Sue Weber tackles the ball away from Marta during a previous Sol/Breakers match.

(Aug. 7, 2009) – While the Los Angeles Sol have secured a bye into the 2009 WPS Championship presented by MedImmune, their opponent this Sunday – a team they have not beat – is still looking to lock up a playoff spot.  The Boston Breakers host the Sol for the second time this year on Sunday in a pivotal match for the Breakers and the last time the Sol will play a WPS team until the final game (6pm ET/3pm PT on Fox Soccer Channel and webcast at http://www.womensprosoccer.com/Home/video/webcast.aspx).

The Boston Breakers playoff hopes seemed bright in mid-July but then they stumbled in the final stretch of the season.  Going 0-2-1 in their last three matches, the Breakers missed every opportunity they had during that time to clinch a playoff position. Scoring has proved to be the hardest task for the Breakers recently. They have not netted a goal since July 19 in a 1-0 victory overt FC Gold Pride.

“We are going into the game to win, so there is no new strategy there,” said Boston Breakers captain Kristine Lilly. “For us it is important to finish the chances we get and then even more so create more chances for us to score. Our finishing hasn’t been the best, but we are working to make that possible.”

Boston must win in order to control its playoff destiny. The only other scenario in which Boston could grab a playoff position would be if Sky Blue FC defeats the Washington Freedom on Saturday and the Breakers tie the Sol on Sunday.  (View the full playoff scenarios.)

The team they must defeat on Sunday holds the best record in the WPS regular season.  But, if any team is up for the challenge, it is the Breakers. In a home and away series in May, Boston defeated the Sol, 2-1, at Harvard Stadium and then tied them, 0-0, the following week at the Home Depot Center.

Los Angeles, meanwhile, is attempting to shake off a late-season slump.  The Sol have played just three games since July 8, going  0-2-1, which includes a 0-0 tie against last-place FC Gold Pride and a 3-1 loss to the sixth-place Chicago Red Stars. 

Even though the Sol has clinched home field advantage for the 2009 WPS Championship, the final regular season match against Boston will rest heavy on the team as it is the last chance to boost the team’s confidence after a slow July.

“I think everything is important for us right now – practices, scrimmages, and games,” said Sol goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc.  “Boston needs a result and so do we, but that is what is exciting about this league and every game. I think the fans will get a great game because it has become like a playoff game so I am sure both teams are looking forward to it.”

Fans will get a chance to see these two teams go head to head for the first time on television this Sunday on Fox Soccer Channel at 6 pm EST/3 pm PT.  The match will also be webcast at womensprosoccer.com. 

Will Boston put an end to their scoring woes and clinch a playoff spot? Or will Los Angeles get back on track and defeat the Breakers for the first time this year?