Los Angeles-Washington: Marta, Sol Handcuff Freedom Late

The magic number is three.

Mark it down.

It is down to three.

Abner Rogers' Los Angeles Sol have the opportunity to clinch the Women's Professional Soccer regular season title on Wednesday against St. Louis Athletica.

But before that could be done, they had to endure a stiff test from the Washington Freedom at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, Maryland.

It took 91 minutes, but Marta's ninth goal of the season confirmed a 1-0 victory over the Freedom.

The Brazilian international received a pass from Aya Miyama, who sent a blistering shot inside the far post past Erin McLeod to extend the Sol's unbeaten streak to 11 matches and their winning streak to four.

It was nothing short of heartbreak for Freedom manager Jim Gabarra, whose club remains fourth in the standings, but is now just a single point clear of resurging Sky Blue FC for the final playoff spot.

Washington had two major chances to take the lead early in the contest. A shot from Abby Wambach at the top of the penalty box was saved by Karina LeBlanc, who earned her 11th shutout of the season.

The 25th minute would have given the Freedom the early advantage...if it weren't for the goalpost getting in the way of a threatening volley from Cat Whitehill.

While the first half saw Marta and Washington's Lisa De Vanna make brave attempts to turn up the heat, the Sol would do it themselves in the second.

The Sol had seven shots on goal in the second half, compared to only one for the Freedom.

And with McLeod facing the barrage of opportunities for Los Angeles, it would only be a matter of time before she would let one get by her.

"Though it was one of only a few chances I had, it came at the right time to be able to win the game," said Marta following the match on her game winner.

Washington falls to 4-6-4 (16 pts) while Los Angeles improves to 11-1-4 (37 pts).

Kickoff for the Sol's Wednesday contest against Athletica is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET at the Home Depot Center in Carson.

The Freedom will take the weekend off before traveling to Piscataway, NJ to take on Sky Blue FC.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.

Jul. 5, 2009

Boyds, Maryland—Maryland SoccerPlex

Los Angeles Sol—Washington Freedom 1:0 (0:0)


                                                1          2          F

Los Angeles Sol           0          1          1        

Washington Freedom     0          0          0                    

Scoring Summary

LA-Marta, 91+

Lineups

Los Angeles Sol: Karina LeBlanc; Stephanie Cox, Brittany Bock, Christie Shaner (Manya Makoski, 52’), Shannon Boxx ©, Camille Abily, Aya Miyama, Katie Larkin, McCall Zerboni, Han Duan, and Marta

Washington Freedom: Erin McLeod; Becky Sauerbrunn, Cat Whitehill, Alex Singer, Sarah Senty, Homare Sawa, Sonia Bompastor, Ali Krieger (Rebecca Moros, 72’), Lori Lindsey, Abby Wambach ©, and Lisa De Vanna (Allie Long, 82’)

Misconduct Summary

Katie Larkin—Los Angeles Sol (caution) 37’

Shannon Boxx—Los Angeles Sol (caution) 88’

Statistics                                

 

                                             Washington                       Los Angeles                           

Shots                                     20 (14)                                      22 (10)

Shots on Goal                            6 (5)                                         8 (1)

Saves                                       5 (0)                                         4 (3) 

Fouls                                        7 (3)                                         12 (7) 

Corners                                    7 (5)                                         8 (4)

Offside                                    3 (1)                                         3 (3)

 
Referee: Kari Seitz
Linesmen: Stephanie Toth and Ron Harnage
Fourth Official: Dean Fairweather

Attendance: 5,143
Weather: Cloudy and 70 degrees