The Hawkins 7: 7 Things I'm Exited About For The 2010 Red Stars

The Red Stars have been busy in the offseason and if you haven't been paying attention, a lot has happened. It makes me feel good about the 2010 season, and like any fan, you want to forget about what happened in 2009 and move forward.

1) The Red Stars picked up Katie Champan from the English National Team/Arsenal Lady Gunners to fill the gap in the midfield caused by the departure of US Olympian Cari Lloyd. I'm excited, and so should you. Coach Emma Hayes is slowing bringing over more players to her style of offense and her playing style.

Speaking of Carli Lloyd, she joined Sky Blue FC and moved home to Jersey, where hopefully she'll continue her WPS playing style of being immobile, lackluster and bored in the midfield. She's also be closer to try out for next year's cast of "Jersey Shore." Honestly, I feel she was a great disappointment. Is it wrong to expect that if you're an Olympian, you should be leading by example and showing your team what it's like to win - or even play with pride?

2) Pining for 'Pinoe: Megan Rapinoe was a bright spot for the 2009 team, and as the season progressed she got stronger and fiercer. It seemed like she got more confident and proved that her surgically repaired knees were strong enough to take on any team. With the return of Brazilian star Cristiane in doubt and Lindsay Tarpley's injury recovery, she very well could be the key to a strong start this year.

3) The Rise of Ella and Brittany: Ella Masar, the U of Illinois product and Brittany Klein - two of the bright spots of the 2009 team, both got called up to the US Women's National Team. I like them both - they're young, they're hard workers and play fearlessly, not to mention they're absolutely great people. As a fan, you want to see good people represent your home club.