EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - The New England Mutiny have officially announced their first group of signings for their Summer 2016 season in the East Conference of United Women’s Soccer (UWS). Seven Mutiny veterans (plus one newcomer) will take part in the inaugural campaign in the new national pro-am women’s soccer league for the Springfield, Massachusetts-based team.

“This group of signings highlights our midfield and defense for our first season in UWS,” said Mutiny team owner Joe Ferrara, Jr. “Its going to be a battle each game and we think this group can help form a strong foundation for our team.”

POS. - NAME - HOMETOWN - COLLEGE (LAST TEAM)
MF - Charlie Branch - Norwich, England - Central Connecticut State Univ. (N.E. Mutiny)
D - Meghan Cunningham - Simsbury, CT - Univ. of Connecticut (N.E. Mutiny)
F/D - Liana Hinds - Hartford, CT - Univ. of Connecticut (Trinidad & Tobago WNT / N.E. Mutiny)
F/MF - Andrea Plucenik - Brooklyn, CT - Univ. of Connecticut (N.E. Mutiny)
MF - Stephanie Santos - Naugatuck, CT - Univ. of Hartford (N.E. Mutiny)
D - Allyson Swaby - West Hartford, CT - Boston College (Jamaica WNT / N.E. Mutiny)
D - Chantelle Swaby - West Hartford, CT - Rutgers Univ. (Connecticut F.C.) *
D - Claire Walsh - Kilbride, Ireland - Central Connecticut State Univ. (N.E. Mutiny)
* signifies 1st year in Mutiny uniform

Branch concluded her two-year stint at CCSU as a 2015 All-ECAC Second Team and All-NEC First Team selection. She joined New England teammates Hinds, Plucenik and Santos as a selection to this past December’s NEWISA Senior Bowl.

Cunningham suits up for her ninth-year season for the Mutiny, the second longest tenure in team history. She featured in seven matches (six starts) last summer for the Mutiny, who won the Power 5 Division title with an overall 8-2 record.

Hinds took part in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament in February for the Trinidad & Tobago Women’s National Team (three appearances), who were a semifinalist. She finished her UConn career last fall, appearing in all 23 games and assisting on the game-winning goal vs. Notre Dame in the 2nd Round of the NCAA Tournament.

Plucenik returns for her fifth season for the Mutiny, after leading the team in assists last summer (five). She saw action in all 23 games her senior season for UConn (16 starts, four goals, four assists). For her back-to-back game-winning goals vs. East Carolina and Cincinnati, Andrea was named to the American Athletic Conference Honor Roll (Oct. 12).

Santos was named to the NEWISA All-New England Team and the America East First Team in her final season at the University Of Hartford. In 2013, she garnered AE Co-Midfielder of the Year, AE First Team, NSCAA & NEWISA regional honors. In 2014, Stephanie was selected to the Portugal Women’s National Team for the Algarve Cup.

Allyson Swaby played in 17 matches (14 starts) last fall for the Boston College Eagles as a sophomore defender. She was selected to both the U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team and the senior Jamaican Women’s team in 2015. In 2014, Allyson was an All-ACC Rookie Team, All-ACC Third Team and NSCAA All-Southeast Region Third Team honoree.

Her younger sister Chantelle will join the Mutiny this summer. The 5-11 defender will be a freshman this fall for Rutgers University as part of their top-ranked recruiting class. She was selected to the NSCAA All-Region I Team in 2014 & 2015 and named to the Top XI at both the ECNL Nike National Camp and All-America game last year.

Walsh completed her four-year career at CCSU alongside Branch last fall, starting 15 of the 17 matches she appeared in while scoring three goals & two assists. The 2012 All-NEC Rookie Team member was named the FAI U-16 Player of the Year in 2010.

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.

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. EDP serves as UWS administrators and will be facilitating schedules, disciplinary procedures, etc. Interested team applicants can contact League Commissioner Joe Ferrara by e-mail at Joe@UWSSoccer.com.