Long Island Rough Riders News Release - www.liroughriders.com
Friday, March 22, 2013
PLAINVIEW, N.Y. - The Long Island Rough Riders are excited to announce the signing of two-time W-League Defender of the Year Sue Weber. Weber took maternity leave during the 2012 season to welcome a new addition to the Alber-Weber family and looks forward to returning to play in 2013.
“Being away from the game was the hardest and most exciting thing in my life," Weber said. "I was pregnant and had a baby girl, so that was exciting, but it was hard to be away from the game for so long, I had never done that before. I’m thrilled to be coming back to soccer and having those late-night practices and then coming home to my six-month-old.”
Weber made her return to the Rough Riders in 2010 after a standout campaign in 2008 in which she led them to the W-League Eastern Conference Semifinals. Shortly after being named the W-League Defender of the Year, Weber was drafted by the Boston Breakers of the WPS in the third round (18th overall).
Prior to beginning her professional career, Weber was a member of the U-17 U.S. National Team and a National Pool player from 2000-03. During her freshmen year of college at Georgia, she played in every game and was named to the SEC All-Rookie team. After transferring to Hofstra, Weber was a two-time All-American (2005, 2007).
“I’m very excited to build upon the past seasons and am looking to make it to the playoffs and even go past the first round," she said. "The competition will be good, which I love, and a lot of players are coming back so I think we will have a solid base.”
Rough Riders Vice President Flavio Ferri shared his excitement about Weber’s return.
“Sue is an extraordinary player and a natural leader," he said. "Her presence on and off the field will be invaluable to our women’s team this year.”
The Rough Riders are excited to add all-star talent such as Weber to build upon their 2012 record of 9-3-0, Northeast Division title and Eastern Conference Semifinal appearance.
The Rough Riders kick off the 2013 season with their home opener against the Fredericksburg Impact Saturday, May 18 at 5 p.m. at Cy Donnelly Stadium, South Huntington, N.Y.