EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - The Long Island Rough Riders host the Inaugural Game of United Women’s Soccer today as they host New Jersey Copa F.C. at Saint Anthony’s High School for a 5:00 PM kickoff. Like all things new, the opening of the Rough Riders’ season in the UWS East Conference this Saturday has inspired incredible optimism from management to playing staff.

“The Rough Riders have always been invested in the overall growth of the women's game,” said Rough Riders Assistant Coach and General Manager Flavio Ferri. “Part of the mission of the UWS is to be a launching pad for players to move up into the professional ranks. As the league develops and gains traction, clubs such as the Rough Riders will be cultivating relationships with women's professional teams both domestically and abroad.”

The buzz is not limited to the ownership of Long Island’s women’s soccer franchise. Fresh off her recent call-up with the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team camp, goalkeeper Diana Poulin feels the league represents a true opportunity to continue her ascent to the top level.

“I’m just happy that there is a league here because there are not many teams in the New York area,” said Poulin, who has trained with the Rough Riders since her early teens. “I think the women’s team is always trying to make it to the top and with the new league, we will be trying to keep ourselves at the top.”

For more information on the entire Rough Riders UWS schedule and to purchase tickets, visit https://liroughriders.com.

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 the EDP NPL Super Club League, 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 those 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.