Ford, Radoncic Named All-Region Fourth Team
Duo honored after season that saw them win goalkeeper and defensive player of the year in the NEC
Central Connecticut State women's soccer players Melina Ford and Emma Radoncic were named to the United Soccer Coaches All Region Fourth Team on Tuesday. The duo, the NEC goalkeeper and defensive players of the year respectively, led the Blue Devils to an NEC Championship game appearance this fall.
Radoncic becomes the 11th Blue Devil to earn NEC Defensive Player of the Year and the ninth honoree in the past dozen seasons. She helped anchor a back line that allowed just 1.00 goals per game in NEC play and won or tied 10 of 11 league games played in the regular season. She also provided the Blue Devils with offense, leading the team with four goals and a league-best three game-winning tallies. Her two assists made her the top point scorer on the team, with 10 points. Radoncic was an NEC All-Rookie selection in 2024.
Ford was the final line of defense for Central and took home the program's seventh (in 17 years) Goalkeeper of the Year award. She finished the NEC slate with a .956 GAA, with a league-leading five clean sheets in those contests. She posted a .811 save percentage in league play, with 43 saves and just 10 goals allowed. On the year, Ford posted a 1.22 GAA and finished with 77 saves on the season. Ford made 10 saves, a season-high in the NEC semifinal win, her sixth shutout of the season.
