New Spokane Shine member Lisa RobertsonSPOKANE, Wash. -
The Spokane Shine announced today that they have signed Scottish Premier League player Lisa Robertson of the 2011 Scottish Cup Champion Hibernian Ladies team. Robertson, primarily a left back, has also been a member of the Scottish Women's National U19 squad with 26 international caps (appearances) in international competition as a youth in addition to playing with Hibernian since she was 14.
"I am very excited to have signed Lisa," said head coach Jason Quintero, "Her visa just got finalized and she's ready to go for the summer."
Robertson is tricky on the ball, has great vision, touch and plays well on both sides of the ball. While predominately a left back, as a left-sided player she is capable of playing up in the midfield as well. Quintero also noted that she has a "competitive mean streak" that accompanies many experienced British players. In Robertson, Quintero believes he has signed a player that would play a full 90 minutes on most WPSL teams. "Her experience at such a young age is priceless," he added.
The Shine will begin their 3rd season in the WPSL Northwest Division this summer. In his first two seasons, Quintero has led the team to a 12-10-2 record finishing second twice. The Northwest Division will consist of teams from Bend and Portland along with newcomers Eugene and Issaquah. "Our goal is the playoffs this year. Period," said Quintero. "Lisa knows this and our ambition as a club is what attracted her to us. She's going to be important for us as we make that push this summer."
Robertson is part of a U19 generation that many in international circles figure to have a legitimate shot at helping the Scottish National team qualify for the 2015 or 2019 Women's World Cup. "How awesome would it be for a little girl in Spokane to say she has an autograph of a player who is on television in the World Cup?" said Quintero, "Helping our local youth players identify and connect with female players who have achieved in high school, college and even at the international level, is what the Spokane Shine are all about."
