Friday, August 28, 2009 

TAMPA, FL – United Soccer Leagues announced Friday that it has begun accepting applications to the W-League Combine from players with experience outside the W-League. With 65 players already commited, the league will cap the number of participants at 90.

Set to take place from Thursday, September 24 to Sunday, September 27 at Ed Radice Sports Compex in Northwest Tampa, Florida, the second annual W-League Combine will showcase some of the top rising talent in North America ahead of the Women’s Professional Soccer draft.

Included among the attendees is Cary Lady Clarets striker Lindsay Vera. The NC State product led the club in scoring this season with six goals and three assists and has experience at a combine, having attended one of the WPS events last year.

WPS head coaches Tony Dicicco (Boston Breakers) Albertin Montoya (FC Gold Pride) and Abner Rogers (Los Angeles Sol) are also scheduled to attend.

Having led the Sol to the WPS regular season championship earlier this year, Rogers will look to the combine to identify new players to build upon the team’s success for next season.

“Every team will need to improve their rosters,” said Rogers via email. “We anticipate having possibly five or six new players on our team next season.”

Hinting at the usefulness of the W-League’s mission in helping bring players along, Rogers is thankful for the work of the top women’s amateur league.

“It is important for players to continue to develop their game after college. The W-League and the W-League Combine are great tools for them to accomplish that and be seen by professional coaches.”
 
Players interested in attending the W-League Combine can apply by clicking here.