Breakers vs. Western New York Flash 2013: Match Preview

Boston Breakers at Western New York Flash

8/17/13, 8 PM

Sahlen's Stadium, Rochester, NY

FOX Soccer Channel

Current Form:

The suddenly resilient Breakers won again on Saturday, using a 65^th minute game-winner from Sydney Leroux to earn a stunning 1-0 victory. That's three results in a row for Cat Whitehill's crew, who seem content playing for pride in Saturday's season finale. A third consecutive win would enable the Breakers (8-7-6) to end the season on a four-game high.

Breaking Down the Coaching Transition

Lisa Cole's sudden removal as head coach of the Breakers was big news several weeks ago, but newly-promoted Player-Coach and team captain Cat Whitehill has guided Boston to three straight positive results.

Last Five: L-W-D-W-W

After losing to Seattle on July 11, the Flash found their rhythm, earning six consecutive results to claim second place on the NWSL table. A 0-0 draw with Portland on Saturday continued the streak, though Abby Wambach's side will need to beat Boston this weekend to guarantee a number two seed. Western New York (9-4-8) will earn the top playoff spot with a win and a Kansas City loss.

Last Five: W-W-D-W-D

What to Watch For:

Despite squandering a 2-0 lead in their last matchup with Western New York, the Breakers have proven time and time again that pride serves as a powerful motivator. On Saturday, Breakers supporters will continue to track interim coach Cat Whitehill's success, seeking an undefeated 2013 coaching tenure. In order to spoil Western New York's drive for first place  -  and end 2013 in top form  -  the Breakers will need to replicate Saturday's 1-0 win over FCKC: strong combination play between forwards Sydney Leroux and Kyah Simon, gritty defending from Jazmyne Avant and the rest of her back line, and the never-die attitude Whitehill has instilled in her fifth-place side.

For Western New York and the league's top-rated offense, Saturday's matchup holds significant playoff implications. Just four weeks ago, the Flash worked to fend off Boston and the claim the fourth spot on the NWSL table; on Saturday, they will play for the top seed in women's soccer, using an attacking clinic from forwards Abby Wambach and Carli Lloyd to continually push through opposing defenses. Without question, Wambach and co. will threaten Whitehill's consecutive results streak, requiring a standout performance from Boston's back line to deny Western New York a home result.

Tune in to FOX Soccer to watch Saturday's nationally-televised season finale.

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• USA 4-3 Bosnia-Herzegovina: Altidore Runs Rampant as the United States Come From Behind in Europe
• USA vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina 2013: Lineups and Live Match Thread