May 31, 2011
WNY Flash 2:1 Philadelphia
Now we know that the Flash can come from behind on the road to win.
The Philadephia Independence jumped out to an early lead when Megan Rapinoe's shot from just outside the corner of the box froze Flash GK Ashlyn Harris.
But, McCall Zerboni had another solid outing, this time starting up top in place of Alex Morgan. On the Flash's first goal, Zerboni challenged Philadelphia GK Nicole Barnhart for a cross and the ball fell right to Becky Edwards' head. Edwards calmly nodded the ball into the goal to tie up the match.
Zerboni helped set up the game winner as she was taken down in the box to earn a penalty kick that Marta calmly put away.
The win puts the Flash 8 points up on second place magicJack. Although, magicJack does have two games in hand.
Rhinos 1:2 FC New York
The winner in the Rochester-FC NY match also came through a penalty kick. This time though it was FC NY's Jhonny Arteagawho converted after Rhinos' right back TJ Gore was called for a handball in the box.
Rookie Frank Alesci scored his first goal as a Rhino early in the second half. But, the Rhinos were never able to equalize.
The loss drops the Rhinos below .500 at 3-4-2. But, they only find themselves 6 points behind LA for first place in the National Division of the USL PRO League.
News & Notes:
- Thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Rhinos play by play voice Joe Giuliano as they are dealing with a death in the family.
- The FIFA payola scandal gets even crazier in CONCACAF. And even the president of the Puerto Rican FA is airing dirty laundry.
- Meanwhile, Bin Hammam thinks he should have been given the benefit of the doubt and Blatter denies that FIFA is in a crisis. And these were the only two choices for FIFA President two weeks ago. Where have you gone Grant Wahl?
- If you want to change FIFA, here is one idea of how to try.
- Vancouver and Chicago have sacked their coaches and replaced them with known MLS names.
- Here are the top 5 goals in the MISL this past season.
- Shalrie Joseph is skipping the Gold Cup to stay and help the Revolution.
- Portland Timbers fans support keeping United in DC. In return, DC United ended the Timbers' unbeaten run at home in league play.
- If I lived the in the Twin Cities, I would have been ticked off, too!
- ESPNW has a piece on WPS host families.
- Equalizer Soccer has their The Weekly post up that includes some quotes from Abby Wambach supporting her "maverickJack" [copyright Jeff DiVeronica] owner.
- And I'll leave you with a highlight package of Xavi & Iniesta versus Manchester United on Saturday.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the Rochester Rhinos or SoccerSam.com. Feel free to send any comments or complaints to jamesrweise@gmail.com. James promises to read (but not to respond) to all of them.
