The
WPS Expansion Draft is just around the corner (Tuesday, September 15th), as we welcome the
Philadelphia Independence and
Atlanta Beat to the league.
Nick Hawkins and
Katie I. picked their favorite ten Stars to protect in previous Red Stars Confidential entries (
here &
here), so I thought I'd share mine with you as well.
In no particular order...
1. Brittany Klein (M): one word- tenacious. Is there really anything else to say? Klein came in from Santa Clara- she's a tiny little thing and she won ball, after ball, after ball, after ball (oh, you get it) against all the top players in the league. I want anyone with this kid of work ethic and determination on the team I support.
2. Frida Ostberg (D/M) : Frida is a feisty fighter just like Klein or maybe it should be the other way around, since Frida is the Swedish veteran that the Stars look to for leadership.
Cristiane dribbles though the defense of the Ireland National Team. Her knack for finding the back of the neck is just what the Red Stars need to be successful in 2010.
3. Cristiane (F): Chicago's own Miss Brazil was injured at the beginning of the season, but once she found her footing on the field she started beating defenders left & right while finding the back of the net.
4. Karen Carney (M): Carney impressed me in a major way this year. If she's back next year, I hope she can find a similar connection with her Chicago teammates like he one she has with the English National Team. She was quite impressive during Euro Cup 2009. I expect more assists and goals from Kaz if we see her in 2010.
5. Megan Rapinoe(M) : Pinoe is a fan favorite and is quickly establishing herself as a star of the USWNT. She has fancy foot skill and a killer cross. She has proven she is able to set players up and score goals- hopefully she can execute in higher numbers next year. Is anyone else still daydreaming about her bicycle kick attempt at the beginning of the season?
6. Caroline Jonsson (GK): Carre has one it takes to be one of the top keepers in the league. I could be biased, but I thought she was already one of the top goalies this past season. She needs a defense to back her up. I hope she's in the net again for us this year with a stronger and possibly faster defense.
(Continued...)
7. Kate Markgraf (D): Markgraf may be the key player that the Red Stars defensive end was in need of this year. She will also add further leadership to the team. I'm really interested to see how this US National Team veteran will blend in with the rest of the squad. Will she help expose the chemistry that the team is lacking on the field?
8. Lindsay Tarpley (M/F): I've always liked Tarpley and this season she proved she can score some impressive goals. I know that goals win games, but I still expect more from her. I know she is capable of stepping up her game. p.s. Thank you for an amazing first goal in Red Stars history, Tarpley.
Who would you pick?
9. Jill Oakes (D): When Oakes came to the Red Stars this season I was happy to see her size and strength in the back line. I think she's a solid center back and would pair up well with Markgraf.
10. Marian Dalmy (D): I didn't know anything about Dalmy before the inaugural WPS season, but I do like her presence on the outside of the Stars defensive line. I hope this USWNT player pushes herself to make a few more offensive runs down the sidelines if her name appears on the Red Stars roster again next year.
[Okay, so I'll admit it, I originally had Dalmy on my top ten, but then I read Katie I's ten picks and I realized I was missing one of my favorite players- I know, I know, how do you forget one of your favorite players? Well, to be fair, Krzysik didn't play much of the second half of the season, but she's still one of my faves. And I want her back. Put me in coach!]
10. Nikki Krzysik (D): After Chicago's inaugural match against St. Louis, Nikki was instantly my favorite player on the team. She was quick and fought hard. As my high school coach would say, she danced with the opposing team- containing and tackling them often. She didn't play as much during the second half of the season, and I'm still wondering why. Now that I've completed this list, I'm wondering if she's the spark we were missing in the back line-- ??
****
Two players I'd really hate to say goodbye to...
Chioma Igwe and Ella Masar: Both of these ladies have an incredible work ethic and bulldoze through their opponents. I'm just not sure there's room to squeeze them into the ten players picked to save in the Expansion Draft, though I wouldn't be disappointed to see them on the Red Stars roster again next year.
****
Who would you protect in the Expansion Draft? Who will the Red Stars protect? Only time will tell...
[For more information on the WPS Expansion Draft visit the Women's Professional Soccer website.]
5 Comments
Katie said:
I am really still confused how you forgot Nikki?!?! but other than that nicely written, always love reading your stuff!
Nicole Hack said:
I know, I really can't believe it myself. I was really torn between Oakes, Dalmy, & Igwe. I really really like Oakes though... I see great potential in any USWNT player (although one big name is missing from all three of our lists), so I decided on Dalmy then. But Nikki really impressed me early on in the season.
And thanks for the comment- I'm glad you're enjoying the blog, and I really appreciate your help with writing here & there. It's really great!
jrsmith04 said:
I agree with Klein, Cristiane, Carney, Rapinoe, and Jonsson nothing else needs to be said.
Markgraf hasn't played in a year but she will be a solid defensive leader and Tarpley with the torn ACL will need to rehab before next year so I'd include Masar instead of Ostberg since Ella came back from her injury she played like a house on fire. If Tarpley is not ready Ella can fill in at the start of the season.
I'd pick Spilger over Oakes. That leaves Krzysik. Krzysik or Oakes? Oakes or Krzysik? Right now I can't decide.
The next question is who are we going to lose in the draft that we really will miss, but be happy for them since they will see more playing time with the Independence or Beat?
Nicole Hack said:
Where you surprised by the outcome?
Nicole Hack said:
Were*
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