Mutiny announces summer 06 roster

SPRINGFIELD The New England Mutiny is pleased to announce their preliminary roster and new signees for the upcoming Summer 2006 season in the East Division of the Women's Premier Soccer League. Returning to the three-time division champion and 2005 WPSL National Semifinalists are all five leading scorers from last season's 13-1 side - including the reigning East Division MVP and First All-East Team honoree in midfielder Meghan Schnur (N. Butler, PA) and fellow First Team selection and local product Jenny Maurer (E. Longmeadow, MA).

Placed alongside another rock solid group of newcomers from the collegiate, professional and international ranks and New England team owner Joseph Ferrara, Jr. feels that this preliminary roster is a great first step. The team is once again looking towards another division crown and a fourth straight appearance in the WPSL National Championship Tournament (July 29-31). The full Summer 2006 schedule will be released in the coming days.

"I am excited to bring back the core of last season's roster," Ferrara said. "We are looking to improve on our undefeated regular season in 2005 with a WPSL championship this season."

UConn's Schnur (7 goals-6 assists-20 points) and Boston College's Maurer (6g-6a-18pts) were two of the top scorers in the WPSL last season, ranking third and fourth in points scored, respectively. Yet, a quartet of returning veterans were providers and scorers alike, as the Mutiny will welcome back the likes of Kerry Connors (Somers, CT), local legend and charter member Rachel LeDuc (Longmeadow), Rebekah Splaine (Cambridge) and Naomi Stone (Teaticket).

After exhibition matches versus a pair of Atlantic 10 Conference opponents at the University of Rhode Island (April 29 at noon) and the University of Massachusetts (May 6 at 3:30 p.m.), the New England Mutiny will open their Summer 2006 season on the road at Massachusetts on May 15 at 7:00 p.m.

New England's first home match will be against the Bay State Select on June 3 at 7 p.m. at Agawam H.S. The full 2006 schedule will be released in the coming days.

For all the information on the Mutiny, check our official website at www.mutinysoccer.com, phone us at (413) 330-WPSL or email us at info@mutinysoccer.com.

The WPSL is the highest level of women's soccer in the United States and one of the top leagues in the world. The mission is to provide the highest level of women's soccer while simultaneously providing affordable, quality family entertainment and positive role models for our youth.

The 39-team national league features international players such as Sissi & Daniela, U.S. National team members like Abby Wambach, Shannon Boxx and Shannon MacMillan plus legends on the level of Brandi Chastain and Danielle Fotopoulos, among many others.

For more information on the WPSL, visit www.wpsl.info. The WPSL is the only stand-alone national women's soccer league in the United States and is affiliated with FIFA and the U.S. Soccer Federation.