Boston continues to be the bogey team for the Independence, as the Breakers finished the season undefeated against Philadelphia.  Joanna Lohman opened the scoring for the Independence on 16 minutes, before Stephanie Cox equalized in the 34th minute for Boston.  But it was a Kelly Smith penalty on 60 minutes that sealed the points for the Breakers, and pulled them to within 2 points of Philly in the playoff race with a game in hand.

Philadelphia was on the front foot to start the game and were rightly rewarded for their efforts.  Amy Rodriguez dummied a ball from Lori Lyndsay on the top of the box, where it ran to Lohman.  Lohman’s one touch pass put Rodriguez in on goal, where she slammed a right footed shot off the far post.  The rebound landed in the path of Lohman who half volleyed in from close range.  But the lead would last less than 20 minutes, as Stephanie Cox curled a Kristine Lilly corner kick into the top corner of the Independence net.  The Boston come back was complete when Kelly Smith stroked home a coolly hit penalty after Lauren Cheney was pulled down in the box.  The penalty for Smith was really her only sniff at the Independence goal all night, as Jen Buczkowski kept the Boston star at bay for most of the match, never missing an opportunity to knock her down.  Philadelphia had chances to level the match again, and a goal from Caroline Seger was waved off for offsides on 74 minutes.

The win for Boston puts them within 2 points of the Independence for the crucial 2nd place position and a home game in the playoffs.  Boston still has 3 games remaining while Philly only has 2.  Wednesday’s game against already eliminated Chicago is now an important one for Philly, as they finish up the regular season travelling to first place FC Gold Pride, another team they haven’t beaten all season.  It seems like the Independence just can’t find the final few points to guarantee themselves that 2nd spot, after throwing away points for the 2nd week in a row.

Fox Soccer Channel proved they are equally inept at broadcasting women’s soccer as they are at showing the men’s game.  Numerous times, replays were shown while live play was happening.  I suppose it’s a good thing that they don’t discriminate.