Angeli To Miss Season with ACL Injury

For the second time in two years, the Boston Breakers have lost a key midfielder to injury. Jordan Angeli, who scored the Breakers' first goal of the season on Saturday evening, suffered a knee injury later in the 1st half. An MRI on Monday confirmed the worst, she had injured her ACL and will miss the rest of the 2011 season.

Angeli had scored seven goals in her WPS rookie season last year. She had been one of the leading candidates for rookie of the year honors. The Santa Clara alum was drafted in the second round of the 2010 WPS draft by Boston. She was a sixth-year senior in 2009 after missing both the 2007 and 2008 seasons, also with ACL injuries.

Last season, the Breakers lost Leslie Osborne to a mid-season injury. "The team and I feel very badly for Jordan and the fact she has to deal with an operation and extended rehab," said Boston Head Coach Tony DiCicco. "She has been an inspiration not only on the field but how she handled herself in the locker room and in the community. Her play on the field has been outstanding all spring, and from the coaches' view, she will be hard to replace. Jordan is a natural leader and she will remain an important influence for the Breakers this season."

Boston Defeats Atlanta in Opener 4-1

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.

WPS Awards - Who I Voted For and Why.....Part 2

In Part 2, I'll look at the final two awards, plus one that wasn't voted on, but I feel deserves mention.

WPS Rookie of the Year - Jordan Angeli, Boston Breakers

This award was just flat out hard to vote on. Not only were the four players on the ballot all worthy choices, but there were about a half dozen more that could have and perhaps, should have been on the ballot.

Brittany Taylor, Ali Riley, and Lauren Cheney all had solid seasons from beginning to end. Meanwhile, Jordan Angeli only played 26 minutes in Boston's first four games and didn't become a regular starter until the 8th game of the season. But it was the definition of the award that put Angeli ahead of the others on my ballot.

Description: Awarded to the rookie – one year removed from playing in college – judged to have had the greatest impact on her team’s performance during the WPS regular season.

At the point Angeli was inserted into the starting lineup, the Breakers were floundering in 6th place. From that point on, Angeli had seven goals and three assists over the last 17 matches. In early July, she scored the game-tying goal against Atlanta, followed by the game-winning goal against Washington. She tallied both a goal and an assist in a late July game against the Freedom and again in mid-August against Sky Blue. In both cases, they were the first two goals of those games. Angeli had been expected to be a defender at the start of the season, but stepped right into the midfielder's role when needed. Her impact on the Breakers cannot be understated and for that reason, she was my choice for this award.

Ali Riley had a very strong season for FC Gold Pride. The speedy outside defender is dangerous on the attack as well as being a solid defender. She earned a respectable three assists from her back line position and was one of the reasons for the strong improvement of Gold Pride's defense compared with 2009.

Brittany Taylor was one of the few constants in the Sky Blue lineup this year. She started and finished every single game for New Jersey and played well throughout. And like Angeli, she showed the versatility to play midfield as well as defender. Taylor finished the season with two goals.

In my mind, Lauren Cheney is the heir apparent to Abby Wambach. She's a big strong forward with a lot of talent and is a constant threat to score. She is one of the most dangerous players in the league with her back to the goal, turning on her opponents with quick precision to get off that blast of a shot. Her arrival took some pressure off of Kelly Smith as well. I just felt her Breaker teammate, Angeli, had more of an impact in this season.

I feel that the mention of a few more worthy names that didn't make the ballot is called for here. The Freedom's Nikki Marshall showed unbelievable versatility, playing solidly at both forward and defender. She started on the back line, but then scored three goals in a brief stint as a forward, before being moved back to defender. Her return to the back line coincided with Washington's August resurgence, giving the Freedom the speed on defense that they had been lacking.

The Red Stars' Whitney Engen lacked just four minutes of duplicating Taylor's feat of playing every minute. She was solid and often overlooked on Chicago's back line, at least partly because of the Red Stars being out of contention most of the season. She helped lead a Chicago team that was second only to Gold Pride defensively.

Four other players worthy of strong praise were Ashlyn Harris, Alyssa Naeher, Becky Edwards, and Kelley O'Hara. Once Harris got her feet wet, she had a phenomenal month of August, giving up just two goals, one of which was an own goal. Naeher was the Breaker's starting keeper for the final two thirds of the season and did a solid job for them. Edwards is perhaps one of the most underrated and overlooked young players in the league for Gold Pride. O'Hara had outstanding rookie totals with six goals and four assists for Gold Pride. It will be hard for future rookie classes to match this one in shear talent and depth.

Michelle Akers Player of the Year Award - Marta, FC Gold Pride

For many people, choosing Marta as the winner of this award was cut and dry. She far surpassed everyone else with her 19 goals over 24 games. She didn't miss a minute for FC Gold Pride this year. She helped 2009's last place team become 2010's champion. Quite simply, she was the best player on the best team in WPS and her impact on Gold Pride's performance was immense.

For me, however, this was a lot tougher decision than it appeared, considering that Gold Pride was going to be a very good club, even without Marta. They certainly wouldn't have been 16-3-5 without her, but they still might have won the regular season. So I decided to look deeper, before making a final decision.

First, I wanted to look at high impact goals, goals that either tied the game or put a team in front. I did this before the final two weekends of the season, right before I submitted my ballot. At that point, between the four players on the ballot, it was very, very close overall:

Marta - 17 goals, 7 game-leading goals (2 PK's included), and one game-tying goal.
Rodriguez - 12 goals, 4 game-leading goals, and 3 game-tying goals.
Wambach - 12 goals, 5 game-leading goals, and 2 game-tying goals (1 PK included).
Smith - 11 goals, 6 game-leading goals (1 PK included), and 2 game-tying goals.

So at that point, Marta had 8 high-impact goals (two of which were penalty kicks), Smith had 8 high-impact goals (one of which was a penalty kick), Rodriguez had 7 high-impact goals (no penalties), and Wambach had 7 high-impact goals (one of which was a penalty kick). The other three candidates had as many high-impact goals as Marta did, which was somewhat of a surprise given how many games Gold Pride won. Both Marta and Wambach later added one game-leading goal apiece.

I also looked at assists. At the time I voted, Wambach had eight assists, Rodriguez had six, Smith five, and Marta just two. Marta did add three assists in Gold Pride's final game of the season, more than doubling her assist total in just one swoop.

Then I looked at each players impact on their respective teams and in all cases, it was tremendous. There is no doubt that Gold Pride became a good team because of overall excellence, but became a great team because of Marta. She helps others score because she draws defenders away from her teammates. She's the most talented player, one of the fastest, and has the best instincts of any player in the world.

But the other three candidates had a huge impact as well. Where would Philadelphia be without Rodriguez? She scored 12 goals for Philadelphia, while no one else on the team had more than five. Defenses could key on her, since the Independence didn't have a lot offensive threats.

Where would the Freedom have been without Wambach? Washington scored 33 goals and she had a part in 21 goals, nearly two-thirds of the Freedom's offensive output. She always draws multiple defenders, no matter which team she is playing.

Where would the Breakers have been without Smith? She is their leading scorer, leading assist getter, and along with Kristine Lilly, gives Boston veteran leadership that helped bring them back from near the basement to a legitimate contender for the title.

With all of the above factors in mind, it was nearly too close to call among the four. All had great seasons. All are extremely talented players. All had a tremendous impact on their team's performance. All are also leaders for their teams. In the end, I went with Marta. It all came back to her being the best player on the best team and having a large impact in making that team into a champion.

One Unofficial Award

There was one award that I don't think WPS awards and that we certainly did not vote on, but I think merits mention.

Comeback Player of the Year - Lindsay Tarpley, Boston Breakers

Had this been one of the categories we had voted on, it too would have been a tough decison. Several players come to mind, but I will mention five that stand out. Lindsay Tarpley, Sarah Huffman, and Kandace Wilson all came back from horrific injuries to make a huge impact on their teams this season. Kate Markgraf missed the entire 2009 season on maternity leave, but came back to lead the Red Stars' defense in a solid 2010 season. Joanna Lohman came back from virtual retirement to become Philly's second leading goal scorer. Each of these players are wonderful stories in perseverance and achievement.

Lindsay Tarpley's injury came at the very end of the 2009 WPS season in August. One had to wonder how much impact she could have in 2010, given the long recovery time of most ACL injuries. She scored one goal for Saint Louis, before signing with Boston and having a major impact on their season turnaround. She ended up with four goals and three assists, helping the Breakers to 2nd place.

Sarah Huffman missed nearly the entire 2009 season, save for a brief appearance in the Freedom's one playoff match. Her solid play helped the Freedom overcome the loss of Lori Lindsey in the expansion draft. Huffman's play was strong enough to impress Pia Sundhage, who named her to the preliminary USWNT roster for the next round of friendlies in October.

Kandace Wilson suffered a severe hip injury nearly midway through the 2009 campaign, but was back in Gold Pride's lineup for 2010, helping the most-improved defensive team in the league. Not to mention, her speed and ability on forward runs always presents a threat to opposing defenses.

Not many 33-year old players could take off a full year, have a child, and return the following year to have an excellent season on the field (only Kristine Lilly comes to mind immediately). But Kate Markgraf came back to captain and lead Chicago's defense through the 2010 season. It was great to see her back on the field.

Finally, Joanna Lohman showed that hard work does eventually pay off. Lohman was originally drafted by Saint Louis in the fall of 2008, then traded to Washington. Last year, she ended up playing a total of 248 minutes with the Freedom and there was talk about her retiring from professional soccer. However, she returned to the field with Philadelphia and had a great season in their midfield with five goals. She is being given a shot at USWNT camp for the upcoming October friendlies, this being several years since her last appearance with the team.

There are certainly other players worthy of mention including Anita Asante and Jen Branam. All of these players should be given huge praise for their accomplishments and they each have my admiration. I hope the league will establish an award for Comeback Player of the Year in the future.

Jordan Angeli is WPS Player of the Month

Rookie Jordan Angeli has been named as the WPS Player of the Month for July. The Boston Breaker midfielder edged out Amy Rodriguez and Marta for the honor.

Angeli scored four goals and added an assist during the month. She helped Boston post a 5-1 record for July, a month in which the Breakers moved from sixth place into third.

Angeli was drafted in the 2nd round of the January, 2010 draft, the 16th selection overall. She played her college soccer for the Santa Clara Broncos. Angeli overcame a good deal of adversity in her career, missing both the 2007 and 2008 college seasons with torn ACL's. She returned to the Broncos in 2009 to finish up her stellar college career.

Breakers Win Again Over Freedom

With goals from Kelly Smith, Jordan Angeli, and Lauren Cheney, Boston defeated Washington 3-1. It was the fifth victory in six games for the Breakers, who now have a solid hold on 3rd place. The Breakers moved to .500 for the first time since very early in the season at 6-6-4.

In addition to scoring a goal, Angeli and Cheney also picked up an assist each. It's been quite a month for Angeli, who has scored four goals and two assists during July.

Washington's only goal was scored by Abby Wambach. The Freedom's winless streak extends to 10 games, tying a record set by FC Gold Pride during the 2009 season, and their fifth straight loss ties a record set by the Atlanta Beat earlier this season.

Boston will host Atlanta on Wednesday night, while Washington goes home to face 2nd place Philadelphia, also on Wednesday evening.

Boston and Chicago Waste Chance To Move Up

Both Boston and Chicago squandered their opportunity to move into 3rd place, while Gold Pride moves closer to clinching and Atlanta goes back-to-back.

FC Gold Pride 2, Boston 1

For the third straight time this year, Gold Pride defeated the Breakers by a one goal margin, winning 2-1 on the road Wednesday night.

After spotting Boston a 1-0 lead on yet another goal by rookie Jordan Angeli, Gold Pride struck twice in the final 10 minutes of the first half on goals by Christine Sinclair and Marta. It was Marta's 11th goal of the season, breaking her own WPS single season record for goals in just her 15th match of the season.

For Gold Pride, it was their first come-from-behind victory this year and their second ever. They now hold a 13 point advantage over 2nd place Philadelphia. Boston could have moved into 3rd place, but remain at 16 points, good for 6th place.

Atlanta 1, Chicago 0

The Atlanta Beat shut out the Chicago Red Stars 1-0 on Wednesday evening for their first back-to-back victories ever. Eniola Aluko scored the lone goal of the match for the second consecutive time, giving her six goals for the season.

Casey Nogueira came close to getting tying goal in the 72nd minute, hitting the crossbar, but the Beat were able to withstand the Red Stars' 2nd half pressure to hang on for the win.

Hope Solo earned the shutout for the Beat. Atlanta has now shut out the Red Stars three times, twice by Hope Solo and once by Brett Maron.

Atlanta moves to within three points of 6th place Boston at 13 points, while Chicago remains tied for 4th place with 17 points.

Sinclair Wins Player of the Week

FC Gold Pride forward, Christine Sinclair, won Player of the Week honors for Week 14. The Canadian star scored both goals in Gold Pride's 2-0 victory over 2nd place Philadelphia on Saturday night. The goals were her 6th and 7th of the season.

Sinclair became the 2nd Gold Pride player to win the honor this year. Marta has won Player of the Week on three different occasions during the 2010 season.

WPS Weekend Wrap - Gold Pride Opens Up Lead, While Playoff Race Tightens

In a weekend that saw FC Gold Pride's lead stretched to 10 points, the league race for the other three playoffs spots tightened considerably. Only five points separates second place from sixth, with only two points difference between Sky Blue, Washington, Chicago, and Boston. Only two teams have more wins than losses now. Meanwhile, Atlanta's road victory in New Jersey gives them some hope.

FC Gold Pride 2, Philadelphia Independence 0

Christine Sinclair's brace was the only scoring, as Gold Pride won 2-0 in a match between the league's top two teams. Sinclair scored the first just before halftime and added a second in the 80th minute. The goals were assisted by Sola Gulbrandsen and Camille Abily, making it an international sweep of the scoring honors. Brittany Cameron earned her first WPS shutout in her second start of the season. Gold Pride outshot Philadelphia by a 15-4 margin.

Both teams were missing several players. Gold Pride was without Nicole Barnhart, Shannon Boxx, Rachel Buehler, and Kelley O'Hara. The Independence were missing their two best offensive players in Amy Rodriguez and Lori Lindsey. Additionally, Philly was without defender Heather Mitts.

Gold Pride now has 31 points and a 10 point lead over Philadelphia. They travel to Boston to take on the Breakers, winners of three straight, on Wednesday. Philadelphia returns home to battle Sky Blue next Saturday, a match between the 2nd and 3rd place teams.

Boston Breakers 2, Washington Freedom 1

For the third straight match, Boston came from behind for the win, this time for a 2-1 victory over the Freedom.

Nikki Marshall opened the scoring for the Freedom in just the 2nd minute of the game on an assist from Sarah Huffman. After scoring her first WPS goal in the closing seconds of last week's game against Gold Pride, it didn't take long for Marshall to get her 2nd.

Liz Bogus tied the score midway through the 1st half on a goal assisted by Kelly Smith. For Bogus, it was her 2nd goal in as many weeks.

Rookie Jordan Angeli scored the game winner in the 74th minute, assisted by Lindsay Tarpley. It was Angeli's 3rd of the season. Angeli scored 7 goals in her senior season at Santa Clara after missing the two previous seasons due to injuries.

Boston has now moved to within a point of 4th place Washington and Chicago, and within two of 3rd place Sky Blue. They have a game in hand on all three of those teams. They will host 1st place Gold Pride on Wednesday night. Washington, now winless in their last seven, will return home to play Gold Pride next Saturday.

Atlanta Beat 1, Sky Blue FC 0

Atlanta won for only the second time this year, picking up their first ever road victory, by a 1-0 score. Eniola Aluko scored her first goal for the Beat in the 7th minute and the visitors made it hold up. It was Aluko's 5th goal of the season. The goal was set up on a through ball by Angie Kerr.

Sky Blue put on a lot of pressure in the 2nd half and came close to equalizing as a Patrizia Panico shot hit the crossbar. However goalkeeper Hope Solo, coming off of a USWNT shutout of Sweden, was able to preserve the shutout for Atlanta.

Atlanta has now made it to double digits with 10 points, but they are still seven points behind 4th place. They will host the Chicago Red Stars on Wednesday night. Sky Blue makes the short trip to Philadelphia for a match on Saturday. For the moment, they are still clinging to 3rd place, but that could change before they play next.

Standings:
1) FC Gold Pride (10-3-1, 31 pts); 2) Philadelphia (6-5-3, 21 pts); 3) Sky Blue (5-6-3, 18 pts); 4) Chicago (4-5-5, 17 pts); 4) Washington (4-5-5, 17 pts); 6) Boston (4-5-4, 16 pts); 7) Atlanta (2-7-4, 10 pts).