Brazilian forward Marta, who won her third FIFA Women s World Player of the Year award for her 2008 heroics, will join the Los Angeles Sol of Women s Professional Soccer for the upcoming season.
Marta, who turns 23 next month, led the Brazilians to the 2007 Women s World Cup final in China, where they lost to Germany, and silver-medal finishes at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. She most recently played for Umea IK of Sweden.
Of course I am sad I am leaving, but I am happy because a new project is beginning. It is time to start something new, Marta said.
Trying to light a football spark in America similar to what England s David Beckham attempted with the Los Angeles Galaxy, Marta will try to revive US pro women s soccer six years after the Women s United Soccer Association folded.
I understand the challenge and project ahead of me with the Los Angeles Sol, she said. I m ready to take it on and conquer all the objectives in front of me in the United States.
I have in mind that a very competitive league will be created. We are looking at the future. I think it will attract many players.
The Sol will host the Washington Freedom on March 29 in the new league s inaugural match.
We re all excited about what Marta and her world class talents will bring to the league, Women s Pro Soccer commissioner Tonya Antonucci said.
