Now that Solo is gone (or at least until the league makes it official) I raise my question again, who do yall want as your keeper? Options aren't amazing.
1. Karina LeBlanc - Possible WWC conflict. (Canada might go with McLeod and Labbe) 2. Nicole Barnhart - Definite WWC conflict. (US will go with Hope, Barnie, and Harris) 3. Allison Lipsher - Available all season if she doesn't sign internationally. 4. Allison Whitworth - Local player - on team last year, and FCGP in 2009. 5. Meghann Burke - played well last year for SBFC. I'd have Loyden in there too, but recoveries from broken hands are sometimes more difficult than anticipated. These are the remaining FA keepers from WPS 2010 season. Brett Maron (FA) Atlanta Beat Free Agent Mallori Lofton-Malachi (FA) Atlanta Beat Free Agent Allison Lipsher (FA) Boston Breakers Free Agent (Back from Australia) Allison Whitworth (FA) Chicago Red Stars Free Agent Jillian Loyden Chicago Red Stars Free Agent (injured - broken hand) Karina LeBlanc Chicago Red Stars Free Agent (CNT) Nicole Barnhart FC Gold Pride Free Agent Erin Guthrie (FA) FC Gold Pride Free Agent Robyn Jones (FA) Philadelphia Independence Free Agent Meghann Burke (FA) Sky Blue FC Free Agent
They might take Karina and then just get a solid back-up. I kept hearing Barnhart to MJFFC, but now that they have Solo, it seems less likely. If she's still a FA ATL could pick her up.
Oh man if Former Freedom got Barnie too I'd feel so bad. Poor thing is already the perennial bridesmaid in the Nats to be it in club play too? It would take more than crosswords to cheer me up.
Wel I thingk Fance would love either Brownie or Carly Telford in goald or even Chamberlain cause the French goalies are the Achilesheel of the women national team sorry bud England has 4 great/decent goalkeeper at least France?
From an MDJ Online article on tryouts this weekend: If Galanis' estimate is to be believed, that's pretty much the rest of the team being filled out with tryout players. Bethke's a pretty good pickup if she signs. Salem? Don't know. That's some hilarious spin. Let's remember those words at the end of the season, shall we?
Thanks for posting this link & the excerpts. I wonder how much they charged players for tryouts. Oh, if only this meant that a certain someone wasn't going to be on the WWC roster. But what it likely means is that she isn't going to be challenged for her ATL spot by any teammates.
Thanks. Wonder what they cleared after costs? And yes, today I am playing the role of cynical poster.
A few pictures from open tryouts are posted in the Photos section of the Beat website. Does anybody recognize any of these players? Looks like Nikki Weiss (GK - Notre Dame) in the middle of the 4th picture.
I'd like to see Nikki Weiss make it into the WPS. She is a very good and stable goalkeeper. She doesn't panic and her teammates have confidence in her. A big reason why Notre Dame is National Champion.
Heard that Michelle Betos who was 2009 W-League Goalkeeper of the Year for the Silverbacks and just got back from playing in Argentina with River Plate was there also. Great shot stopper and excellent command of her area. Heard she might have another suitor or two within WPS as well in addition to some interest from Europe.
Some of the Beat's preseason friendlies are taking shape. They're playing the University of Florida in Kennesaw (?) on March 27 and the University of Georgia in Athens on March 29.
I know Bethke was mentioned in some circles as a possible draft choice in January. Looks like 26 goals and 32 assists in her college career, 13 assists her senior year which is pretty good total in college.
Our Game Magazine listed a number of players signed by the Beat... http://ourgamemagazine.wordpress.co...-announces-a-number-of-magictalk-sc-signings/ The only possibly new name I see in there is Colleen Flanagan, a defender out of the University of Virginia. Meanwhile mTSC/WF signed a bunch of free agents, most of which had already been rumored, thus once again narrowing the list of free agents available for the Beat to sign. And still no goalkeeper.