WPS Weekly Aug. 27, 2009: Post Championship Edition

Sky Blue FC Returns Home with Trophy

After winning Saturday’s WPS Championship presented by MedImmune, 1-0, over 2009 Regular Season Champions Los Angeles Sol, Sky Blue FC returned to New Jersey over the weekend for a week of WPS Championship celebration events.

In order to have the WPS Championship trophy on-hand for all Sky Blue FC fans to see, Sky Blue FC General Manager Gerry Marrone hand-carried the trophy on the plane flight home. Talk about a valuable carry on!

WPS Championship Trophy Presentation

Rutgers Women's Soccer Home Opener
Rutgers vs. UMBC
Tuesday, Aug. 25 | Gates open at 6 pm, Kickoff at 7 pm
Yurcak Field – Piscataway, NJ

WPS Championship Celebration

With the Sky Blue FC team
Wednesday, Aug. 26 | Party at 7 pm
Charlie Brown's – Highland Park, NJ

Sky Blue Soccer School Team Camp

With the Sky Blue FC players
Thursday, Aug. 27 | 6-8 pm
Heavenly Farms Field – East Brunswick, NJ

Brazilian Night with Rosana and Francielle (TBD)

Newark, NJ
Friday, Aug. 28
TBD

Sky Blue FC Media Contact:
Gloria Averbuch, [e-mail], 973-449-8880
Mel Dziowgo, [e-mail], 732-271-7700 Ext. 305

WPS Championship MVP Awarded to Heather O’Reilly

Scoring the game’s only goal in the 16th minute and making a key defensive play in the 51st minute against Los Angeles Sol’s Aya Miyama were the two biggest plays that highlighted an excellent day on the pitch for Sky Blue FC midfielder Heather O’Reilly. Based on her performance, she was selected as WPS Championship MVP by the media in attendance at The Home Depot Center for Saturday’s game.

“I’m so proud of this group, but I think that we’d all agree that the MVP of this group is Christie Rampone,” said O’Reilly upon receiving the award. “What she’s done for this group has been unbelievable. For her to take up the role of coach, captain amongst all the other roles that she has in life is pretty incredible, so we owe a lot to you—so thank you, Christie. We’re just so proud of this group.”

Colleges Celebrate WPS Champions

Colleges keep close tabs on their former players. Some of the top women’s collegiate soccer programs in the country celebrated their alumni who became WPS champions with news and notes this week.

Notre Dame had eight players in the WPS Playoffs including WPS Champions Kerri Hanks and Jen Buczkowski. The University of North Carolina featured four Tar Heel graduates on Sky Blue FC, while the University of Connecticut (Meghan Schnur) and University of Tennessee (Keeley Dowling) celebrated their player’s success with stories online and photos in their media guides.

WPS All-Star Game presented by U.S. Coast Guard

Sunday, Aug. 30 – The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park, Fenton, MO, 4:30pm CT
WPS All-Stars vs. Umeå IK

WPS All-Star Game - TV Schedule

Sunday, Aug. 30
Pregame Show – Fox Soccer Channel, 5pm ET/2pm PT
Kickoff – Fox Soccer Channel, 5:30pm ET/2:30pm PT

Tuesday, Sept. 1
Re-Air – Fox Soccer Channel, 5pm ET/2pm PT

Thursday, Sept. 3
Re-Air – Fox Soccer Channel, 3am ET/12am PT

Get to Know: Umeå IK

On Sunday, Aug. 30 the WPS All-Stars face Umeå IK in the WPS All-Star Game presented by the Coast Guard (5pm ET/2pm PT on Fox Soccer Channel and webcast at womensprosoccer.com).  Some background on Umeå IK:

Umea’s Season

In the middle of a two-month break in Sweden’s top league, Damallsvenskan, Umeå (12-2-2, 38 points) sits in first place with a two-point lead over the second-place Linköpings FC (11-3-2, 36 points) and has outscored opponents by a 42-11 margin.  The Damallsvenskan’s second half commences on Sept. 26 with the final day of play set for Nov. 7.

Umea’s History

Umeå was founded in 1985 and has won seven Damallsvenskan titles since 2000 including the last four.  Umeå also won the 2003 and 2004 UEFA Women’s Cup competitions, which crown Europe’s top women’s club team.  In 2002, 2007, and 2008, Umeå were runners-up for the UEFA Women’s Cup.  Several of Sweden’s and the world’s top players have suited up for Umeå including Marta, Hanna Ljungberg, and Malin Möstrom.

Who to Watch

Ramona Bachmann, Forward:

The Swiss forward is the second-leading goalscorer in the Damallsvenksan with 14 goals.  She also has five assists on the season.

Johanna Frisk and Frida Östberg, Defenders:

The Los Angeles Sol and Chicago Red Stars defenders, respectively, both hail from Sweden and will suit up for Umeå on Sunday.  Both defenders played for Umeå prior to joining WPS.

Malin Möstrom, Midfielder:

Sweden’s national team captain from 2001-2006, Möstrom is now retired from international soccer but still plays for Umeå.

Carola Söberg, Goalkeeper:

The lone goalkeeper on the roster, Söberg is Umeå’s second-string ‘keeper behind Ulla-Karin Rönnlund who is with Sweden for the Euros.  Söberg has played in seven matches for Umeå this season and allowed five goals.

Mami Yamaguchi, Midfielder:

After winning the 2007 MAC Hermann Trophy as the NCAA’s best player, Yamaguchi decided to forgo her senior season at Florida State and signed with Umeå.

WPS All-Star Game presented by U.S. Coast Guard – Media Schedule

Friday, Aug. 28
Afternoon        WPS All-Stars arrive
Evening        UMEÅ IK trains (The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park)

Saturday, Aug. 29
10:30am        WPS All-Star Game PR Reception / Photo Op (Hilton Ballpark, St. Louis)
1:15pm         Live Streaming Interviews
1:30pm         Player Q&A & Kids Clinic (The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park)
2pm – 5pm   Team practice window (The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park)
6:30pm         Doors Open to Awards Gala (Sheraton Chalet)

Sunday, Aug. 30
12:00pm        Fan Fest Opens (The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park – Fields 2 & 3)
12:30pm        Funky Butt Brass Band (Bud Light Party Tent)
1:30pm         Box Office & Will Call Open
2:30 pm        Doors Open to Stadium
2:45pm        Big Bamou (Bud Light Party Tent)
3:20pm        Team warm-ups
4pm            Pregame Show (FSC)
4:30pm        Kick-Off
6:30pm        Post Game Activities (Fan Fest Area)
                   Public After-Party

WPS All-Star Game Training Interviews on Saturday to Be Webcast

WPS will be featuring an online interview broadcast live from The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 2:15pm ET / 1:15pm CT, with a twist: fans will determine the questions!

A player from every team will be interviewed just prior to Saturday’s practice in Fenton, MO. Fans can post questions now at the Fan Corner and visit My WPS All-Star to learn more about how fans can get involved in Sunday's WPS All-Star Game presented by U.S. Coast Guard.

WPS Year-End Awards to Be Announced Saturday at All-Star Awards Ceremony

Women’s Professional Soccer will announce its year-end 2009 WPS Awards on Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Sheraton Chalet in St. Louis, MO, the night before the WPS All-Star Game presented by U.S. Coast Guard. Six categories will have awards presented, of which three included fan voting as part of the award selection process, including Player, Defender, and Goalkeeper of the Year.

The league has formally named its Player of the Year Award after the great U.S. Women’s National Team player and Olympic champion Michelle Akers to be called the “Michelle Akers Player of the Year Award.” The nominees are:

Michelle Akers Player of the Year Award

Eniola Aluko (F)        Saint Louis Athletica
Sonia Bompastor (M/D)    Washington Freedom
Shannon Boxx (M)        Los Angeles Sol
Lori Chalupny (M)        Saint Louis Athletica
Marta (F)            Los Angeles Sol
Hope Solo (GK)        Saint Louis Athletica
Abby Wambach (F)        Washington Freedom

MedImmune Defender of the Year Award

Anita Asante (D)        Sky Blue FC
Tina Ellertson (D)        Saint Louis Athletica
Allison Falk (D)        Los Angeles Sol
Amy LePeilbet (D)        Boston Breakers
Christie Rampone (D)        Sky Blue FC

Goalkeeper of the Year Award

Jenni Branam (GK)        Sky Blue FC
Caroline Jonsson (GK)    Chicago Red Stars
Karina LeBlanc (GK)        Los Angeles Sol
Erin McLeod (GK)        Washington Freedom   
Hope Solo (GK)        Saint Louis Athletica

Hint Water Sportswoman of the Year

Nancy Augustyniak Goffi (D) Boston Breakers
Amanda Cinalli (F)        Saint Louis Athletica
Stephanie Cox (D)        Los Angeles Sol
Jaimel Johnson (GK)        Chicago Red Stars
Tiffeny Milbrett (F)        FC Gold Pride
Christie Rampone (D)        Sky Blue FC
Cat Whitehill (D)        Washington Freedom
       
Other awards that will be presented include the PUMA® Golden Boot Award to the league’s leading goal scorer and the AdvoCare WPS Coach of the Year Award to the top coach in WPS, in which all league current coaches are nominated.

WPS Championships: In the News

Associated Press
Sky Blue Wins First WPS Title after Stormy Season
Joe D’Hippolito

NY Times
Trophy and Last Laugh Belong to Sky Blue
Billy Witz

Star Ledger
Sky Blue Captures Crown
Scott French

LA Daily News
Sol Falls to Sky Blue
Scott French

LA Times
Sol’s Title Hopes are Dashed
Grahame Jones

NBC Los Angeles
Steven Herbert

Honolulu Advertiser
Kai’s Heads up Play Spurs Sky Blue FC

ESPN.com
Sky Blue Caps Tumultous Season
Jacqueline Purdy

ESPN Page 2
Christie Rampone  - Jack of All Trades
Mary Burkheit

NY Times – Goal Blog
Future of W.P.S. Is in the Works
By Billy Witz

Yahoo Sports
Will WPS Find Room in Crowded Sports Scene?
Martin Rogers

SI.com
WPS' uneven first season wraps up
Andrea Canales

Philadelphia Metro
Important WPS through 1 season
Adam Smartschan

Soccer365.com
Sky Who, Sky Blue
Grace Weitz

FoxSoccer.com
Sky No Limit

BigAppleSoccer.com
Cinderella Story Is Alive and Well
Dan Lauletta

Goal.com
WPS Championship Coverage

WPS Media Info Section

The WPS Media Info Section is now up and running including specialty stats, attendance numbers, team media guides, contacts lists, and other media information. It will become more comprehensive in the coming weeks in months in preparation for 2010.
http://www.womensprosoccer.com/news/media-info
Username: WPSinfo
Password:  mediaWPS 

Media Credentials: 2009 WPS All-Star Game

Media and photos credentials for the WPS All-Star Game will be handled by the local WPS team. The 2009 WPS All-Stadium credential will get you into the stadium for the postseason, but you will need a sticker to go on the credential. The All-Stadium Credential does not guarantee a spot in the press room unless you have contacted the local team in advance to request a spot. To obtain a credential application for the inaugural WPS All-Star Game, please email your full name and media affiliation to: [e-mail].

About WPS Championship presented by MedImmune

MedImmune is a proud sponsor of WPS and is the presenting sponsor of the 2009 WPS Championship.  MedImmune teamed up with WPS for “Don’t Play with the Flu”™, a national education campaign about the importance of seasonal flu vaccination.  MedImmune and WPS are committed to helping parents and families put up a good defense against seasonal flu.  More information is available at www.DontPlaywiththeFlu.com.

The previous story was excerpted from a press release by the WPS. What's News is the alternate profile of Bleacher Report writer Todd Civin and is used to publish from press releases by the WPS, AHL and the NY Penn and Can Am Baseball Leagues.