Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that former Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) striker Tiffany Weimer has been confirmed as the club’s first player signing for the 2011 United Soccer Leagues W-League campaign. In addition to her on-field responsibilities, Weimer will also assume the role of Whitecaps FC Women’s Ambassador.
"Tiffany is a talented and dynamic player, who brings a wealth of experience to our team," said Whitecaps FC women's team head coach Hubert Busby Jr. “She will be a great asset to the club on and off the field, as we continue to grow the women's game."
Last season, Weimer made eight appearances for WPS club Boston Breakers before moving overseas to play for Allmänna Idrottsklubben (AIK) of Damallsvenskan - the top tier of women's soccer in Sweden. In 2009, Weimer played for FC Gold Pride in WPS after being drafted 17th overall. In her debut appearance for the California club, Weimer assisted on the first goal in club history before making 15 appearances, recording one goal and a team-high three assists.
“It’s an exciting time for Whitecaps FC with the aspirations that the club has for both the women’s team and with the MLS team,” said Weimer. “It has been a while since I’ve been this anxious to start with a new team. I’m excited to be a part of the Whitecaps FC organization.”
Weimer first took her talents abroad in 2008. She began the year with Finnish club Åland United of the top-tier Naisten Liiga before moving to Brazil to play for Santos FC. The 5-foot-3 striker played for the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds for parts of two Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) seasons, and in 2007, she was named the WPSL East Player of the Year award. In 2006, she suited up for Washington Freedom in the W-League.
Weimer was a prolific goalscorer during her NCAA Division I career at Penn State University. In her four years with the Nittany Lions, Weimer tallied 91 goals - the most in Big Ten Conference history. Weimer was a two-time runner-up for the MAC Hermann Trophy (awarded to the best college soccer player) and a three-time National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-American after leading Penn State to two NCAA College Cup appearances.
Internationally, the native of North Haven, Connecticut, has earned six caps for the United States U-21 national team, including appearances with the squad that made the semifinals of the 2006 Nordic Cup. Weimer has continued to be a member of the US national team player pool and has participated in several training camps.
In addition to her role on the pitch, Weimer will succeed recently retired midfielder Kara Lang as Whitecaps FC Women’s Ambassador. She will play a lead role in increasing the awareness and growth of both the female game and the Whitecaps Women's Soccer Series. Weimer will build relationships through visits with local clubs, players, and coaches. The veteran striker will also play a part in the boardroom with the club's Net Works group - a committee of local corporate and community leaders established to raise funds and community support for women’s sport in British Columbia.
In 2011, defending W-League Western Conference 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 4:00 p.m. PT, when they battle Seattle Sounders at Percy Perry Stadium in Coquitlam, BC. Five days later, the 'Caps will host Colorado Rush at Chilliwack's Exhibition Stadium at 7:30 p.m. PT. Additional home venues include Surrey's Newton Athletic Park Field on Friday, June 10; Whistler's Myrtle Philip Field on Friday, June 24; Richmond's Hugh Boyd Stadium on Canada Day (Friday, July 1); and Penticton's Kings Park Field on Friday, July 8. The team concludes the regular season at Langley’s McLeod Athletic Park Field on Friday, July 15. Whitecaps FC begin the 2011 season on the road against W-League expansion outfit Victoria Highlanders FC at Bear Mountain Stadium in Langford, BC, on Sunday, May 15, at 4 p.m. PT.
Ticket information for the 2011 Whitecaps Women's Soccer Series will be announced shortly. For additional information, visit whitecapsfc.com or call 604.669.WAVE (9283).
