WPS Weekly Update
The playoff picture began to take shape this past weekend as the Sol became the Regular Season WPS Champs and two teams were eliminated from playoff contention. A scoreless tie against FC Gold Pride was enough to solidify the LA Sol’s season-long dominance as the first place team this past Thursday. LA goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc recorded her league-high 12th shutout of the season to help the Sol deny the FC Gold Pride. By clinching the top spot, Los Angeles has earned the privilege of hosting this year’s WPS Championship on August 22nd.
In their fourth and final meeting this past Saturday night, Sky Blue FC and the Boston Breakers ended in a scoreless draw. Despite dominating the first half, Boston couldn’t get past NJ keeper Jenni Branam who recorded 8 saves in the game. Both the Breakers and Sky Blue are fighting for a playoff berth and will continue to contend for the top spots.
FC Gold Pride traveled to St. Louis on Sunday, playing to 1-1 tie and preventing Athletica from clinching a playoff spot in the 88th minute of the game. A win for St. Louis would have guaranteed them a spot in the top four, and with a 1-0 lead and only two minutes remaining in the game, it seemed as though Athletica was on their way to the WPS playoff rounds. Just before the final whistle, FC Gold Pride’s Christine Sinclair buried a cross to tie up the game and postpone Athletica’s playoff certainty. Athletica will have another opportunity to cement their playoff spot this Saturday with a win against the Boston Breakers. FC Gold Pride are no longer playoff contenders with their two ties this past week.
The Washington Freedom sunk Chicago’s playoff hopes with another closing minute goal in their 3-2 victory this past Sunday. A pair of goals from Abby Wambach, who recently scored her 100th goal for the national team, put the Freedom ahead by one after falling behind in the first half. Chicago fought back to tie the game at two from a Karen Carney blast in the 69th minute. Second half substitute for the Freedom Allie Long netted the deciding goal in the final minute of the game to capture a win for Washington and eliminate Chicago from the playoff running.
With the Sol cementing first place and two teams mathematically eliminated, the fight for the final three playoff spots is as intense as ever. Less than 10 games remain in the WPS regular season, so tune in to watch teams battle to stay in the running to be WPS Champs in the inaugural year!
Reply