WPS UPDATE

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.

LOS ANGELES SOL 0 - 1 NJ SKY BLUE FC

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 SUPER SEMI-FINAL - PLAYOFF

Saint Louis Athletica v NJ Sky Blue FC Wed Aug 19th 7pm ET Live FSC, Webcast and audio Team1380


Saint Louis Athletica will host their first ever playoff game Wednesday night when they face Sky Blue FC in the WPS Super Semifinal at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park.

The winner of the match will go on into the WPS Championship game on August 22nd in Los Angeles where they will meet the regular season champions the Los Angeles Sol.

Saint Louis earned the privilege of hosting the semifinal by finishing in second place in the regular season. Sky Blue FC got to this stage by defeating the Washington Freedom on Saturday 2-1 in the 1st round playoff match.

Athletica come into the match with confidence on a 5 game unbeaten streak. English striker Eniola Aluko and Swedish defender Sara Larsson will not be available as they are in preparations with their national teams for Euro 2009.

Aluko is a big lost to Athletica as her goals have helped push them up to the top of the standings. However in the last few games forwards Sarah Walsh, previously of Sky Blue FC and Christie Welsh have kept Athletica going, with Welsh in particular scoring 3 goals in the last two matches.

Sky Blue come into the match on a wave of emotions. After the off-field problems in the last few weeks they were not fancied to even advance to the playoffs nevermind beat the Freedom to the Super Semi-Final spot.The player's are right behind their Captain and Coach Christie Rampone.
Goalkeeper Jenni Branam who was hurt when she collided with Abby Wambach on Saturday is fit to start.

This will be the fourth meeting between the teams with Saint Louis holding a 3-0-0 record. The first game was a 1-0 win for Athletica as Amanda Cinalli scored the winning goal. The second matchup was also a Saint Louis win. Elise Weber scoring a late 84th minute goal to notch a 2-1 road victory. The third match resulted in a 1-0 Athletica win. Eniola Aluko scoring the only goal.

WPS ALL-STAR XI UPDATED

Women’s Professional Soccer announced the complete selections to its 18-player 2009 WPS All-Star Team on Friday. Five players were automatic selections as the next-highest vote-getters to replace players from the First XI who are unavailable due to the 2009 European Championships including Alex Scott (D, Boston Breakers), Kelly Smith (M, Boston Breakers), Camille Abily (M, Los Angeles Sol), Eniola Aluko (F, Saint Louis Athletica) and Sonia Bompastor (M, Washington Freedom). The changes to the First XI based on votes received (bolded; listed by position, club team and national team):

WPS All-Star Team Starters

Name	Position - Team	Country
Karina LeBlanc	GK - Los Angeles Sol	Canada
Tina Ellertson	D - Saint Louis Athletica	United States
Amy LePeilbet	D - Boston Breakers	United States
Christie Rampone	D - Sky Blue FC	United States*
Formiga	M - FC Gold Pride	Brazil*
Aya Miyama	M - Los Angeles Sol	Japan*
Shannon Boxx	M - Los Angeles Sol	United States
Lori Chalupny	M - Saint Louis Athletica	United States
Megan Rapinoe	M - Chicago Red Stars	United States*
Cristiane	F - Chicago Red Stars	Brazil*
Marta	F - Los Angeles Sol	Brazil

*next highest vote-getter to replace First XI

In addition, WPS All-Star Team Head Coach Abner Rogers and WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci named an additional seven at-large players to the roster, including:

WPS All-Star Team At-Large Selections (Commissioner/All-Star Team Head Coach)

Name	Position - Team	Country
Brittany Klein	M - Chicago Red Stars	United States
Kristine Lilly	F- Boston Breakers	United States
Heather O'Reilly	M - Sky Blue FC	United States
Christine Sinclair	F - FC Gold Pride	Canada
Hope Solo	GK - Saint Louis Athletica	United States
Abby Wambach	F - Washington Freedom	United States
Cat Whitehill	D - Washington Freedom	United States

WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci

“This is a fantastic roster of talented players who together make up a world class WPS All-Star Team that will put on a great show of soccer in St. Louis,I can’t think of a better way to end our terrific inaugural season than by celebrating our league’s teams and players with a weekend soccer festival right in the heart of America.”

WPS ALL-STAR STARTING XI ANNOUNCED

WPS has announced the starting XI for the first ever All-Star lineup.

The players were selected based on votes by fans (25%), media (25%), coaches (25%) and players (25%).

Los Angeles Sol coach Abner Rogers was voted for by the players.

Some of the players voted into the starting line-up will not take part in the inaugural All-Star game against Swedish side Umeå IK at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in Fenton, MO, on Sunday, August 30th .They will be replaced by the next-highest vote-getters at that position announced later this week. A total of 18 WPS players will be part of the WPS All-Star Team with the WPS Commissioner and the All-Star Game Head Coach selecting the other seven WPS All-Star Team members.

Lineup:

GK
Karina LeBlanc CAN
(Los Angeles Sol)

Defender Defender Defender
Alex Scott ENG Amy LePielbet USA Tina Ellertson USA
(Boston Breakers) (Boston Breakers) (Saint Louis Athletica)



Midfielder Midfielder Midfielder
Camille Abilly FRA Shannon Boxx USA Sonia Bompastor FRA
(Los Angeles Sol) (Los Angeles Sol) (Washington Freedom)

Midfielder Midfielder
Lori Chalupny USA Kelly Smith ENG
(Saint Louis Athletica) ( Boston Breakers)




Forward Forward
Eniola Aluko ENG Marta BRA
(Saint Louis Athletica) (Los Angeles Sol)



For more information see HERE

HOPE POWELL NAMES EURO 2009 SQUAD

England women's football coach Hope Powell has named her squad of 22 for the UEFA Women's Euro 2009 Championship in Finland.

Powell said this afternoon that she has named a squad that is versatile and experienced with some exciting young players.

A surprise inclusion in the sqaud is of goalkeeper Karen Bardsley from the WPS team Sky Blue FC. Bardsley was called up to the squad for the first time last month and got her 1st cap against Denmark.

Powell said that Bardsley has that experience and physical presence due to her being a full-time professional player and she has had her eye on her for a long time now.

The other big story is off the axe for England's most cap player Arsenal star Rachel Yankey.
Powell hinted that she isn't in the squad due to her attitude and that other players have performed better.

Everton players make up the bulk of the squad with 7 players, Chelsea are next with 4 and Arsenal with 3.

Karen Bardsley, Alex Scott, Anita Asante, Karen Carney, Kelly Smith and Eniola Aluko play their football in the USA in the new Women's Professional Soccer league (WPS).



SQUAD

Goalkeepers

1. Rachel Brown (Everton)
13.Siobhan Chamberlain (Chelsea)
22. Karen Bardsley (Sky Blue FC)


Defenders

2. Alex Scott (Boston Breakers)
3. Casey Stoney (Chelsea)
5. Lindsey Johnson (Everton)
6. Anita Asante (Sky Blue FC)
14. Faye White (Arsenal)
15. Rachel Unitt (Everton)
19. Laura Bassett (Arsenal)


Midfielders

4. Fara Williams (Everton)
7. Karen Carney (Chicago Red Stars)
8. Katie Chapman ( Arsenal)
10. Kelly Smith (Boston Breakers)
11. Sue Smith (Leeds Carnegie)
12. Jill Scott (Everton)
18. Emily Westwood(Everton)
20. Danielle Buet (Chelsea)


Forwards

9. Eniola Aluko (Saint Louis Athletica)
16. Jody Handley (Everton)
17. Lianne Sanderson ( Chelsea)
21. Jessica Clarke ( Leeds Carnegie)

WPS UPDATE

Playoff Picture

Week 18 didn’t do much to clarify the playoff picture but it did mark the official end of any post-season dreams for two WPS teams. With a loss Sunday to Washington, the Chicago Red Stars were officially eliminated from playoff contention, as was FC Gold Pride. The Bay Area side needed a victory over Saint Louis to stay in mathematical contention.

The Los Angeles Sol became the first team to clinch their seed in the WPS Playoffs Thursday with a scoreless draw against FC Gold Pride that gave the Sol the WPS Regular Season title. As champions of the regular season, Los Angeles earns the right to host the WPS Championship on August 22 at 4pm ET/1pm PT at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

But positions 2-5 in the WPS Standings are as jumbled as ever as Washington moved into a tie with Sky Blue FC for fourth-place with a game in hand over the New Jersey side. With nine games left in the WPS Regular Season, here’s a basic team-by-team playoff overview with this week’s clinching or elimination scenarios in the current order of the standings:

1.) Los Angeles Sol – has clinched the WPS Regular Season title and a spot in the WPS Championship

2.) Saint Louis Athletica – will clinch a playoff spot and guarantee a home playoff game with a victory on Saturday vs. the Boston Breakers

3.) Boston Breakers – will clinch a playoff spot with a victory on Wednesday vs. the Washington Freedom and could clinch a home playoff game with two victories this week

4.) Washington Freedom – August 8th game vs. Sky Blue FC to close the season looms on the horizon as a key game if these two teams remain within three points of each other.

5.) Sky Blue FC – August 8th game vs. Washington Freedom to close the season looms on the horizon as a key game if these two teams remain within three points of each other.

6.) Chicago Red Stars – Eliminated from playoffs

7.) FC Gold Pride – Eliminated from playoffs

Standings

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
(C) L.A.	18	11	5	2	24	6	38
Saint Louis	17	8	3	6	15	14	27
Boston	17	7	4	6	17	16	25
Washington	17	6	5	6	26	28	23
Sky Blue	18	6	5	7	16	17	23
Chicago	18	4	5	9	15	22	17
Gold Pride	17	3	5	9	13	23	14

VOTE FOR YOUR WPS ALL-STARS!

WPS has opened up the voting to the public for your All-Stars team to take on the Swedish outfit Umeå IK.

Click here to vote

Sky Blue FC v Boston Breakers Highlights

How do you solve a problem like not scoring?

It’s great that the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is showcasing some of the best female soccer players in the world all in one league. We get to see the Brazilians Marta and Cristiane, the English international talents of Kelly Smith and Karen Carney and the best Americans in Abby Wambach and Carli Lloyd. One thing we are not seeing is goals. Or let me be blunt great shooting leading to lots of goals.Clinical finishing.
So far this season over halfway through a 20 game regular season , there has been 96 goals scored(not inc own goals). Impressive? Well not really when you hear that is from 487 shots on goal. Or even worse from 1128 total shots. I suppose you can say , well the goalkeepers have played well or at least the teams are creating chances. Or is it a case of teams having bad luck, hitting the woodwork etc.

Well it is all of the above and more. The more part being players not taking their chances, players not being composed, rushing their shots or just not knowing what to do in front of goal.

Never have we seen so many wayward shots or shots even I could save in the WPS. My only hope is that it’s just first year syndrome and we will see clinical shooting from more than a Marta, Abily or Smith.

To shoot 20 times in a match , with say more than half on target, either scoring a goal or not is not UNLUCKY….it’s time to call it what it is POOR FINISHING. Take note Sky Blue FC , Boston Breakers, Athletica, Red Stars, etc…ok every team apart from LA.

We are into the second half of the season, near the finishing line to gain that playoff spot. There are no second chances. Shoot the ball to either side of the goalkeeper with pace..it is really quite simple.



Paul Taylor -Independant Soccer report

NEW TEAM - ATLANTA BEAT

For all you budding soccer players out there WPS will have it's 9th team starting in the 2010 season.

Women’s Professional Soccer Commissioner Tonya Antonucci and Atlanta Team Owner Fitz Johnson today officially unveiled the Atlanta Beat as the ninth Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) franchise at a ceremony at downtown Atlanta’s Metro Chamber of Commerce with Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin in attendance. The Atlanta Beat join the Philadelphia Independence as expansion teams in WPS and will begin play in the 2010 WPS Season.

“We are excited and proud to add Atlanta as our ninth WPS franchise for 2010 and to have Fitz Johnson, who is such a passionate and dynamic businessman, as an owner in our growing league,” said WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci. “Atlanta is a soccer hotbed with its numerous youth leagues and tournaments, and the region has played host to some big time women’s soccer events over the years including the Olympics and WUSA championship games.”

The Atlanta Beat’s colors will be Ferrari Red and Gold and the team will be led by General Manager Shawn McGee, who was announced as the Beat’s GM by Fitz Johnson on Wednesday.

“We are thrilled to be bringing Women’s Professional Soccer to Atlanta for the 2010 season and are excited for this milestone announcement,” said Johnson. “As a team, we will feature the highest level of women’s soccer in the world and it is our goal to be entertaining, exciting and affordable for fans. We feel the new team name, the Atlanta Beat, embraces our city’s past support of a professional women’s soccer team. Our logo and colors are distinct and vibrant, representing the flavor of the warmth, and energy of this city. There is no question that a WPS franchise will diversify and add to Atlanta’s robust professional sports community.”

Atlanta entrepreneur T. Fitz Johnson, former CEO of Eagle Group International, LLC, leads the local WPS ownership group and is the team’s managing partner. A member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), Johnson holds an Advanced National Diploma from the organization and has extensive ties to soccer at the youth, collegiate, amateur and professional levels. Johnson is a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, having earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Kentucky, College of Law. Prior to serving as CEO of Eagle Group International, he served as the organization’s Chief Counsel, V.P. for Human Resources, Executive Vice President, COO, and President.

McGee was previously an associate athletics director at SMU and spent 10 years with FC Dallas in Major League Soccer.

Atlanta's Professional Women's Soccer History

From 2001-2003, Atlanta was home to the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) Atlanta Beat. The Beat were the only team in the WUSA to reach the playoffs every season and appeared in the League's Championship Game in 2001 and 2003.

Several scouts from all the teams including Atlanta and Philadelphia will be watching the Women's Euro 2009 championships in Finland looking for the next international stars to join the likes of Marta and Kelly Smith in the WPS. This is a great opportunity for the players to show what they are made of.

Kelly Smith Named WPS Player of the Month for April

High five!

England's Kelly Smith has had a great start to her 2nd stint as a professional footballer in the WPS. She agonised over her decision to leave Arsenal and try once again to elevate her game and live out her dreams. So far it's all going swimmingly well. Other people have also taken note.

Boston Breakers forward Kelly Smith was named the WPS Player of the Month, it was announced today by Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) for the month of April.

Smith becomes the league’s first-ever monthly award recipient. She scored goals in all three of the games she played during the month of April, leading the Breakers to a 2-1-0 record in those matches. The English National Team forward was an automatic nominee for the award after claiming the WPS Player of the Week award on April 12 for Week 3. Smith beat out two of her opponents for the next two weekends, Los Angeles Sol forward Marta and goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc, who finished second and third, respectively, for the monthly honor.

The award was selected by team ballots, media vote and online fan voting with each group accounting for one-third of the final tally. Nearly 1,000 fans voted at the league’s Fan Corner at http://fancorner.womensprosoccer.com to help select the winner.

In Boston’s home opener a week later, Smith was involved in both goals in the Breakers’ 2-0 win over Saint Louis Athletica. Smith scored the first goal and then provided the decisive pass on Kristine’s Lilly’s late goal to put the game out of reach. That performance led her to being named the WPS Player of the Week.

On April 18, Smith scored the league’s first-ever penalty kick to open the scoring in Boston’s first road victory, a 3-1 triumph over former WUSA rivals the Washington Freedom.

The England international is tied for the league lead in goals scored with Los Angeles’ Marta. Smith has finished as a finalist to Marta, the three-time reigning FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, in two of the past three years.

The WPS Player of the Month award is voted on at the end of each month by media, fans and teams. Nominees come from each of the WPS Player of the Week award winners during the month, and write-in votes are accepted. The weekly award is voted on by a panel of journalists from the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR).

Congratulations Kelly from all at Womens Soccer Insider.

ENGLISH GIRLS GET TO GRIPS WITH TWITTER!

Gunners trio!

These days, everyone is all a-Twitter about Twitter.

In just the past few months, Twitter has become the hot new media platform to link professional athletes directly to their fans. By receiving messages from athletes on their computers and directly as text messages to their phones, over 800,000 fans are following NBA players like Shaquille O'Neal or legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong.

Followers of professional players' "tweets" are allured by the behind-the-scenes access to an athlete's every move.

The WPS has been ahead of the trend, integrating the communication tool into the league site and its grassroots approach as much as possible. Over 20 WPS players are officially tweeting, giving fans a new take on their daily lives, including one trio of English internationals.

Alex Scott, Kelly Smith (Boston Breakers) and Karen Carney (Chicago Red Stars) are regularly tweeting, giving Twitter followers bouts of friendly banter each day about their training, the league and most recently the Chicago Red Stars thrashing of the Boston Breakers.

Smith tweeted, "finally back to Boston after a dreadful performance v. Chicago." Scott posted, "still hurting from getting beat 4-0, a game to forget, good goal Karen, will see you for a rematch soon, hehe." Fans also got an update from Karen about Chicago's bye week, "On my way to training no game this week = running."

However, these three players are not about to stream live status updates during a match — they say that, for them, it can be a distraction. But they do see the value of forming a unique connection with the league's fans.

"I think I heard about Twitter on TV and was curious as to what it was," said Boston defender Scott. "Since I signed up it has now become an everyday habit for me to go on there and update what I am doing, to talk or have some banter with Karen Carney." Scott, Smith and Carney have a combined total of 412 followers on Twitter.

Twitter updates, Scott says, give fans fresh insight into what players are doing on and off the field and an opportunity to learn more about the players; Carney agrees saying the more exposure the players and their teams get, the better for the league.



Extracts from Abigail LePeilbet, Special to FoxSoccer.com

WPS SCORE UPDATE

ST Louis Athletica 0 - 0 LA Sol

A penalty missed by both sides. Few chances by both. None the less an exciting game mostly played in midfield. Both GK were outstanding with LA sol's Karina LeBlanc making a spectacular save towards the end of the game.


Chicago Red Stars 4 - 0 Boston Breakers

Chicago unleashed their talented offence at Boston. Karen Carney amongst the goals.Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd & the impressive Brittany Klein getting the others. Alex Scott started, Kelly Smith on the bench but never came on. Boston were 3 nil down by half-time. Boston's midfield & forwards were nowhere. Memo to Boston.. you cannot just rely on Smith.


Full recap of both games coming soon.

WPS PREVIEW WEEK 5

Eniola Aluko

St.Louis Athletica Vs LA Sol Saturday April 25th 4pm ET

St Louis have yet to win or even score a goal. The Sol have yet to lose or concede a goal.I suppose something is got to give or maybe we will see a 0-0 draw, that way keeping their records intact.
Athletica are coming of a bye week. Hopefully they were putting extra work into finding ways to score a goal. Expect a few changes in the starting 11 from the last match. Eniola Aluko has just got back from England after playing a friendly against Norway. We will just have to see how the hectic schedule and travel has affected her.She May be on the bench.Brazilian Francielle and Swedish defender Sara Larsson will not be available as they will be playing each other in a friendly International match. Athletica need to pick up the pace, they are lagging behind the leaders in the table.
LA Sol will be without without the services of some key players including Brazilian Marta, France's Camille Abily and Chinese striker Han Duan due to them being away with their National teams. The Sol will miss Marta as she has been on fine form for them scoring in their last 2 matches. Midfielder Aya Miyamo and WPS Player of the Week Aly Wagner will need to pick up the playmaking duties in their absence. Strikers Liz Bogus and Christie Welsh may start, but Marta has big boots to fill. St Louis have never had a better chance.
My prediction: 1-1

A-ROD

Chicago Red Stars Vs Boston Breakers Saturday April 25th 8.30pm ET

An exciting match between two good teams where there will be some familiar faces getting reacquainted with each other. Chicago's English star Karen Carney who has just returned from playing the full 90 minutes for England against Norway on Thursday will be looking to get one over against former Arsenal teammates Kelly Smith and Alex Scott. Chicago coach Emma Hayes who was the assistant coach at Arsenal will also be looking forward to meeting with her former players.Brazilian Cristiane is still with the Brazil national team so will be unavailable. Captain Frida Ostberg returns from suspension. Lindsey Tarpley, Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe all had better games offensively for the Red Stars against Sky Blue FC last week. Look for them to continue this and striker Ella Masar should get her starting position back.
The Boston Breakers are sitting in 2nd place in the league coming of the back of two wins. They are brimming with confidence. Kelly Smith and Alex Scott also played the full 90 mins against Norway. Both indicated they would love to play against their former coach and teammate.It could be a test of endurance and physical conditioning for them. The Breakers will be looking for USWNT player Amy Rodriguez to step up. Rodriguez has started all 3 games for Boston but hasn't really shown what she can do. With Smith possibly suffering a little A-Rod could net her 1st goal in the league.
My prediction : 1-1


Abby Wambach

FC Gold Pride Vs Washington Freedom Sunday 26th April 6pm ET FSC

After last weekend’s losses, FC Gold Pride and Washington Freedom will battle for three points in the televised match on Sunday. With national team call-ups for star players on each team, line-up changes are evident. FC Gold Pride will play without key Brazilians starters, Formiga and Erika, as well as Brandi Chastain, while Washington lose Sonia Bompastor to the French National Team.
FC Gold Pride could be without defender Carrie Dew who suffered a sprained LCL during last week’s 1-0 loss to the Sol, but is listed as probable for Sunday’s match. Beyond the midfield, FC Gold Pride is counting on their forwards to have a big impact on Sunday’s game, with Eriko Arakawa, Tiffany Weimer, and Christine Sinclair combining very well together thus far despite Arakawa being the only one to record a goal.
Washington Freedom are looking for their sometime dominance in games to result in their 1st win to stay in touch with the leaders. Striker Abby Wambach will be keen to get on the scoring chart sooner rather than later.Coach Jim Gabarra believes Wambach’s time will come and that her presence on the field is an offensive advantage in itself. She will need to do it without Bompastor's service.Homare Sawa and Strike partner Lisa DeVanna need to elevate their game. GK Erin McLeoad could start in place of Briana Scurry.
I expect a few goals as both teams offence really haven't kicked into gear yet.
My prediction : 2-2

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 GOALS WEEKS 1-3

All the goals in the WPS so far.Including all goals scored by Boston Breaker's Kelly Smith and LA Sol's Marta.... Courtesy of the WPS.

KELLY SMITH - WPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK end April 12

Smith running away from the opposition.














Boston Breakers forward/midfielder Kelly Smith was named the WPS Player of the Week, it was announced this afternoon by Women’s Professional Soccer for the week ending April 12.

Smith notched her second goal of the year and added an assist in the Breakers’ 2-0 win over Saint Louis Athletica in Boston’s home opener Saturday night at Harvard Stadium. The England international has been involved in all three of the Breakers’ goals this season and is tied with the league lead in goals scored along with Marta (Los Angeles) and Lindsay Tarpley (Chicago).

“It is a great honor to be recognized by the league,” said Smith. “My teammates deserve much of the credit. It was a great effort by everyone on Saturday and we are really starting to come together as a team.”

The WPS Player of the Week award is voted on each week by a panel of journalists from the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR). Each weekly winner is then nominated for the WPS Player of the Month award.

Check out Kelly's goal against St Louis Athletica here.

http://www.nesn.com/content/videocenter/default.aspx?videoid=5312@nesn.dayport.com&navCatId=17/default.aspx

WPS Preview Week 2

WPS again...week 2... is it that time already!.
After a successful 1st match last Sunday. 3 games are being played this weekend in the WPS.

FC Gold Pride v Boston Breakers - Televised on Fox Soccer Channel Sunday 6pm ET (11pm British Time, 12 Midnight European time). For those that don't have FSC the game is on the net if you have a p2p & good with computers try TVU or sopcast.

Kelly Smith if fit(slight hamstring twinge) & Alex Scott will play their first match as professional football players. The team is led by veteran forward & most capped US international Kristine Lilly who is the Captain. With a supporting cast of 2008 Olympic Gold Medalists defender Heather Mitts, midfielder Angela Hucles, forward Amy Rodriguez and Head Coach Tony DiCicco the Breakers are a strong team on paper.

FC Gold Pride also have veterans in their ranks. Midfielder Brandi Chastain & Forward Tiffeny Milbrett have forced their way on to the squad list for the inaugural season. They are surrounded by a group talented young Americans & experienced internationals. Brazil internationals Formiga & Erika, Canada's top striker Christine Sinclair & Japan's top player Eriko Arkawa ( the one with the afro!!).

It should be an exciting match & i predict a 2-0 away win for the Breakers. I can see them scoring( they have good forwards) & keeping a clean sheet.( defence is a strong one).

Other games

St Louis Athletica v Chicago Red Stars - Saturday 4th April 8pm ET
Match up between Athletica's Enoila Eloku & Red Stars Karen Carney & Ifeoma Dieke. Others to look out for Athletica's on form GK Hope Solo, midfielder Daniela & Chicago's Carli Lloyd & Brazil superstar Cristiane. Prediction a score draw.

NJ/NY Sky Blue FC v Los Angeles Sol - Sunday 5th April 4pm ET
Having played last weekend the Sol hope to keep the momentum going & once again improve the quality of play. The players should be settling in nicely now which is an advantage over Sky Blue. On the other hand Sky Blue have seen LA play & know what to expect while themselves having an element of surprise. Anita Asante gets her first game as she tries to stop Marta scoring her first goal.Look for Sky Blue to be strong defensively as they have IMO the best CB in the world, USWNT & Sky Blue captain Christe Rampone.Upfront they have the charismatic Hawaiian Natasha Kai. Still i predict the Sol to have more options & to come away winners with Marta scoring her first goal & Aya Miyami & Camille Abily to have an even better game if that's possible than their opening.2-0 away win for LA Sol.

Check back on Tuesday for the results & recaps of the games.