The Wait Is Over

Seven Come Eleven

Boston Breakers coach John Herdman: Steph, what's wrong?!

Stephanie Labbe: You fink! Calling me to check in while you were actively working to get me from Washington.

Herdman: When they made the deal with North Carolina for Rowland, I was pretty sure Jim would be looking to move you, and you were one of two names on our list of goalkeepers that we saw as a definite upgrade from Abby in terms of championship-level experience and play, the other being Alyssa Naeher from the Red Stars.

Labbe: And since Chicago went out and got Cari Rocarro, the likelihood of them dealing Alyssa would be slim. Two 1s and a 2 for her?!

Herdman: Don't forget the pick they got in return. Lisa and Arnim MUST have been targeting Sophia Smith from the get-go and knew they had to move into the top three or four to get her. I can't believe how fast they went up to the podium after Paul announced his pick, like if they didn't get it in immediately, someone would take it away from them.

Labbe: Proof that there are some organizations who know what they're doing, and some that don't, my previous employer being part of that list.

Herdman: I guess I should say welcome to the Breakers.

Labbe: Well, thank you, Coach. I am honored to be joining your organization. By the way, how did Abby Dahlkemper get into this mix?

Herdman: I hate to break it to you, but she was the higher priority on our list of targets. After seeing how Jim pretty much didn't take any responsibility for the fiasco of the final, Lee and I started to brainstorm about what-ifs. Since Gabarra tends to run from his mistakes rather than fix them, we thought he might look to get the two of you out of town under the auspices of building a younger roster. In our opinion, Abby was the more necessary addition to our team given the makeup of our current roster. Having Sam Mewis and Megan Oyster already, it just made sense to try and reunite that UCLA triangle for chemistry's sake. You know that Sam almost ended up with the Spirit last June after Sabrina blew out her Achilles?

Labbe: Yeah. What derailed it?

Herdman: Riley didn't want to take you in return.

Labbe: So the bastard has been trying to get rid of me since the middle of last season.

Herdman: I'm afraid so. We were able to get her because we had that surplus of goalkeepers and could afford to give up literally any one of them to make the deal work.

Labbe: And now you turn around and rescue Jim's two kicking posts in your quest for a title.

Herdman: Hey, don't be getting all high and mighty! You'll still have to come in and beat out Libby Stout for the #1 shirt, but I am happy to give you this lifeline in your quest to play in another World Cup and Olympic Games.

Labbe: I look forward to getting down to Boston in a few weeks and proving to the naysayers that I still have a lot left in the tank at 35. Thanks again, boss.

Herdman: Take care, Steph.

Meanwhile, over in Allston, MA:

Steph: Ho-lee Schnikes!

Sam: Was that what you were thinking, Kristie?

Kristie: Yeah. The writing should have been all over the wall for that move, but I didn't see it until Steph threw out Shelina's name as a possibility. Mind you, I love her and believe she is a solid defender, but she wouldn't necessarily be a massive upgrade to your back line. On the other hand, getting Abby would reunite you, her, and Megan, which would definitely be a better combination.