The Seattle Sounders Women of the W-League have recently announced a bunch of new signees out of the college ranks as they anticipate their league opener. See the press releases at the link below.
First press release:
Tukwila, WA- The Sounders Women have officially signed four more players for the 2012 W-League campaign. The Sounders add three college graduates and a local high school standout, who is headed to the University of Washington in the fall. The signees are Sophie Reiser (Columbia U.), Victoria Frederick (Alabama), Kara Kuttler (Seattle U.), and Isabel Farrell (to U.W.).
Reiser, Frederick, and Kuttler have all played for the Sounders Women in years past. For the 17 year old, Farrell, this will be her first season with the organization.
“Coach French and staff have worked tirelessly evaluating players as we move closer to our season opener,” GM, Amy Carnell said. “This talented group will surely add depth in a number of key positions.”
Sophie Reiser led the Sounders Women in goals in 2011. She did this without even playing the entire season. Reiser tore her ACL late in the season and was forced to miss the W-League Final Four. Before joining the Sounders in 2011, she played professionally for the WPS Chicago Red Stars. Reiser was drafted in 2008 after being named the Ivy League Player of the Year, while competing for Columbia University. Sophie also brings experience from the U.S. U-23 National Team.
Kara Kuttler rejoins the Sounders Women after graduating from Seattle University. The 5’10 forward is 9th All-Time in goals scored for the Seattle University. She was the first player from Seattle U. to be selected to the NSCAA All-Region Team in Division I soccer. Kuttler scored the 4th goal of the Sounders first preseason match against Seattle Pacific University.
Victoria Frederick returns to the Sounders Women after playing during the 2010 season. The Alabama graduate will be one of the fastest players in the W-League this season. In her final season at Alabama, Frederick tied for the team lead with 14 points, and started every one of the Crimson Tides’ 18 matches. She is a dynamic player, who has played forward, wing, and outside back during the Sounders’ exhibition season. Victoria scored the final goal of the first exhibition game.
Isabel Farrell is one of the brightest stars in American soccer. Farrell has played multiple matches for the U.S. U-18 National Team. The midfielder was recently awarded the Washington State, Gatorade Player of the Year. She has signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Washington this coming fall.
“Izzy is an extremely hardworking, skillful, and intelligent central midfield player,” Washington Head Coach, Lesle Gallimore, said. “She has outstanding vision, the skill set to execute successfully under pressure, and a tactical awareness that you normally see in much older and more experienced players. She is flat out fun to watch!”
The Sounders Women wrapped up their exhibition season with three wins and zero losses. Their combined scoring margin was 13-1. Next up is the W-League regular season with starts on May 27 in Vancouver, BC.
The first Sounders Regular Season home match is on May 31st at 7 pm against the Colorado Rush. Tickets can be purchased on the club’s website; www.SoundersWomen.com.
Second press release:
Tukwila, WA- The Sounders Women have signed four college standouts for the 2012 W-League campaign. The Sounders add two University of Washington Huskies, a Wisconsin Badger, and an Alabama Crimson Tide. The signees are all defensive minded, with three playing in the back and the forth; a goal keeper. The defenders are Annie Sittauer (Washington), Lindsey Johnson (Wisconsin), and Ashley Willis (Alabama). The goalkeeper is Megan Kufeld (Washington).
“The addition of Lindsey, Annie, and Ashley to our roster gives us some great flexibility in the back,” said Sounders Women head coach, Michelle French. “With these three players we are immediately increasing not only our physical presence in the back, but our attacking flair going forward on the outside. They will be great compliments to our current players.”
Annie Sittauer is familiar with the Sounders Women, having competed against them for the Huskies on May 4th. Sittauer has shown immense progress in each of her seasons at the University of Washington. From zero starts her freshman year, to 14 starts last year, in her sophomore season. She played in every match in 2011. Sittauer was awarded with the U.W. Most Improved Player award by her teammates and coaches this year. The 5’8 defender is a native of Everett, Washington.
Ashley Willis has started every match since she arrived at the University of Alabama. The outside back was an integral part of the Crimson Tide’s five straight shutouts during her sophomore season. Last season she also added in three goals and four assists for Alabama. The Colorado native rejoins her former Alabama teammate, Victoria Frederick, on the Sounders Women.
Lindsey Johnson joins the Sounders Women after her junior season at the University of Wisconsin. The Badger earned 2nd Team, All-Big Ten honors in 2011. The defender has played in 62 matches since arriving at Wisconsin in 2009. Johnson also scored her first collegiate goal in 2011.
The goalkeeper of the college bunch, Megan Kufeld, is young, but has impressive potential. Her potential has been seen on the U.S. Youth National Team level as she’s appeared in camps for the U.S. U-14, U-15, U-17, and U-18 National Teams. Kufeld redshirted the 2011 season for the Huskies.
Michelle French said, “Megan has a great understanding of the game which allows her to not only get herself in early, set positions, but it also allows her to organize the players in front of her. The experience she has gained over the past couple of months with the Youth National Teams will be huge as she steps into an extremely competitive environment.”
The Sounders Women wrapped up their exhibition season with three wins and zero losses. Their combined scoring margin was 13-1. Next up is the W-League regular season with starts on May 27 in Vancouver, BC.
The first Sounders Regular Season home match is on May 31st at 7 pm against the Colorado Rush. Tickets can be purchased on the club’s website; www.SoundersWomen.com.
goalWA.net Archive 