Samantha Kroeger (born April 28, 2002) is an American professional soccer player who plays as midfielder for the Brooklyn FC in the USL Super League.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | April 28, 2002 | ||
| Place of birth | West Milford, New Jersey | ||
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (1.57 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Brooklyn FC | ||
| Number | 3 | ||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2029–2023 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | 78 | (15) |
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2023 | Morris Elite SC | 11 | (4) |
| 2024 | Brooklyn FC | 10 | (1) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of October 27, 2024 | |||
Raised in West Milford, New Jersey, Kroeger played prep soccer at West Milford High School.[1]
College career
editRutgers
editKroeger played her collegiate soccer career at Rutgers University.[2]
In 2021, Kroeger was a key member of a dominant Rutgers team that went undefeated in Big Ten conference play, winning all ten of their conference matches. The team advanced to the finals of the Big Ten tournament, marking just the third finals appearance in Rutgers history, though they were defeated by Michigan.[3] Rutgers also made it to the College Cup for the second time in its history, where they were eliminated by Florida State.[4]
In 2022, Kroeger and teammate Allison Lowrey both led the team in scoring with seven goals each.
Club career
editMorris Elite SC
editKroeger joined Morris Elite SC in the USL W League in 2023. Since the USL W League is not classified as a professional league, it does not conflict with NCAA regulations. During the season, she appeared in 11 matches and contributed to the team's victory in the Metropolitan Division. Morris Elite qualified for the playoffs, where Kroeger made one appearance.[5]
Brooklyn FC
editKroeger wasn't drafted in the 2024 NWSL Draft.[6] Later that year on July 3, 2024, it was announced that Kroeger agreed to join Brooklyn FC for the inaugural USL Super League season.[7] Kroeger made her professional debut on September 8, 2024, starting in Brooklyn FC's inaugural match against Spokane.[8] On September 25, she was named Player of the Match for her performance in a game against Dallas.
Kroeger scored her first professional goal on October 27 in a home match against Fort Lauderdale United FC.
Career statistics
editCollege summary
edit| College team | Season | Regular season | Big Ten Tournament | NCAA Tournament | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conference | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Rutgers Scarlet Knights | 2020-21 | Big 10 | 16 | 1 | — | — | 16 | 1 | ||
| 2021 | 17 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 25 | 5 | ||
| 2022 | 18 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 7 | ||
| 2023 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 2 | ||
| Total | 66 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 78 | 15 | ||
Club summary
edit- As of October 27, 2024
| Club | Season | League | League Cup | Playoffs | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Morris Elite SC | 2023 | USL W League | 10 | 4 | — | 1 | 0 | 11 | 4 | |
| Brooklyn FC | 2024–25 | USL Super League | 10 | 1 | — | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1 | |
| Career total | 20 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 5 | ||
References
edit- ^ Lashley, Josh. "Elevating their game", West Milford Messenger, November 28, 2021. Accessed September 29, 2024. "Samantha Kroeger, a graduate of West Milford High School is a sophomore midfielder and forward for the Rutgers University (New Brunswick campus) women’s soccer team this year."
- ^ "Sam Kroeger - Women's Soccer". Rutgers University Athletics. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
- ^ Ford, Ryan. "Michigan women's soccer wins Big Ten tournament for first time since 1999". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
- ^ "Florida State defeats Rutgers to advance to Women's College Cup final | NCAA.com". www.ncaa.com. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
- ^ "Morris Elite SC | uslwleague.com/morris-elite-sc". USLWLeague.com - Official Site of the USL W League. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
- ^ "Final list of registered players announced for 2024 NWSL Draft". SoccerWire. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
- ^ Lewis, Michael (July 3, 2024). "SIGNING ON: Former Rutgers standout Kroeger agrees to play with Brooklyn FC". Front Row Soccer. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
- ^ "Four Women's Soccer Alums Kick Off USL Super League". Rutgers University Athletics. Retrieved September 28, 2024.