Los Angeles Sol Signs Japanese Midfielder Aya Miyama

 

Los Angeles – Wednesday, February 4, 2009 – The Los Angeles Sol of Women’s Professional Soccer have signed Japanese midfielder Aya Miyama, the club announced today. Per club and WPS policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The 24-year-old Miyama is one of the best young players in the world, and is quickly becoming the cornerstone of the Japanese Women’s National Team.  Her play in the Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing helped lead Japan to the semifinal stage of that event for the first time in their history.

“We are certainly pleased to add an international player of this caliber to an already talented roster that includes players like Shannon Boxx and Marta,” said Sol Head Coach Abner Rogers. “We welcome Aya to Los Angeles and to her new playing home today, and look forward to having her return here full-time for the start of training camp on March 1.”

Miyama is a gifted midfielder who can use both feet to strike the ball with equally impressive results. She has shown the ability to take over a game and will be asked to take on a leadership role in the Sol’s midfield.  The added firepower and depth provided by Miyama will be crucial as the Sol looks to put the best possible lineup on the field each week and play attractive, attacking soccer.

“The season is fast approaching and we already are in the process of pulling our preseason roster together and this signing represents a big step,” said Sol General Manager Charlie Naimo.

 

Courtesy of: Los Angeles Sol

Also see Los Angeles Sol to sign Japan’s Aya Miyama

 

Los Angeles Sol to sign Japan’s Aya Miyama

 

The Los Angeles Sol of Women’s Professional Soccer on Wednesday will announce the signing of Japanese international midfielder Aya Miyama.

Miyama, 24, will become the second foreign international to be signed by the WPS team following the recent addition of standout Brazilian striker Marta.

Miyama, a midfielder from Chiba, Japan, last played club soccer for Okayama Yunogo Belle, but it was the two free kicks goals she scored against England at the 2007 Women’s World Cup that put her on the international map.

The second of those goals, also from distance like the first, was scored on literally the last kick of the game. You can see the two goals, as well as two by England’s Kelly Smith, on this video. Miyama also turned in a strong performance at the Beijing Olympic Games last year, making her even more attractive to WPS. She has played 20 games for Japan.

Charlie Naimo, the Sol’s general manager, said the acquisition of Miyama “represents a big step” for the Los Angeles team, whose midfield already features U.S. internationals Shannon Boxx and Aly Wagner.

The Sol, which will begin preseason training on March 1, will play the Washington Freedom on March 29 at the Home Depot Center in the inaugural WPS game.

– Grahame L. Jones

Source: Los Angeles Times

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What do you think of the signings so far?