All sports fans know the name Kobe Bryant for his amazing exploits on the basketball court, but few know him as a soccer player. Indeed, Kobe played soccer as a youngster in Italy where his father was a professional basketball player.

Bryant's love of the sport has never faded, an avid Barca supporter, Kobe lists the club's former Brazilian star Ronaldinho as his favorite player. Which is why it was fitting that Kobe welcome Marta to Los Angeles.

For those who don't know, Marta is the most dynamic player in the women's game and is often compared with the great Ronaldinho, Bryant counts himself as a fan of Marta and even says it was a goal of his to watch Marta in person at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Marta is certain to become an icon for thousands of young girls across Southern California and America, among them is Bryant's daughter, Natalia. Said Kobe, "...we go home and I bring up Marta on YouTube and said, 'Watch this.' She sat there for like 15 minutes just watching. She's only 6, but she recognizes what's amazing."

Before writing this entry I owe it to you to admit my staunch egalitarian political beliefs. I feel that we should all be egalitarians, but I won't hold it against you if you aren't.

That said, I wanted to talk about the new Women's professional soccer league that launches this year, aptly called "Women's Professional Soccer".

Little to anyone's surprise you often see American sportswriters dismissing women's sports, often in derogatory manners. It's depressing, but by now we as soccer fans are used to this treatment, and furthermore, supporters of women's sports are used to it.

However, my real problem is when fans of American soccer dismiss the league before a ball has even been kicked in anger. This only serves to undermine the growth and development of our game. The beauty of football is that it truely is the people's game, anyone can play, and anyone is welcome.

I have issues with MLS, and the way it's run. But I would never intentionally undermine it's success, as it's existance is currently important to American soccer. Likewise, believe it or not, a strong women's game is essential to the security of American soccer. America is a female nation, 52% of it's inhabitants are female, females are outpacing their male counterparts in the academic arena as well. Now, moreso than ever, is it important for American soccer to embrace it's legions of female fans and players.

Now, I understand the early skepticism. The WUSA's demise did very little to change people's minds. This comes down to the league being badly run at the top. Basic economics tells us that you simply can't pay more money than you have, it's impossible, and that's where the league ran into trouble. Hopefully the WPS will start modestly and blossom from there. After all, it is said that those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

So far I like the look of the league, and I'll certainly watch some matches on TV. My one reservation is with the skorts! That said, they won't be used in matches and Leslie Osbourne doesn't look bad in them ;). Anyone interested in the league should visit rbond007's blog, she's doing a good job covering the league so far.

On a final note, the Ultras Montreal have posted some fantastic pictures from the Montreal Impact's 2-0 first-leg victory over Santos Laguna this week, check them out.