All the British girls started the matches this weekend. With Kelly Smith for the Boston Breakers and Scottish star Ifeoma Dieke for Chicago Red Stars having outstanding games.
Kelly notched her 2nd goal of the campaign and an assist to Kristine Lilly in the match against St Louis Athletica. Once again she was also involved in a scuffle with Swedish international Sara Larsson.
Smith brings competitive edge from Arsenal
"It's always going to be physical in a league like this, there's some big girls out there, strong, but that's part of the game and you're going to get knocked, it's going to be a 50-50 battle going on all over the field. We'll just make sure it's Boston Breakers that win the majority of them."
It's this competitive streak that led Smith to be the top Arsenal player, the top English national team striker, and three times nominated for FIFA's world's best player, beaten out only by Marta. And Smith has big plans for the Boston Breakers.
"Every day in practice we're getting better, we're looking sharper. Like we said before, the team that we are now is not the team we're going to be come the end of the season, we're going to be a lot, lot, better, so we're looking forward to that."
Ifeoma Dieke led her side to an away draw after going down to 10 men against the Washington Freedom and Abby Wambach when LB Frida Ostberg was sent off in 63mins. Dieke was composed and strong and shackled Australian internation Lisa DeVanna and Wambach. Behind gk Caroline Jonsson she was Chicago's best outfield player.
Kaz Carney had an ok game but with the Red Stars midfield misfiring scoring oppertunities were rare for her. Anytime she had the ball she took the fight towards Washington's defence causing them a few problems. Worked well with Cristiane when she came on in the 2nd half.Never stopped running which led to her getting cramp in stoppage time.
Alex Scott by all accounts had a great game for the Breakers. Dissappointed with her own game in the 1st match against FC Gold Pride i guess she had something to prove. With her mum and friends from England in the crowd she put on a great defensive display against the speedy forwards of St Louis. Earning a yellow card in the 78th minute for bringing down Lori Chalupny.
Anita Asante started in the back for Sky Blue FC again without Captain Christie Rampone. She was solid and dominant in the air.
Eniola Aluko had a night to forget in Boston. Having started the match up front for Athletica with Kerri Hanks after a few runs and one shot at the end of the half she was sustituted by Coach Jorge Barcellos for the 2nd half. Athletica need her and all their strikers to be on the same page and put the ball in the back of the net.
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