Bill Barrett | isiphotos.com

In a Midwest swap, goalkeeper Jillian Loyden is headed to the Chicago Red Stars and forward/midfielder Lindsay Tarpley is moving to Saint Louis Athletica.

In a blockbuster trade on the morning of the 2010 WPS Draft, Saint Louis Athletica acquired United States International Lindsay Tarpley from the Chicago Red Stars in exchange for goalkeeper Jillian Loyden.

“This was a big opportunity for us to improve our club,” said Head Coach Jorge Barcellos. “We have given Chicago a very promising young goalkeeper, but in turn we have received a midfielder that has world class credentials and ability. Lindsay Tarpley will be an amazing addition to Saint Louis Athletica.”

Tarpley, a midfielder, is an Olympic gold medalist from the 2008 Beijing Games. She was also a member of the 2007 United States Women’s World Cup team, and was the second youngest member of the 2004 United States Olympic team. Tarpley was recently named U.S Soccer’s Female Player of the Decade, and was twice honored as the WPS Player of the Week last season. She has appeared 119 times for the United States, and has scored 30 goals in her international career.

"The Red Stars benefited greatly from Lindsey's talent and leadership last season," Red Stars General Manager Marcia McDermott said. "This was a difficult decision because of who she is and what she brought to the Red Stars organization. We wish her well with Saint Louis Athletica."

Chicago moved to obtain Loyden after the organization made the decision to release 2009 starting goalkeeper Caroline Jönsson from her contract.

Loyden played in three games for Saint Louis in 2009 as the backup goalkeeper to Hope Solo. Loyden posted two shutouts in those three matches, allowing only one goal. Her May 23rd performance at Chicago, which included six saves and a shutout, in her first professional start earned her WPS Player of the Week honors. In December she completed a loan spell with the Central Coast Mariners of Australia’s W-League. Recording three shutouts and a 7-2-1 record, her performance with the Mariners led her to be named the W-League’s Goalkeeper of the Year.

"I am so excited for this opportunity to play at such a well-respected club," Loyden said. "I can't wait to meet my new teammates, get on the field and start working with a great coaching staff toward a very successful 2010 season."

Both the Chicago Red Stars and Saint Louis Athletica kick off the 2010 season on Sunday, April 11 before meeting each other on Saturday, April 17 at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.