SOCCER REPORTS

KARA LANG ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AT PRESS CONFERENCE

The Canadian Soccer Association acknowledged Kara Lang's services to the game by hosting a Press Conference at the Oakville Soccer Club on Wednesday 5th January 2011. Almost seventy people crammed into a reception room adorned with Number 15 jerseys, and the Cyprus and CONCACAF trophies, and even a retrospective booklet on her career to hear Kara say goodbye.

The General secretary of the CSA, Peter Montopoli paid homage to Kara for her remarkable 10 year career in the program. She remains the youngest player to ever play for the Women's National Team. The CSA presented her with a framed picture of the Championship team at the recently concluded CONCACAF championships.

Jason DeVos welcomed all to the Oakvlle SC where he is now Club Technical Director. He spoke of his sadness and disappointment at the premature end of Kara's career, but he has assured Kara that she is always welcome to join their organization!

Kara's team mate, Diana Matheson, read a heartfelt letter from coach Carolina Morace who is away at a FIFA event in Europe. Diana then explained that not only is Kara an extraordinary and dedicated athlete, but she is an important part of the team off the field as well. She keeps the team laughing, and they will miss her kindness and spontaneity.

Finally, Kara addressed the crowd and cameras herself in an emotional speech that asked for the CSA and Canada to provide more support for their National Women's team. She could not have asked for better friends.

Among those attending the event were two members of the CSA Board, the President of Umbro Canada, the mayor of Oakville, Kara's parents, teammates Diana Matheson, Carmelina Moscato, Melanie Booth and Robyn Gale, a smattering of small girls and their parents, and numerous CSA staff, TV and press people. In fact, mayor Rob Burton declared that no other event has ever attracted so many TV cameras in Oakville.