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USL News Release

Friday, August 8, 2008

TAMPA, FL – United Soccer Leagues announced today the Women’s Super-20 All-Finals Team honoring Triangle FC midfielder Mollie Pathman as Most Valuable Player, as voted by the coaches during the league finals. This Super-20 All-Finals team represents the top Under-20 talent in North America.

Pathman led her club to the Championship and along the way helped Triangle FC upstage the rivalry that had been brewing between the Washington Freedom and Parsippany SC. In group play with both Triangle FC and the Washington Freedom with perfect 2-0 records, they met in what turned out to be semifinal game. Pathman, who played on the United States Under-15 Women’s National Team, tallied the goal that sent Triangle FC through to the Championship match. Awaiting them was soccer powerhouse Parsippany SC. This thriller went to penalty kicks and Pathman’s play again was key in the victory for Triangle FC.

If history is any indication, expect big things from Mollie Pathman. The 2006 Women’s Super-20 League MVP, Chante Sandiford, is now the W-League Washington Freedom goalkeeper, who placed third in the league finals following the Freedom’s 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders. Last season’s women’s MVP, Ingrid Wells, was recently named to the U.S. Women’s Under-20 National Team roster to compete in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup being held in Chile this December.

Also coming up big for Triangle FC all tournament long was goalkeeper Kelsey Kearney. Kearney, who will play her college soccer at UNC Greensboro, anchored a stifling defense that proved to be championship worthy. Kearney set the tone in the championship match and made two remarkable saves in the penalty shootout to give Triangle FC the strength it needed to take home the title.

Another big contributor to her team’s efforts over the week was Parsippany SC midfielder Jessica Carnevale. Carnevale help lead Parsippany SC to their third consecutive women’s final and did so by being the catalyst in the midfield. Carnevale, who plays soccer for Villanova University, displayed a nose for the goal the entire tournament and her terrific work ethic led to another successful run for Parsippany SC.

One of the most impressive tournaments was turned in by Washington Freedom defender Jordan Grant. Grant commanded the backline for the Freedom and led a defense that only allowed one goal in three games. Grant seemed to always be at the right place at the right time and her solid play at the back helped Washington to another great showing.

Washington forward Tiffany Brown was one of the most dangerous players of the tournament and her speed and finishing ability led to the headaches of many defenders. This Colorado College star set the tone offensively for the Freedom and helped them to eight goals in their first two games.

Hometown defender Kathleen Winsper led the Hampton Roads Piranhas to a second place finish in a very tough Group B. Winsper’s defense kept the Piranhas in every match over the week and also scored the tying goal in their first match of the tournament against the CFC Passion.

Danielle Stolt carried on the tradition of strong Parsippany SC forwards with her dangerous play the entire tournament. Stolt’s big moment came against CFC with the score tied 1-1 when she broke through the Passion defense and scored the game winning goal that sent her team into the Super-20 Finals.

Alexandra Berger scored one of the goals of the tournament in the game of the tournament for Triangle FC in the Championship match. Berger joined the attack from her defensive position and ripped a shot that gave Triangle FC the lead. “We had momentum at that point in the match so I just thought ‘why not have a shot,’” said Berger of the goal, which carried at least 30 yards, over the head of Schwartz, and fit just below the crossbar, into the far upper-90 for the 2-1 lead.

Erin Carballo was a bright spot for TSF Academy as her tireless effort was recognized by the Super-20 coaches. This University of Rochester star tallied more than 50 goals through her high school career at Nothern Valley.

Not to be overshadowed by fellow forward and W-League U19 Player of the Year Furtuna Velaj, CFC striker Kristen Forster showed she belongs in Velaj’s company. Forster had an impressive tournament and will look to lead Trumbull High School to another success season in Connecticut.

Parsippany SC defender Dani Raske led a powerful backline to another appearance in the Super-20 Championship game. This Binghamton University product anchored a defense that allowed only one goal during group play.

Toronto Lynx forward Diana Da Rocha drew the praises of Washington Freedom Head Coach Win Puffer and was one of the bright spots for the Lynx. This star from Dante Alighieri was at her best when she faced off against the best.

CFC defender Maggie Yahn solidified a tough defense that kept the Passion alive in all three of their contests. Parsippany SC Head Coach Dominic Bucci noted how tough it was to get passed Yahn and the CFC defense because of their great organization.

Women’s Super-20-League North American Finals All-Tournament Team
G	Kelsey Kearney	Triangle FC
D	Maggie Yahn	CFC
D	Jordan Grant	Washington
D	Alexandra Berger	Triangle FC
D	Kathleen Winsper	Hampton Roads
D	Dani Raske	Parsippany SC
M	Mollie Pathman	Triangle FC
M	Jessica Carnevale	Parsippany SC
M	Erin Carballo	TSF Academy
M	Diana Da Rocha	Toronto Lynx
F	Tiffany Brown	Washington
F	Kristen Forster	CFC
F	Danielle Stolt	Parsippany SC
Super-20 Championship MVP
M	Mollie Pathman	Triangle FC