New England Soccer Today

Another Local XI Added to WPSL Elite

Add the New England Mutiny to the growing list of teams joining the newly-formed WPSL Elite League.

On Thursday, the Springfield (Mass.)-based squad announced on its official website that it has accepted an invitation to play in the league. The Mutiny is the third team from the Commonwealth to join the league, after former WPS member Boston Breakers and Aztec MA (formerly Boston Aztec) joined in the last seven days.

“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 in a statement. “This will be a monumental task and it will take the effort of the entire community to make it a success. ”

Founded in 1999 as the Springfield Sirens, the team was renamed the New England Mutiny when they entered WPSL competition in 2002.  They reached the WPSL National Finals in 2004 and 2007, and the team’s all-time leading scorer Meghan Schnur made the leap to WPS when she was drafted by Sky Blue FC in 2009.

In the wake of WPS’ decision to suspend its season, Ferrara said in a statement that the success of the new Elite League will rest on the efforts of all involved, including the fans.

“If we want women’s soccer to be around in the future,” Ferrara said in a statement. “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.”

According to the release, the team will announce its home venue shortly. The Elite League is expected to kick off its 2012 season in early-May.

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