Brazil coach to join St. Louis after Olympics

According to reports from China, WPS St. Louis franchise has reportedly signed Brazil coach Jorge Barcellos after agreeing personal terms.

USA 4, Japan 2

Angela Hucles scored twice and Lori Chalupny and Heather O’Reilly added goals as the U.S. advanced to the gold medal match of the 2008 Olympics with a 4-2 come-from-behind victory against Japan at Beijing’s Workers’ Stadium on Monday.

UAB 0, Mexico U-20 2

The UAB women's soccer fell to the Mexico Under-20 National Team, 2-0, Sunday evening at the Jack Allen Soccer Complex in Decatur, Ala. The match served as the Blazers' first and only exhibition game of the season.

USA 2, Canada 1

A dramatic diving header goal from Natasha Kai in the 101st minute of overtime gave the U.S. Women’s Olympic Soccer Team a 2-1 victory against Canada and a berth to the semifinals of the 2008 Olympic Games.

USA 4, New Zealand 0

Heather O'Reilly Opens Scoring with Fastest Goal in Women's Olympic Soccer History.
Goals from Amy Rodriguez, Lindsay Tarpley, and Angela Hucles Seal the Win for the U.S.

WPS Atlanta in 2010

Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) announced today that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to expand to Atlanta, Ga. in 2010, the League’s second year of play. Atlanta joins Philadelphia as an expected 2010 WPS expansion city, while host cities named to date for the inaugural 2009 season include Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington D.C. Meanwhile, the League continues to explore additional potential franchises for both the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

FC Indiana 1, Ajax America 0

W-League runner-up FC Indiana defeated the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) national champions Ajax America Women 1-0 to win the USASA Open Cup.
FC Indiana’s triumph at Starfire Soccer Stadium in Seattle, WA on Saturday was the club’s fourth major trophy in four seasons.

Women's Amateur Cup

National Championship Final:
Turbo D’Feeters: 2 vs. Eclipse Select 1

Women's Cups

Women’s Open
Ajax America: 4 vs. Dallas Sting: 0
Goals: Sabrina Demonte 1’; Shannon Cross 13’; Lisa Hermen 64’; Mele French 78’.

FC Indiana: 8 vs. United German Hungarian: 0
Goals: Annie Hamel 16’, 56’, 86’; Kelly Parker 21’; Jessica O’rourke 71’, 78’; Fatima Leyva 73’, 81’.

Women’s Amateur
Turbo D’Feeters: 3 vs. Colorado Sporting Fire: 0
Goals: Heather Hutyra 46’; Kristin Campbell 50’, 58’.

Eclipse Select: 2 vs. NY Athletic Club: 1
Goals (Eclipse): Carly Smith 50’; Vanessa Laxgan 107’.
Goal (NYAC): Magdalena Tamecka 53’.

Women’s Over 30
Forza: 7 vs. Houston Challengers: 0
Goals: Janelle Munnis 8’, 21’; Toni Riccelli 19’; Taryn Coffey 26’; Brenda Mueller 37’, 71’; Nicole Bartkus 89’.

United German Hungarian: 1 vs. JB Marine: 0
Goal: Noreen Park

Women’s U23
Real Colorado: 2 vs. North Texas Select: 1
Goals (Real): Kaitlin Bast 67’; Marissa Sampias 85’.
Goal (North Texas): Cynthia Torres 53’.

USA 1, Japan 0

The United States Women's Olympic Team rode a Carli Lloyd goal and a solid defensive effort to a 1-0 victory against Japan in the second match of Group G action at the 2008 Olympic Games.
With the shutout win, the U.S. secured a vital three points as they seek a place in the knockout phase, moving into second place in Group G behind leaders Norway. The top two finishers in each of the three groups advance to the second round along with two best third-place finishers based on points.

Not sure about Dallas

The Women's Professional Soccer league is scheduled to launch next spring with a franchise in Dallas. Or, at least, that was the original plan.
Eight months away from the start of the regular season, Dallas and St. Louis remain the only teams among the seven franchises without a home stadium.

WPS commissioner Tonya Antonucci said she hopes the Dallas stadium issue will be resolved by early September. If not, the opening season for Dallas could be postponed.
"If we had nowhere to play, we have to all agree to give ourselves more time to get into the market the right way," Antonucci said. "That would mean 2010, but we haven't given up on 2009."
The lack of a stadium has kept Dallas team owners, who also operate the Sting Soccer Club, from selling season tickets, finding business sponsors or hiring front-office staff.
TROUBLE.

USA U23 2, Chelsea 1

Chelsea Ladies proved themselves a formidable force when they faced the USA's Under 20 side last night.
The Ladies, who fronted a full strength side ahead of the training match against Chelsea Old Boys this Sunday, faced a USA team who had played two games in seven days against last season's league winners Arsenal and runners-up Everton.
A last minute goal in the fading light secured the visitors a victory, despite the Blues coming back from a one-goal deficit only minutes before, and the final score saw a 2-1 triumph to the USA.

USA 0, Norway 2

The U.S. Women’s National Team fell to Norway, 2-0, in the first match for both teams at the 2008 Olympics as the Europeans stunned the U.S. with two goals in the first five minutes. The Americans pushed to pull a goal back in the second half, but an organized Norwegian side held on for the victory on a hot and steamy night at the Qinhuangdao Sports Center Stadium.

USA U23

After a training camp in New Jersey from July 23-28, wher the U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team downed the W-League’s New Jersey Sky Blue by a 5-1 score, the team headed to England where it dropped matches to the Everton Ladies (1-0) and the Arsenal Ladies (3-1).

Against the Sky Blue on July 26, the USA got an early goal from Alex Morgan, who also added one with 15 minutes left in the game, plus individual scores from Gina DiMartino, Amanda DaCosta and Kiersten Dallstream for the final margin. The U.S. team then headed to Europe and faced Everton on July 30 almost right off the plane.

Everton’s lone goal came in the 80th minute, but the Americans hit the post twice after beating the ‘keeper during the game. Two days later against Arsenal, one of the top women’s clubs in the world, the USA played well but fell behind, 3-0, as superstar Kelly Smith scored against the run of play, the USA gave up a penalty and then a goal off a corner kick. Alex Morgan pulled a late goal back with three minutes left.

USA U20s

Tony Dicicco has been training the USA Women's Under 20s side at Cobham this week.
The manager of the USA team, who guided the USA to Olympic gold in 1996, was at Cobham ahead of the clash with our very own Ladies side, which takes place at the training ground tomorrow evening.
'Many thanks to Chelsea Football Club and the hospitality extended to the USA U20 Women,' said Dicicco. 'Not only is it an honour to train at Chelsea in Cobham but the facilities are fantastic.
'Our team is looking forward to playing Chelsea ladies as we are learning a lot playing against the Premier League's ladies' teams.'
Tomorrow's game will be the Ladies' final pre-season fixture, following their 6-1 win over Portsmouth last Thursday. On Sunday they will play an exhibition training game against the Chelsea Old Boys.

Indiana offers Del Rio two year contract

The FC Indiana Lionesses, who played in the recent United Soccer Leagues W-League Championship game in their inaugural season in the league, announced Monday forward Laura Del Rio has been offered a two-year contract to remain with the team.
Del Rio had 15 goals and 13 assists for the Lionesses this season.
She was made 30 appearances in her career for Spain's women's national team, scoring 12 goals, and has led them to three league titles and six cup titles. She has scored 156 goals in all levels of competition in nine seasons in her country's Superliga.

W-League all-Tournament team announced

United Soccer Leagues announced Monday the W-League Championship All-Tournament Team led by Pali Blues defender Amy LePeilbet, who was honored Saturday following her side’s 2-1 championship victory as Most Valuable Player.

W-League Championship All-Tournament Team
G Jessica Salvi, Seattle Sounders
D Amy LePeilbet, Pali Blues
D Emily Janss, Washington Freedom
D Kandace Wilson, Pali Blues
M Kelly Parker, FC Indiana Lionesses
M Fatima Leyva, FC Indiana Lionesses
M Lori Lindsey, Washington Freedom
M Jessica O’Rourke, FC Indiana Lionesses
F Christie Welsh, Washington Freedom
F Danesha Adams, Pali Blues
F Laura Del Rio, FC Indiana Lionesses
W-League Championship MVP
D Amy LePeilbet, Pali Blues

LePeilbet led defensively and offensively for Pali BluesLePeilbet scored the biggest goal of the year for the Blues when she headed home the equalizing tally in 83rd minute of the W-League Championship game. That goal brought the Blues back to life and eventually led to the game-winner just five minutes later. LePeilbet was also strong defensively as she led a backline that surrendered only one goal during the Final Four weekend.

Although battling a hamstring injury the entire weekend, FC Indiana forward Laura Del Rio made her presence felt. She came on in the 61st minute in their semifinal victory over the Seattle Sounders and set up the game-winning goal with beautiful one touch pass to Fatima Leyva. Del Rio was also dangerous throughout the championship game as her play-making ability was on display against a tough Pali defense.

Washington forward Christie Welsh was one of the most dominant players on the weekend as she continued to force her will on the opposition. Welsh hit the post twice in Washington’s semifinal matchup against the Pali Blues and drew heavy praise from Blues coach Charlie Naimo.

“No one this year has been able to push us as much defensively as Welsh did tonight,” said Naimo after their semifinal contest. “I give her all the credit in the world.”

Welsh finally found the back of the net early in the Third Place Game against the Seattle Sounders as she put away what would stand as the game-winner.

Arguably the most impressive offensive performance of the weekend was turned in by Pali forward Danesha Adams in the Blues semifinal matchup against the Washington Freedom. Adams scored both goals for the Blues and demonstrated her athletic superiority throughout the contest. Adams also drew the attention of the entire FC Indiana defense in the championship game, which gave her teammates more space and helped lead to the two winning goals.

One of the most consistent and dangerous player of the weekend was FC Indiana midfielder Kelly Parker. Parker at times during FC Indiana’s semifinal and championship games was the best player on the field and almost willed her team to victory over the Blues.

Pali head coach Charlie Naimo, who has faced Parker many times over the past few seasons while coaching in the northeast, could not say enough good things about Parker and called her performance over the weekend, “the best I’ve ever seen her play.” Parker’s amazing runs up and down the field wowed the crowd and made for some anxious moments for her opponents the entire weekend.

FC Indiana midfielder Fatima Leyva was the only player the entire weekend to score points in both games, and her goal in the first semifinal match set the tone for a great weekend of soccer. Leyva gained possession in the midfield and quickly maneuvered her way around two Seattle defenders before playing a beautiful give and go with Laura Del Rio and finished with a striker’s grace in the lower left hand corner. Leyva also began the scoring in the Championship match when she sent a curling corner kick in the 47th minute that found the head of FC Indiana midfielder Jessica O’Rourke.

Washington midfielder Lori Lindsey was a force in the middle both games and she clearly showed her importance to the Freedom team. Against the Pali Blues in the semifinals Lindsey linked up with forward Christie Welsh throughout the game and was the main force in controlling the possession battle against the Blues. The Third Place game with the Sounders was more of the same with Lindsey controlling the midfield and tipping the balance of the field in Washington’s direction as most of the game was played in Seattle’s end of the field.

FC Indiana midfielder Jessica O’Rourke played one of the best games of the playoffs and almost sent the Lionesses to the top of the W-League with her amazing championship performance. O’Rourke’s main goal in the championship game was to be a disruption to Pali forwards Danesha Adams and India Trotter. She made life difficult for those two players and limited the amount of space they had to play with. O’Rourke did that beautifully throughout the contest and frustrated both forwards while she was on the field.

Not only did O’Rourke display her strength defensively, but she was also responsible for getting FC Indiana on the scoreboard. O’Rourke soared in the air over two Pali defenders and headed in a cross from teammate Fatima Leyva that gave the Lionesses the lead and put Pali in a trailing position for the first time this season.

Washington defender Emily Janss played all 180 minutes for the Freedom and was a force both defensively and offensively. Janss displayed her quickness on the flanks in both games as she made life miserable for the opposing defenses by making dangerous runs down the sidelines. Janss was also a workhorse defensively as her constant energy and production led to the shutout of Seattle and the frustration of the offensives from both Pali and the Sounders.

The versatility of Pali defender Kandace Wilson was on full display over the weekend as this standout defender showed she can help win games in more ways than one. In the Blues semifinal victory over Washington her athleticism help keep the Freedom forwards at bay and her constant work rate made her a tough defender to beat. Wilson’s big moment came near the end of the championship game when her coach Charlie Naimo moved her to forward to create more energy in the Pali attack. That move paid dividends in the 88th minute when Wilson flew down the left side and sent a cross through the outstretched hands of FC Indiana goalie Kristen Luckenbill and found the head of an incoming Ilaria Pasqui.

Seattle goalkeeper Jessica Salvi was the lone Sounders representative to make the W-League Championship All-Tournament team. Salvi played a courageous game in net for Seattle in their 1-0 setback to FC Indiana. However, if it wasn’t for Salvi, the score could have been much worse. Salvi showed no fear the entire match as she put her body on the line in making clearing punches and several diving saves that put the upstart Sounders in position to make it to the W-League Championship game.

WPSL Champinship: Ajax 3, Arizona 1

As the final seconds of the 2009 Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) National Final ticked off the clock, and the victorious Ajax America Women (14-3-1) began their team celebration, it almost felt like a family affair. In a certain sense, it most certainly was as the defense and offense seemed to meld fluidly this weekend with the Bosio sisters - Dani (defender) & Kiki (forward) - taking home Co-MVP honors in the 3-1 victory over the Arizona Rush (10-2-3) for the 2008 WPSL National champions.
The Ajax defense led by All-WPSL defender Dani Bosio clamped down on a young and athletic Arizona offense, only allowing a 30-yard strike from University of Arizona's Kelly Nelson past All-Tournament goalkeeper Alli Lipsher. The Ajax offense was bolstered by the return of U.S. U-23 forward Kiki Bosio on this night, with their attacking volume turned up to 11 (ala Spinal Tap) as soon as she stepped on the field.
Setting up the first & second goals of the match, while notching the insurance goal, Bosio was a true difference-maker for Brain Boswell's side. However, the casual observer could easily witness that the true success of his side was a complete team effort.
"Its been a long time coming," said Boswell, as the last WPSL title for Ajax came in 2001 with his team making three straight trips to the Final Four (2006-08). "We're real happy with this one. over the last couple of [Final Fours], we've been the bridesmaid and it feels good to be the winner. We're just a great team... it doesn't matter who's out there. We just play very well as a team. We play well for each other - more than any superstars."
"Brian just told us to play our game tonight," said Kiki Bosio, also a star forward for coach Jerry Smith at Division I powerhouse Santa Clara. "Let us dictate the game and let them defend us - not the other way around."
And so they did, as Ajax would hold the run of possession through the first half but would find quality scoring chances hard to find via the Arizona's young, physical and determined defense - led by All-Tournament selections Analisa Marquez and Lindsey Johnson. Midway through the half, though, All-Tournament selection Renee Scachetti would beat Rush keeper Emalee Rogers (4 saves) to a flighted ball into the penalty area, but her header would sail just over the cross bar.
In the 28th minute, Ajax would threaten again as Leah Wilson had a point-blank shot on Rogers, but the Big Sky Conference of the Year would save smartly and push the shot away for a corner. But then in the 33rd minute, Arizona's Nelson would repeat her shooting prowess from the day before in the WPSL Semifinal win over New England, firing another 30-yard bomb for the first goal of the match.
Even with her full extension dive at the shot, Ajax goalkeeper Alli Lipsher (2 saves) could only watch the shot fly just over her fingertips and underneath the crossbar. Ajax would respond in high order, as Kiki Bosio initiated the offensive rush that led to the tying goal in the 39th minute.
Bosio broke down the right flank, sending in a low, hard drive across the face of goal that the Rush defense couldn't properly clear. Scachetti would redeem herself in clinical fashion, as she pounced on the loose ball and finished under the dive of Rogers and inside the far post. The half would end with the score tied at 1-1.
It didn't take much time in the second half for Ajax to get their second goal, as the dangerous flip throw-in from Kiki Bosio proved too much for the Rush defense to handle. Essentially a corner kick from the left sideline, Bosio let fly and Myisha Delaney pounced on the knockdown for the 2-1 lead in the 47th minute - which proved the be the eventual gamewinner. The Rush offense could not get anything going against the experienced unity of the Ajax team defense in the second half and were held to only one shot on Lipsher.
With a little over 13 minutes remaining, Kiki Bosio would again prove to be a handful, attacking deep down the left flank and drawing a yellow card infraction on Arizona's Danielle Morin. All-Tournament selection Brooke O'Hanley would drive the free kick towards the face of the goal, which would force another knockdown and Bosio finished for the final score of 3-1.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Dani Bosio/Kiki Bosio (Ajax).
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM: Marcia Foltz (MYSC Lady Blues), Mary-Frances Monroe (N.E. Mutiny), Danielle Dakin (N.E. Mutiny), Kelly Nelson (Arizona), Analisa Marquez (Arizona), Lindsey Johnson (Arizona), Kiki Bosio (Ajax), Dani Bosio (Ajax), Brooke O'Hanley (Ajax), Renee Scachetti (Ajax), Alli Lipsher (Ajax).
AJAX STARTERS: Lipsher (GK), D. Bosio, Scachetti, Scholl, O'Hanley, Brewer, Bognanno, Delaney, Cross, Wilson, Alfiler.
ARIZONA STARTERS: Rogers (GK), Balcer, McDonald, Moore, Heath, Johnson, Morin, Davis, Bednarz, Nelson, Marquez.
STATS: Shots - 13-5 (Ajax); Saves - 4-2 (Arizona); Fouls - 6-6; Corner Kicks - 7-2 (Ajax).

W-League Chmapionship: Pali Blues 2, FC Indiana 1

It’s not always the case that a game can live up to the hype, but the Pali Blues 2-1 victory over FC Indiana in the W-League Championship game will be remembered for ages.
The Pali Blues came out loose and relax and it showed early in the contest. Pali was in control of the game early, dominating possession and getting everyone involved. On the other hand, FC Indiana looked nervous and the big game jitters definitely contributed to early FC Indiana miscues.
Although FC Indiana could not keep possession for any period of time, their defense was solid and Pali could not create any true scoring chances. Jessica O’Rourke was key in FC Indiana’s early defensive play as Head Coach Shek Borkowski unleashed a defensive strategy which clogged up the space that the athletic Blues desperately needed.
“Shek did an excellent coaching job tonight,” said Pali Head Coach Charlie Naimo. “He was able to take away our athleticism and we were really in trouble.”
The first big moment of the match came in the 30th minute when FC Indiana thought they took the early lead. Laura Del Rio played a beautiful curling ball in the front of the Pali goalmouth, where the awaiting Lauren Sesselmann headed into the goal. However, Sesselmann was whistled for being a step offside.
Pali responded quickly to FC Indiana’s scoring chance with one of their own. US youth international Danesha Adams sent a through ball to India Trotter, who looked to have a good shot on goal. However, Trotter tried one too many moves and the retreating FC Indiana defense deflected Trotter’s shot wide.
Right before the end of the first half it looked again like FC Indiana would take a 1-0 lead when midfielder Lena Mosebo blew past a defender on the wing and found an open Spain international Laura Del Rio at the top of the box. Del Rio’s shot was pushed aside by Pali goalie Val Henderson and the deflection went towards the direction of the back post and also towards the direction of a sliding Lauren Sesselmann. However, the sliding Sesselmann was unable to connect as the ball went safely out of play. The two teams headed to the half level, but with the momentum clearly in FC Indiana’s favor.
FC Indiana used that momentum to come out strong in the second half. They dominated the early play and used that advantage to score the first goal of the match. Midfielder and Mexican international Fatima Leyva sent a dangerous curling corner in the 47th minute that found the head of Jessica O’Rourke to make it 1-0 FC Indiana.

This was the first time all season that Pali trailed in a match and it took awhile for the Blues to regain their focus and command of the game.

FC Indiana continued on the offensive following the goal and in the 57th minute almost made the score 2-0 when Lauren Sesselmann went down the sidelines and sent in a cross the Del Rio just headed wide of the goal. Del Rio was at it again in the 70th minute, when she sent another beautiful cross that FC Indiana forward Mexican international Monica Ocampo got too, but was unable to put on goal.
“We were really struggling to make anything happen in the first part of the second half,” said Naimo. “We switched our formation from a 4-4-2 to a 3-4-3 to try and get some energy up top.”

The switch worked magically for Naimo and in the 83rd minute Pali leveled the match. Pali defender Amy LePeilbet beat all FC Indiana players in the air to the ball from a corner sent in by Rosie Tantillo and smoothly deflected the ball past FC Indiana goalie Kristen Luckenbill.

The equalizing goal sent waves of confidence through the Blues players and sent FC Indiana into a state of shock they could not recover from. Pali used the bounce in their step just five minutes later to score the game-winning goal. Defender Kandace Wilson, who was moved up top by Naimo in the second half, beat her defender on the wing and sent in a cross that went over the outstretched hands of Luckenbill. Italian international Ilaria Pasqui jumped at the opportunity and sent a diving header into the back of the net for only her second goal of the year.
FC Indiana frantically tried to gather themselves to find the equalizer, but none came, and Pali rode the strength of two goals in the final 10 minutes to win the 2008 W-League Championship.
“Our depth was a huge reason why we won this game,” said Naimo. “Our bench gave us the energy we needed and helped put us on top.”
FC Indiana’s loss was especially devastating to midfielder Kelly Parker, who is now 0-3 in W-League Championship games.
“To have the game in our hands, to be able to see the trophy right in front of us, this just hurts a lot,” said an obviously dejected Parker. “With the 1-0 goal lead we played a little bit safer but the momentum swing at the end of the game was too much to overcome.”
Kelly Parker was arguably the best player on the field tonight. She made tireless runs up and down the field and was a constant thorn in the side of the Pali Blues.
“I have never seen Kelly play this well,” said Naimo. “I can’t say enough good things about her.”
With the win the Pali Blues finished their season with a perfect 14-0-0 record, trailing only for a period of 36 minutes – as about a perfect a season as any team could produce. Star defender Amy LePeilbet was named the Most Valuable Player of the W-League Championship as she scored the goal that breathed life back to Pali.

WPS

Roland Arnqvist, responsible for player contracts at Umeå IK, reveals that the new American soccer league WPS has been in touch with the club regarding some of their players. Lauren Gregg, who works with international player contracts for the league, approached Umeå, requesting permission to start talks with three players; Brazilians Marta and Elaine and Swiss teenage talent Ramona Bachmann. WPS recieved Umeå's permission to start contract talks with Marta, but were denied this when it comes to Elaine and Bachmann. Both these players are on two year contracts and are tied to Umeå through the 2009 season. It is of course possible, and not uncommon, to change clubs during a contract period, but Arnqvist doesn't think WPS has the money to buy the players from Umeå. He adds that he wouldn't recommend a young player to join the WPS the first years, but rather wait and see. But then, he is not really an impartial observer here.

WPSL All-Star team

2008 ALL-WPSL TEAM
F Jessica McDonald (ARIZONA RUSH)
F Katie Schoepfer (SOCCERPLUS CT)
MF Mary-Frances Monroe (NEW ENGLAND MUTINY)
MF Jenny Maurer (NEW ENGLAND MUTINY)
MF Sissi (CALIFORNIA STORM)
MF Megan Dickerson (UTAH SPIDERS)
D Manya Makoski (SOCCERPLUS CT)
D Nancy Goffi (ARIZONA RUSH)
D Kendal Billingsley (WEST COAST F.C.)
D Dani Bosio (AJAX AMERICA)
GK Sophia Perez (SD UNITED)

Buffalo joins W-League

United Soccer Leagues announced today the first W-League expansion team to be added for the 2009 season, unveiling that the Sahlen family, led by W-League player Alexandra Sahlen, has acquired the franchise rights for the greater Buffalo area, which will be home to the new Buffalo Flash.
Sahlen family expands sports enterprises Sahlen is currently the President of Sahlen Sports Park, a family-owned indoor sports facility that the W-League team will call home for training. The facility is an 180,000 sq/ft multi-sport center with three open fields, a boarded field, a fitness center, soccer store and café. The facility features a full field sized 70 by 100 yards and is home to numerous adult and youth sports leagues and tournaments.

W-League All-Star team

W-League 2008 All-League Team

G - Mallori Lofton-Malachi (Tampa Bay Hellenic)
D - Marie-Eve Nault (FC Indiana Lionesses)
D - Cindy Walsh (Laval Comets)
D - Sue Weber (Long Island Rough Riders)
M - Chelsea Cline (Minnesota Lightning)
M - Michelle French (Seattle Sounders)
M - Lori Lindsey (Washington Freedom)
M - Jill Oakes (Pali Blues)
F - Shay Powell (Ottawa Fury)
F - Sarah Steinmann (Atlanta Silverbacks)
F - Christie Welsh (Washington Freedom)

Most Valuable Player – Sarah Steinmann (Atlanta Silverbacks)
Coach of the Year – Tony Anglin (Atlanta Silverbacks)
Defender of the Year – Sue Weber (Long Island Rough Riders)
Goalkeeper of the Year – Mallori Lofton-Malachi (Tampa Bay Hellenic)
U19 Player of the Year – Fortuna Velaj (Connecticut Passion)

Pali Blues 2, Washington 0

The Pali Blues rode the leg of Danesha Adams as she scored two goals for the Blues as their march to perfection continued Thursday night by defeating the defending W-League Champion Washington Freedom 2-0 in the second semifinal of the W-League Championship.

FC Indiana 1, Seattle 0

The game started with FC Indiana dominating possession. They controlled the pace of the game with great spacing and crisp passing.

USA 0, China 0

Although the game ended up 0-0, we came away with a lot of positives and will take tomorrow off as we prepare for our final week of training.

W-League

Results of a www.womensprosoccer.com poll "Which team will be crowned 2008 W-League Champions?"

Washington Freedom - 55.56%
Pali Blues - 16.67%
Seattle Sounders - 14.81%
FC Indiana - 12.96%

WPSL Final Four set

Ajax America Women vs. Arizona
New England vs. MYSC Lady Blues

Coverage of the W-League Championship Final to air this Saturday on Fox Soccer Channel

Fox Soccer Channel will broadcast the USL W-League Championship Final.
The Washington Freedom (13-1-2), Pali Blues (12-0-0), FC Indiana (15-0-1) and Seattle Sounders (6-3-4) have advanced to the W-League Championship semifinals taking place this weekend in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Coverage of the W-League Championship final will air on Fox Soccer Channel this Saturday, August 2 at 11:00 p.m. ET.

DiCicco's club fails again to reach WPSL finals

"Our ideas were not lofty but very realistic. In addition to finishing the regular season undefeated, our last goal was to win the WPSL Championship. Even in the beginning of the season we knew the talent that was latent within the team. But as the season progressed we believed more and more that we could reach every goal we put in front of ourselves.

Every Reds player and staff knew that we could achieve our goal. We ended the regular season with a perfect record. We look ahead to this weekend, where we will be playing the semifinal game of the East Conference at our home stadium Friday night. We believe in ourselves because we have relied on each other the whole season. Players have come and gone, but our passion and our attitude has not changed. We know what we need to do to get the job done and win this weekend.
Only one more goal to reach… winning that WPSL Championship game!"

New England 1, SoccerPlus 0

The SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds put a sluggish first half behind then and came out of intermission with renewed vigor.
Fueled by Eastern Conference first-team all-star Katie Schoepfer, the Reds seized the second-half momentum as they had done in each of their games this season against quality competition.
But the visiting New England Mutiny, two-time losers against SPCT during the Women's Premier Soccer League regular season, countered decisively.
Erin Clark took a ball in the box and pushed it past goalkeeper Jill Mastroianni for the game's lone goal Sunday as the Mutiny sewed up a return to the WPSL final four with a 1-0 win in the Eastern Conference championship match at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Ajax America 2, California Storm 0

Seattle 1, Vancouver 0

The Vancouver Whitecaps saw their season come to a disappointing end on Saturday, as they lost 1-0 to Seattle Sounders in the USL W-League Western Conference playoff at Swangard Stadium.
Baysa's winner came via a bicycle kick (Josh Devins)A spectacular bicycle kick from Sounders top scorer Chalise Baysa on minute 67 was the difference, as Seattle now advance to the W-League semifinals in Virginia Beach, Virginia, next week.
The Sounders advanced to the W-League Championship tournament starting July 31 at the Virginia Beach SportsPlex. Hosted by the Hampton Roads Piranhas, the Semifinals will be July 31 with the the Championship match August 2, which will be aired on Fox Soccer Channel.
As the lowest seed not from the Western Conference, the defending champion Washington Freedom (seeded fifth overall) will face the regular season champion Pali Blues in the Semifinals with Seattle (seeded 13th) facing the winner of Sunday's Central Conference Championship between FC Indiana (seeded second) and Ottawa (seeded fourth).

Washington 2, Atlanta 1

The Atlanta Silverbacks' 2008 W-League season ended much like the 2007 campaign did, at the hands of the Washington Freedom. The Freedom dominated in possession throughout the Eastern Conference Championship game, but only squeaked by the Silverbacks 2-1 in overtime thanks to a 118th minute goal from Ali Andrzejewski.
Defending champions survive two overtime contests (Ron Holt)With the win, the Freedom (13-1-2) move on to defend their W-League title as part of the final four with the Pali Blues and the winners of the Central and Western conference playoffs.

DiCicco wants Amy Pickard

Amy Pickard, an Inferno forward, made a brilliant move in the first half. She possessed near the top of the box and showed just how quick her feet are by switching the ball and darting toward the goal.
DiCicco noticed.
"We're trying to get our players so they're prepared to play professionally," he said. "I saw Number 8 (Amy Pickard) on their team who I liked a lot. (By coaching in the WPSL) you get a chance to see players, kids who might slip through the cracks."

SoccerPlus 2, Lancaster 1

Taking on the Lancaster Inferno in the semi-finals of the 2008 WPSL Eastern Conference playoffs, the Reds won a hard fought game 2-1.
After the game was delayed fifteen minutes due to the late arrival of the Inferno, the teams appeared evenly matched early on. In the fourth minute Maggie Tomecka produced a soft shot from inside the box, saved by Inferno keeper Joy Shaiebly. Shortly after, the Inferno had a chance of their own as Reds’ keeper Jill Mastroianni made a save on a header.

W-League All-Conference team

United Soccer Leagues announced Friday the statistical award winners for the 2008 W-League season and the All-Conference Teams, honoring 33 of the top players in the league as voted on by team coaches and general managers.

French and Murphy both honored for fourth timeThe Atlanta Silverbacks’ Sarah Steinmann finished as the Scoring and Goal Scoring Champion for the season with a league-leading 40 points and 19 goals, a breakout performance for the sixth-year W-League veteran. The numbers were triple what she posted last season when she notched only six goals in a season in which she played the fewest games (eight) in her career. They were twice what she registered in her best season, an eight-goal campaign in 2006. Steinmann originally began her W-League career with the Charlotte Lady Eagles in 2003-04 before moving to Atlanta. She had 25 goals in her previous five seasons in the league.

Laura Del Rio of the FC Indiana Lionesses finished as the W-League Assist Leader with nine on the season. Combined with her 13 goals on the season, Del Rio also finished second in the league in points with 35.

In goal, it was Pali Blues netminder Valerie Henderson winning the GAA Champion award with the league’s lowest goals against average of 0.142. Henderson posted shutouts in six of her seven games played, allowing just one goal on the year.

Among the W-League All-Conference selections were several players who have received the honor several times. Charlotte’s Tina Murphy and Seattle’s Michelle French are both being recognized for the fourth time in their careers (both in 2004, 2006 and 2007) while Tiffeny Milbrett was selected for the third straight year.

Being honored for a second time are Chicago’s Jen Buczkowski (2006), Jersey’s Fanta Cooper (2004), Washington’s Lori Lindsey (2007) and Pali trio Kendall Fletcher (2004), Amy LePeilbet (2005) and Jill Oakes (2007).

W-LEAGUE ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS
Central Conference
G Erin Kane Chicago Gaels
D Ashley Kennedy Ottawa Fury
D Marie-Eve Nault FC Indiana Lionesses
D Cindy Walsh Laval Comets
M Jen Buczkowski Chicago Gaels
M Chelsea Cline Minnesota Lightning
M Alicia Donaldson Toronto Lady Lynx
M Julianne Sitch FC Indiana Lionesses
F Brittany Bisnott Toronto Lady Lynx
F Laura Del Rio FC Indiana Lionesses
F Shay Powell Ottawa Fury Eastern Conference

Eastern Conference
G Mallori Lofton-Malachi Tampa Bay Hellenic
D Fanta Cooper Jersey Sky Blue
D Therese Luckner Boston Renegades
D Sue Weber Long Island Rough Riders
M Stacey Bishop Tampa Bay Hellenic
M Lori Lindsey Washington Freedom
M Tina Murphy Charlotte Lady Eagles
M Lyndsey Patterson Atlanta Silverbacks
F Sarah Steinmann Atlanta Silverbacks
F Fortuna Velaj Connecticut Passion
F Christie Welsh Washington Freedom

Western Conference
G Valerie Henderson Pali Blues
D Kendall Fletcher Pali Blues
D Amy LePeilbet Pali Blues
D Afton Sauer Real Colorado Cougars
D Katrin Schmidt Vancouver Whitecaps
M Michelle French Seattle Sounders
M Katie Hooker Real Colorado Cougars
M Jill Oakes Pali Blues
F Danesha Adams Pali Blues
F Katie Erikkson Fort Collins Force
F Tiffeny Milbrett Vancouver Whitecaps

WPSL All-Star team

2008 ALL-EAST FIRST TEAM
F Katie Schoepfer (SOCCERPLUS CT)
F Amy Pickard (LANCASTER INFERNO)
F Jasmyne Spencer (LONG ISLAND FURY)
MF Mary-Frances Monroe (NEW ENGLAND MUTINY)
MF Tiffany Weimer (SOCCERPLUS CT)
MF Jenny Maurer (NEW ENGLAND MUTINY)
MF Kelly Henderson (LONG ISLAND FURY)
D Manya Makoski (SOCCERPLUS CT)
D Hannah Cerrone (LONG ISLAND FURY)
D Kirsten Hoffsmith (LANCASTER INFERNO)
D Tara Davies (ATLANTIC CITY DIABLOS)
GK Meghan Walker (ATLANTIC CITY DIABLOS)

COACH OF THE YEAR: Tony DiCicco (SOCCERPLUS CT)
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Mary-Frances Monroe (NEW ENGLAND MUTINY)
GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR: Meghan Walker (ATLANTIC CITY DIABLOS)

W-League playoffs

W-LEAGUE EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
Long Island Rough Riders at Atlanta Silverbacks 0:1
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium Friday, July 25, 2008 8:00 pm EDT
Weather: Cool, cloudy Attendance: 485

Summary:
ATL: Christine Latham (Melanie Schneider) 51
Cautions
LI: Liz Speck 90
ATL: Monica Buff 70, Kay Harbrueger 90
Ejections
LI: coach John Fitzgerald 82
Referees: Patrick Baker, Alan Cromlish, Alex Walker

Charlotte Lady Eagles at Washington Freedom 5:6
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium Friday, July 25, 2008 5:00 pm EDT
Weather: Cloudy, 85 Attendance: 152

Summary:
WAS: Christie Welsh 2
CHA: Christy Rife (Nikki Lyons) 11
WAS: Christie Welsh (Ella Masar) 16
WAS: Madison Keller (Sarah Huffman) 22
CHA: Kelly Schmedes (Nikki Lyons) 29
CHA: Tina Murphy 59
CHA: Nikki Lyons (Kelly Schmedes) 66
WAS: Rebecca Moros (penalty) 70
WAS: Emily Janss (Sarah Huffman) 97
WAS: Christie Welsh (Sarah Huffman) 103
CHA: Tina Murphy 107
Cautions
None
Referees: William Deland, JJ Blodgett, Serdar Ertep

W-LEAGUE CENTRAL CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
Chicago Gaels at Ottawa Fury 2:3
Purdue University Friday, July 25, 2008 3:30 pm EDT
Weather: Sunny, warm Attendance: 50

Summary:
OTT: Jodie Taylor 12
OTT: Shay Powell (Lisa-Marie Woods) 15
CHI: Lauren Spacht (Jen Buczkowski) 26
OTT: Jodie Taylor (penalty) 62
CHI: Emily Maynard (penalty) 89
Cautions
CHI: Danielle Mutters 12, Laura Trevillian 74
Referees: Tony Deldis, Josh Kelley, Brinn Di Piro

Laval Comets at FC Indiana Lionesses 1:5
Purdue University Friday, July 25, 2008 6:00 pm EDT
Weather: Cloudy, 70 Attendance: 128

Summary:
IND: Annie Hamel (Kelly Parker) 14
IND: Lauren Sesselmann (Kelly Parker) 16
IND: Lauren Sesselmann (Laura Del Rio) 25
LAV: Andreanne Gagne (penalty) 55
IND: Kelly Parker (Annie Hamel) 63
IND: Veronica Phewa (Fatima Leyva) 72
Cautions
IND: Lauren Sesselmann 27
Referees: Andrew Scott, Tom Gentry, Craig Clark

Laval 2, Toronto 0

The Toronto Lady Lynx season came to a crashing halt this evening on the heels of a shocking 2-0 loss to the Laval Comets at Centennial Stadium in the Northern Division semifinals.
Gagne scored both goals on free kicks for LavalLaval now advances to the Central Conference Championships this weekend to face the host FC Indiana Lionesses in one semifinal, while the Ottawa Fury will tackle the Chicago Gaels in the other.
The loss is the first-ever home playoff loss for the Lady Lynx, and marks the first time that the team will not advance to the conference championships in their four-year history. It was also the team's first-ever home defeat to Laval in team history.

Long Island 1, Boston 0

Meghann Burke made several great saves, but the Long Island Rough Riders scored in the 84th minute to eliminate the visiting Boston Renegades 1-0 in the first round of the W-League playoffs.
"The team's very disappointed. We played evenly the first half, and I thought we dominated the second half, and to have them score at the end like that was tough," said Renegades coach Darren Gallagher, whose team finished the season 9-4-2.

Nordic Cup final

USA 3, Germany 0

Jersey Sky Blue out, Long Island in

With the United Soccer Leagues W-League regular season completed Sunday, playoff pairings were announced and play-in games set for Wednesday with conference tournaments scheduled for this weekend.

In the Central Conference, the Toronto Lynx and the Laval Comets will face off Wednesday at Centennial Park Stadium with the winner advancing to the conference tournament this weekend in Indianapolis with the Chicago Gaels, Ottawa Fury and the host FC Indiana in the field.

In the Eastern Conference, the Long Island Rough Riders will host the Boston Renegades Wednesday wth the winner joining the host Atlanta Silverbacks, Charlotte Lady Eagles and the defending league champion Washington Freedom at Silverbacks Park in their conference tournament.

Finally, in the Western Conference, the 2008 W-League regular season champion Pali Blues await the winner of Wednesday's semifinal showdown at Swangard Stadium between the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Seattle Sounders and will play them in Pacific Palisades, CA next Sunday.

Conference champions advance to the W-League Championship Tournament July 31 and August 2 in Virginia Beach, VA.

USA U-23 2, Norway U-23 0

A tale of two players

"Solo and Wambach both say they have become experts in agreeing to disagree, and time has softened their stances on the World Cup conflict, but only somewhat. Wambach stands by the decision to keep Solo off the squad for the third-place match ("It would have affected my ability to prepare for the game," she says), but she allows that it was "probably an overreaction" to tell Solo not to come to the stadium."

It's a confusing time for Solo, to say nothing of her teammates. Yes, she thinks the U.S.'s traditional harmony-first culture needs to change. "We don't have to be friends to respect what somebody does on the field," she says. "I truly hope women's sports can get to that point. We like to say we are, but I don't think we're there yet."

Connecticut 2, New England 0

The visiting New England Mutiny had their eyes on the prize. They started strong and ended strong but they were unable to finish their chances.
Leah Blayney and Tiffany Weimer scored second-half goals Friday night as the Reds clinched first place and maintained their unblemished record in the Women's Premier Soccer League's East-North Division with a 2-0 victory at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
"Our defense was solid all game long," said Reds coach Tony DiCicco, who returned to the bench after spending most of the season in Mexico coaching the U-20 nationals in the World Cup qualifying tournament.

Pali Blues win regular season title

The Pali Blues Soccer Club (12-0-0) became the first Western Conference team to ever win the W-League regular season crown tonight following a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Legends (0-9-2). The perfect record marks the third time in five years that Blues head coach Charlie Naimo has finished the regular season as the top team in the league.
"When the final whistle blew, I was relieved, but our team had me feeling pretty comfortable throughout the match that we would come through," Naimo stated Friday night after his regular season coaching record improved to 65-3 over the past five seasons. "We played the right way, and that led to us getting the right result."
In the contest, the visiting Blues outshot their cross-city rivals by a count of 37-5 and took the corner kick advantage, 12-1.

Cheney replaces Wambach

Lauren Cheney will take Wambach's spot in the roster, and she will join Natasha Kai and Amy Rodriguez to form a talented but inexperienced strike force.

From Amish heartland, FC Indiana gives women’s soccer ‘multicultural vision’

The story of this juggernaut begins in the north central Indiana town of Goshen (pop. 30,000), where horse-drawn buggies vie with sport-utility vehicles for right of way. Goshen lies at the center of Indiana’s Amish and Mennonite communities, Anabaptist Christian denominations with roots in 16th-century Europe. Some congregations shun modernity, avoiding electricity and telephones in the home, and use horses for farming and transportation.

USA U-23 3, England U-23 0

U.S. Under-23 Women’s National Team earned its second straight win and shutout at the 2008 Nordic Cup with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over England in Group B on Thursday morning.
The USA now needs a win or a tie in its final first round match, taking place on July 19 against Norway, to win the group and earn a berth in its 12th straight Nordic Cup title game. Both the USA and Norway have won their first two matches and are tied atop the group with six points, but the USA has a superior goal difference at plus-4 to Norway’s plus-2, meaning a tie would give the U.S. top honors in the group.
India Trotter, who earned Player of the Match honors, scored in the 37th minute after Meghan Schnur played a great bending ball around the defense from the left side at about midfield. Trotter got on the end of it and beat a defender to go one-on-one with the ‘keeper before slotting her shot into the right corner.

USA 1, Brazil 0

The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Brazil, 1-0, on a 85th minute goal from forward Natasha Kai in front of a sell-out standing-room-only crowd of 7,502.

Wambach to miss Olympics after breaking leg

U.S. Women’s National Team forward Abby Wambach suffered a mid-shaft oblique fracture of the tibia and fibula, the two bones that make up the lower leg, in a 31st minute collision with a Brazilian defender during the USA’s 1-0 victory tonight and will miss the 2008 Olympics.

Pali Blues seek regular season title on Friday

The Pali Blues Soccer Club (11-0-0) will attempt to do what no other Western Conference side in league history has ever done this Friday, and that is win the W-League regular season title. Standing in the way of that accomplishment is their regular season finale on the road against the Los Angeles Legends (0-8-2), slated for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff.