Power Acquire Australian National Team Stars Cheryl Salisbury and Joanne Peters

February 26, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
New York Power News Release


New York, NY - The New York Power announced today that they have added Australians, Cheryl Salisbury and Joanne Peters, to their roster as Discovery players. They will fill the second and third slots available on the roster for international players. Both players were members of the Australian Women's National Team, under then head coach Tom Sermanni. This will allow the Power to obtain one additional international player for the upcoming 2003 season.

Salisbury, who turns 29 next month, is the all-time leading international goal scorer with 25 goals for Australia in 81 matches. Now the captain of the Australian National Team, dubbed the Matildas, she had played midfielder, before being converted to a central defender in 1999. Salisbury and Matildas teammate Sunni Hughes were the first Australians to play in Japan's L-League, at the time the richest professional league which attracted some of the best players from around the world. In Japan, she played for Matsushita Panasonic Bambina plus a short stint with Takarazuka over a total of three seasons 1995-97. A two-time World Cup veteran, she was first selected onto the Australian Team in April 1994 for the Test Series against Russia in Queensland at the age of 20, scoring her first international goal in her debut. Last season, Salisbury played for the Memphis Mercury of the W-League.

"Cheryl is arguably the most experienced international player to ever play for Australia," stated Power Head Coach Tom Sermanni. "She has been involved with the national team for 10 years now, mostly as a center back leading the team in scoring as well as being a team leader."

Peters, who will turn 24 next month, is a creative, attacking midfielder who has 44 caps for the Australian National Team. She was first selected onto the Australian Team in March 1996 for the Tri-Series against New Zealand and South Korea in New Zealand at the age of 17 and made her full international debut in the opening match against New Zealand in which she scored her first international goal. Currently the vice-captain for Australia's National Team, she quit soccer for two and a half years following the 1999 Women's World Cup but returned a more polished player. Last season, Peters played for the Charlotte Lady Eagles of the W-League, where she collected four goals and three assists in 13 games played.

"Joanne is a player who has the soccer ability and physical qualities that can make an immediate impact in this league," commented Sermanni. "Like Cheryl, Joanne has been a mainstay with the Australian National Team, which should make for a smooth transition into the WUSA."

Although these players have signed a player contract with the WUSA, their signing is contingent on the finalization of their official work visas. The process is expected to be completed in the near future.

The New York Power is one of eight professional women's soccer teams that make up the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA), the world's premier women's soccer league. 2003 New York Power tickets remain the same price as last season ($25, $20, $17) and the addition of a $10 ticket with the use of a 10-ticket voucher "Power Pack". Along with the Power mini-plan packages, there is a flexible, affordable option for everyone. For 2003 ticket information, please contact the Power ticket office at 1-866-POWR-TIX (1-866-769-7849) or by visiting www.nypower.com.



Women's United Soccer Association Stories from February 26, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central