BRIT INVASION ....PART 2

Anita Asante had a tough time in defence against the LA Sol with the likes of Marta and Han Duan(pictured) but she played well and she nearly scored or should have scored. She had a great chance from 6 yards but blasted the ball over the goal.

Alex Scott had a torrid time in defence against FC Gold Pride. Constantly under pressure from the excellent Tiffeny Weimer, Arikawa and Canadian Christie Sinclair, she was busy. Couldn't get forward as much as she usualy does. Ihave no dubt she will grow into this league.

Eniola Aluko was busy througout the game. She was on the wing most of the time dribbling and trying to open chances for teammates. Few shooting oppertunities. Athletica are a very offensive side but they need to put all chances they get away. Brazillian coach Barcellos will be looking for Aluko to be more positive and more clinical in the coming weeks.

THE BRIT INVASION.....PART 1

SMITH DIEKE












........Well not really but you know what i mean...all 6 brit girls were in action over the weekend.
Kelly Smith put in an awsome display that left her coach Tony DiCicco praising her to the hill."I thought Kelly Smith was the class player out on the field for us today," Smith scored her first goal of the campaign in the 79th minute. She latched on to a through ball from Stacy Bishop in front of goal,she then touched the ball and rounded FCGP goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart, settled and then blasted the ball into the top of the net.She showed fight , bite and crafty technique through out the game.Almost topped of by the best moment in the game when she created space for herself stoppage time and by beating several players and smashed a 22-yard left-footed shot past Gold Pride keeper Nicole Barnhart, only to see the ball hit the crossbar and fall safely out of play.

Karen Carney and Ifeoma Dieke had solid starts for the Chicago Red Stars. Taking on Saint Louis Athletica the game was quite physical with Carney picking herself up of the ground from numerous hard challenges by the like of Brazil star Daniela and Canadian powerhouse Melissa Tancredi. Carney created a few chances of her own, one being where she had a run down the right from just inside her own half with a shot on goal. Saved by Hope Solo but a good effort by Carney.Dieke was solid in the backline for the Red Stars showing good composure when under a lot of pressure from the home side.

FC GOLD PRIDE 2 - 1 BOSTON BREAKERS

FC GOLD PRIDE
BOSTON BREAKERS

AHHHHH!! I totally didn't see this result. Credit to Gold Pride i thought they were fantastic. Tiffany Weimer? Why is she not in the USWNT she was outstanding. I will be following her closley.
Tiffeny Milbrett came off the bench to spoil the Boston Breakers comeback with a goal in the 90th minute to lift FC Gold Pride to a 2-1 victory over the Breakers in the first-ever match for both teams in Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) action Sunday evening in front of 6,459 fans at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

Milbrett’s winner for FCGP came against the run of play as the Breakers had taken the momentum following a Kelly Smith equalizer in the 79th minute. Second-half substitute Stacy Bishop dribbled into the box and poked the ball thru to Smith in front of goal. Smith then touched the ball and rounded FCGP goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart, settled and then blasted the ball into the top of the net.

Smith had a great chance for a second equalizer in the final minute of stoppage time when her 22-yard left-footed effort beat Barnhart but smacked the crossbar and went out of play.

Eriko Arakawa opened the scoring for the home team with a 15th-minute glancing header at the near post after some good build up and a Tiffany Weimer cross from the right edge of the penalty area.

Milbrett’s winner came after another second-half sub, Kandace Wilson, crossed and forced Boston goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill to punch ball away. The ball fell right to Millbrett in front of area, however, as she settled and blasted ball in center of goal before Luckenbill and the Breakers defense could block the ball off the line.

FC Gold Pride: Nicole Barnhart, Rachel Buehler, Erika, Carrie Dew, Formiga, Leslie Osborne (Brandi Chastain, 65'), Leigh Ann Robinson, Kristen Graczyk, Christine Sinclair (Tiffeny Milbrett, 69'), Eriko Arakawa (Kandace Wilson, 83'), Tiffany Weimer

Boston Breakers: Kristin Luckenbill, Alex Scott, Nancy Augustyniak-Goffi, Amy LePeilbet, Heather Mitts, Kasey Moore (Sue Weber, 81'), Kristine Lilly, Angela Hucles (Stacy Bishop, 72'), Kelly Smith, Christine Latham (Kelly Schmedes, 58'), Amy Rodriguez

SKY BLUE FC 0 - 2 LA SOL

MARTA














LA SOL
SKY BLUE

Woooooo!!! my prediction was right..check the post below if you don't believe me. haha.
In front of a sell -out crowd of 6,053 Marta turned on the magic and got a brace away to Sky Blue FC at the TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ. The Sol came out attacking from the starting whistle and methodically picked apart the Sky Blue defense, just as this explosive team did a week ago during its own home opener against the Washington Freedom. The turning point in the game was the injury to Sky Blue Captain Christie Rampone who had to leave the game in the 27th minute due to a hamstring injury. Without the speed and experience of Rampone Sky Blue were undone by Marta. Sky Blue now didn't have the defenders quick enough to stop her and she capitalised on this. The Sol were able to notch their first goal of the match at the 42nd minute as Marta dribbled passed two defenders inside the box and squirted one by Sky Blue goalkeeper Jenni Branam. Two minutes later, LA extended its lead to two. A ball over the top was played to forward Han Duan down the left side. Duan served the ball to a waiting Marta who placed it in the back of the net under a diving Branam.In the 2nd half Sky Blue tried to get some momentum with bringing on the speedy Australian international Sarah Walsh to get a goal back. Although they kept pressing LA's defence once again were outstanding. Bock , Falk and GK Karina LeBlanc were on top, LeBlanc making several key saves.

Sky Blue FC – Jenni Branham; Jenny Hammond, Christie Rampone (C) (27: Keeely Dowling), Anita Asante, Julianne Sitch; Jen Buczkowski (46: Sarah Walsh), Heather O'Reilly, Collette McCallum, Kacey White; Natashi Kai (74: Kelly Parker); Megan Schnur.

Los Angeles Sol – Karina LeBlanc; Allison Falk, Brittany Bock, Stephanie Cox, Manya Makoski; Liz Bogus (70: Aly Wagner), Aya Miyama, Camille Abily, Shannon Boxx (C); Marta, Han Duan.

ST LOUIS ATHLETICA 0 - 1 CHICAGO REDSTARS

Redstars











St Louis


Well i was wrong... my prediction. The Redstars got an away win courtesy of a 78th minute goal from captain and USWNT player Lindsey Tarpley, with an assist by defender Marian Dalmy.
In front of a sell-out crowd of 5,008 at the Southern Illinois University's Ralph Korte stadium the Athletica women started brightly putting pressure on the Redstars defence. Playing with speed and a passing game St Louis came at Chicago from all over the pitch. Captain Lori Chalupny being dangerous by having many shots at goal. English star Eniola Aluko also was playing very well as an attacking winger. Chicago's defence held strong with a great game by GK Swedish international Caroline Jonsson. Chicago didn't really create many chances until the very end of the 1st half where Carli Lloyd shot a hard shot at goal which Hope Solo knocked away and then saved the followup shot by Tarpley.
The 2nd half was more even with both sides going for the win. St Louis continued to play the quick passing game but with no end product. Chicago played on the counter with English star Karen Carney making great runs down both wings.The 78th minute winner came from nowhere when Dalmy crossed a great ball into the box for Tarpley to tap in. The last 12 minutes Athletica were all over Chicago trying to get the equaliser.

All in all a good game with an enthusiastic crowd. Hope it continues.

Line-ups - Saint Louis Starters:: Solo, Hanks, Larsson, McNeill, Stoia, Ellertson, Aluko, Daniela, Woznuk, Tancredi, Chalupny
Subs: Gray (65th minute), Francielle (80th minute)

Chicago Starters: Jonsson, Dalmy, Dieke, Ostberg, Krzysik, Klein, Rapinoe, Lloyd, Carney, Masar, Tarpley
Subs: Adams (68th minute)

WPS Preview Week 2

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

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

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

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

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

Other games

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

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

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

ENGLISH SUPER LEAGUE POSTPONED?

The FA has taken the decision to defer the Women's Super League for 12 months.

At The FA Board Meeting on Tuesday 31 March, it was reluctantly decided that the launch of The FA Women’s Super League, scheduled to start in the summer of 2010, will now kick off in summer 2011.

The decision was reached in line with discussions as part of an ongoing review of the FA’s cost base and planned financial commitments across the organisation.

Arsenal Ladies are currently nearing the completion of their submission bid for their place in the Women’s Super League but that has been put on hold until further notice.

The Women’s Premier League will run as normal next year.

UPDATE ON BRITISH PLAYERS

Boston Breakers

Kelly Smith and Alex Scott had a meet the media day with their team the Boston Breakers. This was a day where the team were introduced to the local media after training. All the players were interviewed with the various media about the WPS and about their prospects for the season.





Heather Mitts also said that she has found a nice place to live in Cambridge, Mass & she lives near Kelly & Alex so they have been exploring the place together.

Chicago Redstars

The Redstars had their last friendly match last night where they played the University of Illinois. They won 8-0. Karen Carney and Scottish defender Ifeoma Dieke started the match. Dieke as a RB. Brazil international Cristiane also started. Carney ending up with 2 assists.


Carney seen down at the Social Security office.... i guess the pay isn't that good in the WPS..lol......nah some of the players had to go down to get their social security numbers. Without it they can't work in USA or get paid. Players in the pic are Heather Garriok and Frieda Ostberg.







St Louis Athletica

Enoila Aluko and her Athletica teammates were meeting the fans after training for a meet and greet session. Check out the video http://vimeo.com/3824228

INAUGURAL GAME

Abby
Sonia




Marta
Camille Abily

Allison Falk

For more on the match check out the highlights and Pics at http://fans.womensprosoccer.com/

LOS ANGELES SOL V WASHINGTON FREEDOM

Well the first match of the inaugural season has come & gone. The Sol win an entertaining game 2-0. Goals coming from defender Allison Falk and French international midfielder Camille Abily.

The game started of quick with LA playing the better game with their midfield of Shannon Boxx, Aya Miyama & Camille Abily dominating. Washington Freedom players looked like they had stage fright. The first goal came in 6 mins when Japanese star Miyama delivered a perfect ball into the area for Rookie defender Falk to tangle with GK Briana Scurry & head the ball into the net. The Freedom claimed it was a foul on their keeper. From looking at the replays and pictures sometimes i think it was a goal and sometimes not but hey Allison Falk has now officially gone done as the first woman to score in WPS. The ball was taken out of play & Falk will sign it & it will go into the Hall Of Fame. LA continued to make chances with Marta showing some of her skills and keeping the Freedom defence occupied although they dealt with her ok throughout the game.
Toward the end of the half Washington started to put some plays together. Most of that was coming from their left where French international Sonia Bompastor was was being a menace.She put in several balls from the left for striker Wambach. One where Wambach made a great connection but Sol's GK Karina Le Blanc coming of her line to make a great save. To me she was the Freedoms best player of the whole game. Her crossing was on point. For the 2nd half LA coach Abner made a tactical change to contain her.

2nd half - Washington had more of the play where they were pushing forward trying to get the equalizer. The problem they had was Abby was pretty much up there on her own. And all balls went to her. As the season goes on i expect the Freedom to have a plan B, where other players start taking chances and making plays. As much as Washington were pushing forward LA's defence held up with the impressive Brittany Bock at CB. Bock is not a defender per say. She is a combative midfielder that can do a good job as a forward but i guess because Abby was the opposition Coach Abner decided he needed a tough person at the back. She was great.
Freedom nearly scored from a scramble in the box when Lori Lindsey struck the ball from just inside the area only to see the ball hit the right upright on 63 mins.

LA Sol clinched the game from a counterattack when Bock intercepted a cross from a Freedom player and passed the ball to Marta who at first tried a slide ruler pass through to substitute forward Christie Welsh where it came of her heel , Marta picked up the ball again and continued her momentum towards goal at pace attracting the 3 defenders to her. She passed the ball to the oncoming midfielder Abily who was unmarked on the right. Abily took one touch to get closer to goal and then chipped Scurry from just outside the penalty box. It was a sweet goal with great technique from the French woman. A great way to end the game. But you have got to ask what were the defenders thinking and why did no midfield player track Abily's run.She started of on the edge of her own box. I guess that is the Marta effect. The same thing happened in the 2008 Olympic Semi-Final game Brazil v Germany. Marta had the ball & was running on a breakaway towards goal all the German defenders went to her... yes all 4.. but they left Christiane and no midfielder tracked her. Marta passed the ball to Christian who was unmarked and she slotted the ball home.

Overall the game was entertaining i enjoyed watching it. I have no doubt the play will get better as the teams get more games in. My MVP choice was tough i could pick quite a few but i will go with Brittany Bock..she was awesome. Miyama had a good game as well. Best Freedom player by a mile was Sonia Bompastor. Best play Camile Abily's goal. Perfect execution. She ran all the way up the pitch and had composure to lob the keeper.

Line-ups

LA Sol - 23- Le Blanc , 2-Fletcher,11-Bock, 3-Falk , 14-Cox, 20-Abily, 7-Boxx, 22-Makoski,8-Miyami , 10- Marta, 9-Duan

Washington Freedom - 1-Scurry, 21-Singer,4-Whitehill, 22-Sauberman ,11- Janss,9-Long, 6- Lindsey, 10-Sawa ,8- Bompastor,25-Zimmeck, 20-Wambach.