Lisa De Vanna scored the game-winning goal in the 64th minute to lead the Brisbane Roar to a 2-1 victory over Sydney FC in the Westfield W-League final played at Campbelltown earlier today.
Sydney had defeated Brisbane in last year's championship by a 3-2 margin after Brisbane had taken the championship the previous season.
De Vanna had joined Brisbane in 2010, after playing for Perth for two seasons. She had broken her leg while playing for Australia in the Asian Cup in 2010 and missed most of the season for her WPS team, the Washington Freedom.
Another Matilda, Tameka Butt, opened the scoring for Brisbane just nine minutes into the match. Kylie Ledbrook answered for Sydney later in the 1st half.
Showing posts with label Lisa DeVanna. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lisa DeVanna. Show all posts
February 12, 2011
May 24, 2010
US Routs Germany 4-0 in Friendly
The United States Women's National Team defeated Germany by a surprisingly lopsided score of 4-0 before over 10,000 fans in Cleveland on Saturday. Abby Wambach led the way with two goals and an assist, while US goalkeeper Hope Solo made three sparkling 2nd half saves to keep Germany at bay.
After a somewhat unimpressive start, the US started the scoring in the 29th minute when Wambach had control of the ball in the German penalty area and drew a penalty on Saskia Bartusiak. Wambach's shot went just inside the left post to give the US its first goal.
Wambach had a part in the 2nd goal as well. A Kristine Lilly corner kick was headed by the American forward on goal. German keeper Nadine Angerer was unable to handle the ball cleanly and Amy Rodriguez gained possession of the loose ball, touching it to Heather O'Reilly who easily finished. The US went into the break with a 2-0 lead.
It was the Germans who had the first good opportunity of the 2nd half. Kerstin Garefrekes received the ball on the left side, moved in and hit a hard shot headed for the upper right side of the net. Solo made a brilliant reflex save, pushing the ball high and wide.
A few minutes later, the US managed to double its lead in the space of just seconds. Wambach was able to gain possession in the left corner and was able to get through two defenders and feed the ball to Lilly, who struck the ball into the right side of the net, with Angerer having no chance on the play.
In the blink of an eye, the score went to 4-0, as Lori Lindsey threaded a perfect pass to Wambach who was cutting toward the net and she made no mistake on the finish from 12 yards out.
Germany continued to put offensive pressure on the US. Solo was called on to make two more great saves, one on Birgit Prinz and one on Alexandra Popp, in the later stages of the match.
The US nearly made it 5-0 on a two player breakaway after a bad turnover by the German defense. Wambach chose to draw Angerer toward her and then released a pass to Alex Morgan on the right side, who put it in the net, only to have it called back offsides on a very close call.
This match marked the 3rd time that the US has defeated Germany in the past 7 months. The US defeated Germany before 30,000 fans in Augsburg last October by a 1-0 margin. In early March, the two teams met in the Algarve Cup final with the US coming out on top 3-2 on a very sloppy pitch.
The next scheduled matches for the US are against Sweden. The two teams will play in Omaha, Nebraska on July 13 and again in Hartford, Connecticut on July 17. Sweden is the last team to defeat the US, winning on penalty kicks in the 2009 Algarve Cup final.
De Vanna Breaks Leg in Asian Cup
Australian and Washington Freedom forward Lisa De Vanna suffered a broken leg in Australia's group stage match against China in the Asian Cup. De Vanna's injury came in a collision with Chinese keeper Zhang Yanru in the 2nd half of the match. At the present time, it is not known how long De Vanna will be out of action. China won the match over the Matildas by a 1-0 margin. b
Financial Problems with Athletica and NASL's AC St. Louis
Last week, an apparent financial crisis came to light which put the future of Saint Louis Athletica in doubt. Sanjeev and Heemal Vaid had purchased controlling interest in Saint Louis Athletica and their sibling NASL entry, AC St. Louis, during the winter. During the last two months, the two teams have been rumored to have financial problems and the Vaid brothers are reportedly no longer in the mix. Athletica's founding owner, Jeff Cooper, is working to find a solution to keep both teams in operation until a new ownership group can be found.
WPS officials have stated that "we're aware of the situation. The League's Owners continue to review and monitor the situation in conjunction with the US Soccer Federation."
Saint Louis' problems follow on the heels the discontinuation of the Los Angeles Sol organization in January. It was thought that Athletica would be positioned better financially, because the organization has their own facility, Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park, instead of having to rent a facility. Athletica, whose 2010 home games have been plagued by bad weather, have seen a decrease in attendance from an average of over 3800 last season to just 3100 this year.
WPS Exhibition Action
Boston Breakers 3, Boston Aztecs (WPSL) 1
Breakers goals-Weimer, Bogus, Hemmings.
Chicago Red Stars 5, Chicago Red Eleven (W-League) 0
Red Stars goals-Sitch, Asllani, Nogueira, Cristiane 2.
Washington Freedom 3, Canadian National Team 3
Freedom goals-Welsh 2, Mykjåland.
Canadian goals-Julien, Sinclair, Robinson.
After a somewhat unimpressive start, the US started the scoring in the 29th minute when Wambach had control of the ball in the German penalty area and drew a penalty on Saskia Bartusiak. Wambach's shot went just inside the left post to give the US its first goal.
Wambach had a part in the 2nd goal as well. A Kristine Lilly corner kick was headed by the American forward on goal. German keeper Nadine Angerer was unable to handle the ball cleanly and Amy Rodriguez gained possession of the loose ball, touching it to Heather O'Reilly who easily finished. The US went into the break with a 2-0 lead.
It was the Germans who had the first good opportunity of the 2nd half. Kerstin Garefrekes received the ball on the left side, moved in and hit a hard shot headed for the upper right side of the net. Solo made a brilliant reflex save, pushing the ball high and wide.
A few minutes later, the US managed to double its lead in the space of just seconds. Wambach was able to gain possession in the left corner and was able to get through two defenders and feed the ball to Lilly, who struck the ball into the right side of the net, with Angerer having no chance on the play.
In the blink of an eye, the score went to 4-0, as Lori Lindsey threaded a perfect pass to Wambach who was cutting toward the net and she made no mistake on the finish from 12 yards out.
Germany continued to put offensive pressure on the US. Solo was called on to make two more great saves, one on Birgit Prinz and one on Alexandra Popp, in the later stages of the match.
The US nearly made it 5-0 on a two player breakaway after a bad turnover by the German defense. Wambach chose to draw Angerer toward her and then released a pass to Alex Morgan on the right side, who put it in the net, only to have it called back offsides on a very close call.
This match marked the 3rd time that the US has defeated Germany in the past 7 months. The US defeated Germany before 30,000 fans in Augsburg last October by a 1-0 margin. In early March, the two teams met in the Algarve Cup final with the US coming out on top 3-2 on a very sloppy pitch.
The next scheduled matches for the US are against Sweden. The two teams will play in Omaha, Nebraska on July 13 and again in Hartford, Connecticut on July 17. Sweden is the last team to defeat the US, winning on penalty kicks in the 2009 Algarve Cup final.
De Vanna Breaks Leg in Asian Cup
Australian and Washington Freedom forward Lisa De Vanna suffered a broken leg in Australia's group stage match against China in the Asian Cup. De Vanna's injury came in a collision with Chinese keeper Zhang Yanru in the 2nd half of the match. At the present time, it is not known how long De Vanna will be out of action. China won the match over the Matildas by a 1-0 margin. b
Financial Problems with Athletica and NASL's AC St. Louis
Last week, an apparent financial crisis came to light which put the future of Saint Louis Athletica in doubt. Sanjeev and Heemal Vaid had purchased controlling interest in Saint Louis Athletica and their sibling NASL entry, AC St. Louis, during the winter. During the last two months, the two teams have been rumored to have financial problems and the Vaid brothers are reportedly no longer in the mix. Athletica's founding owner, Jeff Cooper, is working to find a solution to keep both teams in operation until a new ownership group can be found.
WPS officials have stated that "we're aware of the situation. The League's Owners continue to review and monitor the situation in conjunction with the US Soccer Federation."
Saint Louis' problems follow on the heels the discontinuation of the Los Angeles Sol organization in January. It was thought that Athletica would be positioned better financially, because the organization has their own facility, Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park, instead of having to rent a facility. Athletica, whose 2010 home games have been plagued by bad weather, have seen a decrease in attendance from an average of over 3800 last season to just 3100 this year.
WPS Exhibition Action
Boston Breakers 3, Boston Aztecs (WPSL) 1
Breakers goals-Weimer, Bogus, Hemmings.
Chicago Red Stars 5, Chicago Red Eleven (W-League) 0
Red Stars goals-Sitch, Asllani, Nogueira, Cristiane 2.
Washington Freedom 3, Canadian National Team 3
Freedom goals-Welsh 2, Mykjåland.
Canadian goals-Julien, Sinclair, Robinson.
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.
December 24, 2009
Washington Freedom - The Offseason So Far
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Labels: Abby Wambach, Erin McLeod, Lene Mykjåland, Lisa DeVanna, Lori Lindsey, Sonia Bompastor, Washington Freedom
Labels: Abby Wambach, Erin McLeod, Lene Mykjåland, Lisa DeVanna, Lori Lindsey, Sonia Bompastor, Washington Freedom
For the 4th installment on the WPS offseason...the Washington Freedom.
When Last We Left Them...
The Washington Freedom finished in 3rd place with 29 points and an 8-7-5 record. The 2009 Freedom could score a lot, leading the league with 32 goals. Unfortunately, they also gave up 32 goals, worst in the WPS. Abby Wambach and Lisa De Vanna were a dangerous combination of power and speed up front. Together, they scored 14 goals for the regular season, with De Vanna adding one in the playoffs. Sonia Bompastor added four goals of her own and was one of the best midfielders in the league.
But on the defensive side, there were problems. Early on, Washington gave up goals and lots of them. By midseason, the Freedom had installed Erin McLeod as their starting keeper and that seemed to temporarily solve the problem. Washington had a 6 game stretch where they gave up a total of just 3 goals. But late in the season, the defense gave up 4 goals in one game against Sky Blue and 3 in a key late season contest against Gold Pride. The Freedom then made a quick exit in the playoffs, losing at home to eventual champions Sky Blue by a 2-1 margin.
Roster Moves
The Freedom's offseason has been extremely quiet...no free agent signings, no trades, no nothing. Quiet that is, until yesterday when they announced the signing of 22 year old forward Lene Mykjåland, a member of the 2008 Norwegian Olympic Team. Mykjåland has spent the last 4 years with Rǿa of the Norwegian Toppserien. She scored 21 goals in 2009, leading the league and leading her team to a 3rd straight championship. With Wambach, De Vanna, and Mykjåland, the Freedom could threaten their 2009 mark of 32 goals.
The Freedom retained 14 players from their 2009 squad, including all four internationals (Bompastor, De Vanna, McLeod, and Homare Sawa). This also includes the scorers of 29 of their 32 goals (the 30th was an own goal by Gold Pride). Chances are, of all WPS teams, Washington's 2010 roster will change the least from 2009.
However, Washington did lose a couple of players in the expansion draft. Lori Lindsey, a key member of the Freedom midfield in 2009, was left unprotected and Philadelphia quickly took her off the board with their 1st choice. Lindsey's 2009 performance was impressive enough for US National Team coach Pia Sundhage to call her into camp. For the Freedom, she played in 19 games, scoring 2 goals and an assist.
Philadelphia also chose defender Sarah Senty in the expansion draft. Senty, a former University of Virginia star, joined the Freedom in June and started 5 games down the stretch. She also started Washington's playoff match and played the full 90 minutes.
Current Roster
Goalkeepers (2)-Erin McLeod, Briana Scurry.
Defenders (5)-Jill Gilbeau, Alex Krieger, Becky Sauerbrunn, Alex Singer, Cat Whitehill.
Midfielders (5)-Sonia Bompastor, Sarah Huffman, Allie Long, Rebecca Moros, Homare Sawa.
Forwards (3)-Lisa De Vanna, Lene Mykjåland, Abby Wambach.
Additions- Mykjåland
Subtractions- Lori Lindsey (drafted by Philadelphia), Sarah Senty (drafted by Philadelphia).
Other Free Agents from 2009 roster- Kristen DeDycker, Parrissa Eyorokon, Katie Forbis, Emily Janss, Christen Karniski, Joanna Lohman, Kati Jo Spisak.
Internationals-Bompastor, De Vanna, McLeod, Mykjåland, and Sawa.
Draft Picks (in first 3 rounds)-Nos. 7, 18, and 27.
Needs to Address
With Lindsey gone, Washington needs additional help in the midfield. Just how many depends on whether Freedom coach Jim Gabarra would rather use Sonia Bompastor on their back line. Sarah Huffman will be returning after missing the entire 2009 season, save for a brief appearance in the playoff match against Sky Blue. But most of their current midfielders would be considered to be offensive minded. I would think that a defensive mid would be a priority and perhaps a creative playmaking midfielder if Bompastor moves to defense permanently. I could certainly see the Freedom using 2 of their first 3 draft choices on midfielders.
After giving up 32 goals in 2009, defense also has to be a priority. While they would appear to have some strong defenders on their roster, including veteran Cat Whitehill, they did not perform particularly well as a unit last season. They yielded three or more goals 6 times in 2009. Amazingly, they managed a 1-3-2 record in those six games. In a league where 1-0 games are the norm, a solid defense is essential and Washington will seek to improve in this area.
In spite of all their scoring, Washington played a lot of close matches. When their opponents scored a lot, they scored a lot. But in the 4 matches in which they shut out their opponents, they scored only 3 goals. Four different times, the Freedom scored in the 89th minute or later to win or tie games. One thing that can be said about this team is that they keep you on the edge of your seat. Now that Mykjåland has been signed, it will be interesting to see if this team can make enough small changes in the rest of their squad to challenge for the top.
When Last We Left Them...
The Washington Freedom finished in 3rd place with 29 points and an 8-7-5 record. The 2009 Freedom could score a lot, leading the league with 32 goals. Unfortunately, they also gave up 32 goals, worst in the WPS. Abby Wambach and Lisa De Vanna were a dangerous combination of power and speed up front. Together, they scored 14 goals for the regular season, with De Vanna adding one in the playoffs. Sonia Bompastor added four goals of her own and was one of the best midfielders in the league.
But on the defensive side, there were problems. Early on, Washington gave up goals and lots of them. By midseason, the Freedom had installed Erin McLeod as their starting keeper and that seemed to temporarily solve the problem. Washington had a 6 game stretch where they gave up a total of just 3 goals. But late in the season, the defense gave up 4 goals in one game against Sky Blue and 3 in a key late season contest against Gold Pride. The Freedom then made a quick exit in the playoffs, losing at home to eventual champions Sky Blue by a 2-1 margin.
Roster Moves
The Freedom's offseason has been extremely quiet...no free agent signings, no trades, no nothing. Quiet that is, until yesterday when they announced the signing of 22 year old forward Lene Mykjåland, a member of the 2008 Norwegian Olympic Team. Mykjåland has spent the last 4 years with Rǿa of the Norwegian Toppserien. She scored 21 goals in 2009, leading the league and leading her team to a 3rd straight championship. With Wambach, De Vanna, and Mykjåland, the Freedom could threaten their 2009 mark of 32 goals.
The Freedom retained 14 players from their 2009 squad, including all four internationals (Bompastor, De Vanna, McLeod, and Homare Sawa). This also includes the scorers of 29 of their 32 goals (the 30th was an own goal by Gold Pride). Chances are, of all WPS teams, Washington's 2010 roster will change the least from 2009.
However, Washington did lose a couple of players in the expansion draft. Lori Lindsey, a key member of the Freedom midfield in 2009, was left unprotected and Philadelphia quickly took her off the board with their 1st choice. Lindsey's 2009 performance was impressive enough for US National Team coach Pia Sundhage to call her into camp. For the Freedom, she played in 19 games, scoring 2 goals and an assist.
Philadelphia also chose defender Sarah Senty in the expansion draft. Senty, a former University of Virginia star, joined the Freedom in June and started 5 games down the stretch. She also started Washington's playoff match and played the full 90 minutes.
Current Roster
Goalkeepers (2)-Erin McLeod, Briana Scurry.
Defenders (5)-Jill Gilbeau, Alex Krieger, Becky Sauerbrunn, Alex Singer, Cat Whitehill.
Midfielders (5)-Sonia Bompastor, Sarah Huffman, Allie Long, Rebecca Moros, Homare Sawa.
Forwards (3)-Lisa De Vanna, Lene Mykjåland, Abby Wambach.
Additions- Mykjåland
Subtractions- Lori Lindsey (drafted by Philadelphia), Sarah Senty (drafted by Philadelphia).
Other Free Agents from 2009 roster- Kristen DeDycker, Parrissa Eyorokon, Katie Forbis, Emily Janss, Christen Karniski, Joanna Lohman, Kati Jo Spisak.
Internationals-Bompastor, De Vanna, McLeod, Mykjåland, and Sawa.
Draft Picks (in first 3 rounds)-Nos. 7, 18, and 27.
Needs to Address
With Lindsey gone, Washington needs additional help in the midfield. Just how many depends on whether Freedom coach Jim Gabarra would rather use Sonia Bompastor on their back line. Sarah Huffman will be returning after missing the entire 2009 season, save for a brief appearance in the playoff match against Sky Blue. But most of their current midfielders would be considered to be offensive minded. I would think that a defensive mid would be a priority and perhaps a creative playmaking midfielder if Bompastor moves to defense permanently. I could certainly see the Freedom using 2 of their first 3 draft choices on midfielders.
After giving up 32 goals in 2009, defense also has to be a priority. While they would appear to have some strong defenders on their roster, including veteran Cat Whitehill, they did not perform particularly well as a unit last season. They yielded three or more goals 6 times in 2009. Amazingly, they managed a 1-3-2 record in those six games. In a league where 1-0 games are the norm, a solid defense is essential and Washington will seek to improve in this area.
In spite of all their scoring, Washington played a lot of close matches. When their opponents scored a lot, they scored a lot. But in the 4 matches in which they shut out their opponents, they scored only 3 goals. Four different times, the Freedom scored in the 89th minute or later to win or tie games. One thing that can be said about this team is that they keep you on the edge of your seat. Now that Mykjåland has been signed, it will be interesting to see if this team can make enough small changes in the rest of their squad to challenge for the top.
August 15, 2009
Sky Blue Defeats Washington 2-1
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Labels: 2009 WPS, Francielle, Jen Branam, Lisa DeVanna, Natasha Kai, Sky Blue FC, Washington Freedom, WPS Playoffs
Labels: 2009 WPS, Francielle, Jen Branam, Lisa DeVanna, Natasha Kai, Sky Blue FC, Washington Freedom, WPS Playoffs
Sky Blue FC defeated the Washington Freedom 2-1 on Saturday afternoon and the winning goal came from one of the most unlikeliest of sources. Francielle, obtained in a midseason trade from Saint Louis, drilled the winning goal in the 84th minute. She had played all of 28 minutes in just one game for Sky Blue coming into this match. At 19 years old, she is the youngest player in the WPS.
Both teams played conservatively in the 1st half, which turned out to be mostly a feeling out process. Sky Blue did get more shots, but neither team came all that close to scoring. Washington made the first substitution of the game at halftime, bringing in Alex Singer for Jill Gilbeau, who had started the game at midfield. The Freedom decided to move Ali Krieger to midfield in an attempt to get more speed forward.
Coach Christie Rampone elected to start Kerri Hanks for Natasha Kai, thus saving her speedy star forward for later in the game. Kai entered the game in the 54th minute and quickly made her presence felt. The ball was crossed to Kacey White who was just outside the penalty area and she popped the ball up into the penalty area. While Cat Whitehill appeared to wait for the ball to settle down, Kai broke between her and Becky Sauerbrunn, bodied the ball down to her foot and tipped the ball past Freedom goalkeeper Erin McLeod, who barely got her arm on it, to put the Sky Blue up 1-0 in the 55th minute.
By the 73rd minute, both teams had used up their substitutions. Sky Blue brought in Francielle and Kelly Parker to replace Collette McCallum and Kacey White. Washington brought in Sarah Huffman and Allie Long to replace Lori Lindsey and Rebecca Moros. For Huffman, who has been injured since preseason, it was her first action of the regular season.
The Freedom picked up their intensity and started to have chances. Ali Krieger hit the cross bar with a blistering shot in the 68th minute. Then, in the 78th minute, Homare Sawa chipped one toward the penalty area. Sky Blue keeper Jen Branam came rushing out to punch the ball out. She did but collided hard with onrushing Abby Wambach as she did. Branam went down and the ball went directly to Lisa DeVanna. DeVanna made no mistake in blasting the ball into the net from about 18 yards as two Sky Blue defenders were unable to do anything but watch at the goal line. Branam appeared to be injured on the play, but with no substitutions left, she toughed out the rest of the match sporting a substantial limp. She did not take any of the goal kicks or free kicks for the remainder of the match.
With the score tied 1-1 and less than 10 minutes of regulation remaining, the game looked to be heading to overtime. But then came Francielle with her late game heroics. Heather O'Reilly received the ball on the right sideline and reversed the ball to Yael Averbuch. Averbuch hit a square pass to Francielle, who was about 35 yards from the goal and nothing but space in front of her. She dribbled around Alex Singer to the top of the penalty circle and hit a shot to the lower right corner of the goal that just beat McLeod. It was her first goal of the season.
Sky Blue was able to hold on for the final 6 minutes and stoppage for the victory. Sky Blue outshot Washington 24-12 for the match. They will now go on to meet Athletica in the Super Semifinal next Wednesday in St. Louis.
Both teams played conservatively in the 1st half, which turned out to be mostly a feeling out process. Sky Blue did get more shots, but neither team came all that close to scoring. Washington made the first substitution of the game at halftime, bringing in Alex Singer for Jill Gilbeau, who had started the game at midfield. The Freedom decided to move Ali Krieger to midfield in an attempt to get more speed forward.
Coach Christie Rampone elected to start Kerri Hanks for Natasha Kai, thus saving her speedy star forward for later in the game. Kai entered the game in the 54th minute and quickly made her presence felt. The ball was crossed to Kacey White who was just outside the penalty area and she popped the ball up into the penalty area. While Cat Whitehill appeared to wait for the ball to settle down, Kai broke between her and Becky Sauerbrunn, bodied the ball down to her foot and tipped the ball past Freedom goalkeeper Erin McLeod, who barely got her arm on it, to put the Sky Blue up 1-0 in the 55th minute.
By the 73rd minute, both teams had used up their substitutions. Sky Blue brought in Francielle and Kelly Parker to replace Collette McCallum and Kacey White. Washington brought in Sarah Huffman and Allie Long to replace Lori Lindsey and Rebecca Moros. For Huffman, who has been injured since preseason, it was her first action of the regular season.
The Freedom picked up their intensity and started to have chances. Ali Krieger hit the cross bar with a blistering shot in the 68th minute. Then, in the 78th minute, Homare Sawa chipped one toward the penalty area. Sky Blue keeper Jen Branam came rushing out to punch the ball out. She did but collided hard with onrushing Abby Wambach as she did. Branam went down and the ball went directly to Lisa DeVanna. DeVanna made no mistake in blasting the ball into the net from about 18 yards as two Sky Blue defenders were unable to do anything but watch at the goal line. Branam appeared to be injured on the play, but with no substitutions left, she toughed out the rest of the match sporting a substantial limp. She did not take any of the goal kicks or free kicks for the remainder of the match.
With the score tied 1-1 and less than 10 minutes of regulation remaining, the game looked to be heading to overtime. But then came Francielle with her late game heroics. Heather O'Reilly received the ball on the right sideline and reversed the ball to Yael Averbuch. Averbuch hit a square pass to Francielle, who was about 35 yards from the goal and nothing but space in front of her. She dribbled around Alex Singer to the top of the penalty circle and hit a shot to the lower right corner of the goal that just beat McLeod. It was her first goal of the season.
Sky Blue was able to hold on for the final 6 minutes and stoppage for the victory. Sky Blue outshot Washington 24-12 for the match. They will now go on to meet Athletica in the Super Semifinal next Wednesday in St. Louis.
August 14, 2009
WPS Playoffs-Sky Blue FC at Washington Freedom
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Labels: 2009 WPS, Abby Wambach, Erin McLeod, Jen Branam, Lisa DeVanna, Natasha Kai, Sky Blue FC, Washington Freedom, WPS Playoffs
Labels: 2009 WPS, Abby Wambach, Erin McLeod, Jen Branam, Lisa DeVanna, Natasha Kai, Sky Blue FC, Washington Freedom, WPS Playoffs
Sky Blue FC (7-8-5) at Washington (8-7-5)
Saturday, August 15th, 4 pm ET
Maryland SoccerPlex
Televised on Fox Sports Net and Comcast Sports Net.
Season Series: Washington took the season series with 2 wins and a tie.
5/23/09-Washington 2, Sky Blue 1 (RFK Stadium)
7/15/09-Washington 4, Sky Blue 4 (Yurcak Field)
8/8/09-Washington 3, Sky Blue 1 (Maryland SoccerPlex)
Top Performers in the Series:
Washington-Lisa DeVanna (4 goals, 1 assist), Abby Wambach (2 goals, 2 assists), Cat Whitehill (2 goals), Sonia Bompastor (1 goal, 2 assists), Rebecca Moros (1 assist), Ali Krieger (1 assist), Erin McLeod (2.00 GA)
Sky Blue-Natasha Kai (2 goals, 1 assist), Rosana (2 goals, 1 assist), Kacey White (2 goals), Heather O'Reilly (1 assist), Keeley Dowling (1 assist), Jenni Branam (3.00 GA)
Possible Starting Lineups:
Washington Freedom (Coach-Jim Gabarra)
G-Erin McLeod (1.43 GA, 3 shutouts)
D-Sarah Senty
D-Cat Whitehill (3 goals, 2 assists)
D-Becky Sauerbrunn (1 goal)
D-Ali Krieger (1 assist)
M-Homare Sawa (3 goals)
M-Lori Lindsey (2 goals, 1 assist)
M-Allie Long (2 goals)
M-Rebecca Moros (2 goals, 1 assist)
F-Abby Wambach (8 goals, 5 assists)
F-Lisa DeVanna (6 goals, 5 assists)
Unavailable due to Euros-Sonia Bompastor (4 goals, 6 assists)
Top Subs-Jill Gilbeau, Joanna Lohman, Alex Singer, Kristen DeDycker, Emily Janss
Sky Blue FC (Coach Christie Rampone)
G-Jenni Branam (1.09 GA, 6 shutouts)
D-Keeley Dowling (3 assists)
D-Jen Buczkowski
D-Christie Rampone
D-Meghan Schnur (2 assists)
M-Yael Averbuch
M-Collette McCallum (3 assists)
M-Heather O'Reilly (2 goals, 3 assists)
M-Rosana (5 goals, 1 assist)
F-Natasha Kai (6 goals, 1 assist)
F-Kacey White (3 goals)
Unavailable due to Euros-Anita Asante (starting defender)
Top Subs-Kelly Parker, Julianne Sitch, Kerri Hanks, Noelle Keselica, Katie Hooker
Game Analysis
To this point, Washington has controlled the series and scored pretty much at will against Sky Blue. Sky Blue lost both contests on the Freedom's home turf and will be on the road again in this contest. It's expected to be a warm sunny day, so fatigue and substitutions could be a key in this match as well. Washington is the top offensive club in the WPS with 32 goals scored, while Sky Blue is one of the better defensive teams. Washington is the hotter team coming into this game, winning 4 of their last 5, while Sky Blue is 2-2-1 in their last 5 matches.
Both teams will be dealing with the loss of key players to the Euros. Washington will be without Sonia Bompastor, who has played all over the field and is usually the engine that makes the Freedom run. Sky Blue will be without perhaps their top defender in Anita Asante.
The Freedom will start Erin McLeod in goal. After early season problems for the Freedom, McLeod stabilized the keeper situation and has performed well in spite of her 1.43 goals against average. On defense, Cat Whitehill and Becky Sauerbrunn will be two of the starters. Whitehill is probably the best offensive center back in the league and is a weapon on long free kicks. Sauerbrunn is one of two Freedom players to play every minute this season, the other being Homare Sawa. The outside backs will probably be determined by how Jim Gabarra wishes to deal with Sonia Bompastor's absence. Last week, he started Sarah Senty and Ali Krieger. However, Gabarra could move Krieger up to midfield to replace Bompastor and start either Jill Gilbeau or Alex Singer at outside back.
In the midfield, Homare Sawa and Lori Lindsey are constants. Both are solid, but Sawa suddenly came to life offensively late in the year with 3 goals in the last 5 games. Rebecca Moros plays kind of a hybrid midfielder/forward position and loves to pressure the opposing back line. The other midfielder could be Allie Long, who battled a toe injury for the latter part of the season, veteran Joanna Lohman, or they could move up the speedy Krieger. There is no doubt at the two forward positions and they may be the best tandem in the league. Abby Wambach is the power with 8 goals and Lisa DeVanna is the speed with 6 goals. Sky Blue hasn't really been able to contain either one.
Sky Blue will have Jenni Branam in goal. She is smallish, but very quick and very active in the penalty area. She will surely miss having Anita Asante in front of her. On the back line, three of the starters are certain. Christie Rampone will be one center back, while Meghan Schnur will be one outside back. Rampone, in spite of her age, is still one of the best defenders in the WPS. Keeley Dowling has played mostly outside this year, but she has played inside also and with Wambach being a primary concern, Dowling might start inside because of her great leaping ability. If Dowling plays outside, then Jen Buczkowski will probably be the other center back. If Dowling plays center, then Rampone might use Katie Hooker or Julianne Sitch outside.
At midfield, Sky Blue will almost have to start Yael Averbuch to combat Wambach's size and strength. Rosana and Heather O'Reilly are both scoring threats from the midfield and should give Washington problems, especially since Bompastor will be gone. In spite of not breaking out offensively, O'Reilly is a constant threat and she can dominate when she is in top form. The other starting midfielder will probably be either Aussie Collette McCallum or Canadian Kelly Parker. They split time in last week's match against the Freedom. Up front, Natasha Kai has speed to burn and is one of the most dangerous forwards in the WPS. She will need to capitalize on her opportunities on Saturday. Kacey White, who is an underrated and solid performer at the other forward spot, rounds out the starters for SBFC.
On any ball in the air toward the penalty area, you can bet that Abby Wambach will be in the middle wreaking havoc with the Branam and her defenders. Looking through the tapes and highlight reels, I estimated that an astounding 28 of the 32 goals scored by the Freedom were from within 12 yards of the goal. In fact, nearly half were from the 6 yard box in. Only 3 were scored from outside the penalty area, one early in the season by Lori Lindsey, one off of a set piece play by Cat Whitehill, and one by Homare Sawa late in the season against FC Gold Pride on a rebound. By contrast, the Freedom gave up several goals from the edge of the penalty area and beyond, including one from Sky Blue's Rosana last weekend.
Sky Blue hasn't had all that much of a problem scoring on Washington either. Their speed at forward and midfield can cause a lot of problems to the middle of the Freedom defense, which isn't particularly fast. Kai, O'Reilly, White, and Rosana should keep the Freedom defense on their toes.
Washington Freedom Keys:
1) Get the ball in the air toward the goal. Not only is Washington strong in the air, but they are going against one of the shortest keepers in the league in Jen Branam. If they loft high crosses into the box, Abby Wambach can easily outjump Branam to the point Jen will have trouble punching the ball out, let alone grabbing it. The Freedom will be missing their best server in Bompastor, but Whitehill can be just as dangerous.
2) Time your runs. Lisa DeVanna scored four goals against Sky Blue this year, but she has a habit of going offsides. DeVanna is 2nd only to Eni Aluko in being called offside this season. Sky Blue is one of the best teams in the WPS at the offsides trap, but they can be burned. If she can time her runs, there is no one on the Sky Blue defense that is going to catch her and she should be able to get behind their back line for at least one or two good scoring opportunities.
3) Get defensive help from the midfield. With offensive threats like Kai, O'Reilly, and Rosana facing them, the Freedom midfield is going to have to get back to help their back line defend. Sky Blue managed to score 6 goals against Washington in 3 matches.
Sky Blue Keys:
1) Keep the Freedom's set pieces to a minimum. Washington has scored 7 times on set pieces and 10 goals on headers. Even with Bompastor gone, this is one of their strengths. Sky Blue's clearances must be strong and they can't allow rebounds.
2) Control the midfield. This is one area where I believe Sky Blue should have the advantage, especially with Bompastor out. If Sky Blue can control the midfield and keep the Freedom bottled up in their own end for much of the game, they have a chance. O'Reilly, Parker, McCallum, and Rosana can put a lot of offensive pressure on the Freedom back line. And I'm still waiting for Yael Averbuch to get one of those strong-legged bombs in the back of the net.
3) Contain DeVanna and Wambach. Well that's easy for me to say, not so easy to do. DeVanna has scored 4 goals against Sky Blue this year and Wambach has scored two. Sky Blue's back line cannot allow these two to run amuck. They will probably need to assign either Yael Averbuch because she can matchup in size, or Keeley Dowling because she has great leaping ability, to shadow Wambach. Abby has scored 5 goals in her last 4 matches.
Prediction
Even though Sonia Bompastor is one of the best all round players in the WPS, the loss of Anita Asante may be a bigger loss to Sky Blue. SBFC has had enough trouble stopping Washington and the loss of a top defender will complicate matters worse. The three matches between these two teams have seen a lot of scoring, but playoff matches tend to be conservatively played and lower scoring. Sky Blue may have come farther from the start of the season than any other team, but they have a lot going against them in this game. They're on the road against a team they haven't beaten and they haven't shown that they can stop them. There have been several matches where the Freedom have found a way to win late in the game and I just can't see Sky Blue containing both Wambach and DeVanna the entire match. My prediction is that Washington will defeat Sky Blue 2-1.
Saturday, August 15th, 4 pm ET
Maryland SoccerPlex
Televised on Fox Sports Net and Comcast Sports Net.
Season Series: Washington took the season series with 2 wins and a tie.
5/23/09-Washington 2, Sky Blue 1 (RFK Stadium)
7/15/09-Washington 4, Sky Blue 4 (Yurcak Field)
8/8/09-Washington 3, Sky Blue 1 (Maryland SoccerPlex)
Top Performers in the Series:
Washington-Lisa DeVanna (4 goals, 1 assist), Abby Wambach (2 goals, 2 assists), Cat Whitehill (2 goals), Sonia Bompastor (1 goal, 2 assists), Rebecca Moros (1 assist), Ali Krieger (1 assist), Erin McLeod (2.00 GA)
Sky Blue-Natasha Kai (2 goals, 1 assist), Rosana (2 goals, 1 assist), Kacey White (2 goals), Heather O'Reilly (1 assist), Keeley Dowling (1 assist), Jenni Branam (3.00 GA)
Possible Starting Lineups:
Washington Freedom (Coach-Jim Gabarra)
G-Erin McLeod (1.43 GA, 3 shutouts)
D-Sarah Senty
D-Cat Whitehill (3 goals, 2 assists)
D-Becky Sauerbrunn (1 goal)
D-Ali Krieger (1 assist)
M-Homare Sawa (3 goals)
M-Lori Lindsey (2 goals, 1 assist)
M-Allie Long (2 goals)
M-Rebecca Moros (2 goals, 1 assist)
F-Abby Wambach (8 goals, 5 assists)
F-Lisa DeVanna (6 goals, 5 assists)
Unavailable due to Euros-Sonia Bompastor (4 goals, 6 assists)
Top Subs-Jill Gilbeau, Joanna Lohman, Alex Singer, Kristen DeDycker, Emily Janss
Sky Blue FC (Coach Christie Rampone)
G-Jenni Branam (1.09 GA, 6 shutouts)
D-Keeley Dowling (3 assists)
D-Jen Buczkowski
D-Christie Rampone
D-Meghan Schnur (2 assists)
M-Yael Averbuch
M-Collette McCallum (3 assists)
M-Heather O'Reilly (2 goals, 3 assists)
M-Rosana (5 goals, 1 assist)
F-Natasha Kai (6 goals, 1 assist)
F-Kacey White (3 goals)
Unavailable due to Euros-Anita Asante (starting defender)
Top Subs-Kelly Parker, Julianne Sitch, Kerri Hanks, Noelle Keselica, Katie Hooker
Game Analysis
To this point, Washington has controlled the series and scored pretty much at will against Sky Blue. Sky Blue lost both contests on the Freedom's home turf and will be on the road again in this contest. It's expected to be a warm sunny day, so fatigue and substitutions could be a key in this match as well. Washington is the top offensive club in the WPS with 32 goals scored, while Sky Blue is one of the better defensive teams. Washington is the hotter team coming into this game, winning 4 of their last 5, while Sky Blue is 2-2-1 in their last 5 matches.
Both teams will be dealing with the loss of key players to the Euros. Washington will be without Sonia Bompastor, who has played all over the field and is usually the engine that makes the Freedom run. Sky Blue will be without perhaps their top defender in Anita Asante.
The Freedom will start Erin McLeod in goal. After early season problems for the Freedom, McLeod stabilized the keeper situation and has performed well in spite of her 1.43 goals against average. On defense, Cat Whitehill and Becky Sauerbrunn will be two of the starters. Whitehill is probably the best offensive center back in the league and is a weapon on long free kicks. Sauerbrunn is one of two Freedom players to play every minute this season, the other being Homare Sawa. The outside backs will probably be determined by how Jim Gabarra wishes to deal with Sonia Bompastor's absence. Last week, he started Sarah Senty and Ali Krieger. However, Gabarra could move Krieger up to midfield to replace Bompastor and start either Jill Gilbeau or Alex Singer at outside back.
In the midfield, Homare Sawa and Lori Lindsey are constants. Both are solid, but Sawa suddenly came to life offensively late in the year with 3 goals in the last 5 games. Rebecca Moros plays kind of a hybrid midfielder/forward position and loves to pressure the opposing back line. The other midfielder could be Allie Long, who battled a toe injury for the latter part of the season, veteran Joanna Lohman, or they could move up the speedy Krieger. There is no doubt at the two forward positions and they may be the best tandem in the league. Abby Wambach is the power with 8 goals and Lisa DeVanna is the speed with 6 goals. Sky Blue hasn't really been able to contain either one.
Sky Blue will have Jenni Branam in goal. She is smallish, but very quick and very active in the penalty area. She will surely miss having Anita Asante in front of her. On the back line, three of the starters are certain. Christie Rampone will be one center back, while Meghan Schnur will be one outside back. Rampone, in spite of her age, is still one of the best defenders in the WPS. Keeley Dowling has played mostly outside this year, but she has played inside also and with Wambach being a primary concern, Dowling might start inside because of her great leaping ability. If Dowling plays outside, then Jen Buczkowski will probably be the other center back. If Dowling plays center, then Rampone might use Katie Hooker or Julianne Sitch outside.
At midfield, Sky Blue will almost have to start Yael Averbuch to combat Wambach's size and strength. Rosana and Heather O'Reilly are both scoring threats from the midfield and should give Washington problems, especially since Bompastor will be gone. In spite of not breaking out offensively, O'Reilly is a constant threat and she can dominate when she is in top form. The other starting midfielder will probably be either Aussie Collette McCallum or Canadian Kelly Parker. They split time in last week's match against the Freedom. Up front, Natasha Kai has speed to burn and is one of the most dangerous forwards in the WPS. She will need to capitalize on her opportunities on Saturday. Kacey White, who is an underrated and solid performer at the other forward spot, rounds out the starters for SBFC.
On any ball in the air toward the penalty area, you can bet that Abby Wambach will be in the middle wreaking havoc with the Branam and her defenders. Looking through the tapes and highlight reels, I estimated that an astounding 28 of the 32 goals scored by the Freedom were from within 12 yards of the goal. In fact, nearly half were from the 6 yard box in. Only 3 were scored from outside the penalty area, one early in the season by Lori Lindsey, one off of a set piece play by Cat Whitehill, and one by Homare Sawa late in the season against FC Gold Pride on a rebound. By contrast, the Freedom gave up several goals from the edge of the penalty area and beyond, including one from Sky Blue's Rosana last weekend.
Sky Blue hasn't had all that much of a problem scoring on Washington either. Their speed at forward and midfield can cause a lot of problems to the middle of the Freedom defense, which isn't particularly fast. Kai, O'Reilly, White, and Rosana should keep the Freedom defense on their toes.
Washington Freedom Keys:
1) Get the ball in the air toward the goal. Not only is Washington strong in the air, but they are going against one of the shortest keepers in the league in Jen Branam. If they loft high crosses into the box, Abby Wambach can easily outjump Branam to the point Jen will have trouble punching the ball out, let alone grabbing it. The Freedom will be missing their best server in Bompastor, but Whitehill can be just as dangerous.
2) Time your runs. Lisa DeVanna scored four goals against Sky Blue this year, but she has a habit of going offsides. DeVanna is 2nd only to Eni Aluko in being called offside this season. Sky Blue is one of the best teams in the WPS at the offsides trap, but they can be burned. If she can time her runs, there is no one on the Sky Blue defense that is going to catch her and she should be able to get behind their back line for at least one or two good scoring opportunities.
3) Get defensive help from the midfield. With offensive threats like Kai, O'Reilly, and Rosana facing them, the Freedom midfield is going to have to get back to help their back line defend. Sky Blue managed to score 6 goals against Washington in 3 matches.
Sky Blue Keys:
1) Keep the Freedom's set pieces to a minimum. Washington has scored 7 times on set pieces and 10 goals on headers. Even with Bompastor gone, this is one of their strengths. Sky Blue's clearances must be strong and they can't allow rebounds.
2) Control the midfield. This is one area where I believe Sky Blue should have the advantage, especially with Bompastor out. If Sky Blue can control the midfield and keep the Freedom bottled up in their own end for much of the game, they have a chance. O'Reilly, Parker, McCallum, and Rosana can put a lot of offensive pressure on the Freedom back line. And I'm still waiting for Yael Averbuch to get one of those strong-legged bombs in the back of the net.
3) Contain DeVanna and Wambach. Well that's easy for me to say, not so easy to do. DeVanna has scored 4 goals against Sky Blue this year and Wambach has scored two. Sky Blue's back line cannot allow these two to run amuck. They will probably need to assign either Yael Averbuch because she can matchup in size, or Keeley Dowling because she has great leaping ability, to shadow Wambach. Abby has scored 5 goals in her last 4 matches.
Prediction
Even though Sonia Bompastor is one of the best all round players in the WPS, the loss of Anita Asante may be a bigger loss to Sky Blue. SBFC has had enough trouble stopping Washington and the loss of a top defender will complicate matters worse. The three matches between these two teams have seen a lot of scoring, but playoff matches tend to be conservatively played and lower scoring. Sky Blue may have come farther from the start of the season than any other team, but they have a lot going against them in this game. They're on the road against a team they haven't beaten and they haven't shown that they can stop them. There have been several matches where the Freedom have found a way to win late in the game and I just can't see Sky Blue containing both Wambach and DeVanna the entire match. My prediction is that Washington will defeat Sky Blue 2-1.
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