WPS MIDWEEK MATCHES 17/06/09

BOSTON BREAKERS V FC GOLD PRIDE 7pm ET

The Boston Breakers get back to the pitch quickly and will look to bounce back from Sunday’s loss to Saint Louis Athletica when they take on FC Gold Pride in the team’s first midweek contest of the season, Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at Harvard Stadium.
The Breakers and FC Gold Pride (3-5-2, 11 points) are in a three-way tie with the Chicago Red Stars (2-3-5) for fourth place in the WPS standings. All three teams are two points behind the third-place Washington Freedom (3-3-4). The top four teams qualify for the playoffs.

The Breakers have suffered back-to-back losses for the first time following a 2-1 upset at Sky Blue FC two weeks ago, and Sunday’s 1-0 loss versus Saint Louis. Prior to that, Boston had been unbeaten in three-straight and was in second place. Sunday’s loss also marked the first home defeat for the Breakers this season. Kelly Smith is nursing a knee injury and is doubtful. Christine Latham should be back from suspension.

FC Gold Pride was off this past week and drew in their previous match, 1-1 versus the Red Stars. They are winless in their last three matches, with their last victory coming at Chicago on May 16 (1-0). Christine Sinclair leads the team in scoring with four goals, which is tied for third in WPS, while Tiffany Weimer has dished out a team-high three assists – second best in WPS.

The previous meeting between the two was a 2-1 home win for FC Gold Pride after a 90th minute winner by Tiffany Milbrett.

Both teams need the 3 pts to stay in the hunt for a playoff position but more importantly they need to win to get their confidence back.



NJ SKY BLUE FC V CHICAGO RED STARS 7pm ET

The Chicago Red Stars wrap up their longest road trip of the season Wednesday when they pay visit to Sky Blue FC.
Chicago have achieved 3 draws on the road and has scored two goals, both by Brazilian forward Cristiane. The Red Stars are 0-1-1 against Sky Blue FC this season, with both previous meetings at TOYOTA PARK.

Wednesday will also be Chicago’s first look at Sky Blue FC under the direction of interim head coach Kelly Lindsey. Lindsey was promoted from assistant coach following the dismissal of Ian Sawyers in late May. Sky Blue FC is 1-1-1 under Lindsey, including a 0-0 tie with WPS leader Los Angeles last weekend.

Sky Blue come into the match with confidence. They are playing well and they are difficult to beat with a hard to beat defence of Keely Dowling, Anita Asante , Christie Rampone and Megan Shnur. Up front Natasha Kai who is coming into form was a constant menace to LA Sol's defence on Sunday.

Chicago could have Carli Lloyd back from injury.She attended Rutgurs University and played at Yuracek park. It could be a great homecoming for her.
Karen Carney will miss the game through suspension after receiving a straight red card for bringing down Abby Wambach in the previous match versus Washington Freedom.