WPS showdown

Okay, Michelle made her picks (see her blog) so I had to make mine. Granted, she follows this much more closely than I do, but I, too, have some thoughts about the final rankings of the first WPS season, based solely on the recent allocation.

1. Sky Blue FC: Rampone, O'Reilly, Kai--You have experience and leadership in the backfield and pure fun up front...my pick to win (Michelle's pick: 1)
2. Chicago Red Stars: Lloyd, Markgraf, Tarpley--you have Rampone's counterpart in the backfield in Markgraf, as well as my new hero, Carli Lloyd...I think they'll make a run for the top (Michelle's pick: 3)
3. Los Angeles: Boxx, Cox, Wagner--Boxxy is who could knock this team to the front if she is on her game. I'm giving them the tie-breaker over Washington, but it's close (Michelle's pick: 4).
4. Washington Freedom: Krieger, Wambach, Whitehill--don't know much about Krieger, but Abby will make this fun (ironically, Freedom STILL gets THE face of women's soccer)...I'm torn on this one, but they barely fall behind LA (Michelle's pick: 2)
   
5. Boston Breakers: Hucles, Lilly, Mitts--yay for Kristine Lilly making a post-baby comeback. Heather Mitts should give them experience in the back, but not much speed. Hucles played well in the Games, so if they get good additions from other sources, they could be a better contender (Michelle's pick: 5).
6. St. Louis: Solo, Chalupny, Ellertson--I like Lori Chalupny, and with Solo anchoring here, St. Louis might be able to surprise, but it might be too little to work with compared to the other teams (Michelle's pick: 6).
7. Bay Area: Barnhart, Buehler, Osborne--"a fairly definitive last place". Agreed. Bay Area maybe got the shaft...or maybe they have given these players a chance to shine. But still last. (Michelle's pick: 7)

So there you have it. We're not much different, but this is me putting it in writing so we can fight about it in a year when the season ends. Loser has to buy the winner a new jersey. Just kidding. Maybe an ice cream.