Chicago Red Stars finalize deals with Lloyd, Tarpley

The Chicago Red Stars have finalized contracts with U.S. Women's National Team midfielders Carli Lloyd and Lindsay Tarpley for the 2009 season, General Manager Marcia McDermott announced Tuesday.

"Both of these players are world-class attacking players who will play a critical role for our franchise in providing high-level, entertaining soccer," McDermott said.

The reigning U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, Carli Lloyd has played a key role for the national team the past three years. She scored the game-winning goal in extra time in the 2008 Olympic gold medal match against Brazil. The New Jersey native also scored four goals at the 2007 Algarve Cup, claiming top scorer and MVP honors.

"Carli is a special player," Red Stars coach Emma Hayes said. "She has the ability and potential to become the best attacking midfielder in the world."

With 117 caps earned, Tarpley is one of the most experienced players on the current national team roster. The 25 year-old appeared in 34 U.S. games in 2008 and was third on the team with 12 goals scored and 29 total points. She has also appeared in all 12 of the U.S. team's Olympic matches in 2004 and 2008.

"Lindsay is a tireless forward that scores for fun. She will fit the mentality of our club," Hayes said.

Both players will be making their Chicago-area debut Saturday at the IYSA Soccer Expo at Schaumburg Park District Sport Center. The entire Red Stars team will be training from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Expo, and the practice is open to the public.

The Red Stars open the WPS season on April 4 against St. Louis Athletica at Ralph Korte Stadium on the campus of Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. The Red Stars will play their historic home-opener at Toyota Park in Bridgeview on April 19 against Sky Blue FC.