The Freedom are IN!

The Freedom are in the playoffs, ladies and gents! I would first like to apologise for this delayed recap. I attended the Real Madrid game on Sunday so I was out all day, and my birthday was yesterday so I did not update. But better late than never, I suppose.

So as I said, the Freedom have nabbed a spot in the playoffs thanks to a 3-1 win over Sky Blue FC at the Maryland SoccerPlex on Saturday. Coupled with LA's win against Boston, the Freedom took the 3rd seed, which means a home playoff game scheduled for this Saturday at the Plex at 4 PM. SPREAD THE WORD! Sky Blue will be back in town looking for revenge, so it is important that the Freedom get all the fan support they can to send them to St. Louis! More on that later this week. Now for the recap.

The Freedom started off on the front foot, with Rebecca Moros and Lisa De Vanna causing problems with their pace. Rebecca Moros had a good chance that was headed over the bar, but her hustle provided the opening goal in the 19th minute. After good work from the middle of the field, Moros raced onto the ball, reaching it before it went over the touchline, and sending over a perfect cross for Abby Wambach to finish. Lisa De Vanna continued to cause trouble for the defenders, as her and Abby linked up often. As the Freedom were content with their lead for the first half, Sky Blue started creeping back into the game. Kacey White missed a sitter and Erin McLeod produced a stunning save from Rosana in the final minutes of the half.

In the second half, the Freedom were cooking early and Lisa De Vanna and Wambach were involved. De Vanna went on a run and fed Wambach for her second of the match and 8th of the season. In the 53rd minute, however, Rosana scored a special goal out of nowhere to cut the lead to 2-1. The Freedom responded swiftly, 5 minutes later. Abby Wambach sent a ball to Lisa De Vanna for the Australian to finish. The two goal lead was restored, 3-1. Later, Becky Sauerbrunn managed to clear another shot off the line, this time with her head. Rosana also hit a free kick narrowly over, but Sky Blue could not respond, and the Freedom's possession from back to front killed off the game. Sky Blue may have tallied more shots, but only the one that counted. In the final minutes, Allie Long replaced Sonia Bompastor, in her final game this season, to a standing ovation, which was a really nice gesture from coach Jim Gabarra. Afterwards, Bompastor, Wambach and Whitehill were presented with honors for being voted onto the All Star team. I tried in vain to find Bompastor, but I was sadly unsuccessful.

This was a very complete game from the Freedom. Erin McLeod played well and made another outstanding save. The back 4 also had a great game. Sarah Senty is looking more comfortable and Ali Krieger played well, despite being knocked around a few times. The two centre backs have to be one of the best pairings. Becky made another great save off the line and she must be one of the most underrated players. She has played every minute this season, along with Homare Sawa. Sawa also had a great game. She hustled, made a lot of defensive plays and held the ball well under pressure, distributing very well. Lori Lindsey was a little erratic at times with her passing, but still did well. Jill GIlbeau replaced her in the 72nd minute. Rebecca Moros maybe should have done better with a few chances, but she really hustled and had a lot of energy and pace about her. She also tracked back well. Sonia, Sonia, Sonia. She will certainly be missed. Not an outstanding game, some good free kicks, some good crosses and runs, but she just makes the team better. Abby Wambach won WPS Player Of The Week and is now tied for second for goals (behind Marta who has 10, and level with Camille Abily). She was a constant threat, not just with her physical presence, but with her runs and passing. Lisa De Vanna might have been the best player on the pitch. She is scary fast yes, but she can turn so quickly and easily. Some good tricks and footwork thrown in, good passes and a great connection with Wambach that could prove ever so dangerous in the playoffs.

So, we will meet Sky Blue again. I will have more on what too look out for. But for now, here is the link to the highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4zhedcOVeI

Also, the Freedom are starting their promo campaign through twitter and facebook. For twitter, type in the first initial, last name, underscore, dc (example: Asinger_dc). For facebook, just search their names and friend away. They are doing trivia to win playoff tickets as well as providing information and a way to connect with fans. I think its a great idea, so get to friending!

As always, comments are appreciated! Check out OleOle for the pictures-a special one of me and HAO (no one of me and Bomp sadly)

GO FREEDOM!

-Robyn

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