EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Business is picking up in the world of women’s soccer, as post-collegiate and professional players look for teams to latch on to for the 2017 season. Three players with connections to United Women’s Soccer (UWS) member teams have found new landing spots as former New Jersey Copa F.C. forward Krystyna Freda, former Lancaster Inferno midfielder Sydney Blomquist and Real Salt Lake Women alum midfielder Stephanie Verdoia have signed on for professional teams in Europe.

Freda - the 2016 United Women’s Soccer Player of the Year, who scored 15 goals and tallied three assists in 11 games for the East Conference champions - has been offered a three-month trial with Apollon Ladies F.C. in Cyprus. ALFC won the Cypriot First Division four consecutive times between 2009-2012 and competes in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, where Apollon has advanced from the qualifying stage on five occasions.

“I am so grateful for this opportunity,” said Freda. “I have been looking to take that next step in my career, and when this came up I couldn't refuse. Cyprus is beautiful and the team is excellent, so I think that it will help me immensely in my soccer career. I am going to look to improve my soccer skills and fitness while over there and become the best player I can be, as well as expand my cultural knowledge.”

For more information, click HERE for Freda’s full interview on the NJCFC website.

Blomquist suited up for Lancaster in 2014 and 2016 (playing in eight games), and was presented with an opportunity to play in Prague for SK Slavia (UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifier). Sidney had a successful trial but ultimately chose to sign for Swedish club Vasteras BK30 and helped them win promotion to the Elitettan. She has now signed on to play for Åland United of the Finnish Naisten Liiga for the 2017 season.

“Playing in Europe has been an amazing experience so far,” said Blomquist. “It has provided me with the opportunity to continue growing not only as a player, but also a person. I’m very grateful be to living out my dream as a professional footballer and seeing the world in the process.”

For more information, click HERE for Blomquist’s full Q&A on the Inferno website.

Verdoia is a Real Salt Lake Women alum who was drafted by the Boston Breakers of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the 4th Round of the 2015 NWSL Draft, after ending her Seattle University stint as the career leader in goals (51) and points (132). Stephanie was recently waived by Boston after making 18 appearances over two seasons with the Breakers (five starts in 10 games in 2016). The midfielder would find a new home quickly as she signed with Vifademene of Norway’s Toppserien.

For more information on Verdoia’s days with the Real Women, click HERE for a Q&A on the RSL website.

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.