Breakers Hold off Thorns FC from Playoffs

Published on August 11, 2014 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Boston Breakers News Release


In their last meeting on the pitch this season in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the Boston Breakers took home a 2-0 win against the Portland Thorns FC at Harvard Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts. Rachel Wood scored the winning goal for the Breakers as well as her first professional goal.

The Breakers and Thorns both came out strong and ready to play. In the 9th minute, Lianne Sanderson was fouled which resulted in a penalty kick taken by Heather O'Reilly. Unfortunately, Nadine Angerer was there, stopping the potential goal and redirecting it away from the box. But, eight minutes later, Cat Whitehill sent the ball into the Thorns box to Wood, who scored the first goal and her first goal of the season.

The Thorns players, Christine Sinclair, Alex Morgan and Meleana Shim, attempted to make come back shots on goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher, but were denied. In the 25th minute, Sanderson had a beautiful through ball to O'Reilly, who beat the Thorns defenders and shot her ninth goal of the season into the upper left hand corner of Angerer's net (2-0, Boston). Morgan refusing to back down had three shots on goal within four minutes, all of which are turned away by the Breakers and Naeher. Thus ending the first half.

In the 52nd minute, Morgan attempted to drive into the Breakers box while Naeher was out of range but Julie King was there to deflect her shot. Following shortly thereafter Allie Long attempted to score for the second time in two minutes but was stopped by a diving Naeher. The Thorns had 15 shots on Naeher but were unable to score any goals in either half. Naeher is currently tied for the most saves made in a single game with ten and the holds most saves in the season with 95.

The Thorns refused to back down in the second half of play with several attempts on goal but were unsuccessful in scoring on the Breakers. The matched ended 2-0 Breakers, with the winning goal made by Wood. While the Portland Thorns FC had 12 more shots (20-8) over Boston, the Breakers shut out the Thorns, the defending NWSL Champions, and held them from clinching a playoff spot. The Thorns must win their next game against Seattle to secure their spot in the play offs.

The Breakers are now 5-15-2 and will play at Benedictine University Sports Complex in Lisle Illinois against the Chicago Red Stars on Wednesday, August 13 (kickoff 8:00 p.m. EST). You can watch the match on the YouTube Live Stream. The Breakers return to Harvard Stadium on Sunday, August 17th playing the Houston Dash in their last game of the season. To purchase tickets visit www.breakerstickets.com or call 617-945-1704.

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from August 11, 2014


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