Women's Professional Soccer U.S. national team allocation results

September 16, 11:01 PMWomen's Sports ExaminerZalika Green

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Women’s Professional Soccer held their U.S. Women’s National Team player allocation press conference at the Sports Museum of America in Manhattan on Tuesday. After five long years, another women's professional soccer league has been established in the United States. This is not only a dream come true for the current allocated players, but also the young girls who have something to look forward to beyond college soccer. The results of the allocation are as follows:

The Bay Area, whose investor’s just announced their agreement in early September to operate a team in the WPS, acquired Nicole Barnhart, Rachel Buehler, and Leslie Osborne. Leslie Osborne missed the 2008 Olympics due to a torn ACL and should be back in form for the start of the season in April 2009. Nicole Barnhart was the backup goalkeeper to Hope Solo during the 2008 Olympics. Substitute defender Rachel Buehler did get some playing time during the Olympics and showed she could be a viable defender. These are descent pick-ups for the Bay Area. What did they expect? They arrived late to the party and still don’t have a coaching staff. 

The Boston Breakers picked up former Boston Breakers Angela Hucles and Kristine Lilly of the defunct Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA). Midfielder Angela Hucles was moved to forward during the Olympics and led the U.S. team in goals scored. Kristine Lilly is a back after giving birth and will be suiting up in her Breakers garb for the inaugural season. Heather Mitts rounds out the trio. She is a reliable outside back and will bring a veteran presence to Boston’s defense.

 The Chicago Red Stars under Coach Emma Hayes picked up Carli Lloyd, a mercurial inside midfielder, and veteran defender Kate Markgraf. The Red Stars also procured Michigan native Lindsay Tarpley, a former player of the NJ Wildcats in the W-League.

Shannon Boxx, Stephanie Cox, and Aly Wagner will be heading out west to the L.A. franchise. Midfielder Shannon Boxx has a history with west coast teams as she played for WUSA’s San Diego Spirit before being traded to the New York Power for the #1 draft pick, which turned out to be Aly Wagner. Defender Stephanie Cox is a University Portland standout, didn’t make much of an impact during the Olympics, but will hopefully be a consistent defender for the L.A. franchise. 

New Jersey/New York Sky Blue FC obtained the most talent and marketability in securing Natasha Kai, Heather O’Reilly, and Christie Rampone. Christie Rampone and Heather O'reilly are both from New Jersey and expressed interest in playing back home. Kai is from nowhere near New Jersey, but also expressed interest in playing for Sky Blue FC. The native of Hawaii, who has never stayed in New Jersey for any extended period of time, stated that this franchise was her first choice. Enjoy the weather and hold on tight to that scarf Sky Blue FC gave you, Tasha. The NJ/NY franchise picked up a dependable, fast, midfielder with great ball skills, one of the best finishers on the U.S. roster, and a veteran defender. What more can you ask for, besides a goalie? 

St. Louis will have the strongest defense in the league after acquiring Lori Chalupny, Tina Ellerston, and Hope Solo. Lori Chalupny is one of the most versatile players on the team U.S women’s squad. She moved from midfield to defense with little effort when Pia Sundhage took over the coaching duties for the U.S. National Team in January. Tina Ellerston will be back in soccer shape after giving birth to her daughter in May. A goalkeeper is a great pick up for St. Louis. Everyone needs one, but not everyone can have the best. Hope Solo is arguably the best out there.

The Washington Freedom plucked Ali Krieger and Abby Wambach from their own family tree. Both played for the Freedom during WUSA’s short-lived era. UNC standout Cat Whitehill is the third player selected to the Freedom.