FIFA Award Winner Marta Signs With LA Sol

While much of the attention may have been on which of the men won the FIFA World Player of the Year Award, there was little doubt who would win the women’s version of the trophy.

Brazilian Marta Viera de Silva took the award home for the third consecutive time on Monday afternoon. At only 22-years-old, it certainly is quite a feat.

Now Marta takes on other challenge, as the newest player in Women's Profressional Soccer.

"I am concentrating on getting there and doing what I know best: bringing the game forward and making it more competitive because the U.S. is very strong football-wise.''

A a free agent the superstar player was eligible to sign for any team and it was announced today in a major coup for Women’s Professional Soccer, that the forward, formerly of Swedish outfit, Umea IK signed with the Los Angeles Sol.

 “I have in mind that a very competitive league will be created," Marta said. "We are looking at the future. I think it will attract many players.'”

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, as per team policy.    

“With the signing of Marta there is no doubt that we have brought in one of the biggest and most exciting pieces of the puzzle we targeted when we launched this franchise last fall,” said Scott Hanley, Vice President AEG Sports, who operates the Sol.  “She is a bonafide superstar in the sport of soccer who will undoubtedly electrify fans and raise awareness for both our team and WPS on a global scale.”

Marta, as she’s commonly known, will join a team already littered with international talent, namely US internationals, Shannon Boxx, Aly Wagner and Stephanie Cox.    

“I am extremely excited to be joining the Los Angeles Sol,” Marta said. “Knowing that WPS is going to be the most competitive league in the world made my decision easy.  I am going to Los Angeles to win as many titles as possible and achieve all the remaining goals in my professional life.”

While playing with Umea IK, the talented striker amassed an incredible 111 goals in 103 appearances, over a goal per game. That was similar to her record with the Brazilian national team, where she scored 47 goals in 45 games. She brings that lethal scoring touch to a Sol team that are certainly favorites to win the WPS title, in its first year of existence. The Sol’s inaugural game will be held on March 29th, at the Home Depot Center. They will host the Washington Freedom in a 3pm kick-off.

-- Shane Evans, Goal.com

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