CHICAGO RED STARS AND THE GLOBE PUB ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

Bridgeview, IL (March 26, 2009) – The Chicago Red Stars and The Globe Pub have formed a partnership, uniting Chicago’s newest professional sports franchise and the best soccer bar in the United States, as named by USSoccer.com in 2007 and 2008.  The partnership will provide soccer fans in the Windy City a way to interact with Red Stars players and transportation options to matches at TOYOTA PARK.

“The Red Stars are excited to partner with a pub known worldwide for catering to soccer fans,” said Red Stars General Manager Marcia McDermott.  “There’s no better place in Chicago to watch the inaugural WPS match than at The Globe.”

The Red Stars will kick off the inaugural season of Women’s Professional Soccer at The Globe on Sunday, March 29^th with a viewing party for the first WPS match.  Fans of all ages can sit alongside the Red Stars players to watch the WPS season get underway as the Washington Freedom and Los Angeles Sol meet on the pitch at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.  The match begins at 5:00 pm, but the festivities will commence at 4:00 pm.  Chicago Soccer will join in the party with a t-shirt giveaway before and during the match, and Red Stars prizes will be raffled off throughout.

“The team is very excited about the start of WPS,” said Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes. “We hope our fans will come and join us in what is a historic occasion at our home pub, the Globe.”

In addition, Chicago Red Stars season ticket holders will be able to pick up their season ticket packages at the viewing party.

The Globe will also host a viewing party every Sunday night of the regular season for WPS Sunday on FOX Soccer Channel (FSC).  Five of the nationally televised contests will feature Chicago, and Red Stars players will be at The Globe for eight additional parties when the team isn’t also in action.

“We at The Globe are delighted to partner with the Chicago Red Stars,” said Globe Owner Jamie Hale.  “The Globe has always been the destination point for serious soccer fans, and this partnership with the Red Stars will give our patrons a great opportunity to interact with team players and a fun and convenient transportation option to get to Red Stars games.”

In addition, The Globe will sponsor a fan coach for the Red Stars’ first match, Saturday, April 4^th at St. Louis Athletica.  The bus will depart The Globe (1934 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago) at noon and return following the Red Stars’ match.  The $50 package includes a game ticket, transportation and refreshments.  Reservations on the fan coach can be made by contacting The Globe at (773) 871-3757.

When the Red Stars are home, The Globe will also provide transportation to TOYOTA PARK.  A $15 charge covers round-trip transportation and refreshments on the bus, but not the game ticket.

Courtesy of: Chicago Red Stars

CHICAGO RED STARS SIGN CARLI LLOYD AND LINDSAY TARPLEY

Bridgeview, IL (March 17, 2009) – The Chicago Red Stars have signed U.S. Women’s National Team midfielders Carli Lloyd and Lindsay Tarpley to contracts for the 2009 season, General Manager Marcia McDermott announced Tuesday.

“We are very pleased to announce the signing of Carli Lloyd and Lindsay Tarpley,” McDermott said.  “Both of these players are world-class attacking players who will play a critical role for our franchise in providing high-level, entertaining soccer. We are excited to continue to build a highly talented team for the Chicago soccer community to enjoy and embrace.”

The reigning U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, Carli Lloyd has played a key role for the national team the past three years.  She demonstrated a flair for the dramatic by scoring the game-winning goal in extra time in the 2008 Olympic gold medal match against Brazil.  The New Jersey native also scored four goals at the 2007 Algarve Cup, claiming top scorer and MVP honors.

“Carli is a special player,” Red Stars Coach Emma Hayes said.  “She has the ability and potential to become the best attacking midfielder in the world.”

“I’m very happy to have signed with Chicago,” said Lloyd.  “I feel that I have joined a world class organization. The coaching staff and the players seem committed to make this team into contenders for the championship.  I look forward to this year and a bright future with this team.”

With 117 caps earned, Tarpley is one of the most experienced players on the current national team roster.  The 25 year-old appeared in 34 U.S. games in 2008 and was third on the team with 12 goals scored and 29 total points.  She has also appeared in all 12 of the U.S. team’s Olympic matches in 2004 & 2008.

“Her record speaks for itself,” Hayes said.  “Lindsay is a tireless forward that scores for fun.  She will fit the mentality of our club.”

“I’m really excited to be a Red Star,” said Tarpley.  “I feel privileged to be part of a great organization in a great city. I am really looking forward to the start of the season.”

The newly signed Red Stars will bolster an impressive Chicago midfield that features USWNT teammate Megan Rapinoe and international players Heather Garriock of Australia and Frida Östberg of Sweden.

The US National team duo will be making their Chicagoland debut this Saturday at the IYSA Soccer Expo at Schaumburg Park District Sport Center in Schaumberg, IL.  The entire Red Stars team will be training from 2:00-3:30 pm at the Expo.  This practice is open to the public.

Courtesy of: Chicago Red Stars

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

Chicago Red Stars Draw Players From The Local Tryouts

Four Players with Local Ties Earn Invitations to Red Stars Preseason Camp

Bridgeview, IL (February 19, 2009) The Chicago Red Stars have extended invitations to seven players to attend the team’s preseason camp, following two days of open local tryouts.  Of the players invited to camp to compete for a roster spot, four have connections to the Chicagoland area.

Molly Uyenishi, Tina Estrada, Erin Walter, and Shannon Schneeman were chosen from a pool of approximately 70 players who showcased their soccer abilities for the Red Stars coaching staff on Thursday and Friday of last week in the hope of realizing their dreams to play professional soccer.

A local product, Molly Uyenishi grew up in Hawthorn Woods and helped her Eclipse Select club team win the 2005 National Championship.  She had a stellar career at Colorado College, where she was voted team MVP in 2007.

“Molly impressed us,” said Assistant Coach Denise Reddy.  “She is a solid distributor of the ball who looks to use her technical abilities to play-make for the team.”

Uyenishi was a fan of the WUSA, the professional league that preceded Women’s Professional Soccer, and was thrilled to learn that Chicago was getting a team.

“Growing up, I watched the WUSA, and I always hoped there would be a team in Chicago,” explained Uyenishi.  “I am so excited by this opportunity.   It’s really cool that the league is back, and that it is so close to home.”

Estrada, an assistant women’s soccer coach for the DePaul Blue Demons, was a three-time All West Coast Conference honoree at Santa Clara University.

“Tina is an energetic forward that uses her experience and technical abilities to get behind defenders,” praised Reddy.

Estrada is not the only player with a connection to DePaul to receive an invitation from the Red Stars.  Former Blue Demon standout Erin Walter was also asked to join the 28 players vying for 22 spots with the pro team.

An All Conference USA selection while at DePaul, Walter served as the captain of the Blue Demons twice and set the team’s single season assist record in 2004.

“She’s a versatile player,” said Reddy.  “She uses her speed and explosiveness to be a threat going forward and in the back.”

Shannon Schneeman captained the Northwestern women’s soccer team in 2007.  A two-time All Big 10 honoree, Schneeman led the Wildcats in game-winning goals in her senior season.

Reddy was impressed with Schneeman’s work on both sides of the ball.

“Shannon’s a consistent midfielder that contributes to both the attack and is a very good ball winner on defense”

The other players who earned invitations to the Red Stars preseason camp are Bonnie Young, Michelle Wenino, and Sarah Wagenfuhr.

Young is a veteran of the WUSA, having played for the New York Power in 2002.  She also played for the New Jersey Wildcats and Jersey Sky Blue of the W-League.  While with the Wildcats, Young played for and alongside Red Stars assistant coach Denise Reddy.

Michelle Wenino just completed her senior year at the University of Colorado, where she was named the 2008 Big 12 Defender of the Year.  She was twice named to All Big 12 first team.

Sarah Wagenfuhr, who earned a first team All-ACC selection as captain of the Florida State Seminoles this season, was a member of the US U-20 World Cup team in 2006.

All the Red Stars hopefuls, as well as many of the drafted and contracted players, will convene on March 1st.  The team will train indoors for about ten days, before heading to Florida for warmer training conditions.  Each WPS team is allowed to enter the preseason with 28 players.  Rosters must be trimmed to 18 players, plus four developmental players by March 24th.

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Chicago Red Stars Sign Sweden’s Frida Östberg & Caroline Jönsson

Bridgeview, IL (February 3, 2009) The Chicago Red Stars have secured the services of Sweden’s Frida Östberg & Caroline Jönsson for the 2009 WPS season, General Manager Marcia McDermott announced today. With a combined 15 years and 158 caps on the international stage, the veteran Swedes will bring a wealth of experience and a championship pedigree to the Chicago Red Stars.

Östberg, 31, has been a fixture in the midfield of the Swedish National Team since 2001, earning 78 caps over that time. She has enjoyed enormous success at the club level in Sweden, where she has helped perennial powerhouse Umea IK to win five league championships, three cup titles, and two UEFA Women’s Cup championships in 2003 and 2004. In 2008, Östberg captained Umea IK to its seventh overall league title, while putting the club through to the upcoming UEFA Women’s Cup semifinal, and earning this year’s most prestigious award, the Diamond Ball, honoring Sweden’s Player of the Year

“Frida epitomizes everything you would want in a top class professional,” said head coach Emma Hayes. “Her abilities on and off the field will help us develop a professional culture. She is one of the toughest players out there and has a mean streak on the field that our fans will grow to love. She’s a born winner.

Red Stars Assistant Coach Denise Reddy, who routinely squared off against Östberg during her 11-year playing career in the Swedish league, echoed Hayes’ assessment. “Frida is the toughest player I’ve ever come up against. She possesses a dominant presence in the midfield, one most players would like to avoid.

Östberg, who recently retired from the Swedish National Team, is looking forward to writing the next chapter of her prolific career in Chicago.

“It feels great to be a member of Chicago Red Stars under the wings of Emma and Denise,” said Östberg. “ I expect a tough league with a lot of challenges and really good football. When I consider our team, I think that it is just that, a team! We’re balanced; we have individuals that can make the difference both in the offense as well as in the defense. I’m really excited and looking forward to being a part of building this team.”

Goalkeeper Caroline Jönsson made her national team debut in 1999 and steered Sweden to a silver medal in the 2003 Women’s World Cup and has played in two Olympics in 2000 and 2004. In addition, Jönsson has played in over 200 matches for legendary Swedish club Malmo FF, and was recognized as the Sweden’s Goalkeeper of the Year in both 2003 and 2006

“I am thankful for the opportunity to play for Chicago Red Stars,” said Jönsson. “In my career, I have always followed my heart, this is not an exception. If I hadn’t felt a true love for the game from the coaches or the organization, it wouldn´t have been a possibility for me to play for the Chicago Red Stars.

Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes selected Jönsson with the 26^th overall pick in the fourth round of the WPS International last September. She was the first and only goalkeeper selected

“The first player we wanted in this team was a world class goalkeeper, and now we have one of the best,” explained Hayes. “She will organize, lead, and, by her example, set the tone for every player on the roster.

Jönsson is enthusiastic about her new American club and the fledgling league

“In Chicago, I don´t just sense a passion for the game,” she said, “but I also perceive a well put together organization with great competent people in every spot, including on the soccer team. I am even looking forward to the five weeks of preseason and that tells me that this is something special. I am glad to be a part of a new era; I think this time around the league is here to stay and I´m proud to be asked to be a part of that new beginning.”

With the addition of Östberg and Jönsson, the Chicago Red Stars have now filled four of their allotted five international roster spots. The Red Stars hold the WPS playing rights to Brazilian striker Cristiane, who last month finished third in the 2008 FIFA Player of the Year voting

The Red Stars kick off the 2009 WPS season on April 5^th on the road against St. Louis Athletica at Ralph Korte Stadium on the campus of Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

Courtesy of: Chicago Red Stars

Chicago Red Stars Sign Australia’s Heather Garriock

Bridgeview, IL (February 2, 2009) –  The Chicago Red Stars have signed Australian midfielder Heather Garriock for the 2009 WPS season, General Manager Marcia McDermott announced today.

Garriock, 26, is a 10-year veteran of the Australian National Team, having earned 112 caps and scoring 19 goals.  She made her Australian National Team debut in 1999 at the age of 16, and has competed in two World Cups and two Olympics.

“It’s an absolute dream come true for me to continue my career in the United States, playing with and against some of the best players in the world,” said Garriock. 

The Chicago Red Stars selected Garriock in the second round with the 12^th overall pick of the WPS International Draft last September. The Australian midfielder’s international experience, tireless work rate and attacking mentality were qualities Chicago Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes was looking for in building her roster. 

“She’s a born leader, with a fantastic left foot,” praised Hayes.   “She possesses great energy levels to go up and down the flank, and she has a winning pedigree.”

Garriock is the second international player to sign with the Red Stars.  She joins English forward Karen Carney, whom the Red Stars signed last week.  The Red Stars have the WPS playing rights to Sweden’s Caroline Jönsson and Frida Östberg, as well as Brazilian striker Cristiane.  Each WPS is allowed to carry five international players on their roster.

Garriock is the third Australian player to sign with a WPS team.  Midfielder Collette McCallum and forward Sarah Walsh, a teammate of Garriock’s at Sydney FC, have already penned contracts with Sky Blue FC of New Jersey.  A fourth Australian player, forward Lisa De Vanna has been drafted by and is in negotiations with the Washington Freedom.

The Red Stars kick off the 2009 WPS season on April 5^th on the road against St. Louis Athletica at Ralph Korte Stadium on the campus of Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

Courtesy of: Chicago Red Stars

 

Karen Carney Signs For Chicago Red Stars

The Chicago Red Stars and Karen Carney have agreed to a contract to play for the club in 2009, General Manager Marcia McDermott announced today. The dynamic English forward, the third pick of the Red Stars in last September’s WPS International Draft, becomes the first player to officially sign with the team for 2009.

A burgeoning talent on the English National Team, Carney, 21, exploded onto the scene in 2005, scoring in her first-ever call up to the senior National Team. She has earned 41 caps with England and was honored with the FA National Young Player of the Year award in both 2005 and 2006.

“I am delighted to be joining the Chicago Red Stars,” said Carney. “The set-up is fantastic; great stadium and training facilities and, of course, teaming up with Emma Hayes was a major factor in my decision. WPS represents a new era for the women’s game and I am extremely excited about the prospect of playing with and against the best players on the planet. “

Carney joins Chicago from Arsenal Ladies F.C. of London, where Red Stars coach Emma Hayes trained her in 2006 and 2007. She played a vital role in Arsenal’s successful 2006/2007 campaign, in which the club won four major trophies, including the FA Women’s Premier league title, the FA Women’s Cup, The FA Women’s Premier League Cup and the UEFA Women’s Cup.

“Karen is the best, young, attacking player in England,” praised Chicago Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes, “and I truly believe that playing in WPS will provide her a platform to develop into one of the best players in the world.”

The opportunity to develop as a player and to test herself against the top players in the world was a determining factor in Carney’s decision to come to the United States.

“Of course it has been a very difficult decision to leave such a successful club like Arsenal and it will be a real wrench to leave the team but I just felt that the time was right for a new challenge,” she explained. “In the long run I feel that the standard of football in WPS and the opportunity to concentrate full time on improving my game at the Red Stars will accelerate my football development. I remain extremely committed to the England team and firmly believe that my goal to become a more accomplished footballer at Chicago can only benefit my international career and ultimately help England’s continued rise up the world rankings.”

The Red Stars kick off the 2009 WPS season on April 5th on the road against St. Louis Athletica at Ralph Korte Stadium on the campus of Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Following a second road game against the Washington Freedom on April 11th, the Red Stars will play their home-opener at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois on Sunday April 19th against Sky Blue FC of New Jersey.

Source: Chicago Red Stars