SACRAMENTO, CA (07/01/08) - Another weekend closer to the 2008 Women’s Premier Soccer League WPSL post-season and another weekend of goal scoring galore, as time begins to tick faster for the teams falling out of the playoff race and slower for those looking to secure their berths. This week, the nod for Player of the Week honors goes to two players whose teams are in different positions in the race to the 2008 WPSL Final Four hosted by the California Storm in Sacramento, CA on August 2-3.

Thanks to the scoring prowess of former Boston Breaker & U.S Women’s National Team member Mary-Frances Monroe, the New England Mutiny have clinched their spot in the East playoffs with wins over Maine and New York. With kudos to the two-time Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year Lindsay Giblin, the Florida Surge have warmed up their hopes for a post-season berth as their three-game winning streak currently has them at the top of the Sunshine Conference.

F Mary-Frances Monroe (NEW ENGLAND MUTINY) - WPSL CO-PLAYER OF THE WEEK
This is the second time the diminutive-yet-deadly Monroe has been honored as the WPSL POTW this season, and for good reason. Her five-goal, three-assist onslaught over the two games this past weekend has secured a spot for the Mutiny in the East Conference playoffs - and with time to spare.

F Lindsay Giblin (FLORIDA SURGE) - WPSL CO-PLAYER OF THE WEEK
The NSCAA All-South Region Second Team honoree for Rollins College has scored four goals in the past two matches for the Surge, including a big road win at F.C. Thomasville. Giblin has become a goal-scoring force during this inaugural season for the Surge and her high work rate led to a superb volley against Orlando on a sweltering Sunday afternoon.

F Gabrielle Bohlman (SAN FRANCISCO NIGHTHAWKS)
By taking the UC-Davis midfielder and moving her forward while doing the "vice-versa" with her counter-part, the Nighthawks were able to really get their offense going as the former Hawaii Wahine netted an impressive hat-trick in a big win against F.C. Sacramento. The seven goals were the most San Francisco has tallied in one match all season and one shy of their 2008 season tally.

MF Alicia Hall (AC DIABLOS)
The East-Mid-Atlantic race is a tight one and getting three goals in two games - plus an outstanding midfield performance - last weekend from their 2007 All-WPSL selection was just what the "Driver" ordered (i.e. head coach Matt Driver).

MF Shari Summers (WEST COAST F.C.)
The Stanford star makes her second appearance on the WPSL TOTW a vital one, as she scored the eventual game-winner versus the sliding Los Angeles Rampage in a 2-0 shutout win in Pacific-South action - putting WCFC at the top of the division, for the time being. Summers helped set the tempo from her center midfielder position, connecting and creating multiple offensive attacks on Saturday as well as Sunday.

MF Michelle Provenzano (PALM BEACH UNITED)
The former University of Miami standout did her Palm Beach United side proud, helping to secure two wins while scoring a hat-trick against Orlando and locking up the midfield against Puerto Rico. With a 5-1-2 record, PBU is still in the hunt for the Sunshine Conference title.

MF Karina Camacho (ARIZONA RUSH)
The University of Arizona midfielder earned a goal and an assist in a 4-1 victory over Northern Arizona Cheetahs and netted the game-winning goal in the 1-0 victory over the Utah Spiders, putting Rush in first place in the tight Big Sky-North race.

MF Ashli Sandoval (SD UNITED)
The USC Trojan contributed a key assist off a set piece to even the match at 1-1 that shifted the momentum for her team in the 3-1 win over West Coast F.C. Sandoval’s tough mid-field distribution and defensive work was key in the critical victory to keep United alive in the playoff race.

D Kendal Billingsley (WEST COAST F.C.)
Another two-time WPSL TOTW selection, the former UCLA stalwart denied the L.A. Rampage attack any quality shot on frame in the team’s important shutout win. Billingsley specifically shut down the Rampage’s leading goal scorer and four-time offensive MVP Marihelen Tomer and denied any shots from the center of the field all weekend long.

D Manya Makoski (SOCCERPLUS CT)
A multiple nominee this season, the outside back for the Reds has been rock solid in every game for SoccerPlus CT this season - where the defense has given up only one goal. With the win over New York, the undefeated Reds can now look forward to their second straight appearance in the East Conference playoffs.

D Mara Wyttenbach (MYSC LADY BLUES)
The former Clemson and Wisconsin standout was instrumental in organizing the defense and containing a strong Ohio Premier attack in a win in Midwest action. While short in stature, Mara was explosive in the air and was quick to make runs forward to contribute to MYSC’s offense while thwarting what appeared to be promising possession for the Ohio squad.

D Deidre Bass (MIAMI KICKERS F.C.)
Another former Hurricane and multiple nominee makes this week’s WPSL TOTW, as the captain of Miami Kickers F.C. shut down every offensive attack from the middle of the field in the shutout win over Puerto Rico.

GK Kelly Sisley (FLORIDA SURGE)
The Surge goalkeeper has played an astounding 205 minutes without allowing a goal and in the win over the Falcons, Kelly played the first half and came up with two big saves that snuffed out scoring opportunities. In the Surge’s previous two matches against Puerto Rico and F.C. Thomasville, Sisley played flawless in holding a strong Capitals team scoreless and saving numerous Dragon shots to record two shutouts on the road.

HONORABLE MENTION: F Cara Freeman (CHICAGO UNITED BREEZE) - the 2007 IHSCAA High School Player of the Year & Michigan State starlet helped win the Chicago derby for her side, netting a goal and an assist in the win over F.C. Twente3; F Joanna McCaughey (MIAMI KICKERS F.C.) - her team-mate Betty Ann Casey has been receiving all the accolades so far, but her three assist-performance vs. Puerto Rico helped McCaughey’s side get their sixth straight win; F Becky Ryan (SOCCERPLUS CT) - an another multiple nominee this season for WPSL TOTW finally gets her due, as she netted two goals in the win over New York; MF Rachel Fell (MILLBURN MAGIC) - the youngest player on the Millburn squad, the 18-year-old Reading, England native is earning rave reviews on the right side of midfield for the New Jersey team, and capped an outstanding all-round performance with the game-winning goal over Northampton; MF Kim Yokers (CALIFORNIA STORM) - her second appearance on the WPSL TOTW is also for good reason, as Yokers was a dominating force in the midfield, offensively and defensively, and with the win over Monterey, the Storm have clinched a playoff spot in the Pacific-North; GK Sophia Perez (SD UNITED) - the Mexican WNT backstop was strong again for SD United and with two more divisional matches to go, the team leads the Pacific-South with only five goals scored against in eight games played.

The WPSL is now a 51-team national women’s soccer league with five conferences and is considered one of the top women’s soccer leagues in the world. The WPSL’s mission is to provide the highest level of women’s soccer while simultaneously providing affordable, quality family entertainment and positive role models for youth. For more information, you can contact us via email at media@wpsl.info.

RICHLAND, NJ (06/29/08) - The Atlantic City Diablos picked up three points over the weekend, gaining a 2-2 tie with the Northampton Laurels at J. Birney Crum Stadium Saturday before defeating the Lancaster Inferno 2-1 at home on Sunday. On Saturday night, Northampton got an early goal from Meridith Crowell in the 16th minute off a corner kick. The Diablos’ midfielder Alicia Hall answered with a goal in the 37th minute. Hall struck again in the 40th minute to put the Diablos up 2-1 before halftime.

The Laurels equalized with a goal from Melissa Kornock in the 65th minute. Hall picked up where she left off on Sunday, scoring in the 14th minute, staking the Diablos to a 1-0 halftime lead. Lancaster came out firing in the second half, getting a goal from Megan Monroig in the 47th minute to tie the game 1-1. Diablo’s Danielle Wessler answered back two minutes later to put the Diablos up 2-1. Diablo’s goalkeeper, Meghan Walker, denied a flurry of Lancaster’s attempts to even the score.

The Diablos go to 5-2-2 and will face the CDSA Future Sunday, July 6 at 5 PM at St. Augustine Prep.

RICHLAND, NJ (06/28/08) -The AC Diablos defeated the Lancaster Inferno 4-2 at St. Augustine Prep. Saturday night. The Diablos opened up the scoring with a goal from Nico Tramontana from the left flank in the 20th minute. The scoreboard lit up in the second half. The Diablos scored early with a goal from player/coach, Jeff Moore, who volleyed in a cross from Sean Wise. The Diablos seemed to put the game away in the 63rd minute with a breakaway goal from Tramontana.

Lancaster finally answered in the 70th minute with a goal by Max Kindenwates from 18yards out. Lancaster started mounting a comeback with another goal three minutes later by Kamal Nosphanic off a thru ball. The Diablos put the game away in the 88th minute with a goal from Neal Melchionni. With the win, the Diablos move to 1-4-3 and will face the Maine Sting Saturday, July 5 at 7 PM at Washington Twp. High School. In their last meeting, the Diablos tied the Sting 1-1.

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WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL SOCCER (WPS)  EXPANDS TO PHILADELPHIA IN 2010, BRINGING LEAGUE TO EIGHT TEAMS

SAN FRANCISCO (May 27, 2008) – As Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) prepares for its inaugural 2009 season, WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci announced today, the league has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for an expansion franchise in Philadelphia. Slated to host a team by 2010, Philadelphia is the league’s eighth franchise with WPS play commencing next April in seven cities: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. “Since signing on the dotted line with our initial seven investor groups in September of last year, we’ve had our sights set on adding an eighth team to the league,” said Antonucci. “In Philadelphia, we have the perfect foundation for success, combining a strong operating group with the city’s recent acquisition of an MLS team to create a prime market for women’s soccer. “Yet, even with Philadelphia beginning play in 2010, we haven’t ruled out the possibility of having an eighth WPS team play in the 2009 inaugural season,” added Antonucci. “The league is exploring a number of solid expansion opportunities in other cities with the intention of adding another team by year’s end. Options include the California Bay Area; Cary, NC; Atlanta, Ga.; and even into Canada with a potential investor group based in Vancouver, B.C.”  Matthew Driver, CEO of the Delaware Valley’s Team Dynamic, LLC, will serve as managing partner of the Philadelphia WPS team. The investor group, which includes David Hershey, managing partner and owner of the NJ/NY Boat Show, will be comprised primarily of local personnel with ties to the region’s many youth soccer programs.  Driver plans to bring on additional investors within the next year and, as with other teams within WPS, is already exploring potential synergies between the Philadelphia WPS and MLS teams. It is expected that home games will be played at the MLS Philadelphia’s soccer-specific stadium to be built in Chester, Pa.

AC Diablos  Women Set to Kick Off 2008 Season.   EGG HARBOR TWP., NJ (05/15/08)- St. Augustine Preparatory School will once again play host to the AC Diablos, South Jersey’s own women’s minor league soccer team. Kick off is set for 5 P.M. as the Diablos play host to the visiting Philadelphia Liberty.    The Diablos are featuring some of the most promising young talent in the country, which boast national team accolades and veterans playing for some of the top NCAA Division I programs in the nation. Leading the charge are captains Dani Collins and Alicia Hall. Collins currently plays for the College of William and Mary, while Hall plays at nearby Rutgers University. Another player to watch is Danielle Wessler, who recently graduated from Holy Spirit High School and will play for Colgate University this fall.    These seasoned veterans are joined by Lydia Hastings, who currently plays for the U.S. under 18 national team, Sarah Keane and Stephanie Carpenter, who are members of the U.S. under 17 national team, and Veronica Rhea, member of the under 18 national team pool. What sets the Diablos apart from other teams in the country is their youth. Local high school standouts, such as Liz Kerr from Mainland High School, round out the Diablos roster.   The Diablos compete in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL), which is currently rated the number one women’s minor soccer league in the U.S. and ranked second in the world. The WPSL is composed of 51 teams across the country. The Diablos were ranked in the top five in the country in 2007.    The Diablos are coached by former New England Revolution assistant, Matt Driver. Driver has posted a two-year combined record of 16-3-1 and has reached the WPSL East Coast Final both years.   Matt, eager to build on the success of the past two years, will look to guide this young Diablos team to another winning season.   You can catch the Diablos in action this Sunday, May 19, 2008 at 5 P.M. at St. Augustine Preparatory School in Richland, NJ. Ticket prices are $9 for Adults, $6 for children. Concessions and fan gear will be available. Come show your support for your AC Diablos as they take on the Philadelphia Liberty!   For more information feel free to contact Coach Matt Driver at 609-287-9856. Information can also be obtained at www.teamdynamicsllc.com.   ________________________________________________________________________________________________

      

AC Diablos and Washington Twp. Soccer Club Ink Landmark Agreement EGG HARBOR TWP., NJ (04/07/08) - The Washington Township Soccer Club announced they will acquire season tickets to offer youth players registered with the Washington Township Soccer Club. More than 2,000 players who are registering for the fall 2008 season will receive tickets to nine Diablos home games. The program, part of a player development and youth mentorship initiative, will be an opportunity to connect soccer players at all levels of the game. The Diablos field both men’s and women’s teams for the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). "We’re thrilled that so many of Washington Township area’s youth players will be able to enjoy top-quality soccer skills first-hand, in real-game action,” said Joe Daly, Commissioner of the Washington Township Soccer Program. “"By offering tickets to local players, our future stars will be sitting in the stands, cheering and dreaming of some day taking the field in a Diablos uniform. Matt Driver, a former Major League Soccer coach with the New England Revolution, is known for being deeply committed to the South Jersey’s soccer-playing youth. In fact, over 95% of the players on the Diablos roster are originally from the area. Driver believes that the Minor League teams should develop the players with the very best potential from South Jersey’s own soccer fields first. “If we don’t give them a chance to reach their highest potential, then who will?" Driver said. He added, “Season tickets are valued at around $45 and are valid for all nine home games this season. Two dates include double headers, when the men’s and women’s teams will play back-to-back matches on the same night”. The Diablos will play additional home games at another premier South Jersey facility, St. Augustine Prep in Richland, NJ. Matt Driver’s efforts are helping to create excitement and interest in a positive entertainment outlet as well as helping gain exposure for the rapidly growing South Jersey soccer community. Diablos games are fun for the whole family, with game-day activities and world-class competition by South Jersey’s finest soccer players. Matt Driver is a prominent dealmaker in the area’s soccer world. He owns several minor league teams in the Delaware Valley in addition to Team Dynamics LLC, the region’s leading soccer education and training company. For Diablos ticket information call 609-272-9232.    _____________________________________________________________________________________

Diablos’ Hastings shines for US Women’s U18 National Team CARSON, CA (02/25/08) - reprinted from ussoccer.com - The newly re-instated U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team swept matches against three Southern California college teams last week and will now focus on its first international competition of the year, traveling to La Manga, Spain, from March 7-16, where the U.S. U-23s played last month. In a get-together that features U-19 Women’s National Teams from Denmark, England, France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden and Norway, the U.S. U-18s will play three matches against teams preparing for qualifying matches for the European U-19 Women’s Championships. The USA will face Sweden’s U-19s on March 10, take on Norway’s U-19s on March 12 and finish with an always talented France U-19 side on March 14. The U.S. U-18s warmed up for the trip to Spain with three matches played in cold temperatures at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Last week. The USA defeated Pepperdine, 3-0, downed UC Irvine 4-1, and then gutted out a 4-2 win over UCLA on the final day of training camp. Against Pepperdine on Feb. 19, the USA got first half goals from Lauren Alwine, Laurie Nosbusch and Lydia Hastings for the victory. Against the Anteaters on Feb. 21, the USA got first-half goals from Beth West and Caitlin Mooney while Hastings added two scores after the break. The match against the Bruins on Feb. 23 was back-and-forth with the U-18s opening the scoring off a blast from Sade Ayinde in the 16th minute. UCLA scored twice to take a 2-1 lead, but Nosbusch equalized right before halftime. With the match seemingly cruising toward a draw, Toni Pressley struck for two goals in the final 12 minutes to seal the win.    _______________________________________________________________________________________

AC Diablos Introduce New Logo EGG HARBOR TWP., NJ (02/20/08) - The AC Diablos unveiled their new logo today - a mischievous red devil with a pitchfork kicking a fire trailing soccer ball - which replaces the shield that has served for the organization for the past two years. "It’s unique and something we believe will be attractive to our fans - especially the children who attend our matches," said Matt Driver, AC Diablos President and CEO of TeamDynamics, LLC, the Diablos’ parent organization. "We think it expresses an excitement and energy that is currently surrounding our organization as we move half of our matches to our new stadium at Washington Twp. High School." The new logo will be available on official AC Diablos gear that can be purchased at all home matches beginning this May.