Rapinoe and Cox latest stars to join Sounders Women

• by Soccer America , Mar 30, 2012

[W-LEAGUE] The way things are going the U.S, women's national team should think of setting up shop in Seattle. Megan Rapinoe, one of the stars of the 2011 U.S. Women's World Cup team, and Stephanie Cox, a defender with 81 caps, have signed with the W-League's Sounders Women. Previously signed were Hope Solo, Alex Morgan and Sydney Leroux.

Cox and Rapinoe both played at the University of Portland, as did Sounders Women coach Michelle French.

“Megan is one of the most entertaining players in the game today,” said Sounders Women general manager Amy Carnell. “A difference maker in the 2011 World Cup, Megan plays with a level of flair and passion that is rarely seen. Watching Megan you learn to expect the unexpected, raw emotion and pure guts to the final whistle is what you get.”

Cox spent the last three club seasons playing in WPS, first for the Los Angeles Sol, then after it folded for the Boston Breakers. Like Rapinoe, Cox grew up in Northern California. She now lives in Gig Harbor, near Seattle.

"I am so excited to be a part of the Sounders program, " said Cox.  "I loved playing collegiately in the Northwest and am excited to continue my professional career here as well."

Carnell admits the Sounders Women have a lot to prove.

“Early on," she said, "we told fans this would be a special season for Sounders women’s soccer, but speaking boldly, this season is about much more. As the future of women’s soccer hangs in the balance we’ve got a lot at stake, and everything to prove. We have the opportunity to set the bar for Women’s Soccer in this country and show that Seattle is a place where a 10 year old girl can dream, where women’s sport is valued, and where a community with such passion for the game can actually change it.”