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).

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

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!

Player Spotlight: Kelly Smith

Many would consider Kelly Smith to be the best female footballer in England. Some would say she is one of the best in the world.

Growing up in Watford, England, Smith surrounded herself with soccer. At the age of 16, she became a member of the English National Team. Earning 74 caps and 30 goals, she has been a constant stronghold in the team's offense.

After Smith's freshman year of college in England, she transferred to Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. While at SHU, playing under head coach Betty Ann Kempf, Smith became the first athlete in any sport to win the Big East Conference's Offensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year awards...in the same year. The following two seasons, Smith took home Offensive Player honors yet again, and was the leading scorer among all NCAA Division 1 teams. Smith became the first athlete (in a sport other than basketball) to have her number retired for the Pirates.

In 2000, Smith was drafted by the WUSA's Philadelphia Charge where she teamed up with current WPS players, Cat Whitehill and Heather Mitts. Due to several injuries, Smith only played one full season with the Charge though she was on its roster from 2000-2003. Smith then transitioned to New Jersey's W-League team, where again she was sidelined by injury.

In 2004, Smith left the States and headed back across the pond to play for Arsenal Ladies. Again, Smith was injured, therefore, delaying her start. In 2005, she returned to the pitch, and has since scored 103 goals in 114 appearances for Arsenal Ladies. In 2006 and 2008, Smith was a top five finalist for the FIFA Women's World Player award ( 2006 honors went to Mia Hamm, 2008 honors went to Marta). This March, Smith, and teammate Alex Scott played their last Arsenal game before leaving to join the Boston Breakers in preseason training camp.

Good luck Kelly! I'd say break a leg, but with you it may be just a bit too literal. ;-)