BOYDS, Md. (Feb. 20, 2009) – With preseason camp set to start March 2, the Washington Freedom announced it has signed its first two selections of the WPS International Draft, Japanese legend Homare Sawa, a two-time winner of the Asian Football Confederation’s Women’s Player of the Year award, and French women’s national team captain Sonia Bompastor.
Both Sawa and Bompastor bring extensive experience at the international level to the Freedom as both players have amassed at least 100 caps for their respective national teams.
“If you asked me what type of player I like, Sawa would be the example I would use,” Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabarra said. “We cannot be happier with this addition. She is a complete player that brings to WPS an unparalleled level of experience.
“In our International player research over the past year we believe that we have found in Sonia one of the best left backs in the world,” Gabarra said. “She brings leadership and a winning mentality that will positively add to the Freedom’s team dynamic.”
Both figure to play important roles for the Freedom once the season begins March 29. The Freedom opens the season against the Los Angeles Sol in the WPS Inaugural Match at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The game will be broadcast nationally on Fox Soccer Channel at 6 p.m. ET as part of WPS Sunday on FSC.
Washington’s home opener on April 11 against the Chicago Red Stars will also be nationally televised on FSC, with the game scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md.
Sawa Highlights:
• Made international debut with Japanese National Team in 1993 at age 15, scoring her first goal with the team in her debut.
• Has more than 130 caps and 60 goals for the national team.
• Member of WUSA Atlanta Beat from 2001-2003, scored first goal in franchise history.
• AFC Women’s Player of the Year in 2004 and 2008, runner-up for award 2007.
• Member of Japanese women’s team that finished third at the 2008 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
• Member of Japanese women’s team that finished fourth at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Bompastor Highlights:
• Has 100 caps for France’s Women’s National Team and has competed for the squad in its 2001 UEFA Women’s Championship appearance and 2003 Women’s World Cup appearance after debuting with the team in February 2000.
• Captain of both France’s WNT and former club, Olympique Lyonnaise.
• Helped three different French clubs win six league titles in a span of four years.
Courtesy of: Washington Freedom
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