Once in a “Blue” Moon Goal Sparks Former Sun Devil Defender’s Journey to BostonWednesday, November 05, 2008
by Colleen Garlick, Bostonbreakers.com
It was August 2nd, in Virginia Beach, Va., and Pali Blues was trailing FC Indiana, 1-0, late in the second half of the 2008 W-League Championship game. Undefeated in all their previous games, Pali Blues was hoping and searching for the night’s rescuer.
And so, she came.
With the number three on her back, defender Amy LePeilbet answered the call and gave her teammates some life. The 83rd minute was a pivotal moment for the Blues and LePeilbet. Heading home the equalizing goal, LePeilbet quickly became Pali Blues’ savior.
“I am a defender so I never score,” explained an excited LePeilbet. “I haven’t scored since college, so I couldn’t believe it when I saw the ball go into the net.”
The game-saving goal was swiftly followed with the game-winner five minutes later by teammate and Italian international, Illaria Pasqui. LePeilbet would go on to claim the game’s MVP award.
Growing up in Crystal Lake, Ill., LePeilbet enjoyed outdoor activities and sports such as volleyball, in-line skating, bike-riding, softball, and track. Finally, in the second grade the soccer ball began rolling.
LePeilbet played for recreational town teams until she attended Prairie Ridge High School, graduating in 2000. During her high school career, LePeilbet was captain as well as a three-time all-conference and all-tournament team selection. She still holds school records to this day for career goals (53) and assists (37).
“I really enjoyed my high school experience,” said LePeilbet. “I played with all my friends, it was a good time.”
Besides scoring goals on the soccer field, LePeilbet also sunk shots in the basketball gym. Serving as captain, LePeilbet was named MVP and still stands as the single-season record holder with 137 assists and 86 steals.
However, despite her success in high tops, LePeilbet continued to lace up the cleats.
“I am somewhat short, so I didn’t have the best shot at playing basketball later in life,” laughs LePeilbet. “I just loved soccer, it was the sport for me. With basketball I didn’t like being cooped up in the gym. Soccer became my passion, and ultimately it was an easy decision for me.”
LePeilbet continued her success at Arizona State. As a Sun Devil, she was a three-time First-Team All-PAC 10 selection, in addition to earning NSCAA Second-Team All-West Region accolades as a senior. She was also a two-time Academic All-American.
“My senior year was my favorite time there,” recalls LePeilbet. “Everything came together my senior year. The team was great, the coaches were amazing and I had an amazing time playing.”
With strong performances in high school and college, LePeilbet entered the international arena. During her time at Arizona State, LePeilbet played for the United States U-21 team in the 2002 and 2003 Nordic Cups. She led her team to two consecutive titles and played every minute in both tournaments.
In 2004, LePeilbet broke into the National Team squad playing in the Four Nations tournament, the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament and the Algarve Cup. The team defeated Canada, 2-0, in the Four Nations tournament, beat Norway, 4-1, in the Algarve Cup, and qualified for the Olympics. LePeilbet continued her success in 2005 starting in three of four matches played.
“The Four Nations Cup was my first time with the full national team, so it seemed a little surreal that I was even there,” said LePeilbet. “It was an amazing experience. The team was wonderful, supportive, and took me in. I was with some of the bests players in the world - it was that legendary team that made women’s soccer known. It was an unbelievable opportunity and I feel honored that I had the chance to play with all of them.”
In 2006, LePeilbet continued her international success playing again the Peace Cup, the Four Nations tournament and the Algarve Cup. Arguably her best season with the National Team, the hard-nosed defender played in 13 games with nine starts.
Sadly, her play was cut short at the end of the 2006 season due to a torn left ACL. In December, 2006, LePeilbet underwent ACL reconstruction surgery, and was forced to miss the entire 2007 season.
“Mentally it was a battle for me,” explains LePeilbet. “Finally when I started running, I started to be able to kick around the ball, then I got to play a little more, and finally I was released for full contact. I tried to play as much as I could so I felt comfortable again, because that was one of the biggest battles for me. Mentally I wasn’t comfortable out there, I was a little scared, a little tentative, but once I got over that I was back to my old self.”
LePeilbet certainly returned from her injury with gusto, and by the 2008 season she was once again training with the National Team in the opening camp.
LePeilbet’s success nationally and internationally made a mark on the Boston Breakers coaching staff. On October 6, LePeilbet was the Breakers first-round draft pick (4th overall) in the WPS General Draft.
Her trip to Beantown is scheduled.
“I am so excited to have this opportunity, I feel so privileged to play for such a great organization,” said LePeilbet. “I’ve never been to Boston before, so I am really excited to see the town.”
“Sweet Caroline” playing at Fenway Park, swans in Boston Commons, and lobster at Legal Sea Foods, awaits one of Boston’s newest professional athletes. In the meantime however, LePeilbet might be able to catch up on her favorite book series, Harry Potter, and continue to improve on her tennis swing, another game she recently picked up.
“I am really enjoying playing tennis,” said LePeilbet. “It’s a great outdoor activity which I love.”
As LePeilbet soaks up the last rays of sun at her home in California, the Breakers eagerly await her arrival as her solid defense and hard work will be of great benefit to Boston’s back line.
And after having scored that clutch goal to lift her team to glory this past summer, the Breakers are hoping this defender will give WPS opponents more reasons to be singing the Blues in 2009!
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