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Philadelphia Independence
Philadelphia Independence
Philadelphia Independence
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The Philadelphia Independence was an American professional soccer club that was based in the Philadelphia suburb of Chester, Pennsylvania. The team joined Women's Professional Soccer as an expansion team in 2010 and played its home games at West Chester University's John A. Farrell Stadium. The team played at Widener University's Leslie Quick Stadium in 2011. The Women's Professional Soccer league folded on May 18, 2012, after an earlier announcement that the 2012 season would be suspended.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Women's Professional Soccer formally announced the Philadelphia market as its eighth franchise on March 17, 2009.[1] Two months later, the Independence formally unveiled its name and colors at the Franklin Institute in Center City. The "Independence" name referred to the Declaration of Independence, adopted at Independence Hall on July 4, 1776. The official motto was "We the People", referring to the Preamble to the United States Constitution.[2] The Independence succeeded the former Philadelphia Charge of the defunct Women's United Soccer Association.

2010 season

[edit]
See also: 2010 WPS season
See also: 2010 Philadelphia Independence season

In the inaugural season, the Independence finished the regular season as the league's three seed, then won two playoff games in overtime to advance to the WPS Championship. The Independence defeated Washington Freedom at home in the Quarterfinal, then won at Boston in the WPS Super Semifinal. In the championship, the Independence were defeated by FC Gold Pride.

2011 season

[edit]
See also: 2011 WPS season
See also: 2011 Philadelphia Independence season

In the 2011 season, the Independence finished the regular season as the league's two seed, then won the WPS Super Semifinal 2-0 over the magicJack to advance to the WPS Championship. Goals were scored by Tasha Kai 46' and Amy Rodriguez 81'. The Independence faced the Western New York Flash for the WPS Championship where they lost by penalty shootout 1(5) - 1(4).

Colors and badge

[edit]

The Independence's colors were steel grey, alluding to the city’s industrial history; pearl blue, derived from the civic flag of Philadelphia and further symbolizing the city’s blue-collar heritage; and blazing yellow, representing the Swedish immigrants who first came to the city in 1638.[3] The Independence unveiled its brand on July 4, 2009, to commemorate American Independence Day. The primary logo's contour was a stylized keystone, an architectural shape that referred to Pennsylvania's official nickname, "The Keystone State." This nickname alluded to the commonwealth's economic, social, and political relevance in the original Thirteen Colonies. An eighteenth-century war flag, featuring the team's name and motto, is superimposed across the shield.[4]

Stadium

[edit]
Talen Energy Stadium before semi-final game between Philadelphia Independence and magicJack in 2010--the Independence's final home game ever.

For the 2010 season, the club played at West Chester University's John A. Farrell Stadium. For 2011, it played its home games at Widener University's Leslie Quick Stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania. The Independence elected to utilize PPL Park to host playoff games in 2011.[5][6] The Independence practiced and held preseason games at their training home, United Sports, in West Bradford Township, Pennsylvania.

Season Stadium Location Capacity Notes
2010 John A. Farrell Stadium West Chester, Pennsylvania 7,500[7] Regular season home
United Sports West Bradford Township, Pennsylvania 1,200[8] Preseason scrimmages
2011 Leslie Quick Stadium Chester, Pennsylvania 4,000[9] Regular season home
PPL Park 18,500[10] Playoff home
United Sports West Bradford Township, Pennsylvania 1,200[8] Preseason scrimmages

Supporters

[edit]

Grassroots support was instrumental in bringing top-tier women's professional soccer back to the Philadelphia area. The Philadelphia Independence masterfully cultivated relationships with Philadelphia-area girls' travel soccer teams, offering workshops all over the region with Independence players at reasonable costs, sending emails about games, inviting teams to have a formal relationship with the Independence, having local girls' teams on the field for the teams' introductions at every game, and having all players on the field for an extensive post-game autograph and conversation time after every game. The formal grassroots support group for the Independence was nicknamed "The Cheesesteaks".

For men's soccer, this backing came in the form of a supporters' association known as the Sons of Ben, named for Founding Father and Philadelphia icon Benjamin Franklin, founded in January 2007. The Sons of Ben petitioned the men's Major League Soccer league to expand to the Philadelphia market until the official expansion announcement of the men's team, later named the Philadelphia Union, was made in January 2008.

Players

[edit]
See also: List of Philadelphia Independence players

2012 roster

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
0 FW  USA Tasha Kai
4 MF  USA Jen Buczkowski
7 DF  USA Leigh Ann Robinson
14 MF  USA Sinead Farrelly
16 DF  USA Kia McNeill
21 FW  ESP Verónica Boquete
24 DF  CMR Estelle Johnson
17 MF  USA Lori Chalupny
26 MF  ISL Hólmfríður Magnúsdóttir
No. Pos. Nation Player
— FW  USA Lauren Cheney
21 FW  USA Meghan Lenczyk
— MF  ISL Katrín Ómarsdóttir
— FW  USA Sarah Hagen (2012 draft pick)
— DF  USA CoCo Goodson (2012 draft pick)
— FW  USA Toni Pressley (2012 draft pick)
— GK  USA Bianca Henninger (2012 draft pick)
— FW  USA Danielle Foxhoven (2012 draft pick)
— FW  USA Jasmyne Spencer (2012 draft pick)

Free agents

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  USA Valerie Henderson
3 DF  USA Allison Falk
6 MF  USA Lori Lindsey
8 FW  USA Amy Rodriguez
9 FW  USA Danesha Adams
10 FW  ENG Lianne Sanderson
No. Pos. Nation Player
13 FW  ESP Laura del Río
15 DF  USA Nikki Krzysik
17 MF  USA Joanna Lohman
20 FW  USA Gina DiMartino
21 FW  ESP Veronica Boquete
22 DF  USA Lauren Barnes
23 GK  USA Nicole Barnhart

Coaching staff

[edit]
As of April 7, 2009.[11]
Position Name Nationality
Head coach Paul Riley ENG
Assistant coach Steven Fraser ENG
Assistant coach Paul Royal USA
Assistant coach Skip Thorp USA

Paul Riley, Steven Fraser and Skip Thorp were selected as coaches for the 2010 WPS All-Star game held in Atlanta.[12]

Paul Riley was voted the WPS Coach of the Year in 2010 for his team's third place regular season performance as an expansion franchise and subsequent playoff berth.[13]

Year-by-year

[edit]
Year League Regular season P W D L Pts Playoffs Top scorer Avg. attendance
2010 WPS 3rd Place 24 10 10 4 34 Runners-up United States Amy Rodriguez (12) 3,050
2011 WPS 2nd Place 24 10 5 9 35 Runners-up United States Tasha Kai (9) 2,774

Ownership

[edit]

The Philadelphia Independence was owned and operated by David and Linda Halstead.[citation needed] The Halsteads purchased the franchise from WPS in March 2009 and orchestrated the team's success in both 2010 and 2011 seasons (they never won a championship, but were runners-up both years). Their first coach was Paul Riley. After the league folded in 2012, the name stopped being used.

League suspension

[edit]

On January 30, 2012, Women's Professional Soccer announced suspension of the 2012 season, citing several internal organization struggles as the primary cause. Some of these included an ongoing legal battle with an ex-franchise owner and the lack of resources invested into the league.[14][15]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Philadelphia Independence

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Philadelphia Independence was an American professional women's soccer club based in Chester, Pennsylvania, a of , that competed as an expansion team in the (WPS) league during its 2010 and 2011 seasons. Named after the city's historical role in American independence, the franchise was awarded on May 18, 2009, during a ceremony at the , marking Philadelphia's entry into top-level . The team played its home games at West Chester University's John A. Farrell Stadium in 2010 before relocating to Widener University's Leslie Quick Stadium for the 2011 campaign, drawing support from a region with a growing soccer fanbase bolstered by the nearby club . Under head coach Paul Riley, the Independence achieved immediate success, finishing third in the seven-team league in 2010 with a record of 10 wins, 4 draws, and 10 losses across 24 regular-season matches. The team advanced to the WPS Championship final that year, where it fell 4–0 to the FC Gold Pride, with stars like forward Amy Rodriguez contributing significantly to the playoff run. In 2011, amid league contraction to six teams, the Independence improved to second place with an 11–3–4 record in 18 matches and again reached the final after defeating magicJack 2–0 in the Super Semifinal. They ultimately lost the championship 5–4 on penalty kicks to the Western New York Flash following a 1–1 draw, capping a season highlighted by strong defensive play and offensive contributions from players such as Rodriguez and defender Heather Mitts, both members of the United States women's national team. The Independence's tenure was marked by individual accolades, including Riley earning WPS Coach of the Year honors in both seasons, forward Veronica Boquete winning Player of the Year in 2011, and defender Nikki Krzysik named Sportswoman of the Year that same year. The club roster also featured international talents like Japan's Karina Maruyama and Spain's Boquete, helping to elevate the visibility of women's soccer in the area through community events and matches that attracted thousands of fans. However, the WPS folded on May 18, 2012, due to ongoing financial challenges, financial disputes, and inability to secure stable investment, abruptly ending the Independence's operations after just two seasons despite its on-field accomplishments.

History

Formation

On March 17, 2009, (WPS) formally approved as its eighth franchise, set to join the league as an for the season, maintaining the circuit at seven active clubs after the departure of two teams from the inaugural 2009 campaign. The franchise was owned by a group led by David Halstead and based in , to serve the broader Philadelphia metropolitan area and capitalize on the region's strong soccer fanbase. The team name, Philadelphia Independence, was announced on May 18, 2009, drawing inspiration from the city's pivotal role in American independence, particularly the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This historical nod aligned with Philadelphia's identity as the "Cradle of Liberty," reflecting themes of resilience and freedom that the club aimed to embody on the field. Initial preparations accelerated in the fall of 2009, beginning with the appointment of Paul Riley as head coach on September 3, after a nationwide search for leadership to build the expansion roster. Riley, experienced in women's soccer development, oversaw early tryouts held in June 2009 to identify talent. The club then participated in the on September 15, 2009, selecting players such as defender Lori Lindsey and forward Danesha Adams to form the core of the team. This was followed by the International Draft on September 22, 2009, where the Independence held the first overall pick and chose Swedish midfielder , adding international experience to the squad. These drafts integrated the team into the league's structure, allowing allocation of players from existing WPS clubs and global talent pools ahead of the 2010 college draft. Training camp officially opened on March 8, 2010, at , with 27 players vying for 22 roster spots as Riley finalized preparations for the inaugural season. This pre-season phase focused on team cohesion and tactical development, setting the foundation for the club's entry into competitive play.

2010 season

The Philadelphia Independence entered the (WPS) league as an in 2010, marking their inaugural competitive season with a third-place finish in the seven-team standings after compiling a record of 10 wins, 4 draws, and 10 losses for 34 points. The team demonstrated resilience throughout the 24-game regular season, balancing strong offensive output with defensive solidity at John A. Farrell Stadium in , where they hosted 12 matches. emerged as the squad's standout performer, leading the league with 12 goals and providing crucial scoring in key fixtures. Head coach Paul Riley's tactical acumen earned him the 2010 WPS Coach of the Year award for guiding the newcomers to a playoff berth in their debut year. The season opened promisingly on April 11, 2010, with a 0-0 draw against fellow expansion side Atlanta Beat, drawing a stadium-record crowd of 6,028 spectators to John A. Farrell Stadium and setting an enthusiastic tone for the franchise. Notable highlights included emphatic victories over rivals, such as a 4-1 rout of defending champions Sky Blue FC on June 19, 2010, where Rodriguez contributed a goal and two assists to fuel the Independence's momentum. Overall home attendance averaged 2,938 per game across the regular season, reflecting growing local interest despite the league's challenges. These results underscored the team's ability to compete against established opponents, finishing with a balanced home record that propelled them into the postseason. In the playoffs, the Independence mounted an impressive run, beginning with a 1-0 overtime victory over the Washington Freedom on September 19, 2010, at , where Rodriguez's dramatic 120th-minute strike secured advancement amid 24 shots on goal. They advanced to the WPS Super Semifinal, defeating the 2-1 in overtime on September 23, 2010, at Soldiers Field Stadium in , highlighted by Danesha Adams' controversial 104th-minute header that overcame an early deficit. The journey culminated in the WPS Championship on September 26, 2010, at in , but ended in a 4-0 defeat to regular-season champions , with goals from (two), Marta, and . Despite the final loss, the playoff appearance validated the expansion club's rapid integration into elite competition.

2011 season

The Philadelphia Independence entered their second season in (WPS) with high expectations following a strong inaugural year, compiling a regular season record of 11 wins, 4 losses, and 3 draws for 36 points, which secured second place in the league standings behind the . The team relocated their home matches to the smaller Leslie Quick Stadium at in , a capacity of about 4,000, which marked a shift from the larger John A. Farrell Stadium at in 2010 and influenced fan dynamics with more intimate but lower-capacity crowds. Key highlights included multiple victories over rivals magicJack, such as a 3-1 regular-season win on June 25 at Leslie Quick Stadium, where the Independence overcame an early deficit through tactical adjustments by coach Paul Riley, and a 2-0 semifinal playoff triumph on August 20 at PPL Park in Chester, showcasing improved finishing and defensive solidity. The team scored 31 goals while allowing a league-best 18, reflecting Riley's evolutions in tactics, including shifts to a 4-2-3-1 formation in select matches to balance midfield control and counter pressing, which enhanced their transition play and limited opponents' chances. Forward Tasha Kai led the scoring with 9 goals, including a hat trick against Sky Blue FC on July 6, providing crucial offensive firepower amid the team's progression. In the playoffs, the Independence hosted the WPS Super Semifinal at PPL Park, defeating magicJack 2-0 to advance to their second consecutive championship. On August 27, 2011, they faced the in the WPS Championship at Sahlen's Stadium in , where the match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, with the Flash prevailing 5-4 in a to claim the title. The season's average attendance was 2,774 per home game across nine regular-season matches at Leslie Quick Stadium, a slight decline from the prior year's larger venue but still reflecting steady local support despite the more modest facility size and capacity constraints. The venue change fostered a closer connection with fans through accessible seating and community events, though it occasionally limited turnout for high-demand fixtures compared to bigger stadium options.

Dissolution

On January 30, 2012, (WPS) announced the suspension of its 2012 season, citing ongoing legal disputes and financial challenges that prevented league operations from proceeding. This decision directly affected the Philadelphia Independence, halting preparations for the upcoming campaign despite the team's recent success as 2011 WPS champions. The WPS league officially dissolved on May 18, 2012, after three seasons of operation, primarily due to insurmountable financial losses and unresolved litigation. For the Independence, this meant the immediate cessation of all team activities, including the dispersal of assets and the release of players who had been signed or were anticipated for the 2012 roster. Notable examples included forward Tasha Kai, who had signed a contract extension, and , who was expected to return after a standout 2011 season. The collapse stemmed from broader issues within WPS, including financial mismanagement and high-profile lawsuits, such as the one filed by former owner against the league following the termination of his franchise in 2011. Borislow's suit, which alleged procedural violations in the franchise dissolution, was settled confidentially on the same day as the league's folding announcement, exacerbating the instability. In the aftermath, many displaced players, including those from the , transitioned to the newly formed (NWSL), which launched in 2013 under U.S. Soccer Federation support to provide a more sustainable professional structure. No efforts were made to independently revive the Philadelphia Independence following the WPS dissolution, marking the definitive end of the franchise.

Club identity

Name and symbolism

The name "Philadelphia Independence" was selected in May 2009 to honor the city's pivotal role in the , particularly the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, at . This choice evoked the determination of the founding fathers and Philadelphia's legacy as a cradle of American liberty, aligning the club with themes of national origin and historical pride. The team's ownership emphasized that the name captured the essence of an organization built on foresight, leadership, bravery, loyalty, and unity against challenges, mirroring the revolutionary spirit that defined the city. Symbolically, "Independence" represented resilience and freedom, qualities intended to inspire players, fans, and the broader community in —a Philadelphia suburb with deep ties to the region's industrial and cultural heritage. The name reinforced local identity by connecting the club to 's enduring narrative of . This symbolism extended to the team's motto, "We the People," drawn from the U.S. Constitution's , which underscored themes of collective empowerment and teamwork in . The initial reveal of the name in marked a key step in the club's branding evolution, shaping marketing efforts that highlighted Philadelphia's historical landmarks, such as , to foster fan engagement and community ties. By invoking revolutionary ideals, the name helped position the as a symbol of progress and inclusivity in a seeking to expand its footprint in the U.S., influencing promotional campaigns that celebrated the city's blue-collar ethos alongside its foundational history.

Colors, badge, and kits

The Philadelphia Independence's official colors were steel grey as the primary, pearl blue as the secondary, and blazing yellow as the accent. These colors drew inspiration from the city's heritage: steel grey represented its industrial and manufacturing roots, pearl blue reflected the city flag and blue-collar traditions, and blazing yellow honored Philadelphia's Swedish colonial origins in 1638. The team's badge featured a stylized keystone-shaped shield, referencing Pennsylvania's nickname as the Keystone State and symbolizing unity and strength. Etched on the shield were the words "Philadelphia" and the debut year "2010." The badge was unveiled on July 4, 2009, during an Independence Day event. The Independence's kits were manufactured by PUMA, the official uniform supplier for (WPS). The home kit consisted of a steel grey jersey with pearl and blazing accents, designed for a sleek, professional appearance that aligned with the team's color palette. The away kit was predominantly blazing , providing a vibrant contrast while incorporating the secondary elements for trim and logos. Due to the club's brief existence, kit designs saw only minor evolutions between the 2010 and 2011 seasons, with PUMA introducing updated WPS uniforms that retained the core color scheme and badge placement but featured subtle fabric and fit improvements. Special pink variants were also used in select 2011 games to support initiatives.

Stadium and facilities

Primary venues

The Philadelphia Independence played their inaugural 2010 season home matches at John A. Farrell Stadium on the campus of in . This venue, with a capacity of 7,500, was selected for its proximity to —approximately 25 miles west—and a with the university that provided access to collegiate facilities suitable for professional play. The stadium's location in Chester County facilitated training and operations for the expansion franchise in the (WPS) league. For the 2011 season, the team shifted to Leslie C. Quick Jr. Stadium at in , a venue with a capacity of over 4,000. This move, about 15 miles south of , aimed at logistical improvements, including easier access for players and staff via regional transportation and proximity to the Chester area for operations. The smaller stadium reflected the league's model for women's professional teams, which typically relied on university partnerships rather than dedicated ownership of facilities. The Independence's 2011 WPS playoff semifinal was hosted at PPL Park in , a larger with a capacity of 18,500. This venue, home to Major League Soccer's , offered a professional atmosphere and drew higher attendance of 5,410 fans compared to regular-season games. Training occurred at United Sports in , within Chester County, under a three-year announced in 2010; the team had no permanent owned site, consistent with the WPS franchise structure that emphasized cost-effective use of local fields. Venue choices contributed to attendance variations, with 2010 averaging approximately 2,967 per home game at West Chester—ranking last in —and similar figures in 2011 at Widener, partly due to fan travel challenges from Philadelphia's urban core to suburban sites. These logistics, including limited public transit options, impacted turnout despite the team's competitive success.

Supporters and culture

The primary supporter group for the Philadelphia Independence was the Daughters of Betsy, a organization formed in 2010 and affiliated with the Sons of Ben, Philadelphia's prominent MLS supporters' collective. Inspired by and the city's revolutionary heritage, the group embodied local pride and provided dedicated backing through organized matchday support, including chants that energized the atmosphere at games. Fan engagement extended beyond stadiums through initiatives like partnerships with local soccer clubs, enabling clinics and camps led by Independence players to promote the sport among young athletes. Supporters also participated in traditions common to Philadelphia's soccer culture, fostering a sense of community around the team's independence-themed identity. Attendance trends showed modest interest, with an average of approximately 2,967 fans per home game in (total 35,605) and 2,774 for regular-season games in (total 24,970), plus 5,410 for the playoff semifinal at PPL Park, for an overall home total of about 30,380—reflecting similar per-game figures despite fewer regular-season matches. The team's cultural footprint in included coverage in local media outlets such as WHYY and The Delaware County Daily Times, which highlighted its contributions to amid the city's established athletic scene. Without sustained league presence, the Independence avoided intense rivalries but connected to broader soccer enthusiasm, drawing fans familiar with MLS support dynamics. Post-dissolution after the 2011 WPS collapse, interest lingered through local reporting on former players' transitions and owner reflections, sustaining a niche community attachment to the team's brief legacy.

Management and personnel

Ownership

The Philadelphia Independence was primarily owned by David Halstead, a specializing in economic analysis and business models, along with his wife Linda Halstead, who contributed to operations. The Halsteads acquired the franchise in 2009 as part of the (WPS) expansion, purchasing it for $750,000 plus a $250,000 . Under their ownership, the club operated through , LLC, with David Halstead serving as CEO and managing league compliance, player contracts, and overall business operations. The Halsteads invested significantly in player salaries—particularly for high-profile U.S. national team members—and efforts aimed at youth soccer clubs and local supporters, though they anticipated operational losses over a 3-5 year horizon due to limited sponsorships and the absence of a major TV deal, relying mainly on ticket revenue. Key decisions included facilitating the team's venue transition from Farrell Stadium at in 2010 to Leslie Quick Stadium at starting in 2011, followed by a lease renewal for 2012, and strong support for retaining Paul Riley, whom credited with deep league knowledge and planned to feature centrally in any future revival efforts. No major controversies arose during their tenure. Following WPS's suspension in early 2012, the Halsteads opted not to continue the franchise in alternative leagues like WPSL Elite, effectively shutting down operations, with David Halstead maintaining limited involvement by monitoring women's soccer developments within the WPS context.

Coaching staff

Paul Riley was appointed as the inaugural of the Philadelphia Independence in September 2009, ahead of the team's entry into (WPS) the following year. A native of , , Riley brought extensive experience in U.S. and international women's soccer, including two WPSL National Championships with the Long Island Rough Riders in 2006 and 2009, and a successful collegiate tenure as head coach of the Pioneers from 1991 to 1997, where he posted a 98-48-11 record. Riley led the Independence through its two seasons of play—2010 and 2011 in WPS—with no changes to the head coaching position during the club's lifespan. He was recognized for his tactical acumen, particularly in playoff preparations, earning WPS Coach of the Year honors in both for guiding the to the postseason and in 2011 for a strong regular-season performance. Under Riley, the coaching staff emphasized player development and strategic adaptability, contributing to the team's competitive edge in high-stakes matches. Key assistants included Paul Royal, who served as an assistant coach from 2009 to 2011 and focused on tactical training and player integration, drawing from his prior professional experience with the Philadelphia Charge in the WUSA. Skip Thorp joined as an assistant coach and strength and conditioning specialist, supporting player fitness and development programs during the WPS years. The staff remained stable, with no reported turnover, enabling consistent implementation of Riley's vision for team growth. Following the WPS's folding in 2012 and the Independence's dissolution, Riley continued his career in the , taking the head coaching role with the in 2014.

Players

The Philadelphia Independence's inaugural 2010 roster featured a blend of established U.S. national team talent and emerging stars, with forward emerging as a centerpiece after being acquired in a trade from the . Rodriguez led the team with 12 goals across the regular season and playoffs, finishing second in the league behind Marta's 14, and contributed significantly to the Independence's run to the WPS Championship final. Defender , another key acquisition from Boston, anchored the backline with her experience from the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT), providing stability during the team's expansion-year challenges. In 2011, the Independence bolstered their attack with additions like forward Tasha Kai, who scored 9 goals in league play, including a against her former club Sky Blue FC, helping propel the team to second place in the regular season. Spanish international joined midseason as a and quickly became integral, tallying 5 goals and 4 assists while earning the league's Player of the Year award for her creative playmaking and scoring impact. Ahead of the planned 2012 season, the Independence signed USWNT midfielder as a in January to add versatility and in the midfield, with rumors of pursuing forward Lauren Cheney to strengthen the attack. However, these moves never materialized on the field, as the WPS suspended operations on January 30, 2012, due to financial and legal issues, leading to the release of all players as s and the league's eventual folding in May. The rosters across both seasons reflected a strategic mix of USWNT regulars—such as Rodriguez, Mitts, Lori Lindsey, and goalkeeper —and international talent including Boquete (Spain), (), and Karina Maruyama (), fostering a competitive balance that contributed to the team's playoff success. Three Independence players (Rodriguez, Lindsey, and ) represented the USWNT at the , highlighting the club's role in bridging club and international duties. Notable individual achievements included Rodriguez's standout 2010 campaign, where she scored in the WPS and earned recognition as a top contender for league honors through her goal-scoring prowess. Boquete's 2011 Player of the Year selection underscored her rapid integration and influence. Following the WPS dissolution, key players transitioned to the newly formed (NWSL); Rodriguez joined the as an allocated USWNT player in 2013, later winning championships with in 2014 and 2015, while Boquete debuted in the NWSL with the in 2014, leading the league with 6 assists that season. Kai returned to professional soccer with Sky Blue FC in the NWSL in 2016 after a hiatus.

Competition record

Season summaries

The Philadelphia Independence's inaugural 2010 season in saw the team secure third place in the league standings with a regular-season record of 10 wins, 10 losses, and 4 draws, accumulating 34 points. The squad advanced to the playoffs, defeating the Washington Freedom 1–0 in extra time in the first round and the 2–1 in extra time in the Super Semifinal before falling 4–0 to in the WPS Championship final. Forward led the team with 12 goals, contributing significantly to the offense that scored 37 goals overall while conceding 36. The average home attendance was 2,967 across 12 matches at John A. Farrell Stadium on the campus of .
SeasonMatches PlayedWinsLossesDrawsGoals ForGoals AgainstPoints
20102410104373634
Between seasons, the Independence transitioned venues to Leslie Quick Stadium at , citing improved facilities and accessibility, though this shift coincided with a slight dip in average attendance. Roster enhancements bolstered the squad, including the acquisition of goalkeeper from the folded and the addition of forward , alongside draft picks like midfielder ; these changes strengthened the defense, reducing goals conceded by nearly half, and elevated overall performance metrics. In , the team improved to second place with an 11–3–4 record, earning 36 points over 18 regular-season matches. They again reached the , beating 2–0 in the Super Semifinal but losing 1–1 (5–4 on penalties) to in the championship. topped the scoring charts with 9 goals, as the offense netted 31 goals while the improved backline allowed just 18. Average attendance held steady at 2,774 for home games at the new venue.
SeasonMatches PlayedWinsLossesDrawsGoals ForGoals AgainstPoints
2011181143311836
Over the two seasons, the Independence compiled an aggregate record of 21 wins, 14 losses, and 7 draws, totaling 70 points and reaching the WPS final both years.

Achievements and legacy

The Philadelphia Independence achieved significant on-field success during its two seasons in (WPS), reaching the league championship as runners-up both years without securing a title. In 2010, the expansion team advanced to the final but fell 4-0 to . The following year, after finishing second in the regular season and defeating 2-0 in the Super Semifinal, the Independence drew 1-1 with in the championship match before losing 5-4 in penalty kicks. These appearances underscored the team's rapid rise and competitive depth in a league featuring top international talent. Individual honors further highlighted the Independence's contributions, with forward Amy Rodriguez establishing a standout goal-scoring record of 12 in the 2010 regular season, which positioned her as a league MVP finalist and propelled the team through the playoffs, including an overtime winner against Washington Freedom. Head coach Paul Riley earned WPS Coach of the Year accolades in both 2010 and 2011 for guiding the franchise to back-to-back finals. Multiple players received All-Star recognition, including Rodriguez and midfielder Lori Lindsey in 2010, reflecting the squad's blend of emerging and established stars. The Independence left a lasting mark on women's soccer in Philadelphia by elevating the sport's visibility and inspiring local growth, amid a history of short-lived professional teams like the earlier Philadelphia Charge in the Women's United Soccer Association. Its success fostered increased participation in youth and amateur programs across the region, contributing to sustained enthusiasm that influenced the development of semi-professional clubs such as the Philadelphia Lone Star Women in the . On a broader scale, the team bolstered the WPS's profile before the league's suspension after due to financial challenges, while alumni like Rodriguez achieved prominence with the Women's National Team, including Olympic gold medals in 2012 and World Cup contention. Cultural echoes of the persist through preserved memorabilia, such as championship match programs and player jerseys, alongside fan recollections documented in local histories that recognize the team's in Philadelphia's diverse athletic heritage.

References

  1. https://www.si.com/soccer/2009/05/19/philadelphia-independence
  2. https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/sports/philly-women-get-their-independence/1882274/
  3. https://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/essays/soccer/
  4. https://fbref.com/en/comps/878/2010/2010-Womens-Professional-Soccer-Stats
  5. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/fc-pride-beats-philadelphia-to-win-wps-title
  6. https://fbref.com/en/comps/878/2011/2011-Womens-Professional-Soccer-Stats
  7. https://www.si.com/more-sports/2011/08/28/wps-final
  8. https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/news/heather-mitts-cant-kick-us-joins-philadelphia-independence/289806/
  9. https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/thegoalkeeper/Independence-sweep-top-WPS-awards.html
  10. https://www.si.com/more-sports/2010/09/01/wps-awards
  11. https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2009/03/17/Franchises/WPS-Approves-Philadelphia-As-Eighth-Franchise-Set-To-Begin-In-10/
  12. https://www.delcotimes.com/2009/05/18/womens-pro-soccer-team-to-be-called-independence/
  13. https://equalizersoccer.com/2009/09/03/riley-named-independence-head-coach/
  14. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/359028-the-expansion-philadelphia-independence-officially-open-training-camp
  15. https://phillysoccerpage.net/2010/03/12/friday-morning-news-roundup/
  16. https://www.socceralmanac.com/data/teams/philadelphia-independence/wps-2010/
  17. https://phillysoccerpage.net/2010/09/16/independence-boss-named-coach-of-the-year/
  18. https://funwhileitlasted.net/2013/02/03/2010-2011-philadelphia-independence/
  19. https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/soccer/20100620_Independence_defeat_Sky_Blue.html
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  30. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/823785-2011-wps-championship-western-ny-flash-defeats-the-philadelphia-independence
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  43. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/331879-wps-and-puma-unveil-new-uniforms
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  47. https://wcupagoldenrams.com/sports/2016/2/26/john-a-farrell-stadium.aspx
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