WPSL
The Women's Premier Soccer League is an independent national league whose main focus is on the development of highly competitive amateur women's soccer teams. The WPSL also makes every effort to bring quality soccer to all levels of the community and to promote the stature of female athletes as role models for our youth.
Aug. 2, 2011
WPSL Championship, A Game of Inches
By Kaeley McEvoy
Al Pacino delivered one of the most inspirational sports speeches ever given in the 1999 film, Any Given Sunday. In the film, Pacino lit a burning flame of passion underneath his fictional team, saying, “Life is a game of inches ... the inches we need are everywhere around us. They’re in every break of the game, every minute, every second…and when you add up all those inches, that’s going to make the difference between winning and losing.” When the Chicago Red Stars and Orange County Waves stepped on field Sunday, July 31, at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex to compete for the WPSL National Championship, both teams knew that they would have to fight for every inch to walk away with the title.
As if winning a national championship was not enough, both teams had an incredible amount to play for heading in to the national final. The Orange County Waves were one of a small handful of professional teams out of the 60 clubs in the WPSL. While Chicago Red Stars, a former WPS team, were out to win a title during their inaugural season in the WPSL. The Orange County Waves, however, were able to walk away with the 2011 National Championship with a 2-1 overtime victory, resurrecting hope that professional teams can still prosper on the women’s side.
The game was a rollercoaster of passion and emotion as the teams were locked in a draw after 40 minutes. As time ticked on, it became more clear that inches would be the determining factor in this head-to-head match. The Waves got on the board first in the 43rd minute with a goal from Kiki Bosio. As the second half progressed, the
Waves seemed to have the title within reach until the Red Stars made a final push for a dramatic finish in the 88th minute.
Red Star forward and University of Notre Dame standout Michele Weissenhofer launched a miraculous ball in to the box from the right side of the field off a flip throw-in to set up the game-tying goal. The ball bounced in the box momentarily and was then juggled quickly by midfielder Julie Ewing. Ewing then netted the electrifying final goal for the Red Stars to send the game into overtime.
Two 15-minute overtimes were then played to determine the 2011 WPSL champion. It was in the 101st minute that WPSL Championship MVP Tanya Taylor scored the game-winning goal for the Waves. Taylor, a 2010 draft pick of the Boston Breakers in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), received a perfectly timed ball from midfielder Brittany Klein to slot away the final tally. Waves Head Coach Abner Rogers praised Klein’s ball placement and Taylor’s composure.
"The timing of that was great, and she made a great run," Rogers said. "She was calm with her finish. It was a great goal.”
The Waves were able to hang on for the remainder of overtime, although the Red Stars continued to press the Waves' net. Red Stars Head Coach Rory Dames commented, “Vanessa Laxgang and Amanda Cinalli both got great looks in the last minute of stoppage time of the overtime.” Yet, last minute looks were not enough for the Red Stars in the end, as the Waves fought for every final inch during the remaining minutes of overtime.
On Sunday, two teams came to the WPSL National Final, both with something to prove, both ready to fight until the end for the ultimate WPSL glory. However, after
120 minutes of play, the Orange County Waves were able to inch out of the National Championship and hoist the trophy. The Waves finished their season with a 13-1-0 record while the Red Stars recorded an 11-2-0 mark. Both teams look forward to restarting the journey next season, either in the W-League or the WPSL, with aspirations of competing once again for every inch on the national level.
WPSL Championship, A Game of Inches
By Kaeley McEvoy
Al Pacino delivered one of the most inspirational sports speeches ever given in the 1999 film, Any Given Sunday. In the film, Pacino lit a burning flame of passion underneath his fictional team, saying, “Life is a game of inches ... the inches we need are everywhere around us. They’re in every break of the game, every minute, every second…and when you add up all those inches, that’s going to make the difference between winning and losing.” When the Chicago Red Stars and Orange County Waves stepped on field Sunday, July 31, at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex to compete for the WPSL National Championship, both teams knew that they would have to fight for every inch to walk away with the title.
As if winning a national championship was not enough, both teams had an incredible amount to play for heading in to the national final. The Orange County Waves were one of a small handful of professional teams out of the 60 clubs in the WPSL. While Chicago Red Stars, a former WPS team, were out to win a title during their inaugural season in the WPSL. The Orange County Waves, however, were able to walk away with the 2011 National Championship with a 2-1 overtime victory, resurrecting hope that professional teams can still prosper on the women’s side.
The game was a rollercoaster of passion and emotion as the teams were locked in a draw after 40 minutes. As time ticked on, it became more clear that inches would be the determining factor in this head-to-head match. The Waves got on the board first in the 43rd minute with a goal from Kiki Bosio. As the second half progressed, the
Waves seemed to have the title within reach until the Red Stars made a final push for a dramatic finish in the 88th minute.
Red Star forward and University of Notre Dame standout Michele Weissenhofer launched a miraculous ball in to the box from the right side of the field off a flip throw-in to set up the game-tying goal. The ball bounced in the box momentarily and was then juggled quickly by midfielder Julie Ewing. Ewing then netted the electrifying final goal for the Red Stars to send the game into overtime.
Two 15-minute overtimes were then played to determine the 2011 WPSL champion. It was in the 101st minute that WPSL Championship MVP Tanya Taylor scored the game-winning goal for the Waves. Taylor, a 2010 draft pick of the Boston Breakers in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), received a perfectly timed ball from midfielder Brittany Klein to slot away the final tally. Waves Head Coach Abner Rogers praised Klein’s ball placement and Taylor’s composure.
"The timing of that was great, and she made a great run," Rogers said. "She was calm with her finish. It was a great goal.”
The Waves were able to hang on for the remainder of overtime, although the Red Stars continued to press the Waves' net. Red Stars Head Coach Rory Dames commented, “Vanessa Laxgang and Amanda Cinalli both got great looks in the last minute of stoppage time of the overtime.” Yet, last minute looks were not enough for the Red Stars in the end, as the Waves fought for every final inch during the remaining minutes of overtime.
On Sunday, two teams came to the WPSL National Final, both with something to prove, both ready to fight until the end for the ultimate WPSL glory. However, after
120 minutes of play, the Orange County Waves were able to inch out of the National Championship and hoist the trophy. The Waves finished their season with a 13-1-0 record while the Red Stars recorded an 11-2-0 mark. Both teams look forward to restarting the journey next season, either in the W-League or the WPSL, with aspirations of competing once again for every inch on the national level.
July 26, 2011
WPSL Week in Review: Four teams brace for championship weekend
By Kaeley McEvoy
Three months, 62 teams, and more than 400 games have finally led up to the WPSL National Championship. Four teams now remain in the quest for WPSL glory. The Tampa Bay Hellenic, Chicago Red Stars, Orange County Wave, and defending WPSL champions, the Boston Aztec Reserves, will compete this weekend in the WPSL Final Four in Lisle, Illinois. The Tampa Bay Hellenic and Chicago Red Stars reserved their spots earlier in July when they captured the Sunshine Conference and the Mid-West Conference titles, respectively. This weekend, however, the Boston Aztec Reserves and the Orange County Wave played in the Eastern and Pacific Conference Regional playoffs for a chance to compete for the WPSL crown.
In the Eastern Conference, the Aztec Reserves beat a surprisingly impressive ASA Chesapeake Charge squad, 3-0, on Sunday, July 24. The Charge were seeded third in the Mid-Atlantic Division heading in to playoffs. However, the Charge were able to upset the Northeast Division second seed, CFC Passion, 3-1, and the Mid-Atlantic Division first seed, New York Fury, 1-0, to earn a spot in the Eastern Conference final.
The Boston Aztec Reserves, however, we not ready to succumb to another upset by the Charge. After beating their younger sister, the Boston Aztec U23s, 4-0, on Thursday, July 21, the Reserves were ready to capture their second Eastern Conference Regional title in two years. The Reserves beat the Charge, 3-0, on Sunday, July 24, to claim the Eastern Conference Regional Championship. The Reserves will now face the Pacific Conference Regional Champions, the Orange County Waves, on Saturday, July 30 in the National SemiFinal.
On the West Coast, penalty kicks paved the road to the National Championship for the Orange County Waves. After playing for 120 minutes to a 1-1 draw, the Waves and the San Diego SeaLions were forced to use penalties to break the stalemate. The Waves beat the SeaLions, 4-1, in penalty kicks on Sunday, July 24, to earn a spot in the final four.
The WPSL National Championship will take place in the Village of the Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex in Lisle, Illinois on Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31. The final match-ups promise to be a world-class display of women’s soccer at one of its highest levels. Each team, composed of former National Team and Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) players, is more than capable of hoisting the WPSL trophy on Sunday, but only the beautiful game can tell us which team it will be.
The WPSL National Championship (semifinals and finals) will be webcast live. The 2011 WPSL National Championship webcasts will be accessible at www.ChicagoRedStars.com and www.WPSL.info.
WPSL Week in Review: Four teams brace for championship weekend
By Kaeley McEvoy
Three months, 62 teams, and more than 400 games have finally led up to the WPSL National Championship. Four teams now remain in the quest for WPSL glory. The Tampa Bay Hellenic, Chicago Red Stars, Orange County Wave, and defending WPSL champions, the Boston Aztec Reserves, will compete this weekend in the WPSL Final Four in Lisle, Illinois. The Tampa Bay Hellenic and Chicago Red Stars reserved their spots earlier in July when they captured the Sunshine Conference and the Mid-West Conference titles, respectively. This weekend, however, the Boston Aztec Reserves and the Orange County Wave played in the Eastern and Pacific Conference Regional playoffs for a chance to compete for the WPSL crown.
In the Eastern Conference, the Aztec Reserves beat a surprisingly impressive ASA Chesapeake Charge squad, 3-0, on Sunday, July 24. The Charge were seeded third in the Mid-Atlantic Division heading in to playoffs. However, the Charge were able to upset the Northeast Division second seed, CFC Passion, 3-1, and the Mid-Atlantic Division first seed, New York Fury, 1-0, to earn a spot in the Eastern Conference final.
The Boston Aztec Reserves, however, we not ready to succumb to another upset by the Charge. After beating their younger sister, the Boston Aztec U23s, 4-0, on Thursday, July 21, the Reserves were ready to capture their second Eastern Conference Regional title in two years. The Reserves beat the Charge, 3-0, on Sunday, July 24, to claim the Eastern Conference Regional Championship. The Reserves will now face the Pacific Conference Regional Champions, the Orange County Waves, on Saturday, July 30 in the National SemiFinal.
On the West Coast, penalty kicks paved the road to the National Championship for the Orange County Waves. After playing for 120 minutes to a 1-1 draw, the Waves and the San Diego SeaLions were forced to use penalties to break the stalemate. The Waves beat the SeaLions, 4-1, in penalty kicks on Sunday, July 24, to earn a spot in the final four.
The WPSL National Championship will take place in the Village of the Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex in Lisle, Illinois on Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31. The final match-ups promise to be a world-class display of women’s soccer at one of its highest levels. Each team, composed of former National Team and Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) players, is more than capable of hoisting the WPSL trophy on Sunday, but only the beautiful game can tell us which team it will be.
The WPSL National Championship (semifinals and finals) will be webcast live. The 2011 WPSL National Championship webcasts will be accessible at www.ChicagoRedStars.com and www.WPSL.info.
July 19, 2011
WPSL Week in Review: Playoffs displayed world-class talent
By Kaeley McEvoy
The overwhelming support for the US National Team was felt throughout the entire country this weekend. In the homes of families who cannot even explain the offsides rule and in the hearts of older men who were unaware of how many penalty kickers were to end the double overtime draw, women’s soccer became front page news this weekend. As the National Team travels back from Germany and women’s soccer leaves the weekly lineup on ESPN, there is hope that some new fans will look domestically to fulfill their newly found soccer fix. The WPS, W-League, and WPSL all hope to gain support from the World Cup because these competitive national leagues are truly where the stars of the current National Team were born. The playoffs in the WPSL certainly displayed this world class talent over the weekend.
In the Midwest this weekend, the Chicago Red Stars gained the Conference title after beating their inter-division rival F.C. Milwaukee in the final. The Red Stars were the number one seed from the Midwest-North Division. They beat the number two seed from the South Division, F.C. Indiana, 4-0, on Saturday. Milwaukee beat the number one seed from the South Division, Ohio Premier Elite, 1-0, on Saturday to earn their spot against the Red Stars in the final match of the division. On Sunday, the Red Stars beat Milwaukee with a very convincing score of 4-0 to earn the title of Conference champions. The Red Stars will now play the champions of the Sunshine Conference, the Tampa Bay Hellenic, to earn a spot in the WPSL National Championship.
The Hellenic finished their season 10-1-1 and will be a good test for the Red Stars. The team scored 11 goals in their final two matches of the season beating Brandon F.C., 5-0, on Thursday, July 14, and FSA Freedom, 6-0, on Sunday, July 17 to finish out their regular season. The Red Stars will travel to Tampa, Florida this coming weekend to play the Hellenic to determine which team will move on the the WPSL semifinal match. The time and location of the match has yet to be determined.
The playoff brackets in the Pacific Conference were finally secured this weekend. In the North Division, the Bay Area Breeze beat the West Coast Wildkatz, 1-0, on Sunday, July 17 to gain the first-place spot in their division. The Breeze will now play the San Diego SeaLions on Saturday, July 23, in the Conference semifinal. In the other semifinal, the Orange County Waves, who earned the first place in the Pac-South division, will play North Bay FC Wave, second place in the Pac-North division. The winners of these two games will meet in the the final game in the Pacific Conference playoffs on Sunday, July 24.
On the East Coast this weekend, the Eastern Conference began quarterfinal action. The top three teams from the Northeast division matched up against the final third of the Mid-Atlantic division. The CFC Passion was able to overcome their slow start to finish in the first place spot in the Northeast division, while the New York Fury stole first place on the Mid-Atlantic side. The New York Fury won their first playoff game against the New England Mutiny on Saturday, July 16th. The Mutiny were able to gain a playoff spot in their final game of the season when they held division champions CFC to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday, July 13th. However, their playoff hopes were soon demolished in the first round when the Fury scored four goals and won the game, 4-1. The second quarterfinal match between the New York Athletic Club and the Boston Aztec Reserves was much closer than the Fury and Mutiny game. The teams played a full 90 minutes without a goal on Saturday, July 16, and in World Cup fashion, the Aztecs waited until the second overtime to capitalize on their opportunities. Former University of West Virginia forward Megan Mischler scored the game-winning goal in the second overtime period to give the Aztecs the victory. The final game in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals will take place on Tuesday, July 19, when the CFC Passion play ASA Chesapeake Charge at Yale University.
The Chicago Red Stars will host the 2011 National Championship on Saturday and Sunday, July 30-21. The Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex in west suburban Lisle, Illinois will host the National Semifinals and National Championship.
WPSL Week in Review: Playoffs displayed world-class talent
By Kaeley McEvoy
The overwhelming support for the US National Team was felt throughout the entire country this weekend. In the homes of families who cannot even explain the offsides rule and in the hearts of older men who were unaware of how many penalty kickers were to end the double overtime draw, women’s soccer became front page news this weekend. As the National Team travels back from Germany and women’s soccer leaves the weekly lineup on ESPN, there is hope that some new fans will look domestically to fulfill their newly found soccer fix. The WPS, W-League, and WPSL all hope to gain support from the World Cup because these competitive national leagues are truly where the stars of the current National Team were born. The playoffs in the WPSL certainly displayed this world class talent over the weekend.
In the Midwest this weekend, the Chicago Red Stars gained the Conference title after beating their inter-division rival F.C. Milwaukee in the final. The Red Stars were the number one seed from the Midwest-North Division. They beat the number two seed from the South Division, F.C. Indiana, 4-0, on Saturday. Milwaukee beat the number one seed from the South Division, Ohio Premier Elite, 1-0, on Saturday to earn their spot against the Red Stars in the final match of the division. On Sunday, the Red Stars beat Milwaukee with a very convincing score of 4-0 to earn the title of Conference champions. The Red Stars will now play the champions of the Sunshine Conference, the Tampa Bay Hellenic, to earn a spot in the WPSL National Championship.
The Hellenic finished their season 10-1-1 and will be a good test for the Red Stars. The team scored 11 goals in their final two matches of the season beating Brandon F.C., 5-0, on Thursday, July 14, and FSA Freedom, 6-0, on Sunday, July 17 to finish out their regular season. The Red Stars will travel to Tampa, Florida this coming weekend to play the Hellenic to determine which team will move on the the WPSL semifinal match. The time and location of the match has yet to be determined.
The playoff brackets in the Pacific Conference were finally secured this weekend. In the North Division, the Bay Area Breeze beat the West Coast Wildkatz, 1-0, on Sunday, July 17 to gain the first-place spot in their division. The Breeze will now play the San Diego SeaLions on Saturday, July 23, in the Conference semifinal. In the other semifinal, the Orange County Waves, who earned the first place in the Pac-South division, will play North Bay FC Wave, second place in the Pac-North division. The winners of these two games will meet in the the final game in the Pacific Conference playoffs on Sunday, July 24.
On the East Coast this weekend, the Eastern Conference began quarterfinal action. The top three teams from the Northeast division matched up against the final third of the Mid-Atlantic division. The CFC Passion was able to overcome their slow start to finish in the first place spot in the Northeast division, while the New York Fury stole first place on the Mid-Atlantic side. The New York Fury won their first playoff game against the New England Mutiny on Saturday, July 16th. The Mutiny were able to gain a playoff spot in their final game of the season when they held division champions CFC to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday, July 13th. However, their playoff hopes were soon demolished in the first round when the Fury scored four goals and won the game, 4-1. The second quarterfinal match between the New York Athletic Club and the Boston Aztec Reserves was much closer than the Fury and Mutiny game. The teams played a full 90 minutes without a goal on Saturday, July 16, and in World Cup fashion, the Aztecs waited until the second overtime to capitalize on their opportunities. Former University of West Virginia forward Megan Mischler scored the game-winning goal in the second overtime period to give the Aztecs the victory. The final game in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals will take place on Tuesday, July 19, when the CFC Passion play ASA Chesapeake Charge at Yale University.
The Chicago Red Stars will host the 2011 National Championship on Saturday and Sunday, July 30-21. The Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex in west suburban Lisle, Illinois will host the National Semifinals and National Championship.
July 14, 2011
WPSL Week in Review: Playoff race heating up
By Kaeley McEvoy
As the World Cup final is only a few days away, the WPSL playoffs are just beginning to heat up. This weekend, teams battled to secure playoff berths and conference titles. However, with a few single matches left to determine the finalized playoff schedule, the coming weekend could be the most exciting yet.
In the Sunshine Conference, the Tampa Bay Hellenic and Florida Sol FC are currently tied with 25 points for the first place spot in the division. The Hellenic had a great performance this weekend winning two of their games. They beat Palm Beach United, 1-0, on Saturday and Florida Sol FC, 2-1, on Sunday. The Hellenic still have two
games remaining in the their regular season and have the potential to clinch the Sunshine title by winning one of their final games. Hellenic’s 2-1 victory was the last match of the season for Sol FC. The Sol now have to await the results of the Gulf Coast Texans to determine their future. The Texans are currently in third place in the division with 19 points, but have two games remaining. If the Texans can steal six points from the South Florida Strikers and Brandon FC, they may have a shot at a second place finish in the division.
Unlike the Sunshine Conference, standings in the Mid-West Division are now secured. The North Division Champions, the Chicago Red Stars will play the South second-place finisher, F.C. Indiana, while the South Division Champions, Ohio Premier, will play North second-seed F.C. Milwaukee. The Red Stars look ready for the playoffs after winning both games this weekend and scoring a combined 14 goals. The Red Stars beat the Iowa Rush, 5-0, on Saturday and the Minnesota Kings, 9-0, on Sunday to secure their first-place finish in the division. Second-place finishers, F.C. Milwaukee, also had an impressive weekend, finishing out their regular season with two wins. Milwaukee beat the Eclipse Select, 6-2, on Thursday and the Madison 56ers, 2-0, on Sunday.
The South Division Champions also recorded two wins in their final weekend of play. Ohio Premier beat Fort Wayne F.C., 4-0, and finished a tough game against Indiana United, 2-1. The time and dates of the Mid-West playoffs has yet to be determined.
In the Big Sky Conference play-off spots are just beginning to take form. On the South side, Oklahoma Alliance leads the division with 27 points. Alliance has two games
left in the their regular season but can call themselves champions this weekend after their 4-2 win against the Arkansas Comets. F.C. Dallas and the Fort Worth Panthers are still competing for the second-place spot in the division, with Dallas currently in the lead by five points. If the Panthers win their next three games against FC Dallas, Arkansas Comets, and the Tulsa Spirit, they have a chance to steal the silver medal. The Big Sky North Division Champions were crowned this weekend. The Phoenix Del Sol captured the top spot in the division after beating the Utah Starzz, 1-0, and the Salt Lake City Sparta, 2-1. The second-place spot was to be determined in a head-to-head match against the Utah Starzz and the Salt Lake City Sparta on Wednesday. The Sparta has a chance to tie the Starzz for second place with a win.
The Eastern Conference crowned two Champions this weekend in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Division, but the second-place spot in the Eastern Division has yet to be
secured. The Boston Aztec U23 squad pulled off a 1-0 victory over the CFC Passion on Thursday to win the Northeast Division first-place spot. While the New York Athletic Club gained six points in their final two matches to steal the Mid-Atlantic Division title. Head Coach Courtney Carroll has high hopes for her team heading in to playoffs. “I am so proud of the NYAC players as their collective effort and energy has been excellent throughout the season. I believe we are just beginning to play our best soccer and of course we will need to in order to advance deeper into the playoffs,” Carroll said. The New York Athletic Club will face an opponent that was to be determined by the Wednesday night matchup on the Northeast side of the conference. CFC Passion has a chance to beat out the Boston Aztec Reserve squad for the second-place spot in the division if they beat the New England Mutiny in their final match of the season at Yale University. Second place in the Mid-Atlantic Division goes to the New York Fury who will now face the Boston Aztec U23 team in the playoffs. Therefore only one game remains in the race to finish off the Eastern Conference playoff spots. The winner of the Eastern Conference of the WPSL has won the WPSL Championship in three of the past five seasons.
Teams from the Pacific Conference are aiming to keep the Eastern Conference Championship count at three this season. In the Pacific South Division, the San Diego
SeaLions and the Orange County Waves are both on to the playoffs. However, which team will claim the division title still remains a mystery. The teams are tied at 24 points each and both will finish their regular season games on Saturday. The Waves' last game is against Ajax American, and the SeaLions will face the Los Al Vikings in their last contest. SeaLions Head Coach Jen Lalor-Nielsen was impressed with her team's performance this weekend, saying, “This weekend proved to be an important one on many levels. “Not only did we clinch a playoff spot, but more importantly we played well and with class. We scored 10 goals in two games, and only conceded one.
We played smart, consistent soccer all weekend. The players have really come together. They believe in each other and in the system in which we play. ”
In the Pacific North, the North Bay FC Wave and the Bay Area Breeze are similarly competing for the first and second-place spots in the division. North Bay FC are currently in the lead with 20 points but only have one more game against the West Coast Wildkatz on Saturday. The Breeze are only one point behind North Bay with 19 points
recorded. The Breeze, however, have two games left on their regular season schedule. Games on Saturday and Sunday against the Clovis Sidekicks and the West Coast
Wildkatz will determine the fate of the Breeze.
WPSL Week in Review: Playoff race heating up
By Kaeley McEvoy
As the World Cup final is only a few days away, the WPSL playoffs are just beginning to heat up. This weekend, teams battled to secure playoff berths and conference titles. However, with a few single matches left to determine the finalized playoff schedule, the coming weekend could be the most exciting yet.
In the Sunshine Conference, the Tampa Bay Hellenic and Florida Sol FC are currently tied with 25 points for the first place spot in the division. The Hellenic had a great performance this weekend winning two of their games. They beat Palm Beach United, 1-0, on Saturday and Florida Sol FC, 2-1, on Sunday. The Hellenic still have two
games remaining in the their regular season and have the potential to clinch the Sunshine title by winning one of their final games. Hellenic’s 2-1 victory was the last match of the season for Sol FC. The Sol now have to await the results of the Gulf Coast Texans to determine their future. The Texans are currently in third place in the division with 19 points, but have two games remaining. If the Texans can steal six points from the South Florida Strikers and Brandon FC, they may have a shot at a second place finish in the division.
Unlike the Sunshine Conference, standings in the Mid-West Division are now secured. The North Division Champions, the Chicago Red Stars will play the South second-place finisher, F.C. Indiana, while the South Division Champions, Ohio Premier, will play North second-seed F.C. Milwaukee. The Red Stars look ready for the playoffs after winning both games this weekend and scoring a combined 14 goals. The Red Stars beat the Iowa Rush, 5-0, on Saturday and the Minnesota Kings, 9-0, on Sunday to secure their first-place finish in the division. Second-place finishers, F.C. Milwaukee, also had an impressive weekend, finishing out their regular season with two wins. Milwaukee beat the Eclipse Select, 6-2, on Thursday and the Madison 56ers, 2-0, on Sunday.
The South Division Champions also recorded two wins in their final weekend of play. Ohio Premier beat Fort Wayne F.C., 4-0, and finished a tough game against Indiana United, 2-1. The time and dates of the Mid-West playoffs has yet to be determined.
In the Big Sky Conference play-off spots are just beginning to take form. On the South side, Oklahoma Alliance leads the division with 27 points. Alliance has two games
left in the their regular season but can call themselves champions this weekend after their 4-2 win against the Arkansas Comets. F.C. Dallas and the Fort Worth Panthers are still competing for the second-place spot in the division, with Dallas currently in the lead by five points. If the Panthers win their next three games against FC Dallas, Arkansas Comets, and the Tulsa Spirit, they have a chance to steal the silver medal. The Big Sky North Division Champions were crowned this weekend. The Phoenix Del Sol captured the top spot in the division after beating the Utah Starzz, 1-0, and the Salt Lake City Sparta, 2-1. The second-place spot was to be determined in a head-to-head match against the Utah Starzz and the Salt Lake City Sparta on Wednesday. The Sparta has a chance to tie the Starzz for second place with a win.
The Eastern Conference crowned two Champions this weekend in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Division, but the second-place spot in the Eastern Division has yet to be
secured. The Boston Aztec U23 squad pulled off a 1-0 victory over the CFC Passion on Thursday to win the Northeast Division first-place spot. While the New York Athletic Club gained six points in their final two matches to steal the Mid-Atlantic Division title. Head Coach Courtney Carroll has high hopes for her team heading in to playoffs. “I am so proud of the NYAC players as their collective effort and energy has been excellent throughout the season. I believe we are just beginning to play our best soccer and of course we will need to in order to advance deeper into the playoffs,” Carroll said. The New York Athletic Club will face an opponent that was to be determined by the Wednesday night matchup on the Northeast side of the conference. CFC Passion has a chance to beat out the Boston Aztec Reserve squad for the second-place spot in the division if they beat the New England Mutiny in their final match of the season at Yale University. Second place in the Mid-Atlantic Division goes to the New York Fury who will now face the Boston Aztec U23 team in the playoffs. Therefore only one game remains in the race to finish off the Eastern Conference playoff spots. The winner of the Eastern Conference of the WPSL has won the WPSL Championship in three of the past five seasons.
Teams from the Pacific Conference are aiming to keep the Eastern Conference Championship count at three this season. In the Pacific South Division, the San Diego
SeaLions and the Orange County Waves are both on to the playoffs. However, which team will claim the division title still remains a mystery. The teams are tied at 24 points each and both will finish their regular season games on Saturday. The Waves' last game is against Ajax American, and the SeaLions will face the Los Al Vikings in their last contest. SeaLions Head Coach Jen Lalor-Nielsen was impressed with her team's performance this weekend, saying, “This weekend proved to be an important one on many levels. “Not only did we clinch a playoff spot, but more importantly we played well and with class. We scored 10 goals in two games, and only conceded one.
We played smart, consistent soccer all weekend. The players have really come together. They believe in each other and in the system in which we play. ”
In the Pacific North, the North Bay FC Wave and the Bay Area Breeze are similarly competing for the first and second-place spots in the division. North Bay FC are currently in the lead with 20 points but only have one more game against the West Coast Wildkatz on Saturday. The Breeze are only one point behind North Bay with 19 points
recorded. The Breeze, however, have two games left on their regular season schedule. Games on Saturday and Sunday against the Clovis Sidekicks and the West Coast
Wildkatz will determine the fate of the Breeze.
July 7, 2011
WPSL Week in Review: Teams make final playoff push in final week of season
By Kaeley McEvoy
As team U.S.A netted three goals against Colombia and Marta juggled her way through Norway, there was no shortage of exciting women’s soccer on the Atlantic side of the ocean. The seventh weekend of the WPSL saw a series of tough matchups in the Big Sky, Midwest, and Sunshine conferences.
Oklahoma Alliance F.C. have one team standing in its way of clinching back-to-back conference titles, F.C. Dallas. Dallas scored 10 goals in two matches this weekend and looks to compete for the Big Sky-South title. Dallas beat the Tulsa Spirit, 5-0, on Friday, July 1st and also won 5-3 against the Arkansas Comets on Sunday. Comets forward Lauren Wentz scored a hat trick on Dallas keeper Megan Ross, but it was not enough to stop Dallas’ offensive power. After its impressive performance this weekend, Dallas clinched first place in the Big Sky-South Division. With three games left for both Dallas and Alliance F.C., the division title could potentially be determined in a head-to-head match on Sunday, July 17th at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. On the opposing side of the Big Sky Conference, only one game was played this weekend. On Friday, July 1st, the Phoenix Del Sol beat F.C. St. George, 4-2. F.C. Dallas, however, was not the only team to gain six points this weekend.
The Chicago Red Stars also won both of their matches over the holiday weekend. On Thursday, June 30th, the Red Stars beat the defending conference champions F.C. Milwaukee Nationals, 4-2, and on Sunday they scored five goals on Iowa Rush to win 5-0. The Red Stars are now in first place in the Midwest-North Division. Minnesota Kings F.C. also played two games this weekend, but did not have as much success as the Red Stars. The Kings were able to beat the Madison 56ers on Friday, July 1st, but were not as lucky the following day in their match against Eclipse Select. The Kings tied Eclipse Select, 1-1, placing them in third place behind the Red Stars and Nationals in the Midwest-North Division.
After a tough start early in the season, the F.C. Bucks are making a very strong push towards an East-Mid-Atlantic title. The Bucks have won six of their past seven games and beat Chelsea Metro on Wednesday, June 29th by a very convincing 8-0 score. They will play their final game of the season against the New York Fury, who are currently in second place, on Saturday, July 9th. On the other side of the Eastern Conference, the New England Mutiny beat the Boston Aztec U23 team in the only game of the weekend. After two losses to the CFC Passion and CT SoccerPlus Reds last week, the Mutiny saw the playoffs slipping from their grasp. However, the 2-1 win over the currently first-place Boston Aztec U23s gives the Mutiny hope for a spot in the postseason. The next two matches against Seacoast United and CFC Passion are now vital for the Mutiny’s success this season.
In the Sunshine Conference this weekend, Florida Sol F.C. won a clutch game against the Gulf Coast Texans on Sunday, July 3rd to take the top spot in the division. The Texans had a chance to take first place after beating FSA Freedom, 5-1, on Saturday, but they were unable to overcome the offensive threat of the Sol on Sunday. The final weeks of the Sunshine Conference promise to entertain as four teams are still in the running for the division title.
On the West Coast, the Pacific Conference hosted a series of friendly matches between top teams in the Pacific-North and Pacific-South Divisions. The North Bay F.C. Wave and Bay Area Breeze from the Pacific-North Division traveled south to play against competition from Southern California. Although, both teams walked away from their road trip with a win and a tie, much-needed experience was gained by all teams heading towards the final weeks of the season.
WPSL Week in Review: Teams make final playoff push in final week of season
By Kaeley McEvoy
As team U.S.A netted three goals against Colombia and Marta juggled her way through Norway, there was no shortage of exciting women’s soccer on the Atlantic side of the ocean. The seventh weekend of the WPSL saw a series of tough matchups in the Big Sky, Midwest, and Sunshine conferences.
Oklahoma Alliance F.C. have one team standing in its way of clinching back-to-back conference titles, F.C. Dallas. Dallas scored 10 goals in two matches this weekend and looks to compete for the Big Sky-South title. Dallas beat the Tulsa Spirit, 5-0, on Friday, July 1st and also won 5-3 against the Arkansas Comets on Sunday. Comets forward Lauren Wentz scored a hat trick on Dallas keeper Megan Ross, but it was not enough to stop Dallas’ offensive power. After its impressive performance this weekend, Dallas clinched first place in the Big Sky-South Division. With three games left for both Dallas and Alliance F.C., the division title could potentially be determined in a head-to-head match on Sunday, July 17th at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. On the opposing side of the Big Sky Conference, only one game was played this weekend. On Friday, July 1st, the Phoenix Del Sol beat F.C. St. George, 4-2. F.C. Dallas, however, was not the only team to gain six points this weekend.
The Chicago Red Stars also won both of their matches over the holiday weekend. On Thursday, June 30th, the Red Stars beat the defending conference champions F.C. Milwaukee Nationals, 4-2, and on Sunday they scored five goals on Iowa Rush to win 5-0. The Red Stars are now in first place in the Midwest-North Division. Minnesota Kings F.C. also played two games this weekend, but did not have as much success as the Red Stars. The Kings were able to beat the Madison 56ers on Friday, July 1st, but were not as lucky the following day in their match against Eclipse Select. The Kings tied Eclipse Select, 1-1, placing them in third place behind the Red Stars and Nationals in the Midwest-North Division.
After a tough start early in the season, the F.C. Bucks are making a very strong push towards an East-Mid-Atlantic title. The Bucks have won six of their past seven games and beat Chelsea Metro on Wednesday, June 29th by a very convincing 8-0 score. They will play their final game of the season against the New York Fury, who are currently in second place, on Saturday, July 9th. On the other side of the Eastern Conference, the New England Mutiny beat the Boston Aztec U23 team in the only game of the weekend. After two losses to the CFC Passion and CT SoccerPlus Reds last week, the Mutiny saw the playoffs slipping from their grasp. However, the 2-1 win over the currently first-place Boston Aztec U23s gives the Mutiny hope for a spot in the postseason. The next two matches against Seacoast United and CFC Passion are now vital for the Mutiny’s success this season.
In the Sunshine Conference this weekend, Florida Sol F.C. won a clutch game against the Gulf Coast Texans on Sunday, July 3rd to take the top spot in the division. The Texans had a chance to take first place after beating FSA Freedom, 5-1, on Saturday, but they were unable to overcome the offensive threat of the Sol on Sunday. The final weeks of the Sunshine Conference promise to entertain as four teams are still in the running for the division title.
On the West Coast, the Pacific Conference hosted a series of friendly matches between top teams in the Pacific-North and Pacific-South Divisions. The North Bay F.C. Wave and Bay Area Breeze from the Pacific-North Division traveled south to play against competition from Southern California. Although, both teams walked away from their road trip with a win and a tie, much-needed experience was gained by all teams heading towards the final weeks of the season.
June 29, 2011
WPSL Week in Review: Playoff races getting tighter
By Kaeley McEvoy
As heads turn towards the Women’s World Cup this weekend, it is imperative to recognize the world-class soccer that is being played right in our nation’s own backyard. The teams of the WPSL competed in week seven of the season this past weekend. With only three weekends left until the playoff seeds are solidified, every game is becoming vital to secure a playoff spot or to keep a glimmer of postseason hope alive.
Competition for playoff spots is extremely competitive on both sides of the Pacific Conference. In the Pac-North Division, the previous four-way tie between the California Storm, North Bay F.C. Wave, Bay Area Breeze, and the West Coast Wildkatz for first place was broken as the top teams went head to head this weekend. North Bay F.C. Wave now sits in front of the Bay Area Breeze in the top spot in the division. The West Coast Wildkatz and the California Storm are now tied for third. The Storm lost a tough match to the Bay Area Breeze on Saturday, June 25. The recent injury of Aly Wagner and the absence of Brandi Chastain, due to her position as an ESPN analyst for the 2011 Women’s World Cup, has left the Storm struggling their last five games. The Breeze took advantage of the Storm’s fragile state within the first 20 minutes of the match and then continued to dominate, scoring three goals to the Storm’s zero. The Breeze continued to take charge of the division on Sunday, June 26 when they defeated the North Bay F.C. Wave, 3-1. Although the Wave control the top of the division this week, North Bay only has four games left in their regular season while the Breeze has six games ahead of them.
The Pacific South Division also saw highly competitive games over the weekend. The rematch of last week’s roller coaster of a game between the top two teams in the Pacific-South Conference was highly anticipated. Last week, the Orange County Waves were able to steal the San Diego SeaLions’ 2-0 lead at halftime by scoring a penalty kick in stoppage time to take home a 3-2 victory. This weekend was a different story, however. After a scoreless first half, revenge lit a fire under San Diego’s midfielder Sarah McTigue, who chipped a ball over the keeper to give the SeaLions a 1-0 lead. A great defensive effort from Sarah Devine and CoCo Goodson allowed the SeaLions to be the only team to date to beat the OC Waves and the only team to deny them of a goal. The SeaLions then traveled to La Cañada, California on Sunday to play Los Angeles Premier FC. San Diego handed LA a 3-0 loss with goals from Z Wyne, Rosie Tantillo, and Britney Bennett. Head Coach Jen Lalor-Nielsen was very content with her team’s performance this weekend: “Going on the road and getting two wins, one of them against the new professional team, was a huge confidence booster for us.” She added, “This team is playing so well together right now. We are creating a lot of scoring opportunities every game. Our defensive line has been rock solid all season, and this weekend showed again our domination with the two shutouts.”
Only seven games were played this weekend in Midwest Conference. Out of the four games played in the Midwest North Division, the Madison 56ers competed in three matches. The 56ers faced fatigue in their span of games as they left the week with two losses and one tie. Hammer FC, from the Midwest South Division, also faced the trial of three consecutive games this weekend. Like the 56ers, Hammer F.C. had a difficult time keeping up with the rested legs of their competition. Hammer F.C. was first defeated by Fort Wayne F.C. by a score of 6-3. This three-goal loss was then followed by two losses at home for Hammer, a 2-1 defeat by Indiana United and a 2-0 shutout from F.C. Indiana.
The story remains the same in the Big Sky South as Oklahoma Alliance F.C. continues to dominate the division with two wins this past weekend. Alliance defeated FC Dallas, 3-0, on Saturday and beat the Arkansas Comets on Sunday, 5-0. Oklahoma scored eight goals this weekend adding to their impressive goal scoring statistics; Alliance has scored 36 goals and allotted their opponents only one goal. The Portland Rain of the Northwest Conference are the only team close to Alliance’s offensive power with 26 goals for and only three against.
Highlights from the Eastern Conference Northeast Division include a 0-0 draw between Boston Aztec Reserves and sister Boston Aztec U23s and a 2-0 victory for SoccerPlus CT over their instate rival, CFC Passion. In the Mid-Atlantic side of the Eastern Conference, a surprising result was recorded on Saturday, June 25 as the previously unbeaten New York Athletic Club was defeated by the New York Fury by a score of 5-1. Although the New York Athletic Club remains in first place in the division, the New York Fury are only one point behind the leaders, foreshadowing a very competitive playoff season.
WPSL Week in Review: Playoff races getting tighter
By Kaeley McEvoy
As heads turn towards the Women’s World Cup this weekend, it is imperative to recognize the world-class soccer that is being played right in our nation’s own backyard. The teams of the WPSL competed in week seven of the season this past weekend. With only three weekends left until the playoff seeds are solidified, every game is becoming vital to secure a playoff spot or to keep a glimmer of postseason hope alive.
Competition for playoff spots is extremely competitive on both sides of the Pacific Conference. In the Pac-North Division, the previous four-way tie between the California Storm, North Bay F.C. Wave, Bay Area Breeze, and the West Coast Wildkatz for first place was broken as the top teams went head to head this weekend. North Bay F.C. Wave now sits in front of the Bay Area Breeze in the top spot in the division. The West Coast Wildkatz and the California Storm are now tied for third. The Storm lost a tough match to the Bay Area Breeze on Saturday, June 25. The recent injury of Aly Wagner and the absence of Brandi Chastain, due to her position as an ESPN analyst for the 2011 Women’s World Cup, has left the Storm struggling their last five games. The Breeze took advantage of the Storm’s fragile state within the first 20 minutes of the match and then continued to dominate, scoring three goals to the Storm’s zero. The Breeze continued to take charge of the division on Sunday, June 26 when they defeated the North Bay F.C. Wave, 3-1. Although the Wave control the top of the division this week, North Bay only has four games left in their regular season while the Breeze has six games ahead of them.
The Pacific South Division also saw highly competitive games over the weekend. The rematch of last week’s roller coaster of a game between the top two teams in the Pacific-South Conference was highly anticipated. Last week, the Orange County Waves were able to steal the San Diego SeaLions’ 2-0 lead at halftime by scoring a penalty kick in stoppage time to take home a 3-2 victory. This weekend was a different story, however. After a scoreless first half, revenge lit a fire under San Diego’s midfielder Sarah McTigue, who chipped a ball over the keeper to give the SeaLions a 1-0 lead. A great defensive effort from Sarah Devine and CoCo Goodson allowed the SeaLions to be the only team to date to beat the OC Waves and the only team to deny them of a goal. The SeaLions then traveled to La Cañada, California on Sunday to play Los Angeles Premier FC. San Diego handed LA a 3-0 loss with goals from Z Wyne, Rosie Tantillo, and Britney Bennett. Head Coach Jen Lalor-Nielsen was very content with her team’s performance this weekend: “Going on the road and getting two wins, one of them against the new professional team, was a huge confidence booster for us.” She added, “This team is playing so well together right now. We are creating a lot of scoring opportunities every game. Our defensive line has been rock solid all season, and this weekend showed again our domination with the two shutouts.”
Only seven games were played this weekend in Midwest Conference. Out of the four games played in the Midwest North Division, the Madison 56ers competed in three matches. The 56ers faced fatigue in their span of games as they left the week with two losses and one tie. Hammer FC, from the Midwest South Division, also faced the trial of three consecutive games this weekend. Like the 56ers, Hammer F.C. had a difficult time keeping up with the rested legs of their competition. Hammer F.C. was first defeated by Fort Wayne F.C. by a score of 6-3. This three-goal loss was then followed by two losses at home for Hammer, a 2-1 defeat by Indiana United and a 2-0 shutout from F.C. Indiana.
The story remains the same in the Big Sky South as Oklahoma Alliance F.C. continues to dominate the division with two wins this past weekend. Alliance defeated FC Dallas, 3-0, on Saturday and beat the Arkansas Comets on Sunday, 5-0. Oklahoma scored eight goals this weekend adding to their impressive goal scoring statistics; Alliance has scored 36 goals and allotted their opponents only one goal. The Portland Rain of the Northwest Conference are the only team close to Alliance’s offensive power with 26 goals for and only three against.
Highlights from the Eastern Conference Northeast Division include a 0-0 draw between Boston Aztec Reserves and sister Boston Aztec U23s and a 2-0 victory for SoccerPlus CT over their instate rival, CFC Passion. In the Mid-Atlantic side of the Eastern Conference, a surprising result was recorded on Saturday, June 25 as the previously unbeaten New York Athletic Club was defeated by the New York Fury by a score of 5-1. Although the New York Athletic Club remains in first place in the division, the New York Fury are only one point behind the leaders, foreshadowing a very competitive playoff season.
June 20, 2011
WPSL Week in Review: One month in, teams battling for playoff position
By Kaeley McEvoy
The weekend of June 18th and 19th was the one-month mark for the WPSL. More than 30 days ago, players were nervously arriving to their first practice. This weekend, however, the days of preseason conditioning seemed like memories of the past as competition for postseason glory has begun to heat up. Teams in every division were challenged this weekend to play at the top of their game as midseason showdowns begin to determine divisional rankings for the fast-approaching playoffs.
The Northeast Conference experienced a series of midseason showdowns this weekend as the Northeast-East Division became as competitive as ever. While the New York Athletic Club, from the Mid-Atlantic Division of the conference, was able to hold on to their first-place position with a 3-0 win over BuxMont Torch FC, top teams from the Eastern Division were not as fortunate.
The Boston Aztecs Reserves and the Boston Aztec U23s experienced their first losses of the season this weekend. On Saturday, the New England Mutiny was able to defeat the Aztec Reserves with a score of 2-1 at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts. The game served as a fundraiser for the National Foundation for Cancer Research. The pink jerseys worn during the game were raffled off during the match to support breast cancer research. The Mutiny scored two second half goals to gain the victory. After playing to a 0-0 draw through the first half, the Mutiny came out with angst the second half, scoring two goals, the first in the 63rd minute. Aztec forward Rebecca Mays scored the lone Aztec goal in the final minutes of play, but it was not enough to compete with Mutiny goals from Riley Houle and Sarah Brochu. The other half of the Aztec club, the Aztec U23s, also experienced a tough loss this weekend, falling to the Albany Alleycats. After losing twice last week, a 2-1 defeat to Seacoast United, and the other a 4-0 loss to Aztec U23s, Albany came into this weekend looking for revenge. After a Wednesday night game with CFC Passion was postponed, the Alleycats were rested and ready to defeat the Aztec U23s. The Alleycats achieved a major upset by defeating the first place team in the division and simultaneously recording their first win of their season. Boston Aztecs U23 still sit at the top of the Northeast-East division with 13 points, with its elder sister in second place with 11 points. New England Mutiny now compete in third place slot with eight points. In the Northeast-Mid-Atlantic Division, the New York Athletic Club still dominates the conference with 17 points, second place in all divisions with points behind Oklahoma Alliance FC, which leads the Big Sky-South Division with 18 points.
Ohio Premier Women’s SC and FC Indiana are currently tied with 10 points each for the first place position in the Midwest-South Division. Indiana United are not far behind the two with nine points. FC Indiana won the only game held this weekend in the Midwest-South Conference. FC Indiana forward Lizzy Cudjoe helped her team defeat Fort Wayne FC, 1-0, on Saturday. Cudjoe , a speedy 19-year-old, is a member of Ghana’s Women’s National Team. She has scored an extremely impressive six goals in six matches. Her ability to find the back of the net at such a consistent rate in pressure situations certainly deserves WPSL Team of the Week recognition. In the Midwest-North side of the Conference, the FC Milwaukee Nationals are in first place in the division with 10 points. Much like the first-place Boston Aztecs, the division leading Nationals suffered their first loss of the season Thursday when the Chicago Red Stars scored two goals and held the Nationals offense to a shutout.
In the Pacific-South Conference, a mid-season showdown between the Orange County Waves and the San Diego SeaLions exemplified that in the WPSL a team must be able to play all 90 minutes of soccer to become victorious. The Waves were able to overcome a 2-0 deficit at halftime by scoring three goals in the second 45 minutes. The momentum began to shift in the second half when the Waves committed more players forward and gained energy for a successful attack. After the unfortunate loss of Orange County star Kristina Larsen in the 35th minute due to a broken collar bone, the Waves relied heavily on former FC Gold Pride forward Shannon Cross to find the net. Cross eventually broke down the San Diego defense with an impressive header to put the Waves on the board in the 72nd minute. She then followed her first goal with an impressive shot three minutes later to make it a 2-2 game. The game-winner came in the 90th minute when Katrin Omarsdottir slotted a ball into the top right corner to give the Waves an impressive comeback victory.
“I was proud of the way we approached the second half; the players showed a lot of character," Waves Coach Abner Rogers said. ”At 2-2, we went for the win and played in an unfamiliar 3-4-3 formation which helped to get extra players forward. We are looking forward to another battle with them next Saturday at Orange Coast College." The rematch of this exciting game will take place on Saturday, June 25th at Orange Coast College. Also in WPSL play this weekend, the Sunshine Conference remained extremely competitive as three teams tied for first with 13 points each. The Florida Sol FC, Tampa Bay Hellenic, and Gulf Coast Texans are all currently in the running for the top spot in the league’s southern conference.
WPSL Week in Review: One month in, teams battling for playoff position
By Kaeley McEvoy
The weekend of June 18th and 19th was the one-month mark for the WPSL. More than 30 days ago, players were nervously arriving to their first practice. This weekend, however, the days of preseason conditioning seemed like memories of the past as competition for postseason glory has begun to heat up. Teams in every division were challenged this weekend to play at the top of their game as midseason showdowns begin to determine divisional rankings for the fast-approaching playoffs.
The Northeast Conference experienced a series of midseason showdowns this weekend as the Northeast-East Division became as competitive as ever. While the New York Athletic Club, from the Mid-Atlantic Division of the conference, was able to hold on to their first-place position with a 3-0 win over BuxMont Torch FC, top teams from the Eastern Division were not as fortunate.
The Boston Aztecs Reserves and the Boston Aztec U23s experienced their first losses of the season this weekend. On Saturday, the New England Mutiny was able to defeat the Aztec Reserves with a score of 2-1 at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts. The game served as a fundraiser for the National Foundation for Cancer Research. The pink jerseys worn during the game were raffled off during the match to support breast cancer research. The Mutiny scored two second half goals to gain the victory. After playing to a 0-0 draw through the first half, the Mutiny came out with angst the second half, scoring two goals, the first in the 63rd minute. Aztec forward Rebecca Mays scored the lone Aztec goal in the final minutes of play, but it was not enough to compete with Mutiny goals from Riley Houle and Sarah Brochu. The other half of the Aztec club, the Aztec U23s, also experienced a tough loss this weekend, falling to the Albany Alleycats. After losing twice last week, a 2-1 defeat to Seacoast United, and the other a 4-0 loss to Aztec U23s, Albany came into this weekend looking for revenge. After a Wednesday night game with CFC Passion was postponed, the Alleycats were rested and ready to defeat the Aztec U23s. The Alleycats achieved a major upset by defeating the first place team in the division and simultaneously recording their first win of their season. Boston Aztecs U23 still sit at the top of the Northeast-East division with 13 points, with its elder sister in second place with 11 points. New England Mutiny now compete in third place slot with eight points. In the Northeast-Mid-Atlantic Division, the New York Athletic Club still dominates the conference with 17 points, second place in all divisions with points behind Oklahoma Alliance FC, which leads the Big Sky-South Division with 18 points.
Ohio Premier Women’s SC and FC Indiana are currently tied with 10 points each for the first place position in the Midwest-South Division. Indiana United are not far behind the two with nine points. FC Indiana won the only game held this weekend in the Midwest-South Conference. FC Indiana forward Lizzy Cudjoe helped her team defeat Fort Wayne FC, 1-0, on Saturday. Cudjoe , a speedy 19-year-old, is a member of Ghana’s Women’s National Team. She has scored an extremely impressive six goals in six matches. Her ability to find the back of the net at such a consistent rate in pressure situations certainly deserves WPSL Team of the Week recognition. In the Midwest-North side of the Conference, the FC Milwaukee Nationals are in first place in the division with 10 points. Much like the first-place Boston Aztecs, the division leading Nationals suffered their first loss of the season Thursday when the Chicago Red Stars scored two goals and held the Nationals offense to a shutout.
In the Pacific-South Conference, a mid-season showdown between the Orange County Waves and the San Diego SeaLions exemplified that in the WPSL a team must be able to play all 90 minutes of soccer to become victorious. The Waves were able to overcome a 2-0 deficit at halftime by scoring three goals in the second 45 minutes. The momentum began to shift in the second half when the Waves committed more players forward and gained energy for a successful attack. After the unfortunate loss of Orange County star Kristina Larsen in the 35th minute due to a broken collar bone, the Waves relied heavily on former FC Gold Pride forward Shannon Cross to find the net. Cross eventually broke down the San Diego defense with an impressive header to put the Waves on the board in the 72nd minute. She then followed her first goal with an impressive shot three minutes later to make it a 2-2 game. The game-winner came in the 90th minute when Katrin Omarsdottir slotted a ball into the top right corner to give the Waves an impressive comeback victory.
“I was proud of the way we approached the second half; the players showed a lot of character," Waves Coach Abner Rogers said. ”At 2-2, we went for the win and played in an unfamiliar 3-4-3 formation which helped to get extra players forward. We are looking forward to another battle with them next Saturday at Orange Coast College." The rematch of this exciting game will take place on Saturday, June 25th at Orange Coast College. Also in WPSL play this weekend, the Sunshine Conference remained extremely competitive as three teams tied for first with 13 points each. The Florida Sol FC, Tampa Bay Hellenic, and Gulf Coast Texans are all currently in the running for the top spot in the league’s southern conference.
June 15, 2011
WPSL Week in Review: Defense comes to the forefront
By Kaeley McEvoy
In the WPSL this weekend, each conference remains extremely competitive, as games have become closer than ever. Offensive threats have begun to slow down due to the fact that teams have been able to finally form a solid and united defensive effort. The WPSL honored this trend by naming two goalkeepers, Tatiana Saunders of the New York Athletic Club, and Erin Dees of the Eclipse Select, co-players of the week.
Saunders led her team to a win and a tie this weekend, leaving NYAC at the top of the Eastern Conference Mid-Atlantic Division. The New York Athletic Club continued its undefeated record when they defeated the Long Island Fury, 2-0, and tied the Millburn Magic, 2-2. Although NYAC was able to exit the weekend undefeated, the Millburn Magic were close to knocking off their competitors. The Magic were without help from three starters this weekend because the all-star trio of Mallory Baker, Kayleigh Hines, and Kim Malecki were absent for the match. Impressively, Millburn was able to compete with the top team in the conference due to its very strong depth off the bench. Millburn looks to build from its successful draw this Wednesday as the team travels to Pennsylvania to compete against the women of FC Bucks.
Bucks midfielder Colleen Williams led the team to a 3-1 victory against Chelsea Metro on Saturday. Williams was able to control the field, recording one goal and one assist. This consistent, hard-working attitude led her to be named a member of the WPSL Team of the Week for the third consecutive week. Millburn will look to defeat Williams and the Bucks on Wednesday night as the teams are only separated by one point in the conference standings.
On the Northeastern side of the Eastern Conference, the Boston Aztec club remains dominate in the division with a 4-0 victory against the Albany Alleycats for the Aztec U23s and a 2-0 win for the Aztec Reserves against the New England Mutiny on Saturday. Also in Eastern Conference play, the CFC Passion earned their first win of the season against in-state rival, the CT SoccerPlus Reds, on Friday with a 4-0 victory at Yale University.
The other WPSL Player of the Week, Erin Dees, was able to record a shutout against the Iowa Rush in a 2-0 victory for Eclipse Select on Tuesday June 14th as well as a 0-0 draw against the 2010 WPSL Semifinalists F.C. Milwaukee on Tuesday June 7th. The Eclipse now sit two games behind the first-place F.C Milwaukee in the Midwest North Conference but still remain in second place overall. Milwaukee walked away from the weekend with six points after beating the Iowa Rush and Minnesota Kings FC by the scores of 2-1 and 1-0, respectively. Milwaukee heads back to action tomorrow, Thursday June 16th against the Chicago Red Stars.
In the Midwest South Conference, the powerhouse FC Indiana fell to 2010 division champs Ohio Premier Women’s SC on Monday by a 2-1 score. The two teams continue to battle back and forth with Indiana United for the top spot in the division. This week Ohio Premier will take the first place position in the Midwest South Division, but to stay on top is sometimes much harder than the rise.
Also in standout national play this weekend, the Portland Rain continue to lead the Northwest Conference following a 2-2 draw against the Spokane Shine on Saturday and a 3-1 win against the Shine on Sunday. The Orange County Waves also continue to dominate their Pacific South Division with a 5-0 victory against Los Angeles Premier FC and a 4-0 win over Ajax America Women. The Waves are certainly having no trouble rising and maintaining the top position, scoring 20 goals in their past four games. The Claremont Stars look for the Waves to crash down hard on Saturday, June 18th as they travel to Orange County for a 6 p.m. match.
WPSL Week in Review: Defense comes to the forefront
By Kaeley McEvoy
In the WPSL this weekend, each conference remains extremely competitive, as games have become closer than ever. Offensive threats have begun to slow down due to the fact that teams have been able to finally form a solid and united defensive effort. The WPSL honored this trend by naming two goalkeepers, Tatiana Saunders of the New York Athletic Club, and Erin Dees of the Eclipse Select, co-players of the week.
Saunders led her team to a win and a tie this weekend, leaving NYAC at the top of the Eastern Conference Mid-Atlantic Division. The New York Athletic Club continued its undefeated record when they defeated the Long Island Fury, 2-0, and tied the Millburn Magic, 2-2. Although NYAC was able to exit the weekend undefeated, the Millburn Magic were close to knocking off their competitors. The Magic were without help from three starters this weekend because the all-star trio of Mallory Baker, Kayleigh Hines, and Kim Malecki were absent for the match. Impressively, Millburn was able to compete with the top team in the conference due to its very strong depth off the bench. Millburn looks to build from its successful draw this Wednesday as the team travels to Pennsylvania to compete against the women of FC Bucks.
Bucks midfielder Colleen Williams led the team to a 3-1 victory against Chelsea Metro on Saturday. Williams was able to control the field, recording one goal and one assist. This consistent, hard-working attitude led her to be named a member of the WPSL Team of the Week for the third consecutive week. Millburn will look to defeat Williams and the Bucks on Wednesday night as the teams are only separated by one point in the conference standings.
On the Northeastern side of the Eastern Conference, the Boston Aztec club remains dominate in the division with a 4-0 victory against the Albany Alleycats for the Aztec U23s and a 2-0 win for the Aztec Reserves against the New England Mutiny on Saturday. Also in Eastern Conference play, the CFC Passion earned their first win of the season against in-state rival, the CT SoccerPlus Reds, on Friday with a 4-0 victory at Yale University.
The other WPSL Player of the Week, Erin Dees, was able to record a shutout against the Iowa Rush in a 2-0 victory for Eclipse Select on Tuesday June 14th as well as a 0-0 draw against the 2010 WPSL Semifinalists F.C. Milwaukee on Tuesday June 7th. The Eclipse now sit two games behind the first-place F.C Milwaukee in the Midwest North Conference but still remain in second place overall. Milwaukee walked away from the weekend with six points after beating the Iowa Rush and Minnesota Kings FC by the scores of 2-1 and 1-0, respectively. Milwaukee heads back to action tomorrow, Thursday June 16th against the Chicago Red Stars.
In the Midwest South Conference, the powerhouse FC Indiana fell to 2010 division champs Ohio Premier Women’s SC on Monday by a 2-1 score. The two teams continue to battle back and forth with Indiana United for the top spot in the division. This week Ohio Premier will take the first place position in the Midwest South Division, but to stay on top is sometimes much harder than the rise.
Also in standout national play this weekend, the Portland Rain continue to lead the Northwest Conference following a 2-2 draw against the Spokane Shine on Saturday and a 3-1 win against the Shine on Sunday. The Orange County Waves also continue to dominate their Pacific South Division with a 5-0 victory against Los Angeles Premier FC and a 4-0 win over Ajax America Women. The Waves are certainly having no trouble rising and maintaining the top position, scoring 20 goals in their past four games. The Claremont Stars look for the Waves to crash down hard on Saturday, June 18th as they travel to Orange County for a 6 p.m. match.
June 7, 2011
WPSL Week in Review: Teams finding their ground
By Kaeley McEvoy
The WPSL opened June in full swing this past weekend as every conference hit the pitch for an exciting weekend of elite women’ s soccer action. As teams begin to find their distinct style of play and continue to build their fitness levels, the scores continue to be very competitive in each division.
In Pacific Conference play this weekend, both the North and South divisions experienced a competitive array of results. The North Bay Wave sit atop the Northern Division with nine points and 13 goals scored so far in the league. The Wave was able to gain two victories this weekend, one against the Clovis Sidekicks, 3-2 on Saturday, and a very impressive 9-1win over the San Francisco Nighthawks on Sunday. On the South side of the Pacific Conference the Orange County Waves also recorded two wins this weekend. The Waves are currently tied with the San Diego SeaLions at the top of the South Division with six points each. Orange County had a spectacular weekend by beating both Los Angeles Premier FC and the Los Al Vikings, 5-0. Waves forward Kristina Larsen, a former WPSL Player of the Week selection, continued to dominate the front line this weekend, notching three goals and one assist in both games. Larsen’ s scoring power was supported by this week’ s WPSL Co-Player of the Week, Katrin Omarsdottir.
In both games, the Icelandic international star Omarsdottir was able to control the midfield while also recording a goal and two assists for the Waves.
The other WPSL Co-Player of the Week, Megan Mischler, led the Boston Aztec Breakers Reserves to the top of the Eastern Conference-Northeast Division this weekend. The Breakers Reserves remain undefeated after wins over the Albany Alleycats, 4-0 on Wednesday, and Seacoast United Phantoms, 3-0 on Sunday. Mischler scored two goals and three assists in both games and acted as a constant offensive threat from the Boston midfield. The Boston Breakers of the WPS will test Mischler and the Reserves on Thursday, June 23rd for an exhibition match. The Aztecs’ little sister, the U23 Boston Aztecs, also competed very well this weekend by defeating the Connecticut based SoccerPlus, 1-0. SoccerPlus’ University of Connecticut keeper Leigh-Ann Jaggon was able to keep the teams at a 0-0 draw until the 78th minute of play when Aztec forward Brittany Russo slipped a one-touch finish into the back of the net.
In other divisions across the country competition continues to heat up as many games were determined by just one goal. In the Sunshine Conference, the Gulf Coast Texans are very close to stealing first place from Florida Sol after winning two games against the South Florida Strikers and Palm Beach United, 1-0, this weekend, while in the Big Sky-South Division, the newly formed F.C Dallas gained the top spot in the division after defeating Houston South Select, 2-1. The 2010 Big Sky-South Division Champs Alliance F.C. lost by just one goal this weekend to the Fort Worth Panthers in a 1-0 game on Sunday. One goal also defeated the former WPS team, the Chicago Red Stars when the newly established Minnesota Stars gained a 1-0 victory in the Mid-West-North Division.
Larger goal differentials were achieved this weekend by veteran teams who continue to top leader boards in the WPSL. The Portland Rain achieved a very impressive 12 points and 21 goals scored over the course of the weekend, after beating their U23 Rain team 4-0 in the Northwest Division. Former 2010 Mid-West North champs, the F.C. Milwaukee Nationals also recorded a 4-0 victory this weekend against the Iowa Rush.
WPSL Week in Review: Teams finding their ground
By Kaeley McEvoy
The WPSL opened June in full swing this past weekend as every conference hit the pitch for an exciting weekend of elite women’ s soccer action. As teams begin to find their distinct style of play and continue to build their fitness levels, the scores continue to be very competitive in each division.
In Pacific Conference play this weekend, both the North and South divisions experienced a competitive array of results. The North Bay Wave sit atop the Northern Division with nine points and 13 goals scored so far in the league. The Wave was able to gain two victories this weekend, one against the Clovis Sidekicks, 3-2 on Saturday, and a very impressive 9-1win over the San Francisco Nighthawks on Sunday. On the South side of the Pacific Conference the Orange County Waves also recorded two wins this weekend. The Waves are currently tied with the San Diego SeaLions at the top of the South Division with six points each. Orange County had a spectacular weekend by beating both Los Angeles Premier FC and the Los Al Vikings, 5-0. Waves forward Kristina Larsen, a former WPSL Player of the Week selection, continued to dominate the front line this weekend, notching three goals and one assist in both games. Larsen’ s scoring power was supported by this week’ s WPSL Co-Player of the Week, Katrin Omarsdottir.
In both games, the Icelandic international star Omarsdottir was able to control the midfield while also recording a goal and two assists for the Waves.
The other WPSL Co-Player of the Week, Megan Mischler, led the Boston Aztec Breakers Reserves to the top of the Eastern Conference-Northeast Division this weekend. The Breakers Reserves remain undefeated after wins over the Albany Alleycats, 4-0 on Wednesday, and Seacoast United Phantoms, 3-0 on Sunday. Mischler scored two goals and three assists in both games and acted as a constant offensive threat from the Boston midfield. The Boston Breakers of the WPS will test Mischler and the Reserves on Thursday, June 23rd for an exhibition match. The Aztecs’ little sister, the U23 Boston Aztecs, also competed very well this weekend by defeating the Connecticut based SoccerPlus, 1-0. SoccerPlus’ University of Connecticut keeper Leigh-Ann Jaggon was able to keep the teams at a 0-0 draw until the 78th minute of play when Aztec forward Brittany Russo slipped a one-touch finish into the back of the net.
In other divisions across the country competition continues to heat up as many games were determined by just one goal. In the Sunshine Conference, the Gulf Coast Texans are very close to stealing first place from Florida Sol after winning two games against the South Florida Strikers and Palm Beach United, 1-0, this weekend, while in the Big Sky-South Division, the newly formed F.C Dallas gained the top spot in the division after defeating Houston South Select, 2-1. The 2010 Big Sky-South Division Champs Alliance F.C. lost by just one goal this weekend to the Fort Worth Panthers in a 1-0 game on Sunday. One goal also defeated the former WPS team, the Chicago Red Stars when the newly established Minnesota Stars gained a 1-0 victory in the Mid-West-North Division.
Larger goal differentials were achieved this weekend by veteran teams who continue to top leader boards in the WPSL. The Portland Rain achieved a very impressive 12 points and 21 goals scored over the course of the weekend, after beating their U23 Rain team 4-0 in the Northwest Division. Former 2010 Mid-West North champs, the F.C. Milwaukee Nationals also recorded a 4-0 victory this weekend against the Iowa Rush.
June 2, 2011
WPSL Week in Review: Rain score 14 in two games, young FC St. George side tops Utah
By Kaeley McEvoy
As the opening month of the WPSL came to a close this Memorial Day weekend, the league saw competition increase greatly in the Big Sky and East-Mid-Atlantic conferences. Although a majority of the league took a hiatus this past weekend to celebrate the holiday, or more likely to get a few more training sessions in before the opening weekend of June, other teams used this weekend as an opportunity for double headers to get a leg up on the competition.
The women from Portland Rain used this past weekend to find their leg up, as they were the only team to gain points this weekend from the Northwest division. The Rain did not only walk away from this weekend with a victory but they exited with an extremely large amount of goals, 14 to be exact. The Portland Rain played two games against newcomers Oregon Rush, one Friday and one Saturday with scores of 6-0 and 8-0, respectively. Rain forward and WPSL Player of the Week Nicole Wilcox netted four goals for her side against the Oregon Rush on Saturday. The former All-Pac 10 selection from the University of Oregon began to make a name for herself in the WPSL when she scored a total of six goals, or “double hat-trick” in the games this weekend. Portland Rain players Ali Martin and Emily Rhode also received WPSL team of the week selections for their outstanding performance this past weekend.
Another player with an outstanding performance this weekend was Arkansas Comets F.C. player Margaret Power. This physically strong and solid center defender helped the Comets record a 1-1 opening weekend in the Big Sky-South Division. The Comets gained a 4-1 victory over South Shore Select on their opening game on Saturday. However, the newly established F.C. Dallas was able to defeat Power and the Comets on Sunday with late goal by Dallas forward Janette Barton. Barton was able to rip a first time shot on goal after Krissy Stoner dummied a driven ball from Lauren Briggs who was able to beat her defender down the line. F.C. Dallas was able to hold on to their lead to grab an eventual victory with help from their outstanding keeper Megan Ross. Also in Big Sky play this weekend F.C St. George opened their season with a 1-1 weekend. St. George played fellow Utah teams the Utah Starzz and the Salt Lake City Sparta with mixed results. The extremely young team of St. George, that even has a fair amount of high school athletes on their roster, was able to beat the Utah Starzz, 3-2, on Saturday at Desert Hills High School. On Sunday, however, FC St. George was not able to finish against the Salt Lake City Sparta allowing the Sparta to walk away with a 1-0 victory.
Outside of Big Sky conference action, the F.C Bucks of the East Conference and the North Bay F.C. Waves of the Pacific Conference both opened their division campaigns this Memorial Day weekend with 1-0 victories. The Bucks were able to hold BuxMont Torch FC to a shutout on Saturday, while the Waves put away one goal to secure a victory against the Clovis Sidekicks on Sunday.
In a few days, the WPSL will return from the holiday weekend with rested legs that will be starved for competition as conference play begins to heat up. With 30 plus games scheduled for the weekend of June 4th and 5th, the WPSL has only begun to showcase some of the nations top levels of elite women’s soccer.
WPSL Week in Review: Season debuts and multi-goal games highlight weekend
By Kaeley McEvoy
In the second weekend of WPSL play, more than 25 games were played, which included the debut of some of the season’s newest teams, a few out of conference games, and the openers for Big Sky North and Sunshine Conference, the second week of action left plenty of room for surprises, upsets, and triumphs for all WPSL teams.
In the East-Northeast, a surprising result was recorded by the Boston Aztecs U23 team when little sister recorded a 3-nil victory over Seacoast United, a team their elder reserves played to a draw last weekend. Also in Eastern Conference play, the New England Mutiny traveled to the Sunshine State to face the newly established Tampa Bay Hellenic. A goal by Mutiny forward Deb Nelson was all the New England Mutiny needed to head back to New England happy after defeating Tampa Bay on their debut match.
Surprise was also the name of the game for Mid-West South Conference powerhouse F.C Indiana, who went 1-1 on their opening weekend. Fort Wayne FC was able to shutout and triumph over division favorite FC Indiana on Saturday. Two goals and one assist were tallied by University of Louisville star Jordan Pawlik, while Stephanie Thompson of the University of Evansville added the final goal to grab three points for Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne Coach Ann Housliston said, “everyone played well and it was really a great team effort.” F.C Indiana was able to find redemption on Sunday when they overcame in-state foe Indiana United by a margin of 4-3.
On the West Coast, the Orange County Waves took the award for best in show after recording a 1-1 draw with a the newly established and very competitive Bay Area Breeze on Saturday and a very impressive 6-0 victory over SF Nighthalks. Kristina Larsen scored a hat trick in her OC Waves debut in the WPSL to add the Waves large victory. Also in Pacific Conference play, the San Diego SeaLions walked away from the weekend with one victory and one loss after the recent signing of former WPS FC Gold Pride player Rosie Tantillo. Tantillo and the SeaLions will have their next test weekend when they travel to play Ajax America Women.
Notable games further included the opening match of the Big Sky Northern Conference when the Utah Starzz put in five goals against in-state rival, the Salt Lake Sparta. Also in the Eastern Mid-Atlantic Conference, youth club powerhouse F.C. Bucks may need more time to adjust to transition from elite club play to the WPSL standards as they lost their debut game in the WPSL, 3-1, to the SA Chesapeake Charge.
Former FC Gold Pride midfielder Rosie Tantillo signs with San Diego SeaLions
By Kaeley McEvoy
On Thursday, the San Diego SeaLions of the WPSL Pacific Conference announced the signing of former FC Gold Pride (WPS) midfielder Rosie Tantillo. Tantillo joins the SeaLions after helping lead her former club to the WPS Championship in 2010. Tantillo has also gained experience playing for the Pali Blues and Buffalo Flash in the W-League along with the U-21 and U-23 Women’s National Teams.
A native of San Diego, Tantillo said in today’s WPSL press release today that she is, “really looking forward to playing with the SeaLions. I have never had the chance to play in San Diego where I was born and raised, outside of club soccer. Now it will be easy for my family and friends to come watch and support me.” Tantillo also remarked that she “want(s) to help the SeaLions get to the playoffs, make it to the (WPSL National Championship) and then win the whole thing.”
Tantillo and the SeaLions will face their first test this weekend when the team travels north to face 2010 Pac-North Division runner-up North Bay F.C Wave on Saturday and newly established Bay Area Breeze on Sunday in Dublin, California.
By Kaeley McEvoy
On Thursday, the San Diego SeaLions of the WPSL Pacific Conference announced the signing of former FC Gold Pride (WPS) midfielder Rosie Tantillo. Tantillo joins the SeaLions after helping lead her former club to the WPS Championship in 2010. Tantillo has also gained experience playing for the Pali Blues and Buffalo Flash in the W-League along with the U-21 and U-23 Women’s National Teams.
A native of San Diego, Tantillo said in today’s WPSL press release today that she is, “really looking forward to playing with the SeaLions. I have never had the chance to play in San Diego where I was born and raised, outside of club soccer. Now it will be easy for my family and friends to come watch and support me.” Tantillo also remarked that she “want(s) to help the SeaLions get to the playoffs, make it to the (WPSL National Championship) and then win the whole thing.”
Tantillo and the SeaLions will face their first test this weekend when the team travels north to face 2010 Pac-North Division runner-up North Bay F.C Wave on Saturday and newly established Bay Area Breeze on Sunday in Dublin, California.
Former Atlanta Beat players Kristina Larsen and Vendula Strnadova find new home
On Tuesday, Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) announced that the Atlanta Beat had released forward Kristina Larsen and midfielder Vendula Strnadova. Late Wednesday night, Orange County Waves General Manager Terry Foley confirmed that the Waves, of the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL), signed both Larsen and Strnadova.
Larsen led WPS in shots (14) and shots on goal (10), but had yet to score a goal in six games. The former UCLA star played 331 minutes for the Beat this season, starting three games. Strnadova played, the 2010 Conference USA Midfielder of the Year and All-American at the University of Memphis, played in two games (32 minutes) for the Beat this season.
On Tuesday, Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) announced that the Atlanta Beat had released forward Kristina Larsen and midfielder Vendula Strnadova. Late Wednesday night, Orange County Waves General Manager Terry Foley confirmed that the Waves, of the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL), signed both Larsen and Strnadova.
Larsen led WPS in shots (14) and shots on goal (10), but had yet to score a goal in six games. The former UCLA star played 331 minutes for the Beat this season, starting three games. Strnadova played, the 2010 Conference USA Midfielder of the Year and All-American at the University of Memphis, played in two games (32 minutes) for the Beat this season.
WPSL kick off 15th season
By Kaeley McEvoy
The largest women’s soccer league in the world, the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL), kicked off its 15th season this weekend. With 65 teams spanning five divisions across the entire United States, the WPSL looks to have one of its most entertaining seasons since its establishment in 1998. The addition of nine extremely competitive teams such as the Bay Area Breeze, West Coast Wildkatz, F.C Bucks, Minnesota Kings, Chicago Red Stars, Albany Alleycats, F.C Dallas, Arkansas Comets and Tampa Bay Hellenic serves to heighten the already narrow race for the championship in each division. In this 2011 season the minuscule difference between entering the post season as a league champion and ending the season in late July lies in the hand of the player who dares to make an impact, rather than the history of the club. This season, history means nothing. The results from the first weekend of competition certainly reinforce this prediction.
On Saturday, May 14, the newly established Bay Area Breeze took on the 2010 Pac North Conference Champions the California Storm. The Breeze, based out of Dublin, Calif., walked away with a one-goal advantage over the Storm. Former National Team star, Brandi Chastain (California Storm) was sent off six minutes into the first half for committing a foul after the whistle, giving the Breeze an opportunity for success. Bay Area midfielder Lauren Alkek provided the Breeze with their first goal of the season in the 60th minute of play on assist from yet another former U.S. Women’s National Team player Tiffeny Milbrett. The Breeze were able to hold the lead for the remainder of the second half. Head Coach Terry Foley remarked on his Twitter that the win, “was a good result, as we were missing a lot of players.” The next test for the Bay Area Breeze will come on Saturday, May 21, when another new program, the Orange County Waves, travels to Dublin, Calif., for their first game of the season.
In the Big Sky conference, the Southern Division opened games this weekend with tremendous results for the newly established F.C Dallas. The new female counterpart of the MLS F.C Dallas Club tallied four goals this weekend against the also brand new American Eagles Soccer Club.
The reigning champion of the Big Sky Conference, Alliance F.C., also started their season with a statement on Saturday when they netted five goals on Houston South Select. The North Division of the Big Sky conference will kick off on Saturday, May 21, when the Salt Lake City Sparta take on in-state rival Utah Starzz.
The opening weekend for the Northeast Division of the East Conference of the WPSL ended in a set of two ties, leaving the field open for any team to establish themselves as a front-runner next weekend. The 2010 National Champion Boston Breakers Aztec Reserve team found themselves tied 2-2 with Seacoast United of New Hampshire on Saturday. Aztec forward Carson Laderoute tallied her first goal of the season six minutes into the competition. Another Aztec goal followed in the 67th minute of play by midfielder Caitlyn Flynn. Seacoast forward Caitlin Flynn responded in the 70th minute of play by notching a goal. A corner kick from Emma Clark three minutes later provided Danielle Courtemanche the opportunity to net the equalizer for Seacoast.
On the other side of the Northeast Division, SoccerPlus CT Reds kept the New England Mutiny at a scoreless tie on Saturday. Mutiny veteran forward Jenny Maurer had a plethora of opportunities on net in the first half but the Reds young keeper Leigh Ann Jaggon was able to post a shutout for SoccerPlus. The Mutiny will travel to Florida next weekend to compete against the newly established Tampa Bay Hellenic on Saturday May 21, while the Reds will face Seacoast on their home field in New Britain, Conn., on Wednesday May 18.
The opening weekend of the WPSL certainly invoked belief that the 2011 season will be the league’s most competitive venture yet. Next weekend promises to only bring more excitement as over 25 games will occur over the span of two days.
By Kaeley McEvoy
The largest women’s soccer league in the world, the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL), kicked off its 15th season this weekend. With 65 teams spanning five divisions across the entire United States, the WPSL looks to have one of its most entertaining seasons since its establishment in 1998. The addition of nine extremely competitive teams such as the Bay Area Breeze, West Coast Wildkatz, F.C Bucks, Minnesota Kings, Chicago Red Stars, Albany Alleycats, F.C Dallas, Arkansas Comets and Tampa Bay Hellenic serves to heighten the already narrow race for the championship in each division. In this 2011 season the minuscule difference between entering the post season as a league champion and ending the season in late July lies in the hand of the player who dares to make an impact, rather than the history of the club. This season, history means nothing. The results from the first weekend of competition certainly reinforce this prediction.
On Saturday, May 14, the newly established Bay Area Breeze took on the 2010 Pac North Conference Champions the California Storm. The Breeze, based out of Dublin, Calif., walked away with a one-goal advantage over the Storm. Former National Team star, Brandi Chastain (California Storm) was sent off six minutes into the first half for committing a foul after the whistle, giving the Breeze an opportunity for success. Bay Area midfielder Lauren Alkek provided the Breeze with their first goal of the season in the 60th minute of play on assist from yet another former U.S. Women’s National Team player Tiffeny Milbrett. The Breeze were able to hold the lead for the remainder of the second half. Head Coach Terry Foley remarked on his Twitter that the win, “was a good result, as we were missing a lot of players.” The next test for the Bay Area Breeze will come on Saturday, May 21, when another new program, the Orange County Waves, travels to Dublin, Calif., for their first game of the season.
In the Big Sky conference, the Southern Division opened games this weekend with tremendous results for the newly established F.C Dallas. The new female counterpart of the MLS F.C Dallas Club tallied four goals this weekend against the also brand new American Eagles Soccer Club.
The reigning champion of the Big Sky Conference, Alliance F.C., also started their season with a statement on Saturday when they netted five goals on Houston South Select. The North Division of the Big Sky conference will kick off on Saturday, May 21, when the Salt Lake City Sparta take on in-state rival Utah Starzz.
The opening weekend for the Northeast Division of the East Conference of the WPSL ended in a set of two ties, leaving the field open for any team to establish themselves as a front-runner next weekend. The 2010 National Champion Boston Breakers Aztec Reserve team found themselves tied 2-2 with Seacoast United of New Hampshire on Saturday. Aztec forward Carson Laderoute tallied her first goal of the season six minutes into the competition. Another Aztec goal followed in the 67th minute of play by midfielder Caitlyn Flynn. Seacoast forward Caitlin Flynn responded in the 70th minute of play by notching a goal. A corner kick from Emma Clark three minutes later provided Danielle Courtemanche the opportunity to net the equalizer for Seacoast.
On the other side of the Northeast Division, SoccerPlus CT Reds kept the New England Mutiny at a scoreless tie on Saturday. Mutiny veteran forward Jenny Maurer had a plethora of opportunities on net in the first half but the Reds young keeper Leigh Ann Jaggon was able to post a shutout for SoccerPlus. The Mutiny will travel to Florida next weekend to compete against the newly established Tampa Bay Hellenic on Saturday May 21, while the Reds will face Seacoast on their home field in New Britain, Conn., on Wednesday May 18.
The opening weekend of the WPSL certainly invoked belief that the 2011 season will be the league’s most competitive venture yet. Next weekend promises to only bring more excitement as over 25 games will occur over the span of two days.
