Washington Freedom 2010 Season Recap, Top 10 Stories in Pictures

The 2010 WPS season was full of highs and lows for the Washington Freedom. The season included player retirements, winless streaks, unbeaten streaks, coaching changes, controversy, awards, suspense, and excitement.

These ten pictures are an attempt to capture all of the many emotions of the 2010 season.

1. 
   
   Brianna Scurry Retires

2. 
   
   Emma Hayes hired as consultant

3. 
   
   Freedom lose to Independance in first round of Playoffs

4. 
   
   Start the season with a Loss to Boston Breakers

5. 
   
   Freedom win final game of regular season to make playoffs

6. 
   
   Mia Hamm welcomes Jennifer Grubb into Ring of Freedom

7. 
   
   Lisa De Vanna Facebook Photo Flap

8. 
   
   Freedom Select Nikki Marshall #7 in first round of WPS 2010 Draft

9. 
   
   Freedom Goalkeeper Erin McLeod Injury ends Season

10. 
    
    Abby Wambach finishes Freedom season as leader in Goals and Assists with 13and 8.

The Emma Hayes Effect? Washington Freedom's Amazing Turnaround

The Washington Freedom has found a new focus and have gone from 10 straight win less games to 5 games without a loss and battling for the 4th and final playoff spot.

At home on August 28 versus Sky Blue FC the Freedom came away with a very important 2-1 win in a battle for the final playoff spot as the WPS season winds down.

So, can we assume Emma Hayes the missing link?

In response to the question: "Was Emma Hayes the missing link for the Washington Freedom?" Hayes said:

It's nice to feel useful and helping the team get organized but Jim [Gabarra] and the girls deserve all the credit. Spirit and character is what they have in abundance.

The Washington Freedom added former Chicago Red Stars head coach Emma Hayes to the coaching staff as a "soccer consultant" following a ten game win less streak earlier this season. To learn about her coaching philosophy and influence check out these videos:



After watching the USMNT vs. Brazil game a few weeks back, I can appreciate her using the Brazilian style of play as an influence. It works for Marta, Cristian, and the other Brazilian women so maybe it has changed the style of play on the field with the Freedom over the last five games. Hopefully Hayes has brought enough to the staff to help the team keep their spot in the top four WPS playoff teams.



Whether or not Emma Hayes is directly responsible for the Freedom's turnaround, there is no denying we have seen an entirely new team over the last month during this amazing push towards the playoffs.

Official Announcement from Washington Freedom

My innitial response is Emma Hayes is receiving on-the-job training as an insurance policy. If the Freedom bounce back, coach Gabarra keeps his position for the start of the 2011 season. However, should the team stumble and not make the playoffs I predict Gabarra is out and Hayes takes his position after final game.

With regards to Assistant Coach Clyde Watson, i'll venture to guess he is a casualty meant to show the fans that changes have been made. The move seems to be smokescreen and not really full of any substance. Did Watson resign or was it suggested to him in return for his continued role wihin the youth system?

More to come for sure. Also, will there be any player moves. Coaching aside the Freedom still need help on the field in pretty much every position. Abby could use help up top, the midfield needs to be solidified and the acquisition of defender Anita Asante may or may not fill the holes in the back line.

This is most likely the most important six game stretch in Washington Freedom history.

Womens Professional Soccer :: Washington Freedom :: Coaching Situation Addressed