Metuchen, NJ – The UWS League Two Northeast Conference consists of four teams with each team facing each other twice in the season. The Hudson Valley Crusaders came out on top securing the Northeast Conference title with an impressive unbeaten record. As a result, the Northeast Conference Awards are dominated by the Crusaders.

Northeast Conference Goalkeeper of the Year – Perri Anderson (Hudson Valley Crusaders) 

Perri Anderson played in five of the Hudson Valley Crusaders’ games conceding just one goal. Her presence between the posts exuded confidence and her shot-stopping ability proved vital in ensuring her side were crowned the Northeast Conference champions. As a result, Perri Anderson is the 2023 Northeast Conference Goalkeeper of the Year.

Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year – Grace Palczewski  (Hudson Valley Crusaders) 

Grace Palczewski was a crucial member of the Hudson Valley Crusaders backline that conceded just two goals all season. Palczewski played in every minute of the 2023 season and contributed the game-winning goal in a close game against Steel United. Her leadership and ability to break up play was an asset to the Crusaders and as a result, Grace Palczewski is the 2023 Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Northeast Conference Offensive Player  of the Year – Sydnee Smith (Hudson Valley Crusaders) 

Sydnee Smith was a dangerous forward for the Hudson Valley Crusaders leading not only the conference in goals scored, but UWS2. Smith recorded six goals and totaled six assists contributing to her side’s impressive attacking record. As a result, Sydnee Smith is the 2023 Northeast Offensive Player of the Year. 

Northeast Conference Coach of the Year – Head Coach Mitchell Kazanjian (Hudson Valley Crusaders)

To complete the awards for the Northeast Conference, Hudson Valley Crusaders Head Coach Mitchell Kazanjian has been awarded the 2023 Northeast Conference Coach of the Year. Kazanjian was hired for the 2023 season bringing a wealth of soccer experience including time spent coaching in Italy and Colorado. Kazanjian led his team to an unbeaten season producing the second best attacking record in UWS2 and earning the 2023 Northeast Conference title. 

2023 UWS2 Northeast Conference First Team

GK – Perri Anderson (Hudson Valley Crusaders)

D – Grace Palczewski (Hudson Valley Crusaders)

D – Maggie Cameron (Hudson Valley Crusaders)

D – Elise Fox (Steel United NJ)

D – Ali Dorrego (Steel United NJ)

D – Isabelle Gauthier (New Jersey Copa FC)

M – Kylie Sullivan (Steel United NJ)

M – Jessica Carrieri (Steel United NJ)

F – Sydnee Smith (Hudson Valley Crusaders)

F – Kyra Kenyon (Hudson Valley Crusaders)

F – Tiana Ramirez (New Jersey Copa FC)