PREVIEW 2009 UEFA WOMEN’S EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS

In just four days time some of the top countries in women’s football will be competing for the right to be called European champions. The championships in Finland will play host to some of the biggest names in women’s football. 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 and Denmark.
Next up.....



France



Ranked 4th in Europe and 8th in the world, France are the team that everyone is waiting to explode on to the international stage as a dominant women’s football team, Just like the men’s team did in France 98.The squad is Filled with talented players coached from a young age at the prestigious Clairefontaine(French Football Academy). Clairefontaine is recognised as one of the finest football academy’s in the world. It has a high reputation of producing some of the most gifted French football players including Thierry Henry.
The squad that coach Bruno Bini has picked is packed with experience, technical ability and raw talent.
In the last few European Championships France have failed to get out of the group stages but optimism is high this time. With a bunch of players that have come through the ranks with each other now having matured and the squad filled with many players from arguably one of the best club sides in Europe and in France, Olympique Lyonnais, the squad have been playing attractive, technically skilled football, attracting attention from the media and the fans.
France put in a pretty convincing qualifying campaign winning 7 out of 8 matches conceding only 2 goals.
Our dark horse team. Come on Les Blues.



Sonia Bompastor (Key Player)

Is one of the best players to come out of France since Marinette Pichon.
A veteran of the national team with 105 caps. She has scored 11 goals and played in the 2003 World Cup and 2005 European championships.
Bompastor can play anywhere on the field, defence , midfield and even up front and has a lethal left foot with which she uses to strike at goal or provide accurate balls for her teamates to get on the end of. Normally deployed in the left of midfield or left of the defence.
She is also Known for her tenacity, never say die attitude and leadership skills which has seen her Captain the national squad and the club side Olympique Lyonnais. The latter to two French championships and a French cup. Was Voted France’s player of the year in 2004 & 2008.
Bompastor was one of the few Europeans to cross the Atlantic to the new Women’s Professional Soccer league in America playing for the Washington Freedom.
In the WPS Bompastor impressed everyone with her game and professionalism. She has received Player of the Week and Player of the Month accolades and was also chosen for the WPS All-Star team.



Louisa Necib (Fresh Face)

22 year old Necib is the rising star of French women’s football. The attacking midfielder is a product of Clairefontaine and has been likened to the French player Zinedine Zidane, due in part to her Algerian roots but also to her skill in midfield.
Necib is a playmaker with good technical ability and passing skills. She is a dead ball specialist and her accurate service to team-mates has put her on the map as one of the best midfielders in women’s football.
Necib played in the 2005 European Championships in England. She has 33 appearances and scored 4 goals for France.
Joined Olympique Lyonnais from Montpelier in 2007 and made an immediate impact. Scoring 17 goals in the season helping Olympique Lyonnais to the French Championship, the French Cup and to the Semi-Finals of the Women’s Uefa Cup.
Voted France’s Player of The Year for 2009.
Was drafted by WPS team Washington Freedom but decided to stay with Olympique Lyonnais. It's only a matter of time.

NJ Sky BlueFC V Washington Freedom Highlights

NJ SKY BLUE 4 - 4 WASHINGTON FREEDOM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SKY BLUE FC COACH KELLY LINDSEY

On the past three games

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

On Kacey White and Natasha Kai’s performance

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

WASHINGTON FREEDOM COACH JIM GABARRA

On his team’s performance

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

Lineups:

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

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

Erin McLeod selected Week 13 WPS Player of the Week

Well thank god for that. About time another defensive player gets the nod.And the 2nd goalie after Athletica's Jillian Loyden.


Washington goalkeeper Erin McLeod has been selected WPS's Player of the Week for Week 13 after notching her second shutout in six appearances to lead the visiting Freedom to a 1-0 triumph over Saint Louis Athletica. The Canadian made seven saves, including a big 63rd-minute stop on Week 12 winner Eniola Aluko, and twice received help from her crossbar as Washington climbed to second place in the WPS standings.

McLeod is the third Freedom player to receive Player of the Week honors, joining Abby Wambach (Week 5) and Sonia Bompastor (Week 6). She's the second Canadian selection (FC Gold Pride's Christine Sinclair, Week 8) and the second goalkeeper honored (Saint Louis' Jillian Loyden, Week 9). The WPS Player of the Week is selected by a panel of writers from the North American Soccer Reporters.

WPS Players of the Week

Week 1: Aya Miyama (Los Angeles Sol)
Week 2: Marta (Los Angeles Sol)
Week 3: Kelly Smith (Boston Breakers)
Week 4: Aly Wagner (Los Angeles Sol)
Week 5: Abby Wambach (Washington Freedom)
Week 6: Sonia Bompastor (Washington Freedom)
Week 7: Lori Chalupny (Saint Louis Athletica)
Week 8: Christine Sinclair (FC Gold Pride)
Week 9: Jillian Loyden (Saint Louis Athletica)
Week 10: Shannon Boxx (Los Angeles Sol)
Week 11: Camille Abily (Los Angeles Sol)
Week 12: Eniola Aluko (Saint Louis Athletica)

Week 13: Erin McLeod (Washington Freedom)

Washington Freedom 2 - 1 Sky Blue FC

DeVanna magic!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Washington Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabarra

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

On the second goal

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

Sky Blue FC Interim Head Coach Kelly Lindsey

On the final minutes of the game

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

Lineups:

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

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

WPS PREVIEW WEEK 8

LA Sol vs Sky Blue FC Fri May 15th 10.30pm ET

The Los Angeles Sol and Sky Blue FC face off in front of a television audience on Universal Sports – the first of two Sol-Sky Blue FC games covered by Universal and the first Friday night game in WPS history. The two play each other for the second time this season with their previous match-up ending in a 2-0 Sol victory at TD Bank Park in early April. Los Angeles comes into the game atop the WPS standings for the seventh consecutive week since opening the season with a win in the WPS Inaugural Match, but the team has not won since a 1-0 victory over FC Gold Pride in Week 4. Chinese international Han Duan created some good opportunities against Boston last weekend, but the Sol offense will have to break out of their slump to overcome a stingy Sky Blue FC defense led by Christie Rampone. Having allowed only four goals this season has kept Sky Blue FC competitive in every game so far and helped lead them to their first win last weekend in a 2-0 upset of the Chicago Red Stars. With their offensive stars of Sarah Walsh, Collette McCallum, Natasha Kai and Heather O’Reilly finally clicking, one key goal could make the difference for either team in this cross-country match-up. For Sky Blue FC, it’s their fourth of five consecutive away games before returning home for a game on May 31. Only two WPS teams, Boston and Los Angeles, have been able to secure back-to-back victories so far this season, as Sky Blue FC looks to become the third team in WPS to follow-up a win with another victory.
My predictions 1-1 score draw.



We need to score!

Chicago Red Stars vs FC Gold Pride Sat May 16th 8.30pm ET
The Chicago Red Stars play host to FC Gold Pride for the first ever match-up between the two sides and the Red Stars fourth of five consecutive home games early in the 2009 season. The Red Stars became the last team to fall from the unbeaten ranks on Sunday with their upset loss to Sky Blue FC at Toyota Park. With a win last week, the Red Stars could have moved into first place in the WPS standings but instead remain in third place, three points behind league-leading Los Angeles, but only three points ahead of fifth-place teams Saint Louis, Washington and Sky Blue FC. The Red Stars continue to be led by the goalkeeping of Caroline Jönsson and the offensive touch of Lindsay Tarpley, but need more consistent contributions from 2008 U.S. Soccer Player of the Year Carli Lloyd. FC Gold Pride has shown moments of brilliance this season with some creative attacking soccer, but will need their offensive regulars to start scoring more consistently. In the past two weeks, FC Gold has seen only a converted defender, Leigh Ann Robinson playing at forward, hit the back of the net.
My prediction 2-1 Chicago






Boston Breakers vs Washington Freedom
Sun May 17th 6.oopm ET FSC

The Boston Breakers and Washington Freedom will face each other for the second time this season in the televised FSC game on Sunday. After maintaining their number two spot in WPS Standings with a win and tie, taking four of six points in a home-and-away series against the Los Angeles Sol, the Breakers look ahead to get their younger players on the scoreboard. The Washington Freedom will play without Abby Wambach, out on suspension for one game, and plan to close the gaps in a defense that has allowed a league leading 12 goals.
Offensive veterans, Kelly Smith, Kristine Lilly, Angela Hucles, and Christine Latham have scored all eight of Boston’s goals this season. Half of those goals came from the English superstar, Smith, and Lilly has tallied two. Coach Tony DiCicco is looking for more from striker Amy Rodriguez who has came on as a sub in the last 2 games.
Washington will look to Sonia Bompastor in the abscenec of Abby Wambach to pack a punch at the Boston defence. Washington's own defence will need to improve hugely against Smith & co.The team has struggled to organize defensively. Having allowed the most goals in the league, Washington’s center back, Cat Whitehill, will be vital to pumping up the Freedom’s defensive confidence. The arrival of the long awaited Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod should also re-energize the defense.
My prediction 2-1 Boston win

preview by womensprosoccer.com