WPS week 4 roundup

The Washington Freedom allowed three goals in their 3-1 loss to the Boston Breakers on Saturday. The Freedom are first in the league for most goals allowed with six.  Goalkeeper Briana Scurry started all three games this season and has a saves percentage of 65% with 11 saves out of 17 shots on goal. One should wonder whether Freedom head coach Jim Gabarra will be switching goal keepers next week to Canadian National Team player Erin McLeod. Speaking of goalkeeping, Chicago Red Star Caroline Jönnson has been impressive so far this season. Chicago's third place standing can be contributed to Jönnson's 20 saves on the season with 21 shots on goal.

 

The Los Angeles Sol continues its unbeaten streak with a 1-0 win over FC Gold Pride on Sunday. Marta is tied for first with Kelly Smith in goals scored with three goals.  It’s obvious that the Los Angeles Sol are the best team in Women’s Professional Soccer. Los Angeles has an explosive offense with international players Marta, Aya Miyama, and Han Duan. The Sol’s defense isn’t too shabby either.

 

Here’s an interesting stat: Washington Freedom forward Abby Wambach leads the league with shots on goal with 16, but one of the best finishers in women’s soccer has yet to score. I’m still wondering if Wambach is still recovering from the broken leg she suffered last July.

 

Both the Chicago Red Stars and Sky Blue FC played to a 0-0 draw on Sunday. After a shutout in the first half, Sawyers decided to pull goalkeeper Karen Bardsley, who had a phenomenal first half, for Jenni Branam. Bardsley started the previous game against FC Gold Pride, allowing only 1 goal in Sky Blue’s 1-1 tie. Sky Blue head coach Ian Sawyers pulled Branam after their home opener against Los Angeles to get the other keepers some experience in net. Who will start Sky Blue’s next match is anyone’s guess.

 

Don’t hold your breath for Carli Lloyd’s outstanding season. Why are people so surprised that Lloyd hasn’t been playing up to par lately? Anyone who follows the US Women’s National Team knows her temperament – she’ll play poorly one game and outstanding the next. The only thing consistent about Carli Lloyd is her inconsistency.

 

 

WPS standings:

Los Angeles Sol 3-0-0 (9 points)

Boston Breakers 2-1-0 (6 points)

Chicago Red Stars 1-0-2 (5 points)

FC Gold Pride 1-1-1 (4 points)

Sky Blue FC 0-2-1 (2 point)

Washington Freedom 0-2-1 (1 point

St. Louis Athletica 0-2-0 (2 points)

 

Next week’s matchups:

Saturday, April 25

St Louis Athletica @ Los Angeles Sol 4pm

Boston Breakers @ Chicago Red Stars 8:30pm

Sunday, April 26

Washington Freedom @ FC Gold Pride 6pm