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Boston Breakers Try To Extend Washington Freedom's Woes
Boston and Washington tangle on Saturday night, jockeying for playoff position.
Jul 31, 2010 3:20:00 PM
By Giovanni Albanese Jr.
Washington Freedom head to Harvard Stadium in Allston, Mass., attempting to put an end to its nine-game winless streak, taking on the third-place Boston Breakers.
Boston (5-6-4, 19 points) has won four of five games to jump into playoff position. Much of the credit could be given to keeper Alyssa Naeher and midfielder Leslie Osborne, who both got into the lineup as the winning ways began.
"Alyssa has made some mistakes ... but overall, she has done well," said Boston coach Tony DiCicco. She has the ability to make big saves.
"Leslie is a leader on the field, a fiery competitor and key for us both defensively and in possession," DiCicco added. "It is good to have her back."
Meanwhile the Freedom (4-7-5, 17 points) hasn't won since May 30, and is currently on a four-game losing skid.
Washington's slide has brought them from second place on May 30 to a tie for fifth, just a point ahead of the last-place Atlanta Beat in the WPS standings.
"They have come out of a tough stretch to put together some wins," said Freedom coach Jim Gabarra of his opponent. "And as tight as the standings are from 3 to 7, this is an important game for us both."
Despite its recent struggles, Gabarra believes his club is close to breaking out of the slump.
"We think every game we get closer but just cannot catch a break," said Gabarra. "The team is doing everything we are asking of them and I am very proud of everyone and how they are handling it."
As for the gameplan for the Freedom, it's all about the Breakers' English national team midfielder.
"Kelly Smith is the barometer in my opinion and we need to limit her effectiveness and not turn the ball over to her on our third of the field," Gabarra said.
But Gabarra thinks he has a tandem up top that will produce -- Nikki Marshall and Abby Wambach -- that will produce.
"I like this combination and we have to give it some more time to develop," said Gabarra.
Any way you slice it, it'll be another hard-fought battle, as is the case with many WPS games.
"Every game is a battle and every team can beat any other team," said DiCicco. "Washington is a good team in a tough stretch. I can only hope they don’t right their ship against us."
Kickoff is at 6 p.m. ET.
For more on Women's Professional Soccer, visit Goal.com's WPS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
Boston (5-6-4, 19 points) has won four of five games to jump into playoff position. Much of the credit could be given to keeper Alyssa Naeher and midfielder Leslie Osborne, who both got into the lineup as the winning ways began.
"Alyssa has made some mistakes ... but overall, she has done well," said Boston coach Tony DiCicco. She has the ability to make big saves.
"Leslie is a leader on the field, a fiery competitor and key for us both defensively and in possession," DiCicco added. "It is good to have her back."
Meanwhile the Freedom (4-7-5, 17 points) hasn't won since May 30, and is currently on a four-game losing skid.
Washington's slide has brought them from second place on May 30 to a tie for fifth, just a point ahead of the last-place Atlanta Beat in the WPS standings.
"They have come out of a tough stretch to put together some wins," said Freedom coach Jim Gabarra of his opponent. "And as tight as the standings are from 3 to 7, this is an important game for us both."
Despite its recent struggles, Gabarra believes his club is close to breaking out of the slump.
"We think every game we get closer but just cannot catch a break," said Gabarra. "The team is doing everything we are asking of them and I am very proud of everyone and how they are handling it."
As for the gameplan for the Freedom, it's all about the Breakers' English national team midfielder.
"Kelly Smith is the barometer in my opinion and we need to limit her effectiveness and not turn the ball over to her on our third of the field," Gabarra said.
But Gabarra thinks he has a tandem up top that will produce -- Nikki Marshall and Abby Wambach -- that will produce.
"I like this combination and we have to give it some more time to develop," said Gabarra.
Any way you slice it, it'll be another hard-fought battle, as is the case with many WPS games.
"Every game is a battle and every team can beat any other team," said DiCicco. "Washington is a good team in a tough stretch. I can only hope they don’t right their ship against us."
Kickoff is at 6 p.m. ET.
For more on Women's Professional Soccer, visit Goal.com's WPS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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