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Saint Louis and Los Angeles End In Scoreless Draw
Los Angeles goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc and Saint Louis goalkeeper Hope Solo both made penalty kick saves to earn the clean sheet.
Apr 25, 2009 11:22:07 PM
ST. LOUIS, Mo – With limited offensive options present for either side, St. Louis Athletica’s (0-2-1) and Los Angeles Sol’s (3-0-1) game this afternoon ended without a goal scored. The 0-0 draw was not your classic defensive struggle as once again Athletica managed to out shoot its opponent, this time by more than a two-to-one margin (17 to 8).
Los Angeles’ Karina LeBlanc and Saint Louis’ Hope Solo, two of the premier goalkeepers in Women’s Professional Soccer, did not disappoint as both players made crucial saves throughout the day. Their most impressive run was a 10-minute sequence late in the second half when both saved penaly kicks.
“It was a very difficult game and we had very good chances. Goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc made huge saves for the team,” said Los Angeles Sol Head Coach Abner Rogers. “It was a physical game and St. Louis had that edge on us. Overall, it was a very exciting game for the fans.”
Athletica failed to finish in the attacking third, a consistent theme this season, including missing on a penalty kick in 85th minute after LeBlanc denied Athletica midfielder Lori Chalupny. LeBlanc, yet to allow a goal on the season, continued her dominant run with another solid game today. She ended with four saves logging her fourth consecutive shutout.
“Anytime you have seasoned world-class players missing like we did today with Marta, Camille Abily, and Han Duan you definitely miss their talent. The team stepped up big but we still have room for improvement,” said Rogers. “We are looking forward to the challenge in Boston next week. The team will be regrouping with the return of the three players and we will be in good shape for the tough game.”
Not to be outdone, Athletica and current U.S. international starting goalkeeper Hope Solo tallied three saves including denying midfielder Aly Wagner’s penalty kick in the 75th minute.
The Sol will head to Massachusetts to face the Boston Breakers in an important league tilt next Saturday while Athletica, still searching for the first goal of the season, will travel next Sunday to Maryland to take on the Washington Freedom.
Sean Grybos, Goal.com
For more information on Women’sn Professional Soccer, go to Goal.com’s Women’s Soccer page.
Los Angeles’ Karina LeBlanc and Saint Louis’ Hope Solo, two of the premier goalkeepers in Women’s Professional Soccer, did not disappoint as both players made crucial saves throughout the day. Their most impressive run was a 10-minute sequence late in the second half when both saved penaly kicks.
“It was a very difficult game and we had very good chances. Goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc made huge saves for the team,” said Los Angeles Sol Head Coach Abner Rogers. “It was a physical game and St. Louis had that edge on us. Overall, it was a very exciting game for the fans.”
Athletica failed to finish in the attacking third, a consistent theme this season, including missing on a penalty kick in 85th minute after LeBlanc denied Athletica midfielder Lori Chalupny. LeBlanc, yet to allow a goal on the season, continued her dominant run with another solid game today. She ended with four saves logging her fourth consecutive shutout.
“Anytime you have seasoned world-class players missing like we did today with Marta, Camille Abily, and Han Duan you definitely miss their talent. The team stepped up big but we still have room for improvement,” said Rogers. “We are looking forward to the challenge in Boston next week. The team will be regrouping with the return of the three players and we will be in good shape for the tough game.”
Not to be outdone, Athletica and current U.S. international starting goalkeeper Hope Solo tallied three saves including denying midfielder Aly Wagner’s penalty kick in the 75th minute.
The Sol will head to Massachusetts to face the Boston Breakers in an important league tilt next Saturday while Athletica, still searching for the first goal of the season, will travel next Sunday to Maryland to take on the Washington Freedom.
Sean Grybos, Goal.com
For more information on Women’sn Professional Soccer, go to Goal.com’s Women’s Soccer page.
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