Red Stars acquire Nigerian in trade for Asante

The Chicago Red Stars acquired the rights to Nigerian discovery selection Faith Ikidi from the Washington Freedom on Friday in exchange for defender Anita Asante.

Ikidi is under contract with Damallsvenskan organization Linkoping FC in Sweden, and Red Stars head coach Omid Namazi said she fits into plans for next season. The 23-year-old defender will bring some versatility to the Red Stars in the future, especially with her experience playing both on the defense and at forward.

"We're looking for her as a long-term option who can play at center back or on the outside," Red Stars Head Coach Omid Namazi said. "That's an area where we are too thin right now, and adding Ikidi would build some depth there."

Washington selected Ikidi in the second round (10th overall) of the 2010 WPS Dispersal Draft following the dissolution of the Los Angeles Sol. She has played for Nigeria's national team, participating in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics and the 2007 FIFA World Cup.

Asante played in six matches and made three starts for the Red Stars this year. Asante was a free agent signing on June 9, 2010, following the dissolution of her former team, Saint Louis Athletica. She spent the inaugural 2009 WPS season with champion Sky Blue FC.

"In the immediate future, Kate Markgraf and Whitney Engen have formed a good partnership since Whitney moved into the middle," Namazi said of his Red Stars defense. "Anita's opportunities were limited, but she had every option to stay here because we valued her as a player. Washington asked about her and we facilitated the move. We wish Anita the best ."