LA Sol 0 St. Louis 0: Athletica's Grit, LeBlanc's Saves Force Draw

St. Louis Athletica, led by Lori Chalupny, were looking to get out of the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) cellar at Hermann Stadium against league leaders Los Angeles Sol.

The home faithful watching from the grounds of the Saint Louis University were hopeful of a result against a side that saw Marta, Han Duan, and Camile Abily on international assignment.

Jorge Barcellos's ladies will go down in history as the first team to hold Los Angeles scoreless in a WPS match. But in spite of outshooting Abner Rogers's club 17-8, Athletica had to settle for splitting two points in a 0-0 draw.

St. Louis's plan was to take advantage of the lack of presence from the Sol's #10 and #20. Brazilian Daniela, Tina Ellertson, Lisa Stoia, and Canada's Melissa Tancredi peppered the net with opportunities to get the first goal of the match.

Athletica, however were facing a wall in Karina LeBlanc. The skill and prowess of Big Red's veteran keeper proved to be the biggest source of frustration for Barcellos and his club, still searching for their first victory.

One of LeBlanc's key plays was in the 83rd minute, where Chalupny's penalty kick was saved. Another was in the 89th minute, as Angie Woznuk's shot in the top left corner was denied by the able hands of the Sol's #23.

St. Louis also escaped a penalty bullet in the 73rd minute, when an Aly Wagner shot from the spot was saved by Athletica keeper Hope Solo.

The match was also physical encounter, with 21 fouls (11 for STL and 10 for LA) and two cautions on each side.

It was what many would consider a moral victory for Barcellos, and a moral defeat for Rogers.

“Anytime you have seasoned world-class players missing like we did today with Marta, Camille Abily, and Han Duan you definitely miss their talent," said Rogers after the match. "The team stepped up big but we still have room for improvement.

“It was a physical game and St. Louis had that edge on us. Overall, it was a very exciting game for the fans.

"We are looking forward to the challenge in Boston next week. The team will be regrouping with the return of the three players and we will be in good shape for the tough game.”

“We have been working mostly on finishing in practice,” said Barcellos following the match. “I think what is missing is us being calm and tranquil. I think the pressure to score is getting to them.”

The Sol will begin a two-game home-and-home with the Breakers starting on May 2 at 7:00PM ET at Harvard Stadium. St. Louis Athletica will travel to Boyds, MD to take on the Washington Freedom. Kickoff for that match is scheduled for 6:00 PM ET and will be televised by Fox Soccer Channel.



Lineups

Los Angeles Sol: Karina LeBlanc; Stephanie Cox , Brittany Bock, Allison Falk; Shannon Boxx, Aya Miyama, Manya Makoski, Aly Wagner, Katie Larkin, Martina Franco (Sari, 77), Christie Welch (Bogus, 60)

 

St. Louis Athletica: Hope Solo; Elise Weber, Kia McNeill, Niki Cross (Gray, 45); Lori Chalupny, Lisa Stoia, Daniela; Angie Woznuk, Tina Ellertson, Melissa Tancredi (Pistorius 77), Kerri Hanks (Aluko, 53)

 

Misconduct Summary

STL—Kia McNeill (caution) 42

STL—Daniela (caution) 45

LA—Aya Miyama (caution) 55

LA—Shannon Boxx (caution) 85

 

Referee: Juan Carlos Rivero

Weather: Cloudy, 86 degrees

Erin Lopez of Leader Enterprises contributed to this report.