LA Blues News Release - www.bluessoccerclub.com
Monday, April 28, 2014
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The LA Blues are excited to announce that they have signed UNC Tar Heels Brooke Elby and Paige Nielsen ahead of the 2014 W-League season, set to begin on May 16.
Elby, from Arcadia, Calif., was a standout on the Strikers team that reached the Western Conference Championship in 2013. At UNC she has totaled three goals and six assists for the Tar Heels and has one NCAA Championship, achieved in 2012.
“I am so excited to be coming back out to California to play this summer with the LA Blues," Elby said. "Last year I had the time of my life with the Strikers and cannot wait to have another summer with some of those girls and some new faces.”
Elby commented on the chance to be a part of the program that many former Tar Heels have played on.
“Playing under Tracey [Kevins] was a great new experience where I learned and developed tremendously as a player. I'm excited to work with her again, with Charlie [Naimo], and all of the other Blues staff because I've heard such great things from past UNC players and I'm excited to see for myself. I'm most eager about seeing where this program will go with these two amazing programs [LA Strikers and Pali Blues] joining together and getting out on the field.”
“I am excited to once again be working with Brooke,” Blues Technical Director Kevins said. “Her tough tackling and her ability to break up opposition attacks made her a key component of the Strikers last season and I'm sure she will add some steel to our midfield this season.”
Nielsen, from Lincoln Nebraska, is also a midfielder for the Tar Heels. She finished the 2013 season fourth on the team with six goals and four assists, and was another member of the championship team in 2012.
“I am very excited and thankful to become a part of such a competitive team,” Nielsen said. “I hope we can put in the work and hopefully I can contribute in winning another championship.”
“Paige is another excellent addition from a long line of UNC players to play for the Blues,” Kevins said. “Paige offers us versatility with her ability to play in both midfield and in the forward line. I am very excited to work with her and to continue her soccer development.”
The LA Blues will begin their 2014 W-League campaign on May 16 on the road against the Sedona FC Strikers. They will open at home against them the following week on Friday, May 23, at Occidental College’s Patterson Field at 7:30 p.m. PT. Fans can purchase tickets and get more information at bluessoccerclub.com.