By Jinseong Kim

AFC Ann Arbor are excited to announce the signing of Stefane Pereira Rosa for the 2022 USL W-League season. Rosa, who plays goalkeeper, is expected to add wisdom and experience to team’s defense.

Rosa, born and raised in Rio De Janeiro, was part of the youth squads of Flamengo and Internacional prior to committing to Monroe College in 2019. She played 15 games in her first season and recorded 71 saves over the entire season. Her performances were enough for her to be on the 2019 NJCAA Division 1 All-American team.

A year after, the Brazilian continued her career at Iranduba and 3B da Amazonia as the entire NJCAA season got cancelled. She appeared in six Brasileiro Feminino A1 (first tier) matches at Iranduba and nine A2 (second tier) games at 3B da Amazonia. Her contribution was vital for 3B da Amazonia to reach the round of 16.

Last year, she returned to the United States and continued her sophomore season. She played 12 games throughout the season and only recorded one loss against No.1 ranked national powerhouse Tyler Junior College in the NJCAA Championships. Notching 49 saves, Rosa was named in the 2021 NJCAA All-American team for the second consecutive season.

“My thoughts are of victory [with AFC Ann Arbor], arriving to add and help in whatever I can so that we can go far in the championship.” Rosa said, on her commitment. “I've only heard of great things about the club that it's a strong club, I believe that together we can achieve great things.”

Flamengo and Internacional, where Rosa spent her early days, are the two greatest and oldest clubs in Brazilian soccer. Being part of these teams with rich history benefitted her to be a better player. “Playing for these big clubs was great and I certainly gained a lot of experience. This only made me grow more and evolve as an athlete and a person.”

Rosa was part of the Brazilian youth national team along with Luana Grabias, her Monroe teammate who recently committed to AFC Ann Arbor. She participated in two World Cups in the year of 2016: FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan and FIFA U-20 World Cup in Papua New Guinea. Rosa highlighted how these experiences benefitted her. “It was one of the most incredible sensations to have been part of the group, to compete with the best teams in the world is something remarkable.”

On her strengths as a player, Rosa would say, “I am a dedicated person and focused on my goals, and I always try to help and guide in the best way.” She continued, “I have that character both as a person and as an athlete. I am very calm, and I always try to reassure the team regardless of the result.”

Boyzzz Khumalo, Women’s Head Coach, emphasized how the expectations on goalkeepers have changed, and how Rosa would fit into the new standards. “As for goalkeepers the no.1 thing would be somebody that makes saves for us. But the game has changed so much. We are looking for goalkeepers who can also use their feet, meaning they can play out of the back, connect passes, both short and long. That’s all we are looking for out of the goalkeeper.”

Rosa is looking forward to a great summer season with AFCAA. She expressed her eager to help the team reach the highest possible. “For the season, my goals are to win and be able to play the best football to reach the finals. I believe that if we are all in one goal, things will work out.”

We, once again, welcome Stefane to the AFCAA Family!