The new site contains everything that Independence fans need, including all important information on the team, players, stadium, events, sponsorships, affiliates, and tickets. Fans also have access to all team and statistics, league standings, and schedules through the new site, along withadditional fun features like Fan Corner and WPS Fantasy Challenge.

Visit the new Official Website of the Philadelphia Independence

Photo Credit: Leslie Benedict | ISI Photos

Independence Players Shine at International Tournament

The US Women’s National Team posted a 3-2 victory over Germany in the championship match earlier today to win the 2010 Algarve Cup. After defeating Iceland, Sweden, and Norway in the opening rounds, the US took on the Germans in a physical battle for the title at the Stadium Algarve in Faro, Portugal.

Carli Lloyd scored the first goal for the US in the 18th minute, and just four minutes later forward Abby Wambach buried another to give the US an early two-goal lead. The Germans scored just before halftime to make it 2-1, but Lauren Cheney finished a ball from Casey Nogueira in the 69th minute to put the US ahead by two again. Although the Germans scored in the 74th minute to make it 3-2, they were unable to put another goal away before the final whistle. After losing to Sweden in a penalty kick shootout in the 2009 championship match, the US reclaims the Algarve Cup title this year for the seventh time, which is more than any other country.

Three Independence players represented the US at the Algarve tournament and were major contributors to the team’s success. Heather Mitts, Amy Rodriguez, and Lori Lindsey all played significant minutes in the four US matches, and Lori Lindsey posted three assists in the first three games. Mitts, Rodriguez, and Lindsey faced fellow Independence teammates Sara Larsson and Caroline Seger in the match against Sweden, as well as Independence international Holmfridur Magnusdottir in the Iceland challenge. Magnusdottir was cited as the most dangerous player on Iceland during the match and will be a strong addition to the Independence offense.

The Independence will welcome each of the players representing their respective countries at the Algarve into preseason early next week. Congratulations to Heather, Amy, and Lori on a hard-earned victory over Germany and to all the Independence players on a fantastic showing at the tournament!

Team Introduces “Ticket Plan for Every Fan”

PHILADELPHIA, PA (February 18, 2010) The Philadelphia Independence officially announced its full game schedule for the 2010 Women’s Professional Soccer season. The Independence will play a total of 24 games during the regular season, with the opportunity to play an additional three matches in the post season. During the regular season, Philadelphia will host twelve home games at their 2010 venue, West Chester University’s John A. Farrell Stadium. The season will kick off on April 11th with the franchise’s inaugural match against the Atlanta Beat at 6pm, with the final regular season game played on September 12th. All Independence home games are played on weekends, with the bulk of the matches on Sunday evenings and three Saturday games, the majority of which are played at 6pm. Highlights of the season also include an “Independence Day” home game on July 4th and a home match against FC Gold Pride on June 13th where the Independence will face 4-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, Marta. A bonus for true Philly soccer fans is that there are no schedule conflicts between Independence home games and Union home games. Time to get your tickets!!

Click for more details on the full season schedule

The Independence, in an effort to make its games accessible to all fans, introduced today, Ticket Plan for Every Fan. This program, which provides a variety of ticketing options, looks to make professional soccer accessible to everyone in the Philadelphia region. Some of the unique plans include on-field seats giving hardcore soccer enthusiasts the opportunity to sit a just a few feet from the action (think courtside seats at an NBA game!), group tickets which provide youth teams once-in-a-lifetime in-game experiences with players, flex plans which give Independence fans a chance to customize their own packages, and of course, seasons and individual tickets.

Packages include:

Season Tickets

Show your Philly pride at EVERY Independence home game! Season ticket holders will receive a discount off the gate price, a guaranteed same seat for 12 Philadelphia Independence home matches and exclusive invitations to team events. Additional benefits include savings on parking and Independence merchandise, as well as an inaugural member gift and access to game notes and weekly recaps.

Seating upgrades are also available – 18 yard line, just off center, center line, VIP on-field

“Flex” Your Independence

Can’t make it to ALL the games, but still want to come out and show your support? Not sure what your ever-changing schedule is going to be like a month from now? The flex plan will allow Independence fans to customize their own ticket packages! Fans can purchase vouchers for any combination of games and redeem them game-day at the Philadelphia Independence box office. Flex plans can be purchased in packs of 20, 10 and 6.

Group Tickets

Looking for a fun activity to share with friends or teammates? The Philadelphia Independence offers some attractively priced group packages to those who are looking to spend a fun night out with their friends, co-workers, organizations or teammates! Bring out your church group, scout troop, school, club, or just get some of your friends together for a great night with the Philadelphia Independence.

Interested in having your group serve as player escorts or part of the high-five tunnel? Has your son or daughter ever wanted to be a ball kid for a game? Call the ticket office to find out group ticketing in-game opportunities and book now! In-game opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Discounted packages are available to groups of 20 or more.

Special Events

Looking to motivate your staff & customers — Why not bring them out for a night of soccer in one of our unique corporate hospitality tents? Looking to celebrate your daughter’s birthday? Invite a few of her friends out for an Independence party and receive a complimentary signed mini-ball delivered by one of our players, not to mention other Independence surprises.
Individual

Now that the games are set, grab them while they’re hot! With 12 games this season, you get to see your favorite Independence players take on WPS superstars all season long. Pick and choose which games you want to attend!

Don’t miss out to see the some of the best women’s soccer in the world. Visit www.independencetix.com or contact us at 1-877-WPS-PHIL.

The season will kick off on April 11th with the franchise’s inaugural match against the Atlanta Beat, with the final regular season game played on September 12th. The Independence will play a total of 24 games during the regular season, hosting 12 and traveling everywhere from Atlanta to San Francisco for the away matches. All Independence home games are played on weekends, with the bulk of the matches on Sunday evenings and three Saturday games, the majority of which are played at 6pm. Highlights of the season also include an “Independence Day” home game on July 4th and a home match against FC Gold Pride on June 13th when the Independence will face 4-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, Marta.

A bonus for true Philly soccer fans is that there are no schedule conflicts between Independence home games and Union home games. “It’s an exciting year for the Philadelphia soccer community with the arrival of both WPS and MLS, and the schedule works out perfectly so that fans can support both the Independence and the Union franchises” says Foley. “Soccer enthusiasts will get the best of both worlds, and we are glad they have the opportunity to get behind Philadelphia professional soccer on every level.”

The WPS playoffs will follow the same format structure as last season. Four teams will make the playoffs in the unique format that rewards the team that finishes atop the WPS Regular Season. The top team during the regular season will become WPS Regular Season Champion and earn an automatic spot as host of the WPS Championship, the league’s championship game. The First Round of playoffs will be played on September 19, with the No. 4 team in the regular season facing off against the No. 3 team. The second place team in the regular season will receive a bye into the Super Semifinal and host the winner of the First Round on September 23. The winner of the Super Semifinal will then travel to the top-seeded team for the WPS Championship on September 26.

“Our home opener is just eight weeks away and the release of the full schedule makes the excitement of the season even more tangible” says Louise Waxler, Director of Operations and Associate General Manager. “Our home stadium allows us to create a fan experience like none other, where every fan is close to the action and can take part in the excitement. Through in-game opportunities, fans will have the closest possible access to professional athletes, and with our on-field seats, it is like sitting court side at a basketball game. We are so excited for the games to begin and for women’s professional soccer to be back in Philadelphia.”

Tickets to all are on sale now at www.independencetix.com! Learn more about the opportunities to purchase seasons, flex plans, groups, or single game tickets and support Philadelphia’s own Women’s Professional Soccer team. Players arrive in market on March 1 and fans will have lots of opportunities to get involved in Independence training camp, so stay tuned to learn more about the full preseason schedule of events!

(L to R: Amy Rodriguez, Head Coach Paul Riley, Caroline Seger) Credits: Robyn McNeil

LA Sol Operations Discontinued but WPS Remains Stronger than Ever

A special message from Philadelphia Independence Owner/CEO David Halstead:

“Like the rest of the league, all of us in the Independence organization are disappointed about the LA Sol not participating in the WPS in 2010. However, in Philadelphia, and in the other seven WPS markets, we have incredibly committed owners and strong franchises, as well as many, many exciting things happening that will ensure the 2010 WPS season is fantastic – for the WPS, its teams, players, and most importantly its fans. For instance in Philly, I am thrilled about the roster of proven players that we have – which makes entering preseason and getting these pro athletes into our Downingtown practice facility on March 1 very exciting. In short, the foundation we have built since our March 2009 start, including sponsorships and partnerships with Philadelphia area businesses, solidifying our coaching staff and front office staff – each having high performance goals, creating a robust youth soccer club membership affiliate program, and our stadium and ticketing rollout plans which will ensure an excellent game day and fan experience, all reinforce that the Philadelphia Independence is on course with its vision to be the envy of the league and be a positive and permanent presence in this great city.”

Read the official release from WPS on Los Angeles and the dispersal draft:

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 28, 2009) – After several weeks of negotiations with a potential new ownership group fell through at the last minute, Women’s Professional Soccer discontinued operations of the Los Angeles Sol on Thursday. The rights to the 19 players currently held by the Sol will be dispersed during a special draft for the league’s eight franchises on Thursday, February 4 and will be announced later in the day.

“While it’s regrettable to lose the Los Angeles market as part of our WPS footprint, we are pleased to have two new teams coming into the league in 2010,” said WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci. “The league and our ownership committee worked incredibly hard over the past month to complete the transaction. In the end, we ran out of time and came up short of where we needed to be funding-wise for the Sol in 2010.”

The Los Angeles Sol had been under custody of the league since late November when AEG gave back its ownership stake in the team to the league.

“Ownership changes are part of pro sports, particularly in a young league, and we have made solid progress in growing WPS from where we were last season,” said Antonucci. “We believe Los Angeles is a healthy, viable market for women’s pro soccer and a city where our league can again thrive with an LA franchise in the future.”

The league will now feature an even eight-team, single table format for the 2010 WPS Regular Season with more details of the 2010 WPS Season to be unveiled next week.

“All the team owners and members of the Board are confident that this setback will be quickly overcome by the exciting developments that the league has in store for the 2010 WPS Season,” said WPS Board Member and Atlanta Beat Chairman T. Fitz Johnson. “This includes two new franchises, the debut of a brand new stadium built specifically for WPS, a longer regular seasonand an even better product on the field with incoming talent from the college ranks and the many top internationals that have been signed in the off-season. Without question, this season is poised to build on our successful launch year.”

Several of the Los Angeles players, including WPS All-Stars Shannon Boxx and Marta, are signed to multi-year, guaranteed contracts, and are expected to play in WPS for the remainder of their contracts with other WPS teams following the dispersal draft.

The dispersal draft will be held Thursday, Feb. 4 with the eight franchises selecting players from the Sol roster over three rounds in the following order:

Round 1
1. Atlanta Beat
2. Philadelphia Independence
3. FC Gold Pride (Bay Area)
4. Chicago Red Stars
5. Boston Breakers
6. Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY)
7. Washington Freedom
8. Saint Louis Athletica

Round 2
9. Saint Louis Athletica
10. Washington Freedom
11. Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY)
12. Boston Breakers
13. Chicago Red Stars
14. FC Gold Pride (Bay Area)
15. Philadelphia Independence
16. Atlanta Beat

Round 3
17. Atlanta Beat
18. Philadelphia Independence
19. FC Gold Pride (Bay Area)
20. Chicago Red Stars
21. Boston Breakers
22. Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY)
23. Washington Freedom
24. Saint Louis Athletica

The Philadelphia Independence has further strengthened its solid defensive unit with the addition of LA defender Allison Falk and goalkeeper Val Henderson who will both fill important spots in the Independence lineup next season. The Independence completed a favorable trade with the Sol early this week, trading the #5 and #22 picks in the college draft to bring LA players with proven WPS experience to Philadelphia’s defensive line.

ISI Photos

Valerie Henderson, a standout goalkeeper from Orinda, California is a crucial pickup for the Independence. Val was the backup goalkeeper for the LA Sol in the league’s inaugural season, playing behind WPS All-Star Karina LeBlanc while gaining experience with a top team. Valerie is the all-time leader in career goalkeeping victories at UCLA and led the Bruins to become Pac-10 Champions each of her four years playing. She earned Soccer America Freshman All-American honors in 2004, and NSCAA/adidas Scholar All-American honors in both 2006 and 2007. Competing with the USA at the 2006 FIFA World Youth Championships, Val earned Woman of the Match in the final game after registering nine saves and earning a shutout against France. As a member of the U-23 National Team at the 2008 Nordic Cup, Val did not allow a goal over the entire course of the tournament. Valerie has established an outstanding goalkeeping record with every team she has been a part of, and she is an important addition to the Independence defensive line.

General Manager Terry Foley believes that the trade to bring Henderson to the Independence is hugely beneficial for Philadelphia. “Although we’ve built an extraordinary team to this point, the goalkeeping position was an obvious hole that needed to be filled. We didn’t feel that any of the college players would be ready to start in goal for us next season, and I think we can all breathe a little easier knowing we have a dominant keeper with league experience starting position in net.”

ISI Photos

Allison Falk, a 6’0” center back from Danville, California, had a great rookie season with the Sol in 2009. Selected with the 10th overall draft pick, Allison started in 16 matches for Los Angeles and goes down in history as scoring the first ever WPS goal in the inaugural game. Her presence in the back line was an important component to the Sol’s success this year as arguably the best defense in the league. Allison also made a huge impact during her tenure at Stanford University, starting every game as a freshman and earning All Pac-10 Freshman team honors. As a sophomore, Allison led the Cardinals to 15 shutouts and a 0.55 goals against average while earning All Pac-10 2nd Team Honors. She anchored a defense that had the nation’s third best regular season goals-against average during her junior season, and was named to the All-Pac-10 2nd Team again as a senior. Terry Foley is confident that Allison will make an impact for Philadelphia. “We needed another central defender to give us depth in the back line, and Allison has already demonstrated her value as a center back in the WPS. We are excited to have her as a part of the Independence roster in 2010.”

ISI Photos

USSoccer.com Report: Pia Sundhage Names U.S. Women’s Roster to Face Germany on Oct. 29 in Augsburg, Germany

World’s Top Two Ranked Teams Clash in Venue for 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup

CHICAGO (Oct. 5, 2009) – Following a 12-day training camp at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Pia Sundhage has named an 18-player roster for the USA’s match against Germany on Oct. 29 at the newly constructed Impuls Arena in Augsburg, Germany. It will be the first meeting since January of 2007 between the world’s top two women’s powers and the first time the USA has played in Germany since the summer of 2000.

The stadium in Augsburg is one of nine venues that will host matches of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The USA is currently first in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings. Germany is ranked second.

The match kicks off at 6 p.m. local time (1 p.m. ET) and fans can follow on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker. The Bavarian city of Augsburg is located in south-central Germany, about 42 miles northwest of Munich. Augsburg will host four matches during Germany 2011, including one quarterfinal, but this will be the first international match at the new venue and an important test run for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

U.S. defender Lori Chalupny will captain the U.S. side in the absence of Christie Rampone, who is on maternity leave. Central defenders Rachel Buehler and Amy LePeilbet will be called upon to solidify the U.S. backline along with veterans Heather Mitts and Cat Whitehill. Sundhage also named 22-year-old Brittany Bock, who will be looking for her first-ever full national team cap.

Shannon Boxx and Carli Lloyd, the USA’s two center midfielders who played key roles at the 2008 Olympics, were named to the roster along with flank midfielders Heather O’Reilly and Megan Rapinoe. Yael Averbuch makes her first game roster under Sundhage and will look to add to her two career caps earned in 2007. Lori Lindsey makes her first game roster since 2005 and will be looking to add to her one career cap. Twenty-one year-old Tobin Heath was the only current collegiate player selected. Veteran Angela Hucles, the USA’s leading scorer at the 2008 Olympics, rounds out the midfield.

Abby Wambach, the USA’s current active leading scorer with 100 career goals, and 22-year-old Amy Rodriguez were the only true forwards named to the roster, but Sundhage has several options to play up top, notably Rapinoe and O’Reilly. The USA’s top two goalkeepers, Hope Solo and Nicole Barnhart, were both named.

This match will mark the 25th meeting between the two countries (counting two matches against the former West Germany) with the USA having won 16 games, lost four and tied four. The two most successful women’s soccer nations have met in several of the most epic matches in U.S. history, including a 5-2 U.S. win in the semifinal of the 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup, a 3-2 U.S. win the quarterfinal of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, a 3-0 U.S. loss in the semifinal of the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup and a 2-1 win in the semifinal of the 2004 Olympics.

The match in Augsburg will come on the tail end of an eight-day training camp in Germany. The game also comes about six weeks after the completion of the 2009 European Women’s Championship. Germany won the tournament, downing England 6-2 in the championship game in Helsinki, Finland.

The USA played two friendly matches in Europe in July of last year, playing in both Sweden and Norway, but prior to that had not traveled to Europe for a friendly match since the middle of 2000 when the Americans played two matches in Norway. That trip to Norway followed a three-match run in Germany at the DFB Jubilee Cup where the USA faced Norway, China and Germany. The match against the Germans marked the last time the USA faced the two-time defending Women’s World Cup champions in their home country, earning a 1-0 victory on a goal from Julie Foudy.

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Nicole Barnhart (FC Gold Pride), Hope Solo (St. Louis Athletica)
DEFENDERS (6): Brittany Bock (Los Angeles Sol), Rachel Buehler (FC Gold Pride), Lori Chalupny (St. Louis Athletica), Amy LePeilbet (Boston Breakers), Heather Mitts (Out of Contract), Cat Whitehill (Washington Freedom)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Yael Averbuch (Sky Blue FC), Shannon Boxx (Los Angeles Sol), Tobin Heath (UNC), Angela Hucles (Boston Breakers), Lori Lindsey (Philadelphia Independence), Carli Lloyd (Out of Contract), Heather O’Reilly (Sky Blue FC), Megan Rapinoe (Chicago Red Stars)
FORWARDS (2): Amy Rodriguez (Philadelphia Independence), Abby Wambach (Washington Freedom)

Caroline Seger, Swedish National Team Midfielder and Captain Is Top Pick

The Philadelphia Independence is proud to announce its selection of five international players, Swedes Caroline Seger and Charlotte Rohlin, Brits Lianne Sanderson and Fara Williams, and Icelander Holmfridur Magnusdottir. “We knew what we wanted to achieve going into the draft and had each of these players high on our list of choices,” said Head Coach Paul Riley, “and I am delighted to say that today’s international selections, combined with the outstanding players we selected in last week’s WPS Expansion Draft, provide the Independence with excellent skill and experience in nearly every single position on the field. I can’t wait until the spring to show the Independence fans what I have seen in Europe from these players – their qualities and talents on the field are simply unreal!” Now that the Independence organization has acquired the rights to these outstanding international players, it will work with the players and agents to get the player contracts signed and approved by the league.

In keeping with the strong roots of Swedish settlers in the Philadelphia area since the 17th Century, Swedes will once again use their skill and determination to strengthen the city’s capabilities and bolster the Independence squad.

Caroline Seger is the Swedish National Team Captain and is recognized as one of the top midfielders in the world. Her performance in the recent European Championships was incredible. Since making her international debut with the Swedish National Team in 2005, Caroline has continued to perform exceptionally well for Sweden, now boasting an impressive 47 caps and 4 goals. Her efforts helped Sweden to qualify for the 2007 FIFA World Cup, where she performed remarkably. Caroline represented her country again in the 2008 Olympic Games, leading her team to the quarter-finals before being knocked out by Germany.

Caroline has also been a crucial player and captain for her club, Linköpings FC, since 2005. Linköpings has consistently been in the top four in their Swedish league, the Damallsvenskan, which was widely considered to be the best women’s league in the world until the advent of the WPS. Caroline was honored as the Damallsvenskan Rookie of the Year in 2005 and Midfielder of the Year in 2006. Her excellent work-ethic and unmatched passion for the game make her an asset to any team that she is a part of. A native of Helsingborg, Sweden, Caroline is known for her great attitude and admired by teammates for her ability to generate a positive atmosphere in any situation. Philadelphia fans will appreciate Caroline’s combination of skill, high intensity play, and genuine enjoyment of the game that is apparent every time she steps on the pitch.

Terry Foley was impressed with Caroline’s performance in the European Championships and thinks she will be a key figure for the Independence. “Caroline Seger is an exceptional young player who I believe will be a star in WPS next year. She is a very talented player who has fantastic leadership qualities. We are certain that Caroline will give our fans something to cheer about and will serve as a great role model for all young female players in the Philly area.”

Charlotte Rohlin is also a member of the Swedish National Team and is widely respected for her tremendous play at central defender. Born and raised in Linköpings, Sweden, Charolotte has returned to her hometown after beginning her career with BK Kenty, now captaining Linkopings FC with teammate, Caroline Seger. Charlotte has been an important leader for Linköpings FC, directing play from the back and making it difficult for opponents to get past her team’s defense. Since Charlotte’s international debut in 2007 against Finland, she has established herself as one of the best central defenders in the world. Her contribution to the Swedish National Team has been outstanding, anchoring Sweden’s back line in the 2007 FIFA World Cup and 2008 Beijing Olympics. Charlotte is one of the toughest defenders in the game, and she poses a dangerous offensive threat coming forward on set pieces.

“Charlotte Rohlin is a solid central defender who we have been watching for some time and who really impressed us in Finland” says Head Coach Paul Riley. “Charlotte is a true professional who will give us great leadership at the back, and we hope to have her in Philly to make a huge impact next season.”

In addition to these terrific players, Coach Paul Riley identified Lianne Sanderson and Fara Williams as two English players that could have an immediate and positive impact on the Independence. Paul stated on draft day about these two selections, “I am very pleased to have picked up both Lianne and Fara for next season. They will help spark our offensive efforts, and their successful careers with England prove that they can compete at the highest level.” Like the Swedish players, Lianne and Fara know each other well, having played together with their country for the past two years. Their chemistry and connectivity makes them a dangerous combination and a great asset to the Independence offense.

Lianne Sanderson at age twenty-one has already established herself as one of the most dangerous strikers in the game and has a promising future ahead of her. Lianne played for the English U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-21 National Teams, and made her first Full Team appearance in May of 2006. Her first international goal came in 2007 in just her fifth cap, and she continues to be an offensive force for her country. Lianne played for England in the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup and was another standout player in the European Championships last month.

Born in Watford, England, Lianne was a part of the Arsenal club for the majority of her career, starting with the youth club at age nine and joining the first team at just fifteen years old. Lianne earned countless honors with Arsenal, finishing the 2006/2007 season as Arsenal’s top scorer by notching 40 goals in 41 appearances. After 11 years at the Arsenal Club, Lianne signed with the Chelsea Ladies in 2008 and has made a great impact for the club. Despite her relative youth, Lianne is a smart player with a great head for the game. Her passion and spirit are contagious, and Philadelphia fans will enjoy watching her next season.

Terry Foley hopes that Lianne will bring her offensive prowess to the Independence. “Lianne has scored goals at every level she has played at, and we hope that she will continue to score goals next year in Philadelphia. Lianne is accustomed to winning having played for both Arsenal and Chelsea, and that tradition of victory should be carried with the Independence.”

Fara Williams is another English National Team player who will be a fantastic addition to the Independence midfield. A dangerous attacker, Fara controls the flow of the game from the center of the field and creates brilliant scoring opportunities for her team. As a member of the English National Team, Fara scored five goals to help England qualify for the 2007 World Cup, and contributed another in the tournament itself. Her outstanding play earned Fara the honor of 2007 International Player of the Year. In the recent European Championships, Fara’s leadership was a key component to England’s impressive run to the finals.

Nicknamed “Queen Fara” by her Everton fans, she has twice been named Player of the Year with the Everton Ladies Football Club. In 2008, Fara helped lead her club to win the Premiership title for the first time in 10 years, and again to capture runner-up in 2009. Her tenacity and heart are undeniable, and she is fearless in her both her tackles and attacks. The London native is a fun player to watch, and Independence fans will be lucky to have Fara in Philadelphia next season.

Head Coach Paul Riley believes Fara will be a great addition to the Independence lineup. “Fara is a superb player with tremendous vision, a vintage final ball and a work-rate second to none. She covers alot of ground, is always available to her teammates and enjoys the pressure of having the ball at her feet. Fara has a top class attitude with technical and tactical knowledge.”

Holmfridur Magnusdottir is an Icelandic National Team Player who has achieved outstanding success with her own country. Holmfridur, a midfielder with an attacker’s mindset, has performed at the highest level for her country since her international debut against the United States in 2003. Her contributions on the field, both defensively and offensively, earned her the honor of Iceland’s Player of the Year in 2007. In the 2009 European Championships, Holmfridur made her presence known by scoring in the first minute of play in the playoff first leg in the Republic of Ireland. Holmfridur has been a premier player in Icelandic women’s soccer, registering over 100 Icelandic top-flight goals with Reykjavík and ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar. In 2006, she moved to Denmark’s Fortuna Hjorring, playing for two seasons before moving to her current club, Kristianstads DFF in Sweden.

Paul Riley is excited to see what Holmfridur can do for the Independence. “Holmfridur is a very good wide player with speed, skill and a great ability to beat players. She will be fun to watch and will be problematic for opponents’ defenses. Holmfridur is tough as nails with a sweet left foot, and shows a great combination of power and precision. She will surely be a crowd favorite.”

The International Draft was a great success for the Independence, and we are optimistic that contract agreements will go well to bring these quality internationals to Philadelphia next season. Stay tuned to the team’s website to learn about upcoming free agency and trades, as well as the efforts to get all players signed and on the team’s roster for the start of an exciting 2010 season. Don’t be surprised if the franchise brings in a few more superstars through the free agency and trade processes. We’ve got a lot of people working very hard to bring Philadelphia fans the absolute best team in the league.

Sky Blue FC will take on St. Louis Athletica tomorrow night in the WPS Super-Semifinal at 7pm to see who will advance to the WPS Inaugural Championship Game!