New Los Angeles Women's Professional Soccer Franchise Names Abner Rogers Team's First Head Coach
September 15, 2008 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Los Angeles Sol News Release
LOS ANGELES, CA- Abner Rogers has been selected to become head coach of the Los Angeles franchise in the new Women's Professional Soccer league set to debut in April, 2009 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California it was announced by Rudi Bianchi, Managing Partner of the new franchise which is also owned by AEG.
A nationally respected coach, the London-born Rogers has served as the President and Director of Coaching at the Laguna Hills Soccer Club Eclipse since 2001, which has been ranked as a top 20 girls club in the nation for four consecutive years. Rogers can be attributed with creating the program philosophy, curriculum and guidelines, including coaches' education, which has propelled the club into national prominence. Rogers has extensive experience directing college showcases for elite teams from the U.S., highlighting players from the ages of U15-U18 for recruiting purposes. For his accomplishments at the youth level, Rogers has been awarded the California Youth Soccer Association, Coach of the Year honor, twice (1995 and 2005).
"I am very honored to be given this opportunity, and am proud to become the first head coach of Los Angeles' own WPS franchise," said Rogers. "I am looking forward to getting to work, and assembling a team with some of the finest female players in the world."
"With the incredibly talented athletes now playing women's soccer along with the popularity of the sport, especially in southern California, the time is clearly right to launch this league," continued Rogers. "My priority beginning today is to put together a team of quality athletes and quality people that our fans will be proud of and that will win."
"We are thrilled to have Abner Rogers on board. Paired with the best female players, Rogers will help to create a unique, entertaining and winning style of soccer for Southern California soccer fans," said Rudi Bianchi, Managing Partner of the Los Angeles Franchise. "With his wealth of experience and professionalism, we know that he will also instill pride within the players and fans of our club."
Rogers has helped and developed some of America's top talent in leading the Eclipse, a club that he founded and led to National Championships in 2002 and 2005. In addition to Rogers serving as the head coach of the United States Adult Soccer Association's National Team (USASA). In this role, Rogers has coached international games against Mexico, Australia, and the USA, as well as several U20 national teams. Prior to his success with the Eclipse and the USASA team, Rogers was the Head Coach of the Region IV Women's Olympic Development Program (ODP) team which won Gold medals at the US Soccer Festival in 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002.
"As we prepare for the inaugural WPS season, our priority was to find an experienced, qualified individual who will bring a strong work ethic to the team, on and off the field, as well as creating an exciting, winning style of play that our fans will appreciate," said Scott Hanley, Vice President, AEG Sports, investors in the franchise. "We are pleased to have found these attributes in Abner, and look forward to launching a successful and exciting franchise for Los Angeles under his leadership."
Rogers has guided 11 players to the professional ranks, 27 to Regional teams, 18 to National teams and 5 players to World Cup competition.
Rogers, who will step down as Director of Coaching of the Laguna Hills soccer club, will continue as its President.
Rogers will travel to New York for Tuesday's (September 16) WPS Player Allocation event at which time three Women's National Team members will be selected for the Los Angeles franchise.
WPS is the highest level women's professional soccer league in North America. Formed in September 2007 as the result of the efforts of the Women's Soccer Initiative, Inc., WPS, which will begin play in April 2009, consists of seven teams across the country. The Los Angeles franchise is co-owned and operated by Blue Star LLC and AEG. For more information, please visit www.womensprosoccer.com.
Women's Professional Soccer Stories from September 15, 2008
- New Los Angeles Women's Professional Soccer Franchise Names Abner Rogers Team's First Head Coach - Los Angeles Sol
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