WPS PREVIEW WEEK 6

Boston Breakers vs LA Sol Sat May 2nd 7pm ET

Some say it's the showdown of the best 2 teams in the league. It's definitely the showdown of the best 2 players in the league. The Los Angeles Sol's Marta and Boston Breakers' Kelly Smith return to WPS action after missing last week's play, and they meet for the first time Saturday at Harvard Stadium. Their teams failed to score a goal when they were not playing. That is how important they are to their teams.
The first of back-to-back meetings between the Sol and Breakers. Both teams will be looking to gain that psychological one up.
The breakers will need to play better & defend better than they have been doing so. Alex Scott should expect a busy evening as Marta will most likely be playing down the left. Will Amy Rodriguez be instated into the starting lineup. She was substituted at half-time against Chicago in a disappointing display from her. Will Kelly Smith ignite the offense and try to put one past the impressive Karina LeBlanc who has not let in a goal in all 4 matches played.

LA Sol will have to get to grips with playing on artificial turf. Only Marta has had experience on the surface as her previous club Umea played on the surface. The Sol have Camille Abily and Han Duan back. It will be a fast paced game. Expect fireworks.

My prediction 2-1 away win for LA Sol





Washington Freedom vs St Louis Athletica Sun May 3rd 6pm ET Live FSC (11pm British Time).

It's a battle of WPS's worst defense (Freedom has allowed nine goals in four games) against the worst offense (St. Louis hasn't scored in three games).
This could be a great game. The Freedom are on a high after their last minute win at FC Gold Pride and Abby Wambach suddenly looks dangerous again. Can they continue the momentum. French international Sonia Bompastor returns from international duty. GK Kati Jo Spicek looking for her 2nd start. Erin McLeod is still having visa problems.

Athletica got their 1st point against the LA Sol last weekend and could of and should have collected all 3. It's only a matter of time before they score but honestly the players need to step up. Strikers Eniola Aluko and Keri Hanks need to step up. Key word - Composure!

My prediction 2-1 away win for Athletica (keep the faith!)







FC Gold Pride vs Sky Blue FC Sun May 3rd 8pm ET

The late Sunday match marks the first time two WPS teams have met for a second time. FC Gold Pride and Sky Blue FC played to a 1-1 draw in New Jersey three weeks ago. Both teams will be going for the win this time.

The Pride so far are the most entertaing side. Playing fluent and attacking football. Look out for the Tiffany Weimer and Christina DiMartino who had fantastic games last weekend. Last weekends result was a huge disappoinment to the players and a heavy loss to bear.Something that they won't want to have repeated. Centre-back Carrie Dew is set to return after injury. They need her.The defence is not quite as good as their offence.

Sky Blue have been mostly in the shadows of the Breakers and the Red Stars. Yet to win they need to kick on and state their intentions. They played well against Chicago in their last match but we have still to see the best in some players. English star Anita Asante will be looking to start her partnership in defence at last with captain Christie Rampone who may return from injury. Expect Heather O'Reilly and Australian Sarah Walsh to continue up front. Brazillian International Rosanna played her 1st game in a friendly at the weekend and scored a goal for Sky Blue after returning from a knee injury. She could start on the bench. They need a bit of flair.

My prediction 3-1 home win for FC Gold Pride