Source: Philly women's team to be called Independence
Women's soccer will return to Philadelphia bearing the name "Independence." Much like the hoopla surrounding the city's latest installment of men's professional soccer in the Philadelphia Union, soccer Web sites have been abuzz with speculation of new women's team name.
Women's soccer will return to Philadelphia bearing the name "Independence."
Much like the hoopla surrounding the city's latest installment of men's professional soccer in the Philadelphia Union, soccer Web sites have been abuzz with speculation of new women's team name.
A source close to the team confirmed the moniker - that will officially be unveiled, along with the team's colors during a ceremony at the Franklin Institute on Monday. The team is expected to begin play in the WPS next spring.
Matthew Driver, who along with David Halstead is spearheading the project, will serve as the team's coach. Driver, who has owned minor league women's franchises in Delaware and New Jersey, was an assistant coach of MLS' New England Revolution.
While Driver would not confirm the team name, he cited the source as being "not off the beaten path."
"It wasn't an easy decision coming up with the name, because I am such a control freak," Driver told the Daily News. "We didn't want to leave it up to a fan vote or a poll, becasue we wanted a name that when you thought Philly, would signify the historical past of the people and the spirit of what Philadelphia stood for during the Revolution."
Driver said that the franchise has secured a 3-year deal with Puma as the team's apparel supplier. The official logo and crest are expected to be unveiled in July.
"We honestly don't know what it'll be yet," Driver said. "We are leaving that up to an independent designer who has our vision in mind. The logo needs to be iconic; we don't want something every man and his dog has already thought of. We wanted something unique and that this city can be proud of."
For kicks
The Indendepence will be the eighth team to join the league which kicked off on March 29. Boston, Chicago, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, Washington D.C. and the Bay Area have fielded teams this season . . . Atlanta is also expected to begin play next season . . . Delran, N.J. native and Olympic gold medalist Carli Lloyd, plays for the Chicago team. *