Women's Premier Soccer League
Encyclopedia
The Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) is a national women's soccer league in the United States
and Puerto Rico
, and is on the 2nd level of women's soccer in the United States soccer pyramid, alongside the W-League
and below Women's Professional Soccer
.
There are both "professional"/senior teams and amateur teams in the WPSL. An organization has to choose to be one or the other due to NCAA regulations, since collegiate players cannot play on "pro" teams.
Teams with affiliations to WPS include: Boston Aztecs (pro, affiliated with Boston Breakers), SoccerPlus CT (amateur, Boston), Ajax America (pro, Los Angeles Sol), California Storm
(amateur, F.C. Gold Pride) and in 2010, A.C. Diablos (amateur), Philadelphia Liberty (amateur) and CDSA Future (pro) will form the pyramid structure for the new Philadelphia Independence franchise.
The WPSL started as the Western Division of the W-League
, before breaking away to form its own league in 1997. The league is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association as an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation
(USSF).
The WPSL is unique in that it is one of the few women's leagues to spawn a men's league, rather than the other way around: the Men's Premier Soccer League, later the National Premier Soccer League
, was created as an offshoot of the WPSL in 2003. According to the official WPSL website, the WPSL is the largest (in terms of number of teams) women's soccer league in the world.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
, and is on the 2nd level of women's soccer in the United States soccer pyramid, alongside the W-League
W-League
The USL W-League is a national women's soccer league in the United States on the 2nd level of women's soccer in the United States soccer pyramid, alongside the Women's Premier Soccer League and below Women's Professional Soccer....
and below Women's Professional Soccer
Women's Professional Soccer
Women's Professional Soccer is the top level professional women's soccer league in the United States. It began play on March 29, 2009. The league was composed of seven teams for its first two seasons and fielded 6 teams for the 2011 season, with continued plans for future expansion...
.
There are both "professional"/senior teams and amateur teams in the WPSL. An organization has to choose to be one or the other due to NCAA regulations, since collegiate players cannot play on "pro" teams.
Teams with affiliations to WPS include: Boston Aztecs (pro, affiliated with Boston Breakers), SoccerPlus CT (amateur, Boston), Ajax America (pro, Los Angeles Sol), California Storm
California Storm
California Storm is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 1995 as the Sacramento Storm, dropping the city name in favor of California the following season. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States. The team plays in the...
(amateur, F.C. Gold Pride) and in 2010, A.C. Diablos (amateur), Philadelphia Liberty (amateur) and CDSA Future (pro) will form the pyramid structure for the new Philadelphia Independence franchise.
The WPSL started as the Western Division of the W-League
W-League
The USL W-League is a national women's soccer league in the United States on the 2nd level of women's soccer in the United States soccer pyramid, alongside the Women's Premier Soccer League and below Women's Professional Soccer....
, before breaking away to form its own league in 1997. The league is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association as an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation
United States Soccer Federation
The United States Soccer Federation is the official governing body of the sport of soccer in the United States. Its headquarters are located in Chicago, Illinois. It is a member of FIFA and is responsible for governing amateur and professional soccer, including the men's, women's, youth, futsal...
(USSF).
The WPSL is unique in that it is one of the few women's leagues to spawn a men's league, rather than the other way around: the Men's Premier Soccer League, later the National Premier Soccer League
National Premier Soccer League
The National Premier Soccer League is a United States soccer league recognized by the United States Soccer Federation and FIFA as a Division IV league...
, was created as an offshoot of the WPSL in 2003. According to the official WPSL website, the WPSL is the largest (in terms of number of teams) women's soccer league in the world.
North Division
- Bay Area Breeze
- California StormCalifornia StormCalifornia Storm is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 1995 as the Sacramento Storm, dropping the city name in favor of California the following season. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States. The team plays in the...
- Clovis Sidekicks
- North Bay FC Wave
- San Francisco NighthawksSan Francisco NighthawksSan Francisco Nighthawks is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 1995. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the North Division of the Pacific Conference.The team plays its home games at...
- West Coast Wildkatz
South Division
- Ajax America WomenAjax America WomenAjax America Women is an American women’s soccer team, founded in XXXX. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada...
- Claremont StarsClaremont StarsClaremont Stars is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2006. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada...
- Los Al Vikings
- Los Angeles Premier FC
- Orange County Waves
- San Diego WFC SeaLionsSan Diego WFC SeaLionsSan Diego WFC SeaLions is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 1988. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada...
North Division
- Arizona RushArizona RushArizona Rush is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2007. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the North Division of the Big Sky Conference....
- FC St. George
- Phoenix Del Sol
- Salt Lake City SpartaSalt Lake City SpartaSalt Lake City United Sparta is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2008. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada...
- Utah StarzzUtah Starzz (WPSL)Utah Starzz is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 1999. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the North Division of the Big Sky Conference...
South Division
- American Eagles Soccer Club
- Arkansas Comets
- FC Dallas
- Fort Worth Panthers
- Houston South Select
- Oklahoma AllianceOklahoma AllianceOklahoma Alliance is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2007. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada...
- Tulsa SpiritTulsa SpiritTulsa Spirit is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2007. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada...
Northwest Conference
- Oregon Rush
- Portland RainPortland RainPortland Rain is an American women’s soccer team based in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 2008, the team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada...
- Portland Rain U23
- Spokane ShineSpokane ShineSpokane Shine is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2010 in the city of Spokane. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States. The team plays in the Northwest Division of the league...
Sunshine Conference
- Brandon FC (BrandonBrandon, FloridaBrandon is a census-designated place in Hillsborough County, Florida, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the CDP had a total population of 103,483.-Founding:...
) - Florida Sol FC (JacksonvilleJacksonville, FloridaJacksonville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Florida in terms of both population and land area, and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. It is the county seat of Duval County, with which the city government consolidated in 1968...
) - FSA Freedom (SanfordSanford, FloridaSanford is a city in, and the county seat of, Seminole County, Florida, United States. The population was 38,291 at the 2000 census. As of 2009, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau was 50,998...
) - Gulf Coast Texans (PensacolaPensacola, FloridaPensacola is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle and the county seat of Escambia County, Florida, United States of America. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 56,255 and as of 2009, the estimated population was 53,752...
) - Palm Beach UnitedPalm Beach UnitedPalm Beach United is an American women's soccer team based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Founded in 2005, they are currently members of the Women's Premier Soccer League , at the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada....
(West Palm BeachWest Palm Beach, FloridaWest Palm Beach, is a city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida and is the most populous city in and county seat of Palm Beach County, the third most populous county in Florida with a 2010 population of 1,320,134. The city is also the oldest incorporated municipality in South Florida...
) - South Florida Strikers (MiamiMiami, FloridaMiami is a city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida and the county seat of Miami-Dade County, the most populous county in Florida and the eighth-most populous county in the United States with a population of 2,500,625...
) - Tampa Bay HellenicTampa Bay HellenicTampa Bay Hellenic are an American women's soccer team based in Tampa, Florida. They are currently scheduled to play in the Women's Premier Soccer League , at the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada, for the 2011 season....
(TampaTampa, FloridaTampa is a city in the U.S. state of Florida. It serves as the county seat for Hillsborough County. Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida. The population of Tampa in 2010 was 335,709....
)
North Division
- Chicago Eclipse Select
- Chicago Red StarsChicago Red StarsThe Chicago Red Stars are a American professional soccer club that is based in the Chicago suburb of Lisle, Illinois that participates in the Women's Premier Soccer League. From 2009-2010, the Red Stars played their home games at Toyota Park in the Womens Professional Soccer...
- FC Milwaukee Nationals
- Iowa Rush
- Madison 56ers
- Minnesota Kings FC
South Division
- Classics Hammer FC
- FC Indiana
- Fort Wayne FC
- Indiana United
- Ohio Premier Women's SCOhio Premier Women's SCOhio Premier Women's SC is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2007. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the Midwest Conference....
Northeast Division
- Albany Alleycats
- Boston AztecBoston Aztec (WPSL)Boston Aztec is a North American amateur soccer team based in Beverly, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 2005, the team plays in Women's Premier Soccer League , a national amateur league at the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
- Boston Aztec U23Boston Aztec (WPSL)Boston Aztec is a North American amateur soccer team based in Beverly, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 2005, the team plays in Women's Premier Soccer League , a national amateur league at the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
- CFC Passion
- New England MutinyNew England MutinyNew England Mutiny is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 1999. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada...
- Seacoast United
- SoccerPlus CT
Mid-Atlantic Division
- ASA Chesapeake Charge
- BuxMont Torch FC
- Chelsea Metro
- FC Bucks
- Long Island FuryLong Island FuryLong Island Fury is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2005. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the Mid-Atlantic Division of the East Conference.The team plays its home games at the...
- Millburn MagicMillburn MagicMillburn Magic is an American women’s soccer team founded in 2007. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the Central Division of the East Conference....
- New Jersey Blaze
- New York Athletic ClubNew York Athletic Club (WPSL)New York Athletic Club is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2005. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the North Division of the East Conference.The team plays its home games at the...
- New York Fury
- Penn Legacy Inferno
- Philadelphia Liberty
WPSL - League Champions (1998-current)
Season | Champion | Coach | Runner-Up |
---|---|---|---|
1998 | Silicon Valley Red Devils | ||
1999 | California Storm California Storm California Storm is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 1995 as the Sacramento Storm, dropping the city name in favor of California the following season. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States. The team plays in the... |
||
2000 | San Diego WFC SeaLions San Diego WFC SeaLions San Diego WFC SeaLions is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 1988. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada... |
||
2001 | Ajax America Women Ajax America Women Ajax America Women is an American women’s soccer team, founded in XXXX. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada... |
||
2002 | California Storm California Storm California Storm is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 1995 as the Sacramento Storm, dropping the city name in favor of California the following season. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States. The team plays in the... |
||
2003 | Utah Spiders | ||
2004 | California Storm California Storm California Storm is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 1995 as the Sacramento Storm, dropping the city name in favor of California the following season. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States. The team plays in the... |
||
2005 2005 WPSL Season The 2005 Women's Premier Soccer League season was the 9th season of the WPSL.FC Indiana finished the season as national champions, beating California Storm on penalty kicks after a 4-4 tie in the WPSL Championship game.-West Division:... |
F.C. Indiana | Shek Borkowski Shek Borkowski Shek Borkowski is a Polish born women's association football manager most recently at Russian club Zvezda-2005 Perm.Borkowski co-founded Indiana Invaders of the Premier Development League, FC Indiana, and Chicago Red Stars of the Women's Professional Soccer.He is most notable for his success with... |
California Storm California Storm California Storm is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 1995 as the Sacramento Storm, dropping the city name in favor of California the following season. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States. The team plays in the... |
2006 2006 WPSL Season The 2006 Women's Premier Soccer League season was the 10th season of the WPSL.Long Island Fury finished the season as national champions.- Name Changes:*Boston-North Aztecs changed their name to Boston Aztec Women... |
Long Island Fury Long Island Fury Long Island Fury is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2005. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the Mid-Atlantic Division of the East Conference.The team plays its home games at the... |
Paul Riley | |
2007 2007 WPSL Season The 2007 Women's Premier Soccer League season was the 11th season of the WPSL.FC Indiana finished the season as national champions, beating New England Mutiny in the WPSL Championship game in Tampa, Florida on 27 July 2007.- Name Changes:... |
F.C. Indiana | Shek Borkowski Shek Borkowski Shek Borkowski is a Polish born women's association football manager most recently at Russian club Zvezda-2005 Perm.Borkowski co-founded Indiana Invaders of the Premier Development League, FC Indiana, and Chicago Red Stars of the Women's Professional Soccer.He is most notable for his success with... |
New England Mutiny New England Mutiny New England Mutiny is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 1999. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada... |
2008 2008 WPSL Season The 2008 Women's Premier Soccer League season was the 12th season of the WPSL.Ajax America Women finished the season as national champions, beating Arizona Rush in the WPSL Championship game in Sacramento, California on 3 August 2008.-New Franchises:... |
Ajax America Women Ajax America Women Ajax America Women is an American women’s soccer team, founded in XXXX. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada... |
Brian Boswell | Arizona Rush Arizona Rush Arizona Rush is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2007. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the North Division of the Big Sky Conference.... |
2009 2009 WPSL season - Name Changes :Two teams changed their name in the offseason.- New Franchises :Ten franchises joined the league this year:- Folding :Seven teams left the league prior to the beginning of the season:*Albuquerque Lady Asylum*Brevard County Cocoa Expos... |
Long Island Fury Long Island Fury Long Island Fury is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2005. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the Mid-Atlantic Division of the East Conference.The team plays its home games at the... |
Paul Riley | Ajax America Women Ajax America Women Ajax America Women is an American women’s soccer team, founded in XXXX. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada... |
2010 2010 WPSL Season -North Division:-South Division:-North Division:-South Division:-Sunshine Conference:-North Division:-South Division:-Central Division:-Mid-Atlantic Division:-Northeast Division:-WPSL Championship:-External links:*... |
Boston Aztec Boston Aztec (WPSL) Boston Aztec is a North American amateur soccer team based in Beverly, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 2005, the team plays in Women's Premier Soccer League , a national amateur league at the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid.... |
Mike Kersker | Ajax America Women Ajax America Women Ajax America Women is an American women’s soccer team, founded in XXXX. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada... |
2011 2011 WPSL Season -Standings:Blue indicates division titleYellow indicates qualified for playoffs-North Division:-South Division:-Big Sky Conference:The Big Sky regional playoffs were cancelled due to a high number of players returning to college.-North Division:... |
Orange County Waves Orange County Waves Orange County Waves may refer to two football teams:* Orange County Blue Star , a team currently playing in the USL PDL that was known as "Orange County Waves" and "Orange County Zodiac" when they played in the USL A-League... |
Chicago Red Stars Chicago Red Stars The Chicago Red Stars are a American professional soccer club that is based in the Chicago suburb of Lisle, Illinois that participates in the Women's Premier Soccer League. From 2009-2010, the Red Stars played their home games at Toyota Park in the Womens Professional Soccer... |
Former Teams
- Albuquerque Crush (2002)
- Albuquerque Lady AsylumAlbuquerque Lady AsylumAlbuquerque Lady Asylum was an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2006. The team was a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the North Division of the Big Sky Conference...
(2007–2008) - Arizona SahuarosArizona SahuarosArizona Sahuaros is an American soccer team based in Phoenix, Arizona, United States. Founded in 1989, the team is member of the National Premier Soccer League , a national amateur league at the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid...
(2003) - Auto Trader Select SC (1998–1999)
- Brevard County Cocoa ExposBrevard County Cocoa ExposBrevard County Cocoa Expos is an American women’s soccer team, founded in XXXX. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the Sunshine Conference....
(2008) - Central California Gold (2004)
- Colorado Springs UnitedColorado Springs UnitedColorado Springs United is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2005. The team is a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the North Division of the Big Sky Conference.The team plays its home games at...
(2007–2008, Colorado Springs Sabers 2006) - Elk Grove Pride (2002–2005)
- Everton FC America (2005)
- Fort Lauderdale Fusion (2006)
- FC Indiana (2005–2007)
- F.C. Metro Magic (2009–2010, FC St. Louis 2006-2008)
- FC Sacramento Thunder (1998–1999)
- FC Virginia (2006)
- Foothill FC (2000)
- Houston StarsHouston StarsThe Houston Stars were a soccer team based out of Houston, Texas that played in the United Soccer Association. The league was made up of teams imported from foreign leagues. The Houston club was actually Bangu Atlético Clube from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil...
(2003–2005) - Houston Tornadoes (2003)
- Las Vegas Shooters (1998–1999, 2001)
- Las Vegas TabagatorsLas Vegas TabagatorsLas Vegas Tabagators was an American women's soccer team, founded in 2005. The team was a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada, until 2006, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.The team played its...
(2004–2006) - Maryland PrideMaryland PrideThe Maryland Pride is a WPSL club based in Howard County, Maryland. The team changed ownership in mid-season 2007 when the Thunder Soccer Club in Columbia, Maryland took over the team....
(2004–2007, 2009-2010) - Massachusetts StingersMassachusetts StingersMassachusetts Stingers was an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2004. The team was a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the North Division of the Eastern Conference. The team folded after the 2007...
(2004–2007) - Memphis MercuryMemphis MercuryMemphis Mercury was an American women's soccer team, founded in 2005. The team was a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada, until 2006, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.The team played its home...
(2006) - Michigan PhoenixMichigan PhoenixMichigan Phoenix was an American women's soccer team, founded in 2005. The team was a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada, until 2006, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.-Year-by-year:Michigan...
(2006) - New York Vendaval (2003)
- Norcal Shockwaves (1998–1999)
- Northampton LaurelsNorthampton LaurelsThe Northampton Laurels FC was an American professional soccer team based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 2005, the team played in Women's Premier Soccer League . The team folded after the 2008 season....
(2006–2008) - Northern California Blues (2003–2004)
- Orlando FalconsOrlando FalconsOrlando Falcons were an American women's soccer team based in Kissimmee, Florida, in the Greater Orlando area. The team was founded in 2005. The Falcons were a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team played in the...
(2006–2007) - PAO ST. Louis (2011) no games played
- Real Del Mar (1998)
- Real Shore FCReal Shore FCReal Shore FC was an American soccer team, founded in 2006. The team was a member of the National Premier Soccer League , and played in the Eastern Conference. The team folded after the 2007 season....
(2007) - Reno Zephyrs (1999)
- Rhode Island RaysRhode Island Lady StingraysThe Rhode Island Lady Stingrays were a W-League club based in Providence, Rhode Island, USA, associated with the Men's USL team, the Rhode Island Stingrays. The team folded after the 2004 season.-Year-by-year:...
(2003–2006) - River Cities FC (2006–2007)
- Rochester Reign (2004)
- St. Louis Archers (2005)
- St. Louis Scott Gallagher Elite (2009–2010)
- San Francisco Skyhawks (1998–1999)
- San Joaquin Valley Quest (2003)
- Silicon Valley Red Devils (1998–2000)
- Sonoma County SolSonoma County Sol (WPSL)Sonoma County Sol was an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2005. The team was a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team played in the North Division of the Pacific Conference...
(2006–2008) - Sonoran Thunder (2002–2003)
- Steel City SparksSteel City SparksThe Steel City Sparks was an American women's soccer team, founded in 2003. The team was a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada, until 2005, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.The team played its...
(2004–05) - Tampa Bay EliteTampa Bay EliteTampa Bay Elite was an American women's soccer team, founded in 2005. The team was a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada, until 2007, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.-Year-by-year:-Honors:* WPSL...
(2006–2007) - Tennessee Lady BluesTennessee Lady BluesTennessee Lady Blues was an American women's soccer team, founded in 2005. The team was a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the third tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada, until 2006, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.The team played its...
(2006) - Vancouver Angels (2000)