Saint Louis Athletica has discontinued operations and folded. Founding owner Jeff Cooper released the following statement concerning the team today:
“The termination of Saint Louis Athletica is a painful outcome from the funding shortfalls and ultimate default by the investors who had the obligation to fund and operate the team on a day-to-day basis. I’ve given this matter my complete attention since returning to a more active role in the last few weeks, and numerous parties have spent a lot of hours during that time exploring what options or solutions might be available. Despite best efforts, nothing was found that would answer the immediate needs of the franchise. With more time, it is possible the answer to the financial challenges Athletica faced would have been met, but unfortunately we do not have the benefit of extra time. The investors who defaulted on a contract to fund Athletica through this season and beyond broke a promise to a league, team, players and a community, and that is what is most troubling about today’s development. I am grateful for everyone’s support of Athletica and am particularly appreciative of our players who represented the sport and our community with such class and spirit.
Despite the disappointing outcome with Saint Louis Athletica, we continue to work hard on securing the long-term future of AC St. Louis.”
WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci made the following statement regarding Athletica's demise:
“It’s incredibly difficult to lose a team in mid-season like this. We looked at a few options as a league together with our Board and U.S. Soccer, but the operational hurdles and finances just didn’t work out. In the face of a severe funding gap in St. Louis, the local ownership group is shutting down the team at this point.”
The loss of Athletica brings WPS back down to 7 teams, which is the number of teams that started last season. However, the loss of perhaps the league's two marquee franchises, the Los Angeles Sol and Saint Louis Athletica, within 5 months does not bode well for the league. The two teams finished 1st and 2nd in the 2009 regular season with a combined record of 22-9-9, while the rest of the league's combined record was only 31-44-25. Athletica was only in 5th place in 2010, but were the only team to have defeated the top two teams, FC Gold Pride and Philadelphia Independence.
To make matters worse, three of Athletica's players, Shannon Boxx, Aya Miyama, and Tina DiMartino, have had to go through this twice in a very short period of time.
“This is a setback, but it’s one individual franchise and the loss of a team is an unfortunate reality of pro sports,” said Antonucci. “We’ll continue to have great games and an exciting season for our fans. The solid foundation that we built in 2009 is there. We have the same number of teams that we had last year during a successful first season. We’ll get through this stronger and keep moving the league and business forward.”
While it should be stressed that the Saint Louis financial situation is isolated from WPS as a whole, we also heard similar comments about the strength of the league going forward when the Los Angeles Sol folded just four short months ago.
In addition, it is a major blow to soccer in the city of St. Louis. Once thought to be a frontrunner for an MLS franchise, the city has now lost one soccer team and may eventually lose their NASL team if things don't improve. There appears to be an inability to find a responsible ownership group in St. Louis and support thus far has been less than hoped. Quite frankly, the city's credibility as a major soccer town is crumbling.
Saint Louis Athletica will not play any further matches and Athletica's players will become free agents as of June 1. The scramble to sign free agents which will ensue could create a bit of chaos of its own in the middle of a season. Unless roster sizes are increased by the league, several players on the remaining WPS franchises will be losing their jobs. One also has to wonder about the financial ability of those teams to sign free agents if they are already at the limits of their budget.
The league will reconfigure the 2010 schedule shortly and it will be released next week.
Showing posts with label Los Angeles Sol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Los Angeles Sol. Show all posts
May 27, 2010
February 21, 2010
The Los Angeles Sol-An All Too Short History Part 4
Part 4 - Demise and Legacy
After a disappointing finish to an otherwise great season, players and fans were looking forward to 2010. The Sol were in the process of overhauling their international cast and were positioning themselves well for the January draft. Behind the scenes, with AEG on their way out, WPS officials were working on getting a new ownership group in place. Unfortunately, they quite simply ran out of time. A look at the last few months of the Los Angeles Sol.
November, 2009-WPS takes over operations of the Los Angeles Sol and continues attempts to find another ownership group.
Late, 2009-Abner Rogers is dismissed as head coach of the Los Angeles Sol, earning the Coach of the Year award in his only season.
January 7, 2010-The Sol trade Camille Abily to FC Gold Pride for Tina DiMartino. Abily was the league's 2nd leading scorer, while DiMartino was a 1st round selection for FCGP in 2009. The trade startles many LA fans.
January, 2010-Los Angeles adds three new international players. Dutch players Cathrine Paaske-Sorensen and Julie Rydahl Bukh and Czech forward Pavlina Scasna are the new additions. They are to replace Abily, Han Duan, and Johanna Frisk.
January 15, 2010-At the WPS Draft in Philadelphia, Los Angeles selects Nikki Washington, Casey Nogueira, and Kiersten Dallstream with their three 1st round picks. They also add Michelle Enyeart, Kiki Bosio, Estelle Johnson, Mary Casey, and Lindsey Browne in later rounds.
January 19, 2010-GM Charlie Naimo is named acting head coach of the Los Angeles Sol.
Late January, 2010-Negotiations between WPS and a potential buyer break down, leaving the league with no alternatives for the 2010 season.
January 28, 2010-WPS announces that the operation of the Los Angeles Sol has been discontinued. The league also announces that a dispersal draft would be held the following week.
February 4, 2010-The Sol's players are selected by the remaining 8 franchises in the Los Angeles Sol dispersal draft.
The end came with stunning swiftness to those of us not privy to negotiations that had been going on for months. While this signals the end of the Los Angeles Sol for now, the league will certainly make expanding to Los Angeles a priority for the future, maybe as soon as 2011. And former Sol players will be helping other WPS teams to the playoffs and for one team, a championship in 2010.
An incomplete list of the records and accomplishments of the 2009 Los Angeles Sol:
First WPS Goal in history-Allison Falk (March 29, 2009 vs. Washington)
First WPS Assist in history-Aya Miyama (March 29, 2009 vs. Washington)
First WPS Shutout-Karina LeBlanc (March 29, 2009 vs. Washington)
First WPS Win-Los Angeles 2, Washington 0 (March 29, 2009)
First 2-goal game-Marta (April 5, 2009 vs. Sky Blue FC)
Longest Winning Streak-Los Angeles 4 (June 21 through July 5, 2009)
Longest Unbeaten Streak- Los Angeles 11 (May 9 through July 5, 2009)
Most Wins in a Season-Los Angeles 12
Most Points in a Season-Los Angeles 41
Most Goals by a Player in a Season-Marta 10
Most Consecutive Games with a Goal-Camille Abily 4 (May 24 through June 7, 2009) and Marta 4 (June 21 through July 5, 2009)
Most Assists by a Player in a Season-Aya Miyama 6 (tied with Sonia Bompastor)
Most Shutouts by a Goalkeeper in a Season-Karina LeBlanc 12
Most Consecutive Shutouts by a Goalkeeper-Karina LeBlanc 4 (March 29 through April 25, 2009)
Best Goals Against Average in a Season-Karina LeBlanc 0.53
Golden Boot Award-Marta
Player of the Year Award-Marta
Coach of the Year Award-Abner Rogers
WPS All-Stars-Shannon Boxx, Karina LeBlanc, Marta, Aya Miyama, and Camille Abily (unable to play)
The Los Angeles Sol, at least in their first incarnation, had a short, but very memorable history. The WPS will continue with eight teams, each having committed ownerships for the 2010 WPS season. I am looking forward to a very exciting 2010 season, but there will certainly be something missing without the Los Angeles Sol. May we see women’s professional soccer in Los Angeles again in 2011.
After a disappointing finish to an otherwise great season, players and fans were looking forward to 2010. The Sol were in the process of overhauling their international cast and were positioning themselves well for the January draft. Behind the scenes, with AEG on their way out, WPS officials were working on getting a new ownership group in place. Unfortunately, they quite simply ran out of time. A look at the last few months of the Los Angeles Sol.
November, 2009-WPS takes over operations of the Los Angeles Sol and continues attempts to find another ownership group.
Late, 2009-Abner Rogers is dismissed as head coach of the Los Angeles Sol, earning the Coach of the Year award in his only season.
January 7, 2010-The Sol trade Camille Abily to FC Gold Pride for Tina DiMartino. Abily was the league's 2nd leading scorer, while DiMartino was a 1st round selection for FCGP in 2009. The trade startles many LA fans.
January, 2010-Los Angeles adds three new international players. Dutch players Cathrine Paaske-Sorensen and Julie Rydahl Bukh and Czech forward Pavlina Scasna are the new additions. They are to replace Abily, Han Duan, and Johanna Frisk.
January 15, 2010-At the WPS Draft in Philadelphia, Los Angeles selects Nikki Washington, Casey Nogueira, and Kiersten Dallstream with their three 1st round picks. They also add Michelle Enyeart, Kiki Bosio, Estelle Johnson, Mary Casey, and Lindsey Browne in later rounds.
January 19, 2010-GM Charlie Naimo is named acting head coach of the Los Angeles Sol.
Late January, 2010-Negotiations between WPS and a potential buyer break down, leaving the league with no alternatives for the 2010 season.
January 28, 2010-WPS announces that the operation of the Los Angeles Sol has been discontinued. The league also announces that a dispersal draft would be held the following week.
February 4, 2010-The Sol's players are selected by the remaining 8 franchises in the Los Angeles Sol dispersal draft.
The end came with stunning swiftness to those of us not privy to negotiations that had been going on for months. While this signals the end of the Los Angeles Sol for now, the league will certainly make expanding to Los Angeles a priority for the future, maybe as soon as 2011. And former Sol players will be helping other WPS teams to the playoffs and for one team, a championship in 2010.
An incomplete list of the records and accomplishments of the 2009 Los Angeles Sol:
First WPS Goal in history-Allison Falk (March 29, 2009 vs. Washington)
First WPS Assist in history-Aya Miyama (March 29, 2009 vs. Washington)
First WPS Shutout-Karina LeBlanc (March 29, 2009 vs. Washington)
First WPS Win-Los Angeles 2, Washington 0 (March 29, 2009)
First 2-goal game-Marta (April 5, 2009 vs. Sky Blue FC)
Longest Winning Streak-Los Angeles 4 (June 21 through July 5, 2009)
Longest Unbeaten Streak- Los Angeles 11 (May 9 through July 5, 2009)
Most Wins in a Season-Los Angeles 12
Most Points in a Season-Los Angeles 41
Most Goals by a Player in a Season-Marta 10
Most Consecutive Games with a Goal-Camille Abily 4 (May 24 through June 7, 2009) and Marta 4 (June 21 through July 5, 2009)
Most Assists by a Player in a Season-Aya Miyama 6 (tied with Sonia Bompastor)
Most Shutouts by a Goalkeeper in a Season-Karina LeBlanc 12
Most Consecutive Shutouts by a Goalkeeper-Karina LeBlanc 4 (March 29 through April 25, 2009)
Best Goals Against Average in a Season-Karina LeBlanc 0.53
Golden Boot Award-Marta
Player of the Year Award-Marta
Coach of the Year Award-Abner Rogers
WPS All-Stars-Shannon Boxx, Karina LeBlanc, Marta, Aya Miyama, and Camille Abily (unable to play)
The Los Angeles Sol, at least in their first incarnation, had a short, but very memorable history. The WPS will continue with eight teams, each having committed ownerships for the 2010 WPS season. I am looking forward to a very exciting 2010 season, but there will certainly be something missing without the Los Angeles Sol. May we see women’s professional soccer in Los Angeles again in 2011.
February 17, 2010
The Los Angeles Sol-An All Too Short History Part 3
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Labels: Abner Rogers, Allison Falk, Aya Miyama, Camille Abily, Christie Shaner, Karina LeBlanc, Los Angeles Sol, Marta, Shannon Boxx
Labels: Abner Rogers, Allison Falk, Aya Miyama, Camille Abily, Christie Shaner, Karina LeBlanc, Los Angeles Sol, Marta, Shannon Boxx
Part 3-Clouds on the Horizon
By late June, Los Angeles had risen to the top of the WPS. It would be only a matter of time before they clinched the regular season title and barring an upset, the WPS Championship. But by July, things weren't going perfectly anymore. The combination of injuries, a strange schedule which saw them play only sparingly over the last two months of the season, and some less than sparkling play on the field started catching up with them. And apparently off the field, the problems were far greater.
June 29, 2009-Martina Franko is listed by the Sol as having a season-ending injury.
June 30, 2009-Los Angeles trades for Christie Shaner to help fill in for Franko. Shaner plays only 52 minutes for the Sol. In her first game for Los Angeles just 5 days later, Shaner fractures her leg in a collision with the Freedom's Abby Wambach, thus ending her season.
July, 2009-Yet another Sol defender is having injury problems. Allison Falk misses all three games in July with injuries.
July 5, 2009-Marta scores the only goal of the game in stoppage to defeat Washington 1-0. Karina LeBlanc earns her 11th shutout. It is LA's 4th consecutive victory and they run their unbeaten streak to 11 games. The Sol now lead 2nd place Athletica by a whopping 17 points and will have a chance to clinch the regular season title in their next match.
July 8, 2009-With a chance to clinch first place, the Sol suffer their first and only regular season loss at home in their final regular season home game. Los Angeles falls to Saint Louis 1-0 as Amanda Cinalli scores the game winner for Athletica.
July 13, 2009-The Sol signs Sharolta Nonen to help their beleaguered defense. Nonen, like Martina Franko, is a veteran of the Canadian National Team.
July 23, 2009-After a two week layoff, Los Angeles clinches the WPS regular season title in a scoreless tie against Gold Pride. Karina LeBlanc gets her 12th and final shutout of the season. The Sol shut out Gold Pride all four times they play them.
August 2, 2009-Falk returns to the lineup, but Los Angeles' winless streak extends to 3 games with a 3-1 loss in Chicago. After falling behind 2-0, Han Duan scores a late goal to temporarily make it close, before Cristiane puts it out of reach with a goal in stoppage time. It is only the 2nd time all season that the Sol allow more than one goal in a game.
August 4, 2009-Four Sol players are named to the WPS All-Star First XI. Karina LeBlanc, Shannon Boxx, Camille Abily, and Marta grace the first WPS All-Star team. Abily would be unable to play because of her national team commitment for France. Abner Rogers is named to coach the WPS All-Star team.
August 7, 2009-Aya Miyama is added to the WPS All-Star roster as the next highest vote getter as a replacement for players not able to play in the game.
August 9, 2009-The Sol end the regular season with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Boston, keeping the Breakers out of the playoffs. Marta scores her league best 10th goal of the season and then forces a penalty kick late on a call strongly protested by Breakers' players. Shannon Boxx converts the penalty to give Los Angeles the win. Ironically, this result puts Sky Blue, the team that would ultimately defeat them in the title game, into the playoffs.
August 22, 2009-Los Angeles hosts the first WPS Championship Game at the Home Depot Center. Playing without their 2nd leading scorer, Camille Abily, the Sol are upset by Sky Blue by a 1-0 score. Heather O'Reilly scores in the 16th minute. Then Allison Falk receives the first and only red card in Sol history for tripping Natasha Kai from behind later in the 1st half. The final is played before 7218 fans.
August 29, 2009-At the WPS Awards Banquet, Marta is presented with the PUMA Golden Boot Award and the Michelle Akers Player of the Year Award. Abner Rogers wins the Coach of the Year Award.
August 30, 2009-The WPS All-Stars defeat Umeå IK by a 4-2 margin in St. Louis. Marta gets the game tying goal and adds two assists in the contest. Abner Rogers is the winning coach.
September 15, 2009-The Sol lose Katie Larkin and Sharolta Nonen to Atlanta in the WPS Expansion Draft.
October 7, 2009-Los Angeles sends starting center back Allison Falk and backup keeper Val Henderson to Philadelphia for the 5th and 22nd selections in the 2010 draft. The Sol would later draft Nikki Washington and Kiki Bosio with those selections.
The finish of the 2009 season was a disappointment for players and fans alike, but it was always assumed that there would be a next year. Unfortunately, behind the scenes, things were not going well. The team lost what has been variously estimated between $2 and $3 million in their first season of operation. AEG had maintained that their involvement with the team was always on a temporary basis and that involvement was coming to an end. And equally unfortunate for the Sol and their fans, this was one issue that couldn't be settled on the field.
For the final part in this series, we'll look at the final months and the legacy of the Los Angeles Sol.
(Sources for some of the information in this story came from http://www.womensprosoccer.com/ and the 2009 Los Angeles Sol Media Guide)
By late June, Los Angeles had risen to the top of the WPS. It would be only a matter of time before they clinched the regular season title and barring an upset, the WPS Championship. But by July, things weren't going perfectly anymore. The combination of injuries, a strange schedule which saw them play only sparingly over the last two months of the season, and some less than sparkling play on the field started catching up with them. And apparently off the field, the problems were far greater.
June 29, 2009-Martina Franko is listed by the Sol as having a season-ending injury.
June 30, 2009-Los Angeles trades for Christie Shaner to help fill in for Franko. Shaner plays only 52 minutes for the Sol. In her first game for Los Angeles just 5 days later, Shaner fractures her leg in a collision with the Freedom's Abby Wambach, thus ending her season.
July, 2009-Yet another Sol defender is having injury problems. Allison Falk misses all three games in July with injuries.
July 5, 2009-Marta scores the only goal of the game in stoppage to defeat Washington 1-0. Karina LeBlanc earns her 11th shutout. It is LA's 4th consecutive victory and they run their unbeaten streak to 11 games. The Sol now lead 2nd place Athletica by a whopping 17 points and will have a chance to clinch the regular season title in their next match.
July 8, 2009-With a chance to clinch first place, the Sol suffer their first and only regular season loss at home in their final regular season home game. Los Angeles falls to Saint Louis 1-0 as Amanda Cinalli scores the game winner for Athletica.
July 13, 2009-The Sol signs Sharolta Nonen to help their beleaguered defense. Nonen, like Martina Franko, is a veteran of the Canadian National Team.
July 23, 2009-After a two week layoff, Los Angeles clinches the WPS regular season title in a scoreless tie against Gold Pride. Karina LeBlanc gets her 12th and final shutout of the season. The Sol shut out Gold Pride all four times they play them.
August 2, 2009-Falk returns to the lineup, but Los Angeles' winless streak extends to 3 games with a 3-1 loss in Chicago. After falling behind 2-0, Han Duan scores a late goal to temporarily make it close, before Cristiane puts it out of reach with a goal in stoppage time. It is only the 2nd time all season that the Sol allow more than one goal in a game.
August 4, 2009-Four Sol players are named to the WPS All-Star First XI. Karina LeBlanc, Shannon Boxx, Camille Abily, and Marta grace the first WPS All-Star team. Abily would be unable to play because of her national team commitment for France. Abner Rogers is named to coach the WPS All-Star team.
August 7, 2009-Aya Miyama is added to the WPS All-Star roster as the next highest vote getter as a replacement for players not able to play in the game.
August 9, 2009-The Sol end the regular season with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Boston, keeping the Breakers out of the playoffs. Marta scores her league best 10th goal of the season and then forces a penalty kick late on a call strongly protested by Breakers' players. Shannon Boxx converts the penalty to give Los Angeles the win. Ironically, this result puts Sky Blue, the team that would ultimately defeat them in the title game, into the playoffs.
August 22, 2009-Los Angeles hosts the first WPS Championship Game at the Home Depot Center. Playing without their 2nd leading scorer, Camille Abily, the Sol are upset by Sky Blue by a 1-0 score. Heather O'Reilly scores in the 16th minute. Then Allison Falk receives the first and only red card in Sol history for tripping Natasha Kai from behind later in the 1st half. The final is played before 7218 fans.
August 29, 2009-At the WPS Awards Banquet, Marta is presented with the PUMA Golden Boot Award and the Michelle Akers Player of the Year Award. Abner Rogers wins the Coach of the Year Award.
August 30, 2009-The WPS All-Stars defeat Umeå IK by a 4-2 margin in St. Louis. Marta gets the game tying goal and adds two assists in the contest. Abner Rogers is the winning coach.
September 15, 2009-The Sol lose Katie Larkin and Sharolta Nonen to Atlanta in the WPS Expansion Draft.
October 7, 2009-Los Angeles sends starting center back Allison Falk and backup keeper Val Henderson to Philadelphia for the 5th and 22nd selections in the 2010 draft. The Sol would later draft Nikki Washington and Kiki Bosio with those selections.
The finish of the 2009 season was a disappointment for players and fans alike, but it was always assumed that there would be a next year. Unfortunately, behind the scenes, things were not going well. The team lost what has been variously estimated between $2 and $3 million in their first season of operation. AEG had maintained that their involvement with the team was always on a temporary basis and that involvement was coming to an end. And equally unfortunate for the Sol and their fans, this was one issue that couldn't be settled on the field.
For the final part in this series, we'll look at the final months and the legacy of the Los Angeles Sol.
(Sources for some of the information in this story came from http://www.womensprosoccer.com/ and the 2009 Los Angeles Sol Media Guide)
February 13, 2010
The Los Angeles Sol-An All Too Short History Part 2
Part 2 - Rise to the Pinnacle
After winning the inaugural WPS game, Los Angeles dominated the league early on. Only in a home and home with the Boston Breakers in early May were they held in check. They had everything...scoring (Marta, Camille Abily, and Aya Miyama), defense (Karina LeBlanc and a fine back line), young talent (Brittany Bock and Allison Falk), and veteran leadership (Shannon Boxx and Aly Wagner).
April 5, 2009-Marta becomes the first player in WPS history to score twice in one game, leading the Sol to a 2-0 victory over Sky Blue FC at TD Bank Park in New Jersey.
April 16, 2009-Defender Martina Franko signs with the Sol. Franko, a veteran of the Canadian National Team, would strengthen an already solid back line.
April 19, 2009-Karina LeBlanc earns her 3rd consecutive shutout as Marta scores the only goal in LA's 1-0 win over FC Gold Pride. Aly Wagner assists on the goal.
April 25, 2009-With Marta and Camille Abily away on international duty, Los Angeles and Saint Louis battle to a scoreless tie. Wagner and Lori Chalupny are stopped on penalty kicks by Hope Solo and Karina LeBlanc, respectively. It's the first match that Los Angeles comes away with less than 3 points.
May 2, 2009-The Sol suffer their first setback, a 2-1 loss to the Breakers in Boston. After falling behind 2-0, Brittany Bock scores the only Sol goal, assisted by Aya Miyama.
May 8, 2009-Los Angeles and Saint Louis complete the first in-season trade in WPS history. The Sol send Kendall Fletcher and Christie Welsh to Athletica for a conditional draft pick in 2010 and a 1st round choice in 2011. The Sol later use the 2010 pick to select Casey Nogueira.
May 10, 2009-For the second straight week, Boston frustrates Los Angeles. The Sol have to settle for their second scoreless tie of the season. It runs LA's winless streak to 3 games, but LeBlanc earns her 5th shutout of the season.
May 15, 2009-In the league's first ever Friday night contest, Marta beats Sky Blue's offside trap and dribbles around goalkeeper Jen Branam to score the only goal in the 80th minute. Meanwhile, the Sol announce the signing of veteran Keri Sanchez and move Liz Bogus to full-roster status.
May 24, 2009-Behind a Camille Abily penalty kick and a late goal by Han Duan, LA defeats FC Gold Pride 2-0. Val Henderson gets the shutout in her only match of the season.
May 30, 2009-Los Angeles dominates Saint Louis in a 2-0 victory, with LeBlanc posting her 7th shutout. Shannon Boxx scores her first goal of the season.
June 3, 2009-In the first WPS midweek contest, the Sol tie Chicago 1-1. After falling behind on a Cristiane goal in the 88th minute, Camille Abily ties the game in the closing seconds of the match.
June 7, 2009-Camille Abily scores for the 4th consecutive game, this time hitting the back of the net twice. Brittany Bock adds a third goal to give the Sol a 3-1 victory over Washington. Abily converts her second penalty kick of the season.
June 10, 2009-Los Angeles signs Julia Schnugg as a developmental player.
June 13, 2009-The Sol play their 3rd scoreless tie of the season, this time against Sky Blue. LeBlanc gets her 8th shutout as SBFC badly outshoots LA by a 14-5 margin.
June 19, 2009-Los Angeles waives Greer Barnes and moves McCall Zerboni to full-roster status. In spite spending two and a half months on the roster, Barnes never plays for the Sol in a regular season match. She later signs with FC Gold Pride.
June 21, 2009-Los Angeles defeats Gold Pride for the third time, with LeBlanc again getting the shutout. Abily scores her league leading 7th goal, with Marta getting her 5th in the 2-0 victory.
June 22, 2009-Los Angeles signs forward Lyndsey Patterson.
June 24, 2009-The Sol win a hard fought contest in Saint Louis by a 2-1 score. Karina LeBlanc and the Sol defense survive 25 shots and 12 corner kicks to preserve the win. Goals are scored by Han Duan and Marta.
June 27, 2009-Los Angeles mauls Chicago by a 4-0 margin. In doing so, Los Angeles becomes the first team to clinch a playoff berth. Shannon Boxx scores the opening goal assisted by McCall Zerboni, her first assist of the season. Both Abily and Marta reach the 8 goal mark, with Aya Miyama assisting on two of the goals.
By the last week in June, Los Angeles has sprinted to a 10-1-4 record and have outscored their opponents by 23-5. They have a 16 point margin over 2nd place Boston and it is only a matter of time before they clinch the regular season title, which would give them an automatic berth in the WPS Championship Game at home. However, difficulties on road trips to Boston, New Jersey, and Saint Louis seem to prove they aren't invincible. Part 3 will examine clouds on the horizon as Los Angeles headed into the final two months of the season.
(Sources for some of the information in this story came from http://www.womensprosoccer.com/ and the 2009 Los Angeles Sol Media Guide)
After winning the inaugural WPS game, Los Angeles dominated the league early on. Only in a home and home with the Boston Breakers in early May were they held in check. They had everything...scoring (Marta, Camille Abily, and Aya Miyama), defense (Karina LeBlanc and a fine back line), young talent (Brittany Bock and Allison Falk), and veteran leadership (Shannon Boxx and Aly Wagner).
April 5, 2009-Marta becomes the first player in WPS history to score twice in one game, leading the Sol to a 2-0 victory over Sky Blue FC at TD Bank Park in New Jersey.
April 16, 2009-Defender Martina Franko signs with the Sol. Franko, a veteran of the Canadian National Team, would strengthen an already solid back line.
April 19, 2009-Karina LeBlanc earns her 3rd consecutive shutout as Marta scores the only goal in LA's 1-0 win over FC Gold Pride. Aly Wagner assists on the goal.
April 25, 2009-With Marta and Camille Abily away on international duty, Los Angeles and Saint Louis battle to a scoreless tie. Wagner and Lori Chalupny are stopped on penalty kicks by Hope Solo and Karina LeBlanc, respectively. It's the first match that Los Angeles comes away with less than 3 points.
May 2, 2009-The Sol suffer their first setback, a 2-1 loss to the Breakers in Boston. After falling behind 2-0, Brittany Bock scores the only Sol goal, assisted by Aya Miyama.
May 8, 2009-Los Angeles and Saint Louis complete the first in-season trade in WPS history. The Sol send Kendall Fletcher and Christie Welsh to Athletica for a conditional draft pick in 2010 and a 1st round choice in 2011. The Sol later use the 2010 pick to select Casey Nogueira.
May 10, 2009-For the second straight week, Boston frustrates Los Angeles. The Sol have to settle for their second scoreless tie of the season. It runs LA's winless streak to 3 games, but LeBlanc earns her 5th shutout of the season.
May 15, 2009-In the league's first ever Friday night contest, Marta beats Sky Blue's offside trap and dribbles around goalkeeper Jen Branam to score the only goal in the 80th minute. Meanwhile, the Sol announce the signing of veteran Keri Sanchez and move Liz Bogus to full-roster status.
May 24, 2009-Behind a Camille Abily penalty kick and a late goal by Han Duan, LA defeats FC Gold Pride 2-0. Val Henderson gets the shutout in her only match of the season.
May 30, 2009-Los Angeles dominates Saint Louis in a 2-0 victory, with LeBlanc posting her 7th shutout. Shannon Boxx scores her first goal of the season.
June 3, 2009-In the first WPS midweek contest, the Sol tie Chicago 1-1. After falling behind on a Cristiane goal in the 88th minute, Camille Abily ties the game in the closing seconds of the match.
June 7, 2009-Camille Abily scores for the 4th consecutive game, this time hitting the back of the net twice. Brittany Bock adds a third goal to give the Sol a 3-1 victory over Washington. Abily converts her second penalty kick of the season.
June 10, 2009-Los Angeles signs Julia Schnugg as a developmental player.
June 13, 2009-The Sol play their 3rd scoreless tie of the season, this time against Sky Blue. LeBlanc gets her 8th shutout as SBFC badly outshoots LA by a 14-5 margin.
June 19, 2009-Los Angeles waives Greer Barnes and moves McCall Zerboni to full-roster status. In spite spending two and a half months on the roster, Barnes never plays for the Sol in a regular season match. She later signs with FC Gold Pride.
June 21, 2009-Los Angeles defeats Gold Pride for the third time, with LeBlanc again getting the shutout. Abily scores her league leading 7th goal, with Marta getting her 5th in the 2-0 victory.
June 22, 2009-Los Angeles signs forward Lyndsey Patterson.
June 24, 2009-The Sol win a hard fought contest in Saint Louis by a 2-1 score. Karina LeBlanc and the Sol defense survive 25 shots and 12 corner kicks to preserve the win. Goals are scored by Han Duan and Marta.
June 27, 2009-Los Angeles mauls Chicago by a 4-0 margin. In doing so, Los Angeles becomes the first team to clinch a playoff berth. Shannon Boxx scores the opening goal assisted by McCall Zerboni, her first assist of the season. Both Abily and Marta reach the 8 goal mark, with Aya Miyama assisting on two of the goals.
By the last week in June, Los Angeles has sprinted to a 10-1-4 record and have outscored their opponents by 23-5. They have a 16 point margin over 2nd place Boston and it is only a matter of time before they clinch the regular season title, which would give them an automatic berth in the WPS Championship Game at home. However, difficulties on road trips to Boston, New Jersey, and Saint Louis seem to prove they aren't invincible. Part 3 will examine clouds on the horizon as Los Angeles headed into the final two months of the season.
(Sources for some of the information in this story came from http://www.womensprosoccer.com/ and the 2009 Los Angeles Sol Media Guide)
February 10, 2010
The Los Angeles Sol - An All Too Short History
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Labels: Allison Falk, Camille Abily, Karina LeBlanc, Los Angeles Sol, Marta, Shannon Boxx
Labels: Allison Falk, Camille Abily, Karina LeBlanc, Los Angeles Sol, Marta, Shannon Boxx
Part 1 - The Beginning
On February 4th, what was left of the Los Angeles Sol roster was dispersed and only time will tell when the WPS returns to Los Angeles, but the Sol made an indelible mark in their only WPS season. In their short one-season history on the field, they won the regular season title, set many records that will become benchmarks, and set a standard of excellence by which other teams will be measured for years to come. This is a look back at the short history of the Los Angeles Sol.
September 4, 2007-Los Angeles is announced as one of seven teams that will compete in the inaugural season of a new women's professional soccer league. The team will be owned by AEG and Blue Star, LLC.
September 15, 2008-Abner Rogers is named as the first coach of the Los Angeles WPS franchise.
September 16, 2008-Los Angeles receives its first players as Shannon Boxx, Stephanie Cox, and Aly Wagner are allocated from the USWNT.
September 24, 2008-Los Angeles selects Marta as their first selection (3rd overall) in the WPS International Draft. They also draft Aya Miyama, Han Duan, and Margret Lara Vidarsdottir. The following day, they would add Camille Abily as a post-draft discovery player.
October 3, 2008-Charlie Naimo is named as general manager for Los Angeles.
October 6, 2008-Los Angeles chooses Karina LeBlanc as their first selection (5th overall) in the WPS General Draft. They also select Kendall Fletcher, Christie Welsh, and Manya Makoski. All four would make the team, although Fletcher and Welsh were later traded to Saint Louis.
October 25, 2008-Los Angeles officially announces that the team would be called the Los Angeles Sol and they also unveil the team's new logo.
November 25, 2008-Los Angeles names Johanna Frisk as a post-draft discovery player.
January 12, 2009-The Sol announce the signing of three-time FIFA Player of the Year, Marta.
January 16, 2009-At the first annual WPS Draft in St. Louis, the Sol select Brittany Bock with their first selection (5th overall). In later rounds, they select Allison Falk, Katie Larkin, Greer Barnes, Valerie Henderson, Katie Hooker, McCall Zerboni, Brittany Cameron, Erica Janke, and Lisa Sari. All but Hooker and Janke would make the Sol's opening roster.
February 4, 2009-The Sol officially announce the signing of Aya Miyama.
February 19, 2009-The Sol announce the signings of Camille Abily, Han Duan, and Johanna Frisk.
March 2, 2009-The Los Angeles Sol training camp begins.
March 5, 2009-Los Angeles becomes the first team to announce an on-jersey sponsorship with Amway Global.
March 25, 2009-Los Angeles announces its opening day roster. Full-roster players are Camille Abily, Greer Barnes, Brittany Bock, Shannon Boxx, Stephanie Cox, Allison Falk, Kendall Fletcher, Johanna Frisk, Han Duan, Val Henderson, Katie Larkin, Karina LeBlanc, Manya Makoski, Marta, Aya Miyama, Aly Wagner, and Christie Welsh. Developmental players are Brittany Cameron, Lisa Sari, and McCall Zerboni.
March 26, 2009-The Sol add Liz Bogus, just recently released by FC Gold Pride, to their developmental roster.
March 29, 2009-The Sol defeat the Washington Freedom 2-0 before 14,832 fans in the WPS inaugural game played at the Home Depot Center. Allison Falk scores the first goal in WPS history on a header in the 6th minute. Camille Abily later adds a goal to seal the victory. Karina LeBlanc is sharp in goal and earns the shutout. The attendance would be the largest for a non-WPS/MLS doubleheader in the 2009 season.
With an immensely talented roster, the Sol were off to a great start and looked to be the team to beat in 2009. Over the next three months, the Sol were a dominant team. We'll look at that period in Part 2-Rise to the Pinnacle.
(Sources for some of the information in this story came from www.womensprosoccer.com and the 2009 Los Angeles Sol Media Guide)
On February 4th, what was left of the Los Angeles Sol roster was dispersed and only time will tell when the WPS returns to Los Angeles, but the Sol made an indelible mark in their only WPS season. In their short one-season history on the field, they won the regular season title, set many records that will become benchmarks, and set a standard of excellence by which other teams will be measured for years to come. This is a look back at the short history of the Los Angeles Sol.
September 4, 2007-Los Angeles is announced as one of seven teams that will compete in the inaugural season of a new women's professional soccer league. The team will be owned by AEG and Blue Star, LLC.
September 15, 2008-Abner Rogers is named as the first coach of the Los Angeles WPS franchise.
September 16, 2008-Los Angeles receives its first players as Shannon Boxx, Stephanie Cox, and Aly Wagner are allocated from the USWNT.
September 24, 2008-Los Angeles selects Marta as their first selection (3rd overall) in the WPS International Draft. They also draft Aya Miyama, Han Duan, and Margret Lara Vidarsdottir. The following day, they would add Camille Abily as a post-draft discovery player.
October 3, 2008-Charlie Naimo is named as general manager for Los Angeles.
October 6, 2008-Los Angeles chooses Karina LeBlanc as their first selection (5th overall) in the WPS General Draft. They also select Kendall Fletcher, Christie Welsh, and Manya Makoski. All four would make the team, although Fletcher and Welsh were later traded to Saint Louis.
October 25, 2008-Los Angeles officially announces that the team would be called the Los Angeles Sol and they also unveil the team's new logo.
November 25, 2008-Los Angeles names Johanna Frisk as a post-draft discovery player.
January 12, 2009-The Sol announce the signing of three-time FIFA Player of the Year, Marta.
January 16, 2009-At the first annual WPS Draft in St. Louis, the Sol select Brittany Bock with their first selection (5th overall). In later rounds, they select Allison Falk, Katie Larkin, Greer Barnes, Valerie Henderson, Katie Hooker, McCall Zerboni, Brittany Cameron, Erica Janke, and Lisa Sari. All but Hooker and Janke would make the Sol's opening roster.
February 4, 2009-The Sol officially announce the signing of Aya Miyama.
February 19, 2009-The Sol announce the signings of Camille Abily, Han Duan, and Johanna Frisk.
March 2, 2009-The Los Angeles Sol training camp begins.
March 5, 2009-Los Angeles becomes the first team to announce an on-jersey sponsorship with Amway Global.
March 25, 2009-Los Angeles announces its opening day roster. Full-roster players are Camille Abily, Greer Barnes, Brittany Bock, Shannon Boxx, Stephanie Cox, Allison Falk, Kendall Fletcher, Johanna Frisk, Han Duan, Val Henderson, Katie Larkin, Karina LeBlanc, Manya Makoski, Marta, Aya Miyama, Aly Wagner, and Christie Welsh. Developmental players are Brittany Cameron, Lisa Sari, and McCall Zerboni.
March 26, 2009-The Sol add Liz Bogus, just recently released by FC Gold Pride, to their developmental roster.
March 29, 2009-The Sol defeat the Washington Freedom 2-0 before 14,832 fans in the WPS inaugural game played at the Home Depot Center. Allison Falk scores the first goal in WPS history on a header in the 6th minute. Camille Abily later adds a goal to seal the victory. Karina LeBlanc is sharp in goal and earns the shutout. The attendance would be the largest for a non-WPS/MLS doubleheader in the 2009 season.
With an immensely talented roster, the Sol were off to a great start and looked to be the team to beat in 2009. Over the next three months, the Sol were a dominant team. We'll look at that period in Part 2-Rise to the Pinnacle.
(Sources for some of the information in this story came from www.womensprosoccer.com and the 2009 Los Angeles Sol Media Guide)
February 3, 2010
Marta to FC Gold Pride in the Los Angeles Sol dispersal draft?
Jay Hipps at Center Line Soccer with his take on the situation.
February 2, 2010
Athletica Trade for first pick in Los Angeles Sol dispersal draft
Via Athletica media release
Saint Louis Sends Three Players to Atlanta in Exchange
ST. LOUIS, MO (February 1, 2010) – Saint Louis Athletica of Women’s Professional Soccer, WPS, announced Tuesday that they have acquired the first pick in the February 4 Los Angeles Sol dispersal draft from the Atlanta Beat. Saint Louis will send defender Kia McNeill, midfielder Angie Kerr (Woznuk), the rights to third round draft choice Amanda Poach, and Athletica’s second round choice in the dispersal draft (9th overall) to Atlanta. In exchange, Saint Louis will receive Atlanta’s first round pick, number one overall, in the dispersal draft, and Atlanta’s second round pick in the 2011 WPS Draft.
"We were presented with an opportunity to make our club better," said Head Coach Jorge Barcellos. "We gave up some talented young players to do this. I want to thank Kia and Angie for the hard work that they did last season, they were a big part of the success that Athletica enjoyed in our first year. We wish them all the best in their careers."
Saint Louis will now have two selections in the first round of Thursday’s dispersal draft, 1st and 8th, and one final selection at the end of the third round with the 24th pick.
Kia McNeill played in 19 games for Athletica, making 17 starts. The Boston College graduate had become a fixture in the center of the Saint Louis defense. Angie Kerr appeared in 18 games, starting each of them, and was second in the team in minutes played with 1,577. Amanda Poach, Santa Clara University, was selected 26th overall in last month’s WPS Draft.
Saint Louis Sends Three Players to Atlanta in Exchange
ST. LOUIS, MO (February 1, 2010) – Saint Louis Athletica of Women’s Professional Soccer, WPS, announced Tuesday that they have acquired the first pick in the February 4 Los Angeles Sol dispersal draft from the Atlanta Beat. Saint Louis will send defender Kia McNeill, midfielder Angie Kerr (Woznuk), the rights to third round draft choice Amanda Poach, and Athletica’s second round choice in the dispersal draft (9th overall) to Atlanta. In exchange, Saint Louis will receive Atlanta’s first round pick, number one overall, in the dispersal draft, and Atlanta’s second round pick in the 2011 WPS Draft.
"We were presented with an opportunity to make our club better," said Head Coach Jorge Barcellos. "We gave up some talented young players to do this. I want to thank Kia and Angie for the hard work that they did last season, they were a big part of the success that Athletica enjoyed in our first year. We wish them all the best in their careers."
Saint Louis will now have two selections in the first round of Thursday’s dispersal draft, 1st and 8th, and one final selection at the end of the third round with the 24th pick.
Kia McNeill played in 19 games for Athletica, making 17 starts. The Boston College graduate had become a fixture in the center of the Saint Louis defense. Angie Kerr appeared in 18 games, starting each of them, and was second in the team in minutes played with 1,577. Amanda Poach, Santa Clara University, was selected 26th overall in last month’s WPS Draft.
January 28, 2010
Sol Equalizer
A massive amount of Sol news and notes w/quotes over at The Equalizer - Jeff Kassouf's women's soccer site
WPS Releases Statement Regarding Los Angeles Sol and Dispersal Draft
The league has released a statement regarding the disbanding of the Los Angeles Sol and a dispersal draft of their players, which will be held on Thursday, February 4th.
WPS Press Release regarding Los Angeles Sol
WPS Press Release regarding Los Angeles Sol
AP releases news on the demise of the Los Angeles Sol
Via ESPN Soccernet L.A. team folds; Marta, players to be dispersed to new homes
Marta Moves - 2009 WPS Season w/ Los Angeles Sol
It was a great year for the Brazilian superstar....
Via WPS YouTube Video Channel
Via WPS YouTube Video Channel
Los Angeles Sol cease operations
Go to Set Piece Analysts for a solid report on the story -- Breaking news: Los Angeles Sol cease operations
January 24, 2010
Aly Wagner Retires
For the 2nd time in just 3 months, a USWNT veteran has retired. Aly Wagner, a two time Olympic Gold Medalist and former member of the Los Angeles Sol has announced her retirement according to www.ussoccer.com.
Wagner was a familiar face on US Women's National Teams for the past decade and was one of the top offensive players in women's soccer. Before that, she was a star player with Santa Clara University and helped lead the Broncos to an NCAA title. Among other accolades, she was the MAC Hermann Award winner in 2002.
Wagner was one of the original 21 WPS allocated players in 2008. She, along with Shannon Boxx and Stephanie Cox, was allocated to the Los Angeles Sol. For the Sol in 2009, she played in 15 matches and notched 4 assists, even though she was plagued by injuries throughout the season.
Wagner follows Angela Hucles, another long-time member of the USWNT, in announcing her retirement from professional soccer.
Wagner was a familiar face on US Women's National Teams for the past decade and was one of the top offensive players in women's soccer. Before that, she was a star player with Santa Clara University and helped lead the Broncos to an NCAA title. Among other accolades, she was the MAC Hermann Award winner in 2002.
Wagner was one of the original 21 WPS allocated players in 2008. She, along with Shannon Boxx and Stephanie Cox, was allocated to the Los Angeles Sol. For the Sol in 2009, she played in 15 matches and notched 4 assists, even though she was plagued by injuries throughout the season.
Wagner follows Angela Hucles, another long-time member of the USWNT, in announcing her retirement from professional soccer.
January 18, 2010
2010 WPS Draft Recap at GOAL.com
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Labels: 2010 WPS, Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, FC Gold Pride, Los Angeles Sol, Philadelphia Independence, Saint Louis Athletica, Sky Blue FC, Washington Freedom
Labels: 2010 WPS, Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, FC Gold Pride, Los Angeles Sol, Philadelphia Independence, Saint Louis Athletica, Sky Blue FC, Washington Freedom
Congrats to KC Albertina, my colleague and friend, who has recently seen his women's soccer writing published throughout the Internet.
Great to see him getting the recognition he rightfully deserves.
Looking forward to WSW soccer coverage in 2010.
Read his draft recap at Goal.com -- Women's Professional Soccer Draft Recap
Great to see him getting the recognition he rightfully deserves.
Looking forward to WSW soccer coverage in 2010.
Read his draft recap at Goal.com -- Women's Professional Soccer Draft Recap
January 9, 2010
Los Angeles and Boston Complete A Deal
Per the WPS official website:
Jan. 8, 2010: The Los Angeles Sol traded the rights to an international discovery player and its seventh round pick (65th overall) in the 2010 WPS Draft to the Boston Breakers for its third round pick (25th overall) in the 2010 WPS Draft.
Unconfirmed at this point is the international discovery player, but it appears to be Laura Del Rio. The league no longer releases specific information on transactions involving discovery players, leaving the individual teams to do so at their discretion.
If it is true, this would be at least the 3rd different WPS team to have had the international discovery rights to Del Rio. Previously, the Chicago Red Stars had named her as an international discovery player in October, 2008. Los Angeles had named her as a discovery player in June of 2009. Neither team was able to sign her or work out a loan deal with her team. Del Rio is currently playing for FFC Frankfurt of the Frauen Bundesliga in Germany. She has 6 goals for the German club this season.
Jan. 8, 2010: The Los Angeles Sol traded the rights to an international discovery player and its seventh round pick (65th overall) in the 2010 WPS Draft to the Boston Breakers for its third round pick (25th overall) in the 2010 WPS Draft.
Unconfirmed at this point is the international discovery player, but it appears to be Laura Del Rio. The league no longer releases specific information on transactions involving discovery players, leaving the individual teams to do so at their discretion.
If it is true, this would be at least the 3rd different WPS team to have had the international discovery rights to Del Rio. Previously, the Chicago Red Stars had named her as an international discovery player in October, 2008. Los Angeles had named her as a discovery player in June of 2009. Neither team was able to sign her or work out a loan deal with her team. Del Rio is currently playing for FFC Frankfurt of the Frauen Bundesliga in Germany. She has 6 goals for the German club this season.
January 8, 2010
US Women's National Team calls 26 players into camp as 2010 Algarve Cup looms
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Labels: Boston Breakers, Los Angeles Sol, Philadelphia Independence, Saint Louis Athletica, UCLA, UNC, USWNT, Washington Freedom
Labels: Boston Breakers, Los Angeles Sol, Philadelphia Independence, Saint Louis Athletica, UCLA, UNC, USWNT, Washington Freedom
USWNT coach Pia Sundhage camp roster includes:
GOALKEEPERS (4): Nicole Barnhart (FC Gold Pride), Jillian Loyden (St. Louis Athletica), Alyssa Naeher (Penn State), Hope Solo (St. Louis Athletica)
DEFENDERS (8): Lori Chalupny (St. Louis Athletica), Stephanie Cox (Los Angeles Sol), Amy LePeilbet (Boston Breakers), Heather Mitts (Philadelphia Independence), Meghan Schnur (Sky Blue FC), Brittany Taylor (UConn), Cat Whitehill (Washington Freedom)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Yael Averbuch (Sky Blue FC), Shannon Boxx (Los Angeles Sol), Tobin Heath (UNC), Lori Lindsey (Philadelphia Independence), Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC), Heather O’Reilly (Sky Blue FC), Megan Rapinoe (Chicago Red Stars)
FORWARDS (7): Lauren Cheney (UCLA), Ella Masar (Chicago Red Stars), Alex Morgan (California), Casey Nogueira (UNC), Kelley O’Hara (Stanford), Amy Rodriguez (Philadelphia Independence), Abby Wambach (Washington Freedom)
GOALKEEPERS (4): Nicole Barnhart (FC Gold Pride), Jillian Loyden (St. Louis Athletica), Alyssa Naeher (Penn State), Hope Solo (St. Louis Athletica)
DEFENDERS (8): Lori Chalupny (St. Louis Athletica), Stephanie Cox (Los Angeles Sol), Amy LePeilbet (Boston Breakers), Heather Mitts (Philadelphia Independence), Meghan Schnur (Sky Blue FC), Brittany Taylor (UConn), Cat Whitehill (Washington Freedom)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Yael Averbuch (Sky Blue FC), Shannon Boxx (Los Angeles Sol), Tobin Heath (UNC), Lori Lindsey (Philadelphia Independence), Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC), Heather O’Reilly (Sky Blue FC), Megan Rapinoe (Chicago Red Stars)
FORWARDS (7): Lauren Cheney (UCLA), Ella Masar (Chicago Red Stars), Alex Morgan (California), Casey Nogueira (UNC), Kelley O’Hara (Stanford), Amy Rodriguez (Philadelphia Independence), Abby Wambach (Washington Freedom)
January 7, 2010
Abily to Gold Pride, DiMartino to Los Angeles
The deal sending Camille Abily to FC Gold Pride is, in fact, a reality. Los Angeles has traded Camille Abily and their 2nd round draft choice (20th overall pick) in the 2010 draft to FC Gold Pride for Christina DiMartino, FC Gold Pride's 2nd round draft choice (14th overall pick) in the 2010 draft, and the rights to one of Gold Pride's 2009 International Discovery Players.
Abily, a member of the French National Team, was the Sol's 2nd leading scorer last season with 8 goals and 1 assist. The talented midfielder was a major factor in LA's regular season title, but she was unable to participate in the championship game due to her national team duties. Additionally, she was selected to the WPS All-Star team, but was playing for France in the 2009 Euros.
DiMartino was FC Gold Pride's 1st round selection (3rd overall) in the 2009 WPS draft. She also has 5 caps for the US National Team and scored her first international goal against Denmark in the 2009 Algarve Cup. For Gold Pride, DiMartino assisted on one goal while starting 18 games. She returns to Los Angeles where she played her college soccer for UCLA.
Abily, a member of the French National Team, was the Sol's 2nd leading scorer last season with 8 goals and 1 assist. The talented midfielder was a major factor in LA's regular season title, but she was unable to participate in the championship game due to her national team duties. Additionally, she was selected to the WPS All-Star team, but was playing for France in the 2009 Euros.
DiMartino was FC Gold Pride's 1st round selection (3rd overall) in the 2009 WPS draft. She also has 5 caps for the US National Team and scored her first international goal against Denmark in the 2009 Algarve Cup. For Gold Pride, DiMartino assisted on one goal while starting 18 games. She returns to Los Angeles where she played her college soccer for UCLA.
Rumor-LA Trades Abily to Gold Pride
At this point there are no details or confirmation, but there was briefly a news headline on the FC Gold Pride website that they had acquired Camille Abily from the Los Angeles Sol. The headline seems to have been removed, possibly awaiting league approval of the deal before releasing info to the public.
Updates, if any, to follow.
Updates, if any, to follow.
December 30, 2009
Los Angeles Sol - The Offseason So Far
1 comments
Labels: Brittany Bock, Camille Abily, Karina LeBlanc, Los Angeles Sol, Marta, Shannon Boxx
Labels: Brittany Bock, Camille Abily, Karina LeBlanc, Los Angeles Sol, Marta, Shannon Boxx
When Last We Left Them...
Los Angeles won the WPS regular season title with a 12-3-5 record and 41 points, well ahead of the rest of the league. By early June, they had opened up a double digit lead on the field, posting shutouts in 8 of their first 9 games. They were led by three great international players on offense, Marta, Camille Abily, and Aya Miyama. These three combined for 18 goals and 10 assists for the season. Karina LeBlanc was unbeatable in goal and a strong defense led by veteran Shannon Boxx at defensive mid kept opponents in check.
However, with not much to play for, they struggled down the stretch. A loss to Athletica in early July put their championship celebration on hold for two weeks. A scoreless tie against Gold Pride on July 23rd clinched it for them, but they appeared to be losing momentum. The Sol managed only a 1-2-1 record over their last 4 matches and then had a two week layoff before hosting the WPS Championship. They just never looked sharp in that match, surrendering an early goal to Sky Blue, followed quickly by a red card to Allison Falk. The 1-0 loss was a disappointing ending to a great season for Los Angeles.
Roster Moves
Los Angeles retained several great players from their 2009 roster, but little beyond that. At the present time, they have only 9 players signed for the 2010 season. Those players are Marta, Abily, Miyama, Boxx, LeBlanc, Brittany Bock, Stephanie Cox, Johanna Frisk, and Manya Makoski. It remains to be seen if they will re-sign any of their own free agents such as Aly Wagner or McCall Zerboni.
The Sol lost defender Sharolta Nonen and all-purpose player Katie Larkin to Atlanta in the expansion draft. Nonen, a veteran of the Canadian National Team and the WUSA Atlanta Beat, was a late season signing for Los Angeles after their defensive ranks were depleted for various reasons. She appeared in only two matches for the Sol. Larkin was a 3rd round draft choice for LA in 2009 and showed a lot of potential, but she rarely cracked the starting lineup of the talented Sol. She proved to be very versatile, even filling in at defense when needed. Larkin didn't score, but played in 14 matches and started 5.
In early October, Los Angeles traded defender Allison Falk and backup keeper Val Henderson to the Philadelphia Independence, for a 1st and a 3rd round draft pick. Falk, the Sol's 2nd round pick from 2009, started 16 games for Los Angeles and was considered to be one of the best young defenders in the league. Her absence will leave a pretty big hole in the Sol's back line. Henderson got very little chance to play because of LeBlanc's brilliance. But when she did, she sparkled with a shutout against Gold Pride in her only match. Additionally, free agent Lyndsey Patterson, who saw action in one match for LA, was signed by Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles has been very quiet, making no major acquisitions. They are in good position to make a lot of noise at the draft. They have possession of the 5th, 8th, and 9th overall picks.
Current Roster
Goalkeepers (1)-Karina LeBlanc.
Defenders (4)-Brittany Bock, Stephanie Cox, Johanna Frisk, Manya Makoski.
Midfielders (3)-Camille Abily, Shannon Boxx, Aya Miyama.
Forwards (1)-Marta.
Additions- None
Subtractions- Sharolta Nonen (drafted by Atlanta), Katie Larkin (drafted by Atlanta), Allison Falk (traded to Philadelphia), Valerie Henderson (traded to Philadelphia), Lyndsey Patterson (signed by Philadelphia).
Other Free Agents from 2009 roster-Liz Bogus, Brittany Cameron, Martina Franko, Han Duan, Keri Sanchez, Lisa Sari, Julia Schnugg, Christie Shaner, Aly Wagner, and McCall Zerboni.
Internationals-Abily, Frisk, Marta, and Miyama with 1 slot open.
Draft Choices (in first 3 rounds)-Nos. 5, 8, 9, 20, and 22.
Needs to Address
Los Angeles has three things going for them. They have a lot of talent, a lot of draft picks, and some versatility. Brittany Bock can play any position on the field and Manya Makoski can play defender or midfielder. But there are still holes to fill. I would think that their first need would be defender. With Franko, Falk, and Nonen gone, they really need a center back. I'm guessing that LA will use their final international opening for a scorer, leaving the draft as the means to fill their defensive needs. Would LA possibly package a couple of their draft picks to move up to the top spot in the draft?
Los Angeles also needs a scorer and probably more than one. Brittany Bock could move up to forward. Bock and Marta seemed to have pretty good chemistry when they paired together up front, but their 5th international player will probably be the key here. Will Laura Del Rio be the missing piece of the puzzle or do they have someone else in mind?
The other needs for the Sol could probably be filled by re-signing some of their own players. Brittany Cameron, last year's developmental keeper for the Sol, could move into the backup position, although the Sol could opt for one of the top college keepers instead. And then at midfield, there is the question as to whether Aly Wagner and/or McCall Zerboni might be back to complement the already strong group of Boxx, Abily, and Miyama.
It's almost as though Los Angeles is banking on this year's draft being stronger than last year's. They've lost three talented young players from that 2009 draft in Falk, Henderson, and Larkin. In addition, they got Bock, Zerboni, Cameron, and Sari in the draft. Will their 2010 draft class be as talented as the 2009 class was? The Sol will definitely be a team to watch on draft day.
Los Angeles won the WPS regular season title with a 12-3-5 record and 41 points, well ahead of the rest of the league. By early June, they had opened up a double digit lead on the field, posting shutouts in 8 of their first 9 games. They were led by three great international players on offense, Marta, Camille Abily, and Aya Miyama. These three combined for 18 goals and 10 assists for the season. Karina LeBlanc was unbeatable in goal and a strong defense led by veteran Shannon Boxx at defensive mid kept opponents in check.
However, with not much to play for, they struggled down the stretch. A loss to Athletica in early July put their championship celebration on hold for two weeks. A scoreless tie against Gold Pride on July 23rd clinched it for them, but they appeared to be losing momentum. The Sol managed only a 1-2-1 record over their last 4 matches and then had a two week layoff before hosting the WPS Championship. They just never looked sharp in that match, surrendering an early goal to Sky Blue, followed quickly by a red card to Allison Falk. The 1-0 loss was a disappointing ending to a great season for Los Angeles.
Roster Moves
Los Angeles retained several great players from their 2009 roster, but little beyond that. At the present time, they have only 9 players signed for the 2010 season. Those players are Marta, Abily, Miyama, Boxx, LeBlanc, Brittany Bock, Stephanie Cox, Johanna Frisk, and Manya Makoski. It remains to be seen if they will re-sign any of their own free agents such as Aly Wagner or McCall Zerboni.
The Sol lost defender Sharolta Nonen and all-purpose player Katie Larkin to Atlanta in the expansion draft. Nonen, a veteran of the Canadian National Team and the WUSA Atlanta Beat, was a late season signing for Los Angeles after their defensive ranks were depleted for various reasons. She appeared in only two matches for the Sol. Larkin was a 3rd round draft choice for LA in 2009 and showed a lot of potential, but she rarely cracked the starting lineup of the talented Sol. She proved to be very versatile, even filling in at defense when needed. Larkin didn't score, but played in 14 matches and started 5.
In early October, Los Angeles traded defender Allison Falk and backup keeper Val Henderson to the Philadelphia Independence, for a 1st and a 3rd round draft pick. Falk, the Sol's 2nd round pick from 2009, started 16 games for Los Angeles and was considered to be one of the best young defenders in the league. Her absence will leave a pretty big hole in the Sol's back line. Henderson got very little chance to play because of LeBlanc's brilliance. But when she did, she sparkled with a shutout against Gold Pride in her only match. Additionally, free agent Lyndsey Patterson, who saw action in one match for LA, was signed by Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles has been very quiet, making no major acquisitions. They are in good position to make a lot of noise at the draft. They have possession of the 5th, 8th, and 9th overall picks.
Current Roster
Goalkeepers (1)-Karina LeBlanc.
Defenders (4)-Brittany Bock, Stephanie Cox, Johanna Frisk, Manya Makoski.
Midfielders (3)-Camille Abily, Shannon Boxx, Aya Miyama.
Forwards (1)-Marta.
Additions- None
Subtractions- Sharolta Nonen (drafted by Atlanta), Katie Larkin (drafted by Atlanta), Allison Falk (traded to Philadelphia), Valerie Henderson (traded to Philadelphia), Lyndsey Patterson (signed by Philadelphia).
Other Free Agents from 2009 roster-Liz Bogus, Brittany Cameron, Martina Franko, Han Duan, Keri Sanchez, Lisa Sari, Julia Schnugg, Christie Shaner, Aly Wagner, and McCall Zerboni.
Internationals-Abily, Frisk, Marta, and Miyama with 1 slot open.
Draft Choices (in first 3 rounds)-Nos. 5, 8, 9, 20, and 22.
Needs to Address
Los Angeles has three things going for them. They have a lot of talent, a lot of draft picks, and some versatility. Brittany Bock can play any position on the field and Manya Makoski can play defender or midfielder. But there are still holes to fill. I would think that their first need would be defender. With Franko, Falk, and Nonen gone, they really need a center back. I'm guessing that LA will use their final international opening for a scorer, leaving the draft as the means to fill their defensive needs. Would LA possibly package a couple of their draft picks to move up to the top spot in the draft?
Los Angeles also needs a scorer and probably more than one. Brittany Bock could move up to forward. Bock and Marta seemed to have pretty good chemistry when they paired together up front, but their 5th international player will probably be the key here. Will Laura Del Rio be the missing piece of the puzzle or do they have someone else in mind?
The other needs for the Sol could probably be filled by re-signing some of their own players. Brittany Cameron, last year's developmental keeper for the Sol, could move into the backup position, although the Sol could opt for one of the top college keepers instead. And then at midfield, there is the question as to whether Aly Wagner and/or McCall Zerboni might be back to complement the already strong group of Boxx, Abily, and Miyama.
It's almost as though Los Angeles is banking on this year's draft being stronger than last year's. They've lost three talented young players from that 2009 draft in Falk, Henderson, and Larkin. In addition, they got Bock, Zerboni, Cameron, and Sari in the draft. Will their 2010 draft class be as talented as the 2009 class was? The Sol will definitely be a team to watch on draft day.
October 7, 2009
Independence Trade for Falk and Henderson
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Labels: Allison Falk, Los Angeles Sol, Philadelphia Independence, Val Henderson, WPS 2010 Draft
Labels: Allison Falk, Los Angeles Sol, Philadelphia Independence, Val Henderson, WPS 2010 Draft
The Philadelphia Independence have completed a trade with Los Angeles, acquiring starting center back Allison Falk and backup keeper Val Henderson for the number 5 and 22 draft picks overall in the 2010 draft. This follows the trade a week ago that brought Amy Rodriguez from the Boston Breakers.
Falk, who played her college soccer at Stanford, started 16 games last season and scored the league's first goal in March. Considered by many to be one of the best young defensive players in the WPS, she was drafted by Los Angeles in the 2nd round of the 2009 draft with the 10th overall pick. Her 6-0 height made her a force on corner kicks at both ends of the field. Falk also picked up a red card in the Championship Game against Sky Blue.
Henderson played in only one match last year and earned a shutout over FC Gold Pride. She is considered to be one of the better backup keepers in the league. Henderson played her college soccer at UCLA.
The trade left Philadelphia without a first round pick in the draft. They originally had the 2nd and 11th picks overall, but traded those to Boston for Rodriguez and the 5th overall pick, which they just traded to Los Angeles. Their highest remaining pick is the 13th pick overall (2nd round, 2nd pick).
Meanwhile, the Sol appears to be stockpiling draft picks. In addition to the 5th pick overall acquired in this deal, they had previously acquired St. Louis' first round pick. They also still have their own first round selection.
Falk, who played her college soccer at Stanford, started 16 games last season and scored the league's first goal in March. Considered by many to be one of the best young defensive players in the WPS, she was drafted by Los Angeles in the 2nd round of the 2009 draft with the 10th overall pick. Her 6-0 height made her a force on corner kicks at both ends of the field. Falk also picked up a red card in the Championship Game against Sky Blue.
Henderson played in only one match last year and earned a shutout over FC Gold Pride. She is considered to be one of the better backup keepers in the league. Henderson played her college soccer at UCLA.
The trade left Philadelphia without a first round pick in the draft. They originally had the 2nd and 11th picks overall, but traded those to Boston for Rodriguez and the 5th overall pick, which they just traded to Los Angeles. Their highest remaining pick is the 13th pick overall (2nd round, 2nd pick).
Meanwhile, the Sol appears to be stockpiling draft picks. In addition to the 5th pick overall acquired in this deal, they had previously acquired St. Louis' first round pick. They also still have their own first round selection.
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