Click Here to see pictures from the Game Vs the Sidekicks on 6-6-10
F. C. Sacramento Pride moves back to where it all started
Elk Grove, CA From a small little community to a thriving City draws the Pride back.
FC Sacramento is back for it's 9th season and where it all started in Elk Grove in 2000. Head Coach, Danny Cruz couldn't be happier, this is a very young and soccer oriented community. Danny, will also be coming back to coach FC Sacramento Youth Competitive U19 team. Paring both teams together will give the youth players a chance to experience what it will be like in College training with the older players. This is where youth players can develop much faster then playing youth only. Players like Stephanie Lopez-Cox (University of Portland, LA SOL, WPS, US Women National Team) and Megan Rapinoe (University of Portland, Chicago Red Stars, WPS US Women National Team) began playing with Danny in youth at U-15 through U-19. The competitive team doubled as a youth team, then in the summer played in the WPSL. It was amazing to see how quickly they turned from being a teen to a lady and how matured they played. Coach Cruz contributes a 3 year run at the CYSA State Cup Finals to the experience the young women encountered while playing in the WPSL League; more importantly, 17 of the 18 players received scholarships to play in college.
FC Sacramento hopes to recruit enough youth players to promote the youth side of the Prides WPSL team. This is were the young ladies can have connection with the hopes of playing for the Pride later down the road as well as coming home from College to stay in shape in the off season. We have the blueprints now it's about putting it together.
I have seen this league grow from 10 to 62 teams and become the largest Women Soccer League in the World. FC Sacramento is growing as well, still with a majority of High School players looking to prepare themselves for college play. The 2009 season was a great reminder of how close and how far the young ladies have come just losing by a goal in six of their matches. With a well balanced attack and a new defense the Pride improved drastically over the 2008 season and look forward to 2010.
"Being an older player what I hope I offer is an insight to value and importance of teammates and a love for the game. The younger players are getting the chance to face world class competition, hone their individual skills, and open up the possibilities for scholarships. It really is a win-win for everyone," Emily Lawrence, U C Davis graduate with a MA and teaching credential from U O Pacific, and a veteran Pride player.
"Emily has been a real presence on and off the field. She has a high level of commitment to the team, missing only one game in the past four years. As a player, she has shown the younger players her determination and the love for the game by playing through various injuries (including broken ribs and broken toes) which has helped the girls understand the physical requirements needed to play at the college level. We are happy to have Emily return for the 2010 season," Coach Cruz.
About the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL): The WPSL is a 60 plus team national women's soccer league with five conferences and considered one of the top five leagues in the world. The league is sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). Our mission is to provide the highest level of soccer in our effort to: bring affordable & quality family entertainment to the community; display positive role models for our youth; while, being a stepping stone for aspiring players to Women's Professional Soccer (WPS).
