Boston Breakers

The transition from collegiate soccer to professional soccer can be difficult.  Even to the best of the best—as was evident by the struggles of the top draft pick, Amy Rodriguez, to find the back of the net in the 2009 WPS season. 

The comfort level for a different style of play, national and international players as teammates, and adjustments to new coaches and surroundings can dictate the transition. 

And yet, fans have come to expect strong performances from the top first round picks.   

The second WPS season opened with all eight teams playing a game each.  Of the four games, the match between New Jersey Sky Blue FC and Chicago Red Stars was broadcast live on the Fox Soccer Channel and got the most attention from fans and writers alike.

I was curious to find out how the top draft picks fared in their WPS debut matches.

Second draft pick Lauren Cheney not only contributed to the Boston Breakers win against the Washington Freedom, but she scored the first goal of the 2010 WPS season.  Meanwhile, top overall draft pick Tobin Heath could not deliver a victory for Atlanta Beat. 

With no head-turning stars on the Atlanta Beat, Heath is in a tough spot. Fans expectations of her to shoulder the responsibility of the team could be daunting despite her success at the collegiate level and on the U.S. Women's National Team.

Heath's teammates from the University of North Carolina, Casey Nogueira and Whitney Engen, did not have stellar debuts either. Both play for the Chicago Red Stars.

Engen started the game and defended well, but was over zealous on many occasions.  She was substituted in the second half to bring an attacker on the pitch when coach Emma Hayes changed the formation.  Nogueira came in as a substitute in the 77th minute, but did not bring any spark off the bench. 

Kelly O'Hara, a star player at Stanford now playing for FC Gold Pride, was reported to have had plenty of opportunities.  Even with Marta playing along her side, though, her team fell to Saint Louis Athletica. 

Despite what appeared to be an opportunistic goal by Tasha Kai of Sky Blue FC, credit goes to the Sky Blue defensive line for preserving that lead by holding off Christiane of the Chicago Red Stars. 

Brittany Taylor was spectacular in her one to one duels with Cristiane.  Taylor, a graduate of the University of Connecticut and a sixth pick in the first round WPS draft, showed tremendous patience and was unfazed with Cristiane's prowess on the ball.  She held her ground and did not give Cristiane any space and time. 

With only one week behind us, it is premature to rate or rank the first round picks of the 2010 WPS Draft.  However, let's hope that this batch will show their mettle soon and give us more than nine goals that we saw from the first round picks in the 2009 WPS season. 

Photo Credit: WPS

The Boston Breakers released the team’s final opening day roster today, following three-plus weeks of preseason camp.

Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) mandates that teams must announce their final opening day roster of 18 full rostered players, plus four developmental players by today.

The Breakers’ roster features nine returning players from their inaugural season.  Team veterans are highlighted by 2009 WPS All-Stars Amy LePeilbet, Kristine Lilly, Alex Scott and Kelly Smith.  LePeilbet was named the 2009 WPS MedImmune Defender of the Year while Smith was named the first-ever WPS Player of the Month in April 2009.

In the offseason the Breakers acquired U.S. Women’s National Team players Lauren Cheney and Stephanie Cox, along with National Team pool player, Leslie Osborne.

Cheney and Penn State goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher were selected by the Breakers in the first round of the 2010 WPS Draft.  Other rostered 2010 draftees include Santa Clara defender Jordan Angeli (second round) and University of Denver forward Taryn Hemmings (seventh round), one of the team’s four developmental players.  

In addition to Scott and Smith of England, Spanish forward Laura del Rio, Sarah Walsh of Australia, and Brazilian Fabiana, combine for the league maximum five international players.

The Boston Breakers, one of eight WPS teams, will open its season on April 10 at Washington Freedom, followed by the team’s home opener April 18 versus Philadelphia Independence at 6 p.m. The team will play its home matches at Harvard Stadium, and single-game, group and season tickets are now on sale for the 2010 season.

For package details and a seating chart, visit www.bostonbreakers.com.

Boston Breakers Opening Day Roster

No.	Player	Position	Age	Hometown	Previous Team	Twitter Name
4	Jordan Angeli	Defender	23	Lakewood, Colo.	Santa Clara	Jordangeli
7	Liz Bogus	Midfielder	26	Sandy, Utah	Arizona State	LizBogus
8	Lauren Cheney	Forward	22	Indianapolis, Ill.	UCLA
14	Stephanie Cox	Defender	23	Elk Grove, Calif.	University of Portland
15	Fabiana	Forward	20	Salvador, Brazil	Corinthians (Brazil)
25	Taryn Hemmings *	Forward	23	Greeley, Colo.	University of Denver	Tarynbell
2	Chioma Igwe	Midfield	23	Belmont, Calif.	Santa Clara	ChiomaIgwe
6	Amy LePeilbet	Defender	28	Crystal Lake, Ill.	Arizona State
13	Kristine Lilly	Midfield/Forward	38	Wilton, Conn.	UNC
18	Allison Lipsher	Goalkeeper	24	Honolulu, Hawaii	Duke	Alipsher
21	Analisa Marquez *	Forward/Defender	21	Tuscon, Ariz.	University of Arizona
17	Kasey Moore	Defender	22	Mission Viejo, Calif.	University of Texas	KaseyMoore14
1	Alyssa Naeher	Goalkeeper	21	Seymour, Conn.	Penn State	AlyssaNaeher
12	Leslie Osborne	Midfielder	26	Brookfield, Wis.	Santa Clara	LeslieOsborne12
24	Ashley Phillips *	Goalkeeper	24	Peabody, Mass.	Clemson
16	Laura del Rio	Forward	28	Madrid, Spain	FFC Frankfurt (Germany)
22	Alex Scott	Defender	25	London, England	Arsenal Ladies (England)	AlexScott2
10	Kelly Smith	Midfield/Forward	31	Watford, England	Arsenal Ladies (England)	Kjs8eng
5	Maggie Tomecka	Midfield	27	Shrewsbury, Mass.	UNC
9	Sarah Walsh	Forward	27	Camden, Australia	Sydney FC (Australia)
88	Tiffany Weimer	Forward	26	North Haven, Conn.	Penn State	TiffanyWeimer
33	Claire Zimmeck *	Forward	23	Fairfax, Va.	William & Mary

* = Developmental Player

About Boston Breakers

The Breakers are part of the eight-team Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS), which begins play for the second season in April and continues through September. The team plays its home matches at Harvard Stadium.

Season tickets are now on sale for the 2010 season. For package details and a seating chart, visit www.bostonbreakers.com . Follow all the news at www.twitter.com/bostonbreakers .

About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)

Headquartered in San Francisco, Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is the world’s premier soccer league for women with eight teams across the United States featuring the best players from around the world. WPS completed its inaugural season in August 2009 as Sky Blue FC of New Jersey became the first-ever WPS Champions.

In 2010, eight teams will each play 24-game schedules from April 10-September 12 including six original WPS teams—Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Gold Pride (Bay Area), Saint Louis Athletica, Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY) and Washington Freedom—and two expansion teams Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence.

The top four finishers in the regular season will qualify for the 2010 WPS Playoffs scheduled for September 19-26. For more information, visit the WPS official website at www.womensprosoccer.com or follow all the news at www.twitter.com/womensprosoccer .

The following is part of a weekly series in which writer Todd Civin presents the lighter side of the Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS).

The league is built on the down-to-earth nature and approachability of its athletes. "Getting Silly with the Breakers" is a fun-filled way to create a comfortable bond between the fans and the professional athletes who are the Boston Breakers.

A special thanks to Erica Hunt, the Communications Director for the team, as well as the players themselves for making this approach possible.

It is difficult for Art and Lindy Angeli to calculate exactly how many hours have been spent watching their daughter Jordan play soccer over the years.

One would estimate that an infinite number of cold mornings in the Colorado fall were spent packing the Angeli family into the back of the mini-van to see their little "soccer star" play. 

A parent wouldn't be a parent if they didn't sit and dream about their budding "Kristine Lilly" some day growing up to play with, well, Kristine Lilly.

Each and every one of us has cheered wildly as our star in the making broke down the wing and wondered if their kid might just have the stuff to make it all the way.

For most of us, however, reality becomes reality as our child bends down to pick another daisy as some other guy's "soccer star" flies by to score the go-ahead goal.

And then there's Art and Lindy Angeli, whose daughter Jordan is preparing to play her first season in Women's Professional Soccer for the Boston Breakers.

In less than a week, their "little soccer star" will be suiting up with the likes of Lilly, Kelli Smith, Alex Scott, and Leslie Osborne as she begins her professional soccer career against the Washington Freedom on April 10.

I tracked down Jordan's daddy after finding he was a fan of the Breakers Getting Silly articles and asked if he'd participate in a little payback for making he and the family sit through those thousands of games leading up to Jordan's professional debut.

Todd Civin: At what age did you and your wife suspect that Jordan was a pro in the making?

Art Angeli: Professional what? Would you believe, at birth? Neither would we! She has been a professional screamer since the second she was born! No question that her lungs were fully developed.

We always believed that she would accomplish whatever she wanted in soccer because she constantly worked on improving her skills.

TC: Tell us about her first soccer game as a five-year-old. Did she shine above the other five-year-olds?

AA: First, it was really difficult to determine who was shining when all of them were running two feet apart closely surrounding the ball. Secondly, we had no idea what the game was all about because neither of us were soccer players.

However, at that age she did seem to have a knack for collisions and would often "gently nudge" other little kids to the ground to create room for her to get to the goal.

TC: From age five to present, how many games do you estimate that you attended?

AA: If you are talking about Jordan's games, it would be considerable. However, together with her older sister, Ashley, playing competitive soccer and basketball and her brother, Darik playing competitive hockey (he still plays) and baseball, it would be a big number. Adding all of them together seems it has to be close to a million.

TC: Are you the president of her fan club?

AA: Since the president is in charge of setting the agenda...NEVER. We would probably be more like the controller; in charge of paying all the bills associated with vast travels, uniforms, cleats, shin-guards, etc.

But watching her accomplishments as a player, we are due-paying members of the club.

I would guess that Steven Whiteaker would be the president. Jordan is great friends with his daughter Rachel from club soccer and he has always been in her corner.

TC: If Jordan didn't play pro soccer, what could she be?

AA: Reflecting on prior performances, does lead singer in Rock Band count? Ace Ventura, Pet Detective? America's Next Supermodel? Actually, we would think that she would be involved in the game in some manner.

Whether that would take the form of coaching, either part or full-time, or a front office/administration/marketing position, we feel she would still be involved in soccer.

TC: She states that she can play the recorder with her nose. Have you or Lindy seen her in concert?

AA: Yes, we have always been the fortunate ones that were able to see the first performance, as we were with most of her antics.

The day she discovered she had the talent, she was sitting at the kitchen table and had just finished her rehearsal for the upcoming "normal recorder" concert and decided to give it a shot.

Come to think of it, I hope that wasn't the same recorder that her brother used a couple of years later.

TC: Where does she get her athletic skills?

AA: As I hear from all of my friends, there is no doubt that it comes from her mother. Maybe I can get some bonus points for that answer.

TC: Tell us about her Junior Prom.

AA: At her high school, the dances were attended in the "group" format. Probably about 20 of them piled into a father's RV (Christmas Vacation ring a bell?). I don't think Cousin Eddie was driving, but they were all friends and traveled in a big group.

Mom was not impressed that her nice dress was accented with flip flops. After the dance, they returned to the school for "After Prom," where the school was decorated and filled with casino games, karaoke, etc.

TC: Have you spent any time on her Facebook page and is there concern on your part why it really took her six years to graduate from Santa Clara?

AA: Are you trying to tell us something? All we ever heard was that the classes were very difficult and that studying was occupying all the spare time that she was not training.

She told us that she kept going back because she had been injured. She always felt that she was "the life of the party," so, if you have proof, please send it along.

TC: Tell us about a time she was grounded.

AA: I can't think of too many times that she was grounded. Often sent to her room for roughing up her brother or sister, but can't think of groundings.

Just once when she was pretty little and together with her sister assisted in the construction of the house being built next door.

TC: How did she keep her bedroom growing up?

AA: The best of all of our children. However, mom could never figure out how the floor was a critical part of clothes storage.

TC: What household chores was she responsible for and did she get an allowance?

AA: Lets see, vacuuming? NO. Laundry? NO. Cleaning bathroom? NO. Washing dishes? NO. Mowing the lawn? NO. Cleaning up after the dog? Once in a blue moon.

She didn't get an allowance unless you consider us paying for lunches, soccer equipment, gas, insurance, and movies as a stipend.

Actually she was very helpful, considerate, and thankful and is always willing to help out.

TC: Are there expectations that she will buy you a car or larger home with her WPS salary?

AA: At this point, let's just say we are not holding our breath.

TC: Funniest Halloween costume as a child?

AA: This is going to be hard to believe, but it was probably a clown outfit. She was "blessed" with extremely curly hair, so fluffing out her hair added to its authenticity.

TC: Did she have any unusual habits or imaginary friends that she talked to?

AA: No, but she would often join in the conversation with Ashley and her imaginary friend.

TC: Any pets growing up?

AA: One day upon arriving home from work, they surprised me with their big accomplishment for the day.

Their soccer coach had a neighbor whose dog had given birth to Dalmatian/Black Lab puppies, which was a necessary addition to our new house.

As I was told, she was "the cutest dog that ever lived" and that they were going to take care of her and feed her and pick-up after her. Chase became mom's dog, at least in the care area.


TC: Describe her eating habits growing up. Was she fussy?

AA: If you are asking if she had fussy eating habits, no. But if you are asking if she is fussy? That's a whole other story.

TC: She says on the Breakers fan page that she is learning to cook. How is it coming?

AA: She is turning into quite a good cook. Actually, her cooking is missed quite a bit around here. Remember, she got her athletic ability from her mother, but not her cooking skills. We are quite happy that she progressed from watching the Food Channel to actually preparing some of the dishes.

TC: What was the oddest item she stuck up her nose or an embarrassing moment you recall from her life?

AA: Other than the recorder and various items to stop her nose from bleeding, can't think of any.

However, there was an incident in the first round of the state basketball tournament her junior year. She was involved in a collision and somehow hit her funny bone the wrong way, which contorted her fingers into a claw position.

This was very disconcerting to Jordan and she was extremely concerned that her hand would remain in that position forever. She was visibly upset when she came off the court with the trainer.

Next day in school, an assistant principal came up to her in the school and asked her for a high-five, with his hand in the same "claw" position.

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He also shares his top stories on his blog, The 'xoxo' of Sports. He is a supporter of Team Hoyt, the father/son marathon and triathlon team of Dick and Rick Hoyt. He encourages you to support their movement of "Yes, I Can" by visiting their Web site at www.teamhoyt.com.

On the 22nd day of March during a wide-ranging span of years throughout history, the Heavens parted and out dropped the likes of many famous individuals from various walks of life including: comedian Chico Marx (1887), actor Karl Malden (1912), "Captain Kirk" William Shatner (1931), Canadian figure skater Elvis Stojko (1972), actress Reese Witherspoon (1976), composer Andrew Lloyd Weber (1948) and sportscaster Bob Costas (1952). Each spent this day celebrating the anniversary of their birth some number of years ago.

Little did Boston Breakers' midfielder Jen Nobis know that when parents Pam and Mike Nobis headed for that little hospital in Quincy, Illinois on that fateful day in 1984, that she would end up sharing her special day with such an illustrious group.

With Marx and Malden laid safely to rest and Captain Kirk, Stojko, Witherspoon, Weber and Costas undoubtedly celebrating with family, the star of the Breakers got together with a couple of her closest friends, Darci and Kim, and celebrated birthday number 26 this week, 1980's style.

JNO, as she is called by friends and teammates, will likely miss the season due to an injury to her ACL. She has healed enough, however, to exhibit a few of her famed dance moves and displays of flexibility as filmed in her suburban (and somewhat unkempt) Boston apartment.

Nobis, whose outgoing and open personality has made her a media darling amongst local professional athletes, was willing to share her celebration as part of this exclusive birthday interview and her festive YouTube video shot prior to her night on the town with Darci and Kim.

Somehow I think I can hear Girls Just Wanna Have Fun blasting out of the eight-track player of Nobis' lime green Gremlin tooling around the streets of Boston. Happy Birthday JNO...and many more.

Todd Civin: Were you especially excited when you woke on your special day?

Jennifer Nobis: Yes, and then I realized I was up at 6:00 AM because I had to nanny! Such is the life of an injured Breaker.

TC: What flavor birthday cake is your favorite?

JNO: Confetti birthday cake!!!!!

TC: Do you eat the cake or the frosting first or both at the same time?

JNO: All at the same time. Love the feeling of double sweetness!

TC: Do you have a special birthday ritual?

JNO: I turn my music loud and sing the birthday song in whatever style of song I am listening too! Happy Birthday to me!

TC: What was the menu for your birthday dinner?

JNO: My favorite meal of ALL times is Macaroni and Tomato juice, so that's what we feasted on. I'll share the recipe with your readers. It's super simple. Drain the macaroni and put Campbell's tomato juice in it. DON'T mistake this for Tomato paste or soup. It's straight up JUICE. The key ingredient though is lots and lots of pepper! Enjoy!

TC: Was there a theme to your party?

JNO: I was born in '84, so our theme was 80’s!

TC: Did your host family get you anything special?

JNO: Sure did. They left for Paris for ten days and I had the big house to myself. The perfect gift.

TC: Any game playing like pin the tail on the donkey, bobbing for apples, clothes pin in the bottle? 

JNO: Spin the bottle. Just kidding. We had a handstand contest, dance contest and, of course, who could get the most numbers that night! Ha,ha.

TC: Tell us about your best birthday party growing up. How did this compare?

JNO: I had too many great ones. My twin and I use to have our birthday parties at the gymnastic center. Ha, ha I miss sharing my parties with Tyler. 

TC: Who had the most outrageous 80's costume?

JNO: The birthday girl of course!! I was “Classic” 80’s, while Darci was “Cheerleader” 80’s and Kim was “Barbie” 80’s.

TC: Describe the music played at your party.

JNO: Ace of Base, Michael Jackson, Gangster Paradise. Let's say, I'm a well-rounded girl with lots of variety.

TC: Were there any birthday spankings or other approved "rough play"?

JNO: Todd, you know better that any kind of spanking isn't approved or appropriate at the age of 26.

TC: What is your preference, the traditional happy birthday song or the version sung at the 99 or Outback?

JNO: Neither, I like the Beatles version , but my favorite is when my parents and brother call me every year and sing to me!

TC: After playing in Sweden this season, can you say Happy Birthday in Swedish?

JNO: Grattis pŒ fšdelsedagen.

TC: What was your favorite gift received?

JNO: My underwater IPOD, so now I can swim laps and listen to music. From my parents. I LOVE YOU!!!

TC: Do you prefer a Hallmark or a homemade birthday card?

JNO: Homemade, by far!!

TC: Do you consider yourself to be 26 years old or 26 years young? 

JNO: I am a 26-year-old who lives in a ten-year-old's body and mind! Well maybe not so much body, but mind for sure.

TC: At what age will you stop celebrating birthdays?

JNO: Never! Celebrating keeps you young no matter what age!

Jennifer Nobis' frequent blog posts can also be found at Connect World Football , along with that of fellow Boston Breaker, Tiffany Weimer and several other female soccer stars.

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He also shares his top stories on his blog The 'xoxo' of Sports. He is a supporter of Team Hoyt, the father/son marathon and triathlon team of Dick and Rick Hoyt. He encourages you to support their movement of "Yes, I Can" by visiting their Web site at www.teamhoyt.com

By Erica Hunt—Boston Breakers Communications Director

The Boston Breakers of women's professional soccer tied the U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team 2-2 on Wednesday afternoon in a preseason exhibition match at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL.  The game was the first of four scrimmages the Breakers will play during the team’s 10-day training camp in Florida.

Boston College midfielder and Hanson, MA native Kristie Mewis opened the scoring for the U.S. in the 18th minute with a shot from six yards out.   

“Unfortunately the [U.S.] Under-20’s struck first with a pretty good counterattack, aided with a missed defensive clear,” Boston Breakers head coach Tony DiCicco said.  “The Breakers responded very well and continued creating chances.”

Brazilian forward Fabiana put the Breakers on the scoreboard in the 32nd minute after Tiffany Weimer, Kelly Smith, and Sarah Walsh combined to find Fabiana alone on the far post to easily put the ball into the net.  Two minutes later, midfielder Kristine Lilly scored off a corner kick, striking her shot into the upper right corner to give the Breakers a 2-1 lead.

“The second goal was magic,” DiCicco said.  “Smith and Walsh again combined and the ball was played into the penalty area, finding a streaking Lilly who pounded it home from about 12 yards out.”

Mewis equalized play in the 57th minute with a side-footed volley into the upper left corner of the net.

“Overall I was pleased with the effort and how the team responded after going down a goal,” DiCicco said.  “This is a game in which we can build on as we make preparations for our first match down in Washington as well as a match for evaluating which players will make the final roster.”

The Breakers were missing forward Lauren Cheney who will be joining the team in Florida later this week.  Defender Amy LePeilbet was out due to injury.

The Breakers' preseason schedule continues with an exhibition match on Saturday against 2009 WPS Champion Sky Blue FC at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL at 4 PM ET.

Boston Breakers 2, U.S. U-20 WNT 2

Boston   2 0 - 2
USA 1 1 - 2

SCORING SUMMARY

USA—Kristie Newis 18th minute

Breakers—Fabiana 32nd minute

Breakers—Kristine Lilly 34th minute

USA—Kristie Mewis 57th minute

Boston Breakers Lineup: Lipsher (Naeher); Scott; Moore; Angeli (Marquez); Cox; Osborne; Lilly; Smith (del Rio); Walsh (Hemmings); Fabiana (Reynolds); Weimer (Zimmeck)

2010 BOSTON BREAKERS PRESEASON CALENDAR
March 10: Boston Breakers 0, Boston College 0
March 17: Boston Breakers 2, U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team 2
Saturday, March 20: vs Sky Blue FC, Gainesville, FL, 4 p.m. ET
Tuesday, March 23: vs Atlanta Beat, St. Augustine, FL, 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, March 24: vs University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 7 p.m. ET

About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)

Headquartered in San Francisco, women’s professional soccer (WPS) is the world’s premier soccer league for women with eight teams across the United States featuring the best players from around the world. WPS completed its inaugural season in August 2009 as Sky Blue FC of New Jersey became the first ever WPS Champions.

In 2010, eight teams will each play 24-game schedules from April 10-September 12 including six original WPS teams—Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Gold Pride (Bay Area), Saint Louis Athletica, Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY), and Washington Freedom—and two expansion teams (Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence).

The top four finishers in the regular season will qualify for the 2010 WPS Playoffs scheduled for September 19-26. For more information, visit the WPS official website at www.womensprosoccer.com or follow all the news at www.twitter.com/womensprosoccer .

With two weeks of training camp in the rear view mirror and the team bus driving towards their opening contest against the Washington Freedom on April 10, Coach Tony DiCicco's Boston Breaker squad has finally departed the confines of the training bubble at Harvard University. The Breakers are traveling south down Rte. 95 to the warmer climate in Florida.

Their current roster of 23 players will be trimmed a bit further in the next three weeks. DiCicco and his coaching staff will decide on the top 18 athletes to start the 2010 season of Women's Professional Soccer. DiCicco will keep another four players in addition to his final choices to make up the team's developmental squad.

The early days of camp become a testament to the players commitment to arrive at camp physically fit. Early season muscle aches and nagging injuries can become a factor and have an effect on the ultimate make-up of the team. 

Since the Breakers 2009 campaign ended on Aug. 9 of last year, many of the Breakers have remained involved in both International and Club team play and, for the most part, remain game ready year round.

Nothing shocks the muscle groups with as big a jolt, however, as the first days of training camp after a long offseason hibernation.

I spoke with two veterans returning from last season's Breaker team, midfielder Maggie Tomecka and defender Kasey Moore, to discuss their offseason training regimens and how they prepared to improve their chances of gaining one of the coveted spots on this season's Breaker roster.

Todd Civin: Describe your offseason training regimen. Where do you spend the offseason?

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He also shares his top stories on his blog The 'xoxo' of Sports. He is a supporter of Team Hoyt, the father/son marathon and triathlon team of Dick and Rick Hoyt. He encourages you to support their movement of "Yes, I Can" by visiting their Web site at www.teamhoyt.com

Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) is excited to announce the addition of Citi as the league's newest founding partner joining PUMA, which was a founding partner during the WPS Inaugural Season.

Citi recognizes and supports the opportunities that WPS has created for female athletes and women’s soccer players over the past two years and looks forward to continuing to support the growth of youth soccer in communities around the country.

“We are proud to welcome Citi into the WPS family,” said Commissioner Antonucci. “Our national partners are so vital to the growth of our league and helping spread the message that women’s professional soccer is a world class product that is here for everyone to enjoy in the long term.”

As a show of its commitment to the world’s best soccer league for women, Citi’s logo will be placed on the backs of all the team uniforms below the numbers. This represents the the first-ever national jersey partnership for WPS.

“Given our global reach, Citi is thrilled to contribute to the growth of the world's most popular game here in the United States,” said Mark Ingall, Citi Managing Director, Global Strategic Media. “More and more Americans, including millions of women and girls, play and follow the game."

Ingall added, "This partnership will be an effective platform to attract and retain customers, including young women and families in local communities across the country. We are very pleased to support these tremendous athletes and their passionate fans."

About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)

Headquartered in San Francisco, Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is the world’s premier soccer league for women with eight teams across the United States featuring the best players from around the world. WPS completed its inaugural season in August 2009 as Sky Blue FC of New Jersey became the first-ever WPS Champions.

In 2010, eight teams will each play 24-game schedules from April 10-September 12 including six original WPS teams—Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Gold Pride (Bay Area), Saint Louis Athletica, Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY), and Washington Freedom—and two expansion teams Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence.

The top four finishers in the regular season will qualify for the 2010 WPS Playoffs scheduled for September 19-26. For more information, visit the WPS official website at www.womensprosoccer.com or follow all the news at www.twitter.com/womensprosoccer .

About Citi

Citi, the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 140 countries.

Through Citicorp and Citi Holdings, Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.

Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com .

The following is part of a weekly series in which writer Todd Civin presents the lighter side of the Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS).

The league is built based on the down-to-earth nature and approachability of its athletes. "Getting Silly with the Breakers" is a fun-filled way to create a comfortable bond between the fans and the professional athletes who are the Boston Breakers.

A special thanks to Erica Hunt, the communications director for the team, as well as the players themselves for making this approach possible.

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Only two days removed from her first official full team workout as a professional soccer player, I suspect that there are still a lot of things going through the mind of Boston Breakers' rookie defender, Katherine Reynolds.

A new team, a new city, new teammates. and her first training camp is an awful lot of adjusting for any of the 65 newbies attempting to make the squads of the eight Women's Professional Soccer teams.

Reynolds, who was drafted in the fourth round by the Breakers and was one of five graduates drafted from last year's Santa Clara University squad, made the trek across country this week from her home in Medina, Washington to her new home in Boston, MA.

Her latest two Facebook statuses, though brief, say it all. "Leaving Santa Clara" and "In Boston."

After making the coast to coast journey, Reynolds was kind enough to subject herself to some "Getting Silly" questions and share her inner most secrets with her new fans of Boston. Secrets which include stories about getting locked in the rest room while visiting Italy and still using her childhood baby blanket.

Sit back and enjoy Reynolds' much awaited introduction to her Boston fans as we get to know her off the field while she is busy trying to separate herself from the competition and make a name for herself on the field as well.

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Todd Civin:  You were one of five draft picks from your team at Santa Clara. How big was the party on campus that night?

Katherine Reynolds: It may have been big, but I wasn’t there. I was in camp with the U23 national team at the Home Depot Center.

TC:  Did your nerves increase as each teammate came off the board?

KR: Yes, exponentially.

TC:  Who was the first person you called when you were selected?

KR: I am not sure. I was in the middle of training when I was drafted. So when I got off the field I started returning phone calls. It was probably my parents though.

TC:  Your home town of Medina Washington is also the residence of Bill Gates and Ichiro, do you ever run into either at the local Dairy Queen?

KR: No, we don’t have a Dairy Queen. However, his children went to my elementary school and when I was getting out of my car one day I accidentally hit him when he was getting out his car. I felt bad! In terms of Ichiro, I had no idea he lived in Medina, but that’s awesome!


TC:  Funniest thing you can tell us about former college teammate and current Breaker Jordan Angeli?

KR: I could tell you something funny about Jordan but if I told you the first thing I thought of she may not be too happy with me!

TC:  Any plans for you and Jordan once you hit Boston?

KR: I think we are just so excited to be able to explore a new city together! This is a dream come true for both of us!

TC:  You were an eight-time High School state champion in track. Were there any thoughts in pursuing that as a career instead?

No, I did not. I won my eight state championships by the end of my sophomore year but I hated track so much I decided to switch to tennis for my spring sport my junior and senior year.

TC:  Greatest place you've been as a result of soccer?

KR: Probably Sweden for the Nordic Cup in 2008.

TC:  Favorite thing about living in Washington State?

KR: I am surrounded by lakes and mountains. It is beautiful!

TC:  Favorite all time breakfast cereal?

KR: Oatmeal

TC:  Favorite chick flick of all-times?

KR: I really liked How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days.

TC:  Tell us something that would surprise fans about you.

KR: That I still sleep with my baby blanket that can’t even be washed because it is falling apart!

TC:  Proudest non-soccer moment?

KR: Graduating early from Santa Clara.

TC:  Best thing about University Prep where you attended high school?

KR: It is a small school and I feel like all the teachers, staff, and students have followed and supported me as I have tried to become a professional soccer player. I frequently get texts from my high school principal just to check in a see how things are going!

TC:  Most inspirational person in your life?

KR: Mom and Dad

TC:  Favorite non-alcoholic beverage ?

KR: Starbucks vanilla latte!

TC:  Most embarrassing life moment?

KR: Getting locked in a bathroom stall while viewing The David in Florence Italy. I guess the sign said “out of order” but I couldn’t read Italian.

TC:  Name three things you know about Boston

KR: I guess there would be three things. 1. It snows 2. Harvard is located there and
3. They are passionate sports fans!

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He also shares his top stories on his blog The 'xoxo' of Sports. He is a supporter of Team Hoyt, the father/son marathon and triathlon team of Dick and Rick Hoyt. He encourages you to support their movement of "Yes, I Can" by visiting their Web site at www.teamhoyt.com

The following is part of a weekly series in which writer Todd Civin presents the lighter side of the Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS).

The league is built based on the down-to-earth nature and approachability of its athletes. "Getting Silly with the Breakers" is a fun-filled way to create a comfortable bond between the fans and the professional athletes who are the Boston Breakers.

A special thanks to Erica Hunt, the communications director for the team, as well as the players themselves for making this approach possible.

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Boston Breakers rookie defender, Jordan Angeli, tweeted the following last night in anticipation for her initial day as an official member of Women's Professional Soccer, "First day with the Breakers tomorrow."

For most little girls, the thought of starting work as a professional soccer player would probably be mind boggling. For the little red-headed girl from Lakewood, Co., the thought is a lesson in dedication and perseverance.

Angeli, who was named the 2009 West Coast Conference (WCC) defender of the year while playing for the Santa Clara Broncos, has waited for this day for six years after being forced to redshirt the 2007 and 2008 seasons due to debilitating knee injuries.

Angeli, who scored twelve goals as a sophomore in 2005, suffered a torn ACL in her left knee before her senior season in 2007. After months of grueling rehab, the same ligament gave away as she prepared for her second senior season in 2008.

Third time is a charm they say, as her injury is now a distant memory.

She came back as strong as ever during her "third" senior campaign, leading the Broncos to a 14-7-2 record.  While starting all 23 games for Santa Clara, she led the team in goals (7), points (17), and game winners (4) while scoring the game-winning goal in overtime on two occasions (Sept. 6 at Georgetown, and Oct. 18 at St. Mary's).

Her long awaited entry into the professional ranks was made official when Breakers coach Tony DiCicco selected her in the second round with the 16th pick in the draft. She and four of her Santa Clara teammates were selected in the 2010 draft, second only to University of North Carolina with seven.

So as Angeli prepares to step on the Breakers practice field to start her much awaited WPS career, the precocious gal with the orange locks was nice enough to let her hair down in the following edition of Getting Silly with the Breakers.  

As you will see, she not only plays a mean game of soccer, but can also play the recorder with her nose and isn't afraid to exchange a few barbs when prodded.

 
Todd Civin: How long does it take you to straighten your hair?

Jordan Angeli: I have a pretty good system going now so I can just blow-dry it straight in about 20 minutes. Then I have to touch it up a little after to make sure it's not too poofy. Sometimes it can resemble look something like a Pomeranian!

This is much better then the 45 minutes it used to take. But this is a rare occasion; I tend to rock the curls most of the time. 

TC: The Santa Clara media guide states that you can play the recorder with your nose. Will you be putting on a demonstration for your new teammates?

JA: Give me a recorder and I will give them a little tune to sing-a-long to!

TC: It states your favorite cartoon growing up was Ninja Turtle. Which of the four was your favorite and why?

JA: I liked Michelangelo. Orange was my favorite color so that was my initial connection to him. Then he was a goofball and loved pizza, so it was a match made in heaven.

TC: What has been your greatest all-time soccer moment?

JA: This is a hard one. Playing Notre Dame my sophomore year was such a fun game. Scoring two goals and beating the defending National Champs at home under the lights was pretty amazing.

I also loved playing for my country and with some of my best friends in the U20 World Cup in Russia. Our game against Germany in the quarters was one of the best games I have ever played in.

But, I am most proud of this past fall when I overcame all my injuries to play every game my senior year. Stepping back on the field in my No. 18 Santa Clara jersey was one of the top five happiest moments of my life. I don't think I stopped smiling the whole game.

TC: It took you six years to graduate college, too much partying?

JA: When you're the life of the party, no one wants you to leave! That and none of my teachers would pass me. No, I had a couple of injuries that held me back, but it just made the old saying "College is the best four years of your life" change a little to "the best six years of my life."  was okay with that!

TC: You redshirted your 2007 and 2008 seasons, did the shirt clash with your hair?

JA: Yes and it was traumatizing! Red was never my color. I should of thought of that before I got injured.

TC: What's your favorite shop at Belmar Shopping Mall?

JA: Tough one...I probably spend the most money there at the movie theater, my last purchase being Valentine's Day. There is a little coffee shop called, The Press Coffee, which has delicious drinks and treats. But, my all-time favorite was American Apparel which I loved, but they took it out a couple years ago. So I guess I am still kinda mad at them for taking that out. 

TC: Will Santa Clara Stuft Pizza be naming a menu item after you?

JA: Actually, now that you mention it, I need to call them back with a confirmation on the new pizza flavor. Guess you will just have to take a trip to Stuft to find out what it is.

TC: What's your greatest achievement or moment outside of soccer?

JA: In college, I was in a business writing class where we had to develop a community service project and implement it. Our group chose Right to Play, which gives underprivileged kids in countries across the world a chance to play sports. We raised over $1,300 which was donated directly to Right to Play.

The reason it meant so much to me is because sport has been such a huge part of my life and I was excited to help provide that opportunity to other kids from all over the world. The class was awesome and it is an accomplishment that I will never forget.

TC: You scored a team-leading 12 goals as a sophomore on 80 shots, with six game winners. Were you the biggest thing on campus?

JA: If you would call someone who is carried around on a queen-like throne the biggest thing on campus, then yes.

TC: Greatest player in SCU history: you, Leslie Osborne, Ali Wagner or Brandi Chastain?

JA: That is a tough one. I obviously don't quite belong with those caliber of players yet because all three of them are amazing and I look up to all of them. But of course, I have to go with my good friend and teammate again, Leslie Osborne.

TC: Did you participate in the cardboard boat race made famous at Green Mountain High or was that started after you graduated?

JA: It must be a new thing because I have never heard of it. And, my family could vouch for this, that I probably wouldn't be too good at making a cardboard boat because I have always been better at taking things apart/breaking them then putting them together.

TC: Describe your ideal breakfast.

JA: Yum. Breakfast is my favorite but I would want a little of everything: french toast, chocolate chip pancakes, veggie scramble with egg whites, yogurt with granola and fruit! Just about four bites of each with a vanilla latte on the side...ideal!

A lot of food, but what can I say? I love breakfast!

TC: What's the greatest thing about growing up in Colorado?

JA: Colorado was an amazing place to grow up. I loved fall for a couple reasons. First, it is so colorful with all the leaves changing to yellow, orange, and red. When I was at school, my mom would send me pictures of the trees in our neighborhood to give me a little taste of Colorado. Fall also meant club soccer.

I played for the Colorado Rush for my whole club career and my team was pretty much the same for those eight years. I played with girls, who are still some of my best friends to this day. I loved being around them at practice, games, and away trips. We have some great memories that made growing up in Colorado amazing.

TC: What will be the first thing you want to see when you arrive in Boston?

JA: I have never been to Boston so there will be many places for me to explore. The Boston Tea Party Museum is pretty high up there on the list. I love going to sporting events so I want to go to a Celtics and Bruins game, but don't be mad if I root for the Nuggets and Avalanche (Sorry, I'm a Colorado girl at heart!).

I really can't wait to go to Fenway Park and watch a baseball game in the summer. My dad got me a Red Sox shirt when I was little and I it has always made me want to go there. I am just excited for a new city and to learn my way around. 

TC: If you could prepare dinner for one famous person, who would it be and what would you serve?

JA: I have always had a thing for Justin Timberlake. I think it was those curlycues back in his N'sync days that really hooked me. I don't know what I would serve though. I love watching the Food Network and trying new things. Cooking has turned into my new hobby so I would probably try something new and hope it turns out great for my first, of hopefully many, dinner dates with Justin.

TC: What's your most embarrassing life moment?

JA: It might sound weird, but I don't really get embarrassed that easily. I just laugh at myself when I do something stupid because everyone else is. I figure I might as well join in on the fun.

TC: What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

JA: Cappuccino Chip Gelato from Dolce Spazio in Los Gatos, CA. I could eat it everyday!

TC: What's one thing the fans of Boston should know about you?

JA: I do a pretty mean Rock Band rendition of Spice Girls "Wannabe." I own the mic!

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He also shares his top stories on his blog The 'xoxo' of Sports. He is a supporter of Team Hoyt, the father/son marathon and triathlon team of Dick and Rick Hoyt. He encourages you to support their movement of "Yes, I Can" by visiting their Web site at www.teamhoyt.com

A post by Boston Breakers GM Andy Crossley on Big Soccer.com was confirmed by a press release moments ago from Breakers' Director of Communications Erica Hunt, announcing the signing of Australian National Team forward Sarah Walsh.

In order to make room for the forward from Down Under, the Breakers waived Canadian forward Christine Latham.

“Sarah has fantastic speed and attacking abilities,” Head Coach Tony DiCicco said. “She loves to get behind defenses and has the ability to score herself and create goals for her teammates."

DiCicco added, "Her leadership and experience will also provide a lot to our success. I look forward to coaching her and I think the Breaker fans will love her work ethic and abilities.”

Walsh joins England National Team players Alex Scott and Kelly Smith, Brazilian forward Fabiana, and Spain’s Laura Del Rio as Boston’s league-maximum five international players, prompting the waiving of Latham.

Walsh was originally drafted by Sky Blue FC as the seventh pick overall in the 2009 International Draft. She appeared in five games and scored one goal and one assist before being traded to Saint Louis Athletica on June 26, 2009. She played in 11 games for Athletica, starting in six, and notched a goal and two assists.

Walsh, 27, has a wealth of experience in international competition. She has been a member of the Australian National team since 2004, appearing in the 2004 Olympics in Athens during which her team made it to the Finals, the 2006 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, and the 2007 World Cup in China, where she scored a goal in the group-stage opener against Ghana.

She just concluded a season with Sydney FC of Australia’s W-League, and has been a member of five other Australian clubs throughout her career. In 2008, Walsh signed with the U.S. W-League’s Pali Blues, but subsequently missed the entire season due to a fractured leg.

Latham, who appeared in 16 games for the Breakers last season while netting two goals and an assist has cleared waivers and is a free agent. She has been invited to workout with the Breakers as a non-rostered free agent during the team's upcoming tryout and pre-season period, according to Crossley's post.

About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)

Headquartered in San Francisco, Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is the world’s premier soccer league for women with eight teams across the United States featuring the best players from around the world. WPS completed its inaugural season in August 2009 as Sky Blue FC of New Jersey became the first-ever WPS Champions.

In 2010, eight teams will each play 24-game schedules from April 10-September 12 including six original WPS teams – Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Gold Pride (Bay Area), Saint Louis Athletica, Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY) and Washington Freedom – and two expansion teams Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence. The top four finishers in the regular season will qualify for the 2010 WPS Playoffs scheduled for September 19-26. For more information, visit the WPS official website at www.womensprosoccer.com or follow all the news at www.twitter.com/womensprosoccer .