Independence set to sign national team midfielder

The Independence are expected to announce the signing of U.S. women's national team midfielder Megan Rapinoe on Monday.

A member of the Chicago Red Stars for two seasons, Rapinoe became a free agent when Chicago decided to suspend Women's Professional Soccer play in 2011.

The 25-year-old Rapinoe had a goal and two assists in 20 games for Chicago last season.

In 10 appearances this year for the U.S. national team, Rapinoe contributed four goals and two assists.

She will be the fourth member of the Independence invited to the six-day training camp for the U.S. national team that begins Jan. 8. The camp will precede a trip to China for the 2011 Four Nations Tournament. The tournament will include Sweden and Canada in addition to the United States and China. The other Independence members among the 26 players at camp will be midfielders Joanna Lohman and Lori Lindsey and forward Amy Rodriguez.

The addition of Rapinoe could give the Independence among the strongest midfields in the six-team WPS.