Kevin Albertina, lead writer at Women's Soccer Weekly, published a 2010 WPS Mock Draft as the real draft begins tomorrow at 10am in Philadelphia.
1. Atlanta-Tobin Heath, MF, North Carolina…..While Atlanta needs defenders, they won’t be able to pass up the most talented player in the draft. A player you can build a team around and will make her teammates better.
2. Boston-Lauren Cheney, F, UCLA….Another team that needs defense, but Cheney is too good to pass on. Strong player and can get off a shot in tight space. Composed. Equally adept at shooting or passing. A lot of National Team experience.
3. FC Gold Pride-Kelley O’Hara, Stanford…..Gold Pride needs a scoring punch and O’Hara should pair well with Sinclair. Fast and tenacious. A born scorer who can also set up others.
4. Chicago-Casey Nogueira, F, North Carolina…..Chicago also needs scoring and Nogueira fits. One of the greatest clutch scorers in college soccer. The only thing lacking is consistency.
5. Los Angeles-Whitney Engen, D, North Carolina…..With Falk and Franko gone, LA needs a central defender and there is none better than Engen. Determined defender and tackler in the mode of Rachel Buehler.
6. Sky Blue FC-Brittany Taylor, D, Connecticut…..Sky Blue will need a central defender that can step right in for Rampone and Asante. Taylor is a tough central defender and also has played with Sky Blue’s W-League affiliate which could be a key here as well.
7. Washington-Ali Riley, D, Stanford…..The Freedom need to shore up their defense and Riley will help. Very good defensively, but can be an offensive threat on forward runs as well.
8. Los Angeles-Nikki Washington, MF, North Carolina…..With Abily gone, LA looks to Washington. Suffered an injury in the fall, but when healthy, she is one of the most exciting mids in women’s soccer. Very dangerous on the right side and can also play forward.
9. Los Angeles-Kaley Fountain, F/D, Wake Forest…..A versatile player who can play both ends of the field. 11 goals and 10 assists in her senior season at Wake. Perhaps, another Brittany Bock.
10. FC Gold Pride-Becky Edwards, MF/D, Florida State…..The best defensive mid in the draft. Can shut down good forwards. Sees the field and distributes well. Played defender most of career.
11. Boston-Nikki Marshall, F/D, Colorado…..Another versatile player who is a solid forward for Colorado. Can fill the need at defender as well. Started all 6 games for DiCicco in 2008 U-20 World Cup as a central defender.
12. FC Gold Pride-Kelsey Davis, GK, Portland…..A tough call between Davis or Naeher. Very athletic keeper in the mode of Hope Solo. Extensive junior national team experience. Career goals against under 0.45 at Portland.
13. Philadelphia-Katie Schoepfer, F, Penn State…..Philly needs a scorer and Schoepfer will provide that. Scored 9 goals in just 6 games for U-23 team in 2009. A good target forward.
14. Los Angeles-Gina DiMartino, F/MF, Boston College…..The Sol get their 2nd DiMartino in a week. Like her sister Tina, she has great with the ball at her feet and is an excellent passer.
15. Chicago-Alyssa Naeher, GK, Penn State-The Red Stars need a backup for Jonsson. Starting keeper for the 2008 U-20 World Cup champions. Decent size and excellent agility. Just called up to USWNT camp.
16. Boston-Ashlyn Harris, GK, North Carolina-Boston also needs a keeper and they get Harris. Aggressive keeper who shut out 5 opponents in 6 NCAA Tournament games in 2009.
17. Saint Louis-Kristi Eveland, D, North Carolina-Barcellos addresses playoff weakness against Sky Blue by getting a solid right back. Great speed and size and can be a weapon on corners with her heading ability.
18. Washington-Carolyn Blank, MF, West Virginia-A tough, aggressive defensive mid that will enable the Freedom to move Homare Sawa into the attack where she can be most effective.
19. Saint Louis-Kiersten Dallstream, F, Washington State-Athletica adds an offensive threat to team with Aluko and Edlund. Scored 13 goals and 7 assists for WSU in 2009. Versatile…played outside defender with 2008 U-20 team.
20. FC Gold Pride-Kat Reynolds, D/F, Santa Clara-Gold Pride gets another versatile player who can play several positions. Adds depth defensively for FCGP.
Note: Michelle Enyeart would have undoubtedly been a 1st round pick if it weren’t for her late season injury. I wasn’t sure whether any team will take a chance in the first two rounds on a player not likely to be able to play until June or July.
Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if Los Angeles packages a couple of their picks to move up.
Showing posts with label Women's Professional Soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Women's Professional Soccer. Show all posts
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Fruit and Free Kicks in Philly - Follow the PUMA match ball
Tomorrow at the NSCAA Convention in the City of Brotherly Love, PUMA will unveil the official 2010 WPS match ball. Keep an eye out, you never know where you will find it next.
Don't forget to keep clicking here to find out where the PUMA ball will end up next.
Don't forget to keep clicking here to find out where the PUMA ball will end up next.
The 2010 Puma WPS match ball to be unveiled at the NSCAA Soccer Convention on Thursday, January 14th
Keep updated on its journey to the convention by clicking here to find out where the Puma soccer ball is heading next...
Monday, June 15, 2009
Atlanta Women's Professional Soccer Team To Make Major Announcement
Looks like the WPS team in Atlanta is about to be launched...
WHO:
Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin
Atlanta Women’s Professional Soccer Team Owner Fitz Johnson
Women’s Professional Soccer Commissioner Tonya Antonucci
Atlanta City Council President Lisa Borders
Atlanta Sports Council President Gary Stokan
WHAT:
Johnson and Antonucci will make a major announcement about Atlanta’s Women’s Professional Soccer team, which will begin play in 2010, as the league’s ninth team.
Borders and Stokan will make remarks about the team’s impact on the Atlanta community. Speakers will be available for one-on-one interviews and a special photo opportunity
WHEN:
Thursday, June 18, 2009 – 11 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.
WHERE:
Metro Atlanta Chamber
235 International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
http://www.metroatlantachamber.com/
WHO:
Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin
Atlanta Women’s Professional Soccer Team Owner Fitz Johnson
Women’s Professional Soccer Commissioner Tonya Antonucci
Atlanta City Council President Lisa Borders
Atlanta Sports Council President Gary Stokan
WHAT:
Johnson and Antonucci will make a major announcement about Atlanta’s Women’s Professional Soccer team, which will begin play in 2010, as the league’s ninth team.
Borders and Stokan will make remarks about the team’s impact on the Atlanta community. Speakers will be available for one-on-one interviews and a special photo opportunity
WHEN:
Thursday, June 18, 2009 – 11 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.
WHERE:
Metro Atlanta Chamber
235 International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
http://www.metroatlantachamber.com/
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Women's Professional Soccer: First-Half Eleven
Women's Soccer Weekly has a link to my article at Goal.com where I list the starting eleven from the first half of the season. Read On -- WPS: My First-Half Eleven
Friday, May 29, 2009
WSW Links
Two solid links from the morning...
- Ella Masar of the Chicago Red Stars speaks with Jared Montz. Quality. -- Read On -- JMS Podcast Interview w/ Chicago Red Stars’ Ella Masar
- AZ women also win Dutch Eredivisie -- Read On -- AZ women ensure Eredivisie double
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
TTI -- 5/26
Newest installment of Tuesday Throw-Ins at Goal.com -- Tuesday Throw-Ins: Round One To The USA But Canada Is Closing The Gap
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
WPS Talk -- 5/5/09
Goal.com with some WPS notes -- Read On -- Tuesday Throw-Ins: Sky Blue FC Yet To Deliver Goals and Canales Daily: Ruthless Is One Thing, Reckless Another
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Boston Breakers' Amy Rodriguez Profile at Goal.com
Here is my profile of Boston Breakers forward Amy Rodriguez. Found at Goal.com...
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
WPS Inaugural Event for Chicago Red Stars Fans
Soccer City FC readers in the ChiTown area.... The Chicago Red Stars will be hosting an event on Sunday at The Globe Pub.
Time: March 29, 2009 from 4pm to 8pm
Location: The Globe Pub
Organized By: Chicago Red Stars
Event Description:The Chicago Red Stars will be at the Globe Pub this Sunday at 4 pm for the WPS Inaugural Match, LA Sol vs. Washington Freedom.
Join Red Stars players, Coaches, Executives and Staff for a pregame celebration at 4 pm. Kickoff will be at 5 pm.
The Red Stars will be raffling off prizes throughout the game, as well giving away special Red Stars items and free t-shirts, courtesy of Chicago Soccer.
Time: March 29, 2009 from 4pm to 8pm
Location: The Globe Pub
Organized By: Chicago Red Stars
Event Description:The Chicago Red Stars will be at the Globe Pub this Sunday at 4 pm for the WPS Inaugural Match, LA Sol vs. Washington Freedom.
Join Red Stars players, Coaches, Executives and Staff for a pregame celebration at 4 pm. Kickoff will be at 5 pm.
The Red Stars will be raffling off prizes throughout the game, as well giving away special Red Stars items and free t-shirts, courtesy of Chicago Soccer.
WPS Rosters Announced for 2009 Opening Day
From the WPS press release:
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (March 25, 2009) - March 25 was the final day for teams to report their Opening Day rosters, which are a maximum of 18 players on each team’s roster + 4 developmental players. Several of the big names from the 1999 World Cup team made WPS squads, including Kristine Lilly (Boston Breakers), Briana Scurry (Washington Freedom), Brandi Chastain (FC Gold Pride) and Tiffeny Milbrett (FC Gold Pride). Not surprisingly, among colleges, the University of North Carolina led all schools with 12 former players landing a place on WPS rosters or developmental slots. Notre Dame placed nine players in the league for Opening Day.
A total of nine countries will be represented on WPS opening day rosters. Along with the Americans, players are coming from Brazil (9), Canada (6), Australia (5), England (5), Sweden (4), Japan (3), France (2) and China (1). Team-by-team rosters are listed by the links below:
Monday, March 23, 2009
WPS Inaugural Match Activities
From the WPS press release:
Soccer Legend Mia Hamm to Present Game Ball to Referees Prior to Game
Opening Match to Feature Historic Tweets from Participating Players and WPS Commissioner
SAN FRANCISCO (March 23, 2009) – With a week to go until the kick-off of the WPS Inaugural Match at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on March 29, Women’s Professional Soccer announced a series of activities, appearances and special events to celebrate the return of women’s soccer to the professional sports landscape. Most notably, soccer legend Mia Hamm will be part of the festivities, while fans in attendance and around the world can also sign up to follow along with the immediate thoughts about the historic game from WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci, as well as select players with the Los Angeles Sol and the Washington Freedom via Twitter – the first-ever live Twitter account by participating players endorsed during a major U.S. sporting event.
“We are looking forward to including some special touches to make this game stand out and commemorate the official launch of Women’s Professional Soccer,” said Antonucci. “It’s important for everyone to come away with a sense of the history, gravitas and excitement of the moment.”
One way for fans to feel part of the history will be to follow along on Twitter by receiving real-time text messages during the game from a Sol and Freedom player and the Commissioner. Fans can find out who the two “tweeting” players will be by signing on to www.twitter.com/womensprosoccer and can sign up to receive the Commissioner’s “tweets” at www.twitter.com/wpscommissioner. The teams will announce their tweeting players later this week. The league is also considering endorsing in-game tweets throughout the season based on feedback from coaches and fans from the WPS Inaugural Match and with certain parameters set forth in advance.
“To give fans the special opportunity to hear right from players about their thoughts in real time via Twitter is a special way to recognize that everyone will have a part in helping to make history with this game: players, fans, viewers and television,” Antonucci added. “We want it to be interactive and fun. We are a grassroots league and we thought this would be a great way to commemorate our first game. We used Twitter to announce the results of our WPS Draft and we’ve built up a large following.”
Soccer Legend Mia Hamm to Present Game Ball to Referees Prior to Game
Opening Match to Feature Historic Tweets from Participating Players and WPS Commissioner
SAN FRANCISCO (March 23, 2009) – With a week to go until the kick-off of the WPS Inaugural Match at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on March 29, Women’s Professional Soccer announced a series of activities, appearances and special events to celebrate the return of women’s soccer to the professional sports landscape. Most notably, soccer legend Mia Hamm will be part of the festivities, while fans in attendance and around the world can also sign up to follow along with the immediate thoughts about the historic game from WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci, as well as select players with the Los Angeles Sol and the Washington Freedom via Twitter – the first-ever live Twitter account by participating players endorsed during a major U.S. sporting event.
“We are looking forward to including some special touches to make this game stand out and commemorate the official launch of Women’s Professional Soccer,” said Antonucci. “It’s important for everyone to come away with a sense of the history, gravitas and excitement of the moment.”
One way for fans to feel part of the history will be to follow along on Twitter by receiving real-time text messages during the game from a Sol and Freedom player and the Commissioner. Fans can find out who the two “tweeting” players will be by signing on to www.twitter.com/womensprosoccer and can sign up to receive the Commissioner’s “tweets” at www.twitter.com/wpscommissioner. The teams will announce their tweeting players later this week. The league is also considering endorsing in-game tweets throughout the season based on feedback from coaches and fans from the WPS Inaugural Match and with certain parameters set forth in advance.
“To give fans the special opportunity to hear right from players about their thoughts in real time via Twitter is a special way to recognize that everyone will have a part in helping to make history with this game: players, fans, viewers and television,” Antonucci added. “We want it to be interactive and fun. We are a grassroots league and we thought this would be a great way to commemorate our first game. We used Twitter to announce the results of our WPS Draft and we’ve built up a large following.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)