Breakers send Sanderson, Lohman to Cyprus for Winter Loan

Breakers forward Lianne Sanderson and midfielder Joanna Lohman have located an off-season home. For the next six months, the dynamic attacking pair will join Apollon Limassol LFC, the 2013 Cyprus league champions and UEFA Women's Champions League hopefuls.

Sanderson, who earned team MVP honors in August, started 21 of 22 matches last season, scoring five goals and adding a team-high seven assists. Teammate Lohman also earned 21 starts, contributing a pair of goals during her quiet-yet-effective NWSL campaign.

In early October, the pair will suit up for Apollon Limassol ahead of the club's first-round UEFA Women's Champions League match against Austria's SV Neulengbach. Sanderson and Lohman will look to push Limassol into the round a 16, a feat the Cyprus-based club has never accomplished.

For Sanderson, the move proves especially intriguing, as the British striker will attempt to earn her second Champions League crown. The 2006-2007 season resulted in a championship for Sanderson's Arsenal LFC side, capping a 40 goal, 41-match campaign.

The Cyprus-bound pair will return to Boston in February.

What they're Saying...

Commenting on the value of maintaining off-season intensity, Sanderson spoke freely about her move the Mediterranean. "It's important for me to keep playing as much as I can in the offseason, and when the opportunity came up, it was a no-brainer. Beautiful country, soccer, and Champions League," Sanderson said. "Having won the Champions League before, this tournament will always hold a special place in my heart. I am very excited for the future and what's ahead."

Lohman, also anticipating the cultural transition, added insight of her own. "Playing for Apollon Limassol is an incredible opportunity. For someone who has never played in the Champions League tournament, I am beyond thrilled to live out one of my childhood dreams all the while joining a great football organization," Lohman added. "Lianne and I will go to Cyprus to make a positive impact and expose ourselves to the wonderful weather and culture."

Stay tuned for in-depth analysis as the Breakers off-season continues.