Breakers 2013 Season Recap: A Season of Adversity

2013 Player Awards

Player of the Year: Heather O'Reilly, Midfielder

O'Reilly contributed five goals and six assists during a consistently brilliant NWSL campaign, turning in a trio of game-winning tallies along the way. Frontrunner Sydney Leroux may have received this season's goal-scoring credit, but O'Reilly all-too-often completed the dirty work, providing the Breakers with creativity behind a loaded front line. Sometimes the quiet superstars make all the difference.

Breakers 1-2 Western New York Flash

Abby Wambach turned in a performance to be expected from the best women's player in the world and helped sink the Breakers.

Golden Boot: Sydney Leroux, Forward

Although the U.S. International disappeared at times, Leroux served as Boston's most consistent goal-scoring threat, tying Abby Wambach for second on the NWSL table with 11 goals. Leroux's four game-winners topped the NWSL scoring chart.

Model of Consistency: Lianne Sanderson, Forward

Sanderson shined as a member of Boston's prolific attack, recording five goals and seven assists in 2013. The London native showed tenacity and grit running beside Leroux and Kyah Simon, constantly pushing the Breakers into goal-scoring position. Even when her running mates faded, Sanderson provided a reliable attacking threat.

Unsung Heroine: Jazmyne Avant, Defender

Avant joined the Breakers in late June after an inconsistent run with Portland, immediately earning a starting role along Boston's back line. The ex-Florida Gator used her speed to join the attack, track back with forwards and recover with ease, providing unforeseen value for a once-porous Breakers defense. After appearing in four games with Portland, Avant started 11 consecutive matches in Breakers blue.

2013 Season Recap

The Good

In 2013, the Breakers failed to raise their white flag, using adversity to grow into a resilient group. Defender Jazmyne Avant solidified Boston's shaky back line; backup goalkeeper Ashley Phillips provided quality and depth behind injury-ridden starter Alyssa Naeher; attackers Sydney Leroux, Lianne Sanderson and Heather O'Reilly consistently threatened opposing defenses; and captain Cat Whitehill instilled an uncommon sense of pride in her team, filling in for Head Coach Lisa Cole, who parted ways with Boston in early August. Though the Breakers failed to qualify for the postseason  -  just six points separated Boston from fourth-place Sky Blue FC  -  they earned recognition as a never-say-die club who fought until the very end of a disappointing season.

The Bad

At times, the Breakers fell into offensive and defensive inconsistencies, failing to find a steady rhythm. The addition of Avant and fellow defender Carmelina Moscato helped Boston's back line move in the right direction, though the unit never seemed fully comfortable. Even the Breakers strongest units  -  their forwards and attacking midfielders  -  sputtered, disappearing in several crucial matches. Ex-skipper Cole constantly preached the importance of complete performances; it took the Breakers until August, and Cole's departure, to listen.

The Future

Before making any on-field adjustments, the Breakers will need to hire a long-term head coach. Captain Cat Whitehill's late-season success has many wondering if the center back will permanently move onto the sideline, though Whitehill seemed content providing leadership along the back line. This team has a lot of hope to hold on to  -  Whitehill's club turned in several complete performances near the end of 2013, a task Cole consistently failed to accomplish  -  and the return of U.S. Internationals Sydney Leroux and Heather O'Reilly bodes well for Boston's prolific attack. If the Breakers can consistently play until the final moments, and if Boston's front office can locate a steady coaching option, expect the Breakers to enter the playoff picture in 2014.

Agree with our analysis? Think we missed the mark with our player awards? Drop a comment below to continue the conversation.

More from The Bent Musket:

• Juan Agudelo's Ridiculous Chip Against the Chicago Fire
• Breakers 1-2 Western New York Flash: Early Goals Doom Breakers in Road Defeat
• Revolution 2-0 Fire: Agudelo Wonder-Goal Earns Vital Three Points for New England
• Revolution vs. Fire 2013: Lineups and Live Game Thread Part Deux
• Revolution 2-0 Fire: Full Fixture Coverage