Howard C. Smith | isiphotos.com

Amy Rodriguez will join the Philadelphia Independence for their inaugural season after being traded from the Boston Breakers.

The Boston Breakers announced the trade of forward Amy Rodriguez and their first round draft choice in the 2010 WPS draft to the Philadelphia Independence in exchange for Philadelphia’s two first round selections in the 2010 draft.   The Independence is one of two expansion teams joining WPS for the 2010 season, along with the Atlanta Beat.  The 2010 WPS draft will be held on January 15, 2010.

“Amy’s lightning fast speed, exceptional skills, and game-changing energy will be a huge addition to our offensive line,” said Philadelphia Independence General Manager Terry Foley. “A young player with Amy’s international, National Team, and WPS experience is rare, and we feel that she brings a great combination of youth and tactical knowledge. She is a fan-favorite and we are thrilled to have her coming to Philadelphia.”

Along with Rodriguez, Boston will send the #5 overall pick in the first round to Philadelphia.  The Breakers will receive the #2 overall selection in the first round, along with Philadelphia’s bonus pick at the end of the first round, which is the #11 overall selection.

Rodriguez was originally selected with the 1st overall pick by the Breakers in the 2009 WPS Draft.   Rodriguez helped lead the University of Southern California Trojans to their first NCAA Championship in 2007.  The following summer, Rodriguez earned a Gold Medal at the Beijing Summer Olympics as a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team.   The 22-year-old forward started in 11 of the 17 games she appeared in for the Breakers in 2009 recording one goal and no assists.

“The trade involving Amy Rodriguez was a difficult decision,” said Breakers Head Coach Tony DiCicco.  “A-Rod has some wonderful qualities as a player and she will certainly continue to evolve, however, the trade with Philadelphia allows us two first round draft picks and three high picks overall from one of the best college classes in recent history.  I am excited for the January draft options now available for the Boston Breakers. I want to wish Amy all the best with her new club.”

“As an organization, we think there are good options at the top of the WPS draft in January,” said Breakers General Manager Andy Crossley. “We talked about various scenarios with several clubs in recent weeks. We felt that this trade with Philadelphia offered us the best options in January’s draft.  At the same time, it creates some salary flexibility as we pursue a player for our fifth international roster spot.”