Breakers Deal A-Rod to Philly

Former No. 1 Overall Pick Shipped for Draft Picks

September 29, 2009

The Boston Breakers dealt former No. 1 overall draft pick Amy Rodriquez to the expansion Philadelphia Independence, cutting ties with the franchise's first-ever pick in the WPS draft.

The Breakers shipped Rodriquez and their 2010 first round draft choice (fifth overall) in exchanged for Philadelphia�s two first round selections in the same draft. The Independence have the second overall pick as well as a bonus pick at the end of the round.

It was all smiles for A-Rod and the Breakers back in January. (Photo source: Boston Breakers)

The trade marks an abrupt end to a rather tumultuous era. Selected by Boston with the very first pick in WPS history, Rodriguez, or A-Rod as she was known, came to the Breakers with high expectations after leading USC to the its first NCAA Championship in 2007.

Rodriguez started 11 of the 17 games she appeared in for the Breakers but never got it going, only producing one goal and no assists on the entire season and prompting much public criticism from head coach Tony DiCicco.

�The trade involving Amy Rodriguez was a difficult decision,� said DiCicco. �A-Rod has some wonderful qualities as a player and she will certainly continue to evolve, however, the trade with Philadelphia allows us two first round draft picks and three high picks overall from one of the best college classes in recent history. I am excited for the January draft options now available for the Boston Breakers. I want to wish Amy all the best with her new club.�

The trade allows the Breakers to not only move up in the draft, but possibly clear money and roster space for another international player.

�As an organization, we think there are good options at the top of the WPS draft in January,� said Breakers General Manager Andy Crossley. �We talked about various scenarios with several clubs in recent weeks. We felt that this trade with Philadelphia offered us the best options in January�s draft. At the same time, it creates some salary flexibility as we pursue a player for our fifth international roster spot.�

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