Santos to play for Portuguese national team

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Naugatuck High graduate Steph Santos (2), a junior midfielder at the University of Hartford, will play for the Portuguese national women’s team takes in the 21st Algarve Cup. - STEVE MCLAUGHLIN/UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD ATHLETICS
Naugatuck High graduate Steph Santos (2), a junior midfielder at the University of Hartford, will play for the Portuguese national women’s team takes in the 21st Algarve Cup. – STEVE MCLAUGHLIN/UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD ATHLETICS

WEST HARTFORD — When the Portuguese national women’s team takes the field March 5 for the 21st Algarve Cup, Naugatuck High School graduate Stephanie Santos will take the field as well.

Santos, a junior midfielder for the University of Hartford, has been called on to represent Portugal as a member of the national team, according to a press release from the university.

The Algarve Cup is an invitational women’s soccer tournament held annually in Portugal. A total of 12 teams are invited to the annual event, according to the release. The Portuguese national team is in Group C, which includes Russia, Korea and Austria. Placement matches will be held March 12, the release stated.

Santos is in her first season with the Hawks after transferring from Southern Connecticut State University. Santos earned America East co-Midfielder of the Year accolades as well as America East All-Conference First Team honors this season. She was also named to the New England Women’s Intercollegiate Soccer Association All-New England First Team.

She finished the 2013 season leading the Hawks and the America East with seven assists in the regular season while adding a goal and an assist in the conference tournament. Overall, her 10 points was third most on the team.