The Hudson Valley Crusaders, a semi-pro women's soccer team, pose for a team photo after a recent victory. (Photo provided)
NEW PALTZ, NY — The Hudson Valley Crusaders, a semi-professional women's soccer team, will kick off their home opener against the Connecticut Rush at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 1, at the State University of New York at New Paltz.
The Crusaders began their season with a 3-0 win over the New York Magic in the Eastern Conference of United Women's Soccer (UWS) League One on Saturday, May 25. Amherst College and Ghana midfielder Precious Novizro recorded two goals and one assist in the win.
Hudson Valley followed up the win over the New York Magic with a 5-1 victory over the Albany Rush. Megan Stowell scored two goals, while Novizlo, Joy Okonye and Kaygan Leonard each scored one goal.
The Crusaders, who play their home games at South Turf Field at SUNY New Paltz, won the Northeast Conference Championship in 2023. The Crusaders finished with a 5-1 record and a 22-point goal differential, the best in the nation, and Hudson Valley High School head coach Mitchell Kazanjian was named Coach of the Year.
Following a successful 2023 campaign, Hudson Valley has been promoted to United Women's Soccer's top division, League 1, which is the second-highest level of women's soccer in the United States. The Crusaders will also field a team in League 2, where they competed last season. These leagues are summer leagues for players under the age of 23.
Crusaders owner Hannah Esley said she was delighted her team had been promoted to the UWS's highest level, with the season running from May to the end of July and culminating in a national championship.
“This level of soccer provides players with a pathway to the highest level, and we encourage the community to come out and support our future professional players competing here at New Paltz,” Esley said.
Home games are free and will be streamed on YouTube and local television stations New Paltz Television and Saugerties Lighthouse.
The Crusaders have developed into a powerhouse team after a slow 0-6 start in 2021. They improved to 2-4 in 2022, won the Northeast Conference title in 2023 and closed out their record last season with a 9-0 win over New Jersey-based KM Soccer Academy.
Essley, a junior on the Buffalo State University women's soccer team, founded the Crusaders during her senior year at Cairo-Durham High School in Greene County.
Kazanjian said Saturday's home opener is important.
“Saturday's home opener will be a great opportunity for us to solidify our position at the top of the league as we continue our push for national dominance,” the Crusaders coach said. “It's an honor to be a small part of what the team is trying to accomplish this summer. The team has embraced the program and the system and it's showing on the field.”
Kazanjian said the talent on the roster is a direct reflection of the caliber of youth soccer clubs in the area.
“There is a wealth of soccer talent in the Hudson Valley that is often overlooked by scouts, college coaches and professional clubs,” he said. “Hopefully, by us continuing to perform at a high level, we can bring the attention that clubs in the area deserve and help young women grow and find opportunities in the game.”
Following Saturday's home opener, the Crusaders will play a Division 2 match at 11 a.m. and a Division 1 match at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, at SUNY New Paltz. Doubleheader home games will follow on Saturday, June 22 and 29.