UEFA Women’s Champions League

Olympique Lyon and Umea IK faced off yesterday in the first leg of the Champions League Semifinal. It read like a pretty thrilling game with Louise Necib and Hannah Petterson each earning a brace.

Lyon’s Louise Necib struck first in just three minutes from close-range. Then Umea’s Hannah Petterson equalized in the 19′. Necib grabbed the lead again in the 42′ but Petterson again equalized in the 71′ on a header. Brazilian Katia then converted Necib’s header in the 83′, giving Olympique Lyon the win.

Judging by the stats, it looks as if Lyon had a load of opportunities with 24 goal attempts but that Umea took better advantage of what they had with just 4 attempts. Laser-sharp analysis I know, but it’s difficult analyzing a game you haven’t actually watched.

(It would be amazing to see Necib come to WPS, as the Freedom has her international rights. A midfield with her and Bompastor…ah, that would be too much)

Here’s the official match report

 

Duisburg defeated Turbine Potsdam 1-0 in the other all-German semi-final. It appears to have been a pretty defensive affair, although there were a few chances early. Potsdam starlet Fatmire Bajramaj saw an attempt go wide early and then Duisburg’s Kozue Ando saw her corner attempt thwarted.

Femke Maes made the difference as she picked up the ball in midfield and scored from distance, giving Duisburg the advantage.

Here’s more on the match

 

WPS

In the opening match of the season, the Boston Breakers defeated the Washington Freedom 2-1 at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Lauren Cheney scored her first professional goal in just the 7′ after finishing a ball from Kristine Lilly’s corner. Thirteen minutes later, Kelly Smith added to the lead beating Erin McLeod.

Late on, Allie Long   found a pass from Abby Wambach and scored a consolation goal. Boston’s developmental goalkeeper Ashley Phillips appeared to impress Coach Tony DiCicco, stopping some promising chances from Wambach and de Vanna. Each team had 8 shots on goals and Phillips made the only two saves of the day.

The reported attendance is 3,899 which is an obvious decrease from the Freedom’s 2009 home opener of 5,028.

 

WPS action continues today with Saint Louis hosting FC Gold Pride. Both teams are tipped to be contendors for the season and it will be interesting to see if Chalupny and Tarpley will appear for the Athletica and which system FCGP Coach Albertin Montoya employs.

 Sky Blue FC take on the Chicago Red Stars on FSC late this afternoon. Thank goodness for some live televised soccer. Will Sky Blue be as good as everyone seems to think? And will Chicago be as disappointing as people fear?

 

More European results soon to come.