Posted at 6:35 a.m., Thursday, January 31, 2008
Soccer: Fair first USA player to join Chelsea Ladies
Associated Press
LONDON — Former national team player Lorrie Fair joined the Chelsea Ladies soccer team today, becoming the first American to sign with the English team.The 29-year-old Fair made 123 appearances for the United States, including helping the team win the 1999 World Cup. She plays as either a midfielder or defender.
"I had the opportunity to come to England and play for Chelsea, which was too good to turn down," Fair said. "It is an honor to play for such a great club."
Fair first linked up with Chelsea last July, when she became an ambassador for the club's community and marketing initiatives in the United States.
Chelsea Ladies manager Shaun Gore said he hoped Fair would raise the profile of the women's game in England.
"Lorrie is a great player and an icon in the U.S.," Gore said. "No doubt she will generate a huge amount of exposure for the women's game in this country."
Chelsea Ladies is in fifth place in the 11-team league, nine points behind leader Blackburn.
