The schedule will be restructured, and Halstead said that each WPS team still will play 24 games. The Independence lost, 2-1, at St. Louis on May 8 and were supposed to host the Athletica on Aug. 8 and Sept. 5 at West Chester University.
The Independence will play their third consecutive road game on Sunday against the Washington Freedom. The 6 p.m. game at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds will be televised on the Fox Soccer Channel.
The Independence (3-1-2) are in second place with 11 points, four behind California's FC Gold Pride.
The road swing began with the loss at St. Louis and was followed by a 1-0 win at Chicago on May 15.
Independence coach Paul Riley said that goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc won't play because of a commitment with the Canadian national team. The Independence have received strong play from 'keeper Val Henderson, who was in goal during a 3-1 win over visiting Washington on April 25. Henderson also earned the victory in a 1-0 win over visiting Atlanta on May 1.
Washington is 3-2-1, just one behind the Independence.
"This is a massive game for us and will enable us to get some breathing room between us and Washington," Riley said.
Contact staff writer Marc Narducci at 856-779-3225 or mnarducci@phillynews.com.
