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Breakers Reserves Enter WPSL Playoffs, Provide Hope for Future

Although the Breakers senior squad has struggled to show growth following a middle-of-the-road freshman campaign, the reserve squad has taken off, entering the postseason on the cusp of a 9-0-1 season.

By Nick Hemming
Boston Breakers Soccer

At the senior level, Tom Durkin's squad has failed to meet expectations; even those who projected a sophomore slump envisioned a more productive campaign. But throughout the course of the 2014 season, the Breakers Reserves have offered signs of hope, earning 28 points in 10 WPSL matches.

On Saturday, Frankie D'Agostino's team will take their first-place finish in the New England division to Maryland, where the club will compete in the first round of the WPSL playoffs. Fellow playoff-bound clubs ASA Charge (South Atlantic), CFC Passion (Mid Atlantic) and New York Athletic Club (Tri State), as well as the Breakers Reserves, have their sights on the WPSL title game, which will take place on July 26 and 27.

Though all eyes will focus on the Reserves through their postseason run, the Breakers College Academy also completed a memorable WPSL campaign. On the back of former Boston College forward Stephanie McCaffrey (7 goals, 1 assist), the Breakers Academy finished second in the New England division, posting a 7-1-2 record.

So, what does this mean for the future of the ninth-placed Breakers?

For starters, it serves as a testament to the quality of players behind Durkin's top-level talent. Rachel Wood, who scored twice for the Reserves last week, recently earned a call-up to the senior squad. Texas Christian University all-time scorer Elizabeth Karoly led the Reserves with eight goals and two assists, while fellow forward Jasmin Corniel, a Fairfield University graduate, contributed seven goals of her own.

Without question, Karoly and Corniel represent the upper-echelon of WPSL talent. Could they follow in Wood's footsteps? Only time will tell, though Durkin and D'Agostino appear to covet the reserve system--and have shown considerable interest in turning reserve stars into NWSL contributors. As Durkin continues to groom his pool of rookie talent, look for Karoly and Corniel to earn attention from the senior squad; they just may battle for playing time in 2015.

While the Breakers look to salvage a disappointing 2014 season, the Breakers Reserves will vie for the 2014 WPSL title, bringing a much-deserved championship to Boston. Track all the action on WPSL.info and stay tuned as the 2014 playoffs push onward.

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