Los Angeles Sol Clinch First-Ever WPS Playoff Berth

The Los Angeles Sol became the first WPS team to make it to the playoffs this past weekend after a 4-0 win over Chicago. A 2-1 Saint Louis win ensured the team a trip to the post-season.

With the inaugural Women’s Professional Soccer playoffs just over a month away, the race is getting tighter for six clubs. The Los Angeles Sol has already secured a position in the playoffs after last weekend’s performance. The 4-0 win over the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday combined with Saint Louis Athletica’s 2-1 win over Sky Blue FC ensured the club a spot in the post-season.

“Though we are certainly pleased to be the first team in WPS to reach the playoffs, our work here is far from done,” said Los Angeles Sol General Manager Charlie Naimo.  “From the outset, we have set the goal of bringing a championship to all the soccer fans that support us throughout the Southland.”

The Sol has been dominant since day one. The club has outscored opponents 23 to 5, an 18-goal margin. L.A. has also posted 11 shutouts. Goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc is heads above the rest with five goals allowed in 14 games for a 0.36 goals-allowed average. The Sol is currently on a 10-game unbeaten streak. And just because they’ve clinched a playoff spot, doesn’t mean they’ll slow down.

Four teams will advance to the WPS Playoffs. The top team will end the season as the WPS Regular Season Champion and will host the WPS Championship. The top team will receive a double bye and play in only the Championship match.

In the first round of playoff action, the No. 4 team will play at the No. 3 team on August 15th. On August 22nd, the No. 2 team, which receives a bye in the first round, will host the winner of No. 3-No. 4 in the Super Semifinal. The winner of the Super Semifinal then goes on to play the No. 1 team in the WPS Championship.

As of June 30, 2009 the Sol (10-1-4, 34 points) sits comfortably in first place. The Boston Breakers (5-4-3, 18 points) sit in second place. Saint Louis Athletica (5-5-2, 17 points) is in third place. And the Washington Freedom (4-4-4, 16 points) are in fourth place. The bottom three teams, Sky Blue FC (3-6-3, 12 points), FC Gold Pride (3-6-3, 12 points) and Chicago Red Stars (2-6-5, 11 points) are not eliminated yet. A couple of wins for any of them and they’re right back in the playoff hunt.

Goal.com

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