Atlanta Beat announced as ninth WPS team
June 18, 2009 by jane
Filed under General, Pro Soccer, Soccer
Women’s Professional Soccer Commissioner Tonya Antonucci and Atlanta Team Owner Fitz Johnson today officially unveiled the Atlanta Beat as the ninth Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) franchise at a ceremony at downtown Atlanta’s Metro Chamber of Commerce with Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin in attendance.
The Atlanta Beat join the Philadelphia Independence as expansion teams in WPS and will begin play in the 2010 WPS Season.
A “Name the Team” contest narrowed the choices down to three: Attack, Beat and Storm and fans made the final choice.
Atlanta was home to the Beat in the Women’s United Soccer Association from 2001-03.
WPS commissioner Tonya Antonucci said the original Beat “was really a jewel in terms of fan support and quality of play” and set the model for the new team.
“We’re honored to carry on that tradition of the WUSA,” Antonucci said.
The Atlanta Beat’s colors will be Ferrari Red and Gold and the team will be led by General Manager Shawn McGee, who was announced as the Beat’s GM by Fitz Johnson on Wednesday.
Ticket information and team news can be found online at: www.atlantawomensprosoccer.com.
