More after the jump:
Check out the match recap of the 2-2 draw between the Atlanta Beat and Western New York Flash. Atlanta far exceeded expectations of even most of its own fans by holding the Flash to a 2-2 draw at KSU Soccer Stadium on Sunday.
Lori Chalupny scored the opening goal for Atlanta and it was an absolute wonder strike. For that effort and her ability to open up the game in the second half, Chalupny gets The Equalizer’s vote for Player of the Week.
As I discussed in the video, Atlanta’s 4-5-1 proved to be a solid system for breaking down a great Western New York attack. That system could prove to be effective against the league’s better teams, although the Flash will surely make some adjustments ahead of this Sunday’s rematch in Rochester.
Marta debuted as a halftime substitute and scored the Flash’s second goal off an assist from (who else?) Christine Sinclair.
And you heard it alluded to on the Fox Soccer Channel broadcast: Word is midfielder Yael Averbuch will focus on the U.S. Women’s National Team and won’t join the Flash until after the Women’s World Cup. We’ll keep you updated.
Meanwhile, magicJack kicked off its 2011 season at FAU Soccer Stadium in front of WPS’ worst crowd in league history. Check out this heated debate over the crowd. The Equalizer’s Haley Thaxton was at the match and will be reporting on the team all season. We’ll have more from her experience later. What is clear is that attendance will have to be tracked several ways this season: 1) The five teams without magicJack; 2) The four returning teams and whether or not attendance improves and 3) total league attendance (which will be skewed due to magicJack’s low attendance).
Check out takes on the game from Jenna Pel, the Sun-Sentinal and New England Soccer News.
It’s no surprise that Ella Masar scored the game-winner for magicJack. She is due for a good season. And here are some ISI photos from the event.
Check out this great publication from She Kicks Magazine.
And of course, Pro Active Soccer Tours is what you need to get to Germany this summer for the Women’s World Cup. Mention The Equalizer.
