After another disappointing season the Boston Breakers knew something needed to change. For a third year in a row they had missed the playoffs. In fact each year they played in the National Women’s Soccer League they had consistently fell backwards in the standings, eventually ending the 2015 season in dead last. But that doesn’t worry new head coach Matt Beard. He’s turned teams around before. Including his last team, Liverpool LFC, bringing them from the bottom to a championship in just over a year.
“I think it’s going to be a gradual process. “ He said in an interview Thursday. Speaking on the players, his strategy is simple, “Enable them to enjoy their football and make sure we’re competitive on the pitch – get that balance right then I feel going forward we can be a successful team.” His methods have worked in the past. Defender Whitney Engen, midfielder Louise Schillgard and goalkeeper Libby Stout were all members of Liverpool LFC under Beard when the team earned a Women’s Super League title. Each was brought to Boston this season to help get the team back on track. But it won’t be easy.
Boston Breakers preseason match. Photo by Kari Heistad
With a rushed preseason he admits he’s still getting to know the rest of the players. “The first few games is about finding our feet and clicking as a team.” Luckily this year’s roster is looking stronger than ever. For longtime Breakers like Kyah Simon and Katie Schoepfer, getting a chance to team up with additions like Schillgard and Angela Salem could prove devastating to other teams. The potential is there.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s match against Washington, Beard expressed confidence mixed with realism. “There’s no pressure on us whatsoever. We’re a team that’s got nothing to prove. We can only go up rather than down.” A positive spin on the situation to say the least, but he is right, the Boston Breakers can only improve from here.
The Breakers will take on the Washington Spirit at the Maryland SoccerPlex this Saturday at 7pm.
Boston Breakers
