It's titled "Foreign Aid" and the first few paragraphs are on the signing of Daniela. But the rest of the article talks about this years team and how it will not look like the last two years. The real bombshell in the article is that it looks like Rhiannon Tanaka is retiring! That really makes the situation on the back line look bad, and almost guarantees a three-back formation - and Joy would really be missed when on NWT duty! http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/uniontrib/wed/sports/news_mz1s26foreig.html
At the bottom of the page, in the 'Sidelines' section, is a paragraph entitled "A Spirited Night." Here's what it says: "It's a tough call Friday night - go to the Sockers game against Kansas City or stay at home and watch on TV. The first 5,000 fans at the Sports Arena get a size 5 soccer ball that Sockers officials say "is a lot nicer than your normal give-away item and would cost at least $20 in a store." It's also "San Diego Spirit Night," with Spirit players taking part in the halftime promotion and signing autographs after the game. Stay at home, however, and you can watch the live telecast on 4 San Diego with Spirit forward Shannon MacMillan making her debut as a color commentator. The bottom line: It's encouraging to see the two major pro soccer teams in town treating each other as allies.
I think Tanaka is SD's best defender. SD have to get creative to patch up the defense. In a pinch, I'd have Foudy play back there.
I hope that the team has already made arrangements for someone to take care of Daniela, like the C-Rays did for Katia and Sissi that first year. From the press conference quote, she speaks english well, so at least that won't be a problem. That brings up a different question. I wonder how well Zhang is getting along in learning English. Without Fan here, it will undoubtedly be more difficult for her off the field. Here is the North County Times article on the signing by Brian Hiro. http://www.nctimes.net/news/2003/20030226/51009.html
I'm sure Latham would just love the chance to play on the back line after popping in about 60 goals in college and playing forward for her national team. [sarcasm ends] There must 1 or 2 other defenders out there who are at least serviceable. And as long as we're so swamped in the midfield, how about one of them taking over at either left or right back. That's a move many a midfielder has made over the years.
The Spirit have updated the roster at their website, and still have Rhi on it. Wishful thinking? http://63.111.22.212/the_team/ New Players Numbers: 1 Branum 4 Palmer 5 Daniela 6 Connors 10 Wagner 13 Lalor 15 Bush 17 Latham