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New England Mutiny moves to Elite 5 Division

Date: 3/13/2015

SPRINGFIELD – The New England Mutiny announced that it will compete in the Elite 5 Division of the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). The Mutiny, one of the longest running women's soccer franchises in the United States, will play its matches this season against New York AC, New Jersey Blues, Buxmont Torch and Lancaster Inferno.

The Elite 5 was created for teams wishing to compete with higher minimum standards requirements among the competing organizations of the WPSL. The goal of the Elite 5 is to be a springboard for a new league that will provide high levels of competition and showcase the top organizations in minor league women's soccer. As an affiliate league of the WPSL, current teams may petition to enter in proceeding seasons and expansion will be open to organizations that can display the capabilities of providing the best in amenities for players, fans, media and sponsors.

The champion of the Elite 5 will participate in the WPSL regional playoffs against the champions of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic divisions. The winner will represent the East in the WPSL National Championship in Houston, Texas.

“The Elite 5 was created out of necessity. The WPSL has grown exponentially in recent years, however several teams lack the structure to consistently provide a high operational standard. Last season was extremely challenging for us, but the Elite 5 is a remedy for providing the very best in women's soccer,” team owner Joe Ferrara said.

The Mutiny, having won 5 WPSL Divisional Championships, 2 Conference Championships and  consistently at the top in attendance numbers, were natural candidates for the Elite. The other teams are not without their own credentials. NY AC is the defending mid-Atlantic champion and perennial US Soccer National Cups stalwart, New Jersey Blues were the reserve affiliate of Sky Blue of the NWSL, Buxmont Torch was nominated as 2014 WPSL Organization of the Year and are well known for community involvement with its unique ministry outreach program. Lastly, the Lancaster Inferno, who will play its home games at the state-of-the-art facility of Millersville University, has the distinction of being one of less than a handful of teams with a winning record versus New England

The Mutiny will open the season at home on May 16 versus New York. The complete schedule will be released in the next few days.