Freedom Takes to the Road to Face Independence in Philadelphia

BOYDS, MD – (April 21, 2010) - Washington Freedom will travel to Philadelphia to take
on the Independence for the first regular season meeting between the two teams on
Sunday, April 25. Sundayʼs game will be the second consecutive meeting with a 2010
WPS expansion team for Freedom after a 3-1 win against Atlanta Beat last Sunday. The
team hopes to build on the confidence gained from last weekʼs win and to continue
making improvements throughout the defensive line.

“We are just approaching each game as they come and try to learn and build off each
performance,” said Freedom head coach, Jim Gabarra. “It eases some of the pressure
getting the first win of the season. We made some strides in the right direction but we
need continue to focus and improve.”

Sundayʼs match takes Freedom on the road for the first time during the regular season.
With the exception of a weeklong preseason camp in Vero Beach, FL, Freedom has, so
far, only played WPS matches at home at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

“Going on the road this weekend is going to be tough and Iʼm excited that we got this
win but thatʼs behind us now and we have to move forward and start preparing for next
weekend,” said Freedom forward and US Womenʼs National Team standout, Abby
Wambach.

The Independence posted a scoreless tie against fellow 2010 WPS expansion team,
Atlanta Beat, in the teamʼs inaugural match and, one week later, played to a 1-1 draw
against the Boston Breakers. Freedom hosted the Independence at the Maryland
SoccerPlex for a preseason match that also ended in a scoreless tie.

“Philly is an expansion team so itʼs hard because they only have two games in their
book,” said Wambach. “They are struggling to score in the run of play. I think our
defense is going to be focusing a lot on shape and staying organized.”

Freedom is looking to further solidify the teamʼs on-field chemistry as players get
acquainted with new teammates and new positions. While Sundayʼs game against
Atlanta showed improvement in the defensive line, as well as putting together
successful offensive runs, there is still progress to be made.

“My instinct is that the chemistry is the thing thatʼs going to take the longest for this team
to accomplish and to be able to feel out on the field,” noted Wambach. “You never want
to slow down, you always want to keep your foot on the gas pedal and keep trying to
grow no matter what result you got,” said Wambach.

###