EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - The West Conference of United Women’s Soccer (UWS) kicks off their Summer 2016 season this weekend, with the Houston Aces hosting the Santa Clarita Blue Heat on Saturday in the Inaugural Game of the UWS West. The two Colorado-based teams commence their campaigns on Sunday, as the Storm host the Pride in a renewal of their in-state rivalry. Check out our full UWS West weekend preview below for the talking points concerning both conference games this weekend.

SATURDAY, MAY 21
Houston Aces vs. Santa Clarita Blue Heat (7:00 PM CST)
Venue: Houston Sports Park
12131 Kirby Drive
Houston, TX 77045

The Houston Aces look to take the next step up in their club’s development, as they host the talent-laden Santa Clarita Blue Heat on Saturday. Houston has had a history of success at the USASA and WPSL levels, but this match will show if the Aces have prepared fully for a concerted spike in conference competition. The Blue Heat will boast the likes of former Seattle Reign F.C. forward Mele French & New Zealand international Emma Kete in attack while former Canadian international Sasha Andrews and Mexico international Yadira Toraya will lead their defense.

But Houston has their own international contingent to rely upon, as five former or current Colombian Women’s National Team members will suit up for the Aces this season. Former international forward Gisela Arrieta Bettencourt, midfielders Isabella Echeverri Restrepo, Natalia Ariza & Tatiana Ariza plus former youth international forward Valentina Carvajal will lead their side of the attack in Saturday’s match. Tatiana Ariza and Echeverri suited up for “Las Cafeteras” in last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, where the team made a memorable run to the Round of 16.

Combined with the likes of University of Houston goalkeeper Jordan Brown, former North Texas defender Kelsey Hodges and former University of Dayton midfielder Nicole Waters - who was named Atlantic 10 Conference Midfielder of the Year in her last two seasons for the Flyers - and it looks like Houston Head Coach Aguinaldo “Gui Gui” Ferreira can counter the depth of the Santa Clarita side and get a positive result.

That’s why Blue Heat Technical Director & Owner Carlos Marroquin hasn’t taken any chances this season with the construction of his roster, and hopes to re-ignite the success his club had in their earlier years in the now-defunct W-League in the UWS West this season.

“Obviously, I'm tremendously happy and excited to be part of the inaugural game for the UWS West Conference,” said Marroquin. “We all want to make this the best pro-am women’s soccer league in the USA. Our team will bring the quality necessary to be sure we can fight for both a conference and national title.”

SUNDAY, MAY 22
Colorado Storm vs. Colorado Pride (5:00 PM MST)
Venue: Sports Authority Field
11901 Newlin Gulch Blvd
Parker, CO 80134

The two Colorado-based teams in the UWS West - the Pride and the Storm - renew their in-state rivalry on Sunday, with the latter hosting the former in their home opener. The Pride are coming off a very successful stint in the W-League, especially after their appearance in last season’s National Final. But the Storm are looking to make waves on their own as well and have a trio of Australians on this year’s roster that will hopefully guide their team to conference success.

Midfielder Isobel Dalton and defenders Kahlia Hogg & Alexandra Huynh all have experience in the youth national teams of their homeland and all have connections to the University of Colorado, where Isobel just recently transferred to after a successful run at 2015 NAIA Finalist Lindsey Wilson College. Dalton (Brisbane Roar) and Hogg (Canberra United) also have playing experience in the Australian W-League. The Storm will also rely on the experience of midfielder Kristin Medeiros, who was a two-time All-Conference USA selection for the SMU Mustangs.

Countering the “herd” of Buffaloes from the Storm will be an “ambush” of Tigers from the Pride, as Colorado College midfielders Tanner Haughn (who just recently transferred there from Texas Tech), Lexi Long and Lauren Milliet will suit up for the visitors on Sunday. Both Long and Milliet received All-Mountain West honors last fall for the CC Tigers. Haughn was apart of the Colorado ODP Team from 2009 through 2012 and participated in the U.S. U-18 Women's National Team training camp in 2013.

Added to the team’s earlier signees Michaela Abam (West Virginia University) and Kaitlyn Johnson (Washington State University), and the Pride look set to impress in their road opener. After this Sunday’s match, the two teams will become acquainted again in a few weeks as the Pride host the Storm at Colorado College’s Washburn Field on Sunday, June 5th at 1:00 PM (MST). The new start for both teams in the UWS West after the W-League folded last November gives both an opportunity to help elevate the sport to the next level.

“It is exciting to be able to play in the first season of the new league,” said Pride Executive Director Candy Brooks. “We welcome the chance to be founding members and grow with the league as we provide an opportunity for women to continue their soccer careers in a competitive and rewarding environment.”

About United Women’s Soccer (UWS): UWS is a national women’s soccer league sanctioned by U.S. Soccer through the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). UWS is a professionally operated league created for teams that meet high minimum standards. The season runs from May until the end of July, culminating in a National Championship match. The UWS player pool is comprised of college players, aspiring & former professionals and international stars. You can follow UWS on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

UWS is managed by EDP, a leading soccer management company that runs a number of leagues and tournaments.  In addition to UWS, EDP operates youth leagues that includes an NPL league, the EDP Super Club program, the EDP Premier League and the EDP Championship League. EDP also runs EDP Futures programs for U-7’s to U-12’s and it conducts more than 20 youth tournaments, including tournaments within its EDP Cup Series and EDP Showcase Series.

Media can contact UWS Director of Communications Jorma Kansanen by e-mail at Press@UWSSoccer.com. You can visit the league’s official website at UWSSoccer.com. Interested team applicants can contact League Commissioner Joe Ferrara by e-mail at Joe@UWSSoccer.com.