WPS Loses CEO

Anne-Marie Eileraas, Chief Executive Officer of Women's Professional Soccer, has resigned effective Sept. 18. However, her stepping down is not seen as a blow to the organization.

Eileraas said she felt comfortable leaving after one year to spend more time with her family and other interests because the league exceeded its goals last season.

In a statement, she referred to growing sponsorships, new audiences and financial stability, which make WPS more viable than ever.

Eileraas played a big role in attracting the expansion team Western New York Flash, which won the WPS title by beating Philadelphia in penalty kicks, 5-4, after battling to a 1-1 tie in regulation on Aug. 27.

The WPS championship game drew 10,641 spectators, which set a new attendance record.

The league's six owners are searching for Eileraas's successor, whose first priority will be talking with potential expansion owners.

Philadelphia Independence coach Paul Riley talked about a potential expansion group in the New York area as well as two more in Connecticut and Washington, D.C.

Riley said he'd be happy with an eight-team league in the near future. - Bill Iezzi