Headlines

Freedom Announces Positions Available

July 3, 2008

Current Available Jobs

• Communications Manager – Washington Freedom (Washington, DC)
• Corporate Partnerships Account Manager – Washington Freedom (Washington, DC)
• Ticket Sales Representative – Washington Freedom (Washington, DC)
• Future Notification Only – WPS and its Teams (Various Locations)

 

 

Communications: Media Relations/Servicing

Communications Manager - Washington Freedom (Washington, DC)

 

OVERVIEW:
The Washington Freedom is the Washington D.C. entry in Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS). WPS, which will feature stars from the U.S. Women’s National Team and elite players from around the world, will be the premier women’s soccer league in the world and the global standard by which women’s professional sports are measured. The league will launch in April 2009.

POSITION PURPOSE: Freedom media, on-line and broadcasting oversight

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Media relations
- Creation and distribution of all media collaterals, including, but not limited to media guides, game programs, and press releases
- Overseeing all media requests for interviews with players and management
- Handling press accreditation process and game-day press operations

• On-line programming/development
- Overseeing all web-based content
- In-season, keep the site up to the minute with latest news, game information, videos, photos, etc
- Publish and update all content to the team’s website including articles, blogs, events, polls and video, etc. via a content management system
- Assist Marketing Director with implementation of online marketing initiatives that reflect programming
- Work with sales team to conceptualize and implement both sponsorship and advertising elements on the team site; work with the league’s internet producer to manage national sponsorship and advertising integration into the team website
- Work with GM and Ticket Sales to assist in supporting the team’s ticket selling platform and database
- Define team’s desired website functionality requests and communicate these requests to the league’s internet producer who with your assistance will work with the league’s web development company to see the request through to implementation
- Oversee and manage outside agencies for the development and implementation of micro-sites to support local sponsorships
- Coordinate team specific graphical requests with the team’s own graphic designer and/or creative agency; Also coordinate some online graphical requests through the league’s internet producer
- Edit and upload photos for use in articles, photo galleries, slideshows, etc.
- Develop and manage the team’s email database; Prepare and distribute the team’s mass email communications
- Create and manage team pages on social networking sites such as Facebook, mySpace, etc. in order to create emotional connections between the fans and the team and its players and to serve as an extension of the team’s community outreach initiatives
- Oversee team-based applications such as mobile, widgets, etc
- Respond to fan correspondence received via the team’s website

• Broadcasting
- Assist Marketing Director in Developing all television, radio and online broadcast partnerships and operations

Suggested Qualifications
• Minimum of 1 year working with a professional sports team, college sports information department or equivlanet professional experience
• Ability to manage work flow with changing priorities
• Both PC and Mac literate; Web Savvy
• Knowledge of soccer, media and sports
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Understanding and Familiarity with:

·    -HTML and HTML editors, CSS, Javascript, XML, DHTML

·    -Content Management Systems – Experience publishing content

·    -Mass Email Solutions (i.e. Bronto, Constant Contact, iPost)

·    -Video Platforms

·    -Photo Editing Software (i.e. Photoshop)

·    -Social Networking Platforms (i.e. Facebook, MySpace, etc.)

·    -Familiarity with video & audio editing; Flash a plus
 

Note: When you apply for this job online, you will be required to answer the following questions:

1. Yes/No: I have at least 1 working with a professional sports team, college sports information department or equivlanet professional experience.

2. Please list any URL addresses that might showcase some of your work.

Apply for this position     |      Go back job listings

 

Sales & Marketing: Corporate Sponsorship Sales

Corporate Partnerships Account Manager - Washington Freedom (Washington, DC)

 

OVERVIEW
The Washington Freedom are the Washington D.C. entry in Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS). WPS, which will feature stars from the U.S. Women’s National Team and elite players from around the world, will be the premier women’s soccer league in the world and the global standard by which women’s professional sports are measured. The league will launch in April 2009.

The Freedom is a sales-driven organization and this is a salary/commission sales position. The Corporate Partnerships Account Manager is responsible for generating, servicing and increasing corporate sales revenue from local, regional and national sponsor clients.

This position reports to the Director of Marketing, Sales and Communications.

Benchmarks of Success

·    Collaborate effectively with the rest of the corporate sales staff and other departments to achieve team objectives

·    Aggressive prospecting and appointment setting with key decision makers

·    Create compelling and concise presentation materials (PowerPoint documents)

·    Conduct sponsorship meetings using effective presentation skills and appropriate selling techniques

·    Actively listen to client goals and objectives to develop creative, customized proposals utilizing Freedom marketing and hospitality entitlements

·    Overcome client objections with appropriate solutions to concerns

·    Work with Marketing team to ensure fulfillment of all sponsor programs

·    Build long-term client loyalty by consistently exceeding expectations in client servicing

·    Achieve and surpass monthly and annual revenue goals

·    Work all Freedom games and special events (11 home game spring/summer schedule)

·    Work with Director of Marketing, Sales and Communications to provide end-of-season proof of performance reports to corporate clients

Qualifications

·    Local knowledge of sponsorship and advertising world

·    Local “book of business” you can bring to the position

·    2-5 years of professional sales experience. Experience in a sports or media sales environment is a plus

·    Desire to work in a start-up environment

·    Derive strong motivation from a performance based compensation plan

·    Ability to confidently network, cold-call and otherwise prospect with potential new clients

·    Superb organization, communication and presentation skills

·    Proficient computer skills – Word, Excel, PowerPoint (other graphics packages a plus)

·    Ability to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays

Note: When you apply for this job online, you will be required to answer the following questions:

1. Yes/No: I have at least 2 years of professional sales experience.

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Sales & Marketing: Ticket Sales

Ticket Sales Representative - Washington Freedom (Washington, DC)

 

OVERVIEW
The Washington Freedom is the Washington D.C. entry in Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS). WPS, which will feature stars from the U.S. Women’s National Team and elite players from around the world, will be the premier women’s soccer league in the world and the global standard by which women’s professional sports are measured. The league will launch in April 2009.
 

Description and Responsibilities:

The Ticket Sales Representative will focus on ticket sales and will meet and exceed the goals of the Freedom organization. Responsibilities include:
• Sell group, club and season tickets
• Develop relationships with local youth soccer teams, clubs and leagues
• Help develop a deposit campaign for season tickets
• Work well with management team
• Promote the sale of season tickets to renewing subscribers and solicits new season ticket sales
• Promote the sale of single game tickets
• Represent the Sales Department at in-game and outside events
What Success Looks Like:
The success of the Ticket Sales Representative will be measured as follows:
• Meet or exceed revenue and tickets sales goals
• Maximize revenue from use of CRM system
• Strong relationship with clients and management
• Work well with management team

Requirements:
The minimum requirements for this position include:
• BA/BS degree required.
• Previous sports sales experience
• Previous sales training strongly preferred
• Effective sales, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proficient skills in computer including experience with MS Office products such as Word, Excel, Outlook, etc. and ability to learn and master new software programs
• Strong working knowledge of CRM system
• Goal oriented
• Ability to organize season ticket database
• Ability to input and update web-based ticket and promotional information
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people
• Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed
 

Note: When you apply for this job online, you will be required to answer the following questions:

1. Yes/No: I have previous sports sales experience.

Apply for this position     |      Go back job listings

Apply for Future Notification Only: Open

Future Notification Only - WPS and its Teams (Various Locations)

By creating a profile here, you are not considered an applicant for any job. Rather, you can be notified of positions with the WPS and its Teams as they become posted matching the notification buttons you checked on this application form.

If you wish to update your information, go to "edit your information" at the top of this page, put in your email address and the password you used to create your profile.

Apply for this position     |     Go back job listings

 

Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) Brings U.S. Olympian Abby Wambach to Portland, ME

June 25, 2008

When Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) debuts next April, stars like U.S. Olympian Abby Wambach will be living proof for America's young athletes that anything is possible with determination and hard work.

 

And that's exactly the message that 5,000+ youth soccer players from across 13 states will hear from Wambach herself, as she helps kick off the Opening Ceremonies of the region's Youth Soccer Championships in Portland, ME, on Thursday, June 26, beginning at 6:30 p.m. 

 

Wambach, who will represent the United States in the 2008 Olympic Games this summer, is a native of Rochester, NY, and 2007 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year.  As a member of the WUSA Washington Freedom, Wambach played alongside Hall of Famer Mia Hamm, collecting 23 goals and 17 assists.  Following the Olympics, Wambach plans to return to professional play when WPS plays its inaugural season in the spring of 2009 (www.womensprosoccer.com).

 

Wambach will conduct a meet-n- greet with players on Thursday afternoon and all tournament attendees may learn more about WPS - and enter for a chance to win tickets and memorabilia - by visiting the WPS information booth at the Falmouth High School soccer fields on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28, with WPS representatives from the Boston, New Jersey/New York, and Washington D.C. teams.

 

 

Thursday, June 26

 

4 p.m. - Youth Player Meet-n-Greet with Abby Wambach

Hadlock Field

271 Park Ave.

Portland, ME 04102

 

6:30 p.m. - Tournament Opening Ceremonies

Fitzpatrick Stadium

134 Congress Street

Portland, ME 04101

 

Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28

 

Tournament Play and WPS Information Booth

Falmouth High School soccer fields

74 Woodville Road

Falmouth, ME 04105

 

Speakers/Visuals

 

-  Abby Wambach, star of the U.S. women's soccer team

-  Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) representatives from the Boston, New Jersey/New York and Washington D.C. teams

-  5,000+ youth soccer players from across 13 states (boys and girls, ages 12-19)

 

RSVP/Media Contact

 

Jennifer Peters, Fleishman-Hillard Sports Business

314/982-9167 (work) or 314/422-9305 (cell) or jennifer.peters@fleishman.com

 

 

Video: Welsh & Lindsey Waiting for Women's Professional Soccer

June 25, 2008

Monday, June 23, 2008
By: Jill Sorenson, Comcast SportsNet Washington, D.C.

Freedom Return to RFK in Style

June 24, 2008

Andrzejewski scores 2 in 5-0 win over Richmond Kickers Destiny

 

The Washington Freedom seemed right at home in its first appearance in three years at RFK.  With early possession and a quick change in the point of attack, Jenn Parsons rounded the Richmond defense and set up Ali Andrzejewski in the 2^nd minute to put the Freedom ahead for good.  In the 13^th minute, Christie Welsh turned provider as she played a nice ball back into the path of Lori Lindsey, who bent a left-footed shot just over the outstretched hands of Richmond keeper Chantel Jones and off  the underside of the crossbar to make the score 2-0.

 

Welsh and Andrezjewski each added unassisted goals in the 29^th and 37^th minutes to give the Freedom a 4-0 halftime lead. Both teams liberally substituted for the second half, using all players available. The Freedom still maintained a decisive advantage in possession, but Jones and defender Nikki Krzyck prevented any further scoring until the 78^th minute.  Freedom midfielder Rebecca Moros put Anabel Jimenez in alone with Jones, and she was able to lift the ball into the right hand corner to make it 5-0.

 

"This game was a great opportunity for us as a club to play in RFK in front of many DC United and Freedom fans that have supported us in the past.  I think we played pretty well, and am pleased with the fact that everyone got the chance to play in such a professional environment."—Head Coach Jim Gabarra

 

 

Freedom 5 - Richmond 0

 

Shots   19/7

 

Saves   3/6

 

Fouls    4/6

 

Corners 5/2

 

Attendance  17,922

Welsh Scores Late to Lift Freedom Past Sky Blue

June 19, 2008

Christie Welsh came up with the game-winning goal in the 78th minute as the Washington Freedom slipped past Jersey Sky Blue 1-0 in a W-League Northeast Division battle on a rainy night at Drew University's Ranger Stadium.

Sky Blue did well to keep the defending W-League champions at bay for most of the game but the Freedom started to gain control in the later stages culminating in Welsh's fourth goal of the season. Washington held a 12-9 advantage in shots with Welsh firing away on eight of those opportunities. Sky Blue goalkeeper Jillian Loyden was stellar in goal for Sky Blue with five saves while Chante Sandiford posted the shutout in goal for the Freedom with two saves.

Freedom Escape the Weekend With One Win and a Tie

June 16, 2008

The Washington Freedom again struggled to score goals over the weekend with games against the New York Magic and the Northern Virginia Majestics. Both the Magic and the Majestics played inspired defense and both held a 1-0 lead over the Freedom for considerable time. In both games the Freedom remained composed and continued to create numerous scoring opportunities.

           

The Magic took advantage of a couple of Freedom defensive lapses and had three shots in the first half. In the 46th minute Noella Meeke and Freedom defender Emily Janss both went to head the ball and the deflected shot found its way into the Freedom net to give the visiting team momentum and inspiration heading into the second half. The Freedom came out and held the Magic in their own end for most of the second half and created chance after chance, but either could not find the target or Magic goalkeeper Alicia DeFino was there to make the save.  In the 64^th minute, the Freedom finally tied the game after a nice build up, and a great cross from Jenn Parsons finished with a perfectly placed shot from Lori Lindsey. It took the Freedom until the 86^th minute for substitute Jill Gilbeau to find the winner from a Christie Welsh assist.

 

Freedom 2 Magic 1

Shots: Freedom 21 Magic 5

Saves: Freedom 3 Magic 10

Corners: Freedom 9 Magic 1

Attendance: 912

 

 

Sunday night against the Majestics marked the return of three former Freedom players, as Kelly Hammond, Tara Kidwell and Katie Watson took the field with the Majestics.  Hammond would put the Majestics up 1-0 on a well-taken penalty kick in the 10th minute.  Kika Toulouse beat Emily Janss, and as she entered the penalty area Toulouse was taken down by Janss. The Majestics would hold on through the first half, eluding numerous scoring chances created by the Freedom. The second half was more of the same, as the Freedom dominated possession and squandered scoring chances. The Freedom would hit the crossbar and the post and Majestic goalkeeper Kate Milstead made all the necessary saves to preserve the lead. Substitute Tiffany McCarty provided the spark needed and finally broke through with a fine shot in the 86^th minute that left Milstead helpless. The Freedom still pushed for the winner but ended up with a frustrating tie.

 

Freedom 1 Majestics 1

Shots: Freedom 32 Majestics 3

Saves: Freedom 2 Majestics 23

Corners: Freedom 7 Majestics 1

Attendance: 848

 

 

Coach Jim Gabarra's thoughts on the weekend: "With the way we played we should feel fortunate to get four points out of the two games this weekend. Our goal was to win both matches but our finishing needs to be a lot better. We are creating more than enough chances but just cannot put them away at this time. Credit the Magic and the Majestics for inspired defending."

Piranhas to host USL Championship events

June 11, 2008

W-League and USL Super-20 League Finals headed to Virginia Beach

USL NEWS RELEASE :: Tuesday, June 10, 2008                   

For the latest news, scores and more, visit www.USLsoccer.com

TAMPA - United Soccer Leagues announced today that the hosting rights for the 14^th Annual W-League Championship tournament and the Third Annual Super-20 League North American Finals have been awarded to the longtime USL club Hampton Roads Piranhas. The W-League Semifinals and Final are set for Thursday, July 31 and Saturday, August 2, respectively. The 28-team Super-20 League North American Finals (men's and women's) will officially begin Thursday, July 31 and run through Sunday, August 3.

"The Piranhas have been great hosts for USL events in the past, and we fully expect that the merger of these two great events will further spotlight the growth the women's game has undergone since the W-League's founding in 1995," said USL Executive Vice President & COO Tim Holt. "The area and the facilities are of first-class quality, which will complement the caliber of play that will be seen on the pitch in both events."

The Virginia Beach Sportsplex will feature the premier matches of the two events, hosting the W-League Semifinals, Final and the Super-20 League Championship games.  All Super-20 League North American Finals group play and Semifinal matches will be played on one of the eight high-end natural grass fields located at the nearby Princess Anne Athletic Complex. The Sportsplex is capable of seating well over 10,000 fans, and the two venues are within walking distance of one another. 

"We felt the idea of combining the two events would greatly maximize the correlation between the two leagues and their relationship with one another on and off the field," said USL Senior Director of Youth League Development Jeff McRaney. "Complete clubs like the Washington Freedom, who won the Super-20 Finals in 2006 and then the W-League in 2007, will benefit greatly from the merger of these great events."

The Super-20 event, which has doubled in prestige and crowd presence in its first two years, promises to do so again now that it is in combination with USL's W-League Championship event, which has featured prominent world-class players since its founding in 1995. Players such as US internationals Christie Welsh and Tiffeny Milbrett; Canadian internationals Christine Latham and Christine Sinclair; and English internationals Rachel Yankey and Rachel Unitt are among those from the past three Finals. By mingling the two events, female players on many of the top U20 teams in North America can now witness the aptitude needed to excel at what is currently the top level of women's soccer in North America. Likewise, coaches and scouts from the W-League and other top soccer executives and coaches can get a direct glance at the top U20 females in North America as they prepare for their next campaign.

"The Piranhas are proud to host these two championships in beautiful Virginia Beach," said club owner and member of the USL Hall of Fame Marcie Laumann. "We want to make these events something our fans, our leagues, and every player participating will be proud of."

Hampton Roads, who won the W-League title in 2003 as hosts of the event, will be hosting the W-League Championship tournament for the third time. In addition to their cup-raising effort in 2003, the Piranhas played host to a memorable 2001 tournament in which the Boston Renegades won a thrilling 5-1 final against Vancouver on a night delayed by a severe thunderstorm that wiped out the Piranhas' Third-Place match. This year, however, the Piranhas will have to qualify for the playoffs for a chance to reach the W-League championship tournament as the host will not receive an automatic berth as in years past with the event featuring the 2008 W-League Regular Season Champion and the three champions of the conference tournaments.

"Hampton Roads, a club that has been a model organization for the W-League since USL founded the league, is an optimal host for staging the 2008 W-League Finals," said USL W-League Director Melanie Fitzgerald. "The club was also a leader in establishing a Women's Super-20 League Division in the South Atlantic region last season. The Piranhas are also one of several clubs that represent USL's top-to-bottom club model consisting of senior franchises, Super-20 and Super Y-League teams as well as other endeavors, such as sponsoring two local Power Soccer (wheelchair) teams."

The list of W-League clubs who have successfully used the Super-20 League to further develop their players for the next level includes: the Northern Virginia Majestics, FC Fredericksburg, the Boston Renegades, Connecticut Passion, Chicago Gaels, Toronto Lynx, the Long Island Rough Riders, West Virginia Illusion, Washington Freedom, FC Indiana and Hampton Roads Piranhas.

"It is no surprise that several of the clubs that field Super-20 teams are among the perennial leaders in the W-League," added Fitzgerald.  "Giving up-and-coming teenagers an opportunity to play and train alongside established international stars and professional caliber players on a regular basis excels their development, aiding the club as they advance to the senior side."

Not to be left out, the men's side of the Super-20 League Championship will have its fair share of headliners to watch. Two players from Kendall SC's championship side two years ago have already gone on to professional careers. Bryan Arguez signed with DC United and is now playing in Germany and Martin Nunez has become a standout rookie contributor for the USL First Division Carolina RailHawks this season. Their teammate Diego Restrepo has also gone on to play for the US U20 youth national team. Last year's championship MVP Mike Konicoff is a key member of the Premier Development League's Westchester Flames, who currently sit second in the division.

"The Super-20 League has served as a great transition for the top high school and young collegiate players for the PDL," said PDL Director of Operations Lee Cohen. "Seeing players move up from what are essentially reserve squads for the PDL each year, sometimes during the season, is a great testament to what the Super-20 League is about."

Regional qualification details for the Super-20 League North America Finals were also announced today.    Berth Allocations[+]

About the USL W-League Championship Tournament

The W-League Championship has been hosted by a member club since the league's founding in 1995. Last year's final was hosted at Rochester's PAETEC Park and saw the Washington Freedom win their second premier women's title (WUSA 2003). Nine different clubs have claimed the 13 previous championships . Washington will be looking to become the third team (Boston 2001-02 and Raleigh 1998-99) to repeat. The Freedom, Piranhas and New Jersey Wildcats could be the fifth (Vancouver 2004, 06 and Long Island LR 1995, 97) to win twice. The 2008 Championship will feature the regular season champion (based on point percentage) and the winners of the Central, Eastern and Western Conference championship tournaments.

About the 2006 & 2007 Super-20 League North American Finals
Both the 2006 and 2007 Super-20 League North American Finals were hosted by New Hampshire's elite soccer club, Seacoast United, at their $5 million dollar outdoor complex in Epping, New Hampshire. In 2006 the event drew 24 top level U20 Men's and Women's teams from across North America. The second Super-20 North American Finals saw the women's bracket expand to include another four teams. Both events contained some of the most thrilling matches on the USL calendar year and have drawn the attention of coaches beginning their college preseason schedule and attentive professional scouts looking to bring in top prospects.

Some of the most memorable matches in Super-20 history include: Kendall SC vs. Red Bull New York, the Washington Freedom vs. Parsippany SC, the Chicago Fire vs. Player Development Academy, the Toronto Lynx vs. Player Development Academy and Parsippany SC vs. Quickstrike SC. 

About clubs competing in the Super-20 League North American Finals
Teams earning the right to compete in the Super-20 League North American Finals must first battle through the arduous Super-20 League regular season. The league's Mid Atlantic Division, for example, contained 20 teams in 2007. Only the top six teams were invited to represent the division in the finals. Those clubs' combined record following the regular season was an impressive, 41-7-6, a required winning percentage of .759.

About clubs competing in the Super -20 League
As the premier Under-20 league in North America, USL's Super-20 League contains U20 academy teams of Major League Soccer, United Soccer Leagues First and Second Division and United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League. On the women's side, the league contains teams from United Soccer Leagues W-League and two members of the newly formed WPS (Women's Professional Soccer). The league also includes teams representing the top established youth clubs in North America.

 

Freedom Rebound With Resounding 5-1 Win Over the Wildcats

June 9, 2008

The Washington Freedom regained their scoring touch Sunday against the New Jersey Wildcats and ran away with a convincing 5-1 victory. Four different Freedom players scored with Lori Lindsey netting two at the Maryland Soccer Plex Stadium field in front of 1012 fans who braved a hot and humid evening.

 

The Wildcats defended very well and had numbers behind the ball for the entire first half and looked to counter and press the Freedom defense when they had the ball. This tactic rewarded the Wildcats and held the Freedom to one goal on 15 shots in the first half. The goal was produced by Kele Golebiowski’s weaving run into the penalty area. She beat the last defender who was forced to reach for the ball and look Kele’s legs out from under her. Referee Dean Fairweather immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Lori Lindsey stepped up and confidently blasted the ball into the lower left corner of the goal to give the Freedom the lead.

 

The second half resulted in the Freedom’s possession game creating excellent scoring chances as well as producing fatigue in the Wildcats. Jenn Parsons came on and in the 52^nd minute crossed a ball to Lindsey, who headed the ball past Wildcat goalie Jones for a 2-0 lead. Substitute Tiffany McCarty, after being on the field for one minute, pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area and left-footed a shot in the right corner to put the game out of reach. In the 80^th minute the Wildcats produced a rare scoring chance that Amy Hoyer volleyed past Chante Sandiford to make it 3-1.

 

But the Freedom wasn’t done scoring, and Parsons again was the provider with a nice through ball for Welsh. Christie, with an open shot, nicely finished to push the lead back to three. In the 90^th minute, Emily Janss played a great give-and-go with Welsh and calmly placed the ball past Jones for a well-deserved goal. Freedom coach Jim Gabarra was pleased with the team’s performance. “It was important for us to get an early goal and I was pleased with the way we played and we continue to improve with every game. After last week’s frustration I think all the players responded in a positive way both in training this week and in the game tonight.”

 

 

Freedom 5 Wildcats 1

Shots: Freedom 29 Wildcats 7

Corners: Freedom 4 Wildcats 1

Saves: Freedom 3 Wildcats 7

Attendance: 1012

Freedom Drop Home Opener to Renegades

June 2, 2008

The Boston Renegades came to the Maryland SoccerPlex and shutout the Defending Champion Freedom on a 54th minute goal from Mary Therese McDonnell.  The first half produced numerous scoring chances for both teams, as both the Freedom and the Renegades were able to create quality shots. The best chances fell to the feet of Ali Andrzejewski of the Freedom. She had three clear looks at Boston keeper Meghan Burke but Burke made a point blank save on one and the other two were off target.  Boston's Allison Martino's hard work created the best chances for Boston but KJ Spisak was up to the challenge. The teams went to the break tied 0-0. The Freedom had 10 shots to the Renegades 4. The Renegades Burke made 5 saves and Freedom's Spisak made 2.

In the second half the Renegades' counter attack produced the game's first goal. The Freedom defense, seemingly having numbers back and the attack diffused, had a collective let down and allowed Martino the opportunity to find McDonnell's feet inside the penalty area for a well place shot to the lower left corner past a surprised Spisak. The scariest moment came in the 66th minute when off a Boston corner kick Freedom keeper KJ Spisak was fouled as she went high for a cross. She was knocked unconscious and remained on the ground until trainers, ER doctors in attendance and an ambulance arrived. She was taken to Shady Grove Hospital. Reportedly, she was awake, alert and smiling and will be fine. She suffered a concussion and will be reevaluated today and over the coming week. The Freedom players, staff and fans are all pleased that she will be ok. The last 25 minutes of the game the Freedom franticly tried to break down the Renegades' defense. Again the Renegades looked to counter and produced one breakaway, but Freedom's Chante Sandiford stood up and made a great save on Ashley Pistorious.  Christie Welsh's right-footed volley screamed just wide and again the Freedom could not either find the target or when they did Burke was there to make the save.

Freedom coach Jim Gabarra: "I think as a team we played a good game against a quality opponent. You are going to have these types of games during a season. We created plenty of chances and it just seemed like today was one of those days that we were just not going to score. I am proud of the team for fighting so hard, never giving up and having the ability to play on after the Spisak injury which frightened all of us. Credit Boston with a great defensive effort."

Renegades 1(McDonnell, assist Martino) Freedom 0
Shots: Renegades 8 Freedom 20
Saves: Renegades 8 Freedom 4
Corners: Renegades 5 Freedom 10
Attendance: 1400

Freedom Comes Away With 3-0 Victory Over Lady Gunners

May 27, 2008

In their second league game of the season, the Washington Freedom defeated the Fredericksburg Lady Gunners thanks to a hat trick by forward Jenn Parsons.  Although the Freedom only led by one goal at halftime, they had taken 16 shots and forced the Lady Gunners' goalkeeper to make 11 saves.

After registering 6 shots in the first 10 minutes of the match, the Freedom finally got on the scoreboard in the 12^th minute when a shot from outside the penalty area was mishandled by Gunner goalie Amanda Barasha, and Parsons calmly tucked the rebound away.  Despite outshooting the Lady Gunners, the Freedom failed to score again in the half and gave up a couple dangerous scoring opportunities to their opponents due to defensive lapses.

In the second half the Freedom continued to struggle to make the most of their scoring opportunities.  It wasn't until the 60^th minute that Parsons once again found the back of the net.  In a manner very similar to the first-half goal, a long shot was stopped by Barasha, only to ricochet off the crossbar and land at Parsons' feet.  She quickly slotted the ball into the lower corner of the goal to put the Freedom up 2-0.

As the game neared its end, a misplayed pass by a Fredericksburg defender was intercepted by Parsons, who placed the ball into the right side of the goal to complete her hat-trick.

"We are happy to get the three points from a Lady Gunners team that showed a lot of fight in their home opener.  We can certainly do a better job of not having a defensive lapse or two per game.  We also need to be more efficient in the final third.  Jenn Parsons showed today that she is a proven goal-scorer, and we are fortunate to have her with the Freedom," said Coach Gabarra.

The Freedom return to action on Sunday, June 1^st, for their home opener against the Boston Renegades at 6:00pm.  All home games are played at the Maryland SoccerPlex.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.washingtonfreedom.com.

 

Game Summary

Freedom 3  Lady Gunners 0
                    
      Shots: W-24 F-3
      Saves W-4  F-12
      Corners W-9  F-1

      12 min Parsons - Unassisted
      60 min Parsons - Unassisted
      88  min Parsons -  Unassisted

Freedom Returns to RFK

May 27, 2008

SUNDAY SOCCER DOUBLEHEADER

 

See some of the best soccer in Washington! Come watch D.C. United take on the San Jose Earthquakes and then see the women take over RFK Stadium as the Washington Freedom battle the Richmond Kickers Destiny!

 

Sunday, June 22

 D.C. UNITED vs.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

Kickoff 3pm

 

WASHINGTON FREEDOM vs.

RICHMOND 

 KICKERS DESTINY

Kickoff 5:15pm

 

For tickets or more information contact Dan Giffin at 202-587-5479 or dgiffin@dcunited.com

 

COME TO THE D.C. UNITED YOUTH FAN CLUB AUTOGRAPH SESSION!

All D.C. United Youth Fan Club members are welcome to meet the D.C. United players* postgame for autographs. If you are not a YFC member sign up at least 5 days prior to the event online at dcunited.com and you can join in on the fun too!

 

*players subject to availability. The event is open to all YFC members for one hour post game. Signatures for all players are not guaranteed.

FOR TICKETS OR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT DAN GIFFIN

Nothing But Nets Charity Event

May 27, 2008

 

Please join members of the Washington D.C. adult soccer community for a happy hour to raise money for Nothing But Nets, a charity that distributes malaria nets in Africa.

With special guests:

Members of D.C.'s new professional women's soccer team

 

Hosted by Capital Coed Soccer League and Screaming Eagles fan club of D.C. United

 

When:  Thursday, June 5, 2008

             6:30pm – 9:30pm

Where: Rocket Bar

             714 7^th St. NW,

             Washington, D.C. 2001

How: $10 (Buys one malaria net!)

          Includes free pool/darts and drink specials

 

Questions?  Email Emily at ecadei@gmail.com

Freedom Wrap Up Trip to Colorado With 3-0 Victory

May 23, 2008

A day after their victory against the Fort Collins Force, the Washington Freedom took to the field once again in a match against Real Colorado.  In spite of a bumpy start, the Freedom grabbed an early lead when Ali Andrzejewski scored off an assist by Jen Parsons in the 10th minute of play.  Both teams struggled to create dangerous scoring opportunities for much of the first half until Christie Welsh added a second goal in the 37th minute when the Real Colorado keeper came out of her goal to clear a ball for Welsh to find it on her foot with an easy open goal finish.

At halftime, the Freedom made some adjustments to deal with Real Colorado's pressure, and the adjustments paid off.  With Becky Sauerbrunn and Ella Masar heading off to Germany with the US U-23 team, the Freedom dealt with their limited number of subs by moving the ball around and keeping possession for most of the half.  Their patience was rewarded in the final minutes of the game, as Heather Tomko found the back of the net in the 90th minute off a pass from Emily Janss.  

"The Freedom's possession was very good in the second half and the overall team spacing was great as we were able to spread Real Colorado's defense and break their 3 forward formation pressure. The three day trip was a great opportunity to be part of a great event and get two quality matches in during the early part of our season," said coach Gabarra.

The Washington Freedom now head to Fredericksburg, Virginia to take on the Lady Gunner's on May 24th at 5:30pm before they host their first home game of the season on June 1st at 6:00pm against the Boston Renegades.

Freedom Victorious in Colorado

By George Tanner, Rocky Mountain News

May 16, 2008

Bigger, stronger, faster - that was the theme of Thursday's 2-0 exhibition victory by the Washington Freedom over the Fort Collins Force at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

The two teams belong to the W-League, but many of the similarities end there. The defending champion Freedom had the edge in size, strength and speed. That was apparent to the eye, and it was apparent on the field.

Emily Janss, who is listed as a midfielder but played significant stretches at right back, toe-poked the ball past Force keeper Kara Linder in the 23rd minute.

And in the 47th minute, Washington extended its lead to 2-0 on a beautiful goal.

Immediately following a Fort Collins free kick in the Washington end, the Freedom was ready for a quick transition, and forward Jen Parsons raced onto a long ball up the right wing. Parsons beat an onrushing defender to the ball and used her momentum against her. She tapped the ball to herself past the defender and found acres of open space in the right corner of the field.

Her cross to 5-10 striker Christie Welsh was spot-on, and Welsh's header drove Linder back into the left corner of the net.

It was a big-league goal by a big-league team.

But the play on the field wasn't the only place the Freedom has an advantage over the Force.

By looking at the rosters, it is clear the Freedom has more experience. Washington has five players with national team game time in its lineup, compared with three for the Force. And of those three, one was a guest player (Marci Miller-Jobson) and one was missing because of a U.S. U-20 camp (Nikki Marshall).

Washington also has an edge in a cache of intangibles. The match was the first this season for the Force, the first time this lineup has taken the field together.

The defending champs, however, have been around since the days of the WUSA and have been able to retain a core of players through the years. The Freedom has been together longer, has been playing in the same system longer and with the same coach longer.

"Geography, coaches, connections, region," said Melanie Fitzgerald, director of the W-league. "Some coaches are looking for development of younger players, and some coaches are scouting internationally."

And that would be a reference to Washington coach Jim Gabarra, who was in that position with the team when it was in the WUSA and will be in that same position when the Freedom begins play in the new league, Women's Professional Soccer. The presense of Gabarra, who coached national team star Abby Wambach, draws top-quality players from top-quality programs: Syracuse, Villanova, Virginia, Illinois, Maryland, UCLA, UConn, Duke, Penn State. ...

And a lot of these players are viewing this season as an audition for WPS.

The Force has a roster dotted with players from high-quality programs such as Colorado, Nebraska, Cal State-Fullerton, North Carolina and many regional schools such as the University of Denver, Montana and South Dakota. But therein lies the rub: The Force found out shortly before the game that North Carolina recruit Emmalie Pfankuch and teammates Erin Bello and Emily Davidson would not be allowed to play because they haven't yet begun their college careers.

It would have been an NCAA rules infraction had the three taken the field with Miller-Jobson, who is the coach at Baylor. The Force also has two Baylor players who it knew wouldn't be able to play because of rules against athletes playing in games with their coaches.

The bottom line is that the pitch wasn't level on Thursday night. And that's how the game played out.

The Freedom won most 50-50 balls, and the game was played mostly in Fort Collins' half. Parsons, Welsh, Australian national teamer Kele Golebiowski and their teammates were much more organized and comfortable in their offense.

But despite all those odds, Fort Collins held tough. The backline, anchored by Sally Cole and Carly Peetz, was up to the task. Despite being under attack for most of the game, Fort Collins gave up only the two goals. And the defense, for the most part, kept shots away from Linder.

Only once was the CU keeper pushed to the limit.

In the 51st minute, Linder made a spectacular save on a shot by Parsons, who had picked out her spot in the far, top corner of the net. Linder dove to her right and tipped the ball up, where the crossbar did its job and deflected the ball out of harm's way.

Including the two Washington goals, this may have been the play of the game.

The Force's best chance to score may have come midway through the first half. Lisa Kosena pounced on a loose ball at the top of the box and drilled a shot to the left side of the goal. It forced Washington keeper Kati Jo Spisak to dive to her right to knock the ball down.

PLAYERS OF THE GAME: One was chosen for each team, and Parsons got the nod for Washington. I can agree with that. Cole was the official pick for the Force, but I may have split the honor between Cole and Peetz. Peetz patrolled the middle of the defense with a strong leg and a large presence, even among the redwoods of the Freedom.

Freedom Beat Long Island in Season Opener

May 11, 2008

The Washington Freedom started their defense of the W-League title with a win over the Long Island Rough Riders in their season opener 3-1.   After the long trip up to Michael Tully Field in Long Island the Freedom started off strong, controlling much of the play and possession. 

Long Island native Christie Welsh opened the scoring in the on the 6:00 minute mark after some great combination play and a quick switch of the point of attack when Emily Janss played the ball into Welsh, who turned her defender the wrong way to finish from 12 yards out.  The Freedom continued to press through the first half but finished the half leading 1-0. 

The second half continued with much of the same theme until the 65:00 minute when Lori Lindsay took the ball down the left side of the field to cut a nice cross back to Sarah Huffman who lost her defenders well to slot the ball into the net from 8 yards out.  Eight minutes later Welsh found the net again after Lori Lindsay again played the roll of the supplier after she found herself free and behind the Rough Rider defense for a 40 yard run.  She took on the Rough Rider keeper who did well to keep Lindsay from shooting and again found herself on the left side of the box and cut another great cross into Welsh who finished off the play with a great goal in the 73:00 minute. 

Long Island's Pardini found the back of the net in the 80:00 of a ball from McCabe after the Freedom made several changes to their backline.  In the end, a lone goal was all the Rough Riders could come up with and the match ended 3-1 in favor of the Freedom.  The Freedom were able to celebrate in front of a great group of Freedom fans, many from friends and family from Long Island to see the Freedom's New York natives, Christie Welsh, Rebecca Moros and Alex Singer.  <