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WPS Honors Stars Before All-Star Match
Women's Professional Soccer announced its annual awards on the eve of the WPS All-Star Game.
Aug 30, 2009 1:40:19 AM
ST. LOUIS - The night before the inaugural WPS All-Star Match (Sunday vs. Umea IK 5:00 p.m. ET), Women’s Professional Soccer unveiled its award-winners. Los Angeles Sol striker Marta led the pack with two awards. There weren’t too many surprises. Fans, coaches, media and players made up the voting, which were evenly divided among those groups.
And the Award goes to…
Marta, Puma Golden Boot and 2009 Michelle Akers Player of the Year Award
Marta led the Sol and all of WPS with 10 goals in her inaugural season. The Brazilian was heavily marked, but still managed to make her own mark on women’s soccer in America.
“I’m very honored to receive this award,” Marta said. “Each player in the league has it as their goal to try for an award like this. It’s very special to be a pioneer in this league in the first season. It’s been a great year and I look forward to many good years to come.”
Amy LePeilbet, 2009 MedImmune Defender of the Year
LePeilbet has earned her way into the U.S. Women’s National Team starting 11 more than once. But in Boston, she won Breakers’ fans hearts and the respect of the league, starting in 19 games and helping the Breakers to seven shutouts on the season.
“You can’t be a good defender without your teammates so this is also an award for all my teammates,” LePeilbet said. “I’ve had some up and down years with my injuries and it’s been great that I’ve had the opportunity once again with WPS to go out there and perform this year.”
Abner Rogers, 2009 AdvoCare Coach of the Year
Rogers was recently chosen by the players to lead the WPS All-Stars in Sunday’s match vs. Umea IK. Roers led the L.A. Sol to the top of the league with a 12-3-5 record and 41 points. He also coached the league’s best defense, which allowed just 10 goals in 20 games.
“I’ve very honored to win this award with the great group of coaches that we have in this league and I’m honored to have the chance to be the All-Star Game head coach.”
Hope Solo, 2009 Coast Guard Goalkeeper of the Year
The rising U.S. star edged Los Angeles goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc for the title of goalkeeper of the year. Solo helped keep Saint Louis in it until the Super Semifinal. She recorded eight shutouts and 84 saves in her 17 appearances, while allowing 14 goals. Athletica fell to Sky Blue FC 1-0 in the Super Semifinal. LeBlanc led Los Angeles to the final with 12 shutouts, 78 saves and 10 goals allowed in 19 appearances.
“For a keeper, you don’t want to have to make the tough save – so perhaps I have to organize my defense a little better,” Solo said. “But I’m honored to win this and looking forward to a great game tomorrow.”
Christie Rampone, 2009 Hint Water Sportswoman of the Year
Rampone led Sky Blue FC to the WPS Championship as captain and even head coach for a bit. She played in every minutes of Sky Blue’s three playoff matches after returning from emergency abdominal surgery.
“It’s been a truly amazing first year and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to play in WPS and that the league is back again,” Rampone said.
Kathryn L. Knapp, Goal.com
For more on Women’s Professional Soccer, go to Goal.com’s women’s soccer page.
And the Award goes to…
Marta, Puma Golden Boot and 2009 Michelle Akers Player of the Year Award
Marta led the Sol and all of WPS with 10 goals in her inaugural season. The Brazilian was heavily marked, but still managed to make her own mark on women’s soccer in America.
“I’m very honored to receive this award,” Marta said. “Each player in the league has it as their goal to try for an award like this. It’s very special to be a pioneer in this league in the first season. It’s been a great year and I look forward to many good years to come.”
Amy LePeilbet, 2009 MedImmune Defender of the Year
LePeilbet has earned her way into the U.S. Women’s National Team starting 11 more than once. But in Boston, she won Breakers’ fans hearts and the respect of the league, starting in 19 games and helping the Breakers to seven shutouts on the season.
“You can’t be a good defender without your teammates so this is also an award for all my teammates,” LePeilbet said. “I’ve had some up and down years with my injuries and it’s been great that I’ve had the opportunity once again with WPS to go out there and perform this year.”
Abner Rogers, 2009 AdvoCare Coach of the Year
Rogers was recently chosen by the players to lead the WPS All-Stars in Sunday’s match vs. Umea IK. Roers led the L.A. Sol to the top of the league with a 12-3-5 record and 41 points. He also coached the league’s best defense, which allowed just 10 goals in 20 games.
“I’ve very honored to win this award with the great group of coaches that we have in this league and I’m honored to have the chance to be the All-Star Game head coach.”
Hope Solo, 2009 Coast Guard Goalkeeper of the Year
The rising U.S. star edged Los Angeles goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc for the title of goalkeeper of the year. Solo helped keep Saint Louis in it until the Super Semifinal. She recorded eight shutouts and 84 saves in her 17 appearances, while allowing 14 goals. Athletica fell to Sky Blue FC 1-0 in the Super Semifinal. LeBlanc led Los Angeles to the final with 12 shutouts, 78 saves and 10 goals allowed in 19 appearances.
“For a keeper, you don’t want to have to make the tough save – so perhaps I have to organize my defense a little better,” Solo said. “But I’m honored to win this and looking forward to a great game tomorrow.”
Christie Rampone, 2009 Hint Water Sportswoman of the Year
Rampone led Sky Blue FC to the WPS Championship as captain and even head coach for a bit. She played in every minutes of Sky Blue’s three playoff matches after returning from emergency abdominal surgery.
“It’s been a truly amazing first year and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to play in WPS and that the league is back again,” Rampone said.
Kathryn L. Knapp, Goal.com
For more on Women’s Professional Soccer, go to Goal.com’s women’s soccer page.
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