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Masar is in her second season with the Chicago Red Stars
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July 27, 2010
Chicago, Ill. - Former Illinois soccer standout Ella Masar continues to develop into a consistent offensive threat for the Chicago Red Stars of Women's Professional Soccer in her second season in the league. The four goals recorded by the Urbana, Ill. native rank her first among Red Star players and tied for seventh overall in WPS after finishing the 2009 season with two points on two assists.
"The only thing I can say for sure is that it's been a long road," Masar said. "With having one year under my belt, the experience has undoubtedly helped my career. Just like coming from high school to college, it takes some time to get adjusted. Luckily for me, I have an organization that has supported and believed in me while I take the necessary steps to be an impact at this level."
The 2006 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year recorded the first two goals of her WPS career during Chicago's victory, 2-1, over the Boston Breakers on June 25. Masar followed with a goal against the Atlanta Beat to salvage a tie, 1-1, on July 7 and recorded the game-winner in the Red Stars shutout of the defending WPS Champion FC Blue Sky on July 10.
While at Illinois, Masar totaled 27 goals and 20 assists to finish with 72 points. For her career with the Orange and Blue, she finished second in assists and game-winning goals, third in career points, fourth in total shots and fifth in goals scored. The former Illini forward was recognized nationally for her performance on the field as an All-American, NSCAA/addidas All-Great Lakes Region and Soccer Buzz All-Great Lakes Region award recipient. Masar was also recognized within the conference, earning Big Ten accolades as a four-time Big Ten Player of the Week and an All-Big Ten and All-Big Ten Tournament Team member.
Chicago is currently tied for sixth place in Women's Professional Soccer with a 4-7-5 record. To reach the playoffs, the Red Stars need to finish in fourth place or higher with eight games remaining.
"The most important thing for us is to go out to play each game as our last," Masar said. "We have probably the toughest schedule in the WPS with our remaining games. The bottom line is that we are in charge of our own outcome. Whether I score ten more goals or none, it does not matter. I just want our team to win and prove that we are one of the best in the league."
Chicago travels to face the Philadelphia Independence for their next match at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25 at John A. Farrell Stadium in West Chester, Pa.
