did not happen in 2002.

Indiana went one round further than the Tar Heels, falling to Uconn 1-0 in the third round.

Two ACC teams did advance to the quarterfinals. Clemson, which had survived a first-round scare against Coastal Carolina, eliminated conference foe Wake Forest 2-1 in overtime. The Deacons were the #1 seed in postseason play.

Maryland, seeded #3, edged Saint Louis University 1-0 in overtime. The Terps will meet Uconn in the quarters, while the Tigers will play Stanford, which advanced with a 2-1 win over Furman in double overtime.

The Terps and Tigers are the last of six ACC teams to make the NCAA Division I men's tournament. In addition to the UNC loss to Penn State and Wake Forest's loss to Clemson, William & Mary beat Duke (2-1) in the first round, and then dropped Virginia 3-2 on PKs after playing the Cavaliers to a 1-1 draw.

Brett Branan scored both goals in leading Clemson to a
2-1 upset win over top-seeded and #1 ranked Wake Forest.

Branan scored the winning goal at the 99:28 mark (:32 seconds remaining in the first overtime period). Kenneth Cutler played a left-sided corner
kick to the right post. Branan headed the ball in the goal from nine
yards out and into the upper right corner of the goal. Branan has now
scored four goals this season.

Sophomore striker Domenic Mediate (Southlake, Texas) propelled # 2 Maryland (19-4) to the NCAA quarterfinals with his golden goal in the 95th minute against Saint Louis.

Throughout the Southeast, along with Maryland, George Washington was beaten in the opening round 1-0 by American, which fell 1-0 in the next game to the University of Maryland. UNC opened the tournament with a 6-0 win over Winthrop, and Florida International slipped past Central Florida 2-1 in the first round. FIU went out in the second round to SMU 3-1.

Furman's run to the third round started with a 2-0 win over Loyola (Baltimore), and the Paladins beat Virginia Commonwealth 4-2 on PKs in the second after playing to a 0-0 draw. Coastal Carolina dashed South Carolina's hopes in the first round, winning 2-1 in two overtimes. Old Dominion also defeated Richmond in the first round of play.

Other quarterfinal matchups have Boston College, a penalty kick winner over SMU, which will host the 2002 College Cup final, against Creighton, UCLA against Penn State.

The NCAA men's soccer College Cup will be held the weekend of December 13th and 15th in Dallas, Texas.

Top of Page

Tar Heels Advance To 21st NCAA Semifinals

UNC Chapel Hill rolled to a 3-0 victory over Texas A&M to advance to the NCAA Division I women's semifinals. There has never been an NCAA Division I women's semifinals that did not include the Tar Heels, who have advanced for the 21nd consecutive year.

That would be 22 years if you count the AIAW national title the Tar Heels won the year before the NCAA held its first women's championship.

Junior Alyssa Ramsey (Charlotte) scored two of the Tar Heels' three goals, the first coming 22 seconds into the game off a one-touch knockback pass from Annie Morrell. Ramsey's corner kick was headed in by Maggie Tomecka for UNC's second goal early in the second half.

UNC (21-1-4) will meet fourth-ranked Santa Clara at Mike Myers Stadium in Dallas, TX, Friday, Dec. 6. Santa Clara defeated Michigan 3-1 in that semifinal game.

We are very excited to advance to the Final Four, beat a very competitive A&M team and also score some goals," Tar Heels coach Anson Dorrance said. "Getting a goal that early was a bit of a relief, but as the half went on we played worse and worse. It was a mixed blessing."

Carolina scored its earliest goal ever in its 79 NCAA tournament games after senior forward Susan Bush took a ball into the right corner and fed freshman striker Lindsay Tarpley just steps inside the right side of the Aggies' penalty box. Tarpley centered to sophomore attacker Morrell who held off her defender with her back to the goal and she the ball back in the path of the advancing Ramsey who finished eight yards into the right corner for a 1-0 lead.

Ramsey finished her 16th and 17th goal of the season and drew praise for her finishing ability from Dorrance.

"Alyssa has always been and extraordinary finisher. I think she should take more shots," Dorrance said. "This year she has added more pieces to her game, evolving into a more complete player. With her performances this season, she is showing that she can score against the best.

Katie Jo Spisak made nine saves for the Aggies to two for Jenni Brannam who earned the shutout in the Tar Heels' net. UNC finished the afternoon outshooting the Aggies 19-5.

Making the quarterfinals was the furthest NCAA advancement for Texas A&M in the program's nine years.

"First and foremost, the best team on that field won today," A&M coach G Guerrieri said. "Carolina came out strong and scored some typical Carolina goals with a strong attack. After the (early) goal and the first three minutes, our players did a good job in the first half of adjusting, playing good defense and creating some scoring chances up front. (UNC) is as very dangerous in the first minute as they are in the last two minutes. They have an unrelentless attack that we saw today early and late last week (in the third round) versus Tennessee."

Portland Eliminates Top-seeded Stanford

Stanford and Portland played 110 minutes without scoring a goal in a semifinal game decided on penalty kicks. Eighth seeded Portland prevailed 4-2 in the shootout and won the trip to the national semifinals.

The Pilots (18-4-2) advanced to the Final Four for the seventh time and recorded its 16th shutout of the season to tie the school record, set by the 1995 team that lost 1-0 in overtime to Notre Dame in the national championship match.

"We'd done our job in regulation and overtime, and penalty kicks are a crap shoot," said Portland coach Clive Charles whose Pilots men's team was eliminated by Stanford Wednesday evening 10-9 on penalty kicks in the tournaments second round.

Stanford held Christine Sinclair, who has 23 of Portland's 44 goals, without a shot.

"They swarmed me every time I got the ball, but I didn't waste a lot of energy because they didn't push forward much," said Sinclair, a sophomore striker.

Penn State Down UConn

Junior defender Leigh Hamilton's first career goal came in the 87th minute, propelling #12 Penn State to a 2-1 triumph over seventh-ranked Connecticut in an NCAA tournament quarterfinal at Morrone Stadium.

The Nittany Lions (19-3-1) advanced to the NCAA College Cup semifinals for the first time since 1999 to play eighth-ranked Portland.

"This was an exciting game. Either team could have won. It was a well-fought game," said Penn State coach Paula Wilkins. "It was great to see Leigh score her first-career goal and get us to the final four."

With regulation winding to an end, freshman forward Tiffany Weimer tried to penetrate the right side of the penalty area, but was taken down by two defenders. Junior midfielder Joanna served the resulting free kick into the box where it was cleared by a defender, but Hamilton was alone at the 18-yard-line to collect the ball. She nailed her shot into the top left corner to make it 2-1 with 3:28 left on the clock.

UConn (21-3-1), losing for the first time at home this season, went ahead 1-0 off the opening kick. Senior midfielder Sarah Popper and sophomore striker Kristen Graczyk moved the ball up the field to freshman forward Brittany Barakat who finished the breakaway by scoring with 46 seconds gone.

Top of Page

Mobile Wins NAIA Championship

The Rams, who got into the national finals with at at-large bid, finished the season 18-4-1, and reached the championship game with a 1-0 upset of arch rival University of Auburn-Montgomery, the top-seeded team in the tournament.

Mike Fricke got the first goal in the title game for a 1-0 Mobile lead. Mobile got the goal that would be the game-winner 12 minutes into the second half when tournament MVP James Gledhill scored off an assist from Carron Williams.

Freshman Teba McKnight got the only goal in the semifinal game with UAM in the 65th minute of play, one minute after the Senators went down a man when Masego Ntshingane was shown his second yellow card of the game.

Park reached the championship game with a 3-2 win over defending national champion Lindsey Wilson College (KY) in sudden death overtime. Lindsey Wilson, the four-time defending champion, held a 2-0 lead in that semifinal game.

Mobile had to survive a penalty kick shootout in the quarterfinals to reach the semifinals against Auburn-Montgomery. The Rams blew a 3-0 lead with 28 minutes left in the second half, and then had to win the shootout to advance, which they did 5-4.

The national title was the second for Rams coach Peter Fuller, who won another in 1992 while coaching Belhaven College (MS).

"This one is different than the first," said Fuller after the title game. "The first I didn't at all expect at that particular moment. I think this one is a little more of a satisfaction because I know how far this group had to come in such a short period of time."

Mobile was only seeded sixth after losing twice to Auburn-Montgomery, once during the regular season and again in the regional championship game.

Park finished the season with a 21-3-2 mark, while Auburn Montgomery was 20-2-1.

Top of Page

Winthrop Beats #10 Coastal Carolina In OT

Winthrop (12-5-1, 6-1) earns the #1 seed in next week's Big South Tournament with the win and Coastal Carolina (15-1-2, 6-1) will be the #2 seed.

Things were back-and-forth with a lot of the action taking place in the midfield. Coastal had the first good scoring chance and took advantage in the 43rd minute. Jordan Hughes took a cross from John DeVae inside the 18-yard box, turned and blasted a shot into the lower left-hand corner for a 1-0 lead just before halftime.

The Eagles got the equalizer in the 76th minute. Vydra sent a through ball over the top of the defense as Francis Wakhisi and a Chanticleer defender gave chase. The defender got to the ball first and passed it back to the goalkeeper. The pass slowed up more than goalie Aaron Sanders expected, Wakhisi beat him to the ball and poked into the back of the net for his 19th goal of the season.

In the first overtime, the Chanticleers best chance came in the final seconds. Joseph Ngwenya led a three-on-one and tried to squeeze into the middle of the goal around the 18-yard box, but David Garry stuffed Ngwenya and cleared the ball away. Ngwenya, a junior forward from Zimbabwe, leads all Division I schools in scoring with 23 goals and 54 points.

The game-winner by Vydra came at the 101:18 mark. Coastal Carolina was whistled for a foul around 40 yards out near the sideline. Donald MacGregor served the ball into the box, Vydra trapped, turned and fired a shot past Sanders for the goal.

Winthrop's opponent for next week's tournament will be Charleston Southern and Coastal Carolina will face High Point.

Coastal will close out the regular season on Saturday against Birmingham-Southern at 7 p.m. at CCU Soccer Stadium.

Top of Page

N.C. State Shocks # 1 North Carolina

NC State has scored quickly in all of its previous matches and tonight was no exception. Senior Adrienne Barnes kicked off the scoring in the second minute with her sixth goal of the season. Senior Jenny Pearce blasted a shot at the North Carolina net. Pearce's shot was blocked by a Tar Heel defender. With the ball bouncing around, Barnes emerged from a pack of players and slipped the ball past keeper Aly Winget for the score.

NC State took its lead into halftime, but North Carolina would answer in the 57th minute. Junior Elizabeth Ball fed a pass to freshman Lindsey Tarpley. Tarpley sped towards the Wolfpack net and fired the ball over the outstretched hands of keeper Gretchen Lear. The goal was Tarpley's tenth of the season.

NC State, led by the leadership of its eleven seniors, would not settle for anything but a win. In the 65th minute, junior Lindsey Underwood would notch her fourth game-winning goal of the season. Barnes stole the ball from a Tar Heel defender and sent the ball towards the left corner of the field. Underwood collected the pass and slid the ball between Winget's legs for the score.

Lear tied a school and ACC record with 19 saves in the match. She is tied with current NC State assistant coach Lindsay Brecher (Cobb), who notched 19 saves in a 2-0 loss to North Carolina in 1988. Heather Rowe of Maryland also notched 19 saves in a 3-0 loss to North Carolina in 1989.

On a night when NC State honored its members of the ACC's 50th anniversary team, the 2002 team made history. North Carolina's last ACC loss came at the feet of Wake Forest, 1-0, on Oct. 27, 2000. NC State's two goals ties a season high for goals allowed by the Tar Heels. In a 3-2 North Carolina victory on Sept. 15, then No.3 Texas also scored two goals on the Tar Heels. NC State has outscored its opponents 31-12 on the season. With 31 goals in 12 games, NC State has surpassed its 2001 goal total of 21.

NC State twice tied North Carolina in 1988, when current NC State head coach Laura Kerrigan was a senior on the team and Cobb was a sophomore. The Wolfpack tied the Tar Heels, 1-1 on Sept. 20, 1988. NC State and North Carolina would meet again in the inaugural ACC Tournament championship that year. Again, the score was 1-1, but this time the game went to a shootout. NC State prevailed in the shootout and won the first ever ACC Tournament title. That "victory" would stand in the records as a tie.

"This was a tremendous team effort," said Kerrigan. "Senior leadership was the key for us tonight. They really wanted this, they didn't want to settle. The team showed a lot of grit. They didn't give up when they [North Carolina] tied the game.

"We're going to enjoy this one," Kerrigan said. "But we also have to get ready for Duke."

In other midweek action, #10 Wake Forest dropped a 2-0 decision to
#13 Tennessee on Wednesday in Winston-Salem; Florida State tied
Duke, 1-1, Tuesday in Durham; and #11 West Virginia (over
Georgetown in OT), Princeton (over Rutgers) and Clemson (over Furman) earned 1-0 wins wins Tuesday.

Top of Page

Furman's Griffin Killed In Traffic Accident

Furman freshman Philip Gray Griffin, 18, of Huntersville, N.C., was killed
after his sport utility vehicle overturned in the southbound lanes just
south of Highway 129. A tractor-trailer driven by Neil Fournier, 46, of
Arden, N.C., then hit the SUV. The accident occurred at approximately 2:50 a.m., according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Also injured in the accident were Furman freshmen soccer players Chefik
Simo of Dallas, Texas; Josh Villalobos of Fayetteville, N.C.; and Sean
Murray of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. All three Furman students were taken to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, where Simo underwent surgery early Friday morning for a fractured pelvis and other injuries. He was listed in stable condition as of 11:05 a.m. Villalobos and Murray were also being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

"This is a great tragedy for Furman University and, more pointedly, for our
men's soccer team," said Furman Director of Athletics Gary Clark. "We mourn for the family of Gray Griffin and for his teammates and friends. It's
devastating to lose a young person whose life was so vibrant and so full of
promise."

Griffin, a product of North Mecklenburg High School, was a two-time adidas NSCAA Youth and Parade All-America selection and former captain of the United States Under-17 National Team that competed in the 2001 World Championships in Trinidad and Tobago.

He had started as a defender in 12 matches and scored one goal and two assists this season as a member of the Furman soccer team that is currently ranked 14th nationally by Soccer America,sporting a 9-2-1 overall record and 4-0 Southern Conference mark.

The tragedy has forced the indefinite postponement of Furman's Saturday
men's soccer match against Georgia Southern in Statesboro, according to
Clark.

Funeral arrangements for Griffin are unavailable at this time

Top of Page

Virginia Rallies To Beat UAB Women

Neither team had many scoring chances early in the first half until
UAB's Jill Knottek recovered a rebound and scored on a vacated net in
the 18th minutes to give the Blazers the lead. Virginia would answer
just before halftime when Kelly Hammond (Bowie, Md.) scored her first
goal of the season off a give and go pass from Noelle Keselica
(Gaithersburg, Md.).

The Cavaliers would build momentum in the second half and eventually
took the lead in the 68th minute as Keselica one timed a cross from
Alyssa Benitez (Lake Mary, Fla.) into the net. Virginia would
continue to pressure the Blazers the remainder of the game and
finished the second half outshooting them 12-1 after the break.

Virginia Tech Edges ODU 2-1
The Virginia Tech women's soccer team extended its unbeaten streak on Moseley Field to six games Sunday afternoon with a 2-1 victory over the visiting Lady Monarchs of Old Dominion. With the victory, Tech improves to 3-7-1 on the year, as Old Dominion falls to 2-7-1.

The Hokies and Lady Monarchs played a scoreless first half with Tech
holding a 7-2 shot advantage. Old Dominion goalkeeper Stephanie
Miller made four saves in the opening stanza keeping the Hokies'
offense in check.

Nearly three minutes into the second half, junior Jessica Myers
(Richmond, Va.) broke the tie and scored her fourth goal of the
season. On the initial play, Myers dribbled past a Lady Monarch
defender and attempted a shot but it was blocked. She gathered the
deflection and managed to fire another shot from 18 yards out and
beat Old Dominion keeper Stephanie Miller to give Tech the lead, a
lead it would not surrender.

The Hokies added to their lead in the 63rd minute when sophomore
Kristel Jacobson (Hampton, N.H.) scored what proved to be the
game-winning goal. Junior Emily Barnhart (Columbus, Ohio) crossed
the ball from 15 yards out and Jacobson one-timed the ball into the
net giving Tech a two-goal advantage. With her assist, Barnhart now
has ten career assists, tying her with Shannon Otto (1996-99) and
Carmen Chestnut (1998-01) as the program's all-time assists leaders.

The Lady Monarchs, who outshot the Hokies 10-5 in the second stanza,
capitalized on a Tech foul in the 70th minute of play. Off a direct
kick, junior Diane Baucom served the ball into the penalty box and
freshman Heather Vaughan headed the ball into the goal for Old
Dominion's lone score.

West Virginia Knocks Notre Dame From Big East Tourney
The ninth-ranked West Virginia women's soccer team cashed in three chances in a game that produced just 12 total shots on goal, as WVU clinched the top seed in the BIG EAST Conference Mid-Atlantic Division and ended Notre Dame's chances at qualifying for the BIG EAST Tournament, 3-0, in Sunday-afternoon action at the Mountaineer Sports Complex.

Notre Dame (7-5-0, 3-3-0 BIG EAST Mid-Atlantic) remains tied
with Georgetown (3-2-0) for fourth place in the seven-team divisional
standings but the Hoyas would claim the fourth playoff spot based on
the head-to-head tiebreaker, thanks to their 4-3 win over the Irish
on Sept. 29.

The Irish still could qualify for the NCAA tournament - as Syracuse did last year, despite not qualifying from the Northeast Division for the 2001 BIG EAST Tournament - due to a challenging strength of schedule, including games remaining vs. Purdue, Connecticut, Michigan, BYU, Syracuse and Boston College. Notre Dame entered the week ranked fourth in the Great Lakes Region, behind #13 Michigan, #15 Marquette (which tied unranked South Florida, 1-1, on Friday) and #22 Purdue.

West Virginia (10-1-1, 4-0-1) - which has not lost since its first game of the season - opened the scoring in the second minute of play before adding goals midway through the first and second halves.

UNC Beats St. Mary's To Remain Unbeaten
The second-ranked North Carolina women¹s soccer team finished the non-conference phase of its 2002 schedule Sunday afternoon by
defeating the host Saint Mary¹s Gaels 3-0 in the final game of the Saint
Mary¹s Fall Soccer Classic at Saint Mary¹s Stadium.

Freshman Lori Chalupny and juniors Maggie Tomecka and Alyssa Ramsey scored for the Tar Heels and two of the goals were set up by senior striker Susan Bush.

Carolina posted its fifth straight shutout in improving to 10-0-2 on the
season. The Tar Heels have not allowed a goal in 536:20 since Marquette
scored on a penalty kick 3:40 into a 4-1 North Carolina victory over the
Golden Eagles on September 20, 2002. Saint Mary¹s fell to 5-6-1 with the loss.

Since then the Tar Heel defense and goalkeeper Aly Winget have held strong in protecting the Tar Heel goal. Winget played all 90 minutes Sunday against the Gaels and the freshman from Orinda, Calif. improved her record to 8-0-1, posting her third solo shutout of the season. She improved her goals against average to 0.58 on the season.

Carolina got on the board in only the third minute of the match as Chalupny tallied the first game-winning match of her career. Bush sent a pass to the talented freshman midfielder whose shot hit the post and bounced in at the 2:13 mark. It was Chalupny¹s second goal of the season and Bush's eighth assist.

Kentucky Beats Florida For First Time
Elizabeth Ramsey scored the game-winning goal and Liz Butler recorded her first-career Southeastern Conference shutout to lead the University of Kentucky women's soccer team to a 3-0 victory over Florida at the UK Soccer Complex Sunday. The win for the Wildcats (7-4-0/2-1-0 SEC) represents the first victory over the Gators (4-7-1/1-2-0 SEC) in the program's 11-year history, as UF entered the match with a 10-0-0 series lead over UK.

"It's just a matter of hard work and perseverance," Coach Warren Lipka said. "You can't give in to adversity - you have to fight through it and this team demonstrated today what it's capable of. Our team worked hard, it fought and I applaud the effort of our athletes- they didn't give up after Friday's loss to South Carolina. We found out what we did wrong, we fixed it, and we were able to get a result today."

The Cats avoided disaster 25 minutes into the first period when Robin Fulton, who led the Gators with five shots, had a breakaway one-on-one chance against Bulter. Big Blue Nation gave a sigh of relief when the junior forward dribbled out of control on her attack at the goal and the shot slipped just wide of the right post.

From there, it was all UK. Ramsey's game-winner was scored at 27:48 when the All-SEC forward one-touched the ball past UF goalkeeper Jordan Kellgren from 10 yards out. Jen Wilkinson collected her first of two assists for the match on Ramsey's team-leading fifth goal of the season as the Darien, Ill., native fed Courtney Pollock who executed a perfect lob to Ramsey en route to UK's 1-0 edge. UK built its lead to 2-0 when Wilkinson found a racing Ramsey toward the left of the box who in turn, crossed to teammate Lauren Russell. Russell was able to get a foot on the ball that rolled slowly past an out-of-place Kellgren into the right corner of the UF goal.

Auburn Slips Past Georgia
The Auburn soccer team improved to 9-3 overall (1-1 SEC) and picked up its first Southeastern Conference win in a 1-0 victory over Georgia here Sunday afternoon.

"I couldn't be prouder of our effort," head coach Karen Richter said. "Our defense has always been our strength and they have a lot of pride. Kellie Evans played about 80 minutes for us so for her to get back and save that goal at the end just shows her great desire to get back. Megan Rivera really stepped up her game as well and looked very sharp."

Although the first 20 minutes of the game was dominated offensively by the Bulldogs, Auburn picked up the first score of the game as junior Sandy Carnes earned her first goal of the season. The Tigers' attack began on a corner kick, but after an initial shot by Auburn and a block by Georgia goalkeeper Ashley Lindsey, Auburn took numerous shots on goal, but could not get past the Georgia defense. Carnes finally picked up a rebound and sent the ball into the goal at the 24:29 mark.

"We came out and played tough and had a good effort," Carnes
said. "We knew what we had to do and every position played well today.
The defense goes out and gives 100 percent in every game and it was
especially a great defensive effort by Kellie Evans. I really thought
that shot was going in."

In the first half, the Tigers outshot Georgia 6-to-5, but only one of the Bulldogs' shots were on goal as compared to three for Auburn.

Second half action saw the shots exchanged on both sides of the
field. The Georgia pressure, however, picked up in the final 10 minutes
of the game as the Bulldogs had some outstanding chances. With just over
three minutes remaining, Auburn midfielder Kellie Evans blocked a shot
in goal as the initial shot was blocked by AU goalkeeper Megan Rivera.
The Tigers held on with some impressive saves from Rivera and an
outstanding defensive front from Carnes, Jen Walters, Erin Hinson and
Ashley Eason as the Bulldogs tallied six shots in the second half.

Top of Page

Maryland Downs UNC In ACC Game

The Terps struck early, less than five minutes into the game, when Nino Marcantonio (Bethesda, Md.) got a strong shot from inside the box past Carolina keeper Ford Williams. Domenic Mediate (Southlake, Texas) supplied the assist on the opening goal of the night.

Five minutes later, Ian Rodway (Columbia, Md.) kept a UNC clear alive with his head and directed it to a soaring Sumed Ibrahim (Tamale, Ghana). Sumed redirected the ball into the net for a 2-0 Maryland lead 9:21 into the game. The goal would prove to be the game winner, and was Sumed's sixth decision-maker of the year.

North Carolina got on the scoreboard in the 37th minute when the Heels sparked a turnover and Ray Fumo made the deposit. The goal at 36:17 made the score 2-1, a score that would hold through the halftime break.

Maryland sophomore goalkeeper Noah Palmer (Williamsburg, Va.) denied the possible game-tying goal from Matt Crawford, elevating to punch the hard shot over the net. Palmer ended with five saves in the win.

In transition, Mediate won a footrace to strike again in the final minute of action as the sophomore took advantage of a Tar Heel open net after Williams left the North Carolina goal to play offense in hopes of sending the game into overtime. Mediate corralled a rebound just inside the top of the box and deposited it into the empty net unassisted to give Maryland the 3-1 advantage and the win.

Clemson Edges Gamecocks 2-1
Dimelon Westfield scored two goals including the game-winner
in the second overtime period as fourth-ranked Clemson defeated
ninth-ranked South Carolina 2-1 in a men's intercollegiate soccer match at
Columbia, SC Sunday afternoon. The Tigers' Andre Borges had an assist on both goals.

The Tigers improve to 7-1-1 this season while South Carolina falls to 7-2-1 this year.

Clemson is ranked fourth by Soccer America and ninth by the NSCAA. South Carolina is ranked ninth by Soccer America and 11th by the NSCAA. Westfield has scored 11 goals this season and has scored in five straight matches. Westfield has now scored nine goals in the last five contests. He is a senior forward from Morvant, Trinidad.

Clemson has a 7-0-1 record against the Gamecocks in the last eight
meetings dating back to the 1996 season. Head Coach Trevor Adair is 7-1-1 vs. the Gamecocks during his Clemson career. This was the 30th meeting between the two teams and Clemson leads the series 19-10-1.

Clemson scored first at the 31:13 mark as Dimelon Westfield scored off a
diagonal shot from 12 yards out into the right corner of the net.
Westfield was assisted on the play by Andre Borges and Fabio Tambosi.
Tambosi passed the ball to Borges at the top of the box. Borges sent the
ball to Westfield on the left side inside the box. Westfield chipped the
ball into the right corner of the net.

South Carolina tied the score at the 36:33 point into the match. J.C.
Desriac passed the ball to Lawson Vaughn. Vaughn laid the ball to Anthony Stovall on his right who scored from 12 yards out into the right wall of the net. This was Stovall's second goal of the season. It was only the seventh goal Clemson has given up all year. Westfield scored the game-winner at the 106:47 mark.

#1 St. John's Downs ODU
When you're the No. 1 team in the country, you know you're walking with a target. The St. John's University men's soccer team, who moved up to No. 1 in four national polls on Monday, knew that would be the case
on Friday night.

The Red Storm responded with four goals, including three in a 14-minute span in the second half, en route to a 4-0 win over Old Dominion during the first round of the Rutgers Classic at Yurcak Field.

St. John's took 13 shots in the first half, but were not able to capitalize
until sophomore defender Chris Corcoran (Marshfield, Mass.) beat ODU goalkeeper Samuel Cameron with 45 seconds left in the break.
Senior Matia Damiani (Foggia, Italy), who had flicked sophomore Chris Leidner's (Greenlawn, N.Y.) pass to Corcoran, had the assist.

The momentum carried over in the second half. First, junior Angel Rodriguez (Toms River, N.J.) picked up a deflection off of a shot from Alberto Duenas (Hawthorne, Calif.) and took a low shot from 17 yards out that beat the ODU keeper to the inside near post. Two minutes later, junior Simone Salinno (Lucera, Italy) won a ball at midfield, ran in and chipped it past the keeper, beating him to the top left center of the box.

Virginia Tech Falls To Providence
The Virginia Tech men's soccer team was shutout by
the visiting Providence Friars Saturday afternoon in a BIG EAST match
held on Tech's Moseley Field. With the loss, the Hokies fall to
5-5-1 on the year and 2-3-1 in conference, while the Friars improve
to 3-7-0 and 2-3-0 in conference play.

Providence freshman Eoin Lynch scored the lone goal of the match on a
header from five-yards out in the 11th minute of play. Lynch, who
shot the ball wide on a breakaway five minutes into the contest,
elevated above the Tech defenders deflecting the ball into the goal
for his fourth goal of the season. Sophomore Carlos Suero served the
ball into the center of the penalty box from 30 yards out for the
assist.

DePaul Edges Memphis 2-1
Playing in their first home match of the season, the DePaul men's soccer team knocked off Memphis, 2-1, on Saturday afternoon. Tim Blake's first career goal in 58th minute proved to be the game-winner as DePaul improved to 3-5-2 overall and 1-2-0 in Conference USA play. Memphis dropped to 6-3-1 overall and 1-3-0 in league action.

DePaul got on the scoreboard first as Jonathan Foley knocked in his second goal of the season. Luke Rojo tapped it over to Foley and he fired a shot from the top of the penalty box that sliced through the Memphis defense and past keeper Clark Talley at 17:12.

The Tigers answered on a penalty kick in the 42nd minute on a penalty kick. Matt Bryant knotted the match at 1-1 as he put the ball past DePaul keeper Michael Timlin at 41:49.

After halftime, the Blue Demons put on the pressure and found the net in the 58th minute. Adam Hermsen took the ball to the corner and fed Foley. The ball squirted over to Blake who sent it home from just in front of the net.

Blake's goal proved to be the game-winner as the DePaul defense fought off some late threats by Memphis. Timlin was credited with a pair of saves while the Blue Demons outshot the Tigers, 13-11.

Hampden-Sydney Rallies To Beat Lynchburg
Michael Kraemer's (Roanoke, VA) third-straight game-winning
goal lifted Hampden-Sydney to a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over ODAC-foe Lynchburg College Saturday. The win is the Tigers fifth straight and lifts the team to 10-2 overall and 3-0 in the ODAC.

Lynchburg got on the board first with a Win Wharton goal at the 16:12 mark of the opening half. The Tigers battled back as the "comeback kids" mounted their third-straight rally, tying the game in the 75th minute when Chad Quenneville (Fairfax Station, VA) connected on a penalty kick.

Kraemer then scored his third-straight game-winner in the 89th minute of
play to seal the game for the Tigers and continue the team's amazing roll in
2002. The Tigers out-shot Lynchburg, 26-11, and had the advantage on
corners, 9-7.

Austin Krison worked the full 90 minutes for the Tigers registering four
saves and allowing just one goal for the victory. The loss dropped
Lynchburg to 3-8 overall and 1-3 in the conference.

Short-handed Campbell Edged By Stetson
Stetson converted a man advantage into the eventual game-winning goal to beat Campbell 2-1 in men's soccer action on Saturday at the Eakes Athletic Complex.

With the match tied 1-1, Campbell's Jason Kirk was ejected for a challenge on Stetson keeper Ian Landrum in the 76th minute. The Hatters produced the winning goal 8:14 later on Ron Fulmore's header off Daniel Gay's free kick.

Stetson improved to 4-6-1 overall, 3-1-0 in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
Campbell dropped to 2-6-0, 1-2-0 in the league. Each of the last three
games played between the rivals have been decided by one goal.

VCU Tops UNC Wilmington
Virginia Commonwealth¹s Randy Ugarte (San Jose, Costa Rica)
and Matthew Delicate (Wales, U.K.) each scored two goals as the VCU defeated UNC Wilmington, 4-1, tonight at VCU¹s Sports Backers Stadium.

The Rams (6-3, 1-0 Colonial Athletic Association) won for the fourth time in their last five games, and improved to a perfect 4-0 at home this season.
UNC Wilmington (6-2, 0-2 CAA) has dropped two of its last three games, both in conference play.

VCU took a 1-0 lead in the game¹s 13th minute, as Ugarte took possession of the ball and lofted a high-arcing shot that went into the upper left corner of the goal, beating UNCW goalkeeper Bill Mills, who had come off his line. The Seahawks quickly tied the game in the 19th minute, as Austin MacPhee scored on a penalty shot.

The Rams threatened several times to take the lead, but on three occasions during the second half had shots cleared off the UNCW goal line by a defender after the goalkeeper had been beaten.

Ugarte finally broke the tie in 69th minute, when he scored on a penalty
kick to make the score 2-1. Delicate then tallied his two goals in a
three-minute span late in the game, once on a breakaway and the other a
header off a cross from Gonzalo Segares (San Jose, Costa Rica).

Furman Falls To Saint Louis
Andy Pusateri's unassisted goal at the 3:01 mark proved to be all the fourteenth-ranked Billikens would need as St. Louis defeated Furman 2-0.

Pusateri weaved through the Furman defense and blasted a ten yard shot
past Paladin goalkeeper John Hanley for the game's first score.

St. Louis extended its lead at the 32:01 mark as Jack Jewsbury collected a shot that had deflected off the crossbar and buried a 20 yard shot into the net.

Furman took eight shots on the match, but was unable to find the back
of the net.

With the loss, Furman falls to 8-2-1 on the season. St. Louis improves to 7-2-1.

ASU Tops Davidson In OT
Steve Mellor (Langhorne, PA) scored his third goal of the season and second game0winner for Appalachian State as the Mountainners defeated Davidson in overtime. The Mountaineers, playing their first home game of the season, improve to 6-2-1 (1-1 in SoCon action), while the Wildats fall to 5-4-1, 2-1 in league play.

ASU put the game away three minutes into overtime as Mellor took a cross from Jannis Riesz (Munich, Germany) and slammed it past Wildcat keeper Soren Johnson for the golden goal victory.

UAB Blows By Charlotte
UAB (5-3-2, 1-1-1 C-USA) used the strength of three second-half goals to blow past Charlotte here Saturday night, 4-0. The 49ers (6-3, 3-2) were in first place in the Conference USA standings coming into the game.

UAB struck first at the 27:11 mark when Oswaldo Gallegos led an odd-numbered rush down the right side of the field. As Charlotte¹s goalkeeper Lucas Mackanos left the net to attempt to stop the attack, Gallegos passed the ball to a wide open Steven Sugar rushing down the middle of the field. The freshman walk-on was then able deposit the ball into the back of the net for his second goal of the season and a 1-0 Blazer lead.

UAB nearly made it a two-goal lead before the half, however, Rogerio
Oliveira¹s dipping shot from 25-yards away hit the top corner of the
crossbar. Gallegos then followed with a diving header that was tipped up and over the crossbar by Mackanos.

The Blazers made it 2-0 in the 60th minute when Marin Pusek passed a ball over the top of the 49er defense right to the foot of a streaking Flavio
Monteiro. Monteiro was then able to touch the ball over the head of Mackanos for his team-best fourth goal of the season.

UAB put the finishing touches on the win with two goals in the final 20
minutes of the contest.

Duke Upset By Lehigh
Lehigh junior Steve Fisher scored on a six-yard shot at the 83:05 mark in the second half to upset the 17th-ranked Duke University men's soccer team, 2-1, on Sunday at Koskinen Stadium in Durham, N.C. The Blue Devils fall to 6-3-1 overall and the Mountain Hawks improve to 7-4-1.

The Mountain Hawks got on the board early as Dan Perciballi scored off a cross from Evan Bruno just 10 minutes into the match. The Lehigh
defense held Duke to only three shots in the first half and took a 1-0
lead at halftime. Senior Donald McIntosh (Lake Mary, Fla.) then scored
his third goal of the season at the 65:50 mark off a touch from Jordan
Cila (Jericho, N.Y.) on a free kick. McIntosh's goal came from 22 yards
out.

Duke tried to mount a rally at the end but McIntosh's shot was saved by
Lehigh's goalkeeper Ryan Grzeszczak, who finished with three saves. In
goal for the Blue Devils, sophomore Justin Trowbridge (Tampa, Fla.)
finished with two saves.

The Blue Devils were playing most of the match without junior defender
Matt Ahumada (Scottsdale, Ariz.) who left with an injury and senior
defender Adam Guren (Kirtland Hills, Ohio) who was out after receiving a
red card last game.

Patroits Bounce Back From Loss With Two Wins
The George Mason Patriots (6-1-2, 1-0 CAA) bounced back from their first loss of the season to post a pair of victories on the road last week. George Mason got both wins over South Atlantic Region foes as it was victorious at Liberty Tuesday and at James Madison Saturday, and the win at JMU opened the Colonial Athletic Association schedule for Mason.

Sophomore goalkeeper John O'Hara (Foxford, Ireland) posted his fourth
and fifth shutouts of the season in the two victories. Having allowed
just five goals in 858 minutes this season, he lowered his goals-against
average to 0.52, which ranks first in the CAA and the South Atlantic
Region (14th in the nation as of Sept. 30), and he has 39 saves. O'Hara
now has nine career shutouts, all of which have come in his last 19
games. In that span, O'Hara has allowed just 14 goals in 1,707 minutes
for a 0.73 GAA.

Freshmen Sean Malee (Kiltimagh, Ireland) and Steve Alabi (Rotterham,
England) each scored goals to lead George Mason over Liberty Tuesday in Lynchburg, VA. Malee scored his second goal of the season at the 9:11
mark off an assist from sophomore David Quinn (Kilkenny, Ireland) and
George Mason made the score 2-0 as Alabi netted his first career goal
off an assist from junior Mirza Kurspahic (McLean, VA/McLean HS) at the 63:36 mark. O'Hara had three saves.

VMI Falls To UNC Asheville
After shutting out UNC Asheville in the first half, VMI allowed two goals in the second half as UNC Asheville defeated the Keydets, 2-0, on
Sunday at Patchin Field.

The loss dropped the Keydets' record to 1-5-3 overall.
UNC Asheville improved its record to 3-4-1.

After a first half that saw neither team score, UNC Asheville freshman forward Barrett Locke sent a header off a cross from freshman forward Jordan Holthouser past VMI junior goalkeeper Morgan Harris (Powell,
Ohio/ Worthington Killbourne) for a 1-0 lead 14:29 into the second half.

Holthouser and Locke hooked up again to close out the scoring as Locke found the back off the net off a feed from Holthouser with 8:02 remaining in the contest, giving UNC Asheville a 2-0 win.

Kentucky Blanks Winthrop 2-0
The University of Kentucky men's soccer team (7-3) defeated Winthrop
(5-3-1) by a score of 2-0 Sunday at Eagle Field in Rock Hill, S.C. Senior
goalkeeper Greg Raber earned his third consecutive shutout for the Cats,
making seven saves in the match.

The Wildcats got on the board early when freshman Lasse Lagerblom headed a corner kick from fellow-freshman Jani Modig into the back of the net at the 7:51 mark. In the first half, Winthrop outshot UK by a mark of 9-4 and held a 6-2 advantage on corner kicks, but Kentucky's Raber made five saves to preserve his team's 1-0 lead.

The Cats expanded their lead early in the second half when sophomore Jamal Shteiwi put home a penalty kick in the 53rd minute after a UK attacker was taken down in the 18-yard box. Raber's biggest save of the day came in the 63rd minute, when he dove to his right to stop a header that had resulted from a Winthrop corner kick.

Notre Dame Defeats Akron
The Notre Dame men's soccer rebounded from a
disappointing 1-0 loss to Pittsburgh on Friday night at Alumni Field to
post a 1-0 win on the road at Akron in a non-conference test.

Sophomore Jack Stewart (Torrance, Calif.) scored the game-winning goal off an assist from teammate Chad Riley (Houston, Texas) at the 71:25 mark as the Irish recorded their first road win of the season.

With the victory, Notre Dame improves to 5-3-3 overall, while Akron
falls to 2-5-2 on the season.

For Stewart, a central defender who has started all 11 contests
this season, it was his first career goal. The win marked the second
shutout in 2002 for the Irish and the sixth-one goal decision this season.

The assist was the eighth of the season for Riley who leads the
team in that category for the third straight year. He is the first player
since Ryan Cox in 1998 and Scott Wells in 1997 to dish off eight assists in a season.

Top of Page

UNC Beats #1 Stanford, 1-0

Carolina improved to 9-0-2 on the season while the Cardinal fell to 8-1-0. The difference in the game came from junior striker Alyssa Ramsey who provided the only score of the game in the 60th minute of play. Ramsey took a pass from freshman forward Lindsay Tarpley and hooked a shot to the right of Stanford goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart.

One of the best goalkeepers in the nation, Barnhart entered the match with a sterling 0.26 goals against average. It was Ramsey¹s ninth goal of the season, tying her for the team lead with Tarpley. Tarpley recorded her fifth assist. She leads UNC with 23 points while Ramsey is right behind with 22.

Alabama Beats Bulldogs 4-1
The University of Georgia soccer team opened Southeastern Conference play with a 4-1 loss to Alabama Friday night in front of a crowd of 1,157 at the UGA Soccer/Softball Complex.

The Bulldogs (4-6-1, 0-1 SEC) scored first at the 12:00 mark as junior
midfielder Ashley King took a pass from sophomore Tricia McKee and shot the ball from the left side and 17 yards out.

Georgia held a 4-3 shot advantage and a 1-0 lead at the half.

Alabama (10-1, 1-0 SEC) came out in the second half and quickly changed the complexion of the game. The Crimson Tide tied the game in the 59th minute, getting a goal from midfielder Katie Holtzapfel, assisted by midfielder Katie French. The Tide scored another goal just over a
minute later as Holtzapfel netted another ball in the 60th minute.
Alabama took a 3-1 lead in the 65th minute as midfielder Cally Morrill
netted a through ball from forward Dawn Nash. The Tide got another goal
in the 82nd minute from forward Nash, assisted by defender Sara
Haight.

USC Women Blank Kentucky 1-0
Senior midfielder Melinda Carter scored in the early part of the second half and junior goalkeeper Elise Matthews finished with her second consecutive shutout as the South Carolina women¹s soccer team
earned the school¹s first victory vs. Kentucky in a 1-0 road win on Friday
evening. Carolina improved to 9-2 on the season with a 2-0 SEC record. The 9-2 record ties the best start in USC women¹s soccer history. The 1999 Lady Gamecocks also started its season with a 9-2 record.

Florida Shuts Out Vandy 3-0
The University of Florida soccer team (4-6-1, 1-1 SEC) opened the month of October with a 3-0 win at Vanderbilt (2-6, 0-2) Friday evening in front of a Vanderbilt Soccer Field crowd of 255.

Florida took a 1-0 lead into halftime after junior Robin Fulton hit her first goal of the season at 30:53. Fulton took the ball down the left side of the field and VU's goalkeeper Esther Thompson came out to end the cross.

Junior Megan McMillan gave the Gators a 2-0 lead at 56:05 when she pounced on a rebound that kicked back eight yards into the box. McMillan one-touched the ball into the upper right corner for her second goal of the year. The Gators' final goal came when Danielle Murphy successfully hit a penalty kick at 76:57. The penalty kick was awarded when VU fouled Fulton while she was fouled in the box as she headed toward the goal.

Wolfpack tops Terps in OT
The # 23 Maryland women's soccer team suffered a tough 2-1 loss in double-overtime to ACC foe NC State on a windy Friday night at Ludwig Field before 1,541 fans. The Terps fall to 7-4 overall and 1-2 in the ACC, while the Wolfpack moves to 6-3-1 overall and 1-0-1 in the conference.

The Wolfpack's Jordan Allison headed home a corner kick from Annika Schmidt in the 103rd minute to give NC State the victory.

Tennessee Scores Early To Down Auburn
Fourteenth-ranked Tennessee (7-3, 1-0) scored four goals in the first 21 minutes and held on to defeat #20 Auburn (8-3, 0-1) 4-2 in Knoxville in the SEC soccer opener for both teams.

Trailing 4-0 at the half, the Tigers came out strong in the second period and cut the Lady Vols' lead in half in less than a three-minute span. Auburn got on the board first on a Kellie Evans' direct free kick at the top of the penalty box at the 71:31 mark. Evans' goal, her third of the season, bended on the ground around the Volunteer wall and brushed the right post and went in.

Sarah Steinmann cut the Vol lead in half just over two minutes later with an unassisted rocket left-footer from the top right corner of the Volunteer penalty box that went into the right side of the net at 73:54.

Tennessee's Rhian Wilkinson opened the scoring on an assist
from Kayla Lockaby just over five minutes into the game at 5:21 and
Lyndsey Patterson and Kim Patrick combined on a pair of goals, first at
the 8:14 mark and then at 14:45. Patterson's first goal came up the
middle on a touch pass while her second one came on a breakaway up the center.

FSU Downs UCF Behind Record Performance
The 17th-ranked FSU soccer team (7-2-2) improved to 11-0-2 all-time at home on Friday nights under head coach Patrick Baker and won its ninth straight game versus a team from the state of Florida with a 3-1 win over UCF.

The victory was the fourth in-a-row for the Seminoles and dropped the Golden Knights to 8-3-0 on the year. Leah Gallegos scored her sixth goal and second game-winner while Kristin Boyce notched her first of the year but it was senior Cindy Schofield's 17th-minute goal that was the highlight of the night.

Schofield stole the spotlight as her fourth goal of the season vaulted her into the FSU record book. The Lakeland, FL native broke the record for goals scored in a career (28) and points in a career (76) as she etched her name in Seminole soccer history as the most prolific offensive player ever to play for the Tribe.

Wake Women Lose First To California
The sixth-ranked Wake Forest women's soccer team's 10-game
unbeaten streak ended on Friday with a 1-0 shutout by eighth-ranked
California. The Demon Deacons dropped to 9-1-1 overall, while the Golden Bears improved to 7-2-1 overall.

The lone goal of the game came from California's Carley Fuller in the 69th
minute of action on assists from Jamie Mangidari and Kim Yonkers.

The Golden Bears held the Deacs to a season-low 10 shots and only three shots in the second half. Joline Charlton, Katie Johnson and Alena Thom led the team with two shots each. Wake goalie Erin Regan recorded seven saves on the night in 90 minutes in the net.

Furman Rolls Over The Citadel
Nicky Darling scored two goals and added two assists as the Furman women's soccer team knocked off The Citadel 9-0 on Saturday.

Furman began its scoring outburts in the first half as it netted five
goals in the first 25 minutes of the match. Darling began the scoring for
the Lady Paladins at the 6:49 mark as she collected an Emily Turgeon shot that hit the crossbar, and beat Citadel goalkeeper Angie Ellenwood.

Two minutes later, Turgeon scored a goal as Nancy Mather played her a
through ball which she slotted past Ellenwood. Tara Marker scored her
first collegiate goal at the 17:55 mark as she took an Emily Turgeon
through ball and beat Ellenwood to the near post.

Dre Morrison, in her first action since sustaining a knee injury
earlier this season, scored her first collegiate goal at the 21:24 mark.
The play was set up as Lindsey Facciolo played a through ball to the end
line. Darling sent a low cross on the ground, and Morrison
one-touched the ball into the net

Campbell Shuts Out Troy State
The Campbell University women's soccer team scored three first-half goals in a span of 4:03, on their way to a 5-0 defeat of Troy State on the university's homecoming, Saturday afternoon.

Megan Barnes got the Fighting Camels on the score board in the 39th minute when she took a pass from Carrie Stephenson and beat TSU keeper Hanna Haile to the upper left post for her first career goal.

Kate Anderson doubled the CU lead just under two minutes later when Lauren Dittrich and Marisa McEntee set her up for a one-timer from 25 yards out that beat Haile to the low right post.

Becky Moghaddam sparked the final Campbell goal of the half when she served a strong throw in to Susan Persson, who dribbled down into the box and sent a crossing pass that fell at the feet of McEntee, who settled the ball and beat Haile for her first goal of season and gave Campbell a 3-0 halftime lead.

Tahmassian PK Sparks W&M
William and Mary sophomore forward Taline Tahmassian (Great Falls, VA) connected on a penalty kick in the 89th minute to give the College a hard-fought 1-0 win over George Mason University tonight at Busch Field.

The win improves the Tribe's 2002 record to 6-4-1, 2-0-0 in
the CAA, while the Patriots drop to 3-8-0, 1-2-0 in the CAA.

Scoreless through the first 88 minutes, the Tahmassian got
the Tribe on the board. After taking a pass from Lindsey
Vanderspiegel (Chesapeake, VA), Tahmassian gained control of the ball
just inside the 18-yard box, and was knocked down from behind by
Patriot defender Liz Sims. The referee blew the whistle and called
for the penalty kick.

Tahmassian stepped to the six-yard spot and beat Patriot
netminder Sarah Coughlin with a bullet to the lower right corner for
her fourth goal of the year.

Top of Page

Ex-FIU Soccer Player Dies in Crash

Odenyo and Theresa Wint, a former athletic trainer at FIU, died in the collision Sunday night involving the van, a car and U-Haul truck about 80 miles north of the Florida state line, the Georgia State Patrol said.

Another former FIU player, Erika Jaderblom, remained hospitalized Monday.

The van carrying members of the Rockets soccer team was returning to the Fort Lauderdale area after an Atlanta-area tournament. Most of the 15 people in the vehicle were exchange students from Jamaica or Sweden.

Odenyo, 22, of Uppsala, Sweden, broke FIU records for goals (25) and points (57) in her junior season. That year, she finished third in the NCAA in points per game (2.71) and second in goals per game (1.19) and was named the Sun Belt Conference Tournament MVP.

Wint, 21, of Miami, was a student athletic trainer and one of the first Upward Bound participants at the university to earn a diploma. Upward Bound assists aiming to become the first in their families to obtain a college degree. Odenyo and Wint both graduated from FIU in the spring.

Jaderblom, a defender, was named second-team All-Sun Belt Conference last season. A senior, she is still enrolled in classes at the university.

"All the young women involved were wonderful people," FIU coach Everton Edwards said Monday. "I'm dumbfounded and numb right now."

Top of Page

FSU Senior Sets Example For Teammates

That was the challenge Seminole senior Katie Talley faced every day for her first two seasons at FSU. The midfielder appeared in 18 matches her first season but injuries severely limited her effectiveness. As a sophomore she saw action in just eight of FSU's 24 matches and spent most the year isolated due to a case of mono.

"The injuries are more mentally challenging when you are out on
the field and not at 100%," said Talley. "You have to tell yourself to suck
it up and just do it but there are some things you can't do to the best of
your ability because your body won't let you. That's the most frustrating
part."

Coming into FSU, Talley was relatively injury free during her
playing days at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Ga. She came to Florida State with all the credentials of an ACC soccer recruit and was fresh off a trip to Nationals in 1999 with her club team. She had experienced some ankle and back problems but nothing severe.

"My injuries were off and on in high school but it never
affected my play until I got to college," she remembers. "Freshman year I
came in and had back problems. We tried a lot of different treatments for it and some of them caused me to miss so much practice and game time. That took up most of the fall of my freshman season. I tried to play through that in the spring and be ready for the upcoming fall."

Things didn't get better though. After suffering another ankle
injury right at the end of preseason in the fall of 2000, Talley seemed to
finally be working her way back. Her ankle was recovering well and then she was sidelined again, this time for the entire season.

"I came back from that ankle injury feeling really good and just
as I was starting to get back I was diagnosed with mono," recalls Talley.
"That kept me out until the very end of the season that fall."

If you have ever had mono, you know that it just saps the energy
out of you but that wasn't the real problem. Mono causes your spleen to
become enlarged and any contact could cause a rupture in a major organ. It is an illness that is very dangerous for athletes.

"Mono took away my whole season. It was devastating," remembers
Talley. "I did nothing the whole time I had mono. I couldn't even come out
and watch practice. You don't really feel sick so you never actually believe you have it. You are tired, you want to do stuff but you can't. It is just devastating. It is a serious and dangerous illness."

Considering that Talley and the 2002 seniors came to Florida State at the
lowest point in the history of the program, missing the 2000 season was
incredibly tough. That year was the single greatest season in the history of
the FSU program. The Seminoles upset defending National Champion North Carolina. They beat the Florida Gators twice, including a win in the NCAA Tournament that sent the program to its first ever Sweet 16. The team set almost 60 records and program firsts and Talley wasn't a part of it.

"When I was battling mono I wasn't allowed to be around the team," said the senior. "It was so difficult. Especially in 2000, that was our greatest
season ever. We beat North Carolina. We beat Florida twice. We went to the Sweet 16 and everyone got to share those memories together and make great friendships. I missed all of that. It is really hard to come back and find my place after that because I missed out on so much. I felt like I was no longer part of the team."

Despite missing that magical 2000 season, it is still Talley's most special
memory. Being sidelined gave her a unique perspective compared to the other players, as she became more of an observer than a participant.

"Even though I was out almost all of 2000, that season is so special to me," said Talley. "To see how we were my freshman year and that we'd never really been successful compared to just one season later was spectacular. Because I was sidelined, I got to watch it all and it was an amazing transformation to observe. To see how big our program got was awesome. To beat UNC, get to the NCAA's and advance to the Sweet 16, it was a complete turnaround." Even though the 2000 season is still special to Talley, spending so much time dealing with injuries was tough for the Kennesaw native. She was often isolated because of her commitments to physical therapy, doctor's appointments and treatment. Talley learned the hard way just how much it takes to get healthy again

"People aren't around to see the amount of time and energy you invest in
getting healthy," she remembers. "It is hard enough to play and practice six
days a week but it is even harder to not be allowed to practice and be
around your teammates."

Despite the challenges, Talley has always remained committed to soccer.
Sitting on the sidelines while her team advanced to the Sweet 16 just made her even more determined to get back. She never thought of giving up once during those injury-plagued seasons.

"No way. That never even crossed my mind," said Talley. "I have
been playing soccer my whole life and I know things are never easy. Just
because my body wasn't cooperating with me that didn't change my desire to want to play and be part of a team. I wasn't going to give that up.
The midfielder is healthy now. She appeared in every match in 2001 and has been injury free through seven games in 2002, but getting healthy was just one of the obstacles she had to overcome. After hardly playing for two years she had to find where she fit on a team that was suddenly very successful. That is something that freshmen usually have to do but Talley was facing that challenge as a junior.

"Everyone understood why I wasn't around but I still missed out on a lot,"
she said. "It was harder to reestablish myself on the field with positions
and playing time than it was to rebuild the chemistry with my teammates. We all get along so well so the personal friendships were always there. The chemistry on the field took some work.

"It was like I was a freshman again my junior year. Coach Baker had almost seen the freshman play more than he had seen me. I had been here for two years but had hardly played. While I was a junior in eligibility, I didn't have those years of experience behind me due to the injuries. It was like I didn't have any advantage over the younger players that usually comes from gaining experience in a program.

All her hard work behind the scenes has paid off though. Talley has found
her place and is a regular in the Seminoles' midfield rotation and is often
the first player off the bench. She still battles her past injuries but
believes she is better for the struggles.

"It is awesome to be healthy," said Talley. "Ever since last spring I have
felt great. I have done so much physical therapy to try and get my back
strong. I haven't worried about injuries and that has allowed me to
concentrate on soccer and I think that is showing.

"I still have some problems with my back but I am trying to manage it and
just play my best. I had a good spring my junior year and felt that I had
found my place. Now here I am as a senior leading my younger teammates and doing well off the bench."

But just being healthy has never been enough for Talley. The senior
continues to do more individually in hopes of one day winning a starting
job. She is very content with her role but that doesn't mean she has lowered her goals even in her final season.

"It's never been enough for me just to be healthy. I haven't
lowered my goals or expectations of myself," she said. "I am thrilled that I
can go out there and play. I come off the bench. I get good minutes but I
still put in extra time doing individual training with coach so maybe I can
win a starting job."

Talley works hard to meet the lofty personal goals she sets for
herself but that isn't her only motivation. She doesn't spend extra time
training and working on fitness just so she can crack the starting 11. She
does it for another reason also.

"I want to show my teammates that I will do anything it takes to help us
win," Said Talley. "I want them (my teammates) to know that I always give my all and send the message that they should never be satisfied with where they are. Strive for more."

That attitude is now pervasive on this Seminole team. She isn't sure was
around before coach Baker's arrival and that really speaks volumes about the turnaround this senior class has been such a part of. When these seniors committed to Florida State the program was coming off back-to-back losing seasons and was in the midst of a coaching change. According to Talley, so much has changed since 1999.

"There is a total different mindset in this program now," said Talley.
"Before, we weren't willing to get out of our comfort zone to take that step
to the next level. Players were comfortable in their roles and didn't want
to sacrifice that to make the program better. When coach Baker arrived he brought in the mentality that what we had done in the past was unacceptable. Everyday we take it a step at a time and work 110%. It has paid off." According to Talley, the turnaround of the FSU soccer program was spurred on by two major factors. First it was fitness. Under Baker the fitness level has gone up every year and that was something each individual had to overcome to make the team better.

"Since coach Baker arrived, we have always been as fit if not more fit than
any team we play," said Talley. "The level gets higher every season so we
maintain that edge over the competition."

Secondly, Talley attributes the newfound success to a new mentality. Her
senior class is the first that will leave the program with a winning record
over four years. Her class will be the first to compile three winning
seasons in a four-year span and a lot of that had to do with a new outlook
on how successful soccer could be at Florida State.

"Gaining confidence in practice was a key to changing the team's mentality," Talley recalls. "We gave each other confidence and it spread through the entire team. I think once the older players graduated they took the old mentality with them from years of losing. We weren't used to losing and came into the program thinking we could win here. Eventually that mentality took over.

"I knew coming in that a program could change from year-to-year. Just
because you go to a really good program that is no guarantee of success the next year but I never expected such a complete reversal of fortunes in such a short period of time. I thought that by my senior year we might be where we all wanted to be but no way in just one season."

Now that she is in her senior year and the team has had such unparalleled
success the last two seasons, Talley is turning her attention to leading a
very young team. Despite the success the younger players have experienced, 17 of the team's 26 players are freshmen and sophomores. Talley is taking it upon herself to set an example for that group.

"The younger players are used to FSU soccer being successful," said Talley. "They need to understand that you just can't come in and be comfortable with where this program stands. You always have to work because it is hard to continue that success from one season to the next. I realize that more than ever now that I am a senior.

"I heard that you get a special feeling as a senior knowing it is your last
go round but you never can anticipate the way it really feels. I have that
feeling now and it drives me to encourage everyone to want to give
everything they have. When I am out there I give all of myself so everyone
see that. They see how much I, and the whole senior class, care about this
season. I want us to win but I also want it to be fun and enjoyable."

She also believes she can lead because she has a perspective that the rest
of her senior classmates don't have. As a player who has always come off the bench, she believes she can set an example for those players who don't start. Talley knows that it is tough to come to a program as a high school star and then have to see yourself as a role player. She is determined to not let that become an issue with her teammates.

"It is hard to see players not enjoying themselves and I think you see it
mostly from players coming off the bench," she said. "We all are competitors yet only 10 field players can play at one time. Practices are competitive and hard and when game day comes we need to be encouraging everyone whether we are starting or not. We are all on the same team and that is something that I think needs to be stressed. We have to be there for each other." With as few as 13 games left in her soccer career, Talley has some definite goals left to fulfill. Getting to a third straight NCAA Tournament is one of them but that is not enough, which in itself is a testament to how far this program has come.

"Making it to the NCAA Tournament is a goal of ours every year,"
she said matter of factly. "I really want to get past the Sweet 16 because
we have come so close but never been able to do that. We've had the chances but haven't capitalized. That would be the perfect way to end my career." Whether the Seminoles get there or not, Talley and her four
senior teammates will always take pride in their role in Florida State's
emergence on the national scene. With a three-year record of 38-26-4, two NCAA Tournament berths, a trip to the Sweet 16 and an ACC Championship final under their belts, this class will leave Tallahassee the most successful ever.

"We started out with 13 and we lost more and more of them every
year," recalls Talley. "Now I think we have the true five that came in and
were committed to sticking it out. We have all had to deal with injuries or
hard times but each of us has stayed with it. We stayed together and have
developed great friendships.

"We think about how much has been accomplished in our four years because we know what it used to be like here. We have a sense of where this program was and are so proud of where it is now. It is awesome to know that this program is in better shape when we leave than it was when we arrived. To know we helped lay the foundation for a great soccer tradition here at Florida State
is very special."

Top of Page

Furman Women Favored In Southern Confernce

Furman was picked first on seven of 11 ballots, Western Carolina
received three first place votes, and Georgia Southern received the other
first place vote. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams.

Furman finished last season 13-7, including an 8-2 mark in regular
season league play. Furman has currently won three consecutive regular
season league titles."

"The conference is going to be very tough this year," said Furman head
coach Brian Lee. "We will have our work cut out for us this season. I am a bit surprised we were picked first with the amont of talent returning from
a number of other schools."

Four Paladins also garnered preseason all-conference accolades as
senior Katie Carson, juniors Emily Turgeon and Danielle Petro, and
sophomore Allie Park were selected to the preseason team.

The Paladins open the season Saturday at 1:00 against Morehead State
in Charleston.

2002 Southern Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Furman (7) 97
2. Western Carolina (3) 88
3. UNC Greensboro 85
4. Georgia Southern (1) 73
T5. Davidson 58
College of Charleston 58
7. Appalachian State 46
8. Wofford 38
9. Chattanooga 32
10. East Tennessee State 19
11. The Citadel 11

2002 Southern Conference Preseason All-League Team
GK - Mandi Tinsley, Western Carolina
D - Christie Nipaver, Georgia Southern
D - Jennifer Kennedy, UNC Greensboro
D - Allie Park, Furman
MF - Katie Carson, Furman
MF - Tara Maloney, Davidson
MF - Amanda Bernard, Georgia Southern
F - Claire Wigfall, College of Charleston
F - Heather Maloney, Davidson
F - Emily Turgeon, Furman
F - Danielle Petro - Furman

Top of Page

Furman Men Voted To Top Southern Confernce

The Southern Conference men's soccer coaches have cast their ballots and selected Furman to win the 2002 Men's Soccer title. The coaches also selected the 13-member preseason all-league team. The coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams.

Furman, which won the 2001 crown, received eight first-place votes with UNC Greensboro receiving the remaining vote. College of Charleston was selected to finish third with Davidson finishing two points behind in fourth. The Paladins defeated UNC Greensboro 2-1 in the 2001 SoCon Tournament Championship game to earn the NCAA automatic bid after winning the regular season.

The Paladins led the preseason honors with six all-league selections, including 2001 Freshman of the Year Clint Dempsey. Other Paladins included midfielder Ricardo Clark, forwards Anthony Esquivel and Sergei Raad and defenders Andy Kidd and McNeil Cronin.

College of Charleston forwards Jeff Files and Tony Myers represented the Cougars with Davidson also placing two on the team in goalkeeper Soren Johnson and defender David Peoples. Georgia Southern forward Tony Moffat, UNC Greensboro's Chris Goos and VMI's Jonathan Rios round out the team.

2002 Men's Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Furman (8) 64
2. UNC Greensboro (1) 56
3. College of Charleston 45
4. Davidson 43
5. Appalachian State 40
6. Georgia Southern 29
7. Wofford 19
8. VMI 18
9. The Citadel 10

2 Men's Soccer Preseason All-League Team
GK- Soren Johnson, Davidson
D- David Peoples, Davidson
D- Andy Kidd, Furman
D- McNeil Cronin, Furman
MF- Clint Dempsey, Furman
MF- Ricardo Clark, Furman
MF- Chris Goos, UNC Greensboro
MF- Jonathan Rios, VMI
F- Jeff Files, College of Charleston
F- Tony Myers, College of Charleston
F- Anthony Esquivel, Furman
F- Sergei Raad, Furman
F- Tony Moffat, Georgia Southern

Top of Page

Cavs Picked to Win ACC Men's Title

Virginia, the 2001 ACC regular-season champions, has been selected as the favorite for the upcoming 2002 ACC Men's Soccer season, as determined by a vote of the league's seven head coaches. North Carolina, the defending NCAA champions, were a close second, just two points behind the Cavaliers.

The Wahoos finished the 2001 campaign with a 17-2-1 overall record, including a 6-0 league mark and competed in the NCAA Tournament for the 21st consecutive year. Heading into 2002, Virginia collected 45 points in the pre-season balloting, edging out Carolina, which finished second in the poll with 43 points.

The Tar Heels ended last year's season on a five-game winning streak, a 21-4 record, including a 4-2 league mark as well as the program's first NCAA men's soccer national title.

Finishing third in the poll was Clemson with 36 points. The Tigers were the 2001 ACC Tournament Champions and finished last year with a 19-5 record.

Completing the pre-season poll in order of finish is Wake Forest (26), Maryland (22), Duke (17) and NC State (7).

Considered by many to be one of the top soccer conferences in the nation, ACC schools have won 10 national championships in men's soccer over the last 18 years. Below is a listing of the preseason coaches' poll with 2001 records and regular season finishes.

Top of Page

Women’s College Cup Returns To N.C.

The NCAA Division I Women’ College Cup is coming back to North Carolina!

The NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Committee has announced the new State Capital Soccer Park in Cary will be the site for the 2003 and 2004 Women's College Cup national semifinals and championship. The facility is already the home venue for the WUSA's Carolina Courage, the women's professional team that will play its first home game on May 4.

The 2003 Cup will be played Dec. 5 and 7 and the 2004 Cup Dec. 3 and 5. The hosts are N.C. State and Capital Area Soccer League.

"We've got a great facility, and that's what they [the NCAA] saw," said Charlie Slagle, CASL's chief executive officer, in a Raleigh News & Observer article. "It's not a completed facility, but a great facility. So it's a great opportunity. We're in the middle of good college soccer country, men and women, and we've got an unbelievable stadium along with all the amenities."

The park will be managed by CASL, which secured funding when the organization persuaded Raleigh and Wake County officials to spend $14.5 million in tax money. The public-private facility on East Chatham Street will include six recreational fields in addition to a 7,000-seat stadium, and is expected to be completed in April

Slagle said in the article that temporary seating will increase the capacity to 10,000 for the Women's College Cup. Slagle said he expects tickets to be priced at $30 for adults and $24 for youth for the semifinals and final.

"This will be a sellout, no question, both years," Slagle said. He said he hopes to have the event sold out each year before Labor Day.

Slagle, as stated in the article, has experience with NCAA soccer championships. During 21 years coaching Davidson's men he was instrumental in luring the men's championship to Davidson in 1992 and to Charlotte in 1999 and 2000.He does not plan to pursue a men's championship for the new park because the NCAA requires a minimum seating capacity of 20,000.

The women's championships often have been played in the state, largely because of the University of North Carolina, an NCAA soccer power. The championship was played in Chapel Hill in 1984 and '88, in Raleigh in 1989, in Chapel Hill again in 1990, '91, '92, '93 and '95 and then in Greensboro in 1997 and '98.

Crowd sizes have grown steadily. For example, about 7,000 swarmed into Chapel Hill's Fetzer Field in 1995. In 1998, a crowd of 10,583 watched the final at UNC-Greensboro .

"The event has changed and grown quite a bit," N.C. State coach Laura Kerrigan said in the same News & Record article. "It's grown to such a magnitude that it's nothing like in the late '80s and early '90s. We're talking about a sellout crowd of 10,000 seats."

Top of Page

Men's Collegiate Signees
Clemson || Furman || Gamecocks || Maryland || Memphis || UNCG
University of Virginia || USC Spartanburg || William & Mary || Winthrop

Clemson Men Sign Four Players

CLEMSON, SC-Clemson Head Men's Soccer Coach Trevor Adair has announced the signing of four players to national-letters-of-intent Wednesday.

This year's signees include John Cooper (M, Greer, SC), Erik Forbes (D, Seneca, SC), Dwayne Jones (F, New Orleans, LA), and Justin Moore, (B, Snellville, GA).

Dwayne Jones
New Orleans, LA

Height / Weight: 5'8" 160 lbs.

Born: September 20, 1983

Position

• Forward

Academic Interest

• Business Administration

Club Experience

• 1990 - Present New Orleans Soccer Academy New Orleans, LA

High School Experience

• 1998-2000 Isidore Newman School New Orleans, LA
• 2000- Present Salmen High School New Orleans, LA
• Individual High School Honors
• 2000 NSCAA Coach's All - America
• 2000 NSCAA Louisiana Player of the Year
• 2000 Gatorade Player of the Year
• 1999 Parade All America
• 1999, 2000 All New Orleans Player of the Year
• 1998, 1999, 2000 All State & Team Most Valuable Player

Olympic Development Program Experience

• 6 years
• United States Under 18 National Team Member
• United States Under 17 National Team Member
• (Made Under 17 National Team at age 14)
• 1997 - Present Region III Team
• 1997 - Present Louisiana State Team

Family

• Parents: Jen Biernacki & Frankie Jones
• Brothers / Sisters: Tiffany Jones - Age 16, Jenson Biernacki - Age 3

Erik Forbes
Seneca, SC

Height / Weight: 5'11" 170 lbs.

Born: March 3, 1984

Position

• Defender

Academic Interest

• Business Administration

Club Experience

• 1997 Charlotte Soccer Club Charlotte, NC
• 1998- Present Greenville Futbol Club Greenville, SC

High School Experience

• 1998-1999 Seneca High School Seneca, SC
• 1999-2000 Bradenton Academy Bradenton, FL
• 2000 - Present Seneca High School Seneca, SC
• Individual Honors
• 2000 United States U-17 Residency Program
• Bolitieri Academy, Bradenton, FL
• 1999 All State
• 1998, 1999 All Conference

Olympic Development Program Experience

• 5 years
• United States Under 17 National Team Member
• 1998 - Present Region III Team
• 1997 - 1998 South Carolina State Team

Family

• Parents: Jeff & Bonnie Forbes
• Sister: Kelsey Forbes - 13

John Cooper
Greer, SC

Height / Weight: 6'0" 162 lbs.

Born: February 1, 1984

Position

• Midfield

Academic Interest

• Business Administration

Club Experience

• 1989 - 1996 Mequon United Soccer Club Mequon, Wisconsin
• 1996 - 1997 St. Giles Soccer Club Greenville, SC
• 1997 - Present Greenville Futbol Club Greenville, SC (Formerly DSA Soccer Club)

High School Experience

• 1998-Present Riverside High School Greer, SC

Individual Honors

• Varsity Stats - 83 goals, 32 assists
• (Senior season still underway)
• 2000 All Region Most Valuable Player
• 2000 S.C. High School Sports Report 'AAA' Player of the Year
• 2000 Team Captain
• 1999 & 2000 All Region
• 1999 & 2000 All State, All Conference
• 1999 & 2000 S.C. High School Sports Report "Elite 20"
• 1999 Greer Citizen "Player of the Year"

ODP Experience

• 5 years ODP experience
• United States Under 18 National Team Member
• 1998 - Present Region III Team
• 1998 - Present South Carolina State Team

Family

• Parents: Ron & Sharon Cooper
• Brothers / Sisters: Jeff Cooper - 26, Jackie Cooper - 23, Melissa Cooper -20

Justin Moore
Snellville, GA

Height / Weight: 6'0" 165 lbs.

Born: June 13, 1983

Position

• Defender

Academic Interest

• Business Administration

Club Experience

• 1982/83 Age Group Concorde silver Atlanta, GA

High School Experience

• 1998-2000 Parkview High School Lilburn, GA

Individual Honors

• 2001 Adidas ESP Golden Boot Award
• 2001 All-State
• 2001 All County
• 2001 Parkview M.V.P.
• 1999 - 2000 Adidas ESP
• 1997 Tauhichi Program

Olympic Development Program Experience

• 7 years
• United States Under 18 National Team Pool
• United States Under 16 National Team Member
• USYSA ODP All-American 2001
• Region III Team 1997 - Present
• Georgia State Team 1995 - Present

Family

• Parents: Douglas Moore

Furman Signs Three U17 National Players

Furman men's soccer coach Doug Allison announced his freshman class for 2002 on Monday, a class that includes three members of the United States U-17 National team and a member of the Trinidad and Tobago U-20 National team.

Furman's 2002 freshman class, which rates as one of the nation's best, includes Rhett Abraham of Trinidad and Tobago, Jay Bracknell of Greenville, S.C., Richie Craven of St. Simon, Ga., Gray Griffin of Charlotte, N.C., Drew Moor of Dallas, Texas., Sean Murray of Wauwatosa, Wisc., Chefik Simo of Frisco, Texas., and Josh Villalobos of Fayetville, N.C.

"I am excited to welcome these eight student-athletes to our program," said Coach Allison. "I believe this class has the potential to be one of the best-ever at Furman and I am excited to see what they can accomplish in the next four years."

Headlining the 2002 freshman class are members of the United States Under-17 National team. Griffin, Simo, and Villalobos were each residents at Bradenton, Florida and were members of the Under-17 team that played the Paladins in an exhibition prior to the 2001 season. Griffin and Simo also travelled to Trinidad and Tobago to compete in the U-17 World Cup. Griffin was named team captain and Simo earned an NSCAA Youth All-American citation. Giffin and Villalobos play club soccer together for the Charlotte Soccer Club.

Moor of Dallas, TX. is a member of the 1984 Region III team. Moor plays club soccer for Solar along with Chefik Simo and was also named an NSCAA Youth All-American.

Murray of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, is a member of the 1984 Region II team who plays club soccer for FC-Milwaukee.

Bracknell, from nearby Greenville High School in Greenville, SC., plays club soccer for Greenville Futbol Club and is a member of the 1983 Region pool.

Carson, from Glenn Acadamy in St. Simon's, Ga., plays club soccer for Sudden Impact.

Rounding out Furman's freshman class for 2002 is Abraham from Trinidad and Tobago. Abraham attends St. Mary's College in Trinidad and Tobago and is a member of their Under-20 National Team.

Many of these newcomers will be asked to step in immediately as the Paladins lose their all-time leader in points and goals in All-American John Barry Nusum. Furman also loses a first team academic All-American goalkeeper Scott Blount.

Furman will enter the 2002 season with high hopes as they return Southern Conference Freshman-of-the-Year Clint Dempsey, United States U-20 National team member Ricardo Clark, and two 2000 NSCAA Youth All-American goalkeepers in Alex Maslow and John Hanley.

Furman finished the 2001 season with a 17-5 record after claiming its fourth consecutive Southern Conference regular season title, winning its third straight Southern Conference Tournament, and reaching the NCAA Tournament for the third year in a row.

2002 Freshmen

Rhett Abraham--Trinidad and Tobago
U-20 Trinidad and Tobago National Team
St. Mary's College

Jay Bracknell--Greenville, South Carolina
1983 Region Pool
Greenville High School
Greenvlle Futbol Club

Richie Craven--St. Simon's, Georgia
Glenn Acadamy
Sudden Impact

Gray Griffin--Charlotte, North Carolina
U-17 United States National Team (Bradenton resident)
North Mecklenberg High School
Charlotte Soccer Club

Drew Moor--Dallas, Texas
1984 Region III Team
Episcopal School
Solar Club

Sean Murray--Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
1984 Region II Team
Wauwatosa High School
FC-Milwaukee

Chefik Simo--Frisco, Texas
U-17 United States National Team (Bradenton resident)
Frisco High School
Solar Club

Josh Villalobos--Fayetville, North Carolina
U-17 United States National Team (Bradenton resident)
Terry Sanford High School
Charlotte Soccer Club

Gamecocks Sign Nine Players

University of South Carolina Men's head occer coach Mark Berson has announced the signing of nine players to national letters of intent.

This recruiting class consists of seven high school and two junior college student athletes, including three signees from the prestigious 2001 adidas ESP soccer event (Josh Alcala, Ben Link, and Willis Forko), along with two-time National Junior College Player of the Year, Ricky Quest. This class will strengthen the Gamecocks in each area of the field.

In goal the Gamecocks signed Geoffrey Anatole, (6-1, 180, Sharon, MA). Anatole is on the Region I ODP team and plays for the South Shore United Blazers Club. Anatole has good size and range, along with excellent distribution skills.

The back line was bolstered with the addition of Alcala (Buda, TX), Eric Szeszycki (Round Rock, TX), and Greg Reece (Clemmons, NC). Alcala (5-9, 150) and Szeszycki (6-0, 155) play for the Austin Capitals club team. Alcala played on the Region III ODP team and was selected to the U-17 national pool. An outstanding athlete, Alcala is a solid defender who attacks well out of the back. Szeszycki, who also played on the Region III ODP team, is a tenacious defender who comes forward very well. Both Alcala and Szeszycki can also play in the midfield.

Reece (6-3, 190) played for the Twin Cities club team out of Winston-Salem. Reece is a strong player in the air who distributes the ball well out of the back.

In midfield the Gamecocks signed three players: Lawson Vaughn (5-9, 150, Marietta, GA), Forko (5-10, 160, Houston, TX) and Dane Johnson (5-9, 150, Brooklyn, NY). Vaughn and Forko both played on Region III ODP teams and Johnson is a junior college transfer from Herkimer CC in New York. Both Vaughn and Forko can play wide or central in the midfield and bring excellent pace to the game. Forko played for the Hurricanes Soccer Club, while Vaughn played for the Stone Mountain Soccer Club.

Johnson is a wide player who is excellent in one on one situations. Herkimer CC posted a two-year record of 39-0-1, winning the National Division III title Johnson's freshman year and reaching the finals again this year.

The Gamecocks also signed two talented forwards: Ricky Quest (6-2, 190, Brooklyn, NY) and Ben Link (5-11, 155, Midland, GA). Quest, a teammate of Johnson' s at Herkimer CC, was named the National Player of the Year in junior college in both his freshman and sophomore years.

Quest is a goal scorer with exceptional speed. Link played for the Region III ODP team and for the Lightning Soccer Club. A quick and explosive attacking player, Link can play up top or wide in the midfield.

"I'm very pleased with this class," commented Coach Berson. "They will provide help for us in a number of positions all over the field. These guys are proven winners, and we look forward to having them join us in the fall."

Maryland’s Sasho Cirovski Announces 2002 Signees

COLLEGE PARK, Md.- University of Maryland head coach Sasho Cirovski unveiled its 2002 signing class on Feb. 7, highlighted by 6-1 midfielder/defender Chris Lancos, a member of the Under-17 National Team and veteran of the U.S. Residency program in Bradenton, Fla.

Lancos hails from Middletown, N.J. and will graduate from Middletown High School North this spring. “Chris is the most complete player in our recruiting class. He is a very skillful, versatile player who has great feel for the game and brings tremendous energy to the field,” says Cirovski. “He will have a major impact immediately on our team.” A two-time Parade All-American, Lancos has 20 caps for international play and has been part of the adidas Elite Soccer Program for the past three years.

Defender Kenney Bertz, from Middletown, Ohio, is an NSCAA All-South pick from Lakota West High School. His club team, Team Dayton, won the Under-17 National Championship this year, one year after Bertz led the Tempe Pros in Arizona to the national semifinals. Bertz will be a big presence in the back for Maryland with his 6-1, 200-pound frame. “Kenney is an outright winner because every team he plays on is highly successful. A major physical presence, he has outstanding leadership qualities,” notes Cirovski.

Jason Garey, a 5-11 forward, joins Maryland from St. Amant High School in Baton Rouge, La. While in Louisiana, Garey played for the Baton Rouge Soccer Club under the direction of Gary Buete, older brother of current Terrapin midfielder Scott Buete (Bowie, Md.) and is a member of the Region III ODP pool. “Jason is a good attacking talent with tremendous potential. He has a great nose for the goal,” according to Cirovski, “and his desire and work ethic will ensure success in achieving his potential.”

From Maryland soccer powerhouse Walt Whitman High School, David Glaudemans is Cirovski’s second recruit in two years from nearby Bethesda, Md. An NSCAA All-American, Cirovski says, “David has an incredible work ethic and his desire to succeed is unparalleled. He possesses great speed and athletic ability.” Glaudemans is a member of the Maryland State Team as well as the Soccer Club of Baltimore, which won the Region I Club Championship last year. In 2001, Chris Gormley (Bethedsa, Md.) joined the Terps and earned himself a starting spot after graduating from Walt Whitman.

Texas-native A.J. Godbolt will head North to Maryland after graduating from St. Stephen’s Episcopal in Austin. A forward for the Austin Capitals Soccer Club, Godbolt’s team took the Southern Regional Championship in 2001. He is also in the Region III ODP pool. “A.J. is a very gifted, technical midfielder who will flourish in our environment. His athletic ability combined with his willingness to learn will make him a special player,” noted Cirovski.

Another in-state signee for the Terps is Pat Wilson from Laurel, Md. A midfielder, Wilson’s Gonzaga High School team has won the state championship the past two seasons. A member of the state-finalist Free State Blazers club team, he is also in the Region I ODP mix. “Pat is a very technically skilled player, who reads the game very well. He is a very good passer of the ball,” according to Cirovski.

“This is a class of winners that will make our team deeper,” comments Cirovski. “We have added size, speed, skill, and tremendous character to our team. Each of these players have a history of success, and their addition adds great balance and depth to our team in all areas.

Memphis Signs A Half Dozen

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Tiger soccer coach Richie Grant has announced the signing of six recuits to national letters of intent. This year's class has a Southern feel, including four players from the Volunteer State, one from Texas and another from Florida.

Brian Batos Keeper Germantown, Tenn. Houston High

Helped lead Houston High to the 2000 Tennessee State High School Championship... Member of the 2000 Tennessee State Olympic Development Program Team that won the Region III Championship... Prior to moving to Germantown, his Indiana ODP team won state championships in 1994, 96 and 98... Starred for the Memphis Futbol Club and is next in long line of MFC keepers to bring their skills to the U of M including current Lady Tiger coach Brooks Monaghan, U of M assistant Troy Norwood, Brian Covey and Tiger goalie Clark Talley.

Andy Metcalf Forward Jackson, Tenn. University School of Jackson

Set the Tennessee state record for goals scored in a season with 65 last year in only 26 games (2.5 average)... Totaled 110 career goals... A three-time all-region selection, including region MVP as a junior... Was district MVP three-straight seasons... Was all-tournament in the Best of the West as a sophomore and Best of the West MVP as a junior... Was a five-sport standout in soccer, cross-country, basketball, track and, according to Tiger coach Grant was a possible Division I football recruit as a kicker... Played club soccer for the Memphis Rangers.

Scott Murrell Center Midfielder Naples, Fla. Barron Collier High

Member of the 2001 Florida Olympic Development Team... Named to the 2001 Southeast Region ODP Pool Team... Was named captain of BCHS team as well as high Naples Sharks Club Team... Helped lead his high school squad to three-straight district championships (1999-01)... Grant will be looking for Murrell to fill a position vacated by two graduating seniors.

J.R. Williams Midfield Plano, Texas Plano East High

Plays for, Solar '84, the No. 1 Club Team in the country and will join former club mate and current Tiger Peter Cummings... A defensive midfielder who was named high school team captain and team MVP in 2001... Selected to the USYSA Region III Pool Team for 2000-01... Was an Olympic Development Program National Finalist in 2001... Member of the Texas State ODP squad from 1997-01.

Package Deal

The U of M Tiger soccer team received more good news when local standouts and current teammates Dayton O'Brien and Jonathan R. Thomas announced their decision to sign with the Tigers.

Currently, both are starring locally for perennial power Evangelical Christian School where the pair recently led ECS to a runner-up finish at the 2001 state championships.

The teammates chose to make their decision a package deal in an effort to remain teammates at the next level. O'Brien and Thomas are a rare tandem, in that, both players began their careers as six-year old teammates within the '84 Memphis Rangers club side and have been inseparable ever since. Along the way, the duo helped lead the Rangers to consecutive state titles in 1997-98 and again, in 2001. Andy Metcalf, who inked with Memphis on national signing day last week, is also a member of the Rangers side.

"With them having been teammates on a good club team and a good high school team, I think it will give them an advantage in the college game," said head coach Richie Grant. "Hopefully we will see the benefits of the experience they have gained by playing with one another. We hope to see the results at Memphis."

O'Brien, a wing midfielder, is widely known as the top local prospect in the city and recently earned a 2001 all-state selection after his junior season where he finished among the top five scorers in Shelby County. He serves as team captain for his Rangers squad and is also a member of the Tennessee Olympic Development Program team. O'Brien is easily one of the most coveted signees in recent Tiger history and gave Memphis the nod over such programs as Creighton, Western Kentucky, Appalachian State and local power CBU.

"We felt that he was the top player in the city and that it was important for us to keep those players in our program," offered Grant. "He plays a position (left-wing) that we feel we need on our squad and it's very exciting for our team to bring in a player of his caliber. Dayton will make an immediate impact on our program and should develop into a dominant player over time."

Thomas, a Cordova native, is a left fullback and has been a key contributor for both squads and most recently was named all-metro following the 2001 season at ECS. He is a member of Tennessee ODP squad. Thomas took official visits to W. Kentucky, Coastal Carolina and CBU but ultimately chose the U of M.

"Having J.R. brings added strength to our squad," stated Grant. "He's a left-footed player who will help us immediately on that side of the park."

Grant knows that keeping homegrown talent at home will breed success for the future, "We need to continue signing the best talent available in Memphis," said Grant. "If we do that, our program will continue to grow and can be a force in the near future. We have taken the necessary steps with Dayton and J.R.. They are both great players but also solid kids from good families."

UNC Greensboro Men Sign Six

The UNCG men’s soccer team announced that the following players have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Spartans in the 2002 season.

Player Bios
Casey Davis
Midfielder/Defender
Columbus, NC
Spartanburg Day School

Prior to UNCG ... Earned five varsity letters in soccer at Spartanburg Day School ... named All-South Carolina as a junior and senior ... honored as First-Team All-Carolinas Athletic Association, team MVP and team captain as both a junior and senior ... named Carolina Athletic Association Player of the Year as a senior in 2001 ... led team to 2001 CAA Championship and state runner-up finish ... coached by Noel Hazzard ... also earned three varsity letters in baseball as a pitcher, shortstop and outfielder ... played for Charlotte (NC) Soccer Club for three years under Scott Schweitzer and Ben Parry ... Personal ... Casey Benjamin Davis ... born January 26, 1985 in Columbus, NC ... son of John and Beverly Davis ... also recruited by Coastal Carolina and the University at Buffalo ... brother Jamie played collegiate soccer at Oberlin.

Michael FitzGerald
Midfielder
5-11 • 155
Wilmington, NC
Hoggard High School

High School ... Led Hoggard High School in assists and game winning goals as a senior ... participated in the North Carolina Senior All-State Games ... named team captain and team MVP as a senior ... named Mid-Eastern 4-A All-Region as a senior ... voted Morning Star Player of the Week on two occasions ... coached by John Teller at Hoggard ... Club Information ... played for 84’ Wilmington Breakers Club Team for eight seasons under Aidan Heaney ... team captured the 1995 North Carolina State Cup, the 1997 Tampa Bay Sun Bowl Championship, the 1997 Oneota (NY) Hall of Fame Championship and the International Tournament Championship in Wittlesheim, France, in 1999 ... also recruited by East Carolina, South Florida, NC State, Boston University and Charlotte ... Personal ... born on September 9, 1984 in Virginia Beach, VA ... son of Patrick and Mari FitzGerald ... ... plans to major in communications ... member of National Beta Club and Spanish Club.

Chris Johnson
Defender
6-2 • 165
Morehead City, NC
West Carteret High School

Prior to UNCG ... Earned four letters in soccer at West Carteret High School ... two time all-conference selection ... scored a team-high 16 goals as a senior ... named to Jacksonville News All-Area Team ... team’s Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2000 ... led West Carteret to a 2001 conference championship ... coached by Matt Thraxton ... played for Coastal United for three years under Tim Guter ... also played for 84 North Carolina ODP team for two years and 84 Region III ODP pool for a year ...Personal ... Christopher Eric Johnson ... son of Rick and Barbara Johnson ... born April 28, 1984 in Morehead City, NC ... also recruited by East Carolina, UNC Wilmington and Appalachian State.

Scott Jones
Midfielder
5-10 • 155
Dallas,TX
Jesuit College Preparatory

Prior to UNCG ... Played four years of soccer and earned three varsity letters at Jesuit College Preparatory ... played freshman year of football ... named to TCIL All-State team ... led Jesuit to 2000 TCIL State Championship ... team claimed 2002 Duncanville Tournament Championship ... named to the 2000 and 2001 First-Team Elite Soccer Program All-Star ... coached by Charles DeLong ... played eight years of club soccer for the Dallas Comets under David Hudgell ... claimed the state championship in 2001 ... Capital Cup winners in 2001 ... Personal ... Soctt Lyman Jones ... son of Mary Beth Jones ... born September 22, 1983 in San Antonio, TX ... also recrited by Wake Forest, SMU, South Carolina and Michigan ... brother Colin Jones played soccer at Trinity University in San Antonio, TX.

Nick Solle
Midfielder
5-8 • 145
Broadway, NC
Lee Senior High School

Prior to UNCG ... Earned four letters in soccer at Lee Senior High School ... named all-conference as a junior and senior ... earned honorable-mention all-conference as a sophomore ... finished high school career as school’s all-time assist leader ... led Lee Senior to 2001 Tri-Six Conference Championship ... coached by Jeff Tolley ... competed for six years for Charlotte Soccer Club Blue U-18 for Hector Blanco ... Raleigh Cup State Champions in 1999 ... Charlotte Soccer Club State Champions in 2001 ... Personal ... Nicholas Ryan Solle ... born March 1, 1984 in Ft. Myers, FL ... son of Bonnie S. Doby.

Paul Zazenski
Midfielder/Defender
6-0 • 175
Atlantic Beach, NC
West Carteret High School

Prior to UNCG ... Earned four letters in soccer and basketball, and three in baseball at West Carteret High School ... twice named all-conference and earned conference MVP honors as a senior ... honorable-mention all-conference selection as a sophomore ... served as team captain as a junior and senior ... named all-region as a senior ... named team MVP in baseball as a junior, as well as honorable-mention all-conference honors ... coached by Matt Thraxton ... played with Coastal United club team for three years ... twice finished as state runners-up ... named MVP of the UNC/Furman Cup ... Personal ... Paul Millard Zazenski ... born June 4, 1984 in Tom’s River, NJ ... son of Ladonna Zazenski-Boyd and Vic Boyd ... also recruited by Campbell, Georgia State, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina and High Point.

Virginia Men Sign Four

University of Virginia head men's soccer coach George Gelnovatch has announced the signing of four student-athletes to a National Letter of Intent to attend Virginia and play men's soccer for the Cavaliers. The student-athletes will enroll at UVA for the 2002-2003 academic year. The four individuals are: Jon Freeman (Allen, Texas), Paul Johnson (Princeton, N.J.), Philip Long (Wilson, N.C.) and Joseph Vide (Munich, Germany).

Virginia is coming off a season in which the Cavaliers finished 17-2-1 overall, 6-0-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. UVa won the 2001 ACC regular season title and became the first team in ACC history to win all of its conference games by shutout. Virginia will return a solid group of letter winners from its 2001 squad, but has added some very talented and skilled individuals to fill some positional needs next season with the addition of this year's recruiting class.

"Freeman was on the U.S. Under-17 Team and is on the U.S. Under-18 National Team," said Gelnovatch. "He can play anywhere in the defense - center-back, left-back or right-back. Freeman is very versatile; he can play a number of different positions including midfielder or wing forward. He was one of the top recruits in the country and we are thrilled to have him coming here."

"Johnson was also a member of the U.S. Under-17 National Team," said Gelnovatch. "He has a tremendous amount of athletic ability. Johnson may be the best athlete we have ever had sign to play men's soccer at UVa, and that is saying a lot. He is a forward and was one of the top recruits in the country. He is an attacking player who plays like (current Cavalier) Ryan Gibbs.”

"Long was the Player of the Year in the state of North Carolina," said Gelnovatch. "He was a high school All-American and was named the 2001 Adidas ESP Most Valuable Player (MVP) last summer. Long is a left-footed forward with a lot of talent, but may be a little bit underrated. He has a lot of accolades and a lot of people know about him, but he has more potential than a lot of people may realize and we hope to tap into that when he gets here."

"Vide was on the U.S. Under-18 National Team last year," said Gelnovatch. "Right now, he is living in Munich, Germany and plays for Munich 1860 on the A Youth Team, the level right before the professional ranks. Vide was already offered a professional soccer contract, but he passed on it to play college soccer at Virginia. He plays a similar style of soccer like Kyle Martino; he's very crafty with the ball and is very skillful. Vide is an attacking midfielder and will help us right away."

"Overall, this was a very good recruiting class," said Gelnovatch. "We filled a lot of needs we had coming out of last season. We needed forwards and picked up Long and Johnson. We lost Martino in the midfield and we needed a playmaker, and we added Vide. Freeman's versatility gives him the ability to play in a lot of different positions in the defense. We added depth everywhere with this class. With the exception of Long, the trio of Freeman, Johnson and Vide have all represented their country by playing soccer on the U.S. National Teams. This class is a group of seasoned kids that have already developed a maturity level in soccer."

USC Spartanburg Men's Soccer Announces Recruiting Class

Head Men's Soccer Coach Greg Hooks announced the signing of three players to national letters of intent to play soccer at the University of South Carolina Spartanburg. Ricky Charles, Shamir Vieira, and Jorge Atehortua have all signed to attend USCS starting in the fall.

"I am pleased with this class," stated Head Coach Greg Hooks. These guys are proven winners, and quality individuals. I hope they will contribute immediately to our program."

Charles (5-11, 165, M/F) earned All-America, All-Conference, and All-Region honors at Bryant & Stratton. He was named MVP in the 2001 NJCAA tournament. Bryant & Stratton won the 2001 NJCAA National Championship and placed second in 2000. A native of St. George's, Grenada, he has been a full time member of the national team since age 16.

Hooks stated, "He's an impact player who will be very exciting to watch. Ricky is versatile. He can play forward or in the midfield. He will provide explosiveness and athleticism along with excellent technical and tactical awareness."

Vieira (5-7, 155, M) was an All-New England performer at NJCAA power Massasoit Community College. The Praia, Cape Verde, native attended Varzea High School before coming to the United States.

Hooks stated, " Shamir is very quick and very skillful. He's left footed and will add a different dimension to the attacking third."

Atehortua (6-1, 175, F/M) is an All-State and All-Region performer in South Carolina for South Side High School. He's been selected to the SC ODP and Region Pool. Played for the prestigious St. Giles Soccer Club.

Hooks stated, " Jorge is a skillful player and a strong individual. He possesses a good understanding for the game, and has the ability to get forward and take defenders on. Although he will need to adjust to the collegiate level, I think he will adapt very quickly. I think he's one of the top high school players coming out of South Carolina, and we are very fortunate to have him.”

In 2001, USCS claimed their seventh Peach Belt Conference Tournament in the 11 years of the event. The Rifles finished the 2001 season ranked number No. 1 in the Southeast region and No. 13 nationally.

Tribe Men's Soccer Signs Kris Rake

WILLIAMSBURG, VA (Feb. 11, 2002)-William and Mary head coach Al Albert has announced that Kris Rake (Flower Mound, TX) has signed a letter of intent to play men's soccer at the College. Rake attended Marcus High School and also played club soccer for the Dallas Texans. The Tribe returns starting goalkeeper Trevor Upton next fall, and it is expected that Rake will redshirt this fall.

A 6-2 goalkeeper from the Dallas area, Rake was a first team all-district selection as a junior. Earlier this year the Fort Worth Star Telegram named him as one of the best goalkeepers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. "We hope to be able to redshirt Kris next season," said Albert of the signee. "However, we would be very comfortable playing him should anything happen to current starter Trevor Upton."

Winthrop University Men’s 2002 Recruiting Class

Kevin Green...Midfield/Forward...Aberdeen, Scotland...Oldmachar Academy...Played for U-18 National Youth Cup Champions, Heart of Midlothian F.C., Forfar Athletic, and currently Rothes F.C.

Zach Beitzel...Midfield...Chincoteague Island, Virginia...Pocomoke H.S...Maryland All-State Team...Maryland State Champions...Team MVP...Captain

Nick Petro...Midfield/Defender...Snellville, Georgia...Brookwood H.S...Played on #6 Ranked Team in Nation and Georgia State Champion Bookwood H. S.

Owen Collie...Forward/Defender...Tarves, Scotland...Ellon Academy...Plays for Ellon United...Played for U-18 National Youth Cup Champions...Player of the Year Award....Top Goal Scorer

Andy Ross...Defender...Brandon, MS...Jackson Prep...Transfer from Lynn University...Played for Jackson Football Club...Mississippi ODP Team

Dee Vydra...Forward/Midfield...Madison, MS...Madison Central High School...Played for Jackson Football Club... Mississippi ODP Team...Region III Team

Will Nova...Midfield...Alpharetta, GA...Milton High School...Played for Norcross Fury and Roswell Santos Soccer Clubs

Dustin Bybee...Defender...Syracuse, UT...Clearfield H. S...Utah ODP Team...Plays for Sparta United Gold Soccer Club

Patrick O’Callaghan...Goalkeeper...Altavista, VA...Altavista H. S...Plays for Lynchburg Soccer Club

Lloyd Gofton...Midfield/Defender...Kent, England...St. Georges School...Plays for Corinthian Football Club

Blake Upston...Forward/Midfield...Battle Creek, MI...Battle Creek Lakeview H. S....All City...All District...All Area...Michigan ODP Pool

Top of Page

Women's Collegiate Signees

University of Alabama || Auburn || Clemson || DePaul || Duke || ETSU || FSU
Furman || Georgia Soccer || Kentucky || Maryland || NC State || ODU || Santa Clara
UNC || UNCG || University of Florida || Western Carolina || William & Mary

Tide Soccer Signs Eight for 2002 Season

The University of Alabama women’s soccer program announced the signing of nine players for 2002 season.

Don Staley’s recruiting season took him and his staff far and wide across the country, but he feels that the hard work definitely paid off.

“These are kids that we can win with for years to come as each kid brings something special to the table,” said Staley. “With these incoming freshmen I feel we have women that will be outstanding student-athletes. Their class and integrity is indisputable while at the same time we fully expect them to come in and make an immediate impact on our program on the field.”

Staley’s travels took him all the way to Utah where he signed Libby Probst, a native of Salt Lake City. Probst was named all-state for three consecutive years and was Olympus High School’s Most Valuable Player for four straight seasons. She is also a four-time member of the state O.D.P (Olympic Development Program) team.

Lindsay Caton, of Cincinnati, Ohio was a member of the Cardinal Premier Soccer Club, the same club program that produced current Alabama standouts Katie Holtzapfel and Lauren Imwalle. Caton is a three time O.D.P. participant and participated in the 1999 Regional Camp Pool Training.

Kylie Boyd, from Ft. Worth, Texas, joins a long-line of Alabama players from the Lonestar State and her family is no stranger to Crimson Tide athletics. Boyd’s brother Brent is the second baseman for Alabama baseball team. She was chosen as the 1998 Nike Outstanding Player and is a three-time member of the Texas O.D.P. program.

Sara Haight, who is attending East Peoria High in Peoria, Illinois, will bring a lot of skill to the Alabama program. As a defender in high school she has scored 40 goals and assisted on 25 others. She is a three-time all-area performer as well as all-conference and all-sectional.

Cally Morrill, who is attending Sarasota High School in Sarasota, Florida helped lead her club team to a third place finish at the prestigious Orange Bowl tournament in 2001. Staley really likes her speed and feels that she can come in and be an immediate impact player for the Tide.

Courtney Cockrill, another Texan addition from Austin, Texas could possibly fill the midfield position left vacant by fellow Texan Kathleen Motheral’s departure. Cockrill has helped lead her club team to eight consecutive state tournaments and was a member of the Texas O.D.P. state team for four years. She is no stranger to the Capstone either as her grandfather, two aunts, two uncles and 10 cousins are attending or attended UA.

Shreveport, Louisiana native Liegh Alexander had ties to the Crimson Tide soccer program before she even signed with Alabama. Her former high school soccer coach, Chase Wooten, is currently an assistant on the Alabama staff. Alexander, another midfielder, is a goal scorer that finished ranked third in the city in scoring in 1999 and 2000. She is also a four-time Louisiana O.D.P. State team performer.

Jessica Joyner, from Salt Lake City, Utah, led Utah Valley in goals (18), assists (17) and game-winning goals (5). Joyner, the daughter of Major League Baseball star Wally Joyner, was selected all-state and team MVP last season.

Staley’s lone in-state signee this season was Huntsville native, Allison DeLisle. DeLisle, who is attending Huntsville High, was an all-state performer last season and helped lead her club team to the U-17 state championship.

Auburn Signs Seven

AUBURN - Auburn soccer team, under the direction of head coach Karen Richter, signed seven student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday to join the program as freshmen in the 2002 season.

Jessie Allan, a midfielder from Crystal Lake, Ill., Ashley Eason, a defender from Memphis, Tenn., Jacqueline Schwarz, a midfielder/forward from Muskogee, Okla., Jada Stewart, a center midfielder from Lilburn, Ga., Kristen Stewart, a forward from Lilburn, Ga., Ashley Willis, a forward from Winter Haven, Fla., and Jenny Zarzour, a midfielder from Huntsville, Ala., each signed with the Tigers on the first day of the signing period.

“With the experience, ability and speed of this class, the signees will take our program to the next level,” said Richter, who will begin her fourth season at Auburn in the fall. “The high quality of this class is in large part due to recruiting coordinator and assistant head coach Matthew Mott and assistant coach Heather Walker.”

Allen played high school soccer at Prairie Ridge and was a three-time all-area and all-conference selection. She also played for the Campton United club team and was a member of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) State team in 1997 and 1998.

“Jessie brings speed, quickness and crafty technical ability to our midfield,” Richter said. “She can be very dangerous as a wide mid by getting endline and serving balls into the box.”

Eason, the three-time offensive Player of the Year for Ridgeway High School, was a member of the 2000 Under-16 National team and was named to the 1999 U-15 National Pool and the 1998 U-14 National Pool. She is a member of the ODP State and Regional team and has helped her high school win four state titles and the Memphis Futbol Club team win four state championships.

“Ashley’s experience with the national team will be a great addition to our SEC West leading defense,” Richter added. “Her tactical knowledge and ability to get forward on the attack are strengths that she will bring to Auburn.”

Schwarz, the Oklahoma Most Valuable Player out of Muskogee High School, helped the Tulsa Soccer Club with six straight state championships from 1994 to 2000. She also helped the club team to the 2000 Regional finals, while being a three-time all-district selection and three-time offensive MVP for Muskogee.

“Jacqueline is an extremely explosive player whose commitment to go forward is invaluable both up top and in the midfield,” said Richter. “Her exciting, attacking style will be a great addition to our offense.”

The Stewarts, twins from Parkview High School, were named co-MVPs in 1999 and Jada won the 2001 Defensive MVP, while Kristen was the Offensive MVP in 2000 and 2001. The duo helped the AFC Lightning 84 club team to back-to-back state titles in 2000 and 2001 and to the regional semi-finals in 2000. Jada and Kristen were also members of the ODP State team in 1997, 1998 and 1999 and Adidas/ESP All-Stars in 2001.

“The Stewarts’ athleticism and dynamic abilities will allow them to have an immediate impact on our team,” Richter stated. “Jada’s savvy distribution and tough defensive ability makes her a successful central player in both the midfield and the back. Kristen’s speed and attacking flair makes her a tremendous goal scorer.”

Willis was a member of the 2000 and 2001 ODP Regional team and the 1999, 2000 and 2001 ODP State team. She played for the Blackwatch Sterling club team and for Auburndale High School where she led the team in scoring in each of her seasons.

“Ashley brings blazing speed and a great goal-scoring touch to our front line,” Richter said. “She is also crafty with the ball and has the exciting ability to beat players in one versus one battles.”

Zarzour, whose sister is a senior soccer player at the University of Alabama, was the two-time offensive MVP of her team at Virgil Grissom High School where she also earned first-team all-state honors and was the all-metro Player of the Year in 1999 and 2000. She played on the 2001 ODP Regional team, was a five-year member of the ODP State team and was named to the 1999 and 2000 Regional Pool.

“We feel Jenny is the top player in the state,” said Richter. “She is a tremendous attacking player and is very dynamic going forward. Her versatility allows her to play anywhere in the midfield or up top.”

Auburn adds these seven student-athletes to a Tiger team that won the Southeastern Conference Western Division title in 2001, making it to the SEC Tournament title match and the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

Clemson Women Sign Five Players

CLEMSON, SC-Head Women's Soccer Coach Todd Bramble announced the signing of five players to national letter-of-intents to attend Clemson University in the fall of 2002.

The list of signees include Candice Hein (M/F), Lydia Vanderbergh (M/F), Allison Graham (M),Lindsey Wegrzyn (B), Robyn Shelby (M/B).

Graham was a NSCAA High School All-American 2001, 2002 and is currently a member of the United States U19 National Team.

2002 Clemson Women's Soccer Signees

Candice Hein (M/F)

• Highlands Ranch, CO
• High School: ThunderRidge High School
• State 4A Champions 1999, 2000; 5A Quaterfinalist 2001
• First-Team All League 2001
• Club: Real Colorado 1994-present
• State Championship Runner up 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001
• ODP: Regional Camp Participant 1998, 1999, 2000

Lydia Vandenbergh (M/F)

• Pisgah Forest, NC
• High School: Brevard High School
• All-State, All Region, All Conference 2001
• Times News Player of the Year, All Western North Carolina 2000, 2001
• All Region, All Conference 1999, 2000
• Club: Highland Football Club '83
• ODP: Region III Team Player Pool 2000, 2001North Carolina ODP Team-two years

Allison Graham (M)

• Fayetteville, GA
• High School: Starr's Mill High School
• NSCAA High School All-American 2001, 2002
• State Champions 1999, 2000
• Club: State Cup Champions 1999-2000
• Region III Bronze Medal/Team Captain 1999-2000
• ODP: National Team 2000, 2001
• 84 Georgia State Team 1997-1999
• 84 Florida State Team-1998
• 84 Region III Team 1997-1999
• 83 Region III Team 2000
• Region III Champions/National Bronze Medal 1999

Lindsey Wegrzyn

• Fayetteville, GA
• High School: Starr's Mills High School
• State Champions 1999, 2000
• Finalists 1998
• Club: State Cup Champions 1999-2000
• Region III Bronze Medal 1999-2000
• ODP: 84 State Team 1998-2000
• Region III Team 2000
• Region III Champions/National Bronze Medal 1999

Robyn Shelby (M/B)

• Davis, CA
• High School: Saint Francis High School
• First-Team All-League 2000, 2001
• All-League Defensive MVP, 2001
• All-City Player of the Year, 2001
• Division I Sac-Joaquin Section Champions 2000, 2001
• Club: San Juan Spirits of '85 U-15/Team Captain 1999
• CYSA-N U-15 State Team/Regional Tournament Champions 1998, 1999
• CYSA-N State Team Pool 1999, 2001
• ODP: District VI Team, 1997-2000

DePaul Women's Soccer Signs Four Players

CHICAGO - DePaul women's soccer coach John Wilson announced today the signing of four player to a National Letter of Intent to play for the Blue Demons next season. This is Wilson's second class of signees as he enters his third season as head coach at DePaul.

This year's class features three players from the Chicago area and a fourth from Ohio. Julianne Sitch, Erin Walter and Amy Witt are three of the area's top high school players while Blair Heiser is a standout from Columbus, Ohio.

"I am very excited to announce my second recruiting class at DePaul University," said Wilson. "This class reflects our tremendous growth as a program. It demonstrates DePaul's ability to attract the best talent in the Chicago area and the Midwest region. One of our priorities in recruiting is to bring in dynamic players who can contribute to our goal of playing an attractive, attacking style of soccer. All of these players will contribute significantly to that goal. The best part about these recruits is that they love DePaul University and our team. The wonderful people on this team were a major reason these players chose to become a part of this special group. We anxiously await the arrival fo these talented players as we anticipate continued future success."

The class features two midfielders and two defenders. Sitch, a member of the U-19 National Team Pool, is a talented player that can player either the midfield or forward positions. Walter, a midfielder, was recently invited to the Adidas ESP Camp which featured the top 150 college prospects. Witt, a defender that can also play at midfield, was a three-year standout at Wheaton-Warrenville South High School. Heiser, a defender, is one of the top student-athletes in the state of Ohio.

2002 DePaul University Women's Soccer Signing Class

Julianne Sitch

• Position: Midfield/Forward
• Hometown: Oswego, Illinois
• High School: Oswego High School
• Club: Campton United

Coach Wilson on Stitch: "Julianne is an amazing player and a wonderful person. She plays with so much passion that you can feel it when you watch her play. She could quite possibly be the best player in Illinois. She will have an immediate and lasting impact here at DePaul and I believe she has only begun to scratch the surface of her potential. She brings an unquenchable desire for success and competitiveness to the team that will take us to the next level for sure. The best part is, she absolutely loves it here at DePaul and we absolutely love her."

As one of the top players in the Midwest, Julianne Stitch will play an immediate role in DePaul's plans for next season. She is a member of the U-19 National Team Pool and Region II Olympic Development Program (ODP) Team. At Oswego High School, Stitch was a three-time team MVP while being named to the Chicago Tribune All-State team. She also earned IHSA All-Sectional honors twice and All-Conference mention three times. Her club team, Campton United, was the 2001 USYSA State Cup Champions. Stitch also played for the Chicago Cobras in the W2 while being selected to the W2 All-Tournament team at the Final Four in 2001.

Erin Walter

• Position: Midfield
• High School: Elk Grove High School
• Hometown: Elk Grove, Illinois
• Club: Campton United

Coach Wilson on Walter: "Another star player from the Chicago area, Erin is the ultimate student-athlete achieving at the highest level in and out of the classroom. We are very proud that such a fine student and player has chosen to help our program compete with the top of our conference. Erin loves the game of soccer and that passion will help her find great success at DePaul. Erin will have an immediate impact on the team and we think the world of her."

The second of three players from the Chicagoland area in this year's signing class, Walter is a six-year member of the ODP program while playing for the state team. Recently she was one of 150 of the top college prospects to attend the Adidas ESP Camp. While playing for the Chicago Sockers club team, she led them to the USYSA State Cup Championship in 1999 and 2001. The Sockers also reached the Region Cup semifinals in 2001. In her four-year career at Elk Grove High School, she led them to the 2001 MSL Conference Championship while being the league's Player of the Year. She also earned IHSA All-State honors as a senior. In the classroom, Walter is ranked first in her senior class of 458 students.

Amy Witt

• Position: Defense/Midfield
• High School: Wheaton-Warrenville South High School
• Hometown: Wheaton, Illinois
• Club: Windy City Pride

Coach Wilson on Witt: "Another tremendous student-athlete from the Chicago area, Amy will also have an immediate impact on our team. Being a defensive player, she often does note get the recognition she deserves. Amy's passion for the game and her tremendous competitive drive are what motivate her to succeed. If people aren't aware of what Amy is capable of accomplishing in college, they soon will by the end of her freshman season. As with the others, she loves it here at DePaul and we absolutely adore her. She will be an important part of our future success."

Witt was a three-year standout at Wheaton-Warrenville South where she was named to the Chicago Sun-Times All-State team. The four-time letterwinner was also a three-time All-Conference and Academic All-Conference selection. Her club team, Windy City Pride, was a three-time USYSA State Cup Champion. The five-year ODP State team member is ranked in the top three percent of her high school class of 552.

Blair Heiser

• Position: Defense
• Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
• High School: Upper Arlington High School
• Club: Eagles Soccer Club

Coach Wilson on Heiser: "Blair will be one of five players on the team from Ohio this season as we become more regionally competitive in recruiting. She is not only a very good student, but an experienced defender with a great tactical understanding of the game and leadership ability to boot. Those two strengths will be tremendous assets to the team from day one. She loves Chicago and DePaul and is a perfect fit for out program. Being a defender like Amy, she often does not get the recognition she deserves. Ask any goalkeeper she plays with and they'll tell you that Blair is a major reason why they win."

The lone player in this year's class from outside of Illinois, Heiser is an NHS Academic All-Ohio honoree. She led the Eagles Soccer Club to the USYSA State Cup finals and two championships at the Raleigh Shootout. Upper Arlington reached the NHS Regional Finals in 1998 and were semi-finalists in 2000 while twice winning their conference and district.

Duke Women Sign Six For 2002

The Duke women's soccer program has signed six student-athletes to attend the university in the Fall of 2002, as announced by head coach Robbie Church. The Blue Devils will welcome Carmen Bognanno, Carolyn Ford, Heidi Hollenbeck, Shelly Marshall, Carolyn Riggs and Kate Siebert to the squad in September.

"We are very excited about our incoming freshman class," said Church. "We have signed six women who have the opportunity to make major contributions to our program immediately. What excites us the most is that these young ladies will represent Duke University and its soccer program in first class fashion."

Bognanno, a native of St. Louis, Mo., is a three-time letterwinner and earned All-State, All-Conference and All-Metro honors at Lafayette High School. As a member of the Busch Soccer Club, the 5-2 midfielder was a four-time state champion and earned the club's player of the year award in 2000. A member of the Missouri State Olympic Development Program (ODP) from 1998-2002, Bognanno was named captain of the under-16 and 17 national squads and of the Region II team from 1998-2002. Bognanno is a member of the National and Spanish Honor Societies as well as Mu Alpha Theta and was named to Who's Who Among High School Students.

Ford, a native of Bethesda, Md., is a two-time All-Metropolitan honoree by the Washington Post and a two-time All-State and four-time All-County and All-League selection at St. Andrew's Episcopal School. The 5-8 back was a member of the under-17 national champion club team in 2001 and the Maryland state championship squad from 1994-2001. A member of the Maryland ODP in 1996, 1998 and the national championship finalist team in 2000, Ford was a member of the Region I team from 1998-99 and the Region I pool from 2000-01. Ford was also a four-year member of the honor roll.

Hollenbeck, a native of Hartland, Wisc., is a two-time letterwinner and All-Conference honoree and was named NSCAA All-America at Arrowhead High School. The 5-6 midfielder trained at the Bollettieri Soccer Academy in Florida during her junior year and graduated early to train in Florida. Hollenbeck was four-time state champion as a member of the F.C. Milwaukee club. A four-year member of the Wisconsin state team and regional squad, Hollenbeck was also a member of the under-17 and 19 national pools. Hollenbeck was named to the National Honor Society and elected to the Citizenship Conference.

Marshall, a native of Los Angeles, Calif., is four-year letter winner and was named first team All-Pacific League and All-Area as a freshman, sophomore and junior at Arcadia High School. Her club team, the Santa Anita Strikers, won first place in the Coast League premier division and were the California Premier North/South Champions. Currently a member of the under-19 national pool, the 5-6 midfielder was a member of the 2000-01 ODP under-16 national pool and was an ODP All-Star. Marshall was a three-time recipient of the scholar athlete award at Arcadia.

Riggs, a native of Indianapolis, Ind., is a three-time letterwinner and a two-time All-County Player of the Year at North Central High School. The Indianapolis Star Player of the Year as a sophomore, Riggs is a two-time All-State and NSCAA All-Mid East selection and a three-time All-County, All-Conference and All-District honoree. The 5-9 forward was a member of the Carmel Cosmos club team that won regionals in 1999 and finished second in the national finals. She was also member of the Region II ODP squad from 2000-01 and the Indiana state team from 1995-2001. Riggs was named to the National and Spanish Honor Societies and the All-Conference Academic team.

Seibert, a native of Downingtown, Pa., is a four-year letterwinner and a four-time All-League, All-County and All-Area selection at Downingtown Senior High School. The 5-8 back, who's high school team was ranked second in the U.S. in 2001, also earned Parade magazine and NSCAA Youth (under-17) All-America honors. A five-year member of the Region I ODP team, Seibert was two-time member of the U.S. Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) National All-Star team, was a member of the adidas Elite Soccer Program All-Star team and was named to the USYSA All-America National Team. Seibert is also a member of the National Honor Society and was named to Who's Who Among High School Students.

Henson Signs Three Players At ETSU

Johnson City, Tenn. (February 8, 2002) - East Tennessee State head soccer coach Heather Henson has announced that Erin Ashton (New Bern, NC), Meghan Morris (Bowie, MD) and Catherine Olsen (Thurmont, MD) signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Bucs in 2002. "I am thrilled to add these dynamic players to our ETSU squad," said Coach Henson.

Ashton is a two-time all-region player and was voted offensive MVP twice at New Bern High School. She was a member of the 2000 State Games All East Team and helped lead the CASL Elite club team to the 2000 WAGS Championship and 2001 State Cup Championship. Ashton participated in the North Carolina Olympic Development Program from 1998-2000. She has also competed in basketball and swimming. Ashton is a member of the National Honor Society.

"Erin's versatility and speed will allow us to utilize her in many positions which will give our attack more options," said Coach Henson.

Morris, a four-year letterwinner, helped lead Bowie High School to three county championships, two regional titles, and to the state semi-finals twice. She was named all-county first team three years and was team captain. Morris scored 51 goals and was credited with 70 assists in high school. In 2000, she was a member of the Maryland Olympic Development Program,and reached the 2000 State Cup Finals with the Freestate United club team. Currently she is a member of the Parkville Pumas club team. She competed as a swimmer for two years. Morris also helps her community as a Special Olympics volunteer and Peer Mediation Counselor. She was a member of the academic honor roll, Maryland Minds in Motion and was part of the Student Government Association.

"Meghan is a great addition to our program," said Coach Henson, "she is an aggressive player who reads the game extremely well, making her very versatile."

Olsen's Catoctin High School team went to the 2001 state semi-finals. She was the second leading scorer in high school and was the leading scorer on her club team. In 2000, she was named to the All Mid-Maryland and All-Conference team. Olsen played club soccer for the Frederick United Express, which ended the 2000 season in the State Cup semi-finals. She stands out in other areas, as well. Olsen is also an all-area runner, winning state championships in the 1600 meters and twice in the 800 meters. She was a three-time MVP of her track team. Academically, Olsen was on the honor roll for four years, is a two-year member of the National Honor Society and earned honorable mention in the Maryland Distinguished Scholar program.

"Catherine is an aggressive runner," said Coach Henson, "her speed and scoring mentality will make her someone other teams will respect."

Six Florida Players Join Two From California On FSU List Of Recruits

TALLAHASSEE, Fla, -- Seminole soccer head coach Patrick Baker has announced his third true recruiting class after receiving eight letters of intent from members of the class of 2006. The group includes six players from Florida and the program’s first-ever players from California.

Baker’s last two classes have been ranked 13th and eighth nationally according to SoccerBuzz and the class of 2006 should rank amongst the best to ever play at Florida State.

“We are very excited about this group that has signed with FSU and feel from top to bottom it is as talented as any class we have signed here,” said Baker. “The biggest thing is that this group fulfills our needs. They give us a little bit of everything. We get some help in the back, in the midfield, out wide and we also get some help up front. With three very talented freshman keepers, we really didn’t look at that area but this year’s class will push the envelope just as the last two classes before them have.

“Hopefully we are approaching the day when we don’t have to ask so many freshmen to step up and start. In 1999 we started one freshman from start to finish but in 2000 and 2001 we started five freshmen each season for the majority of the season. We don’t expect to need that many to start in 2002 but our players know that no position is guaranteed and our top 11 will play. The chemistry and dynamics of the team mean so much. We have came so far from 1999 to 2000 but the last two seasons we have been trying to refine things and we feel this class will help us compete in the ACC night in and night out. I hope they continue the tradition of the previous classes we brought to Tallahassee.”

The class includes defenders Jessica Bell, Shannon Coe and Teresa Rivera; midfielders Sarah Rosseau, Erica Lewis and Allison Ferreri; and Leah Gallegos and Stephanie Dame up front. Gallegos, a Los Angeles native, and Coe, from Temple City, which is located between LA and Pasadena, are the first-ever Californians to play soccer at Florida State.

“When I coached at Penn, we were fortunate enough to have a lot of California kids play for us so have known the talent level that exists in that state,” said Baker. “We have really tried to open that state up since we’ve been at FSU because it is obviously so rich in talent. We are so excited to have two players from arguably one of the nation’s top club teams, the Santa Anita Strikers, in Shannon Coe and Leah Gallegos come and play soccer at Florida State. We are so excited to have both of those players and we feel they will be wonderful additions and could potentially impact our team immediately.”

Playing at Franklin High in LA, Gallegos was a 1st-team All-League selection for three straight seasons, an All-CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) selection the past two seasons, an All-Area 1st-team selection the last two years and was league MVP during her junior and sophomore seasons. As a sophomore, she was also named Area MVP. She has spent two years playing on California’s State team with U-15’s and U-17’s and also spent two years as a California State pool player with the U-14’s and U-16’s. She played her club ball with the Santa Anita Strikers for seven years on what is widely considered one of the nations premier club teams. Gallegos chose FSU over UCLA, Arizona State, Washington State, Brown and St. John’s.

“Leah is extremely talented and has a wonderful skill base,” said Baker. “She is great in tight spaces and makes others around her better. Leah is a solid goal scorer who will be called upon immediately to contribute. She and fellow Seminole recruit Shannon Coe are club teammates in California and I feel they will both make an early impact on our team.”

A fellow Californian, Coe was named Team MVP at Temple City High School and has been named 1st-Team All-League and 2nd-Team All-Area as a varsity starter for three years. As a freshman, she was named Rookie of the Year and 3rd-Team All-League. She played ODP with the U-14 District IV team and the U-15, U-16 and U-17 California State teams as well. She was a teammate of Leah Gallegos with the vaunted Santa Anita Strikers club team for eight years. She chose Florida State over Cal-State Fullerton and Cal-State San Jose.

“Shannon is a very technical outside back and will challenge for a starting spot right away,” said Baker. ”She has good size and speed and will compliment the defensive theme started with our first recruiting class. She has been a starter for one of the best club teams in the nation (Santa Anita Strikers) and that will be a big plus as she comes in for her freshman season.”

Due to the graduation of central midfielder Marte Vik Edvardsen, finding depth for a midfield that is young and full of talent but not very deep was a major concern for Baker. The signings of Ferreri, Lewis and Rosseau should help the depth both centrally and out wide.

“Our biggest area of concern was the midfield,” said Baker. “Even though we have young players in the midfield, we were thin in numbers. We feel like we are bringing three midfielders who are not only going to enhance what we are already doing there but they will take us in a new direction as well.”

Lewis, who is expected to play centrally in the FSU midfield, has spent three seasons with the Florida State ODP team and was a regional pool player in 2000. As a junior at Orange Park High School, she scored 40 goals and recorded 41 assists as a junior and was the only 40-40 player in the area in the last two seasons. Lewis followed up a stellar junior season by scoring 35 goals and recording 24 more assists as a senior for ninth-ranked Orange Park. She played club soccer with fellow Seminole recruit Jessica Bell at Black Watch Stirling, which won the Raleigh Shootout, Norcross Girls Cup and Superclubs National Championship.

“Erica is considered by many to be one of the best central midfielder prospects in the south this year,” said Baker. “She can really make a team go and has a great feel for the game. Erica will help a thin central midfield depleted by graduation. She and Sarah Rosseau will enhance the this team right away.”

Rosseau began her high school career in Pylesville, MD before moving to Marco Island, FL for her junior and senior seasons. Playing at St. John Neumann High School in Marco Island, she scored 56 goals as a junior and was the leading scorer in Collier County where she was named Collier County Girls Soccer Player of the Year. Playing in Maryland, she captained her team to second-place in Districts and led all high school goal scorers as a sophomore.

She was named 1st-team All-County as a sophomore after leading Hartford County with 23 goals and leading her team to a Regional Championship. She spent the 2000 and 2002 seasons with the Florida state ODP team. Played club soccer with the BFC Blast in Maryland and as a U-16 they won the 1999 Pepsi Challenge, Division II Championship at WAGS and Baltimore Metro League. After moving to Florida, Rosseau was a member of the Ft. Myers Cyclones who won the 2001 Orange Classic and Premier League Championships with the U-18’s and were runners-up at the 2001 Atlanta Cup. She chose Florida State over Florida, Clemson and Tulane.

“Sarah is a very skillful and talented central midfielder who is one of Florida’s best,” commented Baker. “She understands the game very well. Sarah makes great decisions with and without the ball. She will compliment Camie Bybee and Jenny Garcia in the central midfield.”

Ferreri was a four-year starter for St. Thomas Aquinas and member of the 1999 State Championship team. She has been named team MVP for three consecutive seasons and is a two-time All-State selection. Ferreri was also named first-team All-County as a sophomore and junior playing at forward and sweeper. She is a two-time Florida State ODP player and played her club soccer with the Coral Springs Storm from 1994-1999 and with the Team Boca U-17’s in 2000 and 2001. In 2000, she reached the South Region finals with Team Boca and was a member of the Florida State club champions in 1999 and 2000. She was also in the state finals in 1997, 1998 and 2001. She chose Florida State over Florida, Miami, Ohio State and NC State.

“Allison is going to be a very good college player- the problem will be where to play her,” said Baker. “ She is a versatile player that will probably challenge for time as a wide midfielder or forward. Like another member of this class Stephanie Dame, she possesses a great upside.”

Baker’s signing class is his largest ever at FSU when it comes to talent from within the state of Florida. With six signees from as far south as Coral Springs to as far north as Panama City, this is Baker’s most diverse group ever from the Seminoles home state.

“We tried hard to recruit Florida very hard since we have been here and last year we lost some very good players to other schools,” said Baker. “This was probably just our year in the rotation. We want to continue to bring Florida’s best players to Florida State and I feel like in the last three years we have done that overall. It is rewarding to get a majority of the state’s best players to our campus and hopefully it is a sign of things to come.

“Our visibility in the state has increased especially with our back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Tournament. We have one of the Southeast’s fastest growing summer soccer camps and those things have helped us attract Florida kids to FSU.”

One of Florida’s best is defender Teresa Rivera. A 2002 Gatorade Player of the Year nominee who attended 2001 ESP Camp, Rivera scored 36 career goals and recorded 44 career assists despite playing at sweeper her junior and senior seasons. She is a four-year starter and senior captain for Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and led her team to the Regional Championship as a senior and into the Regional semi-finals as a sophomore and junior. She helped lead the Eagles to nine consecutive district and regional championships and was named 2001 Defensive MVP. Rivera is a 1st-Team Miami Herald and Ft. Lauderdale Sun Sentinel All-Broward County selection and she was named Rookie of the Year in 1998.

She played with the Region III ODP team from 2000-2002, attended Region III Camp from 1998-2001 and played with the Florida State ODP team from 1998-2001. She has captained Team Boca for four years and won the Florida State Cup from 1998-2001. She and Team Boca played in the Region III Tournament from 1999-2001 including the 2000 Regional semi-finals. She chose Florida State over Miami and Connecticut.

“Teresa is considered by most to be the top player in the state this year,” said Baker. “Great skill, vision and is very composed in the back. Teresa has the ability to make a difference right away. She can play centrally in the back or midfield and is also a great leader.”

Bell was a member of the senior All-Star Team in 2002, a 1st-Team All-Western Conference and All-County selection the last two seasons and was named the Most Valuable Defender in 2000 and 2001. She has played with Florida State ODP for two seasons. She won the Raleigh Shootout, Norcross Girls Cup and Superclubs National Championship as a member of the Black Watch Stirling club team. She chose Florida State over Florida, Mississippi and Tulane.

“Jessica is a very talented defender who possesses a great deal of speed, athleticism, and toughness,” said Baker. “She caught our eye at our summer camp and had a very good week of training. Jessica will help us in the back third right away, either centrally or on the outside.”

Dame is expected to contribute up top for FSU after beginning her high school career by scoring 22 goals and recording three assists as a freshman at A. Crawford Mosley High on her way to garnering team MVP honors. She played outside midfield as a sophomore and the midfield and forward positions her junior year. Dame caught the attention of the FSU coaching staff at coach Baker’s Elite Camp in 2000 and she plans to study Early Childhood Development at Florida State.

“Stephanie is the sleeper of the class- very fast, athletic, and possesses a tremendous upside,” said Baker. “Along with Bell, she was seen at the FSU summer camp and will add immediately to the forward crop already at FSU. Stephanie could also be used as a wide midfielder.”

Furman Signs Seven

GREENVILLE, SC -- Furman women's soccer coach Brian Lee announced the signing of seven scholar-athletes to national letters-of-intent on Thursday, including six members of the Region II and III Olympic Development Program (ODP) Teams and Pools.

Joining the three-time defending Southern Conference regular season champions in 2002 will be Nicky Darling of Coralville, Iowa, Andie Hinshaw of Raleigh, N.C., Katharine Kelley of Raleigh, N.C., Tara Marker of South Kaufman, Texas, Andrea Morrison of Kernersville, N.C., Erin Sanders of Charlotte, N.C., and Stacy Simpson of Columbia, S.C.

"We are extremely excited about our 2002 freshman class," said Furman head coach Lee. "This group is a great combination of speed, athleticism, and skill that will help our program reach our lofty goals. I could not be any more excited about the future of our program and the role each of these student-athletes can play in aiding us on the field. More importantly, they are also quality students and people who will be great ambassadors for Furman University.

Nicky Darling is a midfielder and is a member of the Canadian Under-19 National Team pool and Region II ODP Team. She is a member of the Iowa United club team, helping to lead them to a state championship. Darling attends Iowa City West High School.

Andie Hinshaw is the starting goalkeeper for the three-time state champion and 2001 No. 1 school in the nation, Broughton High School in Raleigh, N.C. In addition to leading Broughton to national prominence, Hinshaw is a member of the CASL Spartans club team, is a Region III ODP Team member, and is a former member of the national team pool.

Katharine Kelley is a teammate of Hinshaw's as she also helped lead Broughton to the state championship and national No. 1 ranking in 2001. Kelley, a defender, attended Hale High School in Raleigh before transferring to Broughton. She is also a member of the Spartans and chose not to play ODP soccer.

Tara Marker is also a Region III ODP Team member. She is a former member of the national team pool and attended the Adidas ESP Showcase as a senior. A member of the Texas Wave club program, Marker attends Deer Park High School in South Kaufman, Texas.

A third member of the Raleigh Spartans, Andrea Morrison is a defender from Kernersville, N.C. Morrison attends East Forsythe High School and is a member of the Region III ODP Team. She is a former member of the Greensboro Twisters club program. Morrison also attended the Adidas ESP Showcase.

Erin Sanders is a midfielder from Providence High School in Charlotte, N.C. A member of the Region III pool, Sanders plays for the Charlotte Soccer Club. She also attended the Adidas ESP Showcase.

Stacy Simpson is a defender from Columbia, S.C. and attends Richland Northeast High School. She is a member of the Region III pool and helped lead the Greenville Futbol Club to the region championship last year.

Also joining the Lady Paladins in 2002 is transfer Ashley Murray. Murray spent the 2000 season as a freshman at Texas A&M, starting four contests and playing in ten matches before sustaining a knee injury. She is currently enrolled at Furman and will participate in the spring season.

In addition to Furman's seven incoming freshman and Murray, the Lady Paladins welcome back redshirt freshman Kelly Shedd, who broke her leg in the second match of the 2001 campaign.

Georgia Soccer Signs Three Recruits

ATHENS, Ga.- University of Georgia women's soccer head coach Sue Patberg announced the signing of four recruits Wednesday as Pamela Elting, Geneil Newbern, Catherine Bruce and Erin Sekerak each signed national letters of intent to study and compete at the University of Georgia next year.

Elting, a midfielder and forward from Atlanta, Ga.,led Lovett to the 2001 AAAstate title. She was named First Team All-County in 2001, Honorable Mention All-County in 2000 and First Team All-City in 2000 and 2001. A two-time team captain, Elting led Lovett in scoring the last three seasons and was named the team's Most Valuable Offensive Player three years in a row.

Elting becomes one of several Bulldogs with experience in the Tophat club program, including current Georgia players Nicole Greathead, Jessica Winton and Lindsay Rochow. She has served as team captain on her club squad the last four years, leading the team to State Cup runner-up finishes in 2001 and 2002. Elting has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes the last four years and has extensive experience in community service including serving as a Vestry Leader at Lovett the last three years. Elting chose Georgia over Ole Miss, Miami (Ohio) and SMU.

"We're excited to have Pam attending the University of Georgia," Patberg said. "Coming from the Tophat Soccer Club, we know she has a great work ethic and desire on the field. She brings leadership qualities both on and off the field that are always a welcomed addition."

Newbern,a forward from Memphis, Tenn., was named 2001 Tennessee GATORADE High School Player of the Year and and is a candidate for the award again in 2002. She led her Ridgeway High School squad to four straight state titles, being named State Tournament MVP in 1998, 2000 and 2001. Newbern was named "Top Five Best of the Preps" four years in a row by THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL , All-State and All-Metro the last four years. She was also named Regional All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America in 1999 and 2000.

Newbern is also a member of the varsity track squad and was on the varsity basketball squad in 2000 and 2001. She led her Brentwood Lady Express club team to six club state titles. Newbern has been a member of the Region III Team since 1999 and Tennessee Olympic Development squad since 1996. She was featured in the October, 2001 issue of Sports Illustrated for Women. Newbern chose Georgia over Florida, Florida State and Connecticut.

"Geneil is an impact player," Patberg said. "We feel she will contribute significantly, right away. She's a proven goal-scorer and a dynamic player. She's athletic, fast and has many weapons to her game. She has great potential and we look forward to helping her game progress to the next level."

Sekerak, a forward from Davidson, N.C., led her North Mecklenburg High School team to the state semifinals in 1999 and 2001 as well as conference titles from 1999-2001. She is a three-time All-Region and All-County selection. A four-year starter, Sekerak was named team captain as a senior. The leading scorer the last four years, she hepled her Charlotte Soccer Club squad to club state titles in 2001 and 2002, as well as the Region III semifinals. Sekerak is also a member of the North Carolina Olympic Development Pool. She was enrolled in North Mecklenburg's International Baccalaureate program as a freshman and sophomore and Advanced Placement program as a junior and senior. She was named Who's Who Among American High School Students and an All-American Scholar. Sekerak is also involved in the Key Club and Student Government. She chose Georgia over Rhode Island and High Point.

"Erin possesses that winning edge that we are always looking to bring into the program," Patberg said. "Her dedication to the game and her desire to succeed will fit right in with the Georgia Bulldog attitude."

Bruce, a midfielder and defender from Decatur, Ga., helped lead St. Pius to a shared 2001 AAAA state title as they tied Marist in the championship match. She was named 2001 Honorable Mention All-County and is a four-year starter at St. Pius. Bruce helped St. Pius to the AAAA state finals in 2000 and AA semi-finals in 1999. She is also a member of the Norcross Magic club program. An honor student, Bruce has been named to the Honor Roll and Principal's List at St. Pius. Bruce chose Georgia over Mississippi State and Louisiana State.

"Catherine is a quick, versatile and attack-minded player," Patberg said. "She will help provide depth, both on offense and defense. Being from Decatur, we're also glad to land more in-state talent."

"We feel we have a well-rounded class," Patberg said of the recent signees. "We're excited about the talent we've recruited and the impact they'll have on the program. We look for them to help us continue the momentum we built last season."

Kentucky Women’s Soccer Adds Five To 2002 Roster

The University of Kentucky women's soccer program has released the signing of five high school seniors to national letters of intent, announced Coach Warren Lipka.

Kathryn Grandinetti (Centennial, Colo./Grandview), Ashley Janning (Cincinnati, Ohio/Roger Bacon), Kristen Jedlo (Mokena, Ill./Lincoln Way Central), Lauren Krasko (Grasonville, Md./Kent Island) and Jennifer Weakley (Columbus, Ohio/St. Francis DeSales) will attend UK and play soccer for the Wildcats in 2002.

Grandinetti is a four-time member of the Colorado Select Team and was named to the Denver Post Best of the Best All-Colorado Team in 2000 and 2001. The forward/outside midfielder was also selected All-State in class 5A as a senior and in class 4A as junior by the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News. She was tabbed the Aurora Sentinel All-Aurora/All-City Player of the Year as a junior and her team's most inspirational player as a sophomore in 1999.

"Grandinetti is a very dynamic and attacking player," Lipka said. "We'll look to her to complement Keri Boyce and Elizabeth Ramsey up front as she brings a different dimension to our forward position."

Janning scored 45 goals and 20 assists in her prep career, ranking her second in all-time points scored, second in all-time goals and third in career assists at Roger Bacon. In her junior campaign, the midfielder/defender was the GGCL's Player of the Year in its Grey Division and was tabbed GGCL first team, first-team All-Ohio and first-team All-City. She repeated first-team All-City and GGCL honors as a senior and was voted a Southwest Ohio All-Star.

"Ashley is an aggressive marking back and coming from a regional championship club team, she's played in big games," Lipka said. "She's a very athletic and strong defender who will help our depth in defense."

Jedlo joins her older sister, junior Kim Jedlo, on the UK pitch this fall. The Mokena, Ill. native was a four-year starter and a three-year All-Conference performer at Lincoln Way High School. She was named to the 2001 Chicago Sun Times, Chicago Tribune, Daily Southtown and Star Newspapers first team, as well as earning All-State honors as a senior. Academically, Jedlo is a National Honor Society member and a National Merit Commended Student.

"Kristen is a proven player out of Chicago and she feels comfortable with our program having her sister Kim here," Lipka said. "I look for her to make an immediate impact in our defense this season."

Krasko comes to the Bluegrass from Grasonville, Md. where the outside back led Kent Island High School in scoring four straight years. She collected team MVP honors in both soccer and track in 1998 and 1999, and her Bethesda Fury captured the Premier U-17 Girls National Championship in 2001.

"Lauren really knows how to win and with losing three backs to graduation, we needed to fill that area with quality depth," Lipka said. "She will be an important part of solidifying a strong defense for us this fall." Weakley is a highly-recruited midfielder from St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, Ohio. She amassed academic All-Ohio honors and was a Central Ohio All-Star Game selection in 2001. Her team's co-captain as a senior, Weakley was voted second-team All-District and first-team Central Catholic League in 1999, 2000 and 2001. Lettering all four years in her prep career, she dented the net 11 times and recorded nine assists playing sweeper as a senior.

"Jennifer Weakley is a very versatile player," Lipka said. "She can play middle or back for us, but we're projecting her to play in the midfield. She has great speed, good technical ability and hopefully will have a quick impact on our team."

"We have a wide range of players from different parts of the country in this class," Lipka said. "We will bring in four different styles of play which will make us a balanced, versatile team. This will rank as one of our top classes because this group has played in big matches and have won big games. These are the type of athletes we want here at UK."

Ranked as high as # 10 last season, UK earned a bid to the 2001 NCAA Tournament and finished the year at 12-8-1 overall and 5-4-0 in the Southeastern Conference. The Wildcats will begin the 2002 schedule at the Missouri Nike Challenge in Columbia, Mo., facing Illinois on Friday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. and Indiana on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.

Terps Sign ‘Breakthrough’ Class

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Maryland women¹s soccer head coach Shannon Higgins-Cirovski has announced the signing of five recruits to national letters of intent to begin play at the university in the fall of 2002.

“This is a breakthrough class for the University of Maryland women¹s soccer program,” said Higgins-Cirovski, who will enter her fourth year at the school this fall. ³”n addition to all of the veteran players that will be returning from injuries for 2002, these signees will make a major difference all over the field. Our staff is very proud of this class.”

Coming to College Park to don the red and black with be Ali Andrzejewski (Lutherville, Md./McDonogh High School), Simone Dekker (Ringwood, N.J./Immaculate Heart Academy), Mallory Mahar (Medina, Ohio/Medina Senior High School), Danielle Malagari (Wheaton, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel High School) and Kristin McHugh (Gaithersburg, Md./Quince Orchard High School).

Andrzejewski is a member of the U-16 National Team and part of the U-19 National Team Pool. She was a standout player at the McDonogh School in Baltimore, where was named two-time Maryland state player of the year, two-time city player of the year and two-time county player of the year. She was named the Baltimore Sun Player of the Year in 2001 after scoring 20 goals and adding 15 assists as a senior. She has been named a NSCAA All-American twice in both high school and club play and a Parade All-American. She a two-time ESP All-Star. She has been a member of the Maryland ODP, and Regional ODP Team as well as a USYSA All-Star. She has led her club team, the Bethesda Dragons, to a No. 1 ranking in the nation.

“Ali is an incredibly dangerous player,” said Higgins-Cirovski. “She is very fast, smart and a natural finisher as well. She is going to be a major offensive force in her career at Maryland.”

Dekker is a member of the U-16 Region I National Team Pool. She starred at Immaculate Heart Academy in Washington Township, N.J., leading the team with 27 goals and 13 assists as a senior . She was named to the New Jersey State Soccer Coaches All-State First Team as both a junior and senior. She was also named first team all-county and all-league both seasons. She has been an ESP All-Star.

“Simone is extremely pacey,” said Higgins-Cirovski. “She loves to take defenders on one-v-one and also is a good finisher. Combining with Ali, she can bring our offense to the next level.”

Mahar was a first-team All-Ohio selection as a junior and senior at Medina Senior High School in Ohio. She was a NSCAA All-Mideast selection as a senior after scoring 20 goals and adding 10 assists in leading Medina to the conference and district championships. She was named MVP of the Pioneer Conference, Medina County MVP and Sun Newspapers MVP as a senior. She was also named Akron Player of the Year and a first team all-star by the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Akron Beacon Journal and Beacon Journal Gazette. She has been a member of the Ohio ODP since 1998 and became part of the Regional ODP Team in 2001. Her club team, the Internationals, was ranked No. 4 in the nation and won the 1999 and 2000 Region II titles along with five Ohio-North State Cup championships.

“Mallory has great size and technical ability,” said the coach. “She is a force in the air in front of the goal and in the midfield. She has the ability to take over games.”

Playing at Quince Orchard High School, McHugh racked up numerous honors during her career. She was named first team All-Maryland as a senior and earned All-State honorable mention as a junior. She was an All-Met pick and an all-county selection by The Gazette Newspapers and The Montgomery Journal as a junior and a senior. She served as team captain as a senior, completing a four-year varsity career. She played her club soccer with the Bethesda Fury which has captured five Maryland state championships. She captured the U-17 USYSA National Championship and U-17 USYSA Region I title in 2001.

“Kristin is a raw athlete,² said the coach. ³She is very versatile and has the ability to play many positions. She is used to winning, the kind of player we want to play for the Terps.”

Malagari has been a member of the Maryland ODP for the last three years and a standout at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Wheaton, Md. She was a NSCAA All-South selection this past season. She was named the conference¹s (WCAC) player of the year in both 1999 and 2000. Over her four years she tallied 60 goals and 45 assists and was the school¹s leading scorer her final three years. She started every game of her four-year varsity career as she was named WCAC All-League, All-Maryland, All-County and Washington Post All-Met after her sophomore, junior and senior campaigns. She was a team captain as a junior and senior. In her club action, Malagari played with Andrzejewski on the Bethesda Dragons and captured numerous titles in moving to a No. 1 national rankings.

“Danielle is a very technical and tactical player,² said Higgins-Cirovski. ³She has a great work ethic and a love for the game. We expect her to be a tremendous asset to the program.”

In addition to the five signees, the Terps will return three starters for the 2002 season, all of whom missed most or all of the 2001 season. Dynamic offensive play-maker Kimmy Francis, a NSCAA high school All-American and the consensus Pennsylvania State Player of the Year in 2000, will make her college debut after missing all of last season with a torn ACL. On defense, the Terps will get back a pair of redshirt-junior backs in Sally Harrison (Virginia Beach, Va.) and Carly Viher (Mentor, Ohio). Both players, who started every game of their freshman and sophomore seasons missed the majority of the 2001 season. Harrison played in just the first four gams before suffering a dislocated knee cap which forced her to miss the remainder of the season. Viher missed the entire campaign after suffering a torn ACL late in preseason camp.

“With the addition of Kimmy, it is like having another top-level recruit,² said Higgins-Cirovski. “She missed all of last season, so this will be her freshman year. I am very excited to see all of our new offensive weapons.

“On defense, Sally and Carly were consistent starters for their first two seasons. Then to lose them to injuries was an incredible setback, they will be back at full strength along with All-ACC back Lindsay Givens ."

Kerrigan Signs Five At NCSU

Raleigh, N.C.--The NC State women's soccer program has signed five student-athletes for the fall of 2002, head coach Laura Kerrigan announced Monday. The team is composed of three players from North Carolina, one from New York and one from Virginia.

Erin Ardler, a senior at Minisink Valley High School in Greenville, New York, was a member of the Olympic Development Program in New York for four seasons. She was also a member of the Region I ODP team for one year and in the Region I pool for two seasons. Ardler was an Orange County all-star for four seasons and amassed 40 goals in her first three seasons of high school. Away from the field, Ardler has compiled impressive track credentials, ranking 25th in the nation in the 55 meter sprint. Ardler recently broke the New York state record in the event, finishing the race in 7.0 seconds. Ardler played for the North Rockland Wildcats club team and was coached by Gene Ventrigulia.

"Erin is extremely fast," Kerrigan said. "She is so skillful and has proven to be a goal-scorer. She also does a tremendous job of making things happen on the field."

Michelle Crocker is a senior at Millbrook High School in Selma, North Carolina. Crocker gained all-state honors as a junior and all-Cap 6 and all-region honors as a sophomore and junior. As a member Jim Wayne's CASL Elite club team, Crocker was a member of the state championship team for all four years and on the region champion one season.

"Michelle is a tough, strong defender," said Kerrigan. "She distributes the ball well out of the back and has the ability to win balls in the air and on the ground."

Lindsey DeLorenze is a senior at Apex High School in Cary, North Carolina. DeLorenze has been a member of the North Carolina Olympic Development squad for four seasons and a member of the regional pool for one year. DeLorenze was also invited the the Elite Soccer Program which is reserved for the top 150 players in the United States. At the high school level, DeLorenze became the first player in Apex history to earn Region Six Player of the Year, all-state and all-Southern Conference honors as a sophomore and junior. In those two seasons, DeLorenze also tallied 45 goals and 23 assists for Kevin Todd's team.

"Lindsey does a fabulous job of distributing the ball from her midfield position," Kerrigan said. "She can be a factor on both sides of the ball and is good in the air as well. One thing I really like about her is how well she initiates the offensive attack."

Lydia McBath is a senior at Hickory High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. McBath has been a member of the national pool and regional Olympic Development team during her career. She has also been part of the Beach FC Stingrays club team, coached by Charlie Pittman.

"Lydia is a skillful and quick player," said Kerrigan. "She has the ability to change the course of the game and slices through defenses with her exciting play. Lydia is also a goal-scorer who possesses a dynamic personality on an off the field."

Ashley Zendzian is a senior at East Wake High School in Wendell, North Carolina. During her high school career, Zendzian claimed All-Coastal Plains honors while at St. Timothy's Hale School and was named the conference's Co-Player of the Year as a sophomore. That year, Zendzian scored 40 goals on her way to being named the Coastal Plains tournament MVP. Zendzian is a member of the '83 Spartan Vipers, coached by Jay Howell and Jim Wayne.

"Ashley is creative, crafty and clever with the ball," said Kerrigan. "She is an attacking midfielder who distributes the ball well. She is also very athletic and will be an impact player right away for NC State."

ODU Women Sign Seven

The Old Dominion women's soccer team has signed seven incoming freshman for the upcoming 2002 campaign. With an emphasis on offense, five forwards, one midfielder and one defender have been signed for the upcoming season.

"As a recruiting class it's very athletic and very versatile. Graduating as many players as we did this year (12), it's important to replace that speed and to fill those positions. One of the great features of this class is their speed and they have the versatility to fill those positions, said head coach Joe Pereria"

Pennsylvania stand-outs Laura Beeman (Chalfont, PA/ Central Bucks West), Danielle Heusser (Hummelstown, PA/ Lower Dauphin) and Melissa Sheranko (Hershey, PA/ Hershey) will be joining the Monarchs after successful high school careers. North Carolina's Meredith Worsley (Durham, NC/ Jordan) rounds out the new recruits playing forward.

Old Dominion also enjoyed another great year of recruiting in Hampton Roads, VA, nabbing two of the top local products Heather Vaughan (Va. Beach, VA/ Princess Anne), a multi-sport star at Princess Anne, has signed as a midfielder and the versatile Kim Snyder (Va. Beach, VA/ Tallwood) can play up front or in the middle.

A standout defender from Maryland, Heather Jones (Waldorf, MD/ Westlake HS), has been signed to help a young ODU defense.

Old Dominion finished the 2001 season with a 5-10-2 record after a 13-7-1 campaign in 2000. The Lady Monarchs will be returning 17 letter winners in the fall.

Santa Clara Women Sign Three

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Women's soccer head coach Jerry Smith announced the signing of three players to National Letters of Intent this afternoon. Joining the Bronco Class of 2006 will include Bonnie Bowman of San Carlos and Carrie Schuler of Northridge, as well as Micaela Esquivel of Albuquerque, N.M.

"We're losing three starters to graduation: two center backs and a midfielder, and that's what we've signed today: two center backs and a midfielder," Smith said. "They'll come in and challenge for playing time. We have an outstanding returning team, but these three will be challenged in their first year to earn a starting position, they will contribute their first year here."

Bowman is a 5-9 defender from Notre Dame High School in San Carlos. She is a member of the Cal North State ODP U16 Team and plays club ball for Golden Gate Premier. Like Bowman, Schuler is a defender, but slightly smaller at 5-5. Out of Louisville High School in Northridge, Schuler led her prep team to the 2001 CIF Division IV Championship while earning three-time All-Mission League honors. Her club team, L.A. Force, won the premier bracket of the 2001 Nomads Tournament.

A member of New Mexico's Olympic Development Team for the past four years, Esquivel is a 5-5 midfielder from Albuquerque Academy. She has won eight state championships with her club teams, including five with Albuquerque United. Named New Mexico's Player of the Year last season, she led her prep team to the state championship, leading the squad in goals in assists, including seven scores in the state tournament.

Eight New Players Will Join the North Carolina Squad This Fall

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The ranks of players for the University of North Carolina’s women’s soccer program will grow by eight this fall as Tar Heel head coach Anson Dorrance formally announced his recruiting clas. The group of eight players includes five from North Carolina, the most newcomers UNC has ever brought in from the Tar Heel State in one year.

The recruiting class includes midfielder forward Corrine Black of Candler, N.C.; Lori Chalupny of St. Louis, Mo.; defender/midfielder Kendall Fletcher of Cary, N.C.; goalkeeper Tyler Griffin of Charlotte, N.C., forward Brynn Hardman of Raleigh, N.C.; defender Amy Steadman of Brevard, N.C.; forward/midfielder Lindsay Tarpley of Kalamazoo, Mich. and midfielder Kacey White of Arlington, Texas.

“I think the recruiting analysts will judge this another great class athletically but what I like best about it is the kinds of people they are and what theyʼll bring to us off the field as well,” says Dorrance. “We are also very excited about the number of quality North Carolinians coming out this year. Itʼs a powerful statement about the development of the game in this state.”

Black attends Enka High School and play for the ʽ84 HFC Quest club team. She has been named All-Conference, All-Region and All-State in high school. She played for the Blue Ridge Rapids in the W-2 League and was the teamʼs second-leading scorer. She is a member of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) Region III Team and North Carolina State ODP Team.

Chalupny comes to Carolina from Nerinx Hall High School and she plays for the J.B. Marine club squad. She has played with the U.S. National Team in the Algarve Cup and with the U.S. under-21 National Team at the Nordic Cup. She was a Parade All-America in both 2001 and 2002 and has also won the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Academic Award.

A standout at Apex High School, Fletcher plays her club soccer with the GYSA Twisters 84. Fletcher is a member of the U.S. Under-19 National Team and has been named to the Parade All-America and NSCAA Under-17 All-America Teams.

Griffin competes for the Charlotte Soccer Club and attends Providence High School. She has been named All-State on the pitch and her high schoolʼs defensive Most Valuable Player. She also serves as a junior marshal at PHS.

Hardman will graduate this spring from Broughton High School. She plays for the CASL Vipers club team. Hardman played with the Raleigh Wings of the W-1 League in 1998 and 1999 when the Wings won back-to-back championships. She has been a member of the U.S. Region 3 Team from 1997-2001 and she was selected to adidas ESP in 1999, 2000 and 2001, making the all-star team in 2001.

Steadman, a high schoo junior, has earned four caps with the United States National Team. She attends Brevard High School and has played for the Atlanta Lightning and Greensboro Twisters club teams. Steadman has been a Parade All-America for two years.

Tarpley attends Portage Central High School and plays for the Michigan Hawks. She is a member of the Under-19 National Team and won the Golden Boot Award as the Most Valuable Player of the Club and ODP National Tournaments in 2001. Tarpley is a two-time Parade All-America and an NSCAA All-America.

White is also a member of the U.S. Under-19 National Team as well as being a Parade All-America and NSCAA All-America. She attends Grace Preparatory School and plays for the Defeeters 84 soccer club.

Women's Soccer Announces 2002 Signings

UNC Greensboro head women’s soccer coach Eddie Radwanski inked eight tremendous high school soccer players to National Letter’s of Intent to play for the Spartans this fall. Shannon Alger, Dacia Beachum, Deven Beachum, Amy Carnell, Tyson Davis, Nicollette DeLaine, Cara Hammond and Jennifer Stillman will look to fill the void left by nine departed seniors.

“We definitely added some extremely talented players and also added some elements that were missing from last season,” said head coach Eddie Radwanski. “This group most definitely gives us more speed that we have had in past years. We were able to address a number of needed spots.”

Some casual observes might assume that UNCG would be in a rebuilding stage with all the departures, but with this group and future recruiting classes, Radwanski plans on reloading, not rebuilding.

“The type of people we looked for would help this program go further,” said Radwanski. “Our goals and expectations are getting greater and it starts with his class. The common denominator of this group is winning, they are all winners and winning breeds winning. Our job is to blend and adapt with the returning players to play top quality soccer.”

Newcomers Bio's

Shannon Alger
Forward/Midfield
Denville, NJ
Morris Catholic

High School … earned four letters in soccer … also lettered twice in basketball and track … named most improved in basketball and most valuable in track … member of the 4x400 Denville County champion relay team … awarded all-state first-team in 2000 and 2001 … New Jersey Player of the Year finalist ... led Morris Catholic to the Parochial B Championship twice in the last three years … scored 38 goals and registered 22 assists to lead team to 22-1-1 record and top five finish in New Jersey last season … finished as the school's all-time leader in career goals (109), assists (87) and points (305) … named MVP the last two seasons … all-conference three times … four year participant in the New Jersey ODP state and region program … plays club soccer with other UNCG recruits Cara Hammond and Jennifer Stillman for the PDA Splash … under-18 team was ranked tops in the nation by National Soccer Rankings.com … helped the Splash to tournament titles at the Disney Classic, New Jersey State Cup, Orange Classic, WAGS, Raleigh Shootout and Vorhees Tournament … Personal …daughter of Scott and Cindy Alger … born December 16, 1983 … major is undecided

Dacia Beachum
Forward
Raleigh, NC
Sanderson H.S.

High School … earned four letters in soccer and basketball … named all-conference, all-region and all-state … also all-conference and all-regional tournament team in basketball … played club soccer for seven years with CASL … helped CASL to six state championship game appearances and four titles … captured the regional championship in 1999 and finished second in 1998 … captured tournament titles at the Greensboro Labor Day Tourney, Fairfax Tourney, Elk Tourney, Atlanta Cup Tourney … led the squad in scoring (12 goals, 5 assists) at the 2000 regional … led the squad in points, goals and assists over 1999-00 … Personal … Dacia Shantrese Beachum … born August 30, 1984 in Raleigh, North Carolina … daughter of Stephen and Willie Beachum … major will be undecided … also recruited by NC State, Wake Forest, South Carolina, Old Dominion and Mississippi State … named Who's Who Among Scholars of America … participated in the James F. Wertz oratorical contest … member of Youth Missionary … honor roll all four years … brother, Shohn, played at NC State and for the U-17 national team, Raleigh Flyers and Capital Express.

Deven Beachum
Forward
Raleigh, NC
Sanderson H.S.

High School … earned four letters in soccer and basketball … named all-conference, all-region and all-state … led Sanderson H.S. in scoring as freshman … also four-year starter in basketball … played club soccer for seven years with CASL … helped CASL to six state championship game appearances and four titles … captured the regional championship in 1999 and finished second in 1998 … captured tournament titles at the Greensboro Labor Day Tourney, Fairfax Tourney, Elk Tourney, Atlanta Cup Tourney … named MVP of regional tournament … club's all-time leader in goals … Personal … Deven Deneen Beachum … born August 30, 1984 in Raleigh, North Carolina … daughter of Stephen and Willie Beachum … major will be undecided … also recruited by NC State, Wake Forest, South Carolina, Old Dominion and Mississippi State … named Who's Who Among Scholars of America … participated in the James F. Wertz oratorical contest … member of Youth Missionary … honor roll all four years … brother, Shohn, played at NC State and for the U-17 national team, Raleigh Flyers and Capital Express.

Amy Carnell
Midfielder
Lake Stevens, WA
Lake Stevens H.S.

High School … named second-team all-state in 1999-00 and 2000-01 … led the state of Washington in goals her junior (20) and senior (22) seasons … named first-team All-Wesco Conference in 1999-00 and 2000-01 … helped Lake Stevens to the school's first ever district championship in 2000-01 … team captain for the 2001-02 season … also played club soccer for five years with the Stellarz Nationals … led the club, league and state in scoring … helped squad to top spot in Premier I the past four years … captured the state title and qualified for the Far West Regional in 1999-00 … advanced into the Far West Regional semi-finals in 1997-98 … Personal … Amy Lynn Carnell … born January 25, 1984 in Monroe, Washington … daughter of Mary Jo Peacock … step-daughter to Charlie Peacock … major will be undecided … also recruited by Connecticut, Nebraska, Tennessee and Pittsburgh … worked with local Special Olympics for three months in the spring of 1998 … Clint Carnell played college soccer at Duke, while Matt Carnell played at Washington.

Tyson Davis
Defender
Hope Mills, NC
South View H.S.

High School … earned four letters at South View … named Most Outstanding Player in 1999, Most Outstanding Offensive Player in 2000 and Most Valuable Player in 2001 … named all-conference first-team in 1999, 2000 and 2001 … was second team all-region in 1999 and 2001 … first team all-region in 2001 … played three years of club soccer for Fayetteville Force and one year for CASL … helped CASL squad to the WAGS Flight "A" Championship in 2001 … also placed second in the North Carolina Cup in 2001 … Personal … Tyson Breeon Davis … born February 25, 1984 in Tacoma, Washington … daughter of Kenneth and Jocelyn Davis … major will be pre-medicine … also recruited by Northwestern State, Howard, Belmont Abbey and Charlotte … named to the Who's Who Among American High School Students in 1999 and 2000 … member of HOSA in 2000 and 2001

Nicollette DeLaine
Midfielder
Raleigh, NC
Southeast Raleigh H.S.

High School … earned four letters in soccer and two in basketball … owns the school record for career assists … stands second in school history in career points … named first-team All-Triangle Athletic Alliance … honored at team's MVP twice … played three years of club soccer for CASL … helped the 1982 Spartan Storm to the WAGS finals, 1983 Spartan Vipers to the WAGS Flight A Championship and state runner-up … Personal … Nicollette Camille DeLaine … born April 17, 1984 in Raleigh, North Carolina … daughter of Jocelin Hood and Henry DeLaine … major will be exercise and sports science … also recruited by UNC Wilmington, UAB and Charlotte.

Cara Hammond
Forward
Howell, NJ
Howell H.S.

High School … earned four letters in soccer and track and field … scored 66 goals and recorded 24 assists in scholastic career … named first-team All-Shore Conference, first-team all-county, first-team all-district and third team all-state … also named Divisional Player of the Year and MVP at Howell H.S. … member of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) Regional I squad for two years … also five year member of the ODP New Jersey state team … played club soccer for Players Development Academy Splash for four years … helped the Splash to tournament titles at the Disney Classic, New Jersey State Cup, Orange Classic, WAGS, Raleigh Shootout and Vorhees Tournament … club teammate of other UNCG newcomer Jennifer Stillman ... under-18 team was ranked tops in the nation by National Soccer Rankings.com … ODP squad captured the New Jersey championship and qualified for the Region I semifinals … second-team all-district in track … finished second in the 55-meter and long jump at the indoor track district championships … placed second in the 100-meter dash and won the long jump in the outdoor track district championships … Personal … Cara Chantay Hammond … born April 5, 1984 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey … daughter of Dennis and Darlene Hammond … major will be psychology … also recruited by UConn, West Virginia, Penn State, NC State, Rutgers and Minnesota … member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Adolescent, Drug and Alcohol Prevention Team (A.D.A.P.T) … relative Pearlie Kelly graduated from UNCG in 1979.

Jennifer Stillman
Goalkeeper
Randolph, NJ
Randolph H.S.

High School ... four-year letterwinner and two year captain … registered 42 shutouts and 426 saves in 67 career matches … participated in the 2001 New Jersey Girls Soccer Coaches Association (NJGSCA) All-Star Game … named first-team Gannett and Associated Press All-New Jersey senior year … awarded the Morris County Tournament MVP … three-time first-team all-county, all-area, all-conference and NJGSCA all-state selection … two-time Star Ledger All-New Jersey pick … helped the 2000 squad to a 23-1-1 record and a national ranking of seventh … four-year member of the New Jersey ODP program … two-year member of the state and region team … played club soccer for Players Development Academy Splash for five years … club teammate of other UNCG newcomer Cara Hammond ... helped the Splash to tournament titles at the Disney Classic, New Jersey State Cup, Orange Classic, WAGS, Raleigh Shootout and Vorhees Tournament … Personal … Jennifer L. Stillman … born March 11, 1984 in Westwood, New Jersey … daughter of John and Ginger Stillman … major will be exercise science … also recruited by Syracuse, James Madison and UNC Wilmington … member of the National Art Honor Society, Yearbook and Student Governement … goalkeeper trainer for Randolph under-13 girls soccer team … twice accepted into SoccerPlus Goalkeeper Advanced National Training Center at Nike Headquarters.

Gators Sign Eight

University of Florida head coach Becky Burleigh has announced that eight players have signed with the Gator soccer program. They will join the Florida program for the fall, 2002 season.

Half of the 2002 signing class come from the state of Florida - forwards Lindsey Affolter (Winter Springs), Jamie Garside (Jacksonville), defender Mindy Mulvihill (Oviedo), and midfielder Kristen Tasca (Boca Raton). The Sunshine State signees have all been members of state high school or club championship teams.

The Gators also signed goalkeeper Colleen Donovan of Okemos, Mich., a 2001 all-state selection, defender Cherry Pickman of North Kingstown, R.I., a two-time all-state member, defender Candace Rivers, a member of GSA Phoenix Red 85 club team that won the 2001 USYSA national title and forward Stephanie Vukovich of Littleton, Colo., a member of the Heritage High School's 2000 state semifinal team.

"These players will fit in well on our team, as this class will fill our needs," Burleigh said. "I'm excited about this class and I look forward to working with them next fall."

The Florida soccer team reached the NCAA College Cup semifinals in 2001 and claimed their sixth consecutive Southeastern Conference. The Gators, who finished the season with a 21-4-1, were ranked No. 4 in the final National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) poll.

Lindsey Affolter
Four-time Orlando Sentinel All-County selection (1999-02)…Seminole County All-Conference selection four consecutive seasons…Member of 2001 Michelle Akers/Target All-Tournament team…Five-year member of FC America Kumba club team that won the 1998 and '00 Florida State Cup plus claimed the 2000 Raleigh Shoot Out title…Currently a member of Seminole Ice club team…Five-year member of state Olympic Development Program (ODP) team…Traveled to Norway in 2001 with Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) ODP team…Also a member of Winter Spring's cross country and track teams…Member of Winter Spring's state champion 4x800-meter relays from 1999-00…Also won 1999 800m title and member of the 1999 4x400m state championship relay…2002 adidas National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Scholar All-American.

Colleen Donovan
2001 Division I All-Michigan High School second team selection…Lansing State Journal 2001 Area Soccer Players of the Year…Member of 2001 league, area, division and region all-star teams…Michigan Olympic Development Program (ODP) pool selection in 1997-98 and 1999-00…member of Capital Area Valkyries club team that reached the state cup under-17 semifinals in 2000 and U-18 semfinals in 2001…goalkeeper for Michigan Hawks club team that won the 1998 WAGS U-15 championship and the reached the 1999 U-16 Michigan State Cup finals…ranked in top 10 percent of Okemos High School class of 2002.

Jamie Garside
Leading scorer for Jacksonville Jaguars club team, averaging 3-4 goals/assists per match combined…Member of '84 Florida Olympic Development Program (ODP) team…Club team claimed 2001 Labor Day Shootout championship and advanced to 2001 Florida State Cup…Also plays basketball and owns Providence High School's records for career scoring and assists and the team is currently involved in the state playoffs…Place kicker on Providence H.S. Varsity football team for one seasons…Owns a 4.0 GPA at Providence H.S.

Mindy Mulvihill
Member of two-time state champion Lake Howell High School team (2000 and '01)…Two-time all-conference selection, earning first-team honors in 2002*Member of 2002 high school All-Star team…Runner-up in 2000 and '01 Target Tournament…Member of Seminole Soccer Club that was second in state in 1999 and appeared in the Final Four for five years…Traveled to Germany in 2000 and England in 1998, winning all matches…Finalist in state high school weightlifting championships in 2001 and '02*Has a twin sister Jenny…Honor roll student.

Cherry Pickman
Seven-year member of the Rhode Island Olympic Development program (1996-present)*Participated in 2000 and '01 adidas Elite Soccer Program (ESP) and member of '01 ESP All-Star Team…Region 1 team member in 1999 and '02…Competed at Tuscon Interregional, Iceland International and Dallas Showcase with Region 1 team…All-state first-team member in 1999 and '00 North Kingstown High School was the 1998, '99 and '00 state runner-ups Member of Great Boston Bolts club team that won the Massachusetts state title for three years*Honor roll student.

Candace Rivers
Three-year member of Georgia Olympic Development program…Member of GSA Phoenix Red 85 club team that won the 2001 USYSA national title…Club team also won 2001 state and regional tournaments…Traveled to Netherlands, Germany and France in 1999 to play soccer with Olympic Development Program team…Pope High School won 2000 and '01 Georgia State Championship*Honorable mention all-Cobb County selection in 2001…Honor roll student.

Kristen Tasca
Member of the 2001 Florida Olympic Development (ODP) state team*Member of Florida ODP pool (1999-00….Seven-year member of Team Boca Soccer Club team that won under-13, U-14, U-15 and U-16 Florida championships…Member of St. Andrew's High School team that claimed the last three regional and district championships…2001 Sun-Sentinel's all-county second team selection in 2001 and a member of the 1999 and '00 honorable mention teams…Also member of high school's cross country and track teams*Dean's list student.

Stephanie Vukovich
Member of Heritage High School team that reached state semifinals in 2000*named Colorado State Cup MVP in 1998….member of Colorado Rush club team*also member of high school's tennis team*honor roll student.

Catamounts Sign Six

Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina University head soccer coach Debbie Hensley has announced that six student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent with the Catamounts. Included are Megan Chambers (Roswell, Ga.), Casey Davis (Marietta, Ga.), Natasha Moore (Fountain Inn, S.C.), Marie Nicolini (Cary, N.C.), Emily Pierce (Chattanooga, Tenn.) and Natalie Turgeon (Raleigh, N.C.).

The class features two pairs of teammates as Chambers and Davis play for the same club team in the Atlanta area, while Nicolini and Turgeon are both club and high school teammates in Raleigh. Western, the 2001 Southern Conference regular-season champions, just completed its third season of competition and now has a full complement of recruited athletes.

Chambers is a standout defender who led her club teams to two championships and two runner-up finishes in the Georgia State Cup in the last five years. Her 1998 team placed third at regionals. This 2001 defensive MVP for Roswell High School will lead her team through this spring's Georgia high school season in the competitive Atlanta metro area.

Davis, a sweeper out of Walton High School, led her team to the Georgia State Tournament semifinals in 2000. A two-time All-State Honorable Mention selection, Davis will captain her high school squad this spring. She is also the captain of her Metro North Navy club team that was a 2001 finalist in the Georgia State Cup and most recently was crowned champion at the prestigious 2001 Orange Bowl Classic.

Moore is a forward from the seven-time South Carolina State Champion St. Giles United soccer club team. A key offensive threat for Hillcrest High School, she was the 2001 MVP and helped lead her squad to the state championship in 1999 and a runner-up finish in 2001. Moore is a member of the South Carolina Olympic Development Program (ODP). Her sister, Nardia, is currently an all-conference performer for the Catamounts.

Nicolini, a speedy midfielder/forward, was a force on her CASL Elite club team, which won the 1999 Region III Championship, as well as state championships from 1996 through 1999. At Cardinal Gibbons High, Nicolini is a captain and earned First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Region honors both as a sophomore and junior. She is also a standout on her high school track team as a sprint champion in the 60 and 100 meters events, taking first place in 25 of the 27 races in which she competed. She is a member of the North Carolina ODP.

Pierce, the first Tennessee native to join the WCU soccer program, was a 2000 regional pool member in the ODP. The 5'8" defender/midfielder has been a state champion in the club ranks the past two years, most recently with the Brentwood Lady Express. Pierce is a two-time all-region and all-area pick out of Red Bank High School. She additionally picked up All-State honors, earning her team's MVP award as a senior. Pierce is also a district champion hurdler for her school's track team.

Turgeon led CASL Spartan Elite of Raleigh to the 1999 Region III Championship. She is the team's career assist leader and second leading scorer, while splitting time between center midfield and forward. The same team is a four-time state champion, while reaching the finals in 2001. Turgeon was a NCISSAA First Team All-State midfielder, captain and team MVP as a junior at Cardinal Gibbons. The two-time First Team All-Conference and All-Region performer is also a standout on the basketball court, serving as captain and leading her team to an excellent season to date.

"The addition of these six student-athletes will help us get to the next level," Hensley said. "Each of them has the ability to make an immediate impact on our team. This class just adds to the excitement surrounding the future of this program."

Western Carolina University, which had no seniors on last year's team, will welcome back five all-conference performers and all 11 starters from the 2001 Southern Conference Championship team. The Catamounts are coming off their best season in school history compiling a 16-6 record and reaching the finals of the SoCon Tournament.

Five Players Sign With W&M

WILLIAMSBURG, VA (February 12, 2002)- William & Mary women's soccer coach John Daly has announced that five student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent with the College and will begin their careers with the Tribe starting in the fall.

The five athletes are Andrea Barschdorf, a striker from McLean, Virginia; Jenna Sommer, a goalkeeper from Midlothian, Virginia; Kathleen Belk, a goalkeeper from Richmond, Virginia, Brennan Marsallo, a midfielder-defender from Annandale, Virginia; and Lydia Sturgis, a striker from Jacksonville, Florida.

Barschdorf, a striker from McLean High School is an exciting, quick front player with a nose for goal. Barschdorf suffered a knee injury requiring surgery just before Christmas and both she and Daly are hoping that she will be ready for the fall.

Sommer, a goalkeeper who prepped at Clover Hill High School, is a state level goalkeeper and, along with Belk, also from Richmond, (Collegiate High School) will hope to follow in the footsteps of recently graduated Richmond native, Courtney Owen. Both Sommer and Belk have represented Virginia at the state team level.

Marsallo is a speedy outside midfielder or back from Paul V1 High School. A versatile player, she can play either in the back or up front.

Sturgis is an outstanding goal scorer and creator of chances and Daly expects her to contribute right away. "Lydia is the kind of striker who could come in and score a lot of goals right away, while still laying on chances for others" said Daly. "I expect both she and Andrea to challenge for playing time up front as freshmen."

"We are still seeking one or two more players to round off our recruiting," said Daly. " We hope to have things finalized in the next couple of weeks."

Top of Page

Maryland Men’s Soccer Team
Ousted In Double OT

College Park, Md.- The 2001 season came to a close for the Maryland men’s soccer team, as a rebound goal in the 116th minute by Loyola’s Juliano Adriano deOliveria advanced the Greyhounds to the quarterfinals where they will meet Saint Louis next weekend. The loss drops Maryland to 11-9-1 with Loyola at 17-1-2 for the year.

Controversy swirled around the final play of the game, as Loyola gained a turnover in the midfield and began their attack. Greyhound midfielder Bill Law and Terps’ midfielder Ian Rodway (Columbia, Md.) got tangled up 30 yards away from the goal, resulting in a melee that would hang a cloud over Loyola’s game-winning goal just seconds later.

DeOliveria’s goal came when he was able to sneak a shot off his own rebound past Terrapin keeper Noah Palmer (Williamsburg, Va.) in the second overtime. Law was eventually red carded for kicking Rodway after the goal, but deOliveria’s goal stuck and the Greyhounds advanced.

The game, played in heavy rain that would come and go making for sloppy conditions, yielded stats that were even in almost every facet. Loyola held a 5-4 advantage in shots-on-goal, while Maryland took one more shot overall (12-11) and had three more fouls (22-19). Palmer had four saves in the loss, while Loyola keeper Reb Beatty had three in the shutout win. A hard-fought game by both teams, three cards were given including the red card to Law

Game Summary

Loyola 0 0 0 1 1 Maryland 0 0 0 0 0
Goals: 115:54- LOYOLA: Juliano Adriano deOliveria (Unassisted)
Shots: Maryland 1+7+2+2=12, Loyola 3+3+1+4=11
Corner Kicks: Maryland 0+5+2+1=8, Loyola 3+2+2+0=7
Fouls: Maryland 11+8+2+1=22, Loyola 11+6+1+1=19
Offsides: Maryland 0, Loyola
Saves: Maryland- Noah Palmer (90 mins., 4 saves, 1 goal against)
Loyola- Reb Beatty (90 mins., 3 saves, 1 goal against)
Cards: Maryland- A.J. Herrera (Yellow 72:23). Loyola- Michael Nelson (Yellow 61:51), Bill Law (Red 115:54).

Top of Page

Tar Heel Women Rally Past Rutgers

CHAPEL HILL, N.C..-- Rutgers provided top-seeded North Carolina with its toughest challenge of the season but the Tar Heels rallied past the Scarlet Knights in the final 27 minutes of the game to win 2-1 in the NCAA Women's College Cup third round at Fetzer Field before a crowd of 1,445.

With the win, Carolina improved to 22-0 on the season and extended its winning streak to 31 games over the last two years. Rutgers saw its campaign end with a 14-8-1 record. UNC advances to meet Penn State in the NCAA quarterfinals next Friday at Fetzer Field at 7 p.m. The Nittany Lions downed eighth-seeded Connecticut 2-0 in third round action Saturday afternoon at Storrs, CT

Rutgers struck with a goal in the 12th minute of play and kept the lead for over 52 minutes before Carolina could gain the equalizer. The Scarlet Knights* goal evolved when a Rutgers player intercepted a clearing pass by UNC defender Catherine Reddick and fed the ball to forward Keri Lages on the left wing. Lages dribbled in alone on Carolina goalkeeper Kristin DePlatchett. DePlatchett saved Lages shot, but forward Meghan Cameron jumped immediately on the rebound to score into the empty net.

Rutgers’defense kept the Tar Heels off the board for over 52 minutes, the longest Carolina has trailed in a single game since September 24, 1999 when the Heels were behind Santa Clara for the final 72:22 of a 1-0 loss to the Broncos.

Eventually Carolina broke through to score on its eighth shot of the game at the 63:55 mark. Midfielder Maggie Tomecka sent a pass to the left wing to Jena Kluegel whose pass split several defenders at the top of the Rutgers penalty box. Freshman striker Anne Morrell gathered in the ball, pivoted and found herself open. She took a couple of dribbles and then placed the ball to the left of Rutgers goalkeeper Christine Caldwell for the tying strike.

Carolina continued to pepper the Rutgers net with another five shots over the next several minutes and Rutgers counterattacked with its best opportunity of the second half as Adrienne Dugandzic’ strike was snuffed on a diving save by UNC keeper Jenni Branam, who had entered the game at halftime.

UNC scored on its 14th shot with the game winner coming from midfielder Jordan Walker in the 82nd minute. Each of Walker*s last four goals have been game winning goals. She beat Notre Dame in the NCAA semifinals last season, Virginia in the regular season this season and Duke in the NCAA second round and Rutgers in the third round in a span of six days this week.

Walker’ goal was set up by Kluegel and forward Alyssa Ramsey. Kluegel led Ramsey with a pass down the left wing and Ramsey dribbled into the corner, held off her defender with her strength and centered the ball to Walker who made a run from midfield and finished into the upper left corner.

The game marked the fourth time in the last seven NCAA Tournament games for North Carolina that the Tar Heels have rallied from a 1-0 deficit in the second half of a game to win 2-1. Carolina turned the trick last year against Virginia in the third round, Notre Dame in the semifinals and UCLA in the finals.

Game Summary

RUTGERS 1 0--1

NORTH CAROLINA 0 2--2

Scoring Summary:

11:02--Rutgers-- Meghan Cameron (Keri Lages)
63:55--North Carolina-- Anne Morrell (Jena Kluegel, Maggie Tomecka)
81:33--North Carolina-- Jordan Walker (Alyssa Ramsey, Jena Kluegel)

Shots: Rutgers 4, North Carolina 15

Corner Kicks: Rutgers 0, North Carolina 7

Goalkeeper Saves: Christine Caldwell (RU) 4, Kristin DePlatchett (UNC) 2, Jenni Branam (UNC) 1

Fouls: Rutgers 17, North Carolina 11

Offside Violations: Rutgers 3, North Carolina 3

Yellow Card: Alyssa Ramsey (UNC), 57:14

Starting Lineups: Rutgers--Christine Caldwell, Adrienne Dugandzic, Carli Lloyd, Meghan Cameron, Keri Lages, Erin McIntyre, Michelle McNamara, Risa Radin, Colleen Caldwell, Christine Wentzler, Eric Schubert. North Carolina-- Kristin DePlatchett, Anne Felts, Maggie Tomecka, Jena Kluegel, Sara Randolph, Anne Remy, Alyssa Ramsey, Jordan Walker, Leslie Gaston, Danielle Borgman, Catherine Reddick, Anne Morrell

Substitutes: Rutgers--Courtney Hudson, Samantah Swerdloff, Tara Froehlich; North Carolina-- Elizabeth Ball, Anne Morrell, Mary McDowell, Carmen Watley, Amy Whittier, Jenni Branam.

Attendance: 1,445

Team Records: Rutgers 14-8-1, North Carolina 22-0-0

Officials: John Wilson (Referee), Dongho Kim (Assistant Referee), Eric Krajewski (Assistant Referee), Ernie Fisher (Alternate)

Top of Page

Santa Clara Wins First Women’s Soccer Title

North Carolina’s quest for an 18th national championship in women’s soccer fell short as the Tar Heels were beaten by second-ranked Santa Clara in the championship game of the 2001 NCAA Women*s College Cup at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on the Southern Methodist University campus

Santa Clara’s Aly Wagner scored the game-winning goal in the game’s 41st minute and the Broncos then benefited from an offside call on North Carolina that took the apparent game-tying off the scoreboard in the game’s 60th minute.

Santa Clara became only the fifth team to win a collegiate championship, joining UNC (17 titles) and Florida, George Mason and Notre Dame (one championship each).

UNC was bidding to become the first team to finish a season undefeated and untied in women’s soccer since the Tar Heels pulled off the trick in 1993. Carolina also saw its 33-game winning streak end. UNC had not lost since October 27, 2000 when Wake Forest beat the Tar Heels 1-0 in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Carolina finished the season 24-1-0 while Santa Clara improved to 23-2-0 on the campaign with the victory in the national title game.

Santa Clara dominated most of the later stages of the first half and the Broncos determination paid off in the first goal of the game at 40:44. The goal came by first-team All-America midfielder Wagner who buried a shot into the upper left quadrant of the goal off assists by forward Leslie Osborne and defender Jessica Ballweg.

UNC goalie Jenni Branam kept the Broncos from making it 2-0 in the last 15 seconds of the first half as she stopped a point blank shot by Danielle Slaton off a Wagner corner kick.

The Broncos dominated the first half statistics with five shots to three for the Tar Heels and two corner kicks to UNC’s one. Branam made two saves in the first half and Santa Clara*s Alyssa Sobolik had one save. The Broncos were whistled for eight fouls in the first half and the Tar Heels fouled seven times. Carolina was offside on two occasions and SCU one.

Just 1:35 into the second half the Broncos had a brilliant opportunity to add to their lead as Veronica Zepeda split the Tar Heel defense and went in on goal before her shot from inside the penalty area was saved by Branam.

The Tar Heels looked to have tied the game in the 60th minute on an apparent goal by Sara Randolph but it was taken off the scoreboard after the officials ruled the Tar Heels were offside on the play.

Top of Page

Tar Heels Win Men’s National Championship

North Carolina beat Indiana 2-0 to capture its first NCAA men’s soccer championship. Indiana, which was making its fifth straight trip to the NCAA Division I men’s College Cup, was going for its sixth national title.

The Tar Heels took a 1-0 halftime lead on a goal by 6-5 forward Ryan Kneipper’s fifth goal of the tournament. Kneipper leaped high to head a cross from Matt Crawford past Indiana goalkeeper Colin Rogers in the 15th minute of the game. It was Kneipper’s 14th goal of the season.

The UNC defense was outstanding throughout the game, especially in the second half when the Hoosiers went nearly 40 minutes before getting their first shot in the final period. UNC goalkeeper Michael Ueltschey came up big again, while the back line of Danny Jackson, Chris Leitch and David Stokes denied Indiana many good looks at goal.

Jackson, a senior, got the second goal at the 15:00 mark, as he hit a penalty kick into the upper left corner of the net. Indiana was called for taking UNC freshman Marcus Story down in the box, and Jackson stepped up to score his only goal of the season.

The win in regulation snapped a streak of three overtime wins for the Tar Heels in the playoffs. On Friday they recovered from a 2-0 deficit with two goals in the last nine minutes to force overtime. Michael Gell’s volley over the head of Stanford’s goalkeeper won the game in the fourth 15-minute overtime period.

UNC finishes the season 21-4, while Indiana ended the year at 18-4-1.

“Congratulations to North Carolina,” said Indiana head coach Jerry Yeagley. “They are the deserving champion. They played an excellent game. On the same not, I am very proud of our players.”

“North Carolina has a great defense,” said Indiana’s leading scorer, senior Pat Noonan. “Several times the bounces didn’t go our way, but that is a credit to their defense. They didn’t allow us to play at our feet. We aren’t used to getting so few scoring opportunities.”

Noonan led Indiana in scoring with 16 goals and 12 assists. During the regular season Indiana only allowed seven goals.

The Tar Heels, who started six North Carolina products in the championship game, made their second-ever trip to the NCAA College Cup a championship trip. They had not been to the semifinal round since the 1987 season.

Top of Page

Florida || Georgia || North Carolina || South Carolina || Tennessee || Virginia

Southern Soccer Scene
PO Box 19445
Greensboro, NC  27419
Phone: (336) 292-7015
Fax: (336) 292-8135
Email: questions@southernsoccerscene.com