|
|
Knapp Notes: A Quick Look Back And Forward At WPS
Kathryn L. Knapp previews this weeks matches, while doing a brief rundown of last week's results.
Jun 6, 2009 10:34:23 PM
Heading into the 11th week of Women’s Professional Soccer, it looks as if the Los Angeles Sol will run away with the inaugural title. But don’t count any teams out of it just yet. Sure Saint Louis and Sky Blue FC are hanging out at the bottom of the table, but either team can bounce back.
A Look Back...
Last weekend’s three matches found the Los Angles Sol continuing its dominance. The Washington Freedom got back to its winning ways. And Sky Blue FC finding heart and finding a way to win. Five of six teams found the net, combining for nine goals. Two of three games were won by two-goal margins, showing that the women have again returned to the attack.
A Look Forward…
This week’s Knapp Notes is a bit shorter than usual. But I wanted to take the opportunity to pick the results. Last weekend I went 2-1-0 for a grand total in two weeks of 3-3-0. Wednesday's match I predicted would end in a Red Stars win, they ended in a 1-1 draw with Los Angeles. I think I'll give that one a draw for me. So while I improve to 3-3-1, I'm basically I’m starting over. You gotta love a clean slate.
Washington Freedom over Los Angeles Sol
The Los Angeles (6-1-3, 21 pts.) is tough. There’s no question about it. But the Washington Freedom (3-2-3, 12 pts.) has something special going on. The Freedom is currently unbeaten in five games. While many might see the Sol as a roadblock, I’m guessing the Freedom see it as a challenge. Los Angeles however, has a slight advantage. The Sol has scored 12 goals, while allowing just three. Washington has scored 15, but also allowed 15. The Sol will be tough. . If they can beat Los Angeles, Washington will prove they are a true contender for the post-season. Besides… with a nine-point lead in lead in WPS, the Sol can afford to lose a couple more games.
Sky Blue FC over Saint Louis Athletica
Both Saint Louis Athletica (2-3-2, 8 pts.) and Sky Blue FC (2-4-2, 8 pts.) are sitting at the bottom of the table with eight points each. Theoretically I should predict this game ending in an even draw. Both teams have scored six goals, while allowing eight. But Sky Blue won its second match last weekend, their first home win. The Sky Blue players have embraced a new regime and seem to have a new outlook on the season. That being said, they’ll head in to Saint Louis with a bundle of energy. Athletica was on a four-game unbeaten streak, before Los Angeles handed them a 2-0 loss. Saint Louis will be playing in a new venue, but Sky Blue is in need of another win.
Chicago Red Stars over FC Gold Pride
The Red Stars (2-3-3, 9 pts) and FC Gold Pride (3-5-1, 10 pts.) are sitting in the middle of the standings. Chicago is one of the best teams out there. The club went unbeaten for four straight games to start the season 2-0-2. But then they dropped three straight losses. Wednesday the Red Stars pulled off a 1-1 draw with the Los Angeles Sol. Chicago should be still on a high from the match. And well… they’ve done better on the road than they have at home. FCGP is currently on a two-game losing streak. They also have the worst goal-differential in the league at -4. The Bay Area squad has tallied nine goals, while opponents have scored 13. The Red Stars will most likely take advantage of the situation.
Kathryn L. Knapp, Goal.com
For more on Women's Professional Soccer, go to Goal.com's women's soccer page.
A Look Back...
Last weekend’s three matches found the Los Angles Sol continuing its dominance. The Washington Freedom got back to its winning ways. And Sky Blue FC finding heart and finding a way to win. Five of six teams found the net, combining for nine goals. Two of three games were won by two-goal margins, showing that the women have again returned to the attack.
A Look Forward…
This week’s Knapp Notes is a bit shorter than usual. But I wanted to take the opportunity to pick the results. Last weekend I went 2-1-0 for a grand total in two weeks of 3-3-0. Wednesday's match I predicted would end in a Red Stars win, they ended in a 1-1 draw with Los Angeles. I think I'll give that one a draw for me. So while I improve to 3-3-1, I'm basically I’m starting over. You gotta love a clean slate.
Washington Freedom over Los Angeles Sol
The Los Angeles (6-1-3, 21 pts.) is tough. There’s no question about it. But the Washington Freedom (3-2-3, 12 pts.) has something special going on. The Freedom is currently unbeaten in five games. While many might see the Sol as a roadblock, I’m guessing the Freedom see it as a challenge. Los Angeles however, has a slight advantage. The Sol has scored 12 goals, while allowing just three. Washington has scored 15, but also allowed 15. The Sol will be tough. . If they can beat Los Angeles, Washington will prove they are a true contender for the post-season. Besides… with a nine-point lead in lead in WPS, the Sol can afford to lose a couple more games.
Sky Blue FC over Saint Louis Athletica
Both Saint Louis Athletica (2-3-2, 8 pts.) and Sky Blue FC (2-4-2, 8 pts.) are sitting at the bottom of the table with eight points each. Theoretically I should predict this game ending in an even draw. Both teams have scored six goals, while allowing eight. But Sky Blue won its second match last weekend, their first home win. The Sky Blue players have embraced a new regime and seem to have a new outlook on the season. That being said, they’ll head in to Saint Louis with a bundle of energy. Athletica was on a four-game unbeaten streak, before Los Angeles handed them a 2-0 loss. Saint Louis will be playing in a new venue, but Sky Blue is in need of another win.
Chicago Red Stars over FC Gold Pride
The Red Stars (2-3-3, 9 pts) and FC Gold Pride (3-5-1, 10 pts.) are sitting in the middle of the standings. Chicago is one of the best teams out there. The club went unbeaten for four straight games to start the season 2-0-2. But then they dropped three straight losses. Wednesday the Red Stars pulled off a 1-1 draw with the Los Angeles Sol. Chicago should be still on a high from the match. And well… they’ve done better on the road than they have at home. FCGP is currently on a two-game losing streak. They also have the worst goal-differential in the league at -4. The Bay Area squad has tallied nine goals, while opponents have scored 13. The Red Stars will most likely take advantage of the situation.
Kathryn L. Knapp, Goal.com
For more on Women's Professional Soccer, go to Goal.com's women's soccer page.
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.