WPS Weekly Update
First place team Los Angeles Sol suffered their first home turf loss this past Wednesday at the hands of St. Louis Athletica. Amanda Cinalli buried the ball in the back of the net off a slotted pass from Eniola Aluko to give St. Louis the lead in the 11th minute of the game. Despite being under pressure the entire game, St. Louis was able to protect their lead to capture a 1-0 victory. The Sol threatened to score on numerous occasions, but Athletica’s Hope Solo came up with four huge saves to preserve her sixth shutout of the season. The Sol almost remained undefeated at home this season as they play the rest of their regular season games on the road.
Sky Blue traveled to Boston on Sunday to defeat the Breakers 2-1. Kai and Rosana both netted their third goals of the season in the first half to put NJ up 2-0 in the first half. A flicked header by Natasha Kai over the Breakers’ goalkeeper Ali Lipsher gave NJ the lead in the 24th minute of the game. Thirteen minutes later, in a show of Brazilian brilliance, Rosana received the ball with her back to goal and buried a shot in the back of the net. Sky Blue maintained control of the game in the second half, and Jen Nobis’ stoppage time goal for the Breakers was too little too late. For the first time this season, Sky Blue FC can boast a spot in the top four in league standings. They will host the Washington Freedom tomorrow (Wednesday July 14) while Boston hosts the Chicago Red Stars.
Cristiane scored the first hat trick in WPS history for Chicago this past Sunday to help her team capture a 3-1 victory over FC Gold Pride. The Red Stars received a penalty kick in the 31st minute of the game which Cristiane stepped up to bury. A crafty goal, created by Megan Rapinoe, gave Cristiane her second of the game in the 64th minute and put Chicago up by two. FC Gold Pride continued to battle back, and managed to shrink the gap with a penalty kick finished by Tiffany Milbrett. Chicago immediately responded, and Cristiane finished a pass from Lindsay Tarpley within a minute of Gold Pride’s goal to complete her hat trick. The win puts Chicago in fifth place behind Boston and Sky Blue, who are tied for third place. Only the top four teams will make playoffs, so tune in to watch teams battle in the final games of the season!
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