Red Stars sign 2 veteran players from Sweden

Sweden's Frida Östberg and Caroline Jönsson have signed to play soccer for the Chicago Red Stars this season.

With a combined 15 years and 158 caps on the international stage, the veteran Swedes will bring championship experience to the new Chicago franchise, said Redstars general manager Marcia McDermott.

Östberg, 31, has been a fixture in the midfield of the Swedish National Team since 2001, earning 78 caps over that time. At the club level in Sweden, she has helped perennial powerhouse Umea IK win five league championships, three cup titles, and two UEFA Women's Cup championships in 2003 and 2004.

In 2008, Östberg captained Umea IK to its seventh overall league title, while putting the club through to the upcoming UEFA Women's Cup semifinal, and earning the Diamond Ball honor as Sweden's Player of the Year.

"Frida epitomizes everything you would want in a top class professional," said Red Stars head coach Emma Hayes. "Her abilities on and off the field will help us develop a professional culture. She is one of the toughest players out there and has a mean streak on the field that our fans will grow to love. She's a born winner."

Red Stars assistant coach Denise Reddy, who routinely squared off against Östberg during her 11-year playing career in the Swedish league, echoed Hayes' assessment.

"Frida is the toughest player I've ever come up against. She possesses a dominant presence in the midfield, one most players would like to avoid."

Östberg, who recently retired from the Swedish National Team, is looking forward to the next chapter of her career.

"It feels great to be a member of Chicago Red Stars under the wings of Emma and Denise," said Östberg. "I expect a tough league with a lot of challenges and really good football."

Goalkeeper Caroline Jönsson made her national team debut in 1999 and steered Sweden to a silver medal in the 2003 Women's World Cup and has played in two Olympics in 2000 and 2004. In addition, Jönsson has played in over 200 matches for legendary Swedish club Malmo FF, and was recognized as the Sweden's Goalkeeper of the Year in both 2003 and 2006.

Hayes selected Jönsson with the 26th overall pick in the fourth round of the WPS International last September. She was the first and only goalkeeper selected.

"The first player we wanted in this team was a world class goalkeeper, and now we have one of the best," explained Hayes. "She will organize, lead, and, by her example, set the tone for every player on the roster."

With the addition of Östberg and Jönsson, the Chicago Red Stars have now filled four of their allotted five international roster spots.

The Red Stars hold the WPS playing rights to Brazilian striker Cristiane, who last month finished third in the 2008 FIFA Player of the Year voting.

The Red Stars kick off the 2009 WPS season on April 5th on the road against St. Louis Athletica at Ralph Korte Stadium on the campus of Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Following a second road game against the Washington Freedom on April 11th, the Red Stars will play their home-opener at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois on Sunday April 19th against Sky Blue.

Season tickets, starting at only $120 for 10 regular season games plus two bonus games, are on sale now. Call (866) WPS-2009 or log on to www.chicagoredstars.com to reserve your seats.

Frida Östberg

Born: Dec. 10, 1977, in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden

Position: Midfielder

Caps/Goals: 78/2

Previous clubs: Umeå IK (1995-2005, 2008), Linköpings FC (2006-2007)

Caroline Jönsson

Born: Nov. 22, 1977, in Lund, Sweden

Position: Goalkeeper

Caps/Goals: 80/0

Previous clubs: Malmo FF