FC GOLD PRIDE 0 - 0 LOS ANGELES SOL

The Los Angeles Sol clinched the 2009 WPS Regular Season title with a 0-0 tie against FC Gold Pride Thursday evening at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.In front of 3,873 fans.

This means the Sol has a spot in the league's championship game Aug. 22 at the Home Depot Center.

Both teams had numerous shots on goal throughout the match. Sol midfielder Aly Wagner at the ground where she played her college games registered the game's first scoring opportunity, about four minutes in, when she one-timed a bouncing ball on the right side of the box wide of the right post.

Gold Pride answered back when Adriane weaved past several defenders inside the penalty box before slipping a nice drop-back pass to an open Tina DiMartino, whose right-footed shot sailed just over the goal.

Wagner got a second strong chance moments later. Brazilian star Marta found her streaking down the right side with a perfect ball. GK Allison Whitworth gobbled up Wagner's attempted cross near the goal line.

Gold Pride got their best chance of the half when Di Martino escaped a Sol defender in the penalty box by spinning and passed to an open Brandi Chastain on the right side. Chastain's shot was hit hard into Karina LeBlanc's chest for the save to maintain the 0-0 and her 12th shutout of the season.

Into the 2nd half both teams swapped scoring opportunities, Han Duan getting LA's best chance in the 67th minute with a shot that was blocked by Whitworth.

The Sol clinched the regular season crown with two regular season matches still remaining on their schedule: Sunday, August 2 at the Chicago Red Stars and Sunday, August 9 at the Boston Breakers. As the Number One seed entering the WPS post-season, the Sol will host the WPS Championship at The Home Depot Center on Saturday, August 22.

FC Gold Pride remains in last place.They travel to Saint Louis to face the second-place Athletica on Sunday, July 26. Defeat there would see them out of contention for a playoff spot.


“I think the players really refocused themselves and whether you win or lose we’ve got to be able to bring it for ourselves, for the fans, and for the respect of the game,” said Forward Tiffany Milbrett."With the high learning curve with some of these younger players, we've now learned how to play,"


“We are delighted to win the WPS Regular Season title,” said Los Angeles Sol Head Coach Abner Rogers. “We have had a great a great five months and are very happy to have won for the city of Los Angeles and our great fans.”

Lineups:

Los Angeles Sol: Karina LeBlanc(C) ; Manya Makoski, Sharlota Nonen; Brittany Bock, Keri Sanchez, Aly Wagner (77: McCall Zerboni), Camille Abily, Lisa Sari (46: Shannon Boxx), Aya Miyama, Han Duan, Marta.

FC Gold Pride: Alison Whitworth, Leigh Ann Robinson, Kristen Graczyk, Carrie Dew, Greer Barnes, Formiga, Tina DiMartino, Leslie Osborne(C), Brandi Chastain (80: Yokers), Tiffany Milbrett, Adriane (90: Massengale).