Abily, Boxx score in win

The Sol solidified its hold on first place in Women’s Professional Soccer on Saturday afternoon with a 2-0 victory over St. Louis Athletica in Carson.

Goals by French midfielder Camille Abily in the 35th minute and Shannon Boxx five minutes into the second half improved Los Angeles’ record to 6-1-2, as it approaches the halfway point in the inaugural WPS season.

St. Louis, which fell to 2-3-2 and lost for the first time in five games, was outshot, 16-8, including 8-4 in shots on target.

The Sol took the lead when Boxx sent a cross into the St. Louis penalty area from the left flank, where Brazilian striker Marta headed the ball to Abily at the far post.

The French international fired into the roof of the net for her third goal of the season.

Los Angeles doubled its lead in the 50th minute when Boxx blasted a shot past St. Louis goalkeeper Hope Solo after receiving the ball from forward Han Duan.

Sol goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc earned her seventh shutout in eight starts.

-- Grahame L. Jones