Leroux, O'Reilly strengthen National Team roster as Breakers finish memorable week in soccer

Leroux, O'Reilly join Wilkinson, Leon for International Duty

On Thursday, the Breakers announced the recall of USWNT mainstays Sydney Leroux and Heather O'Reilly, both of whom will stay local during a June 15 friendly at Gillette Stadium. Hosting Korea Republic, the Americans will stick together for a June 20 rematch at Red Bull arena. Leroux and O'Reilly will join Canadians Rhian Wilkinson and Adriana Leon on international duty.

For the Breakers, the loss of Leroux and O'Reilly presents a significant challenge, as the sliding club will face first place Sky Blue FC without two of their most productive players. To counter the pair's absence, the Breakers called up midfielders Kate Russell, Shawna Gordon and Monique LaMotte and defender Jen LaPonte. LaMotte - a Framingham, Mass. native - will join Gordon as a first time call up, while Russell and LaPonte will return from the team's June 1 loss to Sky Blue FC. All four players have trained with the Breakers since the preseason.

FOX Announces 2013 NWSL TV Schedule

FOX Sports' national coverage of the NWSL will kick off July 14 with an East vs. West matchup between Seattle Reign FC and Washington Spirit. Over the ensuing seven weeks, FOX will headline eight enticing matches, including an Aug. 17 showdown between defending champions Western New York Flash and the Breakers. For the final time this season, US Internationals Carli Lloyd and Abby Wambach will battle teammates Leroux and O'Reilly, one week before the NWSL playoffs begin.

On Aug. 24, FOX will showcase the league's two semifinal matches before airing the National Championship at 8 p.m. on Aug. 31.

Breakers Develop Youth Partnership with Scorpions Soccer Club

On June 8, the Breakers announced a one-of-a-kind partnership with Scorpions Soccer Club, a development league that coaches athletes as young as eight and as old as 22. The team will undergo a rebranding process to become the Boston Breakers Academy, the first program of its kind in women's soccer.

During its inaugural season, the Academy will employ Breakers GM Lee Billiard as the U17 Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) head coach, while Academy Director Jack Abelson will coach the U15 ECNL Team. Breakers Senior Team Coordinator Stephanie Schafer will take the reigns of the U17 National Premier League (NPL) squad. Lisa Cole, who coached the Breakers to a league-best 11-3 record in last year's Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL), will also play a vital role, stepping on as the Academy's Technical Director.

As the partnership continues, the Breakers expect to employ several players as staff members, providing mentorship to children and young adults alike. Visit the Official Academy Website for more information about the Breakers Academy program.