New England Soccer Today

UWS: Mutiny Welcome Back Veteran Core

Photo credit: G. Skovera

Photo credit: G. Skovera

The New England Mutiny will kick off their debut season in the newly-established United Women’s Soccer league with a number of familiar faces in an attempt to repeat the success they garnered in 2015.

On Thursday, the club announced that midfielder Charlie Branch, defender Meghan Cunningham, forward/defender Liana Hinds, forward/midfielder Andrea Plucenik, midfielder Stephanie Santos, defender Allyson Swaby and defender Claire Walsh will return to central Massachusetts for the upcoming UWS campaign.

Joining the seven veterans, who helped lead the squad to an 8-2-0 record last year, will be rookie defender Chantelle Swaby, who’s slated to play her first season with the Mutiny alongside her sister, Allyson.

“This group of signings highlights our midfield and defense for our first season in UWS,” said Mutiny team owner Joe Ferrara, Jr. in a club release on Thursday. “It’s going to be a battle each game and we think this group can help form a strong foundation for our team.”

Branch recently concluded her two-year stint at Central Connecticut State University as a 2015 All-ECAC Second Team and All-NEC First Team selection.

Cunningham is set to play her ninth season for the Mutiny, the second longest tenure in team history behind local legend Jenny Maurer.

Hinds recently was a part of the Trinidad & Tobago Women’s National Team who qualified for the semifinals of the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament in February, making three appearances.

Plucenik collected a club-high five assists for the Mutiny last year, and will look for similar success in her fifth season with New England.

Santos was named to the NEWISA All-New England Team and the America East First Team last fall in her final season at the University Of Hartford. In 2014, she was selected to the Portugal Women’s National Team for the Algarve Cup.

Allyson Swaby played in 17 matches (14 starts) last fall for Boston College as a sophomore defender. She was selected to both the U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team while also earning a call-up from the senior Jamaican Women’s during 2015.

Chantelle Swaby will enter her debut season with the Mutiny as preparation for her freshman season this fall for Rutgers University as part of their top-ranked recruiting class.

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