Atlanta Beat
Coach: James Galanis (2nd year)
2010 Record: 5-13-6 (7th place)
Home Stadium: KSU Soccer Stadium (Kennesaw, Georgia)
Roster:
Goalkeepers (4): Keri Butler (R), Katie Fraine(R), Allison Lipsher, Allison Whitworth.
Defenders (6): Keeley Dowling, Colleen Flanagan(R), Analisa Marquez, Heather Mitts, Kat Reynolds, Cat Whitehill.
Midfielders (8): Lori Chalupny, Bianca D’Agostino(R), Megan Jesolva(R), Carli Lloyd, Angela Salem, Vendula Strnadova(R), India Trotter, Kylie Wright(R).
Forwards (4): Katie Bethke(R), Kristina Larsen, Meghan Lenczyk(R), Lauren Sesselmann.
(R) denotes true rookie; returning players in bold.
Probable World Cup players: Mitts and Lloyd.
The Beat enter the season hoping to make improvements on last year’s 7th place finish. Almost the entire roster has changed since last September. Gone is the complete international cast. What’s left is a combination of rookies and older USWNT players, both current and former.
The roster is very heavy on young players, with no fewer than nine of the players being right out of college and several more with very limited WPS experience. That’s going to place a heavy burden on the veteran players such as Lori Chalupny, Cat Whitehill, Heather Mitts, and Carli Lloyd.
Goalkeepers: As of last word, the two Allisons, Lipsher and Whitworth, were vying for the number one keeper’s spot. Lipsher has 10 career WPS starts, but none last year. Whitworth has eight career starts over two seasons. Both have showed positive signs in their WPS experience. Lipsher posted an 0.58 goals against average in 2009 for Boston. Whitworth has three career shutouts.
Atlanta kept four goalkeepers, at least for the time being. The other two are rookies Katie Fraine (Florida) and Keri Butler (West Virginia).
Defenders: Atlanta doesn’t have a lot of veterans on the team, but one position they do have experience is on defense. Heather Mitts and Cat Whitehill have combined for nearly 250 national team caps. Keeley Dowling was a two-year starter for Sky Blue FC.
With Mitts beset with injuries, coach James Galanis has experimented with Analisa Marquez at right back, moving Dowling inside. Kat Reynolds could start at the left back position. Rookie Colleen Flanagan is listed as a defender, but can also play midfielder. Lauren Sesselman, who played a lot of outside back for Atlanta last season, is another option although Galanis seems to prefer her at midfield or forward.
Midfielders: The midfield starts with captain Lori Chalupny. Chalupny is usually right in the middle of the action, as her fouls suffered totals over the first two WPS seasons would attest. Always a top defensive player, she is getting more of a chance to show off her offensive skills these days. She will be joined by USWNT starter Carli Lloyd, owner of one of the hardest shots in women’s soccer. However, in her first two WPS seasons, that shot has been highly inaccurate. That’s something that will need to improve if Atlanta is going to make any noise this year.
India Trotter is the only other experienced midfielder, having played both in WPS and abroad. Only second year player Angela Salem has limited experience among the rest. Rookie Kylie Wright out of UCLA is a defensive specialist that could develop into a solid WPS player. Both Megan Jesolva (California) and Vendula Strnadova (Memphis) have had good preseason camps. Bianca D’Agostino (Wake Forest) is another option in the midfield. Lauren Sesselmann has also seen action at midfield in the preseason.
Forwards: There is not another team even close to being this inexperienced at forward. Meghan Lenczyk, Katie Bethke, Lauren Sesselmann, and Kristina Larsen have a total of 10 WPS games played, with four starts and no goals among them. And those are all Sesselmann. Lenczyk and Bethke are rookies and Larsen might as well be as she suffered a season-ending injury in the 2010 preseason with Athletica.
Larsen and Lenczyk have showed potential in preseason, but again, it’s just preseason. Larsen, like her teammate Carli Lloyd, has a powerful shot. Galanis really likes what he sees in Lenczyk, but says she needs to get physically stronger. Bethke scored 26 career goals at the University of Minnesota.
Outlook: I just can’t see this team scoring many goals. Lloyd is probably their most dangerous offensive player and she will miss a good part of the season with national team duties. Chalupny, Larsen, and Lenczyk have score quite a few goals in preseason, but that’s against college competition. And their defense, while experienced, is not the fastest group in WPS by a long shot.
This team is very young and very inexperienced and we’ve all seen how hard it is for rookies to score a lot of goals. There does seem to be a positive attitude surrounding the team, probably in large part due to the amount of young players, but that will carry the team only so far.
This team is going to have to win a lot of 1-0 and 2-1 games and scratch and claw for every point they can get. They will lose fewer players to the World Cup than every other team in the league, but even with World Cup losses, the other five teams will still be more experienced. I wish I could be more positive about this team’s chances, and I could certainly be wrong, but it’s hard to see this team showing improvement over last year’s record.
Showing posts with label Cat Whitehill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cat Whitehill. Show all posts
April 3, 2011
August 19, 2010
Wambach and Whitehill Help Washington Get W
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Labels: 2010 WPS, Abby Wambach, Ashlyn Harris, Cat Whitehill, Chicago Red Stars, Washington Freedom
Labels: 2010 WPS, Abby Wambach, Ashlyn Harris, Cat Whitehill, Chicago Red Stars, Washington Freedom
Abby Wambach and Cat Whitehill scored second half goals to lead the Washington Freedom to a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Red Stars. The win pushes the Freedom into 4th place, three points ahead of Sky Blue FC.
After a scoreless first half in which Freedom goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris made some nice saves, Wambach broke the ice in the 49th minute on a shot from the top of the box which beat Chicago keeper Jill Loyden. The goal was Wambach's tenth of the season.
Washington scored their second goal just minutes later as Whitehill headed home a goal off from a corner kick. Ashlyn Harris posted the shutout for the Freedom, her third in four matches.
Chicago was playing without three starters, Kate Markgraf who is injured, and Karen Carney and Katie Chapman who are with the English National Team. In addition, Jessica McDonald went down early in this match with an injury. Washington was without Sonia Bompastor who is away with the French National Team.
Both teams are now down to three games left, two less than most other teams in the league. Chicago, now in dire need to win out, will host FC Gold Pride on Sunday. Washington is idle this weekend and will return to action the following weekend against Sky Blue in what will be a battle for 4th place.
After a scoreless first half in which Freedom goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris made some nice saves, Wambach broke the ice in the 49th minute on a shot from the top of the box which beat Chicago keeper Jill Loyden. The goal was Wambach's tenth of the season.
Washington scored their second goal just minutes later as Whitehill headed home a goal off from a corner kick. Ashlyn Harris posted the shutout for the Freedom, her third in four matches.
Chicago was playing without three starters, Kate Markgraf who is injured, and Karen Carney and Katie Chapman who are with the English National Team. In addition, Jessica McDonald went down early in this match with an injury. Washington was without Sonia Bompastor who is away with the French National Team.
Both teams are now down to three games left, two less than most other teams in the league. Chicago, now in dire need to win out, will host FC Gold Pride on Sunday. Washington is idle this weekend and will return to action the following weekend against Sky Blue in what will be a battle for 4th place.
April 5, 2010
Washington Freedom 2010 - Are They Defensive Enough?
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Labels: 2010 WPS, Abby Wambach, Cat Whitehill, Erin McLeod, Lene Mykjåland, Lisa DeVanna, Sarah Huffman, Washington Freedom
Labels: 2010 WPS, Abby Wambach, Cat Whitehill, Erin McLeod, Lene Mykjåland, Lisa DeVanna, Sarah Huffman, Washington Freedom
Coach: Jim Gabarra
2009 Record: 8-7-5 (3rd place)
Postseason: Lost to Sky Blue 2-1 in the 1st round.
Returnees (13): Sonia Bompastor, Lisa De Vanna, Jill Gilbeau, Sarah Huffman, Allie Long, Erin McLeod, Rebecca Moros, Becky Sauerbrunn, Homare Sawa, Briana Scurry, Alex Singer, Abby Wambach, Cat Whitehill.
Draft Choices (4): Nikki Marshall, Beverly Goebel, Kristi Eveland, Caitlin Miskel.
LA Dispersal Draft (1): Brittany Bock.
International Signings ( 1): Lene Mykjåland.
Free Agents (3): Marisa Abegg, Meagan McCray, Christie Welsh.
If there were a soccer equivalent to standing pat, the Washington Freedom would fit that description better than any team in the league. They retained 13 players from last year’s 3rd place squad, brought back all four international players from last year, and primarily used the draft for improvement. The only real high impact free agent that the Freedom signed was Norwegian striker, Lene Mykjåland. They only picked up one player in the LA dispersal draft, although a very high quality selection in Brittany Bock.
The 2009 version of the Freedom could score, and score often. Washington scored 3 or more goals in 6 matches and led WPS with 32 goals. Unfortunately, they also gave up 32 goals and one would have to think that they need to shore up their defense if they want to compete for the title. The situation did improve after the arrival of Erin McLeod, but there were all too many high-scoring shootouts.
Goalkeeping-The Freedom return last year’s starter and Canadian National Team veteran, Erin McLeod. McLeod earned three shutouts and posted a 1.43 GAA in 14 starts for Washington. The Freedom were allowing nearly 3 goals per game before McLeod’s arrival in May and there’s no doubt that her presence improved their defense. Veteran Briana Scurry returns as the backup after an injury filled 2009. Meghan McCray won the battle for developmental keeper after spending '09 with FC Gold Pride.
Defenders-I’m sure giving up a league high 32 goals was not what Coach Jim Gabarra had in mind for the 2009 Freedom. They return four of their starters intact from last year’s group and have added 3 players that should help out. Out of the 3, Brittany Bock could have the most impact. Bock may have had the best season of any of the new college grads in 2009 and is among the league’s most versatile players, spending time at several positions. The Freedom added Nikki Marshall and Kristi Eveland through the college draft. Marshall spent the latter part of her college career as a forward for Colorado, but was a mainstay at center back for 2008 U-20 WC champs. Eveland played outside right in UNC’s 3 back defense.
The returnees include Cat Whitehill and Becky Sauerbrunn in the middle. Whitehill, a member of the USWNT team, is particularly dangerous on long free kicks which she almost unerringly sends dangerously into the penalty area. Sauerbrunn also proved her offensive prowess scoring Washington’s 1st goal ever on a header. On the outside, Alex Singer and Jill Gilbeau return. Singer is probably the better of the two defensively, while Gilbeau has ability going into the attack and she can play wing/midfielder or forward, as well. Marisa Abegg adds depth to this unit.
Midfielders-Sonia Bompastor is the engine that makes this team run. One of the world’s best all round players, Bompastor scored 4 goals last season and tied for the WPS lead in assists with 6. She is also versatile and can play anywhere on the field. From an offensive point of view, Washington appeared much stronger with Bompastor playing midfield and the loss of Lori Lindsey almost ensures she will spend most of 2010 in that position. The Freedom also return holding midfielder Homare Sawa, a 3 goal scorer from ’09. Sawa had a solid season and she gives Washington good support at the defensive end.
Washington does get a boost in the return of Sarah Huffman. Huffman missed the entire '09 season, save for a 17 minute appearance in the playoffs. For attacking midfielders, the Freedom have Allie Long and Rebecca Moros, both of whom played quality minutes in 2009. Long scored two goals and showed great improvement as the year progressed. Moros also had two goals with an assist and she relentlessly pressures opposing backs into mistakes. Another midfielder, Beverly Goebel out of Miami, is a 3rd round selection. The main question for this group is whether or not Huffman will be able to give the Freedom what Lindsey did in 2009.
Forwards-Washington already had the best forward combination of power and speed with Abby Wambach and Lisa De Vanna, and now they have added Norwegian striker Lene Mykjåland to the mix. Just 23 years old, Mykjåland has spent the last 5 seasons with Roå. She has 25 caps and 5 goals for Norway, a team with a long, successful history in women’s soccer. The addition of Mykjåland certainly gives Gabarra more options upfront.
Abby Wambach is perhaps one of the most feared forwards in the world and she’s now back fully fit from the leg injury that kept her out of the 2008 Olympics. Wambach started slowly in ’09, but put on a late surge scoring 5 goals in the last four regular season games, giving her 8 for the year. There is no player better in the air near the goal. Meanwhile, De Vanna is motion personified. Very few defenders can match her stride for stride and she scored 6 goals and 5 assists for the Freedom last season. The Freedom did add veteran Christie Welsh, who scored 3 goals late in the season for Saint Louis for depth. Virginia alum and Freedom W-League player Caitlin Miskel is a developmental forward.
Summary-The loss of Lindsey left a hole in the midfield, but the return of Huffman, and additions of Mykjåland, Bock, and Marshall should improve the team. The question is how much. There’s no doubt that this team will score goals, but they aren’t going to be able to just rely on outscoring every team. The defense is going to have to win some matches for Washington to compete for the top spot. Having McLeod for an entire season will help, as will the presence of Marshall and Bock. If they can hold opponents somewhere near a goal a game, we will see this team in the playoffs in September.
2009 Record: 8-7-5 (3rd place)
Postseason: Lost to Sky Blue 2-1 in the 1st round.
Returnees (13): Sonia Bompastor, Lisa De Vanna, Jill Gilbeau, Sarah Huffman, Allie Long, Erin McLeod, Rebecca Moros, Becky Sauerbrunn, Homare Sawa, Briana Scurry, Alex Singer, Abby Wambach, Cat Whitehill.
Draft Choices (4): Nikki Marshall, Beverly Goebel, Kristi Eveland, Caitlin Miskel.
LA Dispersal Draft (1): Brittany Bock.
International Signings ( 1): Lene Mykjåland.
Free Agents (3): Marisa Abegg, Meagan McCray, Christie Welsh.
If there were a soccer equivalent to standing pat, the Washington Freedom would fit that description better than any team in the league. They retained 13 players from last year’s 3rd place squad, brought back all four international players from last year, and primarily used the draft for improvement. The only real high impact free agent that the Freedom signed was Norwegian striker, Lene Mykjåland. They only picked up one player in the LA dispersal draft, although a very high quality selection in Brittany Bock.
The 2009 version of the Freedom could score, and score often. Washington scored 3 or more goals in 6 matches and led WPS with 32 goals. Unfortunately, they also gave up 32 goals and one would have to think that they need to shore up their defense if they want to compete for the title. The situation did improve after the arrival of Erin McLeod, but there were all too many high-scoring shootouts.
Goalkeeping-The Freedom return last year’s starter and Canadian National Team veteran, Erin McLeod. McLeod earned three shutouts and posted a 1.43 GAA in 14 starts for Washington. The Freedom were allowing nearly 3 goals per game before McLeod’s arrival in May and there’s no doubt that her presence improved their defense. Veteran Briana Scurry returns as the backup after an injury filled 2009. Meghan McCray won the battle for developmental keeper after spending '09 with FC Gold Pride.
Defenders-I’m sure giving up a league high 32 goals was not what Coach Jim Gabarra had in mind for the 2009 Freedom. They return four of their starters intact from last year’s group and have added 3 players that should help out. Out of the 3, Brittany Bock could have the most impact. Bock may have had the best season of any of the new college grads in 2009 and is among the league’s most versatile players, spending time at several positions. The Freedom added Nikki Marshall and Kristi Eveland through the college draft. Marshall spent the latter part of her college career as a forward for Colorado, but was a mainstay at center back for 2008 U-20 WC champs. Eveland played outside right in UNC’s 3 back defense.
The returnees include Cat Whitehill and Becky Sauerbrunn in the middle. Whitehill, a member of the USWNT team, is particularly dangerous on long free kicks which she almost unerringly sends dangerously into the penalty area. Sauerbrunn also proved her offensive prowess scoring Washington’s 1st goal ever on a header. On the outside, Alex Singer and Jill Gilbeau return. Singer is probably the better of the two defensively, while Gilbeau has ability going into the attack and she can play wing/midfielder or forward, as well. Marisa Abegg adds depth to this unit.
Midfielders-Sonia Bompastor is the engine that makes this team run. One of the world’s best all round players, Bompastor scored 4 goals last season and tied for the WPS lead in assists with 6. She is also versatile and can play anywhere on the field. From an offensive point of view, Washington appeared much stronger with Bompastor playing midfield and the loss of Lori Lindsey almost ensures she will spend most of 2010 in that position. The Freedom also return holding midfielder Homare Sawa, a 3 goal scorer from ’09. Sawa had a solid season and she gives Washington good support at the defensive end.
Washington does get a boost in the return of Sarah Huffman. Huffman missed the entire '09 season, save for a 17 minute appearance in the playoffs. For attacking midfielders, the Freedom have Allie Long and Rebecca Moros, both of whom played quality minutes in 2009. Long scored two goals and showed great improvement as the year progressed. Moros also had two goals with an assist and she relentlessly pressures opposing backs into mistakes. Another midfielder, Beverly Goebel out of Miami, is a 3rd round selection. The main question for this group is whether or not Huffman will be able to give the Freedom what Lindsey did in 2009.
Forwards-Washington already had the best forward combination of power and speed with Abby Wambach and Lisa De Vanna, and now they have added Norwegian striker Lene Mykjåland to the mix. Just 23 years old, Mykjåland has spent the last 5 seasons with Roå. She has 25 caps and 5 goals for Norway, a team with a long, successful history in women’s soccer. The addition of Mykjåland certainly gives Gabarra more options upfront.
Abby Wambach is perhaps one of the most feared forwards in the world and she’s now back fully fit from the leg injury that kept her out of the 2008 Olympics. Wambach started slowly in ’09, but put on a late surge scoring 5 goals in the last four regular season games, giving her 8 for the year. There is no player better in the air near the goal. Meanwhile, De Vanna is motion personified. Very few defenders can match her stride for stride and she scored 6 goals and 5 assists for the Freedom last season. The Freedom did add veteran Christie Welsh, who scored 3 goals late in the season for Saint Louis for depth. Virginia alum and Freedom W-League player Caitlin Miskel is a developmental forward.
Summary-The loss of Lindsey left a hole in the midfield, but the return of Huffman, and additions of Mykjåland, Bock, and Marshall should improve the team. The question is how much. There’s no doubt that this team will score goals, but they aren’t going to be able to just rely on outscoring every team. The defense is going to have to win some matches for Washington to compete for the top spot. Having McLeod for an entire season will help, as will the presence of Marshall and Bock. If they can hold opponents somewhere near a goal a game, we will see this team in the playoffs in September.
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