After the ceasing of operations on St.Louis, many players were left without a home, becoming free agents on the market. However, now that it is past June 1st, which was the day where all of the free agents could start signing with the teams they wanted, a few players are going to start settling into new teams.
One of the biggest moves on the transfer summary right now is the signing of Aluko, Ellertson, Solo, and Chalupny to the Atlanta Beat. Not only were these 4 arguably the most talked about and valued assets, but they are going to the league's last place team. However, although it may sound like they aren't going to the right place, I believe its exactly where they're needed. Atlanta Beat needs all the help they can get right now, as they are in the basement of WPS with only 1 point in 7 games. The Atlanta Beat knew they had to turn things around, and fast, so the management made the right move by bringing these talented players into the squad. The Beat weren't necessarily a bad team to begin with, but they were lacking those pieces of the puzzle that would help them get that final touch or finish, and these 4 might just be what the doctor ordered. The way I see it is, why take these players onto an already talented squad? Of course everyone would love to have high class players like these on their roster, but its good that they're going to a team where they will help with the growth and will definitely have a strong impact, instead of going to a team where they will just be another high quality player to add onto an already talented squad.
Another move involving a former St.Louis player is Shannon Boxx to FC Gold Pride. She's had some pretty bad luck, having been on the 2 teams in the league that have been discontinued: LA Sol and St.Louis Athletica. The Pride have agreed to terms with Shannon Boxx, and the middie will be returning to California...only this time on her former cross-town rival's squad. Boxx's talents should definitely come in handy for any team, as I'm sure they will with FCGP.
Also, Ashlyn Harris, a back-up keeper on St.Louis, will be joining the Washington Freedom. The Freedom have had their eye on the young player, and believe she has a lot of potential.
In other transfer news, Sky Blue FC have signed a player that will hopefully help put their goal-scoring difficulties to rest. Patrizia Panico, an italian international team player, and Serie A player, will be the first italian to play in the WPS. She has an outstanding record of scoring goals, as she has scored over 400 times in her professional career. For her national team, she has scored 80 in 145 matches. A player who has scored this many goals in her career seems promising, and right now, a player who knows how to put it in the back of the net is something Sky Blue needs. With Kalmari, Kai, and Panico combining on the offensive efforts, this team should start scoring a lot more.
wow I was kinda shocked when I read this, almost everyone went to ATL! Not that thats a bad thing, in fact its good like you said, it makes the bad team good, strengthening the whole league. Lets just hope ATL didnt spend too much and maybe not be able to afford those players in the future or next year. Also by the way, I cant picture any of those players in bright yellow...... gonna take some getting used to!
ReplyDeleteHey Denise! It's Jake! Nice Blog!
ReplyDeleteYep, bright yellow, should be interesting. I'm actually quite glad these players ended up on ATL. I was starting to feel a little bad for them. Their players have a lot of heart but they just can't put em home. These 4 will definitely help. It'll enrich the league as a whole, and now the competition has heated up. I'd love to see how they all do on ATL. Seems like a nice new home for them. And an italian player! Curious to see how she plays, she has a promising record. And she's with Sky Blue, we'll be seeing her. She seems like she could be that one compliment player that Kai lacks up front.
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