[WPS] Atlanta was confirmed as Women's Professional Soccer 's ninth team. The Beat -- named after the WUSA team of the same name -- will begin play in 2010 along with the Philadelphia Independence as expansion teams. The Beat, owned by Atlanta businessman Fitz Johnson, named former FC Dallas front-office executive and SMU associate athletic director Shawn McGee its general manager.

"We are excited and proud to add Atlanta as our ninth WPS franchise for 2010 and to have Fitz Johnson, who is such a passionate and dynamic businessman, as an owner in our growing league," said WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci. "Atlanta is a soccer hotbed with its numerous youth leagues and tournaments, and the region has played host to some big time women's soccer events over the years including the Olympics and WUSA championship games."

Other WPS teams named after WUSA teams are the Boston Breakers and Washington Freedom. With the additions of Atlanta and Philadelphia, WPS will be in five of eight WUSA markets. The only WUSA markets without a women's pro team are Carolina (Raleigh-Durham), New York (Long Island) and San Diego.