Philadelphia Independence and Swedish Soccer Star Caroline Seger Agree to Contract Terms
Philadelphia’s New Women’s Pro Soccer Team Agrees To Terms For 3-Year Deal With Swedish National Team Captain Caroline Seger
PHILADELPHIA, PA (October 9, 2009) The Philadelphia Independence is pleased to announce that it has agreed to contract terms with Caroline Seger, Sweden’s National Team Captain and Midfield Superstar. Final steps in the contract approval process will be completed in the next few weeks in plenty of time for Seger’s first visit to the team’s United Sports Training Center facility later this year. “This is a huge accomplishment for our franchise,” says Independence President/CEO David Halstead. “There aren’t many athletes in the world that perform at Caroline Seger’s level. We’re proud she will be in Philly and happy that our fans will enjoy her presence on the field and in the community.”
Seger is recognized as one of the top female soccer players in the world. Since making her international debut with the Swedish National Team in 2005, Seger has continued to perform exceptionally well for Sweden, now boasting an impressive 47 caps and 4 goals. Her talent and quality play helped Sweden qualify for the 2007 FIFA World Cup, where she performed remarkably.
Seger represented her country again in the 2008 Olympic Games, leading her team to the quarter-finals before being knocked out by Germany. She has also been a crucial player and captain for her Swedish 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. Seger was honored as the Damallsvenskan Rookie of the Year in 2005 and Midfielder of the Year in 2006. A native of Helsingborg, Sweden, Seger is admired by teammates and coaches for her work ethic, positive attitude, and unmatched passion for the game. Philadelphia fans will appreciate Seger’s combination of skill and high-intensity play.
Reached for comment in Sweden, Seger said, “I am very happy to have agreed to [contract] terms with the Philadelphia Independence. It is extremely exciting to have been selected No. 1 in the International Draft, and know that next year I will be playing in one of, if not the best, leagues in the world against players such as Marta, Christine Sinclair, Kelly Smith, and Abby Wambach. Also, I have heard great things about Philadelphia as a city, the connection to Sweden is a bonus, and the way the organization handles things is impressive. I look forward to putting on the Independence jersey along with my teammates and go out and represent the Independence, the community, and the fans.”
General Manager Terry Foley and Head Coach Paul Riley were both impressed with Seger’s performance in the European Championships and agree that she will be a key figure in building a winning tradition for the Independence. Says GM Foley, “Caroline Seger is an exceptional young player who I believe will be a star in WPS next year. She is a very talented athlete 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.”
This agreement to contract terms, as well as all the other draft, trade, and free agency player activities currently underway provide exciting times for the Philadelphia Independence organization. Look for much more good news regarding player signings and stay connected as the team’s ticketing programs, youth development events, and community outreach activities pick up steam toward our 2010 season kick-off. Visit www.wpsphillyindependence.com.
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