Originally published Monday, January 12, 2009 at 1:30 PM
PrintMarta to join LA Sol in new women's soccer league
Marta, a three-time FIFA player of the year, is joining the new women's league in the United States.
Associated Press Writer
Marta, a three-time FIFA player of the year, is joining the new women's league in the United States.
The 22-year-old Brazilian striker said Monday she will sign a three-year contract to play for the Los Angeles Sol of the Women's Professional Soccer league.
"I have in mind that a very competitive league will be created," said Marta, who has spent the past five years playing for Swedish club Umea. "We are looking at the future. I think it will attract many players."
The first game of the seven-team league will feature the Sol against the Washington Freedom on March 29 in Carson, Calif.
Marta announced her decision several hours before being chosen FIFA's player of the year in Zurich, Switzerland.
"Our mission is to be the premier women's soccer league in the world," WPS commissioner Tonya Antonucci said. "And we know that Marta, as a multiple FIFA World Player of the Year, will help get us there by raising our visibility both in the U.S. and globally."
Brazil striker Cristiane, who plays for Corinthians in Brazil, said she has an offer from the Chicago Red Stars, who selected her in an international draft in September.
"I will go to Chicago in February," she said through an interpreter. "I am going to see if I can do the best I can. There are a number of Brazilian girls playing there. We have many people looking forward to a great career."
Marta will be the star international attraction when the U.S. league kicks off in the spring.
Marta has yet to visit Los Angeles or meet David Beckham, who put the city on the soccer map when he joined the Galaxy team two years ago. Beckham is on loan at AC Milan of Italy during the Galaxy's offseason.
"I am concentrating on getting there and doing what I know best," Marta said. "Bringing the game forward and making it more competitive because the U.S. is very strong football-wise."
The U.S. women won Olympic gold in Beijing by beating the Brazil team, which included Marta and Cristiane, 1-0 in extra time.
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
Print
Digg
Newsvine
NFL, union resume labor talks at mediator's office
UPDATE - 08:52 AM
Hundreds attend funeral for fallen Mich. player
UPDATE - 09:40 AM
Norway's Tarjei Boe wins men's biathlon at worlds
Crying is OK, but admitting it is apparently not
NEW - 08:46 AM
Tripoli ruled unsafe for international soccer
911 audio: Caseworker reports Josh Powell has locked children inside his home
911 audio: Caseworker reports Josh Powell's house on fire with children inside
911 audio: Sister of Josh Powell reports disturbing emails
Chuck Cox reacts to Powell home fire, death of his grandsons
Sheriff's update: Josh Powell spread gasoline in home fire, sent goodbye emails
Don Bateman, inventor of Ground Proximity Warning System
Pierce County sheriff reacts to Powell home fire
Price of Protection: A victim speaks out
Price of Protection: Inside the Special Commitment Center
Open Houses
|
Find all open houses.
|
nwautos
Turismo upgrade "Gran Turismo 5: XL Edition" for PlayStation 3 has features such as new car-tuning settings, new NASCAR vehicles, better replay video...
Post a comment
- Lakewood cop accused of embezzling $150K meant for slain officers' families
- 3 big health insurers stockpile $2.4 billion as rates keep rising
- Agency set to investigate handling of 911 call about Josh Powell
- Quick decisions: How Washington hired its new football staff
- Historic day for gay marriage as another fight looms
- Justin Wilcox's versatile defensive style is the right fit for Huskies | Jerry Brewer
- It's Terrence Time: Enigmatic Ross leads Huskies
- Social worker recounts minutes before Powell fire
- $25B settlement reached over foreclosure abuses
- Club promoter convicted in brutal 2010 murder of Des Moines prostitute
- Gay-marriage bill passes House, awaits Gregoire's signature
436 - Historic day for gay marriage as another fight looming 350
- Sheriff's office unhappy with 911 dispatcher in caseworker's call 283
- 3 big health insurers stockpile $2.4 billion as rates keep rising 238
- Source: NY, California to sign mortgage settlement 225
- Wanted in Seattle classrooms: more teachers of color 170
- Oregon live game thread 155
- Pac-12 picks ... including the UW game 140
- Worker: Josh Powell told son he had 'surprise' 83
- Council members get briefing on arena proposal, minus details 79
- State Medicaid program to stop paying for unneeded ER visits
- 3 big health insurers stockpile $2.4 billion as rates keep rising
- One man's audacious pursuit of sailing history
- Darren Berg gets 18-year sentence for Ponzi scheme
- Wanted in Seattle classrooms: more teachers of color
- $25B settlement reached over foreclosure abuses
- A wandering gene's destructive path | Book review
- 'Gauguin and Polynesia': dazzling mix-and-match | Art review
- UW opening incubator facility for startups
- Controversial principal at Lowell Elementary takes job in Tacoma
