FC Gold Pride
Encyclopedia
FC Gold Pride was an American
professional soccer club based in Santa Clara
, California
which participated in Women's Professional Soccer
. The club replaced the San Jose CyberRays
of the defunct Women's United Soccer Association
as the top-level women's soccer team in the San Francisco Bay Area
. FC Gold Pride moved to its final home of Pioneer Stadium
on the campus of CSU East Bay
in June 2010 after opening their 2010 home schedule at the Castro Valley High School
Athletic Stadium. The club ceased operations in November 2010 after struggling financially and being unable to find new investors.
and Nancy NeSmith, the former being the CEO of Sunnyvale
-based internet technology company Blue Coat Systems
. Former San Jose Clash
midfielder and local youth coach Albertin Montoya
was named the team's first head coach, while former CyberRays and Brazilian National Team
player Sissi
was announced as the first assistant coach for FC Gold Pride on 29 September 2008.
On 13 November 2008, the team's home venue was revealed to be Buck Shaw Stadium
in Santa Clara
, which it shares with San Jose Earthquakes
of Major League Soccer
as well as the Santa Clara University
soccer teams. The team revealed its official name and logo (FC Gold Pride) to the public for the first time on 19 November 2008.
On 16 September 2008, the initial WPS player allocation was conducted, which consisted of U.S. Women's National Team players. Nicole Barnhart
, Leslie Osborne
and Rachel Buehler
were allocated to FC Gold Pride. On 24 September 2008, a further four players were allocated to the Bay Area via the 2008 WPS International Draft
. The allocated players were strikers Christine Sinclair
(Canada
) and Eriko Arakawa
(Japan
), along with two Brazilians
, midfielder Formiga
and defender Érika
. The Pride signed a one-year deal with Formiga in February 2009, as well as Arakawa, post-draft discovery pick Adriane
(Brazil
), Érika, and Sinclair.
At the 2009 WPS Draft
, FC Gold Pride drafted three former college stars: UCLA
midfielder Christina DiMartino
, Notre Dame
defender Carrie Dew
, and Penn State forward Tiffany Weimer
. Also amongst the 2009 draftees was former United States national team
star Brandi Chastain
.
was injured during a home game against the Los Angeles Sol. After that, FC Gold Pride's second loss at the hands of the Washington Freedom
marked the beginning of the club's slide to the bottom of the WPS rankings, where it would remain for the rest of the season. The club's transactions in the wake of Wilson's injury included signing Los Angeles Sol draftee Greer Barnes
, elevating developmental player Marisa Abegg
to the full roster, and returning Sissi
to the field as a player.
In the end, FC Gold Pride failed to make the 2009 Women's Professional Soccer Playoffs
, after a must-win game against the Saint Louis Athletica ended in a 1-1 draw. The club finally snapped its ten-game winless streak with a final 3-2 win against the Washington Freedom
on August 1, 2009. However, a last loss to Sky Blue FC
and a tie with Saint Louis Athletica did not allow FC Gold Pride to avoid finishing last in the WPS standings.
was defender Leigh Ann Robinson
, chosen by the Atlanta Beat. Over the course of the offseason, the club traded Allison Whitworth
to the Atlanta Beat, and released several players, including team captain Leslie Osborne
, leading assist-getter Tiffany Weimer
, Eriko Arakawa
, Formiga
, and Brandi Chastain
. Osborne and Weimer would later join the Boston Breakers, and Formiga was taken by the Chicago Red Stars
. The club signed Niki Cross
(later to rejoin her first WPS club, Saint Louis Athletica), and Candace Chapman
. After scouting the 2009 UEFA Women's Championship
, the club signed Norwegian international Solveig Gulbrandsen
.
In what was considered a major coup, FC Gold Pride signed Los Angeles Sol player Camille Abily
, trading midfielder Christina DiMartino
, FC Gold Pride's top 2009 WPS Draft
pick, to Los Angeles. The club also had a successful 2010 WPS Draft
, drafting 2009 Hermann Trophy
winner Kelley O'Hara
, New Zealand international Ali Riley, and 2008 U-20 World Cup
champions Becky Edwards
and Kaley Fountain
, among others.
The Los Angeles Sol ceased operations not long afterwards; in the ensuing 2010 WPS Dispersal Draft
, FC Gold Pride acquired Marta, Kiki Bosio
, and Lindsay Browne. Another Los Angeles Sol player, Brittany Cameron, was also signed separately as a free agent.
. Despite the departure of Solveig Gulbrandsen
and trading Kaley Fountain
to the Atlanta Beat, the Pride dominated the league's regular season and on September 26, 2010, won their first WPS Championship by defeating the Philadelphia Independence, 4-0. Three members of the team garnered end of season honors: Marta was named Player of the Year and won the Golden Boot, both for the second consecutive season; Nicole Barnhart
was named Goalkeeper of the Year; and Ali Riley
was named Rookie of the Year. After the close of the 2010 season it was revealed on November 16, 2010 that FC Gold Pride had folded and would not be returning for the 2011 season.
(2009) Rachel Buehler
(2009– ) Camille Abily
(2010– )
Adriane
Érika
Formiga
Solveig Gulbrandsen
Leslie Osborne
Sissi
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional soccer club based in Santa Clara
Santa Clara, California
Santa Clara , founded in 1777 and incorporated in 1852, is a city in Santa Clara County, in the U.S. state of California. The city is the site of the eighth of 21 California missions, Mission Santa Clara de Asís, and was named after the mission. The Mission and Mission Gardens are located on the...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
which participated in 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...
. The club replaced the San Jose CyberRays
San Jose CyberRays
San Jose CyberRays was a professional soccer team that played in the Women's United Soccer Association. The team played at Spartan Stadium on the South Campus of San José State University in San Jose, California. Stars included U.S. National Team star Brandi Chastain, WUSA Goalkeeper of the Year...
of the defunct Women's United Soccer Association
Women's United Soccer Association
The Women's United Soccer Association, often abbreviated to the WUSA, was the world's first women's soccer league in which all the players were paid as professionals. Founded in February 2000, the league began its first season in April 2001 with eight teams in the United States...
as the top-level women's soccer team in the San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area, commonly known as the Bay Area, is a populated region that surrounds the San Francisco and San Pablo estuaries in Northern California. The region encompasses metropolitan areas of San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, along with smaller urban and rural areas...
. FC Gold Pride moved to its final home of Pioneer Stadium
Pioneer Stadium
Pioneer Stadium is a stadium in Hayward, California. It currently hosts the California State University, East Bay Pioneers soccer and track & field teams. The stadium briefly hosted FC Gold Pride of the Women's Professional Soccer league, until the team was disbanded in November 2010..-External...
on the campus of CSU East Bay
California State University, East Bay
California State University, East Bay is a public university located in the eastern region of the San Francisco Bay Area. The university, as part of the 23-campus California State University system, offers over 100 areas of study...
in June 2010 after opening their 2010 home schedule at the Castro Valley High School
Castro Valley High School
Castro Valley High School is a comprehensive public high school for grades 9 to 12 and is located in the unincorporated suburban community of Castro Valley, California, U.S. Named a National Exemplary School in 1984-85 and 1988–89, it was a California Distinguished School in 1987-88 and 2000-01...
Athletic Stadium. The club ceased operations in November 2010 after struggling financially and being unable to find new investors.
Founding
FC Gold Pride was founded on 3 September 2008 as the seventh and final team to join the new top tier Women's Professional Soccer league. The team is owned by a group led by BrianBrian NeSmith
Brian NeSmith is an American technology entrepreneur and the majority owner and founder of the FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer. He founded the club in the spring of 2009 and continues to be a co-owner with his wife Nancy, who holds the title of President. He is the former president and...
and Nancy NeSmith, the former being the CEO of Sunnyvale
Sunnyvale, California
Sunnyvale is a city in Santa Clara County, California, United States. It is one of the major cities that make up the Silicon Valley located in the San Francisco Bay Area...
-based internet technology company Blue Coat Systems
Blue Coat Systems
Blue Coat Systems Inc. is a network security and network management company based in Sunnyvale, California, United States.It identifies itself as an application delivery network specialist...
. Former San Jose Clash
San Jose Earthquakes
The San Jose Earthquakes professional soccer team is located in the San Jose, California, United States suburb of Santa Clara, and participates in Major League Soccer , the top level soccer league in the United States and Canada....
midfielder and local youth coach Albertin Montoya
Albertin Montoya
Albertin Montoya is a retired American soccer midfielder who last played for the San Jose Clash. He is currently the head coach of United States women's national under-17 soccer team....
was named the team's first head coach, while former CyberRays and Brazilian National Team
Brazil women's national football team
The Brazil women's national football team represents Brazil in international women's association football. Brazil played their first game on July 22, 1986 against the United States....
player Sissi
Sissi (footballer)
Sisleide do Amor Lima , commonly known as Sissi, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer and is a former member of the Brazil women's national football team.Sissi won the golden boot award in the 1999 Women's World Cup in...
was announced as the first assistant coach for FC Gold Pride on 29 September 2008.
On 13 November 2008, the team's home venue was revealed to be Buck Shaw Stadium
Buck Shaw Stadium
Buck Shaw Stadium is a 10,300-seat soccer stadium at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, California. The stadium is the current home of the Santa Clara Broncos soccer teams and was the former home of the now defunct Santa Clara football team as well as the Santa Clara baseball team. The baseball...
in Santa Clara
Santa Clara, California
Santa Clara , founded in 1777 and incorporated in 1852, is a city in Santa Clara County, in the U.S. state of California. The city is the site of the eighth of 21 California missions, Mission Santa Clara de Asís, and was named after the mission. The Mission and Mission Gardens are located on the...
, which it shares with San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose Earthquakes
The San Jose Earthquakes professional soccer team is located in the San Jose, California, United States suburb of Santa Clara, and participates in Major League Soccer , the top level soccer league in the United States and Canada....
of Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
as well as the Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University is a private, not-for-profit, Jesuit-affiliated university located in Santa Clara, California, United States. Chartered by the state of California and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, it operates in collaboration with the Society of Jesus , whose...
soccer teams. The team revealed its official name and logo (FC Gold Pride) to the public for the first time on 19 November 2008.
On 16 September 2008, the initial WPS player allocation was conducted, which consisted of U.S. Women's National Team players. Nicole Barnhart
Nicole Barnhart
Nicole Renee Barnhart is an American soccer goalkeeper who currently plays for the Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team....
, Leslie Osborne
Leslie Osborne
Leslie Marie Osborne is an American soccer defensive midfielder who currently plays for the Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team.-Career:...
and Rachel Buehler
Rachel Buehler
Rachel Marie Buehler is an American soccer defender currently playing for the United States women's national soccer team.-College career:...
were allocated to FC Gold Pride. On 24 September 2008, a further four players were allocated to the Bay Area via the 2008 WPS International Draft
2008 WPS International Draft
The 2008 WPS International Draft took place on September 24, 2008. It was the first international draft held by Women's Professional Soccer to assign the WPS rights of international players to the American-based teams...
. The allocated players were strikers Christine Sinclair
Christine Sinclair
Christine Margaret Sinclair is a Canadian soccer forward who plays professional soccer for the Western New York Flash and is the captain of the Canadian national team. Sinclair has spent ten years with the Canadian national team participating in two World Cups in 2007 and 2003 and the 2008 Summer...
(Canada
Canada women's national soccer team
The Canada women's national soccer team is overseen by the Canadian Soccer Association. The team reached its all-time high of 6th in the March 2011 rankings. The team reached international prominence finishing in 4th place at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2003, losing to their archrival American team...
) and Eriko Arakawa
Eriko Arakawa
is a Japanese soccer forward currently playing for Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies of L. League. She is also member of the Japanese national team.-Career:Arakawa previously played for L. League side NTV Beleza...
(Japan
Japan women's national football team
The Japan women's national football team, or Nadeshiko Japan , is a selection of the best female players in Japan and is run by the Japan Football Association . Japan defeated the U.S...
), along with two Brazilians
Brazil women's national football team
The Brazil women's national football team represents Brazil in international women's association football. Brazil played their first game on July 22, 1986 against the United States....
, midfielder Formiga
Miraildes Maciel Mota
Miraildes Maciel Mota , commonly known as Formiga , is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the Brazil women's national football team.-Career:Formiga was acquired by FC Gold Pride in the 2008 WPS...
and defender Érika
Érika Cristiano dos Santos
Érika Cristiano dos Santos , commonly known as Érika, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a defender for Santos and the Brazilian Women's National Team....
. The Pride signed a one-year deal with Formiga in February 2009, as well as Arakawa, post-draft discovery pick Adriane
Adriane dos Santos
Adriane dos Santos , commonly known as Adriane, is a Brazilian football midfielder who last played for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer.-Club career:-External links:*...
(Brazil
Brazil women's national football team
The Brazil women's national football team represents Brazil in international women's association football. Brazil played their first game on July 22, 1986 against the United States....
), Érika, and Sinclair.
At the 2009 WPS Draft
2009 WPS Draft
The 2009 WPS College Draft took place on January 16, 2009. It was the first college draft held by Women's Professional Soccer to assign the WPS rights of college players to the American-based teams.-Round 1:-Round 2:-Round 3:-Round 4:-Round 5:...
, FC Gold Pride drafted three former college stars: UCLA
UCLA Bruins
The UCLA Bruins are the sports teams for University of California, Los Angeles . The Bruin men's and women's teams participate in NCAA Division I as part of the Pacific-12 Conference and the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation . For football, they are in the Football Bowl Subdivision of Division I...
midfielder Christina DiMartino
Christina DiMartino
Christina DiMartino , is an American soccer midfielder currently playing for Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team...
, Notre Dame
Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's soccer
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's soccer team represent the University of Notre Dame in the Big East Conference of NCAA Division I soccer. The team has won 3 of the 29 NCAA national championships...
defender Carrie Dew
Carrie Dew
Caroline Frances Dew is an American soccer defender currently signed by Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer.-Personal:...
, and Penn State forward Tiffany Weimer
Tiffany Weimer
Tiffany Marie Weimer is an American soccer forward who currently plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.-Youth and high school careers:...
. Also amongst the 2009 draftees was former United States national team
United States women's national soccer team
The United States women's national soccer team represents the United States in international soccer competition and is controlled by U.S. Soccer. The U.S. team won the first ever Women's World Cup in 1991, and has since been a superpower in women's soccer. It is currently ranked first in the world...
star Brandi Chastain
Brandi Chastain
Brandi Denise Chastain is a professional American soccer defender and midfielder who plays for the team California Storm of Women's Premier Soccer League and is a former member of the United States women's national soccer team....
.
2009 WPS season
FC Gold Pride won their inaugural WPS game against the Boston Breakers on April 5, 2009. The club remained in strong contention until defender Kandace WilsonKandace Wilson
Kandace LaShawn Wilson is an American soccer defender currently playing for Western New York Flash of Women's Professional Soccer....
was injured during a home game against the Los Angeles Sol. After that, FC Gold Pride's second loss at the hands of the Washington Freedom
Washington Freedom
The Washington Freedom was an American professional soccer club based in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Germantown, Maryland that participated in Women's Professional Soccer. The Freedom was originally founded in 2001 as a member of the defunct Women's United Soccer Association. Since 2004, the...
marked the beginning of the club's slide to the bottom of the WPS rankings, where it would remain for the rest of the season. The club's transactions in the wake of Wilson's injury included signing Los Angeles Sol draftee Greer Barnes
Greer Barnes
Greer Barnes is an American soccer defender who last played for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer.-Club career:-External links:* *...
, elevating developmental player Marisa Abegg
Marisa Abegg
Marisa Abegg is an American soccer defender for D.C. United Women of the W-League.-College career:Abegg played for the Stanford University women's soccer team from 2005 to 2008, starting in all ninety-one matches that Stanford played during her college career and scoring three goals.-Professional...
to the full roster, and returning Sissi
Sissi (footballer)
Sisleide do Amor Lima , commonly known as Sissi, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer and is a former member of the Brazil women's national football team.Sissi won the golden boot award in the 1999 Women's World Cup in...
to the field as a player.
In the end, FC Gold Pride failed to make the 2009 Women's Professional Soccer Playoffs
2009 Women's Professional Soccer Playoffs
The 2009 WPS Playoffs were the postseason to Women's Professional Soccer's 2009 Season, that started on August 15 and culminated on August 22 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.-Format:...
, after a must-win game against the Saint Louis Athletica ended in a 1-1 draw. The club finally snapped its ten-game winless streak with a final 3-2 win against the Washington Freedom
Washington Freedom
The Washington Freedom was an American professional soccer club based in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Germantown, Maryland that participated in Women's Professional Soccer. The Freedom was originally founded in 2001 as a member of the defunct Women's United Soccer Association. Since 2004, the...
on August 1, 2009. However, a last loss to Sky Blue FC
Sky Blue FC
Sky Blue FC is an American professional soccer club based in Piscataway Township, New Jersey which participates in Women's Professional Soccer....
and a tie with Saint Louis Athletica did not allow FC Gold Pride to avoid finishing last in the WPS standings.
2009-2010 Off-season moves
The only player FC Gold Pride lost to the 2009 WPS Expansion Draft2009 WPS Expansion Draft
The 2009 WPS Expansion Draft was a special draft for the Women's Professional Soccer teams Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence taking place on September 15, 2009. Each expansion team made 9 selections from the existing seven WPS teams.-Format:...
was defender Leigh Ann Robinson
Leigh Ann Robinson
Leigh Ann Robinson is an American soccer defender who currently plays for the Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer....
, chosen by the Atlanta Beat. Over the course of the offseason, the club traded Allison Whitworth
Allison Whitworth
Allison Leigh Whitworth is an American football goalkeeper who currently plays for Atlanta Beat of Women's Professional Soccer.-Professional career:...
to the Atlanta Beat, and released several players, including team captain Leslie Osborne
Leslie Osborne
Leslie Marie Osborne is an American soccer defensive midfielder who currently plays for the Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team.-Career:...
, leading assist-getter Tiffany Weimer
Tiffany Weimer
Tiffany Marie Weimer is an American soccer forward who currently plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.-Youth and high school careers:...
, Eriko Arakawa
Eriko Arakawa
is a Japanese soccer forward currently playing for Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies of L. League. She is also member of the Japanese national team.-Career:Arakawa previously played for L. League side NTV Beleza...
, Formiga
Miraildes Maciel Mota
Miraildes Maciel Mota , commonly known as Formiga , is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the Brazil women's national football team.-Career:Formiga was acquired by FC Gold Pride in the 2008 WPS...
, and Brandi Chastain
Brandi Chastain
Brandi Denise Chastain is a professional American soccer defender and midfielder who plays for the team California Storm of Women's Premier Soccer League and is a former member of the United States women's national soccer team....
. Osborne and Weimer would later join the Boston Breakers, and Formiga was taken by the 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...
. The club signed Niki Cross
Niki Cross
Niki Cross is a defender American soccer defender who plays for the Boston Breakers and the Boston Aztec Breakers Reserve . She scored her first career WPS goal for the now defunct Saint Louis Athletica of Women's Professional Soccer.-External links:* * *...
(later to rejoin her first WPS club, Saint Louis Athletica), and Candace Chapman
Candace Chapman
Candace Marie Chapman is a Trinidad and Tobago-born, Canadian soccer defender who is currently playing for the Sky Blue FC in the WPS and is a member of the Canadian national team....
. After scouting the 2009 UEFA Women's Championship
2009 UEFA Women's Championship
The 2009 UEFA Women's Championship, or just Women's Euro 2009, was played in Finland between August 23 and September 10, 2009. The host was appointed on July 11, 2006, in a UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Berlin and the Finnish proposal won over the Dutch proposal.The UEFA Women's Championship...
, the club signed Norwegian international Solveig Gulbrandsen
Solveig Gulbrandsen
Solveig Gulbrandsen is a Norwegian footballer from the Oppegård area to the South-East of Oslo. She is a midfielder on her club side Stabæk Fotball....
.
In what was considered a major coup, FC Gold Pride signed Los Angeles Sol player Camille Abily
Camille Abily
Camille Anne Françoise Abily is a French football player who currently plays for French club Lyon of the Division 1 Féminine. She plays primarily as an attacking midfielder...
, trading midfielder Christina DiMartino
Christina DiMartino
Christina DiMartino , is an American soccer midfielder currently playing for Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team...
, FC Gold Pride's top 2009 WPS Draft
2009 WPS Draft
The 2009 WPS College Draft took place on January 16, 2009. It was the first college draft held by Women's Professional Soccer to assign the WPS rights of college players to the American-based teams.-Round 1:-Round 2:-Round 3:-Round 4:-Round 5:...
pick, to Los Angeles. The club also had a successful 2010 WPS Draft
2010 WPS Draft
The 2010 WPS College Draft took place on January 15, 2010. It was the second college draft held by Women's Professional Soccer to assign the WPS rights of college players to the American-based teams.-Format:...
, drafting 2009 Hermann Trophy
Hermann Trophy
The Hermann Trophy is awarded annually by the Missouri Athletic Club to the United States's top male and female college soccer players.-History:...
winner Kelley O'Hara
Kelley O'Hara
Kelley Maureen O'Hara is an American soccer player from Fayetteville, Georgia. She was a forward for the Stanford women's soccer team and is a member of the United States U-23 women's national soccer team. She is the recipient of the 2009 Hermann Trophy...
, New Zealand international Ali Riley, and 2008 U-20 World Cup
2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup
The 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup was held in Chile between November 19 and December 7, 2008. Sixteen teams, comprising representatives from all six confederations, took part in the final competition, in which Chile had a guaranteed place as the host nation....
champions Becky Edwards
Becky Edwards
Rebecca Ladia "Becky" Edwards is an American soccer player from Downingtown, Pennsylvania. She is a midfielder for the United States U-23 women's national soccer team.-Collegiate career:...
and Kaley Fountain
Kaley Fountain
Kaley Fountain is an American soccer player and member of the United States U-23 women's national soccer team player pool. She was a forward for the Wake Forest University women's soccer team, and is currently a defender for the United States U-23 women's national soccer team and Western New York...
, among others.
The Los Angeles Sol ceased operations not long afterwards; in the ensuing 2010 WPS Dispersal Draft
2010 WPS Dispersal Draft
When the Los Angeles Sol folded on January 28, 2010 after a potential sale of the team fell through at the last minute, WPS, which had been running the team after AEG backed out, announced that the nineteen players under contract to the Sol would be dispersed to the remaining WPS teams in a...
, FC Gold Pride acquired Marta, Kiki Bosio
Kiki Bosio
Kiara "Kiki" Bosio is an American soccer player from Mission Viejo, California. She is a forward for the Women's Professional Soccer club FC Gold Pride and the United States U-23 women's national soccer team.-External links:**...
, and Lindsay Browne. Another Los Angeles Sol player, Brittany Cameron, was also signed separately as a free agent.
2010 Season
FC Gold Pride started fast and kept its momentum running throughout the 2010 season2010 Women's Professional Soccer season
The 2010 Women's Professional Soccer season was the second season for the WPS, the top level professional women's soccer league in the United States...
. Despite the departure of Solveig Gulbrandsen
Solveig Gulbrandsen
Solveig Gulbrandsen is a Norwegian footballer from the Oppegård area to the South-East of Oslo. She is a midfielder on her club side Stabæk Fotball....
and trading Kaley Fountain
Kaley Fountain
Kaley Fountain is an American soccer player and member of the United States U-23 women's national soccer team player pool. She was a forward for the Wake Forest University women's soccer team, and is currently a defender for the United States U-23 women's national soccer team and Western New York...
to the Atlanta Beat, the Pride dominated the league's regular season and on September 26, 2010, won their first WPS Championship by defeating the Philadelphia Independence, 4-0. Three members of the team garnered end of season honors: Marta was named Player of the Year and won the Golden Boot, both for the second consecutive season; Nicole Barnhart
Nicole Barnhart
Nicole Renee Barnhart is an American soccer goalkeeper who currently plays for the Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team....
was named Goalkeeper of the Year; and Ali Riley
Alexandra Riley
Alexandra "Ali" Lowe Riley is an American-born New Zealand association football player who is currently a member of the Western New York Flash in the Women's Professional Soccer league. Riley is a member of the New Zealand women's national football team...
was named Rookie of the Year. After the close of the 2010 season it was revealed on November 16, 2010 that FC Gold Pride had folded and would not be returning for the 2011 season.
Final squad
- As of 12 August 2010.
Team captains
Leslie OsborneLeslie Osborne
Leslie Marie Osborne is an American soccer defensive midfielder who currently plays for the Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team.-Career:...
(2009) Rachel Buehler
Rachel Buehler
Rachel Marie Buehler is an American soccer defender currently playing for the United States women's national soccer team.-College career:...
(2009– ) Camille Abily
Camille Abily
Camille Anne Françoise Abily is a French football player who currently plays for French club Lyon of the Division 1 Féminine. She plays primarily as an attacking midfielder...
(2010– )
Former notable players
See also All-time FC Gold Pride rosterAll-time FC Gold Pride roster
This list comprises all players who have been placed on a regular-season roster for FC Gold Pride since the team's first Women's Professional Soccer season in 2009. This list does not include pre-season training rosters, short term players, or discovery players who do not appear for the club.-Key...
Adriane
Adriane dos Santos
Adriane dos Santos , commonly known as Adriane, is a Brazilian football midfielder who last played for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer.-Club career:-External links:*...
Érika
Érika Cristiano dos Santos
Érika Cristiano dos Santos , commonly known as Érika, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a defender for Santos and the Brazilian Women's National Team....
Formiga
Miraildes Maciel Mota
Miraildes Maciel Mota , commonly known as Formiga , is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the Brazil women's national football team.-Career:Formiga was acquired by FC Gold Pride in the 2008 WPS...
Solveig Gulbrandsen
Solveig Gulbrandsen
Solveig Gulbrandsen is a Norwegian footballer from the Oppegård area to the South-East of Oslo. She is a midfielder on her club side Stabæk Fotball....
Leslie Osborne
Leslie Osborne
Leslie Marie Osborne is an American soccer defensive midfielder who currently plays for the Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team.-Career:...
Sissi
Sissi (footballer)
Sisleide do Amor Lima , commonly known as Sissi, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer and is a former member of the Brazil women's national football team.Sissi won the golden boot award in the 1999 Women's World Cup in...
Final coaching staff
- As of January 2010.
Position Name Nationality Head coach Albertin Montoya Albertin MontoyaAlbertin Montoya is a retired American soccer midfielder who last played for the San Jose Clash. He is currently the head coach of United States women's national under-17 soccer team....Assistant coach Vilmar Marques Assistant coach Sissi Sissi (footballer)Sisleide do Amor Lima , commonly known as Sissi, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer and is a former member of the Brazil women's national football team.Sissi won the golden boot award in the 1999 Women's World Cup in...Goalkeeper coach Jay Cooney
Head coaches
- Information correct as of 11 August 2009. Only competitive matches (regular season and playoffs) are counted. Wins, draws, and losses are results at the final whistle; the results of penalty shootouts are not counted.
Name Nationality From |Honours Albertin Montoya Albertin MontoyaAlbertin Montoya is a retired American soccer midfielder who last played for the San Jose Clash. He is currently the head coach of United States women's national under-17 soccer team....03 September 2008 Present 44 20 13 11 63 47 WPS reg. season & playoff champions
Year-by-year
| Year | League | Reg. Season | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | WPS | 7th | Did not qualify |
| 2010 | WPS | 1st | Champions |
Team records
- Games:
Kristen GraczykKristen GraczykKristen Marie Graczyk is an American soccer forward and defender currently playing for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer...
, 20 - Goals:
Christine SinclairChristine SinclairChristine Margaret Sinclair is a Canadian soccer forward who plays professional soccer for the Western New York Flash and is the captain of the Canadian national team. Sinclair has spent ten years with the Canadian national team participating in two World Cups in 2007 and 2003 and the 2008 Summer...
, 6 - Assists: Tiffany WeimerTiffany WeimerTiffany Marie Weimer is an American soccer forward who currently plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.-Youth and high school careers:...
, 3 - Shutouts: Nicole BarnhartNicole BarnhartNicole Renee Barnhart is an American soccer goalkeeper who currently plays for the Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team....
, 2
WPS awards
- Michelle Akers Player of the Year Award
- Marta, 20102010 Women's Professional Soccer seasonThe 2010 Women's Professional Soccer season was the second season for the WPS, the top level professional women's soccer league in the United States...
- Marta, 2010
- Goalkeeper of the Year
- Nicole BarnhartNicole BarnhartNicole Renee Barnhart is an American soccer goalkeeper who currently plays for the Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team....
, 20102010 Women's Professional Soccer seasonThe 2010 Women's Professional Soccer season was the second season for the WPS, the top level professional women's soccer league in the United States...
- Nicole Barnhart
- Rookie of the Year
- Ali RileyAlexandra RileyAlexandra "Ali" Lowe Riley is an American-born New Zealand association football player who is currently a member of the Western New York Flash in the Women's Professional Soccer league. Riley is a member of the New Zealand women's national football team...
, 20102010 Women's Professional Soccer seasonThe 2010 Women's Professional Soccer season was the second season for the WPS, the top level professional women's soccer league in the United States...
- Ali Riley
- WPS Golden Boot
- Marta, 20102010 Women's Professional Soccer seasonThe 2010 Women's Professional Soccer season was the second season for the WPS, the top level professional women's soccer league in the United States...
- Marta, 2010
- Winners (1): 20102010 Women's Professional Soccer seasonThe 2010 Women's Professional Soccer season was the second season for the WPS, the top level professional women's soccer league in the United States...