Atlanta Get Ninth WPS Franchise

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Atlanta will join the ranks of Women’s Professional Soccer as the ninth team under the name Atlanta Beat in 2010.

We are excited and proud to add Atlanta as our ninth WPS franchise for 2010 and to have Fitz Johnson, who is such a passionate and dynamic businessman, as an owner in our growing league,” said WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci in a press release. “Atlanta is a soccer hotbed with its numerous youth leagues and tournaments, and the region has played host to some big time women’s soccer events over the years including the Olympics and WUSA championship games.”

The Beat joins the Philadelphia Independence as the latest additions to the new WPS and will be headed up by former Southern Methodist University associate athletic director Shawn McGee, who spent a decade in Major League Soccer with F.C. Dallas.

The Atlanta franchise ownership group is headed by former CEO of Eagle Group International T. Fitz Johnson, an Atlanta entrepreneur who actually holds a National Soccer Coaches Association of America license and has ties to the game on many levels.

“We are thrilled to be bringing Women’s Professional Soccer to Atlanta for the 2010 season and are excited for this milestone announcement,” said Johnson.  “As a team, we will feature the highest level of women’s soccer in the world and it is our goal to be entertaining, exciting and affordable for fans.”

The new squad will boast Ferrari Red and Gold as their colors and Johnson has hope that every aspect of the newest franchise in Atlanta can help expand on the city’s already vibrant sports scene.

“We feel the new team name, the Atlanta Beat, embraces our city’s past support of a professional women’s soccer team,” he said. “Our logo and colors are distinct and vibrant, representing the flavor of the warmth, and energy of this city.  There is no question that a WPS franchise will diversify and add to Atlanta’s robust professional sports community.”

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