Friday, May 9, 2008
MORGANTOWN, WV -- The expansion West Virginia Illusion will not have an easy task on their hands when they open their first season Saturday night at home against the visiting Charlotte Lady Eagles, a regular powerhouse in the league, at 5:00 pm ET.
Historically a title contender in the W-League, the Lady Eagles missed the postseason for the first time since their founding in 2000. It was not for a lack of success. Charlotte finished third with an impressive 8-2-2 record, but it was two points shy of Atlanta and Richmond, who took the Atlantic Division’s two berths with identical 9-2-1 records.
The Lady Eagles, who finished the season leading the division in goals scored with 31 – six more than both Atlanta and Richmond, will see the return of Kelly Schmedes (7 goals, 6 assists), Christine Rife (7 goals, 5 assists) and All-League veteran midfielder Tina Murphy.
A club that prides itself on outreach to the community and beyond, the Lady Eagles visited Ethiopia in the first part of April for a series of games and humanitarian efforts .They were invited to Ethiopia by Sports Friends and the Addis Ababa Football Federation. The Lady Eagles spent the first few days visiting the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, the Mother Theresa AIDS orphanage and another orphanage adopted by the US Embassy, as well as doing clinics with several women’s and youth teams.
The West Virginia Illusion, a first-year member of the USL W-League have announced nine player signings, pending league approval. in preparation for opening the 2008 season Saturday.
Former West Virginia University standout Natalie Cocchi, who tied a school record with 87 appearances, highlights the class.
“Natalie is a great late addition to the team, a very surprising addition. I am very happy that she decided to stick around the area to be part of the team. She has a lot of obligations this summer and will be with us as much as possible. She’s definitely going to be a starter when she’s here. She has great size and brings great mental ability to the game,” said head coach Joe Dorini.
Morgantown, W.Va. native Kaitlin Parsons returns to the Mountain State after spending her freshman year with Morehead State University. Used predominately as a defender by the Eagles, Parsons will likely be a forward for the Illusion.
“She’s a strong player, another West Virginia Vision alumnus. I’d like to see how she adjusts during sessions and possibly the games,” said Dorini.
Jennifer Ball, of Charleston, W.Va. and Virginia Military Institute, started all 20 games for the Keydets as a freshman.
“Jennifer is going to be joining the team in early July. She was a standout for West Virginia Vision at the club level, and we’ll see how she fits in the W-League,” said Dorini.
Melissa Bigg arrives from the University of Cincinnati, where she has appeared in 36 games with four goals and six assists. Bigg also brings previous W-League experience, having logged 12 games with the Toronto Lady Lynx in 2006 in her native Canada.
“She’s another player who will make an immediate impact when she arrives in mid-June; definitely a player I can’t wait to get in camp and get involved with the team,” said Dorini.
Goalkeeper Andrea Kaminski is the second Cincinnati Bearcat to sign with West Virginia, joining Bigg.
“She’ll make an immediate impact and fight for the starting position,” said Dorini. Kaminski joins former UConn ’keeper Megan Jessee as options for Dorini in goal.
Brittany Clark joins Ashley Rees as current West Virginia Wesleyan players on the Illusion roster. Clark, a Parkersburg, W.Va. native, scored five goals for WVWC last season.
“She is a do-or-die type player who will do anything for you; runs through walls if you need her to,” said Dorini. She can fill in as a substitute and, if she performs well, could move into a starting role by the end of the summer.”
Shayna Varner, a Moundsville, W.Va. native, comes back to West Virginia from Harding University, where she has played for the past two seasons.
“Shayna is an in-state product that brings tenacity and energy from her collegiate experience. She will provide depth for us on the attacking end,” Dorini said.
Haley Thaxton is the first Marshall University player to sign with the Illusion. From Charleston, Thaxton appeared in 11 games as a freshman last fall.
“Haley is another Vision alum who comes from us from the Thundering Herd, where she gained valuable experience as a freshman last fall. She gives us another option at defender.”
Jamie Morrison, a Jeannette, Pa. native, comes back east from Penn State University, where she played for the past two seasons.
“Jamie will join us in June. We’re looking forward to getting her here and seeing how she reacts to the team,” said Dorini.
The Illusion begin play this Saturday, May 10, when they host the Charlotte Lady Eagles. Kickoff from Duvall-Rosier Stadium on the campus of Fairmont State University is set for 5 p.m.
Tickets for the match can be purchased for the special Opening Day price of one dollar.
