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Philadelphia Independence Turning Heads in Women's Pro Soccer

CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) - Even as the Philadelphia Union have created a lot of buzz with their success in MLS this season, it turns out that Philadelphia is also home to a pretty good women's pro team as well: the Philadelphia Independence.

The Independence are in second place in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) with a 5-2-3 record heading into tonight's game against Sky Blue FC, which will be played at Widener University in Chester.

They are unbeaten in their last four matches, and with a win tonight Philadelphia could leapfrog Western New York for the top spot in the six-team league.

Independence head coach Paul Riley talks about what has been working for them in 2011:

riley paul phl indep thumb
(Coach Paul Riley. Photo provided)

"We just finally found our rhythm.  I think it took us probably about a month to really find it.  I think obviously adding (forward) Veronica Boquete from Spain has really helped.  I think it's helped charge up our offense a little bit.  We've been able to score more goals and cause more problems with her in the lineup."

Boquete has two goals and three assists in four games with Philadelphia.
Hear Matt Leon's full interview with Paul Riley in this CBS Philly SportsPod…

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As for tonight's match with Sky Blue, Coach Riley says they are tough.

"They're 3-3-3," he notes.  "They've caused a lot of problems.  First game, it was 2-0 at halftime against us and we struggled to get back in the game second half (finished 2-2 tie).  They are very good in the midfield.   I don't think they have a lot of juice up front, I don't think they are going to hurt us behind, they don't have a lot of pace up front.  But they are very, very clever in the midfield," he says.

First kick tonight is set for 7:00pm.

Reported by Matt Leon, KYW Newsradio 1060

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