The Atlanta Beat started the season like most expansion teams do, by losing. But after an infusion of new players from the now defunct St. Louis Athletica the Atlanta Beat have started to turn things around. Prior to the All-Star break the Beat had gone 1-5-3 to earn 6 points through 9 games. Since the All-Star break the team has gone 3-2-1 to take their total points earned to 16. With 9 games left the Atlanta Beat has as good of a shot at making the playoffs as any team does.
In their previous game the Beat netted 3 goals against the Washington Freedom which is the most they’ve tallied in one game this season. They did it without their primary forwards Aluko & Bachmann. They will have to use the confidence gained from that match if they are going to compete with the FC Gold Pride who holds the best record in Women’s Professional Soccer.
Coach O’Sullivan could have come out with a defensive minded setup but opted to go with a three-four-three putting Aluko, Bachmann, and Ocampo all in at forward and have 2 defensive midfielders that could track back but also get into the offense when opportunities allowed. Early on it seemed to work as FC Gold Pride couldn’t get their game going and Atlanta had the better of the chances. In two different instances Aluko had the ball in the 18 yard box but came up wanting on both plays. Both teams had their opportunities but with Hope Solo making some big plays the score at the half was nil-nil.
FC Gold Pride created chances but with Marta having a personal escort around the field she was unable to make an impact on the game. Kia McNeill neutralized the reigning FIFA Women’s Player of the Year for a vast majority of the game. Hope Solo and her goal post took care of everyone else. It was a shutout performance that earned her the WPS Player of the Week award. Solo was well deserving as she made several incredible saves in route to the scoreless draw and helped the team earn another point on their journey to secure a playoff spot.
The Atlanta Beat are now tied for 6th with the Washington Freedom at 17 points. With a win this Wednesday the Beat would be tied for 4th, the final post-season slot, and have a game in hand.
Atlanta travels to Boston to take on the Breakers and keep their undefeated streak going. They’ll then turn around and head back home for a game 3 days later against the defending WPS champions, Sky Blue FC, at 7Pm at KSU Soccer Stadium.
Do you think Atlanta will be able to make the push and earn a playoff spot? Who, or what, do you think has made the biggest impact in turning this team around?
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