[WPS] The expansion Philadelphia Independence has hired English native Paul Riley, who has had a distinguished career as a player and coach at the college and professional level, as its head coach for the 2010 season.

Riley, who moved from Liverpool to play for Adelphi University, most recently coached the Albertson Soccer Club, one of the most successful boys and girls programs in the New York area, and the 2009 WPSL champion Long Island Fury.

He was the 2000 A-League Coach of the Year with the Long Island Rough Riders and spent nine seasons as men's coach at Division II C.W. Post. After Adelphi, he played in the old APSL for the Rough Riders, New Jersey Eagles and Albany Capitals and in New York ethnic leagues.

"I am thrilled to be selected to coach this team," said Riley. "I have gotten to know the organization over the past few weeks by helping evaluate talent at the European Championships in Finland and am very impressed with the front office and the goals and objectives it has for 2010 and beyond."

Riley's assistants will be Staci Wilson, the former U.S. international out of North Carolina, and Paul Royal.