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NWSL: Boston Breakers – 2017 Season Preview

By Eric Harris

Apr 6, 2017; Frisco, TX, USA; USA midfielder Rose Lavelle (16) controls the ball in the first half against Russia midfielder Elena Morozova (23) in the first half at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; Frisco, TX, USA; USA midfielder Rose Lavelle (16) controls the ball in the first half against Russia midfielder Elena Morozova (23) in the first half at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Breakers had a season to forget in 2016, so they’re starting 2017 with a completely revamped roster.

There’s no way walk around it, 2016 was ugly for the Boston Breakers. Last season they scored 14 goals (which was last in the league), allowed 47 goals (also last), and only managed to get any kind of result in five of their 20 matches.

Their leading goal scorer had three and their second leading scorer was a centerback.

Last season

Record: 3-15-2 (11 points)

Finishing Position: 10th

Postseason: n/a

Enough about last season. 2017 is a new year for Boston and Matt Beard has made a complete overhaul to the roster. The most notable addition is top pick in the NWSL Draft, Rose Lavelle. The 21-year-old is just coming off taking the USWNT by storm in their two friendlies against Russia.

In addition to Lavelle, the Breakers will hope to get more offensive production from fellow rookie Morgan Andrews, Adriana Leon, and Emilie Haavi, once she returns from injury.

The midfield will be completely revamped, Angela Salem is the only midfielder returning from 2016. Amanda DaCosta was brought in to help in that department. She has previous experience with Beard at Liverpool and has featured in all preseason matches thus far.

The backline will need to replace Whitney Engen, who is no longer playing. The most likely replacement will be Megan Oyster who just made her debut with the USWNT. Canadian International Allysha Chapman will also look to solidify their backline.

In the net, Abby Smith played two matches in 2016 before a knee injury ended her season. She is back in action and has started all three preseason games.

Players Out:

  • Ghoutia Karchouni (Declined)
  • Jami Kranich (Declined)
  • Elisa Kreighoff (Signed with Vålerenga)
  • Whitney Engen (Retired)
  • Kassey Kallman (Traded to Washington Spirit)
  • Sinead Farrelly (Declined)
  • Louise Schiligard (Personal Reasons)
  • Brittany Radcliffe (Waived)
  • Kyah Simon (Rights Retained)
  • Kristie Mewis (Traded to Washington Spirit)
  • Mollie Pathman (Declined)
  • Stephanie Verdoia (Signed with Vifademene)
  • Rachel Wood (Declined)
  • Katie Schoepfer (Declined)
  • Eunice Beckmann (Declined)

Embed from Getty Images

Players In:

  • Allysha Chapman (Trade, Houston Dash)
  • Megan Oyster (Trade, Washington Spirit)
  • Amanda DaCosta (Trade, Chicago Red Stars)
  • Emilie Haavi (Signed from LSK Kvinner)
  • Rosie White (Signed from Liverpool)
  • Rose Lavelle (NWSL Draft)
  • Amanda Frisbie (Signed from Stjarnan Women)
  • Tiffany Weimer (Signed from Kvarnsveden)
  • Adriana Leon (Signed from FC Zurich Frauen)
  • Ifeoma Onumonu (NWSL Draft)
  • Morgan Andrews (NWSL Draft)
  • Margaret Purce (NWSL Draft)
  • Sammy Jo Prudhomme (NWSL Draft)

Projected Starting XI on Opening Weekend

This is about as unpredictable starting lineup you’ll find in NWSL. The big questions are how the midfield and backline shape up. Lavelle and DaCosta seem to be locks, as do Oyster and Chapman. The rest of the line up could go any number of ways.

2017 Predictions

There is a lot more firepower on this roster than last season. The backline has a chance to be more cohesive as well. The Breakers’ success will lie heavily on the shoulders of an almost entirely new midfield. There is talent there, but how quickly they learn to work well with each other will be the ultimate key.

Predicted Finishing Position: 8th in NWSL.

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