Team History: The Boston Breakers are not really a “new” team in all respects. They were actually a charter member of the WUSA as well and played three seasons in that league until it suspended operations in 2003. Joe Cummings is the suit in charge, and he was one of the leaders who helped bring women’s soccer back to the US.
The Coach: The Breakers have one of the best coaches in the league in Tony DiCiccio. DiCiccio used to be the coach of the US Women’s National Team and he is still that team’s winningest coach. He coached the 1999 World Cup team that greatly popularized women’s soccer in America. He served as a commissioner of the WUSA for two years too.
The Players: The Breakers have a strong core of players who should make them a dangerous team to contend with right off that bat. Angela Hucles is a rising star for the Nats, and Heather Mitts and Kristine Lilly are experienced vets with a lot left in the tank. Kristin Luckenbill is also a very able goalkeeper. Brazilian Fabiana is great too, but injured.
The Venue: The Breakers will probably look like an intelligent team on the field, so it is only fitting they are playing their home games at Harvard Stadium. The Stadium, which holds more than 30,000 fans, is over 100 years old and also hosts the games of the Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse and, of course, those of the Harvard Crimson.
The Prediction: With DiCiccio holding the reins and Lilly leading the team on the field, there are few teams in the league with more experience than the Breakers. I think they will be one of the top teams in the league in 2009. They also have some good young players, like crafty forward Amy Rodriguez. I think they will make the playoffs in ’09.
