D.C. United Women News Release -- www.dcunited.com
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C. – D.C. United announced today the launch of D.C. United Women into the United Soccer Leagues (USL) W-League for the 2011 season. Under a partnership agreement with the Nothern Virginia Majestics, United Women will represent the Black-and-Red in the competitive Northeast Division of the league.
“We’re pleased to partner with Northern Virginia Soccer in the launch of a women’s team as a part of our organization,” said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. “As a club, D.C. United has always been supportive of women’s soccer and we look forward to the upcoming W-League season.”
D.C. United Women will draw players from a large pool of elite college standouts, international stars and former professionals. With numerous notable veteran stars and top collegiate programs in the Washington metro area, expectations will be high when United takes the field this summer.
D.C. United Women fill the vacancy left by the departure of the Washington Freedom Futures and will play their home slate of matches at the Maryland Soccerplex in Germantown, Maryland. Also the former home of the WPS Washington Freedom, the Soccerplex is an ideal showcase for women’s minor league soccer in the DC metropolitan area.
“Excitement is high and we have been working extremely hard alongside D.C. United’s staff to get this launch in place,” commented D.C. United Women General Manager Tim Schweitzer. “United’s dedication to soccer development is evident in their community involvement and youth programs, and we are thrilled to become part of their family.”
“To be involved with an organization like United (MLS) is great for the league as a whole and the future growth of women’s soccer in the U.S. as well,” concluded Schweitzer.
An announcement on the United Women head coach selection is expected in the very near future.
D.C. United Women face a challenging schedule of opponents in the Northeast Division in the upcoming season, including notable W-League mainstays New York Magic and Long Island Rough Riders. United Women open the season on the road against 2005 W-league Champion New Jersey Wildcats on May 25th. The club will kick off their home season on Thursday, June 9th hosting a rematch with the Wildcats.
The first and longest-standing women’s league in North America, the W-League is USL’s highest level of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The 2011 USL W-League campaign will feature 27 teams in three regional conferences playing 10 or 12 regular season matches. In addition to featuring international and professional stars, elite amateur players have the opportunity to compete on amateur teams in the league while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is recognized throughout the world for providing superior competition for female players, while offering affordable family entertainment for fans across North America.