FAU Signs 13

FAU Signs 13 Players for 2010

Feb. 3, 2010

Thirteen high school senior prospects will join the Florida Atlantic University women's soccer program this fall after announcing their intentions today. The list features nine players from Florida and two from Canada, all who have helped their teams win national and state high school and club championships, as well as contributed excellent technical skills at their positions.

Two recruits most familiar with the Owls are Alexandra Major, a 5-foot-6-inch forward from Boca Raton, and Allyson Buerosse, a 5-foot-7-inch defender from nearby Lighthouse Point. FAU Head Coach Brian Dooley served as Major's coach on the TeamBoca travel team in the Under-9 age group division.

"Alex is a crafty forward with the ability to score consistently," said Dooley, noting that Major was Boca Raton Community High School's leading scorer the past two seasons and was a first team all-county selection. "She can beat a defender with speed or her technical ability. She has a great sense of where to be and is constantly moving to find the ball in dangerous space."

Buerosse is considered a fierce competitor who anchored the defense for Cardinal Gibbons High School, last year's nation's No. 1-ranked team. She earned first-team all-county honors during her senior season and is a former member of the TeamBoca Under-18 White club team.

"Ally is a strong left-sided defender who has the ability to advance the ball from the defensive third to the attacking third of the field with accuracy," Dooley said.

Other signees included Brittany Nash, a 5-foot-10-inch forward from Desoto, Texas, highlights the out-of-state prospects with her accomplishments on the Dallas Texans 93 Girls Red club team. She scored the game-winning goal in the championship match of the Sting Royal 93 United States Youth Soccer Association National Championship.

With great size, speed and mobility, Brittany should create all kinds of problems for opponents," said Dooley. "She is not only a prolific goal scorer, but she has the ability to distribute and set up goals. She is expected to step in immediately and contribute to our offensive attack."

Jesse Shugg Jesse Shugg, a 5-foot-6-inch forward from Burlington, Ontario, received the 2008 Canadian National "Golden Boot Award" and competed in the Under-20 Canadian National Camp. She played for the Burlington Sting, a past Canadian national champion.

"Jesse is a dynamic, speedy forward with tremendous one-on-one skills," said Dooley. "Her work ethic without the ball is exceptional and she pressures defenders relentlessly. Her technical skill is unmatched and she should have an immediate impact. Also, her attitude and personality is contagious, which are personal assets that should also help the team."

Alexandra Bentzon, a 5-foot-8-inch forward from Orlando is another quality recruit after helping lead Bishop Moore High School to district, regional and state championships. Dooley expects for her to compete for playing time after joining the team this fall.

"Alex is a physical force with the size and strength to create problems for defenders," he said. "She has the ability to play in a two- or three-forward lineup. She is a strong-willed player who will always work hard and strive to get better."

Profiles on all 13 of FAU's recruits, in alphabetical order, are:

Karlin Aloisio , 5-foot-8-inch goalkeeper from Lakeland (George Jenkins High School). As team captain for her high school team, she led the team to two undefeated seasons and a No. 3 national ranking. She is an aggressive goalkeeper with the ability to physically dominate the position. Club Team: Lakeland FC.

Alexandra Bentzon , 5-foot-8-inch forward from Orlando (Bishop Moore High School). Helped lead high school team to district, regional and state championships. Club Team: Florida Soccer Alliance. Coach: Frankie Delgado.

Saskia Bryant, 5-foot-6-inch defender/midfielder from Longwood (Lake Mary High School). She is an intense defender with an attacking mentality; the ability to get up and down the channels and join the attack; and can shut down opposing wingers. She can also add depth to the midfield because of her technical ability. Club Team: Florida Soccer Alliance. Coach Frankie Delgado. Member of 2009 USL Super Y National Select Team.

Allyson Buerosse, 5-foot-7-inch defender from Lighthouse Point (Cardinal Gibbons High School). Anchored the defense for the nation's No. 1-ranked high school team. Earned first team all-county honors. She has a powerful left foot. Club Team: TeamBoca U18 White. Coach: Scott Baker.

Stephanie Ferro, 5-foot-4-inch defender/midfielder from Palm Harbor (East Lake High School). She possesses excellent leadership qualities, helping lead East Lake to the Class 5A state finals the past two seasons and recently led her RSL Florida club team to the Disney Showcase championship. She is a high work-rate player with a solid technical base and a great understanding of the game.

Chloe Giordano, 5-foot-4-inch midfielder from Pickering, Ontario, Canada (St. Mary Catholic Secondary High School). Captain of the No. 1-ranked Ajax Storm club team that recently won the prestigious Ontario Cup. She is a team-first player who has strong distribution and organizing skills, and can be a strong defensive presence with the ability to find the forward in dangerous places.

Autumn Jordan, 5-foot-8-inch midfielder from Terra Ceia (Palmetto High School) Prior to moving to Florida last year, Jordan played for Seacoast United club team in New Hampshire, a three-time state champion and USYSA Region I runner-up. She participated in the Super Y League Olympic Development National Team Camp. In Florida, she is a member of the IMG Academy Under-18 team. She is considered a tremendous leader with great focus on team goals.

Alexandra Major, 5-foot-6-inch forward from Boca Raton (Boca Raton Community High School). She has played for TeamBoca during her entire youth soccer career, with her latest team being the Under-18 White squad.

Camille Namba, 5-foot-8-inch midfielder/defender from Melbourne Beach (Satellite High School). She is an attack-minded player with a creative mentality who participated in the Olympic Development Program Region III Camp. Her size and athleticism allows for her versatility in the midfield third of the field. Club Teams: Florida Soccer Alliance U18 and WPSL-Florida Surge.

Brittney Nash, 5-foot-10-inch striker from Desoto, Texas.(Bishop Lynch High School). Known for her physical presence on the attacking front line, she scored the winning goal for the Sting Royal 93 USYSA national championship team. Club Team: Dallas Texans 93 Girls Red. Coach: Ryan Higginbotham.

Marisa Russo, 5-foot-4-inch forward from Tampa (J.W. Mitchell High School). Considered an unselfish player with crafty technical skills, she led her high school team in scoring all four years. She was a first team all-county and all-conference player for three years. Club Team: RSL Florida U18. Coach: Jim Cote.

Jesse Shugg, 5-foot-6-inch striker from Burlington, Ontario, Canada (Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School). Club Team: Burlington Sting.

Amanda Ward, 5-foot-7-inch midfielder from Sewell, New Jersey (Washington Township High School). She is a technically proficient midfielder who is equally skilled with both her right and left foot, allowing her to dominate the central portion of the midfield. Her FC Delco (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) club team is defending champions of the Red Bull National League.