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Philadelphia Independence Sign Icelandic Duo

January 20, 2012 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Philadelphia Independence News Release


DOWNINGTOWN, PA (January 20, 2012) - The Philadelphia Independence has signed a pair of Icelandic National Team members, former Independence team member Holmfridur 'Frida' Magnusdottir and her countrywoman, midfielder Katrin Omarsdottir. Both Magnusdottir and Omarsdottir have extensive international experience as both have had numerous caps for the Icelandic Women's National Team and both were members of Iceland's 2009 United European Football Association (UEFA) Championship team.

Many remember Frida Magnusdottir from her previous stint with the Independence. She was part of the 2010 squad that reached the WPS Championship game and also played half of the 2011 season before departing in July to play in her native Iceland for Valur Rekjavik. Before leaving, Magnusdottir played in 12 games for the Independence, starting six of those and notching one goal and one assist on the season.

In 2010, Magnusdottir was named Philadelphia's fan favorite. She started 18 games and scored three goals.

"Frida [Magnusdottir] struggled to make an impact last year, partly due to her five month injury issues coming into the 2011 season," said Head Coach Paul Riley. "However, we firmly believe she can regain the 2010 form that made her a monster hit in WPS. Her speed, strength and unconventional approach to the game make her a very difficult opponent. She will be fit, hungry and raring to go and that can only prove ominous for all our adversaries in WPS. Fans love her and will be excited to welcome her back to Philadelphia."

"I love being in Philadelphia," said the 27-year old forward Magnusdottir. "It was very hard for me to leave last season, and I really missed playing with the team. Last year was difficult for me because I was so far behind in terms of fitness. You can't do what you want to do on the field if you're not fit, but my injury is all better now and I'm ready to start the season."

The 2012 season will mark the first season in WPS for Omarsdottir. She played the 2011 season for the Orange County Waves, a Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) team out of Walnut Creek, Calif. Last season, Omarsdottir was named All-WPSL second team, scoring six goals.

"Kat [Omarsdottir] is a smooth operator with elegance, class and great soccer acumen," said Riley. "She will join a midfield core that is talented and deep. She has the ability to be a WPS regular and she has the knowledge to keep her one step ahead of her opponents. Her ability to score goals from the midfield will be another huge plus for us."

Omarsdottir played her college career at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2010, Omarsdottir ranked third for the Bears in points, scoring two goals and adding four assists. As a sophomore in 2009, she was third on the team in goals (5) and was named All-Pac 10 Honorable Mention.

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