Also, the original poster said Becky was FCGP's best d-mid. No disrespect to Becky Sauerbrunn, but I suspect that even she would admit she was not FCGP's best d-mid, especially since she never played for FCGP. BTW, speaking of FCGP's best d-mid: I'm a real fan of Becky Edwards, and I think this is a great signing for WNYFcgp. And I realize Shannon Boxx has quite possibly lost a step. And I'm willing to concede that on a dollar-for-dollar basis, Edwards might be a better value for her (modest) salary than Boxx is for her (larger) one. And I'm even open to the possibility that Edwards might, in time, become a better player than Boxx. And I concede that it's fun to recognize young talent and watch as the player matures and her potential is realized. But I still have to say that IMHO Shannon Boxx was FCGP's best d-mid last year. If I had to win a soccer game today to save my life, and I could have either Edwards or Boxx, I'd take Boxx without a second thought. (If the game was scheduled for next Christmas, I'd probably take Edwards.) Still, as I said, great signing, and excellent value for money. I continue to be impressed by the Flash as they build their roster. Next on my wish list: Tiffeny Milbrett.
All White Kit lists these transactions. Western New York Flash Harris (Washington) Fountain (FC Gold Pride) Goebel (Washington) Sinclair (FC Gold Pride) Riley (FC Gold Pride) Cameron (FC Gold Pride) Bock (Washington) Wilson (FC Gold Pride) Zerboni (Atlanta) Chapman (FC Gold Pride) Engen (Chicago) Averbuch (Sky Blue FC) Seger (Philadelphia) Edwards (FC Gold Pride)
That's not really official, though. Jenna probably got it from BigSoccer. To the best of my knowledge, the original source of the news about the Edwards signing is your post earlier in this thread. I'm not saying I doubt your word -- it would be quite unusual for someone to just make up something like that -- but it will still be nice when official confirmation comes out. Or is there official confirmation and I just missed it? BTW, are you the same person as "WhatsBruin"? If so, your track record of inside scoops on player signings is excellent.
The FLASH are just one good rookie draft away (roster fillings) to being able to have the kind of roster to challenge for the WPS championship in their first year. They could theoretically end up with a more talented roster than the Independence had last year, for a first year expansion franchise. In fact, all they have to do now is (officially sign Edwards), have a good rookie draft, and add another solid (but doesn't have to be spectacular) role player or two, and their roster will be complete.
http://www.purpleeagles.com/sports/wsoccer/release.asp?release_id=12711 Looks like a couple of local players may be drafted on Friday.
Speaking of "All White Kit", I think the Flash should go with an all white kit at home (white top, white shorts), and an all yellow (or all gold) kit on the road (yellow top, yellow shorts). HOME KIT: (Something similar to this): ROAD KIT: (Something similar to this):
Keep in mind that WPS is a PUMA league. All uniforms will be PUMA gear. The WLeague Flash had an all white home kit and red away shirts w/ black shorts. The ATL home shirt is mustard and the away shirt red. Washington's away shirt is red (well, unless the new owner changes that, too). That's a lot of red away jerseys. Philly's yellow shirt is their away shirt so there wouldn't be a conflict if WNY went w/ a yellow/red combo for their away shirt. Tyresö in the Damallsvenskan has a red/yellow color scheme. Their main uniforms this season have yellow shirts w/ red shorts & socks.
According to Devos' Direct Kicks Blog - here is the current Flash roster - as of January 6, 2011. * NAME……………………..Age/Position………..Last club/college……..Nationality * Yael Averbuch………………..24/M…………….Sky Blue/N. Carolina…….U.S. * Brittany Bock………………..23/D………….Washington/Notre Dame…….U.S. * Brittany Cameron……………24/GK…………..Gold Pride/San Diego…….U.S. * Candace Chapman………….27/D……………Gold Pride/Notre Dame…Canadian * Whitney Engen………………23/D………………Chicago/N. Carolina……..U.S. * Kaley Fountain..…………..22/D……………..Atlanta/Wake Forest…………U.S. * Beverly Goebel…………….22/M……………..Washington/U. of Miami…..U.S. * Ashlyn Harris………………..25/GK…………….Washington/N. Carolina……U.S. * Ali Riley……………………….23/D…………….Gold Pride/Stanford…….New Zealand * Carolina Seger………………25/M………………Philadelphia/none………..Swedish * Christine Sinclair…………..27/F………………Gold Pride/Portland.……Canadian * McCall Zerboni………………24/M………………Atlanta/UCLA………………U.S. LB...
Not a bad foundation at all. Even if you take Morgan with the #1 pick, you still need some firepower to go with Sinclair.
For all we know, Abby could be out at magicTalk and on her way to her home state. Jeez, Milbrett is still a FA and available, and De Vanna, Ocampo, Moros, Fabiano, Welsh, del Rio, McDonald, Boquette, Bosio, Marta, G. Dimartino, Panico, and Miskell still appear to be available on the Free Agent market. There's a whole lotta lotta options out there now. My bet is they pick up Milbrett and Moros to boost up the right side opposite Sinc. Bosio is another option, but I expect that she will stay a Cali girl.
I'm assuming they are gonna pick up Boquete. I'd really like to see them get another wing mid or two. I'm not sure if they want to use an international spot for her but Heather Garriock has stated in a few interviews in Australia that she feels like she has unfinished business in this league and really wants to come back. Despite her injuries she's a great wing mid. But she'll be gone for the World Cup too so I'm not sure if they'd be interested. I think signing Brittany Klein would be a good person to sign too. She'll be useful when Seger and Averbush aren't there. *This is really only if the Edwards rumor isn't true. Also, another defender is definitely needed so maybe Spilger or Weber would be a good pickup?
Yeah I wrote that the day before the rumor was out. Definite bummer if it's true. i hope WNY has another forward/midfielder in mind.
Just a note since I see most of the posters on this thread are not from the western US, I think you're in for a treat with Elli Reed. It's really fun to watch her play. She's very skilled technically, is tremendously fit, and is a very nice looking young woman too.