Madrid CFF website (Spanish)
Video coverage of signing (Twitter link || via Madrid CFF)

MADRID (August 13, 2019) – Why add one Raven, when you can add two? This appears to be the approach taken by the Madrid Club de Futbol Feminno (Madrid CFF). Already the home to back Marta Turmo ’19 (Barcelona, Spain), formerly of the Franklin Pierce University women’s soccer team, Madrid CFF has now announced the signing of forward Bruna Tavares ‘19 (Belo Horizonte, Brazil) as well. Madrid CFF competes in the Spanish Primera Division, which is the highest level of women’s soccer in the country, and among the most prestigious women’s leagues in the world.

“I’m very happy and excited about this new chapter in my life. Those who know me know my passion for football, so playing professional is like living a dream,” said Tavares. “I can’t wait to play and share with my new teammates all those principles [learned during her college career]. New country, new challenge, new goals, but the same mentality, which is to be the best version of myself every day.”

Spain has set the global standard for women’s soccer, providing support and attention for the sport on a national stage, playing to crowds envied by much of the rest of the world. Twice already in 2019, Spanish teams have set new records for attendance of women’s soccer games at the club level. In January, Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao played before a European record of more than 48,000 in Madrid. Just two months later, in March, Atletico Madrid topped the world record as well, against Barcelona, as the two played to a crowd of 60,739. Tavares and Turmo’s Madrid CFF competes in a league with the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and squads fielded by other globally-recognized soccer clubs.

“Bruna Tavares began her collegiate career in the humblest of ways; her journey from a small town in Brazil, into junior college, through to Franklin Pierce, and now on to one of the top leagues in the world, is a journey that anyone would be inspired by,” said Franklin Pierce head coach Jonathan Garbar. “Bruna’s impact on her teammates, colleagues, coaches and the entire community will resonate far beyond her departure for this next exciting adventure.”

Tavares capped her collegiate career with two seasons at Franklin Pierce, after also playing under coach Garbar at his previous stop, Monroe College. From her first days on campus in Rindge, she brought a play-making touch among the best in the East Region. Tavares earned All-East Region Third Team honors from United Soccer Coaches in both of her seasons in a Franklin Pierce uniform, and added All-Northeast-10 Conference Second Team accolades last fall in her senior season. She finished both campaigns with the Ravens among the top 50 in the country in assists. In the classroom, Tavares was named to the NE10 Academic Honor Roll in each of her four semesters on campus, for producing semester GPAs above 3.0.

The Primera Division season is slated to begin in September. Madrid CFF will be entering its third straight season playing at Spain’s highest level. 

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (https://www.fpuravens.com). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics’ official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce soccer apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics’ online store (https://www.fpuravens.com/store).