The Current

Scarf Sneak Peak

We’re currently in the process of getting some supporters scarves made. Thanks again to Evan for the design:

Our Inaugural Scarf!

Look out for pre-order information soon. We’re hoping to have these ready for the home opener on April 11.

Kit Unveiling

Here they are - the 2009 WPS kits from Puma.

WPS unveiled their 2009 kits last night, made by Puma. Overall, I’d say they err on the side of boring, which is a good thing (as anyone who has seen the infamous MLS kit unveiling will know).

Remember this?

Of course, all the discussion has been about the skort (excuse me, wrap) sported by many players on the runway yesterday. It caused quite the uproar, eliciting a near-unanimous groan from fans in anticipation of the ridicule we’d hear from critics. Statements were then released from WPS assuring us that the wraps were “optional”, and should be thought of as an accessory.  As “A League of their Own” comparisons continued to fly, WPS put this statement on their website, confirming that players will not be wearing the wraps on the field.

I know this is just Puma’s attempt to be unique, and at the very least this has given the league some publicity, but here’s hoping these “accessories” disappear so we can all forget this ever happened (skort the issue?… sorry).

Skorts aside,  I think the Breakers kit is pretty sharp. It’s not my favorite kit of all time, but it’s simple and classy. I like it, and I hope they sell long-sleeved replicas. Despite four other teams sporting blue home kits, the Breakers kit is distinct. Boston is also one of only three teams to go with a white away kit, and FC Gold Pride actually managed to put out a gold kit without bringing back bad memories of the 2007 WWC. As much as I hate to say it, I like Jersey’s kits best. The colors are bold, and they blend well with the team crest. All in all, they could be better, but they could be a lot worse. I’m satisfied.

One step closer…

Gearing Up

First, the Breakers announced today the signings of Candace Chapman and Fabiana, bringing the team up to the league maximum of five international players. They join Kelly Smith, Alex Scott, and Christine Latham. Read the article from the Breakers website here.

With only a month until the season starts, the Riptide has been hard at work. Our Meet the Coaches event is finalized for March 7, at 2:00, at the Days Inn of Boston on 1234 Soldiers Field Road. Registration begins at 1:30. Be sure to come with all your questions for Breakers coaches Tony DiCicco and Lisa Cole!

After the Q&A with the coaches, we’ll be gathering to discuss plans for the season. Plans for scarves, buttons, and other merchandise are in the works. We’re also hoping to do a bus trip to Jersey for the July 4 game, and to organize other away trips and viewings.

Hope to see you all on March 7!

Smith to Boston: Int’l Signing Update

One of WPS’s most highly-anticipated signings (second only perhaps to Marta) has been confirmed today. Kelly Smith has signed a four-year deal with the Breakers. BBC has the details here.

The Breakers are allowed five international players on their roster, and may hold the negotiation rights of six. Smith joins England defender Alex Scott and Canadian striker Christine Latham among the Breakers’ international signings thus far. They hold the negotiation rights to Brazil’s Fabiana, Canada’s Candace Chapman, and Japan’s Shinobu Ohno (though it appears that Ohno has re-signed with her club in Japan).

Welcome to Boston, Kelly!

2009 Preseason Events

Riptide Charter Meeting

Sunday, February 15, 12:00 PM

The Fours, Quincy, MA (http://www.thefours.com)

Come, meet other Breakers fans, sign our charter, elect our officers, and plan our season!

Meet the Coach

Saturday, March 7

Time and Location TBA (Send us suggestions if you have them)

Meet Breakers coaches Tony DiCicco and Lisa Cole, and find out all about the team they’ll be fielding in April.

Hope to see you there!