Jan. 22, 2004
Sacramento, Calif. - The California Storm of the Women's Premier Soccer League is pleased to announce that U.S. National Team defender Brandi Chastain, Brazilian National Team midfielder Sissi and defender/midfielder Keri Sanchez have committed to play for the team for 2004. The signing of Chastain, Sissi and Sanchez bolsters the Storm roster that will begin its season this spring. Chastain, Sissi and Sanchez played professionally for the San Jose CyberRays before the suspension of the Women's United Soccer Association last fall.
Brandi Chastain's penalty kick won the championship for the United States in the 1999 Women's World Cup final against China. She was also a member of the first Women's World Cup Team that won the championship in 1991 and the holds an Olympic gold and silver medal from the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. Chastain is currently training with her National Team for the 2004 Olympics to be held this Summer in Greece. Chastain returns to the Storm having last played for the team in 1997.
"In attempt to continue my growth as a player, and with the suspension of the WUSA, I felt that it was important to find the best training and playing environment when I was not with the National Team," said Chastain. "The Storm has been a team and environment that helped me find my way back to the National Team before the 1996 Olympic Games, so I will always consider myself a member of the Storm family."
Sissi shared the title of scoring leader in the 1999 Women's World Cup with seven goals. Sissi has played in the 1991, 1995, and 1999 Women's World Cups as well as the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. Sissi was the San Jose CyberRays all-time assist leader. She was named to the All-WUSA First Team 3 years in a row and played in both WUSA All-Star games. In 2002, Sissi was named the WUSA Humanitarian of the Year.
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Keri Sanchez played professional soccer for the WUSA's Boston Breakers in 2001 and 2002, and then returned to her hometown to play for the San Jose CyberRays in 2003. A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Sanchez has earned 13 caps with the U.S. National Team. In addition, Sanchez played for the WPSL Silicon Valley Red Devils where she was named the 1998 MVP.
The California Storm is one of the more than 20 teams in the National Women's Premier Soccer League. Their season runs from February to August. Based in Sacramento for 14 years, the Storm has won three National Championships and was undefeated last year in league play. For more information on the California Storm, visit www.wpsl.info.