WPS Week 7 Review

Wambach continues to be a strong offensive presence. She leads the league with 7 assists, and is still on form, as she scored a goal for the Freedom, upping her tally to 3 goals so far in her league campaign.


It was a good weekend for WPS, that once again brought some good match-ups, and even a few surprises.

Saturday saw 2 anticipated matches, the first being Sky Blue FC vs. Boston Breakers; the Eastern Derby. Boston had never won a match against Sky Blue FC in the inaugural 2009 season, as they tied them once, and lost on 3 occasions. Boston would not break that record however on Saturday, as the 2 eastern teams would fight to a 0-0 deadlock. However, the score was definitely not representative of how the game was played. The match was very back-and-forth, with both teams having to defend and attack constantly. There were quite a few opportunities to score from both sides, but no one would capitalize. Bardsley made a few saves on the night, continuing with her excellent form, and still doing well once again for Sky Blue. This game also marked the return of striker Tasha Kai, who was out for a few weeks due to a hamstring injury. Having Kai back should help spur Sky Blue's offensive efforts substantially from here on in. Sky Blue will also be seeing the return of a few other injured players, such as Lloyd and Branam. Also, Rampone, who was out due to a pregnancy, will be back on the field very soon.

Boston still seems to be having trouble scoring, and Sky Blue is in that same boat. The reason this game ended the way it did, in a 0-0 tie, is because neither team could capitalize on some rather golden opportunities. Both teams had 1 on 1 chances with the opposing keeper, one time it was O'Reilly for Sky Blue, and another time it was Cheney for Boston, but neither could put it away. Although both teams had excellent chances in the opposing team's final 3rd, no one could slot one home. The reality of scoring problems has become even more evident for these teams as the season has progressed, and they have to work on it. It'll be crucial to them later on. When they play tough teams like Washington and Philadelphia, who do know how to score, that kind of problem will hurt them big time. Sky Blue is better off, as they are 4th place in the standings and are holding onto that place for dear life, as they continue to win by and inch, or tie with other teams. Boston however has started to fall down in the standings. They are in 5th place, tied with chicago Red Stars, who has been one of the sub-par teams this season. Boston better pick it up if they want to set themselves up the right way. If both teams want to stay in it, they have to start scoring goals. In soccer, you can't win unless you score goals.



The next Saturday match-up was the Chicago Red Stars vs. FC Gold Pride, and it was a big surprise. Chicago won 1-0 against FCGP, with a goal from Asllani, all the while keeping a clean sheet against FCGP who is currently the number one team in the standings. The Red Stars, who were the clear underdogs in the match, became only the second team this season to shut-out FCGP. In the 18th it looked like FCGP would get the first strike when Sinclair put the ball in the net, only to be whistled for the foul against Loyden. Later in the match, just after half-time, Asllani would put it home for the Red Stars. FCGP looked dangerous towards the end of the match, but the Red stars' defense held steady as they kept FCGP from scoring.

This was the biggest surprise of the weekend, and possibly so far this season. FCGP looked the sure winners going into this match. Their squad is a formidable one, especially in the offense. With players like Sinclair, who is always expected to score, along with Marta, and excellent player who was coming off a great match in which she scored 2 goals, they looked great going into this match. With an offense like FCGP's, any team would be expected to win, however, Chicago, who had a change of coach, beat the odds and held the Pride's offense at bay. They also did something else that was quite surprising. They scored, and won a match. There are signs of a great team in Chicago, but if they want that side of them to show face, they need to do what they did against the current best in the league. They need to score goals, and concede as little as possible, and they need to start doing it more often. Could their win be a result of having a new coach....or is it just a coincidence? Regardless of the influence of these circumstances, Chicago still won. Maybe the change in coach was a good thing. We shall see if this success is permanent or at least common. If so, the change might have been good to move Chicago forward. As for FCGP, anybody can have a bad game, and anybody can lose one, but they might want to take this as a lesson: Don't get too complacent.



The Sunday match, which was the final match of Week 8, featured Washington Freedom vs. Philadelphia Independence. The Freedom would win 2-1, but it was no easy feat. Philadelphia has been rock solid all season, holding their own, showing that even though they are a "new" expansion team, they will pull no punches, and will show that they mean business. Its exactly what they've done, as they have steadied themselves in the top of the league table, currently in 3rd place. The Independence won their first match against Washington this season, 3-1, which was a rather embarrassing defeat for the Freedom. They didn't want this loss to go unanswered, and they did exactly what they intended to do, on Sunday. Washington won against Philadelphia 2-1. The Freedom landed the first strike as Moros had a bit of a give and go with Welsh near the flank, then proceeded into the 18 yard box, where she sent it past a defender and against the far post, where it rebounded off and into the net. The next goal would come a little later, as Bompastor was fouled in the 18. The ref pointed to the spot, and Wambach stepped up to take the penalty. Wambach coolly put it away, putting it into the bottom right, as Henderson went left. The game was actually quite physical. Possession would fluctuate between opposing teams frequently during the match, and both teams would have opportunities. But, like I said, the game seemed rather physical, and it culminated towards the end of the match, around the 86th minute. Seger would challenge Huffman for the ball. Huffman put more pressure, and Seger, who was clearly frustrated, pushed Huffman off of her violently, hitting her in the face. Seger protested verbally against the referee rather violently, and exchanged words with an angered Wambach. After this, Ted Unkel issued Seger a direct red card, and she was sent off. Philly would end up scoring one goal, but it was a fluke. McLeod underestimated a ball coming in, and didn't quite get her hand around it. She dropped it, and as it went loose, Sanderson was there to take advantage of the mistake, and put it home for Philly. The score would stay 2-1, and Washington would walk away with yet another win.

This game was a tough one to call going in, as both teams were doing rather well, and haven't necessarily had problems scoring. Washington had the drive to win and get "revenge" so to speak, and did what they had to in order to get the win. It looks like Washington is one of, if not the strongest team in the league right now, up there with FC Gold Pride. Its no surprise that both these teams have heavy-hitting offense. Next week should be extremely interesting, as the top 2 teams, Washington and FCGP, will go head to head for first place. Both of these teams are home to top scorers, and these teams have a history of high-scoring games when they've met. FCGP will defend their perch atop the league standings, while Washington will be fighting to knock them down and take first place. As for Philadelphia, its one loss, they need to keep going as they have been. If they keep working hard the wins will keep coming. I'm sure they'll be working even harder now, so that when they meet Washington again, and even the other teams, they'll have gained more experience, and will be prepared to put up an even better fight.


Well, that's all for the WPS Week 7 Review! Hope you enjoyed the run down of this week's events!


Denise

The Matildas Reign Supreme in the AFC

The Matildas are the Champions of the Asian Cup, after fighting through adverse conditions for their entire campaign, which culminated in a down to the wire match against Korea DPR, where they won 5-4 in a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out.


It was a special day for the Matildas, as they won their first Asian Cup title. They played against Korea DPR on a rainy, bogged down pitch, and fought through a full 120 minutes, and eventually triumphed due to superior nerve, as they edged out the Koreans 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out. In regular time, the Aussies landed the first strike in the 19th minute, as Kerr notched a goal, but the game was far from won. The Koreans would equalize late in the 2nd half, with a goal from Jo Yun-Mi, in the 73rd minute. Both teams fought on past extra time, and after the 120th, what was about to come was inevitable. A penalty shoot-out would be the only way to settle it. The Socceroos were perfect in their tally, as they would convert all 5 from the spot. The Koreans would go out as Yun Song-Mi would miss her penalty.

This win is important for the Matildas, who will be going to the World Cup in 2011. Winning their first Asian Cup and being the number one team in the AFC should give them a lot of confidence, and a great momentum going in.

As for the 3rd place spot, Japan downed China in a 2-0 win, with a goal from Kozue Ando in the 18th, and another from Homare Sawa in the 62nd. This means that Japan, being the 3rd best team in the Asian Cup, have gained the 3rd and final qualification spot for the 2011 World Cup in Germany.

And that's all she wrote! The Matildas played with tons of heart, especially having to deal with adverse conditions the whole way. They lost star strikers Lisa DeVanna and Sarah Walsh during the tournament, and then braved a rainy pitch, a long, hard-fought game, and finally, nerve-wracking penalties to go on and win their first Asian Cup title. Seriously, hats off to the Aussies! The Koreans come up short as runner-ups, nonetheless clinching a spot in the World Cup, as did the Japanese, who won over 3rd place in the tournament, and the rights to travel to Germany in 2011.

The Asian Cup concludes, but a new challenge arises for Australia, Korea DPR and China, a challenge that awaits them next year in Germany.


Denise

Another One Bites The Dust

The St.Louis Athletica, one of the original 7 WPS Teams, has been discontinued due to financial problems.

Yesterday was a sad day in WPS history, as yet another team franchise has been discontinued. This time it was the St.Louis Athletica, one of the original 7 WPS teams. St.Louis had received many players from the LA Sol, the first team that had been discontinued during the off-season, and now, like the Sol, they are also going to disappear from the league. The Athletica had known of a financial danger about 2 weeks prior to its shutting down, but after reviewing options, they found that the St.Louis Athletica would not be able to survive, and the owners canceled all operations. The WPS is now back down to 7 teams, the original number the league started with in its 2009 inaugural season. The schedule will be adjusted for a 7 team league format. All of St.Louis' players have become free agents, and are free to sign with any other WPS team. The players will still be able to participate in the All-Star match, if they sign with a team by June 11.

The discontinuation of teams has become a scary reality for the WPS. There have already been 2 teams discontinued due to financial issues. I'm sure this doesn't sit well with any WPS fan, because I know that I feel pretty uncomfortable right now with how the future looks. I seriously hope the state of things improve. It makes me genuinely upset to hear information about anything bad happening in the league, especially the shutting down of a team franchise. I seriously hope this doesn't happen anymore, to any WPS team, and especially not the league itself. I'm afraid that this might be a repeat of the WUSA, where the league will last for a few years, and then collapse. I love this league very much, and I hate to see these kinds of things happen. This is a great league, that gives women's soccer players the opportunities that they deserve, and it also allows its loyal fans to follow women's soccer on a league level. I wish the WPS much success, and for them to experience this success for many years to come. We need to do all we can to ensure that the league we love sticks around. Whether its going to a game, buying a jersey, spreading the word about WPS through blogs and other media, or just being a loyal fan, we need to do everything in our power to make sure the WPS is not a repeat of the WUSA. I love the WPS too much to see it go down. Its an excellent league that is representing women's soccer and its players here in the United States. Women's soccer has grown since the '99 World Cup, and is continuing its growth. Today, it is filled with new talent and new personality. I think I speak for every fan when I say women's soccer is something special. Our players are humble, grounded, and passionate, and deserve much more support than they get. These players always stay true to their roots, and never let the fame and title of being a professional athlete go to their heads. Instead, they stay humble and loyal to their fans, and play their hearts out every time they step onto the field. I have been a fan of men's and women's soccer, and I can honestly say, I have never felt the kind of respect and personal attachment for men's soccer, that I have for women's soccer. In men's soccer, the players seem more distant, and the barrier between fan and player is practically visible. There are way too many egos in men's soccer, and when it comes down to it, its almost always about the money. The players are not as interactive with the fans either. Its a much different atmosphere for women's soccer. The players in women's soccer are selfless to a fault, and play incredibly hard every game, even though they receive a pittance compared to what the men's players receive. In women's soccer, it really isn't about the money at all. I feel closer and more attached to the players as well, as they truly appreciate the fans and interact much more with them. These women play with immense passion for the sport they love, and for their fans, and yet they get paid less, and do not have nearly as much support as they deserve. The difference between men's soccer and women's soccer can best be explained with an analogy me and my friend always use: Men's Soccer is like a huge corporation. Less personal, much bigger, more robotic, and the fans feel more disposable. Women's soccer is like the small, modest, privately owned family business. The owners work hard everyday,and truly appreciate their loyal customers. Its more of a close-knit bond between owner and customer, a business where things are much more personal.

Hope you enjoyed my little rant about why women's soccer is almost inexplicably unique. Every time I try to describe that special "something" I can never find the right words. I tried, and I think I did a fair job. All in all, women's soccer is something very special to its fans, and we don't want to see the sport take another step back. We need to move forward, and I hope the WPS does too, for many many years to come. These players deserve it, and we need to give them tons of support. They're good to us fans, and now we should give back to them, by helping support the further growth of women's soccer, and by making sure the WPS doesn't go under.

Here's to the prosperous future of the WPS, and women's soccer in general.

Denise

Who in the AFC will qualify for the 2011 World Cup?

Australia, Korea DPR, Japan, and China will all have the chance to qualify for the Women's World Cup in 2011.


As the Asian Cup concludes on May 30th, we will find out who is on the road to Germany in 2011.

The top 3 teams in the Asian Cup tournament qualify for the World Cup, which means the winners, runner-ups, and third place winners will be on the road to Germany in 2011. Technically, 2 of the teams have already qualified. Since Korea DPR and Australia are in the final, one will be the winner, and the other will be runner-up, meaning the first and second place team spots will be taken up. Since the third place spot needs to be fought for in the third place match, its still up in the air as to who will be the final team to gain the privilege of being in the World Cup, come 2011. The third place match will be played by Japan and China. It can go either way, as both teams have had a good overall tournament thus far. However, only one team can gain third place, along with the rights to be in the World Cup that comes with it.

Both the Final and the 3rd place match will be played on May 30th. On that day, we'll find out who'll be packing their bags and heading to Germany in 2011, and who will have to go home.


Denise

Injury Report: Australia and The Washington Freedom Have a Woman Down.

DeVanna will be out for 3 months due to an injury sustained in Australia's match against China, in which they lost 1-0.

The Asian Cup has been underway, and the Matildas of course are in on the action, as they are part of the AFC. Australia's campaign has been going fairly well so far, as they've already notched 2 wins, the first against Vietnam in which the result was 2-0, and another win against Korea Republic, the result being 3-1. However, their campaign has taken a sudden turn for the worse. Australia lost 1-0 to China on the 23rd, but the match isn't the only thing they lost. They also lost star striker DeVanna, who had already notched a goal in the competition. DeVanna broke her leg in a collision with China's Goalkeeper, and is expected to be out for 3 months, meaning she will miss the majority of the WPS season, and is also ejected from the Asian Cup tournament. There is a possibility that if her recovery goes as planned, she can be back in time to play in the WPS Playoffs, that is, if Washington Freedom clinch a playoff berth by the end of the WPS season. There is no doubt that both Australia and the Washington Freedom will miss DeVanna's lightning fast pace and world class dribbling skills, as well as her excellent scoring ability, which often times come through in clutch situations.


I wish DeVanna a speedy recovery. Her teammates and fans will miss her while she's gone.

I know I will.

Denise

We're Number One.

Wambach notched 2 goals and an assist on the occasion for the USWNT, as they triumphed in a 4-0 win over the Germany WNT. Wambach has become 3rd All-Time top scorer in USWNT history, after scoring her 106th goal, which was the USWNT's first of the night.


May 22nd was an outstanding day for the USWNT, as they defeated FIFA's 2nd place Germany WNT in a 4-0 thrashing.

The first 20 minutes of the game would have any USWNT fan on the edge of their seats, but not in excitement...more like in nervousness. The Germans looked strong for the beginning of the match, and had some good looks and close chances, with Grings offside 3 times. We had opportunities, as our midfield wasn't absent for these first 20, yet they turned over possession quite a bit, and made some unsuccessful long ball efforts. The Germans are generally taller than the USWNT, so long balls were mostly unsuccessful, due to the German's height advantage, and our lack thereof. Many of the long balls played in were headed away, or never played all the way through if they were won. Things began to change though, after the USA was awarded a penalty in about the 28th minute. In my opinion, it was not the right call. The ball was sent into the 18, and was received by Wambach, who had tried to turn and shoot, but ended up falling to the ground in the process. The German defender was holding onto Wambach, but did not bring her down, even though it looked like she did as Wambach turned to take the shot and fell in the process. The referee whistled and pointed to the spot, and Wambach was assigned to take the penalty. Wambach lined herself up, the whistle blew, and she slotted a perfect penalty right into the left pocket of the goal, past German keeper Angerer, who had dove the right way. With this goal, being her 106th, she became 3rd All-Time top scorer for the USWNT, passing Michelle Akers.

Goal 1 was on the scoreboard for the USWNT, and that's when the momentum shifted, as did the pace, all in the USWNT's favor. The passing in this game was pretty good, as the USWNT often created some excellent, smart plays, and strung together some quick, nifty looking one- and two-touch passes and give and go's. Goal number 2 would come shortly after, from a corner kick effort in the 35th minute. The USWNT were smart in using their corner kicks; they aimed for Wambach who has the height to reach the ball, which is especially useful against taller opponents, such as Germany. Wambach got her head to the ball on a few occasions, and one would eventually be converted to a goal. The ball came in from the corner spot, and Wambach jumped up to meet the ball with her head. It went right to Angerer who stopped the ball, but it had gone loose, as she didn't catch the header. A-Rod was there, and the ball deflected off her as she scrambled for it. She passed it over to HaO who was right in front of goal. All HaO had to do was put the ball in, and that's exactly what she did, scoring the USWNT's 2nd of the night, and her first for 2010.

Goal number 2 was on the board for the USWNT. Halftime came after some more chances from both teams, and the opponents headed to the locker rooms. The game resumed, and it was still the USWNT's show. There were some scares, however. It could have easily been 2-1 as the Germans were in the face of goal. Garefreckes had what seemed to be a sure chance, but it was only to be stopped by Solo. That was one of 3 fantastic saves offered by Solo on the occasion. Solo would go on to save 2 other close shots at the face of goal, using her reflexes and skill to prove why she's one of the best there is. Solo's world class saves would keep the USWNT in the game, and would gain her a well-deserved clean sheet against a World Giant. Play continued, and the next goal came for the USWNT, one that came to be, thanks to Wambach's persistence and determination. Wambach fought her way through pressure on the sideline, and began dribbling towards the 18. She dribbled down the flank, and did a nice little trick move by passing the ball through the oncoming defender's legs to pass her and enter the 18 yard box. As Wambach went towards the near post, she lured a defender over, and passed it to Lilly who was open. Lilly took the shot and sent it into the back of the net, after it bounced off the right post. This would be her 130th international goal, as well as the USWNT's 3rd goal of the night. As if this wasn't embarrassing enough for the 2nd place team to be losing 3-0, the next goal came, within the next minute. The goal was scored off a smart, well executed play. Wambach was running towards goal as the USWNT was on the attack, with a defender on each side. Lori Lindsey, who was dribbling towards goal, saw the perfect opportunity, and lined up a ground cross that went right to the feet of Wambach who was in the 18. Wambach slotted it away perfectly, putting it into the back of the net at the far post. This marked her 2nd goal of the match, the 107th of her international career, and the 4th and final goal notched for the USWNT on the occasion.

There were many chances afterward by both teams, and Rapinoe joined the action for the first time in a while. She did well, as she made some smart through passes and plays. The USWNT could have definitely put one or 2 more away. One chance that looked golden was when Rapinoe slotted a through pass to HaO which beat the defenders. HaO rushed the shot and it went wide. Stoppage time came, and it looked like the USWNT would have a 5th goal. A mix-up in the German defense caused Wambach and rookie Morgan to be all alone, 2 v 1 against Angerer. Wambach dribbled it calmly towards goal, and had a perfect shot, which could have allowed her to notch a hat-trick on the occasion. But, Wambach, being the team player that she is, sacrificed her hat-trick for the rookie's 1st USWNT goal. Wambach passed it over to Morgan who did put it away...however, the referee nullified the goal, as Morgan was offside. It was a noble and selfless thing for Wambach to do by passing it off when she could have easily slotted it away to get her hat-trick, and it would have been great to have a rookie score her debut goal, but due to the pesky rules of offsides, the 5th goal would never happen.


Shortly thereafter, the match would conclude, as the USWNT once again prove why they deserve the Number 1 Rank. The Germans will walk away from this match with lots to think about, while the USWNT gains more confidence in their excellent form.

The next action for the USWNT will be in mid-July, when they will face off in a double-header against Sweden, here in the United States.

Denise

Quick Update

Hey guys, just going to give a quick little update. I've created a separate blog for Men's soccer.

You can find it at http://offsidecall.blogspot.com

Just Another Soccer Fan is now fully devoted to the Women's game, specifically the WPS and the USWNT, and events like the Women's World Cup, The Algarve Cup, International friendlies, etc. etc. I figured branching off separate blogs for both Women's and Men's Soccer would make things much easier. So, if you prefer Women's soccer, come here to Just Another Soccer Fan. If you prefer Men's soccer, then visit Offside Call. And if you like both, feel free to visit both of them!

That's pretty much it. Just figured I'd notify you on the fact that I've branched out a separate blog for Men's, and that this here blog is all focused on Women's Soccer now.

Hope to see you on both!

Denise