Playoffs at the Plex-Freedom/SBFC Rematch!

So a week has gone by, the Freedom are touring the White House today, and Sky Blue FC will once again make the shortish trip down south to come and play against the Washington Freedom at the Maryland SoccerPlex tomorrow (Saturday) at 4 PM EST. Each team will be without one if its stars, and we will wait to see how they handle the forced changes. The Freedom have not lost against Sky Blue, with 2 wins (2-1,3-1) and 1 draw in New Jersey (the wild 4-4). This is a good omen, but the Freedom cannot go in overconfident! This is the playoffs; anything can happen and Sky Blue FC may just be the hungriest team out there.

The Freedom will be without MVP candidate Sonia Bompastor, who is with France at the 2009 Euros. Looking to replace her will be Ali Krieger or Allie Long. I am confident that both of these players can do a job. It is possible that Krieger and Gilbeau will take the spots, with one at right back and one in the midfield, or Allie Long will step into a playmaking roll. Either way, I think the strength in depth is good, with other players like Lohman ready for more defensive duties, and Sarah Huffman, available after injury.

Sky Blue FC will be without star centre back Anita Asante, who will be with England at the Euros. Without her speed and physical presence, she may be more tough to replace. Sky Blue will be up against the best forward tandem in the league of Abby Wambach and Lisa De Vanna. The pair have 14 goals and 10 assists between them on the season and they really clicked in the last game. I don't know if the Sky Blue defense minus Asante will be able to aptly cope with De Vanna's speed. Wambach and De Vanna will once again have to click. Rebecca Moros needs to have another good game, but hopefully work on her finishing. If Allie Long plays, she will add another dimension to the attack.

With that said, the Freedom once again need to handle Rosana in the middle of the park. Homare Sawa and Lori Lindsey should do a job on her. And the defense needs to handle a hungry Natasha Kai. Sky Blue has not lost when Kai has scored (although they drew against the Freedom when Kai scored 2) so keeping her away from goal is a must. The Freedom have been very productive offensively against Sky Blue, scoring 9 goals. The Freedom actually lead the league in goals scored and goals against (both 32) so Erin McLeod must have a big game. The SoccerPlex however has been a bit of a sanctuary, where the Freedom have only allowed 10 goals.

With that said, home advantage could be key here and the Freedom need as many fans as possible coming out to support the team. They have really been ramping up their promotional and community activities of late to make sure they have all the fan support. Wear your Freedom blue or any Freedom t shirts to the game! Be loud, cheer for the Freedom and usher them to a win!

GO FREEDOM!

-Robyn

http://www.oleole.com/blogs/washingtonfreedom