Red Stars' Sitch, Weber out for season

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- Chicago Red Stars medical staff confirmed Thursday that Red Stars midfielder and Oswego, Ill., native Julianne Sitch will miss the remainder of the 2010 Women's Professional Soccer season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Sitch's injury to her right knee took place late in the second half during Chicago's 2-1 loss to the Philadelphia Independence on Wednesday at Toyota Park. In anticipation of a pass, Sitch planted her right foot and quickly rotated, injuring her knee in a non-contact play.

Late Wednesday, team medical staff diagnosed Sitch with a knee sprain before a Thursday doctor's visit confirmed that she tore her ACL.

"Julianne Sitch is a role player who's got the heart of a lion," Red Stars Head Coach Omid Namazi said following Wednesday's match. "She works her butt off, and to replace her is tough."

The Red Stars announce another roster setback with developmental player and Elk Grove Village, Ill., native Elise Weber out for the rest of the season with a labral tear of her left hip -- an injury that occurred during training.

For more, visit ChicagoRedStars.com.