Those looking for hopeful news about women's professional soccer in the US may have been heartened by the announcement on Thursday that Western New York Flash and Boston Breakers had officially committed to participate in the Women's Premier Soccer League's new Elite Division. As PSP wrote last Wednesday, WPSL president Jerry Zanelli had extended an offer to WPS teams to join the new league for the 2012 season so that players could maintain fitness and form while WPS worked on the business of re-launching the league in 2013.

Hector Rueda Lookalike Wilman Conde is New York Bound - FinallyThe New York Red Bulls, having just wrapped up Tim Ream's long-awaited transfer to Bolton, didn't waste much time in finding his replacement, announcing today the signing of Colombian central defender Wilman Conde. Conde was most recently on the books of Mexican club Atlas, where injuries limited his playing time in 2011 to just 13 games.

Sunday's match, the last home game of the regular season, was Fan Appreciation Night.

Tasha Kai once again proved why she is essential to this team, scoring the first goal...

...with this shot over Sky Blue's keeper, Jenni Branam.

photo by Michael Long

A stoppage time goal from Lianne Sanderson kept the Independence in the race for a first place finish in WPS on Sunday night at Widener University. Tasha Kai gave Philly the lead on 17 minutes with a wonderful strike from distance only to see her opener cancelled out seven minutes later by an Eniola Aluko goal.

Game time: Sunday, 6 pm

TV: Fox Soccer Channel

The Independence take on Sky Blue for the second time in two weeks on Sunday at Widener University. The game will be the last regular season home game of the season, and final game at Widener University with the Independence hosting their playoff game at PPL Park.

Photo: Michael Long

Did you buy a ticket for the Independence match against Atlanta on Sunday after seeing some of the Women's World Cup? Or are you just making it down to Widener University for the first time? Here's what you've missed so far during Philadelphia's 2011 campaign:

Early season unevenness.

Photo: Michael Long

After winning six straight matches to take the top spot in the WPS table, the Independence traveled to New Jersey on Saturday night and played one of their worst games of the season. After a listless first half, Casey Nogueira netted a second half brace to give Sky Blue the 2–0 victory.

Tasha Kai scored a hat trick against her former team and Laura Del Rio scored a 78th minute winner with her first touch of the game as the Independence twice came from behind to knock off New Jersey based Sky Blue FC. The win moves Philadelphia to the top of the WPS table for the first time in team history.

Brazil's 'Mulher of the moment' is undoubtedly Rosana, who scored the winning goal against Australia in Brazil's opening game of the Women's World Cup last week. The midfielder who plays for Centro Olimpico in Sao Paulo told Futbolita about her thoughts living the dream at the Women's World Cup.

Union

Justin Mapp talks about how welcome he felt when he came to the Union, what he's doing in the off season, and the team's focus on winning in 2011. "Our fans are the best in the league. They're loud. They're supportive. They're passionate. When we start stringing wins together, these fans are going to be the ones who deserve it.