Women's Soccer Tops ECC Preseason Coaches Poll

Central Islip, N.Y.-The University of Bridgeport women's soccer team has been predicted to finish first in the 2010 East Coast Conference standings in a preseason vote of conference coaches.

Senior forward Linda Velaj (Stamford, Conn./Westhill HS) has been selected the Preseason ECC Women's Soccer Offensive Player of the Year after scoring nine goals and notching one assist for 19 points in 18 matches played last year.

The 2009 East Coast Conference champion Purple Knights topped the 2010 ECC women's soccer poll with 60 points and six first place votes.  C.W. Post was ranked number two in the poll with 56 points and two first place votes, and Dowling was third in the ECC preseason poll with 47 points.

In 2009, head coach Magnus Nilerud's team went 16-2-3 overall and 6-1 in conference play.  The Purple Knights, who made their third straight trip to the NCAA Division II Championship Tournament last season, are ranked number 18 in preseason NSCAA D II Women's Soccer National Rankings.

The Bridgeport women's soccer team opens the 2010 season on Thursday, September 2nd at American International College in Springfield, Mass.

COMPLETE EAST COAST CONFERENCE WOMEN'S SOCCER PRESEASON RELEASE