Pride History
The Pride Soccer Team joined the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) in 2002, making an immediate impact by
knocking off the eventual league champion Storm. Since then, the team has achieved considerable success with several of its athletes recognized within the league and on a national stage.
 The Pride was founded on a commitment to youth development. In addition to a strong contingent of college players, the Pride consistently recruits from the local youth ranks. According to coach Danny Cruz, "The Pride provides a stage where youth players get the opportunity to compete and interact with some of the best soccer talent in the world." This unique development opportunity has resulted in many Pride players being awarded college scholarships.
In addition to youth players, the Pride enjoys the participation of a strong contingent of college stars. These athletes get a chance to hone their skills by competing with National and International stars. This has helped them in their college careers and has resulted in opportunities to compete at a national level for two team members.
The Pride makes an effort to participate with the local community. Game day activities include recruiting "ball girls" from local youth teams, conducting exhibition games between local clubs and creating "photo ops" for young players.
The Pride will play its 2007 home match schedule in Stockton at Lincoln High School. The community is invited to come out to support the team and see truly great soccer.
About the Team:
The 2009 season is the FC Sacramento Pride's 8th year competing in the WPSL. The Pride finished fifth in the Western Division. The team featured a blend of youth players, current college players and college veterans. Two of the Pride former standouts are Stephanie Lopez-Cox and Megan Rapinoe, both from the University of Portland National Championship Team and the US National Team. Stephanie will be playing for the L.A. Sol and Megan in Chicago in the new WPS league. Stephanie was awarded to LA from the National Team and Megan was the 2nd player drafted in the WPS draft.
The Pride will be taking a new approach to this year in first trying to fill the roster with college players then college vets then some of the top high school players in the Sacramento area.
About the WPSL
The Womens Premier soccer League is dedicated to the development of highly competitive amateur women's soccer. Formed in 1998 and sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association, the League promotes female athletes as youth role models in the communities in which it competes.
 The WPSL is composed of 32 teams that stretch across the United States. The teams draw athletes from the top-ranked college players as well as national and international stars. Many former U.S. National team players participate in the WPSL, including Julie Foudy, Branid Chastain and Kristine Lilly. Current national stars such as Stephanie Lopez are active players. International stars such as Brazilian national star Sissi along with many others participate on WPSL teams.
Type of Players:
The Pride draws heavily from the pool of talented youth players in the area, particularly from those looking to sharpen their skills for entry into a college program in the Fall. The team also attracts College players from the surrounding area and those returning home for the summer, who want to maintain their skills between college seasons training under Danny Cruz and his staff.
Local Colleges:
University of the Pacific, University of Portland, CSU Sacramento, CSU Chico, Fresno State University, San Francisco State, CSU Stanislaus, Humbolt State, UC Davis, Santa Clara University, Gonzaga University, BYU Hawaii, Scripps College, American River JC and Sierra JC.
Player Tryouts:
Tryouts are organized by the team and usually go on during the college winter and spring break periods.
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