TUKWILA, WA – (club release) The W-League announced its 2013 All-League Team today, including Sounders Women star Melissa Busque, as one of the top three midfielders in the entire league. The 2013 W-League All-League Team was selected through a vote of team management throughout the national league.
Melissa Busque said, “There are a lot of great players in this league and it’s not always easy to stand out. I am just glad I was able to make an impact that was recognized by other coaches. Once again, it just makes you feel like all the running and practices before and during season were all worth it.”
It’s been a remarkable year for Melissa Busque, who transferred from the University of Connecticut to Seattle University. Following her final season of eligibility at Seattle U, she joined the Sounders Women. During her standout season, she was also called up for her first international cap with the Canadian National Team. The Quebec native started and played 88 minutes against Germany in an international exhibition, on June 19th in Paderborn, Germany.
Busque added what this honor can mean for her future, “It is a very nice recognition to have under your belt, and hopefully it will help me to achieve my goal which is the next world cup in 2015.”
During her season with the Sounders Women, she scored against her alma-mater, Seattle University, in a Sounders 3-0 victory during the exhibition season. She went on to score three times and added one assist during the W-League regular season. Busque racked up 855 minutes, 2nd amongst Sounders field players, despite missing W-League games during her Canadian National Team duties. She played everything from holding midfield, to attacking midfielder, and occasionally tormented opponents as a forward.
The All-W-League team features four players who will compete at this weekend’s W-League Championship presented by Nike at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
The W-League Final Four’s top seed, Laval Comets, had two players chosen with goalkeeper Genevieve Richard and defender Kathryn Acton selected. Laval features the league’s stingiest defense, allowing only seven goals in 12 games.
Laval’s opponent in Friday’s W-League semifinal, the Carolina Elite Cobras, is represented by defender Blakely Mattern, who recorded two goals and an assist in 10 games for the Southeastern Conference champions. Midfielder Ashley Nick of the Western Conference champion Pali Blues was selected after serving as one of Pali’s offensive catalysts with seven goals in 12 games.
The entire 2013 W-League All-League Team is made up of first-time selections with a trio of W-League rookies comprising the forward line. Kristen Hamilton of the Colorado Rapids Women – who joined Laval with two selections – Shan Jones of the Virginia Beach Piranhas and Savannah Jordan of the Atlanta Silverbacks make up the attacking trio.
2013 All-W-League Team
GK – Genevieve Richard, Laval Comets
D – Kathryn Acton, Laval Comets
D – Danielle Johnson, Bay Area Breeze
D – Blakely Mattern, Carolina Elite Cobras
D – Brooke Spence, Colorado Rapids Women
MF – Melissa Busque, Seattle Sounders Women
MF – Alyscha Mottershead, Ottawa Fury
MF – Ashley Nick, Pali Blues
F – Kristen Hamilton, Colorado Rapids Women
F – Shan Jones, Virginia Beach Piranhas
F – Savannah Jordan, Atlanta Silverbacks
W-LEAGUE
The W-League is the first and longest-standing women’s soccer league in North America. The 2013 W-League campaign features 25 teams in four regional conferences playing 10-12 regular season matches. Featuring current and former international and professional stars, the W-League also provides elite amateurs the opportunity to compete while maintaining their eligibility as college student-athletes. The league is recognized throughout the world for providing superior competition for female players, while offering affordable family entertainment for fans throughout North America.
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