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Goal.com WPS Power Rankings: Week 20
Aug 31, 2010 3:10:00 PM
By Giovanni Albanese Jr.
Not much happening differently from last week's rankings. Only Gold Pride has ensured a solid spot atop the rankings; Washington, Boston and Philadelphia could interchange each week; Sky Blue FC remains a wild card; and Chicago and Atlanta are fighting not to be at the bottom. Check out this week's rankings.
1. FC Gold Pride - All along coach Albertin Montoya has been advising media and fans that his team is going to put it all together before the playoffs. A 6-1 throttling of Atlanta last weekend and it appears they have accomplished that feat. (previous: 1)
2. Washington Freedom - Since the 11-game streak without a win, the Freedom have played nothing but important matches. They have come out with three wins and two ties, and now sole possession of fourth in WPS. (2)
3. Boston Breakers - Needing a road win, the Breakers went into Philadelphia, fell behind a goal, and still were able to gut out a 2-1 win and pull to two points behind second-place Philly with a game in hand. (3)
4. Philadelphia Independence - With just two games left on their schedule, the Independence need to get some wins if they intend to finish second in WPS. Playing two teams -- Chicago and FC Gold Pride -- who have locked up their regular season fate with nothing to play for could help. (4)
5. Sky Blue FC - The defending champs sit three points out of a playoff spot with three games left on their schedule. If not for Abby Wambach scoring two goals in the final 11 minutes of play, Sky Blue would be three points on top of the Freedom with a game in hand. Instead, they'll have to put together another 2009 run if they hope to advance this year. (5)
6. Chicago Red Stars - Omid Namazi's club became the first team eliminated from postseason contention when Washington beat Sky Blue FC last weekend. But, even with that and not playing a game last week, the Red Stars move up this week. Why ... (7)
7. Atlanta Beat - ... Because any team that allows a WPS-record six goals -- five in the second half -- doesn't deserve to be above anyone in any rankings. Atlanta still has a chance to make the playoffs, but it won't happen, and they'll likely finish last in their inaugural season. (6)
Goal.com contributor Giovanni Albanese Jr. covers FC Gold Pride for Tri-City Voice newspaper in Fremont, Calif. You can follow him on Twitter @GAlbaneseJr.
For more on Women's Professional Soccer, visit Goal.com's WPS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
1. FC Gold Pride - All along coach Albertin Montoya has been advising media and fans that his team is going to put it all together before the playoffs. A 6-1 throttling of Atlanta last weekend and it appears they have accomplished that feat. (previous: 1)
2. Washington Freedom - Since the 11-game streak without a win, the Freedom have played nothing but important matches. They have come out with three wins and two ties, and now sole possession of fourth in WPS. (2)
3. Boston Breakers - Needing a road win, the Breakers went into Philadelphia, fell behind a goal, and still were able to gut out a 2-1 win and pull to two points behind second-place Philly with a game in hand. (3)
4. Philadelphia Independence - With just two games left on their schedule, the Independence need to get some wins if they intend to finish second in WPS. Playing two teams -- Chicago and FC Gold Pride -- who have locked up their regular season fate with nothing to play for could help. (4)
5. Sky Blue FC - The defending champs sit three points out of a playoff spot with three games left on their schedule. If not for Abby Wambach scoring two goals in the final 11 minutes of play, Sky Blue would be three points on top of the Freedom with a game in hand. Instead, they'll have to put together another 2009 run if they hope to advance this year. (5)
6. Chicago Red Stars - Omid Namazi's club became the first team eliminated from postseason contention when Washington beat Sky Blue FC last weekend. But, even with that and not playing a game last week, the Red Stars move up this week. Why ... (7)
7. Atlanta Beat - ... Because any team that allows a WPS-record six goals -- five in the second half -- doesn't deserve to be above anyone in any rankings. Atlanta still has a chance to make the playoffs, but it won't happen, and they'll likely finish last in their inaugural season. (6)
Goal.com contributor Giovanni Albanese Jr. covers FC Gold Pride for Tri-City Voice newspaper in Fremont, Calif. You can follow him on Twitter @GAlbaneseJr.
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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