Former FSA Nirvana Player Leads Portuguese League in Shutouts as Rookie
- Fox Soccer Academy USA
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
(Former FSA Nirvana player) Cassie Coster began her professional soccer career in Portugal on about 24 hours’ notice.
Of course, the former Arlington High star goalkeeper experienced nerves and trepidation as she traveled overseas to compete. However, Coster is never apprehensive in the goal, and she showed that as a rookie in the top division of women’s soccer in Portugal this season.
Playing for Rio Ave FC, Coster, 22, led the Liga BPI with seven shutouts.
“There are so many doubts that run through your head as a rookie looking to establish yourself in the professional world,” Coster said. “This accomplishment is something that makes me feel like I am where I deserve to be. Nothing would be possible without God, my teammates, and staff. I’m hoping this is a minor milestone in my career and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
Coster signed a two-year contract with Rio Ave FC after connecting with a Portuguese agent after some options in the U.S. did not develop. Coster is one of the best local goalkeepers this area has ever produced, and she was a star in college.
Coster posted five shutouts as a freshman at Albany University before transferring to Monmouth. She went 46-11-10 in three years as Monmouth’s starter with 29 shutouts, graduating in May of last year. Coster hopes to play professionally as long as she can and, perhaps, then coach the sport.
“Cassie’s success in Portugal this year comes as no surprise to those of us who had the privilege of coaching her,” Monmouth women’s soccer coach Kylee Flynn said. “She has always combined her elite shot-stopping ability with an incredible work ethic and a competitive drive to take her game to the next level. Making the transition from college soccer to the professional game overseas is never easy, but Cassie embraced the challenge and continued to prove herself with Rio Ave FC. We are incredibly proud of the way she has represented our Monmouth University program and excited to see her continue to grow and succeed in her international professional career.”
Source: Mid-Hudson News
Cassie at FSA Nirvana
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