EURO 2009 FINAL - ENGLAND 2 - 6 GERMANY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lineups:

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

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

PREVIEW 2009 UEFA WOMEN’S EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS

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

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



England




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




Fara Williams (Key Player)

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





Karen Carney (Fresh Face)

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

Chicago Red Stars v Washington Freedom Highlights

2-3

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.

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

BRIT INVASION...PART 9

Saint Louis Athletica's English gem Eniola Aluko was top of the class this weekend as she notched her 4th goal of the season to down Sky Blue FC in a 2-1 win.
Aluko scored in the 2nd minute from a through ball by team captain Lori Chalupny. She beat the offside trap and English national teamate Anita Asante to score.
Aluko increasingly is becoming the 'taliswoman' for Athletica as her speed and runs cause defences problems.She is the no1 striker at the club and she is now in 5th place inthe WPS scorers league with 4 goals, one goal behind Kelly Smith and Canadian international Christine Sinclair after 12 games.

Anita Asante was an unlucky loser at the weekend.Unlucky that inside 2 minutes she appeared to play Eniola Aluko onside for her goal.TV replays show a possible hint of offside.And unlucky that the Sky Blues can't seem get a break.Last ditch fluke winner for Saint Louis.For most of the game Asante was as solid as ever, matching the speed of the Athletica forward and not allowing her any more attempts on goal.

Karen Carney and her Chicago Red Stars had a torrid time in Los Angeles against the Sol. In searing heat even at 10am Carney was unable to stop the 4-nil beating. Carney tried to attack but was stopped by the Sol defence. With just 2 shots, none on target and a yellow card to round it off it was a bad day at the office.

Chicago Red Stars v Boston Breakers Sun June 21 4pm ET


The Chicago Red Stars will look to replicate their best performance of the season Sunday when they play the Boston Breakers at TOYOTA PARK.

The Red Stars crushed Boston, 4-0, on April 25th, in the process setting a Women’s Professional Soccer record for goals in a game that is yet to be surpassed.
Chicago has not won a game since, a streak that reached seven matches with a 1-0 loss at Sky Blue FC on Wednesday.

Sunday’s game will be webcast on chicagoredstars.com and BostonBreakers.com with both English and Spanish language audio feeds available.

English star Karen Carney is set to play after sitting out her suspension. She scored her 1st and only goal against the Breakers in the 4 -0 win last time. She will meet up again with compatriots Kelly Smith and Alex Scott. Smith didn't play in that game but i expect she will get some minutes if not a start this time. She played 30 minutes against FC Gold Pride on Wednesday night.Knee holding up enough!

Both team desperately need a win to push them back up the standings.

Red Stars Head Coach Emma Hayes after the defeat to Sky Blue on Wednesday night indicated there would be several changes in the starting line-up.

Jennie Nobis and Kelly Smith both came off the bench in Wednesday’s game against FC Gold Pride to lead the Breakers to a 1-1 tie. Smith hit a corner kick to the far post, in which Nobis headed the ball into the bottom left corner of the net in the 76th minute. It was Nobis’ first goal this season and Smith’s second assist.

NJ SKY BLUE FC 1 - 0 CHICAGO RED STARS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

Lineups:

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

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

WPS MIDWEEK MATCHES 17/06/09

BOSTON BREAKERS V FC GOLD PRIDE 7pm ET

The Boston Breakers get back to the pitch quickly and will look to bounce back from Sunday’s loss to Saint Louis Athletica when they take on FC Gold Pride in the team’s first midweek contest of the season, Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at Harvard Stadium.
The Breakers and FC Gold Pride (3-5-2, 11 points) are in a three-way tie with the Chicago Red Stars (2-3-5) for fourth place in the WPS standings. All three teams are two points behind the third-place Washington Freedom (3-3-4). The top four teams qualify for the playoffs.

The Breakers have suffered back-to-back losses for the first time following a 2-1 upset at Sky Blue FC two weeks ago, and Sunday’s 1-0 loss versus Saint Louis. Prior to that, Boston had been unbeaten in three-straight and was in second place. Sunday’s loss also marked the first home defeat for the Breakers this season. Kelly Smith is nursing a knee injury and is doubtful. Christine Latham should be back from suspension.

FC Gold Pride was off this past week and drew in their previous match, 1-1 versus the Red Stars. They are winless in their last three matches, with their last victory coming at Chicago on May 16 (1-0). Christine Sinclair leads the team in scoring with four goals, which is tied for third in WPS, while Tiffany Weimer has dished out a team-high three assists – second best in WPS.

The previous meeting between the two was a 2-1 home win for FC Gold Pride after a 90th minute winner by Tiffany Milbrett.

Both teams need the 3 pts to stay in the hunt for a playoff position but more importantly they need to win to get their confidence back.



NJ SKY BLUE FC V CHICAGO RED STARS 7pm ET

The Chicago Red Stars wrap up their longest road trip of the season Wednesday when they pay visit to Sky Blue FC.
Chicago have achieved 3 draws on the road and has scored two goals, both by Brazilian forward Cristiane. The Red Stars are 0-1-1 against Sky Blue FC this season, with both previous meetings at TOYOTA PARK.

Wednesday will also be Chicago’s first look at Sky Blue FC under the direction of interim head coach Kelly Lindsey. Lindsey was promoted from assistant coach following the dismissal of Ian Sawyers in late May. Sky Blue FC is 1-1-1 under Lindsey, including a 0-0 tie with WPS leader Los Angeles last weekend.

Sky Blue come into the match with confidence. They are playing well and they are difficult to beat with a hard to beat defence of Keely Dowling, Anita Asante , Christie Rampone and Megan Shnur. Up front Natasha Kai who is coming into form was a constant menace to LA Sol's defence on Sunday.

Chicago could have Carli Lloyd back from injury.She attended Rutgurs University and played at Yuracek park. It could be a great homecoming for her.
Karen Carney will miss the game through suspension after receiving a straight red card for bringing down Abby Wambach in the previous match versus Washington Freedom.

WASHINGTON FREEDOM 0 - 0 CHICAGO RED STARS

In a fiercely fought game, the Washington Freedom (3-3-4) and Chicago Red Stars (2-3-5) played to a 0-0 tie Saturday afternoon in front of a crowd of 5,049 at Washington’s RFK Stadium.

The key to this game was toughness and intensity. Chicago players, never afraid to go body-to-body, brought their rough playing style to Washington. Each team recorded a pair of yellow cards, and head referee Juan Carlos Rivero ejected Chicago’s Karen Carney in the 60th minute after a hard foul on Washington’s captain Abby Wambach.

This was the second straight game against Washington that a Chicago player was red-carded (the last game took place at the Maryland Soccer Plex on April 11, with Red Stars captain Frida Ostberg earning the ejection).

Through the first 20 minutes, Washington took four shots to Chicago’s two, but none found the net. This shooting disparity would continue
throughout the game, with Washington taking 24 shots to Chicago’s nine. After Carney was ejected, Washington took a staggering 13 shots, including six on frame. Chicago’s best first half chance came at the 25 minute mark from midfielder Megan Rapinoe, who struck the ball well but missed the goal high. Washington’s best chance came at the 41 minute mark, when midfielder Allie Long’s shot sailed just over the crossbar.On Chicago’s end, Rapinoe ran hard throughout the game, giving the Red Stars all four of their crosses. These opportunities never came to fruition, but were some of Chicago’s best chances during the hard-fought draw.

Washington recorded its first shutout of the year, despite the fact that coach Jim Gabarra had to make two changes to his back line, which lost Alex Singer to an injury. Added to the defense was Ali Krieger, who played her first game with the Freedom after arriving from her previous club in Frankfurt, Germany.

Chicago are still the only team to remain unbeaton on the road.

Lineups:

Chicago: Jönsson; Dalmy, Spilger, Oakes, Ostberg; Carney (Ejected, 60^th), Klein (Adams, 71^st), Igwe, Rapinoe (Vandenbergh, 81^st); Tarpley (Lloyd, 56th), Cristiane

Washington: McLeod; Krieger(Gilbeau ,72nd),Whitehill, Sauerbrumn,Bompastor; Sawa , Lindsey(DeDyker, 85th) ,Moros;Long, Wambach, DeVanna

Chicago Red Stars 0 - 2 Saint Louis Athletica

Loyden -"mine"!

Saint Louis Athletica may not have had many opportunities during Saturday night’s WPS contest against the Chicago Red Stars at Toyota Park but the chances they did get they made count. And the chances the Red Stars got Athletica goalkeeper Jillian Loyden made count.
Loyden denied Chicago in the 17th minute with a dramatic save against Brazil’s Cristiane. Karen Carney struck a perfect corner kick that Cristiane headed on goal but Loyden was able to get a hand to it and push it over the top of the cross bar. The save was the first of what would prove to be a very productive night for Athletica’s deputy keeper. Loyden faced six Chicago shots on goal and turned away each one, three of which were goal bound chances.

The game stayed scoreless going into the 26th minute with very little going towards either teams net until Eniola Aluko struck. Aluko was able to use her speed on the left wing to turn the corner on Chicago’s back line. As she came in to the edge of the six-yard box she found herself one-on-one with Red Star Goalkeeper Caroline Jonsson. Aluko’s attempted pass to Kerri Hanks deflected off Ifeoma Dieke and over Jonsson before falling on the other side of the goal line.
From that point onward Saint Louis turned in a master class performance. An especially encouraging result considering they were without Lori Chalupny and Hope Solo (U.S. National Team duty), Melissa Tancredi (Canadian Team National Team duty), and Kia McNeill (serving a one game suspension). Chicago was without four regular starters as well, Carli Lloyd, Lindsay Tarpley , Megan Rapinoe, and Marian Dalmy. The absences of star power seemed to bother Athletica less as Saint Louis kept up the pressure and took a commanding 2-0 lead minutes before halftime.
Eniola Aluko was again involved. This time driving home a powerful right-footed shot from 10 yards out on a ball that Kendall Fletcher had struck and which fell to Aluko.

The second half Chicago outshot Athletica by a 12-5 margin overall and put six shots on goal, all of which Loyden handled.The Red Stars best opportunity of the second half came late as Frida Ostberg made a bid to get Chicago back in the game. A rare glimpse of open space in Athletica’s back line allowed Ostberg to drive in a shot from just inside the penalty area on the right wing that Loyden kick saved as she went to the turf. The save preserved the shutout for Loyden and Athletica. Who have now posted back-to-back shutouts for the first time the season.

Athletica is now on a two game winning streak and undefeated in their last four. The win moves Athletica into a fifth place tie with Chicago. Chicago and Saint Louis are even on points, goal differential, and wins.
Chicago are in a 3 game loss slump. They haven't scored in those 3 games and confidence is low. This is the time for the coaches to start earning their money.

“We were in a similar situation to Chicago, we lost our first two games,” said Barcellos. “We were able to find our game today and get three points away from home.”

“Typical strikers goal,” stated Aluko. “Ball fell to me perfectly and I just tried to put it away.”



"We'll evaluate as a coaching staff what we need to do, and I think this is a time the team as a whole have to come together, along with the staff, we have to find solutions to things which in my opinion are not based off of ability," Hayes said. "They're based mentally. We have to develop a collective and a focus when we've conceded goals and the game's not going our way. For us we're better than we're showing at the moment."

Line-ups:

Chicago Red Stars – Jönsson; Igwe (Adams, 46), Krzysik (Garriock, 46; Wenino, 56), Dieke, Spilger; Oakes, Östberg, Klein; Carney, Masar, Cristiane.

Saint Louis – Loyden; Cross, Ellertson, Larsson, Weber; Francielle, Stoia (Walter, 70), Woznuk, Fletcher; Aluko, Hanks (Welsh, 88).

BRIT INVASION...PART 8

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


Top Play!

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

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

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

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

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

CHICAGO RED STARS 0 - 1 FC GOLD PRIDE

Tap-in!

FC Gold Pride earned the team’s first road win of the season with a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday night at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL.
The Pride turned up the pressure on the Red Star defense in the first half, ultimately creating numerous goal scoring opportunities.Even so Chicago created the first chance. In the 27th minute Megan Rapinoe swung in a cross from the left aiming for Cristiane who started the match. Cristiane was inches away as she dived to get her head on the ball. On the 30th minute Gold Pride got their reward for their pressure.Brazilian Adriana starting her 1st match drove into the box running on the bye line on the right. She passed the ball into the area towards Tiffany Milbrett who's shot was blocked by Red Stars GK Caroline Jonsson. Christine Sinclair was there to walk in the rebound. Her 2nd goal of the league.
Nearing half-time the Red Stars second opportunity came. On 37 minutes Karen Carney struck a shot towards goal Pride GK Nicole Barnhart could only parry it. The rebound came to Lindsey Tarpley who sent it inches wide to the left.
The 2nd half was bogged down in midfield with FC Gold Pride having more shots on goal. Chicago had their final chance in the 83rd minute when Carney again shot at goal after collecting a pass from Rapinoe.Barnhart was able to save it for her 3rd save of the match. Chicago only had 3 shots on goal the whole match. Carney with 2 and Tarpley with 1. FC Gold pride outshot Chicago with 5 shots on goal.2nd consecutive loss for the Red Stars. Are they suffering from that bye week? Just how good are FC Gold pride..now up to 3rd in the league just behind Boston. LA Sol next for the at home.

"We played a very good game against the best attacking team in the league, on the road," said FC Gold Pride Head Coach Albertin Montoya. "It was a good win for us. We had game plan we stuck to it and played very well. We played a lot of pressure on them in the first half and got a goal.We played with a lot of heart and determination which showed in the last few minutes of the game,We held on defensively. Our back line was outstanding today."

CHICAGO RED STARS COACH EMMA HAYES
“I think the first half our attacking play was exciting. It’s the best we’ve been all season. Nonetheless we didn’t score. At the end of the day we just didn’t score a goal.I think this team has shown and will continue to show it has lots of character. You know they’re disappointed. There’s a quiet locker room right now because they know they could have got a little more from the game, but their character will carry them through.“

Lineups:

Chicago Red Stars – Jönsson; Dalmy (Igwe, 61), Krzysik, Dieke; Carney, Lloyd, Östberg, Klein (Oakes, 69); Rapinoe, Tarpley (Masar, 79), Cristiane.

FC Gold Pride – Barnhart; Buehler, Dew, Robinson; Adriane (Graczyk, 61), Formiga (Weimer, 82), Osborne, DiMartino (Arakawa, 72); Milbrett, Sinclair, Wilson.

BRIT INVASION...PART 7

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

Strong!

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

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

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

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


Solid!

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

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

EXCLUSIVE Q & A - KAREN CARNEY

Here at womans Soccer Insider we will bring exclusive Q&A with the British stars of the WPS. First up for the grilling is Chicago Red Stars Karen Carney.




1. How hard a decision, if at all, was it to leave Arsenal to join the Chicago Red Stars?

It was a very hard because Arsenal is a great club with great people there. But the opportunity to become a professional was too good to turn down and it came at the best possible time in my life. So it was too good to miss out on.

2. What has been the biggest surprise to you on and off the field since being in America?

On the field the biggest surprise has been how physical the league is. I have been working on my strength for a while now but its so tough. Also another thing is how much i am learning is surprising. I am learning every day and in every game.

Off the field I am surprised how easy it is to live in Chicago and how accessible everything is. I thought I would struggle in the city but I love it and now call it home!!

3. How does the pace and skill of the WPS compare with the English game?

I would say that the English game is more skillful and technical. But here the pace of the game is probably three of four times faster. It’s so fast and also very physical. In England it’s not so physical. Here i come off with bruises and bumps and that’s just from training.

4. How did it feel to score your 1st goal in the league against the Boston Breakers?

It felt great, i was getting frustrated that i hadnt scored. so it was nice to get a goal. I felt like phewwww I’ve netted lets go from here.

5. What has it been like to play for ex-Arsenal coach Emma Hayes again?

Yer its great, Emma is easy to work with. She works on technical skills and the tactical information that i am familiar with. So it feels great to train every day and then play the games. Also it’s nice that someone understands me and some of my sayings and how important a good cup of tea is haha!!

6. Has it been difficult gelling with the players in the team as they are all from different countries and cultures?

Yes it was very difficult the first few weeks and was frustrating. I have come from Arsenal where there is a particular style of play, everyone has played with each other for such a long time and we had gelled.. so I found it extremely hard as did everyone else here to have 18 new players from all over the place and expect to perform. But as the days and weeks have gone. We have improved so much and we are getting better and better. It’s getting easier and I love training with my team and especially the games. It’s starting to feel like i have been here a while now!

7. Do you have your own house in Chicago? Who are your housemates?

I have an apartment and it’s in an unbelievable location. I’m steps from navy pier, near the beach and literally have everything around me. My apartment has a gym, pool, basketball court, cinema its crazy...but the best part is my sofa lol!!

I live with one of my team mates Marian Dalmy. But there are 9 other of my team mates that live in the same block which is great!!

8 . Who has been the toughest players you have come up against so far in the WPS?

So far a player that impressed me is Sonia Bompastor. Ive played her a few times when we played Lyon for Arsenal and against her on the national teams. She is so clever and her movement is great. She has been on fire in WPS so far and she has really impressed me.

Someone who hasn’t surprised me is Kelly she got player of the month here, i know shel continue to take the league by storm and i hope she will start to get the recognition she deserves!!

The toughest player i have come up against was Melissa Tancredi of Saint Louis. She is so physical everytime I got passed her she’d body check me it was really annoying me. But for me it was good because i know i won’t outstrength people in this league so now i am having to learn to use my head to get past physical players.

9. What are England’s chances at Euro 2009?

England are getting better and better each game!! We have recently won the Cyprus Cup and beat Norway 3 nil which was really good for our confidence. We played some good teams and are getting some good results. I think England have a great chance, but still have a long way to go and a lot to prepare for as a team. England have got a tough group and I think for who ever goes it will be important to take each game as it comes and try to overcome that challenge firstly. However if England are to do something big now is the time to do it.

10. Finally…What is it truly like to now be a professional footballer?

It’s amazing. I love the fact I am constantly on the ball, working on my touch, passing, shooting etc..i have to pinch myself everyday and think Kaz you could be working back in England with a regular 9-5 job being miserable. Or you can be outside kicking a ball doing something you love and playing in exciting and challenging games. This alone motivates me..

WPS PREVIEW WEEK 7

Team on 3..1..2..3!

SAINT LOUIS ATHLETICA vs FC GOLD PRIDE SAT MAY 9th 8pm ET

Athletica coming off a disappointing week despite managing to break their scoring woes take on a Pride side on a high after winning their last match.
After what happened to Daniella, Athletica now need to pull together, show their team spirit, their work rate to get their maiden win.
Who will take the midfield role in place of Daniella? Lisa Stoia who has been playing well in midfield needs to take more of a lead, Captain Lori Chalupny may move from the defence to midfield. The defence has problems all of its own- Tina Ellertson who came of in the previous game, will she be fit? Kia McNeil is missing, we now know will be suspended.Can Hope Solo marshall a defence that let in 2 last minute goals? Some tinkering there needed from Coach Barcellos. At least they have started scoring goals. The strikers have got to be confident.Yes?
FC Gold Pride come into the game full of confidence again with their fast paced offence and talented players whom all can score goals.They Found it difficult to score against Sky Blue FC but they created lots of chances. They could fancy themselves against a bruised Athletica. Players to look out for Tiffany Weimer ( not in the recently released USWNT squad!!WHAT!!?) and Eriko Arkawa
My Prediction 1-1 draw (I'm playing safe)




Going tough on turf!

LOS ANGELES SOL vs BOSTON BREAKERS SUN MAY10th 4pm ET

It's all about revenge for the LA Sol on Sunday. Back to their larger field and grass surface at the Home Depot Center the Sol are looking to put on a better display and get the 3 pts which will keep them at the top of the league. Coach Abner said they are working on keeping the ball more and being more dangerous in the final 3rd. Also they need to give the ball to Marta in dangerous places..not back in midfield.Look to better performances from some of LA's players who toiled on the turf at Harvard stadium.Abner with no injury worries has a full squad to pick his best 11.
Boston look to continue their momentum to the top of the league. They know this will be a very different game than the one in Boston. Can Kelly Smith keep up her scoring in every game she has played? The defence as a unit had an excellent game last weekend. They will need to have another one this weekend. With the larger field the outside backs of Alex Scott and Heather Mitts will be under a lot more pressure.
My prediction 2-2 draw (High scoring)


All eyes on the ball!


CHICAGO RED STARS vs SKY BLUE FC SUN MAY 10th 6pm ET FSC

A rematch at Chicago again? So soon .. i know.. weird right? Anyway...
On April 11, the teams battled to a 0-0 draw on a cold, rainy day.Since the first meeting between them, each team has had a bye week and each team played one game, but with greatly different results. While Sky Blue suffered the 1-0 defeat to FC Gold Pride, Chicago staked its claim as the best team in WPS with a breakout performance. The Red Stars posted a resounding 4-0 victory over the Boston Breakers.Wingers Megan Rapinoe and Karen Carney will be eager to get on the scoring sheet again. Cristiane who missed the Boston game due to International duty could start upfront. Coach Hayes has said that Captain Frida Ostberg would remain in midfield so the defensive unit of Jonsson, Dalmy, Kryzsik, Dieke,Igwe now the best defence in the WPS will also remain unchanged.
Sky Blue will be hoping to see its fortunes change. With only one goal scored through four games, the biggest problem has been finding the back of the net. But while the scoring has been scant, it hasn’t been due to a lack of opportunities.In the team’s last match against FC Gold Pride, the Bay Area side had a couple of good chances early, but Sky Blue FC could have taken control of the game before halftime if the finishing had been better.Australian Sarah Walsh has looked good on occasions. She is very quick, just needs a bit of composure to finish off. Natasha Kai who was a 2nd half sub in the Pride game due to a mild concussion need to step up if healthy. Disappointing so far in the league. She is not in the recently released USWNT squad. The only way to get back in is to do a job for Sky Blue.
The encouraging note for them is that the team has not conceded very many goals at the other end of the field. The Blue's has allowed just 4 goals in 4 games with only the Red Stars and the LA Sol having conceded fewer. The defense was boosted by the return of defender and Captain Christie Rampone from a hamstring injury against FC Gold Pride but it wasn’t enough to get the win.
My prediction 3 - 1 home win (Sorry Sky Blue Fans)

Karen Carney exclusive interview coming soon

Find out here how Karen is settling in America, her reasons for leaving the Arsenal and what she thinks of the WPS so far. Womans Soccer Insider has the exclusive... We have grilled the England International and will be posting her thoughts here.





coming soon

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

BRIT INVASION ...PART 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scott 1st to ball before Carli Lloyd

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

CHICAGO RED STARS 4 - 0 BOSTON BREAKERS

Carney beats Heather Mitts to score.

It was a night to forget for the Boston Breakers but a night to remember for the Red Stars who came out to play.

A downpour just before halftime accented a flood of goals on the field as the Chicago Red Stars beat Boston, 4-0, Saturday night before 4,118 at Toyota Park. Karen Carney and Brittany Klein each scored a goal and logged a pair of assists in the win.

The Red Stars attacked early and often in the match, even playing without Brazilian striker Cristiane who is serving international duty. Chicago outshot Boston 20-8 – including a 10-3 margin in shots on goal.

A Boston handball in the 21^st minute set up Chicago’s first goal. On a free kick, Carney found Carli Lloyd at the top of the box, and the Red Stars forward buried her shot for her first points of the season.

The Red Stars added two more goals before the half on similar shots by Megan Rapinoe and Carney. In the 39^th minute, Rapinoe fired a bullet from the right side of the box that breezed past Breakers goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill. Three minutes later, Carney angled a shot from nearly the same spot on the pitch. The England native put a perfect spin on the ball to hit the bottom of the crossbar and find the back of the net. Klein assisted on both goals.

Chicago added a fourth goal after intermission. Playing into the right side of the box, Carney crossed to Lindsay Tarpley who played the ball to the top of the box and a waiting Klein. After being robbed of a goal on a deflection in the first half, Klein buried her second opportunity for her first score of the season.

Red Stars keeper Caroline Jönsson posted her third clean sheet of the season by stopping all three shots on goal she faced in the match.

“Let’s remember the clean sheet we got today," Red Stars coach Emma Hayes said. "That‘s just as crucial for the defending aspect. Goals were definitely a priority today. I told my staff we were going to go out and score a lot of goals today and that is the first time I have said that to my staff."

The Breakers had an opportunity to grab an early lead in the 5th minute. Alex Scott built the play from the back along right flank and found Amy Rodriguez who ran toward the area. She tried to find Hucles in front of goal but Jönsson covered it up.

Boston also had some late opportunities. First in the 82nd minute, Amy LePeilbet had a header in the center of the area off a Kristine Lilly free kick but it was saved by Jönsson. A minute later, Lilly ran onto a through ball from Christine Latham into the box, but she was forced to the left and her shot went wide of the lower right post.

Breakers midfielder Kasey Moore cleared two balls off the line in each half, the first in the 14th minute to prevent Klein from giving Chicago the lead with an open net goal from six yards out

Boston played without WPS co-scoring leader Kelly Smith following her match for the English National Team on Thursday against Norway, although the forward was available.

"If it was a closer game we could have played Kelly, but I didn't want to risk her," said DiCicco. "It is no excuse though. There will be times later on this season when we are going to have to play without her as well."

LINEUPS:

Chicago: Caroline Jönsson; Marian Dalmy, Nikki Krzysik, Ifeoma Dieke, Chioma Igwe; Frida Östberg, Brittany Klein, Carli Lloyd; Karen Carney (Heather Garriock, 61st minute, Ella Maser, 70th minute), Lindsay Tarpley, Megan Rapinoe.

Boston: Kristin Luckenbill (Allison Lipsher, 62nd minute); Alex Scott, Amy LePeilbet, Sue Weber, Heather Mitts; Kasey Moore (Candace Chapman, 62nd minute), Angela Hucles, Kristine Lilly, Stacy Bishop; Kelly Schmedes, Amy Rodriguez (Christine Latham, 46th).