The One In Which FCGP Score Six and the Beat Concede Just As Many August 29, 2010
Posted by Jenna Pel in Atlanta Beat, FC Gold Pride, Hope Solo.1 comment so far
FC Gold Pride are making up for lost time. The team’s six goal output was a compensatory move for those three goalless draws earlier this month. With regular season title in tow, the Pride are now reminding everyone exactly why they deserve it. It took 43 minutes before Tiffeny Milbrett’s shot snuck past Hope Solo. Camille Abily doubled FCGP’s lead just eight minutes later before Eniola Aluko (or was it Angie Kerr?) cut the visiting side’s lead in half in the 65’.
If the match had ended here the result would have been characterized as yet another hard-fought performance in a losing effort by the Beat. According to reports from attendees, the Beat went out and gave FCGP a real go. Head coach James Galanis attempted to fight fire with fire, hoping to score more goals on FCGP #2 Brittany Cameron than Hope Solo would concede. It seemed like the Beat were throwing caution at the wind, like they had done in Boston a week prior. They had nothing to lose, after all. Why not entertain the multitudes in attendance? (The Beat had its best home gate since opening day with 4,289 in attendance last night.)
Perhaps the multitude were indeed entertained, but surely not by their home team. After Aluko’s (or was it Kerr’s?) goal, FC Gold Pride went on to hit four more within a period of 20 minutes. Marta would tally her 16th and 17th goal of the season in quick succession, Kelley O’Hara earned her fourth of her rookie campaign and then Christine Sinclair gave the dagger a final twist in the 88′.
It was the first time a WPS team had ever scored six goals and indeed, the first time a WPS team had ever conceded six goals. This result may permanently stain Hope Solo’s reputation as being “the world’s best goalkeeper 1a”. (If it’s any consolation, “the world’s best goalkeeper 1b” Nadine Angerer conceded two late goals to hand Frankfurt a 2-1 loss against rivals Turbine Potsdam this morning.)
But it would be unfair to assign all of the blame on Solo. Her defense was also complicit in this mess (McCall Zerboni started at right-back) and should shoulder some responsibility. Eyewitness accounts state that the score line would have reached double figures had it not been for Solo’s efforts. Few goalkeepers would be imperious to the all-out barrage FC Gold Pride treated the Beat’s defense to.
Blowout results can never be attributed to a single culprit. The 6-1 was a result of FCGP’s reinvigorated spirit, Galanis’ naïve tactics and the Beat’s woeful defending. Take your pick.
If there’s one thing the Beat can be thankful for it’s that they’ll never have to face the regular season champions again this season. 12 of the 32 goals Solo has conceded this year have been against FC Gold Pride.
31 Things We Appreciate About WPS: The Atlanta Beat August 2, 2010
Posted by Jenna Pel in Atlanta Beat, WPS Appreciation Month.add a comment
There’s just something so endearing about those plucky gals from the ATL. Who would have ever thought they’d be the league’s hottest team (not located in either the Bay Area or in Boston, of course).
Perhaps it’s the lovely stadium and the fact that it’s so close to roads named “Chastain” and “Akers” (no joke – thanks to Katie Marx for the reminder). Or maybe it’s just comforting to know that there’s an enclave of women’s soccer fans that far down south.
And who doesn’t love a good comeback story, right? Whether by good fortune or blind luck, the consensus worst team in WPS suddenly got a slew of players fit for an All-World XI. Hope Solo, Eniola Aluko, Lori Chalupny, Aya Miyama and Tina Ellertson now decorate the roster. And then there’s Ramona Bachmann; the overly-ambitious, yet undeniably skillful Swiss teenager who’s seems to always provoke some kind of reaction.
The Beat may still be at the bottom of the table but they likely won’t be there for long as they’re on a five-game non-losing streak.
The Atlanta Beat; converting the non-believers to WPS’ southern revival.
Alarm Bells Continue To Sound In Atlanta July 4, 2010
Posted by Jenna Pel in Atlanta Beat, FC Gold Pride.5 comments
(Photo by David Todd/isiphotos.net)
There is no way Hope Solo was smiling after conceding 4 goals to an imperious FC Gold Pride side last night. Essentially everything went wrong for a forlorn Atlanta team that had looked to be on the up’s as the team came into the match riding a two-game unbeaten streak.
But no such luck as Canadian ace Christine Sinclair struck first sometime between the first and third minutes (I’ve seen it reported as all three). And then in the 30’, Marta beat Solo just like she had in the All-Star Game days prior to make it 2-0. In the 34’, Atlanta defender Kia McNeill earned an apparently egregious red card when she sent a hyper-extended (studs-up) leg into the face of Nicole Barnhart. But Barnhart proved to be ok as she assisted Marta (yes, she assisted Marta) for FC Gold Pride’s third goal. Then in the 91st minute, Kelley O’Hara heaped on the misery as she scored Gold Pride’s fourth goal and her third of the season.
Tina Ellertson did not return to the second half after a collision with Tiffeny Milbrett.
This was essentially the Atlanta Beat’s best squad, save for the absence of Ramona Bachmann who was sidelined presumably due to the injury she sustained at the All-Star Game. But the Beat still could not muster any kind of offense. McNeill’s suspension and Ellerton’s injury (if it’s anything long-term) will only couple Atlanta’s issues, as its defense has been the team’s strongest (and frankly single functioning) attribute by far.
Everybody Wins: Atlanta Beat 2, Philadelphia Independence 2 June 23, 2010
Posted by Jenna Pel in Atlanta Beat, Philadelphia Independence.add a comment
A win would have obviously been nice but after glancing over the standings, a hard-fought draw between the two expansion sides is actually a pretty symbolic result for both teams.
Both teams have a clear intent: to overcome expectations, scale up the table and leave their peers (i.e.: the teams around them) behind.
Coming off Philadelphia’s 4-1 hammering of Sky Blue FC a few days ago, the Independence are clearly making the case as to why they’re worthy of breaking away from the ‘second tier’ of teams in WPS to join FC Gold Pride at the top.
With the initial equalizer at the half, Amy Rodriguez now has 4 goals this season. That ties her with four other players for second most in the league. It’s a truly wonderful sight to see her flourish so vibrantly after last season’s struggles. She really is as good as everyone hoped she’d be.
Just as the Independence are earnestly trying to distinguish themselves as a top-class team (they’re now 3 points clear of the Freedom in 2nd place), the Atlanta Beat are actually trying to do the same.
And hey, they’re succeeding!
Judging by tonight’s stats, the Atlantica players were thoroughly involved in the match. Tina Ellertson scored her second goal in two matches to salvage the point for Atlanta in the dying minutes of the game after a dubious own goal. Aya Miyama assisted on Ellertson’s goal.
Imagine how good the Beat will be if Aluko and Bachmann can actually develop a relationship. Aluko was fairly active apparently and so was Bachmann (except it was for her National Team; she scored Switzerland’s first goal in their World Cup Qualifying win earlier in the day).
With the draw, Atlanta is just one point away from catching Boston. And three points behind Chicago. (By the way, Boston and Chicago play each other this Sunday.)
WPS scheduling is so funny sometimes. Atlanta will be hosting FC Gold Pride next before traveling to Chicago and then to Boston. Decent results against the latter two will confirm that Atlanta is better than the company they currently keep.
Bottom line: These expansion teams really aren’t bad at all, are they?
Chicago Red Stars Pick Up GK Allison Whitworth Via Trade With Atlanta June 18, 2010
Posted by Jenna Pel in Atlanta Beat, Chicago Red Stars.1 comment so far
The spell of mid-season transactions continues in WPS as it was announced this evening that the Red Stars have traded for Allison Whitworth of the Atlanta Beat. In exchange for the goalkeeper, the Red Stars traded away its 2012 first and fourth round picks for Atlanta’s 2011 first and fourth round picks.
Confused? So am I but apparently there will a WPS season in 2012 so sweeet.
Whitworth started in four games for Atlanta and did reasonably well saving 17 of 22 shots. It appears Brett Maron will be the #2 in Atlanta behind Hope Solo. Chicago’s #2 goalkeeper Kelsey Davis injured her ACL and recently had surgery.
A Quick Inquisitive Preview of CHI/ATL June 6, 2010
Posted by Jenna Pel in Atlanta Beat, Chicago Red Stars.2 comments
ATL:
- How will the triangle look? As Hope Solo just alluded to on the international news service that is Twitter, the triangle is indeed back. Solo, Ellertson and McNeill were excellent last year in Saint Louis and somehow they’re suddenly back together. Seeing the Beat with some actual defensive cover? Brilliant.
- Who Will Start in Midfield? There are options. There’s Chalupny, Kerr, Rasmussen, Yamaguchi, Zerboni, Blank, Cinalli et al. Seeing the Beat with some actual presence in midfield? Brilliant.
- How Will Aluko and Bachmann Fare Up Top? Can you think of any forwards whose styles are so diametrically opposed? Aluko your typical English (sorry, hate the steretype too), hard-nosed striker. Run through eight defenders. Score. Bachmann is all style and panache. Prance around eight defenders. (Hopefully) score. It should be fascinating. Seeing the Beat with some actual attacking potency? Brilliant.
CHI:
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Who Will Start in Chicago’s Defense? Chicago’s back four has seemingly been a work in progress all season long. Just last weekend Markgraf played as a full back with Engen and Dalmy playing centrally. With the addition of Asante and Weber, it will be interesting to see who gets the start.
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Will Nogueira Get the Start? Nogueira has been featuring later as of late. But with Asllani likely out, it’s very possible to see Casey up front. Hopefully she brings the flair.
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Will New Man Namazi Continue to Ride the Good Vibes? CRS’ upset victory against FCGP last weekend was the surprise of the season. As little tinkering as possible would probably be welcome.
Of course it’s very likely that all the hype is totally misplaced and both teams’ new players will fail to adjust so quickly. Old habits die hard, so a drab 0-0 result with some outstanding individual play is highly possible.
But hopefully not.
Quick Note on Atlanta June 5, 2010
Posted by Jenna Pel in Atlanta Beat.1 comment so far
This could be the roster for Atlanta tomorrow night:
Solo
Robinson Ellertson McNeill Larkin
Chalupny Kerr Yamaguchi Rasmussen
Bachmann Aluko
Subs:
Maron, Bishop, Blank, Zerboni
Now that’s a solid squad. Hoping to see McCall get some action after the concussion. She’s fast becoming an AWK favorite.
This is going to be fun.
Why This Weekend's Chicago/Atlanta Match Could Be The Most Important Yet June 4, 2010
Posted by Jenna Pel in Atlanta Beat, Chicago Red Stars.1 comment so far
A game between two teams that dwell at the bottom of the WPS standings shouldn’t matter this much. Between them, the Chicago Red Stars and the Atlanta Beat have only managed to six goals thus far. That’s the same combined tally that Marta and Christine Sinclair have totaled.
If this match occurred two weeks ago it probably wouldn’t have mattered at all. In fact, a scoreless draw would have been likely. Chicago would have failed to convert their chances and Atlanta would have had difficulty in creating them. The result would have had little bearing on the table.
But by dint of this week’s mad feeding frenzy and the appointment of a new coach in Chicago, the game suddenly means a lot. A whole lot. It offers a clean start for these two teams.
Chicago has a new complexion now. And they have a beating heart. This was made evident by their inspired win last week against league-leaders FC Gold Pride. New coach Omid Namazi will likely attempt to capitalize on that forward momentum this Sunday.
Namazi engineered the San Diego Spirit’s only jaunt through the postseason several years ago in WUSA. He has since gone on to find marked success in indoor soccer. And if you believe Wikipedia, he has been offered jobs by the Colorado Rapids and the New York Red Bulls.
He has also received the stamp of approval from Marcia McDermott and Charlie Naimo; two soccer minds that shouldn’t be doubted. The pair obviously see something in Namazi. That has to be good news for frustrated Red Stars fans.
And a short ways down the touchline we’ve got the Atlanta Beat. Or is it the 2.0 version? Considering WUSA’s incarnation then Gareth O’Sullivan’s WPS squad led by Tobin Heath, this must be the 3.0 reissue. Digitally remastered with bonus features.
This Atlanta Beat has been playfully nicknamed the Atlantica, as Kennessaw has seemingly become the destination for the bulk of departing Saint Louis Athletica players. Every other soul within the Beat organization have managed to win the lotto after losing their shirts on the back of a couple failed investments.
It’ll be amazing to see Hope Solo, Tina Ellertson, Lori Chalupny, Carolyn Blank and Eniola Aluko provide a young, promising mixed bag of players with class and experience. This is a new team. In fact, the Beat 0-5-1 record should have an asterisk next to it from here on out because that was forged before this squad came to town.
The All-Star Game will be held at Kennessaw State University Stadium on June 30th. And fortunately for the Beat, they get to keep a couple of those all-stars after the game.
This game will mark the beginning of a new era for each team. Here’s pulling for a thrilling 4-4 draw but a tight match with implications for a bright future would be just fine too.
Why This Weekend’s Chicago/Atlanta Match Could Be The Most Important Yet June 4, 2010
Posted by Jenna Pel in Atlanta Beat, Chicago Red Stars.1 comment so far
A game between two teams that dwell at the bottom of the WPS standings shouldn’t matter this much. Between them, the Chicago Red Stars and the Atlanta Beat have only managed to six goals thus far. That’s the same combined tally that Marta and Christine Sinclair have totaled.
If this match occurred two weeks ago it probably wouldn’t have mattered at all. In fact, a scoreless draw would have been likely. Chicago would have failed to convert their chances and Atlanta would have had difficulty in creating them. The result would have had little bearing on the table.
But by dint of this week’s mad feeding frenzy and the appointment of a new coach in Chicago, the game suddenly means a lot. A whole lot. It offers a clean start for these two teams.
Chicago has a new complexion now. And they have a beating heart. This was made evident by their inspired win last week against league-leaders FC Gold Pride. New coach Omid Namazi will likely attempt to capitalize on that forward momentum this Sunday.
Namazi engineered the San Diego Spirit’s only jaunt through the postseason several years ago in WUSA. He has since gone on to find marked success in indoor soccer. And if you believe Wikipedia, he has been offered jobs by the Colorado Rapids and the New York Red Bulls.
He has also received the stamp of approval from Marcia McDermott and Charlie Naimo; two soccer minds that shouldn’t be doubted. The pair obviously see something in Namazi. That has to be good news for frustrated Red Stars fans.
And a short ways down the touchline we’ve got the Atlanta Beat. Or is it the 2.0 version? Considering WUSA’s incarnation then Gareth O’Sullivan’s WPS squad led by Tobin Heath, this must be the 3.0 reissue. Digitally remastered with bonus features.
This Atlanta Beat has been playfully nicknamed the Atlantica, as Kennessaw has seemingly become the destination for the bulk of departing Saint Louis Athletica players. Every other soul within the Beat organization have managed to win the lotto after losing their shirts on the back of a couple failed investments.
It’ll be amazing to see Hope Solo, Tina Ellertson, Lori Chalupny, Carolyn Blank and Eniola Aluko provide a young, promising mixed bag of players with class and experience. This is a new team. In fact, the Beat 0-5-1 record should have an asterisk next to it from here on out because that was forged before this squad came to town.
The All-Star Game will be held at Kennessaw State University Stadium on June 30th. And fortunately for the Beat, they get to keep a couple of those all-stars after the game.
This game will mark the beginning of a new era for each team. Here’s pulling for a thrilling 4-4 draw but a tight match with implications for a bright future would be just fine too.
All White Kit 