Three Philadelphia Independence Players Called into U-23 National Team Camp

Henderson, Falk, and Krzysik to Participate in Training Camp at Home Depot Center This Week

U-23 National Team Head Coach Bill Irwin has invited three Philadelphia Independence players to a Training Camp in Carson, California this week. Val Henderson, Allison Falk, and Nikki Krzysik, all current members of the Independence roster, will participate in the week-long camp at the Home Depot Center with eight other WPS players and thirteen college players. Krzysik and Henderson have both played in Youth National Team World Cups, while Falk is a newcomer to the National Team scene. Falk earned the call up after starting sixteen games for the LA Sol this past WPS season, anchoring the back line for the regular season champs. “We are very excited to see our players earning such high recognition” said General Manager Terry Foley. “It will be a great opportunity for them to compete with and against some of the top players in the country, and it is always beneficial for the Independence to have our players training at such a high level.”

There is a three day overlap between the U-23 camp and the Full Women’s National Team training camp, which will allow US Head Coach Pia Sundhage and her staff the opportunity to evaluate the younger players in a competitive environment, while also giving the U-23’s a chance to compete with and against the full WNT players. “This will be a great training camp for both the players and coaches,” said U-23 Coach Bill Irwin. “The WPS players will get the chance to get in some excellent training in a team environment, the college players will get the chance to test themselves against players who have one year of experience in the pro league and the coaches for both the U-23s and the full National Team will get to see how the players measure up to full national team players who have won a lot of games internationally for our country.” Falk, Henderson and Krzysik will run into Independence teammates, Heather Mitts, Amy Rodriguez and Lori Lindsey, who are all currently training at the Home Depot Center with the Full Team.

“It is fantastic to watch some of our younger players establish themselves at the National level” says GM Foley. “Having three Independence players at U-23 camp, in addition to having three Independence players at a Full Team camp, really speaks to the high caliber talent that we have coming to Philadelphia next season. We wish all of our players the best of luck and hope they have a great experience out in California!”

Stay tuned for more player news and updates in the upcoming months as the Independence gears up for the 2010 season!

Feature . Players