The Long Island Rough Riders have made their first key acquisition of the offseason, signing Hofstra University standout and All-American Sue Weber, pending approval from the league. Weber, who hails from West Islip, New York, will anchor the Rough Riders defense in their second season in the United Soccer Leagues W-League. After beginning her collegiate career at the University of Georgia, Weber transferred to Hofstra, where she has quickly become their most highly touted player. "To have someone of Sue's caliber is a great advantage," said Rough Riders Women's Head Coach John Fitzgerald. "She will play a key role in improving upon what we accomplished last year, and growing together as a team. It's great to have someone with her vision and knowledge of the game on our side." Weber will lead a Rough Riders defensive line that yielded 24 goals in their first season. She will fill the void left by USL Defender of the Year nominee Francesca DeCristoforo, who retired after the 2007 season. "It's tough losing someone as strong and reliable as Fran, but Sue has a great mind for the game, and I think she'll fit right in." The Rough Riders Women's Team will kick off their 2008 campaign against the defending champion Washington Freedom on Saturday, May 10th in the first part of a double-header with the Men's Team. For more information about the upcoming Rough Riders season, please visit the website at www.liroughriders.com or call (516) 622-3900.