NJ SKY BLUE FC 1 - 0 CHICAGO RED STARS

The Chicago Red Stars dropped to last place in the WPS league standings when they were beat by Sky Blue FC 1 -0 at Yurcak Field last night.
Chicago have not had a win in their last 7 matches.Their last win was on 25th April against Boston Breakers.

Rosana scored an unassisted goal in the 24th minute to put Sky Blue FC past the Red Stars, 1-0.
Rosana’s goal followed a Chicago foul by Megan Rapinoe against Heather O’Reilly along the right touchline. Off the resulting free kick, O’Reilly crossed the ball into the box where it bounced around before finding its way to Rosana’s foot. The Brazilian native buried her shot from the top of the 6-yard box for her second goal of the season.

The Red Stars got a pair of strong chances early in the second half from forwardDanesha Adams, who made her first start of the season in the contest,in place of Lindsay Tarpley but Sky Blue FC goalkeeper Jenni Branam was up to the challenge on each.

The Red Stars were without English star Karen Carney who was serving a suspension for her red card in the previous game and defender Ifeoma Dieke who is still recovering from injury.

Sky Blue FC outshot Chicago, 13-8, with each team putting five shots on target. Branam recorded five saves, one better than Red Stars goalkeeper Caroline Jönsson.

Sky Blue FC (3-5-3) jumps past the Red Stars in the WPS standings and into a three-way tie for fourth place. Chicago slips to seventh place in the standings.

The Red Stars return home to TOYOTA PARK on Sunday, June 21, to face the Boston Breakers at 3pm CT. The Father’s Day match will feature a special car show in the parking lot before the game. Sky Blue FC will host Washington Freedom on Sunday, June 28, at Yurcak Stadium in Piscataway, NJ at 2pm ET.



Sky Blue FC interim Head Coach Kelly Lindsey:
"It was great to get goal early, but now we need to focus on how we play when we have a lead. In this league, every team has a dynamic attack and they will not stop coming at us. That's the next building block we're going to work on in order to round out our play."

Sky Blue FC forward Natasha Kai:
"It was a battle for the full 90 minutes. Both sides had plenty of chances, but it only takes one goal to win and we were the team that made our chances count. As a professional, you have to convert the few scoring chances you get in a game, and we did our job tonight."

Chicago Red Stars head coach Emma Hayes:
"We simply lost the game in the first half tonight. It's always difficult to come back from being a goal down, but particularly so in this league where you rarely see a team come from behind and win. We need to look at our personnel this week and find the players who are capable of making a difference in the final third."

Chicago Red Stars midfielder Carli Lloyd:
"I really enjoyed playing at Yurcak Field tonight. I miss being at Rutgers - this was my home for four years. I had family and friends in the stands tonight, and while it was exciting to play in front of them it was unfortunate that we couldn't get the win."

Lineups:

Sky Blue FC – Branam; Schnur, Rampone, Asante, Dowling; Parker (Sitch, 75), Rosana (McCallum, 64), Averbuch, O’Reilly; Kai, White (Buczkowski, 69).

Chicago Red Stars – Jönsson; Dalmy, Spilger, Oakes, Östberg (Tarpley, 64); Rapinoe (Vandenbergh, 90), Igwe, Lloyd, Klein, Cristiane (Dieke, 80); Adams.

EXCLUSIVE Q & A IFEOMA DIEKE

Womans Soccer Insider caught up with Scottish international and rising star Ifeoma Dieke of the Chicago Red Stars. Ifeoma has had a great start to her 2nd stint as a professional soccer player, playing in the heart of the Red Stars defence earning praise from fellow players, coaches, sports journalist and fans. Everyone is singing the tune to Dieke.




1. Having played in the WUSA previously, how has the standard of play of the WPS been in comparison?

Looking back at the WUSA the quality of players were high, but the standard of the WPS is higher, not only have the domestic players standards improved but the international mix that can be seen throughout each squad differs which give more depth to the game and makes it a more exciting for the league.

2. Yourself and the Chicago back four and Goalkeeper have played fantastically in all the games. What do you attribute this to?
I think it’s a combination of good communication which comes from the experience led by our fantastic goalkeeper, youth which gives us the energy, desire, determination and the fact that we all want to get better and have the tightest defense in the league.

3. What player has so far been your toughest opponent that you have come up against in the league?

Australian Sarah Walsh of Sky Blue, she is one tough customer.

4. What was the atmosphere like in the locker room after the 4-0 win against Boston Breakers?

It was relief and great satisfaction, we have been working so hard in training offensively and sometimes in games that hasn’t shone through, so for everything to finally click was an amazing feeling for us all.

5. How have the team bonded off the field?

Every week 1 player on the team invites the team round and they cook, we eat and we get to hang out very relaxed away from the training field. Also, most of us live in close proximity of one another so we do the usual things like going to the movies, shopping etc.

6. Have you managed to do a bit of sightseeing in Chicago? What’s the best thing you have seen?

I haven’t been sightseeing yet, the weather has not been so good, I’ve heard summers in Chicago is really good so I’m waiting for the real sun to come out ☺ so I can really explore the city.


7. Chicago is a great sports town. How have the public responded to the Red Stars?

It has been great, through difficult methods of publicity, whether it is attending the cubs/white sox baseball games or going to the globe pub and interacting with fans there, the public reaction in Chicago has been positive and we hope it continues to grow as we continue to grow as a Women’s professional organization.


8. Have any of your Scotland team mates talked to you about wanting to play in the WPS?

Yes, they are all keen to know how I am getting along and they know with hard work and perseverance that they too can make it one day, so they keep an eye out on what’s going on.

9. With the World Cup in Germany coming soon. How important is it for Scotland to qualify and be part of celebration of women’s soccer?

It is always important to be in contention with major tournaments, to qualify would be unbelievable, after going so close to the European championships, we are looking to learn from that and keep building for the future. We understand that it is going to be difficult but we are up


10. Finally… What does it mean to you to be a professional soccer player?

This is my dream, I was fortunate to be involved in WUSA in its last year of existence but to be involved in WPS right from the beginning is brilliant, I feel lucky to have a second opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it.

BRIT INVASION...PART 8

Kelly, Alex, Karen, Ifeoma & Anita were all in the starting line-ups this past weekend. Eniola sat out as Saint Louis Athletica had a bye week. How did they do?


Top Play!

Top player & play this week again goes to Alex Scott from the Boston Breakers. 1st goal in the WPS, i expect she will get a few more. With Coach Tony DiCicco all for his full-backs getting forward and getting on the scoresheet,Scott done just that.
Against Washington Freedom Scott had been creeping forward and playing like a winger in the1st half but in the 2nd half it paid of. Latching on to a through ball by teammate Christine Latham, Scott out paced Freedom defender Alex Singer and struck a thunderbolt shot high past GK Erin McLeod into the roof of the net. She said she had been practising her shooting all week. Well keep practising that's all i can say!
Scott comfortable in the final 3rd of the field, quick in attack, bundles of energy and strong in defence Boston has got themselves a steal. Ohhh Chicago! An asset to every team she plays for. Its all good for England as well.

Kelly Smith is a marked woman. Hampered by a slight knee injury picked up in the previous week. Smith lumbered around the field. Still on 3/4 of a tank she was still giving the Freedom midfielders problems. Anytime she got the ball she was attacked by Freedom red shirts eager to strip the ball from her. Sometimes it worked sometimes it didn't. One time it didn't work Smith nearly scored a contender for goal of the season. Unfortunately for her it was brilliantly saved by GK Erin McLeod for the save of the season.

Sky Blue FC Centre-Back Anita Asante was once again up against Marta. Compared to the last match they faced each other Asante put in a solid display and the Sky Blue defence had Marta under control...well, untill till the 80th minute that is, when Marta sprung the offside trap to score. For her performance in the match Asante was quick and strong and rarely let the offensive players of the Sol past her. With an unchanged back four of Dowling, Asante, Rampone, Schnur, Asante is proving herself to be a leader on the field with her organisation. England will reap the benefits this summer.

Karen Carney was IMO the best player wearing skyblue against the FC Gold Pride. Yes the Chicago Red Stars wear sky blue! Carney claimed 2 of the total 3 shots on goal for the Red Stars. Making the The Pride goalkeeper work for their win. Always busy she was trying to get her teammates involved in play that counted but the Pride defenders stood up well to all of the Red Stars attacks. Towards the end of the match she was spent but it is clear she is an important player for Chicago.

Chicago red Stars Scottish star Ifeoma Dieke played a lot better than her previous match. Kept the Red Stars in the game with keeping the Pride from extending their lead.She kept FC Gold Pride's talented forwards far from goal which meant they took a lot of shots outside the area. Matched up to the strength of Christie Sinclair well. Another important player for the Red Stars.

BRIT INVASION...PART 7

All 6 British players were in the starting line-up for their clubs last weekend. Results were mixed.

Strong!

First up...Anita Asante and Sky Blue FC put on a fantastic display to win their 1st game against the much fancied Chicago Red Stars. Asante was strong and composed in defence when faced with the threats of Megan Rapinoe, Lindsey Tarpley, Karen Carney and then Cristiane when she came on. The whole Sky Blue back four put on a great tactical display. Playing a high line catching Chicago offside numerous times. Asante's partnership at the heart of the defence with USA Captian Christie Rampone can only improve as the games keep coming. They just might be the fastest centre-backs in the league.

Eniola Aluko also achieved her 1st win with Saint Louis Athletica in a thrilling match against FC Gold Pride. Not on the scoresheet this time, Aluko never the less worked hard and created chances for her team. When asked to defend as time went on in the game she did just that. The Athletica team came together, fighting for each other for that elusive win.

Ifeoma Dieke has had an up and down past week. Against Sky Blue she put in a not bad performance but it was not good enough as the Blues ran out winners. Dieke was up against the very fast Sarah Walsh and the one time she got beaten by her was when the goal was scored. The Red Stars defence picks itself. Dieke will be hoping for better a better performance against FC Gold Pride this weekend.
Against Northern Ireland, Dieke earned her 50th cap and was the best player on the field in the 1st half.She led the line as Scotland were put under pressure in the earlier parts of the game.

Karen Carney in the same game was trying to get her team going.With only 3 shots on goal by the Red Stars all game,Carney's was one of them and the closest to a goal. The rasping low shot to the right of the goal saved just, by Jenni Brannam. Showing some flashes of brilliance Carney tried to make things happen for herself and teamates. Sky Blue had all the answers and Carney was snuffed out by the unforgiving Blues midfield. A match to forget maybe.


Solid!

Alex Scott put in another solid display against the LA Sol. So much so that Marta didn't even get a shot at goal the entire game. Or when Katie Larkin (pictured above) came on went up top and Marta dropped to midfield she didn't get much change out of Scott either. With Scott and centre-back Amy LePielbet working well in tandem on the right side the Breakers look at least hard to break through. Not much attacking done today for Scott though. Expect more so in the next match v Washington Freedom. No Wambach to mark. Should be exciting.

Kelly Smith was man/woman marked by LA Sol so didn't have the opportunities to get many shots on goal in this match. She however created a few chances that went begging and was fouled numerous times allowing the Breakers to send in many free-kicks which ultimately fell short. Smith still showed of her technical ability and skill level but she was well dealt with by the Sol midfield in the end. Still leads the league scoring chart with 4 goals.

IFEOMA DIEKE CELEBRATES 50th INTERNATIONAL GAME

50 4 Dieke!


Scotland star Ifeoma Dieke celebrated reaching her 50th cap before Scotland's 3-1 win against Northern Ireland in Stirling , Scotland May 12th.
Chief Executive of the Scottish Football Association Gordon Smith was on hand to present her with a gift on behalf of the association.

Dieke was delighted to pick up her 50th International Cap.“Some of my friends mentioned to me that this was my 50th Cap.It’s great, I can still remember my first Cap where we got beat by Ukraine 1-0 in the 90th minute. Fortunately things have progressed a long way since then."

“Right now I am enjoying my football in America. It’s great to wake up in the morning, go to training and that’s your day. You can completely focus on your football.And the league being professional over there is great for young Scottish players too because they can aspire to play at that level again.”

Scotland were playing in a friendly match in preparation for their upcoming World Cup 2011 qualifying games against Greece and Georgia in October.Pauline Hammil (Celtic LFC) with 2 goals and Joelle Murray (Hibs LFC) 1 goal sealed the win.
As well as Dieke, the squad is made up of talented young players including Arsenal Ladies stars Suzanne Grant, Kim Little and Natalie Ross. Who were coming off of a treble season with Arsenal. Grant scoring the winning goal against Everton on Sunday which clinched Arsenal the league championship for the sixth time.

BRIT INVASION ...PART 5

Well how did the English ladies get on this weekend after the England game?

England played Norway for a friendly International on Thursday evening, winning 3-0. All 5 English girls started with Anita Asante, Alex Scott, Karen Carney and Kelly Smith all lasting the full 90 minutes.Eniola Aluko played over 60 minutes.

All returned back to America on Friday and all but Anita Asante and Kelly Smith were involved with their clubs on Saturday. Sky Blue FC had a bye week. Smith sat out Boston Breakers defeat.

Top player this week was Chicago Red Stars Karen Carney. Doing what she does best Carney was a menace to the Breakers Defence throughout the game. No matter what wing she was on, Carney was full of running and trickery earning herself 2 assists and a goal.1st assist was on 10 minutes, she tapped a free kick to Carli Lloyd and her 28-yard shot deflected off the Boston wall and into the net. Carney then got in the action herself just before half-time using a scissor fake to create some space away from Heather Mitts before shooting and making it 3-0 at the break. 10 minutes into the 2nd half Carney drove at the Breakers Heather Mitts (again) and passed the ball inside for teammate midfielder Brittany Klein for the goal. Her work done Carney was substituted later on as her transatlantic schedule caught up with her. She left the field to a standing ovation and narrowly missed out on Player Of The Match which went to teammate Megan Rapinoe. She was definitely my PotM.
'We were all good, we were all on it. We are getting better every week. From the goalkeeper all the way up to the top everyone played really well today.' Carney.

The Chicago Red Stars defence was once again solid. Not that they had much to do. Ifeoma Dieke again untroubled at the back.She had the pace to contain Amy Rodriguez and Kristine Lilly and the strentgh to out muscle Christine Latham when she came on as a sub. Top top player.

St Louis Athletica's Eniola Aluko was a 2nd half sub against the LA Sol. She came on in 53 minutes sparking life into Athletica. It was her shot which hit the hand of the Sol defender earning her side the penalty kick. Caused havoc with some darting runs and through balls for teammates.Did well considering it's her 2nd game in 2 days.

Scott 1st to ball before Carli Lloyd

Must have been a bad day for the Boston Breakers when your Right-Back is your best player in the match! And i'm also talking offesively. Alex Scott just stepped of the plane and into the game but was still the best player on the team. Played the full 90 minutes she stopped wave after wave of attack from Chicago down her side, hence why all the goals came from the left side.
She also was bombing forward whenever she could trying to link up with the forwards, managing to get a few shots of at goal. Infact Boston had a total 3 shots on goal, Scott, Kristine Lilly and 2nd half sustitute Candace Chapman getting the other 2. Scott also had 2 off target. No other player came close.

IFEOMA DIEKE ARTICLE

Professional footballer Ifeoma Dieke is real-life Gregory's Girl

IFEOMA DIEKE was only two months old when Gregory's Girl hit the cinema. So it's perhaps no surprise that the young footballer's life story sounds like something out of a movie.

But the Scotland international's real life rise to success is more amazing than anything film makers could come up with.

Because while she may have started off her footballing career on the school football pitch in Cumbernauld like Gregory Girl's Dee Hepburn, and became a success in ladies football like Bend It Like Beckham's Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley, she has gone on to outshine her fictional rivals.

Ifeoma is currently in training for the new football season in America, where she will be the only Scots woman in the US professional league and the rock of the Chicago Red Stars' defence.

The 27-year-old, who has been playing amateur and semi professional football around the world since she won a prestigious scholarship to a college in Miami when she was a teenager, can't wait for the new league to kick off.

And she admits that having grown up in Cumbernauld, she is always getting compared to Gregory's Girl, which was set in her home town in 1981.

She said: "When I started playing, the boys would say that girls can't play football and that we would be an embarrassment to the team.

"But once you get the ball and could skin them and nutmeg them a couple of times, you get respect.

"And when I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always said I wanted to be a footballer but people told me I wouldn't be able to do it for a living.

"But I'm a professional footballer now, and it's the best thing in the world.

"I'm really excited about the new league, it should be fantastic and I can't wait for it to kick off.

"We start pre-season training soon and it'll be great to get going.

"In America nobody has really heard of Gregory's Girl, but in Scotland people talk about it all the time because I'm from Cumbernauld.

"I don't mind though as it's a good film and it's an easy comparison for people to make."

Ifeoma is about to make the move to Chicago from her current home in Miami, where she has been mostly based since she was recruited by the Florida International University soccer team, the Golden Panthers. But her journey to the top in football began in much less glamorous surroundings.

Although she was born in Massachusetts to Nigerian parents Ken and Edith Dieke, they moved to Cumbernauld when she was three, and she only ever remembers growing up in the Lanarkshire new town.

She also has a west of Scotland accent broader than Dee Hepburn and John Gordon Sinclair put together.

When she was eight, she started playing with the St Mary's Primary School team, and soon impressed local coaches who recruited her to the Cumbernauld Cosmos girls' side.

She was then picked up by Cumbernauld Ladies, which is where the scouts for FIU spotted her, and set her on the road to international success.

"I can't really remember when I first played football, but it's always something I've loved doing," she said.

"Nobody in my family had played, but I always loved it.

"When I was in primary three or four, the girls would get to play rounders while the boys got stuck into football, but I always thought it was unfair.

"I enjoyed playing with friends, but then a few years later, I started at St Mary's Primary, and got to play for the school team. I did alright and I loved getting a game.

"There was just me and two other girls on the team, and the boys didn't like it, but when we played, they realised what we could do, and I was just another player.

"A girl can be just as good as a boy at football, and they welcomed me with open arms when they saw what I could do."

In 1999, she got the dream move to Miami. She recalled: "When I got the scholarship, it was so amazing.

"My mum was delighted, she and my family had always said I had to study, that football was going to be a hobby and I would have to get a real job.

"But I got the scholarship, and I have a degree as well, which makes them very happy and they are very delighted for me.

I'm very lucky and am so pleased with what I have been able to do." Despite having lived in the US since she was a teenager, and having been born there, Ifeoma said that when it came to international football, there was only ever one country she was going to represent - Scotland.

With African parents, and an American passport due to her place of birth, she was also eligible for Nigeria, and despite interest from the all-conquering Team USA, who won the Women's World Cup in 1999, Ifeoma didn't need much time to think about her international honours.

She said: "I was born in Massachusetts and am also eligible for Nigeria, but I've only ever been there once when I was a kid, and all my memories are of Scotland - it's my country.

"In 2004, I was concentrating on getting into club football, but the Scotland coachVera Pauw called and asked me to come along to a training camp in Greece. I went along and had a great time.

"A month later, I got a call from the US coach, and she invited me to a training camp in April. But it was going to clash with a match Scotland had against Ukraine which was going to be my first game for my country.

"I decided I'd go to the US camp, but a week before it, I told them I wasn't interested, because you should be excited about playing for your national team and I just wasn't. There was only one team I really wanted to play for, and that was Scotland.

"You've got to go with your heart. It has to be an honour and a privilege and I just knew Scotland was the team for me." Since then, Ifeoma has gathered 43 caps as the heart of Scotland's defence, but it is her club career that is about to hit the next level.

After being a star for the Miami-based Panthers for several years, and graduating in 2003, she also got to enjoy a first, brief, taste of professional football with the former pro team Atlanta Beat.

She was signed up to the side in the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA), but unfortunately for her, the team folded along with the rest of the old women's league just a few months later.

In that time, she played twice against Scotland team-mate Julie Fleeting, who had just beaten her to become the first Scots woman to play in America with rivals, the San Diego Spirit, a year earlier.

Wusa folded in 2003 due to financial problems, shortly after Ifeoma's side Atlanta had lost the final championship game in extra time, but a restructuring of the sport in the last six years has led to the creation of the all new organisation, Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), which is launched in April.

Ifeoma has spent the time since her brief pro stint wisely, however.

She has been working all around the world, playing for successful sides in the Swedish and Cypriot womens' leagues at various times of the year. But every international footballer wants to be a professional, and Ifeoma said she is delighted to be back.

She said: "It was great to play with the Beats. To play in a professional league was amazing, and it was nice to go up against Julie a couple of times.

"But I can't wait for the new league to start. I knew when I signed for the Beat that the league might not last long, but I thought I would have to try it as I might never get another chance.

"So to actually get a second chance at playing professionally is amazing.

"How many girls get to live out their dream of growing up to play football for a living? This is what I've always wanted to do, and I'm going to make sure I enjoy every minute of it.

"There are a lot of Scots expats out in America, so hopefully they'll come along and cheer for us." Ifoema joined the new league last year, and when she was placed on the roster for the drafts, she was among the first picks for her new side, the Chicago Red Stars.

Red Stars head coach Emma Hayes told Record Woman: "Effie is an international class defender who has experience at the highest level.

"She is fast, reads the game very well, and is composed with the ball at her feet.

She is a gem." While she is about to embark on her latest adventure, Ifeoma always keeps her eye on the women's scene in Scotland.

She said: "Julie Fleeting has done so much for the Scottish game, playing in the US and getting so many goals for her country. It's been great for girls who want to play, because they can see the senior team and realise they can play football if they want to.

"Celtic have their ladies side, and now Rangers have one as well, so it's all going well, but we need more men's clubs to get behind the league for it to get stronger.

"But I'm not sure if I'll ever come back to play in it, I have been living in Miami for the last 10 years and I get to train in the sun every day.

"I don't think I could cope with the Scottish weather."

By Brian McIver Daily Record

BRIT INVASION...PART 4

With Eniola Aluko not suiting up (haha American term) this week as St Louis Athletica had a bye week there were just 5 Brits taking part on day 3 of the WPS.
Machine!!
Top player for me this week was Boston Breakers Alex Scott. Having her best game so far, Scott seems to have settled into the formation and way of playing for the Breakers. Many people's and sports writer's who were at the match.. player of the match. She shackled Washington Freedoms Sonia Bompastor. She was up and down the right side of the field like a machine and got her self an assist to boot on Christine Latham's goal with a cross onto Latham's head from the right. Getting better and better as she gels more with the team.She is going to get a goal one day mark my words.


Solid Solid Solid!!
Anchoring a somewhat weakened defence due to suspension Chicago Red Stars Ifeoma Dieke once again was outstanding in the match,earning praise from the FSC commentators. With the star studded offence of the Red Stars stuttering in the past 2 games the spotlight has fallen on the defenders who were relatively unknown..well now heading into week 5 they are the names that people are taking notice of as they have propped this team up. None more than Dieke. She had the speed , tactical awareness and composure to shut out the forwards of Sky Blue FC.Kate(Markgraf) who?..sing the Red Stars fans.

Skill!
Stroked home a penalty to send the Boston Breakers on their way to another win. Kelly Smith is now in joint place in the goal scoring charts with Marta.3 goals in as many games, she is a player who is on form. Proving to those that know the game and those that don't that she is the best player in the world bar Marta.Once again Smith showed great skill, technique and class in a game that was very tight in the 1st half. No room to move in the midfield although Smith had the skill and technique to make room for herself.Seems to be enjoying herself in the league with this new lease of life. Can only get better.Yikes!!

Work It!!

Chicago Red Stars Karen Carney put in an impressive work rate in the terrible rainy conditions against Sky Blue FC. Played down both wings through out the game swapping wings with Megan Rapinoe. This allowed the Red Stars to get more width and attack more, playing better than they did in the previous 2 games. Had a couple of looks at goal but nothing came of them. Will get better once Chicago offense gets going. The potential of a Carney, Cristiane sync was there to see.

Experience!!

Anita Asante showed her experience by keeping out Cristiane and the Red Stars in a relatively inexperienced Sky Blue FC backline. Still without defender Christie Rampone , Asante had to appear big and guide her team to their 2nd draw in a row. With Chicago on the attack most of the match she was kept busy and helped her side keep there first clean sheet. Strong in the tackle she snuffed out any clear cut chances the Red Stars had.Up next the towering Norwegians back in England for the international friendly with Norway this Thursday. Asante will come back to England a better player for sure.

WPS PREVIEW WEEK 4

haha love this pic!


CHICAGO RED STARS v. NJ/NY SKY BLUE FC Sun 19th April 6pm ET Live on FSC, matchtracker

Televised game is from Toyota Park in Illinois. Chicago's first home game. They are the last team in the WPS to have their opening home match and they are expecting nearly 10,000 to attend.
The Red Stars are still unbeaten with great defensive displays against St Louis Athletica which they won and Washington Freedom where they were down to 10 men for the last 30 minutes of the match holding on for a 1-1 draw. With the defenders on top of their game including Scotland's Ifeoma Dieke and GK Caroline Jonsson look for another strong match from them although left-back Captain Frida Ostberg will be suspended. It's the offence that needs to be seen more. Although Lindsey Tarpley has scored 2 goals already look for the midfielders including Carli Lloyd to show more in front of their home fans. Karen Carney has said on twitter that her parents have flown over for the match, so expect her to have a blinder.Brazil star Cristiane should start from the off.
Sky Blue FC having battled back to a draw in their last match should have Captain Christie Rampone recovered from a slight hamstring strain. Look for Heather O'Reilly to once again put in a great performance and continue her quest for goals.This game will be a battle in midfield with both teams having talented players in there and the first goal will be key. Australian striker Sarah Walsh looking to have a good game also as she linked up well with O'Reilly and both said they enjoy playing together as they are on the same page on the pitch.
My prediction a score draw(both teams looking to start their seasons really).

BRIT INVASION ....PART 3

All the British girls started the matches this weekend. With Kelly Smith for the Boston Breakers and Scottish star Ifeoma Dieke for Chicago Red Stars having outstanding games.
Kelly notched her 2nd goal of the campaign and an assist to Kristine Lilly in the match against St Louis Athletica. Once again she was also involved in a scuffle with Swedish international Sara Larsson.

Smith brings competitive edge from Arsenal

"It's always going to be physical in a league like this, there's some big girls out there, strong, but that's part of the game and you're going to get knocked, it's going to be a 50-50 battle going on all over the field. We'll just make sure it's Boston Breakers that win the majority of them."

It's this competitive streak that led Smith to be the top Arsenal player, the top English national team striker, and three times nominated for FIFA's world's best player, beaten out only by Marta. And Smith has big plans for the Boston Breakers.

"Every day in practice we're getting better, we're looking sharper. Like we said before, the team that we are now is not the team we're going to be come the end of the season, we're going to be a lot, lot, better, so we're looking forward to that."

Ifeoma Dieke led her side to an away draw after going down to 10 men against the Washington Freedom and Abby Wambach when LB Frida Ostberg was sent off in 63mins. Dieke was composed and strong and shackled Australian internation Lisa DeVanna and Wambach. Behind gk Caroline Jonsson she was Chicago's best outfield player.

Kaz Carney had an ok game but with the Red Stars midfield misfiring scoring oppertunities were rare for her. Anytime she had the ball she took the fight towards Washington's defence causing them a few problems. Worked well with Cristiane when she came on in the 2nd half.Never stopped running which led to her getting cramp in stoppage time.

Alex Scott by all accounts had a great game for the Breakers. Dissappointed with her own game in the 1st match against FC Gold Pride i guess she had something to prove. With her mum and friends from England in the crowd she put on a great defensive display against the speedy forwards of St Louis. Earning a yellow card in the 78th minute for bringing down Lori Chalupny.

Anita Asante started in the back for Sky Blue FC again without Captain Christie Rampone. She was solid and dominant in the air.

Eniola Aluko had a night to forget in Boston. Having started the match up front for Athletica with Kerri Hanks after a few runs and one shot at the end of the half she was sustituted by Coach Jorge Barcellos for the 2nd half. Athletica need her and all their strikers to be on the same page and put the ball in the back of the net.