WPS MIDWEEK MATCHES 05/08/09

NJ Sky Blue FC v FC Gold Pride Wed Aug 5th 7pm ET Live audio Here


Sky Blue FC can guarantee a spot in the postseason with victories in its final two games.
First up is their final home match at Yurcak Field against FC Gold Pride.

With the Los Angeles Sol and Saint Louis Athletica already secured in first and second place, respectively, and with FC Gold Pride and the Chicago Red Stars already eliminated from playoff contention, Sky Blue FC is battling it out for one of the final two spots with the Boston Breakers and Washington Freedom. Both the Breakers and the Freedom failed in crucial situations on the road this past weekend as Boston lost to Saint Louis 1-0 and Washington fell to Gold Pride 3-2.

To make the playoffs, Sky Blue FC will have to beat a team other than Boston and Chicago. They have played FC Gold Pride twice already and never won, a 1-1 tie at home and a 1-0 away defeat at Buck Shaw Stadium.

A win over Gold Pride would put Sky Blue FC into a tie for third place heading into the final weekend.

Sky Blue will be heading into the match without their coach Kelly Lindsey. Lindsey resigned last week. No reason so far has been given as to why. Captain Christie Rampone was named as interim player/coach for these last two games.

On the player front Rampone herself could be back from injury. She had undergone a minor operation 2 weeks ago. Forward Natasha Kai could still be out with her ongoing shoulder problems. English defender Anita Asante is suspended after collecting 4 yellow cards.

FC Gold Pride go into the match with confidence after defeating the Washington Freedom at the weekend and denying them a spot in the playoffs on their patch. Head coach Albertin Montoya wants to keep the momentum going and show people just how good his team really is. Once again he will experiment with his starting line-up.


****************************************************************





Saint Louis Athletica v Chicago Red Stars Wed Aug 5th 8pm ET


Saint Louis Athletica will play their final game at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer park tonight against the Chicago Red Stars.

Both teams have nothing to play for except pride.Athletica have qualified already in 2nd place for the playoffs and Chicago have been eliminated from the playoffs.

Both teams are coming of wins in their last games. Athletica defeating the visiting Boston Breakers 1-0 at the weekend to secure the playoff spot and Chicago convincingly beating the 1st place Los Angeles Sol at Toyota Park on Sunday.

In the two previous meeting between them it's a win each. All to play for to win the serious.

Athletica will use this game to rest some players in preparation for their playoff match.
Sarah Walsh could be in right from the start in place of star forward Eniola Aluko. Goalkeeper Jillian Loyden may get a start ahead of Hope Solo.

Sara Larsson, Angie Woznuk and Amanda Cinalli are all suffering from niggling injuries and may not see game time.

Chicago coming of a moral boost with the win against Los Angeles Sol look set to field the same line-up although Lindsey Tarpley could miss due to a slight injury. Defeneder Ifeoma Dieke is still missing due to injury though.