Back in Action

The Breakers are back.

Less than two weeks after Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) folded its tent for the 2012 season, the Breakers announced on Thursday that it will compete in the new Elite Division of the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) this year.

“The WPSL recognizes the importance of a professional women’s soccer league in America,” WPSL Commissioner Jerry Zanelli said in a statement. “And that it is critical to provide a showcase for these top women players, and to inspire young athletes. We have put together a plan that will allow WPS teams individually to join the WPSL in the Elite League.”

The new division will also feature 2011 WPS champion Western New York Flash, as well as former WPS side Chicago Red Stars, who played in WPSL last year. Eight to ten teams are expected to compete in the Elite League in 2012, and will feature teams primarily from the East Coast and Midwest.

Although WPSL isn’t a full-fledged professional league, each team can field a mix of professional and amateur players. Even so, Breakers Governor Michael Stoller expressed enthusiasm about having the Breakers back on the field this year.

“We are delighted that Jerry and the WPSL and current teams were able to accommodate both our desire to keep our team together and play in 2012 along with the Western New York Flash and that teams were able to so quickly step up and commit to an elite league,” Stoller said in a statement. “We continue to work hard toward a relaunch of the WPS in 2013.”

Katie Schoepfer, Cat Whitehill and 2012 WPS draft pick Courtney Jones are expected to suit up for the Breakers in the new league.

The Elite League schedule for 2012 has not yet been announced, but is expected to run from mid-April through August. In the interim, the Breakers will searching for a home venue for the upcoming season.