Boston Legacy FC returns to action Saturday in what will be a preseason rematch against the Chicago Stars.
The Legacy beat the Stars 3-1 in a scrimmage back in February, but has yet to translate its preseason success to the regular season. Chicago is currently 15th in the league with one win and four losses. Boston has a game in hand and sits at the bottom of the table with zero points. It is the only team that has not won a match.
Players spent the last three weeks in training while six others were away on international duty. Several thought the break from competition came at a convenient time and gave the squad an opportunity to reflect on and improve their game. Head Coach Filipa Patão took advantage of the pause to continue building chemistry and work on finishing in the final third, as well as general execution.
She also had the chance to add certain players to the mix. In a scrimmage against the Boston Dream last week, defender Laís Araújo played at center back and had newly-signed Sam Angel as her leftback.
Araújo started the season sidelined with a thigh injury, but the Brazilian will finally be available for Saturday’s match. This will be her fourth season under Patão’s tutelage. The pair were previously at Benfica, where they won three consecutive league titles.
Araújo was also part of the squad that made club history by making it to the Champions League quarterfinals. Patão has said that the defender’s decision-making, something the team has notably struggled with, is a characteristic that sets her apart.
Sam Angel’s first availability as a Swan will be against her former club. Angel is on loan from the Stars until the end of July and is a much needed addition to the Legacy’s defensive depth as Nicki Hernandez (thigh) and Kaká (ankle) remain injured.
The head coach values her versatility and says the left-footed defender can play as a winger or fullback depending on the team’s shape.
“She can bring us speed on the wing, [and] capacity to play and to build if we need,” the coach told The Blazing Musket Thursday. “[She] can be useful for us since we lost Nicki for some time.”
Only Hernandez and Kaká are ruled out for the game.
The Stars
Aside from a 2-1 victory against the Kansas City Current, Chicago is having an unfavorable start to the season and appears to be a work in progress. Its roster has been marred by several injuries and there may be some rotation going on as goalkeeper Katie Atkinson was favored over veteran Alyssa Naeher in the last game. Naeher had previously conceded 10 goals over four games.
The Stars recently signed forward Jordan Huitema in an attempt to amp up its offense. She only appeared in the first two games and scored one goal before sustaining a hip injury. Saturday’s game will be the first time she’s available in over a month.
The club has also been looking to improve on keeping possession, pressing higher, and having a more physical defense.
The following Chicago players will be out for the game:
Bea Franklin (Concussion Protocol)
Jameese Joseph (Lower Leg)
Natalia Kuikka (Knee - SEI)
Halle Mackiewicz (Hand - D45)
Brianna Pinto (Foot)
Mallory Swanson (Maternity Leave)
Taylor Wood (Knee)
