San Diego Spirit Adds One to "Roster"

Published on March 29, 2002 under Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
San Diego Spirit News Release


SPIRIT ADDS ONE TO "ROSTER" AS RILEY KRISTINE JUAREZ IS BORN; SAN DIEGO HEAD COACH MARKS START OF NEW SEASON WITH BABY

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Spirit family grew by one yesterday as head coach Carlos Juarez' wife Kristi gave birth to their second child, a baby girl named Riley Kristine, at 8:52 p.m. last night at Scripps Memorial Hospital. Riley will be listed on her first roster at six pounds, four ounces and 19 inches. The birth went smoothly and mother and baby are resting comfortably.

"I was impressed because (Riley) showed good speed," said Juarez of his new daughter whose middle name is her mom's given name. "Once the doctor arrived to deliver the baby, it only took about 15 minutes."

It was a doubly good day for Juarez as Chinese forward Zhang Ouying (pronounced Jung O-Ing) also arrived in San Diego yesterday evening after flying from Shanghai to Los Angeles. She will start training with the team after completing the requisite paperwork as she recovers from Far East jet lag.

Kristi Juarez went into labor at around 1:00 p.m. yesterday afternoon and gave birth eight hours later to the couple's second child, as Blake (20 months) now has a little sister.

"Just like in her playing days, she preformed well under pressure, had a smooth delivery and showed great mental toughness," said Juarez of his wife. "She is a wonderful mom and we are both ready to experience the joy of our growing family."

The fact that both Carlos and Kristi were top collegiate soccer players perhaps gives Riley a genetic jump-start to a place on the 2023 Spirit roster. Under mom's maiden name of DeVert, she played four times for the U.S. Women's National Team, scoring one goal.

"Riley can play any sport she wants," said Juarez. "If she wants to play soccer, we'll support her all the way, but the decision will ultimately up to her. But if she does want to play, it would be nice if she inherited her mom's speed genes."



Women's United Soccer Association Stories from March 29, 2002


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