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WPS Previews: Week Four
Washington, Los Angeles and Chicago all host games this week. The Red Stars make their home debut, while two clubs search for their first win.
Apr 17, 2009 7:27:05 PM
Week four of Women’s Professional Soccer is going to have the usual three games. Although, this weekend they’ll be spread out a bit more. Play opens on Saturday with the Washington Freedom hosting the Boston Breakers. Then Sunday Los Angeles Sol host FC Gold Pride. In the final match of the weekend, Chicago will open at home against Sky Blue FC. Saint Louis Athletica will sit this week out.
Washington Freedom vs. Boston Breakers, Saturday at 7 pm ET at Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, MD
Washington is still searching for a win after posting a 1-1 draw against Chicago last week. Becky Sauerbrunn led the Freedom with the lone goal in the match. But it was Sonia Bompastor, who made some trouble for the Red Stars. The French international ran all over the field and set up Sauerbrunn’s goal. Only Sauerbrunn and Bompastor tallied points for the Freedom in the club’s first two matches. But Abby Wambach made her mark in the first two matches, tallying 11 shots, including five on goal. It’s about time for her to find the back of the net.
Defensively Briana Scurry controlled the net. The U.S. veteran allowed three goals, while making seven saves in the first two matches. If Canadian keeper Erin McLeod has finalized her visa process, she could start in goal for the Freedom. If not, expect Scurry to remain in goal.
Boston is fresh off a dominating performance. English international Kelly Smith led the Breakers to a 2-0 win over Saint Louis Athletica, tallying a goal and an assist. Smith has two goals on the season. Kristine Lilly scored for Boston last week as well. The duo has proven to be a winning combination. Fans are still waiting for Amy Rodriguez to dazzle them. She’s had six shots on the season, including three on goal.
Kristen Luckenbill is the starting goalkeeper for the Breakers. She’s allowed just two goals – in the first match. Last week, she collected her first clean sheet.
Saturday’s contest should be a tough one with both teams still trying to define themselves. Expect Smith and the Breakers to continue their dominance… unless McLeod takes over in goal.
Los Angeles Sol vs. FC Gold Pride, Sunday at 4 pm ET at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA
With one week off, the Los Angeles Sol, look to pick up where they left off. The Sol won its first two matches by a 4-0 margin. Marta scored the two goals their last time out. Camille Abily and Allison Falk also added goals this season. Shannon Boxx took five shots in the first two games, expect her to score soon. Chinese international Han Duan is also a sleeper. She’s had three shots on the season, but should find the net at any time.
Karina LeBlanc has been stellar in goal, standing behind a tough defense. LeBlanc has collected two clean sheets this season, including making 10 saves.
FC Gold Pride (1-0-1) remains undefeated heading into its third match. The club has outscored opponents 3-2, which doesn’t leave much room for error. They won their first match 2-1 and ended in a 1-1 draw last weekend. Eriko Arakawa, Carrie Dew and Tiffeny Milbrett all tallied goals. The club only shot 17 times in its first two games, including a mere seven shots on goal. They’re going to have to turn up the offense to keep things running smooth.
Defensively Nicole Barnhart has been strong in the back, with 11 saves. The defense hasn’t been unbeatable. Teams can sneak through if given the opportunity.
Los Angeles can be a dominating team. Expect them to keep on rolling, unless FCGP can come up with a quick solution. The Sol has home field advantage on their side as well. FC Gold Pride may have a couple of tricks up its sleeves however. The trip to LA isn’t a long one. Don’t be surprised if they force a draw.
Chicago Red Stars vs. Sky Blue FC, Sunday at 6 pm ET at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL
There’s nothing like home opening day to give a club jitters. But the Red Stars should be focused. The club remains undefeated after posting a 1-0 win in its opener and a 1-1 draw last weekend. Offense has also been an issue for Chicago with Lindsay Tarpley tallying both goals. Marian Dalmy earned both assists. But it’s time for Cristiane or Carli Lloyd to find the net. Lloyd recorded four shots, including two on goal. Cristiane has seen limited playing time. But expect the Red Stars to turn up the heat for their home debut.
Unfortunately, Chicago’s captain Frida Ostberg will be sitting out this week, after receiving a red card in last week’s match. That could weaken a defense that has allowed 18 shots on goal so far. Goalkeeper Caroline Jonsson has been the hero for the Red Stars, making 13 saves last week alone. She’ll look to continue that title this week.
Sky Blue FC has yet to win a match, posting a 0-1-1 record. Last Saturday Heather O’Reilly scored the first goal in club history, assisted by Sarah Walsh. Sky Blue is creating chances with 31 shots. But the club has had trouble finishing. Natasha Kai is expected to break through at any time, along with a handful of other players. Kai registered six shots in the first two games, including three on goal. O’Reilly had five shots, while Kacey White recorded four. Expect Sky Blue to turn up the offense.
Defensively, Jenni Branam and Karen Bardsley have each played a full game in goal. Bardsley earned the 1-1 draw, while Branam allowed two goals in the club’s loss to Los Angeles. The defense has been relatively strong, allowing just one shot on goal in the last game, and four overall.
Chicago’s going to throw all they have at Sky Blue FC in their opener. Will it be enough to get past the defensive line? On the other hand, Sky Blue FC needs to find the net more than once and that could be enough for the win. It’s going to be a battle.
- Goal.com
For more Women's Professional Soccer coverage, go to Goal.com's Women's Soccer page.
Washington Freedom vs. Boston Breakers, Saturday at 7 pm ET at Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, MD
Washington is still searching for a win after posting a 1-1 draw against Chicago last week. Becky Sauerbrunn led the Freedom with the lone goal in the match. But it was Sonia Bompastor, who made some trouble for the Red Stars. The French international ran all over the field and set up Sauerbrunn’s goal. Only Sauerbrunn and Bompastor tallied points for the Freedom in the club’s first two matches. But Abby Wambach made her mark in the first two matches, tallying 11 shots, including five on goal. It’s about time for her to find the back of the net.
Defensively Briana Scurry controlled the net. The U.S. veteran allowed three goals, while making seven saves in the first two matches. If Canadian keeper Erin McLeod has finalized her visa process, she could start in goal for the Freedom. If not, expect Scurry to remain in goal.
Boston is fresh off a dominating performance. English international Kelly Smith led the Breakers to a 2-0 win over Saint Louis Athletica, tallying a goal and an assist. Smith has two goals on the season. Kristine Lilly scored for Boston last week as well. The duo has proven to be a winning combination. Fans are still waiting for Amy Rodriguez to dazzle them. She’s had six shots on the season, including three on goal.
Kristen Luckenbill is the starting goalkeeper for the Breakers. She’s allowed just two goals – in the first match. Last week, she collected her first clean sheet.
Saturday’s contest should be a tough one with both teams still trying to define themselves. Expect Smith and the Breakers to continue their dominance… unless McLeod takes over in goal.
Los Angeles Sol vs. FC Gold Pride, Sunday at 4 pm ET at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA
With one week off, the Los Angeles Sol, look to pick up where they left off. The Sol won its first two matches by a 4-0 margin. Marta scored the two goals their last time out. Camille Abily and Allison Falk also added goals this season. Shannon Boxx took five shots in the first two games, expect her to score soon. Chinese international Han Duan is also a sleeper. She’s had three shots on the season, but should find the net at any time.
Karina LeBlanc has been stellar in goal, standing behind a tough defense. LeBlanc has collected two clean sheets this season, including making 10 saves.
FC Gold Pride (1-0-1) remains undefeated heading into its third match. The club has outscored opponents 3-2, which doesn’t leave much room for error. They won their first match 2-1 and ended in a 1-1 draw last weekend. Eriko Arakawa, Carrie Dew and Tiffeny Milbrett all tallied goals. The club only shot 17 times in its first two games, including a mere seven shots on goal. They’re going to have to turn up the offense to keep things running smooth.
Defensively Nicole Barnhart has been strong in the back, with 11 saves. The defense hasn’t been unbeatable. Teams can sneak through if given the opportunity.
Los Angeles can be a dominating team. Expect them to keep on rolling, unless FCGP can come up with a quick solution. The Sol has home field advantage on their side as well. FC Gold Pride may have a couple of tricks up its sleeves however. The trip to LA isn’t a long one. Don’t be surprised if they force a draw.
Chicago Red Stars vs. Sky Blue FC, Sunday at 6 pm ET at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL
There’s nothing like home opening day to give a club jitters. But the Red Stars should be focused. The club remains undefeated after posting a 1-0 win in its opener and a 1-1 draw last weekend. Offense has also been an issue for Chicago with Lindsay Tarpley tallying both goals. Marian Dalmy earned both assists. But it’s time for Cristiane or Carli Lloyd to find the net. Lloyd recorded four shots, including two on goal. Cristiane has seen limited playing time. But expect the Red Stars to turn up the heat for their home debut.
Unfortunately, Chicago’s captain Frida Ostberg will be sitting out this week, after receiving a red card in last week’s match. That could weaken a defense that has allowed 18 shots on goal so far. Goalkeeper Caroline Jonsson has been the hero for the Red Stars, making 13 saves last week alone. She’ll look to continue that title this week.
Sky Blue FC has yet to win a match, posting a 0-1-1 record. Last Saturday Heather O’Reilly scored the first goal in club history, assisted by Sarah Walsh. Sky Blue is creating chances with 31 shots. But the club has had trouble finishing. Natasha Kai is expected to break through at any time, along with a handful of other players. Kai registered six shots in the first two games, including three on goal. O’Reilly had five shots, while Kacey White recorded four. Expect Sky Blue to turn up the offense.
Defensively, Jenni Branam and Karen Bardsley have each played a full game in goal. Bardsley earned the 1-1 draw, while Branam allowed two goals in the club’s loss to Los Angeles. The defense has been relatively strong, allowing just one shot on goal in the last game, and four overall.
Chicago’s going to throw all they have at Sky Blue FC in their opener. Will it be enough to get past the defensive line? On the other hand, Sky Blue FC needs to find the net more than once and that could be enough for the win. It’s going to be a battle.
- Goal.com
For more Women's Professional Soccer coverage, go to Goal.com's Women's Soccer page.
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