Five Chinese Sign with US Women Soccer LeagueFive Chinese women soccer players, including world's top scorer Sun Wen, signed in New York Wednesday, November 29, with the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) for its inaugural season slated for next April.Apart from Sun, the most valuable player in the 1999 Women's World Cup, the four others are midfielder Liu Ailing, goalkeeper Gao Hong and defenders Wen Lirong and Fan Yunjie. The five Chinese have yet to been assigned to teams within the league which has franchises in Atlanta, Boston, Carolina, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay area and Washington. Earlier, 16 international players were assigned to the eight squads: Atlanta Beat has two Canadians -- forward Charmaine Hooperand midfielder Homare Sawa, San Francisco Bay Area CyberRays enjoys Brazilian midfielder Sissi and forward Katia. Norway's Bente Nordby and midfielder Hege Riise have joined Carolina Tempest, while their compatriots defender Gro Espeseth and forward Ann Kristin Aarones will play for New York Power. Boston Breakers will be joined by German midfielders Maren Meinert and Bettina Wiegmann, while another German defender Doris Fitschen and England forward Kelly Smith join in Philadelphia Charge. San Diego Spirit enjoys Sweden's goalkeeper Ulrika Karlsson and defender Kristin Bengttson, while Washington Freedom has Brazilian forward Pretinha and midfielder Roseli. |
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