LA Sol v Chicago Red Stars Highlights

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MIDWEEK GAME - Wednesday 1st July

Chicago Red Stars v Washington Freedom Wed July 1 8.30pm ET Live on Webcam


The Chicago Red Stars will host one of the most successful national team players in U.S. women’s soccer history when Abby Wambach and the Washington Freedom come to town for a match Wednesday at TOYOTA PARK.

With 99 goals in 128 international matches, Wambach ranks fifth on the U.S. Women’s National Team all-time goal scoring list. The Rochester, N.Y., native has scored two goals for the Freedom (4-4-4, 16 pts) this season.

The Red Stars (2-6-5, 11 pts) enter the game on a nine-match winless streak and have played a Women’s Professional Soccer-record 403 consecutive minutes without a goal. Chicago sits just five points back of Washington in the WPS standings; the Freedom are currently in fourth position and possess the last playoff spot.

Wednesday marks the only midweek home game for the Red Stars this season, and Chicago will once again play shorthanded. Midfielder Chioma Igwe will miss the match after earning the first yellow card accumulation suspension in league history by drawing her fourth caution of the year during Saturday’s loss at Los Angeles.

The match will be available for fans to watch via webcast on www.chicagoredstars.com with both English and Spanish language audio feeds.

This past week, both the Freedom and the Red Stars were on the road. The Freedom traveled to Boston for a Wednesday game in a face-off between the second and third place teams in the WPS standings. The only goal of the game came off a free kick by Boston defender Heather Mitts, which found the head of Christine Latham and past Freedom goalkeeper Erin McLeod. Going into the second half down by a goal, the Freedom stepped up their play and had multiple opportunities to tie the game, but as the clock wound down the Freedom was unable to score and the game ended in a disappointing 1-0 loss.

The Red Stars faced the league-leading Los Angeles Sol on Saturday at the Home Depot Center in California. Sitting at the bottom of the standings, the Red Stars fought to gain a game on the Sol but instead conceded four goals and failed to score themselves. The Sol’s Shannon Boxx and Camille Abily scored in the first half, and Marta scored twice in the second half to put the game out of reach.

The question for both teams coming into the game this Wednesday is, who will score? The Chicago Red Stars have gone four consecutive games without scoring a single goal, and have only scored eight goals this season. Their team leaders in scoring, Lindsay Tarpley and Cristiane, have only two goals apiece. The Freedom finds itself in a similar, though not as drastic, scoring dearth. After going on a run during which they scored 13 goals in five games, the Freedom has now scored only twice in their last four games. With the Freedom’s leader in points, Sonia Bompastor (3 goals, 4 assists), now playing in the backline, the Freedom has struggled to make the most of their scoring opportunities. They will look to change all that this Wednesday against Chicago, while still maintaining their strong backline that has conceded just one goal in the last three games.

ALEX SCOTT BLOG - June 29th

The Half Way Point.

So after all the wait for the league to start and all the hype about what players will get selected and end up at what WPS team, can you believe that we are already at the half way point of the season?

I remember when i was still playing for Arsenal and teams from the WPS started to contact me with their interest. I remember the 1st time I spoke with Coach tony Dicicco on the phone. I was sitting at the bottom of the stairs in my house just about to take my dog for a walk when my phone rang. It was a USA number so i thought i best take it, Tony started talking about what he hopes he will get from his team, what formation he was looking to play and where i fitted into the puzzle etc My dog began to get very fed up waiting for me. She was barking like mad at me with the lead by her side, at the same time talking with Tony i was trying to shush the dog away (but of course in dog world they think they are now playing a game and the barking got even louder),


After i got off the phone i remember thinking A) I did not have a clue what i just spoke about with Tony and B) this guy will most probably think i am a nut case and not draft me anyway, how unprofessional of me to have my crazy boxer dog going mental in the back ground it was one of the most important phone calls which was going to possibly (and did) shape my future,ha.

Well the point I am getting at is............. to me this seems all so long ago now. I cannot believe that we are at the half way point of the season and when i keep looking at our fixture list, i will be going home to England all too very soon to play in the European championships and my 1st season in the WPS will be over (get the violins out i know, i am going to shed a tear)They say time fly's by when you are having fun, and time sure is flying by.

We are back up to 2nd in the table and this feels sweeeetttttttttttttt, i am remembering what it feels like to win, and wow that feels good, we got our revenge back on Chicago by beating them 2-0 (so my wounds are now healed from the 4-0 defeat to them last time). We played Washington in the last of our 4 games in 11 days, and the first half was the best soccer (football) we had all played in our Boston Breakers tops. We made a very good Washington side with great players look average. We showed in this game how important team work is, when one went to close down a player so did another, when a player got beat a teammate was close by, when we attacked we all attacked, and it felt so good after the game because we all knew it was a well deserved win and this is how we should be playing all season (Washington did come at us in the 2nd half, and my legs began to feel like lead after a lot of game in a small amount off time.There is a quote that says something like"Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you"This is so true, behind us in the pack (the league table) every team is so close with something like only 1 point in it, hopefully we finish this marathon race with a sprint finish into the championship game and I will remain a happy woman!!!!!Oh yeah, i have to give a mention to my teamie Latham,........ She got a 2 game ban against Washington the last time we played them for an elbow to one of their players she then comes back and gets the game winning goal, that is the way to do it (you go girl)!!!

Enough about soccer now and more about the REST........ I just want to let you all know, I think this was my real 1st weekend off of doing nothing in over a year and a bit, I have come straight out of a long season with Arsenal ladies straight into another season with Boston. My body let me know that it enjoyed eating a cheeseburger and having a glass of wine (just 1 so hopefully i have not committed a crime, or was it maybe 3?????) and my body enjoyed putting it's legs up and resting. We headed out of Boston for the weekend and went to P-Town (Provincetown). What a cute little town this is by the way. I have never seen anything like it. It was so relaxing, people seemed to be care free there were lots of little shops, art galleries etc along the beach. Also there were lots of places to eat and hang out. This little town was like something i have only seen in movies (I do not know what movie, but you know what i mean, i hope?).I would defiantly like to go back there.

I also spent some time reading. I am not sure I should admit to this part but i am an honest kinda girl. I do not know what age group read these books, but oh my gosh I have not been able to put it down!! We have not really heard about these books back in England, because the whole Harry Potter thing is so big. Jenny Nobis (my teammate) is totally the biggest fan of these and spends all day talking about it. I really think she thinks its real life and she has fallen in love.... Anyway just incase you are all lost i am talking about the TWILIGHT books. I have just finished reading the 2nd one. I am addicted, but sssssssssshhhhhhhh like i said i am not sure i should admit to reading something about Vampires and Werewolfs ,ha ha.!

Ok and the last thing I have to mention which was the biggest shock to the start of my weekend was.............. Michael Jackson (RIP).We did have a tribute playlist to him in the changing room (locker room) on friday (courtesy of Latham's ipod). People who know me, know how much i love all sorts of music and I loved Michael's Jackson music (and will continue to) I remember growing up as a kid I always thought I should have been a singe r(believe it or not) so anytime family members would come round, I would puff up my afro (yes i have a big afro but it takes me hours to keep it straight like i wear it now. Whoever invented ironing tongues are a genius ,LOL) I had a little microphone stand and a whole album of Michael Jackson/Jackson 5 songs. I would stand there singing and dancing thinking i was delivering a Michael Jackson concert to thousands when really there was just two parents and the dog watching,ha.I just think its sad he did not get to deliver one last concert, but his name will forever live on.(maybe that's where i can step in....... Kelly is sitting here telling me not to give up my day job, i take it she does not like my singing then, ha.oh which reminds me, I have started having guitar lessons, (random i know) but i will keep you all informed of my progress and how this Boston Breaker is going to be the best rock chick in town (not,ha).
Ok all, a hard week of training awaits me, enjoy your week and come back next weekyour English Boston breakerAlex Scott

By Alex Scott at http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/Alex%20Scott

BRIT INVASION...PART 9

Saint Louis Athletica's English gem Eniola Aluko was top of the class this weekend as she notched her 4th goal of the season to down Sky Blue FC in a 2-1 win.
Aluko scored in the 2nd minute from a through ball by team captain Lori Chalupny. She beat the offside trap and English national teamate Anita Asante to score.
Aluko increasingly is becoming the 'taliswoman' for Athletica as her speed and runs cause defences problems.She is the no1 striker at the club and she is now in 5th place inthe WPS scorers league with 4 goals, one goal behind Kelly Smith and Canadian international Christine Sinclair after 12 games.

Anita Asante was an unlucky loser at the weekend.Unlucky that inside 2 minutes she appeared to play Eniola Aluko onside for her goal.TV replays show a possible hint of offside.And unlucky that the Sky Blues can't seem get a break.Last ditch fluke winner for Saint Louis.For most of the game Asante was as solid as ever, matching the speed of the Athletica forward and not allowing her any more attempts on goal.

Karen Carney and her Chicago Red Stars had a torrid time in Los Angeles against the Sol. In searing heat even at 10am Carney was unable to stop the 4-nil beating. Carney tried to attack but was stopped by the Sol defence. With just 2 shots, none on target and a yellow card to round it off it was a bad day at the office.

SKY BLUE v SAINT LOUIS ATHLETICA HIGHLIGHTS

1-2

NJ SKY BLUE 1 -2 SAINT LOUIS ATHLETICA

Saint Louis Athletica wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in New Jersey against Sky Blue FC as Eniola Aluko notched an opening strike in just the second minute of action but it was Elise Weber’s game-winner in the 84th minute that gave Saint Louis a 2-1 win at Yurcak Field at Rutgers University in a WPS, Sunday night matchup.

Saint Louis took control early when Aluko netted her fourth goal of the season in the 2nd minute. Lori Chalupny played the ball behind and Aluko barely stayed onside before rolling a shot into the lower left corner of the goal past Jenni Branham.

Sky Blue FC responded with a number of chances but couldn't find the back of the net before halftime. In the 10th minute, Natasha Kai blocked a Hope Solo clearance and Kacey White tried to chip the Athletica GK but she got back to her line in time to grab the attempt. Meghan Schnur followed in the 21st minute with a shot from 25 yards out that went over the bar.

Sky Blue FC continued to press and in the 40th minute Keeley Dowling sent a nice cross into the box from the right side that Rosana headed with force just over the goal. Four minutes later, a nice combination between Heather O'Reilly and Kacey White led O'Reilly into the box but her shot was stuffed by Solo.

In the second half, it was more chances for Sky Blue FC as O'Reilly's effort from 20 yards was tipped over the bar by Solo in the 70th minute and O'Reilly followed that with a volley that just missed the left post four minutes later.

Sky Blue FC finally broke through in the 76th minute off an extended sequence in the Athletica box. O'Reilly chipped the ball forward and Kai battled with Saint Louis defender Tina Ellertson, knocking the ball loose for substitute midfielder Julianne Sitch to nail inside the left post.

Saint Louis stunned the crowd with the game-winner eight minutes later. Melissa Tancredi took a throw to the side of the Sky Blue FC box and Weber looped the ball high into the air and just inside the far post.

Sky Blue FC held a 21-5 advantage in shots but could only muster one goal off the foot of Julianne Sitch that tied the score in the 76th minute.

The loss keeps Sky Blue in 5th place in the WPS standings 4pts behind the Washington Freedom with their next game against the 2nd place Boston Breakers on July 4th.

The win moves Athletica up to 17 points for the year and 3rd place in the standings.It starts off a four game road trip in fine fashion. Athletica are now 5-5-2 on the season.

Sky Blue FC midfielder/defender Julianne Sitch:

“The ball was played in and Natasha (Kai) chased the ball down and kept it alive for us. Without her working hard to keep the play going, the ball would have never fallen to me. We’ve all been doing a good job of creating chances in recent games, and I was glad to be able to put one in the back of the net.”

Saint Louis forward Eniola Aluko:

“It was good to score an early goal since we absorbed so much pressure throughout the course of the game. The score helped us settle in a little easier and build confidence. In winning tonight, we showed our resilience – in that sense, winning ugly has become somewhat typical of Saint Louis soccer.”

Saint Louis Athletica defender Elise Weber:

“(Melissa) Tancredi won a throw-in for us, and on the following play I realized that the defender wasn’t watching me – she was focused on Melissa. I made a run into space and collected the ball; it took a bounce and I knew I wouldn’t be able to cross it on the ground. I just tried to play as dangerous a ball as I could, to make the keeper have to come out and make a play.”

Lineups:
Sky Blue FC – Jenni Branam; Meghan Schnur (Collette McCallum 63’), Christie Rampone (Capt), Anita Asante, Keeley Dowling (Capt); Kelly Parker, Rosana (Julianne Sitch 69’), Yael Averbuch (Jen Buczkowski 65’), Heather O’Reilly (Capt); Natasha Kai, Kacey White.

Saint Louis Athletica – Hope Solo, Stephanie Logterman, Tina Ellertson (Elise Weber 79’), Sara Larrson, Kia McNeill; Amanda Cinalli (Melissa Tancredi 63’), Kendall Fletcher, Angie Woznuk, Lori Chalupny (Capt); Eniola Aluko, Christie Welsh (Lisa Stoia)

LOS ANGELES SOL 4 - 0 CHICAGO RED STARS

Marta scored 2 goals to take her total for the season to a league joint leading 8 against the hapless Chicago Red Stars in a 4- nil win at the Home Depot Center early Saturday morning.

The Los Angeles Sol who looked fresh despite playing their 3rd game in 7 days opened the scoring on 15 minutes when Captain Shannon Boxx received a through ball from winger McCall Zerboni making her 1st start in place of Aly Wagner, at the top of the penalty box. Beating the offside trap Boxx shot the ball to the farside to the right of GK Caroline Jonsson. In off the post. This sparked a Michael Jackson celebration dance in the centre-circle by the whole team. Chicago in shock. It got worse. Japanese international Aya Miyama found an inform Camille Abily with a pass at the top of the box, with composure she shot past Jonsson 2 - nil and Abily's 8th goal of the season.

The Red Stars reeling tried to get into the game. Coach Emma Hayes brung on substitute Cristiane on 31mins to replace defender Nikki Krizysik. The Red Stars switched to a 3-4-3 formation. It looked like it paid off when Lindsey Tarpley slamed the ball into the back of the net from a great pass by Cristiane in the 33rd minute. However the goal was ruled out for a close offside.

The Sol closed out the 1st half on a high as they had numerous chances to extend their league.

Into the 2nd half and Chicago started brightly but again on the 47th minute a Tarpley goal was ruled offside. This time it was a more clear offside. The Red Stars were trying to make a game of it by attacking but everytime they tried to get momentum the Sol midfield and defence would not let them get into any sort of rythem.

The game was over when Marta received a through ball by Miyama , past the defence and a deft shot by Marta past Jonsson on inthe 62nd minute to make it 3-nil. Chicago were out. Marta then scored her 2nd in stoppage time 90th minute to make it 4-o after a ball into the box by substitute Aly Wagner from the right.

Chicago players looked stunned. In all honesty it could have been 5 or 6 if not for a couple of good saves by Jonsson. Back to the drawing board.

Los Angeles took another step to qualifying for the playoffs and took their unbeaten run to 10 games. Chicago with the loss remains last in the WPS standings with the next game against Washington Freedom on Wednesday night vital.

Abner Rogers
"It was a big challenge today as it was our third game in seven days, but I thought we played very well. Obviously, the result speaks for itself. The number of opportunities that we created was very satisfying."

McCall Zerboni
"The team was very supportive of me starting today. The team has really good chemistry and they make it very easy for me to contribute on the field. I wouldn't be doing what I am without them."

"[The offsides] always hurt you," Red Stars team captain Lindsay Tarpley said. "But, you know, hopefully it's a matter of time -- just keep plugging away and keep our heads up. And hopefully we'll finish one next time and it'll count."

Lineups
Los Angeles Sol: Karina LeBlanc; Stephanie Cox, Allison Falk(57: Brittany Bock), Marina Franko, Katie Larkin, McCall Zerboni (72: Aly Wagner), Shannon Boxx (C), Camille Abily (80: Maya Makoski), Aya Miyama, Han Duan, Marta

Chicago Red Stars: Caroline Jonsson; Natalie Spilger, Frida Ostberg, Nikki Krzysik (31: Cristiane Silva), Jill Oakes, Brittany Klein (58: Vandenbugh), Megan Rapinoe, Chioma Igwe (77: Danesha Adams), Karen Carney, Lindsay Tarpley (C), Carli Lloyd

Boston Breakers Crossbar Challenge

By Alex Scott - Boston Breaker

WPS -MVP Half-Term by position - GOALKEEPER

No1. Karina LeBlanc - The Canadian international has been the surprise leader in GK stats in the WPS at the halfway mark. The back-up keeper to Erin McLeod for the Canadian Women’s team, LeBlanc has established herself as the leader in the LA Sol defence and a leader to the team in general on and off the field.

From the Sol’s very first game the Inaugural game against the Washington Freedom ,LeBlanc displayed a calm, aggressive and decisive game, making a vital save against US International Abby Wambach to keep the clean sheet, one of many and to steer the Sol to their first win.

Playing in front of the stingiest defence in the league LeBlanc is well protected but when called upon she has made those vital saves keeping her teamates in the game.
Her constant barracking at her defence keeps them on their toes as she organises her penalty area to insure opposition players are getting picked up and the defenders are aware of their duties. None so than in the first set of games where both the Sol's centre-backs Brittany Bock and Alison Falk were rookies just out of college and inexperienced at this level. Her voice can be easily heard above everybody else’s as she gives words of encouragement or instructions to her defenders.

LeBlanc a Sol fan favourite leads the GK stats after starting 14 games with 10 shut-outs, 55 saves, 5 Goals conceded, 9 wins , 1 lost, 4 draws and a goal against average (GAA) of 0.36.

Runners-up - Hope Solo (Saint Louis Athletica) and Caroline Jonsson (Chicago Red Stars). Both keepers have made vital saves to save their teams from defeat. Both with 4 shut-outs.

Saint Louis Athletica v Los Angeles Sol Highlights

WPS PREVIEW WEEK 14

Los Angeles Sol v Chicago Red Stars Sat June 27 1pm ET Live on webcam


The Chicago Red Stars will try to break an eight-match winless streak Saturday when they face WPS leader the Los Angeles Sol at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Saturday marks the second meeting of the season between Chicago (2-5-5, 11 pts) and the Sol (9-1-4, 31 pts). The Red Stars nearly won at Los Angeles earlier this month when Cristiane scored her first goal of the season in the 88th minute to give Chicago a 1-0 lead. But WPS goals leader Camille Abily recorded the equalizer seconds before the final whistle to force a 1-1 draw.

Los Angeles brings a nine-match unbeaten streak into Saturday’s game. The Sol are 13 points ahead of second-place Boston in the WPS standings.Marta is on form having scored in th last 2 matches.

Red Stars defender Marian Dalmy will miss the match after suffering an ankle sprain Sunday in Chicago’s loss to Boston. Heather Garriock and Ella Masar are also out with injury for Chicago.

The Sol may well still be without defender Martina Franko who missed the trip to Saint Louis. Brittany Bock may start in defence again.






NJ Sky Blue FC v Saint Louis Athletica Sun 28 June 6pm ET Live FSC, Webcam

After an 11-day mid-season break, Sky Blue FC is recharged and ready to take aim on a spot in the playoffs as the team heads into the second half of the season. Sky Blue FC first sets it sights on Saint Louis Athletica, which makes its only visit to New Jersey this season.

Sky Blue FC meets Saint Louis on Sunday in a 6 p.m. clash at Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway, N.J.

Heading into the match, Sky Blue FC (3-5-3, 12 pts.) holds down fifth place in the standings, edging out sixth-place FC Gold Pride (3-6-3, 12 pts.) on goal differential. The New Jersey/New York team has a game in hand over both FC Gold Pride and the cellar-dwelling Chicago Red Stars (2-5-5, 11 pts.), who Sky Blue FC defeated 1-0 in their most recent game on June 17.

Athletica (4-5-2, 14 pts.) comes into the match in sole possession of fourth place and the final playoff position. After the results of this week’s midweek matches, Saint Louis sits two points behind the third-place Washington Freedom (4-4-4, 16 pts.). The Los Angeles Sol (9-1-4, 31 pts.) remains alone atop the table, 13 points clear of the Boston Breakers (5-4-3, 18 pts.).

In the only prior meeting between Sky Blue FC and Athletica, Saint Louis came away the victors 1-0 in a closely-fought battle at Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo. Amanda Cinalli’s goal in the 15th minute proved to be the difference in a game where Sky Blue FC outshot the home team and controlled play for long stretches of time.

2009 WPS ALL-STAR GAME

Women’s Professional Soccer today announced that The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in Fenton, MO, will be the site of the 2009 WPS All-Star Game on August 30, 2009, eight days after the WPS Championship is played on August 22. The game will be televised live nationally on Fox Soccer Channel and regionally on select Fox Sports Net affiliates, starting at 5:00 p.m. ET with a half-hour pre-game show prior to kick-off at 5:30. The league will employ a unique format for this inaugural WPS All-Star Game by selecting one WPS All-Star team of 18 players, who will face off against an international club team to be announced soon.

The WPS All-Star team will be selected by late July in the following way:

11 players Vote counting 25% fans, 25% media, 25% players, 25% coaches
7 players At-Large Selections (WPS Commissioner and All-Star Head Coach)

In a unique twist for the first year of the WPS All-Star Game, the All-Star Team head coach will be voted on collectively by the players with the announcement coming in late July.

The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park is currently the home field of the Saint Louis Athletica and has a rich soccer tradition dating back almost three decades to when it opened in 1982.

Speculation has already started about which international club will play against the All-Stars of the WPS. Marta's former club Umea (Sweden) has been strongly linked to be that club , as well as Olympique Lyon(France).

Both clubs are argubly two of the best clubs in Europe.It would be a great showpiece to stage and show off women's soccer. The only concern here at womans soccer insider that we have is that along with all the Europeans currently playing in the WPS like the Kelly Smiths', Sonia Bompastors', Camille Abillys' etc will be playing in the 2009 FIFA European Championships in Finland along with half of the Umea team and most of the Lyon team.With Sweden and France both participating in the Euros. The star players in the German top club teams will also be in Finland in August with Germany if the All-Star opposition happens to be a top German club.
Same applies to the top English clubs.

So will this big showpiece game consist of mostly american players... and Marta versus the reserves of any of these top clubs? I hope not but i can't see it being anything else.

For us at this moment it takes away ...just a little bit of the excitement we had before the date was announced.

Boston Breakers v Washington Freedom Highlights

WPS Half-Term report - LOS ANGELES SOL

Who? What left is there to say about the Sol that has not been said or read already.

In this 1st half of the Inaugural season of the WPS, THE Los Angeles Sol so far have been the dominant, most consistent and yes… the best team in the league.

The league table doesn’t lie.And neither do the stats.The Sol sit at the top as of June 25th with 31 pts - Played 14 , Won 9, Lost 1, Draws 4. They have played two games more than the 2nd placed Boston Breakers but they are still comfortably in front.
They are currently on a 9 games unbeaten run - 6 of those are wins.
How? The team are playing well together. They play possession soccer. The midfield four have specific jobs and they are executing the jobs well and the defence are defending intelligently and as a unit.
The Sol are difficult to score against and ultimately to beat. Teams have tried and come close and even some have deserved to score and a win but they have come up short and not taken their chances.
The Sol offence when given a chance will most likely take that chance…thank you very much.

They lead the league in most goals scored 19 ; least goals conceded 5 ; most shutouts 10 and Top goal scorer , Camille Abily 7.

Players - Offence:
Marta is the star player. The Brazilian Attracts the attention of the opposition defenders, sometimes all of them at the same time, that just leaves space for the other Sol players to exploit. Which they have taken.
When Marta is not scoring she is setting up her teamates. She is 2nd in the goal scoring charts with 6 goals and 2nd in assists with 3.



Midfield:
Camille Abily is one player who has benefited from the attention on Marta. She has snuck in there almost unnoticed to score a league leading 7 goals. All from midfield. The French international brings a calm, technical game to the Sol midfield. An intelligent player who always makes herself available in midfield to receive the ball, hold the ball and pass it off to an open player without fuss. Abily is a fan favourite and although unknown at the beginning of the season to the American public she is now becoming a star there too as she was in her native France. No wonder Olympic Lyon were having a cardiac arrest when she moved to WPS. Now we know why.
Defence:
Alison Falk never gets mentioned too much by reporters or blogs. But here at womans soccer insider we believe she is vital to the Sol.The rookie…yes she is a rookie..from Stanford University has been the rock at the back. Started 13 games out of 14 and played 90 minutes in all ,Falk is tall, good in the air, deceptively strong and quick. Falk hasn’t put a foot wrong as she has gone up against strong, experienced and international players like Abby Wambach and Christine Sinclair and quick players like Lisa DeVanna and Eniola Aluko and been a match for all of them.

Mentions to - Brittany Bock - defender, midfielder, forward ? She’s been everywhere but in goal. Bock is a competitive player that gives 110% no matter where she is playing. Almost combative by nature she played the first 5 games as a centre-back having never played there before. Impressing the Sol coaches in training with her desire to compete for challenges. She was a midfielder/forward in college. She then spent the next few in midfield man marked Boston’s Kelly Smith out of the game in that position in the 0-0 tie at the Home Depot Center.
Moved to centre forward to give some assist to Marta and scored her 2nd goal of the season. Yes we had to mention Brittany Bock.

Karina Leblanc - KK to her friends - we will look at her closely further in the blog but the stats say it all.
13 games , 51 saves , goals against 5 , Goals against avg 0.38 , Saved a PK , 9 Shutouts. No1.

All those players have stood out to us but LA really have played as a team and we would be here all day and night if we had to mention all the players.

A- Excellent. Still room for improvement.(harsh,i know) Top of the class for now.

WPS HALFWAY PERFORMANCES

Over the next couple of days womans soccer insider will give the half term time report on all 7 teams in the league as they are now into the 2nd half of the season.
Endless debates as to who's been playing well, who hasn't, what team has gelled the best,what team is still a work in progress has been answered. By us.

We will also give our thoughts as to who is the best player by position in the league so far. I think North Americans call it MVP (Most Valuble Person/player)! Who knows?

BOSTON BREAKERS 1 - 0 WASHINGTON FREEDOM

Christine Latham scored a header off of Heather Mitts’ free kick in the 37th minute to give the Boston Breakers a 1-0 win over the Washington Freedom on Wednesday night at Harvard Stadium in Cambridge, Mass.

The win allows the Breakers (5-4-3, 18 points) to leap over the Freedom (4-4-4, 16 points) into sole possession of second place. It also gave Boston the overall series win for the season against Washington (currently 2-0-1) with one match between the two remaining on July 29. The Freedom drop to third place.

Mitts’ free kick came in the first half from a foul on Kelly Smith in the 37th minute. Mitts stepped in and crossed the ball to Latham on the right side of the goal, who then headed it into the opposite left corner, putting the Breakers up, 1-0. It was the second goal of the season for Latham, both of which were game-winners against the Freedom. The assist was Mitts’ first.

Washington had a chance to tie before halftime in the 44th minute when Lori Lindsey hit a shot from outside the box just wide to the left side of the goal.

Leading up to the goal, both Boston’s Amy Rodriguez and Kelly Smith were knocking on the door with several close calls. Rodriguez put pressure on early, in the 16th minute, when she shot a ball at the top of the net, but Erin McLeod just tipped it over the cross bar. She then sent a cross across the net minutes later, but again McLeod made the save.

Smith rocketed two shots; both from about 30 yards out, one over and the other wide. She also took a free kick after being fouled, which bounced off the cross bar just prior to Latham’s tally.

In the second half, Smith finally hit the back of the net in the 55th minute, when she shot a ball past McLeod to the lower left corner, but the goal was called back for offsides.

Amy Rodriguez, looking to catch another goal after scoring the game winner on Sunday over Chicago, had luck similar to Smith’s, sending several shots just past the goal.

Washington became dangerously close of equalizing the match several times in the second half, outshooting Boston, 6-4, but goalkeeper Ali Lipsher held the win until the final whistle with five saves. It was her second straight shutout in only her third start of the year.

Two of those saves came at the end of the second with the Breakers trying to hold on to the win. Lipsher deflected a shot, creating a scramble in the box, but Alex Scott made the clear before a Washington player could get on the end of it. In the 90th minute, Washington tried one last time to leave with a tie, as Homare Sawa hit a shot that Lipser caught just before it went over the goal line.

The Breakers next game is July 4 against Sky Blue FC in Piscataway, N.J. Sky Blue leads the series 1-0, having defeated Boston 2-1 on May 30.

The Freedom have this weekend off and next play on Wednesday July 1st against Chicago Red Stars at Toyota Park, Chicago. Both previous games between the two have been drawn.

Boston head coach Tony DiCicco

"I thought the first half was probably our best soccer from both an offensive and defensive standpoint. Washington is a good team and we just didn’t let them play in the first half,” he said. “It’s hard because you want to be a little more cautious when you are leading, and they came out hard in the second half. They had some opportunities, and good teams are going to get opportunities."



Freedom head coach Jim Gabarra

"I think we could get the ball, we couldn’t string a pass together. Our first touch was disappointing; we couldn’t play the ball to feet. Part of it might be the surface; we came from Saint Louis where the grass was long and played slow. And we came here on turf, and the field was wet so it is even quicker. We played too slow, we couldn’t possess the ball. Against a team like Boston, as soon as you win the ball, everyone is spreading out, and you give it to the other team, it’s going to create some dangerous situations."

Lineups:

BOSTON: Alli Lipsher; Amy LePeilbet, Sue Weber, Alex Scott, Heather Mitts; Christine Latham (Maggie Tomecka, 62nd minute), Kristine Lilly, Angela Hucles, Kelly Smith,,Sophia Mundy; Amy Rodriguez (Mary Francis Monroe, 71st minute; Kelly Schmedes, 90+2 minute).

CHICAGO: Erin McLeod; Cat Whitehill, Sonia Bompastor, Becky Sauerbrunn, Ali Grieger; Lori Lindsey, Homare Sawa, Kristin DeDycker (Abby Wambach, 54th minute); Jill Gilbeau (Parissa Eyorokon, 70th minute), Lisa DeVanna, Rebecca Moros.

SAINT LOUIS ATHLETICA 1 - 2 LOS ANGELES SOL

Saint Louis Athletica had their chances, plenty of them, but could not get the result they might have deserved and dropped a 2-1 decision to the Los Angeles Sol in front of 3,014 at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park on Wednesday night.

Han Duan got the first goal of the game for Los Angeles in the 50th minute. Duan’s effort was singularly impressive as she had a ball played into her at the edge of the penalty area. Duan used her first touch to flick the ball over and around Tina Ellertson, Duan picked up the ball as she moved past Ellertson and then beat Hope Solo with a clean shot to the far post.

Marta would provide that second goal in the 73rd minute as an Aly Wagner ball found her in the area. Marta’s quick shot was able to beat Solo and Los Angeles looked comfortable with a 2-0 lead.

Kerri Hanks, subbed in the 77th minute, notched her first goal of the season in the 81st minute to draw one back and breathe some late life into the game. Eniola Aluko provided the set up and Hanks became the first Athletica player to get a ball past LA’s Karina LeBlanc this season.

The game was likely decided in the first half as it was Saint Louis that applied the pressure and outshot the Sol nine to six, put four chances on goal to LA’s three, and took six corners to Los Angeles’ one, yet nothing would go in. First half chances by Lori Chalupny, Christie Welsh, and Ellertson all were handled by LeBlanc or finished high and wide.

The second half would see more of the same from Saint Louis as Athletica pushed forward and tried to overcome one and two goal deficits. Athletica earned another six corners, took a staggering 16 shots, and placed six shots on goal for the half.

LeBlanc again proved to be the story. Chalupny’s 63rd minute bid to tie the match drew a fantastic save from LeBlanc. LeBlanc then saved Melissa Tancredi’s header two minutes later. Those two saves represented Athletica’s best chances until Hanks converted later.

Athletica remain in fourth place for the moment due to all the teams behind them in the standings being off on Wednesday night. Sunday night they will face Sky Blue FC at Rutgers University in New Jersey. A win will keep Athletica in fourth place. The game can be seen on the Fox Soccer Channel and heard locally in St. Louis on Team 1380 AM. Game time is 6pm ET.

The Los Angeles Sol who extend their points at the top of the league hosts the Chicago Red Stars this Saturday, June 27 at 1pm ET at The Home Depot Center.

“I believe in the second half we created so many chances. It is something in a match to have 12 corner kicks and we missed a goal almost inside the goal. We worked on a lot of things during the week and the goals didn’t happen for us,” said Athletica Head Coach Jorge Barcellos. “Today though we proved we could play with Los Angeles. They had two chances in the second half and scored on both chances. Now we need to prepare to go to New Jersey.”

“It was kind of frustrating that I hadn’t gotten a goal yet,” said Hanks. “Aluko set me up on a perfect through ball and I just took my chance and hit it well.”

“We made a few changes to start the second half,” said Sol Head Coach Abner Rogers. “Duan came in off the bench and scored a world class goal. We only had two good chances tonight and we got goals from both.”

Lineups:

Saint Louis Athletica: Hope Solo; Kia McNeill (58: Melissa Tancredi), Tina Ellertson, Sara Larsson, Stephanie Logterman, Lori Chalupny, Angie Woznuk, Kendall Fletcher, Amanda Cinalli (76: Ashlee Pistorius), Christie Welsh (77: Kerri Hanks), Eniola Aluko.

Los Angeles Sol: Karina LeBlanc; Manya Makoski, Allison Falk, Lisa Sari, Stephanie Cox; Camille Abily (69: Aly Wagner), Shannon Boxx (C), Aya Miyama, Brittany Bock, Marta, Keri Sanchez (50: Han Duan).

Erin McLeod selected Week 13 WPS Player of the Week

Well thank god for that. About time another defensive player gets the nod.And the 2nd goalie after Athletica's Jillian Loyden.


Washington goalkeeper Erin McLeod has been selected WPS's Player of the Week for Week 13 after notching her second shutout in six appearances to lead the visiting Freedom to a 1-0 triumph over Saint Louis Athletica. The Canadian made seven saves, including a big 63rd-minute stop on Week 12 winner Eniola Aluko, and twice received help from her crossbar as Washington climbed to second place in the WPS standings.

McLeod is the third Freedom player to receive Player of the Week honors, joining Abby Wambach (Week 5) and Sonia Bompastor (Week 6). She's the second Canadian selection (FC Gold Pride's Christine Sinclair, Week 8) and the second goalkeeper honored (Saint Louis' Jillian Loyden, Week 9). The WPS Player of the Week is selected by a panel of writers from the North American Soccer Reporters.

WPS Players of the Week

Week 1: Aya Miyama (Los Angeles Sol)
Week 2: Marta (Los Angeles Sol)
Week 3: Kelly Smith (Boston Breakers)
Week 4: Aly Wagner (Los Angeles Sol)
Week 5: Abby Wambach (Washington Freedom)
Week 6: Sonia Bompastor (Washington Freedom)
Week 7: Lori Chalupny (Saint Louis Athletica)
Week 8: Christine Sinclair (FC Gold Pride)
Week 9: Jillian Loyden (Saint Louis Athletica)
Week 10: Shannon Boxx (Los Angeles Sol)
Week 11: Camille Abily (Los Angeles Sol)
Week 12: Eniola Aluko (Saint Louis Athletica)

Week 13: Erin McLeod (Washington Freedom)

MIDWEEK GAMES -WEDNESDAY 24TH JUNE 09

Boston Breakers vs. Washington Freedom (7 pm ET - CSN)
Harvard Stadium, Cambridge, MA

The third of four matches between these two teams whose namesakes stem from the old WUSA. Boston has the chance to clinch the season series with a win after notching a 3-1 victory in the first game at Maryland SoccerPlex and drawing 1-1 in Boston one month ago. Just one point separates these two teams, with Washington sitting in second in the WPS Standings and the Breakers in third.

The Breakers broke out of several slumps over the weekend, winning their first game since May 2 with a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Red Stars. Kristine Lilly notched her first tally since May 2 and Amy Rodriguez ended her scoreless slump with an early goal. Boston is now 3-0 when Lilly scores.

Likewise, the Freedom come into the game having won on the road in Week 13 against Saint Louis. The Freedom’s 83rd-minute game-winner by Rebecca Moros was the third time this year that the Washington side has scored a clutch goal in the last 10 minutes to either win or tie a game. Abby Wambach will feature at some point although she is hampered by a hamstring injury.

This match will air on the Comcast Sports Network on Wednesday, June 24 at 7 pm ET.








Saint Louis Athletica vs. Los Angeles Sol (8 pm ET)
Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park, Fenton, MO

Saint Louis played Los Angeles tough earlier this season when the Sol visited the Gateway City, earning the Athetica’s first points on the year with a scoreless draw after two losses. But the Sol dominated the return match in Southern California, doubling the Athletica in shots (16-8) and shots on goal (8-4) in their 2-0 victory on May 30.

While the Athletica have a speedy defense which has neutralized forwards Marta and Brittany Bock in previous games, it’s midfielders Sol Camile Abily, Shannon Boxx and Aya Miyama that look to control the midfield possession and build up towards the attack for Los Angeles. For Saint Louis, Eniola Aluko has developed into a proven attacker up front – but the Los Angeles defense has given up only four goals all year and have only one multi-goal game against them this season. Aluko will need some support from Melissa Tancredi or Christie Welsh, who began the season in Los Angeles before being traded to Saint Louis in mid-May.

With a 14 point cushion for Los Angeles over the Athletica, this game is critical for Saint Louis if they want to maintain any hopes of catching the Sol in the race for first and the right to host the WPS Championship on August 20. They are the last of the seven WPS teams to begin the second half of their regular season with only 10 games played thus far.

LOS ANGELES SOL 2 - 0 FC GOLD PRIDE

The Los Angeles Sol blanked FC Gold Pride 2-0 at The Home Depot Center.

The Sol remains comfortably atop the WPS standings with an 8-1-4 record (28 points), while FC Gold Pride falls to 3-6-3 (12 pts.). Sol goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc made three saves to register her WPS-leading 9th shutout,giving her dad a very nice birthday gift while midfielder Camile Abily notched her league-best 7th goal of the season.

The Sol opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Aya Miyama's corner kick from the right side was cleared to the edge of the area finding Sol defender Martina Franko. She then volleyed the bouncing ball, hitting a slow, arching shot that was deflected on the goal mouth by Abily and nestled itself the far corner of the goal and somehow getting past Gold Pride 'keeper Nicole Barnhart.

Marta doubled the lead in the 25th minute, collecting a long Shannon Boxx pass shy of the area on the left, dribbling into the box and putting her low, left-footed shot past a diving Barnhart and into the goal. It was the fifth goal of the season for the Brazilian and her first since a 1-0 defeat of Sky Blue FC on May 15 at The Home Depot Center.

Los Angeles had three chances just seconds apart in the 71st minute, as Han Duan, Aya Miyama and Marta all had point-blanks cracks at the cage, but each was turned aside by the busy Barnhart.

The Pride managed to deny the Sol's attempts at widening the gap in the second half. Barnhart played an integral role in keeping her team in the game coming up with seven big saves in the second half. Barnhart, with a save percentage of 73 ranks second amongst all goalkeepers with 46 saves so far this season.

The Pride's leading goal scorer Christine Sinclair saw her three-game scoring streak snapped on Sunday but it was not for lack of trying as she fired off four shots, three on frame, in the match. The Canadian now leads the league in shots (37), shots on goal (18) and is tied for second in goals with five.

The Los Angeles Sol hosts the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, June 27 in the breakfast match. The game starting at 10am!
The Pride will be given a chance to recuperate after a tough week of WPS competition with the team's final bye week of the season next week. The Pride will return to action at home on Sunday, July 5 at Buck Shaw Stadium at 5 p.m. against the Saint Louis Athletica.

"I thought we gave an excellent effort on the field, especially against such a tough team following our game against Boston just a few days ago," said FC Gold Pride Head Coach Albertin Montoya. "We've worked extremely hard and came into this game with a lot of confidence thinking we could pull off a win. You have to give LA credit they keep seeming to find ways to win. I'm not disappointed in our team, they played their hearts out."


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Lineups:

Los Angeles Sol: Karina LeBlanc; Manya Makoski, Allison Falk, Martina Franko, Stephanie Cox; Camille Abily, Shannon Boxx (C), Aly Wagner, Aya Miyama, Brittany Bock (67: Han Duan), Marta.

FC Gold Pride: Nicole Barnhart; Rachel Buehler, Leigh Ann Robinson (57: Marissa Abegg), Kristen Gracyzk, Carrie Dew; Tina DiMartino (85: Tiffany Weimer), Leslie Osborne (C), Formiga; Christine Sinclair, Tiffeny Milbrett, Eriko Arakawa (67: Adriane).

CHICAGO RED STARS 0 - 2 BOSTON BREAKERS

The Chicago Red Stars were goalless once again as they were defeated by the Boston Breakers 2 - 0 at home Sunday afternoon at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.

Amy Rodriguez came good at last, netted her first WPS goal and captain Kristine Lilly converted a late penalty kick.
The Breakers didn’t have many chances in the match but the visitors made the most of them, starting when Kristine Lilly sent a long pass to teammate Amy Rodriguez inside the box in the 22nd minute. Splitting two Chicago defenders, Rodriguez beat Caroline Jönsson for her first goal of the season.
Apart from that play the Breakers passing game was gone to shot. They had no creativity in the middle of the field and they squandered possession time and time again.

Chicago did not take the numerous amount of chances that came their way. One coming straight after Boston's goal.Lindsay Tarpley put a shot off the crossbar – but the ricochet eluded a wide-open Megan Rapinoe and was cleared by the Breakers defense.Rapinoe on as a sub for the injured Marian Dalmy.

The Red Stars had more chances for an equalizer in the second half, twice beating Boston goalkeeper Allison Lipsher only to have the shot cleared off the goal line by a defender.

In the 68th minute Tarpley fired a rocket from the top of the box that hit off the arm of Breakers defender Alex Scott.(Just FYI Scott started the match as a right midfielder.Nancy Augustyniak-Goffi started at right-back). Ref missed it but i don't know how. It was blatent.

Boston added a second-half stoppage time goal when Lilly scored on a penalty kick. Red Stars defender Nikki Krzysik earned a yellow card for a foul against Jennifer Nobis in the box, and referee Dallas Malhiwsky awarded the Breakers a penalty shot, which Lilly easily buried for her third goal of the year.

The loss is the third consecutive shutout for Chicago, which has now played 313 minutes without scoring, dating back to a second-half goal at FC Gold Pride on June 7. They now haven't won in 8 games.They now travel to LA to take on the Sol this Saturday.

Boston move up to 3rd place in the standings behind 2nd place Washington Freedom with a much needed win to boost confidence. They play each other in 2nd v 3rd place on Wednesday night.

Red Stars Coach Emma Hayes:“We sent the team out today to show that they can perform as a team and I’m very proud of my players today. I think the better team lost the game and I think if we could extend the goal width in either direction then we wouldn’t be talking about a clean sheet.”

“This is the first time since I’ve been the coach here that I have a real hurt dressing room. They are hurt because they know that they put everything into the game and they performed to the best of their ability. The ball didn’t go in the back of the net, but you know there have been a lot of good performances.”

“For us, we executed our game plan and we’re going to take the momentum and energy from the team today into LA. If you want to write this team off it’s at your peril because we have very hungry players right now.”

Red Stars Forward Lindsay Tarpley:
“I think that I had some chances tonight and I wish I could have finished them. I’ll be working on that.”“From the people on the field to the people on the bench, we were a tight union. I think it hurts more today because we felt so unified. I think we’re going to build from this. I have no doubt what our potential is for our team. I know we’re going to step up individually and collectively and find a way to continue to represent this club in a great way.”

Boston Coach Tony DiCicco:

“I think it was a gutty performance. It was difficult to play in this weather and I thought it was really important to score first because chasing the game in this weather is not easy.”

“This league has a lot left. Every team is so competitive. Every team can beat every other team. It’s fun, except for the coaches.”

“Chicago probably deserved more, but we’ve been on that side of the games as well. So we’re delighted with the win and we went out with the right mentality.”

Lineups:

Chicago Red Stars – Jönsson; Dieke (Cristiane, 46), Oakes (Lloyd, 71), Krzysik, Spilger; Dalmy (Rapinoe, 18), Igwe, Östberg, Klein, Carney; Tarpley.

Boston Breakers – Lipsher; Goffi (Schmedes, 55), Chapman, LePeilbet, Mitts; Moore (Latham, 67), Scott, Hucles, Lilly; Rodriguez (Nobis, 60), Smith.

SAINT LOUIS ATHLETICA 0 - 1 WASHINGTON FREEDOM

The Washington Freedom's Rebecca Moros scored in the 83rd minute to defeat Saint Louis Athletica 1-0 on a hot and muggy day at Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in Saint Louis, Missouri, in front of 2,731 fans.

Moros’ goal came on a breakaway counter attack by Washington. Lisa De Vanna picked up the ball in midfield and made a run at the Athletica back line. De Vanna’s forward ball found Moros with Kia McNeill defending her. McNeill’s attempted clearance came right back to Moros who took the shot past an on rushing Hope Solo. Moros’ shot hit the underside of the crossbar came down on the line and then bounced into the goal.Her 2nd goal of the season.

Athletica created multiple opportunities in the second half starting in the 47th minute when Christie Welsh crashed her header from a corner off the underside of the crossbar. The ball came straight down, never crossing the goal line, and was cleared off the line by a Freedom defender.

Three minutes later Melissa Tancredi would repeat the same scenario. Tancredi’s header off another Saint Louis corner slammed into the crossbar and rebounded out before being cleared. Five minutes into the second half the score line read Crossbar 2 – Saint Louis 0.

Athletica still generated chances as the game and the heat began to takes its toll on both teams. Eniola Aluko made a bid for her fourth goal of the year in the 63rd minute, as she broke clean from the Freedom on the right side only to have her shot stopped by Erin McLeod.

The win for Washington was especially big considering Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabarra was forced to take off Abby Wambach in the 41st minute due to a hamstring problem.With the win, the Washington Freedom move ahead to second place in the WPS Standings, while Saint Louis Athletica drop a spot to number three.

The Freedom will next travel to Boston for a Wednesday night game with the Boston Breakers, to be televised on Comcast Sports Network. Saint Louis Athletica will host league-leaders LA Sol on Wednesday also.

“We played pretty well in the first half but did have to weather a few storms,” said Washington Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabarra. “Both goalies played spectacular in the first half and each team was battling to just be the first one to score.”“I think St. Louis had the better play in the second half but we held strong defensively and that ended up being the difference in the game,” said Gabarra. “To get a win on the road against a team that is ahead of you in the standings and has game in hand is critical at this time of the year.”

“When you play at home you have to win,“ Head Coach Jorge Barcellos said. “Soccer is a game when you have opportunities you have to score. If you don’t score sooner or later the other team will.”


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Lineups:

STL: Solo; Logterman, Ellertson, McNeill, Weber (Tancredi 27); Fletcher, Cinalli (Larsson 81), Woznuk, Chalupny; Aluko, Welsh (Hanks 58)

WAS: McLeod; Bompastor, Sauerbrunn, Whitehill, Krieger; Lindsey, Long (DeDycker 58), Sawa; De Vanna (Singer 84), Moros, Wambach (Gilbeau 41)

WPS ON YOUTUBE

Teams and players are reaching out to their fans on the net.


Interviews with Kelly Smith and Alex Scott - Boston Breakers









FC Gold Pride & Brandi Chastain hang out in New Jersey







LA Sol - Breakers - Sky Blue MASH!!!







Make sure you follow your fav team wherever you are.

ALEX SCOTT BLOG - June 19

The TV curse


Steph, our equipment manager will tell you i am very superstitious. I have a routine that has to be the same before every game we play. My routine at home will always be the same. Eating my pre match meal at a certain time and making sure i take a shower to feel fresh and alive for the game at a certain time. I have to have my red wrist band on to play. I have to make sure i have a L (left) and a R (right) sock, not 2 L's that nearly happened last game(that would have been bad). I have to have my can of red bull just at the right time when Tony starts to do his pre game team talk. I always have to be on Anglea Hucles right hand side when we warm up, and finally i have to make sure i do 2 sprints before the whistle blows to start the game.

After all this i am ready to go. I am ready to play and ready to run and i am ready to hustle, oh my gosh i am turning into an American, ha (way to hustle Alex,hehe).
Anyway i mention my routine because my word, i feel like i am doing it a lot at the moment. I feel like i am playing in a competition not in a league because at the moment we are in the middle of playing four games in 11 days, this schedule normally happens if you play in World Cups and European Championships. What do you do to be ready to play in all these games...... LOOK AFTER YOUR BODY..... Your recovery in between these games is the most important thing ever. Straight after the game i will plunge myself into an ice bath (ice,ice, baby) the ice feels sooooooo good on your legs when you have just run your socks off, and your muscles if they could show emotions would be for sure non stop crying and telling you no more..... stop playing Alex. So the ice makes them feel good. Then after a nice refreshing shower, its straight into my skins (skins are a form of tighter than tight tights) These will act as a pumping mechanism for your muscles, the skins help your muscles flush through all the lactic acid which means once again a quicker form of recovery. We get given these through our nation team because recovery is key there, but we have skins that only cover our legs.

This is where i have to mention Heather Mitts who has now also got in on this trend, but has taken it one step further then the brits, not only did she get her sponsor to send her the leg ones, she got her sponsor to send her a full body one. Not only was it so funny watching her trying to get into this thing, but once she had it on, its like she was a robot that needed oiling because she could not walk this outfit was so tight,ha. I bet her and her fiance AJ who is in town had fun trying to get that thing off (how funny).


The next day will also be a light recovery session, lots of stretching and light jogging. More ice ice baby, and eating a whole lot of food, carbs and protein so your body has all the energy and fuel it needs to run for 90 minutes like Forrest Gump (run forest run, i love that film).

We have played two games so far, against St Louis and FC gold pride only gaining 1 point. This is shocking I know, but hey 1 point is a baby step in the right direction. The 2nd half of the FC gold pride game was the best we have played since i can last remember and maybe should have finished the game off, but WOW, the 1st half was embarrassing. It was women against girls out there. It was like when your 1st team plays a reserve team and you tell the 1st team they have to play 2 touch, Yes folks thats how bad we played. The postive is though, coach Tony wanted a reaction and in the 2nd half he got it. So now we build on that and we go again against Chicago, who let me remind you folks, because i am still feeling the hurt from that game, whooped our butts 4 - 0 last time, so this really is revenge match.

Im looking forward to seeing my national team mate Karen JULIA Carney, who is also my roommate when travel with the national team, but wont catch up with her until after the game, when we beat you karen,haha.

The title of my blog is the TV curse. I really do think something is going on here. Out of the four games we have had on Fox Soccer we have lost 3 and drew 1. We are still awaiting that all important win! Why Boston why do we have to have this curse? If anyone is reading this and can lift this curse from us, please work your magic, I think our next TV game is when we play home to Sky blue, so i am going to keep my fingers crossed and hope someone has helped out by then and this will be the one where the Fox Soccer cameras will be there to see us celebrate,yah!!!
Talking about camera's, I have also turned my eye to directing, (wink, wink). I came up with the idea to have some in team friendly competition, so every other week i have to come up with challenges to set the team and see who wins......Well no big surprise who won my 1st competition.............?????????? Well i cannot tell you because you need to go onto our Boston breakers website to see for yourself. We attempted the crossbar challenge, out of the whole team, 1 person managed to hit it (maybe i should have given the team another go - you have to watch Coach Tony's attempt (Tony this was a let down!).

As well as it being busy on the field both myself and Kelly Smith have been busy off it, Kelly's parents have been in town for the last 10 days also staying at our apartment. One night Kelly's mum made us a home made roast dinner( i miss my Sunday roasts) this is a traditional English meal that most people have on a Sunday. I think in America you will sit down and have this kind of meal for the 4th july, meat, potatoes, veg, stuffing etc, a BIG feast, mmmmm its lovely.
Also our national team manger came into town for 3 days to see our game against FC Gold Pride. She will also be in Chicago to see her 3 English players battle it out there too. Kelly and I took her out for dinner at the top of the Prudential Center (top of the hub). Trust me to go there when i am scared of heights plus eating dinner on the 52nd floor (where's the knowledge in that,ha). We talked about all our stories off being here for the last 3 months and she actually seemed really interested,(hehe only messing coach Powell). so for us the last couple of weeks have flown by having all these guests and showing them the sights of Boston. I will now be charging small fees for my qualified knowledge and my tour guide expertise. Just ask for TOUR GUIDE Scott !!!

But for now its off to the airport tomorrow for my favorite thing of all time........ FLYING (HELP!!!)Until next week, thank you for reading your England Boston Breaker Alex Scott



By Alex Scott

http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/Alex%20Scott