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WPS Chicago Stars FC

Red Stars Sign Brazil's Cristiane

February 27, 2009 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Chicago Stars FC News Release


Bridgeview, IL (February 27, 2009) The Chicago Red Stars and Brazilian forward Cristiane have agreed to a contract, General Manager Marcia McDermott announced Friday. With the signing of the electrifying 23 year old striker, who last month finished third in the 2008 FIFA Player of the Year voting for the second consecutive year, the Red Stars have filled all five international slots on their player roster for the inaugural 2009 season.

One of the great personalities of the game, Cristiane dazzles crowds with her flair and finesse, while wearing her emotions on her sleeve.

"Fans of the Chicago Red Stars and WPS are going to love watching Cristiane play soccer at Toyota Park," said McDermott. "She plays with passion and style, and she is surely going to be help our squad become one of the most entertaining teams in the league."

A flamboyant and prolific goal scorer, Cristiane has recorded 25 goals for Brazil in only 38 appearances, since making her national team debut in 2003. She has led Brazil to a second place finish in each of the last three important world championships - the 2004 Athens Olympics, the 2007 Women's World Cup, and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In the 18 games that span those three tournaments, Cristiane scored 15 goals, earning top scorer in both Olympics and tournament All-Star honors in the 2007 World Cup.

"Cristiane is a very special player," said Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes. "Her finishing ability is clinical, and her strike rate is truly remarkable. More importantly, she fits the Red Stars and the way we want to play."

The Brazilian striker joins an already potent attack that features US Women's National Team forward Megan Rapinoe and English forward Karen Carney. Chicago also holds the WPS playing rights to U.S. National Team players Lindsay Tarpley and Carli Lloyd.

In addition to Brazil's Cristiane and England's Carney, the Red Stars' international contingent includes Australian midfielder Heather Garriock, midfielder Frida Östberg and goalkeeper Caroline Jönsson, both of Sweden.

"It is an honor to accept a challenging proposal from the Chicago Red Stars," said Cristiane. "I'm very positive that in a short time WPS will be the most competitive league in the world for women's soccer. Not to forget that the Chicago Red Stars will be the team to beat! I can't wait to get on the field and start my preseason with the Chicago Red Stars."

The Red Stars kick off the 2009 WPS season on April 4th on the road against St. Louis Athletica at Ralph Korte Stadium on the campus of Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Following a second road game against the Washington Freedom on April 11th, the Red Stars will play their historic home-opener at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois on Sunday April 19th against Sky Blue FC. Season tickets, starting at only $120 for 10 regular season games plus two bonus games, are on sale now. Call (866) WPS-2009 or log on to www.chicagoredstars.com to reserve your seats.

Cristiane Fact File

Date of Birth: May 15, 1985

Place of Birth: Osasco, Sao Paulo (Brazil)

Nationality: Brazilian

Position: Forward

Caps/Goals: 38/25

Previous Clubs: Corinthians (BRA), Linköpings FC (SWE), VfL Wolfsburg (GER), 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam (GER), Clube Atlético Juventus (BRA), São Bernardo (BRA)

Career Highlights: Top goal scorer (5), 2008 Olympics; Top goal scorer (5) 2004 Olympics; 3rd place FIFA World Player of the Year 2008; 3rd place FIFA World Player of the Year 2007; Top goal scorer (12) Sudamericano Femenino 2006

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