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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.