WOMEN'S SOCCER INSIDER

WEEKEND PREVIEW 3 -SUNDAY 25th April 2010

2010-04-25T09:53:00.000-07:00

Sun April 25th 2010 6pm ET/11pm GMT Live FSC / Webcast/ Audio

Saint Louis Athletica host the Boston Breakers at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park tonight with the top of the WPS table up for grabs.

Both teams have identical records so far this season with both starting out with a win and then tying their games last weekend. Both team’s leading scorers Eniola Aluko and Boston's Kelly Smith, both teammates on England’s Women’s National Team have two goals each this season. Both Boston and Saint Louis have scored three goals this season. So really on paper there is nothing to separate them.

On the field Athletica will be starting with their formidable midfield which consists of Shannon Boxx, Captain Lori Chalupny, Tina DiMartino and Aya Miyama. Aluko will look to latch on to the chances created by them.

The Breakers will look to play through Smith, captain Kristine Lilly and Lauren Cheney. Their backline of Stephanie Cox, Amy LePeilbet, Kasey Moore, and Alex Scott have started forming a cohesive unit and are very strong.

Prediction - close game. Score draw.

Sun April 25th 2010 6pm ET / 11pm GMT Webcast(delayed) 7.30pm ET/ 12.30am GMT

The Chicago Red Stars search for their first win of the season when they host the defending champions Sky Blue FC at Toyota Park. They look to overturn the scoreline on the first day of the season in New Jersey where they lost 1-0 to a Natasha Kai goal. Chicago played well but couldn't get the ball in the net.

They went one better last weekend against Saint Louis Athletica where they scored a goal to draw the match. Casey Noguiera getting her first professional goal. Head coach Emma Hayes will be looking for the team to take their chances and get in front of goal more. Something they have been working on in training.

Sky Blue FC will be looking to bounce back from their 3-1 defeat last weekend from FC Gold Pride.

Sky Blue have been dissappointing so far this season in their forward play and midfield.In midfield the likes of Carli Lloyd and Kasey White need to make more of a precence. With Lloyd in particular needing to stamp her authority in midfield. The game passed her by against Chicago in game one and last weekend she was subbed out at half-time against Gold Pride.

Prediction - Home win.

Sun April 25th 2010 6pm ET/ 11pm GMT

The Philadelphia Independence will host its second home game at John A. Farrell Stadium this Sunday as they take on WPS neighbor to the south, Washington Freedom. The Independence is still looking to earn its first win of the season after back-to-back ties against Atlanta and Boston in the opening matches.

Backup goalkeeper Val Henderson is in net this weekend in her first appearance for the Independence. Starting goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc is in China competing with the Canadian National Team. Midfielder Jenn Buczkowski misses out from suspension after her red card last weekend in Boston.

Washington hope to build on the confidence gained from last week’s win against another expansion team Atlanta Beat and to continue making improvements throughout the defensive line. Brittany Bock is still not available for the Freedom.

Prediction - Home win

WEEKEND PREVIEW 3 - SATURDAY 24th April 2010

2010-04-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

Sat April 24th 2010 10pm ET /3am GMT

FC Gold Pride remain at home taking on the Atlanta Beat for the first time. Pride are coming into the game of an impressive 3-1 win against the defending champions Sky Blue FC and Atlanta need to rebound from a 3-1 defeat by Washington Freedom last weekend.

Atlanta Beat goalkeeper Allison Whitworth and defender Leigh Ann Robinson will face their former team and Ramona Bachmann is in line to meet up with former teammate Marta. The two played together in Sweden with Umea IK.

There will be several players missing from both teams due to international duty , injury and suspension.

The Beat’s Kia McNeill is unavailable due to a one game suspension and the backline looks like being Lauren Sesselmann, Stacy Bishop, Leigh Ann Robinson, and Sophia Mundy.

Gold Pride will be without striker Christine Sinclair and defender Candace Chapman who are away on international duty with Canada. Marta is being monitored hour by hour on a bruised ankle she picked up last weekend and fullback Ali Riley is looking doubtful due to illness. She has not trained all week due to a virus.

Whoever is on the field expect this matchup to be exciting and play to be fast.

Prediction - Home win.

WPS -WEEK 2 RESULTS

2010-04-19T11:57:00.000-07:00

Boston Breakers v Philadelphia Independence Sun April 18th

The Philadelphia Independence held the Boston Breakers to a 1-1 draw on Sunday at Harvard Stadium.
The game came alive in the 2nd half and was end to end and also very physical which resulted in the Independence midfielder Jen Buczowski sent off for incurring 2 yellows.
It was Boston who started the 1st half on the front foot. They had an early chance when Kristine Lilly was put through at the side of the box and drove inside. She looked to be brought down by Heather Mitts. The referee pointed to the spot to award a PK however he went to his assistant ref who said Lilly was offside. Freekick to Philadelphia. The Breakers had a few more dangerous opportunities in the first half, but Karina LeBlanc came up with three major saves to keep the game scoreless entering halftime.Lianne Sanderson towards the end of the 1st half was through on goal but was denied by Ashley Phillips.
The Independence came out energized in the second half, substituting Joanna Lohman for Mitts and switching to a 4-4-2 formation. However The Breakers got the 1st goal in the 49th minute. A Kelly Smith free kick that was deflected of the wall. Le Blanc had no chance she was going the other way and had to correct herself. Smith's 2nd goal of the season.
The Independence bounced back immediately, equalizing just six minutes later off a headed finish from central defender Allison Falk. Lori Lindsey sent a perfect bending free kick to the back post that Falk buried beyond Breakers keeper Phillips. Falk scored the first-ever WPS goal last season in the inaugural 2009 WPS match, and tonight scored the first-ever WPS goal for the Independence franchise.
Both teams continued to create offensive chances for the remainder of the half until Philadelphia went down to 10 with the red card for Buczowski in the 88th minute. Boston took the game to Philadelphia for the final minutes but the Independence held on for the point.

LineupsBoston Breakers: Ashley Phillips; Alex Scott, Amy LePeilbet, Stephanie Cox, Kasey Moore; Chioma Igwe, Leslie Osborne, Kristine Lilly(C), Kelly Smith (Tiffany Weimer,89'), Liz Bogus (Laura del Rio, 74'); Lauren Cheney
Philadelphia Independence: Karina LeBlanc(C); Nikki Krzysik, Allison Falk, Sara Larsson, Heather Mitts (Joanna Lohman, 46'); Jen Buczkowski (R-88), Caroline Seger, Lori Lindsay (Estelle Johnson, 90'); Holmfridur Magnsdottir, Lianne Sanderson (Denesha Adams, 69'), Amy Rodriguez

Midfielder Kelly Smith, Boston Breakers

On what the Breakers can improve on
Finishing when we have our opportunities. You know I had one where I should’ve scored early on. [Kristine] Lilly had one that she probably deserved and was disappointed that she didn’t put away. [Lauren] Cheney at the end there with the header. Opportunities that you need to put away in games like this.
On her knee
Fine. Good, healthy.

Defender Allison Falk, Philadelphia Independence
On her goal
It was the perfect ball that came in. I was wide open went up for it, put a head on it and it went in. It was very exciting that first goal [for us] that tied the game and brought momentum back in our favor.

FC Gold Pride v NJ Sky Blue FC Sat April 17th

In their home opener, FC Gold Pride defeated defending WPS champion Sky Blue FC 3-1, with a pair of goals by Christine Sinclair and a goal by Marta. Sky Blue FC leveled the game with an early goal in the 2nd half from Laura Kalmari in the 49th minute but it was not enough to avoid their 1st defeat in 4 matches.
The Pride started the first half strong creating multiple chances to score with shots from Camille Abily, Marta, and Sinclair. In the 10th minute, Sinclair scored her first goal of the season, putting away a deflected save off a shot from Abily. Sky Blue came back and created a couple of chances.In the 28th minute, Kalmari struck a well hit ball towards the FC Gold Pride net, and the next two Sky Blue FC possessions ended with shot attempts by midfielder Heather O’Reilly and forward Tasha Kai.
Sky Blue FC came out of half time starting a new front line with Rosana and Jessica Landstrom who entered the game for Kai and Carli Lloyd. With the new attacking duo adding more pressure to the Pride's back line.Sky Blue got back into the game to tie it up on 49 minutes. Rosana crossed a ball to the center of the field, where Landstrom put a touch on the feed. With the ball trickling towards the end line, Kalmari stepped onto the scene to strike the ball off the far post and into the net.
The Pride answered back in the 75th minute with Sinclair's second goal. Kelley O'Hara-who had a good game- played a ball into space for a running on Sinclair who chipped Sky Blue FC goalkeeper, Karen Bardsley, to put the Pride ahead.In the 82nd minute, Marta finished it off with scoreing her first goal as a member of FC Gold Pride after receiving a pass from O'Hara-her 2nd assist of the game- and struck a shot into the upper corner of the goal past a diving Bardsley.

Lineups
FC Gold Pride: Nicole Barnhart;Ali Riley, Rachel Buehler (C); Candace Chapman; Kristen Graczyk(Kandace Wilson 79); Becky Edwards; Carrie Dew; Camille Abily (Kiki Bosio 72);Marta, Kelley O'Hara; Christine Sinclair (Tiffany Milbrett 85)
NJ Sky Blue FC: Karen Bardsley; Keeley Dowling(Kiersten Dallstream 82); Daphne Koster; Brittany Taylor; Danielle Johnson; Heather O'Reilly; Carli Loyd (Jessica Landstrom 45);Yael Averbuch; Kacey White(C); Laura Kilmari; Tasha Kai (Rosana 46)

Albertin Montoya -FC Gold Pride Head Coach

"I was thrilled to see the stands filled the way they were.I think we did our job and put a show on for our fans and hopefully they'll want to come back to see more goals and good soccer because this team is has the quality to do so."

FC Gold Pride's post game interviews in AUDIO

Chicago Red Stars v Saint Louis Athletica Sat April 17th

The Chicago Red Stars in front of over 5000 fans held league leaders Saint Louis Athletica to a 1-1 draw at Toyota Park, Chicago. Rookie Casey Noguiera with a fantastic strike leveled the game after Lori Chalupny put Athletica in front.
St. Louis Athletica dominated the first half with captain Chalupny scoring in the 3rd minute of the game,pouncing onto a loose ball giving the visitors an edge they used through the rest of the first half.
The Red Stars went on the attack in the second half. In the 58th minute, a Red Star player put a shot over Solo that hit the crossbar and bounced straight down. The Red Stars stayed on the attack and then Red Stars midfielder Katie Chapman sent the ball from right to left to Nogueira, who took one dribble toward the middle to free space then fired the ball into the upper right corner.
Much of the rest of the second half was played in the midfield, but the Red Stars went on the attack again in the final five minutes and Nogueira had a nearly identical shot opportunity in the final couple of minutes but sent it high.
For the game, Hope Solo had six saves for Athletica and Jillian Loyden made a pair of saves and batted away several other potential Saint Louis scoring opportunities

Lineups:
Chicago Red Stars: Jillian Loyden (GK), Marian Dalmy, Kate Markgraf(C), Ifeoma Dieke, Whitney Engen, Kosovare Asllani, Kate Chapman, Brittany Klein (Formiga, 70), Julliane Sitch (Karen Carney, 65), Ella Masar (Casey Nogueira, 46), Cristiane.
Saint Louis Athletica: Hope Solo (GK), Elaine (Nikki Cross 30), Kendall Fletcher, Tina Ellertson, Elise Weber, Carolyn Blank, Lori Chalupny(C), Shannon Boxx, Aya Miyama (Madelaine Edlund 67), Tina DiMartino, Eniola Aluko (Lindsey Tarpley 77).

Red Stars midfielder Casey Nogueira:
On her second potential scoring chance: "That was a sitter. I should have just placed it, and I blasted it; it went right over."

"It was pretty awesome. The field is amazing and we had a bunch of people there and you could hear them the whole time and it was an enjoyable first home match for me."

Athletica goalkeeper Hope Solo:
"They came at us with numbers. They threw everything at us. At times it looked like they had a far aggressive back line. And it was hard to control. I think our best defense against them was moving the ball on the attack."

"I saw Casey Nogueira and I knew exactly what she was going to do. Because that's her shot. On the national team, that's her shot. She's better than anyone I know at that kind of bent ball far post. I saw early enough that she was going to do it. I wish I would have kept cheating."

Washington Freedom v Atlanta Beat Sun April 18th

Washington Freedom posted their first victory of the 2010 season, defeating expansion team Atlanta Beat 3-1 in the first meeting between the two teams. Freedom forward Abby Wambach, posted one goal and two assists to help Freedom clinch the win Sunday night.Ramona Bachmann goal was 1st for Atlanta in WPS.
Play went back and forth in the first half with Atlanta maintaining good possession and chances by Beat midfielder Lauren Sesslemann in the fourth minute, Johanna Rasmussen in the eighth, and Tobin Heath in the 11th.
The Freedom took the lead late in the first half with a goal in the 41st minute scored by Wambach with an assist by Sonia Bompastor. Bompastor took a free kick for Freedom, sending a dangerous ball in front of the Atlanta goal, where Wambach was waiting to tap the opening goal past the Beat goalkeeper Allison Whitworth.
At the start of second half, Atlanta’s Mami Yamaguchi played a through ball into Bachmann in the 47th minute. Bachmann ran in behind the Freedom defense to score the Beat’s first goal in WPS history.
Nearly three minutes after Bachmann’s finish, a Washington Freedom serve came in from right midfield. Wambach laid it off to Homare Sawa who shot from the top of the box and put the Freedom up 2-1 in the 50th minute. Christie Welsh scored the game’s final goal in the 89th contributing to the 3-1 result.

Lineups:
Washington Freedom: Erin McLeod; Rebecca Moros; Cat Whitehill(C); Nikki Marshall; Sonia Bompastor;Allie Long (Sarah Huffman 59);Homare Sawa; Lene Mykjaland (Jill Gillbeau 81);Becky Sauerbrunn;Lisa DeVanna (Chrstie Welsh 64);Abby Wambach.
Atlanta Beat:Alison Whitworth, Lauren Sesselmann(Sophia Mundy 88), Kia McNeill, Leigh-Ann Robinson, Stacey Bishop, McCall Zerboni(Monica Ocampo 67), Angie Kerr(C)(Amanda Cinalli 67), Mami Yamaguchi, Johanna Rasmussen, Tobin Heath, Ramona Bachmann

Freedom striker Abby Wambach

“Our first goal gave us confidence going into halftime and that was important for us,”

Beat midfielder Tobin Heath

"Abby and Cat and a number of their players are very solid. I have great respect for them. Competing against them at this level is awesome.I've been on a number of teams that win, so I bring that edge. I have the experience which helps with the development of our players, and try and carry the rhythm out there. I just try to be productive on the offensive end and give my team a spark when we need it. This is only our second game so we are still trying to figure things out, but we have great strengths on the attacking end. We have different personalities, so we are just trying to get those personalities to mesh. The hardest thing when you score is that first five minutes after, not allowing another one and we had a lapse, and they had that goal right after ours took. My hat goes off to them. They definitely took the wind out of our sails a little bit."

WEEKEND PREVIEW 2 - SATURDAY/SUNDAY 17th/18th April 2010

2010-04-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

Sat April 17th 2010 8pm ET/ 1am GMT - Live webcast

Saint Louis Athletica travel to Toyota Park to face Chicago Red Stars on a high after their dismantle of FC Gold Pride. The game will be streamed live through the Chicago Red Stars website, www.chicagoredstars.com.

Athletica have gotten the better of Chicago so far with 2 wins to Chicago's 1.A few players could see themselves playing against their former club. Chicago's new keeper Jillian Loyden was backup to Hope Solo but now she very much the number one at Toyota Park. Lindsay Tarpley was also part of that deal sending her in the opposite direction to Saint Louis. Tarpley is still coming back from her ACL injury but is training, if she is there she will be on the bench.

Both teams are much improved from last season and both played well in their opening matches last weekend. Chicago at times had good play and accounted themselves well against Sky Blue but they need to be more ruthless in the final 3rd. With players like Cristiane and Kosovare Asllani in the side their should be plenty of goalscoring opportunities. Megan Rapinoe still out through illness.

For Saint Louis it is more of the same. Most of their play will come from midfield, feeding the speedy forward in Eniola Aluko.

Prediction - Away win 2-1 Saint Louis. Chicago will get their goal but Saint Louis will be too strong. Aluko to score.

Sat April 17th 2010 10pm ET

Coming off a disappointing 2-0 loss against the Saint Louis Athletica in their first game of the 2010 season, the FC Gold Pride returns home to the Bay Area and looks to regroup in preparation for this weekend's showdown with Sky Blue FC.
Sky Blue FC opened up the 2010 WPS season with a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Red Stars last Sunday, and look to continue the defense of their title with back-to-back wins.Natasha Kai will be dangerous in attack and the defence is looking like being one of the best in the league. They will be without LB Meghan Schnur who is out with a knee knock. Christie Rampone and Anita Asante still not available.
Saturday's Home Opener will mark the Pride's first time playing in front of Bay Area fans at Castro Valley High School Athletic Stadium, after moving their home stadium and front offices during the 2010 offseason.The fans want a win. Against Saint Louis, Coach Montoya played Marta in midfield with Tiffany Millbrett, Kelly O'Hara and Christine Sinclair up front. This left the Pride's midfield exposed. Marta needs to be closer to the goal to take any chances that fall to the Pride. And Camille Abilly and Solveig Gulbrandsen need more help in midfield especially against the well oiled midfield of Sky Blue with has Yael Averbuch and Carli Lloyd patrolling the middle and Heather O'Reilly and Kacey White coming in from the flanks.

Prediction - This is tough. It will come down to who scores first. 1-0 away win Sky Blue. Confidence is an extra man. Sky Blue have bags of it.

Sun April 18th 2010 6pm ET/ 11pm GMT Live FSC

The Philadelphia Independence is looking to capture its first win of the season at Harvard Stadium on Sunday night's televised game, taking on the Boston Breakers in their second game of the season.Boston look to maintain their form by getting another win. Tonight's game will be a sort of reunion for Heather Mitts and Amy Rodriguez who previously played for Boston last season. Mitts will be playing her first game of the season after missing last weekend through injury and the Independence also welcome back defender Alison Falk from suspension. Boston are missing the Brazilian Fabiana through injury. Kelly Smith and Lauren Cheney both should start up front continuing their blossoming partnership.
Expect a tight game.

Prediction - Home win Boston. 1-0

Sun April 18th 2010 7pm ET

Week two of WPS is underway as Washington Freedom hosts Atlanta Beat, tonight, at the Maryland SoccerPlex in the first meeting between the two teams. 2010 is the inaugural WPS season for the Beat. Both teams are looking to post their first wins of the 2010 season, after Atlanta opened the season with a scoreless tie against fellow 2010 WPS expansion team, Philadelphia Independence and Freedom fell 2-1 against Boston Breakers in the home opener. Freedom will look to improve the defensive line, as well as continue working on the fundamentals of attacking and possessions in hopes of converting more chances in the box to goals. Both teams’ rosters are heavy with international players as well as plenty national talent, setting the stage for an exciting first meeting between Washington Freedom and Atlanta Beat.
The visitors should welcome back swiss striker Ramona Bachmann who missed the first game due to illness.
A tough match for both teams. It will be a battle especially between Abby Wambach and Kia McNeil.

Prediction - Home Win Washington 2-1

THE WEEK THAT WAS - WPS WEEK ENDING 16/04/10

2010-04-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

The week that was!

WPS got started last weekend with all 8 teams taking to the field. Saint Louis Athletica find themselves at the top of the table with a 2-0 win against FC Gold Pride on Sunday at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park,Missouri. Eniola Aluko scoring on 40 mins and 62 mins ,both assists from Shannon Boxx.
The win was a surprising result to some as FC Gold Pride had new signings Marta and Camille Abily in the lineup. But the Athletica’s dominant midfield play set them up for a win.

The Boston Breakers roll into 2nd place in the league with a 2-1 win away to Washington Freedom. Rookie Lauren Cheney scoring in the 7th minute from a corner by Kristine Lilly and Kelly Smith continuing her open day scoring streak with a goal on 20 mins from a pass by Stephanie Cox. The Freedom managed to pull one back in the dying minutes at The Maryland SoccerPlex with a great shot from Allie Long in the 87th minute. Washington could not find a way to get the equalizer and Boston held on for the win.
The televised Sunday game from Fox Soccer Channel was for the defending champions NJ Sky Blue FC

against Chicago Red Stars at Yurcak Field , NJ. Over 4400 fans came out to see Sky Blue hold on for the 1-0 win. Natasha Kai scored the lone goal in the 7th minute from a defence splitting pass by Heather O’Reilly. The Red Stars put up a spirited fight back in the 2nd half but couldn’t convert any of their chances. The game between the expansions teams ended in a stalemate at John A Farrell Stadium,PA, in front of the weekends biggest crowd of over 6000. The Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence both created many chances the best falling in the dying seconds to Amy Rodriguez who was 1v1 in on the keeper but a good save by Allison Whitworth kept the game a tie

Sky Blue FC v Chicago Red Stars

Saint Louis Athletica v FC Gold Pride

Philadelphia Independence v Atlanta Beat

Washington Freedom v Boston Breakers

Eniola Aluko - Player of the Week.

Congratulations to Saint Louis Athletica forward Eniola Aluko who has been named the first WPS Player of the Week in 2010 after scoring both goals in Athletica’s 2-0 win on Sunday over FC Gold Pride. This is the second time Aluko has won the honor. She was Player of the Week in Week 12 of WPS’s inaugural season. No surprises to see her already leading the goal scoring charts.
"I am delighted to get the first player of the week accolade of 2010,” said Aluko upon being informed of the award. “I am so pleased that I was able to contribute to what was a great team performance against FC Gold Pride at the weekend. I aim to score more goals than last season, so this will give me confidence to keep scoring."

BRIT WATCH

Eniola Aluko tops the Brits with her 2 goals all round play against Gold Pride edging out Kelly Smith who scored once again on opening day, this time her goal was enough to ensure a Breakers win. Smith was substituted out in the 68th minute as a precautionary. Lets hope the knee holds up. Alex Scott put in a fine performance in the back limiting the Freedom attack to go through the middle.

Sky Blue goalkeeper Karen Bardsley got a rare start due to the injury of Jenni Branam. Bardsley got her clean sheet with a strong, commanding performance. Lucky her collision with Karen Carney was not a PK. Scottish international Ifeoma Dieke was back in the starting lineup partnering US star Kate Markgraf. She let Kai through for the goal in the 7th minute but was untroubled for the rest of the game as Chicago had most of the game. English midfielder Kate Chapman also made her first start for the Red Stars. A lot of the game bypassed Chapman in the 1st half as she looked to adjust to the speed of play of the WPS. In the 2nd half she saw more of the ball and got forward on a few occasions as Chicago were pressing for the equalizer. Karen Carney came on in the 2nd half back from knee surgery and was immediately creating chances. Had a good shout for a penalty when she looked to be brought down in the box by Bardsley. Still not match fit, but great to see her back nad in the thick of the action.
Ex-Chelsea player Lianne Sanderson was in from the start for Philadelphia Independence partnering US star Amy Rodriguez. Sanderson was tidy and showed of her close ball control linking up well with Rodriguez, especially at the end when her control of the ball and through ball found Rodriguez in on goal.
Anita Asante is still rehabbing her knee. Training with the team and looks to a June comeback.

Kelly Smith on Boston's win against Washington.

WEEKEND PREVIEW - SUNDAY 11th APRIL 2010

2010-04-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

Sun April 11th 2010 4 pm ET

This match looks on paper to be the most exciting player wise. Marta, Camille Abily, Shannon Boxx and Aya Miyama are all from the disbanded Los Angeles Sol and who all were so dominant for them now play on opposite sides of the pitch.

Saint Louis Athletica come back with 9 players from last year but they have added experience during the off season. As well as Boxx and Miyama they also added Lindsey Tarpley from the Chicago Red Stars, former Gold Pride midfielder Tina DiMartino and Brazilian Elaine and Swedish striker Madelaine Edlund from Umea IK.
Elaine could slip into defence and Edlund should provide a scoring partnership with Athletica top striker Eniola Aluko. Captain Lori Chalupny has been plagued by symptoms from concussions and may be a question mark. Daniela who recently resigned is still out injured. GK Hope Solo will have to contend with a new defence in front of her.

FC Gold Pride look for another win again to start their season. Coach Montoya likes to play like Barcelona. He may get that wish with Marta and Abily in the ranks. Offensively the Pride have many options with Christine Sinclair for height and power and college #3 pick Kelly O’Hara with her 1 v 1 abilities joining Marta, but it will be in midfield and defence where they need to improve the most. Both area were very soft last season. To contend for the championship the likes of new team captain Rachel Buehler and Norwegian midfielder Sloveig Gulbrandsen need to have a massive impact on the team.

The game will be a battle of the midfield. What midfield will come out on top and dominate the game? The one that does, their team will win the game.

Prediction - Home win for Saint Louis, just!

Sun April 11th 2010 6pm ET

The two new expansion teams face off for their first match. Who made up this schedule? Both cities have a deep history in women’s soccer and both will have incredible support from the fans of the cities.

Philadelphia have gone with experience for their first season. Most of their roster consists of players that have already played last year on other WPS teams or experienced internationals. In defense they have no1 GK Karina LeBlanc and top defenders Alison Falk and Heather Mitts. They have a WPS champion in Jennifer Buczkowski in the ranks, she having played a major part for Sky Blue in the playoffs. Midfield consist of Swedish captain Caroline Seger and Lori Lindsay who had a good first season with the Freedom. Up top England’s Lianne Sanderson is out to prove she is England’s no1 and Amy Rodriguez is looking to make a better impact than she did in Boston.
If Philly get to gel early they could be a very workmanlike team that will be difficult to beat and no team would like to play them.

Atlanta by contrast have gone for a very youthful team. Full of impact players that like to run with the ball and attack. The key to the Beat will be in midfield. They picked up good professional steady players in the offseason such as Angie Kerr and Amanda Cinalli from Saint Louis. No1 draft pick Tobin Heath will bring the fans in with her skills and 1v1 tricks and the likes of McCall Zerboni and Mami Yamaguchi can offer width and another attacking presence. If the midfield can get the ball to the forwards Atlanta may just be our favorite team to watch.
In the forward positions a clutch of internationals hold the key. Among them, young upstart Ramona Bachmann, who comes to Atlanta with a big reputation and an abundance of talent . If given the chances and the service she will score goals. A natural goalscorer she is.

Expect Atlanta to come out fast with many attacking opportunities. Philly may stem the flow of the attacks and sneak one in. It will be interesting however with the contrast in styles.

Prediction - Home win. Philadelphia to overpower, eventually.

Sun April 11th 2010 6pm ET Live Fox Soccer Channel /Webcast

The first televised game opens with the defending WPS champions at home. A thrilling match should occur as both teams have a point to prove. Sky Blue will be looking to show people that their win was not a undeserved or a fluke and the Red Stars need to show they can live up to the talent on the paper. Games are not played on paper.

Sky Blue come into the new season with yet another coach in Pauliina Miettinen from Finland. That’s how many now? What hasn’t changed is that many of the core players from last season are back. They have also added quality players in the offseason to push again for the playoffs. The Dutch captain Daphne Koster will slot into the back and star strikers Jessica Landstrom and Laura Kalmari will add more attacking presence that was missing for many games last season. They will join a fit again Natasha Kai in the hunt for goals. In midfield the core of the team remains with Carli Lloyd coming in from Chicago replacing Collete McCallum to provide the service.

Chicago come in to the new season with a new mentality. Although they return with 9 players from last season, from the looks of it, it is an entirely new team. The team will still have the flair players of Cristiane, Megan Rapinoe and Karen Carney but they have added players with experience and steel to keep the squad ticking over. Kate Markgraf returns to organise the defence and probably the team. England’s midfielder Katie Chapman should provide a strong presence in midfield. Something that was not there last season. Up top Cristiane is fit and settled right from the start and Swedish starlet Kosovare Asllani and UNC star Casey Noguiera should provide a cutting edge.

Going from games from last season between these two teams, the games will be hard fought.

Prediction - Home win. The crowd behind them Sky Blue will be to strong for an improved Red Stars team.

WEEKEND PREVIEW - SATURDAY 10th APRIL 2010

2010-04-09T18:32:00.000-07:00

vs

Sat April 10th 2010 7pm ET
Once again the Washington Freedom play in the opening game of the WPS Championship. This time versus the Boston Breakers. The Breakers again will be opening on the road.
Both teams however will be looking for a different opening result. A win. Both teams lost their opening matches to Los Angeles Sol and FC Gold Pride respectively.
Who wants it more?

Washington return with the core of their squad -13 in all - with a few players added to shore up the defence and run the midfield. Look to a better defensive display from the Freedom as it’s looking likely that Cat Whitehill, Sonia Bompastor and college rookie Nikki Marshall are in the back. GK Erin McLeod starts from the start which is a big difference to last season. In midfield Sarah Huffman should return to give them a more attacking midfield push. Norwegian striker Lene Mykjaland may also start in midfield or off the main striker Abby Wambach. Wambach is also fully fit and is in form. What formation they play we will see but expect it to be fluid from 5 in midfield to 2 up front.

Boston come into the match looking for goals. They have overloaded on attack minded players. College draft #2 pick Lauren Cheney, Spanish international Laura Del Rio, Australian Sarah Walsh, Tiffany Weimer add to returnees Kelly Smith and Kristine Lilly. Not hard to see where Coach DiCicco felt his team lacked last season. However with so many attacking players the system they play in and who fits where becomes important. In midfield Leslie Osborne should start and in defence they get a boost with Stephanie Cox from Los Angeles Sol slotting into the left back position vacated by Heather Mitts. Smith is back fit and looks to start up top.

Will the game turn into Washington’s defence v Boston‘s attack? Hardly, but we will get the first glimpse of how each team sorts out their biggest problem from last year.

Prediction - Both teams could cancel each other out. A score draw.

" DEFEND YOUR TURF"

2010-04-08T16:03:00.000-07:00

WPS FANTASY CHALLENGE 2010

2010-04-08T15:32:00.000-07:00

WPS have launched their own fantasy football/soccer game this season.It is open to everyone although to win the prizes on offer you have to be a US resident but that shouldn't stop the participation of the game for us foreigners.

Check it out and sign up to support WPS and women's soccer and if anything else it's fun fun and more fun. You can even create your own leagues. Brit league anyone?

How would you like to run your own WPS team? Here’s your opportunity.

The WPS Fantasy Challenge has just launched and allows fans to test their knowledge of WPS players while competing in leagues against friends, family and fans for bragging rights. It is the first-ever Fantasy Game for women’s soccer. Great prizes – including PUMA gear and player-autographed items – are on the line for season-long winners, while weekly prizes will also be awarded. Fans must manage their roster to stay under the $10 million team budget, while seeking to maximize the points they accumulate each week based upon how their selected players perform in actual WPS games.

Learn more about the WPS Fantasy Challenge HERE

Play the WPS Fantasy Challenge HERE

Week 1 Fantasy Picks preview

2010 WPS NEW FACES

2010-04-07T06:46:00.000-07:00

This weekend the 2010 WPS Championship season begins and many new faces will seep into our hearts and minds. The new faces will consist of a mixture of internationals and collegiate players all out to prove their worth, to impress on their teams and the soccer fan.

During 2009 there were a number internationals that increased their stature in the game and impressed fans. Boston Breakers English star Alex Scott and the French midfield pair of Camille Abily ,Los Angeles Sol and Sonia Bompastor of Washington Freedom. To name just three who were relatively unknown outside of their country but had an excellent season making their way onto the WPS All Star team which was voted for by fellow players, fans and the media.
College players that made their mark and were vital to their teams and deservedly earned starting positions included the Los Angeles Sol rookie defence of Stanford’s Allison Falk and Notre Dame’s Brittany Bock and Santa Clara’s midfielder Brittany Klein all of them outgunning more experienced players in defence and midfield to shine brightly .

So who will make their mark this season? Over the next few days till kick-off we will profile a few of the players new to WPS and the public, whom we hope will make a name for themselves, entertain fans and push women’s soccer that bit further forward.

Katie Chapman - Chicago Red Stars and England

Chapman a strong , committed and tough tackling midfielder, makes her way to Chicago Red Stars via Millwall, Fulham, Charlton and Arsenal. A member of Arsenal’s 2007 quadruple winning squad , Chapman was the engine in midfield that propelled the team to a historic season which ended with them claiming the European Cup against a Umea side which included someone called Marta.
A senior member of the England team with 76 caps and 8 goals having competed in the 2001,2005 and 2009 European Championships and 2007 Women’s World Cup. England’s best player at Euro 2009. So say all of us here at womans soccer insider.
Chapman should bring heart , experience and a bit of steel to Chicago’s midfield.

Ali Riley - FC Gold Pride

All the way to the Bay by way of LA, Stanford and New Zealand.
LA born Riley is a pacey full-back, winger. The former striker offers speed and directness to any team. She was captain of a Stanford team that went 25-1 and reached the final of the 2009 NCAA Championship. The rookie from Stanford is a rookie in WPS name only. She is a mainstay on the New Zealand national team with 34 caps, represented NZ in the 2007 Women’s World Cup and 2008 Beijing Olympics Games. At 22 years old Riley has already captained her national team and help take NZ to the finals of the 2010 Cyprus Cup where they went down narrowly 1-0 to Canada.
Riley will bring speed, commitment and experience to the FC Gold Pride back line with the green light to join in attack by overlapping up the wing and providing crosses and through balls. Strength lies in taking on and beating defenders at pace.

PUMA and WPS RECOGNIZE AWESOME 2010

2010-04-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

WPS UPDATE April 1st - FINAL ROSTERS

2010-04-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

With 9 days to go before the 2010 WPS season starts most of the teams have now submitted their opening day rosters. Rosters consist of 18 contracted players and (max) 4 development players.

D= Development player

Boston Breakers

Goalkeepers
18 Allison Lipsher
1 Alyssa Naeher
24 Ashley Phillips (D)

Defenders
22 Alex Scott
4 Jordan Angeli
6 Amy LePeilbet
17 Kasey Moore
14 Stephanie Cox
21 Analisa Marquez (D)

Midfielders
13 Kristine Lilly
10 Kelly Smith
5 Maggie Tomecka
12 Leslie Osborne
2 Chioma Igwe
7 Liz Bogus

Forwards
8 Lauren Cheney
15 Fabiana
16 Laura Del Rio
9 Sarah Walsh
88 Tiffany Weimer
33 Claire Zimmeck (D)
25 Taryn Hemmings (D)

Chicago Red Stars

Goalkeepers
1 Jillian Loyden
18 Kelsey Davis

Defenders
2 Marian Dalmy
4 Ifeoma Dieke
9 Whitney Engen
13 Natalie Spilger
15 Kate Markgraf
21 Lydia Vandenbergh (D)

Midfielders
6 Brittany Klein
7 Megan Rapinoe
8 Formiga
14 Karen Carney
17 Katie Chapman
38 Julianne Sitch
25 Jackie Santacaterina (D)

Forwards
3 Ella Masar
10 Kosovare Asllani
11 Cristiane
22 Jessica McDonald
27 Casey Nogueira
19 Michele Deisenhofer (D)

FC Gold Pride

Goalkeepers
1 Nicole Barnhart
18 Brittany Cameron
21 Erin Guthrie (D)

Defenders
4 Rachel Buehler
5 Candace Chapman
19 Carrie Dew
13 Kristen Graczyk
14 Kaley Fountain
3 Ali Riley
9 Kandace Wilson

Midfielders
20 Camille Abily
22 Becky Edewards
8 Solveig Gulbrandsen
2 Kimberly Yokers
6Ashley Bowyer (D)
16 Rosie Tantillo (D

Forwards
10 Marta
15 Tiffeny Milbrett
12 Christine Sinclair
7 Kelley O'Hara
11 Kiki Bosio

Gold Pride still have 1 development spot left open.

Philadelphia Independence

Goalkeepers
23 Karina Le Blanc
1 Val Henderson
21 Robyn Jones (D)

Defenders
3 Allison Falk
15 Nikki Krzysik
7 Sara Larsson
2 Heather Mitts
5 Sarah Senty
24 Estelle Johnson
12 Katherine Reynolds (D)

Midfielders
26 Holmfridur Magnusdottir
4 Jennifer Buczkowski
6 Lori Lindsey
17 Joanna Lohman
9 Caroline Seger

Forwards
19 Danesha Adams
8 Amy Rodriguez
11 Karina Maruyama
10 Lianne Sanderson
16 Lyndsey Patterson
14 Carrie Patterson (D)
20 Gina DiMartino (D)

Saint Louis Athletica

Goalkeepers
1 Hope Solo
18 Ashlyn Harris
61 Katie Jo Spisak (D)

Defenders
2 Elaine
3 Carolyn Blank
4 Kendall Fletcher
8 Tina Ellertson
12 Elise Weber
22 Sarah Wagenfuhr

Midfielders
5 Lindsey Tarpley
6 Aya Miyama
7 Shannon Boxx
10 Daniela
11 India Trotter
17 Lori Chalupny
20 Kristina Larsen - Injured
25 Tina DiMartino
13 Sarah Teegarden (D)
16 Erin Walter (D)
23 Veronica Perez (D)

Forwards
9 Eniola Aluko
19 Madelaine Edlund
21 Niki Cross

Kristina Larsen, will begin the season on the injured reserve list. Niki Cross was signed as a free agent by Saint Louis to complete the 22 player active list.

NJ Sky Blue FC

Goalkeepers
1 Karen Bardsley
23 Jenni Branam
18 Ashley Thompson(D)

Defenders
3 Christie Rampone
4 Daphne Koster
5 Anita Asante
7 Megan Schnur
14 Brittany Taylor
15 Danielle Johnson(D)
17 Keeley Dowling

Midfielders
2 Kiersten Dallstream
8 Kacey White
9 Heather O’Reilly
10 Carli Lloyd
11 Rosana
13 Yael Averbuch
26 Angela Salem(D)

Forwards
6 Natasha Kai
12 Jessica Landstrom
16 Meagan Snell(D)
21 Laura Kalmari
22 Katie Schoepfer

Atlanta Beat

Goalkeepers
17 Brett Maron
1 Allison Whitworth
0 Malori Lofton-Malachi (D)

Defenders
6 Kia McNeil
7 Leigh Ann Robinson
12 Tracy Hamm
16 Blakely Mattern(D)
14 Lauren Sesselman

Midfielders
4 Stacey Bishop
3 Tobin Heath
11 Angie Kerr
15 Amanda Cinalli
5 Katie Larkin
20 Sophia Mundy
19 Rebecca Nolin(D)
9 Mami Yamaguchi
2 McCall Zerboni
23 Marisha Schumacher-Hodge(D)

Forwards
10 Ramona Bachmann
8 Monica Ocampo
13 Johanna Rasmussen
18 Shelley Thompson

Washington Freedom

Goalkeepers
0 Meagan McCray (D)
1 Briana Scurry
18 Erin McLeod

Defenders
3 Jill Gilbeau
4 Cat Whitehill
5 Brittany Bock
17 Nikki Marshall
21 Alex Singer
22 Becky Sauerbrunn
23 Kristi Eveland
27 Marissa Abegg (D)

Midfielders
6 Beverly Goebel (D)
8 Sonia Bompastor
9 Allie Long
10 Homare Sawa
12 Caitlin Miskel (D)
14 Sarah Huffman
19 Rebecca Moros

Forwards
7 Lene Mykjaland
13 Christie Welsh
17 Lisa De Vanna
20 Abby Wambach

FORMIGA TO CHICAGO

2010-03-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Red Stars have announced their final international. Formiga. Did you guess?I know I didn't. Even though i knew she was released by FC Gold Pride I did not think she would end up in Chicago or was a Emma Hayes type of player.

The Brazilian midfielder returns to WPS after playing for FC Gold Pride in 2009. Starting in 15 of 16 games played. She was voted on to the All-Star team but could not play due to a knee injury towards the end of the season.

"Her record speaks for itself," Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes said. "We've acquired one of the top playmaking midfielders in the world. We're going to be looking toward her experience to drive this team, and she's joining an already exceptional group of players."

Formiga will unite with her Brazilian teammate Cristiane. Can't wait to hear the samba drums at Toyota Park!

Paul Taylor

LET THE SEASON BEGIN - WPS UPDATE

2010-02-28T13:12:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow March 1st marks the official day pre-season camp commences for many of the WPS teams. Some have already started their team meetings and put players through fitness tests. Others have been collecting and ferrying players from airports to around the city apartment hunting. For many it’s try-outs..to see who gets to stay for the rest of preseason before the roster is whittled down from anywhere from 25, 28 sometimes 30 players to the 22 required.

March 7 is when the international players are expected from tournaments in Europe such as the Algarve Cup in Portugal where the likes of the USA,Sweden,Norway,Finland,Iceland and Denmark have players participating who are signed to WPS teams and the same for the Cyprus Cup where WPS players from England, Canada, Holland and Switzerland are battling it out against each other.

With so much going on since the allocation of the Los Angeles Sol players early this month,here are some of the goings on…so far in Women’s Professional Soccer.

Atlanta Beat once again have been out in front packing their rosters top to bottom. New signings joining No1 draft pick Tobin Heath are forward Shelley Thompson(pictured right) from Vfl Wolfsburg. The first German signing snatches the last international spot for Atlanta. GK Brett Maron and midfielder Marisha Schumacher-Hodge are a couple of free agents. Maron having played in the Damallsvenskan for Kristianstads DFF last year and Schumacher-Hodge from Boston University played for the Boston Aztecs in the WPSL. They have waved goodbye to Carrie Patterson and Noelle Kesilica. The latter suffering a preseason knee injury.

Boston Breakers welcome Australian forward Sarah Walsh. Walsh returns after a successful season down under where Sydney FC won the championship. Walsh will be playing for her 3rd WPS team after clocking hours last season with Sky Blue FC and Saint Louis Athletica. However they will miss the dynamic duo of Christine Latham and Jenni Nobis. At least of the field they will. Canadian Latham was waived to make room for Walsh and Nobis suffered an ACL injury at the beginning of February.

Chicago Red Stars have been pretty quite on the signing business so far but now there are whispers that an international is about to be announced. The announcement is imminent according to Head Coach Emma Hayes. Any ideas? More good news - English midfielder Karen Carney is recovering from her knee surgery and hopes to be fit for the start of the season and congratulations are in order for Jill Oakes who announced her pregnancy. The Red Stars have released her from her contract.
Another player released but is not happy about it is Brandi Chastain (pictured left). FC Gold Pride announced that she will not be invited to pre season camp but they wish her well in what she does. Chastain said she was sad and mad at not having the chance to play with Gold Prides new players such as Marta and Camille Abily and to measure herself against them and the younger players. A young player Gold Pride have signed is another former LA Sol player in GK Brittany Cameron. Cameron was a development GK behind Karina LeBlanc and Val Henderson.

Saint Louis Athletica fans are still recovering from the shock of their captain Lori Chalupny taking indefinite leave can console themselves a bit with the news that Brazilian midfielder Daniela is on her way back from injury and has agreed terms with the team for the 2010 season.
With the award season out of the way.(FYI: Sky Blue won everything). Sky Blue FC announced a new shirt sponsor in Somerset Medical Center. So far they are the only team to have secured a shirt sponsor. More good news, Anita Asante the English defender is recovering from her knee surgery and should be back midseason. So should figurehead and captain Christie Rampone.

Lastly Washington Freedom who have retained many of the players from last season has signed Christie Welsh the former USWNT forward. Welsh will play for her 3rd team after stints with the Sol and Athletica. Welsh previously played under Head Coach Jim Gabarra with the Freedom in the W-League

Chalupny out indefinite?

2010-02-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

Lori Chalupny captain of Saint Louis Athletica and US Women's national team is taking an indefinite leave of absence to deal with concerns related to concussions.
Athletica announced today that Chalupny is likely to miss pre-season training and possibly the start of the 2010 season.No specific date has been set for her return. She will also miss the Algarve Cup tournament in Portugal in a few weeks where the USWNT take on Sweden, Norway and Iceland.
Chalupny has had previous problems with concussions. She suffered during the 2008 Beijing Olympics where she was taken off against Norway after a coming together with US goalkeeper Hope Solo.

EX- SOL PLAYERS REALLOCATED

2010-02-04T13:16:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles Sol Players were today allocated to the remaining eight teams of the WPS after the demise of the Sol. The "draft" took place behind closed doors and a press release was issued an hour after the start of the "draft".

There was some surprise at the results. Most surprise came from Saint Louis Athletica who had traded up to get 1st pick. Athletica picked Shannon Boxx, Japanese star Aya Miyama, Tina DiMartino and Danish international Catherine Paaske Sorenson. It's a surprise because all 4 are top midfielders that you can say play in the same area of the pitch, something i thought Athletica were strong on. I guess defence isn't an option at Saint Louis. Remember Championships are won on defence. It's an old saying but so so true.

Other surprises being Brittany Bock to Washington Freedom and that the Freedom also got the rights to Nigerian striker Faith Ikidi. A striker who is contracted to Linköping (Swedish Damallsvenskan league) for the 2010 season. Strange but good to see a franchise think beyond 2010. Gives us our hope back.

Not so much of a surprise Marta staying in California with FC Gold Pride and Karina Le Blanc moving to Philly.

Good luck to all the ladies at their new teams. We will be supporting them all.

Here are the results by team:

Atlanta Beat - Manya Makoski MF , Pavlina Scasna F
Boston Breakers - Stephanie Cox D, Michelle Enyeart F
Chicago Red Stars - Casey Nogueira F
FC Gold Pride - Marta F, Kiki Bosio F, Lindsay Browne F
Philadelphia Independance - Karina LeBlanc GK, Estelle Johnson D
Sky Blue FC - Nikki Washington MF, Kiersten Dallstream F
Saint Louis Athletica - Shannon Boxx MF, Aya Miyama MF, Tina DiMartino MF, Catherine Sorenson MF.
Washington Freedom - Brittany Bock D, Faith Ikidi F

Results in draft order

Round 1
1. Shannon Boxx, M – Saint Louis Athletica *
2. Karina LeBlanc, GK – Philadelphia Independence
3. Marta, F – FC Gold Pride (Bay Area)
4. Casey Nogueira, F – Chicago Red Stars
5. Stephanie Cox, D – Boston Breakers
6. Nikki Washington, M – Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY)
7. Brittany Bock, D – Washington Freedom
8. Aya Miyama, M – Saint Louis Athletica

Round 2
9. Manya Makoski, M – Atlanta Beat
10. Faith Ikidi, D/F – Washington Freedom
11. Kiersten Dallstream, F – Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY)
12. Michelle Enyeart, F – Boston Breakers
13. Kiki Bosio, F – FC Gold Pride (Bay Area) ^
14. Tina DiMartino, M – Saint Louis Athletica #
15. Estelle Johnson, D – Philadelphia Independence
16. Pavlina Scasna, F – Atlanta Beat

Round 3
17. Pass – Atlanta Beat
18. Pass – Philadelphia Independence
19. Lindsay Browne, F – FC Gold Pride (Bay Area)
20. Pass – Chicago Red Stars
21. Pass – Boston Breakers
22. Pass – Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY)
23. Pass – Washington Freedom
24. Catherine Sorenson, M – Saint Louis Athletica

* via trade with Atlanta Beat (trade prior to draft)
^ via trade with Chicago Red Stars (Chicago receives FC Gold Pride’s 2nd Round pick in 2011 WPS Draft)
# via trade with Chicago Red Stars (Chicago receives Saint Louis Athletica’s 2nd Round pick in 2011 WPS Draft)

Paul Taylor (Featured writer)

NEW DAY IN WPS

2010-02-04T07:20:00.000-08:00

We have sufficiently recovered from the doom of the LA Sol here at womans scoccer insider to report that a "New day" starts today for WPS.

Today sometime after 1pm ET, 6pm European time, the remaining women of the LA Sol will be placed (we hate the word dispersed...really) with the remaining eight teams of WPS.

There are a total three rounds, potentially 24 players can be picked with the likes of Marta, Shannon Boxx and Aya Miyama to name but a few up for grabs.

Saint Louis Athletica have managed to wrangle their way to 1st pick with some trading with the previous 1st pickers Atlanta Beat by sending defender Kia McNeil and Midfielder Angie Kerr(Woznuk) to Atlanta. What that means only time will tell.

Find out the results from twitter women's Pro Soccer and back here for an in depth update.

WPS Draft & PUMA Party Highlights

2010-01-17T13:48:00.000-08:00

Here is a taste to some of the goings on on Friday at the 2010 WPS draft & unveiling of the new Puma uniforms.
The season can start now...please..can't wait.

LA SOL UP FOR SALE?

2010-01-17T03:56:00.000-08:00

The Los Angeles Sol we here today are looking for new owners and a new coach.

Anschutz Entertainment group (AEG), which had a 50 percent share in the team that played at AEG-owned Home Depot Center, has been in discussions "for months" with an unidentified party to sell its stake. Well they did say they were not in it for the long haul ...but really!Just one season..what was the point.

Head Coach Abner Rogers left the team on 23 December 2009. Left or let go? Depends who you ask.General Manager Charlie Naimo has taken over coaching duties from Rogers for the time being.

It's the Sol fans i feel sorry for. They had only just recovered from loosing Camille Abily.
It's going to be a very interesting season for them.

2010 WPS Uniforms

2010-01-16T02:06:00.000-08:00

Puma unveiled the 2010 WPS Home and Away uniforms Friday night in Philadelphia. Hosted by the Los Angeles Sol goalkeeper Karina Le Blanc after the WPS Draft, players from all 9 teams mixed with fans and media for a showstopping unveil.

Players on show:

• Atlanta Beat: Leigh Ann Robinson and Tobin Heath
• Boston Breakers: Leslie Osborne and Lauren Cheney
• Chicago Red Stars: Ella Masar and Whitney Engen
• FC Gold Pride: Tiffeny Milbrett and Kelley O’Hara
• Los Angeles Sol: Manya Makoski and Casey Nogueira
• Philadelphia Independence: Amy Rodriguez and Caroline Seger
• Sky Blue FC: Yael Averbuch and Brittany Taylor
• St Louis Athletica: Kendall Fletcher and Angie Kerr(nee Woznuk)
• Washington Freedom: Cat Whitehill and Nikki Marshall

To see the uniforms up close click HERE

Draft results by WPS team

2010-01-15T16:28:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all players picked...next step to make the final 22 woman roster.Pre-season starts in March!

Atlanta Beat

1. Atlanta Beat – Tobin Heath, M, UNC
21. Atlanta Beat – Blakely Mattern, D, South Carolina
23. Atlanta Beat - Shameka Gordon, D/M, West Florida
30. Atlanta Beat – Jill Hutchinson, F, Wake Forest
40. Atlanta Beat – Carrie Patterson, F, Georgia (traded from Philly)
48. Atlanta Beat – Kasey Langdon, F, Oklahoma St.
57. Atlanta Beat – Shaneka Gordon, F, West Florida

Boston Breakers

2. Boston Breakers - Lauren Cheney, F, UCLA
11. Boston Breakers - Alyssa Naeher, GK, Penn State
16. Boston Breakers – Jordan Angeli, D, Santa Clara
34. Boston Breakers – Katherine Reynolds, D, Santa Clara
43. Boston Breakers – Cynthia Morote-Ariza, F, Loyola-Chicago
52. Boston Breakers – Carly Peetz, D, Nebraska
56. Boston Breakers – Gina DiMartino, M/F, Boston College
61. Boston Breakers – Casey Brown, D, Boston University
65. Boston Breakers – Taryn Hemmings, F, Denver

Chicago Red Stars

4. Chicago Red Stars – Whitney Engen, D, North Carolina
15. Chicago Red Stars – Jessica McDonald, F, North Carolina
24. Chicago Red Stars – Kelsey Davis, GK, Portland
33. Chicago Red Stars – Michele Weissenhofer, F, Notre Dame
42. Chicago Red Stars – Sophie Reiser, M/F, Columbia
51. Chicago Red Stars – Fiona O'Sullivan, M/F, San Francisco
60. Chicago Red Stars – Jackie Santacaterina, M, Illinois

FC Gold Pride

3. FC Gold Pride – Kelley O'Hara, F, Stanford
10. FC Gold Pride - Ali Riley, D, Stanford
12. FC Gold Pride - Becky Edwards, D/M, Florida State
20. FC Gold Pride - Kaley Fountain, F, Wake Forest
32. FC Gold Pride – Erin Guthrie, GK, Rutgers
41. FC Gold Pride – Ashley Bowyer, M/D, Ohio State
50. FC Gold Pride – Eilzabeth Harkin, D, Arizona State
59. FC Gold Pride – Lauren Wilmoth, D, UCLA

Los Angeles Sol

5. Los Angeles Sol - Nikki Washington, F, North Carolina
8. Los Angeles Sol - Casey Nogueira, F, North Carolina
9. Los Angeles Sol – Kiersten Dallstream, F, Washington St.
14. Los Angeles Sol - Michelle Enyeart, F, Portland
22. Los Angeles Sol - Kiki Bosio, F, Santa Clara
25. Los Angeles Sol – Estelle Johnson, D, Kansas
38. Los Angeles Sol – Mary Casey, GK, Maryland
47. Los Angeles Sol - Lindsay Browne, M/F, Clemson

Philadelphia Breakers

13. Philadelphia Independence – Malorie Rutledge, M, LSU
31. Philadelphia Independence – Kelly Henderson, D/M, Boston College
39. Philadelphia Independence – Mallori Lofton-Malachi, GK, South Florida
58. Philadelphia Independence – Caitlin Farrell, D, Wake Forest
62. Philadelphia Independence – Danielle Collins, D/M, William & Mary

Sky Blue FC

6. Sky Blue FC – Brittany Taylor, D, Connecticut
26. Sky Blue FC – Katie Schoepfer, F, Penn State
29. Sky Blue FC - Melissa Clarke, M, LSU
35. Sky Blue FC – Danielle Johnson, D, Ole Miss
44. Sky Blue FC – Meagan Snell, F, Santa Clara
49. Sky Blue FC – Jennifer Anzivino, D/M, Rutgers (from Philly)
53. Sky Blue FC – Kelly Isleib, M, Utah

St. Louis Athletica

17. Saint Louis Athletica - Kristina Larsen, F, UCLA
19. Saint Louis Athletica – Ashlyn Harris, GK, North Carolina
28. Saint Louis Athletica – Amanda Poach, M, Santa Clara
37. Saint Louis Athletica – Veronica Perez, M/F, Washington
46. Saint Louis Athletica – Carolyn Blank, M/D, WVU
55. Saint Louis Athletica – Sarah Teegarden, M, Wisconsin-Milwaukee
64. Saint Louis Athletica – Elisabeth Redmond, M, Duke

Washington Freedom

7. Washington Freedom – Nikki Marshall, D/M/F, Colorado
18. Washington Freedom – Carly Dobratz, M, Washington State
27. Washington Freedom – Beverly Goebel, M, Miami
36. Washington Freedom – Kristi Eveland, D, UNC
45. Washington Freedom – Lauren Robertson, GK, Ohio State
54. Washington Freedom – Mara Osher, D/M, Boston University
63. Washington Freedom – Caitline Miskel, M/F, Virginia

Which team done good? Any surprises? Who is not there?

2010 WPS Draft

2010-01-15T15:48:00.000-08:00

The 2010 WPS Draft took place on Friday at the Philadelphia Convention Center. All 9 teams of the WPS were represented by Owners, General Managers & Head Coaches.The draft was deep with the best college players on the table.
The Atlanta Beat were first on the board and they picked University of North Carolina(UNC) star Tobin Heath.Other top 5 picks were UCLA forward Lauren Cheney by the Boston Breakers, Stanford goal machine Kelley O'Hara remains in California with FC Gold Pride, UNC pair Whitney Engen and Nikki Washington round out the top 5 drafted to Chicago Red Stars and Los Angeles Sol respectively. Lauren Cheney (above)
Kelley O'Hara (below)

Another UNC star Casey Nogueira, predicted by many experts to be among the top four prospects, slipped to eighth and was snapped up by the Los Angeles Sol where the creative forward could partner up top with Marta for an interesting frontline.

Penn's State Alyssa Naeher was the first goalkeeper selected at No. 11 by the Boston Breakers.

Alyssa Naeher(below)

In total UNC had 7 players drafted followed by Santa Clara with 5.

FIRST ROUND
1. Atlanta Beat – Tobin Heath, M, UNC
2. Boston Breakers # - Lauren Cheney, F, UCLA
3. FC Gold Pride – Kelley O’Hara, F, Stanford
4. Chicago Red Stars – Whitney Engen, D, North Carolina
5. Los Angeles Sol # - Nikki Washington, F, North Carolina
6. Sky Blue FC – Brittany Taylor, D, Connecticut
7. Washington Freedom – Nikki Marshall, D/M/F, Colorado
8. Los Angeles Sol # - Casey Nogueira, F, North Carolina
9. Los Angeles Sol – Kiersten Dallstream, F, Washington St.
10. FC Gold Pride # - Ali Riley, D, Stanford
11. Boston Breakers # - Alyssa Naeher, GK, Penn State

SECOND ROUND
12. FC Gold Pride # - Becky Edwards, D/M, Florida State
13. Philadelphia Independence – Malorie Rutledge, M, LSU
14. Los Angeles Sol # - Michelle Enyeart, F, Portland
15. Chicago Red Stars – Jessica McDonald, F, North Carolina
16. Boston Breakers – Jordan Angeli, D, Santa Clara
17. Saint Louis Athletica # - Kristina Larsen, F, UCLA
18. Washington Freedom – Carly Dobratz, M, Washington State
19. Saint Louis Athletica – Ashlyn Harris, GK, North Carolina
20. FC Gold Pride # - Kaley Fountain, F, Wake Forest

THIRD ROUND
21. Atlanta Beat – Blakely Mattern, D, South Carolina
22. Los Angeles Sol # - Kiki Bosio, F, Santa Clara
23. Atlanta Beat # - Shameka Gordon, D/M, West Florida
24. Chicago Red Stars – Kelsey Davis, GK, Portland
25. Los Angeles Sol – Estelle Johnson, D, Kansas
26. Sky Blue FC – Katie Schoepfer, F, Penn State
27. Washington Freedom – Beverly Goebel, M, Miami
28. Saint Louis Athletica – Amanda Poach, M, Santa Clara
29. Sky Blue FC # - Melissa Clarke, M, LSU

FOURTH ROUND
30. Atlanta Beat – Jill Hutchinson, F, Wake Forest
31. Philadelphia Independence – Kelly Henderson, D/M, Boston College
32. FC Gold Pride – Erin Guthrie, GK, Rutgers
33. Chicago Red Stars – Michele Weissenhofer, F, Notre Dame
34. Boston Breakers – Katherine Reynolds, D, Santa Clara
35. Sky Blue FC – Danielle Johnson, D, Ole Miss
36. Washington Freedom – Kristi Eveland, D, UNC
37. Saint Louis Athletica – Veronica Perez, M/F, Washington
38. Los Angeles Sol – Mary Casey, GK, Maryland

ROUND FIVE
39. Atlanta Beat – Mallori Lofton-Malachi, GK, South Florida (traded to Philadelphia)
40. Philadelphia Independence – Carrie Patterson, F, Georgia (traded to Atlanta)
41. FC Gold Pride – Ashley Bowyer, M/D, Ohio State
42. Chicago Red Stars – Sophie Reiser, M/F, Columbia
43. Boston Breakers – Cynthia Morote-Ariza, F, Loyola-Chicago
44. Sky Blue FC – Meagan Snell, F, Santa Clara
45. Washington Freedom – Lauren Robertson, GK, Ohio State
46. Saint Louis Athletica – Carolyn Blank, M/D, WVU
47. Los Angeles Sol - Lindsay Browne, M/F, Clemson

ROUND SIX
48. Atlanta Beat – Kasey Langdon, F, Oklahoma St.
49. Philadelphia Independence – Jennifer Anzivino, D/M, Rutgers (to Sky Blue FC)
50. FC Gold Pride – Eilzabeth Harkin, D, Arizona State
51. Chicago Red Stars – Fiona O’Sullivan, M/F, San Francisco
52. Boston Breakers – Carly Peetz, D, Nebraska
53. Sky Blue FC – Kelly Isleib, M, Utah
54. Washington Freedom – Mara Osher, D/M, Boston University
55. Saint Louis Athletica – Sarah Teegarden, M, Wisconsin-Milwaukee
56. Boston Breakers – Gina DiMartino, M/F, Boston College (pick traded from Los Angeles Sol)

ROUND SEVEN
57. Atlanta Beat – Shaneka Gordon, F, West Florida
58. Philadelphia Independence – Caitlin Farrell, D, Wake Forest
59. FC Gold Pride – Lauren Wilmoth, D, UCLA
60. Chicago Red Stars – Jackie Santacaterina, M, Illinois
61. Boston Breakers – Casey Brown, D, Boston University
62. Philadelphia Independence – Danielle Collins, D/M, William & Mary
63. Washington Freedom – Caitline Miskel, M/F, Virginia
64. Saint Louis Athletica – Elisabeth Redmond, M, Duke
65. Boston Breakers – Taryn Hemmings, F, Denver

#via trade

Jillian Loyden to finally be a No1?

2010-01-15T12:42:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Red Stars announce the acquisition of former Saint Louis Athletica goalkeeper Jillian Loyden, in exchange for 2009 Red Stars midfielder Lindsay Tarpley.
Loyden, who was Athletica's backup goalkeeper to Hope Solo, played in three matches during the 2009 Women's Professional Soccer season.

Loyden spent the WPS offseason on loan to the Central Coast Mariners of Australia's Westfield W-League, earning W-League Goalkeeper of the Year honors. Loyden posted three shutouts and a 7-2-1 record.
Chicago moved to obtain Loyden after the organization made the decision to release 2009 starting goalkeeper Caroline Jönsson from her contract.

"I am so excited for this opportunity to play at such a well-respected club," Loyden said. "I can't wait to meet my new teammates, get on the field and start working with a great coaching staff toward a very successful 2010 season."

Tarpley currently making her way back from an ACL injury will move to Saint Louis to team up with a few familiar faces in Captain Lori Chalupny, Hope Solo and Tina Ellertson from US WNT & Kendall Fletcher from UNC days.

TOBIN HEATH NO1

2010-01-15T12:23:00.000-08:00

The Atlanta Beat picked 20-year-old US midfielder Tobin Heath first overall in the WPS Draft today.
Heath was already favourite to be named 1st pick.
The University Of North Carolina star has had a great season at college level winning another NCAA title with the all conquering Tar Heels, making it 3 in total for herself. She also won U.S. Soccer's Young Female Award for 2009.

“This is incredible,” Heath said. “I heard a lot of things (about possibly being picked first) but you don’t really know until you’re sitting right here. This is going to be a fantastic year.”

Read more on Tobin Heath HERE

Final results of the 2010 WPS Draft to come..stay tuned.

Cristiane resigns for Chicago

2010-01-14T13:21:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Red Stars announce the re-signing of Brazilian striker Cristiane for the team's 2010 season.
With the return of Cristiane, the Red Stars have retained 10 players from last season's roster. Included in this group is defender Kate Markgraf, who missed the entire 2009 season because of the birth of twins.

The 24-year-old Cristiane originally was drafted fifth overall by the Red Stars in the first round of the WPS International Draft, and her international success was instantaneous.She led the Red Stars with 7 goals and recorded the only hat trick in WPS history during a 3-1 win over FC Gold Pride on July 12, 2009.Was named to the WPS All-Star Team and helped the WPS side win the WPS All-Star Game, defeating Swedish team UmeaIK, 4-2, on Aug. 30, 2009.

"I am really excited to be able to return to the Chicago Red Stars; they have treated me very well," Cristiane said. "I look forward to helping my team win the league this year. I had many options, but in the end I chose Chicago and the Red Stars because they are a great team, and it feels like home."

"Cristiane is a fan favorite, and we believe our supporters are going to be excited about her return," General Manager Marcia McDermott said.

Monica Ocampo makes it official with Atlanta Beat

2010-01-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

After picking up the rights in September last year the Atlanta Beat have now officially signed Mexican international Monica Ocampo.
The former FC Indiana midfielder follows in the footsteps of Mexican Maribel Dominguez who played for the Beat’s former WUSA team from 2001-2003.
The 23 year old comes highly rated and is experienced at international level. She was once a finalist in the 2006 FIFA Women's World Player of the Year.

Beat General Manager Shawn McGee announced "Monica is a tremendous talent for us to pick-up.Not only was she noted as one of the top players in the world, but "she is a proven goal scorer and Mexican soccer star. She will be a great team representative for us in the community, and we believe she will help us both on and off the field of play."

Atlanta's roster is now starting to come together. Ocampo is their 4th international signed up.1 more slot left to be filled. Who will it be?

Abily to FC Gold Pride!! DiMartino to LA

2010-01-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

The rumour has been buzzed about all day. Now it's official. French star Camille Abily has been traded by Los Angeles Sol to FC Gold Pride.

The LA Sol acquire midfielder Tina DiMartino, the 14th overall selection in the upcoming draft and the rights to one of the Pride's 2009 discovery internationals. The Pride as well as acquiring Abily get LA's overall 20th pick in the draft.

The Pride are understandably pleased - "We are pleased to welcome Camille to the Pride and look forward to her arrival in the Bay Area," said FC Gold Pride Head Coach Albertin Montoya. "She has tremendous instinct on the field, her vision and decision making skills are right on point. Based on her performance in 2009, I'm sure everyone is aware of what she can do on the field. Abily is a very dynamic player, I'm confident she'll be very successful here in the Bay Area."

Another Atlanta Beat signing?

2010-01-07T09:27:00.000-08:00

Yep...There really firing them out now.

Atlanta Beat General Manager Shawn McGee announced the signing of Denmark’s Johanna Rasmussen as the third international player to officially join the Atlanta Beat roster.

Rasmussen is a Danish forward who "is one the best left footed players in the game" according to Atlanta Beat Head Coach Gareth O’Sullivan. "She has excellent speed and is well respected in Europe."

"We look forward to Johanna contributing both goals and assists in the upcoming season," said the coach. She has appeared in the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, in two UEFA U-19 Championships, and in a FIFA U-20 World Cup with the Denmark Women’s National Team.

As she now joins former Umeå IK (Sweden) teammates Ramona Bachmann (Switzerland) and Mami Yamaguchi (Japan), Rasmussen becomes the third Umeå player signed to the newest WPS franchise.

More to come? We can only hope. Don't we 2010 already!

More signings for Atlanta Beat

2010-01-06T17:13:00.000-08:00

Atlanta Beat have announced Sharolta Nonen and McCall Zerboni as the newest additions to the Atlanta Beat roster. With a promise of more announcements to come.

Defender Nonen and midfielder Zerboni both played for the Los Angeles Sol last year.

Canadian Nonen is from Vancouver, British Columbia, was a member of the former Atlanta Beat club from 2001-2003 in the WUSA league. She joined LA Sol midseason as a replacement for the injured Christie Shaner.

Zerboni is a native of San Clemente, California and played collegiately at UCLA from 2005 to 2008.She was a development player for the Sol who earned a full roster contract and eventually a starting position on the right of midfield with some good displays.

Beat Head Coach Gareth O’Sullivan said

"Obviously Sharolta gives us a great deal of experience at the back, and we are look forward to having her back in Atlanta".

"McCall is very composed on the ball and will contribute in variety of ways to our offense.Her best positions are as a right midfielder or as an attacking midfielder,"

Check back tomorrow of news of another signing.

Atlanta Beat signs Mami Yamaguchi

2010-01-05T12:08:00.000-08:00

The new WPS expansion team Atlanta Beat have officially announced today that they have signed the Japanese midfielder Mami Yamaguchi.

23 year old Yamaguchi from Umea IK is the 2nd international to sign for the team after Switzerland's Ramona Bachmann signed in December, also from Umea.

Yamaguchi was previously a NCAA Mac Herman Trophy winner in 2007 after a successful season with Florida State University.

Atlanta Beat Head Coach Gareth O'Sullivan said "Mami is a very technical and versatile player,she is extremely clever in possession and will bring great experience to the team. We expect her to have an immediate impact in the WPS".

FIFA World Player of the Year Awards pictures - Kelly Smith

2010-01-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

Marta of LA Sol, Cristiane , Chicago Red Stars and Kelly Smith of the Boston Breakers smile for the camera at the 19th FIFA World Player of the Year Awards.

Boston's English striker Smith was voted 3rd at the event and she shares some of her pictures of her time at the event.

Check out the Boston Breakers webpage for more pictures of Kelly Smith meeting the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Steven Gerrard.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2009-12-31T17:52:00.001-08:00

Bring on 2010!!

SEASONS GREETINGS!

2009-12-25T05:03:00.001-08:00

Season's Greetings to the soccer community and all of their friends.

Have a great holiday and an even better New Year.

Atlanta Beat signs Tracy Hamm

2009-12-23T14:31:00.000-08:00

Atlanta Beat have announced Tracy Hamm as the newest player to join the expansion team’s roster.

Hamm is a defender from the University of California at Berkeley who was drafted by Bay Area’s FC Gold Pride in 2009. She did not play in the inaugural season of Women’s Professional Soccer but will join the Beat in 2010.

During Hamm’s 2002-2006 collegiate playing career, she amassed 12 goals, was an All-Pac-10 academic honorable mention three times, and started every game of her final two seasons.　 Hamm was a key factor in Cal's defense, which in 2005 set a school record for goals against average (0.475, seventh in nation) and tied school marks for both fewest goals allowed (11) and most shutouts (14) in a season.

Since graduating in 2006, Hamm played with the California Storm and currently serves as both Director of Coaching for Heritage Soccer Club in the Bay Area and　 Assistant Coach at her alma mater.

Atlanta Beat Head Coach Gareth O’Sullivan said this of Hamm - "Tracy has excellent strength and speed and will add depth of our back line.As a college assistant coach, she will bring a great attitude and level of maturity to camp in March."

Video Chat with Lene Mykjåland

2009-12-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

Washington Freedom have a video chat with Lene Mykjåland starting at USA time 8.00pm ET.

click HERE for an exclusive interview with the Freedom's latest international.

Lene Mykjaland joins Washington Freedom

2009-12-23T11:48:00.000-08:00

Washington Freedom made their first addition to the roster this offseason when the team announced today it has signed Norwegian forward Lene Mykjaland.
The former Roa IL forward has signed after being a post discovery player last season. She didn't make the move last time but this time she has decided to take the plunge.

The 22 year old is looking to join the Freedom after Roa's Champions League Quarter-Final tie against German team Turbine Potsdam in March 2010. She will be the second Norwegian player to sign to the WPS for this upcoming season after FC Gold Pride signed Solveig Guldbrandsen 2 weeks ago.

Mykaland has recently received a championship winners medal with Roa IL after winning the Toppserien(Norwegian league ) for 2009.She scored 21 goals this season to be top of the goalscoring charts.

“To live and play soccer in the U.S has always been a dream for me.” Mykjåland said. “It's the best league with the best players in the world and to get that opportunity to play on that level, and to play professionally, is amazing.”

MARTA & HOPE SOLO GRAB SILVERWARE

2009-12-22T12:25:00.001-08:00

After missing out on the WPS title for 2009 Marta of the Los Angeles Sol and Hope Solo, Saint Louis Athletica finally and deservedly get their hand on a trophy.

The Los Angeles Sol forward Marta won her fourth consecutive FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award last night in Zurich. She finished with 833 points, beating out three-time winner Birgit Prinz of Germany (290), England’s Kelly Smith (252), Brazil’s Cristiane (239) and Germany’s Inka Grings (216).

Having now won the award more times than any other player, the Brazilian sorceress was understandably delighted. "I'm so surprised. I want to thank to God for everything that is happening to me in my life. Also, I want to thank my colleagues at Los Angeles Sol, Santos and in the national team. This is an individual award but without my colleagues I could not stand out and win any prize. I am happy for this 4th award.
I hope it helps women's football to grow."

Hope Solo is the 2009 Female Athlete of the Year, becoming the first goalkeeper to win the U.S. Soccer honor.Solo earned the votes from the public and votes compiled from members of the national media and U.S. Soccer representatives, including national team coaches and the members of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors.
Solo allowed only one goal in just six matches for the national team.She was named MVP of the Algarve Cup in Portugal in March after leading the USA to the championship over Sweden and helped Saint Louis Athletica to a second-place finish in the WPS regular season.

Topping of a great first season in WPS Solo was named WPS Goalkeeper of the year in August.

“It’s a huge honor but also a really nice surprise to be voted the female athlete of the year for U.S. Soccer,” said Solo. “I especially want to thank everyone for voting for a goalkeeper, as well as our goalkeeper coach Paul Rogers for helping me think about the position in a more sophisticated way, both technically and tactically.” “Certainly, I also want to share any accolades with our defense, from the backs all the way up to the forwards, as well as Pia and our coaches who have put together a great team of people and players as we keep moving forward in a positive direction to the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.”

Congratulations to both from womans soccer insider.

ALEX SCOTT BLOG 20/12/09 -HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2009-12-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Hello to everyone,

hope you are all doing well and getting ready for the holidays because over in England we are very ready for it. Not sure if it is very big in the U.S but in England everyone goes mad for christmas. The shops start selling decorations in November and the radio stations start playing christmas songs also which i think is so OTT(over the top) not that i am being a scrooge or anything its just that doing the whole christmas thing in Novmeber is a bit early for me.

But i am now ready for it. In my house i have my christmas tree up - which looks great if i do not say so myself, various decs are up around the house, my two dogs have their head bands ready to wear so when the christmas carol singers knock the door the two dogs look like two little rain dears....... hahaha only kidding, though i really should look for some christmas t shirts for them to wear so they can get into the grove.

ok so i think that is enough about christmas, for now anyway. I wanted to fill you all in on what this Brit as my Boston teammates call me has been up to in the off season.

Read on to find out more of what Alex has been up to HERE

Bachman signs for Atlanta Beat

2009-12-19T10:18:00.000-08:00

After three seasons Ramona Bachman is leaving Umeå IK. The super talent from Switzerland will next season to play for the Atlanta Beat in the WPS league.Umeå IK loses one of its biggest stars.

The club tried to persuade Bachmann to remain in Sweden. But a visit to Atlanta helped her make a decision about the move.
Club director Britta Akerlund said in a statement "Ramona is a unique talent, We have been fortunate to have her with us for three seasons and have seen her develop into a true global player.It is a great loss not only for Umeå IK but for the whole Damallsvenskan when she chooses to go to the WPS league. We wish her with all our hearts good luck in the U.S. and keep my fingers crossed that she will achieve its ambitious goals"

"Ramona is one of the most exciting young players in the world," said Atlanta Beat Head Coach Gareth O'Sullivan. "She is confident on the ball, has good pace, and is very direct in the way turns to take players on."

"Ramona is one of the world's best," said Beat GM Shawn McGee. "We are excited about the future Ramona will bring to Atlanta, and we are positive that she will be an integral part of leading us to a Championship."

Bachman says she is looking forward to playing in the league to hopefully become the best player in the world.

"Many of my teammates are playing in the U.S., and I really believe that, in 2010, WPS will be the best women's league in the world," said Bachmann. "In seeing the number of players who are now leaving Sweden for the American league, I think right now the best players are in WPS, and I want to play both with and against the best players in the world."

"The Atlanta Beat wants to be the best team in the world, and since I want to be the best player in the world, it will be an honor to join an organization such as the Atlanta Beat."

2010 WPS Home Openers

2009-12-17T11:54:00.000-08:00

Women’s Professional Soccer today announced the bulk of its home openers for the 2010 WPS Season, which features two new teams entering the league with the Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence as 2010 expansion franchises. League play will begin with a full slate of games on the weekend of April 10-11, two weeks later than the start of the inaugural season in 2009 in order to accommodate warmer weather and avoid playing on the Easter holiday weekend. It will be the first time ever that four WPS games take place over one weekend.

The opening game for Fox Soccer Channel’s WPS Sunday on FSC national telecast package, which will return with the same appointment-television format in 2010, will feature 2009 WPS Champion Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY) playing host to the Chicago Red Stars on April 11 at 6pm ET. Sky Blue FC played their final home game of the 2009 season in front of a sell-out crowd at Yurcak Field in Piscataway, NJ, before its 3-game run through the WPS Playoffs, and will be looking for a successful start to their title defense. The Fox Soccer Channel national game in Week 2 will then feature the first television appearance for a WPS expansion team with the Philadelphia Independence traveling to play the Boston Breakers at Harvard Stadium in Cambridge, MA on April 18, also at 6pm ET. The game will be a return to the Boston area for former No. 1 overall draft choice Amy Rodriguez and star defender Heather Mitts – both of whom played with the Breakers last year before signing with the Independence during the off-season.

Other home openers on the weekend of April 10-11 include Philadelphia hosting the Atlanta Beat in a match-up of expansion teams, Saint Louis Athletica taking on FC Gold Pride in St. Louis, MO, and the Washington Freedom hosting East Coast rival Boston at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, MD. FC Gold Pride will host its 2010 home opener against Sky Blue FC on April 17 at Castro Valley H.S. Athletic Stadium, a temporary venue, while the Chicago Red Stars will face regional rival Saint Louis Athletica with its first home game at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL.

Home openers for the Los Angeles Sol and Atlanta will be announced soon with Atlanta expecting to play its first home game in May at its brand new stadium built specifically for Women’s Professional Soccer at Kennesaw State University.

click HERE for fixtures so far.

PHEWWWWW! WE ARE BACK

2009-12-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

OK. had some problems but we are back up & running , just in time for all the WPS news that has been happening over the past 4 weeks.

Some exciting news on the soccer front. Stay tuned!!

CATCHING UP WITH ENIOLA ALUKO

2009-11-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

Eniola Aluko...
...has not had much time to catch her breath since her first season with Saint Louis Athletica ended. Aluko had to depart St. Louis before the season was even finished since she was required to report to England’s training camp in preparation for the 2009 Women’s European Championships. In fact, her last game with Athletica was on August 9 in San Jose, California. 48 hours later she was back across the Atlantic.

The European Championships turned out to be a coming out party for Aluko on the international stage. She was able to continue her fine play from the WPS season as she carried her scoring touch straight into the tournament in Finland.

“Personally, I think I had a successful tournament and was pleased to score such a memorable winning goal against Finland,” said Aluko from London. “It was very important for me to have a good tournament to continue the momentum I gained in St. Louis. I feel that getting to the Euro final made up for the disappointment I felt after missing the playoff game against Sky Blue FC.”

Aluko’s England survived the group stage of the tournament, and eventually advanced to the championship where Germany beat them 6-2. Aluko’s fine goals, including a 50-yard run and score, capped off a terrific 2009 season for her. She would score three times while in Finland and add one assist.

Aluko has been busy with her other career, law, since returning from Finland. But she did get to enjoy a holiday in Egypt with her family where she was able to watch her brother, Sone Aluko, represent the family’s native Nigeria in the U-20 World Cup. Sone Aluko plays professionally for Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier League.

“Unfortunately, the Nigerian boys did not do very well and only reached the play off stages, but I am sure there is more to come from them in the future,” exclaimed Aluko. “Nigeria definitely has bundles of talent in the team.”

In Egypt Aluko and her family took a Nile cruise, and got to ride on camels around the pyramids.

“My family socialized with the players and managers from all the World Cup teams,” said Aluko. “It was a lot of fun!”

Aluko is currently working as a paralegal at the law firm of SC Andrew in London. Her work there will conclude in February when she returns to St. Louis to begin Athletica’s pre-season camp. Aluko has also begun work on her New York bar legal course, which she describes as “quite intense.” Her daily duties at SC Andrew keep her extremely busy for now.

“My main role is to assist the solicitors (attorneys) in their legal research. The research I do is used either to advise the client or to build a case that is going to court. Because SC Andrew is dedicated to litigation, I also get to do fun things like take documents to court, and sometimes I actually attend live court cases with the clients.”

An offseason in London for a soccer fanatic like Aluko should bring plenty of chances to see big matches, yet Aluko has been so busy she has not been able to attend one. Although, she will be in the stands at the November 9 Chelsea v. Manchester United match at Stamford Bridge, which should make up for not being able to see any games thus far. Aluko also recently went to a stage production of the American film The Shawshank Redemption. Leaving London would seem tough but Aluko is eager to get back to St. Louis.

“I am looking forward to the forthcoming WPS season. It has been exciting to see the movement of all the players. It is a sign that all the teams are going to be even stronger for the new season,” stated Aluko. “I have missed seeing my teammates in St. Louis everyday at practice, but it has been nice getting updates from them about how their offseason is going.”

WPS UPDATE - FC GOLD PRIDE TRADE GK

2009-10-29T23:03:00.000-07:00

As part of the team’s first-ever trade, FC Gold Pride acquired the 10th and 12th overall draft selections in the upcoming WPS General Draft from the Atlanta Beat. In return, the Beat receives Goalkeeper Allison Whitworth and the Pride’s third-round selection (23rd overall) in the draft.

“We are grateful to Allison for the contributions she made to our team and organization,” said FC Gold Pride Head Coach Albertin Montoya. “She is an excellent goalkeeper and a pleasure to work with. She has a lot to offer the Beat on, and off the field. We wish her well as she returns to the South and look forward to seeing her continue her career in the WPS.”

The Pride is now in possession of two first-round (3rd and 10th) and two second-round (12th and 14th) draft picks, the most of any WPS team. The 2010 WPS General Draft will be held on Friday, January 15 in Philadelphia, PA in conjunction with the NSCAA Annual Convention.

“Having the opportunity to make multiple selections in the first and second round of the upcoming draft is a huge advantage for any team,” said Montoya. “There is a tremendous amount of talent and potential coming out of the collegiate ranks this year. These women are players that I can see coming into WPS as starters and making an immediate impact for our team and the league. ”

Whitworth, a native of Birmingham, AL, started four games for the Pride in 2009. She made 17 saves and allowed five goals in 360 minutes of action.

“I had a great year in the Bay Area with FC Gold Pride,” said Whitworth. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had with soccer, getting to play and starting my career with WPS. The Bay Area organization has been very supportive, and has helped me grow as a player. I’m excited to be back in the South and still playing in the league. I’m grateful for the experience with FC Gold Pride.”

GERMANY 0 - 1 USA

2009-10-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

The classic match of Germany v USA was played in drizzly , damp ,slippery conditions where the US won 1-0 thanks to an Abby Wambach goal in the 34th minute.
In front of a sold out crowd of 28367 in the Impuls Arena,Augsburg.

The Germans dominated the 1st half with Fatimire Bajramaj whizzing by Heather Mitts down the right time and time again. Has Mitts got slower or has Bajramaj always been that quick we all wondered! Anyway the Germans were causing problems down the flanks but they couldn't get that telling ball to their forwards. The US for the most were pretty solid in the centre of defence Amy Lepielbet,Rachel Buehler and Hope Solo all had a good match.

The US's goal came against the run of play, with a ball from Yael Averbuch from the left wing (yes she was playing as a left winger!) into the middle of the box.Defender Saskia Bartusiak tried to clear it but only suceeding in knocking it up into the air. A bad idea when Abby is about. Wambach got her head to the ball before the on rushing keeper Nadine Angerer could punch it clear. Classic Wambach goal, USA up 1-0.

The Germans huffed and puffed for the remainder of the game but couldn't create any definite openings. The US defending like we knew they could.
After 70 mins both teams looked like they were spent with each giving up passes to the other.

Players from both sides went missing O'Reilly, Laudehr...some players enhanced their reputations Kulig,Boxx.

Not a classic game but a game which showed their really is nothing between 2 big strong teams who in a way cancelled each other out. Roll on 2011.

Germany - Nadine Angerer, Linda Bresonik,Saskia Bartusiak, Annike Krahn,Babett Peter,Kerstin Garefrekes(Bianca Scmidt 83),Simone Laudehr,Kim Kulig,Fatimire Bajramaj(Celia Okoyino Da Mbabi 66),Inka Grings(,Anja Mittag 66) ,Brigit Prinz (C)(Martina Muller 89)

USA - Hope Solo, Heather Mitts, Amy Lepeilbet,Rachel Buehler,Lori Chalupny (C),Heather O'Reilly,Shannon Boxx,Carli Lloyd,Yael Averbuch(Kacey White 60),Abby Wambach,Amy Rodriguez (Ella Masser 73)

CLASH OF THE TITANS!

2009-10-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Thursday 29th October 2009 remember the day.Women's soccer has the match up we have all been waiting for. Germany v USA.

The USA is ranked No. 1. Germany is No. 2.

Germany have just come of the back of a dominating European Championships in Finland where they went undefeated to take the title. Beating England 6-2 in the final game.

The USA on a high from their Gold winning performance in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing against Brazil. Undoubtedly the two best teams in the world at the moment clash in an exciting and very interesting game.

Tomorrows game in the Impuls-Arena in Augsburg has no Olympic or World Cup ramifications but is nevertheless a clash of superpowers in one of the venues for the 2011 World Cup. See that's what it is all about,publicising for the Women's World Cup. But to the player's and coaching staff and also to the fans it's no friendly.

There will be some interesting matchups in the match.Not least of the two goalkeepers. Arguably the two best goalkeepers in the world. Nadine Angerer and Hope Solo.Who will truely be no1 or does it not matter till the World Cup? How will Amy Lepeilbet and Rachel Buehler-the USA's relatively new partnership in defence, cope with the experienced Brigit Prinz and Inga Grings?
Will Kim Kulig, the young German midfielder keep up her good form from the Euros outfight Shannon Boxx and Carli Lloyd in midfield?

Both teams are missing key players. Defender Ariane Hingst and midfielder Melanie Behringer miss out due to injury for Germany. Team captain defender Christie Rampone and midfielder's Lindsey Tarpley and Angela Hucles all very experienced miss out for the USA.

No matter what scenarios are thrown up we are excited to watch this match even on tv. German station ARD are broadcasting live. Kickoff 6pm German time.

German Squad -
GK - Nadine Angerer , Ursula Holl
DEF - Saskia Bartusiak, Sonja Fuss, Annike Krahn, Babett Peter, Bianca Scmidt
MID - Linda Bresonik, Kerstin Garefrekes, Kim Kulig, Simone Laudehr, Jennifer Zietz
FOR - Fatimire Bajramaj,Inka Grings, Anja Mittag,Celia Okoyino Da Mbabi, Martina Muller, Brigit Prinz (C)

USA Squad -
GK- Hope Solo, Nicole Barnhart
DEF-Cat Whitehill, Heather Mitts,Amy Lepeilbet, Rachel Buehler, Lori Chalupny (C),Brittany Bock
MID- Shannon Boxx, Lori Lindsey, Carli Lloyd, Yael Averbuch,Tobin Heath, Heather O'Reilly,Kacey White
FOR - Abby Wambach, Amy Rodriguez, Ella Masser

YOUNG GUN FOR SKY BLUE FC

2009-10-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

Sky Blue planning for the future?
They have signed Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues defender Ashleigh Gunning.
The Lady Blues played in the W-League and are an affiliate to Sky Blue.
Gunning is a product of Coastal Carolina University and was a big hit at this years combine. The 2nd one she has attended after last years.

Gunning was an instrumental component in the Quickstrike defense this past season, anchoring their back line to the W-League regular season title and a semifinal appearance in the postseason. She played in all 13 games for Quickstrike and contributed two goals and a pair of assists to its offensive attack.

"I am grateful to Sky Blue FC for the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream," she commented about the signing. “I'm very thankful to have this opportunity, and right now, it's an opportunity. It's nothing guaranteed, and obviously I have to show up and play well to prove that I deserve to be there. It's something I've thought about and worked towards for a long time, but I know that it is not the end of the road. I still have a lot of work to do and there is a long way to go."

Read more about Sky Blue and Ashleigh Gunning HERE

FC GOLD PRIDE BUILD THEIR DEFENCE

2009-10-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

FC Gold Pride continues to build upon the team's strong defensive line by adding free-agent and former Saint Louis Athletica defender Niki Cross to the Bay Area roster.

"We are excited to welcome Niki to the Pride," said FC Gold Pride Head Coach Albertin Montoya. "Adding a strong, athletic and tactically savvy player like Cross strengthens our back line and gives us some added flexibility with our lineup. She is a player I've had my eye on for a while now. She has great athleticism and has proven she is a tremendous soccer player and will be an impact player for our team."

A native of New England, the 23-year-old hails from Pembroke, MA. She represented the University of Connecticut (UCONN) from 2003-2006 where she was a regular starter all four years. She finished her collegiate career with 92 games played, 13 goals and eight assists and a MAC Hermann Trophy nomination. Cross will be reunited in the Bay Area with fellow UCONN alum and current Pride defender/midfielder Kristen Graczyk.

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING WEEK

2009-10-24T04:41:00.000-07:00

With Euro 2009 been and gone, attention has now turned to the Women's World Cup Germany 2011.
International teams across Europe are playing this weekend hoping to take a step towards the finals.

England start their campaign against Malta on Sunday 25th October at Bloomfield Road, the home of Blackpool FC. Malta have already played one game in the qualifying group with a 13-0 defeat to Spain in September. Coach Hope Powell will be looking for her players to continue their good progress and get the 3 points in the bag and get of to a good start in the group.

England and Malta are in group 5 along with Spain, Austria and Turkey.

The England squad:
GK: Rachel Brown,Siobhan Chamberlain,Karen Bardsley
DEF: Faye White(C),Casey Stoney,Rachel Unitt,Laura Bassett,Lindsey Johnson,Alex Scott,Fern Whelan,Dunia Susi
MID: Dan Buet,Fara Williams,Katie Chapman,Jill Scott,Rachel Williams,Emily Westwood,Jess Clarke,Sue Smith
FOR: Eniola Aluko,Jody Handley,Lianne Sanderson

Anita Asante, Karen Carney and Kelly Smith not involved in squad.

RED STARS HOMECOMING!

2009-10-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

The Chicago Red Stars announce their first 2009 free agent signing today, bringing defender and Oswego, Ill., native Julianne Sitch on board for the team's 2010 Women's Professional Soccer season. Per team policy, terms of her contract are not released, and Sitch's official signing is pending the league's approval.

Sitch made her WPS debut this past season for the champion Sky Blue FC. She started in 11 of 16 regular-season games, netting her first goal on June 28 against Saint Louis Athletica.

I am very happy to be coming home to Chicago to continue my playing career," Sitch said. "I've always dreamt about playing in my hometown, where all of my family and friends -- who have supported me throughout my career -- can come and watch. I love Chicago. I love Toyota Park and the energy it brings to the game. I couldn't be more happy and I'm excited for the season to start!"

Sitch has a rich soccer history throughout the Chicago area. She is best known for her groundbreaking efforts for the DePaul University women's soccer program, where she shattered many records during her 2002-2005 tenure.

LESLIE OSBORNE LANDS IN BOSTON

2009-10-21T13:48:00.001-07:00

Former FC Gold Pride captain Leslie Osborne has made the move to the east coast to the Boston Breakers. Osborne who was a free agent at the end of the 2009 WPS season agreed terms with the Breakers and joins her former Pride teamate Tiffany Weimer.
Osborne started in 18 of the club’s 20 matches and lead the team with 1,622 minutes of playing time. Her iron-woman performance marked a successful return from a torn ACL and ankle injury suffered during United States National Team training in May 2008, which caused Osborne to miss the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"Leslie Osborne is a proven midfielder who has a wonderful soccer pedigree and a track record of success,” said Boston Breakers Head Coach Tony DiCicco. “She is talented, tough and a team leader, all qualities that will make the Breakers better. I am looking forward to coaching her and introducing her to our Breaker fans."

“I am tremendously excited to play for the Boston Breakers,” said Osborne. “Boston has a special place in my heart and I am ready to give everything I have to this great organization. This is a great opportunity to learn from such an experienced coach like Coach DiCicco and to play alongside some of the best players in the world. Being in the same city as our sponsor Puma is only another positive for me. I cannot wait to arrive in Boston and begin to prepare for the 2010 WPS season.”

ENGLAND CAPTAIN HELPS OUT CHELSEA LADIES

2009-10-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a story concerning women's football we think needs to be seen and heard about.
It shows what some of the hardships women's football teams go through and how something can be done about it all in one story.

The story concerns the Chelsea Ladies football team.

The Chelsea and England captain John Terry has come to the rescue of his club's women's team following a cut in funding that, says the captain Casey Stoney, would have adversely affected Blues' hopes of chasing major honours this season.

For the first time since officially becoming part of Chelsea FC five years ago, the women's team have had their annual budget reduced. "It was a blow when we were told what was happening," said Stoney, who also works as a coach at the Chelsea Academy. "I mentioned it to a friend who's also a mate of JT's, and when he was told about it JT came to find me at the training ground to ask if he could help.

"He ended up putting his hand in his pocket and persuading some of the other players to do the same, so now we can keep going on the same footing we had last year. We need that level of funding if we are going to compete at the top end of the Premier League and do well in the big cup competitions, so the help we've had from the guys has been invaluable. JT has also become president of the women's club and he's been with his family to see us play, so he's taking a real interest."

If only more clubs take Terry's view and commitment. It doesn't take much money to fund the Ladies' teams certainly not as much as paying some of the extortionate amounts of money some clubs spend.

WPS UPDATE- ANOTHER SKY BLUE SIGNING?

2009-10-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

Although not confirmed by NJ Sky Blue FC yet, it looks like they have signed a new international defender Daphne Koster from the Netherlands. That is according to her club AZ.

AZ coach Ad Engelkes said he wishes Koster the very best in the US. “She is ready to make the switch to professional competition. In the US she can now play against the best women players in the world. You might only get a chance like this once, so you’ve got to take it.”

AZ have announced that the Dutch Captain has signed for one year with a further year option to continue.

Koster was one of the stars of Euro 2009 in Finland as she guided the Netherlands to the Semi-Finals beating the much fancied France and Denmark on the way, finally bowing out to England in extra-time. They got there by there strong defence led by Koster.

Keep checking Sky Blue website for updates HERE

CARLI LLOYD TO SKY BLUE

2009-10-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

WPS rumour mill was in full force today with news that US Women's national team midfielder and Chicago Red Stars star Carli Lloyd is on her way to New Jersey Sky Blue FC.

It looks like it was true.

The Delran native, who opted for free agency Sept. 30, agreed to terms with WPS champion Sky Blue FC Monday. She will not only be returning to her home state, but will be playing her home games on the same field where she earned All-America honors during her years at Rutgers University.

Lloyd was one of a number of high-profile players who chose to become free agents.

Lloyd, 27, started 14 games for the Red Stars last season and collected two goals and one assist.

Chicago, however, finished sixth in the seven-team league with a 5-10-5 record and failed to make the playoffs. The Red Stars finished six points behind Sky Blue for the fourth and final playoff berth. Sky Blue went on to upset the top three seeds — all on the road — in a surprising run to win the league championship.

WPS UPDATE 2!!!

2009-10-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

Due to Angela Hucles retirement from professional and International soccer, Chicago Red Stars forward Ella Maser has been called up to the US Women's National squad for the game against Germany on October 26th.
Maser has already played with the u23's and U21 team. Last year in the U23's 2008 Nordic Cup championship match, a 3-0 win over Germany, Maser scored twice.

Brazilian international Fabiana returns to Boston for the 2010 season. The midfielder who was a free agent has agreed new terms with the Breakers. Fabiana who started only getting onto the field with the Breakers towards the end of the WPS season due to her recovering from an ACL injury, will come into the 2010 season fit. Only half fit in the inaugural season she still gave glimpses of her skills to the Breakers fans.

WPS UPDATE-ANGELA HUCLES RETIRES

2009-10-16T11:25:00.001-07:00

With immediate effect Boston Breakers midfielder Angela Hucles has retired from professional soccer and international soccer.
Hucles will not travel with the U.S. National Team for its match against Germany on October 29 and she will not return for the second season of Women’s Professional Soccer after playing with the Breakers in 2009.

Hucles said in a statement this afternoon:

“I always wanted to involve myself in things I was passionate about and give 110 percent,I feel like I’ve come to a point where I no longer can give that much and I know that there are other players who are ready to step up to the plate in order to bring the World Cup trophy back to the U.S. and carry on the growth of professional women’s soccer in the United States as well.
Thank you to everyone for allowing me the opportunity to reach and achieve my dreams and goals through playing a game,”

The 31-year-old Hucles has been a Breakers icon since the start of Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA). In 2001, Hucles was chosen in the 12th round (93rd pick overall) by Boston in the WUSA inaugural draft. Hucles played in all 21 games, starting 19 in the Breakers' first year and posted two goals for the season, including the first goal in team history. Highlighting her WUSA career was the 2003 season, where she started all 17 games, and had one goal and four assists to help the Breakers achieve their first appearance in the WUSA playoffs. Hucles earned All-WUSA second-team accolades as a result of her play in the final season of WUSA.

“Angela has been a great contributor to the Boston Breakers and the Boston soccer community for years, dating back to the WUSA and continuing through the start-up and first year of the WPS,” said Owner and Managing Partner Michael Stoller. “Her presence on the field will be missed, but we are very hopeful that Angela will be a long term contributor off the field to the Breakers and youth soccer in New England for years to come.”

WPS Update - MIKE LYONS BACK TO NEW JERSEY

2009-10-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

Defending Women’s Professional Soccer champion Sky Blue FC announces today the staff that head coach Pauliina Miettinen will take into its 2010 title defense. Returning to the bench next season will be assistant coach Mike Lyons, with Finnish U-19 National Team head coach Anne Parnila and goalkeeper coach Rick Stainton joining the staff.

“I am excited about the fact that we have our staff together,” Miettinen commented. “Everybody in this team is dedicated, hard working and committed to excellence. We also have a great mix of experience and knowledge, which is beneficial to the players and the game itself. Now we have everything in place so we can concentrate on organizing the best people to play for Sky Blue FC and continue the success the club has had.”

Lyons returns to the bench after assisting Christie Rampone, a player he began coaching at the youth level, in bringing the inaugural WPS Championship presented by MedImmune to Sky Blue FC in 2009. He had an extensive coaching history prior to joining the staff, including a stop with the men’s soccer program at the University of Notre Dame. He has also manned the sidelines for the New Jersey Girl’s Olympic Development Program and led Wall Township (NJ) High School to four state championships.

“Going into next year, we look to build upon what was created at the end of this past season,” Lyons remarked. “Our players truly enjoy playing with one another, and they enjoy playing at a high level. Overall, that creates a great environment for soccer.”

A key person that aided Lyons in the creation of that environment was Rampone, who looks to return to the field solely as a player about midway through next season following the birth of her second child.

"This is a staff with incredible experience, both nationally and internationally,” Sky Blue FC General Manager Gerry Marrone stated about the coaching staff. “In addition, Sky Blue FC is proud to be only the second team in the nine-team Women's Professional Soccer league with both female head and assistant coaches. What's more, the team is the only one that can boast a WPS Championship coach in Mike Lyons. It's a great start for the 2010 season!”

HEATHER MITTS MAKES THE MOVE TO PHILLY

2009-10-14T08:28:00.001-07:00

US Women's and Boston Breaker's fullback Heather Mitts has made the move to the Philadelphia Independence. Mitt's has agreed terms with the new franchise in a return to Philadelphia where she previously played for the Philadelphia Charge of the WUSA league.

As soon as the Independence was named as an expansion team of the WPS, Mitt's was one of the first names to be associated with the team. It has not been a surprise that she has finally signed for them.

According to Mitts, “Philly has always had a special place in my heart, so I’m very excited to have this opportunity. It’s where I began my professional career and most likely where I will end it. I’ve been impressed with the organization and its plans for the team. I’m thrilled by the depth of players already acquired and look forward to playing in front of the passionate Philly fans once again.”

Get full story HERE

WPS PLAYERS OFF-SEASON

2009-10-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered what some of the WPS players do in the off-season?
Are they lying on a beach somewhere recovering from a tough season, toping up their tans like David Beckham or dancing up a storm in the top nightclubs ala Cristiano Ronaldo. Unfortunately not! Well at least for most of them.
Most WPS players have taken on other jobs as the WPS season lasts for 6 months only and they only get paid for the length of the season. From the end of the previous season to the next some players will be coaching at colleges stateside, taking soccer clinics, going back to complete their own degrees or jump into the world of proper employment . Ahhh!!!

However there are some lucky ones who get to play for some of the best women’s clubsides in the world, continuing their soccer education on loan from their WPS teams.
Here is a rundown of where some of your favourite WPS players have ended up during the off-season.

Australia - Westfield W-League

Saint Louis Athletica’s back-up goalie Jillian Loyden ,midfielder Kendall Fletcher and Chicago Red Stars defender Lydia Vandenbergh have ended up playing for the Central Coast Mariners.
They got off to a great start in the league last weekend defeating the glamour team Sydney FC. All three were in the starting line-up and contributed to the 3-1 win.
Sydney FC had Athletica’s native Australian striker Sarah Walsh and Chicago Red Stars Heather Garriock in their starting 11. Walsh scored Sydney’s only goal.

Washington Freedom players defender Alex Singer and Aussie striker Lisa DeVanna , along with Sky Blue’s Aussie midfielder Collette McCallum have hooked up with the Perth Glory. DeVanna and McCallum reunite with their previous team after a successful stint in the WPS.
Perth Glory lost out in their first game of the season to the Melbourne Victory at the weekend to a 2-1 defeat. Singer didn’t take part in the match as she had just arrived in Australia.
Sky Blue’s midfielder Julianne Sitch was in the starting line-up for the Melbourne Victory win, competing against and coming out on top of her former teamate McCallum.

Chicago Red Stars reserve goalie Lydia Williams returned to her previous club Canberra United.
Williams was in goal at the weekend but went down to a 3-0 defeat to the defending champions the Brisbane Roar.

Brazil - Copa Do Brazil & Copa Libertadores de Futbol Femenino

LA Sol’s striker Marta, Chicago Red Stars forward Cristiane, Sky Blue FC’s midfielder Francielle and FC Gold Pride’s defender Erika have packed their bags for the return to their native Brazil to play for the top women’s soccer team Santos FC. The ladies will be looking to help Santos defend their Copa Do Brazil championship title and win the inaugural cup the 2009 Copa Libertadores.
Marta and Cristiane especially have scored a bucket load of goals since their inclusion on the team in the past month.

Japan - Nadeshiko Women’s L- League

Washington Freedom’s midfielder Homare Sawa and FC Gold Pride’s Eriko Arakawa return to their previous club NTV Beleza. Sawa also recommended the club to two of her Freedom teamates, midfielder Joanna Lohman and striker Rebecca Moros.
At the moment Lohman and Moros are just training with the team. They have yet to take part in any games. Sawa and Arikawa played in Beleza’s latest match winning 2-0.

England - The FA Tesco Women’s Premier League

Boston Breakers striker Kelly Smith, defender Alex Scott and Chicago Red Stars midfielder Karen Carney have all signed with their former club Arsenal Ladies FC on loan till February 2010.
The trio will train in preparation for England’s World Cup qualifiers and look to compete in some of Arsenal’s matches.
So far Arsenal have only played 1 Premier League match. In the Women’s Champions league they thrashed PAOK this past Wednesday night 9-0 to record an 18-0 aggregate scorline.
Smith, Scott and Carney have yet to play any games as they are recovering from the WPS season and Euro 2009.

Sweden - Damallsvenskan

Former Saint Louis Athletica Swedish defender Sara Larsson has returned to her former club Linkoping’s FC. Linkoping’s currently sit at the top of the league with 4 games still to play. They are also currently still in the Women’s Champions League having defeated FC Zurich 3-0 this past Wednesday to record a 5-0 aggregate win. Larsson has played in all games since her return.

Jennifer Nobis from the Boston Breakers is currently on loan to Pitea IF. The striker is on loan till the end of the Swedish season. Pitea IF are currently 2nd bottom of the league in a 3-way relegation fight.
Nobis has played 2 games and scored 1 goal so far.

France - Championnat De France De Football Feminin

Washington Freedom’s midfielder Sonia Bompastor and Los Angeles Sol midfielder Camille Abily have returned to France on loan to play for Paris Saint-Germain. Both players are on loan for 6 months till February 2010. 2 games into the season Paris Saint -Germain have got maximum points with Bompastor already on the score sheet and are looking to challenge Olympique Lyonnais for the championship with the help of the experienced French internationals.

Germany - Frauen - Bundesliga

Ali Krieger the Washington Freedom defender has returned to former club 1.FFC Frankfurt.
Krieger is now in her 3rd season with the German outfit but unfortunately is out injured with a foot injury sustained in their opening match last month.

Norway - Kvinne Toppserien

Another Washington Freedom defender Becky Sauerbrunn has crossed the Atlantic to join Norwegian powerhouse Roa IL. Roa are currently on top of the league with 4 games left to play and are still very much in the UEFA Women’s Champions League after defeating the English club Everton 3-2 on aggregate. Sauerbrunn has been in the starting 11 since her loan move in September and has already scored her first goal.

D J Simons

WPS UPDATE - WEIMER BACK TO THE EAST COAST

2009-10-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

Tiffany Weimer the former FC Gold Pride attacking midfielder has signed for the Boston Breakers.
Weimer a Connecticut native returns to the east coast after being snapped up by the Breakers as a free agent. No stranger to Head Coach Tony DiCicco, Weimer played under him for Soccerplus FC. With 1 goal and 3 assists in 15 games for Gold Pride DiCicco is hoping Weimer contributes to the Breakers search for goals in 2010.

Defender Erika Sutton re-signs for the Breakers after being on a short term contract with them in the 2009 season.She played in 1 game. Does this mean full-back Heather Mitts heads to Philly?

Candace Chapman former defender for the Boston Breakers has gone in the opposite direction to FC Gold Pride. The Canadian international was a free agent and joins national teamate Christine Sinclair in the Bay Area.Chapman played 11 times for the Breakers helping the team to keep 7 shutouts. Something FC Golde Pride need more off.

WPS 2009 - INAUGURAL SEASON IN FILM

2009-10-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

5 Minutes of highlights on the inaugural year of the Women's Professional Soccer league.
Sets up the 2010 season, doesn't it?

Philadelphia Independence good news?

2009-10-07T13:36:00.001-07:00

Expect some good news out of the Philly camp soon. Well according to General Manager Terry Foley that is.
Foley announced on Twitter that the Independence have now agreed terms with Swedish and Linköpings FC captain Caroline Seger. The formal announcement should be any day now on the Independence's official website.

Great start for Philly. One down four to go for internationals.

If Philadelphia manage to secure all the players they drafted either international or from the expansion, they look like having potentially a very strong team right of the bat. One of the teams to watch in 2010.

Keep checking www.wpsphillyindependence.com/ for updates and Terry Foley's twitter twitter.com/GM_Terry_Foley for the latest news.

WPS UPDATE - Philadelphia Independence trades

2009-10-06T22:39:00.001-07:00

The Independence needed a goalkeeper? Well they just traded LA Sol for one.

Valerie Henderson, a standout goalkeeper from Orindo, California is a crucial pickup for the Independence. Val was the backup goalkeeper for the LA Sol in the league’s inaugural season, playing behind WPS All-Star Karina LeBlanc while gaining experience with a top team.

Philadelphia also got the WPS experienced centre-back Alison Falk from LA Sol.Falk a 6’0” center back from Danville, California, had a great rookie season with the Sol in 2009. Selected with the 10th overall draft pick, Allison started in 16 matches for Los Angeles and goes down in history as scoring the first ever WPS goal in the inaugural game. Her presence in the back line was an important component to the Sol’s success this year as arguably the best defense in the league.

The Philadelphia Independence has further strengthened its solid defensive unit with the addition of LA defender Allison Falk and goalkeeper Val Henderson who will both fill important spots in the Independence lineup next season. The Independence completed a favorable trade with the Sol early this week, trading the #5 and #22 picks in the college draft to bring LA players with proven WPS experience to Philadelphia’s defensive line.

Good piece of business for the Independence. Both players are solid and have that 1st season of WPS under their belt. Falk who in our opinion was one of the better defenders in the league is a steal.

ALEX SCOTT BLOG 06/10/09

2009-10-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

It's not how you start but how you finish?

So i thought it would be best for me to check back in with you all and give you all a slight insight as to what i have been up to since i left Boston at the end of our WPS season. Nothing much really just playing in a ..................EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL,ha.

So here goes i will take you all back to the beginning and tell you all how things went down in our camp.

We all meet up at the airport on the Monday morning all suited and booted in our LOVELY!!!! Looking suits, this is the 1st time we have seen each other in our suits so all the banter begins and all the 1 liner jokes are dropped. We know this is the beginning of our journey and the wait is finally over and we are now off to the Euros in Finland.

Was........ IT WAS A LONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNG week!

We had a whole week of hearing nothing else apart from the Italians, so when people (by people i mean media and other teams) said after the game that we took Italy to lightly i would have like to grab these people by the hand and been able to time travel and for them to spend the week leading up to the game in our shoes! I can tell you that going into the game i think to this day i can tell you everything there is to know about every single Italian player there is to no. Panico target player main goal threat very dangerous in and around the box, Gabbiadini #8 tricky player likes to dribble 1v1, gama #3 left back but is predominately right footed, both full backs like to get forward so attack these areas quick etc etc etc etc, i think i can tell you what time they were going to bed also,ha, my point being here is that we had a whole long week to the build up to this game and probably had information overload, but no was expecting us to be a player down in the 1st 15min and that is what we had to deal with.

My reflections on this game - did we play our best football no, we played to many long balls which is not our style at all. At times you could not tell we was a player down, we was still going flat out because we thought we could win, in the end it took a wonder gaol by their #8 (who we had picked out as a possible danger from scouting reports ) to win the game for them ENGLAND 1 ITALY2.

Read the full blog HERE

WPS UPDATE -

2009-09-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

New Sky Blue coach checks in & A Rod checks out. Of Boston, that is.

WPS Champions New Jersey Sky Blue FC have announced today that the organization has hired former Finnish international Pauliina Miettinen as its new head coach.
Miettinen is the current head coach for PK-35 in Helsinki, Finland. She will take over from player/coach and captain Christie Rampone for the 2010 WPS season. This will be Sky Blue FC's fourth coach in a year. Read more HERE

Striker Amy Rodriguez has been traded by the Boston Breakers to new WPS team the Philadelphia Independence. Rodriguez who didn't have the best of seasons has been traded by the breakers along with their 1st round draft pick (5th overall) in the 2010 WPS draft. The Breakers get Philadelphia's 1st pick( 2nd overall) and 2nd pick( 11th overall).
The WPS Draft will take place on January 15th. Read more HERE

WPS UPDATE - INTERNATIONAL DRAFT RESULTS

2009-09-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia Independence and Atlanta Beat have finished naming their International picks for the 2010 WPS season. Both teams now have the right to negotiate with the named players hoping to have them on their final roster sheets.

Philadelphia Independence

Had 1st pick and no surprise chose Sweden's vice-captain and midfielder Caroline Seger. 24 year old Seger currently play's for Swedish side Linkopings FC in the Damallsvenskan, Sweden's premier women's league.

For their 2nd pick and 3rd pick overall of the Draft, the Independence again chose a Swedish player. Centre-Back Charlotte Rohlin. 28 year old Rohlin also currently plays for Linkopoings FC.

Next on Philly's wanted list was Iceland's Hólmfrídur Magnúsdóttir. 5th pick overall, Magnúsdóttir is a 25 year old attacking midfielder. Currently plays her football in the Damallsvenskan with Kristianstads DFF.

Independence 's 4th pick and 7th overall is England's vice-captain Fara Williams. 25 year old Williams is another midfielder with experience and drive and a thunderous shot. Currently plays for Everton Ladies in England's women's premier league.

Final pick for Philadelphia is a striker. England and Chelsea star Lianne Sanderson. 21 year old Sanderson is a young, strong centre-forward. Part of Arsenal's Quadruple squad in 2007 where she was Arsenal's top scorer in all competitions.

Atlanta Beat

1st pick for the Beat and 2nd overall is Ramona Bachmann. Bachmann is a an 18 year old Swiss forward that play's in the Damallsvenskan for current champions Umeå IK.

2nd pick Danish forward Johanna Rasmussen. Rasmussen also plays for Umeå IK.

3rd pick and 6th overall is no stranger to the American soccer public. Japan's Mami Yamaguchi.23 year old Yamaguchi is an attacking midfielder currently playing for Umeå IK.
Played her college soccer in USA for the Florida State Seminoles. 2007 Herman Trophy winner.

Atlanta's next pick is a young Brazilian midfielder. Maurine Dorneles Goncalves. Simply known as Maurine.The 23 year old currently plays for Brazil's top female side Santos FC.

The Beats final pick is Sweden's veteran midfielder Therese Sjögran. The 32 year old midfielder is an experienced player for the Swedish national team. Currently plays for Malmo FF in the Damallsvenskan. Was the 2007 player of the year.

WPS UPDATE

2009-09-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

Euro 2009 has ended back to the day job. WPS.

Will post a report on our trip to Finland soon but to keep everyone updated the WPS International draft for the Philadelphia Independence and the Atlanta Beat is happening as i type i would imagine. Results will be known shortly.

EURO 2009 FINAL - ENGLAND 2 - 6 GERMANY

2009-09-10T12:13:00.001-07:00

Inka Grings and Birgit Prinz scored two goals apiece Thursday to lead defending champion Germany past England 6-2 in the women's European Championship final.

It was the fifth straight Euro title for two-time defending world champion Germany, which beat England for the 17th time in their last 19 meetings.

Germany were ruthless in attack where they took their chances when given and they outmuscled England in the midfield.

Goals from Karen Carney and Kelly Smith twice kept England in contention but the world champions were ultimately far too strong.

The game started badly for England as Germany went 2-0 up inside 21 minutes as first Birgit Prinz and then midfielder Melanie Behringer found the net.

At that stage it looked like it was going to be a stroll for the Germans, but England were not prepared to lie down and Carney halved the deficit within two minutes of Behringer's goal. Jill Scott then almost got England level before the break with a header that was cleared off the line by Behringer

Germany re-established their two-goal advantage six minutes into the second period when Simone Laudehr's shot hit the post and the ball was only cleared as far as Kim Kulig who finished with ease.

Hope Powell's side again showed their fighting mentality four minutes later when Carney slipped in a fine ball for Smith, who turned and finished brilliantly.

That was as close as England would get and goals in the final half hour from Grings, twice, and Prinz, who scored her 125th international goal, ensured that Germany lifted their fifth European title in succession and their seventh out of the last eight.

Inka Grings won the adidas Golden Boot as UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009 finals top scorer – matching her feat of four years ago in England. She scored 6 goals in the Tournament and was named player of the match for the final.

Lineups:

England : Rachel Brown, Alex Scott, Faye White (C), Anita Asante, Casey Stoney, Karen Carney, Jill Scott, Fara Williams,Katie Chapman(Emily Westwood 86),Kelly Smith, Eniola Aluko (Lianne Sanderson 81)

Germany : Nadine Angerer,Linda Bresonik,Annike Krahn,Saskia Bartusiak,Babett Peter,Kerstin Garefrekes(Fatima Bajmaraj 83) , Simone Laudehr,Kim Kulig,Melanie Behringer(Célia Okoyino da Mbabi 60),Inka Grings, Brigit Prinz (C)

EURO 2009 - UPDATE

2009-09-05T00:45:00.000-07:00

SEMI-FINALS

We are now down to the last four in the Uefa Women's Euro 2009.
England, Germany, Netherlands and Norway.

England will play the Netherlands on Sunday 5pm BST.
They booked their place in the semi's with a gritty performance against the hosts Finland. Winning 3-2. England had more of the ball and the better of the play but the Finn's were always dangerous with long balls and set pieces. Saint Louis Athletica's Eniola Aluko scored 2 goals to to take England through taking her tally for the championships to 3 goals and earning her the player of the match. Midfielder Fara Williams scored her 2nd goal of the tournament. Captain Faye White is out of the tournament with a broken cheek bone.

Germany overcame an up for it Italy to go thorough to the semi's 2-1. 2 goals from forward Inka Grings who overcame a knee injury sealed it. Both goals coming at the start of each half.
Grings is now the leading scorer for the tournament on 4 goals.
Germany will play Norway on Monday 7th September.

Netherlands booked their Semi-Final day with England with a win over rivals France by a penalty shoot-out which they won 5-4. The game was all France but the Dutch bunkered in and got stuck into the French team to stop them playing. It was not pretty but it was effective.
With several players from both teams missing their penalties to take their team through young dutch midfielder and postergirl Anouk Hoogendijk stepped up to put her team through.

Norway the last team to make it through with maybe the surprise result of the tournament with a 3-1 win over their rivals Sweden. With luck on their side with the first goal Norway rattled Sweden out of their stride to book a date with Germany. In the end they were composed, compact and played well on the counter attack. One which accounted for their 3rd goal by 2nd half substitute forward Cecile Pedersen, who stroked the ball passed the goalkeeper with the outside of her right foot after out running the last defender. Brilliant goal which brought delight to her teamates and coach.

Semi-finals - Match kick-offs are listed in CET

06/09	England	18:00	Netherlands
07/09	Germany	18:00	Norway

WPS All-Stars v Umea IK Highlights

2009-09-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

EURO 2009 - UPDATE

2009-08-31T11:55:00.000-07:00

The UEFA Women's Euro 2009 quarter-final lineup has been confirmed with England and Norway coming through ahead of Denmark as the two best third-placed teams.

The last games were played today where Sweden and England drew 1-1. Sweden taking the top spot in group C and England qualifying in 3rd as a one of the two best 3rd place teams.
Italy beat Russia 2-0 to take 2nd.

Quarter-Finals

England will now play the hosts Finland on Thursday. France will then take on the Netherlands later on in the evening.
On Friday Germany will play Italy and then to round out the day Sweden will be up against Norway.

UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ knockout schedule Kick-off times local, CET is one hour behind
Date	Group/Stage	Match	Venue	Kick-off
Thu 3 Sep	Quarter-final 1	FIN v ENG	Turku Stadium	16.00
Thu 3 Sep	Quarter-final 4	NED v FRA	Tampere Stadium	20.00
Fri 4 Sep	Quarter-final 2	GER v ITA	Lahti Stadium	16.00
Fri 4 Sep	Quarter-final 3	SWE v NOR	Helsinki Football Stadium	20.00
Sun 6 Sep	Semi-final 1	QF1 v QF4	Tampere Stadium	19.00
Mon 7 Sep	Semi-final 2	QF2 v QF3	Helsinki Football Stadium	19.00
Thu 10 Sep	Final	SF1 v SF2	Olympic Stadium, Helsinki	19.00

WPS ALL-STARS 4 - 2 UMEA IK

2009-08-30T22:31:00.001-07:00

The WPS All-Stars came from behind to beat Swedish national champion Umeå, 4-2, in the WPS All-Star Game at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo. 4 - 2.

Umeå IK started to crash the party early. With just 2 minutes on the clock Mami Yamaguchi sent a through ball to Madelaine Edlund on the right side of the box. With only the Los Angeles Sol’s Karina LeBlanc to beat, Edlund fired her shot past the WPS All-Star goalkeeper to give Umeå an early 1-0 lead.

Umeå kept on the attack as two minutes later Yamaguchi unleashed a dipping shot from 30 yards out, which LeBlanc had to tip out of bounds to keep from going into the upper right corner.
In the 15th minute, Umeå made it 2-0 when Edlund again found space on the right flank and cranked a shot which LeBlanc got a paw to, but the rebound went straight to Sofia Jakobsson. The Swedish forward banged a shot off the left post to increase Umeå’s lead.
Umeå were playing without their star forward Ramona Bchmann. She had taken ill and was left back at the hotel.

Having not played together the WPS All-Star players were all at sixes and sevens but they started to play with a higher tempo and midfielder Shannon Boxx and Marta became more involved. They started to create chances.

First In the 24th minute, Marta zoomed down the left flank and attempted to serve a cross into the box, but it deflected off teammate Cristiane right back to Marta.The Los Angeles Sol forward’s next serve found its mark as Lilly streaked to the top of the box to fire a shot that bounced off the left post before finally settling into the goal to trim Umeå’s lead to 2-1.

Gaining momentum after their goal, the WPS All-Stars had a few prime opportunities to knot the score. In the 28th minute, Marta went on a breakaway down the left flank, but keeper Carola Soberg rushed out to stuff Marta’s shot. The rebound fell to Megan Rapinoe at the top of the box, but the Chicago Red Stars’ midfielder mishit the ball, which looped harmlessly out of bounds.

A minute later, the Sol’s Shannon Boxx sent a cross into the penalty area, which Saint Louis Athletica’s Tina Ellertson headed off the left goalpost.

In the 40th, Marta tied the score as she received the ball at the top of the 18-yard box from Chicago’s Cristiane and threw a few fakes to set up a left-footed shot into the far corner.

Into the second half Coach Abner Rogers decided to make all the substitutions at the start, all 7 in total.

It paid off. They switched to a 3-5-2 formation with Marta out wide on the left and Abby Wambach and Christine Sinclair upfront with Tiffeny Millbrett playing just behind the front two.

Just two minutes after halftime, the WPS All-Stars grabbed the lead as Marta, who moved to left midfield after the break, passed the ball to FC Gold Pride forward Christine Sinclair in front of the box. Sinclair knocked it into the goal to give the WPS All-Stars a 3-2 advantage.

Two minutes later Sinclair pushed the WPS All-Stars lead to 4-2 as she dribbled down the right flank, drew Soberg off her line and fired it past the Umeå goalkeeper.

In the 52nd minute, Sinclair had a chance to notch a hat trick on a breakaway, but shot directly into Soberg’s feet. Umeå then counterattacked as Jakobsson broke down the left flank, but Washington Freedom defender Cat Whitehill tracked her down to force a corner kick before she could get a shot off.

Then Marta began to work her magic in earnest. In the 69th minute, she sent a cross into the box from the left flank which landed at Sinclair’s feet. Still trying for the hat trick, Sinclair blasted a rocket off the crossbar that left the woodwork shaking.

In the 75th minute, Marta wormed her way into the left side of the penalty box and past a Umeå defender before sending a cross to Abby Wambach. The Freedom forward’s shot glanced off Soberg with the rebound caroming to Sky Blue FC’s Heather O’Reilly whose shot was cleared out of danger.

Edlund again caused trouble for the WPS All-Star defense in the 77th minute as she got free on the left and unleashed a shot that Saint Louis Athletica goalkeeper Hope Solo had to dive to her right to snag.

In the late-going, the WPS All-Stars continued to create scoring opportunities with Marta directing the attack. In the 82nd minute, Marta backheeled the ball to spring Sinclair into the penalty box on the left. Sinclair’s cross found a wide open O’Reilly, but the Sky Blue FC midfielder’s shot was kick saved by Soberg.

Lineups:

WPS All-Stars:Karina Le Blanc(Hope Solo 46), Tina Elertson(Tiffeny Milbrett 46), Amy LePeilbet (Christine Sinclair 46), Christie Rampone (C), Lori Chalupny , Megan Rapinoe (Heather O'Reilly 46), Aya Miyama ( Brittany Klein 46), Shannon Boxx, Kristine Lilly ( Cat Whitehill 46), Cristiane (Abby Wambach 46), Marta

Umea IK : Carola Soberg, Emma Berglund (Emma Kulberg 74), Johanna Frisk, Karolina Westberg(C), Frida Ostberg , Elaine Moura, Emmelie Konradsson, Emma Aberg Zingmark (Malin Mostrom 46), Madelaine Edmund, Mami Yamaguchi, Sofia Jakobsson

WPS ALL-STAR WEEKEND

2009-08-30T02:11:00.000-07:00

WPS All-Stars v Umea IK Sun Aug 30 5pm ET Live FSC, FSN, CSN

The WPS Inaugural Season comes to a close this weekend, as the best players in WPS – per fans, media, players, and coaches vote – take on Swedish club Umeå IK in the first-ever WPS All-Star Game presented by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The match will take place at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo. - for the final time this year, creating a unique melting pot of players with each WPS franchise represented.

WPS All-Star Line-Up:
WPS Starting Eleven: Karina LeBlanc (LA), Tina Ellertson (STL), Amy LePeilbet (BOS), Christie Rampone (NJ), Shannon Boxx (LA), Lori Chalupny (STL), Kristine Lilly (BOS), Aya Miyama (LA), Megan Rapinoe (CHI), Marta (LA), Cristiane (CHI).
WPS Substitutes: Hope Solo (STL), Cat Whitehill (WSH), Brittany Klein (CHI), Heather O’Reilly (NJ), Tiffeny Milbrett (BAY), Christine Sinclair (BAY), Abby Wambach (WSH).

Coached by Los Angeles Sol coach Abner Rogers and Captained By NJ Sky Blue FC's Christie Rampone the All-Stars will be looking to show which league is the best. All friendly banter as Umeå IK coach Mika Sankala has said jokingly that the Swedish Damallsvenskan is still the best league in the world.

Umeå bring a talented squad to the match although they are missing some players to Euro 2009.
Chicago Red Stars Frida Ostberg and Los Angeles Sol's Johanna Frisk will suit up for Umeå. Both of them having played for Umeå last season before making the switch to WPS.

Umeå also have the talented Swiss forward Ramana Bachmann who is the second-leading goalscorer in the Damallsvenksan with 14 goals and five assists so far this season. Now that Marta is not there Bachmann has become the star of the Damallsvenskan league.

Another player to look out for is the Japanese midfielder Mami Yamaguchi. The former Florida State player and 2007 MAC Hermann Trophy winner moved to Umeå in 2008 and has quickly settled in and impressed the Swedish fans and sports journalists.

The players started arriving in Saint Louis on Friday night where both teams had dinner together. On Saturday there was a press conference and photoshoots and interviews to get done.
Saturday evening saw the first WPS Year-End Awards Gala and Banquet.

The event was hosted by Fox Soccer Channel’s Mark Rogondino and Jenn Hildreth and featured appearances by WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci, WPS Chief Operating Officer Mary Harvey and former President & GM of the Boston Breakers, Joe Cummings, who was honored for his contributions to WPS on-stage with a special WPS All-Star Game jersey in his name.

Six categories were awarded on the night.

2009 Michelle Akers Player of the Year Award
Marta (F) Los Angeles Sol

2009 PUMA Golden Boot Award
Marta (F) Los Angeles Sol

2009 Hint Water Sportswoman of the Year
Christie Rampone (D) Sky Blue FC

2009 Coast Guard Goalkeeper of the Year
Hope Solo (GK) Saint Louis Athletica

2009 MedImmune Defender of the Year
Amy LePeilbet (D) Boston Breakers

2009 AdvoCare Coach of the Year
Abner Rogers Los Angeles Sol

EURO 2009 - THE STORY SO FAR

2009-08-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

The Story so far…we have now seen all the teams play twice..some teams have won both games , some have lost both games and others have a win and a lost.Surprisingly no draws but in all the matches played the players are the stars.
The ones we have shown a spotlight on have burned brightly and there have been others that have are making a their mark.
As the teams go into the last group of matches to decide the quarter-finals we take a look at the story so far.

The hosts Finland with two wins are straight through to the quarterfinals. With the crowd behind them they shocked Denmark with a 1-0 win in the 1st game and followed that up with a 2-1 win versus the Netherlands.Laura Österberg Kalmari (below)
And Anna Westerlund have justified their status and played fantastic in both games. Kalmari is the top scorer with 2 goals. The finish press have dubbed her “queen of Finland”.

Young dutch player Karin Stevens got a goal against Ukraine, star Manon Melis has played well and showed form but as yet hasn’t managed to score but a player that is emerging for the Netherlands is 24 year old Kirsten Van De Ven.(Above). The midfielder has scored 2 goals from midfield and has impressed with her one v one ball skills and pace. Former Quinnipiac University and Florida State alum.

The holders Germany top the group and have been very impressive. They are physically so strong and they look up for retaining their title once again.Fatmire Bajramaj came on as a 2nd half substitute against Norway to score 2 goals.Inka Grings
Got her goal against France. Linda Bresonik(right) scores two penalties but it is her all round display in midfield that has got plaudits singing her praise.Youngster Kim Kulig has so far been outstanding in midfield with Bresonik.

Louisa Necib of France has shown her technical ability in both matches, particularly against Iceland. Scoring a goal to cement France’s 3-1 win against Iceland.
Camille Abily(Above) has shown just how much LA Sol missed her in the midfield as she has shown flashes of skill and partnership with Necib.

Sweden top their group so far with 2 dominating displays. Lotta Schelin and Kosovare Asllani(Above) both have been impressive and both scored against Italy.

Italy have exceeded expectations by beating England. Veteran captain Patrizia Panico
Scoring her 1st goal of the championships.
Fara Williams and Karen Carney have both

scored their 1st goals of the championships as England have battled in their first two games. Carney putting in her best display for a while in an England shirt as she rallied England against Russia from 2-0 down.Boston breakers Kelly Smith(Above) and Alex Scott played well against Russia with Smith scoring a brilliant goal to keep England in the hunt.

Still a long way to go.Many matches still to play, twists and turns still to be played out.. but one thing is for certain Euro 2009 is a go!

WPS UPDATE - CHRISTIE RAMPONE TO BE A MOM AGAIN

2009-08-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

Sky Blue FC player/coach Christie Rampone is expecting another child in March 2010.

Rampone guided Sky Blue to the inaugural title at the Women's Professional Soccer championship on Saturday. They beat the Los Angeles Sol 1-0, three weeks after Rampone took over the coaching duties when Kelly Lindsey resigned.

Rampone, who is nearly three months pregnant, recently competed in two playoff games and the championship game. She played 90 minutes in each.

"It's been an eventful year to say the least, but the timing of this pregnancy is perfect because I was able to finish off this amazing first season and hopefully get back in time to make a major contribution to Sky Blue FC in 2010," she said Tuesday in a statement.

Rampone has been nominated for defender, coach and sportswoman of the year ahead of the league awards ceremony on Saturday. She expects to play in the WPS All-Star game in St. Louis on Sunday.

A native of Point Pleasant, N.J., Rampone has played in three World Cups and three Olympics. She took off most of 2005 to have her first child.

Rampone, the captain of the U.S. national team, plans to return to the WPS in June.

She will miss the US Women's National Team camps and upcoming game against World Champions Germany in October.

PREVIEW 2009 UEFA WOMEN’S EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS

2009-08-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

The Euro 2009 Championships have begun.Some of the biggest names in women’s football are taking part. Here at Womans Soccer Insider we take a look at the nations , their star /key players and brightest new talent. Who will end up in WPS. Can anyone stop the Germans? We will give you our thoughts and more over the course of the Championships.I hope you are all getting a chance to catch some of the matches and talent on show.

Finally - The Hosts

Finland

Finland came on to the international stage with bang. Their semi-finals run in Euro 2005 in England was seen as great achievement. They were beaten in that match by the eventual winners Germany.
Steadily they have been rising up the rankings in world football. They currently sit 11th in Europe , 18th in the world.
Several players playing in the Swedish Damallsvenskan league has also helped them progress.
Coach Michael Käld became coach in 2001 and quickly got his squad together playing an aggressive , high tempo style of play with the emphasis on getting the ball quickly and high to the tall forwards.The midfield is packed with very strong, physical players.
With Euro 2009 played on home soil the finns are looking to get of to a good start to get the crowds behind them cheering them all the way to maybe the final this time around.

Laura Österberg Kalmari (Key Player)

Kamari is Finland’s all-time leading scorer. She has over 100 caps with 30 goals scored.
She was shortlisted for FIFA Women's World Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006.
Helped Finland to the Semi-Finals at Euro 2005 in England. Their best performance in a tournament.
Retired from international play in 2006 but returned in February to help Finland in Euro 2009 on home soil.
Has won three Finnish titles (HJK Helsinki), the 2002 W-League crown (Boston Renegades) and 2002/03 and 2003/04 UEFA Women's Cups (Umeå IK).
Currently plays for AIK in the Swedish Damallsvenskan league.

Anna Westerlund (Fresh Face)

Is a 20 year old midfield dynamo. Now with a starting position in midfield, she plays in tandem with experienced players like Anne Mäkinen.
Part of the Finland squad at the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Russia.
With 17 senior caps Westerlund’s attributes are tough tackling and quick distribution to the forwards. Also very good on dead ball situations.
She has won the Finnish championship three times in 06,07 & 08 with club FC Honka.
Touted as a future captain.

PREVIEW 2009 UEFA WOMEN’S EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS

2009-08-25T16:13:00.000-07:00

The Euro 2009 Championships have begun.Some of the biggest names in women’s football are taking part. Here at Womans Soccer Insider we take a look at the nations , their star /key players and brightest new talent. Who will end up in WPS. Can anyone stop the Germans? We will give you our thoughts and more over the course of the Championships.I hope you are all getting a chance to catch some of the matches and talent on show.

Iceland

UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009 will be the first senior final tournament for either men or women to feature a team from Iceland, with the islanders due to compete alongside many of their fellow northern European nations.

They came within an ace of the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, pipped by Russia in their group and England in the first round of the play-offs, and in 2005 they moved to within a two-legged tie of the continental finals. Eventual runners-up Norway proved too tough, however. Their 2007 World Cup bid fell short but, with Siggy Eyjólfsson appointed as coach, Iceland hit top form in UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ qualifying, running France close in their pool and defeating the Republic of Ireland in the play-offs, prevailing in every home game without conceding. Coming hot on the heels of a home win over France, their 5-0 success against Serbia in June 2007 even attracted a team record 5,976 spectators to Reykjavik's national stadium, and their games have proved a TV ratings hit.
The Icelandic team are big and strong and have a never say die attitude which is sparked by their coach who coaches from a psychological side.
The team are currently in the top 20 of teams in the world. 12th In Europe.

Margrét Lára Vidarsdóttir (Key Player)

Is currently Icelands top goal scorer. With over 54 caps and 48 goals for her country Vidarsdottir is Icelands most prolific striker.
She finished the top scorer in qualifying with 12 goals in 10 matches, including the winner at home to France.
In 2007 she beat Eidur Gudjohnsen to Iceland's sportsperson of the year award, after hitting a record 38 goals in 16 top-flight appearances for Valur, for whom she was the league's leading markswoman in each season from 2004 until 2008.
Her 14 goals for ex-club Valur Reykjavík in the 2008/09 UEFA Women's Cup constituted a record and her third time in four years atop the competition's scoring chart.
Currently plays for Linkopings FC in the Swedish Damallsvenskan.

Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir (Fresh Player)

Is an 18 year old attacking midfielder who came through the youth ranks.
Played in all three games of the hosts' 2007 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship finals campaign.
She already has 19 caps and 5 goals for her country.
Scored 2 goals in the qualifying campaign in 7 matches.
Gunnarsdottir made her mark in this years Algarve Cup where she scored twice in Icelands 3-1 win against Norway.
Currently plays for Icelandic club Breiðablik UBK.

PREVIEW 2009 UEFA WOMEN’S EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS

2009-08-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

The Euro 2009 Championships have begun.Some of the biggest names in women’s football are taking part. Here at Womans Soccer Insider we take a look at the nations , their star /key players and brightest new talent. Who will end up in WPS. Can anyone stop the Germans? We will give you our thoughts and more over the course of the Championships.I hope you are all getting a chance to catch some of the matches and talent on show.

Netherlands

The Netherlands were among the stronger nations in the early days of European competitions for women and, after recovering from a period of struggle, they have reached the final tournament for the first time.
10TH in Europe , 17th in the World.The Dutch made it through their qualifying group.

With the domestic game improved by the formation of a women's Eredivisie backed by clubs including AZ Alkmaar, the Netherlands finished second in their group behind Switzerland before collecting a pair of 2-0 play-off wins against Spain, a team they had never previously beaten.
Before the two games against Spain, the Netherlands were outsiders to qualify, especially with star striker Manon Melis injured. But in Madrid they withstood a first-half barrage before getting the goals to get through.
Coach Vera Pauw has long been a ground-breaker in Dutch female football and has now become the first coach to lead the Netherlands to a senior women's finals.She is highly regarded internationally as a coach, and in May 2005 she was the first woman to complete the KNVB's CBV coaching diploma, earning her the UEFA Pro Licence. She has worked as a technical observer at major events including UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™ and is a member of the UEFA Women's Football Committee.
She was previously coach and Technical director of the Scotland Women’s national team.
The Dutch play the way their men's team play as in “Total Football”.

Manon Melis (Key Player)

Melis is the Netherlands top goalscorer. She is a true striker. Has a nose for goal.
At just only 23 years old she has 56 caps and 20 goals for her country.
In the eight qualifying matches Melis scored 7 goals.
She is fast closing in on Marjoke de Bakker's all-time record of 28 Netherlands goals.
Struck twice on her 50th Netherlands appearance in the 5-0 win over South Africa at the Cyprus Women's Cup in March, finishing atop the tournament's scoring chart alongside Canada's Christine Sinclair.
Currently plays for Swedish club Malmo FF in the Damallsvenskan.
Was joint top scorer in the league with 23 goals with Brazilian international Marta.
Was the clubs player of the year.

Karin Stevens (Fresh Face)

20 year old Stevens was the hero of the play-off win against Spain – scoring three of her team's goals in the 4-0 aggregate success.
She played in all of the qualifying matches scoring 4 goals.
Stevens is an attacking midfielder who can also play upfront. Her best assets are her ball skills and her ability to take players on. At her best when running towards goal.
Stevens has 31 caps and 16 goals for her country.
She made her debut for the national team in 2006 while still playing for a boys team.
In 2007 she joined William II in the new women’s Premier league.The Eredivisie.
That season she was the leagues top scorer with 20 goals and was voted 3rd in the Best Player of the year.
Many clubs across Europe have expressed an interest in Stevens and are watching her in the Euro’s very closely. The big stage is there for the taking.

PREVIEW 2009 UEFA WOMEN’S EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS

2009-08-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

The Euro 2009 Championships have begun.Some of the biggest names in women’s football are taking part. Here at Womans Soccer Insider we take a look at the nations , their star /key players and brightest new talent. Who will end up in WPS. Can anyone stop the Germans? We will give you our thoughts and more over the course of the Championships.I hope you are all getting a chance to catch some of the matches and talent on show.

Ukraine

Ukraine - 9th in Europe & 16th in the world have qualified for the finals of a major tournament for the first time since being founded in 1993.
They have come close but always seemed to miss out. But since this years championship was expanded to 12 teams Ukraine took their opportunity.
In qualifying they made a great start with six straight wins, including a victory against Denmark. Denmark however piped them to top the group and Ukraine had to beat Slovenia in the playoffs to compete in the Championships.
Coach Anatoliy Kutsev is a former footballer who took over in January 2007 just in time for qualifying.They conceded just 3 goals in 10 qualifying matches.
Kutsev brings a great work ethic to his team and he expects the same from them.
Many of the players in the squad are from teams playing in the Russian Women’s League Zvezda-2005 Perm and WFC Rossiyanka as well as the Ukranian club champions Legenda Chernigiv.
The only problem with Ukraine is how fit and ready they are. Due to many reasons they have not played an international match in 2009.

Daryna Apanaschenko (Key Player)

Star striker is without a doubt Apanaschenko.Ukraine's main goal threat, her strikes in qualifying included the winners at home to Denmark and in Scotland, plus three in the play-off victory over Slovenia. In the 10 qualifying games she scored 6 goals.
Won the 2001 and 2002 Ukrainian titles with Legend Chernigov.
Joined Zvezda-2005 of Russia in the winter break and made an instant impact in their UEFA Women's Cup campaign, scoring twice in the semi-final second leg and their only goal of the final defeat by FCR 2001 Duisburg.
Good with the ball at her feet, if given space to turn Apanaschenko can be Ukraine’s best weapon.

Olha Boychenko (Fresh Face)

20 year old Boychenko broke into the squad late in qualifying, coming off the bench three times.She now has a starting spot in the first XI.
Debut was against Scotland.
Blessed with pace, she can operate on either flank or as a centre-forward.
Current club is FC Legend Chernigov - Ukranian champions.

PREVIEW 2009 UEFA WOMEN’S EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS

2009-08-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

The Euro 2009 Championships have begun.Some of the biggest names in women’s football are taking part. Here at Womans Soccer Insider we take a look at the nations , their star /key players and brightest new talent. Who will end up in WPS. Can anyone stop the Germans? We will give you our thoughts and more over the course of the Championships.I hope you are all getting a chance to catch some of the matches and talent on show.

A new emerging team playing today is Russia. See how they come up against the power that is Sweden. Check out Sweden's profile HERE again.

Russia

Russia are an emerging international team. They are ranked 8th in Europe, 15th in the world.
Their recent success has come from a clutch of players from the Under 19’s 2005 European Championship squad who have all come through into the senior squad together. The Russians won the championship with flair, technique and application.
Former footballer Igor Shalimov was appointed the Russian coach on 20 May 2008 and within six months had led his team to the Euro 2009 Championships.
The majority of his squad is made up of players from the club side WFC Rossiyanka, with a few from the women’s Uefa Cup finalist Zvezda 2005 Prem.
Russia came second in their qualifying group losing only to Norway. They beat Scotland in the playoffs to get through.
With the squad having a club mentality and players familiar with each others game Shalimov is hoping that this will give Russia the edge over some of the other teams.
Men’s national team coach and former Chelsea FC coach Gus Hiddink has took several of the women’s training sessions in preparation for the championships.

Tatiana Skotnikova (Key Player)

Skotnikova is the captain and is an automatic choice in midfield for Russia.
Has been part of the team for over a decade, playing in the 2001 Euros and 1999 and 2003 FIFA Women's World Cups.
Stotnikova a tough tackling midfielder plays as a holding midfielder but can be deployed as an attacking midfielder if needed.
Played in all the qualifying games for Russia.
Won the league five years running with Lada Togliatti (2002 and 2003), FC Energia Voronezh (2004) and WFC Rossiyanka (2005 and 2006).
Currently playes for WFC Rossiyanka in the Women’s Premier League in Russia.

Elena Morozova (Fresh Face)

Morozova at 22 years old is just one of the young players from that winning Under 19’s European team that has cemented an automatic starting position for Russia.
Starting in 9 of the qualifying matches the midfielder pulled the strings in midfield liking up well with the forwards and assisting in many of their goals.
Scored her only goal in a 3-1 victory against Poland.
Created a partnership in the middle of the field with Captain Tatiana Skotnikova which is due in part to them playing for the same club side.
Currently plays for WFC Rossiyanka in the Russian Women’s premier league.

PREVIEW 2009 UEFA WOMEN’S EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS

2009-08-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

The Euro 2009 Championships have begun.Some of the biggest names in women’s football are taking part. Here at Womans Soccer Insider we take a look at the nations , their star /key players and brightest new talent. Who will end up in WPS. Can anyone stop the Germans? We will give you our thoughts and more over the course of the Championships.I hope you are all getting a chance to catch some of the matches and talent on show.

Italy

Italy have been runners-up in the European Championships in 1993 and 1997, but since then they have suffered a dip in fortunes in recent years but they remain regular qualifiers and there are signs of improvement.
Currently they are ranked 7th in Europe and 13th in the world. They gave Sweden a run for their money in 2009 qualifying finishing 2nd in the group and comfortably defeated the Czech Republic in the play-off to reach the finals.
Coached by Pietro Ghedin since 2005. Ghedin was previously an assistant coach to the Italian men’s team during World Cup 98 & 2002 and Euro 2000.
He has put together a team packed with experience that could cause some damage in the Championships.

Patrizia Panico (Key Player)

Panico is one of the most experienced players in the Italian squad.
The striker has become the face of women’s football in Italy.
With over a hundred caps and 70 goals Panico is Italy’s most potent weapon.
Equiped with pace, skill and a great football mind Panico will need to be watched at all times during a game. She can score any type of goals from the spectacular to the6 yard tap ins.
During qualifying Panico scored 7 goals in 10 matches.
Scored a hatrick against Australia in Italy’s 5-1 win in February this year.
Currently signed for Sasarri Torres in Italian women’s Serie A league.
2008/09 season was playing with Bardolino where she won the championship for the 3rd time in a row.
Top scorer in Serie A for the past 5 seasons.

Sara Gama (Fresh Face)

Sara Gama is a 20 year old full-back that despite her young age has forced her way into a starting position and kept it. Played in all but 1 qualifying match.
She has good pace and a hard tackle but she is known for her leadership and calmness in the back line.
Captained Italy to success at the 2008 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship in France. Where she earned praise from those that saw a mature and assured performance. Was voted into the team of the championships.
Currently plays for Tavagnacco in Serie A.

PREVIEW 2009 UEFA WOMEN’S EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS

2009-08-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

The Euro 2009 Championships have begun.Some of the biggest names in women’s football are taking part. Here at Womans Soccer Insider we take a look at the nations , their star /key players and brightest new talent. Who will end up in WPS. Can anyone stop the Germans? We will give you our thoughts and more over the course of the Championships.I hope you are all getting a chance to catch some of the matches and talent on show.

Norway

Norway are one of the most successful women’s national football teams in the world.
They have won a World Cup in 95, an Olympic Gold medal in 2000 and the European Championship twice in 87 & 93.They were runners-up in England in 2005.
They have been as high as number 3 in the world rankings but they currently sit in 10th, their lowest to date. 6th in the European rankings.
This is due in part to other teams improving while Norway have been in a bit of a slump this year.
They qualified well for Euro 2009 with 6 wins and a draw out of 7 matches. Scoring 26 goals for and conceding none.
However at the end of the qualifying a number of players quit due to issues with the management. Some retired and some are injured. Head coach Bjarne Berntsen lost as many as eight players to his squad.
Norway are in transition. Bernsten has had to call a clutch of new players with limited international experience and some fresh faces into the squad for Euro 2009.He has adapted Norway’s formation and style of play.
Will it all come together just in time? One things for sure, Norway will be there or there abouts in the tournament. Form is temporary, but class is permanent.

Ingvild Stensland (Key Player)

With many of Norway’s experienced players no longer in the squad. Ingvild Stensland has become their most important player. She is the Captain, the veteran that the young players will look up to.
Stensland is a combative midfielder that will fight for every ball in the centre of midfield. She is known for her tough tackling and work ethic.
With a strong shot she has scored some spectacular goals. And is always dangerous with free-kicks.
For the past 4 years Stensland has been nominated for FIFA Woman’s Player of the Year.
Currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais. Joined in January 2009.Picking up the Division 1 championship.
With 80 caps to her name. Stensland remains unchanged in a much changed Norway.

Elise Thorsnes (Fresh Face)

21 year old Thorsnes has come back into form after starting her career with a bang in the Norwegian women’s league the Toppserien with Arna-Bjørnar.
There she was regularly at the top of the scoring charts, was voted Young Player of the Year and pushed her way into the 2008 Beijing Olympic national team.
With skill and pace Thorsnes main attributes are taking on defenders one v one or playing of the shoulder of the last defender where she can use her pace to get behind the defence.
In Norway’s new formation and style of play Thorsnes is expected to start in the starting XI.
With 23 caps already with only one goal, Euro 2009 is the time for her to take her club form to the International stage and help get Norway back to the power they once were.

Los Angeles Sol v NJ Sky Blue FC Highlights &Trophy Presentation

2009-08-23T06:31:00.000-07:00

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LOS ANGELES SOL 0 - 1 NJ SKY BLUE FC

2009-08-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

Sky Blue FC did the unthinkable...they beat the Los Angeles Sol 1- 0 in Saturday's inaugural Women's Professional Soccer Championship Game at The Home Depot Center.

Heather O'Reilly's goal in the 16th minute was enough to see the New Jersey side come through in a remarkable season. You couldn't have scripted it any better.

Sky Blue, which finished fourth in the seven-team league with a 7-8-5 record and had to win two playoff games, both on the road, to reach the championship game, dominated the first half offensively, taking nine shots to one for the Sol and led 3-1 in shots on goal.

The scoring sequence began with a throw-in by Keely Dowling to Kacey White, who sent a cross to Natasha Kai. Kai redirected the ball with her head to O'Reilly, who put a shot from eight yards out past Sol goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc.

Los Angeles started the match flat and it got even worse. Defender Allison Falk was issued a red card in the 27th minute for tackling Kai from behind. The referee maybe thinking that Falk was the last man and prevented a scoring opportunity.

The Sol reeling from the shock had trouble keeping pace with Sky Blue for the rest of the half. Coach Abner Rogers subbed in defender Sharolta Nonen for winger McCall Zerboni in the 35th minute to tighten the defence but this left space in midfield.

Into the second half. Los Angeles came out with more fire in their bellies and were aggressive.Captain Shannon Boxx showed her team the way and was almost always on the attack.Unfortunately for her Sky Blue captain Christie Rampone was also leading the way for her team.Perfect innings for the coach as she snuffed out Marta on several occasions.

As the half wore on Sky Blue players looked out on their feet. The adrenalin they were running on was nearly at empty.Los Angeles were creating more and more chances.

In the 52nd minute midfielder Aya Miyama dribbled into the box, but O’Reilly made a clean, yet dangerous tackle to prevent a shot.The crowd screaming for a penalty. In the 71st minute, Boxx drilled a shot to the lower left corner, which Jenni Branam pushed out of bounds.

In the 84th minute, Marta took a dangerous shot that goalkeeper Branam parried just wide. On the ensuing corner kick, the ball fell to Boxx at the back post and her shot was bobbled by Branam. Los Angeles substitute Lyndsey Patterson tried to get a foot to the ball, but Branam was able to fall on it.

Sky Blue held on for the win in what was a truely remarkable season for them.

In our opinion a team that defeats the 3rd seed Washington Freedom, the 2nd seed Saint Louis Athletica and the 1st Seed Los Angeles Sol, teams they have never beaten before , all in a span of eight days really deserves to be champions. Well deserved!

After the match, O’Reilly was named the Most Valuable Player of the WPS Championship.

We will give it to Christie Rampone and a special mention to Shannon Boxx for a great game. She was awsome.

Well now to answer our questions we had in the preview...LA played well without Abily...in the 2nd half. Sky Blues' legs held out...just and Rampone won out over Boxx..both showing why they are Captains.

Lineups:

Los Angeles Sol – Karina LeBlanc; Stephanie Cox, Brittany Bock, Allison Falk, Manya Makoski; Aya Miyama, Aly Wagner (Katie Larkin 68’), Shannon Boxx (C) , McCall Zerboni (Sharolta Nonen 35’); Marta, Han Duan (Lyndsey Patterson 78’).

Sky Blue FC – Jenni Branam; Meghan Schnur, Christie Rampone (C), Jen Buczkowski, Keeley Dowling; Heather O’Reilly (Noelle Keselica 83’), Yael Averbuch, Francielle, Kacey White; Rosana (Collette McCallum 71’), Natasha Kai (Kerri Hanks 67’).

WPS CHAMPIONSHIP

2009-08-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles Sol v NJ Sky Blue FC Sat Aug 22nd 4pm ET Live on FSN and CSN

Well this is it. The Inaugural season of Women's Professional Soccer comes to a close with the championship game between Los Angeles Sol and NJ Sky Blue FC at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

We are back to where it all started.72 matches down, where the regular season champions, the no1 seeds Los Angeles look to cement themselves a place in history as the inaugural champions against the gritty, New Jersey team who stumbled into the playoffs, then bulldozed through to the Final with grit and determination by upsetting the no2 and no3 seeded teams.

Captains Shannon Boxx and Christie Rampone are very good friends from being in the US National team but all that is put aside as they battle for the title. Both have endured vastly different routes to this moment.

Sky Blue FC – the number four seed – has the unenviable task of playing its third playoff game on the road in eight days, the New Jersey side is also on a roll, playing some of its best soccer of the season. After highly inspirational victories over the Washington Freedom and Saint Louis Athletica in the first two rounds of the playoffs, Sky Blue FC will be hoping that momentum and adrenaline will be key factors to help the team bring home the title.

Los Angeles Sol wrapped up the top seed in the playoffs and the right to host the championship match weeks ago. Understandably, with the regular season title secured, Los Angeles closed the season with some subpar results winning just once in its final four games. The last match for the Sol was two weekends ago – a 2-1 road victory over the Boston Breakers on a penalty kick by Shannon Boxx in stoppage time.

In addition to the lengthy time off, the Sol will also have to deal with the absence of an important player in Camille Abily, who is with the France National Team for the UEFA Women’s Euro Championship. Abily was second in WPS with eight goals in the regular season.
Sky Blue FC will be missing key defender Anita Asante and reserve goalkeeper Karen Bardsley – the two are with England for the Euros – but the team has done well defensively in their absence.

So roll on the Final. How will Los Angeles cope without the calm play in midfield of Abily, how much longer can the legs of the Sky Blue players hold up, which captain is going to be the first ever person to hold aloft that championship trophy?

PREVIEW 2009 UEFA WOMEN’S EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS

2009-08-20T17:44:00.000-07:00

The countdown has begun to the 2009 Women's European championships in Finland. Some of the biggest names in women’s football are taking part. Here at Womans Soccer Insider we take a look at the nations , their star /key players and brightest new talent. Who will end up in WPS. Can anyone stop the Germans? We will give you our thoughts and more over the next few days leading up to the start of the Championships.

So far we have taken a look at Germany, Sweden, Denmark and France.
Now it's England's turn.

England

England are a team on the rise. They have steadily risen up the rankings in women’s football in the last couple of years under the leadership of their coach Hope Powell. Powell took charge at England HQ in 1998 overseeing all age groups from Under 15’s to Under 21’s. Implementing a system that has produced a talented young squad.
Today England sit 5th in the European rankings and 9th in the world.
After a disappointing Euro 2005 on their home turf , the 2007 World Cup was a turnaround. Reaching the Quarter-Finals with good play, this was an indication of how far they had come and how far they could go.
Qualifying for this years European Championships was relatively straight forward with wins until the very last game against Spain. Having been 2-0 down at half-time. England fought back to 2-2 to get the point they needed to qualify.
This year in preparation for the European Championships they won their first tournament the Cyprus Cup with a win over Canada. Drawing with France on the way. The tournament win proved to the players and the rest of Europe that they can have an impact in the Championships and women’s football. Confidence is the key.

Fara Williams (Key Player)

There are quite a few key players for England but in our opinion Fara Williams is it.
Williams is England’s goal scoring midfielder.A competitive midfielder with an explosive shot. She is England’s engine room , their playmaker, their everything. It has been said by many if Williams plays well England play well. And for the past couple of years that is exactly what has been happening. She sets the tempo to how they play, screens her back four but is lethal in attack as well. Combining well with England’s forwards.
Blessed with a thunderous and accurate shot Williams has scored 25 goals from 70 appearances for England.
She has played and scored goals in both the 2005 European Championships and the 2007 World Cup.
Captained England to their first ever tournament win in the Cyprus Cup in March 2009 where they beat Canada to lift the cup.
William’s is England’s Vice-Captain to Faye White but with recent injuries to White Williams has taken on a more leadership role in the team. The team plays in the style she plays.
Voted England’s International Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year in the league for 2009.
Currently captains Everton Ladies. Taking them to a league cup win in 2008 and runner-up in the Women's premier league for the 2008/09 season.
There is more to come from Williams. Still only 25 years old, Euro 2009 could see her become one of the world’s best midfielders, if she isn’t already. And then who knows, WPS?
Teams there are crying out for midfielders like her.

Karen Carney (Fresh Face)

At just 22 years old with 48 caps you would be thinking that Carney has been around for a long time. Well she has, but we still see her as a fresh face.
She became the youngest player to be called to the senior England side at 17.
On the pitch, Carney delivers pace and incision, whether playing up front or more often on the wing. Has scored 7 times for England and has matured in each tournament and is still improving.
With accuracy from both feet Carney is the provider to the forwards. No matter what wing she is on she will take on defenders, drive into the box for a shot on goal or create a chance for her teamates.
Was instrumental in Arsenal Ladies quadruple season.
Was twice voted the FA’s Young Player of the Year.
March 2009 moved to WPS team Chicago Red Stars in USA where she proved a big hit with the Chicago fans and the soccer pundits. Adapting to a new style of play and scoring 2 goals.
Has improved her game now she is a professional player and the sky is the limit as to how far she goes.
It also doesn’t hurt when your teamate is the Brazilian international Cristiane.

Saint Louis Athletica v NJ Sky Blue FC Highlights

2009-08-20T02:23:00.000-07:00

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