WPS Weekend Recap

I didn't think it was possible, but indeed it is. I am even more psyched for the remainder of the WPS season! This past weekend we saw some of the most exciting soccer yet -- we had 11 goals, 2 saved penalty kicks and the opportunity to watch two games, instead of just one. (Thank you Chicago!)

Los Angeles Sol vs. St. Louis Athletica, 0-0

Alright, as many of you know I have two teams in this league that I support -- The Chicago Red Stars and St. Louis Athletica. I really felt like this week would be the week for St. Louie. Marta would be missing from the Sol's lineup (as would Camille Abily and Han Duan - all on national team duty), so this was the perfect time for Athletica to take out the no.1 team in the league.

The game started out pretty evenly fought, with St. Louis racking up 7 shots in the 1st half, LA 5. It was during the 2nd half when things really started to get exciting. In the 73rd minute, St. Louis defender Tina Ellertson, on a late slide tackle, took down Sol's Katie Larkin in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Aly Wagner took the kick for the Sol, but was denied by goalkeeper Hope Solo. (Hello, of course it was denied. Solo is the best keeper in the world. Sorry Jonsson fans!)

St. Louis continued to dominate, outshooting the Sol 10-3 in the 2nd half. In the 83rd minute, St. Louis had a chance to secure a win when Sol defender Allison Falk committed a handball in the box. Athletica midfielder Lori Chalupny took the penalty, but shot right down the middle and into the hands of LA keeper Karina LeBlanc. I mean if you have a free shot on goal, why not shoot right at the goalie? No disrespect to Chaloopa, I'm just frustrated that they remain scoreless after 3 games.

It's like a broken record with Athletica. They seem to outplay their opponents, yet can't find the net. I'd like to give my opinion on what's going on with the team, but I have yet to see them play. Luckily St. Louis will be on FSC next Sunday when they take on Washington (a team who, by the way, has been on Fox Soccer Channel 3 of the 5 weeks! What's up with that?)

Chicago Red Stars vs Boston Breakers, 4-0

During preseason I predicted that the Red Stars were going to take this league by storm. How could they not? They have the talent, and they have the magic that is Emma Hayes. It may have taken them a few games to get going, but this weekend the Red Stars found their groove and showed everyone why they are the team to beat.

Coming into the game, the Boston Breakers were ranked 2nd in the league. They also had the league's co-scoring leader in Kelly Smith. It was going to be a hard-fought game -- or so we thought. In the 21st minute Carli Lloyd opened up scoring for Chicago off a set piece from 25 yards out. (That's right, to all those critics who gave Lloyd a hard time, step off. She is back!) Then 20 minutes later, Chicago's Brittany Klein found Megan Rapinoe running into the box. Rapinoe received the ball, cut to her left and shot the ball into the upper left corner of the net. GOOOOAL! Three minutes later, teammate Karen Carney mimicked Rapinoe's shot, almost to a tee, and tallied the 3rd goal for the Red Stars. At halftime they broke out in song..."Anything you can do, I can do better..." (Ok, not really, but it's a fun mental image, no?)

When the 2nd half started, all were suprised to see that Smith was not in the game for the Breakers. Apparently Coach DiCicco didn't want to risk an injury to Smith if the game was that far gone for his team. In the 51st minute, Brittany Klein sealed the deal for the Red Stars by putting one in the back of the net. 4 goals against and no Smith -- it's a wrap for Boston.

The Red Stars were phenomenal. Coach Hayes has been trying all season to dominate in the final third and Saturday night they finally did it. Her team was aggressive in the attack, but also strong on defense allowing no goals against. LA watch out...Chicago is nippin' at your heals for that #1 spot.

For highlights of the Red Stars/Breakers game, click here.

FC Gold Pride vs. Washington Freedom, 4-3

In this season's most exciting game to-date we saw Abby Wambach return to scoring glory and we had Tiffany Weimer show us just how bright the future of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team really is. Wambach came into the match with the most shots on goal of anyone in WPS, but had failed to actually score. Well, that was the case...until the 18th minute when Wambach, off a free kick from Cat Whitehill, redirected the ball into the back of the net off her good ol' noggin. FC Gold Pride countered 12 minutes later when Tiffeny Milbrett scooped up a great ball from Tiffany Weimer and chipped a ball over the head of Freedom keeper KJ Spisak. The teams went into the half tied 1-1, but the score wouldn't stay that way for long.

In the 51st minute, Wambach took the ball down the left side of the field and served the most beautiful cross in front of the net. Freedom midfielder Lori Lindsay, who timed her run perfectly, effortlessly got a head on the ball and guided it past FCGP keeper Nicole Barnhart. Lindsey returned the favor minutes later and slotted in a well-placed ball through the Pride's defense for teammate Allie Long who finished strong. However, Gold Pride wasn't ready to throw in the towel just yet. FC Gold Pride answered with goals from Tiffany Weimer and Christine Sinclair to even things up at 3-3 in the 83rd minute.

Just when fans thought this game would end in a tie, things came full circle. In the 90th minute, with only seconds left, Abby Wambach and Cat Whitehill finished the game just like they started it...connecting for a goal. With this win, the Freedom move up to 5th place, just below FC Gold Pride.

For highlights of the game, click here.

WPS Teams, Follow the Stars

In case you are wondering what I'll be up to tomorrow --

The Chicago Red Stars have announced that two of its games this season will be broadcast live on the team’s website, http://www.chicagoredstars.com/!!

The broadcast schedule kicks off this Saturday as the Red Stars host the Boston Breakers. A 2nd webcast will be available for Chicago’s home game against the Washington Freedom, July 26th.

During preseason, I discussed with many friends and colleagues how impressed I was with Chicago's front office. They really have got it together. CEO Peter Wilt is leading the way when it comes to marketing in this league. His team of soliders (Marcia McDermott, Pat McNamara, Alyse Lahue and Elly Deutche) are on the front lines day-in and day-out, and are really connecting with the public. Heck, I'm from Philadelphia and they have turned me into one of their biggest supporters. If that's not an accomplishment, I don't know what is.

Other WPS teams really need to follow Chicago's lead. The Red Stars are not only listening to what the fans want, they are actually making it happen! Besides the webcasts, take a look at some other examples:

• Just today, GM Marcia McDermott was giving away her club box seats for this weekend's game to the first person who called the ticket line and mentioned her tweet. (You can follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/mmcd21)
• Chicago offered fans a bus ride from Chicago to St. Louis for the first away game. (PBR included!)
• On Tuesday, I received an email with a "thank you" offer -$10 to bring a friend, no matter where you sit.
• The team has players like Lindsay Tarpley and Megan Rapinoe guest blogging for the Chicago Tribune.
• The Red Stars had Dollar Dog Night for petes sake. Does it get any better than that?! I think not!
  
  Honestly, I could go on forever....

Other teams like FC Gold Pride, LA Sol, Washington Freedom and the Boston Breakers are slowly making their way up to Red Stars status. I just heard from Gold Pride last night and they've got some things in the works for future gameday webcasts.

On the flip side, Athletica and Sky Blue have really got to step it up. I'd like so much to get behind Sky Blue, since it is my local team, but they've got to get it going in the marketing department: Twitter is your friend -- use it. Develop some innovative gameday promotions and ticket packages. Maybe try some theme nights. I used to work for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and theme nights were always a hit. And lastly, please look beyond the East Brunswick Soccer Club to bring in your sales, especially when you've got Hoboken (where I used to live) and NYC at your fingertips. Do some happy hours like the Boston Breakers, get out in the community like Gold Pride, help create a fan club like the Freedom. At this point, just do something!

As for the Red Stars, you rock my world! Keep up the good work. Looking forward to visiting you all this summer for a game!

WNT Adds East Coast Games to Summer Schedule

The U.S. Women's National Team has just announced the addition of two more games to its summer schedule. Both games, which will be against our neighbors from the North, will air on ESPN and FSC respectively.

Summer Schedule:

US vs. Japan -Wednesday, May 20 - Frisco, TX - 7:30pm CT
US vs. Japan -Saturday, May, 23 - Sandy, UT - 4pm MT

US vs. Canada - Sunday, July 19 - Rochester, NY - 3pm ET
US vs. Canada - Wednesday, July 22 - Charleston, SC - 8pmET

In case you are wondering, I will be attending the July 19 game in Rochester!

For more information, or to order tickets, visit US Soccer.

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!

Breakers Defeat Freedom 3-1

Yesterday, the Boston Breakers traveled to the Maryland SoccerPlex to take on Abby Wambach and the Washington Freedom. For the 2nd week in a row, the Breakers came out on top, defeating its opponent 3-1.

SCORING SUMMARY
1 56 Kelly Smith - PK (Boston)
2 60 Lori Lindsey (Washington)

3 76 Christine Latham (Boston)

4 81 Angela Hucles (Boston)

To read more about the game and for unofficial box scores, visit Women's Professional Soccer.

I've got to be honest, I think it's time for Freedom coach, Jim Gabarra, to make a change in goal. Not only did Scurry make an error last night fouling Boston's Angela Hucles (which led to one of the 3 goals), but she has let in 6 goals in 3 games, many of which she could have (should have) saved. This is unacceptable. Would it really hurt to put KJ or Erin McLeod in for a game? At this point, what do you have to lose? I respect Scurry for what she did in the past with the National Team, but she isn't carrying her weight in Washington. It's time for a new face in net.

The Breakers are back on the road next weekend to take on the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, April 25. The Washington Freedom meanwhile travel to Santa Clara to face FC Gold Pride on Sunday, April 26 in a match that will be televised nationally on Fox Soccer Channel (6pm ET).

PUMA Commercial

Check out PUMA's new WPS commercial (courtesy of the lovely Leslie Osborne):

US Soccer Introduces Supporters Club

On April 15, U.S. Soccer will introduce the U.S. Soccer Supporters Club, the official fan membership program for fans of the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams.

Check out the benefits!!!

WPS Weekend Recap

Chicago Red Stars 1 - Washington Freedom 1
The Washington Freedom, coming off a bye week, scored its first goal in WPS history during its home opener. In the first half, Chicago forward Lindsay Tarpley, with pure heart and hustle, scored her 2nd goal in league play -- after just 2 games. (Not to detract from Tarpley's goal, but I do think Freedom keeper Briana Scurry should have made the save. I think it might be time for Gabarra to put in KJ Spisak and see what happens.) Washington's goal came early in the 2nd half off a dangerous set piece served in the box by Sonia Bompastor. Teammate Becky Sauerbrunn was able to get a head on it and put it past Chicago keeper Caroline Jonsson. Amazing stat -- Washington outshot the Red Stars 26-8! I think that says something about Jonsson's play yesterday, no?! Watch the video highlights of the goals.

Of note: Red Stars player, Frida Ostberg was the first player in WPS history to receive a red card.

Sky Blue FC 1 - FC Gold Pride 1
With last night's tie Sky Blue FC’s record is now 0-1-1 while FC Gold Pride stands at 1-0-1. Though Sky Blue had over 6,000 fans at last week's home opener, only 2,735 came out last night. Luckily for those fans who did come out, they got to see a great game of soccer! Both teams came out strong with SBFC dominating possession, though not necessarily converting possession to opportunity. It was actually FC Gold Pride's Carrie Dew that scored first, off a corner kick from Tiffany Weimer. (I actually missed this goal because I was updating Twitter. That's one mistake I won't make again!) With only 15 minutes left in the game, I thought for sure SBFC was going to start the season with an 0-2 record, but sure enough, Heather O'Reilly came to the rescue and scored the equalizer off a pass from Sarah Walsh. With O'Reilly's former youth club, East Brunswick Soccer, in the house she certainly was last night's hometown hero.

Of note: US Women's National Team coach, Pia Sundhage, was also in the stands (a few rows behind me) scouting and cheering on her players from both teams.

Boston Breakers 2 - St. Louis Athletica 0
What is going on with Athletica? I haven't been able to watch any of their games yet, but for the life of me I can't understand why they can't put one in the net. They seem to have ample opportunities, but miss every single time.

Last night, Athletica faced the Boston Breakers at Boston's home opener in front of a crowd of approximately 4,800 people. The first half seemed to start off slow with both teams getting stuck in the midfield. However, the Breakers seemed to come alive in the 2nd half. Breakers stars Kelly Smith and Kristine Lily got a goal a piece (Smith even assisted on Lil's goal) to shut out Hope Solo and her teammates. Solo rarely gives up 3 goals in a year with the US WNT so why has she given up 3 in the last 2 games? So not only do they have a problem with their offense, they have a problem with their defense, too? Yikes!

Let's hope Athletica can turn it around, because I have them in the final four!!

Smith Writes DailyMail Column

Thanks to a Twitter tip I received tonight, I am able to bring you an article by Kelly Smith from Sportsmail Online. Apparently, she'll be writing for them weekly!

Though the column talks about everything from Smith's experiences in the WUSA and WPS, and her thoughts on the upcoming match against St. Louis, I think my favorite part is : "There has been some debate about players updating their status during matches...Your mind isn't focused on the game or with your team-mates when you're on the phone or whatever, typing updates. You won't catch me doing that." It's always great when a pro player validates your opinion!

Kelly Smith and the Boston Breakers host St. Louis Athletica this Saturday, April 11, at 7pmEST. For those of you in Boston, head on over to Harvard Stadium and get your tickets.

Other games this weekend are: Sky Blue FC vs FC Gold Pride (which I'll be attending) and the Chicago Red Stars vs Washington Freedom (airing live on FSC @6pmEST).

Interested in following Kelly Smith on Twitter: http://twitter.com/kjs8eng

Highlights from SBFC - Sol Game

We finally have some footage from Sunday's game against Sky Blue FC and LA Sol, including Marta's two first-half goals.



(Video provided by LASOLFAN at the WPS Fancorner)

PreGame Pics of SBFC/LA Sol

This past Sunday, Sky Blue FC hosted the LA Sol at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ. Below are pictures from the pregame festivities. Enjoy:

Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative

Four years ago FC Gold Pride star Brandi Chastain, Olympic gold medalist Julie Foudy, and former GM of the San Jose CyberRays Marlene Bjornsrud founded the Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative (BAWSI). Its mission is to "create programs and partnerships through which women athletes bring health, hope and wholeness to the community."

Recently, the FC Gold Pride team made BAWSI one of the FC Gold Pride Charities, its community-based nonprofit organization that looks to mentor young girls through participation in soccer-related events. Just last week, the Gold Pride visited Bowers Elementary School in Santa Clara, CA to talk about soccer, exercise, and health. I believe handing out free tickets to the opening day game was also in the agenda! Here are some pictures of the event (courtesy of BAWSI):

California Teams Take Sunday

Los Angeles Sol 2, Sky Blue FC 0
For more info, check out my blog on OleOle.
I'll post some pics from today's game tomorrow. (had Twitterberry and camera issues today)

FC Gold Pride 2, Boston Breakers 1
I only saw the last few minutes, but what I will say is I REALLY enjoy watching Kelly Smith. She is tough as nails, and when the game is on the line she does everything in her power to get her team back on top. Did anyone see that foul in the 2nd half where she was practically bear-hugging a Gold Pride player to prevent her from getting to the ball? Haha. Love it.

As for as Milbrett's last-minute, game-winning goal. People say it's about being in the right place at the right time. I agree, but if you can't finish, it doesn't matter when and where you are. Way to be Millie!

Red Stars Top Athletica

For weeks I've thought about making the 13+hour drive from Philadelphia to Edwardsville, IL for the Athletica home-opener. Since I have to cover the Sky Blue FC game tomorrow for American Soccer News and OleOle I was concerned I wouldn't make it back in time (mind you, I still need to dedicate a few hours to getting a lil' shut-eye). Now, after following tonight's game on MatchTracker and Twitter, I regret not giving it a shot.

After 90 minutes of solid soccer, between two teams that I think are pretty evenly matched, the Chicago Red Stars defeated the St. Louis Athletica 1-0, thanks to a Lindsay Tarpley goal in the 78th minute. I never thought they'd get one past my girl, Solo, but if anyone could do it, it'd be Lindsay Tarpley. Props to Marian Dalmy for the assist.

Though the game was in St. Louis territory, Chicago did what every good team should do...They bussed fans down from Chicago, with Pabst Blue Ribbon in hand, and brought a lil' bit of Chi-town to Southern Illinois University. I love it!! Who knows, maybe that extra fan support is just what the team needed to pull out its first road win.

Congrats to the Red Stars!

Keep your eyes on WPS.com for more game-day reports from the Athletica home-opener.

A Big Weekend

This is another important weekend for WPS, as 3 of its teams host their home openers:

Saturday, April 4
Chicago Red Stars @ St. Louis Athletica - 7pm CT

Sunday, April 5
Los Angeles Sol @ NY/NJ Sky Blue FC - 4pm EST
Boston Breakers @ FC Gold Pride - 6pm EST (broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel)

Follow me on Twitter on Sunday, April 5 as I report from Bridgewater, NJ at Sky Blue's home opener. They have announced some opening day highlights including the coin toss by New Jersey Govenor John Corzine and an honorary first kick byUS Soccer hall-of-famer Julie Foudy. Personally, I'm excited to see Foudy back out on the pitch, if only for a moment.