From Washington University Athletics
After four standout seasons on the pitch for the nationally-ranked Washington University in St. Louis women's soccer team, 2020 graduate Taylor Cohen will continue her soccer career in Germany.
Cohen signed a one-season contract with FC Saarbrücken, playing in the second division of Frauen Bundesliga in Germany. FC Saarbrücken is in the city of Saarbrücken, which is the capital of the state of Saarland, Germany. German Cup play starts on Sept. 26, with league play beginning on Oct. 2.
"I am so thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to play professional soccer. This has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl," said Cohen. "I am incredibly thankful for my experience at WashU and for my coaches, teammates, athletic administration, and support staff for helping me grow and develop as a player on the field and person off the field. My experience at WashU has truly propelled me into and prepared me for this next stage of my life"
One of seven two-time All-America selections in school history, Cohen led WashU as a senior with 11 goals and eight assists for 30 points. She was also first on the squad with five game-winning goals. Cohen was a three-time University Athletic Association (UAA) Offensive Athlete of the Week selection, and was named the United Soccer Coaches Division III National Player of the Week on Oct. 8.
"Taylor is a great athlete and teammate. She has become a dual threat in front of the net to set her teammates up or score herself," said WashU head coach Jim Conlon. "FC Saarbrücken is getting a tireless worker and a team player. I am extremely proud of Taylor in her pursuit to continue her career and have no doubt that she will have success at the next level."
Cohen finished her career tied for first in school history in game-winning goals (18), third in goals scored (48) and points (124) and sixth in assists (28). She was a three-time first-team all-Central Region and all-UAA honoree.
The Pittsburgh native helped lead the Bears to a 75-6-7 (.892) overall record in four seasons, with four UAA titles, two Final Four appearances and the 2016 NCAA Division III National Championship.
Off the field, Cohen graduated with a 3.61 grade point average while majoring in marketing. She was a two-time United Soccer Coaches Division III Scholar All-America, All-North/Central Region and Academic All-UAA honoree.
"This has been a long winding journey during a year of uncertainty," Cohen added. "I chose an untraditional path and it scared me. However, with the right mentality, people surrounding me, and hours of hard work, good things will happen. Now the real work begins!"