Thursday, April 16, 2009
By: Rich Fernandez
 

So far in this short inaugural WPS season Brazilian sensation Marta and her Los Angeles Sol team is a perfect 2-0.  In the inaugural match between Sol and the Washington Freedom many soccer fans saw the brilliance and explosion we’ve been accustomed to seeing in Marta, and this past week her ability to take over a game was on display when her two goals against Sky Blue FC made the difference in a 2-0 victory in that game.  Marta showed the world what she had when she torched the US Women’s National team during the 2007 World Cup match between the US and Brazil in Beijing China.  The question all coaches and teams in the WPS are asking themselves and trying to figure out is just how do you defend against Marta? 

Sky Blue FC and Coach Ian Sawyer thought they had the answer in Christie Rampone, and in fact they were able to keep Marta in check that is until Rampone went down with a hamstring injury. Marta found her groove and put two in the back of the net to pace the Sol to a 2-0 victory over Sky Blue. 

For the FC Gold Pride and Coach Albertin Montoya their strategy and game plan for Marta will be put to the test on Sunday, April 19^th at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.  FC Gold Pride Brazilian trio of Formiga, Erica and Adriane along with Assistant Coach Sissi know Marta all to well, but unlike the fans and many in the WPS they really aren’t focused too much on Marta for their upcoming match with the Sol.

“We all know that Marta is a special player but we don’t have to necessarily worry or think about one player     because LA has so many good players,” Sissi started to explain.  “Of course we have to pay attention to her, and not give her the time and a chance to receive the ball without challenging.  We know she can make plays, but we can’t go in there and worry about stopping just Marta.  Formiga, Erica and Adriane know that Marta alone can’t win or lose the game for LA; it takes a team to win and lose.  LA has a very solid team and it will be a great game because I feel that we are a solid team as well” elaborated Sissi”

The Brazilian Trio isn’t really doing anything special in their preparation. “We don’t have to necessarily worry about Marta. We’ll enjoy seeing her but we can’t solely focus on her” added Formiga as both Erica and Adriane nodded their heads in agreement.

Anyway you look at it Marta is a very special player, but you have to agree with what the Brazilians on the Pride have to say.  She is a game changer and can do some amazing things with the ball, but it takes eleven on the soccer pitch to get it done and when the Pride face the Sol this weekend it’ll be 11 vs 11.  Both of these teams have some highly talented players and it’ll be a battle the entire 90 minutes of the match.   I know Marta will be the focus of every team that plays the Sol, but don’t forget the other 10 players on her side because if you do it’ll be a long day for you on the pitch against the Sol. 

COMING UP NEXT WEEK:  Look for an exclusive sit down interview BASD had with Formiga, Erica, Adriane and Sissi.