Monday, April 14

WOODBRIDGE, VA – The Northern Virginia Majestics announced today the additions of four University of Maryland standouts to the 2008 roster. Natalie Arias, Yewande Balogun, Brittany Cummins and Megan Watson will represent the Maryland Terrapins on the pitch for Northern Virginia this summer.

Arias, a two-time NSCAA All-American, dominated the Maryland midfield throughout her freshman and sophomore seasons. She was named to the All Mid-Atlantic Freshman Team (SoccerBuzz) and ACC All-Freshman Team in 2004. Following a red-shirted 2006 season due to knee surgery, Arias returned in 2007 to take control of the Terrapin side, scoring five goals for the Maryland women. Hailing from Alexandria, Virginia, Arias was twice named NSCAA Virginia State Player of the Year.

Balogun, a native of Bowie, Maryland, started 15 games as goalkeeper during the 2007 Maryland season before suffering a foot injury. Balogun finished the season with 0.84 goals against average, made 62 saves and posted five shutouts. A two-time NSCAA Youth All-American, Balogun was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team Pool from U14 through U17.

Cummins (Gainesville, FL) brings technical composure and speed to the Northern Virginia defense for the summer campaign. After moving to Ohio, Cummins notched 28 goals and 25 assists at New Albany High School, leading them to the state title match in 2003. An NSCAA All-Regional selection, Cummins was also an accomplished track and cross-country standout, earning state qualifying times in 5K and 4x400 relay events.

Watson, a 2008 Maryland transfer from Pittsburgh University, joins the Majestics this summer pending league approval. The Hockessin, Delaware native started 16 games in the midfield for the Pitt Panthers women’s side. A product of the Delaware Olympic Development Program, Watson was a First Team All-Conference and First Team All-State during her high school career. Watson also led her youth team, the DSB Kickers, to state championships in 2000, 2001, 2004 and 2005.

The Northern Virginia Majestics face a challenging schedule of opponents in the Northeast Division this season, including previous W-League Champions Washington Freedom and New Jersey Wildcats. The Majestics open the season on the road against historical powerhouse Boston Renegades on May 17th. The Majestics will kick off their home season Saturday, June 7th against the expansion Connecticut Passion.