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Washington Freedom sign two from University of Illinois

24 Apr, 2008

The Washington Freedom announced today the signing of University of Illinois players Christen Karniski and Ella Masar for the 2008 W-League season.

Karniski, a 2006 Illinois graduate, joined the Freedom after playing in the Swedish Damallsvenskan League with Bälinge.  The Illinois record holder for most games played and most games started as a left back, was the Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Year and second team All-American in 2005. As a junior in the fall of 2004, Karniski helped lead the Illini to an NCAA Elite Eight appearance, earning second team All-Big Ten and All-Region honors in the process.

“Christen is a proven wide player that we have been looking to have play with us for the past two years.  We’re delighted that she has decided to play with the Freedom for this summer.  She will provide us with plenty of options on the left side of the field”, said Coach Gabarra

Masar, graduates from Illinois in May 2007, will be joining the Freedom after an impressive collegiate career.  The 2007 Lowe’s All-Senior All-American and captain of the Illini finished the season with 12 goals and a team-leading 27 points.  As a junior Masar was named an NSCAA second team All-American.  Masar also spent part of her summer in 2007 with the US U21 Women’s National Team helping them as they went onto winning the Nordic Cup in Finland.  

Gabarra is thrilled with the addition of Masar.  “We think Ella is a great fit for the Freedom.  She is hard working and a real handful for opposing defenses.  We look forward to having her in our defense of the W-League championship.”

The Freedom kick off the 2008 W-League season away to Long Island on May 10th.  June sees the Freedom open a four game home schedule with the first on June 1, 2008, 6:00pm at the Maryland SoccerPlex when the Freedom host the Boston Renegades.

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