Washington Freedom v NJ Sky Blue FC Highlights

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WASHINGTON FREEDOM 1 - 2 NJ SKY BLUE FC

Sky Blue FC claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Washington Freedom at the Maryland SoccerPlex yesterday to advance to the Super Semi-Finals of the WPS against Saint Louis Athletica.

Natasha Kai and Francielle both came off the bench to score with Francielle’s game-winning goal coming in the 84th minute.

With a 4 p.m. kickoff, the game was played in stifling 92-degree heat and that slowed the pace of the game noticeably.Sky Blue FC held the upper hand in the first half with a 14-5 advantage in shots. Rosana had a great chance in the seventh minute but volleyed right at Freedom keeper Erin McLeod. In the 21st minute, McLeod charged out the block a chance by Kerri Hanks, who started in place of Kai up front.

Washington did not create many chances in the first half. Abby Wambach and Lisa DeVanna did not make the impacts as expected and they looked like they were not on the same page.The whole first half they didn't manage a shot on goal.

In the second half, the Freedom started to create and play well. Ali Krieger hit a great chance over from close range less than two minutes in.

But the game turned in the 54th minute when Kai was substituted in for Hanks. With fresh legs against a tiring defence Kai latched on to a ball from Kacey White, stole the ball away from Cat Whitehill by sneaking in from behind her and rounded McLeod to put Sky Blue 1- nil up.

Washington were shocked into a response as Wambach shot right at Jenni Branam in the 61st minute and then Branam made a key save seven minutes later tipping a blast by Krieger off the crossbar.

The Freedom goal came in the 78th minute off a long ball played forward into the box. Branam charged off her line to box the ball and collided into Wambach in the process. The ball went right to De Vanna and the Australian striker nailed a shot just under the crossbar beating two defenders on the line to tie the score at 1-1.

It looked like the game was going to overtime when in the 84th minute Francielle received a pass from Yael Averbuch to the left side. She froze a defender with a move off the dribble and then unleashed a low shot from 20 yards that nicked off the fingertips of McLeod and into the lower right corner. McLeod should have saved the shot but it just sneaked in the inside of the post.

Sky Blue held out for the win by playing keep ball and making Washington run after the ball which they couldn't do in the searing heat.

Well deserved victory for Sky Blue and Interim player/coach Christie Rampone which keeps their season alive after so many off the field disturbances.They will travel directly to St. Louis to prepare for the WPS Super Semifinal at the Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo.



Washington Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabarra

"It's difficult to play the same team twice in a row at home.They had a specific game plan, and we didn't get a goal to force them out of it. We let it play into their game plan. It was a very average performance."

On missing Sonia Bompastor

"She has been our security blanket."


Washington Freedom Forward Abby Wambach

"It was a game with a team like them, who were just keeping possession and getting crosses in the box, against a team like us, who were trying to get in behind on the transition. When you have two teams playing those opposite systems, and if we had gotten a little bit lucky, the result could have been totally different."



Interim Player/ Coach Christie Rampone

"I think the heat is just how you handle it. I was telling the girls that everyone was hot – deal with it and make the ball work. I think it definitely slowed the game for both sides but I think we got the better of it; pinging the ball around, especially late in the game, you could see when we were spraying the ball they didn’t want to make the 20-yard run. The key was keeping the ball and not giving away too many balls in the middle.

After our goal, I really felt like the team settled in and even though they scored, I still felt pretty confident in the team. A couple minutes after the goal they had a little momentum but we got it back. They left Fran wide open and she hit a good shot and we finished out better than we normally do."

Sky Blue FC forward Natash Kai

"I knew I needed to come in and help the team out and give that extra fire, that spark.The ball went over and I just saw Kacey with the ball. I don’t know if she was trying to shoot it or if it was more like a half cross. It had a weird spin to it and I knew Cat (Whitehill) had no idea I was behind her. I knew that if I beat her to the ball it was an easy goal for me.

They came back and scored a great goal but then Fran came in and finished an awesome ball. This is what we needed to do – coming into the playoffs we needed to score and play defense as a team. Our three subs that came in played strong and helped the team out."

Lineups:

Washington Freedom: Erin McLeod; Sarah Senty, Cat Whitehill, Becky Sauerbrunn, Ali Krieger; Lori Lindsey (Sarah Huffman 73'), Jill Gilbeau (Alex Singer 46'), Homare Sawa, Rebecca Moros (Allie Long 59'); Lisa De Vanna, Abby Wambach(C).

Sky Blue FC: Jenni Branam; Jen Buczkowski, Keeley Dowling, Meghan Schnur, Christie Rampone(C) ; Yael Averbuch, Collette McCallum (Francielle 61'), Heather O'Reilly, Kacey White (Kelly Parker 71'); Rosana, Kerri Hanks (Natasha Kai 54').

WASHINGTON FREEDOM 3 - 1 NJ SKY BLUE FC

Two goals and an assist from forward Abby Wambach propelled the Washington Freedom to a 3-1 win over Sky Blue FC on Saturday night at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

With the win, Washington clinches a playoff spot and the third seed in the WPS Playoffs, meaning they will host next week’s first round match against either Sky Blue FC or the Boston Breakers

Washington came out attacking early and was the better team in the first half. After heading the ball just over the bar in the 14th minute, Rebecca Moros set up the opening goal for the Freedom in the 19th minute when she crossed a ball in from the right side for Wambach to finish from close range.

Sky Blue FC put together a prolonged offensive spurt later in the opening half but came away empty from its efforts. In the 33rd minute, Yael Averbuch played a nice ball behind for Natasha Kai and the Sky Blue FC striker lifted the ball over charging Freedom keeper Erin McLeod but wide of the goal. A minute later, Heather O'Reilly sent a serve into the box that Rosana headed wide and in the 36th minute, Kacey White lined a deflection off an O'Reilly cross over the bar.
In the 44^th minute, Rosana got loose down the right wing and cracked a shot from about 12 yards out, but McLeod leapt to her right and parried the shot over the goal.

Washington struck for a timely goal four minutes into the second half on 48th minute thanks to the Lisa De Vanna-Wambach combination. De Vanna carried the ball up the left side and sent a great low cross through the box for Wambach to finish easily into an open goal at the far post.

Rosana brought Sky Blue FC back within one with a 23-yard bomb to the top left corner of the goal in the 53^rd minute.

However, Washington responded four minutes later to regain the two-goal edge by a goal by De Vanna. Wambach sent in a hard, low cross from the right for the Australian striker to touch inside the left post from eight yards out.

Sky Blue again got chances towards the end of the half but were unable to convert.

Kai penetrated the Freedom defense and fired a shot, which McLeod got a glove on, it was cleared off the line by Becky Sauerbrunn. And in the 85th minute Rosana saw her curling free-kick from 25 yards out hit the crossbar.

The Freedom held on for the win and a playoff spot.

Both teams now await the result between the Boston Breakers and Los Angles Sol on Sunday to learn whether the Freedom will be hosting Boston or Sky Blue FC in the First Round match on August 15th.


Washington Head Coach Jim Gabarra

“We have won three in a row at home and are playing our best soccer of the season,Trending upward as a team heading into the playoffs is great and being able to play at home is huge for us.”


Washington Freedom forward Abby Wambach

"It's huge,Obviously now we're going to be watching who wins the game tomorrow [between] Boston and L.A. . . . We're glad to have the playoff game here. We feel that this environment that the Washington Freedom community puts out is an environment that is playoff [comparable] almost every game."


Lineups:

Washington Freedom: Erin McLeod; Sarah Senty, Cat Whitehill, Becky Sauerbrunn, Ali Krieger; Lori Lindsey (Jill Gilbeau 71'), Sonia Bompastor (Allie Long 90+'), Homare Sawa, Rebecca Moros (Joanna Lohman 84'); Lisa De Vanna, Abby Wambach(C).

Sky Blue FC: Jenni Branam; Christie Rampone(C), Anita Asante, Meghan Schnur (Jen Buczkowski 68'), Keeley Dowling; Kelly Parker (Collette McCallum 45'), Heather O'Reilly, Yael Averbuch, Rosana; Kacey White, Natasha Kai.

AUSTRALIA DAY!!

So i've been accused of being biased in my support for my fellow countrywomen(The Brits) in the WPS from some of my colleagues..mainly my Australian colleague Bluey..no actually he is called Tom.(Thommo ! ) haha.

Anyway...as it's the summer of the Ashes - (cricket - England v Australia) and all is fair in love and war, this post is dedicated to the Matilda's in the WPS. Fair Dinkum!



Heather Garriock- Chicago Red Stars

Is the most capped Australian on the current team(Captain Cheryl Salisbury has retired on 151 caps) with 111 with 19 goals scored.
Heather has been to the 2003 and 2007 World Cup scoring in both.
Plays for Sydney FC in Australia's professional league the Westfield W-League.
2008 wasn't a good year with Sydney FC as Garriock their Captain was out injured for most of the season but managed to tally 4 appearances and 1 goal.
Garriock was drafted to Chicago Red Stars but again been sidelined with injuries having only played 20 minutes in 2 games so far.
Top midfielder when healthy is one of the best in the world with her industry and take control.



Lydia Williams - Chicago Red Stars

Back-up goalie behind no1 Melissa Barbieri at only 21 yrs of age Williams looks set to make a splash in Australian women's soccer.
Already with 18 national caps, Williams is well thought of as she is strong, agile and quick.
The starting GK for Canberra United in the Westfield W-League , Williams took her team to the final, missing out on the 2008 Inaugural Championship to the Brisbane Roar.Williams played in all 12 games.
Drafted to Chicago Red Stars to continue her learning of the game as understudy to top Swedish GK Caroline Jonsson.

Sarah Walsh - Saint Louis Athletica

Explosive forward Walsh made her mark for the Matilda's at the 2004 Olympic Games and 2007 World Cup.
57 Caps 26 goals. It could have been , should have been many more if it wasn't for various knee injuries and a broken leg. Walsh has had 2 ACL injuries. Despite this she is one of the fastest forwards in the world.
Famous in Australia for scoring the 1st goal of the Matilda's 2007 World Cup campaign and her war paint on her face.(see picture -right).Walsh is a favourite with fans who like her fun nature and bundles of energy.
Plays for her home town Sydney FC in Australia's Westfield W-League, although only played 2 games due to injury.
Drafted to NJ Sky Blue FC, Walsh played 5 games scoring 1 goal but has been blighted by a hamstring injury.
In June Walsh was traded to Saint Louis Athletica. No appearances as of yet for them.







Lisa DeVanna - Washington Freedom

At age 24 De Vanna is a seasoned pro for the Matilda's.
58 Caps and 20 goals she combines with Sarah Walsh to make one of the fastest forward lines in Women's soccer worldwide.
Usualy coming of the bench DeVanna is known for her explosive pace , directness to goal and impact on a game.
Top scorer for the Matilda's in the 2007 World Cup with 4 goals. Named in the 2007 World Cup All Star team and was the 2nd ever Australian to be nominated for 2007 Fifa World Player of The Year.
Played for the Perth Glory in the Westfield W-League in 2008 scoring 3 goals in 7 matches.
Drafted to the Washington Freedom in 2009. DeVanna has improved her game and fitness by playing 15 matches and scoring 5 goals.







Collette McCallum - NJ Sky Blue FC

Scottish born Australian ( Glasgow) , McCallum is recognised as being one of the most talented up in coming midfielders in women's soccer.
49 caps 7 goals for the Matilda's she made her mark in 2007 World Cup scoring a goal against Canada helping to put Australia through to the Quarter-Finals.
Possessed with a lethal left foot McCallum has the vision and the ability to pick out teamates with one pass. She is also a dead ball specialist. A midfield maestro for the Matilda's McCallum supplies the passes for her speedy teamates.
2008 won the W-League Championship with Pali Blues.
Played for the Perth Glory in Australia's pro League Westfield W-League also in 2008.
Post Discovery for NJ Sky Blue FC. 15 games played 2 assists.




The Matilda's in WPS. A talented bunch that will surely make their mark in the 2011 World Cup along with the rest of their national teamates. With the professional Westfield W-League starting their 2nd season in October this year more gems will likely be found for the national team making Australia a team to watch in the soccer world.

Most if not all the WPS player will go back and play for their Australian clubs after the WPS season is finished to once again help their sport grow in the land down under.

NJ Sky BlueFC V Washington Freedom Highlights

NJ SKY BLUE 4 - 4 WASHINGTON FREEDOM

In an evenly-played match with end-to-end action, Sky Blue FC and Washington Freedom traded goals back-to-back in the early minutes of each half to keep the fans on the edge of their seats. Both Natasha Kai and Kacey White finished with two goals each for Sky Blue FC while Lisa De Vanna connected twice for the Freedom to go along with single scores by Cat Whitehill and Sonia Bompastor.

The action started quickly as the Freedom connected just 3:41 into the match. Alli Krieger carried the ball up the right side before crossing into the middle for Bompastor, who flicked a header inside the far post for the 1-0 lead. Just 1:14 later, Sky Blue FC tied the game at 1-1 when Heather O’Reilly sent a cross in from the left side and a wide open Kai easily touched the ball in from five yards out.

The teams traded chances again midway through the opening half with Rebecca Moros sending in a cross that deflected off the crossbar in the 21st minute. Less than two minutes later, Keeley Dowling struck a shot from distance that eluded Freedom keeper Erin McLeod but bounded off the left post.

Sky Blue FC struck for its second goal in the 27th minute following a scramble in the box after a corner kick. Dowling sent the ball toward the goal and White finished in acrobatic fashion, lifting her leg high to flick the ball into the upper left corner with the outside of her foot.

The Freedom had two chances before halftime as Abby Wambach’s shot from an angle gave Sky Blue FC keeper Jenni Branam a bit of trouble in the 39th minute and then Whitehill blasted a freekick right at Branam in stoppage time.

The second half started off with a bang as White scored an accidental goal just 27 seconds in. The Sky Blue FC forward’s cross from the left side went over the head of McLeod and deflected off the inside of the far, right post into the goal.

Just 58 seconds later, the Freedom responded to cut the lead to 3-2 on a goal by De Vanna. Bompastor crossed the ball in from the left and the Australian striker buried a header from five yards out.

Washington kept up the pressure and three minutes later, Wambach banged a first-time shot from eight yards out off the right post. In the 54th minute, the Freedom tied the match when Wambach chipped forward to De Vanna, who beat the offside trap and carried into the box before cutting past Branam and rolling a shot into the open goal.

Branam kept the score tied with two strong saves. In the 68th minute, the Sky Blue FC keeper dove to stop Bompastor, who attempted to sneak a free kick in at the near post from an angle. In the 76th minute, Branam made a diving stop off a header from Wambach.

Sky Blue FC seemed to have come up with the game-winner when Rosana fed Kai into the box for the first-time finish past a charging McLeod, but in a game as wild as this one that wasn’t the case. Two minutes into stoppage time, the ball took a surprising deflection off a Sky Blue FC player toward the goal and Branam did well to touch the ball off the crossbar to keep it out. However, Whitehill flew in to bury the rebound to tie the score at 4-4.

Washington could have or maybe should have had a penalty to win in the last 20 secs as Wambach was bundled over inside the box. Ref ignored the strong protests by the Freedom players and the bench.

Sky Blue was without their English star Anita Asante who was on international duty in England.

Sky Blue FC returns to action on Sunday when it hosts Faith Day at Yurcak Field. Kickoff is set at 4:30 p.m. as Sky Blue FC seeks to stake its claim for a playoff spot with a match against the Chicago Red Stars.

The Freedom now return how to host the second-place Saint Louis Athletica on Saturday, July 18 at 5pm ET/2pm PT (Comcast Sports Net Mid-Atlantic, KPLR in St. Louis and webcast at saintlouisathletica.com).

SKY BLUE FC COACH KELLY LINDSEY

On the past three games

I think they are doing really well right now and they are peaking at the right time and really starting to gel and come together so I think the next 2 or 3 weeks will be exciting for them to pull it together going into the playoffs and see if we can earn a spot.

On Kacey White and Natasha Kai’s performance

I think they are finally getting on the same page and connecting with each other by obviously scoring some goals today, which is great for them and good for their confidence. Overall I’m really proud of the way they are working together.

WASHINGTON FREEDOM COACH JIM GABARRA

On his team’s performance

It was great that they came back and continued to play for the full 90 minutes. The first half there was way too much standing around and reacting which put us in the hole we probably shouldn’t have been in. We went up by a goal and all the things we were doing we just stopped doing. You can’t do that against any team in this league.

Lineups:

Sky Blue FC – Jenni Branam; Julianne Sitch (Jen Buczkowski 58’), Keeley Dowling [Capt], Christie Rampone [Capt], Meghan Schnur; Heather O’Reilly [Capt], Yael Averbuch, Rosana, Collette McCallum, Natasha Kai (Kerri Hanks 87’), Kacey White (Kelly Parker 58’).

Washington Freedom – Erin McLeod; Sarah Senty (Alex Singer 46’), Becky Saurbrunn, Cat Whitehill, Ali Krieger; Sonia Bompastor, Homare Sawa, Lori Lindsey, Rebecca Moros (Allie Long 79’); Abby Wambach [Capt], Lisa De Vanna (Jill Gilbeau 86’).

Washington Freedom 2 - 1 Sky Blue FC

DeVanna magic!

The Washington Freedom claimed a 2-1 victory over Sky Blue FC at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. It was the 1st time since the WUSA days that the Freedom were playing at RFK Stadium and the 1st double-header with the MLS team DC United.
Washington named the same team that came away with a draw at Boston. Abby Wambach this time away on national team duty.Sky Blue FC on the other hand were without four starters with Christie Rampone and Heather O'Reilly (United States) and Kelly Parker (Canada) away for national team duty and Sarah Walsh was out with a hamstring injury.
Sky Blue FC had the better chances in the early going, but the Freedom took over as the opening half came to a close. In the eighth minute, Rosana made a nice move along the left sideline before crossing the ball to Kacey White in the box. White brought the ball down before striking a left-footed shot that was saved by Freedom keeper Erin McLeod.

Washington broke through in the 35th minute after earning a corner kick on the right side. Sonia Bompastor whipped the ball into the box and Cat Whitehill met the ball at the near post and flicked the ball into the goal.Washington continued to attack and in the 40th minute as Lisa De Vanna tried to sneak one in at the near post but missed wide. One minute later, Rebecca Moros had a goal disallowed after she received the final pass in an offside position.

The Freedom doubled the lead in the 43rd minute on a nice individual effort by De Vanna, who took advantage of a Sky Blue FC misplay, defender Anita Asante failing to trap a ball and miscontrolling it. De Vanna got the ball and carried it into the box from 40 yards out. After fending off the challenge of defender Keeley Dowling, the Australian striker rolled a shot inside the right post from 12 yards out.

Sky Blue FC came out strong in the second half and could have struck early on if not for a few great interventions from McLeod.

In the 47th minute, a nice combination between Kacey White and Natasha Kai left White behind in the left corner. White’s cross was deflected to the near post and McLeod had to tip the ball over the left post. On the following corner kick, Rosana snapped a header off the Collette McCallum serve but McLeod made a top-class diving save near the right post to parry the chance away.

Sky Blue FC finally broke through in the 66th minute on a play started by Jen Buczkowski on the right side of the midfield. She played a pass forward to the feet of Kai, who controlled the ball before slipping a perfect splitting ball behind for Rosana. The Brazilian midfielder was in alone and she slotted an easy finish into the lower right corner from 12 yards out.

Washington held on for a much needed win. There play improving and their defence showing some signs of resilience. Should set them up for a play-off place.

Sky Blue are in trouble. Not only on the field but off it as well. Head coach Ian Sawyer was suspended indefinatly by the club before the game. No information as to why as yet. Where do they go from here is any ones guess but as of right now they are short of confidence, in last place and well of the pace.

Washington Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabarra

On the first goal
“We’ve probably had a lot of corners; we hadn’t scored on any corner kicks so eventually the numbers game plays into that. I think Cat made a great run and Sonia’s been great with her serve.”

On the second goal

“They were a little tired and beat in the back and they were losing the ball, they weren’t having good touches. I actually yelled to Lisa, ‘come on, you’ve got to work’ and she stepped and pressed [the Sky Blue defense] and stole the ball and went on a breakaway and finished it nicely.”

Sky Blue FC Interim Head Coach Kelly Lindsey

On the final minutes of the game

"It felt good - our team did well, our bench was up, the fans were into it. I thought there were a lot of goal scoring opportunities and there were some dangerous moments and I think everyone enjoyed the last 15-20 minutes of the game."

Lineups:

Washington Freedom – Erin McLeod; Becky Sauerbrunn, Cat Whitehill (Capt), Alex Singer, Jill Gilbeau (Lisa DeDyker 64’); Homare Sawa, Sonia Bompastor, Lori Lindsey; Rebecca Moros, Lisa De Vanna (Parissa Eyorokon 78’), Allie Long (Emily Janss 90’)

Sky Blue FC – Jenni Branam; Julianne Sitch, Anita Asante (Capt), Keeley Dowling (Capt), Meghan Schnur; Jen Buczkowski, Collette McCallum; Yael Averbuch (Christie Shaner 67’), Rosana (Mele French 79’); Kacey White, Natasha Kai (Noelle Keselica 67’)

WPS PREVIEW WEEK 3

This weekends matches all take place on Saturday April 11th.

Washington Freedom (0-1) v. Chicago Red Stars (1-0) 6pm ET FSC

Having had a bye week last weekend Washington have had time to work on their chemsitry & tactics and how to get more players in attack to support Abby Wambach which was missing in the inaugural match. Coach Jim Gabarra wants the players to play faster & more together. He believes that will come the more games they play together. Look for better games from Japan's Homare Sawa and Lisa De Vana the Australian international.
The Red Stars were lucky to get a win...(Carli Lloyd's words not mine) against St Louis but their defence was strong. Look for them to get their attacking players more involved. Megan Rapinoe should be recovered from her illness, Karen Carney once again should be involved a lot more in attack and Coach Emma Hayes has indicated Cristiane is fit & will be involved.
My Prediction 2-1 Away win for Chicago.

Boston Breakers (0-1) v. St Louis Athletica (0-1) 7pm ET

With both teams coming off opening match losses i expect an open attacking match.
Boston underachieved in all areas of the pitch. Heather Mitts in her blog said that apart from Kelly Smith, they didn't turn up. US national team player Angela Hucles and Kacey Moore need to make a dent in midfield. They were nowhere in the 1st game.Canadian forward Christine Latham was static upfront, maybe the speedy Kelly Schmedes should get a look from the start as she created more than the former when she was introduced as a sub.
St Louis Athletica are waiting on the state of defender Tina Ellerton who came off due to injury before deciding on their line-up.Unlucky to lose, Coach Barcellos is looking for players to put the ball in the back of the net. Talented Notre Dame midfielder Amanda Cinalli could be back in the starting line-up, which will help former Notre Dame teammate forward Kerri Hanks get more into the game.Look for a better game from the Brazillian Daniela after spending more time with her teamates. She only arrived a few days before the first game.
My prediction a score draw. ( A cop-out ..i know. haha).


Sky Blue FC (0-1) v. FC Gold Pride (1-0) 7.45pm ET

Sky Blue look to bounce back from a dissapointing loss to LA Sol. Captain Christie Rampone hopes to be fit after suffering a hamstring twinge in their first game. I hope she is fit too. The defence without her was slow and with Gold Prides' speedy forwards i worry about the Blues.
Natasha Kai needs to show more.
FC Gold Pride have an injury of their own to overcome. Brazilian defender Erika suffered a broken nose in the 1st game and is not considered for the game. Coach Albertin Montoya has said that Notre Dame defender Carrie Dew will start in defence. Look for Tino DiMartino to start in midfield and for Gold Pride to attack again from the outset.
My Prediction a 2-1 away win to FC Gold Pride.