USL W League 2024 Roster Released!
Taking a look at Morris Elite’s USL W Upcoming Season – By Grace Cannizzo
MADISON, NJ – Morris Elite’s USL W team has high expectations to live up to, being back-to-back Metropolitan Division champions and while notably making it to the Eastern Conference conference finals last season; however, with the combination of returning stars and new talent, the team is indisputably capable of having another highly successful season.
There are three returning players in particular to keep an eye on:
Samantha Kroeger – Midfielder and key player, Samantha Kroeger, finished her career with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, but that end only seems to lead to a new beginning, as Kroeger recently trained with NWSL team, Angel City FC, as a non-roster invitee. She started nearly every game for Morris Elite last season, and looks to be a key force for the team once again.
Claire Manning – Another noteworthy, returning player, Claire Manning, certainly impressed the USL-W league last year, earning second team, all-league accolades as well as Metropolitan divisional player of the year. This midfielder for Georgetown undoubtedly earned this high recognition, as she led the team with 17 astonishing goals last season, something that she is certainly capable of reproducing again.
Courtney Ruedt – Coming in hot this season is Courtney Ruedt, after being recognized with honorable mentions on the All-Ivy selection following her excellent performances for the Columbia Lions. She is the backbone of Morris Elite’s FC defense, and as a team captain, she played a major part in her team’s stellar defense that gave up a meager five goals in all of last year’s regular season’s play. As a captain again, Ruedt will have immense influence in replicating this success.
In addition to these returning stars, the seven newcomers on this team each offer promising potential. Eyes are already on Kelly Severini, who was a captain for the successful Michigan State Spartans team that boasted a 14-5-3 overall record this year. Severini will be joined by the talented fresh faces of Scranton University’s Faith Schecter (F), Rutgers’ Allie Post (MF), Dartmouth University’s Taylor Williams (D), Columbia University’s Marcia Ojo (D), Seton Hall University’s Gia Milano (MD/D), and Mount Saint Mary’s Molly Gannon (D).
The full roster is listed below.
Forwards – Faith Schechter, Ellison Errington, Jules Osterman, Angelina Vargas, Nata Ramirez
Midfielders – Grace Denbleyker, Elizabeth Gallagher, Henna Andican, Claire Manning, Sophia Calvaliere, Riley Cross, Lauren Wrigley, Kelly Severini, Allie Post, Samantha Kroeger, Ella Spina
Defenders – Courtney Ruedt, Olivia Redden, Jessica Korman, Juliana Ryan, Taylor Williams, Marcia Ojo, Noelle Alexander, Molly Gannon, Nicole Rago, Meg Meagher, Raquel Garces, Gia Milano
Goalkeepers – Arden Lembryk, Samantha Constantine
Head Coach – Steph Savino assisted by Haleigh Svede, Richy Castro, and Justin Howell
Morris Elite Soccer Club was founded in 2016 by former professional soccer player Vincenzo Bernardo in Madison, NJ. Today, 1,000 youth players are a part of the Club that spans the Morris County area. In 2022, Morris Elite Soccer Club’s senior women’s team joined USL W, a pre-professional soccer league based all around the US. Morris Elite will kick off their season this Saturday, May 18th, at 3:30 PM EST against AC Connecticut in Drew Stadium.