W-League Feature
Friday, May 9, 2014
TAMPA, Fla. – The Washington Spirit Reserves emerged from the Northeastern Conference to reach the W-League Championship last season, but will likely be challenged not only by the returning Long Island Rough Riders and New York Magic, who had a resurgent season thanks to Brittany Pfaff, but also by newcomer the Braddock Road Stars Elite. With an influx of quality players across the board, the battle at the top of the standings should be strong throughout the summer.
BRADDOCK ROAD STARS ELITE – Two names that jump out from Braddock Road’s inaugural squad are those of U.S. U20 internationals Kaliegh Riehl and Carlyn Baldwin, both of whom are in contention for this summer’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Canada. Members of the Stars’ outstanding Academy, the duo will also have the support of former Seattle Reign player Kristen Meier, and N.C. State standout Jackie Stengel, who led the Wolfpack with nine goals as a freshman last fall.
LONG ISLAND ROUGH RIDERS – The Rough Riders took third in the division last season, powered in part by the goals of All-Conference selection Grace Hawkins. While Hawkins may not be back to lead the attack, the Rough Riders do return All-Conference defender Gabby Charno, who played every minute of the season in 2013, and Amanda Epstein will look to add to her three goals to help maintain the Rough Riders’ scoring output.
NEW JERSEY WILDCATS – The Wildcats’ defensive struggles that left them at the foot of the standings overshadowed a standout season by Jessica Fucello in 2013 as the forward earned All-Conference honors with nine goals. Fucello is set to return this season and the Wildcats will hope to address their defensive issues with the addition of Rutgers’ Tori Leigh, while midfielder Samantha McDonough will look to add to her pair of goals a season ago.
NEW YORK MAGIC – After some impressive moments, including victory against the Spirit Reserves, the Magic will aim for more consistency this season if they are to challenge for their first playoff berth since 2002. Among the new faces looking to provide that is Butler’s Serina Kashimoto, an All-Big East selection as a freshman last fall, while Danish forward Laerke Michaelsen arrives as an NAIA All-America Honorable mention.
NORTH JERSEY VALKYRIES – The Valkyries’ offense struggled for much of 2013 as the side finished with the fewest goals in the conference. The return of Florida State University Freshman All-ACC selection and U.S. U20 Women’s National Team member Nickolette Driesse should help address the offensive issues. Midfielder Stefanie Scholz also returns to the side after recording three goals a season ago, while the team has also added Connecticut’s Gabriella Cuevas after a strong redshirt freshman season for the Huskies.
WASHINGTON SPIRIT RESERVES – The Spirit Reserves are set to have a pair of major contributors back with the side as All-Conference selections Meghan Cox and Amber Stobbs return. Stobbs finished tied for the league lead in assists with nine a season ago and will look to supply Ashley Herndon with more opportunities after a six-goal season in 2013. The Reserves have also added goalkeeper Adelaide Gay, a member of the Portland Thorns in 2013, while Kelsey Pardue and Jennifer Skogerboe also return to defend the conference title.