WPS Teams Announce Player Transactions

With September 30 being a deadline to exercise options or re-sign players for the 2010 season, all WPS teams released lists of which players would be under contract for 2010 and which players would become free agents.

There are several big names among those who are now free agents. Among them, 15 of the 34 international players from the 2009 season and several US National Team players. Notable among the international players who became free agents are WPS All-Stars Formiga and Cristiane. Among the US National Team players who will be free agents are Carli Lloyd, Leslie Osborne, Aly Wagner, and Heather Mitts. This could make for a very interesting offseason for the young league.

A complete list of transactions can be found at the WPS website.

Sky Blue FC Names Miettinen Head Coach

Sky Blue FC has named Pauliina Miettinen of Finland as their new head coach. Miettenen has coaching experience in Finland and in the United States. She also played several years in Finnish premier league and for the Finnish National Team in World Cup Qualifying in 2003.

Miettinen becomes the 4th head coach in Sky Blue's short WPS existence. She follows Ian Sawyers, Kelly Lindsey, and Christie Rampone in what has been a very eventful championship season for the New Jersey organization.

Breakers Trade A-Rod to Independence for Draft Picks

The Boston Breakers have announced that they have traded last year's number one overall draft pick, Amy Rodriguez, and the 5th pick overall in the 2010 draft to the Philadelphia Independence for two 1st round draft picks in the 2010 draft in January. The picks would be the 2nd and 11th picks overall in the draft.

Rodriguez had already won a gold medal in the Olympics when she was drafted by Boston in January of 2009. However, the highly touted forward out of USC produced just 1 goal in 17 matches for the Breakers. She played just 61 minutes in the Breakers' final 6 matches and often times seemed not to be on the same page with Breakers' head coach Tony DiCicco. Rodriguez wasn't on the traveling roster of the team on the Breakers' final road trip of the season.

The two draft picks represent both of Philadelphia's first round picks for 2010. Both Atlanta and Philadelphia were given an extra pick at the end of the 1st round because of their expansion team status. The trade is somewhat surprising in that Philadelphia will host the draft and one might have thought they would have wanted to make a big splash at the draft. They now have the 5th pick and 13th pick overall in that draft.

2011 FIFA Women`s World Cup - UEFA qualifiers

Today, 23 September

Italy - Portugal 2-0
Greece - Denmark 0-6
Romania - Bosnia-Herzegowina 4-0
Croatia - France 0-7
Sweden - Belgium 2-1
Switzerland - Russia 1-2
Wales- Czech Republic 2-0

Seger, Bachmann Are Top Picks In WPS International Draft

Caroline Seger of Sweden and Linköpings FC was chosen by the Philadelphia Independence as the first selection in the WPS International Draft. The 24 year old midfielder has over 30 caps with the Swedish National Team.

For their first pick, the Atlanta Beat chose 18 year old Swiss sensation Ramona Bachmann, a forward with Umeå IK. She has scored 14 goals for the Swedish club this season.

Both Philadelphia and Atlanta chose 5 players each. Philadelphia's first two picks were from Swedish club Linköpings FC and Atlanta's first three picks were from Swedish club Umeå IK. In all, 7 of the 10 players chosen are now playing in the Swedish Damallsvenskan.

Probably the most well known player to American soccer fans is former Florida State star Mami Yamaguchi, who now plays for Umeå IK with Bachmann. The young Japanese star won the MAC Hermann Award for the top female college soccer player in 2007.

The Selections (Name, position, age, country, current club):
1) Philadelphia-Caroline Seger, Midfielder, 24, Sweden, Linköpings FC
2) Atlanta-Ramona Bachmann, Forward, 18, Switzerland, Umeå IK
3) Philadelphia-Charlotte Rohlin, Defender, 28, Sweden, Linköpings FC
4) Atlanta-Johanna Rasmussen, Forward, 26, Denmark, Umeå IK
5) Philadelphia-Holmfridur Magnusdottir, Attacking Midfielder, 25, Iceland, Kristianstads DFF
6) Atlanta-Mami Yamaguchi, Attacking MF/Forward, 23, Japan, Umeå IK
7) Philadelphia-Fara Williams, Midfielder, 25, England, Everton
8) Atlanta-Maurine Dorneles Goncalves, Midfielder, 23, Brazil, Santos
9) Philadelphia-Lianne Sanderson, Forward, 21, England, Chelsea
10) Atlanta-Therese Sjögran, Midfielder, 32, Sweden, LdB FC Malmo

2011 FIFA Women`s World Cup - European qualifiers

Yesterday :

Iceland - Estonia 12-0

Today :

Armenia - Finland 0-4
Slovakia - Macedonia 9-0
Poland - Ukraine 4-1
Bosnia- Herzegovina - Hungary 0-2
Malta - Spain 0-13
Switzerland - Ireland 2-0
Slovenia - Italy 0-8

Atlanta & Philadelphia Pick First Players

The dust has settled on the WPS Expansion Draft and the Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence have added the first group of players to their rosters. Atlanta chose FC Gold Pride defender, Leigh Ann Robinson, as their first pick. Philadelphia followed with Washington Freedom midfielder, Lori Lindsey.

Although both teams could select up to 9 players, neither went that far. Atlanta passed after 6 selections and Philadelphia passed after only 7 picks. This was somewhat surprising to me, given the fact that all of the players available were good enough to make the rosters of established teams in 2009. Each current team lost only two players, with the exception of Gold Pride, which lost only one. Only one international player was chosen, Sara Larsson from Saint Louis Athletica and the Swedish National Team. Both teams leaned heavily on defense, with 6 defenders being chosen.

The Selections:
1. Atlanta-Leigh Ann Robinson, FC Gold Pride, outside defender
2. Philadelphia-Lori Lindsey, Washington Freedom, midfielder
3. Philadelphia-Jen Buczkowski, Sky Blue FC, midfielder/defender
4. Atlanta-Amanda Cinalli, Saint Louis Athletica, attacking midfielder
5. Philadelphia-Nikki Krzysik, Chicago Red Starts, central defender
6. Atlanta-Katie Larkin, Los Angeles Sol, attacking midfielder/forward/outside defender
7. Philadelphia-Sue Weber, Boston Breakers, central defender
8. Atlanta-Sharolta Nonen, Los Angeles Sol, defender
9. Philadelphia-Sarah Senty, Washington Freedom, defender
10. Atlanta-Sara Larsson, Saint Louis Athletica, defender
11. Philadelphia-Danesha Adams, Chicago Red Stars, forward
12. Atlanta-Noelle Keselica, Sky Blue FC, forward
13. Philadelphia-Kelly Schmedes, Boston Breakers, attacking midfielder/forward

Biggest Surprises

The first surprise is that neither team took their full allotment of 9 players. One of the problems was probably that several of the unprotected players were internationals and with the international draft coming next week, Atlanta and Philadelphia were hesitant to use up those potential spots in this draft. Still, I've got to believe there were a couple more players available that would have helped these two teams.

There were three big surprises to me as far as unprotected players go. Lori Lindsey has just been called up for the USWNT camp and is one of the most solid midfielders in the league. Amanda Cinalli missed the first 8 games of the season due to injury, but scored two goals and added an assist for a team that struggled offensively much of the year. Sue Weber is a solid defender, who also battled injury problems for much of the season.

The other big surprise for me was that there were no goalkeepers chosen. That indicates that many teams protected two keepers. Although we don't know exactly what happened, there are two possibilities. Either most teams protected two or there was one other player available that the expansion teams wanted more and then the backup keepers were protected with the two additional protected spots. In any case, with the likes of Henderson, Loyden, Bardsley, and Whitworth as backups, I would have expected Atlanta and Philadelphia to come out of this draft with a solid keeper. Now they will have to look elsewhere to fill that position.

Atlanta Beat

Leigh Ann Robinson (23 years old, San Diego, outside defender)-Robinson was originally drafted in the 6th round (40th pick overall) of the January draft by FC Gold Pride. She started 15 games for FCGP, more than any other player in the January draft taken after the 2nd round. Robinson scored one goal, a game winner against Sky Blue in May. She possesses good speed and does well going forward from her outside defender position. Defensively, she was good, but could show some improvement. She's still very young and could become a very good player.

Amanda Cinalli (23 years old, Notre Dame, attacking midfielder)-Cinalli was taken in the 4th round of the October draft in 2008. She starred at Notre Dame where she had over 30 goals and 30 assists for her career. She's also been a mainstay on the US U-23 team. With the possible exception of Lindsey, she may have been the most talented player taken in this draft. Cinalli started every game in which she was healthy enough to play. She has very good ball skills and can score. Her two goals were both game winners, against Sky Blue and Los Angeles. Occasionally, she tries to make too many moves in traffic, but I think she has the chance to become one of the top attacking mids in WPS.

Katie Larkin (22 years old, Brigham Young, attacking mid/forward/defender)-Larkin was drafted in the 3rd round (19th pick overall) in the January draft by the Los Angeles Sol. She started only 5 games for the Sol, but that was more due to the talent on that team than it was to her ability. She possesses excellent speed. Larkin showed her versatility by filling in at outside defender when the Sol were shorthanded on the back line and handled it very well. Given the opportunity for more playing time, Larkin could blossom in Atlanta.

Sharolta Nonen (31 years old, Nebraska, defender)-Nonen is a veteran of the Canadian National Team, as well as the previous incarnation of the Atlanta Beat in the WUSA. She can boast over 60 appearances with the Canadian National Team and another positive is that she does not count against the limit on international players. Nonen played only two games for the Sol, filling in after Martina Franko had to leave the team due to pregnancy. She is a veteran and a solid defender that should anchor the back line for the Beat.

Sara Larsson (30 years old, Swedish National Team, defender)-Larsson was signed as a discovery player by Athletica. She is a member of the Swedish National Team and just finished competing in the Euros in Finland. Like Nonen, she is a veteran defender with years of international experience. She started 12 matches for Athletica, but was hampered by injuries throughout the season, which limited her playing time. She doesn't have great speed, but she should be a dependable player that can help the Beat on the back line if she stays healthy.

Noelle Keselica (25 years old, Virginia, forward)-Keselica made the Sky Blue roster as a free agent. Originally, she was designated as a developmental player, but was later promoted to the full roster. She appeared in only 5 games, logging 101 minutes for a very deep Sky Blue team. She also played 7 minutes in the WPS Championship. In addition to her WPS experience, she has played for the US junior national teams, and in the W-League and Swedish Damallsvenskan.

Philadelphia Independence

Lori Lindsey (29 years old, Virginia, midfielder)-Lindsey was drafted in the 3rd round of the October, 2008 draft. She is an excellent midfielder that makes very few mistakes. She started 18 matches for the Freedom and was a very consistent performer throughout the season. Her WPS play was strong enough to catch the eye of USWNT coach Pia Sundhage, who has called Lindsey up for the US camp later this month. Lindsey scored two goals for the Freedom, with one assist. In addition to her playing abilities, she will provide the Independence with veteran leadership on the field as well.

Jen Buczkowski (24 years old, Notre Dame, defensive midfielder/defender)-Buczkowski was drafted in the 6th round (39th pick overall) in the January draft. She is a solid midfielder, who filled in on the back line for Sky Blue in the playoffs due to Anita Asante's absence for the Euros. Buczkowski was an instrumental part of a Sky Blue defense that gave up just one goal in 3 playoff games. When playing midfield, she is a defensive specialist who rarely gets forward to shoot (she recorded only 1 shot in the regular season). She started 8 regular season games for SBFC in a very crowded and talented midfield roster for the New Jersey squad, but then started all 3 playoff matches at center back.

Nikki Krzysik (22 years old, Virginia, center defender)-Krzysik was drafted by the Chicago Red Stars in the 2nd round (13th pick overall) in the January draft. She is a physical defender who managed 5 yellow cards in just 14 matches. She gave several fine performances early in the season and started the Red Stars' first 7 games, before giving way to more experienced defenders. She could become a very good defender, but probably needs to be paired up with a speedier center back at her side.

Sue Weber (23 years old, Hofstra, center defender)-Like Lindsey, Weber was taken in the 3rd round of the October draft. She is yet another solid defender, who unfortunately was plagued by injuries for most of the season. She appeared in only 9 matches, but was the Breakers' starter at center back until injuries forced her out of the lineup. She was recently named to the Colonial Athletic Association's 25th anniversary soccer team for her play at Hofstra.

Sarah Senty (22 years old, Virginia, defender)-Senty was originally drafted in the 7th round (49th pick overall) in the January draft. She missed the first half of the season for the Freedom while she was finishing up her studies at the University of Virginia. However, she started 5 of the last 7 regular season games, as well as the playoff match for Washington. Senty was a four year starter for Virginia and is another sound back that should help the Independence become a tough defensive side.

Danesha Adams (23 years old, UCLA, forward)-Adams was drafted in the 1st round of the October draft by the Chicago Red Stars. She appeared in 12 games for the Red Stars, starting two, but she was slowed by injuries for most of the early part of the year and had to struggle to become game fit for most of the season. She didn't score, but can certainly be a powerful offensive force when healthy. She managed to get off 10 shots in limited playing time for Chicago. Adams has also been a member of the US U-23 team and has scored 6 goals for them in past seasons.

Kelly Schmedes (26 years old, Texas, attacking midfielder/forward)-Schmedes was drafted by the Boston Breakers in the 6th round (41st pick overall) of the January draft. She is a talented offensive player who scored a goal and an assist for the Breakers in 2009. Her only goal of the season was a game winner against Gold Pride in July. She has good passing skills and decent speed. Schmedes is also a hard worker who pressures opposing defenses well.

Next week, the two expansion teams will participate in the International Draft.

WPS Expansion Draft-Let the Speculation Begin

On Tuesday, the powers that be in the WPS will meet via conference call for the WPS Expansion Draft. The league's two new teams, the Philadelphia Independence and the Atlanta Beat, will be allowed to pick up to 9 players each from current WPS rosters. It will be the beginning of teambuilding for the two new entries into the league and may give us an idea as to their philosophies as well.

What do we know about the expansion draft? Well actually, not a whole lot. We know the rules. Each current team may protect 10 players, but must leave at least 6 unprotected. Every team must have at least one player chosen from their roster before a 2nd player can be chosen from any team and likewise for a 3rd player. Every team will lose either 2 or 3 players. After one player is chosen from a roster, that team may protect 2 more players. After a 2nd player is chosen from a roster, that team may protect one more player. Internationals are subject to this draft, although it will affect the International Draft which will be held the following week. Developmental players are supposedly not subject to this draft, because they are technically free agents. The draft order has Atlanta choosing 1st and 4th, Philadelphia 2nd and 3rd, and then alternating picks thereafter.

But beyond the rules, we know very little. The WPS has decided to keep a closed-mouth approach to the expansion draft, which means any info that we know in advance would be either leaked or speculation. One of the nation's top soccer writers, Steven Goff of the Washington Post, has apparently obtained the Washington Freedom's list. The surprise on that list is that Lori Lindsey was not protected. But that's pretty much the only one I've seen anywhere, so for now, we're pretty much in the dark.

For current owners, gm's and coaches, this becomes quite the chess match. Who can they risk? Which players are likely to be chosen and which passed over? What players may be more valuable to the team's future? Will the expansion teams go after international players, considering there will be an international draft the following week? All of these are important questions to ask.

For players and fans, it becomes a waiting game, a guessing game, although not really a game at all. So like everyone else, I will speculate and note that it is just that...speculation. I do not have any inside info. Note that this assumes that all are under contract, which is a pretty big assumption since WPS contracts are also not made public.

Sky Blue FC
Who I Think They'll Protect-Anita Asante, Yael Averbuch, Jen Branam, Keeley Dowling, Natasha Kai, Heather O'Reilly, Christie Rampone, Rosana, Meghan Schnur, and Kacey White.
Biggest Question-This was one of the easiest 10 to select, but that doesn't mean there couldn't be a surprise, especially with so many midfielders. There are four midfielders that I could see making a case to be protected, including Jen Buczkowski, Kelly Parker, Collette McCallum, and Francielle. That makes some pretty talented midfielders available, but the only one that isn't an international is Buczkowski.
Who That Leaves-Karen Bardsley, Jen Buczkowski, Francielle, Kerri Hanks, Noelle Keselica, Collette McCallum, Kelly Parker, Julianne Sitch.
Most Likely Players Taken-It could be any of the 8, but I do think Sky Blue will be one of the teams that loses 3 players.

Los Angeles Sol
Who I Think They'll Protect-Camille Abily, Brittany Bock, Shannon Boxx, Stephanie Cox, Allison Falk, Martina Franko, Karina LeBlanc, Marta, Aya Miyama, and Aly Wagner.
Biggest Question-To me, the first 9 are pretty easy, but the 10th comes down to Martina Franko, Manya Makoski, and possibly McCall Zerboni or Katie Larkin. There seemed to be some disappointment in Han Duan's play and Los Angeles has the negotiating rights to Laura Del Rio of Spain, so I don't think they'll protect Han.
Who That Leaves-Liz Bogus, Johanna Frisk, Han Duan, Val Henderson, Katie Larkin, Manya Makoski, Sharolta Nonen, Keri Sanchez, Christie Shaner, McCall Zerboni.
Most Likely Players Taken-Henderson, Larkin, Makoski, or Zerboni.

Saint Louis Athletica
Who I Think They'll Protect-Eniola Aluko, Lori Chalupny, Amanda Cinalli, Daniela, Tina Ellertson, Kendall Fletcher, Kia McNeill, Hope Solo, Sarah Walsh, and Angie Woznuk.
Biggest Question-Too many to include here. Will they really protect 5 midfielders (Chalupny, Cinalli, Daniela, Fletcher, and Woznuk)? Out of several young defenders (Stephanie Logterman, Elise Weber, and McNeill), who will they protect, if any? Will they leave versatile Niki Cross unprotected? How about veterans Melissa Tancredi, Sara Larsson, and Christie Welsh?
What That Leaves-Niki Cross, Sara Larsson, Stephanie Logterman, Jillian Loyden, Lisa Stoia, Melissa Tancredi, Elise Weber, Christie Welsh.
Most Likely Players Taken-Loyden, Cross, Logterman, or Weber.

Washington Freedom
Who I Think They'll Protect-Sonia Bompastor, Lisa DeVanna, Sarah Huffman, Ali Krieger, Allie Long, Erin McLeod, Becky Sauerbrunn, Homare Sawa, Abby Wambach, and Cat Whitehill (per Steven Goff's list).
Biggest Question-Why did they leave Lindsey unprotected?
What That Leaves-Parrissa Eyorokon, Jill Gilbeau, Emily Janss, Lori Lindsey, Rebecca Moros, Briana Scurry, Sarah Senty, Alex Singer, Kati Jo Spisak.
Most Likely Players Taken-Lindsey, Singer, Moros, or Gilbeau.

Boston Breakers
Who I Think They'll Protect-Fabiana, Angela Hucles, Amy LePeilbet, Kristine Lilly, Allison Lipsher, Heather Mitts, Amy Rodriguez, Alex Scott, Kelly Smith, and Sue Weber.
Biggest Question-Will they protect A-Rod? High expectations also make for big disappointments and the speedy forward didn't and probably couldn't possibly have met the expectations that greeted her in Boston. By the end of the season, the relationship between her and Coach Tony DiCicco appeared to be downright icy on the surface. I still can't believe they would give up on her this quickly though.
What That Leaves-Candace Chapman, Nancy Goffi, Christine Latham, Kristin Luckenbill, Kasey Moore, Jennifer Nobis, Kelly Schmedes, Maggie Tomecka.
Most Likely Players Taken-Nobis, Schmedes, Tomecka, Latham, or possibly Goffi by Atlanta.

Chicago Red Stars
Who I Think They'll Protect-Karen Carney, Cristiane, Marian Dalmy, Ifeoma Dieke, Caroline Jonsson, Brittany Klein, Carli Lloyd, Kate Markgraf, Megan Rapinoe, and Lindsay Tarpley.
Biggest Question-Would they leave Carli Lloyd unprotected? The hero of the 2008 Olympic final was by most accounts, a disappointment last year with the Red Stars. But was she a big enough disappointment to leave unprotected? The Red Stars would hate to lose Ella Masar and they could protect her over someone, but whom?
What That Leaves-Rumor has it that Frida Ostberg may be retiring. If that's true, it would leave Danesha Adams, Heather Garriock, Chioma Igwe, Nikki Krzysik, Ella Masar, Jill Oakes, Natalie Spilger, and Lydia Williams.
Most Likely Players Taken-Masar would be the most likely if left unprotected, but any of the others could be taken beyond that. Lydia Williams would be a tempting choice, but she did not see a minute of action last year and there will be several keepers available in this draft.

FC Gold Pride
Who I Think They'll Protect-I'd like to just answer this "I haven't got a clue", but I guess I'll take a stab at it. There are rumors swirling around that they may only protect one of their internationals, Christine Sinclair. My guess for the first 8 is Nicole Barnhart, Rachel Buehler, Carrie Dew, Tina DiMartino, Tiffeny Milbrett, Leslie Osborne, Christine Sinclair, and Kandace Wilson. Beyond that it gets increasingly dicey. If rumors about the internationals are true, Kristen Graczyk and Leigh Ann Robinson are possibilities.
Biggest Question-Pretty much everything once you get past a hand full of players. How many of the internationals will be back and how many of them want to be back? Eriko Arakawa and Formiga were part of the foundation of the team last year, while young Brazilians Adriane and Erika are loaded with potential, but didn't contribute a lot due to injuries. From the outside, it's very tough to judge what's going on here, but Gold Pride was showing improvement toward the end of the season.
What That Leaves-In addition to the internationals, Marisa Abegg, Brandi Chastain, Tiffany Weimer, Allison Whitworth, and Kimberly Yokers. But who knows?
Most Likely Players Taken-I would think Weimer would be chosen and possibly Whitworth.

The other thing to keep in mind about this draft is that every time one player is selected in the first 7 picks, it takes three players out of play...the one selected plus two more protected by their team. And it takes all players from that team out of play until someone has been chosen from each team.

The expansion draft will be held at 2:00 eastern time on Tuesday. The WPS has stated that they will release the results of the draft later in the day on Tuesday. Good luck to all involved!

Note: The correct time of the draft is 1:00 eastern, noon central, 10:00 pacific. Sorry for the error.

Germany EURO 2009 Champions !

Germany had no problems beating England 6-2 in EURO 2009 finals in Finland today.

Half time result was 2-1 to Germany.

Germany Beats England 6-2 in EURO 2009 Final

Germany in Euro 2009 Final

Germany beat Norway in the second semifinal of Euro 2009. Norway took the lead in first half, but Germans scored three goals in second half.

Germany face England in the final on Thursday.

England to finals in EURO 2009

England are ready for finals after beating Netherlands 2-1 AET in EURO 2009.

1-1 after full time , but Jill Scott scored in extra time. England will meet winner of Germany - Norway.

Norway and Germany to semifinals

Germany beat Italy 2-1 in quarterfinal of EURO 2009, Norway shocked Sweden and won 3-1.

Semifinals :

Sunday 6. : England - Netherlands
Monday 7. : Norway - Germany

England and Netherlands to semifinals

England beat hosts Finland 3-2 and Netherlands beat France 5-4 on PK`s after a goalless match.

Tomorrow Norway play Sweden , and Germany play Italy in quarterfinals.

WPS Defeats Umeå IK 4-2 in All-Star Matchup

The WPS All-Stars defeated Umeå IK 4-2 in the first WPS All-Star match. For one half, Umeå gave the WPS All-Stars all they could handle, but they couldn't withstand constant pressure from the All-Stars as the game wore on. The game was played at Soccer Park in St. Louis before 4115 enthusiastic fans, who saw a very entertaining match.

Both teams were playing without several players. Several Umeå players are with their national side competing in the Euros which are being played in Finland. Additionally, talented young Ramona Bachman was missing for the Swedish club, reportedly because of illness. For the WPS team, Sonia Bompastor, Camille Abily, Eniola Aluko, Kelly Smith, and Alex Scott are also competing in Europe and missed the match. The match also saw WPS players Johanna Frisk and Frida Östberg switch their allegiance for one night to play for their former club, Umeå.

With all of the talent on the WPS side and many of their top players missing, one might have thought that Umeå would be outmatched. However, they came out playing very well and took it to the All-Stars in the opening minutes of the match. They quickly jumped on top with a beautiful pass from former Florida State star Mami Yamaguchi that found Madelaine Edlund behind the WPS defense and she finished for a 1-0 lead before the match was 3 minutes old.

A few minutes later Emmelie Konradson fired a shot that Karina LeBlanc saved, but Sofia Jakobsson fired home the rebound to make it 2-0. Just a minute before, LeBlanc had made a diving save on Mami Yamaguchi's shot from 20 yards.

However, as the match continued in the 1st half, the WPS team grew stronger. In the 24th minute, Marta made a long run up the left side. Her first crossing attempt to Cristiane was well defended by Umeå, but when the ball came back to Marta she placed a perfect ball to a charging Kristine Lilly. Lilly hit the inside of the post with the ball coming about a foot out across the goal mouth before spinning into the net on the other side.

Marta scored the next goal herself, with a dipping left-footed shot that managed to beat Umeå keeper Carola Soberg just before halftime. The game went to the break at a 2-2 tie.

The advantage that the Umeå side had was the fact that they were used to playing together. The WPS advantage was the fact that they could bring in a fresh team in the 2nd half that was just as talented as their starters. Any side that can have the likes of Abby Wambach, Kristine Sinclair, Heather O'Reilly and Hope Solo coming off of their bench is a very talented group.

It didn't take long for WPS side to take the lead as Marta, yet again, made a run up the left side crossing perfectly to a cutting Christine Sinclair who made no mistake on the finish putting the All-Stars up for the first time, 3-2. Less than two minutes later, Brittany Klein hit a brilliant pass from the midfield to Sinclair who once again beat the defense and Soberg to put the WPS up 4-2 (pictured above). For her part, Sinclair put on a 2nd half clinic on forward runs. Besides her two goals, she hit the post once and only a terrific save from Soberg stopped her on another.

For the most part, the 2nd half turned into a barrage of WPS shots with Marta, Sinclair, Wambach, O'Reilly, and Tiffeny Milbrett putting constant pressure on Soberg and the Umeå defense. Soberg made several nice saves, including kick saves on shots from Wambach, O'Reilly, and Sinclair, to keep her team in the match. Meanwhile, WPS 2nd half keeper Hope Solo was tested seriously only once, but what a save it was. A shot appeared to be hooking just inside the post, before a sprawling dive and catch by Solo snatched it out of the air just before the goal line.

The match ended up with WPS winning 4-2. Marta played a brilliant match and Sinclair menaced the Umeå defense throughout the 2nd half. The WPS All-Stars outshot their opponent by a margin of 28-11 for the match. For their part, Umeå made a fine account of themselves, especially missing so many talented players. It was an enjoyable afternoon of soccer for all who attended the match.