SANTA CLARITA, CA - The defending United Women’s Soccer (UWS) champion Santa Clarita Blue Heat have officially announced their first two signings of the 2017 season. Santa Clarita are excited to welcome Costa Rican international forwards Melissa Herrera and Carolina Venegas to the Blue Heat, pending league approval.

“When I went to Costa Rica to talk to each player, they shared my passion for the sport and growth of the women’s game,” said Santa Clarita owner and Technical Director Carlos Marroquin. “It did not take much to convince them to come to the U.S. to showcase their skills in such a quality league. I want to bring the best to the league and to the City of Santa Clarita.”

At just the age of 18, Herrera was named to Costa Rica’s 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup roster (23 caps, 13 goals overall), starting all three group games while getting on the scoresheet versus South Korea. Currently plying her trade at Costa Rica’s Asociacion Deportiva Moravia - the 2016 Apertura champions - Herrera can not wait for the UWS season to start.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me to play in the USA,” said Herrera, who had a quick stint with UWS 2017 newcomer F.C. Indiana in 2016. “I want to showcase what I can do in a league with good quality teams and with a passionate team as Santa Clarita.”

Venegas (37 caps, 15 goals) was also a member of Costa Rica’s 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup roster. The 25-year-old is coming off a season competing in Spain for Madrid CFF and is currently suiting up for Deportivo Saprissa in Costa Rica.

“When the current champions of any league show interest, it is an honor,” said Venegas. “It will be a challenge playing in the U.S. with such quality teams and talented players.”

For the latest news, signings and updates visit the team’s official website at SCBlueHeat.com. You can “Like” the Santa Clarita Blue Heat on Facebook and on Twitter at @SCBlueHeat.

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 Director Joe Ferrara by e-mail at Joe@UWSSoccer.com.