Star forward keeping Independence in the hunt

Amy Rodriguez admits that a level of fatigue has set in. The 23-year-old Independence forward has, like so many other elite-level soccer players, juggled competing for her team and her country while mixing in an all-star appearance.

With the Women's Professional Soccer season heading into the home stretch, there is little time for rest - and Rodriguez isn't complaining.

She is second in the WPS in goals with nine and has scored in five consecutive league games.

The Independence (7-5-3) are in second place in the seven-team league entering Wednesday's 7 p.m. game against the Chicago Red Stars at West Chester University.

Chicago (4-7-5) is guided by former Kixx player-coach Omid Namazi. With 17 points, Chicago is tied for fifth. The top four teams earn playoff spots.

The Independence hold a five-point lead over third-place Boston, and Rodriguez is a major reason.

"She has carried us," Independence coach Paul Riley said.

Rodriguez admits that her ability to find the back of the net hasn't been as easy as she's made it look recently.

"It's been a little tough, especially with the national team games mixed in, but I am so excited about what remains ahead," Rodriguez said.

In addition to scoring five goals in her last five games for the Independence, Rodriguez netted a goal in the WPS All-Star Game June 30 in Kennesaw, Ga., and had the lone goal in the U.S. national team's 1-1 tie with Sweden on July 13.

Rodriguez won't have any other national team commitments before the end of the WPS season. The Independence's regular season ends Sept. 11, and the championship game is scheduled for Sept. 26 at the home of the regular-season champion. California's FC Gold Pride hold a commanding 13-point lead over the Independence.

"It's great that until the end of the season I will be able to focus on Philly," Rodriguez said.

The Independence have nine regular-season games remaining.