The Women’s Professional Soccer League is Coming
by Edith Sumaquial

No more tears, girls, because women’s professional soccer is back! A new league is coming in April of THIS year and the very first game is actually at the end of March in L.A. Female soccer players and fans have been without a professional league since 2003 when the Women’s United Soccer Association’s (WUSA) operations were suspended. Players and fans across the globe have been waiting for a new league to pick up where the WUSA left off. Well, the wait is almost over. Please welcome Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS).

Following the logos of the WNBA and NBA, the WPS created a logo that’s both symbolic and familiar. Mia Hamm’s silhouette (a pioneer of women’s soccer) lies within the logo, not only to honor her contribution to the sport, but as an inspiration to all female players.

As of now the league will feature seven teams including the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, Washington D.C. and St. Louis. Atlanta and Philadelphia plan to join the WPS in 2010.

America is finally catching up with the rest of the world when it comes to supporting professional soccer so the WPS feels hopeful for the future. Even the MLS has lent a helping hand to get WPS off and running. They’ve offered their expertise on how they have maintained the MLS franchises. So their guidance through this whole process has shown a support and eagerness to keep soccer alive for both men and women players. Thanks guys!

The WPS will be a premier league comprised of the highest level talent from all parts of the globe. Since the WUSA, there has not been any other professional platform for female soccer players in the U.S., which is considered a female soccer superpower. Having this league is much more than a women’s soccer franchise. It will also act as an emblematic representation of opportunity for women around the world.

The countdown begins now and April is just around the corner. The WPS has been drafting players nationally and internationally, as well as hosting try-outs. So keep playing girls, there is a future for women’s soccer.

Key Players by Franchise:
Bay Area FC Gold Pride – Formiga, Brandi Chastain, Leslie Osbourne, Christine Sinclair
Boston Breakers – Kristine Lily, Kelly Smith, Angela Hucles, Heather Mitts
Chicago Red Stars – Lindsay Tarpley, Carli Lloyd, Cristiane, Kate Markgraf
Los Angeles Sol – Marta, Shannon Boxx, Han Duan, Stephanie Cox
New Jersey/New York Sky Blue FC – Christie Rampone, Heather O’Reilly, Sarah Walsh, Natasha Kai
Washington Freedom – Abby Wambach, Kat Whitehill, Homare Sawa, Briana Scurry
St. Louis Athletica – Lori Chalupny, Hope Solo, Daniela, Enoila Aluko

Find more information on the new league, the teams and their players at the WPS homepage.

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