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The Boston Breakers scored a second half equalizer to earn the draw Sunday. (Chris Aduama/ADUAMA.com) |
With the draw, the Breakers (3-2-2) remain in second place, three points behind first-place Los Angeles Sol. Washington (1-2-3) moves into sole possession of fifth place.
“This was probably the highest level game we have played this year,” said Breakers head coach Tony DiCicco. “It was very fast and quick.
“I was proud of the way we played in the second half. We went for three points tonight, but give Washington credit for their exceptional first half. After their goal, we finally started to play our game and put together some good chances.”
The Freedom competed well without star forward Abby Wambach, who sat out due to a one game suspension. Washington enjoyed the better of the chances up until the first goal, and had nearly scored just moments earlier. A bizarre deflection in midfield in the 30th minute sent De Vanna on a one-on-one with Boston goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill, but Luckenbill dove for the save.
Boston responded for the remainder of the half with numerous opportunities, but was unable to get on the end of them. The Breakers continued their momentum into the second half, leading to Scott’s equalizer.
The Breakers out-shot the Freedom, 14-9, and dominated much of the second half but were unable to capitalize on the opportunities to come away with the three points. Both teams pushed hard for another goal in a game that quickly became very physical.
In the 64th minute, Scott had a chance for a second goal with a pass from Smith, but she rocketed the ball just wide of the right post. Three minutes, compatriot Kelly Smith forced an athletic save from McLeod with a shot from 25 yards out, which the Freedom keeper was able to get a hand on to tip it over.
“Their goalkeeper came up with the save of the season on Kelly Smith,” said DiCicco about Smith’s 25-yard effort.
With just six minutes remaining, Candace Chapman, fresh off the bench, served a low cross into the center of the penalty area for Kristine Lilly, but she sent the ball over the goal.
At halftime, Boston honored former player Maren Meinert, who became the first inductee into the Breakers’ Pillars of Excellence. Meinert, who was the 2003 WUSA MVP, was joined by former Breakers coach, and current U.S. National Coach, Pia Sundhage.
The Breakers are off this week and will travel to New Jersey to face Sky Blue FC on May 31. Boston’s next home game is June 14 against Saint Louis Athetica at 6 p.m.
Scoring Summary
First Half:
1 - WSH: Morros 1 (De Vanna 1), 33rd minute.
Second Half:
2 - BOS: Scott 1 (Latham 1), 49th minute.
Lineups:
WASHINGTON: Erin McLeod; Jill Gilbeau, Cat Whitehill, Alex Singer, Becky Sauerbrunn; Lori Lindsey, Sonia Bompastor, Homare Sawa; Allie Long, Lisa De Vanna (Joanna Lohman, 62nd minute, Rebecca Moros (Claire Zimmeck, 82nd minute).
BOSTON: Kristin Luckenbill; Alex Scott, Amy LePeilbet, Sue Weber, Heather Mitts; Angela Hucles, Kristine Lilly, Stacy Bishop (Candace Chapman, 79th minute), Kelly Smith; Kelly Schmedes, Christine Latham (Amy Rodriguez, 64th minute). p>
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