So the roster looks like this (so far) ? Christine Sinclair Alex Morgan (will be #1 pick) Becky Edwards McCall Zerboni Beverly Goebel Kaley Fountain Brittany Bock Kandace Wilson Ali Riley Ashlyn Harris Certainly not bad so far. They should sign Candace Chapman. Veronica Bouquete and Kelly Parker should be obtained as well. Tina DiMartino would be a good midfielder to pick up. She won't be on any national team, and she won't cost a ton of money. She brings much WPS playoff experience (two years).
http://www.womensprosoccer.com/Home/news/general/101209-wny-players.aspx Here is the press release to officially announce the Sinclair, Riley, Wilson, and Bock signings.
Zerboni just signed the papers yesterday, so she should be announced today or early next week: WNY roster continues to build as Zerboni, Wilson join squad
Becky Edwards Wishful thinking at this point. But she would be fan-tastic. Great team spirited player who contributes on and off the field.
Is this the current roster that we know about? GK: Harris D: Riley, Wilson, Fountain (?), Bock (?) M: Zerboni, Goebel F: Sinclair with Bock also able to play midfield & Fountain able to play further forward, too.
Here are the official moves: The Western New York franchise selected its first players in the WPS Expansion Draft: Beverly Goebel and Kaley Fountain Flash sign USWNT Keeper Ashlyn Harris Defenders Ali Riley and Kandace Wilson along with Canadian International striker Christine Sinclair will make their way across the country from the West Coast, previously playing for the 2010 WPS Champions FC Gold Pride. The Flash also agreed to terms with free agent Brittany Bock, who has spent the 2010 season with the Washington Freedom.
Zerboni has stated on her FB page that's she's signed w/ WNY. And Jeff Kassouf reports that she's signed.
Lets pick up the top three Chicago players and then we really will be on our way. I am not convinced that Fountain should be in the back 4. She did not excel there when given the chance last season. GO FLASH
If you picked up Engen, Boquete, and someone like Rapinoe or Masar you would be looking very good. I am assuming they will sign Boquete. I'm hoping they sign Engen too.
The Flash have now signed two more FCGP alums in Candace Chapman and Brittany Cameron. Well soon have to start calling them WNYFcgp. So they now have 3/4 of the Pride back four along with their backup keeper and target forward.
Cameron is an interesting signing. I didn't really expect her to get a contract so soon. WNY is building a solid player base. Of course, they'll have to prove their worth on the field.
The Engen signing completes a great back line: Riley-Engen-Chapman-Wilson. Compare to last season's FCGP back line of Riley-Buehler-Chapman-Wilson. Engen is admittedly not (yet) as proven as Buehler, but all early indications are good and she has a great upside. She probably comes significantly cheaper, too. It's hard not to like what WNYF are doing as they put together a solid core without breaking the bank. With the front and back lines as well as the goalkeeper spot looking very strong, I'm looking forward to seeing who they bring in to play midfield and, more importantly, what the finished product looks like on the field.
For what it's worth, Parker is still out there and Bouquete is now a free agent. For my money, putting those 2 in some form of midfield / forward combination with Sinclair and Morgan makes the Flash that much more potent. I'm hoping that we go after those 2 players - not only are they WPS caliber, but they also have familiarity with Coach Lines' system. I can't wait until April! Aaron
You guys have now signed 2 of my favorite players in Brittany Bock and Whitney Engen. IMO, Engen was the most valuable player last season for the Red Stars. A consistent defender, very fast. She will track you down. Also watch how she always surveys the field. Even if she's tracking down a runner she is always aware of where her fellow defenders are. Great work ethic. Brittany Bock, if she stays healthy will be an awesome defensive or offensive mid. She can play both.
Formidable Five Ashlyn Kandace, Chappie, Whitney, Ali Aaran is tipping his hand. He wants a Brazilian style of play with the wide-backs attacking, as Ali and Kandace did last year. Ali and Whitney played a season together for the W-League Champion Pali Blues so the defense should be ready to go in game 1. The pieces of the puzzle are really beginning to fall into place. If Marta really wants to have fun next season she should call Aaran right now!
What you explained above is exactly the style that Coach Lines' employed with the W-League team. Now, getting the controlling midfield presence will be the key. The Flash already have fast forwards who can move quickly off the ball, so that's set. Now, if the midfield gets set, we're going to be in good shape! Aaron
Midfield We need two energetic tough DMids. Players who never quit. Becky Edwards would be great if we can get her. She was an important part of the FCGP machine. Of course one true play maker would be good but they are rare birds.
WOW Christine Sinclair Alex Morgan Brittany Bock Whitney Engen Kandace Wilson Candace Chapman Ali Riley Ashlyn Harris All on the same team. Sign Kelly Parker and Veronica Bouqete. Get a couple more midfielders to join, and this team is set to challenge for a WPS championship in year one as an expansion team.
Caroline Seger traded from Philly to Flash for their second round picks in this years and next years draft. This team has it almost all on paper so far..
Can't argue with that move, at least not from WNY's standpoint. They didn't even have to give up one of their number one picks.
The only question (well, there are a couple) is whether WNY is keeping decent control of the costs or are they over-spending on the roster. Are they setting themselves up to blow through the ca$h too quickly? Another (lesser) question is to wonder just why Philly was willing to trade Seger for so little. She's going to miss a massive chunk of the season w/ the WWC. What's the roster look like so far? GK: Harris, Cameron D: Riley, Wilson, Fountain (?), Chapman, Engen M: Zerboni, Goebel, Seger, Bock (?) F: Sinclair Add in Morgan as the first pick.