Team Strengthens Franchise Future with Veteran Presence

Reserve Your Tickets Now to be There to Welcome Her Back to Philly!

The Philadelphia Independence is pleased to announce the signing of US Women’s National Team player, Heather Mitts, to a three-year contract. “This is a huge accomplishment for our franchise,” says Independence Owner David Halstead. “Heather is an accomplished athlete, a team leader, and an exemplary role model for youth. She is committed to helping the WPS and team connect to the Philly communities and we are proud to have her on board for the next several years as we grow and move forward.”
Mitts was signed by the Independence from free agency. Prior to entering free agency, Mitts played with the Boston Breakers for the inaugural WPS season in 2009. During her time with the Breakers she played in 19 matches, primarily at left back. No stranger to Philadelphia, Mitts was selected in the second round of the WUSA draft by the Philadelphia Charge in 2001. For the Charge she started all 51 games over three seasons, helping the club to the WUSA playoffs in the first two years. Mitts was also a WUSA All-Star in 2003.

“I am very excited to sign on with Philadelphia and I’m committed, just like the rest of the Independence staff and players, to make this franchise flourish,” said Mitts. “Philadelphia is a great city with such passionate sports fans. Our team has a very talented group of players, many of whom I’ve either played with, or against, at one point during my career. I’m really looking forward to the start of the season. It’s going to be a great few years!”

Mitts was an All American at the University of Florida and the school’s all-time leader in games played (95), starts (94) and minutes played (7,547). In 1999, she helped the Gators to their first and only NCAA Championship.

During this preseason period, the Independence is busy signing other players as well. The team has signed multi-year contracts with Swedish National Team Captain Caroline Seger, and Icelandic National Team player Holmfrider Magnusdottir.

The Philadelphia Independence host its inaugural match on April 11th against the Atlanta Beat. Call 1-877-WPS-PHIL or visit www.independencetix.com to reserve your seats today!

“We’re excited to have these players in market,” said General Manager Terry Foley. “They are such talented athletes and having them on the field will challenge their teammates and really raise the level of play on the field.”

Heather Mitts is no stranger to Philadelphia. Mitts, who played for the Philadelphia Charge from 2001 to 2003, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the 25th American to earn her 100th career cap with the United States Women’s National Team. Last year, Mitts was a starting defender with the Boston Breakers, playing 19 matches in the 2009 season.

“I’m excited to return to the place where I began my career,” said Heather Mitts. “Philly and the fans embraced us then (with the Charge) and I know they will now. We have a strong core group of players and I’m excited to see the product Paul Riley puts out there on the field!”

These players are coming into preseason, one week behind the rest of team, after returning from their call ups with their respective countries for the Algarve and Cyprus Cups. Today, players observed training sessions, participated in team meetings, and completed physicals and paperwork.

Over the next few weeks, the coaching staff will continue to evaluate players and the 2010 final roster will take shape. Coach Riley is looking to cut down the final roster to 18 plus four optional developmental players by the time the Independence leaves for Washington in its preseason match on March 27.

The Independence is currently gearing up for its preseason match on March 20 against the University of North Carolina at United Sports in Downingtown. For more information on the Independence’s action-packed preseason schedule, including autograph sessions and affiliate meet-and-greet opportunities, visit www.wpsphillyindependence.com. All regular and preseason game tickets are on sale now at www.independencetix.com!

The team’s next preseason game will be against the University of North Carolina on March 20, at Philadelphia’s training facility, United Sports in Downingtown, PA. For ticket information, please visit, www.independencetix.com.

ISI Photos | Leslie Benedict

Women’s Pro Team Superstars and WNT Players Arrive Monday at United Sports Facility

Philadelphia, PA (March 5, 2010) – The Philadelphia Independence today announced its 2010 preseason roster. Many Independence players have already been on the field at the team’s United Sports training home, and those players will be joined by the Independence US National Team players and international players that are returning from the Algarve Cup and Cyprus Cup. There will be 27 players in camp on March 8 looking to make the team’s inaugural roster. On March 16, the Independence will trim down to 24 players, and on April 1 the final roster of 18 players will be announced. The following players are on the Philadelphia Independence preseason roster:

Philadelphia also announced its preseason exhibition game schedule. The Independence will host two games at United Sports; March 20 against the University of North Carolina and April 1 against Penn State University. Philadelphia will travel to the Maryland SoccerPlex on March 27 to face the Washington Freedom. 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 –  The Philadelphia Independence today announced its partnership with the Delaware Youth Soccer Association (DYSA).

“DYSA is well known in the region for its commitment to youth soccer and player development, as well as its dedication to coaching education,” said General Manager Terry Foley. “Through our relationship with DYSA, we look forward to growing the sport of soccer in Delaware and the surrounding areas.”

The Delaware Youth Soccer Association is responsible for several youth soccer programs throughout Delaware, including the National Championships Series State Cup and the President’s Cup. DYSA also administers the state’s Olympic Development Program.

“This partnership will give our players local soccer stars that they can look up to,” said DYSA President Laura Sturdivant. “Having women’s soccer back in Philadelphia will give our local female soccer players the opportunity to have a team that they can call they own.”

As part of the partnership, DYSA members will have access to Independence players at joint club events, and will receive Independence support in outreach efforts throughout the year. Similarly, DYSA will provide the Independence with ticketing support aimed at growing the women’s professional game at the local, regional and national levels.

With the recent announcement of the 2010 Independence schedule, all regular season game tickets are on sale now, learn more about the Philadelphia Independence by clicking here now!   Purchase seasons, groups, or single game tickets today 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!

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. WPS completed its inaugural season in August 2009 as Sky Blue FC of New Jersey became the first-ever WPS Champions. 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. For more information visit the WPS official website at www.womensprosoccer.com.

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!

It seems real now. Philadelphia independence coach Paul Riley conducted his first day of preseason camp on Monday, putting 21 players through their paces at the United Sports Training Center in Downingtown.

“It was nice to get all the players, dressed the same, on the field,” said Riley of the first day’s practice, which consisted of paperwork, medical tests and on-field work. The team will continue two-a-day workouts until the season starts in April. The team will get their first chance to show off against an opponent in less than a week, when they head up the turnpike to face Rutgers at 5:30.

“It was nice to finally get on the field and start plotting,” said Riley. “Six weeks to opening day and start plotting what kind of lineups we’re going to have.”

The opening of camp actually left Riley with somewhat of a depleted roster, since ten of the team’s players are with their national teams.

“Even though we’ve got ten away, at the Cyprus Cup and the Algarve Cup, there was a lot of talent there,” said Riley.

Riley already likes what he sees.

“They showed some talent today,” he said. “ I am actually happy with some of the young kids we brought in. Jen Buczkowski was probably the best player on the field today. I though she was excellent. She’s smooth on the ball, she’s clever. Holds the position really well. I can see her, Seger and Lori Lindsey being one great midfield.

“Val Henderson was excellent,” Riley continued. “Malorie Rutledge looked good today. Carrie Patterson, who we got from Atlanta, she’s another very, very good player.

Sarah Senty was solid. Nikki Krystic and Allison Falk from the under-23 national team did very well too.”

While pointing out that the players still don’t know each their very well, the entire training camp will be a learning process for all involved.

“I’ve got five-six weeks of preseason to get to know them. If I can get to know what makes them click and what makes them tick, then we’ll all be better for it.”

This week also will give Riley an indication of what kind of depth he has on the team, since he is minus almost an entire starting lineup because of national team duty.

“They’ve got a chance to show this week before we bring the big guns in on Monday,” he said of the players who are currently in camp. “If they can’t cut it in this group, then they’re not going to be able to cut it when we bring the ten internationals back.”

Riley exuded a tremendous amount of enthusiasm, something he says is permeating the entire organization.

“First day, I’m very excited,” he said. ” I think (owner) Dave (Halstead) and (General Manager) Terry (Foley) were even more excited because they’ve been here since day one. To see it come to fruition was fantastic for those guys.”

Riley is looking forward to continuing training and to the start of the team’s inaugural season, which opens at John A. Farrell Stadium at West Chester University against the Atlanta Beat on April 11.

“I can’t wait for tomorrow,” said Riley “The night can’t go fast enough. I think it’s that kind of enthusiasm – the whole group is excited.”

Starting an expansion team presents a whole lot of challenges, from putting players togrther to selling tickets and sponsorships, but Riley says it goes even beyond that for the first group of players and coaches.

“It’s an expansion team. Everything we do will set the tone for every Philly team that will come after it,” he said. “Whether it be the song that we have in the locker room, or a chat that we have before the game, whether it be something that we do as a group. Whatever it is it’s going to be something every team, hopefully 10 -15 years from now, will do. We’re going to set the culture of the team, hopefully for a long time.”

That time started on Monday.

PHILADELPHIA, PA (February 28, 2010) The Philadelphia Independence further strengthened its roster talent this week with the signings of Japanese National Team star Karina Maruyama and top WPS College Draft Pick, Malorie Rutledge. The addition of Maruyama and Rutledge should make the Independence offense one of the toughest in the WPS, and both players are expected to play important roles for the team this season.

Karina Maruyama is a current member of the Japanese Women’s National Team and is widely considered one of the most dangerous attackers in the country. After starring in the U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2002, Maruyama earned a spot on the Full National Team to represent Japan at the 2003 FIFA World Cup. Maruyama competed with Japan again in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, appearing in every match for her country in both tournaments. In 2005, Maruyama joined Tepco Marezee, a club in Japan’s Nadeshiko League, and was named Rookie of the Year after scoring 22 goals in 17 games. She has continued to be one of the most dominant players in the league and is an outstanding addition to the Independence for the 2010 WPS season.

“Karina is a top notch player with skill, great one on one ability, and a hunger for goals,” says Independence Head Coach Paul Riley. “She is a fantastic creator and we have high expectations that she will settle in and have a tremendous first season in WPS. Karina has played on the highest stage and has been successful at club and International level.”

Malorie Rutledge, the Independence’s #1 selection in the 2010 WPS College Draft, officially signed her first professional contract with the team last week. Rutledge, who finished her college career in 2009 as the most decorated player in Louisiana State University Women’s Soccer history, is expected to play an important role for the Independence this season. As one of the most dynamic players in college soccer this year, Malorie wrapped up her career as LSU’s all-time leader in assists and points scored, tallying 28 goals and 46 assists over her four years. From 2007-2009, Malorie was a three-time All-American and three-time First-Team All-SEC selection. In addition, she was named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List in 2008 and 2009.

Paul Riley believes Malorie’s college success will transfer to the next level. “Malorie is one of the most exciting young prospects in WPS. She has quick, electrifying skills and the ability to turn any game in an instant. Malorie has all the attributes of a true creator and I think she will cause major problems for our opponents. She’s brilliant around the net and has a great hunger for playing. I expect her to break our very talented lineup, and her charismatic ability will make her a fan favorite.”

Rutledge and Maruyama will join 26 other players at Independence preseason training camp in March to begin preparing for the inaugural game on April 11th. The Independence will take on fellow expansion team Atlanta Beat in the home opener at West Chester University’s John A. Farrell Stadium. “We continue to build an outstanding roster as we lead up to opening day,” says General Manager Terry Foley. “Maruyama and Rutledge are top-notch players who will provide great depth to our front line. We are excited to have them officially on board with the Independence, and we look forward to seeing them on the field representing Philadelphia.”

For more information about the Independence roster, packed preseason schedule of events, and official 2010 game schedule visit www.wpsphillyindependence.com.

About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)
Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is the premier women’s soccer league in the world and the global standard by which women’s professional sports are measured. The Inaugural Season kicked off in March 2009 with seven 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 and nine franchises, Philadelphia and Atlanta, will begin play in the 2010 WPS Season, which kicks-off March 2010. For more information and tickets, visit www.womensprosoccer.com.

WPS Team to Host Two Preseason Exhibition Games and Player Autograph Sessions at Its United Sports Training Home Starting in March

PHILADELPHIA, PA (February 25, 2010) – The Philadelphia Independence is gearing up for its first season of play in the WPS, and the team’s preseason schedule of events leading up to opening day is packed with exciting opportunities for fans to watch team practices and interact with players. The preseason pool of 28 players begins arriving in market on March 1, excluding the handful of National team players that are competing with their respective countries at the Algarve Cup International Tournament. These players arrive in camp a week later. To officially welcome the team to the area, the Independence has scheduled a media day and autograph session at United Sports in Downingtown on March 11th for Club Affiliate members, business partners, and fans.

For those who can’t make the 11th, there are a few other opportunities scheduled during preseason for fans to interact with the players. Additional Meet-and-Greet fan and media sessions are scheduled from 3:30-5:00pm on March 18th and 25th and April 8th. Each of these Thursday afternoon dates corresponds with important milestones in the Independence preseason; the 18th is shortly after the first preseason cuts are made, reducing the roster to 24 players, March 25th follows the first preseason match, and April 8th is just three days prior to the Home Opener against Atlanta. All the fan sessions will be held after team practices at United Sports in Downingtown, and will give Independence supporters a chance to get to know their team off the field.

“One of the major things that sets this league apart from other professional sports organizations is how accessible these athletes are to the fans and how connected the whole organization is to the city” says Owner David Halstead. “These players are not only superior athletes, but are role models that kids can relate to, and they want to be involved with the youth that look up to them. Over the course of the preseason and season, we want to continue to connect with the area’s soccer club affiliates and other supporters in the community, which is why we’ve opened up our United Sports home to the fans.”

More good news for soccer fanatics is the announcement of two home preseason exhibition matches in addition to the 24 regular season games. The Independence will host two exhibition games at United Sports against top college programs to help prepare for the season and will also travel to play a friendly match with fellow WPS team, Washington Freedom. The Independence will first take the field together on Saturday March 20th at 3pm against women’s college soccer powerhouse University of North Carolina. A week later the Independence will travel to Washington to compete against the Freedom, who were strong contenders in last year’s WPS playoff race. The final preseason game will be played at United Sports on Thursday April 1st at 7:30pm against the Penn State Nittany Lions and will be the last opportunity for the Independence to compete together before the season kickoff.

Preseason game tickets are just $10 and available on the Independence ticketing website, but the presale will be limited to 1000 fans. Additionally, all fans who have purchased season tickets prior to March 20th are rewarded with two bonus matches, as season ticket holders will be admitted free of charge to both preseason games. Season ticket holders must present valid ID at gate for admission.

Independence Preseason Schedule Highlights

During the six week preseason, the Independence will be training long hours nearly every day, but will also have some fun in the process! On March 22nd the Independence players will get a real taste of Philadelphia in a team bus tour around the city, stopping at all the hotspots to experience everything the city has to offer. The rigors of training camp will also be broken up with team and media orientations, team and sponsor receptions, photos and publicity sessions, and even a spa visit for the players.

Independence preseason is an important time for the team to prepare for the rapidly approaching season, get acclimated to the area, and begin forming connections in the community. There will be several great opportunities for fans to get involved with the Independence, meet the players, and begin supporting the Independence as the team gears up for its inaugural season!

Visit www.independencetix.com to capitalize on a great opportunity to see the team compete before the season begins! Stay connected for more information on upcoming Independence events, player signings during preseason, and a full season game schedule at www.wpsphillyindependence.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. WPS completed its inaugural season in August 2009 as Sky Blue FC of New Jersey became the first-ever WPS Champions. 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. For more information visit the WPS official website at www.womensprosoccer.com.

Preseason kicks off next week, and fans can hear Nikki weigh in on her feelings heading into the season, the upcoming month of Independence training, and her recent invite to the Full Women’s National Team training camp.

Get an Independence player’s perspective by submitting your questions to info@wpsphillyindependence.com, on our Facebook page, or via Twitter (@wpsphilly2010) prior to Thursday night’s live interview!

To listen to the audio from Nikki’s interview, click here: Nikki Krzysik Interview