Aluko Stars on Athletica Frontline by Abigail LePeilbet, womensprosoccer.com
San Francisco - 28th May 2009
After a sluggish start, Saint Louis Athletica are turning things around. Women’s Professional Soccer’s fifth-place team has gone unbeaten, with a 2-0-2 record, in their last four games.
Standing out among the Midwest side is one of the five English players in the league, Eniola Aluko. She made the drastic transition to the Gateway City from England and has played a tremendous role in the team’s recent success.
After the season’s first two matches, the Birmingham, England native found her team without a point and without a goal. Aluko said the poor start has made Saint Louis strive to get better, mentally tougher, and a harder team to beat.
Since the Athletica offense ignited in a 3-3 tie against the Washington Freedom on May 3, they have scored in every game with Aluko as the only forward on the team to contribute a goal thus far – she has two on the season, but has played a role in three. Saint Louis’s other goals have come from midfielders: Daniela, now out for the season, and captain Lori Chalupny.
Last Saturday in a 2-0 triumph over the Chicago Red Stars, Aluko forced Red Stars ‘keeper Caroline Jönsson to go one on one with her in the box. She then sent a cross towards the goalmouth, but saw it deflect off a Chicago defender and into the goal. The speedy forward later iced the game with a power shot from 10 yards out into the back of the net. Aluko also scored in the match against the Freedom.
“I am delighted to have scored twice especially as we were having problems scoring in the beginning,” said Aluko. “My game has developed so much in such a short space of time in every way. Tactically, technically and physically I am better because I have to be.”
Aluko’s growth will prove important this weekend as Jorge Barcellos’s team will meet league-leading Los Angeles Sol, who doubled their lead to six points in the WPS standings last week. In Week Five, the two played to a 0-0 tie.
“It will take hard work and certainly belief that we can beat them [Los Angeles],” said Aluko. “Barcellos is always telling us to mark tight and win our individual battles so we have to do that to have a chance of winning. We also need to take our chances if they occur because Los Angeles is a tough team so we probably won't get too many opportunities to score.”
Not only is Aluko looking to secure an upset against the Sol this weekend, but she also knows her play in WPS will impact her selections to the English Women’s National Team.
“It feels good to be representing England on the scoresheets of WPS,” she said. “With the European championships coming up, it is key that I perform well and stake my claim in the national team. I am happy that the other English players are doing well too. It certainly says a lot about the progression of English women's soccer.”
In a league that has presented the opportunity for new stars to take the stage, the English Internationals are definitely reaping the benefits. Aluko has made a name for herself the past few weeks as an impact forward for Saint Louis and is in good company throughout the league with fellow English teammates Kelly Smith and Alex Scott making waves in Boston, Anita Asante playing tough defense for Sky Blue FC, and Karen Carney shining for the Chicago Red Stars.
How well Aluko continues to play will be a determining factor in how far up the standings Athletica climbs.
http://www.womensprosoccer.com/news/spotlight/090528-aluko
