EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - New Jersey Copa F.C. (8-1-1) wrapped up the East title with two weeks remaining in the regular season, so all that’s been left for the other five conference teams is to either play for pride or fight for a second-place finish. The Long Island Rough Riders (4-3-2) did their part in their run for East runner-up status on Sunday, defeating old rival New York by a 4-1 score. With a win over TSF Academy in their regular season finale on Wednesday, the Rough Riders can put the pressure on the New England Mutiny (5-4) as they face the same team this Saturday.
For their parts in Long Island’s big victory at Cy Donnelly Stadium this past weekend, forward Christina Bellero has been named the UWS East Offensive Player of the Week while defender Erin Neville nabs East Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Bellero opened the scoring in the 7th minute with an open-net tap-in. The game would remain at 1-0 until the 59th minute, when the Saint John’s star was fed through on goal and she grabbed her brace. This is Bellero’s second Offensive Player of the Week honor this season. Her two-goal effort in Long Island’s 3-0 win over NJCFC in the season opener was the first. Neville’s insurance goal in the 85th minute shut the door on New York’s attempt at a rally, as they had score just five minutes earlier to make the game 2-1.
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.
Tag(s): News | LI Rough Riders