Some Quick Scores

Hey everyone. Just here to notify you of a few scores.

Canada vs. China PR- Canada won 3-1. I ended up seeing the last 10 or so minutes on the computer, thanks to a friend who was nice enough to share the link with me. Goals for Canada came from Matheson, Tancredi, and Sinclair. Sinclair also had an assist on the night. I'm not sure of all the facts, but China's only goal came from a mistake by LeBlanc. Good job Canada!


Oceania Qualifiers- The first round of matches have been played. In group A, the most stand out fixture was New Zealand's complete destruction Vanuatu 14-0. Ouch. I would not want to be Vanuatu. Also, the Cook Islands won their match in group A. In group B, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea also won their games. Tomorrow, more matches will be played.


Ok everyone, this was just a quick little update. Come back again soon for some more news!

Until then,

Denise

A Few Random Things

Below are some random topics currently up for discussion in the women's soccer world



Hello everyone! There's a couple of things going on in the women's soccer world right now, and there's also some things coming up soon, so I figured, why don't I just talk about them together in one post? Let's talk about some things that are up for discussion.

Canada vs. China PR- That match is today! In fact, it'll be on at 7:30pm. If you're a Canadian, there's a great chance that this game is going to be broadcast via Sports Net or something like that. I live in the United States, so I wouldn't know. I'm a blooming fan of the Canada WNT, and some of my favorite WPS players hail from Canada, so I'm rooting for them on this one! I'm going to try and see if I can get it on some website like justin.tv or maybe find a link on google that doesn't look shady (harder than it sounds). I'll probably post the results of this match later today, or sometime this weekend. Even though WPS is over, women's soccer around the world continues. Actually, with WPS done, it does shed new light on internationals and qualifications for the World Cup, so WPS did leave us fans off with something equally exciting!


WPS Rumors- Recently, there have been rumors circulating about Abily parting ways with FC Gold Pride, to go play with her home club in France; Olympic Lyonnais (Lyon). Supposedly, she stated a desire to go back to France because of upcoming practice with her home country for Women's World Cup. It has also been rumored that Bompastor is expressing desires to return to her home country of France, also due to practice for the World Cup competition. Also, rumors regarding Cristiane's future have surfaced, stating that she will be returning to her native Brazil. None of these have been confirmed, but even if these rumors are true, would the internationals come back to WPS? Some people are starting to worry that the Internationals are all going to leave in droves to their home country's league in order to be present when qualifiers/practice friendlies take place. If the internationals want to go, then fine. I can understand their desires to leave based on international practices. But, some people have been going overboard, saying that if the internationals leave, WPS is doomed. I personally don't believe this. There is a ton of domestic talent still here in WPS, and people seem to forget that. If anything, the World Cup should really help the growth and popularity of the women's game. Believe it or not, we're hitting the same spot the WUSA did. It had about 2 years under its belt, and when the 2003 World Cup came, the league was terminated. I think this is a big step for the WPS. If it can get past this offseason, and if it can survive the 2011 season (even though many stars will be out of WPS for the World Cup during the months of June/July, the WWC can only help the women's game. It might help to spur interest in countries around the World) then I think it will be here to stay. We might have gone through some rough obstacles, for example losing 2 teams, but this is a fairly new league and we have to give it time. I'm confident that the WPS will stick around. This will probably be the hardest time for WPS. If it can survive another season, I say its here to stay.


USWNT vs. China PR- Our very own USWNT will be playing China PR this Saturday. The US Women have been working hard at training camp as usual, and will be facing off against the Chinese on 2 dates: October 2nd and 6th. These will be the last matches they'll play before the CONCACAF Gold Cup starting October 28th. Now, this is the part where I tell you what channel its on...but wait...oh that's right, its not being televised! Well, at least not the first match. I'm sure I'm speaking for every other USWNT fan when I say: "What the hell?!" Why aren't BOTH matches being televised? Now, I'd hate to sound like a whiny complainer, who's spoiled from seeing all my team's matches on TV, but let me ask you this: Do the Sports networks miss any of the men's friendlies? I wouldn't know, but my guess would be No. Come on people, I thought the days of not having domestic matches televised were over! I know we've come a long way with our matches being televised 90% of the time (only domestic. If its overseas...you're outta luck. That's something we've gotta work on.), but seriously! Its a domestic match in KSU stadium for crying out loud (Atlanta Beat's home, ring a bell?). Look, the televising of women's soccer has gotten progressively better in the U.S. For example, the U-20 women's World Cup was televised almost completely, and all of the USA's games were televised. Hats off to the channel that put it on TV, U-20 is lesser known to begin with, let alone the women's side. Still, we have to work on the televising a little more. I'm still waiting for the day when we can watch a match that's happening overseas (friendlies and Algarve Cup, for example. Important competitions are always aired, like World Cup, but what about friendlies? They can get it done for the men, so why not the women?). Well, that turned into a little bit of a rant there. Anyway, I'm going to be on my computer come Saturday, searching feverishly for any online TV links. I doubt it'll work, so I know its safe to say that come 6pm ET, I'll be sitting here watching our very own USWNT take on China PR on match tracker (if they'll even give us fans that much! Haha, I kid...kind of). I'll always be supporting our USWNT, whether its at a live game, watching on TV, or cheering them on from a match tracker computer screen. But, I'll be watching them on TV come the 6th, when they play China PR again. Catch that one on ESPN 2, at 7pm ET.

Oceania Qualifications-The regional qualifiers for the Oceania region started yesterday. I haven't looked up any of the results yet, but for all you fans out there of any Oceania team, qualifiers started, so cheer your teams on! I might post a little later today, probably about the Canada game, and I might research some of the scores.


Well, hope you enjoyed this miscellaneous post I threw together here. Expect some more of those.

See you again soon,

Denise

On The Road To Germany: Four More Teams Qualify For The Women's World Cup

England, France, Norway, and Sweden are on the Road to Germany for the Women's World Cup in 2011



Hey everyone! I know I'm a little late on this information, but since these teams qualified right around the time when WPS Play-offs were starting, this little piece of news took a back seat. But, here's the information for you now, just in case you didn't know.


Four more teams will be joining hosts Germany, along with Australia, Korea DPR, and Japan, in the World Cup Finals. The UEFA (European) qualifiers, which started in August of 2009, ended in mid-September. England, France, Norway, and Sweden will be heading to Germany in 2011 for the Women's World Cup. The four teams that lost (Ukraine, Italy, Switzerland, and Denmark), still have hopes to get into the World Cup, and will be playing against each other in a round of play-offs. There are actually 2 rounds of play-offs. The winner of the Ukraine vs. Italy match will face-off against the winner of the Switzerland vs. Denmark match. Whoever wins that will have to face off against the 3rd place team in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Whoever wins that match will get a spot in the Women's World Cup.


That's now 2 regional qualifications that have been finished. But, there's still plenty more! The end of 2010 is going to be quite a busy one in the way of Women's World Cup Qualifiers, particularly the months of October and November. The African Championship is going to be held from October 29th to November 14th. The North, Central American and Caribbean (CONCACAF) Gold Cup will take place from October 28th to November 8th. The South American (CONMEBOL) qualifying will be held from October 28th to November 14th. And, last but not least, the Oceania (OFC) qualifying will be held from the 29th of September to the 8th of October. As you can see, a lot of qualifiers are taking place at the same time. Mark your calendars ladies and gentlemen, its going to be very busy! I'll be sure to check scores and results frequently, and of course I'll be writing posts as the countries qualify little by little. Seems like next up for all of us is the OFC. I'll be sure to keep track on that and let you all know who qualifies.

See you again soon!

Denise

The Champions Are Crowned: FC Gold Pride Capture The Championship Trophy

FC Gold Pride were crowned WPS 2010 Champions today as they defeated the Philadelphia Independence 4-0.


Hey everyone! Today was the Championship game, and it was an excellent match. Not so much for the Philadelphia Independence, but for the Pride, it was probably one of the best performances I've seen them put on all year. As for Philly, they gave it a valiant effort, but FC Gold Pride was just too strong for them.


The game was excellent. It was played in front of a sell-out crowd, and the cheering and constant music made by the fans created an excellent atmosphere. It was a great way to end the 2010 WPS Season I think. This game gave the 2010 season the awesome close it deserved. It was pretty intense, and there were plenty of attacking chances. Mostly though, the attacking was done by FC Gold Pride. Philly spent most of the game defending. In this game, there honestly was no question of who was Champion and who wasn't. FC Gold Pride played 10 times better than Philly. I'm sure the fact that Philly played 2 consecutive 120's, combined with the traveling, didn't help, and I know Philly wasn't playing their best at all, but regardless, FC Gold Pride was going to win, and there was no question about that. The first goal came after a huge scramble in Philly's box. Marta took 2 shots which were blocked consecutively by Henderson. The ball went loose, it was shot at goal, but a defender cleared it away, and somewhere in the mix it got shot/passed to Sinclair who was open in front of the goal line to put it away. The next goal would come later when Wilson would run down a ball on the right flank. She would beat a tired Falk and would shoot a high ball from the right side of the 18 into the net past a confused Val Henderson. Halftime came, and the teams headed to the locker rooms. When they came back out, the game resumed, and the second half was practically identical to the first. Philly could barely keep control of possession, and FC Gold Pride passed the ball around the field, using quick one touch passes to split the midfield and defense, and also using long balls and long passes to beat the defenders. The 3rd goal would come from Sinclair. Marta would pass a ball from the right side of the 18, straight to Sinclair who slotted the ball into the open net. It was 3-0 for the majority of the 2nd half, and the fourth goal would come in stoppage time, as Marta notched hers from the right side of the 18 off a ground cross from Riley who was on the left side. On the sideline, the FC Gold Pride players dumped the water from a Gatorade cooler on Albertin Montoya, and got ready to jump over the ad boards to their on field teammates. The whistle blew, and the FC Gold Pride players on the sidelines ran in celebration to their teammates on the field. Everyone began screaming, hugging, and jumping around in the ecstasy and glory of victory. As for Philly, the players skulked around in exhaustion and defeat. Many consoled each other after sustaining this rather embarrassing loss, especially in the Championship Game. As the FC Gold Pride players lined up and climbed onto the podium, the Philly players gathered around and put their arms around each other, united in defeat. The FC Gold Pride players danced around, and celebrated atop the podium as Tonya Antonucci thanked the fans and players for a great season. The Trophy, which was held by Sky Blue FC only a year ago, was then presented to FC Gold Pride's captain, Rachel Buehler, and she lifted it over her head. The trophy was passed around and each player got a chance to hold it. Afterward, the players went to take a victory lap around Pioneer Stadium, which was packed. It was an excellent way to end such a fantastic WPS season.


My take on this game? I kind of always had a feeling that FC Gold Pride would take the Championship, no matter who faced off against them. FC Gold Pride was simply on form this season. To think that a team who was last in 2009 with only 13 points, would end up blowing everyone out of the water in 2010, winning the Regular Season and the Championship. Even from the beginning of the season, FC Gold Pride looked like they were going to go very far. I felt the same for Philly. So, I guess my feelings were correct. I would just like to say, hats off to FC Gold Pride. They played outstanding all season and proved that they truly are the WPS Champions. And Philly? Hats off to you too. The Independence came in this season as a new team and gave everyone a run for their money. Hell, they made it to the Championship game! I am confident that Philly will once again be contenders in 2011. Putting all my bitter feelings aside regarding the first round, I loved Philly all season, and I felt bad for them today. They played their hearts out to get to the Championship, and in the end, the fatigue just set in, and that factor, combined with FC Gold Pride's beastliness (for lack of a better word), just made this match far worse for them. Even though they lost, they put in a great effort. I have nothing but respect for Philly. Once again, congrats to both teams in this match. You guys ended the year with style.


Well everyone, the WPS 2010 season is over! In my opinion, the 2010 season was a huge improvement over 2009 (and that's saying a lot, since 2009 was awesome)! This season was just amazing. I want to give a huge thanks to all of the teams, players, and all of my fellow fans for making this year an awesome experience. I loved every single minute of this season, whether it was going to a game, watching on TV, watching a webcast, matchtracking, having a good conversation with fellow fans, or managing my fantasy team. Thanks a lot, you guys made this season absolutely fantastic. I'd also like to say, thank you to all of my readers. Whether you're a follower, or a casual reader, or someone who stumbled upon my blog and decided to check it out, thank you so much. I have a lot of fun writing about women's soccer, and this WPS season was so much fun to experience and to write about. Thank you guys for joining me in enjoying the 2010 season! Now, I hope you guys don't think this is a good-bye, because it certainly is not. I know for a fact that I'll still be visiting womensprosoccer.com frequently throughout the off-season, and I will be blogging about any updates or off-season events. Also, as the WPS comes to a close, that opens the door to new excitement: Women's World Cup Qualifiers! Also, don't forget about USWNT friendlies and other international women's soccer action! The WPS might be over until 2011, but I will still be blogging about everything from the USWNT to Women's World Cup Qualifiers to WPS Off-Season events, so be sure to check back here often! Also, I'm planning to do a "WPS Season in Review" highlighting this season's big events, and also an overview of each team and their story throughout the year. Be sure to check in for that! Once again, thank you to all of the readers, and also, a HUGE thank you to the players, staff, teams, and fellow fans of WPS. Without all of you, this wonderful league would not be possible.

The 2010 season was a thrill ride full of memorable games, moments, goals, saves, and plays, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I hope you did too! Here's to the WPS 2011 Season!

See you again very soon!

Denise

It All Comes Down To This: The WPS Championship Final

Who will be crowned WPS 2010 Champion? Will it be FC Gold Pride, or the Philadelphia Independence?



That's it Ladies and Gentlemen, the WPS 2010 year comes to a complete close tomorrow, when FC Gold Pride faces off against the Philadelphia Independence for the title of WPS 2010 Champions. I'm going to give my little two-sense and prediction here.


This is probably the biggest match of the 2010 year, and I guarantee you that its going to be a good one. Luckily for me (and all you other WPS fans) the game is pretty early in the day. Coverage starts at 2pm ET on MSG+ (channel 72 for iO subscribers). So, that means less waiting for the game to finally start! Anyway, I'm going to give my prediction. Who will be crowned WPS 2010 Champions? Two teams have fought their way through the regular season, and one through the playoffs, but tomorrow, only one will be crowned the Champion, and will have the right to lift the trophy. What's my guess? I think FC Gold Pride is going to take it all. The Bay Area Team is like LA Sol 2.0, but better. FC Gold Pride were near unstoppable this season, and unlike their 2009 Regular Season Title Holder counterparts, the LA Sol, they finished off their regular season strong. In fact, in their final game, they beat Philly 4-1. They will be facing that same team come 2:30pm tomorrow. Maybe that match will have a psychological bearing on the teams? Who knows. Philly has fought hard through the playoffs to get to the Final, and of course they are not going to go down without a fight. FC Gold Pride are regular season title holders, and are not going to relinquish their top-dog status so easily either. I think FC Gold Pride is just too strong, and I think they're going to come out just as hard as they did in the regular season. I've been wrong so far on my playoff predictions. Hopefully I get one right for a change.


Remember, catch it on MSG+ starting at 2pm ET!

Congratulations to both teams for making it this far. Regardless of my predictions and biases, I wish both teams the best of luck in the Championship Final tomorrow. May the best team win.

See you here again when our 2010 Champion is crowned!

Denise

On The Road To The Final: A Controversial Goal Sends Philly Through To The Championship Game Against Awaiting Season Title Holders FC Gold Pride

Both Boston and Philadelphia fought hard in the Super Semifinal, but Philly squeaked out the win in Extra Time on a rather controversial goal.



Hello everyone! After 2 rounds of playoffs, we now know who will be facing off in probably the most important of all WPS matches: The Championship Final. This match is going to answer the question everyone has been asking: Who will be the WPS 2010 Champs? In one corner, we have FC Gold Pride, who are the Regular Season Title holders. Can they notch the double? And in the other corner, we have the Philadelphia Independence. Can this team, in its inaugural season, be crowned Champion? It all comes down to this Ladies and Gentlemen. Its FC Gold Pride vs. Philadelphia Independence in and all-or-nothing match for the chance to be crowned WPS 2010 Champions. But first, we should discuss the Super Semifinal. I think the Championship game deserves its own separate post. so, onto the Super Semifinal.


This match really could have gone either way. Although, I'm going to give the edge to Boston. They seemed to have had more attacking chances, but they just couldn't put them away. Philly definitely had their fair share, but Boston seemed a little stronger. The first blood would be drawn by Lauren Cheney, after she chipped a beautiful shot over Val Henderson in the 22nd minute of play. However, Philly would soon equalize, as Seger's long, low shot to the far post in the 29th minute would beat Naeher and hit the back of the net to make it 1-1. The rest of regulation was played with out anymore goals, and once again, another playoff game was headed for Extra Time. It was still the same intense game, but play became a little less organized due to some of the tired legs. In the 103rd minute, Danesha Adams would head home, or rather hand home, a goal. At first I thought it was a legit header, that came as a result of an excellent cross, and Boston's failure to guard the far post. The cross came in from the right and arced towards the left, and met Danesha Adams' head at the far post, or so I thought. But on replay, Adams hits the ball with her left forearm. Although she went to head the ball, she threw her hands up, and the ball hit her hand, rather than her head. The Boston defense was infuriated; many players immediately turned to the ref, protesting and shouting for handball. But, the goal had been counted and could not be called back. Boston would try frantically, and almost equalized later in the 2nd period of Extra Time, when Kasey Moore's shot would slam off the crossbar. As it bounced back to the ground, Alex Scott was ready for the rebound. She attempted to hit the tricky bounce, but her timing was off, and she missed the shot, which was about 7 yards out, by mere inches. That was Boston's last good chance of the night. For the remainder of Extra Time, Boston attacked in a desperate, disorganized frenzy, sending long ball after long ball into the attack. None would be successful, and Philly would go on to win the game. Really, it was a terrible way for anyone to lose, and in all honesty, to win as well. Both teams played so hard and so well, that the handball tarnished Philly's win. It would have been much better had one of the team's scored a legit goal to win. And I'm not trying to take credit away from anybody either. Philly played excellently, and deserved to win on a better goal. And Boston played to hard to lose on a foul that wasn't called. That goal was an insult to the game, and the efforts of both the teams. But, these things happen, and until FIFA puts some instant replay into all branches of soccer, which they should, then this kind of unfortunate stuff will just continue to happen. Let's just hope this crap doesn't happen in the Women's World Cup in 2011...


Well, that's it everyone! WPS comes to a full close for 2010 tomorrow when this year's Champions are crowned. Its been a 5 month thrill ride full of memorable games, moments, goals, saves, and plays, and it all culminates with this Championship Game! Be sure to catch it on MSG+ (channel 72 for those of you with iO), starting at 2pm ET. I know I always say this, but you would have to be absolutely crazy to miss this game.


See you again in the next post, which I hope will be one that is a prediction/analysis regarding the Championship match. If, however, I miss writing that post for some reason, I hope you all enjoy the final game of the WPS 2010 year.

Good luck to both teams in the final. Both have fought hard to get to where they are now. Here's to an entertaining, intense, clean, hard-fought match to end the 2010 season with a bang. May the best team win, fair and square.

Until then,

Denise

Today's Big Match: The WPS Super Semifinal

Today is the WPS Super Semifinal. Catch the game live on FSC starting at 8pm ET, as the Boston Breakers host the Philadelphia Independence.



Hello everyone! Just a quick reminder letting you know that today is the big Boston Breakers vs. Philadelphia Independence match in the WPS Super Semifinal. I doubt you really needed any reminding, but just in case, I thought I'd let you know. Obviously, I never got around to writing that prediction/analysis post about the Super Semifinal, but I'll give you my prediction in just a bit.

Be sure to catch the Super Semifinal today on FSC, with coverage starting at 8pm Eastern Time. I checked the TV listing and already have my game DVRed, although I think only some kind of tornado, tidal wave, or other natural disaster will keep me from watching that game live.


This game is sure to be awesome. I think its safe to predict that its going to be an intense, hard-fought match. What's my prediction on who will win? I honestly don't know. Since I'm a biased Freedom fan, and I'm a little bitter about my team getting knocked out, I would like to see Philadelphia get a taste of their own medicine. However, Philly played excellently in the First Round, as they did for the entire season, and I have nothing but respect for them. They came out and shot down the "rookie team, rookie performance" assumption. They came out swinging this season and gave everyone a run for their money. That's more than Atlanta can say! No, I'm just kidding. Atlanta played well, but it just wasn't their year, and they started to fix problems way late. They will be better next season. As for Boston, they did excellently this year too, coming back from a losing streak right before the All-Star break to end up 2nd in the league table. Now that's an accomplishment. I really don't know how the story will unfold tonight. Half of me says Boston, but the other half says Philly. I'm really not sure. But, since it would be lame to tell you that I have a prediction, and then just say "Oh I don't know, that's my prediction", I'll go out on a limb here and say Boston will win. Why? Because A.- I want revenge, especially for that little last-minute maneuver Philly pulled against Washington. Don't get me wrong, I like Philly. They were the underdog this season and they proved everyone wrong. I like them a lot. But, I kinda want a little revenge. Yet, I'm torn. I liked Philly so much this year, that I kind of want to see them move forward, especially with them being the big underdog surprise. I don't know. And B.- The main reason I'm picking Boston? I had a dream the other night where I was watching the Championship Game, and at half-time it was FC Gold Pride's logo and the Boston Breakers logo. That's why I'm saying Boston. In reality though, this game is up-in-the-air.


Remember: Catch it tonight on FSC, 8pm ET! WPS is almost over for the year, and its ending with a bang! Don't miss these precious few games, people! They make for some excellent matches. Like I always say: You'd be crazy to miss this game.


Good luck to Boston and Philly! Put on a show out there.

See you all again soon,

Denise

Philadelphia Advances To The Super Semifinal As They End The Washington Freedom's Playoff Campaign With A 120th Minute Heart-Breaking Shocker

Just when the game looked like it was inevitably headed for penalty kicks, A-Rod put one away for Philadelphia about 20 seconds before Extra Time was over. Her goal in the 120th minute ended the Freedom's Playoff Run in the 2010 Season. This is the 2nd consecutive year where Washington has been knocked out of playoffs in the First Round. Philadelphia will now face the Boston Breakers in the WPS Super Semifinal, on September 23rd.



Yesterday was a happy day for Philadelphia fans, but an extremely sad one for the Freedom fans. Since I'm a Freedom fan, I did not experience the joy or ecstasy of having my team edge out the other in the dying seconds of the match. Rather, I experienced the complete shock, disbelief, and sinking disappointment that hit me after I witnessed A-Rod's 120th minute goal. What took place yesterday was an excellent soccer match, one where you could practically see the aura of importance. However, the way the game ended was not really expected, not for me at least. (Even though I'm a Freedom fan, I'll try to keep this post as un-biased as possible...)


The game was hard-fought by both sides, and it was a very back-and-forth match, with both teams taking attacking chances, and both having to go back on defense. For regulation, it was a tale of 2 halves; Washington dominated in the 1st half, but Philly dominated the 2nd. It was your typical WPS game; entertaining, plenty of action, good chances on goal, and also some excellent saves. However, it would be the first time in WPS Playoff history where a match would end scoreless in regulation, and would go into Extra Time. I was super excited. Extra Time? That made it even more suspenseful, and made victory even sweeter for whoever came out on top. But, after the first period of Extra Time had continued the same as regulation, I had already predicted the match would go to penalties, so I readied myself for the suspense and excitement of witnessing a penalty shoot-out. However, what happened in the 2nd period of Extra Time caught me by complete surprise. As the game neared the 118th minute, I figured penalties were inevitable. Even though the Freedom's defense was looking shaky, unorganized, and tired, I figured they would pull through and last until penalties. Even the Freedom's midfield and offense was having trouble keeping possession, whereas Philly looked more organized on attacking efforts. I figured they would all just fight it out, and that we'd be watching an intense penalty shoot-out in about 2 minutes. I was confident that the Freedom would hold on. I mean, come on, they had Ashlyn Harris, who had done a superb job in goal all day! She kept the Freedom in that game for sure. Without her, it would have been over sooner. But, you can't keep everything out of the net. Also, I had completely forgotten about how last-minute thrillers are a recurring event in WPS. As the 119th minute and 38th second hit, A-Rod would bury the ball into the Freedom's net, past an outstretched Harris. A cruel time to score if you think about it; only 20 seconds left to play, leaving the Freedom with no chances or hopes of equalizing. That moment ended the game right there. A-Rod's 120th minute goal would be sending her and her team to Soldier's Field Stadium to take on the Boston Breakers in the Super Semifinal, that was for sure. It was even more certain than the seeming-inevitability of penalties. Now there were no doubts. The game was over. There was going to be no such thing as penalties, and there would be no such thing as a Super Semifinal for the Washington Freedom. The Freedom and its fans had gone from experiencing the joy of a last-minute thriller when Wambach scored the game-winner in the 88th minute against the Atlanta Beat to reach playoffs, to suddenly experiencing the other side of the coin; the shock and devastating finality of losing at the death, when A-Rod scored in the 120th to end the Freedom's playoff campaign for good. In my opinion, that was probably the worst way to have your playoff campaign ended. Most people say penalties are the worst way to lose, and in normal circumstances, it is. But, when you are literally 20 seconds away from penalty kicks, and you've fought a scoreless draw for 119 minutes out of a possible 120 of a match, with penalties being practically a guarantee, and you concede the winning goal with less than a minute to play? Now that's devastating. All in all, Philadelphia played the better game. The Freedom played better offensively in the first half, but after that, even though it was a back-and-forth match, the Independence had the edge, and out-shot the Freedom 24-6. A goal was bound to go in sometime. I just didn't think it would happen in the last minute of the damn game. Fighting scoreless the whole game just to lose 20 seconds before penalties? Man, that sucks.


So, that's the story of the First Round. The Freedom players will return to D.C., will probably clear out until next season, and those of whom were called up to the USWNT training camp (which started today) will head over.


Next up in the WPS playoffs is the Super Semifinal! Its going to be the Boston Breakers vs. the Philadelphia Independence. You won't want to miss it! Whether you're a fan of the teams in the match, or not, its sure to be a feast of awesome WPS soccer. Be sure to catch it on September 23rd, on FSC, starting at 8pm.


See you again soon (probably Wednesday, if I write a prediction post on the WPS Super Semifinal, which I'm intending to do. If not, enjoy the Super Semifinal! I know I will! I want to see some revenge...I kid, but only a little).


Good luck to both teams in the Super Semifinal, and thanks to the Washington Freedom who treated us fans to an amazing season!


Until then,

Denise

The Regular Season Ends But Playoffs Begin: A Look At The WPS First Round

The Philadelphia Independence will host the Washington Freedom in the WPS Playoffs First Round. The game will be held in John A. Farrell Stadium, on Sunday, September 19th, and will be televised on FSN (MSG+) at 2:30 pm.



That's it folks, the 2010 WPS Regular Season is over, but that means Playoffs are only getting started! The First Round of the WPS Playoffs, which will see the Washington Freedom go up against the host Philadelphia Independence at John A. Farrell Stadium, takes place on September 19th, at 2:30 pm on FSN. I had a little confusion, and almost a panic attack, when I found that none of the channels on iO digital cable were named "FSN", but not to worry. If you have MSG+ as one of your channels, its almost a 100% chance that it'll be on there. But, there's much more to the First Round of WPS Playoffs than the date, time, and channel of the game. There's predictions and some cold hard facts that we can analyze going into this match. Let's take a look!


Philadelphia Independence- I think its safe to say that the Philadelphia Independence was this year's big surprise. I don't think many people expected a rookie franchise to come out and do so well in their inaugural season. But, they did, and they really proved that they are contenders, regardless of whether or not it was their first ever season. Hence, the reason why they're in the playoffs. Philadelphia played excellently all year and was constantly among the top 4 places throughout the season. Philadelphia also boasted one of the greatest offenses all year, scoring 37 goals on the season, 2nd only to League Champions FC Gold Pride, who tallied 46. However, their goals against is at 36, so they aren't exactly boasting the greatest defense. Philadelphia was a consistent team all year, posing threats to even the most feared teams in the league. In fact, Philadelphia quickly became one of the toughest opponents to face in 2010. However, just as the season came to an end, Philadelphia began to hit a slump. In their last 4 games, Philadelphia has lost, failing to score on 2 of those occasions. This losing streak at the very end of the WPS regular season is pure bad timing, especially since they are going into the playoffs with that hanging over their heads. The losing streak will definitely be a blow to their confidence, momentum, and morale going in. And one of the hardest hits was their 4-1 loss to FC Gold Pride in their final 2010 league match. But who knows? Philadelphia might go into the playoffs with a sense of doubt and low confidence, or they can do the complete opposite, going in with their heads high, on a mission, using that losing streak as motivation to turn it around. Which Philadelphia will come to play? The consistent, on-form side that showed up for the entire season? Or will it be the one that choked and slumped towards the end?



Washington Freedom- I think it would be fair to dub the Washington Freedom as the Comeback Queens of 2010. The Washington Freedom was a threat from early on, and was consistently among the top ranks throughout the year. However, the Freedom hit a slump around mid-season, which saw them fall from the top of the standings, all the way to the bottom, and they sat there for some time. However, the Washington Freedom turned it around completely for the last half of the season, and fought, battled, and clawed their way back into the playoffs, right down to their very last match of the 2010 Regular Season. The Washington Freedom boasts a pretty prolific offense, having scored 33 goals on the season. Of course, their defense has conceded 33 goals (pretty crazy though, since last year they scored 32 and conceded 32. I guess they have a thing with going neutral!). However, one of the biggest things the Washington Freedom has in their favor going into the first Round of playoffs, is their momentum. The Freedom are coming off a huge win, and a dramatic one too. When playoffs were on the line, they delivered, again. This will serve as a major morale and confidence boost, and gives them just the type of positive momentum they need going into their first playoff game of 2010. There is no doubt about it. The momentum is in Washington Freedom's favor. Its almost exactly like what happened with Sky Blue FC last year. The team had to battle to get into playoffs, and got through based on the fact that they had the momentum, and on the belief that if they could claw their way into playoffs, they sure as hell could fight through the playoffs and win too. That's the one thing the Freedom has that no one else does going into playoffs: The momentum and morale from battling their way to make it in.


Here's my prediction: I am a biased Freedom fan, but, this is going to be a hard one to call. Philadelphia is going in off a slump, whereas Washington is going in off a triumphant comeback. Philadelphia is still a difficult team to battle, and there is no doubt about that. Anyone who takes them lightly is in for quite the rude awakening. But, I say the Washington Freedom is going to win. They fought hard to comeback during the season, and battled until the very last game to get into playoffs, and they made it. If that isn't a huge confidence boost, then I don't know what is. The Freedom fought extremely hard to get to where they are now, and I don't think they're going to let anyone stop them. I say the Freedom will win the First Round, but I say its going to be a close, hard-fought game from both sides.


Remember: The game is on Sunday, September 19th, @ 2:30 pm on FSN (aka MSG+). Spread the word, and don't forget to watch/set your DVR's if you can't catch it live! You would be crazy to miss this game.


Good luck to both teams in the WPS First Round!

Catch you again soon,

- Denise

The Final Playoff Spot Is Decided As The Freedom Win 1-0 Over The Beat

Fighting for the 3 points: The Washington Freedom played a hard-fought match against the Atlanta Beat, and won 1-0, meaning they clinch the 4th and final playoff berth. Abby Wambach scored a brilliant chip shot in the 88th to give the Freedom the win it needed to propel them into playoffs. They will face off against the Philadelphia Independence on Sept. 19th in the First Round.



The Washington Freedom clinched the 4th and final playoff spot with a 1-0 win over the Atlanta Beat.

The match was pretty intense, and I, like many others, took advantage of the good ol' webcast option (thanks to the Freedom for making it available!). What would I have done without webcasts this year? A lot of sitting impatiently in front of match trackers, and getting all fidgety, that's what. Anyways, the Freedom clinched the 4th and final playoff berth, and will be playing against the Philadelphia Independence in the WPS Playoffs First Round. The match against the Beat was a tough one, but Washington came out swinging against Atlanta. Washington were the clear aggressors for the entire game, and played the better match. In fact, the refereeing was the only thing that marred this match. I wouldn't say it was as horrendous as the refereeing in the 2010 World Cup, but it was the worst I've seen in WPS. There was a clear penalty chance ignored for the Freedom, and the Freedom's 1st goal was disallowed, due to an offsides call. A scramble in the box saw the ball go into the Beat's net, yet it was disallowed. However, it technically should not have been offsides, since an Atlanta defender had joined Hope Solo on the goal line for that attempt. Then, on the other end of the field, Atlanta bounced in a goal off a free kick, however, that too was disallowed, due to a confusion in the box, and some possible fouling. However, Washington was not to be outdone, and they kept fighting on. In the 88th minute, they got the goal they fully deserved, when Becky Sauerbrunn lobbed a ball over the Atlanta defense. Wambach was waiting and latched onto the perfect ball. She then chipped it over the charging Hope Solo to give the Freedom the goal it needed, and also the 3 points to advance into the playoffs.

Washington deserved this win, and to say they didn't is a complete lie. Washington played aggressive, attacking soccer, while Atlanta was just standing their ground, hoping they could clear the next chance out. Everyone on the Freedom played their hearts out and put on some excellent performances, and the co-captains did their job once again. Whitehill's free kicks and services were on the money, and Wambach was precise and clutch as always, especially when it was crunch time. Washington went in with a mission, and they accomplished it for sure.


Next up for Washington is the WPS Playoffs First Round, where they will have to face off against Philly, a team who has been stellar all year, until quite recently that is. Philadelphia has gone into a losing streak towards the end of the season, whereas Washington is coming off of a comeback. But, we'll talk predictions and pre-game analysis going into the WPS First Round tomorrow.


The WPS regular season ended in style today. To think that 5 months have passed since the start of the season is pretty crazy. Man, how time flies! I'm going to miss it for sure. But, we still have playoffs to look forward to. After all, the 2010 WPS Champion still needs to be crowned.

Once again, Congratulations to all the teams that are in the playoffs. Catch you tomorrow when we discuss the WPS First Round!

Denise

The WPS Playoff Race: It All Comes Down To The Final Week

Just out of reach: The Washington Freedom missed the opportunity to clinch the final playoff berth when they lost to the Chicago Red Stars 2-1, forcing the decision on the last playoff berth to be made during the final week of the WPS Regular Season.




As was the case in 2009, the final playoff spot will be decided at the end of the league season. It all comes down to the last WPS game week. Since the Washington Freedom lost yesterday to the Chicago Red Stars 2-1, and since Sky Blue FC tied the Atlanta Beat 0-0, the final playoff spot is still up for grabs. Had the Washington Freedom won yesterday, they would have clinched the last playoff berth. Since FC Gold Pride, the Philadelphia Independence, and the Boston Breakers have all clinched a playoff spot, and since the Chicago Red Stars and the Atlanta Beat have already been eliminated from contention, that means the final playoff spot can only go to one of 2 remaining teams in the race: the Washington Freedom, or Sky Blue FC. Let's take a look at what each team has to do if they want to be the one to clinch the final spot.


Washington Freedom - At this point, its much easier for the Freedom to clinch the final playoff berth than it is for Sky Blue FC. Washington's final game of the season is against the Atlanta Beat. If the Freedom win against the Beat, they will clinch the final playoff spot, no matter what the outcome of the Sky Blue FC vs. Boston Breakers match is. If Washington ties against the Beat, they will clinch the final playoff berth, but only if Sky Blue FC ties or loses to their opponents. If Washington loses against the Beat, they will clinch, but only if Sky Blue FC loses their match as well. In the event that the Freedom ties the Beat, and that Sky Blue FC wins against the Boston Breakers, Washington will clinch the final playoff spot. In this instance, both teams will be tied at 29 points, but since the Washington Freedom has a winning record over Sky Blue FC for the 2010 season, it will break the tie and reward them with the final playoff berth. Now that we're done talking statistics, let's talk about the actual match. Washington has to play against the ultimate bottom feeders for the 2010 season. Atlanta is already eliminated from the playoff race, and have really nothing to fight for, except for some dignity, whereas the Washington Freedom know that they need a win if they want to undoubtedly clinch the final spot. The Freedom will go in with a mission, but I doubt Atlanta are going to willingly let the Freedom run circles around them. I'm thinking that the Washington Freedom are going to be too concentrated and determined to let this win, and the playoff berth, slip from their hands. They let it slip from their grasps this week when they failed to clinch against the Red Stars, but I don't think they're going to let it happen again. Out of both teams vying for the playoff spot, I say the Washington Freedom has the easier match, by far.


Sky Blue FC - Many people are wondering if last year's Cinderella Team can do it all again. That remains to be seen. Right now, Sky Blue FC has an uphill battle if they want to clinch this final berth. Not only will they have to deliver, but they'll also be counting on some other teams, particularly the Atlanta Beat, for some help. Sky Blue FC will have to face off against the on-form Boston Breakers for a chance at the final berth. If Sky blue FC wins, they can clinch, but only if Washington loses. If Washington ties in this same instance, Sky Blue will not clinch, since the tiebreak will favor the Freedom (they have a winning record against Sky Blue for the 2010 season). If Sky Blue FC ties or loses against the Boston Breakers, it's the end of the road for them. Its going to take a miracle for Sky Blue FC to clinch. The only circumstance that favors them is a win on their part, and a loss for Washington. Any other outcome sends them home early. This match is going to be difficult for Sky Blue to pull off, especially against the Boston Breakers, who have really come out strong in the past few weeks. Its not going to be an easy match, and that win is going to be hard to get. Not only that, but they also need a Washington Freedom loss, and that too, seems unlikely. What are the odds of the Atlanta Beat winning against the Washington Freedom, who is sure to come out swinging for those 3 points? Then again, this is soccer. Miracles aren't all that uncommon.


We'll find out soon enough, as both teams kick off at 7pm on Saturday. I know for sure that I'll be match tracking both games, and watching the webcasts if they're available. Its the final week of WPS, and its also the deciding one on who gets the final playoff berth. You'd be nuts to miss this.

Until then,

Denise