Who represents WPS?

Legally, I mean.

Indulge me for a minute, if you will.

Let’s assume that I got a new job. On my first day in the new office, rather than set up my email, read the personnel manual and display a photo of my adorable puppy, I instead chose to smash my computer, spray paint my name on the wall, and subject my coworkers to a vicious series of guerrilla wedgie attacks. My boss would eventually confront me, “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” If I responded by giving him the finger, I could expect nothing less than the immediate termination of my employment.

And if I filed a wrongful termination suit? Any competent judge would laugh my unwarrantedly aggressive ass out of his or her courtroom? On what grounds was I filing the lawsuit? Having broken so many rules in such a blatant manner, I wouldn’t have a leg on which to stand.

See where I’m going with this?

Every professional sports league from giants like Major League Baseball to minnows like the Sri Lankan Badminton Association have rules. They have detailed by-laws that lay out how their league will function. Additionally, there is an iron-clad (hopefully) set of rules for each team who operates within the league. All potential mistakes, disagreements and other exceptions have properly-documented mediation procedures with definitive punishments should they be required. If properly and thoughtfully executed, there are no remaining gray areas in which teams can survive in limbo. Thus, there can be harmony as everyone exists on a level playing field and knows the level of expectation and professionalism they must meet at all times.

We all know that Dan Borislow is in the wrong (well, everyone except for Abby Wambach, who I guess is tired of being adored after taking a repugnant pro-Borislow, anti-WPS stance on this matter). From moving the team, to changing the name, to the inadequate stadium situation and the lack of proper coaching, he has violated so many of the basic tenets of the league that, as in the equally ridiculous anecdote above, his case should have beeen slammed shut as fast as it was opened.

But somehow it wasn’t. I don’t pretend to be an expert on the back room goings on of WPS and thus I implore someone to shine a light on just how riddled-with-holes is a WPS constitution that allows such an egregiously guilty man to circumvent their laws. Or did WPS break so many of their own rules in attempting to evict him that they opened themselves up to for the litigious battering they are currently being forced to endure.

Vetting process?

While I in no way condone any of the actions taken by Borislow throughout this whole saga, WPS needs to shoulder their fair share of the burden for these developments and stand accountable for allowing this maniac to create the problems that he has. Money certainly talks and there is no doubting that the allure of Borislow’s financial clout gave the league fantasies of fiscal stability for years to come. Perhaps such an intense, aggressive businessman joining the league could backstop more than one club in the fashion of one of MLS’ founding investors, Lamar Hunt.

But, where was the requisite legwork that should accompany any expansion or takeover process (similarly to World Cup or Olympic bidding)? Where was the complete Washington Freedom package, listing the venue to be used, expected gate reports, financial projections, management team, coaching staff and marketing plan? This concrete business plan alone should have been enough to force Borislow’s hand. Listening to Jennifer O’Sullivan explain sadly about the league’s money troubles may pull at the heart strings, but it was her predecessors who got the league into this mess. A cashier’s check should not be all that is required to purchase a team in any league, especially one whose existence was always teetering on a knife edge.

Dan Borislow

One cannot help but wonder what Borislow’s end game was/is in all of this. No matter what you have to say about the man (and please do, that’s what comment sections are for), no one can accuse him of being stupid when it comes to his money. A self-made man, Borislow not only successfully designed magicJack but then marketed the living bejeezus out of both it and himself. In theory, this is the ideal investor for a young league.

Amazing what you can find on the Internet

Back to the question. Why did Borislow get involved with WPS? Was it just an opportunity to smear his logo and brand across new things? Was the concept of little girls across the country wearing an Abby Wambach jersey with his product emblazoned across the chest the best marketing concept he had ever thought of? For a shrewd businessman like Borislow, it is now naive to think that his participation in the league was due to anything other than shameless self-promotion. As we are continuing to learn, WPS was less a cash cow and more a child’s piggy bank, with its belly only half full of pennies.

But put the dollars and cents aside for a minute.

It is nearly impossible to remain objective in this moment of collapse. That an owner, who allegedly wanted to support the game of women’s soccer in the United States, would elect to burn the whole thing to the ground when he was told to take his ball and go home is an unspeakable evil. I do not believe it is hyperbole to say that we, as the simple supporters of WPS, could even begin to fathom the self-aggrandized delusion that goes on in this man’s head. There are zillions of appropriate sports cliches for this situation, all of which distill down to a very basic sentiment, “No one person is bigger than the game.” Borislow chose to adapt his own mantra, “If I can’t have it, no one can.”

While my rational brain keeps coming back to the failure of WPS to cross their T’s and dot their I’s and insure that this sort of legal action could never take place, my more emotional, dare I say human, consciousness cannot get over the deplorable, ego-maniacal persona that is Borislow. How he can look at his daughter (if that little girl in the magicJack ad is indeed his child and not some creepy, Small Wonder-esque robot) and justify his actions is beyond me.

And that is why I would like to add my voice to the thousands of players, coaches and fans who have been hurt by his despicable, self-serving actions.

You suck, Asshole.

Selfish addition that makes this harder to take…

The Independence were going to win the whole damn thing this year. The third time was going to be the charm. And Paul Riley was going hoist the trophy and a third successive Coach of the Year award before settling in as the new manager of the Women’s National Team, where he would promise, and actually deliver, to bring the US back to the pinnacle of women’s soccer as not only the biggest and the fastest team on the planet, but also the most technically gifted and creative side with the largest and most talented player pool the world has ever seen.

Yes, by condensing to five teams, the talent would be even more concentrated this year than in 2011, but with their entire starting XI returning, the Independence added attacking depth in Meghan Lenczyk before going on smash and grab raids of Atlanta and Boston for each of their best players in Lori Chalupny and Lauren Cheney (heavily linked, but never finalized).

Tasha Kai would have again sliced through WPS defenses like a hot knife through butter, the possible combinations of Vero, A. Rod, Cheney and Chalupny would have made opposing coaches tremble, Sinead Farrelly would have continued to blossom into one of the nation’s premier midfielders while Jen Buczkowski would have AGAIN proven it foolish not to anoint her Shannon Boxx’s immediate USWNT successor. But Pia’s loss would have continued to be Philadelphia’s gain as the strongest, deepest, most dangerous lineup would have used the added benefit of a full year of chemistry to lay waste to WPS, whether the Olympic players were around, or not.

So, while everyone’s first instinct is to vent, and by all means, vent away (again, that’s what our comment section is for), once you’ve regained your composure, go on your social networking platform of choice and wish an Independence player the best of luck during what will inevitably prove to be a challenging year. We will still be here once they make their way back and hopefully, somehow, they will all be stronger from this experience.

In a letter to Independence fans on the club’s website, Halstead says the decision to cancel the 2012 season was difficult, but necessary.

Halstead points to the ongoing litigation with Dan Borislow over his Florida-based franchise as the reason for the cancellation of the season. “The fact is we have very serious legal and financial challenges facing us right now that are preventing the league from moving forward as a viable, sustainable business,” Halstead says. “This is extremely disappointing and frustrating but it’s nothing to be ashamed of – its part of business and is something the WPS Board of Governors collectively feel is the right choice at this time.”

Speaking further of the litigation, which he describes as the first obstacle that must be cleared for the league to continue, Halstead says, “This has been a most unpleasant and all-consuming experience and one that is impacting WPS expansion efforts and national sponsor interests.”

Halstead stresses that while the the league is suspending operations in 2012 “franchise operations” will continue. “The Independence and all WPS teams will remain committed to the fans, sponsors, players and partners to bring WPS back improved and ready to move forward for many years to come.”

“We have done some things wrong,” Halstead says, “but we have done many, many, many more things right. We have lost millions of dollars, individually and certainly collectively, and the owners will be addressing that issue.”

“Said a different way, it’s time to stop driving this WPS car, hoping that the engine will suddenly fix itself. It’s time to make a pit stop, analyze, repair and fortify the engine’s capabilities and then get it back out on the track so it can compete from a much stronger, durable, and solid position. This is what responsible business enterprises do, and it’s what the WPS and Philadelphia Independence are going to do.”

Halstead singles out Independence fans for praise and makes a promise to return to play in 2013. “To the terrific and passionate fans, sponsors and partners of the Independence, we will maintain – but not lose – the momentum of what promised to be a very special 2012,” he says. “We worked tirelessly in the offseason to deliver the most talented team and best fan experience yet. This organizational commitment to you will not change. We will be Back, Stronger in 2013. Together we have started something very, very special and unique. Please stay with us, stay involved, and remain supportive.”

While reports are emerging that WNY Flash will seek to play in 2012 in another league, Halstead makes no mention of such plans for the Independence. Halstead says that coach Paul Riley “will continue to be at the center of my efforts to correct our business deficiencies, build a youth program with meaningful community connections, and re-launch in several months for 2013 with a roster that can win the WPS Championship.”

It is not clear at this time if players currently on the roster will remain there when the league resumes in 2013

The decision was reached after a vote by team owners on Monday morning. Am email was subsequently sent to the players informing them of the decision.

The decision appears to be very much the result of the ongoing legal battles with Dan Borislow over his Florida-based franchise. “The litigation has diverted resources from investment in the league, ” the announcement said, “and has forced the Board to take action, suspending the 2012 season in order to address the legal issues head-on before moving forward with competition.”

‘“Everyone has been trying so hard to keep things going – considering settlement options, discussing union legal action to intervene in the lawsuit, etc.,” reads the email sent by the league, a copy of which was obtained by National Soccer Wire, “but we just couldn’t manage to make things work.”

The league announcement says, “Making the decision to suspend the 2012 season was a difficult and painful one, but it is necessary to take the time to address current issues and solidify our business in order to provide appropriate support needed to achieve the League’s long-term goals.”

NSW reports that, according to the email, league officials “currently plan to maintain league and team front offices in hopes of resolving outstanding litigation and holding a 2013 season, but details are still evolving.”

The announcement from the league confirms the intention to resume play in 2013. “With our supporters and athletes in mind,” the announcement says, “we are committed to complete the hard work necessary to resume play in 2013 and reestablish WPS as the premiere women’s professional soccer league in the world.”

The news comes one day after the USWNT won the final of the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers tournament.

For reaction from Philadelphia Independence owner David Halstead, please click here.

On Wednesday, the Independence finally made official what has been rumored for weeks, that former Atlanta Beat midfielder/striker Lori Chalupny has signed with the team. Chalupny is a former USWNT player who has been capped over 90 times for the senior squad. She captained the Beat last season and tied fellow Philadelphia signing Meghan Lenczyk for the team lead with two goals.

Chalupny is a versatile player than can contribute both in the midfield and as a striker. It would not be surprising to see her starting in Vero Boquete’s role in the top of the Independence midfield diamond at the beginning of the season, as coach Paul Riley told PSP last week that Boquete probably won’t join the squad until May (she’s under contract in Sweden).

Riley complimented the new signing saying, “She has great vision, is a fantastic engine and can play both the percentage and million dollar pass. She was our number one off-season target and I have long admired her ability to take over a game. She has poise, skill and ability to be a game changer. Lori, added to our returning midfield, makes us a tough proposition in that area of the field.”

After enduring a difficult season in Atlanta last year where the Beat only scored 7 goals and won 1 game, Chalupny will be hoping for a change in fortune joining the two-time WPS runner’s up Independence.

“I have heard such great things about this organization and I think this is a place where I can really grow as a player, Chalupny said. “I can’t wait to get the 2012 season underway and I’m very proud to be a cheesesteak!”

In other big news, it was reported this week that the Independence may be close to coming to terms with USWNT player Lauren Cheney. Cheney played with the Boston Breakers last season and registered 3 goals in 9 games, while also participating in the World Cup. At the World Cup, she scored 2 goals, including the team’s first goal of the tournament against North Korea, as well a goal in the semi-final win versus France. She also added an assist in that match.

Cheney is another versatile player who primarily plays as a striker but has also been used on the wing, particularly for the USWNT. She was recently named to the national team’s 20 player squad for Olympic qualifying and will miss time during the WPS season for the Olympics (providing the US team qualifies).

If Cheney does sign, the Independence attack will be one of the best in world with Tasha Kai, Amy Rodriguez, Vero Boquete, Danesha Adams, and now Lori Chalpuny all on the roster for 2012.

Earlier in the week, it was confirmed that right back Leigh Ann Robinson and left back Estelle Johnson had, as expected, both re-signed with Philadelphia. That leaves only Rodriguez, captain Nikki Krzysik, and Tina Di Martino as players from the starting XI of last season’s WPS Final that have not officially signed with the squad. Riley said that all had verbal contracts with the team and just the final details of their contracts had to be worked out.

With a strong core of players returning from last season ,and the additions of some key free agents and quality depth players in the draft, the 2012 Independence is shaping up to be a championship favorite in their third season.

Paul Riley and the Philadelphia Independence seemingly got everything they wanted in Friday’s WPS Draft. When I spoke to the coach on Wednesday, he said they would be looking for a striker, some defensive depth, and a goalkeeper. In their six picks, the Independence added three strikers, two defenders, and a goalkeeper.

With the 5th pick in the first round, Philadelphia used their first pick to select Sarah Hagen, a highly rated striker from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. A physical forward at 5’11, Hagen had 93 career goals, best in UW-Milwaukee history. She scored 26 goals during her senior season. Hagen will add depth to a striking corps that already includes Tasha Kai, Amy Rodriguez, and Meghan Lenczyk.

With their second and third (11th and 12th overall) picks in the draft, the Independence added some much needed defensive depth in taking Coco Goodson from UC-Irvine and Toni Pressley from Florida State University. Goodson, a 5’11 center back, will provide cover for Nikki Krzysik and Kia McNeill, who were the only two natural center backs on the Philadelphia roster last season. One wonders if Pressley, another center back, could possibly be pushed into an outside position, with Leigh Ann Robinson and Estelle Johnson at present the only outside backs on the roster.

With the 13th overall pick, the Independence addressed a clear need for a goalkeeper by taking Bianca Henninger from Santa Clara University. USWNT No. 2 Nicole Barnhart is the only keeper currently on the Philadelphia roster, and she looks to miss a significant amount of time with the Olympics in 2012. Henninger was the first keeper taken in the draft and has featured for the US at the U-16, U-17, U-20, and U-23 levels.

With their final two picks (17th and 21st overall), the Independence drafted two more strikers in Danielle Foxhoven out of the University of Portland and Jasmyne Spencer from the University of Maryland. With so many strikers on the roster already, it’s possible Foxhoven and Spencer might not see the pitch this season and instead might play for Paul Riley’s WPSL side, New York Fury.

Overall, the Independence must be pleased to have addressed some obvious needs in their roster by adding much needed depth. Hagen looks to be a handful physically and will likely feature off the bench as a target striker. Goodson and Pressley should also see the pitch this season on a fairly thin back-line. Henninger might be forced into a starting role when Barnhart leaves for the Olympics if Philadelphia does not add another veteran goalkeeper.

The Independence then took UC-Irvine defender CoCo Goodson and Florida State defender Toni Pressley in the second round, Santa Clara goalkeeper Bianca Henninger and Portland forward Danielle Foxhoven in the third, and Maryland forward Jasmyne Spencer in the fourth round.

Here’s coverage from:

• The Inquirer
• All White Kit
• ESPN.com
• Philly Soccer News

All White Kit has the best coverage, with a pick by pick analysis of the draft, so check there for the most detailed look.

On the men’s side of the ledger, the Union web site has in-depth features on newly drafted right back Raymon Gaddis and center midfielder Greg Jordan.

Brian Ching finally has something more to say about the whole Montreal fiasco. “I see it as a cat and mouse game that I’m caught in the middle of,” Ching told MLSSoccer.com. Good interview, worth checking out.

No trades in MLS after the draft either. Disappointing. Nothing to link to there. So on to other things.

Jermaine Jones is suspended for eight weeks, so he’s going to spend some of it in Camp Cupcake with the U.S. National Team.

Zonal Marking has an interesting look at Freddy Adu’s potential future club, Rayo Vallecano, laying out how the Spanish side intercepts more passes than any club in the top European leagues.

Darron Gibson decided he finally wants to play soccer, so he’s moving to Everton on a transfer from Manchester United. Apparently, Wayne Rooney sold him on the move there.

Alexandre Pato became the latest big name to turn down Paris St. Germain.

Former Chelsea coach Avram Grant will coach in Belgrade, of all places.

Could Sepp Blatter get forced out of FIFA leadership this year? One can hope.

There’s an interesting debate in German soccer about how young is too young for players to be treated like professionals.

U.S. international Brad Guzan may have won the starting goalkeeper job at Aston Villa, at the expense of the injured Shay Given.

Here’s a shocker: Brazil may not finish the stadiums in time for the 2014 World Cup. 

Here’s a funny piece on Manchester United and how one player’s head is too firmly fixed up his rear.

This one’s for you, Adam.

In speaking with Philadelphia coach Paul Riley this week, it appears the entire starting XI from last season’s WPS Final will be returning to Philadelphia. Kia McNeill, Jen Buczkowski, Sinead Farrelly, and Tasha Kai have already signed officially, and Amy Rodriguez, Tina Di Martino, Vero Boquete, Estelle Johnson, Leigh Ann Robinson, Nikki Krzysik, Nicole Barnhart, as well as Danesha Adams, all reportedly have verbal contracts with the Independence.  Added to that group, striker Meghan Lenczyk was officially announced yesterday and Riley admitted there would be two “huge” signings next week. One of those is expected to be former Atlanta Beat striker/midfielder Lori Chalupny, with the other signing expected to be a “top class” midfielder, according to Riley.

Riley seemed to have some clear cut goals in what Philadelphia would be going after.

“I think it’s positional based for us,” Riley said. “I think we need another forward, and we need another goalkeeper…a number 2 or 3 goalkeeper…If we could grab another midfielder if possible, that’d be great, but a forward is probably priority.”

With Kai, Lenczyk, Rodriguez, Adams, and potentially Chalupny joining up, it’s hard to see exactly what type of striker Riley will be after in the draft. But if it his top priority, look for Philadelphia to add another heart-on-her-sleeve type forward in the vein of Kai and Rodriguez.

The goalkeeper position appears to be the most pressing need for Riley and owner David Halstead to address in the draft. US Women’s National Team No. 2, Nicole Barnhart, looks to be the No. 1 for the Independence moving into 2012, but the star goalkeeper will likely miss a number of games while she trains for, and plays in, the Olympics in London. Reliable back up Val Henderson recently moved on to the Atlanta Beat to assume a full time starting role, leaving the Independence with just Barnhart moving forward. Look for Philadelphia to draft a goalkeeper with their second round pick to play as potentially a No. 3 keeper when Barthart is available and a No. 2 keeper when Barnhart is away on national team duty.

As they move into the third round, look for a depth midfielder to be added. Riley likes tough, versatile midfielders and if there is a player available that fits that mold in round 3, expect the Independence to make a move. Lori Lindsey, Joanna Lohman, Lianne Sanderson, and Laura del Rio all look to have played their last game in Philadelphia, so midfield depth will be important as players move in and out of the squad on national team duty as well as through injury.

Don’t be surprised if Philadelphia adds a solid defender if there is one available in the final round of the draft. The Independence were fortunate enough that the only four natural defenders in their line-up, McNeill, Krzysik, Robinson and Johnson, all made it through the 2011 season unscathed. Riley was hopeful that former Sky Blue FC defender Brittany Taylor would sign in Philadelphia. But expect Philadelphia to draft some depth in the defense if possible.

The draft takes place Friday at 2 pm EST and you can watch it live here. We’ll have a reaction to the draft up over the weekend, as well as reaction to any other possible player signings, in addition to coverage of the “huge” announcement next week of new signings.

Midfielder Sinead Farrelly has officially agreed to terms to return to the Philadelphia Independence for the 2012 season. Farrelly was a standout at the University of Virginia where she was a second team All-American and a Hermann Trophy finalist.  The Havertown-native was Philadelphia’s first pick (second overall) in last season’s draft. She played in 14 games, starting 13, scoring one goal and adding two assists in her rookie season.

An offensive midfielder in college, Independence head coach Paul Riley used the versatile Farrelly in a variety of roles for the team in 2011. When playing in a diamond, Farrelly featured out wide and was relied upon as a box-to-box midfielder. Farrelly was also used as a shutdown player, particularly in the WPS Final, where she tracked Caroline Seger and effectively marked the influential Swede out of the match.

Riley seemed confident that Farrelly would continue to provide versatility in her sophomore season. “If we go out in a diamond, she’ll probably play in the outside of the diamond, if we go 4-2-3-1 she’ll play in the 2 alongside [Jen] Buczkowski, if we’re 4-3-3 she’s still alongside Buczkowski.”

It was somewhat surprising that Farrelly was left out of the US Women’s National Team camp as they prepare for this year’s Olympics. Riley went on to say “How she’s not on the national team is absolutely beyond me…She was obviously one of the best young players in WPS along with [Kristen] Press. How she doesn’t even get called into camp is beyond me.”

Riley also commented on yesterday’s news that former Atlanta Beat striker Meghan Lenczyk has agreed to terms with the Independence. “She should be like Laura del Rio was for us last season, coming off the bench and changing the game for us a little bit. She’s good around the net and we get the ball to our forwards around the goal.” Del Rio often found herself with the ball in good situations last season, with her finishing being the only thing lacking in her game. Lenczyk often came off the bench for an offensively starved Atlanta team in 2011 and probably lacked the service to be a more effective striker. Riley is hoping Lenczyk can replace del Rio’s missed chances with goals.

Riley told the Philly Soccer Page that the Independence had verbal agreements with many member’s of 2011′s WPS Final Runner Up squad. He said that the entire starting XI from that match, including Amy Rodriguez, Nicole Barnhart, Vero Boquete, and Nikki Kryzik, amongst others, will all be back with the club this season. Icelandic midfielder/striker Holmfridur Magnusdottir will also return with the addition of another Iceland international.

Riley also said that the Independence are due to announce “two major signings, one a striker, one a midfielder,” next week. Atlanta Beat striker Lori Chalupny has been strongly linked to the club and would be a fantastic addition up top.

Editor’s note: At the end of the 2010 season, we posted a series of “Raves” about our favorite Philadelphia players. They need not be the team’s best players, but they’re guys and gals we like. Over the next two weeks, we continue the series again with some of the PSP writers’ and contributors’ favorite players of 2011.

“She’s the unheralded hero. No one talks about her. But she’s the one that’s on the team sheet first every week. It’s Buczkowski in the middle of the midfield and then we build the team around her.”
—Independence coach Paul Riley after Philly had just knocked off a star-studded magicJack team in the WPS Super Semifinal at PPL Park.

There was no shortage of players from the Independence that I could have written a rave for this season. Veronica Boquete was the MVP of Women’s Professional Soccer and had a fantastic season scoring big goals and pulling the strings in the Philadelphia attack. Sinead Farrelly was a Rookie of the Year candidate whose two-way play was beyond impressive for a first year player. Tasha Kai scored 11 goals, seemingly resurrecting her career after a few frustrating seasons playing in New Jersey.

But it was Buczkowski playing all but 36 of 1830 possible minutes in 20 games this season. It was Buczkowski shutting down passing lanes in the center of the park. It was Buczkowski making a sliding challenge on any player trying to drive down the gut of the Independence with the ball. And if any opponent did breach the Independence midfield to run at the back line, it was Buczkowski sprinting back to recover and, if necessary, even grab a jersey or commit a foul.

There are not a lot of sexy stats to repeat. Buzz had no goals and no assists this season. And it’s even hard to think of a single game where she really stood out. But that’s just it. It was the consistency. The reliability. Really, Buczkowski is a perfect example of what Paul Riley’s Independence are all about. A gritty, technically sound player that has made a career of winning soccer games.

Whether it was playing alongside Farrelly or Joanna Lohman in a 4–2–3–1 or at the bottom of the diamond in a 4–4–2, Buczkowski knew her role. Farrelly put in a solid shift in the WPS Final, constantly harassing the ball carrier in the Western New York midfield. But it was Buczkowski protecting the back four by shutting down almost every possibly passing lane into the feet of Marta or Christine Sinclair or Alex Morgan.

With an aging Shannon Boxx and an underperforming Lori Lindsey in the defensive central midfield for the USWNT, only Pia Sundhage knows why Buczkowski is passed over time after time for national team duty. But the national team’s loss is our gain as Philadelphia sports fans, because we got to see Buczkowski stick around while the national team was busy with the World Cup last season and will while they are busy preparing for the Olympics this season.

Hopefully the WPS survives to see 2012 and the Independence can continue to build support for women’s soccer in the area. It’s well worth a trip down to Widener University to see the team. While you’re there, look for No. 4 quietly being the best player on the pitch.

For the second consecutive season, the Independence were defeated in the WPS Final. Last year, Philadelphia was humbled to the tune of 4-0 in a loss to FC Gold Pride. This year’s game played out much differently with the Independence executing their game plan almost perfectly and only really failing in not converting the many chances they created.

I thought the key to the game would be the midfield battle, and much of the game played out in between the two 18-yard boxes. But I wrongly assumed that the two best offenses in the league would be able to create and finish more scoring opportunities when I predicted a 3-2 scoreline. Instead it was a phenomenal defensive battle with chances few and far between for either side.

Philadelphia wins the midfield battle

In my preview, I predicted Jen Buczkowski would be the one to match up against Caroline Seger, but it turned out Paul Riley had a different plan. Instead it was Sinead Farrelly following the influential playmaker around the pitch. With Farrelly limiting Seger’s touches, the big three of Marta, Christine Sinclair and Alex Morgan found their main supply line cut off. As a consequence of Farrelly doing some defensive dirty work, Buczkowski was free to clog the remaining passing lanes. Marta was forced to drop deep into the midfield to find touches, which allowed the Independence back four to stay behind the ball and contain the crafty Brazilian.

With Farrelly and Buczkowski doing the dirty work, Boquete found room in between the WNY midfield and defense to get on the ball. She couldn’t find the room she had last week against magicJack but found a few important passes that could have/should have led to clear opportunities. Especially a terrific ball to Rodriguez early in the second half which I will discuss more below.

A-Rod’s missed chances haunt the Independence

It almost hurts to be too critical of Rodriquez because of the tumultuous season she has had, but the striker had more chances than anyone in the match to make her mark and couldn’t convert on some key occasions. And while the 88th minute goal was obviously huge, it was the chances she didn’t take that should have won the Independence the championship. Put clean through on goal in the 54th minute by Boquete, she took two terrific touches to get away from the chasing Whitney Engen only to have her final touch to round Harris go just a little heavy and eliminate her angle. It was the best chance of the match to that point with the game still scoreless and it was disappointing when the chance ended with a poor Tasha Kai shot dragged wide without Harris ever having to make a stop.

The striker will also be disappointed not to have at least forced Harris into a save when Laura del Rio lofted a lovely ball into her path in the 102nd minute. which ended with her first-time shot meekly rolling to the right of the keeper. But the biggest chance for A-Rod was to get a perfectly weighted ball rolled into her path 16 yards from goal by del Rio on 120 minutes that surely would have been the winner. Instead, Rodriguez hit a stinging shot just wide of the far post and the chance went begging. With the game on her foot, at the death of the match, the striker needed to at least force Harris into a save with a shot on the target. Maybe it’s the lack of confidence still lingering in her mind from missing out on the World Cup Final or the fact that she’d only scored three goals all season, but you would have counted on last season’s A-Rod to convert that chance. The striker will have something to prove in 2012, and I for one won’t be surprised to see a return to form.

Painful penalties

Barnhart, feeling confident after a huge save just before the final whistle, got a hand to the first two WNY PKs from Marta and Sinclair but could not keep either out. She will be particularly aggrieved not to have  kept out Marta’s shot as she got a good chunk off of it diving low to her left. McCall Zerboni stepped up and confidently sent Barnhart the wrong way before Seger and Yael Averbuch also fired shots that the Philadelphia goalkeeper could not read.

Philadelphia’s kick takers were almost just as perfect and even Laura del Rio’s saved shot was not a bad effort. Lianne Sanderson’s shot straight down the middle of the goal was as confident as Danesha Adams effort blasted into the top corner. Leigh Ann Robinson’s effort should have been kept by Harris, but the defender will count herself lucky to have the ball spin over the top of Harris after she’d initially made the stop. Vero’s shot also oozed with confidence straight into the lower corner of Harris’ net. The biggest knock I’ve had on del Rio’s game this season has been her finishing and I was nervous for her watching her step up for the spot kick. While her shot was toward the corner, it was at a comfortable height for Harris and when she guessed right, the game was over.

Quotes:

Paul Riley:

“I thought it was a pretty even game and I thought we created the better chances. But we couldn’t put them away. You gotta put your chances away or you finish second.”

“In overtime we took over the game. We created three great chances [for] Amy Rodriguez…at this level you have to bury one of those chances. She didn’t bury any of them and we paid the price.”

On Nicole Barnhart’s last minute save:  ”That’s a world class save…As soon as I saw Seger rise, I went ‘Oh, shit.’ And all of a sudden this hand came out from nowhere. That is an unbelievable save.”

“Sinead Farrelly was our man of the match. She did a great job on Seger. Everywhere Seger turned, Sinead was in her shorts.”

“Give the back four a lot of credit. Kia McNeill was magnificent tonight, Nikki Krzysik was magnificent. Estelle and Leigh Ann were steady-eddys at left back and right back.”

Amy Rodriguez:

“You kick yourself. Because you can’t get those moments back and I wish there was different outcome today.”

WNY Coach Aaran Lines

On goalscorer Christine Sinclair: “She’s a phenomenal person. A quiet hero. Humble. And a fantastic footballer. A world class soccer player…She’s given us everything.”

Player Ratings:

Nicole Barnhart – 7

Produced probably one of the best saves of the WPS season in the 120th minute to deny Seger at the death. Was a little slow to come of her line and own the box on occasion. She possibly could have cut off the ball that Sinclair scored on and got her team into trouble before coming up big on the Seger save. Guessed correctly on the first two PKs but couldn’t keep one of them out.

Estelle Johnson – 7

Caught flat footed when Sinclair streaked behind for her goal. But outside of that glaring mistake, a solid game from the right back. Did well defending Marta, matching her pace and not allowing the Brazilian to run behind. Found limited space to get forward down the wing, but joined the attack on occasion with mediocre service.

Nikki Krzysik – 8

Very smart game from the captain. Left the physical defending to McNeill and did what she does best in cutting out through balls and eliminating passing lanes. Her clearances were perfect almost all game and its hard to think of a touch that went astray.

Kia McNeill – 9

Fantastic match for McNeill. Did well matching up with the very physical Sinclair. Was a presence in the air all game, winning every header in her area. Late in regular time she even jumped into the offense to help create the tying goal.

Leigh Ann Robinson – 8

Probably the most improved player over the course of the season. Really settled into the left back role and had a fantastic final. Matched up with Alex Morgan for a large portion of the match, the speedy striker rarely got behind Robinson who was always there to make a last ditch tackle. Did well to jump into the offense when presented with a chance as well.

Jen Buczkowski – 7

Another good match in the holding center midfield role. Buzz was free to clog the passing lanes and take away balls into the feet of Marta, Morgan, and Sinclair while Farrelly marked Seger out of the match.

Sinead Farrelly – 9

Possibly the best player on the pitch for either team. Shadowed Seger effectively for 120 minutes. Defended deep into her own box, got forward to offer support to the attackers and rarely misfired a pass. The sky is the limit on this versatile midfielder.

Christina DiMartino – 5

Looked tired and failed to make a huge impact on the match. She was slow to get up the pitch in support of her strikers and offered less than satisfactory service. She’s looked tired over the last month of the season and Riley’s decision to stick with the midfielder can be questioned.

Veronoica Boquete – 7

Not the dominant performance that she had against magicJack, but still a good effort from the league MVP. She found space between the WNY midfield and back line and looked to find Rodriguez and Kai beyond the WNY back line. Never really found a guild edged chance for herself after coming up with four game winners during the regular season.

Tasha Kai – 6

Kai has been good for at least a few decent scoring opportunities in most games this season,  but the striker failed to find much room beyond the WNY defense and had trouble creating much space for herself. The WNY defense did well to keep the speedy striker in front of them for much of the match and Kai could not combine with Rodriguez and Boquete to offer much threat in front of the WNY goal.

Amy Rodriguez – 6

Found space and gaps in the WNY defense but could not convert on some of the biggest chances of the game. Did fire the 88th minute tying goal through Ashlyn Harris’ legs.

Subs:

Danesha Adams – 8

Good shift from Adams off the bench. Came in and did a little bit of everything. Served quality set pieces, played creative balls toward Vero and A-Rod and even chipped in a little defense on the wings. Hit the shot off the post that Rodriguez was able to convert for the game tying goal. We can wonder if the first half would have been a little bit different if Adams had been on for DiMartino.

Laura del Rio – 6

Has performed well off the bench in previous weeks but could not find the chemistry to really influence the match. She was confident on the ball, but her positive dribbling rarely resulted in much danger in the final third. Her presence in that space has to improve for del Rio to feature in the starting XI.

Lianne Sanderson – 7

Came in as a last roll of the dice replacing Jen Buczkowski late in regular time. Her fresh legs were a threat, especially in the two extra time periods when she was given space to run at defenders. Probably took the cheekiest penalty out of all ten shooters, rolling the ball straight down the center of the goal.