Breakers Beat Fever in Home Finale

Katie Schoepfer’s 13th minute goal gave the Breakers a lead it would not relinquish in Saturday’s 2-0 win over the Philadelphia Fever before a seventh straight sellout at Dilboy Stadium.

Schoepfer’s seventh goal of the season lifted the Breakers early while Courtney Jones added an insurance goal in the 42nd minute to give the hosts a convincing win in their home finale.

“We were just hoping to keep the ball moving, open up seams, and then take our chances,” Breakers Head Coach Lisa Cole said. “It was important to get the W.”

The Breakers dominated the game by winning the edge in shots by an overwhelming 23-1. Bianca D’Agostino took the first crack at frame in the fourth minute when she hit the post. But the Breakers didn’t have to wait long to take the lead. In the 13th minute, Katie Schoepfer scored from the penalty spot.

In the 42nd minute, Jones scored her second goal of the season by finishing a play set up by Schoepfer and Osborne. Though Jones has played in defense all season, the former striker Tar Heel striker rarely shied away from an opportunity to get forward.

“Their defense was all in the box and a little unorganized, so (Schoepfer) passed it to Leslie, but then she got stuck,” Jones said. “I usually hang out with (Taryn Hemmings) in the back, but I went up a little farther, got it from Leslie, their defender came out, I took a touch from the right, hit it, and prayed for the best.”

The Breakers wrap up the regular season against the Western New York Flash on Jul. 22 with first place at stake. Both teams sit at 30 points, and the winner will play the fourth seed in a Jul. 25 semi-final.