The Washington Freedom clinched a playoff spot in the Women's Professional Soccer postseason Saturday, defeating Sky Blue FC by a 3-1 count at the Maryland SoccerPlex to claim the #3 seed and first round home advantage against the eventual #4 seed.
Abby Wambach scored the deciding first two goals for the Freedom in the 19th and 48th respectively minutes to seal the outcome. Sky Blue FC narrowed the margin on a Rosana goal before Wambach assisted on the Freedom's final tally in the 53rd minute by Lisa De Vanna.
Despite losing, the New Jersey-based Sky Blue qualified for the playoffs as that eventual #4 seed after Boston was unable to win Sunday. Thus the Freedom & Sky Blue will be rematched Saturday back at Maryland SoccerPlex to open postseason play. The start time is set for 4 p.m. Barring a change, the local Comcast SportsNet telecast will be delayed to 7 p.m. due to a conflict with D.C. United.
Under WPS' unique postseason format, the winner of the Freedom/Sky Blue seed match will play at #2 seed Saint Louis the following Wednesday in a super semifinal for the right to meet at #1 seed Los Angeles in the league championship game.Labels: sports, washington freedom, women's pro soccer
