D.C. United Women News Release -- www.dcunitedwomen.com
Friday, April 13, 2012
BOYDS, Md. - D.C. United Women are proud to announce the return of co-captains Marisa Abegg and Danielle Malagari, as well as key starters Jerica DeWolfe and Hayley Siegel for the 2012 season, pending league approval.
The four key veteran players are all expected to contribute immediately, beginning with the upcoming April 21 Headers for Hope charity match against the University of Maryland at the Maryland SoccerPlex Stadium.
"These four saw nearly every minute of every game for us last season," said Head Coach Mike Jorden. "They each bring major strengths and leadership on and off the field, so securing their return was a major priority for 2012."
DeWolfe (University of Dayton) led the team with 855 minutes on the pitch in 2011, playing in both midfield and central defense, often along side Abegg (Stanford), who racked up 810 minutes of her own, good for second in the squad.
Abegg’s defensive abilities earned her the honor of being the only United player named to the W-League All-Eastern Conference Team.
"I’m very excited to be coming back this summer and building upon a rewarding and successful rookie season for the club," said Abegg, a native of Anchorage, Alaska. The former Stanford star and MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist continued, "As veterans of the squad, I think Hayley, Jerica, Danielle and I bring a substantial amount of experience and leadership to the team and we’re all going to make this season fun and hopefully very successful."
At 27, Malagari is the most experienced of the returning players. The former University of Maryland midfielder had two assists for United in 2011. Originally from Germantown, the central midfielder enjoys being able to continue playing in her hometown.
"Being able to play at the Maryland SoccerPlex in front of a home crowd is amazing," said Malagari. "D.C. United Women has created such a great atmosphere for women’s soccer there and we couldn’t ask for a better experience."
In 2011, Siegel was statistically the most productive of the four returning players with five total points on two goals and an assist. The Georgetown University assistant coach is also from Maryland, but her soccer career has taken her to California, with Santa Clara, as well as Germany where she played professionally for club team VFL-Sindelfingen before coming to United Women last year.
"I am thankful for the experience I had playing in Germany, both on and off the field," said Siegel. "I learned to see the game from a different perspective and my coach stressed defensive tactics and played a very low-risk style of soccer, which was something I was not used to."
DeWolfe, the youngest of the returners at 21, is a recent graduate of the University of Dayton. Like Siegel and Malagari, she grew up in Maryland and is back playing in front of familiar faces. DeWolfe had one goal last season, a left-footed rocket from over 30 yards, and was one of three players (including Malagari) to appear in all 10 games. After leading the team in minutes last season in both defense and midfield, DeWolfe is listed as a defender, but said she can play anywhere.
"I like to think of myself as a wanderer," said DeWolfe. "It tends to be that wherever there’s an immediate need, I try and fill it. Initially during the season, I began at center back. However, an absence presented itself in the midfield and I moved up the field. I enjoy them both; they have substantially different roles."
Malagari, Siegel, DeWolfe, Abegg and the rest of the 2012 D.C. United Women can be seen for the first time on April 21 at 6:30 p.m. when they host the University of Maryland at Maryland SoccerPlex for the Headers for Hope Charity Match. The tournament also features area college, amateur, and professional teams playing throughout the day at the impressive facility. A $10 pre-paid pass gets fans in to see all the action, beginning at 10:30 am. Fans should order directly at www.headersforhope.org
Following Headers For Hope, United Women will next be in action at the SoccerPlex on Saturday, May 12 when the Black-And-Red host former Women’s Professional Soccer side Boston Breakers in an exhibition at 6:00 p.m. The team’s second W-League season then kicks off a 12-game schedule on May 19 at home against the Virginia Beach Piranhas at 7 p.m.
All seating is general admission and all single game ticket purchases are good for any 2012 non-playoff game. Order at dcunitedwomen.com/tickets or visit D.C. United Women’s website at dcunitedwomen.com for more information.