2021 UWS All-East Conference Awards

Metuchen, NJ -- United Women’s Soccer’s largest conference held no shortage of storylines this season, from the success of expansion side FC Buffalo to CT Fusion’s run to the UWS National Championship. There were also plenty of standout individual performances in the East Conference, with players on all 12 teams showing out. 

East Conference Defensive Player of the Year — D - Kylee McIntosh (CT Fusion)

Kylee McIntosh claims the East Conference Defensive Player of the Year honor as one of the best all-around center backs in UWS. A tough, experienced leader, McIntosh helped CT Fusion reach the UWS National Championship game for the first time, conceding just one goal in three playoff wins. McIntosh also contributed to the Fusion attack, providing two assists in 13 games played. 

East Conference Offensive Player of the Year — F - Kelsey Araujo (FC Buffalo) 

The East Conference Offensive Player of the Year award goes to Kelsey Araujo of FC Buffalo. Araujo used her strength and explosive athleticism to make defenses fear her all season long. She found the back of the net eight times while playing on the wing, also adding seven assists. She excelled when the stakes were at their highest as well, scoring twice and providing an assist in the East Conference playoff semifinal against Lancaster Inferno. 

East Conference Coach of the Year — Nikki Bartholomew (FC Buffalo)

Nikki Bartholomew is the East Conference Coach of the Year after leading FC Buffalo to a fantastic first season in UWS. Under Bartholomew’s guidance, FC Buffalo claimed the East Conference regular-season title with a record of seven wins, two losses and a draw. Bartholomew and FC Buffalo perfected the art of winning close games, with five of those seven wins coming by just one goal. Assistant coach Gabrielle Wilson also contributed to FC Buffalo’s early success. The former Niagara University goalkeeper helped FC Buffalo’s defense develop a reputation as one of the league’s stingiest. 

2021 UWS All-East Conference First Team

GK - Allie Augur (CT Fusion)

D - Kylee McIntosh (CT Fusion)

D - Meghan Cunningham (NE Mutiny)

D - Marissa Digenova (Lancaster Inferno)

M - Brooke Barbuto (Syracuse DA)

M - Teresa (Rynier) Rook (Lancaster Inferno)

M - Tiffany Weimer (CT Fusion)

F - Tori Sousa (CT Fusion)

F - Kelsey Araujo (FC Buffalo)

F - Carissima Cutrona (FC Buffalo)

F - Melania Cunha Striker (NJ Copa FC)

Iron Women of the Year (played every minute of every match in the regular season)

Marissa DiGenova (Lancaster Inferno) – 10 games, 900 minutes

Teresa (Rynier) Rook (Lancaster Inferno) – 10 games, 900 minutes

Sophia Eifler (Albany Rush) – 10 games, 900 minutes

2021 UWS All-East Conference Second Team

GK - Katie Cappelletti (Syracuse DA)

D - Maya Palmer (FC Buffalo)

D - Sofia Weber (CT Fusion)

D - Sydney Cummings (NJ Copa FC)

D - Adalee Broadbent (Lancaster Inferno)

M - Kimberly Marra (LI Rough Riders)

M - Lauren Berman (NE Mutiny)

M - Jacquelyn Bruno (NJ Copa FC)

M - Cara Jordan (CT Fusion)

F - Catherine Barry (NE Mutiny)

F - Marcella Barberic (FC Buffalo)

2021 Honorable Mention

GK - Emily Kelly (FC Buffalo)

GK - Jenna Hall (CT Rush)

M - Marykate McGuire (Scorpions SC)

M - Jeanine Nunez (LI Rough Riders)

M - Ryelle Shuey (Lancaster Inferno)

F - Katie Krohn (Albany Rush)