FC Gold Pride continues to build upon the team's strong defensive line by adding free-agent and former Saint Louis Athletica defender Niki Cross to the Bay Area roster.

"We are excited to welcome Niki to the Pride," said FC Gold Pride Head Coach Albertin Montoya. "Adding a strong, athletic and tactically savvy player like Cross strengthens our back line and gives us some added flexibility with our lineup. She is a player I've had my eye on for a while now.  She has great athleticism and has proven she is a tremendous soccer player and will be an impact player for our team."

A native of New England, the 23-year-old hails from Pembroke, MA.  She represented the University of Connecticut (UCONN) from 2003-2006 where she was a regular starter all four years.  She finished her collegiate career with 92 games played, 13 goals and eight assists and a MAC Hermann Trophy nomination.  Cross will be reunited in the Bay Area with fellow UCONN alum and current Pride defender/midfielder Kristen Graczyk.

Cross was originally selected by Saint Louis in the 5th round, 34th overall, of the Inaugural WPS Draft.  The imposing defender appeared in 11 games for the Athletica in 2009, scoring her first and only goal of the season on July 26 against the Pride.