WPS PREVIEW WEEK 3

This weekends matches all take place on Saturday April 11th.

Washington Freedom (0-1) v. Chicago Red Stars (1-0) 6pm ET FSC

Having had a bye week last weekend Washington have had time to work on their chemsitry & tactics and how to get more players in attack to support Abby Wambach which was missing in the inaugural match. Coach Jim Gabarra wants the players to play faster & more together. He believes that will come the more games they play together. Look for better games from Japan's Homare Sawa and Lisa De Vana the Australian international.
The Red Stars were lucky to get a win...(Carli Lloyd's words not mine) against St Louis but their defence was strong. Look for them to get their attacking players more involved. Megan Rapinoe should be recovered from her illness, Karen Carney once again should be involved a lot more in attack and Coach Emma Hayes has indicated Cristiane is fit & will be involved.
My Prediction 2-1 Away win for Chicago.

Boston Breakers (0-1) v. St Louis Athletica (0-1) 7pm ET

With both teams coming off opening match losses i expect an open attacking match.
Boston underachieved in all areas of the pitch. Heather Mitts in her blog said that apart from Kelly Smith, they didn't turn up. US national team player Angela Hucles and Kacey Moore need to make a dent in midfield. They were nowhere in the 1st game.Canadian forward Christine Latham was static upfront, maybe the speedy Kelly Schmedes should get a look from the start as she created more than the former when she was introduced as a sub.
St Louis Athletica are waiting on the state of defender Tina Ellerton who came off due to injury before deciding on their line-up.Unlucky to lose, Coach Barcellos is looking for players to put the ball in the back of the net. Talented Notre Dame midfielder Amanda Cinalli could be back in the starting line-up, which will help former Notre Dame teammate forward Kerri Hanks get more into the game.Look for a better game from the Brazillian Daniela after spending more time with her teamates. She only arrived a few days before the first game.
My prediction a score draw. ( A cop-out ..i know. haha).


Sky Blue FC (0-1) v. FC Gold Pride (1-0) 7.45pm ET

Sky Blue look to bounce back from a dissapointing loss to LA Sol. Captain Christie Rampone hopes to be fit after suffering a hamstring twinge in their first game. I hope she is fit too. The defence without her was slow and with Gold Prides' speedy forwards i worry about the Blues.
Natasha Kai needs to show more.
FC Gold Pride have an injury of their own to overcome. Brazilian defender Erika suffered a broken nose in the 1st game and is not considered for the game. Coach Albertin Montoya has said that Notre Dame defender Carrie Dew will start in defence. Look for Tino DiMartino to start in midfield and for Gold Pride to attack again from the outset.
My Prediction a 2-1 away win to FC Gold Pride.