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United Women's Soccer Midweek Preview

06/28/2016, 4:45pm EDT
By Admin

LI renews rivalry with Valkyries; RSL hosts Storm in big West match

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - There are only three games taking place on Wednesday in the entirety of the 2016 United Women’s Soccer (UWS) schedule, and two of tomorrow’s opponents will get used to facing each other on that day. In the East Conference, the Long Island Rough Riders (2-2-1) host the TSF Academy Valkyries (1-2-1) in the first of their two Wednesday meetings this season. In the West Conference, the Colorado Storm (1-3-1) travel to Utah to take on the Real Salt Lake Women (3-2-1) in an important match with title implications for the hosts.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
Long Island Rough Riders vs. TSF Academy Valkyries (5:00 PM EDT)
Venue:
Saint Anthony’s High School
275 Wolf Hill Road
South Huntington, NY 11747-1394

Wednesday’s match will be the first meeting between the two former W-League teams in UWS play. In fact, Long Island will get used to facing former W-League opposition to finish their season, as they host the New England Mutiny (4-3) and the New York Magic (0-4-1) in their final two home games at Cy Donnelly Stadium. The Rough Riders are not mathematically out of the East title race, but unfortunately for them, New Jersey Copa F.C. (6-1-1) is in control and the two teams won’t face each other again this year (LI won the season series, 1-0-1).

Long Island got back in the win column in their last match, defeating the Lancaster Inferno (3-4) by a 2-1 score at Millersville University’s Pucillo Field. The Rough Riders were the stronger side and took advantage in the 15th minute, as Laura Gomez fired her shot over the dive of Inferno goalkeeper Emily Dolan for the 1-0 lead. Long Island would be awarded a penalty kick in the 48th minute, and Erin Neville would convert from the spot for the game-winning goal. Goalkeeper Melissa Guglielmo was named East Defensive Player of the Week for her five save effort.

TSF Academy also did well in their last match, as they would score three unanswered goals to ruin the New England Mutiny’s weekend for their first UWS East win, 3-1. Natalie Melillo tied the match at 1-1 for the Valkyries in the 35th minute. Melillo chipped her shot over Mutiny keeper Anne-Marie Ulliac as she ran out to stop the scoring opportunity. Nickolette Driesse’s free kick in the 48th minute won the match and her strong overall play got her honored as the East Offensive Player of the Week. Melissa Kelly scored her first goal of the season in the 88th minute.

Real Salt Lake Women vs. Colorado Pride (6:00 PM MDT)
Venue:
East High School
840 1300 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84102

The Real Salt Lake Women had an opportunity this past Saturday to stake an early claim to the UWS West title, but their prospects came up just a bit short as they scored first but gave up two goals to the host Santa Clarita Blue Heat (2-1-2) in a 2-1 loss. RSL have a chance to get right back on track as they host the Colorado Storm, who they defeated by a 2-1 score on Sunday, June 19th. But even though the Storm have a losing record, another victory for the Real Women is no easy proposition.

The Storm took the lead in the team’s first meeting in the 33rd minute, as Sadie Stark tallied her second goal of the season on an assist from Elizabeth Sweeney. The tactical adjustments at halftime for RSL Head Coach Mark Davis paid dividends, as sub Jess Vanderveur came through in the 64th minute with the tying goal - her third of the season and second in as many games. After the second mandatory water break, substitute forward Kim Gale scored the game-winner past Storm keeper Jalen Tompkins (six saves) in the 76th minute.

Simply put, the Storm are a tough opponent in a strong top-to-bottom conference. RSL will have their hands full as they prepare to jot down the early mark in the West title race. Real Salt Lake will be the first team to complete their season schedule. After tomorrow’s match, they host the Colorado Pride (2-2) on July 7th in their final regular season game of 2016. A potential 5-2-1 record may be good enough to win the West, but the Blue Heat can still overtake RSL if they win out. The Pride have full control of their title fate but need to go undefeated in their final four games.

About United Women’s Soccer (UWS): UWS is a national women’s soccer league sanctioned by U.S. Soccer through the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). UWS is a professionally operated league created for teams that meet high minimum standards. The season runs from May until the end of July, culminating in a National Championship match. The UWS player pool is comprised of college players, aspiring & former professionals and international stars. You can follow UWS on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

UWS is managed by EDP, a leading soccer management company that runs a number of leagues and tournaments. In addition to UWS, EDP operates youth leagues that includes an NPL league, the EDP Super Club program, the EDP Premier League and the EDP Championship League. EDP also runs EDP Futures programs for U-7’s to U-12’s and it conducts more than 20 youth tournaments, including tournaments within its EDP Cup Series and EDP Showcase Series.

Media can contact UWS Director of Communications Jorma Kansanen by e-mail at Press@UWSSoccer.com. You can visit the league’s official website at UWSSoccer.com. Interested team applicants can contact League Commissioner Joe Ferrara by e-mail at Joe@UWSSoccer.com.

Tag(s): News |   LI Rough Riders  TSF Academy  Colorado Storm  Real Salt Lake