Six Pirates Receive Accolades in American Soccer Postseason.
The East Carolina soccer team had six players chosen for American Athletic Conference postseason honor teams, with Sydney Schnell earning a spot on the All-Conference First Team, as announced by the league on Sunday in Irving, Texas. Furthermore, Abby Sowa received Second Team honors, Annabelle Abbott, Maeve English, and Juliana Viera received Third Team honors, and Caitlen-Star Dolan Boodram was selected for the All-Freshman Team.
Schnell, a graduate student from Kent Island, Md., once again led the Pirates in goals for the second consecutive regular season, recording a personal best six goals and three assists. Schnell consistently scored goals from far away throughout the season, delivering several impressive and memorable strikes. Additionally, the experienced leader effectively utilized her skill and position in the scouting report to generate additional chances for her teammates, and occasionally played a direct role in their successes by providing three assists. Schnell has never before been selected for an All-Conference team until now.
Some say the most valuable trait one can have is being present and that is especially evident in Sowa’s case. Hailing from Southington, Conn., Sowa, a senior player, has consistently been a reliable presence for her team over the years. She has not missed a full game since October 17, 2021, boasting an impressive streak of 5,250 consecutive minutes played on the field. Sowa, a key player in defense, has helped the Pirates earn eight shutouts this season and has also made an impact on offense by scoring four goals, which is a career high for her. This includes two penalty kicks and the game-winning goal in the exciting season opener against NC State. This is Sowa’s first ever All-Conference recognition in her career.
Both Annabelle Abbott and Maeve English, Pirates Third-Team honorees, consistently display an attribute of record-breaking career appearances in their upcoming match. English also holds the program record for career starts and is on track to surpass the record for goalkeeper minutes.
This season, Abbott from Holly Springs, a graduate student, has been outstanding in her midfield position. Surprisingly, she has yet to score any points, but her performance has been vital with her effort covering both ends of the field, minimal mistakes, and excellent execution of the team’s strategies. Abbott is the perfect example of a hero who goes unrecognized, exceeding all expectations during the season and more, without her the Pirates would not have had such a successful season. Abbott earned her second career All-Conference nod, following Second Team honors in the previous season.
There is little else to add about English following her impressive career. The triple captain adds another section to her extensive history in purple and gold by earning her third All Conference honor (she was also selected for All-Freshman in 2020). The woman from Greenville has achieved seven clean sheets this season and is making progress in the program’s record books. She notably missed a game for the first time in her career this season, sitting out due to illness against Campbell and ending a streak of 70 consecutive games played. Her save percentage is at .737 and she currently holds a career-high tying 0.94 goals against average.
Viera, a student from Montevideo, Uruguay, showcased her skills on defense and offense for ECU this season, earning recognition for her contributions as a set piece specialist with four assists. Viera has smoothly transitioned between positions this season, showcasing her soccer instincts with well-timed stops and successful plays. This is her first career honor.
Next, there is the prodigy from England. Caitlen-Star Dolan Boodram has appeared as if she is not from this world at certain moments this season, showcasing incredible dribbling abilities and footwork. The newcomer has netted three goals this season, with one being a dramatic late-game goal from long range to tie the match against the then-ranked opponent. 17 Memphis put an end to the longest home winning streak in the nation. She has had a fitting beginning based on her abilities and the talented young forward has endless possibilities.
While the Pirates did not win major awards this season, they achieved their goal by receiving five conference recognitions. They will begin their quest for the ultimate prize as the third seed in the conference tournament, facing off against Charlotte on Monday at 11 a.m.