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Goal.com's WPS Power Rankings: Week 4
A third straight win for FC Gold Pride has jumped them into the top spot this week. See where the rest lie in this week's rankings.
May 4, 2010 5:18:00 PM
By Giovanni Albanese Jr.
1. FC Gold Pride - Christine Sinclair returned to the lineup and helped propel the Pride into sole possession of first with the win over Sky Blue FC, scoring her league-leading third goal. Carrie Dew had her third consecutive solid game. A coincidence the team is 3-0 in that time? I think not. (3)
2. Philadelphia Independence - Philly is independent among the unbeaten teams in the WPS and picking up steam. After opening the season with two ties, Philadelphia has won its last two and sit just a point behind the Gold Pride in the standings, allowing just two goals in four games. Val Henderson is 2-0 in relief of Karina LeBlanc in goal. (5)
3. Boston Breakers - Despite dropping a home game to the previously winless Chicaco Red Stars, the Breakers did play well. Unfortunately for coach Tony DiCicco‘s Breakers, they couldn‘t finish their opportunities. “We are getting chances but either missing them or hitting the goalkeeper, as was the case (vs. Chicaco),” said DiCicco. (1)
4. Washington Freedom - Back on the win side with another 3-1 victory, this time scoring off the super keeper Hope Solo. But the pressing question for the Freedom remains: Can they string together consecutive wins? (6)
5. St. Louis Athletica - Tough loss to the Freedom on the road last weekend, allowing an unheard of three goals in a single game. It won‘t get any easier for Hope Solo and crew, taking on the emerging Independence. (2)
6. Sky Blue FC - Sky Blue FC played well in spurts last weekend against the Gold Pride, but couldn‘t create anything to penetrate the backline of the Pride. Missing Carli Lloyd and Tasha Kai to injuries didn‘t help the cause. Next up for the defending champs is heading to Georgia for the Atlanta Beat home opener. (4)
7. Chicago Red Stars - Casey Nogueira may have worked her way into the starting lineup with her second goal of the year, this one helping the Red Stars get its first win -- a roadie against the Breakers. It‘ll be tough to win a second straight road game, traveling to California to take on the streaking Pride. (7)
8. Atlanta Beat - The month-long road trip is over for the Beat. They may be without Tobin Heath for the considerable future, but should start to come together with a month straight of home games. It‘s exactly what a young team needs. (8)
For more on Women's Professional Soccer, visit Goal.com's WPS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
Giovanni Albanese Jr. contributes WPS content for Goal.com. He also covers FC Gold Pride for Tri-City Voice in Fremont, Calif. Contact him with any questions at GAlbaneseJr@gmail.com or on Twitter @BASportsBlogger.
2. Philadelphia Independence - Philly is independent among the unbeaten teams in the WPS and picking up steam. After opening the season with two ties, Philadelphia has won its last two and sit just a point behind the Gold Pride in the standings, allowing just two goals in four games. Val Henderson is 2-0 in relief of Karina LeBlanc in goal. (5)
3. Boston Breakers - Despite dropping a home game to the previously winless Chicaco Red Stars, the Breakers did play well. Unfortunately for coach Tony DiCicco‘s Breakers, they couldn‘t finish their opportunities. “We are getting chances but either missing them or hitting the goalkeeper, as was the case (vs. Chicaco),” said DiCicco. (1)
4. Washington Freedom - Back on the win side with another 3-1 victory, this time scoring off the super keeper Hope Solo. But the pressing question for the Freedom remains: Can they string together consecutive wins? (6)
5. St. Louis Athletica - Tough loss to the Freedom on the road last weekend, allowing an unheard of three goals in a single game. It won‘t get any easier for Hope Solo and crew, taking on the emerging Independence. (2)
6. Sky Blue FC - Sky Blue FC played well in spurts last weekend against the Gold Pride, but couldn‘t create anything to penetrate the backline of the Pride. Missing Carli Lloyd and Tasha Kai to injuries didn‘t help the cause. Next up for the defending champs is heading to Georgia for the Atlanta Beat home opener. (4)
7. Chicago Red Stars - Casey Nogueira may have worked her way into the starting lineup with her second goal of the year, this one helping the Red Stars get its first win -- a roadie against the Breakers. It‘ll be tough to win a second straight road game, traveling to California to take on the streaking Pride. (7)
8. Atlanta Beat - The month-long road trip is over for the Beat. They may be without Tobin Heath for the considerable future, but should start to come together with a month straight of home games. It‘s exactly what a young team needs. (8)
For more on Women's Professional Soccer, visit Goal.com's WPS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
Giovanni Albanese Jr. contributes WPS content for Goal.com. He also covers FC Gold Pride for Tri-City Voice in Fremont, Calif. Contact him with any questions at GAlbaneseJr@gmail.com or on Twitter @BASportsBlogger.
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