Chicago Red Stars Announce March 7TH Exhibition Games

Bridgeview, IL (February 28, 2009) – The Chicago Red Stars announced today the details of their very first exhibition games. On Saturday, March 7th, the Chicago Red Stars will participate in a three-team round robin competition. Joining the WPS side will be the women’s soccer teams of Northwestern University and Purdue University. The matches will be abbreviated in length and played at the newly opened Lake Barrington Fieldhouse, located at 28156 West North Pointe Parkway in Lake Barrington, IL.  This state of the art facility accommodates a full sized soccer field in a climate controlled environment. Kick-off for the first match will be at 3:30 pm, with doors opening at 3:00 pm.

“This three-way competition will be a great way for us to conclude our first week of training,” said Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes.  “It will be an opportunity for our established players to begin gelling while our trialists will be able to showcase their capabilities, all the while entertaining some local fans and helping a good cause”.

In addition to this being evaluation opportunity for the Red Stars coaching staff, the event will double as a fundraiser. Admittance to the event is a suggested donation of $5, with all proceeds benefiting the Chicago Red Stars Charitable Foundation, which focuses its outreach efforts in the Chicagoland area in three core areas:

-          Providing opportunities that will benefit girls and women.
-          Providing grants to organizations who work with underprivileged youth.
-          Improving the health and education of girls and women.

“The Chicago Red Stars are committed to giving back to the community and through the Chicago Red Stars Charitable Foundation we will be able to accomplish this and so much more,” said Amber Simons, Executive Director of the Chicago Red Stars Charitable Foundation.  “We are very fortunate to be the recipient and want to thank the community in advance for their support.  We are looking forward to an exciting day of soccer.”

The Lake Barrington Fieldhouse will have limited capacity for this unique opportunity. Fans wishing to attend this event are encouraged to call the Chicago Red Stars at 866.WPS.2009 to make their donation and to reserve their spot. Any remaining tickets will be available at the Lake Barrington Fieldhouse on the day of the event. However, advanced confirmation is strongly encouraged.

Sky Blue FC Releases Preseason Roster

SOMERSET, NJ (Feb. 27, 2009) – Sky Blue FC announced today the team’s roster for its first preseason camp ever. The NJ/NY franchise of Women’s Professional Soccer will start its camp on Sunday in Greensboro, NC and will remain there for 3 1/2 weeks in preparation for the league’s inaugural season.

On the initial preseason roster, there are 30 hopefuls trying to stake their claim for a place on the Sky Blue FC squad for the season. Sky Blue FC will be missing six players during the early parts of the preseason due to national team commitments. Christie Rampone, Heather O’Reilly, Natasha Kai, and Kacey White are all currently in Portugal with the United States Women’s National Team. Anita Asante (England) and Kelly Parker (Canada) are both slated to play in the Cyprus Cup. All six are expected to join their Sky Blue FC teammates by mid-March.

In addition to 22 players that were previously allocated, drafted or claimed, there will be eight players in camp on an invitational basis. These eight included five that were invited to preseason:

Krista Bobo – formerly with WUSA’s Washington Freedom and New York Power and W-League’s Atlanta Silverbacks
Domenique Esposito – former Rutgers University standout and Jersey Sky Blue W-League player the past two seasons
Noelle Keselica – former University of Virginia All-American recently played for Bälinge in Sweden
Sophia Perez – Mexico National Team goalkeeper recently played for SD United in the WPSL
Caroline Walden – four-year starter for Boston College is fresh off leading the Eagles defense
In addition, three players were discovered through a try-out process earlier this week and invited to training camp:

Shannon Myers – Villanova University assistant coach was a four-year goalkeeper for Syracuse University
Courtney Nash – long-time player for the West Michigan Firewomen in the W-League played for Saginaw Valley State
Mary Velan – Stevens Institute of Technology assistant coached played for the Adirondack Lynx in the WPSL and collegiately for SUNY Oneonta
According to WPS rules, each team may only maintain a roster of 28 players at any one time during the preseason. On March 13, each team is required to cut its roster down to 24 players. The final rosters of 18 players plus four development players will be announced on March 25.

SKY BLUE FC PRESEASON ROSTER
Player (Last, First)    Pos.    Country    College    Last Club
Alexander, Cori    GK    USA    Portland     Seattle Sounders
Asante, Anita    D    England    —     Chelsea Ladies
Averbuch, Yael     M    USA    North Carolina     Arsenal World Class
Bardsley, Karen     GK     England    Cal-State Fullerton     Pali Blues
Bobo, Krista    D/M     USA    North Texas      Atlanta Silverbacks
Buczkowski, Jen    M    USA    Notre Dame     Chicago Gaels
Cooper, Fanta      D    USA    Wisconsin-Milwaukee     Umeå Södra
Dowling, Keeley     D    USA    Tennessee     KIF Örebro
Esposito, Domenique     M    USA    Rutgers     Jersey Sky Blue
French, Mele     F    USA    Oregon     Pali Blues
Hammond, Jenny    D    USA    Clemson     Chicago Gaels
Keselica, Noelle    M    USA    Virginia       Bälinge
Kai, Natasha     F    USA    Hawaii      Kailua AA
McCallum, Collette     M    Australia    —      Perth Glory
McDonnell, Mary Therese     D    Ireland    Illinois      Boston Renegades
Myers, Shannon    GK    USA    Syracuse      Lancaster Inferno
Nash, Courtney      M/D    USA    Saginaw Valley State     West Michigan Firewomen
O’Reilly, Heather       M/F    USA    North Carolina    New Jersey Wildcats
Parker, Kelly     M    Canada    Texas-El Paso      FC Indiana
Perez, Sophia     GK    Mexico    San Diego State      SD United
Rampone, Christie    D    USA    Monmouth      New York Power
Rosana     M    Brazil    —      SV Neulengbach
Schnur, Megan      M    USA    Connecticut      New England Mutiny
Shaner, Christie        D    USA    Notre Dame    FC Indiana
Sitch, Julianne    D    USA    DePaul      FC Indiana
Velan, Mary       F/MF    USA    Oneonta State    Adirondack Lynx
Walden, Caroline     D    USA    Boston College     SoccerPlus Connecticut
Walsh, Sarah    F    Australia    —    Sydney FC
White, Kacey     M/F    USA    North Carolina     Bälinge
Zhang, Ouying     F    China    —     San Diego Sea Lions
How they were acquired:

USWNT Allocation: Natasha Kai, Heather O’Reilly, Christie Rampone

International Draft (Round in parentheses): Kelly Parker (4), Rosana (2), Sarah Walsh (1)

Post-Draft Discovery: Anita Asante, Collette McCallum

General Draft (Round in parentheses): Cori Alexander (1), Keeley Dowling (2), Jenny Hammond (4), Kacey White (3)

WPS 2009 Draft (Round in parentheses): Yael Averbuch (1), Karen Bardsley (3), Jen Buczkowski (6), Fanta Cooper (10), Mele French (9), Mary Therese McDonnell (8), Megan Schnur (2), Christie Shaner (4), Julianne Sitch (5), Ouying Zhang (7)

Invitation Players: Krista Bobo, Domenique Esposito, Noelle Keselica, Shannon Myers, Courtney Nash, Sophia Perez, Mary Valen, Caroline Walden

Courtesy of: Sky Blue FC

Chicago Red Stars Sign Brazilian Sensation Cristiane

Bridgeview, IL (February 27, 2009) The Chicago Red Stars and Brazilian forward Cristiane have agreed to a contract, General Manager Marcia McDermott announced Friday.  With the signing of the electrifying 23 year old striker, who last month finished third in the 2008 FIFA Player of the Year voting for the second consecutive year, the Red Stars have filled all five international slots on their player roster for the inaugural 2009 season.

One of the great personalities of the game, Cristiane dazzles crowds with her flair and finesse, while wearing her emotions on her sleeve.

“Fans of the Chicago Red Stars and WPS are going to love watching Cristiane play soccer at Toyota Park,” said McDermott.  “She plays with passion and style, and she is surely going to be help our squad become one of the most entertaining teams in the league.”

A flamboyant and prolific goal scorer, Cristiane has recorded 25 goals for Brazil in only 38 appearances, since making her national team debut in 2003.  She has led Brazil to a second place finish in each of the last three important world championships – the 2004 Athens Olympics, the 2007 Women’s World Cup, and the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  In the 18 games that span those three tournaments, Cristiane scored 15 goals, earning top scorer in both Olympics and tournament All-Star honors in the 2007 World Cup.

“Cristiane is a very special player,” said Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes.  “Her finishing ability is clinical, and her strike rate is truly remarkable.   More importantly, she fits the Red Stars and the way we want to play.”

The Brazilian striker joins an already potent attack that features US Women’s National Team forward Megan Rapinoe and English forward Karen Carney.  Chicago also holds the WPS playing rights to U.S. National Team players Lindsay Tarpley and Carli Lloyd.

In addition to Brazil’s Cristiane and England’s Carney, the Red Stars’ international contingent includes Australian midfielder Heather Garriock, midfielder Frida Östberg and goalkeeper Caroline Jönsson, both of Sweden.

“It is an honor to accept a challenging proposal from the Chicago Red Stars,” said Cristiane.  “I’m very positive that in a short time WPS will be the most competitive league in the world for women’s soccer.  Not to forget that the Chicago Red Stars will be the team to beat!  I can’t wait to get on the field and start my preseason with the Chicago Red Stars.”

Courtesy of: Chicago Red Stars

Boston Breakers, Boston Aztec Announce Reserve Team Affiliation

Westwood, Mass. (February 26, 2009) – The Boston Breakers of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) reached an agreement with Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) team Boston Aztec, in which Aztec will become the reserve team of the Breakers, it was announced today.

In this role, Aztec will provide an opportunity for Breakers head coach Tony DiCicco and general manager Joe Cummings to make additional roster moves when necessary and to allow players in their system to earn game experience.

“The Boston Breakers are very excited about our relationship with Boston Aztec. It will not be uncommon for some of the Breakers to get games with the Aztec in the WPSL, and for some of the Aztec players to be called up to the Breakers to fill in for injuries or players with their respective national teams,” stated DiCicco.

The Breakers coaching staff will work closely with the Aztec staff, led by former WUSA players Meotis Erikson and Rebekah Splaine, who will both serve as player/coach. Both Breakers and Aztec coaches were on hand to evaluate players at the WPS team’s recent open tryout at Harvard Stadium on Feb. 9-10. The Breakers and Aztec will also play against each other in an exhibition match (date, time and venue TBD).

“This is an exciting time for the Aztec family. We are thrilled to be affiliated with a great organization like the Breakers and to be able to link this with our New England Aztec boy’s and girl’s youth program,” said Boston Aztec general manager Brandon Nelson.

Boston Aztec has featured amateur adult men’s teams since 2002 and amateur women’s teams since 2005. The previous highlight for the program came in 2005 when the men won the Premier Arena Soccer League (PASL) National Championship. Both Aztec men’s and women’s teams will play their home games in 2009 at Amesbury Sports Park in Amesbury, MA.

Courtesy of: Boston Breakers

Freedom signs Huffman, Singer, Gilbeau, Eyorokon

BOYDS, Md. (Feb. 26) – The Washington Freedom announced today midfielder Sarah Huffman, defender Alex Singer, defender/midfielder Jill Gilbeau and midfielder/forward Parrissa Eyorokon have each signed contracts with the club.

“These player signings represent a significant step in the development of our roster,” Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabarra said. “All four players will provide versatility and excitement to our team in this WPS inaugural season.”

Huffman and Singer rejoin the Freedom after playing for the team’s W-League squad in 2007 and 2008, in which they helped the team win the W-League North American Championship in 2007 and win the W-League Eastern Conference title in 2008. Huffman and Singer both played collegiately at the University of Virginia. Huffman was the No. 1 overall pick in October’s general draft while Singer was the team’s second round pick (No. 8 overall) in the 2009 WPS draft in January.

Gilbeau, the team’s third pick (22nd overall) in the 2009 WPS draft, also returns to the Freedom after playing with the W-League squad in 2008. Gilbeau was a four year starter for the University of Texas.

Eyorokon, the team’s fourth pick (23rd overall) in January, joins the Freedom having previously been named the Big 10 Player of the Year in 2007 and was recently part of the U.S. U23 Women’s National Team that competed in a three team competition in Spain.

Courtesy of: Washington Freedom

PUMA and WPS Uniform Unveiling

On Tuesday, February 24th, 2009, Womens Professional Soccer, PUMA and international soccer stars Marta Vieira da Silva, Leslie Osborne and Amy Rodriguez revealed the new home and away uniforms for the leagues inaugural season. The event was hosted by media personality and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Summer Sanders. In addition to the uniforms, fashion designer Christian Siriano showcased his fashion interpretation of the home and away uniforms, creating two unique outfits inspired by the sport and team uniforms.

Courtesy of: Women’s Pro Soccer

Clip Syndicate Video: Women’s Professional Soccer

Bloomberg (Tonya Antonucci)

more about "Clip Syndicate Video: Women’s Profess…", posted with vodpod

Heather Hints At Sydney FC Exit

Aidan Ormond
Feb 25 2009 14:22 

EXCLUSIVE US bound Matildas star Heather Garriock has hinted that she’d leave Sydney FC if a more lucrative offer came up from another W-League franchise.

Speaking to au.fourfourtwo.com on the eve of her departure for the professional US women’s league, the 26-year-old believed a marquee system could be looked at in the W-League for some of the top Matildas.

And the almost 100-times capped Matilda said if she was offered a marquee or a similar deal with another W-League club, she’d seriously consider it.

“I don’t know who I’ll be playing for next season to be honest… at the end of the day you’ve got to take care of yourself.

“I know for me and some of the other top players like Walshy [Sarah Walsh] we’ll be looking for where the best deal is.

“I think a marquee status is possible for players in the W-League. If you invest in the players that’s what’s going to strengthen the league at the end of the day.”

Meanwhile a visa problem has meant that Garriock and other international stars around the world have been delayed from entering the US to meet up with their new clubs ahead of the kick off to the Womens’ Professional Soccer League.

It’s expected the visas will now come through by the week’s end. Garriock has signed with Chicago Red Stars and has a four-week pre-season ahead of the league’s kick off on April 4.

“I’ve never been to Chicago before and I know it’ll be very cold but my ambition is to do well and in doing so, it will hopefully lead to other Aussie girls getting to play over there,” says Garriock.

 ”But the league will be unbelievable,” says Garriock. “Players like Cristiane from Brazil are my teammate and I definitely think it’s the strongest league in the world. It’s got the top players from the US and Brazil and us Aussies and it’s professional.

“I can’t wait to be challenged in an environment where other players also want to be challenged.”

Garriock added that she’d like to bring a top US player to Australia for the next W-League season.

FourFourTwo

Marta has come a long way, takes on new challenge in U.S. (Los Angeles Times)

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 
By: Grahame L. Jones | Los Angeles TimesThe Brazilian star will be the biggest name for the new Los Angeles Sol and Women’s Professional Soccer.

Somewhere in the heart of northeastern Brazil, about nine degrees south of the Equator and a couple of hundred miles inland from where the Brazilian coast bulges out into the Atlantic, two rivers converge.

There, painted in pastel hues, is the clapboard town of Dois Riachos, little more than a dot on the map in the huge cotton, rice, sugar and tobacco producing state of Alagoas. Flash past on Brazil’s route 316, perhaps on the way to Maceio and the sea, and you would hardly notice it.

Dois Riachos. Two little rivers.

Marta Vieira da Silva remembers them well. They were the playgrounds of her childhood. For half the year, when the rains had long gone and the streambed was dry, she and the rest of the kids in Dois Riachos used to play soccer in the sandy river bottoms.

It was there that the scrawny youngster who grew up to become the world’s finest female soccer player learned the tricks that now keep fans worldwide spellbound.

This remote locale, where she dodged the tackles of older boys intent on taking her down, was the ultimate source of her Pan American Games gold medal, her two Olympic silver medals, her three consecutive FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year awards in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Want to read more go to: Los Angeles Times

In case you missed it….

If you missed the WPS media tour today here are some videos, pictures and links you can check out. Click on the images to see the videos (sorry I could not embed them).