WPS Holds Allocation Draft, Players Optimistic About Future

Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) yesterday in N.Y. "held its allocation draft of [U.S.] national team players, ... doling out three players to each of its seven clubs," according to Jack Bell of the N.Y. TIMES. Additionally, WPS "will hold drafts for international players next week, for other players in October and for collegians in January." U.S. and Washington Freedom F Abby Wambach, who was part of the now-defunct WUSA, said, "We have one shot at getting it right this time. This time, we can't think too big and have to be realistic" (N.Y. TIMES, 9/17). U.S. and Bay Area franchise G Nicole Barnhart: "Everybody's really excited about starting up again. There's a sense that we've learned from past mistakes, that we've got better people running the league, and all that excitement from the Olympics will carry into the league." In S.F., Bruce Jenkins notes all U.S. national team members are "expected to join the WPS," and the allocation process "was not completely random." U.S. and Bay Area franchise D Rachel Buehler: "The players had preferences, and the coaches had some say in it" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 9/17). In Boston, Monique Walker notes players "have noticed a change in philosophy that they hope will help WPS succeed" compared to WUSA. U.S. and Boston Breakers D Heather Mitts: "The marketing plan is different, so that is a huge part of what makes this league more successful already" (BOSTON GLOBE, 9/17).