On a night when World Cup players from six different countries were honored before 15,404 fans, the Western New York Flash defeated magicJack 3-1 at Sahlen Stadium in Rochester, New York. Canadian National Team star Christine Sinclair scored two goals and assisted on the third to lead the Flash to victory. It was the largest single-game crowd in WPS history.
While all of the players that participated in the World Cup were honored, magicJack striker Abby Wambach clearly took center stage. The Rochester native received the key to the city and it was proclaimed Abby Wambach Day. Wambach was dressed in her magicJack uniform, but did not play in the game, still nursing an Achilles heel injury which has plagued her for much of the year.
The visitors from Florida nearly broke on top in the sixth minute. Christen Press had an open shot from 10 yards, but she put her shot too close to Ashlyn Harris and the save was made by the Flash keeper.
Western New York got the first goal of the match. Candace Chapman sent a long free kick forward from just outside her penalty area. Becky Edwards flicked the ball forward with a header and Sinclair timed her run perfectly getting behind the defense. Sinclair dribbled around magicJack goalkeeper Jill Loyden and rolled the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead.
MagicJack was able to draw even just before the intermission. In the 40th minute, Nikki Washington sent a long cross toward the box. With Flash defender Candace Chapman in front of her, Ella Masar elected to one-time it. She hit a left-footed shot over her shoulder, over Chapman, and finally over Harris to tie the match.
The Flash tried to regain the lead to start the second half. Marta's shot was blocked by defender Tina Ellertson, but Beverly Goebel was on the rebound and only a point-blank save by Loyden kept the score tied at one.
But magicJack wasn't so fortunate five minutes later. Marta sent the ball into space for Christine Sinclair, but Tina Ellertson was able to get there first. As the two battled for the ball, Ellertson fell down and Sinclair dribbled in alone on Loyden, shooting just inside the left post as a diving Loyden was only able to get a glove on it, but not stop it. It was Sinclair's eighth goal of the season, tying her with Tasha Kai for the league lead, and the Flash led 2-1.
The Flash closed the door on magicJack in the 69th minute. Goebel sent the ball ahead to Sinclair, who chased the ball down just to the left of the penalty area. She cut back to the inside, beating magicJack defender Nikki Marshall, and then sent a cross to the right edge of the six. McCall Zerboni was waiting there unmarked and she placed her header behind Loyden, who was rushing across to cut off the angle.
MagicJack again struggled with a three-back formation as the Flash found open lanes to play the ball in behind their defense. Ali Riley got in behind the defense later in the match and only another good save by Loyden kept the game reasonably close. Later, Loyden made a diving save on Alex Morgan's drive from just outside the eighteen. The final score was 3-1 for Western New York.
The Flash move to within one point of first place Philadelphia. They now sport a 8-2-2 record and they will now travel to Boston to meet the Breakers on Sunday. MagicJack falls to 5-5-1 and are in a fierce battle for the final two playoff berths. They will now head to Atlanta to play the Beat on Saturday evening.
Showing posts with label Nikki Washington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nikki Washington. Show all posts
July 20, 2011
June 2, 2011
Breakers, magicJack Exchange Former UNC Stars
The Boston Breakers have traded Nikki Washington to magicJack for Meghan Klingenberg, a second round selection in the 2012 draft, and a player to be named later.
Washington was signed as a free agent by Boston during the offseason and appeared in five matches for the Breakers. She was originally a first round draft choice of the Los Angeles Sol in the 2010 draft, the fifth overall selection in that draft.
Due to an injury suffered in her senior season at the University of North Carolina, Washington did not play until late in the 2010 season for the Chicago Red Stars. She was a regular on several US Junior National Teams.
Klingenberg was the third overall selection in the 2011 draft. In spite of being a candidate for the USWNT, she had appeared in only two contests for magicJack. She scored 18 career goals while at UNC.
Washington was signed as a free agent by Boston during the offseason and appeared in five matches for the Breakers. She was originally a first round draft choice of the Los Angeles Sol in the 2010 draft, the fifth overall selection in that draft.
Due to an injury suffered in her senior season at the University of North Carolina, Washington did not play until late in the 2010 season for the Chicago Red Stars. She was a regular on several US Junior National Teams.
Klingenberg was the third overall selection in the 2011 draft. In spite of being a candidate for the USWNT, she had appeared in only two contests for magicJack. She scored 18 career goals while at UNC.
June 4, 2010
Bardsley Named Player of the Month
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Labels: 2010 WPS, Elise Weber, Karen Bardsley, Lindsay Tarpley, Nikki Washington, Omid Namazi
Labels: 2010 WPS, Elise Weber, Karen Bardsley, Lindsay Tarpley, Nikki Washington, Omid Namazi
Karen Bardsley of Sky Blue FC has been named WPS Player of the Month for May. Bardsley posted two shutouts and an 0.75 goals against average for May while facing the most shots of any WPS goalkeeper. She has earned four shutouts this season, in spite of facing 59 shots on goal, 22 more than the nearest competitor.
Bardsley, a Cal State-Fullerton grad, competes with the English National Team. She has spent her entire WPS career with Sky Blue and played the backup role to Jen Branam for much of last season.
Namazi Named Red Stars Coach
Omid Namazi has been named as the new head coach of the Chicago Red Stars. Marcia McDermott had served as interim coach for a week following the dismissal of Emma Hayes.
Namazi formerly coached the WUSA San Diego Spirits in 2003. Since then, he has primarily coached men's indoor soccer. The Red Stars are coming off of an upset win over 1st place FC Gold Pride. They presently sit in a tie for 5th place with 7 points.
More Signings of Athletica Players
Veteran forward/midfielder Lindsay Tarpley has signed with the Boston Breakers. Tarpley is coming off of a severe knee injury and had just taken over as a starting striker for the now defunct Athletica. She had one goal to her credit this season after scoring four for the Chicago Red Stars in 2009. Tarpley is also a member of the USWNT.
Athletica defender Elise Weber has signed with the Chicago Red Stars as a developmental player. Weber started all 6 games for Athletica this season, after starting 14 matches last season. She will be returning to her native Chicago where she played high school soccer in the suburb of Elk Grove. Weber played college soccer at Notre Dame.
Nikki Washington has also signed with the Red Stars. Saint Louis had obtained Washington's rights in the Anita Asante/India Trotter deal in May. Washington had not signed with Saint Louis. She was drafted by Los Angeles with the 5th overall pick in January's draft, then obtained by Sky Blue in the dispersal draft.
It has also been reported that Athletica developmental player Erin Walter has signed to play with the W-League Colorado Force, although I have not seen confirmation of that yet. Walter played both the 2009 & 2010 WPS seasons in St. Louis.
It is also being reported that former Athletica midfielder, Daniela, has signed to play with the W-League Hampton Roads Piranhas. Daniela was injured in Athletica's 4th match last season and has been recovering since. She had re-signed with Saint Louis for 2010, but was later released when Anita Asante was obtained in a trade.
Bardsley, a Cal State-Fullerton grad, competes with the English National Team. She has spent her entire WPS career with Sky Blue and played the backup role to Jen Branam for much of last season.
Namazi Named Red Stars Coach
Omid Namazi has been named as the new head coach of the Chicago Red Stars. Marcia McDermott had served as interim coach for a week following the dismissal of Emma Hayes.
Namazi formerly coached the WUSA San Diego Spirits in 2003. Since then, he has primarily coached men's indoor soccer. The Red Stars are coming off of an upset win over 1st place FC Gold Pride. They presently sit in a tie for 5th place with 7 points.
More Signings of Athletica Players
Veteran forward/midfielder Lindsay Tarpley has signed with the Boston Breakers. Tarpley is coming off of a severe knee injury and had just taken over as a starting striker for the now defunct Athletica. She had one goal to her credit this season after scoring four for the Chicago Red Stars in 2009. Tarpley is also a member of the USWNT.
Athletica defender Elise Weber has signed with the Chicago Red Stars as a developmental player. Weber started all 6 games for Athletica this season, after starting 14 matches last season. She will be returning to her native Chicago where she played high school soccer in the suburb of Elk Grove. Weber played college soccer at Notre Dame.
Nikki Washington has also signed with the Red Stars. Saint Louis had obtained Washington's rights in the Anita Asante/India Trotter deal in May. Washington had not signed with Saint Louis. She was drafted by Los Angeles with the 5th overall pick in January's draft, then obtained by Sky Blue in the dispersal draft.
It has also been reported that Athletica developmental player Erin Walter has signed to play with the W-League Colorado Force, although I have not seen confirmation of that yet. Walter played both the 2009 & 2010 WPS seasons in St. Louis.
It is also being reported that former Athletica midfielder, Daniela, has signed to play with the W-League Hampton Roads Piranhas. Daniela was injured in Athletica's 4th match last season and has been recovering since. She had re-signed with Saint Louis for 2010, but was later released when Anita Asante was obtained in a trade.
May 4, 2010
Sky Blue Deals Asante and Washington to Saint Louis
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Labels: 2010 WPS, Anita Asante, Daniela, India Trotter, Nikki Washington, Saint Louis Athletica, Sky Blue FC
Labels: 2010 WPS, Anita Asante, Daniela, India Trotter, Nikki Washington, Saint Louis Athletica, Sky Blue FC
Sky Blue FC has traded defender Anita Asante, midfielder/attacker Nikki Washington, and their 2nd round selection in 2011 to Saint Louis for India Trotter and Athletica's 1st round selection in 2011.
Both Asante, who spent 2009 with Sky Blue, and Nikki Washington, who was acquired in the Los Angeles dispersal draft, have been injured. It is not known at the present time when either player would be able to return to action. Washington was never signed by New Jersey, presumably because of her injury which occured while playing for the University of North Carolina last fall.
“This is a move we feel clearly makes our team better by addressing a need,” said Saint Louis General Manager Tim Owens. “We have acquired one of the world’s elite defenders, which was a priority for us. Plus, we were able to bring in a young, dynamic, and very versatile player that is one of the young, upcoming stars in U.S. Soccer ”
“It is tough to give up a great player and a great person such as India Trotter,” stated Tim Owens.
To make room for Asante, who is an international, Athletica released Daniela, who has been injured since last May. Daniela scored the very first goal in Saint Louis history in the very game she was injured.
“It was a very difficult decision to part ways with a player such as Daniela,” reflected Owens. “She is a warrior, and she has a passion for the game that is second to none. We will always consider Daniela to be a part of the Athletica family.”
The deal comes after Athletica gave up 3 goals to Washington last weekend, only the 2nd time that has happened in franchise history. Clearly, Saint Louis felt the need to beef up their defense in light of that performance.
Both Asante, who spent 2009 with Sky Blue, and Nikki Washington, who was acquired in the Los Angeles dispersal draft, have been injured. It is not known at the present time when either player would be able to return to action. Washington was never signed by New Jersey, presumably because of her injury which occured while playing for the University of North Carolina last fall.
“This is a move we feel clearly makes our team better by addressing a need,” said Saint Louis General Manager Tim Owens. “We have acquired one of the world’s elite defenders, which was a priority for us. Plus, we were able to bring in a young, dynamic, and very versatile player that is one of the young, upcoming stars in U.S. Soccer ”
“It is tough to give up a great player and a great person such as India Trotter,” stated Tim Owens.
To make room for Asante, who is an international, Athletica released Daniela, who has been injured since last May. Daniela scored the very first goal in Saint Louis history in the very game she was injured.
“It was a very difficult decision to part ways with a player such as Daniela,” reflected Owens. “She is a warrior, and she has a passion for the game that is second to none. We will always consider Daniela to be a part of the Athletica family.”
The deal comes after Athletica gave up 3 goals to Washington last weekend, only the 2nd time that has happened in franchise history. Clearly, Saint Louis felt the need to beef up their defense in light of that performance.
January 15, 2010
No Huge Surprises Early On in WPS Draft
The first 4 selections have been announced:
1. Atlanta-Tobin Heath, MF, North Carolina
2. Boston-Lauren Cheney, F, UCLA
3. Gold Pride-Kelley O'Hara, F, Stanford
4. Chicago-Whitney Engen, D, North Carolina
My guess is that once Chicago signed Cristiane, they had 3 solid forwards with her, Masar, and Asllani and then they decided to go with a defender at number four.
5. Los Angeles-Nikki Washington, MF, North Carolina
With Engen gone, Los Angeles takes Nikki Washington. A great player who will be a heck of a threat from the right side. Look for LA to go defensive now at selections 8 and/or 9.
1. Atlanta-Tobin Heath, MF, North Carolina
2. Boston-Lauren Cheney, F, UCLA
3. Gold Pride-Kelley O'Hara, F, Stanford
4. Chicago-Whitney Engen, D, North Carolina
My guess is that once Chicago signed Cristiane, they had 3 solid forwards with her, Masar, and Asllani and then they decided to go with a defender at number four.
5. Los Angeles-Nikki Washington, MF, North Carolina
With Engen gone, Los Angeles takes Nikki Washington. A great player who will be a heck of a threat from the right side. Look for LA to go defensive now at selections 8 and/or 9.
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