Commissioner Tonya Antonucci's Blog (9)

Transcendent moments to build on

Greetings from the league office as we wrap an historic 2009 season and look forward to 2010! The last few weeks, including an incredible Cinderella story and an amazing display of all-star talent, really put a bow on a successful inaugural season that met its goal of matching up the world’s best, week after week. Our fans, sponsors, and national and regional television partners truly helped set a solid foundation for years to come, even in the most challenging financial climate many of us have… Continue

Added by Commissioner Tonya Antonucci on September 14, 2009 at 6:23pm — 11 Comments

Talent on display as post-season is underway

Greetings from the commissioner’s office as our inaugural postseason has just gotten underway! It’s been a whirlwind few months of great play and lively crowds, which culminated with a tremendous finish to our regular season: the Washington, New York/New Jersey, and Boston franchises all battling for the last two playoff spots. Congratulations to the Freedom and Sky Blue FC for claiming those berths and for putting on an exciting match in this past Saturday’s First Round. In hot conditions, Sky… Continue

Added by Commissioner Tonya Antonucci on August 18, 2009 at 8:27pm — 2 Comments

Putting on a great show

Greetings from league headquarters in sunny San Francisco! We’re one month into our first season, and what a month it’s been. From an opening-day crowd of nearly 15,000 in L.A. to Sunday’s instant-classic barn-burner between the Washington Freedom and FC Gold Pride, we’ve made an early habit of meeting expectations for world-class action on the pitch. The Freedom’s 4-3 victory over the Gold Pride, beyond the deluge of goals and dramatic comebacks, was a great example of the extraordinary produ… Continue

Added by Commissioner Tonya Antonucci on April 29, 2009 at 2:14pm — 7 Comments

Counting down the days to the Inaugural Match

Greetings from the league office as a very, very big day approaches! Sunday’s Inaugural Match between the Los Angeles Sol and the Washington Freedom represents so many things: An historic moment in women’s professional sports. A reason for little girls to dream big. A chance for millions of people of every age, men and women, to watch world-class athletes in their own backyards. And the first chance for WP… Continue

Added by Commissioner Tonya Antonucci on March 25, 2009 at 10:23am — 1 Comment

Warm Greetings to Kick Off 2009

Warm New Year's greetings from the league office! We're kicking off 2009 with a ton of momentum and a great new television partnership as we head towards the 2009 WPS Draft in St. Louis on January 16th. We've got some happy news to report: on Sunday nights, fans will be able to enjoy our National Game of the Week, courtesy of the FOX Soccer Channel. The channel, which is available on basic cable or sports channel packages (check with your cable or satellite provider before the season), is a ren… Continue

Added by Commissioner Tonya Antonucci on January 8, 2009 at 6:47pm — 3 Comments

The definition of diligence

Five years of dedication. Five years of determination. Five years of perseverance. Five years. That’s how long many of the players who are participating in the WPSL and W-League Combines have been waiting for the opportunity to play professional soccer in the United States. We've heard their voices. I’ve spent the past three years - and in the foundational stages along with great teammates like Bob Greenberg, Chris Markgraf, and Julie Foudy - working to re-launch a professional women’s soccer… Continue

Added by Commissioner Tonya Antonucci on September 2, 2008 at 7:08pm — 1 Comment

Palpable Excitement

What incredible heart! Despite losing three incredible players to injury on the eve of the Games and losing the opening match of the Olympics, Team USA never gave up its resolve. With adversity staring them down, the 18 American players united in their self-belief and determination to prove their mettle. Facing a star-studded Brazilian side in the Gold Medal Game, the U.S. relied on grit, teamwork and passion to overcome a talented and dangerous foe. The qualities the American women displayed… Continue

Added by Commissioner Tonya Antonucci on August 21, 2008 at 2:17pm — 1 Comment

Considering all of the scenarios

These were the thoughts I was contemplating as I flew across the country on Monday: So if x, y and z happen, the U.S. will advance to the quarterfinals…and then they’ll face the first-place team from Group F...or the third-place team from Group E... Like most fans, I was weighing all of the Olympic advancement scenarios for the U.S. Women’s National Team. I’m sure I’m not the only fan who was challenged by the difficulty of this task! As both Group E and Group F could have been won by a… Continue

Added by Commissioner Tonya Antonucci on August 13, 2008 at 10:37am — No Comments

Commissioner's Welcome

How will the U.S. fare at the Olympics? Who will step up in Abby’s place? Which U.S. Women’s National Team players will be allocated to which WPS cities? Which International players should WPS teams pursue? And which city is the “WPS Top Town”? With the Olympics opening Wednesday and Allocation and the International Player Draft following in mid-September, these are just some of the questions I find myself thinking about. I’m sure you ponder many of these same questions too. That’s why we laun… Continue

Added by Commissioner Tonya Antonucci on August 4, 2008 at 9:23pm — 1 Comment