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Washington Freedom Set to Battle for Final WPS Playoff Position

August 26, 2010 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
magicJack News Release


Boyds, MD (August 26)...Washington Freedom hosts Sky Blue FC this Saturday August 28 at 7 p.m. at the Maryland SoccerPlex in their biggest game of year to date, a crucial match that could determine which team goes on to the WPS Playoffs. Both teams are currently tied for the fourth and final WPS Playoff position, but Freedom controls their playoff destiny, and a win this weekend would give them needed breathing room in the standings with just two regular season games to follow.

Freedom is beginning to click at just the right time, coming off of a significant 2-0 home win last Thursday highlighted by two assists by Sarah Huffman, and the emergence of rookie goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, who has stepped up big since the season ending injury to Erin McLeod. Harris has not given up a goal to an opponent (the only blemish being an own goal) in four consecutive games.

"Ashlyn has been great for us in net, and we are getting better each and every day. Our defense is starting to gel in back, and but we need to keep pushing ourselves and make sure we are consistent from start to finish," said Jim Gabarra, Washington Freedom Head Coach. "We are fighting for a shot at the playoffs right now, and our players know what is at stake this weekend."

Freedom and Slue Blue FC have already seen each other twice this season. In their first match, the teams battled to a 0-0 draw, while their second game ended 1-1. Both gams were in New Jersey, so Freedom looks to come out on top in what will be their second to last home game of the regular season.

"When we started this season our goal was to win the WPS title, and we know that is still possible, "said Abby Wambach, Washington Freedom Striker. "The match against Sky Blue is such an important game for our team. This league is so competitive, and you have to fight for every point. Once you're in the playoffs anything can happen, and we can take a big step closer our ultimate goal, a title for Washington, with a win in front of our home fans this Saturday."

This Weekend: Washington Freedom and PUMA©are painting the stadium pink for Freedom's game against Sky Blue FC in support of Project Pink. In conjunction with PUMA's partnership with Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), Project Pink will strive to raise awareness - and funds - in support of the fight against breast cancer. Washington Freedom will wear special pink PUMA jerseys for this weekend's game, and fans are encouraged to wear pink for the match. For more information about Project Pink visit wps.pumafootball.com.



Women's Professional Soccer Stories from August 26, 2010


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