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Philadelphia’s Women’s Pro Soccer Team Closes September By Adding National Team Forward Amy Rodriguez To Roster of Talent

PHILADELPHIA, PA (September 29, 2009) – The Philadelphia Independence is pleased to announce that it has concluded a trade with the WPS Boston Breakers for star Forward Amy Rodriguez. Amy was selected with the 1st overall pick by the Breakers in the 2009 WPS Draft and brings to the Independence plenty of high-level play experience. “Amy’s lightning fast speed, exceptional skills, and game-changing energy will be a huge addition to our offensive line,” says General Manager Terry Foley. “A young player with Amy’s international, National Team, and WPS experience is rare, and we feel that she brings a great combination of youth and tactical knowledge. She is a fan-favorite and we are thrilled to have her coming to Philadelphia.”

Amy, the “A-Rod” of the soccer world, has a lengthy list of accomplishments dating back to her high school days where she was Parade Magazine National Player of the Year and LA Times Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year. She began her career with the United States Women’s National Team with the U-16’s, and worked her way up to the full WNT by March 2005 when Amy was only 18 years old.

Amy is known for her remarkable ability to create scoring opportunities. In the 2004 FIFA U-19 World Cup in Thailand, Amy finished the tournament with two goals and two assists. In her 19 games with the U-20 National Team, she posted 11 goals before being called up to the next level. At just 18, Amy earned her first two caps with the National Team in the 2005 Algarve Cup, and she has continued to be an offensive force for the United States since. Scoring her first international goal in January of 2008, Amy also posted game-winning goals against Brazil in the Peace Queen Cup and Olympic send-off Match. Her outstanding play in the 2008 Olympic Games helped the U.S. capture the Gold Medal and also made her the first-ever University of Southern California soccer medalist.

Amy is one of the best women’s soccer players in USC history and in 2007 she led the Trojans to become the first Pac-10 team to win a National Championship. That same year, she earned the honor of NCAA College Cup Most Outstanding Offensive Player by posting 10 goals and an incredible showing in the NCAA Tournament. Amy was named to the NSCAA All-American Team twice, the All Pac-10 team twice, Umbro Player of the Year once, and All-Region team, all while participating in U.S. National Team events.

Amy’s trade to Philadelphia tops off an incredibly productive month of player drafts and selections that has resulted in a talented roster for the Independence, now loaded with skilled and experienced veteran players. Forming the “spine” of the team has been achieved earlier than expected with the trade for Amy and the selections made in the International and Expansion Drafts. In these September drafts the Independence acquired the rights to five international superstars, including No. 1 International Pick Swedish National Team Captain Caroline Seger, and seven WPS players through the Expansion Draft, including veteran midfielders Lori Lindsey (Washington Freedom) and Jennifer Buczkowski (NY/NJ Sky Blue).

“We are delighted that our trades, international picks, and the outstanding players we selected in the WPS Expansion Draft provide the Independence with excellent skill and experience” said Head Coach Paul Riley. “It is also clear through the moves that have occurred over the past few weeks, how committed the ownership and entire organization is to bringing top players and a positive, permanent presence to the Philadelphia fans.”

Now that the Independence organization has acquired the rights to these outstanding athletes, it will work with the players and agents to get all player contracts signed and approved by the league. Meantime, the Indepedence continues to be busy with 2010 season ticket sales, sponsorships, its youth development programs, and soccer club affiliate memberships. Stay in touch with the team by registering for its eNewsletter the Independence Insider at www.wpsphillyindependence.com or visit our ticket sales office by calling 1-877-WPS-PHIL.

About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)
The mission of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is to be the premier women’s soccer league in the world and the global standard by which women’s professional sports are measured. Play kicked off in the spring of 2009, with WPS teams based in the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. The league’s eighth franchise, Philadelphia, will begin play next season with Atlanta joining as the ninth team in 2010. For more information, visit www.womensprosoccer.com.