Red Stars Lose Two Subs to Philadelphia in WPS First Expansion Draft

Red Stars defender Nikki Krzysik and forward Danesha Adams were released to Philadelphia Independence in the 2009 WPS Expansion Draft. Photos by David Durochik.

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (September 15, 2009) Chicago Red Stars defender Nikki Krzysik and forward Danesha Adams were selected by Philadelphia Independence for 2010, in Women's Professional Soccer's (WPS) expansion draft.

WPS held its first ever expansion draft Tuesday for the Independence and Atlanta Beat, the eighth and ninth organizations to join the league.

The seven original franchises, including Chicago, were allowed to protect 10 players from selection in the draft. Once a player was taken, a franchise was allowed to protect two more players. Those left unprotected were available for selection by the two new entrants. Krzysik and Adams were chosen among 13 picks in a talented expansion pool. 

Perhaps the players not lost to the expansion draft are the bigger headline for Red Stars fans. Chicago was able to avoid losing any of its several international players. None of the starters at the end of the season was lost. 

While Kyzysik had been a starter early in the season, she had seen more limited action as the campaign progressed. 

Adams made some significant contributions off the bench in a few matches and started one game, but was not an integral part of the team's personnel on a week by week basis.  

"We appreciate the dedication and service of Nikki Krzysik and Danesha Adams during the Red Stars' inaugural 2009 campaign, and we wish them all the best with the Philadelphia Independence next season," Red Stars General Manager Marcia McDermott said Tuesday. 

Krzysik was a second-round pick (13th overall) in the 2008 WPS General Draft. She started in 10 of 14 games played for Chicago, logging 849 minutes. Before joining the Red Stars, the Clifton, N.J., native played for the Richmond Kickers of the W-League in 2008. Also that year, the University of Virginia senior was named Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year. 

Adams was the sixth overall pick in the 2008 WPS General Draft. She played in 12 games during the 2009 WPS season, earning two starts and taking 10 shots in 349 minutes of work. Adams previously helped Pali Blues SC to the 2008 W-League championship. The Shaker Heights, Ohio, native played collegiately at UCLA from 2004-2007, earning All-Pacific-10 Conference first team honors three times.

For the full details of the WPS expansion draft, visit http://www.womensprosoccer.com/Home/news/press_releases/090915-expansion-draft-results.aspx .