Breakers Draw with Chicago in Preseason Scrimmage

Kristine Lilly Scores in 1-1 Tie

March 18, 2009

Boston midfielder Kristine Lilly cancelled out a Karen Carney opener for Chicago as the Breakers and Red Stars drew, 1-1, Wednesday afternoon in a rain-filled WPS scrimmage at the Lauderhill Sports Complex in Lauderhill, Fla.

Carney, a forward with the English national team, opened the scoring in the 17th minute from a crossing position on the right side just beyond the penalty area. Instead of crossing, Carney’s shot was chipped just beyond the reach of Boston keeper Kristin Luckenbill and into the top left corner of the goal.

The Breakers soon began to pressure the Red Star goal and were rewarded in the 36th minute as Lilly found the back of the net after sliding onto a loose ball in the box about six yards in front of goal. Abby Crumpton’s initial shot beat Chicago keeper Caroline Jönsson, but was cleared off the line by a Chicago defender – creating the loose ball that Lilly pounced on.

It was the second shot in a matter of minutes in which a Red Star defender was forced to make a saving block. Amy Rodriguez split the defense with a through ball onto the path of Lilly, who then ran into the box and beat Jönsson, but her shot heading to the lower far corner was blocked by Chicago defender Heather Garriock.

Each team had a handful of chances the rest of the way as the teams played three 45-minute halves. The majority of the starters played at least 60 minutes before being subbed.

Lilly nearly had a second when her 64th minute effort from a ball left off by Christine Latham in front of the penalty area ended up hitting the post. Two minutes later, Chicago midfielder Megan Rapinoe just missed for the Red Stars.

During the third 45-minute period, Boston’s best chance came in the form of a free kick from Brittany Cooper from 30 yards out that forced a diving save from Chicago’s Lydia Williams in the 103rd minute. The Red Stars came close on a free kick from the right side of the penalty area in the 110th minute in which Michelle Wenino’s header missed wide of the post.

The Breakers will have one more scrimmage while in Florida on Saturday against the University of Florida.

ADD TO YOUR SOCIAL BOOKMARKS: Blink Del.icio.us Digg
Furl Google Simpy Spurl Technorati Y! MyWeb