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Sky Blue FC Acquires Hermann Trophy Winner Hanks, Brazilian Internationals Francielle and Renata Cos

June 26, 2009 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Sky Blue FC News Release


SOMERSET, N.J. (June 26, 2009) - Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer announced today they have acquired two-time MAC Hermann Trophy Award winner Kerri Hanks along with Brazilian international Francielle and the WPS playing rights to Brazilian Renata Costa from Saint Louis Athletica. In exchange, Saint Louis receives Australian international Sarah Walsh, the rights to Brazilian international Ester and a conditional draft pick.

"We are sad to lose Sarah as she has been very positive in building our culture here at Sky Blue FC, and we wish them her the best," said Sky Blue FC Head Coach Kelly Lindsey. "As we move into this last stretch of the season, we feel we have added depth in some positions that will help us make a run for the playoffs."

Hanks entered WPS after an impressive college career at the University of Notre Dame that included two MAC Hermann Awards - the honor presented to the best player in college soccer. She was just the fourth player ever to win the award twice. Hanks was Athletica's first round draft pick in the 2009 WPS draft (6th overall). In 10 games this season, she has one goal and one assist.

Francielle, a midfielder, joins Sky Blue FC with six appearances for Athletica. She was a member of Brazil's silver medal winning Olympic soccer team at the 2008 Beijing Games and won a Brazilian league title with her club team Santos.

Renata Costa did not sign with Saint Louis for the 2009 season and is currently playing for LdB Malmö in Sweden's Damallsvenskan. She played for the Brazil National Team in two Olympics tournaments (2004, 2008) where she won a Silver Medal both times, and two FIFA Women's World Cups (2003, 2007).

The trade with Saint Louis Athletica marks the second major trade in Women's Professional Soccer history. The first was on May 8th when the Los Angeles Sol traded Kendall Fletcher, Christie Welsh and their 2nd round draft pick in 2011 WPS Draft to Saint Louis Athletica in exchange for their 1st round draft pick or 2nd round draft pick in 2010 WPS Draft and their 1st round draft pick in 2011 WPS Draft.

Coincidentally, Sky Blue FC takes on Saint Louis Athletica this Sunday at 6 p.m. ET at Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway, NJ. The match will be televised live on Fox Soccer Channel. Tickets are available for the Athletica game by calling 888-SBFC-TIX or by visiting www.SkyBlueStore.com.



Women's Professional Soccer Stories from June 26, 2009


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