We have come to the end of the 2009 Women's Professional Soccer season, and we see Sky Blue FC clinch the final postseason berth. This year has been full of extraordinary everything: goals, saves, and skill all around. I am glad to have been a part of witnessing it, as you are.
As more history is made before our eyes this weekend, we take a look at the penultimate edition of the Power Rankings for this inaugural season.
1. ST. LOUIS ATHLETICA
Hope Solo made history as the first WPS goalkeeper to be credited with an assist. But we'll get to that in a bit.
Jorge Barcellos's Athletica wrapped up the 2009 WPS regular season with a win and a draw.
On Wednesday, St. Louis Athletica faced the Chicago Red Stars at the Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park. Christie Welsh broke through with her first two goals of the campaign.
In the 33rd minute, Sarah Walsh found Welsh on the left side, and she drilled a shot past Caroline Jonsson to finally open her account.
In the 64th minute, Walsh and Melissa Tancredi teamed up to help Welsh complete the brace.
Athletica doubled up on shots on goal (four to two) Wednesday night.
With Eniola Aluko setting sail for the European Championships, the question of who will succeed the England international was brought up on Saturday against FC Gold Pride.
Once again, the answer looked to be clear: In Welsh We Trust.
On Sunday night at Buck Shaw Stadium, a goal kick from Hope Solo saw Welsh race past two FC Gold Pride defenders to tally her third of the season.
However, St. Louis would have to settle for a 1-1 draw. But the crowd at Santa Clara got to see a rare treat: the first assist by a goalkeeper in WPS play.
Straight out of a video game? Perhaps. But the WPS is yet to be available in the EA Sports FIFA series.
Oh yes, and Solo made nine saves in the draw, denying a majority of opportunities for the Lionesses of the Bay.
All signs now point to preparations for the WPS Super Semifinal at the Busch. And the question beckons: can the firm of Walsh and Welsh seal the deal for St. Louis Athletica?
Kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 7:00 p.m. ET and will be televised by Fox Soccer Channel.
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