Two Washington Freedom Players selected in WPS Expansion Draft

BOYDS, MD – September 15, 2009 - Two Members of the 2009 Washington Freedom, Lori Lindsey and Sarah Senty, were selected today in the first-ever expansion draft held by the Women’s Pro Soccer league to begin filling the rosters of the two expansion teams, the Atlanta Beat and the Philadelphia Independence. It is the first of many opportunities for player shuffling before the start of the 2010 season.

Each of the existing 2009 WPS teams were allowed to protect up to 10 players, but were required to leave a minimum of six players unprotected. Players signed to one-year contracts that will become free-agents on Sept. 30 were not eligible to be taken or protected in the draft.

“We never wanted to lose any of our players but are supportive of the expansion draft process the league set up.” Washington Freedom head coach, Jim Gabarra, said post-draft.

Following this draft, WPS will also hold the International Draft for Expansion Teams on Sept. 22, an opportunity for existing teams to claim International Discovery Players on Sept. 23, and Sept 30 will begin free-agency for a number or players in the league.

The results of the 2009 WPS Expansion Draft are as follows:

1. Atlanta Beat – Leigh-Ann Robinson, FC Gold Pride
2. Philadelphia Independence – Lori Lindsey, Washington Freedom
3. Philadelphia Independence – Jen Buczkowski, Sky Blue FC
4. Atlanta Beat – Amanda Cinalli, Saint Louis Athletica
5. Philadelphia Independence – Nikki Krzysik, Chicago Red Stars
6. Atlanta Beat – Katie Larkin, Los Angeles Sol
7. Philadelphia Independence – Sue Weber, Boston Breakers
8. Atlanta Beat – Sharolta Nonen, Los Angeles Sol
9. Philadelphia Independence – Sarah Senty, Washington Freedom
10. Atlanta Beat – Sara Larsson, Saint Louis Athletica
11. Philadelphia Independence – Danesha Adams, Chicago Red Stars
12. Atlanta Beat – Noelle Keselica, Sky Blue FC
13. Philadelphia Independence – Kelly Schmedes, Boston Breakers
14. Atlanta Beat – Passes
15. Philadelphia Independence – Passes

“Philadelphia is getting a real pro in Lori Lindsey and we hate to lose her. Lori has invested a lot over the past 6 years here in the Freedom and we wish her good luck in Philly.” Gabarra said. “Sarah Senty has a lot of potential. We are disappointed to lose her and not see her continue to develop here as a player. She is a very technical player and we think she will perform well for Philly.”

Washington Freedom General Manager, Mark Washo, also commented stating, “Obviously we’re disappointed to lose both Sarah and Lori. At the same time, it’s exciting for the WPS that we had our first expansion draft today. The Freedom organization would like to wish both Sarah and Lori good luck and much success with their new club Philadelphia. We would in particular like to thank Lori Lindsey for everything she’s done for the Freedom organization, which includes WUSA Freedom, W-League Freedom, as well as this year’s WPS Freedom.”

The Washington Freedom will retain rights to all others on roster and will have until September 29 to exercise contract options.