Courage Trades For Finnish Forward
Published on December 13, 2002 under Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
Carolina Courage News Release
Morrisville, NC (December 13, 2002) - The Carolina Courage has acquired Minna Mustonen from the New York Power in a trade for Kim Yankowski-Montgomery today. The 5' 10" Finnish striker was the Power's first round pick in last year's college draft.
Mustonen, who missed five games during the 2002 season due to Finnish National Team duty, played in 12 games for New York, scoring one goal and recording two assists. She joined the WUSA ranks following a successful stint in the W-League, where she helped the Boston Renegades win the 2001 W-League championship tournament, garnering MVP honors. A graduate of Franklin Pierce College, she led the country in scoring with 34 goals and 81 points in 21 matches in 1999.
"Minna is a player with all the tools," said Courage General Manager Jerome Ramsey. "She has great size, pace, and possesses a lethal shot. We were very impressed by her at last year's WUSA combine, and we think she can be a major contributor on the Courage roster."
Kim Yankowski-Montgomery, the Courage's sixth round pick (43rd overall) in the 2001 WUSA draft, was an All-ACC midfielder at NC State. Prior to joining the Courage, she helped the Raleigh Wings win back-to-back W-League Championships. In the inaugural season Yankowski-Montgomery played in 14 games for the Courage, contributing two assists. This past season she logged 495 minutes.
"It is always difficult to part with players, especially with one who has served this organization so well," said Ramsey. "Kim played a key role in our success over the last two seasons, both on and off the field. We're going to miss her."
Affectionately known as "Yanki", the shortened form of her maiden name, Yankowski-Montgomery was a crowd favorite during the first two seasons. She also gained local celebrity as a regular guest of morning deejay "Chopper" Harrison on WBBB FM 96 Rock.
The Courage will begin its defense of the WUSA Founders Cup in early April, playing an 11-game schedule at beautiful SAS Stadium in Cary. Season tickets start at just $95 and are on sale now. For information call the Carolina Courage office at (919) 573-7626 or visit online at www.carolinacourage.com.
Women's United Soccer Association Stories from December 13, 2002
- Power Acquire For/Mid Kim Yankowski-Montgomery from Courage - New York Power
- Courage Trades For Finnish Forward - Carolina Courage
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