Surprised that there hasn't been any threads or discussion here. SBFC and Fortuna Hjorring are tied 1-1 at half. Allie Long tallied the equalizer for Sky Blue. The tournament is being broadcast on Eurosport 2 and Fox Soccer Plus. Here's a link to a stream for the remainder of the SBFC match: http://www.fromsportcom.com/v-2/0/152/v-215225.html LdB Malmo defeated Energiya Voronezh 4-0 in the first match.
Thanks for posting! I try not to make too many threads, so scrimmages have been lumped into the preseason thread. I can't really watch the matches b/c they are during class.
Rats. My bad. I believe the final is on Saturday, so hopefully you'll be able to catch that one. Good play from SBFC. Their flank play was a bit weak, but as they're without HAO and Heath I wouldn't be too concerned with that. Long did a good job in the middle but got a bit fatigued by the end of the match. She had some great combinations with Aluko that narrowly missed connecting. They'll be a dangerous duo in WPS this season for sure once they get a bit more used to each other.
No problem! I love to see others contribute to the forums and spread their SBFC spirit! Saturday is my day of birth, but I will try to catch the match. I remember Gerry saying that they were playing more of a unit than in the past. The way things seems to be going is a really good sign for the next season. I feel that we are getting counted out because we don't have as many big names, but I think our team dynamic will put us in the top pack. Have a good day.
I don't think the match was broadcast live anywhere this morning. Fox Soccer Plus is airing it this evening (9pm ET) and FSC is airing it tomorrow (6pm ET) during the usual WPS time slot. This does me no good as I don't get either channel and have to work during those times so I couldn't live stream it anyway.
no...it probably means the 5th best team in the wps finished 2nd in a tournament vs the best teams from other leagues.
Of course there's a long and detailed summary SBFC's site, but if you would like to hear from the other side, there are reports at damfotboll.com and LdB FC also. The view from the Swedes is that Sarah Storck's goal was very well taken and that the first half was quite even; that LdB ended up ball-chasing more in the second half, and didn't create enough goal-scoring chances although there were some fine individual efforts. Goalkeeper Thora Helgadottir had a couple of big saves, and forward Manon Melis was a constant threat. The damfotboll report further observes that LdB seemed to have better teamwork than SBFC; at LdB's page, their coach praises the experience of playing high-level international club teams.
sky blue had more of the ball at the beginning. malmo's goal was against the run of play. imo, brittany taylor, the captain was at fault for the goal, not getting rid of a cross well enough and letting the player behind her side foot it into the goal. after that, malmo defended very well, countered dangerously, both gks made their saves, and malmo deservedly won. my understanding from the commentator is that malmo have been together in preseason a little longer, and are closer to being ready for the start of their season. but sky blue really passed the ball around well, even tho their preseason in not as far along as malmo's and even tho they may be without 2 of their best players. for a preseason game, other than the obvious mistake, it seemed to me that they did well.
Just wanted to say Thank You to Allie Long and Casey Noguera for taking gentle care of the German Shepherd that ran onto the pitch even though it probably cost you the tying goal