WPS PREVIEW WEEK 19

FC Gold Pride v Washington Freedom Sat Aug 1st 6pm ET

FC Gold Pride take on the Washington Freedom for the last time at Buck Shaw Stadium Santa Clara.
This is the third and final match-up between the teams. The Pride, currently 0-2 against the Freedom, will look to continue and build off their last two strong outings by putting an end to the team's 10-game winless skid and putting three points on the board this weekend.

FC Gold Pride has shown their resilience, stepping up their play in tough matches against the league's top two teams, earning ties against Athletica and Sol. In the team's most recent match, Pride forward, Christine Sinclair responded to the Athletica's 28th minute goal, scoring in the 87th minute of Sunday's match to tie up the game against Hope Solo and the Athletica. The Pride will look to Sinclair and her attacking force to create scoring opportunities this weekend.

As to the starting line-up for Gold Pride. Formiga their Brazilian midfielder may not take to the field. She is nursing a right knee sprain.

The Washington Freedom look to continue their momentum from their last four matches. They have not been beaten in four and have won the last three. The last one against Boston Breakers on Wednesday night.
With a win against FC Gold Pride, the Freedom would clinch a playoff spot. They currently sit in third place with 26 points, just one point behind the second place Saint Louis Athletica, one point ahead of the Boston Breakers, and three points ahead of Sky Blue FC.

Abby Wambach has scored 3 goals in the last 2 games.

No injury concerns for the Freedom but tiredness may play a part. This will be Washington's fourth game in 15 days all over the country.

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Saint Louis Athletica v Boston Breakers Sat Aug 1st 8pm ET Live KPLR , Webcast , audio Team1380.net


Both the Saint Louis Athletica and Boston Breakers can once again try to clinch that playoff spot with a win Saturday evening at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park.
Both teams failed in their last match to get the 3 pts which would have secured the spot.

The previous meetings between these two clubs have both been in Boston and produced a split. The first meeting in April resulted in a 2-0 win for the Breakers as they scored twice in the second half. The next encounter on June 14 was a 1-0 win for Saint Louis with Eniola Aluko netting the game-winner.

Few changes will be expected for Head Coach Jorge Barcellos’ side that has earned points in five of their last six games. Athletica has taken 13 out of a possible 18 points as they recorded a 4-1-1 mark during this stretch of play. Niki Cross is expected to start at forward for a fourth straight game. Cross scored her first career WPS goal last week in a 1-1 draw against FC Gold Pride.

Defender Sara Larsson is questionable for action due to a nerve in her back and Amanda Cinalli is also questionable as she recovers from a shoulder injury. Both players are available for duty though.

Boston will have to do without the services of defender Alex Scott, who was sent off with a red card in the fifth minute of Wednesday’s match against Washington, and will therefore miss Saturday’s game through suspension.
Kelly Smith could get a start after coming off the bench against the Freedom and playing for over 30 minutes. After the game she said her knee was feeling fine.

Head Coach Tony DiCicco is also suspended due to his comments about the officiating of the Washington game. He will not be on the touchline.

Forward Amy Rodriguez did not travel.


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Chicago Red Stars v Los Angeles Sol Sun Aug 2nd 6pm ET Live FSC, Webcast



It's Brazilian night at Toyota Park, as the Chicago Red Stars take on the Los Angeles Sol for their last home match of the season.

It's a meaningless match between the two as the Sol have already clinched the regular season crown and the Red Stars have been eliminated from playoff contention but since it's the first time LA have been in town the Red Stars are billing it as 'Brazilian night'. A match up between Cristiane and Marta the two great forwards for Brazil.

The two team have met twice before with a draw and a win for the Sol. That one was a 4-0 rout.

No injuries to report for Chicago. Australian midfielder Heather Garriock who is working her way back to fitness may get a start after some game time in the last two matches.

LA may alter their line-up in preparation for the championship game. Camile Abily who will not play in that game may sit out this game as Coach Rogers looks to integrate her replacement on the field.
The game will be a homecoming for LA's Brittany Bock. She played college soccer for Notre Dame.