Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the return of defender/midfielder Shannon Woeller to the club’s 2011 United Soccer Leagues W-League roster. Whitecaps FC also announced the signings of Nikki Ambrose, Jaclyn Sawicki and Katie Turney – pending United States Soccer Federation approval.
“Today’s signings are another positive step forward in shaping this season’s roster,” said Hubert Busby Jr., Whitecaps FC women’s team head coach. “Shannon was an integral part of our success last season. She continues to improve as a player, and will have more of a leadership role this year. It’s great to see graduates of our youth program progress through to our W-league team. Nikki’s work rate and competitive spirit will allow for an easy transition into W-League play. Jaclyn and Katie are technical players that add versatility and depth to the squad.”
Woeller, 21, returns for her fourth season with Whitecaps FC after starting six of her nine appearances for a total of 596 minutes last season. The native of Vancouver, British Columbia, has started 17 of her 23 career W-League matches for 1,623 total minutes of action. For the past two years, Woeller has also played National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I soccer at Rutgers University, starting all 38 of her appearances for a total of 3,469 minutes and recording two assists. Internationally, Woeller started 15 of her 17 appearances for the U-20 Canadian women’s national team, while also playing four matches for the senior Canadian women’s national side.
Ambrose, Sawicki and Turney join the Whitecaps FC W-League roster after winning the PCSL Premier Women’s regular season championship and league cup with the Whitecaps FC U-18 Prospects team last season. The trio were also members of the Team BC squad that captured gold at the 2009 Canada Games. Last year, each played their first season of collegiate soccer.
Ambrose, 19, played her first season of NCAA Division I soccer at Santa Clara University. The Surrey, British Columbia, product made eight appearances for the Broncos in her freshman year, totaling 184 minutes of action.
Sawicki, 18, played her first season of Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) soccer at the University of Victoria. The native of Coquitlam, British Columbia, started all 14 games for the Vikes, leading the team with four goals. Her efforts saw her named Female Rookie of the Year at UVic.
Turney, 19, played her first season of NCAA Division I soccer at Washington State University. The Surrey, British Columbia, native appeared in all 20 matches for the Cougars, including 12 starts. She finished her freshman season with one goal, one assist and three points.
Internationally, all three are also involved with the Canadian Youth National Team program, most recently being selected to participate in training camp with the Canadian U-20 national team this past December in preparation for the 2011 CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Championship.
Tickets are now on sale for the 2011 Whitecaps Women’s Soccer Series presented by Kia. Individual match tickets are available for the affordable price of $12 online at whitecapsfc.com/wtickets. Groups and teams can receive special ticket pricing and benefits by contacting Hugh Hamilton at 778.330.1360 hhamilton@whitecapsfc.com. Tickets will also be available at the gate.
In 2011, defending W-League Western Conference champions and two-time W-League champions Whitecaps FC will play their regular season home schedule at seven different home venues throughout the province of British Columbia, as part of the Whitecaps Women's Soccer Series presented by Kia - in partnership with the Girls Metro Soccer League (GMSL).Whitecaps FC will kick off their 2011 home schedule on Sunday, May 22, at 4 p.m. PT, when they battle Seattle Sounders at Percy Perry Stadium in Coquitlam, BC- hosted by Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club. Five days later, the 'Caps host Colorado Rush at Chilliwack's Exhibition Stadium at 7:00 p.m. PT – hosted by Chilliwack FC.
Whitecaps FC women’s and youth programs are made possible by the support of the Whitecaps Foundation. For information on the Whitecaps Foundation and how to become a donor, visit whitecapsfoundation.org.
