DOWNINGTOWN, Pa. (January 9, 2012) - The Philadelphia Independence has signed free agent and former University of Virginia standout, forward Meghan Lenczyk. Lenczyk was selected as the No. 14 overall pick in the 2011 WPS Draft by the Atlanta Beat, and played in 14 games for the Beat, starting nine of them. She led the Beat in points last season with two goals and one assist, tied for first on the team in goals scored, and scored the game-winning goal on April 16 against Sky Blue FC.

Lenczyk joins the Independence to add depth to an attacking line that includes the second leading goal scorer in the league in 2011, Natasha Kai. Independence Head Coach Paul Riley was looking to compliment the attackers from last season, and believes Lenczyk will be a missing piece that will add strength up top.

"Meghan [Lenzyck] is a young talent with tremendous pedigree around the goal," said Riley. "With a year under her belt in WPS and a super technical midfield, she will get goal opportunities. With her savvy brain and physical presence, she will score goals. She will love our culture here in Philly and will thrive in such a competitive atmosphere."

A Virginia native, Lenczyk was a standout talent at the University of Virginia and in 2009, started all 22 games of the season and was fourth on the team in scoring with seven goals and three assists. She was also named to the ACC All-Academic Team and the Virginia Nike Soccer Classic All-Tournament Team. In 2008, Lenczyk led the team in scoring with 11 goals, four of those being game winning goals. She was named Second Team All-ACC and was Second Team Soccer Buzz All-Mid Atlantic Region.

As a freshman in 2007, Lenczyk appeared in all 23 games, starting five of them and was third on the team in goals scored (6) and points (15). She was also named to the Soccer Buzz Mid Atlantic Region All-Freshman Team.

NOTE: All player signings are subject to league approval before becoming official.

Join the Philadelphia Independence as the team embarks on its third season in WPS in 2012. Season tickets and flex plans are currently on sale by calling 1-877-977-7445 or click here to purchase online.

 

About the Philadelphia Independence
The Philadelphia Independence is one of five teams playing in the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) league.  The Independence has reached the Championship match in both of its first two seasons of play.  The other WPS teams are: Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, New York/New Jersey Sky Blue FC, and Western New York Flash.  For more information please visit www.wpsphillyindependence.com.  Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@wpsphilly).