WPS Week 20

For the first time since the folding of the St. Louis Ahletica, Women’s Professional Soccer went a week without any mid-week games, so only 3 were played on Week 20. The first match-up was not really a match up if you only look at the score. FC Gold Pride earned the biggest win of the year (and in both seasons of WPS) against the Atlanta Beat with a final score of 6-1. Ouch. It was also the Beat’s 2nd highest attendance this year (and highest number of the week). Too bad the 4,289 fans that showed up had to watch that. The next game was between the Washington Freedom and Sky Blue FC, in which the Freedom game their crowd the pleasure of witnessing a 3rd straight home win. Lastly, the Philadelphia Independence hosted the Boston Breakers in a game that ended 2-1 in favor of Boston.

Tiffeny Milbrett scored the first goal of the day in the 43rd minute when Shannon Boxx chipped the ball over the Beat defense. Milbrett’s shot went looping over Hope Solo, hit the bottom of the crossbar, and bounced into the goal. Camille Abily scored her first goal of the season in the beginning of the second half after Solo saved a shot from Marta. The ball fell to Abily’s feet, and all she did was shoot into the open net. In the 65th minute, the Beat scored their only goal after Angie Kerr sent a driven ball into the box and Eniola Aluko got a touch on it to make it 2-1. A minute later, Marta scored her first goal of the match on a powerful shot that beat Hope Solo. Then again, four minutes later, Marta made it 4-1 when Christine Sinclair played the ball across the top of the 18 for Marta to finish. Just a minute later, Kelley O’Hara added a goal of her own making it 5-1. Sinclair finished it off with a left corner shot past Solo in the 87th minute.

The Washington Freedom are currently in 4th place, good enough to make the playoffs, after a come-from-behind win against Sky Blue FC. Natasha Kai opened up the game with her goal in the 30th minute after chipping a ball over Ashlyn Harris. In the 75th minute, Meghann Burke fouled Abby Wambach in the penalty area and a Penalty Kick was given to the Freedom. Wambach herself took it to even up the game. In the 84th minute, Wambach split the defense and received a through ball which was shot to the inside of the post and into the goal for the win.

The week ended with the Boston Breakers taking on the Philadelphia Independence on Sunday on FSC. Philly scored the first goal in the 16th minute of the match. Tina DiMartino served a ball to Amy Rodriguez who dummied it and let it go to Joana Lohman. Rodriguez made a run towards goal and Lohman played a through ball. but Rodriguez’s shot cracked the post. Lohman was there to clean it up and get Philly on the board. In the 34th minute, Kristine Lilly took a corner kick for Boston. She played it to the top of the 18 to defender Stephanie Cox who one-timed a beautiful shot into the back of the net. This was her first career goal. In the 59th minute, Lauren Cheney made a run to a ball from Lindsay Tarpley, but Estelle Johnson knocked Cheney off the ball and the referee pointed to the spot. Kelly Smith shot to the right, Karina LeBlanc dove the the left, and it was 2-1 Boston. The Breakers are still in 3rd place, and Philly is still in 2nd. The Breakers have 3 games left in the season, and Philly will need to get 6 points out of their last 2 for the best chance to host the semifinal.

Week 21 schedule:

Wednesday:

FC Gold Pride @ Sky Blue FC, 7 pm ET

Boston Breakers @ Atlanta Beat, 7:30 pm ET

Philadelphia Independence @ Chicago Red Stars, 8pm ET

Sunday:

Sky Blue FC @ Atlanta Beat, 6 pm ET

Boston Breakers @ FC Gold Pride, 9 pm ET

Washington Freedom @ Chicago Red Stars, 6 pm ET LIVE on FSC

WPS Week 19

A huge Atlanta Beat win against the Breakers, a Sky Blue FC upset against Philadelphia Independence, and FC Gold Pride taking the regular season championship (and right to host the WPS Final) all belong to Week 19 of Women’s Professional Soccer.

On Thursday, the Washington Freedom defeated the Chicago Red Stars 2-0. After a scoreless first half, Abby Wambach scored first for the Freedom just three minutes into the second half. After receiving a pass from Sarah Huffman, Wambach created herself some space to get a shot off her left foot and get the Freedom on the scoreboard. Seven minutes later Cat Whitehill headed a free kick from Huffman into the back of the net to make it 2-0. The Freedom are currently in fourth place with 25 points with a -1 goal differential, better than Sky Blue’s, which is -10.

On Saturday, the Boston Breakers and Atlanta Beat faced off in Connecticut, home to Breakers goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, midfielder Kristine Lilly, and Beat defenders Manya Makoski, and Kia McNeil. The Beat came out with the win under their new coach, James Gallanis after going up 3-0 and giving up 3 goals late in the game. The first goal came in the 11th minute after Lori Chalupny blasted a shot to the lower far corner of the goal. The Beat doubled the lead in the 66th minute when Mami Yamaguchi took a shot that deflected off a defender, but tapped into the goal by Eniola Aluko. Then six minutes later, Aluko broke away and went one-on-one with Naeher and made it 3-0 for the Beat. In the 86th minute, Laura Del Rio blasted a shot that went off the cross bar, but Lindsay Tarpley was there to knock it into the goal. Lilly then scored for the Breakers off a rebound in stoppage time to leave the score at 3-2 for Atlanta.

Two games were played on Sunday, and the scheduling of the WPS Game of the Week on FSC could not have been more perfect this week. The Sky Blue vs. Philadelphia game was into the 16th minute of play when the referees suspended the game due to  thunder, lighting, and rain. The delay was so long (about 90 minutes) that Laura Kalmari, who had left the field with a big cut on her shin, came back from the hospital after getting the cut closed up and was able to sit on the bench after the game resumed. Yael Averbuch scored the game-winning goal in the 60th minute, and what a goal it was! Heather O’Reilly sent a perfect cross to Averbuch who volleyed it right into the upper corner of the goal. It has to be the goal of the week.

The last game of the week was between FC Gold Pride and the Chicago Red Stars. Rachel Buehler started the attack that led to the first goal of the match in the eighth minute. After a long ball into space, Aly Riley ran it down and placed a perfect square ball to Marta who finished off the play with a simple shot. Ten minutes later, Chicago equalized as Ella Masar’s effort paid off when Nicole Barnhart spilled a low cross. As Masar collided with Barnhart, she got a last minute touch on the ball to make it 1-1. In the 33rd minute, Tiffeny Milbrett sent a corner kick to Buehler who headed it for her first goal of the year, making her career total two. In the 61st minute, Chicago once again evened up the score. Marian Dalmy slid to get a dross off and a sliding Ella Masar once again came through for Chicago. In the 77th minute, Natalie Spilger jumped up to head a free kick away but it hit her arm and the referee thought it should have been a penalty kick.  Marta stepped up to take it and scored the game-wining goal. With the win, FC Gold Pride took the regular season championship and the right to host the Championship match in September 26.

Next week:

• FC Gold Pride @ Atlanta Beat: Saturday, 7 pm ET
• Sky Blue FC @ Washington Freedom: Saturday, 7 pm ET
• Boston Breakers @ Philadelphia Independence: Sunday, 6pm ET, LIVE on FSC

WPS Week 18

Week  of 18 Women’s Professional Soccer continued with two mid-week games as Sky Blue FC and the Washington Freedom drew a score of 1-1, and Chicago lost to the Philadelphia Independence with a score of 1-2. Over the weekend, the Washington Freedom held FC Gold Pride to a scoreless tie on Saturday, and on Sunday, the Boston Breakers defeated Sky Blue 4-0 while the Atlanta Beat gave away 3 points and a their 2-0 lead to the Independence, who won 3-2.

After going 65 minutes with no goals, the Washington Freedom finally made the scoreboard happy as Sarah Huffman played a through ball across the goal mouth that none of the Sky Blue defenders were able to get out of danger. Sonia Bompastor somehow deflected the ball into the goal with a defender on her to make it 1-0. The Freedom, however, lost the lead when Cat Whitehill attempted to clear out a cross from Heather O’Reilly, but instead headed the ball into her own goal. The game ended 1-1 for the teams that currently have 22 points each. (Sky Blue is below the Freedom on goal differential.)

Philly came out with a win against the Chicago Red Stars on Wednesday on two goals from Lianne Sanderson, and , of course, Amy Rodriguez. It was Rodriguez who scored the first goal of the night in the 53rd minute of play after Lori Lindsey crossed a ball into space. Rodriguez, with her speed, beat the Chicago defense to the ball, touched the it into space around Jillian Loyden and shot the ball into the goal. Ella Masar provided the equalizer for Chicago in the 62nd minute after diving into a cross from Casey Nogueira. Lianne Sanderson sealed it with her free kick in the 78th minute that went into the goal.

On Saturday, the Washington Freedom faced the league-leader, FC Gold Pride. Both teams had their chances in the first half, but FC Gold Pride dominated the second half. Still, they couldn’t get on the board as every shot went wide or over the goal, or was saved or cleared out by the Freedom defense. Marta came the closest to scoring, but her shot ringed off the crossbar in the 75th minute. The game ended 0-0, and it was the third straight scoreless draw for FC Gold Pride.

It seemed like the Atlanta Beat would earn their first win against their fellow expansion team, but a comeback from Philly left the Beat with a 0-2-2 record against them. Johanna Rasmussen gave the Beat an early lead after curving a shot with the outside of her foot past Karina LeBlanc in the 4th minute. in the 16th minute, Lori Chalupny scored for the beat after poking a ball over LeBlanc to make it 2-0. Tina DiMartino took one back after Lianne Sanderson’s freekick went off the wall and fell right to her feet. Her shot sailed into the goal past Hope Solo in the 41st minute. DiMartino scored her second goal to even up the game in the 60th minute after blasting a shot to the top corner of the goal. Joanna Lohman sealed the victory for Philly after shooting a pass from Rodriguez past Hope Solo in the 81st minute.

Finally, the week ended with a 4-0 Breakers dominating win over Sky Blue FC.  The first goal came in the 9th minute and started with a long free kick taken by Amy LePeilbet. Jordan Angeli knocked the ball down and across the goal. The ball got just past Jenni Branam’s fingertips and Lauren Cheney was there to head it home for an early lead. Before the half ended, Stephanie Cox sent a long ball into the penalty area, and Jordan Angeli was there to half-volley a shot over Branam. Just 3 minutes into the second half, the Breakers made it 3-0. A Kristine Lilly corner kick was headed into a mix of Breakers in front of the goal by LePeilbet. Jordan Angeli took a shot on goal that was saved by Branam, but Lindsay Tarpley scored off the rebound. In the 80th minute, Laura Del Rio close out the scoring with a beautiful shot from 20 yards out to the upper corner.

Next week:

• Chicago Red Stars @ Washington Freedom, Thursday, 7:30 pm ET
• Boston Breakers vs. Atlanta Beat, Saturday, Veteran Memorial Stadium, CT, 5 pm ET
• Philadelphia Independence @ Sky Blue FC, Sunday, 4 pm ET, LIVE ON TCN

• FC Gold Pride @ Chicago, Sunday, 6 pm ET, LIVE ON FSC

Other news:

- Julianne Sitch of the Chicago Red Stars walked away late on Wednesday’s match with a knee injury. It was confirmed the next day that she had a torn ACL. She will miss the rest of the season.

- Leslie Osborne, midfielder for Boston, has joined Sitch on the season-ending injury list after suffering a broken collarbone after a reckless challenge from Patrizia Panico in the 87th minute of Sunday’s match.

- Garreth O’Sullivan, head coach of the Atlanta Beat has been released of his coaching duties. James Galanis, has been hired for the remaining 5 games the Atlanta Beat has on their regular season schedule.

WPS Week 17

One playoff spot has been determined after week 17 of Women’s Professional Soccer. That spot, of course, belongs to FC Gold Pride, who has been at the top of the table all season long.  They currently stand in first place ahead of Philadelphia with an 11 point lead. But it’s okay because head coach of the Independence, Paul Riley, has said his goal is to take 2nd place at the end of the season to have home field advantage in the playoffs. However, the Independence dropped a few points this last week, and the Boston Breakers gained a few, so the playoff race is only getting tighter and tighter as the season nears the end.

In mid week action, the Washington Freedom defeated the Philly “Cheesesteaks” by a score of 2-0. In the 17th minute, Nikki Krzysik of the Independence took down Lene Mykjaland inside the penalty area, and a penalty kick was awarded to the Freedom. Abby Wambach’s kick was saved by Val Henderson to keep the game at zero’s. After a long rain delay  in the 32nd minute, the match resumed and in the 39th minute, Abby Wambach headed a long Cat Whitehill cross past Val Henderson’s hands to take the lead.  Just two minutes later, the same play happened. Whitehill took a free kick and sent it long for Wambach to finish once again with a classic combination in women’s soccer.

On Wednesday night, the Boston Breakers also had a game of their own with the Atlanta Beat visiting. Kelly Smith had another multi-goal game to take the Beat down with her two goals. The first goal of the night came just 40 seconds into the match when Lauren Cheney played a long ball to Lindsay Tarpley, who crossed the ball to Smith for a finish past Hope Solo. It wasn’t until the 62nd minute the Smith sealed the victory after shooting a loose ball in the box to the lower right corner of the goal.

The weekend action kicked off with the Atlanta Beat taking on Sky Blue FC, who came away with 3 points. Laura Kalmari sent Sky Blue into the locker room with a 1-0 lead at halftime after scoring in the 44th minute off a corner kick deflection. Eniola Aluko scored the equalizer in the 62nd minute, but Tina Ellertson scored an own goal about 10 minutes later. The game ended 2-1 in favor of Sky Blue who got their first win under Rick Stainton.

FC Gold Pride hosted the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, and the two played to a 0-0 score. The Pride could have secured home field advantage if they had won, but instead, they’re just in the playoffs for sure. Christine Sinclair scored the only goal of the match, but it was called back after a foul on the Red Stars was seen in the box. Both teams walked away with a single point.

The week ended with a draw between the Breakers and the Independence on Sunday. Lauren Cheney got the Breakers on the board first with one of her classics “turn and shoot” plays off a Kelly Smith pass in the 24th minute. Four minutes later, Frida Magnusdottir got the Cheesesteaks into the game after shooting a free kick into the back of the net. Just a couple minutes later, she scored again bending a shot from the left side of the field to the inside of the far post to make it 2-1. Kelly Smith ripped a shot from 25 yards out in the 52nd minute to tie the game. It was an action packed game with Philly having the better chances, and more of, but the score ended 2-2.

Next week:

• Washington Freedom @ Sky Blue FC: Wednesday, 7 pm ET
• Philadelphia @ Chicago Red Stars: Wednesday, 8:30 pm ET
• Washington Freedom @ FC Gold Pride: Saturday, 10 pm ET
• Atlanta Beat @ Philadelphia Independence: Sunday, 6 pm ET
• Sly Blue FC @ Boston Breakers: Sunday, LIVE on FSC, 6 pm ET

Win free Dez Clothing – stylish new line for sport & soccer fans

Do you love soccer? Are you a fashionista? If so, you don’t want to miss the chance to win a stylish top from new apparel company Dez Clothing.

Dez (“ten” in Portuguese) is a line of clothing inspired by and dedicated to players who not only wear the number 10 but who embody its profound meaning. These players do not just play the game but compose their movements and the movements of others into a manifest form of art – a poetic, momentous dance of skill and ingenuity – every time they set foot on the field.

If you relate to the mission, you’ll definitely want to enter to win a FREE signature top.

To win a Dez shirt, you must…

• Follow @prettytough on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/prettytough
• CLICK HERE to send the tweet that enters you in our contest.

Winners will be randomly drawn from the pool of entrants at midnight PST August 10, 2010 and contacted via Twitter direct message. Only residents of the U.S. and Canada are eligible to win. Please no P.O. boxes.

Good Luck to all!

WPS Week 16

The 16th week of WPS kicked off with two mid-week  games as the Philadelphia Independence hosted the Chicago Red Stars while the Beat hosted the Washington Freedom. Amy Rodriguez continued to be on fire as she led Philly to a 3-0 win, and the Beat defeated the Freedom 3-2. The weekend action started with the Freedom traveling to Boston as they fell to the Breakers 3-1. On Sunday, Chicago continued their road trip as they took Sky Blue FC down 2-1, and the Beat and FC Gold Pride played to a scoreless draw.

In the 12th minute of the Philly-Chicago match, Amy Rodriguez scored first for Philly. Lori Lindsey stole the ball in the midfield and played a through ball to Rodriguez who then shot far post to beat Jillian Loyden who was a bit out of position. In the 26th minute, Nikki Krzysik started the counter attack that led to Philly’s second goal. She slid to kick a long pass up the field to find Rodriguez, who with her speed beat two defenders and chipped the ball over Loyden and into the goal. In the 55th minute, Rodriguez also took part in the third goal, but this time she assisted it. She curled a pass inside the box which Caroline Seger calmly volleyed past Loyden to secure the shutout win.

The Beat goes on in Atlanta. The Freedom lost 3-2 on Wednesday night as Monica Ocampo score the game-winning goal for the Beat in the final minutes of the game. The Atlanta Beat scored first in the 20th minute. Aya Miyama played a long ball into space for Johanna Rasmussen who chipped a perfect shot over Ashlyn Harris to the far side netting to make it 1-0. Twenty minutes later, the Freedom equalized. After Kia McNeil failed to clear a pass into the penalty area, Abby Wambach pounced on it to keep the play alive. She played a low cross to Homare Sawa who played it across to Nikki Marshall. Hope Solo got a hand on it, but couldn’t deflect it away from goal and it was 1-1. In the 44th minute, Tina Ellertson cause a penalty kick and earned a yellow card. Hope Solo tipped Sonia Bomastor’s kick over the bar. In the 64th minute, the Freedom took the  lead when Wambach crossed the ball to an unmarked Sarah Huffman who finished off the play in the back post. In the 67th minute, McCall Zzerboni played a ball over the Freedom Backline to Ocampo who went 1v1 with Harris and buried her shot for the equalizer. In the 88th minute, Miyama passed a through ball to Ocampo, who received the pass, cut around a defender, and blasted a shot to the roof off the net to win the game.

The Boston Breakers, in pink, got on the board first as they defeated the Washington Freedom 3-1. In the 20th minute, Amy LePeilbet took a free kick which Jordan Angeli headed and was going wide. Kelly Smith came through at the last second to deflect to ball into goal. In the 56th minute, Cheney was fighting for a ball that she ended up kicking off a defender’s leg and fell to Jordan Angeli who capitalized to make it 2-1. Lene Mykjaland sent a cross to Abby Wambach who sen a header into goal in the 67th minute. 6 minutes before play ended, Amy LePeilbet blasted a low shot on target, and the rebound was knocked into the goal by Lauren Cheney.

The WPS game of the week was the one between first-placed FC Gold Pride and the last-placed Atlanta Beat and although fans watched a scoreless game on FSC, they had to be entertained throughout the full 90. Six minutes in, Aya Miyama played a ball to Eniola Aluko whose shot was saved by Nicole Barnhart. In the 25th minute Kelley O’Hara took a shot on Hope Solo who didn’t go the ball, but was saved by her best friend, the post. In the 42nd minute, Kelley O’Hara had another clear chance, but Hope Solo came up big saving her header at the last minute and then pouncing on the rebound before Tiffany Milbrett got to it. In the 61st minute, Ramona Bachmann laid off a pass to Lori Chalupny whose low shot was saved by Barnhart. Just  a few seconds later, Shannon Boxx headed down a pass and shot a half-volley to the goal, but Hope Solo made a huge diving save to deflect the ball away. The rebound was crossed inside the six-yard box and Milbrett got a foot on it, but her shot went off the crossbar. In the 75th minute, Riley could not run after hurting her hip on a previously play, and let Ocampo take a shot that went just over the bar. Riley was subbed out after that. In the 78th, Ocampo crossed the ball to Bachman whose shot went slowly rolling just wide of the far post. In the 89th, Sinclair blasted a cross from Milbrett straight off the crossbar.

Chicago took an early lead on Sky Blue FC on Sunday as Karen Carney passed the ball to Ella Masar who chipped the ball over Jenni Branam, who was playing in her first WPS this year coming back from a broken patella. The second goal came way later in the 60th minute as Marian Dalmy played a through ball to Caren Carney who scored her first goal this year. Sky Blue was able to get a late goal in stoppage time from Brittany Taylor. Chicago walked away win the 3 points after two disappointing games the previous week.

Next week:

• Philadelphia Independence @ Washington Freedom:Wednesday, 7:30 pm ET
• Atlanta Beat @ Boston Breakers: Wednesday, 7:00 pm ET
• Sky Blue FC @ Atlanta Beat: Saturday, 7:00 pm ET
• Chicago Red Stars @ FC Gold Pride: Saturday, 10:oo pm ET
• Boston Breakers @ Philadelphia Independence: Sunday, 8 pm ET, live on FSC

WPS Week 15

Even without counting the mid-week games, this week was the highest-scoring in WPS history. The Philadelhpia Independence took Sky Blue FC down with a 4-1 score, FC Gold Pride beat the Washington Freedom by the same score, and the Boston Breakers defeated the Chicago Red Stars in 5 minutes by a score of 3-1 over the weekend. The mid-week matchups consisted of a 1-0 win for the Atlanta Beat over Chicago, and a 2-1 win for the Pride against Boston.

Jordan Angeli gave the Breakers a lead in the 30th minute of a Kristine Lilly Cross. However, FC Gold Pride managed to do what rarely happens in WPS; they came back to win it 2-1. A minute later, Aly Riley crossed a ball into the box for Christine Sinclair to equalize. Marta netted home the game winner just before the halftime whistle blew, and the score remained for the rest of the match. FC Gold Pride are well of and it seems they have gotten away with 1st place in the standings. They will very likely host the Championship match on September 26.

Atlanta finally got a winning streak this year after defeating the Red Stars on Wednesday night. This time, Aluko scored the lone goal with a header in the 56th minute, and the rest was a defensive game for the Beat. The Beat are still in last place in the standings with 13 points, and still aren’t completely out of the playoff race. Chicago is in 6th with 17 points.

On Saturday, Philly scored 4 goals against Sky Blue FC, who were running under their new coach, Rick Stainton, and it took a rookie defender to get a consolation goal. Joana Lohman scored first, heading a cross from Caroline Seger into the goal in the 6th minute. A minute later, Seger once again posted an assist and played a perfect long pass to Amy Rodriguez who finished off with a great strike over Kristin Luckenbill. In teh 21st minute, Holmfridur Magnusdottir scored her first WPS goal byr unning down the left flank as always, and taking a shot from inside the box to make it 3-0. In the 2nd half, Seger and Rodriguez once again connected on a simlar play, but this time Rodriguez took a few touches on the ball, and curved a shot past Luckenbill. In the 81st minute, Brittany Taylor ran right through the midfield, and kicked a shot that beat Val Henderson to the goal. Philly are still in 2nd place, well behind FC Gold Pride with 24 points, but well ahead of the 3rd place Boston Breakers who have 19 points.

As if things for the Washington Freedom couldn’t get worse. SInce the beginning, they had been one of the best teams, but lately they haven’t been on the good end of things. On Saturday, after a devasting 3-1 deficit, Erin McLeod went down with what looked like a serious knee injury. With all substitutes used, Cat Whitehill had to thrown on the goalkeeper jersey and gloves, and Tiffeny Milbrett increased the Pride’s lead to 4-1. It wa Milbrett who opened the scoring in the 18th minute as she scored on her own rebound. The Freedom equalized in the 48th minute after Cat Whitehill kicked one of her classic free kicks into the penatly area. Beverly Goebel got her head on it, and a sliding Abby Wambach deflected it into goal. In the 60th minute, Christine Sinclair took advantage of numbers in the Freedom attack and started the counter. She played a through ball to Marta who beat McLeod to make it 2-1. 25 minutes later, Marta scored her second goal of the night, and 13th of the season, after cutting around McLeod and scoring into the open net. In that play, a defender who was chasing Marta kicked McLeod in the knee forcing it to bend in a way it shouldn’t, and that was the end of McLeod for the day, and possibly the season, but I can’t confirm anything until WPS says something. Milbrett scored her 2nd goal late in the game, taking advantage of a a defender in goal.

The last match of the week was between the Chicago Red Stars and the Boston Breakers. Within 5 minutes, the Breakers won the game scoring 3 goals. The Red Stars were able to pull one back in the 2nd half. Kelly Smith scored the first goal in the 9th minute blasting a shot past Jillian Lyoden. 3 minutes later, she scored again after Lindsay Tarpley set her up on a counter attack beating Loyden once again. Two minutes later Smith took part in the Breakers’ third goal this time getting an assist as she took afree kick which Ifeoma Dieke headed into the goal. In the 8th minute, Kosovare Asllani took a free kick that went through everyone in the box and into the goal. With the win, the Breakers jumped up to 3rd place in the standings past the Freedom and Sky Blue FC.

Next week:

• Washington Freedom @ Atlanta Beat: Wednesday, 7:30 pm ET
• Chicago Red Stars @ Philadelphia Independence: Wednesday, 7 pm ET
• Freedom @ Boston Breakers: Saturday, 6pm ET
• FC Gold Pride @ Atlanta: Sunday, 5pm ET, live on FSC
• Chicago @ Sky Blue FC: Sunday, 7 pm ET

PUMA launches Project Pink

On the heels of the biggest soccer event in the world (do you remember a little tournament in South Africa this summer called the World Cup?), sports brand PUMA is excited to announce a new initiative that links women’s soccer with a well-deserving cause: launching this month, PUMA’s Project Pink will strive to raise awareness — and funds — in support of the fight against breast cancer.

In conjunction with their partnership with Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS), PUMA will outfit some of the best female players in the world in special Project Pink kits for five WPS matches. The brand has also created a range of Project Pink merchandise that will be available for purchase beginning this summer and continuing through Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Profits from the sale of PUMA’s Project Pink gear will be donated to a nonprofit committed to breast cancer awareness or research; the beneficiary will be named as the result of a national online voting campaign.

In true PUMA fashion, with an eye on both engaging and empowering the female soccer community, the brand is giving consumers a voice. Launching July 31, PUMA is hosting a forum at wps.pumafootball.com/projectpink that invites interaction with the Project Pink initiative. The site allows for the nomination of breast cancer charities with nonprofit status; supporters can then log on to vote for the winner, who will ultimately receive a donation consisting of 100% of the profits from the sale of PUMA Project Pink product. The nomination period will open on August 7; voting will begin on September 13. The crowd favorite will be announced and the donation made in late October.

WPS teams including the Boston Breakers, Washington Freedom, FC Gold Pride, Philadelphia Independence, and Sky Blue FC have joined with PUMA to rally behind Project Pink, designating matches in July and August to help raise awareness for the cause. Players from each home team will sport special Project Pink kits developed by PUMA, and PUMA’s Project Pink match ball will be utilized throughout each game. Project Pink-themed activities will also be hosted in pre-game Fanzones and throughout the matches. WPS teams the Atlanta Beat and Chicago Red Stars will also support Project Pink with events later in the season.

Project Pink game dates are as follows:

• · Boston Breakers v. Washington Freedom/July 31 at Harvard Stadium
• · FC Gold Pride v. Chicago Red Stars/August 7 at Pioneer Stadium
• · Philadelphia Independence v. Boston Breakers/August 8 at John A. Farrell Stadium
• Sky Blue FC v. Washington Freedom/August 11 at Yurcak Field
• · Washington Freedom v. Sky Blue FC/August 28 at Maryland SoccerPlex

PUMA athlete and Philadelphia Independence goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc will be serving, along with fellow players and PUMA athletes Leslie Osborne (Boston Breakers) and Amy Rodriguez (Philadelphia Independence), as a spokeswoman for the Project Pink cause. “As a woman in sports, I always support promoting an active, healthy lifestyle,” LeBlanc explained. “Plus, a number of my close friends and family have been affected by breast cancer. I’m out here doing what I love, and any chance I have to be a part of a project like this to show my passion for what I do and link with a good cause is a no-brainer.”

WPS Week 14

Week 14 was a pretty predictable week. FC Gold Pride won (I think it’s getting old now). The Breakers, who have recently come alive, earned their third consecutive win. Finally, a lot of people, this writer included, thought Sky Blue was  a team Atlanta could beat (yes, the was intended), and win they did.

On Saturday, FC Gold Pride hosted the Philadelphia Independence. This was promoted as Canada Night, so it was only fair that Canadian international, Christine Sinclair, scored 2 goals to lead the Pride past Philly. The first goal came in the 44th minute. Solveig Gulbrandsen sure went out on a high note, scoring last week and assisting the Pride’s first goal of the day this week after crossing the ball into the area for a Sinclair finish. The second goal came in the 8th minute to secure the win. Marta found Camille Abily, who slipped the ball across the goal for Sinclair to finish with ease. FC Gold Pride has a solid stand in 1st place with 31 points, while the rest of the league trails behind. The Independence stands in second place with 21 points.

On Sunday, the Breakers continued to work their magic and get a 3rd win in a row on goals from the players that probably not everyone was expecting to be the goal scorers: Jordan Angeli, a rookie, and Liz Bogus, who was cut from the team and signed again twice. Except the Breakers didn’t just win. They came back from down a goal, and then they won. Pretty impressive for a team that struggled to find the back of the net since week 2. The Washington Freedom scored first, in the 3rd minute when Sarah Huffman found Nikki Marshall across the goal and got a shot past Alyssa Naeher. In the 23rd minute, Kelly Smith sent a ball to Liz Bogus who slid and nutmegged Erin McLeod for the equalizer.  The game winner came in the 75th minute after Lindsay Tarpley headed a cross to Jordan Angeli, who kicked the ball into the goal from about 3 yards out in between two Freedom defenders. The Freedom are still in 4th place with 17 points, just point ahead of the improving Chicago Red Stars. The Breakers have 16 points, the same amount as the Red Stars, but sit below them in 6th place on goal differential.

The match between Sky Blue FC and the Atlanta Beat closed out play for the week. Atlanta came into Sky Blue’s town, but the defending WPS champions failed to defend their turf as they fell to the Beat by a score of 1-0. Eniola Aluko scored the lone goal in the 7th minute.

ird consecutive win. Finally, a lot of people, this writer included, thought Sky Blue was  a team Atlanta could beat (yes, the was intended), and win they did.

On Saturday, FC Gold Pride hosted the Philadelphia Independence. This was promoted as Canada Night, so it was only fair that Canadian international, Christine Sinclair, scored 2 goals to lead the Pride past Philly. The first goal came in the 44th minute. Solveig Gulbrandsen sure went out on a high note, scoring last week and assisting the Pride’s first goal of the day this week after crossing the ball into the area for a Sinclair finish. The second goal came in the 8th minute to secure the win. Marta found Camille Abily, who slipped the ball across the goal for Sinclair to finish with ease. FC Gold Pride has a solid stand in 1st place with 31 points, while the rest of the league trails behind. The Independence stand in second place with 21 points.

On Sunday, the Breakers continued to work their magic and get a 3rd win in a row on goals from the players that probably not everyone was expecting to be the goal scorers: Jordan Angeli, a rookie, and Liz Bogus, who was cut from the team and signed again twice. Except the Breakers didn’t just win. They came back from down a goal, and then they won. Pretty impressive for a team that struggled since week 2. The Washington Freedom scored first, in the 3rd minute when Sarah Huffman found Nikki Marshall across the goal and got a shot past Alyssa Naeher. In the 23rd minute, Kelly Smith sent a ball to Liz Bogus who slid and nutmegged Erin McLeod for the equalizer.  The game winner came in the 75th minute after Lindsay Tarpley headed a cross to Jordan Angeli, who kicked the ball into the goal from about 3 yards out in between two Freedom defenders. The Freedom are still in 4th place with 17 points, just point ahead of the improving Chicago Red Stars. The Breakers have 16 points, the same amount as the Red Stars, but sit below them in 6th place on goal differential.

The match between Sky Blue FC and the Atlanta Beat closed out play for the week. Atlanta came into Sky Blue’s town, but the defending WPS champions failed to defend their turf as they fell to the Beat by a score of 1-0. Eniola Aluko scored the lone goal in the 7th minute after she finished a cross from Angie Kerr. The Beat is still at the bottom of the standings with 10 points, 6 behind the Breakers.

Next week:

• FC Gold Pride @ Boston Breakers, Wednesday, 7 pm ET
• Chicago Red Stars @Atlanta Beat, Wednesday, 7:30 pm ET
• Sky Blue @ Philadelphia Independence, Saturday, 7 pm ET on CSN P
• FC Gold Pride @ Washington Freedom, Saturday, 7 pm ET
• Boston Breakers @ Chicago Red Stars, Sunday 4 pm ET on CSN NE (live) and CSN C (delayed at 8 pm ET

Get to Know: Leslie Osborne

Leslie Osborne was born in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Growing up, she played many sports, but at the age of 10, she was forced to pick one sport to focus on. Her dad made her put all the sports she played in a hat and pull one out. The one she picked was soccer. So, ever since then, it’s been all about soccer for her.

When she was 11, she met her current teammate, Lindsay Tarpley, at a Regional Camp. Then they found themselves playing together in youth national teams, on the US Women’s National Team, and are even teammates now playing in the same WPS club, the Boston Breakers.

Osborne was twice named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Wisconsin, in 2000 and 2001. She had a great career at Santa Clara earning top honors every year she was there, including the prestigious Honda Award for the nations best athlete in her sport as a senior, ending her career with 44 goals and 34 assists as a forward.

She has now worked her way to a defensive midfielder role. She may look like the girl next door off the soccer field, often doing modeling gigs, and photo shoots for Puma, but you do not want to get slide tackled by her because she will take you out. Standing at 5′ 8″, she will most likely win any header, she can play well both on offense and on defense, which makes her one of the most dangerous players out there. She sure is a handful for opposing teams. But even if she is injured and watching her team struggle to get wins, she will keep a positive attitude and help her team through it.

Always upbeat, Leslie was happy to take the time to answer a few questions about herself. Enjoy!

What is your favorite memory of Santa Clara soccer?

I have so many memories, it’s hard to pick my favorite. I have a special memory my freshman year and my senior year especially. My freshman year I got to play with some of the best players I have ever played with (Danielle Slaton, Devyn Hawkins, Aly Wagner and Anna Kraus). I came in as a freshman and played center forward, it was awesome to win a national championship that year. My senior year was special too because of how much adversity our team had to deal with. Personally I had just got cut from the 2004 Olympic team and having to find the passion for game again. We ended up making it to the NCAA Final Four. I played most of season with torn ligaments in my ankle received the Honda Player of the Year award. I had a very special career at Santa Clara and some of the best memories.

What about your favorite college experience off the field?

Santa Clara was my second home. I love the campus, people, professors and everything about it. I have this feeling there that I have never had before. So many special places, people and memories. I loved my college experience.

We all know you love cheese, but what is your all-time favorite?

I love all cheese. My favorite is Pecorino Romano which is Italian cheese. My grandma gave it to me when I was a baby. I don’t think there is a cheese I don’t like.

What do you think your job would be right now if you weren’t a professional soccer player?

Well my dream job would be helping Puma design my own fashion line. I am trying to work on that. Realistically, I would be coaching college soccer or broadcasting, which I have done both already and hope to do more of.

You have known Lindsay Tarpley for many years. What were your first impressions of her when you first met her?

We have known each other since we have been 11. She is my sister and best friend. We have gone through more together and spent more time together than any of my friends. I met her at Regional Camp when we were 11.  Then she was shy, sweet and such a hard worker. We got along right away and everyone laughed because we were opposites. I was so outgoing, talkative and social. We hit it off right away and have been through a lot with each other.

What’s it like playing together for the youth national teams, and the full national team, and now playing together as professionals?

Playing for the youth national team was a blessing. I got to play against the best players in the country at such a young age. I got to travel the world and experience so many different cultures. I had to balance and prioritize my life. I got to meet so many great teammates, friends and have great coaches at such a young age. I got to represent my country at a young age, nothing compares to that. Tarp and I have gone through every step of the process together. (State, regional, youth national, full national and now WPS).

We have gone through championships, losses, weddings, injuries, traveling and every day activities. I can’t tell you how special it is to play with her professionally; we didn’t think it would happen.

What was the most trouble you got into as a kid?

Oh no… I got in a little bit of trouble in my days. I got caught sneaking out of the house a few times, toilet papering and skipping school.  My parents forgave me. I was a good kid most of the time.

What are some words that people from Wisconsin use that people from anywhere else don’t? (I heard bubbler is water fountain)

Bubbler is a good one. Pop is for soda.  I think it’s more my accent; the way I say bag and all of my A’s. People think I talk like the mom from Bobby’s World.

What is your favorite thing about Boston as a city?

There is so much to do. I love the fans here. It is such a sports city.  I love going to all the sporting events. Bruins, Celtics and Red Sox games are my favorite. I attend a lot of the Revs games as well. There is great shopping, parks, tours and so many great restaurants. I also love all the nice little East Coast get away vacations to Cape Cod and New Hampshire, which has been great.

What is your favorite thing about the Boston Breakers?

The organization as a whole has blown me away. I love this team, I appreciate everyone involved here. They continue to impress me. I am extremely lucky for many reasons. Plus I love wearing that royal blue.

What is/are your favorite movies(s)?

I don’t have one but I do like inspirational movies like Miracle and Hoosiers.

Who is the best player you’ve ever had on your team (in college, pro, or national team)?

The best players I have had on my team have to be Kristine Lilly and Shannon Boxx. I got to play with the 2004 U.S. Women’s National Team with Brandi (Chastain), Mia (Hamm), (Julie) Foudy, etc. but didn’t get to play with them for a long period of time. Lil (Kristine Lilly) and Boxxy (Shannon Boxx) show up every day and they continue to inspire me. Internationally Formiga, Christine Sinclair, and Kelly Smith are my three favorite international players, so happy when they are on my team.

Who is the best player you have played against?

The best player I have ever played against is Kelly Smith. I am so happy she is on my team. I marked her on the U.S. National Team a few times and it was very difficult.

What is your go-to karaoke song?

I don’t do karaoke.  I am tone deaf, but I try to sing a lot though. I would say Deana Carter… “Strawberry Wine.”

Lastly, do you like your full name (Leslie Marie Osborne)?

Yes I love my name…but I like “Les” the best.

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