SoccerPlus CT - Connecticut's WPSL Soccer Team

 SOCCERPLUS CONNECTICUT REDS

 

"The WPSL has been synonymous with exceptional amateur women’s soccer and player development. 
I want to help players continue their evolution as they prepare for the WPS.
" - Tony DiCicco

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SOCCERPLUS CONNECTICUT
TEAM NEWS
LIST OF ARTICLES: (click title to read more)
 
 DiCicco thinks women's soccer can thrive in U.S. (5/26/09)
 •  SoccerPlus CT's Caity Casey named WPSL Co-Player of the Week (5/26/09)
 •  Boston Breakers are coming to Connecticut to face Reds (5/24/09)
   2009 Season Preview (5/21/09)
   Florida State Trio Sign to Play for Reds in 2008 (4/7/08)
   JP Dellacamera Takes the Lead - From SoccerAmerica (4/1/08)
   DiCicco's Master Degree - From WPS Website (2/14/08)
   Reds, City of New Britain Announce New 2008 Home and Schedule (3/27/08)
   City is Home to Soccer Team (3/26/08) - From the Hartford Courant
   Reds Ink Three Penn State Standouts for 2008 Season (3/19/08)
   Hathorn and Walden Back for 2008  (2/27/08)
   Three Huskies back for 2008 Season (1/23/08)
 
 Weimer "WPSL East Player of the Year" Re-signs with Reds for '08 (1/23/08)
   Breakers and Reds announce Partnership
   SoccerPlus CT REDS 2007 Season Review
   SoccerPlus CT visits CJSA Convention
   DiCicco and SoccerPlus CT join WPSL

Wethersfield’s DiCicco thinks women’s soccer can thrive in U.S.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:25 PM EDT
By KEN LIPSHEZ
New Britain Herald Staff Writer

NEW BRITAIN — Tony DiCicco ardently believes that women’s soccer will succeed on the professional level in its second try.

The Wethersfield native with the grandest women’s soccer credentials in the nation was at the forefront of the WUSA, the first foray into professional play that expired in 2003 after three seasons.

DiCicco returned to local soccer circles Monday night as coach of the Boston Breakers, members of the WUSA who transcended the six-year gap as a charter franchise in the new WPS.

The relaunch was the first attempt at a professional women’s soccer league since the WUSA’s demise, but no one could have known the league would start under the suffocating shroud of a sluggish economy. DiCicco, however, says optimism reigns.

“Surviving in this economy without a lot of sponsorship dollars out there and having to really tighten your belt to make it work, when the economy and sponsorship dollars loosen up, it could be a good thing,” he said. “We’ve had to, as a league, really sharpen the pencil and keep the expenses down because the revenues are going to be down.”

Attendance has been uplifting.

“Ticket sales are good,” DiCicco said. “Everybody’s encouraged by that. Now it’s a case of keeping expenses down and going after the revenue as the economy improves.”

The league reportedly needs to attract between 4,000 and 6,000 per game to achieve success. The Breakers, 3-2-2 in WPS play, have had home crowds of 4,804, 8,031 and 4,241 at Harvard Stadium.

“Boston is the team that looks the brightest from an economic standpoint and we’re working to get our game fully in place,” DiCicco said. “We’ve had glimpses of greatness and now we need to keep evolving.”

The Breakers have an exciting veteran group in legendary midfielder Kristine Lilly, high-scoring forward Kelly Smith and midfielder Angela Hucles. The evolution, DiCicco says, centers around the development of the younger players.

He used Monday’s exhibition against the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds of the WPSL, whom he founded and coached the last two years, toward that end.

“They need to prove themselves a little bit,” he said.

He expects the WPSL, specifically the Reds in the case of the Breakers, to supply the next wave of professionals. SPCT serves as a Breakers farm team.

“The realities are we’re looking to bring more players from the club to the team, the kids that have come up through our ranks,” he said. “There are six or seven of them here that are playing on our youth clubs.”

A younger WPSL reminds DiCicco of WUSA days.

“The last time this happened, these leagues really benefited from it because now the players know [the WPSL] is a stepping stone to get into the WPS,” he said. “The WPSL and the W League are the way to go.”

College players, he said, generally cannot step right into the WPS and excel.

“For the most part, it’s a huge adjustment for college kids, even if you’ve played international,” he said.

Thus the WPSL, despite a youth movement, continues to bring a high level of women’s soccer into the New Britain area.

BUILDING ON A WIN: The Reds, with virtually no practice time together, were badly outplayed by the New England Mutiny in their WPSL opener Friday but managed to escape with a 1-0 victory.

New coach Christopher Bart-Williams will take it.

“It was huge for the girls’ confidence,” he said. “They know they didn’t play well. They know they weren’t the better side on that day. However, considering that these girls never played together before and only trained as a full squad the night before the game.”

Some of the Reds’ players were unable to fulfill their college responsibilities to begin training before the season.

“A lot of the players were flying in from different colleges and school would have to come first,” Bart-Williams said, “so at times you have kids who have only come in the day before.

“It was pretty exciting for them to have that game, win playing poorly even though they weren’t the better side and now have [the ‘friendly’ against Boston.] It’s wonderful.

The Reds’ next WPSL match is Saturday against the Maine Tides at Husson College. The next home game is June 6 against the Lancaster Inferno.

CCSU, Reds’ Casey named WPSL Co-Player of Week

SoccerPlus CT Reds goalie Caity Casey was named the WPSL Co-Player of the Week Tuesday. Casey, goalie on the CCSU women’s soccer team, made 11 saves in her Reds debut, a 1-0 season-opening win against the New England Mutiny this past Friday.

Casey shared the award with forward Sabrina Demonte of Ajax America, who scored both of her team’s goals in a 2-1 win over the So Cal Crush.

The Reds fell to the WPS’s Boston Breakers 4-0 Monday night. The team’s next WPSL game is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Husson College in Maine against the Maine Tide.

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Ajax America's Sabrina Demonte (L) & SoccerPlus CT's Caity Casey (R) are named WPSL Co-Players of the Week
SACRAMENTO, CA (05/26/09)

This past Memorial Day weekend saw the full slate of matches in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) commence, with teams from coast to coast setting their course towards the 2009 WPSL Final Four hosted by the Long Island Fury at Adelphi University on August 1-2. The defending WPSL National Champions started out as they finished last season - in the win column - and on the other side of the country, a team that lost five starters to Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) rebounded in determined fashion.

Therefore, Ajax America forward Sabrina Demonte and SoccerPlus CT goalkeeper Caity Casey have been named WPSL Co-Players of the Week, in this our first edition of the season-long series of weekly league awards.

F Sabrina Demonte (AJAX AMERICA) - WPSL CO-PLAYER OF THE WEEK
The defending WPSL National Champions started out 2009 in winning fashion, as the former University of Oregon standout scored two goals for Head Coach Brian Boswell's side in their 3-1 road Pacific-South Division win at league newcomers, the So Cal Rush.

F Jen Leaverton (BAY STATE SELECTS)
The leading scorer from St. John's University of the Big East Conference last fall has started strong this summer, scoring two goals in two matches (9 shots on goal) for Bay State in WPSL East action & was named Offensive MVP in their season opening win over the Maine Tide on May 15th.

F Amanda Malkiewicz (MILLBURN MAGIC)
The Conference USA All-Freshman Team selection at East Carolina scored two goals for Millburn Magic Head Coach Andy Sones in their season-opening WPSL East win over the CDSA Future on May 17th.

MF Kylie Watt (ADIRONDACK LYNX)
The soon-to-be University of North Carolina Tar Heel scored the game-tying goal for Adirondack and then in the 90th minute, assisted on the game-winner in the 2-1 win over Bay State on May 23rd to get the Lynx their first win of the seson.

MF Giuliana Longmire (SAN DIEGO WFC SEALIONS)
The SeaLions midfielder scored on a 35 yard free kick - hitting the upper far corner to start the scoring for San Diego WFC - and helped control the center of the pitch in their season-opening 3-1 victory over West Coast F.C. in Pacific-South Division play.

MF Lisa Zanti (TSC MARYLAND PRIDE)
The former Washington Freedom & West Virginia University star scored a goal and set up the penalty kick game-winner in the team's 3-2 WPSL East road win at the CDSA Future.

MF Erin Clark (NEW ENGLAND MUTINY)
The University of Connecticut standout scored a hat-trick in the Mutiny's win over Maine on May 16th in the first week of action in the WPSL East, and pestered the SoccerPlus CT defense throughout New England's tough 1-0 loss at the "Vet" in New Britain, CT on May 22nd.

D Rebecca Lee (ADIRONDACK LYNX)
The America East Conference All-Rookie Team selection from the University at Albany was named the Defensive MVP in the Lynx's season-opening win at Bay State.

D Tara Corcoran (CLAREMONT STARS)
The Cerritos College defensive stalwart - who were voted DIII NSCAA (non-scholarship) National Champions this past fall - scored the eventual game-winning goal in the team's home-opening Pacific-South Division win over PSSCV-Santa Clarita.

D Valerie Strocco (SAN DIEGO WFC SEALIONS)
The former University of San Diego defender anchored the SeaLions' defense, keeping West Coast F.C. to only one goal - despite a severely bruised foot.

GK Caity Casey (SOCCERPLUS CT) - WPSL CO-PLAYER OF THE WEEK
The Central Connecticut State goalkeeper was dominate in the air on crosses, faced 29 shots against the New England Mutiny (11 saves) and shut-out last year's East Conference champions in her first start in the WPSL, giving the "Reds" the 1-0 win.

About the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL): The WPSL is a 50-plus team national women's soccer league with five conferences and is considered one of the top amateur women's soccer leagues in the world. You can now keep up with our league on our social networking sites on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com) and LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com)! The Long Island Fury have been selected to host the 2009 WPSL Final Four which will be held at Adelphi University (Garden City, NY) - alongside the Youth Premier Soccer League (YPSL) National Championship that same weekend. The tentative dates are scheduled for Saturday-Sunday, August 1-2 and check back to this website in the coming days & weeks for further information!

The WPSL's mission is to provide the highest level of women's soccer while simultaneously providing affordable, quality family entertainment and positive role models for our youth. For more information, visit our official website at http://www.wpsl.info, phone us at 1-800-854-0913 or contact us via email at media@wpsl.info.


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Boston Breakers are coming to Connecticut to face Reds
Sunday, May 24, 2009 9:59 PM EDT
By ANDREW LOVELL
New Britain Herald Staff Writer

Angela Hucles and Heather Mitts won’t be here but Kristine Lilly, Tony DiCicco and Kelly Smith will be.

The names of those who will be in New Britain tonight read like a who’s-who list of some of the biggest names in the history of United States women’s soccer.

Unfortunately for the SoccerPlus CT Reds, the names also comprise a portion of the WPSL’s Boston Breakers’ roster. The Reds host the Breakers at 6:30 p.m. today at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Reds are coming off a 1-0, season-opening win against the rival New England Mutiny Friday night. Beth Lloyd scored the game’s lone goal off a booming kick from goalie Caity Casey (one assist, 11 saves).

Had it not been for Casey’s NFL punter’s leg and a lucky bounce on the opposite end, the Reds would have, at best, escaped with a tie.

The Mutiny out-shot the Reds by a staggering 29-3 margin, but caught just about every unlucky break imaginable.

Shots ricocheted off the cross bar and posts. Shots flew high and dribbled wide, some by mere inches.

If the Breakers dominate possession as well as the Mutiny did, the Reds likely won’t be as lucky.

Still, Reds coach Chris Bart-Williams emphasized that Monday’s game will be treated as a learning experience, regardless of the final score.

“They’ll come to the game ready to play, but that one [is] uncoachable,” Bart-Williams said. “The Breakers are playing great. For me and these girls it will be more of an exhibition game. People will see good soccer, so that’s what we really want for that game.”

Another factor working against the Reds is that the Breakers enter tonight’s game with seven games already under their belts this season.

Friday’s win against the Mutiny marked the first time Bart-Williams had his entire squad together on one field.

After the Mutiny win, the Reds players were steadfast in their belief that, as the season moves forward, the team will continue to improve and clean up its sloppy play.

Whether that will happen in time to challenge the Breakers tonight remains to be seen. Boston enters the game with a 3-2-2 record (11 points), good for second overall in Women’s Professional Soccer.

They also field a star-studded lineup, including forward Kelly Smith, a two-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year finalist. Smith is tied with Brazilian sensation and current member of the Los Angeles Sol, Marta, for the WPS lead in goals with four.

Then there is Lilly, a transcendent talent that ranks among the best ever to touch a soccer ball. Lilly, a Wilton native, has twice been named the U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year. She is the only woman to ever participate in five separate World Cup finals.

She holds the record for caps, soccer slang for “games played.” Lilly is the only player, male or female, to ever reach 300 caps in international play.

And last but not least, tonight will also mark the return of three 2008 Reds – head coach DiCicco, assistant coach Lisa Cole and midfielder Maggie Tomecka.

DiCicco, a Wethersfield native, is perhaps best known for leading the U.S. Women’s National Team to an Olympic gold medal in 1996 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1999.

Cole joined DiCicco on his move to the Breakers, as did Tomecka, who was named to the Breakers as a development player after a preseason tryout.

So tonight’s game will also have a reunion-type feel to it.

Lloyd said the team as a whole is excited, both to play against top-level competition and learn as they do so.

“I’m extremely excited,” Lloyd said. “Just to get a chance to play against the best players in the world really, you take what you can and get the most of it.”

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. tonight. Tickets are $5 for adults and children, though children wearing a SoccerPlus or FSASoccerPLus jersey get in for free.

“It should be a good game because they’re obviously the Boston Breakers,” Casey said.

“We’ll get up for a good game, we’re all excited for it. It should be good.”

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New-look Reds ready to roll
Thursday, May 21, 2009 10:33 PM EDT
By ANDREW LOVELL
New Britain Herald Staff Writer

Though the SoccerPlus CT Reds feature a new head coach and roughly 20 first-year players this season, the team still might have a familiar look for Connecticut soccer fans.

This year’s Reds squad is predominantly comprised of Connecticut natives, as well as players from both high schools and colleges around the state.

Farfield’s Casey Frobey, Marquette’s Becky Ryan and CCSU’s Leah Blayney and Karise Hilt are the four lone returning members from last season’s 11-1 team that suffered its first and only loss in the East Conference finals. Jackie Bachteler, a late-season call-up in 2008 from the Reds’ affiliate youth club, FSASoccer Plus FC, is also back.

Blayney and Hilt will be joined CCSU teammates Beth Lloyd, Clio Tregear and goalie Caity Casey.

“It’s easier for us because we’ve played with each other,” Hilt said after the Reds’ morning practice on Wednesday. “It’s easier for us to transition between teams.”

Amanda Genova, a former CCSU Blue Devil who transferred to Western Connecticut her freshman year, will be joined by teammates Catherine Nathans and Tina Dias.

Katie DiDio, from Southern Connecticut, is also a member of this year’s team, so suffice it to say this season’s version has a more local feel than last year’s team, which featured only five players from Connecticut.

Chris Bart-Williams, an assistant coach with the team in recent years, has assumed the head coaching duties this spring, taking over for the departed Tony DiCicco and Lisa Cole.

Bart-Williams, the girls soccer coach at Loomis Chaffee and men’s assistant soccer coach at Quinnipiac University, boasts an impressive resume.

Bart-Williams played professionally for 16 years, seven of which he spent with the Nottingham Forest Soccer Club. In 1999 he was named a captain on the team, and in 2001 was named the Player of the Year for his division. In that seven-year span with the club, he helped Nottingham reach both the FA Premier League and UEFA Cup.

The first-year head coach is also a four-time member of England’s National Team.

Bart-Williams’ experience level is certainly not lost on his team.

“I’ve had coaches from everywhere, but just knowing that he’s played at a high level before and him teaching us [is great],” Genova said. “He’s trying to help us. If you have any questions or anything, he’s just really willing to help on the field, off the field. I just think he’s doing a great job. I’ve learned a lot so far over the past few practices.”

Kelsey Rdzanek, in her first year with the Reds by way of Saranac Lake, N.Y. and the University of Richmond, said Bart-Williams has been a helpful, enjoyable presence for the most part. Wednesday’s morning practice at the Bristol Soccer Club’s field, however, began to display his competiveness.

“I really like him,” Kelsey Rdzanek said Wednesday. “Off the field he’s a great guy, great personality, he’s hilarious. I rode with him to a couple practices just like my [first few days] and he was just like talking the whole time. And he went on to tell me that he’s really mean on the field. I just couldn’t see this guy being mean.

“I think [Wednesday] might have been the first day that he was antsy, maybe because the first game’s coming up. He was kind of getting into us [Wednesday], which was a little different than before. But I like him a lot.”

DiCicco and Cole are now in their first years as head coach and assistant coach, respectively, with the Boston Breakers.

The connection is not merely a coincidence either.

The 2009 season will mark the first year of a relationship between the Breakers and the SoccerPlus CT Reds. The Breakers are officially referred to as the “Official Professional Club Partner of SoccerPlus.” Essentially, the ideal progression for players in the Reds’ program will now move forward as follows: FSASoccerPLus FC, then SoccerPlus CT Reds, then Boston Breakers.

Blayney (nine goals, 20 points) returns as the Reds’ top scorer from last season, having finished second in both categories behind Tiffany Weimer.

Ryan, a team captain this season, finished last year with five goals and 12 points and is returning this season for her third year with the Reds.

“The past two summers were really great experiences for me, I made some really great friendships. And six of the girls I played with are now playing in the [WPS] now, so it’s great,” Ryan said. “I’ve learned a lot from Chris and Tony and Lisa. I just love the experience. We’re treated like professionals here. They try to make it as professional an environment as possible. It’s different from the college experience. Everyone comes out here because they want to be here, not because they have to because of a scholarship or whatever. They want to be here and get better. Everyone has a goal or a dream of trying to play professionally.”

That dream is more than a distinct possibility for the Reds’ players, particularly considering where six of last year’s players are now playing.

Maggie Tomecka, who had five goals and 16 points last season, is with DiCicco and Cole on the Breakers. Weimer and Kristen Graczyk are both with the FC Gold Pride, Manya Makoski is with the L.A. Sol, Chioma Igwe now plays for the Chicago Red Stars and Nikki Cross is a member of the St. Louis Athletica.

The Reds open the 2009 season today at 6:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium against the rival New England Mutiny, the team that handed the Reds their only loss last season.

Tonight’s game-day roster features 19 players, but that number is likely to fluctuate as the season moves forward. Local high schoolers Nikki Kureczka of Berlin and Annie Freer of Southington, both new additions this season, will see more time with the team once the high school years ends. Likewise, Frobey, Trumbull’s Kelly D’Ambrisi (Georgetown), Bristol’s Beth McGill (Nebraska Ohama), Seymour’s Amanda Neaher (Messiah) and a handful of others are all listed on the team roster, but have to finish up at their respective colleges for the semester.

In virtually their only event featuring close to a full squad, the Reds defeated Simsbury High School in an exhibition game this past Sunday.

“Different players show up different days because we’re trying to get through with finals and everything,” Genova said. “The past few practices we’ve had about 12 girls, so it’s definitely coming together. Slowly, but it’s coming together. At the game that we played on Sunday, a bunch of girls showed up and it was good to play with everyone.”

After the season-opener against New England today, the Reds welcome the Breakers to New Britain on Monday.

Tickets to both games are $5, though children sporting a Reds jersey will receive free admission.
 

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Florida State trio to play for Reds
FARMINGTON, CT (4/7/08)

Three players who help Florida State to the NCAA finals this fall, Amanda DaCosta, Becky Edwards and Erika Sutton, have committed to play for the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds soccer team. The Reds will compete in their second season in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL), a national women’s league consisting of 48 teams. The Reds open up year two with a home game Friday May 9thvs. the Massachusetts Stingers. This season, all Reds home games will be played at their new home venue, Veterna's Memorial Stadium at Willow Brook Park in New Britain.  

Last season, the Reds won the USASA U23 National Championship, took the Bronze in the USUSA Open Cup and made the WPSL Playoffs, under the direction of Wethersfield, Connecticut native Tony DiCicco.  

DiCicco, who led the U.S. Women’s National Team to the historic 1999 Women’s World Cup title, also coached the Olympic Gold Medal-Winning Team in the 1996 Olympics. An ex professional goalkeeper, he recently was appointed Head Coach of the U.S. U20 National Team.

“I am very excited about the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds second season in the WPSL,” said DiCicco. “The WPSL provided an excellent competitive atmosphere for players to be challenged and develop. Our goal remains the same…to win the WPSL Championship; defend our National Championship and help players continue their evolution as they prepare for the professional league re-launch, their college seasons and a future with National Team Programs.”

The professional league DiCicco was referring to is Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS). WPS is set to launch in April, 2009. DiCicco will be the Head Coach for the Boston Breakers when play begins. For more on the WPS visit www.womensprosoccer.com

After last season’s finish Coach DiCicco had these words to say about the team, “Coaching this team is so exciting for me,” DiCicco said. “Our players are educated, articulate and polite. These are elite players. We have future professionals, current and future national team players and they are fun to coach.  I love being a part of their development and soccer dreams.”

Amanda DaCosta, as a freshman this year at FSU played a critical role in the Seminoles trip to the NCAA Championship game. DaCosta's first year in a Seminole uniform was quite impressive as she was named a second team All-ACC honoree and was a member of the Soccer America All-Freshmen, ACC All-Freshmen, ACC All-Tournament and NCAA College Cup Tournament teams. She collected second team All-America and Freshman All-America honors as well as being named the Southeast Region Freshman of the Year by Soccer Buzz. DaCosta is also on the U.S. U20 National Team, now also coached by DiCicco, the team is preparing to compete in the U20 World Cup this November.

Becky Edwards, earned her second nod on the All-ACC Academic Team, is a three-time member of the Dean's List at Florida State and was a member of the 2007 ACC Academic Honor Roll. This fall at FSU Edwards started and played in all 27 games for the Seminoles and has made 33 consecutive starts for the Garnet and Gold dating back to her freshman campaign. The Downingtown, Pa., native was also named a fourth team All-American by Soccer Buzz while being named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District III first team this year. Edwards is also on the U.S. U20 National Team.

Erika Sutton, transferred to Florida State from San Diego State last spring and stepped into play an important part in the Seminoles trip to the finals this fall, providing leadership and speed to the back line. Sutton helped anchor the defense but also was able to provide some scoring power as well. Sutton is not totally new to the Reds as she joined the team last year for the USASA National Championships.

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JP Dellacamera, Member of the CT Reds Advisory Board and Host of the CT Reds Media Day

JP takes the lead in MLS TV booth
by Ridge Mahoney, Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008
SoccerAmerica


Longtime play-by-play man JP Dellacamera goes full-time with MLS and U.S. Soccer

How is it that a man whose name is synonymous with soccer broadcasts in the United States is only this year taking over as the lead play-by-play announcer for America's professional league?

Truth be told, JP Dellacamera, selected by ESPN and ABC to handle MLS as well as U.S. Soccer telecasts, has been working MLS games since the league began, but not on a regular basis at the national level. There are five MLS Cups and numerous All-Star Games on his resume, as well as six straight World Cups, the last four Women's World Cups, and the 2004 Olympic Games.

"The MLS package is something I always wanted to do, but for whatever reason, never had it as a full-time assignment," says Dellacamera, who moves into the booth with former U.S. midfielder John Harkes for MLS and national-team telecasts. "Obviously, it's an honor to be chosen."

Most of his MLS work has involved juggling regional broadcasts for the Crew and MetroStars/Red Bulls with other jobs, such as his current gig as voice of the NHL Atlanta Thrashers. It was through hockey he first found employment with the world's game, but not the worldwide version, not at first.

"I was doing minor-league hockey and had been doing it for about 10 years," says Dellacamera of his life in the early 1980s. "It was a lot of travel by bus and not a lot of NHL jobs were opening up. I thought to myself, 'How much longer do I want to be doing this? Maybe there's something else out there.'"

Indoor soccer was that something. Based in Erie, Pa., Dellacamera looked south to Pittsburgh, where Pittsburgh Penguins owner Edward DeBartolo also ran the Pittsburgh Spirit of the Major Indoor Soccer League.

"Indoor soccer and hockey, I thought, were very similar," recalls Dellacamera. "I thought it would get me to a higher level in broadcasting."

It did when Bob Carpenter, the lead announcer for a soccer package owned by Bud Sports, moved on.

"That opened up a soccer position," says Dellacamera, "and that led to the [St. Louis] Steamers, the MISL Game of the Week, and then the national team, and the World Cup."

Every veteran broadcaster can tell horror stories of confusion and chaos roiling off-camera, no matter how slick and polished the televised product may appear. So it proved to be during Dellacamera's first World Cup, the 1986 tournament staged in Mexico. NBC sent Charlie Jones, Rick Davis and Paul Gardner south of the border, but ESPN used commentators in studios watching monitors for the other games.

The cable system had anticipated problems getting transmissions from Mexico, and so it proved to be. National broadcasters around the world were receiving the wrong games, or games voiced in the wrong languages, or both.

"They were just not confident of the technical preparation for that World Cup," says Dellacamera. "They thought it might be worse by actually going there. We did it out of the CBC studios in Toronto and sure enough, wrong countries were getting the wrong feeds. We actually had to call a game we weren't supposed to do, because we didn't get the video feed we were supposed to get.

"The ironic twist of fate was after the first day of games in Mexico, the Canadians who were there wanted to come home, and they couldn't, because we were using their studios."

More than two decades later, the game — and MLS — are staples of ESPN programming. Dellacamera and Harkes worked together at the 2006 World Cup and the former believes he and the latter have formed a solid partnership viewers can appreciate.

"His work ethic is strong and he has a great knowledge of the game, obviously, as an ex-player and Hall of Famer," says Dellacamera. "I thought he did an outstanding job in 2006 and brought a lot to the table. He'll be great in this role."

(This article originally appeared in the April 2008 issue of Soccer America magazine.)

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DiCicco’s Master’s Degree
By: Karyn Lush | Special to womensprosoccer.com
(Feb. 14, 2008) –
La Serena, Chile certainly isn’t Boston.  But that is where you will currently find Breakers head coach Tony DiCicco.

Appointed as U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team Head Coach on Jan. 25, DiCicco is getting his first look at his new squad, which has its sights set on the 2008 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup taking place Nov. 20-Dec. 7 in Chile.  He’s also utilizing this hands-on coaching experience to prepare for leading the Boston Breakers in the inaugural 2009 Women’s Professional Soccer season.

“Whenever you coach at the international level, it is an education – seeing what other players and other coaches are doing and how they’re playing,” said DiCicco.  “It’s a great learning experience.  It’s kind of like a master’s course right before the Breakers season.”

A finalist for the full National Team head coaching position in the wake of Greg Ryan’s dismissal, DiCicco was approached by U.S. Soccer about taking on the U-20s after new U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage invited former U-20 head coach Jillian Ellis to be her assistant.  DiCicco didn’t have to think twice about signing on with the U-20s.

“First of all, to be back in the international game is something that I’ve missed,” he said.  “To have an opportunity to coach elite players with high aspirations is a wonderful opportunity as is coaching in a world championship with the goal of winning it, especially since we’ve gone two youth world championships without winning gold.  This gives us a chance to dream big and go after it.”

Before DiCicco began his first session with the U-20s, he had some prerequisite work to catch up on: getting to know the player pool.  Phone calls were placed to a number of college coaches to gain an understanding of the available talent.  He also consulted with the team’s assistant coaches under Ellis: Texas Tech Head Coach Tom Stone, UNLV Head Coach Kat Mertz and Boise Capitals Director of Coaching Dave Chesler.

“I feel pretty comfortable with the work that Jill has done over the last couple of years,” DiCicco said.  “What we’re doing now is to try to see anyone we might have missed.  We’re going to get a pretty good look at the pool.”

After sorting through the available material cataloguing the players, he sat down with Sundhage to draft the U-20s’ syllabus.

“We share the same philosophy in a possession based attack and how we want to play defensively,” said DiCicco.  “This team will play a number of systems and will probably zero in on one or two key systems.  Pia’s given me some guidelines, but has also given me a lot of leeway to prepare this team the way that I would prepare a team.”

The team’s first true test will come at CONCACAF Qualifying, which will occur this spring with a specific location and dates yet to be announced.  A top-three finish will secure a berth to the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

To prepare for the rigors of qualifying, DiCicco has brought the U-20s to La Serena, Chile to contest three matches this week.  Already the U.S. has dispatched England, 1-0, and downed Norway, 2-1.  The U-20s conclude their trip with a game against the host country on Friday.

Based upon DiCicco’s comments before departing for Chile, he must be pleased with the positive results his team has posted thus far.

“Because Europe has a U-19 championship, I expect those teams will be a little bit ahead of us in preparation,” he said.  “They’ve gone through a qualifying tournament already and therefore their set pieces and their player pool is probably going to be a little more set.  It’s a great opportunity for us to play teams that as far as preparation is concerned are a little bit ahead of us.  We’ll get to see how we match up with them tactically, technically and athletically and how we respond to adversity.”

While the U-20s will remain DiCicco’s top priority throughout 2008, he will also be fulfilling player identification responsibilities with the Breakers and coaching the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds in the WPSL, a national amateur league.  His many roles actually meld well together.

“It’s important for me to see players in competitive environments,” said DiCicco.  “Having the opportunity to work with the Reds and observe their games and evaluate players both for the U-20s and the Boston Breakers is pretty important.  Coaching the U-20s gives me a great opportunity to identify players both internationally and domestically, maybe not for the first WPS draft, but who will clearly be part of the second draft.  So what I’m doing compliments each other.”

It’s all part of the ongoing education of a coach.

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Reds, City of New Britain Announce New Home
Schedule, Home Field Announcement

William DeMaio (New Britain Parks and Recreation Director), Heather Hathorn (Reds Player), New Britain Mayor Timothy T. Stewart and Tony DiCicco (Reds Head Coach) during the announcement in the Mayor's Conference Room on March 27.

FARMINGTON, CT (3/27/08) – One year ago, the state of Connecticut was introduced to the newest women’s sports franchise in the Nutmeg state, the SoccerPlus CT Reds. With wide eyes in their first year as a member of the Women’s Premiere Soccer League (WPSL), the Reds promptly snatched a playoff spot, took home a National Championship in the U-23 USASA Open Cup and were involved in countless community events throughout the Hartford area.

The 2008 edition of the Reds are aiming to do bigger and better things and it all starts this Thursday at New Britain City Hall. The New Britain Mayor’s Office, in conjunction with the SoccerPlus CT Reds held a news conference at 3PM.

New Britain Mayor Timothy T. Stewart, along with Reds head coach Tony DiCicco and members of his staff unveiled Veteran’s Memorial Stadium at Willow Brook Park as the new home of the Reds for the 2008 season, where Connecticut will begin their home slate in early May, hosting the Massachusetts Stingers.

Veteran’s Memorial Stadium will once again be a soccer venue, as it served as the home of the Connecticut Wolves of the USL through 2002. The facility, part of Willow Brook Park, which also holds Beehive Field and New Britain Stadium, is dedicated to the soldiers of the city of New Britain who have lost their lives in battle.

In addition to news of their new home field, the Reds’ entire 2008 season schedule was released; highlighted by six affairs at their new friendly confines in New Britain.

DiCicco, who is preparing the United States Under-20 Women’s National Team for the U-20 World Cup in Chile this November, recently announced a partnership between the Connecticut Reds and the new Boston Breakers, who will be a member of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS), which launches in 2009. DiCicco will begin to roam the sidelines for the Boston franchise at that time.

All announcements during Thursday’s event took place on the second floor of New Britain City Hall in the Mayor’s Conference Room. 

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City Is Home To Soccer Team
Connecticut Reds To Play At Veterans Memorial Stadium From May Through July
By MONICA POLANCO | Courant Staff Writer
March 26, 2008

Veterans Memorial Stadium will be the official home of the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds women's soccer team for the next several months.

Reds Head Coach, Tony DiCicco paces the field at Veteran's Memorial Stadium at Willow Brook Park in New Britain following the Press Conference with the New Britain City Mayor on March 27. (photo from the Reds)

The team, an affiliate of the Women's Premier Soccer League, will play its second season in Connecticut this summer, competing from May through July.

The arrangement, similar to the city's partnership with the Rock Cats baseball team, is expected to bring the city additional revenue through concession sales and advertising.

The Connecticut Reds will pay the city $600 a game and must purchase a $4,000 sign at Veterans, said William DeMaio, the city's parks and recreation director.

The team will also provide community outreach in New Britain, offering such programs as free soccer clinics.

The city does not own the team, but is renting out the 8,800-capacity stadium.

Soccer teams have been competing at Veterans for the past 24 years, most recently on Sept. 4. On that day, the New England Revolution played the Carolina RailHawks during the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup, drawing more than 5,000 people to New Britain, DeMaio said.

The event netted the city more than $28,000, making it very worthwhile, DeMaio said. The Revolution has expressed plans to return to New Britain.

"I think we were going into it saying, 'We'd love a national event like this to showcase New Britain.' ... To come out ahead was terrific," he said.

The city's latest soccer relationship is nothing like its former acquisition, the Connecticut Wolves. The city bought the team in 1999, but severed ties with it in 2002.

The venture, which was expected to give the former "Hardware City" a new identity, cost taxpayers more than $1.5 million.

The Connecticut Reds, made up of top players from the United States and other countries, will be coached by Tony DiCicco, the former head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team.

DiCicco also coached the 1999 Women's World Cup team that beat China in front of the largest crowd in women's sports history.

"This guy — he's the mack daddy of all soccer," DeMaio said. "You mention Tony DiCicco in soccer circles anywhere in the world, and they know."

DiCicco, who coached teams that played at Veterans as far back as 1991, said he's looking forward to returning to the grass field.

"In our state, it's one of the better venues," he said. "It has a great soccer history."

Contact Monica Polanco at mpolanco@courant.com.

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Reds Ink three Penn State standouts for the summer
FARMINGTON, CT (3/19/08)
Two US youth international players return to the Reds; local standouts Alyssa Naeher (Seymour, CT) and Katie Schoepfer (Waterford, CT), joining them this year is another Penn State star Zoey Bouchelle (Cockeysville, MD). SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds women’s amateur soccer team, coached by Tony DiCicco is entering its second season in the WPSL (Women’s Premier Soccer League), the highest level of women’s soccer in the U.S.

Alyssa Naeher in just her second year with the Nittany Lions, cemented her position as the nation's top goalkeepers, and earned 2007 first All-America honors. The Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year, she finished the year with a 0.62 goals per game average (best ever by a PSU sophomore and 18th nationally), including a miniscule 0.39 goals against mark in conference play. Naeher came up with the big saves when Penn State needed them, tallying 103 stops and posting a 0.873 save percentage, which was 12th in the nation. A two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, she also earned Soccer America Team of the Week this year and was an Academic All-District selection by ESPN the Magazine. Naeher was honored as a first team All-Big Ten pick, marking her second all-conference award after being named to the league's second team last year. She is Penn State's third goalkeeper to earn All-America honors. Naeher is a member of the US U20 National Team preparing for a Youth World Championship this fall in Chile, that team is also coached by Reds’ Head Coach Tony DiCicco.

Katie Schoepfer comes back home to play for the Reds after a successful season for the Nittany Lions. A first-time All-American, Scheopfer leadi the team in scoring during its Big Ten championship run. A First team All-Great Lakes Region selection Schoepfer hit the back of the net 15 times and added five assists for 35 points on the year, en route to first team All-Big Ten honors. Schoepfer joins a distinguished list of Nittany Lion forwards to be honored as All-Americans, which includes fellow Connecticut Reds teammate Tiffany Weimer (2003, 2004, 2005) and Penn State's only four-time honoree and Hermann Trophy winner Christie Welsh (1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002). Schoepfer is on the US U23 National Team preparing for this summer’s prestigious Nordic Cup.

Zoey Bouchelle was a key piece of the Nittany Lions’ puzzle in the midfield and had her best season to date after avoiding injury for the first time in her college career. Bouchelle played solidly all fall for the Nittany Lions, but really came alive during the Big Ten play. All of Bouchelle's points came in the conference season, including a six-point weekend vs. Michigan and Michigan State that grabbed her national honors from Soccer America and Soccer Buzz in addition to Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week accolades. Bouchelle was a first team All-Big Ten selection this year and is receiving her first All-Region accolade. She also received second team Academic All-America honors this fall after maintaining a 3.87 grade point average as an economics major.

Last season, the Reds won the USASA U23 National Championship, took the Bronze in the USUSA Open Cup and made the WPSL Playoffs. The team looks to improve on their first season’s successes in year two.

Tony DiCicco, who led the U.S. Women’s National team to the 1999 World Cup title, also coached the Gold Medal-winning team in the 1996 Olympics. The US U20 National Team Head Coach will again direct the SoccerPlus CT Reds as they take the field this summer.

“I am very excited about the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds second season in the WPSL,” said DiCicco. “The WPSL provided an excellent competitive atmosphere for players to be challenged and develop. Our goal remains the same…to win the WPSL Championship; defend our National Championship and help players continue their evolution as they prepare for the professional league re-launch, their college seasons and a future with National Team Programs.”

Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is set to launch in 2009. DiCicco will be the Head Coach for the Boston Breakers when play begins. For more on WPS visit www.womensprosoccer.com.

After last season’s finish Coach DiCicco had these words to say about the team, “Coaching this team is so exciting for me,” DiCicco said. “Our players are educated, articulate and polite. These are elite players. We have future professionals, current and future national team players and they are fun to coach.  I love being a part of their development and soccer dreams.”

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Hathorn and Walden back for Season
FARMINGTON, CT (2/27/08)
– Heather Hathorn and Caroline Walden are back for the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds women’s amateur soccer team, coached by Tony DiCicco. The Reds will compete in their second season in the WPSL (Women’s Premier Soccer League), the highest level of women’s soccer in the U.S.

Heather Hathorn a star at the University of Maine returns to the Reds after a great start in 2007 Hathorn will again be a force up top for the Reds. Hathorn a forward, set Maine records for career goals (27) and career points (66)... finished second in America East in assists, third in points per game and fourth in goals. Hathorn also works full time for SoccerPlus as the Director of Sponsorships and Marketing, coaches within the FSASoccerPlus club and is the Head Girls Soccer Coach at Loomis Chaffee.

Caroline Walden comes back to the Reds after a stellar year up at Boston College. The Connecticut native (Guilford, CT) comes home to play for the Reds again this season. Walden enjoyed a successful junior season at Boston College, playing a critical role at center back for the Eagles. The Eagles went to the ACC tournament and hosted the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Last season, the Reds won the USASA U23 National Championship, took the Bronze in the USUSA Open Cup and made the WPSL Playoffs. The team looks to improve on their first seasons successes in year two.

DiCicco, who led the U.S. Women’s National team to the 1999 World Cup title, also coached the Gold Medal team in the 1996 Olympics. The US U20 National Team Head Coach will direct the SoccerPlus CT Reds as they take the field again this summer.

“I am very excited about the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds second season in the WPSL,” said DiCicco. “The WPSL provided an excellent competitive atmosphere for players to be challenged and develop. Our goal remains the same…to win the WPSL Championship; defend our National Championship and help players continue their evolution as they prepare for the professional league re-launch, their college seasons and a future with National Team Programs.”

Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is set to launch in 2009. DiCicco will be the Head Coach for the Boston Breakers when play begins. For more on the WPS visit www.womensprosoccer.com

After last season’s finish Coach DiCicco had these words to say about the team, “Coaching this team is so exciting for me,” DiCicco said. “Our players are educated, articulate and polite. These are elite players. We have future professionals, current and future national team players and they are fun to coach.  I love being a part of their development and soccer dreams.”


 
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Three Huskies Back for SOCCERPLUS CT REDS
FARMINGTON, CT (1/23/08) –Kristen Graczyk, Kristi Lefebvre and Niki Cross  have all rejoined the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds women’s amateur soccer team, coached by Tony DiCicco. The Reds will compete in their second season in the WPSL (Women’s Premier Soccer League), the highest level of women’s soccer in the U.S.

Last season, the Reds won the USASA U23 National Championship, took the Bronze in the USUSA Open Cup and made the WPSL Playoffs. The team looks to improve on their first seasons successes in year two.

DiCicco, who led the U.S. Women’s National team to the 1999 World Cup title, also coached the Gold Medal team in the 1996 Olympics. The US U20 National Team Head Coach will direct the SoccerPlus CT Reds as they take the field again this summer.

“I am very excited about the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds second season in the WPSL,” said DiCicco. “The WPSL provided an excellent competitive atmosphere for players to be challenged and develop. Our goal remains the same…to win the WPSL Championship; defend our National Championship and help players continue their evolution as they prepare for the professional league re-launch, their college seasons and a future with National Team Programs.”

Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is set to launch in 2009. DiCicco will be the Head Coach for the Boston Breakers when play begins. For more on the WPS visit www.womensprosoccer.com

After last season’s finish Coach DiCicco had these words to say about the team, “Coaching this team is so exciting for me,” DiCicco said. “Our players are educated, articulate and polite. These are elite players. We have future professionals, current and future national team players and they are fun to coach.  I love being a part of their development and soccer dreams.”

Kristen Graczyk, a forward for the University of Connecticut from 2001-04, was an offensive machine for the Huskies as she led the team in goals and scoring all four seasons. She was an All-American in 2003 and 2004. Graczyk was also a four-time all-Big East Conference honoree, Big East Offensive Player of the Year in 2003, Northeast Regional Player of the Year as a junior and senior, Soccer America MVP in 2003, a 2004 MAC Herman Trophy semifinalist (equivalent to the Heisman Trophy for football) and a U-21 National Team member. For her senior year, Graczyk was recognized as a UConn Remarkable Individual in leadership, academics and athletics. Graczyk received her B.A. in Sports Marketing from UConn in May of 2005. Currently at the University of New Mexico as an assistant coach and pursuing her graduate degree in Sport Administration.

Kristi Lefebvre, also a former UConn Player, 2002-2005. Lefebvre, played in 93 games, starting 62. During her time as a husky the team won the Big East Regular Season Championship in 02,04,05 and the Big East Tournament in 02 and 04. Finished the in the NCAA Tournament on the Elite 8 in 02, and took a trip to the final on 03 – finishing as the NCAA Runner Up. In 2005 Lefebvre captained the UConn Team and won the teams MVP honors. Lefebvre now is the assistant coach at Trinity College and is pursuing her masters degree.

Niki Cross, another former Husky from 2003 – 2005. In 2005 Cross began the season at midfield and moved to the backline where she helped the Huskies to a 1.27 goals against average and an 8-3-1 record … named to the All-BIG EAST Second Team, the NSCAA All-Northeast First Team, the Soccer Buzz Northeast Regional Second Team and the UConn Classic All-Tournament Team. In 2003 Cross was selected to the All-BIG EAST Freshman Team and honored as a Soccer America Freshman All-American. After just one year as a Husky, Cross had three goals and two assists for eight points… all eight points came in the Huskies’ run through the NCAA Tournament.

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Weimer Back to Play with SOCCERPLUS CT REDS
FARMINGTON, CT (1/23/08)
– The 2007 Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) East Player of the Year and former Penn State All-American Tiffany Weimer has rejoined the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds women’s amateur soccer team, coached by Tony DiCicco. The Reds will compete in their second season in the WPSL, the highest level of women’s soccer in the U.S. In addition, the Reds are looking to defend their 2007 National Championship in the United States Adult Soccer Association Cup.

Last season, Weimer finished the season as the WPSL’s leading goal scorer (14) and in point’s (34). She was second in assists (6). Weimer’s highlights in 2007 include being named Connecticut’s top female athlete; participating with the US Under 21 National Team in Alabama where they defeated China and Trinidad & Tobago.

The Big Ten’s all-time leading goal scorer, Weimer was First Team All-Mid Atlantic Region and a Hermann Trophy Semifinalist in 2005. In 2003-04, she was the runner up for the Hermann Trophy after finishing as the nations' No.2 goal scorer.

Next week Weimer will start off the 2008 Season in training camp with the United States Women’s National team.

Weimer on rejoining the Reds, “I’m really excited about signing with the Reds again this year. We had a great inaugural season in 2007 and we look to build upon that. On a personal level being apart of this club and working with Tony I have been able to develop as a player and feel prepared to go on and play at the next level. It is a real privilege to be on this team.”

DiCicco, who led the U.S. Women’s National team to the 1999 World Cup title, also coached the Gold Medal team in the 1996 Olympics. The former Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) commissioner will direct the SoccerPlus CT Reds as they take the field again this summer.

“I am very excited about the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds second season in the WPSL,” said DiCicco. “The WPSL provided an excellent competitive atmosphere for players to be challenged and develop. Our goal remains the same…to win the WPSL Championship; defend our National Championship and help players continue their evolution as they prepare for the professional league re-launch, their college seasons and a future with National Team Programs.”

Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is set to launch in 2009. DiCicco will be the Head Coach for the Boston Breakers when play begins. For more on the WPS visit www.womensprosoccer.com

After last season’s finish Coach DiCicco had these words to say about the team, “Coaching this team is so exciting for me,” DiCicco said. “Our players are educated, articulate and polite. These are elite players. We have future professionals, current and future national team players and they are fun to coach.  I love being a part of their development and soccer dreams.”

Tiffany Weimer and some of her SoccerPlus CT Reds teammates will be at the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association’s Convention, this Sat., January 25th from Noon to 3 pm for an autograph session at the Farmington Marriott.

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Boston Breakers and CT Reds announce partnership
Monday, December 31, 2007
By: Boston Breakers

Boston Breakers and SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds Announce Strategic Partnership in Preparation for 2009 Launch of New Women’s League

(Dec. 31, 2007) -- The Boston Breakers are pleased to announce a relationship between the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds of the Women’s Premier Soccer League and their affiliate youth club FSASoccerPlus FC.

The Boston Breakers of the new women’s professional soccer league will begin play in 2009, under the direction of head coach Tony DiCicco, the founder and current head coach of the Connecticut Reds.

The relationship will begin immediately as the Reds will assist the Breakers with identification of future Breakers players. The Reds will serve as a team where players can be trained, developed and identified for the pro league draft. These players will be in a developmental environment established by Coach DiCicco, that will allow them to gain the tools needed to become a professional player once they have completed their college careers.

“This is the best of both worlds because I will be able to train, develop and observe players prior to the 2009 draft and the Breakers season. The Reds will, of course, benefit greatly from the relationship with the Boston Breakers. I am very excited!” commented DiCicco.

The Connecticut Reds will bring in a number of prominent current college players along with players past their college eligibility for the 2008 WPSL campaign.

Once the Breakers start training, the Reds and Breakers relationship will include an annual Breakers-Reds match and the prospects of doubleheaders with the Reds playing a WPSL match prior to a Breakers league match. This will allow the coaching staffs of both teams to create a unique developmental relationship for both sets of players.

“We are delighted to have formed a close relationship with the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds and FSASoccerPlus,” said Breakers President Joe Cummings. “This relationship will spread our branding in New England and provide a developmental structure for both the Connecticut Reds and Boston Breakers to benefit from.”

The Boston Breakers and the Connecticut Reds are continuing conversations with the NCAA and with the Compliance Departments of leading colleges to ensure that the relationship between the two clubs does not jeopardize the college eligibility of any student-athletes.

For more information on the Boston Breakers, please visit www.bostonbreakers.com.

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SOCCERPLUS CT visits CJSA Convention
January 29, 2007

SoccerPlus CT had its Public "Launch" at the CJSA Convention on Jan 26-27. On Friday night some of the young stars of SoccerPlus CT won awards including Lauren Erwin, Bianca D'Agostino, and Jill Mastroianni. On Saturday SoccerPlus CT Head Coach Tony DiCicco and players including Jenn Prozzo, Tiff Weimer, Kristi Lefebvre and Megan Jessee signed autographs and gave away free Team Schedule posters.

- View the Photo Gallery…click

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DiCicco and SOCCERPLUS CT join WPSL
WPSL action will be coming to Connecticut
January 22, 2007

SACRAMENTO, CA — One of the most recognized and respected names in the world of women's soccer will be adding their organization to the North Division of the East Conference of the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) this upcoming Summer 2007 season. Team owner and head coach Tony DiCicco will head SoccerPlus Connecticut, as the former U.S. Women's National Team coach and Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) commissioner and his staff will bring high-level women's soccer to Connecticut.

- Read the full article…more

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