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Having a Voice: WPS Players Union Officially Formed

Posted by Jeff — 2010-09-09T09:50:56

Women's Professional Soccer players now officially have a significant voice in league decisions. The Women’s Professional Soccer Players Union (Union or WPSPU) was certified Wednesday as the exclusive collective bargaining representativ...More

Top of table clash just as important as battle for fourth

Posted by Jeff — 2010-09-03T23:30:10

All eyes Sunday will be on Toyota Park where the Chicago Red Stars will host the Washington Freedom as well as KSU Soccer Stadium, where the Atlanta Beat host Sky Blue FC. Both games have critical playoff implications as a Freedom win combined wi...More

Buffalo, WPS yet to find road block for 2011 expansion entry

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-31T16:01:22

Talks continue to progress between the Buffalo Flash and Women's Professional Soccer for a Buffalo, N.Y. area expansion team to enter the league in time for the 2011 season. The two parties are currently at the stage of discussing operations a...More

Fitzgerald joining WPS will create synergy between women's soccer leagues

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-31T11:16:39

Former USL W-League Director of Operations Melanie Fitzgerald has joined Women's Professional Soccer as manager of league operations, replacing former Chief Operating Officer Mary Harvey. The league will formally announce the news Tuesday.&nbs...More

Stadiums under spotlight as 2010 season comes to close

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-27T07:10:52

With the 2010 WPS Championship just one month away, teams are already assessing different business decisions from this season and stadium issues are near the top of the list for some clubs. Saturday, the Boston Breakers played a home game at Veter...More

Trip to beach, win ease frustrations of Rampone, Sky Blue FC

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-26T23:21:05

By Dan Lauletta Sometimes it’s not the nature of the timing of it that can make all the difference. If Sky Blue FC looked like a refreshed unit during their rain-interrupted victory over Philadelphia Independence last weekend, it may ha...More

WPS players exploring idea of players' union

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-25T19:08:57

With the second season of Women's Professional Soccer nearing an end, plans for the future continue as teams and the league make numerous decisions to solidify WPS' future. That is not restricted to front offices, either. WPS player...More

Fun is key word with supporters groups

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-24T01:14:40

As Women's Professional Soccer grows and interest from fans becomes more serious, it will be good to see supporters groups develop to liven up the environment of stadia across the league. The Riptide - Boston Breakers supporters - is the most...More

Opening weekend NCAA attendance figures prove impressive

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-23T13:13:14

The 2010 NCAA women's soccer season kicked off this weekend with a bevy of Top 25 teams in action. Highlighting the weekend's action was defending national champion North Carolina's trip to Texas A&M and Stanford's cross-countr...More

Women's World Cup Qualifying taking shape in all six regions

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-19T14:32:34

By Dan Lauletta The Women’s World Cup is set to expand to 24 teams for the 2015 edition, signaling the continued advancement of the women’s game around the globe. But on matters such as qualifying for the women’s vers...More

UEFA Women's Champions League Round of 32 draw announced

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-19T13:11:54

The draw for the Round of 32 of the UEFA Women's Champions League draw took place Thursday in Switzerland to determine the fate of Europe's top teams. Defending Champion FFC Turbine Potsdam (Germany) will take on Finnish side Åland Un...More

WPS Power Rankings - August 18

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-18T21:31:50

With less than a month left in the Women's Professional Soccer regular season, there is a clear division between the top half of the table and the bottom. Instead of taking the traditional approach to the weekly power rankings, this week I fi...More

WPS Weekend Wrap: The fight for fourth, FSC viewership, attendance and more

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-16T14:38:29

These are the dog days of August and with less than one month remaining in regular season action of Women's Professional Soccer, every game has huge playoff implications. After Week 18 action, there is a clear divide in the table with FC Gold...More

W-League MVP Parker finds familiar faces in return to Sky Blue FC

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-15T15:35:38

Fresh off a W-League championship with the Buffalo Flash, Canadian midfielder Kelly Parker officially signed with Sky Blue FC Thursday. Parker went six years in the W-League without a championship with the Ottawa Fury and FC Indiana, but now find...More

Buffalo expansion talks continue to get more serious

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-13T20:40:16

As originally reported July 22, the USL W-League's Buffalo Flash are interested in moving up to Women's Professional Soccer and talks are getting much more serious. Wednesday, the Buffalo Flash ownership group, led by Joe Sahlen, attended ...More

Facts still unclear between Atlanta, Boston in Solo Tweeting controversy

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-13T15:28:25

Anyone following WPS knows all about the drama surrounding Hope Solo and her Twitter accusations made against the Boston Breakers after Boston defeated the Atlanta Beat 2-0 Wednesday, August 4 at Harvard Stadium. If you have been living under a r...More

WPS Power Rankings - August 11

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-11T15:24:40

With exactly one month left in the 2010 WPS regular season, the playoff race continues to heat up as the Chicago Red Stars, Washington Freedom and Sky Blue FC all snapped extended losing streaks in the past 10 days. FC Gold Pride still owns a com...More

Sticking with Gabarra just makes sense

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-10T15:39:34

Tuesday, the Washington Freedom announced its intentions to stick with Head Coach Jim Gabarra through an extensive statement from General Manager Mark Washo. That announcement also included the news that assistant Clyde Watson had resigned and Emma Hay...More

Buffalo area still pushing for 2011 expansion bid, Rochester and Syracuse mentioned

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-09T14:20:08

As first reported by The Equalizer last month, the USL W-League's Buffalo Flash had internal discussions about entering Women's Professional Soccer in 2011. Buffalo won the W-League Championship July 31 with a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whi...More

Asllani to return to Linköping after terminating Red Stars contract

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-06T12:27:30

Linköping FC of the Damallsvenskan, Sweden's premier women's soccer league, is reporting that midfielder Kosovare Asllani has terminated her contract with the Chicago Red Stars and will return to the Swedish club as early as Saturday. ...More

UPDATED: Solo blasts Breakers fans on Twitter, fans deny allegations

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-05T11:55:25

Atlanta Beat goalkeeper Hope Solo sent Twitter followers into a frenzy of questions Wednesday night after complaining about racism and sexism from Boston Breakers fans during Atlanta's 2-0 loss to Boston Wednesday night. Here is what Solo Twee...More

Freedom making moves, Gabarra's future still pending

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-05T11:32:18

The Washington Freedom won its first game in over two months Wednesday with a 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Independence, but that has not completely relieved pressure from Freedom management to see better results. Prior to the win, Washington ...More

How Ella got her groove back: Masar finding her form

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-04T17:00:17

This just in: Ella Masar is really heating up. Masar now has five goals in her last eight games after scoring the game-winner in a 2-0 victory Sunday over Sky Blue FC. Once out of favor under Emma Hayes, Masar is now a regular in Head Coach ...More

WPS Power Rankings: August 4

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-04T10:39:15

Parity continues to reign in Women’s Professional Soccer with just three points separating fourth place from the bottom of the table. The Washington Freedom, losers of five-straight and winless in 10, will be happy to know that in WPS, losi...More

Buffalo, W-League move forward after 2010 championship

Posted by Jeff — 2010-08-01T11:56:47

The Buffalo Flash won the 2010 W-League Championship 3-1 over the Vancouver Whitecaps Saturday in Santa Clarita, Calif. In just the team's second year of existence, the Flash picked up the W-League title as the only professional team in the 2...More

Four teams fight for WPSL National Championship this weekend

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-30T12:28:59

By Ryan Wood The system that women’s soccer in the U.S. has is similar to the way it is in other countries. Every team fits into a soccer pyramid. In the U.S. women’s game, there are three levels to the pyramid. Women’s Professio...More

Stock Up, Stock Down: WPS enters 2010 home stretch with signs of life, worry

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-30T10:36:05

As August approaches, so too does the stretch run of the 2010 Women's Professional Soccer season. With just two months left in the season and playoff positions to be determined, it is tough for many fans not to be worried about off-field happ...More

Freedom, Gabarra require patience in league of parity

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-29T15:25:01

The Washington Freedom has now lost four straight games as part of a bigger nine-game winless streak after Wednesday's 3-2 loss on the road to the Atlanta Beat. Captain and center back Cat Whitehill watched Wednesday's match from the bench...More

July 27 WPS Power Rankings: No catching the Pride

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-28T15:00:31

By Philadelphia Independence Head Coach Paul Riley's own admission, "there's no catching Gold Pride." Philadelphia has set a second place finish as its goal and clearly, FC Gold Pride can start planning to host the championship ...More

U.S. women need better competition as women's soccer rises globally

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-27T12:35:35

It is clear the rest of the world of women's soccer is catching up with the United States Women's National Team. Maybe that is a few years away from being evident at the senior national team level (although the 2011 Women's World Cup ...More

WPS Monday Kick-Around: A wild weekend of goal scoring

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-26T23:50:03

Finally, the offensive explosion has come. Week 15 in Women's Professional Soccer was a wild one and the weekend fixtures in particular produced three highly entertaining matches. However, first were the Wednesday matches, where FC Gold ...More

Washington Freedom could join Crystal Palace Baltimore downtown stadium if approved

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-24T12:05:26

The Maryland Stadium Authority is set to release the results of a feasibility study sometime in September that will tell Crystal Palace Baltimore if a downtown Baltimore stadium is possible to build, and the Washington Freedom could be a part of the pl...More

Condensing geographic region of WPS could help league flourish

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-22T20:22:08

With the Buffalo Flash confirming its intent Monday to potentially make a bid for a Women's Professional Soccer team in 2011, there is no better time than now to explore an idea that I have discussed with various people that may just be an ideal bu...More

Buffalo Flash could seek 2011 WPS expansion team

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-22T19:54:23

The USL W-League's Buffalo Flash is considering making a bid for a Women's Professional Soccer expansion team as early as 2011, Flash General Manager Henrik Ambarchian said. "We have discussed it internally but we have not cont...More

Lima names Brazilian training camp squad ahead of World Cup Qualifying

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-22T11:12:56

Brazilian Women's National Team Head Coach Kleiton Lima has named his squad of players to enter training camp ahead of CONMEBOL 2011 Women's World Cup Qualifying, which will take place sometime in the fall. This training camp will be shor...More

FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup: Final eight is set

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-22T01:30:33

The knockout stage of the 2010 U-20 Women's World Cup is officially set after group play wrapped-up Wednesday. Germany, North Korea, Mexico, South Korea, Sweden, Columbia, Nigeria and the United States are all through to the quarterfinals. ...More

Leroux deserves look from Sundhage

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-21T15:47:30

After the United States Women's National Team defeated Sweden 3-0 Saturday, U.S. Head Coach Pia Sundhage indicated that she is still exploring options up front to pair with Abby Wambach beyond the obvious names like Lauren Cheney. Amy Rodrigu...More

FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup: Day Seven

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-21T10:51:37

Day seven in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup was decision day for teams in Group A and Group B and one of the world powers was sent home packing in the group stage. First, in Group A, hosts Germany defeated France 4-1 behind an Alexandra Popp h...More

Q+A With Jessica Landstrom: 2011 WPS return not out of question

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-20T13:46:38

Sky Blue FC mutually terminated Jessica Landstrom's contract June 30 after the Swedish forward started just three of her nine games with the team and failed to score a goal. Saturday after Sweden's 3-0 loss to the United States in East Ha...More

WPS Week 14 Wrap: Does this look familiar?

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-19T20:17:45

If it were not for the last month of World Cup action making 2010 feel like a summer of soccer mania, it would be easy for a Women's Professional soccer fan to feel as though he is still stuck in some type of 2009 time warp. FC Gold Pride (10-...More

July training camp brings questions and answers for U.S. Women as World Cup Qualifying approaches

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-18T16:46:02

Training camp may have only lasted a week for the United States Women’s National Team and Head Coach Pia Sundhage, but two matches against Sweden this week provided insight into how the squad might take shape approaching the 2011 Women’s Wo...More

The Weekender: One full weekend of women's soccer awaits

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-17T01:41:40

This is one busy weekend for women's soccer in the United States. WPS enters week 14 with the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the league squaring off, while the U.S. Women's National Team takes on Sweden for the second time in 5 days and their y...More

FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup: Day Four

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-16T18:58:10

After an off day Thursday, day four in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup offered up the second round of fixtures for Group A and Group B. With it came the first eliminated teams of the tournament as well as the first teams to clinch a spot in t...More

Osborne key to Breakers turaround

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-16T01:10:58

After missing the entire month of June due to injury, Boston Breakers midfielder Leslie Osborne returned to the field July 4 to a team that had not won a game in almost three months. The Breakers defeated the Washington Freedom 2-1 April 10 and pr...More

FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup: Day Two

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-15T03:06:05

The United States stumbled against Ghana yet again. No, not Landon Donovan and company, but the U-20 U.S. Women's National Team in its opening game of Group D action for the two teams. This time, the U.S. - defending U-20 Women's Wo...More

FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup: Day One

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-14T00:12:09

On day one of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup from Germany, the hosts jumped out to an early (and expected) three points with a 4-2 win over Costa Rica. The first 45 minutes of the entire tournament were quite entertaining with three goals go...More

USA 1-1 Sweden: U.S. Player Ratings

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-14T00:00:54

The United States Women's National Team drew 1-1 with Sweden Tuesday from Morrison Stadium in Omaha, Neb. after an encouraging first half led to a dreadful second half from the Americans. Sweden found ample space in the midfield in the ...More

WPS Weekend Wrap: A week of unlikely goal-scorers

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-12T14:36:57

Week 13 in Women's Professional Soccer action offered five games over the course of three days and produced some unlikely heroes. Team outcasts produced critical game-winning goals and reserve players even had to step into coaching roles in t...More

Borkowski shares his list for World XI

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-10T14:31:48

When Shek Borkowski talks, people should really listen. Borkowski won four trophies with FC Indiana before making the move to Russian champions Zvezda-2005 last fall. In a recent interview with wsoccernews.com, Borkowski shared his thoughts...More

WPS Weekend Preview: Breakers look for first winning streak without U.S. regulars

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-09T13:08:30

The Boston Breakers enter Sunday's match-up with the Atlanta Beat following their first win in almost three months last Sunday against the Philadelphia Independence, but putting together their first win streak of the season may be tough as the Unit...More

Dayton joins W-League for 2011, Pali looks to next year

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-08T12:00:02

A lot has changed in a year's time in the W-League. For starters, marquee teams such as the Boston Renegades and FC Indiana are no longer part of the league, but expansion teams like the New Jersey Rangers and Santa Clarita Blue Heat have joi...More

McNeill's challenge deserved suspension

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-07T21:12:21

Atlanta Beat defender Kia McNeill was handed an additional two game suspension Wednesday by Women's Professional Soccer for her 34th minute challenge on FC Gold Pride goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart in Saturday's 4-0 loss to the Pride. McNeill ...More

Brittany Taylor Blog: All-Stars, the president and one busy week

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-07T12:18:54

Sky Blue FC defender Brittany Taylor just had one crazy week. Her team got a huge win in California and immediately flew back to New Jersey so the All-Star players could get to Atlanta for the 2010 WPS All-Star Game. They also happened to m...More

July 7 WPS Power Rankings: Is FC Gold Pride the best club team in the world?

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-07T01:25:21

As usual, Women's Professional Soccer produced a little bit of the expected and a little bit of the unexpected. FC Gold Pride made sure there were no questions that it is the best team in WPS and some even argue that the Bay Area is home to t...More

Marta: 1-v.-1

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-06T16:33:44

FC Gold Pride forward Marta was voted the Women's Professional Soccer Week 12 Player of the Week by the Northa American Soccer Reporters. Last week, Marta scored two goals in the 2010 WPS All-Star Game and then lit up the Atlanta Beat def...More

WPS Weekend Wrap: All-Stars, Atlanta beaten, battered and bruised

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-06T00:18:38

The 2010 WPS All-Star Game has come and gone, but the remnants of it certainly affected teams and players over the weekend. The Washington Freedom and Chicago Red Stars played to a 0-0 draw Sunday in a match dominated by the Red Stars, who out-sho...More

Inside Access: KSU Soccer Stadium a gem for women's soccer

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-03T00:35:35

It may not be the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium, or even the new Red Bull Arena, but the Kennesaw State University Soccer Stadium absolutely world-class. KSU Soccer Stadium in Kennesaw, Ga. - home of Women's Professional Soccer's Atlanta Beat...More

2010 WPS All-Star Game: A week in words

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-02T17:05:41

Sometimes it is best to let the players speak for themselves, and they certainly did that over the tree day stretch the 2010 Women's Professional Soccer All-Star Game covered. Here is a look at what some of the superstars had to say: Mar...More

Antonucci talks All-Star Game, expansion and World Cup break

Posted by Jeff — 2010-07-01T12:17:32

The 2010 WPS All-Star Game has gone as quickly as it came, but it is never too early to begin looking at next year. This year’s mid-season installment of the showcase stands in contrast to the 2009 WPS All-Star Game, which took place just A...More

Mid-season WPS All-Star Game a change up from 2009

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-30T19:28:55

The 2010 WPS All-Star Game lies in stark contrast to the 2009 edition that came at the end of the season and featured the best players in Women's Professional Soccer taking on Umea IK, arguably Sweden's top club (which suffered a down year in t...More

2010 WPS All-Star Journal: Game Day

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-30T18:54:41

Game day folks. The 2010 WPS All-Star Game is here. Not much more to be said. 8:30 a.m. - I wake up to some texts about things I need to get done today. Man, this is too early for me after another late night. 9 a.m. - Breakfas...More

Bardsley breaks collar bone in All-Star practice; out 6-8 weeks

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-30T00:38:04

Sky Blue FC goalkeeper Karen Bardsley broke her collar bone Tuesday while training for Wednesday night's All-Star Game in Kennesaw, Ga. and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks. Bardsley was injured in a crossing and finishing drill that Head Coach Al...More

2010 WPS All-Star Journal: Training Day

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-29T17:58:53

Day two in Atlanta and today is training day. It is the only day that Abby XI and Marta XI get to train together and there is a lot going on. Let's get right into how the day is shaping up: 7:45 a.m. - Wake up. Somehow, I woke...More

The Equalizer's 2010 WPS All-Star Coverage

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-29T17:00:50

The 2010 WPS All-Star Game takes place Wednesday, June 30 at 8 p.m. at KSU Soccer Stadium in Kennesaw, Ga. I am on site to provide you with up-to-date, inside coverage of all the happenings surrounding the All Star Game. Continue to check b...More

2010 WPS All-Star Journal: Arrival in Atlanta

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-28T15:09:43

The world of Women's Professional Soccer has officially converged upon the greater Atlanta area and it is doing so in style. Not everyone can be in Atlanta - well, let's give Kennesaw, Ga. the proper recognition - so I am here to take you...More

Countdown to Germany: 365 Days to the FIFA Women's World Cup

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-26T13:51:10

The knockout stage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa began Saturday, June 26, but the date has further significance to women's soccer fans anxiously anticipating the next World Cup. The Women's World Cup, that is. June 26, 2...More

The Equalizer: New and Improved, But Still the Same Reliable News Source

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-25T13:36:28

Well folks, I am happy to reveal to you that The Equalizer has undergone some very positive changes in layout and usability for fans visiting the Website. A lot of these changes have been asked for directly by readers and now they are in place.&n...More

WPS Weekend Preview: A match a day

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-25T13:20:24

WPS fans rejoice. This weekend brings three games on three different days. Bean Town will be the site of a Friday Night Lights scene as the Boston Breakers host the Chicago Red Stars, while the Philadelphia Independence hosts the Washington...More

WPS Tuesday Wrap: All-Star details and when the White House calls

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-22T21:14:30

Just over a week ahead of the 2010 Women's Professional Soccer All-Star Game and days ahead of the unique 'Pick 'Em' event to decide teams, All-Star coaches Paul Riley and Albertin Montoya (along with league input) divided the All-Star reserves onto their...More

WPS Monday Kick-Around: A weekend of firsts

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-21T13:39:27

All that can be said is that this was one screwy weekend in women's soccer. But that is what keeps things interesting, isn't it?Truthfully, the weekend did not just bring crazy happenings, but a lot of firsts as well. From players making their...More

UEFA Women's World Cup Qualifying Results: Saturday, June 19

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-20T09:18:00

Lots of games in Europe Saturday with major implications on Germany 2011. Check out the results in detail here and take a look below at how WPS players performed:Sky Blue FC midfielder Laura Kalmari scored a hat trick in Finland's 4-1 win over Portu...More

WPS Weekend Preview: Line-up shuffling

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-19T08:22:44

This weekend, all three games will take place Saturday night, leaving the national audience used to the Sunday Fox Soccer Channel broadcast with something left to be desired.Many regulars will be missing from starting line-ups with UEFA Women's World Cup ...More

The Equalizer WPS Power Rankings: June 16

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-16T23:28:03

Well, it's been a bit since I dipped into the talking point of power rankings, but it's time to get back to that a bit. Here are how I see things shaking out in WPS right now. It looks pretty close to the standings, but I still have faith in P...More

WPS Moday Kick-Around: All-Stars and internationals

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-15T11:52:08

Yes, it's Tuesday, not Monday. Forgive me, but there is this little World Cup taking place in South Africa.This week it is time to get straight down to business. Everyone knows how the weekend's results went in Women's Professional Soccer, so ...More

WPS must begin planning approach of 2011 Women's World Cup

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-14T12:04:06

In 2009, Women’s Professional Soccer faced criticism for scheduling the playoffs for mid-August, the same time as the 2009 Women’s European Championship. That scheduling caused many of the league’s marquee international players to miss out on helpin...More

WPS Weekend Preview: Another top of table showdown

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-11T15:42:36

One week after FC Gold Pride and the Washington Freedom squared off in a battle of first-versus-second, the weekend's round of Women's Professional Soccer fixtures features another showdown of the top two teams, this time pitting FC Gold Pride against the...More

Sources: Miyama to Atlanta is 'done deal'

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-10T15:43:37

Fans already have seven other reasons to call the Atlanta Beat by the name "Atlantantica," and it looks like there will be an eighth announced soon as Japanese midfielder Aya Miyama is set to join the Atlanta Beat.Miyama played every minute for the Los An...More

WPS Monday Kick-Around: Head injuries continue to worry

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-07T16:31:56

Round eight of Women's Professional Soccer fixtures was one of the most tightly contested to date, with evenly matched games that produced two draws and just one team getting the full three points over the weekend. Teams on hot streaks continued to ...More

WPS Weekend Preview

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-05T09:55:24

This weekend should fun. That is about the best way to put it.A suddenly surging Washington Freedom squad heads west Saturday to take on first-place FC Gold Pride. Although FC Gold Pride (5-2-0, 15 pts.) has been on fire all season, Washington...More

Revised schedule released, WPS All-Star voting update

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-01T19:15:46

WPS released a revised schedule Wednesday to adjust for Saint Louis Athletica's demise. Check out the updated dates here.Below is how All-Star voting currently looks. One thing that stands out to me is Cat Whitehill leading the voting for defe...More

Boxx headed west, Athletica players updates

Posted by Jeff — 2010-06-01T10:33:50

The Atlanta Beat made serious upgrades to its roster Tuesday by signing former Saint Louis Athletica goalkeeper Hope Solo, defender Tina Ellertson and forward Eniola Aluko. Word is, the Beat may not be done making moves. Sources have indicated...More

WPS Monday Kick-Around: Off contract compensation a talking point amidst Athletica debacle

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-31T22:01:26

After a dramatic end to last week with the collapse of Saint Louis Athletica, things looked a little different in round seven of Women's Professional Soccer. For the first time this season in WPS, the weekend's round of fixtures featured just three ...More

Sources: Naimo joining Red Stars

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-30T12:12:30

Sources have indicated that Charlie Naimo, head coach of defending W-League Champion Pali Blues and former general manager of WPS' Los Angeles Sol, is joining the Chicago Red Stars.Although the head coach position is currently vacant with the recent dismi...More

WPS Saturday News and Notes

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-29T11:02:52

Well this has been yet another interesting week in WPS. It is unfortunate to say, but everything going on off the field has and most likely will continue to overshadow this weekend's games.Saint Louis Athletica has folded and is no more, but I argue...More

Seven is stronger than one: Prolonging Athletica's demise would have been worse for WPS

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-28T00:41:06

One day far from now May 27, 2010 may be looked at as a good day for Women's Professional Soccer. It is tough to see it that way now, even impossible for some.Saint Louis Athletica officially folded Thursday, joining the Los Angeles Sol as the secon...More

Athletica shuts downs, players are free agents

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-27T15:49:41

Sources have confirmed that Saint Louis Athletica has shut down, as first reported by Tom Timmermann.Athletica players have become free agents and can sign with any team. They are still eligible for the All-Star Game if they are on a team as of June...More

Rampone plays 90 minutes in scrimmage Tuesday

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-25T13:52:15

Christie Rampone played 90 minutes in a scrimmage against W-League side Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues Wednesday, which Sky Blue FC won 3-0. Rosana, Yael Averbuch and Natasha Kai all had goals on the day. The match was an encouraging sign for ...More

Hayes fired, WPS issues statement on Athletica

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-24T18:31:49

Monday suddenly turned into a busy day in Women's Professional Soccer. Emma Hayes has been relieved of her coaching duties as Chicago Red Stars head coach anddirector of operations duties. Hayes compiled a record of 6-14-6 in a little over one seaso...More

Sources: Athletica, brother club may not survive season

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-20T20:35:20

By Richard FarleyGuest ColumnistFour months after Women's Professional Soccer's first experience losing a franchise, the league is on the verge of losing a second, with sources confirming the Saint Louis Athletica may not make it through...More

WPS Weekend Wrap: Marta, Marta, Marta

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-17T16:24:51

Week six of Women's Professional Soccer action saw 'the world's two best players' (as dubbed by marketing) face-off at Harvard Stadium Friday night in a game that did not disappoint. Marta and Kelly Smith traded figurative punches to produce a first...More

Travel Log: The Marta Circus Stops in Boston

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-16T00:51:46

Friday morning I hopped into the cah (too soon for Boston accents?) and headed to Boston for my first Harvard Stadium experience of the year and boy was I treated. The showdown between FC Gold Pride and the Boston Breakers was top-notch action in th...More

The Equalizer Player Blog: Brittany Taylor on Atlanta's New Stadium

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-15T22:17:14

Sky Blue FC defender Brittany Taylor has been busy lately. She has played in every minute for her team thus far at center back across the country - from California, to Atlanta and back to New Jersey.By the way, she has been doing this all while driv...More

Preview: FC Gold Pride at Boston Breakers

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-14T08:52:25

First-place FC Gold Pride will visit Harvard Stadium Friday to take on a Boston Breakers side that is winless in four having not tasted victory since an opening day 2-1 win over the Washington Freedom April 10.Meanwhile, FC Gold Pride has won four straigh...More

WPS Week Five Power Rankings

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-11T20:19:36

It is that time again folks. Let the banter, bickering and complaining begin as to which team is better than the other based on a difference of a point or two and opinions that were formed off of some isolated statistics. But hey, that is why ...More

WPS Monday Kick-Around: Beat stadium opens, Sauerbrunn is lone iron woman left

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-10T21:04:58

The distancing has begun. Well, that is the thought anyway. Even with the parity in Women's Professional Soccer, the results from week five have opened up an 11 point gap from the top of the table to the bottom. However, three points sep...More

WPS week five preview: New era in Atlanta, Freedom and Breakers rematch

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-07T13:35:34

Week five in Women's Professional Soccer will go down as one of the most historic weekends in the league's young history with the opening of the Kennesaw State University Soccer Stadium outside of Atlanta. The Atlanta Beat will be the first WPS team...More

New Atlanta Beat stadium a symbol of longevity for team, league

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-06T20:47:06

The Kennesaw State University Soccer Stadium opens Sunday when the Atlanta Beat host Sky Blue FC in a historic match for women's soccer. Although Atlanta is a 2010 expansion team and has played just four WPS games thus far, the club is setting a sta...More

Athletica's hand-forcing for Asante trade a bold move

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-06T16:50:37

After some commotion, Anita Asante and Nikki Washington indeed will be going to Saint Louis Athletica in exchange for India Trotter. However, the true talking point is the 2011 first round draft pick that was dealt to Sky Blue FC along with Trotter....More

WPS Monday Kick-Around: The difference a doubleheader makes

Posted by Jeff — 2010-05-03T21:51:36

Week four in Women's Professional Soccer brought some surprising stories, from an upset in Beantown to shake-ups in net for the two expansion teams. The weekend's fixtures were supposed to produce more answers as to which teams would distinguish the...More

WPS Weekend Preview: Road Trip Down I-95

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-30T20:52:38

Let the real teams rise up and those not on par take a back seat. That's what week four of Women's Professional Soccer action is screaming of.Weekend fixtures include a battle for first place as well as the league's two win-less teams on the road lo...More

Lloyd's WPS misfortunes continue with broken left ankle

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-27T16:22:29

Carli Lloyd suffered a broken left ankle Sunday in Sky Blue FC's 1-0 win over the Chicago Red Stars and has been placed on the 30-Day Injured Reserve.Women's Professional Soccer has presented a tough challenge for the U.S. international and Delran, N.J. n...More

WPS Monday Kick-Around: Big name injuries, power rankings and attendance and goal scoring watch

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-26T17:59:48

This statement might just become a broken record in Women's Professional Soccer (or maybe it has already), but this league is filled with parity, parity and more parity.FC Gold Pride and Sky Blue FC sit at the top of the table after three weeks of play wi...More

WPS Week Three Preview

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-23T23:50:56

Parity prevails yet again in Women's Professional Soccer as not a single team has a perfect record and every team has at least one goal and one point. Teams expected to struggle, such as the Chicago Red Stars and Philadelphia Independence, are findi...More

Naimo talks Los Angeles Sol, Pali Blues: Part I - The LA Sol Aftermath

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-22T16:49:43

On January 28, the Los Angeles Sol, Women's Professional Soccer's most dominant team throughout the inaugural regular season and home to high-profile players such as four time FIFA World Player of the Year Marta, ceased operations. Charlie Naimo was...More

Naimo talks Los Angeles Sol, Pali Blues: Part II - LA's Future and Pali's Prospects

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-22T16:44:25

Check out Part I here, where Naimo talks more about what happened to the LA Sol.Kassouf: What about 2011? There is a lot of talk of multiple ownership groups looking to get a team back in LA in the next year. Is that realistic?Naimo:&nbs...More

Naimo talks Los Angeles Sol, Pali Blues: Part III - Cup vs. League Mentality

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-22T16:39:09

In Parts I and II of my chat with Pali Blues Head Coach and former Los Angeles Sol General Manager Charlie Naimo, we chatted about what things in LA are looking like to get a WPS team back in the market and how he sees Pali shaping up for the 2010 W-Leagu...More

WPS week three predictions: Win a Futbolr t-shirt!

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-20T00:56:26

Fans, this is your next chance to win some great gear from Futbolr, one of the hottest soccer lifestyle clothing brands out there. Congratulations to last week's winner, Kendra. You know the drill:All fans need to do is leave a comment stating...More

WPS week two round-up: Attendance, goal scoring on par with 2009

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-19T21:09:40

Through two weeks and eight games of play in Women's Professional Soccer, the average attendance is 4,319. It is early, but that number is pretty close to the 2009 average of 4,493. Opening weekend average attendance in 2010 was 4,428, which w...More

Boston Breakers goalkeeper situation sheds light on WPS developmental player rules

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-18T14:43:26

The recent promotion of Boston Breakers goalkeeper Ashley Phillips from a developmental player to a spot on the full roster of 18 brought about some great confusion as to what exactly a developmental player is. Similarly to Major League Soccer, deve...More

WPS weekend predictions

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-17T13:04:01

WPS has another full slate of games on tap this weekend. Here is how I see things shaking out:Saint Louis Athletica @ Chicago Red Stars, Saturday, 8 p.m. EasternThis is perhaps the best rivalry in the young league with the two cities being so close ...More

WIN A FUTBOLR T-SHIRT WEEKLY!

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-13T21:00:26

The Equalizer and Futbolr have teamed up to bring Women's Professional Soccer fans an exciting opportunity to win weekly Futbolr (www.futbolr.com) apparel prizes. Each week, there will be a blog post at www.equalizersoccer.com where fans can p...More

WPS Weekend Wrap-Up: Season two kicks-off

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-13T09:53:27

Women's Professional Soccer kicked off its second season this past weekend with four games being played on the same weekend for the first time in league history.Boston Breakers rookie Lauren Cheney scored the first goal of the 2010 WPS season in just the ...More

2010 WPS Season Preview

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-09T15:12:20

After months of anticipation, Women's Professional Soccer finally kicks off its 2010 season Saturday when the Washington Freedom host the Boston Breakers. The sophomore season WPS will see eight teams compete for the title, one more than in 2009.The...More

2010 Season Preview: Washington Freedom

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-09T00:39:18

Washington Freedom2009: 8-7-5, 29 pts.; third place regular season (lost in semifinal)Coach: Jim GabarraKey Players: Sonia Bompastor, Abby Wambach, Cat Whitehill, Lisa De Vanna, Erin McLeod, Brittany Bock, Homare SawaStar Watch: Sonia Bompastor – Th...More

2010 Season Preview: Sky Blue FC

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-08T17:37:19

Sky Blue FC2009: 7-8-5, 26 pts.; fourth place regular season (2009 WPS Champions)Coach: Pauliina MiettinenKey Players: Heather O’Reilly, Yael Averbuch, Christie Rampone, Carli Lloyd, Natasha Kai, Rosana, Anita Asante, Meghan SchnurStar Watch: Um, is there...More

The Equalizer Player Blog: Brittany Taylor and her first U.S. cap

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-08T09:02:59

I looked at the table and saw the water in my glass spilling over the side. I was shaking my legs so much that the whole table was moving! So much anxiety building up inside of me . . . When you are a little girl growing up watching Mia Hamm play, your dr...More

2010 Season Preview: Saint Louis Athletica

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-08T01:30:34

Saint Louis Atheltica2009: 10-6-4, 34 pts.; second place regular season (lost in super semifinal) Coach: Jorge BarcellosKey Players: Hope Solo, Shannon Boxx, Lindsay Tarpley, Eniola Aluko, Aya Miyama, Lori ChalupnyStar Watch: Shannon Boxx – She was the gl...More

Antonucci ready to kick-off 2010 WPS season

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-07T15:59:01

Women's Professional Soccer Commissioner Tonya Antonucci held a media conference call ahead of WPS First Kick 2010. More details to come later, but here are some of the quick highlights from the call:Season ticket sales are up 20% across the league ...More

2010 Season Preview: Philadelphia Independence

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-07T09:03:12

Philadelphia Independence2010 Expansion TeamCoach: Paul RileyKey Players: Karina LeBlanc, Heather Mitts, Caroline Seger, Amy Rodriguez, Lori LindseyStar Watch: Amy Rodriguez – The 23-year-old Californian had well-documented rough 2009 season with the Bost...More

2010 Season Preview: FC Gold Pride

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-06T17:58:40

FC Gold Pride2009: 4-10-6, 18 pts.; seventh place regular season (missed playoffs)Coach: Albertin MontoyaKey Players: Marta, Camille Abily, Christine Sinclair, Kelley O’Hara, Tiffeny Milbrett, Rachel BuehlerStar Watch: Marta – Obviously. Marta is th...More

2010 Season Preview: Chicago Red Stars

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-06T14:03:12

Chicago Red Stars2009: 5-10-5, 20 pts.; sixth place regular season (missed playoffs)Head Coach: Emma HayesKey Players: Cristiane, Karen Carney, Megan Rapinoe, Kate Markgraf, Casey Nogueira, FormigaStar Watch: Cristiane – The Brazilian was the team’s leadi...More

2010 Season Preview: Boston Breakers

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-05T22:46:41

Boston Breakers2009: 7-9-4, 25 pts.; fifth place regular season (missed playoffs)Coach: Tony DiCiccoKey Players: Kelly Smith, Alex Scott, Amy LePeilbet, Stephanie Cox, Kristine Lilly, Leslie Osborne, Lauren CheneyStar Watch: Kristine Lilly – She has...More

2010 Season Preview: Atlanta Beat

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-05T16:56:21

Atlanta Beat2010 WPS Expansion TeamCoach: Gareth O’SullivanKey Players: Tobin Heath, Ramona Bachmann, Leigh Ann Robinson, Mami Yamaguchi, Angie KerrStar Watch: Tobin Heath – The No. 1-overall draft pick has see very little action in the preseason after su...More

Ten things to watch in WPS in 2010

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-05T11:05:50

With WPS First Kick 2010 just days away, several burning questions and points of discussion surround Women's Professional Soccer in its sophomore year of play. Business figures for the league have been trending upward and a general excitement seems ...More

WPS season looms, The Equalizer has you covered

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-05T09:12:42

Women's Professional Soccer kicks off its 2010 season this weekend, and with just days remaining until First Kick 2010, The Equalizer has a lot planned for this coming week. As always, look to www.equalizersoccer.com first for anything and everythin...More

WPS teams finalize 2010 rosters

Posted by Jeff — 2010-04-01T14:19:13

Final rosters for the 2010 WPS season are in and set to be released by individual teams Thursday. The maximum size for rosters is 18 players plus four developmental players. Here is every roster that we will see next weekend:Atlanta Beat Openi...More

WPS Fantasy Challenge unveiled, increased fan interaction expected

Posted by Jeff — 2010-03-31T17:12:10

Women's Professional Soccer officially unveiled its WPS Fantasy Challenge Wednesday, adding an entirely new fan experience element to the league's new media initiatives.The game will place WPS in line with the rest of the major American sports, which all ...More

WPS celebrates one-year anniversary

Posted by Jeff — 2010-03-29T17:58:05

On this day exactly one year ago, Women's Professional Soccer kicked-off its first-ever match at The Home Depot Center when the Los Angeles Sol hosted the Washington Freedom in front of 14,832 fans.A lot has changed since then; most of it for the better.&...More

The Equalizer Player Blog: Brittany Taylor

Posted by Jeff — 2010-03-28T12:58:11

Hello from San Diego, California! I am currently training with the U.S. Women’s National Team to prepare for two friendlies against Mexico, one today at the University of San Diego’s Torero Stadium and on Wednesday in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is a short t...More

Breakers integrating into Boston community through interesting promotions

Posted by Jeff — 2010-03-27T13:20:21

Women's Professional Soccer and its eight teams are continuing their efforts to become more relevant in the minds of soccer fans and local communities and have found success through increased ticket sales and sponsorships in 2010.As you might imagine, my ...More

Heath recovering from stomach illness, expected to train soon

Posted by Jeff — 2010-03-18T20:03:02

Tobin Heath is progressing in her recovery from a stomach illness that has kept her out of preseason training thus far for the Atlanta Beat, The Equalizer has learned. The No. 1-overall draft pick in the 2010 WPS Draft did not travel with her teamma...More

WPS All-Star Game to feature unique team selection twist

Posted by Jeff — 2010-03-18T00:01:37

Women's Professional Soccer is set to announce details on its mid-season All-Star Game in the coming days and early reports indicate that the league is set to do something different than anything that has ever been seen out of any previous all-star games ...More

WPS teams cut rosters to 24

Posted by Jeff — 2010-03-17T00:57:03

The deadline for Women's Professional Soccer teams to cut their rosters to a maximum of 24 players was Tuesday and some notable names were released by teams.Sharolta Nonen and Christine Latham were released by the Atlanta Beat and Greer Barnes was waived ...More

U.S. U-17 Women continue to dominate

Posted by Jeff — 2010-03-15T10:21:05

The United States U-17 Women's National Team continued to roll through the group stage of CONCACAF U-17 Women's Championship with a 10-0 win over Costa Rica on Sunday. The United States finishes the group phase undefeated after outscoring opponents ...More

Friday wrap-up: Citi to sponsor WPS jerseys, U.S. U-17 demolish Cayman Islands

Posted by Jeff — 2010-03-12T23:58:43

Women's Professional Soccer officially announced Friday that Citi, the leading global finance services company, will appear on the jerseys of all eight teams in 2010.Citi is the league's first national jersey sponsor, and its logo will appear on the back ...More

WPS projecting four jersey sponsorships, working on league-wide deal

Posted by Jeff — 2010-03-10T00:25:23

A press release sent out by Women's Professional Soccer on Monday stated that the league "is projecting that four of eight teams will feature a jersey partnership this season with logos on the front of their uniforms – a two-fold increase on last year."I ...More

Sundhage names roster for Mexico friendlies

Posted by Jeff — 2010-03-08T15:17:13

United States Women's National Team Head Coach Pia Sundhage named her 24 player roster for the March 28 and March 31 friendlies against Mexico.As expected, several players will have the opportunity to earn their first cap. Chicago Red Stars goalkeep...More

WPS internationals shine at Algarve Cup

Posted by Jeff — 2010-03-04T00:25:34

Several names in the Algarve Cup are familiar to WPS fans, and many had some pretty solid tournaments. Considering the lack of information flowing out of Portugal, here is an inside look at how these players did across the four games of the tourname...More

Algarve, Cyprus Cup finals set

Posted by Jeff — 2010-03-01T23:11:00

Lauren Cheney scored two goals Monday to help the United States top Sweden 2-0 and advance to the Algarve Cup final.There the Americans, No. 1 in the world, will take on No. 2 Germany in the heavyweight battle that was anticipated coming into the tourname...More

Weekend women's soccer news round-up

Posted by Jeff — 2010-02-28T20:10:59

It was a busy few days in women's soccer, with the Algarve Cup and Cyprus Cup in full swing and Women's Professional Soccer teams continuing to make announcements about new developments on and off the pitch.On Thursday, the Washington Freedom announced a ...More

The new U.S. Women's National Team kits

Posted by Jeff — 2010-02-25T15:25:01

Algarve Cup and Cyprus Cup round-ups, sneak peek at U.S. Women's National Team kits

Posted by Jeff — 2010-02-25T13:32:21

The Algarve Cup is underway in Portugal, and the United States kicked the tournament off with a 2-0 win over Iceland on Wednesday. Hope Solo saved two penalty kicks en route to preserving the clean sheet, which is critical to the team's goal differe...More

Algarve Cup kicks off today

Posted by Jeff — 2010-02-24T08:56:59

The Algarve Cup kicks off today in Portugal with matches across the three groups of four teams. All 12 teams will be in action on the same days, with group matches taking place on Feb. 24, Feb. 26 and March 1. The placement matches, to be play...More

Monday Kicks: Freedom at RFK, Breakers sign Walsh

Posted by Jeff — 2010-02-22T11:25:16

Women's Professional Soccer released its 2010 season schedule on Thursday, with some interesting "TBD" venues for select teams.The Boston Breakers are expected to play a match in Connecticut in August, and the Washington Freedom also have a "TBD" ...More

WPS 2010 Schedule: Doubleheader possibilities

Posted by Jeff — 2010-02-18T17:02:12

Fans of Women's Professional Soccer increasingly want to know about the potential of MLS-WPS doubleheaders, but there are very few on tap. Steven Goff at the Washington Post noted the possibility of a D.C. United-Washington Freedom doubleheader, whi...More

WPS releases 2010 schedule: All-Star Game fixture congestion, FSC equality, and FC Gold Pride road trips

Posted by Jeff — 2010-02-18T15:39:43

Women's Professional Soccer released its 2010 schedule on Thursday, revealing some key dates for the All-Star Game, playoffs and interesting regular season match-ups.For the full schedule, click here.The All-Star Game, which will be in a yet to be determi...More

Change in Bay Area continues as FC Gold Pride releases Chastain

Posted by Jeff — 2010-02-12T16:51:41

FC Gold Pride announced Friday that it has released veteran and 1999 World Cup hero Brandi Chastain.The move comes after an active month of transactions for the Bay Area team that saw the additions of Camille Abily, Kelley O'Hara, and most notably, four-t...More

Sundhage names 19-player Algarve Cup roster

Posted by Jeff — 2010-02-11T23:04:06

United States Women's National Team Head Coach Pia Sundhage named her 19-player roster for the Algarve Cup that begins later this month in Portugal.The roster represents a mix of young and old, and the competition could prove to be a big test for young pl...More

Beat sign two free agents, utilize open tryouts

Posted by Jeff — 2010-02-09T19:17:44

The Atlanta Beat announced Tuesday the signing of free agents Brett Maron and Marisha Schumacher-Hodge as the newest additions to the expansion team’s roster.Maron, a goalkeeper from Fairfield University, has played professionally in both Iceland and Swed...More

U.S. Women's National Team to take on Mexico twice in March

Posted by Jeff — 2010-02-09T14:25:50

The United States Women's National Team will take on border rival Mexico in two exhibition games in late March. The first will take place on March 28 in San Diego, Calif. and the second will occur three days later in Sandy, Utah on March 31.The two ...More

Sol setting in Los Angeles Part 6: MLS and USSF

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-29T19:24:23

Part five of the series exploring the Los Angeles Sol ceasing operations took a look at AEG’s responsibility in this situation. Several opinion points draw different conclusions as to what AEG does or does not owe to Women’s Professional Soccer in t...More

Sol setting in Los Angeles Part 5: AEG's responsibilities

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-29T12:20:06

The final few angles that will be explored in this series on the Los Angeles Sol involve forces outside of Women’s Professional Soccer. Anschutz Entertainment Group has yet again come out of this looking like the villain.As of right now, that is a p...More

Sol setting in Los Angeles Part 4: The players

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-29T02:07:56

The players seem to be overlooked in this entire announcement about the Los Angeles Sol.Reallocating the players (dispersing them, if you will), is a complete change of life for these Sol players. They have houses, friends, family and entire lives t...More

Sol setting in Los Angeles Part 3: FC Gold Pride and the Western frontier

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-29T00:15:48

With Thursday’s announcement of WPS losing the Los Angeles Sol, FC Gold Pride now stands alone as the lone team on the Pacific. The next closest teams sit in Saint Louis and Chicago – not exactly a bus trip away. One really has to feel for FC ...More

Sol setting in Los Angeles Part 2: The viability of WPS

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-28T23:30:56

The most obvious question in the larger picture of Thursday's announcement involves Women’s Professional Soccer. How does the fall of the Los Angeles Sol affect the league?It’s a huge blow, obviously. Casual fans and faithful alike are wonderi...More

Sol setting in Los Angeles Part 1: Los Angeles fans and the area

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-28T23:01:43

The Los Angeles Sol have ceased operations, and the plan is to have the players distributed through a dispersal draft on Thursday, Feb. 4. This much we know clearly. Well, sort of.After news of the Los Angeles Sol’s potential collapse came to ...More

Los Angeles Sol cease operations: Dispersal draft and 2010 scheduling

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-28T20:26:19

After news of the Los Angeles Sol ceasing operations, the order for the dispersal draft on Thursday, Feb. 4, is as follows: Round 1 1. Atlanta Beat 2. Philadelphia Independence 3. FC Gold Pride (...More

Tuesday kicks: Atlanta home opener, Del Rio leaves Frankfurt, Montoya talks draft

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-26T22:44:24

The Atlanta Beat announced Tuesday that its brand new, soccer specific stadium will open on May 9th against defending WPS Champion Sky Blue FC. The game will also be aired live on Fox Soccer Channel at 6 p.m. As of today, preparations for Atlanta...More

WPS 'Supporter's Shield' update

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-23T12:02:52

Many fans have inquired about the possibility of a 'Supporter's Shield' that gets awarded to the WPS regular season champion. Major League Soccer has established this as a tradition in honoring the best regular season team, since that team often (am...More

USL W-League releases 2010 schedule

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-21T17:08:41

The USL W-League released its 2010 schedule Monday, with some changes made from the 2009 season. In 2009, the season ran an extra week longer than normal, causing teams to be without some of their top college talent in the semifinals and finals. ...More

Revisiting off-season WPS trades thus far

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-20T12:21:23

There were some major trades that happened this Women's Professional Soccer off-season, and they all involved 2010 WPS Draft picks. Now that those selections have been made, the exchange value of each trade is more apparent. The final effectiv...More

Tuesday Notes: Keeping an eye on Daniela, Los Angeles Sol

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-18T00:47:57

With Cristiane officially re-signed by the Chicago Red Stars, Daniela is one of the biggest free agents left on the market. Along with Aly Wagner, there has been a mysterious lack of information regarding her.However, The Equalizer has recently lear...More

A look at the 2010 Puma kit unveiling

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-16T03:18:29

I will have more to say on this event in the coming days after the dust settles on an incredible 2010 NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia, but let me just say this: Women's Professional Soccer is here folks. If anybody ever needed a lesson in event mana...More

Rogers out at LA

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-16T00:30:52

The Equalizer has confirmed that Abner Rogers is no longer with the Los Angeles Sol. The Sol's draft able did not feature Rogers today, a clear indication of the news. Sources later confirmed this, and Naimo handled draft duties for the day. The ch...More

NSCAA Convention: Thursday Thoughts

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-15T01:03:10

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America Annual Convention kicked off Wednesday, but it really got into full effect on Thursday. Below are some quick thoughts from the day. Tomorrow will be even more hectic with a full day of WPS ...More

On the Clock: The Equalizer's Mock 2010 WPS Draft

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-13T14:46:54

Over the past week or so, The Equalizer has been unveiling draft previews for each of the nine Women's Professional Soccer teams to look at what each team might be needing in 2010 and beyond. In talking to coaches and general managers around the lea...More

On the Clock: Saint Louis Athletica

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-13T11:58:12

With the No. 17-overall pick as its first showing in the 2010 Women's Professional Soccer Draft, Saint Louis Athletica is currently the last of the nine teams to select. Then again, Athletica seems pretty set up top and through the midfield.Eniola A...More

On the Clock: Washington Freedom

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-12T11:56:05

With Abby Wambach, Lisa De Vanna and Rebecca Moros running the show up top, the Washington Freedom do not need any help in the attack. Head Coach Jim Gabarra will be looking to build depth through the midfield and defense in the 2010 Women's Profess...More

On the Clock: Philadelphia Independence

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-11T18:02:42

America's greatest soccer minds will convene in Philadelphia this weekend for the annual National Soccer Coaches Association of America Convention, where the 2010 Major League Soccer SuperDraft and 2010 Women's Professional Soccer Draft will take place.&n...More

On the Clock: Chicago Red Stars

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-10T19:42:37

The Chicago Red Stars missed out on the 2009 Women's Professional Soccer playoffs after a disappointing season that left them with 20 pts. in 20 games and second from bottom in the league table.Chicago's United States Women's National Team allocations did...More

On the Clock: FC Gold Pride

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-09T21:53:16

FC Gold Pride acquired French midfielder Camille Abily on Thursday from the Los Angeles Sol in a blockbuster trade, making the Pride's No. 3-overall draft pick in the 2010 Women's Professional Soccer Draft even more interesting.A scoring threat is the top...More

On the Clock: Boston Breakers

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-09T15:29:59

With everyone convinced that the Atlanta Beat will be taking Tobin Heath with the No. 1 selection in the 2010 Women's Professional Soccer Draft, much of the rest of the draft relies on what the Boston Breakers do at No. 2. Whether Head Coach Tony DiCicco ...More

On the Clock: Atlanta Beat

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-07T17:47:09

Since September, those associated with the Atlanta Beat have known they possess the coveted No. 1 pick in the 2010 Women's Professional Soccer Draft. They quickly made up their mind on which player they will select in that No. 1 spot, even if everyo...More

On the Clock: Los Angeles Sol

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-06T13:44:05

Yesterday began The Equalizer's ten part "On the Clock" series, which will profile each team's potential 2010 Women's Professional Soccer Draft plans and include a mock draft. Part one looked at defending champion Sky Blue FC, and today part two wil...More

On the Clock: Sky Blue FC

Posted by Jeff — 2010-01-05T13:42:53

Over the course of the next 10 days, The Equalizer will be previewing the 2010 Women's Professional Soccer Draft for each team. Coaches and general managers will weigh in on what their individual team needs and wants are, providing insight into how ...More

Best of the Year and Decade in Women's Soccer

Posted by Jeff — 2009-12-31T15:57:18

Incredibly, today marks the last day of this decade. I cannot honestly say that I know where time has gone. It seems that as soon as we think we have a grip on life, time takes over and hurries us along.It has been an up-and-down decade for wo...More

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Part I: A Look Back at WPS in 2009

Posted by Jeff — 2009-12-30T13:03:33

With Women's Professional soccer kicking off its inaugural season season in 2009, women's footie fans experienced their first taste of domestic professional soccer since the Women's United Soccer Association folded in 2003. That alone has to be the mo...More

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Part II: A Look Back at WPS in 2009

Posted by Jeff — 2009-12-30T13:00:56

Check out Part (The Good and The Bad) here. Now on to The Ugly and other news and notes...THE UGLY There is one major black eye that hangs over a particular player from WPS this season, and regardless of whether you are a fan or not it is indispu...More

WPS mid-week wrap-up: Happy Holidays

Posted by Jeff — 2009-12-23T19:54:42

I thought I would leave you all with a fun blog post before going dormant for Christmas (and my birthday on Christmas Eve), so here are some brief things to take in as the holidays approach.First off, FC Gold Pride fans have to be happy. Moving out ...More

2010 USL W-League alignment announced, FC Indiana, Boston absent

Posted by Jeff — 2009-12-21T10:37:14

The USL W-League announced its 2010 divisional alignment Friday, creating movement among teams and showing the absences of at least one historically significant club. 2010 will see 29 teams compete for the W-League title, eight less than 2009. E...More

WPS looking to shift All-Star showcase to mid-season

Posted by Jeff — 2009-12-17T20:01:42

Women's Professional Soccer is looking to shift its All-Star Game to mid-season, sources told The Equalizer on Thursday.The move would place the game somewhere in June. In 2009, the showcase was the last WPS game of the season. It was played o...More

WPS home openers officially announced

Posted by Jeff — 2009-12-16T01:15:25

Women's Professional Soccer has officially announced its set of home openers for the 2010 season, with the exception of the Los Angeles Sol and Atlanta Beat. Those two teams will announce their home openers at a later date.Below are the games that w...More

WPS begins top prospects series

Posted by Jeff — 2009-12-15T15:56:35

Women's Professional Soccer began its series of expert draft rankings on Tuesday. Various league experts will break down the top prospects by position, beginning with goalkeepers.North Carolina keeper Ashlyn Harris received three of the five first-p...More

Women's update: California teams making moves, England Super League anything but

Posted by Jeff — 2009-12-10T22:03:25

FC Gold Pride announced Thursday that it has signed Norwegian midfielder Solveig Gulbrandsen. The 28-year-old's 139 international appearances makes her the most capped player in Norwegian Women's National Team history. Her experiences on the in...More

Player Ratings: North Carolina 1-0 Stanford

Posted by Jeff — 2009-12-06T19:28:39

North Carolina handed Stanford its only loss of the season with a 1-0 win on Sunday, but it could not have come at a worse time for Stanford. One win from the perfect season, the Pac-10 champions watched their hopes of a national championship slowly ...More

Ask the experts: NCAA Women's College Cup preview

Posted by Jeff — 2009-12-04T02:11:02

The NCAA Women's College Cup semifinals kick-off Friday with Stanford taking on UCLA at 5:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2/ESPN360.com) and North Carolina battling Notre Dame in the nightcap at 8 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Traditionally, these are four of the best teams in the...More

FIFA to expand Women's World Cup: The effect on regional qualification and WPS

Posted by Jeff — 2009-12-03T15:40:57

Just one day before the most publicized FIFA World Cup draw in history, FIFA announced Thursday that the Women's World Cup will expand from 16 to 24 teams in 2015. The 2011 tournament in Germany will not be influenced by the decision, but the 2015 tou...More

Wednesday WPS wrap-up

Posted by Jeff — 2009-12-02T15:14:06

The Chicago Red Stars announced Wednesday the signing of English international midfielder Katie Chapman, who joins the team after spending the last three years with Arsenal.She follows English teammates Karen Carney, Kelly Smith and, should they be off...More

Running commentary: NCAA quarterfinals

Posted by Jeff — 2009-11-27T18:24:29

Notre Dame, Stanford and North Carolina booked their tickets to the NCAA College Cup semifinals on Friday with three convincing wins, while UCLA finalized the Final Four on Saturday.Notre Dame dropped No. 1 seed Florida State 2-0 off two goals in two minu...More

NCAA quarterfinal preview: Stanford searching for perfection

Posted by Jeff — 2009-11-27T00:48:56

The quarterfinals of the NCAA Women's Division 1 soccer championship begin on Friday, and the Stanford Cardinal (23-0-0) is just three wins from completing a perfect season.Friday's match is against ACC foe Boston College (18-3-2). The two teams hav...More

Wednesday women's wrap-up

Posted by Jeff — 2009-11-25T23:52:12

Wednesday was a busy day in Women's Professional Soccer as managerial positions were shaken up a bit and some international signings were made by a team that has had a quiet off-season thus far.First comes the front office news, where the Philadelphia Ind...More

By the numbers: Tracking social media around WPS

Posted by Jeff — 2009-11-20T13:58:05

A recent seminar I attended, delivered by Edelman’s Gary Grates, did an incredible job at pointing out that a company’s approach to new media must be holistic and unified. Simply posting a link on Twitter or Facebook is not sufficient.In this “age o...More

NCAA Women's College Cup second-round results

Posted by Jeff — 2009-11-15T23:50:27

For the most part, the weekend brought about the expected results in the NCAA Women's College Cup. There were, of course, some exceptions, with the most notable being Penn State's 6-2 loss at the hands of Virginia.After being up 2-0 at halftime, the...More

Sundhage calls 24 into December camp

Posted by Jeff — 2009-11-13T21:34:59

United States Women's National Team Head Coach Pia Sundhage has called 24 players into an 11-day training camp that will stretch from December 5-15.18 of the players that will make their way to The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. for the camp come fro...More

Monday updates: NCAA field announced, Hall of Fame ballots announced, WPS low-downs

Posted by Jeff — 2009-11-09T22:29:05

The NCAA announced the field of 64 teams that will compete for the 2009 Women's College Cup through December.Stanford (20-0-0) is the No. 1 seed overall as Pac-10 Champions, and North Carolina, Florida State and UCLA are the three other No. 1 seeds.The AC...More

Freedom launches aggressive marketing campaign

Posted by Jeff — 2009-11-09T09:02:08

The Washington Freedom launched an aggressive marketing campaign Monday in an attempt to show fans that the team, and Women's Professional Soccer, is a viable option to fill their sports fix.The campaign, dubbed "Freedom Is..." will run in the Washington ...More

Lambert suspension not enough, media coverage disproportional

Posted by Jeff — 2009-11-07T01:53:13

Imagine the day that a Mountain West Conference women's soccer semifinal match would get so much national media attention. But there it was: Early Friday morning and ESPN was giving the story of what happened between New Mexico and No. 17 Brigham Youn...More

WPS News and Notes: October 31

Posted by Jeff — 2009-10-31T12:43:04

The storm that has been the free agency period of Women's Professional Soccer has calmed slightly, but there are still moves being made across the league. FC Gold Pride traded back-up goalkeeper Allison Whitworth and the 23rd overall pick in the 201...More

Gunning called up from W-League, signs with Sky Blue FC

Posted by Jeff — 2009-10-28T13:18:40

Sky Blue FC, the reigning champions of Women's Professional Soccer, made official today the signing of Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues defender Ashleigh Gunning. The signing is the first example of player movement between the two teams, which e...More

Sky Blue FC to announce major player signing Monday

Posted by Jeff — 2009-10-18T21:21:07

Sky Blue FC will announce a "major player signing" Monday afternoon, The Equalizer has learned.That comes just a week after General Manager Gerry Marrone said Sky Blue would not be pursuing any major free agents.The question now, is who? The big nam...More

WPS transactions update: More moves to come

Posted by Jeff — 2009-10-15T01:12:54

Heather Mitts was officially announced as a member of the Philadelphia Independence Wednesday, as first reported on The Equalizer last week.While it is yet another huge signing for Philadelphia, there is still a lot more that should be happening in the ne...More

Philly 'very, very close' to Mitts deal, transactions not finished

Posted by Jeff — 2009-10-08T01:04:39

The Philadelphia Independence expects to announce the signing of free agent and United States Women's National Team defender Heather Mitts as early as Tuesday, Philadelphia Head Coach Paul Riley said. The deal is imminent, although not yet official.&nb...More

Tuesday Thoughts: Sundhage's call-ups and a succesful all-male viewing of women's soccer

Posted by Jeff — 2009-10-06T23:49:46

United States Women's National Team Head Coach Pia Sundhage announced Tuesday the 18-woman roster for an Oct. 29th friendly against Germany in Augsburg. The match will pit the world's No.1, the United States, against the world's No. 2, Germany. ...More

Philadelphia, Boston both look to secure free agent Mitts

Posted by Jeff — 2009-09-29T22:43:09

Amy Rodriguez is now a member of the Philadelphia Independence, but Women’s Professional Soccer fans may not be done seeing Boston Breakers players make the trip down I-95 to Philadelphia.On Tuesday, the Boston Breakers traded 2009 No. 1 draft pick and U....More

Philly, Atlanta management share thoughts on Expansion Draft picks

Posted by Jeff — 2009-09-24T01:00:41

Tuesday's Women's Professional Soccer Expansion Draft brought about a lot of unfamiliar names to some WPS fans. Although many caught glimpses of the players selected by the Philadelphia Independence and Atlanta Beat in the 2009 European Championship...More

FC Gold Pride lock up youth for 2010

Posted by Jeff — 2009-09-23T11:14:11

FC Gold Pride began making roster moves Monday when it exercised the options on the contracts of co-captain and U.S. international Rachel Buehler, young guns Carrie Dew and Kristen Graczyk, Canadian attacker Christine Sinclair and Kandace Wilson.Doing so...More

Expansion Draft surrounded by mystery

Posted by Jeff — 2009-09-14T18:59:48

The Philadelphia Independence and the Atlanta Beat will begin to fill out their rosters for the 2010 season in Tuesday's WPS Expansion Draft by selecting up to nine players each. Philadelphia and Atlanta will select from the players on the existing ...More

Fitzgerald reacts to sale of USL

Posted by Jeff — 2009-09-03T15:15:17

First came the sale of the United Soccer Leagues from Nike to NuRock Soccer Holdings LLC. on Thursday, August 27th, followed by executive restructuring on Monday, August 31 that saw a shift in power at the top with NuRock's Rob Hoskins taking over as Chai...More

WPS year-end awards announced, Marta steals show

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-29T22:23:16

Women's Professional Soccer announced Saturday that Los Angeles Sol forward Marta has been named the 2009 Michelle Akers Player of the Year.The league also announced the winners of five other awards, including the 2009 PUMA Golden Boot Award, also present...More

The Equalizer's WPS honors

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-29T18:06:56

Women's Professional Soccer will hand out its inaugural year-end awards tonight at the All-Star Gala in Saint Louis, honoring the Michelle Akers Player of the Year, the MedImmune Defender of the Year, the Goalkeeper of the Year and the AdvoCare Coach o...More

Fresh off championship, Rampone expecting second child

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-25T16:55:44

As if Christie Rampone was not already one of the greatest human interest stories of the summer, now Sky Blue FC broke the word on Tuesday that she is already three months pregnant with her second child. As Sky Blue FC completed its miracle run to th...More

For Sky Blue FC, the key was 'D'

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-23T23:23:11

They say that defense wins championships, and that held true in the inaugural season of Women's Professional Soccer. So much attention has been given to the great defensive efforts put forth by Saint Louis Athletica and the Los Angeles Sol this season t...More

Tuesday wrap-up: Antonucci shares thoughts on inaugural season

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-18T23:53:53

Tuesday brought about a lot of news from Women's Professional Soccer as Commissioner Tonya Antonucci gave her year-end media conference call, addressing everything from solid television ratings to new sponsorships and even (MLS proponents, get ready) l...More

Ten in 2010? Chances slim to none

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-18T00:03:40

Those who have been following expansion news in Women's Professional Soccer know that the idea of a tenth team being added for 2010 has been kicked around for some time now. No surprise here, but that most likely will not be happening. The Equalizer o...More

Freedom host Sky Blue FC in first-round bout today

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-15T11:27:31

Last night I had a dream that Sky Blue FC took down the Washington Freedom 2-1 in today's First Round WPS Playoff match. Seriously. I am not one to mess with the deep, enlightening nature of dreams (eh, who am I kidding?), so that is going to be my pre...More

WPS Playoffs breakdown on WSR Radio

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-14T02:27:31

In case you are looking for a sneak peak at some of my thoughts on how the inaugural season of Women's Professional Soccer has gone and how the playoffs might go, you can check out my guest appearance on World Soccer Readers radio show, Inside the Six, ho...More

Sky Blue FC going through after Breakers lose heartbreaker

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-09T23:06:51

In case you have been living under a rock, Boston's 2-1 loss to the league-leading (and suddenly not so intimidating) Los Angeles Sol on Sunday means that Sky Blue FC will go through to the playoffs by the skin of its teeth. Sky Blue FC will return ...More

In-depth analysis and reaction to Freedom topping Sky Blue FC 3-1

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-08T21:56:51

The beauty of so many WPS games not being on television is that you all get to trust my commentary from matches such as Saturday's! I know how exciting that is. On a serious note though, somebody needs to clear up some wacky box scores, bec...More

W-League Championship missing most stars

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-07T12:17:58

The W-League Championship is set to kick-off at 7:30 p.m. tonight between the Pali Blues and the Washington Freedom, but there will be a lot of big names missing from the match.The match-up pits Pali, the 2008 champion, against Washington, the 2007 champi...More

2009 WPS All-Star First IX announced

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-05T00:55:49

Women's Professional Soccer announced the First IX for August 30th's All-Star Game on Tuesday, but just four of the seven teams are represented. Los Angeles led the way with four players selected: goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc, midfielders Camille Abily...More

Dear Fox Soccer Channel...No Fawcett?

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-04T10:11:21

Seemingly overlooked Sunday was the induction of Jeff Agoos and Joy Fawcett into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.Well, the Agoos part might not have been overlooked as much as Fawcett.Watching the Fox Soccer Report on Monday night seemed to sum up just a...More

The wild and wacky world of WPS playoff scenarios

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-02T14:11:12

Saint Louis Athletica clinched second place and the right to host the Super Semifinal with a 1-0 win over Boston at home Saturday. The game had a spectacular playoff atmosphere and Eniola Aluko's 36th minute goal proved to be the game winner that cli...More

Washington Freedom advance to W-League Championship

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-01T22:53:19

After 120 minutes of scoreless soccer, the Washington Freedom defeated the Ottawa Fury 3-1 on penalty kicks to advance to the W-League Championship against the Pali Blues. Washington held a 9-7 shot advantage in the W-League Semifinal that pitted the E...More

Scheduling problems surround W-League Championship

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-01T15:56:11

Pali advanced to the W-League Championship with last night's 4-0 win over the Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues and now the defending champions will have to await the winner of the Washington Freedom-Ottawa Fury game for an opponent. That match take...More

Pali topples Quickstrike, advances to title game

Posted by Jeff — 2009-08-01T01:57:19

The Pali Blues defeated the Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues 4-0 on Friday in Newburgh, NY in a W-League Semifinal match that featured a battle of unbeatens. The win means that Pali advances to the W-League Championship to defend its 2008 title aga...More

The Equalizer: Leveling the Playing Field in Soccer Communications

Posted by Jeff — 2009-07-17T14:17:15

The Equalizer is exactly what it says it is: A soccer news site dedicated to leveling the playing field in soccer communications by giving precedent to the women's game. Too often, important women's soccer news goes unreported, and it is the goal of this ...More