WPS Red Stars Cut All-Star Klein To Make Room for England's Asante

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (June 6, 2010) -- The Chicago Red Stars of the Women's Professional Soccer announced today that they have signed another former St. Louis Athletica player, defender Anita Asante.

In order to make room for the England National Team player, Chicago released midfielder Brittany Klein.

Klein was one of only two Red Stars to start in all 20 regular-season matches last season, scoring a goal and adding three assists. She earned a spot in the 2009 WPS All-Star Game.

Klein was also one of three starters last season who played her college soccer at Santa Clara University. (Only Marian Dalmy remains, as Chama Igwe was not brought back for the second season).

"It's not easy to release a player of Brit's caliber and character," Red Stars President and General Manager Marcia McDermott said. "But with the unusual events in the past 10 days, we saw opportunities to address team needs. I want to thank Brit for her contribution to our club. We wish her well with her career. We welcome Anita to our team and we look forward to seeing her compete as a Chicago Red Star."

Asante was available as a free agent due to the dissolution of the St. Louis franchise late last week.

Asante played for 2009 WPS champion Sky Blue FC and was traded to Athletica in May of 2010. Asante is the third player to join the Red Stars over the past two days, and she unites with fellow England teammates Karen Carney and Katie Chapman.

Per team policy, terms of Asante's contract are not released. The official signing is pending the league's approval.

"Anita brings a wealth of international experience and championship-caliber experience to our team," Red Stars Head Coach Omid Namazi said. "She is a strong defender who is capable of pushing into the midfield and making an impact on both ends of the pitch."

Asante started in 16 regular-season matches for Sky Blue in 2009. She and recent Red Stars signing Nikki Washington were traded from Sky Blue to Athletica on May 4, 2010.

Asante played in one match before Saint Louis folded.

Asante has played for the England National Team since 2004. Along the way, she spent 10 seasons with Arsenal and played for Chelsea in 2008 before making the move to WPS.

PLAYER BIO:
Anita Asante
Position: Defender
Height: 5-5
Born: 4/27/85
Hometown: London, England
College: Brunel University
Last Club: Saint Louis Athletica
Country: England
How acquired: Free agent (June 2010)
WPS: In 2009, played for WPS champion Sky Blue FC, starting in 16 regular-season matches and logging 1,440 minutes. Was traded to Saint Louis Athletica on May 4, 2010 and played in one match. Following Athletica's dissolution, was signed by the Chicago Red Stars on June 5, 2010.
International: Member of England National Team since 2004. Helped England to the 2009 Cyprus Cup championship. Played in every minute of her team's four matches at the 2007 FIFA World Cup. In her second start for the England National Team, in May 2005, netted her first international goal during a 1-0 win over Norway. Played for England on the U-17 and U-19 youth levels, competing at the first-ever FIFA U-19 World Championship in 2002.
Club: In 2008, played for Chelsea of the Women's Premier League. Previously played for Arsenal for 10 years. Led the Lady Gunners in 2006-07 with a quadruple championship: UEFA Women's Cup, FA Women's Cup, FA Women's National Premier League Championship and FA Women's Premier League Cup.