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Rutgers signs 8 recruits from PDA, NC Courage and Portland Thorns Academy

Rutgers women’s soccer head coach Mike O’Neill has signed eight first-year players to join the Scarlet Knights program for the 2025 season. The class includes Kennedi Cotter, Lindsey Hailey, Julia Joseph, Jayme Malanda, Sarah Martinez, Gabriella Sanchez, Sophia Stiles and Lauren Swafford. The group includes national team experience, championship resumes, and standout academic credentials represented throughout. “This incoming […]

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Rutgers signs 8 recruits from PDA, NC Courage and Portland Thorns Academy

Rutgers women’s soccer head coach Mike O’Neill has signed eight first-year players to join the Scarlet Knights program for the 2025 season.

The class includes Kennedi Cotter, Lindsey Hailey, Julia Joseph, Jayme Malanda, Sarah Martinez, Gabriella Sanchez, Sophia Stiles and Lauren Swafford.

The group includes national team experience, championship resumes, and standout academic credentials represented throughout.

“This incoming freshman class is one of the most dynamic groups we’ve brought ‘On the Banks’,” said O’Neill. “Together, their talents add depth, creativity, and a hunger to win championships and we expect them to make an immediate impact. The group’s competitive mentality and commitment to our team culture align perfectly with the standards of our program. We’re excited to see how they elevate the level of our training environment and contribute to game day winning performances.”

Kennedi Cotter

Forward/Midfield
Bayonne, N.J.
PDA / Paisley Athletic FC USL W
Bayonne High School

About Cotter: A dynamic attacking presence, Cotter comes to Rutgers as one of the most prolific young players in the USL W League. She notched eight goals and four assists during the 2024 season and was recognized as one of TopDrawer Soccer’s “USL W League Club Players to Know.” Cotter made the Paisley Athletic FC USL W first team at just 15 years old and started every game at age 16.

As a high school freshman, Cotter tallied 18 goals and nine assists, earning First Team All-County and HCIAL Player of the Year honors. She also played multiple sports growing up and was named MVP in her baseball and basketball leagues. Despite only playing one year of high school soccer, she demonstrated the ability to dominate against older, experienced competition.

Off the field, Cotter is the owner of NJ Card Breaks and authored and illustrated a children’s book promoting girls’ baseball. She graduated from Bayonne High School in just three years and plans to major in business at Rutgers, with career goals of either playing professional soccer or becoming a general manager in professional sports.

Why Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers because of the program’s history of developing top talent. The program’s world class facilities and resources will support me in my development on and off the field. And I am excited to represent my home state: New Jersey!”

Lindsey Hailey

Defender
Raleigh, N.C.
NC Courage ECNL
Leesville Road High School

About Hailey: Hailey brings elite-level experience and leadership as a longtime captain of the NC Courage ECNL Academy, where she led her team to the 2024 USL W League Championship and numerous ECNL Mid-Atlantic titles. She’s been a mainstay in high-pressure environments, including the ECNL National Playoffs and the USL Academy Cup, and was named to the ECNL 06 Best XI at the 2024 postseason.

A model of consistency and work ethic, Hailey has captained her club team from 2018 to 2024, earning seven NCFC Sportsmanship Awards along the way. Though she played club exclusively instead of high school soccer, she’s also excelled academically—earning National Honor Society and English Honor Society recognition and maintaining Honor Roll status throughout high school.

She plans to major in exercise science and pursue a career in strength and conditioning.

Why Rutgers: “When I stepped foot on the campus, met the coaching staff, and the players, I knew that this was my home away from home. The amazing academic and athletic resources are going to be able to help me achieve the goals I will set for myself. I am excited to be a part of the Scarlett Knight family!”

Julia Joseph

Defender/Midfielder
Lake Oswego, Ore.
Portland Thorns Academy
Lake Oswego High School

About Joseph: Joseph enters the Banks from a strong Portland Thorns Academy side that reached the ECNL Final Four in 2024 and the Final 16 in 2023. She was also a member of the WPSL Thorns 2 team and was invited to train with the NWSL Portland Thorns, showcasing her development at the highest levels of club soccer.

At Lake Oswego High School, Joseph was a two-time All-League honoree and a four-year varsity starter, earning the role of team captain as a senior. Her team won the 2021 league championship and made the Oregon state semifinals and quarterfinals during her tenure. A standout in both athletics and leadership, she was also featured in the Lake Oswego Review.

Joseph is no stranger to the highest levels of the sport—her father, Miles, played in the 1996 Olympics, the MLS, and currently serves as Associate Head Coach at Charlotte FC. Her brother plays at Indiana.

Why Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers for its high academics and the opportunities Rutgers provides both academically and athletically. I love the family culture of the soccer program and the amazing facilities. I grew up in the Northeast so Rutgers felt like home to me.”

Jayme Malanda

Defender/Midfielder
Middletown, N.J.
PDA North Blue
Middletown North High School

About Malanda: Malanda brings a blend of versatility and scoring punch from the backline, having netted 28 goals across her first three seasons of high school. In 2023, she earned All-State recognition and was named her team’s Most Valuable Player after a 15-goal campaign. She helped lead Middletown North to a Shore Conference Coaches Cup Championship.

A product of PDA North Blue, Malanda helped her club win three ECNL conference titles and reach the national finals in 2022. She also earned National Honor Society distinction and was on the Honor Roll each year of high school.

Athletics runs in the family—her mother, Carolyn, scored 103 collegiate goals at Georgian Court University and was inducted into both the GCU and CACC Halls of Fame, while her father played football at TCNJ. Malanda will major in exercise science and plans to pursue a career in physical therapy.

Why Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers because of the competitive academics and athletics. The team culture is family oriented which is extremely important while still competing at a high level. The coaching staff is incredible and overall the program is amazing. Rutgers is close to home which makes it easy for my family and friends to come and watch me play which was a huge factor for me.”

Sarah Martinez

Midfielder
Apex, N.C.
NC Courage ECNL
Apex Friendship High School

About Martinez: Martinez arrives at Rutgers with a decorated resume at the club and international levels. She was named 2024 ECNL Mid-Atlantic Player of the Year and ECNL All-American, and previously helped her team win the 2023 USL Academy Cup. She has participated in multiple U.S. Youth National Team ID camps and represented Puerto Rico in five Concacaf events—including serving as captain for the U-17 squad.

An AP Scholar with Distinction, Martinez balanced her rigorous academic achievements with elite soccer competition. She is a member of HOSA and the Hispanic Honor Society and maintained Honor Roll status throughout her high school career.

Why Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers because of the competitive and passionate culture, and the high standards of its elite soccer program that are demonstrated through the team’s unrelenting mentality. I knew that the environment would challenge me to become a better player and person. The staff and the players also made it feel like a home away from home through their comradery and deep trust in one another both on and off the field. The academic rigor, extensive resources, and variety of career paths reinforced my decision further, as it will allow me to continue finding academic success while developing my soccer career.”

Gaby Sanchez

Midfielder
Wayne, N.J.
PDA Blue 07
DePaul Catholic High School

About Sanchez: A local product with a consistent track record of success, Sanchez tallied 14 goals in 58 career games at DePaul Catholic. She was named First Team All-County in both 2022 and 2023, and helped her high school win multiple county, sectional, and conference championships.

Her club résumé is just as impressive—PDA Blue 07 reached the ECNL Elite 8 in 2023 and the Round of 16 in 2024 while capturing their conference title. Off the field, Sanchez works youth soccer camps and enjoys baking.

She plans to major in exercise science and pursue a career in physical therapy.

Why Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers because it is a great academic and athletic school. The coaching staff for the women’s soccer is outstanding and will help me grow to my fullest potential. Also, the athletic facilities are amazing.”

Sophia Stiles

Defender
Portland, Ore.
Portland Thorns Academy
Jesuit High School

About Stiles: Stiles joins Rutgers after leading Jesuit High School to the 2022 Oregon state championship and four consecutive conference titles. She was named to the All-State Second Team twice and selected for the prestigious 2024 High School All-American Game.

On the club side, she played for the Portland Thorns Academy, where she earned First Team All-Conference honors and was selected for the 2022 ECNL Phoenix National Selection Game. Stiles also stood out in the classroom, earning academic honor roll at both the conference and school levels.

Stiles will major in education with a concentration in psychology and aims to become an elementary school teacher.

Why Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers because of the family culture that the team and staff create. I also loved the facilities and the resources available to the team.”

Lauren Swafford

Goalkeeper
Moorestown, N.J.
PDA South
Moorestown High School

About Swafford: Swafford brings a wealth of shot-stopping experience to the Banks, recording over 375 saves during her high school career. She earned All-Conference, All-South Jersey, and All-State honors from 2022 through 2024 and was named ECNL All-Conference with PDA South.

A consistent high honor roll student, she is known for her leadership in mentoring younger goalkeepers and her involvement in her family’s apiary business.

Swafford will major in business with plans to focus on leadership and management.

Why Rutgers: “I chose Rutgers for a few different reasons. Academics are very important to me and I wanted a school that matched those values. As for the athletics, I loved the family environment I saw on my visit and whenever I went to games. Lastly, Rutgers is close to my hometown, so my parents and family can come watch my games.”

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PA Chamber of Business & Industry hosts roundtable at LCCC

NANTICOKE — Luzerne County Community College President John Yudichak on Wednesday praised the leadership of Luke Bernstein, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, and he reaffirmed LCCC’s commitment to supporting regional economic growth through higher education and workforce innovation. “The college stands ready to partner with the PA Chamber […]

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NANTICOKE — Luzerne County Community College President John Yudichak on Wednesday praised the leadership of Luke Bernstein, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, and he reaffirmed LCCC’s commitment to supporting regional economic growth through higher education and workforce innovation.

“The college stands ready to partner with the PA Chamber in building a world-class workforce to drive and sustain economic growth throughout Pennsylvania,” Yudichak said. “Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient economy that uplifts every corner of the Commonwealth.”

Bernstein, a NEPA native, hosted a regional Government Affairs Roundtable at LCCC in partnership with local leaders and business stakeholders.

The event brought together key figures from the public and private sectors for a candid discussion on the legislative landscape, economic development opportunities, workforce challenges and business investment trends across Northeast Pennsylvania.

Northeast Pennsylvania legislators served on the panel: Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township; Sen. Dave Argall, R-Pottsville; Sen. Linda Schlegel Culver, R-Northampton; Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre; Rep. Alec Ryncavage, R-Hanover Township; Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton; Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township; and Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Pittston Township.

The roundtable was held in LCCC’s Educational Conference Center.

In his opening remarks, Yudichak said recent higher education reforms, like the passage of the College Affordability and Transparency Act, have empowered LCCC to partner with Commonwealth University to address workforce shortages in the region through innovative partnerships.

“Like the TEACH in NEPA Project, that will deliver a four-year teaching degree at the college’s Hazleton Center for less than $35,000,” Yudichak said. “The college is currently expanding its partnership with Commonwealth University to address additional work force shortages in the health care industry and the criminal justice profession.”

Yudichak also touted the Dual Credit Innovation Grant that inspired the creation of the LCCC Career & Technology Academy. The Academy is a partnership with the Hazleton Career Center, the Wilkes-Barre Career CTC, and the West Side CTC that will provide Luzerne County’s 2,000 CTC high school students a clear pathway to a post-secondary credential in the college’s trade and advance technology programs while they are still in high school.

“LCCC recently received a $1 million dual credit innovation grant from the PDE and a $100,000 scholarship from local businessman, Bill Rinaldi, as a result students will pay no tuition to attend the LCCC Career & Technology Academy over the next two years,” Yudichak said.

He said LCCC is responding to historic economic development announcements that detail the billions of dollars being invested in hyperscale data center development across Pennsylvania. He said LCCC is leading collaborative efforts to build a statewide Technology and Trade Workforce Consortium through the PA Commission on Community Colleges.

“Partnerships, collaborations, and innovations are driving everything we do at LCCC,” Yudichak said. “It is in exciting time here at the college and an exciting time in PA — rest assured LCCC is grateful for the support of its sponsors, Luzerne County and the Commonwealth of PA, and we are determined to fulfill our mission as a student-centered community college dedicated to student success and positive community impact.”

Bernstein thanked LCCC for hosting the event and he praised the college’s forward-thinking approach.

“It’s inspiring to see a college so aligned with the needs of its community and so determined to be a part of the solution,” Bernstein said. “LCCC is not just educating students — it’s helping to reimagine how Pennsylvania competes in a 21st-century economy.”

The roundtable served as a forum for candid dialogue on legislation, regulation and policy proposals that impact businesses and workers across Luzerne County and the broader NEPA region. Topics included workforce shortages, dual-enrollment funding, regional infrastructure investment, child care, natural gas development, education, and how to accelerate public-private partnerships for sustainable economic growth.

“Partnerships, collaborations and innovations are driving everything we do at LCCC,” Yudichak said. “It is an exciting time here at the college — and across Pennsylvania. Together with the PA Chamber, we are determined to build a brighter future.”

Lindsay Griffin-Boylan, President/CEO of the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber, said, “Today is about working together to find solutions to create a better future for NEPA.”

Bernstein added, “It’s time to put politics aside to grow jobs and grow Pennsylvania’s economy.”

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.



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Patricia McEvoy Smith, 82, lawyer, grandmother, activist

Patricia McEvoy Smith, attorney, wife, mother, grandmother, active volunteer, 60-year member of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, and longtime former Chestnut Hill resident, died peacefully of ovarian cancer on July 18 at Foulkeways Life Plan Community in Gwynedd, surrounded by her family. She was 82. Smith’s daughter, Dr. Christina Smith, said, “Mom was very loving and […]

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Patricia McEvoy Smith, attorney, wife, mother, grandmother, active volunteer, 60-year member of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, and longtime former Chestnut Hill resident, died peacefully of ovarian cancer on July 18 at Foulkeways Life Plan Community in Gwynedd, surrounded by her family. She was 82.

Smith’s daughter, Dr. Christina Smith, said, “Mom was very loving and had a great sense of humor. She had an incredible work ethic and led by example. She was also an excellent mom and grandmom. She said, ‘You can do it all, just not all at the same time.’”

Smith was born on July 15, 1943, in New York City, to John Joseph McEvoy and Ellen Hoffman McEvoy. She grew up in Manhasset, New York, where she enjoyed water skiing and playing clarinet in her school’s marching band. When she was 16, she traveled throughout Europe with her grandmother.

Smith attended Newton College of the Sacred Heart in Massachusetts, majoring in history, and wrote her senior thesis on the “Brown v. Board of Education” Supreme Court case. That process blossomed into an early fascination with the legal system.

According to daughter Leslie Jannetta, “Mom said that a neighbor in Wyndmoor set up our dad (Rush) on a blind date with her during a snowy evening to watch a Cornell vs. Harvard ice hockey game.” Smith married Rush — who grew up in Wyndmoor and attended Penn Charter High School — before settling in the Chestnut Hill area shortly after Kimberly, the first of their three daughters, was born.

“We lived on the 100 block of W. Mermaid Lane when I was growing up,” Leslie said. “My parents lived on Crefeld Street in the 1970s. We all went to GFS [Germantown Friends School], then Springside. Mom was ahead of her time. She was going to law school when I was in the eighth grade, and dad supported her completely.”

Smith earned a master’s degree in education and became a reading specialist at Enfield Middle School in Erdenheim and Temple Lab School. She worked on her doctorate in education until switching gears in her early 40s and entering Rutgers Law School, where she was soon named an editor of the Law Review. After graduating, she was an associate for Wolf, Block, Schorr and Solis-Cohen and ultimately worked for the Social Security Administration for 30 years, serving as Deputy Chief Counsel for the Mid-Atlantic region.

Even with her busy career and family, Smith always managed to find time for activities at the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. She chaired the church’s annual fundraiser, the Christmas Bazaar, and co-chaired the altar guild. Her family remembers her driving a parishioner from Chestnut Hill to Vermont and back after the woman’s husband died.

Susan Doran, Smith’s close friend of 55 years, told the Local, “Pat was the most interested person I have ever known. She was truly interested in everything, but when it was time to be home for her girls, she would be home. That attests to her organizational skills. It’s why she was such a good lawyer.”

Smith learned to golf at 50 and to garden at 80 and often told her children, “It’s never too late to learn new things.”

Since the late 1960s, the Philadelphia Cricket Club was like a second home to Smith. She played on a PCC tennis team and, with Rush, supported the USTA grass court junior tournament. They also enjoyed hosting tennis players at their home in Chestnut Hill. “She was a fantastic self-taught cook,” Leslie said. “Any time a friend came over, she would cook. She was always looking for healthy, nutritious meals.”

Smith and Rush moved to Erdenheim in 1996 until 18 months ago, when they moved into Foulkeways.

The couple traveled to Israel in 2019 on a trip led by former Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church and St. Martin’s rector Frank Griswold. She told friends that the trip was “faith affirming.” In March of this year, the couple was recognized by the church vestry with the Polly Randall Award for their years of exceptional service. As an active volunteer, Smith loved to bake for others, take meals to parishioners, and lend a helping hand through numerous ministries.

She loved nature and planted a large vegetable garden within the Foulkeways retirement community garden. She produced magic with both flowers and vegetables and gave most away to family and friends.

Smith is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Rush Blackfan Smith; three daughters Kimberly Smith Guerster (Jonathan M.), Leslie Hughes Smith Jannetta (Gregory) and Christina Topley Smith; as well as six grandchildren (Bela, Mason, and Brooke Guerster; Finley and Richard Paul; and Hannah Jannetta); and sisters Eloise and Denise McEvoy. Her brother, John J. McEvoy Jr., predeceased her.

A funeral service was held Friday, July 25, at the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Smith’s name to the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, 8000 St. Martin’s Lane, Phila., PA 19118.

Len Lear can be reached at LenLear@chestnuthilllocal.com.





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South Carolina’s Nyck Harbor donates $10K in NIL earnings to high school program

South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor is using his NIL earnings to give back. The rising junior hosted Nyck Harbor Community Day over the weekend at his alma mater, Archbishop Carroll (Washington, DC). The former five-star recruit donated $10,000 of his own NIL earnings back to Archbishop Carroll’s athletic department as part of the event. […]

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South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor is using his NIL earnings to give back. The rising junior hosted Nyck Harbor Community Day over the weekend at his alma mater, Archbishop Carroll (Washington, DC).

The former five-star recruit donated $10,000 of his own NIL earnings back to Archbishop Carroll’s athletic department as part of the event. Harbor is the latest college football player to use his NIL dollars to give back.

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Harbor was a football and track star during his time in high school, and ran for the Gamecocks during his first year in college. He ran a 10.38-second 100-meter time and a 21.36-second 200-meter time as a sophomore in high school, and had Olympic hopes.

The wide receiver has now fully committed to playing college football, opting to skip indoor and outdoor track season this year. The move allowed him to practice strictly with the football team ahead of the 2025 season.

The 6-foot-5, 235-pound wide receiver posted a career-high 26 catches for 376 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore during the 2024 season. More importantly, he appeared to make major strides as a receiver during the second half of the season.

He has already started to show up in some way-too-early 2026 NFL draft boards, going as early as the first round in Todd McShay’s mock draft. Harbor has signed a handful of NIL deals throughout his career, working with brands like Beats by Dre, TruSport, EA Sports and Champs Sports. He has an On3 NIL Valuation of $369,000.

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“He’s solely focusing on football right now and that was Nyck’s decision,” South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer recently said. “That was something that he talked to us about. We had some conversations around the bowl, after the bowl, within the last couple of weeks, as far as what he wanted to do.

“I think he realized that he did a lot of good things in track last year but missing spring practice — I don’t want to say set him back, but it was more of a challenge to be ready for the season. I think he just wanted to really focus on football, not that track is over, but right now, that’s where his focus is, just football.”





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Men’s Hockey to Host Second Annual Golf Outing at Warwick Country Club

Story Links EASTON, Mass. (July 30, 2025) – The Stonehill College men’s ice hockey program is excited to host its second annual Golf Outing on Tuesday, September 23 at Warwick Country Club in Warwick, Rhode Island. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Skyhawks men’s hockey program as it […]

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EASTON, Mass. (July 30, 2025) – The Stonehill College men’s ice hockey program is excited to host its second annual Golf Outing on Tuesday, September 23 at Warwick Country Club in Warwick, Rhode Island. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Skyhawks men’s hockey program as it prepares for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

Participants will enjoy a memorable day on the course while engaging with Head Coach David Berard, current student-athletes, and members of the coaching staff. The outing also offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the program’s development and hear more about the exciting plans for the 2025-26 season.

Schedule of Events:

  • Check-In: 11:30 AM
  • Shotgun Start: 1:00 PM
  • Dinner Reception: 6:00 PM

We invite alumni, families, friends, and supporters to join us for a day of golf, camaraderie, and celebration of Skyhawks hockey.
 

GOLF AND DINNER
Individual Golfer  $325
Stonehill Young Alumni Golfer (Classes of 2021-2025)  $250
Stonehill Student-Athlete Golfer (Classes of 2026-2029)  $250
Dinner Only (golf includes dinner)  $65
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
 Title Sponsor $7,500
 Golf Sponsor $5,500
 Dinner Sponsor $3,000
 Player Gift Sponsor $2,500
 Beverage Cart Sponsor $1,000
 Putting Contest Sponsor $500
 Tee Sponsor $200

For any questions, please contact head coach David Berard (dberard@stonehill.edu), or Director of the Annual Fund, Lisa Richards (lrichards@stonehill.edu).

For the latest on Stonehill Athletics, follow the Skyhawks via social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
 





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Yehya, Ballard FC competing for USL League Two national title on Saturday

Story Links Live Stream BURLINGTON, Vt. — Utah Valley men’s soccer alum Omar Yehya and Ballard FC will be competing for the USL League Two national championship against Vermont Green FC on Saturday in Burlington. The match is slated for a 5 p.m. MDT kickoff, and will be streamed live on SportsEnginePlay.com. Vermont Green will […]

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Yehya, Ballard FC competing for USL League Two national title on Saturday

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Utah Valley men’s soccer alum Omar Yehya and Ballard FC will be competing for the USL League Two national championship against Vermont Green FC on Saturday in Burlington.

The match is slated for a 5 p.m. MDT kickoff, and will be streamed live on SportsEnginePlay.com. Vermont Green will be the hosts, with the game being played at Virtue Field, home of the 2024 NCAA champion Vermont Catamounts.

Yehya, a two-time All-WAC honoree and the WAC’s leading goalscorer in 2024, concluded a highly successful two-year stint as a Wolverine last fall with a 12-goal campaign and a program record-tying 27 points. Yehya was named first team All-Region and became the program’s fifth Academic All-American with his first team selection.

Yehya joined Ballard midway through the 2025 season and made an instant impact in his first appearance for the club. Yehya scored a goal on his debut against Lane United on June 27, then helped secure BFC’s spot in the postseason with an assist against Portland Bangers on July 9. Among Yehya’s teammates are a trio of former WAC rivals in Austin Brummett (San Diego State), Charlie Lanphier (Seattle U), and Stockton Short (Utah Tech).

Ballard FC, which is in its fifth season in the semi-pro USL League Two, is seeking the second national title in the club’s history. Ballard posted a 9-3-2 regular season record to take the Northwest Division crown, and has won four games in a row to secure the Western Conference title and earn a spot in Saturday’s title game.

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Columbia Falls to host Montana Grizzlies, Air Force Falcons for exhibition soccer match

COLUMBIA FALLS — For the second year in a row, Flip Darling Memorial Field will be the sight of the Glacier Park College Soccer Showcase, which will bring two Division I women’s soccer programs in the University of Montana and Air Force Academy out for a match. WATCH THE VIDEO: Columbia Falls to host Montana […]

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Columbia Falls to host Montana Grizzlies, Air Force Falcons for exhibition soccer match

COLUMBIA FALLS — For the second year in a row, Flip Darling Memorial Field will be the sight of the Glacier Park College Soccer Showcase, which will bring two Division I women’s soccer programs in the University of Montana and Air Force Academy out for a match.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

Columbia Falls to host Montana Grizzlies Soccer for an exhibition match

The showcase was organized by Columbia Falls boys soccer coach O’Brien Byrd, who worked with UM head coach Chris Citowicki to give the fans in the Flathead Valley a one-of-a-kind experience.

“We don’t have this experience in our backyards like other bigger communities have,” Byrd said. “This is very small-town Montana, small-town America, and a population of 6,000 people hosting an event like this, we’re pinching ourselves. It means so much — most importantly, so much to our youth.”

Byrd also said it was Citowicki who coordinated with Air Force to bring them out for the exhibition.

“He has a good connection with the coach, ran it by the coach down there, and here they come,” Byrd said. “They’re gonna arrive on a military plane on Friday, and they’re gonna come to Columbia Falls, Montana.”

This year, the youth soccer players can do more than just watch these teams, as both squads will be hosting their own youth clinics.

“We’re super excited to get the college program coaches to be the head coaches for the clinics and the college players themselves to also assist with the clinics,” Byrd said. “That’ll enhance the game experience because the people attending those clinics will know the names of those players, and having a chance to actually work with those players is a really special gameday experience now with that clinic in their background.

The Air Force clinic will begin at 9:30 a.m. and Montana’s will start at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2.

The match will kick off at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3.

Click here for more information about the match and clinics.

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