FLORENCE, Ala. (May 28, 2025) – The University of North Alabama soccer program had two former Lions, Margarida Sousa and Briana Eads, win professional tournaments in their respective leagues.
 
Sousa, a 2018 graduate of North Alabama, won the Taca De Portugal Feminina 2025 – Women's Cup of Portugal — for the Sport Club União Torreense on May 17, 2025. This is the first time that the organization has won this tournament.
 
Torreense defeated the reigning champions, S.L. Benfica. The two teams tied 1-1 in regulation before Torreense took the cup in extra time 2-1.
 
Sousa recorded minutes in 30 games this season with one goal scored on the year. She logged a total of 821 minutes during the season with 21 wins while ending the season on an eight-game win streak.
 
The midfielder played for the Lions from 2015-18 and started in all 76 games during her college career. She scored 13 goals with 14 assists, as she totaled 45 shots on goal for the four years. Sousa's best game of her senior season came against Jackson State on August 24, 2018 where she scored two goals with three shots on goal to lead the Lions to a 7-1 victory.
 
"Margarida was an integral part of our team during our transition from Division II to Division I," said head coach Chris Walker. "She made a tremendous impact. We always knew she had the talent and determination to succeed at the professional level and she has been doing that for several years now. We're incredibly proud of her for everything she has accomplished."
 
Along with Sousa, Briana Eads — a 2024 graduate of UNA — won the AXA Women's Cup for the 2025 for FC Zurich on March 29, 2025.
 
FC Zurich won the cup final 1-0 against FC Basel 1893 at the Letzigrund Stadium in front of a record crowd of 8,664 fans. With their 16th cup victory, the FC Zurich women are now the sole record cup winners in Swiss football.
 
This was Eads' first season with FC Zurich where she started and played in every game of the tournament as a defender.
 
The defender was a graduate transfer from Jacksonville State in 2023. She earned a Third Team All-ASUN selection while at UNA and was named ASUN Defender of the Week after a home shutout victory over Alcorn State. She logged 22 starts and 1,979 minutes played helping the Lions to the ASUN Tournament Final against FGCU. 
 
"Bri's Swiss Cup victory is a remarkable achievement and a fitting conclusion to her first season as a professional player," Walker stated. "Her time at UNA showcased her exceptional talent and drive; it was clear she was destined for success at the next level. We are extremely proud of her accomplishments and look forward to following her continued growth and success in her professional career."

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