On April 24th, the Boston Breakers played their first home game of the 2017 NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) season.
After a 3-0 loss to FC Kansas City away, the Breakers were looking to looking to win on their home turf against Sky Blue FC. This was not going to be an easy game, as Sky Blue FC had players like Kelly O’Hara and Christie Pearce.
So on sunny day at Jordan Field, the Breakers won 1-0 against Sky Blue FC, with the team fighting until the 90th minute.
Several players stepped up, including Rose Lavelle, Natasha Dowie, and goalkeeper Abby Smith. The first and only goal came in the 37th minute of the game when Lavelle delivered a pass through the Sky Blue defence to find Natasha Dowie, who calmly put it past Sky Blue goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. This was Dowie’s first goal of the season and Lavelle’s first career assist.
Rose Lavelle caused the Sky Blue midfield and defence with her technicality on the ball, making her almost impossible to be stopped. Lavelle is hoping to make a good first impression in the NWSL, and so far it looks like she is living up to expectations.
Rookie Margaret Purce almost made it 2-0 in the 66th minute of the game, getting the ball past veteran defender Christie Pearce, but her shot rattled off the crossbar.
This game showed a glimpse of what the Breaker’s season could look like, with plenty of young players who are eager to prove their talent. And with plenty of determined strikers in the squad, the team looks to terrorize NWSL defences this year.
Goalkeeper Abby Smith had a great game as well. She earned a shutout by making 4 saves throughout the game, with her best save coming in the 23rd minute, denying a point-blank header by Sky Blue FC and U.S. Women’s National Team forward Kelly O’Hara.
Even though the team conceded 3 goals against FC Kansas City, the Breaker’s defence looks to be tidying up things in the back.
Overall, it was a great performance from the Breakers.
The team looks to accomplish big things this season, as they have not had a lot of success in the past. With many young, eager players like Rose Lavelle and Morgan Andrews, the Breakers look to make a run for the NWSL title this year and put the unmemorable years behind them.
As long as their strike force keeps scoring and their defence remains solid, the Boston Breakers could have a really good chance of doing very well in the 2017 NWSL season.
Luke Stergiou can be contacted at lstergiou@kscequinox.com