Standout on defense powers Independence

Nikki Krzysik has been a study of versatility this season for the Independence. She has appeared in 15 games with 14 starts for the 8-5-3 Independence, who visit the Washington Freedom (4-8-5) in Wednesday's 7:30 p.m. Women's Professional Soccer game at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

With center back Sara Larrson injured the previous two games, Krzysik slipped into the center back position, teaming well with WPS all-star Allison Falk.

The Independence won both games. Coach Paul Riley lauded Krzysik for her effort in the most recent win, last Wednesday's 3-0 victory over the visiting Chicago Red Stars.

"I think it was her best game of the season," Riley said. "She and Falk have a great relationship on the field."

Krzysik has no scoring statistics, but her value is on defense. She has played outside back and also been inserted throughout the midfield.

The 23-year-old Krzysik was a star at Clifton (N.J.) High School and then became a two-time all-Atlantic Coast Conference performer at the University of Virginia.

In 2008, she was named the ACC defensive player of the year.

Krzysik played last season in the WPS for the Chicago Red Stars, appearing in 14 games, making 10 starts.

This season, she has been an underrated but vital part of the success of the expansion Independence, who are in second place with 27 points, five ahead of the surging Boston Breakers.

Against Washington, Krzysik could be moving to outside back because Holmfridur Magnusdottir received a red card toward the end of last week's win over Chicago for what the officials termed a malicious tackle.

Riley lost his appeal on the decision so Magnusdottir will sit and Krzysik is likely to slide to the outside. Krzysik said that center back is her preferred position, but most of all she likes contributing, regardless of her position

"Anywhere I can play, I will," Krzysik said. "I just want to play and do what is best for the team."