Breakers Return

My initial reaction upon hearing of the news that the Boston Breakers will return in 2008 quite honestly took me by surprise. Graham Hays from espn.com had sent me an e-mail about a press conference in Brookline involving Kristine Lilly and Angela Hucles (both former Breakers), and I didn’t know what to think. Was this the press conference to announce that the Breakers were back, ready for 2008?

The prospect of the the Breakers returning was somewhat dim back in February, when WUSA announced its relaunch in 2008. Major investors in other cities such as Chicago, DC, and LA were already in place, but no mention was made of Boston. So my initial reaction to yesterday’s press conference, without many details, was one of guarded optimism.

Then, by way of some google searches late last night, I was able to find confirmation that the Breakers were indeed returning next year. And after speaking with many US WNT players over the weekend before and after their win Saturday at Gillette, I can only say that I am extremely proud of their efforts.

I am especially happy for Kristine Lilly, who I sometimes have a hard time grasping that she is one of the best players in the world due to her small stature. I heard it in her voice last Friday while interviewing her that she was excited and hopeful about the possibility of finishing her career on Boston-based pro women’s team. Now the opportunity is there for her to do just that.

Congrats Lil – you deserve this.

Boston Breakers Crash Back to Shore

The Boston Breakers will be back for a return engagement in 2008 when the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA), which originally folded in 2003 due to financial constraints, returns next year after a five-year hiatus. Tonya Antonucci, CEO of the Women’s Soccer Initiative, Inc. announced the return of the Boston-based franchise on Wednesday.

The Breakers, one of the original WUSA franchises back in 2001, featured notable US Women’s National Team stars, such as current captain Kristine Lilly – a native New Englander – in addition to Angela Hucles and Shannon Boxx.

The WUSA has tabbed other locales such as Chicago, Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and Dallas as part of its reincarnation.

The Breakers originally played its home matches at Boston University’s Nickerson Field, which has a total seating capacity close to 10,000. The Breakers were among the league leaders in fan attendance during their initial run, drawing an average of 7,674 per match during the course of their three-year run in Boston.

Joe Cummings, the original president of the Breakers franchise, will once again reclaim his former role with the team. No official announcement has been made regarding the club’s potential home field, players, or coaches, although it would seem likely that Lilly, the hometown hero, would be an ideal candidate to play up front for the Breakers in ’08.