Before we get started on how our alums did this weekend, first thing is first. Tobin Heath. Last week Heath went down early in the match between her Atlanta Beat and FC Gold Pride and had to leave the stadium on crutches.
“Tobin has a tremendous demeanor,” said head coach Gareth O’Sullivan on the team homepage. “She is a very positive character with a great personality. We know she is going to bounce back very quickly from this, and we look forward to a speedy recovery.”
By midweek, the extent of her injury was determined.
“All tests came back negative on ligament damage, and we are happy to report that she does not have a broken ankle,” Atlanta Beat general manager Shawn McGee. “Recovery time should be anywhere from four to six weeks.”
We here at the Pali Blues would like to wish Tobin Heath a speedy recovery as well.
Speaking of the Beat, they lost 1-0 the Philadelphia Independence. Valerie Henderson got her second start of the season and posted the shutout as Canadian International Karina LeBlanc was rested following her stint with the national team. Henderson displayed throughout the match why she was a choice starter for the Pali Blues during her tenure at the Stadium by the Sea. The Beat forced a big save from Henderson in the 79th minute when Beat defender, Leigh Ann Robinson carried the ball up the side and placed a powerful shot on goal. Danesha Adams also contested the match as a late sub.
The weekend got started as FC Gold Pride travelled across the country to take on Sky Blue FC. Karen Bardsley once again showed off her exceptional goalkeeping skills as she saved a penalty kick in the 33rd minute.
"For some reason, I just knew she was going to go to my left," Bardsley said. "I don’t know how I knew, but I had a very strong feeling about it. Luckily, my instincts were right on that shot."
Six minutes later however, Carrie Dew centered a free kick going out of bounds, enabling Canadian international Christine Sinclair to score the lone goal of the match. Joining Dew in playing the full 90, were also Ali Riley, and Kelly O’Hara. Super sub Kandace Wilson entered late in the second half to help preserve the shutout victory.
"As a team, we continue to improve with each game” continued Bardsley. “There are many things that we are doing well, so we just have to pick each other up and maintain a positive mindset. It’s a long season, and it is very important for us to remain upbeat and positive."
In a rare WPS/MLS Doubleheader, the Washington Freedom faced off against the St. Louis Athletica in the night cap. While the Freedom would take the contest by a score of 3-1, Kendall Fletcher did participate in the match for all 90 minutes. Other Pali Blues alums included India Trotter who entered in the 83rd minute of the match. Ashlyn Harris remained on the bench.
The Chicago Red Stars earned their first win of the season over Lauren Cheney, Amy LePeilbet, and their Boston Breakers.
“They’re a team that has very tough luck so they came in with a lot of incentive,” said Breakers head coach Tony DiCicco on the team homepage. “I thought we played well but not good enough on the day.”
The 2-0 Red Stars win was preserved with the help of Whitney Engen who saw the match through as a starter. Britney Klein made the bench but wasn’t used.
