SPRINGFIELD, MA (02/16/12) - The announcement from Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) on January 30th that it was suspending operations was believed to be a death knell for professional women's soccer in the United States. Well, not quite.

The Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL), a national amateur women's soccer league with 73 teams throughout the nation, recently announced the formation of WPSL Elite: an 8-team league which will have former WPS teams and the region's top WPSL teams playing the highest level of women's soccer in the United States.

The New England Mutiny, one of the oldest members of the WPSL & a charter franchise of the East Conference, have accepted an invitation to become one of the eight (8) franchises in the newly formed league. The Mutiny will join three (3) former Women's Professional Soccer teams: Western New York Flash, the Boston Breakers and the Chicago Red Stars.

The Flash were 2011 WPS Champions and featured five-time FIFA Player of the Year, Marta and U.S. National Team sensation Alex Morgan. The Boston Breakers, a charter member of the WUSA as well as WPS, were coached last season by former World Cup Champion and Springfield College alum Tony DiCicco.

The other teams who have committed are the ASA Chesapeake Charge, Aztec MA (formerly Boston Aztec) and F.C. Indiana - all from the WPSL. The Mutiny and F.C. Indiana are no strangers as the Indiana-based side defeated the Mutiny in the WPSL National Semifinals in 2005 and National Final in 2007.

The New England Mutiny will be entering its 10th season - none more challenging than this one.

"We are honored to be selected to participate in the league and it shows tremendous faith in the soccer culture here in Western Massachusetts," said Mutiny owner Joe Ferrara. "This will be a monumental task and it will take the effort of the entire community to make it a success. If we want women's soccer to be around in the future then we all need to be a part of making that happen whether that comes from fans buying tickets, sponsorships through the business community or help from all the friends of soccer.

"This area has proven to be a hotbed for soccer. The markets that we will be competing against - Boston, Rochester, Chicago, Philadelphia and Indianapolis - may have greater populations and corporate strength, but they will not match our passion."

The Mutiny as five-time WPSL Eastern Conference champions and two-time National Finalists have always had a competitive product on the field, but its operational strength is what made it an attractive choice to join the top league in America. WPSL Commissioner Zanelli has every confidence in the ability of New England Mutiny to succeed in the new league.

"Joe Ferrara has had one of the best-run organizations in the league and is the main reason we have an Eastern Conference in the WPSL," said Zanelli. "His hard work through the years has resulted in us having twenty teams in the East. No matter what we have asked Joe to do for the league he has done a great job, and I feel confident that he will do well with his new Elite league team.

"The WPSL recognizes the importance of a professional women's soccer league in America and that it is critical to provide a showcase for these top women players, and inspire young female athletes."

The signature moment for the Mutiny organization was its match played in front of nearly 4,000 fans at Agawam High School versus the China Women's National Team in July 2004. The "Steel Roses" rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the last 30 minutes to overtake the host Mutiny by a 4-3 score.

The Mutiny also hosted the 2005 WPSL National Finals. F.C. Indiana defeated the California Storm in a penalty kick shootout. In an ironic twist of fate, Indiana would seal the victory after a missed penalty pick from former U.S. Women's National Team hero Brandi Chastain.

The creation of WPSL Elite allows WPS teams to operate for 2012 and avoid costly litigation with one of its former members, Dan Borislow and his magicJack franchise, as well as obtain the necessary minimum of eight (8) teams to be sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF). WPSL Elite will expand on the West Coast in 2013, with four (4) teams located in San Diego, Sacramento, Bay Area and Seattle showing major interest.

The 2012 WPSL Elite season will kick off in early May. The Mutiny will announce its front office staff and venue shortly. For more information on the WPSL, visit www.wpsl.info.

About the New England Mutiny: The New England Mutiny are a charter member of the WPSL East Conference, winning five East titles while reaching the WPSL National Final on two occasions. For more information on the team, please visit http://www.mutinysoccer.com or send an e-mail to info@mutinysoccer.com. AAA (American Automobile Association) of Pioneer Valley is the Official Team Sponsor of the Mutiny. Visit their official website at http://www.pioneervalley.aaa.com to book special travel discounts, apply for an auto loan, receive auto insurance discounts and much, much more! You can also follow our team on Twitter (@NEMutiny) and Facebook.

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