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?
ATTN Pia Sundhage: Why Allison Falk Is Up For Your Consideration April 28, 2010
Posted by Jenna Pel in Philadelphia Independence, WPS.3 comments
Good teams are built from the back, as the common saying goes. Following this logic the United States Women’s National Team is a pretty good team. Pia Sundhage’s back line is concentrated with the right mix of veterans (Heather Mitts, Cat Whitehill), dependable performers (Amy LePielbet, Rachel Buehler), players ready to adapt to a specific formation (Lori Chalupny, Marian Dalmy) and relative newcomers (Stephanie Cox, Meghan Schnur). But it would be impossible to mention the United States’ back four without acknowledging the contributions of two WNT staples: Christie Rampone and Kate Markgraf. These two women continue to lead their respective clubs today, just as they had a generation ago.
Both women have become new mothers recently. Kate Markgraf missed the entire 2009 season and Rampone is expected to return from maternity leave in May. Markgraf has bounced back well, but could probably do with a few more matches before returning to her optimal performance. There’s no saying how Rampone will fare when she returns after missing preseason. It also goes without saying that the average age of these two center backs is 35. Who knows, they may have a bit of the Kristine Lilly gene in that could keep them on the pitch for another five years.
But in the meantime, there’s a young defender out there who is currently drafting a very nice sales pitch to Coach Sundhage as to why she should be seriously considered for the National Team. And sooner rather than later.
Her name is Allison ‘Kirby’ Falk and not only has she been impenetrable in the center of defense for Philadelphia thus far, she has also headed in two goals off of Lori Lindsey free kicks in as many matches. She’s got height (six feet of it in fact), aerial ability, tactical nous and a silly nickname which makes her all the more likable. And she’s just 23 years old, which means she has many years to further develop her craft.
Previewing the 2010 Philadelphia Independence April 10, 2010
Posted by Jenna Pel in Philadelphia Independence, Season previews, WPS.add a comment
With the final two expansion teams, that concludes AWK’s 2010 team previews. You can check out the other previews here: FC Gold Pride, Chicago Red Stars, Sky Blue FC, Boston Breakers, Washington Freedom, Saint Louis Athletica and for the Atlanta Beat.
For more WPS anaylsis please download the latest Women’s Soccer podcast with Richard Farley and Jeff Kassouf courtesy of Set Piece Analysts on iTunes or head over to http://setpieceanalysts.com for the best and most committed coverage of the women’s game in the country.
For an expansion team, the Philadelphia Independence sure looks familiar. A cursory glance over the roster suggests that Coach Paul Riley has a very talented group in his midst, almost all with prior professional experience and with most laying claim to international caps. The Independence have a blueprint for what could be a very sturdy establishment. All it takes is endeavor and execution.
Philadelphia will have to overcome being handicapped by the fact that this is a new organization. Riley might have to undergo a baptism by fire. Returning WPS teams had the luxury to tinker with formations, acclimate to playing with other professionals and learn from mistakes made in their first season. This team will not be afforded that privilege but if the right chemistry can be forged, that might not be a problem. A squad full of seasoned professionals and international gems could mitigate the first-year nerves.
All White Kit 