MOORHEAD, Minn. (MSUM Athletics) – Minnesota State University Moorhead head women’s soccer coach Christie Kopietz has announced the signing of six student-athletes for the 2021 season.
Signing with MSUM are Emma Caito of Omaha, Neb.; Liberty Dickerson of Bemidji, Minn.; Haylee Hanson of Fargo; Ally Peters of Moorhead; Greta Saylor of New Brighton, Minn., and Liana Ulness of Moorhead.
“This is a small quality class of players for the team,” Kopietz said. “The focus for the class was on attacking players as we will be losing some in our graduating seniors. It is a mix of athleticism and crafty creative soccer players.”
Here is a look at the 2020 MSUM Signees:
Emma Caito (5-6, Def., Omaha, Neb./Omaha Mercy HS)
Led team in assists two straight years for club team while playing defender…club team captain…led Omaha Mercy to state semifinals and conference runner-up finish…played for Nebraska Roots Soccer Club for 11 years…plans to major in business
Kopietz: “Emma is a wide player that can cover ground up and down the flank. She brings experience and stamina to our wide attacking positions.”
Liberty Dickerson (5-1, MF, Bemidji, Minn./Bemidji HS)
Two-time state participant and two-time section winner…team captain…finished with seven goals and nine assists…played for Bemidji Youth Soccer Club for 10 years…three-year letterwinner…plans to major in sustainability at MSUM.
Kopietz: “Is a hardworking crafty central midfielder. She is very good at getting in and out of pressure which will help with our possession and attack.”
Haylee Hanson (5-6, F, Fargo, N.D./South HS)
All-conference honoree…made the varsity team as an eighth grader, scored most goals that year…played for Fargo Soccer Club Strikers for six years and Minot Magic FC Menace in Fargo for four years…four-year letter winner…plans to major in elementary inclusive education at MSUM.
Kopietz: “Haylee is a confident player at going 1 v 1 which is a challenging skill to master. She is highly competitive and will bring some versatility to our attack.”
Ally Peters (5-6, F, Moorhead, Minn./Moorhead HS)
Played forward, defender and midfield positions in career…two-year letterwinner for Moorhead High School…played for Tri-City Storm Soccer for five years…played for Dakota Fusion FM Area for two years…plans to major in education.
Kopietz: “Ally is a very athletic forward with a real knack for scoring goals. She really has a nose for the goal that is nearly impossible to teach and consistently finds herself in goal scoring positions.”
Greta Saylor (5-9, MF, New Brighton, Minn./Irondale HS)
Played in all 60 matches in her HS career with more than 50 starts…Defensive Player of the Year as a junior and Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore…two-time team captain…played for Maplebrook Soccer Club for 10 years…plans to major in biochemistry and biotechnology.
Kopietz: “Greta plays with wisdom and experience beyond her years. She sees the field very well and has the technical ability to execute her vision.”
Liana Ulness (5-5, MF, Moorhead, Minn./Moorhead HS)
Played in 50 games for Moorhead HS with three goals, four assists and 24 steals…named Most Spirited Player in 2018…three-year letterwinner…also lettered in track and field and Nordic skiing…plans to major in physical therapy, nursing or exercise science.
Kopietz: “Is a dedicated soccer junkie. She works tirelessly at her craft and it really shows in her technical ability. She will bring creativity and work rate to the attack.”
