BRIT INVASION...PART 7

All 6 British players were in the starting line-up for their clubs last weekend. Results were mixed.

Strong!

First up...Anita Asante and Sky Blue FC put on a fantastic display to win their 1st game against the much fancied Chicago Red Stars. Asante was strong and composed in defence when faced with the threats of Megan Rapinoe, Lindsey Tarpley, Karen Carney and then Cristiane when she came on. The whole Sky Blue back four put on a great tactical display. Playing a high line catching Chicago offside numerous times. Asante's partnership at the heart of the defence with USA Captian Christie Rampone can only improve as the games keep coming. They just might be the fastest centre-backs in the league.

Eniola Aluko also achieved her 1st win with Saint Louis Athletica in a thrilling match against FC Gold Pride. Not on the scoresheet this time, Aluko never the less worked hard and created chances for her team. When asked to defend as time went on in the game she did just that. The Athletica team came together, fighting for each other for that elusive win.

Ifeoma Dieke has had an up and down past week. Against Sky Blue she put in a not bad performance but it was not good enough as the Blues ran out winners. Dieke was up against the very fast Sarah Walsh and the one time she got beaten by her was when the goal was scored. The Red Stars defence picks itself. Dieke will be hoping for better a better performance against FC Gold Pride this weekend.
Against Northern Ireland, Dieke earned her 50th cap and was the best player on the field in the 1st half.She led the line as Scotland were put under pressure in the earlier parts of the game.

Karen Carney in the same game was trying to get her team going.With only 3 shots on goal by the Red Stars all game,Carney's was one of them and the closest to a goal. The rasping low shot to the right of the goal saved just, by Jenni Brannam. Showing some flashes of brilliance Carney tried to make things happen for herself and teamates. Sky Blue had all the answers and Carney was snuffed out by the unforgiving Blues midfield. A match to forget maybe.


Solid!

Alex Scott put in another solid display against the LA Sol. So much so that Marta didn't even get a shot at goal the entire game. Or when Katie Larkin (pictured above) came on went up top and Marta dropped to midfield she didn't get much change out of Scott either. With Scott and centre-back Amy LePielbet working well in tandem on the right side the Breakers look at least hard to break through. Not much attacking done today for Scott though. Expect more so in the next match v Washington Freedom. No Wambach to mark. Should be exciting.

Kelly Smith was man/woman marked by LA Sol so didn't have the opportunities to get many shots on goal in this match. She however created a few chances that went begging and was fouled numerous times allowing the Breakers to send in many free-kicks which ultimately fell short. Smith still showed of her technical ability and skill level but she was well dealt with by the Sol midfield in the end. Still leads the league scoring chart with 4 goals.