Veronica Boquete scored her fifth goal of the season and it proved to be the game winner as the Philadelphia Independence defeated the Atlanta Beat 1-0 in Chester on Sunday. A crowd of 4162 saw the Independence regain sole possession of first place with a three point lead on Western New York.
In the first half of action, Atlanta appeared to be the more dangerous club. In the 25th minute, Lori Chalupny got around Kia McNeill to go in one-on-one against Nicole Barnhart from the left side of the box. Barnhart did a great job of cutting down the angle and then deflected Chalupny's shot wide.
But if the Beat held their own in the first half, the second half was all Philadelphia. Just a couple of minutes into the half, Nikki Krzysik sent Tina DiMartino in alone on a breakaway, but with Atlanta keeper Allison Whitworth coming out, she place her shot just wide of the left post. In the 56th minute, an Amy Rodriguez cross found the head of Tasha Kai, but Whitworth made a diving save on the shot headed just inside the left post.
Boquete finally put Philly up 1-0 on a great individual effort. Rodriguez nodded a header forward to Boquete, who cut toward the right side of the penalty area with Kat Reynolds on her shoulder. Whitworth made a very good save on Boquete's first effort, but the Spanish striker was able to outfight Reynolds for the rebound and put it in the back of the net.
Whitworth was able to keep the game close in spite of the Independence having several 1 v. 1 opportunities against her in the second half. She stopped Boquete with a big save in the 74th minute.
Atlanta had few chances in the second half, but Lori Chalupny's one-timer from 18 yards forced Barnhart to dive near post to block the ball away in the 76th minute.
Philadelphia followed with several more chances in the last 10 minutes. Whitworth stopped one-on-one chances from Kai, Lianne Sanderson, and Boquete in the closing minutes of the match.
Veronica Boquete once again proved to be the difference maker for Philadelphia. The Independence raised their league-leading record to 10-3-3, now three points ahead of Western New York. However, they have just two games remaining, while the Flash have four. Philly hosts Sky Blue next Sunday.
In spite of strong games from Allison Whitworth and Lori Chalupny, the Beat suffered their sixth straight shutout and are now winless in their last 14 matches. Their record stands at 1-11-4 and their two remaining matches are against Western New York.
WPS Standings
(1) Philadelphia 10-3-3, 33 pts; (2) Western New York 9-2-3, 30 pts; (3) Sky Blue FC 5-6-4, 19 pts; (4) magicJack 6-6-2, 19 pts; (5) Boston 4-7-4, 16 pts; (6) Atlanta 1-11-4, 7 pts.
Showing posts with label Allison Whitworth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Allison Whitworth. Show all posts
July 31, 2011
July 24, 2011
Atlanta and magicJack Play Scoreless Draw
The Atlanta Beat and magicJack played through 90 minutes of scoreless soccer on Saturday evening before a sellout crowd of 9,345 at KSU Soccer Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia.
It was a welcome home match for several World Cup players. Atlanta Beat players Carli Lloyd and Heather Mitts were members of the United States team that took second place at the World Cup. MagicJack had several members of their team that had played in the World Cup, including player/coach Abby Wambach.
MagicJack outshot Atlanta by a 14-9 margin for the match. Allison Whitworth for Atlanta and Jill Loyden for magicJack each earned shutouts. Atlanta was shut out for the fifth consecutive time and surpassed the record for consecutive minutes without a goal, which now stands at 487 minutes.
The tie eliminates Atlanta from playoff contention. They return to action next Sunday in Philadelphia. MagicJack's record is now 5-5-2 and they are tied for third place with Sky Blue, who they will face on Wednesday night in Boca Raton.
It was a welcome home match for several World Cup players. Atlanta Beat players Carli Lloyd and Heather Mitts were members of the United States team that took second place at the World Cup. MagicJack had several members of their team that had played in the World Cup, including player/coach Abby Wambach.
MagicJack outshot Atlanta by a 14-9 margin for the match. Allison Whitworth for Atlanta and Jill Loyden for magicJack each earned shutouts. Atlanta was shut out for the fifth consecutive time and surpassed the record for consecutive minutes without a goal, which now stands at 487 minutes.
The tie eliminates Atlanta from playoff contention. They return to action next Sunday in Philadelphia. MagicJack's record is now 5-5-2 and they are tied for third place with Sky Blue, who they will face on Wednesday night in Boca Raton.
July 11, 2011
Breakers Down Atlanta
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Labels: 2011 WPS, Allison Whitworth, Alyssa Naeher, Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, Kasey Moore, Katie Schoepfer, Keelin Winters, Leah Blayney, Meghan Klingenberg
Labels: 2011 WPS, Allison Whitworth, Alyssa Naeher, Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, Kasey Moore, Katie Schoepfer, Keelin Winters, Leah Blayney, Meghan Klingenberg
The Boston Breakers moved into a tie for third place with a 2-0 shutout over the Atlanta Beat on Sunday night.
It didn't take long for the Breakers to score, just under four minutes in. Katie Schoepfer placed her corner kick to the back post with Kasey Moore heading it back toward the middle. Rookie Keelin Winters was unmarked inside the six and placed her header into the net for an early Boston lead.
Atlanta actually might have had the better of play in the first half, as they were able to pressure Boston, but they just couldn't create any dangerous chances in the final third.
Boston turned up the pressure in the 2nd half. In the 54th minute, Elli Reed cut back against the defense and sent a beautiful cross into the box for Leah Blayney who headed the ball off the post from 12 yards out. A minute later, Liz Bogus sent a hard shot just wide of the right post.
Atlanta nearly drew even in the 71st minute. Kacey White sent Meghan Lenczyk in alone on goal, but Alyssa Naeher came out to cut of the angle, forcing Lenczyk to shoot wide of the left post.
In the 81st minute, Boston put the match away. Meghan Klingenberg sent the ball up the right side with Schoepfer running on to it. She released a shot from the elbow of the penalty area, just before defender Analisa Marquez was able to get there. With Allison Whitworth tending toward the near post, Schoepfer placed it beautifully just inside the left post to make it 2-0.
Atlanta had one final chance on a free kick by Cat Whitehill. Her drive from distance was heading lower left, but Naeher made the save.
Boston raised their record to 4-5-3, good for 15 points. They are now unbeaten in their last four matches and have posted three consecutive shutouts. The Breakers have next weekend off before facing Western New York on July 24 in a crucial home match.
For Atlanta, Lori Chalupny was a late scratch from the starting lineup and did not play. The Beat drop to 1-9-3 and have yet to score a road goal. Atlanta returns home to host the Philadelphia Independence next Saturday.
WPS Standings
(1) Philadelphia 7-2-3, 24 pts; (2) Western New York 6-2-2, 20 pts; (3) magicJack 5-4-1, 15 pts; (3) Boston 4-5-3, 15 pts; (5) Sky Blue FC 3-4-4, 13 pts; (6) Atlanta 1-9-3, 6 pts.
It didn't take long for the Breakers to score, just under four minutes in. Katie Schoepfer placed her corner kick to the back post with Kasey Moore heading it back toward the middle. Rookie Keelin Winters was unmarked inside the six and placed her header into the net for an early Boston lead.
Atlanta actually might have had the better of play in the first half, as they were able to pressure Boston, but they just couldn't create any dangerous chances in the final third.
Boston turned up the pressure in the 2nd half. In the 54th minute, Elli Reed cut back against the defense and sent a beautiful cross into the box for Leah Blayney who headed the ball off the post from 12 yards out. A minute later, Liz Bogus sent a hard shot just wide of the right post.
Atlanta nearly drew even in the 71st minute. Kacey White sent Meghan Lenczyk in alone on goal, but Alyssa Naeher came out to cut of the angle, forcing Lenczyk to shoot wide of the left post.
In the 81st minute, Boston put the match away. Meghan Klingenberg sent the ball up the right side with Schoepfer running on to it. She released a shot from the elbow of the penalty area, just before defender Analisa Marquez was able to get there. With Allison Whitworth tending toward the near post, Schoepfer placed it beautifully just inside the left post to make it 2-0.
Atlanta had one final chance on a free kick by Cat Whitehill. Her drive from distance was heading lower left, but Naeher made the save.
Boston raised their record to 4-5-3, good for 15 points. They are now unbeaten in their last four matches and have posted three consecutive shutouts. The Breakers have next weekend off before facing Western New York on July 24 in a crucial home match.
For Atlanta, Lori Chalupny was a late scratch from the starting lineup and did not play. The Beat drop to 1-9-3 and have yet to score a road goal. Atlanta returns home to host the Philadelphia Independence next Saturday.
WPS Standings
(1) Philadelphia 7-2-3, 24 pts; (2) Western New York 6-2-2, 20 pts; (3) magicJack 5-4-1, 15 pts; (3) Boston 4-5-3, 15 pts; (5) Sky Blue FC 3-4-4, 13 pts; (6) Atlanta 1-9-3, 6 pts.
June 23, 2011
Sky Blue Shuts Out Beat
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Labels: 2011 WPS, Allison Whitworth, Atlanta Beat, Casey Nogueira, Jen Branam, Megan Rapinoe, Sky Blue FC
Labels: 2011 WPS, Allison Whitworth, Atlanta Beat, Casey Nogueira, Jen Branam, Megan Rapinoe, Sky Blue FC
Casey Nogueira scored her third goal of the season, this one directly off of a corner kick, to give Sky Blue FC a 1-0 victory over the Atlanta Beat on Wednesday evening. The victory stretched Sky Blue's unbeaten streak to five games and moved them into a tie with the Boston Breakers for fourth place.
Sky Blue had several early opportunities to break out on top, but Beat goalkeeper Allison Whitworth made stops on Nogueira, Laura Kalmari, and Allie Long in the opening half.
Nogueira's goal came in the 26th minute as her corner kick attempt went directly into the net over Whitworth.
The Beat turned up the pressure in the second half and ended up outshooting Sky Blue by a 17-10 margin, but New Jersey keeper Jen Branam was up to the task and kept Atlanta off the board.
The victory boosts Sky Blue's record to 3-3-3, good for 12 points. Their next match is on July 6 at Philadelphia against the second place Independence. Atlanta drops to 1-8-3. The Beat travels to Boston to take on the Breakers on July 10.
magicJack Obtains Rapinoe
magicJack has traded for the rights to Megan Rapinoe from the Philadelphia Independence. The USWNT winger played in four matches this year, starting two. She had one goal.
Rapinoe was originally a first round draft choice of the Chicago Red Stars back in 2009.
magicJack also waived both Meghan Schnur and Rebecca Moros. Moros had been a member of the team since its inception as the Washington Freedom in 2009. Schnur was signed as a free agent in the offseason.
magicJack meets the Philadelphia Independence this Saturday.
Sky Blue had several early opportunities to break out on top, but Beat goalkeeper Allison Whitworth made stops on Nogueira, Laura Kalmari, and Allie Long in the opening half.
Nogueira's goal came in the 26th minute as her corner kick attempt went directly into the net over Whitworth.
The Beat turned up the pressure in the second half and ended up outshooting Sky Blue by a 17-10 margin, but New Jersey keeper Jen Branam was up to the task and kept Atlanta off the board.
The victory boosts Sky Blue's record to 3-3-3, good for 12 points. Their next match is on July 6 at Philadelphia against the second place Independence. Atlanta drops to 1-8-3. The Beat travels to Boston to take on the Breakers on July 10.
magicJack Obtains Rapinoe
magicJack has traded for the rights to Megan Rapinoe from the Philadelphia Independence. The USWNT winger played in four matches this year, starting two. She had one goal.
Rapinoe was originally a first round draft choice of the Chicago Red Stars back in 2009.
magicJack also waived both Meghan Schnur and Rebecca Moros. Moros had been a member of the team since its inception as the Washington Freedom in 2009. Schnur was signed as a free agent in the offseason.
magicJack meets the Philadelphia Independence this Saturday.
June 19, 2011
Atlanta and Boston Play Scoreless Draw
Neither team was able to push the ball into the goal as the Atlanta Beat tied the Boston Breakers 0-0 this evening in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Most of the first half of the match was played in the middle of the field, with neither team gaining much of an advantage nor scoring opportunities. The best chance was when the Beat's Lori Chalupny was able to beat a couple of defenders and center the ball to Angela Salem who shot just wide of the net, missing on a golden opportunity.
The second half saw more in the way of chances, but few were dangerous. Substitute Meghan Lenczyk had two chances, one was a hard shot inside the near post, but Alyssa Naeher was able to save that one. Another saw Lenczyk heading the ball just wide.
Allison Whitworth, who saved four shots, earned the shutout for Atlanta, while Naeher got the shutout for Boston. Atlanta's record stands at 1-7-3 and they remain in sixth place. The Breakers are now 3-5-3 and narrowly hold fourth place.
WPS Standings:
(1) Western New York 6-1-2, 20 pts; (2) Philadelphia 4-2-3, 15 pts; (3) magicJack 5-3-0, 14 pts; (4) Boston 3-5-3, 12 pts; (5) Sky Blue FC 2-3-3, 9 pts; (6) Atlanta 1-7-3, 6 pts.
Most of the first half of the match was played in the middle of the field, with neither team gaining much of an advantage nor scoring opportunities. The best chance was when the Beat's Lori Chalupny was able to beat a couple of defenders and center the ball to Angela Salem who shot just wide of the net, missing on a golden opportunity.
The second half saw more in the way of chances, but few were dangerous. Substitute Meghan Lenczyk had two chances, one was a hard shot inside the near post, but Alyssa Naeher was able to save that one. Another saw Lenczyk heading the ball just wide.
Allison Whitworth, who saved four shots, earned the shutout for Atlanta, while Naeher got the shutout for Boston. Atlanta's record stands at 1-7-3 and they remain in sixth place. The Breakers are now 3-5-3 and narrowly hold fourth place.
WPS Standings:
(1) Western New York 6-1-2, 20 pts; (2) Philadelphia 4-2-3, 15 pts; (3) magicJack 5-3-0, 14 pts; (4) Boston 3-5-3, 12 pts; (5) Sky Blue FC 2-3-3, 9 pts; (6) Atlanta 1-7-3, 6 pts.
June 5, 2011
Independence and Beat Play To a Scoreless Draw
The Atlanta Beat were able to earn a point on the road, playing a scoreless draw with the Philadelphia Independence on Saturday night in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Allison Whitworth was the star for the Beat, making 10 saves in the match, plus stopping Lianne Sanderson's penalty attempt to end the first half. Whitworth was making just her second start of the season for the Beat.
For Philadelphia, it was a night of frustration as they were unable to cash in on several goal scoring opportunities. The Independence outshot the Beat by a 17-3 margin for the match and were whistled for eight offsides calls. Val Henderson got the shutout for the Independence.
Philadelphia remains in third place with a 2-2-3 record, pending today's magicJack-Boston matchup. Atlanta now stands at 1-6-2 with five points.
Allison Whitworth was the star for the Beat, making 10 saves in the match, plus stopping Lianne Sanderson's penalty attempt to end the first half. Whitworth was making just her second start of the season for the Beat.
For Philadelphia, it was a night of frustration as they were unable to cash in on several goal scoring opportunities. The Independence outshot the Beat by a 17-3 margin for the match and were whistled for eight offsides calls. Val Henderson got the shutout for the Independence.
Philadelphia remains in third place with a 2-2-3 record, pending today's magicJack-Boston matchup. Atlanta now stands at 1-6-2 with five points.
April 10, 2011
Boston Defeats Atlanta in Opener 4-1
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Labels: 2011 WPS, Allison Whitworth, Alyssa Naeher, Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, Carli Lloyd, Jordan Angeli, Kasey Moore, Keelin Winters, Kelley O'Hara
Labels: 2011 WPS, Allison Whitworth, Alyssa Naeher, Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, Carli Lloyd, Jordan Angeli, Kasey Moore, Keelin Winters, Kelley O'Hara
The Boston Breakers used a strong first half to capture the opening match of the 2011 season by a 4-1 margin over the Atlanta Beat. Four different players scored for the Breakers, two in each half.
Jordan Angeli opened the scoring 18 minutes into the match, followed by a goal from rookie Keelin Winters just five minutes later. Angeli later suffered a knee injury and had to leave the game. The Breakers will have an MRI done on Angeli's knee on Monday to determine the severity of the injury.
Down 2-0 at the half, the Beat inserted USWNT midfielder Carli Lloyd into the lineup for the second half and for awhile, Atlanta looked as though they might get back into the contest. Atlanta pressured Breakers' keeper Alyssa Naeher throughout the second half, but she was able to make some key saves to keep the margin safe.
Former Gold Pride forward Kelley O'Hara scored in the 72nd minute to stretch the lead to three goals.
Atlanta finally got on the board in the 78th minute as they were awarded a penalty, which Lloyd converted to cut the lead to 3-1, but the Beat were never able to get any closer.
Kasey Moore concluded the scoring in stoppage, after Allison Whitworth was red-carded after colliding with O'Hara outside the box. Moore scored on the ensuing kick, after defender Cat Whitehill had taken over in goal.
Atlanta outshot Boston by a 14-8 margin for the match, but Naeher was able to keep all but the penalty out of the net.
The Breakers return to Boston where they will host the Western New York Flash next Sunday, in what will be Boston's home opener and the Flash's inaugural match. Atlanta hosts Sky Blue FC next Saturday.
Jordan Angeli opened the scoring 18 minutes into the match, followed by a goal from rookie Keelin Winters just five minutes later. Angeli later suffered a knee injury and had to leave the game. The Breakers will have an MRI done on Angeli's knee on Monday to determine the severity of the injury.
Down 2-0 at the half, the Beat inserted USWNT midfielder Carli Lloyd into the lineup for the second half and for awhile, Atlanta looked as though they might get back into the contest. Atlanta pressured Breakers' keeper Alyssa Naeher throughout the second half, but she was able to make some key saves to keep the margin safe.
Former Gold Pride forward Kelley O'Hara scored in the 72nd minute to stretch the lead to three goals.
Atlanta finally got on the board in the 78th minute as they were awarded a penalty, which Lloyd converted to cut the lead to 3-1, but the Beat were never able to get any closer.
Kasey Moore concluded the scoring in stoppage, after Allison Whitworth was red-carded after colliding with O'Hara outside the box. Moore scored on the ensuing kick, after defender Cat Whitehill had taken over in goal.
Atlanta outshot Boston by a 14-8 margin for the match, but Naeher was able to keep all but the penalty out of the net.
The Breakers return to Boston where they will host the Western New York Flash next Sunday, in what will be Boston's home opener and the Flash's inaugural match. Atlanta hosts Sky Blue FC next Saturday.
June 18, 2010
Whitworth Traded To Red Stars
The Atlanta Beat have traded goalkeeper Allison Whitworth to the Chicago Red Stars. The Red Stars will also get Atlanta's 1st and 4th round picks in the 2011 draft, while Atlanta will receive Chicago's 1st and 4th round picks in the 2012 draft.
Atlanta had traded draft picks to obtain Whitworth last October and she was expected to be Atlanta's number one keeper. However, a few games into the season, Brett Maron took over as the starter and then the Beat later signed Hope Solo.
Chicago found themselves in need of a backup keeper after Kelsey Davis was put on season-ending injured reserve.
Whitworth had started 3 matches for Atlanta, facing 29 shots on goal and giving up 5 goals for a 1.67 goals against average.
Atlanta had traded draft picks to obtain Whitworth last October and she was expected to be Atlanta's number one keeper. However, a few games into the season, Brett Maron took over as the starter and then the Beat later signed Hope Solo.
Chicago found themselves in need of a backup keeper after Kelsey Davis was put on season-ending injured reserve.
Whitworth had started 3 matches for Atlanta, facing 29 shots on goal and giving up 5 goals for a 1.67 goals against average.
April 14, 2010
WPS Midweek Notes - April 14
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Labels: Abby Wambach, Allie Long, Allison Whitworth, Ashley Phillips, Carolyn Blank, Eniola Aluko, Karen Bardsley, Karina LeBlanc, Kiki Bosio, Lauren Cheney, Sarah Wagenfuhr
Labels: Abby Wambach, Allie Long, Allison Whitworth, Ashley Phillips, Carolyn Blank, Eniola Aluko, Karen Bardsley, Karina LeBlanc, Kiki Bosio, Lauren Cheney, Sarah Wagenfuhr
Head over Heals
It takes a lot of different skills to play soccer. Speed, agility, endurance, concentration, and sometimes, a little gymnastical skill. Kiki Bosio of FC Gold Pride demonstrated her cartwheeling ability using the flip throw several times in Sunday’s match against Saint Louis Athletica. While it is somewhat of a novelty to fans who don’t see it very often, it can also be an effective offensive weapon. Bosio was able to throw the ball deep into Athletica’s penalty area every time and although Gold Pride was unable to convert any of the throws into goals, it did present some dangerous opportunities.
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Player of the Week
Eniola Aluko of Saint Louis Athletica was named WPS Player of the Week for the weekend of April 10-11. Aluko scored two goals to lead Athletica to a 2-0 win over FC Gold Pride. Aluko had won Player of the Week honors once previously in 2009. Aluko scored a goal in each half of Sunday’s match. It was the first two goal game in her WPS career.
Rookies
Rookies
Out of the 65 players taken in the January draft, 22 are now full-roster players in the WPS and another 16 made WPS teams as developmental players. Out of those, 17 players made their debut in the opening weekend of WPS. Ten of those players started and there was at least one of the rookies in the starting lineup for each team. FC Gold Pride had three starters from their draft selections back in January.
The 10 starters were Lauren Cheney (Boston), Nikki Marshall (Washington), Carolyn Blank (Saint Louis), Tobin Heath (Atlanta), Whitney Engen (Chicago), Estelle Johnson (Philadelphia), Brittany Taylor (Sky Blue FC), and Kelley O’Hara, Kaley Fountain, and Ali Riley (all FC Gold Pride). Not only did Gold Pride start three of their rookies, 5 of their draft selections saw action in Sunday’s match.
Lauren Cheney was the only 2010 draft choice to score a goal last weekend, but she will have the distinction of being the first player to score a 2010 regular season goal.
Long Waits
The 10 starters were Lauren Cheney (Boston), Nikki Marshall (Washington), Carolyn Blank (Saint Louis), Tobin Heath (Atlanta), Whitney Engen (Chicago), Estelle Johnson (Philadelphia), Brittany Taylor (Sky Blue FC), and Kelley O’Hara, Kaley Fountain, and Ali Riley (all FC Gold Pride). Not only did Gold Pride start three of their rookies, 5 of their draft selections saw action in Sunday’s match.
Lauren Cheney was the only 2010 draft choice to score a goal last weekend, but she will have the distinction of being the first player to score a 2010 regular season goal.
Long Waits
Ashley Phillips spent the entire 2009 season on the Boston Breakers roster as a developmental player. She did not play a minute for the entire season. Such is the life of a developmental keeper in WPS. After a year of waiting, Phillips finally got her chance on Saturday and earned the victory in goal for the Breakers in their 2-1 win over the Washington Freedom. Phillips was credited with 7 saves for the match.
Sarah Wagenfuhr started last year as a developmental player for Chicago, but was released after their second game, having not played. On Sunday, she started at outside back for Athletica and played 23 minutes before coming off with an injury.
Lauren Sesselman got into one game for one minute in 2009 for Sky Blue FC. She started and played the full 90 in Atlanta’s opener on Sunday. On the other side of the field Philadelphia’s Lyndsey Patterson had appeared in only one game for 12 minutes for the Los Angeles Sol in 2009. She started and played 57 minutes for the Independence.
Midweek Notes:
Atlanta - Ramona Bachmann did not make the trip to Philadelphia because of illness after scoring a goal and an assist in Atlanta’s final exhibition game in Tulsa…..Allison Whitworth picked up her 2nd career shutout in WPS. Her previous shutout against the Los Angeles Sol in 2009 also ended in a scoreless tie…..The number one overall pick in the 2010 draft, Tobin Heath, played 89 minutes in Sunday’s game.
Boston – Last season, Kelly Smith scored a goal in each of the first 4 games in which she appeared for the Breakers and she started 2010 out in the same fashion with a goal against the Freedom…..The Breakers became only the 2nd team in WPS history to start a developmental keeper in goal with Ashley Phillips on Saturday. Washington had started Kati Jo Spisak three times in 2009…..Lauren Cheney scored her first career WPS goal just 6 minutes into Saturday’s contest.
Chicago – Cristiane was credited with taking 9 shots in the Red Stars loss to Sky Blue, a total which easily leads the league…..In the continuation of a disturbing trend, Chicago has now been shut out 12 times in 21 matches over two seasons…..Kate Markgraf played the full 90 minutes after missing the 2009 season on maternity leave.
FC Gold Pride – Five of Gold Pride’s draft selections saw action on Sunday. Kelley O’Hara, Kaley Fountain, and Ali Riley started, while Becky Edwards and Kiki Bosio subbed in…..Kandace Wilson came off the bench, seeing her first regular season action since she was injured in a May 24th match against Los Angeles in 2009…..Four of Gold Pride’s 5 international players were not with the team in 2009. Camille Abily and Marta were with Los Angeles, Candace Chapman was with Boston, and Solveig Gulbrandsen did not play in WPS last season.
Philadelphia – Karina LeBlanc earned her 13th career shutout on Sunday against Atlanta…..Philadelphia had the largest attendance of the WPS opening weekend with 6,028…..Amy Rodriguez was credited with 6 shots for the Independence against Atlanta, more than in any of her appearances for the Breakers last season.
Saint Louis – Eniola Aluko became the 3rd Athletica player to score two goals in one game. The other two were Daniela and Christie Welsh…..Shannon Boxx became the first Athletica player to record two assists in one game…..Carolyn Blank was the lowest draft choice to start for a WPS team last weekend. Blank was Athletica’s 5th round selection, the 46th overall pick in the draft.
Sky Blue FC – Heather O’Reilly, who tied for SBFC’s lead in assists last season with 3, picked up her first assist on Sunday…..Karen Bardsley picked up the 2nd shutout of her career. Her first came against FC Gold Pride on August 5, 2009, when she was a last second replacement for an injured Jen Branam…..Sky Blue has now shutout the Chicago Red Stars all 5 times they have played them. They have a 4-0-1 record against the Red Stars with a 5-0 goal differential.
Sarah Wagenfuhr started last year as a developmental player for Chicago, but was released after their second game, having not played. On Sunday, she started at outside back for Athletica and played 23 minutes before coming off with an injury.
Lauren Sesselman got into one game for one minute in 2009 for Sky Blue FC. She started and played the full 90 in Atlanta’s opener on Sunday. On the other side of the field Philadelphia’s Lyndsey Patterson had appeared in only one game for 12 minutes for the Los Angeles Sol in 2009. She started and played 57 minutes for the Independence.
Midweek Notes:
Atlanta - Ramona Bachmann did not make the trip to Philadelphia because of illness after scoring a goal and an assist in Atlanta’s final exhibition game in Tulsa…..Allison Whitworth picked up her 2nd career shutout in WPS. Her previous shutout against the Los Angeles Sol in 2009 also ended in a scoreless tie…..The number one overall pick in the 2010 draft, Tobin Heath, played 89 minutes in Sunday’s game.
Boston – Last season, Kelly Smith scored a goal in each of the first 4 games in which she appeared for the Breakers and she started 2010 out in the same fashion with a goal against the Freedom…..The Breakers became only the 2nd team in WPS history to start a developmental keeper in goal with Ashley Phillips on Saturday. Washington had started Kati Jo Spisak three times in 2009…..Lauren Cheney scored her first career WPS goal just 6 minutes into Saturday’s contest.
Chicago – Cristiane was credited with taking 9 shots in the Red Stars loss to Sky Blue, a total which easily leads the league…..In the continuation of a disturbing trend, Chicago has now been shut out 12 times in 21 matches over two seasons…..Kate Markgraf played the full 90 minutes after missing the 2009 season on maternity leave.
FC Gold Pride – Five of Gold Pride’s draft selections saw action on Sunday. Kelley O’Hara, Kaley Fountain, and Ali Riley started, while Becky Edwards and Kiki Bosio subbed in…..Kandace Wilson came off the bench, seeing her first regular season action since she was injured in a May 24th match against Los Angeles in 2009…..Four of Gold Pride’s 5 international players were not with the team in 2009. Camille Abily and Marta were with Los Angeles, Candace Chapman was with Boston, and Solveig Gulbrandsen did not play in WPS last season.
Philadelphia – Karina LeBlanc earned her 13th career shutout on Sunday against Atlanta…..Philadelphia had the largest attendance of the WPS opening weekend with 6,028…..Amy Rodriguez was credited with 6 shots for the Independence against Atlanta, more than in any of her appearances for the Breakers last season.
Saint Louis – Eniola Aluko became the 3rd Athletica player to score two goals in one game. The other two were Daniela and Christie Welsh…..Shannon Boxx became the first Athletica player to record two assists in one game…..Carolyn Blank was the lowest draft choice to start for a WPS team last weekend. Blank was Athletica’s 5th round selection, the 46th overall pick in the draft.
Sky Blue FC – Heather O’Reilly, who tied for SBFC’s lead in assists last season with 3, picked up her first assist on Sunday…..Karen Bardsley picked up the 2nd shutout of her career. Her first came against FC Gold Pride on August 5, 2009, when she was a last second replacement for an injured Jen Branam…..Sky Blue has now shutout the Chicago Red Stars all 5 times they have played them. They have a 4-0-1 record against the Red Stars with a 5-0 goal differential.
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Washington Freedom – Allie Long was the only non-national team player to score a goal this past weekend…..While Abby Wambach is primarily known for her goal scoring ability, she now has 6 career WPS assists, which ties her for 1st place in that category…..The Freedom have now given up multiple goals in 11 of their 22 matches in 2009-10 including the playoff game.
Washington Freedom – Allie Long was the only non-national team player to score a goal this past weekend…..While Abby Wambach is primarily known for her goal scoring ability, she now has 6 career WPS assists, which ties her for 1st place in that category…..The Freedom have now given up multiple goals in 11 of their 22 matches in 2009-10 including the playoff game.
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Opening Week Trivia: Of the 6 returning WPS teams, only two started the same goalkeeper as they did in last year's opener. Name the goalkeepers and the teams. (Answer in the weekend preview later this week).
April 6, 2010
Atlanta Beat 2010 - Can Youngest Team Mature Fast Enough?
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Labels: 2010 WPS, Allison Whitworth, Atlanta Beat, Johanna Rasmussen, Kia McNeill, Leigh Ann Robinson, Mami Yamaguchi, Ramona Bachmann, Shelley Thompson, Tobin Heath
Labels: 2010 WPS, Allison Whitworth, Atlanta Beat, Johanna Rasmussen, Kia McNeill, Leigh Ann Robinson, Mami Yamaguchi, Ramona Bachmann, Shelley Thompson, Tobin Heath
Coach: Gareth O’Sullivan
2009 Record: 2010 Expansion Team
Expansion Draft (3): Leigh Ann Robinson, Amanda Cinalli, Katie Larkin.
Draft Choices (3): Tobin Heath, Blakely Mattern, Mallori Lofton-Malachi (traded then re-signed).
LA Dispersal Draft (2): Manya Makoski (IR), McCall Zerboni.
International Signings (5): Ramona Bachmann, Monica Ocampo, Johanna Rasmussen, Shelley Thompson, Mami Yamaguchi.
Free Agents (7): Stacy Bishop, Tracy Hamm, Brett Maron, Sophia Mundy, Rebecca Nolin, Marisha Schumacher-Hodge, Tracy Hamm.
Trades (3): Allison Whitworth, Kia McNeill, Angie Kerr.
While preparing to do the Atlanta preview, I was checking through their roster and something hit me, which I immediately had to recheck. If my calculations are correct, the oldest player on the Beat’s roster is Rebecca Nolin, who won’t turn 27 until the day after the season opener. Make no mistake, this is a young team and how quickly they mature and grow as a team will go a long way to indicating how successful they can be.
The inaugural version of the Atlanta Beat should also be an exciting offensive side, with a talented group of young international players. The Beat were able to sign three top players from Swedish club Umeå IK in Ramona Bachmann, Johanna Rasmussen, and Mami Yamaguchi. These three combined for 25 goals last season in the Damallsvenskan. Then Atlanta added Shelley Thompson, the leading scorer in the Frauen Bundesliga in 2004-05 with 30 goals and Monica Ocampo, a young rising star out of Mexico. For an expansion team, Atlanta will have a very good offense, but can they defend?
Goalkeeping-One of the first major moves that Atlanta made following the expansion draft was to trade for Gold Pride’s backup goalkeeper, Allison Whitworth. Whitworth performed well while stepping in for Nicole Barnhart last season. She gave up just 5 goals in 4 starts, with one of those being a penalty kick and she posted a shutout late in the season against Los Angeles. The Birmingham, Alabama native returns to play close to home for the Beat. The backup spot belongs to former Fairfield keeper Brett Maron, who saw action in 8 matches in Sweden for Kristianstads last season. Mallori Lofton-Malachi was a late addition to the roster out of South Florida and will be the developmental keeper.
Defenders-The Beat made Leigh Ann Robinson their first selection of last September’s expansion draft. The outside defender had a solid season last year for FC Gold Pride. Robinson showed the ability to get forward at times and she could develop into a top offensive threat from the back. Atlanta gave up the top selection in the LA dispersal draft for Kia McNeill and Angie Kerr. McNeill is a tall, physical defender who had a very good first season in St. Louis. Atlanta also added Blakely Mattern in the college draft. Mattern played under the radar at South Carolina, but she could develop into a good player. Tracy Hamm, Lauren Sesselmann and Rebecca Nolin were added through free agency. It appears that the Beat may use Stacy Bishop, who saw action with Boston in ‘09, on the back line.
But while Atlanta has some solid defenders, they have nowhere near the international experience found on most of the teams in WPS. This has to be a concern, especially considering the enormously talented forwards around the league. This group will have to grow into a cohesive unit in a fairly short period of time and the Beat has scheduled the busiest slate of preseason games in WPS, which should help. Whether the Beat can compete for a playoff spot may well rest with this relatively inexperienced defense.
Midfielders-There’s a lot to like about the Beat’s midfield and it starts with the face of the new franchise, Tobin Heath. Heath, who earned a gold medal before her senior season at UNC, was arguably the most talented player in college soccer last season. Atlanta didn’t pass on the chance to build their franchise around the young star. She is joined by Mami Yamaguchi, a technically adept player who is a precise passer as well. Yamaguchi was the winner of the 2007 MAC Hermann Award while at Florida State. The Beat traded for Angie (Woznuk) Kerr from Saint Louis and she has national team experience as well, although she surprisingly didn’t give Athletica a lot of offense last season.
The loss of experienced midfielder Manya Makoski hurts, but Atlanta added depth with two former Sol players, McCall Zerboni and Katie Larkin, and a former Breaker, Sophia Mundy. And although Amanda Cinalli is listed as a forward, she could return as an attacking midfielder, which is where she spent most of last season in St. Louis with 2 goals to her credit, both game winners. With this group, the Beat have a chance to control many a game in the midfield.
Forwards-At just 19 years of age, Swiss prodigy Ramona Bachmann is being proclaimed as the next Marta. I don’t know if she’ll be that good, but she’s getting there. Bachmann led Umeå with 14 goals last season. She notched a goal and an assist in just 35 minutes of action against Saint Louis in the Beat’s final exhibition game. She gives Atlanta instant offense and when teamed with fellow European forwards, Johanna Rasmussen of Denmark and Shelley Thompson of Germany, will give opposing defenses a lot to worry about.
Thompson comes to the Beat with nearly a decade of experience in Germany. Rasmussen, who had 18 assists last year with Umeå, may play wing if Coach Gareth O’Sullivan chooses to play a 4-4-2. Another forward, Monica Ocampo, scored 8 goals and 11 assists last season with W-League entry FC Indiana. The Beat are loaded with offensive talent.
Summary-After watching the trio of Bachmann, Rasmussen, and Thompson cause frequent problems for Athletica’s back line last weekend, I’m convinced that Atlanta’s offense can be as good as any team in the league. The Beat were able to defeat Saint Louis without Tobin Heath’s presence. With Yamaguchi and Heath controlling the midfield, the Beat could be a formidable offensive side.
But it is with Atlanta’s defense where my concern lies. Whitworth is an able keeper as she proved last year. However, the defense has no international experience, and outside of Robinson and McNeill, very little WPS experience. The fast, skilled forwards of WPS will surely test them early and often. The key to Atlanta’s season may well hinge on how well the defense matures as a unit.
2009 Record: 2010 Expansion Team
Expansion Draft (3): Leigh Ann Robinson, Amanda Cinalli, Katie Larkin.
Draft Choices (3): Tobin Heath, Blakely Mattern, Mallori Lofton-Malachi (traded then re-signed).
LA Dispersal Draft (2): Manya Makoski (IR), McCall Zerboni.
International Signings (5): Ramona Bachmann, Monica Ocampo, Johanna Rasmussen, Shelley Thompson, Mami Yamaguchi.
Free Agents (7): Stacy Bishop, Tracy Hamm, Brett Maron, Sophia Mundy, Rebecca Nolin, Marisha Schumacher-Hodge, Tracy Hamm.
Trades (3): Allison Whitworth, Kia McNeill, Angie Kerr.
While preparing to do the Atlanta preview, I was checking through their roster and something hit me, which I immediately had to recheck. If my calculations are correct, the oldest player on the Beat’s roster is Rebecca Nolin, who won’t turn 27 until the day after the season opener. Make no mistake, this is a young team and how quickly they mature and grow as a team will go a long way to indicating how successful they can be.
The inaugural version of the Atlanta Beat should also be an exciting offensive side, with a talented group of young international players. The Beat were able to sign three top players from Swedish club Umeå IK in Ramona Bachmann, Johanna Rasmussen, and Mami Yamaguchi. These three combined for 25 goals last season in the Damallsvenskan. Then Atlanta added Shelley Thompson, the leading scorer in the Frauen Bundesliga in 2004-05 with 30 goals and Monica Ocampo, a young rising star out of Mexico. For an expansion team, Atlanta will have a very good offense, but can they defend?
Goalkeeping-One of the first major moves that Atlanta made following the expansion draft was to trade for Gold Pride’s backup goalkeeper, Allison Whitworth. Whitworth performed well while stepping in for Nicole Barnhart last season. She gave up just 5 goals in 4 starts, with one of those being a penalty kick and she posted a shutout late in the season against Los Angeles. The Birmingham, Alabama native returns to play close to home for the Beat. The backup spot belongs to former Fairfield keeper Brett Maron, who saw action in 8 matches in Sweden for Kristianstads last season. Mallori Lofton-Malachi was a late addition to the roster out of South Florida and will be the developmental keeper.
Defenders-The Beat made Leigh Ann Robinson their first selection of last September’s expansion draft. The outside defender had a solid season last year for FC Gold Pride. Robinson showed the ability to get forward at times and she could develop into a top offensive threat from the back. Atlanta gave up the top selection in the LA dispersal draft for Kia McNeill and Angie Kerr. McNeill is a tall, physical defender who had a very good first season in St. Louis. Atlanta also added Blakely Mattern in the college draft. Mattern played under the radar at South Carolina, but she could develop into a good player. Tracy Hamm, Lauren Sesselmann and Rebecca Nolin were added through free agency. It appears that the Beat may use Stacy Bishop, who saw action with Boston in ‘09, on the back line.
But while Atlanta has some solid defenders, they have nowhere near the international experience found on most of the teams in WPS. This has to be a concern, especially considering the enormously talented forwards around the league. This group will have to grow into a cohesive unit in a fairly short period of time and the Beat has scheduled the busiest slate of preseason games in WPS, which should help. Whether the Beat can compete for a playoff spot may well rest with this relatively inexperienced defense.
Midfielders-There’s a lot to like about the Beat’s midfield and it starts with the face of the new franchise, Tobin Heath. Heath, who earned a gold medal before her senior season at UNC, was arguably the most talented player in college soccer last season. Atlanta didn’t pass on the chance to build their franchise around the young star. She is joined by Mami Yamaguchi, a technically adept player who is a precise passer as well. Yamaguchi was the winner of the 2007 MAC Hermann Award while at Florida State. The Beat traded for Angie (Woznuk) Kerr from Saint Louis and she has national team experience as well, although she surprisingly didn’t give Athletica a lot of offense last season.
The loss of experienced midfielder Manya Makoski hurts, but Atlanta added depth with two former Sol players, McCall Zerboni and Katie Larkin, and a former Breaker, Sophia Mundy. And although Amanda Cinalli is listed as a forward, she could return as an attacking midfielder, which is where she spent most of last season in St. Louis with 2 goals to her credit, both game winners. With this group, the Beat have a chance to control many a game in the midfield.
Forwards-At just 19 years of age, Swiss prodigy Ramona Bachmann is being proclaimed as the next Marta. I don’t know if she’ll be that good, but she’s getting there. Bachmann led Umeå with 14 goals last season. She notched a goal and an assist in just 35 minutes of action against Saint Louis in the Beat’s final exhibition game. She gives Atlanta instant offense and when teamed with fellow European forwards, Johanna Rasmussen of Denmark and Shelley Thompson of Germany, will give opposing defenses a lot to worry about.
Thompson comes to the Beat with nearly a decade of experience in Germany. Rasmussen, who had 18 assists last year with Umeå, may play wing if Coach Gareth O’Sullivan chooses to play a 4-4-2. Another forward, Monica Ocampo, scored 8 goals and 11 assists last season with W-League entry FC Indiana. The Beat are loaded with offensive talent.
Summary-After watching the trio of Bachmann, Rasmussen, and Thompson cause frequent problems for Athletica’s back line last weekend, I’m convinced that Atlanta’s offense can be as good as any team in the league. The Beat were able to defeat Saint Louis without Tobin Heath’s presence. With Yamaguchi and Heath controlling the midfield, the Beat could be a formidable offensive side.
But it is with Atlanta’s defense where my concern lies. Whitworth is an able keeper as she proved last year. However, the defense has no international experience, and outside of Robinson and McNeill, very little WPS experience. The fast, skilled forwards of WPS will surely test them early and often. The key to Atlanta’s season may well hinge on how well the defense matures as a unit.
April 3, 2010
Atlanta Downs Athletica 2-1 in Tulsa
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Labels: 2010 WPS, Allison Whitworth, Atlanta Beat, Kia McNeill, Lindsay Tarpley, Ramona Bachmann, Saint Louis Athletica, Shannon Boxx
Labels: 2010 WPS, Allison Whitworth, Atlanta Beat, Kia McNeill, Lindsay Tarpley, Ramona Bachmann, Saint Louis Athletica, Shannon Boxx
The Atlanta Beat scored two first half goals and were then able to hold on for the victory in the final exhibition game of the spring. Swiss import Ramona Bachmann, had a hand in both goals, assisting on the first and scoring the second.
Atlanta had a definite edge in chances for the 1st half. The first goal came as a result of a corner kick, with Bachmann eventually getting the ball to former Athletica defender, Kia McNeill, who was able to finish to put the Beat on top. Later in the first half, Atlanta came down on a counterattack with Johanna Rasmussen crossing the ball from the left wing. In the ensuing scramble, Bachmann was able to touch the ball past Ashlyn Harris from about 2 yards out to give Atlanta a 2-0 lead. Bachmann came off with an injury after the goal, but walked off under her own power. The injury appeared to be minor, but she did not return.
Saint Louis got on the board late in the 1st half. The play started with Lori Chalupny reversing the ball from the right sideline. Eventually, Aya Miyama sent Shannon Boxx through alone and she finished lower right to cut Atlanta's lead to 2-1. There was no scoring in the 2nd half. Allison Whitworth earned the victory in goal for Atlanta. Several players were missing from both teams. For Saint Louis, Hope Solo, Daniela, and Niki Cross were not in Tulsa. Kristina Larsen was on crutches with a stress fracture in her foot. For Atlanta, Tobin Heath and Amanda Cinalli were not there, as well as Manya Makoski, who is out for the season with an injury.
Saint Louis did get some good news on the health front. Lori Chalupny played the first half after sitting out part of the spring, while suffering from symptoms related to concussions she had suffered previously. And Lindsay Tarpley saw her first action since tearing her ACL last August. Tarpley was a 2nd half substitution and played approximately 30 minutes.
Atlanta will travel to Philadelphia where they will play their season opener against the Independence on April 11. Meanwhile, Saint Louis hosts FC Gold Pride for their opener on April 11.
Atlanta had a definite edge in chances for the 1st half. The first goal came as a result of a corner kick, with Bachmann eventually getting the ball to former Athletica defender, Kia McNeill, who was able to finish to put the Beat on top. Later in the first half, Atlanta came down on a counterattack with Johanna Rasmussen crossing the ball from the left wing. In the ensuing scramble, Bachmann was able to touch the ball past Ashlyn Harris from about 2 yards out to give Atlanta a 2-0 lead. Bachmann came off with an injury after the goal, but walked off under her own power. The injury appeared to be minor, but she did not return.
Saint Louis got on the board late in the 1st half. The play started with Lori Chalupny reversing the ball from the right sideline. Eventually, Aya Miyama sent Shannon Boxx through alone and she finished lower right to cut Atlanta's lead to 2-1. There was no scoring in the 2nd half. Allison Whitworth earned the victory in goal for Atlanta. Several players were missing from both teams. For Saint Louis, Hope Solo, Daniela, and Niki Cross were not in Tulsa. Kristina Larsen was on crutches with a stress fracture in her foot. For Atlanta, Tobin Heath and Amanda Cinalli were not there, as well as Manya Makoski, who is out for the season with an injury.
Saint Louis did get some good news on the health front. Lori Chalupny played the first half after sitting out part of the spring, while suffering from symptoms related to concussions she had suffered previously. And Lindsay Tarpley saw her first action since tearing her ACL last August. Tarpley was a 2nd half substitution and played approximately 30 minutes.
Atlanta will travel to Philadelphia where they will play their season opener against the Independence on April 11. Meanwhile, Saint Louis hosts FC Gold Pride for their opener on April 11.
January 11, 2010
Atlanta Beat - The Offseason So Far
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Labels: Allison Whitworth, Atlanta Beat, Leigh Ann Robinson, Mami Yamaguchi, Ramona Bachmann, Tobin Heath
Labels: Allison Whitworth, Atlanta Beat, Leigh Ann Robinson, Mami Yamaguchi, Ramona Bachmann, Tobin Heath
For the final installment of this series, we'll look at the Atlanta Beat.
Building the Roster
Atlanta drafted 6 players in the WPS expansion draft. Of those, Sara Larsson was never signed to a contract and declared a free agent. She eventually signed with Philadelphia. The other five players were Leigh Ann Robinson, Amanda Cinalli, Katie Larkin, Sharolta Nonen, and Noelle Keselica.
Offensively, Amanda Cinalli had the best 2009 WPS season among the draftees. After missing several matches early in the season, Cinalli started 12 of the final 13. She managed two goals and an assist over that time. She has been a mainstay on the US U-23 team the past couple of years and can play attacking mid or forward. Katie Larkin got only 5 starts for LA, but she saw a lot of action off the bench. The BYU alum is normally a wing or forward, but she did play some outside defender in her rookie WPS season. Keselica saw action in 5 matches for Sky Blue.
Leigh Ann Robinson was somewhat of a surprise as the number one pick in the expansion draft, but she did have a solid season with Gold Pride. She primarily played outside defender, scoring one goal for the season, a game winner against Sky Blue. She can be very dangerous on forward runs. Nonen, who played for the original WUSA version of the Beat, played briefly with Los Angeles late in the 2009 season. The Canadian defender has 63 caps with her national team.
The international draft saw the Beat tap into Umeå IK's talent for their top 3 selections. They have now signed all of those players and they should form the core of Atlanta's offense. Ramona Bachmann, who just turned 19 on Christmas day, might be the most exciting of these players. The young Swiss forward scored 14 goals for Umeå in 2009. At the age of 15, she played for the Swiss in the U-20 World Cup in 2006.
Of the other two Umeå imports, one is very familiar to US college soccer fans. Mami Yamaguchi, winner of the 2007 Hermann Award, starred at Florida State. She scored 24 goals in her final season with FSU. She can play forward, but I'm guessing she will fill the role of a creative midfielder for Atlanta. The third signing was Johanna Rasmussen. The veteran Danish striker has scored 17 goals over the past two seasons with Umeå.
Atlanta added Monica Ocampo to their list of signings last week. Ocampo was claimed as an international discovery player by Atlanta last fall. She has played several seasons with FC Indiana and she led the W-League in assists last season with 11 in just 9 games played. Ocampo was also a teammate of Nonen at FC Indiana.
Atlanta has been equally aggressive in signing domestic free agents, with 4 already on the roster, three of which have WPS experience. Stacy Bishop and Sophia Mundy both saw action with the Boston Breakers in 2009. Bishop started 6 games for the Breakers at midfield and earned two assists. Mundy also started two games for the Breakers. The Beat also recently signed McCall Zerboni, another midfielder. Zerboni played in 10 matches for Los Angeles and had one assist. A fourth free agent signing was that of Tracy Hamm. Hamm had been a 4th round selection of Gold Pride in the WPS General Draft in 2008. The former Cal defender has spent several seasons with the WPSL California Storm.
The Beat also made a major trade, sending two draft picks to FC Gold Pride for goalkeeper Allison Whitworth and a 3rd round choice. Whitworth got 4 starts with FCGP and had a 1.25 goals against average. The Alabama native returns to SEC territory where she played her college soccer at Auburn.
Current Roster
Goalkeepers (1)- Allison Whitworth.
Defenders (3)- Tracy Hamm, Sharolta Nonen, Leigh Ann Robinson.
Midfielders (6)- Stacy Bishop, Amanda Cinalli, Katie Larkin, Sophia Mundy, Mami Yamaguchi, McCall Zerboni.
Forwards (4)- Ramona Bachmann, Noelle Keselica, Monica Ocampo, Johanna Rasmussen.
Internationals- Bachman, Ocampo, Rasmussen, and Yamaguchi with one slot open.
Draft Choices (in first 3 rounds)- Nos. 1, 21, and 23.
Needs to Address
What do they do with the first overall selection in the draft? Their obvious glaring need is defenders and lots of them. After their trade for Whitworth, this selection is the only pick they have in the first two rounds. Whitney Engen is probably the consensus best defender in this year's draft, but I doubt that Atlanta will pass on Tobin Heath. She has too much talent and the Beat should be able build their team around her. That would mean that Atlanta must concentrate on defense with their remaining selections.
The other outside possibility is that they would trade the number one pick for a package of selections and the team they would most likely make that trade with would be Los Angeles. The Sol have 6 of the top 25 selections in this draft and may be willing to part with some of those picks to move up to number one. However, Atlanta has not given any indication that they were interested in trading the top spot. Still, nothing is definite until the selection is made on Friday morning.
Obviously, the Beat also needs a backup keeper and I would think there would still be a couple of solid choices left in the 3rd or 4th round of this draft.
I would expect that Atlanta would use 4 or 5 of their selections on defenders come Friday. They have some great offensive weapons on this team and some great international talent. Bachmann, Yamaguchi, and Ocampo are all still very young and all dangerous offensive players. They also have a lot of talented young American players in the midfield which the addition of Heath would only improve. If this team can build a solid defensive unit, they could be very good.
Building the Roster
Atlanta drafted 6 players in the WPS expansion draft. Of those, Sara Larsson was never signed to a contract and declared a free agent. She eventually signed with Philadelphia. The other five players were Leigh Ann Robinson, Amanda Cinalli, Katie Larkin, Sharolta Nonen, and Noelle Keselica.
Offensively, Amanda Cinalli had the best 2009 WPS season among the draftees. After missing several matches early in the season, Cinalli started 12 of the final 13. She managed two goals and an assist over that time. She has been a mainstay on the US U-23 team the past couple of years and can play attacking mid or forward. Katie Larkin got only 5 starts for LA, but she saw a lot of action off the bench. The BYU alum is normally a wing or forward, but she did play some outside defender in her rookie WPS season. Keselica saw action in 5 matches for Sky Blue.
Leigh Ann Robinson was somewhat of a surprise as the number one pick in the expansion draft, but she did have a solid season with Gold Pride. She primarily played outside defender, scoring one goal for the season, a game winner against Sky Blue. She can be very dangerous on forward runs. Nonen, who played for the original WUSA version of the Beat, played briefly with Los Angeles late in the 2009 season. The Canadian defender has 63 caps with her national team.
The international draft saw the Beat tap into Umeå IK's talent for their top 3 selections. They have now signed all of those players and they should form the core of Atlanta's offense. Ramona Bachmann, who just turned 19 on Christmas day, might be the most exciting of these players. The young Swiss forward scored 14 goals for Umeå in 2009. At the age of 15, she played for the Swiss in the U-20 World Cup in 2006.
Of the other two Umeå imports, one is very familiar to US college soccer fans. Mami Yamaguchi, winner of the 2007 Hermann Award, starred at Florida State. She scored 24 goals in her final season with FSU. She can play forward, but I'm guessing she will fill the role of a creative midfielder for Atlanta. The third signing was Johanna Rasmussen. The veteran Danish striker has scored 17 goals over the past two seasons with Umeå.
Atlanta added Monica Ocampo to their list of signings last week. Ocampo was claimed as an international discovery player by Atlanta last fall. She has played several seasons with FC Indiana and she led the W-League in assists last season with 11 in just 9 games played. Ocampo was also a teammate of Nonen at FC Indiana.
Atlanta has been equally aggressive in signing domestic free agents, with 4 already on the roster, three of which have WPS experience. Stacy Bishop and Sophia Mundy both saw action with the Boston Breakers in 2009. Bishop started 6 games for the Breakers at midfield and earned two assists. Mundy also started two games for the Breakers. The Beat also recently signed McCall Zerboni, another midfielder. Zerboni played in 10 matches for Los Angeles and had one assist. A fourth free agent signing was that of Tracy Hamm. Hamm had been a 4th round selection of Gold Pride in the WPS General Draft in 2008. The former Cal defender has spent several seasons with the WPSL California Storm.
The Beat also made a major trade, sending two draft picks to FC Gold Pride for goalkeeper Allison Whitworth and a 3rd round choice. Whitworth got 4 starts with FCGP and had a 1.25 goals against average. The Alabama native returns to SEC territory where she played her college soccer at Auburn.
Current Roster
Goalkeepers (1)- Allison Whitworth.
Defenders (3)- Tracy Hamm, Sharolta Nonen, Leigh Ann Robinson.
Midfielders (6)- Stacy Bishop, Amanda Cinalli, Katie Larkin, Sophia Mundy, Mami Yamaguchi, McCall Zerboni.
Forwards (4)- Ramona Bachmann, Noelle Keselica, Monica Ocampo, Johanna Rasmussen.
Internationals- Bachman, Ocampo, Rasmussen, and Yamaguchi with one slot open.
Draft Choices (in first 3 rounds)- Nos. 1, 21, and 23.
Needs to Address
What do they do with the first overall selection in the draft? Their obvious glaring need is defenders and lots of them. After their trade for Whitworth, this selection is the only pick they have in the first two rounds. Whitney Engen is probably the consensus best defender in this year's draft, but I doubt that Atlanta will pass on Tobin Heath. She has too much talent and the Beat should be able build their team around her. That would mean that Atlanta must concentrate on defense with their remaining selections.
The other outside possibility is that they would trade the number one pick for a package of selections and the team they would most likely make that trade with would be Los Angeles. The Sol have 6 of the top 25 selections in this draft and may be willing to part with some of those picks to move up to number one. However, Atlanta has not given any indication that they were interested in trading the top spot. Still, nothing is definite until the selection is made on Friday morning.
Obviously, the Beat also needs a backup keeper and I would think there would still be a couple of solid choices left in the 3rd or 4th round of this draft.
I would expect that Atlanta would use 4 or 5 of their selections on defenders come Friday. They have some great offensive weapons on this team and some great international talent. Bachmann, Yamaguchi, and Ocampo are all still very young and all dangerous offensive players. They also have a lot of talented young American players in the midfield which the addition of Heath would only improve. If this team can build a solid defensive unit, they could be very good.
May 27, 2009
WPS Midweek Notes-May 27
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Labels: 2009 WPS, Allison Whitworth, Eniola Aluko, Jillian Loyden, Sky Blue FC, Val Henderson
Labels: 2009 WPS, Allison Whitworth, Eniola Aluko, Jillian Loyden, Sky Blue FC, Val Henderson
Cloudy Skies at Sky Blue?
As if things weren't bad enough for the Jersey based team, getting off to a 1-4-2 start with just 5 points, Sky Blue FC is showing signs of being a dysfunctional family. The organization suspended head coach Ian Sawyers indefinitely before their game at Washington last Saturday.
In addition, Sky Blue drew only 2753 for their 2nd home game after having over 6000 for their home opener. The team has since played 5 straight road games and will return home for the first time since April 11th for their next game against the Boston Breakers.
On the surface, Sky Blue looks like a train wreck in the making. The team has only scored 4 goals in 7 games and finds itself looking up at the rest of the league from last place, now further complicated by internal turmoil. However, if you look closer at their results, maybe the situation isn't as dire as it appears.
On the positive side, SBFC has a win and a tie over Chicago and another tie against FC Gold Pride. Two of their defeats have been at the hands of 1st place Los Angeles, hardly anything to be ashamed about. Their other two losses were a 1-0 loss to Gold Pride on a goal in the 86th minute and a 2-1 loss to an improved Washington team last weekend, while playing without the likes of Christie Rampone, Heather O'Reilly, Sarah Walsh, and Kelly Parker. Not many teams are going to win missing so many quality players.
What I see is a good defensive team that is competitive in almost every game. Goal scoring has been a problem, but Natasha Kai hasn't been 100% for much of the season, first because of a concussion and then because of a quad injury. Walsh missed last week's game due to a hamstring injury.
While 1st place is a distant fantasy, a playoff spot is certainly attainable. Sky Blue trails 4th place Washington by just 4 points and we're only a third of the way through the season. I don't think we can count the Jersey team out just yet. The question is...who will be coaching them, Ian Sawyers or someone else?
Backup Keepers Stand Tall
Because of national team duties, three backup goalkeepers found themselves starting their first games over the weekend and all three were impressive. Jillian Loyden of Athletica won Player of the Week honors, while Val Henderson posted a shutout for Los Angeles and Allison Whitworth played well for Gold Pride in their loss to the Sol.
Loyden, who played her college soccer at Villanova, shut out the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday night. She made six saves for the game, stepping in for USWNT goalie Hope Solo. Early in the game, Loyden leaped to tip Cristiane's header over the crossbar. Later, she made a similar play on Karen Carney's blistering shot. She topped it off with a great kick save on Frida Östberg in the 84th minute which sealed the victory.
Henderson (UCLA) and Whitworth (Auburn) squared off against each other in the LA Sol-Gold Pride match on Sunday. Both made several nice saves. Henderson's shutout was the Sol's 7th shutout of the year. Whitworth gave up two hard luck goals, one on a penalty and the other on a near breakaway.
These performances show that the US has a number of talented young keepers that might warrant a look from US coach Pia Sundhage in the future. Loyden is the oldest of the three, but not by much, as they are all just 23 years old.
Quick Notes-Team by Team
Boston-The Breakers retained their hold on 2nd place while taking the weekend off. They return to action on Sunday against Sky Blue.....Boston defender Heather Mitts started for the US against Canada and assisted on the first goal of the game, scored by Shannon Boxx.
Chicago-The Red Stars have now gone 308 minutes without a goal. Two Red Star players did score for the US team, however. Megan Rapinoe scored on a beautiful shot just inside the post in first half stoppage time. Lindsay Tarpley scored a 2nd half goal for the US.....Heather Garriock subbed into Saturday's game only to be forced out after 11 minutes due to another injury.
FC Gold Pride-Nicole Barnhart played the second half of the US-Canada game, sharing the shutout with Hope Solo. Barnhart had seen action earlier this year for the US, shutting out Iceland in the Algarve Cup.....Defender Kandace Wilson went down with a serious injury near the end of last week's game against the Sol. It appears the injury could be season ending.....Gold Pride travels to Washington this weekend in a rematch of the highest scoring WPS game of the year. They lost a 4-3 decision to the Freedom back on April 26th.
Los Angeles-The Sol have now shut out 7 of their 8 opponents. Karina LeBlanc has earned six of those, with Val Henderson getting the other.....Camille Abily became just the 2nd player to convert a penalty. Only 2 of 6 have been converted this year. The Sol's other attempt was by Aly Wagner against Saint Louis and was stopped by Solo.....Shannon Boxx scored the opening goal against Canada on Monday.
Saint Louis-Eniola Aluko continues to shine for Athletica. She scored her 2nd goal of the season against Chicago and also forced an own goal.....The acquisition of Kendall Fletcher quickly paid dividends for Saint Louis. Fletcher started against Chicago and her pass up the left side led to Aluko's play and the own goal. She also hit the initial shot on the 2nd goal which Aluko finished on the rebound.
Sky Blue FC-Heather O'Reilly assisted on two goals in the US-Canada match.....Last week, SBFC promoted Noelle Keselica to full roster status and signed Lauren Sesselman. Sesselman played college soccer at Purdue. To make room for Sesselman, Jenny Anderson Hammond was waived.
Washington-Following their 2-1 victory over Sky Blue, the Freedom are now in fourth place, just two points behind 2nd place Boston.....Cat Whitehill became the 8th different player to score a goal for the Freedom this season.....The Freedom are still the only team that hasn't posted a shutout. Erin McLeod has started the last two games, giving up just one goal in each.....The first WPS/MLS doubleheader drew 16,089 at RFK Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
As if things weren't bad enough for the Jersey based team, getting off to a 1-4-2 start with just 5 points, Sky Blue FC is showing signs of being a dysfunctional family. The organization suspended head coach Ian Sawyers indefinitely before their game at Washington last Saturday.
In addition, Sky Blue drew only 2753 for their 2nd home game after having over 6000 for their home opener. The team has since played 5 straight road games and will return home for the first time since April 11th for their next game against the Boston Breakers.
On the surface, Sky Blue looks like a train wreck in the making. The team has only scored 4 goals in 7 games and finds itself looking up at the rest of the league from last place, now further complicated by internal turmoil. However, if you look closer at their results, maybe the situation isn't as dire as it appears.
On the positive side, SBFC has a win and a tie over Chicago and another tie against FC Gold Pride. Two of their defeats have been at the hands of 1st place Los Angeles, hardly anything to be ashamed about. Their other two losses were a 1-0 loss to Gold Pride on a goal in the 86th minute and a 2-1 loss to an improved Washington team last weekend, while playing without the likes of Christie Rampone, Heather O'Reilly, Sarah Walsh, and Kelly Parker. Not many teams are going to win missing so many quality players.
What I see is a good defensive team that is competitive in almost every game. Goal scoring has been a problem, but Natasha Kai hasn't been 100% for much of the season, first because of a concussion and then because of a quad injury. Walsh missed last week's game due to a hamstring injury.
While 1st place is a distant fantasy, a playoff spot is certainly attainable. Sky Blue trails 4th place Washington by just 4 points and we're only a third of the way through the season. I don't think we can count the Jersey team out just yet. The question is...who will be coaching them, Ian Sawyers or someone else?
Backup Keepers Stand Tall
Because of national team duties, three backup goalkeepers found themselves starting their first games over the weekend and all three were impressive. Jillian Loyden of Athletica won Player of the Week honors, while Val Henderson posted a shutout for Los Angeles and Allison Whitworth played well for Gold Pride in their loss to the Sol.
Loyden, who played her college soccer at Villanova, shut out the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday night. She made six saves for the game, stepping in for USWNT goalie Hope Solo. Early in the game, Loyden leaped to tip Cristiane's header over the crossbar. Later, she made a similar play on Karen Carney's blistering shot. She topped it off with a great kick save on Frida Östberg in the 84th minute which sealed the victory.
Henderson (UCLA) and Whitworth (Auburn) squared off against each other in the LA Sol-Gold Pride match on Sunday. Both made several nice saves. Henderson's shutout was the Sol's 7th shutout of the year. Whitworth gave up two hard luck goals, one on a penalty and the other on a near breakaway.
These performances show that the US has a number of talented young keepers that might warrant a look from US coach Pia Sundhage in the future. Loyden is the oldest of the three, but not by much, as they are all just 23 years old.
Quick Notes-Team by Team
Boston-The Breakers retained their hold on 2nd place while taking the weekend off. They return to action on Sunday against Sky Blue.....Boston defender Heather Mitts started for the US against Canada and assisted on the first goal of the game, scored by Shannon Boxx.
Chicago-The Red Stars have now gone 308 minutes without a goal. Two Red Star players did score for the US team, however. Megan Rapinoe scored on a beautiful shot just inside the post in first half stoppage time. Lindsay Tarpley scored a 2nd half goal for the US.....Heather Garriock subbed into Saturday's game only to be forced out after 11 minutes due to another injury.
FC Gold Pride-Nicole Barnhart played the second half of the US-Canada game, sharing the shutout with Hope Solo. Barnhart had seen action earlier this year for the US, shutting out Iceland in the Algarve Cup.....Defender Kandace Wilson went down with a serious injury near the end of last week's game against the Sol. It appears the injury could be season ending.....Gold Pride travels to Washington this weekend in a rematch of the highest scoring WPS game of the year. They lost a 4-3 decision to the Freedom back on April 26th.
Los Angeles-The Sol have now shut out 7 of their 8 opponents. Karina LeBlanc has earned six of those, with Val Henderson getting the other.....Camille Abily became just the 2nd player to convert a penalty. Only 2 of 6 have been converted this year. The Sol's other attempt was by Aly Wagner against Saint Louis and was stopped by Solo.....Shannon Boxx scored the opening goal against Canada on Monday.
Saint Louis-Eniola Aluko continues to shine for Athletica. She scored her 2nd goal of the season against Chicago and also forced an own goal.....The acquisition of Kendall Fletcher quickly paid dividends for Saint Louis. Fletcher started against Chicago and her pass up the left side led to Aluko's play and the own goal. She also hit the initial shot on the 2nd goal which Aluko finished on the rebound.
Sky Blue FC-Heather O'Reilly assisted on two goals in the US-Canada match.....Last week, SBFC promoted Noelle Keselica to full roster status and signed Lauren Sesselman. Sesselman played college soccer at Purdue. To make room for Sesselman, Jenny Anderson Hammond was waived.
Washington-Following their 2-1 victory over Sky Blue, the Freedom are now in fourth place, just two points behind 2nd place Boston.....Cat Whitehill became the 8th different player to score a goal for the Freedom this season.....The Freedom are still the only team that hasn't posted a shutout. Erin McLeod has started the last two games, giving up just one goal in each.....The first WPS/MLS doubleheader drew 16,089 at RFK Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
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