This is from an article posted on another message board (backofthenet), which covers Long Island soccer news. Former FIU standout and current Lady Rider forward Michelle O'Brien is playing for Arsenal right now, and was recently selected to play for Ireland's National team. Forward Michele O'Brien, the Long Island Lady Riders' leading scorer last year with nine goals, has been playing for Arsenal in North London this winter and will be competing for Ireland in the Algarve Cup. The Irish have upcoming Algarve Cup matches on March 14 vs. Greece, March 16 against Wales and March 18 vs. host Portugal so O'Brien will spend St. Patrick's Day with her Irish teammates. "I first was approached with coming to Arsenal back in June if I would want to go over and play," O'Brien commented, "I came midway through the season, on December 29, although they had already picked up another striker from the start of the season. I knew that it would be difficult coming on to a team midway, but decided that it would be a good experience for me and that I would really have to work extra hard." The Plainview resident played in three reserve games and scored three goals, playing at both forward and outside midfield, and has now been promoted to Arsenal's first team, which plays in England's Premier League. O'Brien will be playing for Arsenal until their season ends this spring. She is currently living in Camden Town in central London. "Arsenal trains on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights from 8-10 p.m. During the day, I wake up about 9 and I work at the Arsenal men's training grounds in the laundry room," O'Brien said, "I take the Underground to work, about a 45-minute train ride. I usually get home around 5. The games are usually on Sunday afternoon, occasionally a Saturday, and sometimes we have a Saturday practice if there is no game on the weekend." "So far I really like England. It is a great experience to live in another country because you really do learn a lot. Most people are really laid back and down to earth. I have done quite a bit of sightseeing in London and have been fascinated by it all and the weather is not as bad as people think," O'Brien continued, "I was in Dublin just overnight but went into the city and saw quite a bit there as well. Back in January, I took the train over to Paris for the night and enjoyed that, too. Next weekend I will be traveling with Arsenal to play a match in Nigeria, against the Nigerian National Team. Then, two days later, I will be going to Portugal to the Algarve Cup with the Irish team for 10 days." Although the 22-year-old O'Brien grew up in Plainview and is Florida International's all-time leading scorer (57 goals, 132 points), she has an Irish passport and is eligible to play for the Emerald Isle because her paternal grandparents were born there. She was in Dublin for the first time ever on February 14 and 15 for her successful tryouts with the Ireland National Team. "Michele is the second player from the Lady Riders to go over to England, and we are proud to have such a fine player representing us. She is top class and will, no doubt, have a hugh impact on the quality of their team," commented Lady Riders General Manager Kim Wyant, "I'm not surprised Michele is finding success with both Arsenal and Ireland because of her work ethic and her strong desire to succeed. We're hopeful she will be back for her fans and our season with the Lady Riders, but fully support her experience with both Arsenal and Ireland." O'Brien grew up playing for the Plainview/Old Bethpage Stingers, Northport/Cow Harbor Voyagers and Northport/Cow Harbor Panthers of the Long Island Junior Soccer League and has been a member of the Lady Riders for the past three years.