2009 Saint Louis Athletica season
Encyclopedia
The 2009 Saint Louis Athletica season was the inaugural season for the team (as part of the inaugural season for Women's Professional Soccer
).
. Team Chairman Jeff Cooper's organization SLSU has plans for a soccer-specific stadium
ready, but the construction will not start until St. Louis is also awarded an MLS franchise.
On September 11, 2008, "St. Louis" was revealed as the official team name through an online video, along with a new team crest. The name and crest were further updated on November 25 unveiling "Saint Louis Athletica" as the new name.
On 16 September 2008, the initial WPS player allocation was conducted; US Women's National Team players Hope Solo
, Lori Chalupny
and Tina Ellertson were allocated to St. Louis.
On 24 September 2008, the 2008 WPS International Draft
was conducted; Brazilians Daniela
and Renata Costa
, Swedish striker Lotta Schelin
and Canadian Melissa Tancredi
also were allocated to St. Louis. Eniola Aluko
of England and Ingvild Stensland
of Norway were named as post-draft discovery players in the following two days.
On 6 October 2008, the 2008 WPS General Draft
took place. St. Louis drafted players India Trotter
, Angie Woznuk
, Joanna Lohman
and Amanda Cinalli
.
On 17 November 2008, St. Louis renounced its right to negotiate with Stensland, naming Brazilian Francielle
as the next post-draft discovery player. Two days later, St. Louis also renounced its negotiation rights to Schelin, naming fellow Swede Sara Larsson
in her stead.
Trotter signed a two-year contract with FFC Frankfurt in July 2008 and thus most likely will not be coming. On the positive side, both Larsson and Aluko have expressed a large interest in Athletica, and have made statements suggesting that they will be coming, despite no contracts officially being announced as of early January 2009.
On January 16, at the 2009 NSCAA
convention held in St. Louis, the Athletica drafted Notre Dame
forward Kerri Hanks
, (first round, sixth overall,) Boston College
alumnus Kia McNeill
, (second round, ninth overall,) University of Texas at Austin
defender Stephanie Logterman
, (third round, twentieth overall,) Notre Dame defender Elise Weber
, (trade* with Washington
to be twenty-first,) UConn defender Niki Cross
, (fifth round, thirty-fourth,) Villanova
goalkeeper Jillian Loyden
, (sixth round, thirty-seventh,) West Virginia University
midfielder Lisa Stoia
, (seventh round, forty-eighth,) Florida
forward Megan Kerns, (eighth round, fifty-first,) Penn State defender/midfielder Sheree Gray
, (ninth round, sixty-second,) and Clemson midfielder/forward Lydia Vandenbergh
(tenth round, sixty-fifth). *The Athletica traded away Joanna Lohman and their 23rd overall pick to get the 21st pick.
On January 21, it was announced that Renata Costa had signed with Swedish club LdB FC instead of the Athletica.
On March 3, Athletica's initial preseason roster was released, along with those of all WPS teams, having 35 players listed. On March 12, Athletica released nine of those players, including draftee Megan Kerns. Post-Dispatch
writer Tom Timmermann posted a slightly short list (down to twenty-four players) on March 16.
and 3-1 versus Notre Dame
. Both games were closed to the public.
Scores are posted as STL-opponent
A note on home games: Game 1 was played at Ralph Korte Stadium
at SIUE, game 3 was played at Robert R. Hermann Stadium at SLU
, game 5 was back at Korte Stadium, and the remaining home games take place at Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park
.
Athletica got off to a very slow start, being the only team with no points after the first two games and winless after the first four, despite usually outplaying their opponents; Athletica was in last place or tied for last place in the league for the first two months of the season. In the fourth game, Athletica lost what was assumed to be their star player, Brazilian Daniela
, to a season-ending injury, and this combined with the slow start made many people write Athletica off. However, Athletica went 10-4-2 the rest of the season, even better than the eventual season champions Los Angeles Sol during that same time period. With solid play from USWNT players Lori Chalupny
, Hope Solo
, and Tina Ellertson, and breakout scoring force from English international Eniola Aluko
, Athletica fought back to clinch second place in the league two games before their season was over, only losing to two teams (Los Angeles and the Washington Freedom
) for the rest of the season.
by 15-7, they lost the game 0-1 on a 78th minute goal by Lindsay Tarpley
.
while shutting out Athletica. So, after every team had played their first two games, Athletica was left at the bottom of the table as the only team without a point.
, Athletica held the Los Angeles Sol to a 0-0 draw in dramatic fashion as both goalkeepers (Solo and Karina LeBlanc
) made incredible saves throughout the game, including a penalty kick
each. Athletica was the first team to hold the top-ranked Sol to no goals, though still could not find the back of the net themselves, despite once again well outshooting their opponent 18-7.
. In the first match where they did not highly outshoot their opponent (in fact, were beat in shots 15-28) Athletica scored three goals, the first two by solo work from Daniela
. Despite leading 3-1 by the middle of the second half, though, Athletica let in two more goals to only come away from the game with a tie after both Daniela and Tina Ellertson were injured within five minutes of each other. Daniela was also sidelined indefinitely, potentially for the rest of the season, after a tackle from Abby Wambach
on the rain-wet field gave her "two injured knee ligaments and a crack in her tibia." Kia McNeill
was later given a one-game suspension for overly physical play.
which ultimately resulted in Athletica losing two starters (Daniela
and Kia McNeill
) in addition to those already out for injury, Athletica made the first trade in WPS by giving the Los Angeles Sol two draft picks in exchange for Christie Welsh
and Kendall Fletcher
. Sheree Gray
was also cut from the roster, though was later re-added as a developmental player while Lydia Vandenbergh
was waived.
at home. After an early flurry near the Gold Pride net (which included 'keeper Nicole Barnhart
getting a fractured nose in a collision) Chalupny took a corner kick for Athletica and scored directly with a curving ball into the far top corner of the net. Gold Pride dominated the second half, though, especially with Melissa Tancredi
subbing out due to injury, but Solo kept the clean sheet with several spectacular saves to preserve Athletica's first win. Chalupny was later named Player of the Week for her goal and all-around performance.
notched WPS's first (official) own goal to put Athletica up 1-0. Athletica the got on the board without help from Chicago before the first half ended on a goal by Eniola Aluko
, assisted by Kendall Fletcher
, one of the two players Athletica got from a trade with Los Angeles. The Red Stars dominated the second half, but backup 'keeper Jillian Loyden
preserved the clean sheet and the win. Loyden was also named Player of the Week, the first goalkeeper to do so in WPS.
assisted by Marta in the first half and Shannon Boxx
assisted by Han Duan
in the second. After the match, both coach Barcellos and captain Chalupny commented on Athletica not getting things together as a team, messing up many passes.
. In their opening game at AB Soccer Park
, Athletica blanked Sky Blue 1-0 on a 15th minute goal by Amanda Cinalli
. It was Cinalli's first match and start, as it was for Stephanie Logterman
, who also contributed greatly to the match. Though Sky Blue had more shots in the match and was the more dangerous team during the second half, Solo and the Athletica back line preserved the shoutout for Athletica's third win. The three points propelled Athletica into the playoff picture for the first time in the season, as a three-way tie between Saint Louis, Boston, and the Bay Area for third place slotted Athletica in fourth place overall by tiebreakers.
, leapfrogging into second place. The winning goal was scored by Aluko, her third in the past four games, just before halftime. Twice earlier in the first half it looked like Athletica had also scored, but the first was called offside and the second made the side netting. Boston outshot Saint Louis 4-2, and had eight corner kicks to Athletica's one, but could not find the equalizer. The win means Athletica has climbed the standings from sixth to second place in just two weeks, and has won four of its last five games, the only loss being to league-leaders Los Angeles.
to make seven saves, but never getting past her or the crossbar, which was hit on at least three occasions. The game's only goal came from Rebecca Moros
in the 81st minute, as her shot bounced off Athletica's crossbar and went straight down.
scoring in the 50th minute and Marta doubling LA's lead in the 73rd. Kerri Hanks
scored the lone Athletica goal, her first of the season, in the 77th minute from a pass by Aluko.
on June 26, 2009. Kerri Hanks
, Francielle
, and rights to Renata Costa
were traded for Sarah Walsh
, rights to Ester
, and a conditional draft pick.. This is the second major trade in the league this season, both trades involving Athletica.
, meaning Aluko's second-minute goal and an unlikely volley from Elise Weber
in 84' sealed the victory.
in the 74th minute. Both teams were missing multiple players due to international friendlies; Athletica saw a very different lineup, where defender Niki Cross
starting as a forward, and recent acquisition Sarah Walsh
subbing in during the second half. After an exciting first fifteen minutes which saw both teams make several close calls on the goal, both teams seemed to lose all energy. The incredibly tight Freedom backline kept the ball in Athletica's half for most of the game, meaning that neither the Freedom's backup keepers (Katie Jo Spisak was replaced by their goalkeeping coach (under a one-game contract) in the second half) were tested much at all. Loyden was not tested much either, but a deflection on Sawa's kick sent the ball closer to the near post than anticipated, giving the Freedom the win.
, to preserve the win.
put one past Solo in the 88th minute. Without the three points, though, Gold Pride was eliminated from playoff contention.
. Walsh almost made it 2-0 in the second half, but her arcing shot from distance hit the far post at just the wrong angle and traced the back edgeline back out of the box, where a defender cleared it. Still, with the win, Athletica clinched second place for the season, and have thus guaranteed hosting the Super Semifinal
.
ran unchecked into a 1-1 with Solo. Gold Pride had the better of play for most of the remainder of the match, though after Aluko subbed in for Walsh in the 88th, she sent several shots at Barnhart, almost scoring the winning goal several times. All in all, Athletica's defense was a little worse than it should have been, allowing 11 shots on goal.
----
A late flurry from the Athletica was not enough to come back from the 0-1 deficit from the first half. Aside from several spectacular saves from Solo, Athletica did not show up well in the first half, which let Sky Blue control enough to score once. Athletica controlled the second half well, taking many shots as the final whistle neared, but none made it past NJ keeper Jenni Branam. With the result, Sky Blue continued its unprobable playoff run to the final while Athletica was left to prepare for the expansion draft and next season.
on June 25 by WPS. The game itself took place on August 30, with the WPS All-Stars playing Swedish champion Umeå IK
. Athletica had four players selected for the All-Star game: Lori Chalupny
, Eniola Aluko
, and Tina Ellertson made the Starting XI, and Hope Solo
was chosen as an "At-Large" player selection by All-Star coach Abner Rogers and WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci.
Chalupny played for the entire game, while Ellertson played first half as one of the Starting XI and Solo was subbed in (for Karina LeBlanc
) at halftime. Solo kept a shutout during her half, which in addition to Sinclair's goals, secured the win over the Swedish champions.
Women's Professional Soccer
Women's Professional Soccer is the top level professional women's soccer league in the United States. It began play on March 29, 2009. The league was composed of seven teams for its first two seasons and fielded 6 teams for the 2011 season, with continued plans for future expansion...
).
Off-Season
On August 26, 2008, it was announced that the Saint Louis' head coach would be Jorge Barcellos, the then-head coach of the Brazilian women's teamBrazil women's national football team
The Brazil women's national football team represents Brazil in international women's association football. Brazil played their first game on July 22, 1986 against the United States....
. Team Chairman Jeff Cooper's organization SLSU has plans for a soccer-specific stadium
Soccer-specific stadium
Soccer-specific stadium is a term used mainly in the United States, Canada, Australia and South Korea coined by Lamar Hunt, to refer to a sports stadium either purpose built or fundamentally redesigned for soccer and whose primary function is to host soccer matches, as opposed to a multipurpose...
ready, but the construction will not start until St. Louis is also awarded an MLS franchise.
On September 11, 2008, "St. Louis" was revealed as the official team name through an online video, along with a new team crest. The name and crest were further updated on November 25 unveiling "Saint Louis Athletica" as the new name.
On 16 September 2008, the initial WPS player allocation was conducted; US Women's National Team players Hope Solo
Hope Solo
Hope Amelia Solo is an American association football goalkeeper. She became a free agent after Women's Professional Soccer terminated the magicJack franchise for which she played in the 2011 season. Solo is the current starting goalkeeper for the United States women's national soccer...
, Lori Chalupny
Lori Chalupny
Lori Christine Chalupny is an American soccer midfielder currently playing for Atlanta Beat of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team.-Career:...
and Tina Ellertson were allocated to St. Louis.
On 24 September 2008, the 2008 WPS International Draft
2008 WPS International Draft
The 2008 WPS International Draft took place on September 24, 2008. It was the first international draft held by Women's Professional Soccer to assign the WPS rights of international players to the American-based teams...
was conducted; Brazilians Daniela
Daniela Alves Lima
Daniela Alves Lima , commonly known as Daniela, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for Saint Louis Athletica of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the Brazil women's national football team.-Career:Daniela begun her career at the age of 13, at Portuguesa de...
and Renata Costa
Renata Aparecida da Costa
Renata Aparecida da Costa, or simply Renata Costa or Kóki is a Brazilian women's soccer player.- Career :...
, Swedish striker Lotta Schelin
Lotta Schelin
Charlotta Eva Schelin , usually referred to as Lotta Schelin, is a Swedish football player who currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais of the Division 1 Féminine...
and Canadian Melissa Tancredi
Melissa Tancredi
Melissa Tancredi is a Canadian soccer forward who currently plays for Piteå IF ladies team.-External links:* *...
also were allocated to St. Louis. Eniola Aluko
Eniola Aluko
Eniola "Eni" Aluko is a Nigerian-born, English football forward currently playing for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer. Aluko moved with her family to Birmingham when she was one year old. Since she grew up in England, she chose to represent England at international level.-Birmingham...
of England and Ingvild Stensland
Ingvild Stensland
Ingvild Stensland is a Norwegian football player who plays for Stabæk Fotball in the Toppserien. She plays as a midfielder and is currently a member of the Norway women's national team having made her debut in 2003...
of Norway were named as post-draft discovery players in the following two days.
On 6 October 2008, the 2008 WPS General Draft
2008 WPS General Draft
The 2008 WPS General Draft took place on October 6, 2008. It was the first general draft held by Women's Professional Soccer to assign the WPS rights of international and domestic players to the American-based teams.-Round 1:-Round 2:-Round 3:...
took place. St. Louis drafted players India Trotter
India Trotter
India Ashlei Trotter is an American soccer player who currently plays in Sweden for Dalsjöfors GoIF.-Career:She graduated from Florida State University and helped put Florida State women's soccer on the map...
, Angie Woznuk
Angie Woznuk
Angela Beth "Angie" Woznuk Kerr is an American soccer midfielder currently playing for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team...
, Joanna Lohman
Joanna Lohman
Joanna Lohman is an American soccer midfielder/defender who currently plays for Espanyol in Spain.She has played in the WPS for Washington Freedom, Saint Louis Athletica and Philadelphia Independence. She has also served the general manager of the Washington Freedom Futures, the Washington Freedom...
and Amanda Cinalli
Amanda Cinalli
Amanda Cinalli is an American soccer forward currently playing for Atlanta Beat of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States U-23 women's national soccer team. She attended Laurel School in Shaker Heights, OH.-External links:* * *...
.
On 17 November 2008, St. Louis renounced its right to negotiate with Stensland, naming Brazilian Francielle
Francielle Manoel Alberto
Francielle Manoel Alberto , commonly known as Francielle, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder currently playing for Santos, on loan from Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer.-External links:* *...
as the next post-draft discovery player. Two days later, St. Louis also renounced its negotiation rights to Schelin, naming fellow Swede Sara Larsson
Sara Larsson
Sara Larsson is a Swedish football defender currently playing for Philadelphia Independence of the Women's Professional Soccer league. She is also a member of the Sweden women's national football team.-Career:...
in her stead.
Trotter signed a two-year contract with FFC Frankfurt in July 2008 and thus most likely will not be coming. On the positive side, both Larsson and Aluko have expressed a large interest in Athletica, and have made statements suggesting that they will be coming, despite no contracts officially being announced as of early January 2009.
On January 16, at the 2009 NSCAA
NSCAA
The National Soccer Coaches Association of America is an organization of American soccer coaches founded in 1941. The NSCAA has grown from a handful of college soccer coaches to more than 22,000 members, making it the largest coaching organization in the world. Its members coach at all levels of...
convention held in St. Louis, the Athletica drafted Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame du Lac is a Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, an unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States...
forward Kerri Hanks
Kerri Hanks
Kerri Michel Hanks is an American soccer forward who last played for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer...
, (first round, sixth overall,) Boston College
Boston College
Boston College is a private Jesuit research university located in the village of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA. The main campus is bisected by the border between the cities of Boston and Newton. It has 9,200 full-time undergraduates and 4,000 graduate students. Its name reflects its early...
alumnus Kia McNeill
Kia McNeill
Kia McNeill is an American soccer defender currently playing for Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States U-23 women's national soccer team.-External links:* * *...
, (second round, ninth overall,) University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is a state research university located in Austin, Texas, USA, and is the flagship institution of the The University of Texas System. Founded in 1883, its campus is located approximately from the Texas State Capitol in Austin...
defender Stephanie Logterman
Stephanie Logterman
Stephanie Lynn Logterman was an American soccer defender who played for Saint Louis Athletica of Women's Professional Soccer, and was a member of the United States U-20 and U-23 women's national soccer teams....
, (third round, twentieth overall,) Notre Dame defender Elise Weber
Elise Weber
Elise Weber is an American soccer defender currently playing for Chicago Red Stars of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States U-23 women's national soccer team.-External links:*...
, (trade* with Washington
Washington Freedom
The Washington Freedom was an American professional soccer club based in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Germantown, Maryland that participated in Women's Professional Soccer. The Freedom was originally founded in 2001 as a member of the defunct Women's United Soccer Association. Since 2004, the...
to be twenty-first,) UConn defender Niki Cross
Niki Cross
Niki Cross is a defender American soccer defender who plays for the Boston Breakers and the Boston Aztec Breakers Reserve . She scored her first career WPS goal for the now defunct Saint Louis Athletica of Women's Professional Soccer.-External links:* * *...
, (fifth round, thirty-fourth,) Villanova
Villanova University
Villanova University is a private university located in Radnor Township, a suburb northwest of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States...
goalkeeper Jillian Loyden
Jillian Loyden
Jillian Ann Loyden, better known as Jill Loyden is an American soccer goalkeeper. She formerly played for the Chicago Red Stars in the Women's Professional Soccer....
, (sixth round, thirty-seventh,) West Virginia University
West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;...
midfielder Lisa Stoia
Lisa Stoia
Lisa Stoia is an American soccer midfielder who last played for Saint Louis Athletica of Women's Professional Soccer.-External links:* * *...
, (seventh round, forty-eighth,) Florida
University of Florida
The University of Florida is an American public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university located on a campus in Gainesville, Florida. The university traces its historical origins to 1853, and has operated continuously on its present Gainesville campus since September 1906...
forward Megan Kerns, (eighth round, fifty-first,) Penn State defender/midfielder Sheree Gray
Sheree Gray
Sheree Gray is an American soccer defender who represents Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer....
, (ninth round, sixty-second,) and Clemson midfielder/forward Lydia Vandenbergh
Lydia Vandenbergh
Lydia Kathleen Vandenbergh is an American soccer defender currently playing for magicJack of the Women's Professional Soccer league.-External links:* * * * *...
(tenth round, sixty-fifth). *The Athletica traded away Joanna Lohman and their 23rd overall pick to get the 21st pick.
On January 21, it was announced that Renata Costa had signed with Swedish club LdB FC instead of the Athletica.
On March 3, Athletica's initial preseason roster was released, along with those of all WPS teams, having 35 players listed. On March 12, Athletica released nine of those players, including draftee Megan Kerns. Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is the major city-wide newspaper in St. Louis, Missouri. Although written to serve Greater St. Louis, the Post-Dispatch is one of the largest newspapers in the Midwestern United States, and is available and read as far west as Kansas City, Missouri, as far south as...
writer Tom Timmermann posted a slightly short list (down to twenty-four players) on March 16.
Players
Transfers
- IN: Christie WelshChristie WelshChristie Welsh is an American soccer forward who plays for D.C. United Women of the USL W-League. She is a former member of the United States women's national soccer team.-Soccer career:...
From Los Angeles Sol (5/8/09) - IN: Kendall FletcherKendall FletcherKendall Fletcher is an American soccer defender currently playing for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer and the of the Australian W-League...
From Los Angeles Sol (5/8/09) - OUT: Lydia Vandenburgh Released (5/14/09)
- IN: Sarah WalshSarah WalshSarah Walsh is an Australian football forward currently playing for Sydney FC of Australia's W-League and is a member of the Australia women's national association football team....
From Sky Blue FCSky Blue FCSky Blue FC is an American professional soccer club based in Piscataway Township, New Jersey which participates in Women's Professional Soccer....
(6/26/09) - OUT: FrancielleFrancielle Manoel AlbertoFrancielle Manoel Alberto , commonly known as Francielle, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder currently playing for Santos, on loan from Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer.-External links:* *...
To Sky Blue FCSky Blue FCSky Blue FC is an American professional soccer club based in Piscataway Township, New Jersey which participates in Women's Professional Soccer....
(6/26/09) - OUT: Kerri HanksKerri HanksKerri Michel Hanks is an American soccer forward who last played for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer...
To Sky Blue FCSky Blue FCSky Blue FC is an American professional soccer club based in Piscataway Township, New Jersey which participates in Women's Professional Soccer....
(6/26/09)
Preseason
Athletica only played two preseason games, less than any other WPS team, and didn't play any other WPS team in those games. Athletica convincingly won both games, though: 7-2 versus the University of MissouriUniversity of Missouri
The University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses...
and 3-1 versus Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame du Lac is a Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, an unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States...
. Both games were closed to the public.
Regular season
| Overall Record: 10 - 6 - 4 34 pts. 2rd/7 GF:19 - GA:15 GD:+4 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| Date | 4/4 | 4/11 | 4/25 | 5/3 | 5/9 | 5/23 | 5/30 | 6/7 | 6/14 | 6/20 | 6/24 | 6/28 | 7/5 | 7/8 | 7/18 | 7/22 | 7/26 | 8/1 | 8/5 | 8/9 |
| Opponent | CHI | BOS | LA | WSH | BAY | CHI | LA | NJ | BOS | WSH | LA | NJ | BAY | LA | WSH | NJ | BAY | BOS | CHI | BAY |
| H/A? | H | A | H | A | H | A | A | H | A | H | H | A | A | A | A | H | H | H | H | A |
| Result | 0-1 | 0-2 | 0-0 | 3-3 | 1-0 | 2-0 | 0-2 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 0-1 | 1-2 | 2-1 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 0-1 | 1-0 | 1-1 | 1-0 | 2-0 | 1-1 |
A note on home games: Game 1 was played at Ralph Korte Stadium
Ralph Korte Stadium
Ralph Korte Stadium, otherwise known as "The Ralph", is a 3,000-capacity stadium located in Edwardsville, Illinois. It has an athletics track, and is also used for soccer...
at SIUE, game 3 was played at Robert R. Hermann Stadium at SLU
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University is a private, co-educational Jesuit university located in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Founded in 1818 by the Most Reverend Louis Guillaume Valentin Dubourg SLU is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River. It is one of 28 member institutions of the...
, game 5 was back at Korte Stadium, and the remaining home games take place at Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park
Anheuser-Busch Center
The Anheuser-Busch Center, also known as Soccer Park, is located in Fenton, Missouri, a suburb southwest of downtown St. Louis. It was the home field of A.C. St. Louis. Opening in 1982 as the St. Louis Soccer Park, the Anheuser-Busch Center has been the home to regional sporting events at the...
.
Athletica got off to a very slow start, being the only team with no points after the first two games and winless after the first four, despite usually outplaying their opponents; Athletica was in last place or tied for last place in the league for the first two months of the season. In the fourth game, Athletica lost what was assumed to be their star player, Brazilian Daniela
Daniela Alves Lima
Daniela Alves Lima , commonly known as Daniela, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for Saint Louis Athletica of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the Brazil women's national football team.-Career:Daniela begun her career at the age of 13, at Portuguesa de...
, to a season-ending injury, and this combined with the slow start made many people write Athletica off. However, Athletica went 10-4-2 the rest of the season, even better than the eventual season champions Los Angeles Sol during that same time period. With solid play from USWNT players Lori Chalupny
Lori Chalupny
Lori Christine Chalupny is an American soccer midfielder currently playing for Atlanta Beat of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team.-Career:...
, Hope Solo
Hope Solo
Hope Amelia Solo is an American association football goalkeeper. She became a free agent after Women's Professional Soccer terminated the magicJack franchise for which she played in the 2011 season. Solo is the current starting goalkeeper for the United States women's national soccer...
, and Tina Ellertson, and breakout scoring force from English international Eniola Aluko
Eniola Aluko
Eniola "Eni" Aluko is a Nigerian-born, English football forward currently playing for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer. Aluko moved with her family to Birmingham when she was one year old. Since she grew up in England, she chose to represent England at international level.-Birmingham...
, Athletica fought back to clinch second place in the league two games before their season was over, only losing to two teams (Los Angeles and the Washington Freedom
Washington Freedom
The Washington Freedom was an American professional soccer club based in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Germantown, Maryland that participated in Women's Professional Soccer. The Freedom was originally founded in 2001 as a member of the defunct Women's United Soccer Association. Since 2004, the...
) for the rest of the season.
Game 1: April 4 vs Chicago
In the home opener on April 4, Athletica controlled the first half well, but faltered in the second half and could not score. Despite outshooting their opponents the Chicago Red StarsChicago Red Stars
The Chicago Red Stars are a American professional soccer club that is based in the Chicago suburb of Lisle, Illinois that participates in the Women's Premier Soccer League. From 2009-2010, the Red Stars played their home games at Toyota Park in the Womens Professional Soccer...
by 15-7, they lost the game 0-1 on a 78th minute goal by Lindsay Tarpley
Lindsay Tarpley
Lindsay Ann Tarpley Snow is an American soccer forward currently playing for magicJack of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team. She went to Portage Central High School.-High school:Tarpley grew up in Portage, Michigan, and attended Portage...
.
Game 2: April 11 at Boston
Athletica repeated their home opener performance in their first away game at the Boston Breakers on April 11: Boston was outshot 14-7 but put two goals past Hope SoloHope Solo
Hope Amelia Solo is an American association football goalkeeper. She became a free agent after Women's Professional Soccer terminated the magicJack franchise for which she played in the 2011 season. Solo is the current starting goalkeeper for the United States women's national soccer...
while shutting out Athletica. So, after every team had played their first two games, Athletica was left at the bottom of the table as the only team without a point.
Game 3: April 25 vs Los Angeles
On April 26, in their only home game at SLUSaint Louis University
Saint Louis University is a private, co-educational Jesuit university located in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Founded in 1818 by the Most Reverend Louis Guillaume Valentin Dubourg SLU is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River. It is one of 28 member institutions of the...
, Athletica held the Los Angeles Sol to a 0-0 draw in dramatic fashion as both goalkeepers (Solo and Karina LeBlanc
Karina LeBlanc
Karina LeBlanc is a soccer goalkeeper currently playing for the Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the Canadian National Team. She holds both Canadian and United States citizenship...
) made incredible saves throughout the game, including a penalty kick
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
each. Athletica was the first team to hold the top-ranked Sol to no goals, though still could not find the back of the net themselves, despite once again well outshooting their opponent 18-7.
Game 4: May 3 at Washington
Athletica finally got on the scoreboard in a highly physical match against the Washington FreedomWashington Freedom
The Washington Freedom was an American professional soccer club based in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Germantown, Maryland that participated in Women's Professional Soccer. The Freedom was originally founded in 2001 as a member of the defunct Women's United Soccer Association. Since 2004, the...
. In the first match where they did not highly outshoot their opponent (in fact, were beat in shots 15-28) Athletica scored three goals, the first two by solo work from Daniela
Daniela Alves Lima
Daniela Alves Lima , commonly known as Daniela, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for Saint Louis Athletica of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the Brazil women's national football team.-Career:Daniela begun her career at the age of 13, at Portuguesa de...
. Despite leading 3-1 by the middle of the second half, though, Athletica let in two more goals to only come away from the game with a tie after both Daniela and Tina Ellertson were injured within five minutes of each other. Daniela was also sidelined indefinitely, potentially for the rest of the season, after a tackle from Abby Wambach
Abby Wambach
Mary Abigail "Abby" Wambach is an American professional soccer player, coach and Olympic gold medalist. A four-time winner of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award, she has been a regular on the U.S. women's national team since 2003...
on the rain-wet field gave her "two injured knee ligaments and a crack in her tibia." Kia McNeill
Kia McNeill
Kia McNeill is an American soccer defender currently playing for Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States U-23 women's national soccer team.-External links:* * *...
was later given a one-game suspension for overly physical play.
Trade: May 8 w/ Los Angeles
After the first game against Washington FreedomWashington Freedom
The Washington Freedom was an American professional soccer club based in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Germantown, Maryland that participated in Women's Professional Soccer. The Freedom was originally founded in 2001 as a member of the defunct Women's United Soccer Association. Since 2004, the...
which ultimately resulted in Athletica losing two starters (Daniela
Daniela Alves Lima
Daniela Alves Lima , commonly known as Daniela, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for Saint Louis Athletica of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the Brazil women's national football team.-Career:Daniela begun her career at the age of 13, at Portuguesa de...
and Kia McNeill
Kia McNeill
Kia McNeill is an American soccer defender currently playing for Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States U-23 women's national soccer team.-External links:* * *...
) in addition to those already out for injury, Athletica made the first trade in WPS by giving the Los Angeles Sol two draft picks in exchange for Christie Welsh
Christie Welsh
Christie Welsh is an American soccer forward who plays for D.C. United Women of the USL W-League. She is a former member of the United States women's national soccer team.-Soccer career:...
and Kendall Fletcher
Kendall Fletcher
Kendall Fletcher is an American soccer defender currently playing for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer and the of the Australian W-League...
. Sheree Gray
Sheree Gray
Sheree Gray is an American soccer defender who represents Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer....
was also cut from the roster, though was later re-added as a developmental player while Lydia Vandenbergh
Lydia Vandenbergh
Lydia Kathleen Vandenbergh is an American soccer defender currently playing for magicJack of the Women's Professional Soccer league.-External links:* * * * *...
was waived.
Game 5: May 9 vs Bay Area
A week after scoring their first goals, Athletia notched their first win of the season in a 1-0 match against FC Gold PrideFC Gold Pride
FC Gold Pride was an American professional soccer club based in Santa Clara, California which participated in Women's Professional Soccer. The club replaced the San Jose CyberRays of the defunct Women's United Soccer Association as the top-level women's soccer team in the San Francisco Bay Area...
at home. After an early flurry near the Gold Pride net (which included 'keeper Nicole Barnhart
Nicole Barnhart
Nicole Renee Barnhart is an American soccer goalkeeper who currently plays for the Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team....
getting a fractured nose in a collision) Chalupny took a corner kick for Athletica and scored directly with a curving ball into the far top corner of the net. Gold Pride dominated the second half, though, especially with Melissa Tancredi
Melissa Tancredi
Melissa Tancredi is a Canadian soccer forward who currently plays for Piteå IF ladies team.-External links:* *...
subbing out due to injury, but Solo kept the clean sheet with several spectacular saves to preserve Athletica's first win. Chalupny was later named Player of the Week for her goal and all-around performance.
Game 6: May 23 at Chicago
Despite coming off of a bye week and missing multiple starters due to injury, suspension, and national team duty, Athletica avenged their home opener with a 2-0 victory over the Red Stars. Chicago's Ifeoma DiekeIfeoma Dieke
Ifeoma Dieke is an American-born, Scottish football defender currently playing for Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the Scotland women's national football team....
notched WPS's first (official) own goal to put Athletica up 1-0. Athletica the got on the board without help from Chicago before the first half ended on a goal by Eniola Aluko
Eniola Aluko
Eniola "Eni" Aluko is a Nigerian-born, English football forward currently playing for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer. Aluko moved with her family to Birmingham when she was one year old. Since she grew up in England, she chose to represent England at international level.-Birmingham...
, assisted by Kendall Fletcher
Kendall Fletcher
Kendall Fletcher is an American soccer defender currently playing for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer and the of the Australian W-League...
, one of the two players Athletica got from a trade with Los Angeles. The Red Stars dominated the second half, but backup 'keeper Jillian Loyden
Jillian Loyden
Jillian Ann Loyden, better known as Jill Loyden is an American soccer goalkeeper. She formerly played for the Chicago Red Stars in the Women's Professional Soccer....
preserved the clean sheet and the win. Loyden was also named Player of the Week, the first goalkeeper to do so in WPS.
Game 7: May 30 at Los Angeles
In their second rematch of the season, Athletic played the Los Angeles Sol, this time at the Home Depot Center. Athletica lost 0-2, ending Athletica's four-game unbeaten streak. The Sol's scorers were Camille AbilyCamille Abily
Camille Anne Françoise Abily is a French football player who currently plays for French club Lyon of the Division 1 Féminine. She plays primarily as an attacking midfielder...
assisted by Marta in the first half and Shannon Boxx
Shannon Boxx
Shannon Boxx is an American soccer midfielder currently playing for magicJack of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team....
assisted by Han Duan
Han Duan
Han Duan is a Chinese football forward who last played for Los Angeles Sol of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the Chinese National Team.In 2004 she finished ninth with the Chinese team in the Olympics women's tournament...
in the second. After the match, both coach Barcellos and captain Chalupny commented on Athletica not getting things together as a team, messing up many passes.
Game 8: June 7 vs New Jersey
Athletica's eighth match of the season was their first match against Sky Blue FCSky Blue FC
Sky Blue FC is an American professional soccer club based in Piscataway Township, New Jersey which participates in Women's Professional Soccer....
. In their opening game at AB Soccer Park
Anheuser-Busch Center
The Anheuser-Busch Center, also known as Soccer Park, is located in Fenton, Missouri, a suburb southwest of downtown St. Louis. It was the home field of A.C. St. Louis. Opening in 1982 as the St. Louis Soccer Park, the Anheuser-Busch Center has been the home to regional sporting events at the...
, Athletica blanked Sky Blue 1-0 on a 15th minute goal by Amanda Cinalli
Amanda Cinalli
Amanda Cinalli is an American soccer forward currently playing for Atlanta Beat of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States U-23 women's national soccer team. She attended Laurel School in Shaker Heights, OH.-External links:* * *...
. It was Cinalli's first match and start, as it was for Stephanie Logterman
Stephanie Logterman
Stephanie Lynn Logterman was an American soccer defender who played for Saint Louis Athletica of Women's Professional Soccer, and was a member of the United States U-20 and U-23 women's national soccer teams....
, who also contributed greatly to the match. Though Sky Blue had more shots in the match and was the more dangerous team during the second half, Solo and the Athletica back line preserved the shoutout for Athletica's third win. The three points propelled Athletica into the playoff picture for the first time in the season, as a three-way tie between Saint Louis, Boston, and the Bay Area for third place slotted Athletica in fourth place overall by tiebreakers.
Game 9: June 14 at Boston
Athletica continued to climb the WPS standings with a 1-0 win over the Breakers in their second trip to Harvard StadiumHarvard Stadium
Harvard Stadium is a horseshoe-shaped football stadium in the Allston neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, in the United States. Built in 1903, the stadium seats 30,323. The stadium seated up to 57,166 in the past, as permanent steel stands were installed in the north end of the stadium in 1929...
, leapfrogging into second place. The winning goal was scored by Aluko, her third in the past four games, just before halftime. Twice earlier in the first half it looked like Athletica had also scored, but the first was called offside and the second made the side netting. Boston outshot Saint Louis 4-2, and had eight corner kicks to Athletica's one, but could not find the equalizer. The win means Athletica has climbed the standings from sixth to second place in just two weeks, and has won four of its last five games, the only loss being to league-leaders Los Angeles.
Game 10: June 20 vs Washington
Athletica dropped their home rematch with the Freedom 0-1. The heat and humidity may have accounted for the first-half early substitutions for a player on each sides. Athletica played the better game for the most part, forcing Freedom 'keeper Erin McLeodErin McLeod
Erin McLeod is a Canadian football player. She is a goalkeeper for Dalsjöfors GoIF in the Swedish Damallsvenskan....
to make seven saves, but never getting past her or the crossbar, which was hit on at least three occasions. The game's only goal came from Rebecca Moros
Rebecca Moros
Rebecca Ann Moros is an American soccer forward currently playing for Western New York Flash of Women's Professional Soccer.-External links:* * * *...
in the 81st minute, as her shot bounced off Athletica's crossbar and went straight down.
Game 11: June 24 vs Los Angeles
Athletica returned to their early season form in their third match against the Los Angeles Sol, highly outplaying the visitors at Soccer Park, but ending the game with a 1-2 loss. Athletica had twice the number of shots (25-12) and shots on goal (10-6), as well as six times as many corners (12-2), but were repeatedly stymied. LeBlanc made save after save throughout the game, totaling eight overall, and even though a rolling ball got past her on at least two occasions, the Sol's defense managed to hold Athletica at bay. "We missed the goal almost from inside the goal" said Athletica Coach Barcellos. Both coaches agreed the Sol capitalized on the only two chances at goal they ever really had, with Han DuanHan Duan
Han Duan is a Chinese football forward who last played for Los Angeles Sol of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the Chinese National Team.In 2004 she finished ninth with the Chinese team in the Olympics women's tournament...
scoring in the 50th minute and Marta doubling LA's lead in the 73rd. Kerri Hanks
Kerri Hanks
Kerri Michel Hanks is an American soccer forward who last played for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer...
scored the lone Athletica goal, her first of the season, in the 77th minute from a pass by Aluko.
Trade: June 26 w/ New Jersey
In a move to trim the roster back down to regular size, Athletica announced a trade with Sky Blue FCSky Blue FC
Sky Blue FC is an American professional soccer club based in Piscataway Township, New Jersey which participates in Women's Professional Soccer....
on June 26, 2009. Kerri Hanks
Kerri Hanks
Kerri Michel Hanks is an American soccer forward who last played for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer...
, Francielle
Francielle Manoel Alberto
Francielle Manoel Alberto , commonly known as Francielle, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder currently playing for Santos, on loan from Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer.-External links:* *...
, and rights to Renata Costa
Renata Aparecida da Costa
Renata Aparecida da Costa, or simply Renata Costa or Kóki is a Brazilian women's soccer player.- Career :...
were traded for Sarah Walsh
Sarah Walsh
Sarah Walsh is an Australian football forward currently playing for Sydney FC of Australia's W-League and is a member of the Australia women's national association football team....
, rights to Ester
Ester Aparecida dos Santos
Ester Aparecida dos Santos, or simply Ester is a Brazilian women's soccer player, who plays for Sky Blue FC.- Career :...
, and a conditional draft pick.. This is the second major trade in the league this season, both trades involving Athletica.
Game 12: June 28 at New Jersey
The first game of Athletica's longest away stretch at Sky Blue FC, ended with a 2-1 win for the Athletica, propelling them back into third place in the standings. Athletica was outplayed, only getting two shots on goal and no corners to eight and seven respectively, but Athletica converted both chances it had, and Solo only missed a 76' shot by Julianne SitchJulianne Sitch
Julianne Sitch is an American professional soccer player who is a defender currently playing for Atlanta Beat of the Women's Professional Soccer league.-External links:* *...
, meaning Aluko's second-minute goal and an unlikely volley from Elise Weber
Elise Weber
Elise Weber is an American soccer defender currently playing for Chicago Red Stars of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States U-23 women's national soccer team.-External links:*...
in 84' sealed the victory.
Game 13: July 5 at Bay Area
In the second of four away games, and the second of four games against FC Gold Pride, Chalupny scored her second goal of the season, the only goal in Athletica's second away win and second win over the northern California team. Athletica dominated the first half with multiple close chances. Chalupny nailed the game-winner in from distance in the 73rd minute.Game 14: July 8 at Los Angeles
Athletica faced the league-leading Sol for the Sol's final home game of the season and last meeting between the two teams. The Sol, on an 11-game unbeaten streak and able to clinch first place with a win, were shocked by a 1-0 decision in Athletica's favor, thanks to an 11th-minute goal by Cinalli (assisted by Aluko). "Not on our watch" said defender Tina Ellertson. The Los Angeles side had more shots and more corner kicks, but Athletica had more shots on goal. Solo made four very impressive saves in keeping the shutout.Game 15: July 18 at Washington
Athletica could not finish the four-game away run perfectly, dropping their last match against the Freedom 0-1 from a late goal by Homare SawaHomare Sawa
is a female football player from Japan. She currently plays for INAC Kobe Leonessa in the Nadeshiko League Division 1.- Career :Long considered Japan's finest female footballer, she made her debut in Japan's highest domestic league at age 12. On December 6, 1993, at age 15, she made her Japanese...
in the 74th minute. Both teams were missing multiple players due to international friendlies; Athletica saw a very different lineup, where defender Niki Cross
Niki Cross
Niki Cross is a defender American soccer defender who plays for the Boston Breakers and the Boston Aztec Breakers Reserve . She scored her first career WPS goal for the now defunct Saint Louis Athletica of Women's Professional Soccer.-External links:* * *...
starting as a forward, and recent acquisition Sarah Walsh
Sarah Walsh
Sarah Walsh is an Australian football forward currently playing for Sydney FC of Australia's W-League and is a member of the Australia women's national association football team....
subbing in during the second half. After an exciting first fifteen minutes which saw both teams make several close calls on the goal, both teams seemed to lose all energy. The incredibly tight Freedom backline kept the ball in Athletica's half for most of the game, meaning that neither the Freedom's backup keepers (Katie Jo Spisak was replaced by their goalkeeping coach (under a one-game contract) in the second half) were tested much at all. Loyden was not tested much either, but a deflection on Sawa's kick sent the ball closer to the near post than anticipated, giving the Freedom the win.
Game 16: July 22 vs New Jersey
In their first match at home in a month, Athletica finished their sweep of Sky Blue FC with a 1-0 win. Even though Sky Blue slightly outshot Athletica, Athletica controlled the game very well. Aluko notched the game's only goal in the 48th minute, and Loyden earned her second shutout with seven saves, including one very impressibe one-on-one against Natasha KaiNatasha Kai
Natasha Kanani Janine Kai is an American soccer forward currently playing for Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer.-University of Hawaiʻi:Kai played for the University of Hawaiʻi Rainbow Wahine from 2002-2005...
, to preserve the win.
Game 17: July 26 vs Bay Area
Athletica tied FC Gold Pride 1-1 at Soccer Park in Athletica's only FSC-televised game of the season. Cross notched her first goal of the season from a cross by Fletcher to put Athletica up 1-0 in the 28th minute. The high-energy game saw many chances from both teams throughout both halves, with the intensity increasing even more in the last fifteen minutes. Ultimately, Gold Pride prevented Athletica from clinching a playoff spot when Christine SinclairChristine Sinclair
Christine Margaret Sinclair is a Canadian soccer forward who plays professional soccer for the Western New York Flash and is the captain of the Canadian national team. Sinclair has spent ten years with the Canadian national team participating in two World Cups in 2007 and 2003 and the 2008 Summer...
put one past Solo in the 88th minute. Without the three points, though, Gold Pride was eliminated from playoff contention.
Game 18: August 1 vs Boston
Athletica beat the Boston Breakers 1-0 in their third of four final home games. With good chances on goal from both teams in the first half, the difference came when a cross from Cinalli made it past several Breakers defenders, allowing Aluko to slip a shot directly between the legs of Breakers 'keeper Allison LipsherAllison Lipsher
Allison Shelby Lipsher is an American soccer goalkeeper currently playing for Sydney FC of the Australian W-League. Lipsher graduated from Duke University.-External links:* *...
. Walsh almost made it 2-0 in the second half, but her arcing shot from distance hit the far post at just the wrong angle and traced the back edgeline back out of the box, where a defender cleared it. Still, with the win, Athletica clinched second place for the season, and have thus guaranteed hosting the Super Semifinal
2009 Women's Professional Soccer Playoffs
The 2009 WPS Playoffs were the postseason to Women's Professional Soccer's 2009 Season, that started on August 15 and culminated on August 22 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.-Format:...
.
Game 19: August 5 vs Chicago
In their last home game of the season, Athletica handed the Chicago Red Stars another 2-0 defeat. Both goals, 35' and 65', were scored by Welsh aided by Walsh, with Walsh getting the assist on the first goal and starting the play that caused the second (Tancredi assisted that one). The win was made even more impressive by the fact of how much coach Jorge Barcellos rested the regular starters: Chalupny came off at halftime, Walsh came off in the 73rd minute, and Aluko, Cross, and Cinalli stayed on the bench for the whole game. The scoring combination of Walsh/Welsh made the strong implication that they would replace the offensive hole made my Aluko leaving for Europe during the playoffs.Game 20: August 9 vs Bay Area
Athltica finished their inaugural season on August 9 with another 1-1 draw at FC Gold Pride. Athletica's goal was scored in the 18th minute by Welsh, with the assist surprisingly coming from Solo. It was her first assist of the year as well as the first ever assist by a goalie in WPS. Gold Pride equalized in the 24th minute when Rachel BuehlerRachel Buehler
Rachel Marie Buehler is an American soccer defender currently playing for the United States women's national soccer team.-College career:...
ran unchecked into a 1-1 with Solo. Gold Pride had the better of play for most of the remainder of the match, though after Aluko subbed in for Walsh in the 88th, she sent several shots at Barnhart, almost scoring the winning goal several times. All in all, Athletica's defense was a little worse than it should have been, allowing 11 shots on goal.
Playoffs
Super Semifinal----
A late flurry from the Athletica was not enough to come back from the 0-1 deficit from the first half. Aside from several spectacular saves from Solo, Athletica did not show up well in the first half, which let Sky Blue control enough to score once. Athletica controlled the second half well, taking many shots as the final whistle neared, but none made it past NJ keeper Jenni Branam. With the result, Sky Blue continued its unprobable playoff run to the final while Athletica was left to prepare for the expansion draft and next season.
All-star game
The Saint Louis Athletica were chosen to host the 2009 All-Star gameWPS All-Star 2009
The 2009 Women's Professional Soccer All-Star Game was the first WPS All-Star Game. In a format similar to that of recent all-star games in Major League Soccer, the WPS All-Stars played Swedish club powerhouse Umeå IK on August 30, 2009, eight days after the league's championship game...
on June 25 by WPS. The game itself took place on August 30, with the WPS All-Stars playing Swedish champion Umeå IK
Umeå IK
Umeå IK is a prominent women's association football club based in the city of Umeå, Sweden. The club was established in 1917 as a general sports club, and started competing in women's in 1985. In 1996 the team reached the premier division, the Damallsvenskan but was relegated the following year. In...
. Athletica had four players selected for the All-Star game: Lori Chalupny
Lori Chalupny
Lori Christine Chalupny is an American soccer midfielder currently playing for Atlanta Beat of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team.-Career:...
, Eniola Aluko
Eniola Aluko
Eniola "Eni" Aluko is a Nigerian-born, English football forward currently playing for Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer. Aluko moved with her family to Birmingham when she was one year old. Since she grew up in England, she chose to represent England at international level.-Birmingham...
, and Tina Ellertson made the Starting XI, and Hope Solo
Hope Solo
Hope Amelia Solo is an American association football goalkeeper. She became a free agent after Women's Professional Soccer terminated the magicJack franchise for which she played in the 2011 season. Solo is the current starting goalkeeper for the United States women's national soccer...
was chosen as an "At-Large" player selection by All-Star coach Abner Rogers and WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci.
Chalupny played for the entire game, while Ellertson played first half as one of the Starting XI and Solo was subbed in (for Karina LeBlanc
Karina LeBlanc
Karina LeBlanc is a soccer goalkeeper currently playing for the Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the Canadian National Team. She holds both Canadian and United States citizenship...
) at halftime. Solo kept a shutout during her half, which in addition to Sinclair's goals, secured the win over the Swedish champions.