July 21, 2008

WASHINGTON - Brooke Sheppard and Lindsey Farthing will represent American University women's soccer on a national level this week, as the pair of sophomores will compete for the U-19 National Championship in Little Rock, Ark. from July 23-27. Both are members of the FC Pennsylvania Strikers and are only one of four teams remaining in the tournament after the squad won both its state and regional titles.

"We are thrilled that Brooke and Lindsey will have this wonderful opportunity to win a National Championship. This is a great honor for our program," AU head coach David Bucciero said. "They have played a very high level of soccer throughout the summer and I expect them to come in sharp for preseason."

Sheppard played in all 18 games for the Eagles last year and made eight starts. She tallied one goal and two assists. Her first collegiate goal was a game-winner in a 2-0 win over Mount Saint Mary's. Farthing backed up Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year, Kelsey Wiggins, in her rookie campaign. She saw action in one game, recording 20 minutes of shutout time.

Competition at the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships begins Wednesday, July 23 when the Strikers take on the Region III champion from Texas. The following day they will face the Region II champion from Michigan, before completing the round robin on Friday against the Region IV winner from California. The teams with the most points will advance to play for the national championship on Sunday, July 27.