New women’s soccer team plays in Pacific Beach



ASC San Diego midfielder Marlene Avalos (12) goes for the ball against San Diego Surf. slideshow

As spring winds down and summer is around the corner, you won’t have to go far if you want to see elite women’s soccer.Playing out of Mission Bay High Stadium, ASC San Diego is one of several teams making up the San Diego region in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL).ASC San Diego has started off the season 0-3, but there is no doubt some talent on a team that is part of a league that spans the globe.The WPSL, in its 21st season of play, is the largest women’s soccer league in the world with more than 110 teams. The WPSL provides a three-month window from May through July for elite amateur athletes to compete at a high level and showcase their talents.“We held two formal tryouts and hand-selected the best talents from within San Diego and the country,” ASC San Diego head coach Eloisa Borreguero said. “We also build on the relationship with Albion SC (youth academy) and worked with the staff to reach out to former Albion SC players and offer them to come back to their home club and be part of the adventure. The team is open to the best Albion SC DA players to continue their development and passion of the sport.”Three of the ASC San Diego players were born and raised in San Diego, with Bianca Mora, Andrea Camacho and Ana Sofia Salas all from Chula Vista.The San Diego Division of the WPSL has five teams – ASC San Diego, LA Galaxy San Diego, San Diego Sea Lions, San Diego Parceiro Ladies and the San Diego Surf.According to Borreguero, San Diego has really embraced the team and its icon player, Natasha Kai, who won a gold medal while playing for the U.S. women’s national team.“The team is responding well,” Borreguero said. “I see progress every day, through their work, performance and commitment. This work, effort and patience will bring us results. This is a great opportunity for the younger players in the club (Albion SC) and in the community to watch and support the women’s team. Now they have leaders and role models that they can look up to.”As Borreguero pointed out, starting a team from scratch is a bit of a challenge.“Starting a new team from scratch and joining the WPSL is a journey itself,” Borreguero noted. “We overcame challenges such as not having the full roster until late due to eligibility rules and creating cohesiveness in short period of time; however these women come to train ready to work hard and to enjoy the game. They help making the training environment competitive and enjoyable.”ASC San Diego will have its next home game on June 8 versus San Diego Parceiro Ladies at 4 p.m.