I thought I'd create a thread as a tribute to one of Chicago Red Stars hardest working, most loyal and nicest players from day one. When I read the news that last year's All-Star and fan favorite, Brittany Klein was release from the team, I was very saddened. This kid played her heart out for this organization. She played almost every minute last year. She is a short thing but is never afraid to go head-to-head with the big girls. IMO, from what I saw last year she would even cover for a certain former player and USWNT member who often did not play up to expectations. I remember a photo of her last year showing her out-jumping Abby Wambach for the ball. I believe in Marcia's vision for this team and look forward to winning a WPS Championship. I'm sure it wasn't easy for her to let go of a player with the skill and character of Brit Klein. Maybe in the long run it may be the best thing for Brittany as well where she can get on with another WPS team and play. In Chicago, with Formiga playing well, she may never have left the bench. Here's hoping that a smart GM or coach in this league will give Klein a chance. She belongs in the WPS. You will be getting a consistent player who gets the game, great vision and who rarely makes a bad pass. She will play her heart out for you when others are resting and/or slacking off. A great kid with great character. To the "little engine that never quits", Brittany Klein. You will be missed by the fans of the Chicago Red Stars.
>>>>Here's hoping that a smart GM or coach in this league will give Klein a chance. She belongs in the WPS. I totally agree with you, MRAD12. Thanks for starting this thread. Klein deserves all the recognition of her effort and her positive attitude.
It would be a shame if some other team didn't pick her up. Unfortunately, the Freedom are already overstocked in the midfield, so I doubt we'll grab her.
Brittany Klein is a very good player. Unselfish in her play, her style has rhythm to it and she knows how to control the tempo of the game. The CRS, even when Emma was there IMO, seemed bent on giving the reigns to Formiga. The tempo is different with Formiga on the ball in the middle and with Carney and Rapinoe maybe they did need someone who can raise the tempo a little more with the style of Formiga. As I said, I trust Marcia's vision for this team. But as an engaged fan I can't help but feel saddened by the loss of a great player and a great person such as Brittany Klein. I know she loves this game and I hope she gets an opportunity with another team in the WPS who can benefit from her style, her vision and unselfish pinpoint passing.
One small point, but with Naimo now on board as a technical advisor, I'd think player decisions like this are Naimo's not Marcia's. Sure she's the GM and President but I think technical advisers generally do the player decision making stuff we tend to think about GMs making in other US pro sports. Either way, Klein did well and will be missed. Good luck to her.
If the rest of this team played with half the intensity of Brittany Klein, we'd be talking of a repeat title.