Philadelphia, PA (March 31, 2010) – After a month of rigorous preseason training camp, the Philadelphia Independence has announced an impressive final roster of twenty-two players for the 2010 WPS season. Boasting nine National Team players from six different countries (US, Sweden, Canada, England, Iceland, and Japan), the team combines a wealth of experience with an exciting collection of young talent. After a tremendous preseason, Head Coach Paul Riley believes that the team’s chemistry both on and off the field puts the Independence in good stead to compete for the WPS playoffs this season.

2010 Independence Roster

Name	Position	College/Int'l Club
Adams, Danesha	Forward	UCLA
Buczkowski, Jennifer	Midfielder	Notre Dame
Falk, Allison	Defender	Stanford
Henderson, Val	Goalkeeper	UCLA
Johnson, Estelle	Defender	University of Kansas
Krzysik, Nikki	Defender	UVA
Larsson, Sara	Defender	Sweden
LeBlanc, Karina	Goalkeeper	Canada
Lindsey, Lori	Midfielder	UVA
Lohman, Joanna	Midfielder	Penn State
Magnusdottir, Holmfridur	Forward	Iceland
Maruyama, Karina	Forward	Japan
Mitts, Heather	Defender	University of Florida
Patterson, Lyndsey	Forward	Univ of Tennessee
Rodriguez, Amy	Forward	USC
Sanderson, Lianne	Forward	England
Seger, Caroline	Midfielder	Sweden
Senty, Sarah	Defender	UVA

Developmental Roster

Name	Position	College/Int'l Club
Jones, Robyn	Goalkeeper	Franklin & Marshall
Patterson, Carrie	Forward	University of Georgia
Reynolds, Katherine	Defender	Santa Clara
DiMartino, Gina	Forward	Boston College

The talented group of twenty-two players selected makes the Independence squad one of the strongest in the league. “I feel we have a great balance between youth and experience” says Riley. “In putting the squad together we wanted to make sure we have combined intelligent, savvy players with speedy, athletic ones. We have an attacking roster and I’m hopeful with more time together that we will gel into a very good attacking unit with a style of play that will be attractive to watch for the fans of Philadelphia. First things first though…we want a win opening night against Atlanta on April 11th.”

In addition to the eighteen Independence players under full contract, the WPS allows teams to select up to four developmental players, including one goalkeeper. If the number of rostered players on the available list falls below eighteen due to injury or absence, developmental players can be used during home games or selected for away matches. A developmental contract is a great opportunity for younger, less experienced players to train at the highest level and earn playing time in WPS. If a developmental player participates in ten WPS games, they must be moved onto the roster and placed under a regular player contract.

Don’t miss your opportunity to take part in history and support Philadelphia’s own Women’s Professional Soccer team in the first-ever Independence game. Visit www.indepenedencetix.com to purchase single game, group, or season tickets today!

About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)
Headquartered in San Francisco, Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is the world’s premier soccer league for women with eight teams across the United States featuring the best players from around the world. In 2010, eight teams will each play 24-game schedules from April 10-September 12 including six original WPS teams – Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Gold Pride (Bay Area), Saint Louis Athletica, Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY) and Washington Freedom – and two expansion teams Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence. The top four finishers in the regular season will qualify for the 2010 WPS Playoffs scheduled for September 19-26. For more information, visit the WPS official website at www.womensprosoccer.com or follow all the news at www.twitter.com/womensprosoccer.

Just one day after announcing the final 2010 roster, the Independence faced off against Penn State in front of another sellout crowd, defeating the Nittany Lions 1-0. Despite missing several key players due to National Team duty, the Independence demonstrated the depth of the roster with a solid defensive effort and a game-winning goal from Penn State alum, Joanna Lohman.

From the first whistle, the Independence showed their attacking prowess, creating several dangerous opportunities in the opening minutes of the match. The Independence finally struck in the 29th minute with a volleyed finish from Independence midfielder Joanna Lohman. Lyndsey Patterson demonstrated her quickness and skill on the outside, beating her defender and lofting a cross to Lohman, who buried it past the keeper. Last night’s game-winner marks Lohman’s third goal in four preseason matches for the Independence. Lohman and Patterson connected again just minutes after the goal, this time creating a dangerous chance for Patterson that was stopped with a spectacular save by the Penn State keeper.

The Independence entered halftime with a 1-0 lead, and both teams came out strong the second half. Both the Independence and Penn State focused on a more possession-oriented style of play and the teams battled in the middle-third of the field for much of the half. Holmfridur Magnusdottir provided a spark for the Independence on the left side, creating problems for the Penn State defense and sending two blistering shots just over the crossbar in the 70th and 84th minutes. Penn State turned up the pressure in the closing minutes of the match, with a dangerous opportunity in stoppage time that the team was unable to convert. Goalkeeper Val Henderson was a commanding presence in net, and the Independence were able to hold the 1-0 lead until the final whistle.

Last night’s contest was an important victory for the Independence in the last scrimmage before the team takes on Atlanta in the WPS Home Opener next weekend. Tickets for the April 11th inaugural Independence match are on sale at www.independencetix.com! Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of history and support the return of professional women’s soccer to Philadelphia!

(Boyds, MD) – March 27, 2010 – Today, the Philadelphia Independence battled the Washington Freedom to a 0-0 tie in its third preseason match of 2010. With windy, cold conditions the team, minus its US National Team players and a handful of international stars, traveled to Maryland for its final scrimmage before rosters are due to the league. This game marks the first time the Independence played a fellow WPS team.

Independence players Amy Rodriguez, Heather Mitts and Lori Lindsey did not join the squad on this trip as they are with the US Women’s National Team participating in exhibition matches against Mexico. International players Holmfridur Magnusdottir and Lianne Sanderson are also playing for their respective countries. Sanderson, who joined England last week for World Cup Qualifiers, already netted a goal and picked up an assist in her game against Austria.

“Obviously were missing a lot of our key players,” said General Manger Terry Foley. “But, this game provides our coaching staff an opportunity to give some other players a second look. We have some things to work on, but overall I’m pretty pleased with our play today.”

The Independence will solidify its final roster on March 31 before facing Penn State for its final preseason game on April 1 in Downingtown.

April 11 marks the opening of the Independence inaugural season when they take on WPS expansion team the Atlanta Beat. Get your tickets now! Single-game, group and season tickets are on sale now!. For package details visit www.wpsphillyindependence.com

By Charles Cuttone || PhillySoccerNews.com
Allison Falk might best be remembered as the first player to score a goal in Women’s Professional Soccer. She did it in the league opener last season, playing for the Los Angeles Sol, but that was a year and a coast ago. Falk, a defender by trade, was traded to the Philadelphia Independence before the Sol folded.

“It’s definitely a transition,” said Falk on a cold windy day at the team’s United Sports Training Center practice facility. “Even just going from California to Pennsylvania, I am a California girl. But I have definitely loved it so far.”

A Stanford grad, Falk said the biggest adjustment has not been the weather, especially since the winter temperatures have started abating and the snow has melted.

“It’s just getting used to a whole new team and a whole new coaching staff and playing with different girls out there on the field,” she said.

Falk played in 16 of the Sol’s 20 games last season. The first goal in the team’s season-opening 2-0 win over the Washington Freedom, was her only point of the season. The team went wire to wire in first place, before falling in the championship game to Sky Blue FC.

“It definitely was disappointing, we couldn’t get to win the championship in the last game,” she said. “We had a great year. We only lost 3-4 games all year.”

Perhaps more disappointing for Falk was that the Sol folded after the season, although she had already been traded to the Independence, along with goalkeeper Val Henderson, in exchange for Philly’s first round pick (5th overall) and its third round pick (22nd overall) in the 2010 WPS Draft.

“You don’t want to see a team not succeed in the league,” she said. “We have other great strong teams, with good owners and strong backing. Hopefully they’ll come back.”

Falk thinks the Independence is starting to gel, especially after all the national team players arrived in camp last week. “I really think we are starting to feel each other out, and how everyone is playing and getting a sense of where we are. We had people coming in gradually, so we don’t really have quite the whole team feel yet. It’s going to be a challenge.”

At Stanford, the Pleasanton, Calif. native was honored the by Pac-10 Conference in each of her four seasons. She was named to the league All-Freshman team, then in succeeding seasons, was a second team, honorable mention and second team selection.

A four year letter-winner at San Ramon Valley High school, Falk was the California High School Sports North Coast Section Player of the Year in 2004 and led her school back-to-back league championships in 2003 and 2004, as well as the NCS finals in `04. She also won two letters in track. While she graduated from Stanford with a degree in American studies, her passions are outdoors, including wakeboarding and waterskiing.

While she’s at home on the soccer field getting photographed by sports photographers, you might also find her on the other side of a camera lens.

“I took three years of photography,” she said. “I studied abroad in Florence my junior year in college and I took black and white photography there. It was exciting to capture the cities and towns there.”

With just over two weeks until the inaugural home-opener, the time to declare your Independence is now!

Still unsure of what your ever-changing schedule is going to look like a month from now? Can’t make it to all the games but still want to show your Philly pride? A Flex plan is the perfect solution!

The Independence Flex Plan allows fans the ability to customize their own ticket packages! Fans can purchase vouchers for ANY combination of games or attendees and redeem them at the Independence box office on the day of the game. Flex plans can be purchased in packs of 12 or 20!

Flex Plan Details:

• Independence Flex Plans are $250 for twenty (20) undated ticket vouchers, or $175 for twelve (12) undated vouchers.
• Use as many or as few as you please at any regular season home game in 2010.
• Vouchers can be redeemed at the stadium Box Office for General Admission seating, subject to availability, on the day of game only.
• Flex Packs will be available for shipping at an additional cost of $5.00.

Please call the Independence at 1-877-WPS-PHIL or visit www.independencetix.com.

The Philadelphia Independence is pleased to announce that its Club Affiliate Program was strengthened today with the additions of two of the largest soccer clubs in the area. The team signed Spirit United Soccer Club and West Chester United Soccer Club to the franchise’s growing affiliate list. “These two club partnerships are very important to us,” said General Manager Terry Foley. “Both club organizations are right here in our backyard and we truly value the opportunity to get involved with all of their teams, coaches, and players, all of whom are such a huge part of the local soccer community.”

Spirit United, a prominent member of EPYSA, consists of boys and girls travel teams that compete in the Delco Soccer and Philadelphia Area Girls Soccer (PAGS) leagues. The SUSC soccer program is designed to develop players to their greatest potential by focusing on top quality instruction and training and exposure to top level competition. “Having female role models at United Sports on a daily basis will greatly benefit our female athletes and club as a whole,” said Spirit President Dave Hatt. “To have some of the best female soccer players in the world playing at our home will have a tremendous impact on our club and community.”

West Chester United Soccer Club, founded in 1976, is a full service soccer club that provides all levels of play from recreation to premier for the club’s 3,400 youth members, as well as competitive leagues for over 300 adult players. “West Chester United is very excited to partner with the Independence,’ said WCUSC Administrator Damon Nolan. “It’s a natural fit for us. We are looking forward to having our young girls and boys inspired by seeing the highest level of women’s soccer played up close.”

The Philadelphia Independence Club Affiliate Program is an opportunity for all local clubs to take advantage of having a Women’s Professional Soccer team in Philadelphia. Through player appearances, discount ticketing, in-game opportunities and group night, local clubs have an opportunity to showcase their organization, while exposing their players to the top women’s talent in the world. For more information on how your club can get involved, call 1-877-WPS-PHIL or visit www.wpsphillyindependence.com/club-affiliate-program. The Philadelphia Independence opens up its season on April 11 at 6pm against the Atlanta Beat. To find out how you can be part of history, purchase (link to ticket page) your ticket to the inaugural game today!

Downingtown, PA – Sunshine and a sellout crowd filled the stands at United Sports in Downingtown as the Philadelphia Independence faced the University of North Carolina in a preseason game featuring Independence scores by Lyndsey Patterson, Karina Maruyama, and Joanna Lohman. The team, with its preseason roster of 24 players, stepped out onto the field at United Sports to a sold-out crowd of over 1,100 fans in a match that ended 3-0 in favor of the hometown team.

The Independence came out strong dominating play in the first half with numerous shots on goal and many more looks in front of the net. Defender Holmfridur Magnusdottir was able to break out from the back several times and spark the attack on the left side of the field. Midfielders Lori Lindsey and Caroline Seger stood out from the pack with their presence and leadership in the midfield. It was just a matter of time before the Independence finished. Poised for attack, forward Lyndsey Patterson, off a good feed from the midfield, broke into the box in the 41st minute and put one past Carolina keeper to tally the team’s first goal.

“I was really excited,” said Lyndsey Patterson. “So excited I wanted to jump into the crowd! It’s such a great opportunity for me to be on the field for the Independence, and when I scored that goal I knew that more would be coming from my teammates tonight.”

Coach Riley made substitutions in the second half, giving players a chance to show their talents in rotation. One such substitution, Japanese forward Karina Maruyama, in the 22nd minute of the second half, did just that. Using her lightening fast speed, Maruyama was able to break through three UNC defenders and put one in the back of the net. Three minutes later, Independence midfielder Joanna Lohman netted the team’s third and final goal of the game with a well-placed ball from 16 yards out.

The Independence will have two more scrimmages during its 2010 preseason, including a match against the Washington Freedom on Saturday, March 27, and against Penn State on April 1.

The Independence will open its inaugural season on April 11 against the other WPS expansion team the Atlanta Beat at 6pm. Single-game, group and season tickets are now on sale for the 2010 season. For package details and a seating chart, visit www.wpsphillyindependence.com

Philadelphia, PA (March 19, 2010) – The Philadelphia Independence strengthened its preseason roster in preparation for Saturday’s exhibition scrimmage against the NCAA Women’s National Champion, University of North Carolina at 3PM at United Sports in Downingtown. In preparation for the April 1 final roster cuts to a squad of 18 players, the Independence released two players and added to its roster College of William & Mary standout, 2010 College Draftee, and local soccer star, Dani Collins. The team also added to its preseason roster former Wake Forest Captain and midfielder, Amy Smerdzinski. With these changes, the following players are on the Philadelphia Independence 2010 preseason roster:

In addition to the March 20 game against UNC at United Sports, the Independence will travel to the Maryland SoccerPlex on March 27 to face the Washington Freedom, and are back at United Sports for the team’s final exhibition match on April 1 against Penn State University. See www.wpsphillyindependence.com for all the preseason events, including autograph and affiliate club nights at the team’s United Sports home. All regular and preseason game tickets are on sale now at www.independencetix.com!

About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)
Headquartered in San Francisco, Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is the world’s premier soccer league for women with eight teams across the United States featuring the best players from around the world. In 2010, eight teams will each play 24-game schedules from April 10-September 12 including six original WPS teams – Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Gold Pride (Bay Area), Saint Louis Athletica, Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY) and Washington Freedom – and two expansion teams Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence. The top four finishers in the regular season will qualify for the 2010 WPS Playoffs scheduled for September 19-26. For more information, visit the WPS official website at www.womensprosoccer.com or follow all the news at www.twitter.com/womensprosoccer.

Philadelphia, PA (March 15, 2010) – The Philadelphia Independence released its 24-player roster today after two hard weeks of preseason camp. The team will continue its two-a-day sessions at United Sports Training Facility making preseason player movements until April 1st when the 18-player roster is announced. Players trying out for roster spots will have an opportunity to showcase their skills in three upcoming exhibition matches, including this Saturday at 3PM when the Independence hosts the NCAA Women’s National Champion, University of North Carolina.

According to Head Coach Paul Riley, “I think the squad has great balance between quality experienced players and dynamic youthful talent. We have a solid foundation to build from and with the clock ticking towards opening day it is essential the 24 players chosen stay healthy and continue to mesh together both on and off the field. Training sessions have been fantastic and despite some poor weather conditions the players have performed exceptionally well in training and the fitter we get the more confident we become individually and collectively.”

The following players are on the Philadelphia Independence 24-player preseason roster:

In addition to the March 20 game against UNC at United Sports, the Independence will travel to the Maryland SoccerPlex on March 27 to face the Washington Freedom, and are back at United Sports for the team’s final exhibition match on April 1 against Penn State University. See www.wpsphillyindependence.com for all the preseason events, including autograph and affiliate club nights at the team’s United Sports home. All regular and preseason game tickets are on sale now at www.independencetix.com!

About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)
Headquartered in San Francisco, Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is the world’s premier soccer league for women with eight teams across the United States featuring the best players from around the world. In 2010, eight teams will each play 24-game schedules from April 10-September 12 including six original WPS teams – Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Gold Pride (Bay Area), Saint Louis Athletica, Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY) and Washington Freedom – and two expansion teams Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence. The top four finishers in the regular season will qualify for the 2010 WPS Playoffs scheduled for September 19-26. For more information, visit the WPS official website at www.womensprosoccer.com or follow all the news at www.twitter.com/womensprosoccer.

The Philadelphia Independence today announced game-day details for its first preseason match of 2010 at United Sports, against the University of North Carolina.

UNC, the 2009 women’s soccer NCAA champions, will travel north to face the Independence at United Sports in Downingtown on Saturday March 20, at 3pm. Attendance for the preseason match is limited to 1,000 tickets, which are in high demand. The $10 tickets can be purchased in advance at www.independencetix.com. Purchasers of season tickets will be admitted free. Fans will have the opportunity to meet the players and get autographs following the match.

“Obviously, this is a match we are really looking forward to,” said Independence head coach Paul Riley. “UNC is the best team in college soccer right now and we value the opportunity to compete against them during our preseason camp. It will be a high-intensity match and I know we’ll walk away learning a lot about our team after this showing.”

The Independence has been in camp for two full weeks and are set to make its league-required cuts to 24 players on March 15. “Our team will really start to take shape with this first round of roster decisions,” says Riley. “By the time we play Carolina, the coaching staff will have a pretty good idea of what our final team will look like, which is very exciting.”

Earlier this week, United States National Team players and international stars arrived at Independence training camp. Today, Icelandic midfielder Holmfridur Magnusdottir and Japanese forward Karina Maruyama joined the team.

Stay tuned for all the team’s player news, roster cuts, and community events by visiting www.wpsphillyindependence.com.