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April 13, 2016 | Soccer (W)

Local recruits to bolster women's soccer lineup

Head coach Jorge Sanchez is pleased to announce three accomplished athletes have committed to joining the Concordia Stingers women’s soccer program for the 2016 season.

"These student-athletes are the type of individuals that we are looking to add to the soccer program,” Sanchez said. “These are experienced soccer players that have a proven record of achievement and commitment both on and off the soccer field."

Joining the Stingers are defender Erika Boccardi from John Abbott College, defender Élizabeth Pouliot from Collège Lionel Groulx and Dawson College mid-fielder Ioanna Kontogiannos.

Boccardi, whose hometown is Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Que., has played in the Ligue de soccer élite du Québec (LSEQ) with Lakeshore since U14. She has enjoyed a lot of success at the AAA level winning three provincial championships and participating in three national championships - 2010, 2012 and 2013.

"Erika is a solid one-on-one defender with an impressive record at the highest levels of club soccer,” Sanchez said. “Her competitive experience and ability to play all four positions on the back line will really help us.”

Boccardi will study Psychology at Concordia.

A native of Mirabel, Que., Pouliot is a product of the Blainville AAA soccer program in the LSEQ. She was a member of the 2012 Quebec U16 team that captured a gold medal at the provincial all-star tournament in Halifax.

Pouliot played at Lionel Groulx in 2013 but missed the 2014 season. She returned to action in 2015 and had a solid campaign.

"Élizabeth brings versatility to our roster with her ability to play on defence and in the midfield,” Sanchez said. “Her experience competing in the LSEQ and with the provincial team will be an asset."

Pouliot received an RSEQ academic merit award as the top student-athlete on her team in 2015. She will study in Concordia’s prestigious John Molson School of Business.

Kontogiannos developed in the Mount-Royal Outremont soccer club and played with the Dawson Blues in 2014 and 2015. This summer she will compete with Dorval's AAA U21 team in the LSEQ.

"Ioanna possesses some interesting potential with her athleticism and technical ability,” said Sanchez. “She stood out at our recruit day, and I feel she will add depth to our midfield group.”

She also earned an RSEQ academic merit award last year as the top student on the Dawson women’s soccer team. The Montrealer will study Sociology at Concordia.