Boston (2-1-2) and Washington (1-3-3) are more in tune with each other than Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. The third encounter between both clubs takes place on Saturday at Boston’s Dilboy Stadium where both teams originally met in week one to score a goal apiece.
Boston Breakers vs. Washington Spirit: Preview
If Washington plays smart and works off their strengths in the midfield, they may be able to snatch their second win of the season.
Neither of these clubs have recorded a win against the other, concluding both of their previous meetings in a draw. For either team to break the curse on Saturday, they will need to rely on their playmakers. For Boston that means Lianne Sanderson and Heather O’Reilly. Sanderson has stepped up for the team in recent weeks, notching three assists. She uses her energy to drive down the center and is excellent at spotting her fellow teammates open on the wings. The last time Boston met Washington, Sanderson provided the pass that gave Joanna Lohman her first goal of the season.
Last week was a great building block for Washington. Not only did they produce their first win of the season against Seattle but they should also -- despite a 2-0 defeat against the Portland Thorns -- feel reassured that they have two strong keepers between the posts. Chantel Jones proved that she works well under pressure, with Portland putting on a strong attacking performance. Jones was able to provide Washington with a level playing field for 40 minutes until Christine Sinclair struck.
Washington’s objective for this match must be to secure the lead early on, and avoid being stung by O’Reilly. Ali Krieger, Robyn Gayle and Tori Huster are their strongest assets in the back. Krieger provides an added element as she runs up the flanks to find the forwards while Gayle and Huster have performed well against commanding strikers such as Sinclair, Abby Wambach and Leroux.
Boston Breakers Injuries
Out: Bianca D’Agostino, Jo Dragotta Maddy Evans, Jessica Luscinski and Casey Short
Washington Spirit Injuries
Out: Caroline Miller
Match Date/Time: Saturday May 25, 2013 at 7:00 pm ET
Venue: Dilboy Stadium, Somerville, MA
Online: The Boston Breakers Official Stream - $4.99 fee
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