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Women's Soccer Begins Season Friday vs. UC Riverside

Women's Soccer CSU Bakersfield Athletic Communications

Seven New Members to Join Women?s Soccer in 2010


BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - CSUB women's soccer Head Coach Nicole Van Dyke announced her seven–member 2010 recruiting class Wednesday afternoon. This year's first installment of recruits includes three junior college transfers and four true freshmen. The Roadrunners finished the 2009 season with a program–best six wins against NCAA Division I competition. CSUB will be eligible for NCAA Division I postseason participation beginning this fall.

“The 2010 soccer season is right around the corner and the staff has never been more eager to mesh this talented group of recruits with our returning squad,” said Van Dyke. “This incoming class has talent, athleticism and grit, all of which will raise the level of our team. We have enjoyed getting to know the students and their families during the recruiting process and are excited about the newest members of our Roadrunner family.”

Jessica Fogeltanz was a two–time All–Western State Conference second–team performer at Ventura College. The Lady Pirates advanced to the state Final Four her sophomore season. Her 51 career games played is tied for the program's all–time record. She was voted the team offensive MVP in 2007 and was named team captain in 2009. In 2008, she earned the Briana Squires Most Inspirational Award and in 2009 she was the recipient of the Raeann Koerner Academic Award. An outstanding student, Fogeltanz held a 3.96 GPA while earning her associate of arts in kinesiology. Originally from Camarillo, she prepped at Camarillo High School and played club soccer for the So Cal United and the Camarillo Eagles.

“Jessica is a mature player with tremendous vision and ability in the air,” said Van Dyke. “She will immediately become a leader in the midfield.”

Kristi O'Connor will also be suiting up for the Roadrunners in 2010. O'Connor, who was teammates with Fogeltanz at Ventura College, was a first–team All–Western Conference performer in 2007 and earned All–Academic honors all three years. She garnered the 2007 Coaches Award and was voted most inspirational in 2009. O'Connor, like Fogeltanz, was a strong student academically, earning her associate of arts in kinesiology with a 3.83 GPA. O'Connor, a native of Ventura, Calif., prepped at Nordoff High School.

“Kristi is a technically gifted player,” Van Dyke said. “She brings a wealth of experience to our defense.”

Rounding out the junior college recruiting class is Pierce College midfielder Stephanie Cubias. The 2009 Western State Conference Player of the Year tallied 17 goals and 17 assists in her two seasons at Pierce, leading the Lady Brahmas to two conference titles and an appearance in the 2009 State Championship. A two–year starter at left midfield, Cubais was voted team MVP as a freshman, leading the squad with 15 goals and eight assists while earning first–team all–conference accolades. She served as team captain as a sophomore. Cubias prepped at Birmingham High School where she was voted captain during her junior and senior seasons and earned team MVP honors her final three years. She was a three–time first–team all–city player. Cubias will earn her associate of arts degree in liberal studies this summer.

“Stephanie is an exciting player to watch,” Van Dyke explained. “She is small in height, but strong and fast. She has that knack for goal that we missed last season.”

Monrovia High School striker Tyler Shirk is a four–year starter for the Wildcats. As a junior, Shirk was a first–team All–Rio Hondo League selection while earning second–team accolades as a freshman and as a sophomore. She has been the team's leading goal scorer every season. Shirk plays club soccer for the Legends FC U–19. She has also played for the Sunnyvale Alliance Soccer Club, Orange Junior Soccer Club and the LAFC.

“Tyler is a strong running forward with a huge presence up top,” Van Dyke said. “She will adjust quickly to the physical level of the game.”

Ryann Appell is a four–year varsity player form Chaminade College Preparatory in West Hills, Calif. The midfielder/forward ranks among the leaders on her team in goals and assists. She is a member of both the Eagles' athletic council and student council. Appell played club soccer for the Valley United/Rampage Stars Premier team which won the 2008 League Cup and was the National Cup finalist.

“Ryann possesses speed and a threatening left foot,” said Van Dyke. “She has a tremendous work rate and will battle for any spot on the field.”

Tulare Union High School senior Taylor Jordan is a four–year varsity starter for the Redskins. The 2009 East Yosemite League Player of the Year led her team to a league title in 2009 and in 2007. She has earned all–league honors all three seasons. As a junior, Jordan was named the area MVP by the Times Delta after scoring 27 goals and tallying 17 assists. She was also selected to play in the Tulare–Kings County All–Star game where she garnered MVP honors. Jordan played club soccer for the South Valley United Club Team and is a current member of the California Odyssey, a program that is ranked No. 2 in the Nor Cal division and No. 13 in the region. The Odyssey won the 2009 National Cup Regional Championship and was a National Cup finalist. In addition to soccer, Jordan was a four–year varsity member of the Redskin volleyball team that won the league title in 2008 and 2009. She was also first–team all–league selection in softball, leading her team to a CIF Division 2 Central Section Championship in 2008 and a league runner–up finish in 2009. In the classroom, Jordan ranks in the top 15 percent of her class with a 3.67 GPA.

“Taylor is a pacey player with very good technical skills,” commented Van Dyke. “She has the ability to play numerous positions and has a great work rate.”

Sydney Mullen will travel south of the border this fall to become the first Canadian native to take the field for the Roadrunners. The 5–foot 9–inch defender from Mt. Boucherie High School in Kelowana, British Columbia, was twice named team MVP and served as team captain the past two seasons. She currently plays club soccer for the Okanagan Whitecaps FC in the Pacific Coast Soccer League. She has also spent time with the Okanagan Whitecaps FC – USL Super-Y team where she was team captain for three seasons. Mullen is also a varsity starter on the school's volleyball and basketball teams. She was named team MVP in volleyball and has was voted the school's Top Female Athlete as a sophomore and a junior. Her 4.0 GPA earned her Principal's List and Work Ethic awards every year. As a sophomore, Mullen was named the Top Academic Athlete.

“Sydney is a late addition to our 2010 incoming class,” explained Van Dyke. “She is a strong central defender who is good in the air and will become an immediate leader on our defense.”
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