(Central New Jersey) - Real Central NJ Women’s team kicks off its fourth WPSL season with a home game at 7 PM on Sunday, May 19, at Rider University’s Ben Cohen Field against West Mont United.
“We continue to be thrilled with the growth of the club, the support from the community, and the quality of collegiate players competing for spots on the team,” said Ben Chrnelich, Women’s Sporting Director and RCNJ partner. “This year’s team consists of 40 athletes representing leading universities, including Villanova, American, Lehigh, Bucknell, Colgate, Virginia Wesleyan, The College of New Jersey, Rider, and Rhode Island. We are excited to start Mid-Atlantic Colonial Conference competition and showcase Central NJ’s soccer strength”, continued Chrnelich.
Brian Thomsen enters his fourth season as head coach, assisted by Kim Maurer and former RCNJ standout, Jamie Skarupsky. “The depth of talent this season is notable and we are excited to work with such a talented group of players this summer,” Thomsen said. “With a significant number of returning players, complemented by elite first-year players, I am confident we will be competitive and play an exciting style of soccer”, continued Thomsen.
Ava Curtis, a returning WPSL All-Conference selection and United Soccer Coaches Collegiate All-American, returns for her third RCNJ season. A three-year starter on The College of New Jersey’s nationally ranked program, she will be seen playing deep in the midfield or as an attacking wing back this season. In recognition of her leadership and commitment, Curtis has been named co-captain, along with LaSalle’s Stella Kahn. Coach Thomsen notes the team “looks forward to having Ava’s veteran presence on the field and mentorship to first-year players.”
Another WPSL All-Conference selection, Brooke Steel, from American University, returns for her third RCNJ season. Recipient of the club’s 2023 Goal of the Year, Brooke is an exciting player who creates many goal-scoring opportunities. “Her consistent energy, pressing and attacking mindset is bound to cause concern from our opponents,” said Thomsen.
Riley Hayes, from Bucknell University, joins RCNJ for her inaugural WPSL season. In her freshman collegiate season, she saw time in eighteen games and was impactful in Bucknell’s Patriot League Championship and NCAA tournament appearance. A standout player at Hun and with the prestigious PDA Blue youth program, Real Central NJ is excited that Riley decided to join the club. “Riley’s energy and style of play will gel well with our veteran players. We are excited to see her play and are looking forward to many years of her on-field success” said Coach Skarupsky.
Morgan Kotch, an incoming freshman at Villanova University, joins RCNJ after leading The Pennington School’s nationally ranked team. “After coaching against Morgan for the past 4 years, I am really looking forward to being on the same side as her,” said Coach Kim Maurer, who also leads Allentown’s Girls Varsity program. “We are excited to be part of Morgan’s transition to the college game and are confident she will continue to find goal-scoring success in the WPSL and NCAA competitive environment”, continued Maurer.
Following Sunday’s game, the RCNJ women will play their second home game against the Delaware Ospreys on Friday, May 24, at 7 PM, at Rider University’s Ben Cohen Field.
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