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On Friday, the Breakers began their off-season roster overhaul, waiving defender/midfielder Jo Dragotta and declining the club option on backup goalkeeper Ashley Phillips.
Dragotta, the 21st overall pick in the 2013 NWSL draft, appeared in just one match for the Breakers last season. The former Florida Gator standout scored seven goals and contributed 11 assists as a first-team all SEC (Southeastern Conference) selection in 2012.
Phillips' campaign began in 2009, when the Berverly, Mass. native joined the Breakers as a developmental player. Phillips started 11 matches in 2013 - three more than starter Alyssa Naeher - earning a 2-5-4 record and 1.82 goals against average. Naeher, by comparison, finished with a 4-2-2 record, allowing just 1.22 goals per match.
Although Dragotta provided the Breakers with strong collegiate credentials, her lack of playing time made Boston's decision fairly straightforward. The move to part ways with Phillips, who showcased flexibility and resilience behind the oft-injured Naeher last season, comes as more of a surprise. The statistics tell only a fraction of the story for Boston's backup, who turned in several solid fill-in performances in 2013.
Stay tuned for team and player analysis as the Breakers diver deeper into the offseason.