The Atlanta Beat fell to Leslie Osborne and the Boston Breakers by a 4-1 margin in their home opener on Saturday.
A young but talented Beat squad has counted on veterans Lori Chalupny and Allison Whitworth for leadership and strong play. Atlanta started strong, making it through the preseason without facing a single defeat. They played four different universities within six games, including big names like Auburn, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.
Chalupny scored six goals of her own within their preseason. The Beat coaching staff hopes she continues this goal scoring frenzy into the regular season.
The Breakers (1-0-0) made it to the playoffs in 2010, finishing in second place on the WPS table. They were able to make a great midseason turnaround, ending with a 10-9-6 record after starting a dismal 1-5-4. Both teams were relatively healthy coming into the first match; Boston missing three players and Atlanta losing just one to injury.
Within the first minute, the Atlanta Beat (0-1-0) showed their fangs with the first two shots of the game made by defender Analisa Marquez. Possession was kept midfield in the Beat’s favor. Unfortunately for the Beat, Boston responded in the 17th minute with a great attempt from forward Katie Schoepfer, which barely missed the goal.
Just a minute later, Jordan Angeli registered the Breakers’ first WPS goal of 2011. Atlanta keeper Allison Whitworth looked to have the fingertip save, but couldn’t get enough of the ball to prevent the home team from going down 1-0.
The Beat went immediately back into a possession game. Kristina Larsen and Lori Chalupny would try to bring things even with powerful strikers of their own. Larsen’s attempt was easily stopped by Boston keeper Alyssa Naeher. This was followed by Chalupny taking a strike off a set piece, but the home team was still unable to find the back of the net.
Boston began using through balls to keep possession, keeping with it until the end of the first half. Their tactic eventually paid off with a goal made by Keelin Winters in the 23rd, putting the Breakers up 2-0.
Larsen and Marquez continued making attempts to pull the Beat into a better advantage before the second half, but were unsuccessful.
Atlanta started the second with a substitution, sparking an immediate shot on goal by Larsen after a well placed pass. However, the Breakers were able to regain control of the game, putting it out of reach in the 72nd minute. A great pass made by Leslie Osborne found its way to Kelly O’Hara, who came away with the successful strike.
Carli Lloyd at least put the Beat on the board with a successful PK in the 78th. The veteran found a chance within the box in front of the Boston net, but was fouled, resulting in a successful penalty kick made by Lloyd herself. The 3-1 scoreline and just minutes remaining gave Atlanta quite a mountain to climb.
Stoppage time would bring about yet another Breakers goal. Elli Reed was given a breakaway and headed straightaway for goal, completely uncontested. Whitworth thought it would be wise to stop her before she reached the penalty box, resulting in a tackle that was worthy of a red card in the mind of the official. Since Atlanta had already used their three substitutions, defender Cat Whitehill took the gloves and went into goal.
Once all was figured out and resolved, they were just about to bring the game to an end, only a free kick was underway a few feet in front of the box. The kick careened over the Beat’s defense, putting Whitehill in a position where she was unable to make the save. The game ended moments later with the Breakers looking to be a strong contender after a 4-1 demolition of the hometown Beat.
The Beat and their home fans would be disappointed with the result, but all understand this is a single result in a very long season. “The score is definitely not what I was looking for,” Beat midfielder Lori Chalupny stated in postgame comments. “I think the ball will bounce our way later on in the season. This is our first WPS game for a lot of the girls on our team. I think it’s a learning process. There is a lot of potential and a lot of space to grow.”
Sky Blue FC will now travel to Kennesaw State University Stadium on Saturday, April 16 to play the Beat for their second game of the season. Sky Blue came away with only one point after a 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Independence.
Thanks to Craig, who came in as a guest contributor for this match. You can view his blog here.
