As much as one can hype a W-League game, a biggie is tonight

By: Melissa | June 18th, 2008

That’s right folks, if there ever was a clash of the titans in this league, you’re getting it tonight when the Jersey Sky Blue take on defending league champions, the Washington Freedom. And it’s a battle for Sky Blue to gain a playoffs spot too boot. Here are the details from the USL website:

Wednesday’s matchup will be important for the playoff hopes of both teams as Washington enters in second place at 4-1-1 with 13 points. Sky Blue is not far behind at 3-1-1 for 10 points and fifth place in the Northeast Division. The Boston Renegades have the early lead in the division at 6-1 for 18 points with the top three teams in the division qualifying for the postseason. Sky Blue currently has the least number of games played of any team in the division with five.

This could be a real nail biter for NJ fans and WPS fans (both clubs will play in WPS next year). So if you are in the area of Madison, NJ around 7:30, I say head on over to Drew University’s Ranger Stadium and check out the action. Or, the audio webcast will be available at SkyBlueSoccer.com

In other news, CONCACAF Qualifying for the 2008 U20 Women’s World Cup begins today with the US taking on Trinidad & Tobago at 1pm C.T. Apparently concacaf.com will be streaming the matches (click on the “competitions” link). And on June 17th, our ladies in Korea beat Brazil 1-0 to put the US at the top of their group. The match report is here. A win or a tie against Italy on June 19th will send the US to the finals. Or, if Brazil tie Australia, the US are in the finals before they even set foot on the pitch to face Italy. Huzzah.

And also a big time shout out to ingenuity and initiative. Local San Diego soccer coach, Platini Soaf, put together a modest group of investors and is now hoping to start the San Diego WPS franchise for the 2009 season. He says the likelihood for a San Diego team is now “between 50 and 75 percent.” Tonya Antonucci says, “I don’t think it’s premature. They are getting close. It’s exciting stuff.” Apparently Soaf has about one month left to secure one more local investor to ensure his team will play in 2009.

Going to the Arsenal game? Find out how to get to North London and where to stay near Emirates Stadium.
Buy tickets to Arsenal games.