Quick Recaps: WPS Sunday

This past Sunday, two games were on the WPS schedule:

Los Angeles Sol vs. FC Gold Pride (1-0)
Bay Area's Gold Pride took a trip down the coast to visit California rivals, LA Sol. FC Gold Pride was fired up, especially since Sol midfielder Aly Wagner was dissing its team name the week prior on Twitter!

Both teams battled their way through the first half, each tallying 6 shots (only 3 of 12 were actually on net) but things opened up for the Sol 2 minutes into the second half when Wagner chipped a ball over Gold Pride's backline and into the box. Marta was, of course, on the recieving end and took a quick shot on net, putting it past Gold Pride goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart. This gives Marta 3 goals so far this season, tying for the league goal leader spot with Boston Breakers Kelly Smith.

The LA Sol sit atop the league in first place, while the Gold Pride drop to 4th place.

Sky Blue FC vs. Chicago Red Stars (0-0)
Now this was one game I was really looking forward to watching. I've become a huge Red Stars fan over the last few weeks, despite the fact that I cover NY/NJ for OleOle.

The Red Stars were able to bring out almost 6,000 fans in the rainy, cold Chicago spring weather. My bet is, had the sun been shining, 7,500 people would've showed up. Eventhough the game ended in a 0-0 tie, I saw some great soccer. Chicago dominated the first half and I wish they could've continued that attacking energy throughout the 2nd half, but they let SBFC back in the game. Check my recap on OleOle.

Red Stars Players of Note:
Karen Carney was phenomenal. She made great runs and served some excellent balls into the attacking third. She is a playmaker, period. Megan Rapinoe deserves a shoutout, if not solely for her amazing bicycle kick in the first half. She is a great player. I thought there were a couple of balls she held onto too long or served too early, but ultimately she will prove to be quite an asset to the Stars. And lastly, Carli Lloyd ... you've picked up your game lady and are looking like the old Lloyd we know and love. Keep it up!