LA Strikers News Release - www.lastrikersfc.com
Monday, April 18, 2011
PASADENA, CALIF. – LA Strikers FC has made significant progress in building its roster in preparation for the team’s W-League debut on May 14 by signing four international players: Alisha Foote, Julie-Ann Russell, Cherelle Khassal, and Katie Tarrant.
Foote is a striker currently playing professionally for the Brisbane Roar in the Australian W-League. Foote also represented her country in the 2007 World Cup Qualifiers in Malaysia and in the 2007 Youth Olympics, where she won a silver medal.
“Alisha is very talented and we’re very excited to get her,” LA Strikers FC head coach Reggie Rivas said. “She’s a good scorer, has good footwork, and is very fast.”
Foote, who was born in Brisbane, Queensland, said she can’t wait to come to Los Angeles to meet her teammates.
“I am extremely excited to be coming over and playing for the LA Strikers,” Foote said. “I am looking forward to the experience and appreciate the opportunity that the LA Strikers have given me. I am looking forward to what I’m sure will be a great experience.”
Russell was the 2009-10 U-19 Women’s International Player of the Year and has earned more than 45 caps for Ireland. Russell played for the University of Limerick and is currently playing with Salthill Devon FC and the Irish National Team.
“Julie-Ann is a very solid forward and a talented goal scorer,” Rivas said. “She’s quick and has strong national team experience.”
Russell said she expects her time with the LA Strikers to further her soccer career and she is optimistic about the upcoming season.
“I hope we have a very successful season in the W-League, and even though it’s our first season, I hope that we will be challenging for the top spot,” Russell said.
Khassal received W-League honors last season as a player for the Santa Clarita Blue Heat, being named to the All-Western Conference Team, in addition to being a top three finalist for Rookie of the Year.
The Irish U-19 international lives in England and currently plays for Arsenal.
“I’m really excited about Cherelle’s playmaking and scoring abilities,” Rivas said. “To get a player with her experience in the league, along with her making the all-conference, team is phenomenal.”
Tarrant is also from England and also a former Blue Heat player. Tarrant currently plays for Chelsea of the FA Women’s Super League.
“Katie is a very strong player and a very knowledgeable player,” Rivas said.”The fact that she and Cherelle have already played on the same team will prove to be invaluable.”
Rivas said that he is excited to have four strong players with national team experience.
“It’s always hard to find one or two strong forwards and here we have four,” Rivas said. “I’m excited about the community being able to see these four international players and to watch some good soccer.”
Foote also expects her team to be playing solid soccer and expects the LA Strikers to make a strong showing this season.
“I hope the team and I have a successful season where we can display a great standard of soccer, making LA Strikers a force to be reckoned with, “ Foote said. “I hope to gain fantastic international experience, and most of all, achieve great team results throughout the LA Strikers 2011 roster.”