USL News Release

Friday, September 05, 2008

TAMPA – The on-field action for the inaugural W-League Combine kicked off today at the home of the W-League’s Tampa Bay Hellenic – Ed Radice Soccer Complex in Northwest Tampa. The players spent the early morning hours getting accustomed to their new teammates in an hour-and-a-half practice session. The first of four matches of the event then began at 2:00 PM EDT and ran through 8:00 PM.

Tara Minnax Interview [+]

In the first match of the afternoon, Tara Minnax, who spent two seasons with the former WUSA side Atlanta Beat and her last three seasons with the W-League Atlanta Silverbacks patrolled the midfield. Throughout the match, Minnax was constantly on the move, dishing out dangerous one-touch passes to her new teammates.

One of several players attending the W-League Combine with WUSA and W-League playing experience, Minnax was able to discuss the differences between the two leagues.

“The biggest difference between the WUSA and the W-League in Atlanta was that the Beat had a more noticeable international presence,” began Minnax. “The Beat was one of the most global teams in the WUSA. We had [Homare] Sawa from Japan as well as two huge U.S. National Team stars in Brianna Scurry and Cindy Parlow. All those international stars made a huge difference. At the same time, four or five of those players from the Beat have now come back to play for the Silverbacks this season: Julie Augustyniak, Sharolta Nonen, myself.”

Minnax hopes to draw the attention of one of the Women’s Professional Soccer coaches attending the W-League Combine and continue her professional career when the league begins play in 2009.

“I believe once we get all the top players back together in one league, the WPS will be just as competitive as the WUSA,” said Minnax. “Even more competitive.”

Now 28, Minnax played in 10 matches with the Silverbacks last season, which doubled as one of the best seasons in Silverbacks history. The club went 13-0-1 during the regular season, winning the Atlantic Division.

“I played in the W-League when I was young and I have to say that the level of play has gotten higher,” said Minnax. “Especially this past season, it was very competitive.”