July 17, 2010 THE GAME TO WIN Riley pegs hopes on beating Gold Pride
By Charles Cuttone Executive Editor
Independence coach Paul Riley says Saturday’s crucial match against FC Gold Pride will be “a chance for Lyndsey Patterson to show what she can do.” Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images
Philadelphia Independence coach Paul Riley knows if his team is going to be a serious contender in Women’s Professional Soccer, they are going to have to knock off Bay Area FC Gold Pride. They get a second chance to that on Saturday night in the league- leading team’s home stadium (10pm ET).
“If we are going to be legitimate contenders,” said Riley, “This is the game to win.”
“We’re going to attack them,” said Riley. “We’re going to go after the game, and hopefully get the three points. I think most teams probably come here to look for a draw, or to get something out of the game. With me, it’s a win. The only way we can catch them is to win.”
Riley will have to do it without four of his starters. Amy Rodriguez, Lori Lindsey and Heather Mitts are with the U.S. Women’s National Team for a game against Sweden on Saturday in Hartford, Conn. Riley was also expecting to be without Caroline Seger, but she has rejoined the team after duty with Sweden earlier this week. Sarah Larsson will miss the game with an injury.
“I think if they win tomorrow, they’re gone,” Riley said of Gold Pride.
“It’s a chance for Lyndsey Patterson to show what she can do. She’s had some great practices the last couple of weeks. Danesha Adams is going to get another chance tomorrow.”
Gold Pride’s national team losses are in back, in the form of starting goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart, defender Rachel Buehler and holding midfielder Shannon Boxx. So far this season, however, Gold Pride has operated under the philosophy that the best defense is a good offense, and they have the league’s most lethal scoring tandem in Marta (10 goals) and Christine Sinclair (7 goals, five assists). They shredded the Independence backline and victimized goalkeeper Karina Le Blanc for three goals when the teams last met, on June 13, handing the Independence their first home loss of the season (3-1).
“We’ve obviously got to take care of the Marta situation. She’s had too much freedom in this league.” said Riley, “but I think they’re vulnerable in the back.”
Riley said it’s tough being an expansion team and having to play such a crucial game without four starters.
“But we’ve got some fresh legs.”
One major change from the last few games, will be at goalkeeper, where Riley will start Val Henderson. “We’re in California, we’re in her territory, and we’ve given up some soft goals recently and I think it’s a good time for a change.
“When the players are in a slump, I think you have to leave them out,” said Riley, who can ill afford to have anyone in a slump Saturday night.
