Saint Louis Athletica v Chicago Red Stars Highlights

2-0

SAINT LOUIS ATHLETICA 2 - 0 CHICAGO RED STARS

Saint Louis Athletica concluded their 2009 home schedule tonight with a conclusive 2-0 against the Chicago Red Stars at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park. Christie Welsh scored both of Athletica’s goals as Athletica Head Coach Jorge Barcellos may have found a new striking partnership on the eve of the WPS Playoffs.

Barcellos elected to give Welsh and Sarah Walsh the start up top and his decision paid off in both halves.

Welsh opened the scoring in the 33rd minute when a ball through the box from Walsh found Welsh open on the left side. Welsh drilled it home with a solid left foot for her first goal of the season.

Welsh would hit the back of the net again in the 64th minute to effectively kill off the game and secure the win. This time Walsh was again involved, Melissa Tancredi would get the final assist and Welsh again provided a clean, clinical finish.

For the Chicago Red Stars it was a dissappointing loss to end their 2009 season. Although they outshot Athletica 10-8 they couldn't get past Hope Solo.

For Barcellos the win was a mission accomplished on three levels; keep up the level of play, find a route to goal, and rest some players. He was able to accomplish all three tasks on the night.

ATHLETICA HEAD COACH JORGE BARCELLOS

“It was a happy moment for me to see Welsh score because she has been training and fighting hard. We are going to need a player like her in place of Aluko,” “Tonight is going to give her a lot of confidence. The combination of Walsh and Welsh was good. One is fast and the other has a presence in the penalty area.”


LINEUPS:
STL: Hope Solo;Elise Weber, Tina Ellertson,Kia McNeill, Melissa Tancredi; Kendall Fletcher, Lisa Stoia, Sheree Gray (Erin Walter 22), Lori Chalupny(C) (Stephanie Logterman 46); Christie Welsh, Sarah Walsh (Ashley Pistorius 72)

CHI: Caroline Jonsson; Marian Dalmy, Natalie Spilger (Chioma Igwe 75), Nikki Krzysick, Frida Ostberg(C); Megan Rapinoe (Danesha Adams 66),Carli Lloyd, Brittany Klein, Karen Karney; Cristiane, Ella Massar

WPS MIDWEEK MATCHES 05/08/09

NJ Sky Blue FC v FC Gold Pride Wed Aug 5th 7pm ET Live audio Here


Sky Blue FC can guarantee a spot in the postseason with victories in its final two games.
First up is their final home match at Yurcak Field against FC Gold Pride.

With the Los Angeles Sol and Saint Louis Athletica already secured in first and second place, respectively, and with FC Gold Pride and the Chicago Red Stars already eliminated from playoff contention, Sky Blue FC is battling it out for one of the final two spots with the Boston Breakers and Washington Freedom. Both the Breakers and the Freedom failed in crucial situations on the road this past weekend as Boston lost to Saint Louis 1-0 and Washington fell to Gold Pride 3-2.

To make the playoffs, Sky Blue FC will have to beat a team other than Boston and Chicago. They have played FC Gold Pride twice already and never won, a 1-1 tie at home and a 1-0 away defeat at Buck Shaw Stadium.

A win over Gold Pride would put Sky Blue FC into a tie for third place heading into the final weekend.

Sky Blue will be heading into the match without their coach Kelly Lindsey. Lindsey resigned last week. No reason so far has been given as to why. Captain Christie Rampone was named as interim player/coach for these last two games.

On the player front Rampone herself could be back from injury. She had undergone a minor operation 2 weeks ago. Forward Natasha Kai could still be out with her ongoing shoulder problems. English defender Anita Asante is suspended after collecting 4 yellow cards.

FC Gold Pride go into the match with confidence after defeating the Washington Freedom at the weekend and denying them a spot in the playoffs on their patch. Head coach Albertin Montoya wants to keep the momentum going and show people just how good his team really is. Once again he will experiment with his starting line-up.


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Saint Louis Athletica v Chicago Red Stars Wed Aug 5th 8pm ET


Saint Louis Athletica will play their final game at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer park tonight against the Chicago Red Stars.

Both teams have nothing to play for except pride.Athletica have qualified already in 2nd place for the playoffs and Chicago have been eliminated from the playoffs.

Both teams are coming of wins in their last games. Athletica defeating the visiting Boston Breakers 1-0 at the weekend to secure the playoff spot and Chicago convincingly beating the 1st place Los Angeles Sol at Toyota Park on Sunday.

In the two previous meeting between them it's a win each. All to play for to win the serious.

Athletica will use this game to rest some players in preparation for their playoff match.
Sarah Walsh could be in right from the start in place of star forward Eniola Aluko. Goalkeeper Jillian Loyden may get a start ahead of Hope Solo.

Sara Larsson, Angie Woznuk and Amanda Cinalli are all suffering from niggling injuries and may not see game time.

Chicago coming of a moral boost with the win against Los Angeles Sol look set to field the same line-up although Lindsey Tarpley could miss due to a slight injury. Defeneder Ifeoma Dieke is still missing due to injury though.

Chicago Red Stars v Los Angeles Sol Highlights

3-1

CHICAGO RED STARS 3 - 1 LOS ANGELES SOL

The Los Angeles Sol were outplayed and out scored by the Chicago Red Stars 3-1 on Sunday afternoon at Toyota Park.

In an entertaining match infront of a record high 7959 crowd, Los Angeles Sol started of the brightest.With Brittany Bock leaving her defensive duties and partnering Marta in attack, Marta had several breakaway chances to score but she could not make her shots tell.The Sol pressured the Red Stars defence earning a succession of corners. The Red Stars defended well.

Chicago opened the scoring against the run of play in the 24th minute when a Sol defender gave the ball away to Carli Lloyd in the middle of the field. Lloyd played a pass to Chicago captain Lindsey Tarpley, ran into space into the box and collected the ball back from Tarpley. Lloyd put her shot past Sol goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc for her second goal of the season.

Los Angeles tried to get back into the game but their passing and movement of the ball was sloppy. French international Camille Abily was on the bench but Head coach Abner Rogers opted to play without her as she will not be there for the championship game.

Into the second half The Red Stars scored again quickly. In the 47th minute, Megan Rapinoe played a long cross into the box where Brittany Klein headed it to Tarpley, who floated a header over the outstretched arms of LeBlanc. The goal was the fourth of the season for the Red Stars’ captain.

The Red Stars played on the counter-attack for the rest of the second half.

Los Angeles made several offensive substitutes to get on the scoring sheet. They went to a 3-4-3 formation.

Marta out paced Frida Ostberg with a long run on the right to shoot and narrowly missed the far post on 67 minutes.

Substitute Han Duan got a goal in the 90th minute when Marta sent a ball from the right into the box. LA captain Shannon Boxx was there at the far post to head the ball back across the goal where Duan bundled the ball over by her chest.

Were Chicago about to collapse? No ... they immediately when back up the field to clinch the game when Cristiane collected a ball just inside the Sol's half and took a long run down the left side of the field and into the box. When LeBlanc stepped out to challenge, the Brazilian striker fired a shot into the right side of the net for her 7th goal of the season.

Chicago were boosted by the win and gave a winning end for their fans for the last game of the season at Toyota Park. Their final game is on Wednesday night at Saint Louis Athletica.

Even though Los Angeles had already clinched 1st place in the WPS standings they have now gone winless in their last 3 games. Their last game is against the Boston Breakers on Sunday at Harvard Stadium.


“Marta was very threatening and dangerous, but that’s Marta for you.” Said Chicago Red Stars Head coach Emma Hayes
“We showed this time when we got a goal against us that we had enough character to go straight down the other end and get the winner. I think there’s credit to the team to show their character in a game on some levels in meaningless to us at least because we’re out of the playoffs. For me, that will be the benchmark moving forward. This is a building platform for next year so I am happy with the result. ”

“Playing with the best players in the world has been a great experience. We couldn’t take this game, but you know we move on and go to Boston and do our stuff there.” Said Los Angeles forward Brittany Bock


“To me we needed to score some goals, unfortunately today we couldn’t put the ball in the net.” Said Brazilian Marta


Lineups:

Chicago Red Stars: Caroline Jonsson; Marian Dalmy (61: Nikki Krzysik), Natalie Spilger, Jill Oakes, Frida Ostberg; Carli Lloyd, Brittany Klein, Lindsay Tarpley (C), (64: Heather Garriock), Karen Carney; Cristiane, Megan Rapinoe (68: Ella Masar)

Los Angeles Sol: Karina LeBlanc; Sharlota Nonen (71: Han Duan), Stephanie Cox, Brittany Bock, Allison Falk; Shannon Boxx (C) ; Manya Makoski; Aya Miyama; Aly Wagner (75: Katie Larkin); McCall Zerboni (71: Liz Bogus); Marta.

WPS PREVIEW WEEK 19

FC Gold Pride v Washington Freedom Sat Aug 1st 6pm ET

FC Gold Pride take on the Washington Freedom for the last time at Buck Shaw Stadium Santa Clara.
This is the third and final match-up between the teams. The Pride, currently 0-2 against the Freedom, will look to continue and build off their last two strong outings by putting an end to the team's 10-game winless skid and putting three points on the board this weekend.

FC Gold Pride has shown their resilience, stepping up their play in tough matches against the league's top two teams, earning ties against Athletica and Sol. In the team's most recent match, Pride forward, Christine Sinclair responded to the Athletica's 28th minute goal, scoring in the 87th minute of Sunday's match to tie up the game against Hope Solo and the Athletica. The Pride will look to Sinclair and her attacking force to create scoring opportunities this weekend.

As to the starting line-up for Gold Pride. Formiga their Brazilian midfielder may not take to the field. She is nursing a right knee sprain.

The Washington Freedom look to continue their momentum from their last four matches. They have not been beaten in four and have won the last three. The last one against Boston Breakers on Wednesday night.
With a win against FC Gold Pride, the Freedom would clinch a playoff spot. They currently sit in third place with 26 points, just one point behind the second place Saint Louis Athletica, one point ahead of the Boston Breakers, and three points ahead of Sky Blue FC.

Abby Wambach has scored 3 goals in the last 2 games.

No injury concerns for the Freedom but tiredness may play a part. This will be Washington's fourth game in 15 days all over the country.

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Saint Louis Athletica v Boston Breakers Sat Aug 1st 8pm ET Live KPLR , Webcast , audio Team1380.net


Both the Saint Louis Athletica and Boston Breakers can once again try to clinch that playoff spot with a win Saturday evening at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park.
Both teams failed in their last match to get the 3 pts which would have secured the spot.

The previous meetings between these two clubs have both been in Boston and produced a split. The first meeting in April resulted in a 2-0 win for the Breakers as they scored twice in the second half. The next encounter on June 14 was a 1-0 win for Saint Louis with Eniola Aluko netting the game-winner.

Few changes will be expected for Head Coach Jorge Barcellos’ side that has earned points in five of their last six games. Athletica has taken 13 out of a possible 18 points as they recorded a 4-1-1 mark during this stretch of play. Niki Cross is expected to start at forward for a fourth straight game. Cross scored her first career WPS goal last week in a 1-1 draw against FC Gold Pride.

Defender Sara Larsson is questionable for action due to a nerve in her back and Amanda Cinalli is also questionable as she recovers from a shoulder injury. Both players are available for duty though.

Boston will have to do without the services of defender Alex Scott, who was sent off with a red card in the fifth minute of Wednesday’s match against Washington, and will therefore miss Saturday’s game through suspension.
Kelly Smith could get a start after coming off the bench against the Freedom and playing for over 30 minutes. After the game she said her knee was feeling fine.

Head Coach Tony DiCicco is also suspended due to his comments about the officiating of the Washington game. He will not be on the touchline.

Forward Amy Rodriguez did not travel.


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Chicago Red Stars v Los Angeles Sol Sun Aug 2nd 6pm ET Live FSC, Webcast



It's Brazilian night at Toyota Park, as the Chicago Red Stars take on the Los Angeles Sol for their last home match of the season.

It's a meaningless match between the two as the Sol have already clinched the regular season crown and the Red Stars have been eliminated from playoff contention but since it's the first time LA have been in town the Red Stars are billing it as 'Brazilian night'. A match up between Cristiane and Marta the two great forwards for Brazil.

The two team have met twice before with a draw and a win for the Sol. That one was a 4-0 rout.

No injuries to report for Chicago. Australian midfielder Heather Garriock who is working her way back to fitness may get a start after some game time in the last two matches.

LA may alter their line-up in preparation for the championship game. Camile Abily who will not play in that game may sit out this game as Coach Rogers looks to integrate her replacement on the field.
The game will be a homecoming for LA's Brittany Bock. She played college soccer for Notre Dame.

Chicago Red Stars v Washington Freedom Highlights

2-3

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

CHICAGO RED STARS 2 - 3 WASHINGTON FREEDOM

The Chicago Red Stars were eliminated from the playoff contention after going down 1 minute from time by the Washington Freedom at Toyota Park.

In front of their 2nd biggest home crowd, 5226 and wearing green shirts for charity for the Environment the Red Stars had got off to a great start but were pipped at the post by an Allie Long goal.

Chicago’s Megan Rapinoe got the scoring going in the game when she took a Carli Lloyd pass and beat Freedom goalie Erin McLeod to the right corner of the net on the 15th minute.

Freedom then leveled the game through a Abby Wambach goal in the 35th minute. Wambach had several chances before that to score , getting closer each time. This time she out muscles or virtually runs over Red Stars defender Ifeoma Dieke to run in on goal.

Into the 2nd half and Wambach put the Freedom in front in the 56th minute, 2-1, to score her 5th goal of the season from a pass from Lisa De Vanna.

Red Stars heads started to drop as they couldn't get a foothold in the game and passes and movement of the ball were not what it should be.

Australian Heather Garriock was substituted in on the 68th minute for Captain Lindsey Tarpley and immediately made an impact on her teamates and on the game. On her first touch of the ball Garriock sent a ball to Karen Carney wide open on the right side of the net. Carney drilled a shot to the other side of the goal to level the match once again 2-2.

It looked like the game was going to peater as a draw when Long a 74th minute substitute dribbled her way into the box past several Red Stars defenders(like they weren't there) to coolly slot the ball past the on rushing Caroline Jonsson in the 89th minute.

Cruel end to the game and the season for the Red Stars.

With the loss, Chicago remains at 17 points with two games remaining in the regular season. Washington moves into a tie with Sky Blue FC for 23 points. Because those two teams still have a head-to-head meeting remaining, the Red Stars have been eliminated from postseason contention.

Chicago Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes

“I think everybody knows it was a must win game for both teams. I think we started out relatively ok, but after the first goal we were very flat. We looked quite tired and the heat seemed to drain us quite a bit. We struggled to retain the ball and equally struggled to try to position when we lost it. Credit to Washington, I thought they should have scored more than one goal in the first half.”

“I don’t think the back four had a good game today. I thought as a unit they struggled. But I also think that you have to work to deny service into them, in the front and the midfielders, and I don’t think we got close to them consistently enough in the first half.”

“I think for us as a team from this point on we want to make sure that we put in good performances for our fans and start the rebuilding process going into next season to make sure that we have the vital pieces that are going to push this team on.”

Washington Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabbara

“I told our team before the game today that we couldn’t ask to be in a better position because we control our own playoff destiny and do not have to rely on other teams to help us,” said Gabarra. “This might be our toughest stretch all year with three games in three cities in a week but we responded today on the road against a team that desperately needed a win.”


Lineups:

Chicago Red Stars – Caroline Jönsson; Marian Dalmy,Jill Oakes, Ifeoma Dieke, Natalie Spilger (Frida Östberg, 61); Karen Carney,Carli Lloyd, Brittany Klein, Megan Rapinoe (Ella Masar, 55); Lindsey Tarpley(C) , (Heather Garriock, 68), Cristiane.

Washington Freedom – Erin McLeod; Jill Gilbeau, Cat Whitehill, Becky Sauerbrunn, Alex Singer (Allie Long, 74); Rebecca Moros (Joanna Lohman, 81), Homare Sawa, Lori Lindsey, Sonia Bompastor; Abby Wambach(C) ,Lisa De Vanna.

WPS PREVIEW WEEK 18

Boston Breakers v NJ Sky Blue FC Sat July 25th 7pm ET

The Boston Breakers can clinch a playoff berth this weekend as they return home to face northeast nemesis Sky Blue FC in WPS action Saturday at 7 p.m. (ET) at Harvard Stadium. A Boston win and a Washington loss on Sunday would clinch a playoff spot for the Breakers.

Sky Blue FC have won all three previous meetings between the two.

A win on Saturday by Boston would put them back in second with a one-point lead over Athletica, pending Saint Louis’ match Sunday versus FC Gold Pride. The Los Angeles Sol clinched the regular season title last night, meaning teams are now playing to host the Super Semifinal (August 18 or 19) as the second seed.

The Breakers coming off a 1-0 win against FC Gold Pride will have all their national team players back. Expect to see Alex Scott, Amy LePeilbet, Candace Chapman and Heather Mitts all return to the backline.Kelly Smith is still doubtful with a knee injury. She didn't play any games while on International duty with England.

Sky Blue FC are still in fourth place despite the loss Wednesday at Saint Louis. They currently are two points in front of the Washington Freedom for the fourth and final playoff spot, but have played one more match than the Freedom. The New Jersey club will have to play without captain and starting central defender Christie Rampone, who underwent emergency abdominal surgery while with the U.S. National Team in Rochester, N.Y. last week. She is hopeful to return to action by the end of the season. But they welcome back English star Anita Asante and Heather O'Reilly.

All three previous meetings were determined by just one goal. Sky Blue FC won the first two matches at home, 2-1, on May 31 and, 1-0, on July 4. They then took the first meeting in Boston, 2-1, on July 12.

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Chicago Red Stars v Washington Freedom Sun July 26th 4pm ET Live Webcast

The Washington Freedom travels to Chicago this Sunday to face the Red Stars at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. It will be the fourth and final regular season meeting between the two teams.

The Freedom will be looking for their first win against the Red Stars, as they have drawn 1 and lost twice to them, the last lost being at Toyota park last month where Chicago made WPS history coming from behind to win.

Chicago are coming of a defeat by Sky Blue FC in their previous match which kept them in 6th place in the WPS standings. A win would keep them in contention for a playoff spot.
Carli Lloyd, Lindsey Tarpley,Megan Rapinoe and Karen Carney all return from their national teams.

The Freedom, on the other hand played a hard-fought battle with Saint Louis Athletica and came away with the win and the shutout, their third of the season.Abby Wambach, Cat Whitehill and Erin McLeod will slot back into the starting 11.

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Saint Louis Athletica v FC Gold Pride Sun July 26th 6pm ET Live FSC and Webcast

Saint Louis Athletica and FC Gold Pride both enter Sunday’s match at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo. on the brink. All eyes will be on them and so will the Fox Soccer camera's.

A must win for different reasons for the two teams.

For second-place Saint Louis, a victory combined with a Sky Blue FC loss or tie in its match Saturday versus the Boston Breakers will secure a post-season berth for the Athletica.
For last-place FC Gold Pride, who enters the match with a nine-game winless streak, a loss will officially eliminate them from the playoff hunt.

With four games left each, the Pride is in dire straits needing to earn three points in every remaining match to have a shot at the post-season, while the Athletica is looking to earn maximum points to secure a second-place finish and a bye into the WPS Super Semifinal.

Hope Solo and Melissa Tancredi return for Athletica. Defender Niki Cross will continue her stance up top to compliment striker Eniola Aluko.
Gold Pride will welcome back defender Rachel Buehler and more importantly forward Christie Sinclair.

Will the Athletica clinch a playoff berth? With FC Gold Pride be eliminated from the post-season chase? Exciting stuff!

NJ Sky Blue FC v Chicago Red Stars Highlights

1-0

NJ SKY BLUE FC 1 - 0 CHICAGO RED STARS

Kerri Hanks scored a dramatic stoppage time goal in the 91st minute as Sky Blue downed Chicago Red Stars 1 -0 at Yurcak Field, New Jersey.
Both teams knew that the 3 pts were a must to keep themselves in contention for the playoffs.

The game started slow as both teams took the field for the third time in eight days on a hot afternoon in New Jersey.In the first half, neither team really threatened with Sky Blue FC earning the best chance – a great breakout started by Julianne Sitch with Kacey White feeding Natasha Kai in front for a shot that just missed the left post in the fifth minute.

In the second half, the teams threatened more with Chioma Igwe just missing the far post for the Red Stars on a flick header in the 57th minute.

The teams traded end-to-end chances in the 67th minute as Kai had a diving header blocked off a cross from Kacey White for Sky Blue FC. At the other end, Danesha Adams just missed the right post from 20 yards out. Two minutes later, Adams went close again blazing a shot over the crossbar from distance.

In the 72nd minute, Jen Buczkowski played through for Kai but Red Stars goalkeeper Caroline Jönsson made a spectacular point-blank save to keep game scoreless. Kai missed again eight minutes later as Hanks played in behind but her volley went over the goal.

The Red Stars last chance came on the 90th minute when Cristiane supplied a pinpoint cross into the box to Ella Maser who got her head to it and directed a looping header to the GK Jenni Branam’s left. Branam plucked it out of the air by her finger tips preventing Chicago the last minute winner.

It was from there that Sky Blue went up the field to earn a free-kick from a professional foul from Nikki Krzysik. Red Stars defended the free-kick but Sky Blue kept the ball alive in Chicago’s half with Keeley Dowling sending a ball on the floor through the penalty box. Hanks latches on to the ball takes a touch to get some space and launches a shot to Jonsson’s left. Goalie was left flat-footed. 1-0 Sky Blue.

The goal was the second of the season for Hanks, whose first goal came as a member of Saint Louis Athletica. The appearance was her third for Sky Blue FC – all off the bench.

With the win, Sky Blue FC finished the season series against the Red Stars with a 3-0-1 mark including a 4-0 advantage in goals. Both teams were missing multiple players in the game due to international call-ups.

Sky Blue FC 6-6-4 for 22 points – Now sit in 4th place in the WPS standings in the last playoff spot, 2 pts ahead of the Washington Freedom who are in 5th and 1pt behind 3rd place Saint Louis Athletica and 2pts behind 2nd place Boston Breakers.Sky Blue’s next two games are against Athletica and the breakers.

Chicago fell to 4-8-5 for 17 points and dropped to sixth place 3pts behind Washington and 5pts behind Sky Blue. With Chicago only having 3 games left they need to win all their games and hope the teams above them slip up.

Sky Blue are away to Saint Louis Athletica on Wednesday July 22nd. A win will see them jump up to 2nd place in the WPS standings.

The Red Stars are at home to the Washington Freedom on Sunday July 26th

Sky Blue FC head coach Kelly Lindsey

On today’s match
I think finally in the second half we started to stretch them a little bit and get around them and then through them. I thought both teams had good chances, which and it was pretty evenly matched throughout the game. Overall it was gutsy for both teams with missing a bunch of players.

On the back line
I really thought they pulled it together. They worked really well together and stayed united and we didn’t get pulled apart. I was very proud of our back line today.

Kerri Hanks

"It's very exciting,It's not only great for me but great for the team coming out with a win. We go into every game looking for three points and I'm glad I could provide help for the team. Keeley played a great ball and I took a touch and just hit it."

Chicago Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes

Losing is never easy, whether or it's a first-minute or last-minute goal. Unfortunately we got a bit disorganized at the end since we were chasing a goal so hard; obviously both teams needed to win this game. I don't think that the team was good enough today in the attack, and we weren't able to create a great deal of chances - Sky Blue FC deserves credit for that.

Lineups:

Sky Blue FC – Jenni Branam; Katie Hooker, Jen Buczkowski, Keeley Dowling (C), Meghan Schnur; Julianne Sitch (Kerri Hanks 62’), Yael Averbuch (Francielle 62’), Rosana (Noelle Keselica 84’), Collette McCallum; Kacey White, Natasha Kai.

Chicago Red Stars – Caroline Jonsson; Marian Dalmy, Jill Oakes, Ifeoma Dieke, Lydia Vandebergh (Nikki Krzysik 89’); Danesha Adams (Natalie Spilger 78’), Frida Oostburg (C), Chioma Igwe (Heather Garriock 69’), Brittany Klein; Cristiane, Ella Masar.

WPS PREVIEW WEEK 17

Washington Freedom v Saint Louis Athletica Sat July 18 5pm ET Live CSN, KPLR, Webcast,
Live audio www.team1380.net

Saint Louis Athletica are back in action this weekend after their bye week hoping to continue their winning streak after defeating the LA Sol.Athletica rolls into RFK Stadium to take on the Washington Freedom, carrying a three game winning streak, with all three wins coming on the road.
Both teams will be missing their top starters due to international duty and will have to dig deep into their squads to pick players.

The Freedom will be without Captain Abby Wambach, Cat Whitehill and Erin Mcleod.
Athletica will also be without their Captain Lori Chalupny, Hope Solo, Melissa Tancredi and Eniola Aluko.

The matchup Saturday is the final of the regular season between these two clubs. The first meeting on May 3 resulted in a 3-3 draw with Washington scoring two goals in the final ten minutes to earn the tie. The next encounter on June 20 was a 1-0 win for the Freedom as Rebecca Moros struck for an 83rd minute game winner.

Since then the clubs have been headed in different paths. Athletica are on a roll with a perfect 4-0-0 in their last four away games and they possess the league’s best road record with a mark of 5-2-1.
Meanwhile, Washington is winless in their last four and had lost three straight before managing a 4-4 draw on Wednesday night against Sky Blue FC. Washington’s last victory was their win at Saint Louis on June 20.

Washington will send out defender Becky Sauerbrunn on Saturday and goalkeeper Kati Jo Spisak. Both players grew up in suburban St. Louis and were standout club players. Sonia Bompastor will also start and Athletica Head coach Jorge Barcellos sees her as a threat.

“Bompastor is an underrated player in this league. She has a lot of potential and has not gotten all the credit she deserves,” says Barcellos. “She does get some attention and she does get noticed but this is one of the few players that can influence a game.”

With Hope Solo gone Jillian Loyden will make her second start of the year in goal for Saint Louis. In her lone previous game Loyden turned in a six save performance at Chicago on May 23 and earned her first professional WPS win and shutout. Loyden was named WPS Player of the Week for week 9 for her standout effort.

Washington needs a win to stay in touch with the four playoff slotted teams ahead of them.
Saint Louis sits in a good spot to make the playoffs as of now. Athletica have 23 points on the season, two ahead of Boston and four ahead of fourth place Sky Blue FC.

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NJ Sky Blue FC v Chicago Red Stars Sun July 19 4.30pm ET Live FSC, Webcast

Sky Blue FC will play its third match this week – and the second in a row at home – when it hosts the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday afternoon during Faith Day at Yurcak Field. Sky Blue FC hopes to maintain its success against the Red Stars taking a 2-0-1 record into the final meeting of the regular season between the two sides.

They will have to try and do this without their Captains Christie Rampone and Heather O'Reilly. Also missing will be Anita Asante, Karen Bardsley and Kelly Parker.

The Red Stars will be looking to get back to winning ways after their disappointing defeat in Boston after a run of good results. They too will be missing their top players. Captain Lindsey Tarpley, Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe and Karen Carney all miss out this weekend.

Sky Blue FC (5-6-4, 19 pts.) heads into the match against Chicago holding the fourth and final playoff spot. The third-place Boston Breakers (6-6-3, 21 pts.) are two points ahead of Sky Blue FC and two points behind second-place Saint Louis Athletica (7-5-2, 23 pts.).

With their midweek loss to the Breakers, Chicago (4-7-5, 17 pts.) has dropped to sixth in the standings, two points shy of Sky Blue FC and the final playoff berth. The Red Stars are still five points clear of FC Gold Pride (3-8-3, 12 pts.). A win is vital for both teams with only a few games remaining.

For Sky Blue the loss of their players may be significant, none more so than in defence. The departure of Rampone means that both of Sky Blue FC’s starting central defenders will be unavailable for Sunday’s game. Asante being with England this weekend.With Asante missing against the Freedom on Wednesday night, Head Coach Kelly Lindsey was forced to make significant changes to her back four. The normally stingy Sky Blue FC defense allowed four goals in its least effective outing of the season.
Chicago still have Cristiane in their ranks and after her hat-trick heroics and then drawing a blank at Boston she will be jumping at the bit to be back in the scoring sheets this time around.

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FC Gold Pride v Boston Breakers Sun July 19 8pm ET

After a disappointing 3-1 loss last weekend in Chicago, FC Gold Pride (3-8-3) will look to put an end to their seven-game winless streak when they face the Boston Breakers at home this Sunday, July 19.

This will be the Pride's third and final match against Boston. FC Gold Pride earned one of their three wins with a 2-1 victory against Boston at home in the team's inaugural match on April 5. The Pride also tied the Breakers 1-1 while playing away in Cambridge, MA on June 17. A win this weekend will solidify the Pride's winning record over Boston this season.

With only six games remaining the Pride is currently seated at the bottom of the pack with 12 points on the season. Though the Pride is struggling for points, there is still a chance the team will find its way into the postseason. The Pride is only seven points out of fourth place.

Both the Pride and the Breakers will be missing key players this weekend, as the U.S. National Team will face the Canadian National Team on July 16 and July 22. The Pride will lose starters Captain Leslie Osborne, Rachel Buehler, and Nicole Barnhart to the U.S. National Team and Christine Sinclair to the Canadian National Team.

Defenders Carrie Dew and Kristin Graczyk return to the field this weekend ready for competition. After getting a cleat in the face during the first half of last Sunday's game against the Red Stars, Graczyk was pulled from the match unable to return. Dew missed last weekend's game to nurse a minor knee injury and ensure a successful recovery. The Pride will look to Dew and Graczyk's solid defensive play to help unify the back line against the Breakers. Coach Albertin Montoyo is looking for a player to take leadership in the offensive end. Tiffany Milbrett and Eriko Arkawa who has been relatively quiet need to step up. Will Tiffany Weimer play?

Boston will be missing the most players this weekend due to international duty. Kelly Smith and Alex Scott are away with England. Candace Chapman joins her Canadian national buddies and Heather Mitts, Angela Hucles, Amy LePeilbet and Amy Rodriguez are with the US Womens national squad. All 7 are starters for the Breakers. Head Coach Tony DiCicco looks to Kristine Lilly and Christine Latham to provide the spark for him.

Boston Breakers v Chicago Red Stars Highlights

Catch Up With Kaz 'the Carnage' Carney

Fair Game cross atlantic interview with Kaz Carney

We caught up with England’s former Birmingham City and Arsenal winger, Karen Carney, a month back, to check how she was finding life in the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league in the USA, with her new club Chicago Red Stars….Kaz replied super quick [on her way back from training] presumably on her favourite new ‘toy’…read on to find out more…

1. Have your first few months in the US and in the WPS been what you expected?
The first few months have been really good. When I got here initially I think it was a shock to the system in new team mates, city, coaches and the weather..but now I thoroughly enjoying my time here. I honestly don't know what I expected but I'm definitely glad to be here.

2. Do you feel that your game has changed/improved over the last 2 months of training full time?
I have definitely learned something new every day, whether it be on the field or off it. Already, it has been the biggest learning curve yet to date for me. Perhaps it’s best to ask others to see if I have improved but I definitely feel stronger, the league is so physical, so adapting to that has been hard.

3. How have you found the life of a professional footballer?
Life as a pro has been great. Like I previously said, you learn something new everyday, whether it be a new technique or run or even different strategies other players use to perform.
You have to always be prepared and are expected to turn up in the best physical condition.

4. The pace of the games seems to be so fast and frenetic. How does that compare to domestic games back home?
The pace of the game is a lot faster here than back home. The U.S. players have always been renowned for their speed and strength and that is definitely the way of the league.

5. It’s only been one trip back and one game but how was the travel and quick turnaround before being expected to train and play?
It was actually fine. We were advised on our travelling, of when and when not to sleep, and I think that really helped. The England staff were really good and didn't rush us straight in, so, I felt relatively fresh.

6. Again, only one game to use as evidence but was it easier to step from the pace of a WPS game into an international than from the FAWPL, or just different again?
Yes, I think it was slightly easier. I was able to hold my own a bit more. Norway were a physical team and I felt due to the WPS being so physical, I could cope with that much better. But internationals, WPS and FAWPL are all so very different.

7. Who has been your toughest opponent in the WPS, so far, and why?
The toughest player I have come up against is Formiga of Brazil. She is amazing. I call her the ‘silent assassin’. She makes FC Gold Pride tick going forward and in defence, but remarkably she might go unnoticed. Until you play with or against her, I guess you might not appreciate her role. For me, she is the best midfielder in the world.

8. How are you settling in – do you like life in Chicago?
Chicago is beautiful. When I first got here it was so cold, I couldn't cope! Emma [Hayes, Chicago Red Stars Head Coach and former Arsenal Asst. Coach] was like, ‘The warmer weather is on its way.’ 3 months down and the weather is here, lol. But I live in a great location and every thing is so accessible. :-) I really like it in Chicago and am glad I am in this city.

9. Are people always commenting on your accent? (Or does it help having Emma Hayes and Ifeoma Dieke (Scottish) there too?)
People really can't understand me at all. But thankfully Emma knows what I am rabbiting on about and also the Aussie girls appear to be on the same page as me. But when I have done appearances [for the club] the kids have had to ask their mums to translate and even then they don't get me, so I find it easier to talk their soccer terminology, lol.

10. What are your team like to hang with? Do you spend quite a lot of time together?
My team are amazing. Emma did a lot of work to get the right players, both off and on the field, and I truly get on with everyone and think they are great! She did a great job! I share with one of my team mates who is really cool and we get on like a house of fire. But in our block there are 12 of us. So it’s kind of like a hotel, you just nip in and out of everyone’s rooms for visits.

11. Has anyone been out from home to visit you?
Yeah, mum and dad came out a few weeks ago, that was great. I loved having them here, it made such a difference. Hopefully, I will get some more visits from other family members and friends too.

12. A shout out to Birmingham City – it was a pretty historic and proud day for that club to have helped produce the first two English players to take to the field in the WPS. Did you think about that or did anyone get in touch to wish you luck?
Yes it was great. Me and Eni [Aluko, of St. Louis Athletica] both said, ‘Oh my god, how far have we come since we met at 11 years old?’ And, yes, I had a few messages, so that was nice. Birmingham is a great club and I speak to my old coaches: Marcus Bignot, Michael Moore and Laura Harvey, all the time. I call them my ‘footballing’ family.

13. Are you addicted to ‘twitter’ yet? (I think we know the answer!)
Ha ha. I'm not addicted to ‘twitter’. I bought a Blackberry Curve here and I'm obsessed with that and ‘twitter’ is on my previous page, so I just update it. But I mainly go on it to have some banter between Alex and Kelly, although they need some work on their jokes! I didn't realise our conversations were being followed and were been written about in the press...I find it very funny!

Fair Game : The Women's Football Magazine

BOSTON BREAKERS 1 - 0 CHICAGO RED STARS

Angela Hucles scored in the first half and the Breakers defense held on in the second in a 1-0 win over the Chicago Red Stars in Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) action Wednesday night at Harvard Stadium in Cambridge, Mass.

The result ends the season series for the two teams with the Breakers winning 2-1-0. It also puts Boston (6-6-3, 21 points) in sole possession of third place in the standings, just two points behind second place Saint Louis Athletica. The Red Stars (4-7-5, 17 points) are now in a tie for fifth.

The Red Stars started strongly and had the better of play in the first ten minutes. However, a hard foul on Lindsay Tarpley sidelined the Red Stars captain for several minutes and tilted momentum for the remainder of the first half to the Breakers.

Boston had several chances to score.Hucles almost scored earlier in the 22nd minute as she made her way to the net on a breakaway, but her shot was saved by Red Star goalkeeper Caroline Jonsson.

Jennie Nobis also looked especially hungry for a goal with several chances. In the 26th minute she got onto the end of a corner from Kristine Lilly, but it sailed right over the crossbar. She had another shot off a pass from Heather Mitts in the 29th minute, but Jonsson got on the ground and just got her hands on it in time for the save.

The game winner occurred in the 35th minute when Lilly sent a long ball into the box that Hucles got on the end of with a one touch into the back of the net. It was both Hucles’ second goal of the season and Lilly’s second assist.

Into the second half ,the Red Stars put on intense pressure from the very first minute when Marian Dalmy sent a cross to Lindsay Tarpley, but the shot was deflected just wide of the goal. They continued to control the game throughout the half as Chicago outshot Boston, 13-2.

Chicago nearly got the equaliser when during a scramble in the box in the 64th minute, Boston's Mary-Frances Monroe, in her first start of the season, saved the shutout when she deflected a shot from Jill Oakes on the goal line at the far right post.

Chicago dominated the second half searching for the goal as Boston retreated into a defensive shell. Megan Rapinoe and Marian Dalmy made repeated forays down the flanks sending in dangerous balls to the middle but the Breakers held strong. Rapinoe then had a shot which was hit with so much force that hit the post and moved the goal of it's stand.

Chicago's last oppertunity came in the 84th minute when substitute Danesha Adams whipped in a ball for the unmarked Ella Maser who headed the ball over the goal. It should have gone in..at least hit target.

Boston held on for the 1- o win and the shut-out.

Both teams were without their English Internationals Kelly Smith and Alex Scott (Boston) , Karen Carney (Chicago).

The Breakers are next in action on Sunday, to face FC Gold Pride in Santa Clara, Calif. It will be the third and final game of the series, in which the Pride lead 1-0-1.

The Red Stars now go to New Jersey to play Sky Blue FC in a crucial match.

Boston Breakers Head Coach Tony DiCicco

“I thought we were very good in the first half, and we knew that they would push out a lot more,” “We chose to stay with the 4-5-1 and looked for counter attack opportunities. I don’t think we got enough of those. I think we were a little bit too eager, and gave up the ball too much. They had chances to score. We bent, but we didn’t break. I’m really proud of the players.”

Chicago Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes

" We gave ourselves a lot of work to do,after giving up the goal. When your chasing the game, especially on this surface,it doesn't really suit us." " It's always frustrating to lose, but to lose the way we did, it's very frustrating because we know we are better than this"

Lineups:

BOSTON: Ali Lipsher; Nancy Augustiniak-Goffi, Amy LePeilbet, Candace Chapman (Kasey Moore, 80th minute), Heather Mitts (Abby Crumpton, 71st minute); Maggie Tomecka, Mary-Frances Monroe, Angela Hucles, Kristine Lilly; Jenni Nobis, Fabiana (Amy Rodriguez, 59th minute).

CHICAGO: Caroline Jonsson; Ifeoma Dieke, Natalie Spigler (Ella Masar, 46th minute), Lydia Vandenbergh; Brittany Klein, Megan Rapinoe, Carli Loyd, Marian Dalmy; Lindsay Tarpley (Danesha Adams, 72nd minute), Cristiane.

WPS MIDWEEK MATCHES 15/07/09

With the business end of the season upon us, crucial matches are being played over the next few weeks to decide who makes it to the playoffs. To add to the excitment all the teams lose some of their important players to international duty in the run in. Which reserve player will be the hero?





Boston Breakers V Chicago Red Stars Wed July 15th 7pm ET

With six matches remaining in the regular season, the third-place Boston Breakers host the fifth-place Chicago Red Stars in a key WPS midweek match, Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at Harvard Stadium.

This is the third and final regular season meeting between the two clubs, and the first one in Boston. The Breakers (5-6-3, 18 points) topped the Red Stars (4-6-5, 17 points), 2-0, in the previous matchup on June 21. Chicago handed Boston its worst loss of the year, 4-0, back on April 25, but then did not win another match until just two weeks ago.

The Breakers are coming off a pair of losses in a home-and-home series against Sky Blue FC to start the month of July. Boston fell, 1-0, on July 4 in New Jersey, ending a three-match unbeaten run, and then again on Sunday, 2-1, in Boston. Jennie Nobis notched her second goal of the season with a second-half stoppage time strike in Sunday’s loss, but it was not enough. The Breakers are now tied with Sky Blue FC for third place in the standings.

With wins in their last two WPS contests, the Red Stars now find themselves just one point back from one of the four playoff spots. Chicago defeated the Washington Freedom, 2-1, on July 1 for its first win in nine matches. After falling, 1-0 to the Irish National Team in a July 5 friendly, the Red Stars came back to down FC Gold Pride, 3-1, on Sunday behind a Cristiane hat trick – the first in WPS history.

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NJ Sky Blue FC V Washington Freedom Wed July 15th 7pm ET


The Washington Freedom travels to New Jersey this Wednesday in a midweek match-up against Sky Blue FC. The Freedom (4-6-4, 16 pts.) currently sits in sixth place in the WPS standings, while Sky Blue FC (5-6-3, 18 pts.) is in fourth. Both teams are fighting for a playoff spot, as only the top four teams in the league continue into the postseason. With a win on Wednesday, the Freedom would not only move ahead of Sky Blue FC in the standings, but would also jump over the Chicago Red Stars and Boston Breakers and into third place. With only two points separating the third and sixth place teams, every point counts in this final month of regular season play.

The last time the Freedom and Sky Blue FC met was back in May at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. It marked the first game in which the Freedom went into halftime holding a two goal lead, and the Freedom would go on to win the game 2-1.

Going into Wednesday’s game, the Freedom is looking to turn things around. Since going on a five game unbeaten streak in May, the Freedom has been unable to find consistent success. The Freedom has won only once in its last six games, and has now lost three straight. In addition, the Freedom has only managed to find the back of the net three times in their previous six games combined. Head Coach Jim Gabarra has continuously moved players around in an attempt to find the right combination of scoring power and defensive strength, and the Freedom is determined to show just that in its game against Sky Blue FC.

Sky Blue are on a high after back to back wins for the first time this season, beating the much fancied Boston Breakers impressively on Sunday. With Rosana on form and and a talented midfield Sky Blue look to jump above Boston in the standings. Sky Blue will be without English international Anita Asante as she has now returned to England for international duty.
Natasha Kai is also doubtful due to a persistent shoulder injury.

WPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK 16

Chicago Red Stars forward Cristiane has been named Women's Professional Soccer's Player of the Week for week 16, the league announced Tuesday.

Cristiane is the second consecutive Red Stars player to earn the honor, after becoming the first player in WPS history to record a hat trick Sunday in a 3-1 win over FC Gold Pride.

Cristiane leads the Red Stars with six goals on the season - all of them coming since June 3. She has scored four goals in Chicago's last two matches.

Cristiane is the second Brazilian to be named WPS Player of the Week during the 2009 season. Her partner up front for Brazil's national team, Marta, was WPS Player of the Week in weeks 2 and 14.

Red Stars captain Lindsay Tarpley also earned WPS Player of the Week honors in week 15.

Chicago Red Stars v FC Gold Pride Highlights

3 -1

CHICAGO RED STARS 3 - 1 FC GOLD PRIDE

Cristiane recorded the first hat trick in Women’s Professional Soccer history Sunday, helping the Chicago Red Stars to a 3-1 win over FC Gold Pride in front of 5,127 at TOYOTA PARK.

The Brazilian sensation doubled her goal-scoring production for the season to six goals, including the first penalty kick goal in Red Stars franchise history. After being fouled in the box by Marisa Abegg, Cristiane was awarded a penalty kick in the 31st minute, which she buried to the right of FC Gold Pride goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart.

Cristiane struck again in first-half stoppage time, taking a feed from Megan Rapinoe and dancing around Barnhart before taking a shot that deflected off defender Erika and slowly trickled into the net, giving Chicago a 2-0 halftime advantage.

FC Gold Pride cut the lead in half in the 64th minute. Rapinoe fouled Tiffeny Milbrett in the box, earning the FC Gold Pride forward the game’s second penalty kick. Milbrett put her shot into the left corner of the net for her third goal of the season.

But momentum swung back to the Red Stars seconds later when Cristiane fired a rocket past an outstretched Milbrett and in to the upper left corner. Lindsay Tarpley picked up the assist on Cristiane’s final score of the night before the Brazilian was subbed out in the 67th minute.

The Red Stars have won consecutive matches for the first time in franchise history and moved into fifth place in the WPS standings – one point behind a two-way tie for third. Chicago now embarks on a two game road trip during which the Red Stars will face each of the teams directly above them in the standings, beginning at Boston on Wednesday.

The Pride looks to get back in the heart of the race for the WPS Championship next Sunday, July 19 when the team returns home to Buck Shaw Stadium to host the Boston Breakers. The Pride is 1-0-1 against the Breakers. Sunday will be the third and final time these teams will meet during the regular season.

Chicago Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes

“We went into this game hoping to build on some momentum in our play from the result last week. The atmosphere of the locker room and what we have been doing in training has been great. Tonight, we went out and I don’t think it was our best game. But, we showed what you do when your best players do their very best things.”

“Cristiane showed her quality as a world class finisher and I will credit the assisters as well.”

“Who’s laughing at us now? We might have started slowly in this season but we’re ready to go for playoffs.”

“Winning is their motivation and proving that they are more than just the talent on paper. That they in reality and actual fact are going to be chasing the WPS championship.

Chicago Red Stars Forward Cristiane

“I think for me, I’m very happy to score three goals because they are three important goals for my team. We needed this, so I’m going to continue to look for this in the next game.”

“About my substitution, I left the game happy about the work that I did and I understood why Emma wanted to take me out. For me it was no problem.”

Chicago Red Stars Midfielder Megan Rapinoe

“We have to win to be honest. We just got to keep winning and if that doesn’t motivate you then you probably shouldn’t be playing the sport.”

FC Gold Pride Head Coach Albertin Montoya

“I thought it was an exciting game for the fans, it could have been 6-6 or 7-7.”

“We had to make a couple of adjustments and Chicago took advantage of that and got in behind Osborne and put it away.”

On opening the second half shorthanded:
“How Chicago is so dangerous on the attack, I need Kristen (Graczyk) back on the field and unfortunately it took 25 minutes to get her stitched and back and I just couldn’t wait that long. You saw what they did in a few minutes that we were playing the first half short. My plan was to put Brandi in the attack […] but it took us so long because I wanted Kristen back on the field. Also, I was told she was coming back in 30 seconds and I waited […] and sent several people in and they came back and said its 15 minutes now. I wasn’t too happy about that.”

Lineups:

Chicago Red Stars – Jönsson; Spilger, Oakes, Dieke, Vandenbergh; Carney, Lloyd, Klein, Rapinoe (Igwe, 68); Tarpley (Adams, 81), Cristiane (Masar, 67).

FC Gold Pride – Barnhart; Robinson, Buehler, Graczyk (Weimer, 52), Abegg; Formiga, Osborne, Milbrett (Arakawa, 72), Sissi; Sinclair, Erika (Chastain, 47).