The Boston Breakers were awful by June of last season, we knew that. Some non-playoff teams needed retooling. The Houston Dash needs a better defense. FC Kansas City needs a potent attack.
The Boston Breakers New Crew Members Assigned After Last Year’s Perfect Storm
Boston needs several tools to overhaul the team.
The Breakers acquired the ladies or whatever your adjective have a better season. Boston’s defense and attack offered no hope for optimism. The new signings and resigning can make the Breakers playoff contending if they click quickly.
Allysha Chapman- Fullback
The easiest way to win is to defend. The Canadian international is savvy and has a winning mentality. The bronze medal Olympic winner is a “threat going forward” manager Matt Beard proclaimed on www.bostonbreakers.com
Boston scored the fewest goals while conceding the most goals in the league last season. Chapman’s attacking ability can kickstart an anemic offense.
Megan Oyster- Center Back
Megan was the Washington Spirit defender of the year in 2015. She played every game that year. Oyster’s midseason slump last season got her traded to Boston for Kristie Mewis and Kissey Kellman.
Megan struggled to fit Jim Gabarra’s possession based system. Her position with the Breakers will be more conventional as she would disrupt the opponents’ attack.
Amanda DaCosta- Midfielder
Matt Beard and Amanda DaCosta won back to back FA WSL titles at Liverpool in 2013 and 2014. The Chicago Red Stars manager Rory Dames signed DaCosta as an attacking midfielder in 2015. She is used as a defensive midfielder on the Portuguese national team.
Amanda’s versatility is essential for the development of the next player mentioned:
Rose Lavelle-Midfielder
The first overall pick. That’s not a blessing, it’s an obligation. Rose has great vision, a velvet touch, and a great awareness with or without the ball.
She has potential, but untested against opponents playing for their livelihood. Lavelle just needs to play well enough to be considered a superstar in the future. Her success could make Boston a playoff contender, her failure will give the Breakers a high draft pick.
Emilie Haavi- Forward
Emilie was a great goal scorer for LSK Kinner in Norway’s top division. Haavi amassed 49 goals in 83 matches as Beard describes her as an “exciting, pacey winger” on www.bentmusket.com . Emilie’s alleged exciting style will be challenged by the environment of the NWSL
If Haavi lives up to the hype she will be missed. The Norwegian international will be playing at the Women’s Euro Tournament in August. A risky signing for Boston to make.
Natasha Dowie- Forward
Natasha scored three goals last season which led the team. Her locker room presence is more impressive. Dowie’s an “infectious person” and her hard work “will rub off on some of the players” Beard praised on www.nwslsoccer.com.
Someone else can emerge to provide a new hope for the Boston Breakers. Julie King may inspire the squad. Fellow rookie Morgan Andrews could impress us more than Lavelle.
Boston needs to find an identity. They should play not to be ignored, whether it’s withstanding the tide or becoming one.
