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Marta Magic Comes Through Again For Sol
The Los Angeles squad defeated Sky Blue FC by the smallest of all margins, but the match was more about which teams are gelling in the new season.
May 16, 2009 5:34:39 AM
CARSON, Calif. - The Los Angeles Sol asserted themselves as the top team in Women's Professional Soccer on Friday, winning 1-0 over Sky Blue.
Marta lived up to her star status yet again. The Brazilian was at the center of almost every for her team and her great individual effort on the goal made the difference on the nigh.
First Half
As the home team, the Sol pushed the pace early on, but Sky Blue's defense, helmed by Christie Rampone, managed to kill every attack mounted in the final third.
"Defense sets up good plays for the entire game," said Rampone post-game.
Sky Blue's attack was similarly stymied by the Sol defenders.
As the match wore on, Marta's frustration with getting the ball became more evident.
At one point, she began to gesticulate furiously - at herself, her teammates and the referee.
"We have to do a better job of finding Marta," Los Angeles Sol head coach Abner Rogers said.
Even with defenders marking her heavily, the Brazilian still had time to display some of the creativity she is known for.
Near the close of the half, Marta poked a ball into the air - over a Sky blue defender and ran around the defender to gather the ball. That play drew ooh and aaaahs from the crowd of around 6,000.
Second Half
Perhaps revived by the break, Sky Blue came out more aggresively, forcing the LA Sol back on their heels. The Los Angeles team was reduced to looking for chances on the counter.
Camille Abily broke the game open with a deft pass that sliced open the Sky Blue defense. It was a footrace to the ball, and Marta's athleticism won out. However, it was her skill in a cut-back move that shook her free from the grasp of Branam, who was left on the ground, clutching at air as Marta darted away and aimed her shot into the goal between the two helpless defenders who had trailed the play.
Things got more dire for Sky Blue only a minute later. Sol goalkeeper LeBlanc came out to grab a cross and collided with Sky Blue forward Natasha Kai, who crumpled in a heap.
She was stretchered off in evident pain, with her right leg affected.
Surprisingly enough, Sky Blue rallied with their star forward out. The squad played more aggressively, linking up well on the wings to threaten the Sol goal.
But the team was able to withstand the onslaught.
"We're still working on things," said Rampone.
Andrea Canales, Goal.com
For more on Women's Professional Soccer, go to Goal.com's women's soccer page.
Marta lived up to her star status yet again. The Brazilian was at the center of almost every for her team and her great individual effort on the goal made the difference on the nigh.
First Half
As the home team, the Sol pushed the pace early on, but Sky Blue's defense, helmed by Christie Rampone, managed to kill every attack mounted in the final third.
"Defense sets up good plays for the entire game," said Rampone post-game.
Sky Blue's attack was similarly stymied by the Sol defenders.
As the match wore on, Marta's frustration with getting the ball became more evident.
At one point, she began to gesticulate furiously - at herself, her teammates and the referee.
"We have to do a better job of finding Marta," Los Angeles Sol head coach Abner Rogers said.
Even with defenders marking her heavily, the Brazilian still had time to display some of the creativity she is known for.
Near the close of the half, Marta poked a ball into the air - over a Sky blue defender and ran around the defender to gather the ball. That play drew ooh and aaaahs from the crowd of around 6,000.
Second Half
Perhaps revived by the break, Sky Blue came out more aggresively, forcing the LA Sol back on their heels. The Los Angeles team was reduced to looking for chances on the counter.
Camille Abily broke the game open with a deft pass that sliced open the Sky Blue defense. It was a footrace to the ball, and Marta's athleticism won out. However, it was her skill in a cut-back move that shook her free from the grasp of Branam, who was left on the ground, clutching at air as Marta darted away and aimed her shot into the goal between the two helpless defenders who had trailed the play.
Things got more dire for Sky Blue only a minute later. Sol goalkeeper LeBlanc came out to grab a cross and collided with Sky Blue forward Natasha Kai, who crumpled in a heap.
She was stretchered off in evident pain, with her right leg affected.
Surprisingly enough, Sky Blue rallied with their star forward out. The squad played more aggressively, linking up well on the wings to threaten the Sol goal.
But the team was able to withstand the onslaught.
"We're still working on things," said Rampone.
Andrea Canales, Goal.com
For more on Women's Professional Soccer, go to Goal.com's women's soccer page.
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