America’s finest city announces the arrival of the SD United women’s soccer franchise into the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) for the Summer 2008 season. The front office will be headed by General Manager Mike Deeney, Director of Business Operations Carlos Gonzales and 2007 USL Head Coach of the Year, Elio Bello.

“We are very happy to be working with Mike Deeney, Elio Bello and the talented group of players on their team,” said WPSL Commissioner Jerry Zanelli. “The WPSL welcomes SD United and looks forward to the city’s continued growth in soccer at this level.”

“Our goal is to help create a positive culture change in the soccer community and give the power of the game back to the kids,” said Deeney. “The first step is providing a consistent program at the highest level, which inspires our youth.”

SD United will be working together with the San Diego Sea Lions franchise to promote the women’s game to reach the largest possible audience. With over 25 years of coaching experience, Bello believes now is the time for the highest level of soccer to be played in the area.

“The time has come for the top soccer leaders in San Diego to come together and expose their youth players to quality futbol,” said Bello. “This is very exciting for San Diego talent to stay local and compete for the city.”

The 2008 SD United roster will showcase the talents of Mexican Women’s National Team goalkeeper Sophia Perez, Katie Miyake, Rebekah Patrick and local stars – Amy Epsten, Leigh Ann Robinson, Taryn Francel and Ashli Sandovol. Perez has had her share of exposure at the highest levels of soccer, as she has been keeper for the MWNT since 2004 including competing against the likes of United States, Canada, Australia, Finland, Ireland, Panama, etc.

In her three years at San Diego State University, Sophia put together one of the most impressive seasons by a goalkeeper in school history as a senior in 2004. In 20 starts, she made 87 saves (fourth in the Mountain West Conference), while recording an 87.1 save percentage in 1,915+ minutes of action. Perez finished with a record 11 shutouts (MWC leader) and a 0.66 goals against average (second in MWC) – second best single season by an Aztec. She was also named First Team All-MWC and was named San Diego State University’s Most Valuable Defensive Player.

Miyake joins SD United after spending the last five years with the San Diego Sunwaves & Seattle Sounders, earning All-Western Conference honors in 2004. In college, she starred at Portland State University – first, on offense as she earned Big Sky Conference Newcomer of the Year, MVP, Offensive Player of Year and Female Athlete of the Year. In 2003, she moved to defense and was a unanimous selection to the Big Sky All-Defensive Team while leading Portland State to the Big Sky Championship in 2004.

Patrick is no stranger to the WPSL, as she played for the Las Vegas Tabagators for two seasons, earning All-WPSL honors. Rebekah played her college soccer at Cal-State Fullerton, Lassen Community College (NSCAA All-Region honoree & First Team All-American) & Portland, where she was a member of the 2002 NCAA National Champion Pilots squad. She appeared in 24 of the team’s 26 matches that season, scoring two goals and helping the Pilots to a 20-4-2 overall record.

All home games will be played at Valhalla Stadium this season as SD UNITED will return to their home field Torero Stadium at the University of San Diego in 2009 – due to facility renovations. SD United Soccer… UNITED WE PLAY. For more information, contact G.M. Mike Deeney at mdeeney@sandiegounited.net or visit their official website at www.sdunited.net.

The WPSL is a 48-team national women’s soccer league with five conferences and holds the distinction of being one of the top leagues in the world. The mission of the league is to provide the highest level of women’s soccer while simultaneously providing affordable, quality family entertainment and positive role models for our youth. For more information on the WPSL, visit the official website at http://www.wpsl.info.

The 2007 National Finalist New England Mutiny of the East Conference of the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) is pleased to announce their signings for the 2008 season… everyone. Well – almost everyone. In the 10-year history of the WPSL, New England returns the most players ever from a prior season as the Mutiny has re-signed 20 of 21 players from a year ago.

The one exception is the reigning East Goalkeeper of the Year & All-WPSL First Team selection Stephanie Labbe (UConn) who has been selected to represent Canada at the Olympics in Bejing, China this summer. Aside from all of the players, each of the Mutiny’s five coaches (Tony Horta, Sam Lopes, Chris Legates, Manny Oliveira and James Luis) will return to the sidelines this summer as well.

“It is remarkable that everyone is returning except for Steph and we are happy for her as she will represent her country – the highest achievement in the sport,” said Mutiny owner Joe Ferrara. “This is a testament to the bond that these players and coaches have with each other and the organization. This group is a team in every sense of the word. They have re-invigorated me as a franchise owner.”

Returning to the team for her fifth season will be Meghan Schnur, a 2007 First Team National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-American at UConn who has also been representing the United States as a member of the U-23 National Team. The 2007 All-WPSL First Team honoree was also nominated for College Player of the Year last fall. Jenny Maurer – who joined the Mutiny for the stretch run last season – will also be playing in her fifth full season.

The East Longmeadow native & former U-21 USWNT member captained Boston College to their highest ranking ever in 2007. Both players are also former East Conference MVP selections.

On board for their fourth season will be co-captains Mary-Frances Monroe (current University at Albany head coach) and 2007 All-WPSL Third Team selection Erin “Grady” Gatto (formerly O’Grady). The two veterans from the former Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) add their much-needed professional experience. Defender Jessica Diakun (UConn – Glastonbury, CT) will also sail on her fourth voyage for the Mutiny.

Becky Wise (Rutgers – West Springfield, MA), Karyn Riviere (UConn – Guilford, CT) and URI assistant coach & former WUSA midfielder Lauren Molinaro return for their third season. Riviere was selected this past fall as the College Player of the Year for Connecticut while Molinaro was selected to the All-Tournament Team in last season’s WPSL National Championship in Tampa, FL.

All-grown up and returning for their second season are Sam Fortier (Clemson – Wilbraham, MA), UConn’s Becky Gundling, Erin Clark, Meghan Cunningham and Danielle Dakin (Minnechaug Regional H.S. – Wilbraham, MA). Also returning for a second stint are UMass goalkeeper Lauren Luckey, Kylie Neschke (Michigan), Sarah Kozey (Wake Forest), Alex Zedros (UConn), Kristin Shaw (Washington), Christina Nunes (UMass – Waterbury, CT) and Amanda Santos (St. John’s – West Springfield, MA). Santos returns after missing the entire 2007 season due to injury.

The No. 17-internationally ranked Mutiny will battle in the slightly-revamped North Division of the Eastern Conference against the Adirondack Lynx, Boston Aztec, Maine Tide, Massachusetts Stingers, New York AC and SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds this season. Visit their official website at http://www.mutinysoccer.com for all the latest news & information.