By John Santos
This past weekend marked the beginning of the second ever WPS season. Taking the fields were several veterans of our own Pali Blues Soccer Club from both our 1st and 2nd championship seasons. No other match this weekend was more prevalent o f the Pali Blues influence on the WPS than that of the St. Louis Athletica vs. FC Gold Pride.
The match itself ended in a 2-0 victory for St. Louis. Backing up Hope Solo on the bench for the Athletica was 2009 Pali Blues goalkeeper, Ashlyn Harris. From the class of 2008, Kendal Fletcher played the full 90 to help the team to victory. Another member from the class of 08, India Trotter (who had announced her retirement from soccer last year while in Germany) entered as a second half sub and played the remaining 22 minutes of regulation.
On the other side of the ball, class of 09 alums Ali Reilly, and Kelly O’Hara (fresh of a stint with the United States national team) went the distance for FC Gold Pride playing the full 90. Kandace Wilson (a veteran from the 2008 campaign) entered as a substitute early in the 30th minute for teammate Kaley Fountain. Carrie Dew from 2008 did not make the opening day roster.
This year’s number 1 draft pick, Tobin Heath made her first professional start for the Atlanta Beat, as they visited they visited their fellow expansion side, the Philadelphia Independence. She was subbed out as stoppage time began in the second half. The match itself ended scoreless as two more Pali Blues alums watched from the sidelines. Independence players Danesha Adams, and Valerie Henderson were unused subs.
In other east coast action, Lauren Cheney (who scored her first professional goal) and Amy LePeilbet were victorious 2-1 as the Boston Breakers held off a late Washington Freedom rally.
Meeting on opposite sides of the field, Sky Blue FC’s Karen Bardsley posted a shutout over Whitney Engen and her Chicago Red Stars. Despite Chicago’s more offensive approach, Bardsley was able to make 5 critical saves while Engen was subbed out in the 86th minute.
And finally, 2008 fan favorite, Jill Oakes was released from the Chicago Red Stars after mutual agreement prior to the start of preseason camp. No need to worry fans, Oakes had recently announced that she is expecting her fist child later this year. In a statement she made on the team website:
"It’s such a miraculous blessing to be able to have a child, and it empowers me and my choice, to follow my path and embrace it," Oakes said. "We’re excited about our growing family. It is hitting me as all of my colleagues are gearing up for the season that I won’t be with them. It’s a transitional struggle with that piece missing. But I intend to return and be an ambassador of WPS and the success of women’s sports."
