USA: And then there were four...
The maiden season of USA’s National Women’s Soccer League is set for a thrilling climax, with the top four play-off participants determined last Wednesday. Western New York Flash, Portland Thorns FC and Sky Blue FC are confirmed alongside front-runners FC Kansas City in the semi-final line-up. However, the teams that will boast home ground advantage are no closer to being finalised following the weekend’s penultimate round. Kansas saw their ten-game streak ended by a lone strike from Boston Breakers striker Sydney Leroux, with the victors having parted company from coach Lisa Cole a week earlier. Western New York and Portland remain level on points in second after they played out a scoreless draw, as Canada goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc excelled for the latter. Sky Blue though were unable to take advantage as they shared a six-goal thriller against Chicago Red Stars, despite a high-quality double from midfielder Monica Ocampo who famously scored with a long-range strike for Mexico at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup™. Top three: FC Kansas City (38 points), Western New York Flash, Portland Thorns, Sky Blue FC (all 35)
The maiden season of USA’s National Women’s Soccer League is set for a thrilling climax, with the top four play-off participants determined last Wednesday. Western New York Flash, Portland Thorns FC and Sky Blue FC are confirmed alongside front-runners FC Kansas City in the semi-final line-up. However, the teams that will boast home ground advantage are no closer to being finalised following the weekend’s penultimate round. Kansas saw their ten-game streak ended by a lone strike from Boston Breakers striker Sydney Leroux, with the victors having parted company from coach Lisa Cole a week earlier. Western New York and Portland remain level on points in second after they played out a scoreless draw, as Canada goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc excelled for the latter. Sky Blue though were unable to take advantage as they shared a six-goal thriller against Chicago Red Stars, despite a high-quality double from midfielder Monica Ocampo who famously scored with a long-range strike for Mexico at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup™. Top three: FC Kansas City (38 points), Western New York Flash, Portland Thorns, Sky Blue FC (all 35)
Sweden: Malmo halt Tyreso’s run
All eyes were on the top of the table clash as second-placed LdB Malmo gained a measure of revenge for a final-day title-deciding defeat last season with a dramatic 3-2 win at leaders Tyreso. Star Switzerland forward Ramona Bachmann was the goalscoring heroine for the visitors bagging a double, including the winner six minutes from full time. Malmo’s crucial win, combined with a 4-0 midweek victory over Sunnana, has lifted the seven-time champions equal on points with their rivals, though trailing on goal difference. Kopparbergs/Goteborg FC remain on the tail of the leading duo thanks to a 1-0 win at Mallbackens IF and remain four points off the pace just past the halfway mark of the campaign.
Top three: Tyreso (30 points), Malmo (30), Kopparbergs/Goteborg FC (26)
All eyes were on the top of the table clash as second-placed LdB Malmo gained a measure of revenge for a final-day title-deciding defeat last season with a dramatic 3-2 win at leaders Tyreso. Star Switzerland forward Ramona Bachmann was the goalscoring heroine for the visitors bagging a double, including the winner six minutes from full time. Malmo’s crucial win, combined with a 4-0 midweek victory over Sunnana, has lifted the seven-time champions equal on points with their rivals, though trailing on goal difference. Kopparbergs/Goteborg FC remain on the tail of the leading duo thanks to a 1-0 win at Mallbackens IF and remain four points off the pace just past the halfway mark of the campaign.
Top three: Tyreso (30 points), Malmo (30), Kopparbergs/Goteborg FC (26)
England: Reds go top as Gunners fire
Liverpool skipper Gemma Bonner hit a stunning late strike to clinch a dramatic victory in a seven-goal thriller over Bristol Academy, as the Reds leapfrogged their opponents into top spot on goal difference. Arsenal continued their fine recent form with a convincing 5-0 victory over Everton who were aided by a double from Danielle Carter. The reigning champions are in the unfamiliar position of third, but have two matches in hand on the majority of their rivals.
Top three: Liverpool, Bristol Academy (both 18 points), Arsenal (13)
Liverpool skipper Gemma Bonner hit a stunning late strike to clinch a dramatic victory in a seven-goal thriller over Bristol Academy, as the Reds leapfrogged their opponents into top spot on goal difference. Arsenal continued their fine recent form with a convincing 5-0 victory over Everton who were aided by a double from Danielle Carter. The reigning champions are in the unfamiliar position of third, but have two matches in hand on the majority of their rivals.
Top three: Liverpool, Bristol Academy (both 18 points), Arsenal (13)
Denmark: Brondby stumble in opener
There was a surprise to open Denmark’s new season as Brondby – champions in nine of the past 11 seasons – were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Skovbakken. And the reigning champions needed an injury-time equaliser from Emma Madsen just to claim a share of the spoils. Brondby’s key rivals Fortuna Hjorring have made a perfect start with two wins from as many matches, though they were made to work overtime before subduing OB Odense with Nadia Nadim’s lone strike the difference.
Top three: Fortuna Hjorring (6 points), Kolding, Skjold (both 3)
There was a surprise to open Denmark’s new season as Brondby – champions in nine of the past 11 seasons – were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Skovbakken. And the reigning champions needed an injury-time equaliser from Emma Madsen just to claim a share of the spoils. Brondby’s key rivals Fortuna Hjorring have made a perfect start with two wins from as many matches, though they were made to work overtime before subduing OB Odense with Nadia Nadim’s lone strike the difference.
Top three: Fortuna Hjorring (6 points), Kolding, Skjold (both 3)
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