Cassalia Headlines Patriot League Postseason Awards

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. – After a standout junior season, Sydney Cassalia was named the Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year highlighting the Army West Point women's soccer team's postseason accolades.

Cassalia also achieved All-Patriot League First Team recognition, while freshman Alyssa Carfagno and junior Emily Torres were voted to the second team, and freshman Lauren Drysdale earned third team distinction. The four Cadets receiving the postseason accolades is the largest group since the same number earned nods in 2013.

"Syd has grown throughout the season and her career here at Army," compliments head coach Adrian Blewitt. "Her performances have been consistent, and she's pulled off several big saves when we needed them. She is a top level Division I keeper, and it's great to see her receiving the recognitions she merits."

Cassalia received a first team nod for the first time in her Army career after being voted to the second team in 2018 and third team in 2017. She had yet another stellar season in net for the Black Knights posting five shutouts, a 0.89 goals against average and 0.784 save percentage, while also notching an assist.

Cassalia led Army to a five-game unbeaten streak at the end of the year to boost the Black Knights from as low as seventh in the standings to the third seed. In conference-only games, the junior posted three shutouts, a 0.846 save percentage and 0.63 goals against average.

The Omaha, Neb., native boasts 21-career shutouts to rank third all-time in Army's record books and 10th in the Patriot League. She is one of two Cadets in the history of the program to be named the league's Goalkeeper of the Year. Rebecca Garcia received the honor in 2005.

"Alyssa has scored some key goals and provided some timely assists this year," says Blewitt. "Her contribution has been significant within a team that needed more goals. She has a great future!"

Carfagno made an immediate impact on the Army offense leading the Patriot League rookies in scoring, ranking first in goals and points among that group. The freshman registered 13 points on five goals and three assists.

She also led the entire league with three game-winning goals during her first year in an Army jersey.

"I am so happy for Emily to receive this honor," notes Blewitt. "Emily does a lot of great defensive work that usually doesn't get noticed on a stat sheet or by opposing coaches. She has been a rock in the center of defense and has earned the honor of being one of the best in the conference."

Emily Torres earned postseason accolades for the first time in her career after a strong season on defense. She is responsible for tying up the opponent's top offensive threat and has helped keep Army's opponents at bay with 141 shots.

"I'm also pleased to see Lauren receive this recognition," says Blewitt. "She has been a playmaker for us since her first game and will continue to do so throughout her career. The style our team has had to play this year isn't best suited for a playmaker like Lauren, but she knows and understands the team comes first. Lauren will be a key leader for our team over the next three years."

Drysdale finished second on the team in scoring this season with eight points. She had a team-high four assists and tallied two goals of her own. She leads the Patriot League in assists this season among freshman players. She is the only rookie to start in all 17 regular season games this season for the Black Knights.

"Overall I am delighted for more of our players to receive recognition as our program progresses up the Patriot League standings," adds Blewitt. "Our staff is incredibly fortunate to coach such outstanding people."

The Black Knights continue into the postseason with a Patriot League Quarterfinal game against sixth-ranked Colgate. The game begins at 7 p.m. at Malek Field.

Army West Point Athletics

Cassalia Headlines Patriot League Postseason Awards

Players Mentioned

Alyssa Carfagno

Sydney Cassalia

Lauren Drysdale

Emily Torres

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