Feb. 9, 2008

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Southeast Missouri State soccer head coach Heather Nelson has announced the signing of Canadian defenders Shona Goodwin (Calgary, Alberta) and Nikki Edwards (Calgary, Alberta) to National Letters of Intent. Goodwin and Edwards are the first members of Southeast's 2008 signing class.

Goodwin and Edwards, coached by Raf Premji, are members of the South West United 90 F.C. and the Alberta Major League Callies Soccer Clubs. They have played an integral part of the success of the Southwest United Premiers team. The Premiers have represented the province of Alberta and Canada at various events throughout North America including a visit to the Republic of China in 2006 by special invitation from the All China Youth Soccer Federation. The teams major accomplishments to date include being an eight-time winner of the City of Calgary Championship, capturing four Alberta Provincial Championships, claiming the Canadian National bronze medal in 2006, winning the Canadian National silver medal in 2004, and posting a 203-52-28 overall record. In addition to their club accomplishments, both players have been recognized for their individual excellence as potential future Canadian national team players who train at the country's National Training Center.

After scoring two goals at the Canadian Nationals in 2006, Goodwin was invited to train with the National Training Centre. She was the captain of the three-time city championship soccer team at Western Canada High School and was selected as captain for the Calgary All-Star High School Soccer Team. In January 2008, Goodwin was named to the Canadian Major Indoor Soccer League all-star roster as well as the Calgary F.C. Indoor Soccer League all-star team. In addition to playing soccer, she has also competed for Western Canada in cross country, basketball and track and field.

"Shona is a valuable addition to our defensive unit. She has a wealth of experience at the outside back position and is versatile enough to play centrally," Nelson stated. "She possesses an excellent physical build, is dominant in the air, and has a take-no-prisoners mentality. She is technically competent, with excellent short and long-service skills."

Edwards currently attends Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School where she has an academic standing of `Honors with Distinction' and is ranked in the top 10 percent academically in her class. This past fall in Calgary, she was nominated for the Sheila Iverson Award in recognition for outstanding achievement in soccer and academics as well as contributions to the community.

"Nikki has an uncanny instinct for the game and an incredible competitive fire. Those two qualities combine to create a smart and driven athlete," added Nelson. "She reads the game well and is a natural organizer. She can also impact the game with the ball at her foot, is excellent in the air, and is a threat to finish attacking corners and set pieces."

Nelson plans on announcing more signees next week. Check back to GoSoutheast.com for more information.