Whitehill Back with Breakers
- Updated: February 1, 2013
Longtime U.S. Women’s National Team defender Cat Whitehill re-signed with the Boston Breakers on Friday. Terms of the deal were not released.
“I am so excited to be a part of the Boston Breakers again this year,” Whitehill said in a statement. “After my experience with the club last year, I realized what a professional environment the club creates and the many wonderful people that surround the club who truly love the game and want to see it grow.”
Whitehill, 31, spent the 2012 season in Boston and helped lead the Breakers to six clean sheets last season. Additionally, the club conceded a league-low eight goals in 12 games in 2012.
She is projected to pair with fellow U.S. national team player Heather Mitts in the center of the Breakers’ backline this spring.
Whitehill’s experience will be a welcome ingredient as the Breakers prepare for their first season in the U.S. Soccer-supported National Women’s Soccer League.
The veteran defender has 134 appearances with the national team and helped them win a Gold Medal at the 2004 Olympics. In addition, Whitehill was a member of the 2003 and 2007 World Cup teams, both of which finished in third place.
Whitehill is also a veteran at the club level. The Birmingham, Ala. native played three years in the old WPS with the Washington Freedom and Atlanta Beat. She was named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 2003.
“Cat’s a proven, experienced defender,” said Breakers Head Coach Lisa Cole said in a statement. “She can bring a lot to our back line. She’s played at the highest level. I’m excited to have her lead our back line again.”
The addition of Whitehill brings the Breakers’ roster count to 12. The team is expected to announce more signings next week, according to a team source.
follow Julian on twitter @juliancardillo