Monroe Returns to Breakers

Boston Releases Bishop, Who Had Started 6 Matches

By Mark Goodman

June 19, 2009

The Boston Breakers have officially added Mary-Frances Monroe to their 22-woman roster. To make room for the 29-year old midfielder, the team released midfielder Stacy Bishop.

Mary-Frances Monroe

Mary-Frances Monroe played with the Boston Breakers in the WUSA in 2003. (Photo by CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com)

Monroe played for the Breakers and Philadelphia Charge of the WUSA, and has since played for several teams both home and abroad, including the WPSL�s New England Mutiny and Boston Aztecs.

Monroe - who coaches the University of Albany's women's soccer team - had been playing with the Aztecs this season and training with the Breakers as part of the clubs� affiliation.

The release of Bishop may come as a surprise to some Breakers fans, as the 24-year old had started six games in Boston�s midfield and appeared in nine of the team�s 10 matches overall. She started Wednesday�s 1-1 draw at home against FC Gold Pride, but was substituted at halftime and drew criticism from head coach Tony DiCicco for her effort after the game.

Friday, DiCicco said he still believes Bishop has potential to be �a hell of player,� but that she hadn�t worked hard enough to improve her game and that different players deserve a shot.

�These other players are getting better,� DiCicco said. �I like Stacy and I hope she comes back and trains with us and tries to get on the roster again. But right now other players are offering us more�Everybody�s had a lot of chances to prove themselves, and now it�s time to stand up and deliver or other players are going to get the chance.�

Mark Goodman can be reached at newsdesk@soccernewengland.com