ASA Chesapeake Charge adds Kane to WPSL Elite League roster

The ASA Chesapeake Charge have signed forward Laura Kane for the 2012 Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) Elite League season. Kane is a 2005 graduate of West Virginia University (WVU) and spent time with the U.S. Women’s U-23 National Team. She has also coached with both Purdue University and Bucknell University.

The WPSL Elite League was formed following the suspension of the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) 2012 season. Eight teams will compete in the WPSL Elite League this summer, including three with WPS experience: Boston Breakers, Western New York Flash and the Chicago Red Stars. Also joining the WPSL Elite League with Charge are WPSL teams FC Indiana, New England Mutiny and New York Fury and independent Philadelphia Fever.

During her playing days with the WVU Mountaineers, Kane was named an NSCAA Third Team All-American as a senior in 2004 and was a two-time NSCAA Scholar All-American. Kane, who made 93 career starts, including nine in NCAA Tournament play, was named the team’s Most Outstanding Player in 2004. She logged 31 goals and 23 assists for 85 career points, ranking third on the school’s all-time list in each category at graduation.

In 2006 Kane joined the Purdue Boilermakers as an assistant coach, becoming a mentor for forwards Parrissa Eyorokon and Jessica Okoraofo. In 2008, Kane played professionally with Pitea IF in the Swedish First Division and also with FC Indiana in West Lafayette, Ind. In March 2009 she became a regional manager with the Sky Blue Soccer School. She also joined the Bucknell Bison as an assistant coach prior to the 2009 season. Laura is currently executive director of a local Soccer Shots franchise.

“We are very excited to add another local product to our 2012 roster,” said Charge GM Patrick Crawford. “Laura will bring a presence up top that we have not had on this team. She will not only demand the most out of herself but will also demand the same out of her team mates. Her U.S U-23 National Team experience will help some of our younger players in the Elite League this year.”

ASA Chesapeake Charge will open the 2012 WPSL Elite League season by hosting the Boston Breakers on Thursday, May 10.

The WPSL Elite League features eight teams: The Boston Breakers, Philadelphia Fever, Western New York Flash, Chicago Red Stars, FC Indiana, New England Mutiny, New York Fury, and ASA Chesapeake Charge.